PRESORTED STANDARD PERMIT #3036 WHITE PLAINS NY

Vol. V No. LI Westchester’s Most Influential Weekly Thursday, December 22, 2011 $1.00

PC Police Arrest Former Chief of Staff to Scrooge Ex-Senator Leibell Sentenced 17 Hope for a for Obstruction of Justice Better World PAGE 21 15

Congress REINS in Clean Water Rules 8

The Slap Heard Around the World 24

Resurrecting Lost Ones 11 Preet Bharara, United States Attorney

It Really Does Take a Village 20

Think Twice Happy Chanukah 14

Westchester’s SHERO Merry Christmas Award Gala 11 westchesterguardian.com Page 2 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 3

RADIO Of Significance

Community Section...... 4 Books...... 4 Westchester On the Level Calendar...... 5 Cultural Perspective...... 6 NEW ROCHELLE, NY – TheGuardian Radio Network, WGRN, operated under Cyber Security...... 7 the auspices of Hezi Aris’ Hezitorial Absurdity, Inc. continues to build its programing Ecology...... 8 day on the Blog TalkRadio platform. Herein is the schedule for the week of December Education...... 9 19 – 23, 2011. Health...... 9 Richard Narog and Hezi Aris are your co-hosts. Movie Review...... 10 Music Review...... 10 Listen to our radio programs live by clicking onto the following hyperlinks: People...... 11 Westchester on the Level -http://www.blogtalkradio.com/westchesteronthelevel; Promotions...... 13 Each show may be heard live or on demand. Choose from an MP3 download option, or peruse our Najah’s Corner...... 14 audio archives. The hyperlink to each respective interview becomes active within a half-hour of the ending Real Estate...... 15 of an interview so as to allow for on demand listening. Religion...... 15 Society...... 17 Recognizing that we shamelessly solicit your participation, you are invited to participate by calling us Spoof...... 17 toll-free at 1-877-674-2436. All we ask is that you stay on topic with regard to your question and / or your Eye On Theatre...... 18 statement. Government Section...... 19 Albany Correspondent...... 19 Mayor Marvin’s Column...... 20 Criminal...... 21 OpEd Section...... 21 Mission Statement Current Commentary...... 21 Greg’s Corner...... 22 The Westchester Guardian is a weekly newspaper devoted to the unbiased reporting of Ed Koch Commentary...... 22 events and developments that are newsworthy and significant to readers living in, and/or New York Civic...... 23 employed in, Westchester County. TheGuardian will strive to report fairly, and objectively, Legal Notices...... 26 reliable information without favor or compromise. Our first duty will be to the PEOPLE’S RIGHT TO KNOW, by the exposure of truth, without fear or hesitation, no matter where the pursuit may lead, in the finest tradition of REEF DOM OF THE PRESS. Westchester’s Most Influential Weekly The Guardian will cover news and events relevant to residents and businesses all over Westchester County. As a weekly, rather than focusing on the immediacy of delivery more associated with daily journals, we will instead seek to Guardian News Corp. provide the broader, more comprehensive, chronological P.O. Box 8 step-by-step accounting of events, enlightened with analysis, New Rochelle, New York 10801 where appropriate. Sam Zherka , Publisher & President From amongst journalism’s classic key-words: who, what, [email protected] when, where, why, and how, the why and how will drive our pursuit. We will use our more abundant time, and our Hezi Aris, Editor-in-Chief & Vice President resources, to get past the initial ‘spin’ and ‘damage control’ [email protected] often characteristic of immediate news releases, to reach the very heart of the matter: the truth. We will take our readers Advertising: (914) 562-0834 to a point of understanding and insight which cannot be News and Photos: (914) 562-0834 obtained elsewhere. Fax: (914) 633-0806 To succeed, we must recognize from the outset that bigger is Published online every Monday not necessarily better. And, furthermore, we will acknowledge that we cannot be all things to all readers. We must carefully Print edition distributed Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday balance the presentation of relevant, hard-hitting, Westchester news and commentary, with features and columns useful in Graphic Design: Watterson Studios, Inc. daily living and employment in, and around, the county. We www.wattersonstudios.com must stay trim and flexible if we are to succeed. westchesterguardian.com Page 4 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

C BOOKSommunitySection retired becoming leaders. You’ll learn which The Retired (Try To) Strike Back—Chapter 31 – The Next Election traditions to use and which new ones the retired should start.” By ALLAN LUKS “Then is the group going to support me?” asks Myron. “The councilman from my because the film we made shows that’s one of largest group of seniors. We’ve been criticized “Of course,” says Bob. “Myron, you, a district isn’t running again,” the many ways that the retired can be vital,” that our film doesn’t focus enough on women. numbers guy, are right away challenging the Myron tells his friends. Myron continues. “The answer’s no and that Don’t forget I’m an actuary, I look at numbers. . tradition that politics are for the young. That’ll “Says he needs to make more negative has appeared in every news story on the . . And Bob, honestly, I don’t believe I want my attract reporters.” money to pay his children’s college costs.” film. If this keeps up, people will think the film campaign to be based on heavy selling. I want to “There are two other traditions at work this Myron laughs, “Is anyone going to check if doesn’t offer realistic information. It could stop establish new traditions for running for office.” morning,” Myron says, “which I think have let his real reason is to make big bucks and live the our video from being bought. But if I run, even “Everyone sells, Myron,” says Bob. “Your everyone agree that I can be our candidate. One, rich life? I’m sure that’s it. These politicians are if I don’t win, the publicity could motivate others wonderful wife, Mimi, sold high-style furniture. Kenny has at least temporarily said no, which is afraid to say the obvious. But what’s important who are retired to consider becoming candidates. Put the record straight. Your campaign needs to the tradition of loyalty. And two, I have the most is that voters know that we, as seniors, don’t have Reporters will mention this. People will be more know which traditions to break, which to keep money among us to help run a campaign. That’s that need to keep getting more for ourselves.” eager to see our film. They’ll recognize that the and which to start. Selling is one you have to the tradition of campaign spending.” Myron now looks at Kenny, one of the eight retired can be a new source of leadership for the keep.” Myron smiles at Bob. “But you’re right, friends having breakfast at a city diner where country.” The friends now look at Mimi, who sits very I want my campaign to break new ground. they often meet. “Do it, Myron,” says Bob loudly, brushing straight in the large booth. At six feet, she is taller Although isn’t that another traditional candidate “I’ve spoken to my handsome, tall friend crumbs off the table around his plate and directly than everyone except Kenny. She uses her very phrase?” Kenny, who knows what I’m about to say: I’m to the floor. “I directed the film and I’ll direct straight posture and height to create a feeling Allan Luks is a nationally recognized social works considering running for councilman in my your campaign for city council. Unless, Kenny, if that challenges the others to check the impres- leader and advocate for volunteerism. He is the district. But if Kenny changes his mind, and you try—“ Bob pauses—“But I’ll get people to sion they make.. former head of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of New hopefully his health will be better and he will, stuff envelopes, arrange community meetings for “My husband’s campaign has to be York and is currently a visiting professor at Fordham and he runs in his district, then I’ll drop out you, have reporters interview you. I was in adver- different,” Mimi finally says. “People need to University, where he teaches several courses in as long as the race hasn’t started so we all can tising. I know selling.” see Myron, a seventy-year-old former actuary, as nonprofit leadership. You can learn more about Allan support him.” Myron has neatly arranged the silverware the fresher candidate compared to an opponent Luks at http://allanluks.com. You can also Kenny nods without looking at anyone. on his plate. “It’s best if Mimi is my campaign who’ll probably be someone half his age—“ write to him - mailto:[email protected]. “Reporters keep asking if we know retired manager. Husband and wife together. I also want “Myron, you’ll be great,” Kenny interrupts. people who’ve become political candidates women out front because they represent the “You’ll change how people think about the

Walking down the hallway, I was struck No Guarantees: One Man’s Road through the Darkness of Depression by the smell of disinfectant. Whoever was in charge of maintenance at 2 Fifth Avenue, was an absolute devotee of Lysol. Among my Chapter Sixteen – “It’s Time to Stop” anxiety/depression symptoms at that time was the heightened sensitivity that I spoken of By BOB MARRONE before. And so, an acute sense of smell was also part of that package. Thus, the odor of Lysol The walk along Sixth Avenue The spring sun was setting behind me, as powerful medications then known to calm my worked its way into my mind in a way that has near West Fourth Street in the I walked east on Waverly Place across from disintegrating soul? Or, might he start asking never left me. It is said that we remember best West Village seemed entirely appropriate. I Washington Square Park. It was late April, and me if I hated my mother or, worse, about my things from when we were most emotionally had only been there once before in my life, and the weather was unseasonably warm, a condi- sexual fantasies? Like many people who have charged. This was certainly one of those times. as a kid from the streets of Brooklyn, I equated tion that made me all the more uncomfortable never been to a psychiatrist, I was filled with When I came to the front door of Doctor it with art freaks, odd balls, bohemians and gay because of the constant anxiety and sweating. visions of the stereotypes portrayed in the Casarino’s office… combination apartment people. At that point in my life, 1975, I was At the top of the steps of a brownstone, I media. Also, I did not have any money and was and office, really… I prepared myself to be still trying to figure out what it meant to be a noticed two men kissing as they parted ways. afraid that I might get roped into a long-term sitting in a waiting room among other people. macho hockey man, even thought I didn’t have Their act cemented in my mind the notion that arrangement that would break my bank and, It had not dawned on me that the precise times quite the temperament for it. I was also trying I was now at life’s behavioral fringes. maybe, destroy my reputation. allotted by psychiatrists to patients limited to reconcile my own inclination towards the The tension had built, as I turned left I was greeted in the lobby by the doorman. when, or even if, they would bump into one arts and literature. I had been bred to think the towards the apartment building at 2 Fifth “I am here to see Doctor John Casarino,” I another. two could not coexist. Avenue. The well known address, home at said in a whisper. He pointed down the hall, And so, I pushed open the unlocked door, And, so, totally doubting who I was, in various times to such elites as former New York announcing, “Doctor Casarino’s office is….” which closed behind me with the boom of touch with an existential fear, and sure that I City Mayor Ed Koch, is a beautiful mosaic of That is as much as I heard. I became instantly door to a tomb. was a cowardly misfit; there I was on my way white brick façade, glass and terraces. To me, mortified. ‘What if someone heard him?,’ I Before me was a dark, small room, about to secure the services of the most embarrassing though, it was the unknowable judgment. thought. I also wondered what those who may 10 feet by 4 feet, that was both tranquil and and emasculating help a man could ask for… As I walked I wondered: ‘What would have heard him thought about this nervous quiet. Directly in front of me was a large that of a psychiatrist. How spot on it was in it be like talking to a psychiatrist?’ Would he young man there to see the shrink. As I look Japanese style cabinet. It had the usual black, my mind at that time that it all made horrible be able to allay my fears with his all knowing back on it now, I am sure they couldn’t give glossy finish with sense. The freak was among the freaks and in and profound words, or would he confirm that a hoot. But at the time, I was sure I was the Continued on page 5 need of extreme, unmanly help. I was a manic-depressive in need of the most subject of ridicule. The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 5

BOOKS No Guarantees: One Man’s Road through the Darkness of Depression Chapter Sixteen – “It’s Time to Stop”

Continued from page 4 worse so by my hypersensitivity. Worse still, the he motioned me to sit in. As I extended my hand man who would save my life. I did not know it at pagodas and other oriental concepts overlaid to claustrophobia that had first revealed itself in my to shake his he looked straight into my eyes and the time, but I have never spent a day since that I the finish. On top sat a large oriental bowl with life on the airplane, reappeared. said, “Hi, I am John Casarino.” did not think of something he said or use a tool similar artwork. Over the bowl, on the wall, was I tried to read a copy of the Sporting News He was young, maybe thirty or thirty-five. he gave me by which I would learn to cope. a high intensity track light that directed a spray I had picked up at the train station. But I was He wore his hair closely cropped and had a Fifty minutes later, after my spinning the of light onto a painting directly over my head, too anxious. As I have previously described, I was tight mustache, much like that worn by the late worst parts of my sad, tale he looked at his watch behind me, under which sat the only chair. As well on my way to losing the ability to concen- Freddy Mercury. The large black-rimmed glasses and says, “Its time to stop.” “Time to stop,” I I sat down I noticed on the floor to my left a trate once again. upon his round, pleasant face, gave him a look replied, “If I could stop I wouldn’t be here.” He flying saucer shaped machine the size of a donut, After about ten minutes, a small, well- that made me think of Felix the Cat wearing repeated, again, firmly, “It’s time to stop.” a device used for cancelling noise. dressed man ushered me into his office. He Waldo’s glasses. On the wall were various Listen to Bob Marrone every weekday from 6:00- The room, though tastefully appointed, turned to lead me in such away that I did not licenses and certifications, the most notable his 8:30 am on the Good Morning Westchester with Bob was oppressive to me. An even stronger smell of capture his face right away. The first thing I medical degree from the University of Alabama. Marrone on WVOX-1460 AM radio. Lysol filled my nostrils, and the track light felt noticed was the picture window looking out He retreated to a black plastic framed, glass- like the heat of a hundred suns on my hypersen- over Fifth Avenue. In front of it was a black topped desk. sitive face. It was warm and stuffy, a feeling made leather or vinyl couch with silver arm rests that And thus, I began telling my story to the CALENDAR as Music Director of the Hudson Chorale, Hudson Chorale Accepting New Members Beginning in January Mr. Conley is the Music Director of the West Village Chorale and Judson Memorial Church Hudson Chorale is welcoming new members in Manhattan, and is the Director of the High in preparation for the second concert of its School Chorus at the Dalton School in New 2011-2012 performing season. Singers in York City. all voice parts (S, A, T, B) are invited to join Rehearsals for the upcoming season will Westchester’s largest mixed-voice choral group begin on Monday, January 9, 2012 from 7:30 for an exciting May 5, 2012 concert. It will pm – 10:00 pm and will take place on subse- feature the Westchester premiere of the Mass quent Monday evenings at the Scarborough in D by John Knowles Paine. This stunning and Presbyterian Church, 655 Scarborough Rd rarely performed Civil War-era masterpiece (Route 9), Scarborough, NY. “Singer-friendly” dates from 1867, and is considered America’s auditions will be held on Monday, January 9, first large-scale work for chorus and orchestra. 2012, prior to rehearsal by appointment. The chorus’s goal is to provide both audience To receive additional information and/ members and singers with the best possible or to schedule a time for an audition, contact experience in choral singing; its repertoire will Jeanne Wygant at JeanneWygant@opton- range from the great masterpieces to contem- line.net or call (914) 478-0074. To learn more porary compositions. Singers looking for a new about the chorus, visit the website at www. or additional choral family are encouraged to Michael Conley is the Music Director multi-faceted career as a conductor, composer, HudsonChorale.org. consider the Hudson Chorale. of the Hudson Chorale. Mr. Conley enjoys a pianist, organist and singer. In addition to serving

located at 365 Secor Road in Hartsdale. donated in November! Holiday Share continues News & Notes from Northern Westchester If you still have not caught that holiday through December, so stop by the Center on spirit, stop by the Katonah Methodist Church Bedford Road in Katonah if you would like to By MARK JEFFERS on Friday, December 23rd at 6:30 for their staging support this wonderful holiday tradition. of the Living Nativity. There will be a dramatic Here’s a yet another great way to help Believe it or not, it’s time please enjoy this week’s “News and Notes…” reading of the Christmas Story accompanied by others in this giving season…A&P and to start making our New It’s not too late to help make this holiday the choir and illustrated with a number of living ShopRite stores in the area are partici- Year’s resolutions, I will have special for a little boy or girl who would not have tableaux. pating in the annual Check-Out Hunger my list soon, as I think my received a present this year by joining the WFAS Many thanks to the generous commu- campaign to support the Food Bank of Westchester. Customers can donate when wife is writing it for me, but and Westchester County Department of Social nity for their donations of holiday food making a purchase at a participating market. I know one promise is to keep writing for this Services Holiday Toy Drive. It’s real easy to help, to the Community Center of Northern wonderful publication and our great readers, so just drop off a new unwrapped gift to the station Westchester…16,547 pounds of food have been Continued on page 6 Page 6 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

