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WESTCHESTER’S OLDEST AND MOST RESPECTED NEWSPAPERS

Vol 113 Number 1

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Happy 107th Birthday, Clara Fontana!

Friday, January 6, 2017

Local Newspaper & Bookstore In Focus During Clinton Rant

Former President Bill Clinton recently “held court” at the Village Book Store, owned by Roy Solomon and Yvonne van Cort, above. Clara Fontana celebrates her 107th birthday in Westchester with grandsons Michael and Anthony Santoliquido.

Clare Fontana, an Ossining resident and Mount Vernon native, recently celebrated her 107th birthday at Victoria Home in Ossining with her children, grandchildren and great-

grandchildren. Fontana was born in Mount Vernon in 1909, the youngest of 10 children. She grew up Continued on Page 6

Republicans on BOL Propose AG’s Gun Shows Recommendations

The eight Republican members of the county board include, from left (back row) David Gelfarb, Jim Maisano, John Testa, Gordon Burrows, (front row) Frances Corcoran, Margaret Cunzio, Sheila Marcotte and David Tubiolo.

For the first time in four years, the Westchester County Center will host a firearm and knife show Jan. 21 and 22. The exhibition will feature weapons and memorabilia for sale and will have several layers of safety and security, including undercover and uniform police officers on hand, and background checks for persons interested in purchasing a firearm as required by law. A pistol permit is also required to purchase a firearm. Gun shows have been coming to Westchester and the County Center for decades, until former County Executive Andy Spano placed a ban

on gun shows at the county-owned building in 1999 after the Columbine shootings in Colorado. County Executive Rob Astorino lifted the ban in 2010, but after the Sandy Hook shootings in 2012, there has not been a show. About 350 tables of books, games, ammunition and memorabilia are planned to be on hand for the gun show, while a debate ensues over whether county government should permit or hold a gun show in a government building. Democrats on the county board and Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner bringing gun Continued on Page 8

Neighbors & Police Come Together for 2017

By Dan Murphy Late last month, former president and Westchester resident Bill Clinton was spotted in a Pleasantville book store. Yes, there are still a few good, independent book stores left, including The Village Book Store in Pleasantville,

where Clinton was spotted browsing and reading alone – except for a female secret service agent. Eventually, the dozen or so shoppers and readers noticed who was in the store with them, Continued on Page 8

Jenkins Warns County Credit Downgrade Coming By Dan Murphy County Legislator Ken Jenkins, who is also the only announced candidate for Westchester County executive this November, has criticized current County Executive Robert Astorino and the 10 members of the county board who approved a budget for 2017 that did not raise taxes and raided the county reserve fund, all while waiting for $15 million in anticipated revenues from a private-public partnership at the Westchester County Airport. “Based on the outcome of the 2017 Westchester County budget and a recent Moody’s credit opinion, Jenkins is warning of an impending downgrade to Westchester County’s once sterling record,” according to a press release sent out by the legislator in late December. “The Moody’s report listed three main factors that may lead to a downgrade: additional declines in general fund balance resulting in material change in reserve, large structural imbalances, and material increases in outstanding debt. These are three of the underpinnings of County Executive Astorino’s 2017 operating budget. “What the Moody’s credit opinion listed as ‘do not do or else’ was exactly what the county executive’s 2017 budget consisted of,” said Jenkins. “It was almost as if it was used as a blue-

County Legislator and county executive candidate Ken Jenkins.

print… The Moody’s report also highlighted the volatile sales tax revenues the county has been receiving over the past five years. The same revenues the county executive has over-zealously Continued on Page 8

U.S. Failure to Back Israel Draws Sharp Critiques

Rep. Eliot Engel and Rep. Nita Lowey disagree with the Obama administration’s stance on Israel. From left are Westchester police officer Forsythe, Francisco Alvarez of the Children’s Village, Heidy De La Cruz of NAFI, Ana Salguero, Karen Melendez and Melvin Melendez, Captain Stasitis of the Westchester County Police Department, and Anthony Melendez. The Melendez family is from Mount Kisco and the officers are stationed in Mount Kisco. Photo by Neighbors Link.

Neighbors Link recently partnered with the North American Family Institute and the Westchester County Public Safety Department to connect the immigrant community in Mount Kisco to the police community. This groundbreaking six-week program culminated in a Dec. 13 graduation at the Neighbors Link site in Mount Kisco. Neighbors Link joined with NAFI to design

the Youth and Police Initiative parent program to insure safe, engaging communities for both the police and parents with their children. It is a trust-building dialogue designed for immigrant families and the local police departments. The six-part program breaks down stereotypes and offers a “new” picture of both police and the community by using interesting exercises Continued on Page 8

By Dan Murphy The United States not vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Israel for its settlement policy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has drawn sharp criticism from Westchester’s two senior members of Congress, Rep. Nita Lowey and Rep. Eliot Engel. Secretary of State John Kerry’s comments after the UN vote did nothing to calm the waters of anger from many in Washington, who view the U.S.’ relationship with Israel and its secu-

rity, as vital. Kerry tried to explain the UN vote as an attempt to save Israel from its own government, and accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of thwarting any hopes for peace. “The status quo is leading toward one state and perpetual occupation,” he said. “Some seem to believe that the U.S. friendship means the U.S. must accept any policy, regardless of our own interests, even after urging again and again that the policy must change. Friends need to tell Continued on Page 6

PAGE 2 - RyE RISING - FRIdAy, JANUARy 6, 2017

St. Paul’s Marks 225 Years Since Bill of Rights Signing

Meet Westchester’s Baby New Year

County Executive Robert Astorino (center) with 2016 Rio Olympian and Mt. Vernon native Deajah Stevens (second right); her mother, Lakia Perkins (far left); and younger sister Ameera; with Mt. Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas (right). Photo by Robert Kalfus.

Present at the 225th anniversary celebration of the final ratification and signing of the Bill of Rights, held recently at St. Paul’s Church, were 2016 Rio Olympian and Mt. Vernon native Deajah Stevens and her mother, Lakia Perkins, and younger, sister Ameera; Mt. Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas; County Executive Robert Astorino; and several Mt. Vernon High School students who read portions of the Bill of Rights. Built in 1733, St. Paul’s Church in Mount Vernon was a polling place during a contentious election where some voters were prevented from voting. John Peter Zenger, publisher of the New York Weekly Journal, reported the irregularities of the corrupt officials’ alleged voting tampering and was arrested and prosecuted for libel, and his newspaper was ordered burned. The subsequent defense of his reporting was unique: For the first time, he used as his defense that he had reported the truth, and his actions laid the groundwork for the Bill of Rights. Zenger’s “not guilty” verdict in his libel trial and his brave embrace of the truth led to the foundation of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States – the freedom of speech.

Also in attendance was Mt. Vernon Judge Adam Seiden, and members of the City Council. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas honored St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site Manager David Osborn, music recording innovator Tony Dofat, and Olympian Stevens at the ceremony. “We are the birthplace of the Bill of Rights, one of the nation’s first roads at Route 22, and the creators of hip-hop,” said Thomas. “Mount Vernon has always been a place where people stood up for what is right, from John Peter Zenger in 1733 to Denzel Washington today. “We look to our Rebecca Turner who broke free from slavery to become one of the first African-American property owners in the country; Nina Simone, whose potent protest music was banned by radio stations fearful of confronting discrimination; and Humphrey Bogart, who joined the Committee for the First Amendment to protest the unconstitutional House Un-American Activities Committee. Mount Vernon has always taken the lead in standing up for what is fair, what is right, and what is just. As mayor, I will continue to stand firm and stand up for Mount Vernon.”

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Westchester’s first baby of 2017 is Avery Acevedo, pictured with her mother, Yrmina Acevedo.

NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital has welcomed the hospital’s first baby delivered in 2017. Avery Acevedo was born to Yrmina Acevedo at 2:28 a.m. Jan. 1, 2017. She weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 19 inches long. Avery was delivered by Dr. Regina Fitzgerald of Westchester-Bronx OB/GYN Group. Yrmina is from Bronx and has two other daughters, ages 18 and 16. She is a staffing analyst with the Fire Department of the City of New York. NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital’s Maternity Center offers 23 private, hotel-

like post-partum rooms complete with bathrooms and showers, flat-screen televisions and free Internet. The rooms were designed for maximum comfort with relaxing colors, soft lighting, carpeted floors and special reclining chair/beds for spouses. The Maternity Center also features a state-of-the-art nursery for newborns and a new Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery for babies with special needs or those who are born prematurely. NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital provides support for breastfeeding mothers with an on-site lactation specialist and follow-up support after discharge. The hospital delivers an average of 1,600 babies annually.

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FRIdAy, JANUARy 6, 2017 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - PAGE 3

Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire By eric W. Schoen In 2016 we think the It’s hard to believe sky will fall when Trump that 2016 will soon be just gets sworn into office in a memory. I don’t know January 2017. We also about you, but the stores thought that the sky would I visit have long lines of fall when Barack Obama shoppers waiting to rush got elected in 2008. And we home with their treasures. are all still here! It doesn’t look like Let me talk a little bit it will be a white Christabout the Clintons: I am mas this year – despite the tired of the whole Russia/ weather outside on SatFBI conspiracy theory they urday, which was frightpout every day. When will ful. Saturday’s storm was anyone who is part of their enough winter for me. Forclub ever admit that Hillary tunately, the rain quickly was a flawed candidate? Eric W. Schoen washed the snow away, That’s why she lost. Plain hopefully not to come back another day. and simple. We need a little Christmas, Chanukah Couple that with the fact that many Amerand Kwanzaa right now. This has been an icans are not happy with the way this country eventful year, capped off on Monday with a is going. They’re tired of being scared to walk truck plowing into a Christmas market and a out the door; tired of wars where lives are lost police officer killing an ambassador. and little, if anything, is accomplished; tired Christmas markets are big in Europe; of calling customer service and talking to a New York City has tried to duplicate them, person far away that they can’t understand but it doesn’t work when you are selling cell and who can’t provide the help they need; phone accessories and mix tapes. You need a tired of a political system in gridlock mode; glass of Gluehwein – the warm wine markets and tired of political contributors giving donasell in Germany on these cold wintry days. tions for federal dollars. It’s sad to say, but terrorism is just a sign I could go on and on. And it’s people of the times. We need to be alert in our travels, from every race, ethnicity and religion who and on the road we need not be so aggressive. have had enough. That’s why Trump was And whether it’s Gluehwein or Prosecco or elected president. Chivas Regal, there is no need to be drinking We have the Electoral College and if the and driving. Democrats win the popular vote and fail to We end the year with two sad events – win sufficient Electoral College votes, they minor in the scheme of things but major to want to end it. When the Republicans are in those involved: The City of Yonkers closed the same scenario, the outcome is the same. the Yonkers Avenue pool, aka “Yonkers Av- This year we had the most electors stray from enue Bathhouse.” This is a historic building the candidates they pledged to support in the where, when homes had no plumbing or hot Electoral College. They should never be givwater, people would come to shower. There en the privilege of participating in this honor were separate doors for men and women. again. I’ve recently come to learn that the city Let Trump get sworn into office and give still allows homeless people to shower in the him a chance. Four years go by very fast. If he bathhouse. Kudos to the city! I have been told can keep jobs in this country by using existing that the homeless shelters in downtown Yon- incentives – state, federal and local – that’s kers, at a cost of more than $100 a night per fine by me. An America at work is an America person, don’t even provide facilities to show- moving in the right direction. er. That is disgraceful. We need to do our part to make AmeriThe closing of the Yonkers Avenue pool, ca great again. “Giving Tuesday” should be where so many learned to swim and senior “Giving Monday through Sunday.” We need citizens use to this day for swimming and to clean out our closets and donate clothes exercise classes due to the warm water in the to legitimate charitable organizations. Drop pool, is a sign of the times. One million dol- a dollar or two in the Salvation Army Kettle. lars is needed to fix it, including outdated sys- This time of year, or all year-round, we need tems that need to be brought up to code for to drop in on our elderly neighbors to make safety. Let’s just hope it doesn’t go the way of sure they have what they need to tackle the the Linden Street pool, which sat closed as an elements. eyesore in the community for 25 years before Chanukah and Christmas overlap this it was torn down. year. I hope you have the opportunity to celEarlier this week we heard that Seaside ebrate Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa Johnny’s, the iconic restaurant at the private with family and friends. Oakland Beach in Rye, would be closing. Remember in your prayers those who Owned by the same people who owned the died 51 years ago at a fire at the Jewish ComCrab Shanty in Mamaroneck, the restaurant munity Center on South Broadway, across had good food and beautiful water views. from St. Joseph’s Medical Center. It was the The owners could not reach an agreement greatest loss of life in any fire in the City of with the commission that runs the park, so they Yonkers. emptied the place out last week. The commisI raise my glass and wish you a merry sion is talking about bringing in a food truck, Christmas, happy Chanukah, happy Kwanzaa which is not an acceptable replacement. And and a New Year filled with good health, hapMemorial Day – a popular picnicking holiday piness and – most importantly – peace in the – is less than five months away. world. When we started the year, did we think Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@ that Donald Trump would be the 45th presi- aol.com and follow him on Twitter @ericyodent of these United States? Did we know nkers. Catch the Westchester Rising Radio the name Bernie Sanders? But then again, on Show featuring Dan Murphy and Eric Schoen Election Day eight years ago, did we think a on Thursdays at 10 a.m. on WVOX 1460 on black man from Chicago would rise up to be the A.M. dial or on the Internet at wvox.com president of this great land? and click on “listen live.”

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County Meets Affordable Housing Deadline

750 Units Financed & Permits in Place Recently, County Executive Robert Astorino announced that Westchester has surpassed the fundamental benchmarks of the 2009 housing settlement with the federal government. Under the settlement agreement reached by former County Executive Andrew Spano and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Westchester had until Dec. 31 to have financing and building permits in place for 750 units of affordable housing in 31 mostly white communities. As of last month, the county is over the benchmark with 790 units – 40 more than required – and with another 100 units in the pipeline. Missing the deadline could have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars of fines. “We had to fulfill our obligations within seven years, and we exceeded them,” said Astorino. “We met our goals because we worked cooperatively with our cities, towns and villages. That approach allowed us to succeed and push back attempts by the federal government to bypass home rule and take over local zoning. I want to thank all our local communities for their efforts and support and also commend all the Westchester County staff members for their expertise and countless hours of hard work.” With the housing benchmarks met, two tasks, which the court labeled as “peripheral,” remain: A sign off by HUD on an analysis of issues that could be impediments to building fair housing in Westchester, and the enhancement of the county’s marketing and outreach efforts tied to the settlement. The county expects both to be wrapped up early next year. The analysis of impediments is now in the hands of a consulting group, which is expected to publicly release its report in mid-January. Westchester has already submitted the most comprehensive AIs that HUD has ever received. The county has also hired a consultant to expand its One Community Campaign, which promotes the benefits of diversity and affordable housing. New print, radio and social media advertisements are being developed to run in 2017. To date, the county has spent more than $1 million on marketing and outreach – well above the settlement’s $400,000 requirement. As a result of these efforts, more than 10,000 households from 32 states and New York City, as well as Westchester, have signed up for the county’s Homeseeker Central Intake system to learn about and apply for affordable housing opportunities in Westchester. Because of its progress on all fronts, the county has told the U.S. attorney that it doesn’t think it is necessary for HUD to appoint a new monitor, who serves at the agency’s pleasure. James Johnson, whose tenure as monitor dated back to the beginning of the settlement, resigned in August to run for the Democratic nomination for governor of New Jersey. Should HUD appoint a new monitor, the county maintains the selection should be made by the incoming Trump administration. The county has also objected to HUD’s seeking to eliminate the cap on the monitor’s annual fee, currently $175,000 a year – particularly at a time when the settlement is winding down. “The settlement’s legal and financial obligations were never intended to last forever,” said Astorino. “It’s time for a conclusion. As the Second Circuit of U.S. Court of Appeals said, ‘At some point in time this litigation has to be ended.’ That time should be near.” Tallying up the costs, the county has spent about $30 million more than the $51.6 million required under the terms of the settlement. In addition, the county has leveraged more than $152 million in other public funding, putting total subsidies at $233 million and the average taxpayer subsidy per settlement unit at approximately $290,000. In comparison, the 2016 median sale price in Westchester is $640,000 for a single-family home, $357,750 for a condominium and $153,000 for a co-op, according to the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. Since 2010, the county has also approved more than $5 million in funding to support more

than 400 non-settlement affordable housing units, which are located in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Ossining Village and White Plains. The county’s Industrial Development Agency has also provided millions of dollars in financial incentives to support more than 800 affordable housing units, which are located in a number of municipalities, including Hasting-on-Hudson, Mamaroneck, Mount Vernon, Rye and Scarsdale. Astorino said the key challenge to affordable housing in Westchester was and remains to be economics. For example, he said 16 sites were reviewed in Bronxville, but none were seen as feasible because the subsidies just from the county would have been more than $200,000 per unit. “Affordable housing is not immune to the high cost of land and high taxes,” he said. “If the goal is to get more people into good affordable housing, as it should be, economics has to be a core focus. Otherwise you end up with housing that’s not affordable to the residents or the taxpayers and that’s not sustainable.” About 400 of the settlement units are already occupied, with about one-third as homeownership and two-thirds as rentals. Data from the applications shows 35 percent of the households applying for the county’s units identified as white, 35 percent as African-American, 3 percent as Asian, 8 percent as multi-racial and 29 percent as Hispanic. The 31 settlement communities were selected on the basis of the 2000 Census as having lower African-American and Hispanic populations than the county average. Notably, between 2000 and 2010, prior to the implementation of the settlement, the African-American and Hispanic populations of those 31 communities increased 56 percent as a result of natural market forces. In contrast, the settlement’s 750 units, assuming three people per unit, would at most increase Hispanic and African-American representation in the 31 communities by 5 percent. Westchester is the fourth most diverse county in New York (virtually tied with Manhattan; behind only Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx). If Westchester were a state, it would have the seventh-largest Hispanic population in percentage terms, and the 14th-largest African-American population in percentage terms. In exceeding its obligations under the 2009 housing settlement, Westchester has put in place policies and plans that will help the county continue to work with local governments on affordable housing. These county initiatives include: * Amending “Westchester 2025,” the county’s long-range planning initiative, which provides a regional framework for the inclusion and creation of affordable housing. In 2015, the county’s Planning Department was recognized nationally for its “best practices,” specifically tied to Westchester 2025. * Undertaking extensive, specific education and outreach campaigns with municipalities, developers and community groups, including efforts by the Human Rights Commission regarding affordable housing. * Assembling and publishing resources that facilitate the development of affordable housing, assist homebuyers, advertise existing homes and developments, and promote the county’s model ordinance, the Planning Department’s housing website, and the Homeseeker website. Through Homeseeker, the county can use data about the specific needs of families seeking affordable housing to ensure that future affordable housing developments meet the demands of those most in need. Interestingly, more people have indicated their interest in affordable housing opportunities in Yonkers and Mount Vernon, two communities not covered by the settlement, than any other places in Westchester, according to Homeseeker data. The affordable housing issue in Westchester was never the crisis that many made it out to be. Astorino inherited a settlement with HUD, and he followed through, as 750 units are financed or unContinued on Page 6

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PAGE 4 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - Friday, January 6, 2017

