Bronx Voice- February 24, 2021

BRONX VOICE

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BAIL FOR SLASHER? www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

4th Year, No.16

February 24 - March 2, 2021

Photo by David Greene

Police stand around an ambulance at East Gun Hill Road and Hull Avenue after a man was slashed on the face on February 6, 2021.

Accused ‘Gun Hill Slasher’ back on the street Page 2 Illegal gas line eyed as cause of explosion that injured 10

Muggers strike

Don’t flash cash Page at check 4 cashing store

Helping you prevent a heart attack Page 16

Page 6

Citizen's App

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Accused ‘Gun Hill Slasher’ back on the street

By David Greene Workers and residents along East Gun Hill Road in Norwood are asking why a man arrested for slashing one man and assaulting two others-- was back on the same corner just two days later.

A pair of workers had claimed that the individual had been terrorizing people on the block for weeks before he was arrested in what police

Photo by David Greene Paramedics treat the 67-year-old victim who was slashed on his face along East Gun Hill Road on February 6, 2021.

described as an "unprovoked" attack that took place outside of 333 East Gun Hill Road at 3:55 p.m. on February 6.

Police officials confirmed that a 67-yearold man was slashed on the face and was transported to North Central Bronx Hospital, he was listed in stable condition.

A second senior, a 64-year-old man was struck in the face with the back end of a boxcutter and was taken to Jacobi Hospital.

That man was also expected to recover.

Witnesses reported a third senior was knocked to the ground, but refused medical attention.

Police quickly arrested Dave Scafe, 44, of nearby Hull Avenue, who was charged with three counts of assault as well as attempted assault, menacing, harassment and possession of a weapon.

After Scafe's arrest, one Gun Hill Road merchant stated, "He

was always looking for trouble. He'd see you and he'd hit you.”

According to the Bronx District Attorney's office, Scafe was issued a "supervised release" after the requested "$50K cash/$150K bond/$150K partially secured bail" had been posted. Scafe was due back in court on March 24.

The hard working merchants along East Gun Hill Road now question the recently enacted "bail reform" that essentially puts criminals, drug abusers and those allegedly suffering from mental illness back on the street, instead of getting individuals the help they need or the jail time they deserve.

In a series of text messages on February 14, Scafe said of the charges he now faces, "I don't know of any such thing," adding, "Police are in the business of telling lies.”

Scafe is due back in court on March 24.

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Check cashing crooks strike at Bx. locations

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By Dan Gesslein Don’t flash your cash at the check cashing store- muggers may be looking to strike.

The NYPD is looking for 2 suspects in 2 separate robberies in Bronx communities targeting check cashing stores.

At around 7 am on January 23, a 44-yearold man was waiting on line inside a check cashing store on University Avenue in Morris Heights. An unidentified man grabbed the victim from behind, pushed him and ripped $60 from his hands.

The suspect fled on The NYPD is looking for this man in connection with the robfoot but not before his bery of an 84-year-old man inside a check cashing store.

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image was caught on the store’s surveillance camera.

A separate mugging took place inside a check cashing store in the HUB near Lincoln Hospital.

At around 8 am on January 30, an elderly man was

attacked inside PLS Check Cashing on 149th Street, police said.

An 84-year-old man was waiting in line to cash a check when he was approached from behind. An unidentified man came up to the senior, grabbed the victim’s

wrist and ripped $180 and a check from the victim’s hand. The robber then fled on foot.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (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 WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS. COM, on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

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Illegal gas line eyed as cause of explosion that injured 10

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By David Greene At least ten people were injured, including several children and one firefighter, after a gas explosion inside a row of three-story homes shook the building's foundation and blew out many of the windows and doors of the home in Westchester Heights. Two of the victims were reported in serious condition.

The explosion was reported inside of 1520 Paulding Avenue at 3:20 p.m. on February 18. At the scene, FDNY Deputy Chief John Sarrocco issued a brief statement that was later released on Twitter. Sarrocco said, "We received a call for an explosion. Units arrived on scene in three minutes and found what appeared to be a gas explosion with heavy damage to the front of the buildings.”

Sarrocco added, "There were windows and doors blown out and several victims within the structure. Units entered the structure,

rescued approximately eight patients, two of which were in critical condition.”

