Bronx Voice - June 30, 2021

BRONX VOICE COVID COCAINE CRACKDOWN FREE

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5th Year, No. 5

June 30 - July 6, 2021

Page 6 Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York

Gang bypassed pandemic lock downs to peddle coke, heroine and fentanyl

Bronx is going green Tips on how to beat Charging stations coming the heat to a street near you

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Page 12

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2• BRONX VOICE• June 30 - July 6, 2021

Cops bring man back from the brink at train station

By David Greene Police officers rushed to the aid of an unconscious man who suffered an apparent accidental overdose and used a powerful anti-opioid drug to quickly revive him, and possibly save his life.

According to detective Densie Moroney, the dramatic incident unfolded outside the turnstile at the Kingsbridge Road Station of the Number 4 Train, at East Kingsbridge Road and Jerome Avenue. A call to 911 was received at 10:45 a.m. on June 26, when officers from the 52nd Precinct and Transit District 11 immediately responded.

Moroney said of the in-

cident, upon arrival officers observed a 29 year-old male unconscious and unresponsive, officers administered Narcan successfully."

She added that the unidentified victim was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital and was reported in "stable" condition.

Nearly a dozen officers stood around the man, as he lay sprawled out on the floor inside the elevated train station. Within minutes of getting the dose of Narcan, officers helped the man to sit up and engaged him in conversation. The man eventually walked to a waiting ambulance with minimal assistance from paramedics.

Five officers stood outside the ambulance for an additional 30 minutes as paramedics began to treat the young man, apparently the officers were wanting to know that the man they just assisted would be okay.

At the end of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly 81,000 accidental overdoses were reported in the United States between May 2019 thru 2020.

On June 1, the American Medical Association issued a report that began, "The nation's COVID pandemic made the nation's drug overdose epidemic worse," and noted that every state has seen a rise in opioid deaths.

Photo by David Greene

Police officers and paramedics respond to the Kingsbridge Road Station on Jerome Avenue after a man accidentally overdosed inside the elevated train station on June 26, 2021.

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4• BRONX VOICE• June 30 - July 6, 2021

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11 firefighters injured, 5 stores damaged or destroyed by fire

By David Greene At least 11 firefighters were injured and several stores were damaged or destroyed after a fire ripped through a row of businesses along West Burnside Avenue in Morris Heights on June 28.

According to Fire Department officials, the blaze broke out inside S & M Furniture and Electronics, located at 34 West Burnside Avenue, at 2:59 p.m. inside the one-story commercial building. The incident grew to four alarms and extended to several

adjacent structures. The fire was brought under control after 5:30 p.m.

Over 200 fire department and EMS units were on the scene, including 106 firefighters from 25 individual units. Besides the fire, members also battled temperatures hovering at 90 degrees with high humidity.

Assistant Chief Joseph Jardin briefed reporters with a statement that was later posted to Instagram. Jardin stated, "Units arrived within 3 minutes to discover a CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Photo by David Greene

At least six businesses were damaged or destroyed after a 4-alarm fire along West Burnside Avenue on Sunday, June 27, 2021.

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10 charged in narcotics distribution across the Northeast

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A long-term wiretap investigation uncovered a sophisticated network of alleged narcotics traffickers who distributed fentanyl, heroin and cocaine in New York City, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the 10 men recently arrested in connection with this investigation, three were charged with Operating as Major Traffickers: JOSE AQUINO SUAREZ, ERICK ABREU-FLORES and RAMON ANTONIO BARDERA. These three allegedly obtained narcotics from international sources and oversaw large shipments of narcotics to the New York metropolitan area.

Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New York Division, Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, New York City Police Commissioner Dermot F. Shea and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, today announced the indictment and arrest of nine individuals. A tenth individual is charged in a criminal complaint. The majority of the defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Abraham Clott.

The investigation was conducted by the New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force (NYDESF) Group Z-21. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. reviewed and submitted multiple eavesdropping applications for court authorization during the investigation.

