Bronx Voice - July 28, 2021

BRONX VOICE

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TAKING AIM AT GUN VIOLENCE www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

5th Year, No. 7

Page 6

July 28 - August 3, 2021

Photo by David Greene

Mayor Bill de Blasio prays with Sterling Wynn at the site where Billy Wynn, 25, was shot and killed on July 15 outside of NYCHA's Claremont Consolidation.

Scratch leads to bike rider being choked by Bronx kids mom, learn son, cops say coding Page 2

Photo by David Greene

Robbery gangs run Covid Vax coming rampant

Police put handcuffs on Orialys Coriano, 44, of Mosholu Parkway after being arrested for choking a CitiBike rider on Webster Avenue on July 11, 2021.

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Photo by David Greene

A message left on an alleged stolen vehicle proclaims, "I like to steal.”

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Scratch leads to bike rider being choked by mom and son, cops say

By David Greene A mother and son have been charged with assault after a CitiBike rider apparently scratched the car they were riding in-- prompting mother and child to allegedly knock the young woman off the bike and according to one witness, each taking turns choking the victim.

A crowd of about 75 gathered outside of the Burlington clothing store at Webster Avenue, near East Fordham Road at 4 p.m. on July 11. The crowd broke

out into spontaneous applause as officers from the 52nd Precinct, then placed handcuffs on the man.

One unidentified witness recalled, "The (bike) rider swiped the car... the man with the red shirt and the mother grabbed the same woman by the neck.”

One police source told the Bronx Voice, "A 23-year-old female reported to police that she was pulled off her bicycle by two individuals after a verbal dispute." The official reported that the vic-

A grey Honda Accord and two CitiBike's sit in the bus lane after a driver and passenger were arrested for choking a CitiBike rider after a minor collision along Webster Avenue on July 11, 2021.

tim was thrown to the ground and suffered injuries to her chest, arms and hands.

Police charged Luis Quinones, 22, of 366

Photo by David Greene

East Mosholu Parkway South and his mother Orialys Coriano, 44, of Mosholu Parkway North, each charged with one count

of misdemeanor assault and were issued desk appearance tickets (DAT's) and both were expected to be arraigned on July 30.

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Roving gangs terrorize Morris Park biz owners say

By David Greene One local business owner reported a gang of teens assaulted a man outside a bar as the teens were looking to beat up another teen who sought refuge from the business owner-and another store owner reported an armed robbery by a group of five armed men wearing masks-- police have yet to confirm either of the two incidents.

In the latest incident that took place on the afternoon of July 23, the business owner who declined to be identified, stated that the incident took place at the corner of Morris Park and Paulding Avenue.

On July 25, the business owner recounted the incident, telling the Bronx Voice, "On Friday, a black kid came in for protection, because there were about 10 teenagers after him, so I kept him here until the police came. I kept him in the store and kept the others out.”

The store owner added, "There was a guy in front of the bar, he must have said something to them and they punched him."

The store owner added that the mixed gang was made up of African-American, Hispanic and white teens.

At least one of the

teens used a self-propelled scooter to make his getaway.

Meanwhile, the owner of the Falcon Smoke Shop located at 768 Morris Park Avenue confirmed on July 14, that his shop was robbed at gunpoint on July 9, at just after 11 p.m.

The owner who also declined to be identified, stated, "There were five guys with masks and they were black and... they had a gun and they took all the money." The owner added that despite having a gun aimed at him, neither he nor his female employee were injured in the incident.

The owner stated that the Falcon Smoke Shop had been serving the community for the last 5 years.

Meanwhile, the NYPD has been posting alerts in the windows of local businesses warning

Photo by David Greene

A possible stolen car was dumped at the corner of Paulding Avenue and Van Nest Avenue, the thieves left a message for the owner and the community.

residents of different crimes. In one alert the NYPD warns residents, "Be Aware of Robberies." The alert goes on to say that thieves are targeting people with Apple i-Phones and gold chains. The alert added that the group of males work in pairs or groups of four, the alert added, "Perpetrators are incorporating e-bikes and other vehicles to commit these crimes.”

