Bronx Voice- July 14, 2021

BRONX VOICE

GUN VIOLENCE PANDEMIC www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

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5th Year, No. 6

July 14 - 20, 2021

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Teen gunned down as city reopens Shot down road while hundreds watch soccer match Morris Heights Health Crazed gunman continues HIV holds testing among standoff Covid-19 challenges Page 16 by police station Healthcare

Photo by David Greene

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Page 4 A Facebook photo of the unidentified gunman sits atop an SUV in the middle of the intersection of East Tremont Avenue and Barkley Avenue on July 8, 2021.

workers take center stage at parade Pages 14 & 15

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Old electronics recycled on City Island

Still have an old flip phone or big backed tube TV? You could have gotten rid of it during an electronics recycling event on City Island.

EcoTech Management workers, Victoria Curcio of Ecotech Management, Beverly Jones, John Doyle, Kim Woodruff, and Luisa Benedetto of City Island Rising Inc.

On June 19th, the Community-Based Organization "City Island Rising Inc." hosted an electronics recycling event. The event, co-sponsored by EcoTech Management and the Bronx Solid

Waste Advisory Board, was held outside of the small business "239Play" at 239 City Island Ave, The Bronx, NY 10464.

The event was extremely successful with hundreds CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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Old electronics recycled on City Island

Old phones, as well as tvs and computers, were collected on City Island during an electronics recycling drive.

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of items being collected from City Islanders and the surrounding communities. In all 5,957 pounds of electronic material will now be properly recycled by EcoTech Management kept out of our landfills.

"I want to thank all of our volunteers and partners who participated in this event," said John Doyle of City Island Rising. "The event was extremely successful, beyond any of our expectations and we plan to host another event next year."

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Armed man holds NYPD at bay in 1 hour standoff

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By David Greene A deranged gunman held a standoff with police outside the 45 Pct stationhouse as he sat atop a car, officials said. The gunman was taken into custody without incident or injury.

According to police officials, the incident began at 7:20 a.m. on July 8, at the intersection of East Tremont Avenue and Barkley Avenue, which is around the corner from the 45th Precinct station house.

Police shut down East Tremont Avenue, from Bruckner Boulevard to at least Lafayette Avenue, blocking the roadway with an MTA bus. Another intersection along East

Tremont was blocked with a tractor-trailer and police deployed an NYPD armored vehicle to the intersection.

Side streets were also blocked off along Edison Avenue and Logan Avenue.

A press conference held shortly after the incident and later posted to the NYPD's Twitter page, Chief Wedin said, A Facebook photo of the unidentified gunman sits atop an SUV in the middle of the intersec"Today is a good day. tion of East Tremont Avenue and Barkley Avenue on July 8, 2021.

Joining Wedin at the There was a tense situ- by an individual armed ing some type of perpress conference was ation here this morning with a gun, experienc- sonal crisis.”

Captain Isaac Soberal, the Commanding Officer of the 45th Precinct, who told members of the media, "Uniformed officers of the 45th Precinct became aware of an individual who parked a silver SUV in the middle of the intersection.

The individual emerged from the sunroof and appeared to be holding a beer in one hand and a firearm in the other.”

Soberal added that the still-unidentified man refused to follow officers commands, addPhoto by David Greene ing, "The man appeared

Members of the Emergency Services Unit after taking unidentified gunman into custody and placing him in an ambulance on July 8, 2021.

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4 indicted for pimping out teens Allegedly beat girl with towel rack

Four men have been arrested and charged with sex trafficking 3 teenage girls, prosecutors announced. The allegedly pimps are accused of recruiting the girls into prostitution and repeatedly beating them.

“These defendants allegedly profited from the sex trafficking of vulnerable teens,” Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said. “They manipulated these girls by all means: taking their money, beatings, strangling and drugs. Two of the defendants are mother and son. We are glad these victims are finally out of that horrible, degrading situation.”

