Bronx Voice - November 24, 2021

BRONX VOICE

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WILD WEST

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November 24 - 30, 2021

5th Year, No. 12

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Gunmen shoot it out on Bronx street. Page 17 Stabbed in neck

Photo courtesy of Friends of Pelham Parkway

A bloody 23-year-old victim attempts to close the wound on his neck after being stabbed along White Plains Road at Pelham Parkway on November 9, 2021.

Lion Lady Help for Special Ed Still at kids delayed AGAIN Large Police are looking for two gunmen who shot it out on a Mott Haven street.

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Mobile med outreach launched to battle substance abuse Page 14

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Pastor pleads guilty to hacking estranged wife with machete in front of her grandkids

A pastor has pled guilty to running over his estranged wife with a car and hacking her with a machete in front of her grandchildren, the Bronx DA announced.

Victor Mateo, 65, pled guilty to first degree manslaughter for the 2019 attack in Throggs Neck. Prosecutors said Mateo will be sentenced to 23 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision, with final orders of protection for the victim’s two grandchildren who witnessed the killing.

According to the investigation, on the morning of October 3, 2019, the defendant parked his vehicle near the home of Noelia

Mateo, 58, on Ellsworth Avenue in Throggs Neck.

As the victim left her house to drive her grandchildren to school, Mateo struck her with his vehicle. The victim hid beneath her car, and the defendant got into her vehicle and ran her over with it.

He then hacked her with a machete.

The victim was taken to Jacobi Medical Center where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Her grandchildren, who

were 11 and nine years old at the time, witnessed the entire attack.

“The defendant and the victim, his wife, had been estranged for approximately a month when he mercilessly killed her in front of her two young grandchildren and bystanders in broad daylight,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. “The victim’s grandchildren not only had to deal with the loss of their grandmother, but also with immense trauma after witnessing such cruel events.

He pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in January 2022 to 23 years prison.”

Victor Mateo

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Wild West shootout on Bronx street

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A Bronx street looked more like a scene from a Wild West movie as two gunmen held a draw opening fire with civilians scattering, police said.

The NYPD released surveillance video which showed two men walking toward each other in front of 223 Saint Ann’s Avenue at around 10 am on November 15. On the video one of two men wearing ski masks facing the camera reaches into his waist band to pull out a gun when the man in front of him was quicker on the draw.

The quickdraw gunman whipped

Police are looking for two gunmen who shot it out on a Mott Haven street.

out a weapon himself and opened fire before his opponent had a chance. He fired off several rounds at both the masked men. Then the shooter and his

accomplice ran towards Cypress Avenue- with the masked gunman firing back.

Surprisingly no one was injured during this early morning shootout.

Police did not disclose a motive for the shooting.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.

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NYC delays its massive academic recovery program for students with disabilities

By Yoav Gonen, THE CITY and Alex Zimmerman This is part of an ongoing collaborative series between Chalkbeat and THE CITY investigating learning differences, special education and other education challenges in city schools.

The city Department of Education promised an ambitious program to help nearly 200,000 students with disabilities, setting aside nearly a quarter billion dollars for after-school and Saturday sessions to help them catch up in the

wake of pandemic disruptions. But the city’s plan, financed with federal relief funding, is once again facing a delayed start date at many schools, and it’s unclear when the program will reach most students, Chalkbeat and THE CITY have learned.

The special education academic recovery program is now scheduled to begin as late as Dec. 6 for the highest-need students in all city-run schools, city officials confirmed. That’s less than three weeks before winter break starts on Dec. 24, and nearly three

months into the school year. The program was originally slated to begin in October or early November and then pushed back to Nov. 15.

“It’s November and nothing — what a shame!” said Bronx mom Jeannine Timpone, who’s been eager for her 13-year-old daughter Victoria to participate in the academic recovery program.

Department officials have split students with

Individualized Education Programs, also known as IEPs, into three priority groups with staggered timelines for launching the additional services. Department officials were unable to say when the other students eligible for special education recovery services, who have less acute needs than the first group, will begin the program or how many students are in each of the three pri-

ority groups.

The plan to offer additional small group instruction and services such as speech and occupational therapy outside the school day has won some praise from advocates, and appeared to be a more aggressive plan than what some other large school districts have launched.

But families and advocates are frustrated that the program’s rollout has been scattershot, with little communication about what specific services will be provided and key details about CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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NYC delays its massive academic recovery program for students with disabilities CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

transportation still up in the air.

Scaling up a new program for students with disabilities is a massive undertaking, and the city often struggles to provide mandated special education services during the regular school day. The education department is tasking each school with the responsibility for spinning up its own program, though some school leaders still have questions about how they will be able to provide the services students need.

‘Making every effort’ There are signs that education officials are worried about finding enough staff who are willing to work overtime for it. Schools are now allowed to hire educators who are not certified in special education for the program, a break from the city’s original plan, according to guidance sent to principals obtained by Chalkbeat and THE CITY. In another last-minute change, despite the requirement that students attend school in-person this year, city officials are allowing schools to offer the recovery program virtually.

Department of Education officials said they pushed back the start time to give schools “flexibility” in launch-

ing the services, which will be offered in cycles of 10 or 13 weeks.

