WESTCHESTER’S OLDEST AND MOST RESPECTED NEWSPAPERS
PRESORT-STD
Vol 106 Number 11 www.RisingMediaGroup.com
Grapevine Preview: Yonkers’ American
Idol Falls Short But Makes Us Proud
Melinda Ademi
Editor’s Note: Please enjoy this story,
which will appear in the next issue of the Yon-
kers Student Grapevine
By Bayan Baker, Yonkers High School
Everyone dreams of winning the lottery; ev-
eryone dreams of achieving their goals and mak-
ing their wishes come true.
Seventeen year old Yonkers High School se-
nior Melinda Ademi has certainly won the lottery.
She gained the opportunity to live out her dreams
with her golden ticket to Hollywood.
Ademi was featured on the newest season
of American Idol earlier this year, on one of the
show’s preliminary competitions. It is here, world-
Can Yonkers Balance
‘Insurmountable’ Budget Deficit?
By Dan Murphy
Parents, students and staff in the Yonkers
Public Schools YPS are calling the projected
$102 million budget shortfall in the city’s up-
coming budget “insurmountable,” and they may
be right. City services, city and YPS alike, which
had to made cuts last year, now need to make ad-
ditional, and more painful, cuts this year.
At a recent City Council budget committee
meeting, councilmembers inquired about how
possible cuts to the Yonkers Fire Department
(YFD) would affect a federal grant for $4.8 mil-
lion the city recently received thanks to Con-
gresswoman Nita Lowey.
The funds were for the re-hiring of the 16
firefighters who were laid off last year. These
firefighters have been re-hired and are back at
work, with the grant paying for their salary and
benefits for two years. After two years, the fund-
ing runs out.
The problem is that, with the city facing
another massive budget hole, layoffs will likely
have to come from all departments, including
the YFD. Firefighter and Firefighters Local 628
President Barry McGoey explained that the city
is entitled to layoff these same 16 firefighters,
“but it wouldn’t save a penny. These firefighter’s
salaries and benefits are paid for over the next
two years by the federal grant. If you lay them
off, you are wasting the grant and the money
will go back to Washington to be awarded to and
spent by another fire department.”
While all councilmember’s at the meeting
asked repeated questions about the grant, the re-
quirements and how it will affect the upcoming
budget, Councilman Dennis Shepherd got to the
crux of the matter.
“Isn’t this grant tying our hands with the fire
department in the upcoming budget?” Shepherd
asked. “And does this grant mean that while we
what’s inside
School 23 Takes 1st
at History Day
Page 2
Philipse Manor Hall is
Back!
Page 3
Yonkers Hyperlocal
Pages 4 & 5
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
White Plains, NY
Permit #7164
Friday, March 18, 2011
Katherine Brezler Announces
5th District Council Run
wide, that thousands of competitors put forth their
best efforts and sing their hearts out, all with the
same goal; to impress the judges well enough to
make it to Hollywood.
Born in Rosenheim, Germany in 1993,
Ademi experienced the harshness and difficulty
of war; at times, conditions were unbearable and,
soon enough, her parents became war refugees
from Kosovo, headed towards Germany for a bet-
ter life. Fortunately, the Ademi family won the
“green card lottery” and had the opportunity to
immigrate to America, the promised land of op-
portunities.
“I was fortunate because if I didn’t come to
America, I wouldn’t have the opportunities today
to pursue singing and get a great education,” said
Ademi.
Ademi presented a touching story to Idol
Katherine Brezler announcing her 5th City Council District Candidacy
viewers of the struggles of her family’s past, yet it
did not match her magnificent voice, which truly By Dan Murphy neighbors and community leaders. This is the per-
impressed the judges. Her impressive onstage Democrat Katherine Brezler, a Teaching As- fect time to run,” said Brezler, 29, who brings the
aura and beautiful confidence helped assure the sistant at Family School 32 in Yonkers, announced civic-minded, grassroots energy of the next gen-
three judges, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and her candidacy for City Council in the 5th District eration of Yonkers residents stepping forward to
Randy Jackson, that Melinda was a star shining at an event outside of the former Stewart Stamp- lead.
in her spotlight. ing Company plant last week. Brezler’s work experience in the Yonkers
Steve Tyler said, “I like that you’re very pret- “I look forward to meeting the challenges Public Schools makes education one of her pri-
ty and beautiful and play it down and your singing that elected officials face here in Yonkers, and I orities, along with encouraging smart economic
was sweet and straight and beautiful.” look forward to facing them alongside the resi- development and strengthening community orga-
Randy Jackson commented, “I think you’ve dents of this great city. I will listen to my friends, Continued on Page 10
got potential and I am going to say yes.”
Jennifer Lopez told her, “Now you’re here
and you can live the American dream.”
And so, with three sure-fire responses of yes The Redevelopment of Yonkers:
Some Successes, Some Delays
from the judges, Ademi was on her way to Hol-
lywood to live her dreams of stardom.
When the time came around for the first epi-
sode, Ademi, her fans and viewers and all of her
friends and family, especially those at Yonkers
High who made time to watch her shine, were
anxious and waiting in their seats. Ademi and her
“singing-sister,” Thia Megia, sang “Here Comes
the Sun” by the Beatles.
Like all good things that have a reason,
Ademi was not asked to continue on into the next
Continued on Page 3
A rendering of the completed River Park Center
By Dan Murphy similar projects in communities across the coun-
The current $103 million budget facing Yon- try, came to a halt in late 2008 as a result of the
kers underscores the fact that new investment financial crisis and recession.
and development are a crucial part of the future Financing for new development projects
of New York’s fourth largest, and Westchester’s dried up quickly, but Yonkers fared better than
single largest, city. Under Mayor Phil Amicone, most, with several projects already built or ready
the results have been a mixed bag; some projects to break ground. They include:
have been completed and are successful, while • Ridge Hill — this long-debated and some-
other plans stagnate on hold. times controversial project is well on its way to
The redevelopment of Yonkers, along with Continued on Page 10
Mardi Gras Yonkers Style!
Photo by Donna Davis
Councilman Dennis Shepherd
will have to make layoffs everywhere, it doesn’t
make sense to layoffs in the fire department?”
The answer to Shepherd’s question is that
the city would have to lay off more than 16
firefighters, in order to see any budget savings,
which is possible. But Shepherd is correct in that
Lowey’s grant for the YFD insulates them from
anything but cuts deeper than the city has seen
in decades.
The budget outlook for the YPS is even
bleaker, with Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio
facing an $88 million hole. Members of the Yon-
kers Council of PTAs/PTSAs (YCPTA) sent out
this message to Yonkers stakeholders:
Continued on Page 2
Young church-goers from St. John’s celebrate Mardi Gras
IG’s Towing Report See story and more photos on Page 11
Page 5
Yonkers Dentist
Gives Free Smiles
Page 11
Next Week
Last Taste of St. Patrick’s Lesnick vs. Amicone
Day in Yonkers
Page 12
The Gloves Come Off
 PAGE 2 - yonkers RISING - Friday, March 18, 2011
Sacred Heart vs. White Plains in School 23 Captures 1st Place at History
Round 2 of ‘The Challenge’ Day and Prepares for State Competition
Following their first-round victories, the
academic teams from Sacred Heart High School
from Yonkers and White Plains High School are
moving on to Round 2 of “The Challenge,” an
academic quiz show designed to test students’
knowledge in a Jeopardy-style format.
The second round match-up between all-
star student scholars from each school will air
in high definition on Wednesday, March 30 at
5:30 p.m. on MSG Varsity, Cablevision’s iO TV
Yonkers NAACP Celebrates
Unsung Heroines
The Yonkers NAACP will celebrate Wom-
en’s History Month on Monday, March 28 at 7
p.m. at the Nepperhan Community Center, lo-
cated at 342 Warburton Ave.
Elvina Schullere
On May 28, 1929, Elvina Denise Whittaker
Schullere was born to Eustace Delrico Whit-
taker and Marguerite St. Elmo Oxley Whittaker
in Woodbrook, Port-Au-Spain, Trinidad, then a
British colony.
Schullere was awarded as Associates degree
in Humanities from Elizabeth Seton College and
a Certificate of Nutrition Education: Fundamen-
tals for Consultants from Fairleigh Dickinson
University. In 1984, she earned a Bachelor of
Arts from Donsbach University and later her MS
and PhD in Clinical Nutrition. In her capacity as
a nutritionist, Schullere has been a supporter and
guest speaker to the Cancer Support Group at
St. Johns Riverside Hospital from 1992 through
present.
Phyllis Jackson
A Yonkers resident and long-time member
of the NAACP and the African Heritage Com-
mittee, Jackson has a strong spiritual background
which guides her through her every day journey.
She is always willing to giver of herself to help
others.
Dwanita Crosby
Dwanita Crosby was born in Mt. Vernon
and raised in Yonkers, where she was a long-
time member of Messiah Baptist Church. As a
member, she was a part of various church choirs
and the Praise and Worship Team and often
helped with church banquets. Crosby attended
Budget Deficit:
Continued from Page 1
“The Yonkers Public Schools are facing an
insurmountable deficit for the coming school
Yonkers
RISING
Proudly serving the City of Yonkers
Nick Sprayregen, Publisher
nsprayregen@risingmediagroup.com
Daniel J. Murphy, Editor-in-Chief
dmurphy@risingmediagroup.com
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atobia@risingmediagroup.com
Sue A. Witt, Assistant to Editor-in-Chief
switt@risingmediagroup.com
Paul Gerken, Advertising Sales
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Gregory Baldwin, Administrative Asst.
gbaldwin@risingmediagroup.com
Member of the New York
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Fax 914-965-2892
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NY 10701
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Photo by Greg Baldwin
History teacher Danielle Alvarez (center) with her History Day winners, Tayael McCallop,
– Channel 14. Dianna Torres, Katherine Valle and Alejandra Guevara
Representing Sacred Heart will be (above
left, l to r): advisors Florence Caragine and
Christa Napolatino, Joseph Mahoney, Michelle Second time is a charm as seventh grade and the “Junior Group Documentary” debated if
Muzzio, host Jared Cotter, Captain Matt Schwal- students from School 23 took first place at the a memorial should or should not be erected at the
benberg and Amanda Fernandes. 20th Annual Lower Hudson Valley History Day African Burial Ground site.
Representing White Plains will be: (above, on March 12. Alvarez and History Day participants Mar-
l to r) advisor Les Roby, Aneesh Bhattacharya, Under the guidance and direction of Dan- garet Morales, Elira Avdiu, Rawan Abualteen,
Captain Alec Johnsson, Adam Jaffe and Eric ielle Alvarez, history teacher at School 23, stu- Giselle Toribio, Sabrina Bosch, Salivette Marti-
Smiley. dents captured first place titles in two categories. nez, Giselle Ruiz, McCallop, Torres, Valle, Gue-
Tayael McCallop’s “Junior Individual Perfor- vara and Shannon Rogers are now preparing for
mance” and Dianna Torres, Katherine Valle and their 2011 New York State History Day competi-
Alejandra Guevara’s “Junior Group Documen- tion. The State finals are taking place in historic
tary” reigned number one in a stiff competition, Cooperstown on Friday, April 29.
which included representation from Westchester,
Rockland and Orange County schools.
Alvarez facilitated countless hours of prep-
Join us as we congratulate and celebrate
students and Alvarez, who has “enhanced history
education so that every student will be equipped
aration as students collaborated, designed and with a working knowledge of history and devel-
researched projects and presentations. McCal- op the skills necessary to contribute to the public
lop’s dramatic performance included retelling good of our nation.”
the history of the African Burial Ground in NYC
Mary J. Blige Participants
Honored on Women’s History Month
Dwanita Crosby
the Nepperhan Community Center After School
Program and volunteered in the community with
organizations to increase services and opportuni-
ties in the community.
Due to her volunteerism, the YWCA of Yon-
kers offered her a summer position each year as
an Assistant in Day Care and worked one sum-
mer with Executive Director Patricia Sadler. In
2000, she graduated from Lincoln High School
where she was a member of the Lincoln High
School Gospel Choir.
year.
“A $102.9 million dollar deficit is projected
for next year if the State Senate and Assembly
bills are passed: $25.4 million cut in federal aid,
$21.9 million cut in state support (originally
projected by the state as $17.6 million), $15.2 in
VLT proceeds on top of a $40.5 million increase
in expenses. Mary J. Blige Center participants Latonia Johnson, Joarlyn Vega, Diashanany Graham and
Sharmaine Gaskill and Center Director Michelle Hammett at a Women’s History Month
“This loss of funding represents more than luncheon at Casa Frela Gallery
a 20 percent deficit to our schools funding and
opens us to the potential of having to lay off 25
percent of the staff.
“The YCPTA will be outlining what we be-
At the invitation of Catherine Warren-
Bishop of Kitty Rose Lifestyles, several
Marthalicia Matarrita, a professional art-
ist whose work was displayed at the luncheon,
lieve to be the unbearable circumstances under
participants of the Mary J. Blige Center and donated an art piece she worked on at the event
which our children will have to attend school
Program Director Michelle Hammett were to the MJB Center. Additionally, a portion of
next year. YCPTA feels that is imperative that
honorary guests at a recent luncheon at Casa the proceeds from the luncheon will go to the
the devastating effects to the Yonkers Public
Frela Gallery in New York City to celebrate of Center.
Schools be singled out as, yet again, we are slat-
ed to receive less money while our sister districts
Women’s History Month. Located in Yonkers, The Mary J. Blige
Guest speakers, including talent promoter Center for Women is a partnership between
across the state are earmarked to receive more.
and AIDS activist Maria Davis, clothing de- WJCS (Westchester Jewish Community Ser-
We cannot stand by and allow this to happen!
signer Latish Daring, writer and CNN contrib- vices) and FAWN (Foundation for the Ad-
“YCPTA President AnnMarie Smith be-
uter Michaela Angela Davis and entrepreneur vancement of Women Now). The program
lieves it is of the utmost importance to make
Michael Walker, shared inspirational stories aims to provide girls and women with skills,
sure the voices of Yonkers parents are heard in
during the event. knowledge, resources and supports that will
this time of fiscal crisis.”
“The young women of the Center and I empower them to pursue their personal goals
The critical budget question facing Yonkers
felt extremely honored to be part of this moti- and become self-sufficient, confident women.
is; where will the funding come from? With state
vational event,” said Hammett.
and federal funds dried up, Yonkers must hope
on a reprieve from Albany, perhaps in the exten-
sion of the millionaire’s tax, which could restore
some state education aid for the YPS. The only
other option is more funding from the city —
from the taxpayers — which means higher prop- OPEN HOUSE
erty taxes.
Mayor Phil Amicone will present his pro- 39 Cowdrey Street, Yonkers NY 10701
posed budget next month. In the past, Amicone
Sat. 3/19 from 11am to 1 pm
has held the line on increases to property taxes
to five percent. A five percent property tax in- Sun.3/20 from 12 to 2 pm
crease this year will fall far short in closing the
deficits on either the city or school budgets, Charming Colonial 3 bedrooms 1,5 BA,
leaving no alternative but layoffs and/or union LR with fireplace, Formal DR, SGD to Porch with
concessions. built-in firepit, Den SGD to Deck, Mod powder rm,
Rallies for Education were held this week, EIK, new windows/doors, finished bsmt, sep entrance,
with coverage in next week’s edition of Yonkers Large level fenced in yard, long driveway.
Rising.
What is your view on the city’s budget? Are
Call for directions only $455,000.
you willing to pay more in property taxes? What
M Puleo/Bkr 914-337-3596
cuts should be made? Send your letters to dmur
phy@risingmediagroup.com.
 Friday, March 18, 2011 - Yonkers RISING - PAGE 3