A second alert warns drivers to not leave their keys in their vehicle as "thieves are targeting vehicles that are left on" and unat-

tended.

Residents of Paulding Avenue and Van Nest Avenue watched as an apparent stolen vehicle, a two-door, 1989 Ford was abandoned on or about July 9, and was apparently removed by the Department of Sanitation on or about July 17. Before dumping the vehicle, the apparent thieves used spraypaint on the hood of the vehicle, writing, "I like to take what's not mine." On the roof of the vehicle was written, "I like to steal," and apparently placed an American flag on the side of the vehicle.

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Mayor joins Adams, Gibson, gun violence advocates at site of latest homicide

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By David Greene Gun violence advocates were back in Morrisania, this time they were joined by Mayor Bill de Blasio and Democratic Mayoral nominee Eric Adams as well as Democratic nominee for Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

On July 17, de Blasio, Adams and Gibson joined members of Bronx Connect / Release The Grip and members of the community, in response to the July 15th shooting death of Billy Wynn. The 25 year old was killed outside his front door at NYCHA's Claremont Consolidation along College Avenue.

De Blasio told the crowd, "These violence interrupters do the lord's work, truly. They don't just talk, they go into the streets and connect with people. They change hearts, they change minds, they change the tra-

jectory of lives.”

De Blasio then said he had "absolute and total faith" in Gibson and Adams and the future of the city and praised both on their work in pushing for funding anti-violence groups such as Bronx Connect / Release The Grip, Guns Down Life Up and others.

Calling Adams the "original reformer," de Blasio continued, "who said you can have safety and you can have justice at the same time.”

Adams told the anti-violence advocates, "Don't

view this shooting as a failure, view this shooting that we must continue the work that we are doing and we will have a seamless transition into the next administration (and) to continue the work that you are doing.”

After several news outlets recently credited "police sources," stating that a gang war was currently underway in the Bronx, de Blasio was asked about it, when he replied, "Brother, we are going to stop the viCONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Photo by David Greene

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams (left) joins Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson (center) and Mayor Bill de Blasio as they join anti-violence advocates along College Avenue in Morrisania.

Gun violence advocates gather in Morrisania

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olence in the Bronx, that's the bottom line.”

De Blasio then spent several minutes with Wynn's brother Sterling, who could be overheard asking the mayor, "Why are there no cameras in there?" The two men then walked over to the building where they prayed in front of a makeshift memorial for Wynn.

Gibson was also asked if a gang war was currently underway in the Bronx, she replied, "I wouldn't even call it a gang, sir. It's a crew war, so yes, it could be a part of the Bloods, and Crips and Trinitarios, but these are crews. These are young people that orga-

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nized within the neighborhood to keep themselves safe.”

Gibson added, "There's a war going on with our children and they're all fighting and shooting until everybody is dead, we can't have that.”

Police continue to hunt for Wynn's killer, who was described as a dark-skinned male between 30 - 40 yearsold, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. The individual was said to be wearing a denim jacket, blue jeans, black hat and black sneakers.

Anyone with any informaPhoto by David Greene tion is asked to call Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) Mayor Bill de Blasio consoles Sterling Wynn, the brother of Billy Wynn, 577-TIPS, all calls remain 25, who was shot and killed outside his College Avenue home on July 15. confidential.

Kids learn coding at after school club

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Phipps Neighborhoods—one of New York City’s most venerable social service providers—announced that 85 Bronx students have successfully completed their STEAM Club program for the 2021 school year.

As part of a two-year grant provided by Verizon in support of digital inclusion under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental, and

social advancement, Phipps Neighborhoods launched this new after school program during the winter of 2021, enabling dozens of young Bronx scholars to increase their digital literacy skills at seven Bronx sites across Soundview, West Farms, and Melrose.

Through our digital inclusion initiative, Bronx Elementary and Middle School students were offered free, hands-on, and virtual

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) programming, providing an opportunity for them to learn new applications and advance their interests across a range of disciplines. STEAM Scholars honed digital literacy skills by engaging in weekly 90-minute coding, engineering, and 3D design using Scratch and Tinkercad with facilitators from our lead partner, MakerState. The program has

also launched our first tech hotline, providing real-time support for program staff, youth, and caregivers.

