Exciting Evening for Six Village Police Officers Bronxville School

Transcription

Exciting Evening for Six Village Police Officers Bronxville School
Come One Come All ...
Premier Gala Event
7
Operation Prom
Award Recipients
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com
December 2013 -- Volume 9 -- Issue 12Complimentary
Exciting Evening for Six Village Police Officers
ries, 1) Youth; 2)
Family Services;
“This is one of my favorite
3) Health and 4)
nights, with six Police Officers
Senior Services,”
being sworn in, orchestrated by
Rohr noted.
Lieutenant Richard Bunyan and
Mayor Marour Police Liaison, Trustee Anne
vin reported that
W. Poorman,” Bronxville Mayor
new legislation
Mary C. Marvin stated at the
will save resiBoard of Trustees meeting on
dents $130,000
Monday, November 4.
in United Water
Poorman administered the
hydrant
mainOath of Office to new officers
tenance fees, as
Cheryl Jarosz and Jason Kaiser;
costs will be now
promoted Detectives William
spread
among
Carroll; Dennis Karaman; Serall users. “I atgeants Nicholas De Young and
tended a ChamErik Van der Leeuw.
ber of Commerce
Beginning the meeting,
meeting, where
Jeffrey Rohr, President Commuwe discussed renity Fund of Bronxville, Eastvitalizing
the
chester and Tuckahoe, appealed
Business district,
for support.
“Each year we
reviewing
Vilannounce our Fall Campaign. Left to right: Bronxville Police Lieutenant Richard Bunyan; Trustee Anne W. Poorman; Police Officer Cheryl Jarosz
lage Codes to
Community Fund plays an intesee if they would
1919 when we found that taxes and volunteers impede opening new businesses. Also, we are
gral role in the quality of life, making this Vilwere not enough. There are four basic categolage a safer place to live. We were organized in
looking to maximize parking space times,” MarBy Stephen E. Lipken
vin added.
Village
Administrator
Harold
Porr III introduced legislation limiting parking
on west side
of
Pondfield
Road
b e t w e e n
Reformed
Church and
f r o n t i n g
Bolton Gardens to two
hours, which
Bronxville-Eastchester-Tuckahoe
was approved.
Community President Jeffrey Rohr
Pending legislation during earlier Work Session addressed
regulating restaurant grease traps, as improperly disposed grease clogs Pondfield
Road pipes that must be cleaned by Zonzini
Pipeline Services, New Rochelle at a cost
of $5,000 each time with displacement of
parked cars.
Bronxville School Foundation Sponsors
“Redefining Rigor” Initiative
The impact of globalization and technology on teaching and learning, as well as the
adoption of the Common Core Learning Standards by New York State, is prompting Bronxville School faculty members to review and refine the school’s definition of academic rigor.
During a professional development conference
in October, high school teachers worked with
a consultant from Project Zero to craft inquiry questions that will guide a portion of this
review. Project Zero, a research group at the
Harvard Graduate School of Education, conducts research on critical and creative thinking,
teaching for deep understanding within each
of the academic disciplines, and creating communities of reflective, independent learners.
Middle and elementary school teachers have
been working since the beginning of the year
with consultants in mathematics and English
Dr. Denise Lutter (left) and Mrs. Denise Flood
language arts to embed Common Core requirements within their unit designs and lesson
plans.
The consultant work in all three
schools is being funded by a grant
from the Bronxville School Foundation, allowing the school to contract
with highly qualified consultants as
it addresses these important issues.
The district’s mathematics consultants include an expert in the Singapore Mathematics curriculum that
is being introduced this year in the
elementary school, and a consultant who has received specialized
training in the new mathematics
Common Core requirements. Representatives from the well-regarded
LitLife community are working with
the entire staff to identify ways of fostering
Common Core connections across the curriculum. “Our ultimate goal is for students to learn
to use their knowledge to address multi-dimensional issues and to understand and solve problems in a global and complex society. We want
them to develop a genuine sense of purpose for
learning,” stated Dr. Denise Lutter, Bronxville
School Professional Development Coordinator.
In early November two consultants visited
the Bronxville School. The first consultant gave
a presentation to the elementary school teachers on developing local assessments that are
linked to the school’s revised goals for English
Language Arts, and will work with two grade
level teams. The second consultant spoke to the
middle and high school faculties on Interdisciplinary Connections across the Common Core
Learning Standards and will then work with the
Foreign Language Department on instructional
strategies and the middle school faculty on crecontinued on page 5
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Bronxville Historical Conservancy to be Exclusive
Sponsor for the Eastchester 350th Anniversary
Celebration’s K-12 Educational Program
Judy Unis and Bill Dowling, cochairs of the Bronxville Historical
Conservancy, have announced that
$10,000 will be used as funding in
support of the Eastchester 350th Anniversary Celebration’s K-12 Educational Program next year.
In 2014, students in every school
in Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Bronxville -- public as well as parochial and
private -- will have an opportunity
to learn some local history: that the
town’s roots go back to the Eastchester Covenant of 1665; that the marble
quarries drew many early European
immigrant workers and their families
to the town; that world renowned artists, authors and celebrities have lived
here; that the first president of the
United States to serve as a Boy Scout Home page of www.eastchester350.org
did so here; and that the town has been
home to four Congressional Medal of
Honor winners, as well as countless brave soling committee approached each of the public
diers who served in all the country’s wars.
school districts last year to solicit administrative
In addition to exploring these topics, the
and faculty support and asked the Bronxville
town’s youngsters will be challenged to select a Historical Conservancy if that organization
history project of their own. They will be asked
would provide funding as exclusive sponsor for
to produce an essay, an artistic composition, a
the K-12 Educational Program.
film or video, a poem, a drama or a mixed-meDr. Robert Wein, former co-chair of the
dia piece focused on this rich past, dependent Conservancy and Eastchester 350th Anniversaon the avenues for achievement offered in their ry committee member said, “When we learned
own schools. Older middle and high school
the scope of the project designed by Dick Forstudents may wish to develop research subjects
liano (current Town Historian and retired Eastinto scholarly papers that will reveal even more
chester Middle School teacher), I was delighted
of the town’s unsung history.
to present this to the Conservancy as a project
To support these endeavors, the steerworthy of being funded.”
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2 • December 2013
bronxvillebulletin
ects Committee the board enthusiastically approved the sponsorship.
The three town public school superintendents quickly indicated their support. Each
appointed a district liaison for the 350th Anniversary Celebration, and an individual school
faculty member was also selected to work within
the various faculties. Town historian Forliano
has reached out to the four other local elementary schools in the community and expressed his
appreciation for their enthusiastic endorsement.
“With our eastchester350.org website
launched, teachers and students have many resources right at their fingertips,” said Forliano.
“We have published this program online so
that parents as well as teachers will have the
opportunity to assist their children while enriching their own understanding of Eastchester,
Tuckahoe and Bronxville’s past.”
All local organizations are encouraged to
submit their group’s particular history and keep
the town’s birthday in mind when planning
their own 2014 events. These histories and announcements can be posted on the new website. The steering committee reserves the right
to edit and upload all website materials.
Residents may contact individual steering
committee members or use the email [email protected].
Although costs have been kept to a minimum, all the community programs require
financial support. Contributions to Eastchester 350th Anniversary, Inc. are tax deductible,
since the group is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Checks may be mailed to Eastchester 350th Anniversary, Inc., 40 Mill Rd., Eastchester, NY 10709.
Kyle Swanson, BHS Senior,
Named to All-State Band
Flautist and piccolo player Kyle
Swanson, a Bronxville High School senior, has been named to the 2013 AllState Symphonic Band. The announcement came from the New York State
School Music Association (NYSSMA),
which sponsors the All-State Conference each year for high school juniors
and seniors. The 2013 Conference will
take place December 5-8 in Rochester,
New York, with concerts in the Eastman Theatre.
Sharon Slote, director of the
Bronxville Middle and High School
Bands, says that Swanson “plays both
the flute and piccolo with astounding
technical prowess. His preparations
for performances and auditions alike
are far beyond those of a typical high
school student. It has been an absolute
pleasure to work with Kyle for the last
six-plus years. I will miss him and all he
has to offer musically when he attends
college next year.”
Over 6,500 sophomores and juniors throughout the state auditioned
for All-State at their local NYSSMA solo
festivals last spring, performing solos Kyle Swanson
and sight-reading before adjudicators.
Approximately 900 students were chosen to perform in one of eight vocal
and instrumental ensembles at the Conference.
The last two Bronxville High School Band members selected for All-State honors were flautist
Holly Rudd in 2008 and clarinetist John Devlin in 2002. Rudd is now a first-year graduate student
in flute performance at the New England Conservatory; Devlin is a doctoral student in orchestral
conducting at the University of Maryland School of Music.
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From the Mayor’s Office
By Mayor Mary Marvin
As you read
this, you may have
just colored in your
paper ballot circles
for election for various County, Town
and judicial offices
as well as a record
six New York State
Constitutional
Amendments.
(As a caution, the
Amendments were
on the flip side of the absentee ballot and very easy
to miss.)
As point of reference, the electronic scanner paper ballots are here to stay per New York State Law.
The only exception is the upcoming March Village
election which qualified for a one year extension on
lever machine use. In 2010, New York actually became the last State to switch to electronic voting in
compliance with Federal law.
In my opinion, the “new” technology seems
like a step backward from the admittedly 19th century technology of the lever machine to a system that
requires poll workers to copy voters’ information by
hand from one piece of paper to another.
Top on the ballot will be voting for a County
Executive of Westchester. Named after the City of
Chester, England, Westchester was founded in 1683
and encompasses 500 square miles and 45 municipalities. According to the 2010 Census, Westchester has 949,113 residents, approximately 254,000 of
which belong to the Democratic Party and 134,000
are registered Republicans. The Office of County Executive was created in 1937 when voters approved
a new County charter giving Westchester County
an executive branch to complement the legislative
County Board of Legislators. Since its inception, the
County Executive seat has been held by eight men,
six Republicans and two Democrats.
The County Executive is elected at large in the
General Election held the year following the Presidential election. The term of office is four years and
no one can serve for more than three consecutive
four year terms. The current County Executive’s salary is $160,760. To run for the office, an individual
has to be a citizen of the County for a minimum of
five years prior. Compensation is fixed by the County Board of Legislators.
The County Executive is the Chief Executive
and Administrative Officer of Westchester County
and some of his/her main duties include the supervision of the administrative services and departments
of the County; presentation of an annual budget to
the County Board and communication of a general
statement of the finances and affairs of County government to the County Board at a minimum of once
a year. The County Executive does have a veto power as well as the right to appoint the head of every
County department and office, subject to confirmation by the County Board.
In a strange twist of fate, because many Westchester residents are choosing not to affiliate with
either the Republican or Democratic parties, the
Independence Party has taken on unprecedented
influence. The party was first formed in the 1990’s
by Ross Perot, and in New York, spearheaded by Tom
Golisano. Though, less than 4% of County voters belong to this party, many unaffiliated or independent
voters think this is their line on which to vote. The
small change in word ending from Independen(ce)
to an Independen(t) has translated into a party to be
reckoned with.
Representing approximately 50,000 people in
Bronxville and Yonkers, Bronxville’s representative
on the County Board of Elections is also up for election. A County Legislator serves for a two year term.
A key power of the County Board concerns finances,
appropriating funds, approving the budget and levying taxes. The Board has seventeen members, 10 of
which are Democrats and 7 Republicans. The current base salary is $49,200.
Currently, Village taxpayers contribute
www.shorelinepub.com
$8,116,374 as our share of the County budget.
Next on the ballot for election is the County
District Attorney. Bronxville resident Janet DiFiore is
running for her second four year term and is unopposed.
County-wide voting requires the election of a
County Clerk. The duties of this office include managing all of the County land records, overseeing the
licensing of plumbers and electricians, facilitating
the passport application process and naturalization
of new citizens.
