June 2, 2021- Bronx Voice, Pride Month

BRONX VOICE BULLETS FLY AGAIN FREE

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Page 2

5th Year, No. 3

June 2 - 8, 2021

School feeds Arrests made in needy pro-Palestinian protest in Morris Park Photos by David Greene

A Bronx charter school is trying to help feed the needy. On May 28, Pharos Academy Charter School held its first ever PHAROS CARES event! With a donation of food from the Food Bank NYC, school officials handed out high-quality, nutritious food to needy families impacted by the pandemic. Hundreds of bags containing food are lined up before the giveaway.

Page 8

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

2• BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021

2 men wounded in Gun Hill Rd drive-by shooting

By David Greene Police are looking for the gunman who opened fire on two men as they walked along East Gun Hill Road in Norwood.

According to one official at One Police Plaza, the shooting took place at 2:30 a.m. on May 23, on the sidewalk outside of 275 East Gun Hill Road, a six-story occupied apartment building

between Putnam Place and Perry Avenue.

Later that same morning the police source told the Norwood News, "You have a 21-year-old male and a 19-year-old male, they're walking

At least six shell-casings are marked by small cones outside of 275 East Gun Hill Road after two people were wounded on May 23, 2021.

when a black sedan approaches, multiple rounds are discharged and the vehicle takes off.”

According to the source, the 21 year-old was shot in the torso and right ear and the 19-year-old victim was hit in the back and right arm. Both men were transported to Jacobi Hospital in "stable" condition.

The police source added, "It's unclear exactly the circumstances why they were shot or if they were actually the intended targets or not, but it's under investigation.”

For several hours police had the north sidewalk of East Gun Hill Road closed off to pedestrian traffic with crime scene tape that stretched from Putnam Place beyond Perry Avenue towards Hull Avenue.

The unusually large crime scene was not expected to impact any of the businesses inside the crime scene, including the One Legend Deli, Hall of Fame Barber Shop, T.J. Nails, Norwest Realty, E & N Pet Paradise and Pizza & Burgers, all were likely closed or would open later on Sunday.

The crime scene extended onto the next block and past the Dental Specialties of New York, located at 301 East Gun Hill Road.

One detective was observed looking at several of at least 6 shell-casings recovered at the scene.

Citizen's App user "Johnfrom" claimed to have heard 10 shots, police continue to search for the black sedan and the gunman.

At the 52nd Precinct

Photo by David Greene

Community Council meeting held at the station house on May 27, Deputy Inspector Thomas Alps told the crowd that the command has had 14 shootings so far in 2021, compared with just 7 reported at the same time last year.

Alps told the crowd, "Downtown is very concerned, as he announced that 32 new cops have been assigned to the command.”

Regarding the Gun Hill Shooting, Alps confirmed 11 rounds were fired, before adding, "They explain they were walking on Gun Hill Road and a car pulls alongside them and double parks and the shooter gets out and fires at them." Alps added that detectives were looking to see if the shooting had a possible gang connection.

It was just over 11 months ago when on June 14, 2020, a still-unidentified 24-year-old man was repeatedly stabbed by a group of men in what police described as an "unprovoked attack" outside of 291 East Gun Hill Road.

The man suffered serious injuries. It is not yet known if the suspect in that attack had been apprehended.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021• 3

4• BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Family and friends say goodbye to Aurelia Greene

By David Greene Family and friends paid their final respects to Aurelia Greene, a former New York State Assemblywoman and Bronx Deputy Borough President, who died on May 8.

Greene was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1982, where she represented the Highbridge, Concourse and Morris Heights sections of the borough until 2009, when she

became Deputy Borough President under Ruben Diaz, Jr. Greene retired in 2017.

A wake for Greene was held on May 19 at the Bronx Christian Charismatic Prayer Fellowship,

located at 1069 Morris Avenue, the same church where her husband, the late Dr. Jerome Greene had been pastor.

Greene's internment was held on May 20, at the Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, N.Y., followed by a funeral repast that was held at The Andrew Feedman Home on the Grand Concourse.

Photo by David Greene A hearse parked outside of the Bronx Christian Charismatic Prayer Fellowship on Morris Avenue in anticipation of a funeral for Aurelia Greene. Greene spent 27 years in the New York State Assembly followed by 18 years as the Bronx Deputy Borough President.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021• 5

‘Robber’ wore mask when he shot victim but not when he flashed cash in store, cops say

6• BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

By Dan Gesslein Cops are searching for a maskless man seen flashing a wad of cash on a surveillance video. Cops say the man is wanted in connection with a robbery and shooting in Mount Eden by a pair of masked gunmen.

