WESTCHESTER’S OLDEST AND MOST RESPECTED NEWSPAPERS PRESORT-STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID White Plains, NY Permit #7164

Vol 109 Number 30

www.RisingMediaGroup.com

Mural Debuted at Open Mic Event

Friday, July 25, 2014

Development, and Interest, In Yonkers Continues

New Construction Dots City Landscape

The Glenwood Power plant, the symbol of Yonkers’ beauty and untapped potential.

Pop-up open mic organizers Hector Santiago and Phylisha Villanueva. Photo by Donna Davis.

In a bid to raise awareness of the arts and involve the community, Yonkers residents Hector Santiago and Phylisha Villanueva recently put together an impromptu open mic

event on Herriot Street in southwest Yonkers. The focus for the Sunday evening was the mural conceived and painted by Yonkers-raised Continued on Page 10

Yonkers Sues NYS for Additional Education Aid By Dan Murphy do so until last week. With New York State the recent recipient The new state revenue, coming from a of a $3 billion pot of revenue obtained as a $3 billion settlement with French Bank BNP result of settlements with banks over fraudu- Paribas, gives Yonkers a chance to argue and lent practices, the City of request some of the new Yonkers has decided to monies for the 27,000 join an education fundstudents in Yonkers Pub‘We are not ing lawsuit against the lic Schools. state. The lawsuit, filed Council President waiting any longer by New Yorkers for Liam J. McLaughlin for Albany to fix this and others say the state Students Educational Rights, seeks equitable should properly fund problem. If Albany school funding to New schools, and could settle won’t fix this York City and other New the suit with funds from York school districts. the settlement. problem, we will.’ The Yonkers City “The City of YonCity Council Council, by a vote of kers deserves its fair xxxxxxx, approved a share from Albany,” said President Liam measure to commence McLaughlin. “Albany’s McLaughlin legal action against the one-shots and budget state and join the NYgimmicks deprive our SER lawsuit. The city is children of their right being represented by the Office of the Corpo- to a sound education. Through Albany’s Gap ration Counsel. Elimination Adjustment and blatantly unfair During the summer budget hearings, funding formulas, the lawsuit estimates that some members of the City Council – and the Albany has funded our schools billions less public – spoke out against the state budget than is constitutionally required.” and what was in (or not in) it for Yonkers. The NYSER previously launched a similar council had considered filing suit then to seek lawsuit called the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, additional state education aid, but declined to Continued on Page 6

By Dan Murphy As the never-ending New York City real estate boom continues, the buzz about the City of Yonkers as the next destination for younger generations, and those seeking to leave the city but remain close to the Big Apple, continues. Articles highlighting Yonkers as the next destination; new construction of affordable housing, and market rate apartments; new acquisitions by developers, and a request for proposals for the Chicken Island portion of the downtown, all point to a possible renaissance or boom coming for the city. “There are things that are happening which indicate that we’re seeing a renaissance,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “We’re seeing a turnaround, a new direction. Yonkers is on the cusp of something great.” Spano, has presided over the following projects, planned and underway: Chicken Island Last month, the city released its request for proposal to develop the downtown area known as “Chicken Island.” The prime piece of downtown real estate went through years of development proposals and options, submitted by developers Streuver, Fidelco, Cappelli, before the recession of 2008 brought all development in the country to a halt. Spano and the city are now seeking a new partner to redevelop Chicken Island, located in Getty Square next to City Hall. “Chicken Island is prime real estate in our city that will continue the revitalization of our downtown district,” he said. “We are asking for plans that are practical that will improve the downtown experience and that have sufficient financial backing. It’s finally time for bricks and mortar on the ground.” Coined “Chicken Island” in the late 1800s when a small island in the Saw Mill River was used as a local chicken farm, the six-acre site is located to the northeast of Yonkers City Hall. It is zoned downtown mixed-use, a high-density zone permitting development up to 25 stories and which permits a wide variety of uses including retail, restaurant, office and colleges, as well as live-work, micro-units or other innovative residential uses.

“The direction of the development should be in accordance with what the market dictates, as well as what makes sense for the people of Yonkers,” said Spano. As stated in the RFP, the city also seeks to identify and create new institutional uses for new or existing educational, cultural and/ or arts facilities, or other beneficial community uses, to add to the vitality of downtown Yonkers. The city encourages collaborations between the developer and institutions interested in maintaining a downtown presence to create a dynamic downtown and culturally vibrant civic center district. In his announcement of the Chicken Island RFP, Spano recapped significant progress made downtown since he took office in 2012, including: Sarah Lawrence College’s opening of the Center for the Urban River at the Beczak Environmental Education Center; Daniel Wolf and world-renowned architect Maya Lin purchasing of the historic city jail, which they plan to convert into space for their art business and studios; completion of the third phase of the Collins waterfront development project, a 220-unit residential tower alongside the Hudson River; restoration of the public park and shoreline at Palisades Point; the creation of 220-plus units at the Teutonia Hall site (Buena Vista Avenue); Also, the Rising Development Yonkers projects on Nepperhan Street, where the developers are bringing in a top level developer to partner with; and the Mill Street Courtyard project, where Rising Development Yonkers has already commenced abatement and expects to quickly proceed to demolition and construction in the next few weeks. The Mill Street Courtyard also includes the second phase of the Saw Mill daylighting project, with the third phase of the daylighting to begin at New Main Street this year. For more information on this newly-released RFP, visit www.yonkersny.gov/RFP. Library Lofts The sole remaining member of the SFC development team, Fidelco Realty Group, recently cut the ribbon for its redevelopment of Continued on Page 8

Paddling and Rowing Club Offers Free Kayaking

With the thermometer on the rise this summer, one way to cool down is to take advantage of the free kayaking offer from the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club, at JFK Marina every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. through September. Visit www.YPRC.org for more information. Pictured above is Pat Slaven, captain of YPRC. The picture was taken by photographer John Maggiotto, whose images of the waterfront can be viewed at www.maggiotto.com. This picture, and many others, are available for sale as prints. Photo by John Maggiotto.

PAGE 2 - Yonkers Rising - Friday, July 25, 2014

Kawasaki Rail Car to Remain In Yonkers, Thanks to Grant

Film Frenzy Continues With ‘The Lego Movie’

State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins with Mayor Mike Spano, Assemblmembers Shelley Mayer and Gary Pretlow, City Council Minority Leader Michael Sabatino and Kawasaki officials at the Yonkers facility.

Final approval of a $500,000 state grant to keep Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., and 375 employees in Yonkers was announced last week by Democratic Conference Leader State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Empire State Development President and CEO Kenneth Adams and President of Kawasaki Rail Car Hiroki Iwasaki. “The state’s assistance toward the purchase of this $25 million facility is a final step to ensure our commitment for Kawasaki to stay in Yonkers,” said Stewart-Cousins on the factory floor. “One of our most important jobs, whether in government or the private sector, is to do what we can to continue to make sure we build our economy. By highlighting this ESD grant, we are proving that the best way to do this is by working together.” This performance-based Regional Economic Development Council grant was approved last month by the Empire State Development Board of Directors, which signals the start of the distribution process for the 2011 agreement between Kawasaki and ESD. “Kawasaki’s decision to reinvest and remain in Yonkers is a huge win for the nearly 400 employees that currently work at its Yonkers factory and a clear demonstration of New York’s improved business climate under Gov. (Andrew) Cuomo,” said ESD President and CEO Kenneth Adams. In 2011, Kawasaki committed to purchasing its leased-facility for $25 million, and ESD pledged a $500,000 grant to encourage the company to acquire the site. Iwasaki thanked the state for investing in the company’s plan to stay in New York. “We’ve been building American-made rail cars right here for 25 years and we will continue to do so for many years to come,” he said. “The state is helping to make it more cost-effective to do business right here in Yonkers.” Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc. began operating in Yonkers in 1987, and since then has manufac-

tured more than 2,700 train cars for mass transit for New York City, PATH, Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Railroad and for systems in Boston, Virginia and Maryland, and is currently producing rail cars for the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority. “With this grant, Kawasaki will continue to be the cornerstone of the economic growth and vitality of downtown Yonkers,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “The state’s and Kawasaki’s investment is not only in a building, but in our jobs, our people and our future as a city. Thank you to our state delegation, Empire State Development and Kawasaki for their unwavering support and commitment to Yonkers.” “Today is a good day for Yonkers, for New York State, and for Kawasaki,” added Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer. “It shows what can happen when government and employers work together to encourage economic activity, create good-paying jobs and strengthen local communities. I applaud Gov. Cuomo and the Regional Economic Development Council, Kawasaki, Senate Democratic Leader Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues in government for making this important investment in our future. It is another positive step toward the revitalization of Yonkers and all of Westchester.” In October 2010, Kawasaki Rail Car considered leaving New York State to consolidate operations in Nebraska. The company approached ESD for assistance in purchasing its leased facility in Yonkers, and an agreement was announced in 2011. The ESD Board approval came last month, clearing the way for the state’s economic development agency to disburse the funding to the company based on agreed upon performance benchmarks. The Yonkers plant, established in 1987, builds, assembles, rehabilitates and tests all types of passenger rail cars. It is located in the former Otis Elevator factory near the Yonkers train station and the Hudson River.

LIFE’S BEST MOMENTS ARE SHARED MOVE I N BY AU GU ST 31 ST A N D WE ’L L WA I V E TH E 2 N D P E R S O N FE E FOR THE LIF E O F TH E L E AS E !*

Westchester County Parks’ 2014 “Family Film Frenzy” series will conclude with the showing of “The Lego Movie” (2014, rated PG) on Wednesday, July 30 at The Brook at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers; the rain date is Thursday, July 31. The after-hours festivities offer an outdoor movie as well as swimming. The park opens at 7 p.m. for swimming and relaxing, and the movie begins at sundown. Bring your own picnic or purchase food at the concession stand. For seating, bring blankets and chairs.

Admission is $5 per person or free for children younger than 5, and includes the movie only. A Westchester County Park Pass is not required for admission. Wristbands will go on sale the day of the event at each location and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis – while supplies last. Note that swimming is only permitted until dark, and all food and cooler guidelines for regular pool hours apply. For more information, go to www.westchestergov.com or call 914-864-PARK.

Presentation of ‘Frozen’ Rescheduled for July 28

Westchester’s Ridge Hill was forced to reschedule its Summer Movie Mondays series’ screening of “Frozen” last week due to rain. The movie was originally scheduled to be presented July 14, but the new date is Monday, July 28, at sunset. “We regret any inconvenience caused by the cancellation, but outdoor summer activities are at the whim of the weather,” said Andrew Hardy, general manager of Westchester’s Ridge Hill. “We anticipate the activities we have planned for Monday, July 28 will ensure families have a terrific time.”

“Frozen” is the highest-grossing animated film of all time, and the free screening at Ridge Hill is expected to draw a large crowd. Prescreening activities will begin at 7 p.m., along Second Street for family fun and entertainment prior to the start of the movie. More information is available at www.WestchestersRidgeHill. com. Movie Mondays is a Ridge Hill partnership with Rooftop Films, along with event sponsor Westchester Magazine. On Aug. 11, Summer Movie Mondays will present “Despicable Me 2.”

Our apartments are perfect for couples, friends, and new neighbors who want to share the joys of life at our community. For a limited time, we’re waiving our second person fee, making it easier than ever to move in and enjoy our Five Star living.

Y

NA

K

NA

Notes:

1017 TURNPIKE STREET, CANTON, MA 02021 • (P) 781.828.9290 • (F) 781.828.9419 • WWW.TRIADADVERTISING.COM

CALL TO DAY TO TO UR O UR APARTMENTS *Limited time offer. Independent Living Apartments only, see the Sales and Marketing Department.

www.FiveStarPremier-Yonkers.com ©2014 Five Star Quality Care, Inc.

NA NA

Rnd~Ver: Premier Residences - Yonkers

Publication:

Client:

r01•vA

07.14.2014 Date: Rising

M

sd Ae: 5.3”w X 10.5”t Size:

s ’ a n i l e g n A

Pet Friendly

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE

C

eaj PRY140703

914-709-1234

Job#:

537 Riverdale Avenue • Yonkers, NY 10705

De:

Colors

Taste The Tradition...

