Bronx Voice- February 19, 2020

BRONX VOICE

FREE

REWARD IN DELI SLAY

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

3rd Year, No.59

February 19 - 25, 2020

Cops search for mystery man with cane Photo by Daniel Valls

Morris Park resident Yahya Almuntser, 34, was shot and killed as he worked behind the counter of a deli in the South Bronx.

Page 2 Page 19

‘Jumper’ death probed Photo by David Greene Crime scene tape blocks off the area of Webster Avenue and East 178 Street after a man jumped or fell to his death.

Plan to cut bus stops gets Page 8 Bronx Cheer

2• BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

$10,000 reward offered in deli worker murder

By David Greene A local association of deli owners has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman who shot and killed a Morris Park man working behind the counter of a deli

in the South Bronx.

Police were called for a report of an assault at the B & A Gourmet Deli, located at 217 Brook Avenue in Mott Haven, at just after 6:30 p.m. on February 14.

Officers from the 40th Precinct discovered the male

victim unresponsive. He had been shot at least two times in the chest and head.

The victim was rushed to Lincoln Hospital, where he was declared dead.

The following day the police identified the victim as 34-year-old Yahya Al-

muntser, of the Morris Park section.

On February 16, police released surveillance video of the gunman, described by one source close to the investigation as a male Hispanic, 5 foot 5 and wearing a blue or black jacket with

Police released surveillance video of a man they are looking to question regarding the shooting.

fur and a ski mask. The video shows the man using the aid of a walking cane.

Police officials say the assailant entered the store and fired multiple rounds without uttering a word, before fleeing the scene on foot and into the nearby Mill Brook Houses.

Almunster, who recently became a U.S. citizen, leaves behind a wife in his native Egypt.

One store owner recalled, "I was here but I was busy.

But when I looked outside the police had surrounded the store." The business owner admitted he was in a rough area, but added, "He didn't demand any money, it wasn't a robbery, so that's a little scary.”

The Yemeni American Merchant's Association has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the gunman's capture

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020• 3

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

4• BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020

Feds bust drug gang members for playground shooting

By Dan Gesslein The Feds charged two members of a Bronx drug gang with hitting a teenage girl with a stray bullet when they opened fire inside a Mount Eden playground.

The US Attorney’s office announced the indictment of Marvin Gamoneda, aka June, and Luilly Fer-

nandez, aka Luigi.

The two men were charged in connection with the 2018 shooting inside Nel-

son Playground in Mount Eden. The alleged members of the Woodycrime gang were charged with racketeering, firearms, and narcotics offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder in aid of racketeering.

U.S. Attorney

Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants carried out a shooting in a playground that injured two individuals, including a child. Thanks to the extraordinary work of the FBI and the NYPD, the defendants now face federal charges for their crimes.”

Prosectors said the Woodycrime gang sold crack cocaine, marijuana, oxycodone, and MDMA or ecstasy. The gang used violence to maintain business and retaliate against rivals. It was one such retaliation attack that led to the current charges, prosecutors said.

According to the indictment, on June 7, 2018, Gamoneda and Fernandez opened fire inside Nelson Playground as part of an act of retaliation against a rival gang member. Two people were struck with bullets including a 13-year-old girl.

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “As alleged, these men fired off

weapons at a playground, and a child was hit, all because they wanted to protect their turf. It’s not their turf, it’s not their land, they don’t own it, and everything they’re allegedly doing is illegal and potentially deadly.

“I want to commend the outstanding work of the New York FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation that led to the arrest of these two men, and doing all they can to get alleged criminals who show no respect for anyone’s life out of the communities they’re terrorizing,” Sweeney said.

NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “The NYPD, in close cooperation with our federal partners, is making New Yorkers safer by focusing significant resources on the relatively small percentage of criminals responsible for much of our city’s crime and disorder. I commend the NYPD officers, federal investigators, and prosecutors whose hard work resulted in these arrests and charges.”

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020• 5

6• BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Cops seek Psycho Subway Slasher

By Dan Gesslein The NYPD released surveillance video of the man, they say, slashed a teenager on a Bronx subway train in a random attack.

attacked her. He slashed her in the face and hand with a knife. The woman suffered severe bleeding and was rushed to nearby Lincoln Hospital.

It is unclear the moThe 19-year-old wom- 6 train. The woman no- tive for the attack.

