Bronx Voice - December 22, 2021

BRONX VOICE FATAL CRASH

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5th Year, No. 12

Page 4

FREE December 22 - 28, 2021

Pages 9 & 16

Lincoln Hospital rings in the holidays

NYC Health+Hospitals/Lincoln hosted their annual tree lighting ceremony. Christopher Roker, Chief Executive Officer, is joined by his brother Al Roker, Nick Smith, NYC Deputy Public Advocate, Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo, Michael Blake representing Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson, Vanessa Gibson, Borough President-elect, and Dr. Lewis Marshall, Chief Medical Officer.

Facebook photo courtesy of Beqir Sina

Deliveryman sucker punched, Page 2 scooter stolen

NYC’s school system is ‘fundamentally flawed,’ new Chancellor says Page 10

Cops play Santa to needy kids

Page 6

Photo courtesy of Bill Ludwig

2• BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021

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Deliveryman sucker punched, scooter stolen

By Dan Gesslein A food deliveryman was sucker punched, knocked to the ground and robbed of his electric scooter by a pair of robbers in the Bronx, the NYPD says.

Police released surveillance video of the brutal mugging in broad daylight in the HUB shopping district.

At around 10:30 am on December 7, surveillance cam-

eras on the corner of 3rd Avenue and East 149th Street captured a deliveryman stopped at a red light at an intersection. A man on a bicycle pulled CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Police released surveillance video of deliveryman being punched in the face and robbed of his scooter.

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BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021• 3

Second young man dies in connection with horrific crash

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4• BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021

By David Greene The NYPD is reporting a second young man has died after a horrific car crash along Morris Park Avenue that took place at Haight Avenue-- just days before Christmas.

According to NYPD spokeswoman Detective Denise Moroney, the crash occurred at the intersection of Morris Park Avenue and Haight Avenue, at 12:15 a.m. on December 16. Moroney told the Bronx Voice, "Police responded to a 911 call of a motor vehicle collision... within the confines of the 49th Precinct.”

Moroney continued, "Upon arrival, officers observed a 26-year-old male vehicle operator with severe trauma to the head and a 24-year-old male vehicle passenger with severe trauma to the torso. EMS also responded to the location and pronounced the 26-year-old deceased at the scene.”

Moroney added that the 24-year-old passenger was rushed to Jacobi Hospital and initially listed in critical condition.

Moroney concluded, "A preliminary investigation determined that the 26-year-old male was operating a 1998 Mercedes Benz ML320, with a 24-year-old male

passenger, and traveling eastbound on Morris Park Avenue at a high-rate of speed, disobeying numerous steady red traffic signals, when the operator failed to properly navigate the roadway and the vehicle struck a pole at the location."

The NYPD's Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate the crash.

The deceased driver was identified as Kreshnik "Nick" Kajtazaj, 26, of Holland Avenue in the Allerton section of the Bronx.

On December 19, Moroney confirmed that the passenger in the vehicle, identified as Klaudio Becurri, 24, of Boston Road, also from the Allerton section, had succumbed to his injuries.

On December 17, another young man identified as "Gazi" from Throggs Neck, was visiting the makeshift memorial where the crash took place, paying respect to Kajtazaj, whom he grew up with and both had at-

Photo by David Greene

A growing memorial at the corner of Morris Park Avenue and Haight Avenue for Kreshnick "Nick" Kajtazaj, 26, and 24-yearold Klaudio Becurri.

tended Christopher Columbus High School, also in the Allerton section.

According to Gazi, Kajtazaj worked as a delivery driver for a restaurant and did construction and auto mechanic work part time.

The two had drifted apart since Gazi graduated college.

"This was a shock," Gazi continued, "because he wasn't like other people in the streets over here by passing red lights or anything like that. He wasn't the type of person to show off.”

Gazi concluded, "He just got this car, a Mercedes... Once he bought it, you know some people love to test drive by showing off, but he wasn't that type of person at all.”

As Gazi had been

speaking several vehicles had double parked at the location, as several women and girls in the large group of mourners were openly crying uncontrollably. Gazi was asked if the group was Kajtazaj family, when he stated that they were members of Becurri's family, when he confirmed that the second young man had succumbed to his injuries.

A photo from the scene posted to social media

by Beqir Sina showed the silver Mercedes SUV pinned against the utility pole, where above the pedestrian crossing sign hung an Albanian flag.

