Bronx Voice - August 10, 2022

BRONX VOICE

FATAL PLUNGE

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6th Year, No. 7

FREE August 10 - 16, 2022

Cops, community come together Nite Out Photos Page 8

Facebook Photo

Cops investigate couple’s fatal Stork has parking spot for deliveries fall from building Page 9 Photos by David Greene

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Woman lures men on Facebook to motels to rob them Page 3

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2• BRONX VOICE• August 10 - 16, 2022

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Ex White House ed advisor scammed charter school-prosecutors say

A former Obama education advisor embezzled $218,000 from the former charter school network he founded because they would not rehire him as president after leaving the White House. The former education czar will serve one year in prison for blatantly raiding the bank accounts of charter schools in some of the most needy communities in NYC.

Seth Andrew was sentenced to 366 days in prison for defrauding Democracy Prep Public Schools (“DPPS”), a charter school network that he founded, of more than $218,000, Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced.

“Seth Andrew was sentenced today for stealing from those who once trusted him. Andrew committed this crime to attempt to punish non-profit charter schools because they declined his offer to return as their leader,” Williams said. “Thankfully, the victim of Andrew’s crime was resilient, and its important work continues. Today’s sentence sends a message that those who engage in fraud schemes and steal from others will face appropriate consequences for their conduct.”

In 2005, Seth Andrew helped to found Democracy Prep Public Schools, a series of public charter schools then based in New York City. In the Spring of 2013, Andrew left DPPS and accepted a job in the United States Department of Education and, thereafter, as a senior advisor in the Office of Educational Technology at the White House.

In November 2016, Andrew left his role at the White House. Shortly thereafter, in January 2017, Andrew officially severed his relationship with DPPS. Under New York state regulations, DPPS’s New York-based charter schools must maintain an “escrow account” that may be accessed only if the school dissolves. Three such escrow accounts, for three New York City-based-DPPS schools, were opened by Andrew and other DPPS employees, at a

bank (“Bank-1”) in 2009, 2011 and 2013, respectively (“Escrow Account-1,” “Escrow Account-2,” and “Escrow Account-3”, collectively, the “Escrow Accounts”). Andrew was a signatory and had access to the funds in the Escrow Accounts. However, pursuant to the charter agreement, the funds in the Escrow Accounts were reserved in case the schools dissolved, and the funds could not be moved by Andrew, or anyone, without proper authorization.

In early 2019, apparently frustrated with decisions made

by DPPS, and his inability to exercise control over the organization, Andrew sought to rejoin DPPS. On March 10, 2019, Andrew sent an email to several members of DPPS, including its Chairman, offering to return as “President,” in exchange for “$25k/month as [a] salaried employee and basic frugal ex-

penses,” plus a $250,000 bonus if he met deliverables Andrew outlined. Andrew further stated that “every single day that goes by, this situation becomes exponentially more difficult and the ability to pull out of a nosedive becomes harder. So after 24 hours, my monthly salary expectation will go up every day that we’re not under a signed contract.”

DPPS declined Andrew’s offer. Eighteen days later, on March 28, 2019, Andrew entered a Bank-1 branch in New York City and closed both Escrow Account-1 and Escrow Account-2. Bank-1 provided Andrew a bank check in the amount of $71,881.23 made payable to “Democracy Prep Charter School” (“Check-1”) and a second bank check in the amount of $70,642.98 made payable to “Democracy Prep Harlem Charter” (“Check-2”).

The same day that Andrew CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Woman lures men on Facebook to motels to rob them

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By Dan Gesslein This is not the kind of threesome Bronx men are looking for when they connect on Facebook - being robbed naked and bound with duct tape inside motel rooms. Cops say a trio has been targeting men on social media to lure them into motel rooms to be robbed at gunpoint.

The NYPD released surveillance video of the suspects wanted in connection with five armed robberies in various motels throughout the borough.

Investigators say the pattern has been the same for CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Car carrier strikes overpass

4 • BRONX VOICE• August 10 - 16, 2022

By David Greene A driver transporting multiple vehicles in a car-carrier inadvertently struck the Metro North train overpass on August 2.

Police and EMS officials reported they were not called to the scene at 1780 Eastchester Road however, one photo taken at the incident scene shows cops on the scene.

Police officials were

also heard requesting a heavy-duty vehicle that would place one of the automobiles knocked-off and placed onto a second vehicle.

No injuries were reported.

Photo courtesy of Diane Cayman

A man stands atop a car-carrier after at least once vehicle on top of the truck struck the Metro North train overpass on Eastchester Road.

