Bronx Voice - March 2, 2022

BRONX VOICE

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2 dead, 2 injured in Cross Bronx crash

Page 6 Gov to help lend to communities of color

Page 9 Photo by Darren McGee- Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Governor Kathy Hochul holds a roundtable meeting with local business leaders including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and makes an announcement regarding CDFI funding.

5th Year, No. 19

FREE

UP IN SMOKE

Supermarket, apartments gutted by fire

March 2 - 8, 2022

Page 8 Photo courtesy of the FDNY

Lottery Murder

Page 4

2• BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022

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Leader of drug gang convicted for ties in murder for hire plot

The leader of a Bronx drug gang that sold everything from crack to fentanyl was convicted on drug charges and hiring a hitman to rub out his rivals at a local cook out, federal prosecutors said.

Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SYDNEY SCALES was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role as the leader of a violent drug distribution organization that

operated in the West Farms neighborhood of the Bronx, including his use of guns and participation in a murder-for-hire conspiracy in June 2017. SCLAES was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, after being convicted at trial in August 2021 of conspiring to distribute controlled substances, conspiring to commit murder for hire, and related firearms offenses.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Sydney Scales was the

leader of a violent drug crew. He caused at least one drug-related shooting, and he hired a hitman in an attempt to murder rival drug dealers who were having a barbecue in front of a neighborhood barbershop in the Bronx. Today’s sentence sends a powerful message that people who would commit violent crimes will be arrested, prosecuted, and face serious consequences.”

According to the Superseding

Indictment and the evidence at trial: Between in or about 2016 and in or about 2019, SCALES participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana in the Bronx and elsewhere. SCALES also used, carried, and possessed firearms, which were brandished and discharged, in connection with the narcotics conspiracy, and aided and abetted such firearms offenses.

For example, the Government offered evidence that on December 1, 2016, SCALES caused a shooting at rival drug dealers standing in front of a convenience store located next to the entrance of the West Farms subway station.

In addition, in or about June 2017, SCALES conspired to commit murder for hire, agreeing to pay another person for locating and killing at least one rival drug dealer.

BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022• 3

Lottery Murder

4• BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022

Cancer patient, stabbed to death by nephew, DA says

A Bronx man will spend the next two decades in prison after stabbing his elderly uncle to death after the cancer patient won the lottery and fatally stabbing a family friend, prosecutors said.

A man has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree Manslaughter for fatally stabbing his 73-year-old uncle in his South Bronx apartment in June 2018, and for fatally stabbing a woman in a security firm office in Wakefield a month later, prosecutors announced.

District Attorney Darrel Clark said the defendant, Idris Abdul Muhaymin, 49, originally from Georgia, was sentenced to 24 years

in prison and five years of post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree Manslaughter on January 4, 2022.

According to the investigation, Muhaymin went to the home of Owen Dillard, 73, at Beekman Avenue on June 11, 2018. The defendant demanded money from the victim, who had recently won the lottery.

Muhaymin then put Dillard in a chokehold and stabbed

him multiple times with a sharp object. The victim sustained wounds to his head and neck and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Video surveillance shows the defendant entering and leaving the victim’s home.

He took a few dollars from the victim.

On July 11, 2018, while the defendant was on the run from authorities, Muhaymin entered MNI Security Specialist Inc., at 888 East 233rd Street where the second victim, Wanda Rios, 45, worked.

Video surveillance shows the victim, who was a family friend of Muhaymin, letting the defendant into the establishment.

The defendant stabbed her repeatedly with a sharp

object, causing her death.

He fled the scene with electronic equipment. The victim was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant mercilessly killed his elderly uncle, who had been battling cancer, and had won the lottery, for only a few dollars. Exactly a month later, the defendant went to the workplace of a woman considered to be a family friend and fatally stabbed her. The defendant’s actions left a child without a mother and a husband without a wife.

I hope today’s sentence brings some sense of relief to the families of the victims.”

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BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022• 5

2 dead, 2 injured in fatal Cross Bx Expressway crash

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6• BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022

By David Greene Two people were killed when an SUV slammed into a flatbed truck on the Cross Bronx Expressway, investigators said. The two back seat passengers survived the mangled wreck.