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Marvin Flint AKA Merk, 30; Zyair Harris AKA Zay, 24, Curtis Laboy AKA Shawn, 24; and Melina Laboy AKA Chica Peek, 41; were variously charged in a 35-count indictment with Sex Trafficking of a Child, second, third and fourth-degree Promoting Prostitution,

Sex Trafficking, Compelling Prostitution, third-degree Criminal Sexual Act and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Flint was arraigned on June 29, 2021 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Raymond Bruce. He was remanded and is due back in Court on July 27, 2021.

Melina Laboy was arraigned on June 30, 2021, Harris was arraigned on July 1, 2021, and Curtis Laboy was arraigned on July 2, 2021, all before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas.

The defendants were remanded and are due back in court on July 8, 2021.

According to the investigation, in November 2020, Harris recruited a 15-yearold girl to engage in prostitution. Harris

and Flint allegedly took photos of the teen and posted them online as ads.

For weeks, the victim engaged in prostitution daily. The defendants directly profited from the exploitation of the victim.

During December 2020, Harris assaulted the victim for various reasons, such as the victim collecting the wrong amount of money. Harris allegedly struck the teen in the face and body and strangled her until she became unconscious on various occasions. Due to the increasing violence and threats under Harris, Flint recruited the victim to work for him only. Flint also beat the victim on multiple occasions, including one incident in which he beat the teen with a towel rod he had ripped off the bathroom wall.

Flint also plied the victim with Ecstasy and cocaine so she could continue engaging in sexual acts with strangers in ex-

change for money.

On April 27, 2021, the NYPD conducted a rescue operation for the victim after her mother reported her missing and photos of her were seen in online ads.

The victim was recovered from Flint’s home, but on April 30, 2021, the teen ran away from home and was with Flint until May 8, 2021.

According to the investigation, between November 15, 2020 and May 8, 2021, Harris and Flint worked with Curtis Laboy in the sex trafficking of an 18-year-old woman and another 15-yearold girl. In December 2020, Curtis Laboy allegedly told the 18-year-old victim, who was homeless, that she could make money with him. Curtis Laboy allegedly posted ads online of the victim, and between December 2020 and February 2021 the 18-year-old engaged in prostitution. Curtis Laboy profited from the exploita-

tion of the victim and threatened her with violence if she did not follow his rules.

On February 2, 2021, Curtis Laboy allegedly recruited the 15-year-old victim, who knew the 18-year-old victim, and he posted photos of the 15-yearold in online ads.

The victim stayed at the 7 Days Hotel on Bruckner Boulevard for two weeks and engaged in prostitution at least one time at the behest of the defendant. Curtis Laboy’s mother, Melina Laboy, would allegedly go to the 7 Days Hotel to enforce rules and informed her son when the victim did not follow them. She also allegedly transported the victim to other locations so she could engage in sexual acts with others in exchange for a fee, as arranged by defendants.

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

Armed man holds NYPD at bay in 1 hour standoff

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somewhat disoriented and did not comply.”

NYPD's Christopher Giordano, the NYPD's Special Operations Citywide Duty Captain reported that his unit was called and secured the intersection with vehicles and officers, and established an observation point from the roof of the 45th Precinct, where officers were able to confirm that the man was armed.

Captain Giordano recalled, "Using ballistic shields, ESU officers approached the individual's vehicle from the rear, in an effort to begin a dialog. The man was not very responsive and did not offer any explanation for what he was doing or why he was there.”

About an hour into the standoff, Giordano continued, "At some point the man was holding the firearm and discharged a round that struck a nearby, unoccupied police van. He (the suspect) was not struck and no others were struck," adding that the man appeared to be "startled" by the handgun going off. According to Giordano, the man then proceeded to lie down on the roof of the vehicle.