CALENDAR

News & Notes from Northern Westchester and finish up the eggnog, it will be time again for Katonah Village Library through December the Home Show at Pace University in Purchase 28th. Continued from page 5 Edison who each donated $20,000 to keep the on January 14 and 15, call 888-433-3976 for In boys’ high school hoop action, Congratulations to Wilson and Son Jewelers popular Bicycle Sunday’s program on the Bronx more information. Pleasantville beat Keio 55-35 and on the girls’ as they recently celebrated their fifth anniver- River Parkway rolling after it was cut from the This item is definitely for the dogs, as the side it was Hen Hud 35-34 winner over North sary in Mount Kisco…they held a party with 2012 county budget. beach at Rye Playland is once again open Salem. On the ice, it was Scarsdale skating past a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Good luck to Tricia Summers Freeman, for walking your canine friends during this White Plains 6 to 3. Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester Rima Marschke both from Katonah and Ernest off-season. I would like to take this opportunity to wish for the purchase of new computers. Osborne of Somers as they have been elected to Welcome to the neighborhood…Gloss all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Former President Bill Clinton stopped serve on the Katonah Museum of Art’s Board Salon in Katonah at 25 Parkway. Brewster Hanukkah, enjoy your families and friends as by his local library in Chappaqua last week to of Directors. resident Shannon Nitti has taken her years of they are the greatest gift of all…see you next sign a few hundred of his new book “Back to This sounds like an interesting exhibit, experience at the Richard Scott Salon and Spa week. in Mount Kisco and opened her own sun filled Work: Why We Need Smart Government for “Celebrating Nature,” capturing the natural Mark Jeffers successfully spearheaded the launch in establishment where she hopes to make the a Strong Economy,” perhaps he should send a world and its deep rhythmic energy. The exhibit 2008 of MAR$AR Sports & Entertainment LLC. hair cut a relaxing and enjoyable event as well as copy down to Washington for the current head from the combined works of Deborah Beck As president he has seen rapid growth of the company th providing “cutting edge” style…(pun intended). guy to review… and Joy Tobin runs through January 8 at the with the signing of numerous clients. He currently This exhibit will certainly catch your eye… A great big thank you goes out to The BeanRunner Café in Peekskill. resides in Bedford Hills with his wife Sarah and ”Art Within Nature,” a photography show Friends of Westchester County Parks and Con Once we take down the decorations, tree three girls, Kate, Amanda and Claire. by Pleasantville artist Robert Uricchio at the CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE Michael Desante: Twenty Years in Hollywood; Now in Bethlehem By SHERIF AWAD Michael Desante is not put me in a special boarding school for young- your typical Arab American sters with special talents. I became the first actor/producer. Straddling Arab to join the prestigious Fettes College in the Atlantic Ocean in either Scotland that was founded in 1870 and where Michael Desante in Soldier of God Europe or the United States, ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair, Oscar winner he earned an education in business and in acting, Tilda Swinton, and James Bond’s author Ian first in Paradise“ Alley” (1978) then “Judge Dredd” in the classical tradition. When he landed in Fleming were once alumni. I remember that I (1995). As for the first name Michael, it was the Hollywood twenty years ago, he was very selec- was a very active child with wide imagination. closest one to my heart. tive in accepting the roles he was offered. The The dream of becoming an actor was starting to AWAD: Now that you had an agent, what result was more remembered appearances in take shape in my mind and I started to invent were the roles you started to have? popular TV series and action films until he stories similar to the ones I used to watch in the DESANTE: It was very difficult to land reached the first zenith of his career as the Iraqi movies. Eight years later, I went back to England roles. The opportunities were rare compared translator in the Oscar-winner “The Hurt Locker.” to continue pursuing that dream and I was to many others I rejected because they were of I talked to Desante while he was working on his accepted into the renowned Hurtwood House stereotypical Arab characterizations; either a taxi big project, this time as a producer, of bringing Drama School. The next step was flying over driver or someone working at the supermarket or the acclaimed series of novels by Matt Rees to the Atlantic when I turned eighteen; destina- even a terrorist. One of my best experiences was the silver screen. tion Hollywood and Los Angeles. I continued on the set of the series “SeaQuest” alongside late Michael Desante in Soldier of God my education; at UCLA I earned a Master of actor Roy Scheider (star of the original “Jaws”) AWAD: Can you tell us about your early Business Administration. I engaged in night who was nice, easygoing, and “old school.” I also background? What was the catalyst that caused courses in both acting and drama. worked for a week in the action film Cradle“ to you consider becoming an actor? AWAD: How did you start becoming a the Grave” with martial art star Jet Li. On set, I DESANTE: Both of my parents were professional actor in Hollywood? found out Li has a team of four look-a-likes with Palestinians. My mother was from Al-Khalil DESANTE: The first step was to engage the same height and shape, who go and do all and my father was from Bethlehem, where I was an agent. If you don’t have one, nobody will the dangerous stunts, instead of him. born. I remember my father used to travel most speak to you. So I agreed to work as an extra AWAD: “The Hurt Locker” is a milestone in of the time because his work was in the petro- in the background of scenes in order to get a everybody who was involved in this acclaimed leum field across the Arab countries. As I was voucher. Once someone has accumulated five film.C an you let us know about your experience growing up, my family moved to Beirut where of these vouchers, he can join the actors union during the shooting? my younger brother and sister were both born. and can thereafter seek an agent who can get DESANTE: I have been acting for twenty At six, I was at a school play preparing to him into auditions. When I started, I was using years, but shooting “The Hurt Locker” was the sing in front of an audience of one hundred my birth name Hani Al-Naimi but my agent most difficult of experience. It was a very low parents but I froze for seconds that seemed advised me to change it because filmmakers will budget film to the point we had inhuman condi- like ages then I started to perform. The instant have difficulty learning, much less remembering tions with no real toilets and catering services as I heard the cheering and clapping, I was inspired a name alien to them and that it may cause some most of the shooting was across the Jordanian that very moment to do this for my entire life. to infer I don’t speak English well. Choosing the desert in temperature exceeding 45°Celsius, When I turned nine, the Civil War ignited professional name was like an invention. It was a equivalent to 113° Fahrenheit. Director Kathryn in Lebanon, which drove my parents to consider small alteration on the name of a character actor Bigelow was rolling five 16mm cameras at the a safer and better future for us. So we moved to I used to adore; Armand Assante who played the same time to catch the crisp of everything going Michael Desante the United Kingdom, and my father decided to brother of Sylvester Stallone twice in the movies, Continued on page 7 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 7

CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE Michael Desante: Twenty Years in Hollywood; Now in When was the last time Bethlehem Continued from page 6 films that could be successful and exportable you dealt with on in shaky documentary style. But nobody worldwide. including Bigelow would have predicted that it AWAD: What about your current and would become Oscar winner. While we were future project as producer? Lexington Capital Associates? shooting, the financing fell apart and Bigelow DESANTE: The first film I was involved had to find other backers to continue the film. in as co-executive producer was a horror flick Actors like Guy Pearce, Ralph Fiennes and called “The Portal,” starring cult actors Stacy David Morse all came for free cameos as a favor Keach and Michael Madsen. But right now, I am to her and also to insure a lifetime for the film seeking funds to adapt the first suspenseful novel on DVD and cable. As for myself, I played the by writer Matt Rees, entitled “The Collaborator of role of the Iraqi translator used by the American Bethlehem,” which takes place in my homeland. forces to communicate with the other Arabs. The main character is an intriguing 56-year-old Most of my screen time had me sporting a mask Palestinian schoolteacher called Omar Yussef like that worn by real translators who must hide who becomes an unlikely detective à la Sherlock their faces for fear of revenge from their own Holmes while trying to clear the name of one of people because they help the Americans. Near his students who is accused of collaborating with the end of my scenes, there was an interroga- Israel. Until now, Rees who is a British journalist tion scene where my character got desperate. It and Time Magazine Bureau Chief in Jerusalem, became the excuse that convinced Bigelow to for six years wrote four novels starring Yussef pull my mask off for a moment in front of the who has elements of a real friend he used to camera. know. I acquired the rights to that work in order AWAD: Your decision to venture into to create a film franchise in the years to come. I production seems to be adequate to your early intend to play a small role in the film because studies. Tell us how do you see the Arab market I am younger than the character of Yussef. As as part of the international film scene? a producer, I am still seeking the suitable actor DESANTE: Four years ago, I decided to to play him. My preference will be an Arab make use of my twenty years working experience actor because I hope to shoot the film inA rabic. in Hollywood to become a producer because I But the problem is Arab actors don’t have box felt the Arab voice needed to be broadly heard. bankability outside of their own home countries Statistically speaking, the populations of North which makes the funding and the pre-sales more America and the Arab world are approximately difficult. BecauseThe “ Collaborator of Bethlehem” 300 million. In the States, there is one film took place ten years ago during the TheS econd screen for each group of 5,000 people, while Intifada, we might update the theme to current in the Arab world there is one screen for each events in the Arab world. group of 500,000 people. However, the market in the Arab world has great potential because Born in Cairo, Egypt, Sherif Awad is a film/video 60% is under the age of 30, which represents the critic and curator. He is the film editor of Egypt demographic of filmgoers. The problem is that Today Magazine, and the artistic director for both Arab films only seem to earn revenue within the Alexandria Film Festival, in Egypt, and the their own local countries, but abroad, they are Arab Rotterdam Festival, in The Netherlands. He not successful. That’s why I want to adapt the also contributes to Variety, in the United States, and Variety Arabia, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). business model of American films in new Arab With over 50 years experience, Lexington Capital Associates CYBER SECURITY MATTERS provides loans from $1m-$150m at some of the lowest interest rates available in the marketplace. The Attack of Spear Phishing! • For cash flowing loans- NO PERSONAL GUARANTEE By ALAN HEYMAN • 30 year payouts Leave it to the Cyber hackers used several approaches, but relied largely on • Int. only loans available to be innovative, cutting edge two types of phishing, posing as a known busi- with an ability to get right ness partner and sending what appeared to be a to the heart of the matter meeting invitation or hitting a large number of and what they want. Spear targets with an email ”purporting to be a secu- phishing, is a form of an e-mail based attack that is rity update”. In both cases, the file would execute Lexington Capital Associates, LLC. carefully tailored to individuals at the target orga- when opened, installing a program similar to nization, usually disguised, as a file attachment one called PoisonIvy, a backdoor program. The 240 North Avenue that appears to be from someone the individual backdoor program then sent back IP addresses New Rochelle, NY 10801 knows. In recent attacks, Symantec refers to of the infected computer, the names of the other Phone (914) 632-1230 fax (914) 633-0806 them as ‘Nitro’ Spear-phishing attacks, others computers visible in the Windows Group the call it ’Hybrid” spear-phishing. The attackers Continued on page 8 Page 8 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

