PRESORTED STANDARD PERMIT #3036 WHITE PLAINS NY
Vol. VI, No. XXI • 240 North Ave., Suite 212, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Westchester’s Most Influential Weekly
Thursday, May 15, 2014 • $1.00
SHERIF AWAD Fabric of a Nation Page 6 JOHN F. McMULLEN Wither The Internet? Again! Page 12 JOHN SIMON Revival of Revivals Page 14 BARBARA BARTON SLOANE
In Aruba, Life’s A Beach Page 15
LUKE HAMILTON A Thirst for Contraband Page 17
By BOB K. BOGEN, Page 3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
THE HEZITORIAL
Larchmont Condo Defending Blurred Construction Begins Yonkers Brand Page 24
By HEZI ARIS, Page 4 WWW.WESTCHESTERGUARDIAN.COM
RICH MONETTI Somers Town Clerk Kathleen Pacella Page 18 Hon. RICHARD BRODSKY
Hillary: Guns and Benghazi Page 20
Hon. MARY C. MARVIN
Spring Reawakens Bronxville Page 21
rience fundraising, knowledge of what development entails and experience working with sponsors/donors; 2) Operations Manager- must have a good knowledge of computers/software/ticketing systems, duties include overseeing all box office, concessions, movie staffing, day of show lobby staffing such as Merchandise seller, bar sales. Must be familiar with POS system and willing to organize concessions. Full time plus hours. Call (203) 438-5795 and ask for Julie or Allison
Page 2
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
THE WESTcHESTER GUARDiAn THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN THE WESTcHESTER GUARDiAn
RADIO RADIO RADIO
Of Significance Of Significance
Community Section ............................................................................... 4 Community Section ............................................................................... 44 Business ................................................................................................ Business ................................................................................................ Calendar ............................................................................................... 44 Calendar ............................................................................................... 45 Charity .................................................................................................. Creative Disruption ............................................................................ 56 Charity .................................................................................................. Contest Cultural Perspective ........................................................................... 766 Contest .................................................................................................. Creative Disruption ............................................................................ Energy Issues ....................................................................................... Creative Disruption ............................................................................ Education ............................................................................................. 867 In Memoriam ....................................................................................1078 Education ............................................................................................. Fashion .................................................................................................. Medicine .............................................................................................10 Fashion .................................................................................................. 89 Fitness.................................................................................................... Najah’s Corner ...................................................................................119 Fitness.................................................................................................... Health ..................................................................................................10 Movie ....................................................................................12 Health ..................................................................................................10 HistoryReview ................................................................................................10 Music ...................................................................................................12 History ................................................................................................10 Ed Koch Movie Review ...................................................................12 Community ........................................................................................13 Ed Koch Movie Review ...................................................................12 Spoof ....................................................................................................13 Writers Collection.............................................................................14 Spoof ....................................................................................................13 Sports Scene .......................................................................................13 Books Sports Scene .......................................................................................13 Najah’s...................................................................................................16 Corner ...................................................................................13 People ..................................................................................................18 Najah’s Corner ...................................................................................13 Writers Collection.............................................................................14 Eye On...................................................................................................16 Theatre ..................................................................................18 Writers Collection.............................................................................14 Books Leaving on a Jet Plane ......................................................................19 Books ...................................................................................................16 Transportation ...................................................................................17 Government Section ............................................................................20 Transportation ...................................................................................17 Government Section ............................................................................17 Campaign Trail ..................................................................................20 Government Section ............................................................................17 Albany Correspondent ....................................................................17 Economic Development....................................................................17 Albany Correspondent Mayor Marvin’s Column..................................................................20 .................................................................18 Education ...........................................................................................21 Mayor Marvin’s Column .................................................................18 Government .......................................................................................19 The Hezitorial ....................................................................................21 Government .......................................................................................19 OpEd Section .........................................................................................23 LegalSection ....................................................................................................23 OpEd .........................................................................................23 Ed Koch Commentary.....................................................................23 People ..................................................................................................24 Ed Koch Letters toCommentary.....................................................................23 the Editor ..........................................................................24 Strategyto...............................................................................................24 Letters Editor............................................................................25 ..........................................................................24 Weir Onlythe Human OpEd Section .........................................................................................25 Weir Only Human ............................................................................25 Legal Notices ..........................................................................................26 Legal Notices ..........................................................................................26 ..........................................................................................27
CLASSIFIED ADS
YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS AND COMMITMENT OF GUARDIANSHIP AND CUSTODY OF THE CHILD FOR THE PURPOSES OF ADOPTION, AND MAY FILE BEFORE THE END OF THE 15-MONTH PERIOD. Office Space Available-
Prime Location, Yorktown Heights UPON GOOD CAUSE, THE COURT MAY ORDER AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHSq. Ft.: $1800. Wilca: 914.632.1230 ER THE NON-RESPONSENT PARENT(s) SHOULD1,000 BE CONSIDERED ASContact A RESPONDENT; IF THE COURT DETERMINES THE CHILD SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM HIS/HER HOME, THE COURT MAY ORDER AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE NON-RESPONDENTCounty PrimeWHETHER RetailTHE - Westchester PARENT(s) SHOULD BE SUITABLE CUSTODIANS FOR THE CHILD; IF THE CHILD IS PLACEDHeights AND Thursday, May 15,Best 2014 Location in Yorktown REMAINS IN FOSTER CARE FOR FIFTEEN1100 OF THE RECENT TWENTY-TWO Sq.MOST Ft. Store $3100; 1266 Sq. MONTHS, Ft. store THE $2800 and 450 Sq. Ft. AGENCY MAY BE REQUIRED TO FILE PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS OF THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23,A 2012 Page 3 Store $1200. THE PARENT(s) AND COMMITMENT OF GUARDIANSHIP AND CUSTODY OF THE CHILD FOR THE THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012 Page THURSDAY, FEBRUARY Page 3 Suitable for anyNOT type of business. Contact Wilca: 914.632.1230 PURPOSES OF ADOPTION, EVEN IF23, THE2012 PARENT(s) WERE NAMED AS RESPONDENTS IN THE CHILD NEGLECT OR ABUSE PROCEEDING.
Of Significance
HELP WANTED A NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REQUEST TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT CUS-
A non profit OF Performing Arts Center is seeking two job positions- 1) DirecTODY OF THE CHILD AND TO SEEK ENFORCEMENT VISITATION RIGHTS WITH THE CHILD. tor of Development- FT-must have a background in development or expeBY ORDER OF THE FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK rience fundraising, knowledge of what development entails and Feature Section.................................................................................................................................. 3 experience working with sponsors/donors; 2) Operations TO THEPerspective........................................................................................................................ ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT(S) WHO RESIDE(S) OR IS FOUND AT [specifyManager- must Bogen 3 have a good knowledge of computers/software/ticketing systems, duties include address(es)]: The Hezitorial................................................................................................................................ 4 lobby overseeing all box office, concessions, movie staffing, day of show Westchester On theLast Level isaddresses: usually heard from to Friday, from NY 1010701 a.m. to 12 known TIFFANY RAY:Monday 24staffing Garfieldsuch Street, Yonkers, as#3, Merchandise seller, bar sales. Must be familiar24 with POS Economic Development........................................................................................................... Noon on the Internet: http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/WestchesterOntheLevel. system willing to organize concessions. Call (203) Last known addresses: KENNETH THOMAS: 24 and Garfield Street, #3, Yonkers, NY 10701 Full time plus hours. 5 Community Because of the importance ofSection......................................................................................................................... a Federal court case438-5795 purporting corruption bribery and ask for Julie orand Allison An Order to Show Cause under Article 10 of the Family Court Act having been filed with this Court Calendar......................................................................................................................................... 5 allegations, programming be suspended for the days of March 26 to 29, 2012. YonWestchester On theseeking Levelwith heard Monday to Friday, from to is modify the from placement for the above-named child. 10 a.m. to 12 Noon P.A.L................................................................................................................................................ 6
Westchester On On the the Level Level with with Narog Narog and Aris Westchester and Aris Aris and
kersthe Philharmonic Orchestra Sadewhite is our scheduled Friday, Westchester On the Level is Conductor heard fromJames Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m.guest to 12 Noon on Internet: http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/WestchesterOntheLevel. Join YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear before this Court at Yonkers Family Court March 30. Cultural Perspectives................................................................................................................... 6 on the Internet: by http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/WestchesterOntheLevel. Join the conversation calling toll-free to 1-877-674-2436. Please stay on topic. located at 53 So. Broadway, Yonkers, New York, on the 28th day of March, 2012 at 2;15 It is howeverby anticipated that theto jury will conclude its Please deliberation ontopic. either Mon- pm in the Education....................................................................................................................................... 8 the conversation calling toll-free 1-877-674-2436. stay on of saidare day your to answer the petition show cause why saidFebruary child should20th not be Richard Narog March andafternoon Hezi Aris co-hosts. In and thetowe week beginning day or Tuesday, 26 East or will regular with theand ending8on adjudicated to27. be aShould neglectedthat childbe andthe why case, you should not beresume dealt withour in accordance Middle Forum...................................................................................................................... Richard Narog andhave Hezi are10entourage your In the week beginning February 24th,schedule we an Aris exciting of guests. programming and announce fact on the Yonkers Tribune website.February 20th and ending on provisions of Article ofthat the co-hosts. Family Court Act. Make it Fun. ................................................................................................................................. 10 February 24th, we have an exciting entourage of guests. Richard Narog and Hezi Aris are co-hosts of the show. Every Monday is Music. special............................................................................................................................................. On Monday, February 20th, Wade, participant in http:// PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, thatKrystal you have the right toabecelebrated represented by a law10 Every Monday is special. Monday, 20th, celebrated participant in http:// yer, and ifOn the Court finds youFebruary are unableKrystal to pay forKrystal a lawyer, you haveathe right to havewho a lawyer www.TheWritersCollection.com is our guest. Wade isWade, a mother of three works fifty miles Pro-Life. . ....................................................................................................................................... 11 assigned by the Court. www.TheWritersCollection.com our guest. Krystal is a novel mother threeaccepted who works fifty miles from home and writes in her “spare is time.” “Wilde’s Fire,”Wade her debut hasofbeen for publication Sports/Art.................................................................................................................................... 11 it? from home and writes in her “spare time.” “Wilde’s Fire,” her debut novel has been accepted for publication PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that if you fail to appear at the time and place and should be available in 2012. Not far behind is her second novel, “Wilde’s Army.” How does she do noted in above, the Court and determine the petition as provided by law.Army.” How does she do Technology/Creative Disruption. ............................................................................................ 12 it? and available 2012. Notwill farhear behind is her second novel, “Wilde’s Tuneshould in andbefind out. Eye on Theatre. . ........................................................................................................................... 14 Dated: January 30, 2012 BY ORDER OF THE COURT Tune in and find out. Co-hosts Richard Narog2 and Hezi Aris will relish the1 column dissection column CLERK OF THE COURTof all things politics on Tuesday, February Travel............................................................................................................................................. 15 Co-hosts Richard andPresident Hezi ArisChuck will relish the dissection of his all things politicsfrom on Tuesday, February 21st. Yonkers CityNarog Council Lesnick will share perspective the august inner Government. . ................................................................................................................................... 16 21st. Yonkers Lesnick will share 22nd. his perspective from the august sanctum of theCity CityCouncil CouncilPresident ChambersChuck on Wednesday, February Stephen Cerrato, Esq., will inner share Corruption. . ................................................................................................................................. 16 sanctum of the City Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 22nd. Stephen Cerrato, Esq., will share his political insight on Thursday, February 23rd. Friday, February 24th has yet to be filled. It may be a propiPublic School. .............................................................................................................................. 17 his political onwhat Thursday, February 23rd. Friday, February 24th has yet to be filled. It mayofbeThat a propitious day toinsight sum up transpired throughout the week. A sort of BlogTalk Radio version Was tious day toThat sumWas upGovernment................................................................................................................................ what transpired throughout the week. A sort of BlogTalk Radio version of That 18 Was The Week (TWTWTW). The Week That Was (TWTWTW). Message the consider Mayor.......................................................................................................... 19on For those who cannot joinfrom us live, listening to the show by way of an MP3 download, or Campaign Trail........................................................................................................................... 20link For thoseWithin who cannot join us live, consider listening tofind the the show by wayinof MP3 that download, or on demand. 15 minutes of a show’s ending, you can segment ouranarchive you may demand. Within 15 minutes of a show’s ending, you can find the segment in our archive that you may link Mayor Marvin............................................................................................................................. 21 to using the hyperlink provided in the opening paragraph. Legal Notices, to using the hyperlink provided in the opening paragraph. OpEd................................................................................................................................................. 22 Advertise Today The entire archive is available maintained perusal. The easiest way to find a particular interview Legal Notices,and Advertise Today for your Charter Schools. . ......................................................................................................................... The entire archive is available and maintained for your perusal. The easiest way to find a particular interview is to search Google, or any other search engine, for the subject matter or the name of the interviewee.22For is to search Google, orNotices. any other searchSearch engine, the subject On matter the name theRadio, interviewee. Legal ................................................................................................................................... example, search Google, Yahoo, AOL forforWestchester theorLevel, Blog of Talk or use22For the example, Search for Westchester Before speaking to the police...On callthe Level, Blog Talk Radio, or use the hyperlinksearch above.Google, Yahoo, AOL hyperlink above.
Advertising Sales Office: 914-576-1481 (10:00 AM–6:00 PM) 914-216-1674 (Cell)
Get Noticed
Get Noticed
914-562-0834 WHYTeditor@gmail.com
(914) 562-0834
George Weinbaum
Mission Statement Statement A L Mission FREE CONSULTATION: TTORNEY AT AW
Westchester’s Professional Most Influential Weekly Dominican Westchester’s Most Influential Weekly Hairstylists & Nail Technicians
Westchester’s Most Influential Weekly Hair Cuts • Styling • Wash & Set • Perming Pedicure • Acrylic Nails • Fill Ins • Silk Wraps • Nail Art Designs Highights • Coloring • Extensions • Manicure • Eyebrow Waxing
Guardian NewsCorp. Corp. Guardian GuardianNews News Corp. P.O. Box 8 P.O. Box P.O. Box 88 Yudi’s Salon 610 Main St, New Rochelle, NY 10801 914.633.7600 New Rochelle, New York 10801 NewRochelle, Rochelle, New New York York 10801 New 10801 Sam Zherka , Publisher & President Sam Publisher& & President President Sam Zherka Zherka,,Publisher publisher@westchesterguardian.com publisher@westchesterguardian.com publisher@westchesterguardian.com Hezi Aris, Editor-in-Chief & Vice President Hezi Aris, Editor-in-Chief & Vice President Hezi Aris,whyteditor@gmail.com Editor-in-Chief & Vice President whyteditor@gmail.com whyteditor@gmail.com Advertising: (914) 562-0834 Advertising: (914) 562-0834 News and Photos: (914) 562-0834 Newsand andPhotos: Photos:(914) (914)562-0834 562-0834 News Fax: (914) 633-0806 Office: (914)-576-1481 Fax: (914) 633-0806 Fax: (914) Published online633-0806 every Monday Published online every Monday Print edition distributedonline Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday every Monday & Print edition Published distributed Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday Print edition distributed Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday Graphic Design: Watterson Studios, & Inc. Graphic Design: Watterson Studios, Inc. www.wattersonstudios.com Graphic Design: Watterson Studios, Inc. www.wattersonstudios.com
wattersonstudios.com
westchesterguardian.com westchesterguardian.com
The Westchester Guardian is a weekly newspaper devoted to the unbiased reporting of events The Westchester Guardian is aCriminal, weeklyMedicaid, newspaper devoted to the living unbiased reporting of events Medicare and developments that are newsworthy and significant to readers in, and/or employed in, and developments that are newsworthy and significant to readers living in, and/or employed in, Fraud, White-Collar & fairly, and objectively, reliable informaWestchester County. The Guardian will strive Crime to report 914.948.0044reliable informaWestchester County.tion The without Guardian will strive to report fairly, andT.duty objectively, Health Careor Prosecutions. favor compromise. Our first will be to the PEOPLE’S F. tion without favor or compromise. Our first duty will be fear to the RIGHT TO KNOW, by the exposure of truth,914.686.4873 without orPEOPLE’S hesitation, RIGHT TO KNOW, by the exposure of truth, without fear or hesitation, no matter where the pursuit may lead, in the finest tradition of FREEDOM 175 MAINthe ST.,pursuit SUITE 711-7 • WHITE PLAINS, NYtradition 10601 of FREEDOM no matter where may lead, in the finest OF THE PRESS. OF THE PRESS. The Guardian will cover news and events relevant to residents and The Guardian will cover news and eventsAs relevant to residents and businesses all over Westchester County. a weekly, rather than businesses Westchester County.more As aassociated weekly, rather than focusing on all theover immediacy of delivery with daily focusingwe onwill the instead immediacy more associated daily journals, seek of to delivery provide the broader, morewith comprejournals, we will instead seek to provide the broader, more comprehensive, chronological step-by-step accounting of events, enlightened hensive, chronological step-by-step accounting of events, enlightened with analysis, where appropriate. with analysis, where appropriate. Professional Dominican From &amongst journalism’s classic key-words: who, what, when, Hairstylists Nail Technicians From amongst journalism’ s classic key-words: who, what, when, Hair Cuts • Stylingwhy, • Washand & Set •how, Permingthe why and how will drive our pursuit. We where, Pedicure • Acrylic Nails • Fill Ins • Silkwhy, Wraps •and Nail Art Designs where, how, the why andand how drive our will use our •more time, ourwill resources, to pursuit. get past We the Highights • Coloring • Extensions • Manicure Eyebrowabundant Waxing will use our more abundant time, and our resources, to get past the initial ‘spin’ and ‘damage control’ often characteristic of immediate initial and often characteristic immediate Yudi’s Salon 610 Main St, New Rochelle, NY ‘spin’ 10801 914.633.7600 news releases, to ‘damage reach thecontrol’ very heart of the matter: the of truth. We will news releases, to reach the very heart of the matter: the truth. will take our readers to a point of understanding and insight whichWe cannot take our readers to a point of understanding and insight which cannot be obtained elsewhere. be obtained elsewhere. To succeed, we must recognize from the outset that bigger is not necesTo succeed, must recognize from theacknowledge outset that bigger is not necessarily better.we And, furthermore, we will that we cannot be sarily better. And, furthermore, we will acknowledge that we cannot all things to all readers. We must carefully balance the presentationbe of all things to all readers. We must carefully balance the presentation of relevant, hard-hitting, Westchester news and commentary, with features relevant, hard-hitting, Westchester news and commentary, with features and columns useful in daily living and employment in, and around, the and columns useful in daily living and employment in, and around, the county. We must stay trim and flexible if we are to succeed. county. We must stay trim and flexible if we are to succeed.