Below the photo Sina wrote, "Rest in peace Nick and Klaudio, will forever be in our hearts."

Video: Thieves drive up, rob man at gunpoint

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By Dan Gesslein Police released dramatic video of a drive up robbery in the Bronx in which the bandits waved guns in their victim’s face.

The NYPD released surveillance video of the brazen robbery on the streets of Mott Haven.

At around 11:16 pm on December 13, a 45-year-old man was getting into the

driver’s seat of his car parked at Park Avenue and East 140th Street. A dark sedan is seen pulling up alongside the car and three men wearing masks and hoods get out.

The bandits point-

BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021• 5

ed handguns in the man’s face and demanded his property.

The crooks removed the victim’s necklace, bracelet and two rings.

They then jumped back in their car and drove off.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577TIPS. All calls are Robbers wave guns in the face of their victim on a confidential.

Bronx street.

6• BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021

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Cops play Santa Claus for local youngsters

Cops played Santa’s helpers for needy children during the annual 47th Precinct Community Council Holiday Party held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The annual event brings community leaders, residents and members of the NYPD together to help provide a better Christmas for local youngsters.

Photos courtesy of Bill Ludwig

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Preston turned into North Pole

On December 11th, Preston High School transformed its halls and invited the community to travel to the North Pole and visit Santa’s Winter Workshop. Alumnae, current teachers and community members joined for an afternoon of fun and games. Santa brought gifts and the children participated in carnival-style games, cookie decorating and ornament making. Vendors were also present and attendees were able to do some Christmas shopping while supporting local businesses.

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8• BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021

NY Institute for Special Ed held winter concert

Approximately 125 K-12 students with special needs performed a variety of holiday songs and dances celebrating happiness and joy for faculty and family during a festive in-person performance at The New York Institute for Special Education’s annual winter concert in the Bronx.

The musical featured a mix of solo and group, dance and choral performances from students in the school’s Schermerhorn and Van Cleve programs, which serve

children with visual impairments and emotional disabilities. The joyous sounds of seasonal songs like Frosty the Snowman, Everybody’s Goin’ on a Sleigh Ride and

Silent Night filled the air as students played instruments including the piano, drums, flutes, guitars and bells.

The New York Institute for Special Education, founded in 1831 as The New York Institution for

the Blind, is one of the oldest and most respected schools in the nation that provides specialized services for children with disabilities. Located in the Bronx since 1924, NYISE provides quality programs

for more than 250 students from New York City’s five boroughs, Westchester County and upstate New York, including more than 100 children from the Bronx, ages 3 to 5, who attend its preschool.

Paralegals play Santa at Lincoln Hospital

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Santa came to the Bronx early in the form of paralegals. 500 toys were collected by Paralegals for the Community and distributed at Lincoln Hospital. Co-founders, Swannie and Rachel Batista along with PSFTC staff, Vanessa Lugo and Maxcimo Scott organized this toy drive which was sponsored by Cookies Kids Department Stores from the Hub and Hyatt Herald Square NYC.

10• BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021

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Incoming Chancellor David Banks says NYC’s school system is ‘fundamentally flawed,’ promises reforms

Photo Alex Zimmerman / Chalkbeat

Incoming Chancellor David Banks holds up a photo of himself as a fourth grader outside P.S. 161 in Brooklyn, where he attended elementary school.

This story was originally published in ChalkBeatNYC.

By Alex Zimmerman Mayor-elect Eric Adams and his newly announced schools Chancellor David Banks vowed to upend New York City’s education department, offering pointed criticisms of the city’s vast education bureaucracy and promising to better serve its most vulnerable students.

Outside of P.S. 161 in Brooklyn, which Banks attended through the fifth grade, the pair repeatedly noted that roughly 65% of students of color are not considered proficient in reading or math and argued the education department’s $38 billion budget is not producing the results it should.

“If 65% of white children were not reaching

proficiency in the city, they would burn the city down,” Adams said.

Although they did not offer many specifics about how they plan to boost achievement for the highest-need students, Banks and Adams — who both attended the city’s public schools — began to outline some priorities.

They emphasized early childhood program-

ming, a plan to launch universal screening to identify students with dyslexia, improving students’ access to healthy food, and ensuring that more students are exposed to career options before they graduate.

Adams also indicated that he wants to replicate schools that have found successful models, including traditional public schools, charters, and even religious schools.

“Wherever we find excellence, we’re going to duplicate that,” Adams said.