RISTORANTE

LET US HOST YOUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT... IN OUR PRIVATE PARTY ROOM WESTCHESTER’S FINEST LOCATION FOR SHOWERS •REHEARSAL DINNERS INTIMATE WEDDINGS (UP TO 60 PEOPLE)

97 Lake Avenue, Tuckahoe 914.779.7319

angelinasoftuckahoe.com www.facebook.com/angelinasoftuckahoe

Open 7 Days. Mon-Thur 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm and Sun 12pm-10pm

Friday, July 25, 2014 - Yonkers Rising - PAGE 3

‘Gentle Giant’ Col. Herbert Blum; Decorated Combat Veteran, Part 2

From left, State Sen. George Latimer salutes the presentation of colors; with Tara Holt, 13, a granddaughter of Col. Blum; and his daughter, Dawn Blum; with her older daughter, Sierra Holt, 18; and her husband, Steve Habich.

The aviators wired back, asking, ‘Do you have any activity going on in this sector?’ and received the answer ‘No. We have no activity going on at all.’ The pilots replied, ‘We see two trains and nothing but dust.’ “We can estimate that Herb’s actions took out about 2,000 German troops because the distance they were from the explosion, and the concussion alone, killed them all.” Remembering Herb’s mission to secure the Bridge at Remagen, Col. Darmos described the picture: “Herb not only found the bridge by walking along the riverbank in freezing subzero temperature with his team of three men, he neutralized the people guarding the bridge – on both sides – and then he neutralized the explosives. When Gen. Patton’s Ninth Armored Division came across, the still-standing bridge allowed Patton 48 hours to get across most of his armor, most of his tanks, into Germany Yonkers City Court Judge Ed Gaffney Jr. speaks at the before the Germans destroyed the recent memorial service held for Col. Blum at Mount bridge with artillery fire. Hope cemetery. Photos by Robert Kalfus. “When Herb later was captured, By Robert Kalufs In last week’s issue of Yonkers Rising, we he survived, very simply, because he hid his highlighted the life of Col. Herbert Blum, who dog tags inside his socks in his boots,” exis the most decorated soldier in Yonkers his- plained Darmos. “Dog tags listed a soldier’s tory. Blum served our country in four conflicts, name, blood type, your military number and World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian your religion. The Germans never finding his Gulf. He received the Purple Heart, the Bronze dog tags probably kept him alive. “The Germans placed Prisoner of War Star, the Silver Star and two distinguished sercamp Stalag 19 next to a munitions factory, figvice crosses. Here’s part II of Blum’s story, and the re- uring that the Allies would never bomb Americent ceremony honoring his service to the USA: can prisoners next to a munitions factory. But Col. James Darmos, who was a personal when it was bombed, cutting off the electricity friend, met Blum when joining the New York to the camp and to the electrified wires around the camp, Herb and some others were able to Guard in 1986. “You can’t command after age 68,” he escape Stalag 19 to the Russian lines, from said. “State Law, you are out the door. I have which he was returned to England, and later not worn this uniform for about six years, and parachuted back into France in preparation for it is a pleasure to put it on today for Herb. As the Normandy invasion. “Herb served again in Korea, and in Vietour friendship grew, I grew to know and love the man and his devotion to his country. I can nam he served as an adviser to Gen. Westmorebest describe Col. Blum by the values he lived, land. When you think of an adviser, you think which are the Army values of today – loyalty, of some guy sitting in a chair behind a desk, duty, respect, Selfless service, honor, integrity far from the enemy lines. Not so for Herb, who and personal courage – and Herb displayed ev- was in the jungles, on patrol, when his unit was ambushed and attacked. Herb was wounded by ery one of those every day of his life. “He was an Americans soldier, he was a a machete-wielding Vietcong, who opened him warrior, and at that time a member of a spe- up about 2 ½ feet, leaving a long scar,” recalled cial team. He served the people of the United Darmos, asking, “Jeez, Herb, what did you do States and lived Army values, he always placed then?” Herb answered: “I blew his effing head off his mission first, he never accepted defeat, he never quit, he never left a fallen comrade. He with my 0.45 caliber. Then I held my guts in was disciplined, physically and mentally, better until a Medevac helicopter came and took me than most people I know and he was a tough back to get stitched up.” “Years later, Herb went as an adviser to trained professional in his warrior skills. He was always an expert and a professional and the Persian Gulf,” said Darmos, who attributed stood ready to deploy, engage and destroy “the success of the Persian Gulf War (to liberthe enemies of his country in close combat if ate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein’s invasion) to need be. He was a guardian of freedom and the Herb Blum, not to Gen. Schwartzkopf. “All the generals sitting around the table, American way of life. “Herb was noticed by Gen. ‘Wild Bill’ as soon as they hung up the phone call from Donovan when in 1942 the Office of Strategic President George H.W. Bush, asking ‘When Services was born, when the U.S. government should we start the war?’ It was Herb who said, realized that intelligence was a prime item they ‘Excuse me, Gen. Schwarzkopf, if you don’t needed to win any conflict: espionage, sabotage start this war in a week you will be here a year and morale operations against the enemy,” con- from now explaining to the president why we tinued Darmos. “Herb was parachuted many are still here (in Kuwait).’ Herb then turned to times behind enemy lines where he not only the staff gathered around the planning table and had to map, but also to destroy enemy bridges, asked ‘How many of you have fought in the and he was one of the sharpest men in the unit desert?’ Out of the whole staff table, only two of OSS officers, and he was promoted rapidly had. “Herb then asked, ‘How many of you by Gen. Donovan, based upon his abilities, behave fought in this desert?’ and the answer was cause not everybody in the OSS was sharp. “A lot of missions failed – they don’t talk ‘none.’ Herb then explained, ‘I fought Rommel about them – but not wanting missions to fail, in this desert, and if we do not start the war now, Gen. Donovan promoted Herb, because he in 30 days the monsoons come. That beautiful knew Herb had the smarts to do it. On one occa- drifting sand? It becomes clay. Your choppers sion, Herb was sent behind enemy lines to blow won’t fly, your tanks won’t move, your personup a bridge, and he blew up the bridge, and nel carriers won’t move, and every step your seeing that he had some explosives left over soldiers take will make three quarters of an inch and realizing that he could not bring back the of clay on their boots. So you will be here next explosives, Herb took out his map and found a year,’ Col. Blum noted to the assembled generrail yard a couple of miles away and suggested als,” said Darmos. Operation Kuwaiti Freedom started soon to the two guys in his unit that they go take a look at the rail yard, which they found had two thereafter. “The problem to overcome,” noted Dartransports filled with German troops, 1,000 in each train. In the middle, between the two sets mos, is that “Saddam Hussein had pillboxes of railroad tracks, was a train laden with high (machine gun and artillery emplacements explosives to bring explosives to the battlefield within a fortified concrete structure) facing out toward where we would be coming from. The for the Reich. “Herb and his team bypassed 1,000 Ger- generals were trying to figure out how to overmans on one side, planted the explosives, and come this problem, when Herb asked ‘Do you took off,” explained Darmos. “(At this time) a know who built these pillboxes? The same guy group of bombers was flying overhead on a mis- who built them for Rommel (built these). There sion to bomb Hamburg, and as they approached are only two ways out of each pillbox: Drop in Continued on Page 7 the rail yard, there was a giant mushroom cloud.

This, Too, is Pigs in a Blanket & an Apology

By Eric W. Schoen are your forum to express Could it have been the your thoughts and opinions! pigs in a blanket? Cocktail Hot Topics: potato knishes? Swedish Why do airlines conmeatballs? tinue to fly over war zones? Last Thursday night the Is the cost of fuel more imworld was on fire. A Malayportant than the lives of their sian Airline plane had been passengers? shot down over the Ukraine Transportation Safety with 298 innocent people Administration fees are golosing their lives – remains ing up again this week. The of the deceased scattered question is: Do you feel any over a battlefield, some still safer flying then you did pribelted in their airplane seats. or to 9/11? Lack of security for When will our leaders days compromised the do something concrete – no Eric W. Schoen crime scene, with lifeless pun intended – to solve the bodies pillaged by locals in an act just as dis- problem of trucks crashing into bridges on our gusting as the plane being shot down in the sky. area roadways. Again this week, a truck carryThousands of parents and children stream- ing canned vegetables struck an overpass on the ing over the border into the United States, many Hutchinson River Parkway; this time it was at having traveled great distances in horrible con- King Street. The north-bound lanes were closed ditions, and treated poorly by those who claimed for five hours. to give them passage to a better life in America. Signs painted on the roadways just don’t Many using every bit of money they had to cut the mustard. There needs to be a hard device make the dangerous voyage. similar to a light pole that trucks would hit, alertIsrael and Hamas at war with lives lost on ing their drivers to low bridges before they enter both sides. The prospect of peace in the Middle the roadway. Forty-five years ago a man took his East? Unfortunately far, far away. first step on the moon. If a man can walk on the Yes the world was on fire last Thursday moon we certainly can come up with a solution night. And where was our president – the leader to this problem. of the free world, the man or one day woman On a lighter note, an apology: that we are supposed to look up to in times of I owe an apology to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. crisis? Was he in the war room (if they have such As you know, every other Thursday I host the thing) in Washington, D.C.? No, my friends, he Westchester Rising Radio Show on WVOX was fundraising in New York City. 1460 on the AM dial. We have fun talking about What, prey tell, could his advisors have topics from food to fashion and everything inbeen thinking to have the president attending between. Last Thursday when I was on the air, political fundraisers when the world was in cri- a strike on the Long Island Railroad was immisis? If he thought it so important to participate nent, and I wondered why these potential strikes in these events, could not a video link have been are always settled at the last minute. Like so many of these labor disputes, I exset up so he could address attendees? Could he have taken a rain check and come back another pected that the strike was going to be solved at night to have his picture taken with folks who the deadline, Sunday morning, with Gov. Cuomo and union leaders standing at gigantic banks had contributed thousands of dollars? President Barack Obama let the country of microphones saving the day. Sort of like what down last Thursday night. Whether you are a Mighty Mouse did in the cartoons. Boy was I wrong. I forgot that this was no Democrat or Republican or affiliated with no party at all, you had every right to be offended regular strike threat – this was the Long Island last Thursday night when the world was in tur- Railroad. People on Long Island and those that summoil and the president was fundraising in New mer in the Hamptons are a different breed. The York City. I am far from an international scholar, and weather forecast for last weekend was great. I certainly don’t want to make light of a terrible If the strike started on Sunday, how would all situation. But for the life of me I can’t fathom those in the Hamptons for the weekend get back why my president was out fundraising when he to the reality of the city. Seaplanes and helicopshould have been showing leadership at 1600 ters could never make up for the trains. Cuomo would never leave the mobs who venture to the Pennsylvania Ave. The only thing I can think of is that he Hamptons on the weekends stranded. So I extend my apologies for secondwent for the pigs in a blanket (cocktail franks wrapped in pastry dough), potato knishes or guessing you, Gov. Cuomo, and I raise a glass Swedish meatballs served by those that hosted of Chardonnay to toast you for settling the strike that would have caused havoc among the elite fundraising dinners in his honor. Pray for peace in the world, my friends. and elite wannabes! Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@aol. And let’s hope that our president – man or woman, Democrat, Republican or whatever party – com and follow him on Twitter @ericyonkers. doesn’t select fundraising over the affairs of the Catch the Westchester Rising Radio Show featurworld in the future! As always, if you agree or ing Dan Murphy and Eric Schoen on Thursdays disagree with me, the pages of this newspaper at 10 a.m. on WVOX 1460 on the A.M. dial.

Library Art Exhibit Gives Viewers a Reason to ‘Smile’ The Yonkers Riverfront Library will present “14 SMILES,” a multi-media exhibition of artwork by Marie Brooks, in the atrium of the Riverfront Library from Aug. 4 to 29, and will feature drawings, photographs and sculptures. Brooks moved from Washington, D.C., to New York in 1981. Included in the exhibition is a portrait of her created by an artist who worked on the Atlantic City boardwalk, which was created in 1981 during the time of the transitional move to New York. It is included in the exhibi-

tion because of the vague smile; that theme is carried over in the title of the exhibition, which is a collection of works created between 1981 and 2014. The Riverfront Library, located at One Larkin Center, is handicapped accessible, and parking is available at the nearby Buena Vista Parking Garage or the Warburton Parking Garage. For more information, contact Branch Administrator Susan Thaler at 914-337-1500, ext. 432, or visit the library’s website at www.ypl.org.