According to CIS Reports, a new reporting system on fatal crashes providing information to media outlets, the crash took place on the westbound Cross Bronx Expressway at Rosedale Avenue at 11:48 p.m. on February 25.

The report stated, "A pre-

liminary investigation determined that a 2001 grey Mitsubishi Montero Sport was traveling in the right lane westbound on the Cross Bronx Expressway. A 2015 Black Freight liner Utility flatbed truck was stopped off on the right shoulder while

assisting an uninvolved disabled tractor trailer. The Mitsubishi, attempting to avoid hitting the flatbed, collided with a 2013 Lincoln MKX driving in the center lane, causing the Mitsubishi to re-enter the right lane and CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022• 7

Fire destroys supermarket, apartments in Parkchester

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8• BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022

By David Greene A fire that started in the basement of a Parkchester supermarket, tore through the store and the apartments above the business, FDNY officials say. It is unclear how many families have been displaced at this time.

The stubborn 4-alarm broke out in the basement of the Bravo Supermarket, located at 1869 Archer Street in Parkchester. Multiple sources monitoring the FDNY radio communications at the time of the fire reported that the fire broke out in the basement of the building at just after 5 p.m. on February 22. Nearly 200 firefighters were needed to battle the flames that were brought under control at just before 8 p.m.

One published report

stated that two firefighters were injured, one seriously and several residents of the apartments above the supermarket were displaced.

The FDNY had not immediately responded to a request for information on the incident.

Later that same night Councilwoman Amanda Farias (D-18) tweeted, "The building where the fire took place is both residential and commercial. I've met and spoken with the Office of Emergency Management, FDNY,

NYPD, Small Business Services (SBS), Mayor's Community Affairs Division, and Red Cross to meet the emergency needs of those affected.”

Farias continued, "So far, residential units have been identified, given temporary housing and financial assistance. I have also spoken with supermarket owners and SBS is set to discuss build back assistance with them.”

The FDNY was investigating the cause of the blaze.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

gers, a 15-year-old female was rushed to Jacobi Hospital and a 32-year-old female was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital. Both victims were reported to be in "stable" condition.

An attempt to reach the unidentified driver of the tractor trailer was unsuccessful.

A female official at J.P. Express, who was renting the

tractor-trailer, told the Bronx Voice "no comment" when reached on February 28.

According to the latest Vision Zero statistics, as of January 31, there have been 19 fatalities and 3,101 injuries in motor vehicle collisions across the city. Most of those crashes taking place during the evening commute, between 3 - 6 p.m.

2 dead, 2 injured in fatal Cross Bx Expressway crash

Photo courtesy of the FDNY

Firefighters battle a 4-alarm blaze at the Bravo Supermarket on Archer Street in Parkchester on February 22, 2022.

collide with the flatbed.”

The report concluded that the still-unidentified 33-yearold female driver was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital where she died.

The 47-year-old front seat passenger, identified by police as Stephen Williams, of Jackson Avenue died at the scene. Two backseat passen-

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BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022• 9

Hochul unveils plan to divert $150 mil to help lending in communities of color

Governor Kathy Hochul hosted a roundtable in the Bronx focused on how New York State can spur economic recovery in Black and brown communities with NAACP President Dr. Hazel Dukes, and announced new efforts to fight structural racism embedded in the financial system and support innovative community lending programs and economic development services focused on reaching communities of color.

The event brought together community leaders, Community Development Financial Institutions, Minority Depository Institutions, Credit Unions and small business owners.

"The pandemic has impacted communities of color disproportionately, expanding the racial wealth gap and exposing the structural racism embedded in our financial system that has prevented New Yorkers from achieving economic prosperity," Governor Hochul said. "It is critical that we open lines of communication, lift up the organizations on the frontlines of this work, and work together to find the most effective solutions. My administration is committed to supporting community lender institutions that bring financial tools and services to underserved communi-

ties, and this new advisory council will help ensure our economic recovery from the pandemic is fair and equitable for all New Yorkers."

