Second Class Permit Paid at Bronx, N.Y. USPS 114-590

Volume 33 Number 2 March 2004 One Dollar

City Islandʼs Marathon Man By MIKE RAUH

building with a track that consisted of a tive toll on him, Norbert told me, “It doesn’t splintered wooden floor with lines painted feel like I’m going to work. Years ago, when on it to mark the lanes. Today, thanks to the I was a student and carried golf bags to make Photos by KAREN NANI Armory Foundation, it has been transformed some cash, that was work.” He really enjoys Island physician and marathon runner Dr. Norbert Sander was instrumental in bringing into a magnificent arena. Several City Island what he does now, both at his practice on City the National Track and Field Hall of Fame to the Armory in New York from its previ- families, including the Nanis and the Kreigs, Island and in his role at the Armory. In both ous home in Indianapolis. He presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 27, are already familiar with the revived build- places he is surrounded by a highly dedicated 2004 (above photo, center), with several Hall of Fame athletes, including John Carlos ing because they have children who compete support staff, which he credits for his success. (left with scissors), Olympic bronze medallist from the 1968 games in Mexico City and there. Mick Byrne, a Fordham Street resident I was curious to know if his schedule allowed former world record holder in the 200-meter sprint. Later Dr. Sander moved onto the and track coach at Iona College, is also very any time to run; amazingly, he finds the time indoor track at the Armory (top right photo), located on 168th Street and Fort Washing- to get out for about 25 miles per week. ton Avenue in Manhattan, where he joined another Island marathoner, Mike Rauh (left) familiar with the Armory. As a physician, athlete and an author (“For- and Billy Mills, 1964 Olympic gold medallist in the 10,000 meter run. When I interviewed Norbert Sander for this article, I asked him how he manages ever and a Day: Stories of Love” published by Most baseball fans, and many New York- the Armory Foundation, which obtained funds to balance all his activities. He told me he Yorkville Press in June 2002), Norbert Sander ers, can tell you that the National Baseball to install a new track and reopen the facility follows a schedule to get everything done, serves as an excellent role model, especially Hall of Fame is located in Cooperstown, New to track meets. Over the years, the foundation, “and at night I sometimes awake to think for his hugely successful work at the Armory. York, but hardly anyone knows where the of which Norbert is now president, has raised any problems through.” He’s the father of When I asked what inspires him to continue, National Track and Field Hall of Fame can be more that $20 million for the Armory’s track four children, two of whom are grown and he said, “When I’m standing on the infield of found. Give up? Until recently, it was in the and field center, as well as its multi-purpose living on their own. In the morning, he still the track during a meet, I can feel the energy Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis, but not long community center for the neighborhood. has time for breakfast with his two youngest and enthusiasm of the competing athletes and ago USA Track and Field accepted bids from The meets held there are so successful that daughters, ages 4 and 10. their cheering fans.” five cities vying to become the new home of Norbert and the foundation have been able to When asked if his work has taken a nega- Continued on page 5 the Hall of Fame. This is the story about the install a world-class track with banked turns man who promoted the winning bid to bring it and a speedy Mondo racing surface. New field to New York City. event structures and equipment have also been Those who know Dr. Norbert Sander real- installed for pole vault, high jump, long jump BELDEN POINT TO BE FIXED UP ize that his credentials as a fine person aren’t and shot put. Now the center attracts more By BARBARA DOLENSEK than 350,000 student athletes to participate in limited to his medical skills. When you meet City Island will soon be the beneficiary site, we will also provide information on over a hundred meets every year. Recently, a him, you are impressed by his athletic appear- of funding from New York State’s Envi- the Island’s maritime history in the form long-term relationship was established with ance and easy smile. Although it has been ronmental Protection Fund as part of a of plaques or other design elements, such more than seven years since he ran a mara- New Balance, an athletic shoe company, and statewide effort to restore and rehabilitate as a railing. Similar historical references thon, he still seems to have unbounded energy, the center was named the New Balance Track waterfront areas. The sum of $170,000 and written text have been integrated in and he is in great shape. He should be, for all and Field Center. has been granted to the Department of other such projects. The Fulton Land- the activities that are part of his life. When the National Track and Field Hall City Planning to design and construct a ing pier in Brooklyn is perhaps a good Many City Islanders know Dr. Sander from of Fame decided that its location in a hallway project at Belden Point, which has long model.” his medical practice. After graduating from of the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis was been an eyesore at the southern tip of the No information is yet available as to Albert Einstein College of Medicine more insufficient, Norbert and the foundation made island. what kind of project City Planning plans than 30 years ago, he opened a practice here. a bid to bring it to the Armory in New York. According to Purnima Kapur, director to construct, but when design proposals His introduction to City Island was through Their proposal was accepted, and work was of the Bronx City Planning office, “This is are ready, they will be shared with the his father, who was an airplane pilot when begun to prepare 15,000 square feet of exhibit there was a seaplane port here. space. The project took months to complete, something we have been wanting to do for community. Norbert grew up in Yonkers and began a but by Jan. 24, 2004, it was ready to show the a long time. In addition to improving the life-long affinity for running as a student at world. Sacred Heart grammar school. He continued Many Track and Field Hall of Fame ath- to compete in high school and college, where letes attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Gas Pipes to be Relocated he raced both track events and cross-country including Bob Beamon (long jump), Al Oerter By BARBARA DOLENSEK for Fordham Prep and Fordham University, (discus), Frank Shorter (marathon), Jim Before the storm and sanitary sewer proj- length of the sidewalks on each block. often at the 168th Street Armory in Wash- Beatty (miler), Don Bragg (pole vault), Mel ect is scheduled to begin, at some point after Bill White of Con Edison attended the Feb. ington Heights. After college, he switched to Rosen (coach, from the Bronx), John Carlos Labor Day 2004, Con Edison must transfer its 24 meeting of the City Island Civic Asso- long-distance races. In the early 70s he was (sprinter), Chandra Cheeseborough (200- and gas mains from the street to locations beneath ciation and made it clear that the work would one of the top marathon runners in the coun- 400-meter runner), Grete Waitz (marathon) the sidewalk along City Island Avenue. occur between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., with no try, winning the New Orleans Marathon, the and Alberto Salazar (marathon). The New This work may begin before mid-March at work done on weekends or evenings. He said Yonkers Marathon and the prestigious New Balance Track and Field Games were staged Horton Street and move north along the east that photographs would be taken of the exist- York City Marathon. on the same day and the Hall of Fame induct- side of the avenue to Fordham Street. A few ing sidewalks and streets so that everything The Armory was home to track and field ees came upstairs to see the competition. I side streets, including Schofield, Carroll and could be restored to its original condition after events from 1914 until the late 1970s, but in spoke to Olympic marathoner Frank Shorter, Ditmars, may also be affected. the project is completed. recent years it served as a shelter for homeless who was impressed with the facility and The project may last as long as six months, All businesses and residences along the men. In 1992 a judicial ruling required New enjoyed watching some of the races. Billy or it may take less time if Con Edison is affected roadways will be given advance warn- York City to move the men to more suitable Mills (Olympic 10,000-meter gold medallist) able to implement what spokesperson Gail ing when their gas service will be interrupted quarters, and Norbert took the opportunity posed with Norbert and me for a picture. McMillan called “trenchless technology.” This as the new gas mains are attached to existing to try to make the Armory again a center for In the 1960s, when I ran high school would involve boring through the sidewalk at lines. track and field. That same year, he organized races at the Armory, it was a dimly lit, dingy intersections rather than digging up the entire Page Two The Island Current March 2004

A RECEPTION FOR ALICE PAYNE, author of “City Island: Tales of BRIEFLY... the Clam Diggers”, which is being republished after 35 years, will be held at the City Island Nautical Museum, 190 Fordham Street, on Sunday, March 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. The author On two consecu- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT BARTOW-PELL: will be available to sign copies of the book, which will be on sale at the museum. A new tive Saturdays, March 20 and 27, the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum on Shore Road will hold exhibit of images of City Island past and present will be on view. an all-day event called “Clearing the Way to Our Past.” Volunteers, working under the direc- tion of museum and Parks Department staff, will be asked to thin a section of the arbor and to will be held at Public help create a new trail that will allow visitor access to the historic site of the Treaty Oak where C.I. GIRLS SOFTBALL REGISTRATION School 175 on Tuesday, March 9, at 3:30 p.m. Girls must be in grades 4 through 8. The Thomas Pell purchased much of today’s northeast Bronx and lower Westchester from Siwanoy season fee is $75. For more information, call Nancy or Nick at 718-885-0941 or e-mail them chieftains. This activity has been planned in anticipation of the 350th anniversary commemora- at [email protected]. tion of that event to be held on June 27. For further details or to register as a volunteer, call 718- 885-1461 or email [email protected] (please leave your name and telephone number). 1/4 – Police arrived at the scene of a The City Island Squadron, a unit of the United vehicular accident on City Island Avenue SAFE BOATING COURSE: 45 BLOTTER at 10:30 p.m. and charged a driver with States Power Squadrons, will conduct an eight-week safe boating course at the City Island Complaints reported from City Island to Yacht Club located at 63 Pilot Street, beginning Monday, March 1, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. DWI. The defendant hit three parked cars the 45th Precinct during December 2003 and was observed to have slurred speech. Participants must be 12 years of age or older and will be awarded Personal Water Craft and January 2004. Unfounded complaints 1/12 – A Minneford Avenue resident (PWC) certification upon completion. Topics include boat types, terminology, seamanship, are not included in the list nor are com- reported that a suspect who had been hired navigation aids, elementary plotting, rules of the road, fundamentals of sailing and more. plaints for crime occurring on the main- Instruction is free. The cost of student materials is $50. Call Jim at 718-863-8355 or Dan at land. to do contracting work had removed and 718-822-1284 for information and registration. You can also visit their Web site at http/city- issued two checks from the victim’s office islandpowersquadron.org. DECEMBER 2003 in 2003 without permission. The suspect 2 – CRIMINAL MISCHIEF allegedly passed the checks to a witness, DON'T BE A VICTIM OF CON ARTISTS: Senior residents can learn 2 – GRAND LARCENY and the case is under investigation as a how to protect themselves against some of the most common scams and fraud through a free 1 – GRAND LARCENY (auto) forgery. educational pamphlet published by the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation (CNR) Health 2 – AGGRAVATED HARASSMENT 1/31 – Police arrested a male, 25, and Care Network. The Con Artists pamphlet highlights how to recognize when a deal might 1 – LOST PROPERTY charged him with assault on City Island be too good to be true amd what sales pitches to watch out for. It also gives examples of 1 – DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED Avenue at 11:30 p.m. The defendant alleg- some of the most popular scams that are designed to separate seniors from their money. The (DWI) edly struck the complainant with a closed pamphlet also explains how to guard against identity theft, and how to protect PIN numbers, fist, causing swelling and pain. During credit cards and assets from thieves and con artists. For a free copy of Con Artists, call toll Police report the following arrests and free at 1-877-426-7225). incidents for the month of December: the same incident, another male, 26, was 12/5 – Unknown suspects reportedly threw arrested and charged with criminal mis- WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION: On March 14 at bricks at apartment units on a Bowne chief after allegedly throwing a bottle 11 a.m., City Island women and girls are invited to attend the annual celebration of Women's Street construction site at 6 p.m., breaking through a glass door causing damage in History Month to be held at Alice's Restaurant at 296 City Island Avenue. Toni Roberts of windows and causing over $1,000 in dam- excess of $250. Co-op City will give a presentation entitled "Feminine Energy—What is It?" Islander Inge age. A canvass by police yielded negative Unger will demonstrate the Feldenkrais method of creating well-being, and there will be a results. performance by the musical group Retumba, which features four City Islanders. Bring some- 12/18 – A resident owner reported a 1999 thing about yourself—a story, poem or photograph—to share with the group, as well as busi- GMC van stolen from Fordham Street at 4 ness cards and networking information. Off-Island women and girls are welcome. We will NYPD p.m. Police are searching for the vehicle. enjoy a brunch of our choice. A donation of $5 each is suggested for the program presenters. 12/19 – At 7 p.m. on City Island Avenue For more information, call Rena Hansen at 718-885-0579. Recruiting Season near Hawkins Park, residents reported see- By KAREN NANI ing a swastika measuring six to eight 8 Councilwoman Madeline Provenzano The New York Road Runners Foundation is sponsoring YOUTH JAMBOREE: inches wide drawn on the sidewalk. By announced that the New York Police Depart- its first annual Youth Jamboree at the Armory on Saturday, March 20, 2004. The event starts at 9 a.m. at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, 216 Fort Washington the time it was reported to police on 12/22 ment is seeking candidates to join "the great- Avenue, at 168th Street, in Manhattan. It includes friendly, fun athletic competition for kids and they investigated, it had been washed est police department in the world." ages 4 to 15, as well as child health screenings, nutrition information and safety workshops. away. The 45th Precinct Detective Unit Qualified applicants may file between now Admission is free for kids and $2 for adults. For registration information, call the NYRR was notified of the incident (see story in and April 16 to apply for one of the following Foundation at 212-423-2227. January/February 2004 Current). four examination dates in 2004: Friday, June 12/19 – A male, 62, was arrested and 11, Saturday, June 12, Thursday, June 17, and Sunday, June 20. in the garden of the Bartow-Pell Man- charged with Driving While Intoxicated ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT "I encourage all interested young men and sion Museum on Shore Road, will be held Saturday, April 3 (rain date April 4) beginning (DWI) on City Island Avenue. At a police women to research the many opportunities the at 10 a.m. Admission in $10 per child, $25 per family. Have your picture taken with the checkpoint, the defendant had a strong NYPD offers and strongly consider a career as Easter Bunny and join in fun crafts. There will be treats for all. Reservations are required. odor of alcohol on his breath and blood- Please call 718-885-1461 or email [email protected] and leave your name and tele- shot eyes. one of New York's Finest," Mrs. Provenzano phone number. told The Current. JANUARY 2004 Once again, the New York Police Depart- A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT FOR “LOVE LETTERS” will 2 – CRIMINAL MISCHIEF ment's City Resident Recruitment and Reten- be presented by the City Island Theater group on Saturday, March 6, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, 1 – GRAND LARCENY tion Unit will provide free tutorial sessions to March 7, at 3 p.m. in Grace Episcopal Church Hall, 104 City Island Avenue. Tickets are $12 3 – ASSAULT all candidates throughout the five boroughs. (adults) and $10 (seniors/students/Bronx Cultural Cardholders) and may be reserved by call- 2 – HARASSMENT These sessions are aimed at enhancing the ing 718-885-3066 or e-mailing [email protected]. 2 – AGGRAVATED HARASSMENT candidate's test-taking skills. For further infor- 5 – LOST PROPERTY mation, candidates can call 212-RECRUIT, A SAFETY-IN-BOATING COURSE will be offered by the Bronx Power 1 – DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED or visit the NYPD Web site at www.nyc. gov/ Squadron, a member of the United States Power Squadron. Registration and the first class for (DWI) nypd. Candidates may also apply for the exam the nine-week course will be held on March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the New York State Maritime 1 – FORGERY online at the same website. College in Fort Schuyler, Bronx. Topics include navigation, charting, compass, marine radio 2 – PETIT LARCENY and more. A completion certificate is provided. The cost is $30 for room fee and book. Please contact Nick Cavaluzzi at 914-693-7692 or e-mail him at [email protected]. Police report the following arrests and incidents for the month of January: ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR: The City Island Chamber of Commerce is plan- 1/3 – A male, 31, was arrested on Minn- ning an arts and crafts fair this spring during the weekend of June 5 and 6 to coincide with eford Avenue and charged with aggravated Fleet Weekend. Interested vendors should contact Paul Klein at Exotiqa at 718-885-3090. harassment. The suspect continuously threatened a victim with bodily harm, to the point where he feared for his life and THE ISLAND CURRENT Editorial Office: 718-885-0760 property, according to police. Display Advertising: 718-885-0984 P.O. Box 6 1/3 – On Minneford Avenue at 5:30 p.m., a City Island, N.Y. 10464 or: [email protected] Subscriptions: 718-885-9268 male, 57, allegedly stabbed a male victim, 31, with an ice pick during a verbal dispute. EDITOR: Karen Rauhauser Nani Police arrested the defendant at the scene CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Sara S. McPherson DISTRIBUTION: Emily Leni COPY EDITOR/WRITER: Barbara Dolensek SUBSCRIPTION: Rose Kolb after responding to a radio call. The victim ART EDITOR: Marguerite Chadwick-Juner ADVERTISING MANAGERS: Joan Ramftl, Margaret Lenz sustained two abdominal wounds and was BUSINESS MANAGER: Judith Rauh taken to Jacobi Hospital for treatment. STAFF: Bernard Witlieb, Dr. Fred Hess, Rena Hansen, Bill Clancy,, Maria Swieciki, Cheryl Koller, Ed Heben, Marsha Treiber, Jane Muller, Jane Protzman, Bill Stuttig, Tom Smith, Virginia Dannegger, Liz Montalbano, Alice Rotello, Nancy Lotrionte, Maria Sutherland, John Sheridan. PHOTOGRAPHY: Rena Hansen, Rick DeWitt. CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS: Russell Schaller Sr., Stephanie Ribaudo, Melissa Koller, Marge McNulty, Lorraine Nicoletti. Masthead and special artwork by the late Theodore J. Mazaika.

