Bronx Voice - February 16, 2022

BRONX VOICE

SHOP (LIFTING) TILL Adams YOU promotes healthy foods in DROP schools,

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FREE

5th Year, No. 18

Mask Mandate lifted in stores What about the schools?

February 16 - 22, 2022

File Photo

Page 10

Pages 2 & 4

nabes

Page 9

Photos by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

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2• BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022

Shoplifter breaks windows, steals wardrobe in Bronx

By Dan Gesslein A brazen burglar stole an entire wardrobe after smashing through a glass door to a fashion shop in the Bronx. Cops say the bold perp was caught on video returning to the store to admire his handy work.

Police released surveillance video of a man who used bolt cutters to break the glass door to a men’s shop.

The NYPD released surveillance video which shows the suspect walking down the streets of Foxhurst with a large pair of bolt cutters at around 1:40 am on February 5. When the suspect

arrives at the men’s shop at 993 Westchester Avenue, the man is then seen wailing on the glass door with the bolt cutters.

Once the glass shattered the suspect ran inside. He returns

a short time later with his arms filled with clothes. He is then seen running down the block fleeing the scene.

Investigators said the burglar returned the next day with another man to the shop to view the scene.

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

BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022• 3

Shoplifters frequently target Fordham Burlington Coat Factory

4• BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022

By David Greene Police responding to a call of a "shoplifter armed with a knife" arrested one man for shoplifting a coat and a short time later police were called back at the scene and made a second arrest at the same store in Fordham Manor.

The caller had stated to the 911 operator that the suspect was cutting the anti-theft devices fastened into the garments with a knife, as a half dozen patrol units from the 52nd Precinct arrived on scene. Officers quickly apprehended the suspect and recovered a winter coat, still on its hanger.

According to NYPD spokeswoman and detective Annette Shelton, police were first called to the Burlington Coat Factory at Webster Avenue near East Fordham Road at 3 p.m. on January 21. Shelton said of the incident, "A loss prevention officer observed 34-yearold Carlos Taveras remove a massage gun, socks and

coat and attempted to exit the store without paying for the items.”

Shelton had no available address on Taveras, who was charged with petit larceny.

Shelton added, "On the same day, 47-year-old Frank Agovino was arrested and charged with criminal mischief after being observed by a loss prevention officer cutting sensors off of the items in the store valued at $150." Shelton also had no available address for Agovino.

One witness reported police grabbed a “bald white male” on the street and took him into custody.

Meanwhile, officers on the police radio band were

Photo by David Greene

A police officer from the 52nd Precinct returns a stolen coat after officers arrested a shoplifter at the Burlington Coat Factory on January 21, 2022.

heard as they responded to another call at 3:15 p.m. on January 22, at the Burlington Coat Factory. Officers were looking for a white male who fled towards East Fordham Road with pairs of blue jeans. Shelton said she had no complaint on file for the latest incident.

An unidentified manager at the Burlington Coat Factory was asked about the three incidents, but said he had not been to work on those days.

When asked if shoplifting was a daily occurrence at his store, the manager replied, "I'm not sure I'm allowed to comment on that.”

Meanwhile, Heather, a media relations specialist at Burlington vowed to look into the recent incidents and said Burlington would see, "If there's anything we could share or if this is an ongoing investigation." Heather never called back.

Meanwhile, police continue to search for six perpetrators who stole 24 coats from the Burlington Coat Factory on Third Avenue and East 153 Street back on October 28, and the nine individuals who removed 56 coats from the Burlington Coat Factory on Baychester Avenue back on October 31.

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BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022• 5

Second suspect sought in double killing at baby shower

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6• BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022

By David Greene Police are looking for a second suspect wanted in connection with a double homicide connected to a baby shower in Fordham Manor.

According to police, the incident was reported at 10:54 p.m. on February 12, when police were called to East 198 Street and Webster Avenue for a report of a man shot.

Early Sunday, February 13,

an unnamed police official stated, "Upon arrival, police observed two aided males in front of 397 East 198 Street." The official stated that officers from the 52nd Precinct discovered a 24-year-old male shot in the torso and a 28-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the face.

Both men were rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital where they both died a short time later.

At the time the police official

also stated that a 28-year-old man was taken into custody and a firearm was recovered at the scene.

A video posted to Citizens App appears to show police surrounding a man in a white t-shirt, before he is apparently taken into custody.

