Periodicals Paid at Bronx, N.Y. USPS 114-590

Volume 41 Number 10 December 2012 One Dollar SANDY...MEET SANTA!

Photos by SARAH ANDERSON, RICK DEWITT, BARBARA DOLENSEK, ANN-MARIE GOONAN, MARK NANI and MIKE RAUH City Island survived Hurricane Sandy, which roared into the northeast on Oct. 29, 2012, with wind gusts over 80 miles per hour (see story on page 3). Sandy’s tidal surge of over eight feet caused much of the damage, flooding the parking lots of restaurants like Sea Shore (top photos) and yacht clubs like the Stuyvesant on Centre Street (bottom photos). The sustained winds knocked down familiar Island sights like the neon lobster above the Lobster House (second row of photos) and many trees causing power failures and fires like the one that destroyed Tony’s Pier Restaurant on the end of City Island Avenue (third row photos). We made it to the morning after with a majestic rainbow over Orchard Beach signifying the end of Sandy. As always, City Islanders exhibited resilience and community spirit by helping neighbors pump water out of their basements, providing power and shelter to those who went as long as four days without it, and cleaning up in time to welcome in the holiday season with the tree lighting in Hawkins Park on Nov. 24 (middle photo) and the menorah lighting on Dec. 8. The staff of The Island Current wishes everyone a serene, safe and storm-free holiday. Page Two The Island Current December 2012

returned to find the car’s side view mirror briefly... 45 BLOTTER broken and the mirror housing damaged. 11/1 – At 2:30 a.m. on Fordham Street, MIGNONE ASSISTED-LIVING PROJECT PUBLIC HEARING Complaints reported from City Island an unknown perpetrator entered a residence will take place at the City Island Community Center, 190 Fordham Street, on Thursday, Nov. to the 45th Precinct during October and through the driveway gate and removed 29, at 7:30 p.m. The hearing is sponsored by the Housing and Zoning Committee of Community November 2012. Unfounded complaints items without permission. The burglary is Board 10 and is open to the public. All who are concerned about the project and its impact on are not included in the list. under investigation. City Island are invited to attend and voice their concerns. Those who wish to speak will be asked 11/1 – On Bridge Street at 12 noon, to fill out speaker forms in advance, so come early to the meeting. The fund-raiser scheduled for 1 – ASSAULT items were removed from a marooned boat Saturday, Dec. 1, has been postponed and will take place after the New Year. 1 – CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF in an act of petit larceny. MARIJUANA 11/16 – An Island male, 21, was arrest- FREEDOM SHABBAT at Temple Beth-El, 480 City Island Avenue, on Friday, ed and charged with criminal possession of 1 – BURGLARY Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. The entire community is invited to our shabbat with renowned guest artist marijuana on Fordham Street at 9:15 p.m. singer/journey-teller Elizabeth Kent. Ms. Kent will share her interpretation of the life of biblical 2 – CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Police stopped the vehicle driven by the de- prophetess Miriam, sister of Moses, and Miriam’s contributions to the freedom journey of the 1 – PETIT LARCENY fendant for a traffic infraction and found the Israelite people. A member of Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, Ms. Kent has been marijuana in plain view. Police provided details on the follow- journey-telling for more than 25 years, in prisons, schools, and houses of worship. Refreshments ing incidents and arrests for the period will follow. from Oct. 21 to Nov. 19, 2012. 10/27 – Detectives from the 45th Pre- EPIPHANY CONCERT AT GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH will be presented on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at 4 p.m. (snow date Jan. 13), featuring Sing We cinct are investigating an assault on Tier Enchanted, an a cappella vocal ensemble, now in its 18th season, that will perform “An Epiph- Street at 5 p.m. A verbal argument between any of Carols.” Listeners will have the chance to enjoy a variety of old-time European carols, a perpetrator and a resident escalated to a festive holiday ballads and contemporary Christmas arrangements—away from the usual hectic physical attack. pace of the holiday season. A festive wine and cheese reception will be held following the 10/27 – An incident of criminal mis- concert. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Seating is limited, so order now. Tickets chief occurred around 10 p.m. on City Is- land Avenue. The owner of a parked vehicle can be purchased by using Paypal through the Grace Church website (www.gracecityisland. org) or by check received no later than Dec. 29. Make payment to Grace Church and mail it to Epiphany Concert, c/o Grace Church, 116 City Island Avenue, Bronx NY 10464. To make reservations, call Grace Church at 718-885-1080 and leave your name, phone number and ticket request, and someone will get back to you.

AUDITIONS FOR The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Wil- liams will be held by the City Island Theater Group on Friday, Jan., 4, at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 2:30 p.m. at Grace Church Hall, 116 City Island Avenue at Pilot Street. Production dates are the last weekend of February and the first weekend of March.

Season’s Greetings Filomena’s Pizza & Pasta Free Delivery 4 p.m.-10 p.m. • 11 on Weekends 286 City Island Avenue - Bronx, NY 718-885-9032

Friday, November 30 Christmas Fair ~ 2-8 p.m. Dinner served 5-7 p.m. Saturday, December 1 Christmas Fair ~ 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Luncheon served 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, December 2 First Advent Sunday Special Holy Communion The congregation of the United Worship Service ~ 10 a.m. Methodist Church deeply appreciates all donors and Sunday, December 9 volunteers, especially chef Ann Parsonage Open House Cox and her usual volunteer 113 Bay Street ~ 2-4 p.m. crew members, who have served about 80 guests at Sunday, December 16 the 16th Annual Thanksgiving Children’s Christmas Pageant ~ 10 a.m. Dinner on Nov. 22, 2012 in the Monday, December 24 Trinity United Methodist Church Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 10 p.m. Fellowship Hall.

THE ISLAND CURRENT Editorial Office: 718-885-0760 P.O. Box 6 Display Advertising: 718-885-1636 City Island, N.Y. 10464 or 718-885-0984 or: [email protected] Subscriptions: 718-885-9268 www.theislandcurrent.com 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: Maria Swieciki, Carol Koschak, Ed Heben, Marsha Treiber, Jane Protzman, Bill Stuttig, Tom Smith, Virginia Dannegger, Monica Glick, Maria Sutherland, John Sheridan, Miriam Kleinberg, Paula Huffell and Teresa Teto. PHOTOGRAPHY: Rick DeWitt. CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS: Russell Schaller Sr., Stephanie Ribaudo, 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 JB Offset Printing Corp., 475 Walnut Street, Norwood, NJ 07648 Congressman 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, $12.00 per year. Single copies, $1.00. All subscriptions, editorial, advertis- Joseph Crowley 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 2012 by The Island Current, Inc., 724 King Ave., City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. All rights reserved. Paid for by Crowley for Congress PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT BRONX, NY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. December 2012 The Island Current Page Three Hurricane Sandy Hits City Island By BARBARA DOLENSEK

