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Vol. 5, No. 13, June 16 - June 30, 2009
Brighton residents plead: DON’T CLOSE THE POST OFFICE!
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• Veep’s wife at Kingsborough • No Zoning in Brighton • The other victims • Hebrew nixed at I.S. 278 • Swine flu finally hits Bay -- softly • Flea market with a mission
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David J. Glenn
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Publisher’s Notebook Don’t close the P.O.! All through wars, economic collapses, and political unrest, the U.S. Postal Service has held true to the mission inscribed on the General Post Office on 8th Avenue and 33rd Street in Manhattan: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” But now it seems a simple landlordtenant issue might mean the closing of a vital post office in the area. As we report in this issue, the Brighton Beach post office -- the only one for the thousands of residents, many of them elderly, in Brighton and Manhattan Beach – is scheduled to be
shuttered at the end of the year simply because a renewed lease for the space on Coney Island Avenue off Brighton Beach Avenue couldn’t be negotiated. We don’t know the fine details of the lease, but it’s a little hard to believe that the U.S. Postal Service – whose postmaster general’s salary alone would likely more than cover any conceivable lease for a site of the size and condition of the Brighton P.O. -- can’t come up with the rent money for a facility to serve the populous neighborhood of Brighton Beach. In classic let-them-eat-cake fashion, postal officials say that Brighton residents will just have to use the
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Sheepshead Bay post office. Aside from the fact that many Brighton residents don’t drive and would find it very hard to go all the way to Sheepshead Bay to buy stamps or mail a package, the Bay P.O. is already impossibly overcrowded. President Obama and Congress, you hardly blinked an eye to funnel hundreds of billions of dollars to enable AIG and other corporate executives to throw parties and receive stratospheric bonuses. Do you think you can throw a few extra dollars to the people of Brighton Beach to keep the only postal link they have?
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Not so bad – yet
To the editor: I hope the flu scare will not have any dire consequences. However, as I write this on May 18, there is one death from flu in the city, one public school closed in Brooklyn, other closings in the city, but, so far, nothing as bad as in Mexico. Microorganisms don’t recognize national boundaries, so why did the swine flu virus affect Mexico so much more than in the United States? Perhaps it has several stages, a relatively mild one, an apparent recovery, a hiatus, and then a severe, sometimes fatal, one. If so, the initial phase may have gone unnoticed in Mexico. If so, the apparent recoveries in the U.S. should be monitored – and everyone should take common-sense precautions. Donald Marcus Sheepshead Bay
Cars from China?
To the editor: General Motors has received $20 billion in U.S. government loans and might need another $50 billion to survive. GM plans to close a number of U.S. plants and lay off thousands of workers. The UAW has agreed to eliminate or reduce employee benefits to drop the average wage, including benefits, from around $75 per hour to near $45 per hour, which is the average wage of U.S. auto workers at foreign-owned plants in the U.S. Hopefully, GM will cut management staff and reduce executive salaries. These actions should make GM costcompetitive and save thousands of American jobs. However, to my astonishment,
GM plans to increase imports from Mexico, South Korea, Japan and China from 15% in 2009 to 23% by 2014. About 50,000 cars will be imported from Communist China by 2014. Evidently the U.S. taxpayers are loaning GM up to $50 billion to stay alive so it can close U.S. plants, lay off U.S. workers, transfer some production to foreign countries like Communist China and import inferior cars to the U.S. so more U.S. workers can be laid off. And our insurance rates and health care costs will increase from accidents as the wheels falls off the Chinese made vehicles. We don’t need imported cars. We need fuel efficient, reasonably priced cars manufactured in the U.S. Donald A. Moskowitz Londonderry, New Hampshire
Hospitals not a good place to be sick By David J. Glenn publisher@baycurrents.net When my father-in-law temporarily had to go into a nursing home to recover from a trip-and-fall last year, it didn’t take long for him to get into a verbal spat with one of the attendants. When she asked him to go to bed at 8 p.m., he said to her in his low-volume, high-intensity way, “Do you go to sleep at 8?” I thought at first he was perhaps being a little uncooperative – after all, weren’t the attendants simply looking after him? But when I recently had a bout with bronchitis and had to go into the hospital myself, I soon realized where Stanley was coming from. Case in point: When I dared to venture out of my room to go to the nurse’s station to ask for a pad and pen, a nurse at a computer in the hallway said – in a tone sounding like “Halt, June 16 - June 30, 2009
who goes there?” – “Where are you going, Mr. Glenn?” When I told her, she said I should have asked her first – forgetting that when I did so earlier to request a second pillow, she said she wasn’t working that floor and that she would tell someone to bring me a pillow (I never did get the pillow). This and several other encounters illustrated what is really bad about being in any health-care institution. It’s not so much the fact of being sick, or of being surrounded by sick people – it’s the relinquishing of control over all the little aspects of your daily life, the determination by someone else of when you should get up, go to sleep, eat, or ask for a pad and pen. Whether the staff’s motivation is good: genuine concern about your well-being – or not: do they want you to go to bed early so you’ll be out of their hair? – it remains that they now control you. Too bad doctors don’t make house calls anymore. Visit us at: www.BayCurrents.net
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Neither snow nor rain – but what about money? By Olga Privman privman@baycurrents.net Every morning six days a week, delivery trucks arrive at 3157 Coney Island Avenue filled to the brim with mail. Postal employees dutifully prepare the massive amount of mail for distribution, readying for the onslaught of customers sure to enter the busy establishment each day. This Dec. 31, however, the crowds of
visitors will be hushed – not out of holiday or solemnity, but simply because this particular post office is scheduled to close. The only post office for all of Brighton Beach. “It’s bad for the community,” said Benny Moy, lead clerk at the Brighton Beach post office. “We’re pretty busy. We do a lot of business. This post office is making money. We just hope that it will relocate into another area.” He said a financial agreement could not be reached with the new landlord, and the office has to be shut down. Customers were quick to share Moy’s concern, since the location of the post office on Coney Island Avenue, just a few feet from Brighton Beach Avenue, is by the Q train and the B1 and the B68 bus lines, and close to Kingsborough Community College. Christopher Morales, 19, a business-
administration major at KCC who often drops off letters and packages on his way to and from school, thinks the scheduled closing is “extremely inconvenient for the commuters and even more so for the residents. As a commuter, I can go to another post office, but that might mean having to take an extra bus. For the local residents, that’s just unfair in the sense that they would have to go so far just to get the use of a post office.” The only postal recourse for the thousands living or working in Brighton would be the already overcrowded Sheepshead Bay post office. “We work nearby and it’s convenient for us to run our errands here in spite of the long lines,” Vera Kutovaya , a waitress at the Café Glechik next door, said in her native Russian. “I don’t know what we will do if they do close the post office because the lines at the other post office will be unbearable. Many come here early in the morning before work to run their errands. Every morning, mountains of parcels come in. I don’t know what’s going to happen when it closes.” If local customers do have to move their business to the post office in Sheepshead Bay, the lines would surely double – posing an inconvenience for younger residents but a major disruption for the elderly. “There’s a line every morning when I
open the café,” added Faina Kutovaya, manager of Café Glechik. “I cannot imagine what will happen to the elderly people in the wheelchairs when the post office closes. Many of the businesses here use this office.” “Yes, that is bad. But what can I do?” Brighton resident Vladislav Krylov lamented. There may be some hope. “We are in touch with the U.S. Postal service and they have assured us that they are looking for a new space to move the post office,” said Jason Koppel, chief of staff for state Senator Carl Kruger, who wants to see a new post office open in Brighton Beach. “We hope that it will be a seamless transition.”