Continuing down the ballot will be the election of an Eastchester Town Supervisor. The office
is up for election every two years with no term limits
and a current salary of $98,093.
As Chief Executive Office of the Town, the Supervisor directs day-to-day operations and coordinates the activity of Town Department heads. The
Supervisor proposes policies and projects for consideration by the Town Board. As a Town Board
member, the Supervisor’s vote has the same weight
as those of the other four Board members. The Supervisor acts as Treasurer of the Town, works with the
Town budget officer to prepare the initial draft of the
Town budget and is the only authorized signature for
payroll and Town checks.
Two Town Board seats are also up for election
for a two year term. The current representatives are
running unopposed.
Bronxville Village elections are the third Tuesday in March of 2014.
I urge all of you to exercise your right to vote as
turnout will be a huge factor in the final tallies.
In doing my research last week on Westchester
County political offices, I had a wonderful moment
of “accidental learning” as I stumbled upon articles
about the County itself. We have a very interesting
and storied home.
From the historical perspective, Westchester
was home to many luminaries. Before his rout at the
Battle of White Plains in 1776, Washington stayed at
the Elijah Miller House which still stands on Virginia
Road in North White Plains and when the yellow fever epidemic hit Philadelphia, our second President,
John Adams, was forced to leave and came to live
with his daughter on Route 22 in Mount Vernon.
Founding Father John Jay was raised in Rye,
matriculated at King’s College (Columbia) at age 14
and went on to be Governor, co-author of the Federalist Papers and first Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court before retiring to a homestead in Bedford.
After winning the popular vote but losing the
Presidential election of 1876 to Rutherford B. Hayes,
continued on page 5
bronxvillebulletin
December 2013 • 3
Astorino Proposes 2014 Budget with No Increase in County Tax Levy
County Executive Robert P. Astorino
released a proposed
Westchester County
budget for 2014 without any increase in
the county tax levy
– marking the fourth
year in a row that Astorino has submitted a
balanced budget that
preserves essential services without increasing taxes.
“This
budget
shows once again that
government – just like
the taxpayers who
pay the bills must County Executive Robert P. Astorino
do – can live within
its means,” Astorino
said. “Over the past three years, we have made
coffers. This is up from the $382 million expecttough but necessary decisions to bring spending
ed in 2013, or four percent.
under control and as a result the county’s finanThe budget proposal also benefits from emcial picture and ability to deliver services today
ployee contributions to health care that Astoand in the future are much improved.”
rino put into effect for nonunion management
In addition to holding the line on taxes,
and has negotiated with seven of the county’s
other key elements in the budget are also esseneight employee unions. For 2014, the county’s
tially flat.
health care bill for active employees is projected
• The proposed budget of almost $1.74 billion
to be $95 million, but the cost will be reduced by
represents an increase in spending of less
$4 million in employee contributions.
than 1 percent from the previous year.
Astorino noted that the county’s largest
• Headcount is also up less than 1 percent, a
union, the Civil Service Employees Association,
net increase of 6 positions in the operating has still not agreed to a contract with health-care
budget from the previous year.
contributions. Astorino renewed his call to them
• The fund balance is also being held flat as to negotiate a contract with these contributions.
Astorino continues his practice of not usEmployee compensation continues to be
ing this commonly called “rainy day fund,” one of the county’s biggest costs. The average
which sets aside money for emergencies, to salary of a county worker is $76,414. A private
pay for day-to-day operations.
sector employee working in Westchester makes
• The parent share for subsidized day care is
an average salary of $65,185, according to the
also being held flat at 27 percent, which still
most recent figures from the state Department
remains well below the level of 33 percent of Labor. When fringe benefits are added, compaid by families in New York City.
pensation for the average county worker jumps
“Our departments continue to manage evto $120,170.
ery dollar as if it were their own,” Astorino said.
As a result of a number of structural
Astorino’s proposed budget now goes to changes, such as having employees contribute
the county Board of Legislators, which has until
to health care and replacing retiring workers
Dec. 27 to adopt a final spending plan.
with new hires who come at lower salaries and
On the revenue side, the budget benefits
make higher pension contributions, the county
from growth in the sales tax. The sales tax is prohas been able to put the brakes on spiraling emjected to generate $398 million for the county’s
ployee costs.
2014 Golf E-Z Reservations
Through March 7, E-Z
Reserve tee times will be
available to new golfers or
past golfers who may want
a new time or day. These
E-Z Reserve times will be
available on a first-come,
first-served basis and are
limited to one tee time per
weekend day.
The E-Z Reserve program enables golfers with
a valid Westchester County
Park Pass to block out a
starting tee time for a series
of weeks. A non-refundable
pre-registration fee of $350
per player is due at preregistration and payable by
cash, check or Visa, MasterCard or American Express. As a bonus for pre-registering, the 2014 E-Z
Reserve season is increased from 25 to 30 weeks of
play, beginning March 29 and ending October 18.
After this pre-registration period, remaining
E-Z Reserve tee times will only be available at golf
courses beginning the first day of play in 2014.
These tee times will be sold for a $250 per player
fee for 25 weeks, beginning April 12 and ending
September 28.
4 • December 2013
The date of golf course openings for the 2014
season will be announced.
The courses are Dunwoodie and Sprain Lake
in Yonkers, Hudson Hills in Ossining, Maple Moor
in White Plains, Mohansic in Yorktown Heights
and Saxon Woods in Scarsdale.
E-Z Reserve applications will be available at
all courses. Applications are also available with
complete rules and regulations at golf.westchester.
com.
bronxvillebulletin
For example, the county saves $62,000
each time it replaces a retiring correction officer
with 20 years of experience with a new hire.
“This is what my ‘jobs for savings’ call for
the last four years has been all about,” Astorino
said. “Our county workers do a terrific job. The
problem is they are very expensive. So together,
labor and management sat down to work out
contracts that are fair to our workers and fair to
our taxpayers.”
With Westchester County residents facing
the highest property taxes in the United States,
Astorino said raising taxes continues not to be
an option. Since taking office, Astorino has cut
county spending by five percent and the county
property tax levy has been reduced by 2 percent.
County taxes make up about 15-20 percent of
a typical property tax bill. The remaining taxes
are levied by local governments and special districts (15-20 percent), and school districts (60-70
percent).
Other budget highlights include:
• The property tax levy remains at $548.4
million. This is the actual amount that the
county collects in property taxes. While the
levy remains constant, the effect on property owners can vary from community to
community based on different assessment
practices. Property taxes represent 32 percent of the county’s total revenues.
• State and federal aid is projected to increase
$13 million from 2013.
• Mortgage tax is projected at $19.8 million,
an increase from the $14.1 million budgeted
in 2013 and the $17.2 million now projected
for the current year.
• Pension costs continue to rise for county
employees. Astorino is proposing that the
county once again take advantage of a state
law that allows the county to amortize some
of its pension costs. For 2014, the maximum
amount would be $28 million, but this
number can be adjusted downward depending on economic trends of the year. The total
pension bill for 2014 is $96 million.
• The cost of Medicaid, the federal and state
mandated program that provides medical
care for the poor, will be about $223 million,
similar to 2013. The net cost to taxpayers
will be $214 million due to added federal
reimbursement. The state government will
reimburse the county for all costs of admin-
istering the program, instead of taking over
the administration.
• Day care spending is budgeted at $32 million, up almost $2 million from this current
year. The parent share of non-mandated day
care will remain at 27 percent, lower than
in many other counties in the state including New York City. The average number of
monthly applications is currently at the
highest it has been at in four years.
• There are no cuts to Bee-Line buses, and
fares will not be raised.
• The safety net for the counties most needy
will be preserved though a Social Services
budget of more than $559 million, the same
as in 2013.
• Playland will remain open in 2014. Astorino
is hoping that the Board of Legislators will
act soon on his proposal to turn operations
over to Sustainable Playland Inc., a Ryebased not-for-profit. If the BOL does not act,
Playland will continue to be operated by the
county’s Parks Department at a loss.
• All county parks and nature centers will
remain open. A related capital project will
begin the process of renovating the closed
Sprain Ridge Park Pool in Yonkers.
• Astorino continues to provide funding
for various community resources. Among
these are the following: ArtsWestchester,
$1.25 million; Westchester Library System,
$1 million; Cornell Cooperative Extension, $800,000; Hudson River Museum,
$700,000; Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, $585,000.
• There is a new “outreach initiatives” category that will provide $1.3 million to about 30
organizations that provide services for elder
abuse prevention, domestic violence prevention eviction prevention, senior services and
youth programs.
A separate capital budget for 2014 has
also been submitted, which reflects the Astorino
administration’s commitment to maintaining
vital public infrastructure and promoting economic growth.
The total capital budget proposed for 2014
is $275 million, an increase of $87 million from
2013. Projects proposed include improvements
to bridges, roads, sewers, water districts and the
county airport, as well as technology upgrades
and renovations to parks.
Groom Spots Celebrates Grand
Opening with Ribbon Cutting
Costume Party
Groom Spot held its ribbon cutting
ceremony in late October. Owner Julie
Zwisdak and boyfriend Larry Van Nostrand
were joined by family and friends to celebrate the grand opening of Groom Spot.
Tuckahoe’s Mayor Ecklond introduced
the ceremony and welcomed the new dog
grooming salon to the town. “The community has been very welcoming, and there
are many wonderful dogs in the neighborhood,” said Ms. Zwisdak.
The salon is currently open and booking appointments. Dog owners can rest assured that their beloved pooches will be in
good hands. The salon owners have been
grooming full time since 2007 and are very Julie Zwisdak, Larry Van Nostrand, Mayor Ecklond cut the Ribbon
concerned with providing a safe and comforting environment.
The staff of Groom Spot consists of
two gentle and certified dog groomers, who have had pets their whole life. They provide quality
service and care to suit the needs of their canine customers and their owners. For more information visit www.groomspot.com. To schedule a grooming appointment, call 914-826-5240.
www.thebronxvillebulletin.com
From the Mayor’s Office
continued from page 3
Democratic New York Governor Samuel J. Tilden retired to a Yonkers estate, Greystone, a 30 room stone
villa including the gardens of the now Untermeyer
Park.
Third Vice President, Aaron Burr, often tried
cases at St. Paul’s Church in Mount Vernon and
when Colonel of the Continental Army, took command of the forces in White Plains.
Horace Greeley, founder of the New York Tribune and the Republican Party as well as a Presidential candidate against Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, was a
Chappaqua resident and has been immortalized as a
namesake of a local high school.
John Peter Zenger wrote an article about an
Eastchester town election that heavily criticized the
New York Governor and resulted in a trial for “seditious libel”. The result in favor of Zenger led to
the enshrining of freedom of the press in the Bill of
Rights.
In the more recent past, a Mount Vernon native, Lt. Ira Palm, led a raid on Adolph Hitler’s Munich apartment in 1945. Though Hitler was not
there, Lt. Palm returned home with a gold plated
pistol bearing the letters AH.
Among the County’s many firsts include an elevator company, Otis in Yonkers; the first self-made
female millionaire, hair care maven Madame C. J.
Walker of Irvington; America’s oldest golf club, St.
Andrew’s founded in 1899 and the first synthetic
plastic made, Bakelite, in Yonkers.
In 1912, an inquisitive college student from
Yonkers, Edwin Armstrong, invented FM radio and
the year prior a Dominican nun named Mother
Mary Alphonsa founded the first home for terminal
cancer patients. Born Rose Hawthorne, she was the
daughter of American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne
and when she opened a second home in Unionville,
the town was renamed Hawthorne in her honor.
Tuckahoe Marble was used to build The New
York Public Library, the Federal Reserve Bank on
Wall Street, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the U.S. Capitol
and the Washington Monument. Painter Norman
Rockwell lived in New Rochelle from 1913 to 1939
and painted many of his famous Saturday Evening
Post covers while in residence.
