FRidAy, FEbRuARy 13, 2015

Transcription

FRidAy, FEbRuARy 13, 2015
WESTCHESTER’S OLDEST AND MOST RESPECTED NEWSPAPERS
Vol 12 Number 7
www.RisingMediaGroup.com
Bring our Jobs Home to
America…and Westchester
By Dan Murphy
One of the issues of great
concern to many in our country is the lack of good-paying
manufacturing jobs. Over the
past 20 years, due to free trade
agreements, most manufacturing jobs have landed overseas,
in China, Mexico and across the
globe.
Fortunately, the residents
of Westchester enjoy the benefit
of using the economic engine of
New York City and Wall Street
to fuel employment, the real estate market and local economy.
Most major cities and suburbs across the country have a
similar economic engine that
runs their local economies and
fuels their small businesses,
stores and restaurants.
But if you travel outside
of Westchester and into upstate New York and small-town
America, the local economies
are dying because of a lack of
manufacturing jobs, and the
closure and relocation of factories and plants.
Political consultant Bill
O’Reilly wrote a guest column
on the free voter blog freevoter.
com that highlights the continued difficulty to
keep businesses from relocating out of New
York. Titled “It’s No Secret Why Employers
Leave NY,” O’Reilly writes:
“Sometimes I watch my beloved Mets and
wonder, ‘Are they even trying?’ I mean, really,
as a franchise, is winning actually a priority?
“I get the same feeling about Albany. We’re
just a few days into the 2015 legislative session
and already it’s clear that nothing to sharpen
New York’s competitive edge is even on the
table. New York needs good fastball hitters and
Albany’s arguing over centerfield signage.
“Other states don’t have this problem. Florida announced another feather in its cap Monday. Voxx International, the car stereo company,
is moving its headquarters to Orlando. The company formerly known as Audiovox has been on
Long Island since 1960.
“‘Florida will provide an excellent location
and a pro-business climate,’ Voxx Chief Executive Pat Lavelle said, not so subtly zinging New
York for its nation-trailing business climate.
“Pennsylvania is in the hunt. The state reaping billions of dollars from natural gas drilling
(New York turned up its nose at the opportunity)
has been feasting on Entenmann’s cakes since
August, when that company moved west from
New York after 116 years.
“Texas was responsible for 23 percent of
the nation’s economic growth in 2012. It’s clearly trying. So is Alabama, which recruited Remington Arms Co., away from upstate Ilion last
year, just as Virginia lured Altria Group from
Park Avenue.
“It’s no secret why businesses and families
keep leaving New York. With the highest taxes
in America and the most arduous business regulations, New York has become one big rip-off.
Moving makes sense. Staying doesn’t.
“If you think the State Legislature is on the
case, think again. The state with higher Medicaid costs than Texas, Florida and Pennsylvania
combined is actually debating whether to expand Medicaid into a single-payer health care
system, and arguing whether the most classroom
spending in America is enough.
“Other topics of interest? Taxpayer-funded
elections. Scholarships for immigrants here illegally. Criminal justice reform, aka, sticking it to
NYC cops. Even fewer restrictions on abortion.
“I can almost hear Casey Stengel, manager
of the 1964 Mets. ‘Can’t anybody here play this
game?’ he asked of the 53-109 team.”
Continued on Page 9
Royal Hanneford Circus
Returns to County Center
Friday, February 13, 2015
Davis Avoids Jail Time
For Failure to Pay Taxes
U.S. Attorney Listens to Mayor’s WVOX Show
By Dan Murphy
Mount Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis was
sentenced last week to one year’s probation for
failure to pay and file his federal corporate and
personal income taxes. Last year, Davis pled
guilty to the two offenses, and was sentenced
by U.S. Magistrate Paul Davison.
The charges against Davis were based on
blatant and obvious omission and errors in the
mayor’s tax filings. U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara has briefly explained the charges that Davis
plead guilty to:
“Davis, 76, of Mount Vernon, pled guilty
to two counts of willfully failing to file federal
income tax returns,” said Bharara. “In 1988, Ernest D. Davis purchased a rental property located at 14-16 Sandford Boulevard East in Mount
Vernon. He held the building through a corporation known as 14-16 Sandford East, Inc. Davis
admitted that he sold the building in 2003, but
he failed to file the required federal corporate
income tax return with the Internal Revenue
Service, on which he should have reported the
proceeds of the sale.
“In addition, Davis failed to report the proceeds of the sale of 14-16 Sandford Boulevard
on his 2003 U.S. individual income tax return,
Form 1040, which he filed on or about Feb. 1,
2005. Davis also admitted that he knowingly
failed to file a personal federal income tax return
for the tax year 2011, when he earned approximately $106,743 in adjusted gross income.”
Now that Davis has pled guilty to the tax
charges, opinions vary as to whether Mount
Vernon’s mayor got a lenient sentence or was
target because he is an elected, African-American official.
Davis’ comments on his WVOX Radio
Show, “Conversations with the Mayor,” got him
into a bit of hot water with Bharara before he
was sentenced. A memorandum of sentencing,
filed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Perry Carbone
and James McMahon, reference an Oct. 17,
2014 radio show where Davis made several
statements that call into question the quality of
his acceptance of responsibility.
“One of the primary themes of the defendant’s comments during the show was to shift
the blame for his conduct by suggesting that the
prosecution was motivated by factors other than
his criminal behavior,” reads the memorandum.
“For example, the defendant stated that he was
targeted because he was a public official:
“‘To be in public service and I would say
that none of this would happen except that I’m
the mayor. And none of this would, I think it’s
safe to say that,’ said Davis on WVOX.
“Later in the interview, he said: ‘When I
was running and I decided to run again, I knew
that I would be killed. I knew it. I knew that
the government would try to kill me…And if
I have to be a sacrificial lamb, so what? But I
want people to know – my people especially –
that somebody cares for them, I will fight for
them, I will do everything I can and then when I
see things are wrong, I’m going to say that they
are wrong.’
“The defendant also suggested that he was
a victim of an arbitrary prosecution,” continues
the memorandum.
Mt. Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis
“‘I’m 76 years old and I’ve learned a lot; I
know a lot, and I could not believe the system
could be used against me that way…I’ve been
preaching that almost anything you do is against
the law. People just pick and choose who they
want to, to handle in that fashion. And I think
it’s safe to say that.’
“He returned to this theme later in the (radio show).
“‘I don’t believe everybody that goes to
jail is guilty. And I know that, I’m close to it. I
know lawyers, I know people on the street, and
they will tell me I did this but I didn’t do that.
I did, and I know that. And so when you get
old enough you will understand that there by the
grace of God it could be you or I. It could be
you tomorrow. Nobody is immune, especially
in today’s climate. Nobody is immune to being
mistreated by the government.’
“The defendant then presented himself as a
martyr to an unfair process driven by politics,”
reads the memo.
“‘I never envisioned myself being in politics, but things happen. And do I regret it? No,
I do not. Who is it to say that something else
wouldn’t happen if I practiced architecture?
You can’t feel as that, one thing I do now is that
when you feel you are right, and I talked to my
lawyer about that. I feel I am right and if I have
to go to jail, for what I, knowing that I’m right,
I don’t care. Because I am 76 years old, I have
spent my life trying to help people.’
“The defendant also suggested that he had
been targeted for prosecution based on his race.
“‘It is very curious, and it has historical
proof that the African male, has been sorted out
for extinction…I mean, for instance, why is it
that every shooting you get is always AfricanAmerican. Is that a coincidence?’
“‘No, I’m saying that we all are influenced
by history, and I’m saying that all you have to
do is don’t believe me, just look at who’s been
shot. Who has been incarcerated? Who has been
under-educated? Just look at that. And so this –
a lot of this is predictable.’
“Finally, the defendant attempted effectively to minimize his guilt by inaccurately
Continued on Page 8
Ossining Village Resident
Ernestine Opie Turns 100!
The Hannaford Circus returns to Westchester County Center this weekend.
The Royal Hanneford Circus is coming to
town this weekend and will be celebrating its
40th anniversary at the Westchester County Center. Children in the county’s foster and homeless
programs will be able to enjoy this great Westchester tradition free of charge, thanks to a generous donation of tickets to the Department of
Social Services for the third year in a row from
Titan, the U.S. leader in transit media and a longtime advertising partner of Westchester County.
Circus stars who are familiar and new are
on the bill and ready to entertain the thousands
of families expected to attend one of the nine
performances over the three-day President’s Day
weekend, Feb. 14, 15 and 16. Performance times
Continued on Page 8
Village Mayor Victoria Gearity, left, joins Ernestine and Jay Opie in celebration of Ernestine’s
100th birthday.
One of the Village of Ossining’s oldest residents, Ernestine Opie, recently celebrated her
100th birthday, when Village Mayor Victoria
Gearity presented her a proclamation declaring
Jan. 24 as “Ernestine M. Opie Day” in Ossining.
An avid gardener for many years, Ernes-
tine had cultivated an expansive, impressive
garden and has spent much of her life helping
others. She settled in Ossining at the age of 9,
and stayed to raise her family.
The Opies, who have been married for
more than 50 years, are members of the First
Baptist Church of Ossining.
PAGE 2 - harrison RISING - Friday, February 13, 2015
Marionette Show Depicts
‘Life in Motion’ at WCC
CNR Students Earn Ursuline
Service Recognition Awards
Ursuline Student Service Recognition Award recipients include, from left, Vivian Rosario,
SNR’16; Jessica Jawahar, SN’15; Tazmin Uddin, GS’15; and Meghan King, SAS’15.
The Cashore Marionettes
The internationally-acclaimed Cashore Marionettes will perform “Life In Motion,” a collection of marionette masterworks Feb. 21 at 8 p.m.
in the Academic Arts Theatre on the Valhalla
campus of Westchester Community College.
Characters of depth, integrity and humanity
are portrayed in a full evening unlike anything
else in theater today. The performance is a series of scenes taken from everyday life and set
to music by composers such as Beethoven, Vivaldi, Strauss and Copland. Through a combination of virtuosic manipulation, humor, pathos,
classic music and poetic insight, the Cashore
Marionettes take the audience on a journey that
celebrates the richness of life.
“Life in Motion” has been hailed as a powerful, entertaining, surprising, theatrically satisfying, one-of-a-kind evening for adults and young
adults.
Joseph Cashore has been designing and
performing his remarkable marionettes for more
than 30 years. Bringing art to life, a performance
by the Cashore Marionettes is a celebration of
human existence.
Tickets are $22 for general admission, $20
for students and seniors and $16 for children
younger than 13. Tickets can either be purchased
in advance by mailing a check, or by cash at the
box office a half-hour before the scheduled performance time. For online credit card purchases,
visit sunywcc.edu/SmartArts and click on the
“Buy Tickets” link.
For more information about this performance or other cultural events, call the Office
of Cultural Affairs at 914-606-6262 or visit the
website.
Send your story ideas, photos,
announcements and
upcoming events to us at
dmurphy@rising mediagroup.com
1.15
%
The College of New Rochelle celebrated
its annual Feast Day of Saint Angela Merici
on Jan. 29 with a Mass at The Holy Family
Chapel, after which four students received
Ursuline Student Service Recognition Awards
for their contributions to both the college and
local communities.
Dr. Helen Wolf, director of campus ministry at CNR, praised the students’ efforts.
“The Student Service Recognition Award,
a national award, is presented to students
who have been of service to their communities both locally and abroad,” she said. “They
exhibit strong leadership, courage, ingenuity
and compassion. They have made significant
contributions to the betterment of our world
and are living testimony to the value of an Ursuline education.”
