By Eric W. Schoen

The shooting last week of Detective Brian Menton, a member of a joint Yonkers police task force with the FBI a week away from retirement, was a terrible tragedy that affects not only his police “brothers”, but also law enforcement officials all over the country, all over the world. world. We pray for his speedy recovery and that nothing like this 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. Once again, we see how important the work of our law enforcement officials is in keeping us safe. They have a hard job, not knowing the situation in which they walk. Those calling for defunding the police have no idea how difficult their job is and how important it is to Yonkers and all communities across the country.

Something struck me when Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano made remarks at the police commissioner’s press conference at the site of the shooting. He said most residents of the Elm Street neighborhood where the shooting happened are good, hard-working people. I get to walk down Elm Street several times a week at different times. So I see people walking to work, taking many buses and vans that take them to their jobs, many of which are low wage or minimum wage. They leave early in the morning, lunch boxes and tools in hand, and return late at night. Many wait on Yonkers Avenue just past the gymnasium to be picked up for day work. The work due to these day laborers is in no way regulated and they work long hours not in the best conditions.

Some work in the neighborhood. So I took a walk around the neighborhood to see what it has to offer. I was not surprised. I’ve been bringing my clothes to Elm Super Laundromat for years. It takes 5 minutes to drop them off and get my receipt. Pickup is even faster and their service is either same day or next day depending on what time you bring your clothes. 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 little too heavy to carry.

By the way, one thing I didn’t notice that you’ll see in the good and bad parts of Yonkers is a smoking room where you can buy pipes, tobaccos, gums and other products for relaxation and pleasure . Residents of the Elm Street neighborhood have to spend their money on housing, food and family. They don’t have extra income for luxuries.

There is Charlie’s Hardware Store, a hardware store where one can find everything one would need in a hardware store. If they don’t have it, they can probably get it for you quickly. Elm Liquor Store has been around the neighborhood for ages and serves the area’s liquor needs.

Hairdressing salons for men and women are numerous. I had my hair cut at the Barbershop in Clase when he had another name. Excellent Dominican barbers ran the shop. I hadn’t had lunch and the barber kept me in the chair for nearly an hour and a half. Those of you who know me know there’s nothing on my head that would keep me in a barber’s chair for an hour and a half on Elm Street or in a Jose Eber store in Hollywood, California, 300 $ the clip, much more than on Elm Street. But the stylist wanted my hair to be perfect. No problem with that!

Antojitos Mexican Restaurant is one of many restaurants on Elm Street. Chinese takeout is right across from where the officer was shot, and Taste of the Caribbean Seafood is just around the corner. Just like Juices for Life, where you can get juices to give you energy, cleanse your system, for headaches, sore throats, and just about anything that ails you. As well as juices filled with good things that simply taste good!

Castle Royale, the former Polish community center, is a short walk from Elm Street, still offering large-scale restoration and a venue that can accommodate the largest number of people in town. People from all over make Castle Royale a destination where one can host an affordable event hosted by top chefs with plenty of parking just steps from the entrance.

Jackie’s Florists are among several street florists that offer fresh flowers at reasonable prices. Several botanical shops dot the street, one offering lush plants for sale.

Foodtown (an A+P from the good old days) offers a full line of meats, produce, and groceries. The bodegas lining the street are open long hours and offer good breakfast and lunch sandwiches throughout the day. Similar to the grocery stores that my dad and a small organization of merchants called WESTCHESTER Food Merchants operated in Yonkers when I was very young. The merchants were then Jewish, Italian and of Jordanian origin. Now most merchants are Dominicans and Spaniards. Always open from early morning until late evening, with family members working 12-14 hours a day.

The new Westhab Dayspring Commons will bring many new residents to the neighborhood and all it offers. The neighborhood features a mix of old and new to Yonkers and this country. I’m not afraid to pick up my laundry or stop by a bodega on Elm Street at any time of the day.

Years ago, Elm Street offered warm, delicious breads from DeLasho, where my laundromat is now. Memories!

So if you want to support the shopkeepers who, in light of the police shootings and crime in the area, need your support, Shop Elm Street. I assume you will find everything you need and support the many good and hardworking people that Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano mentioned on the day of the police shooting.

Get well soon Inspector Brian Menton. All Yonkers are praying for you! And good luck in retirement. You deserve it!

In short: The ‘boosted’ atmosphere that accompanied the Yankees’ Victory 5-4 on Saturday’s Guardians at Yankee Stadium was an embarrassment to any good baseball-loving New Yorker. Hostile interactions between fans and members of the Cleveland outfield. Ashamed. Behavior that endangers players on the pitch such as beer cans and other debris thrown from the stands after Gleyber Torres‘ Guardians’ winning single closer Emmanuel Class. Pathetic.

I agree with Guardians right fielder Oscar Mercado. “You can celebrate the departure of your team all you want, but don’t throw [stuff] in the field! That’s how people can get hurt. I probably should have left. He continued: “You can support your team as much as you want. I do not deny it. I think it’s good for the game when people are die-hard fans. But do it the right way.

Lots of cameras at the stadium. Prosecute those who acted like fools! Fortunately, most people know how to behave at a baseball game! PLAY BALL!

Contact Eric Schoen at [email protected] Follow him on Twitter @ericyonkers. Listen to Eric Schoen on the Westchester Rising radio show alternately Thursdays 10-11 a.m. On WVOX 1460 AM, WVOX.com click listen or download the free WVOX app from the App Store.