Yonkers’ Hyperlocal News

Pierorazio & Stewart-Cousins Ask Yonkers Philipse Manor Hall is Back!
to Speak Up for Education Funding

State Senator Superintendent of Schools

Andrea Stewart-Cousins
In letters distributed this week to district
staff and parents, Superintendent of Yonkers
Public Schools (YPS) Bernard P. Pierorazio
urged stakeholders to speak up for the District’s
26,000 students and 3,500 employees.
“We must unite and speak up to demand
proper funding of the Yonkers Public Schools as
well as the preservation of people and programs
that have elevated the district to new heights,”
wrote Pierorazio.
In recent months, Pierorazio has traveled to
Albany to address the disparity in state educa-
tion aid. He will soon journey to Washington to
continue efforts for equitable funding.
In his letters, Pierorazio asked district staff
and families to join him and speak up by con-
Bernard Pierorazio
tacting elected officials.
“We must be heard beyond our local rep-
resentatives, who support education; everyone
must contact the governor’s office and our state
and federal legislators to make sure that funding
is secured,” he said. See Pierorazio’s full letter
below.
State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins also
rallied to restore proposed state budget cuts to
education funding, joining several of her demo-
cratic colleagues and the Alliance for Quality
Education at a press conference in Albany.
Stewart-Cousins says the cuts, totaling more
then $1.5 billion, can be restored by continuing
the income tax surcharge on individuals netting
Continued on Page 6
Philipse Manor Hall in Downtown Yonkers
Philpse Manor Hall, a Yonkers treasure, is
now open again after being closed for a period of
time recently due to state budget cuts.
The Friends of Philipse Manor Hall (FPMH)
has announced a new concert series, which will
premiere on Saturday, April 2 at St. John’s Epis-
copal Church, to celebrate the reopening. The first
show is a double bill performance featuring sopra-
no and FPMH Boardmember Yolanda F. Johnson
and the Hudson Valley Chamber Singers, one of
Westchester’s most highly sought-after vocal en-
sembles.
FPMH is dedicated to the support and en-
hancement of Philipse Manor Hall State Historic
Site. Located in downtown Yonkers, Philipse
musical subjects, most notably, her concert/lec-
ture on African-American spirituals, A Spirituals
Experience. She has also performed as a guest so-
loist with various orchestras and made her NYC
operatic debut as Zerlina in Mozart’s “Don Gio-
vanni.”
Johnson has performed internationally, in-
cluding at the Elysium Music Festival in Ger-
many. She is a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota
International Women’s Music Fraternity, a lead
singer at First Baptist Church of Tarrytown and
is on the artist roster of Sing for Hope. She has
been a featured presenter at Performing the World
International Performing Arts Conference and was
recently featured on “Music with a Mission,” a

American Idol Manor Hall serves as a museum of history, art and

Continued from Page 1
round; nevertheless, she stands tall and proud to
this day, and is quite jubilant with her achieve-
ments! Congratulations Melinda for making it
that far! We are all terrifically proud of you!
“I am so happy that I had a chance to be a
part of American Idol and it was an amazing
experience. It was a complete dream come true
experience when I earned the famous ‘golden
ticket,’” said Ademi. “Actually, being in the show
and making it to the Top 60 made me realize that
the possibilities in life are endless.”
Ademi says that she will continue living out
her dream of expressing herself and signing. She
plans to release a Demo CD within the year so,
Yonkers students, family and friends — be on the
lookout!
Westchester has a talented and amazing
young woman who is not afraid to shine! Best of
luck, Melinda, and congratulations on making it
that far! We are all terrifically proud of you. May
all your dreams come true.
Follow Melinda Ademi at www.facebook.
com/melindaofficial and www.youtube.com/Me
lindaAdemi.
architecture, as well as host to community organi-
zations, meetings, educational programs and spe-
cial events.
Highlights of the hall include its 18th cen-
tury, high style Georgian architecture, a 1750s
papier mache Rococo ceiling and an impressive
collection of presidential portraits, including the
six Presidents from New York State. FPMH’s
goal is to foster public interest in and support for
the hall, and they offer a number of exciting and
educational events throughout the year, including
concerts, lectures, a Spring Flower Festival, Yon-
kers Riverfest activities and holiday events.
Johnson has had an outstanding career as a
performing artist, educator and supporter of the
arts. She is an accomplished pianist as well as vo-
calist. Johnson holds both bachelor’s and master’s
degrees in vocal performance and arts manage-
ment, respectively. She has performed in several
musical genres, including opera, concert, oratorio
and sacred music.
She is an active recitalist/lecturer on many
popular podcast series from Times Square Church
Music in Manhattan.
The Hudson Valley Chamber Singers is a
10-member vocal ensemble, selected from the larg-
er Hudson Valley Singers, a well-known and high-
ly-respected music organization in Westchester.
The group’s objectives are to contribute to the
cultural life of the community, especially under-
served areas, through public performances of cho-
ral music of the 17th through 20th centuries.
The Hudson Valley Chamber Singers are di-
rected by renowned conductor Eugene Sirotkine,
a St. Petersburg, Russia-born conductor who de-
buted with the Latvian Philharmonic in St. Peters-
burg in 1989 and was an assistant conductor and
assistant chorus master with the New York Metro-
politan Opera from 1999 through 2008. He is also
the conductor of the New York Metamorphoses
Orchestra. Over the past two decades he has con-
ducted orchestras and choruses across the globe.
For more information on Philipse Manor Hall
and its programs, visit www.philipsemanorhall.
blogspot.com.

“I didn’t count on leaving SUNY

without a degree.”
“No one told me that SUNY budget cuts would SUNY has already lost $585 million in the
mean I couldn’t afford to stay in college. I didn’t last two years. It can’t afford to lose any
plan on it taking five or six years to graduate. more state support.

“But with larger class sizes, fewer professors Facts:

and cancelled courses, � Threats to cut another $100 million in state
that’s exactly what’s support would mean a 30% reduction in
happening. And SUNY’s operating budget.
it isn’t just me.
SUNY is � SUNY has lost 1,300 faculty since the 1990s.
maxed out.”
� 26,000 more students attend SUNY’s
four-year schools than did 15 years ago.

� Several state-operated campuses have

suspended admissions in key subject areas.

“You think you’re cutting costs?

Your cuts cost me my future.”
Tell state lawmakers: Stop SUNY budget cuts.
Take action!

Go to saveSUNY.org

United University Professions

The union that makes SUNY work
Phillip H. Smith, President
 PAGE 4 - Yonkers RISING - Friday, March 18, 2011
Yonkers’ Hyperlocal News
Congressman Eliot Engel to Attend
Next Chamber of Commerce Breakfast
The Hon-
orable Eliot L.
Engel will ad-
dress the Yon-
kers Chamber of
Commerce Net-
working Break-
fast on Tuesday,
March 22, to be
held at Saint Jo-
seph’s Medical
Center.
Congressman Eliot Engel Engel will
Rotary Club of Yonkers:
91 years of Rotary Fellowship
Fellow Yonkers Rotarians,
On Wednesday, February 23, Rotarians in
New York celebrated Rotary’s 106th birthday
together with Rotary International President Ray
Klinginsmith, Rotary International Vice President
Thomas Thorfinnson and Rotary International Di-
rector Kenneth Grabeau, during the Next Genera-
tions Luncheon at the Rotary Club of Chinatown.
Later the same day, The New York Stock
Exchange celebrated Rotary Polio Plus by promi-
nently displaying the Rotary logo and END PO-
LIO NOW on the wall of the New York Stock Ex-
change for everybody to see.
This was followed by a very successful VIP
Reception and a Cocktail Buffet organized by the
Rotary Club of Wall Street. This was one of the
greatest Rotary moments in New York history.
The speaker during our next Rotary meeting,
on Thursday, March 17, will be Don Hubert, who
is a member of the Rotary Club of Bronxville. Hu-
bert will speak about when he, as a kid, had his
portrait painted by the famous Norman Rockwell.
Hubert is a Paul Harris fellow and Past Presi-
dent of the Bronxville Rotary Club. He has also
served in our Rotary District as Assistant Gov-
ernor and Membership Chairman. He attended
the Rotary International Convention in Glasgow,
Scotland.
Around the Town
Yonkers Public Library
Still Life Painting Classes at Riverside
The Hudson River Artist Guild, which meets
at the Riverfront Library, will offer an eight-week
series of art classes in techniques of drawing and
painting still life compositions taught by Claire
Madlin, a professional art teacher. The classes will
be held on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m. on April 6, 13 and 27, May 4, 11, 18 and
25 and June 1 in the second floor Arts and Crafts
Room. The classes are free, but participants must
provide their own materials: drawing pencils, eras-
ers, sketchbook, 11- by 14-inch canvas, acrylic
paints, brushes and paint palettes. No experience
is required.
Class size is limited to 15 people of any age.
Yonkers residents have priority for registration.
Registration begins on Wednesday, March 23. To
register, call 914-375-7966 or come to the 3rd floor
Information desk. For questions about artist mate-
rials and class instruction, contact Claire Madlin at
914-819-0741 or cmplpw1@ymail.com.
Blood Drive at Riverside
Donors are urgently needed for the Riverfront
Library’s Community Blood Drive on Monday,
April 4 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for adults and
teens aged 16 and older. Teens must have written
parental permission with them at the time of do-
nation. Hudson Valley Blood Services, a division
of the New York Blood Center, will be collecting
donations in the first floor Atrium. Register to do-
nate at the third floor Information Desk or call 914-
375-7966. Donors will receive a coupon for one
Serving Our Country
Major General Patrick A. Murphy, The
Adjutant General for the State of New York,
has announced that Luke Cleveland, Yonkers,
Kitchen & Bath Insider:
Springtime Kitchen Compulsion
Paul Bookbinder, M.I.D.,
C.R.
The blizzards have fi-
nally ended and soon, many
people’s thoughts will turn
towards the traditional, yearly
ritual of home improvement.
And, of those contemplating
this upcoming, seasonal com-
pulsion, many will focus on
their kitchen. Like the swal-
lows returning from wher-
ever they went, this need is
not something to be ashamed
of; our species simply has no
Paul Bookbinder, M.I.D., C.R.
control over it.
If you are facing the
uncontrollable urge to remodel your kitchen, designers charge for their initial work, however
you will probably need some help. But don’t their charges and pricing structures vary greatly.
despair; you don’t have to do it alone. There
serve as the Keynote speaker for the breakfast,
sponsored by Saint Joseph’s Medical Center.
Early Bird Coffee and the opportunity to
network with members starts at 7:30 a.m., with
Breakfast at 7:45 a.m. The cost is $15 for mem-
bers, $20 for guests of members and $25 for
non-members.
Come early for networking and bring an
ample supply of business cards and hand outs.
To reserve, call the chamber office at 914-963-
0332 and ask about our annual breakfast reser-
vation ticket.
To be a Rotarian has many advantages and
privileges. To be a Rotarian also has obligations.
The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self.” Ro-
tarians are responsible leaders who give back to
society. One way of giving back to society is to
support the Rotary Foundation, which is one of the
most efficient charities in the world, because 100
percent of our donations are used for charity. There
is no percentage deducted for administration!
If each of us Rotarians contribute $100 per
year to the Rotary Foundation, Rotary, with its
1,221,920 members around the world, will col-
lect $122,192,000. One hundred dollars per year
is only 27 cents per day.
That is a very small price to pay in the spirit
of Service Above Self. Those 27 cents per day will
help the Rotary Foundation make an even bigger
difference in the world. You can read about the
Rotary Foundation at www.rotary.org/foundation.
You can conveniently make a tax deductible
$100 donation to the Rotary Foundation via the
Internet at the Web site, www.riweb.rotaryintl.org/
donor_xml/contributionmenu.asp
Membership in Rotary gives added credibil-
ity!
Matts Ingemanson, President
Rotary Club of Yonkers
District Governor Nominee 2013-2014
additional hour of Internet access at the Riverfront
Library. For more information contact Jody Maier,
914-337-1500 ext. 492.
“Songs of Love and Life” at Will
“Songs of Love and Life,” a musical featuring
the IMA Singers, will be presented on Saturday,
March 26 at 2 p.m. at the Yonkers Public Library
Grinton I. Will branch, located at 1500 Central
Park Ave. Admission is free of charge, no tickets
are required and seating will be in the 325-seat au-
ditorium at the library.
“Songs of Love and Life” features an after-
noon of the classics from Opera to Broadway on
these timeless themes. Singers include Jacqueline
Buffone, Kristin Halliday and Janette Lallier with
Gene Ballarin as narrator and Chun-Wei Kang on
piano.
The IMA Singers is a group of professional
singers who perform across the United States, Eu-
rope, South America and Asia. The group is dedi-
cated to bringing first class music events to diverse
audiences.
Call the library at 914-337-1500 for further
information and directions.
Yonkers Historical Society at Will
Yonkers Historical Society invites you to at-
tend our 2011 Annual Meeting and Archival Dis-
play, “A City in Motion — Images of Transporta-
tion in Yonkers,” on Saturday, April 2. Display will
be from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the meeting and
program is at 1 p.m. in the Flynn Room of the Will
Library. Special guest speaker will be Joe Schia-
vone.
serving with the 1156th Engineer Company,
Vertical, has been promoted to the rank of Spe-
cialist.
are many qualified kitchen
designers available to create
a functional, as well as aes-
thetically pleasing, kitchen to
satisfy your desires.
Look for a firm that is
associated with the National
Kitchen and Bath Associa-
tion. This is the largest orga-
nization in the industry and it
sets the standards for kitchen
design. But don’t expect to
get something for nothing
because, (if I remember my
Shakespeare), “nothing will
come of nothing.”
Most successful kitchen
Continued on Page 6
Hidden Heroes:
Big Jim Howard Part II
Photos by Paul Jerome
A young Jim Howard in his boxing prime (above)
and one of Howard’s pupils, Chris “Sugar Ray” Ventura (top)
By Paul Jerome
It’s amazing what we don’t know about the
people living right next to us.
For example, our hidden hero Big Jim
Howard; if you see him you would agree Jim is
a big man — he stands six foot five and weighs
approximately 260 pounds. Impressive in stat-
ure and hard to miss in any neighborhood.
Yet not many know about this big man’s
even bigger heart and what he has done in his
community.
Let’s catch up on what happened that makes
Howard a hidden hero in the Getty Square com-
munity and, for that matter, any where he has
touched the lives of others. But, I am getting
ahead of the story.
In 1967, Howard hurt his hand while out
with some of his friends. The accident happened
without warning and was a life changing event.
As Howard relates the story, someone slammed
the car door on his hand; at that moment Jim’s
“world stopped.”
Needless to say, my friends, this was not a
good thing to happen to a boxer on his way to
stardom. Howard had to make some decisions.
Imagine yourself as big Howard, just for a mo-
ment; what would be going through your mind?
You’re in the heavyweight class with the prom-
ise of fame and, hopefully, fortune because of
your boxing skills.
Howard recounts his win against Ken Nor-
ton, who has beaten Cassius Clay. Managed by
Gus D’Amato, Howard could KO a man with
either hand. An adept two fisted hitter is not too
often seen in boxing. He was ready to take the
world on.
Suddenly fate, or just plain destiny, steps
in, changing Howard’s life forever. With that
slam of a car door, his promising career was
over. Over!
Remember, I told you in Part I that Howard
always had two jobs; he was a security officer
and house detective at the Niagara Falls Holi-
day Inn as well as a fighter.
In the late 1960s, after his accident, How-
ard made a decision and went to work for the
Working Boys Home in the Niagra Falls area,
a decision he would never regret. Howard has
said that he did not make the decision to work
there easily after the accident, and he had help
from a man you could say was quite a character
and, as you will soon see, a wicked sense of hu-
mor. His name was Franklin Kellehier.
Kellehier was born in the early 20s.
Throughout his life, sports were always very
important to him. He was a star athlete in high
school and he later matriculated at Holy Cross
in Dorchester, Massachusetts. While there, he
starred on the basketball and baseball teams. He
was also the star heavyweight boxing champion
for two years. Soon, he became the top amateur
boxer in the New England area.
Old School 1970’s Party
At Runyon Heights Center
An Old School 1970s-themed party and
fundraising event will be held on March 26 at 9
p.m. at the Runyon Heights Community Center
at 21 Runyon Avenue in Yonkers.
Kellehier was one of those people who,
like Jim, you pass in the street but would never
guess how unique he was. In June of 1930, he
studied for the priesthood. He was ordained a
priest and soon after was assigned to the Buf-
falo diocese. As a young priest, he had a part-
time career as a professional wrestler without
the church’s knowledge; Father Kellehier wore
a mask to all his bouts. For four years, he had a
successful and prosperous career as The Masked
Marvel and, later, as The Red Devil.
He wrestled in Montréal, Toronto, Cleve-
land and occasionally in Buffalo. In 1932, at a
match against Sam Cordova, a well known foot-
ball player and wrestler, Kellehier’s, mask came
off. Soon, the real identity of The Red Devil
reached the diocese of Buffalo. Well let’s just
say Kellehier’s matt career came to an abrupt
halt.
As Howard’s hand slammed in a car door
changed his life, the un-masked priest’s life
would also change and, ultimately, bring him
and Howard together.
Although Kellehier’s career was quite
short, he was able to save enough money that
would later be used to help fund the Working
Boys Home. Kellehier was asked to take over
the directorship of the poorly-run home and
held the position for 39 years.
Kellehier used boxing and other sports to
help the 50 troubled boys that lived at the home.
Kellehier began entering a team of amateur box-
ers in the local Golden Gloves tournaments. He
also promoted amateur boxing on regular basis.
Profits from these shows were used con-
stantly to remodel and refurbish the Working
Boys Home. When Howard met Kellehier,
Kellehier had become a Monsignor. Both men
clicked, according to Jim, and he soon made his
decision to work at the home with these trou-
bled young boys.
Helping at risk young boys become out-
standing young men soon became Howard’s
calling, thanks in part to the guidance and sup-
port of Kellehier. On Saturday, March 5, I met
up with one of Howard’s young men, Chris
Ventura. I have to admit that I was extremely
impressed with Chris.
He spoke almost reverently about Howard,
but at first seemed hesitant to share his personal
story. I broke the ice when I shared a little about
my youth and the people that most influenced
me to take the right path. Ultimately, Chris
“Sugar Ray” Ventura, as he likes to be called,
told me about his life.
Venture was hanging around with cliques
and gangs when he met up with a friend of
his who told him about Howard. “Sugar Ray”
laughed when he told me about the suggestion
of getting involved in boxing. Venture had no
interest at all in boxing, but went to meet How-
Continued on Page 6
Tickets are $10, and the event is BYOB.
For tickets or more information, call Dane
at 914-207-4058.
 Friday, March 18, 2011 - Yonkers RISING - PAGE 5