Police released suran is being treated at ticed a man staring at Lincoln Hospital fol- her and acting erratical- veillance video followlowing the horrific at- ly. She moved to anoth- ing the attack of a man, tack. er subway car and the they believe, is the attacker.

Investigators say the man followed.

Anyone with inforincident started around

As the train entered 9:40 pm on Wednesday the Brook Avenue Sta- mation is urged to call on a Manhattan bound tion, cops say, the man C R I M E S T O P P E R S

Photo courtesy of NYPD Police released surveillance video of a man they say stabbed a woman on the subway.

at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at WWW.

NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, on Twitter @NYPDTips or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020• 7

8• BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Plan to cut bus stops gets Bronx Cheer

By David Greene The MTA plan to cut some 400 bus stops throughout the borough was met with Bronx cheers by riders who called for no cuts to service.

More than 60 Bronxites attended a town hall meeting hosted by Community Board # 7 and Senator Gustavo Rivera where Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) officials rolled out their Bronx Bus Network Redesign or "Bus stop balancing" plan that would redesign most bus routes across the borough in the name of savings and efficiency for the cash-strapped agency.

Joining Senator Gustavo Rivera at the meeting, held on February 1 at Mercy College was MTA representative Rashid Dolor who discussed the proposed changes-- the Bus Stop Balancing plan would eliminate 400 bus stops across the borough and increasing the average distance between stops from 882 feet to 1,100

feet.

Dolor told the crowd of non-believers, "For every bus stop removed, 20 seconds would be shaved off a customers ride." Standing under a large projection screen, Dolor then told the crowd, "I know it sounds like a lot, but we're asking you to consider the trade off that you may have to walk a little bit further to get to your bus stop, but now your bus trip will be a little shorter.”

Maps of the individual bus routes and the proposed changes hung around the Mintz Auditorium, as Dolor and Rivera went over each of the planned changes.

Dolor explained, "So the BX-28 needed to be rerouted off of Mosholu Parkway and then you'd use Bainbridge (Avenue) to Bedford Park Boulevard... we tried to straighten it out as much

BRONX VOICE GLM:

Guess Line Media LLC

177 Main Street Suite 449 New Rochelle, NY 10801 (646) 671-0602

Website

Photo by David Greene

With the proposed bus route redesign, the BX-28 would no longer swing past Tracy Towers.

as we could, so instead of going near Hull Avenue, we tried to straighten it out and make it a little more direct.”

Another problem brought up by members of the public was the change to the BX-34, of which Dolor said, "Under the proposed plan, the proposal to move the BX-34 over to Webster Avenue because of the narrow streets along Valentine and Bainbridge, where buses would get stuck" behind double parked cars or delivery trucks.

Dolor added, "The trade off here is that you have to walk a little further to get to the Grand Concourse from Webster however, the service will move a lot more frequently and

hopefully a lot more reliable.”

After the MTA delivered their presentation, Barbara Stronczer of the Bedford Mosholu Community Association delivered a petition with over 300 signatures opposed to the rerouting of the BX-34. Stronczer later explained, "I think the problem is that there are more than a few people within these blocks that need transportation," including the 300plus senior citizens who live at Serviam Gardens and young students of Mount St. Ursula.

Opponents point out a walk to and from Webster Avenue includes a large hill and the area is very dark at night.

Stronczer offered a CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Promote your biz in print and online

1 low price. Email us today: bxadsvoice@gmail.com

www.bronxvoiceny. www.bronxvoice.com blogspot.com

Publisher/ Publisher/ Editor Editor in in Chief Chief

Daniel Daniel Gesslein Gesslein

Associate Editor-News David Greene

Culinary Editor Morris Gut

For Display Advertising bxadsvoice@ gmail.com

Got a Tip

voicebronx@gmail.com

To To Submit Submit an an Event, Event, All All other other Editorial Editorial matters matters voicebronx@ voicebronx@ gmail.com gmail.com Bronx Voice is not responsible Bronx Voicemade is not responsible for claims by advertisers

Member

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020• 9

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

10• BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020

NYPD seeks broke burglars who struck 12 Locations

Thieves rob flower shop, jewelry store, apartment building washing machines

Police released a photo of this person in connection with a string of burglaries throughout the Bronx.

