February 1 - Rising Media Group

Transcription

WESTCHESTER’S OLDEST AND MOST RESPECTED NEWSPAPERS
PRESORT-STD
U.S. POSTAGE
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White Plains, NY
Permit #7164
Vol 10 Number 5
www.RisingMediaGroup.com
Friday, February 1, 2013
Larchmont Residents Join
Westchester Resident Honored
One Million Moms for Gun Control for 25 Years of Helping Children
During Rally in NYC on MLK Day
Connie Kennedy receiving her Lewis Hine Award from Cranemere CEO,
Sesame Workshop Board Chair and 2013 Lewis Hine Awards Chair Vincent Mai (left)
and National Child Labor Comittee President and Executive Director Jeff Newman (right)
Photo by Karen Chor
A group of Larchmont moms and their kids marched together with One Million Moms for Gun
Control across the Brooklyn Bridge at a rally on MLK Day, undeterred by an early morning
start in frigid temperatures. Picture above are walkers (l to r): Maria Brown, Jo O’Farrell,
Holly Rosen Fink, Michele Gowda, Lisa McDonald and Karen Khor.
Teatown’s Hudson River EagleFest
By Dan Murphy
Westchester County has many dedicated
volunteers, most who serve without notice, who
help those in our county who need it most.
For 25 years, New Rochelle resident Connie
Kennedy has been one of Westchester’s Hidden
Heroes, having founded Back-to-School Clothes
for Kids and making it possible for more than
18,000 disadvantaged children (nearly 1,000 this
year alone) to start the school year feeling special and with increased self-esteem because they
have been given new clothes and backpacks with
school supplies.
Kennedy was honored by the National
Child Labor Committee (NCLC) with the 2013
Lewis Hine Award for Service to Children and
Youth in New York City on Monday, January 28.
The NCLC’s Annual Awards Galas Honors
those who stand up for America’s kids, and Kennedy has stood tall for 25 years doing just that.
Kennedy founded the non-profit Back-to-School
Clothes For Kids, which has grown into a humming network of partnerships between agencies,
schools and local shopping malls in Westchester
and the Bronx, assisted by volunteers and sponsorships from not only individuals, but nearly 60
corporations and social organizations.
Continued on Page 8
Strange Alliances Coming
in Races for County Exec & DA
Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore
County Executive Rob Astorino
Westchester Independence Party Chairman
Dr. Giulio Cavallo
Former County Court Judge Rory Bellantoni
By Dan Murphy
Westchester voters will soon be turning
their attention to the races for County Executive and District Attorney, up for election this
fall.
We have begun to report on the race for
County Executive, with incumbent Republican Rob Astorino certain to announce his
re-election plan soon, and three democrats —
Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins,
New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson and
County Legislator Bill Ryan — seeking to defeat Astorino.
We begin our reporting on the race for
District Attorney before any candidates have
formally announced. Incumbent democrat DA
Janet DiFiore is also certain to announce her
re-election plans soon. DiFiore’s likely opponent will be former County Court Judge
Rory Bellantoni. Bellantoni, a republican, announced his intentions to challenge DiFiore
last summer.
DiFiore has been silent about her inten-
tions since her “Nannygate scandal” occupied
the headlines in Westchester last summer.
DiFiore’s longtime housekeeper, Marina Buchanan, filed for welfare benefits and was rejected twice before being approved the third
time. Buchanan was paid in cash for most of
her employment with DiFiore and questions
have been raised about her application, and
ultimate approval, for benefits.
DiFiore has not said a word on Nannygate since her quote last summer that she “had
done nothing wrong in any respect,” and, so
far, appears ready to ignore the accusations in
her upcoming re-election campaign. The DA
can afford to do so, for now, because she has
not been accused of any wrongdoing by any
agency or investigative body.
What will be interesting about the race for
DA, and for County Executive, this year are
the endorsements and political alliances likely
to form between DiFiore, Bellantoni, Astorino
and either Jenkins or Bramson. (Ryan must
Continued on Page 8
Visitors to last year’s Eaglefest get a close up look at a Bald Eagle
Did you know that more than 150 bald eagles
spend the winter along Hudson Valley waterways?
And what better way is there to celebrate this winter visit than at Teatown’s Hudson River EagleFest
2013 on Saturday, February 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Headquartered at Westchester County’s Croton Point Park, the event will feature multiple eagle viewing locations staffed with birding experts
to help the public view our national symbol in the
wild.
See an eagle up-close at the entertaining and
educational shows taking place all day long in
the Eagle Theatre and Eaglet Stage heated tents.
Or participate in any number of the other plentiful activities, including guided and independent
eagle viewing, raptor shows, bus tours, storytelling, a tent brimming with children’s programs, bird
walks and displays from 30 area organizations.
Tickets will be required for any shows in the
Eagle Theatre and for the bus tours. Guests should
call 914-762-2912 ext. 110 to purchase tickets.
Eagle Theatre Shows are $5 in advance, $10 at the
door and free for children aged 3 and under. Bus
Tours $25 for guests ages 12 and over.
Parking is free and shuttle buses will bring
Continued on Page 9
what’s inside
Bronxville Teen
Runs Miracle Mile
Can Stress Reduce
Student Achievement?
Birth Control for Geese?
Seniors & Health Care
New Food Column:
Zox Kitchen
Westchester Catholic
Schools Closing
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PaGe 2 - WeSTCHeSTeR RiSiNG - FRiday, FebRuaRy 1, 2013
Bronxville Teen
Runs Miracle Mile
MSG Varsity Student Reporters
Interview the NY Knicks
Photo by Ellen Schuerger/MSG Varsity
NY Knicks Forward Ronnie Brewer and MSG Varsity Student Reporter
Jackson Roberts from The Harvey School
Mary Cain
Congratulations to Bronxville High
School Junior Mary Cain, who broke two national high school records that have stood for
more than 40 years.
Cain, participating in the New Balance
Games last weekend, finished third in the elite
women’s mile in 4:32.78, competing against
older women runners. Her time was six seconds better than the old mark of 4:38:5, set by
Debbie Heald in 1972.
Cain also became the fastest women in
high school and American junior running for
the 1,500 meters, with a time of 4:16:11, besting the old mark of 4:18:9 held by Olympic
medalist Lynn Jennings in 1978. Cain accomplished her record performing runs after taking the SAT earlier that morning.
Cain is being coached by former runner
and marathon winner Alberto Salazar.
“I was really excited to run the mile, I
wanted to run a smart race and really didn’t
focus on the times,” said Cain. “The other
amazing runners in the race pushed me. I’m
less nervous now going into races, and I go
out and run hard and have fun.”
What does the future hold for Cain?
“I’m 16 and I don’t want to get ahead of
myself. I love this sport and if a can really go
far that’s great, but for now I’m just enjoying
it and enjoy running with my teammates on
the Bronxville HS track team,” said Cain who
hopes to go to college and continue running.
Who knows, maybe we will see her representing Bronxville, Westchester and the
United States of America some day.
An MSG Varsity student media crew from
The Harvey School in Katonah had a unique opportunity to cover the New York Knicks’ Martin
Luther King Jr. Youth Basketball Clinic on Tuesday, January 22.
The MSG Varsity student media crew included junior Mike Goodkind and sophomores
Jackson Roberts, Matanel Cohen-Weinberg and
Alec Roslin. The students recorded on-camera
interviews with Knicks forward Ronnie Brewer.
Fellow Knicks Chris Copeland, Steve Novak, Rasheed Wallace and Pablo Prigioni were on site for
the event.
The coverage filmed by the MSG Varsity
student media crew will be incorporated into an
original video production that, once completed,
will appear on MSG Varsity’s High School Life, a
program that showcases student-produced videos.
Yonkers City Council Attends
Presidential Inauguration
LPL Events
The Larchmont Public Library (LPL) is
located at 121 Larchmont Ave. in Larchmont.
For more information on the following programs, or to register when applicable, call 914834-2281 or visit LarchmontLibrary.org.
Art Exhibit
Aldo Pili’s beautiful landscape oil paintings will be shown in the LPL’s Oresman from
February 2 to February 27. The show, entitled
“My Two Worlds,” captures the love for his
two worlds; Italy, where he grew up, and his
life here in Larchmont. A free artist reception
will be held on February 2 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
How Would You Score?
How would you score on the SAT or the
ACT? Take a free practice test and find out on
Saturday, February 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m. and/or Monday, February 11 from 7 to 8
p.m. This two-part series is provided by Kaplan.
Guilty Conscious Book Group
On Thursday, February 5 at 7 p.m., the
Guilty Conscious Book Group will meet to
discuss “The Sound and The Fury” by William
Faulkner.
Duct Tape Crafts
Kids in grades 6 and up can join Richela
Fabian Morgan, author of “Tape It & Make It,”
for a fun-filled afternoon making a duct tape
craft on Monday, February 11 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Registration is required.
Yonkers City Councilmen (l to r) Michael Sabatino, Chuck Lesnick and
Christopher Johnson, pictured above with Congressman Eliot Engel (2nd from right)
attended the Inauguration of President Obama in Washington, D.C.
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We are accepting new student
applications for Grades K-8
INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS
SESIONES INFORMATIVAS
February 5, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.
Martes, Febrero 5, 2013 a las 9:00 a.m
March 5, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Martes, Marzo 5, 2013 a las 5:00 p.m.
March 22, 2013 9:30 a.m.
Viernes, Marzo 22, 2013 a las 9:30 a.m.
260 Warburton Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10701
APPLICATION DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2013
Member of the New York
Press Association
914-965-4000
Fax 914-965-2892
25 Warburton Ave, Yonkers,
NY 10701
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Rising Media Group, LLC
25 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, NY 10701
Estamos aceptando nuevas solicitudes
de estudiantes para los grados K-8
LOTTERY DATE: APRIL 2, 2013
For an application or more information
please call 914-476-5070 Ext. 13
260 Warburton Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10701
LA FECHA LIMITE PARA ENTREGAR LA
SOLICITUD DEL SORTEO ES ABRIL 1, 2013
LA LOTERIA SE LLEVARA A CABO EN
ABRIL 2, 2013
Para obtener informacion llame al
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“We aim to inspire, motivate and instill a love for learning in all children”
Friday, February 1, 2013 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - PAGE 3
Birth Control for Geese?
Too many geese on the greens
Editor’s Note: The topic of Canada Geese
in Westchester has occupied a lot of attention,
with residents bringing it up to County Executive
Rob Astorino at town hall meetings and now the
Village of Scarsdale taking action.
The problem with the geese was, at first,
a problem on the county golf courses. Astorino
commented on how the Parks Department had
hired a dog to scare away the geese, only to
have the geese shortly return after the dog had
left and, eventually, scaring the dog into Sprain
Lake. After that, the geese were collected and
euthanized.
Scarsdale is now following the lead of the
County Parks Department and killing the geese.
Why? Because of the numerous complaints from
residents about the geese, which have become
more than a simple nuisance — they have become a health and safety problem.
While we respect the view of animal rights
organizations like In Defense of Animals, we do
not agree with their suggestion that we provide
birth control to the geese.
In Defense of Animals (IDA), an international animal protection organization with more
than 100,000 members, including more than
19,000 in New York, is offering Scarsdale free
birth control for geese to help prevent a horrific
mass killing of resident Canada geese.
The Village of Scarsdale has contracted
with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services, a tax-funded
agency notorious for its brutal methods of killing hundreds of thousands of wild animals every
year. Now they target the families of geese calling the Audrey Hochberg Pond Preserve at the
Scarsdale Public Library their home.
IDA is partnering with Innolytics, Inc. a
California firm, to provide the Village of Scarsdale with free OvoControl-G, a proven oral birth
control method for geese. OvoControl-G is an
environmentally friendly product that is easily
administered via bait stations prior to and during
the 10-week long nesting season. Innolytic CEO
Erick Wolf has generously offered to provide the
Village of Scarsdale with enough Ovocontrol to
treat the Scarsdale Canada geese flocks in the
spring of 2013 at no cost to the village, other
than shipping charges.
“There is no reason to kill these highly intelligent and social geese who are part of the
Scarsdale community and who have a right to be
there,” said Anja Heister, director of IDA’s Wild
and Free Habitat Campaign. “This is a great opportunity for Scarsdale to opt for a humane and
long term solution that benefits both their human
and geese residents.”
