YoNkERs RisiNG - FRidAY, APRil 11, 2014

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Vol 109 Number 15

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‘The Blacklist’ Continues Filming Boom in Yonkers

Friday, April 11, 2014

Mayor Spano Looks to the Future in ‘State of the City’ “When the people of Yonkers stand together, we cannot be beat…Never stop believing that Yonkers’ best days are yet to come.” Mayor Mike Spano

James Spader, star of the hit television show “The Blacklist,” has been on location filming in Yonkers.

By Dan Murphy Television and movie production crews and location scouts are picking Yonkers to film their features other productions in record numbers, including recent filming at several Yonkers locales for the hit NBC show “The Blacklist.” Starring James Spader, “The Blacklist” has shot episodes in the lobby of Yonkers City Hall, the old courtroom in City Hall, along the Saw Mill

River at Van der Donck Park, and at properties next to the Yonkers Rising office on Warburton Avenue. An old print shop office, owned by Rising Development Yonkers LLC, the parent company of Yonkers Rising, was used to shoot an episode of “The Blacklist,” which will air soon. The cast and crew also spent time in our Yonkers Rising office during filming. Continued on Page 10

YPD Gets New Crime Dog, Thanks to Exchange Club

By Dan Murphy Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano delivered his third State of the City address Wednesday to a packed audience at the Riverfront Library, focusing on the positive, as well as unifying trends in the city and the success Yonkers has achieved during his first three years in office. Spano also addressed the financial errors at the Board of Education, and the remedies tak-

en in the state budget to fix the errors. Major portions of the mayor’s address include: “Our new sense of unity starts with city government. We’ve moved beyond the political gridlock that was an obstacle in the past and replaced it with bipartisanship and compromise that is the key to a better future. Continued on Page 8

Stew Leonard’s Supports PAL

Exchange Club President Ann Muro and Frank Spotorno with a check for $2,200 from Spotorno that was raised by the club for a new Yonkers Police Department K-9 dog.

It all started with a question. Yonkers Police Benevolent Association President Keith Olson asked Yonkers’ National Exchange Club President Ann Muro if the club would buy a dog for the police K-9 Unit, as it had done 15 years ago. At that time, the club purchased the dog for $2,000 and named him Ex. He was assigned to work with officer Robert Tauber. Word had it that one of Ex’s first assignments was cornering a burglar in a home in northeast Yonkers. Needless to say, Ex made the Exchange Club very proud. Muro learned that the dogs now cost $7,200.

“Wow, talk about inflation…” she joked. While Olson said he understood if the Exchange Club could not afford the dog, Muro told him the club would come through for the department. “We’ll do it; I’ll think of something,” she said. This conversation took place in February, a few days before the club’s annual Crime Prevention Dinner honoring the Yonkers Police Department Training Unit, and Olson said he would have to definitely know if the club could swing it by the end of that month. It was on Thursday, Feb. 20 that the dinner Continued on Page 10

Yonkers Native’s ‘Urbanlights’ On Display at Blue Door Gallery

Children at the Yonkers Police Athletic League recently received a donation from Stew Leonard’s, a longtime supporter of the Sgt. Mike D’Ambrosio PAL Poster Contest. Pictured are Store Manager Larry Zimmerman, center, with PAL members, from left, Michael Petrellese, 2013 Poster Contest winner PJ Dorian, Tara Doran, 2013 Poster Contest winner Molly Doran, Maggie Doran and Brenden Doran. This year’s contest is underway and the 2014 winners will be announced May 5 at City Hall. Photo by Ed Whitman.

Yonkers Charter School to Hold ‘Bits & Bytes’ Fundraiser

Charter School students hope to get laptop computers to study on. Photo by Donna Davis.

Yonkers artist Satish Joshi with one of his “Urbanlights” paintings. Photo by Michelle Jacobs.

Textured surfaces and the interpretation of light and color have been the dominant artistic themes of artist Satish Joshi’s painting and printmaking on canvas, shaped wood panels and paper since the early 1970s, and his 2013-14 “Urbanlights” series will be exhibited April 24 to May 23 at the Blue Door Gallery in Yonkers

Always interested in the interplay and reflection of light, he began working with textured two-dimensional surfaces on his canvases, and later his metal sculptures, as a way of exploring light, color and form. “The human cosmos is infused with our Continued on Page 6

By Dan Murphy The Charter School of Educational Excellence invites the Yonkers community to its “Bits & Bytes” technology fundraiser April 21 at 42 Restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in White Plains. “Our long-term goal is to be able to provide each and every student with a laptop, complete with up-to-date software and educational tools,” explained CSEE Trustee and founder

Sobeida Cruz. “Achieving this goal will require professional development, curriculum adjustment and additional staff. Your support will go a long way in changing the lives of our students and enabling them to succeed.” Chef and owner Anthony Goncalves of 42 Restaurant, a Yonkers native, is lending his support to CSEE’s efforts. “I know how important it is to provide Continued on Page 9

PAGE 2 - Yonkers Rising - Friday, April 11, 2014

Yonkers On the Move’s ‘Walk 20’ Contest Steps Off

Pirates & Video Gaming At Hudson River Museum

Cutting the ribbon for Yonkers on the Move’s Walk 20 challenge at City Hall.

The Yonkers on the Move walking season kicked off April 7 with its first walk challenge of the year, from City Hall through downtown to the Yonkers Riverfront Library and back. “Spring is finally here and what better way to promote healthier living and exercise than to get outside, enjoy the weather and walk with your fellow residents and friends?” said Mayor Mike Spano. “I applaud our community leaders for initiating a campaign that encourages wellness among our residents, one step at a time.” Yonkers on the Move is a citywide walking campaign promoting an active lifestyle for residents. Last week’s celebration also served as a kickoff to the Yonkers Walk 20 Challenge, in which participants are encouraged to walk

20 miles by the end of May. Participants of the Walk Challenge will receive a free YOM Mile Card to log their miles, and those who record 20 miles between now and May 31 will receive special recognition and be eligible for a drawing of prizes. The citywide goal for the Yonkers on the Move 2014 walk season is 2,000 miles. The Yonkers on the Move Walk Challenge is sponsored by 55Plus Yonkers Connections, Saint Joseph’s Medical Center, Helen Andrus Benedict Foundation, United Way, Communities for All Ages, and the City of Yonkers. For details on how to participate in the Yonkers Walk Challenge, visit www.walkyom. org.

Emma and Robbie Donaldson make pirate-themed arts projects at the “School’s Out, Stars Are In” program at the Hudson River Museum, which returns Friday, April 18. Photo by Katie Henry.

Students on school break have fun activities and opportunities to discover waiting for them at the Hudson River Museum. This month, it’s Pirate Day at the museum, and all activities are pirate themed. “School’s Out, Stars Are In” will take place Friday, April 18 from 1 to 4 p.m., when students can join museum educators and junior docents for demonstrations in the Riverama Gallery and creative activities. Star shows are at 12:30 and 2 p.m., and children can play video games in the Planetarium – projected on to the dome – at 3:30 p.m. Students must be accompanied by a caregiver. To celebrate The Art of Video Games exhibition, the Hudson River Museum is launching Friday evening discussions, dance parties, contests and games – extending its Fridays closing hours from 5 to 8:30 p.m., or 10 p.m. depending on programming, through May 16. On May 2 from at 7 p.m. will be a video game discussion featuring video curator Frank Lantz, director of NYU Games Center and a game developer for more than 20 years. A dance party will follow from 8 to 10 p.m. for ages 18 and older, hosted by Chiptune enthusiast DJ

Cutman, whose record label, GameChops, is the first of its kind to license dance music remixes from major video game publishers like Nintendo and Sega. Friday Night Live will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 11, 18 and 25, and May 9 and 16, featuring planetarium shows and video gaming. April 11 will feature comic book artists and contests, with signings and demonstrations by Emilio Velez Jr., Michael Grassia, and “Virtual Ascendance” author Devin Griffiths. David Depasquale will host a “Super Smash Brothers” and other combat-based gaming contests. April 18 will feature a demonstration of “Microsoft XBOX One” at 7 p.m. All programs are free with museum admission, which is $6 for adults, $3 for youth ages 3 to 18, $4 for seniors age 62-plus or students with proper identification. Admission to the planetarium is $4 for adults, $2 for youth ages 3 to 18, and $3 for seniors and students. The Hudson River Museum is located at 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. For more information, visit www.hrm.org or call 914-9634550.