“Bridging the digital

divide through access to digital literacy programs is crucial to the long-term success of our students,” said AnCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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Kids learn coding at after school club

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dre D. White, Executive Director & CEO of Phipps Neighborhoods.

“Programs such as our STEAM Club provide our young people with not only the 21st Century skills they need to succeed in higher grades but the inspiration to explore promising career paths in STEAM. We are grateful for Verizon’s support in creating this program, inspiring the next generation of tech leaders right here in the Bronx.”

"Encouraging youth to explore and participate in STEAM programming helps prepare them for today’s digital world and is an important part of our digital inclusion efforts," said April Horton, Director State Government Affairs, Verizon. “After a successful first year of this initiative, we look forward to supporting more students in the Bronx community through our continued

partnership with Phipps Neighborhoods.”

A 2020 report from the Citizen’s Committee for Children found that nearly 19% of Bronx households lack internet access.

The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the digital divide for families lacking resources to purchase efficient technology and reliable internet connection.

Phipps Neighborhoods staff worked to bring the STEAM Club to seven sites in the Bronx, including two of our Cornerstone Community Centers located in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) facilities. As New York embarks on its path to recovery after school learning programs like the STEAM Club are increasingly important to ensure young Bronxites are equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce.

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Health Matters

Celebrating home health aides!

Local job fairs bring new opportunities

By Chandra Wilson Visiting Nurse Service of New York is currently hosting a series of Open Hiring Events for VNSNY Partners in Care, the largest not-for-profit employer of certified Home Health Aides in the New York metropolitan region.

Each free event will be a celebratory occasion where attendees have a chance to meet and talk directly with Partners in Care managers to hear about the many different positions available. They’ll also get a chance to speak to home health aides themselves about their experiences on the job.

H ome health aides often spend more time with patients than other members of a home care team.

From assisting with activities

of daily living, to checking vital signs or simply sharing a conversation, they help their clients stay comfortable and live their lives to the fullest. All who work at Partners in Care as a home health aide will receive thorough training to develop skills necessary to be successful in the role and continue their professional growth. “ We’re excited to meet new and talented workers at our job fairs this summer,” said James Rolla,

SVP who heads up VNSNY Partners in Care. “The contribution our home health aides make in the lives of their clients is essential and quite meaningful, and, as we saw in NYC’s recent Hometown Heroes Tickertape Parade, the role of our healthcare workers has never been more vital— especially considering workforce shortages caused by the pandemic.”

All are encour-

aged to come to one of the “Celebrating Home Health Aides” events listed below, and everyone is welcome, whether they are already certified as a HHA, or wishing to become certified.

Those with gaps in their resume, mature job-seekers looking to reenter the workforce and bilingual applicants whose primary language is not English are all en-

couraged to attend.

There will be snacks and giveaways at all events.

PLEASE VISIT https://jobs.vnsny. org/home-healthaides for more information.Upcoming events will take place at the following dates and locations: Staten Island: Gallery Banquet Room, 293 Van Duzer Street, Staten Island, NY Friday, July 30 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Morris Heights Health commits to advancing vaccine equity throughout the Bronx

Launch of the MHHC vaccination pop up site in the Mount Hope section of the Bronx.

Morris Heights Health Center, a trusted community-based health provider in the Bronx, has been at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19. MHHC was one of the first health organizations to administer medical care outside their clinic doors, deploying mobile vans and temporary vaccine units to underserved communities. In partnership with community leaders and The Bronx Rising Initiative, MHHC was able to administer more than 15,000 vaccinations in more than 40 locations that included NYCHA buildings, senior housing and centers, places of worship, community centers, schools, and a Convent all while continuing normal operations and administering

vaccinations at their other locations in less than 5 months.

“We’re here to care for those who are unable to care for themselves,” said President & CEO Mari Millet of MHHC as she stressed the importance of making vaccines more accessible to Bronx residents.

The Bronx has one of the lowest vaccination rates in NYC, accounting for only 44% of Bronxites that are fully vaccinated.