Students will be offered additional cycles if they don’t make up enough ground, according to department guidance.

Schools are expected to receive funding for the program in their budgets this week, officials said.

“We’re making every effort to support our students with disabilities as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic, and all students with IEPs will have access to after-school and Saturday programs as part of our Academic Recovery Plan,” said education department spokesperson Sarah Casasnovas.

“Many of our schools have already begun reviewing student progress and planning their programs, and our students with the greatest needs will begin receiving services in the coming weeks.” Casasnovas added that “the vast majority of schools will begin providing services this month.”

Education department officials said a small number of schools have already started offering the services, though they did not say how many.

The department is also opening two sites in each borough for students with disabilities who have signifi-

Photo courtesy of Sandra Pelligrini

Sandra Pelligrini, a mom of twin sons at P.S. 164 in Brooklyn, said she’s interested in extra services but worries the hours won’t work for her kids and has received limited information about the program.

cant sensory issues that affect their learning or behavior. The SEED program, which will also operate after school and on Saturdays, is expected to reach roughly 3,500 students through June.

Officials said schools will reach out to families who have “the greatest need.”

Parents in the dark Timpone said she’s been unable to get any information about the academic recovery program from her daughter’s school, the Van Nest Academy.

She said she blames disorganization at the DOE for why she hasn’t yet been told if the school will be offering

the program, whether her daughter was placed in the first or second group, and when the makeup sessions will be held.

“Where is all the promised and talked about help and recovery for these kids?” said Timpone. “They mentioned after school and weekends? Lots of talking up top, but no action.”

Other parents said they’ve been given the wrong information about program eligibility.

Jessica Colon, whose son missed out on many of his services during pre-kindergarten because of the pandemic, said she was told her

school, the Vida Bogart School in The Bronx, isn’t considering him for the recovery program because he’s in kindergarten.

But education officials confirmed that all students in grades K to 12 who have IEPs are eligible.

“I don’t think the schools have gotten any guidance,” said Colon, whose son is supposed to receive speech, occupational and physical therapy.

“If they’re not going to have him participate in that program, I still feel like I’m entitled to those compensatory services,” she added. “We tried teletherapy, but my son does not respond to that.”

Even at schools that have been communicating about the program, CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Bronx Zoo Lion Lady still at large

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By David Greene She calls herself "The Lion Queen" and for the second time in two years, the NYPD is once again looking for her after her latest, dangerous incursion to the entrance of the lion's den at the Bronx Zoo. The NYPD is now asking for the public's help in locating Myah Autry, 32, of Brooklyn, who faces additional charges of criminal trespass after she jumped into a fenced off enclosure at the Bronx Zoo that is next to the enclosure that houses the lions.

According to an unnamed NYPD official, in the latest

incident officers from the 52nd Precinct were called at 3:40 p.m. on November 11, to the zoo for a report of a trespasser. The official said of the incident, "The individual entered the fenced Lion Exhibit inside the Bronx Zoo, located at 2300 Southern Boulevard.

The individual then fled out of the exhibit to parts un-

known.”

On her Instagram page which had more than 97,000 followers, before it was taken down, Autry first posed for a photo with an NYPD police officer, wearing the same blonde wig, red dress and leopard-print shawl that she would be seen wearing in a video shot outside of the Bronx Zoo's Southern Boulevard entrance.

In one of two videos from inside the lion enclosure, one lion is seen walking over and laying down, keeping his eyes fixed on Autry, who was holding two bouquets of roses. Autry tells the person making the video, "I missed them

Photo courtesy of Myah Autry's Instagram page

Myah Autry of Brooklyn spends time with the lions at the Bronx Zoo, but officials say a 15-foot moat protected the woman from being mauled on November 11, 2021.

so much." That video had been viewed nearly 13,000 times.

In the video Autry then tells the lions, "I came back for you. Yes, I love you!," before she starts tossing money in the air.

In a posting to her video,

Autry claimed to have brought $80,000 in $100 bills for the lions, "to dance for you."

The second video from inside the lion's enclosure, Autry tosses more money, CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Bronx Zoo lights up the holidays once again

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The holiday season is officially underway in New York City as Holiday Lights opened at the Bronx Zoo. Director Jim Breheny was joined by a representative from event sponsor Con Edison to officially flip the switch and bring the festivities to life.

“As New York City continues to recover from the pandemic, the City is once again at the heart of the holiday season and festivities. Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo is a family tradition that will further demonstrate the resiliency of

New Yorkers and the path back to normalcy,” said Jim Breheny, Bronx Zoo Director and WCS Executive Vice President for Zoos & Aquarium.

“This year Holiday Lights is a fully outdoor experience and

features more wildlife lanterns and light displays than ever before.

We welcome everyone to enjoy the festivities, and sincerely wish all New Yorkers happy holidays.”

Holiday Lights encompasses an expansive area of the zoo. It includes 5 unique wildlife lantern safaris representing animals from different geographic regions around the world; the all new larger-thanlife Forest of Color; and activity areas spread out across the park.