If last year’s extermination of nearly 500
geese at Sprain Lake Golf Course in Westchester is any indication of what’s to come for these
birds if they are killed, then USDA’s Wildlife
Services agents will come in the early morning
hours during the geese’s molting period, when
they cannot fly and are entirely helpless. They
will be packed in crates and trucked to a slaughterhouse, where they will be killed. Their lifeless bodies will be donated to food banks with
no consideration of the probable contamination
of herbicides and pesticides used in areas where
these birds lived.
“Apart from the brutality and trauma inflicted on these sensitive birds, killing geese, or other
urban wildlife, is never a solution,” said Heister.
“As long as there is desirable habitat, new geese
will quickly repopulate the areas that have become vacant, locking communities into an endless, ineffective, brutal and costly killing cycle.”
Humane control of Canada geese has been
proven successful in many areas and begins with
several measures that make up an integrated
strategy, including habitat modification, cleanup using specialized equipment and population
management through the use of oral contraceptives designed for use in Canada geese.
WCC Events
Danceworks will perform for children
Victor Lionti (right) and his son
will perform famous chamber music
Westchester Community College (WCC)
is located at 75 Grasslands Rd. in Valhalla. For
more information on these and other events, or
to register/purchase tickets, when required, call
914-606-6262 or visit SUNYWCC.com.
Danceworks Performs for Children
Danceworks, the WCC dance company,
will perform a special program for children on
Sunday, February 3. Danceworks for Children
will be presented at a 3 p.m. matinee in the Academic Arts Theatre. The troupe, a diverse ethnic
and cultural combination of college students and
alumni, is led by Company Director Mollyann
Franzblau.
Danceworks, founded in 1979 by Franzblau and faculty consultant Jo Robbins, performs
annually to audiences of approximately 3,000
at WCC, throughout the community and at area
festivals. The troupe presents unique combinations of educational and professional presentations of dance as communication.
During this program, children are invited
to get into the action on stage. The performance
is great fun and suitable for children three and
older. Tickets are $10.
Chamber Music Concert
WCC is presenting a Sunday chamber music matinee in the Classroom Building, Room
200.
Classic and Romantic Period favorites will
be showcased on Sunday, February 3 at 3 p.m.
Enjoy a midwinter festival of symphonies and
chamber music by Sibelius, Mendelssohn and
Tchaikovsky.
Tickets are $17, $15 for seniors and $12 for
students.
SUNY Empire State College
Holds Information Sessions
State University of New York (SUNY) Empire State College will hold public information
sessions about its associate and bachelor’s degree
programs at its Hartsdale location, 200 North Central Ave. in Hartsdale, on:
• Wednesday, February 6 at 12 p.m.;
• Wednesday, February 6 at 6 p.m.; and
• Saturday, February 9 at 11 a.m.
For more information, call 914-948-6206 or
visit ESC.edu.
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
report is available on the
Since we have all
Citizens Union Web site,
just experienced an
CitizensUnion.org), and
election cycle with one
Ian Vandewalker from
of the highest price
the Brennan Center to
tags ever, I thought it
discuss the issue.
would be helpful to
Now, I have asked
discuss alternative apsome of these good govproaches to financing
ernment groups to join
campaigns.
me on Saturday, FebruLast year, I polled
ary 2 from 12:15 to 2:15
my constituents about
p.m. at Desmond-Fish
their feelings on pubLibrary, located at 472
lic financing of camRoute 403 in Garripaigns. I was surprised
son (Snowdate, Sunday
that only about 50 perFebruary 3), for a panel
cent were in favor of
discussion. The panelfull or partial public
ists are: Dick Dadey, Exfinancing. I feel there
ecutive Director, Citizens
are great benefits to
Union of the City of New
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef
be realized with some
York; Jesse Laymon,
form of public financDownstate Campaigns
ing and I think it would be helpful for every- Manager, Citizen Action of New York; and Suone to learn more about how such models have san Lerner, Executive Director, Common Cause/
worked effectively elsewhere.
NY. Anyone interested may also come at 11 a.m.
Campaign financing plays a pivotal role for a short town hall meeting on general issues
in the choices voters have at the polls. Stud- in the state. I will be hosting more of these genies, including one recently released by Citizens eral meetings around my district next week and
Union of the City of New York, identify a high- the following week. Call my office or visit my
er percentage of contested elections in both pri- Assembly Web site for more information.
mary and general elections when full or partial
I encourage you to join my guests and me
public financing is available to candidates and at the Desmond-Fish Library to discuss camwhen contribution limits are strictly enforced.
paign finance reform. I am sure it will be an
Last September, I hosted Sean Eldridge, interesting conversation and that there will be
founder of Protect Our Democracy, on my lo- ample statistics provided that will illustrate the
cal public access television show, “Speak Out,” benefits of changing the campaign finance systo discuss how his organization is working to- tem from what it is currently to something that
wards changing New York State’s campaign creates greater equity, transparency and choice
finance laws. More recently on “Speak Out,” I in elections and in government.
hosted Rachael Fauss, who authored the Citi- Sincerely,
zens Union report entitled “Fair Elections for Sandy Galef
New York State: How Public Matching Creates Assemblywoman, 95th AD
Greater Voter Choice and Competition” (the full 914-941-1111
By Joel J. Sprayregen
Say it Ain’t So, Chuck Schumer
In 90 minutes a few days ago, Senator
Chuck Schumer managed to trash his reputation for fidelity to values which supposedly had
been central to his long political career. So sudden was Schumer’s descent from decency that it
reminded me of a venerable baseball cartoon, in
which a demoralized Huck Finn-type young fan
is saying to a White Sox slugger banned for life
for bribe-taking: “Say it ain’t so, Joe!”
The values which Schumer betrayed include: resolute opposition to Iran’s obtaining
nuclear weapons; support for the security of Israel as a democratic ally of the U.S.; opposition
to anti-Semitism; and gay rights.
The issue of the moment was President
Obama’s nomination of ex-Senator Chuck Hagel (a republican from Nebraska) for Secretary
of Defense. Hagel’s views have long been an
open book. I won’t rehash all his disgraceful
statements which you have read in the press. But
when you study the totality of Hagel’s words and
record, it is difficult to avoid concluding that the
ex-Senator is opposed to sanctions as well as
military action to stop Iran’s nuclear quest, that
he is indifferent to Israel’s security, that he harbors bigotry against Jews and gays and that he
holds radical views steeped in ignorance.
Weakening Stance Against Iran Nukes
It is admirable that Hagel served bravely in
combat as a sergeant in Vietnam, winning two
Purple Hearts, and that he was a successful businessman. But Obama’s choice of Hagel for the
Defense post sends several disturbing messages.
The most serious is that appointing a Defense Secretary who was opposed to sanctions
against Iran signals that Obama is evolving toward a “containment” policy, i.e., that the U.S.
can somehow live with a nuclear-armed Iran. It
goes without saying that military action against
Iran would be a drastic step to be avoided if
possible, but Obama, until now, has endorsed
the national consensus that Iran’s nuclear quest
must be stopped.
Schumer pretended that Hagel won his endorsement by expressing “regrets” for his insidious comment, “The Jewish lobby intimidates
a lot of people up here.” Schumer fatuously
added: “Hagel now understands the sensitivity
around such a loaded term and regrets saying
it.”
Pro-Israel Americans include many Christians determined to support the only democracy
in the Mideast. Hagel’s slur of the pro-Israel
community is akin to dismissing civil rights
advocates as “the Black lobby.” Did Schumer
inform Hagel that his own support of Israel is
not based on “intimidation”? Note that Hagel
did no more than “regret” using words which
might now endanger his confirmation.
“Let the Jews Pay for It”
More is vexsome in Hagel’s record. When
the USO was asked to open a facility for US sailors visiting Haifa, Hagel — then CEO of USO
— said in the presence of a colleague of mine:
“Let the Jews pay for it.” When 99 senators
asked Russia in 1999 to curb violence against
Jews, Hagel was the only senator refusing to
sign the letter. Even Rep. Wasserman-Schultz
(a democrat from Florida) said she told Hagel,
“when it’s 99 to 1, everybody can’t be wrong.”
On a more pervasive policy level, Hagel
is a leader of organizations which proclaim the
radical view that Israel is the core problem in
the region, as if there were no Syrian bloodbath,
Arab Spring upheavals, resurgent Al-Qaeda,
Iranian hegemonism and terrorist threats in an
arc from South Asia to North Africa. Hagel said
in 2008: “The strategic epicenter of the Middle
East issue (is) the Israeli-Palestinian issue…It is
the one issue, the one issue alone.”
Hagel blamed Israel for the 2006 war with
Lebanon, which started when Hezbollah kidnapped and killed Israeli soldiers and then fired
thousands of rockets at civilians when Israel
tried to recover the corpses. Hagel and his cohorts urge recognition of and negotiations with
Hezbollah. This Hagelian view is blind to the
reality that Hezbollah is an Iranian proxy terrorist army dedicated to the eradication of US
influence and destruction of Israel. Hezbollah
has killed many Americans, including 241 U.S.
Marines in 1983.
Is Schumer clueless to the danger of such
views in a US defense chief? Schumer should
read a January 24 Washington Post article by
Jennifer Rubin quoting Hagel as urging concessions to North Korea and Iran to buy their good
behavior.
Hagel sits on the Board of the Ploughshares
Fund, a “progressive” foundation which granted
more than a half million dollars to the National
Iranian American Council (NIAC). The NIAC,
widely viewed as a front for Tehran’s mullahs,
urges relaxation of U.S. pressure against Iran.
Homophobic?
Hagel’s infamous opposition to an ambassadorial nominee as “openly and aggressively
gay” should also be considered. Can you imagine what the New York Times would say about a
Bush nominee espousing such views?
The vice of Schumer’s instant endorsement
of Hagel is obvious: If a Jewish Senator from
New York supports Hagel, how can other Senators oppose him? Schumer chose currying favor
with a powerful president over fidelity to values
he supposedly believed in. This is not to say I
believe it is a simple matter to vote against Hagel’s nomination. To defeat the nomination of
a decorated war veteran because of his views
about foreign countries would incite accusations
— however unfairly — of dual loyalty. Obama
understood this. This is the malevolence of the
Hagel nomination. Senators who might oppose
Hagel are damned if they do, and damned if
they don’t, so the easy path is to goose-step behind Schumer.
Damned if They Do
and Damned if They Don’t
This dilemma is obviously haunting American Jewish leaders. A number of them met
with Hagel on January 18. They are refusing to
comment on the meeting with an explanation
that it was “off the record.” These leaders are
dedicated people, most of whom I know well.
They met with Hagel as representatives of their
constituents, but they will not share an account
with their membership. They too realize they
are damned if they support Hagel and damned if
they are accused of causing his defeat. With due
respect, I wonder out loud if Jewish leaders who
feared to challenge President Roosevelt in the
deadly 1940s felt similarly conflicted
PAGE 4 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - Friday, February 1, 2013
Food Bank for Westchester Holds
‘Take Heart Against Hunger’ Dinner
Thomas R. Lalla, Jr.
The Food Bank for Westchester, which has
been fighting hunger for 25 years, will honor
Thomas R. Lalla, Jr., senior vice-president and
general counsel of Pernod Ricard USA, at “Take
Heart Against Hunger,” its 17th Annual Valentine’s Day Wine-Tasting Gourmet Dinner.
The much-anticipated event will take place
Friday, February 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tappan
Hill Mansion, located at 81 Highland Ave. in Tarrytown.
Lalla is being recognized for his long commitment to the Food Bank for Westchester. In
addition to his duties as general counsel and
senior vice-president at Pernod Ricard USA,
Lalla oversees its Corporate Social Responsibility programs. In that position, he has forged
relationships supporting various non-profit and
educational institutions in Westchester County
and New York City, including the Food Bank for
Westchester.
All proceeds generated at the event will
benefit the Food Bank, the supply and support
center for more than 220 hunger-relief member
programs throughout Westchester, including food
pantries, soup kitchens, senior and child day-care
centers, shelters and residences. The Food Bank
estimates that 200,000 Westchester County residents are hungry or at risk of hunger. More than
half of them are seniors over age 55 and more
than one-third are children under the age of 18.