Typeset by Marguerite Chadwick-Juner, Witworks Studio Graphic Design, 33 Earley Street, City Island, N.Y. 10464 COTTAM Printed by Hi-Speed Printing Co., 1123 Worthen Street, Bronx, N.Y. 10474 The Island Current (USPS 114-590) is published monthly except for January and August by the Island Current Inc., a not-for-profit organization. Subscription rate, $10.00 per year. Single copies, $1.00. All subscriptions, editorial, adver- tising and other correspondence must be mailed to: The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. Display advertising deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication, call 885-0984 or 885-0760. Copyright 2004 by The Island Current, Inc., 724 King Ave., City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. All rights reserved. SECOND CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT BRONX, NY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. March 2004 The Island Current Page Three Longtime Island Business Pulls Up Roots By KAREN NANI After 31 years, the interior landscaping even more room, and he found it in Rockland business John Mini Indoor Landscapes will County. He now had 110 employees, two offices move from City Island to Congers, New York. in Manhattan and Connecticut, and the business Owner John Mini told The Current that this had become the "fifth largest landscaping firm is a "bittersweet move" for him, as so much of in the country." Mr. Mini purchased 19 acres of his personal life and business success is tied to property in Congers with a 40,000 square foot City Island. His story is not quite rags to riches, building, which enabled him to bring almost all but rather a testament to patience and learning of his facilities under one roof. from trial and error. "It's the most exciting thing professionally," Mr. Mini came here in 1973 after graduating he explained because the new building will from Fordham University as a pre-med student eventually include a greenhouse, storage areas, in 1970. He decided to take a year off and offices and showrooms for both the interior worked in a plant shop in Manhattan, where plants and the holiday decorations. He even he discovered that he really enjoyed working plans to expand into exterior landscaping for with plants. He also found that he was very the first time. interested in the business aspects of the shop. Mr. Mini and his family moved north to He decided to branch out on his own (pun Armonk, New York, in 1984, where he cur- Photo by SUE ANN MINI intended), so he started a new business from his rently resides with his wife, who is a social After 31 years as a City Island business, John Mini Indoor Landscapes will move from rented house on Hawkins Street. "There was no worker; his daughter, a teacher; his oldest son, its current Fordham Street location to Congers, New York. Owner John Mini is shown place to study horticulture and indoor landscap- a student at the University of Maryland; and his above right with the first shop he opened in 1973 on City Island Avenue between ing, so I had to learn by doing," he reminisced. youngest son, a high school senior. Hawkins and Carroll Streets. In hindsight, Mr. Mini realized that he was During his many years on City Island, Mr. raderie and diversity. It is a small town within Islanders" (see classified ad this issue). He and in the right business at the right time. "I caught Mini and his employees contributed generously the biggest city in the world. Islanders should his staff, especially Ed Traynor, who has been a wave. Indoor plants were taking off. People to the community. He donated plants to the never lose sight of how unique it is." with him the longest, will offer for sale every started wanting more of them in their homes Garden Club, the Chamber of Commerce and But before the business leaves, there will plant, planter and piece of furniture that is not and businesses wanted them in their lobbies and many other organizations. He supplied Tom be two more plant sales, on March 13 and 20, being moved, and he looks forward to seeing offices." Nye with the first plantings for the boat on the which Mr. Mini hopes will be the "best ever for Islanders one more time. He opened a shop on City Island Avenue front of P.S. 175. between Hawkins and Carroll Streets, next Perhaps the most poignant story this news- to Louie's Barber Shop (like many longtime paper has written about him came after the Islanders, Mr. Mini refers to him as "Louie the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001. "When I Traffic Trials and Tribulations Clip"). This block is particularly special to him heard about the attack, I ran from my office By BARBARA DOLENSEK because he was married a few doors down at on Fordham Street to the other side of Ford- the Black Whale Restaurant in 1977 to his wife, ham Street to look across the bay." It turned Sue Ann. out that his brother was on the 49th floor of Mr. Mini toiled away, making careful note the World Trade Center and escaped. He also of his successes and failures in interior land- had four employees working in the Winter scaping. He serviced his commercial customers Garden atrium who also "thankfully escaped during the week, both installing and maintain- unharmed." ing the plants. He also opened the shop on But he became directly involved in the weekends to walk-in customers. aftermath of Sept. 11. His business had found As his business grew, he began to rent more and installed the 40-foot palm trees that were and more space around the Island to store the centerpiece of the Winter Garden atrium and cultivate the plants. By the late 1970s, in in the World Financial Center. The atrium was addition to the original shop, Mr. Mini rented attached by two bridges to the World Trade storefronts near Artie's and the Lobster Box Center, and when the towers fell, the bridges Restaurant, as well as space in the old mall were destroyed and the atrium badly damaged. across from Thwaites Restaurant near Cross Mr. Mini was contacted a short time after Street. the attack and told that the atrium was going Meanwhile, he purchased a house on Earley to be rebuilt. "I was asked if I could replant Street, and the first two of his three children the palm trees, which had died. I asked when it were born. The house had most recently been would reopen and I was told Sept. 11, 2002. I owned by the Foerst family, but before them couldn't believe it was so fast." it was owned by the chief rose gardener at Under normal circumstances, he would have Photo by BOB CARMODY the New York Botanical Garden. "Ironically, needed a year to find the trees and acclimate it had a beautiful rose garden and we added a them to the indoor setting. This time around, he A pothole at the City island Bridge on Feb. 8, 2004, caused a multitude of blown tires until some good Samaritans filled it with a sign (and a poor duck that had washed up greenhouse in the backyard." At the same time, would only have several months, but Mr. Mini on the beach, probably a victim of the cold weather). his mother kept asking when he would return could not refuse and began searching for the to medical school. She said, “this plant thing is trees. He and his staff made seven trips to the After suffering through last winter’s disas- Civic Association reminded the Police Depart- very nice, but when are you going to be a doc- south in search of the trees and finally found a trous road conditions, caused by the installa- ment to anticipate the annual traffic crush by tor?” batch in north Florida. tion of water mains along City Island Road, putting on special officers to handle the flow of In 1979 Mr. Mini consolidated most of his They purchased 20 palm trees that were 40 residents were sure it couldn’t get worse. But traffic. facilities into the former Airways Bar building feet high and "shaded them" from March to for two days in February 2004, it got worse. Spiros Chagares of Artie’s Restaurant on Fordham Street. He rented it from owner August 2002 in a shed in Florida to prepare The trouble started on Saturday, Feb. 7, became concerned early on Saturday eve- Herb Hild and the business has been there ever them to survive in an indoor atrium in New when a major foot-deep pot hole suddenly ning because many of his customers who had since. It is this location most Islanders associ- York. appeared on the City Island Bridge, causing a reserved tables had not shown up or had called ate with John Mini’s firm. They see his familiar As the day approached when the trees were series of blown-out tires and frayed tempers. in to say they were caught in traffic. He walked white and green vans departing from Fordham to be delivered to the site, construction workers Resident Geri Seiter observed some of these up and down City Island Avenue several times Street, and many flock to his monthly plant repairing the Winter Garden put stickers on incidents and began a series of telephone calls and noted that the police officers were not on sales open to the public. their hard hats saying "The Plants are Com- to 911 and 311 that had no effect for several the street directing traffic but sitting in their But even this was not enough space. "We ing!" hours. vehicles. One officer told him that her job was never stopped growing," he told The Current. As the cranes arrived and began to lift the The Police Department’s 911 response sys- to “secure safety on the Island,” not to direct His business offerings expanded to include giant palms off the trucks, the construction tem referred callers to 311, which turned call- traffic. holiday decorations and displays for which workers stopped and broke into spontaneous ers over to the Department of Transportation Because the 45th Precinct had not been he rented a 16,000 square foot warehouse on applause. Others thanked him for "putting our (DOT). Marion Rosenfeld of the Chamber of able to provide personnel, officers from other Zerega Avenue. His clientele increased to 1,200 garden back together." Mr. Mini described this Commerce reported that DOT operators were precincts were sent to cover the traffic detail. commercial customers, including offices, hotels as one of the greatest moments in his life. unable to help because there was no address However, these officers are not familiar with and malls across the tri-state area. As his March departure date approaches, for the bridge in the computer. Upon return- City Island and its unique traffic problems, By 2001 it became clear the business needed Mr. Mini told The Current how much he will ing home late Saturday night, Frank Fitts, and there was no preparation or supervision to miss this "very special community—its cama- president of the City Island Civic Association, help them figure out how to handle the traffic. was alerted to the situation by Bob Carmody of As a consequence, at several points during the DR. STEVEʼS the Chamber and managed to contact the DOT evening, cars at the bridge came to a virtual APPLIANCE SERVICE Bronx commissioner. The pot hole was fixed standstill, although many observers reported the following morning. that traffic was very light in the center of the Geri Seiter noted that all of the blow-outs Island, once cars had made it through the Cross 1 Year guarantee on parts. 25 Years of Experience on All Brands seemed to have happened to off-Islanders, not Street intersection. residents. “I guess we all know enough not to According to eyewitnesses who spoke at the drive on the edges,” she told The Current. City Island Civic Association meeting on Feb. 718-671-0700 A bigger problem occurred the following 24, the police prevented access to the Island at Saturday, Feb. 14, when Valentine’s Day drew two different times, between 7 and 8 p.m. and thousands of diners to City Island, where res- again at 11 p.m. Residents who showed identi- taurants were prepared to serve special holiday Continued on page 13 meals. Both the Chamber of Commerce and the Page Four The Island Current March 2004