At the time EMS reported six children, one adult and one firefighter were removed to area hospital’s.

Despite being found to be "structurally stable" by the Deapertment of Buildings (DOB), residents of 1522 Paulding Avenue were issued a "vacate" order and the landlord was ordered to build a fence around the building.

DOB officials said in a statement late last Thursday, "The two neighboring buildings

Photo courtesy of the office of Councilman Mark Gjonaj

A photo of a team of Con Edison workers entering 1522 Paulding Avenue after an explosion on February 18, 2021.

at 1520 and 1524 Paulding Avenue also suffered damage from the explosion, but both buildings were found to be structurally stable.”

The following day the DOB issued another statement that read in part, "DOB plumbing inspectors found that gas piping, fittings, valves, water lines, and waste lines for the use of laundry washing machines, gas-powered

dryers, and a hot water heater for the laundry, had all been illegally installed in the ground floor garage area of 1522 Paulding Avenue.”

The statement concluded, "This work was performed without proper permits or approvals from the Department."

The cause of the blast has not been determined, but investigators CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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Illegal gas line eyed as cause of explosion that injured 10 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

continue to focus on the illegal gas and plumbing work and the conversion of a garage into a laundry room.

According to records accessed through the Department of Building's website, an inspector wrote after the incident, "Due to explosion at time of inspection 1st & 2nd floor suffered damage from explosion, damaged drywall, cracks throughout and broken windows.”

As residents of both 1520 and 1524 were evacuated, "Kathy" a resident of 1526 Pauld-

ing was still in her apartment, now without heat or hot water. On February 22, Kathy recalled, "Yeah, it shook my house and made me jump off my sofa," as picture frames fell off the walls of her home.

Asked if any residents had returned home, Kathy replied, "No, there not going to be able to as everything's destroyed. They lost everything.”

Kathy said of the illegal laundry room, "That was a laundry room when I moved in and I used to do my laundry there.”

Asked if she feels safe Kathy replied, "No, I'm worried about it. I told the landlord that he's got to let me know if I can stay here." She added a Con Edison team was expected to come out that day, but added, "I know it's not going to be fixed today, it's going to take a long time.”

According to Department of Finance records, Trackside Homes, LLC., is the holder of the building's mortgage.

Several calls to TrackPhoto by David Greene side were not immedi- Construction workers were observed using plywood to board up the homes windows and doors on February 19, 2021. ately returned.

NYC small businesses on brink cast hopes on new PPP loans, rent deals

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The following article was originally published in The City.

By Gregg David Before the pandemic struck New York 11 months ago, Janine Labriola’s Ditmas Park fitness business was thriving.

A studio she started five years ago for classes and personal training was solidly profitable, and the self-service gym she later opened nearby was building clientele.

Labriola shuttered the fitness studio for good over the summer and is able to keep the gym open only because her landlord agreed to a deal where she is paying only half the rent. Most of her customers at Park Fitness BK are either too afraid of COVID-19 to come to the Coney Island Avenue gym or have left the city for elsewhere.

Some days, she signs up a new member but often two cancel.

“I cut my losses and closed a thriving business,” she said. “I don’t even know how much debt I am in.”

As the shutdown that sent the city’s economy into a free fall nears the one-year mark, prospects for small businesses in New York City are worsening, new

data shows. Businesses that are hanging on are doing so because their landlords have decided some rent is better than no tenant — and because a new round of federal Paycheck Protection Program loans offers hope of paying some bills until the economy rebounds.

“The only reason we have survived because our landlord has deferred and forgiven rent,” said Fonda Sara of Zuzu’s Petals, a 50year florist shop in Park Slope. “As long as my landlord values my tenancy I will be fine.”

Meanwhile, the de Blasio administration says it has provided 108,000 services, running from help getting money to webinars for local small businesses.

It too is betting on the latest PPP loans, which include funds set aside for very small businesses, to bolster many owners.

Despite a small uptick during the holiday shopping season, small business revenue is once again slipping toward the March lows,

Photo by Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

Jolie Alony in her SoHo pharmacy. according to a recent business community and otherwise — popureport from City Comp- on the frontlines of the lations that have been hit troller Scott Stringer. pandemic,” said Randy hard on all levels by the Hit hardest are firms in Peers, president of the pandemic.