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Bay area no longer out of swine-flu loop
By Amadeo Constanzo health@baycurrents.net During the height of the citywide, national, and global spread of the swine flu starting with the first detection in Mexico in April, the Bay area was spared from any significant outbreak or school closings. But lately there have been reports of school children and adults having symptoms that could be from the H1N1 virus, with two teachers at P.S. 99 at 1120 East 10th Street reportedly testing positive for the virus and 42 children absent with symptoms of the flu. Several area emergency-room doctors told Bay Currents, though, that the swine flu is really not significantly different than ordinary flu, and even may pose less of a danger than the seasonal variety – which claims some 2,000 lives every year in the city and hundreds of thousands worldwide. “The swine flu really has been played up by the media,” said one ER attending physician. Nonetheless, the World Health Organization, reporting more than 27,700 deaths worldwide from the swine flu, declared on June 11 a global pandemic of the virus, a declaration that should speed up production of a vaccine. That’s little consolation to the family of 11-year-old Sarah Michel, a sixth-grader at I.S. 609 in Borough Park, who doctors said died from the swine flu Sunday night, June 7. She reportedly had an underlying condition, a heart defect. Parents of children at the school were outraged that the school hadn’t been shut down. Principal Mariela Graham sent a memo home to students on Wednesday, June 10 informing them of Sarah’s death from “a severe case of influenza caused by the H1N1 virus,” but urged them not to panic. “Classes are not being considered for closure at this time. They will continue even as we share our grief over this loss,” he wrote.
The U.S. Department of Human and Health Services has allocated $1 billion for testing and production of a swine-flu vaccine. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are pushing for at least $350 million to upgrade state and local contingency preparations in case the current swine virus becomes more severe. By the first week in June, there were 623 confirmed cases of the swine flu in New York City, including eight deaths. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and the World Health Organization remained uncertain about what form the virus may take -- whether it would stay mild or become more virulent when it returns next winter. “We don’t really know the danger of this virus,” said Dr. Steven Baum of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Area residents interviewed by Bay Currents weren’t particularly worried. “The way I see it, it’s just like the normal flu,” said Sarah of Sheepshead Bay. They did, though, generally support funding for a vaccine, although some said that allocating more than $1 billion was excessive. “That’s too much money,” said Alisha of Flatbush. “There are other critical issues that need funding, such as people without health insurance and hospitals closing.” Whether or not the virus intensifies, health officials stress that simple precautions are the best idea. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, avoid shaking hands with people, and carry around a pocket bottle of hand-sanitizer available People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma, and pregnant women, should go to the doctor or ER immediately if they experience flu symptoms. As for other people, Baum advises: “Don’t go to the emergency room unless you are very sick.”
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Simon L. Belsky Democratic candidate for City Council District #48 Integrity Accountability Productivity Leadership
(Almost) everything you wanted to know about Father’s Day… It’s not known for sure, but historians believe the first observance of Father’s Day in the U.S. was on July 5, 1908 in a church in Fairmont, West Virginia, by Dr. Robert Webb. Sonora Smart Dodd of Washington state independently thought of the holiday on a Sunday in 1909 while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon at the Central Methodist Episcopal Church at Spokane. She composed a tribute for her father on June 19, 1910, and, as far as is known, was the first to present the idea of having an official Father’s Day observance to honor all fathers. But that didn’t happen right away. While Mother’s Day was met with enthusiasm, Father’s Day evoked mocking. It was the
target of much satire, parody and derision, including jokes from local newspapers. Many people saw it as just the f irst step in f illing the calendar with endless promotions like “National Clean Your Desk Day.” The laughter subsided, though, and a bill was introduced in 1913 to make father’s Day official. President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea in 1924, and a national committee was formed in the 1930s by trade groups to legitimize the holiday. It finally was made a federal holiday when President Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation in 1966. In addition to Father’s Day, many countries celebrate International Men’s Day, most often on November 19.
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Advocate for Community Quality of Life Better pay for our Teachers, Police, Fire and EMS personnel (No layoffs) · Smaller class sizes in our schools · Computers, programs and materials for our schools · Programs for our seniors and veterans · Better development of our parks and recreational facilities
Vote for an independent leader for a change! Simon Belsky is not beholden to any developer or special interest. Vote in the September 15 Primary Get in touch with him
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No Hebrew Language Academy at I.S. 278 By Christina Pisano pisano@baycurrents.net Parents, students, and teachers of Marine Park I.S. 278 have won their fight to keep a proposed Hebrew Language Charter Academy out of the Fillmore Avenue building. Department of Education officials withdrew its plans to site the charter school at I.S. 278. “I’m ecstatic,” said Dr. Mardie Sheikenâ Henry, whose daughter is in the sixth grade at I.S. 278, “as is the community.” Opponents feared that locating the academy at I.S. 278 would thwart plans to expand the school to include a performing-arts high school. “They say charter, we say music,” parents and students chanted at a June 2 Department of Education hearing on the controversy. They presented a petition that they said contained 6,441 signatures in opposition to the academy plans. The Marine Park Junior High Parents Association had been lobbying for the
opening of a high school at I.S. 278. DOE officials, though, said the building might not be large enough to support an expansion to grade 12. At the June 2 meeting, Fidler relayed a message of support from the Marine Park Jewish Community Council. “They wanted me to communicate to you and everyone in this room that they stand with us 100 percent in opposing the charter school and stand with us 100 percent in support of a performing arts school here at Marine Park Junior High School.” With the Hebrew Language Academy nixed for I.S. 278, the charter school, which has already received 300 applications for admission, is in need of a new home, either in a private facility or possibly at another public school. City Comptroller William Thompson, Jr. spoke at the hearing in support of the Hebrew Language Academy -- but in a space of its own. “It deserves a home. Just not necessarily here,” he said.