CYBER SECURITY MATTERS

The Attack of Spear Phishing! or in the same organization. Spear phishing or turn your router off. Even if your computer company name) thanks for your hard work this requires more research, but the prize is also is turned off and is connected to an Internet year and invites you to enter our holiday raffle” Continued from page 7 much larger. Some spear phishers focus on wire connection that is on, a hacker can turn on your or “A year end inspection has turned up mold computer was in, and the Windows cashed transfer scams, where the sums stolen are in the commuter, take what they want and turn your in offices in our building at (your work address) passwords. This allowed the hackers to remotely hundreds of thousands of dollars. computer off. 5) Keep all your anti-virus soft- “or the one I love the best “ (Your company) is control the network system, even down- I am sure as you read this, you’re saying this ware up to date and use one that has firewall migrating its payroll system before the end of the loading additional tools to attack from within is interesting, but I am a small business, what capabilities. 6) Make sure all members of your year. Please enter your updated information to the network and infect other computers in an does this have to do with me. The hackers are household are familiar with these rules avoid interruption of your direct deposit.” Don’t attempt to gain administrative credentials and smart; they ride the emails of small companies What is next: watch out for whaling. It is a do it. access to servers containing sensitive data. and individuals into bigger companies to reach digital con game meant to target upper managers Be vigilant, ask questions, because it is on A new weapon is being used by people to the very large companies. in private companies. Whaling scam emails your computer from someone you know or a validate a potentially fraudulent e-mail. The The recent breach of the Michael’s Arts & are designed to masquerade as actual business company you may know, be suspicious. Go to telephone; people call to verify the validity of Crafts retailer stores is believed by many Cyber emails, sent from a legitimate business authority. the company’s web site, call your friend and ask; an email, if they have questions. As we move professionals to have occurred because an email The content is meant to be tailored for upper “Did you send me that email?” forward, we go back to the proven methods. to a vender lead to an email to the retailer, which management and usually involves some kind of Mr. Alan Heyman, [email protected] ; Some more common phishing and spear placed a back door PoisonIvy type of malware falsified companywide concern. Sometimes the Managing Director of Cyber Security Auditors phishing attacks are launched as emails that try into the Michael’s computer system and PIN whaling email will claim to be from the Better 2 & Administrators LLC (CSA ) and the principal to con the recipient into clicking a link that leads pads, infecting their system and then stealing the Business Bureau, seeking to confirm a complaint 2 of Xanadu Security Services, LTD, (XS ) located to a malicious Web site. These e-sites can take debit card information when a card was swiped. against a target company. Whaling phisherman at 436 Pleasantville Rd, Briarcliff, NY 10510. infinite forms, from fake accounts in screens to What can you do to reduce the odds of have also forged official looking FBI subpoena His resume is comprised of 25 years in the data ones that tout a software upgrade from widely being attacked: 1) Do not open any emails that emails, and claimed that the manager needs to communication world, having started one of the used software, such as Adobe Flash. According to you are not expecting or can verify they were click a link and install special software to view first internet based Electronic Data Interchange reports by Bloomberg News, the IMF suspected sent to you by a real person you know. 2) Do the subpoena. (EDI) companies in the late 80’s. CSA2 is focused that a spear phishing attack against one of its not give any personal information of any type Yes, even executives and managers often on cyber security issues on a national scale, and the workers planted malware on a machine, which to any request you receive from an email even fall for whaling email scams. In 2008, the FBI auditing compliance requirements in the healthcare was then presumably used to scout the network if you know and trust the company; contact the subpoena whaling scam attacked 20,000-targeted industry. Mr. Heyman’s expertize is a holistic/best for data to steal. company by going to their site. 3) Be very suspi- corporate CEO’s. Approximately 2,000 fell for it, practices approach to privacy needs, encompassing The difference between phishing and spear cious of emails from parties that you are not clicked on the link, the rest was history and their legal compliance, IT Engineering, Software, Social phishing is while the former floods thousands or familiar with, remember a legitimate organiza- companies were attacked with substantial losses. Engineering with a special emphasis on computer- even millions of inboxes; the latter targets a small tion will not request personal information over Watch out for emails that state: “Kick off izing audit compliance issues. He is fully certified by group of previously identified people, sometimes the Internet from you. 4) When your computer your holidays shopping with this 10% off coupon the IBM Internet Security Solution’s Group in all only a handful who works at the same company is not being used, disconnect it from the Internet for any store at (your local mall)” or ” (Your phases of IT and cyber security. ecology on clean water is part of a GOP deregulation years. This rocket fuel is known to cause neuro- Reckless Congress REINS in Clean Water Rules agenda that screams “job killer!” at any envi- logical problems in babies and pollutes drinking ronmental protection. Both Senate and House water in 26 states. Since 1996, the fiscally- and By SHARON GUYNUP Republicans make no secret of their ultimate resource-strapped agency has reviewed just goal: to end all environmental regulation and 138 chemicals, and failed to set drinking water The U.S. House of attempt to dismantle or delay regulations that abolish the Environmental Protection Agency safety standards for any of them; these chemi- Representatives gave Americans keep pollutants out of America’s drinking water. (EPA). cals collectively pollute the drinking water of 110 a strange gift this holiday season. The Regulations from the Executive in While advertised as money savers, these million Americans. They passed a bill to gut safe Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act is the scariest attempts at deregulation are thinly-veiled corpo- EPA administrator Lisa Jackson openly drinking water protections, even of these initiatives. Passed by the U.S. House th rate giveaways that bolster industry profits at the admits such failings. In a New York Times inter- as millions of people on New York’s Hudson on December 7 , it is flying below the media expense of our families’ health. TheRE INS Act view she agreed that the nation’s water doesn’t River and New Jersey’s Passaic River struggle radar and is embedded within a Senate bill for is a stealth attack on clean water and clean air meet public health goals, and that enforcement with the industrial legacy of toxic PCB and “job creation.” REINS requires a Congressional protections that would cause tens of thousands of water pollution laws is unacceptably low. dioxin pollution, and as Pennsylvania and New vote on any regulation with an annual economic of premature deaths annually. Bipartisan analyses Americans clearly want and have a right to York wrestle with potential water pollution from impact over $100 million – that’s up to 100 have repeatedly shown that the cost of environ- safe drinking water, free of dangerous chemicals. natural gas drilling (“fracking”). congressional votes per year – creating a sched- mental regulation is exponentially cheaper than EPA must be strengthened – not abolished – Americans overwhelmingly want safe uling logjam that would make passage of any the costs of toxic cleanup and medical care. and meet its Congressionally-appointed duty drinking water – 84 percent of respondents to a new federal regulation virtually impossible. Americans want healthy lives for themselves to enforce clean water laws. The agency needs to recent Gallup poll ranked water pollution as the Under the Act, if one house rejected or failed and their children – and that means protecting protect public health by speeding research and top U.S. environmental concern. Yet numerous to vote within 70 working days on a new regu- our water supply. But EPA is under intense pres- regulation of hazardous industrial contaminants. bills passed this year by the GOP-led House lation, it would “be dispatched to the regulatory sure from Congress and corporate lobbies not Of course, this can’t happen until Americans ignore citizens’ very real concerns, well-estab- graveyard,” notes The Washington Post. REINS to do their job. As a result, millions of us ingest stand up to polluting industries and their political lished scientific evidence, and health risks in an will essentially return environmental regulation toxic traces of pesticide, rocket fuel, arsenic, allies in Congress who pass dangerous legislation to 1890s stan- heavy metals, and industrial and waste treatment like the REINS Act. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR dards – when chemicals each day. Not because they’re safe, but Journalist Sharon Guynup’s writing has appeared Please submit your Letter to the Editor electronically, that is by corporations because EPA has only gotten around to testing directing email to [email protected] Please confine your writing in Smithsonian, The New York Times Syndicate, polluted with 114 of the 315 pollutants found in U.S. tap water. to between 350 and 500 words. Your name, address, and telephone Scientific American, The Boston Globe, andnation - impunity. There are no standards for the rest. contact is requested for verification purpose only. A Letter to the Editor algeographic.com. © www.blueridgepress.com will be accepted at the editor’s discretion when space permits. The Last year, EPA finally regulated perchlo- 2011. A maximum of one submission per month may be accepted. current war rate – the first chemical regulated byE PA in 15 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 9

EDUCATION

real life. rewards than they actually need? How about the How Kids Lose When Everyone Gets a Trophy Slowly it began to click and wrestling chance for parents to erase past failures through became like writing poetry, as all my moves had their children’s successes? I think these reasons By RICH MONETTI a melodic rhythm to them. I earned a varsity slot contribute, but probably not significantly. and a chance to wrestle in the sectionals. More likely, various organizations started It has come to my attention that season we came up short of 1st place after losing In the semi-finals of the qualifying tourna- this practice and it spread. From there, parents children playing sports today get to the perennial bottom feeders in the league. We ment, I had my opponent facing up, with the might not have wanted to come off as ogres in too many trophies. From what left the field in shock, but even with no trophy, I finals clearly in my sights. Overeager, I ended the community by objecting. In my less than I’ve seen working in the schools for the past ten took pride as a contributor to a good team that up getting pinned, but still qualified for the scientific research, most parents are against years is that most children have more trophies didn’t shine quite as bright as our lineage. sectionals by winning the consolation round. distributing too many trophies. Maybe finding than I have socks. I did earn an all-star trophy the following The following week, I wrestled the top-rated a more middle ground solution simply means I wonder whom exactly this serves. Unlike year, and then had to survive until my junior year 98-pounder in the county to a first period draw a little assertiveness and a show of hands at the today’s kids, I can say I actually played sports for in high school without any manufactured glory. before he showed me the ceiling and ended my next soccer game. years without winning a single trophy. Yet, what I won a third place medal after three years season. Even the kids are starting to understand. my athletic career taught me transcended the of wrestling at Somers High School, but its dull Afterwards, my coach gave me a measured One parent told me that after receiving a soccer lessons learned on the field. glare meant little compared to what the experi- compliment that didn’t over-dramatize my trophy for best goal of the year (kicked in from My life without trophies goes back to when ence taught me. My junior year I suffered weekly efforts. “You’re coming along just like your midfield), his son was satisfied that “this trophy my brother’s little league team won two straight losses to two freshman teammates. It was, in a brother,” he said, in describing another Monetti actually counts.” championship trophies. I decided decisively that word, emasculating. who didn’t star but endured. Maybe letting the children lead isn’t such a I needed one of those. I hit bottom losing a JV match in Mount My perseverance ended an adolescent catas- bad idea. trophe, and I didn’t have to wear a coat on my Playing in pre-little league, my team finished Vernon to another freshman. That night, I got Rich Monetti lives in Somers. He’s been a free- head. More importantly, I’ve drawn upon the first, but no trophy was awarded. This was tough on the team bus, threw a coat over my head and lance writer in Westchester since 2003 and works experience in my real life struggles. to swallow. I looked ahead anyway. The lineup cried. I had become a worse wrestler as a junior part time in the after school program at Mt. Kisco So why do parents today rob children of the from my brother’s team had mostly moved on, than when I began two years earlier. I had little Childcare. You can find more of his stories atwww. chance to provide their own rewards and learn but many of the same last names remained by reason to continue, especially considering the gut rmonetti.blogspot.com. important life lessons? Could it be the guilt the time I got there, which meant we had a good wrenching two and a half hour practices. chance for our own hardware. If this story was from Hollywood, a sectional that accumulates over 60-hour workweeks that The little brothers played well but late in the championship would have followed, but this was makes parents want to give their children more HEALTH

a trained counselor who will talk with you about community centers. You can have services Agency (FEMA) and facilitated with the Project Hope your concerns, and work with you to determine scheduled at a time that works best for you or Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services how best to meet your needs, offer options, and your group. Simply call us… Project Hope at Administration. Project Hope is a program provide links to appropriate resources. the Mental Health Association of Westchester: of the NYS Office of Mental Health and run Project Hope will provide services (914) 345-5900, ext. 7543. locally by the Mental Health Association of anywhere, including homes, businesses, schools Project Hope is funded through a grant Westchester (MHA of Westchester). and colleges, places of worship, shelters and by the Federal Emergency Management

Hurricane Irene was a powerful and destructive storm that impacted much of New York State including Westchester County. Long after the floodwaters have receded, the floors have dried out and basements cleaned, even the strongest people may find themselves needing support to fully recover from the impact the hurricane and subsequent flooding has had on their lives. After a time of crisis, many people find it helpful to have someone who listens, someone to talk with and someone who cares. At its core, this is what Project Hope is all about. We offer support to individuals, families, small groups and businesses to help you understand your feel- ings and reactions to the flooding and its effect on your life. In essence, our goal is to assist our community recover from the challenges of the floods that followedH urricane Irene. Project Hope offers crisis counseling from counselors who are carefully trained to provide support, education and links to much needed community resources that can help with recovery. When you call Project Hope, you will be given relevant information and can be connected with Page 10 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

MOVIE REVIEW Ed Koch Movie Reviews By Edward I. Koch

Movie Review: “Tinkers, on high alert – and brings you into the state of of having read a portion of Dargis’s review before mind that can feel like a state of siege and goes going to see it. Even better would be reading the Tailor, Soldier, Spy” (-) by the name of British secret service, or just the book before you go. Let me know if you agree Circus. For those inside the intelligence service, with her praise of the picture or if she has simply In 1979 I watched portions of the “Tinker, like George Smiley, played with delicacy and contributed to the hype of the film. Tailor, Soldier, Spy” mini- series on BBC star- understated power by Gary Oldman, knowledge Henry Stern said: John le Carre’s novel, ring Alec Guinness. Other than recalling that it is power, but so too is fear. “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,” was made into a was based on John le Carre’s spy novel, I didn’t The story, skillfully mined from Mr. le TV mini-series 32 years ago. It was just made remember much of the story. Regrettably, other Carre’s labyrinthine book and set in 1973, is a into a film by Thomas Alfredson. It is a good than understanding that the British Intelligence pleasurably sly and involving puzzler – a mystery example of its genre with upper-class accents, MI6 was searching for a mole in their top circle about mysteries within mysteries. The head bureaucratic, middle-aged spies and a mole, of operatives involved in the Cold War with the of the service, known as Control (John Hurt), whose identity is unknown. If he works for you, Soviet Union, I could not follow the plot of this believes that there’s a Soviet agent, a mole, he’s a patriot. If he works for the other side, he’s film and, therefore, I am giving it a minus rating. among the agency’s elite. His main suspects a traitor. The next day, I read Manohla Dargis’s include his closest aide, Smiley, along with Percy I tried but could not make sense of the film. review of the movie in The New York Times who, Alleline (Toby Jones), Toby Esterhase (David There was so much intrigue, crosses and double- to my envy, understood everything that took Dencik), Roy Bland (Ciaran Hinds) and Bill crosses, kidnapping and torture that it was hard place. She wrote: Haydon (Colin Firth). to follow the plot. One thing the movie lacked Dread throbs like a heartbeat in “Tinker, The actors play their roles superbly with was a beautiful woman usually associated with Tailor, Soldier, Spy,” a superb new adaptation a British stiff upper lip, especially John Hurt James Bond pictures. Women were distinctly of the 1974 spy novel by John le Carre. It’s a who is a wonderful artist. His best performance secondary here serving mainly as targets. Unless deep pulse that maintains its insistent rhythm for me was that of Winston Smith in the film you are an MI6 devotee, I would skip this one. throughout the film’s murmured conversations, “1984.” life-and-death office intrigues, violence and Watch Ed Koch’s Movie Reviews at www. You may have better luck following the plot yearning loves. The throbbing does a number on MayorKoch.com. of this movie, but if not, you have the advantage your nervous system – this is a movie you watch MUSIC THE SOUNDS Boogie Patrol “I Try and Try and I Don’t OFBLUE www.BoogiePatrol.com By Bob Putignano Know What to Do”

I was not familiar with this intriguing band from No slowing down on “Where’s Ronnie” a are dead-on, and the five background vocalists Edmonton, but this is Boogie Patrol’s second driving instrumental that surely would make for also add potent flavor. Hi-speed antics ensue release that features eleven original soul, funk, fast paced and hazardous car adventures, Grieve on the Gospel tinged “Shaking Goes To Show” blues tunes, and it’s a good one. Their strengths shifts to B3 here and rolls, Rotten Dan picks up broiling B3 from Grieve, and kick-ass drum- are derived from excellent musicianship, and his harp and blazes, Ihara’s guitar work is full of ming by Lisk. As suspected “Bathe With Your the promising vocal prowess by a man named creative surprises, as this tune is a mighty workout Woman” is hilarious and bluesy. Rotten Dan who occasionally plays harmonica. for the entire Boogie Patrol band, and ends with This self produced recording is a fresh Boogie Patrol’s explodes with their opening a percolating bass part by the rambunctious breath of air by these crafty Canucks, they’ve “Cool Under Fire” the band is thumping right Gale who plays over the band. It’s blues time, sequenced their tunes well, write good tunes, from the start with clever changes, strong bass and the mood slows down on “Taking Time” are a tight unit, and are a band to contend with work from Nigel Gale who locks into Jeff where Rotten Dan’s vocals are out front for a now and into the future, I suspect they are a hoot Lisk’s pounding drums, plus there’s a tantalizing powerful emotional display. Ihara pulls out the to see live too. While it’s nearly impossible to keyboard solo courtesy of Sean Grieve, dynamite slide on the shuffling “The Bird & the Boy” that make comparisons, I cannot leave out the reality be disappointed with this album. With some Rotten Dan vocals, a closing and somewhat vamps smartly mainly from Gale’s bass, but the that Rotten Dan is one of best new vocalists proper PR the sky could be the limit for Boogie psychedelic guitar solo from Yuji Ihara, it’s a entire band listens to each-other well and mesh I’ve heard in quite some time, and bears vocal Patrol. Need I say more? romp that sets the tone for what’s yet to come. in the pocket, once again Rotten Dan’s vocals similarities to the great Joe Cocker. You will not Bob Putignano www.SoundsofBlue.com The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 11

PEOPLE Givers and Good Causes Honored at Professional Women of Westchester’s SHERO Award Gala

WHITE PLAINS, NY—Professional nominated as this year’s SHERO Award Women of Westchester (PWW), a networking winner. Based on her heroic and tireless support group for enterprising women, was filled with of Westchester businesswomen; as well as a the holiday spirit Monday evening, December supporter of children and the disadvantaged 5th, when the group held its second annual in the Westchester community, including Holiday Benefit forH ope’s Door and SHERO work with the White Plains Youth Bureau, Award Celebration at Benjamin’s Steakhouse in Westchester Jewish Community Services, The White Plains. Abbott House, Girls Inc., and many more, More than 80 women attended the affair, Maria was selected as this year’s award recipient. which raised thousands of dollars in gifts, toys, About Hope’s Door: Hope’s Door, formerly The clothing, gift cards and checks for Hope’s Door. Northern Westchester Shelter, is a private non- Andrea Naso Nord, Director of Development profit organization, which was founded in 1980 to and Community Relations for Hope’s Door provide a safe haven and caring services to survivors and board members, Jean Marie Connolly and of domestic violence. While our name has changed, Elizabeth Cronin were on hand to accept the our mission remains the same: Hope’s Door seeks to donations. end domestic violence and to empower victims to “The staff and board at Hope’s Door are achieve safety, independence and healing from the very grateful to the members of Professional trauma of abuse. Visit: northernwestchestershelter. Women of Westchester for their generosity org for more information. and thoughtfulness,” said Andrea Naso Nord. “Thank you once again for hosting a REAG T PWW president, Jamie Imperati and co-founding board members, Rose Colonna, Tasteful Treats About “Professional Women…” event benefittingH ope’s Door.” & Treasures and Lisa Kaslyn, Prosper Communications, presented Maria Freburg with a plaque The “Professional Women of…” brand represents and necklace emblazoned with the PWW logo as a memento of the award and recognition of her “The holidays are a time of reflection, family an organization, which is comprised of three chap- honorable achievements in the community and giving thanks,” says PWW president, Jamie ters: Professional Women of Putnam, Professional Imperati. “So often we get wrapped up in the Hanukkah or a simple dinner. We’re delighted And the 2011 SHERO Award Goes to… Women of Connecticut and Professional Women of hustle and bustle, that we forget about the thou- and honored to help our friends at Hope’s Door, Maria Freburg Westchester. Our programs and initiatives are led sands of families right on our doorstep who because they never forget about any family in Webster Bank’s Market Manager for by our members’ needs – professional, emotional and don’t have a safe home to celebrate Christmas, crisis.” Westchester County, Maria Freburg, was educational. Hart Island: Resurrecting Lost Ones Through Art By ABBY LUBY