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Ex White House ed advisor scammed charter school-prosecutors said CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

closed Escrow Account-1 and Escrow Account-2, Andrew entered a Manhattan branch of a different FDIC-insured bank (“Bank-2”) and opened a business bank account in the name of “Democracy Prep Charter School” (“Fraud Account-1”).

To open that account, Andrew misrepresented to a Bank-2 employee that he was a “Key Executive with Control of” DPPS and supported that misrepresentation by sending emails sent to the Bank-2 employee from a DPPS email account. Andrew

then deposited Check-1 into Fraud Account-1. Five days later, on April 2, 2019, ANDREW used an ATM machine in Baltimore, Maryland to deposit Check-2 into Fraud Account-1.

On October 17, 2019, Andrew closed out Escrow Account-3 and received a check (“Check-3”) made payable to “Democracy Prep Endurance” in the amount of $75,481.10.

On October 21, 2019, Andrew deposited Check-3 into an account that he opened at a third bank (“Fraud Account-2”).

Approximately one month

later, Andrew obtained a check from Bank-2 for $144,473.29, which constituted the funds stolen from Escrow Account-1 and Escrow Account-2. Andrew ultimately deposited those funds into Fraud Account-2, combing all of the stolen funds, then worth approximately $219,954.

Five days later, Andrew rolled the stolen funds in Fraud Account-2 into a certificate of deposit.

That certificate of deposit matured on May 20, 2020, which earned Andrew $2,083.52 in interest.

Andrew then transferred the funds from the certificate of deposit -- including the funds stolen from the Escrow Accounts -- into a bank account held in the name of Democracy Builders, another nonprofit that Andrew then-controlled, thereby concealing the money’s association with DPPS, and depositing the stolen money into an account under Andrew’s complete control.

The next day, Andrew sent a wire for $225,000, apparently comprised primarily of funds from the Escrow Accounts, for

a down payment on a significant purchase of property for Democracy Builders.

In total, DPPS lost $218,005 as a result of Andrew’s actions.

Andrew, 43, previously pled guilty to one count of wire fraud on January 14, 2022, before Judge Cronan. In addition to this prison sentence, Andrew was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release.

Prior to the sentencing Andrew paid $218,005 in restitution to DPPS, and $22,537 in forfeiture.

6 • BRONX VOICE• August 10 - 16, 2022

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Crooks hold 2 women at gunpointthen come back in Throgs Neck

By Bob Kappstatter Home invaders held two women at gunpoint in their Throgs Neck apartment robbing them and then came back later for more, cops say.

The NYPD released surveillance video of the suspects involved in the early morning home invasion.

At around 5 am on July 6, two

tage at gunpoint.

The gunmen took an iPhone, jewelry, handbags, wallets and two credit cards. Cops say the property is valued at $1,000.

After taking the property the gunmen fled. However, the men returned a short time later and men gained entry into an apart- demanded cash. The victims did ment inside an attached house at not have any and the robbers left 275 Balcom Avenue. Once inside, empty handed. the men held a 32-year-old womFrom house surveillance caman and a 26-year-old woman hos- eras, cops were able to get clear

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images of the robbers skulking through the alleyways between houses prior to the home invasion.

The first robber is described as 30 years old, and is 5 foot 5 and 150 pounds. He has a light complexion and a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black face mask, a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants and black sneakers.

The second robber is described as a 30-year-old male who is 5 foot 8, 160 pounds with a medium complexion and slim build.

He was last seen wearing a white face mask, a black hooded sweatshirt, red shorts and white sneakers.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https:// crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

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BRONX VOICE• August 10 - 16, 2022• 7

Woman lures men on Facebook to motels to rob them

Cops are looking for this woman in connection with a series of robberies at Bronx motels. The suspect allegedly hooks up with men on Facebook to lure them to motels to be robbed.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

the five robberies throughout July. A woman reaches out to a man on Facebook. They agree to meet at a Bronx motel- each case is a different location.

Once in the room the woman instructs the man to take a shower. While in the bathroom, she lets in her two accomplices, a woman and a man. Once the unsuspecting victim exits the shower, the accomplices pull out handguns and threaten to shoot him. The robbers then bound the victim with duct tape. Then the trio

takes the victim’s cellphone, wallet and clothes leaving him bound and naked in the motel.

No injuries have been reported in any of the cases.

The first robbery happened around 6:30 pm on July 7. A 31-year-old man was robbed of his cell phone, wallet and debit card inside the Wheeler Hotel in Soundview.