"Officers from the observation post,” Giordano concluded, "saw him drop the firearm into the vehicle through the open sunroof. At that point emergency service officers once again approached the vehicle, this time taking the man

Photo courtesy of NYPD

At the NYPD press conference are (Left to Right): Special Operations Duty Captain Christopher Giordano, Chief of Special Operations Harry Wedin and 45th Precinct Commanding Officer, Captain Isaac Soberal.

into custody without incident.”

Officials reported that the man was transported to Jacobi Hospital for psychiatric evaluation and as a precaution, the vehicle was swept for additional

weapons and explosives by the NYPD's Bomb Squad, the vehicle was eventually cleared and no explosives or additional weapons were found.

Asked about the man's demeanor as he was tak-

Photo by Dan Gesslein

Police cordoned off Philip Avenue when a gunman sat atop a car near the 45th Precinct station house.

en into custody, Wedin noted that the suspect was crying when he was taken into custody.

Most reactions on Twitter was favorable, like John Doyle of Jacobi Hospital who Tweeted, "I just want to send a quick thanks to the @NYPD45Pct - they de-escalated a dangerous conflict without any injuries. Thank you!”

However, Tiredmommy76 Tweeted, "Thank God it ended well, but I'm extremely upset you allowed a school that is 1 block away to open up and receive children while the suspect was still not in custody.”

A second Twitter user TavRolls, added, "School should have been locked down." The NYPD did not respond to the two

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Joe & Joe’s founder honored with street

By David Greene

Photo by David Greene

Family members were on hand as Westchester Avenue at Thieriot Avenue was co-named "Joe Torres Way."

Outgoing Councilman, Reverend Ruben Diaz, Sr., (C.D. 13) held a street co-naming in honor of longtime restaurant owner Joe Torres, owner of the former Joe and Joe's Restaurant.

Family and friends gathered at the corner of Westchester Avenue and Thieriot Avenue on June 26, when the new street sign was unveiled and

Westchester Avenue was co-named "Joe Torres Way.” Torres died in March, 2020 from complications from COVID-19.

Without Torres, Joe and Joe's closed and the site is now home to the Gold Spoon Restaurant, which opened in January.

For many years Joe and Joe's was a popular gathering spot for local musicians and politicians.

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Mayor comes to Bronx to celebrate Pride

By David Greene New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and first lady Charlene McCray made a special appearance on June 29, at Destination Tomorrow: The Bronx LGBTQ Center located in the Hub, in celebration of Gay Pride Month.

McCray, the first speaker of the program, told a crowd of less than 50 in attendance, "This is really a wonderful day as I look around at all of you, I feel hope, I feel possibilities, I feel dreams crackling in the air.”

After having watched a recent episode of the FX series "Pose," McCray recalled, "During the show I saw an ad about trans women who was interviewing for a job and I watched two men kissing over a bottle of boy-butter and I was just, I mean my jaw

Photo by David Greene

Mayor Bill de Blasio relishes his moment with "Poise" cast member Dominique Jackson at Destination Tomorrow on East 149.

just fell open, it's a new world!”

McCray continued, "When I moved to New York City a year after college, I could not have imagined any of this. It was 1977, I was a poet, I identified as a lesbian, but most people couldn't be out at all in those days, not with their identity at work. If you were out, you didn't have a job or lost that job.”

At the podium, De Blasio said, "This is

an amazing moment in history that we are experiencing together. We went through hell last year, all of us and this community in particular here in the Bronx, had such profound challenges and we all understood, we're dealing with something unlike anything we could possibly imagine."

The mayor continued, "The fact that it's 2021, and it's getting better every day and it's the summer of New York

City and we are making our comeback, that's how I feel. We are coming back.”

"And I am so thrilled," de Blasio then said, "that we're having this gathering at Destination Tomorrow, because this is an example to me of people coming together to do something that was needed in this city, that was not easy to create, but was necessary, working, struggling and ultimately victorious.”

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De Blasio then asked Destination Tomorrow's executive director Sean Coleman to join him at the podium, where he presented Coleman with a special proclamation for the occasion.