Manhattan deserted by Brooklyn Chamber of Thompson Chemists tourists, office workers Commerce. “Revenues once employed 17 peoand many residents. are in free-fall and the ple at their community Revenue there is down significant and constant- drug store in SoHo. Now 65% compared with the ly evolving government Jolie Alony and her hussame period a year ago, COVID-19 restrictions band, Gary, run the place with declines of 40% in are hurting businesses.” with one part-time emQueens, about 35% in The Department of ployee. They keep the the Bronx and Brook- Small Business Services door locked and let cuslyn and 22% in Staten says New York City has tomers individually.

Island. about 230,000 business“All our regular cusThe citywide average es with 125 employees tomers are out of here,” 50% decline is simi- or fewer employing Jolie Alony said. “They lar to Washington, and about 1.3 million work- left in March for the slightly better than Bos- ers. Counting a small Hamptons, Rhode Island ton and San Francisco, business as any with 20 or Florida.” both of which have the employees or less puts She said customers same ills as Manhattan. the number at about had told her they would But other cities are 200,000. return after the presidendoing better, including Peers notes that 73% tial election, but “no one Philadelphia, where the of small business em- came back.” drop is only 29%. ployees in New York The couple opened the “The data confirms City are people of color, story in 1994 and the the inescapable reali- with more than half of all landlord is letting them ties and experiences of jobs in the sector held by pay what they can.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 New York City’s small immigrants, documented

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NYC small businesses on brink cast hopes on new PPP loans, rent deals

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Photo by Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

Janine Labriola, owner of Park Fitness Gym struggled to stay open during the pandemic.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

“We are very vital to his community,” she said.

Small business owners interviewed by THE CITY all said that rent deals were the key to their survival. Most are paying 50% or less.

When Labriola decided to close the fitness studio, she owed $14,000 in back rent. The landlord kept her security deposit but said he wouldn’t pursue her for the unpaid amount. She notes no one has taken the space she vacated.

Current New York COVID-19 safety restrictions rules would prohibit her from holding indoor group fitness classes, though gyms are allowed to operate at one-third capacity.

The $7,200 monthly

rent on the gym has been cut in half, although she still is responsible for utilities. “Who knows when they are going to ask me to pay it back,” she wondered.

These deals are done on an informal basis.

“I have a landlord who has paid off the mortgage,” said Linda Pagan, owner of the Hat Shop on Thompson Street in SoHo, who uses only New York-sourced supplies except for shipping boxes. “He basically told me not to worry about the rent, and I have been paying half the rent but I don’t have anything in writing.”

Business owners are also counting on the new round of forgivable PPP loans to keep their doors open.

Labriola expects to get $37,000 instead of the $16,000 she received in the first round because she now knows that the loan can cover her own salary.

Alony of Thompson Chemists expects another $100,000 loan, and Pagan of the Hat Shop is also seeking the same $15,000 that she received the first time.

“There was a long wait for the second round of federal stimulus,” noted Jessica Walker, president of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “We are pushing hard to get PPP and other help to businesses right now.”

Many business owners are angry at their treatment by the city.

“The fitness industry has been completely for-

gotten,” said Labriola, who notes her gym has been inspected by the city health department five times, one that she scheduled and four surprise inspections.

She said other gym owners she knows have not been inspected even once.

Alony received a $28,500 fine from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for price gouging for thermometers and other goods in short supply in the early days of the pandemic. The prices represented only a modest markup from her cost, she said, and the inspector refused to look at her invoices.

A customer who is a lawyer has taken on her case pro bono and she is awaiting a verdict from a virtual hearing on the case.

The department of Small Business Services notes it has connected 5,000 firms to $125 million in funding, answered 54,000 calls to its hotline for support and conducted more than 300 webinars at-

tended by 30,000 businesses on how to pivot, find money and navigate regulatory issues.

It has launched a Fair Share campaign to make sure the smallest city businesses receive PPP loans in the latest round.

More broadly, says the Brooklyn Chamber’s Peers, government needs to loosen the restrictions on key businesses.

