FRiday, FebRuaRy 6, 2015
Transcription
FRiday, FebRuaRy 6, 2015
WESTCHESTER’S OLDEST AND MOST RESPECTED NEWSPAPERS Vol 12 Number 6 www.RisingMediaGroup.com Teatown’s Hudson River EagleFest Returns Feb. 7 Can Positive Reform Come From Silver’s Corruption? Amy Paulin Watch the eagle soar at EagleFest on Saturday. Each winter between December and March, bald eagles from Canada and northern New York and New England fly south to the lower Hudson Valley region to feed on fish and waterfowl found in unfrozen waters. The bald eagle, which was considered an endangered species prior to 1995, shed its federal threatened status in 2007. Today, biologists estimate that about 150 bald eagles overwinter in the lower Hudson Valley. Every year, the bald eagles’ return affirms the continued health of the Hudson River and nearby habitats for wildlife and people. Teatown’s 11th Hudson River EagleFest will celebrate this conservation success story and the return of the eagle to the lower Hudson Valley at Croton Point Park (Eagle Headquarters) on Feb. 7. Thousands of area residents will be in attendance at the event to get a glimpse of these majestic birds of prey. Last year during EagleFest, at one site along the river more, than 36 eagles were seen at one time. It was truly an amazing sight to see! This year, in addition to eagle shows and fun activities in the heated tents at Croton Point Park, there Continued on Page 8 Movie on Indian Point Rekindles Discussion of Nuclear Energy The movie “Pandora’s Promise” supports the use of nuclear power. Protestors call on Indian Point nuclear power plant to be closed. By Dan Murphy The film “Pandora’s Promise,” a documentary on Nuclear power in America, was recently shown at the Depot Theater in Philipstown, Putnam County. In the film, Director Robert Stone asks whether the one technology we fear most (nuclear) could save our planet from a climate catastrophe, while providing the energy needed to lift billions of people in the developing world out of poverty. “Pandora’s Promise” provides a supportive, and alternative, narrative to the use of nuclear power in the U.S., and impacts Westchester because of the location of the Indian Point power plant in Buchanan. Critics of the film includes opponents of nuclear power, and in the continued operation of Indian Point. Marilyn Elie, a member of the Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition, a grassroots organization that works to close Indian Point, sent Rising newspapers the following letter: Pandora’s Promise or Magical Thinking {subhead} The recent screening of “Pandora’s Prom- ise” by Robert Stone at the Depot Theater revels a deeply flawed movie and a seductive propaganda piece full of smoke and mirrors with little substance. It is artfully laid out to lead viewers down the historical path of nuclear power to a fantasy world of fourth-generation reactors. The use of historical footage and past antinuclear demonstrations gives the film an aura of a true documentary. You are well into the film before it becomes apparent that the authoritative, calm voice that has been leading you through history has taken a sharp U-turn and is now laying out not history, but converts to nuclear power as though they are wise environmentalists. The film is basically a bait and switch. It holds out the promise of a golden age of nuclear power with fourth-generation reactors – “Gen 4,” as they are called. All of these reactors are still on the drawing board or, at best, in laboratories. There are no applications pending before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In the film, the promise of Gen 4 reactors is quickly conflated to support for nuclear power Continued on Page 8 Friday, February 6, 2015 By Dan Murphy Sheldon Silver is now the former speaker of the New York State Assembly, after resigning his leadership post (not his Assembly seat) last week after his arrest and indictment on charges that he used his political power in exchange for legal fees and payments totaling $5 million. According to the New York Times, Silver did not step down quietly, instead proposing “a plan that the speaker had formulated on Sunday in which he would retain his title, but temporarily relinquish some important duties to five other members, including the responsibility to negotiate the state budget, which must be finished by April 1.” At this moment, during a Democratic Assembly conference held Jan 25, several New York and Westchester Democrats stood forward and did the right thing: They prevented the madness of having Silver continue as Assembly speaker. Assemblyman David Buchwald deserves credit for calling for Silver’s resignation early on. “In light of the serious charges made against the Speaker and his refusal to provide any substantive response to those charges, I believe it would be in the best interest of the people of New York for Speaker Silver to step down from his leadership position in the State Assembly,” said Buchwald. “It is imperative that we immediately restore public confidence in this institution. Maintaining public ethics in government is a principle that we should never compromise, and I am confident the citizens of Westchester County and New York State agree.” Thirty Assembly Democrats, including Buchwald and Assembly members Shelley Mayer and Steve Otis, presented a letter to speaker candidates seeking to replace Silver, outlining a set of reasonable, common-sense reform proposals for the Assembly. The letter, from the Reform Caucus of Assembly Democrats, reads: “Although this is a difficult time for the Assembly, we believe it does provide a unique opportunity to reflect and consider how we as a body wish to move forward to provide a better internal process for ourselves and better government for our constituents. “After careful consideration, we have determined that reform can provide greater transparency, increased member participation, changes in leadership selection, reform in staffing decisions and staff authority. We urge the speaker candidates to commit to reforming and modernizing our institution, and we seek your input on the following reform ideas. “Transparency – Should the Assembly be more transparent? For example, should members know how decisions are made inside of conference? What role should members play in making decisions regarding committee assignments, agendas and staff allocations? “Can technology increase transparency? Should we expend Assembly resources to update technology? What are ways to improve technology – i.e., providing wireless access in the Capitol, updating software to communicate with constituents through email and social media? Should the public have access to the Legislative Retrieval System? Should staff allocation information be distributed openly? “Participation – How much input should members have in conference decision-making? Should members have a voice in leadership appointments? Should the majority conference leader be appointed or elected? “How can members have a greater opportunity to weigh in on policy and budget decisions before legislative negotiations? How can we encourage a real and robust debate in committee meetings and on the floor? “Should members have the ability to get bills voted on in committee and on the floor if there is broad support among colleagues? “Leadership reform and staffing – Should the amount of time in the positions of speaker and committee chair(persons) be limited in any way? Should factors aside from seniority be David Buchwald Shelley Mayer considered in allocating leadership positions and committee/subcommittee chair(persons)? “How should committee and central staff be hired, and should the speaker continue to have the sole discretion to hire the staff, direct the staff, and terminate staff? “Should members have an equal staff budget? If not, how should staffing levels be determined in order to provide high-quality constituent services, and support legislative and policy work? “We recognize that implementation of many of these reforms will require extensive thought, discussion and further detail. Therefore, we ask that the candidates for speaker commit to appointing a task force on reform, representing the diversity of the conference. This task force would develop specific proposals on these and other reforms. In addition, we ask that all meetings of the task force be open to all members of the conference. “We believe that these reforms are the best way to restore faith in our ability to serve the public. Any change in leadership must be accompanied by substantial reform in the way the State Assembly functions. Now is the time to move forward to build a better, stronger Assembly. “This letter is sent to each member of the Assembly’s Democratic Conference, and each is encouraged to sign on. We understand that reform in the Assembly has been a soughtafter goal for many years. We look forward to hearing your views on these very important issues.” (End of letter.) Originally signed by 23 Assembly Democrats, including Westchester Assembly members David Buchwald, Shelley Mayer and Steve Otis, there are now more than 30 Democrats who have signed the reform proposal and have joined the reform caucus. This letter is a manifesto for meaningful reform in the Assembly, and a credit to all who signed it. Assemblywoman Amy Paulin should also be commended for her work in crafting a suburban caucus of 17 Assembly Democrats from Westchester, the Hudson Valley and Long Island, to advocate for their communities, to make sure that Silver stepped down, and to try and influence the election of a new speaker. If there were to be an Assembly speaker from Westchester, it would be Paulin, who holds the respect and gravitas in Albany to carry out the post. According to the New York Times: “By Monday afternoon, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, a Democrat from Westchester County, said 17 members from New York City’s suburbs had joined to object to Mr. Silver’s plan. Ms. Paulin said the group wanted Mr. Silver to step down as speaker and did not approve of his power sharing plan.” The Associated Press added: “Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said a 17-member block of Democrats from the Hudson Valley and Long Island agrees that Silver should step down. They were not proposing a replacement as speaker only that Majority Leader Joseph Morelle temporarily fill in.” Continued on Page 8 PaGe 2 - WeSTCHeSTeR’S MOST iNFLueNTiaL NeWSPaPeRS - FRiday, FebRuaRy 6, 2015 Experience Living History At Philipse Manor Hall Like your tours with a more personal touch? Accompany Philipse Manor Hall docents on a private museum tour of the state historic site, Saturdays, Feb. 7, 14 and 21 at noon. Regular museum admission fees apply. Then, Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m., preschoolers ages 3½ to 5 (accompanied by a caregiver) can hear stories, sing songs and enjoy hands-on museum activities as part of a free monthly storytime program. This is presented in partnership with the Yonkers Public Library. On Saturday, Feb. 14 from noon to 4 p.m., spent Presidents’ Day by celebrating the Manor Hall’s collection of presidential portraits with crafts, scavenger hunts, quizzes and more. From 1 to 2:30 p.m., meet and mingle with the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, and hear him recite the Gettysburg Address. Also, enjoy a performance of African-American spirituals by acclaimed soprano Yolanda Johnson. This event is free, with admission sponsored by the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall. Then on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m., enjoy the “viewers’ choice” winter movie series. Experience heartfelt classics to modern masterpieces on the third Saturday of every month. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets to sit on in the Gothic Chamber. All films are rated PG, and guests to this event will vote for the March movie. Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site is located at 29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. $400K from Ginsburg Development Funds Playground in Ossining Teachers, students and parents gather at the new playground with Board of Education President Bill Kress, GDC founder Martin Ginsburg, Park School Principal Carrieann Sipos and Superintendent of Schools Raymond Sanchez. The school children of the Park Early Childhood Center in Ossining have a new place to play, thanks to a generous donation by Ginsburg Development Companies. On Jan. 22, Ossining School District officials formally thanked GDC founder Martin Ginsburg for the donation that allowed the district to build a new playground at the Park Early Childhood Center. The new playground is the first project to be funded by GDC’s $400,000 donation to the Ossining School District. The ceremony was attended by school officials, parents and students, and Ossining Board of Education President Bill Kress presented Ginsburg with a certificate of appreciation in a reception held at the school library. Park Principal Carrieann Sipos told Ginsburg that the addition of the new playground has contributed to the overall well-being of Park students, meeting their physical and health needs. “We love the slides,” she said, “especially the Abe Lincoln is coming to Philipse Manor for President’s Day. Big Bird & Abe Lincoln Are Coming to Yonkers A number of family activities are lined up during February at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers. Big Bird will blast into the Hudson River Museum during a new star show, “One World One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure,” debuting Sunday, Feb. 1 at 12:30 p.m., appropriate for ages 5 and older. The show features the beloved yellow-feathered friend from PBS’s “Sesame Street” in a show full of light and color. Follow Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a friend from China. On a trip from Sesame Street to the moon, they discover that planets are different from one another, but people on Earth like the same things. There will be more learning, too, about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the sun and the moon. “One World One Sky” will be presented every Saturday and Sunday in February. It is produced by Sesame Workshop, the Beijing Planetarium, Chicago’s Adler Planetarium and Continued on Page 10 fast slide.” Superintendent of Schools Raymond Sanchez told Ginsburg that Park students “are loving the new playground…And when they smile, we smile.” “We are very proud to help one of the most outstanding school districts in the region. This donation to the school district and others we have made to the village are part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the communities where we build our developments,” said Ginsburg. In addition to the $400,000 donation to the school district, GDC has donated $600,000 to the Village of Ossining for downtown improvements. GDC is currently constructing Harbor Square, a 188-unit luxury rental apartment complex with a 6,000-square-foot restaurant on the Ossining waterfront. It is scheduled for completion in spring 2016. Send your story ideas, photos, announcements and upcoming events to us at dmurphy@rising mediagroup.com Yonkers Downtown International International Restaurant Week Mon. Mon. Feb Feb 2nd 2nd - Sun Sun Feb. Feb. 8th 8th Take a fabulous culinary trip around the world when the Yonkers Downtown BID presents its Fourth Annual International Restaurant Week. You will have the opportunity to dine in some of Westchester’s best restaurants at an incredible discount for lunch and dinner. Lunch: 20% Discount Dinner: 25% Discount visit yonkersrestaurantweek.com for details Presented by The Yonkers Downtown BID which X20 - XAVIER'S ON THE HUDSON 71 WATER STREET (914) 965 - 1111 maintains the economic vitality of the district by providing the local business community with a variety of services including marketing and promotion, and by presenting a year-long program of special LA BELLA HAVANNA 35 MAIN STREET (914) 920-9777 events for the entire family. Street Film Series, Arts and the Yonkers Riverfest which attracts more than 30,000 1 VAN DER DONCK STREET (914) 751-8170 Present this Certificate to your server when paying the check for your meal in order to receive a 20% discount on lunch and a 25% discount on dinner (Valid only during Yonkers International Restaurant Week 2/2/15-2/8/15) Reviews Our free signature events include the annual Jazz, Blues and More Concert Series, Main Yonkers Downtown International Restaurant Week DOLPHIN RESTAURANT Discount Certificate GUAPO COCINA MEXICANA 10 WARBURTON AVE (914) 920-5900 visitors from throughout Westchester. NAWAB 2 Hudson Street (914) 909-9700 Iron Chef Peter Kelly’s X2O Xaviars on the Hudson was voted Westchester/Hudson Valley’s Most Popular Restaurant, and Zagat’s described X2O as “Magnificent” and “Unbelievable creative” La Bella Havana voted “Latin All-Star Restaurant” & “Best of Westchester” - Westchester Magazine Nawab voted “Best Indian/Pakistani Buffet” Westchester Magazine 2014 Dolphin voted “Best New Restaurant” Yonkers Chamber of Commerce ZUPPA RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 59 MAIN STREET (914) 376-6500 Giovanni’s IV Classic Italian Cuisine GIOVANNIS IV 25 MAIN STREET (914) 375-1429 Khangri Japanese Restaurant KHANGRI 22 WARBURTON AVENUE (914) 968-2134 Zuppa voted “Best Italian Resturant” - Westchester Magazine THE PIZZA Place 15 Main Street Yonkers, NY 10701 914-969-6660 www.YonkersDowntown.com 92 Main Street (914) 709-1050 Khangri “Hands down the best sushi we have found in the area” - yelp.com Ask your friends or try for yourself, the new Downtown Yonkers has world class restaurants. YONKERS BREWING CO. 92 Main Street (914) 226-8327 *Visit Yonkersrestaurantweek.com for all the details. Discounts excludes alcoholic beverages, taxes, gratuity as well as Sunday Brunch at X20; All-you-can-eat at Khangri. Individual restaurants determine what menu items qualify for the discount. Friday, February 6, 2015 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - PAGE 3 Murphy Debuts Plan to Combat Heroin Crisis Bronxville Women’s Club Hosting February Events State Sen. Terrence Murphy and County Legislator Michael Smith at a hearing regarding heroin abuse in Mt. Pleasant. As the epidemic of heroin and opiate abuse rages throughout the region, State Sen. Terrence Murphy brought together experts last week to evaluate his seven-point plan to combat the scourge of heroin addiction. The event included local elected officials, as well as experts from the fields of law enforcement, addiction, treatment and education, and was held at Mount Pleasant Town Hall. “We need to make it easier for someone seeking help to get into rehab,” Murphy said. “We must make our penalties for traffickers much stricter, and it’s time to better fund drug prevention programs in schools by once and for all eliminating the Gap Elimination Adjustment, which continues to burden our most needy school districts for years.” The plan makes treatment more accessible, better equips first responders to save lives, and empowers law enforcement through increased funding. Murphy’s proposal also includes tougher sentences for convicted drug traffickers. The specifics of the plan include” sponsoring legislation to require insurance companies to cover drug treatment and rehabilitation up to 90 days; using drug seizure proceeds to provide funding for Narcan, a potentially life-saving overdose treatment, to all first responders; to help with prevention, state funding for school resource officers and Drug Abuse Resistance Education in all area schools by restoring the GEA initiated by Senate Democrats in 2010; Forming a federal-interstate-local joint, interagency law enforcement counter-narcotics proliferation task force and removing legal barriers to data sharing, aspects of which are already underway; creating a state grant program for a local narcotics units to provide stepped-up enforcement against drug distributors; increasing penalties for major narcotics traffickers; and restoring funding cuts enacted by Senate Democrats to the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to fund peer recovery advocate, addiction services and treatment programs. “No community is immune from the blight of heroin and prescription drug abuse,” said County Legislator Michael Smith. “Sen. Murphy’s approach is the correct blend of treatment, prevention and enforcement needed to treat addiction for what it is – a disease. I thank him for his leadership on this issue at the state level.” Steve Salomone, who lost his son Justin to heroin, is one of the founders of Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, a nonprofit organization that helps families deal with addiction. “Addiction is not a bad choice, it’s an illness,” he said. “Sen. Murphy’s plan can help families recognize signs before people start using and if they do, get them the help they need.” Dr. Susan Guiney, superintendent of the Mt Pleasant School District added: “Sen. Murphy’s plan to end the Gap Elimination Adjustment and use that funding to support the social and emotional well-being of children in our schools, including extracurricular and academic activities to engage children, is a sound investment in our children’s future. Part of educating our children is teaching them about healthy lifestyles and the risks of narcotic and habit-forming substances such as the abuse of pain-killers and prescription drugs that can be a gateway into a world of dangerous and addictive narcotics like heroin.” “I’m a father and a health professional,” said Murphy. “Seeing so many young people die in such a senseless way has been eating at my heart for a long time. Now as senator I have an opportunity to lead by stepping up and making a difference for the families of the Hudson Valley, and this seven-point plan does just that.” As a town councilman, Murphy previously served as an appointee on the Senate Task Force on Opioid and Heroin Addiction, and the Mount Pleasant event is the first in a series of forums over the coming months that will take place throughout Murphy’s district. Youth Bureau to Award $6 Million for Programming Grants totaling more than $6 million – $2 million annually for 2015, 2016 and 2017 – will be awarded under Westchester’s Invest-In-Kids program, announced County Executive Robert Astorino last week. “Invest-In-Kids is a vital partnership between Westchester County and our non-profits to provide essential services with far-reaching, positive results for our at-risk youth population,” he said. “I am excited to partner with these 30 agencies for the next three years.” Dr. Iris Pagan, executive director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, said the grants are being awarded to 50 programs as part of a threeyear request for proposals process. The annual grants include $1.7 million provided through the Invest-in-Kids program and $352,000 in anticipated grants provided to the youth bureau by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Under Invest-In-Kids, the grants will fund approximately 65 percent of each program for calendar years 2015-17, and the agencies will match the grant to 35 percent. Under the terms of the grant, all programs will be provided free of charge and must operate year-round. Astorino has committed to keep the funding level for the three-year cycle to provide non-profits with