Jessica Jawahar SN’15
Jessica served as the vice president of
CNR’s Student Nurses Association, coordinating activities and fundraising for the SNA’s
participation in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Walk and the Westchester division’s Breast
Cancer Walk at Manhattanville College.
In addition, Jessica took an active leadership role in a “Skills Party” hosted by the
SNA to prepare nursing students in their first
semester for their clinical practicum where
she volunteered to show lower-classman nursing care.
Jessica noted: “It’s important not only to
raise funds for a cause but to join the community and show support for each other.”
Meghan King SAS’15
As co-captain of the volleyball team,
Meghan organized the team’s activities to contribute funds to support Dig Pink for Breast
Cancer and Dig Purple for Domestic Violence. For the Special Olympics at CNR, she
organized student volunteers for the volleyball
and basketball games and welcomed and registered each group of athletes as they arrived.
Meghan also volunteered as a “buddy” at the
Hudson Valley Special Olympics 2014 spring
games held at Sleepy Hollow High School.
Lastly, Meghan regularly serves as a
Eucharistic minister at college liturgies and
encourages teammates and peers to become
active members of the CNR worshipping
community.
“The service projects have made me realize how much I have to be thankful for and
showed me that I can make a difference in the
lives of people in my community,” she said.
Vivian Rosario SNR’16
In 2014, Vivian participated in the CNR
Plunge Service Trip to Haiti (sponsored by
the college’s Office of Campus Ministry, the
Office of Black Ministry of the New York
Archdiocese and Zanmi Sasye-Partners with
Sassier.org, which brings aid to the Sassier
area) to establish the first library at College
Pierre Toussaint, a secondary school in rural
western Haiti.
After the Plunge, she facilitated a book
drive to donate additional books to College
Pierre Toussaint.
Continued on Page 8
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FRidAy, FEbRuARy 13, 2015 - WEsTChEsTER’s MosT iNFLuENTiAL NEWsPAPERs - PAGE 3
Food Bank & Coalition
For the Hungry Join Forces
From left are (seated) Jeanne Blum, vice president of strategic partnerships and advocacy
for the Food Bank for Westchester; Ellen Lynch, president and CEO of the food bank;
(standing) Joseph Pizzimenti, former chairman of the board for the coalition who is now
launching an initiative to provide food bank member agencies with facilities and
construction support; Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino; County Board of
Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz; and Richard Rakow, chairman of the board for the
Food Bank for Westchester.
The two largest organizations addressing
hunger in Westchester County officially joined
forces, when the Food Bank for Westchester
and the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry
and Homeless recently signed a merger agreement.
Food Bank President/CEO Ellen Lynch
and Coalition Executive Director Jeanne Blum
signed the merger agreement at a ceremony
Jan. 30, which was attended by board members from both organizations, as well as County Executive Robert Astorino and County Legislature Chairman Michael Kaplowitz.
Under the merger agreement, which has
been approved by New York State, the White
Plains-based coalition is moving its operations
to the food bank’s Elmsford headquarters. The
merger will strengthen the mission of both
organizations by enabling them to operate
more efficiently and eliminate redundancies.
With the merger, the food bank will continue
to build on the coalition’s efforts and successes
while also finding opportunities for its volunteers and supporters within the new structure.
“With the merger complete, we are positioned to provide even better service to Westchester County; to be a stronger and more
effective organization in leading the charge
against hunger,” said Lynch. “We need to raise
the level of awareness about hunger in the
county and engage as many individuals, companies and community organizations as possible in the work of finding solutions. That’s
our job. Blending the coalition’s culture and
focus on community with our solid base of experience in the business of food banking, volunteer engagement and resource management
makes us a formidable advocate for those in
need and a more strategically focused service
provider.”
Blum, who will become the vice president
of strategic partnerships and advocacy for the
food bank, added: “The merger combines the
talent and resources of two outstanding organizations both with long and proud histories
of serving the hungry. We are very excited
about the future as we work collectively to
tackle hunger in Westchester.”
“I applaud these two great Westchester
institutions for joining forces to combat hunger,” said CE Astorino. “By improving efficiencies they will be more effective than ever in
fulfilling their shared mission, and the county
stands ready as a continued strong partner.”
The food bank and the coalition, which
were both founded in 1988, have operated on
different – yet parallel – tracks.
The food bank, which is one of eight regional food banks in New York State, distributes more than 7.4 million pounds of food
annually to an estimated 200,000 Westchester
residents.
It acquires, warehouses and distributes
food to more than 265 front-line hunger-relief
programs across the county, including food
pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and adult,
child-care and treatment centers.
The coalition advocates for hunger relief,
provides financial and technical support to
hunger-relief agencies, and is a resource for
those seeking help or information on poverty
issues. It works with autonomous food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and service organizations, and raises money for organizations
to build capacity and to purchase food and
equipment for their programs.
Interreligious Prayer Service
Is Feb. 15 in Mamaroneck
The 11th annual Interreligious Prayer Service for Peace and Justice celebrating World
Interfaith Harmony Week will take place Sunday, Feb. 15 at 3 p.m. at Mamaroneck United
Methodist Church.
Representatives of world religions, faith
and humanist traditions will come together
to recite universal prayers or statements for
peace and justice, in recognition and celebration of the resolution adopted by United Nations General Assembly proclaiming the first
week of February as World Interfaith Har-
mony Week between all religions, faiths and
beliefs.
Organized by Charles Chesnavage and
participants of other religious traditions, the
11th annual Interreligious Prayer Service for
Peace and Justice seeks to promote understanding and tolerance among all religious
traditions and beliefs. Universal Prayers for
Peace and Justice will be recited, including
prayers from the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Baha’i, Christian, Native
American, Humanist and Quaker traditions.
Congressman Applauds
Obama’s 2016 Budget
Congressman Eliot
ture, with $94.7 billion
Engel, a senior member
in proposed budgetary
of the House Energy and
resources for the DepartCommerce
Commitment of Transportation,
tee, applauded President
a $478 billion (over six
Barack Obama’s proposed
years) transportation re2016 budget for its comauthorization proposal,
mitment to helping the
and a $144 billion commiddle-class and improve
mitment (over six years)
funding for education, all
for transit and passenger
rail programs.
while maintaining fiscal
“Committing
ourresponsibility.
selves to improving our
The fiscal year 2016
aging
infrastructure
budget proposal focuses
shouldn’t be a partisan
on helping the middleissue,” said the congressclass, by using the tax
man. “Every day our roads
code to make work, eduCongressman Eliot Engel
and bridges become more
cation and child care
and more structurally demore affordable for millions of American families. The president’s plan ficient, putting us on a dangerous path that will
would also put an end to budget cuts imple- ultimately cost us more money to fix later on. If
mented in 2011 as part of the now infamous we get serious about tackling the infrastructure
difficulties facing us, we can rebuild America
“sequester.”
“I did not vote for the sequester in 2011 be- and create a lot of good jobs in the process. I
cause it was bad policy then, just as it remains believe the president’s budget takes this issue
bad policy today,” said Engel. “The mindless seriously, and I hope that my colleagues in Conausterity measures taken four years ago have gress will take it seriously, as well.”
With regard to the environment, the presibeen counterproductive to our economic recovery, limiting its potential by curtailing gov- dent’s budget makes a strong commitment to
ernment spending in research, education and clean energy by directing billions toward green
defense. Our economy has improved drastically technologies and programs to incentivize the
in spite of austerity – not because of it. I applaud states to tackle global warming. And after cutPresident Obama for offering a budget that fi- ting the Environmental Protection Agency
nally ends sequestration, which will allow us to budget for years, the 2016 budget proposes a
grow the middle-class and put more Americans slight funding increase for the EPA, from $8.1
back to work in the industries that drive inno- billion to $8.6 billion, a reflection of administration and agency plans to cut greenhouse gas
vation.”
In addition to ending the sequestration, emissions.
“I’m not a scientist, but I listen to them, just
the president’s proposed budget includes $70.7
billion in discretionary funds for education, a 5 like the majority of Americans,” said Engel. “Clipercent increase over the previous year, as well mate change is already here and it will take the
as a $1.5 billion increase in Head Start fund- leadership of the United States to tackle the ising. The budget also includes a $750 million sue globally. This budget prioritizes our environincrease in grants for states to develop and ex- ment in a way that is fitting of the size and scope
pand preschool programs for 4-year-olds who of the problems facing it, and I wholeheartedly
support the president’s plan to fight against the
come from low-income households.
“What the president’s budget does is make effects of man-made global warming.
“Republicans should be taking a real seria substantial increase to education funding at a
time when our schools need all the support they ous look at all of these proposals,” he continued.
can get from Washington,” said Engel. “It is no “The president’s plan would reduce the tax bursecret that one of the keys to improving a child’s den on the middle-class, increase much-needed
chances for academic success is engaging them dollars for infrastructure projects, support our
early, which is why I was happy to see a signifi- public schools, and end the damaging and uncant monetary commitment for Head Start and popular sequester. As our economy continues to
expanded pre-kindergarten. New York has led pick up steam, it is imperative for government
the way in the fight for truly universal pre-K. I to remain focused on smart policies that will
am happy to see President Obama take a page ensure every American feels the recovery. I befrom the Empire State’s book and make it a real lieve this proposal does just that, and I hope in
the coming weeks we can work across the aisle
priority for the entire country.”
The proposed 2016 budget also makes a with our Republican colleagues to formulate a
significant investment in our aging infrastruc- budget that keeps America moving forward.”
PAGE 4 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - Friday, February 13, 2015
‘Dine in the Dark’ to Support Purchase College Presents
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Acclaimed Author Ben Lerner
Via Vanti! Restaurant
and Gelateria in Mt. Kisco
will host its second annual
“Dining in the Dark” event
Sunday, March 1 from 1
to 4 p.m. to support Guiding Eyes for the Blind. The
unique “blind dining” experience includes a five-course
tasting menu, plus gelato.
Guests will be offered
blindfolds to test just how
discriminating their taste
buds are, with prizes awarded to the diners with the savviest palates.
“We received so much
positive feedback from last
year’s event that we knew
we had to do it again,” said
Via Vanti! owner Carla
Gambescia. “This year we
are offering a different delicious menu with interesting harmonious flavors and
flavor contrasts, textures
and aromas to heighten the
mindfulness of the diners.
Not only is ‘Dining in the
Dark’ a fun and unique experience, it’s also for a great
cause.”
“Dining in the Dark” returns March 1.
For someone without
sight, a Guiding Eyes dog is
raise awareness of our mission by partnering
a priceless, life-changing gift providing inde- with Via Vanti!” said Becky Barnes, Guidpendence, companionship and mobility. Head- ing Eyes’ manager of consumer relations and
quartered in Yorktown Heights, Guiding Eyes graduate support. “I love being able to share the
for the Blind provides guide dogs, professional experience of savoring delicious food without
training and follow-up support services to peo- vision.”
ple with vision loss at no cost to them, dependAdmission to “Dining in the Dark” is $75
ing solely on contributions to fulfill its mission. per person, and seating is limited and reservaAdditionally, Guiding Eyes places spe- tions are required by calling 914-666-6400 or
cially trained service dogs with children on the visiting www.viavanti.com.
autism spectrum.
Via Vanti! Restaurant and Gelateria is lo“We are excited for the opportunity to cated at 2 Kirby Plaza, Mount Kisco.
Author to Discuss New Book
The Ossining Public Library will host
local author Zay Dilette Green on Thursday,
Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. (snow date is Feb. 26) to
discuss her book “Christianity and Black Oppression: Duppy Know Who Fe Frighten,” in
the second-floor conference room.