“For every dollar donated to the Food Bank,
we can acquire $4 worth of nutritious food to
feed children, seniors and their families who are
hungry,” said Food Bank Board Chairman Rick
Rakow. “The problem of hunger has gotten much
worse in recent years. The funds raised at ‘Take
Heart Against Hunger’ are crucial in helping fight
hunger locally.”
“Take Heart Against Hunger” will feature a
delectable five-course meal created especially for
the event by Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships’ Partner and Executive VP Alison Awerbuch and Executive Chef John d’Arcangelo. The
superb wines and Champagnes are generously
donated by Pernod Ricard. The evening will also
include a Champagne raffle and live auction.
Tickets to the dinner are $300, $3,000 for a
host table of 10.
The Food Bank for Westchester is located at
200 Clearbrook Rd. in Elmsford. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 914-923-1100
or visit FoodBankForWestchester.org. For sponsorship information, contact Senior Director of
Development Katy Coppinger at 914-909-9610.
Events at PCRBPL
The Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library (PCRBPL) is located at 1 Haseco Ave.
in Port Chester. For more information on these
programs or to register, which is required, call
914-939-6710 ext. 108 or visit PortChester-Rye
BrookLibrary.org.
Winter/Spring Story Times
The 2013 Winter/Spring story times at
PCRBPL continues, with:
Toddler Time for kids aged 2 to 3. Parents
and children will participate with finger plays,
songs, stories, musical instruments and other related parent child activities. It will be held on
Wednesdays, February 6, 13 and 27, March 6,
13 and 20 and into May at 11 a.m. each day.
Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 will listen to stories and participate in songs, finger plays, movement and a craft activity on Wednesdays, February 6, 13 and 27, March 6, 13 and 20 and into
May at 10 a.m. each day, or Thursdays, February
7, 14 and 28, March 7, 14 and 21 and into May
at 1:30 p.m. each day.
In “Cuentos y Canciones en Espanol con
Julie,” children aged 3 to 5 will participate in
stories and songs in Spanish on Martes (Tuesdays), February and March 12, April 16 and
May 14 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. each day.
WJCS Sponsors Tappan Zee Bridge
Job Opportunities Workshop
A free presentation on employment opportunities with the Tappan Zee Bridge Project is
scheduled for Thursday, February 7 from 10:30
a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Greenburgh Public Library,
located at 300 Tarrytown Rd. in Elmsford.
Brian Conybeare, special advisor to the NY
Governor for the project, will discuss the bridge,
design team, time schedule and sub-contractor
opportunities. Accompanying him will be Kelly
MacMillan, a point person on employment opportunities for the Tappan Zee Project. The event
is sponsored by Women-Helping-Women, a program of Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul
Feiner and the Greenburgh Public Library.
For more information or to register, call
Women-Helping-Women
Director
Lenore
Rosenbaum at 914-761-0600 ext. 308.
NRPL Events
The New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL)
is located at 1 Library Plaza in New Rochelle.
All of the following programs, unless otherwise
noted, are free and do not require registration.
For more information, call 914-632-7878 or visit
NRPL.org, unless directed otherwise below.
Friends’ Book Sale
The Friends of the NRPL will hold their
monthly book sale on Friday and Saturday, February 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day,
in the west end of lobby. A large array of quality used books — popular novels and mysteries in hardcover and paperback, non-fiction in
hard-cover and paperback, children’s books and
DVDs — will be available for purchase at very
affordable prices.
The executive board of the Friends of the
NRPL coordinates the mini book sales, with the
assistance of other Friends’ volunteers. Money
realized from book sales are used to underwrite
the NRPL’s extensive public programs.
The Friends of the NRPL bookstore is open
every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m.,
and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Free Job Readiness and
Social Services Assistance
The wide range of free services to help residents prepare for employment and connect with
social services assistance continues to be provided at NRPL this winter and spring. Computer
training, one-on-one assistance with a job readiness coach, GED test preparation and additional
targeted services continue to help residents of all
ages and career levels each day, Monday to Saturday, through the NRPL’s grant-funded Public
Computer Center (PCC), as well as dedicated
staff members and trained volunteers.
These resources include:
• One-on-one assistance job readiness sessions with a trained coach/advisor are provided
on a drop-in basis on Thursdays from 5 to 7:45
p.m. and Saturdays 1 4 p.m. in the 2nd floor Help
Center;
• GED Preparation with trained volunteers
helps participants with understanding what’s on
the test and one-on-one help with the test components such as math and writing on Tuesdays
from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m. in the 2nd floor Help Center on a
drop-in basis;
• One-on-one assistance with completing
e-forms for employment, food stamps and other
benefits, immigration papers and other on-line
services is provided by trained AmeriCorps
workers: several sessions are offered each week
— schedule is available at the second floor reference desk;
• Senior benefits assistance with trained volunteers help senior citizens find out which benefits they may be entitled to receive, including
Medicare health and prescription, food stamps,
HEAP, EPIC, weatherization, minor home repair, tax relief programs and others, is offered on
Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on a drop-in basis
in the 2nd floor BTOP Help Center; and
• Free Foreclosure Prevention and Credit
Counseling with trained counselors from Westchester Residential Opportunities includes free
assistance with loan modifications, forbearance
agreements, reverse mortgage housing counseling, mortgage default and delinquency counseling and credit counseling on the second Thursday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. in the 2nd
Floor HELP Center.
In addition, the NRPL now has expanded
computer stations, including some with equipment designed for patrons with physical challenges. A full listing of the library’s extensive
computer training classes is available in the
NRPL’s lobby and on its Web site, NRPL.org.
NRPL’s PCC has assisted several thousand
people since opening in December 2010. NRPL
was one of 35 libraries to receive a two-year
grant from the New York State Library, a unit of
the Office of Cultural Education within the New
York State Education Department, which was
awarded $9.5 million in a grant from the U.S.
Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration to expand computer access in public libraries across
New York State.
The funding is being provided through
the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.
Zox Kitchen
By Alan Zox
ularity. Cold or hot, all
It’s a pleasure to
soups are easy to make
introduce myself to the
in any season. They are
readers of this column.
made easier still by the
I have been thinking
use of a blender, roboabout food since childcoup, food processor or
hood, when I helped my
immersion wand.
family grow vegetable
Personally, I like
gardens in Iowa, and
a chunkier soup, but
later as a professor of
smooth and velvety or
cultural
anthropology
chunky and hardy, soup
and as a private chef and
is wonderful. I would
caterer for families.
add a simple salad on
Food evokes many
the side with oil and
happy memories. My
vinegar or chopped
grandmother, who lived
greens in the soup itself
with us during my child— like chard or spinhood, brought many
ach. But with or without
recipes from her home
the greens, the soup can
Chef Alan Zox
in Eastern Europe to our
remain the centerpiece.
new home in Iowa. She
Soup has become a
taught me to pickle cucumbers, make noodle meal everyone can enjoy. It seems that, ever
pudding and savor matzoh ball soup. Friends since Seinfeld’s “Soup Nazi,” soup has grown
and colleagues introduced me to other culi- in popularity.
nary delights. My Indian friend Vivian introRecently, I ran across a delicious recipe
duced me to Tandoori chicken. I never heard for vegetable soup that is light yet seemingly
of eggplant parmesan until my Italian friends creamy, though no dairy product is added. Creintroduced it to me. And southern-style BBQ ated by the team who works with Alexander
became a special treat when I visited my best Junger, MD, author of the book “Clean,” the
high school buddy, Sonny, who had moved to recipe for the soup called Broccoli and “ChedIowa from Kansas City, where cooking BBQ dar” Soup is especially unique and delicious.
“low and slow,” not grilled, was the norm.
It’s comfort food packed with antioxidants
Like others, over time I have become more from broccoli with nutritional yeast that tastes
self-conscious of my own health but no less in- like creamy cheddar.
terested in flavorful cuisine. Now, however, I Broccoli and “Cheddar” Soup
1 leek, green top discarded, white section
am paying more attention to my sodium intake
and to low-fat, healthy eating. These days, you sliced in ½ inch rounds
2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
will see me reading ingredients in the grocery
2 tablespoons olive or coconut oil
aisle of the local Stop & Shop.
1 head broccoli, discard stem and cut into
This column will reflect this focus and
attention on low sugar and healthy, nutritious florets — approximately 4 cups
3 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
food that retains flavor. For me, this doesn’t
1 bay leaf
mean trying to escape our roots and the foods
¼ teaspoon turmeric
that bring comfort and nostalgia. Rather, it can
½ cup nutritional yeast
merely mean eating less meat, macaroni and
Salt and pepper to taste
cheese or eggplant parmesan, and becoming
In a large soup pot, heat the oil over medimore aware of what we consume. Let’s explore
um-high heat. Add the leeks until they begin to
these choices together.
I invite you to contact me through my soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook
blog, ZoxKitchen.com, or e-mail me directly until fragrant. Add the broccoli and stir to mix
about a food topic of interest. This should be everything together. Cook for an additional 2
fun and personal. I look forward to hearing minutes.
Reduce heat to low, add the broth, bay leaf
from you.
and turmeric. Cover and let everything simmer
Chef Alan Zox
for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover
Cold Weather Soup That’s Good for You
As we enter the coldest time of year, warm and stir in the yeast. Salt and pepper if desired.
broths and creamy vegetable soups gain in pop- Serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
Using Ancestry.com
The Westchester County Genealogical Society (WCGS) will be welcoming back Toni
McKeen with a talk on Tips & Tricks using Ancestry.com on Saturday, February 9 at 10 a.m.
The meeting will take place at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 600 Broadway
in Dobbs Ferry.
McKeen has been passionate about genealogy for more than 20 years. She has taught several levels of genealogy for more than five years,
as well as given other lectures in New York and
Connecticut.
In this lecture, McKeen will show how to
research efficiently and successfully using this
powerful site. McKeen will share which parameters to use and how to prevent looking at
thousands of names in search of the one person
you are trying to find. She will also show some
little-known and used options.
WCGS regularly presents speakers on genealogical topics at its monthly meeting on the
second Saturday each month. WCGS welcomes
all interested in searching their family roots.
Guests are warmly welcome. Genealogical networking starts at 9:30 a.m.
For more information, contact Philomena
Dunn at 914-953-7173 or 914-345-7163, or visit
RootsWeb.com/~nywcgs/.
Free FFTA Adoption
Information Session
Join Forever Families Through Adoption
(FFTA) on Monday, February 4 at the Port
Chester-Rye Brook Public Library (PCRBPL) for a free adoption information session,
“Adoption: Everything You Need to Know.”
This free event is open to anyone interested in or involved with the adoption process,
including professionals, community members,
expectant parents, adoptive or prospective
adoptive parents and adoptees. Come learn
about the domestic and international adoption
process and meet the FFTA staff. FFTA, autho-
rized in New York and Connecticut, welcomes
all families, regardless of race, religion, gender
identity, gender expression, sexual orientation,
marital status, age, nationality or disability.
The free presentation will run from 6:30
to 8 p.m. at the PCRBPL, located at 1 Haseco
Ave. in Port Chester. For more information,
contact either the library at 914-939-6710
or
PortChester-RyeBrookLibrary.org,
or
FFTA at 914-939-1180, adopt@foreverfami
liesthroughadoption.org or ForeverFamilies
ThroughAdoption.org.
HBMS Events
Hoff-Barthelson Music School (HBMS) is
located at 25 School Ln. in Scarsdale. The following events are free, unless otherwise noted. For
more information or to purchase tickets, when required, call 914-723-1169, e-mail [email protected]
or visit HBMS.org.
Master Class Series: Pianist Mei-Ting Sun
HBMS is pleased to announce that, on Saturday, February 2 at 2 p.m., the celebrated young
pianist Mei-Ting Sun will coach HBMS piano
students.
A native of Shanghai, Sun entered the Professional Children’s School and the Mannes College
of Music at the age of nine and holds a Doctorate
from The Juilliard School. Recent appearances
include global concert tours and concerto engagements. Sun has been heard on numerous radio and
TV shows. His album, “The Madrid Recital,” is
widely available. He regularly gives master classes at major universities around the world.
The public is invited to Master Classes free
of charge.
Artist Series: Jazz Pianist Bill Komaiko
HBMS will present an HB Artist Recital by
jazz pianist William Komaiko on Friday, February 8 at 8 p.m.