CDFIs and MDIs are mission-driven financial institutions that play a critical role in delivering access to financial services and products to historically underserved and underbanked communities, particularly communities of color.

At the event, Governor Hochul announced her plan for the State to partner with CDFIs to deliver more than $150 million of funding to small businesses most in need, upon federal approval of the State's plan. This is part of the Governor Hochul's FY2023 budget which proposed an unprecedented assistance package for small businesses that includes over $500M to New York State

Photo by Darren McGee- Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

through the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative over the next several years.

Reaching those small businesses most in need will require working closely with our partners on the ground, including CDFIs, MDIs, and credit unions. Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-designate Hope Knight will work with community leaders to administer these funds upon federal approval of the State's plan.

Governor Hochul also announced a new adviso-

ry council of New York State-chartered CDFIs and MDIs to be led by DFS Superintendent Adrienne Harris. This new council will elevate the specific concerns of New York CDFIs and MDIs to support communities of color and ensure their needs are met. As a working and active forum, the new council will discuss ways to modernize regulations and support these institutions to better serve their communities.

Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-desig-

nate Hope Knight said, "New York State's CDFIs served as a lifeline for many small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical capital assistance and connecting traditionally underserved businesses to state and federal funding. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, they will continue to play an important role as we push for a more inclusive and full economic recovery.”

Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne Harris said, "CDFIs and MDIs are a vital catCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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10• BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022

Hochul unveils plan to divert $150 mil to help lending in communities of color CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

alyst to building wealth in minority communities and ensuring a sustainable financial system that works for all New Yorkers. The Department

of Financial Services Advisory Council will provide an important forum for our New York State chartered CDFIs/MDIs, and allow the Department of Financial Services to work in tandem with these institutions

to support the establishment and growth of small businesses, driving employment and economic activity throughout our State.”

This work builds on Governor Hochul's $1 billion plan to support small businesses. This plan will invest in the growth and retention of small businesses of the future, small business tax credits for businesses that took on COVID-related expenses, seed funding to estab-

lish new businesses, provide flexible grants to early-stage small businesses, expand small business lending, and help small businesses secure contracts. Upon federal approval of New York State's plan under the State Small Business Credit Initiative passed as part of The American Rescue Plan Act, submitted to the U.S. Treasury earlier this month, the Administration will work with CDFIs to deliver millions in funding

to small businesses most in need. The Governor also discussed the State's continuing commitment to provide $5 million in grants to CDFIs over five years to support access to safe and affordable banking services in historically underserved and low-income communities across New York State. DFS and ESD recently announced the first awards from the New York State Community Development Financial

Institution Fund.

Senator James Sanders Jr. said, "As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banks, I am proud to support Governor Hochul in this endeavor that will help small business owners by reducing stifling regulations as well as increasing bank lending in underserved communities. This financial investment by the State is especially critical as New Yorkers struggle to return to pre-pandemic stability and growth.”

Assemblymember Patricia Fahy said, "Lack of access to banking and financial services in our low-income and disadvantaged communities affects far too many New Yorkers, but especially our communities of color. CDFIs and MDIs play a critical role in empowering our historically disadvantaged communities by providing vital financial services and products to underbanked businesses, individuals, and more.

As we seek new ways to make our banking and financial sectors more equitable, I welcome the creation of a new council to specifically address local concerns and support underbanked communities across New York State. I commend Governor Hochul for her leadership on this issue, and as Chair of the Assembly Banks Committee, I look forward to working with her to ensure that all of New York's communities-but especially those of color-are served equitably and justly in our banking and financial services sector."

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BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022• 11

Health Matters Home care social workers:

‘Just being there’ can mean powerful healing

March is national Social Work Month, a time to learn about and acknowledge the meaningful impact that social workers have on so many lives.

Whether it’s helping individuals, families or community groups cope or navigate the obstacles they encounter in life, from medical or emotional challenges to access to health education, care or government and support resources, or just being there, ready to listen, social workers—especially in the home care field—are true heroes of our healthcare professions.