Copies of the book will be available for
purchase.
On Monday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., the Board
of Trustees will meet in the director’s office.
For more information, visit www.ossininglibrary.org.
Movies, Crafts and More
At Rye Public Library
An exhibit of portraits by Alex Davitt will
be on display at the Rye Free Reading Room
through Feb. 26 with an artist’s reception being
held for the public Saturday, Feb. 14 from 1 to
4 p.m.
Davitt is a contemporary portrait artist who
lives and works in Rye. Largely self-taught and
with a lifelong interest in photography, Davitt
has exhibited in New York, Connecticut and Vermont.
For more information about the show, go to
www.ryelibrary.org or call 914-231-3161.
The Rye Free Reading Room has planned
fun activities for the February school break.
There will be three “brown bag movies” for
children age 5 and older to enjoy with their own
bagged lunches and provided drinks and snacks.
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Disney’s “Maleficent”
(rated PG) will be shown; on Wednesday, Feb.
18, it’s Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” (PG); and
on Friday, Feb. 20, it’s Disney’s “Alexander and
the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”
(PG).
All movies start at 1 p.m.
On Thursday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m., the Rye Garden Club and the library will jointly sponsor a
monarch butterfly garden workshop for children
age 4 and older. Help save the monarch butterfly
from extinction. Over the past five years, 90 percent of monarch butterflies have died off, mostly
because their habitat has been destroyed. Children and parents will learn about native milkweed, the only food monarch butterflies eat, and
plant seeds to sprout. In June, the seedlings can
be brought back for a planting day in the Children’s Room Garden.
There will also be a Gadgets Science Fun
Club for children in grades three through five Friday, Feb. 20 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required for the butterfly workshop and the Gadgets Science Fun Club
meeting. To sign up, visit www.ryelibrary.org, go
to “Programs and Events,” choose the event and
click on the “Register” button.
Registration opens a week before the event.
For more information, go to www.ryelibrary.org
or call 914-231-3162.
Dr. Kurt Waples will give a talk on autoimmune issues at the Rye Free Reading Room on
Thursday, Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. Autoimmune conditions are the third-leading cause of death in the
U.S. Why and what exactly is autoimmunity?
Why are women more susceptible?
Waples will discuss the ins and outs of autoimmunity and, most importantly, tell how to decrease your risk for developing a disease and how
to heal naturally, safely and without medication.
Waples is a chiropractor, kineisiologist and
natural medicine practitioner. He specializes in
complex cases involving autoimmunities, hormone-related problems, stress and sports nutrition and treatment
Published author Carol Costa will help participants unleash their writing creativity and put
pen to paper in a workshop at the Rye Free Reading Room on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 1
p.m. Utilizing techniques to get the creative juices flowing and offering a supportive and comfortable environment, Costa will lead an exciting
journey to the written word.
Bring a laptop, iPad, notebook or lined paper – any medium that will free you up to create.
Tweens in grades four through six, if you
love to read, the Rye Free Reading Room has a
brand new book club that is perfect for you! At
the first meeting of the “I Read a Latte” club on
Saturday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m., there will be snacks
and plenty of lively conversation about “The
Night Gardener” by Jonathan Auxier.
Pick up your copy in either the Children’s
or Teen Room anytime between now and then.
To register to join, visit www.ryelibrary.org, go
to “Programs and Events,” choose the Feb. 21
event, and click on the “Register” button.
For more information, call 914-231-3162 or
914-231-3172.
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The SUNY Purchase
Liberal Arts and Sciences at
Purchase College: “The ShirCollege, School of Humaniley and Royal Durst Chair
ties will present “An Evening
in Literature has allowed us
with Ben Lerner: A Lecture,
to enrich our curriculum by
Reading and Conversation”
bringing globally-recognized
on Thursday, Feb. 26 from
writers to Purchase – where
4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Neubergthey meet with small groups
er Museum Study at Purchase
of students as well as addressCollege, 735 Anderson Hill
ing the larger community.”
Road.
Anthony Domestico, asA poet, novelist, essaysistant professor of literature
ist and teacher, Lerner has
at Purchase College, added:
published three collections
“Ben Lerner is one of contemof poetry and two novels, all
porary literature’s most powto great acclaim. “Angle of
erful and versatile voices. His
Yaw,” his second book of
novels are loosely plotted but
poetry, was a finalist for the
compellingly readable, philoNational Book Award; and
Ben Lerner
sophically rich yet incredibly
“Leaving the Atocha Station,”
funny. Each circles around a central subject: What
his first novel, won the Believer Book Award.
“We are very fortunate to have an endow- it is like to be a young, smart, occasionally slackerment from the Durst family, long-time benefac- ish but always ambitious writer in the early 21st
tors of Purchase College, to support the Durst century.”
A generous gift from the late Shirley Durst
Distinguished Lecture Series,” said Louise Yelin,
professor of literature. “These programs place the established an endowed fund to support the Durst
world’s most important authors front and center at Chair in Literature, awarded to notable professors
Purchase, further establishing the college as a pre- whose work bridges literature and the visual or
performing arts, as well as the Durst Distinguished
eminent venue for writing in the region.”
This semester, the free Durst Lectures feature Lecture Series. This contribution has greatly benLerner on Feb. 26 and Colson Whitehead on March efited Purchase College’s School of Liberal Arts
19. Illustrious writers who have visited in the past and Sciences, School of Humanities and literature
include Alison Bechdel, Tim O’Brien, Junot Díaz, program.
For more information on the Durst lectures,
Sharon Olds, Art Spiegelman and Jhumpa Lahiri.
According to Suzanne Kessler, vice provost visit http://news.purchase.edu/feb-26-an-eveningfor academic affairs and dean of the School of with-ben-lerner/ or call 914-251-6550.
Enjoy February Vacation
At New Rochelle Library
The main New Rochelle Public Library and
the Huguenot Children’s Library are offering an
array of free programs for children during the
February school vacation week, made possible
by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library.
All programs are on a first-come, first-served
basis to the capacity of the facility.
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, a workshop led by
ArchForKids will provide children age 6 and
older with the opportunity to build a mini greenhouse. The workshop will take place in the main
library meeting room, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Participants will construct a tabletop greenhouse
of their own, and will be given seeds and soil to
grow plants for spring gardens.
Also on Tuesday, Feb. 17, a Lego workshop
will be held at Huguenot Children’s Library, from
2 to 3 p.m. A Lego master will help participants
age 4 to 8 years unleash their imagination as they
build a cool “Bricks 4 Kidz” model. Pre-registration is required at 914-632-8954.
On Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Ossie Davis
Theater at the main library will feature musical
adventures for all ages. In the morning, from 11
a.m. to noon, films based on picture books will include “Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin,” “Musical Max”
and other stories for children ages 3 and older.
On Wednesday afternoon, from 2 to 3 p.m.,
a live performance of “Peter and the Wolf” and
“Meet the Woodwinds!” will be presented by the
Lehman Woodwinds Quintet. The performance
will involve audience interaction and is appropriate for children in pre-kindergarten and older.
Children ages 4 years and older are invited
to celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year on
Thursday, Feb. 19, with a craft workshop from
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Huguenot Children’s
Library. Participants can create a dragon puppet
and red lantern before sampling a Chinese New
Year treat.
As space is limited, pre-registration is required at 914-632-8954.
Also on Thursday, Feb. 19, a cooking workshop exploring African-American foodways will
take place in the main library meeting room from
2 to 3 p.m. As demonstrated by the extraordinary illustrations in the library’s current exhibit
by James Ransome, many traditions came north
with the “Great Migrations of African-Americans
from the Deep South.”
Chef Giovanni Green will give hands-on
demonstrations on preparing some of the most
favorite traditional southern foods, in a fresh,
heathy style. Participation will be on a first-come,
first-served basis, beginning at 1:45 p.m.
Singer and Songwriter Zev Haber will entertain children age 3 to 7 years and their parent
or caregiver on Friday, Feb. 20 at 10:30 a.m. in
the main library’s Ossie Davis Theater. Zev will
treat the audience to another upbeat performance
of funny stories, silly songs and rousing audience
participation.
On Friday, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., an “Adventures in Gardening” workshop for children in
grades two through five will allow families to get
a head-start on spring planting. Expert guidance,
a selection of seeds and an assortment of containers will be provided. Participation will be on a
first-come, first-served basis beginning at 1:45
p.m.
Concordia Offering a
Year of Free College
The Concordia Promise dual credit program
aims to start to solve the student debt crisis
With a mission to provide access and opportunity to the “highest-value Lutheran Christian
higher education possible,” Concordia University
announced last week the Concordia Promise dual
credit (early college start) initiative.
The Concordia Promise offers high school
students the unprecedented opportunity to complete one year of a liberal arts undergraduate degree cost-free. Program information is available
online at http://concordiapromise.com/.
According to data released in November by
the Institute for College Access and Success, seven
in 10 graduating seniors (69 percent) at public
and private nonprofit colleges had student loans
in 2013, with an average debt burden of $28,400.
While the Wisconsin Association of Independent
Colleges and Universities reported that out-ofpocket net tuition at Wisconsin’s private, nonprofit
institutions was less than $5,500, increasing costs
for higher education has led to staggering levels of
lifelong debt for more and more students and their
families.
The Concordia Promise helps solve this crisis. Under the program, enrolled students pay a reduced tuition cost of $50 per credit hour. Students
are then eligible to participate in the Concordia
Promise Plus, a scholarship in the amount paid for
the dual credit courses that is applied toward their
undergraduate tuition if students choose to attend
Concordia University Wisconsin or Ann Arbor.
“At our core, we are dedicated to ensure that
a lifelong Christ-centered education is within the
reach of more and more students,” said Concordia’s President the Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry. “The
Concordia Promise pays forward to a student’s
undergraduate experience, and makes an excellent
Concordia education an opportunity that is more
affordable, more accessible, and ultimately, more
valuable.”
“Our first focus is to prepare students for a
lifetime of success,” added Dave Burgess, executive
director of Racine High School. “The Concordia
Promise dual credit program provides a remarkable advantage, academically and financially, for
students to pursue their future goals, while completing their high school diploma.”
During the spring semester of 2015, the Concordia Promise is being made available exclusively
to Lutheran and Christian high schools and homeschool families nationwide. Plans to expand the
program to private and area public high schools
are under discussion.
“We are living in a time of exceptional disruption in higher education,” said Dr. Bernard Bull,
assistant vice president of academics who oversees
Concordia’s Office of Continuing and Distance Education, where the program is housed. “This crisis
calls on us, as a Christian institution, to step up
and lead the innovation of better solutions to meet
the challenges we face. The Concordia Promise is
one way that we can make a significant impact for
students.”
For more information on this program, contact Concordia’s Dual Credit Coordinator Kathryn
Baganz at [email protected] or 262-2432077.
Concordia University is a nonprofit, Lutheran
higher-education community serving more than
8,900 students online; at two residential campuses
in Mequon, Wis., and Ann Arbor, Mich.; and at 10
satellite centers. The school is affiliated with The
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and is part of
the Concordia University System, a nationwide
network of colleges.
Learn more at www.cuw.edu and www.cuaa.
edu.
Friday, February 13, 2015 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - PAGE 5
Op-Ed: The 50th Anniversary of Pianist Bhimani to Perform
The Assassination of Malcolm X
At West Center Church
Malcolm X
By Clifford Jackson
James Baldwin said: “To be black and relatively conscious in America, was to be in a constant state of rage.” That exemplified Malcolm
X and his understanding of how racist, brutal
and evil United States history truly is.