FAM COU In th
Chel
A Ch
Adju
Tiffa
NOT RIGH 22 M YOU CHIL PERI
UPO ER T THE COU PAR REM AGE THE PUR THE
A NO TOD
BY O
TO addr
Last
Last
An O seek
loca after adju prov
yer, assig
note
Date
Ge
Legal
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Page 3
this way a significant portion, or perhaps a major portion of the new building or buildings might be used for anti-terrorism research and international peaceful program development. If we are to have a 21st Century that is prosperous, just and safe for all, we must address the threats as well as the opportunities that an increasingly globalized world presents. A peaceful world requires the vitality of international collaboration across all three sectors of local and global society: government and business as well as civil society. The tragedy of 9/11 underscored the inadequacy of government and business sectors alone to resolve the critical problems facing all peoples that result in terrorism and
other violence. It is imperative that support for a strong civil society that serves as a balance to governmental and business interests be recognized as crucial to our common future. The further development of that third leg, the civil society sector of such a stable three legged stool for effective progress might include, among other related uses in the new World Trade Center, including a graduate school from a consortium of universities for terrorism prevention, international relations, conflict resolution, and peace studies; space for scores of related non-governmental organizations now scattered over the city; related foundation offices; with all related facilities,
FeatureSection THE BOGEN PERSPECTIVE
World Trade Center Historic Opportunity By BOB K. BOGEN In a few days, after more than a dozen years of wrangling and rebuilding efforts, the 9/11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center will finally open. The great new WTC tower is now up, if not ready for occupancy. Perhaps this is a good occasion to consider a major opportunity for the Trade Center’s use as a true contribution toward a world without such terrorism. Starting just months after the terrorist destruction of the WTCs Twin Towers, millions of words and dollars have been spent on WTC concepts and proposals, but hardly a word on uses of the rebuilding to deal with reducing terrorism, at least at the scale of the 9/11 disaster that was witnessed by the world. Surely some further investigation is warranted of the striking concept developed during the related Municipal Art Society project, which included hundreds of citizen workshops, and thousands of concerned citizens. The Municipal Art Society has been a major New York citizen agency for public policy and development. Among other projects it was a major force to save Grand Central Station after the debacle of the Penn Station demolition. These workshops, all over the city and region, considered the rebuilding, not merely the design but all aspects of this enormous and inevitably internationally significant project. Redevelopment proposals had been plagued by political posturing and preoccupation with personal economic or emotional interests, all of which delayed and denied realistic national interests, even missing internationally significant decision-making
F LY I N G O N T O T H E W B T S TA G E
The Enchanting Supercalifragilistic Hit
that could reduce, not increase, the potential for terrorism in the years ahead. Former Gov. George Pataki, as well as Larry Silverstein, the beneficiary of billions of insurance dollars, throughout the process seemed to contribute more problems than solutions. Few people seem to realize that the original concept of the trade center was commercially unrealistic. For its first 20 years, it could not be fully occupied, considerable
RADIO
Westchester On the Level with Narog and Aris
Continued on page 4
Designated a “Featured” BlogTalk Radio program, has been operating for over two years via the Internet with Co-Hosts Richard Narog and Hezi Aris every weekday, from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon. Listen to the show live or on demand. Share your perspective by calling (347) 205-9201 or by clicking onto the following hyperlinks: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ westchesteronthelevel
floor space was given to artists, just to fill the buildings. And it never functioned as a world trade center. Some of those involved pointed out that future occupancy prospects could also be bleak, particularly since the Port Authority, owner of the site, has not planned to rent space there for itself. In fact the Port Authority role in the original WTC project was seen by some as an inappropriate venture in real estate not directly related to its port and transportation mission. Other government employees may be forced to work there, but they cannot be expected to occupy even half of the tower. Some wag suggests that perhaps one of our largest corporations might use the major tower as their headquarters: Target could put its logo at the top, 1,776 feet high. Another suggested safety might be solved by building the tower 1,776 feet down from Ground Zero. Some victims’ families seemed to want a solid stone tower as a grave stone, perhaps 1,776 feet high. Some of us want more, something more relevant to 9/11 and a better, safer future. In
Adventure abounds in this high-flying family favorite! This enduring tale is loved by adults and children alike and is filled with songs from the beloved film!
CHIM CHIM CHER-EE • A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR
ON STAGE THRU JULY 27
op DoohW Ni g t
LARRY CHANCE AND THE EARLS Remember Then • Never • I Believe
LENNY COCCO AND THE CHIMES Once In Awhile • I’m In The Mood For Love
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
PURE 60S ROCK N ROLL ’
’
A spectacular musical retrospective featuring hits by such artists as: THE KINKS • THE MOODY BLUES • THE BEATLES THE ROLLING STONES • THE ANIMALS • and more
MONDAY, JUNE 16 BOX OFFICE (914) 592-2222
GROUP SALES (914) 592-2225
DOWNLOAD THE
WBT App
LUXURY BOXES (914) 592--8730
The management reserves the right to make schedule or program changes if required. All sales final. No cash or credit card refunds.
Page 4
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
THE BOGEN PERSPECTIVE
World Trade Center Historic Opportunity Continued from page 3
including various sized conference rooms and services for employees as well as national and international visitors and students. The tower and its related buildings could then become an international icon for constructive visions and programs to reduce the likelihood of more of the terrorism that brought down the original trade center. At the time the original construction of the World Trade Center was initiated, I headed the Long Range Planning unit of the
official tri-state planning agency just several blocks north of the WTC site. After WTC was completed, the agency moved into the twin towers. I also recall a later occasion involving a pleasant lunch with Bear Sterns investment firm officials, negotiating a major bond issue for my client, a Connecticut city, in their executive dining room near the top of a WTC tower. I lost touch with local developments when I left to manage comprehensive metropolitan development planning for the
United Nations Development Program including Pakistan’s major city, Karachi, now with a population much larger than New York. And later I had a similar role in Boston for the New England Regional Commission. . Back in New York I had meetings with Municipal Art Society officials to develop the concept of this new WTC function, perhaps as a Global Study Center, which might include some United Nations educational and research functions as well as a first-rate communications facility. At the time, I chaired the Board of the Communications Coordination
Committee for the UN, represented the Architects / Designers / Planners for Social Responsibility /NY to the United Nations, and was a key member of the Professionals Network for Social Responsibility These groups met with others and developed a comprehensive description of seven major elements with various useful functional components in each. A later article may include such details. One conclusion within the first year after 9/11 was that the time was not yet ripe for such challenging proposals. It was suggested that the more likely occasion for such major use plans might only be possible after
the basic construction was done, perhaps a full decade after 9/11. That time has come. Bob Bogen served as comprehensive long-range facilities planning director for the New York Metropolitan Regional Planning Commission; as planning director for the New England Regional Commission; as a major United Nations official in Pakistan; Board Chairman of the Communications Coordinating Committee for the United Nations; and Principal Representative of Architects / Designers / Planners for Social Responsibility to the United Nations.
THE HEZITORIAL
Defending a Blurred Yonkers Brand Devoid of Studied Prospect or Validating Imprint By HEZI ARIS The City of Yonkers (CoY) carries a waning patina of accomplishment and cutting edge technological advancement from the beginning of the last century. After World War II, economic renewal would too quickly eviscerate the prowess of the City on the Hill. The Alexander Carpet Mill factory closed, precipitating a collapse of neighborhoods, employment prospects, and ancillary small business employers who would implode under their own weight or move elsewhere for a second go at being viable. Political and economic pressure demanding change, among other concerns would exhaust Yonkers. Former Mayor John Spencer brought CoY out of its slumbering malaise rhetorically, chastising, and goading by his words and demeanor the need for revival. He would become mayor. Once at the helm, with Phil Amicone by his side as deputy mayor, John Spencer’s words lost their vigor, obscured in his intent by those still mired in the glory days that continue to resonate in the ever more feeble minded in the lifestyle lived by the ever fewer in the City of Gracious Living. Spencer’s words were translated as if they were part of a long chain of people whispering a message from one to another. The message at the beginning of the process was defined one way at its inception metastasizing toward a different outcome by its last utterance. Spencer’s words were combative; in your face incendiary tools that became impotent by the day-to-day responsibility and later recognized failings of Phil Amicone. When Spencer found himself term-limited from office after two-terms, Spencer reluctantly agreed to be supportive of the Amicone effort to accede to the office of Mayor of Yonkers. The promise of the words heard from Spencer where to
become the metamorphosis of CoY. The truth is Spencer’s failure rests on Amicone’s ineptitude to manage in enticing interest in investment in Yonkers. Yonkers would fail miserably by engaging people who had nothing more than an opinion on what would be best for Yonkers yet did not harbor the intellectual capacity to bring it about. Yonkers leadership was proven inept by its belief that ‘on the job training’ would see CoY to the Promised Land. It did not. How could it? Political insiders and the patronage mill best known as the “friends and family network” denied competent personnel to maintain Yonkers’ hopes and vision for a better future. Promise for better days were revived by Mike Spano’s pursuit to become mayor of Yonkers. He emboldened Yonkers prospects. Mike Spano’s campaign effort won the overwhelming support, hearts and minds of Yonkersites in the November 2011 Election Day contest. Mayor Mike Spano embodied all the attributes Yonkersites had hoped for in their mayor. He was a young family man, with a beautiful wife, a growing family, a wellrespected family name, an approachable, friendly, honest man, whose word was his bond. Yet 29 months later, his words have come to haunt him. His words are shallow and devoid of accomplishment. He has not yet been able to deliver on his promise to turn things around for Yonkers. Perhaps not all, in fact, perhaps most of the failings the city faces today are those that emerged under the aegis of Spencer and Amicone. Mayor Mike Spano’s reticence in placing blame at the feet of its authors is a practice that has failed; not so much because of his magnanimity but rather his bringing in more and more adversaries into his growing entourage of employees known as the “friends and family network.” The culture imposed under Mayor Mike Spano could have won
the day were the need to accommodate the failings, ineptitude, and illegal conduct of the past into revisionist historical renderings that defy “truth” by omission of facts and the harangue of obsessive repetition is anathema to what did transpire. The legal encumbrances engaged by Yonkers City Hall in the recent past continue to shrink CoY’s prospects from disengaging herself from being tethered so tightly from the likes of Spencer and Amicone over a 16-year time frame. The living ghosts of Al DelBello, Angelo Martinelli, and Terrence Zaleski are names that continue to soil the good name of Yonkers. While some will boast about their respective and collective contribution to CoY, I see them each as detractors of what should have been times of triumph for a city that could have done better had they been given a chance. The elephant in the room is best known as corruption. The leadership qualities hoped for demanded of a mayor of Yonkers remains wanting. The issues consuming CoY are gargantuan. Corruption, defined by developers borrowing HUD money and not paying it back; leaving a recent $6 million hole for CoY on that issue alone is troubling, to say the least. Extrapolated onto other ancillary concerns, the figure tallies just shy of $23 million. Refer to nValley Technology Center. Think Joseph Cotter. That sum falls on the taxpayer’s back. Corruption is defined by community outreach centers awash with funds that are meant to bring those people less fortunate the attributes of better facilities, safer environments, and so forth. When such largesse is not distributed, misdirected, or does not go to paying those doing the work, spirits are broken. Boards of directors that remain silent to such conduct diminish the process even further. Think The Nepperhan Community Center under the aegis of Rev.
Dr. Jim Bostic. Building the parcel known as “H & I” under the threat of litigation if the former SFC Yonkers Project is not extended for Marc Berson of Fidelco Realty Group to present a rendering of his vision after a 12-year wait is again overdue by the deadline parameters he expressed. The issue goes unnoticed in the expectation it will be forgotten. Similarly, the cover-up of the Yonkers Board of Education (YBoE) has yet to be revealed in its entirety. The CFO and the Yonkers Public School Superintendent were sacked denying Yonkersites learning of what went awry and just as importantly what mechanisms of governance have been set in place to ameliorate such failings from being replicated in the future. There is a boatload of such concerns, but dwelling upon the past, while being denied the logic that drove CoY toward such outcome weakens CoY’s prospects for relinquishing the failings of the past, denying Yonkersites the lessons needed to steer from such conduct again, drawing nebulous prospects for all Yonkersites to do so much better. It is as if Yonkersites are imprisoned; controlled by a political process that has run amuck by its denying every resident viable political prospects. The continuing non-aggression pacts and legal maneuvers to dishevel the campaign process is nothing more than a blood sport and an atrocity of our election process. Yonkersites continue to be lustful of the political blood-letting; we revisit the yearly cycle with a passion so great, Yonkersites often lose sight of the dangers the ‘drama’ ably camouflages. Still there is hope. It seems as though Mayor Mike Spano may be hoping to be allowed to write a new chapter. Can the history of the recent past, as well as the history to which his pen has been
instrumental in writing the recent 29 months eclipse the issues that demand resolution now? The union contracts that expired 5 years ago are demanding attention. The Inter Municipal Agreements (IMAs) hammered out by Mayor Mike Spano and Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Office with respect to the governance of the City of Yonkers vis-à-vis oversight and the ability to neuter the elected legislative body of the Yonkers City Council comprised of seven members and the New York State Board of Education Regents to oversee the Yonkers Board of Education for all intent and purpose are a “Control Board” in every sinew of the written agreement awaiting capitulation by Yonkersites’ elected officials to kowtow to the Cuomo-Spano Agreement. Surmounting such issues have been a major concerns engaging Mayor Mike Spano’s effort and time. He has promoted the sale of the Yonkers Jail, bringing about an expected art gallery, living loft, and a cultural center to be built. A brewery that has been on the books prospectively for years is now said to move into the Trolley Barn. Other artists joining the beginning move to Yonkers, an organic prospect that can have legs if Mayor Mike Spano directs his effort to ameliorate and mitigate the lack of trust Yonkersites have in CoY’s lack of inclusion of the people it has claimed to serve, but a culture Yonkersites have little knowledge. An advertising campaign to focus attention to future prospects tantalize and mesmerize Yonkersites and onlookers alike. Discourse inclusive of The People government claims to serve must be based on facts of progress, adhering to updates demanded by the Yonkers City Charter, the prospect for revaluation, diminishing the burden of tax Certiori challenges, collecting delinquent real estate taxes due; the list is endless.
Continued on page 5
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Page 5
race for Westchester County Executive. Mayor Mike Spano has a lot on his plate. His future will not be earned by talk, ribbon cuttings, or postulating future vision but rather on the undeniable imprints of accomplishments he can establish in the City of Hills. Yonkers success with him at the helm is a visa to better prospects for him only if he delivers the goods to Yonkersites. Failing
Yonkers will have all onlookers question, “Where’s the beef?” Yonkers prospects will be realized or not before Mayor Mike Spano’s November 2015 re-election effort. The race is on. The prospects daunting. It seems everyone is sweating out what the next politically propitious chessboard move is for the City of Gracious Living. Yonkersites wait with baited breath.
Our friend Doug tells us that it is time once again for Katonah Village Library’s cocktail party with all proceeds going to help the library. Come and spend time with friends and neighbors for a worthy cause on Friday May 30th. It is a really fun event; imagine drinking, eating and talking in a library. See you there. Landscape expert and Bronxville resident Kim Eierman will present two gardening workshops for the “Birds and Bees: Wildlife Needs” series on May 17th at the Bedford Audubon Society in Katonah.
Congratulations to our neighbor from Bedford Hills, Britta Vander Linden for receiving one of the Business Council of Westchester’s 2014 Rising Star Awards, way to go Britta… A historical right of spring is being celebrated at Phillipsburg Manor on North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow on Sunday, May 18th. Discover Pinkster, an AfricanAmerican celebration of spring. Pinkster was held in the Hudson Valley as early as
THE HEZITORIAL
Defending a Blurred Yonkers Brand Devoid of Studied Prospect or Validating Imprint Continued from page 4
The solution is simple, inclusion and public discourse. Is the telling, washing our dirty laundry in public, holding CoY from achieving greater heights? It can be. Specifically Mayor Mike Spano divulging the disparate
prospects he conjures that is meant to benefit CoY with facts and figures and proof of financial viability for that planned can earn “street creds”.The procspect of building anew on the ashes of the past will require scrutiny by The People and media alike. It is not always a comfortable process. Yonkers straddles the failed past
desirous of a better future. At issue is whether Mayor Mike Spano envisions such a future for Yonkersites or if his reluctance to speak to his desire for higher office eclipses his capacity to serve the public interest. Mayor Mike Spano has already engaged himself in re-election mode, a springboard, if/when achieved to enter the
CommunitySection CALENDAR
News & Notes from Northern Westchester By MARK JEFFERS My lovely wife and I celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary this week; nothing says I love you more than a new rake and clippers, so wish me luck when I give them to her… Please enjoy this week’s “love filled” edition of “News & Notes.” The First Presbyterian of Katonah will hold a Midnight Run on Friday May 30th, please lend a hand to high school students who will help serve the homeless in NYC.