Westchester’s highest point at 982 feet is in
Mountain Lake Park in North Salem and our oldest
building dates to 1667 and is still in use as a library
for the Rye Historical Society. Westchester is home
to over 50 parks and 18,000 acres of green space, the
largest being Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, five
times the size of Central Park.
Howard Stern started his radio career as a disc
jockey in Briarcliff Manor, and Beatles wives, Yoko
Ono and Linda McCarthy, both lived in Scarsdale
and attended Sarah Lawrence College. One of Scarsdale’s more infamous residents was FBI agent Robert
Hanssen who sold State secrets and began his treason
while living in Scarsdale in the late 1970’s. Aussie actor Mel Gibson was actually a Peekskill resident until
the age of 12.
A tunnel in the shuttered Memorial Field on
Sanford Boulevard in Mount Vernon was used to
film the iconic “Mean Joe Greene” Coke commercials so popular in the early 1980’s.
Even though we are home of the cocktail,
because legend has it that American soldiers in Elmsford often stole tail feathers from Tory-owned
chickens before heading to O’Brien’s for a few beverages and the tavern’s barmaid began to decorate the
potables with the plumage thus birthing the cocktail,
Crain’s New York Business says we are New York’s
slimmest, fittest County for our low rates of obesity,
inactivity and diabetes. We truly live in a fascinating
county!
This past fall the Village planted over twenty
street trees including red maples, lindens and pears,
but given that we lost over 100 during the past two
years of storms, we are clearly playing catch up.
Unfortunately, this number does not even take
into account the many lost on private property due
to storms or disease or sadly healthy ones removed
for expansion or remodeling.
“Street” trees serve architectural and engineering functions beyond the aesthetic value. They
enhance building design, reduce glare and reflection, screen unsightly areas, muffle urban noise and
reduce the “heat island effect” caused by pavement
and commercial buildings.
As an added plus, urban trees grow in value as
they age while most other municipal assets including roads and sewers decline in value.
Trees on private property produce even greater
monetary value. Studies have demonstrated that 10
to 23 percent of the value of a residence is based on
its tree stock. A municipality also captures some of
this monetary value as enhanced property values increase assessed values and the resulting tax base.
Trees also provide important symbolic links
with the past and are important often simply be-
Bronxville School Foundation Sponsors
“Redefining Rigor” Initiative
continued from page 1
ating a common rubric for guiding students as
they complete writing assignments.
Denise Flood, Professional Development
Policy Board Chairperson for the Bronxville
School, has already begun to incorporate new
instructional strategy in the Latin IV curriculum. In her class, students studied the myth
of Ovid in the original Latin and then traced
how these myths have transformed over time
in various media. “The goal is for students to
understand that the themes of classical mythology are universal and have enduring relevance
in today’s society. The project allows students
to make meaningful connections across disciplines,” stated Mrs. Flood.
In addition to providing funding for consultants, the Foundation grant monies will
be used to offer a Summer Symposium during which educators in the Tri-State area can
explore, share and refine their instructional
strategies and definitions of “academic rigor.”
Funding curriculum development and professional learning is becoming increasingly difficult given the current economic conditions. “I
am grateful to the Bronxville School Foundation,” said Dr. Lutter, “for its efforts to ensure
that faculty members have the opportunity to
engage in the research and development work
which underpins the district’s high standards
for academic rigor.”
Article written by Joella Lykouretzos and
Helena McSherry, Members of PR Committee, The
Bronxville School Foundation. Photo courtesy Helena McSherry
Local Resident Participates in
College Dance Club Performance
cause they have lived through eras with which we
have few other connections left.
They also positively alter our environment by
moderating climate, improving air quality, harboring wildlife, preserving soil and conserving water.
As example:
• Tree roots hold soil in place, slow run-off and
combat erosion.
• Leafy trees catch precipitation before it reaches the ground, allowing some to drip and evaporate
thereby reducing run-off and erosion.
• Leaf litter creates an environment for earthworms and other organisms that help maintain soil
quality.
• Trees reduce the heat intensity of the greenhouse effect by maintaining low levels of carbon
dioxide.
• Trees also remove gaseous pollutants from
the air by absorption of particulates such as ozone
sulphur dioxide and PAN, the chemical component
of smog.
• Trees also shield people from ultra-violet rays,
reducing UV-B exposure by about 50%. Trees are
especially important on playgrounds where children
spend hours outdoors.
• The net cooling effect of just one young
healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. Well placed trees
on a property can cut air conditioning cost by 10%
to 15% as well as indirectly cutting the carbon dioxide emissions from cooling units.
• Rows of trees, even small conifers, reduce
wind speed up to 85% and a good windbreak can
save up to 25% of winter heating costs.
Selecting a tree that will thrive in a given set
of site conditions is the key to long term tree survival. Before selecting a tree for planting, many
factors should be considered: the soil conditions,
exposure to sun and wind, human activity near the
tree site, drainage, space constraints and hardiness
zone. The tree must also have adequate space to
grow to maturity both above and below ground. Of
particular importance in Bronxville is a tree’s proximity to power lines. Con Edison has the absolute
right to trim trees into the infamous “V” shape to
expose their wires.
The Bronxville Historical Conservancy has embarked on a project to delineate native plant and tree
species best suited for the various topographical differences in Village neighborhoods. The end product
will be a very useful, long term guide for successful
planting in the Village.
If you spot a distressed or dead tree or notice a
public location that merits a tree, please email Village Hall at [email protected] and we will put the
location on our list for remediation.
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Keira Vollandt, a freshman at Connecticut College and resident of Bronxville, took part in “A
Dancer’s Dozen,” the Dance Club’s fall performance, held Oct. 31, Nov. 1 & 2 at the Martha Myers
Dance Studio at Connecticut College.
The concert featured works choreographed and performed by students. Students danced to
music by Christina Aguilera, Nicki Minaj, Ludwig van Beethoven, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong
and other greats.
Vollandt was a 2013 graduate of Horace Mann School.
www.shorelinepub.com
bronxvillebulletin
December 2013 • 5
December 2013 Calendar of Events
The New York Botanical Garden, Fordham Road, Bronx will feature the “Holiday Train Show” until January 12, 2014
featuring over 20 large scale model railway trains and trolleys and activities. Visit nybg.org for complete listings or call
718-817-8700.
Celebrate Diwali, the
Hindu Festival of Lights
during Free Arts Day at
the Pelham Art Center,
155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham
on Sunday, December 8
from 1:30-3:30pm. For
more information about
this free program, call
738-2525 or visit www.
pelhamartcenter.org.
The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum will
offer the upcoming program: December
6 from 11:30 to 2pm – Holiday Luncheon
, rsvp required; December 6 from 5:30 to
8:30pm – Holiday First Friday! With the
Metropolitones, registration required;
December 7 from 10am to 1pm – Annual
Holiday Family Day: A Storybook Christmas, registration required; December 14
from 6 to 8pm – Holiday Candlelight
Tours and Victorian Carolers; December
21 from 2:30 to 4:30pm – Birding at Bartow. To register for any of these events
call 718-885-1461. For details about these
and more events, visit www.bpmm.org or
email [email protected].
Westchester Italian Cultural Center, One
Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe will
hold the following: Presepio Napoletano
– a rich cultural and spiritual tradition
that portrays a bustling village located
at the base of Mount Vesuvius. The
landscape is handcrafted in wood, cork
and paper mache. The figures are made
of terra cotta, hemp and wire many of
which stand more than a foot tall on
view through January 11. December 7
at 10:30am -- Genealogy Series: Locating
Italian Documents, presented by Toni
McKeen. Must register in advance and
prepay. December 7 at 2pm -- Family
Program: Buon Natale: Presepio Workshop, creating your unique nativity set
to take home to enjoy for the holidays.
A holiday reception will conclude the
program. A program for all ages! Children under age 5 must be accompanied
by a parent. Adult participation must be
with a child. Must register in advance
and prepay. December 10 at 6:30pm -Cooking Class: Dolci delle Feste, a hands
on class with Chef Franca D’Amico who
will teach you how to prepare some of
the most delicious holiday desserts. For
a detailed description of what will be
made please visit our website wiccny.
org. Must register in advance and pre-
6 • December 2013
Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk brings to life Charles Dickens’ classic
story of Ebenezer Scrooge re-telling “A Christmas Carol” in the historic,
candlelit interior of the circa 1685 Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow
on Nov. 29-30, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, and Dec. 22 at 3:30, 4:45 an 6pm. A
“Holiday Open House” provides a cozy, storybook setting to toast the season from 4 to 8m on Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at Philipsburg Manor, 381 North
Broadway, Sleepy Hollow. For information and tickets to both events:
914-366-6900, www.hudsonvalley.org.
Light Up the Town Tree-Lighting & Family Shopping Stroll - Friday, December 6, 6:00 - 9:00 pm. The tree-lighting ceremony begins at 6:00 pm at the corner
of Park Pl. and Kraft Ave. in Bronxville, featuring a visit from Santa and a performance of a capella carols by SHA! Capella -- the group of Bronxville students, whose talents led them to perform at Madison Square Garden. The ceremony will conclude by 6:30 pm; stores will stay open till 9:00 pm, providing
various shopping enticements, such as complimentary refreshments and specials. Come see Santa around Bronxville on Saturday, December 14, from
3:30 to 5:00 pm and Young at Arts caroling on the evening Thursday, December 19! Free-Parking Days – Courtesy of The Village of Bronxville: Saturday,
December 14, and Saturday, December 21, from noon to 6:00 pm, at the following locations: Garden Ave. lot, Kraft Ave. lot, Avalon lot, as well as metered
spaces on Pondfield Rd., Studio Arcade, Parkway Rd., and Palmer Ave.
pay. December 13 at 6:30pm -- Viva Verdi!: Otello by Giuseppe Verdi, a viewing
of 1996 performance at the Metropolitan Opera, starring Placido Domingo,
Renee Fleming, and James Morris. Conducted by James Levine. The program
was made possible by the collaboration
of the Bronxville Women’s Club. Must
register in advance and prepay. For complete details on these and other events,
visit www.wiccny.org or call 771-8700.
The Village Lutheran Church, 172
White Plains Road, Bronxville will hold
the following: DISTRICT DIACONATE
TRAINING for Westchester and the
Bronx will continue with a new course
offering on Tuesdays, January 7 through
February 11 from 7-9:30pm at Village
Lutheran Church. The new class is The
New Testament – a survey course of the
life and teaching of Jesus Christ and the
origins and growth of the Christian message within the Apostolic Church. To
register or get more information, call
Pastor Hartwell at 337-0207, x1022 or
e-mail [email protected]. The next
Good News Christian Coffee House will
be held at VLC on December 14, when
Frank Rendo will take center stage. A
service of lessons and carols, Round-TheTable Carol Sing, Chancel Choir, Youth
Choir, Village Bells, Village Brass and
string quartet will peform on December 15, at 10:45am. A Service of Lessons
and Carols on December 18th at 7pm
will feature The Chapel School Select
Choir, Chamber Choir and Prep Choir.
For more information call 337-0207 or
www.vlc-ny.org.
The Pelham Art Center, 155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham will hold the following
events: CRAFT-TASTIC: An Exhibition
and Sale of the Handmade will run
through Jan. 4, 2014 with a 15% Member Discount Sale from until December
8. Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival
bronxvillebulletin
On December 14 from 5 to 8pm, the paper
works by Adriana Rostovsky entitled,
“Transformations” will open at Recologie, 49 Lawton Street, New Rochelle. For
complete details visit recologie.com or call
450-5916.
of Lights on December 8 from 1:303:30pm. Celtic and Holiday Classics will
be performed on December 15, from
3-4pm by Westchester Harp Ensemble
directed by Lois Colin. For complete details visit www.pelhamartcenter.org.
The following events are happening at
Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans
Memorial, Route 35, Somers: Holiday
Ornament-Making Workshop – Saturday, December 7 – 10:30 a.m. – noon.