The hotel is across the street from the house where Amadou Diallo was gunned down by four police officers in a case of mistaken identity in 1999.

The group struck a week later in the upper Bronx neighborhood of Baychester. At around 12:40 am on July 16, a 31-year-old man was robbed inside the Crown Motor Inn on Boston Road.

The next day the same group struck again around the corner from the last job. A 48-year-old man was robbed inside the Friendly Motor Inn on Gun Hill Road. The crooks stole his credit cards and rang up $3,000 in charges.

The group struck on the other side of the Bronx on July 24 inside the Van Cortlandt Motel, across the street from Van Cortlandt Park. A 46-year-old man was robbed of $200 cash, credit cards and other items.

The latest robbery happened at 11 pm on July 26.

A 45-year-old man was robbed of his cash and clothes inside the Sheridan Hotel.

Cops say the woman who is luring her victims to the motels is 25 years old and 200 pounds. She is 5 foot 2 with black hair and tattoos on both arms. She is seen on surveillance video wearing eyeglasses.

The female gunman is

40 years old and 4 feet 11 inches tall. She is 140 pounds and has black hair.

The male gunman is described as 25 years old and 170 pounds. He is 5 foot 10 and has a medium build with black hair.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stop-

pers Hotline at 1-800577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https:// crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @ NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

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8 • BRONX VOICE• August 10 - 16, 2022

National Night Out Against Crime celebrated throughout Bronx

By Dan Gesslein Cops and community residents came together throughout the Bronx once again during the annual event National Night Out Against Crime.

Precincts throughout the borough held various activities to strengthen relations between cops and the communities they serve. The 45th Precinct held a toy give away. The 47th Precinct held

Photo by Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor Eric Adams delivers remarks and presents proclamations at National Night Out events across the five boroughs.

See more Nite Out Photos:

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a cookout in front of the station house. The 43rd Precinct held a street fair in the parking lot of a shopping center.

Mayor Eric Adams joined Bronx kids and officers from the 44th Precinct at the Nite Out celebration at Mullaly Park next to Yankee Stadium. Adams posed with Bronx children as well as elected officials like State Sen. Luis Sepulveda.

U.S. Attorney of the Southern District Damian Williams attended the 43rd Precinct’s Nite Out event.

National Night Out was started in 1970 as a way for police officers and residents to come together to take a stand against crime.

Couple plunge to death from building

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By David Greene Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a young couple who were both killed after falling from their 5th-floor apartment window in the Pelham Parkway section of the Bronx.

Police officials say that officers from the 49th Precinct were called to 2199 Cruger Avenue at Pelham Parkway South at 9:10 a.m. on Saturday August 6, where they discovered the bodies of a 35-year-old male and 28-year-old female. One police source stated that both victims were "unconscious and unresponsive with injuries indicative of a fall from an elevated position.”

Members of EMS quickly arrived and declared both victims dead at the scene.

Detectives were busy investigating if the incident was a double suicide, murder - suicide or tragic accident. Two windows from the apartment could be seen fully open and a suitcase was eerily left on the fire escape.

Police have not yet released the names of the victims, pending notification of

BRONX VOICE• August 10 - 16, 2022• 9

family members; however, published reports have identified the victims as Albanian actor Florind Belliu, 35, and his wife Omela Shehi, 28. One unconfirmed report stated that the couple's two young children were in the apartment at the time of the incident.

One female resident of the building who was in her apartment at the time, recalled, "I heard a noise, it was terrible. I heard it when they jumped, I heard it. I thought something fell, something big fell. A scream like that, so bad that scream... I heard it in the house.”

Just then a second female resident offered, "I was walking the dog, when I came

Photos by David Greene

Police officers outside of the apartment building where two people died after falling from a 5th-floor window.

An open window and a suitcase lying on a fire escape is all that remains after a young couple plunged to their deaths from the 5th-floor window of their Cruger Avenue building on August 6.

back, all the police were in front of the building outside the window. Wow.” Asked if the victims had been removed from the courtyard, the first woman replied, "No, the people are still there, dead.”

Speaking of the deceased couple, a third resident of the building told the Bronx Voice, "We didn't know them, they just moved in.”

A woman conducting COVID-19 testing outside of the subway station at the southeast corner of White Plains Road and Pelham Parkway South, where the window where the two victims fell from can be seen from the street, offered, "I was hearing screaming for a long time,

because I was standing right there by the train station.”