moments before the George Washington areas, although nothing as bad as what took Bridge closed at 7 p.m. and just in time to place on the Jersey shore, the Rockaways or get their generator out of the basement! Staten Island. Photos by RICK DeWITT, MAURA MANDRANO, BARBARA DOLENSEK and FRED RAMFTL High tide at noon on Monday was As usual, the wind also managed to Although many Islanders agreed that the storm surge could have been even worse, predicted to be over 8 feet in normal condi- topple a few large trees and knock down a Hurricane Sandy left a trail of damage and problems that plagued City Island for weeks. tions because of the full moon, and the high number of utility wires. Many City Island- The top photo shows the remains of the cottage on west Carroll Street that caught ers lost power during the evening, but some on fire during the hurricane. The dock at the City Island Yacht Club, which had just tide at a few minutes after midnight was to been rebuilt, was again severely damaged (top right photo). The lines to get gas at the be about 7.5 feet. Although the storm surge areas never did; amazingly, the “weak Sunoco station snaked down City Island Avenue for almost a mile from Ditmars Street during the day, while impressive, did not loop” on west Tier and Bay Streets man- down to Schofield Street (lower left photo). Police from the 45th Precinct worked effi- cause major damage, the evening proved aged to stay strong, but many areas lost ciently to keep the daily lines orderly and prevent traffic tie-ups on City Island Avenue. to be far more serious, as the surge was power, and on Tuesday morning at about Other off-Islanders came to the rescue as well, including Councilman James Vacca predicted to reach 14 feet or more above 1:30 a.m. Cablevision went out for the and Congressman Joseph Crowley (top right photo), who surveyed the damage on low tide. Indeed, if the storm surge had not whole island. Oct. 31, and Fordham University students who helped clean up the Sailmaker Marina begun to subside at about 10 p.m. on Mon- For many residents, cell phones were (bottom right photo). Longtime clam diggers who remember the Hurricane of 1938 and day, a great deal more damage would have a saving grace, enabling them to stay in the no-name storm of 1992 added Hurricane Sandy to their list of worst storms to hit taken place on City Island. (The flooding touch with each other and off-Islanders, our Island home. to contact Con Edison and to access their Another “Storm of the Century” ing police officers go door to door on City that took place in lower Manhattan and on News of impending “extreme weather” Island and other low-lying parts of the city Long Island and the Jersey shore coincided e-mail. Island heating contractor Gary Cot- began reaching City Island nearly a week urging residents to leave. The police were exactly with their highest tide, causing tam ascribes the fact that Verizon Wireless before the storm itself. This reporter not authorized to arrest anyone or force severe flooding throughout the area.) remained viable relates to the installation learned of it from a friend who was in them to leave, and although they could The predicted heavy rains did not mate- of generators at the various cell tower Germany on Tuesday, Oct. 23, reading have given summonses, they did not. How- rialize as advertised, but the wind certainly sites on the Island. A few Islanders discov- “The Huffington Post” online, a full day ever, they did make the point that it would did, causing serious waves, first on the east ered that their old landline phones worked before the New York newspapers caught become difficult, if not impossible, for first side of the island with gusts up to 80 mph without electricity and managed to stay in wind of Hurricane Sandy and then it was responders to rescue residents stranded by from the northeast, and from the southeast. touch without having to recharge anything only to report on damage in Jamaica. the storm. It wasn’t until Sandy’s arrival It was this change of wind direction that electronic. Finally, by Oct. 25, meteorologists had on the scene that Islanders realized that all may have affected the subsiding of the Power outages, however, were the begun speculating that a combination of of City Island, not just specific areas, had storm surge, but it also managed to cause least of the problems caused by fallen factors could turn Sandy into a “perfect become designated after Hurricane Irene serious surf on the west side of the island, wires. Tony’s Pier restaurant was com- storm,” because a storm coming from as Zone A, the most vulnerable to storm taking out the City Island Yacht Club pletely destroyed by fire on Monday night, the west and a high-pressure area in the surge. dock, rebuilt after Irene, and flooding the and a house on west Carroll Street was Atlantic could combine to force Sandy into On Sunday evening, rumors began to Stuyvesant Yacht Club, not only destroying nearly gutted. Firefighters from the City making landfall anywhere between North fly that the bridge was going to be closed its dock but also knocking many sailboats Island firehouse, later joined by off-Island Carolina and Massachusetts, producing at 7 p.m., later adjusted to 9 p.m., presum- off their dry-dock cradles, causing serious trucks, were quick to the scenes, although record rainfall and storm surges. ably because of the high winds, although damage. Many basements were filled with it was very difficult battling fire in such Although many Island residents have high winds have not caused problems on water, and Bridge Street and the north end high winds. As a resident of east Horton developed a skeptical attitude about storm the bridge before now. It was closed during of City Island Avenue were, as usual, so Street told The Current, “If the wind had warnings as just so much hype, the damage the 1992 nor’easter because of flooding, not deep in water that travel by boat became been coming from the southwest instead wreaked last year by Hurricane Irene and because of winds, but the flooding this year the only practical mode of transportation. of the east, hundreds of houses would have by the “no name” storm on Sept. 18 have did not start until Monday. The most obvious victim of the wind in that burned. We could see that it was impossible increased the credibility of the weather My friend in Germany was scheduled neighborhood was the huge lobster sign on to control the flames under such condi- service. So when Mayor Bloomberg to return to New York on Sunday night, but top of the Lobster House, now a thing of tions, and cinders were blowing all over the announced a mandatory evacuation of City her flight, along with everyone else’s was the past. place.” Island and the Rockaways on Saturday, canceled, and she couldn’t return until later A resident of west Tier Street noted Like the firefighters, police officers Oct. 27, for the second time in two years, in the week. The editor of The Island Cur- that the surge itself did not reach the level from the 45th and other precincts were very many Islanders took him seriously and rent, who was in Argentina, managed to of the nor’easter in 1992, a storm that hit attentive and quick to respond to calls for left. get flights to Miami and then to Pittsburgh, City Island with virtually no warning at help. Patrol cars drove along the Avenue This time the Mayor underscored the driving through Pennsylvania and New Jer- all. But the winds this time produced more and down side streets regularly during importance of the evacuation order by hav- sey late on Monday to arrive in New York active surf and did more damage in many Continued on page 11 Page Four The Island Current December 2012

some wonderful goodies for Christmas, including the new blue shirts with the five America’s Cup defenders and the beautiful marble coasters and magnets featuring the lighthouses at Execution Rock and Step- ping Stone. Our regular hours are 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, but we will also open by special appointment; call 718- 885-1616 or 718-885-0507. We were delighted to learn of an in- We welcome letters and opinions. Letters longer than 250 words will be edited, with every effort made to credibly generous gift in the memory of preserve their substance. We reserve the right not to Josephine Rodstrom that will enable us print letters that are copies, libelous, inaccurate or in bad taste, or those that cannot be verified. Include your to rebuild the front steps. Our campaign phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, but names will be withheld upon request. to raise matching funds will begin in the spring, but in the meantime, don’t forget Hail but not Farewell that donations to the City Island Historical Colleagues, Neighbors and Friends: Society are tax-deductible. I wish to inform you that Friday, Nov. Barbara Dolensek 9, will be my last day in the office of New York State Senator Jeff Klein. These last Bus Shelter at Pilot Street five years have been among the most chal- To the Editor: lenging and rewarding experiences of my I would like to start this letter by say- life. I can honestly say I’m a different per- ing that The Current is an enjoyable and son today than I was when I started, and I informative source of information for City believe that’s due in large part to my inter- Islanders. rtrt ofof eautyeauty actions with many of you. I am indebted to I have noticed that we have only two so many for their encouragement, collabo- bus shelters on the Island at this time. I am A B ration, inspiration, wisdom and all-around A B sure that the location of the shelters was good humor, usually shared with me at a based on the volume of use at the stops tough moment. (Fordham Street and Sammy’s Fish Box). While the decision to move on was I would like to see a shelter installed at Pi- A Full Service Salon difficult, I leave with many fond memories lot Street. The reason for this would be the and a deep sense of gratitude to my sena- stop’s proximity to the Pilot Cove Manor tor, Jeff Klein. Five years ago, I was right for seniors, the Pickwick Apartments, and on City Island out of college and had no experience in the Lido. It would be great to give the el- Professional Service with Personal Care anything. Jeff took a big chance on hiring derly a place to sit out of the rain, snow and me to serve in this community, where I was sun. I am sending this to you in the hope born, raised and will continue to reside. He that a mention of this in the paper might gave me this tremendous opportunity to get the ball rolling. grow professionally and also personally. Joe Zoo Full Service Unisex Salon Any of you who reside in our area know that the senator has set an impeccable stan- Theater Group Gives Back Newly Renovated dard as a public servant and is a statesmen whose future is indeed very bright. My col- To the Editor: Same Prices 413 City Island Ave. leagues in his office, both past and present, There were many twists and turns have labored tirelessly to hold themselves before the City Island Theater Group got Regular Specials 718-885-3831 to this standard each and every day. its production of “The Man Who Came to As of Tuesday, Nov. 13, I will be tak- Dinner” to opening night on Nov. 10. First ing new employment at the North Bronx there were the logistics of fitting a cast of Healthcare Network. I’ll be sure to send 19 people with multiple costume chang- es on a small stage with several doors, a out a similar (but much abbreviated!) e- Since 1951 mail with my new contact information and Christmas tree, a moving wheelchair, a bit- title there. I’m extremely excited for this ing penguin and a sarcophagus. The com- new opportunity. In the meantime, feel free ings and goings of such a big cast is always to reach me at [email protected]. I plan a challenge, one that the group meets on a on staying involved in the community, so I regular basis, but add Hurricane Sandy and hope to see many of you around the neigh- the nor’easter, no public transportation, a borhood! gas shortage, no power and no heat, and the If I can be of assistance to any of you, challenge became seriously daunting. please reach out to me. Should you need As the CITG board of directors over- Myles Leeds, DVM and Naomi Ueda, DVM anything at Senator Klein’s office, please came one obstacle after another, it also contact Dana Carotenuto at 718-822-2049 became apparent that everyone was safe • Puppy & Kitten Spay/Neuter or at [email protected]. and spared the devastation that many oth- • Evening Hours And thank you for everything. ers experienced. This prompted the group • Emergency Care John Doyle to decide to donate ticket sales from the performance with the highest attendance • Laboratory • Ultrasound City Island Nautical Museum in order to help others suffering in this cri- sis. • 2nd Opinions • Dental To the Editor: As a result, CITG was proud to donate • Boarding & Grooming Aside from a few shingles on the the sum of $1,700 to the Mayor’s Fund to porch roof, the museum weathered Hur- Advance New York City for hurricane re- All Major Credit Cards Accepted ricane Sandy without much damage, and lief. In addition to being grateful for the Se Habla Español now that our heat has been restored, with “show must go on” attitude of the cast, many thanks to Gary Cottam, we are back the CITG board also extends its thanks to 914-636-8106 to our normal hours, at least until the New the audiences that made the effort entirely Year, when we will close for a few weeks, worthwhile. 98 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801 reopening March 2. Mary McIntyre, Board Member www.newrochellevet.com Don’t forget that our gift shop has City Island Theater Group December 2012 The Island Current Page Five Be Part of the Solution Chamber of Commerce By JANE LA SCALA Honors Islanders Yes, YOU! Part of the Solution (POTS) between 4:30 and 5 p.m. on the designated By BARBARA DOLENSEK is a social service program located on Saturday each month. To be added to Webster Avenue that provides food, cloth- this list of monthly volunteers, please call ing and remedial services to those less Rosetta Woods at 718-885-0926. You can fortunate. also check the community calendar in The For 15 years, parishioners of St. Mary, Island Current for the menu and date for Star of the Sea Church have organized a the upcoming month. menu to provide POTS with a hot meal We are also organizing our 12th Gift- once a month. This has grown into a ing Program with POTS for the Christmas community-wide undertaking. There is a season. These donations help refurbish designated dish, and volunteers are asked the POTS supply of underwear, sweats, to prepare enough to feed 10 people. socks, hats, gloves and scarves for men If cooking is not your forte, basic and women who come to POTS seeking staple items can be donated (coffee, sugar, assistance. These items should be new. Col- juices, flour, cookies, cleaning products, lection takes place in the lobby of St. Mary, diapers and formula with iron, to name a Star of the Sea Church from Dec. 1 through few). the 15th. For more information, please call Your donation should be delivered Jane La Scala at 718-885-2137. to St. Mary, Star of the Sea schoolyard Thank you for caring and sharing.