You can collect clothes, make sandwiches, or bring toiletry items to share. Who knew water had different levels of taste… the people’s choice for best-tasting water in Westchester goes to the City of White Plains. The Westchester County Department of Health held its annual water tasting contest recently in White Plains, where 138 participants sampled water from 10 of the county’s water suppliers and gave bragging rights to White Plains, Mount Vernon finished in second and the Village of Scarsdale, came in third. A new meadow celebrating the wonder
of the Monarch butterfly will be featured in the 2014 Friends of Lasdon Park Plant Show, Saturday, May 17th, 9am to 3:30pm, rain or shine, at Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial, in Somers. “Monarch Meadow” will feature milkweed and butterfly weed plots, and a trail and interpretive signs to guide visitors through the habitat and promote the significance of conservation and our native butterflies. The 32nd biannual Rye House Tour will take place from 9am to 3pm on May 16th… Our house tour will take place when my daughters clean their rooms.
Continued on page 6
REAL ESTATE AUCTION EXECUTOR SAYS SELL!
JONAH Online Auction Ending Wednesday, June 4 @ 1:01PM
46 West Lake Drive, Valhalla. Minutes to NYC trains & Taconic Pkwy. Colonial style home with 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths and hardwood floors. Many updates including furnace, water heater, oil tank, electrical service panel and more. Tax ID # 553489-112.20-2-53 Buy at your price!
Showing by appointment. Contact Agent Jennifer Mensler 845-204-8252
AARauction.com
We Can SELL Yours! 800-243-0061
Winner of the 2012 Arts Organization of the Year for Westchester County
Saturday May 31, 2014
Ossining United Methodist Church
Corner of Emwilton & Route 9 Ossining, NY · 7:30pm
Sunday June 1, 2014
White Plains Presbyterian Church
39 North Broadway White Plains, NY · 3:00pm
For tickets, order online at www.taconicopera.org or call (855) 88-OPERA
This production is made possible, in part by the New York State Council on the Arts and Arts Westchester with funds from Westchester County, government, corporations, and individuals.
Page 6
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
CALENDAR
News & Notes from Northern Westchester Continued from page 5
the 17th Century. Filled with music, dance, food, and revelry, this cross-cultural festival re-creates the spring holiday with a rousing colonial-style celebration. Festivities include lively presentations of drumming and traditional dance, African folktales, and demonstrations of traditional African instruments and utilitarian wares.
If you are strolling through downtown Chappaqua on Sunday afternoon, May 18th, feel free to stop by the Horace Greeley House from 4pm to 7pm for the opening reception of the New Castle Historical Society’s latest exhibit. The exhibit, “Here Comes the Bride,” is a historical costume review of brides through the ages as well as the history behind some now common
traditions. The exhibit opens on May 20th and will run through mid-January 2015. Viewing hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The 11th annual Castles of New Castle house tour will take place on Tuesday, May 20th. This year’s tour features five fabulous homes in a wide range of architectural styles including a 1904 Colonial Revival, blending the past, present and future; an elegant Contemporary, light
filled, stunning inside and out; an inviting Tudor style showcasing a spacious modern interior; a 1790 Classic Federal center hall; and a delightful 1920s Sears catalog home, “The Willard,” as charming today as then. All proceeds from the tour will benefit the New Castle Historical Society. If you would like more information visit the http://www.newcastlehs.org Website or contact Betsy Towl at 914-238-4666. We hope all the marvelous moms had a wonderful Mother’s Day with love,
gifts and maybe even some rest… And remember that Father’s Day is only by about a month away… See you next week. Mark Jeffers resides in Bedford Hills, New York, with his wife Sarah, and three daughters, Kate, Amanda, and Claire.
ACHIEVEMENT
Police Athletic League Poster Contest Winners Chosen In City Council Chambers YONKERS, NY – The Yonkers City Council played host to the Yonkers Police Athletic League (P.A.L.)’s 31st annual Sergeant Michael D’Ambrosio poster in the City Council chambers on Monday evening. Yonkers students Colin Nowak and Christina Ljuljic were selected as this year’s winners. “The Yonkers Police Athletic League is an asset to the City and year after year has helped countless boys and girls enjoy recreational, educational, cultural and social programs,” Council President Liam J. McLaughlin said. “It is a tremendous honor for the historic Council Chambers to again be the venue for the interviews and award ceremony. I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the participants in this year’s contest from around the City, whose hard work and dedication reflect great credit upon themselves, their families and schools, and the entire City.” Two officers of the Yonkers Police Department, Sergeant Patrick York and Officer Jacquelyn Estevez, will appear on the poster alongside Nowak and Ljuljic. The two winners were chosen by a panel of judges after ten finalists explained in an interview how a positive relationship between the police and the youth of the community can benefit the entire City. Officer Estevez, whose daughter was a
prior P.A.L. poster contest winner, said she felt honored and privileged to be representing the P.A.L. on the poster, which will once again be displayed at hundreds of locations throughout the Yonkers. “The poster contest is a great influence in the community and compels many children to do well,” she said. “I would tell [our 5th and 6th graders in Yonkers] to work hard, have fun and do well in school,” Estevez said. “No dream is too big. You just have to work hard in order to achieve it.” The process began with interviews of students from across the City at P.A.L. headquarters on April 11th. Nowak, a 6th grader at Sacred Heart GS and Ljuljic, a 6th grader at Montessori Academy, along with Angelica Joy Parrocho of Westchester Hills School, Conor Crosby of Sacred Heart GS, Dezmond Fredericks of Patricia De Chiaro School, Evan Mulgrew of Montessori Academy, Joseph Hernandez of Montessori School 31, Lizbeth Morel of School 16, Patricia Wasiczko of Montessori 31 and Stephanie Terrero of Family School 32 were chosen as this year’s finalists. After a week of rehearsals in the Council Chambers, the finalists were judged on Monday night by a panel including former Mayor John Spencer, Hon. Michael Martinelli, chief administrative judge of the Yonkers City Court, Paul Zachareas,
(L-R): Police Officer of the Year Officer Jacquelyn Estevez, contest winner Christina Ljuljic, Council President Liam J. McLaughlin, contest winner Colin Nowak and Officer of the Year Sergeant Patrick York on May 5th. The Yonkers Police Athletic League held the finals for the 31st annual Sgt. Michael D’Ambrosio poster contest in the Yonkers City Council Chamber. president of Yonkers Florist, Tanya Tolbert of Yonkers Public Schools, Lindsay Carden of Hudson Valley Bank and former Yonkers City Clerk Joan Deierlein. The event was
moderated by last year’s poster contest winners, Peter and Molly Doran. Council President McLaughlin also thanked the many sponsors, board members
and volunteers of the P.A.L. who contributed to this event’s success, most especially Stew Leonard’s, who has sponsored this event for the thirteenth consecutive year.
were yanked from the National Television programming schedule in the aftermath of the 1967 War, Fouad Mounib decided to immigrate to the U.S. with his family the following year. Settling down in Virginia, the father formed and managed a performing theatrical troupe comprised of people of different nationalities until his demise in 1977. His daughter, Azza Mounib, picked it up only to become a famous dancer and
instructor in the U.S. As for Amr Mounib, he grew up to become a world-renowned photographer and visual artist. “I never formally studied the complexity of the art, but I picked up little tricks and techniques from my father who had undertaken photography as a serious hobby using still and 8mm cameras”, reflected Amr. “Sometimes, I used to steal his camera and upon returning it to him, I would ask him to
develop the film I made at the still-existing Antar Studio in Bab el-Louk. My father was also an oil painter who liked to draw the farmers at the countryside or near the Nile River in Maadi and Helwan of the 1960s. He used to donate his artwork to friends and family”. Landing in Virginia was not an easy experience for Amr as a child. “I survived a
CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Fabric of a Nation By SHERIF AWAD
Art has always been a part of the life of Amr Mounib, an Egyptian-born artist now based in Washington, D.C. He was raised and nurtured in his grandmother Mary Mounib’s house,
behind the sets of her films and theatrical plays. His father Fouad Mounib, Mary Mounib’s son and the uncle of the late singer Amer Mounib, was the producer of the famous 1960s TV shows Maa al-Naas (With the People) and Mingheir Kalam (Without Words). When those shows
Continued on page 7
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Page 7
CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Fabric of a Nation Continued from page 6 cultural, geographical, weather and status shock”, said Amr, about his early years in the U.S. “I was growing up in family nurtured by the love of the Egyptian society of that time, when, all of a sudden, I found myself living in a place where nobody knows who you are. One of the adaptations I undertook was to join the U.S. Navy to make use of the education support for people in the military
travelled to and from Egypt in order to connect, reconnect and maintain his familiarity with the rest of the Mounib family. He also settled down for a couple of years in France.“While I was in Paris, I was mentored by two photographers, the American, Gene Finn, and the Egyptian, Fouli Elia, who became photography editor of the French edition of Elle magazine”, he said. “But it was in 1990 when I moved from the fashion industry toward the contemporary art scene to express my own concerns and views of the world. A series called Fracture was my perspective on the Bosnian War. I photo-
Amr Mounib (right) during ‘Yes We Can’ an NGO event held in 2012. around the portraits of Egyptians including that of Mary Mounib. The exhibition took place last October in Washington D.C,”. Mounib never forgot his childhood memories with his great grandmother. “Mary Mounib was a very special lady”, he recollects. “Gaining notoriety playing a manipulative mother-in-law in classic Egyptian films, she was totally the opposite of that as a mother and as a grandmother. I used to go to play in her Shubra house where she raised chickens in the backyard Amr Mounib depicted in her role in the “Fabric of a Nation” series. since my father could not afford it. I then went on to earn a degree in the Natural Sciences, thereafter, another degree in Film and Television while continuously engaged in photography with new cameras emerging along the way”. Over the following three decades, Amr
graphed models covered with mud to reflect the loss of human life under the dust. In 2002, I started to experiment with painting and mixed media as an alternative way to present my photography… This was done in two series of mine, Fabric of a Nation, where I superimposed icons of flowers about and
Specialized Diagnostic Medical Sonography Career Training at
Center for Ultrasound Research & Education Classes start soon
ULTRASOUND CAREERS BEGIN HERE CLASSES START JUNE 9th! Mary Mounib by Amr Mounib. while receiving crates of fruits, gifts from the farmers who lived nearby. She always liked me to accompany her to the al-Rihani Theatre, especially during summer vacations. Those days, in Egyptian theater, full sets were not built for background to respective Amr Mounib.
Continued on page 8
• 12-24 Month Certificate Programs • Day and Evening Classes • Job Placement Assistance • 0% Interest Financial Assistance Available • Licensed by NYSED / BPSS; Accredited by ABHES • Growing, In Demand Profession www.cure.edu CALL 1-855-THE CURE • 1-855-843-2873
271 NORTH AVE., NEW ROCHELLE, NY
Page 8
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Fabric of a Nation Continued from page 7
staging scenes. In fact they hired painters to draw the décor. For me, while still a child, it was magical observing those artists doing their job during the day, hours before the acts opened that night… so simple, yet beautiful work. Mary Mounib’s dressing room was like a counseling office to Egyptian actresses who used to come in search for her advice.
She was like a mother and matriarch to all women who had troubles and concerns”. In the 1962 production of the famous play Ela Khama (Minus Five), often shown on Egyptian TV to this day, Mary Mounib depicts an old woman who agrees to hire Suleiman (Adel Khairi) without knowing of his interest in seeking a golden treasure hidden inside the walls of her house. “I was the one who was throwing the gold coins from the other side of the wall in the scene
where Suleiman was tearing it up to find the treasure. In fact, like the character she played, Mary Mounib in an interview revealed that when she was a teen, she used to keep a moneybox behind a painting on her wall to cheer up her depressed mother to make her believe that God had sent them money to overcome their endeavors”, said Amr Mounib with a hearty laugh. Starting from 2007, Amr Mounib spent more times in Egypt and reconnected with
his uncles and his cousin Amer Mounib before the latter passed away in 2011. “My cousin Amer followed the Mounib family legacy of helping the poor and treating people in a good way. And this is what I am trying to do as well by donating some of the income of my paintings to the victims and the wounded of Tahrir in 2011 and also to the Cancer Society in Egypt”. Born in Cairo, Egypt, Sherif Awad is a film / video critic and curator. He is the film editor of
Egypt Today Magazine ( www.EgyptToday. com ), and the artistic director for both the Alexandria Film Festival, in Egypt, and the Arab Rotterdam Festival, in The Netherlands. He also contributes to Variety, in the United States, and is the film critic of Variety Arabia ( http://varietyarabia.com/ ), in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Al-Masry Al-Youm Website ( http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/ node/198132 ) and The Westchester Guardian (www.WestchesterGuardian.com ).
EDUCATION
Hastings High School Advances to State Envirothon Finals HASTINGS-On-HUDSON, NY -- For the third year in a row, Hastings High School was Westchester’s highest-scoring team in the Hudson Valley Regional Envirothon – earning them a spot at the New York State Envirothon later this month. Of the 24 teams participating from high schools around the region, Hastings ranked fifth in the 2014 regional competition held April 30 at the Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill. The two teams from The Mount Academy in Ulster County placed first and second. Chatham High School in Columbia County placed third. The primary goal of the Envirothon is to encourage students to learn about the natural environment and to become good stewards of the land. The competing teams, each made up of five students, are tested on their knowledge of five environmental topics: soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife and current environmental issues. In preparation for the events, students develop research
Hastings High School students (L-R): Melissa Shandroff, Veronica Erdman, Miranda Mitchell, Clara Weinstein, Ariadne Bazigos and Alexandra Bazigos.
MIDDLE EAST FORUM
Lessons Learned from the ‘Brave German Woman’ By RAYMOND IBRAHIM One of several German churches recently defaced with the Arabic declaration “God is great!” Several are the important lessons learned from last year’s “Brave German Woman” incident. Context: On November 10, 2013, a Muslim imam was invited to give the Islamic call to prayer inside the Memorial Church of the Reformation in the city of Speyer, Germany—a church dedicated to honoring Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.
“When the brave German woman, whose real name is Heidi Mund, heard about the event, she prayed,” reports CBN News. Not sure what she would do upon arrival, she grabbed her German flag emblazoned with the words “Jesus Christ is Lord” and headed for the concert: “Until the imam started with his shouting [”Allahu Akbar!”], I did not really know what to do. I was just prepared for what God wants me to do,” she told CBN News. Then the Muslim call to prayer began, and Heidi said she felt something rising up inside her. “I would call it a holy anger,” she
recounted. “And then I rose with my flag and I was calling and proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord over Germany”… And she repeated the words of Martin Luther in 1521 after he refused to recant his faith in scripture alone: “Here I stand. I can do no other” and “Save the church of Martin Luther!” Video shows another concert-goer trying to calm her by saying, “This is a concert for peace.” Mund can be heard responding in German, “No it’s not! Allahu Akbar is what Muslims scream while murdering people! Don’t be fooled! Don’t be fooled!
Continued on page 9
skills, practice team building and gain an appreciation for consensus decision making. The Hastings High School team was led by their teacher, Melissa Shandroff. On May 21-22, the highest scoring team from each county will compete in the New York State Envirothon at Morrisville State College in Morrisville, N.Y. Eight teams from five Westchester schools participated: • J ohn Jay High School, Katonah-Lewisboro School District •H astings High School •O ssining High School • Yorktown High School • Tech Center High School, PutnamNorthern Westchester BOCES, Yorktown Heights The Westchester County Department of Planning and Soil and Water Conservation District co-sponsored the Hudson Valley regional competition and will co-sponsor Hastings High Schools’ participation in the New York State competition.
