Bronx Voice - October 20, 2021

BRONX VOICE

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CAR WASH SHOOTING www.bronxvoiceny.blogspot.com

5th Year, No. 10

October 20 - 26, 2021

Page 10

Photos by David Greene

Police officers look for shell casings after a shooting inside a car wash on East Tremont Avenue.

Celebrating the birthplace of Hip Hop Page 8

More residents now eligible for emergency rental assistance Page 18

Standing outside the former site of his Strong City Records on Allerton Avenue, Jazzy J announced a free concert near the studio that started it all.

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Woman stabbed outside restaurant

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By David Greene Police are looking for at least one suspect after a woman was stabbed and critically injured outside of a Mexican restaurant on Webster Avenue in Jerome Park.

Photo by David Greene

Police guard an active crime scene on Webster Avenue after a 26 year-old woman was stabbed in the chest by a an assailant on Saturday, October 16, 2021.

According to Sergeant Edward Riley, a spokesman with the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information, the incident was reported outside of the El Nuevo Tenampa Restaurant, located at 2765 Webster Avenue, at 3:35 a.m. on Saturday, October 16.

On October 17, Riley said of the unidentified victim, "A 26-year-old female was stabbed once in the chest after an argument with an unknown suspect.

Suspect fled the location.

Victim was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital in critical but stable condition." Riley added police have made no arrests, but continue to investigate.

A pair of officers were still outside the restaurant at 7:30 a.m., guarding the taped-off crime scene that stretched from Part Of The Solution (POTS) soup kitchen to the La Nueva Dimension Barber Shop.

An unidentified man answering the phone to the barber shop confirmed police looked at the shop's surveillance video, but offered, "But it doesn't see that side, it's on the other side looking in.”

One male witness who declined to be identified, was back on the corner of East 198 Street on Sunday, October 17, when he seemed to describe a domestic violence incident as he recalled, "It

was loud, loud, they were screaming and I see a chick and she had two bottles and was looking for a man." The witness continued, "What chick's gonna do that?”

The witness added, "There were five people over there," pointing up a hill at East 198 Street. He concluded, "And this one guy had a black knife, so I moved to that side (of East 198 Street) but I don't know what happened" after that.

The witness claimed that the suspect ran towards East 198 Street, possibly knowing that the barber shop camera would have caught an image had the assailant run southbound. According to the witness, the suspect ran up the hill on East 198 Street and then fled southbound on Decatur Avenue.

Information from a Google search stated that the El Nuevo Tenampa Restaurant was only open until 10 p.m. Friday night, but an unidentified female employee at the Mexican restaurant on Sunday, October 17, confirmed that the business was open and that a fight had taken place inside the establishment, before the incident apparently spilled onto the sidewalk. The employee added that those at the restaurant did not know the victim.

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Resident claims drag-racing the cause of 3-car crash

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By David Greene An early morning crash damaged or destroyed three parked vehicles along Soundview Avenue in Shorehaven. One vehicle owner claims the incident stemmed from continued drag racing of vehicles along the desolate strip of road.

Henry Palayo, a resident of the area and Treasurer of Community Board # 9, claimed he woke up to a loud boom after the crash took place at Soundview Avenue at Stephens Avenue, at 1:15 a.m. on September 11.

Palayo charged drag-racers have been taking over Soundview Avenue from Gildersleve Avenue to the end of Soundview Avenue at the foot of the East Riv-

er.

Palayo told Bronx Photo courtesy of Henry Palayo Voice, "Every week on The driver’s side of the 2007 Saturn was smashed in after it's Friday, Saturday and owner claimed drag-racing was the cause of the accident that Sunday, even during the took place on Saturday, September 11, 2021. week they're drag racing said was "in good condi- at least one of the veand they're going to kill tion.” hicles lost control and somebody.”

Palayo added, "They slammed into several Asked if the 43rd (the police) did an acci- parked cars, including Precinct was aware of dent report, but they have Palayo's vehicle who's the situation, Palayo to observe them" drag airbags deployed on imreplied, "I don't know, racing. Palayo claimed pact. but I'm going to give the several of the speeders A request for comment captain a piece of my were issued summonses. from the NYPD was not mind because my car Palayo claimed that responded to before the got totaled," referring to about five cars were in- publication of this artihis 2007 Saturn that he volved in the race, when cle.

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Columbus makes triumphant return to the Bronx

By David Greene Having cancelled last year's event due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Bronx Columbus Day Parade made a triumphant return to Morris Park with politics on full display.

Photo by David Greene

Mayor Bill de Blasio joined Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblyman Michael Benadetto and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, as they marched together in the 44th Annual Bronx Columbus Day Parade through Morris Park.