The Mayor then said, "This proclamation is about why Destination Tomorrow is so important, was so historic, so crucial. But I'm not going to restate all of that, you know, but I'm going to read the last sentence, because

I love this sentence 'cause it gets to the best part, 'cause I proclaim officially as Mayor of New York City, Tuesday, June 29, 2021 in the City of New York as Destination Tomorrow Day.” Coleman thanked de Blasio, whom he called a "faithful ally," before stating, "I started Destination Tomorrow back in 2009, because I didn't see me represented in LGBTQ+ spaces in New York City, but more specifically in the

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Bronx. I recognized the lack of focus for organizations in the outer boroughs, even though most of the need was in these very boroughs. I saw it as unjust that one would have to leave their neighborhood to access affirming safe LGBTQ+ programs and services.”

Recalling ten years since marriage equality passed in New York City and the current rise in violence against the LGBTQ community as well as recent anti-trans

laws currently being enacted across the country, Coleman told the audience, "The first trial was a riot you all, I think it's time to suit up again.”

Mayor de Blasio also brought a Certificate of Appreciation that was presented to Junior Labeija, a member of the 1990 documentary film, "Paris is Burning.”

Dominique Jackson, a cast member of “Pose” as well as a transgender actor, author and model, then told the crowd,

"With support you never know where someone can go. When you see people, you never know the potential they may have.”

For more information on Destination Tomorrow, visit their website at: www.destinationtomorrow.org and anyone suffering depression can call a new hotline with professionals answering the phone 24-hours a day, the service also has a "queer therapist" if needed, the number is: (212) NYC-WELL.

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Orange Bank and Trust Company opens new full-service branch in the Bronx

The Board of Directors and CEO Michael Gilfeather of Orange Bank & Trust Company proudly announces the opening of a full-service branch at 1978 Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx.

The Board of Directors and CEO Michael Gilfeather of Orange Bank & Trust Company proudly announces the opening of a full-service branch at 1978 Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx.

This new branch further expands the Bank’s strategic regional growth plan with an emphasis on business banking.

Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Loan Officer, Anthony Mormile and Assistant Vice President and Relationship Manager, Vanessa Baijnauth will lead the Bank’s effort with a focus on delivering old-fashioned service with cutting-edge technology to Bronx area commercial leaders.

Anthony Mormile is a Bronx native who joined Orange Bank & Trust in 2018. He has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry serving businesses and professionals in Westchester, Bronx and surrounding areas.

“Anthony’s experience in commercial lending, and his familiarity with the Bronx make him a great addition to our Bank,” said Michael Gilfeather, President & CEO of Orange Bank & Trust. “He understands the diverse needs of our client base and will be an excellent resource for both our existing and future clients.”

Vanessa Baijnauth comes to Orange Bank and Trust from Ridgewood Savings

Bank in the Bronx where she most recently served as the Business Banking Relationship Manager.

“Vanessa joins us with a broad 15year background in all facets of banking including retail banking, internal branch operations, branch management and customized business programs to suit individual customers.

She is a creative problem-solver and effective communicator and is an outstanding asset to our team, said Gilfeather.”

Mormile is the Treasurer of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and

is a Board member of the North Manhattan-Bronx Board of Realtors.

He also serves as a member of the Business Council of Westchester and Westchester County Association.

Baijnauth serves as the Assistant Treasurer with Mormile on the Executive Board of the Bronx Chamber. She serves as a member of the Women’s Catholic Cornerstone and Rotary Club.

She is Liaison to the Bronx Borough President’s Office, Community Boards, Bronx Public Libraries, and BIDS. She sits on the Advisory

Board of Visions and is Treasurer of R.A.I.N. Home Attendant Services.

She is also the founder of the Literacy Programs and Give a Smile Campaign for the less fortunate.

The Bronx branch will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm providing a complete range of banking, and financial services emphasizing commercial lending, cash management, and wealth management services.

Please visit Ora n g e B a n k Tr u s t . com or call the branch at 718-7753324 for additional information.