Artists create many ways for us to remember the dead. They paint and sketch their faces on canvas and paper, sculpt their likeness in bronze or clay, and, if the deceased are famous, erect larger- than-life monuments. But what about the dead who are poor, friendless, indigent, and disappear without a trace? And who are buried in urban graves without markers or tombstones? If our Sonia Salim, buried 2002-2011 Melinda Hunt, The loved ones are among these lost souls, how Hart Island Project do we track them down? The works in this show are both poignant Peekskill-based artist Melinda Hunt has and informative. Large, black and white pursued the stories and lives of the deceased who photographs of graveyard scenes are a desolate were whisked away and buried in Potter’s Field backdrop to Hunt’s hand lined, ink overlay of on Hart Island off the Bronx coast on Long a single, deceased figure, looming large, trans- Island Sound. For 20 years, Hunt, a writer, film- parent, floating, spiritually inhabiting the raw maker and who holds a Yale degree in sculpture, terrain - the cemetery that ultimately claimed has straddled the professions of artist and inves- their bodies. tigative reporter by creating numerous projects The 13 works potently carry the memory that shed light on the largest urban cemetery in of those who Hunt was able to name and ulti- the world. Her current show, “Shades of New mately connect with relatives. Buried in plot 137 York: An Exhibition of TheH art Island Project,” in 1982 is Richard Ferrick, age 36; Hunt shows is now at Westchester Community College’s us a suited, faceless man who leans effortlessly Center for Digital Arts in Peekskill and runs to against a road on cemetery grounds that is January 14, 2012. Continued on page 12 Page 12 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

PEOPLE

Hart Island: Resurrecting Lost Ones Through Art 1,146 people - including 476 infants – were buried by city inmates on Hart Island. Continued from page 11 Coffins are placed in mass graves up-ended, running lengthwise. Another picture holding 150 adults; 1,000 tiny infant is an aerial view of a partially filled adult mass coffins fill another mass grave. grave with two small buildings; it could be an Much about Hart Island made ordinary construction site with a shoreline edge indelible impressions on Hunt, partic- except for the curious, large rectangular gauge in ularly that the graves at Potter’s Field the earth. are off limits – an affront toH unt who The obscure history of Hart Island is intri- set off to expose many of the unfair cately woven into Hunt’s work. New York City cemetery practices. In 1998 Hunt and opened the 101-acre cemetery in 1869 and Sternfeld published a book of photo- some 850,000 have been buried there since the graphs of Hart Island and in 2006 Civil War. The island has been aC ivil War pris- she produced the filmHart Island: An oner of war camp, a tuberculosis hospital and a American Cemetery, which drew inter- boarding school. Hunt first became interested national attention. She also created an in Hart Island when she first saw century old on-line data registry from the records photographs taken by Jacob Riis, a well-known she retrieved and that lists some journalist, who captured assembly-line, under- 58,855 names in the database of those ground grid-like burials at Hart Island in 1888. buried on Hart Island between 1980 Hunt’s curiosity peaked in 1991, she was espe- and 2010. Hunt’s work put her on the cially curious about the deceased who were poor, map as the go-to person for people victims of AIDS or drug addicts. She found seeking loved ones. For many, the list Ann Rubin buried 1988 -2011 Melinda herself knocking at the door of New York City’s has ended years of searching for lost Hunt, The Hart Island Project Department of Correction, the city agency that infants, thousands of military veterans, the relationship. has overseen the burials for at least 100 years siblings and friends by those from “Shades of New York: An Exhibition of and where ones gets permission to visit the other states and in foreign countries. The Hart Island Project,” is a must-see show island. When Hunt and fellow photographer Hunt was able to get photo- not only for Hunt’s touching artistic perspec- Joel Sternfeld got to the island they discovered graphs from friends and family of tive on remembering the nameless dead, but to prison workers stacking simple pine coffins in the deceased, which gave her a visible learn about this piece of living history that has deep trenches. Richard Ferrick, buried 1982 -2011 Melinda Hunt, and spiritual sense to create the work for years, been kept a secret. That city prisoners today still bury the The Hart Island Project in this show. One piece shows Ann “Shades of New York: An Exhibition dead in potter’s field is a throw-back of the old Rubin, who at 34, committed suicide in care about me. Hart Island is the best rehabilita- of The Hart Island Project” Westchester penal code, which required penitentiary workers Brooklyn in 1988. Hunt faces her squarely at us, tion I’ve ever had.” Community College’s Center for Digital Arts to bury the dead for redemption. Today, the weightless over a sideways terrain gutted with The practice of naming the dead on Hart in Peekskill, 27 north Division Street, Peekskill, DOC budget for yearly burials on Hart Island tractor marks. Rubin was disinterred in 2008 and Island has always been elusive. If the names of New York 914-606-7304. Gallery Hours: is approximately $500,000 which pays for trans- reburied on Staten Island. the dead were known, they were written on the Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm porting inmates by ferry, the only way to get to Hunt is not giving up her pursuit to make coffins and recorded by hand in ledgers, which Hart Island, keeping up the grounds, a super- Potter’s Field more accessible to the public. She Hunt managed to retrieve by filing a Freedom Abby Luby is a Westchester based, freelance jour- visor and heavy equipment operator. In the show, has appealed to the New York City Council for of Information request. The haphazard system nalist who writes local news, about environmental a heart rendering and chilling testimonial by an better documentation of those being buried on of recording the deceased (many older burial issues, art, entertainment and food. Her debut novel, inmate on a burial crew in 1992 says “But one Hart Island and to make it easier for families records were destroyed in a 1977 fire) reflects the “Nuclear Romance” was published last week. Visit thing I’ve learned from Hart Island is that I don’t wishing to visit the gravesites; to date visits are blatant disrespect for the dead. Last year, some the book’s website, http://nuclearromance.wordpress. want to die nobody with nothing or no-one to limited only for family members with proof of com/ YES Network Announcer Ken Singleton to Receive Denzel Lifetime Achievement Award YES Network Yankees announcer and three- duties for the network. basketball scholarship to Hofstra University and time Major League Baseball All-Star Ken “We are delighted to honor Ken Singleton playing baseball as well for one year, Singleton Singleton will be honored with the “Denzel at our 100th Anniversary Gala,” said Boys was drafted by the New York Mets in 1967. Lifetime Achievement Award in Sports” at the & Girls Club President Danny Sawh, and In April 1972, he was traded to the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon’s 100th Executive Director Lowes Moore in a joint Montreal Expos and, in 1974, was traded to the Anniversary Gala at the Rye Town Hilton (Rye statement. “His outstanding career on the base- Baltimore Orioles. His .438 on base percentage Brook, New York) on Saturday night, March 24, ball diamond and in the broadcast booth have (in 1977), 118 walks (in 1975) and 35 switch-hit 2012. Award-winning actor Denzel Washington distinguished him as a true champion. The Boys home runs (in 1979) are all still Orioles single will make the presentation. Washington, the host & Girls Club of Mt. Vernon has been a bulwark season records. for the benefit, and Singleton are both Mount against delinquency and a recreational outlet for Singleton is one of only six players in Major Vernon products and distinguished alumni of youngsters for a century, and we hope today’s League Baseball history to hit 35 or more the Boys & Girls Club. youngsters will follow in his giant footsteps.” switch-hit homers in a season. During his career, For information and reservations call Raised in Mount Vernon, Singleton played Singleton was named to the American League 914.668.9580 or log onto www.bgcmvny.com. both baseball and basketball in high school, and All- Star Team in 1977, ‘79 and ‘81. He was Singleton is in his 10th season as a New York also played baseball in The Bronx Federation named Most Valuable Oriole in 1975, ‘77 and Yankees analyst for the YES Network alongside League at Macombs Dam Park, across the ‘79. Michael Kay, and also handles play-by-play Ken Singleton. Photo courtesy of YES Network street from Yankee Stadium. After receiving a Continued on page 13 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 13

PEOPLE YES Network Announcer Ken Singleton to Receive Yorktown EconoWash Denzel Lifetime Achievement Award Your Full Service Laundromat Since 1966 Continued from page 12 Network. In 1998, he was part of MSG’s produc- Singleton received the Roberto Clemente tion team that won four New York Emmys for Wash & Fold Service • Dry Cleaning & Pressing Award from Major League Baseball -- the its Yankees coverage. highest off-the-field honor in baseball -- in Singleton joined the MSG Network in Dry Clean By The Bulk • Shirts Laundered 1982. The award recognizes the player who best 1997 from The Sports Network (TSN), where Leather & Suedes Cleaned / Treated exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, he served as analyst for the Montreal Expos community involvement and the individual’s from 1985 to 1996. From 1991-96, he also called contribution to his team. play-by-play and served as analyst for CIQC He retired after the 1984 season as a three- Radio, the Expos’ flagship radio network. In time All-Star with a 1983 World Championship 1996 and 1997, he was named by FOX Sports ring. as a lead analyst for Saturday afternoon baseball Before joining YES, Singleton divided broadcasts. In 1997 and 1998, he worked as an his time calling play-by-play and providing analyst for Major League Baseball International. commentary on Yankees telecasts on the MSG PROMOTIONS 104 Volunteer Firefighters Honored at Graduation Ceremony 914.962.5539 Newest Members of 40 Departments in Westchester 2018 Crompond Rd. (Rear) Yorktown Hts. Receive their Certificates Routes 35 & 202 -Crompond

VALHALLA, NY -- More than 100 fire- special kind of person: the kind of person who fighters from 40 volunteer fire departments puts his neighbors and community first; the in Westchester were honored at a gradu- kind of person who puts himself or herself in ation ceremony Wednesday night at the harm’s way to save life and property.” THE ROMA BUILDING Department of Emergency Services in He praised the volunteers for their will- Valhalla. ingness to “answer the call to service at all 2022 Saw Mill River Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY County Executive Robert P. Astorino hours of the day or night, in the worst kinds Office & Store Space for Rent and Acting Commissioner John M. Cullen of weather, in the face of any kind of danger.” of the Department of Emergency Services The 104 firefighters are graduates of six Prime Yorktown Location congratulated the graduates for successfully separate Firefighter I classes conducted in the Office Space 965 sq ft.: Rent $ 1650/mo. completing the rigorous Firefighter I and past year at the fire training facility at ESD . Store Karl Ehmers: 1100 sq ft- $3100/mo. Firefighter Survival training and thanked “The Firefighter I class is an 87-hour them for their service to their communities. program that is the foundation and pre- Store in back: 1300 sq ft. $2650/mo. “Obviously it takes a great deal of special requisite for all additional fire training that a knowledge to be a firefighter,” Astorino told volunteer firefighter will receive. It introduces 914.632.1230 the graduates. “More importantly, it takes a Continued on page 14 Page 14 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

PROMOTIONS REAL ESTATE

104 Volunteer Firefighters Honored at Graduation books, their texture, smell and heft, between the pages of each volume is a memory of place, Ceremony Downsizing… time and emotion. By ADAM FRIEDMAN Many of us remember as children how we Continued from page 13 destruction, confined space safety and fire would press fall leaves in the pages of books the recruit to firefighting concepts, practices prevention practices. After almost 30 years, my wife only to discover them years later unexpectedly. and techniques necessary for success in the Astorino thanked the fire training staff at and I have decided to sell our Remember how they put a smile on our faces fire service,”C ullen said. DES for outstanding work and said the fire large, comfortable house in as they conjured up our childhood. For me, In addition to the Firefighter I class, all the training program was an excellent example of leafy Westchester County and books are a repository of times gone by as well. recruits also completed a 9-hour Firefighter a shared service between the county and fire trade it in for a modest-sized A few days ago, as I was rummaging through Survival course. departments. apartment in New York City. This has proven the shelves having to decide which books to Topics covered in Firefighter I training “The county plays a key role in coordi- to be a more painful process than either of us keep and which to give away, I opened my include firefighter safety, fire behavior, nating fire training in cooperation with local had imagined. It brought us up short because well-thumbed volume of James Joyce’s Ulysses personal protective equipment, self-contained fire departments and in maintaining a top- we thought that drastically reducing our when a small card fell out – a card with the name of a tiny hotel in Amsterdam where I breathing apparatus, building searches, forc- notch training program. I am grateful as well possessions would be liberating. Instead we first tackled the book. I remembered the place ible entry, ventilation, building construction, to the instructors from multiple fire depart- have found that it is much easier to acquire – more like a garret—and it brought back that ropes/knots, rescue procedures, forcible ments who contributed their talents and than to dispose of objects collected one-by- entry, hazardous materials, weapons of mass expertise,” he said. first trip to Europe and how I dragged that one over a lifetime. heavy volume in my backpack through four The problem is that each item is linked to countries and twice the number of cities. a memory and an experience: the kite that the NAJAH’S CORNER Joyce would have been pleased. kids learned to fly when they were young; my Then there is my well-thumbed copy of mom’s plant which we have nurtured and has Thoreau’s Walden that I have re-read every flourished which her spirit seems to inhabit; By NAJAH MUHAMMAD summer since I was sixteen. How could I Think Twice, and the small antique table that was our first relinquish that? And the process of giving piece of furniture in an otherwise empty When fire trails atop water matters become complicated away books is painful in itself. Nobody wants apartment. In today’s world, we all have so them anymore. Even the local librarian glares Tenacious flames dancing across peaceful nourishment much “stuff” that we begin to believe that all when she sees me bring in another box of Such a contradicting thought to consume of it is interchangeable and easily disposable. treasured books. “Where am I supposed to It is not. Fire on water? put these?” she exclaimed the other day. If the This is reinforced by the brave new worlds library doesn’t want them, then what’s left is A gender difference as son is to daughter, procreating life and of eBay and Craigslist that are great ways of the recycling bin, not a happy prospect for a slaughter selling off the detritus of life, but tend to trivi- bibliophile. alize the meaning of the objects themselves. That said, a small number of my books When fire betroths fire flames become more iridescent, gleaming orange missals darting This is further reinforced by family who, with towards the sky and possessions are finding new homes and all good intentions, show up to “take things new owners who I hope will treasure them as Material that motivates life off your hands.” They begin to feel more like much as we have. It doesn’t eliminate the loss, When bodies of water elope they become a mass production of that which ties the world scavengers than people who really care about but it dulls the pain of parting. While so much your feelings. together of life is ephemeral, it is comforting to know And then there are the books. Admittedly, An ocean holding unknown history, the story teller of the universe that some possessions continue to have a life I don’t have any plans soon to get an ebook. by giving pleasure to others. And in the end, Fire and water merely burn each other out While I am certainly not a Luddite, having like releasing a bird in the air, these artifacts generally embraced technology, books are They’ve been rivals since the very thought that originated them take flight and migrate to other homes. where I have drawn the line. My lifelong Because you may see things only as they seem, ask yourself why fire and water make steam. The other day my wife was sitting on the passion for books has been felt even more floor going through hundreds of cards from keenly as I have had to find a home for most birthdays and anniversaries gone by. She was Najah Muhammad is a 17-year-old senior in high school. She plans to attend college next year of my collection of over 4,000 books, only a majoring in communications. transported back in time as she read the senti- fraction of which my new apartment can ments expressed. But where to keep them in a accommodate. Besides the sheer physicality of small apartment? As gently as I could I pried them loose from her hands as she wept, gath- ered them up, boxed them and, except for a few, took them to the trash. That was tough. No one told me it would be this wrenching. But I try to focus on the few objects we are taking that conjure up a life lived. In the end, what you are left with are the only things that require neither space nor storage, memories.