“We need to lift many of the state and city restrictions that have disproportionately impacted restaurant, hospitality, health and wellness, and entertainment businesses in Brooklyn,” he added.

“After a year of operating under siege, small businesses have demonstrated they can effectively and safely manage operations during the pandemic.”

The city remains more cautious, even as restaurants reopen for partial indoor dining.

“The concern is that we have a health crisis that bought on the economic crisis and we have to responsibly relate those concerns to the restrictions,” said SBS’s Doris. “The worst result businesses tell me would be that we open up and then have to shut down again.”

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Health Matters

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Keeping hearts healthy during the pandemic

By Fatima Shell-Sanchez, Registered Nurse with Visiting Nurse Service of New York February is National Heart Month, and as New Yorkers continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, take extra caution with hand washing and get vaccinated for COVID-19 when they are eligible, they’re also encouraged to check in with their health professionals about good heart health—especially with sedentary lifestyles on the increase due to COVID-19.

Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is the leading cause of death for all Americans, and something to stay mindful of during the pandemic. HHD increases with age, and includes heart failure, coronary artery disease, and other conditions.

Each year, approximately 100,000 home care patients in the U.S. report a prior stroke, and a recent study at the Visiting Nurse Service of New York Center for Home Care Policy & Research further shows that, at start of care, recurrent stroke risk is high for many patients and in particular, African Americans, due to uncontrolled blood pressure.

The American Heart Association (AHA), says nearly half of all Americans have hypertension, or high blood pressure, and

many don’t even realize they have it. For African-American men and women, the risk for developing hypertensive heart disease is even higher as roughly 40 percent are estimated to have high blood pressure.

As a Registered Nurse Care Coordinator with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York in the Bronx, I work with many patients who are diagnosed with these conditions. I educate them on managing their disease and help them follow simple tips that get them on track for making healthier lifestyle choices. Here are a few of those helpful reminders.

Limit Saturated Fat Eating too much saturated fat can increase the cholesterol level in your blood, ultimately increasing your risk of heart disease. Opting for leaner meats and

lower-fat dairy products helps.

Eat Fish Fish is a great source of omega-3 fats, which can help protect against heart disease.

Restrict Salt Intake Try to avoid adding salt to food you are cooking and do not add it to pre-made food.

The AHA recommends adults eat less than 2,300 mg of salt daily, about one teaspoon, but the ideal limit is 1500 mg (approximately 1/2 tsp).

Hungry? Try Fiber Fiber, such as oats, whole grains, potatoes, fruits and vegetables, can help lower your risk of heart disease. Try eating at least 30g daily, which is approximately one ounce.

Read Labels To make healthier choices, read the amount of salt content on labels and add to the

Fatima Shell-Sanchez, Registered Nurse with Visiting Nurse Service of New York

amount you take in each day. Always check fat, salt, and sugar on labels when food shopping.

Stop Smoking If you smoke, try to stop. Smoking is a primary cause of coronary heart disease. Your risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker in just one year after quitting.

Move Even if you can’t get outdoors to walk or exercise, remember that moderate activity can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease. You can always march in place while watching TV. Taking short indoor walks – even to the mailbox can

help!

American Heart Month is a great time to begin implementing heart healthy habits, but it is important to keep up with these lifestyle improvements throughout the year. As always, it is important to consult your health provider before making significant changes.

Fatima Shell-Sanchez, RN, is a registered nurse with the not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York. Learn more about how home health care can support your well-being by visiting www.VNSNY.org or calling 1-800-675-0391.

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Helping you prevent a heart attack

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February is American Heart Month.

At Montefiore, we offer a full range of cardiac care and advanced screening tools which help us not only treat people with current health conditions, but also prevent new conditions from developing.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) – disease of the heart and blood vessels – is the leading cause of death worldwide. The main cause of CVD is one or more blockages in the arteries that bring blood to the heart.

Plaque, which are small bunches of fat made up of cholesterol, can build up inside the arteries without producing any symptoms – that is, until the plaque breaks off.

As the plaque breaks, artery obstruction accelerates through the formation of a blood clot.

Obstructive plaques prevent the free flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, causing a heart attack. This buildup of plaque is a particular type of CVD known as coronary disease.