By Dan Gesslein The NYPD is asking for the public’s help in trying to catch a pair of broke burglars who robbed everything from a flower shop to laundry rooms in apartment buildings.

However, it appears the thieves only walked away with pocket change in several incidents.

The NYPD released photos taken from surveillance video of the suspects and their vehicles. Cops believe these two men were responsible for the 12 burglaries which took place throughout the Bronx from November until January.

The first business was struck twice within days. Fabulous Flowers in Throggs Neck was burglarized on November 18 and then again on November 24. In the first case, thieves entered through a rear air con-

ditioner unit and stole the cash register off the counter as well as envelopes containing cash. In the second burglary the thieves only made off with items from inside the store.

The pair went on a low-end crime wave by robbing the coin operated machines in the laundry rooms of buildings in Morris Park, Soundview, Bronx Park East and Wakefield. They used a crow bar to pry open the coin operated machine. In some cases the thieves made off

with change- in other cases with nothing at all.

In the later cases the thieves stepped up their game by burglarizing businesses with cash. On January 3, the pair broke into Lilly’s Laundromat on Boston Road through the roof.

They stole $1,000 in cash from the office.

On January 5, the thieves broke into M & NP Jewelry store on White Plains Road through the roof. They stole jewelry of an undetermined amount.

In the last case, the thieves struck Best Laundromat on Bailey Avenue on January 8. There they once again entered through the roof and made off with $800.

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

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020• 11

Fatal stabbing was random attack- DA says

A New Jersey man has been indicted on murder and manslaughter charges but officials still cannot discern a motive as to why he fatally stabbed a stranger on a Bronx street.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, “During an unprovoked attack, the defendant stabbed the victim in the chest, leaving him brain dead. The victim’s family made the tortuous decision to re-

move this 20-year-old man from life support.

We will pursue justice for the heartbroken family and friends of the victim.”

Clark said the defendant, Edwin Portes, 19, of Elizabeth, N.J., was arraigned on second-degree Murder and first-degree Manslaughter before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. The defendant was remanded and is due back in court on April 21, 2020.

According to the investigation, at approximately 2:30 a.m. on December 21, 2019 the victim, Giovanny Pimentel, 20, was at 2170 University Avenue hanging out with friends. The defendant allegedly approached with a knife and lunged at the victim, stabbing him once in the chest. The defendant also lunged at another individual but missed.

Pimentel was declared brain dead on

Edwin Portes, 19, was fatally stabbed during a random attack in the Bronx.

December 22, 2019 at St. Barnabas Hospital and was taken off life support six days later.

The defendant fled to New Jersey and was

arrested on January 10, 2020.

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

Health Matters Here’s an important check list for managing medications at home 12• BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020

March is just around the corner and though we still have plenty of cold weather ahead, it’s never too early to think about “spring cleaning” your medicine cabinet—especially if your household includes older family members with complex health issues.

These simple guidelines for managing medications and maintaining health and wellness as the seasons change are a good place to start.

As we age, our bodies process drugs differently. The average senior takes more than five different pills daily, not including over-the-count-

er drugs or supplements, which can leave them more vulnerable to adverse reactions. In fact, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that senior citizens are twice more likely to visit the emergency room due to adverse drug reactions than their younger counterparts.

Patients or their family caregivers can do a lot to minimize the risk of a negative reaction related to a medication,” says Registered Nurse Constance Washington, a Care Coordinator with VNSNY CHOICE Health Plans from the

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York.

Constance works with older New Yorkers who are challenged by multiple chronic illnesses and are often required to follow complex medication regimens. To help those she cares for live safely and independently in their community as they age, Constance makes sure that she reviews the following simple guidelines for medication management with them on a regular basis.

1) Make a List.

Keep a personal record of all the meds your loved one is taking, including the name of the medication, the dosage instructions, the reason it was prescribed and the name and number of the doctor who prescribed it.

“Don’t forget to include over-the-counter meds and herbal supplements, too,” says Nurse Washington.

2) Take All Medications to the Doctor.

An estimated 100,000 older Americans are hospitalized for adverse drug reactions yearly, and three of the most commonly prescribed drugs – insulin, the blood thinner warfarin (aka Coumadin) and the

heart drug digoxin – are most often the cause, according to a recent study by researchers at the CDC published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

If you’re unsure about your meds, put everything in a bag and bring them to your doctor. Ask for help figuring out what you are taking and why, to avoid taking medications incorrectly. Being knowledgeable about your medication is the first step in preventing medication errors.