At the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY), hundreds of social workers travel hundreds of miles and make hundreds of phone calls every single week as they advocate and care for patients throughout New York’s five boroughs and Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Rarely in the limelight, they may see their patients only a few times, but despite this short duration, the work they do can and often does have an enormous impact.

It Starts with Listening: Shana Maltzman, who

works with hospice patients in Staten Island, says being a social worker is “in her blood.” Her 25-year career in the field has given her a chance to work with children, adults and those at the end of life. For nearly a decade now she’s been part of a close-knit group of nurses, doctors, spiritual counselors, home health aides and other social workers caring for hospice patients and their families.

“It is not always easy to let go of strong feelings or attachments that have shaped and given meaning to our lives,” says Shana.

“As hospice social workers we always start by listening.

Is someone afraid? Do they need to communicate unexpressed feelings? Are they angry or resistant to help?

Are they concerned for the welfare of those they are leaving behind?”

When one of Shana’s patients wanted to see his home and family in Puerto Rico one last time, she co-

ordinated services between his health teams in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to make sure that his oxygen and medications were seamlessly transferred so he could make the trip.

“Returning to his family was something he wanted more than anything but was afraid to believe was possible. I knew we had to try—and because we did, he finally made it home.”

Gives a Voice to the Voiceless: Christine Garcia, a social worker with VNSNY’s Home-Based Crisis Intervention (HBCI) Program in Brooklyn, uses the same empathy that her colleague Shana brings to end-of-life care by advocating for the youngest and most vulnerable among us: children in crisis. Funded by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, HBCI is available at no charge for children between 5 and 18 with acute mental health issues. Christine and her colleagues provide short-term, intensive treatment for children who demonstrate suicidal behaviors and ideation or severe depression. She works with her families to

VNSNY Social Worker Christine Garcia

defuse the crisis and keep children at home when that can be safely done.

“Speaking for people who have no voice or have problems like mental illness that are so misunderstood” is incredibly fulfilling for Christine. As a social worker she navigates the complex mental health system and protocols of the Department of Education, which reaffirms daily her mission to ensure that “kids with mental health issues don’t fall through the cracks.”

Compassion and commitment to the most vulnerable among us makes these three social workers—and their

colleagues at VNSNY and elsewhere—truly remarkable.

“In a fairly limited amount of time, you can have a great impact on a patient,” Lizzie notes. “In a one-hour visit you can identify and meet a lot of needs. I’m grateful that I have the potential to walk in the patient’s door, and later to leave with the feeling that I’ve had an impact on that person’s well-being.”

To learn more about the wide array of home care services available through the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, please call 1-800-675-0391, or visit www.vnsny.org.

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12• BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022

Black History Month Highlights:

A conversation with Dr. Sandra Nurse who is helping to make history in communities of color

By Dr. Nicole Thomas-Sealey As we continue to celebrate Black History Month in 2022 and highlight the theme "Black Health and Wellness," let's take a moment to spotlight Dr. Sandra Nurse, one of our many amazing AdvantageCare Physicians’ Medical Directors.

Dr. Nurse has been a doctor at ACPNY for more than 26 years.

Over the course of her career, she has put in much time and energy to tackle the challenges related to mental health in communities of color. We thank her for her commitment and honor her with much pride during Black History Month.

Why do you think 'health and wellness' is an important theme for Black History Month this year?

As a community advocate focused on the health of minorities in the African-American church, the theme of health and wellness reinforces the importance of annual wellness visits. Knowing that knowledge is power,

it is important to equip patients with the keys that are needed to unlock the door to longevity of life.

What are your ideas/future goals to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the health and wellness of the Black community?

I continue to be involved within my local community. As a board member of the Dominic A Murray Foundation, I am involved with organizing CPR/automated external defibrillator training within the churches. In the last six months we have had three training classes at local churches, so that no life will be lost from witnessed sudden cardiac arrest due to

lack of training. We also supply automated external defibrillators (AEDs) where there is a need.

What are some contributions or accomplishments you are proud of to promote health and wellness in the Black community?

I am co-chair of Health and Wellness for the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in Nassau County.