In the early stages of the wiretap investigation, which began in January of 2020, members of NYDESF Group Z- 21 identified SUAREZ, BARDERA, JAIME VINCENTE, ABREUFLORES and JUAN RIVERA ALEMAN as alleged high-level traffickers who regularly bought and sold multi-kilogram quantities of fentanyl, heroin

and cocaine to and from one another. Over time, the investigation expanded to include RAPHAEL ESPINAL, CARLOS AMPARO AVILA, JHAN PAULINO, OCTAVIO ROJAS and JORDANNY REYES. Between August of 2020 and May of 2021, agents and officers recovered over 55 kilograms of narcotics (120 pounds), more than $335,000 cash and two guns, as well as drug paraphernalia associated with the packaging of narcotics.

The wiretap investigation revealed the alleged traffickers regularly communicated by phone and discussed how to obtain narcotics during the COVID-19 pandemic, given new challenges for drug smuggling posed by border closures.

The alleged traffickers bought and sold narcotics at inflated prices as their international sources of supply became harder to access. As detailed in the indictment, on multiple occasions BARDERA discussed receiving a shipment of narcotics to be sent from Peru.

In August of 2020, DEA special agents in the capital city of Lima intercepted a package that BARDERA expected to receive in New York, and the agents recovered a kilogram of cocaine from hollowed-out wooden footstools.

In November of 2020, BARDERA and AVILA, who allegedly worked as a drug courier for BARDERA, coordinated the delivery of narcotics from an out-of-state tractor-trailer. On November 24, 2020, BARDERA and AVILA directed the tractor-trailer to a Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx.

Shortly before midnight, mem-

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bers of NYDESF Group Z-21 seized the tractor-trailer and arrested AVILA and two others, who were in possession of a piston jack, impact driver and other tools. On November 25, 2020, a court- authorized search of the tractor-trailer uncovered more than 14 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl from inside the trailer axles.

In another large narcotics seizure on February 24, 2021, members of NYDESF Group Z-21 observed SUAREZ and ESPINAL meet in the vicinity of 1367 Bronx River Avenue at approximately 5 p.m. SUAREZ handed a brown paper bag to ESPINAL, who was seated in the driver’s seat of a black Lexus sedan. Agents and officers followed ESPINAL as he drove away and stopped the car soon afterwards. Inside they discovered a plastic-wrapped kilogram of fentanyl inside a hidden compartment in the car.

Members of NYDESF later stopped SUAREZ outside 1367 Bronx River Avenue and obtained a court- authorized search warrant for SUAREZ’s apartment, which was located in a rear basement apartment at this address. During the search, agents and officers recovered nine plastic-wrapped kilograms of fentanyl and a duffel bag containing approximately $225,000 cash, as well as thousands of glassine envelopes, loose powdered heroin and fentanyl, pills and drug-packaging materials.

The majority of the defendants were arrested on May 13, 2021, when members of NYDESF Group Z-21 conducted searches of six apartments in the Bronx after obtaining court-authorized warrants.

The residences of BARDERA, VINCENTE, ABREAUFLORES, ALEMAN and ROJAS contained almost two kilograms of narcotics and over $93,000 cash. A loaded 9 mm handgun was recovered from ALEMAN’s apartment.

Before Strike Force members could secure the residences

of VINCENTE and ABREUFLORES, the two men allegedly attempted to dispose of narcotics: VINCENTE by throwing almost a kilogram of cocaine out a window onto a fire escape, and ABREUFLORES by attempting to flush a bag of cocaine down a toilet.

That same day, members of NYDESF Group Z-21 also searched the apartment of REYES, a neighbor to BARDERA, residing at 2436 Webb Avenue, Apt. 3B, in the Bronx.

The kitchen of the apartment contained a total of approximately 24 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin. Narcotics were inside a hidden compartment below a kitchen cabinet, an oven drawer and the freezer. Agents and officers also recovered a loaded handgun from a bedroom inside the apartment.

“The last year and a half has challenged all of us,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan. “While many chose to rise to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the defendants in this case chose to add to those challenges by flooding our communities with deadly amounts of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, amplifying the rising number of overdose deaths. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, as well as our partners in the NY Strike Force for their tenacity in bringing this investigation from the streets of NY all the way to illicit drug sources in South America.”