Ladies of Comedy at Empire City This, Too, is Yonkers

Casino at Yonkers Raceway

Photo by Greg Baldwin

Jessica Kirson
“Ladies” and “laughter” will be the watch-
words at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Race-
way on Wednesday,March 23 at 7 p.m., when
comediennes Jessica Kirson, Arden Myrin and
Lisa DeLarios will be the “Belles of the Ball” on
the first-ever “Ladies of Comedy Night” in the
casino’s Good Time Room.
There is free admission for Empire Club
members and the cover charge for non-members
is $15. Signing up for an Empire Club member-
ship is free and easy — visit the Promotions
Booth on the first floor of the Gotham Palace for
more information.
Kirson headlines the “Ladies of Com-
edy Night.” Kirson’s wide variety of characters
brings a diverse energy to her routine. She has
performed on Comedy Central, HBO and The
Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
For more information, call 914-968-4200 or
visit www.empirecitygaming.com.
Nathan’s on Central Park Avenue
By Eric W. Schoen
The Manhattan (red) clam chowder still
tastes the same as when grandpa used to eat it
when I was a little boy. And they still serve those
little oysterette crackers with it, which are cru-
cial to proper enjoyment of the clam chowder.
Yes, I am talking about a great Yonkers institu-
tion, Nathan’s on Central Avenue.
A few weeks ago, my friend and fellow
columnist Michael LaMagna was coming down
to Yonkers from Connecticut to see his mother
with his two daughters, Julianna, who is 5 years
old, and Gabriella, who is 1.
Where do you go in Yonkers with a 5 year
old, a 1 year old, and three adults where there is
something on the menu for everyone, the kids
Eric W. Schoen
than’s!
So let’s start out with what’s missing from
the good old Nathan’s days. I was in the mood
for a good deli sandwich, and the corned beef,
brisket and pastrami sandwiches on good qual-
ity Jewish rye bread are no more.
The secret to their good sandwiches — the
rye bread was never the one fresh out of the
oven. If you serve a sandwich on rye bread that
is too fresh, the meat makes the bread disinte-

Inspector General’s Report:

can run around without disturbing anyone and,
for a couple of hours, a good time can be had grate. That’s why good delis use saran wrapped-
by all? Throw in another caveat: the 5 year old packaged rye bread for sandwiches.

