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Volume 36 Number 2 March 2007 One Dollar A Current Review City Island Experiences “Doubt” By RACHEL LANICCI

Photo by RICK DeWITT Councilmember James Vacca (at right) presented Nick Sala and Carol McCabe of the City Island Theater Group with a check for $5,000 at a performance of “Doubt” on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007.

Sister Aloysius Beauvier with Father Brendan Flynn, played by Dana Laite, and Sister tion based on moral judgment. heighten the confl ict between conviction and James. All four actors in “Doubt” clearly had an doubt. intimate understanding of their characters, and Even though the cast was small, there No doubt about it; the City Island Theater they brought a real sense of life and humanity were half a dozen people who served as the Group’s February production of the Pulitzer to this simple but powerful play. backstage crew and clearly put a lot of effort Prize-winning play “Doubt” was a real class Portrayed by Catherine Roskam, who is an into organizing this wonderful performance. act. Esteemed screen writer and playwright Episcopal bishop as well as an accomplished On hand to keep things running smoothly were John Patrick Shanley, a native of the Bronx, actor, Sister Aloysius is a widow-turned-nun stage managers Julie White and Justine Costan- granted permission for this production to the who comes across as rigid, judgmental and za, assisted by George Paturas as stage crew. City Island Theater Group, the fi rst communi- seemingly devoid of emotion. Ms. Roskam’s The Sew & Sew designers Carole Sullivan and ty theater to be given this honor after the play’s winning performance literally set the tone for Carole McCabe designed the costumes; both successful two-year Broadway run. Under the the entire play as she delivered her lines with women have been a vital part of the theater direction of Michael Flanagan, this winter’s great emotional authority. group for years. Con Grondahl contributed his presentation was a truly successful venture on The polar opposite of her superior, Cori- expertise to the set design, along with Dorothy several levels. Anne Roublick portrayed the shy and naïve Muccio. “Doubt: A Parable” is a classic tale about Sister James, a role that beautifully comple- The performance on the evening of Feb. 17 the terrors of uncertainty. Set in 1964 in a con- mented Sister Aloysius’s stern demeanor. was a great success, with members of the audi- servative Catholic school, the story takes place Cori-Anne is no stranger to the theater group; ence obviously enjoying the show and respond- in an era of vast social change. But “Doubt” with several productions under her belt, her dy- ing to its fi ne execution. City Council Member presents more than just a clash of perspec- namic force on stage comes through yet again. James Vacca, who attended the performance, tives; it goes to a deeper, more personal level Photos by RICK DEWITT Dana Laite played Father Flynn, the priest awarded a grant to the theater group. He is a of fundamental human uncertainty brought on Sister James, played by Cori-Ann Rou- in question, his debut performance with the longtime supporter of art and music education by these changes. blick, sits in the church courtyard with CITG. His lines were delivered with appropri- in New York City schools, and he commended Although the skin color of a student Sister Aloysius Beauvier, played by ate smoothness but his convincing sermons president Nick Sala and vice president Carol named Daniel Muller is a topic of contro- Cathy Roskam. elicited several “Amens” from the audience. McCabe for the success of the theater group as versy at the school, the more important issues garding the parish’s well-liked priest, who Perhaps the most moving performance of he handed them a gigantic cardboard check in lie in the suspicions that the tough-minded may or may not have subjected Daniel to child the night came from seasoned actress Wilna the amount of $5,000. school principal, Sister Aloysius, holds re- abuse. “Doubt” is a parable about discrimina- Julmiste, who was cast as Mrs. Muller, Dan- All members of the City Island Theater iel’s mother. Her dramatic performance of the Group should pat themselves on the back for a stoic mother was outstanding and served to job well done! THE DIG GOES ON By BARBARA DOLENSEK As of Feb. 20, 2007, Carp Construc- winter, when water in the trucks would freeze. tion, which is replacing the water mains and Arrangements are being made for residents of installing storm and sanitary sewers on City Schofi eld Street and marina customers to have Island, estimated that the project was about access through the Boatyard Condominium 35 percent completed. Thanks to a relatively parking garage. mild winter, the project has lost only one day A number of community leaders present of work, although the complicated nature of at the meeting complimented the contractor the underground structures has not made the and the Department of Design and Construc- job an easy one and the contractor made con- tion (DDC) for their excellent work on the siderable efforts to avoid the business district project, which has created traffi c problems during the holiday shopping season. and diffi cult road conditions along the Av- At a task force meeting on Feb. 20, Andy enue. For the most part, Mr. Macagnone re- Macagnone, community liaison for the proj- ported, Island residents and businesses had ect, reported that work in front of P.S. 175 was been very understanding and cooperative, al- scheduled to take place during the winter and though a few rude individuals have taken out spring breaks, in the hope that the contrac- their frustrations by being verbally abusive to tor would need only a few days to complete workmen. the work after school closes for the summer. Although many residents would like the Photo by BARBARA DOLENSEK For reasons of safety, work cannot take place work to continue through the summer in order there when school is in session. to speed up completion of the project, others Work on the sewer project took place between Centre and Earley Streets during the Mr. Macagnone said that the summer feel that everyone on City Island deserves a week of Feb. 19, when the students at P.S. 175 were on holiday. moratorium would remain in place, meaning break from the chaos. Sam Chernin, owner and lines are not accurately recorded on avail- proceed as quickly as possible. This involves that no work would take place on City Island of a number of Island restaurants, pointed able maps, but he believes that the work would paying attention not only to the men control- Avenue, with the possible exception of the out that if next winter is also mild, there is a certainly be completed before the end of 2008. ling traffi c but also to the no-parking signs. area near the school, between the week before chance that the project may be completed be- He assured those in attendance at the meeting Anyone with questions or complaints Mother’s Day in May and Labor Day. Work fore the summer of 2008, even with the sum- that Carp Construction would put a temporary about the project may contact Mr. Macagnone must continue on Schofi eld Street through mer moratorium. but satisfactory surface on City Island Avenue in the DDC fi eld offi ce at 261 City Island Av- the summer, however, because the fi re trucks Mr. Macagnone was unwilling to project for the summer months. enue; the telephone number is 718-885-0308. will have to be parked on City Island Avenue a fi nal date, because of unforeseen circum- Until mid-May, DDC and the Carp work- Periodic updates on the project are available during that time and this cannot be done in stances, since many of the underground pipes ers ask residents to be patient so that work can online at www.outreach.ny.com. PageTwo The Island Current March 2007

BRIEFLY... Island Residents Face COMMUNITY WALL PART 2: The P.T.A. of P.S. 175 is planning a second Firearms Charges installment of the Community Wall, which was first unveiled to the community on Sept. 15, By BARBARA DOLENSEK and KAREN NANI 2006, and is now on permanent display in the auditorium area of the school. All members of the Islander Jeff Hanlon of King Avenue was have a license. community are encouraged to participate in this important public art project and fund-raising sentenced to three years probation on Jan. 17, Ironically, the police had been called to event. Proceeds will help support art, music and sports programs, as well as staff development. 2007, in Bronx Criminal Court. Mr. Hanlon the Persteins house in response to a 911 call This year’s tile painting party will be held on Tuesday, May 8, at P.S.175 from 6 to 8 p.m. had been arrested on Sept. 15, 2006, on City reporting an attempted burglary. According to The suggested minimum donation is $25. To reserve your tile in advance, post or drop off a Island, after a tense three-hour standoff with members of the family, two individuals were check made payable to P.S. 175 P.T.A., 200 City Island Avenue, Bronx, NY 10464. For more police who were trying to gain access to his surprised by Mrs. Persteins when she entered information contact project coordinator Susan Bellinson at 718-885-2109 or Sbellinson@usa. home in order to investigate a complaint fi led the house and after striking her with a gun fl ed net. Anyone wishing to view the Community Wall should call parent-teacher coordinator Tina by his girlfriend. He was charged with assault, the scene, leaving her purse and the gun on Gisante at 718-885-1093. menacing, fi ve counts of criminal possession the front lawn. of a weapon, possession of ammunition, and When the police arrived, Mr. Persteins IRISH SINGER MICK MOLONEY, National Heritage Award recipient, will unlawful possession of marijuana. was carrying one of his weapons, which he trace the history of Irish immigration in song and its connection to American tap dance at 4 p.m. Another Island resident, John Persteins, had taken out to confront the burglars. The on Sunday, March 4, at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum on Shore Road. Seating is limited, so was arrested on the evening of Feb. 6, 2007, police asked permission to search the house, call for reservations at 718-885-1461 or e-mail [email protected]. Suggested donation $8. at his home on Paulis Place, for the unlaw- and permission was granted. They found what ful possession of several fi rearms. According the family described as a collection of antique SUNDAYS AT THE MUSEUM: During the month of March, the City Island to the Bronx District Attorney’s offi ce, the guns in one of the bedrooms and confi scated Nautical Museum will hold three “conversations with clamdiggers” that will take place from 2 police reported that Mr. Persteins admitted it. The burglary is still under investigation. to 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. On March 11, the subject will be “Who are the ghosts in your to owning the weapons for which he did not house?” and Islanders will be encouraged to talk about previous owners of their homes—in some cases members of their own family. On March 18, the subject “Did you work in one of the boatyards?” should inspire great stories about City Island’s glory days as a boat-building center. The subject on March 25 will be “Where did you buy…?” and it will offer Islanders the opportunity to discuss what stores were located where in the days when we had a five-and-ten and three barbers. For more information, call 718-885-1616 or -0507. INDOOR TAG SALE, the City Island Community Center’s first this year, will be held on Saturday, March 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 190 Fordham Street. There are many vendors, so no more table space is available, but there will be tons of stuff to buy, so be sure to come by and shop. WANTED - DONATIONS FOR CANCER BINGO: The Leonard H. Hawkins American Legion Post Auxiliary is holding its annual Cancer Bingo at the Legion on Thursday, May 10, and the group is hoping for donations of prizes from residents and local businesses. All proceeds from the event will go to various organizations to be used to help can- cer patients and to support cancer research. If you would like to make a monetary gift or gift certificate or donate an item, please bring it to the American Legion Hall at Cross Street and mark it to the attention of the Ladies Auxiliary. WOMENʼS “HERSTORY” MONTH CELEBRATION: On Sun- day, March 18, between 11a.m. and 3 p.m., City Island women and girls are invited to attend the annual celebration of women’s history month to be held at Six Mile Cross Restaurant at 288 City Island Avenue. There will be live entertainment and an open menu. Bring stories, skills, interests or just yourself to this friendly annual gathering. For more information and reserva- tions, call Toby Liederman at 718-885-3423.

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EDITOR: Karen Rauhauser Nani CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Sara S. McPherson DISTRIBUTION: Emily Leni COPY EDITOR/WRITER: Barbara Dolensek SUBSCRIPTION: Rose Kolb ART EDITOR: Marguerite Chadwick-Juner ADVERTISING MANAGERS: Joan Ramftl, Margaret Lenz BUSINESS MANAGER: Judith Rauh STAFF: Bernard Witlieb, Dr. Fred Hess, Bill Clancy, Maria Swieciki, Carol Koschak, Ed Heben, Marsha Treiber, Jane Protzman, Bill Stuttig, Tom Smith, Virginia Dannegger, Monica Glick, Maria Sutherland, John Sheridan, Miriam Kleinberg and Teresa Teto. PHOTOGRAPHY: Rick DeWitt. CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS: Russell Schaller Sr., Stephanie Ribaudo, Melissa Koller, Marge McNulty, Lorraine Nicoletti. Masthead and special artwork by the late Theodore J. Mazaika.