“When pandemic border closings temporarily interrupted the flow of narcotics into the United States, these individuals are charged with scheming to smuggle lethal narcotics into

New York and distribute them throughout the Northeast at inflated prices,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan. “The scale of the narcotics smuggling operation upended by this investigation was staggering, as it attempted to take advantage of vulnerable communities and law enforcement facing unprecedented challenges. I thank our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment.”

“As long as individuals – wherever they are based – are involved in illegal narcotics trafficking, we will work relentlessly to stop the threat to public safety. I commend and thank our colleagues at the city’s Special Narcotics Prosecutors, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration New York Division, Homeland Security Investigations, and the NYPD investigators involved in this investigation in building such a strong case,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the United States and the rest of the world, the members of this Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) continued to import deadly narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, and sought to capitalize on the scarcity of narcotics that resulted from the limited cross-border movement of people and merchandise,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of HSI New York. “HSI New York’s agents at the OCDETF Strike Force will continue to work hand in hand with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these criminal organizations and seek justice for those they prey upon.”The charges and allegations are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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8• BRONX VOICE• June 30 - July 6, 2021

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Bronx is going green

Charging stations coming to street near you NYC DOT announced the installation of the first of 100 curbside Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports expected by October in 30 neighborhoods across the five boroughs. This first charging station was installed in Norwood.

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), Con Edison, and FLO announced the installation of the first of 100 curbside Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports expected by this October.

The citywide pilot program aims to increase the adoption of EVs, critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, and will enable New York City to meet its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The four-year demonstration kicked off today in the Norwood section of the Bronx, where new rules limit parking at the new charging stations to electric vehicles.

“Transportation is re-

sponsible for nearly 30% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, most of which come from passenger cars,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “With sales of EVs at record levels, now is the time to develop a robust, convenient and publicly-accessible charging network so that more New Yorkers can go electric. The new charger we put into service today, and more coming soon, will help fulfill our agency’s mission of providing safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation – and we thank our partners at Con Edison and FLO for making it possible.”

“Convenient curbside charging for EVs is a

game-changer especially for those without access to private parking and charging ports,” said Lenny Singh, Senior Vice President of Con Edison’s Customer Energy Solutions.

“We’re working closely with the city and state to make it easier for all New Yorkers to replace gas-powered cars with zero-emission electric vehicles, and enjoy the benefits of cleaner air and a healthier environment as Con Edison continues its efforts to achieve its clean energy goals.”

“The future is coming, and it’s electric!” said Ben Furnas, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Sustainability. “After the most transformative

year on New York City streets in generations, we are going further to reclaim our streets from fossil fuel vehicles by providing more New Yorkers with access to curbside EV charging stations. Even as we transform our streetscape to make it safer and more pleasant to get around on foot, by bike, and on transit, a shift towards electric vehicles will mean cleaner air, quieter neighborhoods, and lower greenhouse gas emissions for all New Yorkers. Congratulations to the Department of Transportation and Con Edison on this exciting milestone.”

Providing EV charging at the curb will make the switch to electric easier for more New Yorkers, including the 50% of EV owners who park on the street. The program was made possible through funding by the New York State Public Service Commission’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative.

Electric-vehicle use has grown dramatically in recent years: New York City now has nearly 15,000 registered EVs, over 5,000 of which were purchased just in the last year. With that growth, new charging stations must come online to meet growing demand: right now, over 1,400 Level 2 charging plugs (which can provide an 80% charge in four to eight hours) and 117 CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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EV charging stations coming to a Bronx street near you CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

from local elected Each FLO unit is 7pm) and $1.00 per hour overnight. A daytime charge will geographic diversi- patible with most be equivalent to futy, and projected de- electric vehicles, has eling up at a gas stamand for charging. a retractable cord tion, while overnight DOT and Con Ed- management system, charging may be ison will evaluate and has a robust de- over 60% cheaper. the performance of sign intended for “We are very the charging stations public deployment. pleased to inaugurate over the course of The chargers also our first FLO charthe pilot period. feature a custom ex- gers in New York toFLO, a leading terior to match the day, beginning with North American look and feel of New the Bronx. This is charging network York City’s family an important mileoperator for EVs of street furniture, as stone for FLO as we is providing the approved by the Pub- deploy our network charging units and lic Design Commis- across all five borwill manage the net- sion. Charging will oughs and accelerwork under contract cost $2.50 per hour ate our expansion in with Con Edison. during the day (7am- the United States,”

