Bronx Voice - August 16, 2023

Hamburglar helps himself to a Big Mac before wrecking McD’s

By Dan Gesslein

A local Hamburglar helped himself to some burgers before busting out a window at a Bronx McDonald’s, cops said.

The bearded burger thief was caught on camera and cops are hoping the public recognizes the suspect and call in tips. Cops said what started off as stealing food turned into an act of expensive vandalism.

At around 11 am on July 20, the suspect walked into the McDonald’s restaurant at 85 Bruckner Boulevard in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. Rather than giving his order to the employee, cops said, the man took it

upon himself to walk behind the counter and remove food. The suspect then casually walked back out from behind the counter and attempted to stroll out of the store.

A customer seeing the alleged hamburger theft confronted the suspect. Cops said the man was so angry that he was prevented from leaving, threw an unknown object at a window causing it to shatter.

The suspect then fled the store and headed towards 132nd Street on foot. No one was injured during the incident.

Cops said the damage to the shattered window is valued at $3,000.

The suspect is described as a male with a dark complexion with a medium build. He is 5 foot 6, 160 pounds and has a bushy black beard. He was last seen wearing an orange sweater, gray shorts and black 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.

Cops are searching for this man in connection with the robbery and vandalism of a Bronx McDonald's.

Knife-wielding crook robs candy store near Horror Master’s home

By Dan Gesslein

A store clerk found himself in a scene right out of a horror movie when a crook threatened him with a knife. The candy store armed robbery took place across from horror master Edgar Allan Poe’s cottage.

Police released surveillance video of the sunglass wearing suspect who, cops said, robbed a local bodega by waving a knife at a worker.

At around 8 pm on August 1, the suspect walked into a candy store at 2625 Grand Concourse in the Bronx, across from Poe Park and the landmarked Poe Cottage- home of horror icon Edgar Allan Poe. Cops said the suspect walked up to the counter and pulled out a knife demanding cash. The 22-year-old store employee backed away as the knife-wielding crook rumaged through the cash register till.

Cops said he made off with $1,000 cash. The thief then casually walked out of the store

and headed northbound on Creston Avenue.

The worker was not injured during the robbery. The suspect is described as a male with

a light complexion. He wore black sunglasses and a dark blue baseball cap with the number “66” across the top of the hat. He was last seen wearing a long dark t-shirt, blue jeans and dark colored sneakers.

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

Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577TIPS (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.

Police are searching for this man in connection with a knife-point robbery of a bodega in the Bronx.

Crime takes the Night Off in Bronx

By David Greene

Once again crime took the night off as thousands of children and residents across the city gathered at key locations for the NYPD's 40TH Annual 'National Night Out' against crime hosted by local precincts across the city on August 1.

The 52nd Precinct, based in Norwood held their event at Poe Park.

Children were treated to free rides, games and food as adults interacted with police officials, members of Community Board 7 and members of the Fordham Road Business Improvement District.

A host of groups and organizations participating were on hand providing free prizes, giveaways and information on a host of topics.

Deputy Inspector Jeremy Scheublin, the Commanding Officer of the 52nd Precinct greets guest to the annual National Night Out at Poe Park.

Photos by David Greene

Bronx celebrates Nite Out from Crime

Residents came out to join cops during the annual National Night Out Celebration.

The 47th Precinct celebrated with music, food and activities for kids at the

precinct stationhouse. This year was the 40th National Night Out. The first annu-

al National Night Out was held on Tuesday, August 7, 1984. It involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states.

Last year 38 million neighbors, across 17,000 communities in 50 states (except Texas which celebrates it on the first Tuesday in October), U.S. territories and military bases worldwide participated in NNO. (Statistics provided by NNO)

Bronx celebrates Nite Out

Community Op Ed

How we make New York City safer

By Mayor Eric Adams

As mayor, it is my sacred duty to keep New Yorkers safe. I campaigned on making New York City a safer place to live, work, and raise a family, and now, after a little over a year and a half in office, we continue to see the results. Shootings are down an incredible 27% through the first 7-months of this year, and, so far this year, we have removed almost 4,000 illegal guns from our streets. Murder, robberies, and burglaries are all down, it is safer to ride on the subway, and hate crimes have declined.

