Through its Bronx Rise Leadership initiative, the Oyate Group has helped out impoverished people throughout New York City, including greater Riverdale. This Thanksgiving they distributed more than 2,000 frozen turkeys to combat food insecurity. more

The annual Christmas lights, at top, adorn Riverdale Avenue Tuesday as North Riverdale merchants and community prepare for the upcoming holiday. A giant electric menorah sits next to the Bell Tower in Riverdale two days before Hanukkah, which began at sundown Dec. 7. That is when the first lights will be lit. more

A 17-year-old boy was arrested in the 41st Precinct and charged with robbery in connection to a theft that occurred near Van Cortlandt Park in the 50th Precinct on Nov. 11. The unnamed teen allegedly robbed a 24-year-old man at gunpoint in the vicinity of West 242 Street and Broadway. more

There will be a Christmas festival at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator Dec. 9 from noon-5 p.m. at the church at 260 W. 231st Street. There will be food, games and prizes featuring a magic show  and a visit from Santa Claus. Tickets, which are $1, will be sold at the door. For more information, call (718) 548-0944 or email info@churchofthemediator.org more

The future of Manhattan College’s former Overlook Manor may be as an asylum seeker migrant housing facility based on a letter provided to The Riverdale Press and a building permit posted on the city buildings department website. more

Basketball is a sport that unites everyone, especially in the community of St. Margaret of Cortona. At the heart of this unity stands Pat Woods, a man who has witnessed its evolution with the recent merger of two Catholic schools — St. Margaret of Cortona and St. Gabriel. more

CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez met with school and elected officials at Lehman College on Monday to announce the launch of CUNY Cares, a three-year pilot program designed to make it easier for students to access resources and essential services. more

For all those regular customers of Rite Aid’s store and pharmacy at 5825 35 Broadway, come Dec. 3 you will no longer have a store to frequent. more

The Riverdale Neighborhood House will be location for a unique town hall Saturday, Dec. 3, that will focus on the intersection of the legal system and mental health. more

Marble Hill Houses is among 23 NYCHA apartment buildings that are part of $24.1 million in safety and security upgrades, the New York City Housing Authority announced Monday. more