Vaccination rates among black and brown people are far less than their white counterparts; accounting for 32% African American and 37% Hispanic/ Latino. Some contributing factors include the lack of access, language barriers and skepticism on the safety of the vaccine.

According to the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), community health centers have been vaccinating people of color at higher rates compared to other vaccination initiatives.

MHHC began administering vaccinations in

early January, opening its first COVID-19 vaccine unit at its primary location on 85 West Burnside Avenue and shortly thereafter expanding throughout its other sites. The health center vaccinated over 1300 patients in its first month. MHHC played a pivotal role in supporting local community responses to COVID-19 as well as expanding its efforts in neighboring boroughs like Brooklyn and Queens.

“Accessibility is not just about building an infrastructure and assuming people will come. Education and outreach provided in a cultural and linguistic way is key to combating

disparities among underserved communities,” expressed President & CEO Mari Millet. Morris Heights Health Center is working to improve its efforts in advancing equity in vaccines across the Bronx, creating a more robust delivery plan that includes additional vaccine pop up sites, education, and outreach and communication strategies.

Visit one of their locations to get your free COVID-19 vaccine today. To make an appointment call: (718)716-4400. Walk-ins are accepted! To stay alert on more COVID-19 updates, visit the MHHC social media page: @ MHHC_Inc.

MHHC vaccination staff registering patients to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

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Learn healthy cooking this summer

The SBH Center for Culinary Medicine/Teaching Kitchen, located at the new SBH Health and Wellness Center (4507 Third Avenue, Bronx), across the street from St. Barnabas Hospital, has announced its classes for the summer.

Classes are $5 per class, with participants encouraged to take home the foods they prepare. The two-hour classes are available at various times of day to accommodate people’s schedules.

“Our mission is to teach people in the Bronx, which has the worst health outcomes in New York State, how to make delicious, flavorful, and affordable food that just so happens to be good for you too,” said Emily Schlag, a registered dietitian and chef, who is director of the teaching kitchen.

“These hands-on cooking classes are offered in a stateof-the-art teaching kitchen for people of all experience levels,” Schlag said.

“Whether you’ve been cooking your entire life or if you’ve never picked up a chef’s knife before you will leave class learning new recipes and skills.

We provide all the ingredients and equipment needed.”

Here is a look at some of the class offerings: Introduction to Culinary Nutrition Want to learn how to create a healthy, well-balanced meal but not sure where to start? In this class you’ll not only learn how to use a chef’s knife, but such essential cooking techniques as searing, roasting, and making vinaigrettes.

Sample Menu: Seared chicken thighs with pan sauce, roasted broccoli and cauliflower, steamed quinoa, homemade vinaigrettes and salad.

Breakfast Start the day off right with a delicious, filling, and easy-to-make breakfast. Participants will learn how to make smoothies filled with nutri-

tious fruits and vegetables, plus homemade versions of breakfast favorites like egg & cheese sandwiches, breakfast sausage, and granola. Sample Menu: apple & peanut butter smoothies, banana muffins, breakfast sandwiches, turkey breakfast sausage, peanut butter granola and wheat pancakes with lemon blueberry syrup.

Lunch This will allow students to pack a hearty and healthy (and affordable) lunch for themselves instead of eating out every day.

Sample Menu: Southwest pasta salad with Chipotle lime dressing, Classic Chicken Salad, Mediterranean chicken wraps, hummus, honey-spiced nuts, and crispy pan-fried chickpeas.

Dinner Learn how to make a nutritious, delicious dinner in under an hour and how to make your own seasoning blends (to reduce

salt intake).

Sample Menu: lemon garlic white fish with cherry tomatoes, vegetable pasta sauce, roast chicken legs with potatoes, cauliflower, and olives, and chorizo tacos with Salsa Roja.

Vegetarian and Plant-Forward Meals Interested in eliminating or reducing the amount of meat you eat? Learn how to create easy, delicious, and affordable vegetarian and plant-forward meals.

Sample Menu: veggie burgers with zesty burger sauce, black bean soup, corn salsa with oven-baked tortilla chips, vegetarian bean chili, cornbread muffins, Veggie Picadillo.

Healthy Desserts Have a sweet tooth? Learn how to make delicious desserts that are also nutritious.