fast charging plugs (pro- officials and com- equipped with a stanviding an 80% charge munity stakeholders, dard connector com-

in 30 - 60 minutes) can be found within New York City, with the vast majority located in Manhattan parking garages. The curbside pilot program will bring 100 Level 2 charging ports to over 20 neighborhoods across the five boroughs, with 20 additional charging ports serving city fleet vehicles. Charger port locations were selected based on input

said Louis Tremblay, President and CEO of FLO. “Widespread EV adoption needs to be supported by reliable and accessible charging infrastructure. Thanks to a fruitful collaboration with Con Edison and NYCDOT, this is exactly what we are starting to present to New Yorkers today.”

Public input on charger sites was also collected on the NYC DOT website. More information can be found at: www.nyc. gov/plugnyc.

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12• BRONX VOICE• June 30 - July 6, 2021

Health Matters

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Tips on how to beat the heat

To mark the begining of summer, the New York City Emergency Management Department and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene encourage New Yorkers to beat the heat by knowing the hazards they may face, having a plan to stay safe, and keeping informed.

The City is prioritizing the most heat-burdened communities ― including those outlined in the NYC Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) ― for new public cooling elements and refining existing programs to serve more residents during extreme heat events. Older adults are more likely than younger New Yorkers to experience adverse effects from extreme heat. In addition, as people get older, their ability to maintain a safe body temperature declines — resulting in an increased risk for heat-related illness.

New York City urges residents to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat, including vulnerable individuals such as seniors and those

with chronic health problems.

Visit the NYC Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) to understand how health risks during and immediately after extreme heat events compare across NYC neighborhoods, and how the HVI helps the City identify and direct resources to neighborhoods at higher risk during extreme heat.

“Extreme heat is dangerous, especially for vulnerable populations like older adults or people with chronic medical conditions. New York City is taking a number of steps to provide heat relief to New Yorkers including, but not limited to the opening of cooling centers during heat activations,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner John Scrivani. “We want to remind New Yorkers of the dangers associated with hot temperatures and inform them of the steps they can take to beat the heat.”

“While we all enjoy warm weather, the risk of heat-related illness and death increases, especially for those who

don’t have air conditioning in the home or a place to go to cool down,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi.

“As more New Yorkers become fully vaccinated, we can once again remind our neighbors, friends and family members to ‘Be a Buddy’ and check in on those who might be vulnerable and without air conditioning.”

For those who do not have an air conditioner, call the Human Resources Administration at 1-800-692-0557 or 311 to find out whether they qualify for a free air conditioner through the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Since last year, New Yorkers living

in public housing or receiving housing benefits may qualify.

In addition, during periods of extreme heat, the City opens cooling centers. NYC Emergency Management activates the Cooling Center Finder when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory, with a forecasted heat index of least 95°F for two or more days or 100°F for any period.

When the Cooling Center Finder is active, you can find your nearest cooling center by calling 311 or visiting nyc. gov/beattheheat.

COOLING ELEMENTS & COOL IT! NYC MAP

To help New Yorkers stay cool, last summer, NYC Parks added brand

new cooling elements within heat-burdened communities, and highlighted the existing 950 cooling elements citywide with a new Cool It! NYC map. NYC Parks identified locations where up to 250 new outdoor cooling elements can be added to parks during extreme heat events to create "community oases."

These elements consist of NYC Parks hydrants and other plumbing fixtures that can be adapted to function as spray showers and misting features. By utilizing the map, visitors will be able to find up-to-date information on the closest sprinklers and water fountains in their CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Stay cool and safe during summer heatwave season

By Fatima Shell-Sanchez, RN, Visiting Nurse Service of New York Summer is here and it seems that New Yorkers from the Bronx to Brooklyn are eager to get outside and enjoy some fun in the sun— especially after a year of staying locked down at home. As the season heats up, it is important to review a few important health reminders to help keep everyone safe during summer heatwaves.

