By Dan Gesslein
A pair of ice cream thieves stole a sweet treat from a Bronx supermarket and then were caught on camera pulling a box cutter on a worker who tried to stop them, the NYPD announced.
At around 3 pm on April 13, a man and a woman walked into a C Town Supermarket on Creston Avenue in Fordham Heights. The NYPD released surveillance video of a female walking out of the store with ice cream and carnation milk in a bag. Cops said she did not pay for it.
When a store worker walked outside to confront the pair, the male pulled out a gray box cutter and made a menacing gesture. The worker apparently used his phone to capture the suspect’s threat with the box cutter.
The pair walked northbound on the Grand Concourse.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers. nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.
All calls are strictly confidential.
The NYPD released the photos. The first suspect is described as a male with a dark complexion and a medium build. He was last seen wearing a red puffy coat and dark blue knit cap. He also wore a backpack. The second suspect is a female with a medium complexion and and a medium build. She was last seen wearing a white sweater, blue jeans and white sneakers. She also wore a backpack.
By David Greene
The NYPD is looking for six men captured on video and wanted in connection with a robbery of a smoke shop—the group of young men are suspected in three robberies at the shop in one week.
On May 7, the NYPD announced the three commercial robberies, without ever mentioning it was a smoke shop.
According to police the first robbery took place at the Castle Smokers Smoke Shop Convenience, located at 1219 Castle Hill Avenue on April 17 at 8:30 p.m. A police source told the Bronx Voice that six males entered the store, climbed over the store’s plexiglass, and removed $3,000 worth of “store merchandise” before fleeing the scene on foot.
No injuries were reported.
Police released store surveillance video showing six males wearing hooded jackets enter the store, when one climbed over the plexiglass and opened the door for the five other young men who grabbed items off the shelves.
The group apparently returned on April 20, at 11:25 a.m., when police say two males entered the shop and displayed a firearm. The pair removed $1,000 worth of merchandise and fled the location.
Again, no injuries were reported.
A third incident was reported to police on April 24, at 10:20 a.m. when two individuals entered the shop and again displayed a firearm. This time they removed $1,400 work of store products before fleeing on foot.
Once again no injuries were reported.
During a visit to the shop on May 11, the man behind the counter was asked about the robbery, he replied, “I just work here so you have to talk to the owner of the store.”
Asked if the bandits were the same in each robbery, the worker replied, “Yes, maybe it’s the same guys.”
The worker was asked if this was a licensed shop, he replied, “For the store? Yes.” However, the official sticker provided by the Office of Cannabis Management was not visible on the shop’s front door.
Four stores away is a
second smoke shop called Ricky and Morty Smoke Shop, where a woman behind the counter claimed the shop was also robbed on March 7.
The woman said of the shop, “They don’t know how to
deal with the kids in the community.”
Anyone with any information of any of the robberies are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confi dential.
By Mayor Eric Adams
When we came to office two years ago, we had a clear vision: protect public safety, rebuild our economy, and make this city more livable for hardworking New Yorkers. But the increase of unlicensed smoke and cannabis shops across the five boroughs is one of the biggest quality-of-life issues facing our city. That’s why now that we have been granted the authority, we’re taking action against unlicensed smoke and cannabis shops, while still supporting those that have played by the rules.
Illegal businesses prey on and target our most vulnerable, including children, selling dangerous, counterfeit products, and creating eyesores across our city. Illegal smoke and cannabis shops stand in the way of the legal cannabis market, taking money out of the registers of small business owners trying to earn a living, many of whom are formerly justice-involved. To help the emerging legal cannabis economy and protect our
streets, we must permanently shut down these illegal storefronts and their unlawful business practices.
That’s exactly what “Operation Padlock to Protect” will do. The multi-agency operation is the start of a fi ve-borough strategic plan — that will accelerate in the coming weeks — to shut down even more unlicensed smoke and cannabis shops in the City of New York.
Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul and our partners in
the state Legislature, New York City can now use the full force of the law to padlock and protect our streets. With these new enforcement powers and legal authority granted by the state, we are making it clear that any operator acting illegally will face swift consequences as we protect our city’s children, improve quality of life, and facilitate a safe and thriving legal cannabis market.