Fan-favorite seasonal activities include professional ice carving demonstrations and CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Bronx Zoo lights up the holidays once again

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competitions, wildlife stilt walkers, Wildlife Theater performances, holiday train rides, seasonal treats, and more.

At the center of the action, the historic Astor court is adorned with new displays and multiple lighted trees that are all synced with holiday music for an immersive light show.

“The Bronx Holiday Lights Festival brings thousands of New Yorkers and visitors together to enjoy this beloved tradition year after year.

This outdoor event is a safe, socially distanced way to celebrate the

spirit of the season with friends and family,” said Kyle Kimball, Con Edison’s vice president of Government Relations.

“We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of this event and we thank The Bronx Zoo for lighting up the holidays with this show.”

In addition to the dozens of new animal lanterns, light shows, and activities, the zoo has added the one-night-only Holiday Cheers event for adults age 21 and older. On December 1, the Holiday Lights experience will feature unlimited food sampling along with select seasonal adult

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beverages. Of course, the evening will also include all of the Holiday Lights displays and activities.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are expected to sell out.

For more information visit Holiday Cheers online.

Holiday Lights will open to the public and operate on select dates from November 19 to January 9 with a WCS member preview November 16-18 (sold out). Tickets for Holiday Lights must be purchased in advance and are date specific. Information, schedules, and tickets are available online. Visit the Know before You Go page for all details and COVID safety guidelines.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights is sponsored by Con Edison.

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Scooter rider slams into SUV in front of cops

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By David Greene A 60 year old e-scooter rider slammed into a turning SUV outside of the 52nd Precinct at Webster Avenue and East Mosholu Parkway North. The still-unidentified victim suffered a serious leg injury, but is expected to survive.

According to NYPD spokeswoman, detective Sophia Mason, the crash was reported at 6:18 p.m. on November 11. Mason Photo by David Greene stated that after a preThe scooter and helmet remain in the crosswalk afliminary investigation, it ter its rider drove into a turning SUV at Webster was determined that the Avenue and East Mosholu Parkway North outside SUV driver was traveling of the 52nd Precinct on November 11, 2021.

northbound on Webster Avenue and was turning west onto East Mosholu Parkway North-- when the SUV was struck by the scooter that was headed southbound on Webster Avenue.

The scooter rider was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital with a serious leg injury and the driver of the SUV remained at the scene.

As the driver was waiting for police officers to conclude their investigation, the driver told the Bronx Voice, "I was making a left hand turn from

Webster (Avenue) over here... he ran into me.”

The scooter rider's condition was first reported by police as "serious," but later upgraded to "stable" condition as the scooter rider was now expected to survive his injuries.

The crash is the latest in a string of fires, robberies and crashes-- many involving rented e-scooters or e-bikes as the borough is currently participating in a pilot program, testing the feasibility of the different types of transport methods and their popularity among Bronxites.

Zoo Lion Lady still at large

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before tossing the two bouquets of roses that the two lions quickly inspect as one person is heard repeating, "Get out.”

If Autry seems familiar, she was arrested two years ago after a similar incident at the zoo on September 29, 2019. At the time she was charged with two counts of criminal trespassing. Police arrested her in 2019 after posting videos of her romp with the lions, but according to the Daily Mail, Autry then disappeared for nearly a year, before police caught up with her again in Coney Island in October, 2020.

The office of the Bronx District Attorney confirmed on November 15, that Autry had pleaded guilty on October 28 to trespassing in regards to the 2019 incident and was granted a conditional discharge, which included a 1-year ban from the zoo. And an order of protection was also granted to two zoo employees. Autry was due back in court on November 18, but was a no show.

In a statement issued to WNBC who broke the story, Bronx Zoo officials stated, "The woman did not enter the exhibit and was never in the same space as the lions which are separated from zoo visitors by a wide moat."

The statement continued, "This situation involves one individual who is determined to harass our lions with no regard for her safety, or the safety of our staff and our guests, and no regard for the well-being of the lions.”

When contacting a number previously associated with Autry, an angry woman answering the phone on Sunday, November 14, stated, "There's no such person connected to this number, I don't know why people keep calling this number."

When asked if she knew the woman or if she had heard what she had done, the woman on the phone replied, "No, I don't know her, I don't care, I'm just sick of people calling this

phone number, so please don't call.”

Responses on Instagram to Autry's videos were mixed as "gina1run" responded, "Good to see you back. Followed your old account," while "mellysorvari" told Autry, "U're my hero." "Danybella chacon" simply posted "Viral again," while "maarya0726" wrote, "All the blogs and every

(one) talking about you.

Myah we missed you and did you see the lion, he loves her." Another poster "tarajiqueen" told Autry, "You have a serious death wish and need to get some help! Your giving real big cat lovers a sickening feeling for playing with the king of the jungle. Keep it up and you'll get your wish.”

Readers at the Daily Mail

website were less sympathetic, as "Quietly Loud" wrote, "And when she gets mauled to death her family will sue the zoo for inadequate security." "CMB" a reader in Glasgow, Scotland wrote, "Poor lion having a nutty stalker." And "Geva" of Los Angeles replied, "You can't cure crazy in this instance, but there should be better protection for the lion.”