The Westchester Wanderer: Back to Reality

By Dennis Dion Nardone In Yonkers, I watch all Holiday celebrations! the big plans of developI love the Christmas season ment. But they must face and as I get older, I love the harsh dilemma of how reminiscing of growing up to squeeze $35 million from in the old neighborhood the state for the challengof the West End of New ing educational budget that Rochelle and how we celeMayor Mike Spano has, as brated with family, friends, well as keeping the Yonkers neighbors, Christmas shopeducators happy with a new ping, giving of gifts and of contract. course, eating! Not to menIn New Rochelle, my tion the traditional seven sister- and brother-in-law fishes of Christmas Eve, are not too happy with the and everywhere you went, 6.7 percent tax increase! someone had homemade Yikes! cookies, cakes, etc. As little In Tuckahoe, are we kids we knew where we still building a hotel on soDennis Dion Nardone could go to fill our bellies called trash tainted land? from not just neighbors, but the local merchants, In Harrison, the “Wegmans are coming,” the as well. “Wegmans are coming!” We lost all those 1960s television holiday The family-orientated Wegmans grocery store specials with Perry Como, Dean Martin, Johnny is coming to Harrison. Thank you, Mayor Ron BelMathis, etc. So now I go to see the live concerts. I mont, for making this happen. Everywhere I go, enjoyed the Brian Setzer Christmas show with his people that have experienced Wegmans tell me 19-piece band; I could not miss the Paul Anka holi- the huge supermarket is going to be a great edition day show and of course, my favorite Kenny Rog- for the county – not to mention an added addition ers Christmas concert. I have to tell you, though, of money coming into the Harrison budget. This there’s nothing like walking the malls during the comes on the heels of what Belmont has done in holidays, as I also attended a nice Club Dennis Harrison. Holiday Dance Party with 120 people, along with a On the Harrison-Mamaroneck border, another private gathering of about 25 friends, and finishing family chain supermarket closed their doors and off with a tour of New York City at Bryant Park, Belmont quickly worked out a deal for DeCiccio’s Rockefeller Center and a prayer at St. Patrick’s to open in its place. Then, on the Harrison-Rye Cathedral. border, as A&P Supermarkets was closing, again But when we celebrate the holidays, there Belmont worked his wonders to keep another suis always the reality of the everyday issues con- permarket in its place, with the “Harrison Market” cerning ourselves, as well as of community, as we for local residents. move forward into the upcoming year. And 2017 is Of course, 2017 marks election year for some, no different than any other time to face the issues and I’m sure it will be very interesting in many of the day. decisions to come for 2017, but also as we look Westchester County legislators must finalize into election 2018… You know what I mean! (I’ll the Playland issue with Standard Amusements, and explain in next week’s issue if you don’t.) how and when will they take over for good. The This is Dennis Dion Nardone. Join me on county must also find a way to satisfy all parties WVOX1460AM every Thursday at 2 p.m. for Talk with a collective bargaining agreements for the Radio, and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m., and Sunday civil service workers of the county. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the oldies.

Fairly Evaluating the Common Core Tests

By Peggy Godfrey The achievement of students in this country is important because it suggests how future generations will lead the nation. Two of the largest benchmarking international tests have summed up the progress of students in this country and compared the results to other nations. The Program for International Assessment in international mathematics and sciences study found 15-yearolds declined on their most recent test, while the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study found eighth-graders in the United States had the highest average score ever. On the PISA tests, 15-year-olds in the U.S. did not significantly differ in their science or reading scores, but their mathematics performance significantly declined from the 2012 and 2009 tests. While international statistics are important, most residents want to know how their local students are performing. At a recent New Rochelle School Board meeting, a report on the city’s 2016 New York State English language arts and mathematics assessments was reviewed, and showed that New Rochelle reflected a 7 percent improvement in ELA and 1 percent in mathematics. This was despite the fact that 33 percent of eligible New Rochelle students did not take this year’s test (which was 8 percent more than last year.) Statewide, 21 percent of eligible students did not participate in the testing. While there were changes in this year’s test, there was no reason given why students’ scores increased. A new test vendor and the reduction of questions on the tests, as well as extended test time this year, were cited as possible reasons for the improvements. A chart distributed at the recent meeting showed that New Rochelle students were 1 percent below the state on the proficiency levels in ELA and 4 percent above the state in mathematics. These scores were similar to New York State scores. Breakdown by ethnicity is also given in the report, while another chart cites achievement by various categories. In New Rochelle, 42 percent of general education students achieve the proficiency levels (three and four), compared to statewide. Mathematics results for New Rochelle students in grades three through eight appeared to be favorable for levels three and four proficiency, while statewide, only 28 percent was favorable at these levels. These mathematics results were a source of pride for the school administration. A chart comparing those students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards, who were close to or above the state average, was distributed at

the recent meeting. New Rochelle results exceeded Ossining and Port Chester in ELA, and White Plains, Port Chester and Ossining in mathematics. In both areas, students also exceeded the state standards. While there is much to be proud of, there also are many unresolved issues with the Common Core testing. The opting-out by so many students throughout NYS casts strong doubts on the validity of any results. Are the poorer students opting out because they do not want to allow a low score on their records? Are high-achieving students not showing up for the tests because test validity has been severely criticized? Have teachers encouraged students to not show up because they fear low-scoring classes will contribute to their being dismissed or given a low rating? Have parents discouraged children who they fear will not score high enough on the tests from taking these common core tests? When large numbers of students do not show up for testing, the results are skewed and neither the state nor municipalities get a true picture of the actual progress that has been made. The state accepted federal funds to implement the Common Core curriculum, but it has become apparent throughout the country that many states have dropped the Common Core curriculum and are returning to state standards. One of the most consistent critics of recent school changes, which includes Common ore, Diane Ravitch, in an article in the New York Times (July 24) enumerated the view that one of the best “predictors of test scores is family income.” Looking at New Rochelle or other Westchester communities, are the students’ test scores reflective of family income, or has the opt-out movement reduced the usefulness of this criteria? Ravitch observes that mathematics scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress have declined for the first time since 1990. Reading scores have also either declined or have not increased. She said she feels that thee billions of dollars spent on this “Race to the Top” by the Obama administration could have been used to make smaller classes, repair schools and provide more early childhood education, arts and physical education programs. Instead of trying to get students to pass tests of dubious validity, more emphasis should be placed on giving teachers and supervisors the latitude to creatively and diligently improve instruction for the students they teach. And at this time, the question can be asked: Will a new president put forth any educational suggestions or assistance?

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Learn the Turning Points In American History

The Larchmont Library of America. The 48 lectures will present a free video and offer a different perspective lecture series titled “Turning on the sweeping narrative of Points in American History,” U.S. history. Spanning the arrival of the first English covering 48 key events, colonists to the chaos of the starting Jan. 12 and 26. DisCivil War, to the birth of the cussion points will include: computer age and beyond, 1777 – The colonial this course is a captivating victory over British troops and comprehensive tour of at the Battle of Saratoga those particular moments persuades France to provide in the story of America, affinancial and military supter which the nation would port that will prove vital to never be the same again. the success of the American The program will Revolution.   be led by Dr. Edward 1862 – The Homestead O’Donnell, an associate Act makes more than 600 professor of history at Holy million acres of land availCross College in Worcester, able to be settled, sparkMass. He is the author of ing the largest migration of Dr. Edward O’Donnell several books and is also a Americans in the nation’s professional speaker, delivhistory.  1933 – President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s ering history-themed presentations before thouNew Deal launches a series of unprecedented laws sands of educational and business and non-profit and programs that will relieve the stress of the organizations since 1991. During his years in New York City, O’Donnell Great Depression and reshape American society.   2001 – The 9/11 terrorist attacks spark a com- also led more than 1,200 walking tours through plex and controversial war against terrorism both New York City’s ethnic neighborhoods, such as Chinatown, Little Italy and Harlem.   domestically and internationally. For a schedule of lectures in the series, call During “Turning Points in American History,” relive the most powerful and groundbreaking mo- the library at 914-834-2281 or visit www.larchments in the fascinating story of the United States montlibrary.org.

Two Popular New Year Resolutions By Ann Muro Prior to each New Year, we often hear of many New Year resolutions that family, friends and others promise to keep. The suc-

cess rate is another issue, but here are two of the most “popular” resolutions: losing weight and stop smoking.

New Year Resolution – To Lose Weight She does not like the way she looks Since she gained all that weight And the clothing styles stores have for her She really, really hates. Could it be all those pasta carbs Or lack of exercise That went ahead and put the fat On her hips and thighs. She knows what caused her problem Although it’s hard to say You see she loves to watch TV And stay in bed all day. The only time she gets up Is to go and use the “John” And after that she checks the fridge For eggplant parmigiana She must quickly shed that weight And get out of that bed Cause this is what her doctor Has always, always said. Now she says, “Goodbye to soap operas And all that’s on TV. My New Year’s Resolution Is to do what’s right for me…”

New Year’s Resolution – Quit Smoking One thing I love with breakfast No it’s not a buttered roll Yes, it is a cigarette That with time will take its toll Each year I say I’ll give them up And throw the pack away Still I find it oh so hard To make it through the day I’ll go and grab another pack And make excuses too Like claiming they relax me When things are tough to do Yet, I can’t stop coughing And wheezing all day long I really have to give them up “Will power, please be strong!” For a happy, healthy New Year I know what I must do Make that my resolution And you should make one too Let’s keep our resolutions Whatever they may be So together then we both can claim, “A resolution victory!” Happy New Year!

MASSENA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL is seeking a

F-T PHYSICAL THERAPIST

with a current NYS Physical Therapy License; and a F-T CROSS SECTIONAL IMAGING SUPERVISOR ARRT Certified in Radiology, CT and MRI, registered as Licensed Radiologic Technologist with New York State Department of Health, BLS required. NYS certification to perform IV contrast injections. We offer a competitive benefits package including retirement, health, dental and vision insurance along with vacation, holiday and sick time. Applications can be submitted on line at www.massenahospital.org, resumes can be e-mailed to

[email protected] or faxed to (315)769-4344.

Friday, January 6, 2017 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - PAGE 5

Scarsdale Synagogue Honors MLK Jr.

UJA-Federation to Host MLK Day of Service

Scarsdale Synagogue will driver and bodyguard,” he be honoring the remarkable continued. “He was part of our life and legacy of Dr. Martin family. He refused to let me Luther King Jr. with an abbrego to the Mississippi summer viated service Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. because he was convinced at Scarsdale Synagogue Tem(rightly) that the Student Nonples Tremont and Emanu-El, 2 violent Coordinating ComOgden Road, Scarsdale. It will mittee was setting up for the be immediately followed by political impact of the killing a special oneg, during which of a white kid that summer. Alan Wachtel will share his Indeed, Andrew Goodman, reflections and memories of James Cheney and Michael King. Schwarner were killed. “I met Dr. Martin Luther “In Selma, I marched King when my father brought with Dr. King and heard his a funny, warm, black minister historic speech, with federal NEWS RELEASE home for dinner (in 1960),” guard troops and helicopNed McCormack, Communications Director (914) 995-‐2932 Contact: Dan B“I randa (914) 995-‐2913 said Wachtel. followed his ters protecting us from angry Alan Wachtel was a friend, driver coffin in Atlanta, as my fam- and bodyguard for Dr. Martin Luther mobs. When he spoke out at ilyFOR wasIMMEDIATE broken-hearted and Riverside Church against the King Jr. RELEASE: December 29, 2016 mourned with the world. My war in Vietnam, he spoke for father PUBLIC was Dr. HEARING King’s advisor, lawyer 23, and2017 closeON INCREASING all Americans –BEE-LINE not blackBUS Americans JANUARY FARESalone. AS He friend. was an extraordinary leader who profoundly alPART OF THE MTA’S FARE INCREASE, “When Dr. King was in New York, I was his tered the world and my life.”