Adam Friedman is the principal of Adam Friedman Associates (AFA), a public relations consulting firm. He has over 25 years experience in the practice of all aspects of public relations on behalf of a diverse group of clients. Prior to Continued on page 15 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 15

REAL ESTATE

Downsizing… Worldwide, where he built a significant business Corporation (technology and cable), and General 27, 2011 issue of the Wall Street Journal. Adam populated with clients from a diverse range of Host Corporation (retail and consumer goods) holds an M.A. from New York University and Continued from page 14 industry sectors, including finance and technology. during which time he was involved in numerous an MBA from the Baruch School of Business. forming AFA in 1999, Adam Friedman was Prior to joining KCSA, Adam was the senior corporate battles from takeovers to restructur- He is currently an adjunct professor at NYU. Managing Partner of KCSA Public Relations communications executive for The Continental ings. Adam is also a published writer in many Learn more at the http://adam-friedman.com/ Group (packaging), General Instrument periodicals, including an op-ed piece in the May website. RELIGION Christmas 2011: Hope for a Better World By PEGGY GODFREY Opportunities will continue to present them- selves for helping those less fortunate during This year is ending on a everyone. Love of neighbor was a prominent the coming year. high note as many troops message of the tiny baby who was born in a The compassion shown at Christmas are returning from abroad humble stable in Bethlehem. Christians accept should continue with all of us in the future. to their families in time for him as Saviour for all the world. The spirit Christmas gives us all the opportunity to open the holidays and Christmas. of Christmas fostered by Christ’s birth can up our hearts and minds and to work for a Their unselfish service to our pervade our thoughts and actions including better world. The words of Samuel Johnson country sets a standard for all of us during this that we should love our neighbors. still ring true: “Whatever else be lost among season of good will toward all men. During At Christmas time relatives are visited, the years, Let us keep Christmas still a shining World War I on Christmas 1914 eve and day, presents are opened , the Christmas music rings thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, many German and British soldiers actually out: Silent Night, Deck the Hall, and Let us hold close one day, remembering Its walked across their trenches to sing Christmas Continued on page 15 poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let carols and exchange holiday greetings. Continued from page 15 us get back our childlike faith again.” It is hard These troops demonstrated the true spirit of White Christmas; and the bells chime as to disagree. Christmas, which is a model for all of us during people gather to pray. It is a day of good cheer. Peggy Godfrey is a freelance writer and a former the coming year. But this is also the beginning of another year generosity toward all in need. This year many educator. This holiday that only comes once each that can produce hope for a better world. The people are out of work, in danger of losing their year encourages us to have good will toward season is one of brotherly love, charity and homes, or suffering other immense hardships.

spiritual, and that Judaism is not part with Jewishness and spirituality. Happy Chanukah! of our daily experience. Friends, let’s make a miracle tonight! Says Chanukah: Within every one As we share the warmth and light of By Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz of us there is a small jug of pure, holy Chanukah with one another, and as we oil. Our neshomo, our G-dly soul; the each kindle our own Menorahs in our The Maccabees came into the desecrated Jewish spark within us; the part of us homes this evening, let us be inspired Holy Temple but they could not find any that feels warm inside every time we to add more Mitzvahs and Torah pure oil for the Menorah (pictured). All do something Jewish; the part deep study to our lives, allowing that inner the oil had been defiled by the Greeks. inside of us that gets upset each time spark, that tiny jug of pure oil, to light Miraculously, they found one small jug of we hear of a tragedy in Israel; the part up our inner Menorahs, to shine and pure, holy, undefiled oil; enough to illumi- of us that brings tears to our eyes when illuminate our lives with G-dliness nate the Temple for one night. A miracle we see a Chanukah menorah or when and goodness. took place. The tiny jug of oil lasted for 8 we say Yiskor. That jug of pure, holy oil Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz is the religious nights. is our essence, it’s who we are, and it’s leader of Chabad of Yonkers, located at Friends, every Jew is a candle. Every one undefileable. 600 North Broadway, in Yonkers, NY of us has a divine soul within us that shines And although it may be small 10701. To learn more, visit: http:// brightly. At times we might feel uninspired in quantity, it is a miraculous little www.JewishYonkers.com. Jewishly; that our oil has been defiled. We jug, which can light up our lives and might feel that we’ve become too secular- brighten up our daily experience ized, that we’ve lost our sensitivity to the

Santa Claus internationally known American author, who The Christmas Experience in Song and Story St. Nicholas was a real person about whom gave us a word-picture of St. Nicholas. Irving we know very little. He has become the most described him in his 1809 comic Knickerbocker’s By ROBERT SCOTT beloved nonbiblical saint in the history of the History of New York as wearing a broad-brimmed It may come as a surprise, The second, described here, concerns the Christian religion. Noted for his generosity, he hat, a clay pipe and a huge pair of Flemish but there are actually three cultural celebration of the Christmas season in was the bishop of Myra (in present-day Turkey) “trunk-hose.” He also flew over trees in a horse- Christmases. The first, treated art, music, books and films. in the fourth century. There is no real connection drawn wagon and slid down chimneys to deliver in last week’s essay, reviewed The third is the shameful consumerism that between St. Nicholas and Christmas. He died gifts. Without Washington Irving there would the religious celebration of pervades the period between Thanksgiving and on December 6, and that date became his feast be no Santa Claus. Christmas as it was adapted to the needs of New Year’s. day in the Church. Another development in the creation of the America in the 19th century. It was Washington Irving, the first image of Santa Claus came with the poem Continued on page 16 Page 16 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

RELIGION

The Christmas Experience in Song and Story The third kind of Christmas music devel- oped more recently includes songs by popular Continued from page 15 artists that usually focus on the cultural aspects popularly called “The Night before Christmas” of Christmas. In the latter category, two songs attributed to Clement Clark Moore and first stand out: “White Christmas” and “Rudolph the published anonymously in the Troy, N.Y. Sentinel Red-Nosed Reindeer.” in 1823. Accounts vary about the circumstances Irving Berlin was an established composer of this publication. One claim was that someone of hits, 23 of which were included in 20th copied the poem from Moore’s album and Century-Fox’s 1938 hit Alexander’s Ragtime submitted it unsigned to the newspaper, after band. In 1942 Paramount decided to do a similar which it was widely reprinted. film. Because Berlin had written many songs However, the family of Revolutionary War about holidays, he came up with the idea for veteran Henry Livingston, Jr., maintains that he Holiday Inn, a movie featuring the song and wrote the poem. Moore never claimed author- dance team of Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. ship until nine years after Livingston’s death in Berlin, a Russian-born Jew, composed the ubiq- 1828 (in an 1837 anthology of poems by various uitous “White Christmas” especially for this film. authors). Descendants and scholars on both Capturing the images of an idealized, sides still argue about its authorship. snowy Christmas, the song became popular Cartoonist and illustrator Thomas Nast next with servicemen during World War II and put his stamp on the image of Santa Claus. Nast on the home front. Bing Crosby would sing had invented the Republican elephant and the the trade, and Louis Prang withdrew from “White Christmas” again in the 1946 movie Democratic donkey as political party symbols. the greeting card business. Between 1900 and Blue Skies and a third time in the 1954 filmWhite He added other details to the Santa mythology, 1910, most of the major American greeting Christmas. His original recording of the song for including his North Pole toy-making workshop card companies were established. The modern Decca sold more than 31 million copies. Sales of with elves as his assistants, letters from chil- American greeting card was born in the studios “White Christmas” in its many versions totaled dren, massive ledgers to record children’s names of Rust Craft, Hallmark, Gibson and Norcross. more than 125 million copies. and the practice of leaving snacks for Santa on Dickens’s A Christmas Carol The song R “ udolph the Red-Nosed Christmas Eve. Reindeer” appeared initially as a poem, two and movies have been made during the entire history Although Charles Dickens included of cinema; three movies stand out: It’s a Wonderful Greeting Cards Christmas incidents in his Pickwick Papers and a half million copies of which were given away in 1939 by retailer Montgomery Ward. In 1946 Life (1946), Miracle on 34th Street (1947), and A The first true commercial Christmas Sketches by Boz, nothing he wrote compared the company printed it and distributed it again; Christmas Story (1983). card did not make its appearance until 1843. to the success of his 1843 A Christmas Carol. this time the total was three and a half-million It’s a Wonderful Life was a disappointment Designed by John Calcott Horsley for Henry Dickens made two trips to the United States. copies. at the box office when first released. Frequent Cole, it was printed in London and hand On his second trip, a three-month tour in 1867, Montgomery Ward then generously playing by television stations over the years colored by an artist named Mason. TheH orsley- he presented dramatic readings of his classic reverted the rights to the author of the poem, developed a wide, devoted audience, making Cole card is considered a forerunner of modern Christmas story. In Boston, 10,000 tickets were Robert May. May’s brother-in-law, Johnny it the classic American Christmas movie. This Christmas cards in that it leaves little room for sold weeks before his appearance, people stood Marks, turned the story into a song. Bing touching story tells how a man (Jimmy Stewart) personalization by the sender. It anticipates a in the cold all night long and in New York to Crosby, Dinah Shore and other singers declined who regards himself as a failure and is contem- new commercial awareness of the commercial- buy tickets. to record it, but singing cowboy Gene Autry saw plating suicide is saved by family, friends and an ization of Christmas and the need to recognize a Dickens’s enduring novella extolled the its possibilities. The rest, as saying has it, is history. inept, bumbling angel. Lionel Barrymore played wider circle of friends and family members. virtues of brotherhood, kindness and generosity It sold two million records in 1949 alone. a hard-hearted Scrooge-like banker. R.H. Pease, engraver, lithographer and at Christmas, but it also reveals an illuminating Other well-remembered Christmas songs variety store proprietor in Albany, N.Y., distrib- picture of Christmas in England, where it was Miracle on 34th Street includes a char- include Crosby’s poignant “I’ll Be Home for uted the firstA merican-made Christmas card in a common practice for businesses and shops to acter, Kris Kringle (played by veteran actor Christmas,” a wartime promise by a lonely G.I. the early 1850s, but the practice of exchanging remain open on Christmas Day. Edmund Gwenn), who actually thinks he is to the folks back home, “The Christmas Song” cards did not immediately catch on in the U.S. Christmas Music Santa Claus. At one point, he reveals the true (“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire”), intro- The few cards sent usually were imported from spirit of Christmas, saying, “Oh, Christmas isn’t Music heard at Christmas time can be duced by Mel Tormé but popularized by Nat England. just a day--it’s a frame of mind.” Praised for its divided into three categories: The first includes King Cole, and “Home for the Holidays” (“Oh, American indifference to cards was eventu- balance of whimsy and emotion, this movie, a traditional hymns, many composed in medieval there’s no place like home for the holidays”) ally overcome by Louis Prang, a German-born joyously moving tale about goodness, faith and times. A second group includes Christmas carols. a Perry Como favorite toward the end of the immigrant. The 24-year-old Prang left Germany the human need for fantasy, won three Academy Among the popular carol favorites are such Korean War.. after the 1848 revolution and established himself Awards. It also highlights a child’s desire for a standbys as “Joy to the World,” “O Little Town Sung by Judy Garland, the song “Have in Boston, setting up a lithographic business family and a home; the child was played by of Bethlehem,” “It Came upon a Midnight Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” figures with Julius Mayer in 1856. eight-year-old Natalie Wood. Clear” and “Silent Night.” prominently in the 1944 musical Meet Me in Prang introduced his Christmas greeting A Christmas Story is a hilarious family Three days before Christmas in 1952 play- St. Louis. In his film The Victors, director Carl cards in 1875using well-known American comedy about a boy, Ralphie Parker, obsessed wright George S. Kaufman learned a bitter Foreman used Frank Sinatra’s version of the painters and illustrators to produce original with getting an air rifleC hristmas--an Original lesson from an injudicious comment about a song as background music to a gripping scene works of art for his cards. Prang cards were such Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Lightning Christmas carol. He opened the panel show in which Sgt. Eli Wallach’s infantry squad is a hit he could not keep up with the demand. He Loader Range Model with a Shock-Proof High “This is Show Business” by suggesting, “Let’s plucked from combat to witness the execution increased his work force and was soon selling Adventure Combination Trail Compass and make this one program on which nobody sings of an American deserter. more than five million cards annually. ‘Silent Night.’” TheC BS switchboard quickly lit Christmas Movies Sundial set in the stock. The delightful story was Prang’s cards sparked intense competition up with hundreds of calls protesting his “irre- written by Jean Shepherd, longtime late-night from British and German manufacturers. By ligious remark.” The sponsor, the American Everyone seems to have their own favorites, monologist and storyteller on WOR radio. the 1890s, German greeting cards dominated Tobacco Company, fired Kaufman. ranging from musicals to comedies. Christmas Continued on page 17 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 17

