Free movies in the park on Friday

As part of the 5th Annual Free Summer Event Series, Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera would like to invite you to the “Movies on the Green” feature presentation of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs on Friday, July 30th at 8:30pm. The screening will be held at Loreto Park between Morris Park and Tomlinson Avenue.


This ongoing tradition of fun and safe entertainment for the entire family is a chance to get to know your neighbors while enjoying the summer in the Bronx. These films will be shown on a 50-foot projection screen for your viewing pleasure.

Assemblywoman Rivera states: “My free summer event series is now in full swing. I hope to see each and every one of you at our “Movies on the Green” series for a fascinating evening of entertainment under the stars. Don’t forget your blankets and folding chairs!”

Bike safety is the best fit

On July 24^th, Councilman James Vacca sponsored a bicycle helmet giveaway with the Department of Transportation at Loreto Park. Cyclists of all ages were offered instructions on how to properly fit and wear a bicycle helmet and then received a free helmet.

(Above) Victor DiPierro, NYPD 49th Precinct Community Affairs Officer; Theresa Barry, Department of Transportation; Councilman Vacca, helmet recipients.

Boxing gym rises from the ashes

By Taylor Hallman


Like Phoenix rising from the ashes, the Morris Park Boxing Gym is open for business.

The ring is in the process of being constructed and boxers are training. Destroyed by a fire on December 22, 2009 apparently caused by an electrical short, the gym has a new look with bright white walls. The ring is awaiting new turn-buckles, which Dex Pejcinovic, the owner, reported should arrive next week. Pejcinovic stated that people are flocking back to the gym. During the two visits that this reporter made to the gym at 644 Morris Park Avenue, people were dropping in at a steady rate. Some were neighbors welcoming the return of the gym and others were prospective fighters. Today there were a dozen training, mostly for the upcoming Golden Gloves.

Luis Rosado, 37, a former National Boxing Association World Champion, has returned to be a trainer, as has Victor Pena. Mr. Pena has guided many fighters to the Golden Gloves including a number of champions. Pejcinovic is also training fighters including a number of teens and preteens, which has always been a specialty of Morris Park.

Pejcinovic has owned the gym for the past three years after taking over from Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing Promotions. Pejcinovic started out as a young fighter at this gym when he was seventeen and then went on to state that he is planning a return to professional boxing himself. He stated that he is in excellent shape, working out every day for at least five hours.

Man Gunned Down on Wallace Avenue; Homicide latest in series of violent crimes in area

(Photos by David Greene)

By David Greene

An unidentified 44-year-old man was shot dead on a busy intersection in Van Nest, the latest in a series of violent incidents in the area.

In the latest case, police and EMS responded to the intersection of Wallace Avenue and Van Nest Avenue, at 9:13 p.m., on July 21st. The victim had been shot in the stomach and leg and it is believed the man died before paramedics could administer aid.

Police have not provided any additional details, but it is believed detectives are looking for a lone gunman, described by one source as simply, "a male Black," who fled the scene.

One neighbor whose wife heard the five to six shots that rang out, stated, "If I heard the shots I could have ran downstairs and seen who did the shooting."

The longtime resident said of the changing area, "You use to know everyone, but now so many people come and go, you don't get to know anybody anymore."

Other recent incidents in the area include a June 26th, shooting that injured two victims, they were shot outside of 1638 Melville Avenue. On Thursday, June 22nd, three family members were shot by intruders during a home invasion on Rhinelander Avenue, and on June 6th, a man opened fire on a crowd at Morris Park Avenue and Victor Street, no one was injured in that incident.

World Cup fever fizzles

Photos by David Greene


Early eliminations of Team USA and Italy in this year's World Cup forced the crowds at La Casa del Caffe on Morris Park Avenue, to stay home. Only a handful of folks turned out for the free barbeque and watched as Spain defeated Netherlands 1 - 0 in overtime. After the match, Morris Park was silent, unlike four years earlier when the crowds were cheering in the streets for Italy. It's estimated that 700 million people around the world, watched the final game. Despite a small turnout, the staff of La Casa del Caffe (Left to Right): Mario, Mariangela, Gemma and Dominic, served up the barbeque and drinks.