Participating in his last parade as mayor, Bill de Blasio joined Assemblyman Michael Benadetto, Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, as

they made their way to the viewing stand on Williamsbridge Road.

A much smaller turnout than in years past, possibly due in part to a forecast of rain or the rise of the Delta variant of CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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Celebrating the birthplace of Hip Hop

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By David Greene The grandmothers and grandfathers of Hip-hop returned to the Allerton section of the borough last weekend for a special free concert honoring the music’s birthplace.

The outdoor show featured Grand Puba, Brand Nubians, Showbiz & A.G., Divine Sounds, Diamond D, Tydre & Arnstar, Petawane, The Great Peso Fearless Four, Gro Dinero & Budda Early. Between performances deejay's Kool DJ Red Alert, DJ

Grand Wizzard Theodore, DJ Scratchmasta, Jazzy G and DJ Ultamate spun records between sets from the deejay's booth.

The show was held at the corner of Allerton Avenue and Holland Avenue, outside of 759 Allerton Avenue, the

Photo by David Greene

Standing outside his former site of his Strong City Records on Allerton Avenue, Jazzy J announced a free concert near the studio that started it all.

former home of Jazzy Jay's Strong City Records. The show was organized by Al Pizarro & Hip-Hop Boulevard Productions, Irene Es-

trada, the District Leader of the 80th A.D., and Grace Locaglio, founder of the Allerton-Barnes Block Association (ABBA.) The event was

sponsored by the Humanity Coalition and House of Fitted Caps.

At the announcement for the event held on CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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New York Giants’ player partners with United Health to hand out coats to Bronx kids

In partnership with the Dreambuilders Foundation and United Way of New York City, UnitedHealthcare and Giants Cornerback Logan Ryan donated 300 new coats to students attending Public School 369 in the Bronx. Just in time for the fall season.

A part of United Way’s UnitedHealthcare and NY Giants star Logan Ryan Donated Coats to all PS 369 Students in the ReadNYC initiative, Bronx.

the percentage of students reading at grade level at the school was around 9% at launch.

Since then, that rate has increased to nearly 50% proficiency. Not only are students performing at higher levels academically, but their parents are also receiving the support they need via workshops, food boxes, PPE and other supplies.

Car wash shooting wounds worker

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By David Greene A customer at a car wash got into a verbal dispute with an employee-- when the customer pulled a gun and shot the worker in the leg.

Police officials say the shooting took place inside the B & G Hand Carwash, located at 1243 East Tremont Avenue at Van Nest Photo by David Greene Avenue. The shooting Police officers look for shell casings after a shooting inside a took place at just after car wash on East Tremont Avenue in the Van Nest section on 2 p.m., on October 18.

Sunday, October 17, 2021.

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One NYPD source told the Bronx Voice, "A 23-year-old male who is an employee of B & G Hand Carwash was involved in a dispute with a customer inside the location.”

The source added, "The customer shot the employee one time in the left leg and then fled."

The victim was transported to Jacobi Hospital in stable condition.

According to Citizens App, the suspect fled in

a BMW onto Van Nest Avenue towards East 180 Street.

Citizens App user "Aaliyah621" remarked, "I was 200 feet away and I didn't see anything. I heard a sound as I was on my phone and looked up to see people scattering and the man that was shot was holding his leg.”

Police continue to investigate the incident and to identify the gunman.

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Celebrating birthplace of Hip Hop CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

October 8, Jazzy Jay, the former partner with Russell Simmons at Def Jam Records as well as performer with The Soul Sonic Force, who recorded the multi-platinum "Planet Rock" with Afrika Bambaataa in 1982, was humble on his return to Allerton Avenue, telling reporters, "We want to thank God for being able to just be around all these many years involved in the culture of hip-hop.”

Recalling those first days of rap and hiphop in the Bronx, when deejay's plugged their equipment into street lights before becoming a multi-billion dollar in-

dustry.

Jay reflected, "It was the cats that just had the dedication and drive to just go out there and provide something that the community needed." He continued, "759 Allerton Avenue holds a lot of significance to me because we had Strong City Records and we needed a new home. We were in a small studio on Blondell Avenue in the Bronx and we were expanding.”

The Jazzy Jay Recording Studio opened in 1985, and was the home to both Strong City Records and Third Rail Records and sadly, closed in 1995. In the 10 years of operation at Jazzy Jay Recording Studio art-

ists like Queen Latifah, Soul Sonic Force, Fat Joe, Big Punisher, Tribe Called Quest and Ice Tea all got their start at the second-floor walk-up recording studio.