PAGE 4 - Yonkers rising - Friday, July 25, 2014

Flood Mitigation Efforts On Bronx River Continue The Westchester County forts to revitalize BRAB. Board of Legislators contin“Having our local partners ued its oversight of stormact will result in real solutions water management efforts in that will help our residents.” flood-prone areas and began At this month’s BRAB laying groundwork for new meeting, members were inmitigation projects this week formed that Assemblyman during a July 16 meeting of David Buchwald was looking the Bronx River Advisory into the merits and mechanics Board, which is chaired by of adding the Bronx River to Legislator Bernice Spreckthe state’s Inland Waterway man. List, which could help flood Recent storms have projects qualify for state aid. closed both the Bronx River The committee also disand Saw Mill River parkcussed the necessity of clearCounty Legislator ways, and motorists know ing the debris that is blocking Bernice Spreckman that stormwater issues make numerous parts of the river. traveling on the roads during rainfall a risky en“Cleaning up the Bronx River and alleviatdeavor. At its July 14 meeting, the BOL unani- ing blockages that spur flooding has to be our mously approved the Bronx River Reconnais- first priority, and we’re looking to work coopsance Plan, which will help local communities eratively with the administration and our other along the river identify and effectuate flood partners in government to make this happen,” mitigation projects. said Shimsky. The BRAB meeting included discussion In addition, the committee agreed that next about helping local communities obtain partial steps include discussions with New York State county funding for the projects, which can of- Department of Environmental Conservation ten cost upwards of several-million dollars. officials about targeted dredging of the Bronx “We recognize the importance of helping River, and with Metro-North officials about a our residents and business owners along the railroad trestle causing flooding in Yonkers. Bronx River reach long-term solutions to flood“It’s going to take a lot of work from civic ing problems, which seem to increase with land and government officials to solve the flooding development and instances of severe weather,” related to the Bronx River,” said Spreckman. said Legislator MaryJane Shimsky, who has “The flooding damages property and poses a been collaborating with Spreckman in her ef- public safety problem. It’s time to take action.”

On This Day in Yonkers History…

The Warburton Avenue fire. Photo courtesy of the collection at the Yonkers Historical Society.

Local Biz Owners & Experts Featured at ‘Bridge To Success’ Are you a small business owner looking to expand? Do you need help getting a loan for your business? Do you want to talk to experts who can give you advice on everything from putting a business plan together to applying for government contracts? Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino is inviting the public to two free seminars: “A Bridge to Success: How to secure customers, contracts and capital” Tuesday, July 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave. and Monday, Aug. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the Yonkers Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin Plaza. The events are geared toward minority and women entrepreneurs who are looking to contract with government, gain access to lowcost financing or cut their employee training costs in half. “Westchester County government is here to help businesses grow and create jobs for our residents,” said Astorino. “These seminars are a way to put tools and resources in the hands of our small business owners and job creators.” Local business owners and experts will share their best tips and strategies on success. These include: Jaleene and Jewelle Rodriguez of Don Coqui restaurants; Erwin Gil-

liam of Erwin’s Barber Shop; Mike Brady of Greyston Bakery; Dorothy Aguiar of Apple Maintenance Services, Inc.; and John Rubbo, Nick Califano and Jackie Rubbo of Yonkers Brewing Company; As well as Kim Jacobs of Community Capital New York; Tamara Underwood of New York Business Development Corporation; John Ravitz of The Business Council of Westchester; Liz Kallen, of Procurement Technical Assistance Center; Marissa Brett of The Westchester County Association; Ann Janiak or the Women’s Enterprise Development Center; Glenn Shell of SCORE of Westchester; Donnovan Beckford of the WestchesterPutnam One-Stop Employment Center; and Jim Coleman, Westchester County minority and Women Business Enterprise liaison. The seminars are sponsored by the Office of Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino, the Urban League of Westchester County, The Business Council of Westchester, Urban Tusk Community Strategies, The Westchester County Association and the Law Office of Richard St. Paul, Esq., PLLC. Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, call 914-384-1895 or email [email protected].

Real Estate Closings Flat Fee $799

Semi retired Ivy league lawyer with vast experience in all transactions Nobody does it better.

Duncraggan in 1900, owned by William and Eva Smith Cochran.

By Mary Hoar President, Yonkers Historical Society Monday, July 28 July 28, 1751: The death of Frederick Philipse. July 28, 1852: After racing with the steamboat Armenia, the side paddle wheel steamboat Henry Clay caught fire off the coast of Yonkers. This was considered by many to be the worst steamboat disaster on the Hudson River. Although more than 500 people were on board, the ship had only two lifeboats, and more than 70 passengers died, including 10 to 12 people who remain unidentified to this day. The Independent Order of the Odd Fellows took charge of these unknown people and the Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Getty Square donated a plot in St. John’s Cemetery so they could be buried properly. Shortly afterward, the Odd Fellow erected a marble column marking the resting place of these unknown victims. The public investigation lasted weeks and laws were enacted all over the country, prohibiting steamboat racing. Congress then passed the Steamboat Act of 1852, which required steamboat inspection and licensing of pilots and engineers by the Steam Inspection Service, the forerunner of the U.S. Coast Guard. July 28, 1852: A Yonkers Newfoundland dog named Neptune, ignoring its owner’s command to return to shore, swam into the Hudson River and grabbed a drowning young girl by her dress and carried her to safety, thus saving one of the passengers on the Henry Clay. Tuesday, July 29 July 29, 1893: The newly-formed Yonkers Board of Trade elected William Cochran as its first president.

Wednesday, July 30 July 30, 1992: Lea Loveless won the Olympic gold medal in the women’s 400-meter Medley Relay. Thursday, July 31 July 31, 1929: A young flapper from New York City attempted to bring informality into Judge Boote’s Yonkers courtroom during a hearing. Bringing out a cigarette, she held it daintily in her fingers while informing the court that smoking was being done in all the best NYC courtrooms. City Marshall George Donnelly expressed his “surprise,” and let her know the Yonkers system was, and would remain, “old fashioned!” Friday, Aug. 1 Aug. 1, 1889: The annual Hudson River excursion of New York newsboys and bootblacks ended in a stone-throwing battle with Yonkers citizens and authorities Saturday, Aug. 2 Aug. 2, 1893: Fire destroyed a score of buildings and stables on the eastern side of Warburton Avenue and Mill Street, between Main Street and Dock Street, causing a loss of $150,000 in real estate and stock. It also damaged buildings on the west side of North Broadway. Sunday, Aug. 3 Aug. 3, 1639: Three Weckquaskeck chiefs, owners of “Keskeskich,” conveyed to the West India Company the tract of land called “Nepperhaem,” the site of present day Yonkers. For more information on the Yonkers Historical Society, Sherwood House and upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/YonkersHistoricalSociety. For information on membership in YHS, call 914-961-8940 or email yhsociety@ aol.com.

Sweet Stuckey Needs Company

martinbepsteinlaw.com 914 358-3288 

Visit Stuckey at the Yonkers Animal Shelter.

To join the Exchange Club of Yonkers contact Vice-President David Tubiolo at 646-596-3375

The Yonkers Animal Shelter has many pets available for adoption. Stuckey is a new dog at the shelter who was found on Palmer Avenue by some nice folks, who came to visit the next day to make sure he was alright. Stuckey is a big boy, weighing about 70 pounds, and is about 5 or 6 years old. He’s very laid back, walks well on leash, and seems to be house trained to knows some basic commands like “sit” and “give paw.” He was well cared for and really seems like someone’s dog – maybe that person will see his picture. But if not, Stuckey will make someone

else a wonderful companion. He was so frightened when he first arrived at the shelter, but now he is relaxed and likes everyone. He has not met the cats, but so far he has liked all the dogs he has met casually. He has not yet been professionally evaluated. Visit Stuckey at the Yonkers Animal Shelter at 1000 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays, or noon and 4 p.m. weekends. For more information, call 914-3776730 during business hours or 201-981-3215 at any time, or email [email protected].

Friday, July 25, 2014 - Yonkers Rising- PAGE 5

Yonkers Receives Grant for Arts-Based Community Dev. Hudson River Museum, One of 66 National Endowment For The Arts Our Town Projects, Selected Nationwide National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu announced last week plans to award 66 Our Town grants totaling $5 million and reaching 38 states in the Our Town program’s fourth year of funding. Yonkers’ Hudson River Museum is one of those recommended organizations and will receive a $100,000 grant to collaborate with the City of Yonkers and Groundwork Hudson Valley to produce two public art installations and cultural programming in the new nationally-recognized Van Der Donck Daylighting Park at Larkin Plaza and the Hudson River Walk, both at the center of the city’s multi-year revitalization of the historic Yonkers Downtown district. For phase one and two of the city’s urban development plans in downtown Yonkers, artists will integrate the sounds of the city and its people, and highlight the architectural distinction of downtown through light installations derived from community conversations, in a permanent installation titled “Sound and Light: Reflecting Yonkers and its Rivers.” Light artist Erwin Redl, recognized for his large-scale outdoor light installations, will produce a permanent installation in the park, and sound artist John Morton will work with community residents to identify the “sounds” that reflect Yonkers’ past and present and link them to Yonkers’ stories and history. Both will offer workshops so the public can interact with their works in progress. Cultural programs will be targeted to the residents of Yonkers and visitors from other Westchester municipalities and New York City. “This exhibit will continue the growing arts movement in Yonkers while promoting Yonkers’ rich and diverse history, and contribute to making our downtown a desirable community in which to live, work and play for years to come,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “We are grateful to the NEA and our partners at Hudson River Museum and Groundwork Hudson Valley for their commit-

ment to the continued revitalization of downtown Yonkers.” This fall, meetings throughout Yonkers will be held to elicit community dialogue, closely followed in spring 2015 by the artists beginning the design process. By summer 2015 the artworks will be installed and the workshops and performances will be in full operation. The Hudson River Museum will manage the art-making and interaction with the community and will program the performing arts series and training for the artists. The $250,000 project will in part be funded by the NEA grant, as well as the City of Yonkers’ contribution of $150,000 toward the light installation. “The arts play a vital role in building strong communities,” said Michael Botwinick, director of the Hudson River Museum. “Yonkers has been very committed to integrating the arts into its development plans and this project of arts installation and programming in downtown Yonkers is an example of the Hudson River Museum’s long partnership with the City of Yonkers. We think this is a model for how cities and arts organizations should collaborate. The NEA’s Our Town program is a powerful recognition of that.” Congressman Eliot Engel said the artwork will help fuel the cultural renewal of downtown Yonkers, and the federal grant from the National Endowment for the Arts will enable the Hudson River Museum to further enhance residents’ experiences through a variety of workshops and performances. “I applaud the partnership between the Hudson River Museum, Groundwork Hudson Valley and the City of Yonkers to ensure that the arts are an integral part of the community and are accessible to all,” he said. Organizations participating in the “Sound and Light” project include Blue Door Arts Center, Youth Theater Interactions, Yonkers Philharmonic; and faculty at Sarah Lawrence College, Riverfront Library, Yonkers YMCA, Municipal Housing Authority of Yonkers and Sarah Lawrence College’s Center for the Urban River.

A Fresh Perspective By Samantha Diliberti Finding Your ‘Bliss Point’ Cookies, chips and soda taste great but their sweet, salty goodness is more than coincidence. Food companies spend millions of dollars engineering products that combine salt, sugar and fat in a scientific way to ensure processed foods give consumers the greatest pleasure. The food industry calls this carefully-crafted combination a product’s “bliss point.” But the bliss point doesn’t just make our favorite junk foods taste good, it may actually make us addicted to them. Our bodies are designed to enjoy and crave foods high in salt, sugar and fat because they give our bodies bursts of energy. David Kessler relates in his book, “The End of Overeating,” that foods high in these ingredients make us “eat more foods high in salt, sugar and fat.” These foods stimulate “reward” sensors in our brains, making us temporarily feel good, and shut down the sensors that tell us we’re full and to stop eating. The biological response to sugar was not well-understood until the 1960s, when a graduate student fed Froot Loops cereal to lab rats as part of a study on excess eating. The rats compulsively ate the sugary cereal, gained significant weight, and even went against their nature of eating in dark corners to eating under light in the middle of their cage, where the cereal was placed. The study showed that high-sugar foods drive animals to continue to eat despite being full. Another study, Kessler relates, analyzed how much effort rats exert to obtain foods high in sugar and fat – even when not hungry. To obtain the sugary, fatty food, the rats performed a task up to 77 times, a performance rate slightly lower than their rate to obtain cocaine, according to the study’s researcher. Creating the Bliss Point Michael Moss, New York Times reporter and author of the bestseller “Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us,” explains in his book that companies identify a product’s bliss point

by creating subtle formula variations of a product and asking thousands of people to test each variation. Researchers track tasters’ responses to a product’s flavor, scent, the way it feels in their mouths, and color. Dr. Pepper Snapple Group produced its cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper by developing 61 varying soda formulas, which were tested at 3,904 tastings around the country, Moss relates. A 135page report then analyzed every aspect of the soda, resulting in the final formula, which consumers know as cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper. Developing the new flavor was a profitable endeavor, as the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, just formed in 2008, has already been valued at $11 billion. Keep Eating Food companies take advantage of our bodies’ natural inclination toward salt, sugar and fat by adding large amounts of the ingredients to nearly every processed food. A serving of Yoplait’s original strawberry yogurt contains 26 grams of sugar – more sugar than half a can of Coca-Cola. Half a cup of Classico’s tomato and basil sauce has 400 milligrams of sodium, compared to a snack-sized bag of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, which contains 270mg. Salt is even added to foods the average consumer would never suspect, like Kellogg’s Raisin Brand, which has 105mg of sodium in half a cup. The Consumer’s Bottom Line The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 69 percent of adult Americans are overweight. While popular opinion blames lack of self-control and exercise for Americans’ increased pounds, our psyche and activity patterns have not changed drastically enough to account for today’s obesity epidemic. If consumers stand a chance against the corporations that hook us to their processed products disguised as food, we must educate ourselves. Visit Samantha’s website, www.FreshPerspectiveOnline.com, for more information. She can also be reached at FreshPerspectiveOnline@ gmail.com and followed on Twitter @SDiliberti.

