May 2016 - mv inquirer
Transcription
May 2016 - mv inquirer
“Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper” T H E MO U N T V ER NO N M O C PL IM RY TA EN http://www.mvinquirer.com Volume 11, Number 5 INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” Serving the news and information needs of Mount Vernon, NY – “A City That Believes” FEATURES May 2016 Exuberant crowd attends swearing in ceremony of Johnson and Patterson-Howard Story by Joe Parisi Five Mt. Vernon trailblazers honored in celebration of “Women’s History Month” Page 6 Mt. Vernon’s Water Department superintendent retires Page 11 O n Tuesday, April 5, the Mount Vernon community flocked to City Hall in high-spirited fashion and record numbers to attend the swearing in ceremony of Nichelle Johnson as City Court Judge, and Shawyn Patterson-Howard as the new Planning Commissioner. In addition, several women were recognized with the presentation of “Phenomenal Women Awards.” The ceremony was held in the City Council Chambers and the scene depicted hundreds of citizens united and excited, with electricity flowing through the large majestic room in anticipation of the start of the ceremony. The scene resembled old Mount Vernon, when there was no Internet and the entire Mount Vernon community worked together as one united family. And surprisingly, the entire body of the City Council was in attendance for the historic swearing in ceremony of two of Nichelle Johnson being sworn in as new City Court judge by Judge Kathy Davidson Continued on page 8 LED contract dispute in court and taxpayers footing huge legal fees Story by Joe Parisi Mt. Vernon a winner in 2nd Annual #Westchester Smart Mobile App Development Bowl Page 15 Tears flow as Mayor Thomas weds “stroke couple” at Westchester Center Page 30 T he LED lighting contract dispute between the City of Mount Vernon and Sentinel Technology Services International, Inc. is currently being contested in Westchester County State Supreme Court as the effort to derail the contract by unknown forces continues. The city is being represented by an outside law firm who was recently retained by the city to rescind the contract, but failed, since the contract is legally binding. Once again subjecting tax payers to tremendous wasteful spending! Terrence Horton, owner of Sentinel Technology Services International, Inc., made every effort to keep the matter out of court in an effort to save taxpayers the LED contract dispute is being contested in Westchester County State Supreme Court in White Plains, NY Continued on page 11 2 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” 3 l May 2016 4 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” Scholarship opportunity for African-American high school seniors T he Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators (WABSE) in New York is an affiliate of the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE). WABSE was created in November 1998, in New Rochelle, encompassing various school districts in Westchester County. WABSE’s mission is dedicated to improving the educational accomplishments of all students, especially those of the African Diaspora through the development and deployment of instructional and motivational methods which increase levels of inspiration, attendance and overall achievement. WABSE holds monthly meetings throughout the county. African American and other educators come together to exchange ideas, techniques and employment information, and to hear outstanding speakers address critical educational issues. Seminars, workshops, exhibits, cultural excursions, educational entertainment, and fund raising are included in WABSE’s annual activities. WABSE has annually given scholarship awards ranging from $250 to $500 to deserving high school graduating seniors who reside in Westchester County. Scholarship Requirements: Candidates must be African-American or of African descent who are graduating seniors and will matriculate to a college or university in the fall of 2016. Candidates must also: • Be a resident of Westchester County. • Have Mt. Vernonite, 16, honored at the Global NTFE showcase in NY R onnell Fuller, 16, a student and bright young entrepreneur from Mount Vernon, NY, was recently honored at the Global NTFE Showcase that was held in NYC. It was an excep- tional honor since Ronnell was one of just 36 young people globally to be recognized at the Showcase. Ronnell is the founder of Distinguished Designs, a fashion and styling service that began at the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau and Westchester Community College, as partners with NFTE in the Entrepreneurship Summer Academy. Although still in high school, Ronnell plans to open an onlinestore in the future and offer virtual style tours to his customers. He is passionate about lending his services to his peers and teaching them to dress for interviews as well as special occasions. The Showcase is an annual global event which highlights the best and brightest young entrepreneurs, their teachers and some amazing volunteers. This year, Chelsea Clinton and other well-known leaders in business, youth and education spoke at the Showcase. an overall four year high school academic average of 2.5 or higher. • Demonstrate within their essay a financial necessity. • Recipients must be present at the Senior Award Night ceremony in order to receive the scholarship Award Requirements: Recipients of this award must provide a current address and mail, via US Postal Service, OR email, proof of enrollment for the fall of 2016. WABSE must receive this information by December 1, 2016 and cell phone texts will not be accepted. Proof of enrollment may be one of the following: 1) Completed Enrollment Verification form from the Registrar 2) A copy of the Fulltime Course Registration for the fall. Please submit the application no later than April 15, 2016 to the above address. Rep. Engel applauds passage of $15 minimum wage in NY State budget C ongressman Eliot L. Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement praising Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature for passing a $15 minimum wage increase in this year’s budget: “I am pleased Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature have crafted a budget that will help millions of hard working New Yorkers with a much needed increase to the minimum wage. In particular, the entire New York City area – including Westchester – will see a $15 minimum wage over the next few years. This adjustment will put more money in the pockets of working families, many of whom have been scraping by even with full-time jobs. A strong middle class, new jobs, and prosperity for everybody—those are New York values, and I’m glad this budget reflects those values for working New Yorkers. 5 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” Founded in 2004 by JOSEPH A. PARISI AND LUISA PARISI Published by The Mount Vernon Inquirer P.O. Box 458 Mount Vernon, NY 10551-0458 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mvinquirer.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Readers are encouraged to send us letters expressing their viewpoints on any issue. Letters should not contain inflammatory or provocative language and will be subject to editorial review. Please keep your letters brief and not to exceed 300 words. Your name and address must be included, but will be withheld upon request. SUGGESTED NEWS ITEMS We welcome all suggestions concerning news we should cover in our newspaper. Please call the Editor with suggestions at 914-584-6386. Editor Joe Parisi Assistant Editors Leslie Albert Cheryl Parisi News Reporters / Writers Joe Parisi, Chief Reporter James Fair Tamara Stewart Sales and Advertising Darryl Walker, Director Paul Stewart Graphic Design Ashley Covelli Cheryl Parisi Member The Westchester Children’s Museum opens with expanded exhibit and program space T he Westchester Children’s Museum recently completed Phase I of its construction plan, which expanded the exhibit and program space from 4,000 square feet to 6,500 square feet. This expansion included additional exhibit and program space; new family restrooms, and upgraded heating and ventilation systems that will enable the museum to stay open year round and be a fully operational facility. Prior to this phase of construction, the museum offered a preview of its exhibitry in its Boardwalk Galleries only during the spring and summer months of 2014 and 2015. Now that the museum has been transformed into a full-time, fully operational museum, the museum expects its annual visitation number to be approximately 30,000 this year and annual growth each year after, as exhibit space is expanded. “The significance of this moment in the museum’s long trajectory cannot be understated,” said Tracy R. Kay, Executive Director of the Westchester Children’s Museum. “In order to get to this point, we must acknowledge the critical and longstanding support of our Board of Directors, our growing community of donors in the private, public, and corporate sectors, the schools and community centers that recognize the need for the valuable out of school enrichment this museum provides, and our partner - the County of Westchester. We look forward to further growing and serving the children and families of this region for generations to come.” The official museum opening was April 13; a day after the museum hosted its “Doors Open” Celebration honoring longtime supporters Lisina Hoch and the Laager family. 6 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER www.mvinquirer.com “The People’s Newspaper” Five Mt. Vernon trailblazers honored in celebration of “Women’s History Month” City Comptroller Maureen Walker being honored by Melissa Cebollero O n Friday, April 1, the Montefiore Mount Vernon Belsky Auditorium was bustling with excitement and anticipation as a capacity crowd attended a ceremony in which five extraordinary Mount Vernon women were being honored in celebration of Women’s History Month. The event was sponsored by the Montefiore Health System, in partnership with UnitedHealthCare, and the following five women were honored: Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Mount Vernon City Comptroller Maureen Walker, City Councilwoman Roberta Apuzzo, Mount Vernon City Councilwoman Lisa Copeland and community activist Ronnie Cox. Regrettably, Senator Thompson was busy in Albany working on the budget and was not able to attend the ceremony. Nevertheless, she had a representative appear in her place – Leslie G. Frohberg, who works as her Community Liaison. Prior to the start of the ceremony, the guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet. Opening remarks came from Melissa Cebollero, Senior Director, Office of Community Relations for Montefiore, who also acted as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Jaccel Kouns, Vice President and Executive Director of Montefiore followed Cebollero at the podium and provided welcoming remarks. Acknowledgments came from Lynn Richmond, Executive Vice President of Montefiore. Richmond spoke about the role women play in life as a whole. Throughout our country’s rich history, women have played an important role. They have driven humanity forward on the path to a more equal and just society, contributing in innumerable ways to our character and progress as a people. In the face of discrimination and undue hardship, they have never given up on the promise of America: that with hard work and determination, nothing is out of reach. During Women’s History Month, the Montefiore Health System, in partnership with UnitedHealthCare, remembered the women trailblazers of the past, and elected to honor five exceptional women, who today, are considered important trailblaz- Councilwoman Roberta Apuzzo Community Activist Ronnie Cox Councilwoman Lisa Copeland Jaccel Kouns, Vice President and Executive Director of Montefiore Lynn Richmond, Executive Vice President of Montefiore ers within the Mount Vernon community. When introduced individually by Cebollero, each of the Honorees received a long and thunderous applause, and after speaking, they were presented with an im- pressive bouquet of flowers. Closing remarks came from the ever personable, Robert Perez, Marketing Specialist for UnitedHealthCare. www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER 7 l May 2016 “The People’s Newspaper” Mount Vernon Youth Bureau Hosts 6th Annual WDAY Ladies First in STEM Program I Students listening to a speaker during the STEM conference n observance of Women’s History Month, the City of Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, through its Workforce Development Academy for Youth (WDAY) and MV STRONG programs, hosted its 6th Annual “Ladies First” in STEM Conference on Thursday, March 31, at the Westchester Community College-Mount Vernon Extension Center. 