If you are elderly, or have elderly loved ones

living at home, these tips are even more important Stay Cool – Rooms should be kept as cool as possible, using air-conditioner or fans and open windows to improve air circulation. If no air-conditioning is available, try going to places where it is, such as shopping malls, public libraries, movie theaters or cooling centers.

Check https://maps. nyc.gov/cooling-center/ to find a cooling center near you.

Cool baths or showers can also help, as can CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

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Tips on how to beat summer heat CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort can access designated cooling areas.

DSS staff and the agency’s not-for-profit contracted outreach teams who engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7/365 redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable unsheltered New Yorkers to services and shelter.

CHECK ON THOSE MOST AT-RISK DURING EXTREME HEAT

Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.

Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.

Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if you are not thirsty, rest in the shade, and watch out for others on your team. Your employer is required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing when inside without air conditioning or outside.

Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.

Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first speak with their doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

neighborhood, and with the Leafiest Blocks and Park Tree Canopy categories, easily find NYC Parks' recommendations for blocks and areas with the most shade to help stay cool this summer.

As cooling elements go online, the Cool It! NYC map will be updated in the coming weeks ADDITIONAL HEALTH and activated as nec- AND SAFETY TIPS FOR essary during extreme PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT heat events.

Encourage family, friends, and neighbors who are older or who have heart, kidney or lung disease or other health conditions, serious mental illness, or struggle with substance abuse to use air conditioning. Check on them during heat waves or extreme heat, and help them get to an air-conditioned place if they cannot stay cool at home. During extreme heat, NYC opens cooling centers throughout the five boroughs where New Yorkers can go to cool off.

If they do not have air conditioners, encourage family, friends, and neighbors at risk for heat-related illness to find out whether they qualify for a free air conditioner through the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) by calling the Human Resources Administration at 1-800-692-0557 or 311.

During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing

Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.

Eat small, frequent meals.

Cool down with a cool bath or shower.

Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim.

The NYC Parks Department has free swimming lessons for kids and adults.

Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, and window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and do not fall on someone below. Window guards can prevent children from falling out of a window and suffering serious injuries or even death. Screens keep mosquitoes that can spread West Nile Virus out of your home and keep cats from falling out of windows.

Never leave your children or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has: Hot dry skin.

Trouble breathing.

Rapid heartbeat.

Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.

Nausea and vomiting.

If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

KEEPING YOUR PETS

SAFE Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.

Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt.

Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.

Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fire safely and quickly.

Use “spray caps” to reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that

utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death: Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.”

Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.

Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.

Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.

Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home.

Keep air conditioner filters clean.

If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.

Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications pro-

gram. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/ NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

Stay cool and safe during summer heatwave season

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wearing lightweight,

light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

If possible, avoid being outside from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., which is considered the hottest part of the day.

Stay Hydrated – Drinking water is an essential way to keep your body healthy and even more so when temperatures rise. No matter what your activity level, drinking plenty

of water and eating foods containing water, such as fruits, vegetables, gelatin (Jell-O) and ice pops.

Coffee and alcohol should be avoided, as they will deplete, rather than replenish, fluid in your body.

Use a Buddy System – Heat can bring on illness in some and possibly cause confusion or a loss of consciousness.

If you are age 65 or older, ask a friend or

relative to call you twice a day during a heatwave. If you know someone over 65 years old, check on him or her at least twice a day.

Stay Informed – Tune in to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during heatwaves for updates on health and safety.

Practice Car Safety – Never let anyone stay in a parked

car without air-conditioning. Cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly, putting those inside at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death.

Summertime is a great time to review other healthy living tips about diet, medication management and falls prevention with elder loved ones as well. As always,

it is important to consult your health provider before making significant changes.

Fatima Shell-Sanchez, RN, is a registered nurse with the not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York.

Learn more about how home health care can support your well-being by visiting www.VNSNY.org or calling 1-800-675-0391.

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Mental health temperature check

By Jenny Seham, PhD, Attending Psychologist at Montefiore Health System In the last year, I’ve heard many questions from friends, colleagues and patients about mental health.