Sample Menu: black bean brownies, besitos de coco (coconut kisses), avocado chocolate mousse with berry compote and coco-

nut whipped cream, and mango banana ice cream.

One Pot Meals Hate washing dishes? Learn a variety of recipes that only need one pot or pan. Sample Menu: Pollo Guisado, lentil soup with whole wheat flatbreads, Chipotle pork chops with squash and Salsa Verde.

International Cuisine Use familiar ingredients as used in different parts of the world as you learn stir-frying, poaching, and making your own cauliflower rice.

Sample Menu: beef and pepper stir fry with cauliflower rice, coconut cauliflower curry with Indian cucumber salad, Moroccan Chicken with apricots and chickpeas, and Shakshuka (poached eggs in spiced tomato sauce).

To register for classes, visit sbhteachingkitchen. org. For questions call 718-960-3843 or email sbhteachingkitchen.org.

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Vaccine for All:

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Senior centers host mobile vaccine vans to reach unvaccinated older adults

The deployment of mobile COVID-19 vaccine vans to senior centers is part of the City’s ongoing effort to reach the quarter of older New Yorkers who remain unvaccinated.

The New York City Department for the Aging announced that select reopened senior centers will host mobile vaccine vans through August as part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reach the estimated 25% of older New Yorkers who remain unvaccinated.

Vaccinations at mobile sites are free for all New Yorkers over the age of 12, and do not require an appointment.

With the ongoing threat of the Delta variant and uptick of COVID-19

hospitalizations among unvaccinated people, City health officials are urging all unvaccinated New Yorkers, especially older adults who are most vulnerable to severe illness, to get their safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

“Even as the City continues to reopen, the pandemic is still not over.

Many barriers to vaccinations have already been addressed. Vaccine information, support, and access are widely available to all New Yorkers,” said Commissioner Cortés-Vázquez.

“It is now up to each of us to do our part to keep ourselves and our loved ones protected and safe.

I got vaccinated for my 92-year-old mother.

Who will you do it for?”

Through August, mobile vaccine sites will visit different senior centers across the city every week and operate on location for several days. Mobile sites may offer the Pfizer and J&J vaccines. Staff will assist patients with booking their second dose appointment at standing city sites for those who chose the Pfizer vaccine. In the last month, mobile vaccine vans and buses have visited 18 senior centers, helping vaccinate nearly 600 individuals.

“The COVID-19 vaccines are life-saving and the most important tool we have to protect New Yorkers from avoidable suffering,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave

A. Chokshi. “The mobile vaccine vans for senior centers are another way the City is bringing the vaccine to New Yorkers.”

This initiative follows other continuous vaccination outreach efforts for older New Yorkers, which have included over 11,000 free rides to vaccination sites, and over 18,500 vaccine doses administered through the City’s inhome vaccination program.

"Getting vaccinated is the most effective way New Yorkers can protect their health and their loved ones. It's easy. You will not be asked about your immigration status, and you can use your IDNYC to get the vaccine," said

Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Raquel Batista. "Mobile COVID-19 vaccine vans have made it possible to bring vaccines directly into hubs in every corner of our city. We applaud this effort to make vaccines even more accessible to and convenient for older New Yorkers.”

“We are working diligently and creatively to make sure our most vulnerable populations who want to be vaccinated have access to do so. I’m grateful to see our senior centers open so that older adults can socialize but also receive social services that they may have been missing while at home,” said Assembly Member Chantel Jackson.

“Last year, I urged the Department of Aging to turn our accessible and centrally located senior centers into vaccination sites. I applaud the Department of Aging for following through on this matter,” said Assembly Member David Weprin.

“Stationing mobile vaccine vans at select senior centers will help us reach people who are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

Getting a vaccine reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

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Supporting HIV+ Youth in the Bronx through texts

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While the number of new HIV infections and AIDS cases continues to decline across the United States, the Bronx is still home to approximately 25,500 people living with HIV, with almost 500 residents newly diagnosed and nearly 500 who die each year. Approximately one in four new HIV diagnoses in New York City occurs among Bronx residents, with most newly diagnosed people identifying as Black and or Hispanic, and aged 39 or younger.