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Friday, April 11, 2014 - Yonkers Rising - PAGE 3

This, Too, is Yonkers And Our World

Spring is Here: Science Barge to Open April 12

By Eric W. Schoen curred here so that it doesn’t “I love you, you love happen again. If I were City me. We’re a happy family!” Council President Liam Why not open this week with McLaughlin, I would wait a line from Barney? for the report from the YonNothing I love more kers inspector general, the than hearing from readers of U.S. attorney for the souththis column – whether it is ern district, or other agencies via email, on Facebook, at investigating this mess. Starbucks or at the library, Many readers comyour comments on my musmented about “mayoral ings “make my day.” control” of Yonkers Public Last week’s article on Schools, which was not part Target brought out strong of the state budget approved emotions pro and con. A last week. Most agreed with reader disagreed with my me that the mayor does conEric W. Schoen hypothesis that a company trol the Yonkers schools like Target will never set up shop in Getty Square through his appointments. Three years into the because it is surrounded by low-income hous- term of a Yonkers mayor, he or she has appointed ing. He pointed to various projects going up in a majority of the trustees of the Board of Educaand around the Riverdale section of the Bronx to tion; one would hope the mayor would appoint show that retail could work in “the square.” trustees in line with his or her philosophy. Another reader said retailers like Target beSadly, because of the accounting errors, it long in the shopping district along Central Av- is not only the mayor who will control Yonkers enue. Public Schools, but also the State Education DeBottom line is that continuing to open holes partment. Let’s hope adding this cook will be the in the ground (daylighting) in and around Getty recipe for success! Square might look nice, but they don’t generate Keep the letters coming! When I am wrong I tax dollars. Opening day at Yankee Stadium took will be the first to admit it. And when I am right, place Monday….I am still waiting for opening I will bask in the sunshine we all need after the day at the stadium at Chicken Island. terrible winter we went through! I would love to see a Target on Central AvHot topics: enue in Yonkers, but I don’t see a large enough The folks attending the last performance at plot of vacant land to accommodate Target. Folks Roseland featuring Lady Gaga probably didn’t were against the Target when it was proposed realize the rich history of the institution. Roseland for Tuckahoe Road years ago. While Yonkers is a multipurpose hall in a converted ice skating fiddles, the pockets of neighboring communities rink with a glorious history as a dance hall. For are burning up with tax revenue that belongs in many years, tuxedoed gentlemen danced with Yonkers’ coffers. ball gown-attired hostesses, and women paid per Speaking of tax revenue, I hate to say “I told dance to glide on Roseland’s famed dance floor. you so” but as several readers pointed out, the reExactly 7,100 defects have been found on port issued by Moody’s last week just confirmed Metro-North train tracks over the last decade! what I have been saying for weeks. Moody’s said The number boggles the mind. And if it wasn’t the state’s bailout of the Yonkers school system for some major accidents including the loss of is “credit positive,” but both the state and city’s life, we probably would have never known this. school budget overseers share blame for an ac- Let’s hope the new management team at Metrocounting error that led to a major budget gap. North focuses on safety versus on time perforThe Yonkers city and school budgets are the mance. most reviewed budgets in Westchester – if not the The closest thing to Johnny Carson is Dastate. Maybe the problem is too many cooks in vid Letterman. Even Letterman cannot make me the kitchen? And no one is taking the blame for laugh like Carson could. Like many of you, I have what happened! never found a replacement for Carson’s over-theThe people of Yonkers deserve to know top humor. But we wish David Letterman all the what happened to cause a $55 million gap in this best after three decades of making America laugh year and last year’s school budget. The majority before they went to sleep. of the City Council has expressed concern about The discussion all over the press regarding bonding the gaps in the budget. Before any bond- heroin frankly boggles my simple mind. I guess ing takes place, taxpayers need to know what ocContinued on Page 7

The Science Barge will again begin growing up fresh produce April 12.

Cross the gangplank and shake those winter doldrums at the grand season opening of the Science Barge on Saturday, April 12. This sustainable urban farm and environmental education center is celebrating its sixth year on the waterfront in downtown Yonkers with an afternoon of revelry.

Festivities starting at noon include a “super-high kite-flying” with kite-expert and nationally-recognized boomeranger, Flyin’ Brian Cavallaro, live music from the Nepperhan Community Center Drum Corps and hunting for glass eels. Also, there will be artsy crafts, Continued on Page 5

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month By Ann Muro Spring is a beautiful time of year…a time in which we all look forward to the warmer days ahead and the beauty of the budding trees and colorful gardens. We see our children playing outdoors, enjoying all those activities that bring on smiles and laughter. But not all children are that fortunate. You see, they are the victims of child abuse, a most serious and growing problem in our country. Each year, an estimated 3.2 million children are reported as being abused or neglected, with several thousands dying as a result – and many, many cases go unreported. Child abuse is a tragedy that comes in a variety of forms, such as physical, sexual, emotional and neglect. Each time we turn on the television or read the newspaper, we learn of one horrific incident after another.

Child abuse prevention is the national project of the Exchange Clubs of America, a 90-yearold community service organization with almost 1,000 clubs and more than 29,000 members throughout the United States. As the president of the Exchange Club of Yonkers, I am proud of all that Exchange has done to help families break the cycle of child abuse. To date, our National Exchange Club Foundation has helped more than 225,000 children and 175,000 families break the cycle of abuse. The foundation coordinates a nationwide network of more than 100 Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Centers throughout the U.S. (the Westchester Child Abuse Prevention Center is located in White Plains). Through the use of parent aides, we work directly with families in Continued on Page 7

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PAGE 4 - Yonkers rising - Friday, April 11, 2014

Mayor’s Satellite Office Continues on April 11 Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano’s Satellite Tax Office was held Wednesday, April 9 at Grinton I. Will Library, 1500 Central Park Ave.; and Thursday, April 10 at Coyne Park Community Center, 777 McLean Ave.; and will continue Friday, April 11 at Homefield House, 911 Saw Mill River Road, to assist residents in paying their county taxes. The mayor’s Office of Constituent Services and the city’s Tax Department will be available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. to meet with Yonkers residents and accept county tax payments, which are due April 14. Spano held his first satellite office last year at the Coyne Park Senior Center, then expanded it to three locations and three days in October and December 2013. He said hundreds of Yonkers residents have attended and paid their taxes at the satellite office. “Our satellite office has been a huge suc-

cess because it brings City Hall to you,” said Spano. “For many residents, especially seniors, it can be difficult to visit City Hall during the day. I encourage Yonkers residents to take advantage of the services our satellite office provides.” In addition to accepting tax payments, the Office of Constituent Services will be on hand to serve as a one-stop shop for residents and offer assistance with a wide range of issues. The office works one-on-one with residents and serves as a link between the public and government agencies at the city, state and federal levels. For more information, call the Office of Constituent Services at 914-377-6010 during regular business hours. Residents can also call the mayor’s Help Line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 914-377-HELP (4357) for assistance.

Sen. Stewart-Cousins Holds Mobile Constituent Service Hours The Office of State Sen. to help. I have an outstanding Andrea Stewart-Cousins will constituent services staff that host “Mobile Constituent has had great success over the Service Hours” in locations years in solving hundreds of throughout her district starting constituent cases. While we this week. During these times, may not be able to solve every the senator’s staff will be availproblem, we are usually able to able to take questions, address at least direct people to a reliconcerns or intervene on behalf able community resource.” of constituents on a variety of Mobile constituent serissues. vices hours include: These include topics sur* Thursday, April 24 from rounding housing, health insur4 to 7 p.m. at White Plains ance, the Department of Motor Public Library, 100 Martine State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins Vehicles, Medicare and MedAve. icaid, EPIC, the Department of Social Services, * Wednesday, May 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at unemployment benefits, Workers Compensation, Chema Community Center, 435 Riverdale Ave. mortgage foreclosure/modifications, consumer Yonkers. protection, business licensing, youth programs * Thursday, May 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Midand more. Westchester JCC, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale. “Constituent service is one of the most imConstituent services are always provided portant functions of my office,” said Stuart-Cous- by the senator’s staff Monday through Friday, 9 ins. “These mobile constituent service hours are a.m. to 5 p.m. by telephone at 914-423-4031, or part of a proactive effort to reach out to my con- at the District Office, 28 Wells Ave., Building 3, stituents and let them know that my office is here Yonkers.

Discuss ‘Objects & Memory’ At Philipse Manor Hall In collaboration with the New York Council for the Humanities, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site and Friends of Philipse Manor Hall will present “Objects and Memory” by filmmaker Jonathan Fein, on Tuesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. at 29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers This lecture, which is free and open to the general public, is made possible through the Speakers in the Humanities program with the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities. In this lecture, Fein asks: “What are the things in our homes and museums that mean the most to us? How do we preserve the past and speak to the future?” To answer these questions, he focuses on objects and what they reveal about issues of value, memory, contemporary history, museum collecting, and more. Using excerpts from the documentary film “Objects and Memory,” this entertaining, stimulating lecture challenges the audience to think about what is taken for granted and what we hold most dear. Fein is a filmmaker and sculptor interested in the interrelationships of the intangible and the physical. His highly-acclaimed documentary premiered on PBS for the seventh anniversary of Sept. 11. “Objects and Memory” is part of Philipse Manor Hall’s series, “Preserving Our Past.”

Through May, Philipse Manor Hall will host a series of lectures, movies and conversation groups to engage the public in thinking about historic preservation from every angle, including its role in communities, whom it serves, and what it achieves. Since its launch in 1983, the council’s Speakers in the Humanities program has brought distinguished scholars on a wide range of humanities topics to audiences across New York State. Each year, hundreds of non-profit organizations and community groups take advantage of this program, including community centers, religious organizations, museums and historical societies, and libraries. The program is an easy, affordable way for organizations to bring top humanities programming to their community. For more information about this event, call Philipse Manor Hall’s public programs coordinator at 914-965-4027, ext. 102. For more information about the Speakers in the Humanities program, visit www.nyhumanities.org/sih. Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site is regularly open for tours Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April to November, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November to March. For additional information about Philipse Manor Hall, visit www.nysparks. com/historic-sites.

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Police Issue IRS Fraud Alert Residents in the local community have been receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be members of the Internal Revenue Service, during this busy-tax filing season. The plot involves callers claiming to represent the IRS and demanding immediate payments with a pre-paid debit card or wire transfer. According to IRS officials, the perpetrators often know the last four digits of the victims’ Social Security numbers and threaten arrest, deportation and removal of driver’s licenses – something the IRS is not authorized to do. “If someone unexpectedly calls claiming to be from the IRS and uses threatening language if you don’t pay immediately, that is a sign that it really isn’t the IRS calling,” warned one official. The callers tend to use common names and fake IRS badge numbers, in addition to manipulating their caller ID to appear more legitimate.