The performance, entitled “Jazz Portraits,”
will feature work by Ahmad Jamal, Erroll Garner
and others, with a special tribute to Dave Brubeck (1920-2012). Komaiko will be joined on the
program by fellow faculty artists pianist Steven
Buck, Ed Palermo on alto saxophone and flutist
Joe Piscitelli, along with guest artist Dick Sarpola
on double bass.
A composer/pianist with a dual background
in jazz and classical performance, Komaiko was
educated at Juilliard. He was the recipient of a
commission by the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., in celebration of the
25th anniversary of the Kennedy Center. He has
performed with many orchestras and conductors
across the globe.
Tickets to the concert are $18, $15 for seniors and free for students.
GNC Events in February
Greenburgh Nature Center (GNC) is located at 99 Dromore Rd. in Scarsdale. For
more information on these and other programs, or to register when required, call 914723-3470 or visit GreenburghNatureCenter.
org.
Classes for Young Children
No registration or pre-payment is required for GNC’s February classes for children. Children should be dressed for outdoor
activity for all the classes listed below — except in extreme conditions, a portion of each
class may be spent outdoors. Be aware that
program admittance closes 15 minutes after
the start of the program.
Nature Bugs
Nature discovery for youngsters aged 2 to
5 with a parent or caregiver. Meet a museum
animal each week, hear a story and do a craft
or nature game. Nature Bugs is held on Mondays, February 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 1:30 to
2:30 p.m. each day. Cost is $5 for member
adults, $4 for member children, $9 for nonmember adults, $7 for non-member children.
Critters, Crafts and Kids
Children aged 1 and a half to 5 years and
parents or caregivers come for an hour of nature fun. Enjoy wonderful winter days at GNC
with walks, live animals, stories and crafts on
Wednesdays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27 from
10 to 11 a.m. each day. Cost is $5 for member
adults, $4 for member children, $9 for nonmember adults, $7 for non-member children.
Programs for Adults and
High School Students
All paid programs include admission to indoor exhibits and Animal Museum. Space is limited for indoor programs, so registration and/or prepayment is required to reserve a place. Be aware
that program admittance closes 15 minutes after
the start of the program.
The Bare Bones
Have you ever read a skull? Bones can reveal
secrets about the animal to which they once belonged. Did that animal hunt for its food? Was it
an omnivore, herbivore or carnivore? The skeleton
holds many of the clues.
Join naturalist Greg Wechgelaer to discover
how to read some “Bone-afide” animal bones and
then get an up-close visit with some of GNC’s
coolest predators and prey on Sunday, February 3
at 2 p.m. This workshop is best for ages 5 and over.
The cost is $5 for members, $8 for non-members.
Hudson River Eaglefest
GNC is again partnering with Teatown Lake
Reservation and other environmental organizations in a daylong program that celebrates the bald
eagles’ return to the Hudson River and other waterways of the Hudson Valley. The day includes birds
of prey shows, children’s activities, environmental
exhibits and more. Activities take place at Croton
Point Park, with a shuttle bus from there and traveling to other eagle viewing sites along the river,
on Saturday, February 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For
tickets and more information, call 914-762-2912
ext. 110 or visit Teatown.org. Bring binoculars.
RHS Presents Be My Valentine
Breakfast Party at Square House
What better way to say “I love you” than
with a homemade Valentine?
On Tuesday, February 12, the Rye Historical Society (RHS) will have a special morning
Valentine’s Day program for children aged 3 to
5 at the Square House Museum.
From 9:30 to 11:30 am, little ones can create their own whimsical Valentine’s cards from
red and pink paper, pretty ribbons and fancy
stamps to give to Mom, Dad and the whole
family. Morning breakfast treats and juice will
be included.
The cost for this fun and creative program
is $5 per child for members, $10 per child for
non-members. Reservations are suggested, as
space is limited.
The Square House Museum, home of
RHS, is located at 1 Purchase St. in Rye. For
more information or to make reservations, call
RHS at 914-967-7588 or visit RyeHistory.org.
DiNapoli: Local Governments Continue
to Face Significant Fiscal Challenges
Many local governments have nearly exhausted their resources in an effort to avoid severe fiscal stress, according to an annual report
recently released by State Comptroller Thomas
P. DiNapoli.
“For the past five years, the financial
trends in our municipalities and school districts
have become of heightened concern,” said DiNapoli. “Years of decreasing, stagnant or slow
economic growth have led local governments
to cut vital services and tap their rainy day
funds to balance budgets, a practice that is not
sustainable in the long term.”
DiNapoli’s report noted that the growing
disparity between revenues and expenditures
was increasing.
From 2006 through 2011, total local government expenditures grew by 17.4 percent (an
average growth of 3.3 percent per year). Meanwhile, revenues only grew by 15 percent (an
annual average of 2.8 percent per year).
More specifically, county expenditures
jumped 17.2 percent, while revenues climbed
13.4 percent. Total city expenditures (excluding New York City) increased 8.4 percent
during this time frame, but revenues only increased 6.4 percent. And town expenditures
grew 12.9 percent, but revenues increased only
7.1 percent.
Additional findings in the report include:
• Local government fund balances have
been reduced 28 percent since peaking in 2006;
• Sales tax collections did not recover and
grow beyond pre-recession levels until 2011 —
collections declined by 5.9 percent from 2008
to 2009, but in 2010 and 2011, local sales grew
by 4.7 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively;
• Towns have been hit hard by the decline
in mortgage recording tax revenues, collecting
$249 million less in 2011 than they did in 2005;
and
• Between 2008 and 2011, counties cut
$265 million in health, cultural and recreation programs — public safety and sanitation
spending were reduced by $76 million in cities
during the same time frame.
In light of these and other factors, DiNapoli will implement an early warning fiscal stress
monitoring system that will identify signs of
budgetary strain in local communities sooner
so that corrective actions can be taken before a
full financial crisis develops.
Details of the new fiscal stress monitoring system were announced in September and
the comptroller’s office recently completed the
process of receiving comments from local officials about the program. DiNapoli said the
system will calculate and publicize an overall
score of fiscal stress for municipalities and
school districts across the state.
The monitoring system was announced in
conjunction with a report examining the demographic and financial trends of New York’s 61
cities (excluding New York City) over the past
three decades. The report found that many cities are struggling to balance budgets and revitalize deteriorating local economies.
Free Flu Shots in
White Plains & Yonkers
County Executive Robert P. Astorino recently announced that the Westchester County
Department of Health will offer free flu shots
to residents at its White Plains District Office,
134 Court St. on Thursday, January 31 from 3
to 6 p.m. and Friday, February 1 from 8:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m., and at its Yonkers District Office, 20
South Broadway, on Thursday, February 7 from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“There are still people who are in need of a
flu shot and we want to help them out,” Astorino
said. “We’ve been getting calls from residents
who are having difficulty locating the vaccine,
so these clinics should help fill the void.”
Flu shots will be available for adults and
children aged 9 and up. Residents are strongly
encouraged to register in advance for the flu clinics at Health.ny.gov/Go2Clinic. Those without
internet access can call 914-995-7425 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins will
also be welcome.
The county held a flu shot clinic on January 24 at the Westchester County Center, where
more than 450 people were vaccinated.
“I was thrilled that so many people took advantage of this opportunity to get a flu shot, especially the many that were there to get the vaccine
for the first time,” said Health Commissioner
Sherlita Amler, MD. “We hope residents who
still haven’t done so will come to one of these
additional clinics and get vaccinated. Right now,
the flu is widespread throughout Westchester and
New York State and it can continue to circulate
well into the spring.”
Residents can also visit the health department Web site to find providers and pharmacies
who are giving flu shots. Physicians can call the
health department if they have excess vaccine to
share with other providers or if they are willing
to give vaccines to people who are not their patients.
The flu shot is safe and provides protection
against the three strains of the flu that are circulating this season.
To prevent spreading the flu, cough or
sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands often. If you do get sick, stay home until 24 hours
after your fever subsides to avoid spreading your
germs. Clean surfaces you touch frequently, such
as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles
and telephones. Get plenty of rest, exercise and
eat healthy food.
visit WestchesterGov.com/health.
St. Paul’s Church Holds
Special Civil War Event
“A Conservative Union Parish: St. Paul’s
Church and the Civil War” opens with a special
program at St. Paul’s Church National Historic
Site on Saturday, February 9 from 12 to 4 p.m.
Using an impressive array of original materials, the exhibition explores the war’s impact on
the lives of Union veterans buried in the historic
cemetery and chronicles the struggles of the parish and town with the great issues of the national
conflict of 1861 to 1865.
The opening event features a talk about
the role of religion in the Civil War by Profes-
sor Robert T. Valentine of Lehman College.
There will also be re-enactments commemorating President’s Day and African American History Month, including appearances by Presidents
Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt and
Underground Railroad icon Harriet Tubman.
Historic activities for children, with prizes,
will also be held. Parking and admission are free
St. Paul’s Church is located at 897 South
Columbus Ave. in Mt. Vernon. For more information, visit 914-667-4113 or visit NPS.gov/
sapa.
BWC Events
The Bronxville Women’s Club (BWC) is
located at 135 Midland Ave. in Bronxville. For
more information on the following programs or
to register, when required, call 914-337-3252 or
visit BronxvilleWomensClub.org.
Cabaret Evening
Cabaret Evening is great evening for every
one of all ages at BWC on Friday, February 8
at 7 p.m.
Enjoy the energetic singers from PiPE
DREAM Theatre as they sing their hearts out to
all our favorite songs. A casual spaghetti supper
will be served at 8 p.m. Advance reservations
are required by Wednesday, February 6. The
cost is $15 for BWC members, $20 for nonmembers, $10 for kids aged 5 to 12 and free for
kids under 12.
Poetry Tea
The Literature Section of the BWC will
hold its annual Poetry Tea on Friday, February
8 at 2 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring
a favorite poem to share. Afternoon Tea will be
served following the program. Advance reservations of $10 per person.
Afternoon Luncheon and Entertainment
The BWC will hold its monthly Afternoon Entertainment luncheon on Wednesday,
February 6 at 12 p.m. A catered luncheon begins the afternoon, followed by table games of
your choice. We have cards and backgammon.
Hostesses are Peggy Conroy and Ronnie Brophy. Open to the public. Advance admission is
$20 members, $30 for non-members. Men are
invited to attend, too.
Town of Eastchester
February Meetings
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the
Town Board, other boards, commissions, committees, and advisory councils of the Town of
Date
February 5
February 7
February 7
February 12
February 14
February 27
February 28
TBA
Time
11 a.m.
7 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
7 p.m.
7 p.m.
6 p.m.
7 p.m.
7 p.m.
Eastchester will be holding the following scheduled meetings during the month of February,
2013.
Place
Community Room
Town Hall Auditorium
Community Room
Library Auditorium
Library Auditorium
Board/ Type of Meeting
ARB Sign Review
Architectural Review Board
Environmental Comm. Mtg.
Town Board Meeting
Zoning Board of Appeals
Library Board of Trustees
Planning Board
Traffic & Safety Advisory Board
Can Stress Reduce
Student Achievement?
By Peggy Godfrey
Gun control laws were recently strengthened by the New York State legislature shortly
after 20 school children and six teachers were
killed in a nearby Connecticut school. Almost
simultaneously, the public school districts in
the State of New York rushed to initiate new
teacher evaluation plans to meet a deadline for
federal grant money. Should the public now
stand back and examine some possible unintended consequences of both these actions?
One person already took action in Yonkers by getting a violent arcade game where
young people were shooting with realistic
sized guns removed. But it is evident that in
our society young people are also exposed to
violence in lots of other ways: movies, television, many other video and computer games.
No amount of sorrow can bring back 20
innocent children who died at the hands of a
disturbed person. Limiting guns in our society
and prohibiting them in schools is a step in
the right direction. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s initiative to have tighter restrictions on
assault weapons and greater penalties for having a firearm in schools is noteworthy. There
is also a new, probably controversial, requirement that health professionals should report
patients who “may” show possible violent
behavior. But is future behavior predictable?
Compassion is a key characteristic of a
teacher who must deal with a mix of personalities and abilities daily in the classroom.
New York State has forced an evaluation system onto the teachers to gain federal money.
However, to rate teacher performance a key
element is using students’ test scores.
This year, students and teachers have not
only viewed school violence but have also felt
pressure for student achievement. To improve
schools, Cuomo, in his State of the State Address, offered a plan of action: either lengthen
the school day, or add days to the school year.