From a block away, the witness said she heard a loud "thump," before adding, "Then I was standing here and saw all of the police and they said people just jumped out of the window and I was like, what?”

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis is urged to call the new 24-hour National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 that was launched on July 16 or visit their website at: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. While New York City residents are still being urged to call 1-888-NYCWELL for free and immediate access to a mental health professional.

10 • BRONX VOICE• August 10 - 16, 2022

Health Matters

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Tips to survive heatwave as City bakes

As high heat and humidity are expected to affect New York City throughout August New York City Emergency Management and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are urging New Yorkers to continue to take steps to beat the heat.

“We have experienced some extreme heat in New York City over the past couple of days, it is important that New Yorkers understand the potential dangers of extreme heat,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol.

“Please take precautions to avoid exposure to the extreme conditions. Remember to stay hydrated and if you are venturing outdoors, avoid strenuous activity and wear lightweight clothing.”

New York City opens cooling centers when the heat index is forecast to be 95 degrees or above for two or more consecutive days, or if the heat

index is forecast to be 100 degrees or above for any amount of time. The City conducts continuous analysis with our cooling center partners to seek improvements to the system, and remains dedicated to providing cool spaces for all New Yorkers during periods of extreme heat.

Cooling centers located at older adult center sites will be reserved for older New Yorkers, ages 60 and older. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, individuals are reminded to stay at home if they are feeling sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-

639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-5044115) or visit the NYC Cooling Center Finder at NYC.gov/beattheheat.

New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. The City has also partnered with Petco to offer New Yorkers and their pets additional spaces to seek relief from the heat.

All locations can be found on the City’s Cooling Center Finder. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers.

New York City's outdoor pools are open for the summer. Standard pool protocols apply—bring a bathing suit, towel, and lock to secure belongings.

Pool hours have been extended for Sunday, August 7, and Monday, August 8 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Normal pool hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. More information can be found

at NYC.gov/parks/pools.

New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more. These resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. New Yorkers can also visit any cool space to seek relief from the heat like a library, movie theater, shopping mall, etc.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT

Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.

Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature

changes.

Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous.

Drink water every 15 minutes even if you are not thirsty, rest in the shade, and watch out for others on your team. Your employer is required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.

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Tips to survive heatwave as City bakes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing when inside without air conditioning or outside.

Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.

Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first speak with their doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.

Eat small, frequent meals.

Cool down with a cool bath or shower.

Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.

Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, and window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and do not fall on someone below.

Never leave your children or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.

has: Hot dry skin.

Trouble breathing.

Rapid heartbeat.

Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.

Nausea and vomiting.

If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE

Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.

Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt.

Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.

Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding KNOW THE WARNING on city streets, and lowers SIGNS OF water pressure to dangerHEAT ILLNESS ous levels, which hamper Call 911 immediately if the ability of the Fire Deyou or someone you know partment to fight fire safely

and quickly.

Use “spray caps” to reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions.

While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death: Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.”

Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.

Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.

Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.

Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.

If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.

Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat.

New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-5044115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.

Expecting Moms get designated parking at hospital

12 • BRONX VOICE• August 10 - 16, 2022

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NYCHealth+Hospitals/ Lincoln is the First-Baby Friendly hospital in the Bronx. This designation is being enhanced with an additional amenity.

Valerie St. Louis, Chief of Staff at Lincoln, unveiled the designated parking in the rotunda for newborn families only.

St. Louis states, “Bringing a newborn into this world is one of the most exciting experiences that parents could imagine. I

wanted to ensure as they began their new chapter in life with their baby that parking would not be a burden.

“I crafted a plan presented it to the CEO, secured his support and with the assistances of designer, Ricardo Llanos, craftsmen, and the Maternal Health Team, created a space that reflects our commitment, concerns and support for our families,” St. Louis said.

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Breaking the Lung Cancer stigma

By Neel M. Chudgar, M.D., cancer surgeon at Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center and assistant professor of cardiothoracic & vascular surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine World Lung Cancer Day was observed across the world on August 1, and while this cancer claims more lives each year than the combination of breast, colon, and prostate cancer, the screening and overall culture surrounding this disease is treated quite differently.

Breast, colon and prostate cancer exams are part of regular primary care screenings.

The science is well-established as is the care routine.

We’ve come to expect that once we reach an appropriate age, we will hear about screenings like a mammogram or colonoscopy as part of an annual physical exam.

Though we all know someone who has been impacted or even died from lung cancer, screening for lung cancer by way of low dose CT scans is less established as a norm within health maintenance.