Outer Banks, NC Vacation Homes! Over 500 Vacation Homes, from Duck to Corolla, rindley Oceanfront to Soundfront, each Private Pools, Hot Tubs, VACATIONS & SALES

Pets and More…

Book Online at www.brindleybeach.com

1-877-642-3224

“ S E R V I C E F I R S T … F U N A LWAY S ! ”

DONATE YOUR CAR Wheels For Wishes benefiting

Hudson Valley *Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *100% Tax Deductible

WheelsForWishes.org

x % Ta 100 tible uc Ded

Call: (914) 468-4999

Greyston’s Sweet Mission Showcased on Today Show

Greyston Bakery employees Raymond Wallace, left, and Dion Drew were featured on the Today Show’s “Hope to It” segment, which aired July 8.

The Today Show was treated to a behind-thescenes look at brownie and cookie production at Greyston Bakery in Yonkers during a recent filming for the show’s “Hope to It” series. The segment, which aired July 8 on NBC, drew national attention to Greyston’s mission, key initiatives of open hiring and PathMaking, and its delicious baked goods. Since 1982, Greyston – one of the world’s leading social enterprises – has been creating jobs and providing integrated programs for southwest Yonkers individuals and their families to help them move forward on their path to self-sufficiency. For more than 30 years, Greyston has proudly maintained its pioneering employment model of open hiring at the bakery, offering job opportunities regardless of educational attainment, work history or past social barriers, such as incarceration, homelessness or drug use. The Today Show’s “Hope to It” series presents stories of individuals who have struggled with – and overcome – adversity, highlighting the support networks and organizations, like Greyston, that help them triumph. Three bakery employees were featured in the segment, talking passionately about their experiences working at Greyston and the role it has played in positively changing their lives. Greyston President and CEO Steven Brown

also spoke about the importance of open hiring as a way to eliminate poverty in the disadvantaged community of Yonkers; and PathMaking, a Greyston program and set of guiding values which helps individuals move toward self-sufficiency. Additionally, the segment brought attention to Greyston programs available to both employees and the community-at-large, including childcare and affordable housing. “The Today Show recognizes Greyston as a community leader and an agent of change,” said Brown. “Our hope is that other organizations across the country adopt or support these likeminded philosophies to help those in need of a second chance.” Following Greyston’s feature on “Hope to It,” donations, brownie sales and website engagement skyrocketed with interest continuing to increase daily. Moreover, the social impact of the story is powerful: An outpour of praise and support for Greyston was demonstrated through social media posts and sharing; 400 new “likes” on Facebook helped the bakery to surpass a milestone of 3,000 fans. Greyston partners Whole Foods and Ben and Jerry’s were also quick to help spread the word through Twitter. Greyston is currently offering a 10 percent discount on all brownie orders, which can be redeemed online using the coupon code HOPE.

Plenty of Sun, Splash and Swimming at West. Parks Pack up the towels and the sunscreen because it’s time for some great fun in the sun at some of Westchester County Parks’ popular swimming areas. Special events are planned for beach-and pool-goers of all ages. On Wednesday, July 30 at Willson’s, show off your craziest hat – whether it’s store-bought or one of your own original creations – and get ready to parade around the pool deck. There will be prizes for the best hat. On Saturday, July 26 at The Brook at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers, the aloha spirit will prevail during Hawaiian Day from noon to 3 p.m. Music, dancing, games and giveaways will make the day fun for all. Find out what our local police officers do every day to keep you and your family safe when the Westchester County Department of Public Safety hosts Public Safety Day on Wednesday, July 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle. Department representatives will showcase the K9 and aviation divisions, conduct demonstrations, and share important safety information. Parents will also have an opportunity to register their children for an Operation Safe Child identification card at no cost.

On Saturday, Aug. 9 at Glen Island Beach, grab some teammates and a pail and shovel to create your own masterpiece during the sand castle contest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Official contest rules will be available at the park. “School” will be in session at Saxon Woods Pool on Saturday, Aug. 2 – pirate school, that is. From 2 to 4 p.m., children and their families will find out how to stand, talk, laugh and sing like a pirate, and then join in a hunt for secret treasure. And let your inner superhero shine during Superhero Day at Saxon Woods Pool on Wednesday, Aug, 6, starting with a parade around the pool deck that gets underway at noon. Dress your best, because prizes will be awarded for the best superhero costume. Willson’s Waves is on East Lincoln Avenue in Mount Vernon; The Brook at Tibbetts is on Midland Avenue in Yonkers; Saxon Woods Pool is located at 1800 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains; and Glen Island Beach is on Weyman Avenue in New Rochelle. For more information and rain contingency details, go to www.westchestergov.com/parks or call 914-864-PARK.

Serving Our Country Navy Airman Recruit Jack Tignola, son of Augustine Tignola of Yonkers and Michell Martinez of Brick, N.J., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Tignola completed a variety of training that included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is “Bat-

tle Stations,” an exercise that gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly “Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor. Tignola is a 2012 graduate of Brick Township High School in New Jersey.

‘Viva Italia!’ at Kensico Enjoy the culture, music and food of Italy at the Italian Heritage Celebration on Sunday, July 27 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. The event is part of a series of cultural heritage festivals held in the parks on weekends during the summer. Enjoy live music provided by accordionist Dominic Karcic and his band Continental Sound Entertainment, along with tenor Bruce Reed and soprano Alexandra Tartaglia performing memorable Italian songs and Broadway tunes. Additional entertainment includes Simona Rodano, “The Italian Fairy;” and Sempreverde, the bilingual musical with actors, jugglers, singers and dancers. Vendors will offer arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, ceramics, souvenirs and more, and food purveyors will offer a selection of mouth-watering Italian dishes. Westchester Community College professor Carlo Sclafani will have Italian cultural history exhibits on display and there will be games

and activities for kids. Admission and parking are free, and the event will be held rain or shine; bring blankets or chairs for informal seating on the lawn or under the tent. The Italian Heritage Celebration is sponsored by Westchester County Parks and Antonio Meucci Lodge 213 (Order Sons of Italy) and the White Plains Columbus Day Parade Committee, Inc., with support by Westchester Italian Cultural Center, Calabria Mutual Aid Society, Italian American Club of Northern Westchester, Westchester Community College Italian Club, Silver Lake Mutual Society, Cabotto Club of Harrison, Columbus Day Society, Pleasantville Italian Club, Kensico Italian American Club and Police Columbia Association. Kensico Dam Plaza is located at the northern end of the Bronx River Parkway in Valhalla. For more information, go to www.westchestergov. com/parks or call 914-864-PARK.

PAGE 6 - Yonkers Rising - Friday, July 25, 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. 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. 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 [email protected] 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 347-820-1459 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 ADOPT: Looking for a loving, secure home for your infant or toddler? Robin and Neil are seeking to complete their family. 866 -303 -0668, www.rnladopt.info Loving married couple longs to adopt newborn. We’ll provide abeautiful life, unconditional love, opportunites & security. Expensespaid. Tricia & Don anytime at 1-800-3481748.https://donandtriciaadopt.shutterfly.com/ ADOPT: Looking for a loving, secure home for your infant or toddler? Robin and Neil are seeking to complete their family. 866 -303 -0668, www.rnladopt.info 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. OTSEGO COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX FORECLOSURE AUCTION. 60+/-Properties August 20 @ 11AM. Held at: Holiday Inn-Oneonta. 800-243-0061 AAR, Inc. & HAR, Inc. Free brochure: www. NYSAuctions.com 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 Every Sunday Weather Permitting 900 Dutchess Turnpike (rt44) Poughkeepsie NY. Free Admission & Parking, Great Food & Bargains. Vendors Wanted! Please visit RINALDIFLEAMARKETS.COM 631 -891 -7112 Financing Available for New or Used Equipment Heavy Equipment or Trucks All Credit Types Eligible. Asset Based. Free Con-



sultation 315 -726 -3332 or Visit www.venturecommercialcapital.com AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Financial aid for qualified students – Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 866-296-7093 HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc,for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros.com. “Not applicable in Queenscounty” HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc,for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros.com. “Not applicable in Queenscounty” MODULARHOMEBROKERS.COM 14 MODELS ON DISPLAY, STARTING AT $59 PERSQUARE FOOT. PRICING INCLUDES DELIVERY, CRANE, SET AND TAX.848-240-7040 Salmon River Region Redfield/Tug Hill Area Snowmobile Trails Close By. Beautiful Woods & Meadows 5.2 Acres: $17,995 15 Acres: $29,995 5 Acres w/ Cabin: $35,995 Buy Now & Get Free Closing Costs! Call Christmas & Associates: 800 -229 -7843. www.landandcamps.com Owner/Broker LOVELY MEADOW AND FOREST. 5.4 acres, $49,900. Was $199,900. Bankordered sale. Beautiful Bethel NY. Near Woodstock site. 85 miles from Manhattan. Assorted hardwoods, approved building site, undergroundutilities, across from lake, walk to Performing Arts Center,financing. 877-836-1820 LENDER ORDERED FARM SALE! 3 acres Well/ Septic -$39,900 12 acres Stream -$39,900 17 acres 30 Mile View¬$44,900 10 tracts available! Half market prices! 3 hrs NY City. EZ terms! No Closing costs! Call 888 -905 -8847 Newyorklandandlakes.com WATERFRONT LOTS - Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Was 325K Now from $65,000¬Community Center/Pool. 1acre+ lots, Bay & Ocean Access, GreatFishing, Crabbing, Kayaking. Custom Homes. www. oldemillpointe.com757-824-0808 SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 -MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill -Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www. NorwoodSawmills.com 1 -800 -578 -1363 Ext.300N SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 -MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill -Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www. NorwoodSawmills.com 1 -800 -578 -1363 Ext.300N Sebastian, Florida Beautiful 55+ manufactured home community. 4.4 miles to the beach, Close to riverfront district. Pre-owned homes starting at $35,000. New models available. 772-581-0080, www.beach-cove.com OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday RealEstate. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com CASH for Coins! Buying ALL Gold & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NY 1 -800 -959 -3419

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER ONEWEST BANK, FSB, Plaintiff -againstPublic Administrator of Westchester County as Administrator of the Estate of Emmett Christopher Williams a/k/a Emmett Christopher Williams, Sr. a/k/a Emmett C. Williams a/k/a Emmett Williams-deceased, Darla Blackwell as heir at law, next of kin and distribute or the Estate of Emmett Christopher Williams a/k/a Emmett Christopher Williams, Sr. a/k/a Emmett C. Williams a/k/a Emmett Williams-deceased, Et Al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly dated JUNE 24, 2014 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at THE LOBBY OF THE COURTHOUSE, 111 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BOULEVARD, WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK on August 15, 2014 at 9:30 AM premises known as 10 HUNT AVENUE A/K/A 70 CHELSEA PLACE, YONKERS, NY 10710. ALL those certain plots, pieces or parcels of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Yonkers, County of WESTCHESTER, State of New York. Section 3 Block 3137 Lot 30-31 Approximate amount of lien $265,184.27 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment Index # 59489/2012 DANIEL FINGER, ESQ. ,REFEREE STEIN, WIENER AND ROTH, L.L.P., ATTORNEYS FOR THE PLAINTIFF ONE OLD COUNTRY ROAD, SUITE 113 CARLE PLACE, NY 11514 DATED: July 11, 2014 FILE # INDY FF 54343 #1284 07/18 – 08/08

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: WESTCHESTER COUNTY. DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL I INC. TRUST 2006-HE5, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006HE5, Pltf. vs. LUIS RIVERA, et al, Defts. Index #08-18626. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale dated June 9, 2014, I will sell at public auction in the lobby of the Westchester County Courthouse, 111 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY on Aug. 18, 2014 at 10:15 a.m. prem. k/a 4 Hamilton Ave., Yonkers, NY a/k/a Section 1, Block 161, Lot 74. Approx. amt. of judgment is $569,939.76 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. JOHN N. ROMANO, Referee. FRENKEL, LAMBERT, WEISS, WEISMAN & GORDON, Attys. For Pltf., 53 Gibson St., Bay Shore, NY. File No. 24142 - #84452 #1282 07/18 – 08/08

Notice of formation of Four Point Five, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/20/2014. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: J. Priven, 2 Robins Roost, Rye Brook, NY 10573. Principal business address of the LLC is 15 Valleyview Ave Rye, NY 10580. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of Custom Management Associates, LLC Art. of Org. filed with SSNY on 6/11/14. Offc. Loc: Westchester Cty. SSNY desig. as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 1695 Croton Lake Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. Purpose: any lawful purpose. #6545 06/20 - 07/25

Notice of formation of G & G Building Concepts, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/13/2014. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: 76 Kathwood Road, Yonkers, NY, 10710. Principal business address of the LLC is 76 Kathwood Road, Yonkers, NY, 10710. Purpose: Building/Construction.

