Bronx Voice - September 28, 2022

An ATV driver trying to avoid a police crackdown on illegal ATVs in the Bronx, hit a cyclist in front of cops and then took off. Officers from the 40th Precinct on foot were conducting a crackdown on illegal dirt bikes and ATVs in the HUB when they spotted the illegal ATV at East 149th Street and Third Avenue. The officer issued verbal commands and motioned to the driver to stop. Investigators say the ATV driver ignored the officer’s orders and blew through a red light striking a 44-year-old woman on a Citi bike. The ATV driver took off before the officers ran over to the accident.

Affordable Housing Scam

Stole $27,000 from housing seekers

Threatened to call ICE

A Bronx woman admitted to stealing more than $27,000 in rent deposits from people seeking affordable housing apartments. When she failed to deliver the apartments, she threatened the victims to keep quiet by stating she would have them deported.

Stephanie Antonio, 27, of East 182nd Street, pleaded guilty on September 22, 2022 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus to third-degree Grand Larceny with a promised sentence of 1-3 years in prison. Judge Marcus ordered the defendant to pay $28,980 ($27,600 plus a five percent restitution surcharge) in restitution in monthly payments to the victims. If the defendant pays the restitution in full, she will replead to Petit Larceny and will be given probation, instead of serving time in prison.

“The defendant took deposits from people desperately looking for an affordable apartment and never delivered a key and finalized lease,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. “Not only did she steal more than $27,000 from nine people, but she also threatened several of the victims that she would call immigration authorities to have them deported. She pleaded guilty and has been or-

dered to pay restitution or face jail time. We will not tolerate these deplorable rent scams that hurt Bronx residents.”

According to the investigation, between May 17, 2019 and September 30, 2019, Antonio told victims she was an employee of a property management company and that she was a licensed realtor. Although she was briefly employed by the property management company, it was only to take photos for its Instagram page, and Antonio used that position

to gain access to keys for apartments. The victims gave her $2,200-$4,000 deposits for apartments she could not deliver.

According to the investigation, Antonio intimidated multiple victims by threatening to call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and have them deported if they were to go to police.

In one instance, she filed an assault case against one victim that was later dropped when the victim showed proof that she was working at the time.

Dinosaurs light up Boo at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo is a fall tradition at the Bronx Zoo and the seasonal celebration it is set to return in October. The Halloween-themed event annually marks the unofficial start of the fall season with seasonal activities and performances that transform the zoo.

New for 2022, the Bronx Zoo is adding an after-hours event – Dinosaurs in Darkness: The Hatching. This is the zoo’s first-ever Halloween nighttime event for older audiences.

Dinosaurs in Darkness transforms the fan favorite Dinosaur Safari into a thrilling nighttime experience each Friday and Saturday night from October 7-29.

Dinosaurs in Darkness: The Hatching is a scary Halloween walkthrough experience that sends participants on an adventure that

brings them up close with prehistoric creatures in a whole new way as they follow the story of a rare dinosaur egg, found intact after 66 million years, that is finally ready to hatch! What could possibly go wrong?

Dinosaurs in Darkness: The Hatching is an after-hours event and is ticketed separately from Bronx Zoo admission. It is recommended for ages 13 and up. More information and tickets are available at https:// bronxzoo.com/dinos-in-darkness.

The tradition of Boo at the Zoo will operate at the Bronx Zoo during normal open hours each Saturday and Sunday from October 1 to 30 (including the holiday, Monday October 10).

Outdoor activities will include the popular professional pumpkin carving demonstrations and displays; magic and mind read

Dinosaurs light up Boo at the Zoo

ing shows; trick or treating on the Candy Trail; and the spooky extinct animal graveyard. Animal-themed costumed stilt walkers and Halloween animal puppets will headline the costume parade, and everyone can meet live vultures, owls, ravens and other birds each day on the zoo’s historic Astor Court. Fi-

nally, October and Boo at the Zoo is the last chance to catch the Dinosaur Safari. The experience will go extinct on October 30.

Boo at the Zoo is for all ages and included with Bronx Zoo admission. For more information, tickets and a full schedule of activities, visit the website at BronxZoo. com/Boo-at-the-Zoo.

Halloween cold case still unsolved

By David Greene

A mural unveiling was held in the shadow of Bronx Community College as friends and family attempted to celebrate a young man's birthday-- but the lasting mural protected by plexiglass is a stark reminder to the NYPD to solve the case that has gone cold for nearly a year.

