Bronx Voice December 11, 2019

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FATHER OF 6 BEATEN TO DEATH FOR NO REASON www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

3rd Year, No.54

Killer sentenced, but can family find justice? Page 10

Libraries to become part of mental health outreach Page 18 Photo by David Greene

New York City's First Lady Shirlane McCray announces the kick-off of "Spaces to Thrive" at specific New York Public Library branches.

December 11 - 17, 2019

Family members continue to mourn the loss of Junal Jordan, a father of six.

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Bronx man bit EMT who was trying to treat him, DA says

A Bronx man has been indicted for first-degree Assault and related charges for allegedly attacking an FDNY Emergency Medical Technician who was transporting him to a hospital in a city ambulance. The assault left the victim with nerve damage to his shoulder.

District Attorney Darcel Clark said, “The defendant al-

legedly attacked the EMT who was trying to administer aid to him. He allegedly bit the victim and then slammed him against the metal doorframe of the ambulance, which caused serious injury to the victim’s shoulder. The EMT is a 20-year-old man just starting his career of helping people in the Bronx. We will not tolerate as-

saults on our first responders. They face many hazards on the job, but they should never be subjected to violent acts.”

Clark said the defendant, Thomas Wright, 32, of the Bronx, was arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy on two counts of first-degree Assault, four counts of second-degree Assault,

and one count of third-degree Assault. Bail was continued at $15,001 cash and $20,001 bond. He is due back in court on December 16, 2019.

According to the investigation, on October 18, 2019 at approximately 9 p.m. as Wright was being transported from E. 149th Street in an Emergency Medical Services ambulance,

he allegedly caused serious physical injury to FDNY EMT Nicholas Cody, 20.

The defendant allegedly bit Cody in the left shoulder, then rushed towards Cody and, using his body, struck Cody in the chest and left shoulder.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

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Amtrak worker killed, 2 injured from transformer explosion at Con Ed station

By David Greene Officials continue to investigate the cause of a freak transformer explo-

sion that killed an Amtrak worker at a Con Edison substation on the Van Nest, Morris Park

Photo by David Greene

Con Edison workers work outside the Van Nest substation where an Amtrak worker was killed on December 5.

and Parkchester borders.

The explosion was reported at 11:30 a.m. on December 5, inside the massive plant at Unionport Road and White Plains Road. Amtrak has track that runs through the plant along East Tremont Avenue.

Officials reported that the Amtrak worker was electrocuted as he attempted to perform repairs to an overhead electrical line,

two others suffered minor injuries.

FDNY reported one aided was removed to Jacobi Hospital and the other refused medical attention.

Train traffic was halted in the area for several hours.

Amtrak issued a statement that read in part, "We are deeply saddened to report the death of an Amtrak employee." The statement added that a full investigation was underway.

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Street renaming honors Bronx Arts Ensemble founder

By David Greene A few dozen area residents joined members of the Bronx Arts Ensemble (BAE) for a street re-dedication in honor of BAE founder William J. Scribner.

The unveiling of a new street sign bearing his name, was held at the intersection of Hillman Avenue and Van Cortlandt Park South.

Scribner found-

ed the BAE in 1972, which brings different performances and styles of music free to public spaces. In 1993, BAE launched Arts-In-Educa-

tion, bringing artists inside Bronx school's.

BAE currently brings 14,000 art classes to 40 Bronx Public school's annually. The non-profit also brings more than 50 live performances a year, to such venues as Fordham University, Herbert H. Lehman College and the Bronx Library Center.

BAE artists perform free or at a reduced rate for 50,000 people a year.

The intersection will now be called William J. Scribner Way. Scribner died in September, 2016.

For more information on the BAE, visit their website at: www. bronxartsensemble.org.

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Publisher/ Publisher/ Editor Editor in in Chief Chief

Daniel Daniel Gesslein Gesslein

Associate Editor-News David Greene

Culinary Editor Morris Gut

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Photo by David Greene

Community residents and members of the Bronx Arts Ensemble proudly display new street sign honoring founder William Scribner.

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Long-time Bx. activist celebrates milestone

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Friends and family joined fellow community activists and local officials in celebrating the 80th birthday of longtime activist Barbara Gibson.

Gibson celebrated her 80th birthday at the office of Community Board #

12 on White Plains Road. Joined by her family, special guests included Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who presented Gibson with a special proclamation recognizing her birthday.

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Photo by Tomaris DeJesus

Barbara Gibson at her birthday celebration with Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.

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Killer sentenced: 10• BRONX VOICE• December 11 - 17, 2019

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Father of 6 beaten to death for no reason

The man who sensely beat a father of six to death was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison for the fatal attack, prosecutors said.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, “In a senseless, horrific act, the defendant beat a Bronx father of six to death. Our community lost a hard-working man who was providing for his family while taking college classes.”