Police released surveillance video of a man wanted for questioning in connection with the robbery/assault that occurred on May 16. The maskless man is seen on surveillance video

taken from inside a grocery store, not wearing a mask. He is then seen counting bills from a large wad of cash in his hand.

Investigators want to CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Police released surveillance video of a man being shot in the street during a robbery in Mount Eden.

‘Robber’ wore mask when he shot victim but not when he flashed cash in store, cops say

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021• 7

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

talk to the man on the gro-

cery store surveillance video in connection with the violent robbery.

At around 10:30 pm on May 16, two men ages 31 and 38 were standing in front of 1534 Selwyn Avenue when they were approached by two men wearing ski masks who displayed guns and demanded their property.

One of the robbers pistol whipped the 31 year Police released surveillance video of a man wanted in connec- old while the other retion with a shooting and robbery in Mount Eden. In the video moved the 38 year old’s the man is seen flashing a wad of cash. bag. Cops say the bag

contained $2,500.

What happened next was caught on a camera on the street. The 31 year old is seen breaking away from the robbers and trying to flee. On the video he appears to be shot and falls to the ground. One of the gunman is seen shooting at the victim as he ran by.

The men then fled in a nearby dark sedan.

Cops say both men had fired on the victim who suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was treated at Bronx Leba-

non Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS. COM, on Twitter @ NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

8• BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Arrests made in pro-Palestinian protest in Morris Park

By David Greene Several hundred pro-Palestine protesters held a rally calling for an end of the Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip and an end of the United States military aid to Israel.

The crowd gathered outside of the Bronx Muslim Center, at Rhinelander Avenue and White Plains Road on May 31. Protesters then marched across White Plains Road into Parkchester

where several protesters climbed a Metro North bridge at East Tremont Avenue, creating a brief standoff with police.

Police made several Photo by David Greene arrests, but no injuries Young protestors hold a large rally in Little Yemen, aka Morris Park, demandwere reported. ing an end to Israel occupation of Palestine.

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021• 9

10• BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Woodlawn remembers those who made ultimate sacrifice

By David Greene Cemetery to honor A large crowd gath- America's war dead ered at Woodlawn in honor of Memori-

Recent Manhattan College graduate Emmanuel Luzincourt plays taps for the crowd at Woodlawn Cemetery during a Memorial Day event on Saturday, May 29. (Left) A crowd gathered under a large tent at the Woodlawn Cemetery to honor fallen service members during a Memorial Day event.

al Day, on May 29.

This year Woodlawn teamed up with the New York City Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) and the Bob Woodruff Foundation as volunteers once again "flagged" over 8,500 graves of known American servicemen and women who are buried at Woodlawn.

Local elected officials joined DVS Commissioner James Hendon and Charles Rock, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic in honoring the fallen. Members of the NYPD's Explorers program were also in attendance and assisted in flagging some of the graves after the service.

Covid recedes but food need continues

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

More than 100 people turned out for a weekly food giveaway outside of the L. Jiminez Business Solutions (JBS), located at 206 East Bedford Park Boulevard on May 21.

For the last two months JBS has partnered with the Albanian American Open Hand Association in distributing boxes of food. On this day the boxes contained 5

BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021• 11

pounds of meatballs, fruits, vegetables and milk. The food giveaway continues on a first come, first serve basis every Friday at 2 p.m. at 206 East Bedford Park Boulevard.

Photos by David Greene

A crowd of over 100 gathers outside of the L. Jiminez Business Solutions on East Bedford Park Boulevard for one of the 200 boxes of food distributed on May 21, 2021.

12• BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Deadly fake weed draws fed’s ire

Group charged with selling K9 over net

The feds busted a group of men from the Bronx and Queens for selling deadly K9 over the Internet claiming it was such harmless items as incense.

According to prosecutors the defendants have been charged with selling K9 through four websites claiming the synthetic canaboids were items for aromatherapy. In fact the smokable syn-

thetics were sold under colorful names such as “Scooby Snax Kush,” “Bizarro,” “AK 47,” “Hi5 Triple X,” “Evil Santa,” “Krazy Turkey,” “Sexy Monkey,” “W.T.F.,” and “COVID-19 Coro-

navirus Limited Edition.”