On Sunday afternoon police identified the victims as 24-year-old Arnold Oliver of CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Photo by David Greene

Numbered signs placed by police show the spots where shell casings were recovered after two men were shot and killed.

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BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022• 7

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8• BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022

Second suspect sought in double killing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Peekskill, New York and Jamal Smith, 28, of New Rochelle, N.Y., as well as announcing the arrest of Wayne Smith, 28, the brother of Jamal, and also a resident of New Rochelle. Wayne Smith was charged with murder and criminal posession of a weapon.

Police would also release a photo taken from surveillance video of a second suspect wanted in connection with the shooting. The individual appears to be a black male, wearing a blue bubble jacket, a yellow hooded jacket, bluejeans

and work boots.

In the NYPD's Tweet about the suspect, officials stated, "The suspect acted in concert with an apprehended individual causing the victim’s demise.”

According to neighborhood sources, all of the men had been attending a baby shower at the My Community Room, located on the second floor of 2773-D Webster Avenue. By 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, the heavy presence of NYPD officers and crime scene investigators had left the area as another group of people started to enter the building to attend a baby's birthday party.

The guests, aware of what took place the night before, declined to talk.

One Fordham Manor source told the Bronx Voice, "A cop was telling me that two guys had a prior dispute, when one guy shot the other guy in the face and the man that was shot. His brother grabbed the gun, either from his brother or from the suspect and shot the suspect dead and he was taken into custody.”

Defending suspect Wayne Smith, the source asked, "What was he supposed to do?”

Late Sunday the Bronx Voice contacted "Edwin" who answered

the phone at My Community Room. Asked about the party that was going on that night, Edwin responded, "Yes, ahh, it's a small gathering that had a contract and a schedule, they were already looking forward to the event today.”

Edwin stated that the My Community Room had never had a problem in the three-years operating at the Webster Avenue location. Edwin was also asked if the rental space serves alcohol, when he replied, "No, that's why we end the parties early.”

In the latest crime statistics provided by the NYPD shows no homicides between January

1 and February 6, with this double homicide being the first two murders of the year at the 52nd Precinct. Across the Bronx there have been six reported murders between January 1 and February 6, these two additional killings would bring that total number to eight.

Homicides remain down in the Bronx compared to last year at this time, when the NYPD had reported 12 murders.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.

BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022• 9

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Health Matters Adams expands ‘lifestyle medicine’ to combat chronic illnesses

Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals (H+H) announced the expansion of their groundbreaking lifestyle medicine services at six public health care sites across New York City — the most comprehensive expansion of lifestyle medicine programming in the U.S.

Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor Eric Adams makes a health-related announcement and lead a plant-based cooking demo at King's County Hospital in Brooklyn on February 7, 2022.

Catch up on latest health news affecting you online: http://yourhealthbxvoice.blogspot.com

Modeled off the popular and successful Plant-Based Lifestyle Medicine Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, the new expansion will provide patients living with chronic disease the tools to make healthy lifestyle changes, included providing them access to plant-based diet resources.

The program will expand to serve qualifying NYC Health + Hospitals adult patients at Jacobi, Lincoln, Woodhull, Kings County, and Elmhurst hospitals, as well as Gotham Health, Vanderbilt. The program expansion will be implemented over the coming year.

“Today, New York City is again leading the way with the most comprehensive expansion of lifestyle medicine programming in the nation,” said Mayor Adams. “This is personal to me — a plant-based lifestyle helped save my life, and I’m thrilled that New Yorkers in every zip code will have access to this critical programming.

Together, we will stop feeding the health care crisis and ensure all New Yorkers can access the healthy lifestyle they deserve.”

“This expanded programming

won’t only touch the lives of the patients served, but will extend to the families and communities of every person served,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “That mom with type 2 diabetes or that dad with high cholesterol now has new tools to reclaim their health through everyday choices to eat, manage stress, and sleep better, as well as find enhanced social support. These programs can change individual lives by treating, preventing, and even reversing common chronic diseases, but will also ripple through to families and communities of those at risk of or living with a chronic disease. I want to thank Dr. McMacken, Dr. Katz, and all the staff doing this cutting-edge work and making a difference in the lives of so many New Yorkers.”

“As a physician, I know that medicine doesn’t always come in the form of a pill. Eating a diet of fruits and vegetables can help prevent and treat chronic illnesses like heart disease - the leading cause of death among New Yorkers - cancer, and type CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

As N.J. schools drop mask mandate, could New York be next?