Feb. 21 will be the 50th anniversary of the
assassination of El Hajj Malik Shabazz (Malcolm X), who lashed out, in a stentorian fashion,
against the hypocrisy, racism and brutal nature
of this country in a way that no man or woman
before him or after him ever did.
As Sonia Sanchez, the famous Poet and
Human rights activist, said: “He said everything
that we were thinking and experiencing here in
America. He did it in a manly way, not behind
closed doors, but for everyone to see. He took on
America for us.”
Biographer Peter Goldman added: “When
he spoke, it was a declaration of an act of war.”
Malcolm X came from a family that had
a great deal of pride in being black, indoctrinated with the philosophy of self-determination
and independence from Marcus Garvey and the
“Back to Africa” movement. Indeed, his father
and mother attended meetings of the United Negro Improvement Association headed by Garvey.
That was sui generis for that time, because
in America, the daily brutality, lynching, mutilations and sheer barbarism that whites exhibited
upon blacks in every sector of life north and
south left little room for “black pride” or the acceptance of the humanity of black people in this
country.
His father was lynched by the Klan in 1931
in Michigan, which at that time had a KKK
membership that was larger than Mississippi.
From that his family was torn apart by the white
social welfare system and racism in general – as
many black families are to this day – by the overt
and subliminal messages of “white supremacy”
that governs their daily lives.
Once he was exposed to teachings of the
“Nation of Islam,” an organization created to
counteract the emasculating and denuding nature of America on the black man, Malcom X
attacked all of the hypocrisy and contradictions
that manifested every day in America. He said:
“How can you have the 13th, 14th and 15th
Amendments to the constitution passed 100
years ago and say you are living in a democracy,
and 100 years later you still cannot vote, you are
brutalized daily and are subjected to a vicious
cycle of disease, poverty and death.”
His relevance today is beyond measure,
especially when it comes to police brutality,
saying: “If a white cop hits you with his ‘night
stick,’ you get arrested for assault.”
That was true then and it is certainly true
now, with the number of white police officers
who kill men of color – especially black men –
every day and are not prosecuted.
In 1957, Malcom X had the 28th Precinct of
the New York Police Department “stand down”
when it savagely beat a Nation of Islam member. He also organized several protests against
the NYPD and police brutality in 1963, showing
that they are certainly not “New York’s finest.”
He railed against a society where the “N
word” has been the national anthem throughout
its history.
The denial of the humanity of black people
has been world-wide by the “White Western
World,” and Malcolm X affirmed the humanity
of black people, telling them that their history,
language and very being had been destroyed.
Professor John Henrike Clark said: “Malcolm made us feel whole again;” and James
Baldwin said: “He corroborated our reality.”
Malcom X railed against the “Uncle Toms”
and modern-day “Negro Republicans” that we
see today in Benjamin Carson, Allen West and
here in Westchester with Deneen Borelli. He
knew that their sickness was a by-product of
500 years of “white supremacy” that precipitates their ingratiating behavior toward whites
and their lack of identity.
Malcolm X said: “Black people and people
of color are not minorities, but part of the worldwide majority.”
He went to Selma, Alabama on Feb. 4, 1965
at the invitation of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and met and spoke in front of
Coretta Scott King, where he talked about taking the United States before the United Nations
for its “violation of the human rights of 22 million Negroes here in America.”
Malcolm X had a perspicacious sense
about how sick and uncivilized the American
social order was. What people did not listen to
when he was alive, we are experiencing today,
because the destruction of the black family is directly attributable to the denial of our humanity
and “white supremacy.” He also was prescient in
understanding, like Dr. King, that capitalism is a
brutal system that destroys millions of lives for
the benefit of the few.
We see that today with the so-called “third
world,” which is a by-product of the evils of racism, colonialism and capitalism. We also see it
as far as the quality of life for millions across
this country that is decaying and deteriorating
every day – spiritually, emotionally and physically – because of the quest for money.
Long live the spirit of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X).
Clifford Jackson is a Larchmont resident.
‘Larchmont 125’ Seeks Logo
For Anniversary Celebration
The Village of Larchmont’s 125th anniversary committee, “Larchmont 125,” has announced a design contest for the official logo
to brand the milestone event. Designs must be
submitted by March 9, with the winner to be announced March 19.
“We are looking for a logo that will embody
the great spirit of Larchmont,” said contest cochair Maria Massimi. “The logo will be used
on all the celebration branding from banners to
posters, brochures to T-shirts.”
The winning logo will be used in all anniversary promotions and merchandising, including a website, printed materials and featured at
all events.
“The contest is for anyone who loves, lives,
works or enjoys Larchmont and all it offers,”
said contest Co-Chairwoman Kaaren Marcato.
“The contest is open to all who have ever been
affiliated with the village in some way.”
Artists, students, or anyone of any age wishing to create the perfect logo are invited to enter
the contest. Entries will be judged by a team consisting of committee members, marketing and
advertising professionals, and local officials. The
team will select the top design and any winning
theme/idea that may be used as the official logo
of Larchmont’s 125th anniversary celebration.
The winning artist will be featured on LMCTV and in a news photo release, recognized on
the Larchmont125.org website, and honored by
the mayor at the official kick-off event in September.
The official rules and submission requirements can be found on the organization’s website, Larchmont125.org.
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Pianist Raj Bhimani
of her works, composed several pieces for him including
will perform Sunday, Feb. 15
“Three Preludes” and “To the
at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary at
West Wind.”
West Center Congregational
West Center Church celChurch, 101 Pondfield Road
ebrated the 100th anniversary
West, Bronxville. The critiof the founding of its Sunday
cally acclaimed Bhimani will
School in 2012; the church
be performing the first book
itself was incorporated in
of “Preludes” by Claude De1927. The present sanctuary
bussy – “a journey through
was completed in 1962 and is
different places and times in
noted for its beautiful stained
12 magical pieces,” describes
glass windows designed by
the pianist.
the Willet Studios of PhilaHe will also play
delphia and its outstanding
Thérèse Brenet’s left-hand
acoustics.
etude “Océanides,” which
Raj Bhimani
The church is home to
was inspired by Aeschylus’
the Bronxville Montessori
“Prometheus,” to honor her
80th birthday later this year. Rounding out the School, the Tai Chi School of Westchester, and
program will be Franz Schubert’s dramatic “So- various organizations that hold meetings and
events there, continuing a tradition of serving the
nata in C Minor.”
Bhimani performs a wide range of reper- community that started in 1912.
While there is no admission charge, there is
toire, with particular expertise in French piano
literature, and is a champion of new music. He a suggested donation of $10; the sanctuary is achas worked closely with composers Henri Dutil- cessible to wheelchairs and strollers. For more inleux, who calls him “a great artist who performs formation, call the church office in the morning at
with sensitivity and intelligence;” and Thérèse 914-337-3829, send an email to Westcenterucc@
Brenet who, moved by Bhimani’s performance Verizon.net or visit www.westcenterchurch.org.
Photo Society Lecture Upcoming
Westchester Photographic Society’s Chris
Moore will present a stimulating lecture and
presentation titled “Output From Lightroom”
on Feb. 20 at 8 p.m., at the Westchester Community College technology building, Room
107.
Moore’s lectures are priceless for their
content, ease of understanding and generosity
of information and support. This evening is inspiring for both members and guests, and WPS
welcomes all photographers, whether budding
or professional, to become members.
For more information, call 914-827-5353
or visit www.WPSphoto.org.
Students Sought for ‘Smart
Mobile App Development Bowl’
County Executive Robert Astorino is looking
for the best young technologists to compete in the
first Westchester Smart Mobile App Development
Bowl. The event is being sponsored by Westchester County, Pace University’s Seidenberg School
of Computer Science and Information Systems,
and the David and Minnie Berk Foundation.
“There is no limit on the creativity that students can apply to the apps,” said Astorino. “This
is a chance for students to showcase their talents.”
What is the Westchester Smart Mobile App
Development Bowl?
Open to college and high school students
throughout the Westchester and the New York
metropolitan area, student teams compete to create mobile apps to help with the management and
treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The apps can range from simple “busy board”
games that help keep Alzheimer’s patients’ minds
occupied, to more complex apps that assist doctors,
nurses and other caregivers with daily treatments.
Cash prizes as well as up to five paid summer internships with Westchester County government will be awarded to top teams and students.
All of the entries will become part of a library of
free apps.
Interested student teams should register by
Thursday, Feb. 12 at www.pace.edu/seidenberg/
mobile-app-development-bowl-2015-challenge,
by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 914-422-4477.
All registrants are invited to attend a kickoff
pep rally at the Westchester County Center on Friday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m., where teams will be introduced. Students are encouraged to attend a workshop immediately following the pep rally to go
over rules and help teams prepare for the contest.
Guidance and support will be made available
throughout the competition by Pace University,
including free technical resources, instruction and
workshops. Schools can send more than one team,
and students may form and register independent
teams without school affiliation. There is no entry
fee.
On April 17 at Pace University’s Pleasantville
Campus, the teams will demonstrate their mobile
apps for review by a panel of expert judges. Winners will be announced by the county executive.
Why focus on Alzheimer’s and dementia?
More than 5 million Americans are currently
living with Alzheimer’s disease, including an estimated 200,000 under the age of 65. That number
continues to grow each year, and experts predict
that by 2050, up to 16 million will have the disease.
The cost of treating and caring for these patients has become unsustainable. Therefore, tools
such as free apps for caregivers and patients can
help alleviate some of the burden these individuals
face on a daily basis.
“Westchester County and the David and
Minnie Berk Foundation are ideal partners for
the Westchester Smart Mobile App Development
Bowl,” said Amar Gupta, dean of the Seidenberg
School at Pace. “They both are committed to improving the quality of health care to underserved
and vulnerable populations, such as Alzheimer’s
and dementia patients. Pace is proud to be adding
our technology expertise to make this event a success for years to come.”
The Seidenberg School at Pace University
has established a telehealth laboratory in Westchester County, where the school serves as a mentor to several incubators and companies. Seidenberg has won several awards in this area, including
the Pilot Health Tech New York City Award two
years in a row, an initiative that supports health
care information technology entrepreneurship;
and a multi-million-dollar grant in partnership
with Westchester County for a remote patient
monitoring program.
Additionally, the Seidenberg School has secured funding from multiple industry partners to
pursue various telehealth issues, such as data analytics, interoperable electronic health records, telemedicine, social media and clinical trials.
Funding for the Westchester Smart Mobile
App Development Bowl was provided by a Westchester County Department of Social Services
grant awarded to Pace University to develop mobile apps for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
patients. Future competitions will be geared toward developing applications that can serve other
groups.
For more information and registration details,
contact Elizabeth Foster at mobileappcontest@
pace.edu or call 914-422-4477.
Unreserved public
equipment auctions
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PAGE 6 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - Friday, February 13, 2015
Classifieds
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Also seeking ---Part Time
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prepared to pass E-Verify and criminal background check.**To apply please call 612208-3341. Send resume to [email protected]
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Notice of formation of Beauty
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with the Sect’y of State of NY
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The street address is: 263
Drake Ave #2. SSNY has
been designated as agent of
the LLC upon whom process
against it may be served.
SSNY shall mail process
served to: Kyle Strozier, 263
Drake apt #2, New Rochelle,
NY; 10805. Purpose: any
lawful act.
Notice of formation of 77st6d, LLC Arts. Of Org. filed
with the Sect’y of State of
NY (SSNY) on 12/24/2014.