We have various events during the year, including the Breast Cancer Walks, mental health initiatives, and nutrition workshops.

How do you maintain/ take care of your own health and wellness as a Black health care professional?

I am an avid golfer and gardener! I love spending time with my family and traveling.

ACPNY’s Dr. Nurse, MD, Medical Director and Dr. Thomas-Sealey, MD, VP of Clinical Training and Education are both leaders in their practices who embody

As Vice President of Clinical Education for AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY), Dr. Nicole Thomas-Sealey leads a team of dedicated clinical care professionals to help train and educate ACPNY’s more than 400 physicians and staff, who serve over half a million New Yorkers, on the latest clinical-based practices and procedures as well as leads trainings to address implicit bias in the medical field to best uplift the city’s communities of color through a person-centered care approach.

Black excellence and care toward patients and communities, not only during Black History Month, but year-round.

About ACPNY AdvantageCare Physicians, one of the largest primary and specialty care practices in the New York area, provides quality, personalized care that is focused on the whole patient. With more than 40 medical offices

across the five boroughs and Long Island, serving more than half a million patients, including 120,000 Medicaid members, AdvantageCare Physicians takes a teambased approach to care where physicians work with nurses, social workers, nutritionists, behavioral health specialists and other professionals.

Visit www.acpny.com to learn more.

BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022• 13

New options for colorectal cancer screening

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Each March, we strive to raise awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Why? The answer is simple: colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Here in the Bronx, we see approximately 600 new cases each year.

Equally as alarming is that we’re seeing incidence of this cancer rising sharply in people younger than 50.

Also far too often, both here and nationally, the cancer is diagnosed in the emergency room rather than during preventive screenings.

Our mission is to ensure people know the signs of colorectal cancer like persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding and abdominal discomfort (like cramps, pain or gas), but also to partner with our community so steps are taken to prevent colorectal cancer, and if the cancer exists, stop it in its tracks at an early stage.

The good news is that we are seeing cancer screenings increase to pre-pandemic levels, and even better we’ve expanded the number of tools offered at Montefio-

re.

Colonoscopies are the ‘Gold Standard’ Colonoscopy is the preferred method to screen for colorectal cancer since it allows us to directly see the colon and remove precancerous growths or polyps. In fact, the colonoscopy is the ONLY form of cancer screening that can both diagnose cancer and treat it! While we perform colonoscopies across our Bronx hospitals and outpatient sites we offer non-invasive testing options as well.

More Screening Options Than Ever Before Recently, we expanded our stool based test offerings, including fecal immunochemical tests (FIT Tests), the only “tier 1” testing option, along with colonoscopy, recommended by the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer. This task

force represents the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

We also have SENSA, a high sensitivity fecal occult blood test.

These tests work by completing a bowel movement in the privacy of your own home, and placing it in a special box. Our department of Pathology evaluates the stool in-house at Montefiore, looking for hidden blood from the lower intestines.

While coloscopies are the “gold standard” for screening, tests like FIT and SENSA are also effective options.

Of the FIT tests distributed by our primary care practices, and examined in-house, we’ve seen a 10 percent positivity rate in our community.

This translates to lives saved and emergency department visits avoided.

While most tests are negative, people who do have a positive test result are referred to our colorectal cancer screening program for a colonoscopy to check for precancerous or cancerous growths or polyps. Bottom line – if there is a positive result, a colonoscopy is still required to remove the cancer.

What Happens if Your Stool Test is Positive?

Should you need a colo-

noscopy, it is important to know that you will not be alone. Patient Navigators, who have been trained to communicate with patients and providers to get the necessary steps taken care of, including scheduling appointments, are trusted resources and advocates throughout the process.

Our message to the community is that colorectal cancer is Preventable, Treatable, and Beatable when detected early. We ask that anyone who lives in the Bronx and is 45 and above, to reach out to our Colorectal Cancer Screening Program at 718-920-7183.

Don't delay!

Morris Heights Health CEO to list of Power Women

14• BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022

Morris Heights Health Center’s President and CEO, Mari G. Millet is among the honorees named to the “Power Women of Brooklyn 2022” list. Within the last year, Ms. Millet has been the recipient of various leadership awards including the 2021 Power Women of the Bronx, and the Inaugural 2021 Bronx Power list.