City Towing Contracts

By Dan Murphy
Yonkers Inspector General Dan Schorr is-
sued the following report this week on the city’s
policy on towing companies and contracts.
Background
When the Yonkers Police Department
(YPD) or the Parking Violations Bureau (PVB)
encounter vehicles that they believe should be
towed and/or impounded, private tow companies
are notified to perform such functions. These
companies must meet certain minimum qualifi-
cations and, in the case of impounding, compete
with each other for the contractual right to work
with the city.
Recently, several questions and concerns
regarding the city’s relationship with and selec-
tion of tow companies have been brought to our
attention. The objectives of the review were to:
• Evaluate procedures for vehicle tows initi-
ated by the city;
• Review the process for selecting tow com-
panies for city impound contracts;
• Analyze financial payments made by tow
companies to the city; and
• Assess and recommend possible improve-
ments for city interaction with tow companies.
Tow Companies and the “Police List”
Yonkers City Code, Section 111, governs
the, “towing and storage of abandoned, dam-
aged, disabled and wrecked vehicles,” in order
to, “establish an orderly system for the safe and
expeditious removal and storage of these vehi-
cles from the streets and highways of the City
of Yonkers.”
Among other items, it sets forth require-
ments for situations in which vehicles encoun-
tered by the YPD are disabled and need to be
towed.
The YPD maintains a “police list” of eli-
gible tow companies that may be called when
a disabled vehicle must be towed because of an
accident or other malfunction. These companies
on the police list, also known as the “emergency
roster,” must conform to various mandates out-
lined in Section 111. Currently, nine tow compa-
nies are on this roster, and they perform a total of
approximately 600 to 700 tows per year.
In order to successfully apply to be on the
police list, a tow company must own and operate
a, “New York State-registered body and fender
shop,” and, “must have a place of business with-
in the City of Yonkers.” The Code also specifies
other requirements, such as paying the requisite
license fee, maintaining a specified amount of
insurance coverage, being on 24-hour call and
responding within 20 minutes to a YPD tow re-
quest.
Section 111 provides that the YPD rotate
which licensed tow company on the police list is
called for each emergency tow.
Impounded Vehicles Contract
The YPD and PVB order the impound of
vehicles on certain occasions, such as when they
are illegally parked in certain areas, suspected to
be evidence in a pending criminal investigation,
Continued on Page 10
loves hot dogs. The bakery, on the right side when you
We use to go to Charlie Browns, which at walked in, with fresh baked breads, challah
lunch time was not crowded. The kids could run rolls, brownies with a thin, hard layer of choco-
around and, with an extensive children’s menu late on top, delicious rugelach and big cookies
and the salad bar, even the finickiest child could for the little kids, like me, are fond memories.
find something to eat. But Charlie Brown’s in The pizza stand, in the left hand corner next to
the game room, which by Yonkers standards did
Yonkers has gone to that restaurant resting place
not serve the best pizza in town, is long gone.
in the sky, so we put on our thinking caps and
The bakery area now is the home to rides
said hey, let’s try Nathan’s.
When I was doing internet searches to find for the young children: 25 cents for a ride that
moves back and forth and sideways. Do the
the name of the stores that preceded Kohl’s and
rides feature the current children’s characters
Caldors (Floyd’s and, even before that, Great
like Barney or Spongebob? Nope. Julianna and
Eastern), whether it was on Facebook or Mys-
Gabriella had fun riding on, and alongside, Bat-
pace, everyone had fond memories of going
man, Snoopy, the Jetsons, Spiderman and Ernie
to Nathan’s growing up. And though Nathan’s
and Burt from Sesame Street, characters popular
has expanded with outposts in malls, shopping
when I was a child.
centers and food courts throughout the country,
Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips and
the constant complaint is that the hot dogs don’t
TCBY yogurt are now featured. The kids loved
taste as good as they did at the Nathan’s on Cen-
the healthier yogurt in vanilla and chocolate
tral Avenue in Yonkers.
flavors for dessert after devouring the grilled
Now, don’t get upset with me, but I did not
hot dogs and french fries. My friend Michael
eat a hot dog during my recent visit to Nathan’s.
ordered a salad with chicken, way too healthy
They have this new menu item served in a hot
for Nathan’s standards. The lettuce was crisp
dog bun featuring grilled chicken, onions and
and fresh, the chicken either grilled or fried, and
peppers and melted cheese. What a delicious,
came with a choice of dressings. Bountiful por-
tasty, a-little-more-healthy-than-a-hot-dog treat!
tions, in the Nathan’s tradition.
The number two reason for you to be upset
The free condiment bar, with juicy sauer-
with me: I did not order my favorite Nathan’s
kraut, grilled onions and the vats with ketchup
french fries. But, like in the old days, when a
and mustard that you put in the little cups to take
couple fell onto the placemat at the counter from
back to the table, still exists. How many times
my friend’s order, I secretly nibbled on them.
did you squirt the ketchup or mustard and it end-
I didn’t dip my fallen fries in the ketchup you
ed up all over the counter or, worse yet, all over
pump out of the vat at the condiment bar, but
your clothing?
if french fries are good, they don’t need any
Some parents were setting up a birthday
condiments or extra seasoning. And I’m happy
party for their children, with Happy Birthday
to report that nobody, to this day, makes french
fries like the thick, crinkle cut juicy ones at Na- Continued on Page 6
 PAGE 6 - Yonkers RISING - Friday, March 18, 2011
Educational Excellence in Westchester
Yonkers Academic Excellence Students on Cloud 9 Thanks to
Loyola University
Westchester Philharmonic
Fall 2010 Dean’s List
James Dentico, class of 2011;
Matthew Drexel, class of 2012; and
Andrea Pesce, class of 2014.
University at Albany
Fall 2010 Dean’s List
Renny George;
Lizbeth Merelo;
Melvin Philip;
Nicole Fainsan;
Alvin George;
Demetra Malamatenios;
Ashraf Mokbel;
Audrey Bridge;
Young An;
Sibil George;
Casey Ferguson;
Francesca Aliberti; and
Hidden Heroes:
Continued from Page 4
ard anyway. Again, an event that would change
a life forever and, as Venture said, for the bet-
ter.
Howard currently lives at the Yonkers
YMCA and has volunteered his boxing talents
as well as shared his big heart at YMCA for 17
years. Howard has been teaching on his own
time for no money for the, “good feelings he
gets helping the kids,” he said.
I believe big Jim does it because that’s just
who he is. Howard could have vanished into
obscurity after hurting his hand. Instead, he has
chosen to quietly help at-risk youth and is a hid-
den hero. Howard has affected boys and, yes, an
occasional girl, who would’ve went down the
wrong path had it not been for his guidance and
support.
This, Too, is Yonkers
Continued from Page 5
banners and party favors decorating a party area
next to the 25 cent children rides. When asked if
she would want her birthday party at Nathan’s,
Julianna loudly said “yes.”
The restaurant was clean, the play area
for the children was in tip-top shape which, in
this day and age, that is a rarity. Bring sanitiz-
ing wipes for the rides if you are germaphobic,
but frankly, from what I could see, they were
not necessary. The kids ran around, played
and everyone had a good time. Michael’s mom
even bought a $3 jar of Nathan’s pickles to take
home.
The big game room in the back, now called
SMILES, still exists, but my friend Michael and
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Shanae Williams.
Marist College
Fall 2010 Dean’s List
Katherine Arlotta, Yonkers, class of 2014.
Ohio Wesleyan University
Fall 2010 Dean’s List
Suzanne Samin, Yonkers, a graduate of The
Ursuline School.
University of Delaware
The following Yonkers residents have been
named to the fall 2010 Dean’s List:
Raissa Elizabeth Dempsey, sophomore, Arts
and Sciences;
Sabrina N. Ali, senior, Arts and Sciences;
Kerrin Elizabeth Dougherty, freshman, Uni-
versity Studies; and
Thomas Carl McKenna, sophomore, Arts
and Sciences.
There are several who are on their way to
boxing fame, like Tiger Tail and the Mexican
Kid, who, like Venture, owe that thanks to How-
ard their. I plan to catch up with these promising
young men soon, at ringside, with Howard to
see them in action and bring you more about
this amazing man in the next installment.
For now, I would like to say to you; if you
know someone like Howard, please, come for-
ward. The world needs heroes.
Hidden heroes are people with rather or-
dinary characteristics, like reliability and con-
sistency, but are distinguished from others in
that they are moved to take action based only
on concern for others. Hidden heroes generally
seek little, if any, recognition and measure their
success by the impact of the actions on others
rather than by the amount of recognition or
thanks they get.
If you know anyone like this anyone at all,
contact me at Pauljerome613@gmail.com.
I were too old, and Julianna and Gabriella too
young, to play the games dotting the room, like
the good old days.
As for the clam chowder, Grandpa Roth
was kosher and clams, of course, are not, so,
to this day, I cannot understand how he would
eat the clam chowder. But hey, he enjoyed it, it
gave me a fond memory to share with you and
I guess in the grand scheme of things, that’s all
that matters.
There was talk they were going to knock
the Nathan’s building down and build a smaller
one, but to date this has not happened. Let’s
hope the powers that be keep this unique part of
Yonkers history alive.
Nathan’s on Central Avenue. This, too, is
Yonkers!
You can reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyon
kers@aol.com.
340 WEST 50th ST.
12/17/10 12:25 AM
Come rain or shine, the Westchester Phil-
harmonic has been bringing classical music to
Westchester school children for more than 20
years.
This spring is no different. The orchestra is
proud to announce Stormy Weather, two inter-
active young people’s concerts at the Perform-
ing Arts Center at Purchase College on Tuesday,
April 5 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
The concerts are the culminating experi-
ence for nearly 2,000 third through fifth grad-
ers in Westchester County who are participants
in the Philharmonic’s 2011 classroom music
education program, which this year focuses on
weather music.
“For centuries composers have been in-
spired by nature. Vivaldi, Beethoven and Strauss
all found ways to use music to convey the expe-
rience of weather phenomenon; from thunder to
lightening to rolling clouds or tornadoes, com-
Pierorazio
Continued from Page 3
more than $200,000 per year and couples net-
ting more than $300,000 per year. The surcharge
was signed into law in 2009, is set to expire on
December 31 and would bring more than $4 bil-
lion in revenue to the state this fiscal year.
“This is a responsible way to restore fund-
ing to our schools, and it will show the people of
New York that education is, and always will be,
one of our top priorities,” said Stewart-Cousins.
“These budget cuts would increase class sizes
throughout the state and would cause layoffs, the
elimination of programs and create further strain
on the already overextended school districts.
“Continuing this surcharge would allow
us to maintain quality education in our schools,
which is what New York’s students need and de-
serve,” she continued.
“We inevitably have difficult choices to
make throughout the budget process, but we
should not close a deficit by sacrificing the fu-
ture of our kids.”
Pierorazio’s Letter
Dear Colleague and Parents/Guardians:
The 2011-2012 financial forecast for the
Yonkers Public Schools echoes last year’s dis-
mal projections, except with bleaker implica-
tions. In fact, the district now faces the worst
financial crisis of our immediate history, with an
anticipated $87.8 million budget shortfall.
For the second year in a row, YPS faces a
budget gap, the result of a $25.4 million cut in
federal aid, a $21.9 million cut in state aid (orig-
inally projected to be $17.6 million) and a $40.5
million increase in expenses.
This loss of funding has the potential to end
successful programs for our students and cause
undue hardship to hundreds more employees.
We must unite and speak up to demand proper
funding of the Yonkers Public Schools, as well
as the preservation of the people and programs
that have elevated the district to new heights.
Speaking for our 26,000 students and 3,500
employees, I traveled to Albany and met with
various legislative budget staff members and
key legislators to address the disparity in state
education funding. I urged our representatives to
Kitchen & Bath
Continued from Page 4
I know of companies that charge anywhere from
$100 to $1,000 or more, for this service.
Usually, this sum can be applied towards
the purchase of cabinets, and I wouldn’t recom-
mend contracting with a firm that did not adhere
to that policy. After all, a good design takes a
great deal of time, effort and creativity, so why
should they give this away for free?
An argument could be made that if you
don’t like the design and/or estimate you’ve
wasted your money. I don’t entirely disagree
with this, and that’s why I recommend finding
a firm with a minimum initial design fee. This
smaller expense certainly does not compensate
the designer for all the time he must spend cre-
ating your dream kitchen, but it shows a com-
mitment on your part, indicating that you are
serious about the project.
Some firms have a staged design fee, which
includes a minimum initial design charge. If, af-
ter reviewing the design, you wish to pursue the
project, they have a secondary fee (sometimes
called a retainer) for additional work on the de-
sign or releasing the drawings to you.
This seems to be an equitable compromise.
The designer charges a minimal fee, confident
that they will create an exciting design, within
the budget that you specify. You get a chance to
review the design and see how much the renova-
tion will cost, before laying out a lot of money.
At that point, assuming the design fits your
posers were able to transport listeners through
sound,” said Philharmonic trumpet player, ex-
perienced arts educator and program conduc-
tor Wayne du Maine. Du Maine will lead area
school children in a full orchestra concert featur-
ing the music of some of these great composers,
guiding young listeners through each weather-
themed piece.
The Philharmonic’s classroom education
program integrates music into the academic
classroom through curriculum guides and live
presentations. Study guides provided in advance
as well as visits from professional teaching art-
ists help academic teachers to weave the music
and weather themes into everyday classroom
lessons. The program culminates in a full-or-
chestra performance on April 5.
The concerts will be held at the Performing
Arts Center at Purchase College, located at 735
Anderson Hill Rd. in Purchase.
take these necessary actions:
• Fix the Foundation Aid formula to account
for the district’s growing enrollment and provide
Yonkers $12.5 million in additional state aid;
• Adjust the Universal Prekindergarten grant
to a more equitable rate of $5,800 per student,
allocating Yonkers an additional $4.9 million;
• Credit Yonkers for realizing administra-
tive efficiencies and achieving improved student
performance improvements in prior years; and
• Fund or eliminate state and federal man-
dates.
Moving forward, the following minimum
efforts for our children must be non-negotiable:
Restore the state aid cuts in the proposed
Executive Budget;
Equitably compensate the district for the
1,518 additional students enrolled over the past
three years; and
Increase local funding of education by the
City of Yonkers.
The Board of Education seeks to address
this fiscal crisis with the least impact on class-
room instruction. If we work together, strate-
gies can be put in place that cost nothing and
save millions. For employees, better attendance
equals overall savings.
Three years ago, you responded to my re-
quest to improve daily attendance and reduce
the substitute budget that had ballooned to more
than $3 million annually. You accepted the chal-
lenge then; attendance improved, savings oc-
curred and staff were saved.
Similar efforts now could save jobs in the
future. I will be traveling to Washington to speak
up for our children and staff. Join me and speak
up for the Yonkers Public Schools by contacting
our elected officials, whose contact information
can be found at www.yonkerspublicschools.org.
We must be heard beyond our local repre-
sentatives who already support education; ev-
eryone must contact the governor’s office and
our state and federal legislators to make sure
that funding is secured. United, with one voice,
we can overcome this impending financial di-
saster.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Bernard P. Pierorazio.
budget, you have to ask yourself three ques-
tions. The first is, do you like the design? It
doesn’t have to be perfect yet, but it must show
promise, and you have to be convinced that it
can be modified to your satisfaction.
The second question is, do you like the
company’s products? This includes the cabi-
nets, counter tops and accessories.
The final question is, do you trust the de-
signer and his support staff? If the design or de-
signer is not to your liking, or the cost is out of
line, you have the option of ending the relation-
ship without incurring additional costs.
If you answered “yes” to the three ques-
tions, you’re ready to move to the next step in
a “staged design fee” program. If any of your
answers were “no,” look for another firm.
Once you find the right company to work
with, a design you love and a price you’re com-
fortable with, you can succumb to your impuls-
es. Don’t feel guilty. Spring home improvement
has been ingrained into our genes for a thousand
years and it will remain that way for a long time
to come.
About the author: Paul Bookbinder, M.I.D.,
C.R., is president of DreamWork Kitchens, Inc.
located in Mamaroneck. A Master of Design
(Pratt Institute), and E.P.A. Certified Remod-
eler, he is an advisor for Kitchen & Bath De-
sign News. A member of the Advisory Panel of
Professional Remodeler magazine and the Na-
tional Kitchen and Bath Association, he can be
reached for questions at 914-777-0437 or www.
dreamworkkitchens.com, or at his blog, kitch
en-insider.blogspot.com.
 Friday, March 18, 2011 - Yonkers RISING - PAGE 7

Seniors and Health Care

Sarah Neuman Center’s Respite Hot Topics in Health Care
Program Provides Caregiver Relief Advance Directives are
vitally important documents
permits an individual to let their
health care agent, appointed in
For more than a decade, Ida Cavaliere, 74, which permit adults to make de- their Proxy, know what medi-
husband and I, and a tremendous relief to know
has been living with and caring for her 68-year- cisions regarding their health- cal procedures they would or
that Anna’s well taken care of.”
old sister, Anna Lisi, in her Yonkers home. care prior to losing their deci- wouldn’t want.
Lisi is also a client in Sarah Neuman’s
Cavaliere and her husband, Frank, 81, have sion making ability. I urge all Having an Advance Direc-
Adult Day Care program. She came to the Adult
been married for 52 years. For the last 10 years, readers to consider executing tive is seen as so important be-
Day center with her husband in January of 2001,
the couple have been caregivers for Lisi, who these documents. cause, in 1991, Congress passed
when both had health issues that needed con-
has a variety of health issues that prevent her Advance directives are the Patient Self-Determination
stant monitoring. The Adult Day medical model
from living independently. Lisi’s husband died documents that allow an indi- Act, which requires most hospi-
seven-day-a-week program provides round-trip
10 years ago and, since, then she has moved in vidual to communicate their tals, nursing homes, home care
wheelchair accessible transportation, breakfast
with her sister and brother in law. health care wishes for when agencies and hospices to inform
and lunch and health-monitoring by the profes-
Cavaliere’s daily chores include cooking, they are unable to make the de- their patients about their right to
sional staff, as well as exercise, outings and so-
cleaning and shopping for her and her husband cisions on their own before they execute these documents.
cialization with others in the program.
as well as for Lisi. At times, the responsibili- reach that stage. Most people Currently, about 15 per-
According to Lisi, she feels well cared for Michael LaMagna
ties and inherent chores are both physically and know these documents as a cent of all adults in the United
in both Respite care and Adult Day care.
mentally exhausting. Health Care Proxy or Living States have a Health Care Ad-
“I love the program and the people. They’re
This March, the Cavalieres took a month- Will. vance Directive, with individuals in long term
very good to me. They help me, and I try to help
long vacation in Florida. They left Lisi in a Re- The Health Care Proxy is a document which care communities having the highest usage.
them. In the Adult Day program I try to help
spite program at Jewish Home Lifecare Sarah allows an individual over 18 years of age to ap- These documents are vitally important for
clean up in the kitchen and sometimes try to help
Neuman Center, where both her health and so- point a person, called an agent, to make health people to execute. If a person loses their decision
with the cooking,” said Lisi. “And I love the rec-
cial needs are met by a staff of professionals, in- care decisions for them if and only if that indi- making ability and hasn’t executed these docu-
reation programs, bingo, games, Wii; they’re all
cluding doctors, nurses, pharmacists, nutrition- vidual can longer make decisions on their own. ments, they may be required to apply to the court
good for me and keep me busy and active.”
ists, social workers, physical, occupational and Many times, this is because of an illness or in- for a Guardian, which is more expensive, less
In response to Lisi’s praise for the pro-
recreational therapists, nursing assistants and competency. private and may have an unpredictable outcome.
grams, her sister says, “The fact that Anna likes
housekeepers. The appointed agent can make health care For more information, visit www.health.
the program makes me feel good that she’s there,
For the Cavalieres, the change of scenery decisions which are binding on all physicians state.ny.us/forms/doh-1430.pdf.
for both our sakes.”
and relief from caregiving has been “absolutely in all health care facilities. The only limitation This article is provided for informational
For additional information on the Jewish
wonderful. For a month, my husband and I can is regarding the withdrawal of artificial hydra- purposes only. Nothing in this article shall be
Home Lifecare Sarah Neuman Respite program,
do whatever we want, whenever we want; go to tion and nutrition, also called feeding tubes. An construed as legal advice or should be relied
call Director Ann Frolova at 914-777-5806, or
a movie, eat out or just visit with friends with- agent can only withdraw a feeding tube if it is a upon as such. Michael LaMagna is a partner
914 777-5800. For information on Jewish Home
out feeling guilty about leaving my sister home specified power listed in the Health Care Proxy. at Timins & LaMagna, practicing social secu-
Lifecare’s Adult Day Programs in Manhattan,
alone,” said Cavaliere. “It’s such a sense of free- Moreover, whether or not a person wishes to rity, health care, elder, disability, veteran, trust,
the Bronx and Westchester, call Connections at
dom from year-round caregiving for both my have their organs donated must be specified in estates and general law in both New York and
800-544-0304.
the Proxy as well. Connecticut. E-mail him at Mlamagna@tllawof
A Living Will, which has no relation to a fices.com or call him at 914-534-1048 for more

Feeling Fabulous After Fifty:

Last Will and Testament, is a document which information.