Jay continued, "I mean there's so many people that blessed this place and for the community, Irene and Grace, for them to come and actually consider that hip-hop was a part of Allerton Avenue... because when we moved into this neighborhood, they didn't know what they were going to get. As we developed and grew in this neighborhood, the neighborhood accepted us and it's only fitting that now we come back and kind of pay tribute to the

culture of hip-hop and the legacy of Jazzy Jay and Strong City Records and all the numerous artists who supported this throughout the years.”

"I just want to take time to give big shoutout's to all the fallen soldiers and everyone we lost during the pandemic.”

Hoping for a day when concertgoers can again attend without a mask, Jay concluded, "We're not totally there," as he removed his N-95 facemask, adding, "But we can get a little loose.”

Meanwhile, Estrada said of collaborating with Pizzaro, "He said he wanted to bring more entertainment to

our communities and more opportunity, so that our communities can thrive, not just in one portion of our district, but across the Bronx.”

Pizzaro offered, "It's incredible what's happening with hip-hop all over the world and you've got to remember where it started from, it started from here in the Bronx." He added, "All of us in hip-hop are trying to not only empower, encourage and help the pioneers of hip-hop and remind people there are many places in the Bronx that had significant value and history and this was one of them.”

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Health Matters Children’s hospital celebrates 20th anniversary

By Dr. Elizabeth Alderman, Chief, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Professor of Pediatrics, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Exactly six weeks after the devastation of 9/11, there was optimism, hope and excitement in the Bronx, New York. I’ll never forget Tuesday, October 23, 2001, the day the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (lovingly known as CHAM) went from being a dream, to reality.

There were many events that led up to this day.

About a year before, I had attended the ground-breaking of CHAM with my 8-year-old daughter, Sara, who was thrilled to meet former first lady, Hilary Rodham Clinton, on that day. Ms. Clinton, an advocate for child and adoles-

cent health, was a Senator representing New York at the time.

October 23, 2001 was the day we moved patients from two pediatrics floors of what is now Moses Hospital to a 10-story children’s hospital dedicated to bettering the health and lives of infants, chil-

dren, and adolescents in the Bronx, as well as the tristate area, the country and the world.

I was the attending physician, rounding with the pediatrics residents and caring for the adolescent inpatients on Northwest 6, the Adolescent Unit, that morning. After rounding with the residents, setting plans with the nurses and other members of the health

In 2001, workers broke ground on what would become the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore.

care team, the next step was actually transferring our young patients to the new children’s hospital.

The excitement was palpable. I remember wheeling one patient from the Blue Zone of Moses, through the hospital corridors and arriving at the elevators on the lower level of CHAM. The journey up the elevator to CHAM 6 was short but filled with anticipation and a sense that this was a momentous day. When the elevator doors opened, we saw blue, shimmering mosaic tiles, depicting the sea and we entered a brandnew hospital.

The atmosphere was festive. Pediatric house staff, pediatric attending physicians, nurses, social workers, child life workers and front desk associates were all smiling and welcoming. When I found out what room my patient was assigned to and entered the room, I remember explaining to them what the paintings in the room were. All

the patient rooms were painted with scenes of the Bronx from pre-historic times, onward. The expansive view of the Bronx or Manhattan from the large windows was a stark contrast to the view in the old patient rooms. I remember marveling at how wonderful the new Michael I. Cohen, MD Adolescent Medicine Floor, CHAM 6, had turned out after all the years of planning.

These are fond memories for myself and my colleagues, and there are many more wonderful reflections from over the past 20 years.

To this day, CHAM continues to shine, providing world class pediatric medical care to patients and families. CHAM is a reflection of the dedication and core values of everyone who cares for the infants, children and adolescents at our children’s hospital in the Bronx, NY. I am so proud to be a member of our CHAMily.

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VNSNY rehab therapists of the year treat patients like family all year long

By Chandra Wilson As the pandemic continues, home health care is magnified as an essential bridge from the hospital to home. Highly trained physical therapists and occupational therapists play a vital role in helping New Yorkers recover and regain stability following surgery, illness and many of the physical changes associated with aging.

At the Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY), highly trained physical therapists and occupational therapists work with patients daily to develop goals for treatment and coordinate with other medical providers—like doctors and nurses—to deliver a plan of care that meets their individual needs to help them get safely back on their feet.

Physical therapists (PTs) work on improving a patient’s major motor function—things like walking, stair-climbing, and balance.

Occupational therapists (OTs) address the practical functions involved with activities of daily living.

They may help a neurological patient learn to control their arm or leg after a stroke so they can dress themselves or show a hip replacement patient how to use a long-handled bath brush or work with a cardiac patient on conserving energy so they can prepare a meal without getting fatigued. They’ll also teach patients how to compensate for cognitive or visual deficits. Occupational therapists help patients learn to survive in their home environment, which

is essential to home care rehabilitation and aging in place.