Photos by RICK DeWITT Public Hearing on a zone classified as AE. The City Island Chamber of Commerce honored several members of the commu- Residents of City Island, many of whom nity at its awards dinner on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012. Standing (l. to r.): Carmine de Mignone Project are opposed to the construction of this four- Donato, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Edwin Castro of Dragon’s Path Academy, story block-long structure, are invited to John Doyle, Nick Vrettos, Steven Haggerty, Dan Kaiser, Walter Henning, Joe McCool, The attorney for Dr. Domenico Mi- attend the meeting and will be allowed to Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, Christ Hall, Gerard “Skip” Giacco; seated: Paul Klein, Maria gnone will be present at a public meeting speak once the committee has finished ask- Swieciki, Alexandra Whitcombe, Maria Caruso. Missing: Bronx Borough President of the Housing and Zoning Committee ing its questions. Ruben Diaz, Jr., and firefighters John Neurether and Anthony Cuozzo. of Community Board 10 at 7:30 p.m. on The biggest question about the project Thursday, Nov. 29, at the City Island Com- posed by residents in the aftermath of Hur- munity Center, 190 Fordham Street. ricane Sandy is why anyone would want to Members of the committee will ask put so many vulnerable seniors at risk by the attorney questions relating to the assist- building a facility in an area that has been ed-living building proposed for City Island ordered by the Mayor’s office to evacuate Avenue at Schofield Street. Dr. Mignone is twice within the past 15 months. seeking a variance from the Board of Stan- The fund-raiser scheduled for Saturday, dards and Appeals to build a residential Dec. 1, at Trinity United Methodist Church structure in a zone classified as manufac- has been postponed until after the New turing. He is also appealing a Department Year. Those who have not yet contributed of Buildings rule regarding the construc- to the Civic Association’s legal fund are in- tion of parts of the building below grade in vited to send a check, made out to SONE, to City Island Civic Association, P. O. 117, Bronx NY 10464.

Former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión (l.) added his voice to the mix with Skip Giacco and the Lickety Split Band.

The atmosphere was festive, the Split Giacco introduced his right hand, vice presi- Rock clubhouse beautifully decorated and dent Paul Klein, owner of the Kaleidoscope the company lively and enthusiastic at the Gallery, and president of Temple Beth-El, 102nd annual awards dinner-dance spon- who has made a lifelong commitment to sored by the City Island Chamber of Com- community service and was honored with merce on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012. the Sam Bierman Business and Community More than 180 people turned out to Service Award. dine, dance and congratulate the honorees, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto spoke and the Bronx Borough President, Ruben admiringly of the contributions to the City Diaz Jr., welcomed everyone to the occa- Island community made by John Doyle, the sion. He mentioned first those residents of youngest award recipient who was honored the Bronx who had generously and willingly with a Community Service Award, and his donated their time and goods to helping vic- former boss, State Senator Jeffrey Klein, tims of Hurricane Sandy, and then he said whom he praised as a “model” for his work MARIO AYALA LT. CHRISTOPHER MULLER he hoped he would never have to hear again as both assemblyman and senator. Assem- LTC. H. A. CLANCY CHRISTOPHER NASH about closures at the City Island firehouse. blyman Benedetto noted that Senator Klein, Chamber president Gerard “Skip” LTC MICHAEL CLANCY ROLANDO PINTO Continued on page 18 PV2 JUSTIN CONAHAN APRIL SALEM LCDR EDMUND GANAL PFC3 RACHEL SMITH LT. ETHAN HEBEN THOMAS SPENCER FRANK HERNANDEZ ROBERT J. SWIECIKI We are proud to be a part of City Island LT. PAUL IT PFC GAVIN TAYLOR KEITH MANFREDONIA SEAN TRIGLIA CORY MAYER DMITRI VYSTOROPSKY Chris Butterworth Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Thank you to all who supported the Servicemen’s Fund Direct/Cell: 347-992-0312 Bus.: 347-202-4965 and contributed to the aid of Hurricane Sandy. EXIT REALTY SEARCH Fax.: 800-709-4508 3928 E. Tremont Ave. Res.: 347-992-0312 Bronx, NY 10465 [email protected]

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated Page Six The Island Current December 2012

a complete December schedule, including presented. details of New Year’s Eve at Starving Artist Adult Computer Lounge: Every with jazz man Lou Volpe, visit www.Starv- Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Christmas is Fun ingArtistOnline.com. Lectures: To be announced. Please check our fliers. SPECIAL FILM: Batman, The Dark Knight Rises (2012) (165 minutes If you have a new business, or if your old business is offering a new service, write to The Current, P.O. Box 6, Rated PG-13 Warner Brothers), Saturday, City Island, NY 10464 by the 10th of the month. Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. Please sign up for limited seating. Christopher Nolan’s Batman tril- Throggs Neck native Wally Santos is ogy concludes with this Warner Brothers proud to announce the opening of his third release that finds the Dark Knight pitted wholesale dry cleaning outlet, this one at against Bane, an unstoppable foe pos- 644 City Island Avenue, a much-needed sessed of tremendous physical and intel- discounted dry cleaning depot with organic City Island Branch Library lectual strength. Nearly a decade after and green dry cleaning at wholesale prices. Events for December 2012 taking the fall for Harvey Dent’s death He has teamed up with City Islander Nick and disappearing into the darkness, a Hours: Mondays and Thursdays, 11 Vrettos to offer same day or next day ser- fugitive Batman (Christian Bale) watches a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays, vice; Islander Chris McGowan will man from the shadows as the Dent Act keeps 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, the booth for drop offs, which will be open the streets of Gotham City free of crime. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Meanwhile, an elusive cat burglar seizes Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. December Children’s Programs the chance to strike, and a masked anar- Free delivery to your home until 8 p.m. Story Time: Read-aloud picture chist plots a devastating series of attacks Most garments will be dry-cleaned for only books. Every ongoing Thursday afternoon designed to lure Bruce Wayne out of the Beautiful Fresh Trees $3.75 each when prepaid. Watch for cou- at 3:30 p.m. Ages 4 to 10. shadows. Determined not to abandon the pons in the mail. Children’s Homework Lounge: people who he once risked his life to U Focal Point Gallery, 321 City Island Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. protect, the Dark Knight emerges from Decorated and Avenue (718-885-1403), is calling artists Special events for children will be his self-imposed exile ready to fight. Undecorated Wreaths to be part of the Holiday Show, which will announced. Please check our fliers. But Bane (Tom Hardy) is ready, too, run from Dec. 7 through Dec. 31, with an and once Batman is within his grasp, he U opening reception on Friday, Dec. 7, from December Young Adult Programs will do everything in his power to break Bows & Garland 7 to 10 p.m. If you are an artist and would Card Game Training: Every Tues- Gotham City’s shadowy savior. Oscar- Free Delivery on like to take part in this exhibition, call 718- day afternoon at 3:30 p.m. winner Michael Caine and Gary Old- 885-1403. All work has to be ready to hang. “Yu-Gi-Oh”: Every Wednesday man return in a sequel also starring Anne City Island There is a $20 hanging fee for each piece afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Hathaway, Marion Cotillard and Joseph and a 30 percent commission taken from Teen Homework Lounge: Every Gordon-Levitt. Take a Picture the asking price. Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. We are located at 320 City Island (249 Starving Artist Cafe & Gallery December Adult Programs Avenue & Bay Street. Please call the City Island Avenue, 718-885-3779) cele- with Santa branch at 718-885-1703 for any unsched- brates the season with its holiday party on Introduction to the Internet: Ongo- uled changes, additions or cancelations. Sunday, Dec. 9, featuring a performance ing Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to You can visit us at for more by singer-songwriter Theresa Sareo, the noon. Please register in advance. www.nypl.org details and for programs in other branches “sweetheart of Starving Artist.” Also on Resumé Writing Workshop and throughout the city. tap is a Saturday Night Blues Party with Online Job Search: Ongoing Wednesday Bennett Harris (Saturday, Dec. 1, 8 p.m.) mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. Please and Japanese gypsy rock with Kagero register in advance. A flash drive to save (Saturday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m.). “Queen of your work is highly recommended. rock” Nicola returns to Starving Artist for a Introduction to Facebook: Find lost CD release party for “Canyons and Cathe- friends and make new ones. Call branch drals” on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. For for which Friday this program will be Best Wishes for a Steve Happy Holiday Season

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Thank you City Island for 19 years of support! The Scanlon Family December 2012 The Island Current Page Seven

lia, Ohio, in the weeks before Christmas. meanness that Nathan Lane feared. The A Current Review Sheridan Whiteside, a well-known radio primary targets of his abuse, Mr. and Mrs. personality touring the nation accompa- Stanley (Eric Dino and Carol Dooner), The Man Who Came to Dinner nied by his secretary, Maggie, has been each played their characters exactly—Eric By BRUCE A. WEIS invited to dine at the home of Ernest W. as a controlling personality pushed out Stanley and his family. However, Whi- of control and Carol struggling mightily teside slips on a patch of ice outside the to maintain calm and poise in impossible front door and injures his hip. Whiteside situations. is confined there while he recuperates A large piece of the show’s plot line from his injuries and proceeds to take is Maggie’s (Elizabeth Paldino) romance control of the house by terrorizing the with Bert Jefferson (Nic Anthony Cala- Stanley family; Dr. Bradley, the attend- bro), a local journalist. Throughout the ing physician; Miss Preen, his nurse; and show Elizabeth coolly portrayed the mix anyone else who appears to question his of cynicism and tenderness called for control of the home. As the show goes on, by her role. Nic, meanwhile, was ever Whiteside seems to mellow slightly, as he the brash newspaperman, seemingly tries to disengage Maggie from a romance ripped from “The Front Page.” Whiteside he finds inconvenient and plots to help attempts to derail their romance by intro- the Stanley children find personal fulfill- ducing a rival in the person of Lorraine ment. Sheldon (Margaret Cioffi), an actress des- The role of Whiteside is the linchpin perately seeking a profitable relation- Photo by MARY MCINTYRE of the show, and Stanley Wexler played ship with an English lord; she enters the “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” produced by the City Island Theater Group in November it to perfection, as he alternately scolded, show via a call to the liner Normandie 2012 was huge success, thanks to a great cast: (front row, l. to r.): Sarah Harrold, Lorain praised, belittled, threatened and tongue- and exits in an Egyptian sarcophagus. Porto, Sandra Prosnitz, Elizabeth Paldino, Margaret Cioffi, Nic Anthony Calabro; (back lashed his fellow performers. Crucially, In between she falls for the fake British row): Connie Del Vecchio, David Lazaar, Jay Langkamp, Jonathon Langkamp, Thomas he avoided crossing the line into pure Losito, Carol Dooner, Danny Conover, Eric Dino, Frank Siciliano, Stanley Wexler, Eileen Continued on page 19 Fox, Leslie R. Blumgold, Andy Ravick. Missing: Denis Zepeda.