Should other victims be included at memorial site? By David J. Glenn publishers@baycurrents.net Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz – a son of Holocaust survivors -- has joined a movement calling for memorials of non-Jewish victims of the Third Reich, including the disabled, homosexuals,
and Gypsies, to be added to Holocaust Memorial Park in Sheepshead Bay. “Holocaust Memorial Park is more than just a memorial to those who perished at the hands of the Nazis, it was created to remind us of the horrors of hatred and to teach future generations the lessons that are to be learned from this horrendous
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period of history. The Park’s purpose is most definitely to educate as well as commemorate,” Cymbrowitz said. “Excluding Holocaust victims who were not Jewish would be sending a message that is 180 degrees opposite of what we need to communicate. It would be wrong, and contrary to the sentiment that led to this memorial’s creation in 1985. “It is our duty to respect every Holocaust victim and survivor and include them in this memorial.” The Holocaust Memorial Committee, which maintains the site at the west end of the bay at the Sheepshead BayManhattan Beach border, opposes the idea. Assemblyman Dov Hikind, whose district includes Borough Park, also is in opposition – unless the name of the park were to be changed. “We all know there were many victims [besides Jews}, but ‘Holocaust’ specifically refers to the Jewish people,” Hikind told Bay Currents. “If the name of the park were changed to ‘Victims of the Nazis Memorial Park,’ there wouldn’t be a problem. But ‘Holocaust Memorial Park’ is very specific.” Other opponents also argue that European Jews were the prime target of the Nazi attempt at genocide; Hitler categorized Jews as the very lowest order of non-“Aryan” people. The infamous Nuremburg laws – imposed as the Nazis were gaining power – specifically singled out Jews for a series of increasing restrictions on where and how they could live and work.
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Jill Biden: KCC changes lives By David J. Glenn publisher@baycurrents.net Speakers at commencement ceremonies usually are expected to inspire the newly minted graduates with words of praise and encouragement. But Jill Biden, wife of the vice president, told the Kingsborough Community College Class of 2009, “You inspire me.” Biden, who recently earned a doctorate in education and still teaches at a community college in northern Virginia, not far from the White House, stressed she’s a strong believer in “the power of community colleges to Jill Biden change lives,” and that she was honored to be the keynote speaker at “one of the top community colleges in the nation.” She used the bulk of her address to single out several individual grads seated in the large ceremonial tent on the seaside campus who overcame difficult obstacles to get a degree at Kingsborough. “Grace lost her job as a lab technician, came to Kingsborough to get a nursing degree, and now has a job waiting for her,” Biden said as she asked the graduate to stand. Another in the Class of 2009 “is the first in his family to go to college,” Biden said. Yet another grad had come from Guyana to the U.S. in 2000, learned English, was laid off as a flight attendant, was injured while serving in the Army Reserves, and now just earned a nursing degree from KCC. “You’ve all come to this college at different stages in your life,” the Second Lady told the students and their
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families. “You can all say, “I did that, now I can do so much more.’” KCC’s 2009 valedictorian, in fact, did so. Raluca Toscano had emigrated from Romania to the U.S. three years ago. She knew very little English, but took English as a Second language courses at Kingsborough, and, she said, “I made friends with my books.” She earned an associate degree in math with a perfect 4.0 grade-point, and has already started on a bachelor’s degree program in math at Adelphi University – continuing her 4.0. “I knew that in Romania, everything could be stripped away from you, but what you have learned, can never be taken away,” she told her fellow graduates in her valedictory address. Mayor Michael Bloomberg also addressed the graduates, joking that his greatest achievement that day was finding a parking space at Kingsborough. But he was not kidding when he told them, “You have every reason to be proud today, adding, “You do know that you didn’t do this alone – your parents, spouses, teachers, all helped you.” He encouraged all of them to use their degrees to pursue careers or more education in New York City. “We’re not going to let you go without a fight,” he said. Borough president Marty Markowitz told the assembly, “As graduates of Kingsborough, you have moxy, you have chutzpah,” he told them. Whatever you do, you will do Brooklyn proud.” Senator Charles Schumer, before introducing Biden, informed the grads he was giving them “a class gift.” He told them he had helped put through a bill in Congress that will enable families to take a $2,500 tax deduction if they’re paying college tuition Beverley Savory, whose son, Kevin Cooke, received a degree in communications from KCC, told Bay Currents: “This is a proud moment.”
Bay Currents wishes all Brooklyn dads a great Father’s Day!
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Senior Currents Staying safe Advocates for the elderly offer some tips for seniors to stay safe (actually, the advice is not a bad idea for people of any age to follow): Practice Street Smarts • Do not display large amounts of cash when out in public. • Use direct deposit for your pension and/or social security checks. • Travel in groups. If you must travel alone, do not advertise the fact that you are by yourself. • Work out a buddy system with a friend so you can check up on each other at least once a day. • Avoid dark, deserted or isolated routes. • Do not walk near walls, high bushes, or near cars. • Project an image of self-confidence while you are walking. • Cross the street to avoid people who make you feel uncomfortable. • Know how to get where you are going ahead of time. • If someone demands your money, give it up. • Keep your money in several pockets – perhaps even some in your shoe -- instead of one pocket. • Never accept a ride from someone you do not know well.
At Home • Never let a stranger into your home. Always examine their identification badge before you allow a service technician into your home. • Lock your home when you are there and when you are away. Keep your 1st f loor windows locked. • Do not let people on the phone know you are alone. • Keep your phone by your bed at night. • Post all emergency numbers close to the telephone. • Leave a light on while you are out. Use a different light each time you are not home. • Leave the porch light on. • Know your neighbors and make sure they know you. Apartment Dwellers • Know where you can get help in a hurry. • Make sure all halls have good lighting. • Use the laundry room in the apartment building when other tenants are present.
• Look in the elevator before getting on to be sure no one is hiding inside. Get off the elevator if someone suspicious enters. • If you are worried about another person waiting for the same elevator as you, pretend you forgot something in your apartment and do not go onto the elevator. Using Transportation • Use well-lit bus stops. • Sit near the bus driver. • Sit on the aisle so you do not get blocked in at the window. • Do not get off the bus with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. In your car • Never pick up hitch hikers (and never be one!). • Keep your car doors locked at all times. Lock all doors upon entering and leaving your car. • Check the back seat before entering your car. • As you are approaching your car, take a look under the car to make sure no one is hiding under there.
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Sports Currents Cyclones Report: Where the Boys Are By Patrick Hickey Jr. sports@baycurrents.net With the new season a few weeks away, we here at Bay Currents figured we’d give a few updates on some of the former Cyclones making waves right now. Dan Murphy- .247 BA, 4 homers 17 RBI with the Mets. After hitting .324 in April, Murphy hit .176 in May and is currently hitting .222 through his first six games in June. Nevertheless, he’s been worked extremely hard so far this season by Mets skipper Jerry Manuel and has shown the poise and determination to make most believe he’ll work his way of the slump he’s currently in. Brad Holt- 4-1, 3.02 ERA in 9 starts between St. Lucie and the B-Mets. Last season, many still saw Holt as a starter for the foreseeable future, despite the problems in the Mets bullpen, mainly due to the fact that not many knew what his secondary pitches were capable of. On top of that his power curve showed significant problems and came an amazingly long way in just a summer of hard work. This season is obviously still foreseeable and Holt has been excellent, averaging over a strikeout an inning and keeping opposing hitters to a measly .203 batting average. With his last start at the AA level last week, the future looks to be getting brighter by the way for the youngster. Kirk Nieuwenhuis- 8 homers, 20 RBI and 5 steals in 47 games. Overall, “Captain” Kirk is proving he can survive on the
High-A level and has shown that he has more power than people gave him credit for last season. With his excellent defensive ability as well, it’s fair to say that a call up to AA is an inevitable one at some point this season. Nevertheless, he has to cut down on his strikeout totals and improve his ability against left-handed pitching. Otherwise, he’ll project more as a fourth outfielder than the starting outfielder many thought and still believe he can be when they watched him in Brooklyn last year. Mike Jacobs- 10 homers, 26 RBI with the Kansas City Royals. Sure, the power numbers are there, but Jacobs may never develop into the super-slugging first baseman he looked Dan Murphy like in his short stint with the Mets in 2005. Nevertheless, he’s still a capable hitter at the major league level that needs to simply learn to take more pitches. Dylan Owen- 0-5, 6.97 in 10 starts in AA.