certainty with respect to their funding. The dollar amounts of grants sought was almost triple the available funding. “Unfortunately, demand outstripped our resources,” said Pagan. “But, the process is designed to give each application an objective review. We apologize for the extra time needed to award the grants, but we needed it to ensure every application got a careful evaluation and every award would produce positive results.” Under Westchester County’s procurement process, contracts to award the grants will be submitted to the Board of Acquisition and Contract for approval. Programs not selected to continue the Invest-in-Kids or OCFS contract with Westchester County will be offered pro-rated compensation for their programs through Feb. 13. Established in 1993, Invest-In-Kids addresses the needs of at-risk youth in 11 urban communities, including Elmsford, Greenburgh, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Chester, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, White Plains and Yonkers. The gingerbread house from “Hansel and Gretel,” which will be screened at Bronxville Women’s Club this month. Scott Bravo The second concert in the Midland Music series will take place Sunday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. at the Bronxville Women’s Club, 135 Midland Ave. “Chamber Music Post Meridian” will feature Bronxville Women’s Club members Joyce Rasmussen Balint on mandolin, Ellen Bardekoff on oboe and Oxana Mikhailoff on piano. The program will represent every era from late Renaissance to modern and will include works by Mozart, Beethoven, Cimarosa, Tchaikovsky and Bartok. A reception will follow the concert. Advance tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $5 for students and children; the day of the event they are $25, $20 and $5, respectively. With advance reservations, dinner prepared by Sheldon Party Services will be served at the Club following the concert and reception, for an additional $25 for adults and $10 for children younger than 12. Joyce Rasmussen Balint is a mandolin soloist with the Metropolitan Opera and is currently performing in the Met’s production of “Don Giovanni.” She teaches in her private studio and at the Mozartina Musical Arts Conservatory in Tarrytown. Oxana Mikhailoff is music director of Midland Music and is an active concert pianist and teacher. She has a large, private studio and also teaches at the Crestwood Music Education Center in Eastchester. Ellen Bardekoff is currently principal oboe with The Bronx Symphony, and is the founder and artistic manager of The Bardekova Ensemble. For more information and reservations, call 914-337-3252 or visit www.bronxvillewomensclub.org. The public is also invited to attend the Bronxville Women’s Club Coffeehouse evening Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. Bronxville resident Sal Casabianca will open the evening by singing and playing the guitar with his own compositions. Also performing will be Buddy Coughlin, known as “Pleasant Bud,” and Scott Bravo. Admission is $5, which includes coffee and snacks; donations for the artists are welcome. Wondering what to do with the children Oxana Mikhailoff during February school break? Bring them to the Bronxville Women’s Club on Friday, Feb. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m., to view a video of the Dec. 25, 1982 live telecast of Englebert Humperkinck’s opera “Hansel and Gretel.” This classic production features angels, a comic witch and a real gingerbread house. It stars Judith Blegen as Gretel, Frederica von Stade as Hansel, Rosalind Elias as the witch, along with the famed Met Orchestra and the Met Children’s Chorus. There is a suggested donation of $5. This program is suitable for children age 6 and older (adults, too); children should be able to sit for an hour without a break. Additionally, the public is invited to attend the Bronxville Women’s Club’s annual philanthropy luncheon Thursday, Feb. 26 beginning at noon. There will also be a “white elephant sale and bake sale” going on during the afternoon. Funds raised go toward the club’s philanthropic endeavors, and this year, proceeds will go to the Food Bank of Westchester. Advance reservations are requested by Tuesday, Feb. 24. Admission is $25 per person. Send your letters and opinions to us at [email protected] PaGe 4 - WeSTCHeSTeR’S MOST iNFLueNTiaL NeWSPaPeRS - FRiday, FebRuaRy 6, 2015 VSA Updating Korean War Monument at Lasdon Park The Westchester County Veterans Service Agency, in conjunction with the Veterans Advisory Board, will be updating the Korean War veterans monument at Lasdon Park in Somers, announced County Executive Robert Astorino last week. Astorino urges anyone with information regarding a Westchester resident who died in the Korean War and whose name does not currently appear on the monument to contact Vito Pinto, head of Westchester’s VSA, at 914-995-2145 or 914-995-2146. “It’s vitally important to the residents of Westchester County that we remember all those who die in defense of our country,” said Pinto. “I urge everyone who may know of a serviceman killed during the Korean War to review the list of names on the Korean War veterans monument and to let me know immediately if someone is missing.” The current list of Westchester County Korean War servicemen killed in combat can be found at veterans.westchestergov.com/news-andevents/updates-to-korean-war-memorial-plaque. Tweens, Audition for ‘Clue’ The Westchester Sandbox Theatre will hold auditions for its Young People’s Theatre tween production of “Clue: The Musical” this week. Open to performers in grades four through eight, this musical – based on the board game – is more fun than the “Game of Life.” Directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Jason Summers, “Clue: The Musical” is a perfect show for the young performer in your family. Auditions will be held Sunday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Westchester Sandbox Theatre, 931c E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck. The show runs April 16 to 19, and a participation fee of $425 is required. All who audition will be cast in the show. For more information, call 914-630-0804 or visit www.wstshows.com. Peekskill School District is One Of DiNapoli’s Top 10 ‘Stressed’ Peekskill is the only Westchester school district that was recently designated by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli as “fiscally stressed.” Ninety school districts – more than 13 percent of districts statewide – have been designated as fiscally stressed under DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System; his office evaluated 672 school districts with fiscal years ending June 30, 2014. This is the second year DiNapoli’s office has assessed and scored the financial stability of school districts. The second round of scoring designated 10 school districts in “significant fiscal stress,” 27 in “moderate fiscal stress,” and 53 as “susceptible to fiscal stress.” “School districts are the hearts of many of our communities, but they face fiscal pressures that are unlikely to change any time soon,” said DiNapoli. “Although the increases in fiscal stress are relatively minor, the same problems persist, including increased deficits and dwindling fund balances. I urge school officials, especially those overseeing districts with deteriorating fiscal health, to use these scores as an impetus for more deliberate and careful long-term budget planning.” Using financial indicators that include yearend fund balance, short-term borrowing and patterns of operating deficits, the monitoring system creates an overall fiscal stress score which classifies whether a district is in “significant fiscal stress,” in “moderate fiscal stress,” is “susceptible to fiscal stress” or has “no designation.” The 10 districts that were classified as in “significant stress” include: Wyandanch Union Free School District in Suffolk County, NiagaraWheatfield Central School District in Niagara, East Ramapo CSD in Rockland, Lawrence Union Free SD in Nassau, Watervliet City SD in Albany, Copiague Union Free SD in Suffolk, LewistonPorter CSD in Niagara, West Seneca CSD in Erie, Hempstead Union Free SD in Nassau and the Peekskill City SD in Westchester. The scores are based on financial information submitted as part of each district’s ST-3 report filed with the State Education Department, as of Dec. 31. Today’s announcement does not include scores for the dependent school districts in the “Big Four” cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers. Information for these districts will be incorporated into the scoring for their respective cities later this year. More than half of the school districts identified as fiscally stressed this year appeared in one of the three levels of stress last year. Additionally, 17 districts had increases of 25 percentage points or more in their total fiscal stress scores. The most dramatic increase was in the Hempstead Union Free School District in Nassau County, which saw a 65 percentage point increase in its fiscal stress score. Other districts that experienced a 50 percent or more spike in scoring include the Fulton City SD in Oswego, Glens Falls Common SD in Warren, Johnson City CSC in Broome, Peekskill City SD in Westchester and the Wyandanch Union Free SD in Suffolk. According to a research report issued with the scores, school districts found to be in fiscal stress share a number of common characteristics. Most are operating with low fund balance, a pattern of operating deficits and limited cash on hand. In addition, DiNapoli’s office found highneed urban/suburban school districts were four times more likely to be in fiscal stress than lowneed districts. The report also noted a number of significant improvements among certain school districts. For example, the Kiryas Joel Village Union Free SD in Orange County experienced a 50 percent decrease in its fiscal stress score. More than 80 percent of school districts statewide were not in a fiscal stress category in either 2013 or 2014; For a copy of the fiscal stress commonalities report, visit: www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/ fiscalmonitoring/pdf/2015_SummaryResultsSchoolDistricts.pdf The Peekskill City SD was not designated for fiscal stress in 2013, and its stress score rose by 58.3 percent (a negative indicator) to land in at number 10. From the Mayor and Town Hall The Harrison Police porting an outage, customers should have their Con Edison Department, through the My account number available, if Community Alert system, possible, and report whether recently issued a bulletin to their neighbors also have lost Harrison residents: Please bepower. ware of callers posing as IRS Given the dangerous agents, as they call homes and weather conditions the region cell phone numbers claiming experienced, I would like to, that back tax money is owed. once again, bring your attenThe scammers, in some tion to the My Community cases, have the last four digits Alert system. Residents who of the victim’s Social Security signed up for local alerts were number and the IRS’ toll-free notified on Sunday morning number shows up on caller of the black ice and freezID. In some cases, the target ing rain. The My Community will also receive an email purAlert system allows Harrison porting to be from the IRS, to police officers, and other town further the scheme to defraud. officials, to notify Harrison The caller then instructs the Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont residents in the event of an onindividual that the tax bill must be paid promptly through a pre-paid debit going emergency. Text messages and emails (including photos card or wire transfer, threatening