3) Ask Questions.

Don’t be afraid to speak up. Every time a new med is recommended or prescribed, it’s imperative to ask the physician and pharmacist these key questions: Why has this been prescribed?

How does it work? How can I tell if the drug is working? What are the possible side effects? Is this safe to take with other prescriptions and overthe-counter drugs?

“Also ask about the risk of taking your medications with different foods and drinks,” Nurse Washington says. “Something innocent may cause an adverse reaction. Grapefruit juice, licorice, chocolate, alcohol and other food and beverages are known to increase

side-effect risks with certain medications.”

4) Change Dosage.

Open a dialog with the prescribing physicians about possibly lowering the number of different pills taken throughout the day. Studies show that the more pills a person takes, the less likely they are to adhere to the schedule and dosage.

5) Store Smart.

“Don’t keep your meds in the bathroom or the kitchen,” cautions Constance. “The moisture and heat can impact potency.”

Knowing how to properly take and store your medications not only helps them work more effectively, but may save your life.

6) Box Them.

Nurse Washington encourages members to get a pill box that has labeled compartments for each day of the week.

“There are even ones labeled ‘take with meals’ or ‘take at bedtime’ and ones that alarm when it’s time for a dose,” she says.

For more information about VNSNY CHOICE Health Plans from the not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York, please call 1-888867-6555 or visit www.

VNSNYCHOICE.org.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020• 13

14• BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Date Night Out -- On Us!

Free Montefiore program helps couples set aside time to strengthen their relationships

By Dr. Traci Maynigo, Attending Psychologist and Program Director, Supporting Healthy Relationships, University Behavioral Associates/Montefiore Health System Even though Valentine’s Day is now behind us, we should not lose focus on the importance of taking the time to keep our relationships strong.

A week before Valentine’s Day, nine couples surround a candle-lit dinner table at a romantic restaurant, dressed to impress in gold masquerade masks. Although seated at a communal table, each couple leans into each other periodically, carving out small moments of intimacy.

Prior to this evening, none of these couples knew one another. Yet before night’s end, they will not only bond over a three-course meal and take photos together, they will also discover they all have one thing in common: the desire to strengthen their relationships, but with work, kids and life, they just can’t find the time to do so.

Thanks to Montefiore’s Supporting Healthy Relationships (SHR) program, Bronx couples can get help prioritizing nourishing their couple bond. Along with themed date nights, the program provides psycho-educational workshops, facilitated by a team of psychologists and mental health counselors. For twelve weeknight evenings, over the course of three hours, in groups of 4-15 couples, attendees watch video clips, engage in discussions, and learn new ways of communicating—all within a supportive, safe environment. The workshops are not unlike a date night, and participants can enjoy meeting and learning from other couples in the community. Often, they even develop lifelong friendships.

Federally funded for almost 15 years, SHR is designed to empower couples to stabilize their families. In addition to the workshops, the free program, which serves both Englishand Spanish-speaking couples, also addresses any stresses that might

be impacting the relationship by providing family support services, and employment services to help overcome barriers to achieving financial stability.

Because financial instability frequently contributes to relationship distress, SHR’s supplementary employment services are comprehensive.

Through individual career counseling, one or both partners can receive assistance in obtaining new employment, getting a promotion, or otherwise acquiring the training, certification, or degree necessary to further their career goals. In addition, clients who find new employment while enrolled in the program will receive transportation assistance to

interviews through roundtrip MetroCards, and a one-month unlimited MetroCard when they present their first paycheck.

The program also provides weekend intensives, individualized sessions with staff clinicians and supplemental workshops and support groups for men and women. Hosted at least once a month, the supplemental workshops cover topics ranging from stress and anger management to budgeting and parenting.

Although these services are usually provided at Montefiore’s University Behavioral Associates in the South Bronx, the program continues to expand. In addition to delivering workshops

at other Montefiore sites, SHR has also partnered with many community-based organizations, mental health clinics, and churches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and elsewhere in the tri-state area to bring its services to more families in need.