This October, VNSNY is recognizing eight PTs and OTs as Rehabilitation Therapists of the Year.

Nominated by their colleagues, and representing regions and roles across the organization, these therapists exemplify the outstanding work done by all of VNSNY’s physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists and therapy assistants—all year long.

Lori Buonaguro, Physical Therapist, VNSNY Home Care, Bronx, said, “Things have changed pretty dramatically since I started with VNSNY in 1985! One thing that’s never changed is my love for my work, and how important each and every one of my patients is to me. My approach with patients is very open and nonthreatening. It’s important to be able to adapt, make the most of one’s time, and make quick decisions. I come in with a good attitude, especially if a patient needs awhile to adjust. I ask them to give me – and rehab a chance! Almost all of the time, they not only want me to come back, but they don’t want me to leave!

“Another thing I’ve learned is to respect my patients’ decisions. I’ll come in with a plan, goals, and recommendations, but I don’t impose them.

Sometimes even the patients themselves might not even really have the goals they think they have.

As a young therapist, I had a bed-bound patient

whose wish was to get into her wheelchair so she could get to the window and look outside. So we worked together and accomplished that. I later learned from a nurse that she’d gone right back into that bed and stayed there, because she loved having her husband take care of her. The result might not always be the one I would have hoped for, but it’s not about me – it’s about the patient, and respecting (and accepting) their needs and choices.”

Michael Dolton, Physical Therapist, VNSNY Home Care, Manhattan, said, “One of the best things about working in home healthcare is the variety and the excitement. This is not a job in which you’re going to have the same day again and again, and that energy really keeps me motivated. I’ve worked with pediatric patients, geriatric patients, sports injuries, strokes, Parkinson’s.

And the patients are the best—they’re just so appreciative. Sometimes I run into my past clients in the street, and when they recognize me they’ll call out things like ‘Look, Mike! See? I’m using my cane correctly!’ I kind of feel like the hall monitor, but they’re awesome.

“Because I have limited time with each patient, I’m very goal-oriented. Every minute has to count. One thing I’ve learned is how great an ally our home health aides are. Roughly half of my clients have home attendants, and they really make things easier.

I incorporate them as soon

as I start on a case, because they know the patients so much better than I do.

They know their habits, their personality, and what motivates them. The more I bring them into the plan of care, the better patients do. What makes my day is when my clients accomplish their goals, whatever those might be. When they’re no longer trapped in their apartment; when they can climb stairs again; when they can go to the grocery store or to the senior center so they can see their friends again. That is fantastic.”

Khaled Eleesily, Physical Therapist, VNSNY Home Care, Brooklyn, said, “I’ve been a physical therapist for 30 years, 21 of them with VNSNY, and it’s a truly rewarding career. I enjoy helping people, seeing them make progress, and helping them improve their mindset. The patients I see are sometimes very depressed because of their limitations, so I always engage with them and encourage them. I’m also very realistic with them and give them a time frame and an idea as to what they can accomplish—but I make it clear that it will take work and patience. I compare my clients to athletes. Even strong, healthy athletes get illnesses and have accidents, and they might not be able to do what they used to do, but they take an active part in their rehabilitation. People who run marathons were not born as marathon runners; they have to train and to put in the time. I tell my patients that practice makes perfect—even

if ‘perfect’ might be a bit different from what they were used to.

“Because I love what I do and care so much about my patients, it never feels like a hardship. I’ve never called out. I worked during all the storms, and I’m always happy to step in when another physical therapist is absent and help is needed. If I can help out, why not?”

Golda Ibale, Coordinator of Physical Therapy, VNSNY Home Care, Queens, said, “As a physical therapist coordinator, part of my responsibility is supervising the PT assistants who work with clients. I make the first visit to evaluate new clients (since PT assistants cannot evaluate), then I make a second visit to the client together with the PT assistant who’ll be treating them. After that, they go by themselves. At the end, I’m the one who discharges the patient.

“I always try to understand the patients we serve. I make a point of listening to what their specific concerns and problems are. I don’t just walk into a home and give them orders. Oftentimes when patients are resistant to therapy, it’s because they don’t understand why they’re being told to do something. When I explain to them why they’re in pain, and what the exercises or medications are for, then they understand. And once they’re informed, they take an active part in their treatment.

“Every patient is different. Even the same patient CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Jacobi opens Pride Health Center for LGBTQ patients

NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi announced the opening of its new comprehensive Pride Health Center.

The Center will serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer (LGBTQ) patients as they receive high-quality, culturally competent, respectful care in the hospital’s stateof-the-art facility. The new Pride Health Center will provide LGBTQ-affirming care for a variety of services, including primary care, adolescent care, OB/GYN, family planning services, behavioral health, dental services, ophthalmology, hormone therapy, testing for sexually transmitted infections and HIV, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and more.