Operation Padlock to Protect is bringing together the
New York City Sheriff’s
Offi ce, the New York City Police Department, and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection in partnership as the agencies padlock these illegal and unlicensed shops. Businesses that operate near a church or school, sell to minors, or have gotten customers sick in the past can now see their doors sealed and padlocked that very same day.
Prior to securing these powers from the state, we could only use the lim-
ited tools available to us to protect children and crack down on these illegal stores. Our interagency Sheriff’s Joint Compliance Task Force was able to conduct limited enforcement against unlicensed establishments, but we were still able to conduct over 46,000 inspections, collect over $18 million dollars in fi nes, issue 17,000 summonses, and close down 160 illegal businesses. Real numbers showing the real impact of
our interagency efforts. The legal cannabis industry offers a once-in-a-generation chance for those disproportionately impacted by the so-called ‘War on Drugs’ to build wealth, especially in our Black and Brown communities. For too long, these communities faced high rates of drug-related incarceration and were denied economic opportunities. But thanks to the equitable, legal cannabis industry, they have the chance to get in on the industry from the ground up and our administration wants to ensure
that this emerging economy has a chance to burn bright in our city.
Those who flout the cannabis laws and regulations are robbing the very communities that are fi nally on the cusp of benefi ting from a just and equitable system. These new enforcement powers make it clear: if you operate an illegal smoke shop, you will be shut down.
We are going to continue to protect our city’s children, improve quality of life, and facilitate a safe and thriving legal cannabis market in New York City.
By David Greene
A large film crew from Netflix was spotted filming an upcoming “limited series” television show titled ‘Zero Day” starring Robert De Niro, Angela Bassett, and Matthew Modine— in the Norwood section of the borough.
Many of the streets in and around North Central Bronx Hospital and Montefiore were already blocked off by traffic cones and red tape the previous night, forcing some drivers to find other places to park in an already difficult area to find parking.
None of the actors in the show were spotted during the Bronx Voice’ visit to the area.
The show stars De Niro, who is also the show’s producer and starring in his first television series.
According to a December 2023 announcement, the 6-episode series was created by Eric Newman, who is also the executive producer who was behind, “The Watcher,” as well as Noah Oppenheim
the writer of “The Maze Runner” and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Michael Schmidt.
According to the announcement, the show takes place in an age of conspiracy theories and centers around former President George Millen, played by De Niro, who comes out of retirement
to lead a commission investigating a “potential world crisis.”
According to published reports the Netflix film crew has been spotted in the last two weeks filming in Nyack, New York, Tuckahoe, New York and at Foley Square and Lincoln Center in Manhattan.
Julie Kuehndorf, a pub-
licist for the show, told the Bronx Voice, “I’m afraid we don’t publicize information about the shoot while it’s in production.”
This is not the first time DeNiro filmed in the Bronx. In 1993, DeNiro directed “A Bronx Tale” which was filmed in and Arthur Avenue and City Island.
Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh launched the new FDNY recruitment campaign “ALL HEROES WELCOME.” The campaign, aimed at increasing diversity within the Department, features FDNY Firefighters touting the benefits of joining the FDNY, including flexible schedules, generous City benefits, union representation, and competitive salaries, plus retirement and pension benefits.
The filing period for the FDNY Firefighter open competitive exam opens on June 24, 2024. A written exam will be held later this year with a physical exam to follow. This is the first Firefighter exam offered in seven years.
“The men and women who work in the FDNY are our frontline heroes who put their lives on the line to keep all New Yorkers safe every day,” said New York City
Mayor Eric Adams. “For the first time in nearly a decade, New Yorkers will have an opportunity to join the ranks of New York’s Bravest, and we are hoping to attract the best talent this city has to offer, while also building a workforce that mirrors the city that we love.”
“The campaign is called ‘All Heroes Welcome’ because we are hoping to attract a pool of applicants
that looks like our city: people from all neighborhoods and backgrounds, who share one goal in common: a desire to serve the public and save lives,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “We truly are the best Fire Department in the world, and becoming part of the FDNY will change your life. Learn about us. Get excited about us, and become part of the FDNY family.”