Clearing the Way including oxygen tanks; they brought ladders the lighting of the Menorah, let's not take this with a grain of salt! These teens need to be To the Editor, to the waterfront area, made sure that the fire stopped now and part of this should fall on This is an open letter of "THANKS" hydrant worked and the hoses could go all the parents. Tolerance for all people of all to Fordham Street's Pat Fusco. During the the way from the street to the bay. I'm glad to nationalities, creeds and religions starts in recent snowstorm, Pat was up at the crack of know the Fire Department is keeping itself in the home. I will not take a laissez faire atti- dawn, bulldozing snow with his all-terrain shape. tude towards these miscreants. I guarantee, I vehicle and clearing sidewalks, driveways Molly Grose see something in regard to any bias crime or and anything that needed to be cleared of hate snow. His generosity, kindness and compas- Behavior Must Stop crime, I'm taking names and numbers and sion for his City Island neighbors know no To the Editor, going to the Police. This behavior must stop We welcome letters and opinions. Letters longer than bounds. Thank you Pat so much for clear- In regard to the "small group of teens" and 250 words will be edited, with every effort made to now. ing my driveway and sidewalk and the next their racist antics on Halloween and during preserve their substance. We reserve the right not to Annette Comier-Lopez print letters that are copies, libelous, inaccurate or in "Bud" is on me! bad taste, or those that cannot be verified. Include your phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, Annette Comier-Lopez but names will be withheld upon request.

POTS Full of Thanks In Praise of (A copy of the following letter was received New Yorkʼs Bravest by The Current.) To the Editor, Part of the Solution This Saturday (Feb. 21, 2004), the City 2763 Webster Avenue Island Fire Department did a "drill" here on Bronx, NY 10458 Tier Street. As I stood on my porch watching, one of the firemen told me that after this drill, Hello St. Mary Star of the Sea: they go back to the firehouse and write down Sister Mary, myself, and all of our guests what they found—such as what size ladders would like to express our deepest gratitude to they need to reach the roofs of the houses you and the City Island community. You guys here. are so very special, wonderful and loving. I was impressed that this was truly a drill POTS for them. They were wearing all their gear, March 2004 The Island Current Page Five IDEA Proposes ''Tales of the Clam Diggers'' Community-Wide Project Back in Print! By BARBARA DOLENSEK By BARBARA DOLENSEK The City Island-based organization Council, and an additional $100,000 each Thirty-five years ago, in 1969, Alice IDEA (Innovative Directions, an Educa- was provided by Councilwoman Madeline Payne and her husband, James, published tional Alliance) is launching a new project Provenzano and Borough President Adolfo a small book entitled “City Island: Tales of that is intended to benefit the entire City Carrión Jr. the Clam Diggers”. Little did they imag- Island community. The seed money for the This money was raised for the purpose ine that it would become an underground project was contributed by elected officials, of constructing an educational/recreational classic. The book soon went out of print, and IDEA is looking for community con- facility on the Parks Department property so those lucky enough to own copies kept sensus before it moves ahead. adjacent to P.S. 175, with an estimated them tucked away for safe keeping. Since 1997 IDEA has been commit- campaign goal in 1999 of $1.2 million. The At long last, Mrs. Payne’s daughters, ted to teaching children about the marine remaining $600,000 has yet to be raised, Dorothy and Virginia, have arranged to environment at the City Island School, owing to severe departmental budget cuts reprint this wonderful little book, which Public School 175. Beginning in 1999, and a lack of outside funding opportuni- will be republished in both hardcover and under IDEA’s guidance, P.S. 175 incor- ties. paperback this spring, with a launch party porated a Marine Wildlife Ecology cur- Rose Rodstrom and Patricia Hennessy, at the City Island Nautical Museum on riculum into the school day. IDEA has also founders and co-directors of IDEA, are Sunday, March 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. sponsored and organized a Maritime Open committed to full-time jobs, as well as fam- Alice Payne, who was “born across House at the school and a maritime festival, ily obligations, and are challenged by the the street from the Bronx Zoo,” as she Fleet Weekend, every year since 1998. This amount of time necessary to continue their told The Current, grew up in Queens but annual festival has grown to be a City Island fund-raising efforts. moved to City Island in 1946, soon after favorite, reminding all residents and visitors Because the $600,000 raised to date her husband got out of the Army. The alike of the importance of appreciating and is earmarked for City Island, IDEA has Paynes had been looking for an apart- Photo by RENA HANSEN building upon the island's rich maritime proposed that the community ask the Parks ment in the Throggs Neck area, but there Islander Alice Payne with a copy of her past. Department to allocate this money toward were none to be had, so in desperation, 1969 book, “City Island: Tales of the Since it was originally founded, IDEA a broader City Island effort—a new educa- at the suggestion of a friend, they bought Clam Diggers.” Her classic history of City Island will be reprinted and dedicated at has raised both program and capital funds, tional/recreational facility, not only for stu- a little house on Reville Street over the the City Island Nautical Museum on Sun- dents at P.S. 175, but for all Island residents telephone, sight unseen. Mrs. Payne still beginning with the first capital grant in 1998 day, March 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. Come by State Senator Guy J. Velella. The sena- in all age groups. As Mrs. Hennessy told lives in the house, which she takes care of herself, even at the distinguished age of to the museum, 190 Fordham Street, to tor was one of the first proponents of the The Current, “We do not want this money meet Alice in person, buy a copy of the 89. IDEA program and granted $100,000 to be to be absorbed into the Parks Department book and have her autograph it for you. used to purchase marine science equipment budget. Our motto is ‘use it or lose it.’” Mrs. Payne worked for many years at now, had gotten so sick of hearing all her and supplies. These funds were utilized in Since May 2003, Mrs. Rodstrom and various jobs, including Union Carbide husband’s stories, that she threw out all of March 2003 by the staff and administration Mrs. Hennessy have met on a monthly (during World War II) and the Jewish his papers. What a loss!” at P.S. 175 to outfit a science laboratory in basis with representatives of other City Theological Seminary, but she retired Eventually the Paynes amassed enough the P.S. 175 school building. Currently, the Island organizations to discuss the use of to raise her children. After they started information for a book, and so she wrote sum of $600,000 raised by IDEA as part this considerable amount of money. Mem- school, however, she began a two-week one, which her daughter Dorothy illus- of a new capital campaign is being held in bers of the City Island Historical Society, job at the City Island branch of the Public trated with charming drawings of City the budget of the Department of Parks & American Legion, Leonard H. Hawkins Library, a job that lasted 11 years! Island places. These will be in the new Recreation. Of this sum, $400,000 was pro- Post, Chamber of Commerce, Civic Asso- She found that many people, Islanders edition, but Mrs. Payne declined to take vided by the Bronx delegation of the City ciation, the City Island Community Center and visitors alike, would come into the and Millennium Moms, St. Mary's Parish library looking for information about City on the enormous task of bringing the book Council, COLONY, the City Island Theater Island and there was not very much to be up to date from 1969. Group and other Island groups, as well as found. The City Island Historical Society “The scene on City Island has changed representatives from the offices of Senator was in its infancy during the 1960s but a great deal since those days,” she said, Guy Velella, Councilwoman Provenzano there was very little documentation avail- “and not all for the better. Now that we and Borough President Carrión have con- able. So Mrs. Payne and her husband have a fire lane instead of the four lanes sistently attended these meetings. began to gather material, doing research at we used to have, there isn’t as much traf- The group agrees that a committee other libraries and interviewing Islanders. fic as there used to be. And I’m happy to should be formed to explore the possibili- “What really got me going,” she said, see that more people are interested in the ties of building a multiuse facility to benefit “was hearing that Mrs. Horton, the one Island’s history than they were in the old not only children but the entire City Island who lived where Sammy’s Fish Box is days.” community as well. A committee will be selected at a meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at the National Track and Field Hall City Island Nautical Museum, 190 Ford- ham Street. All who would be interested in Visitor Information learning more about the project or would The National Track and Field Hall of Fame Display cases contain trophies, uniforms be willing to serve on this committee are is in the Armory located on 168th Street and and even the racing shoes worn by members invited to attend. Fort Washington Avenue in Manhattan. The of the Hall of Fame when they won major exhibition space covers 15,000 square feet victories. It is recommended that you see Bud and encompasses three floors. The first-floor Greenspan’s film “Olympic Legends,” which atrium displays the theme of the museum: “A is shown continuously in the first-floor history Sport for Everyone,” which features a range of gallery. individuals from Olympians to everyday ath- The Fred Lebow Marathon Hall of Fame letes, people for whom the sport is an exercise encompasses the second floor and celebrates in joy. the history of American marathon racing. The The names of all 197 inductees, engraved auditorium features a film that gives visitors on a vast glass wall in the Hall of Fame Gal- an in-depth orientation into the sport of track lery, can be seen by visitors looking through and field. The Armory Fan Club is located at the track and field arena. Thus one gets the in the third-floor lobby and sells hats, shirts, perspective of the great athletes of the past track and field books and videos. while watching the athletes of the future work- The National Track and Field Hall of Fame ing on the track. The “What Makes a Cham- is open from Tuesday through Saturday from IF YOU ARE A pion Gallery” is both an exhibition space and 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and during most track CITY ISLAND RESIDENT, a classroom. It contains several videos, includ- meets. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for ing one that gives visitors an opportunity to students and senior citizens. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! “interview” five athletes and get responses.

COME TO OUR MEETINGS – Marathon Man be renovated and a new track will be installed. THE LAST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH Continued from page 1 I was surprised by the last item and had to ask: AT 8 P.M. IN THE COMMUNITY CENTER “Another new track?” He explained that with AT 190 FORDHAM STREET. Now that he has established a long-term 350,000 athletes working there each year, it relationship with New Balance for sponsor- must be replaced every few years to keep it in top racing condition. BECOME A MEMBER – SEND $20 TO P.O. ship and opened the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, I asked him what was next. He As some people approach 60, they start to BOX 117, CITY ISLAND. immediately launched into a discussion of think about retirement. This man, however, E-MAIL US WITH YOUR COMMENTS – TO [email protected]. the work that will be done at the Armory this is just hitting his stride, and he is unlikely to spring and summer. A new air-conditioning retire any time soon. His patients near and far system will be installed, all the bathrooms will and track athletes everywhere, can be thankful City Island Civic Association for that. Page Six The Island Current March 2004 ISLANDERS MAKE MUSIC

If you have a new business, or if your old business is As a service to our readers, The Island offering a new service, write to The Current, P.O. Box 6, Current will periodically list recent sales City Island, NY 10464 by the 10th of the month. of residential and commercial property as On Friday, March 12, 2004, the Kathlyn found in the public record. This feature Moses Gallery, located at 327 City Island is designed to give a general idea of the Avenue, will host an opening for its Second fair market values of property on City Anniversary Show from 7 p.m. -10 p.m. New Island. An update will be published every work by Kathy and Tim Moses will be fea- few months at our discretion. The listings tured through the month of March. below represent some of the recent sales. The Starving Artist Gallery, now a cof- The Current is not responsible for errors or feehouse exhibiting handmade jewelry and omissions in the data. fine arts and crafts, will host the first musical performance at its new location (249 City Closing Sale Address Date Price Type Island Avenue) on Saturday, March 27, from 7 to 10 p.m. That evening City Islander Lucille 106 Ditmars Street 5/12/03 $250,000 2 Family Photos by RENA HANSEN and MONICA GLICK Rivin will perform as part of her folk/rock 77 Marine Street 7/7/03 $50,000 2 Family 336 King Avenue 11/6/03 $379,250 1 Family On Sunday, Feb. 7, 2004, the Starving Artist Café & Gallery celebrated the opening of its trio Works in Progress and the group will sign 168 Reville Street 12/1/03 $412,000 1 Family new location at 249 City Island Avenue (above photo). The following week, the gallery copies of their new CD recording. Gallery 682 Minneford Ave. 12/22/03 $330,000 1 Family hosted its first acoustic guitar jam (inset). owner-jeweler Elliott Glick promises much more music and cultural fun and fare in the On Sunday, Feb. 15, the Starving Artist Young City Islanders Stephen Lott, Evan future! Café & Gallery, at its new location of 249 City Berent and James McGowan also helped fill The Focal Point Gallery, 321 City Island Island Avenue, held its first acoustic guitar the afternoon and the Starving Artist Café and Avenue, presents a photographic exhibition jam. As the gallery continues its transforma- Gallery with beautiful music that Sunday. by the students of the Focal Point Visual tion into a coffeehouse serving coffee, tea, Workshop from March 1 through March 31, treats and offering handmade jewelry, fine arts with an opening reception on Friday, March 5, and crafts, its proprietor Elliott Glick prom- beginning at 7:30 p.m. For more information, ises many more such gatherings. "I’d like this call 718-885-1403 or visit www.focalpointgal- become a place where people meet and enjoy lery.com. art and music over a cup of coffee or tea or cappuccino, said Mr. Glick, a guitarist himself for some 40 years. He speaks with great joy about his current On Wednesday, March 10, at 3:30 roster of 20 guitar students—many of them p.m. there will be a St. Patrick’s Day Island teens—and points to their interest in craft program at the library; registration is music as a healthy and hopeful sign. Mr. required. Glick’s youngest student, his five-year-old Every Thursday in March at 3:30 p.m. daughter Hannah, took time during the jam there will be a picture book program. to show another of her dad’s pupils, Justin The Millennium Moms and Babies will Rodstrom, a little of what she knows. Also meet at 1 p.m. on March 11 at the library enjoying the afternoon was Vincent Ficarra, for story time. the tenant of 249 City Island Avenue when it Evelyn Gerges was a paint shop, who strummed guitar with 129 Years and 4 Generations of Community Service Messrs. Glick and Rodstrom.