The City Island Theater Group ing Featured Actor in a Play and Nye for A Current Review reached back in theater history to select Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play. and mount a production of “The Man The show was revived again, in 2000, “The Smallest Grand Opera in the Who Came to Dinner,” in a run that by the Roundabout Theatre Company and closed with a Sunday matinee on Nov. 18. once more ran for 85 performances. The World” by Anthony (Tony) Amato The show was interesting on a number cast included Nathan Lane as Sheridan By JANE PROTZMAN of levels, not the least of which was as a Whiteside, Jean Smart, Harriet Sansom sort of time capsule buried in 1939 and Harris and Lewis J. Stadlen. Nathan Lane At the age of 90, Tony Amato wrote Just as the chandeliers at the famed recovered by CITG. This classic comedy later said, “There’s a danger in playing and published his story of the joy and Metropolitan Opera House are raised to and its back story offer the audience a Whiteside. In the [1942] movie, Monty challenges of presenting opera in New the ceiling before a performance (“the snapshot of a long vanished entertain- Woolley’s portrayal at times came across York City, which he had done for over 60 lights go up as they go down,” we always ment world. as mean for mean’s sake.” years. His memoir, “The Smallest Grand said), the Amato Opera house had two tiny “The Man Who Came to Dinner” Regarding that back story, Kaufman Opera in the World,” written with the chandeliers that were manually raised to debuted on Oct. 16, 1939, at the Music and Hart were said to have written “The aid of Rochelle Mancini, an editor and the ceiling by Sally at 7:30 p.m. sharp for Box Theatre in New York City and was Man Who Came to Dinner” about Alex- former principal singer with the company, each performance. The small stage was a written by two titans of the era, George S. ander Woollcott, on whom they based describes how Tony and his wife, Sally, challenge but it contributed to the charm Kaufman and Moss Hart. Shortly thereaf- their lead character, Sheridan Whiteside. longtime residents of City Island, with of each performance. The singers were ter, the show was produced in London, at In 1939 Woollcott was famous as a theater a mostly volunteer staff and dedicated young and often had other careers, but the Savoy Theatre. The play was adapted critic and as star of the radio show “The singers and musicians, became a popular they joined the company to gain musical to a 1942 feature film, directed by Wil- Town Crier.” He and Kaufman and Hart downtown cultural institution while main- training from Tony or because they loved liam Keighley and featuring Monty Wool- were all friends, but that did not stop him taining their home on City Island. opera and wanted to be part of it, either as ley, Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan, Jimmy from once showing up at Hart’s Bucks Tony’s story began with his early years singers or as participants in other aspects of Durante, Billie Burke and Mary Wickes, County estate and taking over the house in a very musical family who lived in a the productions. Some of them went on to The film premiered at the Capitol Theater and terrorizing the staff. On his way out, small seaside town on the Amalfi coast. fame and careers at the Metropolitan Opera in Paragould, Arkansas. Woollcott wrote in Hart’s guest book, He came to America at the age of 7, and and elsewhere, as “graduates” of Tony and In 1949 the stage play came to radio, “This is to certify that I had one of the after one and a half years in high school in Sally’s extended family. when it was produced for “The Hotpoint most unpleasant times I ever spent.” As New Haven, Connecticut, he went to work I remember going to many perfor- Holiday Hour.” The production starred Kaufman and Hart were laughing about in his father’s butcher shop. But he had mances at the Bowery Theater. Once we Charles Boyer, Jack Benny, Gene Kelly, it, Hart supposedly remarked that he was higher goals in mind, and when the shop went to see our friend Lois Dunton perform Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and lucky Woollcott had not broken his leg closed in 1942 he was free to pursue his as Carmen. Our primary contact with her Rosalind Russell. Subsequently, on March and become stuck there. Kaufman looked love, a classical vocal career. After many had been at our boatyard, where she always 27, 1950, the show was presented on the at Hart and the idea for “The Man Who years of regional singing jobs around the wore her oldest work clothes. It took us a Lux Radio Theater starring Clifton Webb Came to Dinner” was born. country, he met the other love of his life, full act to recognize her on stage as Car- (as Sheridan Whiteside) and Lucille Ball Woollcott himself later played the Sally Bell. They married in 1944 and men! (as Maggie Cutler). part of Whiteside in a West Coast ver- began their amazing partnership, which Opera goers arriving at the theater were A Hallmark Hall of Fame version sion of the play and was even joined on resulted in the creation of the non-profit greeted by Mrs. Amato, who when she was of the show was produced for television stage by Harpo Marx in the role of Banjo, Amato Opera company in 1953. not taking tickets, making costumes, run- by NBC on Nov. 29, 1972, with Orson which he had himself inspired. (There is a Tony and Sally discovered City Island ning the lights or selling coffee and cookies Welles as Whiteside. Welles’s costars dialogue reference in the show to Harpo’s while cruising on their 30-foot motorboat, at intermission, sang many of the com- were Lee Remick, Joan Collins, Don brothers Groucho and Chico: when Whi- The High C. They fell under the island’s pany’s leading roles under her given name, Knotts and Marty Feldman (as Banjo). teside talks to Banjo on the phone, he asks spell because it reminded Tony of Minori, Serafina Bellantone. Not only did Amato A 1980 revival ran for 85 performances “How are Wackko and Sloppo?”) The role his birthplace, with “its boatyards and present the famous opera “workhorses” at the Circle in the Square Theatre. The of Beverly Carlton was based on Noël limited traffic.” They bought a house at by Verdi, Puccini and Mozart, but he 1980 cast included Ellis Rabb, Roderick Coward, and the role of Lorraine Sheldon 606 King Avenue along with two mothers- also explored and presented lesser-known Cook, Leonard Frey, Carrie Nye and was modeled after Gertrude Lawrence. in-law and another couple, and Tony lived composers such as Gomes, Boito and Gior- Jamey Sheridan. Drama Desk Award “The Man Who Came to Dinner” is set there until he passed away in December dano. nominations went to Cook for Outstand- in the 1930s, in the small town of Mesa- 2011. In 2001 a documentary by Stephen Two Islanders mentioned in the book Ives, “Amato: A Love Affair with Opera” are Lois Dunton, formerly a neighbor on was shown on PBS. The DVD of the King Avenue and mezzo soprano with the documentary is available at the PBS online company, and Frank Szymanski, who had store. been recommended by Lois to do garden- Tony’s beloved Sally died in 2000, and ing work at the Amatos’ home. Frank the Amato Opera on The Bowery closed became Tony’s lifelong friend as a fellow its doors in 2009. However, their genius opera lover. is continuing in the Sally and Anthony After mounting productions in various Amato Program as a Legacy Endowment at venues around the city, in 1963 the Amatos the Manhattan School of Music see http:// bought a building on the Bowery in Man- www.msmnyc.edu. hattan, where their productions achieved This delightful book is a testament to great acclaim. It was a four-story building the Amatos’ dedication and their efforts to measuring 25 by 125 feet, and they con- provide high-quality opera to audiences at verted it into a 107-seat theater complete reasonable cost, and a tribute to the inspi- with a stage, a true orchestra pit for eight ration and opportunities they provided to or nine musicians, an office and a costume many singers and musicians. As Sally and department. Tony like to say, their opera was “Small but Oh So Grand.” Page Eight The Island Current December 2012 December 2012 The Island Current Page Nine