Typeset by Marguerite Chadwick-Juner, Witworks Studio Graphic Design, 33 Earley Street, City Island, N.Y. 10464 Printed by Hi-Speed Printing Co., 1123 Worthen Street, Bronx, N.Y. 10474 The Island Current (USPS 114-590) is published monthly except for January and August by the Island Current Inc., a not-for-profit organization. Subscription rate, $10.00 per year. Single copies, $1.00. All subscriptions, editorial, advertis- ing and other correspondence must be mailed to: The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. Display advertising deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication, call 885-0984 or 885-0760. Copyright 2007 by The Island Current, Inc., 724 King Ave., City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. All rights reserved. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT BRONX, NY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. March 2007 The Island Current Page Three COLONEL GLOVER, THE HERO CONNIE, THE SERVICE DOG By PHIL REISMAN By MIRIAM KLEINBERG The word “hero” is bandied about rather For thousands of years, humans have had freely and is often misapplied. But Col. John a close relationship with animals, which have Glover was the real deal, an authentic Ameri- been domesticated for food and for work, as can hero. in hunting and herding. Nowadays that bond Glover embodies one of those “ifs” of his- is most often one of companionship between tory. people and their pets, but some animals still If not for his leadership and the bravery fulfi ll an important role as working partners or of his men, who took a bloody stand at a place “service animals,” trained to perform tasks for called Pell’s Point [now known as Rodman’s people with disabilities. Neck] some 230 years ago, we might still be We are all familiar with seeing-eye dogs, taking afternoon tea and singing “God Save which help blind people negotiate their way the Queen.” Is that a slight stretch? Maybe. through life, but a growing branch of service But there’s no question that on Oct. 18, dogs includes those trained to assist people 1776, Glover’s outnumbered regiment of Mas- who are deaf or hard of hearing. sachusetts volunteers surprised 4,000 Brit- A clamdigger who has recently returned ish and Hessian troops and prevented a rout to City Island, Joyce Deich has brought with of George Washington’s tattered main army, her a beautiful little dog named Connie, who which was in full retreat after suffering a se- has a very important job helping her live with ries of defeats in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The a serious hearing loss. Joyce has been hard of rear-guard action allowed Washington to fl ee hearing since early childhood, but her deafness north and to fi ght another day on the heights of went undetected and untreated for many years. Photos courtesy of TOM NYE White Plains, above the Bronx River. She compensated by teaching herself to lip Glover served valiantly throughout the Col. John Glover, an unsung hero of the read and by asking to be seated near the front Revolutionary War, but he’s usually relegated American Revolution. of the classroom in school. Photo by RICK DeWITT to footnote status. Only scholars and buffs After graduating from P.S. 17 and Colum- Islander Joyce Deich and her ser- know the full extent of his remarkable story. bus High School, Joyce got a B.S. in nursing vice dog, Connie. Connie is a Bichon So it seems long overdue that he be res- from Lehman College and trained at Method- Havanese and has been trained as a cued from the dustbin on history—and res- ist Hospital in Brooklyn. Because her degree service dog for the deaf. The dog learns is in pediatric nursing, she worked fi rst with cuing him is exactly what the curators at St. to lead the owner out of dangerous situ- children in the emergency room at Jacobi Paul’s Church National Historic Site in Mount ations through predetermined signals. Vernon have in mind. Last month, the muse- Medical Center but later worked with adults. um at 897 South Columbus Avenue offi cially There was a lot of yelling on the job, and this When she attended ALDA’s national con- opened an exhibit titled “Overlooked Hero: fi t in perfectly with Joyce’s disability. Because vention, Joyce learned more about service John Glover and the American Revolution.” she worked at a city hospital, she encountered animals and searched the Internet for agencies David Osborn, the site manager at St. many crime victims, criminals and police offi - and organizations that exist throughout the Paul’s, said Glover was a modest patriot, cers, and she did the work of a forensic trauma country providing assistance and service dogs which might explain why his name only comes nurse, although she didn’t have the offi cial for the deaf. (If one does not have access to a up sparingly. title. personal computer at home, the public library “I think one of the reasons why he’s a little Joyce married in 1967 and moved off City is an excellent resource.) lost in history is that most of the other Con- Island in 1979, when she taught paramedics Some agencies make a practice of rescu- tinental Army generals let everybody know in the evening at the State University of New ing shelter animals and training them to be ser- what they did,” Mr. Osborn posited. “This guy York at New Paltz while raising her children. vice dogs, while others start with puppies bred seems to have been a humble man. He did his (Her daughter is now an electric power nuclear for the purpose. All service dogs for the deaf, job. The last couple of years, he just wants to engineer and her son is a homicide detective in however, must pass profi ciency tests, which in- go home.” Gloverʼs Rock is located in Pelham Bay New Jersey.) clude alerting the owner to any unusual noises, A thumbnail sketch of Glover’s military Park along Orchard Beach Road. The After leaving New Paltz in 1990, Joyce as well as ordinary sounds, such as doorbells, career creates a Zelig-like effect. He was at Bronx Chapter of the Daughters of the went to work at Westchester Medical Center, telephones, knocking, fi re alarms and timers. all the big events but was overshadowed by American Revolution erected a tablet on where she read an ad that Sing Sing prison in The dog learns to lead the owner out of danger- other larger-than-life characters, like Washing- Oct. 18, 1901, to honor the 125th anni- Ossining, New York, needed a nurse. The job ous situations through predetermined signals. ton himself. Hailing from Marblehead, Mass., versary of Gloverʼs heroic victory. Van- appealed to her, so she applied and was ac- The usual procedure is to apply through Glover was a successful fi shing merchant, a dals stole the sign in the 1930s, and the cepted. There are no physicians on site at Sing an agency, which will match people with suit- self-made man who was part of the so-called Bronx County Historical Society dedi- Sing, so Joyce single-handedly took care of able dogs. The deaf person will stay with the codfi sh aristocracy. At the outbreak of the war, cated another bronze tablet on Nov. 11, emergency patients until an ambulance with a animal at the agency for a period of time in he formed a regiment largely made up of fi sh- 1960, to commemorate the site that is so doctor could be cleared through security. Most simulated living situations in order to learn ermen he recruited from local seaports. Many important in both Bronx and American of the prisoners were grateful for the care, and ways in which to communicate with the dog. of his seafaring soldiers were Indians and Af- history. The trolley from Bartow Station she seldom felt threatened. However, her hear- Some agencies retain ownership of the service dogs while others donate the animals to their ricans, a fact that did not initially please Wash- to City Island once ran past the rock but ing continued to deteriorate, and she fi nally had to retire. clients. ington, a Southern slaveholder. was removed in the 1920s. David Hackett Fischer writes in his classic Joyce then joined ALDA (Association of Joyce chose Connie on her own, however, Late-Deafened Adults), an organization that because she wanted a particular breed and the book “Washington’s Crossing” that Washing- Gen. William Howe, the British com- directs its members to support groups and opportunity to bond with a dog as early as pos- ton was at bottom a practical man. After some manding offi cer, would admit to suffering 3 other resources. She had three years of speech sible. Connie, whose full name is Consuela compromises were reached, black soldiers dead and 20 wounded. Glover tallied 8 Ameri- therapy, during which time she was able to help Calistena de Cisco, is a Bichon Havanese, a were allowed to fi ght side by side with whites. can dead and 13 wounded. other members decide whether they wanted to breed developed in Cuba during the 19th cen- “In that process,” Mr. Fischer notes, “the Con- But the German mercenaries took some live in the world of the deaf or that of the hear- tury. This breed is known for its intelligence tinental Army, beginning with the Marblehead serious lumps. There are no offi cial casualty ing. Since Joyce had lived in the hearing world and good temperament and has for many years regiment, became the fi rst integrated national lists for the Hessians at Pell’s Point, but I’ve all her life, she continued down that road. been used as a circus dog as well as a compan- institution in the United States.” read various estimates numbering in the low After her divorce, however, she realized ion animal. Mr. Osborn recently gave me a preview of hundreds, which is a lot by the standards of that living alone with a serious hearing loss Many service dogs are matched to their the exhibit, which will run for two years. There that war. wasn’t a wise idea. Many deaf people live with owners by the age of two or three, but Con- are weapons, dioramas, paintings, various ar- After the battle, it was the British who adaptive equipment, but these don’t work when nie passed the profi ciency test as a puppy of tifacts and Glover’s personal belongings, in- used St. Paul’s as a hospital for the sick and there is a power failure and many things cannot eight months. Like many small breeds, Ha- cluding his Bible, regimental payroll sheet and wounded. Not yet completely built, the church be electrifi ed, such as someone knocking at the vanese dogs often live as long as 18 years, well-preserved blue uniform coat. Among the was roofl ess and had only a cold dirt fl oor. At door, or people shouting in the street or in the unlike many larger dogs, which may live only rare letters on display is correspondence from least six Hessians, all young privates, died building. It didn’t take long for Joyce to decide about 10 years. But Connie’s small size poses Washington, praising Glover’s service and on that fl oor and were buried in a mass grave to get a dog. a problem, because people rarely recognize her wishing him a speedy recovery from illness. about 50 yards from the church. as a service dog. Joyce does not want people to Another letter penned by Glover is a plea to The grave is marked by a small headstone think of Connie as a cute little toy and try to pet the commissary to send his regiment a young that was put there by the Daughters of the her, so Connie wears a service vest that clearly cow to replace an older one that could no lon- American Revolution in 1910. The letters are reads “Stop. Do Not Touch. Service Dog.” ger give milk. diffi cult to make out because they are slowly Although Connie has been with Joyce for I don’t usually plug special events, but vanishing from the ravages of time. Mr. Os- only a year, she has already proved her value this is recommended to anyone who is curious born chalks it up to air pollution. on two occasions, one of them an attempted about the region’s rich history. But when the sun’s rays hit the stone from break-in. Connie’s warning bark enabled Joyce Hemmed in by a jumble of car washes, a certain direction, you can read the words just to dial 911 and to call out that she was getting gas stations and small industrial buildings, fi ne. But there are no names. The dead remain her gun, which scared off the intruder. St. Paul’s Church is a welcome oasis, a place anonymous. preserved in 18th-century amber. The Glover People with visible disabilities have no display is an added attraction. This article originally appeared on Feb. problem entering public areas with their ser- Glover used the church grounds as a stag- 4, 2007, in The Journal News and is reprinted vice animals, but because deaf people don’t ing area for the Pell’s Point encounter, also here with the author’s permission. look disabled, they are often denied access known as the Battle of Pelham, which unfold- to restaurants or shops when they try to enter ed less than a mile away in what is now the with their dogs. Thanks to the Americans with Bronx and spilled into the present-day links Disabilities Act, however, the Department of of the Split Rock golf course. Hiding behind Justice provides disabled people with cards stone walls along a winding country lane, the warning owners and employees of the penal- sharp-shooting Americans took the enemy ties involved in denying access to the disabled. completely by surprise. 718-885-3400 For more information about these cards, call The withering fi re mortally wounded 1-800-514-0301. a handsome British captain by the name of In the meantime, if you see Joyce walking Evelyn. Glover later recalled how an Ameri- Connie along City Island Avenue, feel free to can soldier “leaped over a wall and took a hat admire her but be sure to respect the fact that and canteen of a Captain that lay dead on the Catering for All Occasions Connie is doing an important job and don’t be ground they retreated from,” WE DELIVER tempted to pet her. Page Four The Island Current March 2007

Traffic Congestion My doctor and I are concerned that the nue, moved here in 1942. My husband and cause is environmental. I do not keep in touch I moved off City Island in 1968 but kept a To the Editor: with too many people, so I would like to use boat at the Morris Yacht Club for the next five The following two issues should be your publication to get the word out. I would years. My sister moved off in the late 1970s. addressed: like to know if anyone else who lived on My brother-in-law still lives on City Island. 1. Why isn’t there a police presence in City Island during the years we lived there Thank you for allowing me to use The front of P.S. 175 at dismissal time? Vehicles have had family members come down with Island Current for this health concern. are doubleparked illegally on both sides of renal cell carcinoma. I would ask that they Joan (Murphy) Venturini the street, forcing vehicles traveling north e-mail me and let me know who got it, what and south to drive in the fire lane. years they lived on City Island and when

We welcome letters and opinions. Letters longer than 2. How can we prevent the parents of they were diagnosed. My e-mail address is 250 words will be edited, with every effort made to the students attending P. S. 175 from park- [email protected]. preserve their substance. We reserve the right not to print letters that are copies, libelous, inaccurate or in ing in the bank parking lot? This parking My family moved to City Island Avenue bad taste, or those that cannot be verified. Include your lot is only for customers conducting bank at the top of Bay Street in 1954 and my phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, husband’s family, which lived on King Ave- but names will be withheld upon request. business. The parking lot has 10 spots and Response one handicapped spot. More often than DR. STEVE’S not, the handicapped spot is taken by a APPLIANCE SERVICE To the Editor: person without handicapped plates or a I am writing in reference to the letter that handicapped state tag. I have handicapped appeared in the February issue of The Cur- plates on my vehicle, and on many occa- rent written by “Name Withheld,” in which 1 Year guarantee on parts. sions I must find a parking spot outside the 25 Years of Experience on All Brands the writer objected to the double standard bank parking lot. regarding Le Refuge Inn and called for a Tom McShane change in the leadership of the Island orga- 718-671-0700 nizations that supported the Inn. Health Concerns I wonder if the writer is aware of the fact that those organizations voted overwhelm- To the Editor: ingly to support the efforts made by the Two years ago, my sister Ginger (Mur- owner of the Inn to stay open in the Samuel phy) Bierman came down with kidney can- Pell House on City Island Avenue. The lead- cer. Last year, my husband, Jack Venturini, was told he had the same thing. Then my ers did not make that decision on behalf of brother-in-law, Joe Venturini, and I were the members. Indeed, if the writer of the let- diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma within a ter were a member of any of these organiza- week of each other. Since this was so bizarre, tions, he or she would be aware of that fact. I sent an e-mail to the Centers for Disease Both the Civic Association and the Control (CDC). They responded that there Chamber of Commerce welcome new mem- were too few cases for them to consider this bers and are always open to suggestions, a cancer cluster. They referred me to a New such as how to resolve the issues of parking, York State Web site that showed the amount empty shops, traffic congestion, the sewer of kidney cancers in the Bronx were within project, the proposed new bridge and real- the acceptable limits. However, the only estate development. If the writer of the letter cancer out of the four of us that would be is truly interested in changing the leader- considered a “Bronx” cancer is my brother- ship of the Island’s organizations, becoming in-law’s. Because we were no longer living familiar with those organizations by joining in the Bronx at the time we were diagnosed, them would surely be the way to start. the other three cancers will be attributed to It is interesting to me that the whole Le the county where we live now. Refuge issue began with anonymous com- plaints rather than by people willing to stand up and be recognized. My name is not withheld. Jacqueline Kyle Kall