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www.ruggieroandsons.com after hours: (718) 885-2504

This firm is a family owned corporation whose only shareholders are Vincent & Robert Ruggiero - (NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs) March 2004 The Island Current Page Seven

livan always shop at the outlets at Woodbury extreme solubility. BOAT SHOW ‘04 Commons. I’ll have to ask them to look for Fishing on the whole is doing better these By BILL CLANCY Fred Chall. He had a good slogan: “The only days, with the size limits on a few species hitch to this price is the hitch on your car.” being lowered. Blue claw crabs are also mak- It was a beautiful, sunny and 50-degree year will be only 250 boats, custom-ordered The most interesting man we met during ing a comeback, Mr. Young told us, from Troy day on the first Saturday in January, possibly from eight models. The one I liked best was the day was Victor Mooney, a 39-year-old to New York harbor. I don’t think this return the warmest day we have had since then. Son the Corsair, a 28-foot, 100-foot-beamed boat African-American New Yorker. Next Febru- of the crabs has hit City Island yet. Years ago Bill and I were making our annual trek to the powered by twin Volvos with outdrives. It ary, he plans to re-create the “middle passage,” every piling on every dock in every boatyard Boat Show, the 94th edition. It was so nice we was a beauty and was rated at 55 mph. It was the route African slaves took from the early seemed to have dozens of crabs. The only suc- even thought about stopping to see the newly advertised with “low maintenance woodwork.” 1600s to the mid-1800s traveling to the Amer- cessful crabber I know is Uncle Joe at Royal arrived Concorde on the USS Intrepid. The That meant that there was (unfortunately) very icas. Mr. Mooney’s solo rowing expedition Marina. idea was fleeting, however, as I thought of little wood. will take him 8,000 miles from Goree Island The last DEC person we talked to was Jen- my sometimes tenuous relationship with vari- I reminded Mr. Halsey of the City Island off Senegal in West Africa to NYC. The lon- nifer Dupont. She was at the sturgeon exhibit ous Island Current editors. Things are going carpenter who said “Wood is good; use it if gest part of the journey will be from Senegal telling all about the prehistoric fish of the well now, why cause a problem, I mused, so you could.” He said that this was a saying to Barbados—2,500 miles unsupported. The Hudson River. They are deep-water fish, five straight on to the Javits Center we went. on Long Island, too . . . in the old days. We trip will take him through the Caribbean to the to six feet long, averaging 60 to 70 pounds. Signs of good karma appeared immedi- heard that saying a couple of times that day. Florida Keys and continue up the East Coast. There was a full-size model on the table that ately as we drove into a reasonable parking lot Bruce Killen must be rolling over. Older City The event is scheduled to take seven months, is like no other fish you ever saw. It has what ($19 for eight hours) only two blocks away. Islanders will always think of Ray’s Chris and this is after three years of training in local looks like armor plates applied to its entire We knew the show was going well when Craft on City Island Avenue at Beach Street. waters around Manhattan and Long Island. we saw crowds of people outside the center. It was run by the Starace family, who lived He is considering naming his boat Foganbala Some were getting dirty water dogs for a buck on King Avenue. In their heyday during the (Clear the Way) to honor his Irish ancestors. fifty, fifty cents more than normal but half the 1950s and 1960s, they were the largest Chris Slainte’ Victor! price charged by the stands inside. There was dealer on the East Coast. The top of the line The incredible adventure that Victor is also a new group of folks here today, people was the 55-foot Constellation, the most beau- about to undertake reminds me of the story body. who didn’t have on their Sperry (or knockoff) tiful production boat of its size ever produced. of a Slovenian man, Martin Strel, who at 47 The last item in this category was a report Topsiders. They were motorcycle enthusiasts, Most of the brothers were WW2 vets, the last years of age swam the length of the Missis- from outdoor writer Ken Moran. In Michigan attending the Motorcycle Show on the lower of whom, Andy, passed away last year. Their sippi River in 2002. It was reported in a Sports and Wisconsin, large bottled-water companies level. They just added to the great demo- sister, Peggy, has been in Florida for many Illustrated story that he swam the 2,360 miles have applied for and received permits for graphic mosaic that is New York. years. in 68 days, 2 days longer than he had planned. high-capacity wells to extract spring water We dropped off our jackets and picked up The boat section of the show was so He warmed up for this madness by swimming from the headwaters of some of the most our press ID at the public relations office on crowded that we couldn’t get near most of the length of the Danube River, all 1,862 miles pristine streams. Capacities of 700 thousand the fourth floor, where the young gal remem- the exhibits. A lot of the crowd seemed to be in 58 days When is the last time anyone swam gallons a day are removed from the normal bered us from last year. She has dinner on our spillover from the Motorcycle Show. They had around City Island? What about Rat Island? evaporation/precipitation cycle, and the cities island often and professed to know Jimmy of a lot of children with them and were very good In recent years there has been a marked and towns downstream that use this water for City Island. I have been in Jim’s company a for the concession business. We did make a increase in environmental and conservation drinking will have correspondingly less. It is few times, and there is no doubt that he has couple of pit stops ourselves that day to check awareness. This was overwhelmingly appar- said that eventually some of these streams end a charming personality. I have a lot of friends on a few things—the quality, availability, ent at the Boat Show. There is a slew of local up in Lake Michigan. Because of the drought who are Yankee fans, and I hope we will have temperature and economy of certain products. organizations doing great work in Raritan Bay, last summer, however, the lake is at its second the opportunity to meet Jimmy’s cousin, Alex During the day we sampled a sausage-and- the Hackensack River, the Passaic River and lowest level of all time. Could this happen (A-Rod), when he puts on the pinstripes this pepper sandwich, which was very good, even lower New York harbor in general. here? Let’s keep our ears to the ground. spring. Ditto Derek Jeter. If personality were though it was six bucks. Hot dogs were $4.50, A group called the Urban Divers is doing A couple of events that are going to take electricity, those three guys could give Con at the right temperature and readily available work in Coney Island Creek, Jamaica Bay, the place in the harbor this year might be worth Ed a run for their money. Tommy Diehl of in many locations. The downside was that the Gowanus Canal, Newtown Creek, Flushing looking into. First, Maritime Day will be on Bridge Boat could be looking at a few sales if barkeepers were neither good-looking nor of Bay and the East Harlem and Bronx Rivers, Saturday, May 22. Adopted officially in 1933 we could ever get these guys to make a tour of the culture; there were no buybacks, but, most and they are looking at some projects in East- this day traces its roots back to the building the island. importantly, there were no options. Adaptabil- chester Bay for this summer. They actively of the first steamship, the Savannah, in 1819. Our first stop was at the Chris Craft exhibit ity is one of our City Island traits. participate in the restoration, conservation, The celebration recognizes the great contribu- just inside the entrance. We spoke to the lead- We looked in at Jim Ross’s Sunseeker protection and education of our rivers, oceans tions of the U. S. Merchant Marine to the wel- ing salesman, Frank Halsey of Freeport, Long exhibit and could not see a familiar face. and marine wildlife. I spoke to some of the fare and security of the country. Water tours Island. He told us about the firm’s recent There was a beautiful, deep green-hulled staff at the booth and was very impressed will be available from Pier 1 on Wall Street corporate problems and how the company was Luhrs for 440 thousand. Even though it was by their commitment. They are in need of and Pier 83 on West 42nd Street. Details are pulling out of them. Two men from Sarasota, only 40 feet, longtime Island boater Captain donations and volunteers, both diving and available at www.NY-HiddenHarbor-NJ.com. Florida, are the new owners and have come up Gerry Cohen of the Rum Runner would have non-diving. They may be contacted at www. There will also be three offshore power with a new concept. The production run this scarfed it up. My brother Captain Gerry would urbandivers.org or 718-802-9874. boat races this summer, one on June 19 from moor it in Lyme, New Hampshire, on the The major group, however, is the NYS New York Harbor to Haverstraw and back, one scenic Connecticut River. There was a 38-foot Department of Environmental Conservation on Aug. 21 from Manhasset Bay (Port Wash- Donzi ZF on sale for 250 thou, reduced from (DEC). Starting with the Pure Waters Program ington) around Long Island, and the third on 290. Another good-looking craft, as always, of 1965, which put $1 billion into a statewide Sept. 18 from Hempstead Harbor (Glen Cove) is the Azimuth brand from Avigliana, Italy. effort to eliminate polluted discharges into our around Long Island. These races will be fun Some day I hope to see the whole line at waterways, the state set the example for the to watch. Remember that the world record for anchor in the Med. rest of the country. At that time nearly 1,200 these craft is 149.7 mph. Fred Chall Marine of Freeport, Long Island, communities were pouring raw or minimally We had a good talk with the Super Ship- is a very large dealer of many brands. They are treated sewage into the state’s waters. The bottom paint guy. He asked me if I tried his advertised as a “factory outlet.” I don’t think Pure Waters Program led to the national Clean product last summer and I had to tell him no. I ever heard that term used in reference to Water Act of 1972. Between them, during “We had a change in boatyard procedures,” I marine products. Betty Jordan and Ann Sul- the next 15 years, more than 500 publicly explained. “Maybe this year. Tell me about it owned wastewater treatment plants were paid again.” The response was: “It is a hard abla- for. Strict programs regulated all industrial tive, multi-season, antifouling bottom paint and municipal wastewater discharges, and the that is 62.4 percent cuprous oxide.” It is adver- The manufacture and use of the worst contami- tised to last two to three seasons a coat when nants, such as DDT and PCBs, were banned. the boat is stored over the winter. Buddy’s The combination of all these programs has Hardware carries it, and it comes in black, Tree had a dramatic effect on the quality of our blue, green and red. I will have to confer with water. my marina boss, Johnny Barron. New York is one of the most water-bounti- Out in the lobby, as we were leaving, we House ful states in the country. We have more than stopped at the world’s only operational WW2 Restaurant 7,800 lakes, more than 52 thousand miles of replica submarine, R.V. Needlefish. It is 32.5 rivers, 2.4 million acres of freshwater wet- feet long, diesel/electric two-man sub, and it Northern Mediterranean lands and 25 thousand acres of tidal wetlands. was built by Bill Gifford of Gifford Marine Cuisine New York City is equally blessed to have so in Egg Harbor, New Jersey. A WW2 sub vet much of God’s precious liquid, as are we himself, he dedicated the sub to all those to Grill • Gourmet Pizza • Bar here on City Island. We spoke with Conserva- fought in that war and helped preserve our Catering • Great Foods & Spirits tion Officer Byron Young, who was a great generation. I know only a couple of men who Call For Reservations spokesman for DEC. He told us how the have had the experience of the undersea craft, 718-885-0806 well-intentioned gasoline additive MTBE had and I told Bill about Ger Artz, Larry Baron, to be banned for the damage it was doing to Joe Goonan, Greg Clancy and Mr. Nadoolman many bodies of water around the state, includ- from City Island. “Come to see me,” he said. ing those that contribute to New York City’s “We’ll go down.” extensive reservoir system. When the additive The experience was different this year was found to be leaking from tanks, it was because of the crowds, but any show is better found to be a ground-water contaminant and a than no show at all. We didn’t see any Island- carcinogen. The additive supposedly produced ers but we heard that a few were down during a better burn of your auto fuel, but it also cre- the week, Gene Valesio and Phil Dolensek ated a new pollutant in the emissions being among them. We are going to stop in at the found in all our bodies of water, owing to its Motorcycle Show now, but that will be another story. See ya next year!! Page Eight The Island Current March 2004 Organization News News on this page concerning organizations, and events listed in, are submitted by representatives of those organi- zations. A limit of 150 words is requested for all news items submitted. In most cases news will be edited and every effort will be made to preserve the substance of longer items. News and calendar events must be received by no later than the 20th of each month except December and July. If the 20th falls on a holiday or Sunday, the deadline is the 19th. Mail submissions to P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER MUST BE INCLUDED. Current Calendar two-night trip. Please see Flo Bonicoro or Marie Tirelli at our meetings. MARCH Florence Quinn, who has been recu- Thurs., March. 18, Community Board 10 perating at home from a fall, and Gloria meets, 7:30 p.m., Providence Rest, 3304 Water- Salacan have been making preparations bury Avenue, Bronx. for our end of the season luncheon at the Thurs., March 25 and Fri., March 26, Kinder- Marina del Rey. garten Registration, 9 to 11 a.m., P.S. 175, Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day and a 200 City Island Avenue. happy St. Joseph's Day! Sat., March 27, POTS Program, St. Mary's Marie Tirelli School Yard, Minneford Avenue and Kilroe Street, drop-off between 4:30 and 5 p.m. Menu: baked ziti. City Island Historical Society This is a big month for the Historical Tues., March 30, City Island Civic Asso- Photo by RENA HANSEN ciation meets, 8 p.m., Community Center, 190 Society and the Nautical Museum. We City Island Cub Scout Pack 211 received funds for their annual trip to Medieval Times Fordham Street. are delighted to be hosting a reception for from Anthony Mormile of Hudson Valley Bank on East Tremont Avenue. James Vacca, Alice Payne to celebrate the reprinting of district manager of Community Board 10, requested and secured the generous dona- Chapter 3303 AARP her long out-of-print “City Island: Tales tion from the bank. The grateful scouts are shown above at the check presentation of the Clam Diggers” on Sunday, March on Feb. 17, 2004. Front row (l. to r.): Luke Kitagawa, Andrew Simoncek, Nicholas Bel- The members of the Minneford Chapter 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. Come to the Nauti- locchio, Daniel Green, Kyle Kreig and Kevin DeCuffa. Back row: Michael Bellocchio, 3303 have been informed by the New York Angelo Bellocchio, Mr. Mormile, Mr. Vacca, and Peter Green. cal Museum, 190 Fordham Street, to meet State director about the next steps by which Alice in person, buy a copy of the book prescription drugs will be made more and have her autograph it for you. City Island Theater Group students/Bronx Cultural Cardholders) and affordable. From the initial announcement We are also starting on a renovation may be reserved by calling 718-885-3066 AARP made in support of the Medicare Back by popular demand, the City Island project in the Walsh Room, making our or e-mailing: email@citg. net. drug bill, they have stressed that the leg- Theater Group proudly presents a revival library more efficient and accessible and We are proud to announce our spring islation is a start and vowed to strengthen of “Love Letters,” starring Jean McCabe reframing many of the pictures by Harold show: the hilarious comedy by Eddie Cope: and improve it. and Christopher McGowan. “Love Let- Walsh, thanks to a generous gift from his “Agatha Christie Made Me Do It,” directed AARP recently announced aggressive ters” tells the story of correspondence daughter, Winifred Doane. Some of these by Christopher McGowan. Performance plans to make the law better by closing exchanged over a lifetime between two will be on exhibit, along with other images dates are scheduled for April 23, 24, 25 the “doughnut hole,” allowing reimporta- childhood friends who moved apart but of “City Island Then and Now” to cel- and 30 and May 1 and 3. tion of drugs from Canada and giving the continued to share their life stories. As the ebrate the republication of Alice Payne’s In other exciting theater group news, the Federal government the power to negotiate actors read the letters aloud, we are shown book. Grace Episcopal Church Hall has become directly with drug companies to get lower their lives through funny, touching and We are open every Sunday from 1 to our permanent home, and we are renovat- costs for drugs. These efforts are already honest moments. See it for the first—or 5 p.m., so drop by for a visit. If you have ing the former thrift shop into our new under way in New York State, where we second—time; you are sure to love it! old photographs of City Island, we would office! For more information or to be part have begun educating our chapter mem- In an exciting limited engagement, love to borrow them to make scans for our of the action, please call 718-885-3066 or bers about what we can and need to do to “Love Letters” will be performed only collection, returning the originals to you. [email protected]. improve the Medicare law. Saturday, March 6, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Barbara Dolensek Susan L. Rauh While AARP is working very hard at March 7, at 3 p.m. in Grace Episcopal the Federal level to increase access to pre- Church Hall, 104 City Island Avenue. scription drugs, the organization has also Tickets are $12 (adults) and $10 (seniors/ continued with its strong efforts to make drugs affordable at the state level. AARP City Island Chamber Music is dedicated to preserving and strengthen- The concerts began again in February ing the N.Y. State Elderly Pharmaceutical with a lovely performance on Feb. 29 to Insurance Program (EPIC) and to ensure celebrate Rossini’s birthday in 1792, 53 that older New Yorkers benefiting from leap years ago. We heard excerpts from EPIC are able to retain their coverage. “The Barber of Seville,” as well as instru- AARP commends Governor Pataki for his mental selections. budget proposals to maintain and preserve We are pleased to announce that Sato EPIC. Moughalian will assume artistic leader- On Thursday, April 22, the chapter will ship of Sundays on the Island. She has per- sponsor an all-day trip to the Mohegan Sun formed with Orpheus, New York Chamber Casino. We will receive the package on the Ensemble and the Dorian Wind Quintet day of arrival. Departure time is 8:30 a.m. and has appeared as principal flute with Prices and more details for this event will the Long Island Philharmonic, Queens be discussed at our meetings, or you may Symphony, American Ballet Theater and call Tina De Cristofaro at 718-885-0865. L’Opéra Français de New York. Lucy Puglia On March 7, Helen Heran Kim (violin) and Laura Bontrager (cello) will perform Cenovia Cummins’s “Small Suite for Vio- Garden Club News lin and Cello” (1996), Maurice Ravel’s The next meeting of the Garden Club “Sonata for Violin and Cello” (1920–22) will be Monday, April 6. At our March and the “Passacaglia, Duo for Violin and meeting we made silk flower corsages for Cello” by Handel and Johann Halvorsen. the residents of Providence Rest Nursing On March 14, Todd Palmer (clarinet) Home and discussed plans for a spring will be joined by Nardo Poy (viola), garden tour. Wendy Sutter (cello), Kathleen Kelly Gardening Hint: Now is a great time to (piano), Sato Moughalian (flute), Sha- prune ground cover and flowering shrubs ron Rothman and Jane Chung (violins), and fruit trees. Joseph Bongiorno (bass) and Laura Wallis Phyllis Freeman (oboe) to perform Weber’s “Introduction to the Dance” and Messager’s suite from Chapter 318 AARP the ballet “Two Pigeons.” The concert for March 21 will be Our next trip to Atlantic City is on announced; call 914-664-6934 for infor- Tuesday, March 9. The bus departs at 9 mation. a.m. from 113 Bay Street on City Island. On March 28, Adrienne Kim (piano) Call Jean Ringel at 718-885-1479 or John will be joined by strings to play a chamber Bonicoro at 718-885-1844. music program. Our next day trip is to Westbury on All of the concerts will be held at the Wednesday, March 10, to see Al Martino cottage behind Le Refuge Inn, 620 City and Carmel Quinn and to have dinner at Island Avenue starting at 12:30. Admis- Troshi. We are also taking reservations for sion is $16. If you wish to be put on our day trip to Dolan's on Monday, June our e-mail list, please contact SundaysOn 22, in Silver Springs, New Jersey, and [email protected]. to Cape Cod in September, a three-day, Paul Gewirtz March 2004 The Island Current Page Nine