and gift items. Owner Paul Klein is sure lery (276 City Island Avenue); past picks A Season of H-O-P-E and J-O-Y to have some specials this season. have been pottery from Toby Liederman, And where to get the perfect tree paintings by Tim Moses, photos by Marc on City Island under which you may place all those toys Hohenstein and a glimpse into the world By MONICA GLICK and gifts? Right across the street, where of the City Island Theater Group. As City Island continues on the road Louise and Skip Giacco offer a first-class Home and boat can get ready for check out the art and photography on back after Hurricane Sandy, there is no selection of trees and wreaths at Lickety guests with help from JJ Burck (526 exhibit! better time for some “hope” and “joy” Split (295 City Island Avenue). (Sorry, City Island Avenue) or Remy’s (272 City “O” is for “on the go.” Start your than the holiday season! And the Island’s but you’ll have to wait until spring for Island Avenue). holiday shopping day with breakfast at shops, galleries, restaurants, cafés and the ice cream!) Decorations, wrapping And Tommy Houlihan is always ready Mi Café (205 City Island Avenue) and business are ready to make that happen! and gift ideas are also found in that part with art for the body at his City Island greet the new owners! If you’re on the There is our of our neighborhood at the City Island Tattoos (314 City Island Avenue). “H” is for “history.” run, then perhaps a quick “to go” order Island’s own history to wander through at Pharmacy (290 City Island Avenue), “J” is for “jazz.” That’s the focus of from Papa John’s Deli (325 City Island the City Island Nautical Museum (190 where the lovely Olivia Perillo is there to the New Year’s Eve celebration at Starv- Avenue), the City Island Deli (520 City Fordham Street), open Saturdays and help. And Karl Hoedl says there will be ing Artist Café & Gallery (249 City Island Avenue) or Dunkin’ Donuts (636 Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.; don’t overlook lights plus batteries for your camera to Island Avenue) featuring jazz legend Lou City Island Avenue) would be the choice. their gift shop full of City Island-based capture the holiday action this season at Volpe. And don’t forget that on every Fri- After the day is finished and you goodies. (239 City Island his place, Buddy’s Hardware (260 City day, Saturday and Sunday you can hear Trader John are ready to start wrapping, get some- Avenue) also has options; you never Island Avenue). Karl is also a great fixer, the best of live music at this City Island thing “to go” from Chef Rafael’s To-Go know what you’ll find there. from bicycles to boat motors. venue. Owner and music-artist Elliott Express (415 City Island Avenue). Chef Maybe your playtime is all about a Glick also offers guitar lessons on the Rafael Ortega serves up awarding-win- playing field. Then The Club House premises. Gift certificates are available ning chowder, plus Mexican specialties, (274 City Island Avenue) is the stop to for the café and those lessons! “Hitting wraps, sandwiches, salads and a good, make. Robert Carmody and daughter the right note” all the time for those on old-fashioned burger with lots of top- Kelly invite you to join in and to have a your gift list: Chase (207 City Island pings. Other possibilities are pizza from listen as well to some live music on cer- Avenue) gift cards. Filomena’s Pizza & Pasta (286 City tain nights. Check in to find out more and A sound choice for any Sunday is Island Avenue), or egg drop soup and learn about membership! brunch at The Black Whale (279 City some chicken lo mein from the City “E” is for “entertaining.” If it’s a Island Avenue). In fact, this spot gives Island Chinese Restaurant (84–86 City home holiday celebration you are hanker- you a place to chill from Sunday brunch Island Avenue). ing after, then order a platter from Scav- to Saturday evening dinner, with plenty to Or press “stop” on your “on the go” ello Catering at the IGA Supermarket offer in the appetizer and dessert areas as trek and sit down for some old-fashioned (385 City Island Avenue) or pick up some well. home-style cooking at the City Island fare at the Fire House Corner Deli Gro- Perhaps your choice for the season— (304 City Island Avenue); the tur- Diner cery (240 City Island Avenue) or Con- and the New Year—is to jump into an key dinner with all the trimmings is just exercise routine. City Island has two spots for you to check out: Krunch Time Fit- ness (538 City Island Avenue), and the new mid-Island Club Fit (440 City Island Avenue). There’s also Master Edwin Early Ruth Antiques Castro’s Dragon’s Path Tae Kwon Do Academy (229 City Island Avenue), with Treasures from times past may be classes for fitness and its by-products: found at Early Ruth Antiques (319 self-esteem, focus and discipline. City Island Avenue), where Ruth herself “O” is for “onward.” That’s the or artist Anoosh Donahue can guide sentiment behind the sign outside Tony’s you through the myriad offerings on Pier Restaurant (1 City Island Ave- weekends or any other day, by appoint- nue), devastated by fire during Hurricane ment. Don’t forget to check out the life- Sandy: “Tony’s will be back in the sum- size fairy, surrounded by guards holding mer of 2013—“Bigger and Better!” And torches! And be sure to visit the Island all of us here on City Island are waiting to legend Smitty at Silver Arrow Antiques celebrate that day! (275 City Island Avenue) during the holi- As you move on down toward mid- days or any time. town, check out the speedy seafood stop Modern-day treasures await you in waiting for Tony’s to rejoin the ranks: the creations at Calico Juno Designs Seafood City (459 City Island Avenue), (310 City Island Avenue)—handmade where the games are as plentiful as the jewelry, scarves and much more. And clam strips! there are more gift ideas to be found Kaleidoscope Speaking of the sea, there’s all you across the street at Corona’s Hidden nie’s New Way Market (307 City Island need to go far from shore at Jack’s Bait (327 City Island Avenue). Avenue). Then find something festive to & Tackle (551 City Island Avenue) or Treasures like your mother used to make! Another Baubles and bangles in abundance sip on at JGL Wines & Liquors (358 Island Bait & Tackle (632 City Island way to settle down after shopping is to are on display at City Island Avenue), maybe some City Avenue). Or dive into the holidays with Focal Point Gallery enjoy a holiday hot toddy next door at (321 City Island Avenue), where Susan Island wine. Now there’s your party! Captain Mike (530 City Island Avenue). The Snug. Lamantia will make sure you find some- Or let proprietor Spiro Chagares and Get ready to make your moves by “P” is for “playtime.” Walk into thing for every person on your gift list. head chef Christopher Paschette of Artie’s getting those clothes clean with Susie Kaleidoscope (280 City Island Avenue) Her husband, owner Ron Terner, can Steak & Seafood (394 City Island Ave- and Mariana at On Board Laundromat and you will feel like you’re in the annex offer you a memory for the season and nue) handle the delicious details for you. (323 City Island Avenue). Move on down of Santa’s workshop! Toys, toys and more beyond: a family portrait to treasure The restaurant’s Green Room, with its to Sugar and Spice (536 City Island toys await you, not to mention ornaments through time. And while you’re there, French paneled doors and tin ceiling, is a Avenue) between the washing and the favorite, while the traditional Pub Room drying. The sweet and tangy granola and with fireplace, colorful vegetable displays the cupcakes there are tasty treats! and soft hanging lamps is the perfect fit As you make your way down, visit for those cold winter evenings. Don Amadiz (470 City Island Avenue) Get yourself ready to celebrate the for a cigar of your liking, but remember holidays with a visit to The Art of Beauty to return later that evening for a game of (240 City Island Avenue), where profes- pool at Fella’s (522 City Island Avenue), sional expertise meets personal attention. also on the way. Or maybe something Gift certificates are available. And there’s on the large screen at the City Island also nearby Lina Petite Salon (474 City Ale House (288 City Island Avenue) is Island Avenue) for some beauty magic, what you’re looking for, while you try not to mention the nail sensation locations something from the adventurous hot dog of Bay Rose Nail Salon (329 City Island selections and wash it down with one of Avenue) and Nail Island (462 City Island the abundant ale choices. Avenue). If it’s your pet you want to pam- “Y” is for “yummy.” That’s what per, take your hound to visit Jo-Jo and you’ll find at all City Island’s fine eater- Jenn at Doggie Island (268 City Island ies, to be sure. If you have a hankering for Avenue). seafood, the choices abound. There’s the Perhaps it’s your home that needs fun fireplace at the Sea Shore Restau- some beautifying. Seek out Mary Colby rant (591 City Island Avenue), where you at her shop, Fe Fi Faux Studio & Gal- can feast on any of a number of appetiz- lery (276 City Island Avenue), and talk ers, like the Tiki Platter with coconut “creation.” See also what art you’ll Continued on page 22 Focal Point Gallery find at Cheryl Brinker’s Studio / Gal- Page Ten The Island Current December 2012 December 2012 The Island Current Page Eleven

The remains of the City Island Yacht Club’s dock post Sandy.