100 Mount Vernon High School and Thornton High School students were selected to attend a panel discussion and lunch which was designed to introduce young women to careers in the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines and to encourage students to pursue high growth industry jobs post high school. Over the past six years panelists for the program have included architects, biologists, doctors, agriculturalists, graphic designers, meteorologists, engineers, chemists and researchers. The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau partnered with the Mount Vernon City School District, the Westchester County Workforce Investment’s WDAY Program and Westchester Community College to address the under-representation of females within the STEM industry. This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Pauline Mosley, Professor of Information Technology in the School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University, sent a clear message that there is much opportunity for females who become STEM degree holders. Dr. Mosley has trained Fortune 500 executives and personnel in a myriad of software applications. She developed computer training manuals for Texaco, Pepsi, The Port Authority and McGraw-Hill and was influential in establishing PC and mainframe user-support help desks for Dannon, NYNEX, and Brooklyn Union Gas. The dynamic panel included Deb Henneberry, a commercial pilot and professor at Vaughn College, and Stephanie Vanderpool, the first African American Asses- sor in New York State. Hanneberry and Vanderpool described their experiences within male dominated professions. Dr. Monica Scantlebury a physician at Centerlight Healthcare and Montefiore Medical Center and Lillian Kayizzi, an engineer at Nobel Biocare, offered words of encouragement to students who question whether or not they possess the fortitude to complete rigorous college math and science courses. The conference highlighted the work of recent Mount Vernon High School graduates Sherron Andrews, a laboratory manager at Mount Sinai West Hospital, and Ms. Christina Nash, a manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Mayor Thomas stated, “Our city is home to phenomenal women in all industries, especially in STEM. We will continue to support the efforts of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau to focus on STEM and other programs that empower our ladies to break barriers.” “We are proud of the contributions of women in the area of STEM and the city is humbled by the fact that so many dynamic, powerful women continue to find the time to reach back to support our vision of preparing young women for the high demands of the global workforce,” stated DaMia Harris-Madden, Executive Director of the Youth Bureau. The” Ladies First” in STEM Conference was funded in part by the Westchester Putnam Workforce Development BoardWDAY Program, and the City of Mount Vernon Youth Bureau- Mount Vernon STRONG Program. For further information, please contact Dominique Smith of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau at (914) 665-2344 or visit the Youth Bureau at youth.cmvny.com. You can also reach them on Twitter @ MVyouthbureau or Facebook.com/MVyouthbureau. MVHS students participate in a Job Shadow Day at Microsoft O MVHS students at Microsoft n April 14, 23 students from Mr. Mihailidis’ United Nations Club participated in the Job Shadow program sponsored by Junior Achievement Westchester at Microsoft in White Plains. The program is geared toward providing high school students with real-life work experiences and the inner workings of Microsoft. The students learned about Microsoft as a company, its daily operations and the main responsibilities of the staff. The program concluded with all the students being congratulated and receiving a certificate for completing the program by the Microsoft staff members. T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER 8 l May 2016 www.mvinquirer.com “The People’s Newspaper” Continued from page 1 Judge Nichelle Johnson addressing the overflowing crowd Mount Vernon’s favorite ladies – in spite of a rift with Mayor Richard Thomas. Also in attendance were several justices. Impressed by Johnson’s appointment, City Councilwoman Roberta Apuzzo stated, “This is a very deserving appointment of a very honorable woman.” Until now, Thomas has made several appointments, some popular, and some not so popular, but the appointment of Nichelle Johnson and Shawyn PattersonHoward represents a “home run” for him. The community’s approval was evident since the Council Chambers was ‘bulging at the seams’ with people shouting, “We love you, Nichelle,” when she approached the podium to be sworn in. The same excitement was displayed when PattersonHoward approached the podium. The memorable ceremony commenced with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation being provided by the Rev. Dr. Darren Morton. Next, Mayor Thomas approached the podium and the overflowing crowd gave him a long and rousing applause. Prior to personally swearing in Johnson, the mayor spoke fondly of Mount Vernon’s newest member of the bench. “Nichelle Johnson is eminently qualified for the position of City Court Judge. She has a long record of service for the City of Mount Vernon, including time as Corporation Counsel and Chief of Staff to the Mayor. She has over twenty years of experience as a litigator and understands the intricacies of the legal system. She has appeared before federal, state, and local courts representing a variety of clients. I am thankful she has accepted this appointment and I look forward to her continued service to our city as a fair jurist,” said Thomas. After being sworn in, Johnson slipped on her new black robe and approached the podium. “You can’t imagine how humbled I am about having received this incredible appointment. I understand my role as a judge and understand what I have to do. I promise to be a fair judge and will be taking my new job very seriously – hoping to make the entire Mount Vernon community proud of me,” said Johnson. Prior to Patterson-Howard approaching the podium to be sworn in, Thomas also had fond accolades about her as well. “Shawyn Patterson-Howard is a Mount Vernon native who has made our city proud through her decades of service. She led the Yonkers YMCA and transformed it into a national model. She is a trailblazer and turn around agent who operates with a spirit of community and service. Commissioner Howard is nationally known for her work in public health, criminal justice, and urban development. She is truly Mount Vernon’s own and I am grateful that Shawyn Patterson-Howard being sworn in as the new Planning Commissioner by Mayor Thomas Shawyn Patterson-Howard accompanied by family members after being sworn in Frances Lightsy being honored she has come to help revitalize our city.” As she approached the podium to be sworn in by Judge Kathy Davison, Patterson-Howard also received a thunderous applause from the excited audience. Like Johnson, she was accompanied by many of her family members. “I am truly humbled to have been ap- Mayor Thomas honoring Patrice Wallace Moore pointed your new Commissioner of Planning and Community Development. I look forward to helping Mount Vernon move ahead in the area of new development since we are ripe for new development. But, I understand that it is not only about building, but also about our quality of life. Mount Vernon is the place to be and we all Continued on page 9 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER www.mvinquirer.com 9 l May 2016 “The People’s Newspaper” Continued from page 8 need to work together to lift up our standard of living. I am also honored to have been chosen as the first woman of color to be appointed Planning Commissioner,” said Patterson-Howard. Next on the agenda was the presentation of the “Phenomenal Women Awards” by Thomas to the following four women: Rella Fogliano, Linda Gordon, Frances Lightsy and Patrice Wallace Moore. After his presentation of the awards, Thomas stated: “I can think of no better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than by honoring these six women who have done so much for the people of Mount Vernon. These women exemplify our rich diversity and proud heritage and I am humbled to honor them.” The ceremony ended with Rev. Angie Ryan providing the Benediction, followed by a reception in the Rotunda. Longtime Mt. Vernon resident, Linda Gordon, being honored Rella Fogliano being honored by Mayor Thomas (l) and Council President Marcus Griffith Rev. Angie Ryan getting ready to provide the Benediction Mt. Vernon Youth Bureau’s Step Up! program holds Conflict Resolution workshops Students from AB Davis and Benjamin Turner Middle schools with members of Mt. Vernon’s Finest T he Mount Vernon Youth Bureau in partnership with the Mount Vernon Police Department, the North American Family Institute (NAFI) and the Youth Voices Center held a week of Youth and Police Initiatives (YPI) and Conflict Resolution workshops with youth from AB Davis and Benjamin Turner Middle schools. Workshops were held from March 28, 2016 through April 1st. The final meeting was a celebration dinner held at the Enclave Restaurant on 5th Avenue where youth participants received a stipend and Certificates of Completion. The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau has designed this youth violence reduction strategy to reduce the number of fights and disrespectful behavior towards peers and school faculty. Students participated in various activities, including role play, to help them communicate with their peers, as well as teach them how to resolve issues without violence. The training was led by Officer Dave Clarke of the Mount Vernon Police Dept., Mr. David Peters, of NAFI and Mr. Wayne Woodbury the Step Up! Program Coordinator. Michael Aterberry of the Youth Voices Center through his “Power of Peace” program presented conflict resolution and anti-violence workshops focused on developing leadership, teamwork, collaboration, decision-making, respect for others and self and cultural awareness. The Step Up! Program’s goal, in part, is to reduce the communica- tion barriers that exist between the law enforcement community and the city’s young men. The ultimate goal, however, is to empower young men to strive for academic and social success and to reduce the number of in and out of school incidents, as well as reduce the number of incidents related to gang violence, aggressive and disrespectful behaviors and unfavorable attitudes between youth and law enforcement. Step Up! is a unique method of mentoring the city’s most “at risk” male population. Mayor Richard Thomas said, “Programming like this is what helps keep our children safe and off the streets. We must continue to wrap our arms around our youth and help them learn, grow and thrive to reach their full potential.” “This program is just one of the initiatives that support the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s goal of empowering young people to solve conflicts through communication and not violence.” stated DaMia Harris-Madden, Executive Director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau. Mount Vernon’s Step Up! Program is funded through Legislator Lyndon Williams and the Westchester Board of Legislators. For more information on this and other Youth Bureau programs or events please call (914) 665-2344. You can also follow them on Twitter @MVyouthbureau or Facebook. com/MVyouthbureau and visit the Youth Bureau site at www.youth. cmvny.com. 10 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER www.mvinquirer.com “The People’s Newspaper” Mt. Vernonites ask Pretlow to urge NY lawmakers to pass GMO labeling law (l to r) Dr. Mother Khoshhali, Reyna Gonzalez and Assemblyman Pretlow O n Friday, April 8, Mt Vernon residents called on local Assembly Member Gary Pretlow to support Assembly Bill 617 which would give consumers critical informa- tion about what’s in our food and how it is produced. The bill would label genetically engineered foods in New York, which are pervasive in our food supply, but are often bred to withstand applications of harsh chemicals. Local residents delivered over 1000 petition signatures from constituents to Assembly Member Pretlow asking for his support for the GMO labeling bill. Local business owner of Sadhana Tea House and Wellness Center, Dr. Mother Khoshhali stated,“I believe GMOs have to be labeled because customers have to know…they need to be labeled because it is the choice of the consumer.” An overwhelming majority of Americans — over 90% in many polls— want GMOs to be labeled. New York would be the fourth state, following Vermont, Connecticut and Maine, to pass a law in support of labeling. The event on Friday followed a rally in Albany in March, with 250 attendees from across the state. At