It seems that Owen’s start power has diminished a bit from his last two seasons and he’s come back to earth. Maybe a stint in St. Lucie can revitalize him. Ike Davis- .283, four dingers, 21 RBI in St. Lucie. Aside from an alarming amount of strikeouts, Davis is making a believer out of many who thought he jumped the shark in Brooklyn last season. On pace for a solid 15 homer, 70 RBI season, Davis projects to be more like the Lyle Overbay-type player I projected him to be everyday. Jenrry Mejia- 4-1, 1.97 ERA in 9 starts in St. Lucie. Just called up to AA, Mejia, just like Holt is proving he may have what it takes to move up through the system at a pace BAY CURRENTS PHOTO / Ron Hatcher not many expected. Many questioned his maturity at times last season, so it’s important to see how he handles his first rough patch with the B-Mets. Nevertheless, at 19, he’s quickly becoming one of the best prospects in the system.
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Now they can build ’em high
The sky’s the limit now for developers eyeing Brighton Beach. After more than six months of tumultuous community-board hearings and endless submissions to and from elected officials, the city’s Planning Commission has decided not to approve any new zoning for Brighton, in effect allowing developers to build just about as high as they want to. The battle effectively pitted owners of the bungalows off Brighton Beach Avenue against the rest of Brighton residents. Bungalow owners wanted to be able to expand or replace their properties – which originally were designed as summer houses, not permanent addresses; the other residents pressed for new zoning to restrict development in the seaside neighborhood, where several high-rise condos already have been constructed. (The sagging economy, though, has put the brakes on most new development, at least for now.)
The Community Board 13 meetings of late have been marked by near-shouting matches between supporters and opponents of rezoning, and propositions so convoluted that many CB 13 members weren’t quite sure what they were voting for or against. Advocates for rezoning are still hoping the issue can be brought again before the Planning Commission, next time with less confusion.
New York Cares
New York Cares offers an array of programs and services to help New Yorkers. If you are interested in volunteering, you can attend one of three orientation sessions coming up in Brooklyn: •June 17, Brooklyn Public Library- Pacific Branch, 25 Fourth Avenue, Carroll Gardens 6:45-7:45 p.m. •June 20, Brooklyn Public Library-Pacific Branch, 25 Fourth
Avenue, Carroll Gardens 11 a.m. - noon •June 23, Dodge YMCA-225 Atlantic Avenue, Park Slope 6:30-7:30 p.m. For more information or to register or for other Orientation dates, please visit www.nycares.org or call 212-228-5000.
‘There is a choice’
The Madison-Marine-Homecrest Civic Association wants residents to know: “There is a Choice in the 2009 Mayoral Election,” the focus of its meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18 in the auditorium of the King’s Chapel, Quentin Road and East 27 Street. Announced Democratic Party candidates Comptroller William Thompson and Councilmember Tony Avella have been invited to make statements and take questions. The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information call 718-934-8214.
The Kings Bay YM-YWHA turned its Nostrand Avenue site into a slice of the Holy Land at its annual Salute to Israel on Sunday, June 14. Children and adults had the chance to feed goats, lambs, chickens, and turkeys, enjoy cotton candy and pizza, listen to live music, send handmade greetings to Israel, work on arts and crafts, and choose from a variety of toys, gifts, and novelties.
Bay Currents photo collage
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Opinion The Last Glory Days of Coney Island: A Baby Boomer in America’s Playground By I. Friedin friedin@baycurrents.net With the destruction of our iconic Coney Island looming ever closer at the hands of unrestrained greed, another season opens in the ever shrinking People’s Playground. This year Astroland is another victim and Stillwell Avenue a flea market. It’s time therefore to visit better times, so back by popular demand, dedicated to all who enjoyed and all who will not … Not just a place but a state of mind, Coney Island has been the symbol of fun for generations of those who could afford no more than the subway as well as those arriving in limos for the thrill of riding the Cyclone or munching down a hot dog at Nathan’s. The first to arrive on what was then an island (now, a peninsula) saw little more than sand dunes and marsh grass. Then the railroads brought the rich, with opulent hotels and race tracks, followed by the subway, bringing the masses and the “Nickel Empire” became the place for everyman to escape to a world beyond reality. As a student of local history, I love poring through the storied past. The Elephant Hotel, Feltman’s, the great amusement parks; Luna, Dreamland and Steeplechase; and so many other people and attractions that lured the masses have long been fodder for the written page. But as for millions of others, Coney Island has a much more personal meaning. As an early baby boomer, I was fortunate enough to experience the holy land of amusement when it was still mostly intact. Early on were regular visits to Nathan’s with the family, even in winter, when wooden shelters with sliding doors surrounded the outdoor counter to protect the crowds that came when all else was cold and silent. In season, we were often treated to some of the plentiful kiddy rides. As parental leashes loosened, my friends and I headed eagerly to the magical place just a short subway ride away. By the late ‘50s Brooklyn had lost its iconic trolleys and Dodgers, leaving Coney Island the last of what made the borough unique. But it was virtually all there! The rubble strewn field behind the elevated structure that had been the legendary Luna Park was a mythical place from the far distant past, meaningless to those who had never known it. From Brighton Beach to the Half Moon Hotel, thrilling rides, exciting attractions, scrumptious food and huge swimming pools beckoned the minions. For an early teen it was an awesome wonderland. Our allowance of a few meager dollars was enough for a full day of rides, games and enough prime junk food to fill our day and our stomachs. Exiting the subway at Stillwell Terminal an instant aura of excitement overwhelmed as we were first met with the aromas of salt water taffy and cotton candy and, crossing Surf Avenue, the fragrance of Nathan’s with its bouquet of hot dogs wafting off the grill. And the sounds, before amplified music, we were bombarded wherever we wandered; the roars of the coasters, screams of the riders, crackling electricity and thumping from the scooters, dulcet tones of the calliopes emanating from the carousels, splashing in the pools and overall squeals of joy emitting from young and old absorbing the marvels of human creation. And, of course, strolling up the Bowery or Jones Walk, the screaming barkers, “Put the ball in the basket! “, “Toss the coin in the plate!”, “Pick a number!”, “Win a prize!”…that elusive prize. Every visit to Coney was a new adventure. Both sides of Surf were lined with attractions, as was the Bowery, the narrow alleys and the Boardwalk. So much to do, see and eat! No better rides anywhere! Three world-class coasters: the incomparable Cyclone, the slightly smaller and older but still great Thunderbolt and the Tornado, billed as the world’s fastest and surely felt it, whipping around its sharply banked curves. As the class of the bunch, the Cyclone was 30 cents; the other top rides, a quarter. Nothing beat the first car, with only open track ahead as you plummeted almost straight down! The Bobsled was a coaster without tracks, racing through an open wooden tube. Like any coaster, the train of bullet shaped cars was lifted mechanically and set loose Page 10