Carmine W. DeDonato Certifi ed Public Accountant 284 City Island Avenue Bronx, New York 10464 718-885-9081 www.cityislandcpa.com Income Tax Preparation SCHUYLERSCHUYLER HILLHILL Rapid Refunds Electronic Filing Certifi ed Audits FUNERAL HOME Financial Statement Preparation Accounting and Bookkeeping Financial and Tax Planning Business Incorporation and Startup James E. McQuade • Proprietor IRS Problems and Representation Payroll Services Carmine W. DeDonato, CPA www.cityislandcpa.com 3535 East Tremont Avenue • Bronx, NY 10465 718-885-9081 Appointment Only 1-718-792-0270 • fax: 1-718-823-4770 “The friendship of those we serve is the foundation of our progress” www.schuylerhill.com March 2007 The Island Current Page Five

tells us, new boat types, technology and rac- yacht’s anemometer. Stormy Weather, a 54- A Current Review ing and rating rules were developed that would foot yawl, got its name after Mr. LeBoutillier no longer allow the likes of these three sail- heard Lena Horne perform at a hotel in Mon- The Bermuda Race: A Book Review boats in a Bermuda race. Indeed, a sailor in tauk. She sang the Harold Arlen song “Stormy By JANE PROTZMAN 2007 would fi nd these boats barely suitable, Weather,” and when Miss Horne asked him if let alone comfortable enough, for a weekend he liked the song, he replied, “Like it? You just Stormy Weather cruise to Oyster Bay. So the boats gradually gave me the name for my new boat.” (Yacht got bigger, and by 1909 four of the fi ve entries Yard Journal, volume I.) were big schooners. A year later, the amateur Owner Rod Stephens and skipper Olin sailors in smaller boats stayed away as the fi nished second in their class in 1946 on Mus- schooners sailed by “tycoons and profession- tang. In 1936 the New York Yacht Club had als” won the prizes. commissioned Sparkman & Stephens to pro- The earliest of the City Island-built boats duce its “one-design” New York 32 sloop, and to compete was Venona, a 65-foot schooner 20 were built in the Nevins Yacht Yard. Mus- built in 1905 at the Robert Jacobs Yard. The tang was one of the famous examples of the 32 owner, E. Jared Bliss, claimed that she won class, many of which are still sailing today. the fi ve-boat Bermuda Race in 1908 but she Bolero, built by Nevins in 1949, the au- did not, although “she did win everything thor writes, “became the undisputed queen else” that year. (According to City Island’s of East Coast yachting and in time set a new nautical historian Tom Nye: “In 1908 a City course record to Bermuda” in 1956. Island boat won the Bermuda Power Boat The hull for Running Tide, according to Race, the Ailsa Craig, a 60-foot power boat Tom Nye, was built in Germany but was com- designed by A. Carey Smith and Ferris, who pletely fi nished from the bare hull by Kretzer’s had also designed Venona, and built by City Yacht Yard. In 1976 this Olin Stephens-de- Island Shipbuilders.”) signed 61-foot sloop “became the fi rst Class A By the 1930s, the fl eet had grown in size boat to win a Bermuda Race since 1962.” to 42 boats, mostly schooners, but design in- Olin Stephens is the yacht designer with novations, stimulated by changes in the rules the most wins (14) between the years 1934 and and an increased interest in safety, resulted 1994—a remarkable record. By 1976 he had in “newer narrow heavily ballasted boats” designed 10 Bermuda Race winners, “as well Dorade Photos courtesy of TOM NYE that were shown to beat the more traditional as 11 fi rst-to-fi nish boats and 101 top-three including Venona, Dorade, Brilliant, Stormy schooners. In 1930 the 52-foot yawl-rigged class fi nishers.” Olin’s younger brother, Rod, John Rousmaniere’s recently published Weather, Mustang, Bolero and Running Tide, six meter Dorade, the family yacht of Olin liked to rig and race boats, while Olin liked to book A Berth to Bermuda: 100 Years of the and a discussion of the considerable contri- and Rod Stephens, outperformed schooners design them. Rod “created or advanced now- World’s Classic Ocean Race brings to life the butions made by the yacht-design fi rm Spark- sailing upwind and in 1932 came in fi rst in her common yachting equipment, the Dorade personalities and yachts that made this sail- man & Stephens, which had its original of- class. Built in the Minneford Yacht Yard, Do- ventilator [small baffl ed hood for decks to let ing race one of the most famous of its kind. fi ces on City Island. rade was designed by Sparkman & Stephens in air and keep out water], the parachute spin- Enriched with beautiful photographs and The idea of a Bermuda race and modern and campaigned by the Stephens family. naker, the Genoa jib, the aluminum mast and many yarns about the Bermuda Race, which ocean racing was born on May 26, 1906, when The Henry B. Nevins Yacht Builders stronger standing and running rigging.” Rod celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, this 15 sailors (including one woman) in “three were responsible for three Bermuda Race Stephens sailed his last Bermuda race at the book focuses on the remarkable sailors, yacht sailboats between 28 and 40 feet crossed a yachts featured in the book; all designed by age of 74. architects and great boats that contributed to starting line off Brooklyn” and sailed toward Olin Stephens. Brilliant was built in 1932 and City Island’s yards and fi rms played a the lure of sailing to Bermuda. Bermuda through 700 miles of blue water. was described in London’s Yachting World as large part in the Bermuda races. In fact, ac- Included in the book are descriptions of Two of the boats reached Bermuda. “Mr. Walter Barnum’s [61-foot] gaff-rigged cording to Tom Nye, not only were these boats several yachts that were built on City Island, In the century that followed, the author schooner; she is all solid teak, and I never saw built on City Island but many of the Bermuda a fi ner and more honest piece of boat building Race entries came to City Island to be fi tted out and rigging in my life.” (This reference was and made ready for the race. However, there is found in one of the interesting new journals in no reference to City Island in the book’s in- the City Island Nautical Museum, Yacht Yard dex, even though the yards where these yachts Journal, vol. I.) Mr. Rousmaniere refers to the were built and made ready to sail were clearly Nevins yard as a “cutting edge builder in the among the best of their day. ‘30s.” A copy of A Berth to Bermuda and the Stormy Weather, built at the Nevins yard Yacht Yard Journals may be consulted at the in 1934, was owned by Philip LeBoutillier, the City Island Nautical Museum and Historical Robert T. Carmody Geri Seiter owner of Best & Co., one of the many Fifth Av- Society. If the terms schooner, yawl, sloop, Broker Sales Manager enue department stores that have disappeared nautical miles and spinnaker are new to you, (718) 885-0088 (718) 885-1426 into history. She was one of 135 in the fl eet in visit the museum, take a look around and learn Associates 1960 that experienced an unpredicted tropical more about the rich nautical history that sur- Diane Kirchner-Carmody • Donald Kolb • Cathy Cebek • Maria Swieciki storm with 70-knot winds registering on the rounds us. Bette Lacina • Eileen Scott • Kim Moran • Candy Mancuso • Stephanie Ramos Pre-qualified buyer waiting! Moving to a new Neighborhood? Contact our relocation director. 300 City Island Avenue KLONDIKE CUBS Visit our NEW website ~ www.atlanticemeritusrealty.com

In January, the Webelos of Cub Scout Pack 211 participated in the Eastern District Klondike Derby Race Weekend in Alpine New Jersey. They won the “best-built sleigh” Established 1934 competition and came in second in the speed race. Shown above (l. to r.) are the proud team members and their leaders: Cubmaster Angelo Bellocchio, John Bran- ley, Cian Byrnes, team leader Nicholas Bellocchio, Andre Brown, leader Pat Branley, PRINTING COMPANY 1123 WORTHEN STREET Daniel Green, and leader Pete Green. Kneeling are Connor Saulnier and Michael Bel- BRONX, NY 10474 locchio.

For All Your Printing Needs Contact Hi-Speed ~Printers Of The Island Current~ Call Hi-Speed Printinge Co. ENVELOPEua SPECIALISTSlity•V “Your Complete Printing Service” SINCE 1934 a at ic Q l (718) 617-1600v • One to Full Color Printing ue•Ser • Scanning Fax: (718) 328-7509

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Page Six The Island Current March 2007

shades, storm windows and doors. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Before you go off the Island to shop for glass, stop by or call us at 718-885-2100. Excel Facility Services has moved its office and base of operations to 640 If you have a new business, or if your old business is offering a new service, write to The Current, P.O. Box 6, Minneford Avenue on City Island. Excel City Island, NY 10464 by the 10th of the month. is a full-service maid, janitorial and build- The current exhibition at the Focal ing maintenance provider, serving residen- Point Gallery, 321 City Island Avenue, tial, commercial and retail establishments features wedding photographs taken by throughout the country. The company Ron Terner and Leo and Lisa Bento. The offers a full array of cleaning and main- show will be on view until March 31. For tenance services to meet the needs of its more information, call 718-885-1403 or clients. Excel is proud to call City Island visit 222.photographybyronterner.com. its new home and is offering a 15 percent Welcome to Hawkins Street! A-Qual- introductory special on all new residential ity Glass & Shade Co, Inc. (formerly and commercial cleaning services through Philip Glass & Shade Co of White Plains April 1, 2007. Whether you need a com- Road) is now located at 104 Hawkins plete maintenance program for your busi- Street, the building that once housed Kro- ness or just a reliable and professional peke Controls. This business serves both maid service for your home, call Michael residential and commercial needs, featur- Hancock at 347-256-3274 or visit them on ing mirrors, table tops, screens, blinds, the web at http://excelfacilityservices.com. WARRIOR FOOTBALL AND CHEERLEADING REGISTRATION The Warrior Football Program will hold copy of their birth certifi cate. Enter through the open registration for boys and girls ages 6 to side entrance by the fi eld and proceed to the 14 on Sundays, March 4 and 11, at Lehman gym. Lehman High School is located at 3000 High School from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. East Tremont Avenue. Jay and Geri Demers invite all youngsters Chief Demers told The Current that many to join fl ag, tackle and cheerleading activities Islanders have participated in Warriors over the in the following divisions: years, including some season MVPs. • Cheerleading: 6 to 14 years old, no Practices begin in August on weekday weight restrictions evenings for the fall football season. Games • Flag football: 6, 7 or 8 years old, no are played on Saturdays and Sundays in Pel- weight restrictions ham Bay Park and at Lehman High School. • Mite tackle football: 7 and 8 years old, The cost schedule for the 2007 season is $120 under 91 pounds for tackle football, $100 for fl ag football, $150 • Pee Wee tackle: 9 and 10 years old, un- for travel tackle team, and $125 for cheerlead- der 111 pounds ing. • Junior tackle: 11 and 12 years old, un- Registration is on a fi rst-come, fi rst- der 131 pounds served basis, and those who fail to register in • Junior tackle: 13 years old, over 131 the spring are not guaranteed a roster spot in pounds August even if they are returning players. For Ages are determined as of July 31, 2007. more information about football, call Jay De- All divisions are co-ed. Registrants should mers at 718-829-7574, and for cheerleading be accompanied by an adult and must bring a call Geri Demers at 718-792-5747.

10% Discount for City Island residents. 2005 Palmer Avenue Mention this ad. Larchmont, N.Y. 10538 Tel: 914.834.3831 Fax: 914.834.3805 [email protected] March 2007 The Island Current Page Seven

