By SÍLE MOLONEY
Photo courtesy of Tjflex2 via Flickr
Muggings in Van Cortlandt Park
VCP Alliance officials advised the public in a Nov. 15 social media post that they had learned about a series of muggings that had happened along the southern end of the Putnam Greenway near Van Cortlandt Golf Course in the park. “Please be extra cautious when out in the park, especially as the days get shorter,” they wrote.
Space Heater Warning
NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene is reminding New Yorkers that while space heaters may keep toes warm, it was important to remember that they are also a fire hazard. They remind residents to be sure to plug such heaters directly into a wall outlet as opposed to into an extension lead, to place it away from flammable items, and never to hang clothes over it. Learn more at https://on.nyc.gov/2RxNRUY.
What is RSV?
NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene is also educating New Yorkers on the spread of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which is a common respiratory virus that often causes mild, cold-like symptoms but may result in severe illness in some people. Anyone can be infected, but RSV can be serious, especially in infants and older adults. Symptoms often include runny rose, sneezing, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, and decrease in appetite. Learn more at http://on.nyc.gov/rsv.
Code Blue
NYC Department of Homeless Services reminded New Yorkers that Code Blue went into effect on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 8 a.m., when temperatures dropped below freezing. They are encouraging New Yorkers who may see a homeless person outside in frigid temperatures while the Code Blue is in effect, to call 311 to send them assistance.
Scam Alert
The NYPD’s 49th Precinct is reminding Bronxites to be aware of phone scams. “While there are many types, the common threads between them are that they all are unexpected, about some sort of problem/prize, must be handled immediately, and require money to solve,” police said. “If you receive such a call, hang up‼️”
MPV Updates
A two-dose MPV vaccination is available for those eligible. A Bronx mass vaccination site is open at Lincoln Hospital, 234 E 149th Street. Book an appointment by calling 877-829-4692. Visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/monkeypox.page for more information.
Abortion Access Hub
NYC Department of Heath & Mental Hygiene (DOH) has launched the NYC Abortion Access Hub, which provides confidential support for anyone seeking abortion services, regardless of where they live. To connect to the Abortion Access Hub, call 1-877-NYC-AHUB. Learn more at https://on.nyc.gov/3h2fQvl.
New Affordable Internet Access Program
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched the Affordable Connectivity Program to help connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. Find out how you can immediately save $400 per year. Under this new federal program, you may be eligible for a discount on internet access. Visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp for more information.
NYC Department of Buildings After Hours
Do you have questions about a building project? Drop by NYC Department of Buildings After Hours event to chat one-on-one with DOB experts for solutions and guidance on your project every Tuesday night!
When you need straight answers to your buildings-related questions, sometimes it is better to talk with the experts face to face. That’s why DOB introduced “Buildings After Hours,” a weekly event offering in-person advice and services to New Yorkers every Tuesday at each of its borough offices. Learn more at https://on.nyc.gov/3tm0BAB.
Domestic Workers Rights
The New York City Commission on Human Rights announced that, effective March 12, 2022, New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) employment protections will apply to all domestic workers, including nannies, home care workers, housecleaners, and any other worker who is employed in a home providing childcare, eldercare, companionship, or housekeeping services in New York City. Most full-time and part-time workers are covered. The commission provided a list of frequently asked questions for workers and their employers, covering different areas of employment and how the new protections affect them. For more information, click here.
Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center is open every Saturday and Sunday. See attached flier below for more information.
Flier courtesy of Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center
Stop & Shop’s Thanksgiving Hours
- On Thanksgiving Day, New Jersey and New York stores will be open until 3 p.m.
- Pick-up will be available on Thanksgiving Day at Stop & Shop stores in New York and New Jersey until 2 p.m.
- All Stop & Shop pharmacies will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Social Security Increase
The U.S. Social Security Administration has announced an 8.7 percent benefit increase for 2023. See attached flier below for more information.
Flier courtesy of U.S. Social Security Administration / Bronx Community Board 7
The Path Higher Education Workshops
“The Path,” a series of virtual live and on-demand events, hosted by NYS Higher Education Services Corp (HESC), are designed to help New York’s students on their path toward a higher education. Students and their families can get advice about accessing and financing a college education from higher education (multilingual) experts by attending these events from the comfort of their homes. Browse upcoming events to join a discussion with HESC. Can’t make the virtual live event? Visit the on-demand events library to view archived events at your leisure.
GoFundMe Page for Bedford Congregational Church
Residents are being kindly asked to donate to support the upgrading of the heating system at Bedford Congregational Church, located at 309 East 201st Street in Bedford Park. Founded in 1889 and a designated landmark since 2000, the church is a 501c3 charity and provides space for local support groups battling addictions, as well as other congregations. A replacement oil tank is needed before the water pipes freeze and burst. To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/warm-hearts-cold-church.
Transportation Updates
For updates on Bronx Street and Bridge closures, subway changes, and other transportation-related updates, click here.
English Classes
Practice your English while getting to know your community, regardless of immigration status, with free English classes offered by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. See below tweet for more information.
Practice your English while getting to know your community! MOIA’s We Speak NYC program offers FREE English classes, regardless of immigration status, to help all New Yorkers thrive in NYC. Fall classes begin Sunday, October 16.
🍂📚Sign up here: https://t.co/95wJPveYZs pic.twitter.com/WcR0MtXacA
— NYC Immigrant Affairs (@NYCImmigrants) October 14, 2022
Free English Classes at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center
Free English classes are being offered at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center. See attached flier below for more information.
Flier courtesy of NYC Department of Youth & Community Development and KHCC
Protect Yourself against Fraudsters
NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) is warning New Yorkers that scammers seek out homeowners who are in foreclosure, behind on their mortgage or bills, and often target seniors, who are especially vulnerable to fraud. While scammers are often clever, here’s how you can protect yourself:
NEVER transfer ownership of your property DON’T send your mortgage payment to anyone other than the company that sends you your mortgage payments DON’T agree to sell any part of your home without first seeking advice from a lawyer you trust
Farmers Market
NYC Health + Hospitals/NCB provides the community with fresh fruits and vegetables, along with cooking demonstrations and more from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Wednesday at Jerome Avenue and Mosholu Parkway North. More #BackToSchoolNYC healthy eating tips can be found at .
Local People Reported Missing in Recent Weeks
A 23-year-old woman was reported missing in University Heights. Click here for more details.
A 50-year-old man was reported missing in Fordham Heights. Click here for more details.
A 21-year-old woman was reported missing from Fordham Manor for the second time in a week. Click here for more details.
A 16-year-old girl was reported missing in Wakefield. Click here for more details.
A 76-year-old woman was reported missing in Williamsbridge. Click here for more details.
A 75-year-old man was reported missing in Fordham Manor. Click here for more details.
A 14-year-old girl was reported missing in Fordham Manor. Click here for more details.
A 58-year-old man was reported missing in Norwood. Click here for more details.
A 73-year-old woman was reported missing in Wakefield. Click here for more details.
A 13-year-old boy was reported missing in Wakefield. Click here for more details.
Redress for Tenants regarding Construction Noise
Construction can be noisy, dusty and disruptive. Living in a building that is undergoing renovation or construction can be difficult, but conditions should never be dangerous or present hazards to occupants. NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) works to help minimize the impact of construction on existing tenants through the Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA). Learn more: https://on.nyc.gov/3NtnCsQ