#6544 06/20 – 07/25 #6547 06/20 – 07/25

Notice of formation of G&G Building Concepts, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/13/2014. Office location: Westchester County. Principal office: 76 Kathwood Road, Yonkers, NY, 10710. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: 76 Kathwood Road, Yonkers, NY, 10710. Purpose: Building/ Construction.

Notice of formation of Empire Chiropractic & Acupuncture, PLLC, a domestic PLLC, filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/02/2014. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: The PLLC 40 Pamela Lane, Valhalla, NY, 10595. Purpose: Chiropractic and Acupuncture #6547 06/20 – 07/25

#6546 06/20 – 07/25

Notice of formation of LarkinStanhope Productions, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC)., filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/16/2014. Office location: Westchester County. Principal office of Larkin-Stanhope Productions, LLC: 143 Bunea Vista Ave., Apt. BF, Yonkers, NY, 10703. SSNY has been designated as agent of Larkin-Stanhope Productions, LLC, upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Vincent Tuturro, 143 Bunea Vista Ave., Apt. BF, Yonkers, NY, 10703, upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Film Production Company. #6549 06/20 – 07/25

Notice of formation of Angela’s Reiki, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/18/2014. Office location: Westchester County. Principal office of Angela’s Reiki LLC: 297 Centre Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10805. SSNY designated as agent of Angela’s Reiki LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to The LLC 297 Centre Ave., New Rochelle NY 10805, upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of formation of Catrock Creatives, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/21/2014. Office location: Westchester County. Principal office of Catrock Creatives LLC: 175 park drive eastchester, N.Y. 10709. SSNY designated as agent of Catrock Creatives LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Gregory Rocco or Mike Mastroserio 175 Park Drive Eastchester NY, upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Film and Commercial production

#6554 07/18 – 08/22

#6550 07/11 – 08/15

Yonkers Sues

Continued from Page 1 which successfully was settled and resulted in additional education aid from Albany. Some council members say YPS has been intentionally underfunded over the years by Albany. The systemic problem goes back decades, as the lawsuit states, even noting how former Gov. George Pataki said Yonkers was being “screwed.” “For four years, the state has starved the school systems through the Gap Elimination Adjustment and that is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Majority Leader John Larkin. “Funding formulas devised by Albany special interest groups have created a system where Syracuse receives $290 million in state funding under the same formula that provides Yonkers with only $235 million. With all these windfall legal settlements and a $2 billion surplus, Albany should have been doing more. It needs to be doing more.” Council Republicans point out that the White Plains School District saw a school funding increase of nearly 25 percent this year, while Yonkers received a 7.67 percent increase. They also claim Albany is also holding $90 million of Yonkers’ school funding in escrow through its GEA formula enacted in 2010, which the lawsuit seeks to overturn. In this year’s state budget, Yonkers also received a $28 million one-shot boost in revenue from the state budget to help get the city and the school district through the miscalculation and overspending at YPS for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years, and the ability to borrow an additional $45 million. xxxxxxx This is not the first case over school funding seen in Yonkers. Citizens for Yonkers vs. the State of New York was brought on behalf of Yonkers students and settled in 2006. That action sought additional state funding for schools in Yonkers, the fifth-largest city in the state. Yonkers was supposed to receive a recurring increase in state funding for its schools of $750 million over a 10-year period, although

Notice of formation of Eteng Allen, LLC, a domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC), filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/16/2014. Office location: Westchester County. Principal office of Eteng Allen LLC: 192 Sheridan Avenue Mount Vernon, N.Y. 10552 . SSNY designated as agent of Eteng Allen LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Serena Eteng 192 Sheridan Avenue Mount Vernon, N.Y. 10552, upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Marketing #6551 07/18 – 08/22

as much as 15 percent of that has been held back through GEA, the new lawsuit alleges. Since then, Yonkers, a “high-needs district,” has seen funding cuts at the state level that have led to a loss of 600 teachers, while enrollment increased by more than 3,000 students. During the city’s budget hearings in May, the YPS superintendent conceded that students are not receiving the funding necessary to provide a sound, basic education. The New Yorkers for Students’ Educational Rights suit the in which the city is now participating, claims the state has shortchanged schools by $4 billion. The relief sought in the lawsuit would compel the state to provide all students in the state’s public schools with the proper amount of funding to correct these inequities. The lawsuit charges that Yonkers and other New York students failed to receive a “sound basic education” because the state had failed to provide enough funding for New York’s fourth-largest school district, and there are stark similarities between the two. The 2014 case could see a similar outcome to the 2006 action, now that New York is due to receive more than $3 billion as part of an overall $9 billion settlement paid by French Bank BNP Paribas, resulting from repeated violations of U.S. sanctions. “After losing on the issue of school funding multiple times, Albany felt our case was strong enough in 2006 to settle, and we are not waiting any longer for Albany to fix this problem,” said McLaughlin. “If Albany won’t fix this problem, we will. Perhaps if the recent $3 billion BNP Paribas bank settlement with the state can be used to end the Gap Elimination Adjustment and properly fund our schools, a settlement could be reached, but until then, we are pushing forward.” Several options have already been proposed on how to use the bank settlement billions. Some have suggested infrastructure improvements, for the Metro-North Railroad and to help pay for the Tappan Zee Bridge. For more information on the lawsuit, visit NYSER.org.

FRidAY, JulY 25, 2014 - YoNkERs RisiNG - PAGE 7

Seniors and Health Care ‘Be Fit, One Day at a Time’ Back by Popular Demand

Elder Law Attorney to Address Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts Westchester elder law at(also known as irrevocable intorney Anthony Enea, managcome only trust). ing partner at Enea, Scanlan He is a past chairman of and Sirignano, LLP in White the New York State Bar AsPlains, will lecture on the draftsociation’s Elder Law Section ing of Medicaid Asset Protecand is the current president of tion Trusts on Thursday, Aug. the Westchester County Bar 7 at the New York State Bar Foundation. Named WestchesAssociation’s 2014 “Summer ter County’s leading elder care Meeting of the Elder Law and attorney at the 2013 Above the Special Needs Section.” Bar Awards, Enea’s practice The meeting will mark the areas include elder law; Mediclatest speaking engagement for aid planning and applications; Enea, who has spent three dewills, trusts and estates; guardcades protecting the rights of ianships; and estate litigation. Anthony Enea seniors and the disabled. The Enea, Scanlan and Sirithree-day program includes gnano, LLP is located at 245 speakers from across the state on a range of el- Main St., White Plains, with additional offices der care and special needs topics; Sara Meyers, in Somers. Enea can be reached at 914-948-1500 Esq., of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, serves as or [email protected]. For the latest news, the program co-chairwoman. visit Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano online at www. Enea will address how to properly draft and esslawfirm.com or www.westchesterelderlawbest utilize a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust blog.wordpress.com.

Due to the success of its pilot program, “Be Fit, One Day at a Time” will resume Wednesday, Aug. 6 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. “Be Fit, One Day at a Time” is an outdoor body-weight fitness boot camp geared toward adults of all athletic abilities. Aside from its unique setting at the base of Westchester’s iconic 300-foot-high masonry dam, the program differs from other fitness boot camps because its approach encourages participants to focus on long-term fitness goals in addition to maximizing their self-confidence. The program is led by highly accredited fitness professionals who understand the dedication, patience and perseverance needed to accomplish fitness goals. “Be Fit, One Day at a Time” will be held Wednesdays and Saturdays, Aug. 6, 9, 13, 16,

‘Gentle Giant’

Continued from Page 3

West Nile Virus is Close by; Positive Mosquitoes in NYC The Westchester County Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, after New York City reported that its first batches of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus. So far this season, no mosquitoes in Westchester have been identified as carriers of the virus, but this is the time of year when the health department expects to find them. “Given our proximity to New York City, it is safe to assume that mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus will soon be identified here in Westchester County,” said Dr. Sherlita Amler, commissioner of health. “Our recent rainy weather also makes conditions ripe for mosquitoes capable of carrying the virus to breed. I urge all residents to remove standing water from their property and to take personal protective measures against mosquito bites when spending time outdoors.” Last year, there were seven positive mosquito batches found in Westchester County and two human cases of West Nile Virus reported. Westchester first positive mosquito batch last year was reported in early August. The health department prepared for the summer mosquito season by applying larvicide briquettes to street catch basins that held standing water and by giving away free minnows to residents that have ponds on their property. The minnows reduce the mosquito population because they feed on mosquito larvae and pupae before they emerge into adult mosquitoes. Residents should continue to do their part by remov-

ing standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed and by taking personal protection measures against mosquito bites, according to the department. To help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds where you live, residents should survey their property for tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that should be discarded or turned over to prevent collecting water; drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are left outdoors; clean roof gutters and remove standing water from flat roofs; drain water in birdbaths, plant pots and drip trays twice a week; sweep driveways after it rains so they are free of puddles; and clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. To reduce your risk of mosquito bites, residents should use insect repellents with no more than 10 percent DEET on children, sparingly and with care. Repellents should be effective for about two hours and should only be applied once a day; products containing DEET are not recommended for infants under two months of age. Also, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors in areas and at times where and when mosquitoes are active. Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property that could serve as potential mosquito breeding grounds should report this information to the health department by calling 914-813-5000 or at www.westchestergov.com/health.