The campaign features 10 current FDNY Firefighters: brothers Manuel Zuaznabar (Ladder 123) and Emmanuel Zuaznabar (Ladder 110), sisters Ashley Laroche (Engine 236) and Shanah Laroche (Engine 309), Darren Grant (Squad 18), Casey Chan (Engine 15), Constance Fripp (Engine 283), Destini Torres (Engine 4), Jason Powell (Engine 44), and Tyrin Torres (Ladder 123). Each member has a unique background and reason for joining the Department and have a shared dedication to serving our city.
Available in 10 languages, the advertising campaign will appear on the transit system, online and social media channels, on the radio, and in key community newspapers throughout the open exam
filing period, which runs from June 24th to August 9.
In addition to the campaign, the FDNY will conduct citywide outreach at career fairs, colleges, and houses of worship.
The FDNY offers multiple resources to assist interested candidates, including free exam prep sessions for the written portion, and workout sessions to prepare for the candidate physical ability test.
Currently, 28% of Firefighters are minorities, with 16.5% identifying as Hispanic, 10% Black, 2.5% as Asian, and
less than one percent as Native American. Additionally, 1.6% of all Firefighters are female. The last class to graduate from the Fire Academy in March was more than 50% minority, with 30% Hispanic, 16% Black, 3% Asian American, and 1.5% Native American. 3.3% were women. Interested applicants should sign up at https:// firefighter.joinfdny.com/ or email recruitment@ fdny.nyc.gov for information on how to register for the Firefighter exam’s open filing.
By David Greene
“Bronx Week,” now expanded to 13 days, culminated with The Bronx Week Food and Arts Festival along Mosholu Parkway, between Bainbridge Avenue and Van Cortlandt Avenue.
Performers included twotime Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Luis Figueroa, television, and radio personality Lil’ Mo as well as “freestyle” singer Lisette Melendez and DJ Ralphie Mercado.
This year’s inductees into the Bronx Walk of Fame along the
Grand Concourse were actress Andrea Navedo, actress Xiomara Villaneuva, music producer Antwan Thompson and Major League Baseball player Ozzie Virgil, Sr.
The annual celebration was presented by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, the Bronx Tourism Council, and the Bronx Economic Development Corporation.
This year’s event sponsors included Montefiore /Einstein Hospital, Chase Bank and Cricket Wireless.
Montefiore Medical Center has been selected to participate in a new research project as part of the National Institute of Health's Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) initiative.
Dr. Seth Congdon, Medical Director of Montefiore’s COVID-19 Recovery (CORE) Clinic is the principal investigator and will lead the RECOVER-AUTONOMIC study, assessing possible treatments for adults who have an autonomic nervous system disorder called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), related to Long COVID.
This study will include adults who had COVID and who still have one or more of these autonomic dysfunction symptoms when they stand up from sitting or lying down: fast heart rate, dizziness, and fatigue.
Study participants will be split into groups. Some will receive Ivabradine, an oral medication that reduces heart rate, some will get
a placebo, and some will receive guided, non-drug care, such as exercise and nutrition guidance via weekly phone calls.
Participants will be paid for their time.
The results from the participants at Montefiore will be combined with results from participants around the country to determine the best treatment approach for patients with Long COVID-related POTS.
NIH RECOVER is a large, nationwide research program designed to understand, treat and prevent Long COVID.
“The [RECOVER] trials were developed with input from people living with long COVID, caregivers, community representatives, clinicians and scientists all with unique expertise in the
field,” said Gary H. Gibbons, M.D., director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at the NIH and co-chair of RECOVER. “We are grateful for their collective involvement which significantly shaped the trials and the
choice of interventions.”
Montefiore’s CORE clinic launched in June 2020 and provides follow-up and recovery engagement to patients who had COVID-19, helping to address their ongoing symptoms and chronic conditions,
as well as any new issues that arise related to their COVID-19 infection.
For more information about the new clinical trial at Montefiore, email scongdon@montefiore.org and rosina.antwi@ einsteinmed.edu.