Office location: Westchester
County. The street address
is: 157 Walsh Road, Yonkers
NY, 10701. SSNY has been
designated as agent of the
LLC upon whom process
against it may be served.
SSNY shall mail process
served to: 77st-6d, LLC, 157
Walsh Road, Yonkers, NY,
10701. Purpose: any lawful
act.
#6604 01-09 – 02-13
#6605 01/16 – 02/20
#6606 01/16 – 02/20
#6607 01/16 – 02/20
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT:
You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy
of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of
appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this
Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your
failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie.
Trial to be held in the County of Westchester.
The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises.
Dated this 22nd day of January, 2015,
Gross Polowy, LLC
Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s)
1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100
Williamsville, NY 14221
TO: LEROY B. RIDGWAY, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF MARJORIE
G. RIDGWAY A/K/A MARJORIE RIDGWAY, Defendant(s) In this Action.
The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON.
ALAN D. SCHEINKMAN of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated the 20th
day of January, 2015 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of
Westchester, in the City of White Plains.
The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below,
executed by Caulette M. Ridgway, Leroy B. Ridgway and Marjorie G. Ridgway (who died on
August 24, 2013 a resident of the County of Westchester, New York State) dated the 12th
day of August, 2005, to secure the sum of $551,000.00 and recorded at Instrument No.
452630113 in the Office of the Westchester County Clerk, on the 4th day of October, 2005;
the mortgage was subsequently modified on October 2, 2007; the mortgage was further
modified on June 3, 2009; which mortgage was assigned by an assignment executed April
25, 2013, and recorded on May 13, 2013, in the Office of the Westchester County Clerk at
Instrument No. 531203173.
The property in question is described as follows:
44 CLEVELAND STREET, WHITE PLAINS, NY 10606
SEE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS, COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER AND STATE OF
NEW YORK, KNOWN AND DESIGNATED AS LOTS NOS. 90, 91 AND 92 IN BLOCK 5
ON A CERTAIN MAP ENTITLED,”MAP OF VIVIAN HEIGHTS, SITUATE IN THE VILLAGE
OF WHITE PLAINS, WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK, PROPERTY OF SAMUEL
GREEN, ESQ.”, BY BYRNE AND DARLING, C.E., AND FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE
COUNTY CLERK OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY, DIVISION OF LAND RECORDS, FORMERLY REGISTER’S OFFICE ON JUNE 20, 1895, AS MAP NO. 1158, BEING MORE
PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
BEGINNING ON A POINT ON THE EASTERLY LINE OF CLEVELAND STREET, SAID
POINT BEING 50 FEET SOUTHERLY FROM THE INTERSECTION OF SAID EASTERLY
LINE OF CLEVELAND STREET WITH THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF LIBERTY STREET;
Notice of formation of VickyMac Jewelry LLC Arts.
Of Org. filed with the Sect’y
of State of NY (SSNY) on
December 12, 2014. Office location: Westchester.
The street address is: 421
8th Ave #21 New York, NY
10116. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC
upon whom process against
it may be served. SSNY shall
mail process served to: Victoria McAllister, 421 8th Ave
#21 New York, NY 10116.
Purpose: any lawful act.
Notice of formation of Icebox
Studio, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC),
filed with the Secretary of
State of NY (SSNY) on
01/06/2015. Office location:
Westchester County. Principal office of Icebox Studio
LLC: 640 Pelham Road #3H,
New Rochelle, N.Y. 10805 .
SSNY designated as agent
of Icebox Studio LLC upon
whom process against it may
be served. SSNY shall mail
process to Incorp Services,
Inc. 99 Washington Ave.,
Suite 805- One Commerce
Plaza, Albany, NY 12210,
upon whom and at which
process may be served. Purpose: Graphic Design
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER
----------------------------------------------------------------X
WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR
THE HOLDERS OF THE MERRILL LYNCH
MORTGAGE INVESTORS TRUST, MORTGAGE LOAN
ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006- WMC1
Plaintiff,
vs.
CAULETTE M. RIDGWAY, LEROY B. RIDGWAY, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF
MARJORIE G. RIDGWAY A/K/A MARJORIE
RIDGWAY, Defendant(s).
----------------------------------------------------------------X
ACTION TO FORECLOSE A
MORTGAGE
INDEX NO.: 59972/2014
MORTGAGED PREMISES:
44 CLEVELAND STREET
WHITE PLAINS, NY 10606
SBL #:
SECTION 125.72, BLOCK 10, LOT 6
Notice of formation of Limited
Liability Company (“LLC”).
Name: KAT CANTWELL
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT LLC.
Articles of Organization filed
with Secretary of State of
New York (“SSNY”) on January 16, 2015. Office location:
Westchester County, NY.
SSNY has been designated
as agent of the LLC upon
whom process against it may
be served. SSNY shall mail
a copy of any such process
served c/o Katrina Cantwell,
69 Central Parkway, Mount
Vernon, New York 10552.
Purpose: to engage in any
lawful act or activity within
the purposes for which limited liability companies may
be organized pursuant to the
Limited Liability Company
Law provided that the limited liability company is not
formed to engage in any act
or activity requiring the consent or approval of any state
official, department, board,
agency, or other body without such consent or approval
first being obtained.
#6608
01/23/15 – 02/27/15
THENCE CONTINUING ALONG THE EASTERLY LINE OF CLEVELAND STREET SOUTH
1° 00’ 00” EAST A DISTANCE OF 75.00 FEET TO A POINT;
THENCE NORTH 89° 00’00” EAST A DISTANCE OF 100 FEET TO A POINT;
THENCE NORTH 1° 00’00” WEST AND ALONG THE WESTERLY BOUNDS OF LOTS
NOS. 99,100 AND 100 A DISTANCE OF 75.00 FEET TO A POINT;
THENCE SOUTH 89° 00’00” WEST A DISTANCE OF 100.00 FEET TO A POINT ON THE
EASTERLY LINE OF CLEVELAND DRIVE, BEING THE POINT AND PLACE OF BEGINNING.
HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE
NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE
FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY.
SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU
FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT
CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT
AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO
PROTECT YOURSELF.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE
The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition
to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies
and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options,
including trying to work with your lender
during this process.
To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York
State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline
1-800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at WWW.DFS.NY.GOV.
FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS
Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering
such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will
perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from
you until they have completed all such promised services.
§ 1303 NOTICE
NOTICE
YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on
the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you
and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose
your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information
on how to answer the summons and protect your property.
Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY
FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE
COURT.
DATED: January 22, 2015
Gross Polowy, LLC
Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s)
1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100
Williamsville, NY 14221
The law firm of Gross Polowy, LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors
who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that
purpose.
#3127 01/30/15 - 02/20/15
Friday, February 13, 2015 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - PAGE 7
Seniors and Health Care
Social Security Dedicates
A Day to the New You
By Julissa Javier
Social Security assistant district manager,
Yonkers
Proudly displaying your new last name on a
marriage certificate is only the first step in legally
changing your name. Now that the wedding and
honeymoon are over, you need to tell Social Security so you can get a corrected Social Security
card.
Feb. 18 is “Get Another Name Day.” It’s the
perfect day for you to get a replacement, corrected or original Social Security card – but only if
you really need one. Of course, you can do this
any time, but you should do it as soon as possible
after your name changes.
If you have changed your name, whether
due to marriage, divorce or for another reason,
the way to change your name with Social Security is to apply for a corrected card. This ensures
that your legal name matches our records, thus
avoiding possible problems in the future – such
as a delay in obtaining any federal tax refund
owed or not getting full Social Security credit for
all your earnings.
There are a number of other reasons you
may want to get a Social Security card, such as
starting a new job, verifying eligibility for government services, opening a bank account, obtaining medical coverage, filing taxes and legally
changing your name. In most cases, unless an
employer or other entity specifically requests to
see your card, all they really need is your number.
But, be cautious when sharing your Social
Security number, as people who commit fraud
or want to steal your identity will often ask for
it. Always verify the identity of anyone who is
asking, whether you’re online, on the phone or
face-to-face.
If you just had a baby, he or she will need
a Social Security number. The main reason is to
show your child’s dependent status on your tax
return. In most cases, you apply for your newborn’s Social Security card and number, as well as
the baby’s birth certificate, in the hospital.
If you need a new, replacement or corrected
Social Security card, you can find all the details
at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber, including
the “Learn What Documents You Need” page,
which lists the specific documents we accept as
proof of age, identity and citizenship. Each situation is unique, but in most cases, you simply need
to print, complete and either mail or bring the
application to Social Security with the appropriate documentation (originals or certified copies
only).
After you receive your Social Security card,
don’t carry it with you. To reduce your risk of
identity theft, keep your card in a safe place with
your other important papers.
Learn more about your Social Security card
and number at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
AARP Commends Sen. Murphy for
Voting to Help Family Caregivers
Family caregivers are too often left unprepared to provide proper care before taking their
loved ones home from the hospital, so State Sen.
Terrence Murphy cast a key vote last week to
advance legislation ensuring caregivers are offered instruction in any post-discharge tasks
their older parents, spouses or other loved ones
will need at home, fostering better care and potentially avoiding costly hospital re-admissions.
Murphy and his colleagues on the Senate
Health Committee unanimously advanced the
CARE Act for consideration by the full Senate.
The Caregiver Advise, Record and Enable Act, supported by a wide range of health,
consumer, aging and disability organizations,
requires hospitals to offer demonstrations and
instructions on any post-discharge care and
tasks family caregivers will have to perform at
home, such as administering multiple medications, dressing wounds and operating medical
equipment.
The bill also requires that patients’ designated family caregivers be identified and included in official medical records and that hospitals
notify family caregivers prior to a patient’s
transfer or discharge.
“As a health care provider, and with my
wife being a nurse at Northern Westchester Hospital, it is important we offer any and all infor-
mation and training to caregivers which will ensure patients are sent home to an atmosphere of
continued healing,” said Murphy. “I can tell you
on a personal level, with my mom still living in
the house I was raised in, caring for our seniors
needs to be a continued mission of our state and
I encourage all of my colleagues on both sides of
the aisle to pass this sensible legislation.”
“AARP commends Sen. Murphy for recognizing that family caregivers need help – and
for supporting a common-sense solution to help
caregivers be prepared to provide the care at
home that our aging parents, spouses and loved
ones need,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York
State director. “Helping caregivers helps our
loved ones age independently, in their own
homes – rather than in costly, taxpayer-financed
nursing homes. We urge the full Senate and the
Assembly to pass the CARE Act.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo voiced support for the
key provisions of the CARE Act in his Opportunity Agenda/State of the State 2015 address
through the Caregiver Support Initiative.
More than 90 percent of New York voters
age 50 and older think hospitals should “explain
and demonstrate” to family caregivers medical
tasks they’ll have to perform when their loved
ones are sent home from the hospital, a 2014
AARP survey found.
Health Dept. Urges Residents to
Cat-Killing Case Opens Door Take Advantage of Free Vaccines
For Education About Abuse
The recent arrest in the Yonkers cat-killing
case shed light on the dire need for education
and resources for homeless animals and the
people trying to help them. This story received
nationwide attention, as many people were upset over the details that emerged. The Cat Protection Council is calling on the media to meet
with its members, as well as representatives of
other rescue groups, to tell their story.
It is suggested that such as story could expose the limited number of animal cruelty officers available to handle the 1,000 or more calls
and investigate animal cruelty cases per year,
and show how the spay/neuter clinic of the new
Yonkers Animal Shelter is still not being used –
even though it’s been open for a year and a half.