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1 (800) 577-TIPS 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. All tips remain confidential.

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Health Matters

Walking in a Winter Wonderland:

What u need to know about exercising outside

By Sonia Rappaport, Physical Therapist and Rehabilitation Instructor, The Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY) Partners in Care The cold weather is back! Between plunging temperatures and limited sunlight, it’s no wonder some of the most devoted of exercisers hang up their fitness gear and stay inside – whether it’s to hit the couch or the elliptical.

It should come as a surprise to no one that exercise boosts metabolism and mood. But did you know that exercising outdoors, particularly in the winter, can increase those benefits?

Believe it.

According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, exercising in the cold weather increased participants’ metabolism and their muscles’ capacity to use oxygen – not bad! Meanwhile, a 2017 study found that climbing outdoors, compared to both exercising indoors on a treadmill and to remaining sedentary, vastly improved feelings of enjoyment and reduced fatigue, supporting the notion that exercise is a viable stress recovery solution, and “green” outdoor ex-

ercise even more so.

This is especially good news for people in today’s “sandwich generation,” whose busy lives may include caring for older parents and also for their own children.

While your 70-year-old mom might not be a candidate for competitive rock climbing, she just might want to join you for a walk in the park, giving you both an enjoyable fitness boost and some time just to catch up.

As a Physical Therapist and Rehabilitation Instructor working with the not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York and its affiliate Partners in Care, I work with people of all ages and fitness capabilities, from 25-year-olds to 95-year-olds—from those recovering from surgery to homebound seniors with limited mobility. To help make winter exercise safe and enjoyable for all, I’ve put together a few important tips and precautions that I share with patients who get “cabin fever” or are looking for safe ways to stay fit and get outside during the winter months!

Protect Your Heart If you have a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes

or smoking, consult with your doctor before exercising in the cold, as these are all significant risk factors for a heart attack.

Start by exercising regularly indoors, and if you get the ‘OK’ from your doctor, feel free to venture outside. Start slowly and chart your course with a simple walk around your neighborhood or a stroll through the park. For added safety and enjoyment, ask a friend or neighbor to join you. ...And Your Skin, Feet, Hands and Ears A little cold will bite if you don’t prepare for it. When it’s cold, blood flow concentrates in the body’s core, leaving your feet, hands and ears susceptible to frostbite. A thin pair of glove liners made of wicking material under a pair of heavier gloves or mittens, a headband to cover your ears and extra thick socks under your sneakers should do the trick to protect those areas.

Remember, your skin needs protection in the winter, too! Approximately 80 percent of UV rays still penetrate through the clouds, so the sun doesn’t have to be out for your skin to be in danger. Moisturizing before you leave the house or apartment

will also help you avoid dried out and irritated skin that can result from strong winds.

Watch Out for Ice! Here’s a three-word solution for slipping on ice and snow: take it slow. The most frequent winter injuries are slips and falls, but they can absolutely be avoided by a few careful steps, like wearing boots with soles that won’t skid, making sure all paths you walk on are well-lit and walking as flat-footed as possible in areas that may be icy.

Dress the Part Bundling up like the abominable snowman or dressing down in anticipation of a sweata-thon are both rookie mistakes! It’s true that exercise generates a lot of heat – maybe enough to make you forget that it’s winter! The evaporation of sweat pulls heat from your body, and as a result, can make you feel chilled.

My solution is to dress in layers: A thin layer of synthetic material draws sweat away from your body and an extra layer of fleece adds insulation – and can be removed and put back on as needed.

Hydrate Even though you can expect to sweat less than you might in the

summer, dehydration is still a major risk factor.

Seniors in particular are susceptible to fluid and electrolyte imbalances because of the body’s declining ability to conserve water with age.

Be sure to drink water before, during and after exercising.

How Low Can You Go? Older adults are also more susceptible to hypothermia, a medical emergency in which your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. People can lessen their chances of developing health complications resulting from hypothermia if they prepare and are made aware of the symptoms, which include cold hands and feet, fatigue, confusion, trouble walking, slow breathing and a low heart rate. It’s advisable to consult with a doctor or healthcare provider before embarking on any new kind of exercise, fitness or wellness routine – especially when that routine involves a winter wonderland!

Sonia Rapaport is a physical therapist and rehabilitation instructor with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York and its private pay affiliate Partners in Care. For more information please visit www.PartnersinCareNY.org or www.VNSNY. org, or call (212) 6097700.

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Mobile med outreach launched to battle substance abuse - Gov hails

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State has secured $2 million in federal funding through the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program to aid addiction service providers in the fight against the opioid crisis.

The funding will be used to establish Mobile Medication Units (MMUs) to dispense medications to treat substance use disorder, including methadone and buprenorphine. This follows the rules issued by the federal DEA to allow these units to be op-

erated by existing Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Providers. These will be the first MMUs in New York State.

"Fighting the opioid crisis is a personal battle for me, and we will continue to do all that we can to boost resources and services for those

struggling with addiction," Governor Hochul said. "These first-oftheir-kind Mobile Medication Units in New York State will bring this important service directly to New Yorkers in need and allow them to receive critical services to support them on their road to recovery."