Continuing the tradip.m. at the Mann Center, a tion of marking Martin Luresidential treatment facility for youth who have experither King, Jr.’s birthday as a enced trauma in their lives, day of service, Westchester run by UJA’s beneficiary community members of all agency, the Jewish Board. It ages will join together to is located at 226 Linda Ave., make sandwiches and soup Hawthorne. for the hungry, create inspiSpace is limited, and rational posters, decorate advance registration is repicnic tables for the resiquired at www.timeforgood. dents of the Sally and Anorg/agency/uja-federationthony Mann Center in Hawof-new-york/opportunity/ thorne, knit and crochet uja-westchester-soup-sand“sanctuary” blankets, and wich-and-sanctuary-384. jam at a poetry performance There is no charge to parby Mann Center residents. ticipate. The MLK Day event, Martin Luther King Jr. For more information, sponsored by UJA-Federacontact Donna Divon at dition of New York, will take place Monday, Jan. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 [email protected] or 914-385-2130.

AND INCREASING THE BEE-LINE STUDENT METROCARD FARE

The Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation will conduct a public

Speak Out on the Bee-Line Bus Fare Hike

hearing on Monday, January 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, to seek comment on the adoption of the proposed Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) fare increase for the Bee-Line System and the proposed increase to the student MetroCard fare. The MTA Board is currently soliciting public comment on the proposals in the table below with respect to bus fares. Two proposed fare structures are being considered by the MTA. Fare Type

Current

Proposal 1

Proposal 2

Base Fare

$2.75

$2.75

$3.00

MetroCard Bonus

11% with $5.50 purchase



Effective Fare with MetroCard Bonus

$2.48

$2.62

$2.59

30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard

$116.50

$121.00

$121.00

7-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard

$31

$32

$32

•

Senior Citizen and Disabled Reduced Fares would be slightly less than half of the Base Fare

The Westchester County Department of Manhattan Express), and the student MetroCard under Proposal #1 and wouldwill remain at half of cost the Base Fare under Proposal to #2.$60, from the curPublic Works and Transportation conduct is proposed to increase a public hearing Monday, Jan. 23 from 6 to 9 rent $58 based on the MTA fare increase. p.m. at the Westchester County Center in White Those in attendance at the hearing will be Plains, to seek comment on the adoption of the given an opportunity to speak. Persons wishing proposed Metropolitan Transportation Authority to provide comments in writing may do so at fare increase for the Bee-Line System and the the hearing, or by e-mailing them to beeline@ proposed increase to the student MetroCard fare. weschestergov.com or mailing them to the WestThe MTA Board is currently soliciting pub- chester County Department of Public Works and lic comment on two proposals (outlined in the Transportation, 100 E. First St., Mount Vernon, accompanying table), with respect to bus fares. NY 10550. All written comments must be reReduced fares for senior citizens and ceived at the above addresses by the close of people with disabilities would be slightly less business Jan. 25. than half of the base fare under proposal one, The Westchester County Center is located and would remain at half of the base fare under at 198 Central Ave., and is a handicap-accessible proposal two. In addition, there will be no fare building. For more information, the public may changes on the Bee-Line BxM4C (Westchester- visit www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus.

Winter Hikes & More At County Nature Centers A number of activities are planned the weekend of Jan. 7 and 8 at various Westchester County parks and nature centers. On Saturday, Jan. 7, Muscoot Farm on Route 100 in Somers will host a hike from 10 a.m. to noon. Ever wanted to see more of Muscoot? Meet at the reception center for a hike along the back roads of the farm. For ages 8 and older. For more information, call 914-8647282. Also on Saturday, Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation at Route 35 and 121 South in Cross River will host “A Closer Look” at 1 p.m. Join the naturalist inside the nature center for a look at a variety of objects in a digital microscope. 914-864-7322. From 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Lenoir Preserve on Dudley Street in Yonkers, enjoy a hike around the preserve. 914-968-5851. Marshlands Conservancy on Route 1 (Boston Post Road) in Rye will host a volunteer work project from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Bring work gloves and help inspect Crabapple Island. Hand tools will be provided. 914-8354466. Also on Saturday, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Cranberry Lake Preserve on Old Orchard Street in north White Plains, enjoy a winter hike along the new interpretive trail around the lake to observe the local flora and fauna. 914-428-1005, At the Westchester County Center, 198

Central Ave., White Plains, on Saturday at 7 p.m., the Westchester Knicks will play the Delaware 87ers. For tickets, a full home-game scheduled and more information, visit countycenter.biz. On Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 7 and 8 (as well as Jan. 14 and 15, 21 and 22, and 28 and 29), the Croton Point Nature Center in Crotonon-Hudson will host “Project Feeder Watch” from 9 to 11 a.m. Learn to identify and count birds at the feeders with members of Saw Mill River Audubon. www.sawmillriveraudubon. org or 914-862-5297. On Sunday, Jan. 8, the Merestead Estate on Byram Lake Road in Mount Kisco will host a historic mansion tour from 1 to 3 p.m. Visit Westchester’s own Downton Abbey, an elegant Georgian-style mansion built in 1907, and find out who lived there and why they are important. Reservations are required at 914447-7497. Also on Sunday, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Marshlands Conservancy, visitors are invited to “make ‘n’ take” bird feeders. Limit of one per family. Also at the conservancy, a Great Horned Owl observation is scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Bring binoculars to observe the first animals to mate in the New Year. 914-835-4466. For more information on Westchester County parks and nature centers, visit parks. westchestergov.com.

Computer Repair, Upgrade, and Troubleshooting Cracked Laptop Screen, Broken Power Jack Virus Removal, Data Recovery Call James at 646-281-4475 – 718-324-4332

Fulton Ave. Bridge Closed The project to rehabilitate the Fulton Avenue Drawbridge located along the border of Mount Vernon and Pelham Manor closed the bridge between Secor Lane and Edison Avenue to motorists and pedestrians Jan. 4. A detour route has been posted following Pelham Parkway, Boston Post Road, Provost Avenue, South Third Avenue and South Columbus Avenue. As an alternative route, motorists can use the Hutchinson River Parkway between Boston Post Road (Route 1) and Sandford Boulevard. It is estimated that the bridge will re-open in November. This project is necessary to eliminate the need for interim and emergency repairs. Work

to be performed includes major steel, electrical and mechanical rehabilitation, as well as removal and replacement of the steel bridge deck, steel stingers, sidewalk panes, both approach spans, the operator’s area and associated electrical components. A new emergency generator will be installed to operate the bridge in the event of a utility power failure using a new emergency span drive. The $14.8 million bridge rehabilitation project, which is expected to create approximately 148 full-time jobs, was awarded to E.E. Cruz and Company, Inc. For additional information, contact Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation at 914-995-2555.

An Open Letter Regarding Hotel Occupancy Tax Dear Gov. Andrew Cuomo: We write to you regarding Assembly Bills 209A, 9690, 9691, 9692, 9693, 9694, 9776 and 10033, all of which relate to the authorization of a municipal occupancy fee. Specifically, the legislation permits user fees to be imposed in the Westchester towns and villages of Greenburgh, Tarrytown, Irvington, Ardsley, Elmsford, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Sleepy Hollow, Tuckahoe, North Castle, Harrison, Mamaroneck and Port Chester, as well as the Orange County town of Woodbury. We strongly urge you to sign these bills. These bills align with your efforts to reduce the significant property tax burden facing homeowners. The revenue raised through these municipal occupancy fees – much of it from

out-of-state visitors – will support local government operations that otherwise would need to be paid for through the property tax levy. Meaningful property tax relief will result from your signing these bills. Subsequent to last year’s vetoes, the Assembly included our occupancy fee legislation as Article XII language in its 2016 one-house budget. During negotiations that ensued, your office sought to detach the occupancy fee issue from the budget, but agreed to approve the bills if passed again post-budget. They were sent to you Dec. 20. Thank you for your attention to this important matter to our mutual constituents. Assembly members Amy Paulin, David Buchwald and Tom Abbinanti

Community Programs at St. Paul’s Historic Site St Paul’s Church National Historic Site will host a number of programs in January and February, at 897 Columbus Ave., Mt. Vernon. On Saturday, Jan. 14 at 1:30 p.m., there will be a performance of “Much Ado About Nothing,” one of William Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, by the acclaimed Red Monkey Theater Group. On Monday, Jan. 16 is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The site will be open regular hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a special presentation at 1 p.m. by professor Kristopher Burrell of Hostos Community College exploring the civil rights struggles and triumphs of Dr. King. On Saturday, Feb. 11, a recognition of Black History Month will take place at 1 p.m. Learn about the great black intellectual leader and author W.E.B. Du Bois, through a talk by Profes-

sor Mark Christian of Lehman College, including an exploration of Dr. Du Bois’ role in the era of World War I. On Monday, Feb. 20, President’s Day, there will be a 1 p.m. talk by professor Dr. Duane Tananbaum of Lehman College, exploring the interesting and important connections between Herbert Lehman and five American presidents – Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson and J.F.K. Lehman’s public career stretched from the 1920s to the 60s, highlighted by several terms as governor of New York and as a senator, overlapping with those five presidents. There will also be re-enactors portraying General Washington and President Lincoln. For more information, call 914-667-4116 or visit www.nps.gov/sapa.


Legal Notices

Classifieds ANTIQUES • ART • COLLECTIBLES Most cash paid for paintings, antiques, furniture, silver, sculpture, jewelry, books, cameras, records, instruments, coins, watches, gold, comics, sports cards, etc. Please call Aaron at 914-654-1683. Delivery Driver Needed-Delivery driver wanted for weekly newspapers in Yonkers and Westchester County. Experience and own auto preferred. To apply send email to [email protected] Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make -A -Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 914 -468 -4999 Today! TOP CASH PAID INSTANTLY FOR COLLECTIBLES! -WE BUY Baseball Cards,Autographs, Records, Silver Coins, Golf Items, Art, Jewelry, ComicsEtc., Call Jim Today @ 914-310-5153

CA$H BUYER, Old Comic Books 10c to 35c covers, also Guns, Gold Coins.I travel to you and Buy EVERYTHING YOU have!Call Brian 1-800-617-3551 AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here – Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placementassistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7093 LAND WANTED: Cash buyer seeks large acreage 200+ acres in theCentral/Finger Lakes and Catskills Regions of NY State. Brokerswelcome. For immediate confidential response, call 607-353-8068 oremail info@ NewYorkLandandLakes.com SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 -MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill -Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www. NorwoodSawmills.com 1 -800 -578 -1363 Ext.300N

Workforce Development Board Director Beckford Honored

Notice of formation of Learning Curve of Westchester, LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/12/2016. Office location: Westchester County. The street address is: 68 Corbalis Place Yonkers, NY. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: Learning Curve of Westchester, LLC; 68 Corbalis Place, Yonkers, NY 10703. Purpose: any lawful act.