Social work support will also be available for patients to assist with continuity of care.

“Each Pride Health Center our public health system opens demonstrates our level of commitment to ensure every single New Yorker has access to culturally sensitive and respectful health care,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Chief Diversity Officer Matilde Roman, Esq. “This group of patients have been excluded from competent care for far too long, and we recognize our responsibility to make sure to provide a welcoming environment that affirms their right to receive expert care they need most.”

“We treat everyone who seeks care at Jacobi with respect and we affirm who they are,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi CEO Christopher Mastromano.

“It’s been well documented that our LGBTQ community faces barriers when trying to access healthcare and we are committed, at Jacobi and throughout our NYC Health

+ Hospitals System, to tear those barriers down.”

The Pride Health Center at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi is located within Building 8 on the first floor (1D). The Center will have sessions on Thursday afternoons from 1:30-5:00PM and will have a cadre of full-time dedicated providers who are supported by a team of nurses, administrators, and patient care associates.

In addition to Center hours, LGBTQ-affirming care is available 24/7 at Jacobi via the Emergency and Ambulatory Care Departments.

This is the latest in a long history of services NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi has made over the years to provide care to the LGBTQ community.

Jacobi pioneered the first HIV/AIDS daycare in the nation back in the 1980s.

In 2018, the hospital was recognized by the Human Rights Campaign as being a “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equity,” and in 2019 opened a “health and empowerment center” for sexual health services. This year also marked the fifth annual LGBTQ pride event at Jacobi.

“Congratulations to NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi on the opening of the new Pride Health Center! It’s far too common for our LGBTQ+ family and community members to experience discrimination and barriers to essential health services. They deserve access to care that affirms and supports their physical and mental health needs. Thank you to the hospital staff and administration for making this stride forward for health

equity,” said United States Representative Jamaal Bowman.

“If we believe access to healthcare is a human right, we must address the inequities within our healthcare system that often bar LGBTQ+ communities from receiving proper care. The creation of the Pride Health Center will remove systematic barriers and ensure that every New Yorker, regardless of gender and sexual identity, receives the affirming and competent care they deserve. I commend NYC Health + Hospitals and Jacobi for ensuring that the LGTBQ+ community receives the high-quality, culturally competent, and comprehensive healthcare they are entitled to,” said State Senator Alessandra Biaggi.

LGBTQ New Yorkers and ensuring our public health system is inclusive to the needs of all New Yorkers,” said State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey.

“For too long the LGBTQ community has faced many obstacles in trying to access healthcare,” said Assembly Member Nathalia Fernandez.

“The opening of the Pride Health Center at Jacobi is a great example of our community's commitment to prioritizing the healthcare needs of our LGBTQ community.

I am proud that this center is opening at Jacobi, in the heart of my Assembly District.”

“I commend NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi for launching its Pride Health Center. Our Bronx LGBTQ community deserves quality healthcare that reaffirms who they are and I’m pleased Jacobi is committed to providing such care in a culturally competent manner,” said Assembly Member Michael Benedetto.

NYC Health + Hospitals’ Pride Health Centers are: * NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue 462 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016 * NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur 227 Madison St., New York, NY 10002 *NYC Health + Hospitals/ Gotham Health, Judson 34 Spring St., New York, NY 10012

* NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan 1901 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10029

* NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull

760 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11206

NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln also opened a new comprehensive Gender Affirming Integrated Services Practice, dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer (LGBTQ) patients in June 2021.

NYC Health + Hospitals/ Metropolitan was the first public hospital to open a health center dedicated to the health care of LGBTQ patients and has since expanded health services for transgender patients, including gender-affirming surgeries and increased access to hormone therapy. In addition to the Pride Health Centers, NYC Health + Hospitals will continue to provide services to LGBTQ youth through their Bridge Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Judson Health Center, which offers a one stop shop for adolescents’ medical, mental health services and other support services, with specialized expertise in servicing this audience.

For more information about any of the Pride Health Centers at NYC Health + Hospitals or to make an appointment, please contact 844-NYC-4NYC (1-844692-4692).

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VNSNY rehab therapists of the year treat patients like family all year long CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

can react very differently to a right-knee replacement versus a left-knee replacement. When I do have challenges, it’s usually with family members who think they know better and argue about the plan of care.

It’s frustrating, because my role is to help people regain independence and restore function. I almost never have problems with my clients themselves—they are usually very receptive and eager to progress!”