According to police, Hendrick "Henney" Wynaar, 22, was one of three people shot at just before 1 a.m. on October 31, 2021, outside a private home at 951 Adee Avenue, between Radcliff Avenue and Colden Avenue, on the Allerton / Olinville border.

At the time police reported a 22-year-old male suffered a gunshot wound to the head, an 18-year-old male was hit in the left leg and a 69-year-old female suffered a graze wound to her right leg and was treated at the scene.

Wynaar died at Jacobi Hos-

pital on Monday, November 1.

Mural artist Kenny Alttidor of Canarsie, Brooklyn, often does murals for the NYPD and FDNY, when he was contacted by the victim's mother Nicole Wynaar, who asked if he could paint a mural of her son for and unveiling held on what would have been his 23rd birthday. Alttidor was given a photograph of the young man and he created a larger-thanlife profile of the expressionless young man.

The unveiling was held outside of the E & B Laundromat at the corner of West Burnside Avenue and Hennessey Place, in University Heights 'where the Wynaar's had lived and many of the young man's friends showed up to pay their respects.

Moments before the unveiling, Nicole Wynaar told those who had gathered, "Today is my son's 23rd birthday. Last year we were together. I called him, wished him happy birthday... today... today. And to unveil a mural instead, that's not what I wanted to do for Hennick's birthday. I just need to get justice because Hennick is good.”

Before a tarp was pulled down and the mural unveiled, friends sang "Happy Birthday" for Hendrick Wynaar. After the unveiling Nicole Wynaar and her surviving son and Hendrick's friends had cake with Hendrick's picture on top.

Longtime friend Ashley Perez said Hendrick was not only her "best friend," but recalled how the young man once saved her nephew's life. Perez explained, "My nephew was having a seizure and my sister went outside and Hen-

Choking back tears, the mother continued, "I just need the police to do more and I just want the mayor to help me get justice for my son. I'm begging him, please, help me because my son deserves justice. I am tired every day to see another mother crying, gotta bury her son, her children. I miss my son very much and I don't want to do this anymore. I'm just tired... of crying.”

drick heard her and came inside and saved my nephew's life.”

A source at 1 Police Plaza told the Bronx Voice that the case is not cold and in fact remains, "an open investigation." Days after the shooting the NYPD had released a poor quality surveillance video where three individuals are seen getting out of a vehicle and firing at the three victims.

Anyone with any information is urged to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1 (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.

A grieving mother hopes this mural of her son Hendrick “Henney” Wynaar will remind the NYPD that his Halloween, 2021 murder on Adee Avenue remains unsolved.

Accused killer of EMT Yadira Arroyo deemed fit for trial

By Dan Gesslein

The man accused of fatally running over Bronx EMT Yadira Arroyo has been deemed fit to stand trial. The Bronx DA hailed the decision and said her office is moving forward with the prosecution.

Back in May, Jose Gonzalez was deemed unfit for trial. However, health professionals have given prosecutors the green light.

“When Jose Gonzalez was deemed unfit for trial, we said this was by no means the end of this prosecution,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.

“Now, approximately four

months later, health professionals at Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center have determined him to be no longer an incapacitated person.

“Jose Gonzalez is due to appear in Bronx Supreme Court on September 29, 2022. He faces charges of first and second-degree Murder, first degree Manslaughter, Robbery, Vehic-

ular Manslaughter and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence, for allegedly running over Yadira Arroyo, an FDNY Emergency Medical Technician, with her ambulance on March 16, 2017.

Gonzalez has been charged in Arroyo’s death. Back in 2017, Gonzalez hopped on the back bumper of Arroyo’s ambulance. Officials say Gonzalez was high on PCP at the time.

When Arroyo stopped and got out of the ambulance to chase the suspect off, Gonzalez allegedly jumped into the vehicle and tried to drive off.

Prosecutors said Gonzalez ran over Arroyo twice and dragged her into the intersection White Plains Road. All the while Arroyo’s partner screamed for him to stop to try to save her.

“We thank (Arroyo’s) family and FDNY colleagues for their patience and support, as we continue to obtain justice for Yadi,” Clark said.

Woman impaled on fence days after traffic change

By David Greene

Days after a Department of Transportation (DOT) subcontracting crew finished the re-pavement and redesign of the areas parking spaces--an apparent out-of-control vehicle jumped the curb, striking and killing Paulina Nrecaj, 59, a beloved resident who had lived in the community for more than 40-years.

According to police officials and family members, Nrecaj had just stepped out of her building when the driver jumped the curb and slammed into Nrecaj, pinning her between the vehicle and the building.