the federal level ,the senate blocked legislation introduced by Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) that would halt state efforts to label GMOs. If passed, the bill would have undermined democratically enacted state laws that give consumers the right to know what’s in our food. U.S. Klein honors local cheerleaders for National Championship win S tate Senator Jeff Klein (DBronx/Westchester) honored the Junior Varsity cheerleading squad of St. Catherine Academy today. The students ranked first in the non-tumbling division, making history at the 2016 Universal Cheerleading Association National High School Cheerleading championship. Senator Klein presented the team with a proclamation honoring their achievement and dedication, and the cheerleaders all received congratulatory certificates. “Today we recognize the hard work and perseverance of St. Catherine Academy’s Junior Varsity cheerleaders. Their sportsmanship, coupled with the outstanding academic program at St. Catherine’s, will keep our national champions on a path for success,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Congratulations to our talented students!” St. Catherine Academy also achieved a seventh place rank at the national competition in Small Varsity, Division II. The Varsity and JV teams are the only nationally ranked cheerleading teams in the Bronx. Senators Gillibrand and Schumer both opposed this bill, siding with New Yorkers – and the majority of Americans – who want GMOs to be labeled. Shortly after the bill’s defeat, U.S. food company General Mills announced they will voluntarily label all products sold in the U.S. that contain genetically engineered ingredients. Other companies such as Mars, Kellogg’s and ConAgra were quick to follow. “We must call on our elected officials to stand up for the people and our right to know what is in our food,” said Food & Water Watch organizer, Ashleigh McGuire. The effort to label GMOs in New York is growing in Mt Vernon and across the state. Consumers are calling on state legislators to pass A617/S485 and protecting New York’s right to decide whether to label genetically engineered foods. In Yonkers and Mt. Vernon, activists have gathered over 1000 signatures for petitions in addition to having generated over 50 calls into Assembly Member Pretlow’s office. Twenty-eight local businesses and community organizations have signed on to a letter in support of the bill. Reyna Gonzalez, a local mother, stated, “As a consumer I feel I have the right to know what is going into my body and the bodies of my family.” The bill to label GMOs in New York, A617, is currently facing a vote in the Codes Committee and has 73 co-sponsors in the New York State Assembly. (l to r) Reyna Gonzalez, Dr. Mother Khoshhali, and Vinny Carson outside Assemblyman Preltow’s office in Mt. Vernon Rent increase hearings scheduled for June Story by Tamara Stewart W estchester landlords and tenants will soon have an opportunity to make their voices heard regarding how much landlords should be allowed to increase rents for 30,000 regulated apartments throughout the county. Beginning on June 1st, the Westchester County Rent Guidelines Board (WCRGB) will hold a series of public hearings to listen to arguments in favor of no/small increases made by tenants, and arguments in favor of significant increases made by landlords for leases being renewed between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017. The issue of affordable housing was particularly contentious last year due to the June 15, 2015 scheduled expiration of the Emergency Tenant Protection Act (ETPA) and the 421-a tax break. Ultimately, ETPA was renewed through 2019, and the 421-a tax break for residential developers was allowed to expire. Last year, New York City passed historically low rent increases for lease renewals taking effect between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016. The NYC Rent Guidelines Board agreed to a 0% increase on one-year lease renewals, and a 2% increase on two-year lease renewals. Locally, Westchester’s board agreed to a 1.75% increase on one-year lease renewals, and a 2.75% increase on two-year lease renewals, for the same period. The schedule for this year’s WCRGB public hearings and meetings is as follows: Wednesday, June 1st at 7 pm – Yonkers Riverfront Library (public hearing) Monday, June 6th at 7 pm – White Plains Library (public hearing) Wednesday, June 8th at 7 pm – Westchester District Rent Office, 75 S. Broadway, Suite 350, White Plains (public meeting) Wednesday, June 15th at 7 pm – Mt. Vernon City Hall, City Council Chambers (public hearing) Monday, June 20th at 7 pm – White Plains Library (public meeting – decision announced) Wednesday, June 22nd at 7 pm – White Plains City Hall (additional date if needed) The public may speak at the June 1st, 6th and 15th hearings. Those wishing to speak may sign up to do so at one, two or all three hearings. Mount Vernon tenants wishing to sign-up to speak, or those desiring to support tenants, should contact Dennis Hanratty of Mount Vernon United Tenants at 699-1114, or visit mvut.org for more information. Those wishing to speak can also contact Chuck Lesnick of the WCRGB by phone at 948-4434, or via email at [email protected]. T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER www.mvinquirer.com 11 l May 2016 “The People’s Newspaper” Statement of Mayor Thomas: Bob Kelly termination I Mayor Thomas during a press conference at City Hall n keeping a promise to constantly improve operations, Mayor Richard Thomas conducted a 90 day systems check on progress made by his entire administration. On Friday, April 8, Mayor Thomas and Bruce Jackson, chairman of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee, met with former Public Safety Commissioner Robert Kelly. After follow up discussions on Saturday, April 9th, Mayor Thomas decided to take the necessary step and terminate Kelly. This is a continuation of Mayor Thomas’ effort to fulfill his word to the people for complete culture change in the Mount Vernon Police Department. The Mayor has a vision on public safety which was not being implemented satisfactorily. Thus, the Mayor determined to make this necessary change. Commissioner Kelly’s termination is effective Saturday, April 9, at 5:00 PM whereby Deputy Public Safety Commissioner Ronald Fatigate will assume the role of “acting Public Safety Commissioner” until a national search for a new commissioner is concluded. Not wasting time, Mayor Thomas tapped former Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Ralph Fatigate, Councilman Yuhanna Edwards – chair of the Council’s Public Safety and Codes Committee which over- Continued from page 1 $850.00 hourly fee they are currently paying for legal fees, but the city refused to communicate with him or his lawyers on the matter. For the last two years there has been a concerted unsuccessful effort by several individuals to have the lucrative contract derailed at any cost. For the city to hire an attorney at a cost of $850.00 per hour to fight a case that can’t be won is beyond comprehension. The contract was reviewed endlessly by the City Council body, the prior Corporation Counsel and legal representatives resulting in the contract being awarded to Sentinel Technology Services International, Inc. after being approved by the City Council and the Board of Estimate and Contract – making it legally binding. It appears that those seeking to have the contract derailed are hoping that the longer the matter is extended, the greater the possibility exists that Horton will run out of funds and he will walk away from the contract. But until now, Horton has persevered and has a team of lawyers representing him knowing that they will be victorious in court. The city’s effort to fight this hopeless matter in court is not prudent since, in the end, the already overburdened taxpayers are the ones that will suffer. This matter is more about greed and the city’s effort has absolutely no merit. More and more taxpayers are demanding an end to this senseless waste of the city’s precious resources, especially when the disputed Sentinel contract will immediately produce educational and paid intern positions, sorely needed green job opportunities for the unemployed as well as the underemployed women and men in the Mount Vernon community - simultaneously saving the taxpayers almost 1 million dollars annually, while producing a net surplus of $250,000 that could be used for more important needs like Memorial Field. sees the Police Department, Minister Arthur Muhammad, Reverend Gwen Wilson, and Bruce Jackson to aggressively work with him to recruit a replacement in the near future. Former Commissioner Fatigate, Councilman Edwards, and Brent Gamble, Mount Vernon Police Benevolent Association president, praised the mayor for his decisive action and issued the following statements: “There is one direction, forward. All visionary work to increase safety and strengthen the relationship between the police and public will continue. We are proud of the work we are able to get done, and understand that more work remains. The people elected me to drive responsible reforms and culture change in City Hall. This is mission critical, particularly at the Police Department,” said Mayor Thomas. “Having many conversations with Mayor Thomas, I agree with his decision to make changes in the Police Department. It is incumbent that people in these type of leadership roles be able to connect with the community and embrace the vision of the administration. In an effort to make Mount Vernon safer, I look forward to working with the committee to recruit new and dynamic leadership for the Mount Vernon Police Department,” said former Public Safety Commissioner Ralph Fatigate. “I stand with Mayor Thomas and look forward to assisting in the search for a commissioner to lead the department,” said Councilman Edwards. “On behalf of the Mount Vernon Police Benevolent Association, we extend our full support to the Thomas administration in their decision to move the department toward President Obama’s 21st century policing model, where compassion for people is paramount,” said Brent Gamble, president of the Mount Vernon Police Benevolent Association. During a press conference held on April 11 at City Hall, the mayor stated: “Kelly’s firing was a business decision. I made a business decision that is best for the interests of Mount Vernon. Business decisions are not always politically expedient, but they’re both necessary and responsible. Change is difficult and will be discussed, but I will not debate my decision publicly.” Until now, there has been no response from Kelly on his dismissal. Former Public Safety Commissioner Robert Kelly Mt. Vernon’s Water Department superintendent retires L Marianne Vogel Superintendent ongtime superintendent of the Mount Vernon Water Department, Marianne Vogel, has retired. Although her retirement was sudden, the department immediately found a Health Department 1B licensed operator by the name of John Arena to replace her. Fortunately, Vogel’s unexpected retirement did not create a serious void in that department, since they have been operating without a Commissioner for some time now. The Mount Vernon Water Department generates millions of dollars for the city and finding an immediate licensed operator was essential to keep the department functioning. 