call Ann Ward at 718-885-1478. Legion News heart what is written in it, because the time Adult Tap Classes: Call Corinne Gron- is near." (Revelation 1:13) This will be a relatively brief news- dahl at 718-885-2011. You are invited to come and prove the letter as I have been a little tardy this Photography Classes: for adults and reality of this promise for yourself this month. A good start would be the annual teens. Call Ron Terner at 718-885-1403 or Lent. pig’s knuckle party. This festive occa- inquire at Focal Point Gallery. Something New: We are initiating a sion was attended by the members and Step Aerobics Classes: Sundays, 8:30 Ladies Night Out. Please come and join to 9:30 a.m.; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri- friends. Monies generated by this event, us for dinner and conversation at our new days, 9 to 10:30 a.m., and Mondays and sponsored by the Sons of the Legion, Meet to Eat on March 12 at 6:30. Please Wednesdays, 7 to 8 p.m. Call Mary Imme- were turned over to the Post. The com- call Ellen at 718-518-7241 or Donna at diato at 718-885-0793. mander regarded this as a noble gesture, 718-885-0931 on or before March 11 to let Yoga: Basic-level Hatha Yoga classes since charity should begin at home. The us know if you will be able to join us for a include yoga postures, deep relaxation and kitchen chores were shared by Gene night of fellowship. We'll let you know at breathing practices, and stress management Valesio, Peter Booth, Ray Kelly and Peter that time where to meet. If you wish to submit, for inclusion in this column, for peace of mind and physical well-being. Zavaro. Donna LaValle information regarding events and activities at the City Call Annette at 718-885-0724 for further The St. Patrick’s Day dinner will be Island Community Center, please call Laury Hopkins held Saturday, March 13. There will be at 885-3202 no later than the 15th of each month, information. City Island Civic Association except December and July. Leave a message, includ- Scrapbook Club: If you are interested in two seatings, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from ing your name and phone number. getting all those old photos out of the boxes 4 to 6 p.m. The fare will be corned beef In spite of the bad weather, we are Announcements and into attractive books, without cluttering and cabbage. Liquid refreshments will having meetings and discussions about all The deadline for entries for the Drue up your dining room table, call Joanne Brogan consist of beer, wine and soda. The price sorts of issues affecting life on City Island. Breen Literary Fund Essay and Poetry at 718-885-2713. is $17. The low turnout at the January meeting Contest has been extended to March 15. The Chess Club: Monday evenings from 7 The commander thanks Ray Kelly for (in the middle of a blizzard) was quite a theme is Footprints in Time—Stepping Out of to 11 p.m. For ages 13 and up. No need to placing a banister on the cellar stairs and success, as we turned it into a round-table the Box. Choose your inspiration: Oprah Win- register, just show up! Noel McIntyre for his plumbing repairs. discussion of many different subjects, such frey, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., This year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade as how we might increase membership, John Lennon, Gandhi, Muhammed Ali. The Laury Hopkins will take place on Sunday, March 14, at combine forces with the Chamber of Com- winners for best essay and poem will receive 12 noon. The troops will muster at Trem- merce and so on. a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Certificate; the Boy Scouts Troop 211 ont and Lafayette Avenues. During the month, we met with our runners-up will receive $25 gift certificates. Commander Hecker is pleased to City Council member, Madeline Provenz- Our scouts have been busy working on The contest is for sixth, seventh and eighth report that 90 percent of our members ano, to discuss quality-of-life issues on the advancement requirements and earning merit graders who live or attend school on City have paid their dues for 2004. Island, and we also had a meeting with badges throughout this past season. To bring Island. Collection boxes will be at P.S. 175 The Sons of the Legion have donated the Department of Environmental Con- you up to date, 10 scouts attended Ten Mile and the Focal Point Gallery. an outdoor grill to the Post. servation to clarify their jurisdiction over River Camp this past summer and earned 30 Community Tag Sale to be held at the On Saturday, April 3, from 1 to 3 waterfront properties. merit badges, four Mile-Swim awards, and center (indoors!) on April 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Post will hold an Easter party. At our meeting in February, Inspec- four World Conservation awards. p.m.; set up at 9 a.m. Reserve a table now! $10 All children are welcome. There will be tor James Capaldo of the 45th Precinct In the fall, the troop did some backwoods donation suggested per table. Call and leave a an egg hunt, games, prizes, snacks and addressed the assembled membership to camping on New Eljam’s property in upstate message at 885 -1145. Available till spaces are beverages. talk about the traffic problems on Valen- New York. In November, Scouts participated full. Remember those on sick call, as well tine’s Day. He also reported that the crime with the Mid-Hudson Orienteering Club at Beautiful Wooden Doors for sale by the as those in hospitals and housebound. rate was very low for the Island during the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Although Center; 35 x 83 inches. Call 718-885-1145 I have been told that Jack Hartigan, month of January. December flew by, the scouts squeezed in and leave a message. Richard O’Keefe and Bob Mennona are We are assembling a list of issues to their holiday party while preparing for the starting a fishing club. discuss with the Bronx Commissioner of Klondike Derby and a Merit Badge Fair in Ongoing Events Meetings for the month of March are: the Department of Transportation (DOT), January. Several scouts earned an additional Monthly Meetings are held on the first regular meetings March 1 and 15; execu- and those who wish to add to the list are nine merit badges and a World Conservation Tuesday of each month at 8 p.m. in the Com- tive board March 8. invited to call or fax 718-885-3823 or e- Award. In February, the scouts prepared for a munity Center, 190 Fordham Street. And for you WWII buffs, on March mail [email protected]. weekend of winter tent camping and a day of To schedule events at the Center, call 4, 1945, Lieutenant Karl Timmermann Members who have not yet renewed skiing/snow boarding. Laury Hopkins at 718-885-3202. led the first American troops across the their membership are asked to send $20 An Eagle Court of Honor and Dinner to Teen Center: Saturday evenings. To vol- Rhine River over the Ludendorf Bridge, to the Civic Association, P.O. Box 117, recognize Justin Rodstrom will be held on unteer your time so that we can keep the Teen a.k.a. the Remagen Bridge. The first City Island, NY 10464. Residents who Center open, please call Jay Howard at 718- March 20. Justin satisfactorily completed his enlisted man to cross the bridge was Joe are not yet members are invited to join; 885-2192. board of review on Jan. 27 to become the Delisio of the Bronx. even if you can’t make our meetings on Dance Classes: Pre-ballet, jazz and tap troops 29th Eagle Scout. Pictures and a review Russell Schaller the last Tuesday of the month (at 8 p.m. for kids. Call Linda at Dance Connection, 914 of Justin’s accomplishments will appear next in the Community Center at 190 Fordham 576- 5515. month. Street), you will enjoy having our news- Millennium Babies: A Moms and Babies Upcoming troop activities include winter Trinity United letter and giving the Civic the numbers it Playgroup. Call Brenda Prohaska at 718-885- tent camping, our annual flower sale on April Methodist Church needs to make an impact on our elected 9040. 7–10, parent’s night on April 20 and a canoe Please mark March 27 on your calendar officials. Senior Nutrition Program: Held at Pilot trip in May. for our annual Spring Fair. We will have Frank Fitts Cove Manor, weekdays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All Summer camp registration and deposits many delightful homemade goodies and senior citizens are welcome; the cost is only are due by April 1. Visit with us any Friday crafts on sale, plus a delightful luncheon $1 per meal. Call 718-885-0727 between 9 night if you are interested in joining our troop. for you to enjoy. The fair will be held in a.m. and 1 p.m. for your monthly calendar Chamber of Commerce Parent volunteers are always needed and wel- Fellowship Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with daily lunch menus and schedule of visits The Chamber would like to thank every- come to support our scouts. Don't miss it! to shopping centers. Rose Kolb one who made the holiday season special— Irish Dance: Call Deirdre O’Mara at Our Children's Sunday school will the Fire Department for putting up the lights (201) 947-8535. begin a new unit entitled "Alleluia," which across City Island Avenue and Verizon for Kundalini Yoga: Saturdays at 10 a.m., Girl Scout News focused on God's love and presence in the Seasons Greeting lights. Plus everyone On Saturday, Feb. 7, the Girl Scouts our lives as revealed in the teachings and who worked on the holiday events, including attended their annual Sweetheart Dance ministry of Jesus. All children ages 3 to the free raffle, which attracted nearly 1,300 held at Stuyvesant Yacht Club. The dance 13 are invited to attend each Sunday at 10 people. was a spectacular event. The girls and their a.m. Through activities and stories, we will Our meeting in February was spent dis- escorts danced, laughed and ate the night help the children to learn how to live as a cussing the traffic horrors on Valentine’s Day away. DJ Ray gave a phenomenal perfor- Christian “Kid." after an interesting presentation of business mance as usual and kept everyone hopping During the six Sundays of Lent, from services offered by representatives of the and laughing all night. The food was great Feb. 29 to April 4, an ongoing Bible study Chase Bank. We are preparing a new tourism brochure and seconds even greater. A wonderful of the Book of Revelation will resume. for City Island and hope to include all of the time was had by all. A big, warm thank- The meetings will be held in Trinity's Fel- businesses and organizations. Lily Fenick, a you to all the organizers and volunteers. lowship Hall on Sundays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Trinity's lay leader, George new resident, will be gathering the informa- Can't wait until next year! tion. Rose Kolb Cavalieri, will be moderator and instructor. Each meeting will begin with a brief video Mark your calendars: Our crafts fair this and light refreshments. spring will be on the weekend of June 5 and Everyone interested in Bible study is 6 to coincide with Fleet Weekend, and the welcome, whether or not you have previ- fall fair will be on Sept. 18 and 19. Our 93rd Annual Awards Dinner will be held at the ously attended. No registration is required. Lido Restaurant on Friday, April 2. Award Chapters 7 to 14 will be studied. The focus winners are Bob Carmody, Peter Karikas, of the study will be a discussion of the Rena Hansen, James Vacca and Joe Burck. text's subjects on a verse-by-verse basis. Remember to check out our Web site at The Book of Revelation opens with the www.cityislandchamber.org; e-mail us with following promise: "Blessed is the person any questions at information@cityislandcha who reads the words of this prophecy and mber.org. blessed are those who hear and take to Peter LaScala Page Ten The Island Current March 2004