Currently, up to half of patients with coronary disease don’t know they have a blockage until they’re being rushed to the hospital, having a heart attack. Unfortunately, about 16% of these heart attack patients die, and many more are left with long-lasting health consequences, such as heart failure and arrhythmias (an irregular heart-

beat).

Fortunately, coronary disease is a treatable condition. But, seeking help after symptoms have developed is too late.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing CVD, which includes eating a heart-healthy diet; having well-controlled blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugars; quitting smoking; staying physically active; and losing excess weight.

How do doctors determine who’s most at risk for a heart attack?

Traditionally, doctors have used tools and special equations to determine a person’s risk for CVD, and have based a person’s care plan on these tools. This approach works well when generalizing the health of a large population, but not as well when determining an individual care plan.

Since the goal is to identify and help patients before they have a heart attack or stroke, it’s important that our screening tools are as accurate and efficient as possible.

For patients without a history of heart attack or stroke, the best way to measure how much plaque

is built-up in a patient’s heart is a figure known as a coronary calcium score (CAC). CAC can be measured by taking a picture of the heart, known as a CT scan, which allows health professionals to see how much plaque build-up is present. Then, health professionals compare these results with the average findings for a person’s age, gender and ethnicity.

CAC is a much better way to determine who’s most and least at risk of experiencing a heart attack. In fact, CAC has been particularly useful in patients deemed at low-to-intermediate risk – which is why it’s an excellent approach for catching CVD before it turns into a much larger health issue.

Once plaque is detected

by CAC, medications can be tailored to the patients’ individual risk. In addition, lifestyle changes can be discussed, and together, this personalized care plan can significantly decrease a patient’s 10-year risk of having a heart attack. If there is no plaque, lifestyle interventions can play a larger role than medications in preventing a heart attack avoiding unnecessary medications.

But, when there is significant calcification, lifestyle modifications alone are usually not enough.

In this case, a group of medications called statins (which decrease blood cholesterol) together with

File Photo

aspirin can significantly decrease a patient’s risk.

Moreover, we currently have a wide pool of medications for prevention that can be used on top of statins for patients at high-risk of cardiac events, like a heart attack.

How can I learn if I’m at risk?

Getting your CAC score taken is painless. During the scan, patients simply lie down on a table which then slides the patient into the CT machine, scanning the heart in seconds. The entire procedure takes about 15 minutes and results are available on the same day. The patient’s doctor will then be able to incorporate the CAC score with other risk fac-

tors and discuss a personalized care plan to decrease a person’s risk of a heart attack.

Based on the results of a person’s first CAC, health professionals can determine how frequently this test should be repeated, but most times it’s not repeated at least for five-to-10 years. Interestingly, studies have even shown that CAC can help patients stick to lifestyle modifications, such as diet and weight loss!

CAC score is currently available at multiple locations at Montefiore. Speak with your doctor to determine for risk for CVD and whether you should schedule a CAC test soon.

For more information, please call 646-670-5120.

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AdvantageCare Physicians opens new center for GI care

AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY),

one of the largest primary and specialty care practices in New York City announced the opening of its new Flushing Annex Medical Office. This new medical office will house Gastroenterology (GI) consultative and endoscopic procedures in Flushing, Queens, one of New York City’s most diverse neighborhoods.

As part of ACPNY’s commitment to population and community health, doctors and clinical staff will perform colonoscopy and upper endoscopy procedures at the new office, with a focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers and other digestive diseases and disorders.

“Our new facility is designed to put patients at ease, serving as a beacon of excellence for GI care in the community,” said Dr. Navarra Rodriguez, Chief Medical

Officer of ACPNY. “We are excited to continue to expand care options in the Flushing community.”

The center features endoscopy units and offers patients convenient access to gastroenterology care and procedures within the safety of a dedicated office.

The experience aims to offer patients a personal office visit that is efficient and respectful of the patient’s medical and cultural needs.