12 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER www.mvinquirer.com “The People’s Newspaper” EDITORIAL Why was the Mt. Vernon Arts Council denied the sale of a foreclosed building? Music school students performing during the concert at the library O n a rainy Saturday afternoon on April 9, over 75 citizens crowded into the conference room at the Mount Vernon Public Library to attended a concert sponsored by the Mount Vernon School of Music. Many in attendance were parents who were there to see their children perform, but they were also there to protest the city’s refusal to sell the Mount Vernon Arts Council, sponsors of a popular music school, a building listed on the foreclosure auction list. The property sought by the Arts Council is located at 135 North High Street, and has been on the city’s foreclosure auction list for some time. The Mount Vernon Arts Council is a 501c3 that is promoting the arts in the City of Mount Vernon in a big way. Two of its most successful programs are the Arts on Third Festival and the Mount Vernon School of Music, which currently has 144 registered students. The school is currently housed at the Doles Center, where they have limited space to teach and are seeking a larger facility. Members of the Arts Council approached the city about purchasing the property and the sale of the building was unanimously approved by the City Council. Inexplicably, when the matter went before the Board of Estimate and Contract, which is comprised of the mayor, the Comptroller and the City Council President, it was voted down. Thus, the building was placed on the auction list once again starting at the same $65,000 that was approved for purchase by the Arts Council. During the concert’s half time intermission, Maureen Wilson, who teaches at the music school and is the president of the Mount Vernon Arts Council, spoke to the audience about the dilemma concerning the purchase of the property in question. “We would have purchased another property if it had been offered to us, and we have reached out to the Mayor, but to no avail,” said Wilson. Several guest speakers spoke sup- Maureen Wilson updating the audience on the denial of the sale of a building they are seeking to buy Damon Jones encouraging the audience to attend the next City Council meeting An adult band playing at the concert A mother of a former student speaking positively about the music school and why they need more space portively about the derailed purchase of the North High Street property, including Damon Jones and a grateful mother of a former student who has excelled in life thanks to the assistance she received while a student at the music school. I am sure there has to be a valid explanation about the reasoning behind voting down the sale of the building after it had been approved by the City Council. Could it be that city officials have stopped the sale to the nonprofit group over questions about former city employees’ involvement, as rumored? It is well known that Mount Vernon has very little to offer its large population of youth to keep them busy after school and during the summer months. So why then is the city denying the sale of a building that will be used in such a positive way by Mount Vernon’s children? While many kids with time on their hands make good choices, some don’t. We’d all like to think our kids won’t succumb to peer pressure or curiosity, but filling their time with positive activities reduces those opportunities for risky behavior. Studies show that kids who do not participate in after school activities are nearly three times more likely to skip classes or use marijuana or other drugs; they are also more likely to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes and engage in unsafe sexual activity. So, Mount Vernon, do the right thing and allow the Mount Vernon Arts Council to purchase the building they are desperately seeking. I can’t think of a better way to educate our kids about the arts than to have them attend a music school on a regular basis. Currently, the Arts Council is appealing to the city to remove the property from the foreclosure auction list until this matter is resolved. For more information contact Maureen Wilson at 914-217-4047 or Darney Gripper at 347-414-1696. Joe Parisi Publisher/Editor T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER www.mvinquirer.com 13 l May 2016 “The People’s Newspaper” JA Finance Park attended by MVHS Students my future endeavors.” Another student, Jaciara De Souza, remarked, “I greatly enjoyed my visit to the Finance Park Center. Through the help of the volunteers and the many hands-on exhibit stations I was able to understand the daily life of budgeting and finances. The trip was truly an eye J opening experience.” Other students stressed the importance of being financially ready for children and the responsibility of being an adult. Overall the project was a huge success with the students being able to get a dose of reality and better insight on their parent’s lives. MVHS students with staff members at JA Finance Park unior Achievement of the Hudson Valley, Inc. once again partnered with Mount Vernon High School for their students to take part in JA Capital One Finance Park. JA Finance Park is sponsored by Capital One and encompasses important educational lessons about personal financial literacy and career awareness. Students complete in-class sessions and attend a hands-on Capital One/Junior Achievement Finance Park site at their 5th Avenue location in Manhattan. This visit provides students with the opportunity to apply, in a realistic setting, what they have learned in the classroom and will be responsible for planning a budget for themselves and their fictional family. The goal of JA Finance Park is to help students see how classroom learning connects to real-world actions and events. Students acquire knowledge through hands-on classroom activities and discussions and then seek relevance between their new learning and their future lives. Because of this unique learning format, students remember this experience for many years and incorporate it in their everyday life. The students of Mount Vernon High School applied themselves enthusiastically to the simulation exercises, many finding it very difficult to balance their budget and make decisions based on their life situation. One student, Jessica Daley, said, “The knowledge I gained at Finance Park will definitely help me with my budget planning as I get ready to venture into April 2016 issue “Correction Notice” T Mayor Thomas on stage with supportive Cecil H. Parker School students he story that appeared on the front page of the Inquirer for the month of April 2016, entitled, Mayor Thomas State of the City address focuses on quality of life issues, included a picture of Mayor Thomas on stage with several students. The photo caption identified their school incorrectly. It should have read: Cecil H. Parker School. The staff of the Inquirer sincerely apologizes to the students in the picture and the entire school. T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER 14 l May 2016 www.mvinquirer.com “The People’s Newspaper” Mt. Vernon Administrative Professionals Day luncheon held at Dave & Buster’s N Karen Thomas (l) having a great time at Dave & Buster’s ational Professional Secretaries Week and National Secretary’s Day was created in 1952 through the work of Harry F. Klemfuss of Young and Rubicam. Klemfuss recognized the importance and value of the position to a company or business. His goal was to encourage more women to become secretaries. Using his skill and experience in public relations, Klemfuss, promoted the values and importance of the job of secretaries. In doing so, he also created the Dwayne Brown with some of the participants holiday in recognition of the importance of secretaries. The name of this special day has changed and evolved over the past few decades. But, the importance of recognizing these vital individuals remains. The two new terms in use today are: “Administrative Professionals” and “Executive Admins”. The two names sometimes mean different roles and responsibilities in different companies and organizations. Both are broader terms that encompass more Continued on page 38 www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER Frank T. Fraley Joins Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home Anthony Guarino (l) welcoming Frank Fraley B urr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home, a source of compassion and care for the Mount Vernon community for over thirty years, announces the appointment of Frank T. Fraley as its new associate, according to Anthony Guarino, Funeral Director and Owner. Fraley brings with him many years of dedicated leadership and service in the private and public sector. He is a past president and current chairman of the Chamber of Commerce; president of Noah Consulting, Inc., helping over 800 clients reduce their residential and commercial 15 l May 2016 “The People’s Newspaper” tax burden and president of SHARE NY, a nonprofit that advocates bringing clean, affordable energy to New York City residents. In taking up his new role as Associate at Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home, Fraley will use his deep community connections to help grieving families. “When someone dies, their family usually turns to the funeral home that’s most familiar to them and their church community,” said Fraley. “As an ordained minister myself (with Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn), I will be reaching out to the other clergy of Mount Vernon to let them know that Burr Davis Sharpe is ready to care for their parishioners in their time of need.” “I am thrilled to be working with Frank,” said Guarino. “We have been friends for many years, and I look forward to his becoming an integral part of our work here.” With its unparalleled degree of service and compassion, Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home is proud and honored to serve the needs of the deceased and their families. Its regular business hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm every day, but can be reached by phone at any time for emergencies at (914) 699-4010. The home is located at 584 Gramatan Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10552, and can be found online at www. yannantuonofh.com. Mt. Vernon a winner in 2nd Annual #Westchester Smart Mobile App Development Bowl A Members of MVHS’s Vybe team getting honored by Robert Astorino team from Mamaroneck High School took home top honors at the 2nd Annual #Westchester Smart Mobile App Development Bowl on Friday, April 15, where more than 250 students competed at Pace University’s Pleasantville campus to see who had developed the best mobile application after weeks of design and development. In all, teams from eight high schools and colleges took home cash awards. Presented by County Executive Robert P. Astorino and Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, the competition challenged students to create an app that will improve the quality of life for people age 65 and older. Ideas ranged from health and memory to finance and money. Although they did not come in first, students from Mount Vernon High School’s Vybe team placed third under The Mobile App Usability Award. “The #Westchester Smart Mobile App Development Bowl sends a strong statement to our students – as well as our communities and businesses – that Westchester is a place where smart things are happening,” Astorino said. “We’re on the cutting edge of so many industries, from healthcare to information technology to biotech and more. And we wanted to showcase that Westchester has the highly educated young workforce that makes it easy for businesses to recruit and retain the talent they need. We say Westchester is the ‘smart spot’ for business, and this event makes that very apparent.” The winning team – The Rock Club from Mamaroneck High School – created an app that serves as a “one stop shop” for seniors to resolve technical issues. After interviewing seniors regarding their most common issues with technology, the team found that most fit into three broad categories: problems with vision, problems with hearing, and problems with dexterity. “We hope to solve all these with our app,” the team said in its presentation to judges. “Seniors rely on the younger generation to help them with technology. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way in which seniors could use their mobile devices without consulting others?” The App Bowl kicked off with a pep rally at the Westchester County Center in February, followed by a series of workshops focused on developing the technical skills of design and coding for mobile devices. The completed apps will be available for download via the Apple Store and/or the Google Play Store. “This generation of students is remarkable in that they love technology and they care deeply about their own communities and families. As a result, these digital natives have the intuition and the technical skills to design apps that will help their older relatives and neighbors who increasingly rely on mobile technologies for their health and well-being,” said Dr. Jonathan Hill, interim Dean of Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. William M. Mooney, III, director of the Westchester County Office of Economic Development, added: “Westchester is proud to support the Mobile App Development Bowl because it shows people everywhere that Westchester is a place where talents can be developed, displayed and rewarded – now and in the future.” 