given to grades 1-8; March 3, High-school accessible to those relatively unfamiliar with registration for eighth-grade students after details of Christ’s life. 2:30 p.m.; March 5, First Friday Mass at The dialogue in the film is presented 9 a.m.; March 7 and 8, Sr. James Patrick entirely in the form of subtitles, because only will attend the CSAANY (Catholic School the languages of the time, Aramaic and Latin, Administrators Association of New York) are used. This was an interesting choice, and meeting in Albany; March 22, Confer- it kept the noise of the ranting crowds and ence Day, school closed; March 25, Bronx the jeering Romans from obscuring the scant Catholic school science fair will be held at dialogue. Mount St. Michael. Sr. James Patrick, Mr. A primary question of tremendous con- St. Mary, Star of the Sea Caddell and Mr. Beskin have been invited troversy, which has been written and spoken to judge the competition; March 27, First about ad nauseum in the media, is whether or The kindergarten children are learning Penance at 11 a.m. in the church; March not this film is anti-Semitic. I think that anti- about migration and birds and are planning “The Passion of the Christ” 29, Sr. James Patrick will attend the Catho- Semitism is largely a matter of intent, and I do a trip to the Bronx Zoo in connection with lic school principals meeting in Suffern, Mel Gibson’s controversial film The Pas- not believe that anyone can enter the mind of this study. This month they are concentrat- N.Y.; April 2, First Friday Mass at 9 a.m.; sion of the Christ is perhaps the most nau- the director. However, for those of faith, the ing on the letters K, J, W and V and are April 5, Testing for new students. seatingly brutal movie I have ever seen, and fact that Christ’s fate was a foregone conclu- also learning to tell time. The cooking viewers must be forewarned that some chil- sion raises the question as to why it would be project for this month will be Irish soda Public School 175 dren may have nightmares for years to come if necessary to lay blame in the first place. bread. their parents take them to see it. The absurdity As a viewer, I saw a film showing that the The kindergarten students are working The first graders will hold their own of the MPAA rating system has never been Jewish hierarchy of the times wanted Jesus hard learning to tell time and make coin St. Patrick's Day parade in and around the underscored more acutely than by the fact that of Nazareth crucified, and that the Romans exchanges. They love to make up subtrac- school. They will study about Ireland as this film did not receive an NC-17 rating for sadistically tortured him for most of the film’s tion stories as well! In language arts the "the Land of Saints and Sinners" and dis- its extreme violence. length. Where the director goes completely children are writing in their journals every cuss Irish immigration, as well as the role Viewers may delude themselves into think- over the top is in conveying the very idea that day and wondering if the leprechauns of immigration from other countries and ing that children are used to bloodshed at the a human being so viciously tortured and muti- will play tricks on them on March 17. Of how this has made our country great. Sister cinema. But this film is not a comic book of lated could actually stand up, let alone carry course they will let us all know! Joan will explain mythology and its vital action heroes being maimed and killed, nor is the burden of the cross. Grade 1 will take a trip to the Central role in Irish culture. The children will then it even as joltingly horrific as the opening half In these terrifying times, when religious Park Marionette Theater this month. As St. learn about mythological dragons and real hour of Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private fundamentalists all over the world are per- Patrick's Day approaches, the students are dinosaurs and compose their own dragon Ryan.” This film, which focuses on the last 12 forming unspeakable acts, it is difficult to wondering if the "resident leprechaun" will stories. hours of Jesus’ life on earth, is an unstinting watch a creative work that has the potential for be making his annual appearance, causing In preparation for First Penance, Grade two-hour portrayal of the incessant, unremit- being so incendiary, whatever the director’s much mischief in the classroom. 2 will learn about the parts of the Mass and ting brutalization of a single man. intent might have been. I presume that Mr. Second-graders are looking forward to practice some religious songs. The chil- As one not of the Catholic faith, I found Gibson is attempting to create a visceral expe- spring and the warmer weather. March is dren will prepare the liturgy for the First the movie often confusing, especially regard- rience for the audience, in which they might mystery month, and the children will be Friday Mass. They are exploring different ing the identity of some of the characters. garner a greater appreciation for the ultimate reading mysteries in their reading groups. possible destinations for Flat Stanley's However, my Catholic companion was also sacrifice that was made. But the brutality of The class science fair project is keeping postal adventure. I wonder where he will uncertain at times, which validated my feeling the depiction obscures the message that I everyone very busy. Measuring is a focus end up? that the director lacked attention to certain believe was intended by the Christ himself, in math, and students will practice their The third-graders are studying measure- details that would have made the story more that of peace and forgiveness. measuring skills by making traditional ments—standard, metric and liquid. They Irish soda bread for St. Patrick's Day. are also learning about Flat Stanley, but In literacy the third-graders are devel- instead of sending him off on an adventure oping their reading strategies by learn- they will imagine and make travel itinerary ing about main idea, facts and details, for themselves. For social studies they are sequencing, cause and effect, comparing studying the Spanish missions of Califor- and contrasting, making predictions, draw- nia, and in science they are learning about ing conclusions and other important skills habitats and the food chain. to help them on the citywide test in April. Grade 4 is finishing its study of Native They are also learning about the impor- Americans and will display lodging proj- tance of multiplication and how important ects for the school. The class will soon it is to know their facts. begin the study of the Revolutionary War Students in Grade 4 have been busy and New York State’s vital role in it. In interviewing relatives and gathering infor- science the students are studying habitats mation about their heritage. As part of and examining the different ways animal their science curriculum, the children will bodies are constructed in order to adapt. be visiting the Bronx Zoo, where they will On March 15, the sixth-graders will learn about endangered species, animal hold the annual Julius Caesar Memorial adaptations and predator-prey relation- Pizza Party. They are beginning the sci- ships. In mid-March they will be attend- ence section on ecology and environment ing a performance by Music Outreach at by looking at living and non-living factors Lehman College. and their role in shaping the environment. The fifth grade is finishing up a study of In religion Mr. Garrison will explain the weather by taking a look at how meteorol- necessity of the church for salvation. ogists do their work. The students are also Grade 7 will read "The Diary of Anne continuing their study of the fantasy genre Frank" and then view the film and spend in language arts. They are also studying time analyzing both mediums. In social fractions, decimals and percentages. studies the students are learning about Grade 6 is exploring many exciting the growth of early colonial America and topics in science. The students will inves- events leading up to the Revolutionary Tues.-Fri. ~ 12p.m.-6p.m. tigate energy forms and alternative energy War. sources, and in life science they will learn The eighth-graders are learning about how to use a microscope. Math class air, in particular the ozone layer and how HAPPY HOUR TUES., WED., Thurs. 4-6 includes the study of percentages and the Drinks 1/2 Price to protect it. They are continuing their reading, understanding and construction of monthly reports on books of their own different types of graphs. choice. The seventh-graders are busy sharpen- The faculty and students are exceed- ing their skills in the areas of percentages, ingly grateful to Miss Joseph for the series decimals, fractions and geometry. They Mary J. McDonnell, Esq. of lectures she presented in grades K–8 thoroughly enjoyed their Greenkill trip and during February. Miss Joseph spoke of the Attorney at Law are preparing the girl's team for the Preston contributions and influences to American Licensed Real Estate Broker Math Competition. P.S. 175 will send a culture and life made by black Americans. team of six girls to compete. Good luck, Her hard work and insight enriched the ladies! cultural life of the school this winter sea- 95 Rochelle Street Grade 8 is busy studying “Romeo and son. •Sales Juliet” in language arts. The focus in social (718) 885-1887 Kindergarten registration will take place studies is on the rise of industry, as the •Rentals March 1–4 from 9 to 11 a.m. only. Please By Appointment Only students look at inventors and inventions bring the child's birth certificate, baptis- in the 1865–1914 period. The winter bake mal certificate and immunization records. sale was a huge success, and students are Licensed Salesperson: Maureen Hraska There is also a $20 non-refundable regis- now focused on completing exams and tration fee. Res. 885-1253 presentations for graduation. Special dates for St. Mary's are as follows: March 1–5, ITBS tests will be March 2004 The Island Current Page Eleven CITY ICELAND? Current Review The Heart of the Old South By BARBARA DOLENSEK Natchez: The Houses and History of the Jewel of the Mississippi Text by Hugh Howard Photographs by Roger Straus III Rizzoli, $39.95