arrest or license and videos) will be sent out to registered residents revocation as a penalty. The IRS emphasizes that if someone owes when the department believes the Harrison commoney, the first contact from the IRS is likely to munity should be informed of a local incident or come via mail. The IRS will not ask for credit card event. Residents can register with My Community numbers over the phone, nor request a pre-paid Alert at www.mycommunityalert.net. I encourage all residents to take advantage of this useful new debit card or wire transfer. If you are victim of this IRS scam, notify the technology. I am happy to report that the Harrison PubHarrison Police Department at 914-967-5111. Recently I had the pleasure of attending the lic Library project is well underway. Construction official ribbon-cutting ceremony for New York commenced Oct. 27, 2014. H3 Architects from Health and Wellness. It was an honor to join West- New York are the project architects and Piazza chester Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett Inc., of Hawthorne, was selected as the general and Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. contractor. The first phase of construction was the deSherlita Amler as we welcomed this health facility to Harrison. The 6,000-square-foot organization molition and abatement of the interior, which has focuses on integrated programs aimed at improv- been completed. The second phase of construcing fitness, nutrition and overall health and well- tion, presently taking place, is the rough carpentry, framing of walls and soffits, rough plumbing, elecness. I wish them all the best as they bring their ad- tric, and heating and ventilation. While there have vanced approach to health care to our community. been a few surprises, exposing existing conditions Harrison Town Clerk Jackie Greer would that have to be corrected, the work is progressing like to remind residents that she has extended on schedule for substantial completion by late June office hours to coincide with the Town/Village 2015. This holiday season, the Harrison Food PanBoard meetings. The hours are from 7 to 8 p.m. All services are available, including marriage li- try saw an increase in participation. During the censes (by appointment), free notary service and months of November and December, many famihunting/fishing licenses. These hours are in addi- lies feel the financial strain associated with the holtion to the after-hour service available during the idays. Fortunately, the generosity of the Harrison planning board meetings on the third Tuesday of community was incredibly present and enabled the Department of Community Services to help feed a each month. For more information, call the Town Clerk’s total of 132 Harrison families, comprising of 250 adults and elderly residents and 146 children. Office at 914-670-3030. After a fifth consecutive year, the holiday Please be reminded that, if you have a burglar alarm system installed in your home or business, project was also a huge success. Championed by you must be registered. An application must be Tabatha Marraccini, the holiday project was able to filed with the Harrison Police Department’s Alarm supply holiday gifts and toys to 124 Harrison famiBureau. There is a $75 annual fee for residents, lies (374 total adults and children). None of this could be possible without the amazing outpour$150 for businesses and $25 for seniors. For more information, visit www.harrison-ny. ing of support from Harrison citizens, local civic and religious organizations, the Harrison Central gov or call 914-813-7455. Con Edison’s Office of Government Relations School System and local businesses, alike. Donations came in many forms, including has recently contacted my office regarding local weather-related conditions. As the company moni- clothing drives, food drives, toy drives, coat drives tors the snow and rainstorms that affect our area, and monetary contributions, which all demonand prepares to service any problems the weather strate the giving spirit of the holiday season and what it means to be a part of the Harrison family. causes, it urges customers to place safety first. Most importantly, do not touch downed As donations after the holidays tend to dwindle, wires, as they may be live. Customers can report even though food insecurity is still very present, I downed power lines, outages and check service urge anyone who is interested in contributing to the restoration status at www.conEd.com or by calling food pantry to call the Community Services De1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). When re- partment at 914-670-3025. The Mitzvah of Purim; Giving to the Poor Shaarei Tikvah, the Scarsdale Conservative Congregation, will have teens and adults meet Sunday, Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. to pack Shalach Manot packages of food that will be part of the good deed, mitzvah, of giving to the poor. Then on Sunday, March 1, teams of adults and kids will be dispatched to deliver the bas- kets and spread Purim joy to some homebound Jewish seniors in the Bronx, in cooperation with the Bronx Jewish Community Council. Also, some baskets will be delivered to some elder members of the community who can’t make it to Purim services. Shaarei Tikvah is located at 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale ‘How Sweet The Sound’ Performed in New Rochelle “How Sweet the Sound,” a full musical program created and performed by Julia Breanetta Simpson, will be performed Sunday, Feb. 22 from 3 to 4:15 p.m. in the Ossie Davis Theater of the New Rochelle Public Library. Accompanied by a trio, Simpson will trace the evolution of American music through more than three centuries, from the time of slavery to the “Jazz Age,” through music and dance. The program highlights the music of such notable African-American composers as Scott Joplin, J. Rosamond Johnson and Billie Holiday, and includes spirituals and gospel hymns such as “Go Down Moses” and “This Little Light of Mine.” This entertaining and illuminating musical history is suitable for all ages and is free. Simpson has appeared in regional productions of “Tintypes,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Dreamgirls” and “Death of a Salesman.” Touring credits include “Freedom Train,” “One Mo’ Time,” “Purlie,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “For Colored Girls.” She originated the role of Hennie in the world premiere of “When the Nightingale Sings.” “How Sweet the Sound” is made possible by the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District and the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library. DONATE YOUR CAR Wheels For Wishes benefiting Hudson Valley To join the Exchange Club of Yonkers contact Vice-President David Tubiolo at 646-596-3375 *Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *100% Tax Deductible WheelsForWishes.org x % Ta 100 tible uc Ded Call: (914) 468-4999 FRiday, FebRuaRy 6, 2015 - WeSTCHeSTeR’S MOST iNFLueNTiaL NeWSPaPeRS - PaGe 5 County Executive Discusses Documentary on Inmate-Made Development at HGAR Meeting Musical to be Shown Female inmates at the Bedford correctional facility perform “Amazing Grace.” From left are Jim Coleman, executive director of the Westchester County IDA; Bill Mooney III, director of the Office of Economic Development; Leah Caro, HGMLS president; Ann Garti, HGAR and HGMLS chief operating officer; Rob Astorino, county executive; Richard Haggerty, HGAR chief executive officer; John Barrett, CID president; and John Lease III, HGAR regional vice president from Orange County. The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors recently hosted Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino at its first Commercial and Investment Division breakfast meeting of the year at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains. Astorino discussed the county’s economic development plans, and answered realtors’ questions about taxes, affordable housing, the Tappan Zee Bridge, Playland and more. HGAR is a not-for-profit trade association covering more than 9,500 real estate professionals doing business in Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Orange counties. The Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service, owned by HGAR, offers some 24,000 properties in Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties. It is among the top 50 largest MLSs in the country. February Programs at Greenburgh Nature Center A plastic bag blows into the Bronx River and washes into the Long Island Sound…so the story begins. But where does it end, and what’s the impact? Follow the story of the plastic bag as it moves through neighborhoods and into oceans, and learn how garbage is collecting in the oceans and why a “plastic gyre is dire” is not just for fish and sea birds – but for humans, as well. “The Great Atlantic Garbage Patch: What is it? How did it get there? What can we do about it?” will feature a short informational video and presentation about the great ocean garbage patches Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road; refreshments served at 7 p.m. This free program is presented in partnership with the Sierra Club Lower Hudson Group and is designed for adults and high school students. Every Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. there will be a guided trail walk through the woodland forest for all ages. Discover who left that track, which tree makes the best animal home, and who uses that fallen tree for protection. The free program runs approximately 45 minutes long. On Saturday, Feb. 7, Hudson River EagleFest will begin at 9 a.m. GNC is partnering with Teatown Lake Reservation and other environmental organizations in this day-long program that celebrates the bald eagles’ return to the Hudson River and other waterways of the Hudson Valley. The day includes birds of prey shows, children’s activities, environmental exhibits and more. Activities take place at Croton Point Park, with a shuttle bus leaving traveling to other eagle viewing sites along the river. For tickets and more information, go to www.teatown.org or call 914-762-2912, ext. 110; bring binoculars. On Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m., stop by Greenburgh Nature Center for an hour of fun as a naturalist introduces some favorite animals. This entertaining and informative program allows visitors to hear, see, smell and touch many fascinating, furry, feathered and scaly friends. It is recommended for ages 5 and older. The cost is $5 for members or $8 for nonmembers. On Saturday, Feb. 14, love is in the air (and in the dirt and water) at GNC, as hearts and flowers – and cockroaches, tarantulas, snakes and worms – will be the feature of a 2 p.m. program. Be prepared to open your heart to some slime and dirt. The cost is $5 for members or $8 for nonmembers. On Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m., get an early start celebrating the Chinese New Year. Meet the resident sheep and goats, and learn about the clever and woolly friends at the center. The cost is $5 for members or $8 for nonmembers. The Greenburgh Nature Center is a 33acre woodland preserve with trails, a pond, gardens, a playground and outdoor animal exhibits, including a birds of prey aviary. Its indoor exhibits include a live animal museum with more than 100 specimens, exhibit areas focusing on nature and the environment, and a greenhouse with botanical exhibits. The center is located at 99 Dromore Road, off Central Park Avenue, in Scarsdale. Parking is free, and handicapped parking is available. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk throughout the year, and the indoor exhibits are open daily (except Fridays and a few holidays), from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekends. For more information, visit www.greenburghnaturecenter.org or call 914-723-3470. “Amazing Grace,” a documentary film about the making of the only musical written and performed by women inmates at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, will be shown at the Woman’s Club of Larchmont’s meeting Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m. The program, at the Larchmont Avenue Church, 60 Forest Park Ave., is free and open to the community. Anne Twomey Lloyd, the film’s director and a Tony-nominated actress, will introduce the film and conduct a question-and-answer session following the screening. “Amazing Grace” grew out of a writing class for inmates led by members of Rehabilitation Through the Arts, a volunteer organization that uses the arts – dance, creative writing, music, visual arts and theater – to teach critical life skills to men and women behind walls in New York State correctional facilities in the Hudson Valley. Program participants first wrote autobiographical stories, which were then set to music. For more information, contact Margaret Shultz at 914-834-7218. Free Clay Workshops for Those With Alzheimer’s In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, Clay Art Center offers residents of the Port Chester Nursing and Rehabilitation Center free clay workshops. The monthly workshops are part of a year-long program bringing therapeutic clay experiences to those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their caregivers. CAC’s professional teaching artists work with residents and staff at the center to create unique, handmade platters, sculptures and bowls. Clay Art Center has reached into communities all over Westchester to offer these free workshops, including White Plains, Rye and Mt. Kisco, but the most significant outreach is happening in Port Chester. “Offering the program free to our home community is our biggest priority,” said CAC Executive Director Leigh Taylor Mickelson. “The workshops will allow clay to have a therapeutic influence on those living with Alzheimer’s, giving them the chance to try something new and recreate themselves. Our imagination is one of our biggest tools as human beings and the program helps those living with Alzheimer’s celebrate their creativity.” This program is made possible by funding from the Wyman Foundation and support from the Alzheimer’s Association. Clay Art Center is a not-for-profit ceramic art organization offering exhibitions, clay classes for adults and children, studio spaces for clay artists and outreach programs in the community. It is located in the heart of Port Chester, at 40 Beech St. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, contact Ariel Edwards at [email protected] or 914-937-2047. Writing Institute at SLC Brings Classes to Scarsdale The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence and the Scarsdale Public Library have partnered to offer classes set to take place at the library March 4 and 11. The classes cost $80 for Scarsdale residents and $100 for all others. To register, visit www.slc.edu/ce/writing-institute or call 914-395-2205. “Writing Dialogue That Works,” taught by Deborah Laufer, will take place March 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. All writing comes alive with strong dialogue – memoir, fiction, non-fiction – which lets us step outside the author’s perspective and hear the characters speak for themselves. In this class, talk about what makes dialogue effective using principles from playwriting. Find character “voice,” create conflict in a scene, and explore the many ways in which characters pursue their objectives. Laufer’s plays have been produced at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Cleveland Playhouse, Geva Theatre Center, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Portland Stage and 80 other theaters in the U.S., Germany, Russia and Canada. “Write Now!” taught by Patricia Dunn, will take place March 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. There are two things most writers need and crave – time and space. In this class, give yourself the gift of time. In the nurturing space at the Scarsdale Library, find and begin to write the stories you live every day. Using histories, memories and senses as launching pads, begin to transform the ordinariness of your lives into extraordinary fiction and nonfiction. This class is for those who want to write but don’t yet believe they have anything to say, as well as for those who want to write but need the time and space in which to do it. The instructor will focus on craft, but most importantly, she will get you to write! Dunn is the director of Sarah Lawrence College’s Writing Institute, where she has been teaching for the past 11 years. She is the author of “Rebels by Accident” (Sourcebooks Fire, 2014). Her work has appeared in Salon.com, The Christian Science Monitor, the Village Voice, the Nation, LA Weekly, and others. She holds a masters in fine arts degree in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College. PAGE 6 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - Friday, February 6, 2015 SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION Classifieds Currently searching for an experienced Janitorial Facility/Building Manager to manage all janitorial responsibilities of a large building in White Plains, NY. Requirements - YOU MUST MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS: -5+ years janitorial management, managing one facility at least 250,000 square foot or more, managing 15+ employees, project work scheduling, hiring employees, employee discipline, managing inventory, training janitorial employees, computer skills, good organizational skills, etc. Salary starts at $48,000 To apply call 612-2083441 or 612-331-1165 and send your resume to [email protected] Also seeking ---Part Time Janitor/Cleaner Growing janitorial company is searching for experienced, reliable parttime janitor / cleaner needed in White Plains, NY. Two years previous janitorial experience required. Strip and wax experience as well as carpet cleaning experience a plus. Starting Wage at $22.00 per hour, with full benefits and vacation available**Must be extremely reliable with own car and valid driver’s license. ****Candidates must be prepared to pass EVerify and criminal background check.**To apply please call 612-208-3341. Send resume to [email protected] ANTIQUES • ART • COLLECTIBLES Most cash paid for paintings, antiques, furniture, silver, sculpture, jewelry, books, cameras, records, instruments, coins, watches, gold, comics, sports cards, etc. Please call Aaron at 914-654-1683. Licensed therapists needed for Early Intervention SLP, OT, PT, SI, SW, Psych Cases in Westchester County for ages 0-3 with developmental delays Send resume to [email protected] ADOPTION: Unplanned Pregnancy? Caring licensed adoption agency provides financial and emotional support. Choose from loving pre -approved families. Call Joy toll free 1 -866 -922 -3678 or confidential email:[email protected] A childless young married couple (she -30/he -37) seeks to adopt. Will be hands -on mom/devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses paid. Call/text. Mary & Adam. 1 -800 -790 -5260. ADOPTION: Unplanned Pregnancy? Caring licensed adoption agency provides financial and emotional support. Choose from loving pre -approved families. Call Joy toll free 1 -866 -922 -3678 or confidential email:[email protected] Adoption: Warmhearted couple wishes to give unconditional love to an infant. Get to know us at [email protected] or 315-200-3559. A childless young married couple (she -30/he -37) seeks to adopt. Will be hands -on mom/devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses paid. Call/text. Mary & Adam. 1 -800 -790 -5260. Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make -A -Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 914 -468 -4999 Today! 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Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday ResortServices. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com CASH for Coins! Buying Gold & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Comics, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NJ: 1 -800 -488 -4175 Academic Excellence Matthew David Swift of Cortlandt Manor has been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2014 semester at Idaho State University. He is majoring in materials engineering. Legal Notices SUMMONS INDEX NO. 70546/2013 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER Date Filed: 12/26/2013 Plaintiff designates Westchester County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee, on behalf of the holders of the Harbor View Mortgage Loan Trust Mortgage Loan Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-1, Plaintiff, -against- Daniel Falcone, Dominic Falcone a/k/a Dominick Falcone, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting solely as nominee for Countrywide Bank, N.A., Laurie Winthrop and ‘JOHN DOE #1’ through ‘JOHN DOE #10’, the last ten names being fictitious and unknown to the plaintiff, the person or parties intended being the persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): 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 attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $806,250.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of WESTCHESTER on February 16, 2007, in Control No. 470240657 covering premises known as 3 Locust Lane, Mount Vernon, NY 10552.The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. 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: Williamsville, New York: November 21, 2013 By: Ashley Schaub, Esq. Frenkel, Lambert, Weiss, Weisman & Gordon, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100 Our File No.: 01054279-F00 #3126 01/16/15 – 02/06/15 Make Rising Media Group a part of your advertising plan. Call today! 914-965-4000 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 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; 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 6, 2015 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - PAGE 7 Seniors and Health Care Tiesi Named Senior VP Of White Plains Hospital White Plains Hosthe “Young Health Care pital has named Jeffrey Executive of the Year” Tiesi as its new senior for Long Island and, vice president and chief in 1997, the American operating officer. Heart Association of Tiesi has a long and Long Island recognized successful track record him with the “Outstandin the management of ing Service Award for health care institutions. Public Support.” He comes to White Plains At a national level, Hospital from the GeisTiesi is often called upon inger Health System in as a subject matter expert Danville, Pa., where he in service line develophas served as system ment and regularly provice president and was vides formal consultation responsible for the Geisservices. inger Heart and Vascular “We are delighted Jeffrey Tiesi Institute. to welcome Jeffrey Tiesi Before joining Geisto White Plains Hospiinger in 2002, Tiesi was vice president at the tal,” said Susan Fox, president of the hospital. Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, Pa., and also previ- “His experience in hospital administration and ously held multiple administrative positions at leadership is outstanding. Geisinger Health Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola. System is well known for its patient-centered Tiesi holds a bachelor’s degree in health care and high-quality service delivery, and records administration and a master’s degree Jeff will be a welcome addition to our growing in health services administration from the hospital. Our patients can expect to continue University of Pittsburgh. He is a fellow of to receive the best possible care under Jeff’s the American College of Healthcare Execu- leadership in conjunction with the rest of our tives. In 1996, the ACHE recognized him as executive team.” Seniors Meet with Lawmakers At Legislative Speak-Out Seniors meet and speak with County Executive Rob Astorino. More than 150 seniors joined with Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino to voice their concerns to elected officials at Friday’s legislative speak-out and breakfast, an annual event held at the County Center in White Plains. “Events like this keep politicians grounded in what really matters,” said Astorino. “It gives us an opportunity to engage in frank, one-onone conversations with all of you, and then promote your ideas to improve the entire community.” This year’s speak-out – “Affording Aging in Place” – focused on keeping seniors in their homes and communities. Issues raised at the event will be published in the “White House Conference on Aging Survey” and distributed to Westchester’s elected officials. Mae Carpenter, commissioner of the Department of Senior Programs and Services, said an AARP study released recently indicated that 60 percent of working Baby Boomers could be headed out of New York, carrying with them more than $105 billion every year. However, an AARP study from 2013 indicated that if New York Baby Boomers reverse course and remain in the state they will enrich it by $179 billion a year. The speak-out was hosted by Carpenter; County Legislator Bernice Spreckman, chairwoman of the Board of Legislators’ Committee on Seniors and Constituencies; the Aging Network; the Senior Councils; and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services. MLK Celebrated at Regency Extended Care Center The Regency Extended Care Center hosted a January celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by remembering his call for social justice. Keynote speaker, Councilman Christopher Johnson, reminded residents that so many like himself have a path of official leadership paved by the motivation and concern for others demonstrated by mentors like King. In a carefully prepared talk, Johnson suggested that many protected rights and accepted attitudes today are rooted in the civil rights struggle advanced by mentors like King. Minority leader Michael Sabatino urged those present to remember that the celebration of difference extends to respect for persons of different sexual lifestyles, and Councilwoman Corazon Pineda suggested her soon-to-be-born baby would be a beneficiary of a sense of community extending to the diversity of ethnic groups ever-present in the Yonkers community. Bob Stauf, who moderated the program, applauded the fact that “King Day” is a national day of celebration for all Americans. A moving reading of the “I Have a Dream” speech given by King was read by resident Maria Iannuzzo, who then as a Caucasian gave a literary tribute to the contribution of “Black America.” Resident Elaine Barnett discussed a historical perspective of King from the point of view of journalist. She ended her comments with a moving solo of “The Our Father.” Residents enthusiastically joined in singing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and Program Director Ana Leiva oversaw the program and reception for the enjoyment of the residents. Advertise on our Seniors and Health Care Page! Call today: 914-965-4000 Bounce! & Giant Leaps Offer Sensory-Friendly Programs On the heels of the success of its first sensory friendly program in January with more than 75 people in attendance, Bounce! Trampoline Sports is again teaming up with Giant Leaps Occupational Therapy to host a second event Tuesday, Feb. 17 at its Valley Cottage location. Geared toward children with sensory issues and those on the autism spectrum, the hour-long program will include decreased auditory and visual stimuli in a less crowded environment, structured group activities with limited class size and an available quiet room with sensory manipulatives. “The first program was so well attended and enjoyed by the children and their families that we are hosting a second one with Giant Leaps,” said Michael Gross, owner of Bounce! Trampoline Sports. This special dedicated time offers unique activities and games for children with a variety of sensory issues. “We use balloons, soft balls for slam-dunk basketball and other games, as well as simple activities that help the children focus and get the most out of their time on the trampolines,” said Tammy Belcher, owner of Giant Leaps. The facility will only be open to those who pre-register for the one-hour event, which will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Family members or buddies are invited to participate with those who thrive with 1:1 assistance. Belcher is the founder and executive director of Giant Leaps Occupational Therapy, PC, a state-of-the-art pediatric treatment center. Since 2004, Giant Leaps has helped hundreds of children with sensory processing difficulties develop motor, social and cognitive skills, enabling them to succeed in typical childhood activities to their fullest potential. Sensory processing disorder is an often unrecognized condition that is seen in otherwise typically functioning individuals, as well as those with autism, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities and other neurological conditions. These individuals are not able to effectively process information from their senses, resulting in delays in motor skills and problems with self-regulation, attention and behavior. “Sensory issues often lead to social challenges, as well,” said Belcher. “This program gives children a chance to interact with others just like them, in a non-judgmental atmosphere. It is also great for the families who can also talk to other parents and siblings about various issues and challenges they face.” The cost for the one-hour program is $16, and advance registration is required by calling 845-268-4000. Bounce! is committed to increasing access and inclusion for those children and families affected by sensory processing disorders and others with sensory challenges, including those with autism spectrum disorders. To this end, they created “Sensational Tuesdays” in conjunction with Giant Leaps. The special program runs Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m., when Bounce! is closed to the general public so that these families can enjoy time in a quieter environment. The cost for Sensational Tuesdays is $12 per individual. Bounce! Trampoline Sports is located at 612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage, off Route 303, just two miles north of the Palisades Center Mall. It offers all ages the opportunity to play sports, have fun and get fit on enormous courts of interconnected trampolines. School, camp and corporate outings are welcome. For more information, visit www.bounceonit.com or call 845-268-4000, or follow Bounce! on Facebook and twitter. PAGE 8 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - Friday, February 6, 2015 Movie on Continued from Page 1 in general. The film is rife with factual errors and slyly slanted examples. Here are three: * Gwenth Cravens authoritatively states that tritium is a naturally-occurring substance and what has been released from the Vermont Yankee reactor is such a small amount that it is virtually harmless. As it happens, tritium is naturally occurring, but only in the troposphere – 125 miles above the surface of the planet. Any tritium on the surface comes from nuclear operations and carries with it a basket of other radionuclides, none of them harmless. * France is held up as a shining example of how quickly a country can roll out reactors. In France, nuclear power plants are run by the government, not private companies or utilities. The rapid roll out of reactors in France in response to the oil crises of the 70s was a decision made and financed entirely by its central government; hardly a model that is useful in this country. Currently, France gets 75 percent of its electricity from nuclear power. There is now an equally powerful policy decision in place to reduce this to 50 percent and make up the difference with renewables. * And then there is the famous diagram, so often quoted in the industry literature, of all the high-level radioactive waste ever produced fitting into a space the size of a football field. Well, maybe or maybe not – the math is right as you calculate mass, but it leaves out the issue of criticality. Fuel rods are stored under 40 feet of water at a carefully-calculated distance from each other or in dry casks for a very good reason. Put them close enough together and you get a very nasty nuclear reaction. What the diagram illustrates is not only useless in the real world, it is deliberately deceptive. An even better illustration of this point came up in the discussion following the film. A viewer asked Stone a question about uranium mine tailings and the radiation they release into the environment. His reply was that Gen 4 reactors would take care of this problem because they would use irradiated rods as fuel and we would not have to mine any more uranium. He Can Positive Continued from Page 1 In the final days before a speaker vote, Assembly Democrats were given the choice of two candidates – Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heastie and Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan from Queens. Before the final vote Monday, Nolan withdrew her name from consideration and Heastie was unanimously selected by the Democratic caucus to become the first African-American speaker of the New York State Assembly. Nolan ran as the alternative candidate for Heastie and would have become the first female Assembly speaker. Nolan, who could not win a majority of Democrats in the Assembly to challenge Heastie, would have shattered New York State’s “three men in a room” system of leadership. “That glass ceiling in Albany is very thick,” said Nolan. “I hope I shatter it, but even if I put a little nick, I would consider that a really positive development.” U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara commented on the insanity of “three men in a room,” after he announced his indictment of Silver. “Why three men? Can there be a woman? Do they always have to be white? How small is the room that they can only fit three men? Is it three men in a closet? Are there cigars?” he said. The 44 Republican members of the As- Teatown’s Hudson Continued from Page 1 will be eight eagle viewing sites up and down the Hudson River. Amazing live raptor shows are always a fan favorite and will be held throughout the day, including Teatown-led programs with Teatown’s animal ambassadors. Additional activities range from guided and independent eagle viewings, bus tours, storytelling, a tent brimming with children’s programs and activities, bird walks, and displays from 30 area organizations. Entertaining and educational shows take place all day long in The Eagle Theatre and Eaglet Stage under much-appreciated heated tents. Food for purchase will be provided by the Wobble Café. Purchase discounted online general admission tickets at www.teatown.org; parking is free at the park. Live birds of prey shows include: 9:15 a.m. – Hudson Valley Wildlife, Teatown; 10 and 11 a.m. – “Skyhunters in Flight” with Brian Bradley; noon and 1 p.m. – “Close Encounters with Wintering Eagles and Owls” with Bill Streeter/ went on to add that our high level radioactive waste is not even a problem, it is a resource. In the meantime, there