16 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” 17 l May 2016 18 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” 19 l May 2016 20 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” 21 l May 2016 22 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” 23 l May 2016 24 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” 25 l May 2016 26 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER www.mvinquirer.com “The People’s Newspaper” EDITORIAL Latest dumping has turned Memorial Field into a “brownfield” I A partial view of the illegal dumping that took place at Memorial Field recently t was well publicized that while the tennis courts were being constructed at Memorial Field, the fill carted onto the field was contaminated with coal, ash and slag according to the results of soil testing conducted by the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation. But for criminals to unlawfully break into Memorial Field and then have a caravan of trucks illegally dump endless tons of debris on an already contaminated site is beyond brazen – it is an outrageously criminal act. The gate to the field had a chain with a heavy-duty lock on it which kept vehicular traffic from entering the field. The chain was cut and removed in order for the trucks to dump their loads of additionally contaminated debris onto the field. What is even more puzzling is how the criminals managed to go undetected, since the dumping had to involve numerous trucks coming and going for some time during the middle of the night. When Mayor Richard Thomas was recently elected, there was word of support to help renovate Memorial Field – especially from County Executive Robert Astorino, who promised to release millions of dollars to help restore Mount Vernon’s “jewel.” But, when the brazen act involving the cutting of the gate’s chain and the dumping of additional contaminated soil took place – everybody backed off and suddenly, Memorial Field has quietly been put on the “back burner.” To make matters worse, there is no doubt that Memorial Field has been converted into a so-called “brownfield.” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a brownfield as “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” The EPA has already tested Memorial Field and found it to be contaminated, but with the illegal dumping of endless tons of potentially highly contaminated debris, once retested, they will most certainly classify the field as a “brownfield” site. Cleaning up Memorial Field will run into the millions and the taxpayers should not be the ones to have to scrounge for the money. Memorial Field and the stadium have been allowed to decay for decades by the lack of action of the local politicians. Therefore, they are the ones that need to work very hard to come up with the funds, not the already overburdened taxpayers. Furthermore, why aren’t Mount Vernon taxpayers demanding that an investigation take place on the latest round of illegal dumping that took place recently? Why aren’t taxpayers marching through the streets with protest signs demanding that an investigation take place? Could it be the taxpayers feel that their voices are never heard in Mount Vernon? Now is the time to discover whether or not Mayor Thomas will hear your voices on this disheartening subject. He just might! Joe Parisi Publisher/Editor 27 l May 2016 Mt. Vernon School District honored by Junior Achievement T Mr. M. and Michelle McKitty-Bromley accepting the award from JA President, Joseph Peri he Mount Vernon School District has been awarded the 2016 Spirit of Achievement Award in honor of its partnership with Junior Achievement of the Hudson Valley Inc. (JAHV). The awards dinner, held in March at the Westchester Marriot, is the educational organization’s premier event to celebrate the successes of both the business and education community at work to provide the children of the Hudson Valley with the successful future they deserve. The dinner program featured the students of the Hudson Valley who presented awards and shared their JA experiences. Two students from Mount Vernon High School, Angilee Sewkarran and Nia Alexandre, spoke of the various JA programs they have participated in while students in the district. Afterwards, they presented the Spirit of Achievement award. Accepting the award on behalf of the Mount Vernon School District were Michelle McKitty-Bromley, (Coordinator for Family and Community Engagement) and Demetrios Mihailidis (Teacher/JA Coordinator at Mount Vernon High School). McKitty-Bromley thanked JA and Orla Fitzsimons of the Hudson Valley, Inc. division of JA for continuing their partnership through the years with the district and how such programs have had a great impact on Mount Vernon students. Mihailidis added, “So many students have benefited from the various JA programs for their future endeavors.” He then thanked Principal Gonzalez for his continuous support. St. Paul’s Church to recognize 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare A recognition of the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, and an appreciation of the influence of the great English playwright on the cultural life of early America, including the generation that developed St. Paul’s Church, will be the theme of this year’s Historic Benefit Dinner at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, Saturday, May 14, 5 to 9 PM. The event includes the presentation of a scene of one of Shakespeare’s plays, “Julius Caesar,” by the acclaimed Red Monkey Theater Group. There will also be a performance of an aria from Verdi’s Shakespeare-inspired “Otello,” with musical accompaniment on the church’s 1830 Erben pipe organ. A brief talk explores the significance of Shakespeare in the lives of early Americans. In addition, period music and a sit down Shakespearian feast are part of the evening’s festivities. The dinner event honors the outstand- ing cultural contributions to our area made by Michael Spierman, founder and director of the Bronx Opera Company. For 50 years, the company has enriched the artistic life of the St. Paul’s communities through performances of full operas and many community presentations. They have introduced the timeless combination of theater and music to thousands of people of all ages who otherwise might not experience the wonders of live opera. Donation tickets cost $65. Proceeds help support the public and educational programs of St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mt. Vernon, NY 10550. The sponsor is the Society of the National Shrine of the Bill of rights, a 501c3 non-profit organization that administers St. Paul’s through a co-operative agreement. For more information call the site at 914-667-4116. 28 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” Westchester County Senior Citizens Bowling Tournament Mount Vernon Board of Education approves proposed $238.7 million budget for the 2016-2017 school year T W estchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino has announced that bowlers age 60 and older are invited to participate in the annual Westchester County Senior Citizens Bowling Tournament on Monday, May 23, noon, at Spins Bowl in Mount Kisco. Advance registration is required by Monday, May 16. “Bowling is a great way for seniors to get some exercise while also having a fun time with friends,” Astorino said. Sponsored by Westchester County Parks, Friends of Westchester County Parks, Inc. and Spins Bowl, the tournament is open to Westchester County resident senior citizens age 60 years and older who have a certified league average, or who have bowled three games that have been verified by lanes management, the recreation director of the bowler’s community, or a league secretary. A veri- fication sheet must be included with each application. Trophies will be awarded in two classes for both men and women. Averages will determine the division in which the player will compete. Men’s Class A is for those with an average of 140 and higher, and Class B for 139 and lower. Women’s Class A is for those with an average of 130 and higher, and Class B for 129 and lower. Awards will be presented only with an adjusted handicap of 80%. Tournament fee is $15, which includes lunch, and is payable on day of play. Rental shoes are provided free, courtesy of Spins Bowl. Registration begins at 11 a.m. Spins Bowl is located at 333 North Bedford Road in Mount Kisco. Applications are available at Spins Bowl or can be downloaded at www.westchestergov.com/parks. To receive an application by mail, call (914) 231-4564. Book and bake sale hosted by library friends O n Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7, the Friends of the Mount Vernon Public Library host their Spring Book and Bake Sale from 10am to 4pm. Mysteries, children’s books, best-sellers, art books and a large collection of AfricanAmerican books will be sold at bargain prices - plus baked goods and coffee. The event will be held in the Community Room of the Library, 28 S. First Avenue. www.mvinquirer.com he Mount Vernon City School District Board of Education unanimously approved a proposed $238,749,835 budget for the 2016-2017 school year which has a zero percent increase in the tax levy. The total proposed taxes to be collected by the school district will be $134,077,473, which is unchanged for the third consecutive year. “The details of this budget are representative of what this district feels is critically important: Giving each child in the Mount Vernon School District the very best opportunities for the best education possible,” said Board of Education President Adriane G. Saunders. “We are hopeful voters will feel the same.” The proposed budget is a 3.41 percent increase, or $7,862,462, above last year’s approved budget of $230,887,373. “Our focus remains first and foremost on student achievement and success,” said Superintendent Kenneth R. Hamilton. “We took great care to ensure this budget is in alignment with our long-term 20/20 Vision bond plans. We are positioning Mount Vernon to be the epicenter for outstanding and long-lasting student accomplishments in this region. The 21st Century learning environment we are creating will be the example others will want to follow.” The proposed budget, which goes before voters on May 17, includes: · Creation of six new English native learner positions · Creation of six new special education teachers ·C ontinuation of the beautification pro- gram at five elementary schools and Mandela High School · Expansion of the middle school sports program to include wrestling, volleyball and softball · Introduction of transportation for Mandela students to allow them to attend Mount Vernon High School for career and technical education (CTE) programs · Introduction of Special Olympics program for special education students and to reinforce the importance of community service to those supporting the program · Realizing an oil cost-savings of 95 percent over the previous year due to the district’s energy performance contract (EPC). · Realizing an electric cost-savings of 35 percent over the previous year due the district’s EPC. · Acquisition of new financial software to modernize and create greater efficiencies for payroll and human resources · Acquisition of a new identification card system for students and staff The proposed budget is 100 percent aligned with the Board of Education’s goals to create systems to promote student achievement and increase outcomes, paying particular attention to subgroups in order to close the student achievement gap and developing and implementing a multi-year plan for improving buildings, grounds, and facilities including the exploration of private and public partnerships. To learn more and review the budget presentation, visit: http://www.mtvernoncsd.org/community/budget. LETTER TO THE EDITOR The Mount Vernon Public Library is at a crossroad T he Mount Vernon Public Library is at a crossroad - a crossroad in bringing the library into the 21st century. Our library, an Andrew Carnegie library, was founded 120 years ago and has become an acknowledged institution in this city and throughout the county. Though we have this enviable history as our beginning, the Mount Vernon Library must keep up with the times. We can’t stop progress! Over the last two years we have seen many improvements in our library from a cleaner facility, an increased purchase of books, a restored Central Library status, an improved image throughout the library system, an increase in grant funding, increased library partnership and bridging the digital divide. My fellow Mount Vernonites, I ask you to partner with me and my fellow board of trustees members to continue on the path of moving our library forward. Come, visit the Library, borrow a book, attend an event, use our wi-fi, expand your horizons and see what we have done! The Mount Vernon Public Library is a unique institution and your patronage will assure us of a successful future. I would like to offer special thanks to the Board of Trustees, to our Building and Grounds Staff, to Cathy Webb our new community outreach person, to the entire Mount Vernon Public Library staff, the Library Foundation and The Friends of the Mount Vernon Public Library for helping us as we plan for the future. Oscar Davis, Jr. Acting President Mt. Vernon Public Library Board of Trustees www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” 29 l May 2016 Mt. Vernon Public Library holds open house to showcase positive changes Carolyn Karwoski (r), Director of the library, with Oscar Davis Jr.,Acting President