To address this disparity, Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine have been awarded a threeyear, $975,000 grant to explore a secure text and video messaging platform meant to improve care and outcomes by keeping patients and providers closely connected. The pair can safely discuss important care details from medication adherence, to challenges that prevent patients from following care recommendations, without an in-person visit. The Building Equity: Intervening Together for Health (BE InTo Health) grant was awarded

by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH).

As part of the BE InTo Health grant, providers at The Oval Center at Montefiore will adapt a proven intervention known as E-VOLUTION, first developed with federal funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

E-VOLUTION has two main components: automated two-way text messaging interventions, such as reminders to take medications and attend appointments,

educational health materials and health assessments; and live text and video messaging between providers and their patients. The automated two-way text messaging allows providers to recognize potential concerns and reach out to their patients in real-time to help resolve any issues.

The Oval Center currently serves adolescent and adult patients, and offers screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis programs (PReP/ PEP), LGBTQ+ care, HIV care, mental health and many other sexual health services.

“Young people living with HIV, especially those who are LGBTQ+ and Black or Hispanic, have more challenges getting into care, staying in care and consistently taking treatment,” said Dr. Barry S. Zingman, the principal investigator of the grant who also serves as medical director, AIDS Center, and clinical director, Infectious Diseases (Moses Campus),

Montefiore; and professor of medicine at Einstein.

“This same population may be a significant driver of the continued spread of HIV. Our goal is to leverage technology to help improve access to care among newly and recently diagnosed youth as well as those whose HIV is not well controlled and, in doing so, bring their HIV consistently to undetectable viral levels,” Zingman said. “By achieving this goal, we can help people live longer, healthier lives while also controlling the spread of the virus.”

DEPLOYING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE CARE E-VOLUTION works by safely sharing real-time protected health information with the care team, enabling providers to gain a better understanding of patients’ physical and mental well being and needs. The platform also provides educational modules to help young patients better understand their diagnosis and prompt them to take their medications. Enabling open lines of communication

strengthens the feeling of human connection and support between the care team and patients.

“Learning you’ve just been diagnosed with HIV is life-altering, especially for LGBTQ+ youth,” said Justin Toro, practice manager, The Oval Center at Montefiore, and a project manager on the grant. “By using a text and video messaging platform, we’re meeting our patients on their preferred form of communication and helping them in real time. We hope this program will break down barriers to care and ensure our patients, a traditionally hard-to-reach and underserved group, feel supported and empowered to manage their HIV successfully.”

To support this grant, The Oval Center is adding new positions, including: two patient navigators to respond to texts from patients; a social worker to assist with challenges patients may experience in their personal lives (both in individual sessions and group sessions); and an LBGTQ+ peer to support these young patients.

The BE InTo Health grant begins August 1, 2021 and concludes on July 31, 2024.

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Vaccine for All:

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Senior centers host mobile vaccine vans to reach unvaccinated older adults CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

I encourage everyone to get vaccinated.”

"Mobile vaccination sites at senior centers are critical to providing additional vaccine access especially for our aging population. With roughly 64% of Queens residents being vaccinated, and more people moving around the city, we must continue to urge New Yorkers to take advantage of these opportunities,” said State Senator Leroy Comrie. “The Delta variant has made it even more necessary to provide every opportunity to keep ourselves, friends and family safe. I commend Mayor de Blasio and city officials for continuing to expand vaccine access around Queens and the city.”

“I am very grateful to have been vaccinated. I suffered no reaction. The more of us who are vaccinated, the more we protect ourselves and our neighbors. This is an important part of us working together and contributing to the common good of all,” said Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director, Catholic

Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.

“We believe that being vaccinated is essential, not only for the health of the individual, but for the good of all fellow citizens,” Msgr. Alfred LoPinto, President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens.“The vaccine is safe and readily available to all New Yorkers. It is absolutely crucial that everyone be vaccinated.”

“AARP New York is working to ensure New Yorkers get the facts about COVID-19 vaccination to make informed decisions, said Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP New York.