this accessory section that I decided to stay for a while. Poet’s Landing is a new condominium The New York Boat Show: and marina being built on Candlewood Lake near Danbury, Connecticut. Old friends and CI- 2007 Edition VAC members of years ago, Ursula and Norbert By BILL CLANCY Hofer, lived there in a beautiful lakeside house that I visited a few times. The lake is 11 miles On the fi rst weekend afternoon in January, teresting. The state’s Department of Environ- long, largest in the state, with 62 miles of shore- and the last weekend of the show, I hustled mental Conservation (DEC) had a large and a line. It is unusual as the water is drained out ev- myself down to the Javits Center. Happy that must-stop-to-see booth. The entire area drained ery winter and then refi lled in the spring. I had I made it at all, but sad that I had to change by the Hudson and its tributaries is 13,390 never heard of that before. The condos, no doubt the words of that Celtic ditty “Irish Rover” to square miles, and tides go upriver 153 miles to state of the art, were selling for $500,000 to “when the whole of the crew was reduced down the Troy Dam. There are 200 species of fi sh, in- $850,000. The marina, heated pool, beach, spa to one.” Being on a tight schedule since getting cluding the Atlantic sturgeon, commonly fi ve to and racquet club come with it. back from a Christmas trip to Germany, I was eight feet long. There are bald eagles, blue-claw Another spectacular address for wealthy folks not able to assemble my usual crew of wits, old crabs, artifi cial reefs, a lot of Native American is the Residential Cruise Line concept. I spoke salts and raconteurs to enjoy the magic that is names and many informative signs in various Bill Clancy. Photo by RICK DeWITT with Cynthia Andersen, ace salesperson, and she a boat extravaganza in the middle of winter. languages, including Spanish, Chinese and Ko- told me that it is very simple. You buy a cabin Thank God for my ever-active imagination, rean. on a brand-new full-sized ocean liner, Magellan, which had to carry me solo through this experi- concerned fi shing in N.Y.C. Did anyone know I had a nice conversation with two very per- and you live aboard. The ship will go around the ence. that we had freshwater fi shing in the Bronx? sonable enforcement offi cers—ECOs—who world every two years, stopping in 300 ports of The theme of the event this year was “Dis- There are two locations, Van Cortlandt Lake and were great representatives of their agency. If call in 150 countries. You can get on and off as cover Boating,” part of a public-awareness ef- Crotona Park Lake, that commonly have trout, the DEC had an airborne detachment, these you please, but the ship maintains a schedule fort managed by the National Marine Manufac- sunfi sh, carp and catfi sh, among others. These, men would have been in it. They were stand- so you will have to catch up. There is a heliport turers Association (NMMA) on behalf of the as well as the other 10 sites around the city, have ing next to a heavy-duty-looking patrol craft topsides for any personal trips you care to make. North American recreational boating industry. no-kill regulations, meaning that caught fi sh with twin 225, 4-stroke Hondas. There was a The prices for full ownership start at $1.875 The Dec. 25–Jan. 1 issue of “The New York- must be released. pot-hauling winch aboard and many other all- million, fractional ownership at $156,250. Look er” magazine said it best when it described the Saltwater fi shing, on the other hand, is well purpose safety and law enforcement-looking it up under ResidentialCruiseLine.com, or call show as “the annual display known to inspire known. What I didn’t know were all the various devices. The ECOs make up the primary police 480-497-8833 (Arizona). It sounds out of this dreams of escape, adventure and, at the very access spots around the city, including 16 in the authority responsible for enforcing the rules and world and probably is. Maybe Dianne and John least, warmer weather. The Boat Show’s public- Bronx. We have more than 500 miles of shore- regs of saltwater recreational fi shing and State O’Sullivan will buy a few to take care of their ity material announced that the life of our fel- line in the city and 119 access spots. Most of Navigation Law. They may, without warrant, frequent travelers. Maybe there should be a City low countrymen is, in one word, hectic. People them, 39, are in Queens, with 17 of those in the search your boat, vehicle, coolers or any other Island contest to see who should be sent on a are working too much, not spending enough Rockaways. City Island is credited with two: the container that they suspect contains marine fi sh, two-year trip. That would be interesting. time with their families and are, in general, be- west side of the bridge and the boat livery at the crustacean or other regulated marine resources By this time I had been talking and listen- ing robbed of the things that would bring them north end of the avenue. that were taken illegally or possessed. If you are ing for more than three hours, so a break was in closer to those they love. The answer to our cur- Offshore saltwater sport fi shing in New York approached by an ECO and ordered to stop, do order. I listened for the tinkling of glass and the rent disconnect is boating, the NMMA ad said: is another large, popular industry. On your way it and await instructions. The patrol boat I men- sound of laughter, and I headed in that direction. “Boating connects like no other.” to the ocean through the Sound from Westches- tioned looked very mean and fast. Please also It was not far; actually, it never is. A big Bud So true, I thought, but what should we get ter and City Island or from the entire south shore know that these offi cers are armed. Remember, and dog are only $8.50, a bargain by Manhattan for the poor clamdiggers and musselsuckers of Long Island, you will fi nd a who’s who of however, that they are the friend of the conser- standards. The best thing about these little stops of City Island who the past few months have sport fi sh on your menu. There are fi ve kinds of vationist and angler and the bane of scoffl aws at the show is that they are populated by the dodged steel plates over trenches, fl agmen try- shark, four types of billfi sh and at least a dozen and those who disrespect the environment. same friendly, high-on-life types that you meet ing to keep them out of holes, new parking re- other species from tuna to mackerel to cobia. This booth always has a fabulous fi ve- to at the marina or some gunk hole. No one knows strictions, heavy equipment, dust and a general Afi cionados come from all over the entire world six-foot model of the prehistoric-looking stur- anyone else, but that doesn’t stop the conver- discombobulation along City Island Avenue? to enjoy the action. geon, a longtime denizen of the deep sections of sation. It would make a good “Saturday Night A fund should be created for the businesses The DEC has implemented the I FISH NY the Hudson, a long slender fi sh with bony scales Live” skit. Fishing spots, bottom paint, engine from Fordham to Carroll Streets. Another fund initiative, which is intended to provide bet- on its exterior. It is the largest freshwater and controls, electronics, no matter what, everyone is should be set up to bring tranquilizers to the ter information on both how and where to fi sh inland water fi sh in the United States, the re- an expert trying to convince someone he doesn’t good denizens of East Schofi eld Street. I was throughout the state, with an emphasis on urban cord being around 1,200 pounds from the Snake even know that his brand, method or knowledge away for a while this year. What did those folks and suburban areas. The program will provide River in Idaho. I told the offi cers of a story I had is the best. It is great and one never tires of it. do to deserve what is happening on their block? many in- and out-of-school educational pro- read in a sports magazine some time ago of a It is reminiscent of our schoolyard days of old. The next thing we will hear is that giant wind- grams, from techniques to regulations to habitat 2,000 pounder that was caught in the same area This is shoreline boating at its best. Promising to mills will be built at the water’s edge to power improvement. One last advisory from this booth of the Snake. The old fi sherman responsible said be back later, I got back on my tour. the pumping station. was the toll-free number of the NYS Dept. of he knew it was there and had been looking for Stopped at the NYS (Erie) Canal exhibit as Getting back to the theme of the show, you Health. If you have any questions about the edi- it for many years. He supposedly pulled it out usual, as I have been fascinated by the concept must agree that it is a good one. There is noth- bleness of a fi sh you have caught, no matter how of the water with a jeep. This, by the way, is an of it literally most of my life. Opened in 1825 ing like a good day on the water. Fun in the fresh it might appear, call 800-458-1158 ext. unoffi cial record. Because it is an endangered by Governor DeWitt Clinton, it made possible sun, fi shing, swimming, even cutting bait are 27815. Kudos to the DEC. I think we are getting species, the sturgeon is no longer fi shable. This the cheap transportation of iron ore, lumber and all worthwhile activities. Thank our lucky stars a bang for our buck. ban, I’m sure, includes Capt. Joe Somers of the farm products, among other things, from the that they are all part of our lives here on City Finally getting to the Press Room after the Moontide and the unoffi cial king of L.I..Sound, Midwest through the canal to the Hudson River. Island. long lobby stop, I picked up my pass, which was Ted Weyrauch. The ditch, as it was called, was dug by hand with I started to look around the exhibits in the in the computer this year, and entered into the The DEC booth also had a lot of hand-out not one graduate engineer in residence. Within lobby, which are always different and very in- calm blue water of the Javits. My fi rst sight is reading matter. A couple of interesting booklets both good and bad. Good that I see many beauti- 25 years New York became the Empire State be- fully colored hulls and bad that I see mobs of cause of its manufacturing capability. There is a spectators. Colored hulls were an item a few great video series available on the Hudson River years back that I know I told the Current read- Valley that is wonderful to watch. At the end of ers about. In recent years, they have not been the 19th century, Troy, New York, the end point so popular, especially on the larger hulls. Now, of the tidal fl ow, was the ninth largest city in the right in front of me, I am surrounded by Deep country. Tan, Cream Rust, Magenta and Royal Blue, Excuse my diversion, dear readers; on an- among others. They will have to be kept as stan- other day I will do a story exclusively on this dard from now on. Everyone knows how hard it wonder of American history. Ms. McFay and is to keep that glossy white color looking nice Dave from Amsterdam, New York, were repping and shining, especially near the waterline. Col- the Erie Canal booth that day. They told me that ored hulls work and look better. Are we all in parts of the Canal were closed for up to three agreement? Good! months because of the upstate fl ooding that oc- Seeing that the boat section was so crowded, I curred last May. You might remember the rescue looked up Gioia Sails in the program. Don Gioia operations that took place along the Delaware is an old Island friend and a successful business- and Susquehanna Rivers, where people were man in New Jersey now, and I have not seen him taken off their roofs by boat. Major damage was in years. Luckily, his booth was very near the done to bridges on Routes 17 and 81. If the locks boat section, across the aisle actually. Unfortu- of the Canal had not been kept shut, a tidal wave nately, however, he was not in attendance that of water and debris would have done damage all day so I left him a note. “Hope to see you next the way to the Hudson, and then it would have year!” created more chaos as it came downriver. They Very close by was the Mariners School, run are looking for a better season this year. by a very personable Captain Bob Figular. I lis- Still walking, I saw a sign off to the side an- tened to him speak to a couple of men ahead of nouncing the Elite Fleet Club. I questioned the me and was very intrigued by his enthusiasm for two security men, and they told me that it is the his teaching program. He told me that he was lounge exclusively for exhibitors. I asked about a high school dropout who had enlisted in the yacht club members, thinking that I could get in Navy. His greatest asset, he said, was that he al- on the backs of a couple of yachties I know. I ways believed in himself. When he got out, he could call Rear Commodore Gerald Artz, I told went into a business that became wildly success- them, who would be accompanied by the Com- ful, and then he sold it. His fi rst love was the wa- modoress Ruth. Would that get me in? The se- ter and teaching people about it, so he founded curity men were impressed but unbudging. How the Mariners School out of Princeton, New Jer- about past commodores like Robin Ricca, Carl sey. He now has one Navy captain and two com- Steiner, Steve Lott, Tony Rosco? And I know manders on his 250-person faculty. The beauty more, I told them. Then I went for broke, men- of his program, besides being given year round tioning John Mazzante and Scouse McIntyre of up and down the entire East coast, is that, being naval fame. Their heads were shaking, but one USCG approved, you need only pass the school guy started to talk into his radio and I bid them a test to qualify for your license. Very impressive! friendly adieu. As a sideline, Bob is on call as a motivational There is so much more to tell you about, but speaker. He won my nod for exhibitor of the ‘07 Editor Barbara is tapping her fi nger. June 16 is show. the NYC Powerboat Poker Run from Liberty There were so many interesting exhibits in Landing to Havestraw and back. See you in the harbor. Page Eight The Island Current March 2007