specifically Pilot Cove Manor, whose resi- Hurricane Sandy dents had to wait 10 days or more for full Continued from page 3 power. Another “perfect storm” occurred the entire storm and during the aftermath on Pilot Street, where a private house suf- directed traffic at the gas station to control fered first with a power surge caused by the long lines. a downed transformer and then days later The water remained higher than normal with a fire caused by a second surge when for many hours after the storm subsided, the power was turned back on. The Fire but the winds eventually quit, and slowly Department responded quickly and put but surely people started coming out of the fire out, but damage to appliances and their houses to look around at the damage sections of the house was serious and the and to start picking up the pieces. Cancel- residents had no power or heat for nine lations were the order of the day—not only more days. airline flights and the October Civic meet- Gardens, sea walls, basements, hot ing but also, sadly, the Halloween parade water heaters and boilers were affected and the much-anticipated Haunted House at most residences close to the water on at the Community Center. But no one here both sides of the Island. The Morris Yacht had died or suffered serious injury, and & Beach Club lost the planking that once many felt that City Island had dodged a led to its Tiki Bar, and the boat slips pretty big bullet. Nevertheless, “Franken- at both the Boatyard Condominiums and storm,” as the media were calling it, had the Sailmaker Marina were destroyed, but left its mark in more ways than one. the saddest victims of all were the boats, whether they were on their moorings or in The Aftermath dry dock. Indeed, the front page of the New Almost as soon as the wind died down, York Times on the day after the storm had elected officials and representatives of the three photographs, one of them showing a offices of the Mayor and the Governor sailboat up on the rocks on the east side. arrived on City Island to survey the damage The saddest sight of all was the yard caused by the hurricane. Councilmember at the Stuyvesant Yacht Club, whose mem- James Vacca had been on City Island before bers had struggled mightily in days before the storm making sure that Pilot Cove the storm to get all of their boats off Manor had a working generator and check- their moorings and onto what they thought ing in with the fire house. He then visited would be dry land. But Sandy’s storm on Tuesday and returned on Wednesday, surge and powerful waves and wind threw Oct. 31, with Representative Joseph Crow- the dock out of place, flooded the entire ley to take a close look at what remained yard and into the clubhouse, tossing many of Tony’s Pier and to view the damage at boats off their cradles and onto each other. the Sailmaker Marina on east Schofield Several boats that had been dry-docked Street and at the Stuyvesant Yacht Club on closest to the water were propelled out into Centre. State officials Senator Jeff Klein Eastchester Bay and lost. and Assemblyman Mike Benedetto were A member of the Stuyvesant, Mike At the City Island Nautical Museum stations did not have electric power to also quick to visit the Island and note areas Rauh (whose 35th running of the New on Sunday, Nov. 18, Marianne Anderson, run their pumps. Within a few days after that needed attention. By the end of the York Marathon didn’t take place because administrator of Pelham Bay Park, gave the storm, long lines began to form at week, representatives of FEMA were much the event was canceled), told The Current a standing-room only talk on the park the Sunoco station at Ditmars Street, and in evidence, distributing information and that 28 boats were seriously damaged and and explained that there were more than because some folks became impatient and helping residents and businesses with appli- 8 totaled, including one of his. A barge 60 trees downed at Orchard Beach alone, feisty, the 45th precinct sent officers to cations for grants and loans. and crane from City Island’s Tow Boat US with 10 to 15 trees on roadways and 20 to direct traffic and keep conflicts to a mini- Residents, meanwhile, were busy eval- managed to remove boats from the south 25 trees on pathways throughout the park. mum, eventually splitting up the lines to uating the damage to their property, pump- end of the yard, placing them back into Shore Road was closed to traffic for days accommodate cars at one set of pumps and ing out their basements, trying to get Con the water to determine if they could float, because of downed power lines caused by people with portable containers at another. Edison’s attention and clearing debris from removing them by barge if they could not fallen trees and branches. For this reason, Over at Orchard Beach, gas trucks their yards. Many resolved to get genera- and putting them back on their cradles if the park was closed to visitors for several were stationed temporarily to provide gas tors for the next storm and to take evacu- they could. This enabled the club to fill the days, as was the Bartow-Pell Mansion to first responders—fire fighters and police ation orders more seriously. Others took a yard with a truckload of gravel, which was Museum on Shore Road, which went with- officers—who would otherwise have had to closer look at their insurance policies and packed down and leveled. Members are out power for at least two weeks following wait in line with everyone else. The park- tried to figure out whether they were cov- still hard at work raking, removing debris the storm. ing lot was also used as the dumping place ered for damage caused by wind, flooding and cleaning up. The dock, of course, is The Friends of Pelham Bay Park and for debris from other parts of the park, and or electrical surges. another story and will have to be taken many other volunteers, however, pitched by press time more than 225 large contain- Residents were told that heavily popu- apart and put back together as soon as per- in on several occasions to help clear debris ers had been filled with parts of trees. For lated areas, such as downtown Manhattan, mits are obtained. from the park and from areas around the these reasons, the entrance to the beach would have to get immediate attention, and Several boats on the east side of the museum, but many more clean-ups will was closed to the public and remained so Con Ed would not promise that the power Island were also lost, one of them appropri- be necessary before the park will begin to even as the December issue of would be restored before a week or more ately named Hurricane, and the ferry dock The Current look like itself again. went to press. had elapsed. However, many Islanders were on Fordham Street was damaged. Happily, Although the area was greeted with a In addition to firefighters and police restored by Thursday, when Cablevision volunteers from the sailing teams at Ford- second storm, a short-lived nor’easter, the officers, the Sanitation Department did went back on line, thanks to a fleet of ham and Columbia Universities, whose week after Hurricane Sandy, no serious yeoman service and worked around the electrical workers who came in from out of boats are kept on City Island, came forward damage was reported and the inch or two clock moving and collecting debris, which state to help out and because City Island’s to remove debris and help clean up at the of wet snow served to cover up debris and included everything from huge branches wiring is aboveground and thus easier to Sailmaker Marina and City Island Yacht dead grass for a day or so. And the snow to wet drywall, broken fences and ruined repair. Residents have longed yearned for Club, respectively. also served to remind Islanders of the appliances. The Sanitation guys started underground wires, but Hurricane Sandy An unforeseen crisis that hit both New upcoming holiday season and to get out working before the storm was over, and may have made the case for keeping our York and New Jersey was a gas shortage, their decorations and begin to celebrate a they were still at it as went to wires above ground. because fuel could not be unloaded from The Current New Year free of hurricanes. Some residents suffered long outages, ships in New York Harbor and many gas press. Page Twelve The Island Current December 2012