Teresa Martus, Occupational Therapist, VNSNY Home Care, Staten Island, said, “I’ve been an occupational therapist since 2000, and I’ve been at VNSNY for three years. Most of the patients in my area are dealing with geriatric, cardiovascular, or orthopedic issues. I see my role as that of a problem solver whose mission is to improve their quality of life. I ask them about their life before the hospitalization, incident, or illness that they’re recovering from, what it is that they’d like to work on, and what I can do to make things easier on them and their family and/or caregivers. It’s really about easing the burden.

“I visit patients in six different zip codes— that’s lots of patients, and lots of driving! Most of my patients ask for visits between 11 am and 1 pm—usually because they sleep a little later, then have visitors or other plans in the afternoons.

I always try to show my patients that they’re being heard and that I empathize with them. My greatest rewards are the simple pleasures—helping someone reach the point where they can get in and out of the shower on their own or seeing how something as simple as a tub chair or moving a refrigerator just a few inches to clear a pathway for them can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Even regaining that little bit of independence is a gift.”

Catherine Ngai, Physical Therapist and Clinical Care Manager, VNSNY Care360° Solutions, said, “I’ve been a physical therapist for more than 23 years and have worked in utilization management since 2006. Until the start of the pandemic, I was also treating patients in the field on a part-time basis to maintain my hands-on skills. I joined VNSNY two years ago as a Clinical Care Manager for Care360° Solutions, which involves care management and reviewing for authorizations for care. I collaborate closely with VNSNY Home Care clinicians, our clinical field and branch managers, and colleagues in my department to coordinate care and achieve the best possible outcome for our patients. My experience as a PT has been invaluable in this role, and I do a lot of the consults for our rehab requests.

“Our objective is always to create a care plan

grounded on best practices, basing our approach on medical appropriateness and evidence-based practices. We review the entire case, making sure that members also have the social or community support that they need.

Maybe they need help with food delivery, transportation, or getting their medication. A great day for me is when I’m able to work together with my teammates on an effective treatment plan that is medically appropriate, evidence-based, and, at the end of the day, results in a happy patient.”

Erica Riedel, Physical Therapist — VNSNY Home Care, Nassau County, said, “From a very early age, I always felt the need to stick up for people and be an advocate. I never knew how I was going to apply that in my life until I started in home care. Becoming a lawyer could have led me down another path, but I became a physical therapist because I was interested in the field. I started out working primarily in outpatient orthopedic facilities, but as soon as I joined VNSNY 11 years ago and started treating patients in their homes, I realized that this was another grassroots way of being an advocate for people.

"I take my job very personally—I treat my patients like they’re family. I feel a lot of empathy for them, particularly those who don’t have anybody helping them, and I feel compelled to step in, even if it goes a

little beyond my job description. If somebody doesn’t have the cognitive ability to call their doctor to make sure their prescriptions are in, or make an appointment for their next step in therapy, and they have nobody there to help them, then our clinicians will do it. It’s not my job to make sure a patient has had lunch—but if I need to, I’ll make sure they’ve eaten before we start our exercises. I know my scope of practice and I’m not going to cross the border with that, but on a humanity level I’ll definitely go that extra mile to be there for that person.”

Clifford Scott, Physical Therapist, VNSNY Home Care, Westchester, said, “I’ve been a physical therapist with VNSNY for 23 years, starting out in Manhattan, then moving to the South Bronx and now Westchester, so I’ve had a lot of experience and covered a lot of territory.

Whenever I greet a new patient, I always make sure they understand that I’m here to help them become as safe and independent as possible and encourage their progress and return to the community. This facilitates a good connection and supports comfort and confidence, which in turn makes a patient more likely to take an active part in their rehabilitation.

“It’s important to be understanding.

Many of my patients have orthopedic issues, often

with additional comorbidities, whether that involves hips or knees or back surgery. Some may be resistant to accepting the fact that their situation has changed.

Occasionally, a patient may be somewhat anxious or reluctant—not agreeing with recommendations for durable medical equipment, or not complying with their regimens.

“I help them understand that it’s about little skills and small goals that add up to a big difference. Their personal goals and priorities also inform a lot of what I do.

“Last Sunday I was working with a new patient, and the first thing he told me was that he had a doctor’s appointment the following day and he was worried that he wouldn’t be able to get in the car. So, I told him, ‘Well, we’re going to practice that.’ Sure enough, we spent the session, with his wife, getting in and out of the car until he could do it comfortably. It might seem like a small thing, but it was a big achievement. Of course, the biggest rewards for me are when a patient gains safety and greater independence, and perhaps is even discharged to outpatient therapy—another step in the grand rehabilitation process!”

To learn more about rehabilitation therapy, or how VNSNY home health care can support your well-being, visit www.VNSNY.org or call 1-800-675-0391.

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Morris Heights Health recognized as a leader in community health

By India Dansby Morris Heights Health Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Ambulatory Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

MHHC underwent a rigorous, unannounced weeklong onsite review from July 13th-16th.