Seniors Can Have a Laugh And Feel Better at Mall Walk It is often said that “laughter is the best medicine,” and the best part about laughter is that it is fun, free and easy to use. Seniors can learn the priceless health benefits of incorporating humor and laughter in their daily routine Friday, Aug. 8 at The Westchester in White Plains as part of the Mall Walk program. Deirdre Otto, a licensed recreation therapist who specializes in stress management and pain reduction, will discuss ways to apply humor to enhance mood, relieve stress and add joy to life. The program will begin at 9 a.m. at the

www.saintjoseph.org (914) 378-7000 Yonkers, New York 10701 127 South Broadway Saint Joseph’s Medical Center FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, PLEASE GO TO OUR ER AT: Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm • Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 9am-2pm Hours of Operation  Basic Testing Services On-Site  Convenient Hours

 Same day appointments available  Most Insurance Plans Accepted

Wendy Sylvester, MD • Nadeem Shahid, MD Ammir Rabadi, MD, Medical Director www.saintjoseph.org Pediatrics • Adults • Older Adults (914) 378-7000 Offering Comprehensive healthcare services for the entire family Yonkers, New York 10701 (914) 623-5400 127 South Broadway Yonkers, NY 10705 Saint Joseph’s Medical Center 415 FOR SouthMEDICAL Broadway EMERGENCIES, PLEASE GO TO OUR ER AT: Saint Joseph’s Family Medicine Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm • Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 9am-2pm OF THE SAINT JOSEPH’S FAMILY Hours of Operation INTRODUCING THE LATEST MEMBER  Basic Testing Services On-Site  Convenient Hours

 Same day appointments available  Most Insurance Plans Accepted

Wendy Sylvester, MD • Nadeem Shahid, MD Ammir Rabadi, MD, Medical Director Pediatrics • Adults • Older Adults Offering Comprehensive healthcare services for the entire family (914) 623-5400 Yonkers, NY 10705 415 South Broadway available are Saint Joseph’s Family Medicine providers speaking

andFAMILY OF THE SAINT JOSEPH’S Arabic INTRODUCING THESpanish LATEST MEMBER

Celebrating our 125th Anniversary

availableare

providers speaking and Arabic Spanish

Celebrating our 125th Anniversary

troops behind and tack weld shut the two exit doors on each pillbox, we put smokescreens up and we move in with (plow blades) on the front of each tank and on our personnel carriers. And we push sand in through the gun slit openings, and bury alive the enemy troops.’” Darmos said Blum’s tactics resulted in “very, very few casualties in that war.” He further noted that, “Our military Academy has a motto, ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ on the hat piece, and Col. Blum lived his life with those words each and every day. He never failed to respond to a call from his country requesting him to drop everything, have lunch at the local Air Force base with the commander, and be off someplace in the world on a plane and then opening up sealed orders telling him what this country was asking him to do. Darmos concluded with a story about a military man known to him “as Green Beret General, who upon meeting Herb questioned all the ribbons on Herb’s uniform, asked another Green Beret Colonel ‘to reach out to your friends in the Pentagon, and see if Herb Blum is entitled to wear what he has on.’ After investigation, that colonel told the general, ‘I could only find out a few things, and then I hit a solid wall…But, general, listen to me carefully. Don’t ever question anything that Col. Blum wears on his uniform.’” Now, no longer so swift nor nimble, combat veterans who braved the waters off Normandy in the D-Day landing that freed Europe from the murderous Nazi dictatorship, those brave souls who scaled the cliffs at Normandy under withering deadly fire, and who stormed

20, 23 and 27), as well as Sept. 6. There will be no class Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30. Wednesday classes are 6 to 7 p.m., and Saturday classes are 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The fee is $80 for both sessions and all eight classes; a Wednesday or Saturday sessions only package (four classes) is available for $40. Each class will cover dynamic stretch and active warm-up (10 minutes), resistance band strength training (20 minutes), cardio and core (20 minutes), and cool down and static stretch (10 minutes). Participants should bring a towel/yoga mat and a bottle of water. Registration will be online only, at www. westchestergov.com/parks. For more information, call 914-231-4574 or e-mail [email protected]. Kensico Dam Plaza is located at the north end of the Bronx River Parkway in Valhalla.

Nazi pillboxes, had to carefully pick their path on the steep slope leading to the gravesite in the Mount Hope cemetery. Their aged bodies now ravaged by time and their experiences, the veterans came to honor Col. Herbert Blum, and dignitaries, including: Louis Navarro, director of the Department of Veterans Services for the City of Yonkers; Rabbi Rigoberto Emmanuel Vinas, the Yonkers Police Department chaplain who gave the invocation; the Hon. John Spencer, former Mayor, of Yonkers and chairman of the Central Committee of Veterans Organizations; Col. James Darmos, NY Guard (Ret.); and the closing prayer by Rabbi Jeffrey Brown of Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El. “Many of his military activities are unknown to all but a few of his superior officers who issued orders sending him into harm’s way,” said Blum’s daughter, Dawn. “My mother, Rosalee, my brother, John, and I never knew, nor were told, of what he accomplished. Only through mementos and awards, which were uncovered after his passing, did his activities come to light. Twice he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest medal our nation gives. The highest honor is the Medal of Honor. He did not receive it because of the need to describe the criteria and his personal accomplishments.” Many of us alive today reading about Col. Herbert Blum will never learn the full story of his deeds, as his military records are sealed until 2075. Future generations will be the ones to measure themselves against his extraordinary accomplishments. Correction: In last week’s article about Col. Blum, due to an editing error, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was incorrectly identified as his distant relative, Theodore.

Celebrating our 125th Anniversary Spa Arab nish an d ic prov speakin ide g avai rs are lable

Food Court on Level 4, and admission and parking are free for members of the Mall Walk program. Sponsored by Westchester County Parks, this program offers year-round indoor health walking at The Westchester on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 to 10 a.m. To join the Mall Walk program, sign up at the horse fountain plaza near Crate and Barrel on Retail Level Two, on Tuesday and Friday mornings during the program. For more information, go to www.westchestergov.com/parks or call 914-231-4645.

INTRODUCING THE LATEST MEMBER OF THE SAINT JOSEPH’S FAMILY

Business Card Advertising Display your business card in each of our NINE NEWSPAPERS for only $100 a month! Reach 150,000 readers per week! Great New Advertising Opportunity

from Rising Media Group Reserve your space today! Call Dan at 914-965-4000.

Advertise on our Seniors and Health Care Page! Call today: 914-965-4000

Saint Joseph’s Family Medicine 415 South Broadway Yonkers, NY 10705 (914) 623-5400 Offering Comprehensive healthcare services for the entire family Pediatrics • Adults • Older Adults Ammir Rabadi, MD, Medical Director Wendy Sylvester, MD • Nadeem Shahid, MD  Convenient Hours  Basic Testing Services On-Site

 Most Insurance Plans Accepted  Same day appointments available

Hours of Operation Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm • Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 9am-2pm FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, PLEASE GO TO OUR ER AT: Saint Joseph’s Medical Center 127 South Broadway Yonkers, New York 10701 (914) 378-7000 www.saintjoseph.org

PAGE 8 - Yonkers RIsing - Friday, July 25, 2014

Letters to the Editor

The 40th Anniversary of the Death of Earl Warren July 9 marked the 40th anniversary of the death of Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren, whose legacy was significant because it was the story of an extreme contradiction. Warren worked through the ranks of the Republican Party in California, first as district attorney for Alameda County, then as attorney general for the state of California, and later as governor, prosecuting cases of corruption and “bootlegging.” He was infamous for being responsible for the racist and apartheid condition of “Japanese Internment Camps.” He initiated this at a time after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the ferocious and racist hatred toward the Japanese, and Japanese-Americans were the prime victims of this. One of the victims was Yuri Kochiyama, who was a friend of Malcolm X and activists and was the first to rush to his aid and cradled his head when he was assassinated in 1965. Her family had its property taken, like thousands of other Japanese-Americans in California, and was put in internment camps in the early 1940s. In the case of Kochiyama, her father had just had surgery and was thrown in jail and died in prison. This was part of the brutally racist legacy that Earl Warren left with the confiscation of property, imprisonment of thousands of Japanese-Americans and the loss of their jobs. Then as governor of California, he was

asked by President Dwight Eisenhower to accept the position of Supreme Court justice after the 1953 death of Chief Justice Vinson. What turned out, unbeknownst to Eisenhower at the time, was one of the most liberal eras of Supreme Court adjudication and activism under Chief Justice Warren. He wrote the majority opinion in the Brown vs. Board of education decision, stating that “separate but equal usually denotes Negro inferiority and white superiority conversely and has no place.” That judicial activism displayed itself not only attacking legalized American apartheid, but in the case of Gideon vs. Wainright and the Miranda warnings. These cases mandated due process and legal representation for defendants. Warren’s view was “every one accused of a crime had constitutional rights and police had to respect those rights and issue those rights at the time of arrest.” This activism and liberal movement of the court made Warren public enemy number one of the John Birch society and other racist and conservative forces in this country. Earl Warren has a legacy that is a bit of a contradiction, and he demonstrated that human beings have the capacity to change and with that change do things for the overall betterment of human society. Clifford Jackson Larchmont

Dear Editor: I was just out of college the first time I heard that one in five women was the victim of sexual assault. “That couldn’t be true,” I said to myself, and so I conducted a survey among my five closest friends. One of them disclosed that she had been raped. Still unable to believe the statistic, I expanded my survey to include a larger group of 11 women: Two disclosed that they had been raped. I still could not believe it and expanded the survey to include my own mother and the mothers of my friends. The statistic held; whatever the size or age of the group, it came back to about one in five women. I was sadly reminded of that soul-shattering statistic after reading the New York Times front-page story last Sunday regarding rapes of women on college campuses and highlighting the story of one survivor who disclosed her attack and now wishes she had not. The rape culture which is so prevalent in our society continues to revictimize the victims and excuse or tolerate behavior and actions that deprive victims of safety, autonomy and respect.

We need a transformational change in our society that recognizes the inherent worth of each and every individual to be safe from physical and sexual harm. For close to 35 years, Hope’s Door has helped victims of domestic violence and dating abuse, 46 percent of whom are sexually abused, achieve safety, independence and healing from the trauma of abuse. That is why we work in schools across Westchester County to empower young people with the knowledge to embrace a healthy relationship, to know the warning signs of abuse and to promote relationships based on equality, respect and trust. We call upon our community, and most importantly, our schools and colleges, to join us in our work to forge a society that affords each person the safety, respect and dignity that we want for ourselves. And, if you are one of the “one in five,” you are not alone. Help and support is just a hotline call away, at 888-438-8700. For more information on domestic abuse, visit our website at www.HopesDoorNY.org. Carlla Horton Hope’s Door executive director

Library Holds Book Sale Thousands of hard-cover and paper-back books will be on sale for a quarter each at the Friends of the Yonkers Public Library’s “Giant Summer 25 Cents-a-Book Sale” on Saturday July 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grinton Will

Library, 1500 Central Park Ave. Records, audio and video cassettes and CDs will also be on sale for 25 cents each. For more information or directions to the library, call 914-337-1500.

Backpacks & School Supplies Needed for Westchester Students Although summer is in full-swing for

Proudly serving the City of Yonkers

Nick Sprayregen, Publisher [email protected] Daniel J. Murphy, Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Bayan Baker, Assistant to Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Paul Gerken, Advertising Sales [email protected] Gregory Baldwin, Administrative Asst. [email protected]

Member of the New York Press Association 914-965-4000 Fax 914-965-2892 25 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701 www.risingmediagroup.com

Yonkers Rising - USPS Permit #7164 is published weekly by Rising Media Group, LLC 25 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, N.Y. 10701 Periodicals Postage Paid • Yonkers, N.Y. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Rising Media Group, LLC, 25 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, N.Y. 10701

many, ANDRUS, a nonprofit providing mental and behavioral health services to children and families from the New York-metropolitan area, is already thinking about back-to-school season. The agency’s annual backpack collection project is underway, continuing through August. Each year, ANDRUS collects close to 1,000 brand new and often fully-stocked backpacks for elementary and middle school students. With the support of local community groups and businesses, children at the ANDRUS special education Orchard School, mental health clinics and various early childhood education, after-school and community programs – along with a handful of Yonkers schools – will be outfitted with the supplies they need to kick off the school year successfully. Through the Backpack Project, donors are asked to purchase new backpacks, pencils, crayons, highlighters, glue sticks, rulers, calculators, pencil cases, notebooks, folders, binders, paper, index cards, memo pads, etc. A list of suggested supplies is provided, and ANDRUS will host various drop-off days on its 107-acre Yonkers campus in late August. Many local groups and businesses throughout Westchester have come through for ANDRUS in previous years, including the Children’s Hope Chest, Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Eileen Fischer, ACORDA Therapeutics, Westchester Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, and individual donors. ANDRUS serves more than 2,500 children at 16 sites throughout Westchester County and hopes to provide backpacks and supplies to those they serve in greatest need. Filled backpacks may be dropped off through August at the ANDRUS campus located at 1156 North Broadway, Yonkers. For more information or to receive a list of needed supplies, contact Genna Woods at 914-965-3700, ext. 1200, or Gwoods@jdam. org.