People between the age of 50 and 80, who are either current smokers or who have quit within the past 15 years and have smoked the equivalent of at least one pack per day for 20 years (20 packyears) are eligible for screening. Despite these guidelines, only one out of every 15 eligible people participate in screening.

The relative novelty of screening along with its rigorous inclusion criteria, which requires a history of smoking, likely contributes to some of the difficulties with uptake. Lung cancer remaining stigmatized as a self-inflicted disease of smokers also contributes to the challenge of education and overall awareness of the disease.

With large studies now demonstrating the overwhelming survival advantages of lung cancer screening, it’s time to ditch this mentality and focus on saving lives.

Recent Advances in Lung Cancer Care As we embrace World Lung Cancer Day, we seek not only to honor people who have succumbed to this disease, but also to recharge our efforts to improve the statistics.

Nearly half of the individuals who are diagnosed with

lung cancer have done so at late stages of the disease. In fact, there are less stage I cancers and more advanced (stage IV) cancers in the Bronx compared to most other places in the United States – a clear call for intervention.

Screening provides an opportunity to make a significant change and help identify cancers when there is the greatest chance for a cure.

This includes surgery to remove cancers, which are often done with small incisions and shorter hospital stays.

In addition to surgical therapies, last year has brought other advances to the treatment of lung cancer. Immunotherapy, or treatments that support the body’s own immune system in fighting cancers, has been a hot topic in cancer care. Landmark trials investigating these drugs given either before or after surgery have demonstrated huge improvements in survival.

Moving out of the Shadows of the Pandemic The focus of healthcare over the last two years has largely been on the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many cancer screenings including lung cancer screening rates have subsequently slumped. Now is the time to renew efforts that push lung cancer screening back into the conversation.

One way we are doing this is through a partnership

Neel M. Chudgar, M.D., cancer surgeon at Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center and assistant professor of cardiothoracic & vascular surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine

with the LUNGevity Foundation to understand barriers to people accessing care, particularly among Black and Latino members of our community. We’re doing this through tailored educational materials and by deploying peer navigators to help us address challenges with accessing care that may be overlooked in our daily practice.

These activities are enabling us to tackle the pervasive anxiety and stigma associated with screening. As a result, we are identifying more cancers at early stages, enabling more chances for diseases to be cured.

We’re also adding more software to automatically detect lung nodules (or lesions)

which may appear on scans through our high-risk lung nodule clinic. Our objective is to avoid missed opportunities to find lung cancer so we can decrease risk of advanced disease and death.

There is great hope on the horizon for the treatment of lung cancer. As screening rates improve, more people will be eligible for treatments that pose less of an imposition on a person’s daily life. However, we must find the cancers first. To honor this international awareness day, let’s forget about stigma and blame. Cancer is a disease that nobody deserves. As a community, let’s concentrate on support, education and hope – together, we can make a difference.

Culinary Road

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By Morris Gut

Summer culinary encounters Here are more dishes and venues that piqued my palate lately…

PIMIENTO CHEESEBURGER AT FREEBIRD! There’s a new comforting Southern themed menu at work here. I hunkered down with a hearty Pimiento Cheeseburger at the bar recently. Two smashed patties, caramelized onions, pimiento cheese on Texas toast.

Seasoned proprietor Nick Fusco also serves tasty versions of Fried Calamari, meaty Smoked Baby Back Ribs, loaded Cobb Salad, crispy Brussels Sprouts, Brick Chicken, and Shrimp & Grits. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere.

The seasonal rooftop lounge & dining room is open. Sunday Night Jam sessions. Craft beers.

Happy hours: Tues.-Thurs.

4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Weekend Brunch. Closed Mondays.

Freebird Kitchen, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com

HAVANA CAFÉ SERVES A TASTE OF CUBA! The breezy flavors of Cuba and the Caribbean are highlighting the seasonal fare at bustling Havana Café in the Schuylerville/E. Tremont section of the Bronx. Partners Kevin Alicea, Ruben Rodriguez, Antonio Olavarria, and Troy Perez have opened the French doors to their outdoor café and patrons are flocking in. Step inside, to your left is

a wrap-around 30-seat bar/ lounge area busy throughout the day and evening with a lively networking crowd enjoying colorful specialty cocktails. The 100-seat dining room is divided into 3 sections highlighted by Cuban inspired wall murals, banquets, two-tier seating, exposed industrial piping, wood beams and ceiling fans. Popular Happy Hours run from 3pm to 7pm and include Mojitos, Sangria, and Margaritas. The house also carries a major rum list and offers rum flights daily.