Some also follow up with false IRS e-mails and phone calls in which they pretend to represent the police or Department of Motor Vehicles officials. The IRS generally contacts taxpayers first by mail or with personal visits by field agents, and the agency does not accept credit card information by phone. There are no known cases in Yonkers of victims who actually made payments, but residents are warned to use caution and forward the details of this scam to friends and family – particularly the elderly who may be even more susceptible to this type of fraud; elderly residents should be advised to speak with a friend or family member before acting on any such calls. Residents can call the Yonkers Police Department’s Detective Division Fraud Unit at 914-377-7732 for more information.

Irish Sportsman to Lead Discussion on Depression Aisling Irish Community Center, in conjunction with New York Gaelic Athletic Association, will host an information session on mental well-being Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at the center. Conor Cusack, well known Cork senior hurler and respected spokesperson on depression and other psychological issues, will travel from Ireland to participate on the panel. Cusack has appeared on Ireland RTE’s “The Late Late Show” and “Prime Time,” as well as several other television and radio programs over the past six months to talk about his battle with depression and mental well-being, in general. Other guest speakers on the panel include Dr. Deborah Roche Counseling and Sport Psychology Services,; Danielle Owen, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor from the Irish International Immigration Center in Boston; and Stephen Naughton, LCSW. The panelists are professionals who deal with sport psychology, bereavement, substance abuse, depression and suicide. The objective of this event is to open the door to a broad and honest conversation about depression, suicide and other issues. Everyone is welcome to attend. It is widely accepted that being an emigrant and living so far away from family and

friends can intensify feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Despite the stigma attached to mental illness being banished slowly but surely, people are still somewhat reluctant to reach out and ask for help or even to talk it out with a close friend or family member. Likewise, family members and friends are sometimes too afraid to approach the subject when in fact they are only showing they care. The panel discussion will be preceded by an opportunity to become a certified Question, Persuade and Refer community gatekeeper, offered for free by QPR suicide prevention trainer Danielle Owen of the Irish International Immigrant Center in Boston. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to learn how to save a life. Prior registration is necessary to receive certification, so e-mail [email protected] if you would like to attend. Founded in 1996, the Aisling Irish Community Center offers a range of classes, programs and services including confidential counseling for a myriad of psychosocial, family and other issues that affect the rational mind. In 2005, the center launched “Mind Yourself,” a successful preventive mental health campaign. For more information, call 914-237-5121 or visit www.aislingcenter.org.

Spring Into Action at Ridge Hill’s Family Fitness Day Ridge Hill will celebrate spring on Saturday, April 26 with an afternoon of fun activities and workshops dedicated to fitness and nutrition. From kids’ yoga, to agility training, to cheerleading, gymnastics and kayaking demonstrations, Family Fitness Day promises to enlighten and invigorate one and all. Local leader in high-level sports training and competition, House of Sports will conduct agility training sessions at Ridge Hill, and introduce its new “Athletic Republic” training systems, designed to create a broad-based athleticism beyond the specifics of any one sport. Westchester Gymnastics will also be on-hand to demonstrate cheerleading and gymnastics programs. In addition, there will be a wide variety of programs, including kids’ yoga instruction sponsored by Satva Organic Clothing, complimentary fitness assessments by LA Fitness, kayaking presentations by L.L. Bean, stationary bike demonstrations by REI, fitness training by Dick’s Sporting Goods, fly fishing lessons by Orvis, sports massages from Oasis Day Spa, and waterproof make-up demonstrations by Sephora. Whole Foods Market in Yonkers will provide fresh popcorn and refreshments, Frannie’s Goodie Shop and Smoothie King will offer samples of frozen yogurt, and a WESTMED nutritionist will offer healthy living tips. Music and giveaways will be provided by the WHUD radio station. “Ridge Hill is a destination for engaging in a wide range of family experiences from shopping and entertainment to dining,” said Kathryn Welch, executive vice president and director

of retail development for the Forest City Ratner Corporation, owner and developer of Ridge Hill. “We are an outdoor center, so promoting physical activity comes naturally to us – and we’re all ready for spring. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast interested in demonstrations from L.L. Bean, REI or Dick’s Sporting Goods, or need waterproof make-up tips from Sephora, or want to introduce your children to yoga, cheerleading, agility training or gymnastics, Family Fitness Day offers something for the entire family.” Local elected officials are touting the day as beneficial to families in the region. “Ridge Hill’s Family Fitness Day is a great way to usher in the new spring season in Yonkers,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “I applaud our friends at Ridge Hill for coordinating the day of events, which will engage visitors in a variety of fun and educational activities while getting our families moving and living healthier lifestyles.” Yonkers City Council President Liam McLaughlin added: “Eating right and exercising helps people young and old prevent issues from childhood obesity to diabetes. Family Fitness Day at Westchester’s Ridge Hill will showcase how an active, healthy lifestyle can be a year-round activity – and bring families together.” All activities will be conducted in a series of workshops in tents in Town Square between Brio Tuscan Grille and The Cheesecake Factory on Second Street. Short, ongoing sessions will run from noon to 3 pm. For more information about Family Fitness Day and Westchester’s Ridge Hill, visit www. westchestersridgehill.com.

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Friday, April 11, 2014 - Yonkers Rising- PAGE 5

Sheep-to-Shawl Fest features Additions to Spring Classic

A youngster visits the sheep at Philipsburg Manor. Photo by Brian Haeffele.

From fiber to fashion, Philipsburg Manor’s Sheep-to-Shawl festival celebrates all things wooly sheep, Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This classic spring event features several new elements this year, including “Wearable Wealth: The Value of Cloth and Clothing in the 18th Century.” Through activities and hands-on displays in the site’s manor house, this interactive exhibit will help visitors understand just how precious fabric goods were for colonial Americans. In fact, colonists were the ultimate recyclers! Textiles of all kinds were expensive treasures that were used, re-used, and re-purposed again. Other new elements include a photo opportunity for kids, who can try on reproduction 18th century clothing. A fashion show will take place featuring these outfits – both high-end style and working-class – complete with critiques from a tough judge, Historic Hudson Valley’s own expert costume designer. Food trucks from Rockland Roots (farm-totable fare) and Rachel’s Gourmet (comfort food with a twist) will serve hungry visitors, and the Blue Pig of Croton will dish up locally-sourced, homemade ice cream. Outside on the grounds, agile Scottish border collies will demonstrate not only their sheep herding savvy, but their ability to corral ducks. And of course, sheep ready to lose their winter coats will be shorn by hand just like they were

Spring is

Continued from Page 1 Inventors’ Club wizardry, Science Club missiles, a seedling sale and energy bike challenge. Free walk-on tours will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. and there will be light refreshments throughout the day. Each year the Science Barge grows an abundance of fresh produce for local food pantries, using solar, wind energy and biofuels, and rainwater irrigation. The only fully-functioning demonstration of renewable-energy-support-

in the 18th century, while costumed interpreters demonstrate wool dyeing, spinning and weaving, and lead special hands-on activities for children. Sheep-to-Shawl visitors can see the entire process of making woolen cloth and participate in many stages of the process, from picking and carding the wool, to spinning and dyeing the yarn, and weaving it into cloth. Interpreters, wearing costumes of the 18th century, also demonstrate the labor-intensive process of making linen from the flax plant. Storyteller Jonathan Kruk will be on-hand to share lively tales, as well. In 1750, Philipsburg Manor, which includes a working water-powered gristmill and new world Dutch barn, was home to 23 enslaved individuals known to have lived and labored there. It is the country’s only living history museum that focuses on the history of northern slavery. Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $8 for children ages 3 to 17. Members of Historic Hudson Valley and children younger than 3 attend for free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.hudsonvalley.org. Information on available tours, which vary by site, can be found at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-631-8200. Philipsburg Manor, owned and operated by Historic Hudson Valley, is located at 381 N. Broadway (Route 9), Sleepy Hollow, two miles north of the Tappan Zee Bridge.

ed food production in New York, the Science Barge provides educational programs for young people of all ages and hosts more than 8,000 visitors annually. The Science Barge is funded by grants from the City of Yonkers, ConEdison, Domino Sugar, the Round River Foundation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Whole Foods, the Hudson River Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Science Barge, a project of Groundwork Hudson Valley, is located at 99 Dock St., Yonkers. For more information, visit www. groundworkhv.org.

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Robotics Teams Compete At US FIRST Competition Aspiring engineers from four area high schools sent their robots into battle at the New York City regional event of the national US FIRST Robotics Competition, from April 4 to 6 at the Jacob Javits Center. This year, veteran teams from Early College, Riverside and Saunders Trades and Technical high schools welcomed the rookie team from Yonkers Middle/High School on the journey to victory. FIRST, embodies “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,” by challenging the teams to build a robot using a common set of parts, rules and deadlines. The completed robots are sent into competition, vying for the top rank among international rivals. “I can’t think of a more exciting way to engage our students in the study of science, technology, engineering and math than this kind of competition,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Yazurlo. “From the months of planning to the day of the challenge, there is an exhilaration shared among the teams that comes in the collective design, construction and operation of the robots.” “US FIRST provides a firsthand experience that ignites curiosity, creativity and problem solving within our students, and we are so thankful to each school’s sponsors, coaches and administration for making our students’ participation in this competition possible,” added Board of Education President Dr. Nader J. Sayegh. Since its inception in 1992, the FIRST Robotics Competition has grown to include 68,000 students representing more than 2,700 teams from 17 countries. During this year’s game, Aerial Assist, two competing alliances of three teams each vied to score as many balls in select goals as possible within a two-minute period. Team “drivers” operated the robots and team mechanics were ready to address operational glitches, should they occur. “It is exciting to witness the actions of our students emulating the US FIRST slogan, ‘gracious professionalism,’ through their commitment, cooperation and teamwork,” said Riverside Principal Steven Murphy. Students are also pleased with the program. “FIRST has changed my life more so than I can express in words,” said Yonkers Middle/ High School student Theodore Kim. “I’ve made friends that I know I will keep for a long time