One police official stated that the crash was reported at 6:31 p.m. on September 9, at the corner of Bronxdale Avenue and Cruger Avenue. The official confirmed, "Police responded to a call of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian.”

The official continued, "After a preliminary investigation it was determined that a 45-year-old male was traveling on Bronxdale Avenue in a 2016 Lexus LX570 SUV, when the vehicle operator, in an

attempt to avoid striking a van stopped at the intersection, swerved to the left turning lane, traveled through the intersection, mounted the curb.”

One of the victim's seven sisters, who declined to be identified, told the Bronx Voice, "It's not something you post, she was stuck in the gate, her heart... It was a video that someone took from the street... that wasn't right that they posted that. I can't even look at it as a family member.”

The sister continued, "I want justice for my sister who was mowed down like a piece of garbage."

Regarding the new parking configuration along Bronxdale Avenue, Friends and neighbors leave candles and flowers to remember Paulina Nrecaj who was killed in a tragic traffic accident.

Photo by David Greene

Woman impaled on fence days after traffic change

the sister fumed, "We don't like these lanes, these lanes caused my sister's death." She continued, "I was driving the other day, past that green light, I wanted to make that right turn. A motor

scooter came quick, but because a van was parked there, I didn't see him, I almost... this is dangerous."

“The death of Paulina Nrecaj is an unacceptable tragedy. We all grieve in-

dividually and collectively for every life lost on our roads. This administration is investing a historic $900 million to reclaim space from vehicles and support safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation op-

tions while also working to redesign 1,000 intersections each year to help end the reckless driving we have seen on our streets and across the country,” said Mona Bruno, a DOT spokesperson.

Nrecaj, who immigrated from Montenegro as a child, leaves behind her husband of 41-years as well as two boys, a girl and one granddaughter. She also leaves behind seven sisters and three brothers.

Health Matters

Experts weigh in on growing threat posed by falls for the vulnerable and homebound

By Allison Simms, Associate Director of Rehabilitation Services at VNS

Health

While often underreported, falls are a growing issue that cannot be ignored when it comes to senior health and safety. This September provides an opportunity to shine a light on this serious issue during National Fall Prevention Awareness Month.

With more than 3 million people each year being treated in emergency facilities for falls, fall prevention should be top of mind year-round.

The statistics on home falls among seniors provided by the CDC are alarming, with roughly 25% of individuals 65 or older experiencing a fall each year. However, the numbers are actually much higher because less than half of falls are reported out of fear and embarrassment. For ex-

ample, a mother may not tell her daughter that she fell out of fear of being put into a nursing home.

In my role as Associate Director of Rehabilitation Services at VNS Health, my colleagues and I see how difficult it is for people who fall to truly accept that they’re not as strong and steady on their feet as they once were. One thing to keep in mind if you have a family member who is at increased risk for falls is to talk to a medical pro-

fessional to see if some balancing or strengthening exercises from a physical therapist might be helpful in improving both confidence and strength.

Movement is a key factor in reducing falls, and it doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous. For example, a patient can hold a can of vegetables and move their arm in a circular motion. That’s weight-bearing exercise.

When it comes to fall-related injuries, physical and occupational therapists play an integral role in both prevention and recovery. Gil Esteban, a physical therapist at VNS Health serving homebound patients in Washington Heights for more than three decades, emphasizes the necessity of clear communication and education when it comes

to meeting a patient’s needs and preventing falls. He works closely with a dedicated team of home care professionals who collaborate on the best plan of action. He schedules treatment with occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses and home health aides to

Experts weigh in on growing threat posed by falls for vulnerable and homebound

ensure the best possible patient outcome.

Among the many challenges facing his patients, Gil notes that where they live can actually make them more at risk for a fall. Whether it’s a small space, cluttered walkways, or even pets, there are many hazards in the home that can pose a fall risk. Gil recalls one patient whose house was so cluttered he had to walk sideways while dodging her five dogs in order to get into the apartment.

“If walking around this apartment was a challenge for me, imagine how it might affect an older person who struggles with failing eyesight or balance issues or has already injured themselves with a fall,” said Gil.

In addition to the challenges of navigating small, crowded living spaces, many of Gil’s patients are sedentary, which can lead to atrophy and loss of muscle mass.

The impact of COVID on the homebound is also a contributing risk factor for falls, as many patients were deconditioned and isolated during the lock-

down. When a patient has diminished muscle mass, everyday activities like getting out of bed or walking to the kitchen can become difficult, thus increasing the risk of a fall.