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Page 9
MIDDLE EAST FORUM
Lessons Learned from the ‘Brave German Woman’ Continued from page 8
This is a lie!” She was thrown out of the church. “They should have thrown the imam out and not me because I am a believer in Jesus Christ, but he serves another god. This Allah is not the same god. And this is not the truth.” “This ‘allahu akbar,’ they use it when they kill people,” she argued. “This is, for me, worship to an idol, to their god. And when a Muslim calls ‘allahu akbar’ in a church, that means this church is not a church anymore, it’s a mosque.” For more details on this story, check out CBN News’ various interviews and videos of and with Mund. Now for some lessons concerning the significance of this anecdote: Mund’s observations about the phrase “Allahu Akbar” are spot-on. Islam’s war cry, signifying the superiority of Muhammad’s religion over all things, the takbir (“Allahu Akbar”), is habitually proclaimed in violent contexts, specifically attacking and slaughtering non-Muslims, whether beheading “infidels” or bombing churches. Muhammad himself used to cry it aloud prior to attacking non-Muslim tribes that refused to submit to his authority and religion. Accordingly, Mund’s outrage at hearing an Islamic imam hollering out Islamic supremacist slogans is justified. Proclaimed in a church, “Allahu Akbar”— which in translation literally means “Allah is greater [than X]”—means “Allahu is greater than the Judeo-Christian God of the Bible, and Father of Christ.” And assuming the imam proclaimed Islam’s credo or shehada as is standard in the Muslim call to prayer (that “there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger”) that too is tantamount to declaring that the biblical God is false, and the message (or Koran) delivered by Muhammad—which includes a denunciation of Christ’s divinity, death, and resurrection—is true (see for examples Koran 4:157, 4:171, 5:17, 5:116, 9:30-31, 19:35). This is precisely what the vandal who earlier painted in Arabic the phrase “Allahu Akbar” across the door of another German church likely had in mind. Yet despite all this, despite the fact that only two or three generations ago, almost every Christian would have been incensed to hear a Muslim shouting Islamic slogans that by nature contradict Christianity inside a church, Mund was
chastised by fellow Christians for her stand and kicked out. This speaks volumes about how far Western European nations have plummeted into a cesspool of moral relativism, where even in prominent churches Christian truths are attacked, and those who take a stand are ostracized for being “intolerant”; it speaks of the naivety and nihilism that predominate in the West; of the effects of years of brainwashing and indoctrination in the name of “multiculturalism,” crippling the ability to think rationally; of how political correctness has censored not only words but the ability for people to connect-the-dots in the quiet of their own minds. There is, however, a flipside to all this: Mund’s video denouncing the imam “went viral,” says CBN News, signifying its appeal; and many who saw it interpreted her actions as “brave”—hence the appellation. “Bravery” often refers to an act that, while laudable, few have the courage to do. That this title is so naturally and widely applied to Mund suggests that there are many who agree with her; they just lack the same courage, or conviction, to take a vocal stand—hence why she is the “Brave German Woman.” The fact is, beneath Western Europe’s nihilistic veneer, many there would agree with Mund’s sentiments. Not all are sheep. But due to the aforementioned forces— decades of indoctrination in militant secularism/atheism, multiculturalism, Christian-bashing, and political correctness—they are unable to articulate their grievance. Yet, whether they are able to express it or not, they remain disgruntled at Muslim affronts and weak responses from European elites. After all, Muslims hollering Islamic slogans inside European churches is not quite an infrequent phenomenon. Last Christmas, the Chaplain of Royal Holloway University invited a veiled Muslim woman to read Koran verses during church service, again, despite the fact that the Koran contradicts the key tenets of Christianity. Sometimes Muslims “invite” themselves to churches. Thus, days ago, also in the UK, a Muslim man—”dressed like a terrorist” and wearing a bandana with the Arabic phrase, “Allahu Akbar”—entered a church during service and started yelling things like “this is rubbish, you should be preaching Allah, turn to Islam, we send boys of 10 to war.” And last Easter in France saw a
Muslim man dressed in traditional Islamic attire enter a church during mass, set up his carpet next to the altar and start reading the Koran. This is to say nothing of the violent crimes and rapes Muslims are increasingly responsible for in Europe. The point is, more and more Western Europeans are becoming disgruntled, even if most are not yet “brave” enough to show it, and even if the powers-that-be, including media and government, continue to downplay and suppress them. Days ago, for example, Britain’s Liberty GB party leader Paul Weston was arrested and is facing up to two-years’ jail time simply for quoting Winston Churchill’s unflattering observations about Islam in public. In short, time will tell whether the powers-that-be will allow legitimate criticism of Islam to vent in Europe, or whether they will continue to suppress it—until the simmering cauldron of discontent spills over in ways much more dramatic than quoting Luther or Churchill, as has happened all too often in European history.
Unlimited Strength Althletics usathleticsgym.com Join our NEW GYM in Yonkers!
Athletic Boot Camp Improves your health & fitness Decrease body fat while increasing muscle. Scalable Programs for ALL ages, genders & fitness levels. International strength & conditioning systems: Russian Kettlebell Techniques, Bulgarian Exercise Methods • Japanese Tabata Drills • Olympic Weight Lifting
Group Classes for Every Level • Private Training Sessions Certified Crossfit Level One Trainer
US ATHLETICS GYM unlimited strength 914. 837.3234
600 NORTH BROADWAY, YONKERS, NY 10703
First published with CBN News on May 7, 2014. http://www.meforum.org/3816/ lessons-learned-from-the-brave-germanwoman Raymond Ibrahim, author of Crucified Again: Exposing Islam’s New War on Christians (Regnery, April, 2013) is a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center and an Associate Fellow at the Middle East Forum.
ITALIAN CUISINE
Zagat Rated “Excellent” Voted “Best Italian Restaurant” Westchester Magazine, 2006
OPEN 7 DAYS
Mon.-Thurs. Noon - 10PM • Fri. Sat. & Sun. Noon -11PM RESERVE NOW FOR PARTIES • 2 ROOMS AVAILABLE SEATING 75 & 100
914.779.4646
www.ciaoeastchester.com Ciao • 5-7 JOHN ALBANESE PLACE, EASTCHESTER, NY 10709
Page 10
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
MAKE IT FUN AND IT WILL GET DONE
Mother Nature Knows Best By PAM YOUNG We live 30 miles from Mt. St. Helens in the state of Washington. On May 18, 1980 she erupted. Before the momentous event, she looked just like a gigantic, yummy scoop of vanilla ice cream. Then she blew her top and ever since has looked like some enormous giant slashed the scoop in half with a colossal machete. She’s not as pretty as she used to be, but at least she no longer subliminally suggests ice cream to me. (I know since her eruption, my consumption of ice cream cones has gone way down.) Yesterday, we north westerners were buzzing with memories of her eruption. My sister and I were in Los Angeles that Sunday after being on Regis Philbin’s television show called AM Los
Angeles on the Friday before. I remember talking with Regis about the eminent possibility of our mountain erupting. She’d gone into labor on March 27 and was shaking and spewing steam almost every day. (Oh to be in labor for 22 days!) It was kind of scary living so close to her and as the earthquakes became more frequent and roadblocks were set up along the perimeter of the “red zone,” we watched, waited and wondered what would happen when she blew. 57 people were killed and some of the hair-raising stories of those who escaped that Sunday morning filled our morning newspaper yesterday. Nature is a great teacher and one of the lessons I’ve learned over and over again is that Mother Nature knows what she’s doing. Mt. St. Helens has taught me that all things heal in time and Mother Nature knows more than we do.
One example was Spirit Lake. The lake was at the foot of Mt. St. Helens and as a Girl Scout I camped with my troop in the park many times. The lake was so clear; we could see fish swimming deep in the water. After the mountain blew, the lake seemed to disappear; filled with molten lava the consistency of fresh cement. I remember the Forest Service thought the lake was gone along with all the wildlife and our local paper was regularly filled with articles about the devastation of the fish population. Well, guess what! Without the help of our U.S. Forest Service, the lake just moved to a different spot and the fish and wildlife came back on their own. We tend to think we can outsmart Mother Nature. Hah! When we realized we were going through twice as much birdseed as we did last spring, we knew it was because of the squirrels. We bought squirrel proof birdfeeders. The theory is the squirrel gets on the feeder and when
he/she steps on the perch his weight shuts off the door to the seeds, whereas birds don’t weigh enough to shut it. In one day this mother squirrel figured out if she stuck her arm into the open door before she put weight of the perch, her arm kept the door open enough for her other hand to reach in and pull out one seed at a time. Yesterday we decided to go to the feed store and buy a squirrel feeder and quit fighting them. There was quite a selection, but we chose one along with a 50 pound sack of pumpkin seeds and a 30 pound bag of peanuts. I’ll just have to wait and see if they will now stay away from the bird’s seed or just get fat and call all their friends in neighboring counties to join the feast. Just one more note: I have a photo Terry took yesterday morning that shows how wrong I was thinking the deer were eating my tulips. I’m including it in case your editor can publish it. In case it doesn’t accompany this column, it’s a photo of a slug (approximately 10 ounces) who
climbed up the 12” stem of one of my tulips and ate away half the flower. His weight caused the tulip to sway with the slightest breeze. While I watched, I thought of Cirque du Soleil and it made me smile at Mother Nature After writing six best-selling books together, being on thousands of radio and television shows, and speaking to audiences of thousands, Peggy retired in 2002. In addition to running their original business, Sidetracked Home Executives Inc., Pam decided to take her creativity and delightful sense of humor and launch the very popular website www.makeitfunanditwillgetdone.com to help a new generation of SHEs. For more from Pam Young go to www. makeitfunanditwillgetdone.com. You’ll find many musings, videos of Pam in the kitchen preparing delicious meals, videos on how to get organized, ways to lose weight and get your finances in order, all from a reformed SLOB’s point of view.
MUSIC
THE SOUNDS The Vince Guaraldi Trio “A Boy OFBLUE Named Charlie Brown” Fantasy By Bob Putignano The background storyline here is almost as fascinating as the music contained. “A Boy Named Charlie Brown” was written for a 1964 TV program, but it never saw the light and never aired on television. Equally fascinating that very same year of 1964 Fantasy Records went full steam ahead and issued “Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown” the album sold well, but Fantasy never received the marketing bump it anticipated had the TV program aired on national television. So fifty years afterwards we now know the story behind the story. Which is wild: especially considering the subsequent success of Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts. Furthermore it was on this same recording that “Linus and Lucy” (often called the Peanuts theme song) made its debut, and in fact was the catalyst that resulted in Guaraldi getting the gig to become the musical director for subsequent Peanuts episodes. By the way Guaraldi’s “Linus and Lucy” reached a wider audience when CBS-TV televised “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on December 9th,
www.ConcordMusicGroup.com
1965. Even though most of us will relate back to our childhood days watching and listening to Peanuts, these recordings are not just children’s songs. Guaraldi’s penned tunes truly brought to life the whimsical Peanuts gang characters; it was a marriage made in heaven that almost did not happen. Director / producer Lee Mendelson’s third choice was Guaraldi. Dave Brubeck was first contacted by Mendelson, but he was too busy. Next a call to vibe player Cal Tjader, but he too was busy. Years later both Brubeck and Tjader were quoted saying they wished they weren’t busy at that time… So Guaraldi’s trio with bassist Monty Budwig and drummer Colin Bailey were inserted. And they must have had a ball backing the cartoon characters, and they probably also obtained comfortable financial success above and beyond most of their jazz musician peers. “A Boy Named Charlie Brown” might be Guaraldi’s best work. It is a great album of piano jazz that also
supports the fact that Guaraldi was also a brilliant composer who was able to provide the perfect backdrop to the entire Peanuts characters. Bonus tracks include a lengthy cover of “Fly Me To the Moon” which isn’t memorable, and an alternate take of the previously unreleased “Baseball Theme.” The CD packaging is high quality, the recent 2014 Derrick Bang’s liners are enlightening, plus the original liners by Ralph J. Gleason are delightful. Joe Tarantino’s audio re-mastering proves (once again) that he’s one of the best in the business. Note: A limited edition fiftieth anniversary vinyl reissue of the original 1964 “Jazz Impressions of a Boy Named Charlie Brown” is also available in a gatefold jacket that houses the LP in “orange” vinyl. Also included are 8x10 reproduction lithographs of the Peanuts crew. For fifteen years Bob Putignano has been pivotal at WFDU with his Sounds of Blue radio show: www.SoundsofBlue. com ; Previously a senior contributing editor at Blues Revue, Blueswax, and Goldmine magazines, and Music Editor for the Yonkers Tribune and The Westchester Guardian. Putignano can be contacted at: bob8003@yahoo.com
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Page 11
PRO-LIFE
Pro-Choicers Give Children AIDS-Part Four of Four By CHRIS ROSTENBERG The sex promoted by Planned Parenthood is not that which happens between people who like or respect one another, let alone love each other. It’s sex as hostility, sexual aggression. It’s like rape. Hell, it’s like murder. Murder by sex. Mass murder of children via AIDS. A pattern becomes clear. As Planned Parenthood fights to prevent people from learning that their sexual partners are HIV positive, the organization also opposes laws that would require that girls getting abortions first gain parental consent or parental notification for the homicidal surgery. The abortion giant also opposes laws that women and girls getting abortions be given informed consent of the surgery, which would be required if it were any other type of operation. Planned Parenthood wants women and minors to be denied information while making some of the most serious decisions of their lives. For decades, Planned Parenthood has had a bizarre, pathological view of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Dr. James Irwin, a Planned Parenthood board member stated, “In a girl under 18, we consider pregnancy a disease.” This sentiment has been so prevalent in some circles that the prestigious textbook Williams Obstetrics states, “[F]or some women, pregnancy is a venereal disease.” At a meeting of Planned Parenthood physicians in 1973, Dr. Willard Cates presented a paper: “Abortion as a Treatment for Unwanted Pregnancy: the Number Two Sexually Transmitted Disease.” Gonorrhea was considered the number one STD. Cates wrote that abortion is “ten times more effective for treating unplanned pregnancy than is penicillin for
treating gonorrhea.” As William Brennan shows in The Abortion Holocaust: Today’s Final Solution, a 1976 booklet Planned Parenthood pamphlet addressed US teenage birth rate is “an epidemic of adolescent pregnancies.” Dr. Jane Hodgson agreed that an epidemic of pregnancies existed and supported enforced abortion as “mandatory immunization” designed to prohibit “motherhood.” This is mind-blowing in light of today’s Chinese forced abortion, and the possibility that Planned Parenthood has quietly supported China’s policy. *** Why would Planned Parenthood give HIV positive kids the asinine advice to spread their disease? One gets the impression that the authors of Healthy, Happy and Hot want young people to get AIDS. Why? First, the AIDS crisis grants false status to Planned Parenthood as it creates a need for sex educators in the school system. In addition, nine-month pro-choicers know that pregnant women and girls who are HIV positive are more likely to abort, which gives Planned Parenthood more money and power. The AIDS crisis in Africa offers another reason Planned Parenthood may want to spread the disease. The organization has a horrific racist past involving forced sterilizations of black Americans: perhaps Planned Parenthood simply wants to see more Africans “go away.” A terrific documentary film on the abortion giant’s racist traits is “Maafa 21”, free on YouTube, which I urge readers to view. But the most important reason Planned Parenthood has a pathological attitude toward HIV and AIDS is deeper. When AIDS hit the scene in the 1980’s, Planned Parenthood was faced with a conundrum.
It had promoted a sex-over-life ethic for decades with prenatal homicide, so how could it tell people to abstain from sex to save themselves from AIDS? “There is no right or wrong way to have sex.” Planned Parenthood took the easy way out by pushing condoms. While I am not opposed to condoms per se, they often only appease the problem of crisis pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. The condom message actually has two parts: 1-have sex when you are not ready to cause pregnancy, and 2-wear a condom. The genius of this benevolent-sounding malevolent message is that Planned Parenthood knows people will often obey the first part of the message and abandon the second. Furthermore, condoms can fail. The entire undertaking is ridiculous when you consider that the abortion industry and its defenders need women to experience crisis pregnancy and it profits when they do. Planned Parenthood’s members cannot imagine or tolerate a world where people value responsible sex, so they dull their own understanding of HIV/AIDS just as they lie to themselves about the baby evisceration holocaust they promote. Pro-choice-to-kill activists seem to want you to get laid, get an STD, get AIDS, get pregnant, get an abortion, get more abortions and get others sick. Kill kids with abortion, kill them with AIDS, what’s the difference? It should not surprise people that Planned Parenthood is a crazy, evil organization that spreads AIDS the way it does. It should be enough that Planned Parenthood helps kill children by the millions. Chris Rostenberg is a freelance writer. Correspondence may be directed to ChrisRosty@ gmail.com.
SPORTS / ART
Baseball Cards As An Art Form Are Our Children Art Collectors? By GLENN SLABY “Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” -- Andy Warhol.
The question of what is art can be very contentious and argumentative. Every generation, especially in a free republic, has their own definition of the subject. There’s controversial works from
photographers and conceptual artists like Robert Mapplethorpe and Andres Serrano. Some may think that Norman Rockwell’s Saturday’s Evening Post covers are too simplistic, while others view some Modern Art as just meaningless lines and dabs of paint communicating nothing. I guess it depends on what the artist wants to convey to the viewer and how easily or poetically it can be conveyed. And art should not be limited
to non-functional works. Maybe it’s something carefully designed and functional, whose final appearance has a beauty all its own: The Empire State Building, the Woolworth Building, the Brooklyn Bridge. Theological discussions of what is art are interesting, topical and worthy of another article at another time. For those items whose function is totally nonsensical, purely for entertainment purposes, but designed and handled with great care, consider the comic book; even better think of the All-American Baseball Card. I never thought that as child I was also an avid art collector. I never thought of
Continued on page 12
Lightning Protection!
ASSOCIATED LIGHTNING Rod Company, Inc. www.alrci.com (518) 789-4603 (845) 373-8309 (860) 364-1498
Free Estimates Free Inspections
THE ROMA BUILDING
COMMERICAL SPACE FOR RENT
Prime Yorktown Location Great Visibility • Centrally Located
OFFICE SPACE: 470 Sq. Ft. Rent $850/Month 1160 Sq. Ft. Rent $1650/ Month STOREFRONT: 950 Sq. Ft. Rent $3250 /Month 1200 Sq. Ft. Rent $2950/ Month Call for Details:
914.632.1230 2022 SAW MILL RIVER RD., YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY
Page 12
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
SPORTS / ART
Baseball Cards As An Art Form Continued from page 11
myself a demolisher of classical American art – flipping them to the ground, throwing against brick walls and of course using them as noisemakers for my bicycle. (I had long ago discarded my cards but there are greater disappointments and regrets.) Nineteen forty-seven was a pinnacle year in the world of baseball cards and art. Jefferson R Burdick (19001963), a retired Syracuse electrician, began donating his huge collection of baseball and memorabilia cards to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Museum’s acceptance of his collection signified their recognition of the importance of baseball cards to our culture. In total, 30,000 baseball cards (the largest collection outside the Hall of Fame) as well as 270,000 trade and postcards were submitted in blocks. Their collection includes the T206 Honus Wagner card in excellent condition. From New York Magazine’s, Joe DeLessio, in an interview with Freyda Spira, assistant curator of the museum’s Department of Drawings and Prints, “Hyatt Mayor was the second curator of the print collection. He was interested in culture as a whole, so in order to understand history and culture, you really have to see what’s being communicated in society, and so you have to recognize the highest peak of art, and you also have to recognize mass communication.” Spira, “We have this enormous collection of baseball cards, and what we sought to do is create a rotating exhibition of these cards throughout the year, so that people have access to them — even to a small percentage of them — so they can get to see the range of materials that the Met has in terms
of high and low — mass appeal as well as Rembrandt etchings.” The collection rotates to display all the cards within reason and to preserve quality. There is a 3 year project to digitalize the entire collection, therefore making it available on their web page. Can the factors that determine the value of fine art be used to define the values of baseball cards, both lithographs and photographs? If something is valuable, does that make it art? Is something that is popular,mass produced and inexpensive also art? How does the passage of time reflect, enhance or inhibit its value and market desire? All these questions may pertain to what the common notion of art is today and can be applied to baseball cards as well. And if an art museum displays such objects is it not confirmation that there is art in these pieces of cardboard (today a paper/plastic medium)? And if it’s mentioned on Star Trek: The Next Generation as a unique collectible object of art, isn’t that enough proof?