at the top. Racing down and around, with the clicking of the steel wheels speeding over the wooden slats, it leaped up along the walls, seeming as if it would fly right over the edge…phenomenal! The Wonder Wheel provided a breathtaking view with all of Coney stretched out below and cars that thrust you out into space before swinging back to the rim. The Wonder Wheel, Cyclone and Parachute Jump are what remain of the great rides from Coney’s golden age. Although only the skeleton is there, the Parachute Jump was in a class of its own. Part of Steeplechase, it was a separate admission whether entering from the park or the boardwalk and, at 50 cents, could break the bank. But what a sensation! Strapped into a flimsy seat, the ground rapidly fell back until the jolt overhead signaled an abrupt change of direction, freefalling back to earth, swishing against the metal guidelines with the chute flapping above until hitting bottom with another jolt that scrambled your internal organs…great stuff! The scooters were always terrific fun, the best being those across the alley from Nathan’s. At 15 cents for the
first ride, there were cheaper and newer but these were the fastest in Coney and had the longest track. Knowing the speediest cars, at only a nickel to reride, we’d settled in for a while, battering whatever poor soul appeared most vulnerable or going to war against each other. Some days we’d opt for Steeplechase. You got to ride one of the great ones, the Steeplechase horses, and, at 16 rides for a buck, you couldn’t beat it. “The Fun Place” lived up to its slogan; inside the cavernous pavilion and out, rides and attractions kept you busy most of the afternoon. And the horses were truly astounding, speeding around the track as you tried to nudge your horse ahead while holding on for dear life. A day of play also included games. Shunning the barkers, we’d go for the arcades where the plentiful distractions cost no more than a nickel. Zeroing in on skeeball, we learned the trick to plunking the hard wooden balls into the high score holes, accumulating points by the fistful. It took so many for a decent prize, though, so we held on, years passed and Playland closed its doors forever…but it was really all for the fun of it anyway! A day in Coney Island wouldn’t be complete without stuffing our faces, and the best place to do most of it was Nathan’s. Still lovingly owned and cared for by the Handwerker family, it was, for us, truly a palace of succulent delights. Served by men who appeared to have begun with Nathan Handwerker in 1916, they dished out franks and other delectables at lightening speed to the mobs crowding out onto Surf Avenue. Usually start with a dog, slathering on the mustard with wooden sticks from open tubs on the counter, we’d flit from counter to counter, shoving one delicacy after another down our throats; hamburger smothered with sautéed onions, barbecue, chow June 16 - June 30, 2009
mein, those incomparable fries (never needed anything but a bit of salt) and a slice of pizza (newly introduced at Nathan’s and the real thing). You couldn’t get a Coke or Pepsi. Everything was made by Nathan’s or specifically for them, and, like everything else, was unsurpassed, especially the root beer. If you preferred however, there were also orange and grape drinks and those over 18 [yes, 18] could get a small glass [yes, a glass] of beer for 15 cents. Each basic item was 15 cents while the fries and drinks were 5 and 10. Across the narrow alley, against the wall of the building that housed the scooter, was a small booth with huge ears of corn immersed in hot, milky water. Melted butter and a little salt, sweet and tender beyond belief! On the next block Shatzkin’s served the tastiest knishes fresh from the oven. In full view, white-haired ladies sitting at long tables in the center of a vast square space filled the dough, preparing the next batch. The Sodamat on the boardwalk, with its numerous dispensers pouring any flavor you could conceive, and several you couldn’t, for a nickel a cup, was a frequent stop. Topping it off was frozen custard across the alley from Nathan’s; pistachio and banana were particular favorites. We learned early on not to overdue the rides that involved a lot of rapid spinning! After what was always a very full and satisfying day we’d drag ourselves back to the subway, tired, full and sometimes a little bit sick to the stomach, for the short ride home and wait to receive our allowance for next week’s return! Not just a place but a state of mind, Coney Island has been the symbol of fun for generations of those who could afford no more than the subway as well as those arriving in limos for the thrill of riding the Cyclone or munching down a hot dog at Nathan’s. The first to arrive on what was then an island (now, a peninsula) saw little more than sand dunes and marsh grass. Then the railroads brought the rich, with opulent hotels and race tracks, followed by the subway, bringing the masses and the “Nickel Empire” became the place for everyman to escape to a world beyond reality. As a student of local history, I love poring through the storied past. The Elephant Hotel, Feltman’s, the great amusement parks; Luna, Dreamland and Steeplechase; and so many other people and attractions that lured the masses have long been fodder for the written page. But as for millions of others, Coney Island has a much more personal meaning. As an early baby boomer, I was fortunate enough to experience the holy land of amusement when it was still mostly intact. Early on were regular visits to Nathan’s with the family, even in winter, when wooden shelters with sliding doors surrounded the outdoor counter to protect the crowds that came when all else was cold and silent. In season, we were often treated to some of the plentiful kiddy rides. As parental leashes loosened, my friends and I headed eagerly to the magical place just a short subway ride away. By the late ‘50s Brooklyn had lost its iconic trolleys and Dodgers, leaving Coney Island the last of what made the borough unique. But it was virtually all there! The rubble strewn field behind the elevated structure that had been the legendary Luna Park was a mythical place from the far distant past, meaningless to those who had never known it. From Brighton Beach to the Half Moon Hotel, thrilling rides, exciting attractions, scrumptious food and huge swimming pools beckoned the minions. For an early teen it was an awesome wonderland. Our allowance of a few meager dollars was enough for a full day of rides, games and enough prime junk food to fill our day and our stomachs. Exiting the subway at Stillwell Terminal an instant aura of excitement overwhelmed as we were first met with the aromas of salt water taffy and cotton candy and, crossing Surf Avenue, the fragrance of Nathan’s with its bouquet of hot dogs wafting off the grill. And the sounds, before amplified music, we were bombarded wherever we wandered; the roars of the coasters, screams of the riders, crackling electricity and thumping from the scooters, dulcet tones of the calliopes emanating from the carousels, splashing Visit us at: www.BayCurrents.net