Donnovan Beckford, director of the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, was honored at the 26th annual Brotherhood Breakfast, co-hosted by the Business Council of Westchester and African-American Men of Westchester. Beckford received The Harold Fitzpatrick Community Leadership Award for his innovative and visionary approach to improving the job environment for both employers and employees throughout Westchester and Putnam. The Oct. 27 breakfast was attended by more than 200 members of the business community. Wiley Harrison of the African-American Men of Westchester welcomed the attendees and Dr. Marsha Gordon of the Business Council and Eric Eller, president of the African-American Men of Westchester, introduced the program for the morning, which included a panel discussion on recruiting, engaging and retaining millennials in today’s workforce. Beckford’s focus as director of the Workforce Development Board of Westchester-Putnam is to oversee the many programs through the board that assist both job seekers and employers with the goal of creating a robust economy for both counties. He was specifically chosen for the community leadership award for his innovative approach in building relationships between community stakeholders, including higher education, economic development groups and businesses both large and small. His visionary leadership has resulted in generating public funding for several local and regional workforce and economic development projects like Jobs Waiting, Just Add One and READI. His career spans education, not-forprofit and public sector management. Beckford holds a master’s in business administration from CUNY-Baruch College, Zicklin Business School, and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Lehman College. His passion for the work and desire to go beyond the traditional boundaries has resulted in federal, state and local funding that includes a

$10 million Ready to Work Healthcare Regional Grant. Beckford serves on the board of directors for several organizations including The Early Care Learning Council, Theodore Young Community Center, National Council on Alcohol and the NYS Economic Development Council, where he co-chairs a newly formed workforce committee. During his acceptance speech, Beckford noted that the Workforce Development Board Jobs Waiting program has received two federal grants totaling more than $14 million to meet the needs of health care, technology and advance manufacturing. He also highlighted the new Career Pathways initiative, which will provide resources to help low-skilled individuals acquire major levels of education and skill development to fit them into high-paying jobs in targeted industries across both counties; and he mentioned several youth training programs that will teach occupational and soft skills to ready them for the workplace. “To ensure the success of the various programs we oversee, we need greater involvement from local businesses to help us strengthen a demand-driven system,” said Beckford. “We invite businesses to join our sector partnerships to help identify critical workforce needs and appropriate solutions. We will also continue to strengthen our community partnerships with post-secondary and higher education allies to ensure we are meeting the needs of students and those ready to enter the workforce.” He also noted that the Just Add One program, recently honored with the 2016 NYATEP Workforce Program Award, assists entrepreneurs with training to improve their business operation and hire at least one new employee through a 10-week program that includes workshops and peer-to-peer mentoring. The next Just Add One program will begin in January and applications are now being accepted. For more information, visit www.westchesterputnamonestop.com.

County Meets

a community. The primary reason for the lack of affordable housing in Westchester is the unattainable cost of owning a home and the property taxes in many towns and villages in the county. The “politics” of this issue have also gone away. With President-elect Donald Trump ready to take office, HUD under Trump will have no interest pursuing the case, especially since the unit total of 750 has been met on time.

Continued from Page 3 derway. Astorino also fought against efforts by the HUD Monitor James Johnson to overreach from the terms of the settlement. HUD, or any government agency, has no place in the local zoning of

#6831 12/02 - 01/06

#6830 12/02 – 01/06

Notice of formation of Tactical Business Systems LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/26/16. Office location: Westchester. The street address is: ADDRESS. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: Timothy Stewart, 33 Troy Ln, Yonkers NY 10701. Purpose: any lawful act. #6833 12/16 - 01/20

Staff of the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Board Career Center congratulate Director Donnovan Beckford, center, who was recently honored for his role in bringing more jobs to Westchester and Putnam.

Notice of formation of VSCS LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on September 20, 2016. Office location: Westchester. The street address is: 905 Skibo Lane, 10543 Mamaroneck. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: Vincent Fleury, 905 Skibo Lane 10543 Mamaroneck. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of formation of limited liability company LINA RAMOS LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/1/2016. NY office location: Westchester County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is 40 E Sidney Ave Apt 18A, Mount Vernon, NY 10550. Purpose/ character of LLC: Any lawful purpose. #6832 12/09 - 01/13

Notice of Formation of 336 Fulton LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 11/22/16. Office location: Westchester County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to the LLC, c/o Westrock Development, LLC, 440 Mamaroneck Ave, Ste N-503, Harrison, NY 10528, the principal business location. Purpose: any lawful activity. #6834 12/23 - 01/27

Notice of formation of Chermaine Lawrence Accounting & Tax Services, LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/01/2016. Office location: Westchester County. The street address is: Corporate Filings of New York, 90 State Street, Ste. 700, Office 40, Albany, N.Y., 12207. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: Corporate Filings of New York, 90 State Street, Ste. 700, Office 40, Albany, N.Y., 12207. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of formation of Biella Tech LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/8/16. Office location: Westchester County. The street address is: 2 Linwood Pl, White Plains, NY 10606. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: Ed Cangialosi, 2 Linwood Pl, White Plains, NY 10606. Purpose: any lawful act. #6835 12/23 - 01/27

Notice of formation of RICK’S MARINE REPAIR, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on November 28, 2016. Office location: Westchester County. The street address is 90 Union Ave, Thornwood, NY 10594. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: Rick’s Marine Repair, LLC, 90 Union Ave., Thornwood, NY 10594. Purpose: any lawful act. #6837 01/06/17 – 02/10/17

#6836 12/23 - 01/27

U.S. Failure

Continued from Page 1 each other the hard truths, and friendships require mutual respect. “The Israeli prime minister publicly supports a two-state solution, but his current coalition is the most right-wing in Israeli history, with an agenda driven by its most extreme elements,” continued Kerry. “The result is that policies of this government – which the prime minister himself just described as ‘more committed to settlements than any in Israel’s history’ – are leading in the opposite direction, toward one state.” Lowey called the U.S. abstention “a stain on the United States’ long and consistent record of defending Israel against one-sided UN Security Council resolutions.” “I am profoundly disappointed,” she said. “Only through direct negotiations can the Israelis and Palestinians resolve their complicated differences. The resolution will not further the cause of peace. In fact it will only harden both sides and make direct negotiations all the more difficult to ever resume. I will redouble my efforts to defend Israel in international bodies and bring the parties back to the table.” Engel, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was more vocal in expressing his opposition to the Obama administration’s decision, while appearing on several television news talk shows. He summed up the sentiment of most Americans, and his West-

Happy 107th

Continued from Page 1 in Mount Vernon and later married her late husband Philip in 1933 and has three children. She worked as a secretary to the president of True Story magazine. Later in life, she moved from Mount Vernon to Briarcliff before ending up in Ossining. Victoria Home said Fontana is very active, getting her hair done every week and is always making sure she looks her best. “I feel good,” said Fontana. “I have my grandchildren with me.” The Village of Ossining and Assemblywoman Sandy Galef both honored Fontana with proclamations. Fontana and her family credit her longevity to a lifetime of hard work, stubbornness and an aversion to alcohol and cigarettes. Her son,

chester constituents, when he said that Israel relies on the U.S. to block these type of resolutions on the Security Council and called it “ridiculous” for the U.N. to censure Israel, while not condemning or acting on the atrocities and genocides in Syria and in South Sudan. “It’s a parting shot out the door, you know; President Obama, whom I voted for twice, decided he was going to do this, and I think he would have been a lot better off vetoing the resolution and say to the U.N., ‘Let’s get serious here – let’s try to not put blame on one party, particularly, the party that’s a democracy,’” he said. “You’ve got so many undemocratic nations who resent the fact that Israel is this bastion of democracy in the Middle East. “I think what the United States does when it vetoes resolutions is it is trying to even the playing field, because Israel cannot get a fair shake in the United Nations,” continued Engel. “They have all of these countries against them. The Arab countries, all these undemocratic countries that have the gall to point the finger at Israel. It’s just hypocritical. Israel is a vibrant state, a stable democracy, people of all races, people of all religions together, living in freedom. The kind of freedom we’re used to in the United States.” Engel said he is willing to work with President-elect Donald Trump on reaffirming the U.S.-Israeli relationship. “I think support for Israel in Congress is bipartisan and should remain bipartisan and if President Trump is working with us on Israel, I’m perfectly happy to work with the president of the United States,” he said.

John, who is 77, said having his mother still around is incredible. “She means everything to me,” he said. “She’s lived a clean, pure life. She’s never done anything bad.” Fontana’s family said they are fortunate to have her around, calling her a walking history book. Her children love her pizza and spaghetti with gravy, which she would often make for dinner. “I never thought she would still be here,” said daughter Lucille Santoliquidoa, an Eastchester resident. “She taught me a lot. We used to bake together and roll the cookies. We did a lot of mother-daughter things.” Fontana said she didn’t want any gifts for her birthday, just to be with her family. “As long as I am celebrating with them, gifts are not important,” she said. Fontana is not the oldest person in her family – her great-great grandfather lived to be 109.

Friday, January 6, 2017 - WESTCHESTER’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPERS - PAGE 7

Seniors and Health Care ‘Angels’ Donate to Caregivers

AMVETS Take Gifts to FDR Montrose VA Hospital

State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, right, with Richard Cruz of the YWCA and an “angel” caregiver.

State Sen, Andrea Stewart-Cousins distributed gifts to more than 85 grandparents and caregivers at the Purchase College Center for Culture in Yonkers last month in cooperation with the Family Service Society of Yonkers, Family Ties, and generous individuals throughout the community. Stewart-Cousins facilitated this gift-giving as the final phase of the Angels Project, an initiative she pushed with the Family Service Society of Yonkers and Family Ties to collect gifts from charitable individuals, or “angels,” to give to grandparents and other caregivers who raise children whose parents cannot take care of them. Last month, Stewart-Cousins co-hosted a “speak out” with Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer that focused on the hundreds of kinship caregivers in the area who struggle with issues of affordable housing. Many of these families are headed by grandparents with few resources available, and few of these grandparents receive the resources they need during the holiday sea-

son.