That approach is reminiscent of the “portfolio model” of school management that some cities have embraced, which involves expanding the schools seen as effective and closing those that don’t measure

up. (Banks hasn’t said whether he would close schools.)

In some of his most fiery comments, Banks said the city’s students have enormous promise but are stymied by a system that often doesn’t serve them well.

“Every young person who attends our schools across the city is filled with brilliance, potential promise, and gifts,” he said. “They exist in a school system which is fundamentally flawed.”

Banks vowed to shake up the education department’s bureaucracy itself, indicating that administrators who work in the department’s headquarters may be redeployed to work closer to schools.

“Here’s the question that will be asked of

everybody who works throughout this department: If you left, and your job disappeared tomorrow, would that change anything that’s going on in any of our schools?” Banks said.

“There needs to be a transformation and it will start at the top.”

Banks indicated he would involve parents, students, and educators in key decisions as chancellor — saying he would never make a major announcement without their input.

“The answers to how we re-engineer the system exists in the hearts and the minds of the teachers, the principals, the children, and their families,” Banks said.

“If we want to create an innovative school sysCONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021• 11

Deliveryman sucker punched, scooter stolen CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

up alongside him and started talking.

Another man on foot snuck up behind the delivery driver and punched him repeatedly in the face, knocking him to the ground.

The attacker then

Police released photos of two men wanted for questioning in the attack and robbery of a deliveryman in the Bronx.

hopped on the delivery bike and took off with his bicycle riding accomplice.

Investigators said the victim suffered a contusion to his

lip, and bruising and swelling to his face. The deliveryman was transported by ambulance to Lincoln Hospital where he is listed in stable

condition.

In addition to the delivery man’s scooter, the muggers rode off with his cell phone.

Police also released surveillance photos

of two men wanted for questioning.

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

12• BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021

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Health Matters

Navigating the holidays, seasonal stress

By Dr. Jenny Seham Can we balance celebration and safety this holiday season? The answer is ‘yes,’ and the ways to do that are as infinite as our imagination.

Start by taking a deep breath to help slow down any racing thoughts and anxiety. At the end of this challenging year, we don’t have to let the holidays carry us away with panic and worry. Many want to “get back to normal” be with family and friends, attend events, do shopping and finish their year of school and work.

Begin by giving yourself a few moments to reflect on the ups and downs of 2021 – this will help you stay in the present and appreciate what matters. * Allow yourself and others to share what you might be missing.

Connection to others is vital for our mental health. Reminisce about family good

times by sharing photos. Allow yourself and others to be sad or nostalgic but also allow yourself to laugh and enjoy things without guilt. * Connect and communicate through food and activities, it’s ok to change things and have new delights. My traditional Thanksgiving always involved a lot of people and a huge turkey. This year, a giant turkey wasn’t needed, so I picked up a duck to roast, though I had never made one before. I was a little fearful that some guests might miss the turkey, but the duck turned out to be fun. My nephew became a consultant, as he had eaten duck often (though never cooked one!).

Everyone had a role – cooking, eating and critiquing. We declared it a successful collaboration and a new ‘tradition.’ * Take advantage of some new skills and communicate using video. Despite some screen fatigue, many of us have gotten good at being online. People are finding that they enjoy connecting for a few minutes with family and friends who are far away. * Take a walk, or a run, or a hike, or skate. Be in nature.

It’s good for the spirit, your mental and physical health.

What if you can’t be with the ones you love? Even without a pandemic, families can be separated for so many reasons.

Here are some ideas to share meaningful holidays that could become new traditions. * Two Truths and a Lie is a fun, time-tested activity that easily translates to online

gatherings.

Each person comes up with two truths and one lie about themselves and the others have to ‘guess the lie.’ You get a point for guessing the lie or for stumping the other participants.

It can be amazing (and hilarious) what families reveal. I learned my 14-yearold niece LOVES garlic – and a gourmet garlic package became her prize. * Tell a story – Each family member shares a holiday

memory, about a beloved relative, or shared experience.

Another option, pick a favorite food or holiday item and tell a story about why it means so much. * Share artwork, poetry, or a favorite quote or passage. Let people know in advance, asking them to come to the gathering ready to share. This can be open to anything that people want to share or be more specific with something that is tied to your family traditions.

Homebound for the Holidays?