Secrets You Want To Know Free Tax Preparation

55Plus, the Yonkers Partnership for Elderly
and South West Livable Community Connec-
tions once again invite you to their second series
of free monthly educational sessions, “Feel-
ing Fabulous After Fifty: Secrets You Want To
Know,” returning on March 21.
The series of four sessions, held the third
Monday of every month, was inspired by the
unique factors that may affect wellness in adults
in Yonkers.
Rheumatologist Dr. David Lans will dis-
cuss arthritis, joint pain and treatment options
for helping you to live an active lifestyle. It is
never too late to live a healthier lifestyle, even
if you are experiencing age related changes or
have a chronic illness.
Bring a friend, enjoy light, healthy refresh-
ments, ask questions and share your own aging
AARP tax counselors will be at many loca-
tions throughout Westchester from February 1 to
April 18 to help prepare your 2010 tax returns.
Call 1-888-227-7669 or 211 and ask for
the nearest AARP TaxAide location. Bring last
year’s tax return, all 2010 tax related documents
and Social Security notices so we can properly
complete your tax returns.
We e-file returns for a quick refund. We as-
sist all taxpayers, not just seniors. We will also
be available to answer your tax related ques-
tions.
We served more than 5,000 people in
Westchester last year. If you have any questions,
call 914-714-2015.

Spring Cleaning Can Make

over 50. If you are looking for tips about stay- well secrets if you care to. For more informa-
ing healthy, remaining active and other informa- tion or to register, call 914-377-6806. Bring a
tion on how to remain fabulous after 50, come non-perishable food donation for a local food

You Happier this Year

March 21 at 6 p.m. to the Grinton Will Library pantry.

More than 1,300 charities can use the stuff
that’s cluttering your home. It’s time to throw
open the windows, spruce up your home, and
get rid of clutter, the emotionally gratifying way
— donate things you no longer need to causes in
your neighborhood or around the country.
The Giving Effect (www.thegivingeffect.
com) is a new Web site that makes it easy to dis-
cover who needs your stuff. Donors browse the
site by needs, location, or categories to find a
cause, then complete a simple form to arrange a
pickup, drop off, or shipment.
Participating organizations include Opera-
tion Kid Equip, a non-profit in Royal Oak, Michi-
gan that provides school supplies, toiletries and
food to tens-of-thousands of kids in need, The
American Cancer Society and Habitat for Hu-
Since its founding by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul in 1888, Saint manity locations across the country. Hundreds of
Joseph’s Medical Center has been meeting the health care needs of Yonkers and animal shelters have also listed their needs with
The Giving Effect.
surrounding communities. Located in Southwest Yonkers, Saint Joseph's Medical
Center consists of a 194-bed acute care teaching hospital and a 200-bed nursing
home and features comprehensive out-patient programs. It is also a sponsor of low-
income senior housing for frail elderly.
These organizations can use almost anything
you can spare, from clothes, food and books to
cleaning supplies and lumber. Following your do-
nation, the site generates an easily shareable web
page that describes your gift and who it helped.
By sharing the page, donors inspire others to give
and thus increase the impact of their donation.
Spring cleaning may be a chore, but if you’re
doing it for a good cause it will leave you feeling
great!
The Giving Effect uses social media to help
donors discover and connect with organizations
that need items such as clothes, shoes and food.
It’s the first Web site to create stories around each
in-kind donation that can be easily shared online
to inspire others to give.
The goal is to create a national movement to
get food, gently-used items, and more to people
in need. The Giving Effect is headquartered in
Brooklyn.

In response to new developments in medicine and the needs of the community,

Saint Joseph’s has grown dramatically over the years into a modern, progressive
medical center.

Today, Saint Joseph’s offers:

s An expanded Ambulatory Surgery Center
s On-site 64 slice spiral CT Scanner and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
s Dedicated hospital-based Inpatient Renal Dialysis Services
s A Hospital-based Nursing Home
s One of the busiest Emergency Services in Westchester County
s A Designated Stroke Center
s Comprehensive Mental Health Services
s A Family Health Center to provide affordable primary care
s Oncology Services
s Geriatrics Services and 165 units of Senior Housing
s A State-of-the-art Department of Surgery for ambulatory, laser and laparo-
scopic surgery,
micro-neurosurgery for back and neck compression pain, and Holmium laser
and lithotripsy
for treating kidney stones
s Pain Management
s The only accredited Family Medicine Residency Program in Westchester
s Highly advanced diagnostic services, including Cardiology, Radiology and
Laboratories,
as well as a full range of rehabilitative therapies
s Women’s Health Services, including accredited low-dose mammography
s Patient Representatives and Pastoral Care for spiritual and emotional support

For more information, call 914-378-7000

or visit www.saintjosephs.org.
Saint Joseph’s Medical Center
127 South Broadway s Yonkers, New York 10701
 PAGE 8 - Yonkers RISING - Friday, March 18, 2011

Legal Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
By Joel J. Sprayregen LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE

My Hour-Long Conference
Notice of formation of Play- Notice of formation of Emer- Notice of formation of Metis
time Partners, LLC Arts. gency Medicine Connec- Capital Management, LLC.
Of Org. filed with the Sect’y tion PLLC. Arts. Of Org. filed Arts. Of Org. filed with the

With President Obama

of State of NY (SSNY) on with the Sect’y of State of NY Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY)
1/26/11. Office location: (SSNY) on 12/8/2010. Office on 1/19/2011. Office location:
Westchester. The street ad- location: WESTCHESTER. WESTCHESTER. SSNY
dress is: 5 Sussex Avenue, SSNY designated as agent designated as agent of LLC
By Joel J. Sprayregen a Palestinian state. The veto — which the U.S. Bronxville NY 10708 SSNY of PLLC upon whom process upon whom process against
Early this month, I spent an hour with Presi- recently used to block an anti-Israel resolution in has been designated as against it may be served. it may be served. SSNY shall
dent Barack Obama in the White House in a con- the Security Council — is not available in the As- agent of the LLC upon whom SSNY shall mail process to: mail process to: Metis Capi-
ference on American foreign policy in the Middle sembly. I believe it is evident that the politically process against it may be Margherita Chirurgi, 6 East- tal Management 411 Theo-
East. I joined a delegation of leaders of Jewish or- weak Abbas, whose government cannot even hold served. SSNY shall mail way, Hartsdale, NY 10530. dore Fremd Avenue Ste 206,
ganizations. an election although its term has expired, does not process served to: Playtime Purpose: Medicine. Rye, NY 10580. Purpose:
Readers of “A World View” know that I am want to negotiate. Partners, LLC, 5 Sussex Av- any lawful act.
skeptical of many aspects of Obama’s policies. Sit- enue, Bronxville NY 10708. #6179 3/4 - 4/8
As to the “right of return” mentioned by
Purpose: any lawful act.
ting around a table with the President in free give- Obama — i.e., the demand that Israel absorb four #6180 3/18 - 4/22
and-take in the formal dining room provided a rare million descendants of Palestinians who fled dur- #6176 2/25 – 4/1
opportunity to hear directly from the leader of the ing the 1948 war forced upon Israel to destroy the
Free World. Jewish state authorized by the U.N — my own ex-
Numerous press reports, not all of them ac- perience informs that the weak Abbas cannot com-
curate, have been published about our meeting. promise this issue.
LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE
Since we agreed not to quote the President directly, My conclusion is based on three long meet-
I shall indicate what, to me, seemed positive and ings with the powerful Arafat which I participated Notice of formation of Pa- Notice of formation of East Notice of formation of BOT-
what seemed problematic. in between 1995 and 1998. It was clear that Arafat gano Senior Care, LLC Coast Beer Productions TOMS UP PROMOTIONS
The White House press release correctly re- believed he would be assassinated by the “refu- Arts. Of Org. filed with the LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with
ported that Obama reiterated “America’s unshake- gees” in Lebanon if he compromised this “right.” Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) the Sect’y of State of NY the Sect’y of State of NY
able support for Israel’s security.” This is backed The word assassin was invented in Lebanon. on 12-17-10. Office location: (SSNY) on 1/6/11. Office (SSNY) on 2/22/2011. Office
up by Obama’s maintaining Israel’s strategic quali- A singular omission in Obama’s presentation Westchester. The street ad- location: Westchester. The location: WESTCHESTER.
tative edge in a dangerous neighborhood. was his ignoring Hamas, the terrorist Iranian proxy dress is: 378 Midland Ave, street address is: #191 333 The street address is: 44 Kil-
Obama spoke of his affinity with Ameri- which rules Gaza. Hamas’s charter explicitly calls Yonkers, NY 10704. SSNY Mamaroneck Ave. White men Road, Larchmont, NY
has been designated as Plains, NY 10605. SSNY has 10538. SSNY has been des-
can Jews based on shared core values of justice, for annihilation of Israel.
agent of the LLC upon whom been designated as agent of ignated as agent of the LLC
freedom and lively debate. I reacted positively to One of the reasons Abbas will not hold elec- process against it may be the LLC upon whom process upon whom process against
Obama’s assertion that the US has no better friend tions is his fear that Hamas would win elections served. SSNY shall mail against it may be served. it may be served. SSNY shall
in the world than Israel. Israel supports the U.S. in the West Bank, as it did in Gaza. Assuming the process served to: United SSNY shall mail process mail process served to: BOT-
more than any other country in voting at the United sincerity of everything Obama said, it is difficult States Corporation Agents, served to: John J. Bello, #191 TOMS UP PROMOTIONS
Nations. to see how one creates a Palestinian state living in Inc., 7014 13th Ave., Suite 333 Mamaroneck Ave. White LLC, 44 Kilmen Road, Larch-
Obama said that neither the U.S. nor the U.N. peace while Hamas retains power. Political chang- 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Plains, NY 10605. Purpose: mont, NY 10538. Purpose:
should impose a solution, but that a peace deal es in Egypt are apt to further empower Hamas. Purpose: any lawful act. any lawful act. any lawful act.
should be hammered out between Israel and the Obama was hopeful about changes in the Arab
Palestinians in tough, serious negotiations in which world, but acknowledged that no one knew where #6174 2/25 – 4/1 #6175 2/25 – 4/1 #6178 3/4 - 4/8
each side should invest in the other’s successes. they will end. Obama urged that his Administra-
Obama’s statements of support for Israel were tion’s intentions about supporting Israel should
expressed with seeming earnestness and warmth never be questioned. He concluded that he wants
that one would expect from a master communica- nothing more than to see an Israel that is fully em- LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE
tor. braced by its neighbors.
What I Heard That Was Problematic Haunted by Failure of an Earlier President NOTICE OF FORMATION Notice of formation of BOW- Notice of formation of DCW
What did I hear that was problematic? Most All I invest in advocacy for Israel is haunted OF KARE FAMILY AND FRAN, LLC Arts. Of Org. ADVISORS LLC. Arts. Of
troublesome was Obama’s view that Israeli-Pales- by remembrance of the powerlessness of the gen- CHILDREN SERVICES, filed with the Sect’y of State Org. filed with the Secretary
tinian peace will turn the entire region against Iran. eration of my father (who personified the essence LLC. Articles of Organization of NY (SSNY) on 12/17/10. of State of NY (SSNY) on
were filed with the Secretary Office location: Northern February 9, 2011. Office lo-
This seems a facile excuse for shifting onto Israel of tzedakah, which should not be diminished in
of State of New York (SSNY) Westchester County. The cation: Westchester County.
responsibility for Obama’s major foreign policy translation to “charity,” but that is another story) to
on 01/21/11. Office location: street address is: 24 North The street address is: 84
challenge, i.e., making good his promise that it is persuade an American president to save European Westchester County. SSNY Greeley Avenue, Suite 6, Third Street, Pelham NY
“unacceptable” for Iran to possess nuclear weap- Jews from extermination. has been designated as Chappaqua, NY 10514. 10803. SSNY has been des-
ons. Jewish leaders of my Father’s generation agent of the LLC upon whom SSNY has been designated ignated as agent of the LLC
The danger to American interests of Iran’s trusted completely in President Roosevelt. That process against it may be as agent of the LLC upon upon whom process against
going nuclear exists without regard to Israel. The type of error will not be replicated. Our meeting served. SSNY shall mail a whom process against it it may be served. SSNY shall
Arab countries understand this. Indeed, a nuclear- with Obama represented a seismic improvement copy of process to the LLC, may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: DCW
armed Iran would motivate neighboring countries over a meeting he convened in 2009 where a fringe 24 S 11th Ave, Mount Vernon mail process served to: Fran ADVISORS LLC, 84 Third
to develop their own nuclear weapons, further de- leftist organization, secretly funded by George So- NY 10550 Purpose: For any Levin Bowman,10440 shaker Street, Pelham, NY 10803.
lawful purpose. drive, suite 108, Columbia, Purpose: any lawful act.
stabilizing the region. ros, was used as a counterweight to the organized
Md., 21046. Purpose: any
I also found problematic Obama’s view of the Jewish community. Obama understands his foreign
#6173 2/18 – 3/25 lawful act. #6177 3/4 – 4/8
likelihood of success of peace negotiations. Obama policy will be scrutinized in 2012.
feels that Palestinian President Abbas was close to Obama implored us never to question his in- #6172 2/11 - 3/18
finalizing agreement with ex-Israeli Prime Minister tentions. I see little need to do so at this time, but
Olmert. He seems confident that Abbas sees such a I worry about what he will do in a second term.
deal as his legacy to future generations. Obama’s declarations of solidarity must be mea-
Obama argued that Palestinians must be made sured against his quick abandonment of Mubarak
to feel that Israel is as serious about giving up ter- and his abdicating help for the Libyan people to
ritory to allow creation of a contiguous Palestin- “multilateral” institutions, meaning that Russia,
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR
ian state as it is about its own security, and Israelis China or Turkey can veto U.S. action.
FIVE-YEAR AGENCY PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2011 -2015
must see that Abbas can deliver on issues like the I also learned from my father how impor- AND
“right of return.” These assertions appear inconsis- tant back-up is. After the memorable meeting at ANNUAL PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011
tent with reality. the White House, our delegation hastened to the
If Abbas wanted to negotiate, he would not Capital Building. There, we received bi-partisan The Authority will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday April 5, 2011 to discuss and accept
have insisted as a pre-condition on a total settle- assurances of support for Israel’s security from comments on its proposed Five Year Agency Plan for Fiscal Years 2011-2015 and
ment freeze, a demand even Arafat did not present. republican Speaker John Boehner and republican the Annual Agency Plan for Fiscal Year 2011 and proposed revisions to the lease. A
Obama, of course, bears blame for giving Abbas Majority Leader Eric Cantor, as well as Minority draft copy of the proposed submission will be available at the Office of The Municipal
this excuse. But Israelis recently told me there is Rep. Steny Hoyer. Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers, Augustine J. Shea Administration Building,
a de facto settlement freeze, and Abbas still will The stakes are high. And the Middle East re- 1511 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, New York beginning Wednesday February 16,
not negotiate. mains a complex dangerous region, perhaps more 2011 from 8:30am until 4:30pm weekdays. The public hearing will be held at Curran
Palestinian Strategy Runs complex than Obama knows. Thus, I left Washing- Court – Building #4 at 2:00pm in the Community Room and 6:00pm at Ross F. Calcagno
Counter to Obama’s ton somewhat reassured by hearing words of sup- Homes (NY3-5), 10 Brook Street -Yonkers, NY in the Gymnasium. The public hearing
It is becoming apparent that the Palestinian port for Israel’s security voiced by leaders of the is open to all interested parties. Residents are encouraged to select a spokesperson to
strategy is to try to get the U.N. General Assem- present their comments at the public hearing. Participants in the public hearing should
policy-making branches of our government.
present their comments orally and in writing. Persons wishing to speak at the public
bly, with its lopsided Muslim majority, to declare But I find no reason to relax vigilance.
hearing will be limited to five (5) minutes each. A sign up sheet for speakers will be
available at the start of the public hearing.

