By Eric W. Schoen
The shooting last week of Detective Brian Menton, member of a Yonkers Police Joint Task Force with the FBI a week away from retirement was a terrible tragedy that affects not only his police ‘brothers’ but law enforcement officials all over the country, all over the world. We pray for his speedy recovery and that nothing like this ever happens again.
We join everyone in Yonkers in wishing Detective Menton a full recovery and send our prayers to him, his family and his extended ‘police’ family. Again we see how important the work of our law enforcement officials is to keep us safe. They have a tough job, not knowing the situation they are walking into. Those who call for defunding the police haven’t a clue about how difficult their work is and how important they are to Yonkers and all communities across the country.
Something struck me when Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano made remarks at the press conference the Police Commissioner held at the site of the shooting. He said most people in the Elm Street neighborhood where the shooting occurred are good, hardworking people. I have the occasion to drive down Elm Street several times a week at various hours so I see people walking to work, catching numerous buses and vans that that take them to their jobs, many low or minimal wage. They leave early in the morning, lunch boxes and tools in hand and return late at night. Many wait on Yonkers Avenue just passed the gym to be picked up for day labor work. The work these day laborers due is not regulated in any way and they toil for long hours not under the best conditions.
Some work in the neighborhood. So I took a ride through the neighborhood to see what it offers. I wasn’t surprised. I have been bringing my clothes to the Elm Super Laundromat for years. It takes 5 minutes to drop them off and get my receipt. Pickup is even quicker, and their service is either same day or next day depending what time you bring your clothes in. The price per pound is cheaper than many other laundromats in Yonkers, and the nice ladies and kind owner help me carry my laundry bags when I pack them a bit to heavy to carry.
As an aside, one thing I didn’t notice that you will see in good and bad neighborhoods throughout Yonkers is a smoke shop where you can buys pipes, tobaccos, gummies and other products for relaxation and enjoyment. People in the Elm Street area have to spend their money on housing, food and their families. They don’t have extra income for luxuries.
There is Charlie’s Hardware Store, a hardware store where you can find everything one would need in a hardware store. If they don’t have it they can probably get it for your quickly. Elm Liquor Store has been in the neighborhood for ages catering the alcoholic beverage needs of the area.
Hair salons for men and women are plentiful. I had my hair cut at Barbershop de Clase when it went by another name. Excellent Dominican barbers ran the shop. I hadn’t had lunch, and the barber kept me in the chair for close to one and a half hours. Those of you who know me know there’s nothing on my head that would keep me in a barber chair for one and a half hours on Elm Street or in a Jose Eber shop in Hollywood, California at $300 a clip , significantly more than on Elm Street.But the stylist wanted my hair to look perfect. Nothing wrong with that!
Antojitos Mexican Restaurant is one of many restaurants that are on Elm Street. Chinese takeout is right across from where the officer was shot, and Taste of the Caribbean Seafood is right around the corner. As is Juices for Life where you can get juices to give you energy, cleanse your system, for headaches, sore throats and pretty much anything else that ails you. As well as juices filled with good things that just taste good!
Castle Royale, the old Polish Community Center is steps away from Elm Street, still offering large scale catering and a venue that can accommodate the largest number of people in the city. People from all over make Castle Royale a destination where one can have an affordable event catered by top chefs with plenty of parking steps away from the entrance.
Jackie’s Florists is among several florists on the street that offer fresh flowers at reasonable prices. Several Botanical stores dot the street, one offering lush plants for sale.
Foodtown (an A + P back in the good old days) offers a full line of meats, produce and groceries. The bodegas that line the street are open long hours offering good breakfast and lunch sandwiches throughout the day. Similar to the grocery stores that my dad and a small merchant organization called WESTCHESTER Food Merchants operated throughout Yonkers when I was very young. Merchants then were Jewish, Italian and of Jordanian descent. Now most of the merchants are Dominican and Spanish. Still open early in the morning until late at night, family members working 12-14 hour days.
The new Westhab Dayspring Commons will bring many new residents to the neighborhood and all that it offers. The neighborhood features a combination of old timers and those new to Yonkers and this country. I don’t feel afraid picking up my laundry or stopping in a bodega on Elm Street any time of the day.
Years ago Elm Street featured hot, delicious breads from DeLasho’s where my laundromat is now. Fond memories!
So if you want to support merchants who in light of the police shooting and crime in the area need your support, Shop Elm Street. My guess is you will find everything you need and support the many good, hardworking people Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano mentioned the day of the police shooting.
Get well soon Detective Brian Menton. All of Yonkers is praying for you! And best of luck in retirement. You deserve it!
Brief: The ‘charged’ atmosphere that accompanied the Yankees’ 5-4 walk-off win over the Guardians on Saturday at Yankee Stadium was an embarrassment to every good baseball loving New Yorker. The hostile interactions between fans and members of Cleveland’s outfield. Disgraceful. Behavior that endangers players on the field like beer cans and other debris thrown from the stands following Gleyber Torres’ game-winning single off Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase. Pathetic.
I agree with Guardians right fielder Oscar Mercado. “You can celebrate your team walking off all you want, but don’t throw [stuff] on the field! That’s how people can get hurt. I should’ve probably walked away.’ He continued, “You can root for your team all you want. I’m not denying that. I think it’s good for the game when people are die-hard fans. But do it the right way.”
Plenty of cameras at the Stadium. Prosecute those who acted like fools! Thankfully, most people know how to behave at a baseball game! PLAY BALL!
Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @ericyonkers. Listen to Eric Schoen on the Westchester Rising Radio Show alternating Thursday’s from 10-11 a.m. On WVOX 1460 AM, WVOX.com click listen or download the WVOX app from the App Store free of charge.