Development, and Continued from Page 1

the old Public Library on Main Street. Library Lofts, a multi-million dollar, mixed-use redevelopment on the corner of Main Street and Mill Street includes 23 rental loft apartments on the upper floors, along with 9,000 square feet of ground floor retail space, currently occupied by Deals. The residential lofts feature studio, oneand two-bedroom rental apartments. Additional amenities unique to the building are an outside patio area, rooftop terrace and stateof-the-art fitness center. Artwork from Biagio Civale and his Yonkers art gallery decorate the main residential lobby and common areas. The project was financed through a combination of developer capital and a Restore New York grant through the Empire State Development Corporation. “The opening of this historic renovation is the proof of success demonstrating how publicprivate partnerships can have a tangible impact in stimulating community development,” said Marc Berson, Fidelco Realty Group chairman. “The forward-thinking approach has brought new residents and retail opportunities to Yonkers and new life for an historic but abandoned property.” The City of Yonkers secured a Restore New York grant of $5.45 million in 2010 for the purpose of restoring and rehabilitating the former library. The redevelopment preserves the building’s historic character and restores its façade. “We’re so proud to welcome another luxury residential building to Yonkers’ growing Downtown Waterfront District,” said Spano. “With the addition of Library Lofts, our growing arts community and business-friendly environment just minutes from Manhattan, Yonkers is quickly becoming the city to do business in. I want to thank Fidelco Realty Group and New York State for continuing to invest in our city.” The property’s rich history dates back to the early 1900s, when it was originally the Hamilton Theater and Marshall Mathewson Department Store. The site had been abandoned since the library moved to a new facility on the waterfront in 2002. A recent issue of Real Estate Weekly featured Yonkers, with the headline: “Yonkers luring young professionals with cheaper prices, proximity to city.” The article states: “While surrounding neighborhoods, such as Brooklyn’s Williamsburg and Queens’ Astoria have already begun to teem with 20- and 30-somethings looking for affordable housing, it would be wise to not overlook the neighbor to the north. “‘Yonkers has so much positive with regard to the housing side of business,’ said Gabe Pasquale, executive vice president at Douglas Ellman. ‘Start with the commuting access into Manhattan and then combine that with the affordability based on how much more house you’re going to get for the money.’ “Pasquale labeled Cedar Knoll, Colonial Heights, Westchester Hills, Lawrence Park West and Longvale as neighborhoods in Yonkers high on his ‘watch list’ for residential value. He made a point to single out Park Hill as a community that appeals to the “younger, hipper buyer” that may not be ready for the high prices of a Scarsdale. “Carolina Encarnacio, an agent with DJK Residential that specializes in residential real estate in Yonkers, agrees. ‘If you look at Williamsburg in Brooklyn, what it was a few years ago, it was empty factories and buildings,’ she said. ‘In the last seven years you can’t recognize it because of the proximity it has to the city and people who are looking for alternatives.’ “For now, there is little sign of a break in development, as Yonkers begins to morph into yet another vibrant community thriving off the allure of Times Square.” (End of Real Estate Weekly article.) Longfellow School Fifty-nine units of affordable housing are being created at the long-vacant Longfellow School on Mulberry Street. Empty since 1976, Longfellow has been the subject of various redevelopment plans, even as it suffered fire damage, roof damage and other deterioration over the years. “At this point, the best plan is to knock it down and replace it with something new,” said Spano. “We will take this eyesore and put 59 homes there that people badly need.” The Yonkers-based Greyston Foundation, along with the developers Bluestone Organization and Hudson Companies, will develop and manage the project through a joint entity, HB Longfellow Realty, LLC. The city, which owns the 0.8-acre site, will donate the property. The Yonkers Industrial Development Agency will provide an estimated $540,000 sales tax exemption for materials used in the construction of the project, an estimated $367,000 mortgage tax exemption, and will also negotiate a temporary property tax abatement. The Longfellow project will serve a wide variety of affordable housing needs, including individuals and veterans with disabilities. “This plan includes groups whose needs are often not included in affordable housing development,” said Westchester County Legislator and Yonkers IDA President Ken Jenkins. “This is a model of how to best provide affordable housing.” The 59 units will serve people making between 30 percent of the area median income and 60 percent of the median; nine of the 59 units will be set aside for people with disabilities, in which services will be provided by Richmond Community Services.

The project is estimated to cost $22 million and will take approximately 24 months to complete, and will provide approximately 250 construction jobs during that period. Grant Park II The city also recently celebrated the groundbreaking for Grant Park II, the latest phase of the Ashburton Avenue revitalization program, in which 56 new units of affordable housing will be built on the site of the former Mulford Gardens in the Ashburton Avenue corridor. Grant Park II is the fourth phase of the redevelopment of the public housing complex, and consists of two four-story buildings that will contain a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. They are being made available to individuals and households earning at or below 60 percent of the median income. “This is the latest phase of transforming the deteriorated Mulford Gardens into modern and desirable homes for the people of Yonkers,” said Spano, who is chairman of the YIDA board. “We’re not just providing better homes for people who need them, but we’re providing a better neighborhood, and that helps the entire city. This is another step forward for the City of Yonkers.” Grant Park II is a public-private partnership led by the Richman Group Development Corporation, the Landex Companies, the Municipal Housing Authority of the City of Yonkers, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and YIDA. Residents of the new apartments will have access to the community facilities on the adjacent 100-unit Grant Park I housing project, which opened in 2012 and includes a playground and community center. The new apartments were built in accordance with Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design standards, including energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and appliances. The $23 million project is expected to be completed in September 2015. Hotel Construction On Tuckahoe Road, the IDA recently announced assistance to facilitate a 150-room hotel in a five-story, 188,000-square-foot building on vacant land located at 555 Tuckahoe Road, adjacent to the POP Displays building. It will be developed by an affiliate of Al Weissman Real Estate, which owns the land. A new hotel at the Cross County Shopping Center is under construction and two hotels on Executive Boulevard were built over the past five years. “With two other hotels already in various stages of development within the past year alone, this is a strong indicator of the city’s growing attraction as a destination for business and leisure travel,” said Spano. “It’s the business community casting a vote of confidence in the city’s favor.” The hotel will provide an estimated 50 permanent positions ranging in pay from $22,000 to $100,000, as well as 200 temporary construction jobs. The developers expect to spend $12 million in construction costs, plus another $3 million in fit-out costs. “As a vacant lot, this property is contributing virtually nothing to the city’s economy,” said YIDA President Jenkins. “In the future it will provide jobs, as well as expand the tax base by paying income, sales, property and occupancy taxes.” According to the recent YIDA authorization, the project will receive incentives including an estimated $270,000 mortgage tax exemption, an estimated $653,250 exemption on sales taxes for construction materials, plus a temporary property tax incentive that is still to be negotiated. Alder Manor and Bosch Hall A historical gem along the Hudson was recently sold in Yonkers. Steve McCulloch and Rich Hendey of Houlihan Parnes Realtors announced the sale of the Tara Circle property also known as Alder Manor and Bosch Hall, located at 1097 North Broadway, for $5.5 million. The buyer was the Goren Group, which is also renovating the Glenwood Power Plant (see below.) The property consists of an architecturally significant manor house of 35,000 square feet, built in 1908 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the manor house, the 5.67-acres site also includes a former school building known as Bosch Hall, consisting of 51,000 square feet and built in 1962. Glenwood Power Plant The ongoing renovation and redevelopment of Glenwood Power Plant, located on the Hudson River, was featured in the New York Times last month by reporter C. J. Hughes. The Goren Group will invest $150 million to turn the four-acre site and 165,000 square feet of buildings into a center of arts and recreation. It has begun the $70 million first phase of the project and is cleaning the site, and reconstructed the walls and floors of the mammoth building. Loren Goren, founder of the Goren Group, said she will keep the “aesthetics perspective to preserve the raw industrial feeling” and “respect what’s there.” A second phase, to be completed over the next decade, will include a hotel, restaurants and great room that could accommodate 3,000 people for conventions or art galleries and shows. Goren recently bought out her original partner in the project, Yonkers business owner and real estate holder Ron Shemesh, who relocated his business after Hurricane Sandy. Goren, who has worked on acquisition and conversion projects in New York City, hopes to obtain state and federal tax credits to pay for the cost of the renovation. She told the Times: “I’m attracted to very magical spaces.”

Friday, July 25, 2014 - Yonkers Rising - PAGE 9

Westchester Elected Officials Join Bipartisan Support of Israel

‘Wine in Due Time’ Opens

Wine in Due Time, a boutique wine shop that recently opened at 1 Pier Ponte St., next to the Yonkers Pier, recently held a wine-tasting event for its patrons and interested future customers. Owner Sepi Pashaie has created an array of carefully-selected and highly-rated wines at exceptional value. Call 914-966-9669 for more information. Rep. Eliot Engel with Assembly members David Buchwald and Amy Paulin.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Congressman Eliot Engel and Assemblyman David Buchwald hosted a press conference last week with federal, state, county and local elected officials at White Plains City Hall to demonstrate their support for – and solidarity with – the people of Israel in the midst of the conflict there. Rockets aimed at innocent Israeli civilians have continuously been launched from Hamascontrolled Gaza, and Israel has responded with airstrikes in Gaza in an effort to protect its people and restore peace. “The loss of innocent life on both sides is deplorable,” said Lowey. “Hamas is responsible for the ongoing escalation of violence, and is putting not only innocent Israelis at risk but ruthlessly using Palestinian civilians as shields. Israel, the only democracy in the region and our steadfast ally, has every right to defend innocent civilians under terrorist threat from the onslaught of Hamas’ rockets just as the United States would respond, were we here in the lower Hudson Valley under constant attack.” The congresswoman said continued U.S. support for Israel’s defense is critical, and a Palestinian “unity government” that includes the terrorist group Hamas must not receive U.S. assistance.” “No one will ever forget Sept. 11, 2001, a day when terrorists attacked us on our own soil,” added Engel. “As a result of that terrible day, America had to take steps to defend herself and her citizens against future attacks, much as Israel has had to do for decades. Hamas is a terrorist organization whose sole purpose is to destroy Israel. The Hamas rockets that have been fired into Israel have forced the hand of the Israeli people, who have a right to defend themselves against the threat of terror. The strong bipartisan support for Israel in Congress is indicative of the strong support for our valued allies across America. I thank the Westchester Jewish Council and its member organizations, the UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester, and Assemblyman Buchwald for hosting this event, and everyone who came out to show support for Israel.” “My heart is with the people of Israel,” said Buchwald. “It saddens me that innocent families are once again being subjected to unconscionable acts of violence. I wholeheartedly support Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks, and I pray that this conflict soon comes to an end.” Lowey, Engel and Buchwald were joined at the press conference by a cross-section of Westchester leaders from every level of government: Democratic Conference Leader Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins; State Sen. George Latimer; Assembly members Sandy Galef and Amy Paulin; Westchester Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett; Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Michael Kaplowitz; Vice Chairman of the Board of Legislators James Maisano; County Legislators Benjamin Boykin, Peter Harckham, Catherine Borgia, Catherine Parker and Alfreda Williams; Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni; White Plains Mayor Tom Roach; Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner; Harrison Town Board member Marlane Amelio; Pound Ridge Town Board member Daniel Paschkes; Special Assistant for Community Affairs in the governor’s office David Lobl; Representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney and Yonkers Mayor Michael Spano; President of the Westchester Jewish Council Paul Warhit; Westchester Regional Chairperson of the UJA-Federation of New York Martine Fleishman; and New York Region Assistant Director of the Anti-Defamation League Michael Arlen. The Rev. Dr. Gregory Robeson Smith of Mt. Hope AME Zion Church provided the opening prayer; attendees used the occasion to voice their support for Israel during this time of crisis. Cuomo last week urged New York State residents for their support. “Over the past week, rocket attacks on Israel by terrorist organizations have put six million lives at risk,” he said. “For years, rockets have targeted the Israeli population; what were once indiscriminate acts of terror have now become an onslaught. Friends stand together in times of crisis, and the people of New York stand shoulderto-shoulder with the people of Israel. “Our state has always had a special relationship with Israel,” he continued. “We are home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. At a time of upheaval across the Middle East, Israel remains a bulwark of democracy and a beacon of courage and freedom. We strongly support Is-