Make your own unique ornaments with
colorful gourds and Bath and Beauty
Workshop – Saturday, December 14 –
10:30 a.m. – noon. Make your own bath
oils as you learn about herbs, essential
oils and aromatherapy. Pre-registration
required by calling 886-5108. For additional information, call 864-7268.
Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers will offer the following programs: Artisan Faire
– Tuesday through Sunday, December
3 through 8, noon – 3 p.m. Artists and
hand-crafters will showcase their wares
in the Main House; Artisans Fair and
Wine Tasting Reception – Saturday, December 7, 5 – 7 p.m. Sample a variety of
wines and enjoy light food and music as
you shop the Artisan Faire; Christmas at
Night on the Farm – Saturday, December
14, 5 – 7 p.m. An old-fashioned, magical
night with carols, cookies and a tour of
the decorated barnyard and Christmas
on the Farm – Sunday, December 15, 3 –
5 p.m. Tour the farm house and barnyard
all decorated for Christmas, and see a
performance by Nappy’s Puppets at 3:30
p.m. Go to westchestergov.com/parks or
call 864-7282 for more information.
Skeletons, a free art exhibition by
Charles McGill, will be on display from
January 27 through March 8 on the
third floor of the Academic Arts Building at Westchester Community College,
75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla. McGill’s
work merges his passion for golf with a
conceptual understanding of found objects. Call 606-7867 for details.
The Greenburgh Nature Center, 99
Dromore Road, Scarsdale will offer
the following programs: Weekly Fitness Classes for Adults; Yoga Classes
on Mondays at 7pm on Jan. 6, 13, 20
and 27 & Fridays at 9am on Jan. 3, 10,
1, 24, and 31; Building a Better Future
Now: Redesigning Our Regional Energy
and Transportation Structure, and How
You Can be Involved on Jan. 8 at 7pm;
Weekly Sunday Walks (Teaching Trails)
at 11:30am on Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26. For
more information on these programs
and more, call 723-3470 or visit greenburghnaturecenter.org.
gov/sapa for further information.
12
From 1:15 to 2:15pm, a SEPTA Coffee
will be held at the Pupil Personnel Office, 18 Franklin Place, Pelham to discuss
to discuss the transition process and life
after high school hosted Rosemary Matthews (Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services), Lauren Ribeiro
(CPSE/CSE Chairperson- Supervisor Elementary Special Education) and Regina
Ricci (CSE Chairperson -Curriculum Coordinator Secondary Special Education).
RSVP to Sally Tedesco at 738-3434, ext. 3
or [email protected].
DECEMBER
7
At 7pm, The Bronxville Women’s Club
and The Performing Arts Center of
Southern Westchester present the Premiere Gala Event HOLIDAY IN! a new
and original holiday-inspired variety
show at the Bronxville Women’s Club,
135 Midland Avenue, Bronxville. The
evening will be a fundraiser for the
BWC’s historic Clubhouse and select local children’s charitable organizations,
including Program Reach, Inc. A reception and “Meet the Cast” will follow
the program. Because of limited seating,
advance paid reservations are recommended. For further information, call
337-3252 or visit www.bronxvillewomensclub.org.
13
From 8:45am to 1pm, The Westchester
County Soil and Water Conservation
District and Department of Planning
will present a half-day seminar titled
“Designing Environmentally Sound
Landscapes” at the Westchester County
Center in White Plains. Registration
begins at 8am. It is for site design and
development professionals, municipal
representatives and homeowners who
want to learn how to plan for and design man-made landscapes that improve
the quality of the natural environment.
The cost of the workshop is $15, which
includes continental breakfast, snacks
and program materials. Parking at the
County Center, located at 198 Central
Avenue in White Plains, is $7. Registration by Dec. 9 is required. Call 995-4424
or email [email protected] for
more information.
11
At 1pm, St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 So. Columbus Avenue, Mt.
Vernon presents a concert featuring Lois
Colin and company performing Harp
music for the holidays. Parking and
admission are free. Light refreshments
served. Call 667-4116 or visit www.nps.
15
At 4pm, Village Lutheran Church & The
Chapel School will conduct a German
Christmas Service with Rev. Dr. Martin
Conkling, featuring lessons and carols at
172 White Plains Road, Bronxville. For
more information, call 337-0207 or visit
www.vlc-ny.org.
www.thebronxvillebulletin.com
Sixteen Bronxville High School
Students Named to Area
All-State Ensembles
Come One Come All…
Premier Gala Event
Left to right: Harry Pyle, Noor Banihashem Ahmad, Rebecca Blanco, Maria Louka, Fallon Raviol, Kylie Regan, Caroline
Schetlick, Elizabeth McGough, Kyle Swanson, Hilary Rizzo, John Kim, Jamie Carroll, Henry Anderson. Missing: Spencer
Borwick, Morgan Taylor, Kenny Xue. Photo: Donna Devlin for The Bronxville School.
Sixteen Bronxville High School students were selected for Area All-State music ensembles by
the Westchester County School Music Association (WCSMA) for its 2013 Area All-State Festival
Concert held at SUNY Purchase.
Selected for the String Orchestra are sophomore violinist Hilary Rizzo, junior cellists Henry
Anderson and Morgan Taylor, and senior violinist John Kim. Selected for the Symphony Orchestra
are sophomore violinist Fallon Raviol, junior bassist Harry Pyle, and senior violinist Elizabeth McGough. Senior Kyle Swanson will play piccolo in the Symphony Orchestra; he has also been named
to the 2013 New York All-State Symphonic Band, which performs in Rochester in December.
Selected for the Women’s Chorus are sophomores Noor Banihashem Ahmad (soprano) and
Caroline Schetlick (alto) and seniors Rebecca Blanco (alto) and Jamie Carroll (soprano). Selected
for the Mixed Chorus are sophomore Maria Louka (soprano), junior Kylie Regan (soprano), and seniors basses Spencer Borwick and Kenny Xue . Blanco and Xue, along with senior bass Chris Landy,
will sing with the 2013 All-National Honor Choir in Nashville from October 27-30.
Performers were chosen by WCSMA on the basis of auditions at last spring’s New York State
School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo Festival. WCSMA, the county arm of NYSSMA, sponsors
the Area All-State Festival each year as the equivalent of an all-county festival for Westchester
sophomores, juniors and seniors.
The Holiday In! cast at rehearsal
Holiday In! An original holiday-inspired variety show being held on Saturday, December 7, at
7:00 pm, at the Bronxville Women’s Club, 135 Midland Avenue, Bronxville.
The evening will be a fundraiser for the BWC’s historic Clubhouse and select local children’s
charitable organizations, including Program Reach, Inc.
The show promises to be a classy, sassy, energetic and fun feel-good evening of song, music,
dance and more for the entire family to share.
A reception and “Meet the Cast” will follow the program.
Tax-deductible donations for VIP Seating: $80 per adult; $40 per child under the age of 12; for
General Admission: $40 per adult; $20 per child under the age of 12. Checks made to The Bronxville Women’s Club, a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization.
Because of limited seating, advance paid reservations are recommended.
Tickets may be purchased at the BWC and/or The Performing Arts Center of Southern Westchester, 504 Fifth Avenue, Pelham or by writing to BWC, 135 Midland Avenue; Bronxville, NY.
10708. Please enclose a SASE, or tickets will be left at the door.
For further information, call 337-3252 or visit www.bronxvillewomensclub.org.
Simplicity and Excellence in Northern Italian-Adriatic Cuisine
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bronxvillebulletin
December 2013 • 7
Stunning Center Hall Colonial
This wonderful four bedroom, three and one-half bath Center Hall Colonial offers over 3,100 square feet of
living space. First floor features entry hall, living room with fireplace, large eat-in kitchen opening to a spacious family room with a fireplace. Second floor has a huge master suite with full bath. In addition, there are
three large bedrooms with lots of closet space and a hall bath.This house has a recently finished basement with
wet bar and full bath. The high ceilings and tasteful décor make it a great place for parties and celebrations!
Bronxville PO/ Eastchester.....................................................................................................................$950,000
133 Parkway Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
Tel: 914.337.7888
www.houlihanomalley.com
Make a Difference Day
a Huge Success
Support for Seniors, Families, Education, Youth and Health
Please give generously to:
The Community Fund
17 Sagamore Road, Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-8808
www.thecommunityfund.org
To date, The Community Fund is about halfway to our fundraising goal for FY2013.
Our success in achieving that goal will determine the amount of funding we can
give to local agencies and programs that support seniors, families, education, youth
and health programs in the Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe communities.
Please donate today.
8 • December 2013
bronxvillebulletin
On Saturday, October 26th the Chapel School and Village Lutheran Church participated in
Make a Difference Day a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Millions of volunteers from
around the world unite in a common mission to improve the lives of others. This was the second year The Chapel School and Village Lutheran Church participated. Over seventy volunteers
came together to make a difference. “The stories told around Make a Difference Day show that
anyone - regardless of age, location or resources - can accomplish amazing things when they take
on the problems they see in the community. School families, church members, and friends of the
community gathered to complete various projects. The Multipurpose Room was transformed into
the Make a Difference Headquarters. Service Stations were assembled where volunteers worked
together to make toys for animals in shelters, decorate pillowcases for children in hospitals, bake
cookies for firefighters, write letters to soldiers overseas and so much more! “We wanted to show
how helping others could have a “chain reaction” by reaching out to those in the community.”
Kate Porter, The Chapel School Music Teacher for Pre-K through grade 2 and Youth Minister
of the Village Lutheran Church, organized the Make a Difference Day. Village Lutheran Church
and The Chapel School are located at 172 White Plains Road in Bronxville. For more information
about Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School and its programs, call 914-337-3202 or visit
www.thechapelschool.org.
www.thebronxvillebulletin.com
All Aboard a New Tradition, Holiday The Nutcracker Magical Matinee
Sunday December 15th 1:30pm
Model Train Show at Lasdon
The exciting sights and sounds of holiday Lionel trains, featuring the Polar Express, as well as
famous holiday characters, arrive for the first time at Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial, during the Holiday on the Hill event, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 14,
15, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29.
In addition, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special visit on Sunday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m. to
3:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children; proceeds will help fund Lasdon programs.
Immediately after Thanksgiving, fresh balsam fir Christmas trees and wreaths will be on sale
in an old- fashioned tree lot next to the Garden Shop, which will also sell poinsettias, plants, gifts
and refreshments.
Lasdon will host a fun-packed holiday show featuring trains running on more than 150 feet
of track on a giant eight-foot by 22-foot multi-level layout.
There are dozens of tiny buildings and structures in a display that combines fantasy and real
train themes, including the Polar Express chugging along to Santa’s Village at the North Pole and
highlights of the Metro-North Railroad line from Manhattan to Katonah. Along the way visitors
will see famous holiday icons such as Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the
Grinch, Charlie Brown and Peanuts characters, Ralphie from A Christmas Story and Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The Putnam Humane Society will be there on Saturdays for families wishing to adopt a homeless pet.
Proceeds from tree sales will benefit Base Camp Westchester, a non-profit organization aiding
homeless veterans in Westchester. The main house will be decorated for the holidays and the Westchester Veterans Museum will feature a new exhibit titled “The Holiday Season during Wartime.”
Go to westchestergov.com/parks or call Lasdon at 864-7268.
Marathon Effort Raises Money
for Scholarships
The Picture House announces The Nutcracker Magical Matinee, a special holiday event
that will take place on Sunday December 15th
at 1:30pm for families and kids of all ages. The
cinematic version of New York City Ballet’s classic production brings George Balanchine’s chorography to the big screen. The Nutcrackerwill
be presented in the Main Hall, at a special film
event trimmed with beautifully costumed ballerinas greeting attendees upon arrival, a live
dance performance, photo opportunities and
special treats.