The state-of-theart 5,300-square foot office includes: * Two procedure rooms, equipped with the latest endoscopy testing and treatment technology. *Seven-bed post-anesthesia care unit. * An endoscope reprocessing room, equipped with the latest technology in scope reprocessing, infection control and patient safety. * Large waiting area that accommo-

dates social distancing safety protocols. * Four patient examination rooms and three physician consultative offices. * Continued partnership with North America Partners in Anesthesia providers for procedure-related anesthesia ser-

are proud of how well it vices “This new office has come together and will be the largest GI endoscopy unit at ACPNY and very likely one of the largest office-based endoscopy units in the NYC area,” said Dr. Leon E. Kurtz, Senior Vice President of Specialty Services, Gastroenterology at ACPNY. “We

thrilled for the opportunity to further help our patients and community through this specialty unit.”

For more information on ACPNY and the care options they provide, see their website: https://www.acpny. com/

Fidelis reinforces importance of dental care for children

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In recognition of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Fidelis Care is joining with local dental providers and community partners this month to distribute more than 4,000 dental kits for kids across New York State.

Provided by Fidelis Care’s dental partner, DentaQuest, the kits include the key tools for good oral hygiene – a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste - and are a helpful reminder of the importance of building healthy dental habits in children as they grow.

“Regular dental checkups for children continue to be important and can help in preventing common oral health problems such as plaque, cavities, and tooth decay,” said Dr. Vincent Marchello, Fidelis Care Chief Medical Officer. “We’re here to encourage parents to take good care of their children’s teeth and gums from an early age and reinforce the importance of dental care throughout their lives.”

Fidelis Care wants parents and caregivers to have the information and resources necessary to help build healthy dental habits for kids of all ages. Here are some helpful guidelines to follow.

For Babies Begin dental hygiene as soon as possible. Before teeth even appear, a baby’s mouth should be cleaned twice a day – after first feeding and before bed – by wiping the gums with a clean washcloth to remove bacteria and sugar.

Avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk. Milk or juices can pool around teeth and cause severe decay.

Brush regularly.

Once teeth come in, a baby’s teeth should be brushed twice a day with a small, soft-bristled tooth-

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brush and water.

Check on toothpaste. Talk to your child’s dentist or pediatrician about using fluoride-based toothpaste and receiving a fluoride application on a baby’s teeth.

Go to the dentist.

Baby’s first Dentist appointment should be no later than their first birthday.

For Children Brush twice a day.

Encourage children to brush their teeth twice a day – in the morning and right before bed – using fluoride toothpaste.

Brush properly and don’t forget your tongue. Poor brushing can be just as bad as not brushing at all. Children should take their time and use gentle, circular motions as

well as gently brush their tongue.

Don’t forget to floss. Flossing once a day is a great way to stimulate the gums and reduce plaque.

Consider using mouthwash. Mouthwash can help reduce acid in the mouth, clean hard-to-brush areas, and strengthen the teeth. A dentist can provide specific mouthwash recommendations for children.

Visit the dentist regularly. Children should see the dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. The dentist can help remove plaque and look for cavities, and spot for potential oral health issues.

For Caregivers Model good brushing habits. Brush your teeth with the

children to encourage proper brushing technique and habits.

Avoid sugar-based food and drinks in your diet. Set a good example for the children and help them establish a lifetime of good dietary habits.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling regular dental checkups to ensure children maintain good oral health. Parents should contact their child’s dental office with any questions or concerns they may have about scheduling an appointment during the pandemic. Additional tips and resources can be found by visiting https://www.fideliscare.org/DentalHealth-Month.

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Culinary Road

By Morris Gut

Dining returns with more seating, extended hours

Governor Cuomo and New York City Mayor DeBlasio have given the okay for restaurants in the 5 boroughs to reopen for partial indoor seating to 35% capacity. In Westchester, indoor seating is allowed up to 50%. Restaurants can now stay open for an extended time to 11 p.m. Patrons and restaurants must adhere to Covid-19 protocols.

NYC RESTAURANT WEEK EXTENDED THRU FEB. 28th !

A reminder: NYC & Co. has announced an extension of NYC Restaurant Week To Go thru Feb. 28th. This year there are 17 restaurants coming out of the Bronx.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this popular bi-annual event has pivoted for the first time to include take-out and delivery.

Participating restaurants are required to offer a special lunch and/or dinner meal for $20.21. At the same time, food delivery services have offered to reduce delivery fees over the course of the program. It is organized by NYC & Co. which claims to have signed up 600 restaurants scattered thru the 5 boroughs.