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10• BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022

This story was originally published in Chalkbeat New York.

By Christina Veiga, Chalkbeat New York New York’s health commissioner told lawmakers on Tuesday that there is no date set for lifting the state’s mask mandate in schools, as the governor met with education leaders to map out next steps when it comes to pandemic safety protocols.

Mask requirements in schools have been a flashpoint throughout the pandemic. The debate has ratcheted up recently with governors in nearby states including New Jersey, Delaware, and Connecticut announcing sunsets to such mandates.

There is surprisingly little rigorous evidence about the effectiveness – or the harms – of masking students. But polls have consistently shown that most parents and a majority of adults support masking in classrooms, so withdrawing mandates might discourage families from sending their children to school.

Yet others are concerned that masks make it hard to hear in the classroom and can be difficult for some students to tolerate. Many question whether cover-

ing faces will impact their child’s ability to learn and socialize.

In the Empire State, health officials expect the requirement to mask up in schools will be extended, the Albany Times Union reported. The current order is set to expire Feb. 21.

Gov. Kathy Hochul met Tuesday with teachers, parents, superintendents, and other school leaders.

She called keeping schools open “my top priority” and encouraged parents to get their children vaccinated, as the rates of young New Yorkers getting their shot has remained stubbornly low.

“As we continue to see cases and hospitalizations decline, I believe it is important to work closely with groups and leaders on the ground so that we move forward in the pan-

Photo by Mike Groll / Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul met virtually with education leaders from across the state as debate ratchets up over mask mandates in schools.

demic in a way where we can stay in front of COVID-19 and keep New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said in a statement.

Hochul was expected to drop a separate mask mandate set to expire this week that requires businesses to ask customers for proof of vaccination or to wear a mask, according to reports.

In a press release summarizing Tuesday’s meeting, school officials asked for specific and uniform metrics for making decisions regarding masking

in schools.

Mark Cannizzaro, the head of New York City’s Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, which represents school leaders, hinted that changes could be on the way.

“We are hopeful that circumstances will soon allow for an easing of restrictions while maintaining a safe environment for students and staff,” he said in a statement released by the governor’s office.

Ultimately, it may be left to local leaders to decide whether to keep mask

mandates. In neighboring New Jersey, for example, Newark schools’ masking rules so far remain in place, according to the district.

In New York City, officials recently stuck by the requirement to wear masks in schools after a court in January briefly struck down the state’s order.

“If Gov. Hochul lifts the school mask mandate, we will have more to say then,” said New York City education department spokesperson Nathaniel Styer.

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Black History Month:

BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022• 11

3 critical steps for reducing health disparities

By Chandra Wilson During Black History Month, in addition to celebrating the remarkable achievements of African Americans throughout history, it is important to think about how race and ethnicity affect health and quality of life.

Health disparities can be particularly dangerous when people are not aware or don’t understand that they’re at risk. Creating awareness, both within the medical community and among individuals whose lives are impacted by disparities, is a critical step toward better health for all.

We hear a lot these days about how social determinants of health—or the economic and social conditions that influence individual or group health status—are responsible for health disparities among different populations. Closing those gaps in care is what the not-forprofit Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY) has been doing for more than 129 years—ever since founder Lillian Wald first cared for vulnerable New Yorkers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

“Black Health and Wellness” is the theme for Black History Month this year, and with this in mind, three VNSNY public health nurses who visit New Yorkers in their homes every day of-

fer the following guidelines for better health. Remember to speak with your doctor or a health professional if you have any questions, concerns or think you might be at risk for serious illness.

Know the Risks According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, African Americans are twice as likely as whites to die from type 2 diabetes, 3.2 times more likely to be diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, and 2.3 times more likely to lose a limb from diabetes related illness.

“Early diagnosis is a major factor in successful treatment of diabetes. Most diabetic patients start out with elevated prediabetes blood sugar levels, and they can delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes by working with their home care provider to lose weight, become active, quit smoking, and eat better,” says Denise Simmonds, RN, who cares for individuals and families in the Bronx.

Collaborate with Families and Caregivers

Each year, approximately 100,000 home care patients in the U.S. report having a second stroke due to uncontrolled blood pressure. Often difficult to detect, hypertension or high blood pressure is known as “silent killer,” with African Americans experiencing twice the mortality rate as their white peers.

