Bronx News Network

Bronx News Roundup, Feb. 2

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The ice storm apocalypse that threatened to freeze everyone’s lives today didn’t quite materialize overnight. But make no mistake, it is nasty out there. Exercise caution in all your travels today.A few quick weather/transit updates:-Service on the 4, 5 and 6 trains has returned after an earlier suspension, but there will be delays. All other Bronx lines have “good service,” according to the MTA. (Click here for more MTA updates.)-Access-a-Ride pick-ups scheduled before 10 a.m. today were cancelled.

Bronx

Imperiled Cemetery Workers Say They Have Tapes

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Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in the most recent issue of the Norwood News, which is on the streets and online now.Workers at Woodlawn Cemetery protest proposed layoffs. (Photo by David Greene)By DAVID GREENEDefiant Woodlawn Cemetery workers and their supporters recently held a boisterous rally to protest the outsourcing of 23 of the cemetery’s 38 caretaker jobs. Cemetery officials say the outsourcing is a necessary cost-cutting move, but workers claim it’s payback for publicizing their concerns about discriminatory practices among supervisors.Now, in an attempt to save their jobs, workers are exploring all options, including legal action and the possible airing of tapes that they say expose discriminatory practices among cemetery supervisors.“We have evidence to show and prove some of the discriminatory practices and documentation of grievances,” said one worker who requested anonymity because he feared retribution. The worker said the tapes in their possession could put management in a bad light.Over the summer, after it hired a firm to investigate workers’ discrimination charges, the cemetery fired at least one supervisor and acknowledged that it needed to change its training practices. But minority employees said little had changed and the practices were continuing.Workers were back protesting at the cemetery on Sunday, Jan.

Bronx News Network

Bronx Activists Arrested at DOE Protest

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Leaders from Sistas & Brothas United, the youth organizing arm of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, were among those arrested Monday night during a protest against the Department of Education’s controversial plans to close 25 public schools across the city.Sistas & Brothas United helped organize the press conference and rally, outside of DOE headquarters on Chambers Street in downtown Manhattan. Director Maria Fernandez and four other leaders from the group were among those arrested for making a human chain to block the sidewalk outside the DOE’s building, in what Fernandez described as an act of “civil disobedience.””You shut our schools down, we shut your streets down,” Fernandez said. “It was 23 of us lined up on Chambers Street. We linked arms, and we had 300 students, parents and allies chanting and cheering us on.”NYPD officers read them their rights, she said, then brought the group to a nearby police precinct for about an hour. Also arrested were City Council Members Jumaane Williams and Charles Barron, of Brooklyn.

Bronx News Network

2011 Annual Appeal Update: Helps us Raise $10,000

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A reminder that our campaign is still going on and that we’ve raised $2,471-almost 25% of our $10,000 goal. We just need $29 dollars to make it to 25% of our goal. Please donate today and help us reach our goal of raising $10,000 by February 18th. To learn more about our programs, visit our About Us page. Today we also kick off a new semester of the Bronx Youth Journalism Initiative, which meets after school at Hostos Community College, and provides free journalism training to Bronx high school students.

Bronx News Network

Bronx Weekend News Roundup, Jan. 31

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Walked past a sturdy, 60ish woman this morning shoveling her walkway for perhaps the eighth or 15th time this winter. She smiled and rolled her eyes and looked at me. “Just making way for the next one,” she said. We both chuckled and cursed, knowing full well, it’s not over.Indeed, the National Weather Service has issued a “Winter Storm Watch” for the Bronx this week and says snow could come as soon as tonight, with more on the way Tuesday, with lingering flurries continuing into Wednesday. Sigh.

Bronx News Network

Bronx 'Guidos' on Stage

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A new comedic play that’s coming to Manhattan’s off-off Broadway circuit in March aims to show a different side of New York City’s “guidos.””The Guido Monologues: Evolution of the Italian Americans,” opens March 8 at The Producers Club Theater on West 44th Street. The cast and crew, according to a press release, are largely Bronx-born and raised, and the play itself focuses on several characters growing up in the Boogie Down.But don’t expect this to be an episode of “Jersey Shore” on stage, says the producer: the play wants to spread a “more positive message about Italian American culture,” than Snooki does. Watch the clip below for more info.

Bronx News Network

2011 Annual Appeal: Just 3 Weeks Left To Donate to Our Campaign

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We’re officially at the midpoint of our 2011 annual appeal and so far we’ve raised $2,471. We’ve only got three weeks left to reach our goal of raising $10,000 for our programs in 2011, and we’re asking for your help. If you have not donated, please donate today! To learn more about our programs, visit our About Us page. And here’s a word from Nick Napolitano, active member of Community Board 7, Norwood resident, and BxNN donor!

Bronx News Network

Bronx Crime Watch: Police Need Help Identifying Pharmacy Robbery Suspect

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Untitled from Alex Kratz on Vimeo.The NYPD sent out the above video hoping someone can help them identify the man shown methodically robbing Webster Pharmacy, 753 E. Tremont Ave., on Thursday night, Jan. 27. Police say the man made off with more than $600 in cash and watches.In a press release, police described the robber as being a Hispanic male in his mid-30s or early 40s, with a “thin build.” Anyone with information can call NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. You can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website or by texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES), then enter TIP577.