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Junal Jordan, 43, was sentenced by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus to 18 years to life in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree Murder on November 13, 2019, as his trial commenced.

According to the investigation, on February 2, 2017, Jordan, who was on parole for Robbery, was visiting his sister in a build-

ing at 601 East 156 Street. Jordan was shadowboxing near the building’s elevator when he came upon Bakary Darboe, 46, who lived in the building and was on his way to a college class. The defendant grabbed the victim, and repeatedly punched him. Jordan put him in a chokehold and hit him in the head multiple times with a cell phone. The incident was captured on surveillance video.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy report showed he died of blunt impact injuries to the head and compression of the neck.

In court prior to sentencing, the victim’s wife Isatoe wrote a letter to the court which was

Family members continue to mourn the loss of Junal Jordan, a father of six. read by the prosecu- and suffering that ogized to his victor as part of the im- you caused to my tim’s family. pact statement: “To family, especially “I want to say I’m you, Mr. Jordan, my children, can sorry to the family,” I’m still wondering never be forgiven.” he said, “I wasn’t why you killed my Before being sen- in my right state of husband. The pain tenced Jordan apol- mind at all.

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Slick Rick, BP, Fresh Direct and City Harvest team up to feed the needy

FreshDirect and City Harvest teamed up to distribute turkeys, water and 500 Thanksgiving boxes that included sides such as stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, corn, acorn squash, sweet potatoes and more to residents of NYC Housing Authority’s Mill Brook, Mitchell and Paterson Houses, as well as local community residents.

Photos by Jason DeCrow

Turkeys and meal boxes were distributed to local Bronx residents by Slick Rick and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.R&B artist Angelica Vila.

The distribution took place at Mott Haven Bar & Grill where FreshDirect CEO David McIn-

erney and City Harvest COO Jennifer McLean were in attendance along with Bronx Borough Pres-

City Harvest COO Jennifer McLean and R&B artist Angelica Vila

ident Ruben Diaz Jr., Ricky “Slick Rick” Waters and R&B artist Angelica Vila.

The event was part of a long-running partnership between FreshDirect, the Northeast’s leading online fresh food grocer, and City Harvest, New York City’s largest food rescue organization.

FreshDirect is one of City Harvest’s largest foods donor within the five boroughs, donating 1.5 million pounds of food to New Yorkers in a typical year.

City Harvest is New York City’s largest food rescue organiza-

tion, helping to feed the nearly 1.2 million New Yorkers who are struggling to put meals on their tables. The food it receives from FreshDirect and other partners is delivered free of charge to hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens and other community partners across the five boroughs.

FreshDirect provides City Harvest daily with a wide variety of high-quality food including chicken, beef, eggs, strawberries, bananas, lettuce, pasta and much more.

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Your Hustle By Tom Greenbaum

Dramatically improve the effectiveness of your marketing by understanding the importance of just one word

In the highly competitive world today of social media, digital marketing and expensive in-store promotions, a very large percentage of marketers cannot seem to find the formula to increase their business.

If you just look at the advertisements on television, the offers on the Internet or the face of packages in retail stores, do you ever wonder why they do not “talk to you?”

In the current environment, so much of marketing and advertising is based on price. Who has the best deal, or who can promise the lowest interest rate on an automobile, a credit card or a home equity loan.

I believe that price is never a sound strategic marketing approach, as a competitor can always offer a lower deal, at least for a short period of time.

In my opinion, the reason for the proliferation of price-oriented advertising & marketing is that the people managing the

process do not understand what is the main motivator to get consumers to purchase, so they rely on the easiest, and probably most expensive and least effective way to sell your products (or services).

The key that has been missing is the magic word that can, and should change the entire way goods and services are marketed.

BENEFIT. Consumers of all types make buying decisions based on what the product or service does for THEM. In effect, what is in it for me. That is the essence of BENEFIT MARKETING. The next time you look at any advertising or promotion, ask yourself if the company is talking to you, or sim-

ply espousing their own features. For example: • How many automobile ads focus on the new reduced price or low interest rate rather than why you will have a better driving experience in the car?

• How many ads for a retail clothing store focus on how you will look or feel when you purchase their shirts, slacks or shoes?

While the concept of focusing on the consumer BENEFIT is hardly a new idea, I have been amazed at the large percentage of consumer external communications (traditional advertisements, packaging, Internet ads etc.:) have an INTERNAL focus on what they are providing the buyer, as opposed to an EXTERNAL focus that centers on what BENEFIT they are offering.

The focus on BENEFITS is a very simple fix that should relate to any advertisement,

package design or promotional effort.

If you can discipline yourself to keep thinking about what that buyer gets from the purchase rather than what you offer, I am confident that you will dramatically increase the effectiveness of your overall marketing activities.