“A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.” --Paul Cezanne.
As baseball is an art so too are the cards emitting reactions and impressions on an eager youthful fan base. From its earliest days to the present, one of the purposes of baseball cards is to impart the game of baseball on an individual’s emotive level, player by player to enthusiastic fans.These cards would not have such a lasting, positive, impact if it were not for the professionalism of the photography and quality of design that goes into each card.
“Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art.” -- Ansel Adams The art is not just the magnificent
picture, (portrait or action scene) changing yearly, but statistics displayed on the reverse side. Baseball cards are also a document; recording a player’s career as a professional. As a former number cruncher (accountant), I enjoyed reading the yearly statistics of the player’s history. Hate it when they just reveal the current year and career stats. Robert Adams’ On Documentary Style: “When we think of pictures in the documentary style we think of views that tend to be frontal, that are made from enough distance to put the subject in context but not so far away as to reduce the scene to an abstraction of oriental planes, and pictures
that are printed so that they are not difficult to retranslate back into life. There are, to be sure, as many varieties and degrees of this style as there are photographers who use it, but its distinguishing characteristic is always the same, restraint – an avoidance of bizarre camera angles, extreme lenses and formats, and exotic darkroom manipulations. The rationale is respect, a deference for the subject on its own terms, a deference afforded naturally to what is itself eloquent. The photographer’s chief effort is to be fair.” Baseball cards reflect the popular culture of its time. Can the baseball card stand the test of time? Can it become more than an
artwork reflecting a period of time and stand alone as a piece of art and not just pop culture representing a singular generation? And if the Museum of Art displays something as art, who am I to dispute it?
e-mail from an old friend, John Coffey, taking strong exception to Chambers’ vision -- John was a high school classmate who spent a lifetime in the technology field (after taking a similar circuitous route to mine in getting there. – I was an English major in college while John studied Labor Management). He wrote “Long before any of Mr. Chambers’ predictions arrive there will be a revolution in this country over privacy, perhaps armed but more likely political. What Mr. Chambers forgets is that the benefits of such minor improvements in life pale into significance against the incredible downside. Does he even consider what would happen to individuals’ privacy even in the most benign of governments? Being under constant surveillance by uncontrollable institutions, public
or private, is not a world I would want to live in and I am pretty sure very few other people would. Mr. Snowden’s actions, for example, have generated calls for his death by some government officials and not a few private citizens. Why? Because he let everyone know what was going on in the NSA and perhaps other institutions as well. How is that different from all of your personal medical history, financial condition, personal relationships, and actual location at all times being made known to a lot of other people and organizations that you haven’t given permission to have? Snowden wasn’t given permission to tell anyone else what he knew and was presumably told specifically not to let anyone else know, yet he did. While many think that was a good thing others do not. The point is that I
for one would feel very uncomfortable about the possibility of all my personal information could be made available to others without my permission and I don’t see any way around preventing that in Mr. Chambers’ world. Do you? Some may say don’t worry about it but I think far more people will worry about it and ultimately do something about it.” While generally agreeing with John’s analysis for the potential – even the probability – for loss of privacy, my immediate feeling was that we were both already on an irreversible path and there would be no revolution because the American public would not pay attention long enough to revolt so I replied in a rather lengthy
Glenn Slaby is married and has one son. A former account with an MBA, he is a freelancer with The Westchester Guardian, writes part-time, and struggles with mental illness, yet works at the New Rochelle Public Library and at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Harrison, New York.
TECHNOLOGY / CREATIVE DISRUPTION
Whither The Internet? Again! By JOHN F. McMULLEN A few weeks ago, I concluded a three-part series, “Whither The Internet?” by focusing on Cisco CEO John Chambers’ view of where the Internet is going. For over a year, Chambers has been speaking to major industry groups, such as the 2013 InterOp Conference (https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=Xuf4csAVwz0) and the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=TepUznT42ro), making the
case for what Chambers calls “The Internet of Everything” (http://www.internetofeverything.com) – a world in which all our devices are connected and sharing information to make our lives better in every way – from ease of hospital check-in to health care delivery to diet, and nutrition planning – to just about everything. Chambers expects that there will be from 50 billion to 500 billion devices in 2020 (up from 10 billion in 2010), all connected, all sharing data, and making our lives better. The “digital ink” had scarcely dried on the column when I received a thoughtful
Continued on page 13
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Page 13
those poles. “As an educator and a writer, I have constant hope for an educated thoughtful public that demands constructive action based on facts rather than ideology -- but I see little evidence of it.” This ended this segment of our dialog – but I’m sure that as similar issues arise in the forthcoming months, we will pick it up again. I do, however, see a possible ray of hope – a different way of looking at our overall relationship with the Internet; a view that prompt us to demand a greater say in its governance. This ray of hope comes from a new book, “The People’s Platform: Taking Back Power and Culture In The Digital Age” by Astra Taylor. Although I’ve written about the World Wide Web for over twenty years and have delineated “Web 1.0” (Essentially a one-way communication with hosts such as the New York Times, Amazon, WalMart, and Motor Vehicles presented the users with products to buy, information to be read, forms to be filled out, etc.) from “Web 2.0” (when users began to publish their own material – blogs, microblogs, Social Networks, wikis, etc.). I have never looked at the difference quite the way Taylor describes it. She writes “Web 2.0 is not about users buying products; rather, users are the product. We are what companies like Google and Facebook sell to advertisers. Of course, social media have made a new kind of engagement possible; they have also generated a handful of enormous companies that profit
off the creations and interactions of others. What is social networking if not the commercialization of the once unprofitable art of conversation That, in a nutshell, is Web 2.0: content is no longer king, as the digital sages like to say, connections are.” It seems to me that this view is very empowering --- and could, if properly publicized (and “sold”) be the basis for John’s revolution; we don’t have to stop buying – we just have to stop coming en masse. First, we have to decide whether we cared enough to do this or whether we were content enough to be “tagged bears.” Only time will tell. I encourage any readers who find this issue of importance to discuss it with friends (in person as well as through social media) and to e-mail me with thoughts, ideas, and action plans at johnmac13@ gmail.com
TECHNOLOGY / CREATIVE DISRUPTION
Whither The Internet? Again! Continued from page 12
manner -- “I think that every provider will assure us of security for our information (even though there is none). I agree with you with what I would like -- but I’m resigned to having total individual transparency and lack of privacy -- and, at our age, I’m not overly concerned about my medical records (although I would be if I were in my 20s or 30s and there was something there that might impact employment opportunities). The main reason that I don’t think there will be any revolution is the short attention span of the American public -- the only outfits that stay worked up over these things are the ACLU and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. People jumped up and down about CallerID years ago, saying it would kill whistleblowing (growing up in an apartment house, I was all for it -- it reminded me of the peephole that let me decide who I would let in). Then the same folks were all worked up about Gmail being offered with targeted ads -- “this means that it scans your e-mail -- don’t use it” -- we saw how that worked out -- now nobody cares. “The privacy groups constantly get worked up about some new real or imagined privacy hole in Facebook and try to raise public opinion about it -- and nobody cares (or at least not a significant % of its 1 billion users). People don’t get worked up about putting cameras everywhere or the possibility of drone surveillance -- “It may stop crime or help catch criminals” -- “it may also record you kissing someone else’s wife or at a Yankee game when you’re home sick” -- “I don’t worry about that.” “Whenever there is a security problem, administrations bend and break the rules – much like LBJ, no one wants the tragedy “to be on my watch.” Bush and Chaney knowingly threw out all the rules on surveillance after 9/11 and no one in the investigative arm of DOJ, who knew better stood up. Constitutional lawyer Obama comes along, after promising an open government and just continues the past -- “what would happen if I undo this stuff and we have another 9/11? I’d get blamed.” “Then along comes Snowden and the usual suspects are joined by the Libertarians in making noise -- and our constitutional lawyer president will “fix it” -- and very few people bother to ask whether he didn’t know or didn’t care before Snowden. “And three months later, no one cares any more -- we’ve moved on to job losses, our kids and grandkids, the Yankees, the
Ukraine, Phil Jackson, etc. “And just as we don’t care that Amazon keeps a record of the books we read and the electronics we buy, we won’t care about the “slight possibility” that our medical records are insecure if it makes the hospital check-in automatic and turns on the television in the room. “People are too busy to care -- and often to think!” I think that my reaction was somewhat like that of Stanford professor Paul Saffo, writing about another new technology in a CNN piece, “Google Glass signals a wearables revolution” (http:// www.cnn.com/2014/04/16/opinion/ saffo-google-glass/index.html), when he pointed out that the successors to Google Glass will be less clunky, have many more apps, and be indistinguishable from plain glasses. He obviously feels that, by that time, we will have accepted the fact that we have no privacy. He wrote “the information revolution is moving from personal to intimate.” The arrival of Google Glass has resulted in a debate over where and when info-glasses can be worn. Just like similar debates over pagers, cell phones and smartphones in years past, wearables will likely be everywhere. “Besides, unlike smartphones, infoglass hardware is going to quickly shrink into near-invisibility. Within a few years, smart glasses will be indistinguishable from an ordinary pair of vintage 2014 specs. And after that? How about info-contact lens that can check your vital signs? “And privacy? Forget about it. We are destined to become like tagged bears, constantly tracked, but too addicted to the data stream to switch our intimate devices off.” By the way, I love that quote “like tagged bears” – it’s a great metaphor (really a simile) for what we will become. Undeterred by my cynicism, John replied “Because we are of a certain age does not mean this is not a problem for younger people going forward. Nor do I agree it isn’t a problem for us as well. It may very well be a pseudo elitist position to think that young people don’t care about this trend. Just because you don’t worry about the effects of surveillance in your life does not mean that others do not worry about it and not just about kissing another woman somewhere. The problem is the mentality that says “If you haven’t done anything you have nothing to worry about.” The straw that broke the camel’s back could very easily become operative here and set off a reaction to the growing lack of privacy and that is what I am concerned about.”
Once again, good points and something to think about – which I did, before replying, “I’m not disagreeing with John about the dangers of the absence of security and of the surveillance of all of us and future generations. Dave Eggers’ “The Circle,” while perhaps too hysterical, is certainly a cautionary tale of what could be the result of a totally transparent society. My feeling is, however, that we have little way of stopping the trend -- we have to, rather, figure how to deal with it. “I base my feelings on two beliefs: “The American public has no real memory of nor ability to analyze complex issues. How many people that you know would be willing to spend time focusing on the complex interrelationship of security and privacy -- or on how to deal with the possibility of staggering long range unemployment due to escalating wondrous technological innovation? How many critics or supporters of the Affordable Heath Care Act (those who even know it is the same as Obamacare) really know what is in the act? We have a polarized society which, depending on how individuals are predisposed, get its news and opinion from either Fox or MSNBC. “Our political system is totally dysfunctional -- and, no matter how different the rhetoric of presidential candidates, I have no hope that either party can make a significant change in some of these complex issues -- perhaps an outlier, such as Rand Paul or Elizabeth Warren, might make a difference but no one in between
Creative Disruption is a continuing series examining the impact of constantly accelerating technology on the world around us. These changers normally happen under our personal radar until we find that the world as we knew it is no more. John F. McMullen is a writer, poet, college professor and radio host. Links to other writings, Podcasts, and BlogTalkRadio broadcasts at www.johnmac13.comhttp:// www.johnmac13.com/.
Commercial • Industrial & Residential Services Roll-Off Containers 1-30 Yards Home Cleanup Containers Turn-Key Demolition Services DEC Licensed Transfer Station
www.citycarting.net City Carting of Westchester Somers Sanitation B & S Carting AAA Paper Recycling Bria Carting City Confidential Shredding
DEP Licensed Rail Serve Transfer & Recyling Services Licensed Demolition Contractor Locally Owned & Operated Radio Dispatched Fully Insured - FREE Estimates
800.872.7405 • 203.324.4090
On-Site Document Destruction
8 Viaduct Road, Stamford, CT 06907
Same Day Roll Off Service
Page 14
EYE ON
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
THEATRE
Revival of Revivals By JOHN SIMON The current mounting of “Cabaret” has rightly been dubbed the revival of a revival because it re-creates the most recent revival of the musical, which transferred to Broadway from London. It is co-directed by Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall, with the latter also choreographing. So the hit 2004 version of this show by Joe Masteroff (book), Fred Ebb (lyrics) and John Kander (music) returns sooner than most revivals do. You may recall that this is a musical based on John Van Druten’s play “I Am a Camera,” which was in turn based on Christopher Isherwood’s fiction, “The Berlin Stories.” It is the tale, in part, of the Kit Kat Klub, a super decadent nightclub in 1929/30 decadent Berlin, where the bisexual American writer, Clifford Bradshaw, has
come to write a novel. He gets involved with Sally Bowles, a British chanteuse at the club, with a checkered sexual career. For a while things go well enough, until Sally gets pregnant, probably by Cliff. Cliff offers to marry her and take her back to the States, but she realizes that that is not the life for her, has an abortion, and stays put. A subplot involves Fräulein Schneider’s boarding house where Cliff and Sally carry on, and the middle-aged proprietress is wooed by Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit merchant, whom she almost marries until the rising Nazi movement puts paid to that. An overplot involves Cliff ’s relations with Ernst Ludwig, a young Nazi, and the coming catastrophe, foreshadowed in the rousing hymn “Tomorrow Belongs to Me.” It is, and always was, a glorious show, even more so after it incorporated additional songs from Bob Fosse’s movie version. There
The Kit Kat Band in Cabaret.
Michelle Williams as Sally Bowles and Alan Cumming as Emcee in Cabaret.
characters, and is befriended by a couple of soldiers: the good ole boy Monty and the black Flick. The former seduces and drops her, the latter overcomes her racial prejudices and will end up marrying her, despite the revivalist’s inability to turn a faith healer into a face healer. The book and lyrics by Brian Crawley are adequate, but I have problems with the music of Jeanine Tesori.Though she has since become a marked success with a number of shows, even operas, I have always found her music serviceable but uncompelling, or, to put it more simply, second-rate. Nothing she has composed has made me wish for a second hearing. The current Broadway revival is a transfer from an Encores! production, and again stars the admirable Sutton Foster, who turns whatever she touches into gold. Even for me, she is no blushing Violet, but a lovably radiant one, well supported by an apt cast that includes Colin Donnell (Monty), Joshua Henry (Flick). Alexander Gemignani (Father) and Emerson Steele (Young Violet), among others. David Zinn’s modest scenery and Clint Ramos’s persuasive costumes make their due contribution under Leigh Silverman’s no-nonsense direction. As to whether you should see this show, check out some other, more positive review than mine, and then decide between the two. The fact that we never get to see that horrendous scar should also tell you something. Violet production images by and courtesy of Joan Marcus. Venue: American Airlines Theatre, 227 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10026. Ticket Services: 212-719.1300.
Alan Cumming as Emcee in Cabaret. is something fascinating about the shuttling he seems more credible in his heterosexual between the lewd Kit Kat Klub numbers, than in his homosexual aspects. Unlike some with the scantily clad girls and the louche respected others, I found Linda Emond and sarcastic polymorphously sexual Emcee, a satisfactory Fräulein Schneider, but I and the more intimate numbers at the don’t think anyone could object to Danny Schneider boarding house, where, however, Burstein’s touching Herr Schultz. Among another tenant, Fräulein Kost, conducts her the able others, Gayle Rankin’s disreputable dissolute activities. Fräulein Kost stands out. The earlier, Harold Prince productions, There is dependable help from William in a proscenium theater, were followed by Ivey Long’s cunning costumes and the the Mendes-Marshall version, in a theater delightful lighting by Peggy Eisenhauer and with the audience seated, nightclub-like, at Mike Baldassari, which springs up cannily small tables, with stage space merging almost even from unsuspected locations. And seamlessly with audience space. there is much fun in the girls who double as onstage dancers and orchestra musicians. One thing that both stagings had in common was the perverse, leering, often So yes, no matter what you have seen before, even this very version, you should be pleashalf-naked Emcee, first brilliantly incarnated by Joel Grey, and now, for Mendes-Marshall, antly tickled by this “Cabaret.” if possible even more scarily by Alan Cabaret production images by and Cumming. Cumming re-creates that role courtesy of Joan perhaps even more weirdly and ominously Marcus. than he did before, in what is now a masterly Venue: Studio bisexual frenzy of grinningly grotesque nasti- 54, 254 West 54th ness and, eventually, Nazism. Street, between 7th and 8th Avenue, New Still, the show retains enough Broadway York, NY 10019. razzmatazz and Ebb-Kander talent to make Services: the show’s kinkiness palatable even to strait- Ticket laced viewers. Much depends on the casting, 212-719-1300. where all others must keep up with the * * * speedily ubiquitous Emcee who pops up all I am less happy over the fine, two-tiered set by Robert Brill, about the revival of as well as in various spots of the auditorium. the 1997 musical Sally Bowles is not an easy role to cast, “Violet,” which I like given her emotionally contradictory persona, no better now than Joshua Henry as Flick and Sutton Foster as Violet in Violet. not to mention her, however Berlinized, then. Based on a novel Britishness. Last time, it was the late Natasha by Doris Betts, The Richardson, the first Brit in an American Ugliest Pilgrim, it is the story of Violet, who John Simon has written for over 50 years on mounting (the great Judi Dench did it in as a young girl was wounded by her now theatre, film, literature, music and fine arts for the Hudson Review, New Leader, New Criterion, London); she got some but not all things deceased father in an ax accident, and left National Review, New York Magazine, Opera right. Now we have the movies’ Michelle with an unsightly facial scar. Williams, platinum blonde with pageboy Now, years later, she travels by bus from News, Weekly Standard, Broadway.com and haircut, who sings and dances commendably, her North Carolina home to an Oklahoma Bloomberg News. He reviews books for the New but does not quite capture the multiplicity of meeting with a television revivalist minister, York Times Book Review and Washington Post. a complex persona. who she hopes can restore her countenance. To learn more, visit the www.JohnSimonUncensored.com website. Bill Heck does well by Cliff, although Along the way, she meets numerous quaint
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Page 15
LEAVING ON A JET PLANE
In Aruba, Life’s A Beach By BARBARA BARTON SLOANE “In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sandthere is the story of the earth.” – Rachel Carson
Some people love a parade, some love a
Diana O’Neill
kind in the islands; it will create an accessible, scenic link between the airport and resorts along Palm Beach. To include bike paths, pedestrian paths, kiosks and an abundance of trees, this will be a location where visitors and locals can relax, kick-back, and enjoy.