Five states already stated they would add 300
hours to some schools’ years. Yet even this
has not proven to be a crucial factor, since not
all countries with high achievement have extended school hours.
Classroom teachers vary greatly on their
practices in the classroom and a crucial factor, time-on-task, is often not addressed in a
way that will increase children’s achievement.
Time-on-task will not be effective if it means
extending a lesson by just telling students to
write out answers to a set of questions or to
read a passage. Students need to be motivated
to want to explore beyond minimum require-
ments. Is time-on-task now concentrated
on getting students to pass certain required
achievement tests? There is little time left in
the school day for other subjects because of
the concentration on language arts and mathematics testing, especially in early grades.
Now teachers’ main priority will inevitably be
to teach to the tests so they can survive in their
job and not be fired.
United States, once a leader in innovations, now is concentrating on teaching students the basic skills needed to pass standardized tests. Add to this pressure on teachers the
threat of guns and violence. A recent article
(New York Times, December 25, 2012) looked
at post traumatic stress. Situations that are
stressful can’t be avoided, but ways to make
changes in the environment to ease stress
were suggested.
In the experiment when baby rats were
separated for a period of time from their
mothers, it was the mother’s experiences that
determined the amount of stress in her children. When the mother was in an unfamiliar
area, the children reflected the mother’s stress
in finding her way back to them. But when the
mother rat was in a more controlled environment which could be unfamiliar, even though
she was not near her children, the young rats
showed less stress when the mother returned.
Will the pressure on teachers who are
now facing unsatisfactory ratings if their
classes do poorly on standardized tests drain
needed emotional support for their academically deficient students? When children have
a great deal of stress in their background and
have difficulty concentrating, is it fair to use a
test score to rate what they have been taught?
Students who have experienced violence
in their schools, or even their neighborhoods
may develop stress symptoms. Children come
to school from a diversity of backgrounds and
meeting their needs is not easy. For example,
many school systems use pacing charts by
grade and subject and deficient students may
not be given sufficient time to learn a topic.
There are no easy answers to improving
education. But the emphasis on rating teachers based on test scores is unfortunate because
it does not put meeting all the academic and
emotional needs of students first.
It is worth noting that the teachers union
and the school board in the city of this recent
massacre has asked the state for a waiver so
that students in grades three through eight will
not have to take the spring’s standardized exams. Isn’t this the right thing to do?
Legal Notices
Classifieds
Voice and Piano Lessons Beginners to
advanced Voice Therapy Dr. David Fairchild
Doctorate in Voice from Columbia University
914-337-6405 Web site Dr David Fairchild.
com
ANTIQUES • ART • COLLECTIBLES
Most cash paid for paintings, antiques, furniture, silver, sculpture, jewelry, books, cameras, records, instruments, coins, watches, gold,
comics, sports cards, etc. Please call Aaron at
914-654-1683.
BASEBALL / SPORT CARDS / AUTOGRAPHS WANTED Cash paid for Baseball, Football, basketball, Hockey cards, also
sport autographs, silver dollars, gold coins/
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Take notice that in accordance with
N.J.S.A 39:10 A-8 ET.Seq Application has
been made to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle
Commission, Trenton, N.J. to receive title
papers authorizing the sale of: 1969 Cadillac
F9256461. Objections, if any, should be made
immediately in writing to special title section/
abandoned vehicle unit, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, N.J. 08666-0017.
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Legal Notices
Notice of Sale
Supreme Court: Westchester County T10 Funding v Gerald Depaul Individually and
as Executor of the Estate of Mary Ann Depaul et al, Defts Index 52048/12 pursuant
to a judgment of foreclosure filed January 15, 2013, I will sell at public auction at
the Lobby of the Westchester County Courthouse 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
White Plains NY on February 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM premises known as Block 2014
Lot 74 in the City of Yonkers. Sold subject to the terms of sale and filed judgment of
foreclosure. Daniel P. Romano Esq. Referee
#3055 1/25 – 2/15
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Eastchester will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. at
the Town of Eastchester Town Hall, 40 Mill Road, Eastchester New York on the application of Robert Jiao, for Area Variance, Rear Setback to Grant a Variance affecting
the premises known as Section 80G, Block 3, Lot(s) 1 on the Tax Map of the Town
of Eastchester, New York and known as 1 Pasadena Road, Bronxville, NY 10708.
Town of Eastchester Planning Board
40 Mill Road
Eastchester, New York 10709
#2120 2/1
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X
WILSON AUGUSTO NAIA GODINHO and WILSON JOSE GODINHO
Petitioners,
-againstCHARLES ROBERT SCIVOLETTO, if living, or he be dead, his heirs-at-law, nextof-kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors-in-interest and generally all persons having of
claiming under, by or through said defendants who may be deceased, by purchase,
inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in and the premises described
herein, “Jane” SCIVOLETTO, Larry SCIVOLETTO, PEEKSKILL HUDSON STREET
LLC, a New York limited liability company, and “JOHN DOE” 1-10 and “JANE DOE”
1-10
Respondents
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X
Index No. 68293/2012
CPLR RULE 316 NOTICE
The foregoing Amended Order to Show Cause,, is served upon you by publication
pursuant to an order, dated December 10, 2012, of the Honorable Sam D. Walker, a
Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and filed with the Petition and
other papers in the office of the Clerk of the County of Westchester, at 111 Dr. Martin
Luther King Blvd., White Plains, New York. An Order to Show Cause was requested
pursuant to N.Y. Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law, Section 1921, under
which these proceedings are, in part, instituted. This proceeding is also brought pursuant to N.Y. Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law Article 15 to secure the
cancellation and discharge of record of a mortgage, recorded in the office of the
Clerk of County of Westchester on December 10, 1996 in Liber 22298, at page 303,
made by Wilson Augusto Naia Godinho and Wilson Jose Godinho, as mortgagors,
in favor of Charles Robert Scivoletto, as mortgage (hereinafter referred to as the
“Mortgage”), which affects the property described as follows: Lot1, Block 4, known
as 64 Hudson Avenue, Peekskill, New York (hereinafter referred to as the “Property”).
The relief sought in the proceeding is as follows: (i) that defendants, other than defendant Peekskill Hudson Street LLC, and every person claiming under or through
defendants, other than defendant Peekskill Hudson Street LLC, be forever barred
from all claim to an estate or interest in the Property; (ii) that it be adjudged and finally
determined that Petitioners are the lawful owners and vested with an absolute and
unencumbered title in fee to the Property free and clear of the Mortgage; (iv) that the
Clerk of the County of Westchester be directed to cancel and discharge of record the
Mortgage; (v) that the obligations secured by the Mortgage be cancelled; an (vi) that
Petitioners have such other and further relief as to the Court may seem just, proper
and equitable, for which relief judgment may be taken against defendants in a case
of default.
#3053 1/18 – 2/8
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Street To Strip Auto Design
LLC has filed articles of
organization with the Secretary of State of NYS on
11/26/2012. The offices of
this company are located
in Westchester County, NY. The Secretary of State has
been designated as agent of
the limited liability company
upon whom process against
it may be served. The address to which the Secretary
of State shall mail a copy of
any process against the limited liability company served
upon him or her is PO Box
451, Verplanck, NY 10596 The company is organized to
conduct any lawful business
for which limited liability companies may be organized.
Notice of formation of Bustech Solutions LLC Art. Of
Org. filed with the Sect’y
of State of NY (SSNY) on
11/2/2012. Office in Westchester County. SSNY has
been designated as agent of
the LLC upon whom process
against it may be served.
SSNY shall mail process
to: Bustech Solutions LLC
36 Sarles St. Armonk, NY
10504. Purpose: any lawful
purpose.
Notice of formation of Nehemiah MC, LLC. Arts. Of Org.
filed with the Sect’y of State
of NY (SSNY) on September 13, 2012. Office location: Westchester County.
The street address is: 1333A
North Avenue, Suite 405,
New Rochelle New York,
10804. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC
it may be served. SSNY
shall mail process served to:
Michelle D. Edden, 1333A
North Avenue, Suite 405,
New Rochelle, New York
act.
#6359 1/11 – 2/15
#6360 1/11 – 2/15
#6358 1/4 – 2/8
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of formation of Merritt
Contracting, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company
(LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on
01/04/2013.Office location:
Westchester County. Principal office of LLC: PO Box
466, Purchase, NY 10577 .
SSNY designated as agent
of LLC upon whom process
against it may be served.
SSNY shall mail process to
Adam Newcomb PO Box
466, Purchase, NY 10577,
upon whom and at which
process may be served. Purpose: Residential
Construction.
Notice of formation of The
Bail King, LLC., a domestic
Limited Liability Company
(LLC). Articles of Organization filed with the Sect’y
6/18/10. Office location:
Westchester County. The
street address is: 15 Palisade Avenue Yonkers, NY
shall mail process served to:
Christopher Daroja c/o the
LLC at 70 South Main Street
Norwalk, CT 06854. Purpose: any lawful act.
Notice of formation of Force
Software, LLC, a domestic
Limited Liability Company
(LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY)
on 01/04/2013. Office location: Westchester County.
Principal office of LLC: 8
Tam O Shanter Dr., Purchase, NY 10577 . SSNY
designated as agent of LLC
it may be served. SSNY shall
mail process to Christopher
Rodier, 8 Tam O Shanter Dr.,
Purchase, NY 10577, upon
whom and at which process
may be served. Purpose:
Software Consulting.
#6361 1/18 – 2/22
#6362 1/25 – 3/1
#6363 1/25 – 3/1
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION of
ATI-Alex LLC.
Articles of Organization filed
with the Secretary of State of
NY (SSNY) on 06/13/2012.
Office location: Westchester County. SSNY has been
designated as agent upon
whom process against it
may be served. The Post
Office address to which the
SSNY shall mail a copy of
any process against it is:
Knauf Shaw LLP, Attn: Linda
R. Shaw, 1125 Crossroads
Building, 2 State Street,
Rochester, NY 14614. Dissolution date: 06/13/2111.
LLC Purpose: to engage in
real estate development.
Street address of Principal
Business location is: 159
Alexander St., Yonkers, NY
10701.
NOTICE OF FORMATION of
Ravine 33 LLC.
Articles of Organization filed
NY (SSNY) on 05/04/2012.
10701.
NOTICE OF FORMATION
of Glenwood POH LLC Article of Organization filed
NY (SSNY) on 03/20/2012.
10701.
Notice of formation of ALENTI FILMS, LLC Arts. Of
Org. filed with the Sect’y
12/26/2012. Office location: County. The street address is: 63 Ridgewood Terrace, Chapaqua, NY 10514.
SSNY has been designated
as agent of the LLC upon
whom process against it may
be served. SSNY shall mail
process served to: Elizabeth
Schub, 63 Ridgewood Terrace, Chappaqua NY, 10514.
Purpose: any lawful act.
Notice of formation of
Bluesky Capital Partners,
LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with
the Sect’y of State of NY
(SSNY) on October 1, 2012.
Office location: Westchester
County. The street address
is: 40 Memorial Highway
20C, New Rochelle, NY
shall mail process served
to: Won-Jae Lee, 40 Memorial Highway 20C, New Rochelle, NY 10801.
Notice of formation of Daphne Viders, LLC. Articles of
Organization filed with the
Secretary of
State on December 15,
2008. The street address is
Weschester County, New
York. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC
mail process served to: LLC
c/o The Viders Law Group,
PLLC, 368 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack,
New York 11725. Purpose:
Any lawful act.
#6364 1/25 – 3/1
#6365 1/25 – 3/1
#6366 1/25 – 3/1
#6367 1/25 – 3/1
#6368 1/25 – 3/1
#6369 2/1 – 3/8
Seniors and Health Care
Wartburg Appoints Manager
at New Friedrich’s Residence
Wartburg
has
apGriffiths was also appointed Patrice Griffiths, a
pointed as the independent
veteran manager at Wartliving manager of the Lohmburg’s Meadowview proan Village Independent
gram, as the manager at the
residence, also on The Wartnew Friedrich’s Residence,
burg’ 34-acre campus. She
a model independent living
has, for the past 10 years,
complex and front piece in
worn several administraa major facilities expansion
tive hats at the Wartburg’s
program on The Wartburg’s
Meadowview
program,
Mount Vernon campus.
which has 88 independent
The
$11
million,
living units. Juliet Malcolm,
61-apartment
residence,
Griffith’s assistant, has acavailable for seniors earning
cepted the position of wellless than $52,000 annually
ness coordinator.
and under construction for
Recently recognized by
Patrice Griffiths
over a year, opens in March.