Just in time for Women’s History Month, the Power Women of Brooklyn award honors those powerful and fearless women who have made their mark on the borough, making Brooklyn the thriving and vibrant place it is to work, live, and do business.

Every year, in March we celebrate the achievements and immeasurable contributions that women have made throughout history. Whether marching for women’s right to vote, advancing research in medicine and science to advocating for health equality and social justice, women continue to write history. As a prominent leader in healthcare, Ms. Millet has dedicated her career to the advancement of underserved and disproportionately affected communities. She has over 38 years of extensive leadership experience in ambulatory care, in-patient acute care, surgical services, emergen-

cy/urgent care, and community-based healthcare.

Through her strategic vision and guidance, she has turned around the operations of multiple healthcare organizations. Over the years she has partnered with numerous community-based organizations and elected officials to secure resources to address some of the social determinate of health that have plagued many black and brown communities.

Throughout her career, Ms. Millet has made it a priority to tackle one of the nation’s most pressing health issues, food insecurity and the lack of access to affordable and nutritious food options.

As a result, she established the first “Community Garden” in Brooklyn where herbs, fruits and vegetables were grown and maintained by the residents of the Community. Thereafter expanding efforts across the five boroughs. In her cur-

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rent role as President and CEO of MHHC, she has partnered with organizations like GrowNYC and the Food Bank for New York City to bring healthy food options to the Bronx; currently ranked #62 as the unhealthiest county in New York.

Ms. Millet joined Morris Heights Health Center in 2017, where she has focused her efforts on structural reorganization, financial stability, community-based partnerships, and improving the patient and employee experience.

Under her leadership, MHHC launched an Ophthalmology and Dental program across several site locations, opened a brand new Central Sterile Unit, and an Urgent Care Center in the West Bronx Community. In addition, she has led the organization through the Joint Commission Accreditation and received the Community Health Quality Leaders recognition from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). In 2022, the health center is scheduled to open its first Brooklyn location, MHHC @ One Brooklyn, a new state-of-the-art medical facility in the Flatbush area of the borough. The new health fa-

Morris Heights Health Center’s President and CEO, Mari G. Millet

cility will include a Maternal Health Center of Excellence designed to improve health equity in women’s health and eliminate racial disparities in black maternal care. Ms. Millet continues to increase the health center’s operational reach throughout NYC, playing an instrumental role in spearheading COVID-19 relief efforts during the height of the pandemic. MHHC has provided testing, vaccinations, and education in over 120 locations throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.

For 40 years, MHHC has

held a distinct reputation of being a trusted provider in the West Bronx and surrounding areas. Since 1981, MHHC has committed to improving health equity, eliminating health disparities, and delivering culturally sensitive care to families in underserved communities.

MHHC is the medical home to more than 57,000 patients annually through a network of 10 health centers, 1 urgent care center, a senior housing facility, and 20 school-based health centers in the largest public school system in the U.S

Culinary Road

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BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022• 15

By Morris Gut

Where to enjoy food, spirits on St. Patrick’s Day

The leprechauns are coming!

St. Patrick’s Day, Thursday, March 17th, will be celebrated with all its local color. Throughout the Bronx & Westchester, neighborhoods and villages are hanging shamrocks on storefronts and homes giving the region its sparkling moment in the Emerald Isle. St. Patrick’s Day parades are back after a 2-year Covid hiatus.

In the Bronx, Throgg’s Neck 24th Annual Parade, Sunday, March 13th, kicks off at noon on E. Tremont & Lafayette Ave. Westchester/ Putnam, parades are planned in Eastchester, March 13th; White Plains, March 12th; Yonkers, March 19th; Mahopac, March 13th; Tarrytown/ Sleepy Hollow, March 13th; and Mamaroneck, March 20th. If you want to partake in the traditional foods, spirits and reveling sprinkled with a good dose of blarney, here are suggestions. Be sure to check ahead for special hours and events. Larger groups are advised to make advanced reservations. Erin Go Bragh!