Shake, Rattle and Roll
Kicking back was not foremost on my
Holistic Health Services Lovely ladies of the Grenadines.
everyone on this UTV off-road adventure was having a blast. Me? Not so much. Each vehicle carried two of us and we drove in a bumpy caravan formation led by a professional tour guide who showed us the best landmarks of Aruba. All I was aware of was crashing through roads with craterlike holes, skirting mammoth boulders, bumping, grinding, and eating dirt that the vehicle in front of me was kicking up. It was, yeah, unforgettable. UTV tours just happen to be all the rage on the island - à chacun son goût. There are loads of water sports: windsurfing, paddle boarding, kite boarding. More to my taste was snorkeling and kayaking – and lying in a hammock.
It’s Cuckoo
The Grenadines. rainy night. I love a beach. After a long, hard winter, I was so ready for the beach. Aruba, here I come! Aruba, called “The One Happy Island,” is a 19 mile-long island of the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea and just 15 miles from Venezuela.Together with Bonaire and Curacao it forms a group referred to as the ABC islands. As its turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore, Aruba is celebrated as one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean. Luckily, it is located below the hurricane belt and has a temperature of 82-degree days year round; in fact, it has the most sunny days in all of the Caribbean. Beaches here are spectacular – Eagle Beach has been named one of the top 10 in the world. On my visit, it seemed that the beach was a part of everything I did – from water activities to riding a horse on the sand to lunches, cocktails and dinners, all – where else? On the beach. The Aruba government has launched a $350 Million project upgrading sites in Oranjestad, the capital, as well as building Linear Park, which will be the longest of its
mind – it was time to shake off my winter cabin fever and get movin’! I’d been told that the De Palm UTV experience was fun and one I wouldn’t forget. Well, they were right on one count. I think I’ll remember it for as long as I live. Fun – that’s subjective, isn’t it? One person’s fun is another’s… er...nightmare? To be fair, it appeared that
That may be the sound of an island bird but for now, let’s consider one of the silliest, good time tours you can have: The Kukoo Kunuku picked me up at the airport and later took me on an island tour. What the heck is it? Simply a wacky, wonderful, oneof-a-kind open air bus, Reggae blasting, the driver blowing his singing horn, and we loonies shaking our maracas and calling out to pedestrians as we ride by. The company says it’s “the perfect way for the old and the reckless and the young and the restless to tool around.” I’ll second that.
White Wedding Day
Another activity quite popular here: Getting hitched. Aruba has been named one of the
Continued on page 16
I will journey with you during challenging times and help you find the psychic energy to cope with whatever arises. Counseling • Energy Healing • Hypnotism Spiritual & Psychic Healing By Appointment, only Free consultation given on first visit.
914.630.1928 Holistic Health Services Kukoo Kunuku.
240 North Ave. Suite 204 A New Rochelle, NY 10801
Page 16
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
LEAVING ON A JET PLANE
In Aruba, Life’s A Beach Continued from page 15 world’s top wedding and honeymoon destinations by Brides Magazine. From the Divi Resort to the Renaissance Resort’s private island to the drop-dead new Ritz Carlton (the first 5-star on the island) – everyone’s goin’ to the chapel – and there’s not a more romantic place to do it.
Speaking of romance, there’s a hidden gem on this island known as Boardwalk. Run by charming Belgian-raised twins Stephanie and Kimberly Rooijakkers, and considered by many as the most romantic hotel in Aruba, this small, Caribbeancolored property is situated across from the famed Palm Beach. Boardwalk has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today and National Geographic Traveler. Its lush gardens, hammocks on terraces and champagne breakfasts delivered to your room make this a perfect oasis for couples, honeymooners or anyone wanting a peaceful, serene, truly intimate home base from which to explore the environs.
Munching Mania
Divi Aruba Phoenix Resort.
On this island, it’s easy to do. No less than 90 nationalities influence Aruba’s cuisine, and the local offerings more than hold their own. At the many breakfasts, lunches and dinners I had on the beach,
Keeshi Yena (chickpeas and Gouda cheese) and Funchi (fried polenta and more Gouda cheese) topped off with a perfect Ponche Crema (the best Caribbean drink, bar none) were my favorites. Festivals in Aruba take place all year long on the island. The Bon Bini Festival is a weekly folkloric music and dance affair, the perfect introduction to the warmth and hospitality of Aruba’s people. The action commences in downtown Oranjestad every Tuesday at 6:30 pm in the outdoor courtyard of Fort Zoutman, Aruba’s oldest building. When I attended the event, the flavor of the island, its history, people, music and cuisine came through loud and clear and I paid just $5 to attend. Gearing up for Memorial Day weekend, the Soul Beach Music Festival is a multi-night concert with beach parties, concerts and comedy shows. In June, there’s the Film Festival that brings the international film community to Aruba. And perhaps the most prestigious musical event in the Caribbean, the Aruba Piano Festival, takes place in September and has built up a world-wide reputation because of the renowned artists that perform.
Bon Bini
Aruba 411:
Renaissance Resort’s Private Island.
Bon Bini means “welcome to my country.” It’s a Papiamento word, the official and most common language in Aruba and it was something I often heard on my visit. I never did learn the word for “Goodbye,” undoubtedly because I didn’t want to say it. I much preferred the local phrase Te Aworo – see you later - thus insuring my return. Images by Michael Sloane and courtesy of Michael Sloane Travel Photography. Travel Editor, Barbara Barton Sloane, is constantly globe hopping to share with our readers her unique experiences from the exotic to the sublime. She keeps us informed, as well, on the capricious and engaging fashion and beauty scene.
Aruba Tourist Authority www.aruba.com Hotels Divi Resorts www.diviresorts.com Renaissance Resorts www.marriott.com Ritz Carlton www.ritzcarlton.com/Aruba Boardwalk www.boardwalkaruba.com Restaurants West Deck, Papillion, Elements, Moomba Beach, Passions, Manchebo, White Modern, Flying Fishbone, Bucuti www.restaurantsaruba.com Activities De Palm UTV www.visitaruba.com ABC Jeep www.abc-aruba.com Kukoo Kunuku Bus www.kukookunuku.com
GovernmentSection CORRUPTION
Comptroller DiNapoli and A.G. Schneiderman Announce Indictment of New York City Councilman Ruben Wills in Public Corruption Scheme Councilman Accused of Stealing City and State Money for Personal and Political Use, Enlisting Relative in the Theft of Public Campaign Funds New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the indictment of New York City Council Member Ruben Wills for allegedly pocketing both public campaign funds and charitable grant money for personal benefit. Mr. Wills and a member of his family that he enlisted as a co-conspirator have been indicted by a Queens grand jury after an investigation exposed the theft of approximately $30,000 and a subsequent attempt by the Councilman to cover their tracks. “The Comptroller’s Office joint task force with the Attorney General has uncovered another apparent example of disgraceful behavior,” State Comptroller DiNapoli said. “Public funds intended to help people were allegedly used instead for shopping trips to high-end stores. Charges such as these are an insult to the Councilman’s constituents and to the taxpayers who paid the bills. I
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli thank Attorney General Schneiderman for his hard work in pursuing this matter and working with us to fight public corruption across the state.” “The crimes Mr. Wills is accused of committing represent a shameful breach of the trust his constituents placed in him,”
Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman said Attorney General Schneiderman. “New Yorkers are repeatedly asked to have faith in our leaders, and it appears that faith has been shattered once again. Every time my office arrests a corrupt public official, it sends the message that elected office does not come with a blank check or a license to break the law.”
The documents made public today detail a calculated scheme to defraud New York taxpayers while lining the Councilman’s own pockets. Wills is accused of stealing from two government agencies: the New York City Campaign Finance Board (“CFB”) and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (“OCFS”). In the 2009 campaign for the City Council seat he now holds, Wills received matching funds from the CFB. Rather than spending the funds on legitimate campaign expenditures as required by law, Wills allegedly had his campaign committee pay $11,500 to Micro Targeting, a shell company created for the purported translation and distribution of campaign literature. But Micro Targeting never provided those services. Rather, according to documents made public in court today, Councilman Wills had a relative, Jelani Mills, redirect the money from Micro Targeting to NY 4 Life, a non-profit
corporation Wills controlled, while falsely representing to the CFB that the money had been spent on qualified campaign expenditures. Wills then withdrew the money in the NY 4 Life bank account in a series of cash withdrawals and personal purchases. For example, he used NY 4 Life funds in the purchase of a $750 Louis Vuitton handbag he bought at Macy’s. According to today’s court filings, NY 4 Life figured prominently in the theft from OCFS, as well. This part of the scheme involved $33,000 in state funds provided to NY 4 Life via a grant earmarked by former State Senator Shirley Huntley while Wills was serving as Huntley’s chief of staff. To obtain that money, NY 4 Life signed a contract with OCFS, promising to conduct four public service projects. Instead, NY 4 Life allegedly conducted just one program that cost approximately $14,000, and Wills kept the remaining $19,000 in grant funds
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Page 17
GOVERNMENT
Comptroller DiNapoli and A.G. Schneiderman Announce Indictment of New York City Councilman Ruben Wills in Public Corruption Scheme and used it for both political and personal expenses, including purchases at Nordstrom’s and Century 21 department stores. In addition, he made large cash withdrawals from the NY 4 Life account and used grant funds to issue checks to individuals who did little or no work related to the OCFS contract. Wills then concealed the theft by falsely identifying certain expenditures as relating to OCFS programs, which NY 4 Life had not conducted, and refused to account for the missing money, according to today’s allegations. “This City Councilman, instead of working for the public good, stole from the public coffers, according to the charges,” said Mark G. Peters, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation. “DOI shared its expert knowledge on nonprofit fraud as part of this investigation and will continue to work with the State Attorney General and its law enforcement partners to put an end to this type of public corruption.” “Today’s indictment is further proof that those who misuse public funds will face the consequences,” Amy Loprest, executive director of the New York City Campaign Finance Board said. “Strong enforcement has always been a cornerstone of the city’s
campaign finance program because it gives New Yorkers confidence that their investment in city elections will be protected.” “The thousands of public dollars stolen, allegedly at the hands of a public official, not only victimized some of our most vulnerable citizens, but thetaxpayers who put their trust in someone elected to represent them,” said Sheila J. Poole, Acting Commissioner for OCFS. “I commend the Attorney General for safeguarding taxpayer money, bringing to justice those who prey on the public, and protecting the best interests of children and families of this state.” The indictment charges Ruben Wills with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree. If convicted of the top charge of Grand Larceny, he faces a maximum of seven years in prison. The same indictment charges Jelani Mills with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree. If convicted of the Grand Larceny charge, he faces at least two years in prison and a maximum of seven years. The investigation was handled by Investigators Gerard Matheson and Angel
PUBLIC SCHOOL
A Thirst for Contraband By LUKE HAMILTON His palms sweat. He glances at his classmates who surround him, each of them hunched over their desks, reading a book with varying degrees of involvement. His left hand reaches down to brush the top of his navy blue backpack, reassuring himself that it hasn’t moved since he touched it 20 seconds ago. The boy’s heart races as he ponders the same, well-worn questions in his mind. “What if I get caught??” “Is it worth the risk?” “Why not just wait until after school? Or when I get home..?” But he doesn’t want to wait. Not for another second—let alone the hours until he is home and in his room. He has noticed an appetite growing within himself over the past year. He thought nothing of it at first, hardly gave it notice consciously. But over the past few months it had been growing in strength and urgency. It was an itch that he simply has to scratch. His eyes dart about the room as his fingers furtively reach to his backpack and slip into the main compartment to begin
their clandestine mission. His hand sweeps the backpack in search of a specific item. When they find the object of their search, the boy slowly draws it out of his backpack and slips it behind his 6th grade literature book. He eagerly turns the pages, his eyes soaking in the forbidden material. “WHAT are you reading,” asks the loud voice coming down the aisle behind him.The boy’s face flushes immediately while he tries to stuff the literature book and its contents into his backpack. His teacher arrives at his desk just in time to catch his wrist before it disappears into his bag. She pulls his hand and its contents up to the desk where he drops the literature book. It flops open to reveal the contraband. The boy slowly crosses his arms while the teacher stares at the black book with gold-edged pages, resting on the boy’s desk. “Is that a religious book again?” asks the infuriated teacher. The boy nods his head once. Twice. “I have told you that you are not allowed to read that book during our free-reading period! Give me that book and come up to the front of the classroom so we can call your parents.” †
Continued on page 18
LaPorte. Also assisting in the investigation were Analyst KerryAnn Rodriguez and Investigative Analyst Brian Selfon. The Attorney General’s Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Investigator Dominick Zarrella. Assistant Attorneys General Jerrold L. Steigman and Rachel Doft, of the Public Integrity Bureau, are prosecuting the case. The Bureau is led by Deputy Bureau Chief Stacy Aronowitz and Bureau Chief Daniel G. Cort. The Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Division is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Kelly Donovan.
The joint investigation was conducted with the Comptroller’s Investigations Unit and Bureau of State Expenditures. The Attorney General would like to thank the New York City Department of Investigation, the New York City Campaign Finance Board and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services for their assistance with the investigation. The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with additional information on this or any other public corruption matter is encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-996-4630 or the Comptroller’s Office at 1-888-672-4555; file a complaint online at investigations@osc. state.ny.us; or mail a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller Investigations Unit, 110 State Street, 14th floor, Albany, NY 12236.
A Cause For Paws Pet Adoptions
Siggy is an 8 yr. old, neutered male orange tabby. He is very calm and easy going, and is good with dogs, cats & kids.
Solo is a friendly and energetic 2 yr. old neutered male pit mix. He loves to play and go for runs. He is good with dogs, cats & kids.
Whiskey is a very friendy cat who is looking for a loving home. He is good with dogs, cats & kids. Whiskey is a neutered male and is 2 yrs old.
To submit an adoption application or to inquire about other cats and dogs looking for homes, please contact
cause4pawsny@aol.com
Page 18
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
PUBLIC SCHOOL
A Thirst for Contraband Continued from page 17
† †† Crazy, right? Clearly this is preposterous, right-wing propaganda. Or is it? Last Christmas, 12-year old Giovanni Rubeo received a Bible as a gift from his church. He began taking it to his Ft. Lauderdale elementary school classroom, to read during the designated “free reading” period. One day, his teacher told him that he was not allowed to read the Bible in her classroom. When Giovanni continued to bring his Bible to read during the free reading period, she dragged him to the front of the classroom and left an angry voicemail
for his father in front of the rest of the class. In public schools today, the Bible has taken the place of Mad Magazine. When children are caught reading the book that spawned Western civilization, they’re treated as if they got caught with a Playboy magazine. Ironically, a Playboy would be tame compared to some of the reading assignments being given to our middle- and high-school students. Can there be a clearer sign that our public schools have become a lions’ den beyond the hope of redemption? When depravity is mandatory and righteousness is contraband, all moral calibration has been deliberately demolished. Why would we continue to send our vulnerable minds
to be filled with poison and depravity? If a swamp has fetid water, do we allow our children to drink the water? Of course we don’t, because the components of the swamp have degraded to the point of danger; yet far too many parents in America allow their children to guzzle the rancid waters of the anti-Christian public school system for 35+ hours each week. There is truth in the argument that not all public school teachers are bad. This is true and I pray for the integrity of those few teachers, that they might be courageous enough to act when given the opportunity. But that changes nothing. I can guarantee that if I drink a gallon of fetid water from a swamp that not every swallow will contain
something hazardous to my health. But the harmlessness of the clean water will never outweigh the hazard of the rest of the gallon. It’s the system which has degraded—no good will come from it, only varying degrees of decay. It is admirable that Giovanni’s father coached him to defy the unconstitutional commands of his teacher and that he has since brought a lawsuit against the school district over the policy itself. It would be better for him to remove his son, of whom the Ft. Lauderdale school system was not worthy, and plant him somewhere his thirst for biblical knowledge will be rewarded and cultivated. “I love reading my Bible,” said Giovanni, “...any
time that I’m allowed to read it.” Luke Hamilton is classically-trained, Shakespearean actor from Eugene, Oregon who happens to be a liberty-loving, right- wing, Christian constitutionalist. When not penning columns for ClashDaily.com, Hamilton spends his time astride the Illinois-Wisconsin border, leading bands of liberty-starved citizens from the progressive gulags of Illinois to [relative] freedom. Hamilton is the creative mind/voice behind Pillar & Cloud Productions, a budding production company which resides at http:// www.PillarCloudProductions.com.He owes all to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose strength is perfected in his weakness.