During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with Ambulatory Care standards spanning several areas including environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, and rights and responsibilities of the individual.

The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and in-

terviews.

“As a private accreditor, The Joint Commission surveys health care organizations to protect the public by identifying deficiencies in care and working with

those organizations to correct them as quickly and sustainably as possible,” says Mark Pelletier, RN, MS, chief operating officer, Accreditation and Certification Operations, and chief nursing executive, The Joint Commission.

“We commend Morris Heights Health Center for its continuous quality improvement efforts in patient safety and quality of care.”

“Morris Heights Health Center is proud

to receive this recognition,” says President & CEO Mari G. Millet.

“Achieving this re-accreditation reflects our commitment to excellence and reassures our patients that we are continuing to provide the highest quality of care and patient safety to the communities in which we serve.

In the same week, MHHC also received news that they were awarded the 2021 Silver Tier Community Health Quality Lead-

ers Recognition from the Health Resources and Services Administration for its notable quality improvement achievements in the areas of access, quality, health equity, and health information technology.

To learn more about the services offered at MHHC, please visit www.mhhc.org.

For more information on the Joint Commission accreditation process, please visit The Joint Commission website.

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More Bronx residents now eligible for emergency rental assistance program

No New York borough has been hit harder by the COVID-19 pandemic than the Bronx.

Prior to the coronavirus being the headline of almost every news story, more than 70 percent of Bronx residents worked in essential or face-to-face industries.

Though we didn’t have the most amount of cases in New York, long existing environmental disparities like neighborhood crowding, the fact that so many people in our region don’t have the option to work from home and pre-existing conditions like asthma, chronic kidney disease and diabetes contributed to more severe cases and deaths than anywhere else.

As we try to emerge from this pandemic, the Bronx Rental Assistance

Network (BxRAN), led by BronxWorks in partnership with Montefiore, HELP USA and Bronx Legal Services, wants everyone in our neighborhood to know that there are in-person and virtual services available to help ensure that loss of a home isn’t the next casualty.

On June 1 of this year, New York State began accepting applications to help with back rent through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). For tenants affected by COVID-19, ERAP can pay up to a year of rental arrears, past due utility bills and for some families, up to three months of future rent.

Knowing that the State ERAP website can be complex, with many requirements BxRAN

is designed to help tenants successfully submit their ERAP application and send required documentation to the State.

Payments Are Now Happening To date, BxRAN has already helped thousands of Bronxites complete their applications and New York is now accepting applications submitted by BxRAN on behalf of client/tenants.

Payments are happening!

New York has committed or paid more of its ERAP funding than any other state, according to National Low Income Housing Coalition. And, with recent changes to State law, more people are now eligible to apply for ERAP benefits.

With an increase to 120% of Average Me-

dian Income, singles with incomes as high as $100,000 per year with rent arrears may apply for ERAP benefits. For a family of three, the new income limit is more than $128,000.

BxRAN is Here for You If you have been financially impacted by COVID-19 with either a loss of income or an increase in expenses, visit the BxRAN website at www.bxran.org or call the BxRAN Hotline at 844-380-9169. Representative are available and speak both English and Spanish to assist our community, and can submit ERAP applications and documents to New York State, using their experience to meet the State’s specific requirements.

This service is espe-

cially useful to people without a home computer or Internet capabilities.

There is NO citizenship requirement for ERAP benefits. Benefits are available to Bronx residents regardless of their immigration status, and benefits are paid directly to landlords and utility companies.

The work of each partner is tracked by University Behavioral Associates, part of the Montefiore Health System’s care management organization. Montefiore also operates the call center and database used by each BxRAN partner organization, training users throughout the Bronx and tying together the efforts across Bronx community-based organizations.

Don’t wait – contact BxRAN today!

Columbus makes return to the Bronx CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

the virus. Spectators jeered de Blasio as he marched past Colden Avenue, one woman yelled out to the mayor, "Boo, go home!”

Another woman shouted, "Glad this is your last term, you ruined this city," as she held up a thumbs down sign. A man standing on the sidewalk

yelled out to the mayor as he waved an Italian flag, "It's a disgrace, put the flag down." The mayor responded with an uncomfortable smile as he shared words with Benadetto.

Another woman yelled, "He has no business being here, he has some (expletive) nerve.”

The parade and celebration was scheduled to last for several hours, but Photo by David Greene a heavy rain arrived and cut the celebration short. After taking a year off due to the coronavirus a smaller number of participants and spectators was noticeable at the annual Bronx Columbus Day Parade held on October 10,

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Culinary Road

By Morris Gut

Where to eat after visiting the holiday train show ST., NEW ROCHELLE 914-636-0006

The glittering 30th annual Holiday Train Show is on track to begin on November 20th and run thru January 23rd, 2022, at the beautiful New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx near Fordham University. It’s a real seasonal treat; a must for the young and the young at heart. I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking thru the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and seeing the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings.