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Health Matters The road rules of bicycle safety

By Tiffany K. Hamil, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore As children trade computers and remote learning schedules for fun outdoor activities, caregivers should remember important safety measures to keep children away from harm while creating summer memories with family and friends.

According to the National Safety Council and the National Center for Injury Prevention, 100 children are killed and 254,000 are injured because of bicycle-related accidents each year.

Here are important considerations for everyone biking in the Bronx this summer: When riding a bicycle, scooter or hoverboard, there is nothing protecting your body from impact if you fall. While protective gear, such as knee pads or elbow pads, may be warranted if you are a new rider, wearing a helmet and protecting your brain is of utmost importance and takes precedence above everything else.

Simply put, a helmet on your head keeps you away from a hospital bed. Helmets should sit on top of the head in a level position and should not move in any

direction. Helmet straps must always be buckled under the chin, but not too tightly. To encourage children to wear a helmet, have them select their own helmet design at the store! You can also contact NYC 311 to learn about helmet selffit events and free helmet giveaways.

Selecting the correct bicycle size for yourself and your child can be a smooth process if you follow a bicycle chart at the store for appropriate fit recommendations, and, if permitted, test drive the bicycle to assess your (and your child’s) comfort level. Once you find the bike you love, make sure to follow the ABCs of bicycle riding: A: Check the air in the tires before you ride so you avoid a flat tire.

B: Know how to use the brakes so you can stop without issue.

C: Examine the bicycle

File Photo

chain to make sure its is not broken and is properly aligned. Loose clothing that may get entangled in the chain or tires should be avoided. Don’t have someone ride with you on your bicycle or scooter as it increases the likelihood of both of you falling and sustaining injuries.

Electric scooters and hoverboard chargers have been blamed for many fires, injuries, and even deaths. To ensure appropriate fire safety measures at home, it is recommended to only use the charger that comes with the device and to check that the charger is not defective before plugging it in. Devices should never be charged overnight or left unattended. If you charge one of these at home, do not charge it near flammable

materials, and make sure you have working fire extinguishers and smoke alarms near the charging area.

Out of all five boroughs, the Bronx has the least amount of bicycle lanes, making it more difficult and dangerous for cyclists. As you ride your bicycle or scooter, remain vigilant, be aware of your riding environment, avoid riding at night and pay attention to the road surface. It’s important to both see and hear your surroundings so wearing headphones or earbuds are discouraged. Of course, bicycle safety depends not only on the rider but on drivers as well.

Motorists should be cautious when passing an individual on a bicycle or scooter by affording them three feet of clearance and passing them slowly

and smoothly. Refrain from talking on your phone while driving to focus on the road, avoid any potential distractions and before exiting your car glance at your sideview mirror to ensure no scooter or bicycles are passing so you don’t knock the rider over with your car door.

These safety measures are important to ensure a summer full of safe rides and experiences. But no matter what precautions you take, accidents may still happen. If you or your child fall off a bike, scooter or hoverboard or have been hit by a car (or car door) and sustain injuries that you are concerned about please go to your nearest emergency room, urgent care, or call 911 for further evaluation and management. Happy riding!

Honoring life’s essential heroes

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By Jahida Cruz, Customer Care Navigator, EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Having worked as a Customer Care Navigator at EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care for two years, I am honored to have been one of the seven health care workers chosen to participate in the New York City Mayor Office’s “Hometown Heroes” ticker-tape parade last week.

The event was the first ticker-tape parade through the Canyon of Heroes that New York City has had in over two years. But, rather than celebrating sports champions as is tradition, the City made this

parade special by honoring essential workers across various sectors including, food delivery, emergency response, transportation, sanitation, health care and more.

Sixteen months after

New York City was initially locked down due to the pandemic, the parade was a time to honor everything we have overcome, with COVID-19 reported cases, deaths and hospitalizations trending downward. We are still in the middle of a global pandemic and it’s important that people continue getting fully vaccinated. But it’s also important that we celebrate our victories, as well as show gratitude to the hardworking people who help keep our city healthy, safe, and running.