About this time of year, people who live in the North wonder why they didn’t bail out weeks ago and head South. The winter weather this year just made matters worse for those of us who stayed here and watched Long Island Sound do its imitation of the Arctic Ocean. Although March is finally here, reli- Photos by KAREN NANI and BARBARA DOLENSEK ably warm weather is still a few weeks away, The frigid January temperatures and the snowstorm on Jan. 21, 2004, left the Island and for those who would rather be somewhere covered in snow and surrounded by ice. Longtime Islanders said it reminded them of else, this book offers a lovely escape. the “good” old days, when you could ice boat on and walk across Eastchester Bay The team that brought us the buildings of Natchez such a special treasure today. With- because it was frozen solid. The surrounding waters started flowing again in the middle Thomas Jefferson and Frank Lloyd Wright out money, the inhabitants of Natchez could of February when the temperatures climbed back above freezing. chose this time to focus on the antebellum not renovate or “remuddle” their houses, as days of the South as reflected in the fabulous the preservationists put it, and so the houses mansions of Natchez, Mississippi. Here are remained virtually untouched for years. gorgeous full-color photographs of spacious, Now, of course, there is a strong preserva- elegant houses and their beautifully furnished tionist movement alive and well in Natchez, interiors, accompanied by a chatty text that and this has led to the restoration of the city’s weaves the lives of their owners into descrip- former glory. Anyone planning a trip South tions of the architectural details. (Interesting should definitely include this special place on aside: Many of these houses were built by the list of sites to visit. Northerners escaping the North!) In the meantime, where will Messrs. How- Although the styles range from simple ard and Straus lead us next? Pelham Bay Park wood-framed houses to massive Greek-revival lost its fabulous mansions to the wrecking ball structures, the mood conveyed by these build- of Robert Moses, but there are still some nice ings is warm and inviting, and the gardens places here on City Island that might deserve just beg to be walked through and admired— their attention. But no, let’s encourage them to Southern hospitality in three dimensions. travel for us to wonderful parts of the country Although Natchez was once the perfect that we would like to visit—if not in person, expression of Southern prosperity, the city then through the pages of their beautiful suffered a severe economic depression after books. the Civil War. Ironically, this is what makes

• Pee Wee: 10–11 years old, 110 pounds or less Register for • Juniors: 12–13 years old, 130 pounds or less Warriors Football! • Midget Travel team: 13–14 years old, 150 Jerry Demers, chief of Warrior Football, pounds or less announces that the 2004 registration for boys • Bantam Travel team: 15–16 years old, and girls interested in tackle or flag football 180 pounds or less will take place on two Sundays, March 7 and Ages are determined as of July 31, 2004. 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All registration will All divisions are co-ed. be in the Lehman High School gym located Practices begin in August on weekday eve- at 3000 East Tremont Avenue (use the side nings for the fall football season. Games are entrance by the football field). played on Saturdays and Sundays at Pelham Chief Demers welcomes all City Islanders Bay Park and Lehman High School. The cost and told The Current that many residents have schedule for the 2004 season is $120 for tackle participated in Warriors over the years, includ- football, $130 for travel teams and $80 for flag ing some season MVPs. New players must be football. Prices increase by $20 for registra- accompanied by a parent and bring a copy of tion after March 14. their birth certificate. Registration is on a first-come, first-served Boys and girls ages 6 to 8 are eligible for basis, and those who fail to register in the flag football, and there is no weight limit. For spring are not guaranteed a roster spot in boys and girls interested in tackle football, the August even if they are returning players. For age and weight groups are: more information about football, call Jerry • Mites: 7–9 years old, 90 pounds or less Demers at 718-829-7574.

885-9133

“We offer free NEW OWNERSHIP pickup and delivery”

OWNED AND OPER- PIZZA ATED BY A SICILIAN CITY ISLAND RESIDENT Page Twelve The Island Current March 2004

• The nanny tax threshold remains at payers may be surprised to learn that that return $1,400. they are subject to the ever-widening ten- • Year 2003 Form(s) W-2 (wages, etc.) • Higher education expense deductions tacles of the AMT or Alternate Minimum • Year 2003 Form(s) 1099 (interest, increase to $4,000. Tax. dividends, etc.) • A new $2,000 deduction allowance In addition to preparing taxes, your • Year 2003 Schedules K-1 reflecting for singles with income from $65,000 to financial professional should be able to income or loss and other information from $80,000, and review your investment of other holdings any partnerships, LLCs, PLLCs, LLPs, • $130,000 to $160,000 for married in order to help determine if you might “S” Corporations, estates, trusts, and so on couples. benefit from a repositioning of assets or that you may be involved with • The top estate tax rate drops to 48%. the realization of greater appreciation. • Year 2003 Forms 1098 (mortgage • The estate tax exemption amount Also, remember to re-examine your finan- interest paid), and real estate and/or prop- As we approach April 15, there are increases to $1.5 million (but the annual cial goals including college funding and/or erty tax statements. many things to consider so that you and gift tax exclusion allowance remains at retirement planning and make certain that • Brokerage statements for all stocks, your family can benefit from all of the $11,000 for individual gifts and $22,000 you are on the road to achieving all of your bonds and/or any other investments you recent tax law changes. For those of you for married couples. investment objectives. may own who utilize the services of a professional • The maximum Section 179 expense Your financial professional’s intention • Closing statements pertaining to real tax preparer, such as a Certified Public deduction increases to $102,000, and the should be to provide you with the best estate and/or any other capital transactions Accountant (CPA), this article will serve phase-out threshold increases to $410,000. tax package possible, one that is accurate, • Any and all supporting data and/or as reminder that your CPA should be your • 401(k) maximum salary deferral complete and prepared in a manner that documentation (schedules, analyses, etc.) most valued and trusted advisor. increases to $13,000, and the 50 and older will best reflect your absolute minimum • Tax notices if any, that you may have The annual tax season is here, and your catch-up limit increases to $3,000. legal liability. However, in order to accom- received from the IRS and/or any other 2003 personal income tax returns are due • The SIMPLE maximum salary defer- plish this task, they need your help. So that taxing authority on or before April 15, 2004. For individu- ral increases to $9,000, and the 50 and your 2003 tax returns can be properly and I cannot emphasize strongly enough the als, this year provides lower capital gains older catch-up limit increases to $1,500. timely prepared, be sure to provide all of importance of maintaining proper records, tax rate provisions, new dividend income • The standard mileage rate allowance your pertinent tax-related data, informa- receipts and other forms of tax-related tax regulations, new retirement plan con- for business driving increases to 37.5¢ tion and materials as soon as possible, documentation. This is the only way that tribution regulations, new minimum IRA per mile, the rate for medical and moving and before preparation of your returns are income reported and deductions taken can withdrawal regulations, increases in the mileage increases to 14¢ per mile, and the finalized. be substantiated and is especially impor- applicability of the alternate minimum tax rate for charitable driving remains at 14¢ The information required includes all tant when it comes to demonstrating evi- (AMT), new adjusted gross income modi- per mile. items of income and expense of a tax- dence for sources of income; adjustments fications, new estate and gift tax regula- • The Social Security taxable wage limit related nature. If you are unsure about the to income (including alimony, adoption tions, new mileage deduction allowances, increases to $87,900, and retirees under taxability or deductibility of any specific expenses, self-employed health insurance); new education expense regulations, new age 65 can earn up to $11,640 without los- item, be sure to ask. tax-related expense deductions for such accounting method elections, and so on. ing their benefits. Some, if not all of the following materi- items as medical and dental expenses, As usual, ever-changing tax legisla- • New Health Savings Accounts (HSA) als, which may be applicable and neces- taxes, charitable donations, travel, meals tion, regulations, requirements and other allow taxpayers under 65 years of age with sary for the proper preparation of your and entertainment, and all of the various issues impose overwhelming complexities, high-deductible health insurance to set tax returns, should be readily available for miscellaneous itemized expense deduc- so be careful with the filing requirements aside pretax dollars that can be withdrawn reference: tions that may apply to your personal situ- and in determining whether or not any of tax-free for medical expense purposes. • A copy of your 2002 income tax ation. The list goes on and on. these recent changes affect your personal • And although the capital gain and income tax situation. As you prepare for dividend income tax rate has been reduced, Rosa Bellocchio the upcoming tax season, I thought you tax brackets, personal exemptions, and Family Group Daycare Provider might find this brief rundown of the 2004 income limitations for various tax benefits tax changes useful: increase due to IRS inflation adjustments. Sparrowʼs Nest Child- • The adoption tax credit increases to Furthermore, this year, many more taxpay- care $10,390. ers may be surprised to learn that that they Registered and Licensed • The kiddie tax threshold increases to are subject to the ever-widening tentacles $1,600. of the AMT or Alternate Minimum Tax. 151 Reville Street Furthermore, this year, many more tax- Bronx, New York 10464 Full and Half day Programs Phone: (718) 885-1360 NOW ACCEPTING Fax: (718) 885-9466 NEW ENROLLMENTS January-February 2004 The Island Current Page Thirteen

By JOHN SHERIDAN and MARIA SUTHERLAND

PASSING TIME the melted spaces around chimneys on City There was a time when the bitter cold Island rooftops. Our bet is that it isn’t the water we’ve been having was just the thing for curling but the warmth that they are after. John wrote up with a good book before an open fire. It still in to tell us that the birds in his backyard could is for some. But for others, the Internet is fast hardly wait to get at the crumbs he had thrown becoming the pastime of choice. The old ways out there to them. No sooner had the door may have their charms, but the sad fact is that closed behind him than there was an avalanche they are hopelessly less instantaneous in this of wings and beaks and tweet-tweet-tweets age of instant gratification. showering down from above. Be all that as it may, we were “surfing the Pickings this winter must have been scant. Web” the other day, searching for City Island When this happens, it is not uncommon to see wherever we could find it, when we came more road kill than usual along our highways across a collection of old post cards with City and byways. A friend told us about an item he Island themes. There was the Ben Hur Hotel, had recently read in the news on this subject. which we had never heard of, the electric trol- Apparently the British, in an effort to save the ley to and from the Bartow train station, the hedgehog population from a nasty fate along horse-drawn carriage, Belden Point and good their own busy highways, are thinking about old P.S. 17, among others. Our favorite, though, digging small tunnels for small animals who was a view from Eastchester Bay of the water- suddenly feel the need to get to the other side. front from Tier Street to Fordham (circa 1915). One has to wonder, however, that if the We believe one of the structures pictured there hedgehog can be trained to use the new tunnels is our own home before the second story was in the first place, why can’t it figure out when added and the wide water views were squeezed to cross the road and when not to cross? Still, out by the new construction. we applaud the British people for making the For those of our readers who may be inter- effort, and we wish them every success. ested in this sort of thing but who do not have Hang on! We’re almost there! Spring is (or want!) access to the Web, we would like to on the horizon. In the meanwhile, be on the recommend a trip to the City Island Nautical lookout for those harbingers of the new sea- Museum on Fordham Street. If you can’t find son—the red-winged blackbird and the cro- that vintage postcard you’ve been looking for cus—and for any other sight or sound that all these years, then you’re sure to find some- happens to pass your way as you pass the time; thing else of historical interest there to help you woodpeckers, for instance, or blue jays that go pass the time. “caw caw.” As always, we can be contacted at Maria noticed some birds passing time in [email protected].