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Tips for mental health in difficult times

By Deirdré DeLeo, Associate Director of Programs and Clinical Operations, Visiting Nurse Service of New York The holiday season is often referred to as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, including those who are elderly or homebound, the holidays can heighten feelings of isolation, grief, and upset.

This year may be especially difficult for those experiencing the “holiday blues,” as the COVID-19 pandemic has generated fear, distance, and the absence of traditional communal activities. Many times, however, these “blues” are a symptom of something much greater, such as depression, anxiety, or even self-destructive ideation.

Nearly one in four adults ages 65 and older reported experiencing depression or anxiety in August 2020, a rate that has been steady since the start of the pandemic, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Similarly, 46% of older adults in July said that worry and stress related to COVID-19 has negatively impacted their mental health, up from 31% in May. In my role as Associate Director for Community Mental Health Programs and Clinical Operations at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY),

my colleagues and I are trained to observe and skillfully respond to people of all ages who may be struggling with mental health issues. As the holidays approach, and during this time of crisis, it is crucial that we not only stay vigilant of depression and anxiety indicators but also know how to navigate them.

Go Down Memory Lane While this year may hinder us from annual festivities and time spent with family, it can also serve as a time to slow down and reflect on happy memories. Perhaps you want to remember a holiday tradition that stood out to you the most or watch a favorite Christmas movie from your childhood. Dusting off an old photo album can also be a nice way to relive special moments. …Or Start New Traditions!

You may hear the phrase “unprecedented times” spoken frequently during this pandemic as there is no doubt that our daily lives have shifted dramatically.

While this holiday season is met by changes, not all of them need to be discerning. Consider trying a hearty new recipe, sending holiday

cards, or even making holiday-themed crafts! New traditions are created at life’s most unexpected moments.

Make Merry, but in Moderation

Mental wellbeing and physical health go hand-inhand. There is nothing as enticing as a colorful row of holiday cookies and treats, but excessive sugar and carbohydrates can zap your energy and then your spirits—especially if combined with too much alcohol. Stick to healthy eating patterns during the holidays, emphasizing lean meats, leafy vegetables, whole grains and fruit. Avoid driving after indulging and be aware of any medications that may be contraindicated with alcohol.

The Spice is Right Healthy spiced nuts and other “sweet” gifts are a two-fold opportunity to gift a loved one or indulge yourself without sabotaging special dietary needs. VNSNY’s ‘Caregiver’s Cookbook’ has some tasty and fulfilling suggestions!

Do Good, Feel Good The pandemic has created

all kinds of need in New York City, from health care to economic support. In the spirit of giving, consider using the money you would usually spend on holiday gathering to donate to a charity dear to your heart, or donating food, toys, or clothing to local drives. During this time of crisis, every act of charity goes even further, and there is no warmer feeling than doing something good.

Close from Afar The holidays can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, and amid the isolation created by the COVID-19 crisis, this loneliness has become even more common. Sending text messages or emails is a great way to stay connected, but phone or video calls add a more realistic and personal flair to your communication.

While hugging a computer screen just isn’t the same, consider inviting a group of friends or family members into a video call on Zoom for a bit of holiday cheer. Or perhaps you’d like to call a friend you haven’t spoken to in months to catch each other up on your year. And when in doubt, remember that in the

city that never sleeps, no one is ever truly alone.

Appreciate You

Holidays can be stressful, and it just might be impossible to accomplish all the things you set out to do. If you don’t get your handmade Christmas cards out this year or can’t seem to finish knitting your nephew a new sweater, cut yourself some slack.

The holidays often cause us to set unrealistic expectations and get down on ourselves if we can’t meet them. Give yourself some credit–this year has not been easy for anyone. Take a moment to remind yourself of have far you’ve come and be grateful for the gifts in your life.

If you or someone you care about seems seriously anxious or depressed, it’s time to get help. Remember to Ask, Listen and Get Help by calling NYC WELL at 1-888-6929355.

Deirdré DeLeo, is the Associate Director of Programs and Clinical Operations with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York and its Community Mental Health Services division. For more information please visit www.VNSNY.org or call (800) 675-0391.

14• BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021

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Einstein receives grant to expand addiction medicine

Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System have been awarded a three-year, $447,000 grant to grow their addiction medicine education and training programs for medical students and residents. The grant, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will fund a new curriculum focused on the diagnosis and care for people with opioid use disorder (OUD), including guidance about medications for addiction treatment (MAT), particularly buprenorphine.