Havana Café, 3151 E. Tremont Ave., Bronx. 718-5181800 Havana Café Castle Hill, 1247 Castle Hill Ave., Bronx. 718-822-4800 www. havanacafebx.com INDOOR/OUTDOOR TASTINGS AT BRONX BREWERY!

The crew at 10-year-old Bronx Brewery in the Port Morris section of the south Bronx are geared up for food and brews 7 days a week in their popular backyard. Indoors and outdoors Friday thru Sunday. I am a fan of their Pale Ales. Empanology, the food concession, is open, serving a variety of fresh-made empanadas, burgers, and sandwiches. Check the website for exact times of operation. Bronx Brewery is located at 856 E. 136th Street, Bronx. New Manhattan location. Phone: 718402-1000 www.thebronxbrewery.com

SUMMER SPECIALS AT

ARTIE’S, CITY ISLAND!

Owner Spiro Chagares offers patrons a flavorful melding of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Changing specialties include hearty Seafood Chowders; Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups; Wood Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops; Seafood Salad for two; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; Chardonnay Poached Salmon with seafood; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles. Big combo platters. Lobster Salad Rolls and hefty Burgers, too.

Craft beers. Private party facilities. Off premise catering.

Open 7 days. Free parking. Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., Bronx. 718-8859885 www.artiescityisland.com

COMFORTING MEATLOAF & BREAD PUDDING AT MPI!

Ask for chef Eric’s hearty Meatloaf or sensational Bread Pudding.

The kitchen has opened at the new Morris Park Inn in Thornwood in the Rose Hill Shopping Center.

Proprietor Steve Poli and his amiable crew are serving an eclectic tavern menu to go along with their 15-tap craft beer bar. Poli, who also owns bustling Morris Park Inn in the Bronx, has completed a renovation of the new eatery. Large screen TVs, stressed brick walls, artsy tables, and an unusual treetop like ceiling overhead with contemporary lighting. There’s also Chopped Cobb Salad, juicy Burgers, wraps and sandwiches like the Cheese Steak, Baby Back Ribs, Fried Seafood Combo, and Center Cut Pork Chops. A children’s menu is available. Live entertainment Thursday nights. Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. 718-2394109. Morris Park Inn, 652 Columbus Ave., Thornwood, in the Rose

Hill Shopping Center. 914-4953004 www.morrisparkinn.com

RUSTIC MEXICAN AT EL BARRIO!

Chef Sal Cucullo Jr. of The 808 Bistro, Scarsdale, also operates El Barrio highlighting Mexican street food. There is rustic indoor and outdoor seating. Fine talent at work here and a playful design.

Specialties include Mexican Street Corn; Calamares y Camarones Fritos, arbol aioli; traditional Guacamole; Wood-Fired Quesadillas; Open faced Mexican pizza; Tacos and Tostadas; an El Barrio Burger wrapped in a flour tortilla; and fresh-made south-of-the-border cocktails. 7 days. El Barrio, 185 Summerfield Street, Scarsdale.

914-723-2600 www.elbarrio.com

AROUND THE TABLE AT NYBG!

The beautiful New York Botanical Garden is featuring: ‘Around The Table: Stories Of The Foods We Love’ that will run thru September 11th. The new exhibition explores the rich cultural history of what we eat throughout the park.

Across NYBG’s 250-acre landscape visitors can gather at tables uniquely designed by artists living and working in the Bronx. The tables will encourage sitting, sharing, and storytelling. There will be

weekend programming celebrating food with cooking demonstrations and other culinary themed activities. You can watch the planted produce and grains as they mature throughout the season.

At the same time, the 2022 NYBG Farmers Market operates on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will run thru October 26th. The popular market is run by www.morningglorymarkets. com, who also operate markets in Westchester, and feature a weekly variety of produce vendors, bakers, specialty food purveyors, and crafts. Look for such vendors as: Wave Hill Breads, Bombay Chutney Co., Orchards of Concklin, Don Pickle, Ztudio Zsa Zsa and more. Admission to the Farmers Market is free.

SPECIAL HINT: While at the Garden, hunt down the ‘Julia Child Rose’ that is planted in the stunning Rockefeller Rose Garden which is now in full bloom. It is amazing!

The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. 718-817-8700 www.nybg. org (Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years.

He may be reached at: 914-235-6591.

E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)

16 • BRONX VOICE• August 10 - 16, 2022

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com