are no applications pending before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for these reactors, no site approvals or financing in place, nor would Gen 4 handle the problem of existing mountains of radioactive tailings that wreak such havoc in Western communities, especially on Native American reservations. All of the reactors in this country, including Indian Point, use fuel that starts with uranium mining. They do it for several reasons: it is cheaper to mine than to reprocess fuel, and no American reactor is set up to handle the mixed oxide fuel produced by reprocessing. So, in the real world we are left with mountains of tailings and the misery created from uranium mining in communities out west, as well as a fleet of aging reactors that require uranium mining and produce literally tons of high-level radioactive waste that is deadly for 240,000 years with no place to store it. By focusing on the misty future, Stone glibly avoided mentioning any of this troublesome reality. Paul Galay, director of the Riverkeeper organization, was also part of the discussion after the screening. He pointed out that the next big thing in nuclear power is always 20 years down the road, and it just seems to stay that way as the years roll by. What we need and what does seem eminent is an immense improvement in battery technology that would allow storage of huge amounts of power for times when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow. Galay’s final words on this topic were strong ones: His suggestion was to double down on efficiency and the proven carbon-free technologies we know and can afford, especially wind and solar. Why spend billions on something that is always 20 years down the road when we can get so much more bang for our buck with clean and green technology, common-sense community conservation, and most of all industrial-sized efficiency?” (End of Elie letter.) For more information on the movie, which was first shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013, visit www.Pandoraspromise.com. The debate over the future of Indian Point is an important one for Westchester County, which we will highlight in the weeks to come. sembly did not play a role in the selection of a new speaker. A coalition government – of Republican and Democratic members – never materialized. Gov. Andrew Cuomo also called for Silver’s removal as speaker, once Silver tried to hold on to power. Both Paulin and Mayer gave their thoughts on Heastie. Mayer, D-Yonkers, who has helped lead the Reform Caucus effort, said Heastie is “a very good team player on behalf of his constituents.” She added that she has worked with Heastie to tout the importance of Yonkers Raceway, which draws a portion of its employment pool from Heastie’s district in the Bronx. “I think he’ll be an excellent speaker,” she said. “I urge him to acknowledge how important this reform movement is and to provide an opportunity to come up with some concrete recommendations for him as speaker over a short period of time so we can continue to move that needle on reform.” “I think he is a little reserved and quiet,” added Paulin, who entered the Assembly the same year Heastie did. “He’s not out in the limelight. He’s smart. I’ve always found him to be a very good listener. He’s very inclusive and knows how to bring people together.” Assembly members Tom Abinanti and Sandy Galef also signed the petition, and called for reforms and Silver’s removal. Delaware Valley Raptor Center; 2 p.m. – Birds of Prey with Brian Robinson; and 3 p.m. – Hudson Valley Wildlife, Teatown. General Admission tickets allow participants to enter all of the tents at Croton Point Park and to take advantage of all of the day’s activities for one price (bus tours are an additional fee). Tickets sold at the venue on the day of the event will be $15 for adults age 12 and older, $10 for children age 6 to 11, and free for children 5 and younger. Guests can enjoy eagle viewing locations and activities along the Hudson River for free. Each is staffed by eagle experts with spotting scopes. When it’s time to warm up, attendees can take a break in the heated tents/buildings at the following sites: Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park; Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison; Croton Boat Ramp at Croton-Harmon Train Station; New Croton Dam in Cortlandt; George’s Island Park in Montrose; Riverfront Green Park in Peekskill; Rockwood Hall in Sleepy Hollow; and Steamboat Dock Park in Verplanck. For more information, visit www.teatown. org. Make Rising Media Group a part of your advertising plan. Call today! 914-965-4000 February Westchester County Board Meetings Board of Acquisition and Contract Thursdays, Feb. 12, 19 and 26 at 11 a.m. County Executive’s Office, Conf. Room A 148 Martine Ave., White Plains Veterans Service Agency Monday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. County Executive’s Office, Conf. Room A 148 Martine Ave., White Plains Municipal Planning Federation Board Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 9 a.m. Michaelian Office Building, fourth floor, Conf. Room 420 148 Martine Ave., White Plains Electrical Examining Board Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. Michaelian Office Building, fifth floor 148 Martine Ave., White Plains Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 9 a.m. Muscoot Farm Route 100, Somers Domestic Violence Council Thursday, Feb. 12 at 12:30 p.m. County Courthouse, Probation, seventh floor conference room 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains Industrial Development Agency Thursday, Feb. 12 at 9 a.m. County Executive’s Office, Conf. Room A 148 Martine Ave., White Plains Westchester-Putnam Workforce Investment Board Friday, Feb. 13 at 8:30 a.m. Westchester Community College, Foundation Board Room 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla Plumbing Board Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. Michaelian Office Building, Room 527 148 Martine Ave., White Plains Police Board Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 4 p.m. Commissioner’s Conference Room, Westchester County Police Headquarters 1 Saw Mill River Parkway, Hawthorne African-American Advisory Board Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. County Executive’s Office, Conf. Room A 148 Martine Ave., White Plains Youth Board Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. County Executive’s Office, Conf. Room A 148 Martine Ave., White Plains Board of Health Thursday, Feb. 19 at 8:30 a.m. 10 County Center Road, second floor White Plains Soil and Water Conservation District Board (call Ellen Brief) Friday, Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. Michaelian Office Building, fourth floor, Conf. Room 420 148 Martine Ave., White Plains LGBT Advisory Board Monday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. County Executive’s Office, Conf. Room A 148 Martine Ave., White Plains Airport Advisory Board Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Westchester County Airport Transportation Board Friday, Feb. 27 at 8:30 a.m. Department of Public Works and Transportation offices 100 E. First St., Mount Vernon For board meeting updates throughout the month, visit www3.westchestergov.com/ events/county-meetings. Documentary & Discussion Series Continues in Ossining The Ossining Documentary and Discussion Series will present “Brothers of the Black List” on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Ossining Public Library’s Budarz Theater at 53 Croton Ave. “Brothers of the Black List” tells the story behind the longest litigated civil rights case in American history, as the now-grown students from SUNY Oneonta recount the disturbing events that the college and police department tried sweeping under the rug. Guest panelists include the documentary’s filmmaker, Sean Gallagher; Nyack High School teacher Kirk Allen, also one of the film’s subjects; and Ossining High School teacher Jillian McRae. On Thursday, March 12, the series will continue with “Mercedes Sosa: The Voice of Latin America,” an intimate documentary that reveals the early life and rise to worldwide stardom of Argentina’s most famous musical artist, also at 6:30 p.m. in the Budarz Theater. The film covers her more than 50-year career, exploring the impact she had on music as well as politics. Following the screening, a panel of experts will be available to answer questions and facilitate discussion. For more information on these free film screenings, call 914-941-2416 or visit www.ossiningdocumentaries.org. Legal Notices 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 Beauty and the Details Event Planning, LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/24/2014. Office location: Westchester. 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 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 #6607 01/16 – 02/20 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 Friday, February 6, 2015 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - PAGE 9 New ‘Oak & Oil’ Gallery Village Lutheran Church Currently Features Local Art Ordains Pastor Morris Mayer “Snow Family” Pastor Morris Mayer with wife, Mutiara, and daughters Stefanie and Diana. Vicar Morris Mayer was ordained as a pastor at Village Lutheran Church on Jan. 25. Mayer was born and raised in Brooklyn to parents Arnold and Gloria. He grew up in the Jewish faith and attended Hebrew school from elementary until high school. He was also enrolled for a short time in Rabbinical high school. Mayer came to the Christian faith as an adult through the ministry of Village Lutheran Church. In the fall of 2012, he enrolled in the Specific Ministry Pastor program via distance-learning through Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. SMP students take two years of distance training while serving as vicars, are then ordained, and finally complete their studies with two more years of distance training. After his ordination and installation, Mayer will begin serving VLC in the specific ministry of a staff pastor. He is scheduled to complete the SMP program in the summer of 2016. “Morris is our congregation’s first pastor to have been trained via distance education from our seminary in St. Louis,” said the Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell, senior pastor of Village Lutheran Church. In the program, students take online courses and meet weekly with a mentor for oneon-one discussion of the curriculum. Hartwell shared his belief that “Pastor Morris “Yellow Maple” is ready both theologically and practically to minister the Word and the Sacraments. His remaining time engaging the distance seminary instruction will only help to build on his solid foundation.” Mayer is also the owner/operator of Plaza Park Interiors, a local drapery and upholstery shop in Yonkers. He will be a pastor in the worker-priest model as he continues to operate his business and serve the church on a part-time basis as an SMP adjunct pastor. “Of course there is no such thing as a ‘parttime’ pastor,” he said. “Like all clergy, I will always be open to helping others and sharing God’s love, not just after working hours.” Speaking at a reception following the ordination, Mayer added: “I am so grateful to Village Lutheran Church for its support, both financial and emotional, to help me reach this moment and I am so excited to be in ministry to this community.” Mayer is married to Mutiara, a lifelong New Yorker and Lutheran. The Mayers have been married for more than 16 years and have two daughters, Stefanie and Diana. Village Lutheran Church and the Chapel School is located at 172 White Plains Road, Bronxville, across from Concordia College. To