In an effort to brighten their holidays, Stewart-Cousins, with the assistance of the Family Service Society of Yonkers and Family Ties, gathered the names of the neediest caregivers and their holiday wish lists and matched each caregiver with an individual, or “angel,” from the community who purchased one or more of the items on their lists. “The power of family love is transformative, and these caregivers are the glue that keeps their families together,” said Stewart-Cousins. “They work hard to make sure their kids get what they need in time for the holidays, but rarely receive gifts themselves. The holiday season should be a time of joy and giving for everyone. I’m proud to live in a community in which so many people were willing to lend a helping hand to these caregivers.” To volunteer time, effort or money to one of these groups, visit the Family Service Society of Yonkers and the Family Ties websites.

Buchwald Bills Improve Railroad Safety & FOIL Gov. Andrew Cuomo by Buchwald that will has signed legislation he strengthen New York’s put forward with AssemFreedom of Information blyman David Buchwald Law. The bill has been and State Sen. Joseph lauded by good governRobach to implement ment groups and was more stringent safety unanimously passed by measures at grade-level both houses of the State railroad crossings. This Legislature, with a vote law comes after the deadof 142-0 in the Assembly ly Valhalla train crash in and 62-0 in the Senate. 2015 in which six indiState Sen. Michael viduals were killed after Ranzenhofer sponsored an SUV pulled onto the the bill in his house. tracks at a Metro-North FOIL rules in New Railroad grade crossing. York allow the public to The new law impleaccess government reAssemblyman David Buchwald ments more joint inspeccords in a large variety tions of signals at railroad crossings, aligns of circumstances. If a state or local agency state requirements with federal regulations denies a citizen’s request, the individual can on railroad bridge inspections, and increases bring a lawsuit to overturn that decision. Even penalties on railroad companies that do not if a judge then decides in favor of the citizen, comply with the regulations and on drivers under prior state law, the government agency that commit railroad crossing violations. had up to nine months to appeal the judge’s “Too often, New Yorkers have experi- ruling. The resulting delay in the public getenced tragedies at grade-level railroad cross- ting access to information in many circumings,” said Buchwald. “I want to thank Gov. stances could draw out the process to the point Cuomo for signing this legislation into law to where the information is no longer useful. provide greater safety, efficiency, and mod- Buchwald’s new law requires all government ernization at our railroad crossings. This law agencies who appeal judges’ FOIL decisions and new safety measures are a result of co- ordering records to be released to finalize the operation between the State Legislature, the appeal paperwork after no more than 60 days governor, our municipal governments and the following the delivery of the notice of appeal. New York State Department of Transporta“New Yorkers have the right to access intion.” formation from state and local governments,” “The safety of our riders and motorists said Buchwald. “With this new measure, we depends upon drivers obeying effective and have empowered all New Yorkers in the name well-maintained traffic signals and grade of government accountability and responsivecrossing warning systems,” added Randolph ness. I am thankful Gov. Cuomo has signed Glucksman, Metro-North Railroad Commuter this important legislation to make the workCouncil chairman. “We thank Assemblyman ings of state government more transparent.” Buchwald for his efforts to ensure that traffic “This measure will solve a problem insignals coordinated with grade crossing sig- volving the reality that access delayed is often nals are in good working order and that laws access denied,” added Robert Freeman, execrequiring compliance with grade crossing sig- utive director of the Committee on Open Govnals are effectively enforced.” ernment for New York’s Department of State. “I want to thank Gov. Cuomo and AssemBuchwald’s legislation received wideblyman Buchwald for implementing new rail- ranging support from numerous good-governroad safety measures for Westchester and all ment and open access organizations, includof New York State,” said Chappaqua resident ing the League of Women Voters of New York Srinivasan Selvaraj. “My family had a scary State; the Brennan Center for Justice at New incident involving the malfunction of the York University School of Law; the National boom barrier on Metro-North’s Harlem line Freedom of Information Coalition; Common near the intersection of the Saw Mill River Cause New York; the Sunlight Foundation; Parkway and Roaring Brook Road in Chap- Reinvent Albany; Citizens Union; the New paqua. It is comforting to know that steps are York Civil Liberties Union; the New York being taken to put in place better monitoring Public Interest Research Group; Consumof railroad crossings.” ers Union; the Legal Aid Society; New York In 2014, more than 250 deaths were re- Lawyers for the Public Interest; PACE Enlated to railroad crossing collisions across vironmental Litigation Clinic; the New York the country. Many New Yorkers use railroad News Publishers Association; the Tri-State crossings or rely on trains on a daily basis, and Transportation Campaign; and the Empire say this law is a necessary part of ensuring the Center. safety of commuter trains and drivers. This measure was one of the first bills *** {subhead} Buchwald passed as a newly-elected AssemAfter vetoing a similar bill last year, blyman in 2013, when the bill was then sponCuomo has also signed legislation sponsored sored in the State Senate by George Latimer.

Post 40 AMVETS Commander Sam Riti and Third Vice Commander Chris Milano give out gifts at the FDR Montrose VA Hospital and New York State veterans’ home for Christmas. The gifts were collected by Sister Eileen of St. Paul the Apostle Parish of Yonkers, the Coyne Park Senior Center and AMVETS members. From left are Debbie Longhran, Ellie Schaffer, Riti and Milano. Photo by Ed Whitman.

Caregiver & Stroke Support Groups Offered in Riverdale The Methodist Home for Nursing and Rehabilitation regularly offers two support groups for the community. The Caregiver Support Group meets every second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. Its goal is to provide family caregivers with a place to meet other caregivers, share experiences, exchange information and find ways to meet the challenges they face while making caregiving for a loved one a rewarding experience. The Stroke Support Group meets every first Wednesday of every month, also at 6 p.m., when stroke survivors and/or family members can find support adjusting to the changes in their lives, meet other survivors and caregivers, and share experiences, information and advice. Both groups take place at the Methodist Home for Nursing and Rehabilitation and are

led by Andrew Ferreyra, director of therapeutic recreation and a dementia specialist. Free onsite parking is available. For more information and to RSVP, call 718-548-5100. Founded in 1850, Methodist Home for Nursing and Rehabilitation is a non-sectarian, non-profit residence in Riverdale. It provides a broad range of services including stroke rehabilitation; orthopedic, pulmonary, cardiac, trach and wound care; bladder training; and outpatient rehabilitation. Its reputable home is highly rated by CMS and staffed by well-trained, professional clinicians. All rooms are private and physicians are affiliated with New York-Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and Montefiore Medical Center. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact the admissions department at 718-7327100 or visit www.methodisthome.org.

Town of Eastchester Senior Programs & Services

Monday, Jan. 9 9:30 a.m. Line dancing with Theresa 10:30 a.m. Drawing, games and cards 10:30 a.m. Birthday celebration music with Ralph Caruso 1 p.m. Canasta Club 1 p.m. Bridge/cards/Mahjong/board games Tuesday, Jan. 10 8:30 a.m. Low-impact exercise with Grace 9:30 a.m. Muscle toning with Patricia 10:30 a.m. Blood pressure screening with Barbara O’Hagen, RN 10:30 a.m. Drawing, games and cards 1 p.m. Bridge/cards/Mahjong/board games Wednesday, Jan. 11 9:30 a.m. Tap dancing with Paula 10:30 a.m. Drawing, games and cards 12:30 p.m. Energizing exercise with Evey

1 p.m. Mahjong/Bridge/cards/board games Thursday, Jan. 12 9:30 a.m. Intermediate line dancing 9:30 a.m. Trip to Botanical Gardens – reservations required 10:30 a.m. Drawing, games and cards 12:15 p.m. Bingo and Treats – bring a friend 1 p.m. Mahjong/Pokeno/cards/board games 1 p.m. Canasta Club 1 p.m. Knitting with Paula Friday, Jan. 13 8:30 a.m. Exercise video 9:30 a.m. Zumba Gold with Patricia 10:30 a.m. Drawing, games and cards 12:15 p.m. Brain stimulation exercises with Stacey Zaslow 1 p.m. Chair Yoga with Peggy 1 p.m. “See It – Draw It” with Stephanie


Financial Incentives Offered to Employers

Audition for ‘Inherit the Wind’ The Harrison Players community theatre group will present “Inherit the Wind,” written by Robert Edwin Lee and Jerome Lawrence and directed by Anthony Valbiro, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 31 and April 1 and 2. Audition dates are Thursday, Jan. 19 from

7:30 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 22 from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Veterans’ Memorial Building, 210 Halstead Ave., Harrison. For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.harrisonplayers. org.

Jenkins Claims

port be consistent? This proposal is clearly not in the best interests of Westchester County. The auditors have stated that our reserves will be down to $117 million from $143 million when Astorino took office,” said Jenkins. “As I pointed out on the floor during the budget vote, the 10 legislators that voted for the budget could have ‘deleted’ the phantom revenue in the 2017 proposed budget,” said Jenkins, who will make his second run for county executive this year. Four years ago, Jenkins ran but withdrew after the Westchester Democratic Convention nominated New Rochelle Supervisor Noam Bramson to run against Astorino. Bramson lost to Astorino by 12 percentage points in what many view as a poorly-run race. This year, Jenkins has told Democrats he is running regardless of what other Democrats are interested, even if it means a Democratic primary. Jenkins does not have the tax increase baggage that Bramson ran with four years ago. In fact, Jenkins proposed and got passage of a county budget when he was the BOL chairman who decreased the county tax levy by 2 percent. The only other Democrat mentioned prominently as a county executive candidate is also from Yonkers, as Jenkins is. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano has been telling Democrats across Westchester that he wants to run against Astorino. Will the two Yonkers Democrats work out a solution, or head off in a Democratic primary?

Continued from Page 1

Christopher Elliott, a graduate of Jobs Waiting’s Westchester County “boot camp,” talks with a recruiter, Susan Hynson of Memorial Sloan Kettering, at his boot camp graduation in Westchester.