This is the result of intervention–targeted, precision policing, but also a prevention-based approach to tackle the root causes of crime. The loss of even a single life due to violence is a tragedy. So, while we can all acknowledge the progress made, we must also keep working proactively in order to remain the safest big city in America. That is where our recently released Blueprint for Community Safety comes in. The blueprint — developed by our Gun Violence Prevention Task Force with support from Governor Kathy Hochul — is a $485 million-dollar plan

that will double down on our public safety efforts. It will take a 360-degree, holistic approach to further reduce gun violence by investing in our most impacted communities, supporting our young people, and mobilizing every level of city government to make prevention-based approaches to public safety their top priority.

Ending gun violence requires more than enforcement. It requires attention and investment, and the blueprint is built on a community development approach that focuses on preventive measures and long-term strate-

gies.

We sought to answer a key question: How can we stop the violence before it happens on our streets? With the help of community members, our task force landed on seven key strategies. These include: trauma-informed care, housing, employment, benefits access, improving the relationship between the police and the community vitality, and early interventions to protect our youth.

Those investments are going towards programs with a proven-success rate, such as $22.5 million towards the “Work, Learn, Grow” program that offers year-round employment opportuni-

ties, and $6.6 million for job training for out of school and out of work youth.

We are also addressing the need for quality affordable housing, career training, and are involving violence interrupters, who can defuse violence before it starts.

We are starting our efforts by targeting six police precincts in the Bronx and Brooklyn, neighborhoods where we have seen the highest rates of gun violence, and we will expand to other neighborhoods over time.

Bringing down crime and gun violence doesn’t happen overnight. It takes precision policing combined with prevention-based strategies that

look at the different causes of violence and take steps to address them.

Our men and women in uniform are tireless in their efforts to make New York City a better place to live and work. Our many agencies, social workers, and violence interrupters help defuse tensions and create opportunities for New Yorkers to live meaningful lives outside the web of violence. The numbers confirm that we are making great progress. But the work of public safety never finishes, and we must dam up every river that leads to the sea of violence.

With this plan, we can create a stronger, safer, more livable city for all.

Photo by Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosts “Talk with Eric: A Community Conversation. P.S. 2, 122 Henry Street, New York, NY. August 10, 2023.

Cops play ice cream man to kids

By John Doyle

Bronx kids were awfully sweet on police officers after cops spent the day giving out ice cream to youngsters as well as play games with the kids on City Island.

On August 4th, the 45th Precinct and Community Council hosted “Ice Cream with a Cop” at Hawkins Park on City Island from 3 pm till 8 pm. The event was supported by the NYC Parks Department which supplied numerous games and support staff for the kids.

Over 300 individuals attended the event and received a free ice cream cone or cup.

Attendees were able to play games with the Community Affairs Officers such as table hockey, a giant Connect Four, Jenga and a host of others.

The officers also lent an ear to the kids to talk with them informally about questions they had in their communities.

City Island’s own Skip Giacco, the owner of Lickety Split, generously donated all of the proceeds back to the Precinct Council.

The cops’ cones for kids strategy was a way for the officers to give back to the community and help local kids beat the heat. It also helped youngsters see cops as members of the community they serve.

The ice cream giveaway event comes days after National Night Out in which

cops held BBQ’s throughout the Bronx to have neighbors come out and celebrate the relationship between the police and the communities. In addition to ice cream, cops gave out sticker badges to the junior police officers who attended the event at the park.

Kids enjoy a sweet treat on City Island courtesy of cops.

Health Matters

A career in nursing is a journey

By Vanessa Davis, MSN FNP-BC RN-BC, Clinical Faculty, Department of Nursing Education, Montefiore Health System

Started over 15 years ago, Montefiore’s Clinical Student Nurses Assistant Program (CSNAP) provides nursing students with a real-experience-based opportunity to work and learn under the supervision and mentorship of Registered Nurses. This program has trained and developed several new nurses for our hospital, many of whom become nursing leaders. I am one of them.

I immigrated to this country from Jamaica and I had always envisioned being a nurse when I arrived. My sisters were nurses, and so it ran in our family. So, I jumped when the opportunity arose in 2006 for myself, a then-Lehman student, to gain a hands-on opportunity. This was an eye-opening experience, no longer just a theory or a lecture-discussion. I was in a hospital alongside the people I wanted to join professionally.

