By Dan Gesslein
At around 7:50 am, the 15-year-old girl was riding the BX#19 bus in Morris Heights on her way to school. When the bus hit the intersection of Tremont and University Avenue she felt someone grope her. A man grabbed her buttocks and then exited the bus.
Before the groper made a clean get away, a fellow rider snapped a photo of him and gave it to police. He was last seen wearing a long black puffy jacket with fur collar and sported a black doo rag.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers. nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.
All calls are strictly confidential.
By Dan Gesslein
The gunman who shot a Bronx gas station attendant may have also shot a Philadelphia traffic agent in the head, police said.
The NYPD issued a new alert and photos of the gunman wanted for shooting up a Pelham Parkway Sunoco station, striking the attendant in the head. Investigators in Philly believe the Bronx gunman may be the same man who shot a Philadelphia Parking Authority Enforcement Officer in the back of the head.
A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman who shot the Philadelphia traffic agent. Investigators in the Big Apple and Philly started looking into the Bronx gas station shooter for the Philadelphia shooting when they noticed “similarities of the physical characteristics and clothing of the individual being sought, as well as the circumstances surrounding both shootings.”
Looking at the surveillance photos from Philly and the Bronx, the suspects appeared to be wearing very similar hoodies and masks and had
similar body frames.
At around 4 pm on November 25, Philadelphia Parking Authority Enforcement Officer Timothy McKenzie, 37, was assigned to the Frankford neighborhood in Philadelphia. In front of 4536 Frankford Avenue, a man in a blue hoodie and face mask walked up behind him, drew a silver revolver and opened fire. McKenzie was struck one time in the back of the head.
The officer is expected to make a full recovery.
The Bronx shooting took place at around 7 pm on November 22. A 59-year-old worker was inside the Sunoco station at 2290 Boston Road when a man dressed in black walked up to the locked door of the service station. Cops say the worker opened the door to assist the man in blue.
An arguement ensued and words were exchanged. The suspect is seen pointing angrily at something away from the door.
the same
The man then opened the door, pulled out a gun and fired off two rounds into the store. The employee was struck once in the head.
The gunman fled on foot. EMS transported the worker to Jacobi Medical Center where he remains in critical condition.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers.
Our city is facing a crisis. New Yorkers with severe and untreated mental illness are living out in the open, on our streets and in our subways. They are in danger and need help. Yet often, the nature of their illnesses prevents them from seeking the support they require.
My Administration is determined to do more to assist people with mental illness, especially those with untreated psychotic disorders who pose a risk of harm to themselves, even if they are not an imminent threat to the public. Moving forward, we will take several key steps.
The most important is for our outreach workers, hospital staff, and police officers to be aware that New York law already allows us to intervene when untreated severe mental illness prevents a person from meeting their basic human needs, causing them to be a danger to themselves. We will continue to do
all we can to persuade those in need of help to accept services voluntarily. But we have also given our mobile crisis teams—comprised of clinicians—specific guidance for involuntarily transporting a person experiencing a mental health crisis to a hospital for evaluation.
This will occur when a person refuses voluntary assistance, and it appears that they are suffering from severe mental illness and are a danger to themselves due to an inability to meet their basic needs. We believe this is the first time that a mayoral administration has given this direction on the “basic needs” stan-
dard in official guidance.
Our mobile crisis teams and police officers will also receive enhanced training on how to assist those in mental health crisis. This will include an in-depth discussion of what “inability to meet basic needs” means, and an array of options to consider before resorting to involuntary removal.
We will launch a hotline staffed by clinicians from our H+H hospitals
to provide guidance to police officers who encounter individuals in psychiatric crisis as well. The hotline will allow an officer to describe what they are seeing to a clinical professional, or even use video calling to get an expert opinion on what options may be available.
In addition to these steps, we will ask our partners in Albany to make important fixes to
the New York State Mental Hygiene Law.
These fixes include a common-sense expansion of the information that a hospital doctor considers in deciding whether to discharge a psychiatric patient. All too often, a person enters a hospital in crisis and is discharged prematurely simply because their current behavior is no longer as alarming as it
was when they were admitted.
Our agenda also calls for allowing a broader range of licensed mental health professionals to staff our mobile crisis teams, and for a broader range of trained professionals to perform psychiatric evaluations in hospitals. This will help us get more outreach teams on the ground and enable hospital psychiatrists to spend more time providing medical care directly to patients.