A summary of the issues brought up in the public hearing and the Authority’s response
will be made available for review by interested parties at the Augustine J. Shea
Administration Building, 1511 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, New York.

The Municipal Housing Authority does not discriminate in admission to or access to or

participation in its federally assisted programs and activities. Provisions will be made
for persons who are handicapped so that they may fully participate if they so choose.
Requests for sign language interpreter must be made to the Authority by 4:00 pm on
Tuesday March 29, 2011. Request must be directed to Joseph Shuldiner Executive
Director, The Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers, 1511 Central Park
Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10710, telephone number (914) 793-8400.

THE MUNICIPAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

FOR THE CITY OF YONKERS
Have you suffered a thigh bone/femur injury?
Attention JOSEPH SHULDINER

FOSAMAX VICTIMS ® EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Recent studies have indicated that use of the Dated: Thursday March 3, 2011
osteoporosis medicine Fosamax® can lead to
fractures in the femur – the hip bone. These
fractures can occur in low-impact situations,
such as when stepping down stairs or even
just falling from a standing height or less. This
significant risk has been recently added to the
Warnings and Precautions section of the label.
If you or your loved one has suffered a HIP
fracture after taking Fosamax® it is your best your interests aggressively and professionally.
interests to investigate your legal rights for Our leadership experience in such national lit-
possible compensation! igations as asbestos injuries, defective med-
Weitz & Luxenberg can help you under- ical products and medicines, environmental
stand your legal options. We are one of Amer- toxic torts and others has given thousands of
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Community Calendar
ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 21 - Green Design Expo announces
the opening of its flagship location with “Sus-
tainable Sourcing from an educated point of
view.” GDE offers the easiest, most cost effec-
tive means of responsible building and re-mod-
eling and the lifestyle products make great gifts,
as well as instilling a sense of personal involve-
ment in more eco-friendly ways. Weekly classes
covering various topics are given on site (see the
website www.greendesignexpolnet for details).
GDE opened Feb. 21; Grand Opening and Rib-
bon Cutting scheduled for April 21. Located 640
Central Park Ave, Scarsdale 10583; 914-902-
5305; fax 9149-202-3685.
ART AND CRAFTS
April-May -Spring Crafts at Lyndhurst
- one-of-a-kind and limited edition jewelry,
fashion and accessories, furniture, home décor
pieces, sculptural work in ceramics, glass, metal,
painting, photography, wood, mixed media, ex-
panded food section, specialty foods, children’s
activities; more than 250 artists displaying and
selling their works; held rain or shine; NO DOGS
ALLOWED; admission $10 general per person,
$9 adults, $4 for children 6-16; children under
6 admitted free; located ½ mile south of Tappan
Zee Bridge toll plaza of NYS Thruway, Rte 9,
Tarrytown, free parking onsite, complimentary
shuttle buses for offsite parking; Friday 10am to
5pm; Saturday, 10am to 6pm; Sunday 10am to
5pm.
BENEFITS/FUNDRAISERS
March - South Salem Presbyterian Church
will present renowned organist Anthony New-
man in concert March 20 at 4:00pm, performing
Bach preludes and fugues written for the organ;
the concert will benefit the South Salem Presby-
terian Church; program will include the Prelude
and Fugue in A and the Toccata, Adagio and
Fugue in C. The final concert in the series will
be held on May 13th at Christ Church Episcopal
Church in Greenwich, CT. South Salem Pres-
byterian Church is located at 111 Spring Street
in South Salem. Tickets are $20 at the door. St.
Matthew’s Church is located at 382 Cantitoe
Street in Bedford.
March 27 - Temple Israel of New Rochelle
presents A Family Concert to help clothe chil-
dren in need in Westchester with singer Story-
teller and Port Chester native Lou Del Bianco;
1:00- to 2:30pm; proceeds benefit The Sharing
Shelf of Family Services of Westchester, that col-
lects new and gently used clothing for children
in need; tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door;
order at dwilson@fsw.org or call 914-937-2320
ext. 116; contact Deborah Blatt at www.theshar-
ingshelf@fsw.org or call 914-937-2320 ext. 148;
Temple Israel of new Rochelle is at 1000 Pine-
brook Blvd.
April 10 - Gilda’s Club Westchester will host
its 12th annual “A Cappella Extravaganza” with A
Cappella groups from Briarcliff, Bronxville, Hor-
ace Greeley, John Jay, Scarsdale and Mamaron-
eck high schools, and The Master’s School, The
Ursuline School and Rye Country Day School.
Manhattanville College’s group, “Manhattan-
Classifieds
Energy Sales/will train - Premier energy
company is now in your area with an exciting
sales opportunity. If you are motivated and want
to build your own business and earn residual in-
come come and join the team. Contact Vincent
at 203-449-5593 or vc2500@aol.com
WANTED: Antiques • Art • Estates - Gener-
ous cash payments for your belongings, including:
paintings, antiques, furniture, silver, sculpture,
jewelry, books, cameras, records, instruments,
coins, clocks, etc. Please call Aaron at 914-654-
1683.
ADOPTION - Active, fun-loving couple will
provide a stable home full of laughter and love for
a newborn. Learn more about us at www.jenmike-
adopt.com. Please contact us confidentially at
1-888-329-5272 or jenmikeadopt@gmail.com.
ADOPTION. A childless happily mar-
ried couple seeks to adopt. Lovinghome. Large
extended family. Financial security. Expenses
paid.Laurel & James. 1-888-488-4344. Laure-
lAndJamesAdopt.com
Antique Auction, Sunday March 20, 12:00
Noon. “Paradise Market” ErieBlvd East, Syra-
cuse, New York 13214 See pictures and listing
@auctionpmb.com 315-383-1152
DONATE VEHICLE: RECEIVE $1000
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Local Candy Route! 25 Machinesand Candy
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Friday, March 18, 2011 - Yonkers RISING - PAGE 9
ville Sound” will be judging the competition and
performing. The Gilda’s Club Westchester Youth
Committee organized this event. All proceeds
benefit Gilda’s Club Westchester. Tickets are
$5.00 for students; $10.00 for adults. The event
will be held at The Masters School, 49 Clinton
Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY at 2:00 PM. Contact
Dawn Dankner-Rosen, DDR Public Relations,
914-241-2910; Jen Scully, Children & Families
Manager, Gilda’s Club Westchester, 914-644-
8844.
April 13 - HLAA (Hearing Loss Association
of America) Westchester Chapter will be holding
couple of fundraiser events at California Pizza
Kitchen at 365 Central Park Ave., in Scarsdale
to benefit the Blair & Anita Mazin Scholarship
Fund. The event is for all day either by dining in
and/or take out. The Scholarship Fund helps to-
wards providing funding for two deaf or hard of
hearing college bound students. The scholarship
winners will be announced at the June general
meeting. For more information on the fundrais-
ing event with CPK and to get a copy of the flyer,
please contact Debbie Dolgin Wolfe at deborahd-
wolfe@gmail.com. You must bring the flyer with
you for the Chapter to receive their donation.
CAMPS
Summer 2011 - The Westchester Sandbox
Theatre’s Summer At The Sandbox is a sum-
mer day camp that provides an exciting array
of fun summer activities and a comprehensive
performing arts curriculum for performers ages
7-13. Campers will have a great time honing
their skills in acting, singing, dance and creative
writing. Campers will also spend several days
offsite swimming, hiking, and even taking a trip
to the Bronx Zoo. Camp runs Monday thru Fri-
day, 9am-3pm, July 11-July 29. The Westchester
Sandbox Theatre is located at 931c East Boston
Post Road in Mamaroneck. For more informa-
tion or to register, call 914.630.0804.
COUNTY PARKS PROGRAMS
March 26 - Cranberry Lake Preserve, Old
Orchard Street, North White Plains, (914) 428-
1005 - No Matches Allowed! 1 pm. Learn how
to make a fire without using matches or a lighter.
Once the fire is blazing, enjoy S’mores by the
fire. For ages 6 and up.
March 26 - Croton Point Nature Center,
Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson, (914)
862-5297 - Setting Up Your Summer Lunch and
Conversation at noon. Bring lunch and plan a
“staycation:” local travel with alternate trans-
portation on your vacation. Get information and
ideas from Westchester’s travel experts. Dessert
provided.
March 26 - Marshlands Conservancy, Bos-
ton Post Road, Rye, (914) 835-4466 - Shoreline
Clean-up in Preparation for Nesting Ospreys 1
to 3pm Bring work gloves and help clean up the
beautiful shoreline along the salt marsh.
March 26- Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Play-
land Park, Rye, (914) 967-8720 - Wild Tea Par-
ty 1pm. A taste of teas brewed from such wild
plants as sweetfern, sassafras, goldenrod and
more, along with information on their culinary,
medicinal and ceremonial uses. For ages 12 and
NEW EQUIPMENT! HEARTLAND EX-
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Florida AUCTIONS, Boca Raton MAN-
SION & Lake Worth ESTATE HOME, AllBids
Due March 30, www.defalco.com (561)922-9727
AUCTION CHEMUNG COUNTY REAL
PROPERTY TAX FORECLOSURES.130+
PropertiesMarch 30 @11am. Holiday Inn, Elmira,
NY 800-243-0061 HAR, Inc. &AAR, Inc. Free
brochure: www.NYSAUCTIONS.com
Relax in your spectacular Virginia Moun-
tain Cabin (Galax area). Brand new! Amazing
views, very private, fish in stocked trout stream!
2 acres. $149,500. 866-275-0442 www.mountain-
sofvirginia.com.
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best se-
lection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks.
Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday
RealEstate. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations:
www.holidayoc.com
up.
March 26 - Trailside Nature Museum at
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Routes 35 and
121, Cross River, (914) 864-7322 - Sugaring Off
Party 1pm. Celebrate the end of another sugar-
ing season with tasting, music and more. Co-
sponsored by Friends of Trailside.
March 27 - Marshlands Conservancy,
Boston Post Road, Rye, (914) 835-4466. Shells
by the Shore at 2pm. Learn about and view the
many creatures that inhabit the seashells found
along the beach.
DANCE & MUSIC, REEL & STAGE
March - Jacob Burns Film Center – Jew-
ish Film Festival - Little Rose; The Infidel; Vidal
Sassoon: The Move; Grace Paley: Collected
Shorts; Eicemann’s End: Love, Betrayal, Death;
The Human Resources Manager; Precious Life;
Norman Mailer: The American; call for dates,
times, tickets; 914-747-5555; 405 Manville Rd,
Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org.
March 26 - Greenburgh Nature Center-
Water, Beautiful Water! Puppet Show with Jill
Liflander and her creative side-kicks; for ages 2
to 7; members $2, nonmembers $6 per person;
preregistration required; 99 Dromore Ave, Scars-
dale; 914-723-3470; www.greenburghnaturecen-
ter.org.
March 20 - Temple Israel Center - 19th An-
nual Opera Concert: From the Met to Broadway;
opera and show tunes performed by leading art-
ists and some stars of the Metropolitan Opera;
7:00pm; $50 general admission $36 seniors and
students; 280 Old Mamaroneck Road, White
Plains 914-948-2800 ext. 1112; www.templeis-
raelcenter.org
March 23- Downtown Music at Grace -
Metropolitan Masters - Laura Hamilton, violin-
ist and principal associate concertmaster of the
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; was a member of
Chicago Symphony Orchestra and performed as
concerto soloist under Sir Georg Solti; has per-
formed with NJ Symphony as Principal Second
Viollin; joined the Met in 1986, appointed Prin-
cipal Associate Concertmaster in 1999; she will
play a program of personal favorites. Concert at
12:10pm at Grace Church, intersection of Mama-
roneck Ave and Main St, White Plains; free. For
more information about Downtown Music or the
March concerts, please visit our web site: www.
DTMusic.org or call (914) 248-1112.
March 23 - Empire City Casino at Yonkers
Raceway - The Ladies of Comedy Extravaganza
with comediennes Jessica Kirson, Arden Myrin,
Lisa DeLarios, first-ever “Ladies of Comedy
Night” at 7:00pm in Good Time Room; free
admissionfor Club members, cover charge for
non-members $15 (signing up for Empire Club
membership is free and easy visit Promotions
Booth on first floor of the Gotham Palace for in-
formation). Empire City Casino at Yonkers Race-
way is located at 810 Yonkers Avenue (at Cen-
tral Avenue) in Yonkers, New York, Westchester
County, (I-87 to Exit 2). Empire City Casino is
open seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 2:00
AM. For more information call 914.968.4200 or
log onto www.empirecitygaming.com
April - Taconic Opera - presents “The Pearl
Fishers”, Bizet’s opera of an ancient tribe of
pearl divers in Ceylon (modern day Sri Lanka), a
story of betrayal, forgiveness, sacrifice and love;
performed in French with translations above
the stage (supertitles); at Yorktown Stage, 1974
Commerce St, Yorktown Hgts, April 15 and 16 at
8pm and April 17 at 2pm; single ticket prices $32
to $42 with $9 discount for seniors and students;
information, tickets, directions 914-245-3415
or email operasopr@verizon.net or visit www.
taconicopera.org.
April - Tarrytown Music Hall- 4/1 David
Bromberg Big Band 8pm; 4/8 Dave Mason 8pm;
4/9 Spyro Gyra 8pm; 4/10 Orla Fallon 7pm; 13
Main Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591; www.tarry-
townmusichall.org or 877-840-0457; www.tarry-
townmusichall.org.
April - Westchester Broadway Theatre
-4/5 Dancesport Extravaganza, national and in-
ternational gold medal winners will dazzle with
their routines; $75pp plus tax, 6:15 dinner, 8pm
show. 4/12 Simply Diamond: A Tribute to Neil
Diamond; $75pp plus tax; 6:15dinner, 8pm show.
Call (914)-592-2222; www.BroadwayTheatre.
com. Coming to WBT Mainstage: Singin’ In The
Rain 3/24/11 - 6/12/11; Seussical The Musical
6/16/11 -7/31/11; Altar Boyz 8/4 - 9/18/11; My
Fair Lady 9/22/11-11/27/11. WBT, 1 Broadway
Plaza, Elmsford 10523.
April 2 - Westchester Jazz Orchestra -
8:00pm, WJO will explore the works of pianist
Thelonious Monk, a stunning composer who
wrote close to 100 enduringly beautiful tunes,
and Gerry Mulligan, an extraordinary baritone
saxophonist and superlative composer/arranger.
Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street,
Irvington,NY. Reserved seating tickets $35
adults/$30 seniors/$10 students. www.westjaz-
zorch.org, Theater box office: 914-591-6602;
WJO 914-861-9100
April 10 - Hudson Chorale is offering music
lovers a rare opportunity to experience chamber
music as it was meant to be heard: in a gracious,
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private setting. Starting at 3:00 pm, the chorus
will hold its annual fundraiser in an historic
home. The program will include a piano trio
by Brahms, selected baroque works performed
by David Baranowski, and friends. In addition,
enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and pleasant conver-
sation before and after the musical presentation;
also a Silent Auction of quality items and servic-
es. Seating for the concert is limited and reserva-
tions are required. The event will take place in
Ossining; location and directions provided to all
those who purchase tickets. Admission is $75.
Tickets only in advance: call (914) 462-3212 or
email info@hudsonchorale.org. Visit the chorus
website: www.hudsonchorale.org.
EDUCATION/INSTRUCTION
Ongoing - The Westchester Sandbox The-
atre (931c E. Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck) is
now registering for its spring musical theatre
classes for young performers! Join professional
teachers in a nurturing environment and become
a better actor, singer and dancer. Classes meet on
Mondays: 4-5:30 for K-3rd grade, 5:30-7:00 for
4th-6th grade, and 7:00-8:30 for 7th-12th grade.
This is a 12 week program with a showcase per-
formance at the end of the semester. Fee is $300.
For more information or to register, call 914-
630-0804.
HEALTH PROGRAMS, SERVICES, SUP-
PORT
March - Northern Westchester Hospital -
3/23 Caregiver Support Group, 9:30 to 10:30am;
program offers emotional support, organization
assistance to help caregivers manage their daily
lives while dealing with the illness of a loved one
during hospitalization or treatment; free program
co-sponsored by Northern Westchester Hospital
and Westchester Jewish Community Services,
Family Caregiver Network. At the Ken Hamilton
Caregivers Center at NWH, 1st floor, main lobby.
Registration required. 914-242-8128. 3/26 - One
Day Childbirth Class, 9am to 5pm. Prepares cou-
ples for the birth of their first child. $200 per cou-
ple, includes refreshments and lunch. To register,
call 914-666-1292. 3/29 Siblings Class and Tour,
3:30 to 4:30pm. Class prepares children ages 2
and up for birth of a new brother or sister; class
includes video, lessons diaper changing, tour of
hospital room where mom will stay, peek at the
nursery. Snack included, $10 per family, NWH
Conference Center, register 914-666-1369.
April 7 - Red Cross Life Saving Course is be-
ing offered at The Banksville Community House,
12 Banksville Road, Greenwich, CT 06831 on
Thursday, April 7th from 7:00 to 10:30pm. Learn
how to perform CPR, care for a choking victim
and how to use an automated external defibrilla-
tor (AED). There is a $45 charge per participant.
To register, go online to bchinfo@optonline.net.
For more information please call 203-622-9597.
LECTURES, MEETING, SEMINARS,
WORKSHOPS
April 4 - Hearing Loss Association of
America Westchester Chapter - Saturday, April
2 at 2:00pm. Topic: “What We (People With
Hearing Loss) Can Expect In The Workplace”;
guest speaker is John Herrion, director, Disabil-
ity Rights, NYS Div. Of Human Rights. At New
York School for the Deaf, 555 Knollwood Road,
White Plains 10603.; Light refreshments served;
assistive listening devices always available, live
CART captioning; friends and family invited;
website is www.hlaawestchester.org. Informa-
tion, email Debbie Dolgin Wolfe at deborahd-
wolfe@gmail.com or phone 845-368-0968.
April 4 - The Greenwich Antiques Society
lecture by Jason Busch “Inventing the Modern
World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs
1851-1939”; 1:00 lecture, refreshments to fol-
low; $20 non-members; reservations: Mary Heist
203-637-0359 or Mary Kay Olson 914-631-
9439;; The Bruce Museum, One Museum Drive,
Greenwich, CT
NATURE PROGRAMS
Now thru October 2 - Greenburgh Nature
Center - The Way of Water: Westchester Water-
sheds; fee included with general admission; free
for members and children under 2; $7 for adults,
$6 for seniors/students. 99 Dromore Rd, Scars-
dale; www.greenburghnaturecenter.org; 723-
3470
REUNIONS
May - The Teaneck High School, Teaneck,
NJ, Class of 1961 will be celebrating its 50th
class reunion the weekend of May 20th through
the 22nd at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe in
Teaneck, NJ. There will be an informal gathering
at the hotel Friday evening as classmates register.
Registration will continue on Saturday, followed
by a tour of the high school in the afternoon. The
main event, a dinner dance in the main hall of
the Marriott will be held Saturday evening. We
conclude the weekend on Sunday morning with
a brunch at the hotel. For reunion details and to
register, log onto www.teaneckhs61.com. Or call
Barbara Singer Schwartz at 201-967-7855 or
Sharon McGowen Stoll at 201-391-3229.
™
 PAGE 10 - Yonkers RISING - Friday, March 18, 2011
Politics over Public Purpose
By Chuck Lesnick, Yonkers City Council
President
Recently, the mayor delivered his final
State of the City Address that concluded with
a condemnation of those whom he described as
misusing politics and putting, “politics over pur-
pose.” He stated, “Politics over purpose allows
some elected officials to place their personal
agendas ahead of the people’s agenda.”
Sadly, the mayor and his staff are clearly
incapable of following their own advice.