As the labor market tightens, competition has heated up for employers to find workers to fill the thousands of skilled job opportunities in health care – the region’s fastest-growing employment sector. “But employers looking for highly motivated applicants who are ready to work need to look no further,” said Donnovan Beckford, executive director of the Westchester County Office of Workforce Investment and Westchester-Putnam Workforce Investment Board. “The Jobs Waiting program, which provides the industry with a pipeline of focused, committed employment candidates, has available $2.7 million in funds for paid work tryouts, on-the-job training, and customized training opportunities for Hudson Valley employers. This is an amazing opportunity.” Jobs Waiting is a federally-funded Ready to Work grant designed to retrain the workforce and help long-term unemployed workers get back to work. It offers several incentives designed to help employers find qualified candidates and train them with the skills needed to succeed. With Paid Work Tryouts, employers may “try out” a graduate of the Jobs Waiting program to see if they are a good match in a riskfree environment, where 100 percent of wages are paid by the program for a six-week period. With on-the-job training, employers receive funds for occupational training and skills development in preparation for the position they have been hired for in the organization. The grant pays between 50 and 90 percent of the employee’s wages, depending on the company’s size, for a period of up to six months. Employers also receive funds to pay for classroom-based training for groups of employees with specific needs, such as industry certifications and customer service and management

training, at up to 50 percent of the cost of training. “This is a public works program that works,” said Eric Saidel, director of human resources at ENT and Allergy Associates, a growing regional medical practice with offices in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. “The incentives help employers tap into a pool of enthusiastic candidates with less financial risk.” ENT and Allergy has hired 15 Jobs Waiting graduates and expects to receive nearly $50,000 in on-the-job reimbursements. The company also has taken advantage of the OJT component to train new hires in proprietary software, customer service training, corporate structure and systems, and industry-specific skills. “This program takes less effort than traditional recruitment methods,” said Saidel. “Anytime we bring in a new employee, there are costs. Jobs Waiting helps us quickly find candidates who are very interested in working, and the on-the-job training helps them get up to speed faster, and with less financial risk. Employees see the training component and know what is expected of them, as well. It helps build confidence on both sides.” Once an employer registers with Jobs Waiting, the organization is eligible to apply for the incentives, and receive the myriad services the program provides, including the opportunity to post job openings on JobsWaiting. com and ongoing support from the program’s job developers. Major health care organizations across the Hudson Valley have hired Jobs Waiting graduates, including WESTMED Medical Group, Montefiore Health System, VNS Westchester and Crystal Run Healthcare. Several are now taking advantage of the training incentives, including ENT and Allergy, Cabrini of Westchester, and Northern Westchester Hospital.

Republicans on

follow the recommendations of New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. If passed into law, Westchester will have the strongest law regulating gun shows in the state. Required procedures will include: 1.) All guns brought into the gun show by private sellers are tagged so that, upon exiting, the operator can determine if guns were sold and that a proper background check was performed. 2.) Conspicuous signs are posted throughout the shows that give written notice to all dealers and lay out in online promotional materials that makes clear that New York State law requires that a national instant criminal background check must be completed prior to all firearm sales or transfers, and it’s a crime not to do so. 3.) Inform all gun show staff of the requirements of posting signs and conducting background checks and provide access to a dealer who is authorized to conduct a background check at cost. 4.) Limit the number of access doors at the show so that sellers and buyers have to enter and exit through an area where the background check procedures can be monitored. 5.) Use reasonable means, including police patrols, to prevent illegal gun sales outside the building, including the parking lot, and have law enforcement at gun show to watch for illegal sales. “I would expect quick passage of this legislation since it was developed after research and due diligence by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in working with the companies that run gun shows around New York,” said Vice Chairman Jim Maisano. “We believe that mandating the toughest regulations possible to ensure that gun shows follow all existing laws and that the safest procedures possible are followed is the right solution to deal with future gun shows at the Westchester County Center.” Minority Leader John Testa added: “The collaboration between show organizers and the attorney general has enabled gun shows to be successfully held across NYS. We can take an important step in Westchester that will preserve the constitutional protections of citizens while assuring the public that a proven successful procedure for the event is in place. The GOP feels this is the best solution at this time.” “I fully support passing a law that sets forth clear guidelines to ensure that weapons sold at gun shows don’t find their way into the hands of felons, terrorists, the dangerously mentally ill and others that could not pass a background check,” said Minority Whip Gordon Burrows. “I believe our law is a win for both public safety and constitutional rights.”

Continued from Page 1 shows back to the county center. “I don’t believe gun shows should be held in government buildings,” said Feiner, a Democrat. “The county should not encourage people to purchase guns. If people want to buy guns they should purchase guns elsewhere, at private locations.” “I first introduced the County Gun Show Ban in 2010, when I heard of the actions taken by the county executive,” said Legislator Ken Jenkins. “Since that time, I have fought to have a fair hearing for this bill that aims to ensure the Westchester County Center is used for purposes that promote the positive ideals that make up one of our county’s most treasured assets. I am asking that Board of Legislators immediately hold a vote on the proposed gun show ban legislation. We need to discuss how we as a county feel about using our facilities on purposes so closely associated with horrific violence.” “To host this sale of firearms and knives on county property sends the wrong message to those we have been elected to serve,” added Legislator Ben Boykin, chairman of the Committee on Public Safety and Social Services. “The County Center is the home of an exciting local basketball team, many of our children have graduated in that building, each weekend it is filled with residents excited to learn about whatever new exhibit is in town. To use this family-friendly property to sell weapons is not in the best interests of Westchester County residents.” Legislator Catherine Parker, who recently held meetings with residents concerned about the opening of a gun store in Harrison, added: “This is a growing trend in Westchester County and we on the Board of Legislators need to send a clear message that enough is enough. Everyone has seen too many stories of gun violence in communities all over the country. We should be doing everything we can to keep these weapons out of our county, not inviting them in.” “In our current climate, with reported threats of violence at more than one Westchester school in recent weeks, it sends a terrible message for the county to sanction a gun show on its property,” commented Legislator MaryJane Shimsky. “The county should not put the community at risk, and potentially create liability for our taxpayers. It’s time for the county to re-instate the gun show ban on its own property.” Republicans on the County Board have proposed that any gun show at the county center or anywhere in Westchester be required to

projected in an attempt to cover his reckless budget practices. “With the inclusion of fictional airport revenue, large sales tax projections, borrowing for operating expenses and use of fund balance, the 2017 budget sets up Westchester County for a fiscally devastating downgrade,” warned Jenkins. “This is the year the chickens have come home to roost. Seven years of reckless budgeting and attempting to cover expenses with irresponsible cuts, excessive borrowing and drawing from fund balance will result in a significant hit to the fiscal health of the place we call home.” When asked by Westchester Rising if he agrees with the conclusion of a majority of county legislators who voted for the 2017 budget based on the OK of the county’s auditors regarding borrowing from the reserve and waiting for the county airport deal to be finalized, Jenkins said: “The auditors never gave an OK. At the end of the budget year, when the county does its financial report, fund balance resolves any deficit or surplus. In the case of a deficit that would reduce the fund balance and in the case of a surplus that would increase the fund balance. “If the revenue from the Austin Avenue legal settlement was not consistent with the county’s revenue recognition, how could the inclusion of revenue from the air-

Local Newspaper Continued from Page 1

and after one shopper asked Clinton a question, the former president was ready for more discussion. And it continued for 30 minutes. The discussion quickly came to the election of 2016 and the loss his wife, Hillary, experienced in her bid for the presidency. In the bookstore was Ed Baum, editor of the local newspaper The Record-Review, which is a small weekly paper serving Bedford and Pound Ridge, and is in a family of local newspapers including The Scarsdale Inquirer and The Rivertowns Enterprise. Baum was with his wife picking up some gifts and just happened to be in the room where the discussion took place. His editorial, which can be found at www. record-review.com, drew national coverage and attention, because for the next 30 minutes, Clinton held court and was eager to talk, vent and, as always, give his version of current events – especially the election of 2016. And a local Westchester newspaper was there to cover it all. Clinton said, among other things, that President-elect Donald Trump “doesn’t know much” but that “one thing he does know is how to get angry, white men to vote for him,” and “James Comey cost (Hillary) the election.” He argued that “we were seven points up” in polls and on track to win, before FBI director Comey, who happens to be from Yonkers, intervened. The former president clarified that Trump, in his opinion, did not receive a landslide victory with 307 electoral votes. “Landslide? I got something like 370 electoral votes. That was a landslide,” said Clinton, who added that the phone conversation after the election between he and Trump was initiated by Trump, adding that Trump was so friendly on the phone that it

Neighbors & Police Continued from Page 1

and activities to open communication. For example, one session involved role playing where the children played police officers pulling over a car with an immigrant family in it, played by the police officers. Across the country, youth and police tensions have increased, particularly in communities of color. Over the past decade, YPI has delivered a similar training to 25 communities across the country. The YPI program is typically delivered only with youth and police. Creating the YPI parent program fits in well with the Neighbors Link mission to engage parents and children together. It also builds on the cultural awareness training Neighbors Link previously delivered to 30 Mount Kisco police and 400 county police officers, who received the training through the Department of Public Safety of the Westchester County Police Department. There were nine families who participated in the pilot program, with children age 11 to 15. The purpose of the pilot program was to try out its effectiveness and start a track record to explore funding opportunities, and the eventual goal is to hold these programs across Westchester County and beyond in communities with

was “like it was 15 years ago,” when the Trumps and Clintons were close. All of Clinton’s comments at the Village Book Store were penned into an editorial by Baum for The Record-Review, and then picked up by Fox News, CNN, The Washington Post, Politico and other media outlets. Shortly after Baum’s story spread across the country, Trump responded and a short twitter war between the former president and president-elect ensued. “Clinton stated that I called him after the election. Wrong,” tweeted Trump. “Clinton doesn’t know much’... especially how to get people, even with an unlimited budget, out to vote in the vital swing states. They focused on wrong states.” “Here’s one thing @realDonaldTrump and I can agree on — I called him after the election,” Clinton tweeted. Without a local newspaper, or a local reporter/editor, Clinton’s tale might not have been told. And without a local book store, his appetite for reading and books might not have been filled. The Clintons have been familiar with The Village Book Store in Pleasantville for at least five years. In 2011, Bill and Hillary walked into the quaint and inviting book house owned by Roy Solomon and Yvonne van Cort. They had been looking for a new book store after Second Story Book Shop in Chappaqua closed. A friendship based on books and reading ensued, and Bill’s latest book “Back to Work” sold 500 copies at a book-signing at the Chappaqua Library, hosted by The Village Book Store. Bill was also known to frequent Borders Book store in Mt. Kisco, which has also closed. His impromptu news conference provides us the opportunity to tell you to buy local, support your small businesses, and read your local community newspaper. You never know who you might meet or what you might read about.

large immigrant populations. Some of the program goals are to promote mutual respect between police and parents by encouraging them all to share their personal stories and pre-conceived notions about the other, to identity similarities between parents and police participants, and to create a safe learning and trust worthy environment where participants can take risks in expressing their feelings and ideas. Oftentimes it is during a crisis when police interact with the community and tensions are high, which can lead to misunderstanding or miscommunication which can lead to further mistrust. “The county executive is pleased to see our public safety officers work in collaboration with Neighbors Link and NAFI,” said Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett, who attended the graduation. “It is important to establish the trust necessary so that law enforcement and community members can work together.” Also attending the graduation was Joseph Yasainski, deputy commissioner of public safety; Susan Ostrofsky, principal of Fox Lane Middle School; Kevin McGuire, commissioner of the Department of Social Services; and Paul Stasaitis, captain of public safety. For more information about Neighbors Link and the YPI Parent initiative, contact Laura Newman at 914-666-3410 or [email protected], or visit www.neighborslink.org.