The Nutcracker movie is the beloved tale
of a young girl whose dreams transport her to a
fantasy land of Mice Kings and fairytale sweets
that come to life. The film features a legendary
all-star cast from New York City Ballet, including Darci Kistler and Damian Woetzel as the
Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier, with a cameo appearance by a young McCauley Culkin as
the Nutcracker Prince. Kevin Kline narrates the
story. The matinee event will open with a live
performance by youth members of Pelham’s
Ballet Arts’ dance program, featuring excerpts
from The Nutcracker Act II. Dancers in costumes will be available for photo opportunities
during intermission.
The Picture House is presenting this enchanting matinee event to give young audiences an
informal yet authentic theatergoing experience, close to home and at affordable ticket prices.
Printed programs with a synopsis of the story, casting and performance notes will be distributed
by glittering ballerinas at the door. The Nutcracker film is the same production performed by New
York City Ballet each December at Lincoln Center.
Tickets for The Nutcracker Magical Matinee are priced at $25 for general admission, $15 for
members, and may be purchased online through The Picture House website or at the box office
during theater hours. Advance bookings are suggested.
The Picture House is dedicated to creating a shared community experience for diverse audiences through film, education programming and unique cultural offerings. Our historically preserved and restored theater offers a unique gathering place dedicated to entertaining, enriching,
and inspiring a sense of wonder for all ages. The Picture House 175 Wolfs Lane, Pelham. 738-3161
www.thepicturehouse.org
VIENNA
BOYS’ CHOIR
December 7, 8pm
ORPHEUS
CHAMBER
ORCHESTRA
January 26, 3pm
GREAT
GIFTS
from The Center
December 8, 3pm
Buy one
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&
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GARRICK OHLSSON
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Fry Street Quartet
February 9, 3pm
February 7, 8pm
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Left to right: Kristy Levinson, Jack Culaj, Jamie Geier, Rob Gebhart, Jessica Murrer, and Toni Romano. Photo
credit: Village Lutheran Church
On November 3, 2013, six members of Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School
community ran the ING New York City Marathon on behalf of scholarships for the Chapel School
students. The Team Coach and Senior Pastor of the Church and School, Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell,
helped form the charity run several years ago. Speaking about the dedication of the runners, he
said, “To commit to a marathon, both physically and with the level of support that each runner
must raise, is a testimony to their care for our school and students.” Runner must raise at least
$3,000.
The school has received gifts and pledges of almost $15,000. Principal of the school, James
Dhyne, shared his thankfulness for the gifts received. “Gifts continue to be recorded. Team Chapel
did a fantastic job and the money raised will go a long way in meeting the needs of our deserving
students.” According to Dhyne, donations are still being received.
www.shorelinepub.com
1400
DR. JOHN
UPRIGHT
CITIZENS BRIGADE
TOURING COMPANY
or in person at
the box office.
Box office hours:
Tues-Fri noon to 6pm
Closed 11/28 & 11/29
February 22, 8pm
February 15, 8pm
Offer applies to December,
January & February
Center Series events only.
December events must be
purchased by Dec 4,
January/February by Dec 20.
Subject to availability.
Does not apply to previously
purchased tickets or
in combination with
other offers.
914-251-6200
KIM KASHKASHIAN
February 23, 3pm
bronxvillebulletin
WWW.ARTSCENTER.ORG
AR
R
EN
December 2013 • 9
Students Excel in
Cross Country Season
Twenty students in
the 5th-8th grades at The
Chapel School in Bronxville, recently finished
up their successful cross
country season.
Chapel School runners in
5th grade competed in
a 1500m run while students in the 6th-8th grade
grouping ran 1.2 miles
throughout Van Cortlandt
Park in the Bronx over a
series of four meets. All of
the Chapel School runners
worked diligently this year
to lower their times over
the course of the season and saw personal best times at each race. Coaches Kimberly Johnson and
Katie Vogt are extremely proud of all of their runners and look forward to an even better season
next year.
Runners in the 6th-8th grade had much success during the course of the season with the boys’
team earning 1st place at each of the four meets. This race included participants from Westchester,
the Bronx and New Jersey.
One of The Chapel School’s eighth graders, ended the season with his best time of 6:53.21
and finishing in 1st place at the Columbus Day Invitational. Three seventh graders rounded out
the top 10 finishers at this final meet of the season.
A Chapel School fifth grader finished in 1st place at all four meets improving his time during
the course of the season. At the Columbus Day Invitational, he completed the 1500m run in a
season best time of 6:10.02. This was the second year that the school participated in Westchester
County’s CYO Cross Country season.
The Chapel School is located on 172 White Plains Road in Bronxville. For more information about the Chapel School and its programs, please call 337-3202 or visit the website at www.
thechapelschool.org
The Chapel School Preschoolers
Make New Friends
Recently the Chapel School Preschool
welcomed eight preschool students from
the New York School for the Deaf in White
Plains. The two classes from NYSD were
joined by their teachers and Principal,
Barbara Robinson. Some of the NYSD
students were from an auditory-oral class
and some from a bilingual (ASL) class. The
Chapel School preschoolers were eager to
show their guests a great time! The children participated in circle time, show and
tell, learned Halloween songs, had snack,
and played on the playground.
The Chapel School will continue to
enjoy their new friendship with The New
York School for the Deaf over the course of
this school year with several visits. All the children are excited about their next visit in December.
The Chapel School’s Preschool Director, Michelle Tween, is thrilled about entering this new partnership. “I look forward to watching the preschoolers socialize and learn from each other. Our
students are already learning some sign language so that they can communicate even better with
their new friends!”
Give the Gift of Relaxation
with a Gift Certificate
14 Studio Arcade
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337.9356
www.bronxvillewellness.com
10 • December 2013
bronxvillebulletin
Park 143 Bistro Excited to
Launch New Expanded Menu
Park 143 Bistro is excited to announce the
launch of its new expanded dinner menu crafted by Executive Chef Jason Holmberg. While
Park 143 Bistro is known for its array of small
plate offerings, the innovative menu dramatically increased the number of entrees on the menu. Eight new entrees offer patrons an unparalleled
diverse dining adventure. “We
love giving people the opportunity to eat an exceptional meal,”
said owner Wayne Chessler. “The
support of our guests is phenomenal and is the reason we are expanding the menu – to give them
more of what they want. And our
guests are confirming we have
made the right choices.”
Tempting new entrees emphasize the flavors of the season
include a delicious braised pork
shank paired with white beans Long Island Duck
and cauliflower in a veal and mustard jus; an
exquisite bacon wrapped filet mignon with
mild mushrooms and asparagus pork quenched
in rosemary sauce; and Long Island Duck with
baby brussel sprouts, chanterelles in a gooseberry sauce. The menu still features lengthy small
plate selections and new offerings are enticing
lamb meatballs in a garlic mint sauce and veal
paillard layered over a scallion potato pancake
and topped with fennel and herb salad.
Executive Chef Jason Holmberg is known
to have a passion for artistic and creative expression through exquisite food presentation.
Holmberg is also known for pairing various textures and flavors together for superb tastes that
unfold with each bite. “We had a great time creating this menu,” stated Holmberg. “We think
it is important to continue exploring new territory and adventures in dining.”
New American dining and casual elegance
combine at Park 143 Bistro. A seasonal menu
includes innovative small plates and entrees,
featuring savory crepes, homemade pastas, a
fresh fish of the day selection and made-to-
share classics such as, lager steamed mussels,
and jalapeno flavored shrimp and grits; all can
be enjoyed in a space carefully crafted to be a
glamorous epicurean retreat.
Quilted black leather chairs with polished
nickel studs reflecting hand blown glass light
fixtures casting a dim glow on whimsical zebra
print banquettes with red piping are among
the details that make this chic Bronxville eatery seem comfortably far away from the everyday. An elevated chef’s table in the back with
recessed seating has it own private, quiet atmosphere. Westchester Magazine voted our chef’s
table.
Lunch is served daily from 11:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m., dinner from 3:00 p.m. to closing and
Saturday and Sunday brunch from 9:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. For more information visit us online
at www.143parkbistro.com.
Operation Prom
Award Recipients
Operation PROM a national non-profit organization has been making dreams
come true since 2004 by providing dresses,
tuxedos and more to students who otherwise could not afford them. Their help
has allowed these deserving students to be
a part of the high school rite of passage:
Prom.
On Saturday, November 9th, the
United Hispanic Construction Workers,
Inc. sponsored a “Women’s Empowerment” event at the Royal Regency Hotel
in Yonkers. The event brought over 250
women together from a variety of different professions and different experiences.
The Director, Carmen Tirado-Rodriguez
hosted the 2nd annual event, that sponsored tables for women who were domestic violence survivors, breast cancer survivors, and community activists. Among the
guests were Operation PROM Founder &
President, Noel D’Allacco, and Operation Louisa McTurner
PROM Board Member, Louisa McTurner.
D’Allacco and McTurner were surprised to hear their names called during the awards program. “We selected these two women for their entrepreneurial spirit, and for their dedication to
their community,” said Carmen Tirado-Rodriguez. Louisa McTurner is the first African-American
woman to own a store in Bronxville, “Weezie D. Boutique”, and also has a location in Rye. She
received the Entrepreneur Award. “I was in complete shock, and so appreciative of the award,”
said McTurner. Noel D’Allacco received the Benevolence Award. “I am grateful to have received the
award, and be in the company of so many empowering women,”said D’Allacco.
D’Allacco and McTurner met four years ago during a dress collection at Weezie D. Boutique in
Bronxville. Carmen Tirado-Rodriguez has been a supporter of both of their efforts.
For information about Operation PROM visit www.OperationPROM.org
For information about the United Hispanic Construction Workers, Inc. visit www.uhcwinc.org
www.thebronxvillebulletin.com
Furniture Sharehouse
Launches “Sittin’ Round
The Table” Project
Furniture Sharehouse, Westchester’s
Furniture Bank, is launching its “Sittin’
Round the Table” Project this holiday season to draw attention to the importance of
basic furniture in the lives of Westchester’s
families in need. “There’s nothing that
says home like gathering around the table
for a holiday meal,” says executive director and founder Kate Bialo of Larchmont.
“But it’s easier to give thanks around the
table when you have a table -- something
so many of us take for granted.”
The organization hopes to raise
enough money to furnish 25 Westchester
families in need this holiday season. “It
costs us about $300 to Furnish a Family
by giving them the basic furniture they
need to make a fresh start,” said Bialo.
“We think that if friends and neighbors
in Westchester know that there are families in their midst who are living in empty
apartments, they’ll pull together to help.”
Since opening six years ago, Furniture Sharehouse has provided over 36,000
items of furniture free of charge to more
than 7,000 Westchester residents moving
out of homeless shelters, escaping domes-
tic violence and recovering from personal
and natural disasters to help rebuild their
lives. Clients are referred by member social service agencies to ensure that the
furniture goes only to those who need it
the most.
The “Sittin’ Round the Table” theme
is inspired by a poem written by Westchester poet Bill Scher which was put to music by The Original Blind Boys of Alabama
as part of Texas-based CTK Foundation’s
2013 Heart & Soul Grant won by Furniture
Sharehouse. To highlight the theme, every
client referred by member agencies in November and December will receive a special gift – a package of turkey fixins’ and
a CD with the “Sittin “Round the Table”
song.
To make a monetary contribution and
for details on how to donate your gentlyused furniture, visit www.furnituresharehouse.org. and while you’re there, click
the link on the home page to hear The
Original Blind Boys of Alabama sing about
how the families you help will feel when
they are “Sittin’ Round the Table” for the
holidays.
Westchester Senior Hall of Fame
Honors 57 Seniors
Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino has announced that the Hon.
Lois Taplin Bronz, the first woman and first African-American to chair Westchester
County’s Board of Legislators and a life-long champion for early childhood education,
will be the top honoree at the 31st annual Westchester Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
on Dec. 6.