Ruth Caballero, RN, who sees patients in their homes in Washington Heights, knows how important it is to keep hypertension in check. Often that means dietary and lifestyle changes that can be difficult to do without help and support.

“Home Care clinicians are also teachers. It’s one of the most important things we do.

My goal is to instruct a patient and their family how to live effectively and to support them step-by-step,” Ruth says.

“One of the first things I do when someone with hypertension comes into care is take a tour of their kitchen cabinets with them. We all have favorite comfort foods, and usually they can be made in healthier ways without sacrificing good taste.”

Utilize Available Resources Heath disparities are prevalent during end life care as well with Hospice and Palliative Care services being significantly underutilized among minorities in the U.S. as well. A mere 8 percent of African American Medicare beneficiaries enroll in

Ruth Caballero, RN, VNSNY Hospice, compared with 48 percent of white enrollees. Since 2015, the VNSNY HOPE (Hospice Outreach, Patient and Provider Education) Program has worked with faith-based, community-based organizations and health care providers in the community to debunk myths, close knowledge gaps and provide information and access to care for residents living in Harlem and the Bronx.

“This stark disparity means that millions of Americans are missing out on the many benefits of hospice care at the end of life, which includes getting skilled symptom management while living with their loved ones at home, rather than languishing in the hospital,” says Michelle Drayton, RN, MPH, Director of Hospice and Pallia-

tive Care Outreach for VNSNY. We still have a long way to go to eliminate health disparities in the United States. But as we continue to learn more about the kind of health care support people respond to on the community level, we’re getting a much better picture of how to extend our health care knowledge and resources to all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, gender, or sexual orientation. One thing that’s clear is that homeand community-based health care organizations like VNSNY will be on the front lines of this growing effort to provide equitable health care for all.

To learn more about VNSNY Home Health Care services visit www.VNSNY.org or call 1-800675-0391.

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12• BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022

Building healthy relationships one interaction at a time

By Dr. Traci Maynigo, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Program Director, Supporting Healthy Relationships and HERO Dads at Montefiore

Relationship experts have spent decades studying couple interactions and found that small moments have tremendous impact.

Research uncovered a mathematical formula; happy couples maintain a 20:1 ratio of positive-to-negative interactions daily. Imagine that your relationship has an emotional bank account, positive interactions are deposits that counterbalance the withdrawals of negative interactions. If this is the case, how do you bolster your emotional bank account balance each day, in a time when we spend 24/7 with our partners?

Make bids and respond with interest. Bids are attempts to connect. They may be nuanced and indirect (a shoulder squeeze, a glance across the table) or more explicit and direct (a kiss hello, a “let’s watch a movie together tonight”).

The “bank account” increases when your partner responds positively or turns toward rather than away

from your bid.

For example: You might remark, “Hey, the neighbors got a new car.” When your partner turns toward you, they might say, “Oh really?

What kind of car is it?” But, if they turn away it would look like them ignoring you and watching TV or turning against the bid would look like saying, “So what? You don’t like our car?”

Turning toward bids builds the account, while turning away from bids is a guaranteed withdrawal.

Initiate tough conversations using a softened start-up. The first three minutes of a conversation determines how it will go.

A good start often uses this formula: an “I” statement about your feeling + a neutral description of the issue + and a specific request. Example: “I feel overwhelmed when I come home and see

a pile of dishes in the sink.

How about we wash the dishes together after dinner, you wash, I dry?”

A poor start often looks like defaulting to criticism, or global attacks on an individual’s personality. Example: “You NEVER wash the dishes!” Criticism is one of the negative behaviors that if used too often predict relationship destruction.

Others to watch out for: defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling.

Approaching your partner in a way that encourages conversation rather than a battle, sets the stage for a respectful and productive dialogue.

Tackle outside stressors as a team. What makes healthy relationships so fulfilling is that when we share, our positive feelings are doubled and negative is cut in half. When struggling with stress, turn toward your partner.

Let's say your boss gave you some harsh feedback, and you’re feeling upset and incompetent. If you say at dinner, “I had a tough day at work, and I’m feeling frustrated.” Your partner listens as you describe what happened. Then you feel heard, and you both feel

Dr. Traci Maynigo, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Program Director, Supporting Healthy Relationships and HERO Dads at Montefiore

connected.

On the other hand, if you keep it to yourself and stare down at your plate. Your partner feels disconnected from you but doesn’t know why.

Sharing with your partner lifts you up and helps the couple work together.