Some common feelings include: Why can’t I shake the doldrums?

How do I know if these negative feelings will pass? What do I do to help myself, my partner, my co-worker, my friend, my child?

Living through a pandemic has significantly exacerbated the stress and strain of normal life. Some people express they are ‘not feeling like themselves,’ or struggle to find motivation or feel the joy they have had in the past.

Others notice feeling mentally and physically exhausted and worry about the seemingly relentless nature of their fatigue. Advice like ‘just get over it’ can lead to guilty feelings that are counterproductive.

Over the past year, many of us found some positive ways to cope with stress, like the support of friends or doing meaningful activities. Some have the support of a mental health professional.

If you’re feeling concerned about the mental health of a friend or family member, you should know there are effective skills and treatments to manage

and improve psychological health.

Many people will find this summer and fall to be a time of stress and anxiety as we begin to navigate re-opening in cities and workplaces across the nation. A proactive strategy for navigating these emotionally intense phases is to take the following three steps.

Take a mental health temperature check. Notice and name how you are feeling.

Giving yourself a mental health temperature check can empower us to use positive strategies like stress relieving coping activities.

Try doing this check-in with yourself two times a week.

1) First, just observe how you are feeling: content, ‘not myself,’ sad, lonely, frustrated, numb, angry, depressed, anxious, or ‘blah.’

2) Next, give it a rating: on a scale of 1-10, how strong are those

feelings?

3) Check in on whether you feel this way all the time, sometimes, or every once in a while.

4) Finally, how long has this been going on?

A few days? A week?

More than two weeks?

Regardless of your self-rating, just the activity is an important first step towards feeling better. Whatever your feeling is valid and not to be downplayed, hidden or ignored.

Emotions are never wrong or right – they just are.

Practicing self-compassion, self-care, and self-awareness will guide you to ways to cope and find emotional support. If you are rating yourself at a high level of distress and the negative feelings are all day, every day, for more than two weeks, it may be time to seek more support and that could include professional help.

In a recent poll, about 4 in 10 Americans report they are more anxious than last year and more than half of adults with children report they are concerned about the mental state of their children. If you or someone you care about isn’t feeling like themselves, they are not alone. It can help to seek mutual, emotional support from friends and family.

Despite humans’ as-

tonishing capacity for resilience and hope, we have all endured events in the past year that can cause psychological distress. Many are feeling a lower level negative mood state termed ‘languishing’. It might not be a clinical diagnosis, but you could experience ‘just not feeling motivated,’ or feeling ‘blah,’ despite being able to go to work and attend to everyday life responsibilities. While many want relief from anxiety and depression, it’s ok to just want to stop feeling ‘blah.’ Sharing how you feel is an important step. It helps validate feelings for yourself and others while creating connections to your community and an environment of support and wellness.

Engage in meaningful activities that bring you joy.

What is your definition of joy or fun?

What’s satisfying to you? It could be cooking or running, maybe dancing, or crafting, some like to garden or join a book club. Do these activities yourself, if that is your greatest pleasure. Is your schedule too packed? Then set aside 30 minutes once or twice a week to do these things. Joy will sharpen your performance in other areas like work and parent-

ing. Engaging with friends, family and others is important. We are social creatures and these connections have their own positive, healing impact.

Breathe. Just breathe.

Finally, take a breath, and tell yourself how truly important you are.

Let your breath guide you. Feeling confused – try resources for breathwork and meditation. Let the breath re-set your compass towards hope, strength, and wellness. Deep breathing immediately positively impacts stress hormones and help you plan the next joyful activity.

As the days get longer and warmer, take time to step outside.

Notice all the life around you: enjoy the people, babies, trees and flowers, the dogs and lively sidewalk cafes. Set aside 10 minutes to help you reset your mind or re-connect with friends and family. Know that as you walk and talk, you are improving your mood and boosting energy and immune function. Take notice of your mental health temperature before and after you engage in an activity that brings you joy. Each walk, hour in the garden or baking project is an important step towards managing and maximizing your psychological health.