NIAZ KHAN, NOEL SANABRIA, ANDRE GOMES, and PATRICK PATTERSON were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids and to distribute controlled substances using the internet.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss

said: “Trafficking of synthetic cannabinoids – sometimes called K2 or Spice – poses a serious threat to public health and safety. Packaged attractively to appeal to teenagers and young adults, synthetic cannabinoids are in reality toxic concoctions that can be very dangerous to consume.

“As alleged, the defendants used websites they operated to distribute massive quantities of synthetic cannabinoids throughout the United States. Thanks to our law enforcement partners, the defendants have been arrested and their dangerous business has been dismantled.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment: From February 2019 until May 2021, KHAN, SANABRIA, GOMES, and PATTERSON operated a scheme to distribute massive quantities of smokeable synthetic cannabinoids (“SSC”), colloquially referred to as “K2” or “Spice,” containing controlled substances and/or a controlled substance analogue, throughout the United States.

K H A N , S A N A B R I A , GOMES, and PATTERSON are alleged to have sold SSC through at least four different websites that they operated, namely K2HerbStore.com, HerbalPlug.com, LegalAromaTherapy. com, and LegalHerbalSmack.com (collectively, the “Websites”).

The SSC the defendants sold through the Websites included dried, shredded plant material onto which synthetic cannabinoid chemicals had been sprayed. The SSC distributed by the scheme was branded with colorful graphics and distinctive names, including “Train Wrecked,” “Scooby Snax Kush,” “Bizarro,” “AK 47,” “Hi5 Triple X,” “Evil Santa,” “Krazy Turkey,” “Sexy Monkey,” “W.T.F.,” and “COVID-19 Coronavirus Limited Edition.”

In an alleged effort to conceal their criminal activity and advertise their illegal products, KHAN, SANABRIA, GOMES, and PATTERSON are accused of using names for CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021• 13

Deadly fake weed draws fed’s ire

Group charged with selling K9 over net CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

certain of the Websites that falsely represented that their SSC products were “legal.”

The defendants are also accused of sometimes misleadingly described their SSC products publicly as “not for human consumption,” “potpourri,” “herbal incense,” and “legal aroma therapy,” when, in fact, the defendants intended that the SSC would be consumed by drug users and they knew that their conduct was unlawful, prosecutors say.

According to the indictment, over the

course of the scheme, KHAN, SANABRIA, GOMES, and PATTERSON shipped thousands of packages of SSC through the United States mail from the Bronx, New York, to customers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, which contained a total of hundreds of kilograms of SSC. The defendants earned more than approximately $1 million from their illegal marketing and sale of SSC during the course of the scheme, prosecutors say.

KHAN, 34, of Queens, SANABRIA, 57, of the

Bronx, GOMES, 38, of judge.

Queens, and PATTERSON, 32, of the Bronx, are each charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and a controlled substance analogue, and to distribute controlled substances using the internet, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the

14• BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021

Pride Month-

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Monte launches TransWellness Centers

By Octavia Y. Lewis, MPA, Transgender Health Specialist, Montefiore Health System June is PRIDE Month – a time to celebrate and recognize the LGBTQ+ communities across the world. Here in the Bronx, we’re especially proud to launch the TransWellness Centers at Montefiore (TC@M).

TC@M is the latest step forward in Montefiore’s commitment to providing safe and inclusive care for all; it’s the result of

years of work from physicians, medical students, residents, social workers, administrators, patients and many other staff mem-

bers to provide honest and up-to-date care to the transgender and non-binary (TGNB) community of the Bronx and beyond.

My name is Octavia Y. Lewis, MPA, and I’m the Transgender Health Specialist at Montefiore Health System. I’m also a woman of transgender experience living with HIV and a Montefio-

Octavia Y. Lewis, MPA, Transgender Health Specialist, Montefiore Health System

re patient. I know the importance of both receiving and delivering affirming and competent care. Montefiore has shown me its dedication to ensuring that the TGNB community feels included in the ways in which they receive healthcare.

Care with TC@M is offered at many locations throughout the Bronx, including within primary care, while specialty services and surgeries are located at the main campuses.

TC@M has different medical specialties, such as primary care, endocrinology, adolescent medicine (including pubertal blockade),

urology, plastic surgery, mental health services, reproductive health, women’s health and more. Our specialists offer options such as affirming surgeries, voice therapy, access to hormonal care and a variety of other treatment options tailored to the TGNB community.