Organization News News on this page concerning organizations, and events listed in, are submitted by representatives of those organiza- tions. A limit of 150 words is requested for all news items submitted. In most cases news will be edited and every effort will be made to preserve the substance of longer items. News and calendar events must be received by no later than the 20th of each month except December and July. If the 20th falls on a holiday or Sunday, the deadline is the 19th. Mail submissions to P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER MUST BE INCLUDED. 6, at 4 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 6, 2013 (snow Current Calendar date Jan. 13),in Grace Church. Tickets are NOVEMBER-DECEMBER $25 in advance / $30 at the door. Seating Thurs., Nov. 29, Public Hearing of Com- is limited. (Tickets may be purchased by munity Board’s Housing and Zoning using Paypal through the Grace Church Committee, 7:30 p.m., Community Cen- website, www.gracecityisland.org, or by ter, 190 Fordham Street. check no later than Dec. 29. Make payment to Grace Church Epiphany Concert, c/o Fri., Nov. 30 and Sat., Dec. 1, Annual Grace Church 116 City Island Ave, Bronx , Trinity United Methodist Christmas Fair NY 10464. Church. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rev. Ruth Anne Garcia Sat., Dec. 1, to Sat., Dec. 15, POTS Christmas Giving Program, St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church lobby in the Holiday Services gift box by the tree. Donate new articles Temple Beth-El of clothing, including sweatshirts, under- 480 City Island Avenue Photo by BOB BERENT wear, gloves, hats, scarves, or socks. Call Saturday, Dec. 8: Chanukah Menorah Temple Beth-El of City Island played host for the third time this year to the Bardekova Ensemble, a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring 718-885-2137 for information. Lighting 5:30 p.m. in Hawkins Park. free and/or moderately priced concerts to all ages and economic levels in Friday, Dec. 14: Chanukah Shabbat 7:30 Sun., Dec. 2, St. Mary’s Thrift Shop the Bronx. On Sunday, Nov. 18, the group delighted City Islanders and friends p.m. with Reb David and Reb Eva at Helen Christmas Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in St. with works by Vivaldi, Kramer/Krommer, Schubert and Mozart. Previous and Bob Lerner will sponsor the Oneg. Mary’s School Gym and in the Thrift concerts at the temple included works by Duke Ellington and Scott Joplin. Friday, Jan. 4: New Year Kabbalat Shab- Shop, 595 Minneford Avenue. Pictured above (l. to r.) are Richard Paratley (flute), Yasmine Tetenbaum bat at 7:30 p.m. with Reb David and Reb Sat., Dec. 8, (viola), Darla Coolman (bass) and Ellen Bardekoff (oboe). Their concerts were Chanukah Menorah Light- Eva. Elaine Belasco will provide the Oneg. ing, Hawkins Park, 5 p.m., sponsored made possible with funds from the Bronx Council on the Arts, several New by Temple Beth-El and the Chamber of York funds, private donations and, of course, “Your Shul by the Sea.” Commerce. Trinity United Methodist Church 113 Bay Street 7, at 7:30 p.m. and our regular 8 a.m. Mass Sat., Dec. 15, POTS Program, St. Mary’s Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1: cheon tickets are $45. Please RSVP to Mary on Saturday morning. It is under this title School Yard, Minneford Avenue and Kil- Christmas Fair. Springman at 718-617-1600 by Dec. 7. that we honor Mary as the patroness of the roe Street, drop-off between 4:30 and 5 Sunday, Dec. 2, First Advent Sunday Spe- The Rotary Club of the Bronx will be United States. p.m. Menu: pasta with meatballs or meat cial Holy Communion Worship Service, 10 partnering with the Sons of Italy Uguagli- All are welcome to join us in the rectory sauce. a.m. anza Lodge #83 to bring some holiday cheer for our monthly Coffee Hour after the ten Sunday, Dec. 9: Parsonage Open House, 1 to the children of Public School 811 in the Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah o’clock Mass on Sunday, Dec. 9. On that to 4 p.m. Bronx. Public School 811 has 615 students and Happy New Year! same day, our St. Mary’s choir will bring Sunday, Dec. 16: Children’s Christmas that are multi-handicapped: autistic, legally JANUARY their joyful voices for an evening of carol- Pageant, 10 a.m. blind, hearing impaired, and mentally chal- ing at Pilot Cove at 7 p.m. Sat., Jan. 26, POTS Program, St. Mary’s Monday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candle- lenged. Should you wish to donate we are Wednesday, Dec. 12, is the feast of Our School Yard, Minneford Avenue and Kil- light Service, 10 p.m. All are invited to requesting the following items: hats, gloves, Lady of Guadalupe, who has been declared roe Street, drop-off between 4:30 and 5 attend. scarves, coloring books, large crayons, soc- p.m. Menu: tuna noodle casserole. the patroness of all the Americas. We will cer balls, basketballs, footballs, baseball have a special Mass that evening in English caps, sports tee-shirts, toiletries, puzzles, any Tues., Jan. 29, City Island Civic Associa- Grace Episcopal Church and Spanish at 7:30 p.m. followed by a learning games, and/or any monetary gifts. tion meets, 7:30 p.m., Community Center, City Island Avenue at Pilot Street reception in the school gym. A group of Rotarians will be joining SOI 190 Fordham Street. Sunday, Dec. 9: Bishop’s Visitation, Grace Our annual Ceremony of Lessons and members on the morning of Dec. 18 at the Church (Building) 150th Anniversary and Carols will take place on Sunday evening, school to help distribute the gifts and photo- New Ministry Celebration Service, 10 a.m. Grace Episcopal Church Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the church. Come graph the kids with Santa. It is a large under- Friday, Dec.21: Christmas Caroling, 7 join us for a joyous, prayerful evening in taking and all volunteers are welcomed. The Located at 116 City Island Ave., Grace p.m. preparation for Christmas. school is located at 1434 Longfellow Ave. Church is a historic Episcopal parish which Monday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candle- The joyful celebration of the birth of in the Bronx. Please contact Lilyanna Pekic has served the nautical community of City light Communion Service, 7 p.m. Christ will begin with our 8 p.m. liturgy on Island for over 160 years. We welcome at 718-655-5000 if you would like to help. Tuesday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day Service, Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, preceded by the you! Donations can be dropped off anytime up to 10 a.m. singing of Christmas carols at 7:30 p.m. Our worship schedule is as follows: Dec. 18 to Marguerite Chadwick-Juner, 33 Masses on Christmas Day will be at 8 a.m., Holy Communion Rite II, Sundays at 10 Earley Street, City Island, NY. St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church 10 a.m. and 12 noon. A very Happy Christ- a.m.; Lambs Babysitting available first Sun- The Rotary Club of the Bronx meets every City Island Ave. near the Bridge mas to all! days—Dec. 2, 2012, and Jan. 6, 2013 at Tues. at 12:15 p.m. at Sammy’s Shrimp Box. Sunday, Dec. 23: Lessons and Carols The New Year begins with the celebra- 9:50 a.m. in Grace Church Hall; Evening Visitors are always welcome. Concert, 7:30 p.m. Prayer, Mondays at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. tion of the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Marguerite Chadwick-Juner 9, Bishop’s Visitation, Grace Church 150th Monday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve, Carols Mother of God, a holy day of obligation. Anniversary and New Ministry Celebration at 7:15 p.m. and Mass at 8 p.m. We will follow our Sunday Mass schedule: Service. Tuesday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day Masses anticipated Mass on Monday, Dec. 31, at Trinity United Methodist Church at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 noon. 5:15 p.m. and Masses on Jan. 1 at 8 a.m., 10 On Monday, Dec. 24, we will have a Our weekly worship service and Sunday Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m.; music Monday, Dec. 31: Anticipated Mass for a.m. and 12 noon. A very happy and peace- Feast of Mary, Mother of God, 5:15 p.m. ful New Year to all! school are at 10 a.m. Holy Communion begins at 6:30 and babysitting is available in is celebrated on the first Sunday of each Grace Church Hall at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1: New Year’s Day (Feast of Sr. Bernadette, osu month. Trinity often has a coffee hour after Tuesday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day service Mary Mother of God), Masses at 8 a.m. and the service. Come and join us for worship at 10 a.m. 10 a.m., 5:15 p.m. Rotary Club of the Bronx and fellowship. Children’s Sunday school December and January Events The Rotary Club of the Bronx continues takes place during the 10 a.m. service. All Hearts and Hands: Monday, Dec. 10 and St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church to respond to the needs of Hurricane Sandy children are welcome to attend. The Sunday school will present the Jan. 14, 7:15 p.m. in Grace Church Hall. Sunday, Dec. 2, marked the beginning victims with donations of clothing, food annual Christmas Pageant on Dec. 16, dur- This knitting group provides caps, shawls of the holy season of Advent, a time of and hands-on service. We have five sister and lap robes for Calvary Hospital patients. ing the regular service. Plan to attend and let preparation for the coming of Our Savior clubs on Staten Island that represent some All are welcome! the children’s special message fill you with at Christmas. We wish everyone a happy, of the hardest hit areas. As of this writing, Friday Night Fellowship: Dec. 14, 7 p.m., holiday spirit. peaceful season! Rotarians have donated so much that the Grace Church Hall. A local CPA will give us The Trinity Christmas Fair is Friday, Our annual Thrift Shop Christmas Sale warehouses allocated by Rotary for these year-end tax tips to work your finances to Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1. Please plan is on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. materials are packed to the rafters and mon- your best advantage before the year is over! to attend for dinner Friday evening or lunch in the school gym and in the Thrift Shop. etary donations are preferred. Friday Night Fellowship: Jan. 11, 7 p.m., on Saturday, and pick up some sweet and I am sure many bargains are waiting to be The Club gave 10 turkeys with all the Grace Church Hall. We hope you are hungry savory treats at the same time. discovered! trimmings for a fabulous Thanksgiving din- on Jan. 11! We will be making Super Bowl The Budget Corner is open and full of Our monthly holy hour with exposition ner to 10 families in need in the Bronx, one recipes, the best from Grace parishioners. freshly donated, gently used items. The fall of the Blessed Sacrament will take place of those to a City Island victim of Sandy. Learn how to make Bruce’s almost-world- schedule is: Dec. 4, 8, 11, 14, 15 and 18. It on Friday, Dec. 7, from 4 to 5 p.m. All are On Tues., Dec. 11, the Club will be host- famous chili, Brenda’s hot wings, Joanne’s will then close for the Christmas holiday welcome. ing its wildly popular Holiday Celebration at asparagus roll-ups, a spinach dip and a deli- season. As always, Trinity United Methodist Saturday, Dec. 8, is the Feast of the Sammy’s Shrimp Box at 64 City Island Ave. cious dessert. Come hungry and ready to Church is thankful for the City Island com- Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Vir- All are welcome to come and enjoy an after- help with the prep. munity’s continued support of the Budget gin Mary, a holy day of obligation. We will noon with arias sung by our friends from the The Grace Church Concert Series pres- Corner. ents Sing We Enchanted on Sunday, Jan. have an anticipated Mass on Friday, Dec. Bronx Opera Company. It is a heartwarming way to kick off the holiday season. The lun- Rick DeWitt December 2012 The Island Current Page Thirteen