For additional info, times, and advanced tickets: www.nybg.org After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry.

Here are easy-to-reach suggestions…

ARTIE’S STEAK & SEAFOOD, 394 CITY ISLAND AVE., CITY ISLAND, BRONX 718-885-9885

Owner Spiros Chagares and his staff offer patrons an inspired melding of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Sit back in one of several dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: 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; Chardonnay Poached Salmon with seafood; and fresh Lobster prepared

in a variety of styles. Big combo platters. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Roll at lunch. A selection of craft beers. Check out the bar/lounge most evenings for good networking. Private party facilities. Open 7 days. Free parking. www. artiescityisland.com MARIO’S RESTAURANT, 2342 ARTHUR AVE., BRONX 718-584-1188

Arthur Ave. is just a stone’s throw from the Garden. Since 1919 five generations of the Migliucci family have worked the front and back-of-thehouse making sure patrons are well served at this venerable ‘Little Italy’ institution. Amiable Regina Migliucci is at the helm.

This restaurant has a long 100-year history full of colorful chapters. For starters enjoy the palate pleasing lagniappe of marinated carrots, hot peppers, and good crusty Arthur Ave. bread. Great appetizers include Hot Antipasto Platter for 2; and Spiedini alla Romana, skewered deep-fried mozzarella sandwiches.

Move on to such specialties as: Penne Rustica with sausage; stuffed Braciola Napolitana; Osso Buco the size of Mt. Vesuvious; or the traditional Braciole.

Open Tuesday thru Sunday. Private party facilities.

Free parking lot and valet service. www.mariosrestarthurave.com MARIA, 11 HUGUENOT

Two-time winners of Michelin’s prestigious ‘Bib Gourmet’ Award, brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been causing a stir in New Rochelle, drawing patronage from all over the county to their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking.

Named after Mother, Maria’s has become almost a regular haunt for me. Love their happy hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when they offer some favorite beverages and small plates that are loaded with flavor. I am already hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Sausage with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers.

Nice dining room and bar filled with artifacts from home. Friendly staff, too.

Good networking spot.

The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café next door.

Closed Sundays. www. marianewrochelle.com

MORRIS PARK INN, 1024 MORRIS PARK AVE., BRONX 718-2394109 There’s a new reasonably priced chef driven tavern menu at play here. While enjoying a cocktail recently, I could not help but notice a big German-style soft pretzel with side of cheese sauce served to a nearby patron.

Enough to share and tempting presentation. Tried the wings and they were delish.

Boneless or Bone-in Wings; Burgers and Sliders; Baby Back Ribs, and Panko Crusted Fish & Chips. Beers and cocktails, too. Open 7 days.

Bustling bar and dining room. Happy Hours. Live

entertainment nights, check ahead. www.morrisparkinn. com ALVIN & FRIENDS, 14 MEMORIAL HIGHWAY, NEW ROCHELLE 914654-6549 Proprietor, artist, model, and consummate host Alvin Clayton is marking his 10th year in New Rochelle with solid doses of American Soul Food, a taste of the Caribbean, and spirited jazz sessions.

Alvin & Friends Restaurant has a sophisticated Manhattan vibe: Alvin’s colorful paintings dramatically line the walls, big hanging lighting fixtures, a sparkling bar and community table, and a staff that makes it all very inviting. If you visit for the cuisine, check out the Classic Jambalaya, Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken, and Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops.

Burgers and Mac & Cheese, too. Combine your visit with some live music. www. alvinandfriendsrestaurant. com MACELLERIA ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE, 142 FIFTH AVE., PELHAM 914-365-2561

This high-end Italian steakhouse offers classic cuts of prime beef and chops along with a hearty helping of Italian/American specialties. Tony Lala and his crew will take good care of you. Be seat-

ed in the handsomely renovated dining room and bar/lounge and peruse the menu over a good glass of wine. Diver Scallops, Steak Tartare, slabs of Canadian Bacon, Spaghetti Carbonara, Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu, Zuppa di Pesce, even a Classic Burger. Carnivores should consider the Lamb Chops, Veal Chop, or New York Strip Steak.

Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. www.macelleriaitaliansteakhouse.com HOLIDAY DINING AT NYBG!

There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. Early dining is recommended since they keep Garden hours to 6 pm most days; to 10:30 p.m. on dates as noted.

For info: 646-627-7711, or 718-817-8700. 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 and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years.

He may be reached at: 914235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optoneline.net)

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