The program eased the transition from student nurse to RN. As a Clinical Assistant, I was afforded the opportunity to see firsthand the role of the Registered Nurse in action, before assuming the role. The encounter helped to reduce the anxiety and stress associated with the transition to practice as a newly graduated nurse. The experience allowed me to interact with patients, which made me more confident during my transition as an RN. I honed my assessment skills, which was an asset when I returned to school to complete my final year as a student nurse. I observed the flow of the unit, I was able to acquaint myself with team members

and the collaborative process required for quality patient outcomes. I learned the culture of Montefiore while aspiring to provide exceptional patient care. This experience inspired me to emulate the many nurses I had the chance to interact with.

Currently, the program is headed by Clinical Faculty Catherine O’Brien, overseeing a class of over 40 students this summer. Students come from universities nationwide, and many have Bronx roots. The CSNAP program also boasts a host of preceptors, many of whom went through the programs themselves and provided students with valuable insights as not only an RN, but an RN who’s been in their same shoes.

The program features two full-day seminars at the start and near the end of their cycle, where the students learn from the Montefiore faculty. I remember walking by recently and hearing Cathy O’Brien tell the new students “There are no exams at the end of the term, but every day you will be tested and drawing upon everything you’ve learned as you work in a real-world setting.”

Reflecting on my experience, I would tell myself, “You need to enter the program with an open mind, learn all you can, and remember to stay humble.” These are the key takeaways from the journey of being that Lehman student getting her footing, to Clinical Faculty in Nursing Education, which I am now.

In the CSNAP, I got invaluable hands-on exposure to procedures and skills, which became the foundation for my nursing career. It instilled a sense of pride and a desire to make a difference in my community. Nursing students should strive to make every encounter with everyone pleasant and enriching, no matter their role or title. The lessons learned at Montefiore during the beginning of my career propelled me to continue in learning opportunities, to be engaged and vested in improving patient outcomes. I would encourage nursing students to seek out programs like CSNAP at Montefiore. It will make a difference in your last year of nursing school and put you on the right track to make an easier transition into practice.

Vanessa Davis, MSN FNP-BC RN-BC, Clinical Faculty, Department of Nursing Education, Montefiore Health System.

MHHC’s National Health Center Week celebrates community, health for all

By Kayla Mercedes Lee

In the heart of the Bronx lies a community that has faced its fair share of challenges. Yet, amidst these struggles, hope shines and can be found through the work of MHHC, formerly known as Morris Heights Health Center.

MHHC has been an essential pillar in the Morris Heights community for over 40 years, providing crucial healthcare services and resources to underprivileged families. As part of the National Health Center Week (NHCW) celebrations, MHHC is dedicated to informing the public on the importance of accessible and quality healthcare the resources necessary to cultivate health and wellness for all.

Why is providing health and wellness resources for underprivileged communities not only important but also essential to MHHC?

Empowering Families with Essential Resources

MHHC's mission is centered around supporting families facing disadvantages in their daily lives. Beyond traditional health and medical services, MHHC acknowledges the importance of addressing the root causes of health disparities. By providing essential tools and resources such as healthy foods, provisions for new mothers and babies, and access to a myriad of support

services through our partners, MHHC empowers families to overcome obstacles and improve their overall well-being. National Health Center Week serves as a platform for MHHC to display its dedication to uplifting families in the Bronx through the free access of health and wellness related goods, foods, education, and resources.

The Impact of National Health Center Week NHCW, led by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about the crucial role that community, migrant, and homeless health centers play across the nation. For over twenty million people, these health centers are a lifeline, ensuring access to healthcare services that might otherwise be out of reach.

MHHC's celebration of NHCW allows the community to witness fi rsthand the dedication and passion that goes into providing essential healthcare services and relative resources to the members of our commu-

nity. It highlights the strides made to improve the quality of life for community members, despite the challenges faced. It celebrates the patients that we interact with everyday that make an impact on our lives and leave an imprint on our hearts.

Through NHCW, MHHC brings together organizations that share the same mission to provide for communities in the Bronx that need vital resources and healthcare related services.

MHHC's commitment to its community is evident through its 300+ events per year, but especially during its week-long celebration during NHCW. The events planned for Patient Appreciation Day and Child Health Day are thoughtful gestures that emphasize the importance of accessible and inclusive healthcare, which teach the youth of our community that being healthy can be fun, and most importantly that “the caring place” is here to make health accessible to everyone.