and learned things I know will stay with me for a lifetime.” Meet the US FIRST Robotics Teams from Yonkers Public Schools: Saunders Trades and Technical High School – The district’s most veteran team, Saunders Droid Factory Team 2344, competes under the mantra, “student run, student done.” In 2008, the team entered its first season and at regional competitions earned the Rookie Inspiration Award and Rookie All-Star Award. In 2009, the team won the New Jersey regional competition and was presented the Chairman’s Award at the New York City regionals. The team is coached by teachers Jose Nunes, Xiomara Nunes and Oscar Letona and is sponsored by Con Edison, Dott Communications and the Andrew and Judith Economos Foundation. Riverside High School – The Envirobotics Team 3059 began competing in the US FIRST Robotics Competition in 2009, earning the Rookie All-Star Award and a coveted spot at nationals. Since then, the team has been honored with the Team Spirit Award (2012), the Imagery Award (2012) and teammate Ikechukwa Chima was named a 2012 FIRST Dean’s List Finalist. Envirobotics Team 3059 is coached by teachers Preeti De and Liliana Singh and mentors Firooz Mirbaha from Con Edison and John Paulose, Al Santilli and Paul Duggins from the Nepperhan Community Center. Team sponsors include the Andrew and Judith Economos Foundation, Con Edison and the Nepperhan Community Center. This year, Riverside added a new team, Rambots 6761, which competes in the US FIRST Tech Challenge, which is an offshoot of the robotics competition that uses a smaller kit of parts at a lower cost. Early College High School – eSharks Team 4684 evolved from the former Roosevelt High School robotics team, which originated in 2008. The ECHS eSharks made its first US FIRST appearance during last year’s competition. The team’s coaches are teacher Nick Ricciardi and Marc Roennau. Sponsors include NASA, Con Edison, Bridge Auto Parts and On A Roll Deli. Yonkers Middle/High School – Mechadogs Team 5123 made its US FIRST robotics debut at the New York City regional competition last weekend. The team is coached by Adam Thiessen and sponsored by NASA, Con Edison, the Andrew and Judith Economos Foundation and MBF Clearing Corp.

IDA Helps Bring Marriott to South Westchester Executive Park Another major hotel will be coming to Yonkers under the terms of an assistance package approved last week by the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency. The True North Hotel Group will construct a more-than-150-room Courtyard by Marriott in northwest Yonkers. “This will be the third hotel at the South Westchester Executive Park, and further enhances Yonkers as a destination for business and leisure travel,” said Mayor Mike Spano, who chairs the Yonkers IDA. “This means more jobs for local residents, and more revenues to fund essential services.” The new hotel will be located on an empty parcel directly across from the existing Residence Inn at 7 Executive Blvd. The project is expected to get underway within the next several months and be completed by mid-2015. “This new hotel will provide approximately 50 permanent jobs and add to our tax base, while adding little or no additional demand for

local services,” said YIDA President Ken Jenkins. “It’s a clear boost for the city’s economy.” The YIDA gave initial approval to $670,000 in sales tax exemptions on materials used in construction, plus a $324,000 mortgage tax exemption. The YIDA also authorized negotiation of a temporary property tax abatement. The True North Group estimates annual revenues will exceed $6 million within a year, thus contributing substantial sales and payroll taxes to the City of Yonkers on an ongoing basis. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $24.5 million. In addition to the permanent jobs, the project will also create approximately 250 construction jobs during a 15-month period. The new Marriott hotel will total 84,000 square feet, have 110 king suites, 40 double rooms, and accessible units for people with disabilities. It will sit on a 2.9-acre undeveloped site. It will also have more than 3,000 square feet of meeting spaces, plus restaurant facilities.

Mayor Calls For National Search for New School Super. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano called on Yonkers Board of Education trustees last week to conduct a nationwide search for a permanent superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools, while supporting Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Yazurlo for consideration in the selection process. “As the fourth-largest school district in New York State, it is important that the Board of Education provide every opportunity for the nation’s best and brightest to lead a new direction for quality education in our schools,” said Spano. “Our students deserve no less.” The selection of a new permanent superintendent follows the recent departure of former

Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio, who retired in the wake of revealing a $55 million overstatement of funds over two years. Spano has expressed that Yazurlo should be considered – only after a comprehensive search had been conducted. “As Yonkers Public Schools transition toward new leadership, Interim Superintendent Yazurlo has performed admirably during this difficult, yet short period, but a decision on a permanent superintendent should not be made until a thorough search has been conducted,” said Spano. “That’s in the best interest of our students and taxpayers.”

PAGE 6 - YoNkERs RisiNG - FRidAY, APRil 11, 2014

Legal Notices

Classifieds Coins • Currency • Jewelry at Hudson Valley Numismatics. Experienced collector will identify your holdings, help you determine fair value, and make you a strong offer or sell for you on consignment. We also write USPAP-compliant appraisals, handle estates, and arrange charitable donations to nonprofit organizations. ANA R-1164851. Reach us at: 914-649-3317, [email protected], or http://www.marchaeology. com. References available. INVESTMENT PROPERTY: Yonkers, NY - 26 Apts. + 3 Retail, Gut-Renovated in 2013, Fully Occupied, Close to St. Joseph’s Med. Center, KISLAK EXCLUSIVE Call: 732-750-3000 x 286. 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. LOVE GREAT FOOD? Outgoing people needed to promote and merchandise Five Acre Farms local products in Westchester supermarkets. $14/hr. Reliable transportation and computer a must. Contact: [email protected]. LICENSED THERAPISTS NEEDED - for Early Intervention SLP, OT, PT, SI, SW, Psych Cases in Westchester County for ages 0-3 with developmental delays Send resume to HR@skhov. org DO SCULPTURE NOW! • Model clay from life and carving stone • Make molds and castings of your sculptures • Instruction from nude model, 12 three hr sessions /mo • Weekday evenings from 6-9 and weekends from 12-3 and 3-6 • Tuition 450.00 /mo • Space available for 5 students • All inquiries, call Carl Raven at 347820-1459 VOICE AND PIANO LESSONS Beginners to advanced Voice Therapy Dr. David Fairchild Doctorate in Voice from Columbia University 914-337-6405 Web site Dr David Fairchild.com ADOPTION: Unplanned Pregnancy? Caring local licensed adoption agencyprovides financial and emotional support. Choose from loving pre-approved families. Habla Espanol. Call Joy 1-914-939-1180 or confidential email: Adopt@ ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption.org Buy or sell at AARauctions.com. Contents of homes, businesses, vehicles and real estate. Bid NOW! AARauctions.com Lights, Camera, Auction. No longer the best kept secret. Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make -A -Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315 -400 -0797 Today! 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! RINALDIFLEAMARKETS.COM First Market. Sunday April 6th. 900 Dutchess Turnpike (Rt 44) Poughkeepsie NY. Free Admission & Parking. Great Food, Bargains. Vendors Wanted! RINALDIFLEAMARKET.COM See You There! Privacy Hedges -SPRING Blowout Sale 6ft

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Notice of Formation of Tsavo International LLC filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on February 7, 2014. Office Location: Westchester County. The street address is: 355 Main Street, Suite 103, Armonk New York, 10504. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: Tsavo International, LLC, 355 Main Street, Suite 103, Armonk New York, 10504. Purpose: Any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of The Art of Sports filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on February 11, 2014. Office Location: Westchester County. The street address is: 159 Sparks Avenue, Pelham, NY, 10803. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: The Art of Sports, LLC, 159 Sparks Avenue, Pelham, NY, 10803. Purpose: Any lawful act. # 6504 03/07 - 04/11

Notice of formation of Ad Summum Consulting LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/09/2014. Office location: Westchester. The street address is: 2042 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont, Ny 10538. Address. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, Ny 1122 . Purpose: any lawful act.

# 6505 03/14 - 04/18

Notice of formation of D & G Realty Assets, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/31/2014. Office location: Westchester County. Principal office of LLC: 409 Fourth Ave, Pelham NY 10803. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Gloria Riccio at 409 Fourth Ave Pelham NY 10803, upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Real estate investments.

Notice of formation of John’s Hot Tub Service, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/04/2013. Office location: Westchester County. Principal office of LLC: 41 Chase Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703 SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to John Carpenter 41 Chase Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703 upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Hot Tub Service.

#6507

#6508

03/14 - 04/18

#6506

03/14 - 04/18

Notice of formation of Zested, Dessert Consultants, LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/27/2013. Office location: Westchester County. The street address is: 6 Cole Drive, Armonk, NY, 10504. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: Zested, Dessert Consultants, LLC, 6 Cole Drive, Armonk, NY 10504. Purpose: any lawful act. #6509

3/21/14 – 4/25/14

03/14 -04/18

Notice of formation of Yonkers Peace Pottery Studio LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/10/2014. Office location: Westchester County. Principal office of LLC: 379 McLean Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10705. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Cori Morenberg, 127 Linn Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10705, upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Arts and Crafts Instruction and Sale.