Opinion in the pools and overall squeals of joy emitting from young and old absorbing the marvels of human creation. And, of course, strolling up the Bowery or Jones Walk, the screaming barkers, “Put the ball in the basket! “, “Toss the coin in the plate!”, “Pick a number!”, “Win a prize!”…that elusive prize. Every visit to Coney was a new adventure. Both sides of Surf were lined with attractions, as was the Bowery, the narrow alleys and the Boardwalk. So much to do, see and eat! No better rides anywhere! Three world-class coasters: the incomparable Cyclone, the slightly smaller and older but still great Thunderbolt and the Tornado, billed as the world’s fastest and surely felt it, whipping around its sharply banked curves. As the class of the bunch, the Cyclone was 30 cents; the other top rides, a quarter. Nothing beat the first car, with only open track ahead as you plummeted almost straight down! The Bobsled was a coaster without tracks, racing through an open wooden tube. Like any coaster, the train of bullet shaped cars was lifted mechanically and set loose at the top. Racing down and around, with the clicking of the steel wheels speeding over the wooden slats, it leaped up along the walls, seeming as if it would fly right over the edge… phenomenal! The Wonder Wheel provided a breathtaking view with all of Coney stretched out below and cars that thrust you out into space before swinging back to the rim. The Wonder Wheel, Cyclone and Parachute Jump are what remain of the great rides from Coney’s golden age. Although only the skeleton is there, the Parachute Jump was in a class of its own. Part of Steeplechase, it was a separate admission whether entering from the park or the boardwalk and, at 50 cents,
could break the bank. But what a sensation! Strapped into a flimsy seat, the ground rapidly fell back until the jolt overhead signaled an abrupt change of direction, freefalling back to earth, swishing against the metal guidelines with the chute flapping above until hitting bottom with another jolt that scrambled your internal organs…great stuff! The scooters were always terrific fun, the best being those across the alley from Nathan’s. At 15 cents for the first ride, there were cheaper and newer but these were the fastest in Coney and had the longest track. Knowing the speediest cars, at only a nickel to reride, we’d settled in for a while, battering whatever poor soul appeared most vulnerable or going to war against each other. Some days we’d opt for Steeplechase. You got to ride one of the great ones, the Steeplechase horses, and, at 16 rides for a buck, you couldn’t beat it. “The Fun Place” lived up to its slogan; inside the cavernous pavilion and out, rides and attractions kept you busy most of the afternoon. And the horses were truly astounding, speeding around the track as you tried to nudge your horse ahead while holding on for dear life. A day of play also included games. Shunning the barkers, we’d go for the arcades where the plentiful distractions cost no more than a nickel. Zeroing in on skeeball, we learned the trick to plunking the hard wooden balls into the high score holes, accumulating points by the fistful. It took so many for a decent prize, though, so we held on, years passed and Playland closed its doors forever…but it was really all for the fun of it anyway! A day in Coney Island wouldn’t be complete without stuffing our faces, and the best place to do most of it was Nathan’s. Still lovingly owned and cared for by the Handwerker family, it was, for us, truly a palace of
succulent delights. Served by men who appeared to have begun with Nathan Handwerker in 1916, they dished out franks and other delectables at lightening speed to the mobs crowding out onto Surf Avenue. Usually start with a dog, slathering on the mustard with wooden sticks from open tubs on the counter, we’d flit from counter to counter, shoving one delicacy after another down our throats; hamburger smothered with sautéed onions, barbecue, chow mein, those incomparable fries (never needed anything but a bit of salt) and a slice of pizza (newly introduced at Nathan’s and the real thing). You couldn’t get a Coke or Pepsi. Everything was made by Nathan’s or specifically for them, and, like everything else, was unsurpassed, especially the root beer. If you preferred however, there were also orange and grape drinks and those over 18 [yes, 18] could get a small glass [yes, a glass] of beer for 15 cents. Each basic item was 15 cents while the fries and drinks were 5 and 10. Across the narrow alley, against the wall of the building that housed the scooter, was a small booth with huge ears of corn immersed in hot, milky water. Melted butter and a little salt, sweet and tender beyond belief! On the next block Shatzkin’s served the tastiest knishes fresh from the oven. In full view, white-haired ladies sitting at long tables in the center of a vast square space filled the dough, preparing the next batch. The Sodamat on the boardwalk, with its numerous dispensers pouring any flavor you could conceive, and several you couldn’t, for a nickel a cup, was a frequent stop. Topping it off was frozen custard across the alley from Nathan’s; pistachio and banana were particular favorites. We learned early on not to overdue the rides that involved a lot of rapid spinning! After what was always a very full and satisfying day we’d drag ourselves back to the subway, tired, full and sometimes a little bit sick to the stomach, for the short ride home and wait to receive our allowance for next week’s return!
And while we’re at it … The recent Bay Currents article, “Can Anyone Save Coney Island” recounted how the wolves (Mayor Bloomberg’s CIDC and developers) and vultures (those from within and outside Coney Island attempting to cash in) have conspired to turn the People’s Playground into a money machine at the expense of our history, culture and the people who live, work and come to play in the summer recreation area affordable to everyone of any means. Well, things have only gotten worse as efforts to save our cherished playground from the unrestrained greed promulgated by Bloomberg’s oligarchic rule have thus far been stifled. Unless things change drastically, the wolves have apparently won as the vultures scramble for the spoils. RIP our beloved Coney Island. By I. Friedin
A good idea -- but a better one overlooked The High Line, the abandoned elevated freight line on the West Side of Manhattan has opened as a public park. Rather than take it down, this is an exemplary idea for its use...except there is a much better one. When the issue of what to do with the decaying structure was being discussed, public transportation proponents suggested it be used for light rail providing the underserved far west side of Manhattan with transport through newly revitalized neighborhoods. Connecting with the subway downtown and every cross town bus line along its route it would provide a quick, easy way to reach the Javits Center, and possibly the Intrepid and beyond. It also could have connected with the new extension of the 7 Train or even eliminated the need for that costly project altogether. Needless to say, light rail is a lot less expensive to build and operate than a subway. At a time when officials of other cities
throughout the country understand the benefits of trolleys and light rail and are expanding their systems or building anew, New York has seen fit to ignore the proposals put forth. A 42nd Street Crosstown line with a dedicated right of way has been on the table for several years, and a crosstown line in Greenwich Village has also been proposed. In Brooklyn, Brooklyn City Streetcar Company has submitted proposals for routes Downtown and Coney Island. We question why the city ignores these attempts to bring this green, efficient means of transportation to our city. Anyhow, enjoy the park! Light rail cars are really modern trolleys. The proposal for 42nd Street calls for modern light rail, while in Brooklyn, the proposal is to use historic trolleys rebuilt with all modern amenities. By I. Friedin
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Bay Currents in Coney Island: Key Food – 505 Neptune Ave. Walgreens Drug Store – 532 Neptune Ave. CVS – 512 Neptune Ave. Peggy O’Neill’s -- 1904 Surf Ave. American Suds Laundromat – 2915 Surf Ave. Community Care Pharmacy – 2913 Surf Ave. Saul’s Pharmacy & Surgical Supply – 3514 Mermaid Ave. Major Meats – 1516 Mermaid Ave.