Bronz is one of 57 seniors from 25 municipalities who will be honored at this
year’s Hall of Fame. They will all be inducted at a festive luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to
3 p.m. in the Main Ballroom of the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown.
The Senior Citizens Hall of Fame is a marquee event on Westchester’s calendar
every year.
“We’re lucky to say that they are our friends and neighbors,” Astorino said. “Their
achievements enrich our lives and their spirits inspire us.”
This year’s Special Recognition Honorees are Sister St. John Delany of White
Plains; Barbara Lisio of Hastings; Andrea Olsen of Yonkers; Dr. Maria A. Pici of West
Harrison; and Lucy Schmolka of Armonk.
Local recipients include Patricia Dohrenwend and Audrey Fallon from Bronxville,
Joan Mooney from New Rochelle, John Cassone from Pelham, and Mary Ann Frusciante from Tuckahoe.
www.shorelinepub.com
Songcatchers 19th Annual
“Concert for Peace”
On December 15, 2013 at 4pm, Songcatchers will be holding its 19th annual “Concert for
Peace” at the Chapel at the College of New Rochelle, 29 Castle Place, New Rochelle.
Songcatchers will perform secular and interfaith carols, songs of peace, and songs of the holidays. This 50 member intergenerational chorus and 15 member instrumental ensemble, performs
regularly throughout the year for civic, private, and interfaith events. The children are drawn from
both the Choir Camp and the After-School Music Program; many of the adults were once children
in the choir themselves.
There is no charge for admission but free-will offerings are accepted and CDs will be on sale.
For additional information about Songcatchers, please contact Sr. Beth Dowd at 654-1178 or
at [email protected].
Holiday Shopping Tips
With the holiday shopping season here, the Westchester County Department of Consumer
Protection wants to make your holiday shopping a little less stressful this year.
“No matter what the price of a gift purchase, it’s important that people make informed purchases,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “Consumers can make life easier on themselves
by remembering these holiday shopping tips, whether shopping in a brick and mortar store or using
the Internet.”
• Comparison shop for the best price; find out all you can about an item before you purchase it.
• Know the refund policy of the merchant you are buying from. In a retail store, the refund
policy must be posted at the point of sale.
• If an advertised sale item is not available, ask for a rain check; you’re entitled to it.
• When making purchases, keep your receipts together and organized. Quickly retrieve your
credit cards after using them. If you pay by credit card, the credit card company can help you when
you have a dispute with a merchant.
• Find out the warranty information about a product before you purchase it. It varies from
product to product. Sometimes warranties are offered by the merchant as well as the manufacturer
and your credit card company.
• Online shopping offers may conveniences. However, shop with companies you know, or
which have provided good service to people you know. Look for a written description of the company’s refund and exchange policy. When shopping online, make sure the Web site is secure before
entering your personal or financial information. Secure Web sites begin with https:// rather than
just http://.
Contact the Department of Consumer Protection if you are experiencing a problem with a
purchase at (914)995-2155, by e-mail at [email protected] or via the Web at www.westchestergov.com
bronxvillebulletin
December 2013 • 11
“A Christmas Carol” Coming to Dolores Powers Receives Award
Concordia Conservatory
More than 85 local
students will perform in
a holiday production of
the musical, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, presented
by Concordia Conservatory from December 6-8
at the Schoenfeld Campus Center at Concordia
College, Bronxville.
All performers and
crew members are from
the region, hailing from
the Bronx, Bronxville,
Cos Cob, Eastchester,
Larchmont, Mount Vernon, Pelham, New Rochelle, Old Greenwich,
Scarsdale, Tuckahoe and
Yonkers.
This is the 14th annual musical production for the Conservatory, which features children ages 8-18 who complete
an audition and interview to participate. The productions are part of the Conservatory’s tuitionfree community outreach program. The yearly musicals are funded through private donations to
Concordia Conservatory.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL is based on the Charles Dickens’ holiday classic. It centers around Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable old man who mistreats everyone in his life. Mr. Scrooge is transformed
by the spirit of Christmas when he receives a visit from three ghosts on Christmas Eve.
The cast and crew are led by stage director Kathleen Suss, music director Greg Suss, with set
designer Eric Zoback, lighting designer John Flanagan and Choreographer Jen Littlefield. Marcy
Damasco and Sharon Shearon are the production’s producers.
Performances Schedule:
December 6 4:30pm & 7:00pm
December 7 11:00am & 1:30pm
December 8 1:00pm & 3:30pm
Location: Schoenfeld Campus Center, Concordia College, Bronxville
Tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for children/seniors. To purchase tickets and for more information, call 395-4507.
Lawrence Hospital
Center’s Dolores Powers,
PT received a prestigious
award for her decades
of service caring for patients, providing physical therapy to people in
Central America, and for
volunteering at an area
homeless shelter.
Powers,
supervisor of inpatient physical therapy at Lawrence,
was presented with the
Wholeness of Life award
for her more than 25
years of selfless service
to those in need during
a ceremony on October
24th at Lawrence Hospital Center in Bronxville.
The program took place during National Pastoral Care Week, a time for institutions to recognize
spiritual caregivers in their midst.
“We all take so much for granted,” said Powers. “Each and every one of us should be doing
whatever we can to help people in need.”
Powers was also recognized for her work in El Salvador, where she has been on medical missions with family members.
“It was so eye opening to see that basic needs, such as fresh water, immunizations and education, are not available there,” said Powers.
Powers has worked at Lawrence’s physical therapy department for more than 25 years, caring
for the whole person – patients’ bodies, minds and spirits.
“Dolores’ community has long benefited from her faithful volunteer commitment to homeless men at her local shelter,” said Rev. Sim Gardner, director of pastoral care at Lawrence. “We also
take pride in her many years of service in Central America through WISH, the medical group that
gives free physical therapy to people in need across the globe.”
It was the 21st year that the Wholeness of Life award was given out at Lawrence. President
and CEO Edward M. Dinan presented the award to Powers during the special ceremony. Healthcare Chaplaincy, which works to further research, education, and the practice of multi-faith spiritual healthcare, co-sponsors Wholeness of Life.
During the Wholeness of Life ceremony, Lawrence Hospital Center employees and members
of the community said goodbye to Sister Florence Mallon. Mallon left Lawrence on October 11 to
return to caring for Bronxville’s St. Joseph’s Church full-time.
New Vice President, Executive Director COO of Combs Enterprise to be Keynote
at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital
Speaker at 100th Anniversary Gala
Montefiore announced the appointment of Presbyterian Healthcare System. He is recogAnthony Alfano as vice president and executive
nized for the successful merger integration of
director of Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital. NYDH within New York-Presbyterian. Before
Montefiore recently opened Montefiore New
his recruitment to NYDH, he was on the senior
Rochelle and Montefiore Mount Vernon along leadership teams at Brooklyn Hospital Center
with Schaffer Extended Care
and Saint Vincent’s Catholic
Center at the former Sound
Medical Center. Alfano’s diShore Health System facilities.
verse business portfolio conThe two hospitals will be
sists of leadership positions in
run as individual institutions,
human resources, information
each with its own executive
technology and general mandirector and leadership team.
agement at notable firms such
Montefiore will announce the
as Reuter Information Technolexecutive director for Monogy, Mobil Corporation and
tefiore Mount Vernon when
Pfizer.
assumption of that role is im“Throughout his hospital
minent.
career, Anthony has demon“We are committed to
strated strong management
meeting the unique needs of
skills and leadership in partthe neighborhoods we serve,”
nering with physician leaders
said Steven M. Safyer, MD,
to build programs that meet
President and CEO of Monlocal needs and build patient
tefiore Health Systems and
satisfaction,” said Susan Green
former long-term resident of
Lorenzen, RN, senior vice presNew Rochelle. “Having a local
ident, Operations, Montefiore.
leader devoted to understand“We are pleased to welcome
ing the community and its care
him as a member of the Monrequirements will help ensure
tefiore family and look forward
that we build the programs and
to his leadership as we conservices needed to continue
tinue to shape our patient care
to provide the excellent care Vice President, Executive Director
delivery in New Rochelle and
New Rochelle and surrounding Anthony Alfano
the surrounding communities.”
towns deserve.”
Alfano holds both a BachPrior to joining Monteelor of Science degree and a
fiore, Alfano served as senior vice president
Master of Science degree in Administration
and chief operating officer at New York Downfrom Long Island University. His appointment
town Hospital (NYDH), part of the New York is effective immediately.
12 • December 2013
bronxvillebulletin
Dia Simms, Chief Operating
Officer of Combs Enterprise, is the
keynote speaker for The Shiloh
Baptist Church’s 100th Anniversary
Gala. The gala is scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2013 at Lake Isle
Country Club in Eastchester.
The signature for this event,
“The Year of Promise and Ministry
Fulfillment” Gala, will commemorate 100 years of dedicated service
and outreach. All proceeds from
this gala will be used to expand
and fund the church’s ministry
programs and community development.
“We are excited to recognize
the historical occasion that happened in 1913 when Shiloh Baptist
Church became an official church,”
said Reverend Michael B. Gerald.
“The Year of Promise and Ministry
Fulfillment” Gala is the stepping
stone for Shiloh Baptist Church’s
return to our mission to do ministry. This includes focusing on educational needs, transitional housing, job training, entrepreneurship, Dia Simms
and spiritual empowerment”.
This elegant black tie event
will kick off with a social reception at 8:00 PM which features several entrepreneurial vendors,
followed by an uplifting and inspirational dinner program, a live band for dancing and a silent
auction of many sought after pieces. Additionally, gospel artist and radio host, Lonnie Hunter,
will be the master of ceremonies. Parishioners, clergy, elected officials and Westchester’s elite are
expected to gather for this momentous occasion which is sure to be a memorable occasion with
enjoyment had by all. For more information, contact Pia Cromwell at 914-589-5083 or [email protected].
www.thebronxvillebulletin.com
Letter to the Editor
We hope that everyone will contribute to The Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester
and Tuckahoe as it strives to support organizations that provide medical, educational and social
services in its communities. Cancer Support Team (CST) is a grateful beneficiary of The Fund’s
many years of support for our free nursing, counseling and educational services for those affected
by cancer at any stage of the disease. As the only Westchester-based home care program licensed by
the New York State Department of Health that is solely cancer focused and that offers services free
of charge and without regard to insurance coverage, The Fund’s support is critical to maintaining
and enhancing our services. Whether we are assisting an older adult to manage the side effects
of treatment or counseling a child who parent has been diagnosed with cancer, CST has counted
on The Fund to support the help we offer to enhance the quality of life of community residents.
Judith Dobrof, DSW, LCSW, Executive Director
Cancer Support Team
2900 Westchester Avenue, Suite 103
Purchase, New York 10577
www.cancersupportteam.org
Holiday Bites & Pieces!
Ready or not, here it comes! 2014 is upon
us, so whether you’ve been naughty or nice its
time to make plans with friends and family. If
you are planning to go out, here are some dining suggestions for every palate, each offering a
good dose of Holiday cheer…
CIAO TO ALL FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
Zef and the amiable crew at Ciao, 5-7 John
Albanese Place, Eastchester (914-779-4646) are
marking their 25th Anniversary at their bustling trattoria with generous platters of Italian/American cuisine served with gusto. Open
kitchen specialties include: Hot Antipasto for
two, three or more; giant Scallops Appetizer;
Salmon ala Ciao, with white wine, lemon, capers and asparagus; or Veal Salvaggio. From
the grill come such hefty cuts as: Broiled Veal
Chop, Black Angus Shell Steak, Sausages Frioli;
and Pork Chops. Good crusty pizzas, too. If you
have room left, try one of the house made desserts. Cozy, friendly bar. Party facilities. Open 7
days a week. Major credit cards. Free and valet
parking. www.ciaoeastchester.com
CELEBRATE BIG AT CHIANTI!