“Our Bronx neighborhoods suffer disproportionately high rates of OUD and overdose deaths,” said Tiffany Lu, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of medicine at Einstein and director of the Montefiore Buprenorphine Treatment Network.

“Many of these deaths are preventable, but access to medications, especially buprenorphine has not kept pace with the need.

This grant enables us to leverage our deep academic and clinical expertise to weave a strong thread of addiction medicine training throughout our institutions—from medical school through residency.

We’ll share our curriculum with other medical schools and health systems in the U.S. and globally, so more physicians will be able to provide life-saving care for people with OUD or other substance use disorders.”

Educating the Next Generation of Doctors

Medical providers who treat people using MAT must obtain a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine.

“While medical students are not yet licensed to prescribe medications,” said Dr. Lu, “this new foundational training will help them understand how these medicines work and enable them to advocate for addiction treatments when caring for patients during their clinical rotations and future residencies.”

In addition to the MAT training, the new medical school curriculum will offer instruction and case discussions on real scenarios involving people with OUD. The casebased learning approach will cover topics such as reducing stigma while caring for people with OUD, counseling patients about treatment options, and applying harm reduction and overdose prevention strategies. During their clinical clerkship, students

Tiffany Lu, M.D., M.S. will visit Montefiore’s network of five opioid treatment programs to learn about structured medical and psychosocial care for OUD. Students will also be able to take a newly expanded addiction medicine elective that includes hands-on learning on the inpatient addiction medicine consultation service, and weekly clinical case conferences in addiction medicine.

Training Practicing Physicians Early As part of the new grant, Montefiore’s internal medicine residents will be required to complete a new twoweek rotation which includes working on the inpatient addiction medicine consultation service, outpatient substance use treatment programs, and an ad-

diction care clinic embedded within a community health center.

MAT training will also be required for internal medicine residents during the rotation, and for residents in psychiatry and behavioral sciences and in family and social medicine during their training.

“We need better addiction medicine education at all levels,” said Dr. Lu. “Most trainees and even attending physicians are uncomfortable managing addiction because they were never formally taught about it in medical school in the same way as diseases like type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

This grant will train hundreds of students

and residents to diagnose, treat and care for people with substance use disorder, improving medical care locally and nationally. I am thrilled to be collaborating with Einstein course directors and working with my colleagues in addiction medicine, including Drs. Melissa Stein, Laila Khalid, and Kristine Torres-Lockhart, to implement this curriculum.”

The grant, titled “Developing and Implementing a Longitudinal Addiction Medicine Curriculum at Albert Einstein College of Medicine,” was awarded by SAMHSA, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (H79TI084130).

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16• BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021

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MMHHC brings affordable, healthy food options to community

By India Dansby Morris Heights Health Center (MHHC) has partnered with GrowNYC to bring fresh food and produce to families in the West Bronx community.

Through GrowNYC’s Fresh Food Box program, patients, staff, and community members will have access to pre-assembled boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables at a reduced rate. From December 2021-June 2022, MHHC will host a GrowNYC Fresh Food Box site every Wednesday outside of their 85 West Burnside Avenue location. Participants can sign up and pay a week in advance to receive a fresh box the following week.

"We are grateful to partner with the Morris Heights Health Center to bring a Fresh Food Box site to the West Bronx," said Ida Yu, GrowNYC Fresh Food Box Coordinator. "As the fruits and vegetables in the Fresh Food Boxes are grown primarily by farmers here in the Northeast, the program not only provides fresh food to the community, but also supports regional agriculture. An equitable pricing system and GrowNYC’s ability to accept various payment options that include cash, credit or debit, SNAP (half-priced boxes are available for SNAP customers!), Healthfirst OTC cards for LIP and CC members, Health Bucks,

Greenmarket Bucks, and Fresh Connect Coupons, makes Fresh Food Boxes affordable for all New Yorkers.”

For more than a decade the Bronx has ranked #62 as New York States unhealthiest county in an annual report published

by County Health Rankings. The lack of access to affordable nutritious food can lead to an unhealthy diet which can result in diet-like diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

According to the 2018 NYC Department of Health Community Health Profiles, 36% of adults in the Bronx have high blood pressure, or hypertension.

“We are proud to part-

GrowNYC’s team outside of Morris Heights Health Center’s 85 W. Burnside location.

ner with GrowNYC. This new joint venture is part of our ongoing efforts to alleviate food insecurity and foster a healthier lifestyle for community members who may not otherwise have the means or access to healthier food options,” expressed MHHC’s President & CEO, Mari G. Millet.