By Charlene Cano, Senior Speech Language Pathologist, VNS Health
Picking up the phone to catch up with an old friend. Eating a special holiday meal with the whole family. Telling “Alexa” to turn the lights off. These are activities so common we start to take them for granted.
However, for many of us, injuries and chronic illnesses can cause us to develop communication disorders, meaning the ability to do things like hear, speak, swallow and even eat become difficult or impossible. Beyond the physical discomfort, it can also impair an individual’s ability to stay independent.
This year, as we reflect on National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, it is a valuable time to look at the ways we can address the prevalence of communication disorders, which impact 5-10% of the population.
Working as a speech-language pathologist with home and community health nonprofit VNS Health, I work daily across Queens with patients in their home to help them address communication disorders. One disease I often see in my patients across the borough is Parkinson’s. A disease that is still woefully under-researched, Parkinson’s impacts nearly 1 million Americans.
For those who have received a recent Parkinson’s diagnosis, or have a loved one with the disease, here are some ways speech language pathologists can work with our patients to address common challenges.
Nothing Wrong With
As a degenerative disease, Parkinson’s might start with only a few symptoms, but will progress over time. Sometimes these changes make some people feel embarrassed, ashamed, or worried that they will lose their independence. Needing help isn’t a sign of weakness though, but rather a commitment to keeping yourself healthy. Speech-language pathologists, alongside our care teams made up of nurses, home health aides, doctors, social workers, and rehab specialists are there right beside you every step of the way. Best of all, we are always ready to help cheer you on when it gets tough!
Speaking is such an important part of our identity and sense of well-being, and we all rely on our voice to advocate for ourselves. Many Parkinson’s patients may find that over time their speech has changed by slurred speech, speaking in a monotone, speaking more softly or quickly, or at a lower pitch. Losing the ability to comfortably speak is an especially challenging as-
pect of this disease. This is where Speech-Language Pathologists play an especially important role. Beyond exercises and techniques to help maintain or slow down changes, there are also assistive devices that can help bridge communication gaps. In addition, I often work with my Parkinson’s patients find ways to conserve energy and use nonverbal communication as an alternative so you can still speak your mind and share your feelings.
A ‘New Normal’ Losing the ability to do something we used to do easily, like eating or taking a sip of a drink can be very jarring for some of my patients. I remind them that while the approaches we work on to-
gether might not feel natural at first, they will eventually become your “new normal.” We work together to develop an individualized swallowing program, and make adaptations so they can still accomplish daily activities like eating and drinking.
Beyond the physical impact, communication disorders can also take a toll on one’s mental health. Some patients feel frustration as communication becomes more difficult and they may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Part of my job is closely listening to those concerns from my patients, and helping develop strategies to reduce frustration. However, if a patient starts experiencing more
serious mental health issues like anxiety or depression, our team will work together to connect someone with mental health resources.
Parkinson’s is a challenging disease, but I am continuously in awe of the strength and perseverance I see in those battling this illness. It’s a disease that requires everyone, from the patient, to clinicians, to friends and family, to be flexible. And that isn’t an always an easy ask! However, with the support of rehabilitation therapists and clinicians, it is possible to live a life where you stay safe, comfortable and happy at home.
For more information about what home care is, including rehabilitation therapy, visit www.vnshealth. org
The season for fresh softshell crab runs April-September and there are legions who crave this delicacy simply sautéed or deep fried with some lemon and butter.