These are just a few of the needs our legislation addresses. We will be doing more to help people with severe mental illness access “assisted outpatient treatment,” and coordinated care.
All these efforts are based on my core conviction that people with untreated severe mental illness deserve care, community, and treatment in the least restrictive setting possible.
By helping our brothers and sisters with severe mental illness, my administration will also be protecting the rights of every New Yorker to live, work, thrive and be safe.
To learn more, please see: PsychiatricCrisisCare_v1.indd (nyc.gov)
By David Greene
providing meals "to go" as COVID-19 protocols would continue for a third year.
According to Edward
Dozens of volunteers donated, cooked, and prepared hundreds of meals for residents in Fordham Manor, Bedford Park and across the borough as many Bronxites were treated to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Parishioners at Fordham United Methodist Church on Marion Avenue in Fordham Manor were still only
Koku, the organizer of the Thanksgiving dinner for the last 15-years and member of the Fordham United Methodist Church's trustees said they were prepared to feed 500 people this year. Asked where the food comes from, Koku replied, "The food comes from the members, yes they contribute, and they cook it and bring it. A portion of what they are going to feed their families, everybody
brings a portion here and we share it with the public.”
Exiting the church with his holiday meal, Fordham Manor resident Christopher Horton said this was the second year he stopped by for a holiday meal, he added, "I think it's great. I looked forward to it since last year, so I came back. I didn't know they were going to do it this year, but I saw the sign and wanted to come back, the food's really
good. I think this is an African congregation, so there's some African food too, so I'll be looking forward to that as well. They bring their own twist, their own traditions.”
Several blocks away in Bedford Park a small army of volunteers from Part Of The Solution (POTS) from nearby Webster Avenue, were joined by members of Resurrection Church from Rye, New York, who for the last four-decades have provided meals for residents of the nearby community with a traditional Thanksgiving meal served at Our Lady of Refuge Church on East 196 Street.
Fordham Manor resident Al Johnson was one of the many visitors to Our Lady of Refuge on Thanksgiving Day who decided to take his meal to go. Johnson, who has been visiting the church on the holiday for the last threeyears, said of the volunteers, "If you go inside, you can sit down and eat and really enjoy the hospitality," but added, "It is beautiful to eat at home if you have someone to make the food.”
Asked what he thought about this tradition of feeding the community on the holiday, Johnson replied, "I think it's the best thing that ever happened to this com-
-munity and I think people need to come here to give praise to this guy right here," as he pointed to a statue of Jesus Christ. He concluded, "I need to come here once in a while and give thanks for everything I ever achieved in life.”
Maureen Gomez of Resurrection Church told Bronx Voice that volunteers were expecting to serve 1,200 meals before the day was over. Gomez recalled, "During COVID we had a
great deal of reticence about people coming in to sit down. So, we did a fairly brisk togo, but this year we have people sitting down as well as immuno-compromised just grabbing and going."
Gomez added, "POTS is the organization we support, and they are closed two days a year, which is Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, our church steps in to feed their guests the days that they have off." According to Gomez, Resurrection Church has been feeding visitors to Our
Lady of Refuge for about the last 42-years.
Meanwhile, despite having the day off Christina Hansen, the executive director of POTS was on hand, she said of the special dinner, "This is our 40th Anniversary and we're really happy to serve lunch on this Thanksgiving Day in partnership with a group we have worked with since our beginning, Resurrection Church. So, we like to honor long term relationships, and this is just an example of that. We're happy
to be here for the community, we have turkey and the whole meal, pie, fixings for everyone and we really want to be here for our community on this holiday.”
Earlier in the week Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson teamed up with other elected officials and staff of radio station Hot 97 FM, as they gave away 1,000 turkeys. In an email to constituents, Gibson said, "This is what it's all about- community. To all of our partners, thank you for your commit-
ment to our Bronx residents and families. We could not have done this without your generosity, and we hope to see all of you again next year."
Gibson also teamed up with Senator Luis Sepulveda, Assembly Member Chantel Jackson, Council Members Althea Stevens and HITN, Emblem Health who hosted another Thanksgiving dinner giveaway on Saturday, November 19, at the Caldwell Enrichment Program on Jennings Street.
By David Greene
An angry Fordham Manor driver wants to know who smashed every window in his car, before claiming the vandal came back to take several photos of his handiwork.