in becoming a district attorney or judicial can- sleds around a large scout camp. As a reflection didate for 2007 or even a candidate for a con- of the troop’s successful program, we brought Organization News gressional, assembly or judicial slot in 2008, the largest contingent of scouts to the derby. News on this page concerning organizations, and events listed in, are submitted by representatives of those organizations. please call Bronx Republican headquarters at In February, scouts learned swimming and A limit of 150 words is requested for all news items submitted. In most cases news will be edited and every effort will be made to preserve the substance of longer items. News and calendar events must be received by no later than the 20th of 718-792-5800. lifesaving skills at two “Pool Nights.” Living each month except December and July. If the 20th falls on a holiday or Sunday, the deadline is the 19th. Mail submissions Other items on the agenda included a Bronx on City Island, these skills, which include how to P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER MUST BE INCLUDED. Republican picnic at some point when the to safely rescue a swimmer in distress, are weather gets warmer and a major fund-raiser extremely important to know. Tai chi-yoga classes will continue on Current Calendar later in the year. To help find candidates and The troop plans even more exciting trips Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. in March. Marc get people involved, the Bronx Republican to finish off the year. In March, we plan to MARCH Kaplan’s exercises will leave you feeling party wants to start running ads in the local visit a dude ranch to enjoy horseback riding, refreshed, more flexible and energetic. For Tues., March 6, Bronx Republican Party papers and possibly posting profiles of the snow boarding and hiking. The troop will also more information, call Marc at 718-885- meets, 6:30 p.m., Bronx Republican Headquar- different party leaders across the Bronx in the hike to Orchard Beach and test compass skills, ters, 2113 Williamsbridge Road, 2nd floor. 2445. local press as well. The Bronx Republican complete a spring camping trip, go whitewater Finally, we need organizers next month Thurs., March. 15, Community Board 10 party will also be posting a Web site within the rafting and spend a week at a Boy Scout Sum- to plan and set up our second-night seder for meets, 7:30 p.m., Owen Dolan Center, 1400 next month or so. Stay tuned! mer Camp. Tuesday, April 3. Please call Bob Berent at Westchester Square and East Tremont Avenue, There are many Republicans out there who Please support Troop 211’s mission by stop- 718-885-3098 to discuss your preferences Bronx. are not registered as Republicans. We encour- ping by our Easter Flower Sale during the first or to make reservations. Our seders are quite age these voters to switch to Republican, week of April at Bay Street and City Island Tues., March 27, City Island Civic Associa- comfortable, congenial and kosher! because next year is a major election year. Avenue. Money raised during this sale pays for tion meets, 7:30 p.m., Community Center, 190 Enjoy the benefits of membership, take We need all of the signatures that we can get, our scouts to attend these great trips. The troop Fordham Street. the free trolley to Temple (on the first Fri- because there will be stepped-up efforts to get will also have a special fund-raising table at the day of each month) and visit our Web site at Thurs., March 29, and Fri., March 30, Kin- our candidates thrown off the ballot, and only sale where people can sponsor a scout book and dergarten Registration for City Islanders www.yourshulbythesea.org. registered Republicans can sign a petition for help replace old and damaged scout teaching only, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., P.S. 175, 200 City Island Bob Berent a Republican candidate. Anyone wanting to materials and merit badge pamphlets. Many of Avenue (see School News). change to Republican can contact the City our books are more than 10 years old and miss- Sat., March 31, POTS Program, St. Mary’s Trinity United Island Republicans at 347-680-7695. We will ing pages. School Yard, Minneford Avenue and Kilroe Methodist Church be able to file the form so that the change goes Troop 211 is a unique organization in which Street, drop-off between 4:30 and 5 p.m. Menu: through, since in past years some City Island- youth teach and lead other youth in an adven- baked ziti. It’s Easter season here at Trinity. Spring will soon be here, and the earth will begin its ers have switched but the election board never turous, challenging and safe environment. If put them through. you know boys aged 11 or older who are inter- APRIL rebirth. We as Christians celebrate a rebirth with the resurrection of Christ. In prepara- The next meeting of the City Island Repub- ested in joining Troop 211, e-mail your interest Week before April 8 (Easter Sunday), Boy tion for Easter, we will observe Palm Sunday licans will be held in April. Details will be in and questions to [email protected]. Scout Flower Sale, in front of Trinity Method- on April 1 at our 10 a.m. services. Maundy the next Current, including the time and loca- Scout meetings are held on Friday nights ist Church, Bay Street and City Island Avenue. Thursday will be observed on April 5 at 8 tion. from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. during the school year p.m. Fred Ramftl at Trinity Methodist Church on Bay Street. On In celebration of Easter Sunday, our lay average, 20 boys attend the meetings. Boys can AARP Chapter 318 join at any time of the year. It is never too late leader, George Cavalieri, will gather for a Grace Episcopal Church Chapter 318 meets at 1 p.m. on the first sunrise service at 6 a.m. This gathering will to start the adventure. and third Wednesday of the month at Trinity be held in the Pelham Cemetery under the Weekly worship schedule: Grace Church Scoutmaster Waldo Persteins Methodist Fellowship Hall, 113 Bay Street. “big tree.” We will have an additional cel- celebrates Holy Communion every Sunday at 10 Refreshments are served following each ebration of the resurrection at our services a.m. We also offer evening prayer in the church meeting. at 10 a.m. All are welcome to either or both every Monday at 7 p.m., and morning prayer City Island Nautical Museum Membership in our chapter is open to any- celebrations. on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. For more informa- It has been a good winter for us. Work on one who is 50 years of age or older. In order We will be holding our Spring Fair on tion about Grace, please call the Parish Office the Community Room is going well, and we to join the chapter, you must be a member in Saturday, March 31. The fair will be from at 718-885-1080, or visit our Web site: www. hope to be able to complete the exhibits this good standing in the national AARP. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a lunch will be served. gracecityisland.org. spring. Then it is on to the School Room. We Blood pressure readings are taken at the Mark your calendars. We look forward to see- Here is an overview of what’s happening at are especially grateful to the Bronx Council of first meeting of every month for those mem- ing you there! Grace Church during March and early April: the Arts and the New York State Council on bers who wish it. Trinity’s Budget Shop will be open the Sunday, March 4, 10 a.m.: Children’s Church the Arts Decentralization Program for a recent In addition, a notary public is available following days in March: Tuesday the 6th School. All school-age children are invited to grant to help us with the Community Room before and after every meeting to notarize and 20th and Saturday the 3rd and the 17th. participate. project. documents, free of charge, for all of our As usual, we are making a plea for volunteers. Tuesday, March 6, 7 p.m.: Book Discussion We are also grateful to numerous gener- members. Please look into your hearts. We really need Group. We are currently reading “Faith and ous souls for their donations to the Historical If you are not a member of AARP, why people to help behind the scenes to help us Practice” by Frank E. Wilson. Newcomers are Society, especially Adelaide Bialek, and to a not join us at our next meeting on March 7 get all the wonderful merchandise we get out always welcomed! number of volunteers, including Barbara Hoff- and see what we are all about. Everyone is on the floor. Please call Ellen Hebard at 718- Sunday, March 11, 10 a.m.: Children’s man, Jane Protzman, Johnny McGowan, Steve welcome. 518-7241 or Myra Martin at 718-885-1049. Church School. Schmitz, and Christine Frohnert (who has Carmelia A. Ramftl Anne Sill Palm Sunday, April 1, 10 a.m.: The Liturgy helped us conserve our precious old books). of the Palms and Holy Eucharist. As part of an oral history project, we are Temple Beth-El Maundy (Holy) Thursday, April 5, 7:30 p.m.: sponsoring three Sunday events in March. City Island Republicans The Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar. Everyone is invited to participate in these Temple Beth-El is an all-inclusive egali- Good Friday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.: Ecumenical “Conversations with Clamdiggers,” which will tarian, multiethnic Jewish congregation for Despite the cold, there is plenty of positive Service with Trinity Methodist Church (at Grace focus on three subjects. On March 11, we will all ages. We are located at 480 City Island activity going on in the Bronx Republican party. Church). talk about old houses on City Island, especially Avenue, between Beach and Bowne Streets. I was fortunate enough to attend a meeting at Holy Saturday, April 7, 7:30 p.m.: The Great those inhabited by the people who built them; We conduct Sabbath services each Friday Bronx Republican headquarters on Tuesday, Vigil of Easter. The Easter Vigil traces its roots on March 18, we are inviting anyone who night at 7:30 p.m. Our doors are open to all. Feb. 13, at county headquarters, located at 2113 to the early Church and is one of the most worked at one of City Island’s boatyards or We follow the Rabbi Marcia Prager prayer Williamsbridge Road. beautiful and deeply symbolic services in all of sail lofts to come and share their memories. book, primarily in English, with easy-to-read Several items were on the agenda. The major Christian tradition. On March 25, the subject of conversation will typeface and singable Hebrew. item of business was filling all of the county Easter Sunday, April 8, 10 a.m.: Festival be old shops on City Island, where they were Adar is the month of fun and this first committee slots in our great borough. Cur- Holy Eucharist. located and who their proprietors were. The weekend of March should be a blast at rently, many seats remain vacant, and, in some Mother Patty Alexander conversations will run from 2 to 4 p.m., and Temple Beth-El. Join us on Friday, March 2, cases, the county committee people were either refreshments will be served. at 7:30 p.m. for a Kabbalat Shabbat service, incapacitated or have been deceased for years. If you want to join the museum’s member- with song and dance, led by Rabbi Shohama These spots are important because they are the Boy Scout News ship program or have any questions or wish to Wiener. As part of Bronx Borough Presi- people who elect the Bronx Republican party Boy Scout Troop 211 continues a busy year make a special visit, please call 718-885-0507. dent Carrión’s initiative to bring the Jewish board. The City Island Republicans will make of scouting. Last fall, the troop completed two The museum is open every Sunday afternoon and Hispanic communities together, we have sure our nautical community’s eight spots are camping trips, during which scouts braved the from 1 to 5 p.m. but special appointments can invited Pastor Moses Zapata and congregants filled with people who are living and breathing elements by completing a five-mile hike and be made for those who cannot visit during of our “sister house of worship,” Grace and on their own. sleeping in tents and lean-tos (small three-sided regular hours. Peace Church, to come to that service. I hope Another item on the agenda was finding can- wooden structures). Those of you who have old photographs of many of our members will be on hand to didates not just for 2007 but also for 2008. We In January 2007, the troop competed in the City Island buildings or people are encouraged “break challah” with them after our service. need strong candidates for both elections. The Klondike Sled Derby in New Jersey. During the to bring them to the Sunday conversations to (We have been invited to pray with them at 2007 elections include Bronx district attorney, derby, 15 Troop 211 scouts tested their endur- help stir old memories. their service on March 18 at 12 noon.) and several Bronx County Civil and Supreme ance and scouting skills by pulling two wooden Then there is our gala Purim party on Court judgeships. The party wants to field a Barbara Dolensek Sunday, March 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. Adults strong candidate against our current district and children in costume are a special part of attorney, Robert Johnson. our fun. We have the script—watch the story Unfortunately, political corruption is out of of Esther unfold or be part of the hilarity “on control in the Bronx, and our district attorney stage.” And, of course, sing songs, eat hamen- does not seem to be doing enough. As a result, tashen, and just have fun! federal prosecutors have stepped in on several Rabbi Shohama’s SHOHAM class on spir- occasions to prosecute these corruption cases. itual healing, Kabbalah and meditation begins A strong Republican candidate could do at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 12. extremely well or even possibly win in a Bronx Aliza Erber, our rabbinic intern, leads Satur- district attorney race, because voter turnout is day Torah Study on March 31 at 10:30 a.m. dismal in the election held the year before a Our lively discussions are insightful. We wel- presidential election. If Republicans, Conserva- come you all to enjoy this time to share. tives, and all voters who feel we need to clean Sunday school for children ages 4–12 is on up Bronx politics come out to vote, then any- the second Sunday of each month at 10 a.m. thing can happen at the polls. Call 718-885-3502 for more information. If you or anyone else you know is interested March 2007 The Island Current Page Nine

child; $4 for siblings. Call 718-885-0349 for more information. First-Grade Brownies and Girl Scouts: Mondays after school. If you are interested or if you have questions, call Brenda at 718-885-9040. Girl Scouts “Where girls grow strong.” Troop #1075: A place for girls to come together and develop strong friend- ships to last a lifetime. Camping, sweet- For additional information about the Community Cen- ter, or if you are interested in conducting classes here heart dance, Girl Scout cookie sale, Hall please call 718-885-1145. of Science and sleepovers are just a Open Monthly Meetings of the few exciting things that will take place Board are held on the first Tuesday of throughout the year. each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Youth Center: Saturday evenings Center Main Room, 190 Fordham Street. 7:30 to 10 p.m. Please call Jay Howard All members are encouraged to attend. at 718-885-2192 or Deana Weyhrauch at 917-418-1377 for more information. ANNOUNCEMENTS We are looking for volunteers to staff the Indoor Community Tag Sale: Satur- nights. If you are interested in helping out, Photos by ANGELO BELLOCCHIO day, March 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lots PLEASE CALL! City Islandʼs Cub Scout Pack 211 had a busy start in the new year. First, they pre- of vendors and lots of merchandise! sented the colors during National Scout Sunday mass at St. Mary, Star of the Sea ADULT’ PROGRAM 2007 Membership Drive: Our 2007 Church on Feb 4 (top photo). Then on Feb. 10, the scouts “slept with the fishes and membership drive is under way. With a TNT (Tuesday Night Tap): Adult came back alive” from a sleepover at the Norwalk Aquarium, according to Scout- membership, you will receive a member- jazz/tap classes. Tuesdays, 7 to 8 p.m. Call master Angelo Bellocchio. Scouts and their families slept on the floor among all the ship card and various mailings throughout Corinne Grondahl at 718-309-8041. exhibits and were able to tour the Aquarium for an inside look at the inner workings the year, including discount coupons for Belly Dancing with Miriam: Thurs- of the marine museum. many of our events and activities! 2006 days at 7 p.m. Basics class 8 p.m. and members will be receiving renewal forms Sunday evenings 6 p.m. Call Miriam at within the next two weeks. If you don’t get 347-602-8968 for more information. one, please call 718-885-1145 and we will Salsa With Miriam: Saturday eve- send you one. nings. Call 347-602-8968 for more infor- Web site: Our new Web site is up and mation. running. Please check it out at www.cityis- Aerobics with Mary: Monday, landcommunitycenter.com. Wednesday, Friday: Half-hour low impact E-Mail Address: Our e-mail address at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday, Monday, Wednes- has changed. We can now be contacted at day and Friday 9 to 10 a.m. Call Mary [email protected]. Immediato at 718-885-0793. Drue Breen Spelling Bee: Check your mailboxes for more information about this FAMILY PROGRAM exciting event coming soon! & MIXED AGE GROUPS Vilma’s Music Together: Music and movement for children ages birth through Weekly Schedule 5 and adults that love them! Fridays 9:30 YOUTH PROGRAM to 10:15 a.m., Saturdays 10:15 to 11 a.m. Irish Dance: The Deirdre O’Mara For more information, call 718-882-2223, School of Irish Dance teaches step danc- visit www.vilmasmusictogether.com or e- ing in a fun, competitive environment mail [email protected]. have specific gear on board. Legion News When we showed up at the camp in the for all ages. A confidence-building and Knitting Club: A club for women/ It seems as though I’ve attended many cultural experience for all who participate. children to learn and share their knitting frigid early morning hour, the boys realized that they were facing daunting competition, wakes, funeral masses, memorial masses, hos- Wednesdays after school. Call Deirdre at skills. Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Call pitals and rehab centers during the past month. 201-679-1450 or visit www.deirdreomara. Carol at 718-885-3190 for more informa- especially since the troop was short two scouts. The team was supposed to consist While on a visit to a neighbor at Sound Shore com. tion. Medical Center, I myself took a tumble, land- Storytime Art for Children: Ages Chess Club: Monday evenings, due to of eight boys, so the Webelos asked if they could recruit the one and only Bear scout ing on my proboscis (AKA my nose). My fall 2–4, Tuesdays 12:45 to 2 p.m., Jan. 30 start again soon. Call 718-885-1145 and who came to cheer them on. The team occurred at the main entrance, and the hospital through March 27 (no class Feb. 20). Read leave a message if you are interested. staff responded with a wheelchair before I hit stories, learn songs, rhyme with puppets, Amy Gottlieb-McElroy consisted of team leader Nicholas Belloc- chio, Cian Byrnes, Daniel Green, Andre the ground. Someone asked if I was covered; story-based art projects. $60 for 8 classes. I thought he was referring to a blanket but Limited to 12 children. Call Laury at 718- Brown, Connor Saulnier, John Branley and Cub Scout News Michael Bellocchio (the Bear scout). The quickly realized he meant medical insurance. 885-3202 to register. When it was discovered that I had not only Art in 3D–Off The Wall: Learn how The Webelos of Cub Scout Pack 211 team called themselves “the Clamdiggers.” recently participated in the Eastern District Although the team was still short one Medicare but also United Healthcare, I was adding a third dimension to a piece of art- whisked off to the emergency room forthwith. work can make it more interesting and fun. Klondike Derby Race Weekend in Alpine, scout, the boys stood up to the challenge New Jersey. In this very competitive sleigh and showed outstanding teamwork and This year our Chinese brethren celebrate Make artwork that changes with your point the Year of the Pig, which makes the Sons of view. Uses reflected color and a variety race the boys have to pull a sleigh as they camaraderie. They relied on their individ- visit towns scattered all over the woods of ual strengths and helped each other through of the American Legion pig’s knuckle party of shapes and spaces. Grades 4–7, Tues- something special. Unfortunately, by the time days 3:45 to 5:15 p.m., Feb. 27 through the Alpine Boy Scout Camp. Each of the their weaknesses. Not once did they second 24 towns has a theme, such as First Aid, guess themselves or each other, and they this newsletter hits the streets, the party will be March 27. $80 for 5 classes. Limited to 8 history. students. Call Laury at 718-885-3202 to Fire Safety, Astronomy, Map and Compass, all showed true sportsmanship, not only Cooking and so on. The scouts had to meet to themselves, but to their competition as On Sunday, March 11, the Post will cel- register. ebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Aside from the usual Martial Arts: Marrero’s Martial Arts certain criteria in each town that tested their well. knowledge and skills in each of the subjects. After the Klondike race each team com- fare of corned beef and cabbage, wine, beer Academy teaches Tai Chi soft and hard, and soda will also be served. In order to kickboxing, self-defense, self-discipline, The object of the race is for the scouts to use peted in a speed race over a short distance, their strategy and acquire as many points as and then a “best-built sleigh” competition. accommodate the expected hordes, there will physical fitness and tournament prep. Ages be two sittings, at 1 and 4 p.m. 4 through 7. Three days weekly: Mondays possible in the allotted time. The race started At the end of the day, when all the at 10 a.m. and ended at 3:45 p.m. competitions were over, the judges specifi- Past Commander Hecker informed me that and Fridays, 3:30 to 5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 his telephone was resurrected from his base- a.m. Ages 8 and up, 5 to 6:30 p.m.; Satur- This was the first time in the history of cally acknowledged Pack 211 for their first Pack 211 that the Webelos went to partici- venture into this widely recognized compe- ment, and he is now in a position to receive days at 11:30 a.m. Only $125 per month! incoming calls. Call José at 646-671-7264. pate in this huge event. The boys prepared tition. At the start of the awards ceremony, by building their own sleigh according to it became apparent that our scouts had not If you know what culprit was respon- Sally’s Playground: Mondays through sible for buying all the knishes at Papa John’s, Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon. $6 per the specifications of the competition. Each only done well but that they had tied for sleigh had to weigh a certain amount and first place with the infamous “North Pole” please let comrade McShane know. He terms of the Klondike race. this a case of unmitigated greed. The tie was broken by a time factor— People still ask me about the deplorable which team had first handed in its score condition of the siding at the southwest corner cards. So in the end the scouts of Pack of the Post building. I am happy to report that 211 were awarded second place. They also progress is being made despite the weather. won the “best-built sleigh” competition and Our commander reminds us that Rome wasn’t came in second in the speed race. built in one day. Words cannot express how proud the Meetings for March are: March 5 and 19, leaders, Pete Green, Pat Branley and Angelo regular meetings, and March 12, executive Bellocchio, were to see our scouts not just board meeting. rise to the challenge but to excel and over- I know of no one on sick call, which is good come the daunting challenges they faced. news for a change. Until next month, at ease. Angelo Bellochio Russell Schaller Page Ten The Island Current March 2007 March 2007 The Island Current Page Eleven