Board of Trustees T he Mount Vernon Public Library, like Memorial Field, is treasured and considered one of Mount Vernon’s jewels by many. The library has proudly served this changing and diverse city for over 100 years, having received its charter on March 19, 1896. The document, housed in an oak-paneled closet in the administrative offices, is signed by Melvil Dewey, State Librarian/Secretary to the Board of Regents and a founder of the American Library Association, who is best, remembered for developing the Dewey Decimal System for book classification. The library has experienced difficult times in recent years, which has included a lack of leadership; structural issues; financing and budget problems; unhappy staff members; and it unbelievably came very close to closing its doors. Thankfully, the library has been reincarnated thanks to the hiring of a new director and assistant director, along with a board of trustees who all have a keen interest in transforming the library into the number one library in all of Westchester County – and they are almost there. On Tuesday, April 19, in a unified fashion, the Mount Vernon Library joined the Mount Vernon Public Library Foundation and members of the Board of Trustees and held an impressive open house to showcase some of the many exciting and positive changes that have taken place at the library during the last two years. Oscar Davis Jr., Acting President of the Board of Trustees serving as a tour guide for the media during the open house session said, “I am very proud of the many changes that have taken place here, and at the top of the list is the complete overhaul of our networking system, which now allows our visitors to use our computers at a real super speed.” The following is a list of other improvements: • The resurfacing of the parking lot • The relocation of the children’s restroom to a more visible and safer location (pending) • Renovation of the reading room area Library employees speaking with one of the many citizens that attended the open house The library’s networking system has been totally replaced with a state-of-the-art system • Renovation and organization of the Local History Room (pending) • Installation of 11 pieces of artwork outside the Children’s Library (work has begun) The entrance to the library features columned wood panels, an arched vaulted ceiling and stained glass skylights, which will never been touched, according to Da- vis. “Mount Vernon is a city that values its library in a unique way. I don’t have to make the case for the library in Mount Vernon. The people make the case for the library. In this city of 70,000, people support this large library. And they do it because they know it’s important,” said Davis. T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER 30 l May 2016 “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com Tears flow as Mayor Thomas weds “stroke couple” at Westchester Center The groom kissing his new bride O n Tuesday, April 19, it was no ordinary day at The Westchester Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Mount Vernon since two residents, Keith Hunt and Rita Drision, were getting married in the main cafeteria. Both Hunt and Drision were victims of a stroke and have been on-and-off residents at The Westchester Center for the last two years. They both have trouble ambulating due to the stroke, but the stroke did not prevent them from falling in love. During their stay at the facility they met and it was ‘love at first sight’ leading to an eventual marriage proposal by Hunt, and together they started planning their big day. The happy couple decided they would like to get married at The Westchester Center so they could be surrounded by their friends, including many of the staff and residents. Near the start of the marriage ceremony, there was gridlock in the hallways leading to the cafeteria, and it was caused by wheelchair bound residents anxious to attend the ceremony. The cafeteria resembled a typical catering hall, with the walls adorned with balloons and wedding decorations, and the residents and staff with their cell phones at the ready. As promised, Mayor Richard Thomas appeared on time to perform the ceremony, as well as the City Comptroller, Maureen Walker. When the time finally arrived for the mayor to marry the couple, it took sev- Staff and residents waiting for the ceremony to commence City Comptroller Maureen Walker singing a moving and memorable piece for the newly married couple eral minutes to quiet the room down, since the excitement and the chatter was at a real feverish pace. While the wedding party waited for Drision to make her appearance, along with Mayor Thomas, a thunderous ovation developed when they finally saw the bride limping into the room in her white wedding dress. The bride looked stunningly beautiful and the majority in the room was weeping tears of joy. While the marriage ceremony was in progress, non-stop weeping by many continued. “This is like a fairytale. I am so happy for this couple since they have not allowed their physical disability to The bride making her grand entrance interfere with their love for each other,” said a female staff member. When Mayor Thomas completed the ceremony, Hunt immediately hugged his new bride and kissed her repeatedly. To the surprise of many, Comptroller Maureen Walker, who aside from watching over the city’s finances, is also a singer, and sang a very moving song that touched everybody in the room. Also providing a musical piece was Hunt’s uncle, Robert, who is also a resident at the facility. All in all it was a magical day for the newly married couple, and all that were part of the ceremony. www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER 31 l May 2016 “The People’s Newspaper” WCC President tours Mt. Vernon Extension Campus with Legislator Williams O Legislator Williams and Westchester County Community College President, Dr. Belinda Miles n Wednesday, April 27, Legislator Lyndon Williams, who represents District 13, along with Westchester County Community College President, Dr. Belinda Miles, took a tour of the Westchester Community College Mount Vernon Extension Campus, led by the school’s Director, Francine Carl. Williams, along with his legislative colleagues, is seeking to provide as much assistance as possible to the college, and the tour allowed him to speak with staff members and students in an effort to better familiarize himself with the daily operation of the popular campus. Most importantly, the tour also allowed him to learn first-hand what the school’s immediate needs are. Besides Dr. Miles and Williams, the tour was comprised of the following individuals: Dr. Shawn Brown, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff; Tere Wisell, Vice President and Dean – Division of Workforce Development and Community Education; Francine Carl, Director, Mount Vernon Extension Center; and Janna Gullery, Assistant Director, Mount Vernon Extension Center. After the tour of the entire building was completed, the group met in a conference room to listen to President Carl speak and to view a slide presentation on the many programs offered at the school. Prior to the commencement of a Q&A session, the group heard from two students, Chante Thomas, who was recently accepted into the prestigious Cambridge summer study abroad and scholarship program where she will further her studies in literature, and Zionia Francis, winner of the first MYB $$eed Tank Competition held last January. The $$eed Tank competition awards up to $10,000 to the entrepreneur who demonstrates how the investment will help to scale their business. Zionia won for her handbag business, Indie Inc., which will launch its Summer 2016 handbag collection in May. Mount Vernon students shine at Statewide Business Skills Competition in the Business Ethics competition. Two students from Mandela/Zollicoffer High School, Queen Boswell and Julissa Burgos, attended a college tour of the Roch- (l to r) Jahari White, Shadae Leslie, Ashlene Charles and William Rundle R ecently, Mount Vernon students made an impressive showing at the New York State Leadership Conference. Their greatest achievement was by Mount Vernon High School student, Shadae Leslie, who earned a spot in the National Future Business Leaders of America Business Skills Competitions/Conference. The academically gifted senior earned a 2nd place finish at the statewide competition of 11th and 12th graders with an average score from four judges of 98% in the Public Speaking 2 performance event. Leslie will take part in the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia this summer. Chapters of the Mount Vernon Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) from both Mount Vernon and Mandela/Zollicof- fer High Schools took part in the three-day New York State Leadership Conference held in Rochester, NY. Students attended various workshops, business skills competitions, voting delegate meetings, and general leadership sessions. “All of our Future Business Leaders of America students’ efforts and professionalism would bring pride to the entire Mount Vernon community,” said William Rundle, Future Business Leaders of America Advisor. “This was an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate skills they will need in the workplace, and they not only met the challenge, they excelled!” Mount Vernon High School students Jahari White and Ashlene Charles were awarded 5th Place in New York State for their semi-finals and finals presentation ester Institute of Technology (RIT) and came away knowing they definitely want to further their educations in a college campus setting. T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER 32 l May 2016 www.mvinquirer.com “The People’s Newspaper” Alternative Medicine Options Jim and Annie Kiselak’s Natural Food Column Joe Parisi Direct from the sunny island of Vieques, Puerto Rico by Tips on how to show your heart some TLC T he heart is fickle. It wants to love and be loved, and it is liable to be hurt along the way. Facing a bad breakup or realizing “the one” that got away hurts. There’s no denying that. But the heart is also the most important muscle in the body, and emotional nourishment isn’t the only type of care it craves. To stave off common American heart conditions like heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmia, and high cholesterol, the heart needs regular TLC through healthy lifestyle habits that anyone can adopt easily and pleasurably. Show your heart some love and it’ll thank you every day of the year and beyond. · Share some dark chocolate with your sweetheart. Studies show that less than an ounce a day can lower systolic blood pressure by three to four points. High blood pressure (or hypertension) is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD). • Steal a kiss with garlic breath. Eating one to three cloves of fresh garlic a day is a good way to normalize cholesterol, another traditional risk factor in CVD. Crushing and adding a few garlic cloves into olive oil makes a yummy treat that can drop your cholesterol by 10 to 12 points. • Go nutty. Snack on a handful of tree nuts daily. Studies show that eating walnuts, which are rich in heart-protecting monounsaturated fats, can help normalize blood cholesterol. The same is true of other tree nuts, such as almonds and macadamia nuts. • Make a date with eggs. Contrary to popular belief, studies show that eating even as many as six eggs a day has no negative effect on blood cholesterol levels. In fact, one study shows that regular egg consumption normalizes total cholesterol and improves “good” HDL cholesterol in a majority of healthy adults. · Go on a fishing trip. The American Heart Association has endorsed the use of omega-3 fatty acids for secondary prevention of heart disease—prevention of angina, heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events in people with diagnosed CVD. A highquality fish oil supplement, as well as fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, is all great sources of omega-3s. Note: The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment! Applications being accepted for Mt. Vernon Youth Bureau’s GEM Summer Leadership Academy T he GEM Summer Leadership Academy was created for girls in 7th -8th grade. The program was designed to empower and cultivate their leadership skills in a safe, enriching environment. Youth will participate in Science, Technology, English, Art and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M) activities and enjoy character and asset building workshops, exciting field trips, and community service projects. The program is free for all participants. If selected, participants can earn up to $350 this summer. Funding is made possible through the Westchester County Youth Bureau. Mayor Richard Thomas said, “Our Youth Bureau programming will