U.S. News & World Report
Its completion will compleas one of the “Best Nursing
ment a new $31 million, short-term rehabilita- Homes in New York State,” the Wartburg Adult
tion center and adult day care center, also under Care Community is a non-profit Lutheran minisconstruction at Wartburg’s campus.
try serving people of all faiths with a full range
“Patrice Griffiths brings Meadowview’s of residential options and health-related services
customer service and hospitality to this new in- for older area adults and their families.
dependent living program,” said Wartburg PresiThe Wartburg offers skilled nursing care, redent and CEO David Gentner, “and we are very habilitation, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, aspleased with her growth as a professional. This sisted and independent living, adult day services,
appointment is the first in our administrative home care, pastoral care and monthly caregiver
planning to make The Friedrich’s an exemplary support groups. The Wartburg is a member oraffordable housing residence for seniors in the ganization of the National Center for Creative
tri-state region.”
Aging.
AARP Offers Free
Tax Counseling at NRPL
Free tax assistance through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program and Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance (VITA), will be offered at
the New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) beginning on Tuesday, February 5.
Trained AARP volunteer counselors will be
available every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.
to 2 p.m. until April 11. These sessions will be held
in the Community Gallery on the first floor of the
NRPL. Tax filers are advised to arrive early, as
they will meet with a tax advisor on a first-come,
first-served basis. The NRPL will open at 9 a.m.
on these days.
The TCE program is free. Interested persons
are advised to bring copies of their 2012 tax returns
and whatever other tax-related materials are needed to complete their returns; the counselors will
have the necessary forms to complete the e-filing.
For patrons who just need tax forms, the IRS
will be shipping forms to NRPL by January 31.
A full selection of forms for federal and state returns will then be available on the third floor of
the NRPL.
In order to maintain the supply through the
tax season, patrons are asked to take no more than
two copies of any form. Reproducible forms are
also available to be photocopied.
NRPL is located at 1 Library Plaza in New
Rochelle. For more information, call 914-6327878 or visit NRPL.org.
Dr. Cynthia Brown Joins PMHC
Cynthia Brown, MD, of White Plains has
joined the medical staff of Phelps Memorial
Hospital Center (PMHC) and will be providing
primary care for patients at the hospital’s Phelps
at Dobbs Ferry office, located at 18 Ashford
Ave.
Brown, who is board certified in internal
medicine, earned her medical degree at New
York Medical College and completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at The
New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center.
“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Cynthia
Brown join our staff,” said PMHC Manager
of Medical Practices Mayda Davis. “With her
help, our new office in Dobbs Ferry will expand
primary care services to residents of the area.”
Prior to joining PMHC, Brown was director of Primary Care Services at the Westchester
Institute for Human Development in Valhalla,
which develops and delivers medical, clinical
and support services to individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. From 1996
to 2006, she worked at the Farrell Community
Health Center, an outpatient clinic at New York
Presbyterian Hospital. She also held faculty appointments at Columbia University College of
Physicians and Surgeons from 1996 to 2009
and is currently an assistant clinical professor
of Medicine at New York Medical College.
Brown, who speaks English and Spanish,
is currently accepting new patients. Appointments can be made by calling 914-478-1384.
Social Security Column:
New Online Services Available
with a My Social Security Account
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social
Security, recently announced that the agency
is expanding the services available with a my
Social Security account, a personalized online
account that people can use beginning in their
working years and continuing throughout the
time they receive Social Security benefits.
More than 60 million Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) recipients can now access their benefit
verification letter, payment history and earnings record instantly using their online account.
Social Security beneficiaries also can change
their address and start or change direct deposit
information online.
“We are making it even easier for people
to do their business with us from the comfort
of their home, office or library,” Astrue said.
“I encourage people of all ages to take advantage of our award-winning online services and
check out the new features available through an
online my Social Security account.”
Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients with a my Social Security account can
go online and get an official benefit verification letter instantly. The benefit verification letter serves as proof of income to secure loans,
mortgages and other housing, and state or local
benefits. Additionally, people use the letter to
prove current Medicare health insurance coverage, retirement or disability status and age.
People can print or save a customized letter.
Social Security processed nearly nine million requests for benefit verification letters in
the past year. This new online service allows
people to conduct business with Social Security without having to visit an office or make
a phone call, and very often wait for a letter to
arrive in the mail. It also will reduce the time
spent by employees completing these requests
and free them to focus on other workloads.
People age 18 and older can sign up for
an account at SocialSecurity.gov/myaccount.
Once there, they must be able to provide information about themselves and answers to questions that only they are likely to know. After
completing the secure verification process,
people can create a my Social Security account
with a unique user name and password to access their information.
People age 18 and older who are not receiving benefits can sign up for a my Social
Security account to get a personalized online
Social Security Statement. The online Statement provides eligible workers with secure
and convenient access to their Social Security
earnings and benefit information, and estimates
of future benefits they can use to plan for their
retirement. In addition, the portal also includes
links to information about other online services, such as applications for retirement, disability and Medicare.
“Given our significantly reduced funding,”
said Astrue, “we have to find innovative ways
to continue to meet the needs of the American
people without compromising service. These
new enhancements will allow us to provide
faster service to more people in more places.”
For more information, visit SocialSecurity.
gov/myaccount.
The Bristal & WLS to Implement New
Arts Learning Program for Older Adults
The Bristal at White Plains, a new assisted
living community that offers memory care support
as well as enhanced levels of care, has announced
a partnership with the Westchester Library System (WLS) to provide a grant to the White Plains
Public Library (WPPL) for implementing a pilot
arts program for older adults.
Created under the auspices of Lifetime Arts
and funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Creative Aging Public
Libraries Project serves to bring local libraries
and professional teaching artists together to create free, high quality arts learning programs for
older adults. The program will allow residents of
The Bristal and the community at large to learn
creatively together.
“Arts programs promote sustained involvement and keep participants involved week after
week,” said The Bristal Director of Business Development Susan Yubas. “Through this partnership with the Westchester Library System, we are
able to support the community with additional
funding for the White Plains Public Library and
promote social engagement and artistic enrichment for our residents.”
While residents of The Bristal will have priority registration, programs will be open to White
Plains area seniors as well.
“We’re looking forward to the opportunity
for our residents to interact with residents in the
community and plan on hosting events at The
Bristal as well as at the library,” said Yubas.
The Bristal’s initiative is based on a pilot
program whereby libraries present a series of
skill-based artist residencies, each culminating in
a showcase event that will be open to the public.
The program, which will consist of two eightweek sessions, includes workshops in music,
literature, performing and visual arts. Attendees
will have the opportunity to learn a skill taught
by a professional teaching artist and then share
their success and receive recognition at an artist
reception.
The first two sessions will focus on visual
arts and writing and will be taught by Kim McCormack of Creative Curiosity Inc. in Katonah
and Frank Ingrasciotta, a local playwright, actor
and director. The program will be open for registration in February, with the first session begin-
ning in the spring.
“Public libraries have a naturally occurring
population of older adults and provide a location
that offers a comfortable, judgment-free setting
in the heart of a community,” said WLS Director of Development Patricia Braja. “More and
more, libraries are serving as community cultural
centers, providing quality programming for many
segments of the population. We look forward to
an ongoing relationship with The Bristal and assisting them in their efforts to further enhance the
lives of their residents.”
Research shows that professionally conducted arts programs which engage older adults
in active learning have positive mental and physical health benefits. A 2001 study co-sponsored
by the National Endowment for the Arts and the
George Washington University found that people
65 years and older who were regularly involved
in participatory arts programs reported fewer doctors’ visits, less need for medication and were less
prone to depression.
WLS collaborates with 38 libraries in Westchester to provide access to resources and services and to enhance and support library service for
the more than 940,000 residents. WLS actively
seeks to forge and strengthen relationships with
local businesses and civic groups in an effort to
support various initiatives that reach the underserved, which in this case are area seniors.
Located at 305 North St. in White Plains,
The Bristal at White Plains is a new assisted living community which offers the look and feel of
a luxury hotel while offering enhanced assisted
living. The Bristal features 116 residences comprised of 73 studios, 41 one-bedroom and two
two-bedroom suites. There are also 32 apartments
dedicated for residents who require memory care.
Residents at The Bristal enjoy top-of-the-line
health care services, including a full-scale wellness program, onsite doctor visits, medication supervision, bathing and dressing assistance and a
RN/LPN on duty. Luxury amenities at The Bristal
include an elegant lobby, cinema, fitness center,
salon, arts & crafts studio, card & game room,
bingo center, library, business center, wellness
center, heated outdoor pool and putting green.
visit TheBristal.com.
Town of Eastchester
Senior Programs and Services
The Garth Road Center
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
11:30 Hot Lunch Available, Reservations
Required
12:30 Bingo bash
2:00 Exercise with Rowena: Lawrence
Hospital Physical Therapy
Friday, February 8, 2013
11:30 Exercise with Julie Rosen
12:30 Pizza Party
1:30 Puzzle Solving With Ed Stein
The Garth Road Center is located at 235
Garth Rd. in Scarsdale. For more information,
call 914-771-3340.
Westchester Resident
Continued from Page 1
Through the program, Kennedy builds up
the self-esteem of the participating children.
Each child is qualified to be sponsored by social
workers from a list of social service agencies
listed on the organization’s Web site. Among the
needy children included are those living in family shelters and transitional housing, as well as
in foster care.
For children up to the age of 12, individually or as part of a group, people can sponsor one
or more children, receive the child’s profile and a
list of items to purchase. Currently, it costs about
$200 to purchase three outfits for one child, consisting of three shirts, three pairs of pants, three
sets of underwear and socks, one sweater or
sweatshirt, sneakers or a coat, and a backpack
with school supplies. A copy of the “Good Luck
in School” flyer is provided to the sponsor to staple to a self-addressed stamped envelope so that
each child recipient can acknowledge the clothing and school supplies with a thank-you note.
For teenagers, people can also make monetary donations to sponsor Shopping With A
Teen (SWAT) nights, where social workers take
disadvantaged teens to local malls in Westchester, Rockland, and Manhattan to select their own
clothes. Each child receives a budget of $200
and shops one-on-one with a volunteer.
Aside from running Back-to-School Clothes
for Kids, Kennedy works as a manager for TAL
International Container Corporation, a company
that leases cargo containers worldwide, in Pur-
chase. Kennedy joins 300 others who have been
selected as Lewis Hine Award recipients by the
NCLC, named for the acclaimed NCLC photographer who documented early-20th century exploitation of children.
Kennedy told Rising that the idea of Backto-School Clothes for Kids began when she read
a story in the New York Times about homeless
kids and families forced to live in single room
hotels in manhattan in the 1980s. A subsequent
letter in the Times, urging New Yorkers to donate
a pair of jeans or a backpack to these kids for
the start of school, got Kennedy to do something
about it.
“I asked everyone I knew for 10 bucks, we
raised $900, Sears matched our donations and
we started,” Kennedy said. “We partnered with
many great organizations, like the United Way,
along the way and went from helping 10 kids to
100 kids and now about 1,000 kids a year. Many
people, families and businesses and corporations
have stepped forward to help.
“It was wonderful to be honored and to be
included in that body of people, and to be recognized by the NCLC who helps protects kids
is fantastic. I am hoping that the award will help
others get on board and help us for next school
year.”
We congratulate Kenney for her honor,
thank her for her service and we encourage our
readers to learn more about Back-to-School
Clothes for Kids and consider a donation. For
more information on Back-to-School Clothes for
kids, visit BackToSchoolClothes.org. For more
information on the NCLC or the Lewis Hine
Award, visit NationalChildLabor.org.
Legal Notices
PS ORANGECO INC.
9th Annual Interreligious Prayer
Service for Peace and Justice
Representatives of world religions and
faith traditions will come together to recite universal prayers for peace and justice in the Ninth
Annual Interreligious Prayer Service for Peace
and Justice, to be held on Sunday, February 3 at
2 p.m. at the Monastery Church of the Sacred
Heart in Yonkers.