“We fought to ensure the homebound can receive vaccines in their homes, and we applaud the City for bringing vaccinations to senior centers to ensure res-

idents can more easily get vaccines if they want them,” Finkel said.

SCHEDULE FOR MOBILE SITES FOR JULY AND AUGUST

Dates: 7/28-7/30 Marine Park Active Adults Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 3000 Fillmore Avenue, Brooklyn 11234

CPC Project Open Dorr Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 168 Grand Street, Manhattan 10013

Dates: 8/4-8/6 Encore Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 239 West 49th Street, Manhattan 10019

Riverstone Senior Life Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 99 Fort Washington Avenue, Manhattan 10032

CPC Nan Shan Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 133-14 41st Avenue, Queens 11355

Dates: 8/11-8/13 BronxWorks Innovative Senior Center 8am-6pm 80 East 181st Street, Bronx 10453

Samuel Field Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 58-20 Little Neck Parkway, Queens 11362

Council Center for Senior Citizens Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 1001 Quentin Road, Brooklyn 11223

Dates: 8/18-8/20 Anderson Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 120 Anderson Avenue, Staten Island 10302

Sunnyside Community Neighborhood Senior

Center 8am-6pm 43-31 39th Street, Queens 11104

Hamilton-Madison House 8am-6pm 50 Madison Street, Manhattan 10038

Rochdale Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 169-65 137th Avenue, Queens 10032

Dates: 8/25-8/27 Bethune Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 1970 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan 10032

Florence E. Smith Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 102-19 34th Avenue, Queens 11368

William Hodson Neighborhood Senior Center 8am-6pm 1320 Webster Avenue, Bronx 10456

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Culinary Road

By Morris Gut

Restaurant Week runs until August 22

For those seeking summer bites around the Big Apple, NYC Restaurant Week has been expanded and will run thru August 22. More than 500 participating restaurants in all 5 boroughs will be offering lunch for $21, dinner for $39, and a special multicourse Signature Dining Experience for $125. Each restaurant will set their own menu for the duration of the event. There are caveats, so patrons are advised to check ahead regarding menus, dates and serving times.

Participating eateries in the Bronx include: Ice House Café, Throgs Neck; Charlie’s Bar & Kitchen, South Bronx; The Boogie Down Grind, Hunts Point; Patsy’s Pizzeria, Morris Park; and Addeo’s Restaurant, Morris Park.

For the full list and more info: www.nycgo.com/ restaurantweek/.

HARLEM YACHT CLUB DINING ROOM OPENS TO THE PUBLIC, CITY ISLAND! As soon as I walked in, I was smitten with the view of the harbor. A delightful setting, sunny outdoor deck, flowered tables inside, and an inviting bar/lounge. The historic Harlem Yacht Club dining room has opened to the public for lunch and dinner Wednesday thru Sunday.

Anne Booth Catering offers a wide range of changing traditional and global specialties: Caesar Salad; Lobster and Crab Cakes; Pork Tenderloin Banh Mi; Basil Pad Thai; Grilled Marinated

Hanger Steak; Grilled King Salmon with Cilantro Lime Honey Sauce; Fried Seafood Baskets and more. House made ice creams, too. Friendly crew. The Harlem Yacht Club dining room and bar, 417 Hunter Ave., City Island.

718-885-3078, or 914-4974267 www.hyc.org HUDSON SMOKEHOUSE BBQ, MOTT HAVEN!

Hudson premiered in this up-and-coming neighborhood during the pandemic, and the Bronx finally got its own pioneering BBQ restaurant. It is gaining good buzz, too, for their house made cornbread, Smoked Wings, Jalapeno Cheddar sausage, Texas-style brisket, spareribs, Pork Belly, Smashed Burgers, and sides such as baked beans, mac n’ cheese, and vinegar coleslaw. Signature sandwiches: Jerk Chicken on Brioche. For dessert look for such concoctions as: fried Oreos, fried Twinkies, fried Milky Way, and fried Reese’s.

Eat-in or take out. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hudson Smokehouse, 37 Bruckner Blvd., Bronx. 718-872-7742 No website at this writing.