The Cat Protection Council would like to
see animal cruelty highlighted, including what
to do if someone sees or suspects animal cruelty, numbers to call, and more.
“The media can be so helpful in situations
like this – examining causes, informing people
who would not otherwise have any idea about
the needs of the voiceless and their protectors –
yet might become engaged after learning about
them,” said council spokesperson Kiley Black-
man. “Especially now, during brutal winter
weather, it’s the perfect time for the media to
show compassion for the most helpless members of our society. The animals have nothing;
the press would be doing a wonderful and gracious service by devoting a segment to showing
how caring people can help them.”
The story could let the public know what
more needs to be done: How do people with
low incomes get medical treatment for their
sick pets? How do they get them spayed or neutered?
The number of animal shelters and number of animals they can accommodate – and the
need for more this area – could also be highlighted, and reporters could meet with rescue
groups to discuss their importance and the difficulties they face.
The rescue groups need help – they have
no facilities for holding animals for recuperation or adoption; they don’t receive any funding; they spend their own money for pet food,
litter and medical care; and volunteers (and
group officers) don’t receive any compensation.
For more information, email [email protected].
Legal Notices
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER T11 FUNDING Plaintiff, against MARCOS GONZALEZ, CAROL GONZALEZ, Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated 1/7/2015 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in
the lobby of the court house, 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, White Plains, County of
Westchester, New York on 03/13/2015 at 10:00AM, premises known as 140 AMACKASSIN
TERRACE, Yonkers, NY 10703 All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Yonkers, County
of Westchester and State of New York, SBL#: 2.-2432-1.2. Approximate amount of judgment $29,812.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of
filed Judgment Index# 60689/2013. Bidders must bring deposit of either 10% of the bid or
100% of the estimated judgment amount as set forth above, whichever is greater. CHECK
MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO REFEREE ONLY. NO CASH ACCEPTED. Francis J. Malara, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC, Attorney for Plaintiff, P.O. Box 540, Getzville, NY
14068 1129787
#3128
2/13/15 - 03/06/15
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER T-11 FUNDING, Plaintiff, against ANDRE C. TOMPSON A/K/A ANDRE C. THOMPSON, VALENClA
THOMPSON, et al., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly
dated 12/22/2014 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction in the lobby of the
court house, 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, County of Westchester,
New York on 03/13/2015 at 10:00AM, premises known as 249 HOOVER ROAD, Yonkers,
NY 10710 All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements
erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Yonkers, County of Westchester and State of
New York, SBL#: 3.-3251-35. Approximate amount of judgment $22,495.72 plus interest
and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 60612-13.
Bidders must bring deposit of either 10% of the bid or 100% of the estimated judgment
amount as set forth above, whichever is greater. CHECK MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO
REFEREE ONLY. NO CASH ACCEPTED. Karl A. Scully, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC,
Attorney for Plaintiff, P.O. Box 540, Getzville, NY 14068 1129476
#3129 02/13/15 - 03/06/15
Advertise on our Seniors
and Health Care Page!
Call today: 914-965-4000
The Westchester County Health Department is offering residents the opportunity this
month to get free flu shots, along with vaccines
to protect against six other diseases at its Yonkers and White Plains clinics.
“Getting these vaccines can help keep you
and your family stay healthy this year,” said
County Executive Robert Astorino.
The health department clinics will offer
free flu vaccines to residents age 19 and up, and
free human papillomavirus and meningococcal
vaccine for college students.
Residents who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccines also may receive
zoster vaccines for ages 60 and older to protect
against shingles, flu vaccine for children ages 6
months through 18 years, and measles, mumps
and rubella vaccine for residents age 19 and up.
Call now for an appointment, as supplies
are limited. Clinics will be held Feb. 13 and 27
at the Yonkers clinic, 20 S. Broadway, second
floor (call 914-231-2500); and Feb. 20 at the
White Plains Clinic, 134 Court St. (call 914995-5800).
“Last week’s case of measles in a Bard
College student who rode an Amtrak train, as
well as the multi-state measles outbreak that
originated at Disneyland, are fresh reminders
of the importance of getting vaccinated,” said
Westchester Commissioner of Health Dr. Sherlita Amler. “We have vaccines for children, students, adults and seniors – and these vaccines
provide safe and effective protection for a number of diseases.”
The health department has expanded access
to adult vaccines by giving more than 2,000 vaccines at a variety of clinics countywide.
To prevent spreading the flu, cough or
sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands
frequently with soap and water. If you do get a
respiratory infection, stay home until 24 hours
after your fever subsides to avoid spreading
your germs. Clean surfaces you touch often,
such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator
handles and telephones; and get plenty of rest,
exercise and eat healthy food.
For more health information, go to www.
westchestergov.com/health, “like” the department on Facebook and “follow” it on Twitter @
wchealthdept.
PAGE 8 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - Friday, February 13, 2015
Lowey: President’s Commitments
In 2016 Budget Benefit Region
Congresswoman Nita Lowey, the ranking
member on the House Appropriations Committee, recently expressed her support of President Barack Obama’s budget for fiscal year
2016.
“Growing the economy and creating opportunity for all families in the lower Hudson Valley are my top priorities,” she said. “I
am pleased the president’s budget request for
2016 will help achieve these goals by increasing investments in higher education, early
education, child care, biomedical research and
transportation infrastructure, among others.”
Improving access to higher education
brings Americans into the middle class, and
would greatly benefit Westchester and Rockland, said Lowey. The president’s budget
would make college more affordable by increasing the maximum Pell Grant by $140
per student ($5,775 to $5,915), ensuring that
grants keep pace with inflation.
It would also invest in federal-state partnerships to provide two years of free community college, and to provide an increase
of $300 million for job-training programs,
including $100 million for a new program to
boost apprenticeships.
In addition, the president’s budget would
help students prepare for jobs in the global
market by increasing investments in science,
technology, engineering and math education,
including a new $125 million competitive
grant program to expand opportunities for
girls and other under-represented groups in
STEM fields.
Increasing availability of child care, early
education, and funding for high-need students
would reduce achievement gaps and give families the support they need, according to Lowey. The president’s budget would invest $82
billion over the next decade to provide quality
child care for an additional 1.1 million children under the age of 4 by 2025, and provide
funds to help states build child care centers.
In addition, it would expand access to
Early Head Start, provide an additional $1.5
billion in Head Start funding to support fullday, full-year learning programs, and support
students by increasing the largest kindergarten-through-grade-12 grant by more than $1
billion for high-need students.
Lowey stated that medical research is the
lifeblood of the Lower Hudson Valley economy, creates jobs and improves the quality
of life for people suffering from debilitating
diseases. The president’s budget would provide the National Institutes of Health with an
increase of more than $1 billion in funding
to support medical breakthroughs and invest
$215 million for the Precision Medicine Initiative to pioneer new biomedical discoveries
that will allow doctors to identify drugs and
therapies that are tailored to work best for individual patients.
Businesses, families and the lower Hudson Valley economy rely heavily on transportation infrastructure, which is in desperate need
of repair, according to the congresswoman.
The president’s budget would invest $478 billion over six years to make critical new investments in roads, bridges, transit systems and
freight networks, and create an infrastructure
bank and for a new class of municipal bonds
that allow for private-public partnerships to
make use of municipal bonds to raise capital.
In addition, it would improve the federal
permitting process for major infrastructure
projects, cutting through red tape and getting
more timely decisions on federal permits and
reviews while ensuring that projects lead to
better outcomes for communities and the environment.
Serving Our Country
Air Force Airman Jerome Reid, a 2012
graduate of Blessed Sacrament St. Gabriel High
School in New Rochelle and son of Darlene
and Jerome Reid Sr. of Mount Vernon, recently
graduated from basic military training at Joint
Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio,
Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-
week program that included training in military
discipline and studies, Air Force core values,
physical fitness, and basic warfare principles
and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn
four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of
the Air Force.
Davis Avoids
a $10,000 fine and payment of taxes owed – was
a lenient and fortunate result for him.
Former State Sen. Nick Spano was sentenced to one year in jail for tax evasion, on a
different but similar charge to the plea Davis
copped to.
A group of Mt. Vernon residents have filed
a legal challenge charging that Davis should resign as mayor based on his guilty plea.
Attorney Michael Khader stated: “Mayor
Davis pleaded guilty to tax-related crimes and
pursuant to Article IV of the Mt. Vernon City
Charter, it clearly states:
Article IV: Officers and Elections
Twenty-five penalty for violation of duty.
Any officer or employee who willfully violates or evades any provision of law, or of this
chapter, or by culpable neglect of duty allows
any public property to be lost to the city, shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, in addition to the penalties imposed by law, shall on
conviction forfeit his office or employment.
Accordingly, it strongly appears that Mayor Ernest Davis became ineligible to serve in the
capacity of mayor of the City of Mount Vernon
upon his guilty plea in October 2014. Further, it
is our understanding that your office is aware of
the above provisions and willfully ignored official requests, seeking an opinion on this matter.
Your office, as well as all other city officials, have an obligation and fiduciary duty to
uphold and enforce the US. Constitution, New
York State Constitution and Charter of the City
of Mount Vernon. It is evident that the question
regarding the eligibility of Ernest Davis to continue as mayor of Mount Vernon is one that you
must answer.” (End of Khader statement.)
In the end, the prosecutor’s criticism of
Davis’ unwillingness to accept blame for what
he did meant nothing to Judge Davison, who
could have sentenced Davis to up to six months
in jail.
The U.S. attorney also did not require that
Davis resign his office as part of the plea agreement; Davis commented after his guilty plea
that he plans to finish out the final year of his
term this year.
Davis’ excuses for why he didn’t properly
file his income tax returns are just that…excuses. And his lack of accepting responsibility
for his actions should make him unfit to serve
the people of Mount Vernon. Elected officials
should be held to a higher standard of ethical
and moral responsibility, for their actions both
as a public official and private citizen.
Congratulations to Bill O’Shaughnessy
and WVOX, you have a loyal listener – the U.S.
attorney!
Continued from Page 1
describing the two crimes to which he pled
guilty,” continues the memorandum. “With respect to count two, which charged willful failure to file a tax return for the 2011 tax year, the
defendant said:
“‘Now as far as the 2011 is concerned, I
paid those taxes, but I paid them late. So that’s
a violation, you can’t pay late; so I paid late.’
“The defendant was not charged with being
late with (payment). He was charged with, and
pleaded guilty to, intentionally and willfully
failing to file a return for 2011. Similarly, with
respect to count one, which charged a willful
failure to file for 14-16 Sandford East, Inc., in
2003, the defendant said:
“‘Let me just say this: I am guilty of procrastination, and I am, I mean, I thought and
I had bad judgment. I thought I had spent so
much money that when I sold it, that it would
wash out. Some of the records got burnt, but I
was able to…’
“The defendant did not plead guilty to
procrastination,” states the memo. “Further,
his argument that his ‘procrastination’ was of
relatively little (importance) because he would
have owed what he suggested to be an immaterial $7,000 is not a defense to a willful failure
to file. The defendant’s efforts to minimize his
guilt and to portray himself as a victim of racism and politics cast doubt on the sincerity of
his acceptance of responsibility.
“The defendant, as an elected official in
the public eye, has a responsibility to uphold
the law and serve as a positive example in his
community – or, at the very least, to avoid
minimizing his criminal behavior and blaming
American society, political opponents and the
government for his predicament.
“The defendant’s statements are thus inconsistent with his responsibilities as a public official and, more specifically, as mayor to
‘maintain peace and good order within the city.’
More importantly, though, the defendant’s comments – coming as they did from a public leader
– could encourage others to rationalize criminal
behavior in the same ways.