Providers that currently operate OASAS-certified OTP programs are eligible to receive funding and will be awarded up to $200,000 to be used to purchase and retrofit an MMU.

These mobile units will offer services that include admission assessments and medication induction, medication administration and observation, toxicology tests, and other medical services.

These mobile units can help people facing barriers to treatment, including geographic proximity to OTP facilities and transportation issues, and increase the availability of medication assisted treatment for addiction. They will supplement already ex-

Governor Kathy Hochul hailed the launch of a new mobile outreach effort to battle substance abuse.

isting mobile services throughout New York State offered by other OASAS-certified providers, including assessment, counseling, medications other than methadone for addiction treatment, telepractice, and transportation services.

Funding will be awarded through an RFA process administered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

Applications are due on December 6th.

State Senator Pete Harckham said, "We know that people with Substance Use Disorder, especially those residing in rural areas of New York, do not always have access to modes of transportation or funds for travel to opioid treatment providers. With Governor Hochul securing the necessary funding for the state's first Mobile Medication Units, we will be bringing the means toward recovery to where those in need actually live statewide and will save lives as a result.”

Assemblymember Phil Steck said, "We are pleased that OASAS is making medically assisted treatment for opioid addiction more accessible in NY. MethCONTINUED ON PAGE 15

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Morris Heights Health Center: A staple in the community

By India Dansby As one of New York’s larg-

est Federally Qualified Health Center’s (FQHC’s), Morris Heights Health Center (MHHC) has held a distinct reputation of being a trusted provider in the West Bronx and surrounding areas.

Since 1981, the health center has committed itself to improving health equity, eliminating health disparities, and delivering culturally sensitive care to families in underserved communities. Today, MHHC is the medical home to more than 57,000 patients annually. The health center provides a wide range of primary and specialty care services that are affordable and accessible to all patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Everyone has a right to affordable quality health care and community health centers have played an integral role in ensuring that,” said Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia representing the 86th district that covers the Fordham, Mt. Eden, Morris Heights, and University Heights sections of the Bronx “Morris Heights Health Center has been a catalyst for change in the community for four decades

addressing the social and health inequalities that have plagued families in underserved communities throughout the Bronx for years.”

MHHC is a health center marked by their legacy of being the first as well as an innovator.

The health organization was the first community health center (CHC) in the country to offer a birthing center in a low-income community; they pioneered a care model for HIV and AIDs services, which is now replicated nationwide; and they were the first FQHC in NYC to be accredited by the Joint Commission.

MHHC has since been recognized and accredited by the: • the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Level III Patient Centered Medical Home • the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as a health quality leader, and • the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for their Excellence in support of breastfeeding mothers.

Longtime patient, and Bronx resident, Julia F. has

seen firsthand the impact that the health center has made in the community. “There are many health organizations in the Bronx, but I continue to come to Morris Heights Health Center because they make me feel like family. I am a long-time patient of Dr. Bookhardt, Chief Medical Officer. For many years Dr. Bookhardt and I have been partners in my care. She listens and addresses my concerns and makes me feel confident in the care I receive.”

Since the health centers establishment, they’ve been able to develop thousands of outreach initiatives and partner with over 500 local community-based organizations to meet the needs of the community. Some of their initiatives include free health screenings, education and workshops, coat drives, back to school giveaways, annual Christmas toy drives, Thanksgiving turkey vouchers and much more.

MHHC has also partnered with local organizations to address food insecurities. Through the organization’s philanthropic work, they have mobilized over $50 million to aid the socioeco-

nomic growth of the communities in which they serve, enhanced their existing programs, and established a scholarship program for low-income college bound students in the Bronx.

From 2013 to date, MHHC has awarded 133 scholarships totaling $530,800 in financial support.

More than 30 years later, MHHC has evolved from a storefront location to a multisite health system with over 31 locations that include 10 health centers, 1 urgent care center, and 20 school-based health facilities in the NYC public school system. Their schoolbased health program is one of the nation’s leading programs offering a range of comprehensive health and social services to 17,000 patients annually from pre-k to 12th grade. Under the leadership of President and CEO Mari G. Millet, the organization opened its first urgent care center in the Burnside Jerome Tremont (BJT) district in May 2021. The center offers residents access to prompt and reliable care for urgent non-life-threatening conditions.

In addition, the health cen-

ter announced plans to expand their medical services into the Flatbush section of Brooklyn early 2022. The state-of-theart facility will offer thousands of Brooklyn residents a range of services from family and adult medicine, behavioral health, nutrition, and a maternal health center of excellence.

“We are excited to connect Brooklyn residents to accessible and affordable quality care especially during these unprecedented times,” said President & CEO Mari G. Millet. MHHC played a crucial role in supporting local community responses to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as expanding their efforts into neighboring boroughs that included Brooklyn. The health center administered thousands of vaccination doses in more than 100 locations.

Morris Heights Health Center is committed to continuing their legacy of designing new and innovative programs that foster socioeconomic growth for residents in communities throughout NYC that have the greatest need for support.