To overcome these issues, Gil frequently finds himself working with patients out in the hallways, on stairwells, and even in the building lobby to give them the proper space their therapy requires, especially those who use a walker or cane.

When my colleagues and I visit patients in their home to do a falls risk assessment, there are some common safety issues that can be easily improved:

• Declutter the living space to provide a clear walking path and reduce the risk of tripping over obstacles.

• Closely monitor medications that may cause dizziness or lower blood pressure.

• If someone has lost weight during the pandemic but are still wearing the same size clothes, they are at a greater risk of tripping over those loose-fitting clothes and falling. Wearing clothes

that fit can help avoid this type of fall.

• Wear proper shoes. Our feet shrink as we age and wearing shoes that are the correct size is an important factor in reducing falls.

• Adjust sleep posi-

tions. Patients who sleep on the edge of the bed are more likely to fall out of bed than those who sleep in the middle.

This National Fall Prevention Awareness Month, keep in mind the risk factors that increase

the potential for a fall to occur. For more information about Rehabilitation Therapy Services at VNS Health, which includes physical, occupational and speech therapy, visit www.vnshealth.org/rehab.

Caring for children with cancer in the Bronx

By Dr. Moriah Rabin, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Cellular Therapy, Children's Hospital at Montefiore / Albert Einstein College of Medicine

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and it is during this time that we raise awareness about childhood cancer, research and treatments.

Each year in the United States, about 15,000 children receive a new cancer diagnosis, and approximately 40,000 children are currently receiving treatment for cancer. Common pediatric cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, sarcoma, neuroblastoma, and Wilms tumors. It is important to remember that childhood cancer is quite rare, but it remains the leading cause of death from disease in children.

At the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) we are privileged to serve the Bronx community and to support patients and their

families through an incredibly difficult period of their lives. We offer treatments based on the most advanced scientific discoveries in stateof-the-art facilities delivered by an incredible team of dedicated staff.

Cancer treatment can be painful and prolonged for patients and their families. Every day can feel like an uphill battle. At CHAM, we recognize the tremendous physical, emotional, mental, and financial tolls that cancer treatment can have. Our holistic approach to cancer care aims to support patients and families in each of these domains. We work in teams

that include oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician assistants, social workers, psychologists, and child life therapists to provide tailored support to each patient and family. We also offer complimentary therapies including yoga, art, music, massage, acupuncture, and aromatherapy. Our Quality in Life

Team provides additional personalized support during especially hard periods. Our goal is to create a safe, warm, and friendly environment and to remain consistently available and aware of our patients’ needs.

Cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent decades thanks to remarkable research efforts. Survival rates

for children with cancer have drastically improved over the last 50 years, and nearly 85% of children diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20 will survive at least 5 years after diagnosis. At CHAM, we are members of national groups that enable us to offer participation in clinical trials to all eligible pa-

Caring for children with cancer

tients, providing them with the most up to date treatment options. Some of these novel treatment approaches include the use of chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T-cells) for patients with relapsed leukemia/ lymphoma, and bone marrow transplantation using unrelated, halfmatched, or cord blood donors for patients with certain cancers, genetic conditions, or sickle cell disease.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine, CHAM’s affi liate medical school, is the site of nationally and internationally funded research aiming to fi nd a cure for these devastating diseases. Unfortunately, many children with cancer still do not survive. These children fuel our research efforts to fi nd new approaches to achieve a cure, so that more children can live the long and healthy lives they deserve.

When survivors are done with their cancer-directed treatment, we are not done taking care of them. There are

around 400,000 survivors of pediatric cancer, and about 60% of those survivors suffer late effects of treatment that adversely affect their adult lives, including heart failure, neuropsychiatric struggles, infertility, or even secondary cancers. Long after cancer therapy is completed, it is important to continue to monitor for these late effects and do our

best to minimize them. Our Reassessment and Evaluation After Cancer Treatment (REACT) clinic is a special program aimed at enhancing quality of life of cancer survivors. The REACT clinic provides outstanding medical and psychological education, screening, and treatment through long term follow up with our patients. Our goal is to help our

community of childhood cancer survivors to reintegrate into society and go on to live successful and fulfi lling lives.

Diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer forever changes the lives of patients, their families, and friends. If you know someone with childhood cancer, please make your best effort to support them and their family. If you would like

to support children with cancer, you can contact CHAM to receive additional information on volunteering, supporting research efforts, or donating to those children in need. At CHAM, it is our mission to educate the larger Bronx community about the impact of childhood cancer and most importantly, to provide the best care possible for our patients.