Hopefully, most of you already know about
the concert taking place at Sarah Lawrence
College this Sunday, featuring the Westchester
Symphonic Winds and our Yonkers Public
School students and teachers as they showcase
their musical and artistic talents.
The brainchild of a Yonkers music teacher
who requested the assistance of my office to
make this concert a reality and draw attention to
the pending budget cuts to our performing arts
programs, the continued funding of art and mu-
sic in our schools has been a longstanding con-
cern of mine and I was happy to assist in what-
ever way necessary to make this event happen.
After several planning meetings over the
past few weeks, one of my college interns cre-
ated an attractive promotional flyer — with in-
put from all involved parties — that began to
Inspector General’s
Continued from Page 5
or excessively delinquent in parking violations
summonses. The vehicles are then impounded
and secured by one of the city tow companies.
The impounding of such vehicles generates rev-
enue for the tow companies involved.
Section 111-15 sets forth that the mayor,
after having received recommendations from
the Police Commissioner, “shall designate three
qualified licensees, each to maintain an impound
area with the City of Yonkers and to remove an
impounded vehicle thereto when and as directed
by the Police Department.” Thus, three tow com-
panies are selected to impound vehicles for the
city, with each being awarded a two-year con-
tract.
When the current contract was awarded in
early 2010, the YPD chose not to make specific
recommendations regarding preferred vendors.
Instead, the city created a working group with
representatives from the YPD, PVB, Mayor’s
Office, Corporation Counsel, Purchasing De-
partment and Finance Department to evaluate
the applicants. The committee primarily consid-
ered the applicants’ responses to the Request for
Proposals (RFP) and the results of YPD facility
inspections.
Prior to that contract, the three tow compa-
nies designated for impounding were Don-Glo,
County Auto & Commercial Towing and Transit
Auto Towing.
The city opened up the contract to include
companies that are designated by New York State
as, “itinerant vehicle collectors,” to broaden the
field of those who can apply for the contract and
create greater competition. As a result of this
change and an increase in the fees the companies
could legally charge customers, three new tow
companies sought the contract last year in addi-
tion to the three above-mentioned companies.
One of the new companies, A.P.O.W. Tow-
ing, received a contract along with Don-Glo and
County. The current contracts expire in the spring
of 2012. The City Council did consider expand-
ing the number of impound contracts from three
to a maximum of six companies, but rejected the
proposal with a 4-3 vote on February 23, 2010.
The awarding of this contract to a new tow
company, A.P.O.W. Towing instead of Transit,
resulted in litigation that is currently pending be-
fore the New York State Appellate Division. The
issues involved in that litigation are beyond the
scope of this report and will be resolved by the
court system. Furthermore, several individuals
brought to our attention accusations of alleged
legal and/or financial impediments to the award-
ing of the contract. To the extent that such is-
sues are not covered by the ongoing litigation,
we reviewed each in detail and found them to be
either satisfactorily resolved or lacking sufficient
weight to prevent the awarding of the contract.
Impound Records and Finances
Each month, the city bills the three tow
companies $100 for each impound. The YPD
Communications Division maintains a hand-
written log for impounds and other activity, with
several columns for different information. The
YPD Fiscal Services Department then utilizes
these logs in order to create a monthly bill for
each company.
The RFP states that the companies, “will be
dispatched by the Police Department’s Commu-
nications Division on a rotating basis.”
In fiscal year 2010, the YPD billed County
for 971 impounds, Don-Glo for 995, Transit for
632, and A.P.O.W. for 188 (Transit’s contract
expired and A.P.O.W.’s contract commenced in
the last quarter of the fiscal year). In fiscal year
2009, County was billed for 1,135 impounds,
Don-Glo for 996, and Transit for 804.
After reviewing the available documenta-
tion, it is unclear why these companies that are
utilized on a “rotating basis” have different num-
bers of impounds each year. The different num-
bers may be the result of problems with record
keeping, unavailability of companies when they
are called, or some other reason. We recommend
that the YPD and PVB review their procedures
View your local paper
at RisingMediaGroup.com
circulate.
It came to my attention just this afternoon
(Tuesday), that the Mayor’s Office instructed the
city’s corporation counsel to inform the Yonkers
School Superintendent that I was “misusing” the
city’s seal by placing it on the flyer, as it was not
an “officially sanctioned event.”
That is… officially sanctioned by the may-
or. This action immediately halted the process
and caused confusion to all involved in the plan-
ning for an event that is to take place only a few
days from today.
At a meeting with the mayor this afternoon,
he, his deputy mayor and his chief of staff con-
firmed, angrily, what was at the heart of the issue
— they objected to my name being on the flyer!
Politics over purpose?
Our students deserve to be heard and I will
not do anything to stand in their way. To ensure
that this concert continues as planned and with
the Superintendent’s continued backing, I have
removed my name and the city seal from the fly-
er. This concert is about supporting a fundamen-
tal, well-rounded education for our children, not
any person.
It is unfortunate that the mayor lacks the
backbone to believe and act in accordance with
what he preaches. Politics over purpose, right,
Mayor?
and remedy any inequity.
Our review revealed inaccuracies in record
keeping and billings that, on numerous occa-
sions, cost the city money. We reviewed YPD
billings for the months of October to December
2010 and found that in each month, all three tow
companies were under-billed by hundreds of dol-
lars as impounds were not correctly counted. We
recommend that the YPD review 2010 and 2011
billings and send out revised invoices to correct
prior under-billing.
In addition, we found in our review that
Transit’s last payment occurred in April 2009
and it failed to pay the city in the last year of
its contract, leaving a balance due to the city of
approximately $16,000. Although Transit was
repeatedly billed for these funds, the city has not
initiated legal action for this money. As a result
of our audit, the city reportedly will now pursue
legal remedies to collect the past due amount.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Our analysis of the city’s dealings with tow
and impound companies leads us to conclude
that although the city recently took positive steps
towards improving its procedures for awarding
tow and impound contracts, additional transpar-
ency and objective criteria are needed.
City employees who interact with the
companies should provide written performance
evaluations prior to the next contract. Also, com-
panies should bid on the price of impounding ve-
hicles in order to provide an important objective
criteria and additional funds to the city.
Furthermore, city records for tow company
activity are often hand-written and inconsistent,
resulting in instances of under-billing. Improved
record-keeping and better communication are
needed in order to improve the efficiency and ac-
curacy of the billing process.
We make the following specific recommen-
dations:
• Written evaluations of all current impound
companies should be created by relevant city
employees and forwarded to those assisting in
the selection process for the next contract;
• Documented criteria for company selec-
tion should include timely payment of monthly
city invoices, consumer complaints, compliance
with local zoning and workers compensation
requirements and maintenance and security of
facilities;
• Interested tow and impound companies
should bid on the contract price, resulting in po-
tential increased funds to the city and an addi-
tional objective criteria for deciding which com-
panies are awarded the contract;
• Tow and impound records should be kept
in a more organized and accessible format, such
as in an Excel file, so that billings are more ac-
curate and records are more easily reviewed and
analyzed;
• The YPD should review 2010 and 2011
billings to tow companies and send out revised
invoices to correct prior under-billing;
• The city should pursue legal remedies to
collect past due tow and impound fees;
• Tow and impound billings should itemize
the amount the company owes, the amount of re-
duction for each applicable waiver and a final net
amount that must be paid.
Council President Chuck Lesnick comment-
ed on the report, saying “Time and time again,
we hear from various authorities that the city has
a bad track record with respect to accurate re-
cord keeping and control measures. Whether it is
a past IG report on the misuse of the city’s gaso-
line supply, the state comptroller’s report on the
IDA or this report, it is clear that the city must do
a better job in maintaining transparency.”
“That is one reason why, when the proposal
for the new towing contracts came up before the
Board of Contract & Supply, I voted against it
as the council was not provided with the criteria
the selection committee used nor their written
evaluations,” Lesnick continued. “While this IG
report validates those concerns, it does not go far
enough to examine possible conflicts between
the administration and the winning vendors and
the process by which the city circumvented state
law with respect to appropriate licenses.”
Katherine Brezler:
Continued from Page 1
nizations. She has written a grant application to
fund a vegetable garden at Family School 32 and
has always stressed the importance of civic en-
gagement inside and outside of the classroom.
Currently, Brezler runs an after school pro-
gram called “Tackling Environmental Issues” that
has exposed students to important environmental
policies that directly affect residents of the city.
“We can’t ignore the work that our teachers,
firefighters, police and DPW workers do for our
city,” Brezler said. “We make sure that your kids
are safe and well educated. It’s vital to give our
children, who are the future of Yonkers, a good
education and a reason for staying here.”
“We are the foundation of this city and make
our city work. If you overstretch that rubber band,
it will break,” said Brezler, who is completing her
second Masters Degree. “I fell in love with teach-
ing and wanted to get into the classrooms. But I’m
making $32,000 per year, and a lot of city workers
are like me; we aren’t making a fortune but we
love our jobs.
“While there are some top tiered salary em-
ployees, the unions have been leaned on already
and have tightened their belts as far as they can
go,” said Brezler who comes from a proud family
of public servants.
Brezler also spoke about development and
jobs at her kick off.
“This site [Stewart Stamping] represents
potential for growth and development within our
community. Yonkers needs to bring back long-
term jobs and rebuild our city, neighborhood by
neighborhood. Making sure that the citizens of
Yonkers are employed should be the number one
focus of the city’s elected officials.
“Clearly the steps taken by previous admin-
istrations have not yielded the desired outcome
— it’s time for elected officials to take a different
approach to job creation and economic develop-
ment. It’s time for elected officials to do more
than attend ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and
Spring Coed Volleyball
Tournament at County Center
Registration is now open for the spring
Westchester County Coed Volleyball Tourna-
ment, to be held on April 4 and 5 from 7 to 11
p.m. each night, at the Westchester County Cen-
ter in White Plains.
The tournament is open to men and women,
18 years of age and older, who are members of
organized teams, such as corporations, clubs,
recreation centers or local Ys. The tournament
will be played in Round Robin format on Mon-
day to determine the ranking of each team, with
a double-elimination tournament for the cham-
Redevelopment:
Continued from Page 1
completion, with construction crews working
to build “a village” of retail, entertainment and
residential options. Condo units are already be-
ing sold, and tenants are signing leases for the
retail portion. A targeted opening this year is still
a possibility, and Yonkers Rising will be visiting
Ridge Hill in the weeks to come for a closer look
at a positive development story;
• 66 Main and Hudson Park — while these
two projects were completed before the reces-
sion, both have been able to thrive and attract
new residents and revenues for the city. The
second portion of Hudson Park, is close to fully
rented. And the developers of 66 Main, Metro
Partners, LLC, have proposed a second residen-
tial project, an eco-friendly apartment tower to
be built at Tuetonia Hall;
• Saw Mill River Daylighting at Larkin Pla-
za — this $17 million project is underway, with
a new riverfront park planned for the downtown,
utilizing the city’s natural resources to attract
visitors and new development and construction
surrounding the soon-to-be visible river;
• Green Projects — the “green wave” of
environmentally friendly redevelopment in the
downtown cannot be forgotten; with help from
community organizations like Groundwork
Hudson Valley, Beczak Environmental Center
and others, locations like the Yonkers Pier (and
X20 restaurant) and the Science Barge have be-
come major destination sites.
The progress at Ridge Hill begs the ques-
tion; what is happening with the SFC project?
This massive plan to redevelop downtown Yon-
kers is another long-debated project that was ap-
proved last year.
The approved project called for a minor-
league baseball stadium and retail and residen-
tial construction in and around Getty Square,
Chicken Island and on the riverfront.
Developer Streuver, Fidelco, Cappelli
(SFC, where the colloquial name for the stalled
project came from) has considered scaled back
options to their original $1.6 billion plan, and
even an altered $600 million plan, while they
ride out the economic downturn.
Peter Klein of SFC told Yonkers Rising
that their development project will happen, but
it could take up to three years to even break
ground.
“We are actively pursuing national retail
tenants who are more engaged now in reviewing
new projects than they were last year,” he said.
Klein explained that financing for their
project will come after retail tenants agree to
open in downtown Yonkers.
“The uptick in the economy has enabled re-
tailers to be more optimistic about future plans.
As such, they need to decide today where they
want new stories in 2013 and ’14,” explained
other photo-ops and focus on the long-term plan-
ning that will get us to our goal.
“We need to encourage development that is
done in a smart way, which is friendly to our wa-
terfront and inviting to people. They won’t come
because we look like everyone else.”
Another big issue for Brezler is the role of
the residents and community organizations in
helping solve Yonkers problems.
“It’s imperative that we start being more
civically minded. We have to take more value in
our responsibility to be active participants in our
government. I want to help successful community
organizations like Groundwork Hudson Valley,
Beczak, the Nepperhan Community Center and
the Ukaranian and Polish centers grow their rela-
tions and entice them to support each other and
to act as a network to help our government ser-
vices.”
Brezler, who has lived in Yonkers for 11
years and who has served as a Democratic District
Leader since 2003, is the only announced Demo-
crat in the race. Republicans Mike Breen and Joe
Crotty already announced, and a third Republi-
can, Michael Cerrato, set to announce later this
month. These five will be in the race to succeed
Councilman John Murtagh, who is term limited
and who is running for Mayor.
“Vote for me because of my policy, not my
party. Lets have an open dialogue; I want to know
what you are thinking.”
Brezler is making her first run for public of-
fice, but has always known that she wanted to take
this step.
“I’ve been running since I was in Kinder-
garten, I’ve always wanted to run and this is the
perfect time because the seat is term limited and
I am the only Democrat in the race,” she said.
“Yonkers is a part of me, and I have grasp of the
budget struggles we have, and have the best mind
for policy making.
“This is my community and I want to serve
so that when I speak on the floor of the council
chamber, I am reflecting the concerns as well as
the hopes and aspirations of each of us. That’s
why I’m running.”
pionship round on Tuesday.
The tournament will be played in two levels
of competition: recreation and power recreation.
Awards will be given to the winning teams and
runners-up in each division.
Fee is $195 per team, with a limit of 20
teams. Deadline for registration is Wednesday,
March 30. The Westchester County Center is
located at 198 Central Avenue in White Plains.
Parking is $5. Go to www.westchestergov.com
to download an application, or to receive an en-
try form by mail, call 914-328-1542.
Klein. “Commercial development financing is
driven by leasing — once we sign tenants, we
are confident the financial markets will provide
the needed funding.”
Klein said that SFC has a supermarket and
movie theater interested in opening in their pro-
posed River Park Center mall on Chicken Island,
with efforts to secure a major retailer underway.
“Developers are always in partnership with
retail tenants. The delay in starting new proj-
ects is not unique to Yonkers, its indicative of
the global slowdown in retail expansion,” said
Klein. “Big retailers have closed stores all over
the country, so its difficult to get them to open
new at new locations, but we think downtown
Yonkers needs another mass merchandiser. We
don’t have anyone saying that they don’t want
to be here.”
While Klein said it was possible that SFC
could further downsize their proposal, “we still
plan to build a 450,000 square foot project that
will be the leader in bringing more people to the
downtown, day and night.”
When asked about SFC’s plans for a new
residential construction on the banks of the Hud-
son, Klein said “You need a retail destination
first. River Park Center will create that place
and the residential can follow. We’re encour-
aged by Ridge Hill’s tenant announcements; it
shows that retailers are filling spaces at already-
built centers and will then turn their attention to
projects ready for construction.”
Another key part of SFC’s downtown rede-
velopment plan was the daylighting of the Saw
Mill River at Getty Square and Chicken Island,
the same river currently being daylighted at Lar-
kin Plaza. Thirty-four million dollars in state
grants were acquired for the daylighting for
SFC, but some funds have been re allocated for
the Larkin daylighting.
The New Main Street Development Cor-
poration (NMSDC) was set up to acquire the
state funds for daylighting purposes. The NMS-
DC has moved forward with plans to purchase
more than a dozen properties along New Main
and surrounding streets underneath which the
river flows. Negotiations with property owners
continue, but the possibility of moving forward
using the power of Eminent Domain remains a
possibility.
And what about the future of the minor
league baseball stadium? One downtown devel-
opment player told us, “Projects like the minor
league stadium are loss leaders. They certainly
help fuel more development, but there are an
upfront cost and an ongoing loss. Who pays for
it?”
Yonkers Rising has also learned that two key
pieces to the downtown puzzle, Station Plaza at
86 Main St., and the 15 acres of riverfront prop-
erty, where the Blue Cube (most recently used as
a movie studio) is located, have been purchased
recently. More on these stories next week.
 Friday, March 18, 2011 - yonkers RISING - PAGE 11