Jack’s Bar & Restaurant, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650

Owner Shane Clifford and his friendly crew have all the TVs and finger foods you want. Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen include traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage; Double-Stacked Smash Burger; Shepherd’s Pie; decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Jack’s Meatballs; Seared Scallops; Chicken Curry; Shroom Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Berkshire Pork Chop; and Grilled Lamb Sliders. www.jackseastchester.com The Wicked Wolf, 4029 E. Tremont Ave., Bronx. 718-829-4400 An upscale Irish tavern with an eclectic menu that covers a lot of ground. Try the Corned Beef Sandwich with melted cheese. The Shepherd’s Pie might be a good option, as is the Corned Beef & Cabbage. An Irish brew to wash it all down. Proprietor Seamus Carey and his staff will be hosting St. Paddy’s Day with all the accoutrements. www.wickedwolfbronx. com Brewski’s Bar & Grill, 3718 E. Tremont Ave., Bronx. 718-684-2900

There is a parking lot. www.rorydolans.com Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. 718-239-4109 They are all spruced up for the celebration, and there’s a new reasonably priced chef driven tavern menu along with traditional Irish specialties and brews. www. morrisparkinn.com Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. 914-636-1229

To many in the greater Westchester Irish community this is the motherload. There will be feasting galore all day and evening. Try to get there off peak, if possible.

The Quarry, 106 Main Street, Tuckahoe 914-337-0311

It’s Italian, for sure, but owner Nick DiCostanzo will be serving up big portions of Corned Beef & Cabbage with views of L.I. Sound. He’s fond of the dish himself. In addition, the regional Italian menu is on hand. New Pizza & Vino Bar. www.mammafrancesca.com Rambling House, 4292 Katonah Ave., Woodlawn, Bronx.

718-798-4510

A sprawling good time Kicking off the festivi- with traditional Irish specialties with a post Throgg’s ties all week long. www.ramNeck parade party on Sun- blinghousenyc.com An Beal Bocht Café. 445 W. day, March 13th starting at 2 238th St., Greystone Ave., p.m. Irish specialties will be Bronx. 718-884-7127 served: Nelly O’s Shepherd’s Home of the shortest, Pie, Bangers & Mashed, Irish quickest St. Patrick’s Day Beef Stew. www.brewskisto- Parade. Irish specialties and go.com entertainment all month.

Rory Dolan’s, 890 McLean Ave., www.anbealbochtcafe.com Yonkers. 914-776-2946 Good tavern fare and friendly networking make this a comforting spot to

IRISH COOKING unwind. The Quarry will be AT HOME? all dressed in green for the If you are planning to cook day with Irish specialties and spirits. www.thequar- up some Gaelic favorites at home, check out these speryrestaurant.net Wolf & Warrior Brewing Co., cialty food markets for au195A E. Post Road, White thentic Irish ingredients: Plains. 914-368-8617 Brewmeister Michael Chiltern Butcher’s Fancy, Yonkers, brings White Plains its first mi- www.butchersfancy.com ; crobrewery and it’s a good one.

Prime Cut Irish Butchers The daily brews are listed on a big colorful blackboard. A comforting (Riverdale) 4338 Katonah kitchen menu, too. Chiltern prom- Ave., Bronx 718-324-9262; ises an authentic Irish home brew and Food Ireland, Mount and specialties to mark the occaVernon outlet, www.foodiresion. www.wolfandwarrior.com Dunne’s Pub, 12 Shapham Place, land.com White Plains. 914-421-1451 (Morris Gut is a restauDeclan Farrell of Vintage rant marketing consultant and in White Plains took over this former restaurant trade magaspot, added a few touches of zine editor. He has been trackhis own, and it still thrives. ing and writing about the food An authentic Irish pub with and dining scene in the Bronx & Westchester for 30 years. He good hearty food. Farrell also may be reached at: 914-235operates Vintage along Main 6591. E-mail: gutreactions@ optonline.net) St. www.dunnespub.com

16• BRONX VOICE• March 2 - 8, 2022

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