Sometimes when we want validation, advice feels

dismissive. Before having stress-reducing conversations, clarify whether you need a listening ear, or want advice.

The foundation of a healthy relationship is a solid friendship based on a positive perspective and a tendency to turn towards each other. This can be built one interaction at a time.

Morris Heights Health Center is lowering blood pressure 1 blood pressure kit at a time

BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022• 13

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By Luc Josaphat, Director of PI & QA, Morris Heights Health Center Thirty-six percent of Bronx residents have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), high blood pressure (also referred to as HBP, or hypertension) refers to when your blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high. As a result, high blood pressure puts patients at greater risk for developing life-changing and potentially life-threatening conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease or failure, vision loss, and sexual dysfunction.

In 2020, Morris Heights Health Center’s (MHHC) population health management data showed about 1 in 3, or 36% of the health center’s patients (18-85 years of age), who had an active diagnosis of hypertension had high blood pressure levels.

Controlling the health center’s patients’ blood pressure has been a priority for MHHC’s Chief Medical Officer, Jeanine Lois Bookhardt, MD, who established a partnership with the American Heart Association. The AHA provided the health center with more than 170 blood pressure home kits for their patients.

“We need to do more than just talk to patients about their blood pressure,” explained Dr. Bookhardt. “The home kits give patients one of the tools needed for them to self-manage their blood pressure.”

In addition to external partnerships, MHHC developed an interdisciplinary team that consists of a pharmacist, health educator, and quality director to help support the initiative.

Dr. Roosevelt Matthews, a pharmacist at MHHC, was among the project team members and dubbed the hypertension champion, working with medical providers and patients on

blood pressure education.

More than 100 blood pressure home kits were distributed to MHHC patients with high blood pressure. Patients who received the blood pressure home kits showed an overall improvement within three months of the initial project.

In the first quarter of 2021, when the initiative began, 33% of MHHC patients, (18-85 years of age) who had an active diagnosis of hypertension, had uncontrolled high blood pressure. Six months later, the initiative had lowered the percentage of people with uncontrolled blood pressure by 6 percentage points, from 33% to 27%.

The success of the initiative was shared at the Bureau of Primary Health Care’s (BPHC’s) virtual Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Health Equity Technical Assistance Symposium on January 31, 2022. Dr. Matthews and Luc Josaphat, Director of Quality, presented at the 2-day symposium. During

the PCMH 2022 symposium, participating health centers were given the opportunity to share data-driven quality improvement projects that im-

proved health outcomes and/ or reduced health disparities.

To learn more about MHHC’s quality initiatives, please visit www.mhhc.org.

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14• BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022

Adams expands ‘lifestyle medicine’ to combat chronic illnesses CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

2 diabetes,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “Low-income New Yorkers are much more vulnerable to these diseases and we want to continue offering them an alternative way of eating that works on a limited budget and is accompanied by a network of medical and nutritional professionals.

NYC Health + Hospitals is grateful to Mayor Adams for his continued support and innovation as we tackle the problem of chronic illnesses.”

“The expansion of our lifestyle medicine services to New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs will be a powerful tool in addressing the burden of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and other common chronic conditions, with benefits that could positively impact entire family units and those closest around them,” said Michelle McMacken, MD, FACP, DipABLM, executive director, Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals. “We continue to be grateful to all of our advocates and partners who have made our existing lifestyle medicine services a success and this necessary expansion a reality.”

In 2019, with the advocacy of then-Brooklyn Borough President Adams, the Bellevue Plant-Based Lifestyle Medicine Program — among the first of its kind in a safety-net health care setting — was launched.

The program takes an interdisciplinary approach to reduce patients' cardiometabolic risk, where a team of physicians, dietitians, and health coaches support patients in making evidence-based lifestyle changes,

including adopting a healthy plant-based diet, increasing physical activity, improving sleep habits, reducing stress, avoiding risky substances, and providing social support. The program has received national attention and there has been a high demand for services, including self-referrals from more than 850 New York City residents.

Each of the sites that will be receiving the expanded lifestyle medicine services will be equipped with a full-time dietitian and health coach, as well as physician teams. Participants will be referred by their health care providers or can self-refer. Eligibility criteria for participants include heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and/or health concerns related to obesity.