Notice of formation of Styles by Romeo LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/28/2014. Office Location: Westchester County. Principal Office of LLC: Suite 442, 941 McLean Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10704. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Vashti Romeo, Suite 442, 941 McLean Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10704, upon whom at which process may be served. Purpose: Shoes and Apparel

#6518

#6519

04/04 – 05/16

04/11/14 – 05/23/14

CORPORATION NOTICE CITY OF YONKERS-NEW YORK

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to law, that the Mayor of the City of Yonkers, New York will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, April 23, 2014 at 5:00pm, in the Mayor’s Reception Room, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, New York on the following Local law, to wit:

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to law, that the City Council of the City of Yo n kers, New York will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 8:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, New York on the following resolution, to wit:

LOCAL LAW NO. 4-2014 A LOCAL LAW AMENDING SECTION C6-4 OF ARTICLE VI OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF YONKERS IN RELATION TO DUTIES OF THE COMMISSIONER MIKE SPANO Mayor

Wireless Telecommunications Facility - Collocation 1200 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, New York

Proposed Resolution A Proposed Resolution To Honorarily Rename 50 Gateway Road, Between North Broadway And Ends At De Haven Drive As “ Cpl. Seymour Lehman Way” VINCENT SPANO City Clerk #1251

04/11/2014

PUBLIC NOTICE: Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) is proposing to collocate wireless telecommunications antennas and supporting equipment on the existing building at 1200 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, New York, 10708. Public comments regarding potential effects from the site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Marianne Walsh, E2PM, 87 Hibernia Avenue, Rockaway, NJ 07866 or by electronic mail to: marianne.walsh@ e2pm.com, and please refer to E2PM Tracking Number P-14-02-01. #1250

04/11/2014

Yonkers Native’s Continued from Page 1

own ‘Urbanlights’ – textures and forms resonate around us in brick, steel, mortar and glass,” Joshi told Yonkers Rising. “We view our cosmos with the lights radiating from within as windows illuminate; external light pours down from the true cosmos and changes shapes, shadows, dimensions. In my ‘Urbanlights’ series paintings I have tried to create a cityscape geometric framework, which is superimposed on the skyscape, to give the viewer a different vision of the combined composed and cosmic worlds. These paintings encompass changing seasons – day or night – and angles of view through which I can explore the natural and manmade sparkle that surrounds us, to watch it all interact.” Professional commentary on Joshi’s paintings includes that of noted arts journalist Barrymore Laurence Scherer, who said of the Urbanlights series: “Flashes of early Braque and of Mondrian punctuate the artist’s signature aureoles of gemlike hues and impasto textures.” And Richard Madigan, former director of the Norton Museum of Art, said of his 2005 series: “Satish is a highly subjective artist and these paintings are not meant for simple casual examination…Satish’s work may be character-

Yonkers Historical Society invites you to attend our

2014 Annual Meeting ized by a vital pulsating background at play against a predominant simplified shape…it is what the artist does with this background and how it plays off the predominant shape that gives each work its unique direction and transformation.” Joshi exhibited his “Susan’s Pond Series” at Blue Door Gallery in 2011. A Yonkers resident since 1986, he immigrated to New York from his native India in 1969 and embarked on an artistic career as painter, printmaker and sculptor. A rich mixture of artistic ideas, techniques and philosophies infuse his work in all his media. Joshi concluded a legendary 37-year teaching career at Riverdale Country Day School in 2011, where he was head of the Visual Arts Department for 22 years, as well as director of community arts and artist-in-residence, and was a beloved mentor to generations of art students. He is currently artist-in-residence at School of the Holy Child in Rye. Joshi will be at the Blue Door Gallery to greet visitors and talk about his work during an opening reception Saturday, May 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. (which is also Yonkers Arts Day). Additional exhibit hours are Thursday, April 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Friday, May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 10 from 2 to 5 p.m.; and Friday, May 23 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Sunday, April 27 th 1:00 p.m. in the Flynn Room at Grinton Will Library

1500 Central Park Avenue ! Yonkers NY 10710

★Annual Meeting at 1 PM ★ Special Guest Speaker at 2 PM Mina Crasson Presenting

Oakland Cemetery: Part of the Rural Cemetery Movement and Resting Place of So Many of Yonkers' Finest Citizens

Friday, April 11, 2014 - Yonkers Rising - PAGE 7

Seniors and Health Care Happy Henni Needs a Home

Come visit Henni at Yonkers Animal Shelter.

The Yonkers Animal Shelter has plenty of cats and dogs available for adoption. Henni is a sweet young dog who was surrendered because her owner simply didn’t want her anymore. She is a petite 1-year-old who has nice manners both on and off leash. She is about 38 to 40 pounds, has the most expressive face, and is just happy to be with people who show her some affection and spend time with her. She will make a wonderful companion for a

family with kids as she loves to play, but is very gentle; you can take a toy or ball from her with no problem at all. Visit Henni at the Yonkers Animal Shelter, 1000 Ridge Hill Blvd., between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays or noon and 4 p.m. weekends. For more information, call 914-377-6730 during business hours or 201-981-3215 at any time. Emails may be sent to [email protected].

Hot Topics in Health Care: What to do If You Didn’t Enroll By Michael LaMagna, Esq. Readers, this article is for those of you who are procrastinators and who figured they would “get around” to enrolling in health insurance – while the March 31 deadline has come and gone. I am sure you had every intention of signing up, but maybe you are like the other 15.9 percent of Americans who either tried to enroll and the website crashed, couldn’t afford the offered plans, or any of a million other reasons. March 31 was the formal deadline to sign up for health insurance on the marketplace or face a penalty, unless you were already “in-line” for enrollment; however, people who are uninsured, who missed the cutoff or couldn’t buy insurance have options to obtain health care services – but doing so may not be simple or assured. Were you “in line” to purchase insurance on the marketplace website and couldn’t get through? The president recently carved out this exception and even if your dog ate your insurance policy, I would log onto the marketplace and immediately give them the “in line” defense. Seek health care services at 9,300 community health centers; last year, 22 million people obtained primary care services as well as dental and behavioral health and – its affordable. People with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($23,340 for an individual in 2014) pay for services based on a sliding scale. Above that level,

patients pay the full cost, including doctor visits, lab work, imaging and pharmacy costs. Apply for entitlements, such as Medicaid, which has stringent income and asset guidelines during the Affordable Care Act special enrollment period. This exception allows people to sign up for or change coverage on the marketplace when their life circumstances change. In the marketplace, you can qualify for a special enrollment period of 60 days following certain life events that involve a change in family status (for example, marriage or birth of a child) or loss of other health coverage. If you don’t have a special enrollment period, you can’t buy insurance through the marketplace until the next open enrollment period. You can also wait for the next open enrollment period, which starts Nov. 15 and ends Feb. 15, 2015. This article is provided for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article shall be construed as legal advice or should be relied upon as such. Michael LaMagna is a partner at Helwig, Henderson, Ryan, LaMagna &and Spinola, LLP, practicing elder law/probate/disability/wills, trusts and estates, health care regulatory, Medicare appeals, Social Security and general legal practice in both New York and Connecticut. Email him at [email protected], call 914-437-5955 or visit www.hhrls.com for more information.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my

heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days.

Call 914-965-4000 to advertise on our Seniors & Health Care page!

Schuster Appointed Administrator Of Meadowview Assisted Living

John Schuster, an 11continue to be at a premier year veteran of senior services level,” said David Gentner, president and CEO of Wartprovider Wartburg, has been burg. “His background will promoted to administrator of enable even more collaboraMeadowview Assisted Living, tion with our in-patient media 103-resident facility on Wartcal programs, our hospital burg’s 34-acre campus. partners and Wartburg’s home Schuster has steadily and community-based proworked his way up from admisgrams.” sions coordinator, to manager, “We are excited about to administrator in-training, having such a seasoned Wartand to his current position. burg colleague become adHe has a bachelor’s and ministrator of Meadowview,” master’s degree in public adadded Janet Palazzolo, vice ministration from Pace UniverJohn Schuster president of residential sersity, and earned his New York State Nursing Home Administrator’s license in vices. “He has been a key person in the growth 2012. He lives with his wife and son in Danbury. of Wartburg for over a decade. I look forward to “We are proud of John’s work in our nurs- John bringing to Meadowview his knowledge of ing facility and we are confident that he will en- administration and expertise in providing care to sure the care and services at Meadowview will seniors.”

Defensive Driving Course St. John’s Riverside Hospital will sponsor a two-day driver’s license point- and insurancereduction class Wednesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Room 111 at 967 N. Broadway, Yonkers.

April is

Continued from Page 3 their homes to demonstrate proper parenting skills, suggest alternate coping methods, discipline techniques, and become much needed friends. It is that supportive relationship that develops between the family and the parent aide that helps break the cycle of abuse, and our aides go through intensive training in a variety of areas. April is national Child Abuse Prevention Month and, in keeping with this message, it is important for citizens to know that everyone can do something to help prevent child abuse. Know the warning signs and how to report a suspected case of child abuse and/or neglect. And one should al-

This, Too

Continued from Page 3 it can be snorted as well as injected. I have a hard enough time when the lab technician draws blood from my arm, and I panic when the doctor has to give me a needle. The thought of injecting heroin scares me. Glad to see cops will be equipped with an antidote to treat heroin victims. But will an antidote for heroin lead to an antidote for those who drink too much or take other drugs? At some point we, as a society, need to take responsibility for our actions. A 10-cent deposit on plastic bags? Am I the only person who recycles the plastic bags I bring my groceries home in as garbage bags? If I don’t use the grocery bags for my garbage I will have to go out and buy plastic bags for my garbage. Makes no sense. The amount of unpaid tolls on the Henry Hudson Parkway skyrocketed when the toll booths went to cashless tolls. More than onethird of tolls at cashless toll booths go unpaid; it’s time for our legislators in Albany to deal with this issue. I can’t believe the legislation that allowed for cashless tolls did not include penalties

The cost is $35 and participants must attend both sessions to receive certification. For more information or to register, contact Frank Laudato at 914-964-4559 or flaudato@ riversidehealth.org.

ways contribute his or her time to organizations, such as Exchange, that are committed to fighting child abuse. Another way of getting our message out is through our Blue Ribbon Campaign. This was started by a grandmother whose grandson was the victim of fatal abuse… the blue representing the color of his bruises. As art of this campaign, we are asking others in the county – children, parents, schools, businesses, and those in political and community service – to wear something blue April 15. Blue ribbons and pins, which may be worn all year long, are available through the Exchange Club. The message is simple: Nurture a child, be an advocate, reach out to your neighbors, and always, always report signs of abuse and neglect.

for those who don’t pay up. It’s bad enough they closed Charlie Brown’s several years ago, but last week we observed the knocking down of the old restaurant building, which like everything else will probably become a bank. A little part of Yonkers history is gone. CNN is milking the Malaysian plane for all they can, with breaking news alerts over nothing. Even FOX News has gotten into the act. Let’s pray we can find out what happened with the plane so that it doesn’t happen again. Please, government powers that be, fix the potholes on Central Avenue heading south between Andrus field and Cross County Shopping Center! A word we need to retire from our vocabulary? Selfies! Something we need not see in our bakeries or grocery stores? Rodents and street birds. On a more serious note, if you have benefited from Obamacare, drop me a note. I would love to hear a positive Obamacare story! Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@ aol.com or follow him on Twitter @ericyonkers. Catch the Westchester Rising Radio Show featuring Dan Murphy and Eric Schoen on Thursdays at 10 a.m. on WVOX 1460 on the A.M. dial.