Send photos of your recent event, fundraiser or celebration to us at [email protected]

FRIdAy, JANUARy 6, 2017 - RyE RISING - PAGE 9

‘Real Men Wear Pink’ Raises $64K for ACS

Siciliano is Top-Fundraiser; Campbell Earns Leadership Award

The 2016 candidates of the first “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign in Westchester in support of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

In its inaugural year, the Real Men Wear Pink campaign of Westchester and Rockland raised $64,957 to support the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Westchester and Rockland counties. From late summer through the month of October, 25 prominent area men participated in the movement, raising funds and encouraging community members to take action to fight and end breast cancer and create a world free from the pain and suffering caused by the disease. Nick Siciliano of Bedford Hills was the campaign’s top fundraiser, gathering $13,073 to date to support the society and those impacted by breast cancer. He was honored at the Real Men Wear Pink Wrap-Up Party on Nov. 15 at Gaucho Grill in White Plains. “We are grateful to Nick and all our Real Men Wear Pink participants for lending their voices to our cause,” said Lillian Jones for the American Cancer Society. “Not only did they wear pink throughout the month of October, but

they raised awareness about breast cancer issues and made a huge commitment to raise funds to help save more lives. Those donations allow the society to be there for everyone touched by breast cancer, from research to education, prevention to diagnosis, and treatment to recovery. Every action we take moves us one step closer to a world free from the pain and suffering caused by breast cancer.” In addition to Siciliano, the 2016 Real Men Wear Pink candidates in Westchester and Rockland included: Dr. Gino Bottino, medical oncologist at Northern Westchester Hospital Cancer Center; Mt. Kisco Village Manager Ed Brancati; Jason Campbell of ENT and Allergy Associates in Briarcliff Manor; Alvin Clayton, owner of Alvin and Friends Restaurant and an artist in New Rochelle; Tim Cluess, Iona men’s varsity basketball coach; Andrew Dieckman, general manager of Executive Printing and Direct Mail in Elmsford;

Also, Perry DiNapoli of The Briarcliff Manor; Barry Fein of Scarsdale; John Flynn of Ossining, president of the Yonkers Uniformed Fire Officers Association; Dr. Jonathan Goldberg of CareMount Medical in Mt. Kisco; New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein; Paul Hood, president of Elmsford, Westchester/Rockland Guardians Association; Westchester County Legislator Ken Jenkins; Brian Kortovich, CEO of Aces in Action; Leonard Lombardi, president of The Ava Company in Hicksville; Bob Marrone, WVOX radio personality and president of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce; Also, Matthew McCrosson, partner at O’Connor Davies in Harrison; Wilfredo Morel of Hudson River Health Care in Peekskill; Dr. Michael Palumbo, medical director at White Plains Hospital; Nick Siciliano of Nationwide Maintenance of Bedford Hills; Jim Taylor, general manager of Boatworks in Cortlandt Manor and active with the Peekskill Youth Bureau; Mount Vernon Mayor Rich Thomas; the Rev. Erwin Trollinger,

senior pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in White Plains; Nick Wolff of BHG Rand Realty in White Plains; and Dr. Daren Wu, medical director at Open Door Family Medical Center. A complete list of the Real Men Wear Pink candidates and a link to the fundraising page can be found at www.makingstrideswalk.org/realmenWestchesterNY. Donations to the American Cancer Society through Real Men Wear Pink is available online through Dec. 31. Log on to make a contribution, or call 800-227-2345. “According to the American Cancer Society Cancer, an estimated 246,660 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,450 will die from the disease this year,” said Patti Lestrange Mack, communications manager for ACS. “In New York, 16,360 women will be diagnosed this year and 2,410 will die from the disease. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer.”

Chabad-Yonkers & Home Depot Lutheran Women’s Mission League Donates to Refugees Celebrate Chanukah

Members of The Village Lutheran Church and Lutheran Women’s Mission League. Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz, left, with Judah Macabbe, a dreidel, and Home Depot Store Manager Scott Seaman.

Chabad of Yonkers recently held its fourthannual Menorah-building workshop at the local

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Home Depot in Yonkers, in preparation for the Holiday of Chanukah. There, two local members of the Yonkers community volunteered to dress up as Judah Macabbe and a dreidel. Store Manager Scott Seaman and his staff went out of their way to make this an enjoyable event! The Home Depot sponsored the program and provided kosher drinks, and Chabad of Yonkers supplied donuts. Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz called it an incredible success.

The Village Lutheran Church and Lutheran Women’s Mission League recently collected almost $800 for “We Care Tubs,” which are tubs that come packed with items that residents in Baton Rouge might need as they clean up following recent flooding. The women of LWML decided to “Share the Love of God in a practical way.” “There are thousands of families that need help after the Baton Rouge flooding and the need is growing with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in the South East,” stated one member. The tubs are a cost-effective and easy way to as-

semble all the kitchen goods that a family needs when returning to their home. The goal was to sponsor two complete tubs, and the group not only met – but exceeded that goal. “Thank you for your outreach efforts, VLC,” stated the Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell, senior pastor at Village Lutheran Church. “Great job of sharing the love of Christ.” Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School are located at 172 White Plains Road, Bronxville. For more information, call 914337-3202 or visit www.vlc-ny.org or www. thechapelschool.org.

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PAGE 10 - RYE RISING - Friday, January 6, 2017

Pace Students Learn Legislative Lessons

Byrne Sworn in as Assemblyman in 94th Dist.

Assemblyman-elect Kevin Byrne with wife, Briana.

Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (left) and Pace Environmental Policy Clinic students with instructors John Cronin (right) and Michelle Land (far right).

Students at Pace University learned that writing legislation isn’t only about good intentions. Students in Pace University’s Environmental Policy Clinic received some feedback from Assemblyman Tom Abinanti recently when they lobbied the Westchester-based state legislator to support bills each created as part of their final exam for the fall semester. The clinic, unique to Pace, is part of the university’s Environmental Science and Studies Department. John Cronin, senior fellow at the Dyson College Institute for Sustainability and the Environment at Pace, explained that, as part of the coursework, each students must identify an environmental problem, research and write a bill to solve it. This semester’s proposed bills ranged from stronger control of pesticides to increased penalties for animal abuse. “The clinic is essential training for prospective environmental policy experts and lobbyists,” said Cronin, who teaches the course with Michelle Land, director of Pace University’s Academy for Applied Environmental Studies. “Assemblyman Abinanti challenged our students with the type of tough

questions they would encounter when lobbying real legislation, such as why should taxpayers pay for one student’s bill, to why aren’t the penalties stronger on another bill. He put them through their paces.” Abinanti said he was impressed with the students’ presentations and that he is going to review their bills to see if there are ideas that could be used by lawmakers. Last semester, the students wrote and lobbied the Elephant Protection Act, which passed unanimously in the New York State Senate. “Democracy is dependent on educated citizens,” said Abinanti. “These Pace students are well informed and well educated and will be leaders in enhancing our democracy.” Cronin said the Environmental Policy Clinic provides students with a hands-on education in environmental public policy, as well as analytical, advocacy and communication skills. “Providing this type of a real-world experience is unusual in an undergraduate program,” he said. “Dyson College is committed to providing these opportunities. One of the best outcomes is that when it’s over, students say, ‘I can do that.’” For more information, visit www.pace. edu.

Joined by family, friends, supporters and elected officials, Assemblyman Kevin Byrne took the oath of office in the 94th District, representing Yorktown and Somers, as well as parts of Putnam County, on Dec. 30 at the Putnam County Courthouse. Byrne received more than 60 percent of the vote in both the Republican primary and general election last year, and is one of two new state lawmakers representing Westchester. “I am looking forward to heading to Albany in a few days to begin working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help enact policies that will make our communities stronger and more affordable for our young people, our senior citizens, and for all those living in the 94th District,” said Byrne. Byrne was sworn in by former Assemblyman Willis Stephens Jr. of Southeast, who represented this same district for six terms. “I am

very pleased that the voters of this district have chosen to send someone to the Assembly that will bring youthful exuberance back to the Assembly district I once served,” said Stephens. “Kevin has come to this position with all the right intentions, he has no agenda, and is the epitome of a true public servant.” Byrne will sit on the aging, health, labor, banks and governmental operations committees. He took the state oath of office in Albany on Jan. 3. Byrne has served as a regional director for the American Heart Association and as an assistant scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. A graduate of Carmel High School, he lives in Mahopac with his wife, Briana. The only other state legislator from Westchester who was newly elected in November is Jamal Bailey, and we will highlight his swearing in next week.

‘Santa’s Year Off ’ A Success at Concordia

Edna Elf (Katie Suss), Percy (Peter Keller), and a gaggle of penguins put a “kink” in the Christmas preparation.

Concordia Conservatory recently presented its 17th annual holiday community musical “Santa’s Year Off” by Conservatory alumnus Chris Landy, with five shows that sold 1,100 tickets. The book, music and lyrics of “Santa’s Year Off” were written by Landy, currently a double major in composition and film at Northwestern University.

This was the first holiday community musical created and composed by a Conservatory graduate. The cast of 70, which ranged in age from 8 to 18, hailed from Westchester County and Fairfield County (Connecticut). The show was produced by Marcy Damasco, Kim Smith, Michele Simonte, Sharon Shearon and Eleanor Evangelista.

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