Bay Crossword
By Yitzchak Relkin
Brooklyn Public Library– 1901 Mermaid Ave. Sunshine of Coney Island Deli – 2120 Mermaid Ave. Rite Aid – 3001 Mermaid Ave. Key Food – 3485 Neptune Ave. Madeleine Jones Day Care – 3415 Neptune Ave. Circles Bistro – 2801 Coney Island Ave. Surf & Turf Grill – 1315 Surf Ave.
Yitzchak Relkin is a crossword puzzle editor living in Brooklyn. To contact Yitzchak about customized crossword puzzles (for birthdays, anniversaries), email: crossword@relkin.com.
Toward The Center 53. Be knocked for loop Across 54. Disclose 1. Vermicelli or fusilli 6. Dutch cheese 10. Lasting blemish 14. In front 15. Pass 16. Leprechaun land 17. Life or death situation 18. Hooters 19. Blunders 20. Aviator Earhart 22. Earns after taxes 24. Victim of curiosity 25. Spill the beans 27. Decorative woodworks 29. Large butte 33. Barley brew 34. A technology VP 35. During 36. Pie à la ___ 38. Strength 42. “Excellent!” 44. Omitted 46. Obsolete anesthetic 47. “Uh oh!” 49. Site of Napoleon’s exile 50. Scandal filled paper 52. Pizza, for one
57. Out cruising 59. Beluga delicacy 60. Suburban green 62. Faked 67. Chief 69. Man or self attachment 71. Boredom 72. Thumbs down 73. Egg 74. Lost driver’s maneuver 75. Tree house 76. Agents 77. Mexican green
Down
1. Seen with mama 2. [“I was speaking”] 3. Bone dry 4. Follow, like a detective 5. Improvise 6. Self center? 7. Old feathered mattress 8. Skillful 9. Connecticut seaport 10. Date 11. Approximately 12. Wide range
13. Takes five 21. Budget alternative 23. Catch a whiff of 26. Go ___ (agree) 28. Riot participant 29. Colt’s mother 30. Give off 31. Take a deep breath 32. Stay attached 37. Clothing designer Perry 39. Auditioner’s goal 40. Subway, to Brits 41. Footnote abbr. 43. Mountain path 45. Foils 48. Honest, with “on the” 51. Compelling charm 54. Of the city 55. Everybody’s opposite 56. What two piece suits lack 58. Really enjoyed 61. Silent hello 63. Initial stake 64. Wildebeests 65. Coin featuring Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man 66. Ados 68. Pose for a portrait 70. Printer’s measurements Answers on page 14
Page 12
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Financial Currents ‘Summer melt’ reveals hidden financial aid By Lauren Bayne Anderson www.universityparent.com The faltering economy, the student loan crunch, and rising tuition are making it increasingly hard to pay for college. But there’s hope. The yearly phenomenon known within the financial-aid community as the “summer melt” is working in students’ favor -- this year more than ever -- offering the opportunity for extra financial aid that previously didn’t exist. And if you’re one of the few students who know the secret, you can get more cash than ever before. The summer melt happens every year when students decide at the last minute not to attend a college, leaving their financial aid package on the table. That cash then goes back into the pool of resources -- and becomes available for students who know to ask for it. In fact, all you have to do is ask nicely. Call or write a letter to the financial aid office asking if there’s any money that has become available since other students have made their decision -- and let them know if your financial circumstances have changed. And this year, the summer melt is bigger and better. Alisa LeSueur, a certified college planning specialist with the National Institute of Certified College Planners, said this year’s summer melt has the potential to free up a
lot more cash for students. That’s because the number of college students ballooned within the last several years, increasing competition and prompting students to apply to more schools. While the high number of college students could work against college applicants, it can actually work in accepted students’ favor while negotiating their initial financial aid offer. “In the past students would apply to five or six schools, now they’re applying to 20 schools -and their financial aid packages are on the table,” said LeSueur. “So once the student decides not to go to the other 19 schools, that money goes back into the pool.” LeSueur, who wrote, Maximizing Financial Aid: A cheaters guide to getting all you can from the financial aid system, said the key to getting the cash is simply to ask for it -- nicely. So what else can you do? Here are LeSueur’s top five tips: Write a letter to the financial aid office, thanking them for the “generous” financial aid package they’ve already awarded you. Tell them that you’re planning to attend and
ask if there is any more money that could be awarded to you now that other students have made their decisions. Make sure you know exactly what you’re being asked before you fill out a financial aid form like the FAFSA or an institutional form. You don’t want to be dishonest but you also don’t want to volunteer unnecessary information that can wind up costing you. Try to negotiate before you’ve sent in your deposit confirming enrollment. There’s nothing wrong with letting a school know what another college has awarded you. Let the financial aid office know if your financial circumstances have changed since the original package was awarded. If your parents lost their job or work in a field being particularly hard hit by the economic downturn, some schools will take that into account. Above all, be nice! No student is so valuable that a school is going to drop to their knees to give you whatever you want. “When you approach the financial aid office, approach with hat in hand-never demand,” she said. “Go in with a demanding attitude and you’ll get the cold shoulder.”
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By Lara Mondrus mondrus@baycurrents.net Used to be, there were enough flea markets around Brooklyn to keep dogs scratching for hours. Now they’re few and far between, but the YAI-National Institute for People with Disabilities on Nostrand Avenue is keeping the fleas jumping. Accompanied by ’70s and ’80s music, YAI held its sixth annual Flea Market Crafts Fair under the sunny skies and humid air of Friday afternoon, June 12 to raise money for the organization. The fair featured an array of items at discount prices -- coats, baby clothes, toys, wallets, books, handmade handbags, necklaces, earrings, vases, glasses, and other useful items. The items at the fair were brought by staff and their friends and family. “My mother used to own a store so I brought things from there,” said Doreen Bima, a community training specialist at YAI. Sylvia Binns, YAI program director, said that turning the yearly fundraiser into a flea market would appeal to Brooklyn because of the borough’s strong flea market history. “All the boroughs are flea-market friendly, but in this part of Brooklyn, a lot of flea markets have disappeared over the years so it’s nice to bring the flea markets back,” Binns said. “People told us that it’s
nice to have some place that still has that.” The customers did appreciate the flea market and staff members were also pleased with the turnout. “All my bags are gone. I made a lot more money than I expected, all for a good cause,” said Jennifer Andersen, another community training specialist at YAI, who donated handbags that her grandmother had handmade. “We had such diverse people come by, of all ages, backgrounds, new customers, customers who have been here before,” Binns said. “People heard all that music and wanted to check out what was going on here” The YAI school, which began in September 1980, is a part of the YAI network founded in 1957. It has more than 450 community-based programs, serving more than 20,000 individuals with disabilities and their families in the New York metropolitan area, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and in the Virgin Islands. On June 6, YAI held its Central Park Challenge, a 3 fund-raising 3K walk to benefit the YAI network. “Every day we get to do what we love to do, -- to help,” said YAI spokesman Todd Andersen “But [the flea market] is extra. The staff enjoys it and consumers like it, family members donate stuff also and get to sell it for a good cause.”