To learn more about MHHC and their philanthropic work in the community, visit www.mhhc.org

tion-leading continuum of addiction care with full prevention, treatment, and recovery services. To combat this epidemic, the state has worked to expand access to traditional services, including crisis services, inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment programs, as well as medication assisted treatment, and mobile treatment and transportation services.

Governor Hochul was a member of the

NYS Heroin and Opioid Task Force, which in 2016, recommended new, non-traditional services, including recovery centers, youth clubhouses, expanded peer services, and open access centers, which provide immediate assessments and referrals to care. These services have since been established in numerous communities around the state, and have helped people in need access care closer to

where they live.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's tollfree, 24-hour, 7-daya-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found

using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment. ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website.

If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas. ny.gov.

Mobile med outreach launched to battle substance abuse - Gov hails CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

-adone is a longstanding scientific approach to combatting heroin addiction. Combatting this epidemic should be the highest priority for State government. MMUs are an important effort to meet that urgent need.”

Over the past several years, New York State has instituted an aggressive, multi-pronged approach to addressing the opioid epidemic, and created a na-

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COVID-19 booster helps vast majority of cancer patients

Most cancer patients who had no measurable immune response after being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 were helped by a third vaccine dose, according to a new study by investigators at the Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center (MECC). The findings, published in Cancer Cell, also show that a “booster” shot is extremely beneficial for all cancer patients, who face a heightened risk of severe disease and dying from COVID-19, and particularly in people who have a blood cancer.

“The speed of recommendations and treatments for COVID-19 has been incredible, but many questions have remained regarding the safety and necessity of booster shots,” said Lauren Shapiro, M.D., co-first author of the paper with Astha Thakkar, M.B.B.S, both third-year hematology/oncology fellows at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “Our re-

search now gives data-driven answers about when vaccine protection from COVID-19 wanes for immunocompromised individuals and offers clear guidance about the necessity of vaccination for people with cancer.”

The study involved two groups of patients with cancer. The first was composed of 99 people who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. They were tested after their initial vaccination for the presence of antiviral antibodies in their blood— the sign of an active immune response that would reduce their risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19.

For most patients with detectable antibodies, their antibody levels declined when testing was repeated 4 to 6 months later.

The people in the second group, made up of 88 fully vaccinated patients with cancer, were also tested for the presence of antiviral antibodies in their blood. Sixty-four

percent of them had detectable antibodies, while the remaining patients (all but one of whom had blood cancer) tested negative for antibodies. All participants—people with and without antibodies—then received a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Four weeks later, when their blood was again tested, 79.5% (70 out of 88 people) had antibody levels that were higher than before they received their booster shot.

Most notably, 56% of cancer patients who previously had no detectable antibodies after standard vaccination now had them after receiving their booster shot.

“Our study demonstrates in clear terms how the booster shot can make all the difference for some people with compromised immune systems, such as people with cancer,” said Balazs Halmos, M.D., M.S., director of the Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program at Montefiore Health System, pro-

fessor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and MECC associate director of clinical science. “As our care for cancer patients and vaccine guidelines evolve, we believe these findings underscore the continued benefit vaccines give to all our patients.” Dr. Halmos, along with Amit Verma, M.B.B.S., associate director for translational research at MECC and chief of the division of hemato-oncology in the department of oncology at Montefiore, are co-corresponding authors on the paper.

This study is the fourth from MECC investigators focusing on cancer patients and COVID-19. In a paper published in May 2020 in Cancer Discovery, they found that COVID-19 patients with blood cancers had significantly higher mortality rates compared with patients who had solid tumors. In a follow-up study published in March 2021 in Nature Cancer, they reported their findings on pa-

tients’ response to their initial COVID-19 infection. In June 2021, this team reported on cancer patients’ initial responses to COVID-19 vaccination in Cancer Cell.

In this new study, participants who received the booster had an average age of 69 and were almost evenly split between men and women.

Sixty-five percent had blood cancer and 35% had a solid tumor. Most participants, 70%, were vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, 25% with Moderna, and 5% with Johnson & Johnson. Approximately 36% of patients were Caucasian, 33% African American, 22% Hispanic, 8% Asian, and 1% belong to other ethnic groups.

Additional Montefiore-Einstein authors are: Sean Campbell, Ph.D., Stefanie Forest, M.D., Ph.D., Kith Pradhan, Ph.D., Jesus Gonzalez-Lugo, M.D., Ryann Quinn M.D., Tushar D. Bhagat, Ph.D., Gaurav S. Choudhary, Ph.D., Margaret McCort, M.D., M.S., R. Alejandro Sica, M.D., Mendel Goldfinger M.D., Swati Goel, M.D., Jesus Anampa, M.D., M.S., David Levitz M.D., Ariel Fromowitz M.D., Akash Pradip Shah, M.S., Charlotte Sklow, Gregory Alfieri, Andrew Racine, M.D., and Lucia Wolgast M.D. Lee Greenberger, Ph.D. from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was also an author.

The paper is titled “Efficacy of booster doses in augmenting waning immune responses to COVID-19 vaccine in patients with cancer.”