Broadway and will meet with one of the love affair begins. The story is told through actors after the show to learn more about the eyes of various “witnesses” and fea- what goes into a professional production. tures famous friends of Reed, including Our seventh-graders are gearing up for Emma Goldman (Maureen Stapleton), two fun and learning-filled trips that will Eugene O’Neill (Jack Nicholson) and Max take place in the coming months. In March Eastman (Richard Hermann). As the years they will be going to Philadelphia and in move on, Reed becomes increasingly dis- May to Boston. Both trips tie in with what illusioned by the harsh realities of Bol- they have been learning in social studies. shevism. However, this film is less about The students and parents of the eighth- politics than it is about a time in history grade graduation committee have been when there existed a kind of moving opti- Public School 175 Knock Your Socks Off Endings Although a short month, February has meeting with Mrs. Rondi and Mrs. Gisante mism. The sight that blew me away was The phrase “They don’t make ‘em like been quite busy. Students in Grades 3 to plan for the momentous June event. a simple hug, but the power of its impact they used to” resonates with me when I through 8 have been working diligently This month they held the annual Valen- was the result of the sacrifices and trials consider the many older films with end- with their teachers to prepare for their tine’s Day sale fund-raiser, which pro- endured up until that magical moment. ings that have blown me away with their standardized math tests, which will be vided an opportunity for their schoolmates The Color Purple (1985) was based emotional impact. given in March. The sports and arts after- to purchase Valentine’s Day gifts for fam- on a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice I was in college when I first saw The school program has been in full swing, ily members. The fund-raiser was a huge Walker that spans 1909 to 1949 in the deep Shoes of the Fisherman (1968) at what with students participating in Lego Robot- success! This year’s senior trip will be an South. Whoopi Goldberg is spectacular as was then Grauman’s Chinese Theater in ics, hip-hop dance, gym, bookmaking and overnight visit to Washington, D.C. Celie, the center of the film. She is virtu- Los Angeles. The film stars Anthony Quinn homework help. In addition, over the mid- Please keep in mind these important ally sold into a life of servitude to her bru- as Kiril Lakota, a Russian priest who has winter break, small groups of students dates: tal husband, Albert (Danny Glover), after spent 20 years in a Siberian labor camp. went to New Roc City for a fun-filled time • Parent-teacher conferences will take having been raped by her father and having At a point when the world is on the edge of bowling, a pizza party and the movies. place on Tuesday, March 20, from 12:30 borne two children, who are taken away of destruction because famine in China Students in kindergarten through third to 3:40 p.m. and from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The from her. Another amazing performance is threatens the invasion of Russia, Prime grade have been working with a Lincoln Book Fair and Science Fair display will that of Oprah Winfrey as Sofia, the strong- Minister Kamenev (Sir Laurence Olivier) Center teaching artist and their classroom take place on this day as well. willed wife of Albert’s son from a former has Lakota released and sent to the Vati- teachers studying Klezmer music. We are • Kindergarten registration for City marriage. Celie forms a strong friendship can. There Lakota is made a cardinal and most grateful to our generous PTA for pro- Island residents ONLY will take place with Albert’s mistress, Shug (Margaret befriends a brilliant young priest, Father viding our students with the opportunity to on March 29 and 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 Avery), which empowers her. She searches David Telemond (Oskar Werner), whose work with Lincoln Center. p.m. On-going registration will continue through her husband’s belongings and dis- philosophical writings are being reviewed The P.S. 175 tradition of going to Camp on Thursday mornings beginning April 5 covers that her sister Nettie (Akousa Bou- for heresy. Greenkill will continue this year, although from 9 a.m. to noon. sia) had been writing to her for years from This exceptional international cast the sixth-grade students will be going in • The second annual PTA tile painting Africa. This film’s final reconciliation of includes Sir John Gielgud as His Holi- April when they will be better able to project will take place on Tuesday, May forces that had been beyond Celie’s control ness the Pope, Leo McKern as Cardinal enjoy the outdoor activities. We are most 8, in the school cafeteria from 6 to 8:30 is profoundly moving. Leone and famous Italian director Vit- fortunate that Mr. Rauh has promised to p.m. Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun torio De Sica as Cardinal Rinaldi. A sub- accompany the students for the 22nd con- • The kindergarten moving-up cere- (1987) is based on an autobiographical plot involves news reporter George Faber secutive year! mony will take place on Thursday, June novel by J. G. Ballard that tells the story (David Janssen) and his estranged wife, Our fifth-graders have been busy work- 21, at 10 a.m., followed by a family cel- of Jim Graham (Christian Bale), a spoiled Dr. Ruth Faber (Barbara Jefford). Through ing with their classroom teachers and Mrs. ebration in the field adjoining the school- young British boy who is living with his Faber, the viewer learns the fascinating Fateman on their May performance of yard. family in Shanghai at the dawn of World process by which a pope is elected. During scenes from “Oklahoma.” After seeing the • The eighth-grade graduation will take War II. When the Japanese invade, Gra- the papal coronation, a profound gesture is rehearsals, we can tell that this is going place on Friday, June 22, at 10 a.m. The ham is separated from his parents and made to intercede with international poli- to be a marvelous production! In April, eighth-grade dance will take place the befriended by an American opportunist tics and avoid war. When the movie was as an extension activity, the students and same evening from 8 to 10:30 p.m. The named Basie (John Malkovich). The two over, I couldn’t speak for an hour because teachers are going to see “Hairspray” on Awards Night Dinner will take place on are thrown into a prison camp, where they Wednesday, June 20, at 6 p.m. I was so moved. (I suggest not reading any spend the duration of the war learning to other reviews of this film as most spoil the survive. The cinematography is dazzling, impact of the ending.) and the music is haunting. The final act of Reds (1981) is an epic historical the film resolves the question of whether romance that was written and directed by Graham’s parents are still alive and if he Warren Beatty, who also stars as American will ever be reunited with them. Communist John Reed. The film begins in Cinema Paradiso (1988) is the name of 1915, when Reed meets Portland journal- a movie theater in the town of Giancaldo, ist Louise Bryant (Diane Keaton) and their Italy, where eight-year old Salvatore (Sal- vatore Cascio) grows into an adolescent (Marco Leonardi) during the years fol- lowing World War II. He is befriended by the theater projectionist, Alfredo (Philippe Noiret), who tutors the young man and sparks his love of film. The town priest, Father Adelfio (Leopoldo Trieste), watches all of the movies before they are shown in public, and he rings a bell to have Alfredo cut the film wherever there is any kissing so as not to corrupt the townspeople. Sal- vatore (Jacques Perrin) eventually becomes a wealthy movie director in Rome. He returns home for the first time in many years for Alfredo’s funeral and finds in a stunning finish to a very sweet film that Alfredo has left him a special gift. And until next time, happy viewing...

ANTHONY L. ROCCAMO, PC

Certified Public Accountant •Certified Audits •Financial Statement Preparation •Income Tax Preparation •IRS Representation •Year Round Tax Planning 3606 E. Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465 Phone (718) 409-6490 Fax (718) 823-9717 On City Island 44 Hawkins Street (by Appointment Only) Phone (718) 885-1648 Page Twelve The Island Current March 2007