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Culinary Road

By Morris Gut

A cornucopia of fall flavors

Autumn is in full swing! The air is crisp, apples falling to the ground at area orchards just waiting to be picked. Trees putting on their annual Technicolor light show along highways and byways. Area markets selling their late season harvest of cider, squash, apples, pumpkins, and hearty root vegetables. Restaurant kitchens are geared up with the best the season has to offer. There are many comforting flavors awaiting us right now…

FALL DRIVES TO FARMS AND MARKETS!

Want to pick your own or visit a farmstand? Take a flavorful fall foliage drive with the whole family. Here are some great destinations, and be sure to check ahead for hours and availability: The Farmers Market at New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will run every Wednesday thru Oct. 26th. Admission and parking are free. Enter the market at the Mosholu Gate. www.nybg. org/event/farmers-market/ Wilken’s Farm, 1313 Whitehall Road, Yorktown Heights. Marking their 106th year, visit the farmers market or pick your own apples, peaches, pumpkins, even Christmas Trees. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m. thru mid-Dec. 914245-5111 www.wilkensfarm.

com

Stuart’s Fruit Farm, 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs.

This farm has been operating since 1828, strewn with old tractors and rural artifacts, you can pick your own fruit and produce or visit the farmers market for fresh cider donuts and pies. Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 914245-2784 www.stuartsfarm. com

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem.

Operated by first generation farmers since 2011, the farm store is open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On-site kitchen Mon.-Fri. Get tickets online for apple picking. CSA membership available. 914-485-1210 www.harvest-

moonfarmandorchard.com

Hayfield’s, 1 Bloomer Road, North Salem.

Owner Renea Dayton’s multi-faceted country market bustles daily inside and out. From the in-house kitchen: coffee, breakfast, lunch, soups, salads, ice cream. Colorful flowers, too. 914669-8275 www.hayfieldsmarket.com

Muscoot Farmers Market, Route 100, Katonah, part of Muscoot Farm.

Over 20 vendors. The farmers market operates every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. thru November. Free admission. For further

info: 914-864-7283, or www. muscootfarm.org

WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR!

You must experience the brunch served at Jack’s Bar in Eastchester. The Full Irish Breakfast is a hearty treat. The Bennys are delish. Good specialty cocktails, too. Owner Shane Clifford and his friendly crew have tasty finger foods and generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen. Decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Patatas Bravas, Honey Lavender Goat Cheese Bon Bons, Jack’s Meat-

balls; Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich, Seared Scallops, Chicken Curry, Shroom Pizza out of their woodfired oven, Berkshire Pork Chop, and Grilled Lamb Sliders. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner & weekend brunch served 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jack’s Bar & Restaurant, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-6527650 www.jackseastchester. com

‘DAS BRONX’ AT BRONX BREWERY! The crew at 10-year-old Bronx Brewery in the Port Morris section of the south Bronx are geared up for

A cornucopia of fall flavors

food and brews 7 days a week in their popular backyard. Indoors and outdoors Friday thru Sunday. I am a

fan of their Pale Ales. Das Bronx Oktoberfest brews.

Empanology, the food concession, is

open, serving a variety of fresh-made empanadas, burgers, and sandwiches. Check the website for exact times

of operation. Bronx Brewery is located at 856 E. 136th Street, Bronx. Phone: 718402-1000 www.thebronxbrewery.com

18TH WARD BREWING OPENS IN NEW ROCHELLE!

Partners Mike O’Brien and Jordan Beldner have brought their Brooklyn-based 18th Ward Brewing to the former Diner Brew space on Division St., New Rochelle. The taproom serves a variety of their brews, some fine IPAs, and they promise a special Oktoberfest Robust Porter. If you had visited Diner Brew in the past, you would recognize operations manager Joe Ruggeri. Current hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight; noon to 8 p.m., Sundays. 18th Ward Taproom, 40 Division Street, New Rochelle. 315-2915276 www.18thwardbrewing.com

EXPANSIONS IN THE WORKS! Two of White Plains’

most popular food and drink venues are expanding. Michael Chiltern, founder of Wolf & Warrior Brewing on E. Post Road, has leased the space next door, a former beauty shop. According to Chiltern, he’s looking to have it operational by Thanksgiving. www.wolfandwarrior.com

Meanwhile, Nick Fusco, proprietor of bustling Freebird Kitchen & Bar on Mamaroneck Ave., has taken the storefront next to his restaurant. Fusco says extensive renovations are planned, including another bar and banquettes. Nice to hear positive news. www. freebirdkitchenandbar. 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. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)