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Coming out to your health care provider

As we near the end of Pride Month, AdvantageCare Physicians and BronxDocs, would like to take this opportunity to explore why it’s important to come out to your health care provider. It’s your choice who you share your identity with—and your doctor’s responsibility to create a safe environment where you feel comfortable— but sharing with your doctor could give them a better understanding of the type of care you should receive.

Dr. Nicole Thomas-Sealey, Vice President of Clinical Training and Education, discusses why it’s important to start the dialogue about your identity with your doctor.

Dr. Thomas-Sealey is a leading voice and educator who developed cultural competency training programs to teach clinical staff how to better identify and overcome unconscious bias and how to improve communication with the communities we serve.

As a physician, do you have any stories that have stood out to you that highlighted the importance of creating a safe environment for patients to come out?

I had a patient who, when they first came into my office, I could

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immediately feel tension in the room. I said, ‘please forgive me, but I'd like to ask you some questions, so I can help understand you and your needs better. Tell me your story.’ He had mentioned that he was assigned female at birth but identifies as male. He came out as a high schooler several decades ago, but eventually went back into the closet due to the negative reaction of his peers at school.

Fast forward, and he ended up becoming a patient of mine and did not disclose his transgender identity, but I saw breast tissue on his exam, which I knew could be a sensitive topic. So, I said to him, ‘I see that you have breast tissue. Tell me more about that be-

cause I’d like to help you understand the care that’s available to you.’

If I had not asked the question, several doors would have been closed to services and options that a patient should know about. Patients have the final say on what they are willing to share, but as a physician, you still must have a conversation. From that, I was able to share with him that he should consider a mammogram, because it’s still important to check for something that may not be normal. He was open to the suggestion, and we ended up having a really good conversation where the patient left with a smile on his face. I don’t want my patients to feel like they must fight their way

through or over-explain to get their point across.

As a provider at AdvantageCare Physicians and BronxDocs, it’s part of our mission to create an environment where patients can share their full selves.

What are some of the ways medical practices like AdvantageCare Physicians and BronxDocs are working to help patients feel more supported in coming out?

Cultural competence and addressing unconscious bias in health care is important.

That’s why I designed a training course to examine and teach what constitutes bias and how biases affect medical professionals’ behaviors and interactions with colleagues and patients. The course,

which will be offered to all AdvantageCare Physicians and BronxDocs staff, helps increase self-awareness and determines subconsciously held biases.

AdvantageCare Physicians and BronxDocs rejects racism, prejudice and bigotry of all kinds. We strive to recognize our unconscious biases and learn from them. We work to foster inclusion and equity and are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment as we care for our members, patients, and customers.

If you have questions or concerns about coming out or need other social services, our team at AdvantageCare Physicians and BronxDocs can point you in the right direction.

18• BRONX VOICE• June 30 - July 6, 2021

Culinary Road

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By Morris Gut

Bronx’ own Chazz Palminteri opens restaurant

Former Bronx boy, actor, writer, producer, and restaurateur Chazz Palminteri and his partnership have taken over the former Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza on Main St., White Plains. The new eatery is called Chazz Palminteri Restaurant & Pizza.

Palminteri is best known for his hit 1993 film ‘A Bronx Tale’, which was filmed in and around Arthur Ave. in the Bronx, and his roles in ‘Bullets Over Broadway’, and ‘The Usual Suspects’. Chazz, a Bedford resident, has already added his name to a restaurant in mid-town Manhattan in partnership with Jack Sinanaj, who also owns Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse and Empire Steakhouse in the city.

During my first visit I was greeted by partner Tony Sinanaj.

The menu combines upscale classic Italian specialties along with dishes for the whole family to enjoy. There are specialty wood-fired pizzas such as: a traditional Margarita; Tartufo Pizza, with truffle oil, mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, and mixed herbs; Bianca, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, olive oil, black pepper; and Short Rib Pizza, arugula, sweet peppers & mozzarella.

Hearty main courses include: Gamberi Scampi; Veal Parmigiana; A Bronx Tail, lobster tail with clams, mussels, shrimp, light spicy tomato sauce

with homemade fettuccine; and Chateaubriand for two.

The restaurant is open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner. Bar/lounge menu.

An Italian market is in the works. According to the partners, Chazz stops by from time to time, too.