primary. Ronald Reagan came to Charlotte to honor the many thousands of decent, hard- Street on Aug. 6 of that same year to lam- working people who stayed and struggled on a baste his opponent, Jimmy Carter, but he was daily basis to bring it back to life. greeted by an extremely hostile crowd and was Local points of interest include: A Column about whisked away by his handlers. Just three days • Charlotte Gardens. An urban renewal later, the national media were there again as project of 94 ranch-style homes completed in Bronx County the Convention for the People’s Alternative set 1983. The complex is bounded to the north up a counter-convention to coincide with the by East 174th Street, to the east by Southern By MICHAEL SHANLEY Democratic National Convention taking place Boulevard, to the south by Jennings Street and in Madison Square Garden. to the west by Crotona Park. Charlotte Street had now come to represent • Crotona Park. For more than 100 years, Housing Development Agency’s well-known Ground Zero, The Bronx: all the ills of an imperfect society. It received Crotona Park has been one of the most impor- practice of awarding funds to already-vacant a steady stream of “urban disaster” tourists, as tant public parks in the Bronx, a sanctuary of The Story of Charlotte Street buildings meant that a building owner could If the Grand Concourse is the most famous well as visiting foreign dignitaries, documen- rolling grass, lofty trees, baseball diamonds, a look forward to fire insurance and a govern- street in the Bronx, Charlotte Street is the most tary filmmakers and the brave but curious. On pool and Indian Lake. The 3.3-acre lake was ment-supported renovation of the fire-dam- infamous. Like most Bronx neighborhoods, one occasion, a parade of Hiroshima survivors originally a natural pond and provides a home aged apartment house. The Welfare Agency Charlotte Street was built with pride and shel- dressed in Buddhist robes marched down Char- to ducks, turtles and numerous species of fish. also encouraged arson with its practice of tered thousands of hard-working families in lotte Street chanting for peace. What made this At 127.5 acres, Crotona Park is the largest moving families to the top of the housing list search of the American dream. It was an aver- seem even more baffling was the fact that this park in the South Bronx and the sixth largest in if they were burned out and granting them a age block in a stable, working-class Jewish devastation was part of New York City, the the borough. Crotona Park hosts many special $2,000 payment to refurnish their new dwell- community in the southern Bronx. So how did richest city in the world, and only a few miles programs throughout the year. Since 1984 the ing. Junkies and vandals also torched build- it become the poster child for urban decay and away from the largest concentration of wealth Bronx Urban Park Rangers have organized ings, later to be mined for valuable materials, possibly the most famous ghetto in the West- anywhere on this planet. walks and tours that use Indian Lake and the such as copper piping. ern world? How did things go so wrong? The In 1982, the year after the Fort Apache film trees and fields around it as an outdoor learning Crime was at epidemic proportions, and story of Charlotte Street is an extraordinary came out; work began on Charlotte Gardens, laboratory. Visitors explore pond ecology, bird the people of this area lived in fear. The saga about the rise, demise and rebirth of one an urban renewal project of 94 single-family watching, Bronx history and Bronx plant and 42nd Precinct, which serves the neighborhood, Bronx neighborhood. ranch-style houses built on 10 blocks amid animal life. The park’s 20 tennis courts are the was now nicknamed Fort Apache, later to be With the arrival of the elevated train in the the charred rubble of a once vibrant New York site of the annual Bronx Pro Tennis Classic. immortalized in the 1981 film Fort Apache, beginning of the 20th century, Charlotte Street City neighborhood. The skeptics and the crit- • Herman Ridder Junior High School at The Bronx. Charlotte Street was in complete was situated ideally for development. New ics of the project were many, but when these East 174th Street and Boston Road, a six-story chaos, and no one knew what to do. Charlotte apartment buildings rose one after another. suburban-style homes were put on the market, building that was completed in 1931. The Street was burning down and no one seemed Most were five-story brick walk-ups, but on so many qualified buyers applied that the architect paid homage to skyscraper design to care. Charlotte Street was hooked on drugs the corners and on the avenues more gran- houses had to be sold by lottery. The absurdity with setbacks and vertical window strips. Cit- and no one seemed to notice. But that was diose, elevator buildings were constructed. of this spurred a front-page story in the New ing it as the first Art Deco school building in soon to change. Italian craftsman skillfully installed marble York Times and received coverage around the New York City, the city’s Landmarks Preserva- In early October 1977, President Jimmy foyers; mosaic tile floors on each landing, world. tion Commission designated Herman Ridder Carter came to New York to attend a session solid brass fixtures and carved stone cornices Of all the efforts confirming the renais- Junior High School as a landmark in 1990. that overhung the street. at the United Nations. The U.N. trip was the sance of the South Bronx, none has been more The new tenants, almost all of them Jews declared purpose for Carter’s trip to the city, heralded than Charlotte Gardens. The neigh- Note: Michael Shanley is a native, lifelong from eastern Europe, were eager to leave the but he also had a secret itinerary known only to borhood has been revived through a rebuild- Bronxite and resident of City Island. He is a crowded streets and dilapidated tenements of a handful of city officials. Carter was planning ing program of truly epic proportions and licensed tour guide for New York City special- Manhattan’s Lower East Side for the com- to visit a decaying inner city neighborhood to normalcy has returned. If Charlotte Street was izing in Bronx County. Comments are wel- paratively luxurious new apartments in the promote his platform of urban renewal. The ground zero for a crumbling South Bronx, comed at [email protected]. Bronx. This new neighborhood had everything choice was narrowed down to either Bushwick then Charlotte Gardens is the monument built a family could want—a large park, good or Bedford-Stuyvesant, both of which are in public schools, convenient access to the sub- Brooklyn. Heart, the Middle Eastern Medal, the Air ways, synagogues, movie theaters and excel- When Patricia Harris, President Carter’s Offensive–Europe, American Defense, Vic- lent shopping. At 127.5 acres, Crotona Park secretary of Housing and Urban Development, tory, Good Conduct, Air Combat–Balkans, is the largest park in the South Bronx, and the contacted New York Mayor Abe Beame’s Rome and Arno. Jennings Street Market was a cornucopia for office, she was convinced by a Beame aide, John married his wife, Flo, on June 1, who happened to be a Bronxite, that a trip The Current will print obituaries free of charge upon the kosher housewife. Throughout the 1920s, notification by a member of the deceasedʼs immediate 1947, at St. Francis de Chantal Church, and the neighborhood grew and the families on and uptown should be considered. So it came to be. family. Call 885-0760 or write to P.O. Box 6, City Island, they moved to City Island on April 1, 1956. around Charlotte Street prospered. On the morning of Oct. 5, 1977, the president NY 10464, including your telephone number. They lived on Schofield Street, where they Things began to change by the mid-1940s, of the United States, a presidential motorcade raised their family. John was a member of the after the end of World War II. For returning with flags flying, the mayor of New York City, John Bonicoro Morris Yacht and Beach Club and the Leonard veterans, the cost of buying a home in the three helicopters whirring overhead, an eight- Longtime City Island resident John Hawkins Post 156 of the American Legion for suburbs with a V.A. mortgage was the same as car NYPD escort and an astonished press Bonicoro passed away on Jan 21, 2007. many years. He was also active in the AARP or cheaper than renting an apartment. In addi- corps left Manhattan and arrived at Charlotte He was born on March 9, 1924, and grew Chapter 318. tion, as young people finished college, got jobs Street, The Bronx, New York, U.S.A. up in the Pelham Bay area. He graduated John is survived by his wife; his sons, and married, many moved to the West Bronx, There was almost nothing left on Charlotte from P. S. 71 and Christopher Columbus John, Michael and Gary; his daughter, Carol with its newer, more elegant and spacious Street itself by 1977. Most of the buildings High School. After high school, he attended Esposito; and five grandchildren, Tracy, Kim, buildings. As the Jewish families moved out, had been turned into piles of bricks and gar- Drake Institute, where he studied drafting. Dana, John and Gideon. A memorial mass was new tenants, mainly blacks and Puerto Ricans, bage, a mountain range of failure. The few The United States was at war, and so on April held at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church and he buildings that still stood were burned-out replaced them. The newcomers were for the 12, 1943, he was inducted into the Army Air was interred in Pelham Cemetery. most part poorer and less educated. Their ways shells. The president and his entourage were Corps. were different and many didn’t speak English, visibly shaken, and the people of Charlotte John was sent to radio and gunnery schools much less Yiddish. This created fear among Street were completely stunned. That night at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Yuma, Ari- Richard B. Chernaik, M.D. many families and the Jews fled Charlotte American television viewers saw their presi- zona. After training, his group was dispatched Street in droves. dent walk through an absolutely extraordinary to Mitchell Field on Long Island, where they An Alternative to The apartment buildings on Charlotte Street cityscape of empty lots heaped with bricks, embarked for Europe. His friend and co-pilot Supermarket Medicine were by this time 40 and 50 years old and bottles and burned-out cars against a backdrop Chris Zervos recalls that before leaving for of empty, abandoned buildings stretching as Europe, John invited his crew to his home in the natural lifetime of the electrical wiring, Board Certifi ed Internist plumbing, and heating systems was coming to far as the eye could see. A perplexed CBS the Bronx, where they enjoyed a dinner pre- an end. Many landlords were reluctant to make anchor Bob Schiefer commented that this was pared by his mother. Associate Clinical Professor at the huge investment of a complete overhaul “perhaps the worst slum in America.” The 15th Army Air Corps was stationed Albert Einstein College of Medicine of their aging properties, as the income from Only a week later, during a World Series in Italy, and John’s group, the 376th Bomb game at Yankee Stadium, the ABC sports Group 515 Bomb Squadron, was active not Active in teaching medical students rents didn’t justify it. Even if they had wanted at Montefi ore Medical Center to renovate, it is unlikely that any bank would cameras spotted a blazing building somewhere only in Italy but also in southern France, have lent them the money. in the South Bronx. At regular intervals, the Romania and Bulgaria. According to Chris g The new tenants had more children than the camera would pan the Bronx sky and zoom in Zervos, their plane was shot down, with its I don’t belong to any HMO. I don’t Jewish families, and often more than one fam- on the fire, as Howard Cosell pronounced in crew of 10. They bailed out close to each believe medicine can be practiced on ily occupied a single apartment. This put addi- his nasal twang to the millions of World Series other, and on the way down, Chris counted the run. Good care requires a compre- tional wear and tear on the aging buildings, viewers that “the Bronx is burning.” To sensi- only nine chutes. He assumed that one of the hensive history, a complete physical and the housing stock in and around Charlotte tive Bronxites President Carter’s visit was long crew had not made it, but then he realized he overdue and offered a glimmer of hope, but the had forgotten to count himself. examination and, above all, meticulous Street began to deteriorate rapidly. Many long- attention to detail. time landlords began to sell to new landlords words of Howard Cosell were just painful and Listed first as missing in action, John’s humiliating. status would shortly be changed to prisoner of RICHARD B. CHERNAIK, M.D. who were either inexperienced, unscrupulous g or both. Almost overnight the South Bronx became war. Because he was a man of unusual mod- By the mid-1960s, the turnover was com- a cause célèbre and Charlotte Street was esty, most of his adventures remain known MEDICARE ACCEPTED ground zero. Some months after President plete and the old-timers were gone. only to himself. After returning to the United 100 Elgar Place, Building 35 Carter’s visit, Mother Teresa of Calcutta came States, John was discharged on Oct. 29, 1945. The symptoms of poverty and social dis- Telephone (718) 320-2188 integration that the Jews had escaped on the to the area and soon dispatched a contingent He received a number of medals and decora- Lower East Side had chased them from Char- of sisters from her order, the Missionaries tions, including the Air Medal, the Purple lotte Street as well. Arson, crime, drug addic- of Charity, who opened a soup kitchen and tion and abandonment were now rampant, and shelter for battered women in a derelict, aban- about half the families in the community were doned apartment house. On Oct. 2, 1979, on on welfare. Engine Company 82, the firehouse his way to say Mass at Yankee Stadium, Pope “We offer free that serves the Charlotte Street–Jennings Mar- John Paul II stopped at Morris Avenue and pickup and 151st Street to bless the site and address an ket neighborhood was now the busiest fire- delivery” house in the city. During 1970 the engine ecstatic crowd. To the delight of those who had responded to 4,246 fires, or about eleven a gathered, the pontiff spoke to them in Span- day. In a two-week period in August 1973, the ish. OWNED AND OPERATED blocks around Charlotte Street had 56 fires in Charlotte Street had by now become a must BY A for political aspirants to make promises and to 22 buildings. CITY ISLAND RESIDENT For the unconscionable, arson became an point their fingers at other people’s failures. extremely lucrative practice. In fact, govern- Ted Kennedy made his appearance in March ment policies actually encouraged it. The of 1980 just before the New York presidential March 2007 The Island Current Page Thirteen SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY!

Photo by KAREN NANI The children of Grace Episcopal Church on City Island turned footballʼs Super Bowl Sunday into Souper Bowl Sunday on Feb. 4, 2007. They collected money to feed the hungry and donated $300 to the POTS (Part of the Solution) program in the Bronx. Shown above with their Souper Bowl are (l. to r.): Gregory and Emily Sexton, Nicholas and Kaitlyn McGuire, and Noel Aponte. Not shown: Ian and Chandler Campbell.