GOVERNMENT
Somers Town Board Marks 30th Anniversary of Town Clerk Kathleen Pacella By RICH MONETTI On Thursday, May 1, 2014, the Somers Town Board met for the first of their two monthly meetings. A date that marked an anniversary which Supervisor Richard Morrissey chose not to let go unnoticed or unappreciated. “Kathleen Pacella is widely respected as one of Somers’ finest citizens. She began as an assistant to the building inspector and would take over as town clerk in 1984. She has made herself available to all those who need her without hesitation and performed her duties with the utmost sense of duty, kindness, compassion and humor,” noted Supervisor Morrissey piling on the accolades, as he presented Somers’ mainstay with a plaque. As such, the town designated May 3rd Kathleen Pacella Day; but backtracking from the end, the board got down to business on a number of issues for the duration of the 45
minute meeting. Beginning with the town’s local roads and highways, Board Member Anthony Cirieco went over the bond system that has allowed the town to maintain its roadways. “It basically amounts to a $1 million loan per year over a 10-year period”, clarified Cirieco. Conceding that the current system predates most of the board, Richard Clinchy expressed his unease with a process that only allows a certain amount of repair each year. “The roads get into a condition where now you have to do some serious spending”, he said, “while hoping at some future date a capital improvement plan can replace it. Cirieco agreed believing that which is presently in place still has value. “It has a longer life, and your investment will last as long as the bond.That adds credibility, and we have budget funds in place to repair things like potholes; so it’s not complete neglect,” noted Cirieco.
Before speaking to the police...call
George Weinbaum ATTORNEY AT LAW
FREE CONSULTATION: Criminal, Medicaid/Medicare Fraud Matters White-Collar Crime & Healthcare Prosecutions
T. 914.948.0044 F.914.686.4873
175 MAIN ST., SUITE 711-7 • WHITE PLAINS, NY 10601
Supervisor Morrissey then weighed in on some of the issues revolving over 684 – specifically where the highway shrinks from three lanes to two near Route 35. “It causes added traffic, and that puts more wear and tear on the road,” advised Morrissey The same goes for both the lack of exits around train stations and numerous exits in disrepair up and down 684. As such, a consortium of towns that include Bedford, North Salem Lewisboro, and Somers intends to take on the issue as a group. “We felt one town going up against the New York State Department of Transportation will not be heard”, said Morrissey, “and the group provides a better chance for changes over the next few years.” The evening then turned to admitting Somers Realty into the Amawalk Water District. Formed in 2000, any entity that wishes to connect must pay fees retroactive to the formation of the Amawalk Water District.
Somers Realty is doing so as per the planned Hamlet they are involved in on Route 6. “We are enabling these developments”, said Cirieco, “and their inclusion means no new wells have to be developed since there will be no negative affect on water pressure.” Moving on, Supervisor Morrissey put out the call to the town for more volunteers to take part in the many openings on local boards. “We need your help,” pleaded Morrissey. In turn, Supervisor Morrissey praised the work undertaken by the Substance Abuse Council, which provided segue into the alarming concern of narcotic drug use in Somers and across the country. “It’s not only school-age and young adults, its older adults as well,” advised Morrissey. Boardmember Clinchy then brought the issue of a recent roundtable attended by New York State Senators Greg Ball, Phil Boyle, and David Carlucci into focus. “It wasn’t just a
photo op. The stories from the audience were believable. One woman actually brought in the ashes of her son,” said Clinchy. As such, one of the hopes of the gathering was to facilitate treatment through the criminal justice system and creating legislation that requires insurance companies to provide reimbursement. But In the interim, the board acknowledged the gateway that often comes of leftover prescription drug opiates that find their way into the hands of anyone living in or entering the home. “We have a drug lockbox at the police department where 20 to 30 pounds are dropped off per month. No one will ask your name.They will just dispose of the contents so please avail yourself of the service,” Morrissey concluded. Rich Monetti has been a freelance writer since 2003. He lives in Westchester County.
HUD Delays Reallocation of CDBG Funds, Outlines Objectives and Timeline for WCBoL Participation By MATT RICHTER WHITE PLAINS, NY -- An April 23rd letter from HUD informed Westchester County that $5.2 million in 2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds would be reallocated if the County did not meet it’s obligations to “affirmatively further fair housing” by May 7th. This followed last year’s reallocation of $7.2 million in CDBG funds. On April 24th, Board of Legislators (WCBoL) Chairman Michael Kaplowitz (D) New Castle, Somers, Yorktown, formally
requested that HUD delay the reallocation and begin discussions with WCBoL leadership and Monitor James Johnson about the WCBoL taking an expanded role in the effort to satisfy the County’s obligations under the 2009 fair and affordable housing settlement. Following more than a week of intense negotiations between WCBoL leadership, HUD, Monitor James Johnson and members of Westchester’s Congressional delegation, HUD informed the WCBoL in a letter on Thursday that the agency would take no action regarding the reallocation of CDGB funds for at least 30 days, until June 9th. As part of the negotiations, the WCBoL
has agreed to present to HUD a specific plan and timeline to enact legislation that would affirm the County’s commitment to a set of four “Required Special Assurances” designed to ensure that the county conforms to the requirement to “affirmatively further fair housing”. In addition to pursuing the legislation that HUD requires, the WCBoL has established a bipartisan delegation of four Legislators, who are attorney’s, to engage HUD and the Monitor as the WCBoL works toward providing the “Analysis of Impediments”(AI) which is one of the last remaining elements of the 2009 settlement which the county has yet to fulfill. Chairman Kaplowitz, who voted in favor
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Page 19
GOVERNMENT
HUD Delays Reallocation of CDBG Funds of the settlement in 2009 said, “Despite what some people say, compliance does not mean capitulation, it does mean upholding our end of the 2009 settlement that we agreed to.We have made significant progress in our discussions with HUD and the Monitor in the last week. HUD’s willingness to work with the WCBoL is a clear indication that they share our belief that we can work with all the stakeholders in this settlement to reach a conclusion that satisfies our obligations under the settlement. If we are successful in our efforts it means we would secure the 2012 CDBG monies of $5.2 million. It would also secure future CDBG monies, bring the County into agreement with the 2009 settlement and avoid future penalties, fines and adverse court decisions....no more no less.”Kaplowitz added,“Westchester County is doing a terrific job of fulfilling our obligation to
Chairman Michael Kaplowitz addresses reporters on Friday May, 9th.
build the required affordable housing, last year we passed Source of Income legislation which was another fundamental obligation under the settlement. We intend to work closely with the Monitor, relying on the good work he’s done at the municipal level. I hope that the County Executive will view this development as the tremendous opportunity it is and work with the WCBoL and other County Departments to complete one of the final tasks in the settlement, the submission of an acceptable AI.” Chairman Kaplowitz thanked Holly Leight, Esq., HUD Regional Administrator, Monitor Jim Johnson, Congress members Elliot Engel and Nita Lowey, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and all their staffs for their efforts and assistance. Matt Richter is WCBoL Communications Director.
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Message from the Mayor By Hon. PETER SWIDERSKI A note on contracts signed, a proposed ban on plastic bags, a call for volunteers for a committee, and events around town, including Jamnesty and building some excitement for Memorial Day.
Union Contracts Signed
The Board of Trustees approved two union contracts last night after almost a year of negotiating, locking down the salary increases and other small changes to benefits for several years to come. The Police union agreement extends out until May 31st, 2018 and locks in a set of annual salary increases starting at 1.5% and climbing to 2%. The Teamsters union agreement,which covers those men who work at our Department of Public Works (roads and sanitation) provides increases starting at 1.5% and escalating to 2%. There were other changes, such as the union agreeing to pay more for healthcare while the Village increased the uniform allowances. That agreement extends to May 31st, 2017. Both negotiations were marked by civility and restraint - while difficult at times, they remained respectful throughout and I believe underscore the partnership between the Village and its union workers. Most importantly to the Board, the union members understood and respected the 2% tax cap under which the Village seeks to operate. We believe our municipal workers deserve to be and are, in fact, fairly compensated. These agreements underscore that belief and put us both in a position to look forward to the next years in a cooperative and cordial spirit. The Board especially thanks Village Manager Fran Frobel for doggedly pushing the process along.
Plastic Bag and Polystyrene Ban
The Village is reviewing a proposed law to ban the use of single-use plastic bags and polystyrene (“styrofoam”) within the Village borders. The proposed law (short and fairly easy to understand) can be found here. The Food Industry Alliance’s representative, as well as the district manager from the A&P appeared at the two public hearings to weigh in on the proposed ban. They offered a compromise to set up a program to encourage the use of reusable plastic bags, which would also involve crediting the schools with what would probably be a penny or two every time a reusable bag was used. They’ve argued that studies show that plastic bags are better for the environment than paper bags. The Conservation Commission’s argument focused on the benefit of moving to reusable bags, the blight of plastic bag litter in the community, and the toxicity of plastic bags and polystyrene. Storeowners and individuals showed up to speak on both sides of this issue (video here). While we ended the public meetings where people can stand up and comment on this issue, you can still express your opinion by writing the BoardofTrustees@ hastingsgov.org. We will read everything sent us up until the point of the vote, likely to happen after another Board discussion on this topic, probably at the next meeting.
Volunteers Needed
The Village Arts Committee has some openings we would like to fill and the Board is seeking interested people to submit their interest to volunteer@hastingsgov.org. The Arts Committee has sponsored outdoor art exhibits, performances, poetry readings and gallery exhibits over the years. We seek people, especially with a background or strong interest in the arts (and it can be any media - dance, poetry, music, sculpture, painting, film, etc.) (and organizational skills!) to join this group of
interesting and committed residents.
Music, Memorial Day
This weekend, a region-wide effort to clean up the area by the Hudson River will take place. Our portion will be at Maceachron Park from 3PM to 5PM this Saturday.There’s music this weekend at the Upstream Gallery in town at 8PM on Saturday (free!). Next week, high school students are organizing their annual Jamnesty fundraiser for Amnesty International: Saturday May 17th from 11-3 on lower Reynold’s Field. Many bands. Food. And a great vibe. ($5/person). We are lucky to host a contingent of 30 men from our armed forces who will join us for our Memorial Day Parade (which takes place Sunday afternoon, May 25th, at 2PM), along with an admiral, a number of musical groups and the usual happy assortment of fire trucks and convertibles filled with veterans and other notables. If you were here two years ago, you know how special that moment was. I recommend marking this on your calendar so you remember to bring the family down to observe this quintessential American moment - it just doesn’t get better than this in our village. Finally, end with a humorous story. One of the metrics we are gathering to determine deer impact and whether, over time, fewer deer mean less impact, is via an effort called “host a hosta”. About fifty families have volunteered to host hosta plants, provided by the village (and organized by volunteers), on their property over five years. The hope is that over time, more hostas will survive as fewer deer wander our yards. (The hostas are a controlled way to measure property damage.) Most of the hostas were deployed Tuesday. The first one was consumed that same evening, just a few hours after delivery. Sounds about right. Peter Swiderski is the mayor of the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson. Direct email to him at: mayor@hastingsgov.org.
Open 7 Days A Week
NYC’s #1 TOPlESS SPORTS BAR • Gentlemen’s Club • sushi RestauRant • Fine DininG
NYC’s oNlY BoDY SUSHI
252 West 43rd St. (Between 7th & 8th Ave.)
212-819-9300
www.mycheetahsnyc.com
FREE ADMISSION WITH THIS PASS
Page 20
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Antonacci Launches Campaign for New York State Comptroller Elected Twice by Onondaga County Voters;, Candidate Brings Experience as Taxpayer Watchdog SYRACUSE, NY - Onondaga County Comptroller Robert E. Antonacci, CPA, Esq., today, Wednesday, May 7, 2014, officially launched his campaign for New York State Comptroller, saying he has the experience and skills necessary to watch over the taxpayers’ hard-earned money. Elected twice by Onondaga County voters, Comptroller Antonacci brings a wealth of experience and a solid reputation for helping to create government efficiency to this statewide contest. “In Onondaga County,I’ve proven I’m not afraid to stand up and fight against government inefficiency. I’ve performed countless audits and have worked with officials of both parties to find solutions. I want to take this experience and bring it to our state government,”
Antonacci said. “Right now, there are far too many New Yorkers that are worried about our economy, our future and the path of New York State. Together, we can help change New York and get our economy back on the right track.” Comptroller Antonacci is an accomplished certified public accountant, attorney and community leader who has dedicated much of his professional career to the residents of Onondaga County. He was first elected Comptroller in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. “Bob Antonacci may very well be the most qualified person to ever seek the office of State Comptroller. As a CPA, tax attorney, municipal finance expert and a no-nonsense auditor, he is well equipped to serve the best interests of all New York State taxpayers,” said
New York State Republican State Committee Chairman Ed Cox. “Bob Antonacci has been a successful watchdog of the taxpayers’ money in Onondaga County; he clearly is the watchdog needed to protect the taxpayers in all of New York State,” said New York Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long. He is a lifelong resident of Central New York and a graduate of Le Moyne College, where he received honors while studying accounting. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he began working for the prestigious accounting firm Ernst & Young. He later attended Syracuse University School of Law and graduated cum laude. “We are excited that Bob Antonacci has accepted this invitation from state leaders to
represent the Republican Party as their New York State Comptroller candidate. Once the voters get to know Bob like the people of Onondaga County already do, they will see that his qualifications are extraordinary and his integrity is unmatched.He is a perfect fit for this job and a candidate that will bring us together to get New York State back on the right track and I am confident Bob Antonacci will be the next New York State Comptroller,” said Onondaga County Republican Committee Chairman and New York Republican State Committee First Vice Chairman Thomas V. Dadey, Jr. Comptroller Antonacci and his wife Michele, a registered nurse, are the proud parents of two children, Robert III (17) and Jacqueline (13). He is a regular, blue collar guy
aside whether there is anything to this manufactured hoo-hah.The House is spending time and political capital on attacking Hillary, for real.They’ve also figured out who they will face. The third is the victory by mainstream right-winger Thom Tillis in the North Carolina Republican senatorial primary. He got the needed 40 percent against a particularly bizarre set of tea party opponents. Big corporate and establishment money apparently saved the GOP from another wacko Senate candidate. That’s not to say Tillis was not pushed way, way to the right (he dutifully denied the existence of climate change). It’s just we won’t get as much “legitimate rape” and nostalgia for slavery. (North Carolina does sell license plates with the Confederate flag, though.) In 2014 and in 2016, swing states are not likely to veer
to the right. Put it all together and we have two party agreement that Hillary will be the Democratic candidate, that she understands the leftward shift in the Democratic Party, and the Republicans will have to come up with some damn thing to beat her. It won’t be Benghazi but they’re going to try all kinds of things. It’s by no means a settled dynamic. Obama fatigue will increase. Citizens United money will double from the last cycle. She will make mistakes. The Republicans will cut each other up in the primaries. Her real political advantage will be her ability to lead a national conversation about issues. Is income inequality a problem and how do you address it? Should the government
who came up from humble roots. “My mom, a small business owner, and dad, a UAW electrician, taught me to work hard, spend wisely and save for the future. Those lessons have served me well - - in life and in government,” Antonacci concluded. Antonacci is expected to be the Republican choice to face Tom DiNapoli, a former Assemblyman and County Democratic Party boss who was selected by the State Legislature in 2007 to fill a vacancy. A full bio for Comptroller Antonacci is available here. SOURCE: New York State Republican Committee.
GOVERNMENT
Hillary: Guns and Benghazi By Hon. RICHARD BRODSKY Even before we figure out the dynamic of the 2014 election, the 2016 race is taking shape nicely. Three events this week point to an emerging consensus about the presidential race. The first is Hillary’s carefully calibrated comment about gun legislation. She opined that the nation’s gun culture has gotten “way out of balance” and we should counter the notion that “anybody can have a gun, anywhere,
anytime.” Put aside whether you agree or disagree. The real significance is what it tells us about her campaign. She’s learned that her “president-in-waiting” strategy of 2008 left her vulnerable to a primary challenge from the left. No more backing away from the concerns of the Democratic base. She’s leading the party, early, on the tough ones. If she continues, no one will touch her. The second is the House Republican special committee on Benghazi, led by tea party favorite Trey Gowdy. Rep. Gowdy has been clear about who he’s after: “I’m ready to send subpoenas to Hillary Clinton.”Again, put
become more proactive about climate change? Are all tax increases bad? Has Obamacare worked? It’s not just that these are important matters.It’s that a willingness to talk about them will contrast nicely to the tone and substance of a Republican dynamic full of manufactured crises and rhetoric that will scare off everyone to the left of the Koch brothers. Hillary can dominate the debate and the dynamic just by focusing on substance. And there’s not much the tea party can do about it. First published in HUFF POST on May 8, 2014. Richard Brodsky is a fellow at the Demos think tank in New York City and at the Wagner School at New York University. Follow Richard Brodsky on Twitter: www.twitter.com/richardbrodsky
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Why I Have Decided to Run for School Board Member in Peekskill By GEORGE ONDEK It recently came to my attention at a school board meeting, that the Peekskill School Board apparently has spent $1 million in the past two years on outside legal fees. I believe the hard earned tax dollars of the Peekskill residents should be spent on teachers in the classrooms and not in the courtrooms. I am for more teachers and technology in the classrooms and higher standards for academics education along with the sports programs. I think it’s a shame that four teachers and counselors were implicated in a cheating scandal, suspended with full pay, and taxpayers pay the cost of their replacements, ultimately paying 8 full time teachers while only 4 were actually doing the job of teaching
the children. The matter should have been resolved internally without legal involvement or district attorney involvement, and the cost for all of it not have been placed on the taxpayers back. Additional legal cost may incur now since one of the teachers claims they were wrongly implicated in the scandal by the ex-superintendant of schools. If true, I find it puzzling that some school board members awarded this superintendant a full retirement package in the neighborhood of $300,000 despite resigning only 2 years into his position and not completing any of his promised objectives to raise academics and possibly falsely accusing some of the teachers involved in the scandal. I also bring a background in business administration and finance to the table, as well as a BBA from Pace University; and have been
a tax watchdog for the residents of Peekskill for the past 23 years, attending town board and school board meetings to make sure the tax dollars of Peekskill are spent wisely. I am a disabled Vietnam veteran with a background in private security and security management and I advocate for better security in the schools. I would share my security knowledge with the board so that we could protect the children and come up with ways to ensure no events like the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting or the Millford, Connecticut, stabbing occur in Peekskill. I also believe the words of a great man who once said, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” which is why I am in favor of more technology and more teachers in the classrooms to educate our children. In closing the school budget is 2/3rds of your total property tax bill in Peekskill. We are
spending almost $80 million when the city budget is only $40 million, which means we are spending double the budget it cost to run the city of Peekskill on education, and not getting results. It was disappointing this week that the Governor Cuomo sent back a million dollars in additional school aid and I asked if any of it was used to reduce taxes or give an additional benefit to veterans and my answer was it was used to restore programs. The Peekskill school board voted to only give veterans the basic tax exemption which came to a cost of 60 cents a week for the other tax payers rather than the other which would have only been a $1.60 a week for the other tax payers of Peekskill. But if they took $140,000 from the million they received in order to pay the veterans there would have been no increase in taxes for any taxpayer in Peekskill and it would have been the
patriotic move to show respect for those who sacrificed so much for this country and their communities. If elected I pledge to the people of Peekskill that I will help you in these areas and strive to lower your taxes and try to raise education standards. George Ondek is the host of a local talk show which can be seen on YouTube: Keyword – TheGeorgeOndekShow, or on Optimum Cablevision Public Access Channel 15 in Peekskill Monday at 8:30pm, Wed at 8:30pm, and Thursday at 12 Noon and surrounding cities on Thursday at 8:30pm, in Yorktown and surrounding cities on channel 74. Direct email to George Ondek: george0421@aol. com
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Federal Election Monitors Sought for Upcoming School Election in The City Of Mount Vernon By SAMUEL L. RIVERS
MOUNT VERNON, NY – As a Community Activist and School Board Trustee candidate I have called on the United States Department of Justice to dispatch Federal Election monitors to the City of Mount Vernon for the upcoming School Trustee
MAYOR Marvin’s COLUMN
election to be held on May 20, 2014. In my letter to Justice Department officials, I cited an article that was published in The Journal News on May 5, 2013 regarding the widespread fraud that took place during the 2012 school board election. In my letter to officials, I ask for Federal Investigators, specifically the I.R.S., to look into prohibited political activity committed by W.