provide young ladies with the skills needed to break barriers and succeed in life. The positivity highlighted by the Academy will send a positive message across the region that Mount Vernon is home to the next generation of leaders.” “We have the opportunity to work with a diverse group of young ladies who are on the path to defining their positive identity. By focusing on building character and leadership skills, we are sending a message that Mount Vernon girls have the positive values and sense of purpose needed to succeed,” stated DaMia HarrisMadden, Executive Director. All applications are accessible via the city’s website at www.youth.cmvny.com and in the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau Office on the third-floor of City Hall. White, brown or wild rice: which is best for you? There are several different varieties of rice. Most people were raised eating white rice and continue to do so. However, different types of rice provide different nutritional benefits. Let’s look specifically at white rice, brown rice, and wild rice. White rice - White rice has been milled so that the husk, bran, and germ are removed leaving you with a refined product. During this process, the rice is polished giving it the bright, white, shiny appearance we expect. By removing these layers the flavor, texture, and appearance of the rice is changed and the shelf life is extended, as it is now less likely to spoil. Nutrients are removed during the processing, such as the B vitamin thiamine. Due to this depletion of nutrients, white rice is usually enriched. This means that some of the nutrients removed during processing are added back in, such as thiamine, niacin and iron. Brown rice - Brown rice is not milled, meaning the only layer removed is the husk, leaving the bran, germ, and endosperm intact. This makes for a wide difference in nutritional composition between brown rice and white rice. During the enrichment of white rice, magnesium is not a nutrient that’s added back. Long grain brown rice contains 84 mg of magnesium, while white rice contains only about 19 mg per cup of cooked rice. Brown rice also contains a higher level of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and folate. Wild rice - Wild rice is actually a grain (the seed of wheat grass). Let’s look at the nutritional breakdown and the compare to white and brown rice Wild rice contains more protein, zinc, and potassium than both brown and white rice varieties. Wild rice is also significantly higher in folate and most of the other B vitamins. What this means for heart health – High blood pressure plays a prominent role in your risk for heart disease. To control high blood pressure, you need a diet rich in potassium and magnesium. To prevent heart disease you must also maintain healthy cholesterol levels, which means a diet rich in dietary fiber. Based on these needs you’ll want to include brown and/or wild rice in your diet over white rice. Westchester judgments remain high while new filings decrease W estchester County has both good and bad news on the foreclosure front. A familiar pattern continues as the number of judgments entered on foreclosed properties rose over eight percent over the same period last year. Encouragingly, the number of new foreclosure filings dropped almost twenty-seven percent when compared to last year’s first quarter. The county has experienced a steady increase in foreclosed properties since 2011. Last year one thousand one hundred and seventy-eight (1,178) actions were commenced, representing the highest total in recent memory. “While the number of filings is still higher than preferred, we are encouraged by the steady decline over the past two years. Judgments remain high due to older foreclosure filings making it through the court.” reported Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni who serves as Clerk of the Westchester County Supreme Court where foreclosure actions are heard. In the first three months of 2016, four hundred and sixteen (416) foreclosure filings were accepted by the Office of the Westchester County Clerk, down from five hundred and sixty-nine (569) in the first quarter of 2015. This continues the positive steady decline since filings peaked at six hundred and eighty (680) in the first quarter of 2013. T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER www.mvinquirer.com EDUCATION COLUMN By Diane Fulves, M.A., M.Ed., Director, EMPOWERING OUR PARENTS Email: [email protected] H 33 l May 2016 “The People’s Newspaper” Grow Up! ave we ever told our children to grow up? What are we asking them to do? Act their age? When they misbehave, perhaps they are behaving in the only way they know how. If their behavior is unacceptable, it is our job to help them act their age in an appropriate manner. We have to be the grownups. We have lived longer, and, are hopefully, smarter than the children we have the privilege to protect and nurture. However, we may have a few lessons to learn about growing up and growing into the roles we have chosen. For those of us who have decided to be parents or teachers and devote years of our lives in the world of children, we have chosen a precious responsibility. Financial rewards will never equal the eternal rewards we will reap if we do this right. Our children are a gift and how we nurture them and protect them will determine their destiny. . . a shining light or a star that shatters and falls. Over the years I have heard the same mantra, “I don’t have time.” I don’t have time to make a schedule, or change an assignment, or follow the I.E.P. If WE don’t have time, then who will? The decision we have made requires an endless capacity for kindness, creativity, patience, forgiveness, endurance, and love. When we embody these qualities, we teach our children by our words and by our example. Parents, create a schedule for your children and be consistent. Having a schedule gives children a sense of security because they know what is expected and when to get the job done. If necessary, create a behavior chart with rewards and consequences and stick with it. When we are consistent, we help our children learn that they have responsibilities which they must assume. We help them understand that the job, i.e., homework, will be done completely, carefully, and accurately. If it is not done according to expectations, it will be corrected which will take even more of their time. I know this can be frustrating, but eventually children learn that a job well done is the best reward. We, the grownups, must tap into that endless supply of patience and endurance. Your children are worth it. In school, in the classroom, the grownups must demonstrate the same endless capacity for all those positive behaviors. It is easy to become frustrated, but responding with a hint of humor often defuses a tense situation. We may have to draw a child back to attention for the fifth time, explain a math concept with a third example, help a child understand a question so that he can locate an answer, or create new strategies to help children comprehend what they are reading. It’s all part of the job and the more effort we put into creating ways to help our children learn, the more eager they will be to work diligently and never give up. This is the path to achievement and success. Growing up is hard to do. In the story, “The Little Prince” by St. Exupery, the prince makes some interesting comments about grownups. He says, “You talk just like a grownup. You confuse everything.” “Grownups are certainly very strange, (they) are quite extraordinary.” He is a wise little prince. There is wisdom in his simplicity. He tells us that, “It is the time you spend on your rose that makes it important.” Yes, it is the time we spend on our children that makes our time important. Let us be the extraordinary grownups who nurture the seed and help our children blossom. They are worth it. jaFa’s Poets Corner 2007 - PRESENT Poems Submitted by Our Readers Edited by jaFa (James Fair) JAFA’S POETS CORNER (8TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY) Edited by james “jAFa” Fair May the Muse of Poetry continue to inspire. SEASONS ARE FOR REASONS Author: Norma Beckford. Mount Vernon resident Seasons come and seasons go Spring, summer, autumn and winter Spring emerges with newness everywhere The cool breeze, soft raindrops The sunshine, the green grass Chirping birds and budding flowers Trees putting forth new leaves reminding us that it’s springtime Oh! what freshness in the air Then comes summer; The hottest season of the year That’s when we learn to appreciate the shade trees Flowers are in full bloom; Spreading fragrance everywhere Fruit trees are bearing The beautiful sunshine The fluttering butterflies Chirping birds, the pecking of wood peckers Oh! what sweet music in the air As summer fades away; The trees begin to change the color of their leaves From green to orange, then to brown Before falling to the ground Oh! what beautiful sight to behold Then before we know it, autumn is here The season in which, the tree leaves all disappear The birds prepare to migrate, The squirrels made their nests Animals are hibernating Autumn gradually gives way to winter the coldest season of the year That’s when the master builder purifies the air Sending showers of snow to the ground Spreading sheets of white everywhere Oh! such a delight for children to play In the lily- white snow Seasons come and seasons go Spring gives way to summer And summer gives way to autumn Autumn gives way to winter Seasons change, people change Temperature changes, things changes But God never changes; He is always the same THE SONSHINE OF MOTHER AFRICA OR... OUT OF DARKNESS Author: bobbyjoemack Mount Vernon resident We are the Sons of Mother Africa Our Blood flows as the River Niger Our Knowledge vast as the African Continent Our Hair rich as the Diamonds and Gold Our Reach high as Mount Kilimanjaro Our Skin multicolored as a Natural Rainbow Our Ancestors forcefully sing As the echo Reverberates Penetrating the existence of time They Cry out to Us with Teardrops That fill the Middle Passage Along with their broken Shackles And long rusting heavy iron Chains From the Darkness they Cry... You MY Beautiful African Sons Are the Real true Men Of the Original natural Man With All our Knowledge and Soul With all our Wisdom and Strength As Kings we were Great men to Behold! So Honor your Blackness To be great Powerful men As We your Beloved ancestors Will always walk with You Until it is the very End And may Y-OUR seeds be many As the Blades of Grass For it is Upon your Strength That Our true Greatness Shall then come Onto pass And may the Son of Africa Always burn and Shine bright Bringing Us out of the Darkness And back into the Bright Light... THINKING OF YOU Author: Charles Roda Mount Vernon resident Things aren’t the same, as before. The stars don’t twinkle the same anymore The fire doesn’t seem to sparkle like before. The sparrows don’t sing at the window anymore. Wyeth’s paintings don’t breathe like before. Coming home from work is not exciting anymore. Waking up to a new day is not fun like before. The words to our song are not music anymore. Walking on the beach offers no peace like before Please come home soon. We won’t fight anymore. TO OUR READERS & SUPPORTERS From the editor: james “jAFa” Fair This year JAFa’s Poets Corner celebrates its 8th year. We are the longest, continuously, running poetry column in any local area monthly publication. We have reached this milestone because of you, the community, who have so generously supported us. THANK YOU! Please email your poems to [email protected] or mail a (typed copy please) to James Fair, 153 South 5th Ave., Apt 6B, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 34 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER www.mvinquirer.com 35 l May 2016 “The People’s Newspaper” Tennis prodigy Gibson Thomas holds tennis clinic for Boys & Girls Club members G Gibson Thomas conducting a tennis clinic ibson Thomas is a gifted tennis player who understands the value of being a well-rounded citizen and giving back to her community. As part of her commitment to community service and a school project at Horace Mann, where she is a freshman, Thomas and her mother approached the Boys & Girls Club about hosting a clinic for club kids. After some logistical adjustments and bad weather cancelling the first session, the club members have been having a wonderful learning experience. The kids, all under the age of ten, are learning the basics of tennis while also learning about sportsmanship and teamwork. The clinic is giving the kids a head start for the summer collaboration between the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon and the Jerry Allyne Tennis Foundation. Chief Professional Officer Mel Campos told Thomas’ mother, “It is refreshing