This study was supported in part by the Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center (P30 CA013330), NCORP grant 2UG1CA189859-06), Jane and Myles Dempsey Family Fund, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

BRONX VOICE• November 24 - 30, 2021• 17

Two stabbed, 3rd beaten in separate Pel P’rkway attacks

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By David Greene Police officers at the 49th Precinct are looking for several suspects after two victims were stabbed and a third was beaten in incidents near Pelham Parkway and White Plains Road.

In the most recent incident that took place at 5:30 a.m. on November 12, at Holland Avenue and Astor Avenue, NYPD spokeswoman, Detective Denise Moroney told the Bronx Voice, "Upon arrival officers were informed by a 43-year-old male he was walking when he was pushed to the ground, punched in the face and his cellphone and airpods were forcibly removed by unidentified individuals.”

Moroney added that the suspects fled the location. Police currently have no suspect description and no arrests have been made, but police continue to investigate.

According to a posting on the Friends of Pelham Parkway's Facebook page, the vic-

tim remained on the ground and unconscious for two hours before being discovered and help was called.

According to Moroney, the first of two stabbings took place at 1:33 a.m. on November 7. Moroney said, "Police responded to a 911 call of an assault in the vicinity of White Plains Road and Pelham Parkway North." She continued, "Officers were informed by a 16-year-old male who was walking home when he was approached by an unidentified individual and stabbed in the leg.”

The suspect fled the area and the unidentified victim was transported to Jacobi Hospital by EMS. At the time the victim was listed as "stable." Moroney

reported that there were no arrests and no description of this assailant was available at this time, but police continue to investigate.

On November 9, at 8:30 p.m. officers were called to another stabbing outside of 2200 White Plains Road at Pelham Parkway North.

Moroney said of this incident, "Police responded to a call of a male stabbed. Upon arrival, officers observed a 23-year-old male victim with a stab wound to the neck." That victim was transported to Jacobi Hospital in critical condition.

Moroney concluded, "There is no perpetrator description at this time, there are no arrests and the investigation remains ongoing.”

Anyone with any information on any of these incidents is urged to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782) and calls remain confidential.

Photo courtesy of Friends of Pelham Parkway

A bloody 23-year-old victim attempts to close the wound on his neck after being stabbed along White Plains Road at Pelham Parkway on November 9, 2021.

18• BRONX VOICE• November 24 - 30, 2021

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NYC delays its massive academic recovery program for students with disabilities

some parentsFROM say the CONTINUED PAGE 6

options they’ve been offered won’t necessarily work for their kids.

Sandra Pelligrini has twin sons in second grade at PS 164 in Borough Park, Brooklyn, who are eligible for the recovery services.

She said a staffer called her Oct. 26 to ask if she wanted her sons to participate, and whether three extra hours on each Tuesday, Wednesday and possibly Thursday afternoon would work.

“Obviously, I would be interested, but my kids are 7 years old. It’s a 9-hour day,” said Pelligrini. “I don’t want to say no to anything, especially if it’s going to benefit my kids,” she added. “But three extra hours is probably not going to work for them — it’s just too long.”

Pelligrini said she hasn’t heard back from the school since the initial phone call gauging her interest.

A bumpy rollout

Even in a typical year, many schools struggle to staff special education positions. But with three consecutive school years disrupted by the pandemic, and with many educators experiencing burnout, it is an extra challenge to entice educators to work overtime.

Education department guidance says that the program’s small-group instruction should include a

maximum of six students, meaning schools that serve many students with disabilities may need a significant amount of staff for the program.

“Principals have been finding out who wants to do this program, and it’s been a hard sell,” said Mark Cannizzaro, head of the union that represents principals and other administrators. “There are not enough teachers, especially special education teachers, to staff these positions.”

At the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School in Queens, co-principal Pat Finley said the school has been able to find nearly enough staff for group instruction. But he noted the education department has not laid out clear plans for providing services such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy, which are also supposed to be provided during the after-school and Saturday sessions.

The school, for instance, does not have an occupational therapist on staff this year and is relying on a voucher program to provide that service to families. “I have no idea who is going to provide that service, when it’s going to happen, or how it’s going to happen for families,” Finley said.

The city has hired or is in the process of hiring 300 occupational, physical and speech therapists since July, department officials said last month. In areas with shortages, schools can assign service providers from other schools or the city will “assign con-

tracted providers.”

It’s also unclear what kind of transportation students will receive. Department officials have promised that students who typically receive busing as part of their special education learning plans will be eligible for transportation, but they indicated that could involve being reimbursed for car services rather than a yellow school bus.

They’ve asked schools to program after-school recovery services first for the students who require busing, in order to give the Office of Pupil Transportation at least 30 days to schedule the after-school routes.

Students attending programs on Saturdays will receive MetroCards, according to a webinar conducted by education officials last month.

Officials did not say

if students who don’t have busing listed on their IEP but still take the bus to school, such as students in temporary housing, would be guaranteed transportation.

Finley said he’s frustrated that the city hasn’t communicated more clearly with schools or given them more leeway to design their own programs.

“I’m certainly not against the idea of special ed recovery services,” Finley said.

“The implementation seems scattershot, not thought out and not thoughtful of the challenges schools already face on the ground.”

Long waits bring harm City officials believe that the afternoon and Saturday programs will help students with disabilities catch up.