By JOHN SHERIDAN and MARIA SUTHERLAND

The Poor Robin! P.S. 17 was known as P.S. 102. The poor robin! Duped by the unusu- If the Internet is not your thing; if you ally warm January we had, the robin, who are a brick-and-mortar, flesh-and-blood becomes a kind of recluse in winter, was kind of guy or girl, then perhaps the coaxed from his seclusion two months lectures at the Huntington Free Library too soon. And now robins are turning up and Reading Room at Westchester Square everywhere, no doubt cold and confused: are for you. We were in attendance at Jane, Tom and John have reported sight- January’s talk about the history of Hart ings on City Island. Island. As we write this, we eagerly await For an in-depth look at a much wider City Island’s own Tom Nye and his pre- variety of the birds of City Island and sentation at the Huntington about—what its environs, we strongly encourage you else?—City Island. For more information to visit www.cityislandbirds.com. Islander about future presentations, contact librar- Jack Rothman maintains his own Web site ian Cathy McChesney at 718-829-7770. on the subject. It includes close-up color And, finally, it was with mixed emo- photography of local avian by Jack and tions that we read Howard E. Pooler’s let- others that is sure to enhance knowledge ter in last month’s Island Current. That is and experience for birders of all levels. We to say, with a mixture of pride and embar- were especially impressed by the red-tails rassment. Embarrassment first, because 131 Years and 4 Generations of Community Service vs. monks link. his recollections and those of other City On the subject of highly recommended Islanders were stirred to life again by inac- Web sites, we continue to recommend www. curacies in our own Sights and Sounds col- historicpelham.com for scholarly glimpses umn. On the other hand, knowing that we of City Island’s past. Of course, there is the were responsible—if only accidentally— City Island Historical Society’s own site at for the nostalgic treats shared recently www.cityislandmuseum.org, which should in the letters-to-the-editor section of this not be missed. The last time we checked paper makes it seem worthwhile, after all. they had an amazing collection of class As always, you can share your photographs for online viewing. One was thoughts, nostalgic or otherwise, with us at from the graduating class of 1901, when [email protected]. 726 Morris Park Avenue 732 Yonkers Avenue Bronx, New York 10462-3620 Yonkers, New York 10704-2029 1 (718) 828-1800 1 (914) 375-1400 Toll free 1 (888) 828-1800 1 (888) 375- 1400 Toll free EDMOND (Teddy) PRYOR ATTORNEY AT LAW www.ruggieroandsons.com 1925 Williamsbridge Road 300 City Island Avenue after hours: (718) 885-2504 Bronx, City Island, New York 10461 (718) 829-0222 New York 10464 This firm is a family owned corporation whose only shareholders are www.pryorlaw.com Vincent & Robert Ruggiero - (NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs) Page Fourteen The Island Current March 2007 March 2007 The Island Current Page Fifteen

jointly and separately, to see which method However, the TIPRA changes this. Making 10. Contribute to a Coverdell account. is more beneficial. a nondeductible contribution for 2006 by Formerly known as education IRAs, these 6. Know the rules for taxation of state April 15, 2007, up to the maximum of $4,000 accounts are limited to $2,000 per child per income tax refunds. Historically, the tax per taxpayer ($5,000 for those 50 or older), year, and must be made by April 15th of the benefit rule has caused a refund of state enables a taxpayer to roll over such amounts year following the year to which the contri- income taxes deducted in a prior year to be to a Roth IRA in 2010. Any amount taxable bution applies. Unless the child has special taxable in a current year to the extent that in 2010 from such a conversion results in half needs, the beneficiary must be under age 18 itemized deductions exceeded the standard. of the amount being included in income in when the account is opened. The ability to However, revised IRS Publication 525, Tax- each of 2011 and 2012. This two-year spread contribute to these accounts phases out for able and Nontaxable Income. Miscellaneous is only available for conversions occurring in joint filers with adjusted gross income (AGI) Income, states that the taxable amount is fur- 2010. between $190,000 and $220,000 and for ther limited to the excess of the state income 8. Have siblings claim siblings as depen- single filers with AGI between $95,000 and tax deduction over the state and local general dents. Effective in 2005 and beyond, a tax- $110,000. Ten Tax Reduction Ideas, Plus sales tax deduction that could have been payer can claim an individual as a dependent 11. Claim the Telephone Excise Tax One claimed. if the latter is a qualified child. Such individual Credit (TET). Available for 2006 to individ- The AICPA (American Institute of Certi- For example, a taxpayer deducted $10,000 generally must (1) live with the taxpayer for uals, business entities, estates, trusts and not- fied Public Accountants) has identified 10 in state income taxes on his 2005 return, more than half the tax year; (2) be under age for-profit organizations is a one-time federal ideas for minimizing taxes before April 16, because it was higher than the $9,000 sales 19 (age 24 if a full-time student); and (3) meet tax credit for excessive excise taxes charge 2007 (April 15 is a Sunday), and I have added taxes he paid that year. If the taxpayer a relationship test. One way the relationship on long-distance telephone services between one more for good measure. receives a $3,000 refund of state income test is met is if the individual is the taxpayer’s March 1, 2003, and July 31, 2006. Individuals 1. Claim all charitable deductions. Indi- taxes in 2006, the maximum amount taxable brother or sister. Prior-law income and sup- may claim credit based on an actual calcula- viduals should be sure to determine and would be $1,000 ($10,000 income taxes less port tests have been eliminated; as a result, a tion method or lower standard allowance deduct miles driven for charitable purposes, $9,000 sales taxes), because the taxpayer young adult living in the household who is not amounts of either $30 or $60 depending on such as when they drive themselves or their could have deducted $9,000 in any event. a qualifying child of his or her parents could prior filings facts. Businesses, estates, trusts children to volunteer work sites. For 2006 Consequently, even if the deduction for state claim a younger sibling as a qualifying child. and non-profit/charitable organizations must returns, the charitable deduction rate is 14 income taxes exceeds that for sales taxes, This could be extremely beneficial when the use the actual payment determination method cents per mile. Also, remember to deduct which is the table amount plus taxes on major income phase out rules eliminate the parents’ or a hybrid approach utilizing April 2006 and any charitable contributions made via payroll purchases, taxpayers should take steps to ability to claim an exemption or child credit. September 2006 excise tax payments as a withholdings. ensure that the potential alternative sales tax 9. Split refunds between bank accounts. base for determining a percentage ratio to be 2. Claim all medical deductions. Mile- deduction is as high as possible so as to limit Taxpayers can elect up to three different applied to all actual telephone charges for the age for medical purposes is deductible, like taxable refunds. bank accounts into which they may split their period noted. See IRS Form 8913 and related charitable miles, but at 18 cents per mile or, 7. Contribute to Roth IRAs. Under income refunds for deposit. In the past, only instructions for further clarification. if greater, out-of-pocket cost. Any premiums the IRA rules, taxpayers whose adjusted one bank account could be used. paid by Social Security for Medicare by tax- gross income (AGI) exceeds certain levels payers over age 64 should also be included in ($160,000 for joint filers and $105,000 if your medical expense calculations. single) cannot contribute to a Roth IRA. 3. Claim business mileage. For 2006 the However, a change made by the Tax Increase mileage allowance for business use of your Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 vehicle is 44.5 cents per mile. Most business (TIPRA) now allows these taxpayers to effec- use of vehicles probably costs more than this, tively make contributions, even though their at least in some metropolitan areas. For those AGI exceeds these levels. Beginning in 2010, taxpayers accumulating significant mileage, taxpayers can roll over amounts from tra- computing actual cost versus the standard ditional IRAs to Roth IRAs, regardless of ______mileage rate might be worth a try. FINE ART PORTRAITS: Studio on City Island. KEYBOARD PLAYER AVAILABLE: I play smooth their AGI. They can take advantage of this 4. Be aware of the minimum tax credit. More than 30 years of photographic experience. and gentle music for special events. References change now, by making nondeductible con- Call Ron Terner at 718-885-1403. ______available. Call Diana at 718-885-2091. Individuals owing alternative minimum tax ______tributions to traditional IRAs, then rolling WANTED: Usable guitars for seniors taking les- PHOTO RESTORATION: Take old photographs (AMT) are also probably generating a mini- these amounts into Roth IRAs in 2010. sons at Senior Center in Manhattan. Seniors and have them restored like new. Copies made mum tax credit that can be used against their canʼt carry guitars to and from sessions. If your from negatives or prints. Framing available as As a practical matter, taxpayers prohib- regular tax in the future. Taxpayers should useful guitar is gathering dust in the attic, please ______well. Call Ron 718-885-1403. ited from making contributions to either consider selling or donating it. Thanks. Call Anna TOYS, GAMES, PUZZLES, PUPPETS, craft be aware of the amount generated from prior Roth IRAs or traditional IRAs rarely make ______Maria 718-885-1757 ( Evenings). kits & more! Now at Exotiqa 885-3090 or shop years; such information should be included in www.themagicofgifts.com nondeductible contributions to a traditional NOT JUST SMALL JOBS: Carpentry-Remodel- ______online at . any tax preparation software used, so that it is ing-Repairs. Doors, windows, furniture repair, IRA, thinking that they are investing after- CITY ISLAND APT. FOR RENT: One bedroom not overlooked in future years. ______painting, locks, etc. Michael 718-885-1580. walk-up, full bath, eik, gas/heat included. No tax dollars and the income, when distributed, 5. Compare tax filing approaches and PIANO LESSONS: Lifetime experience teach- ______dogs. $900 Owner 917-848-6358. although tax-deferred, would be taxed at ing children and adults. My home on a Steinway save. Taxpayers should determine their opti- ARE YOU IN PAIN? If you suffer from chronic ordinary rates rather than long-term capital Grand Piano. Flexible hours. Call Diana 718- pain, you need to know what energy medicine mal filing methods, such as taking the stan- 885-2091. gain rates if such amounts were invested ______can do for you. Call Kathanna today for a free dard deduction versus itemizing, and married AFFORDABLE TAX SERVICE. Tax returns pre- mini-session, and finally know what it feels like to in growth stocks or similar investments. couples should compute tax liability both pared by experienced City Island professionals be pain-free. 203-947-6488 or 718 885-1246. I ______for as little as $50. Call 646-489-6833. ______can also work on your pets as well. CITY ISLAND APARTMENT: On gated premises. PASSPORT PHOTOS taken at Focal Point 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen , Gallery 321 City Island Avenue. Call Ron at bath, terrace, hardwood floors, central a/c-heat, ______718-885-1403. private entrance, NO PETS, on-premises park- RETIRED CITY ISLANDERS: Looking to house ______ing. $1700.+ utilities. ( 914) 949-2560. sit for summer 07. Will care for cats, dogs, boats CITY ISLAND SOUVENIRS: Mugs, sailboats, and property. Contact [email protected] Or call life rings, teddy bears & post cards. Exotiqa ______954-973-7740. ______885-3090. AUGUST 11-18TH 2007. 7 night “All-inclusive” AVON REPRESENTATIVE: Avon is not just cos- Aruba vacation at $1499.00 each. Includes metics.Jewelry,clothes,vitamins, videos, com- everything. Round trip air, 7 nights . Garden plete line of childrenʼs gifts, toys and more. Ask view room at the beautiful Divi Aruba Golf & ______for catalog. Call______Emily 718-885-2430. Beach resort. All meals, drinks, water sports. “ FEELING POORLY & DOCTORS ARE You can leave your wallet home” Children under STUMPED? Call Kathanna for a free Intuitive 18 are only $599. Limit 2 children per room. ( Medical Consultation. 203-947-6488 or 718- Only 10 seats left!) Call Dianne at OʼSullivanʼs ______885-1246. ______Travel. 718-885-0715. THEREʼS A COMPUTER GURU right in your JEWELRY DESIGNED & REPAIRED: Gold, neighborhood. City Island resident with over silver, pearl & bead re-stringing. Exotiqa 885- 25 years of computer experience can repair ______3090. any software or hardware problem. Instruc- BISTRO STYLE : Wrought Iron 36” Round table tion available for all new PC owners. I even and four padded chairs. $60. Call 718-885- make house calls. References available. Call 1245. “Joe, the Computer Guy” 718-885-9366. ______DRIVING LESSONS given daily. Cars for road I BUY OLD BOOKS and some not so old. Call tests. Permit questions free. Special attention COTTAM John for appointment. 718-885-1822. Appraisals to nervous people. JoRae Auto School. 718- ______and search service available. ______325-0494. MASSAGE THERAPY in the privacy of your LEARN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Photoshop home. Gift certificates, references avail- 7 or black and white photography, developing ______able. John Raimondi, L.M.T. 718-885-0619. film, printing, camera techniques. Call Ron 718- ______885-1403. DRUM LESSONS on City Island. Call John at ______(917) 226-9295. ______City Island Deli

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Information for the Talebearer must be received in writ- ing no later than the 15th of the month except July and December. Mail to The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464; include your name and telephone number. Hello Readers! Just wanted you all to know that this column marks my 200th for The Island Current so HAPPY ANNIVER- SARY to me! Hopefully, I will be able to continue this fun column for many more years to come, so please keep the news roll- ing in. And remember, there is no charge at all Photos by ROSE KOLB to have your good news included in this col- City Island Girl Scouts and their escorts enjoyed themselves at their Annual Sweet- umn. Thanks again for 20 wonderful years! heart Dance held at the Seashore Restaurant on Feb. 11, 2007. It’s a boy! Congratulations to Fordham The Random Farms Kids Theater, Inc. Street’s Theresa and Toby Moors, who wel- to send birthday greetings to Bronx Repub- (RFKT) was created in 1995 and stages comed baby Oliver on Nov. 2, 2006. lican Party Chairman Jay Savino, who cel- productions at theaters throughout Happy March 31 birthday greetings go ebrates his big day on March 13. Westchester County, New York. Mem- out to Pell Place’s Barbara Stiene with love Happy birthday and St. Patrick’s Day to bers come from all over Westches- from your family and friends. King Avenue’s Virginia McGuire with love ter and Putnam Counties, New York Happy birthday to Marine Street’s Chris- from your family and friends. TowBOAT/U.S. City, New Jersey and Connecticut and topher Butterworth, who will celebrate his Maria Swieciki City Island range in age from 5 to 18. Several big day on March 8. City Islanders have participated in this Happy ninth birthday on March 3 to Jo- childrenʼs theater program, including seph Nelson with love from your family. And students from P.S. 175 and Camille Pru- vost (shown above as Sharpay in “High more birthday greetings go out to his dad, Jo- School Musical”). As of 2006, RFKT is seph, who celebrates on March 28. the resident childrenʼs theater at the Welcome to the world, Mia Zapata, who Tarrytown Music Hall. For information, made her entrance on Jan. 26. Proud mom and visit www.randomfarms.com. dad are Kim and Danny Zapata and thrilled great-grandmother is Pilot Cove’s Terry Car- mody. Mia has four brothers and sisters who can’t wait to play with her. The City Island Republicans would like

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