rael’s right to defend itself. As New Yorkers, we have experienced global terrorism firsthand.” Cuomo said that at his direction, New York’s Department of Financial Services has aggressively cracked down on institutions that bankroll terrorist organizations, and said the state will continue to work closely with Israel to fight global terrorism. “I join with many New Yorkers in calling for a peaceful resolution to the continuing strife in Israel and the Gaza Strip, while also recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks launched against it,” said Democratic Conference Leader Sen. Stewart-Cousins. Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said Israel has an absolute right to defend itself, like all sovereign nations. “My daughter Sarah is a photographer living in Jerusalem,” she stated. “While I worry about her, I am proud of her commitment to Israel. My thoughts and prayers are with her and the State of Israel.” “We must continue to support our ally, Israel, as it defends itself against this onslaught of terrorist attacks,” added Assemblywoman Galef. “I hope these senseless acts of violence will cease and Israel and its neighbors can finally sit down together and negotiate a true lasting peace.” County Board Chairman Kaplowitz said Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East. “The people of Israel share our love of freedom and opportunity,” he said. “I stand with Israel and pray that a solution will be achieved that will finally bring peace to all people of the Middle East.” Board Vice Chairman Maisano added: “I’m proud to stand with Israel – the only true free and democratic society in the Middle East as it stands up to aggression by neighbors who unfortunately reflect dictatorship and ties to terrorism.” “In times of crisis, it is important to know your friends are beside you and so we stand today with the nation and people of Israel and pray for a peaceful resolution of this conflict and for the protection of the innocent whatever their background,” said White Plains Mayor Roach. Though he wasn’t able to attend the event, Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino issued a statement of support: “Peace-loving peoples and nations across the globe must remain united and aggressive in working to defeat terrorism and in working to achieve a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine,” he said. “At times it seems this will forever be a fruitless endeavor but we mustn’t waver in our faith and resolve to make it so.” Similarly, State Senate Co-Leader Klein issued a statement of support, saying: “Our sacred bond with the people of Israel remains ironclad and is stronger than ever before. In these challenging times, we are proud to stand up and support one of our closest allies as it defends itself from enemies foreign and domestic. No matter how difficult circumstances may arise, the Israeli people will continue to have our unwavering support for generations to come.” “Now is a time to put politics aside and support Israel as she struggles to defend herself against Hamas, a terrorist organization whose mission is to destroy the Jewish State and make life miserable for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” added Westchester Jewish Council President Paul Warhit. “Now is a time for solidarity.” Westchester Regional Chairwoman of the UJA-Federation of New York Martine Fleishman said she is proud to stand in solidarity with the Westchester community in support of Israel. “UJA federation of NY supports the State of Israel in its pursuit of peace and security for all its citizens,” she said. “These are very challenging days and it is in times like this that we are reminded of the responsibility and commitment we have to the people of Israel. Because of UJA-Federation of New York’s strong network of nearly 100 remarkable agencies, we’re ready to spring into action when crisis hits. And we are on the ground responding in Israel.” “The Anti-Defamation League expresses solidarity with the government and people of Israel and is proud to stand with the Westchester Jewish Council, UJA-Federation of New York in Westchester and Assemblyman David Buchwald as hundreds of rockets continue to be launched from Gaza, threatening millions of Israeli civilians,” added Lawrence Bahr, the Anti-Defamation League’s Westchester Advisory Board chairman, and Evan Bernstein, regional director in New York for the ADL in a joint statement. “We are proud to be part of the Westchester community as it supports Israel’s desire to live side-byside in peace with its neighbors.”

The Kitchen Insider: Counter(top) Intelligence

By Paul Bookbinder, MID you exercise a little care with Archeologists have found granite, you can avoid stains that, even before recorded hisand scratches, and have a tory, people have had an area work surface that will last unin their home devoted to food til the next batch of archeolopreparation. Traditionally gists digs up your home. referred to as the “kitchen,” Granite should be sealed over the millennium this spewhen it is installed and at least cialized subdivision of the once a year afterward to avoid household has developed from staining. a simple work surface to the Quartz, sold under the exciting kitchens of today. trade names of Cambria, CaeAnd, one of the most exsarstone, Silestone, etc., is the citing parts of a new kitchen is second most abundant mineral the countertop. on earth, and is a basic comPaul Bookbinder The countertop – and its ponent of granite. In a typical vertical counterpart, the backsplash – can add quartz countertop, the raw quartz is crushed and to your kitchen’s distinctive style, but choosing combined with pigments to give it color, and a material for the surface is not as easy as it resins (sticky stuff) to hold it together. The rewas a thousand years ago. There are so many sulting process creates one of the most durable types of countertops available today that it can countertop surfaces on the market today. It is be very confusing when you decide to get a new harder than granite, more scratch and stain reone. sistant, and non-porous. Although certainly a factor, your kitchen’s For the geologists who follow the Kitchen work surface should not be chosen solely for and Bath Insider, quartz ranks number seven on its aesthetic value. When you’re ready for a the Mohs hardness scale! Only diamonds, sapnew counter, find a contractor who will take the phires and topaz are harder. The cost of quartz time to review your specific needs. What types and the average granite slab is comparable. of foods do you prepare? How much do you The newest offerings in countertops are the cook? Do you have kids? The answers to these eco-friendly products such as PaperStone and questions will help determine the appropriate Richlite. They are made from recycled paper counter material for you. and/or cardboard and come in several colors; The laminate counter, referred to by many IceStone is made from recycled glass (supposas “Formica,” is the most economical of all the edly beer bottles), and Portland cement. These choices and, with proper care, can last 20 years. products are great for the environment, howEasy to clean with good stain resistance, it does ever, as with most “green” products, they are have limitations: you can’t cut on it and it will usually more expensive than their traditional scorch if you place anything hot on the surface. counterpart. As with all decisions in upgrading your Once a laminate top is damaged it is difhome, don’t rush in making your selection for ficult or impossible to repair. The most popular countertops today are the countertop. Thoroughly investigate all the those made out of stone, which, by the way, is possibilities with your contractor and select a just what the archeologists found in the kitch- surface that is suited to your needs, as well as ens of yesteryear. The most popular stone mate- visually pleasing. Paul Bookbinder, MID, CR, is president of rials are granite, marble and the new tops made DreamWork Kitchens, Inc., in Mamaroneck. A up of crushed quartz. Granite, the traditional standby, is con- master of design from Pratt Institute and EPAsidered by many as the most beautiful sur- certified remodeler, he serves on the Advisory face available because granite has movement! Panel of Remodeling Magazine. A member of Movement is the suggestion of motion in the the National Kitchen and Bath Association, he elements making up the finished surface. The is also a contributor to Do It Yourself magaswirls and patterns created by nature cannot be zine. He can be reached for questions at 914fully duplicated in a stone that is fabricated. If 777-0437 or www.dreamworkkitchens.com.

Zion Episcopal Church Girls Raise $300 for Animals

Aleah and Willa, members of the Zion Episcopal Church in Dobbs Ferry, held a fundraiser earlier this year to benefit the Yonkers Animal Shelter. They came up with the idea of making magnets, cards and gift bags with handmade pet toys and baked dog bones to sell through a church project. Their hard work help them raise $300, which they presented to shelter director Almira Simpson.

PAGE 10 - Yonkers RISING - Friday, July 25, 2014

CSEA Rallies and Speaks Out on Consolidation

Yonkers Veteran Presented With Congressional Record

CSEA Local President Lionel Turner speaks to the crowd outside the Board of Education headquarters recently. Photo by Donna Davis.

By Dan Murphy CSEA Local 9169 President Lionel Turner wrote to Yonkers Rising to discuss the consolidation of employees at the Board of Education into city government position, and the recent rally held by his union. “On July 1, 53 members of CSEA Local 9169 and our coworkers at the Yonkers Board of Education were forced to become members of city government,” he wrote. “This decision was made despite the fact that our members are loyal, dedicated and extremely competent workers that we are proud of. “Throughout the summer, the leadership of CSEA 9169 has been fighting to protect the rights of our members and make sure that every employee receives the salary, benefits and seniority they were promised.” Turner said the rally held outside the Board of Education office on June 30 was to show the 53 employees from the finance and personnel departments who are now under the control of the city government that the union will support them. “We also rallied to let the mayor, council members and Board of Education trustees know that we will not forget what we believe was a travesty to our members,” he wrote. “Through this process, we have learned that we must become more aware and develop enough political muscle to make sure that our interests are heard and respected.

“The decision to move CSEA members to city government was a choice of money over people. The inter-municipal agreement was misrepresented to the public and we were unable to change that perception. The approval of the IMA by the administration, the City Council and the Board of Education was a mistake that will be felt by the working-class and hard-working CSEA employees.” Turner said the union, as well as BOE members and Yonkers Federation of Teachers members are afraid of what changes will come next year and in the years to come. “We were joined at the rally by members of the YFT and the Yonkers Fire Department union, who spoke out in support of our workers,” he wrote. The Communications workers of the America local 1103, and the Working Families Party were also in attendance, as well as Councilman John Larkin. “On July 1, I traveled with CSEA Local President John Staino to Albany to speak with CSEA New York State President Danny Donohue to discuss the transfer of our members and future changes. Donahue said the 53 workers that were transferred will be protected, and advised us to keep organizing and mobilizing, and to continue to work with the Coalition for a Better Yonkers to make sure we are ready to fight for our workers and the people of Yonkers, next year and in future years.”

Rep. Eliot Engel with AMVETS Post 40 Commander Sam Riti. Photo by Donna Davis

Congressman Eliot Engel, who represents Yonkers and most of Westchester County in the U.S. House of Representative, recently presented a copy of the Congressional Record to Yonkers veteran and AMVETS Post 40 Commander Sam Riti. Engel was attending a Flag Day celebration

at City Hall with Riti and others, and took the time to congratulate Riti for his work on behalf of veterans in Yonkers and the Hudson Valley. Riti was recently honored in Washington, D.C., as National Veteran of the Year for work in making the lives of disabled veterans and those in VA hospitals a little better.

Four Dads Honored for Efforts to Fight Diabetes A clown entertains kids at the event. Photo by Donna Davis.

Mural Debuted

Continued from Page 1

Father of the Year honorees include, from left, Steven Bledsoe, regional sales manager at Tandem Diabetes Care; David Ourlicht, managing director and special advisor to the chairman at Gabelli Funds; Bruce Peckham, CEO at Westchester Rehabilitation and Nursing Centers; and Peter X. Kelly, owner and chef of Xaviars Restaurant Group.

Here in Westchester County, more than 100,000 people live with diabetes, and more than 250,000 have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. As the disease has tripled over the past 10 years in the U.S., it now affects more than 26 million children and adults, and accounts for more than $176 billion in annual medical costs. On Thursday, June 12, the Father’s Day Council of Westchester recognized four outstanding men for their commitment to help stop diabetes, at the ninth annual Father of the Year Awards to benefit the American Diabetes Association at Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor. The honorees for this year’s event are David Ourlicht, managing director and special advisor to the chairman at Gabelli Funds; Bruce Peckman, CEO of the Westchester Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing; Peter X. Kelly, owner and chef at Xaviars Restaurant Group; and Steven Bledsoe, regional sales manager for Tandem Diabetes Care. CBS News Reporter Tony Aiello served as the master of ceremonies. This event recognized the hard work of fathers in their local communities, and promotes awareness of diabetes as one of the most important health challenges of our time. All proceeds will support the American Diabetes Association and its mission to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The Regional Father of the Year Award program was established in 2000 as collaboration between the American Diabetes Association and the National Father’s Day Council. Regional councils in 35 cities are comprised of volunteer community leaders who recognize the importance of fatherhood and who actively help to raise awareness and funds for philanthropic organizations. The purpose of this award is to recognize men who have made their families a priority, while balancing a demanding career with community involvement. Honorees are selected from their peers and families’ recognition of their roles as model fathers. The Westchester Father’s Day Council said it is proud to have honored hundreds of deserving

fathers over the past decade who are recognized as leaders in their communities for the importance of giving back. Past honorees include John McEnroe, Colin Powell, Ronald Reagan, LL Cool J, Babe Ruth, Brian Williams, Tom Clancy and Burt Bacharach.

artist Marco Abendano Emilio Montes. Over two weeks, Montes created his mural with assistance from friends and residents from the neighborhood, and the open mic night was an opportunity to thank the volunteers and highlight the importance of the arts in Yonkers. The owners of Nely’s Deli Mexican Food restaurant happily the electricity needed for the microphones, computer and speakers. A brightly-dressed clown, El Payaso Sonrizaz Para El Mundo (The Clown Smiles For The World) was a big hit with the children. Santiago and Villanueva are an active couple in the downtown community with work at the Blue Door Gallery, Casa de Cafe

and other venues to give young men and women a place to perform, be mentored and empowered. Montes decided 10 years ago to seriously pursue art and give up the graffiti he was known for. Since then, he has been showcased at galleries in Westchester County, Connecticut, Washington State and the University of Oregon. “Jaguar,” his mural on Herriot Street, reflects his Mexican heritage and gives homage to the ancient Aztec and Incan cultures. Colorful snakes, birds, monkeys and jungle cats surround the border, and in the center with the wings of a butterfly is Mother Earth holding in her hands the heart of all living things. Montes said he wants every work that he does to be a community-based effort and looks forward to more opportunities to beautify Yonkers.