In addition to TC@M, Montefiore has organized the Transgender Health Workgroup comprised of administrative, clerical, and clinical staff, as well as physicians and researchers who are all invested in ensuring these communities receive the best healthcare experCONTINUED ON PAGE 15

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Pride Month-

BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021• 15

Monte launches TransWellness Centers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

-ience.

Our strong internal network allows us to minimize barriers to care that have plagued these communities. Montefiore providers work together to streamline services, helping to shorten wait times for consultations with other providers, obtain letters of mental health referral for surgical procedures, and more.

Montefiore also participates in the

Healthcare Equality Index through the Human Rights Campaign and has been named a Healthcare Equality Index Leader – a prestigious recognition which highlights Montefiore’s achievements in providing better health outcomes for the LGBTQIA+ community. We also continue to learn and grow from our rising physicians at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, providing students

an opportunity to learn from real life experiences during lectures and panels, and participate in the LGBTQIA+ curriculum development.

TC@M cares about our impact and footprint in the community and is creating a Community Advisory Panel to better understand needs and how we can address them. Dr. Robert Beil, medical director of TC@M, also serves as the medical director for Des-

tination Tomorrow, and many of our other physicians have strong connections with other local community health groups that provide care to the TGNB community.

We are extremely excited to launch our new website for TC@M this pride month which shares more about the programs and services we offer at Montefiore. Until then, please contact us at transwellness@mon-

tefiore.org if you would like more information. To schedule an appointment or consultation with any of our specialists, please call 718-9202476. Also check out our Twitter handle: @ TranswellnessC. Montefiore accepts most insurances including Healthfirst, Medicaid and Medicare. As we continue to expand our services and what we offer to the community, we invite you to come and grow with us!

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

16• BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021

Lincoln opens gender affirming integrated services for LGBTQ New Yorkers

NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln has opened a dedicated Integrated Services Practice offering care and services designed to focus on the health needs and disparities specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning/ queer (LGBTQ) patients in the South Bronx.

On Thursdays, Lincoln provides transgender health care including initial general consultation for transgender and gender-non-binary patients, hormone therapy for transmen, transwomen

and non-binary individuals, and surgical consultation for hysterectomy, as well as oophorectomy for transmen.

Services are centrally located.

The gender affirming Integrated

Services Practice is staffed by culturally competent, LGBTQ affirming, trained staff and providers. Patients receive care in an open and honest environment, respecting the unique health needs of each individual.

In addition to the specialty services, Lincoln Medical Center provides primary care, sameday urgent care visits, behavioral CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Hsun-Ming (Simon) Lu, MD: “Trained in obstetrics and gynecology, OB/GYN, I know there is a need for my services. I am passionate and want to ensure the LBGTQ, transgender and non-binary populations are receiving the care they need and deserve. I am honored to be here at this important step of this journey.”

BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021• 17

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Lincoln opens gender affirming integrated services for LGBTQ New Yorkers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

health services, dental, ophthalmology, gynecology, young adult care, immunizations, HIV testing and prevention, pre and post exposure prophylaxis, and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment.

The NYC Health + Hospitals system is recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality” by

the Human Rights Campaign. This annual Index recognizes organizations meeting broad criteria that actively engage in protecting LGBTQ patients and employees from discrimination, ensuring equal visitation for LGBTQ people and providing employee training in LGBTQ patient-centered care.

To schedule an appointment or for

more information, call 718.963.8068 or 844-NYC4NYC. For after-hour questions, the 24-hour Nurse Call Center can be reached at 800.654.0022.

Open on Thursdays, call to make an appointment.

Lincoln Hospital is located at 149th Street and Morris Avenue in the Bronx.

Akinola Fisher, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Ambulatory Care, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln: “This is the beginning of a journey to become a certified center that provides comprehensive, inclusive and equitable services to members of the LGBTQ community. The environment is welcoming, respectful and patient centered. We are proud to nurture these important community relationships that recognize people for who they are.”

18• BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021

Culinary Road

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

By Morris Gut

Great food, great memories near Orchard Beach Road foodies may remember Leno’s Clam Bar, also known as ‘Greasy Nick’s’, along Pelham Road (Shore Road) in New Rochelle, just minutes from the Bronx line and Orchard Beach. It’s just down the road from the lovely Glen Island Park. I started going to Leno’s generations ago for

their burgers, steamers, fried clams, grilled hotdogs, and corn on the cob swimming in butter. It’s a wonderful no-frills experience.