PAGE 8 - Yonkers RIsing - Friday, April 11, 2014

Mayor Spano

Continued from Page 1 “The last two city budgets have been passed unanimously by the City Council, and last year was the first on-time, unanimous budget in 25 years,” he continued. “That doesn’t mean there weren’t disagreements along the way, or that there weren’t changes or compromises to be made. When all was said and done we were unanimous in agreeing that we all did the best we could for the people of Yonkers. “This year as we welcome our new City Council President Liam McLaughlin and Councilwoman Corazon Pineda, I ask our partners on the City Council to again pass an honest, balanced, on-time budget. Let’s keep moving forward and demonstrate how government can work for the people of this great city. “Two years ago most development projects were stalled and unemployment stood at 9.1 percent. The economy of the nation was changing, new jobs were being created in emerging industries – but those jobs weren’t coming to Yonkers. Now Yonkers is a destination for new-economy companies, longstalled development projects are moving forward, and unemployment is down to about 7 percent – its lowest level in five years. “We recently welcomed Mindspark, one of the nation’s leading technology companies, which brought 160 new technology jobs to Downtown Yonkers. The company wanted an environment to inspire creativity and they found it here, investing millions to reinvent an old industrial factory as a modern headquarters overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades. Mindspark is just one of a new generation of businesses and people who see Yonkers as the place to be. “Innovation is also coming from lifelong Yonkers residents, such as John Rubbo and Nick Califano. They’re putting Yonkers on the map in the growing world of craft beer, with Yonkers Brewing Company. They will soon brew their award-winning beer at the former Yonkers Trolley Barn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the last remaining trolley barn in Westchester County. “Yonkers has become the Hudson Valley’s center for creative thinkers in the tech industry who wish to trade ideas and innovative techniques. A few months ago a group of regional business leaders, including several from Yonkers, asked the city to help sponsor YONY, a way to highlight the new businesses coming to the city. They now have a monthly tech meet-up, right here in the library, bringing together hundreds of business leaders, financial lenders, creative thinkers and entrepreneurs to discuss the latest in innovation and creativity. “Several years ago the city created Y-Enterprise – a shared-space business incubator in the former Otis elevator factory that would provide startups with a place to begin their business at a reduced rent. “But there was a problem: No one was sharing the space. In fact it was completely empty. So we set out to fill it, and we succeeded, so well that now private industry has decided to come here and follow our model. “That’s why Watercooler, a company that builds, manages and rents shared work space to entrepreneurs and start-ups, is coming to Yonkers and expanding its business, joining the new generation of innovators here in our city. “We’re excited by this new generation joining our city’s economy. We call it Generation Yonkers, and it will be the core of a new promotional campaign that will soon take place throughout the tri-state region and attract more businesses and jobs to come to Yonkers.

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“Innovation cannot stop with the private sector. That’s why city government, too, is looking at new ways of doing things. There’s no better example than the old city jail. People had been talking about moving that jail on the waterfront for years. It just made no sense to use prime real estate to house prisoners. Last year I promised to turn that talk into action – and we did. “We moved the prisoners into an unused jail that already existed at the Cacace Justice Center. That move is saving hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Then we sold the old waterfront jail for $1 million to two of the most accomplished members of the art world – art collector Daniel Wolf, and Maya Lin, a world-renowned artist and architect whose work includes the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. “Instead of housing prisoners, the (old) waterfront jail will now house art collections, include loft space for artists, and attract visitors from around the nation. Now others in the art world want to join the transformation taking place in Yonkers. “Last summer we announced plans to develop a South Yonkers Greenway along the Putnam Trail, extending from Lawrence

permanent jobs in Yonkers. “Meanwhile in North Yonkers, another hotel, by Marriott, will soon be breaking ground at the South Westchester Executive Park, again thanks to assistance and incentives provided by the city and the IDA. This new hotel will bring 50 new permanent jobs to our city. “And just down Odell Avenue, the new River Club project is now set to break ground this week, with the construction of two residential towers, offering 330 market-rate apartments along Warburton Avenue. The $107 million project has been talked about for years and at one point seemed to be dead, but we brought it back to life, along with 120 construction jobs the project will create. “We’re also paying attention to our city’s unused assets. I promised to address the hundreds of vacant or blighted properties whose owners had simply stopped paying taxes on them years ago. We have now taken over and resold some of these vacant properties for more than $1 million, and collected more than another $1 million by demanding other tax delinquents pay up or risk losing their properties. These properties are now tax-payers once again, rather than tax-deadbeats.

“The new state budget also contains $28 million in additional aid to help plug the gap, and will give the city the ability to finance the remainder of the shortfall so that we can replace it gradually over future years...There should be no mistaking that the assistance provided to the Board of Education still falls short of a complete solution to the massive deficit...the board still has tough decisions to make, but the result will not be the disaster we once feared.” Mayor Mike Spano

Street to the New York City border at Van Cortlandt Park. It will provide park and recreation space, and a bike path for commuting and exercise. “Tonight we are excited to announce that world-renowned artist David Hammons has purchased a property on Lawrence Street, at the footsteps of the future Greenway, and plans to open a new art gallery in the neighborhood. (His) work is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. But soon you won’t have to go to Manhattan to see Mr. Hammons’ work – you’ll be able to see it right here in Yonkers. “Our revitalization of the film office continues, with shows such as ‘Boardwalk Empire,’ ‘The Blacklist,’ ‘Law and Order,’ ‘The Following’ and ‘Person of Interest’ filming here. We’ve also hosted filming for movies featuring Cameron Diaz, Kate Upton, Kristin Stewart and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. “Since we launched the Mayor’s Office of Film and Photography and FilmYonkers. com, Yonkers has seen more than 200 productions shoot in our city, up from only a dozen or so in previous years. This increase is bringing new revenue to the city and local businesses. It resulted in the first Yonkers Film Festival last year – YOFI – which was a great success and will take place once again this October. “Another big change over the years has been Yonkers Raceway, which these days is better known as Empire City. It remains the city’s largest private employer and attracts more than 8 million visitors a year, generating more than $1.8 billion for New York’s schools since 2006 and $20 million annually for our schools here in Yonkers. “Yet just a decade ago there was discussion about tearing the track down. At the time I had put forward a proposal as an assemblyman to bring Video Lottery Terminals to Yonkers Raceway in order to save it. I remember reading an editorial with headline along the lines of, “Michael Spano’s Video Lottery Terminals: Just Let a Bad Idea Die.” When we talk about 8 million people a year now coming to Yonkers to visit Empire City, I think it’s fair to say that we’re glad it lived. “Yet just as the Raceway’s future has been in doubt before, it could be in doubt again if we are not careful. With full casino gaming now having been legalized in additional locations upstate, it is a mistake to deny that right to Yonkers. The state needs to allow full casino gaming at Empire City in Yonkers. “I want to make another proposal, one that may face some odds at the moment, just as the original proposal for gaming did – but we all know how that first proposal worked out. Hopefully this second one will have the same success: It is time to bring a professional sports franchise to Empire City. “It would be a game changer for our city, not only as a result of more visitors and revenue for our city through gaming, but also through sparking the development of additional entertainment venues. If New Jersey can host two New York football teams alongside a swamp, we can certainly host a professional soccer team along Interstate-87. “Not far from Empire City, the CrossCounty Shopping Center continues to expand with the city’s assistance. Thanks to the help of the Industrial Development Agency, led by CEO Ken Jenkins, a 155-room Hyatt Place Hotel is now under construction. Combined with two new restaurants also being built there, this will result in more than 100 new