More details as they come available.

Chazz Palminteri Restaurant, 264 Main Street, White Plains. Municipal parking. 914-6008430 www.chazzpalminterinyc.com STREET RENAMED HONORING TEITEL BROTHERS ON ARTHUR AVE.

A family-owned business was honored with a street renaming in the Bronx’s Little Italy section in Belmont. Teitel Brothers, a major wholesale supplier and retailer of Italian specialties, has been in business for over 100 years. The street sign in front of their retail store at the corner of186th St. has been co-named Teitel Brothers Lane. The family’s history dates back to 1915 when two Jewish-Austrian brothers moved into the neighborhood. You can still see the Star of David etched into the entrance floor. Today, Gilbert Teitel and his sons Jean, Eddie and Michael run the day-to-day operation. Teitel Brothers is open to the public Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 718-733-9400 www.

teitelbros.com

TRAWLER SIZED ZUPPA DI PESCE OR CLAM BAKE IN A TUB AT ARTIE’S, CITY ISLAND!

There are big combination platters to share all season long. Owner Spiro Chagares and his staff offer patrons a fine melding of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Sit back in one of several dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: delectable Lamb Sliders; hearty Seafood Chowders; Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups; Wood Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; American Shellfish Jambalaya; Chardonnay Poached Salmon with seafood; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles. The trawler size Clam Bake served in a tub is a sight. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Roll at lunch and their Mediterranean style Pizzas are good to share, too. Check out the bar/lounge evenings for good networking. Enhanced selection of craft beers. Private party facilities. Off premise catering. Open 7 days. Free parking. Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave., City Island (Bronx).

718-885-9885 www.artiescityisland.com ITALIAN/GLOBAL FLAVORS GALORE AT MARIA’S!

Brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been shaking it up in New Rochelle, drawing

Putting the finishing touches on a tartufo pizza at Chazz Palminteri’s restaurant.

patronage from all over the area to their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking. Named after Mother, Maria has become a favorite of local gourmands. In fact, the prestigious Michelin Guide recently honored the restaurant with a ‘Bib Gourmand’ designation.

Love Chef Giovanni’s takes on small plates that are loaded with flavor. I am already hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Kielbasa with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers.

Nice dining room and bar filled with artifacts.

Friendly staff, too. Good networking spot. Great Happy Hours daily.

The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café next door. Check ahead for special service hours.

Maria’s, 11 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle.

914-636-0006 www. marianewrochelle.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)

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11 firefighters injured, 5 stores damaged or destroyed by fire CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

significant volume of fire," inside the furniture - electronics store.”

Jardin continued, "They ended up discovering fire there in both the cellar and the first floor. It was labor intensive, time consuming operation that was further challenged by the prevailing weather conditions, our troops had to engage in extensive opening up of walls and ceilings, eventually stretching 5 hand lines to fully extinguish the fire.”

Unable to give an exact number of firefighters who were removed to area hospitals, Jardin estimated, "two or three" were taken to area hospitals while the additional injured members were treated at the scene and released.

Jardin added, "So this is among one of the tougher days we have with the combination we have of heat and humidity. The work that our firefighters do is very labor intensive on a cool day, let alone add the significant heat and humidity and the fact that they're totally encapsulated with fairly heavy bunker gear intended to keep heat away, but it has the consequence of keeping heat in.”

Destroyed in the blaze was S & M Furniture and Electronics, the site

where the fire is believed to have originally started and one of the many stores that was looted during a night of rioting along West Burnside Avenue last June 1.

The fire also destroyed

or damaged a Dunkin Donuts at 26 West Burnside Avenue, a Fish Market at 28 West Burnside Avenue, Perfect Brows beauty shop at 30 West Burnside Avenue, Nylon clothing store at

32 West Burnside Avenue and Bliss O Beauty clothing shop at 38 West Burnside Avenue. The fire was stopped before spreading to the next structure, a 2-story building that houses

a Bingo Hall and the Food Dynasty Supermarket the nearby community depends on.

The Bureau of Fire Investigations is investigating and will determine the fire's cause and origin.

20• BRONX VOICE• June 30 - July 6, 2021

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