Patients who enroll in one of the programs will receive a full medical evaluation by a team physician, with special attention to current lifestyle behaviors and social needs. They will also meet individually with a dietitian and a health coach and will participate in group education on topics including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress reduction, and other lifestyle pillars. The lifestyle medicine team will individualize the behavior change approach for each patient, considering cultural traditions, socioeconomic circumstances, family situations, and other key factors.

In addition to expanding access to lifestyle medicine services, NYC Health + Hospitals will partner with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine to help provide additional lifestyle medicine training

to care teams, as well as with Plant-Powered Metro New York to offer cooking demonstrations to patients at the Kings County Hospital site.

“We are thrilled to partner with NYC Health + Hospitals to support its patient community with culturally-mindful education and skill-building for healthy eating,” said Lianna Levine Reisner, president and network director, Plant Powered Metro New York.

“Throughout the city, people from all walks of life are being inspired by the power of food for health. They want to learn how to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy plant foods onto their plates and into their daily routines. It's a great step forward to have the investment of the public health care system in life-changing programs and services that prioritize evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle.”

NYC Health + Hospitals’ expansion of lifestyle medicine services builds on its commitment to put healthy eating and other beneficial lifestyle habits at the forefront of patients’ care.

In 2019, the system launched Meatless Mondays at all 11 of its acute care hospitals.

The program was launched in an effort to provide a broader range of healthy, appealing meal options to inpatients and introduce them to the benefits of plant-based nutrition so that they could make important lifestyle decisions that would lead to living their healthiest lives.

"We are experiencing the worst public health crisis of our lifetime," said New York City Councilmember Lynn Schulman, chair, Committee on Health. "Contributing to that

Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

crisis was the lack of preventive and primary care services throughout the city. Today's announcement is a major step in providing accessible and essential health care services to all New Yorkers. These services will give them not only a revolutionary primary care option but also the opportunity to rethink their lifestyle. The development and expansion of innovative preventive services to address chronic conditions, like diabetes, is an important step in our recovery from COVID. I would like to thank the mayor and NYC Health + Hospitals for their commitment to better health equity for all."

"Communities of color are bombarded with unhealthy food choices and marketing, leading to poor health outcomes and racial disparities in diabetes, heart disease, and much more," said New York State Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie. "It's essential that we protect the health of New Yorkers and ensure they are able to make healthy lifestyle choices. I'm grateful to Mayor Adams and H+H for expanding these services at Kings County Hospital and the surrounding community.”

“Connecting people with life altering services like these can change the course of their lives,” said New York State Senator Diane Savino. “The connection between diet and disease is well documented and, sadly, far too many Staten Islanders don't know how to turn their health care crisis around. The addition of these services will be more than life altering, they will be life reaffirming.”

“For years, the Bronx has lagged behind other counties in health indicators, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated existing health issues in our borough,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “The expansion of the lifestyle medicine services program citywide, including in two Bronx hospitals, will be an important step towards providing our communities with the resources needed to use food as a tool towards leading an overall healthy life and avoiding chronic illness. I applaud Health + Hospitals, Dr. Katz, Dr. McMacken, and Mayor Eric Adams for their continuous commitment to holistic health and equity.”

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Culinary Road

BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022• 15

By Morris Gut

Taste Mardi Gras here

Proprietor Peter Van Cott of The Bayou Restaurant, 580 Gramatan Ave., Mount Vernon, has been serving up the spirited sounds and flavors of Cajun country since 1991, and the place is still funky and enjoyable.

So, if you can’t make it to New Orleans, this is the spot to revel to authentic blues and zydeco music while hunkering down to an overstuffed Po’ Boy or such house specialties as: Voodoo Wings, Overstuffed Muffulettas, Southern Fried Chicken, Grilled Peppered Catfish, Tender Pork Ribs Smothered in BBQ Sauce, Jazzy Jumpin’ Jambalaya served with Louisiana Andouille Sausage, Alligator Sausage, and Crawfish Tails Smothered in rich Creole Gravy. Their 32nd.

Annual Mardi Gras Bash will be held on Fat Tuesday, March 1st, featuring live entertainment.

Reservations are suggested.