learn more, go to www.VLC-NY.ORG. Serving Our Country “Sea Buscuit” Nine local artists will have their work featured at a new gallery in Katonah called “Oak and Oil,” through Feb. 22. The artists, all based in Westchester, were recently featured in Bedford Magazine and gallery owners Michael Kearns and Maxine Ganer decided to invite them to showcase their work together as the first major exhibit for the gallery, titled “Under the Radar.” “The only one we couldn’t accommodate was Naomi Press, who creates large outdoor sculptures,” said Ganer. “The others are amazing artists, each with their own style and focus, which will make for a very eclectic show.” “Our goal is to provide an eclectic collection of art and furnishings, showcasing local artists and craftsmen,” added Kearns. “We intend for the gallery to be organic, ever-changing and dedicated to the local community and its artisans.” The artists to be featured include: Julie Testwuide, based in Bedford, whose current work focuses on huge photographs of horses, emphasizing their beautiful lines and free spirits. North Salem artist Sally Burlingham Frank, who is a master with etchings, woodcuts and printmaking and relies on nature as her source of inspiration. She is also currently working in a new method called solarplate intaglio. Her work has been exhibited at Weir Farm National Historic Site, the Katonah Museum and the Hammond Museum, among others. Dustin Spear has had her films featured in the Metropolitan and Brooklyn Museums of Art. She tells stories through original music, dance and art and creates the papier-mâché objects used in her films from her Bedford studio. Based in Katonah, photographer Amy Drucker uses life to inspire her work. She began by documenting her own family and then created a business, taking powerful family portraits. Chris Green, originally from Great Britain, crafts his unique and beautiful work from stainless steel, among other materials. The Katonah artist is the winner of the Manhattan Arts International Award for his sculpture, “Healing Power of Art,” rendered in Italian Portoro marble. North Salem artist Henry Bismuth was born in Paris and has a medical degree, but found a different sense of satisfaction from painting and has been exhibiting internationally for more than 20 years. With a background in graphic design, Dan Cohen, based in Bedford Hills, enjoys the humor and provocative nature of combining things that are unexpected. His work may be photographs, paintings or drawings. Pound Ridge artist John Whitton Bria paints landscapes of places familiar to him, including Scotland, the Adirondacks and the Pound Ridge Reservation. Another Pound Ridge, artist Vivian Pyle, uses clay as her medium of choice. Pyle says she has no particular philosophy and focuses on “everything and anything I feel like doing.” Some of her work is now part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Urban Sculpture in St. Petersburg, Russia. Located in the heart of Katonah village, at 89 Katonah Ave., “Oak and Oil” is only minutes from Interstate 684, the Saw Mill Parkway and a short walk from the Katonah train station. Private consultations can be arranged to view art and furnishings at the gallery. For more information, visit www.oakandoil. com or call 914-232-8100. Army Pvt. Shanae Minott, granddaughter of Phinette Irvin and niece of Alayire Smith, both of Mount Vernon, has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches and field training exercises. *** Air Force Airman Elias Dejesus, a 2013 graduate of Saunders Trade and Technical School in Yonkers and son of Marisol Cruz and step-son of Albert Dejesus of Yonkers, graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles Air Force Airman Elias Dejesus. 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. New Kitchens • Baths • Wall Units REFACING -OR- REMODELING Green Kitchens on Sale Don’t Pay Extra to Protect Your Health No Formaldehyde • 0% VOCs • Non-Solvent Based Stains www.DreamWorkKitchens.com FREE Showroom Consultation SHOWROOM Open M-T-Th-F-Sat: 9a-5p Other hours by appt. 401 Ward Ave Mamaroneck NY License: WC05441-H93 Bathrooms & Fine Cabinetry 914-777-0437 Serving Westchester • New York City • SW Connecticut Paul & Liz Bookbinder PAGE 10 - harrison RISING - Friday, February 6, 2015 Stuart Vance Artwork On Display at WCC “Blue Interchange” by Stuart Vance is on display at Westchester Community College. Take a guided tour of Glenview, the museum’s 19th century river home, Saturdays and Sundays at 1, 2, 3 or 4 p.m. Photo courtesy of the Hudson River Museum. The fine arts gallery at Westchester Community College is presenting “Relics from the Age of Carbon” by Stuart Vance through March 7. The artist is interested in the formal, abstract qualities of freeways, highways, interchanges, railroads bridges and other human-made megastructures. He sees these objects as nostalgic artifacts from the golden age of carbon-based fuels that evoke bittersweet feelings of loss and regret, harkening back to a time when many did not consider how the environment and our natural inheritance were being affected. These structures were once celebrated as facilitators of commerce, communication – and even love – but now are often seen as chaotic tangles out of which we must somehow each find our way. Show hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursday evenings from 4 to 6 p.m. The gallery is located on the third floor of the Academic Arts Building, across from the theatre. For more information, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gallery or call 914-606-7867. Screenwriting, Acting & Editing Classes at The Picture House Paint a self-portrait with symbols and images that inspire you, Saturdays and Sundays in February at the Hudson River Museum, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the family studio. Photo by Jennifer Patton. Big Bird Continued from Page 2 Liberty Science Center, with major funding provided by the National Science Foundation. Also on Feb. 1, at 1 p.m., take a tour of the galleries with museum docents. Event highlights include portraits in the Permanent Collection, which help viewers understand the social history of different times. Free with Museum admission On Saturdays and Sundays in February, at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m., HRM visitors can tour Glenview with a “Glenview Explainer” as a guide. See the restored 19th century period rooms, furniture and paintings. Also on Saturdays and Sundays in February, “Family Studio” art and science projects will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Enjoy creative activities inspired by the museum’s collections and exhibitions, led by junior docents and arts and science professionals. On Saturdays, as the “Messenger” spacecraft ends its mission on Mercury, learn how craters on this planet and others can be used to study the past. Then see how tree rings can be used to study the more recent past on Earth. And on Saturdays and Sundays, create your own symbol and add it to your self-portrait, the way artist “Frohawk Two Feathers” paints symbols on the faces of the people in his portraits. Admission to the museum is $6 for adults, $3 for youth age 3 to 18, or $4 for students and senior citizens age 62-plus. Admission to the planetarium is $4 for adults, $2 for youth and $3 for students and seniors. The Hudson River Museum is located at 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.hrm.org or call 914963-4550. The Picture House is adding three, twoweek-long intensive courses to its adult education offerings for the winter/spring semester. The Creative Workout Series classes are customized by seasoned film industry professionals and provide learning opportunities in screenwriting, acting and editing for the busy adult student. Each adult education course takes place over two consecutive weeks; students can choose to enroll in any one or all three of the classes. All creative workout sessions take place at The Picture House’s restored 1921 theater or the new satellite film lab, which serves as an education space for students of all ages. Members receive a 10 percent discount on all education classes, and online enrollment is currently open at www.thepicturehouse.org or by calling 914-738-3161 or emailing [email protected]. The screenwriting class will take place Fridays, Feb. 6 and 13 from noon to 2 p.m. The cost is $135 Work with a seasoned professional to cultivate your ideas for a screenplay or take your existing work to the next level by developing it into a well-plotted story with three-dimensional characters and sharp dialogue. Also, read Academy Award-winning scripts and discuss the “hows” and “whys” of screenwriting. The acting class will take place Wednesdays, March 18 and 25 from 10 a.m. to noon Gain an understanding of how to create characters and approach a script through method acting, improvisation and learning skills for stage and film. If you have always wanted to act, strengthen your public speaking skills, or need to brush up on your audition skills – this class is for you. Attend ready to move, as this is a physical and creative workout. A class teaching editing in iMovie will take place Wednesdays, April 8 and 15 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Created for the beginner editor who wants to learn to use iMovie and create movies with a home computer, this course will teach the ins and outs of this user-friendly software. Turn your family videos into a project you are proud of or edit that movie you have been itching to create. APPLY NOW CHARTER SCHOOL OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE A PUBLIC SCHOOL WITH A PRIVATE SCHOOL SETTING 260 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10701 914-476-5070 Ext. 18 Visit our website at www.charterschoolofeducationalexcellence.org Designated as a REWARD SCHOOL FOR 2014 by the New York State Department of Education Proudly serving the Town & Village of Harrison, Purchase and Silver Lake Nick Sprayregen, Publisher [email protected] Daniel J. Murphy, Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Bayan Baker, Assistant to Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Paul Gerken, Advertising Sales [email protected] Gregory Baldwin, Administrative Asst. [email protected] We are accepting new student applications for Grades K-8 INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS Harrison Rising - USPS Permit #236060 is published weekly by Rising Media Group, LLC 25 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701 Periodicals Postage Paid Yonkers, New York Postmaster send change of addresses to Rising Media Group, LLC, 25 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701 Solicitudes para los grados K-8 SESIONES INFORMATIVAS • January 13, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. • 13 de enero a las 2:30 p.m. • February 12, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. • 12 de febrero a las 5:00 p.m. • March 19, 2015 9:30 a.m. 260 Warburton Avenue Yonkers, NY 10701 Member of the New York Press Association 914-965-4000 Fax 914-965-2892 25 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701 www.risingmediagroup.com Estamos aceptando APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 27, 2015 at 8:00 am LOTTERY DATE: APRIL 8, 2015 For an application or more information please call 914-476-5070 Ext. 18 • 19 de marzo a las 9:30 a.m. 260 Warburton Avenue Yonkers, NY 10701 LA FECHA LIMITE PARA ENTREGAR LA SOLICITUD DEL SORTEO ES EL 27 DE MARZO DE 2015 LA LOTERIA SE LLEVARA A CABO EL DIA 8 DE ABRIL 2015 Para obtener informacion llame al 914-476-5070 Ext. 18 “We aim to inspire, motivate and instill a love for learning in all children”