Chef/proprietor Paul Caputo of Gina Marie’s Chianti, 174 Marbledale Road, Tuckahoe
(914-346-8844), operates a bustling ode to
Italian-American cuisine served in generous
style. Over on one wall in the dining room is
inscribed: “chi mangia bene, viva bene” (if you
eat well, you live well), and that’s the overriding philosophy here. Chef Caputo has a history
of serving big portions of fresh made-to-order
food; ‘family style’ some call it. Check out such
specialties as: Spiedini ala Romana; his amazing
Garlic Bread ala Casa; Zuppa Di Pesce over Capellini; Steak Compagniola; or giant Veal Chop
Contadina. There is a major Hamburger on
hand, too. Don’t worry; there are always plenty
of doggie bags on hand for take home. Complete lunch and dinners available daily. On and
off-premise catering. www.ginamarieschianti.
com
ESCAPE FROM THE HOLIDAY BUSTLE
AT ODYSSEY!
The Doukas family, proprietors of the
popular Eastchester Odyssey Diner, 465 White
Plains Road, Eastchester (914-961-8855) on Rt.
22, are marking their 38th Anniversary at this
location with an enhancement of the premises,
a new catering/party room for up to 80 guests,
and updated menus that stress value dining
and diversity. It’s a safe-haven from the holiday
hustle and bustle outside. A special breakfast
menu is served from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. but you
can actually order breakfast specialties all day
and evening. A 4-course Fixed Price Early Bird
Dinner is available Monday thru Friday from 4
p.m. to 6 p.m. at $16.95. The meal comes with
a house bread basket, soup or crisp house salad,
a choice of over 25 main courses, house dessert,
coffee or tea. Open 7 days. Free parking.
HOLIDAY KARAOKE AT SPRING ASIAN!
You can have your own Karaoke party
while enjoying a flavorful pan-Asian menu.
Owner Charlie Kao of Spring Asian Cuisine,
545 Gramatan Ave., Mt. Vernon (914-6992828), will supply the stage and equipment for
your group. Spring serves a variety of creative
specialties from China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Tasty selections from the
menu include: Thai Tom Yam Soup; house Pu
Pu Platter for two; Chicken or Beef with Satay
Sauce; Whole Flounder with vegetables; and
Sesame Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with black
bean sauce. Good Peking Duck too! Take out
and catering. Local delivery. Full sushi bar.
Open 7 days a week. Municipal parking. Open
7 days.
(Morris Gut is a restaurant consultant and
former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has
been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the greater Westchester area for over
25 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591.
E-mail: [email protected])
dubrovinik
restaur ant
JOIN US FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
A Taste of Croatia!
Proprietor ‘Jerry’ Tomic, his chefs and staff welcome you to their new establishment
featuring the historic cuisines of Croatia presented in modern style. A delicious melding of the
Adriatic, Italy and the European continent prepared with locally sourced organic ingredients.
Multi-level dining rooms, cocktail lounge, seasonal outdoor patio with herb farm and free-standing rotisserie grill, grapevines hugging the brick walls, temperature controlled wine cellar.
Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner * Private Parties & Catering
Municipal and valet parking
Reservations: 914-637-3777 www.dubrovnikny.com
721 MAIN STREET, NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.
www.shorelinepub.com
Dementia: Food for Thought
November was National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. In recognition thereof,
I thought I would write about issues of concern
for lawyers and clients who may have diminished capacity to understand and execute legal
documents. The problem of dementia among
seniors is a common concern, and it appears
far, far too often. People too often wait to take
care of their estate planning until they are no
longer able to make complex decisions. Elderly
clients are too often frail — both mentally and
physically — and are susceptible to financial
exploitation or physical abuse by others.
At the same time, we see plenty of bright,
capable, engaged seniors whose family has decided that they are too old or too frail to make
their own decisions. We constantly struggle
against marginalization, sequestration, even
infantilization of seniors. So we think it’s important to keep in mind that most seniors do
NOT have dementia, even though a significant
percentage may have problems with memory
and reasoning. We also think it’s important to
note that even a diagnosis of dementia does
not mean an individual cannot make any decisions.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common
condition leading to dementia among the elderly, but it is not the only one. Vascular disease (often described as a series of small strokes)
is another leading cause, and there are others.
One distinguishing characteristic: Alzheimer’s
disease may first appear as memory loss (especially short-term memory), while vascular dementia may first appear as impairment of judgment or the inability to make plans.
Recently, an older couple, married for fifty
years, came to see us for a review and possible
revision of their estate plan. They hadn’t been
in the office for about five years, and we were
delighted to catch up with them. Both husband
and wife were engaged in our conversation,
both laughed easily, and both remembered all
the important details of their lives necessary to
handling revision of their estate plans. When
we got down to details, the wife could explain
why they had come to the office, what changes
they were considering, and what effect those
changes might have on her (and them).
As we finished up our discussion, the husband quietly pushed a pill bottle over for our
inspection. It was for a well-known drug usually prescribed to early dementia patients. It took
a few moments to figure out how to address the
implied statement, but finally we asked: are you
showing us this because you worry that your
wife is not able to make changes in her estate
plan? Because if so, you should have no concerns. She clearly understands the discussion,
and it is apparent that she not only agrees with
your proposed changes, but even initiates discussion and explains her views. All that was
said, of course, to both clients, and without
marginalizing the early-dementia patient’s involvement.
It is critically important — for their sakes
and for our collective humanity — that individuals with dementia be allowed and encouraged to participate in their own planning. After
all, the decisions made during the course of
estate planning may have a profound impact
on the quality of life of the decision-maker and
his or her family. While it may be productive
to understand the likelihood of dementia in a
person, or the typical stages of the condition,
it is much more important for professionals to
know what is out there, and what to watch for.
By having a better understanding of dementia,
professionals can serve their clients in the best
possible way.
For years, we have talked in this column
about the importance of taking care of your estate planning sooner rather than later. The potential for dementia at some point in the future
is just one of the reasons to act now. While it
may force you to confront some difficult issues,
you’ll be glad you did.
Bernard A. Krooks is
managing partner of the law
firm Littman Krooks LLP
(www.littmankrooks.com;
914-684-2100), with offices
in White Plains, Manhattan
and Fishkill. He is past president of the National Academy
of Elder Law Attorneys.
Experience Portugal
Portugal, a small but wonderful country does
not disappoint its visitors. It is a land of friendly, welcoming people, beautiful landscapes, and historical
treasures, fine cuisine, excellent wines, mild weather,
beautiful beaches and distinctive islands -- a highly
desirable European destination!
Lisbon, the capital, is a cultural melting pot o
historical and architectural treasures that trace Portugal’s past as a superpower. Strategically located on the
route of the ancient mariners, there are several historic
quarters which enable tourists to go back in time and
experience the beauty and culture of the city.
A stone’s throw from Lisbon is Estoril, a coastal
region, known by many as the “Portuguese Riviera.”
The climate is mild and pleasant all year round. In
this stylish area stands Casino Estoril, the largest
casino in Europe. This also was the location where
Ian Fleming stayed. He wrote the famous book Casino Royale, based on his experiences. Because of the
glamour associated with this area, kings and aristocrats relocated here while living in exile. Nearby one
can experience the beaches of Cascais along with the
bay dominated by its imposing Citadel.
The Algarve is the southernmost part of Portugal. Because of its Mediterranean climate, it has become a year round tourist resort destination. There
are spectacularly beautiful long golden beaches
punctuated by rock formations. Excellent resort hotels, restaurants and casinos are present along this
south coast. Here you will also find world class golf
courses.
Madeira is the sub-tropical island paradise of ancient rainforests, gorges and waterfalls. It is off the coast
of mainland Portugal. It is a place where you can find
luxury resort/spa sophistication. The capital, Funchal,
has a 16th century palace and a city center dominated
by 18th century houses and a bustling covered market.
Be sure to experience the famous Monte Toboggan run
-- a wicker and wooden sled speeding down the hilly
streets. Don’t forget to have a taste of the fortified wine
which takes is name from the island. Madeira is often a
cruise itinerary port of call.
In Portugal, there is a distinctive type of hotel
called a Pousada. The historic Pousadas are castles,
convents, fortresses or palaces that have been converted into lodging. The conveniences are all modern and high quality. The ambience is, however,
unforgettable for you are surrounded by the architecture and design of the historical times. I cannot
forget the exquisitely colored tiles which filled the
interiors of these buildings. One night in a Pousada
is a memory of a lifetime! Likewise, Portugal does not
disappoint for its gastronomy. The fish is fresh from
the sea and cooked to perfection. Olive oil is a basic cooking ingredient. Finally, if you wish to take a
small bit of Portugal back home, there are a variety
of traditional crafts. Portugal is noted for its colorful
and distinctive local ceramics, tapestries, Madeira
embroidery, filigree jewelry and, of course, excellent
wines.
Written by Patricia Cotti,
Eastchester Travel.
Barbara Nichauls is the
President of Bayside Travel in
Larchmont, Gramatan Travel in
Bronxville, Eastchester Travel and
Earlfield Travel in Larchmont. Licensed Travel Insurance Agent. For a
free consultation, call 833-8880 or
visit www.luxurytravelservice.com.
bronxvillebulletin
December 2013 • 13
Kitchen & Bath Insider© –
Holiday Kitchen Dreams
Most of us spend more time in
the kitchen than any other room
in our house, and this is especially
true throughout the holiday season,
when the kitchen becomes the focal
point of your home. During this time
of year kitchens are not only filled
me on this.
Wouldn’t it be great to have
enough room to prepare next year’s
holiday delicacies without bumping
into everyone else? And enough storage space for all your spices, as well
as places to put away all the dishes,
with the immediate family, they’re
also cluttered with welcome (and unwelcome) guests as well; helping, visiting, kibitzing, snooping, etc. With
all the time spent in the kitchen,
and all the people milling around,
folks have a tendency to notice what
doesn’t work well, in terms of design
and function, so it’s no wonder that
more people start to think about remodeling during the holidays than
any other time of the year.
Unless you’re very fortunate, no
one is going to buy you a new kitchen
for Christmas, Chanukah or Festivus.
It’s just not considered a romantic,
holiday type gift, but it should be.
Nothing says “I love you dear” more
than a gorgeous new room to prepare
meals for the family? Okay, maybe
the “preparing meals” takes some of
the romance out of it, but work with
glasses and silverware after the shiny,
new dishwasher has made them spotless.
If a new kitchen is on your holiday gift list, (or you wish it was), you
can get the process started by making
a “wish list” that includes everything
that you would like in your new
dream kitchen. Then make another
list of what you really must have in
case you need to trim things, if budget or space don’t allow everything
from the first list.
Next step: pick up some kitchen
magazines in town or go to www.
Houzz.com or www.pinterest.com
and look at what other people are
doing. When you see something that
interests you, tear it out or print it
out or save it on your computer so
that you can show it to your kitchen
designer. It’s easier and safer to show
classifieds
Antiques • Art • COLLECTIBLES
Most cash paid for paintings, antiques, furniture, silver, sculpture,
jewelry, books, cameras, records,
instruments, coins, watches, gold,
comics, sports cards, etc. Please call
Aaron at 914-654-1683.
Computer Services
Advantage Computer Support: We
make your computer “people friendly” in your home or office. Instructions * Upgrades * Repairs * Network
Support. Call Richard Klein 914-4221798 or 203-781-8672.
WRITING -- PUBLIC SPEAKING
In-home Tutor, Teens, Adults.
Award-winning author. Call Elliot:
646-734-2739, web:
www.elliotess man.com
14 • December 2013
ANTIQUES WANTED
Free Estimate. Highest cash prices paid.
Buying Chinese, Asian, American and European Antiques. Jade, Porcelain, Bronzes,
Ivories, Paintings, Furniture, Jewelry, Silver and Judaica. In business for 25 years.
NYC Gallery Owner. Please call 917-5095232 or [email protected]. Web:
www.HeirloomsNYC.com.