Find out how to receive an invitation to one of our exclusive, free DATE NIGHTS! New workshops are starting in March and April. For more information and to enroll, please call 718-4015050. Eligible couples must be (1) 18 years or older, (2) in a committed relationship, and (3) have a child under 18 or expecting a child (biological, foster, or adopted).

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020• 15

16• BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Latest class of hospital police graduates for Jacobi Medical NYC Health + Hospitals celebrated the official graduation ceremony of its newest special officers at the NYC Hospital Police Academy.

Held at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, the graduation ceremony marked the culmination of 10 weeks of intensive training for the officers.

The curriculum includes training in basic NYS Criminal procedural law, penal law, procedural justice, powers of a peace officer, justification/use of force, radio use, arrest procedures, preventing and managing crisis situations, and First Aid/CPR. The 26 officers range in age and backgrounds,

and come from all five boroughs. The officers will provide patient and family assistance, onsite security, and enforce state and city laws at all NYC Health + Hospitals facilities. Following graduation, the officers will be deployed to hospital facilities system-wide.

“We recruit special officers with different levels of experience and cultural competencies, we train them to use the very best policing practices, and to provide the best service possible for our patients, visitors and staff,” said Christopher Mastromano, CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi. “We understand that having

special officers on-site enhances the overall message of high-quality care at our hospitals.”

“Every institution is unique and takes a number of factors into account in determining how best to ensure their facilities are safe and secure,” said Anthony Notaroberta, Senior

Celebrating heart health on National Wear Red Day

Associates from The Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart & Vascular Care gathers in their red shirts to support National Wear Red Day on February 7, 2020. This nationwide initiative helps to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease which, in turn, will hopefully contribute towards saving more lives.

Director System-Wide Security and Hospital Police at NYC Health + Hospitals. “We believe hospitals achieve this through training the best talent to ensure the security of their facilities – we are thrilled to welcome this distinguished group of special officers to NYC Health + Hospitals.”

Graduates were addressed by NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi CEO Christopher Mastromano, Senior Assistant Vice President Nick Cagliuso, Senior Director Anthony Notaroberta, and guest speaker Derek Jackson, Teamsters Local 237 with remarks and presentation of awards. Graduates were administered an oath of service, sworn in and had their Peace Officer certificates conferred.

Officers promote safety and security within NYC Health + Hospital facilities. All officers are required to attend annual in-service training to

ensure compliance with the New York State's Division of Criminal Justice Services. Living by the motto "service, safety and dignity," officers must pledge to maintain the public peace, value human life, respect each individual and render services with courtesy, pride and civility, while displaying the highest standard of integrity.

The NYC Hospital Police Academy, established in 2015, is newly located at NYC Health + Hospitals/ Jacobi. It serves as home to the 10-week Peace Officer Training Academy, Annual Peace Officer In-Service Training and Security Guard Training. Recently, the NYC Hospital Police Academy has expanded to include other agencies such as Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) and NYC Housing during trainings.

BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020• 17

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Culinary Road

By Morris Gut

You don’t need to go to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras

Proprietor Peter Van Cott of The Bayou Restaurant, 580 Gramatan Ave., Mt. 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: Big 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 30th Annual Mardi Gras Bash will be held on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 25th, featuring live entertainment and a full-course dinner. Seating times are at 6, 8 and 10 p.m.

If you just want to hang at the bar there will be a $20 cover charge.

Entertainment will be provided by CJ Chenier & and The Red Hot Louisiana Band. Reservations are suggested.

Phone: 914-668-2634. www.bayourestaurant-

ny.com The people behind Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar, 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. Phone: 917-507-7052. www. hookreel.com Proprietor and consummate host Alvin Clayton of Alvin & Friends, 14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle is marking his 10th year with solid doses of American Soul Food, a taste of the Caribbean, and spirited jazz sessions.

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 Seafood Jambalaya. It is a blackboard special 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. Phone: 718885-9885. www.artiescityisland.com You can also check out Rye Roadhouse, 12 High Street, Rye on Fat Tuesday. The fun starts at 4 pm with specialty cocktails, authentic New Orleans dishes and traditional King Cake.

Beads and giveaways are also promised.

Phone: 914-925-2668. www.ryeroadhouse.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 during Happy Hours: 4 pm to8 pm.

Check out such specialties as: Lobster Mac & Cheese, Po’ Boys, Gumbo, Snow Crab Legs and Jambalaya. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Phone: 914-948-3888. www.holycrabny.com 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; Shrimp & Grits; and Chicken Fried Steak.