As a Customer Care Navigator in Harlem, my job involves assisting people who come in from the Bronx, Harlem and throughout the city,

offering one-on-one support to connect them with local resources, get help with their coverage questions, and more.

Now more than ever, our members and our communities need this type of support. While the pandemic intensified the responsibilities of essential workers like myself, I was able to keep going by reminding myself that helping people is what I love to do.

My colleagues from EmblemHealth and AdvantageCare Physicians (part of EmblemHealth’s family of companies) who joined me in the parade played integral roles in treating, caring for, testing, and vaccinating New

Yorkers. They include Dr. Nicole Thomas-Sealey, Dr. Jotir Ramnarine, Chrysoula Kouvaros, Heather Juma-James, RN, Jennifer Santeramo, and Dr. Manish Chadha.

I am incredibly proud to work for EmblemHealth alongside colleagues and friends who have helped to support the Bronx and New Yorkers throughout the pandemic and beyond.

I salute them and all of New York City’s essential workers.

You can learn more about EmblemHealth’s health care heroes as well as the services provided by EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care on our blog at emblemhealth.com/blog.

Healthcare workers take center stage at parade www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Montefiore-Einstein (Right Top) and Emblem Health staff (Bottom Right) marched in NYC’s Hometown Heroes ticker tape parade.

Montefiore was proud to have supported this historical celebration honoring all essential workers who uplifted New Yorkers through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Below) Elected officials, such as Sen. Chuck Schumer came out to show support for essential workers.

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Morris Heights Health continues HIV testing among Covid-19 challenges

On June 25, Morris Heights Health Center (MHHC) hosted its in-person annual HIV testing day at 85 West Burnside Avenue from 11 am-3 pm, with live entertainment, health screenings, information on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), COVID-19 vaccinations, and fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. In observance of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), MHHC tested over 100 people and stays committed to raising the awareness on the importance of getting tested and receiving prevention and treatment services.

During the pandemic, healthcare leaders were faced with adapting innovative ways to deliver essential HIV prevention, treatment services and outreach initiatives. In response to state man-

dates and CDC recommendations, MHHC continued to provide HIV resources and programs, transitioning to phone triage, telehealth services and virtual events. President & CEO Mari

The Care Services Team was excited to be out in the community celebrating National HIV Testing Day (Left to Right) Marzie Nicholson, Pallavi Khade, & Apisak Vithyanond.

Millet was dedicated to ensuring that the doors remained open to serving the community amid COVID-19 challenges.

(Right) Dr. Susan Enaharo, Director of Care Services & (Left) Staff.

National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is an annual event that focuses on raising awareness on the benefits of getting tested, knowing your status, treatment services and prevention measures to reduce new infections.

The 2021 NHTD theme was “My Test, My Way”, emphasizing the need to take control of your health by utilizing the various testing options made available at your disposal-whether in the privacy of your home or at your nearest testing center.

R. Candace Jones,

HIV Program Administrator for Care Services indicated that she was “passionate about destigmatizing the stereotypes surrounding HIV testing”. Morris Heights Health Center recognizes the importance of raising awareness for HIV, treatment and support services in order to reduce the transmission of new infections. MHHC encourages everyone to get tested and know your status.

For more information and resources related to HIV testing, prevention and treatment services please visit www. mhhc.org

Teen shot dead as Belmont residents enjoyed soccer tournament

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By David Greene After several days of rain and the lifting of COVID gathering restrictions, hundreds of residents gathered at one end of Belmont to watch a European soccer tournament-while at the other end of Belmont, another large crowd was watching the aftermath of a shooting that took the life of a 13-year-old boy.