The prayer service is held in recognition
and celebration of the resolution adopted by
the UN General Assembly proclaiming the first
week of February to be World Interfaith Har-
mony Week between all religions, faiths and
beliefs.
Organized by Charles S. Chesnavage and
Participants of other Religious Traditions, the
prayer service seeks to promote understanding
and tolerance among all religious traditions and
beliefs.
Universal Prayers for Peace and Justice
will be recited, including prayers from Hindu,
Buddhism, Jain, Islam, Judaism, Sikh, Baha’I,
Christianity and Native American faiths.
Be Aware of Your
Hypothermia Risk
The American Heart Association (AHA)
warns individuals with existing heart disease
or stroke, and those who may be at high risk
for these illnesses, to use caution during heavy
snowfalls and wintry conditions.
This includes people with a strong family
history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
smokers, those who are overweight and the
sedentary. For these individuals, the stresses
of the cold weather may pose extra concern
and the AHA is urging individuals to use caution to avoid sudden cardiac death and hypothermia. It’s important for those at risk to stay
warm safely and also learn the signs of hypothermia.
Hypothermia occurs when your body
can’t produce enough energy to keep the internal body temperature warm enough, causing it
to fall below normal. It can kill you. Heart failure causes most deaths in hypothermia. Symptoms include lack of coordination, confusion,
slowed reactions, shivering and sleepiness.
Children, the elderly and those with heart
disease, diabetes and stroke survivors are at
special risk. As people age, their ability to
maintain a normal internal body temperature
often decreases. Because elderly people seem
to be relatively insensitive to moderately cold
conditions, they can suffer hypothermia without knowing they’re in danger.
Besides cold temperatures, high winds,
snow and rain also can steal body heat. Wind
is especially dangerous, because it removes
the layer of heated air from around your body.
Similarly, dampness causes the body to lose
heat faster than it would at the same temperature in drier conditions.
To keep warm, wear layers of clothing.
This traps air between layers, forming a protective insulation. Also, wear a hat or headscarf. Much of your body’s heat can be lost
through your head and ears are especially
prone to frostbite. Keep your hands and feet
warm, too, as they tend to lose heat rapidly.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT PS ORANGECO, INC. WILL BE SELLING THE
CONTENTS OF CERTAIN STORAGE SPACES IN LIEN AT THE BELOW-LISTED
PUBLIC STORAGE FACILITIES TO SATISFY THE OWNER’S LIEN AT PUBLIC
SALE BY COMPETITIVE BIDDING
ON (date): 2/19/2013
AT (Time): 11:30 PM
PUBLIC STORAGE ADDRESS: 925 Spring Road Pelham, New York 10803
The storage spaces in lien belonging to the below-identified tenants and contain the
following: Appliances/Boxes/Bags/Bedding/Clothing/Books/Electronics/Furniture/
Tools/Toys
Names:
Amirh Ihsan, Cherell Harris, Donovan Mcintosh, Juan Jaramillo, KENNETH D LAW,
Laurinda Thompson, ANTHONY SOLANO, Simone Jackson, Vincent Delgado IV
PURCHASES MUST BE MADE IN CASH ONLY AND PAID FOR AT THE TIME OF
SALE. ALL GOODS ARE SOLD AS IS AND MUST BE REMOVED AT THE TIME OF
SALE. SALE IS SUBJECT TO ADJOURNMENT.
#21811 2/1
PS ORANGECO INC.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT PS ORANGECO, INC. WILL BE SELLING THE
CONTENTS OF CERTAIN STORAGE SPACES IN LIEN AT THE BELOW-LISTED
PUBLIC STORAGE FACILITIES TO SATISFY THE OWNER’S LIEN AT PUBLIC
SALE BY COMPETITIVE BIDDING
ON (date): 2/19/2013
AT (Time): 9:30 AM
PUBLIC STORAGE ADDRESS: 60 E. Kingsbridge Road Mount Vernon, NY 10701
The storage spaces in lien belonging to the below-identified tenants and contain the
following: Appliances/Boxes/Bags/Bedding/Clothing/Books/Electronics/Furniture/
Tools/Toys
Names:
Pamela Gray, Mercedes Santiago, Jovaughn Warfield, Karl Gray, Cynthia Malaki,
Teresa Harris, Antoinette McGaha, Pierre Rosenard, JAMES GOODIE, Roosevelt
Brown, Glynnis Jones, Alexandra Young, Ainsley Haughton, Alrick Anderson, Rupert
Williams, Medora Robinson, Dwayne Everett, Nichole Francis, Vachel Cascen,
Richmond Gordon, Soshana Leslie, Tammylee Baker, Sharon Campbell, Rebecca
Cox, Fatimafoun’e Davis, Danielle DeRouseau, Delores Jones, James Chislom,
Hilton Williams, Stephanie Fields, Beverley Hines, Chrissie Petioni, Melicia Lewis,
Michelle Clarke, Judy Smith, James Fugah
PURCHASES MUST BE MADE IN CASH ONLY AND PAID FOR AT THE TIME OF
SALE. ALL GOODS ARE SOLD AS IS AND MUST BE REMOVED AT THE TIME OF
SALE. SALE IS SUBJECT TO ADJOURNMENT.
#34112 2/1
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of formation of Hudson Valley Till LLC Arts. Of
Org. filed with the Sect’y of
State of NY (SSNY) on December 3, 2012. Office location: Westchester County.
The street address is: 146
Ridgecrest Road, Ossining,
NY. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC
shall mail process served
to Hudson Valley Till, LLC;
146 Ridgecrest Road, Briarcliff Manor, New York 10510.
Notice of formation of HORIZON BUILDERS NY, LLC
Arts. Of Org. filed with the
Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY)
on JANUARY 17, 2013. Office location: Westchester
County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC
mail process served to: JOSEPH BOHM, 2131 ESPEY
CT., STE3, CROFTON, MD
act.
Notice is hereby given that a
license, NUMBER 1268326
for beer and wine has been
applied by the undersigned
to sell beer and wine at retail in a restaurant under the
Alcoholic Beverage Control
Law at 87 Lake Street, West
Harrison, County of Westchester, New York, 10604 for
on premises consumption.
Silver Lake 168 Corp.
#6370 2/1 – 3/8
#6371 2/1 – 3/8
#3056 1/25 – 2/1
Strange Alliances
prove himself to be a credible candidate for
county executive before we add his name to
the mix.)
DiFiore has won two county-wide races
for District Attorney. In 2005, she ran and won
as a republican, getting 51 percent of the vote.
Her opponent, Tony Castro, got 48 percent.
That year, 8,251 of DiFiore’s votes came in on
the Independence line, giving her the margin
of victory over Castro.
In 2007, DiFiore switched parties and became a democrat. She ran and won re-election
in 2009, as a democrat ,with 53 percent, defeating republican Dan Schorr (36 percent)
and Castro, who ran this time on the Independence line but only garnering 10 percent. DiFiore did not get the Independence line after
a reported falling out with Westchester Independence Party Chairman Dr. Guilio Cavallo.
DiFiore is certain not to get the Independence line again this year, as Cavallo and DiFiore’s opponents are rallying behind Bellantoni. But the DA has shown that she can win
her re-election first as a republican, then as a
democrat, with or without the Independence
party line.
DiFiore — despite the obstacles of Nannygate and the accusations made against her in
her investigations of the shootings of Danroy
Henry, Jr., in Pleasantville and Kenneth Chamberlin in White Plains by police — remains
one of the most popular elected officials in
Westchester. She can win again if she chooses
reach out to those in Westchester who are capable of looking beyond the glaring headlines.
Bellantoni, like Castro was, will be a
well-financed and serious opponent for DiFiore. Bellantoni, 43, served as a County Court
judge, acting Family Court and acting New
York State Supreme Court judge from 2003 to
2009. He served in private practice in the law
firm of Lovett & Bellantoni before forming
the Bellantoni Law Firm in 2011. His father is
Supreme Court Judge Orazio Bellantoni, who
has served as a Westchester Family Court and
Supreme Court judge for 29 years and is well
respected.
Astorino may need the Independence Party line more than DiFiore. In 2009, Astorino
got 57 percent of the vote and easily defeated
democrat incumbent Andy Spano. Eight percent of Astorino’s total vote was on the Independence line.
Astorino has also been said to have a falling out with Cavallo, putting into question
whether he will get the Independence line this
year.
Because of the large enrollment edge that
Democrats have in Westchester — of 560,580
registered voters, 263,988 are democrats to
135,519 republicans; 23,541 are registered independent and the remaining 126,592 have no
party affiliation — republicans usually need
the independence party line to win in Westchester.
The question is: Can Astorino and DiFiore, two popular incumbents, win without the
Independence Party line? If they do win without Cavallo’s blessing, it could greatly reduce
the Independence Party’s undue influence in
Westchester elections.
The strange alliances could come from
Astorino running on the same republican ticket with Bellantoni, who will be running with
the support of many who do not support Astorino. Will the Westchester GOP, led by Chairman Doug Colety, actively support Bellantoni
for DA?
Colety is very close to Cavallo — will he
be able to get the Independence line for Astorino? Or will Cavallo, who has grown close
to opponents of both Astorino and DiFiore,
support either Jenkins or Bramson for County
Executive and Bellantoni for DA?
The reason that Astorino and DiFiore are
not on Cavallo’s Christmas Card list, in our
view, is that both have stood up to Cavallo and
refused his wishes for patronage and/or protection. We applaud their “independence” and
hope it continues.
The Westchester Independence Party, in
our view, is nothing more than a shadow of a
party, handing out its party line to candidates,
republican and democrat alike, who help keep
its leaders, Cavallo and Yonkers Independence
Party Chair Dhyalma Vazquez, in power.
One example of how the Independence
Party operates comes from a review of the financial disclosure reports of republican State
Senate candidate Bob Cohen. The reports
show that he paid Vazquez $4,000 for collecting Independence Party petition signatures for
him. While it is common practice to pay persons for collecting signatures, it is not common to pay the chair of the party to do so.
Furthermore, did Vazquez accept payment from other candidates for office last
year? We will take a look and see. Read your
favorite local newspaper in the weeks to come
for more on this.
Cohen did nothing but what every other
elected official in Westchester does when dealing with Cavallo and Vazquez… grease the
wheel. But the Independence Party has strayed
way too far from its original intent — first to
put Presidential candidate Ross Perot on the
ballot in New York State in 1992 and 1996,
and then to put another true independent, Tom
Golisano, on the ballot for Governor in 1994,
1998 and 2002.
The other big race in Westchester this
fall is the race for County Clerk. Incumbent
democrat Tim Idoni will seek re-election, with
no candidate yet to announce a run. Some rumors have circulated that Idoni could see a
challenge from within his party, coming from
former Mount Vernon City Clerk Lisa Copeland. Copeland, who now works in Albany,
has had an interest in running for county clerk
for some time.
Make Rising Media Group
a part of your advertising plan.
Call today! 914-965-4000
Friday, February 1, 2013 - WESTCHESTER RISING - PAGE 9
Nepperhan Community Center’s 27TH MLK Jr. Breakfast
Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore with Bostic
Photos by Donna Davis
County Executive Rob Astorino with Wesley
Events for Adults at OPL
The Ossining Public Library (OPL) is located
at 53 Croton Ave. in Ossining. For more information on these and other programs, call 914-9412416 or visit OssiningLibrary.org, unless otherwise noted.
“Colors of the Rainbow”
“Colors of the Rainbow,” the gallery exhibit
by artist Madge Scott, will be on display at the
OPL from February 1 to 28. An Artist Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, February 2 from
2 to 4 p.m., light refreshments will be served. The
exhibition and reception are free.
Film Screening
Directed by Anthony Hemingway and starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Terrance Howard, “Red
Tails” depicts a crew of African-American pilots in
the Tuskegee training program, having faced segregation while kept mostly on the ground during
World War II, called into duty under the guidance
of Colonel A.J. Bullard. The film is approximately
125 minutes and is rated PG-13. A great way to
recognize and celebrate Black History Month. It
will be screened for free in the OPL’s Budarz Theater on Thursday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m.
AARP Tax Aides
It’s that time again! Need help with your
taxes? AARP Tax Aides will be available at the
OPL’d Budarz Theater on Thursdays in February,
March and April from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.