Look for a swarm of flying birds hanging from the ceiling. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Happy Hours 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Phone: 914-6072476. www.freebirdkitchenandbar.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: 914618-3355. www.southern-table.com INDOOR FARMERS MARKETS RIGHT NOW! So, you’ve had enough

of winter and you miss visiting your favorite farmers market. Well, some of our most popular markets have been operating indoors all season, and while you may not get all the spring/summer harvest can produce, it still is a good place to pick up a variety of artisanal goods such as meats, cheeses, jams, breads, etc. Here are some local purveyors and happy grazing: The Grow NYC Norwood Farmstand is open all winter at E. Gun Hill Road & Dekalb Ave., Bronx. They offer a variety of farm fresh products every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is supported by the American Heart Association. www. grownyc.org (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 & Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-2356591. E-mail: gutreactions@ optonline.net)

Plan to cut bus stops gets Bronx Cheer

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

18• BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020

express their consuggestion that the cerns," but called the BX-34 goes across meeting, "the same Bedford Park Boulepresentation," the vard to Webster, inMTA delivered at a stead of using East November meeting.

204 Street. She was Bravo added, "We asked if she thought were looking for the MTA would listen more of a response.” to her idea, she reMeanwhile, local plied, "Who knows. activist Sirio Guerino My fear is that they has put up "warning will go with the route signs" at each of the they proposed, it's proposed stops that not going to work bewould be eliminatcause of all the doued from the BX-28, ble parked trucks and to alert riders to the they'll just discontinissue. Guerino said ue the line.” of the plan, "I don't Meanwhile, many want to see them residents of Jerome change the 28 bus. I like the way it goes down toward DeWitt Clinton High School and Tracy Towers to Jerome, so I put up signs informing everybody that the 28 would no longer stop here," under the proposal.

A final town hall meeting will be held at the Bronx Museum of Arts of the Grand Concourse on Thursday, February 20 and the MTA and DOT hope to implement the plan in the summer or fall of 2020.

For more information on the project or if you would like to provide input on the plan, visit : Photo by David Greene https://new.mta.info/ Senator Gustavo Rivera (Left) moderates a meeting with MTA representative Rashid Dolor, on the MTA's proposed bus route redesign. bronxbusredesign CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Park are just learning about the proposed elimination of service to residents who use the BX-28, as thousands of commuters to Lehman College, Bronx High School of Science, Tracy Towers and Amalgamated Houses would be impacted as that bus would begin and end at Bedford Park Boulevard and Bainbridge Avenue.

One Tracy Towers resident fumed, "I don't want it cut, leave it there!"

While another asked, "How are the old people suppose to get around?" The resident added, "It's dark as hell here at night, so nobody's going to be walking down the block in the dark to catch a bus.”

Rivera said of the meeting, "Saturday's town hall was a great opportunity for my constituents to hear directly from the MTA and DOT about their final proposal to redesign our borough's bus network and how it could af-

fect their daily commutes.”

Rivera added, "It is my hope the MTA takes the feedback they received into account for this proposal, which includes the rerouting of key bus routes such as the BX28 and the BX34.”

Ischia Bravo, the District Manager of Community Board # 7, said of the attendees of the meeting, "I think that they were happy that they were afforded an actual opportunity to

Man takes fatal plunge on Webster Ave www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020• 19

A man jumped or fell to his death at Webster Avenue and East 178th Street. The unidentified victim died at the scene, a missing shoe lies a few feet away.

(Top) A resident of the Twin Parks Photos by David Greene Tower South West pending family looks at the grim

By David Greene scene.

Police continue to investigate the circumstanc- notification.

es behind the death of a man who plunged to his death from the Twin Parks South West complex in Mount Hope.

Police were called to the back of the building at 1880 Valentine Avenue, at some time before 1 p.m. on Sunday, February 17. Officers from the 46th Precinct discovered the

male victim in his 20's on the ground, he was declared dead at the scene.

A crowd of onlookers gathered at the corner of Webster and East 178 Street and watched as police and medical

examiner officials removed the body.

Detectives from the 46th Precinct continue to investigate if the victim jumped, fell or was pushed to his death. The release of the victim’s name is

20• BRONX VOICE• February 19 - 25, 2020

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com