A new resident of Loring Place North, "Barlos," who declined to provide his last name, was found
All the windows of a 2012 Honda Accord Special Edition was smashed as it was parked along Loring Place North in Fordham Manor
by his car with all six windows smashed, busy taping his windshield where someone used a bat or a hammer to land at least six good wacks to the glass as it was parked on Loring Place North, between West 183 Street and West Fordham Road on December 2.
Barlos told the Bronx Voice that he had called the police two days earlier, adding, "But they haven't come." The upset car owner said that he had discovered his damaged 2012 Honda Accord Special Edition, the previous Wednesday.
Barlos said a surveillance video caught the entire event on video, but the owners had said they
would provide it to police, as they may have been unsure if Barlos would retaliate if he knew the individual.
Barlos said, "It shows everything, because the car was right there... so they have everything." He added, "I'm not going to do anything, I just want to know who did it.”
Barlos also claimed to have spoken to a witness, an elderly woman who witnessed the incident. Barlos said, "She saw the guy hopping out of his car, he was in a Toyota Camry with Pennsylvania plates... and started breaking. Then he came back and took pictures of my car."
Believing that the individual used a hammer, Barlos added, "I know I don't have any problems with that person.”
Meanwhile, an unidentified teacher at P.S. 95 in Van Cortlandt Village left school to discover all four wheels on her SUV were removed from her vehicle parked on Orloff Place on October 27. Police had no description of the suspects and were still investigating the theft.
Doctors have been busy with RSV, a common virus that hits young children and people over 65 especially hard. Flu cases have been climbing earlier than usual, and COVID-19 infections continue to spread in our community. All of the above can create sneezing, congestion, sore throat and fever – so a lab test is the best way to determine the cause.
These symptoms can be truly exhausting –leading people to visit their doctor in hopes of getting a prescription for an antibiotic.
We’ve come to think of these medicines as wonders for a quick cure – and they can be when they quickly resolve a difficult bacterial infection.
While antibiotics can be helpful for bacterial infections, they do not kill viruses, which are the cause of the common cold, the flu, RSV, and COVID. When you have a virus, antibiotics will not work – and they can
cause harm without benefits.
Common antibiotic side effects can include rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and yeast infections. More serious side effects can sometimes include a severe life-threatening form of diarrhea. Antibiotics kill bacteria including the good bacteria we need to be healthy - and rounds of unneeded antibiotics have been associated with the development of inflammatory bowel disease.
Who Decides if Someone Needs Antibiotics?
Our team at Montefiore Health System is dedicated to making sure an-
tibiotics are used when needed – and only when needed. We work to ensure that the right medication at the most effective dose is given in each person’s case.
Outside of hospitals things are different. 80% of the antibiotics we use are taken at home and prescribed outside of hospitals. Half of these prescriptions aren’t optimal or sometimes they aren’t needed at all.
Like all aspects of health, it’s important for each of us to advocate for what we need. Approach your doctor with an open mind about the steps to help you feel better. Rest and taking time off work when possible, can be the best approach to healing in some cases. Remember that antibiotics can kill the bacteria that cause infections, but
they do nothing to stop viruses.
The next step is to have open conversations with your doctors about whether antibiotics are really needed. Following your doctor’s advice for managing symptoms with things like cough suppressants or ibuprofen is more helpful in many cases than an antibiotic. In other cases, a plan for ongoing mon-
Joseph Patrick Kelleher of Katonah, NY, passed away at the age of 70 peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and two children on Friday, November 25, 2022. The cause of death was Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Joe was diagnosed in May 2022.
Joe was born in New York, NY, on November 5, 1952, to the late James Kelleher and the late Ellen Killourhy. Joe led a full life of love, hard work, philanthropy, friendship, and dedication.
Joe served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Hutch Management LLC, a Division of Simone Metro Properties, where he was responsible for overseeing the 42-acre Hutchinson Metro Center Office Complex with 1.4 million square feet of Class A office, medical, retail, and educational space, as well as other commercial properties in the Tri-State area. Joe joined the Hutchinson Metro Center in 2003 at the project’s inception and has spearheaded the successful leasing activity at the complex which is considered one of the
most successful office parks in the region.
Joe began his career in the Real Estate Division of NYNEX as Property Manager for the Corporate Headquarters Building at 1095 Avenue of the Americas in New York. He subsequently served as Director of Property Management for Catalano Kornblum Management Corporation and Winoker Realty Corporation, as well as being the Chief Executive Officer of Casino New York LLC.