Nothing like a crispy soft-shell crab sandwich with the proper condiments. I am a big fan. They first show up from Florida and the Gulf Coast at area markets followed by the popular bounty from Chesapeake. As the season wears on more venues will be serving them. Here’s where to seek them out locally…
Artie’s Steak & Seafood, 394 City Island Ave. City Island, Bronx (718-885-9885)
Jumbo soft shell crabs are on the blackboard as a special. Great with one of their craft beers. www.artiescityisland.com
Sea Shore, 591 City Island Ave. City Island, Bronx. (718-885-0300)
Jeffrey Weiner and his veteran crew serve soft shells
in a variety of styles. Check out all the dining areas. Daily happy hours. www.seashorerestaurant.com
Dubrovnik
721 Main Street, New Rochelle (914-637-3777)
This restaurant, the first to specialize in Croatian/Adriatic cuisine in the metro area, excels in fish and seafood so you won’t go wrong here. Indoor, al fresco, takeout & delivery. www.dubrovnikny. com
Trattoria Vivolo 301 Halstead Ave. Harrison (914-835-6199)
Chef/ proprietor Dean Vivolo will be serving soft shell crabs out of his vintage diner any style in addition to this popular regional Italian dishes. www.trattoriavivolo.com
Tesoro D’Italia 160 Marble Ave. Pleasantville (914-579-2126)
Peter, Mark, Don and their team have soft shells on their menu as a special seasonal delight. www.tesoroditaliany.com
Kee Oyster House 128 E. Post Road White Plains (914-437-8535)
Owner Ekren & Elvi offer a daily raw bar. The blackboard lists the daily catch and will soon include Soft Shell Crab. And they are pristine. www.keeoysterhouse.com
ANS Seafood Market, 2 William St., Elmsford & Restaurant, 545 US-6,
Mahopac. (845-621-2489)
Soft shells are available right now. You can also enjoy them on the spot at their Mahopac restaurant. www. ansseafood.com
Brothers Fish & Chips, 172 N. Highland Ave. Ossining. (914-488-5141)
A hidden treasure in a nondescript strip mall. Chef Elmer Oliveros does wonders with his seafood menu. Soft
shells are a specialty in season. www.brothersfishandchips.com
La Mer Seafood, 407 Main St., Armonk (914-273-1766)
Now under new ownership, this market has been serving the area for 30 years. A sign on the window says soft shell crabs have arrived. www. lamerseafood.net
FROM PAGE 14
X20 Xaviar’s on the Hudson 71 Water Grant Street, Yonkers (914-965-1111)
Chef Peter X. Kelly and company do a fine job with soft shell crab every year. Enjoy them along with expansive views of the Hudson River. www.xaviars.com
Saltaire Oyster Bar and Fish House 55 Abendroth Ave. Port Chester (914-939-2425)
Happy Hours have returned to the handsome barroom. Soft Shells will be available. www.saltaireoysterbar.com
Dive Oyster House, 1201 Pleasantville Road Briarcliff Manor (914-236-3911)
In the coming weeks, owner Kenny Neziraj will offer Soft Shell Crab as a daily specialty. Happy Hours. www.diveoysterhouse.com
Riverview, 45 Fair Street Cold Spring (1-845-265-4778)
Reopened after renovations. Jim Ely & company have kept this picturesque spot bustling for over 20 years. They will offer soft shell crab in a variety of styles. Take-out market. www.riverdining.com
Fin & Brew
5 John Walsh Blvd. Peekskill (914-788-4555)
Right on the banks of the Hudson at Charles Point and
part of the Factoria complex, they serve a fine Soft-Shell Crab Sandwich with a River Outpost Brew from La Factoria. www.finandbrew.com
Bistro 146 146 Bedford Road Pleasantville (914-495-3992)
Chef/owner Marcello operates this American-themed fish & seafood bistro offering sustainable fare. Soft Shell Crab will be included in spring/summer. www.bistro146pleasantville.com
Ace Endico Marketplace, 80 International Blvd., Brewster. (1-845-230-9886)
Shop like the restaurants do. By the time we got to checkout, we had filled our cart with more than anticipated. Fresh and frozen seafood available at their public market. www.aceendico.com
Earlier this month, on Cinco de Mayo May 5th, Stew Leonard’s Wines & Spirits in Yonkers hosted culinary celebrity Guy Fieri. He was signing bottles of Santo Spirits brand of tequila. Fieri is a partner in the label with rock & roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar. The event drew a big crowd. Stew Leonard was there personally to meet and greet.
The event was also a shout out to Yonkers fi rst
responders who were in attendance. www.stewleonards.com www.guyfieri.com https://www.santospirits.com
If you are planning to visit the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the
Bronx hunt down the yellow ‘Julia Child Rose’ bed planted as part of the stunning Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden. It is now in full bloom, and it is amazing! The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. 718817-8700 www.nybg.org
(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food & dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-2356591. Email: gutreactions@ optonline.net)