GrowNYC’s Fresh Food Box program is a

food access initiative that enables underserved communities to purchase fresh, healthy produce at well below retail prices.

The program operates year-round with a total of 3 million participants.

If you’re interested in signing up for the Fresh Food Box program at MHHC, stop by their 85 West Burnside Avenue location every Wednesday from 3 pm-6 pm.

Lincoln Hospital rings in the holidays

NYC Health+Hospitals/Lincoln hosted their annual tree lighting ceremony. Christopher Roker, Chief Executive Officer, is joined by his brother Al Roker, Nick Smith, NYC Deputy Public Advocate, Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo, Michael Blake representing Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson, Vanessa Gibson, Borough President-elect, and Dr. Lewis Marshall, Chief Medical Officer.

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Incoming Chancellor David Banks says NYC’s school system is ‘fundamentally flawed,’ promises reforms CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

tem, you cannot do that without engaging the community.” He noted that he plans to elevate students’ voices by ensuring there is a student government at every school.

In some ways, Banks and Adams’ comments represented a direct repudiation of the prior administration, though neither have yet articulated exactly how they will approach education policy, or even staked out a signature goal such as Mayor Bill de Blasio’s successful push for universal pre-kindergarten.

At the same time, Adams has praised some approaches that mirror de Blasio’s, including providing schools with resources such as eyeglasses and washing machines so students’ basic needs are met.

Adams, who did not consider many other candidates to lead the nation’s largest school system, said that he has been in conversation with Banks for years and did not feel a need to conduct a broad search, noting that he wasn’t looking for someone with Ivy League credentials or

complicated philosophies of education.

“I didn’t have to do a national search to find someone that don’t understand our city,” Adams said to cheers from the dozens of supporters that assembled for the announcement.

At the press conference, Banks emphasized his own roots in New York City, holding up a photo of himself when he was a fourth grader and another photo of a cherished teacher who taught him about Black history at P.S. 161.

Banks also has a long track record in schools — even working for a year as a school safety agent. His teaching career began in Brooklyn in 1986 and he eventually became the founding principal of a school in the Bronx in 1997.

In 2004, he helped launch the Eagle Academy, which was designed to serve boys of color and has now grown to a network of six schools, one in each borough and another in Newark. (At the press conference officially announcing his appointment as chancellor, Banks was surrounded by Eagle

Academy educators and students as well as his parents and other relatives.)

Launching Eagle Academy has given Banks an intimate sense of the city’s education landscape, though he has never held a high-level administrative job within the department or run a large organization.

Banks’ current role is the head of a foundation that helps support the Eagle Academy schools, which are operated and supervised by the city’s education department.

Banks takes the reins at a tumultuous moment, as the city’s schools continue to be disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic for a third school year. But he also has an influx of resources at his disposal, including billions in federal relief money and substantial funding increases from the state. Among the most critical decisions he’ll face is how to spend it.

The incoming chancellor has also begun to assemble his cabinet. He has tapped Dan Weisberg — who runs an organization focused on teacher quality and handled labor issues

under Mayor Michael Bloomberg — to be his top deputy. That move is likely to raise eyebrows with the city’s teachers union, which has previously clashed with Weisberg.

Michael Mulgrew, head of the teachers union, did not attend the press conference but put out a supportive statement about Banks’ appointment.

(The principals union chief attended the event in

person.)

Banks was less eager to address some of the hot-button issues he’ll soon have to tackle.

“Don’t ask me about gifted and talented today,” Banks said, referring to de Blasio’s proposed overhaul of the program.

“Don’t ask me about specialized high schools today. We will have answers for all of that. But today is the day to celebrate.”

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Culinary Road

By Morris Gut

Foodie faves in 2021

As dining rooms in the region began to reopen this past pandemic year, I enjoyed many fine culinary experiences. Here is a short list of favorite dishes and dining venues you should try not miss in 2022! As a precaution, follow current Covid guidelines and be safe…

SUNDAY BRUNCH AND ALL THAT JAZZ AT ALVIN’S!

Proprietor, artist, model, actor, and consummate host Alvin Clayton has been marking his 10th year in New Rochelle with solid doses of American Soul Food, and a taste of the Caribbean. Alvin & Friends has a sophisticated Manhattan vibe: Alvin’s colorful paintings dramatically line the walls, big hanging lighting fixtures, a sparkling bar and community table, a grand piano, and a staff that makes it all very inviting. If you visit check out the Classic Jambalaya, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken, and Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops. Burgers and Mac & Cheese.