In addition to his leadership role at the Hutchinson Metro Center, Joe also served as Chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair of the Westchester Square Business Improvement District, and was on the Board of Directors of the New Rochelle Police Department Foundation. He re-
cently served as President of the Boy Scouts of America for the Bronx Council and was on the Board of Directors for the BSA Greater New York Region for eight years.
Joe has been honored by the Bronx Business Alliance, Rotary Club, Bronx Board of Realtors, NYC Police Department, Jacobi Hospital, Manhattan College, Liberty Democratic Association, R.A.I.N., Mercy College, Bronx Historical Society, received the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizens Award, has been designated a Boy Scouts of America James E. West Fellow, and has received the Silver Beaver Award for his exceptional character and his distinguished service within the Bronx Council.
Mr. Kelleher, a Real Property Administrator (RPA), was a member of the Building Owners and Managers Organization, Bronx-Manhattan Board of Realtors, Graduate and Member of the FBI Citizens Academy, and Host of “Bronx Now” on the BronxNet Network. Joe recently received an Honorary Doctor
of Commercial Science Degree from Mercy College in recognition of his many achievements.
In addition to all of his amazing business accomplishments, Joe was an extremely talented and gifted musician playing the accordion, the guitar, and piano.
Joe had the most beautiful voice and entertained those who were fortunate enough to be there when he was performing. He was the only tenor in the choir of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Katonah, NY, for over 20 years. He also performed in many local community theater shows. He always had a band, and most recently “Yesterdaze”, a Beatles tribute cover band. Joe was an
avid golfer, enjoyed the gym, and focused on his physical and spiritual well-being.
Joe had a strong Catholic faith and said the rosary every day.
Joe was a devoted husband and father, always placing his family first. He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta, and two wonderful children, Kristin and Ryan, as well as many dear family members, friends, co-workers, and associates.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Brain Cancer Research Fund In Honor of Joseph Kelleher: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/ JosephKelleher
-itoring and evaluation, sometimes called “watch and wait,” is better than getting an antibiotic “just in case.”
It is also important to ask your doctor whether you can get better on your own and whether any other medicines or supplements you are already taking
could interact in a bad way with antibiotics.
What happens if we over-use antibiotics?
Over time, some infections can become antibiotic-resistant when the bacteria develop the ability to resist the medicines used to kill these microbes. In fact, many antibiotics are becoming less effective at
treating illnesses. If you take these medicines when they are not helpful, antibiotic-resistant bacteria can grow in your body, and these resistant bacteria can spread to others.
Antibiotics can be lifesaving when used correctly – they are the best tool we have to fight off a bacterial infection. We need to
remember these medicines are a resource to be guided responsibly for our own health and to make sure these life-saving drugs are available for the future.
To stay healthy this season, make sure you are up to date on your flu and COVID vaccines. Staying home when you are feeling sick, wearing
a mask if someone in your household is sick and washing your hands often are important steps that are proven to keep yourself and others well.
Priya Nori, MD, FSHEA, FIDSA, is Medical Director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at Montefiore Health System
/ Albert Einstein College of Medicine
The 9th glittering season of ‘Winter Wonderland’ will run thru Jan. 1st at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.
This drive-thru event draws thousands for a big dose of Holiday Cheer. It is sponsored by Westchester Medical Center, and a partnership between the Westchester Parks Foundation and Westchester Parks Department. The 1.2-mile drive begins at 5 p.m. weekdays and 6 p.m. weekends and is chocked full of festive seasonal attractions. Tickets are $25 to $35 per car. This year Wegman’s Market added Ned & Albert’s Holiday Treat Bag as an option, and each carload is promised a personal visit by Santa. For additional info and reservations: 914-231-4600, or visit www.wwinterwonderland.com
If all this makes you hungry, here are some nearby dining suggestions for everyone in the family: It’s a busy time of the year, so reserve ahead if you can…
MULINO’S HOLIDAY FEST, WHITE PLAINS!
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, bursting colorful floral displays, the handsome multilevel seating area. A special holiday menu is served. Open 7 days.