to see such a talented young woman give back to children who otherwise may not have this opportunity.” The children will be ready for summer! The Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon Summer Program runs from June 27th - August 12th. Applications are available at the club house or on the club’s website - www.bgcmvny.org. Founder of Jerry Alleyne Memorial Foundation to be named to Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame Loretta Van Raalte (l) with “2012 Jr. Tennis Team 18 & under National Champions T he Junior Tennis Foundation (JTF) will recognize Loretta Van Raalte, of Hartsdale, N.Y., on Friday, April 29, 2016 at 7 p.m. during the 29th Annual Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame celebration at the Beach Point Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. Van Raalte started playing tennis in 1978 when she took lessons in Greenburgh, N.Y. Shortly after her first tennis lesson, Van Raalte began playing at the Hudson Valley Tennis Club in 1979 where she was introduced to the club’s designer, builder and teaching professional, Jerry Alleyne. She quickly became interested in organizing tennis and took a job coordinating the Hudson Valley Tennis Club’s leagues from 1980 to 1985. Van Raalte then was asked by Alleyne to be the club’s director of tennis, a role she held from 1985 to 1998. Van Raalte founded the Jerry Alleyne Memorial Foundation (JAMF) in 2000 following Alleyne’s death in 1998. “Jerry was just a marvelous human being and excellent tennis player,” Van Raalte said. “When he passed away he had so many people who looked up to him so we wanted to carry on his legacy.” The JAMF was created to provide youth with the opportunity to learn tennis, integrity and life skills. The foundation allows young players to develop their skills in a fun and safe environment. As the current Executive Director of the JAMF, Van Raalte continues to impact the lives of countless children throughout USTA Eastern’s Southern Region. Van Raalte began the JAMF programming, known as the JAMF Academy, with help from a few friends, in Mount Vernon, N.Y. for approximately three years. The programming then moved to New Rochelle, N.Y. where it expanded into three-hour Sunday morning sessions. This winter season, which ran from October to May, Van Raalte hosted the JAMF Academy at Lifetime Athletic in Westchester County. Kids ages 4 to 18 years old traveled from as far away as Connecticut and Peekskill, N.Y. to participate in lessons and practice matches. In addition to the tennis programming, the JAMF also offers a summer program for kids from May to September at the Westchester Plaza Tennis Academy in Mount Vernon, N.Y. where Van Raalte volunteers every day. The kids learn from teaching professionals as well as former JAMF Academy students. Additionally, a Silver Sneakers program for seniors is offered through- out the summer. “I think tennis is a good socializer,” Van Raatle said. “Like Jerry always said, the stuff you learn on the court has great application in life.” In addition to running the JAMF Academy, Van Raalte organizes Junior Team Tennis (JTT). She was a JTT coordinator for Westchester County from 2013 to 2016 and currently manages the JAMF’s several JTT teams. The JAMF’s JTT teams have seen success at the National Championships in recent years. In 2011, the JAMF’s 18 and Under JTT team (Drop Shots) finished in seventh place. The team came back again in 2012 and won the championship by one point. Although Van Raalte seems to drive the JAMF’s success year-after-year, she credits the work of her peers for their support each day. “The people I work with are fantastic and our Board of Directors is great,” Van Raalte said. “Helping kids through tennis is a joy for me and the people are just spectacular.” To register for the event, click here. To donate to the Junior Tennis Foundation grant and scholarship program, click here. For additional information, email [email protected]. com or call 914-697-2383. 36 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER www.mvinquirer.com 37 l May 2016 “The People’s Newspaper” LETTER TO THE EDITOR What happened to Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital funding? R ecently, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $230.5 million in grant awards for 15 projects that will dramatically transform and improve the delivery of health care in the Mid-Hudson region. The money is part of a $1.5 billion funding source commitment made by New York State to help health care providers statewide fund critical capital and infrastructure improvements, as well as integrate and further develop health systems. The recipients of the funding so far include two next-door Westchester County neighbors to the city of Mount Vernon. Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital will receive $44,168,000 for a Medical Village and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Yonkers will receive two grants, one for $8, 902,373 for a Transformation Project and another for $375,000 for Intensive Crisis Respite Services. This is all well and good, but Mount Vernon should have been included in the first round of funding. This is the second hit on Mount Vernon. In March, grants were announced for agencies that hire people with disabilities. Four grants were awarded to Westchester County, including two to our neighbors, Yonkers and New Rochelle and again nothing for Mount Vernon. Although we must applaud the aesthetic and professional transformation that has taken place since Montefiore took control of Mount Vernon Hospital, we cannot ignore the fact that additional financial resources are desperately needed to modernize Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital and make it a state of the art medical facility. Montefiore Mount Vernon is still in need of infrastructure improvements and health care systems to define it and make it a positive and comfortable place for residents who are in need of primary medical care and emergency medical services. The reputation of Montefiore Mount Vernon is still questionable, but with financial investments and focused medical improvements it can be highly respected. The many goals of the grant include reducing health care costs, improving the health of New Yorkers, reducing avoidable hospital admissions and emergency room visits by 25 percent by 2020, and ensuring the financial sustainability of safety net health care providers. Mount Vernon residents are desperately in need of all these services particularly reducing health care costs and reducing avoidable hospital admissions and emergency room visits. As a pastor, I go to Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital often and at times I find myself in the Emergency Room, which is always overcrowded. If we can get funding to reduce avoidable hospital admissions and Emergency Room visits it will help the hospital focus on those patients that are truly in need of emergency medical care. This would reduce the burden on doctors and nurses as well as other hospital staff. With the budget being worked on, Mount Vernon should get its fair share of funding for needed services like hospitals. Montefiore Mount Vernon is a good medical facility with great potential. Its doctors, like Dr. Thomas Price, cardiologist, are highly committed to the community and the people. However, like all facilities, it can be greater and with the necessary funding it will be. Just imagine Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital as a state of the art health facility - a medical village like Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital is proposing to do. This would not only improve the hospital, but also increase jobs and economic development around the city, which Mount Vernon would benefit from financially - even reducing some of the taxes to our small businesses and residents. Investments beget improvements and improvements beget greater investments. We implore Governor Cuomo to make Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital a recipient of the next round of grants. A sum similar to or greater than Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital would be desirable and would help Mount Vernon be the hospital the residents of Mount Vernon deserve. Rev. Edward Mulraine Pastor, Unity Baptist Tabernacle Mt. Vernon, NY Program succeeding at teaching students with autism in Mount Vernon schools Dr. Vincent J. Carbone, Ed.D. visits a classroom at Rebecca Turner Elementary School in Mount Vernon. V incent J. Carbone, Ed.D., a board-certified behavior analyst and CEO of the internationally renowned Carbone Clinic, toured Rebecca Turner Elementary School, Benjamin Turner Middle School and Traphagen Elementary School recently. The schools are utilizing an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program through the Carbone Clinic and educators are seeing much success in teaching students with autism spectrum disorders. April is National Autism Awareness Month. Nearly a quarter century ago, the Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and assure that each person with Autism Spectrum Disorder is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. The school district’s relationship with the Carbone Clinic is now in its second year and was implemented by Director of Student Services Fe- licia Gaon. The schools now have a total of 80 students learning through these evidence-based and research-based classroom methods. Students came into the program needing to be taught prerequisite skills for learning, such as sitting, attending to instruction and cooperating with an instructor. “The students have made significant gains in these programs,” Gaon said. “These students came in with a lot challenging behaviors and are performing wonderfully.” Students who were non-communicative now know between 50 and 80 sign-language hand signals to communicate with teachers. Students who could not sit down in a seat for more than 30 seconds are now engaged in schoolwork that involves writing, reading and counting. “These could be absolutely challenging situations but through the support of teachers, administrators and the program these students are learning necessary education skills,” Carbone said. “The emphasis here in Mount Vernon is learning development and skill development that goes beyond ensuring that these students are safe and staying in the classroom. There’s real learning going on and it’s really nice to see.” Carbone was visiting the schools to ensure the Carbone Clinic is help- ing the district meet its intended goals for the program and to see the teachers use the skills they had learned to provide a positive learning environment for the students. “I came to see first-hand the schools and the teachers and review how we’re doing and how our consultation services are being provided,” he said. “I’m really very impressed to the point that I have colleagues who want to visit classes in the program. In the New York region, this is the classroom I’d like them to come visit.” There are many advantages to having a program such as this in place in a school district, Gaon said. “The program allows students with disabilities to stay in their home school communities. And, teachers can monitor the environment better than if the students were placed in a school that is out-of-district where we’d only visit two times a year.” “If I had a child with special needs I would want them in this classroom,” Carbone said. “Of all the school districts we’re in, Mount Vernon really has a special place for me. It’s the instrumental support from administrators like Felicia Gaon, setting high expectations and giving the teachers the support to meet those expectations.” T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER 38 l May 2016 “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com Continued from page 14 These ladies felt like kids again positions than the original “Secretary” role. In Mount Vernon, the Chamber of Commerce hosted a lovely Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon at Dave & Buster’s in Pelham Manor to honor the city’s dedicated women viewed by many as the ‘heart and soul’ of most businesses. This year, Mayor Richard Thomas attended the event, along with Dwayne Brown (l) with the committee members Dwayne Brown, president of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Both received loud applause from the lively crowd of crowd of impeccably dressed women. The event featured surprise activities, raffles, gifts, and free tickets to the many games available at Dave & Buster’s. The lady in orange was really exuberant at Dave & Buster’s www.mvinquirer.com T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” 39 l May 2016 40 l May 2016 T H E MO U N T V ER NO N INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper” www.mvinquirer.com