Patient Appreciation Day (Wednesday, August 9th) is a moment to express gratitude to the patients who put their trust in MHHC's care. It highlights the signifi cance of equitable healthcare access and the impact it has on individuals' lives.

Child Health Day (Thursday, August 10th) underscores

the focus on the future generations of the community. By promoting child wellness, healthy habits, and providing resources to parents and caregivers, MHHC invests in the well-being of the next generation.

Community Partnerships: A Unifi ed Approach

MHHC's efforts during NHCW are further bolstered by the support of several organizations, including Bridge Builders, CHCF, B.R.A.G,

MetroPlus Health, Hunts Point Produce, VNS Health, Affi nity By Molina Healthcare, Argus Community, D.D.C Inc., and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield. These partnerships strengthen the impact of the initiatives and create a unifi ed approach towards community well-being. The sponsorships and the support provided help MHHC to further its reach and maximize the overall goal to create a healthier Bronx, full of hope and opportunities.

Prevention of heart disease starts in childhood: experts

By Madhu Sharma, MD, Pediatric Cardiologist, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore

Heart disease was once considered to be a health issue that only affected adults. Unfortunately today it is increasingly affecting children and young adults too.

Atherosclerotic heart disease (a leading cause of illness and death around the world) is the development of a sticky substance called plaque, which is made up of cholesterol in the blood vessels – called arteries. The plaque narrows the arteries over time, and this causes decreased blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. This, in turn increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other heart diseases later in life.

Preventive cardiology in pediatrics plays an essential role in teaching families about the importance of heart health in children and adolescents. Most importantly, as cardiologists our goal

is to ensure that families understand heart disease can start in early childhood and help them to identify the risk factors and share healthy habits with them.

The good news is that early intervention can significantly reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents and improve long-term outcomes.

Screening for Risk Factors

Factors that contribute to the development of atherosclerotic heart disease include obesity, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating habits. If high cholesterol runs in the family, that can

also be a risk factor. Healthcare providers use various screening tools to assess a person’s risk, including taking a detailed family history, running blood tests, assessing body mass index, and taking blood pressure measurements. Early identification of risk factors helps us provide timely interventions and improve outcomes.

Early Intervention and Treatment

Developing healthy habits in childhood is key for preventing heart disease later in life. Preventive measures and lifestyle changes include healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, decreasing exposure to smoke (active and passive) and regular check-ups with your pediatrician.

A heart healthy diet means eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins and less consumption of

foods rich in saturated and trans fats and cholesterol.

We recommend that children should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 3-5 times a week to maintain a healthy weight and enhance cardiovascular health. They should also be encouraged to maintain a healthy weight by eating balanced meals, using portion control, and reducing inactive behaviors, like watching TV and playing video games.

Collaboration is Key

Making the suggested adjustments earlier can help to reduce immediate and long-term risks and slow progression of disease. Obesity, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol are risk factors that can be addressed by the family and their healthcare team. These efforts are most effective in collaboration with various

healthcare providers, including pediatricians, pediatric cardiologists, nutritionists, exercise specialists, psychologists, school-health based medical providers and community health workers. A collaborative network between the healthcare system, families and community helps in achieving well-coordinated care, leading to better health outcomes.

Take Action!

Preventive cardiology plays a vital role in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease among children and adolescents. Identifying risk factors early, promoting healthy habits and timely interventions and treatment, not only improves the immediate health but also reduces cardiovascular disease incidence in the future.

To learn more about the pediatric cardiology program at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, call 718 741 2343.

Culinary Road

By Morris Gut

Summer bites, pieces for foodies

DINE ON THE SOUND AT MAMMA FRANCESCA!

Your fresh tomato salad is ready! When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples, Italy, his earliest memories where of the simple seaside meals he would enjoy with his family, farm-to-table and of course sea-to-table.

As proprietor of Mamma Francesca Italian Restaurant in New Rochelle for over 35 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with 6-story views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true. Nick is in the kitchen preparing robust specialties: fresh Ischia Tomato Salad; Brick Oven Pizza; Giant Meatballs; good retro versions of Chicken, Veal or Shrimp Parmigiana; a big platter of Misto Frutti di Mare loaded with shrimp, clams, calamari and mussels in a red sauce over linguini; and Pork Chops or Sirloin della Nonna, served with sliced potatoes, peppers, mushrooms and onions. Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. Open 7 days. Pizza Bar. Happy Hours. Free parking. 914-636-1229 www. mammafrancesca.com

DUBROVNIK TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY!