Valet parking. Reservations advised. Mulino’s of Westchester, 99 Court Street, White Plains 914761-1818 www.mulinosny.com
I have been enjoying my visits to Freebird Kitchen & Bar this past year. We have devoured the meaty Half Racks of Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts. Shrimp
& Grits and Braised Short Ribs, too. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The seasonal lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room make for a magical atmosphere. There is a seasonal rooftop. Happy hours: Tues.-Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m. Freebird, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. Open Tuesday thru Sunday for lunch, dinner & weekend brunch. 914607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com
Proprietor Alex Ahmetaj has opened the outdoor patio and updated the menu at his restaurant and bar/ lounge offering big cuts of aged steaks and chops along with generously served Northern Italian/ Continental fare. The handsome dining room is split into cozy sections with white tablecloths, colorful deVelleneuve impressionist paintings, and warming sconces. Mediterranean
By Morris Gutclay-colored banquets and chairs compliment wooden walls and plush beige curtained windows. Out of Chef Nick Deimant’s kitchen come such specialties as: Pan Fried Calamari with hot cherry peppers, Linguini alla Vongole, a delicious fresh Branzino prepared tableside, classic Veal or Chicken Parmigiana, grilled Filet Mignon, NY Sirloin Steak, a hefty Rib Eye, or Pork Chops. The house made smooth Ricotta Cheesecake is top notch. The bar/lounge bustles. Alex’s Bar & Grille,
577 N. Broadway, White Plains. 914-358-1444 www.alex577.com
Owner/Brewmeister Michael Chiltern brought White Plains its first microbrewery 3 years ago and it’s a good one. He has updated his hours and is now serving his brews and a new menu all afternoon and evening from noon, Tuesday thru Sunday. The open-air backyard has been expanded with extra seating. You’re in good hands
on the floor with Christa and the crew. A daily selection of brews is listed on a big colorful blackboard. Comforting new specialties coming out of Chef Melvin’s kitchen include: Birria Tacos, Blazin’ Wings, Hand Cut Free Range Chicken Tenders, a variety of Brew House Burgers, and Slammin’ Sandwiches like the South Paw Philly Cheesesteak. Enjoyed my Passion Wolf IPA there recently. Wolf & Warrior Brewing, 195A E. Post Road, White Plains. 914-3688617 www.wolfandwarrior.com
Host John Solo of bustling Cantina Taco & Tequila in White Plains is offering a 3-taco lunch for $9.95 all season long, or you can choose one of their tasty quesadillas with steak, chicken, shrimp, or a big Burrito. A new Street Bowl is available with choice of protein, for $8.95. Might be a good time for one of their frozen drinks, too. Cantina is a playful,
colorful restaurant. They serve a bouncy menu of reasonably priced southof-the-border fare. Try the new Birria Tacos, Cheeseburger Tacos, and such ongoing house specialties as: Chicken Wings, Carnitas, Chicken Mole, Garlic Shrimp, and Steak Fajita. Cantina Taco & Tequila, 166 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. Open 7 days. Happy Hours. Festive party facilities. 914-4613959. www.cantinany. com
Personable owner Stan Chelluck and his wife operate this bustling vintage old stationhouse next to Valhalla’s Metro North. Over the years, he has spruced up the railroad cars, facade and sweeping bar, and offers flavorful ‘authentic rail car dining’. The kitchen serves an eclectic menu of American tavern specialties: wings, sliders, burgers with choice of toppings, mac ‘n cheese, chicken pot pie, fresh salads, wraps, kid’s menu, too. Portions are gen-
erous. Valhalla Crossing Restaurant & Bar is located at 2 Cleveland Street, Valhalla, just off the Taconic Parkway and across from Broadway, Valhalla’s main commercial strip. The restaurant is open Tuesday thru Sunday for lunch and dinner. Free parking. Phone: 914-682-4076. www.valhallacrossing. com
Walk down Broadway in Valhalla and stop at the most colorful shop in the hamlet. Village Creamery owners John & Kristen Caldarola have done a charming job decorating the frontage. It is all decked out in a palette of color highlighting all their tempting homemade ice creams, soft serve, Italian ices, crepes & waffles, candy, espresso, latte
& coffees. There are Acai Bowls now, too. There are a few tables out front. Good place to cheer up, relax and cool off in coming months. The Creamery & Sweet Shop, 32 Broadway, Valhalla. 914421-1300 www.villagecreamerysweetshop.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 30 years. He may be reached at: 914235-6591. Email: gutreactions@ optonline.net)