RELIGION

The Christmas Experience in Song and Story How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), based on virtual winter festival in which consumerism the popular children’s book by Dr. Seuss.. has triumphed, and shopping and gift-giving are Continued from page 16 version as bright and cheerful as a Christmas It is interesting to note that the books, central to the Christmas experience. Other films are seen less frequently at card; Christmas in Connecticut (1945), with an cards, music and films described here were all Robert Scott writes on topics of interest to Westchester Christmas time but all have their fans. These improbable scenario in which Barbara Stanwyck, commodities produced for the Christmas season. residents. He lives in Croton-on-Hudson, New include Amahl and the Night Visitors (1951), a TV a high-powered magazine editor, entertains a Such examples of the popular culture reflect York. opera by Gian Carlo Menotti; The Bishop’s Wife wounded sailor in rural Connecticut; Come to the Christmas in a society growing more multicul- (1947) with Cary Grant as a dapper celestial Stable (1949), in which two French nuns travel tural every day. With few of its former references visitor; A Christmas Carol (1938) in a Hollywood to Pennsylvania to build a charity hospital; and to religious doctrine, Christmas has become a SOCIETY solution. What I find to be quiet alarming is that this mystical approach to problem solving Sexual Assault an Overlooked Epidemic Within the Church Community only applies to certain types of crime. Crimes By SALOME THOMPSON involving property damage and material possession are readily reported to law enforce- When one hears the word “Church,” several for children who lay defenseless amidst of One might ask how does a church have ment and justice and ransom is sought. In words or phrase comes to mind; trust, faith, sexual predators. Pedophiles lurk and blend so much power and control over an individual juxtaposition to that reality, crimes involving hope, comfort, Body of Christ and the list into the congregation because they know and why would people continue to support sexual assault and domestic violence are goes on. On the contrary, as we have all seen they will be accepted and not judged. Biblical them after there have being allegations of crimes that God will take care of himself. It’s in society, the unorthodox practice in some scripture is often distorted in order to cover- sexual assaults against children. The answer is very disheartening that greater value is placed churches can be exploitive and serves as up crime being committed against children. simple, most of the members are brainwashed on material possession than upon human life. means of oppression to the most vulnerable The popular scripture used as an antidote is through very subtle means. Most people In conclusion, the epidemic of sexual and defenseless among us, our children. Often “All have sinned.” While it is factual informa- attend church as source of comfort and sense assault against our most vulnerable and times, adults in authority within the church tion that all have sinned, committing a crime of belonging and to worship God. The thin defenseless is a complex one and it touches prey on children who come from a disadvan- against the most vulnerable and defenseless, line however, is when church values coincide the lives of everyone whether directly or indi- taged background and children whose parents does not constitute being exempt from being with disobeying societal laws. Parishioners rectly. The conspiracy of silence, secrecy and have obsolete trust in another flawed human punished by the Law. People are more tolerant often times argue that God will take care invisibility is what has led to an out of control being disguised as a “A Man servant of God” of sexual predators in a church setting than in of the problem and vengeance belongs to downward spiral. Everyone is accountable, instead of believing their child. Being overly an educational setting or in society. Again, the Lord, while these are wonderful ideas, including religious institutions - no exemp- trusting of others can be a recipe for disaster it goes back to churches having unearned it’s mystical in nature. A mystical ideology tions; no exceptions. and sets the stage for countless damage to privileges. Teachers, School Personnel, approach is some churches means of problem be done to innocent children. However, if Medical Professionals, Law Enforcement solving versus coming up with a meaningful everyone takes a stand to protect our children are ALL mandated reporters; everyone is it will improve society as a whole. The problem held accountable for our children except for lies within the many layers of bureaucracy religious leaders. One might argue that their within the church. freedom to worship is being infringed upon Most churches often times see them- should religious leaders be required to become selves as exempt, privileged and having mandated reporters. If one’s religious practices unearned trust and so the authority figures include committing crime against innocent within the church makes decisions based on children then the church would be a criminal this notion. This is a concoction for disaster organization and a cult. THE SPOOF Scrooge Arrested by Political Correctness Police By GAIL FARRELLY His constant use of the phrase, Why should we be dumped on?” “Bah, humbug,” was given as the For now, Scrooge will be confined to jail, as reason for his arrest. the judge was unwilling to grant a bail request. A An unnamed source in furious Scrooge, watching his language, gritted his the Political Correctness (PC) teeth, and just said, “Uh-oh,” when he heard the Police reported that their investigation was initi- judge’s decision. But he’s told friends that, upon ated by the official complaint of a sheep who said reflection, his troubles began when he had that that bah is the language of sheepdom everywhere stupid dream about generosity and the Christmas and should not be subject to ridicule and careless spirit. “It’s brought me nothing but trouble,” he use. “Have a little respect, Mr. Scrooge, we have pointed out. “At least in my pre-dream state, I rights too,” the sheep said. minded my own business and didn’t end up in jail.” Then a complaint was lodged against He plans to sue to get a refund on the huge Scrooge for the use of the term humbug. One of Christmas goose as well as the presents he bought. its definitions is “impostor.”A nd so, impostors the Tiny Tim, all grown up and no longer tiny, will world over told the PC Police that they resented handle the lawsuit. Scrooge’s derogatory use of that term. “It makes fun of us unnecessarily, and that’s just not fair. Learn more about The Farrelly Sisters - Authors online. Page 18 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

EYE ON THEATRE

It lands there with a deaf- more like a bark to me), although he managed ening thud, only to gather somewhat better with “Xanadu” and “Sister Act” Giving Up With the Joneses another rave from the Times’ where there were previous movie versions for By John Simon gentleman and several other Beane to lean on. Now he has come up with the worthies. Well, in its way it is obscene idea of turning Aristophanes’ master- This appears to be the season perfect: an abomination from piece “Lysistrata” into a modern-day musical for rotten musicals—one after alpha to omega or, more contemporarily, A to Z, about basketball, and proceeded to write the another they come at you like without a single, minimally meritorious excep- god-awful book. Poor Aristophanes must be a plague of locusts. There were tion. Or, as Shakespeare put it on a less deadly carrying on in his grave like a whirling dervish. “Bonnie & Clyde,” “Once” occasion, its “offensed is rank, it smells to heaven. Then Lewis Flinn, whom the program (loved by my esteemed colleagues), the horren- It hath the primal eldest curse upon’t.” Hath it describes as Beane’s “collaborator in art and Patti Murin as Lysistrata and cast in dously revised “On a Clear Day,” and now ever—that eldest curse being a beastly book, life” (well, actually it’s Flinn who calls Beane Lysistrata Jones. perhaps the foulest of all, “Lysistrata Jones,” lousy lyrics, and miserable music. that, but I presume it’s reciprocal), composed or almost unanimously lauded by said esteemed Douglas Carter Beane, quite possibly the composted a score in which a trace of melody is colleagues when it appeared off off Broadway, most overrated writer for Broadway (having rather less findable than a needle in a haystack, and, upon being also acclaimed by the all-impor- earned good reviews for stinkers like “As Bees in and provided it with lyrics I would be ashamed tant chief critic of the Times, now translated to Honey Drown” which incidentally they don’t— to quote even in utter derision, though I’ll Broadway. and “The Little Dog Laughed”—sounded mention some of the titles: “I Don’t Think So,” “You Go Your Way” and “Where Am I Now,” which at least reflect the spectator’s feelings. It is now the story of Athens University’s perpetually losing basketball team, to which state of affairs everyone at AU is perfectly resigned, until a transfer student, the antsy Lysistrata, more commonly Lizzie, Jones is not pleased Patti Murin as Lysistrata and cast in Lysistrata Jones.

Josh Segarra as Mich and cast in Lysistrata Patti Murin as Lysistrata Jones and Josh Jones Segarra as Mick and cast in Lysistrata Jones.

Josh Segara as Mick and Patti Murin as Josh Segarra as Mick and cast in Lysistra Lysistrata Jones in Lysistrata Jones. Jones.

Patti Murin as Lysistrata Jones and Jason Liz Mikel as Hetaira in Lysistrata Jones. Tom as Xander in Lysistrata Jones.

Liz Mikel as Hetaira and cast in Lysistra Josh Segarra as Mich and cast in Lysistrata Jones Jones. character called Hetaira, who is both a narrator about it. Joined by another iconoclast, the fiend- and the madam of a brothel called Eros Lodge, ishly frisky Robin, and the nerdy computer geek, about as erotic as a Christian Science Reading Xander, she proposes to seek something, better. Room. This Hetaira is humongously embodied Advised by Hetaira (more about her anon) the by Liz Mikel, a black actress about the size of a co-eds of AU will “not give it up” until the boys hot air balloon, who should accordingly be called start winning. Hotaira. The only customer she might service This is proclaimed by the song “No More would be the Michelin Man if sufficiently Giving It Up!”, which in the queer parlance of desperate. the show means refusing to have sex. One would You cannot seriously expect me to go on think it would mean no more vomiting, which about this, though I must point out that the for anyone caught in “Lysistrata Jones,” would be performers of the basketball boys and their girls much more apt. were carefully cast to represent each of the major The lasses are guided in this strategy by a minorities, thereby supplying at least political Continued on page 19 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 19

EYE ON THEATRE

Giving Up With the Joneses this one, but in all fairness there’s not much to single basket. The audience, I’m sorry to say, eats He reviews books for the New York Times Book be done with a basketball court. The costumes it all up, but is there anything left that doesn’t get Review andWashington Post. He has written profiles have a pair of perpetrators, David C. Woolard a standing ovation? for Vogue, Town and Country, Departures and Continued from page 18 and Thomas Charles Le Galley, it apparently The show is playing at the Walter Kerr Connoisseur and produced 17 books of collected writings. correctness in the absence of any better kind. I th taking two to effect the happy misalliance of Theatre. 219 West 48 Street. Telecharge 212 Mr. Simon holds a PhD from Harvard University will not name anyone but the sorrowful leads, the Grecian and Gap. Even Michael Gotlieb’s 239 6200, or LysistrataJones.com in Comparative Literature and has taught at MIT, Lysistrata of Patti Murin, a washed out, charm- lighting is flat and boring, although total dark- Harvard University, Bard College and Marymount less blonde; and the basketball captain Mick, a John Simon has written for over 50 years on theatre, ness would have been a better fit. Manhattan College. galumphing lummox named Josh Segarra. The film, literature, music and fine arts for the Hudson A final brekekekex cum Bronx cheer (more only exception is the Xander of Jason Tamm, Review, New Leader, New Criterion, National To learn more, visit the JohnSimon-Uncensored. fusion) for the direction and choreography by who at any rate proves quite an acrobatic dancer. Review,New York Magazine, Opera News, Weekly com website. Dan Knechtges is in order. He has never been Allen Moyer has designed better sets than Standard, Broadway.com and Bloomberg News. my favorite, but here he doesn’t score even a

Government THE ALBANY CORRESPONDENT Section

A bridge replacement is expected one movement, we will once again meet those of providing members with free copies of the SAGE Squeezes Agencies to cost about $5 billion. Some have even challenges, and provide a brighter economic New York Redbook, which has long served as stated that a new bridge may cost as much future for all working men and women.” the go-to who’s who and how’s-that-work guide By CARLOS GONZALEZ as $7 billion. Capitol Make Over Nearing to state government. A final commission report is due out Completion The Red Book, according to its publisher, ALBANY, NY -- Gov. in June. the New York Legal Publishing Corp., includes Andrew Cuomo’s Spending TheSA GE Commission is charged scaling Visitors to the Capitol in recent years have backgrounds and bios for all new agency and and Government Efficiency back government costs and inefficiencies in noticed that lots of construction has been going department heads and staff listings in all govern- Commission recommended in a order to achieve long-term savings. Many of on. It’s actually an interesting site when tour ment departments. report this week that the state merge the Bridge the recommendations would require legislative guides have to pause to explain why repairs to Michael Whyland, the Assembly majority Authority into the Thruway Authority and approval. the aging building are a necessity. spokesman, confirmed the decision had been combine the functions of the new entity with The report also recommended other agency In particular, lots of the noise that usually made last year to do away with the Red Books the Department of Transportation. consolidations, such as combining the Office of begins in the evening (after 5:00 pm) happens going forward. The move will save about If approved, both the Thruway Authority Mental Health and the Office of Alcoholism inside the Capitol near the Assembly staircase. $30,000, he said, noting that the book’s contents and DOT would be consolidated. and Substance Abuse Services. The consolida- Today, was quite an unusually sight. The will remain available on-line. The three entities employ roughly 12,870 tions would save the state about $100 million in scaffolding that has wrapped around the stair- The elimination of the Red Book actu- people. The Thruway Authority manages the the 2012-13 fiscal year, which startsA pril 1 and case is being taken down and today and revealed ally makes sense now that we have the Internet state’s highway and canal systems. The Bridge roughly $600 million over five years, the report what looks like a nearly complete product. and everyone’s job title, or any other means of Authority oversees five bridges in the Hudson estimated. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has made comple- dirt seem to be available with a few well-placed Valley. Cilento Rises tion of the Capitol construction here a renewed keystrokes. A report from SAGE released this week, priority, calling the seemingly endless renovation Those referring to books, like I do, actually Mario Cilento, chief of staff to retiring the commission notes that the authorities and work a metaphor for inefficient government. feel at a loss, even though the elimination makes AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes, has been agency basically act im the same function already. We agree. sense. elected to replace his boss as head of the 2.5 “All three entities face the same macro Sad but true million-member umbrella labor organization. Share your thoughts with Carlos Gonzalez, The issues of aging infrastructure and the need to Hughes announced his retirement in In an effort to cut costs, the Assembly Albany Correspondent, by directing email to carl- fund expensive maintenance improvements,” the November after serving 12 years as presi- majority has decided to end a Capitol tradition [email protected]. report said. dent. There was some speculation that some Once the consolidation is complete, competition was brewing to replace him, but between $50 million and $82 million would be board member Terrence Melvin (who I believe saved. The biggest savings would be achieved by should’ve tossed his name in the ring) took consolidating engineering services. The report himself out of the running. also envisions shedding jobs through attrition Cilento was unanimously elected by the and retirement, but we’re skeptical on that one. AFL-CIO Executive Council. He assumes The consolidation recommendation comes leadership immediately and will serve out the after Cuomo and state lawmakers created an remaining seven months of the term. Cilento infrastructure fund to finance construction and will have to run for a full four-year term when renovation for roads, bridges tunnels and dams the AFL-CIO’s members gather for their across New York. annual summer convention in August. Cuomo has hinted repeatedly that he wants Cilento, who has served as Hughes’ chief the state to re-invest in its crumbling infrastruc- of staff for the entire 12 years of his tenure as ture. A main component of that agenda will president, said in a statement that he is ‘honored, likely be the building a new Tappan Zee Bridge, humbled and incredibly privileged. which cross the Hudson River at Westchester “The labor movement in this state has always and Rockland counties. risen to the challenges laid before us. Together, as Page 20 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

MAYOR Marvin’s COLUMN GOVERNMENT

The decrease in extra police services was on the Committee if you would like to reach It Really Does Take a Village the result of budget tightening, but I would out to them with an issue or a suggestion. It say the Citizens’ Advisory Committee really does take a Village. By MARY C. MARVIN members seemed to prioritize the use of their tax dollars first to the police depart- Election District In late November, the operations and concerns of their individual ment and following closely behind, the Representatives Village’s Citizens’ Advisory departments to give committee members a services provided by our Public Works Committee met for our better understanding of the inter-workings Department. As a result of the Committee’s impact, District 16 quarterly meeting. I must of the Village. Maggie Marrone say of the innovations we have tried in the Then each neighborhood rep shares issues with Metro North have been Village in the past few years, forming this their thoughts and concerns and we compile addressed, the new traffic light at Kraft group of interested citizens is one of which a “to do” list which we then parse out to the Avenue has been retimed to increase traffic District 17 I am most proud. various department heads for evaluation flow, hedges and bushes were trimmed Roddy MacFarquhar Dissuaded by some because of the fear and completion. Some ideas are long term that obstructed driving site lines, Village Liza Near that it would degenerate into a complaint which are then kept in the hopper to do storefronts were neatened up, potholes bureau, it has proven to be just the opposite. when time and money permits, while others were discovered and filled, dangerous trees District 18 The committee members, who are all self are quick fixes. removed or trimmed and illegal parking Barbara White nominated and volunteered their services, I will give you a flavor of deliberations addressed. Even though we are only one Carol Holley have proven invaluable as they serve as by synthesizing the comments made at our square mile, the Village employees cannot Liz Hoskinson the eyes and ears of the Village in each most recent meeting. see all corners of the Village and most importantly observe the day-to-day work- of their neighborhoods. The Committee There were two overarching issues District 19 is composed of two residents from each ings or non-working of some of our Village shared almost unanimously by the group. Florence Kooluris of our seven election districts as well as a One was the concern that the Village is assets. few at-large members. They bring to the underlit, especially in the business district. And the truth be told, on some issues Kim Oliver table issues and ideas, large and small, both Members cited the increase in nighttime known to the Village, the presence of the particular to their neighborhood as well as activity due to the number of restaurants; Citizens’ Advisory Committee galvanizes District 20 more Village-wide in scope. the vibrant movie theater and resident us to act on things that may have been put Bill Grealy Often, we have one of the Village patterns of working later in general that on the back burner. A small case in point Cindi Callahan staffers attend, be it the Police Chief, contribute to an increase in both the vehic- is the unattractive third of a telephone pole Martin Palmeri Village Administrator or Superintendent ular and pedestrian traffic. that dangles on a pole at the intersection of Public Works to explain in detail the Working with the Police Department of DeWitt and Paxton Avenues. Thanks District 22 and Public Works, we are looking into to resident prodding, we did the detective work to ascertain who owned the wires on Joe Villanueva adding light posts at some of our busiest Robert Rabsey intersections and stretches of roads. this pole. Now they will be re-routed and Committee members also urged us to the pole will come down. maximize the value of our small police force These may seem like small fixes but District 21 by fostering a closer connection with the collectively they have great value in keeping Sondra Luger residents through increased walking patrols, our Village the attractive home it is. Also, Tom Troja bike patrols and officers getting out of their by being alerted to potential issues before cars when possible and meeting residents they become big problems, the Village saves and merchants. They would also like to see both time and taxpayer dollars on repair or remediation. more of what we call the “traffic patrol” to Mary C. Marvin is the mayor of the Village of Having a group of dedicated residents monitor speeding, driving while texting as Bronxville, New York. If you have suggestions who lend their time and expertise in such well as the completely frustrating habit of or comments, consider directing your perspec- a positive way is further testament to the some drivers who cross the double yellow tive by email to [email protected]. lines to park, especially on Pondfield Road. quality of our Village and its citizens. Unfortunately, our parking enforcement If you would be interested in joining our officers do not have the legal authority to group now or at a future date, just e-mail intervene in traffic violations they may see me at [email protected]. We particularly while walking their beat. need a representative from Election District 16. The following individuals currently serve

