They can look up former classmates, trade old photos, talk about some old candy shop or do some shopping online in one of the borough's stores. Schmidt moved from the Bronx nearly 35 years ago, but the Web site has helped him reconnect with old friends. Several weeks ago, she posted a message on the Web site trying to track down old bowling partners from the Fieldston Bowling Alley, still running on Broadway and 240th Street. Clicking on the screen, neighbors can also send postcards with traditional borough landmarks and scenes, accompanied by music from Mozart to the rock group Queen. It is rehabilitated, rebuilt, with wonderful stores coming.
People look on the Bronx in a very negative way.
In a more forward-looking way the site charts economic progress in neighborhoods from Hunts Points to Belmont. Despite the range in the services they offer, these sites share a sense of pride and nostalgia for the borough. And so do their visitors. Like John Schmidt, who checks the Web site every night before bed to catch up with his old friends at St. Helena's Church.