According to officials, the shooting took place at 3:18 p.m. on Sunday, July 11, outside of 743 East 187 Street. According to an official statement released by the NYPD, "Police responded to a 911 call of a person shot." Officers from the 48th Precinct and paramedics responded. The

statement added that the teen, identified by police as Jaryan Elliot, 13, of nearby Southern Boulevard, was shot in the chest and leg and was rushed to Jacobi Hospital, but Elliot could not be saved.

The statement added that there's been no arrests in the case and the investigation remains

Photos by David Greene

Soccer fans in Belmont turned out for the European Finals as a 13 year-old boy was shot and killed in a gang-related shooting at the other end of Belmont.

"ongoing."

According to witnesses, Elliot was shot on the street and ran inside of the Angels Cafe, located at 743 East 187 Street.

Citizens App reported at the time of the shooting that police were looking for a black Honda that fled the scene.

According to one resident of Elliot's building who was contacted later that same evening, explained that the teen had lived in the building with his grandmother and siblings.

Asked if the young man had been friendly, the neighbor replied, "Ah, not so. I mean in and out basically, like sometimes he might say hi, but I could tell he had some type of issues. So sometimes you'd catch him on a good day and sometimes you wouldn't and on those days he just wouldn't speak.

The neighbor said that Elliot was tall for his age, but skinny and that his family had lived in the building for at least the last six years.

Asked if she was surprised by his death, the neighbor added, "Ah, well I'm surprised beJaryan Elliot, 13, was shot along East 187 Street and sought help inside the Angels Cafe how- cause of his age, but I ever, the young man was declared deceased at St. Barnabas Hospital on Sunday, July 11, 2021. can't say I'm completely

surprised.”

The NYPD's Chief of Department Rodney Harrison revealed on Twitter that the shooting was "gang-related." Harrison continued, "The shooting led to the death of a 13 -year-old who was the intended target."

Harrison followed up with a second tweet, stating, "Anyone with information on the identity of the person responsible is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS. Most residents watching the 2021 Men's European Soccer Championship between Italy vs. England on a giant screen TV at Crescent Avenue and Adams Place, were unaware of the shooting on the other end of East 187 Street.

The match ended in a 1-1 tie and Italy won the match during a penalty shoot-out, which Italy won three goals to two.

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Culinary Road

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By Morris Gut

Bragging rights for Bronx restaurants

It has become an annual rite of the culinary. The prestigious Michelin Restaurant Guides have been publishing their ratings internationally, nationally, in NYC, and for the second year, Bronx, Westchester & suburbs. As always with these guides, there is controversy: who made the list, who did not, and why? It is all kept so secretive.

The ‘Bib Gourmand’ designations (typically more casual eateries of merit), and Stars (high end restos), can be meaningful to a restaurant’s bottom line. There is a small group of local spots that made the list. Based on my experience, these are each deserving finalists. Though, one must ask the question: how did the Michelin people get clear accurate readings of a restaurant during the heights of the pandemic when most eateries were in difficulty and disarray? Anyway, enjoy!

Michelin favored restaurants in the Bronx include: Enzo’s of Williamsbridge; Claudy’s Kitchen, Broadway; Tra Di Noi, Arthur Ave.; Zero Otto Nove, Arthur Ave.; El Molcajete, Westchester Ave.; Suyo Gastrofusion, Jerome Ave.; La Cueva Fonda, Legget Ave.; Mexicosina, Jackson Ave.; La Morada, Willis Ave.; and Beatstro, Alexander Ave. Bib Gourmand recipients in Westchester: Dubrovnik, New Rochelle; Maria, New Rochelle; La Panetiere, Rye; Macelleria Italian Steakhouse, Pelham; Tredici Social, Bronxville; Café Alaia, Scarsdale; Burrata, Eastchester; The Southern Table, Pleasantville; Badageoni Georgian Kitchen, Mt. Kisco;

Shiraz kitchen & Wine Bar, Elmsford; RaaSa, Elmsford; Rafele, Rye; Boro6 Wine Bar, Hastings-on-Hudson; and The Cookery, Dobbs Ferry. By the way, the only star recipient in Westchester was Blue Hill at Stone Barns. You can access the full list including Bronx & Westchester online: https:// guide.michelin.com/en/us/ new-york-state/restaurants TITILLATING FLAVORS AT MARIA, NEW ROCHELLE! Two-time winners of Michelin’s prestigious ‘Bib Gourmet’ Award, brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been causing a stir in New Rochelle, drawing patronage from all over the county to their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking.