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MONTHLY SERVICE FEE IS $24.99/MONTH AFTER 3 MONTHS. $9.95/MONTH PLAN FEE OFFER VALID ON THE RESIDENTIAL UNLIMITED PLAN ONLY. NEW ADDITIONAL LINES ONLY. † Rates exclude: broadband service, regulatory and activation fees and certain other charges, equipment, taxes, & shipping. International calls billed per minute. Offer valid in the US only. See Terms of Service for details. V Free Calls to Europe Offer (Available Only with Unlimited Residential Plan) Does Not Apply To Certain Call Types, Such As Calls to Cell Phones, and is Limited to Italy, France, Spain, UK and Ireland. Other International Rates May Vary. See http://vonage.com/ intrates for Details. Vonage 911 service operates differently than traditional 911. See www.vonage.com/911 for details. High-Speed Internet or Broadband Required. Alarms and other systems may not be compatible. < 30-day money back guarantee is refunded for any paid activation fee, 1st month service charge, initial shipping charges and termination fee. Applicable only to first ordered line per account. Available only in the event of timely cancellation for subscribers who have not exceeded 500 minutes of usage and who obtain a valid return authorization number from 1-VONAGE-HELP, and return of equipment in original condition and packaging within 14 days of cancellation. Refund will not include charges for taxes, international usage, payphone calls to Vonage toll free numbers and directory assistance. Offer revocable. ^ Where available. The number transfer process takes approximately 10 business days from the time you confirm your transfer request. ©2008 Vonage.
To advertise call 718.676.5434
• Easy Setup • Nationwide Service
June 16 - June 30, 2009
HELP AT THE PUSH OF A BUTTON!
Order Now! Call today:
1-888-508-1874 Page 15
Custom Cabinet Refacing and Kitchen Remodeling
NO PaymENTS, NO INTEREST FOR 12 mONTHS when you use a qualifying Sears card and if paid
in full within 12 months.* See below for important deferred interest details.
OFFER CODE: 808-D1-CK-09-KITS • Free in-home design consultation to help you build the kitchen of your dreams! • Turn-key kitchen installation with dedicated Project Coordinator • Select from a wide assortment of wood finishes and door styles with coordinating handles and hinges
• An array of countertops: - DuPontTM Corian® solid surfaces - DuPontTM Zodiaq® quartz surfaces - Granite - Laminates by Wilsonart® • Flexible financing‡ • Satisfaction guaranteed!+
HURRY! Offer ends 06/13/09. CALL NOW:
1-888-366-6134
*ImPORTaNT DEFERRED INTEREST PROmOTIONaL OFFER DETaILS (when offered): FINANCE CHARGES accrue on a promotional purchase from the date of purchase at the rate in effect from time to time and all accrued FINANCE CHARGES for the entire promotional period will be added to your account if the purchase is not paid in full by the end of the promotional period or if you default under the card agreement. Making the minimum monthly payment will not pay off your promotional purchase in time to avoid FINANCE CHARGES. With credit approval, for qualifying purchases made on a Sears card (Sears Commercial One® accounts excluded.) Offer is only valid for consumer accounts in good standing and is subject to change without notice. May not be combined with any other credit promotional offer. Promotional offers of 14 months or more require minimum monthly payments as disclosed in the offer. Sears cards: APR up to 26.49%, but if your account has a variable APR, the APR is up to 29.99% as of 04/06/09 and may vary. Lower rates may apply. MINIMUM MONTHLY FINANCE CHARGE: $2. See card agreement for details including when the default rate applies. Sears cards are issued by Citibank (South Dakota) N.A.. Sears Solutions cards are issued by HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A.
**Ask your Sears representative about written limited warranty details. ***Energy savings may vary depending on your home and siding selected. +See http://www.searshomepro.com/info/guarantee.aspx for Satisfaction Guarantee details. Sears Home Improvement Products, Inc. is a division of Sears Roebuck and Co. The following licenses are held by or on behalf of Sears Home Improvement Products, Inc.: AL (Res. Bldr. #3663; HVAC #8186); AZ (Res. Contr.#ROC117628; HVAC #ROC206649); AR (HVAC #1004181); CA (Gen. Bldg. Contr. #B-721379, HVAC #C20-721379, Glazing C17-721379 ); CT (HVAC #303642-S1; HIC #0607669); FL (Gen. Contr. #CGC012538; HVAC #CMC1249510); GA (HVAC #CN003489); ID (HVAC #C-6134, HVAC#J-6133; Contracting Bus. #RCE-25219); IL (City of Chicago Home Repair #1248977); IN (Evansville Res. Remodeling Cont. #RRC0185); KY (Master HVAC #M04667); LA (Res. Bldr. #84194; HVAC#45862); MD (HIC #87854; HVAC #6528; Contractor/Salesman #46542); MA (HIC #148607, All plumbing and electrical services performed by licensed subcontractors); MI (Res. Bldr. #2102131369; HVAC #7110944); MN (Res. Remodeler #20090017); MS (Res. Bldr. #RO5222); NV (Carp. Contr. #43242; Gen. Contr. #60609; Plumb. & Htg. Contr. #60610; Refg. & AC Contr. #60608; Gen. Serviceman #S1469; HVAC #A0072); NY (NYC HIC #1225166, Nassau County HIC #H1809170000, Rockland County HIC #9990, Suffolk County #41506-H, Westchester County WC #18371-H06, Putnam County #3189-A, City of Yonkers #4213); NM (Gen. Bldg. Contr.#GB 98 58598; HVAC #MM98 52598; Elec.# EE-98 58598, MHD HVAC #MM98 C58598, MHD Elec. #EE98 C-58598); NC (Bldg. Limited. #47330; HVAC #15343 H-2, H-3-1, HVAC #26961 H-3-II); OH (HVAC #44752); OK (HVAC #106841); OR (Gen. Contr. #113202); RI (Res. Contr. #27281); SC (Gen. Contr. #105836-BD4; HVAC Res. #RBH-919); TN (HIC #2319; HVAC Contr. #54995); TX (Res. Bldr. Remodeler #9566; HVAC Dallas #TACLB00020401E, Houston #TACLB27482E, Lubbock #TACLB00027780E; San Antonio #TACLB00024674E); UT (Gen. Bldg. Contr. #B-100318604-5501; HVAC #S-350 318604-5501); VA (Class A Contr. #27-084717; HVAC #2710046587); WA (Gen. Contr. #SEARSHI011LA); Washington, DC (HIC #50006423);Page WV (Res. Bldr,. #WV025882, HVAC WV025882); WI (Dwelling Contr.June Cert.16 #15151; Contr. Qualifier #982570; HVAC Contractor #15151). Some services performed by 16 - JuneDwelling 30, 2009 Visit us at: www.BayCurrents.net Sears’ associates. Other services and installation performed by Sears-Authorized licensed contractors; additional Sears license information available upon request. ‡Subject to applicant creditworthiness.