“We have also resolved the long-stalled downtown redevelopment plan that was supposed to include a baseball stadium at Chicken Island and new high-rise developments nearby. The high-rise developments made sense; the baseball stadium did not. Now we have separated them. “In the very near future Fidelco will begin construction of Palisade Point, a new $100 million residential building along the waterfront. Importantly, they have already constructed a beautiful new public waterfront promenade that is part of the plan. “At the same time we are releasing a new request for proposals for Chicken Island. We will be asking for plans that are practical, will improve the downtown experience, and that have sufficient financial backing. It’s time for bricks and mortar on the ground, not pie in the sky. “We continue to improve the natural assets of Yonkers. A year and a half ago we completed the initial daylighting of the Saw Mill River and opened Van der Donck Park. What was a parking lot is now one of the most recognized urban revitalization projects in the country and has received international recognition. “We are now moving forward with phase two of the Saw Mill River Daylighting, uncovering another stretch of the river and creating new pedestrian space in what will become Mill Street Courtyard. The project will spark development at the adjacent buildings, offering new living and commercial space, and will be another catalyst for growth. “Shortly we will begin phase three of the Daylighting, which will take place on the other end of New Main Street just across from Chicken Island. Together, these three phases will link our revitalized downtown with a beautiful riverwalk park. “I want to thank Gov. (Andrew) Cuomo and our state delegation for their continued support of this project, and their dedication to the continued growth of Yonkers. Thank you, Sen. (Andrea) Stewart Cousins, Sen. (George) Latimer, Assemblywoman (Shelley) Mayer and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow. “Government has certain basic responsibilities, among them keeping the people safe. We are among the safest cities of its size in the country. That’s something we are proud of, and remain committed to preserving. Thanks to the men and women of the Yonkers Police Department, major crime in our city is down more than 20 percent since I took office in January 2012. That downward trend is continuing in 2014, as year-to-date major crimes are down 21 percent. “We are also committed to seeing that our police department and fire department reflect the diversity of the people they serve. Last year we saw an increase in minority applicants for the police exam, and we graduated the most diverse class of firefighters in our city’s history. I want to take a moment to commend Yonkers Police Commissioner Charles Gardner and Yonkers Fire Commissioner Robert Sweeney on the outstanding job they are doing not only keeping our city safe, but achieving great success in our recruitment efforts. “In addition to a safe city, we owe the generation of the future a quality education. Yet two months ago our schools were confronted with the biggest challenge we have seen in recent memory. The former school superintendent told me the Yonkers City School

District, which we knew was already facing financial hardship, had overstated $55 million in state education aid. In other words, they overdrew their checkbook by $55 million, and we would have to make up for it or face devastating cuts to the schools. “I can still feel the emotion of that Tuesday. At a time when our city finances were improving and we were reversing previous years’ cuts to education, we were suddenly told we had to plug a $55 million hole just to stay even. It was a surprise to us in city government, to say the least, because under state law once the city allocates funds to the school district each year, the city has no further control over how it is spent, or even access to the books. “On the day the former superintendent informed me of the shortfall, I feared the worst. I had visions of teacher layoffs and cuts in the programs, support services and sports that we had only recently restored. “Our schools needed a solution that accomplished three things: First, we had to plug the gap. Second, we needed City Hall oversight to prevent this from ever happening again. Third, we needed to consolidate overlapping functions that were causing the system to spend too much money on bureaucracy and not enough in the classroom – where it counts. “Under the new state law that we requested, and obtained, we are now authorized to consolidate the Board of Education’s administrative departments, like finance, law, human resources and maintenance, with the city. This reduces duplication and improves accountability, so it’s a double advantage. “The new state budget also contains $28 million in additional aid to help plug the gap, and will give the city the ability to finance the remainder of the shortfall so that we can replace it gradually over future years. I thank Gov. Cuomo and our state delegation for passing a budget that helps address Yonkers City School District’s needs and giving the city the authority to institute much-needed accountability going forward. “There should be no mistaking that the assistance provided to the Board of Education still falls short of a complete solution to the massive deficit. In order to balance the budget, the board still has tough decisions to make, but the result will not be the disaster we once feared. I would like to recognize the efforts of the members of the Board of Education, led by President Nader Sayegh, as well as (Interim) Superintendent Michael Yazurlo who stepped up big time for our schools. “We have talked tonight about our progress and our agenda for the future. Yet there is one issue that affects all the others – that is the financial strength of the city. You can’t do anything if your finances are not in order. Fortunately we are doing far better than could have expected two years ago. “At the time I came into office, Yonkers had experienced yet another downgrade in its bond rating. The city was just a few notches above junk status. Now, thanks to our new fiscal discipline, we are headed in the other direction. A few months ago Standard & Poor’s upgraded Yonkers’ bond rating to A-plus – the highest rating this city has had in more than 30 years. “Over the last several years, as gas prices have been on the rise, more and more people are turning to fuel-efficient and fuel-alternative vehicles to keep their gas costs down. Yonkers needs to do the same, so we are announcing the new Yonkers Green City Smart Car Fleet. As you walked in this evening you may have noticed one of five new smart cars that are part of our phase-in of fuel-efficient vehicles, which will replace some of the city’s old gas guzzlers. “We are also converting 20 city vehicles from gasoline altogether. They will now run on cleaner and cheaper propane gas – the same stuff you use to power your grill. It’s smart, it saves, and it’s another way to live within our means.   “I began tonight by saying that the State of the City is the State of the People. I also said when the people of Yonkers stand together, we cannot be beat. As we go home tonight, let us be thankful for the people of Yonkers – our neighbors, our friends, our city. “Be thankful for the recent immigrant, maybe from South America or Asia, who is still struggling a bit with English but who knows hard work and grit will take him farther than he could ever go in his former home, and who is determined to build his piece of the American dream here in our city and who is grateful for that opportunity. “Be thankful for that business owner or entrepreneur who senses the new spirit of commerce in our city, who sees old empty factories being transformed into the next wave of the new economy, and has decided that the place for his or her startup is not Brooklyn or Hoboken, or the Silicon Valley in California, but right here in Yonkers. “Be thankful for that police officer or firefighter who answers every call never knowing when his or her life will be put in danger, or the city worker who drove a plow hours at a time, for many days and nights to clear our streets in the harshest winter we have had in years. “Be thankful that you are one of nearly 200,000 of the most interesting, most hardworking, most dedicated, most diverse and just plain determined people that you will find anywhere. I know I am thankful for each and every one of you, thankful you have given me the privilege to serve as your mayor. “As you leave here this evening, never stop believing that Yonkers’ best days are yet to come.”

Friday, April 11, 2014 - Yonkers Rising - PAGE 9

Broadway Comes to Yonkers To Support Youth Theater

Performers during a curtain call at Youth Theater Interactions’ “Broadway Comes to Yonkers.”

Photos by Donna Davis

Members of YTI board.

From left are Council Minority Leader Michael Sabatino, CSEE Assistant Principal Cindy Lopez, Mayor Mike Spano, ShopRite Dietician Fernanda Almeida, CSEE Trustee and founder Sobeida Cruz, CSEE Principal Dr. Catalina Castillo, City Councilman Christopher Johnson, and CSEE parent and Community Affairs Coordinator Carmen Gomez-Goldberg.

Master of Ceremonies Alex de Castro

YTI’s new Executive Director Donise Lyons

Youth Theatre Interactions presented their 11th annual Broadway Comes to Yonkers benefit last week at the Yonkers Riverfront Library. A cast of artists from Broadway entertained the crowd with song and dance, led by host 18-year-old Alex de Castro, who played Young Nala in “The Lion King” on Broadway was the emcee for the event and the first performer. Longtime veterans of the stage and new local talent provided a varied and rousing show, which was closed out by the always energetic Bokandeye African American Dance Theater. Zuppa’s Restaurant was once again the place to be afterward for great food and conversation. Local City Council officials Christopher Johnson and Michael Sabatino were on hand, with Symra Brandon representing State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

This year’s YTI Broadway event was a passing of the torch to the next generation of YIT alumni and performers. Founder and longtime Executive and Artistic Director Mamie Duncan-Gibbs retired, and new Artistic/Executive Director Donise Lyons (a YTI student and alum, 1996-2004) began her tenure back in September and put on another great show. In December, a broken boiler and pipes saw YTI booted from its longtime home at the old PS 12 on Asburton Avenue, and since then, Donise has been running the day-to-day operations out of her home with the assistance of committee and board members. The YWCA has given YTI space to continue the Intimate Realities drama program, and Susan Thaler has made the auditorium at the Yonkers Riverfront Library available for monthly workshops for dance and music.

n,

CSEE students and staff learn about fruits and vegetables from ShopRite.

Join us for

Bits and Bytes Technology Fundraiser to benefit Charter School of Educational Excellence

Monday, April 21, 2014

Yonkers Charter

6 pm to 9 pm

Continued from Page 1

Hosted by

42 the Restaurant Ritz Carlton, White Plains, NY

p Cocktails

Kindly RSVP by April 16, 2014

H

j

Hors d’oeuvres

Music

Councilman Christopher Johnson talks to students about healthy eating.

_ Silent Auction

For Info: [email protected] or 914-747-0519

students with a quality education that includes technology,” he said. This fundraiser will help CSEE continue to provide its students with the tools, and technology, to succeed.” CSEE Technology Trailblazer sponsors include Goya, Entergy, Yankee Foundation and Bronx Lebanon Hospital. “We employ 1,100 individuals and technology is an integral part of our business,” said Joanne Fernandez of Entergy. “Entergy is partnering with CSEE to make sure students have the technology experience and knowledge they need.” In addition to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, guests will learn about the Charter School’s technology initiatives with opportunities to purchase items on a growing wish list. A number of local businesses have donated items to be raffled, with 100 percent of the proceeds

going toward the Charter School’s technology campaign. The Charter School of Educational Excellence, Westchester’s first charter school, is a kindergarten through grade eight public school that has nationally acclaimed teachers and has received accolades for literacy and reading. The school was awarded the International Reading Association’s 2010 Exemplary Reading Program Award for the state of New York and is a “validated school for best practices in literacy” by the New York State Department of Education. CSEE recently welcomed Mayor Mike Spano and Councilmen Christopher Johnson and Michael Sabatino to the school, during a fruit and vegetable workshop by ShopRite and Dietician Fernanda Almeida. For more on sponsorship and ticket information for the fundraiser, contact Rose Cappa at 914-747-0519 or [email protected]. For more information on CSEE, visit charterschoolofeducationalexcellence.org.