Mardi Gras at St. John’s Episcopal Church

St. John’s Church
recently held their Mardi
Gras celebration and
pancake supper.
The dining hall was
packed with songs,
costumes and
celebration in the air.
Father John invited
everyone to the resi-
dence to participate in
burning the previous
year’s palm, which pro-
vided the ash for
Ash Wednesday.

Photos by Donna Davis

Dr. Limongelli Gives Free Smiles

Yonkers Dentist Dr. William Limongelli, with offices at 12 Warburton Ave.,
recently celebrated Dental Health Month in February by offering free
emergency dental treatments to anyone who needed them. Limongelli is
pictured with his staff, patients, and with one happy and smiling patient.
PAGE 12 - yonkers RISING - Friday, March 18, 2011

One Last Taste of St. Patty’s Day in Yonkers

Above and below: The Lynn Academy of Irish Dance troop thrilled the crowd

L to r: Deputy Mayor Bill Regan, Eilleen from Eileen’s Kitchen

and Mayor Phil Amcione

L to r: Councilman Dennis Shepherd, Bill Sacco, Susan Sacco,

Jim Landy and Councilman John Larkin

The McClean Avenue Band is (l to r) drummer Tony Ryan, guitarist Padraig Allen,
fiddler Jessica Semins and keyboardist Buddy Connolly

L to r: Landy, Amicone and former City Court Judge Mike Doran

Above and below: Everyone was Irish for UPAC’s concert of Irish Traditon

The Marie Reilly Trio, comprised of (l to r): Oliver Charles, Noreen Charles
and Marie Reilly, with Amicone

The Yonkers celebration of St. Patrick’s Day

continued with an Irish concert held last week at
the Montessori Academy, sponsored by the the
Untermeyer Performing Arts Council, Mayor
Phil Amicone and the Yonkers Department of
Parks and Recreation.
The evening of Irish Tradition included Irish
tea and scones, soda bread, raffles and perfor-
mances by the The McClean Avenue band and the
award-winning Lynn Academy of Irish Dance.
The Lynn children dancers, under the tute-
lage of Joanne Toglia-O’Hanlon, were a big hit,
as were the ever-popular McClean Avenue Band.
Mayor Phil Amicone also held his annual
St. Patrick’s Day Coffee at City Hall last week,
with everyone enjoying great food, especially the
corned beef sandwiches, provided by Eilleen’s
Country Kitchen on McLean Avenue, and the
coffee and beverages from Rory Dolan’s. Irish
Tradition photos are viewable above. Mayor’s
Coffee photos are viewable at right. L to r: Landy, Larry and Pat McCrudden and Amicone
Irish Traditions photos
The two youngest dancers were a big hit by Donna Davis Mayor’s Coffee photos by Ed Whitman