Tax Aide volunteers have been IRS trained and
certified. Bring in last year’s tax forms, social security statements, bank statements and any other
pertinent information (i.e. contributions). For more
information, contact the OPL at ext. 327 or 320.
Computer Classes
Free drop-in, hands-on assistance with online
applications, resume writing, e-mail accounts and
more are offered in the OPL’s 2nd Floor Conference Room on Mondays, February 4 and 11 from
5 to 8 p.m. each day. Assistance offered on a firstcome, first-served basis. For more information,
call ext. 315.
Beginner/Intermediate Yoga
Beginner/Intermediate Yoga for teens and
adults will be held in the OPL’s Budarz Theater on
Mondays, February 4, 11 and 25 from 7 to 8:15
p.m. each day. Taught by trained yoga instructor
Catherine Riedel, these classes are free but preregistration is required and can be made at ext.
336. Bring a yoga mat and blanket.
Beginner Yoga
Beginner Yoga for teens and adults will be
held in the OPL’s Budarz Theater on Saturdays,
February 9, 16 and 23 at 11 a.m. each day. Taught
by trained yoga instructor Catherine Riedel, these
classes are free but pre-registration is required and
can be made at ext. 336. Bring a yoga mat and
blanket.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Community Service Award was
Perstine Wesley, the proprietor
of Harry’s Shoe Store in Getty
Square, for the compassion and
dedication he has demonstrated
to the Yonkers community for the
past 50 years.
The room was spellbound listening to Wesley as he spoke eloquently about his love for Yonkers
and the many lives he has been a
part of. His heartfelt thanks left
many alternating between tears
and laughter. The entire room
erupted in laughter and applause
as he was reminded that he almost
forgot to thank his wife!
The recipient of the Rev.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum
Major for Justice Award was the
Yonkers Branch of the NAACP
for decades of committed service
to the cause of racial equality and
eliminating racism within our
community.
The Mistress of Ceremonies was Janine Rose, managing
news director of News 12, and
the keynote speaker for the 27th
anniversary celebration was Reverend Doctor Marvin E. Wiley,
the renowned, 20-year pastor of
Rock of Ages Baptist Church in
Maywood, Illinois. Under Wiley’s
leadership, Rock of Ages has built
Ama Panford in her Obama dress
two multi-million dollar houses of
Worship to accommodate the rapidly growing membership.
The Nepperhan Community Center (NCC) —
Special thanks to NCC Executive Director
one of Yonkers great organizations that has been
serving thousands of children and families for the Doctor Jim Bostic, Board President Andrea Clark
past 70 years — held its 27th Annual Reverend Brown and all who made this event a success.
Kaira Hassell lead the audience in the Negro
Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on JanuNational anthem. Minister Bryan Allen gave an inary 21.
The theme for this year’s breakfast was credible rendition of the gospel song “Stand” that
“Keeping the Dream Alive By Working to Close had the room on their feet long before he got to the
the Divide.” This year, the recipient of the NCC’s last note.
Family Fun at HRM
Photo by Allan Lang
Photo by Nadine May Lewis
Sarah Lawrence Theatre Outreach Program
performer Daniel Glenn puts on his show
with help from the audience
Artist Dahlia Broul leads a workshop to
create miniature panoramas
The Hudson River Museum (HRM) is located at 511 Warburton Ave. in Yonkers. HRM
admission is $5, $3 for seniors and kids aged 5
to 16. For more information on these and other
programs or to register, when required, call 914963-4550 or visit HRM.org.
Family Weekend Art Projects
Come to HRM on Sundays, February 3, 10,
17 and 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. to join local artist
Dahlia Broul in creating a large-scale panoramic
mural. Make your own miniature panorama, or
pocket size “endless landscape,” to take home.
This event is free with admission.
Gallery Stage: Two Rivers, Two Cultures
Step on stage along with the graduate student actors and participate in an historic 19th
century journey up the Hudson on Sundays,
February 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 1 to 1:20 p.m. or
3 and 3:20 p.m. each day. An interactive familyfriendly performance with the Sarah Lawrence
College Theater Outreach Program is an adventure in early British and American cultures.
Thrill to a moving stage set, Hudson River art
comes alive with an original digitally created
backdrop that provides a moving view of the
river. This event is free with admission.
First Sundays Gallery Tour
Tour the Panoramic River with a Museum
Docent. On Sunday, February 3 at 1:30 p.m.
Discuss highlighted 18th-century paintings and
their similarities to Hudson River School paintings you see in HRM’s Permanent Collection.
This tour is free with admission.
Family Weekend Science Projects
Visit HRM on Saturdays, February 2 and
16 to discover the structure of river ice in the
Hudson Riverama, an environmental teaching
gallery. Make a snowflake to take home.
On Saturdays, February 9 and 23, explore
ice on other worlds in the Andrus Planetarium!
Learn what “icebows” and halos in the sky of
Earth look like and how different they would be
on a world without water. These workshops are
free with admission.
Teatown’s Hudson
guests from the outlying lots and the Croton Harmon Train Station to Croton Point Park. For more
information, including the most up-to-date schedule, visit Teatown.org/eaglefest.
Other Teatown Events
Teatown Lake Reservation is located at 1600
Spring Valley Rd. Ossining. For more information
on these and other programs, visit Teatown.org.
Author Joan Gussow visits Teatown
Teatown Lake Reservation, in partnership
with the Hudson Valley Writer’s Center, welcomes
author Joan Gussow as she reads from her book,
“Growing, Older,” a touching memoir on the loss
of her husband of 40 years, her gardening experiences in the Hudson Valley and her thoughts on
food in the United States, on Saturday, February 2
a 1 p.m. Following the reading will be a reception
and discussion. Note that this program is for adults
only. Donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
Reservations are recommended. For more information or to register, call 914-762-2912 ext. 110.
Animal Adventures: Groundhog Day
Does the groundhog really come out to see his
shadow to foretell the end of winter? We’ll read a
story and do a craft while we discover the truth
about groundhogs on Sunday, February 3 from 1 to
2 p.m. Note that this program is for families with
children aged 4 and over. It is free for Teatown
members, $5 for nonmembers. Reservations are
recommended. For more information or to register,
call 914-762-2912 ext. 110.
Rent-a-Bucket
Love maple syrup? Buy a bucket of your
own! Each February, Teatown taps its very own
maple trees and hang a sap bucket with your name
on it. After filling the bucket, the sap gets turned
into syrup in Warren’s Sugar House. The $45 fee
includes two tickets to the Pancake Brunch on
March 16 and an eight-ounce bottle of award-winning, grade A pure maple syrup. Call the Nature
Center at 914-762-2912 x110 to purchase a bucket,
available all February long.
PAGE 10 - WESTCHESTER RISING - Friday, February 1, 2013
6 Westchester Catholic
Schools to Close in June
Heineken Hosts
Inauguration Parties
Meenu Johnkutty (center), a student at Holy Name of Jesus School in Valhalla,
with her family and the Rockettes at a recent celebration at the school
By Dan Murphy
Six Catholic schools in Westchester will
close as a result of the Archdiocese of New
York reconfiguration plan. Five Westchester Catholic elementary schools, which were
placed on notice of risk of closure last year,
will official close at the end of this school
year-June 2013.
The schools closing in Westchester are
Holy Name of Jesus in Valhalla, Our Lady
Fatima in Scarsdale, St. Casimir in Yonkers,
Our Lady of the Assumption in Peekskill, St.
Theresa in Briarcliff Manor and Blessed Sacrament/St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle.
The Archdiocese issued the following
statement:
“Local Boards and ad hoc Reconfiguration Committees, after in-depth discussions
with local pastors, principals, administrators
and elected officials, and in consultation with
the Archdiocese of New York, collectively
have recommended closing 22 elementary
schools in June 2013.
“Of the 26 at-risk elementary schools announced two months ago, four will remain
open. The local boards’ and committees’ recommendations were accepted by the Archdiocese of New York.
“The decision to close the at-risk schools
follows a painstaking, months-long review involving local decision-makers in accordance
with Pathways to Excellence, the strategic
plan for Catholic schools that was published
in October 2010 and developed to assure a
vibrant future for Catholic education in the
Archdiocese of New York.
“This review included all relevant data,
including enrollment, financial, academic and
local demographics, to ensure the board’s and
committee’s decisions would result in financially healthy, sustainable schools. Throughout the review process, pastors and principals
of the at-risk schools were invited to meet with
members of the local Board or Reconfiguration Committee to discuss the combination of
factors that led to the decision to list a school
as ‘at-risk’ and offered an opportunity to submit an alternative proposal to remain viable.
“Affected families will be welcomed in
neighboring Catholic schools and every effort
will be made to assist those who are facing financial challenges making the transition. Student Placement Counselors will work with Regional Superintendents to help school families
transition into another Catholic school for the
2013-2014 school year. Informational meetings for affected families will be announced in
the coming weeks.
“The following Westchester schools will
close in June 2013, at the end of the current
academic year:
• Annunciation;
• Holy Name of Jesus, Valhalla;
• Our Lady of Fatima, Scarsdale;
• St. Casimir, Yonkers;
• Our Lady of the Assumption, Peekskill;
and
• St. Theresa, Briarcliff Manor.
“The number of students at the elementary schools announced for closure today is
4,341, which represents almost nine percent of
those enrolled in Catholic elementary schools
in the boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx and
Staten Island, and Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Sullivan, Orange, Dutchess and Ulster
counties.
“In addition to the 22 elementary schools,
two secondary schools will close. After a review of current and projected deficits and
continuing declines in enrollment, and in con-
sultation with the archdiocese, school leadership has determined that St. Agnes Boys High
School in Manhattan and Blessed Sacrament/
St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle are
not sustainable and will close.
“Timothy McNiff, Superintendent of
Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, stated, ‘As we move forward, we urge Governor
Cuomo and the legislature to enact the Education Investment Incentives Act. This initiative,
similar to those already enacted into law in 11
other states, would spur additional corporate
and individual donations into education, generating $150 million in additional scholarships
for families to enroll their children in Catholic
and other religious and independent schools.
Moreover, the legislation would generate an
equal level of additional contributions to public schools.’
“Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop
of New York, added, ‘The Archdiocese is not
alone in facing financial challenges in education — we share these issues with public, private and other faith-based schools across the
country. This reconfiguration process will help
ensure that our schools will be financially stable, sustainable and, more importantly, open
to all students. We are dedicated to providing
pastoral support and educational guidance to
every family personally affected by reconfiguration to ensure all children attending closing schools will be warmly welcomed into a
neighboring Catholic school where they will
continue to learn and thrive.’”
It is sad to see these schools close for several reasons.
First, the opportunity of a better education
for many kids, many of who are living in poverty and/or with a substandard public school
as an option, will lose their ability to attend
catholic school.
Second, understanding how difficult it is
for school’s labeled as “at-risk” to raise close
to $1 million in a few months, is it saddening
that only four Catholic elementary schools out
of 26 were able to come up with the financing
to move forward, considering the thousands of
students who have attended and moved onto
successful careers and who could have stepped
forward to help.
Finally, from a viewpoint of financing education in our country, the loss of classrooms
seats at these six Westchester Catholic schools
means that most of these students will now attend their public schools, putting an additional
cost on the local property taxes of each community.
The cost of educating a Catholic school
student is roughly half as much compared to
a public school student. It is more cost effective to have these students in catholic schools
and for our governments to find a way to keep
them open.
Photos by Heineken USA
porate Relations Officer Stacey Tank, at Voto
Latino’s 2013 Inauguration Celebration at Oya
Restaurant on January 20, 2013 in Washington, D.C.; (middle, l to r) Tank and Secretary
of Labor Hilda L. Solis at Voto Latino’s 2013
Inauguration Celebration; and (bottom, l to r)
Heineken Americas Regional President John
Nicolson, hip hop recording artist 2 Chainz and
Heineken USA President Dolf van den Brink at
the Hip Hop Inaugural Ball.
White Plains-based Heineken USA sponsored two parties during Inauguration Weekend.
The Hip Hop Inaugural Ball was held at
the Harman Center for the Arts on January 20
in Washington, D.C. The Voto Latino’s 2013
Inauguration Celebration was held at Oya Restaurant on January 20 in Washington, D.C.
Pictured are: (top, l to r) Actress Rosario
Dawson and Heineken USA SVP & Chief Cor-
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February 1 - Rising Media Group

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