Named after Mother, Maria’s has become almost a regular haunt for me. Love their happy hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when they offer some favorite beverages and small plates that are loaded with flavor. I am already hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Sausage with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers. Nice dining room and bar filled with artifacts from home. Friendly staff, too. Good networking spot. The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café next door. Maria, 11 Huguenot St., New Rochelle. Take-out & delivery. Closed Sundays.

914-636-0006 www.marianewrochelle.com RELAXING LUNCH AT THE SOUTHERN TABLE, PLEASANTVILLE! After a scenic drive thru some of our charming Westchester towns, we were happy to get back to The Southern

Table in Pleasantville. It was a lovely mid-afternoon, and right from the start the staff made us feel comfortable.

The outdoor patio was active as was the dining room. We opted for seats at the bar. We lingered over a Sloop Juice Bomb IPA while perusing the menu. We had not forgotten how generous the portions were here. For lunch I decided on a Fried Green Tomato BLT Wrap, bacon, lettuce, chipotle aioli, with a side of sweet potato fries. My partner had a Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad, a little mountain of romaine, tomato, red onion, cucumber, scallion, blue cheese dressing. There was more than enough to share, and both dishes were delish. For dessert we had to have a slice of their creamy house made Grandma’s Key Lime Pie with a dollop of whipped. It was exceptional! We savored every morsel.

The Southern Table recently received a second coveted ‘Bib’ designation from the 2021 Michelin Restaurant Guide for New York State.

The ownership also operates Wood & Fire, Pleasantville

& Scarsdale; and O.T.R. Off The Rails, Hawthorne. Additional specialties here: Cheddar Biscuits, Grit Bowls, Cajun-style Seafood Boils, and Fried Chicken. Seasonal patio dining. Open daily.

Pick up & delivery. Southern Table Kitchen & Bar, 39 Marble Ave., Pleasantville.

Phone: 914-618-3355 www. southern-table.com PRIME DINING AT MACELLERIA ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE, PELHAM! A newcomer to the local Michelin Guide, this highend Italian steakhouse serves classic cuts of prime beef and chops along with a hearty helping of Italian/American specialties. Proprietors Tony & Johny LaLa and their crew will take good care of you. Be seated in the handsomely renovated dining room and bar/ lounge and peruse the menu over a good glass of wine from their vintage list. A recent celebratory meal here started with their fresh made jumbo Crab Cake appetizer served with an herbed mustard sauce, and a perky Arugula Salad, with arugula, navel orange seg-

ments, fennel, goat cheese and lemon vinaigrette. As a main course my beautifully marbled Rib Eye Steak was a tender hit served with a flavorful brandy peppercorn sauce on the side.

My companion went for the big Diver Scallops served with asparagus, mushrooms, leeks, and a touch of truffle butter.

Had to have the addictive home fries and garlic spinach as sides. Both entrees were large enough to share. Leftover steak to take home, too.

For dessert we shared a most extraordinary house made Tiramisu. Additional specialties to look for: Steak Tartare, slabs of Canadian Bacon, Spaghetti Carbonara, Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu, Zuppa di Pesce, even a Classic Burger. Carnivores should consider the Lamb Chops, Veal Chop, or New York Strip Steak. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Free parking. Reservations suggested: 914-219-5728. Macelleria Italian Steakhouse, 111 Bedford Road, Armonk. Macelleria is also in Pelham, 142 Fifth Ave., and soon in Byram, CT. www.macelleriaarmonk.com (Morris Gut is a restaurant

marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been covering the food & dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)

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