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CRIMINAL Former Chief of Staff to Ex-Senator Leibell Sentenced for Obstruction of Justice WHITE PLAINS, NY -- Preet Bharara to his duties as Chief of Staff, Maguire the Favored Contractor and directed him to (pictured), the United States Attorney for the acted as Senator Leibell’s general contractor “clean up the paper” in connection with the Southern District of NewYork, announced on the project. As general contractor, work he had done on Senator Leibell’s house. that Raymond Maguire, the former Chief of Maguire oversaw the hiring of a number Maguire instructed the Favored Contractor Staff to ex-New York State Senator Vincent of the contractors that had been awarded to create phony, backdated invoices to make L. Leibell, III, was sentenced on December contracts by the NFP, including the Favored it appear as though Senator Leibell had paid 16, 2011, by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel Contractor, to design and construct Senator for the full value of the services rendered by in White Plains federal court to four months Leibell’s new home. The Favored Contractor the Favored Contractor, when in fact, he had in prison and four months of home confine- provided deeply discounted construc- received well below market rates. Maguire ment for obstruction of justice. Maguire pled tion services to Senator Leibell. During further instructed the Favored Contractor to guilty on September 15, 2011, to a one-count the period of construction, the Favored falsely tell the Government that the reason Information charging him with obstructing Contractor received millions of dollars worth there was a delay in Senator Leibell’s payment a federal grand jury investigating whether of contracts from the NFP. to the Favored Contractor was that they had Senator Leibell had a corrupt relationship In April 2010, as a federal grand jury was entered into a payment plan. Maguire also with a contractor who was building him a sitting in White Plains, the FBI, and the IRS instructed the Favored Contractor to take new home. Senator Leibell also pled guilty Preet Bharara, United States Attorney were investigating allegations that Senator the scheme to obstruct the pending grand in December 2010 to obstructing the inves- Leibell resigned. Leibell had demanded or received well below jury investigation “to the grave.” tigation and was sentenced to 21 months in While in office, Senator Leibell spon- market value deals from contractors who had Maguire, 47, lives in Patterson in Putnam prison. sored the award of millions of dollars in New constructed his home and who had received County, New York. In addition to his prison U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: York State member item grants to a not-for- lucrative construction contracts from the term, Maguire was sentenced to one year of “Raymond Maguire was a corrupt staffer profit organization (“the NFP”) that funded NFP. The investigation focused on, among supervised release, with a special condition of for a corrupt politician. Elected officials and and developed senior housing in Putnam other things, the nature and value of the four months of home confinement. other public employees who exploit their County. The NFP was controlled, in part, by services provided by the Favored Contractor. Mr. Bharara praised the work of the FBI positions for personal gain violate the public Senator Leibell and administered, in part, Between 2008 and 2009, the Favored and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division trust and will be held to account for their by Maguire. The NFP had several contrac- Contractor provided construction services in the investigation. crimes.” tors that it used frequently on its projects, to Senator Leibell valued at approximately This case is being handled by the Office’s According to the Information and including one in particular (the “Favored $50,000, and prior to April 2010, Senator White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. statements made during court proceedings: Contractor”). Leibell had paid the Favored Contractor Attorneys Jason P.W. Halperin and Perry A. Maguire began working for Senator Leibell From 2004 to 2009, Senator Leibell only $5,000 for these services. Carbone are in charge of the prosecution. in 2003 and served as his Chief of Staff from was having a 6,000 square foot, $1.7 million After becoming aware of the pending 2005 until December 2010, when Senator house in Putnam County built. In addition federal investigation, Maguire approached OpEdSection CURRENT COMMENTARY

at $150 million. That money was to be An Ivy League Course In Buying Government Power divided between a public school to be built at Columbia’s expense, a contribution to a By LARRY M. ELKIN housing fund, and a $76 million fund to be used by an entity called the West Harlem It’s easy to identify winners owners were likely pleased by the opportu- private parties have the added responsi- Local Development Corp. for unspecified and losers in the long saga nity to sell at a profit. bility of proving that the area in question is community benefits. of Columbia University’s But unless Columbia wanted a gas “blighted.” The definition of blight, however, So far, however, the main benefit the pursuit of uptown expansion. station and two storage facilities amid its is so vague as to prove little obstacle to fund seems to provide is a pool of cash for It’s harder to separate the classroom buildings, it needed a way to oust motivated political movers and shakers. local politicians. Tom DeMott, a former players into good guys and bad guys, mainly those final holdouts. It turned to the city “Vagueness invites subjectivity, subjectivity member of the Local Development Corp.’s because the good guys are so scarce. and state governments. invites selective enforcement, and selective board, told The New York Post that, in In 2003, Columbia announced its Under the precedent set by the Supreme enforcement invites favoritism,” Norman brokering the deal, the board “sacrificed plan to convert 17 acres in Manhattan’s Court’s ruling in Kelo v. New London (a Siegel, an attorney representing one of the good development because it wanted to West Harlem neighborhood) into a satel- decision which I believe may be in for a holdout property owners in the Columbia control a slush fund.” The development lite campus. The Ivy League school quickly future update), governments can exercise case, said at a conference. The New York corporation has, so far, managed to spend proceeded to convince all but three of the eminent domain to transfer ownership State Court of Appeals ruled that Columbia less than $700,000, including $150,000 property owners in its desired terrain to sell from one private owner to another if doing could proceed. paid to a consultant for corporate struc- their land. The neighborhood, like much of so is expected to serve a “public purpose” by But politicians didn’t lend their help to turing advice. northern Manhattan, has benefited from generating economic development. the university for free. In exchange for the How did this mess occur? The vague substantial decreases in crime in the past In New York, governments seeking ability to break ground, Columbia agreed blight laws were part of it. But, more than few decades, and most of the property to use eminent domain on the behalf of to fund a so-called benefit package valued that, the sham fund was the product of Page 22 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

CURRENT COMMENTARY

An Ivy League Course In Buying Government Power fairness, city officials were interested in dealings work. It’s an Ivy-League-caliber selling off government services, including refresher course in cynicism. a system in which anyone who wants to to step forward to take the money. the power of eminent domain, for their own do anything not only has to deal with the Despite the rhetoric of the develop- benefit. powers that be in the mayor’s office and the ment corporation, there’s no real reason Fans of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” City Council, but also must run a gauntlet Columbia’s money should be directed at might sense something familiar in all this. Larry M. Elkin, CPA, CFP®, president of of self-appointed community activists and the “West Harlem community,” a jurisdic- The only real difference is that, back in the Palisades Hudson Financial Group a fee-only officially designatedcommunity “ boards.” tion that exists only in the minds of people days of Atlantic City boss Enoch “Nucky” financial planning firm headquartered in New York has 59 of these community who claim to speak for it. The losers were Johnson —fictionalized as Nucky Thompson Scarsdale, NY. The firm offers estate planning, boards. They operate as quasi-governmental the property owners and taxpayers citywide — such shady deals were conducted behind insurance consulting, trust planning, cross- entities comprised of individuals appointed who will no longer receive revenue from closed doors in private hotel suites. Now, border planning, business valuation, family by City Council members and borough that land. through the system of politician-domi- office and business management, executive presidents. Because they are not part of There is no reason why taxpayers in nated community boards and civic groups, financial planning, and tax services. Its sister the official structure of the city govern- West Harlem deserve any more compensa- modern Nuckys can extract private cash for firm, Palisades Hudson Asset Management, ment, these boards operate below the tion for the deal than taxpayers anywhere their own purposes and issue press releases is an independent investment advisor radar of mass-market media outlets and else. If the city had really wanted to make while they do it. with about $950 million under manage- other potential watchdogs. But since their Columbia take responsibility for its actions, Perhaps, in the end, the project has ment. Branch offices are in Atlanta and Ft. members are drawn from the political club- it might have had the university pay the city served a public purpose. While pursuing Lauderdale. Website:www.palisadeshudson. houses, they lack any actual independence. directly for the lost tax revenue. That would more classroom space for its students, com. So when Columbia proved willing to have been far simpler and fairer. Of course, Columbia has provided us all with an pay to get rid of those pesky private prop- it’s not what happened. education on just how modern political erty owners, plenty of people were willing Rather than aiming for simplicity or

GREG’S CORNER

of a little less than 15,000. Ordinance ICE cannot be supported by the Council New York Will Be Less Safe With Intro 656 No. 656 provides that the New York City and should not be supported by tax-payer Department of Corrections shall not honor dollars. New York City -- home to millions By GREG BALL ICE detainers, and requires New York City of immigrants -- should not be a willing jails to release illegal aliens without criminal participant in a program that separates Luck and political correct- completely ignore certain Immigration and histories, it also directs city jails to ignore thousands of immigrant families each year ness does not substitute smart Customs Enforcement federal detainers, ICE detainers issued to juveniles with crim- without a concomitant benefit to public public policy when it comes to thereby ending life-saving compliance with inal histories. safety.’ Homeland Security. As we pass the federal government. These detainers Experts have suggested that this new The New York City Council is dead the 10-year anniversary of 9-11-2001, some are issued to deport criminal illegal aliens ordinance is written so poorly that New wrong, and in pandering to political correct- are beginning to look past the sad reality from New York jails, immediately saving York City jails will now release thousands ness has placed our State, New York City that New York City remains terrorist target taxpayers and ultimately saving lives. of criminal illegal aliens, and possibly and the Homeland Security of this Nation #1 on most days. In an odd move, completely As a snapshot, in 2010, New York terrorists, back onto New York’s streets to at risk. devoid of commonsense, the New York City City’s Department of Corrections (DOC) possibly attack, steal, rape or murder again. New York State Senator Greg Ball represents Council has now accepted into law an ordi- admitted approximately 96,000 individ- According to member of the New York City the 40th Senate District. nance No. 656 that mandates all city jails to uals and had an average daily population Council, ‘Cooperation between DOC and

ED KOCH COMMENTARY

that Gingrich is not suffering from the attacks. faced a barrage of attacks, showed his resiliency.” Newt Gingrich: Liberals’ Nightmare Rather than injuring him, he seems to be gaining Gingrich is now leading the Republican new supporters and widening his lead. A recent pack in the polls. Romney has not been able to By EDWARD I. KOCH Gallup poll shows Gingrich leading Romney capture more than 25 percent of the Republican 37%-22% amongst Republican registered voters. Party support. Apparently the conservative base th I have watched about a half- the latter. In his December 12 New York Times of the Party simply does not trust him. dozen events involving the I intend to vote for the reelection of article following the Iowa debate, columnist Trip Democrats who are supporters of President Republican presidential President Barack Obama. In the past I have Gabriel wrote: Obama and are hoping that he will face Newt candidates, including their said the only credible Republican candidate “And boy, are there a lot of potentially prob- Gingrich as the Republican candidate are appearance this week before running for president was Mitt Romney. I now lematic chapters, in both the public and private mistaken in their belief that he will be easy to both the Republican National Jewish Coalition believe that Newt Gingrich is very credible and spheres, that Mr. Gingrich’s Republican rivals beat. Gingrich is appealing to the anger in this and the Iowa debate moderated by Diane the Republican ticket will end up as Gingrich/ assumed would eventually sour voters on him country toward all politicians, particularly those Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos. Romney. and halt his momentum. in Congress. The country is looking for a leader, In the beginning of the early debates, I was Gingrich is perceived by all as the smartest “But so far, that has not happened. Mr. unafraid to tell the truth, and many think that not very impressed with any of the candidates’ of the eight Republican candidates vying for the Gingrich’s skill in facing criticisms head on – Newt Gingrich is that person. sometimes fiercely rebutting them, sometimes grasp of the issues being discussed. Either my presidency. He is also the whipping boy of all the The Honorable Edward Irving Koch served as a apologizing for past errors in judgment - has standards have lowered over the passing months, commentators on the left, and his philosophical member of Congress from New York State from only swelled his support. And his strong debate I was not really listening, or they have increased positions and character are attacked with a glee 1969 through 1977, and New York City as its appearance in Iowa on Saturday, in which he their comprehension of the issues. I believe it is and a fierceness rarely seen. But my belief is 105th Mayor from 1978 to 1989. The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 23