PAGE 10 - Yonkers RISING - Friday, April 11, 2014

AT&T Makes Contribution To Support Latino Students

“The Blacklist” co-star Megan Boone, filming in the old courthouse at Yonkers City Hall.

Edward Bergenstrasser of AT&T presents a check for $15,000 to Yonkers Partners in Education Executive Director Wendy Nadel, second right, and all of YPIE.

Hisham Tawfiq, right, with Rising photographer Donna Davis and a cast member during filming in downtown Yonkers. The Rising newspaper office was used for crew and movie staff.

‘Blacklist’ the

Continued from Page 1 Why are “The Blacklist” and other TV shows, including “The Following” (Kevin Bacon), “Boardwalk Empire” and another NBC hit show “Believe,” choosing Yonkers? I – The close proximity to New York City, and the fact that Yonkers is within a 25-mile radius from midtown Manhattan, enables studios that film in Yonkers to receive production incentives from the state. II – The great locations within Yonkers are appealing to film crews and location scouts. A wide array of city-owned properties and parks, combined with private locations from mansions to industrial properties, make the city a good fit for almost any movie or TV show. III – The city and Mayor Mike Spano relaunched the Yonkers Office of Film, and have streamlined the permit process to make it easier for studios to film in Yonkers. “Since launching the mayor’s Office of Film and Photography and FilmYonkers.com in 2012, Yonkers has seen more than 200 productions shoot

in our city,” said Spano. “The increase in film production has brought hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue to the city and investment in local businesses. It’s this positive impact on Yonkers that – along with the positive exposure to our parks, prime waterfront real estate and shops – that has helped spread the word that Yonkers is open for film business.” Movie production in Yonkers is also on the rise. One of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last movies, “God’s Pocket,” yet to be released, was shot in Yonkers on Lockwood Avenue. Usually production crews are reluctant to publicize their filming for fear of the paparazzi harassing their actors and actresses. Our interactions with the cast and crew of “The Blacklist” found them friendly and actor Hisham Tawfiq was happy to take a picture with Yonkers Rising photographer Donna Davis. Tawfiq served in the U.S. Marines during Desert Storm and plays the role of Dembe, the bodyguard of James Spader’s character Red Reddington, in “The Blacklist”, which is the number one DVR’d show on TV. For more information, visit the mayor’s Office of Film and Photography at www.flimyonkers. com.

AT&T presented its contribution of $15,000 to Yonkers Partners in Education, a private, notfor-profit organization providing college and career access services to the students in the Yonkers Public Schools, on March 20 at Yonkers Riverfront Library. AT&T’s contribution will go directly to support YPIE’s “El Camino Al Exito” (The Road to Success), a comprehensive Spanish language program that serves Latino families at YPS. Fifty-four percent of students at YPS are Latino, and 15 percent come from homes where English is not the spoken language. The program includes monthly family workshops, one-on-one college advising, and summer mentoring for students and their families. El Camino Al Exito addresses the language, cultural and access barriers that often make it challenging for Latino students to enroll and persist in college. “AT&T is proud to support Yonkers Partner in Education’s El Camino Al Exito program in its important mission to provide the skills and resources needed to help students and families in the Latino community prepare for secondary education and their future careers,” said Marissa Shorenstein,

New York president of AT&T. “AT&T is committed through its Aspire initiative to partnering with innovative organizations like YPIE that help deliver the additional educational support our students need to succeed in a global economy.” AT&T’s presentation was made even more meaningful Thursday evening as the library was filled with Latino students and families who had gathered for one of YPIE’s workshops on accessing college scholarships. “AT&T’s support underscores the company’s commitment to the community, advancing educational access and providing opportunity for lowincome students to reach their personal potential,” said YPIE Executive Director Wendy Nadel. Ellen Cutler Levy, YPIE’s director of programs, added: “This funding will go a long way toward insuring that Latino students and families in YPS receive the information and resources they need to pursue higher education.” Yonkers Partners in Education is a 501(c)(3) privately funded not-for-profit that has been working for seven years to improve college and career access for the more than 26,000 students that attend Yonkers Public Schools.

Public Learns of One Man’s ‘400 Miles to Freedom’

Sheila Lesnick, left, who came to the film screening with her son, former Yonkers City Council President Chuck Lesnick, center, and family, asks questions of Avishai Mekonen, codirector of the film “400 Miles to Freedom.” Photo © Robert Kalfua.

Ann Muro with Yonkers Police Officer Robert Tauber and K-9 dog Ex, who was purchased with help from the Exchange Club 15 years ago.

YPD Gets

Continued from Page 1 was held at Luciano’s Restaurant on Central Avenue. It was well attended by members of the Exchange Club, YPD, the Yonkers Fire Department, politicians, and friends and supporters of the Exchange Club, including the Blue Knights. While at the microphone, Muro stated that the YPD needed another dog for the K-9 Unit, joking that she would buy it herself if she won the lotto that night. Hearing that, Exchange Club member Frank Spotorno raised his hand and said he would donate $2,200 for the dog if Muro could raise the rest that night. Well suddenly, the room took on what sounded like an auction at Sotheby’s. Other members of the club raised their hands and donated various amounts of money, along with Luciano, Republican Party Chairman Justin Tubiolo, Mayor Mike Spano, the Blue Knights and others. Local 628 Yonkers firefighters joked that they would donate if the dog were a Dalmatian and not a German Shepard. Muro replied: “No Dalmatian, but we’ll take your money anyhow!” The Yonkers PBS, as well as the Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants Association, added to the donor’s list. Before long, Muro had raised almost the entire amount needed for the dog, falling only $50 short. A few days later, retired YPD Detective Anthony Amodeo wrote a check for the balance. “It was a fun night,” said Muro, who has met Officer Velez, who will be the new Ex’s “partner,” and has seen photos of the K-9 Unit’s new addi-

YPD Officer Mark Wissner with K-9 dog Doc, who recently retired.

tion. A formal introduction is in the works. The YPD’s most recent K-9 dog, Doc, retired when his partner, Officer Mark Wissner, was promoted. Doc, who appeared on the PAL Poster, is enjoying his retirement.

By Robert Kalfus In 1984 at the age of 10, Avishai Mekonen began his flight to freedom. Moving by night and hiding by day, his family and the people of his village walked 400 miles through the desert to flee the brutal dictatorship in Ethiopia. Once they were able to cross the border into Sudan, these members of the Beta Israel, a community of observant Jews secluded for 2,500 years in the northern Ethiopian mountains, were interned in Sudanese camps until their rescue months later by an Israeli airlift. Years later, still searching for religious freedom, Mekonen found the Lincoln Park Jewish Center in Yonkers, which became the venue for a screening of his award-winning film, “400 Miles to Freedom” last Sunday afternoon. With the Westchester premiere of his film, Mekonen, now a member of the Lincoln Park Jewish Center’s extended family, has at last lifted the curtain on the difficult events of his childhood. In this film he breaks his 20-year silence about his brutal kidnapping into slavery in Sudan during his community’s exodus. This life-defining event led him to launch an inquiry into his identity and compelled him to co-produce this film about his life, leading him to African, Asian and Latino Jews in Israel and the U.S. In Hebrew (with English subtitles), “400 Miles to Freedom” narrates the experience of the Beta Israel’s flight from Ethiopia into Sudan, and their redemption in Israel. The Beta Israel immigrants – elders, teachers, leaders, rabbis, women and children – learned to adjust from their agrarian ways to a modern technological society. Women now working outside of the home, a great change from their previous jobs of full-time care of the household and the children, working only at home, was noted in the film. Learning how to fit into Israeli society, Mekonen searched and found the wide diversity of Jews living in the country. Jews from all lands had settled there, yet some – usually the eastern European “white” Jews – viewed the Beta Israel with skepticism, wondering whether they were “truly Jewish.” Interviewed in his film, the Israeli Chief Ashkenazic Rabbi explained to Mekonen that the Ethiopian Jews, having been isolated for more than

25 centuries, had different traditions and were different from other Jews. He wanted members of the Beta Israel to undergo an “affirmation” ceremony to “strengthen their Jewishness” – which was refused. Since they had remained Jews, faithful to the Torah, observing the mitzvoth (commandments) for 25 centuries, the Beta Israel felt no need have their Jewish identify validated by others. Mekonen’s search for the nature of religious identity led him to Rabbi Rigoberto Emmanuel Viñas and the Lincoln Park Jewish Center, a place where the unity of the Jewish people is noted, emphasized and celebrated. Introducing Mekonen to those assembled to view the movie, Viñas explained: “Jews are not defined by ethnicity, nor by skin color, nor by nationality. We are one people whose belief is the centrality of the Torah; worship of the One God is what unites us as Jews.” In the question-and-answer period following the movie, Yonkers resident Warren Lubin noted that his high school biology teacher taught that less than one ounce of melanin is responsible for the differences in people’s skin colorings. “How just one ounce of anything could be so important as to divide people and cause them to hate one another is beyond me,” he said. This film resonated with members of the audience, who in less than two weeks will celebrate the Passover holiday, remembering their ancestors’ experience of almost 400 years of slavery in Egypt, walking through the desert, experiencing the splitting of the Red Sea and after 40 years of wandering, finally crossing to freedom in the Promised Land of Israel. Passover this year begins at sundown Monday evening, April 14, with a Seder at people’s homes or a communal Seder, which is offered at the Lincoln Park Jewish Center. The liturgy of the Passover Seder welcomes “all who are hungry” and a reservation for the synagogue Seder can be made by calling 914-965-7119. Following the movie, the audience enjoyed pizza, knishes, soda and a free wine tasting, along with the opportunity to speak with Mekonen. Additional information and a movie trailer are available at www.7thart.com/films/400-Milesto-Freedom.