Founded by Jerry Tomic a decade ago, Dubrovnik became a sensation: Westchester’s first restaurant devoted to the cuisine of Croatia, a multi-level 85-seat establishment with a lovely seasonal

outdoor patio, state of the art temperature-controlled wine cellar, al fresco wood fire rotisserie BBQ, lush seasonal herb garden and bar/ lounge. Talented chefs man the kitchen and they will transport you to the beautiful Adriatic in flavorful style. To mark their anniversary, the restaurant will be holding a special multi-course Buffet Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 7th, featuring live music and special guests. Cost is: $85 per person. Reservations are suggested: 914-637-3777. Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle. www.dubrovnikny.com

ROBUST ITALIAN OUT OF A DINER AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO!

Chef-owner and personable host Dean Vivolo serves his robust regional Italian cuisine out of a vintage diner just across from Harrison's Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; Crostino di Polenta topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and tomato sauce; Grilled Lamb Chops; Braised Lamb Shanks; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; and wonderful Spaghetti a la Vongole. Fine wine list. Sparkling lights in the evenings. The outdoor patio is now open. Free parking.

Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-6199 www.trattoriavivolo.com

CLASSICS AT ALEX’S BAR & GRILLE, WHITE PLAINS!

Proprietor Alex Ahmetaj offers tasty surprises. The handsome dining room is split into cozy sections with white tablecloths, colorful deVelleneuve impressionist paintings, and warming sconces. Mediterranean clay-colored banquets and chairs complement wooden walls and plush beige curtained windows. Out of Chef Nick Deimant’s kitchen come such specialties as: Pan Fried Calamari with hot cherry peppers, Linguini alla Vongole, a delicious fresh Branzino prepared tableside, classic Veal Parmigiana, grilled Filet Mignon, NY Sirloin Steak, a hefty Rib Eye, or the Pork Chops. The house made smooth Ricotta Cheesecake (available for take-home) is top notch, as are the Cannoli. Bar/lounge. Seasonal outdoor patio. Alex’s Bar & Grille, 577 N. Broadway, N. White Plains. 914-358-1444 www.alex577. com

BIRRIA AT CANTINA TACO & TEQUILA BAR

Owner, host, and actor John Solo, of bustling Cantina Taco & Tequila in White Plains, is offering a 3-taco lunch for $9.95, or you can choose one of their tasty 3-cheese quesadillas with steak, chicken, shrimp, or a big Burrito. The special Birria Tacos are a knockout! A Street Bowl is available with a choice

of protein, for $8.95. Might be a good time for one of their frozen drinks, too. Cantina is a playful, colorful restaurant. A bright aqua pastel façade attracts along Mamaroneck Ave. They serve a bouncy menu of reasonably priced south-ofthe-border fare. Try the new Cheeseburger Tacos, and such ongoing house specialties as: Carnitas, Chicken Mole, Garlic Shrimp, and Steak Fajita. Cantina is planning another restaurant at Ridge Hill Shopping Mall in Yonkers. Cantina Taco & Tequila, 166 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. Open 7 days. Bustling Happy Hours. Cantina, 166 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-4613959. www.cantinawhiteplains. com

BRONX NIGHT MARKET

6TH

ANNIVERSARY!

The popular Bronx Night Market is back from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Upcoming dates: 8/26, 9/30, 10/28. Tickets must be reserved through the website. There are scores of Bronx-based vendors and food trucks includ-

ing Crabmeat Mike, Empanada Papa, Fried Lasagna Mama, Hungarian Hotspot, Mixto Tacos, and Island Love Cake all selling food, drink, crafts, and live entertainment. It all takes place at: Fordham Plaza, East Fordham Road and Webster Ave. Belmont, The Bronx. For more info: https://www.maschospitalitygroup.com/bronxnightmarket , or Bronx Night Market on Facebook.

The Farmers Market at New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will run through Oct. 25th. Admission to the market and parking are free. Enter the market at the Mosholu Gate. www.nybg.org/ event/farmers-market/

(Morris Gut is a restaurant 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 over 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-2356591. E-mail: gutreactions@ optonline.net)