Tom Greenbaum is the Founder of ENCORE Strategic Business Consulting, located in New York City.

They can be reached at 203-858-0515. Mr. Greenbaum is the author of seven books on various aspects of marketing, which can be seen at www.youcandoitbook.net. His most recent book is “You Can Do It; A Guide to Starting and Running a Small Business – 2018 Revised Edition. It is available in your public library or on Amazon, iPad, Kindle or where ever you buy you digital books.

Health Matters Three simple ways to spread holiday cheer to the homebound 14• BRONX VOICE• December 11 - 17, 2019

By Joanna Ignatiades, RN, VNSNY CHOICE Health Plans For many of us, the holidays are considered the “most wonderful time of the year.” But, for the frail, elderly, or homebound among us, the holidays can be a disheartening reminder of one’s own isolation and stripped independence.

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As a registered nurse and care coordinator with VNSNY CHOICE Health Plans, I understand the fragile set of circumstances that often define this time of year for many people, including grief, limited mobil-

ity, and depression.

Paying a visit to a shut-in friend, loved one or neighbor is not as consuming as you might think— and can go a long way to spreading the joy of the season in meaningful ways!

Here are a few ways to show a homebound person you care about them this holiday season: “Bring the Outside In”: For many seniors with reduced mobility, gazing out the window can be an important connection to community and the outside world. Small plants make thoughtful gifts: No matter how small, nature always helps someone feel good. Helping an isolated loved one set up a small bird feeder outside a window can help keep their spirits up and encourage them to engage with the outside world – however small its creatures may be!

“Just for You” Coupons: Handmade “favor” coupons are free, yet meaningful. Offer a “Ten Minute Back or Shoulder Massage,” a “Free Day of Washing Dishes,” or a “Walk in the Park” for some guaranteed smiles.

The Spice is Right: Healthy spiced nuts and other “sweet” gifts are a two-fold opportunity to spend some quality time with a loved one without sabotaging special dietary needs.

The Caregiver’s Cookbook has great suggestions: https:// www.vnsny.org/article_category/caregivers-cookbook/ For more information about VNSNY CHOICE Health Plans from the notfor-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York, please call 1-888-8676555 or visit www.

VNSNYCHOICE. org.

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Culinary Road

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By Morris Gut

Mulino’s is a holiday classic

It is over-the-top at Mulino’s of Westchester during the holidays and it begins with the bright lights and smell of chestnuts roasting at the entranceway. Take home a bag of them.

The annual Christmas Holiday Fest at Mulino’s lasts right thru the season and it’s a sight to behold! The fountain garden is beautiful as is the lavish dining room and bar/ lounge. General Manager Gimmy Cavagna and his staff are keeping the premises spiffy as ever: gesticulating Christmas decorations galore, holiday carolers, life size toy soldiers, the bursting colorful floral displays and handsome multilevel seating area.

The Cold Seafood Platter is a wonder and fine to share as is their decadent version of Linguine Carbonara; plump tender Rack of Lamb served on the long bone; delicate Dover Sole finished off in the dining room; and perhaps for dessert have the wait staff whip up warm Zabaglione with fresh berries. And, oh that smooth Italian cheesecake.

In 1989, when Mulino’s of Westchester debuted at its original location on Barker Ave. in White Plains, and since 1993 when it moved to its present location at 99 Court St., this restaurant has been lavishing itself on a discriminating upscale crowd under the careful guidance of proprietor Louis Gigante.

Meanwhile, the face that has become quite familiar to the regulars here is GianLuigi Cavagna, known to most of us simply as ‘Gimmy’, the seemingly tireless general manager who has been at the reservation desk six days a week for about 30 years. If he is not at the reservation desk he might be in the office, in the kitchen moving orders forward, managing his staff of 45 employees, in the dining room preparing a dish table side, or chatting with his many patrons. It’s all in a day’s work for Gimmy: “You have to love it. We don’t think about the hours, it’s hospitality in the true Italian sense,” he says.

Cavagna is a 40-year veteran of the hospitality business, a native

of Bergamo in northern Italy who trained at Istituto Professionale Alberghierio, San Pellegrino Terme-Bergamo. He has worked in Italy, Switzerland and France, traveled with Home Lines Cruises in the Caribbean, working his way from wash boy to the youngest wine steward in the fleet at age 25. Stateside he worked in such highly regarded restaurants as: La Camelia, Giambelli’s 50th, and Il Mulino

in Manhattan. This is where he met Gigante, a customer who was impressed with his work invited him to join the team at Mulino’s in Westchester.

As Gimmy puts it: “Louis is the architect in charge of the beauty, atmosphere and design of the place. I run the operation front and back of the house day to day.”