“The sentence, therefore, should send a
clear message that such rationales for criminal
behavior, whether motivated by personal or political concerns, are not acceptable in American
society.” (End of memorandum.)
While Davis clearly believes he was the
victim of an overzealous prosecution, others believe his final sentence – one year probation and
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Harrison Open Mic Night
The Harrison Players and Tutti Bravi Productions will present an open mic night Saturday,
March 7 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Veterans’
Memorial Building, 210 Halstead Ave., Harrison.
Got a dance routine, poem, aria, song, instrument solo or other talent to test out? Stop in and
show it off. All that is asked is that you keep it
clean and appropriate for all audience members.
Performers must arrive at 7 p.m.
Admission is $5 and refreshments will be
available for purchase. For more information, visit
www.harrisonplayers.org.
Historical Programs at St. Paul’s
Church National Historic Site
Several free special programs will take
place this month at St. Paul’s Church National
Historic Site, 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon.
A program recognition of Black History
Month will take place Saturday, Feb. 14 from
noon to 4 p.m.
At 1 p.m., learn about “Fugitive Art and
Fugitive Testimony: Slave Narratives Then and
Now,” with a talk by professor Janet Neary of
Hunter College, bringing together contemporary
“visual slave narratives” and classic slave narratives from the 19th century to examine the way
black artists and writers respond to institutional
constraints placed on their cultural production,
presented through the speakers program of the
New York Council for the Humanities.
On Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 16, from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. celebrate the opening of a new
exhibit, “Intrigue on the Village Green: The
Great Election of 1733 at St. Paul’s.”
At 1 p.m., enjoy a talk about President
Abraham Lincoln, from a Kentucky perspective.
Then at 3 p.m., author and historian professor
Lisa Keller of SUNY Purchase will examine the
development of free speech in America, exploring one of the themes of the election of 1733,
held on the Village Green at St. Paul’s. There
will also be living history dramatizations by
“General Washington” and “President Lincoln.”
On Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m., a lunchtime series featuring a presentation exploring
Frederick Whittaker – immigrant, soldier and
best-selling author – who is buried at St. Paul’s.
Then on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m., the
mid-week program series explores early American political life and issues of freedom of the
press and religion through a presentation and
discussion about the famous election of 1733
held at St. Paul’s.
For more information, call 914-667-4116 or
visit www.nps.gov/sapa.
Arnold K. Davis Insurance and
Eifert, French & Ketchum Merge
After 60 years of representing clients from
its New York City and Purchase offices, Arnold
K. Davis Insurance has recently merged and become a division of Eifert, French and Ketchum,
an independent insurance and risk management
agency headquartered in Pelham.
Robert Davis, president of Arnold K. Davis
Insurance and second-generation principal, has
worked for the past 45 years to maintain the philosophies set forth by his father who founded the
business in 1954. Always regarded by his clients
as a man of high ethical standing, it has remained
important to him that he serve as an advocate for
his clients and oversee their personal and business insurance needs in a unique, personalized
manner.
When the time came for Robbie to consider
a succession plan, he was dedicated to finding
another agency that shared these same values.
And after meeting with Eifert, French and Ketchum, it was quickly apparent that this would be
a perfect match.
EFK is a third-generation agency with two
offices in Westchester County and another in
Bergen County, N.J. Founded in New York City
by Alan Eifert in 1933, the company moved to
Westchester County in 1969.
Over the years, EFK has acquired many
firms, and the recent addition of Arnold K. Davis
Insurance will perpetuate this long line of successful mergers. As a division of EFK, clients
and policyholders of Arnold K. Davis Insurance
can expect the same level of personal service and
representation that they’ve grown accustomed
to, but now they have access to a broader range
of insurance options.
EFK represents more insurance carriers
from which it can custom design coverage to
meet the specific needs of both individuals and
businesses from each of their local offices.
The counselors at Arnold K. Davis Insurance have long prided themselves on the customer service they provide. In fact, they attribute
CNR Students
Continued from Page 2
Vivian returned to Haiti alone in August
2014 to visit an orphanage and donate clothing, school supplies and toys to the children
in the Port-Au-Prince community. Currently,
she is working to organize a program in which
homeless students from the Bronx can travel
to Haiti to perform service work with Haitian
students.
“The initial trip had an enormous impact
on my life, so much so that I decided to study
the underdevelopment of third world countries to further my knowledge of the plight
faced by people in developing countries,” said
Vivian.
Tazmin Uddin GS’15
Tazmin participated in a fundraiser and
served as an intern for Turning Point, a nonprofit organization in Queens that serves Muslim women and children who are victims of
domestic violence, providing information to
clients and helping to facilitate the children’s
group. Through her affiliation with the Islamic
Royal Hanneford
Continued from Page 1
are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at 6 p.m. each
day.
The Royal Hanneford Circus is a family tradition at The Westchester County Center
providing a “traditional circus” in three rings.
High flyers, the “human cannonball,” the “Magical Quick Change,” elephants, tigers, bears and
this dedicated and prompt customer service as
the reason they have so many long-term client
relationships; more than 90 percent of their clients remain with them for 20 years or more.
Of notable importance, Eifert, French and
Ketchum shares this very principle, and for more
than 80 years has provided the same attentive
and responsive service to its clients on a daily
basis.
“The insurance marketplace is more complicated than ever,” said Brian Eifert, president
of EFK. “Offering a broad base of solutions is
what Arnold K. Davis Insurance is all about and
we are excited to welcome them into our family.”
Both agencies understand that the insurance
world has become increasingly more complex
with ever-constantly-changing laws, policies
and exposure to risk. Identifying risk and addressing it is crucial and sometimes difficult to
keep up with, let alone identify. As such, both
Eifert, French and Ketchum and Arnold K. Davis act more like consultants than brokers. They
are trusted advisors to businesses and individuals
and they seek out the best possible solutions for
their policyholders.
These companies have a long history in
Westchester and plan to remain in the county.
Arnold K. Davis Insurance and its team of experienced professionals have already moved into
EFK’s Pelham headquarters. Together, the agencies have a similar corporate culture and set of
beliefs. Their objective is to successfully demonstrate that there is a way for businesses to join together without losing sight of the most important
part of their businesses, and that is their clients.
“We focus on our clients’ needs and that is
what has made us successful for more than 60
years,” said Robert Davis. “EFK shares the same
passion and is the perfect partner for our future
growth.”
For more information on Eifert, French and
Ketchum, visit www.efk.com or call 914-7384011.
Center at New York University, she participated in a Fast-a-Thon to raise awareness and
funds to aid water scarcity in West Africa; for
SMILE Women’s Fund, which provides assistance to women facing extreme hardship; and
to help raise funds to rebuild Gaza.
Lastly, as a peer minister with the college’s Office of Campus Ministry, Tazmin
raised awareness on multiple social justice issues including hunger, poverty and homelessness.
He explained: “I was told, it should never
be about what you will lose, but what others
will gain, and I am trying to live that.”
The College of New Rochelle annually
celebrates the Feast of St. Angela Merici, the
patron saint of The College of New Rochelle,
on or near Jan. 27, the anniversary of Angela’s
death in 1540. In 1535, Angela formed the
Company of St. Ursula, a group comprised of
28 women who dedicated their lives in service
to the poor in Italy. Eventually, this company
of women became a religious order of nuns
– the Ursuline Sisters. It was the Ursuline
Sisters who founded The College of New Rochelle in 1904.
camels – and everyone’s favorite grandma…
Grandma The Clow – are just a few of the circus
stars ready to entertain.
Tickets are on sale at the Westchester County Center box office, from Ticketmaster and at
ticketmaster.com. All seats are reserved; premium seats cost $32 and regular reserved seats are
$25. There is a discount for groups of 20 or more
at select shows.
For more information, call the box office at
914-995-4050 or visit www.countycenter.biz.
FRidAy, FEbRuARy 13, 2015 - hARRisoN RisiNG - PAGE 9
Chapel School Students
Join ‘Super Smile Team’
Bring our
Continued from Page 1
Joanne Roos from Main Street Pediatric Dentistry in Tuckahoe visits The Chapel School.
Students at The Chapel School were invited
Feb. 6 to “Join the Super Smile Team.”
The American Dental Association established February as National Children’s Dental
Health Month more than 50 years ago to help encourage good oral health habits at a young age.
To motivate students and increase awareness of
proper dental care, The Chapel School invited,
Joanne Roos to meet with students.
Roos, is a registered dental hygienist who
works at Main Street Pediatric Dentistry in Tuckahoe, as well as author of “Who Visits Me from A
to Z: An Alphabetical Adventure to the Dentist.”
“I travel to more than 100 schools in Westchester and decided to write a fun, whimsical
book to help introduce children to the dentist,”
she said.
The book captures a child’s attention with
colorful images, various animals, rhymes and
even hidden pictures. It can be used to start a discussion about the dentist and calm nerves before
a child’s first visit.
Students in kindergarten through secondgrade learned about proper brushing, flossing and
eating habits. “What are teeth made of?” asked
Roos. “Minerals? Bone? Enamel?” one secondgrade student answered.
When asked how to prevent cavities, one
student replied: “Brush your teeth every day and
don’t eat a lot of sugar or sweets.”
Developing good habits at an early age and
scheduling regular dental visits helps children
get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and
gums, and the American Dental Association states
that cavities in baby teeth can cause a number of
problems, including tooth loss, ear and speech
problems, crooked permanent teeth, severe pain,
poor self-image and tooth decay.
At the end of the presentation at The Chapel
School, each child received a gift bag that included toothpaste, a toothbrush and dental floss.
“Every year we invite the hygienist, we want
the students to be comfortable and not afraid of
the dentist,” said one staffer at The Chapel School.
“The children always enjoy brushing the puppet’s
teeth. She is so friendly and nice, everyone leaves
excited about dental health.”
The Chapel School regularly invites professionals from the local community to visit its students and educate them. These presentations are
exciting for the students, and can be further connected to school curriculum and projects.
The Chapel School is located at172 White
Plains Road, Bronxville; an open house is scheduled for Friday, March 6.
For more information about the Chapel
School and its programs, call 914-337-3202 or
visit www.thechapelschool.org.
Celebrate Children’s Dental Health month
with local author Joanne Roos reading her book
“Who Visits Me from A to Z” on Thursday, Feb.
26 at the Scarsdale library. Scarsdale High School
senior Maggie O’Keefe, who illustrated the book,
will also be present.
‘The Mysterious Yiddish Code’
Presented at Will Library
Judy Skoog, left, and Mina Crasson.
Historian and historical dramatist Mina
Crasson will present “Jonas Phillips and the Yiddish Code,” a fascinating talk of local interest
about the Revolutionary War, on Sunday, Feb. 22
at 2 p.m. at the Yonkers Public Library, Grinton
Will branch, 1500 Central Park Ave., Yonkers.
Crasson presents the fascinating story
about how a different Phillips – ardent American
patriot Jonas Phillips – confounded the British
New!Business
during the American Revolution. Music to accompany the presentation will be presented by
Judy Skoog.
This program, sponsored by Friends of the
Yonkers Public library is open to the public free
of charge and will take place in the 325-seat Pincus Auditorium.
For more information and directions to the
library, call 914-337-1500.
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William F. B. O’Reilly is a Republican consultant.
I share O’Reilly’s concern about the New
York economy, especially in upstate. For the
past 20 years, I have travelled to the upstate New
York town of Massena, located on the Canadian
border on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
Like all small towns across America, Massena’s
best days have been in years past, when the town
had a GM plant, an Alcoa plant and a Reynolds
Aluminum plant.