But for those who need more individual help, or are unable to attend after-school and Saturday sessions, families should still be eligible for what are known under federal law as “compensatory services.” The city is required to provide such make-up services if a student did not receive an “appropriate” education, advocates say.

In November 2020, the Department of Education revealed that 46% of special education students had received only some or none of the services they were entitled to in the prior school year — largely because schools shuttered and went to all-remote learning when COVID struck in March of that year, according to a recent report by state comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

As of January of this year, about 25% of students with IEPs — roughly 54,000 — weren’t receiving all of their mandated services, the report said.

To get access to those services, families would typically have to individually file complaints through an “impartial hearing” process, which is overseen by an administrative judge and has been logjammed for years.

The non-profit organization Advocates for Children filed a lawsuit against the city last fall seeking to force the education department to create a more streamlined process without requiring parents to file complaints that often take many months to resolve.

So far, the case is still winding its way through the courts and has not resulted in a new process for requesting those services.

“These are students who did not receive an appropriate education from March 2020 through at least the end of the 2021 school year and possibly continuing now,” said Rebecca Shore, the litigation director at Advocates for Children. “The longer they have to wait to get those compensatory services they need, the greater the harm will be to the students.”

BRONX VOICE• November 24 - 30, 2021• 19

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Culinary Road

By Morris Gut

Holiday dining on the sound at Mamma Francesca

When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in 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 since 1983, 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, albeit with a sprinkling of contemporary taste.

Nick’s seasonal Ischia Tomato Salad is the stuff of Mediterranean dreams, exploding with flavor!

Meanwhile, flavorful winter starters include Giant Meat Balls; Mussels served with marinara or spicy fra diavolo sauce; Hot Antipasto Platter or Cold Antipasti Franceschino, loaded with a selection of the kitchen’s daily larder; Gamberi Bacardi, shrimp wrapped in bacon served on a bed of greens; Rucola & Radicchio Salad with Gorgonzola Salad; and Sizzling Baked Stuffed Clams.

The new Chichetti Menu (snacks and side dishes) is available at the

bar throughout the day can be quite good, too.

You can select a pasta and combine it with your favorite sauce: penne, linguini, gnocchi, spaghetti, or cavatelli served Carbonara style, with prosciutto, bacon, onions, parmigiano cheese and a touch of cream sauce; Clam Sauce, chopped top neck clams in a red or white sauce; popular Alla Vodka sauce with tomato, prosciutto, vodka and cream; a traditional Bolognese Ragu; and Ai Funghi, mushrooms, onions and fresh tomatoes.

Nick’s popular house made Manicotti and Cheese Ravioli are also on hand. Pastas are served with fresh house salad.

Mamma’s Secondi Piatti include such meat, fish and seafood entrees as: Nick’s signature Stuffed Chicken Breast Europeo, prosciutto, mozzarella, mushrooms & spinach, in a Marsala wine sauce; Misto Frutti di Mare, shrimp, clams, calamari, mussels in a red sauce served over a bed of linguini; fine retro versions of Chicken, Shrimp or Veal Parmigiana or Francese style; Chicken Scarpariello, served boneless with cherry peppers, garlic, rosemary, white wine and lemon zest; Veal Sorrentino, scaloppini topped with prosciutto,

eggplant, mozzarella in a light tomato sauce; and Atlantic Salmon Ischitano, with rucola, onions and fresh tomatoes. One of my favorites is Nick’s tender Rabbit Cacciatore served on the bone and it was loaded with flavor!

Carnivores will enjoy such offerings as: Grilled Lamb Chops with potatoes, onions and vegetables; traditional Pork Chops with vinegar peppers; Grilled Skirt Steak with mushrooms and onions; and Pork Chops or Sirloin della Nonna, served with sliced potatoes, peppers, mushrooms and onions. All main courses come with house salad and choice of pasta, potato, or vegetable.

Special Hint: Tasty pizzas are coming out of the new woodburning brick oven. On or off premise

catering plans are available for all types of events.

There is a good Happy Hour in the contemporized bar/lounge from 4-7 pm featuring specially priced cocktails and appetizers.

Mamma Francesca is planning to be open Christmas Eve for their traditional Fish Feast, New Year’s Eve (call ahead for seating arrangements), and New Year’s Day. No matter what the season, watching the sun set on the boat clubs from Mamma’s Veranda Room is a treat!

Mamma Francesca Italian Restaurant is located at 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle, N.Y. Lunch and dinner are served 7 days a week. Indoor & seasonal outdoor seating.

Lunch, Monday thru Saturday, noon to 3 pm, main courses: $13 to $23. Din-

ner served Monday thru Thursday, 3 pm to 10:30 pm; Friday & Saturday, to 11 pm; Sunday all day.

Main courses at dinner: $15 to $32. Private party facilities. Off premise catering packages. Delivery.

Daily Happy Hours: 3-7 pm. TVs. Children’s menu from: $8.50. Major credit cards. Casual dress. Handicapped accessible. Ample free parking.

Reservations suggested. Phone: 914-6361229. www.mammafrancesca.com

(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 over 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591.

E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)

20• BRONX VOICE• November 24 - 30, 2021

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