Goodbye Riverdale

After much thought, it is time to end the Noma Blog. Over two years ago , I started the blog to challenge a neighborhood reluctant to change and revitalize, but now realize I was reluctant to change my New York City lifestyle. Riverdale has its problems, but it is a quiet walkable neighborhood. I have have slowed down, experienced less consumer distractions and found that I enjoy a quieter life. Now it is time to move on.

I have truly enjoyed the feedback and engagement from the Riverdale community. Thanks you and goodbye.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Gun Control Issues Highlight Next Rose Dialogue Series

Wednesday, June 5
6:00pm-8:00pm
Rose Dialogue Series
5625 Arlington Avenue, Bronx, NY

Gun Control or Out of Control?

Tickets are now on sale for the controversial dialogue on gun control to be held at the Riverdale Y on Wednesday, June 5.

Speakers who will present and then respond to audience questions will be:

Lenny McAllister, the ‘Working Man’s Conservative,’ Republican strategist and pundit, and former Congressional candidate (IL CD 2).

McAllister will appear opposite Michael Skolnik, GloblaGrind.com administrator and political director for hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. The discussion will be led by Fox News contributor Sally Kohn.

About the Speakers:

Michael Skolnik, a regular on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, HLN, Al-Jazeera, Current TV, Sirius XM and BBC. Featured on The Rachel Maddow Show, Mr. Skolnik has written for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Mashable.

Lenny McAllister, a former Congressional candidate and former Republican National Committee consultant, has been featured in publications such as Essence, Chicago Crusader, and Charlotte Magazine. On the issue of gun control, he says “the issue of gun violence in our communities is not a matter of gun control, it’s a matter concerning the lack of widespread economic vitality.” McAllister is found weekly on national networks such as Current TV, Al-Jazeera English, and HuffPost Live.

The interactive dialogue will be hosted by Sally Kohn, a progressive Fox News contributor and columnist for Salon. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Reuters, USA Today, Politico, Time, and others. She works as a communications consultant, helping grassroots organizations, businesses, and leaders communicate more effectively.

Admission: $18

Reception from 6:00pm–6:30pm
Dialogue from 6:30pm–8:00pm

For tickets, please visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/385589

For more information, contact Cynthia Galik at (718) 548-8200, ext. 218 or at CGalik@RiverdaleY.org.

Posted in Education | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Menchie’s Johnson Ave on Facebook

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Received this email from Jane at Menchie’s:

I saw you have a blog on the happenings in Riverdale.

Get ready for frozen yogurt coming soon!! We hope you like it!!

Please add me to your eMail distribution list so I can receive your updates!

Thanks….jane

http://www.facebook.com/menchiesjohnsonave

Posted in Dining/Food | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Riverdale Author’s New Book About New York Street Life Set For Release

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Home Front is a collection of short fiction by Riverdale resident Martin Kleinman. Each piece is steeped in the lore of 20th century New York City street life that, while harsh if not downright dangerous, is fondly remembered by older and ex-pat NY’ers–and virtually unknown to legions of newcomers. Kleinman takes us on occasional side trips to Belgium, the Hudson Valley, Lithuania, Mississippi and New England. But no matter what the setting, the character’s roots are indelibly New York City bound.

Read Kleinman’s blog about New York City.

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Manhattan College Building Student Commons

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Comment from Ben;

Readers of the Noma Blog may be excited to know about Manhattan Colleges continued construction of their Student Commons that will put another Starbucks as well as a sorely needed academic bookstore open to the community in Central Riverdale. Manhattan College’s website features a great video of what the student commons will look like when it is completed in 2014 as well as a live construction webcam. This is a very exciting development. Let’s hope academic-minded high school students from around the country agree.

Posted in Comments/Email, Education, Neighborhood/City | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Bored James In Riverdale

James:

This page has been real quiet lately…
So, it’s springtime in the ‘Dale, but my corner of Central Riverdale near 236th is as dead quiet as ever. Are there any avenues for an early-30 something wanting to get involved in the community somehow? I’m sick of taking the 1 train down to Manhattan whenever I want to do anything cool and I know our community (although don’t we actually have to talk to one another for it to be community?) has so much potential.

Posted in Comments, Comments/Email | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Riverdale Commercial Shoots at the Bell Tower

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A commercial was on location at the Bell Tower during morning rush hour. Two musicians were filmed strumming next to the tower. Buskers in Riverdale? Go figure.

A grip on set said it is a commercial about Riverdale.

Posted in entertainment, Neighborhood/City | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments