Unholy thieves mug teen in front of convent
By Dan Gesslein
Is nothing sacred? A trio of men are wanted by cops in connection with a mugging in front of a Bronx convent in broad daylight.
The attack happened at around 1:30 pm on July 24. A 15-year-old male was walking in front of 677 Van Nest Avenue next to St. Dominic’s Convent. Cops said three men ran up behind the teen and, without warning, attacked.
The men repeatedly punched and kicked the
The NYPD is searching for three men who beat and tried to rob a teenager near a Morris Park convent.
Thieves mug teen in front of convent
teen throughout his body. As they beat on the young victim, the attackers tried to remove the teen’s property but were unsuccessful. The attackers then ran off empty handed.
The teen victim refused medical attention at the scene.
The NYPD released surveillance video of the suspected attackers.
The first suspect is described as a male with a
dark complexion, dreadlocks and slim build. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, black sweatpants, and black sneakers.
The second suspect is described as a male with a medium complexion, a beard and a large build. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, blue jeans, and gray sneakers.
The third suspect is described as a male with a light complexion, an afro and a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black
t-shirt, gray sweatpants with black knee patches, and black sneakers.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers. nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential.
$11 Million in illegal weed seized stores thruout Bx.
By David Greene
After a series of inspections of local smoke shops, the New York City Sheriff has announced more than $11 million in illicit cannabis was confiscated from just two locations in less than a week. Also discovered in the raids were powerful hallucinogenic mushrooms. At one location in Mott Haven, that officials say doubled as an illegal after-hours club, they recovered a handgun and a shotgun.
On July 16, The Sheriff’s Joint Compliance Task Force conducted an inspection inside a one-story, unmarked office building at 3770 East Tremont Avenue in Throggs Neck. After the inspection the sheriff’s office announced
that 176 pounds of pot was discovered as well as THC vape products and psilocybin mushrooms. Six individuals were taken into custody.
Before leaving Throggs Neck, investigators from the Sheriff’s office and mem-
bers of the NYPD visited the Family Deli at 4011 East Tremont Avenue, where they say they discovered “pallets”
of cannabis as well as THC edibles, THC vapes. The Sheriff estimated the value at over $1 million.
On July 21, the task force executed a search warrant at a warehouse at 516 Timpson Street in Mott Haven, confiscating several truckloads of illegal weed—according to the New York City Sheriff, it was one of the largest weed busts since, “Operation Padlock to Protect” was implemented in May.
In a statement issued by the NYPD shortly after the raid, stated, “The New York City Sheriff’s Office in a joint operation with the New York City Police Department executed a search warrant.
Police officers stand in front of a warehouse where police confiscated more than $10 million of non-licensed cannabis product on July 21.
Police officers spent two days packaging and removing the $10 million in illegal weed confiscated out of a warehouse that doubled as an illegal social club on Timpson Place in Mott Haven on July 21.
-Photo courtesy of the New York City Sheriff’s Office
Photo by David Greene
$11 Million in illegal weed seized
During the search warrant, a large amount of alleged illegal narcotics and hallucinogens were seized inside of an after-hours social club. There were no arrests at this time and the investigation remains ongoing.”
The Bronx Voice was at the scene as a dump truck and an NYPD trailer hauled away tons of weed as boxes of the suspected drug were stacked outside the warehouse and inside the warehouse piles of bags and boxes could be seen stacked almost to the ceiling. In a video posted to X, New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda stated that the raid on Timpson Street resulted from a tip from the community. Miranda said of the raid,
“This is probably the largest seizure we’re taken so far, over $10 million in product.”
Several residents of the Block told the Bronx Voice that the business opened shortly after marijuana was decriminalized. A Google
Maps photo from October 2022 shows the warehouse was called “CBD Hemp” before being painted over.
One female resident who witnessed the raid and believed that the business was a legal dispensary. The woman recalled, “It was a members-only club.” While another resident recalled how when the business first opened, the line stretched across Timpson Street and down East 147 Street.
According to the New York
City Sheriff’s Office, since Operation Padlock was implemented in May, the Sheriffs Joint Compliance Task Force has so far closed 715 non-licensed cannabis shops across the city, including 160 shops in the Bronx. Those
closures have so far resulted in over $59 million in civil penalties and they have confiscated over $28 million in illicit products.
Sheriff Miranda has stated that there are nearly 2,900 illegal shops currently operat-
ing across the city.
Meanwhile, the owners of more than two dozen closed shops have filed a federal class action lawsuit against the city, alleging the crackdown has violated their right to due process.
On June 18, police did an inspection at High Cloud on East 204 Street in Norwood and discovered illegal vape products that were confiscated, but no weed so the shop was allowed to remain in business.
Photo by David Greene
Protecting New Yorkers from unsafe batteries Community Op Ed
By Mayor Eric Adams
New York is the safest big city in America, and we are working hard every day to keep New Yorkers safe from all kinds of dangers — including those posed by lithium-ion battery fires.
While the rise of battery-powered mobility devices has had many positive effects, too many of these devices contain uncertified lithium-ion batteries that do not meet safety standards. Many people are storing
these faulty batteries in their homes and in some cases, businesses are charging hundreds of batteries at once, leading to explosions, fires, and death.
Since 2019, these batteries have started more than 700
fires, killing 29 of our fellow New Yorkers, injuring nearly 450 more, and causing tens of millions of dollars in damage. In addition. These fires are increasing the risks faced by our brave FDNY members, who often have to battle dangerous conditions and toxic gases when they respond to these fires. Unsafe lithium-ion batteries are a clear and present danger to our city, and our administration is doing everything we can to address this crisis. Working with the FDNY and Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, we have supercharged our safety efforts, stepping up enforcement against high-risk charging "hot spots" and banning the sale of uncertified e-vehicles and refurbished batteries. Governor Hochul has been a great partner as well, signing key legislation that will protect New Yorkers from the dangers of unsafe batteries. The result? A significant drop in lithium-ion battery related deaths this year. In 2023, there were 18 deaths related to lithium-ion battery fires; this year, there has been
New York City Mayor Eric Adams launched the New York City Safe Charging Accelerator to ensure safe e-bike usage and charging, and to prevent deadly lithium-ion battery fires in New York City. As a part of this accelerator, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) will propose a rule to expedite approvals for property owners to more quickly install e-bike battery swapping and charging cabinets on public sidewalks, removing barriers to their installation and making them accessible and usable for e-bike users.
Photo by Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Unsafe battery crackdown
only one so far — still one too many, but an important step in the right direction and proof that our education and prevention efforts are working.
Now, we are taking another leap forward with the launch of the New York City Safe Charging Accelerator, a groundbreaking new effort to help make safe charging accessible to all New Yorkers.
We’re going to make it easier — and faster — for property owners to install public battery charging stations on our city’s sidewalks. These stations will allow for safe battery charging and swap-
ping, increasing compliance with safety regulations, and protecting the lives of New Yorkers.
These charging stations will provide an alternative to risky charging sites that block exits, and every one of them will be thoroughly inspected and approved by the FDNY, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Buildings.
The Department of Transportation will also be launching America’s first municipal trade-in pilot program, which will help get unsafe e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries off our streets and replace them with certified, high-quality devices
and batteries.
In addition, we are working to create the Department of Sustainable Delivery, a first-in-the-nation entity which will regulate new forms of delivery transit and ensure their safety.
Finally, we are continuing our public awareness campaign to inform New Yorkers about the dangers of unsafe batteries by investing an additional $1 million in the FDNY’s public education campaign. We must underscore the danger posed by these devices, even if they are just being stored improperly. We need all New Yorkers to know that uncertified means unsafe, no matter what.
Approximately 59 percent
of last year’s fires started without these faulty batteries even being plugged in — every New Yorker should be aware of this danger. Just as you wouldn’t store gasoline in your home or bedroom, no one should be keeping these devices in their living spaces, either.
E-bikes and e-scooters are here to stay, and there are clear benefits to using these low-cost, low-carbon forms of micromobility. But these benefits must go hand-in-hand with updated safety efforts and aggressive enforcement. Working together, we will ensure New York City is again leading the way and getting battery safety done right as we protect New Yorkers’ lives.
Bronxites respond to 30 days that changed history
By David Greene
It has been a historic 30 days between the only debate during this election cycle between President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump. Followed by an assassination attempt on the life of Trump and the growing calls and eventual suspension of the Biden campaign and Biden’s eventual endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris.
During the debate held in Atlanta, Georgia on June 28, Biden’s voice was raspy and at times he seemed confused. During one exchange on immigration, Biden said, “I’m going to continue to move until we get the total ban on the – the total initiative relative to what we’re going to do with more Border Patrol and more asylum officers.”
Trump hit back, responding, “I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence. I don’t think he knows what he said either.”
On July 13, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania that aired live on several cable channels, a gunman fired multiple shots at Trump, striking the former president in the ear.
Shortly after the assassination attempt the Secret Service released a statement that read in part, “On the evening of July
13 at approximately 6:15 p.m., a suspected shooter fired multiple shots toward the stage from an elevated position outside of the rally venue.”
The statement continued, “US Secret Service personnel neutralized the shooter, who is now deceased. US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures as the former president is safe and being evaluated. One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured.”
Trump texted supporters at 9:47 p.m., stating, “It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country. Nothing is known at this time about the
shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.”
Condemning the attempted assassination attempt, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez released a statement on X that said, “There is no place for political violence, including the horrific incident we just witnessed in Pennsylvania. It is absolutely unacceptable and must be denounced in the strongest terms.”
Cortez added, “My heart goes out to all the victims, and I wish the former president a speedy recovery.”
Shortly after the shooting Park-
chester resident Ritchie Parker said, “If they really wanted to kill this man, they could have killed him like Kennedy, Lincoln, all these other president’s they’ve assassinated, and he just got hit in the ear?”
Meanwhile, amid the growing calls by his own supporters on a daily basis urging him to step aside, on Sunday, July 21, Biden released a statement on X, stating, “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to
stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
Shortly after Biden’s announcement he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
After Biden endorsed Harris, Cheryl Hurst of Bedford Park said of the situation, “I think he was pressured unnecessarily and it’s concerning that our democracy is at stake.” She added, “I’m hopeful that Vice President Kamala Harris will be able to lead the country. I think this country has so much racism that I don’t know if she will get a lot of votes.”
Bronx voters are left scrambling to try to digest the breaking political developments of the past month. A former president survived an assassination attempt. The current president was essentially pushed out of the race and left only to serve out the remainder of his term. And the Dem Primary votes were nullified after Biden dropped out and Vice President Kamala Harris was appointed the Dem. Party candidate for president. (Left) Former President Donald Trump during a rally in Crotona Park. (Right) Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to residents in Edenwald on October 22, 2021.
Photos by David Greene
Health Matters For dementia patients, summer heat poses added risks
By Marzena Proszowska-Lambert, MSN, BSN, RN, Clinical Director, VNS Health
Yet again New Yorkers are in the midst of another hot summer, with temperatures over 90 degrees- a trend that has unfortunately become all too common. Experts predict that by the year 2080, the number of heat waves will increase up to 400%. While rising temperatures pose a danger to all New Yorkers, individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are especially at risk.
As a Clinical Director at the non-profit home and community-based health care organization VNS Health, I work with clinicians who, day in and day out, see clients in their homes, in heat waves as well as in snowstorms.
Heat waves can be particularly dangerous for people with dementia because they often lack the ability to perceive internal temperature changes, which can lead to dehydration and/or heat stroke. Dementia can also damage or disrupt the functioning of internal systems that regulate body tempera-
ture so the body can’t accurately adjust for increased heat.
For caregivers looking after loved ones with dementia, or for people who simply want to make sure their neighbors are safe, here are a few hot-weather tips from VNS Health home health aide Petra Peter-Charles, who has been caring for people in their homes—including individuals with dementia—for over 20 years.
Keep Hydrated
*One of the biggest threats during a heat wave is dehydration. According to the
National Institutes of Health (NIH), Alzheimer's can disrupt the brain’s typical neural pathways, leading to a loss of brain function. As the body becomes dehydrated, less blood flows to the brain, which increases the sense of confusion that dementia patients often experience.
*Keep water handy.
“Always keep a glass of water close,” says Petra. “I continually remind those I
care for that they need to keep hydrated, sometimes just by putting a glass of water in front of them early in the day.”
Petra also notes that using the right glass matters. Ideally it should be lightweight and preferably clear so a loved one can see what’s inside, or brightly colored to draw their attention.
*Prevention is the best cure.
“By the time someone realizes they’re thirsty,” says Petra, “their body is already dehydrated, so it’s important to think ahead.” She recommends that you encourage your loved one to drink a sip of water every hour, even if they say they are not thirsty.
*Lead by example! Petra notes that sometimes sitting next to a loved one and either drinking or mimicking
Achieving a gold medal mindset when it comes to your health
By Dr. Jorge Aguilar
The greatest athletes in the world will soon convene in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics to compete for gold medals, world records, and Olympic glory. They may seem superhuman on our screens, with powers granted to them seemingly from birth, but Olympic athletes will be the first to tell you that their success is largely (if not entirely!) dependent on key principles, which can help anyone achieve a gold medal mindset.
Here are 4 of these key principles:
Doubts are Normal Believe it or not, even the greatest of Olympic athletes doubt themselves. They too experience thoughts like “am I good enough?” and “will I fail?” Their secret is not the absence of doubts, it is their response to doubts. Those who achieve at the highest levels accept the existence of these thoughts, thank them for their opinion – and move forward anyway.
Nerves are Normal Olympic athletes may look calm and confident on screen, but believe me, they’re feeling very nervous. The key to their ability to perform is that they expect nerves. Rather than fighting a 2-front battle
of their emotions and their opponent, great athletes allow themselves to feel the discomfort of nerves. This mindset liberates them to devote 100% of their attention and energy to outperforming their competitor.
Present Focus is Everything
Past games or competitions are just memories and future plays haven’t happened yet. Success at a shot, hit, strike, stroke, jump, move, pass happens in the present. Right here, right now. Honing the ability to bring your focus to the present moment, or getting “in the zone,” is essential. This skill can be learned and improved through mindfulness practice.
Asking For Help Is Not
Weakness
Many of us were taught since childhood to be tough and independent. Olympic athletes are no different, but their long, arduous road to the Olympic games were achieved with support from a large village of people: coaches, training partners, mentors, nutritionists, therapists, romantic part-
ners, family, and friends. Going it alone might sometimes be the fastest way to get somewhere, but tapping into your support network and going with others will take you to even greater heights.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your performance in school or your career I hope these four keys
to Olympic success will help you reach your own wins.
Dr. Jorge Aguilar MD PhD is a Sports & Performance Psychiatrist at Montefiore Einstein. He is the Director of the Sports Mental Health Institute at Montefiore, and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
File photo
For dementia patients, summer heat poses added health risks
drinking can encourage them to follow your lead and stay hydrated.
*Safety Inside the Home. Another danger for people with dementia is heat exhaustion. While most people can adapt to warm weather by staying hydrated, or by turning on the air conditioning, or simply by staying inside, people with dementia often lack the autonomy to take these basic steps.
*Turn on the A/C. It may seem obvious, but it’s worth remembering that having the A/C or fans on the highest setting before the home gets too hot is one of the best ways to maintain a cool and even temperature throughout the household.
*Limit sunlight. Rooms can heat up quickly from window sunlight, so keep curtains closed to maintain a lower temperature inside.
*Cool washcloths. Petra says she has found one of the best ways to keep cool even without A/C is to place a wet and cool washcloth on the back of a neck. “It’s a good way to bring someone’s temperature down safely and quickly,” she says.
*Stay inside. Although most of her patients enjoy staying inside, Petra says she has some dementia clients who love to go on walks. In
these cases, it is helpful to go to public places with A/C such as libraries, museums, or even big grocery stores.
New York City also has a list of free, accessible cooling centers.
Maintain a “Cool Head”!
All of us tend to become a little more short-tempered when it gets hot. This is true as well for people with dementia. They may become more irritable when it’s hot
because of physical distress caused by the heat. As Petra describes it, “It’s like a loop or a switch that flips on in the head,” which immediately changes the person’s entire demeanor. After this switch is “flipped,” a patient might be less likely to listen to advice, which is frustrating for a caregiver.
Make sure you are taking care of yourself, too! Sometimes seeking respite
care, even short-term, can help you feel more rested, recharged, and capable of caring for a loved one with dementia.
As increased temperatures become our new normal, it’s important to be mindful of the challenges faced by individuals with dementia and other chronic health conditions.
While caring for someone with dementia can be chal-
lenging, following these tried and tested tips can help alleviate some of the stress and help both you and your loved one!
Marzena Proszowska-Lambert, MSN, BSN, RN, is the Personal Care Clinical Director at the home and community nonprofit VNS Health. Learn more about VNS Health’s Dementia Care at Home Program here.
Culinary Road
By Morris Gut
French cuisine is back. New bistros and formal French dining rooms have debuted throughout the area in the last year joining older standbys. It remains one of my favorite cuisines. With the Olympic Games going on in Paris, it’s a good excuse to indulge. Here are suggestions just a short drive away…
CAFÉ DEUX, HARRISON
Sisters Carrie and Charlotte Denoyer premiered Café Deux in Harrison last year, an all-day café and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Highlights include a decadent bowl of soft scrambled eggs melded with gruyere and chives served with crusty sourdough bread. Classic French bistro fair: fresh pastries, sandwiches, entrees, and sweets including their signature ‘cupped desserts’ as complement their daily selection of curated coffees and teas. Cocktails, too.
Jean Denoyer, their father, opened the original La Gou-
Dine the Gallic way during the Olympics
Outdoor seating. Encore Bistro Francais, 22 Chatsworth Ave., Larchmont. 914-8331661 www.encore-bistro. com
MICHELINE, SCARSDALE
lue in Manhattan over 50 years ago. Café Deux, 307 Halstead Ave., Harrison. The café will be open 7 days a week. 914-920-4110 www. cafedeuxny.com
ENCORE BISTRO, LARCHMONT
At Encore Bistro in Larchmont proprietor David Masliah is approaching 25 years serving such lusty favorites as delicious Tartin de Tomates, Moules Provencales, Salade Parisienne, and Steak Frites. Great French fries, the real thing! For dessert, there are classic versions of Tarte Tatin and Profiteroles. Three-course prix-fixe lunch special Monday through Saturday: $20. Sunday brunch.
Proprietor Jonathan Aubrey opened Micheline, an elevated bistro and bar in Scarsdale, last year. He totally renovated the former Metro Diner and is now serving classic French specialties: moules mariniere, local tuna salad nicoise, and steak frites. At this writing dinner only is served Wednesday through Sunday. Micheline, 878 Scarsdale Ave., Scarsdale. 914-504-1717. www. michelinerestaurant.com
LE PROVENCAL, MAMARONECK
Le Provencal in Mamaroneck serves French/Mediterranean dishes including a French Picnic Platter of cured meats, cheeses and accoutrements, Beef Bourguignon, special Bouillabaisse, and Coq au Vin. Le Provencal Bistro, 436 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck. 914777-2324 www.provencal-
Classic French Onion Soup.
bistro.com
BISTRO DE VILLE, SCARSDALE
The dynamic team behind Farmer & the Fish opened Bistro de Ville in Scarsdale last year with a charming deco-style décor and zinc
topped bar. Plenty of talent here serving up such French delights as mousse de canard, moules frites, chicken paillard, brook trout amandine. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner & Sunday brunch with
live music. Happy hours. Bistro de Ville, 185 Summer St., Scarsdale. 914-574-6364 www.bistrodeville.com
BRONX RESTAURANTS
JOIN NYC RESTAURANT WEEK!
Summer NYC Restaurant Week is in full swing through August 18th. Participating restaurants are required to offer special 2-course lunches for $30 and 3-course dinners for $45 & $60. The annual promotion is organized by NYC & Co., which claims to have signed up over 600 restaurants scattered through the five boroughs.
This season there are 9 food and beverage participants coming out of the Bronx. Included are: The Bronx Beer Hall in the Arthur Ave./Little Italy section; Home BX Steakhouse, Kingsbridge; Absoluto, Morris Park; Chocobar Cortes, Alexander Ave., South Bronx; Mae Mae Café & Plant Shop, 3rd. Ave.; Rosa’s at Park Ave.; Flava’s Restaurant and Lounge, 3rd. Ave;
Dine the Gallic way during the Olympics
Zona de Cuba, Grand Concourse; and F & J Pine Tree, Bronxdale Ave.
Sometimes there are caveats so check ahead. For more info and a full list of participating eateries go to: www.nycgo.com/ restaurant-week
NOSHING AT YANKEE STADIUM!
The Major League Baseball season is just past the mid-point. Had the pleasure of taking in a game on July 4th with the whole family. If you’re planning to eat while visiting Yankee Stadium, the food service throughout the park has been revamped for 2024 featuring some old and some new. For example: Bronx-born celebrity chef Christian Petroni, former executive chef at Fortina restaurants in Westchester and a regular on the Food Network, has brought his ‘Cheesy Garlic Bread’ for the fans. Mac Truck will be offering their unique take on Mac n’ Cheese with a variety of toppings. Also, noted Chef/restaurateur David Chang has brought
Fuku, his fried chicken concept.
Returning concessionaires include: Lobel Meat Market for tasty beef sandwiches and platters; Streetbird by Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Bobby Flay’s ‘Bobby’s Burgers’, Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, Chick & Pete’s, City Win-
ery, The Halal Guys, Sumo Dog, Benihana, Oatly, and Wings of New York. There are gluten-free, vegetarian & vegan options. You can also check out the Yankee Stadium Tower Garden. For more info: www.mlb. com/yankees/ballpark/ food
(Morris Gut is a restau-
rant 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 over 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline. net )
Yankee fans have no shortage of great dining options