NEW YORK CIVIC

selection of the jury. beyond a reasonable doubt, society will be Was Justice Done? Seabrook, Boyland Escape An issue emerging from the Seabrook hung harmed. More wrongdoers will come to believe jury (a jury which is unable to reach a decision that they will escape punishment because juries By HENRY J. STERN Conviction On Fraud Charges because its members disagree) and the case of will sympathize with their ethnicity, or disbelieve Brooklyn Assemblyman William Boyland, Jr., any witnesses representing the state. It’s better Reading the newspapers in recent defeated. A year later, Seabrook was elected to who was acquitted of corruption charges on for juries to decide on the basis of the evidence weeks has become an exercise in the City Council and was re-elected in 2005 and November 10, is whether jury nullification is an submitted than on the identity of the defendant exploring one scandal after another. 2009. He is now serving his third term, and is element in the verdicts. Jury nullification occurs or prosecutor. To rely on any other basis than In our field, watching the performance of public ineligible for re-election. when the jurors may believe a defendant most the merits of a case is a miscarriage of justice, no agencies and elected officials, we have been One of the community organizations likely committed the crime for which he is matter which side benefits from the result. following the case of City Councilman Larry in Seabrook’s orbit is the Northeast Bronx accused, but other reasons lead them to believe On December 1st, New York Civic presented Seabrook, a city or state legislator for 27 years, Redevelopment Corporation. The Federal that conviction would be unjust. its first annual Mary Perot Nichols Award for and William Boyland, a Brooklyn Assemblyman indictment against Seabrook accused the orga- The most prominent case of jury nullifica- Investigative Reporting at WNYC’s Greene and member of a political dynasty. nization of radical underperformance on the tion in the recent history of the United States is Space. The winner of the $2,000 first prize was Seabrook is also an entrepreneur in education and training programs it received O.J. Simpson’s acquittal on October 3, 1995 of City & State reporter Laura Nahmias for her providing a variety of social services to the public, federal funds to operate. Seabrook denies all the murder of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, article “Boyland’s Magic Trick”, which appeared for which he and the organizations he controls the allegations, and argues that they were not and her friend, Ron Goldman. The trial was in the September 26, 2011 issue of The Capitol. are handsomely rewarded by the government. proven beyond a reasonable doubt at the trial, at closely watched by millions of people around Journalist Aaron Short received $1,000 and For example, he collects rent for office space, which the jury failed to reach agreement and was the world and reported upon extensively in the honorable mention for his piece “This is supposed said to be exorbitant in a 2010 Federal indict- dismissed. media because of the prominence of the defen- to be a senior center. It’s actually Vito Lopez’s ment, from nonprofits for which he helps to Tuesday night, reporter Errol Louis inter- dant and the cruelty of the double murder. clubhouse”, which appeared in The Brooklyn Paper secure public funding. At the same time, some of viewed Seabrook and his attorney, Edward One theory of the jury’s rationalization in and The New York Post on October 30th, 2010. those same taxpayer-funded nonprofits employ Wilford, on NY1’s Inside City Hall. Watching Simpson’s acquittal is that for many years in the Click here to watch Nahmias’s acceptance speech senior people who happen to be relatives of the the 25-minute video will inform you as to the United States, particularly in the South, it was and here to watch Short’s. Councilman. allegations and the Councilmember’s defenses. considered impossible for an African-American New York Civic again congratulates our Seabrook, derided by critics as “Cash and Much of the tape deals with Seabrook’s claims to get a fair trial, and, over the years, hundreds winners! To learn how to apply for next year’s Carry” Larry, has had a lengthy career as a public that jobs were created under the government- were lynched by mobs unsatisfied by trial verdicts contest or to make a tax-deductible donation in official.H e was first elected to the state assembly supported programs and Louis’ unsuccessful or unwilling to wait for them. As a result, the support of New York Civic’s 2012 Mary Perot in 1984 and was re-elected five times from his efforts to get theC ouncilmember or his attorney jury may have been inclined to acquit Simpson Nichols Award, call 212-564-4441 or give district in the north Bronx. He moved up to the to substantiate those claims. The United States to make up for past injustices committed against online here. African-Americans. state senate in 1996 and was re-elected there Attorney for the Southern District of New Henry J. Stern writes as StarQuest. Direct email The recent cases of elected officials escaping in 1998. In 2000 he challenged Congressman York intends to retry the case. We believe an to him at mailto:[email protected]. justice give reason for anxiety. If juries fail to Eliot Engel in the Democratic primary, but was important aspect of the proceedings will be the Peruse Mr. Stern’s writing at New York Civic. convict when evidence is presented of guilt Page 24 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

OPED The Slap Heard Around the World By DANIEL PIPES

December 17, 2011. Cross- with his fly whisk. The French govern- posted with express ment exploited this episode to go on to permission from National conquer the whole of Algeria over the next Review Online. http:// three years, and stayed for 132 more years. www.danielpipes.org/blog/2011/12/ Granted that the fly-whisk was a manufac- the-slap-heard-around-the-world tured incident and the slap a year ago was a A year ago to the day, Officer Fadiya real one – still the resemblance is striking. Hamdi slapped fruit vendor Mohammed Third, the events of the past year Bouazizi across the face in the small should put forever to rest the notion that Tunisian town of Sidi Bouzid, setting off Muslims are fatalistic. As I put it in 1983 upheavals that caused three seeming Arab about pre-modern life: “Although Muslim dictators-for-life to lose power: Ben Ali of subjects were often referred to by the Tunisia resigned on January 14, Mubarak Arabic term ra’iya (tended flock), indi- of Egypt resigned on February 11, and cating their passivity, it would be more apt Qaddafi of Libya was killed on October 20. to see them as cattle which, normally placid (In addition, Saleh of Yemen resigned on and complacent, sometimes turned against November 23 but that appears to be more authorities and stampeded them. Rejection a ruse to hang on to power than his really of the [traditional order] happened rarely, leaving office.) usually at moments of extreme crisis, Second, the slap confirms the butterfly but often enough to keep Muslim rulers effect – the idea going back to a 1972 apprehensive.” Indeed, those rules should academic paper by Edward Lorenz, a not underestimate the volatility of their professor at the Massachusetts Institute of masses. (December 17, 2011) Technology, “Does the Flap of a Butterfly’s Daniel Pipes is president of the Middle East Wings in Brazil Set Off a Tornado in Forum and Taube distinguished visiting Texas?” that a miniscule, remote act can fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford have momentous and unpredictable University. His bi-weekly column appears consequences. regularly in the National Review and in Three observations on that slap: First, newspapers around the globe, including the it brings to mind the famous fly-whisk Jerusalem Post and Yisrael ha-Yom (Israel), incident (French: le coup d eventail) in Al-Akhbar (Iraq), Die Welt (Germany), La neighboring Algeria on April 29, 1827, Razón (Spain), Liberal (Italy), National Anonymous, Le coup d’eventail, 1827. when the dey of Algiers (the Ottoman Post (Canada), and the Australian. ruler of the region), Hussein ben Hassan, struck the French consul, Pierre Deval, OPED

While the federal government discusses The number of Americans out of work for The Abandoned Middle Class job-training programs (which generally more than six months has jumped by more produce little more than political patronage than 3.5 million in the past two years. By FRANK V. VERNUCCIO, JR. mills) for the poor and undereducated, the Washington has taken no effective The nationwide economic economy is devastating, for unlike the poor needs of capable and willing middle class action to encourage middle income private disaster that has continu- who have access to a variety of benefits, the workers go unaddressed. The official U.S. sector employment. The actual rate of ously worsened for over three needs of the traditional American family unemployment rate, which rose from 5.8% unemployment in the private sector is not years has hit middle class depends not on governmental largess, but in 2008 to the current 9%, doesn’t even reflected in the overall statistics due to the New Yorkers hard. Unlike on a regular and adequate paycheck. include “discouraged” workers who have continued strength of public employment. the far less serious downturn in 2003, Middle class New Yorkers were already exhausted unemployment benefits or have In Washington and Albany, the highly when the federal government adopted tax enduring the highest taxes and the second given up trying to find jobs; including those influential public sector unions successfully policies that helped the economy recover, worst business climate in the nation before individuals brings the actual unemployment influence politicians dependent on their Washington has failed to take effective steps the current recession hit. The state was ill rate to about 16.2%. Add to that number campaign support to protect their interests. to restore middle class prosperity. Indeed, it prepared to survive the 26% decline in net those who have been forced to work only at The problem is, absent a strong private jobs has pursued policies that have deepened the worth by the middle fifth of American part time jobs or for salaries representing a market, the federal and state governments crisis. households over the past two years, nor the fraction of their former income brings the have run out of tax income to pay for public The lack of effort aimed at addressing 2.3% drop in real median household income number to Great Depression levels. There workers and other needs. That is a key factor the middle class need for a sound from 2009 to 2010. are five job seekers for every open position, in the deficit crisis we now face. the greatest number since World War II. Continued on page 25 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 25

OPED The Abandoned Middle Class

Continued from page 24 by China) and in numerous other instances. While enduring sharply reduced The President has, for reasons not clearly income, middle income New Yorkers, like outlined, delayed until next year a decision all Americans, are contending with the on the Keystone pipeline from Canada. return of an inflationary spiral over the past The net effect of all these anti-production several years. Price increases at the grocery policies has been increased energy costs, store are becoming painful. The price of inflation all around, and further unemploy- food has increased by 4.7% in the past year, ment. Brazil has lately been the beneficiary and another 4.5% increase is expected in the of American foreign aid to increase its coming year. Food staples such as eggs and energy production—energy it is selling to dairy products have risen over 10%. It was China. Not surprisingly, at our expense, estimated that the traditional Thanksgiving Brazil’s unemployment rate has dropped, dinner this year cost 13% more than in 2010. even as ours continues at crushing levels. While much of the southeastern For politicians, the easy access to voter portion of the Empire State, particularly the loyalty by supporting specific benefits, greater metropolitan area, has the distinc- programs, or pressure groups is irresist- tion of being the most energy-efficient in ible. It is far more difficult to get votes and the U.S., the rising price of energy has hit contributions by the responsible path of middle income residents, businesses and allowing the American economy to produce homeowners particularly hard. The White the jobs and opportunities the middle class House continues to promote policies that truly needs. create unnecessary shortages, causing prices Frank V. Vernuccio is president of the to ascend ever higher. The federal govern- Community Action Civic Association. Direct ment has road-blocked the use of domestic email to him at nycommunityaction@gmail. assets such as those available in Alaska’s com. Visit the COMACTA website at comac- ANWAR, off our southeastern coast in the tainc.com. Caribbean (which is instead being exploited Page 26 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011

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LEGAL NOTICES

What’s for Dessert? CB LLC Arts. of mail copy of process to The LLC 2712 Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) process may be served. SSNY shall Org. filed with SSNY 11/14/2011. Off. East Tremont Ave Bronx, NY 10461 10/20/2011. Office in Westchester mail copy of process The LLC 152 Loc.: Westchester Cnty. SSNY desig- Purpose: Any lawful activity. Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC Mildred Pkwy. New Rochelle, NY nated as agent of LLC whom process upon whom process may be served. 10804. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 2 column 1 column may be served. SSNY shall mail pro- ACTIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY PLLC SSNY shall mail copy of process cess to: c/o The LLC, 12 Greenfield Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State Corporation Service Company 80 Ave., Bronxville, NY 10708. Purpose: (SSNY) 9/30/2011. Office in West- State St. Albany, NY 12207. Pur- all lawful activities. chester Co. SSNY design. Agent pose: Any lawful activity. Registered of PLLC upon whom process may Agent: Corporation Service Com- QUICK CASH OF WESTCHESTER be served. SSNY shall mail copy of pany 80 State St. Albany, NY 12207 Get AVE. LLC Articles of Org. filed NY process The PLLC 35 Sheldrake Ave. Sec. of State (SSNY) 2/18/2009. Larchmont, NY 10538. Purpose: Any SAGES LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Get Noticed Noticed Office in Westchester Co. SSNY lawful activity. Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/19/2011. design. Agent of LLC upon whom Office in Westchester Co. SSNY process may be served. SSNY shall ZYGGE HANDYMAN, LLC Articles of design. Agent of LLC upon whom

CLASSIFIED ADS Office Space Available- Prime Retail - Westchester County Prime Location, Yorktown Heights Best Location in Yorktown Heights 1,000 Sq. Ft.: $1800. Contact Jaime: 914.632.1230 1100 Sq. Ft. Store $3100; 1266 Sq. Ft. store $2800 and 450 Sq. Legal Notices, Ft. Store $1200. Advertise Today Suitable for any type of business. Contact Jaime: 914.632.1230 Legal Notices, Advertise Today HELP WANTED A non profit Performing Arts Center is seeking two job positions- 1) Director of Development- FT-must have a background in development or experience fundraising, knowledge of what development entails and experience working with sponsors/ donors; 2) Operations Manager- must have a good knowledge of computers/software/ticketing systems, duties include overseeing all box office, concessions, movie staffing, day of show lobby staffing such as Merchandise seller, bar sales. 914-562-0834 Must be familiar with POS system and willing to organize concessions. Full time plus hours. Call (203) 438-5795 and ask for Julie or Allison [email protected] The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Page 27 Celebrate New Year’s Eve

At White Plains Dec. 31, 2011

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175 Main St. , White Plains, NY. • Tel: 914-428-5500 • www.sofritowhiteplains.com 400 East 57th Street New York, NY 10022-3019Sofrito • Tel: 212. 754.5999 • www.sofritony.com SAZON • 105 Reade St., New York, NY • Tel: 212.406.1900 • www.sazonnyc.com Page 28 The Westchester Guardian THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2011 Looking for the Best Holiday Shopping Values? Look No Further than Yonkers Downtown. Time is running out. There are only eight days left to get your holiday shopping done. But don’t worry. There’s some- Avon thing for everyone that can be found on every corner of the Yonkers Downtown. Take your pick of the best products and 20 Warburton Ave. | (914) 476-2415 the best prices shown on this page and at so many other fine merchants of the Yonkers Downtown who make up one of Enjoy 15% discount on any product or gift basket plus free gift wrapping EXCLUSIVELY at this Avon independent sales representative location. the Westchester’s most diverse, affordable and convenient Good only through December 24. shopping destinations. It’s all here and at hard-to-beat prices: housewares, jewelry, clothing, (children and adults), appliances, toys, make-up, C.H. Martin Department Store home entertainment, wine, electronics, footwear and more! Shopping in the Yonkers Downtown is also very conve- 2 Palisade Ave. | (914) 968-3922 | www.chmartin.com nient. In addition to easy access by the Bee-Line Bus and Metro North, there is ample parking at municipal garages. All ladies coats and jackets 20% off! Good only through December 24. The Yonkers Downtown is a traditional urban shopping destination, not a mega, crowded mall. The stores are all within a short walking distance of each and there are ample Golden Square Jewelry restaurants, diners and cafes along the way to relax and enjoy 28 South Broadway | (914) 375-5753 some refreshments or a meal. You’ll find the storefronts and streets are sparkling with Discounts start at 15%, up to 35% off selected items. Good only through December 31. bright, festive lights including the 25-foot spectacular holiday tree in Getty Square and live caroling and other holiday music. And there’s a strong likelihood that Santa will Yonkers Linen & More be making his rounds too. This all adds up to a stress-free leisurely and fun shopping experience. One Palisade Ave. | (914) 751-8345 To take advantage of the holiday specials mentioned on this page, simply show a copy when you make your Take 20% off any item.We also buy gold. Good only through December 24. purchases. To learn more why Yonkers Downtown is a great shopping and dining destination, visit www.yonkersdowntown.com. Retro Fitness Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday and a healthy, 66 Main Street | (914) 207-7981 | www.yonkersny.retrofitness.net happy New Year. “0” dollars for enrollment, $19.99 per month Yonkers Downtown International (must bring the ad to redeem) Good only through January 31. Restaurant Week, Jan 21-Jan 29 Fly Me to the Moon Florist Come on downtown to taste some of the best international 47B North Broadway | (914) 476-2200 food in Westchester County. The Yonkers Downtown BID www.flymetothemoonflorists.com will be presenting the first-ever Yonkers Downtown Interna- tional Restaurant Week from Jan 10% off any floral purchase. Good only through December 24. 21-Jan 29. From Italian to Asian to Cuban, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Participating Weber’s restaurants include X2O, Zuppa, 29 North Broadway | (914) 476-4763 Dolphin, La Bella Havana, Khangri Asian & Japanese and Get $5 off when you spend $50 or more. Good only through December 24. more. All restaurants will offer PRESENTED BY the Yonkers Downtown 20% off lunch, with options of 5 Waterfront Business items and 25% off dinner, with Improvement District options of 5 items. Prices do not Liza’s Party Supply & Boutique 15 Main Street include alcoholic beverages, 16 Main Street | (914) 965-7532 | www.lizaspartysupplies.com Yonkers, NY 10701 gratuity and taxes. Go to T: (914) 969-6660 www.YonkersDowntown.com Buy 10 Christmas items & get 2 of equal or lesser value for free. 20% off all party dresses. www.YonkersDowntown.com for updates. (excludes custom dresses and no layaway) Good only through December 24.

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