Today, GM is gone, and Alcoa merged with
Reynolds, leaving one small plant still open.
What shocked me on my recent Christmas
trip to Massena was how bad the local economy
was, and how even some of the anchor stores in
town, like Sears and Office Max, were going out
of business. Things were never great, economically, in Massena during my visits over three
decades, but I noticed a bad situation turn into a
dire situation last year.
It made me think of what my friend Frank
Spotorno, founder of Bringourjobshome.com,
once said about how “many Americans can’t
afford to shop at Walmart. If you don’t have a
job, or a good job, you can’t afford to shop anywhere.”
That is now the problem is Massena, and
in small-town America. The economic decline,
and the loss of American manufacturing jobs to
overseas, has resulted in communities that can
no longer afford even the simplest of luxuries,
like going shopping at Sears.
Minimum-wage jobs at the mall, or at
Walmart and Home Depot, cannot support a local economy alone. You need an anchor corporation or business, which provides a good-paying
wage with benefits and health insurance. And
the people who work in these jobs can afford
to go shopping at the mall and Sears, and take
the family out to dinner once a week at the local
restaurant.
Fortunately, there is a reversal in the course
of manufacturing jobs, with some companies resourcing, or bringing their jobs back to the USA.
A wonderful resource is the not-for-profit Reshoring Initiative (www.reshorenow.org), which
works with businesses to show that reshoring
jobs and manufacturing back home makes financial sense.
The recent veto of a package of “Buy
American” bills by New Jersey Gov. Chris
Christie points to the confusion, and lack of support, over trying to support the U.S. manufacturing base.
Christie vetoed bills passed by the N.J.
State Legislature that would have strengthened
existing laws calling for public contracts to be
carried out “where possible” with Americanmade goods. The law would have required that
government agencies, and taxpayer dollars, only
buy products where at least 50 percent of the
cost comes from components “mined, produced
or manufactured” in the United States.
The law would allow local and state governments to buy foreign goods in certain scenarios, including if the cost of the U.S.-made
product is more than 20 percent higher than a
foreign item, or if U.S.-made products are not
available “in reasonable quantity.”
“Buy American” groups opposed the veto,
and point to the fact that New Jersey has lost
180,000 manufacturing jobs since 2001.
“Signing this legislation into law will provide a valuable incentive for foreign manufacturers to consider New Jersey as a site of a future
facility in order to better compete for the state’s
business,” according to the Alliance for American Manufacturing (americanmanufacturing.
org). “Manufacturing jobs currently make up 6
percent of New Jersey’s total employment, and
the sector represents nearly 8.5 percent of New
Jersey’s gross state product. While New Jersey
now has 243,100 manufacturing jobs, it remains
63,000 short of its pre-recession level.”
Senate President Steve Sweeney, who
sponsored one of the “Buy American” bills,
called the legislation a lost opportunity to help
create jobs and to support domestic businesses.”
“The ‘Made in America’ bills are more
than an expression of economic patriotism, they
could have been an effective way of boosting
the state’s economy,” he said. “We have the best
workers who make the best products but they
deserve a fair chance to compete. I believe we
have an obligation to use public funds in ways
that help American workers and businesses.”
Assemblyman Joe Lagana added: “When
we buy American, we invest in our workers and
their families, and that was our goal in sponsoring these bills. We need to focus on creating jobs
and economic growth in New Jersey, not elsewhere.”
New Jersey State AFL-CIO President
Charles Wowkanech said it’s inexcusable for the
governor to turn his back on American manufacturers and American workers by refusing to sign
this bipartisan legislation.
“These bills would have strengthened ‘Buy
American’ legislation already on the books and
put pressure on bi-state agencies to follow suit
rather than awarding billions of dollars in steel
and other contracts to foreign makers,” he said.
Business groups, including the New Jersey
Business and Industry Association, supported
the veto, claiming that the bill “would be unworkable given the nature of modern global supply chains which make it difficult to find goods
with U.S. sourced components,” according to
NJBIA President Michele Siekerka.
“Small manufacturers often do not have
full-time public contracting professionals, so
the added complexity included in the legislation could make it more difficult for them to do
business with the State of New Jersey,” added
Siekerka
Bringourjobshome.com founder and Westchester resident Frank Spotorno opposes the
veto and supports “Buy American” legislation.
“For far too long our elected officials in
Washington and now in New Jersey are selling
out our country’s future,” he said. “How are we
to move forward and make sure that contracts
for State projects, funded with taxpayers dollars, are used to support American manufacturing, if our elected officials and business groups
oppose making sure everyone has a good-paying jobs.
“It’s the chicken-or-the-egg argument,”
continued Spotorno. “We can’t bring back
manufacturing jobs home unless we use our tax
dollars to support these jobs when we can. If
it costs a bit more to buy American, it’s worth
it because we need to combat poverty, and get
people off food stamps and into a manufacturing
job” – with benefits, where they pay taxes and
participate in the American Dream.
The debate continues.
PAGE 10 - harrison RISING - Friday, February 13, 2015
This, Too, is: What
Were They Thinking?
ing to mandate and impose
By Eric W. Schoen
Measles. Super Bowl
ethics reform?
advertisements. Politicians
It is not easy driving
as weather forecasters. Mariwith ice and snow on the
juana in high school. Ethics
ground. Many people – inin Albany. Imposter hair care
cluding this writer – are not
products. Drivers unable to
adept at driving when our
traverse our roads when the
roads are in far-from-perfect
weather is bad. Umbrellas
condition. Most of us have
stopping subways.
enough food to feed an army
A little cold weather,
between the cupboard and
snow and ice and the world
our freezer, yet when we
around us has gone nuts!
hear that snow is on its way
Does New Jersey Gov.
we run to the grocery store
Eric W. Schoen
Chris Christie have a medito be sure we have enough
cal degree? Did he really say
naughty goodies to fill our
“parents need to have some choice” in decid- stomach.
ing whether to vaccinate their children. Wasn’t
We drive our cars on snow- and ice-covered
measles declared eliminated in the U.S. in the roads without the knowledge and skill necesyear 2000?
sary to maneuver in less-than-ideal conditions
There are more than 100 confirmed cases of just so to make sure the Entenmann’s donuts are
measles so far in 2015 that spread out across 14 there to help us weather the storm.
states, and last year, there was a record outbreak
For my receding hairline, I like to use highof measles in which 644 cases were diagnosed end hair products by Paul Mitchell. They keep
across 27 states. The latest outbreaks apparently the few hairs that I have in pristine condition.
started at Disneyland in California – the happi- They are on sale at salons, but quite often you
est place on earth.
can get a better deal on the expensive gels and
We have a vaccine that is more than 95 conditioners at retailers.
percent effective. The links between the measles
So I buy my normal hair gel, put it on my
vaccine and autism have been debunked by our hair and when it dries, all of a sudden I have
nation’s top scientists. Chris Christie vaccinated flakes falling from my head. No, they were not
his children, but in his quest for the presidency flakes of snow. I call Paul Mitchell and they tell
he states “parents need to have some choice?”
me the product I bought was an imposter and
The Super Bowl: Everyone in America cel- that they only sell their products in salons where
ebrates even if like me, they haven’t a clue about people get their hair cut.
football. Millions of dollars are spent on creatYou see these products in most health and
ing commercials that are supposed to be the best beauty aid stores and big box retailers. Who
our brilliant marketers can produce.
would have thought my $15 hair gel was fake?
An insurance company runs a commercial
And then we hear of the No. 7 train in New
featuring a kid talking about how he’ll never be York City stopped cold on a snowy winter day
able to get married or travel the world with his filled with riders. Was it the ice, sleet and snow
best friend because he died in a household ac- that stopped the train in its tracks? Well, not
cident. Household accidents sure are an impor- really. Someone dropped an umbrella on the
tant issue, but discussion of them on the biggest tracks and it knocked out the servers that make
sports day of the year surely doesn’t whet your the trains run. The trains stopped running and
appetite for more chips and guacamole.
because of this, the tracks iced up, requiring deAnd did the Brady Bunch commercial re- icing.
ally stimulate your desire for a Snickers bar?
Thousands of New Yorkers were upended
Since when are politicians weathermen? all because of a wayward umbrella that probably
Have they been certified by the American Me- flew out of a commuter’s hands as they were
teorological Society like Al Roker or a Sam awaiting a train. Isn’t it hard to believe that an
Champion to forecast snow, sleet and rain? Do umbrella can cause so much drama in the year
we really need Mayor Bill deBlasio or Gov. An- 2015?
drew Cuomo to tell us that there is going to be 6
So, I ask you, my friends, what were all of
to 12 inches of snow and ice?
those involved in these various escapades thinkTell us what you are going to do to get our ing? Your guess is as good as mine!
streets ready so that we can drive. Leave the
Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@aol.
weather forecasting to the sometimes-imperfect com and follow him on Twitter @ericyonkers.
forecasters with meteorological degrees and ex- Catch the Westchester Rising Radio Show featurperience.
ing Dan Murphy and Eric Schoen on Thursdays
So Jeb Bush smoked marijuana in High at 10 a.m. on WVOX 1460 on the A.M. dial.
School. And he was a bully. Whether he is your
cup of tea or java for the highest office in the
land, do we really care about his high school escapades? Aren’t you more concerned with what
he is going to do to put the unemployed back to
work and keep our country safe from terrorism?
Cuomo will not approve a budget without
ethics reform? Didn’t the good governor abruptly shut down the corruption-probing Moreland
Commission close to a year ago, as some said
they were getting too close for comfort in their
probe of Albany politicos?
Silver is tarnished and dethroned. The U.S.
attorney says “stay tuned” regarding more announcements concerning unethical behavior by
politicians in Albany and close to home. Everyone knows Albany is “pay to play,” and Cuomo
– who had a great opportunity when he was
elected governor the first time to clean up Albany – expects us to believe that after the jails
are full of crooked New York politicos he is go-
Rye Historical Society
Celebrates Washington’s Birthday
Happy Birthday, George Washington!
Children age 7 to 11 are invited to the
Square House Museum on Wednesday, Feb. 18
for a celebration honoring first President George
Washington’s would-be 283rd birthday, from 10
a.m. to noon. Activities will include presidentialthemed games, trivia, crafts and even a birthday
cake.
The cost for the program is $15 per child,
which includes all craft materials and snacks.
Reservations are suggested by calling the Rye
Historical Society at 914-967-7588.
The Square House Museum is located at 1
Purchase St., and is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.
ryehistory.org.
Ivy League of Comedy
Coming to Scarsdale
Scarsdale Synagogue Brotherhood will
host a “professional comedy night” on Feb.
28 at the synagogue, located at 2 Ogden Road,
with The Ivy League of Comedy starting its act
at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m.
The cost is $54 per person in advance, or
$60 at the door, and include dessert, beer and
wine; group rates are also available. A portion
of the proceeds will go to a charitable cause.
RSVP to [email protected] or call 914752-5175.
The Ivy League of Comedy is the premier
group of stand-up comedians touring America.
Known for their elite brand of clever comedy,
you’ve likely heard their brilliant comedic
voices on late-night television and Comedy
Central – and now you can see them live on
stage at Scarsdale Synagogue.
The Ivy League of Comedy honors the
audience with original, well-written comedy
that doesn’t resort to playing on stereotypes
or picking on the audience. From theaters to
corporate events to fundraising shows for Jewish organizations, The Ivy League of Comedy
brings feature’s stand-up comedy’s funniest
and brightest.
Send your letters and opinions to us at
[email protected]
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