I met my daughter and son in law for lunch al fresco one day. They had come up from Manhattan, and for my daughter it was déjà vu.

I used to bring her here when

she was growing up. It has not changed much, now in its 3rd generation. The owning family is related to comedian Jay Leno who lived in New Rochelle early in his career.

We loaded up the metal table: their famous cheeseburgers with sautéed onions (a must!) and fries; dripping corn on the cob; fried clams with tartar sauce, hot dogs, and cheese dogs. Thank

Fried clams and fries at Leno’s Clam Bar.

goodness for all those napkins. You get your own beverages inside, and it’s still on the honor system, believe it or not. Table service is very friendly and laid back.

The first couple of bites brought back memories galore! Wow…it was a fun meal reminiscing about it all. As we sat, Greasy Nick’s fans kept arriving from every direction.

Leno’s Clam Bar is at 755 Pelham Road, New Rochelle.

Open daily during the season. Indoor and outdoor seating. Phone: 914-636-9869.

MICHELIN PUBLISHES 2021 NEW YORK RESTAURANT RATINGS!

Here we go again. It has become an annual rite of the culinary. The prestigious Michelin Restaurant Guides have been releasing their ratings internationally, nationally, and recently for New York City and nearby suburbs. As always there is controversy. Who made the list, who did not, and why?

It is all secretive. The Bibs (typically more casual spots of merit), and Stars (high end restos) can be meaningful to a restaurant’s bottom line. There are a small group of Bronx and Westchester restaurants that made the list.

Based on my own experience, there are some deserv-

ing finalists. Check it out online: https://guide.michelin. com/en/us/new-york-state/ restaurants While I am glad to see the restaurant industry get a shot in the arm, one must wonder how the Michelin people managed to gather clear assessments of restaurants during the heights of the Covid pandemic? Most eateries were and still are in some disarray?

BRONX NIGHT MARKET FOLLOWS COVID PROTOCOLS!

This popular local market running Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m. thru Nov. 13th, will operate this year on a time slot basis to observe social distancing protocols. Tickets for a one-hour spot are free but must be reserved in advance thru the website. There will be more than 20 Bronx-based vendors including Crabmeat Mike, Empanada Papa, Fried Lasagna Mama, Hungarian Hotspot, Mixto Tacos, and Island Love Cake all selling food, drink, and all sorts of merchandise. Fordham Plaza, East Fordham Road and Webster Ave. CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021• 19

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

Great food, great memories near Orchard Beach CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Belmont, The Bronx.

For more info: www.thebronxnightmarket.com SHUCK THOSE OYSTERS!

Oyster aficionados cannot seem to consume

enough of them and more eateries throughout the area are serving these slippery delicacies than ever.

Check ahead for availability. Here is where I have been indulging…

Dubrovnik, 721 Main Street, New Rochelle (914-637-3777), offers a popular Bar Menu daily featuring regional oysters on the half shell.

This restaurant, the first to specialize in Croatian cuisine, excels in fish and

seafood so you won’t go wrong here. Happy Hours are back, too. www.dubrovniknewyork.com Caffe Regatta, 133 Wolf’s Lane, Pelham 914738-8686 Veteran chef/ proprietor Anthony Labriola offers an eclectic contemporary mix of pristinely fresh fish and seafood specialties along with a good dose of alternative meats.

Oysters and clams at $1 per piece are offered as a Wednesday special thru Labor Day. www.cafferegatta.com Kee Oyster House, 128 E. Post Road, White Plains (914-437-8535), has a daily raw bar with a selection of oysters from all over the region. The blackboard

lists the daily catch. And they are pristine, served with house made cocktail sauce, ground wasabi root and Champagne sauce. www.keeoysterhouse.com Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island (718885-9885), lists big Blue Point oysters on their daily blackboard and they are terrific served with all the accoutrements. Wash it all down with one of the house specialty cocktails. Craft beer selection. www.artiescityisland.com Bread & Brine, 119 Main Street, Hastings-On-Hudson (914479-5243), where ‘summers in Maine’ is the theme and fresh oysters

Oyster service at Kee Oyster House. are served in abundance along with a menu of seafood specialties. www. breadandbrinehoh.com Saltaire Oyster Bar and Fish House, 55 Abendroth Ave., Port Chester

(914-939-2425) Happy Hours have returned to the handsome barroom.

Oysters always available. www.saltaireoys-

terbar.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: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline. net)

20• BRONX VOICE• June 2 - 8, 2021

www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com