The intricate glassware, the collection of grappa--one of the largest in the metro area--

the Thomas Kinkades on the walls, the handsome bi-level dining room and bar/lounge lush with fresh flowers, the lovely view of the garden outside with its seasonal landscaping and waterfall—it’s a setting, insists Gimmy, requiring attention to detail and service.

Once seated all are served a tasty complimentary helping of Italian cheese, hot and mild cured meats. Look for CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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Mulino’s is a holiday classic CONTINUED FROM PAGE16

such menu indulgenc-

es as: the extraordinary Cold Seafood Platter (prepared for two or more), loaded with fresh chilled lobster, colossal U5 shrimp, Alaskan King Crab Legs, sweet lump crabmeat, east and west coast oysters, littleneck clams, Jonah crab claws, beautifully decorated and served over crushed ice with dijonaise, cocktail sauce and spicy horseradish. A seafood banquet! There’s Vongole Oreganate,

baked clams with garlic, lemon and white wine; and and a good version of Spiedino a la Romana, mozzarella loaf with anchovies, olives, capers in a red or white wine sauce.

Hearty pastas include: Tagliatelle alla Bolognese tossed in a meat ragu; Linguine Nere con Coda d’Aragosta Marechiara, black linguine with tender baby lobster tails in a light tomato sauce; decadent Garganelli alla Carbonara, tossed with pancetta, eggs and parmigiano

reggiano; and Pappardelle al Pomodoro e Basilico, with tomato and fresh basil. A recent taste of the Risotto with porcini was terrific!

For a main course try the hefty Nodino di Vitello Valdostana, double cut veal chop stuffed with prosciutto, fresh herbs and cheese braised in a brandy, shitake mushroom and petite pea cream sauce; Carre d’Agnello al Forno, American prime rack of lamb roasted and served with sage

sauce; Scalloppine al Tartufo, veal sautéed with porcini mushrooms and white truffle butter with a touch of cream; Salmone Luigi, Norwegian salmon sautéed with asparagus in a caper, white wine and lemon sauce; or Braciola di Maiale, Berkshire Farm stuffed pork chop with prosciutto di Parma, roasted peppers, gruyere cheese and sundried tomato served in a light pesto sauce. The signature house special Dover Sole finished off in the

dining room is quite a treat, too. Don’t pass up the smooth Italian Cheesecake or fresh Zabaglione with berries for dessert.

Special Hint: The bar/lounge is a good place to unwind and there’s often a buzzing business networking crowd along for the ride.

Mulino’s of Westchester is located at 99 Court St., White Plains. The restaurant is open Monday thru Friday for lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Saturday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Main courses at lunch: $14.75 to $38.50. Dinner served Monday thru Sunday.

Main courses at dinner: $22.75 to $44.50.

Bar and lounge. Party facilities. Major credit cards. Proper casual dress. Municipal parking. Valet parking evenings. Reservations suggested.

Phone: 914-761-1818. www. mulinosny.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: 914-2356591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline. net)

Libraries to become part of mental health outreach

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By David Greene New York City's First Lady Shirlane McCray joined officials from the New York Public Library in announcing the latest component to the ThriveNYC campaign called "Spaces to Thrive," a new partnership that will promote mental health services available to everyday New Yorkers.

The announcement was held at the Bronx Library Center on East Kingsbridge Road on December 5.

McCray was joined

by New York Public Library President and CEO Anthony Marx, who announced that the program will be rolled out at 13 public library's across the city.

Addressing two dozen visitors to the library and a handful of members of the media, McCray explained, "We created ThriveNYC to help reach people with mental health ser-

Photo by David Greene

New York Public Library President and CEO Anthony Marx and New York's First Lady Shirlane McCray announce the kick-off of "Spaces to Thrive" as part of the ThriveNYC campaign.

vices wherever they are.”

ThriveNYC is currently serving New Yorkers within the New York City public school system, senior centers, homeless shelters and police precincts.

McCray added, "Libraries are in the heart of our communities and we are honored to partner with an institution that has provided New Yorkers with free, accessible programming for 100 years. This new partnership will al-

low us to reach even more people in our city with information about mental health resources and support.”

Marx told the crowd, "This partnership with ThriveNYC is just the latest example of how we can bring reliable, important information to our communities, and work with our partners in government to support and strengthen the people of New York City.”

Of the 13 branches of the New York Pub-

lic Library participating in the program, five are in the Bronx: Bronx Library Center, Woodstock Library, Pelham Bay Library, Soundview Library and the Westchester Square Library and according to officials, each branch is in a "federally-designated mental health shortage area.”

Author John Wray was also in attendance and read a passage from his book "Lowboy," one of the books featured in the new partnership.

The program will consist of mental health workshops on such topics as suicide prevention and social-emotional learning and the workshops will be conducted by officials from the New York City Department of Health as well as groups like Safe Horizon and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

For information on upcoming events at the New York Public Library, visit their website at: www.nypl. org

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