For more info and a full list of participating eateries go to: www.nycgo.com/ restaurant-week ACE ENDICO ACQUIRES SASSONE WHOLESALE GROCERS, BRONX, EXPANDS HOME DELIVERY!

William

A.

Endico, a wide line of restaurant

CEO of Ace Endico, has quality products for home announced the acquisition of Sassone Wholesale Grocers on Bronxdale Ave. in the Bronx. Founded in 1946

by Ralph Sassone Jr., thru the years the company became a major supplier to the food service industry, especially pizzerias, throughout the metro area. According to Ace Endico Marketing Director Laura Endico Verzello, adding Sassone to our family of suppliers will be a great match, enhancing the company’s service areas.

The Ace Endico story began years ago out of a small grocery in the Bronx. Today, after nearly 4 decades, Ace Endico under the guidance of co-founders William Endico and Murray Hertzberg, the company has grown into a major wholesale food supplier and distributor to the food service industry in the tri-state. A couple of years ago, they hosted a ‘tasting day’ at Yankee Stadium.

The Ace Endico name went up in lights. Now they also offer home delivery to the Bronx.

Their Ace Endico Marketplace in Brewster accepts retail customers at their state-of-the-art headquarters in Brewster, N.Y., just off 84, and their smaller outlet on W. Lincoln Ave., Mount Vernon. Stemming from the coronavirus crisis, they launched Ace Endico To Go with a fleet of new vans for home delivery in the metro area. They offer

cooks: meats, produce, dry goods, dairy, fish, poultry, cheeses, canned goods, paper ware, imported items and beverages. Home delivery is available with no minimum. Orders of $100 or more are free.

Orders are taken up to 5 p.m. for next day delivery.

All deliveries are made Monday-Saturday. Their products and special promotions are posted daily on the website. There are personal shoppers ready to help you. It is customer friendly.

Ace Endico, 80 International Blvd., Brewster, N.Y. 914-347-3131, 1-845-2309886 & Ace Endico, 188 W. Lincoln Ave., Mount

Vernon. 914-699-5592 Sassone Wholesale Grocers, 1706 Bronxdale Ave., Bronx. 718-7922828 www.aceendico. com www.aceendicotogo.com WINTER FARMERS MARKETS RIGHT NOW!

So, you’ve had enough of winter and you miss visiting your favorite farmer’s market. Well, there is good news for intrepid market foragers. Some of our most popular markets have been operating indoors/outdoors all season, and while you may not get all the spring/ summer/fall harvests can produce, it still is a good place to pick up a variety

of artisanal goods such as meats, fish, cheeses, jams, and breads. Here are some purveyors a pleasant drive away, and happy grazing: Pleasantville Farmers Market, Pleasantville Middle School, 40 Romer Ave., Pleasantville.

Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. www. pleasantvillefarmersmarket. org Mamaroneck Winter Indoor Farmers Market at Harbor Island Park Pavillion, 1 Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.downtoearthmarkets.com Ossining Winter ‘Down to Earth’ Farmers’ Market, corner of Main & Spring Streets, Ossining. Year round, Saturdays, 8:30 to 1 p.m. www.downtoearchmarkets.com Irvington Winter Farmers’ Market, Main Street School Auditorium, 110 Main St., Irvington. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www. irvmkt.org Hastings -on-Hudson Winter Farmers’ Market, James V. Harmon Community Center, 44 Main St., Hastings. Every 1st & 3rd.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.hastingsfarmersmarket.org Gossett’s Farm Market, Gossett Brothers Nursery, 1202 Rt. 35, South Salem.

Year round. Saturdays thru April, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.gossettbrothers.com Cold Spring Indoor Farmers Market, Parish Hall, St. Mary-in-the-Highlands, 1 Chestnut St., Cold Spring. Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. www.csfarmmarket.org Hudson Valley Regional Farmers’ Market, Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association, 15 Mount Ebo Road South, Brewster. Year round: Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.hudsonvalleyfarmersmarket.org For a general overview check out: www.nyfarmersmarket.com/winter, or www.downtoearthmarkets. com (Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food & dining scene in the Bronx & Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)

20• BRONX VOICE• February 24 - March 2, 2021

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