Sunday Brunch is back, too. Alvin & Friends, 14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle. 914-654-6549 www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com TITILLATING FLAVORS AT MARIA

Two-time winners of Michelin’s prestigious ‘Bib Gourmet’ Award, brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been causing a stir in New Rochelle, drawing

patronage from all over the county to their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking.

Named after Mother, Maria’s has become almost a regular haunt for me. Love their Happy Hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when they offer some favorite beverages and small plates that are loaded with flavor. I am hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Sausage with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers. Special mention must go to their tender baby Lamb Chops. Dining room and bar filled with artifacts from home. Good networking spot.

The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café next door.

Maria, 11 Huguenot St., New Rochelle. Take-out & delivery. Closed Sundays.

914-636-0006 www.marianewrochelle.com MULINO’S HOLIDAY FEST!

It is over-the-top at Mulino’s of Westchester in White Plains during the holidays, and it begins with the bright glittering lights at the entranceway. The annual Christmas Holiday Fest at Mulino’s lasts right thru the season and it’s a sight to behold for the whole family! 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, life size

toy soldiers, the bursting colorful floral displays, the handsome multilevel seating area. A special holiday menu is served.

Open 7 days. Bring the whole family. Valet parking. Reservations advised.

Mulino’s of Westchester, 99 Court Street, White Plains 914-761-1818 www.mulinosny.com

IRISH AMERICAN WITH PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR Marking their first year, Jack’s is the new kid on the block, and a darn good one, too. Owner Shane Clifford and his staff have been drawing a fine crowd. The space has been totally remodeled and offers an enhanced Irish/ American tavern menu on steroids. The best way to describe it. Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen include a refreshing Harvest Green Salad; Double-Stacked Smash Burger; 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. The staff could not be more friendly.

Open daily. Indoor & outdoor seating. TVs. Municipal parking; free evenings.

Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com BACCALA AT TRATTORIA VIVOLO

Seasonal Baccala, also referred to as ‘salt cod’, is a traditional staple in many ethnic kitchens especially during holiday season.

Chef-owner Dean Vivolo of Trattoria Vivolo prepares several versions, and one of my favorites

Baby lamb chops at Maria.

is Baccala Salad. It is delish! Vivolo also prepares it fried, or in a stew with potatoes. His Paglia e Fieno con Funghi, was also incredibly flavorful with its mix of mushroom ragu, scallions, crispy prosciutto, and pecorino cheese.

We enjoy it with a side of tender Broccoi Rape. Chef Vivolo’s robust regional Italian cuisine is served out of a restored diner just across from Harrison's Metro-North station. Sit at the counter, tuck into a booth, or take a table in the rear greenhouse and enjoy the surprising contemporary and traditional flavors emanating from his kitchen: tasty thin-crusted pizza; fresh old-fashioned Meatballs and Sausage; Rabbit Cacciatore; Crostino di Polenta, topped with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and tomato sauce; Lasagna Bolognese al Forno; Osso Buco, tender braised veal shank; occasional Roasted Porchetta.

Good wine list. Sparkling lights evenings. Open 7 days. Free parking. Trattoria Vivolo, 301 Halstead Ave., Harrison. 914-835-

6199 www.trattoriavivolo.com

ARTISANAL PIES AT GUSTO PIZZ David Masliah and Chef Erwen Perez of Encore have opened an artisanal pizza shop next to their popular bistro. One taste of their pies and your palate will fly off to foodie heaven. The imported woodburning pizza oven is named Victor, after David’s father, who was a pizzaioli in France for many years.

Wines by the glass, appetizers, salads, and such delish individual sized pizzas as the Margherita, tomato, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil; or the Pancetta, tomato, pancetta, crème fraiche, onion, and mozzarella. Start with a bright Caesar Salad. Cozy and colorful setting. Open 7 days for lunch & dinner.

Gusto Pizza, 18 Chatsworth Ave., Larchmont. 914-8813466 www.gustopizzany. com FOLLOW CURRENT COVID PROTOCOLS AND STAY SAFE! (Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor.

He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914235-6591. Email: gutreactions@ optonline.net)

20• BRONX VOICE• December 22 - 28, 2021

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