Phone: 914-668-2634. www. bayourestaurantny.com Owner Nick Fusco at Freebird Kitchen & Bar, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, serves a Southern-themed menu that includes such specialties as: Pimiento Cheese Balls served with pecans and Ritz crackers; Fried Green Tomatoes; Cajun Pasta; Shrimp & Grits; and Chicken Fried Steak. Look for a swarm of artsy flying birds hanging from the ceiling. Open for dinner at 4 p.m. weekdays; from 2 p.m., Fridays; from 11 a.m., Sat. & Sun. Great Happy Hours 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend brunch. Phone: 914-607-2476. www.freebirdkitchenandbar. com Multi-talented artist, model,

actor and consummate host Alvin Clayton of Alvin & Friends, 14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle has been marking his 10th year with solid doses of American Soul Food, a taste of the Caribbean, spirited jazz sessions and art. Alvin & Friends Restaurant has a sophisticated Manhattan vibe. Check out the Classic Jambalaya, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken, and Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops. Burgers and Mac & Cheese, too. Combine your visit with some live music. Love their Friday night jazz featuring local talent. Saturdays, too. The Sunday Jazz Brunch is a winning combination as well.

914-654-6549 www.alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com Owner Spiros Chagares of Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island in the Bronx, does a wonderful job with his American Shellfish Jambalaya. It is on the menu, and it is loaded with the flavors of the New Orleans. It can be easily shared, as so many of their other big combo platters.

Good craft beer selection and cocktails. Phone: 718-885-9885. www.artiescityisland.com Owners Greg & Jon DeMarco and Kevin Campbell of Rye Roadhouse, 12 High Street, Rye, will be marking Fat Tuesday all day. The fun starts with specialty cocktails, authentic New Orleans dishes and traditional Zydeco music. Try their tasty Shrimp Po’ Boy or mixed bowl of Jambalaya with meats and seafood including Andouille sausage and crawfish tails. The sweet potato fries served with remoulade are great. Beads and giveaways are also promised. Reservations a must. Phone: 914-925-2668.

www.ryeroadhouse.com The people behind Hook & Reel, 200 Baychester Ave., Bronx, serve a menu which allows you to select your favorite meat, seafood & vegetables and they will prepare a New Orleans-style meal. There are Crayfish Boils, Po’ Boys. Take-out & delivery. Phone: 917-507-7052.

Also located at 2375 Central Park Ave., Yonkers. 914-3557739 www.hookreel.com Holy Crab, 32 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, serves fresh Cajun-style seafood as you would see in New Orleans. It is a long sprawling space with bustling bar/lounge. Open daily 1-9:30 p.m. Check out such specialties as: Lobster Mac & Cheese, Po’ Boys, Gumbo, Snow Crab Legs and Jambalaya Shrimp. Phone: 914-948-3888. www.holycrabny.com Southern Table Kitchen & Bar, 39 Marble Ave., Pleasantville, offers a big dose of Southern hospitality along with such house specialties as: Fried Green Tomatoes, Cheddar Biscuits, Grit Bowls, Cajun-style Seafood Boils, and Chicken & Waffles.

Good Fried Chicken, too. Open daily. Phone: 914-618-3355. www.southern-table.com Bo Bo’s Crab Shack, 2450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, near Fordham Road, offers a daily selection of Hushpuppies, Gumbo, Crawfish, and Fried Gator Bites.

347-275-9180 www.boboscrabshack.com STANLEY TUCCI ‘SEARCHING FOR ITALY’ IS A DELICOUS SERIES!

Here is another tasty rec.

Premiering on Sunday, March 13th, Peekskill born

Creole seafood stew at Alvin & Friends.

and bred Actor Stanley Tucci stars in an appetizing series on CNN entitled: “Searching for Italy” Season 2, and it is a delicious romp thru the scenic and delicious Italian culinary countryside. Beautifully filmed and depicted, Tucci visits various cities and towns throughout the boot zeroing in on the incredible food scene in each region.

Stanley Tucci, who attended John Jay High and SUNY Purchase, has long been a food and wine aficionado, having owned a restaurant called Finch Tavern in Croton Falls back in 2007. He hosted a series called “Vine Talk” on PBS. His latest cookbook is entitled: “The Tucci Table: Cooking with Family and Friends” which he co-authored with his wife

Felicity Blunt. It is available on Kindle.

‘Searching for Italy’, is a wonderful tour. In one episode he visits Rome and learns how to prepare the proper ‘vera’ Carbonara sauce. In another scene his watches how artichokes are prepared the traditional way in the old Jewish Quarter. My palate is longing for more.

Check it out: www.cnn.com/ travel/article/stanley-tucci-searching-for-italy-restaurants/index.html (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: 914-2356591. Email: gutreactions@ optonline.net)

16• BRONX VOICE• February 16 - 22, 2022

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