“It wouldn’t be a problem for us to have City Traffic Island closed to visitors if our parking lots Continued from page 3 had been all filled up, but that isn’t what hap- pened.” fication to the police officers were allowed to Inspector James Capaldo of the 45th Pre- return home, but diners, even those who had cinct, who attended the Civic Association meet- reservations or were attending a party, were not ing, took responsibility for the situation and able to cross the bridge until officers gave the apologized for not having seen that the officers go-ahead. on duty were adequately prepared to handle the To make matters worse on Valentine’s Day, traffic. He had already set up a meeting with officers from the Highway Patrol chose that some of the restaurant owners, and he agreed evening to check cars coming onto and driving also to meet with representatives of the Civic off the Island for operators driving under the and the Chamber to discuss plans for handling influence of alcohol. Drivers were checked in future heavy-traffic days before the regular both directions, which served to increase the (718) 885-0889 Orchard Beach detail begins on Memorial Day. bottleneck at the City Island bridge. In addition to Easter and Mother’s Day, traffic Joe Valenti Jr., who works with the Sea can also become a problem on unexpectedly Shore Restaurant, among other restaurants on warm evenings in the early spring. the Island, told The Current that the restaurant Bob Carmody, speaking for the Chamber owners were forming a group to compare facts, of Commerce, said “The Chamber, the Civic calculate their losses and address the Borough or any volunteer could monitor the weather Commander of the Police Department so that in the early spring and determine with the this situation would not be repeated in the Police Department if additional police presence future. is necessary. Residents, business owners or “If the police had been doing their job, this visitors with suggestions are invited to call the would not have happened,” Mr. Valenti said. Chamber at 718-885-9100 or the Civic at 718- 885-3823. NATHAN & ROCCAMO Certified Public Accountants •Certified Audits •Financial Statement Preparation •Income Tax Preparation •IRS Representation •Year Round Tax Planning 98-20 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills, NY 11375 Phone (718) 268-9226 Fax (718) 575-3955 On City Island 44 Hawkins Street (by Appointment Only)

EDMOND (Teddy) PRYOR ATTORNEY AT LAW 1925 Williamsbridge Road 300 City Island Avenue Bronx, City Island, New York 10461 (718) 829-0222 New York 10464 Page Fourteen The Island Current March 2004 March 2004 The Island Current Page Fifteen

______puter Guy”, 718-885-9366. PIANO LESSONS: Lifetime experience teaching ______children and adults. My home on a Steinway FOR RENT: Apartment with 2 full rooms. Private Grand Piano. Willing to come to your home. entrance in rear of private house. Nice street ______Flexible hours. Call Diana 718-885-2091. with private beach. Perfect for single profes- STOP OVERPAYING YOUR ACCOUNTANT ! sional, non smoker. Sorry no pets. $800 per : Tax returns prepared by experienced Island month (includes gas and electric). Call 718- tax preparer for as little as $50.00. Call 885- ______885-3185. 2268 or (cell) 646-489-6833. Confidentiality SMALL JOB SPECIALIST: Carpentry-Remodel- guaranteed. ing-Repairs. Doors, windows, furniture repair, ______painting, locks, etc. Michael Vivian 718-885- WANTED DRIVER WITH CAR: Food deliveries 1826. City Island. 7 days a week from 5-11p.m. Good ______driving record required 718-885-1538 1-6p.m. FREE MARKET ANALYSIS: Call today and we LOOKING TO BUY a used treadmill and standing will determine the market value of your property, bicycle in good condition. Call 718-885-9346. using modern methods and years of experience. ______Our office has qualified and anxious buyers wait- I BUY OLD BOOKS and some not so old. Call ing. Please call anytime for appointments or any Photo by BARBARA DOLENSEK John for appointment. 718-885-1822. Appraisals questions you may need answered. Visit our Brianna Reilly shows librarian Evelyn Gerges and William Soto, special assistant to and search service available. www.atlanticemeritusrealty.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– new website @ Assemblyman Stephen Kaufman, how to make Valentineʼs cards at the City island HOUSE SERVICE: Painting, decorating, small ______Atlantic Emeritus Realty, Inc. 885-0088. Library arts and crafts program on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004. repairs, clean up, house service, management. FOR SALE: Full size mattress like new, couch, table and chairs. Call 718-885-1537. Experienced, responsible,effective. Consultations. ______885-0673. Day Parade and Ceremony at Ambrosini ______AVON REPRESENTATIVE: Avon is not just MASSAGE THERAPY in the privacy of your cosmetics. Jewelry, clothes, vitamins, videos, Field. This year we will open our season home. Gift certificates, references avail- complete line of childrenʼs gifts, toys and more. on Saturday, April 17, 2004. The parade ______able. John Raimondi, L.M.T. 718-885-0619. ______Ask for catalog. Call Emily at 718-885-2430. will kick off from Bridge Park at 11:30 RENOVATIONS: Sheetrock-taping & painting,tile 2 BEDROOM EXTRA LARGE bright apartment for a.m. sharp and proceed to Ambrosini Field. ______work,carpentry,portico. Call Joe 718-885-9366. rent: $1,500. No fee, no dogs! Recently renovated, AFTER 30 YEARS of enjoying picturesque City new carpet. Washer/dryer, heat included. Available We will hold our opening ceremony and Island, John Mini Indoor Landscapes will be now. Joe @ 718-885-1944. We hope everyone had a healthy and the first games of the season. All are wel- ______relocating to Rockland County. Dont miss our happy holiday season. As the frost finally APARTMENTS FOR RENT: One, two, and three come to attend and join in the festivities. Final Plant Sale and more.... Saturday, March bedroom apartments available for immediate begins to melt, we are eagerly anticipating 13th and Saturday, March 20th. 9 a.m - 12 noon. We held our final registration on Feb. 21 occupancy. Waterfront units are also available. In addition to plants and decorative containers, the start of the 2004 baseball season. Our at St. Mary’s gym. Anyone who missed this Starting at $1500 per month. Atlantic Emeritus we will also be selling holiday decorations, office winter program is in full swing and will Realty, Inc. 885-0088. registration and has a child who is inter- furniture, equipment and more. There's some- ______continue throughout the month of March. thing for everyone... DRIVING LESSONS given daily. Cars for road tests. ested in playing must contact us ASAP at ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Permit questions free. Special attention to nervous This year we were fortunate enough to be cityislandlittleleague@yahoo .com or call PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR WOODWORK: people. JoRae Auto School. 718-325-0494. Libraries, chairs,restorations, parlors and more. ______able to use the gym at P.S. 175 and keep Larry Saulnier at 718-885-1313. Time is ______Call Chris 885-0673 APPLIANCE REPAIRS: Service on refrigera- the program right here on City Island. The running out, and we must have our teams TIRED OF CLEANING? Let us do the job. Call tors and other major appliances. One year Executive House Cleaning. For estimates call guarantee on parts. 25 years experience. Dis- children are learning the fundamentals of in place early so they can begin practicing. ______(718)561-3093, ask for Carlos. counts for seniors and Islanders. Doctor Steveʼs throwing, catching and hitting, so they will Any child of any skill level between the PHOTO RESTORATION: Take old photographs ______Appliance Service. 718-671-0700. be ready to hit the ground running come ages of five and fifteen is eligible to play and have them restored like new. Copies made LEARN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Photoshop opening day. At this time we would like from negatives or prints. Framing available as 7 or black and white photography, developing Little League baseball. We teach not only ______well. Call Ron 718-885-1403. film, printing, camera techniques. Call Ron 718- to thank the principal of the school, Mrs. the fundamentals of baseball but also the GUITAR LESSONS BY ELLIOTT GLICK: $15 ______885-1403. Lopez, and her staff, especially Tina Gias- values of sportsmanship and teamwork. for a half hour. Beginners welcome. Call FINE ART PORTRAITS: Studio on City Island. ante, for helping to make this program a We are always looking for volunteers. for information. 718-885-3779. or E-mail: Elliot More than 30 years of photographic experience. reality. @starvingartistonline.com ______Call Ron Terner at 718-885-1403. We need people to help with field main- ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Our season will begin with our Opening COMPOSER/PIANIST/MUSIC BOOK AUTHOR TUTORING: Co-ops, Latin, Elementary sub- tenance, concession duty and coaching. teaches in your home or at my studio. jects, S.A.T., S.A.T. II Lit., S.A.T. II Writing, There is a lot of administrative work that Adults,children,all levels. 718-885-2890. P.S.A.T., S.S.A.T., help with term papers. Call ______goes on behind the scenes and often goes SUSAN RIOS, CSW Certified psychotherapist. ______Alice Rotello 718-885-0764. Offices in Manhattan and on City Island. 212-360- SATURDAY, AUGUST 14TH-21ST: Join Dianne & unnoticed, and we also need people to help 6928, 718-885-3156. Individuals, couples, fam- John O'Sullivan on their 3rd annual summer "All with those duties. Interested volunteers can ily therapy, adolescents. Completely confidential. inclusive" vacation to Aruba for only $1299.00 a contact us by e-mail or telephone. Parents ______Insurance reimbursable. person. Price includes everything. Airfare,7 nights TowBOAT/U.S. deluxe accomodations at the Divi Aruba Beach will receive postcards in the near future CITY ISLAND BUMPER STICKER with any pur- City Island Resort, all meals, drinks, taxes, gratuities, water for a Little League parents meeting. This chase. Burck's Boat Hardware. 526 City Island sports, wonderful weather, casino etc. (You can Avenue, Bronx, New York 718-885-1559 . While leave your wallet at home). Children 2 thru 17yrs. meeting will be held on Saturday, March ______supplies last. pay only $659. Children under 2 are free (limit 2 13, at 10 a.m. One parent of each regis- 97 EVINRUDE 15 hp IN EXCELLENT CONDI- children per room). This is a wonderful and super tered Little Leaguer must attend. We hope TION. 6 Gallon tank, flush kit. $900. Boat included reasonable vacation for singles, couples and fami- ______.Call NOW. Summer is coming 718-885-1166. lies. ( We have only 24 seats left and they are going to see you all out on the field and in the 98 CANNONDALE F-100 MOUNTAIN BIKE . All fast!) If interested call: O'Sullivan Travel 718-885- stands. Aluminum pump . Cat eye. Many extras. Mint con- ______0715. All final payments will be due by April 15th. Larry Saulnier ______dition. $600. Spring is here..Call 718-885-1166. ______THEREʼS A COMPUTER GURU right in your neighborhood. City Island resident with over 25 years of computer experience can repair any software or hardware problem. Instruction avail- able for all new PC owners. I even make house calls. References available. Call “Joe, the Com- Page Sixteen The Island Current March 2004

to Granpa Gene with love from Maryann, Jadee, Mike and, of course, your three grandchildren, James, Jesee and Jenee. Happy birthday to Judy McCormick on the 18th of March from the “doghouse” and Maryann, Eugene, Karen, Tina, Katie, Gerald and all. It's been a busy six months for Min- neford Avenue resident Jill Klopfer Luder- Information for the Talebearer must be received in man. First, Jill was married on Aug. 22, writing no later than the 15th of the month except July and December. Mail to The Island Current, P.O. 2003, to Scott Luderman, a graduate of the Box 6, City Island, NY 10464; include your name and SUNY Maritime Academy at Fort Schuyler telephone number. in the Bronx. Since then Jill has completed A fond farewell to the Laurels’ Dr. Ellen her studies in Equine Science at Johnson Dierenfeld, Georg Weyand and their son & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Christoph who have relocated to St. Louis, Island. She did an internship at the Pelham Missouri. They will be missed by their Bit Stables, and she is now a trainer and many friends here on the Island and their instructor there and at Making Strides Sta- extended Bronx Zoo “family.” bles in Cortlandt, New York. Many Island- Congratulations to our Aunt Jennifer ers also know Jill from her years of working Sortino and Uncle Louis Marrone on their Sundays at the City Island Diner. Her proud Nov. 21, 2003 marriage. All our love, parents are Pell Place's Joanie and Peter Photos by ROSE KOLB Angela and Dominick Acocella and Peter Klopfer. On Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, City Island Girl Scouts held their annual Sweetheart Dance O’Keeffe Jr. Maria Swieciki Best wishes for continued happiness to at the Stuyvesant Yacht Club. Bay Street’s Hy and Connie Cantor, who will celebrate their anniversary on March 17. Congratulations to Dan Treiber and the success of the Crafty Records.net Acous- tic Invasion Tour starring Brook Pride- more and Chris Martin. They completed 18 shows in 17 days between New York and Chicago. Happy birthday greetings go out to Pell Place’s Barbara Stiene, who will celebrate her big day on March 31. Congratulations to former Reynolds Street resident Melissa (Koller) and her husband Edward Byrnes on the Feb. 6 birth Extended Hours: 4:30-5:30p.m. of their son, Ryan Joseph. The happy fam- Thursday ily resides in Lausanne, Switzerland. Proud grandparents are Cheryl and Frank Koller of Reynolds Street. Thrilled great-grand- parents are Frank and Margaret Koller of King Avenue and Myra Martin of Min- Minneford Avenue resident Jill Klopfer neford Avenue. Luderman is shown above at her 2003 Happy first birthday wishes on March 7 INCOME TAX RETURNS wedding to Scott Luderman. Jill, who to our beautiful triplets, James, Jesee and was raised on Pell Place, recently com- Personal And Corporate Income Tax Returns Jenee. Love, Granpa Gene and Granma pleted her studies in Equine Science at Professionally Prepared Maryann. Johnson & Wales University in Provi- Happy March 15 birthday greetings dence, Rhode Island. Proudly Serving The City Island Community For Over 10 Years All Forms • Reasonable Rates Please Call (914) 738-3329 To Schedule An Appointment Catherine Schaller, C.P.A. Vincent Mazzaro, C.P.A.

Robert T. Carmody Geri Seiter Broker Sales Manager (718) 885-0088 Fax: (718) 885-1426 Associates PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AND RETURN TO: Diane Kirchner-Carmody • Donald Kolb • Cathy Cebek • Maria Swieciki • Joseph Agazzi MOVING? ISLAND CURRENT, P.O. BOX 6, CITY ISLAND, NY 10464 Bette Lacina • Eileen Scott • Kim Moran NAME______Pre-qualified buyers waiting! OLD ADDRESS______APT. #______Moving to a new Neighborhood? Contact our relocation director. CITY______STATE______ZIP______Visit our NEW website ~ www.atlanticemeritusrealty.com NEW ADDRESS______APT. #______CITY______STATE______ZIP______PLEASE ALLOW 6-8 WEEKS FOR CHANGE TO TAKE EFFECT.