Franklyn Richardson of Grace Baptist Church and Bishop Collie Edwars of Friendship Worship Center. Both institutions are 501 © (3) tax exempt. The full-length 35-minute recording of both clergymen admitting to participating in and influencing school board elections for the past 20 years can be found at: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=bwYnFj56XKU
The New The New
Page 21
Don’t Waste Your Time Anywhere Else Don’t Waste Your Time Anywhere Else
GOVERNMENT
Spring Induces Bronxville to Reawaken from Winter’s Induced Slumber By Hon. MARY C. MARVIN The continued spate of mild weather has thankfully reawakened the Village after our long hibernation. Sidewalks are busy, bicycles are out, projects are starting and flowers are finally popping. Traditionally, this time of year is the busiest and prettiest in our Village. Our outdoor Farmer’s Market opened this past Saturday, May 10, 2014, on Stone Place and Paxton Avenue from 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. This year’s 40 vendors are a record number, including 15 new vendors whose wares include grass fed meat, hand crafted ice cream, vegan snacks, pies, spices and cold brewed coffees and teas. To read more about all of our vendors, visit the Market’s new website at www.bronxvillefarmersmarket.com. If your spring cleaning unearths any unwanted non-electronic items, for just $20, our DPW will come and collect these items curbside. This special pickup can be arranged by stopping by our building and public works department or calling 337-7338. In the same spirit of recycling, once again the Village placed in the top three of the 45 Westchester communities in the amount of garbage we recycle. The County average is 51%, and the Village again recycled over 70% of our garbage. Recycling is not only about the
environment; it also translates into real savings for the Village. The cost of dumping nonrecycled garbage into landfills or burn facilities is extremely high in Westchester County. In contrast, when we deliver our recyclables to the recovery center in Yonkers, we receive a portion of the resale monies made by selling to manufacturers. In a most exciting development, our Bronxville Beautification Committee will be collaborating with our post office to refurbish and beautify their grounds. The BBC’s prior project was the beautification of the entire area of banks near the railroad station and essentially almost every planted pot, flower basket and flower grouping is the result of BBC’s effort, not taxpayer dollars. Their only source of funding is an upcoming spring solicitation letter this month. The Village is beautiful only because of your generosity. Continuing on the “new and exciting” theme, the baseball field at Scout Field was formally opened this past Saturday. It was the result of a sustained partnership between County government, Eastchester town leaders and the Bronxville School and Village. Swamp land has been transformed into a first rate ball field which helps to alleviate the ongoing need for additional field space. The recent traffic in our building department is another indication that many residents are sprucing up their homes or their properties now that the nice weather is upon us.To ensure a high standard of work, be sure to employ only
those plumbers, electricians and contractors that are licensed by Westchester County. A license assures that a contractor has adequate insurance and workmen’s compensation coverage. Licensed contractors display a green bumper sticker on all company vehicles. Prior to starting any project, it is advisable to call the Village Building Department at 337-7338 to ascertain the need for permits. Even exclusively indoor work, such as plumbing and heating repairs, require a permit if the work includes the extension or modification of any pipes or wiring. If permits are not secured at the onset of a project, fees are automatically doubled and contractors may be required to open walls for inspection and remove unpermitted work. In addition, unpermitted work will not receive a Certificate of Occupancy which is required when a residence is bought or sold, causing great difficulty in the transfer of property. Besides the obvious permits required for full scale renovations, permits are needed for smaller projects including window and siding replacement, removal of fuel oil tanks, installation of pools, hot tubs, sheds, decks, emergency generators and the installation of central air conditioning. Mary C. Marvin is the mayor of the Village of Bronxville, New York. If you have a suggestion or comment, direct your perspective by e-mail to: mayor@vobny.com .
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Oliver Koppell Announces Campaign For 34th State Senate District Wants to Ensure Bronx and Westchester Residents Receive the Progressive, Democratic Leadership They Deserve RIVERDALE, NY – May 5, 2014 -- G. Oliver Koppell today formally announced his candidacy for the 34th State Senate District covering parts of the Bronx and Westchester County. “The moment Jeff Klein put Republicans in charge of the State Senate, he broke his word and
betrayed the voters who elected him. We deserve better,”Oliver Koppell said. “Because of his actions, meaningful, progressive legislation that would improve the everyday lives of people across New York, has been watered down or blocked entirely.”
Oliver Koppell cited the lack of progressive action in the State Senate, and the fact that Jeff Klein empowered the minority Senate Republicans to run the Senate Chamber, as his main motivations for running in the 34th Senate District. During the two years Jeff Klein and the Senate Republicans have run the Senate Chamber, progressive action has
Continued on page 22
Club Club
New York York New
NEW YORK’S NEW YORK’S PREMIER GENTLEMEN’S PREMIER CABARET
GENTLEMEN’S Escape Reality… Escape to The VIP Club! CABARET First Class Adult Entertainment, Sushi Bar and Lounge. HAPPY HOUR @ THE VIP! 2-For-1 Drinks Mon – Sat Before 9PM
Escape Reality… Escape to The VIP Club! COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION First Class Adult Entertainment, FOR TWO WITH THIS PASS
Sushi Bar and Lounge. 20 W. 20th ST. (btwn 5th & 6th) 212-633-1199 HAPPY HOUR @ THE VIP!s thevipclubnyc.com 2-For-1 Drinks
Page 22
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Oliver Koppell Announces Campaign For 34th State Senate District Continued from page 21
stalled on a variety of issues. By refusing to stand with the majority Democratic Senators, Jeff Klein has effectively halted all action to achieve results on the issues voters overwhelmingly support.
“When a real minimum wage tied to inflation, greater access to education for immigrants, the protection of reproductive rights and meaningful ethics reform were all on the table, Jeff Klein merely paid public lip service, while privately blocking real progress on these
OpEdSection
important issues. Throughout my career, I’ve fought to improve the lives of working New Yorkers and their families, and its high time that was the mission of the Senator from the 34th district too,” Oliver Koppell concluded. Oliver Koppell has served the voters of
New York as a State Assemblyman, New York City Councilmember and as State Attorney General. While in the City Council he authored the Living Wage Law that stood up for the working men and women of New York. Prior to serving as the 61st Attorney General for the State of New York, Mr. Koppell represented the residents of the Bronx in the State
Assembly where he was the Chair of the Judiciary Committee. Following his service in the State Assembly, Oliver Koppell was elected to the New York City Council where he served from 2002 to 2013. For more information on Oliver Koppell’s campaign, \ visit: www.Oliverkoppell.com
Setting the Record Straight on Charter Schools During National Charter Schools Week By KARA KERWIN
Americans are fans of fantasy and myth – the resounding success of franchises like Twilight and Harry Potter offer strong evidence to support this claim. But when it comes to our education system, Americans must learn to distinguish fact from fiction. This is especially true of our nation’s charter schools. Despite the fact that over 2.5 million children are served by over 6,500 charter schools across the country, the majority of Americans have been swayed by tall tales and misinformation about the role of charter schools in our public education system. One of the most common misconceptions is that charter schools are privately funded institutions. A recent survey from the Center for Education Reform (CER) found that only 20 percent of Americans correctly identified charter schools as public schools. Charter schools are in fact independent public schools that are held accountable for student results. Another myth asserts that charter schools take money and resources away from the public school system. This could not be further from the truth. Like district public schools, they are funded according to enrollment and receive funding from the district and the state according to the number of students attending. In
fact, charter schools actually do more with less, receiving 36% less revenue on average than traditional public schools. When a student’s family relocates and moves from one public school system to another, the public school system itself does not lose any money. The same can be said of a student moving from a conventional public school to a charter school. When a child leaves for a charter school the money follows that child. This benefits the public school system by instilling a sense of accountability into the system regarding its services to the student and parents and its fiscal obligations. Additionally, research shows that charter schools have a positive impact, or “ripple effect,” on neighboring public schools. A Harvard University study found that in Arizona, public schools neighboring charter schools scored increases in math achievement of more than three times that of schools with no charter schools in their communities. As the focus continues to shift from the needs of the system to the needs of children and parents, our children are better served. Critics are quick to claim that because charter schools operate independently, they have lower teaching standards and less accountability than conventional public schools.This is pure fantasy. Charter schools design and deliver programs tailored to educational excellence and community needs. Because they are schools of
BRONX APARTMENTS FOR RENT
Newly renovated Bronx Apartments for Rent Near public transportation & shopping. Rent includes heat & hot water. $25 non-refundable credit check. 1 BR Starting at $1150/Month 3Br. Starting at $1600/Month No Broker Fee • 24Hr on-site Super Call Maria: 914.632.1230
choice, charter schools are held to the highest level of accountability – consumer demand. If they fail to deliver, they are closed. Another common myth is that charter schools “cream” more advantaged students from traditional public schools. The reality, however, is that a majority of charter school students are non-white, or minority students. Only 45 percent of charter students are white, while 52.5 percent of public school students are white. Additionally, 61 percent of charter schools serve a student population where over 60 percent qualify for Free & Reduced Lunch.
Seventy-three percent of Americans support the concept of charter schools. The short story is that charter schools work, and are an asset to a public educaiton system that is slow to embrace innovation despite an everchanging and increasingly global world. As the nation marks the achievements of the charter school movement during National Charter Schools Week, it is important for parents, teachers, students and all of those involved with charter schools to share their successes so that all Americans can learn more about institutions committed to accountability and choice
LE G A L N O T I C E S J2EM CAPITAL LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/26/14 Office in Westchester Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 11 Ackerman Ct Croton on Hudson, NY 10520. Purpose: Any lawful activity. SPUD HOLDINGS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/31/14 Office in Westchester Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 27 Country Club LN S Scarborough, NY 10510. Purpose: Any lawful activity. COWLES AVENUE LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/8/14 Office in Westchester Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 69 Cowles Ave. Yonkers, NY 10550. Purpose: Any lawful activity. EMMETT GLOBAL LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 3/26/14 Office in Westchester Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 3876 Marcy St Mohegan Lake, NY 10547. Purpose: Any lawful activity.
WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN LEGAL
ADVERTISING: Send us your Legal Notices!
914.576.1480 10:30AM-5PM
S&G WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/14/14 Office in Westchester Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to C/O Donald Giannattasio Seligson & Giannattasio, LLP 723 North Broadway White Plains, NY 10603. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of Atikin Entertainment LLC. Art. of Org. filed Sec’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/22/14. Principal Office: Westchester County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The name and address of the registered agent, upon which process may be served and which will receive copies of service from the SSNY, is: United States Corporation of Agents Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Purpose of LLC: any lawful activity.
in education, and for lawmakers to take note so they can improve charter school laws, and in turn improve public education, in their state. Kara Kerwin is President of The Center for Education Reform, a K-12 education policy and advocacy organization based in Washington, DC.
HELP WANTED The City of Stamford is seeking qualified applicants for the following positions:
LABORER Annual Salary Range: $43,924 - $49,876 Mechanic in Training (Water Pollution Control Authority)
Salary Range: $51,221 - $55,102 (Annually) Shift Foreman - WPCA Salary Range: $61,227 - $74,173 (Annually) Applicants must possess a Connecticut DEP Class III Wastewater Treatment Operator or Operator in Training license. Applications can be obtained at
www.cityofstamford.org or
City of Stamford
Human Resources Department 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, Connecticut 06904 A resume and/or other correspondence will not be considered as equivalent to an application. For additional information call the
Human Resources Department (203) 977-4070 Equal Opportunity Employer
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Page 23
Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development THE SKILLS
Receive
5%
TO DO THE JOB
discount with this ad (Use code SAVE WG01)
Improve your job opportunities through our healthcare certificate programs Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Credentialed Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) ECG Telemetry Technician NEW Electrocardiography Technician (EKG) HIV Counselor NEW Home Health Aide NEW (also offered in Spanish) Patient Care Technician NEW Pharmacy Technician NEW Phlebotomy Technician Other industry certificate programs available
OPEN HOUSES
Saturday, May 17, 2014 11am-1pm 120 E. 149th Street, Savoy Multi-Purpose Room
Thursday, June 5, 2014
6pm-8pm
120 E. 149th Street, Savoy Multi-Purpose Room
Thursday, June 19, 2014 6pm-8pm 560 Exterior Street, Bronx NY 10451
Tel 718-518-6656
Fax 718-518-6744
560 Exterior Street, Bronx, NY 10451
cedu@hostos.cuny.edu
www.hostos.cuny.edu/Continuing-Ed
Page 24
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
Thursday, May 15, 2014
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Cambium – Larchmont’s First New Construction Condo in 25 Years Construction Begins on Superstructure of Eight-Story Full Service Condo
LARCHMONT, NY—The Cambium – Byron Place Associates’ long-anticipated new condominium and Larchmont’s first new multi-family development project since the 1980s – is beginning to take shape at 10 Bryon Place, with construction of the building’s superstructure set to begin this month. Houlihan Lawrence, the leading real estate firm serving New York City’s northern suburbs, is the exclusive sales and marketing agent for the property. Once complete in 2015, The Cambium will introduce 149 one- and two-bedroom residences and a collection of magnificent penthouses paired with a caliber of amenities and service rarely found outside of Manhattan. The property also features a three-level, elevator accessible parking garage with over 270 spaces, of which construction was recently completed. “We’re thrilled to begin work on the condo’s superstructure now that the parking garage has been completed,” said John Myers, principal of Ceres Realty Group, whom is managing the development. The
Cambium will answer a growing demand for new construction in Larchmont, where demand is high, and inventory has consisted of older building with little to no amenities - until now. The Cambium offers a suite of amenities rarely seen in Westchester County, let alone Larchmont. Featuring architectural details that are quintessential to Larchmont, The Cambium’s exterior design is elegant and understated, with a landscaped entryway and porte-cochère. The gracious two-story lobby boasts a grand staircase that leads to the lively amenity space on the second floor. Residences are generous in proportion and distinctive in design. All residences feature custom flooring, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances and handcrafted cabinetry. Bathrooms are adorned in marble and limestone. Penthouse residences feature Gaggenau refrigerators, Miele cooktops, and Thermador ovens, dishwashers and microwaves. Select residences feature private terraces and studies. “With spacious interiors, sophisticated
Cambium Dining Room. finishes and all of the services and ameni- incredibly sought-after place to call home, ties one might expect to find in nearby with a stunning waterfront and a vibrant Manhattan, The Cambium lifestyle offers downtown area.” the perfect balance between small-town Catering to a carefree lifestyle of charm and big-city comfort,” said Susan service and convenience, amenities at The Joyce, Director of Sales at The Cambium. Cambium include a 24-hour doorman and “The Cambium presents a fabulous option onsite concierge, a beautifully landscaped, for those who desire a maintenance free private courtyard, The Larchmont Room – lifestyle, as well as New Yorkers who are an all-occasion gathering place and lounge heading north and want to maintain their for residents, a private dining room and convenient lifestyle. Larchmont is an catering kitchen which can be reserved for
WWW.WESTCHESTERGUARDIAN.COM
private parties, a club room, and a fullyequipped fitness center with a movement studio and a bike room. Every residence includes one parking spot in the indoor parking garage, with a second space available for purchase, and electric car charging stations are also available. On site storage space is also available. Just moments away from the bustling downtown district replete with small boutiques, gourmet stores, antique shops, and the Larchmont train station, The Cambium is also easily accessible to Manhattan with Grand Central Station a mere 30-minute train ride away. Nearby, Manor Park and the Long Island Sound offer unparalleled natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Prices range from $515,000 to $1,150,000. Occupancy is anticipated for the third quarter 2015. For more information contact Susan Joyce at 914-834-5300 or visit www.thecambium. com.