SHARON GARDENS CEMETERY
Selling Lot #35, Section T, four
graves in Sharon Gardens Cemetery.
Best offer. Call 781-721-2921.
PROFESSIONAL IN-HOME TUTORING
Math, Earth Science, Chemistry and
Physics. SAT, ACT, Regents & AP
Exams. Call Michael 646-284-6676.
www.pelhamtutor.com
COMPANION FOR ELDERLY
Intelligent and humorous companion is available for stimulating conversation. Add life to your years! Call
914-667-3867.
bronxvillebulletin
someone a specific concept rather
than trying to explain it, leaving less
chance for misinterpretation of what
you had in mind. This will ensure
that your dream kitchen ends up
looking like your dream kitchen and
not your designer’s dream kitchen.
When
the
magical, holiday
season is over, if
someone
loved
you enough to
give you a new
kitchen, or you
decided to give
one to yourself,
you’re now ready
to begin the actual project. Gather
up your lists, your
pictures,
your
iPad, and find a
creative designer
who understands
you and will be
able to combine
all your ideas into a stunning, functional and affordable new kitchen
just for you. But, whether or not you
get a new kitchen this season, I’d like
to take this opportunity to wish all of
you a very joyous holiday season and
a happy and healthy new year.
Paul Bookbinder,
M.I.D., C.R., is president of DreamWork
Kitchens, Inc. located in
Mamaroneck, New York.
A Master of Design
(Pratt Institute), and
E.P.A. Certified Remodeler, he serves on
the Advisory Panel of Remodeling Magazine. A member of the National Kitchen
& Bath Assoc., he is also a contributor
to Do It Yourself magazine. He can be
reached for questions at 914-777-0437
or www.dreamworkkitchens.com.
SHARON GARDENS CEMETERY
16 graves together or in plots of 4
graves. $6400 a plot. Call 360-459-3572.
GRAVE PLOTS FOR SALE
Beautiful 8 grave plots in Sharon
Gardens, will accept best offer. Call
Ira 201-926-5300.
SPANISH TUTOR
Children, high school students and
adults. Classes in your home by experienced native Spanish teacher.
Call Leonor @ 914-629-6798 or
email [email protected]. web:
www.spanish4me.org
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE,
WHITE PLAINS, FREE RENT
Office space located at 15 Chester Ave.
Indv. offices avail., rent $650-850/mth.
ea. 2 mths free rent w/signing of 15mth
lease. Incls. elec., cleaning, taxes, HVAC,
use of conf. rm & kit. Conv. to courts
& parking. Avail. immed. Contact 914448-3050; [email protected]
businesscards
Hand out your business card to thousands of Readers each
month. $69. per issue. Prepaid only. Just mail us your Business Card
and Full Payment and we’ll take care of the rest. Mail to:
Shoreline Publishing, 629 Fifth Ave., Suite 213, Pelham, N.Y. 10803
To reserve your ad space for the
upcoming January issue of the
Bronxville Bulletin or any of our
Community Newspapers or
County-wide Newspapers call
914-738-7869 today!
classifiedadform
7 newspapers over 100,000 readers. 1 price, prepaid $112.00 for 4 lines,
additional lines $10.00 per line. Ad runs in 7 papers for 1 month.
Make check payable to: Shoreline Publishing, Inc.
629 Fifth Avenue, Suite 213, Pelham, NY 10803
1) ____________________________________________________________________
2) ____________________________________________________________________
3) ____________________________________________________________________
4) ____________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: __________________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________________________________________
www.thebronxvillebulletin.com
Holiday Season Model Train Show
at Greenburgh Nature Center
Fully Insured
Since 1980
HOURS:
Mon-Fri 8:30-5pm
Saturday 9-3pm
GIFT
CERTIFICATES
AVAILABLE!
All offers expire 12/31/12
421 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, NY 914-738-6705
The Perfect Holiday Gift Ideas!
Smart Phone
Remote Start
Vehicle Remote
Start System
• Works with compatible remote start systems
• Six function icons: Lock, Unlock, Find, Start,
Aux 1 and Aux 2
• Compatible apps for iPhone, Blackberry and
Android
$289.00
Installed
Car link ASCL2
Back by popular demand, the GNC is
partnering with the Yonkers Model Railroad
Club to present a special, nine-day holiday
season show entitled “Trains – Your Ticket
to the Great Outdoors.” The exhibit will
open on Saturday, December 7th, and run
through Sunday, December 15th (closed December 13th). Weekday hours are 9:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. (except Fridays, when the Nature Center is closed), and weekend hours
are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This marks the ninth consecutive year
that the Nature Center is hosting this exhibit. Designed for train lovers of all ages,
the show will feature a special 12- by 18foot display of HO gauge model trains traveling through countryside scenes of natural
beauty, modeled on the terrain of upstate
New York and New England. HO model railroad scale is 1/87th of the actual size, so
a one-foot model railroad car would be 87
feet long in actual size.
The display includes special topographic features such as a mountain with a train
tunnel and a mining cave tunnel. Other
features include a ravine with a train trestle
crossing over it, a stream with a train trestle
and wooden bridge, a model village, road
crossings, and a model replica of the Greenburgh Nature Center. Members of the railroad club will be on hand to talk about the
trains and provide opportunities for visitors
to examine some of the different kinds of
train engines up-close. Members of the club
and some of their trains were featured in
the Grand Central Terminal 100th Anniversary Celebration this past May.
The show is being coordinated by Dr.
Paul Greenburg of the Yonkers Model Railroad Club. Dr. Greenburg has designed and
constructed some of the models and has
been active as a model railroader for more
than 50 years. He is a long-time resident
of Greenburgh and has traveled by train
throughout many parts of the world.
Admission fees for this special train
show are $10 for adults, $9 for students
and seniors, and $8 for children, ages 2-12
www.shorelinepub.com
(children under two are free). For GNC
members, the event is free. The admission
fee includes admission to all of the Nature
Center’s exhibits, including the live animal
museum. All proceeds from the train show
will help support the educational programs
of the Nature Center and the Yonkers Model
Railroad Club.
Special thanks to California Pizza
Kitchen, Gymboree, Houlihan-Lawrence,
Jake’s Wayback Burgers, Macaroni Kid, NEA
Federal Credit Union, SavATree, ShopRite,
WFAS, Whole Foods Market Westchester,
Town of Greenburgh, Greenburgh Parks and
Recreation, and Westchester County Parks
for their generous support of this exhibit.
The Greenburgh Nature Center is a 33acre woodland preserve with trails, a pond,
gardens, a playground, and outdoor animal
exhibits, including a birds of prey aviary.
Our indoor exhibits include a live animal
museum with over 100 specimens, exhibit
areas focusing on nature and the environment, a greenhouse with botanical exhibits,
and a gift shop. The Center offers programs
for groups of all ages on a wide range of environmental topics, camps, adult programs,
community events, and birthday parties,
either here or at your location. They also
have a wide range of volunteering opportunities for all ages and skill levels.
The mission of the Greenburgh Nature
Center is to offer inspiring, hands-on environmental education experiences, to foster
an appreciation of nature, and to promote
sustainable practices.
The Nature Center is located at 99
Dromore Road, off Central Park Avenue, in
Scarsdale, NY. Parking is free, and handicapped parking is available. The Nature Center’s grounds are open daily dawn to dusk
throughout the year. The Center’s indoor
exhibits are open daily except Fridays and
a few holidays, 9:30AM - 4:30PM on weekdays (closed Fridays) and 10AM - 4:30PM on
weekends. For more information, visit our
website at www.greenburghnaturecenter.
org or call 914-723-3470.
Starting at
with Navigation and Bluetooth built in
Replacement rearview mirror comes with built-in
Navigation, built-in hands free Bluetooth, as well
as a 4.3-inch LED backlit digital monitor with touch
screen. Fits most cars.
CD receiver with built-in MOSFET amplifier
Plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs
Detachable face
Remote Control
LCD Display
*Call for Pricing
$64.99
DEH150MP
$199.00
Installed
As9234
Rear View Mirror
Pioneer AM/FM
CD Radio
•
•
•
•
•
Let the factory keyless entry system control
your remote start with start confirmation.
Mercedes, Bmw Mini’s, “Intelligent keys and
SUV’s is our specialty.
Vehicle Reverse
Sensing System
Rear view camera capable
Vehicle Entertainment
System
Deluxe digital front or rear 2 sensor
Deluxe digital rear sensor can detect obstacles
over 6 feet away from the bumper to solid sound
when 2 feet away “Hear it before you feel it”.
Front sensors available too.
Audiovox -- 9 inch Hi-Def digital overhead system
with built-in DVD player will transform any backseat in to a traveling movie theater. This Hi-Def
system features, a USB reader, audio/video inputs,
2 wireless headphones, and surround sound.
$279.00
Installed
$599.00
Installed
EMPV7
2 sensor system
Parrot Bluetooth
Hands Free Car
System
I-Pod Kit Direct
FM Connect Factory
Radio
Want hands-free phone operation. LCD screen
mounted on your dash. Includes Caller ID, voice
recognition, 150 names from your phone’s address
book for dialing (only works with certain phones).
Ck3100LCD
$279.99
Installed
•
•
•
•
•
Universal iPod/iPhone
Charging Capable
2 Connections Available
Static Free
FM Mod
iS77
$180.00
Installed
Buying or Selling a Home? I can help.
A Sales Associate You Can Trust
Lori Brooks
Real Estate Agent
[email protected]
Wykagyl/Rittenberg Realty
1299 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10804
914-632-9100 x12
“I can do that for You!”
Cell 914-755-2908
bronxvillebulletin
December 2013 • 15
Bronxville-Ley Real Estate
Me mbe r We s t c he s t e r Re al Es t at e , In c
(914) 337-1234 • 17 ½ Park Place, Bronxville • www.BronxvilleRealEstate.com
Bronxville Vic/Mt. Vernon -- This country charmer has an extra lot providing space for established
perennial gardens, and a pretty terrace for enjoying them. Inside, the formal rooms are large and lovely
and the kitchen offers the must-have family room. Four bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. A classic in every
sense of the word. $825,000
http://10wyndmere.homesny.com
Bronxville PO/Eastchester -- Incomparable home on uncommonly large grounds. Designed to impress,
by architect George Root, every room offers period details that are gratefully unspoiled. Leaded stained
glass windows, rich wood and plasterwork, and large-scale rooms define the elegant first floor. Fireplaces
in the living room and library bring extra warmth to this already welcoming home. The 2nd floor has
five bedrooms and 3 full baths. The lower level offers a family room and third fireplace. The .89 acre
property has a terrace, fountain, gardens and lawns abutting Siwanoy Country Club. $2,495,000
http://29northway.homesny.com
Fleetwood -- Romantic look, elegant feel, extreme livability. Hardwood floors throughout and captivating
details including dentil moldings and French doors. Formal center hall flanked by the living room with
large fireplace and formal dining room. Adjacent to the living room is the quintessential family room,
and a delightful 3-season porch with woodsy views is just off the dining room. A spacious, very modern
kitchen with dining area plus an au pair suite with full bath completes the first floor. The second floor
offers the master suite with full bath, 2 additional bedrooms and a hall bath. The basement is finished
for rainy day fun. Perfectly located for convenience, but with a yard large enough for plenty of play.
Mt. Vernon $599,000
Bronxville PO/Mt. Vernon -- Nestled on the Bronxville border, this perfectly polished Colonial homes
has everything a modern buyer demands. The over-sized kitchen has an adjacent family room with
sliders to the deck and large, level yard. A first floor bedroom with full bath is ideal for whatever your
family needs. The master suite has a delightful dressing room and luxurious full bath. A bonus room
upstairs, and a finished playroom downstairs, allow you to really spread out. Attached 2 car (really!)
garage, central AC, and ample storage make the livin’ even easier. This house was thoughtfully designed,
maintained and improved. $999,000
http://5SturgisRoad.homesny.com