It was 1997 when Urban Ellis decided it was time to live the good life.  But by 2002, he shook off years of inactivity, rising to become a major provider for the place he had called home since 1958: Marble Hill. more

In the era before coronavirus — which can feel like eons ago at this point — it was easy to move through a typical day without thinking much about neighbors. Sure, you might wave on the sidewalk, or hold the elevator door, but it was easy not to talk much. more

Her signature soprano carried through the great spaces of Carnegie Hall, the Miami Music Festival, and the Manhattan Opera Studio over the past decade with classic pieces like Mozart’s “Le nozze di Figaro” and “Pamina” — pieces we know better as “The Marriage of Figaro” and “The Magic Flute.” more

On an early spring morning, a jogger paces down Riverdale Avenue. Her earphones are in, her ball cap bent just over her eyes. Friends passing by in cars call out and keep going. Then she’s gone. On the side of a mailbox is a woman’s face, drawn in chalk. There are others, as well. On a wall. On the sidewalk. Hiding behind a tree. The jogger passes some of these faces without a second thought. more

In the wake of a tragedy, people seek solace in each other, as mourning is communal. Yet, the natural tendency to grieve together continues to be eviscerated by the coronavirus pandemic. more

Mother’s Day is an important holiday, allowing people from all walks of life to demonstrate their love and gratitude for the maternal figures in their lives. Flowers typically are a well-received gift for a mother as a way to communicate appreciation. But then again, these aren’t typical times. more

One of the first stories I wrote as an intern for The Riverdale Press was about some lingering questions surrounding Manhattan College’s upcoming graduation. My classmates and I had no idea who would speak at our graduation ceremony, nor did we know how many guests we were allowed to have. I never anticipated the answer to these questions would turn out to be “no one” and “zero.” more

There’s never been a time where keeping hands clean has been so important from a societal standpoint. As the coronavirus started to spread across the United States, store shelves were cleared out of cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer as many worried how easily the COVID-19 virus itself could jump from person to person. more

In times of chaos and disruption, faith can be a tremendous source of strength. It has been nearly two months since the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has shut down wide swaths of city life. Many work from home, and students of all ages adapt to online learning. Religious congregations also have shifted to a virtual environment. more

In the best of times and the worst of times, pizza prevails. That doughy disc drenched in tomato sauce under a warm cheese blanket and sundry toppings is an explicit promise of culinary relief, especially when supermarket shelves are occasionally empty. more