SALSA LOVE AT MINIS LATIN FUSION, NEW ROCHELLE! Nicole Pirraglia-Piparo of City Island has opened Minis Latin Fusion, a charming eatery that offers colorful, flavorful Latin/Caribbean specialties such as fresh made traditional Sancocho Stew, tasty big Empanadas, ‘Picaderas’ such as Cuban Spring Rolls, and Shrimp Tostones. ‘Plato’s Fuertes’ include Minis Burger, Pernil, Mofongo, Ropa Vieja, and Churrasco with rice & beans. New Haitian dishes via

Chef Evens Auguste: Conch, and Tassot de Cabrit, fried goat. Share a Big Maduro Sundae for dessert. The new lunch menu served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Happy Hours 3 to 7 p.m. featuring specially priced cocktails and appetizers. Minis is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch Tuesday thru Sunday. Free parking. Minis Latin Fusion, 237 Main Street, New Rochelle. 914-355-5609 www. minislatinfusion.com FRESH FROM THE VEGETABLE GARDEN AT MAMMA FRANCESCA, NEW ROCHELLE! When Nick DiCostanzo was growing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories where of the simple seaside meals he would enjoy with his family, farmto-table and of course sea-totable. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca for over 30 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with 6-story views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true, albeit with a sprinkling of contemporary taste. Nick is in the kitchen preparing a seasonal menu of robust specialties: fresh Ischia Salad; individual sized pizza; Giant Meatballs; good retro versions of Chicken, Veal or Shrimp Parmigiana; a big platter of Misto Frutti di Mare loaded with shrimp, clams, calamari, and mussels in a red sauce over linguini; and Pork Chops or Sirloin della Nonna, served with sliced potatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and onions.

New Pizza & Vino Bar. Daily Happy Hours. Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. Free parking.

914-636-1229 www.mammafrancesca.com A TASTE OF DALMATIA

AT DUBROVNIK, NEW ROCHELLE! Founded by Jerry Tomic, Dubrovnik is Westchester’s first restaurant devoted to the food and culture of Croatia, a multi-level 85-seat establishment with seasonal outdoor patio, state of the art temperature- controlled wine cellar (ask for Jerry’s wine from his family’s winery in Croatia), al fresco wood fire rotisserie BBQ, lush seasonal herb garden and bar/lounge.

This kitchen will transport you to the beautiful Adriatic in flavorful style. Most everything is house made from the bread to desserts.

Try the Warm Octopus Salad; Steamed Mussels; Bay Scallops on the Shell; Fresh Cod Filet with grapes, olives, pearl onions; Mama Tereza’s lobster, shrimp, scallops, fish, clams, and mussels steamed in a seasonal broth over pasta; Rack of Lamb; or whole roasted fish prepared out on the BBQ. Valet parking. Dubrovnik, 721 Main St., New Rochelle. Open daily. 914637-3777 www.durbrovnikny.com ‘OFF THE SMOKER’ AT KRAVE, NEW ROCHELLE! On the menu Thursday thru Sunday at Krave Restaurant: house smoked meats and BBQ served with fried dumplings and picked cucumbers, including Beef Brisket, Baby

Back Pork Ribs, Jerk Sausage and delicious Pork Belly Sticky Buns. A vibrant Chyrisse Crisp and Chef Chrissy have brought Westchester an exciting new Caribbean/ American/Southern restaurant loaded with colorful, comforting dishes from the islands. There is a long sparkling bar/lounge area leading into the dining room, dramatically glass enclosed, part banquet seating. Start with an order of Lamb Meatballs, or Cod Fish Cakes. It is a bustling modern setting for such specialties as: ‘Pass The Dutchie’, traditional foods served in Dutch pots: Dutch Pot Fried Chicken; Jerk Pork & Jerk Chicken; Stewed Oxtail; Ackee with choice of fish; even Curry Goat on weekends. Whole fish include: Red Snapper, Salmon and Bronzini. If you’re in a vegetarian mode, try the Tofu Chop Suey. Open Tuesday thru Sunday. Krave, 8 S. Division Street, New Rochelle.

Phone: 914-740-7240. www. kravenewroc.com (Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-2356591. E-mail: gutreactions@ optonline.net)

20• BRONX VOICE• July 28 - August 3, 2021

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