914-633-1695. Senior Writing Group bag dairy lunch and meeting of the Chessed Introduction to Art Portfolio Prep: What is your favorite family story—the Committee. (The committee seeks new For high school prep or just for fun! one that makes everyone smile? Come turn members to help with prayer, phone calls to the ill, and visits to people who are home- Started Monday, Sept. 24. Taught by Geri those memories into wonderful stories. Smith, former LaGuardia High School bound. Every Tuesday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, 2 to 4 p.m.: Healing teacher and exam auditioner. $90 for in Grace Church Hall. Call Gail for more Workshop with Steve Gottlieb, based on five-week session; $25.00 material fee information at 718-885-0444. There is no the Emotional Freedom Technique. A small (after the session ends, students may bring charge and everyone is welcome. suggested donation ($5) to the temple is materials home). For registration or more Volunteering requested. information, call 718-885-1503. Friday, Jan. 4, at 7:30 p.m.: New Year For additional information about the Community Cen- Please think about volunteering for one ter, or if you are interested in conducting classes here Kabbalat Shabbat with Reb David and please call 718-885-1145. ADULT PROGRAM of our senior programs. We need help in Want to lose Reb Eva. Elaine Belasco will provide the Zumba with Julia: many areas including clerical and com- Open Monthly Meetings of the that belly fat? Well, here is your chance Oneg. puter, reception, telephoning, visiting and Board are held on the first Tuesday of to Zumba with Julia. It’s a high-energy Friday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m.: Freedom help with parties and events to name a Shabbat led by Rabbi Shohama and Reb each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Zumba workout for an hour. Saturday Center Main Room at 190 Fordham Street. few. David, plus special guest Elizabeth Kent, mornings from 9:30 to 10:30. $10 per who is a singer/journey-teller. The Oneg is All members are encouraged to attend. For class. Call 917-601-5514. It’s fun! Telephone Reassurance up to date information, visit sponsored by Karen and Marty Davidow- www.cityis- Zumba with Letti: Thursdays at 6 If you live alone or know someone itz. , call 718-885- landcommunitycenter.org p.m. Letti is a fantastic Zumba instructor who lives alone, a telephone call everyday Sunday, Jan. 27, at 11 a.m.: Tu B’Shevat 1145 or “Like” us on Facebook. who brings a lot of creativity and energy might be of benefit. Please call Debbie at Seder/Brunch led by Reb David and Reb to her classes. Classes are $10 or a five- 718-885-0727. Eva. SPECIAL EVENTS class card for $40. All other Friday night services will be The Uptown Uptown Coffeehouse: Thursdays Caregiver Support community led, usually with Bob Berent has brought traditional and contemporary Yoga Stretch with Norma: at 7 p.m. This is an easy hatha vinyasa If you are caring for someone or you and his accordion. Please come celebrate folk music to the Bronx for 26 years. As class suitable for all fitness levels. These know someone who is caring for another, the Sabbath with us! we enter our second season on City Island, yoga stretch poses helps remove any fears we have some supportive services that The monthly class called “Spirit and we present live performances from some or challenges in doing these exercises, and might be helpful, including respite, escort Song: The Liturgy and Spirituality of Wel- of the very finest artists in the folk genre. it also assists with stress reduction and assistance and shopping assistance. Please coming Shabbat,” led by Reb David, will We host a show on either the first or sec- be held on Thursdays, Dec. 13 and Jan. 3, weight management. This class focuses call Debbie at 718-885-0727. ond Saturday of each month. Tickets are at 7:30 p.m. To register or ask questions, on stretching and toning muscles that are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12 Transportation Services please e-mail Reb David at davidevan- often neglected but are so important to unless otherwise noted. We are a 501(c)3 Call Anthony Mazzella at 347-834-6466 [email protected]. keeping you healthy and mobile. And best organization run entirely by volunteers. a day ahead for Island and off-Island trips. Ellen Ruth Topol of all, yoga stretch is easy and fun enough Please visit Regular afternoon shopping trips are Mon- www.uptowncoffeehouse.org for beginners or those who haven’t exer- or call 718-885-2955 for our latest sched- day, Bay Plaza or Stop & Shop; Thursday, cised in a while. $10 per class; call 718- ule and details. Shop Rite in New Rochelle. Trips are also City Island Republicans 885-0535. presented made to Fairway, Target, Trader Joe’s, We will be starting up our eighth year on Martial Arts Movie Night A fun filled dance and by Dragon’s Path Academy, $5 with con- Zumba Gold: Home Depot, Cross County Shopping Cen- City Island later next year. Our next meet- exercise session with a salsa beat, geared cession stand, 7:30 p.m. Last Friday of ter, the Christmas Tree Shop, Key Food, ing will be in March or April. Stay tuned for age 50 and up. Classes are $3 each. every month. Empire City and more. Suggested contribu- for details. Meets Mondays at 10:30 a.m. An tions for round trips are $1 on Island, and Unfortunately City Island Election Day City Island Parenting Group: ongoing topic-oriented discussion group Belly Dancing: Shimmy by the Sea. $2.50 off-Island. Anyone over 60 is encour- tallies, along with results from other Bronx Theresa Mahon (a.k.a. Salacia) teaches the for parents with John Scardina. All are aged to take advantage of our door-to-door districts, were not available as this issue oldest documented dance in the history of welcome; come once or every month. transportation services in our beautiful new went to press. Look for the final counts in mankind—Egyptian belly dancing. It is a We try to meet the fourth Tuesday of the van. an upcoming issue of The Current. low-impact way to get in shape and tone month in the dance studio at 7 p.m. Fred Ramftl Jr. your body while having lots of fun. Terry Program Services The Annual Holiday Holiday Party: has been a professional belly dancer for 25 Call Debbie at 718-885-0727 to receive Party is Dec. 7 at the Community Center. years and a teacher of the art for 17 years. our detailed monthly calendar featuring American Legion Post #156 NEW CLASSES Classes are held every Monday evening trips and events, including group theater We would like to remind everyone about The Community Center is interested in at 7:30 p.m. The fee for each one-hour discounts to shows such as “Fiddler on the our weekend specials during football sea- hosting a Weight Watchers meeting, but in class is $15. Walk-ins are very welcome, Roof” at the Westchester Dinner Theater son. order to have a meeting we need to meet as are spectators interested in seeing what on Nov. 8 ($53). Programs are funded by The Servicemen’s Dinner once again the minimum attendance. If interested in the class is all about. Questions can be Presbyterian Senior Services and the NYC received positive reviews. Everyone being part of the group, please call the directed to Salacia at 845-358-0260. Department for the Aging. enjoyed both the pork and the chicken. We community center at 718-885-1145 and Aerobics with Mary: Sunday, Mon- Debbie Erosa would like to thank Costco for donating the leave a message. day, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10 chickens. a.m. Call Mary Immediato at 718-885- On Saturday, Dec. 8, at noon is the Weekly Schedule 0793. Temple Beth-El annual Pearl Harbor ceremony held at the triangle next to the bridge. All are welcome YOUTH PROGRAM Chess Club: Meets each Thursday at For 78 years Temple Beth-El of City to attend. Irish Dance: The Deirdre O’Mara 7 p.m. Chess taught, played and discussed. Island has provided an exciting place for School of Irish Dance teaches step danc- All levels are welcome. Come on in! Jews and spiritual seekers of all ages who The children’s Christmas party will be ing in a fun, competitive environment Avoid T.V. Have fun. come from many different communities held on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 4 for all ages. A confidence-building and City Island Civic Association: Meets and cultures. Your Shul by the Sea, as the p.m. DJ Ray will entertain the young ones. cultural experience for all who participate. at 7:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every Temple is fondly called, is an unaffiliated, The adult Christmas party will be held Wednesdays after school. Call Deirdre at month (except December). all-inclusive and egalitarian synagogue. on Monday, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m. Pepe will 201-679-1450 or visit www.deirdreomara. Sarah Persteins We are a spirited congregation that gath- provide the entertainment. com. ers together under the leadership of the The New Year’s Eve party will be a Jill’s Playgroup: for pre-school chil- stimulating and innovative Rabbi Shohama pot-luck dinner and a champagne toast at dren on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to PSS Healthy Seniors Wiener and Reb David Evan Markus, our midnight. associate spiritual leader. Located at 480 The annual calendar sale has begun. They 12:30 p.m. No charge but donations are Fitness Program appreciated. Call 917-330-0922 for more City Island Avenue, between Beach and are $20 each and proceeds go toward main- Exercise is an important key to good information. Bowne Streets, we conduct Sabbath ser- taining the building. Anyone who wants health, especially for an older person. We vices each Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Our Pre-school a particular number should speak to Joe Art and Craft Classes: hope more people will join our wonderful doors are open to all, and we follow the class and a kindergarten through third- Goonan. and affordable exercise classes as listed Rabbi Marcia Prager prayer book, primar- grade class designed to improve cognitive All old flags should be deposited in the below. ily in English, with easy-to-read typeface skills and confidence. Fun-for-everyone red, white and blue mailbox next to the Zumba Gold with Sarah: Monday at and Hebrew also written out phonetically. classes will ignite the imagination, fea- flagpole. They will be retired with dignity. 10:30 at the City Island Community Center, Our special events and services this turing painting, collage, paper sculpting, Just a reminder! When booking your next 190 Fordham Street. month are as follows: printmaking and many other projects. Pre- party, consider the Legion Post. We are Cardio Fitness with Mary: Tuesday at Friday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m.: Shabbat school, 2 to 3 p.m.; K–third grade, 3:15 to Service led by Rabbi Shohama and Reb here for all of your party needs. Members 9:30 at Grace Church Hall, 116 City Island 4:15 p.m. Six classes for $125. For regis- David. Ethan Wolf will be called to the receive a discount rate on all hall rentals. Avenue at Pilot Street. tration and more information, call Eileen Torah as a Bar Mitzvah and his family will The next meeting will be held on Mon- Arthritis Exercise with Patty: Tuesday at Stodut at 914-633-1695. sponsor the Oneg. day, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. 10:30 at Grace Church Hall. Saturday, Dec. 8, at 5:30 p.m.: Com- The Post would like to thank the City Introducing Fashion Designing: Orchard Beach Walk: Wednesday; we Fashion design classes will include the munity Menorah Lighting at Hawkins Park. Island community for its generosity during leave Pilot St. at 9:30 (must have three walk- creation of a fashion journal, including a Paul Klein will provide cider and cook- this past year. We could not survive without ers). ies afterward at his Kaleidoscope Gallery brief introduction to the history of fashion. your support. We would also like to thank Yoga Stretch with Michael: Thursday at across the street from Hawkins Park. There will be an introduction to textile everyone who donated items for the vic- 9:30 at Grace Church Hall. Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m.: Chanukah designing, including tie dyeing and texture tims of Hurricane Sandy. Fit for Life with Sarah: Friday at 9:30 at Shabbat with Reb David and Reb Eva. creations that will be applied to the final Happy Holidays and a joyful New Grace Church Hall. Helen and Bob Lerner will sponsor the fashion show. Thursdays from 4:30 to Oneg. Year! Note: To make ends meet a little better, 5:30. Six classes for $125. For registration Sunday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m.: Chant Robert Mennona all classes will be $3, except Arthritis Exer- and more information, call Eileen Stodut at Circle with Reb Eva, followed by a brown- cise, which will continue to be free. Continued on page 20 Page Fourteen The Island Current December 2012

film director, who is saddened to hear of chosen few to attend a real-life trial of Nazi assisted by Jean Lebel (Rémy Girard), the passing of Alfredo (Philippe Noiret), prison guards. He encounters Hanna in a notary who had been their mother’s the projectionist in the movie theater in the courtroom, an experience that changes employer for many years. Their travels in the small Italian town where he grew up. both his life and hers. Much of the film is a country that resembles Lebanon are inter- Alfredo had befriended Salvatore when told as flashbacks experienced by the adult woven with episodes from their mother’s he was a little boy, and Salvatore spent Michael (Ralph Fiennes), who ultimately life during that nation’s long and gruesome most of his childhood (Salvatore Cascio) performs an unexpected act of supreme civil war. and teen years (Marco Leonardi) in the kindness for Hanna. The First Grader (2010) is the remark- projection room of the theater. In this film, The Secret in their Eyes (2009) is set able, true story of Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge he journeys back to his home town for the in 1999 Argentina, where a retired federal (Oliver Musila Litondo), an illiterate mem- first time since he left it as a teenager; and agent, Benjamin Esposito (Richardo Darin), ber of the Kikuyu tribe in Kenya, who at through flashbacks we see the unfolding of is writing a novel. He uses material from an age 84 decided to enroll in a rural primary Now and Then this beautiful friendship. unsolved case that has haunted him for 25 school. The film moves back and forth in (1993), which years, the brutal rape and murder of Liliana time between his 2003 interactions with I have always been fascinated by films The Joy Luck Club has an extraordinary ensemble cast, tells Coloto (Carla Quevedo). The film is told the primary school teacher, Jane Obinchu that take place in two different eras in time, the harrowing stories of four older Chinese with intermittent flashbacks to 1974, when (Naomi Harris), and brutal memories of either through flashbacks or through the women (Kieu Chinh, Tsai Chin, France Esposito and his partner, Pablo Sandoval his participation in the Mau Mau uprising telling of parallel stories. The interweav- Nuyen and Lisa Lu) in their native country (Guillermo Francella), were conducting against the British in the 1950s. ing of the “now and then” stories make for via flashback, and parallels them with the the investigation, spurred on by the grief- (2011) is one of fascinating viewing. Midnight in Paris American childhoods of their daughters. stricken husband (Pablo Rago). Esposito Woody Allen’s best films. The story cen-

The French Lieutenant’s Woman These stories are all told from the present is also haunted by unrequited love for his ters on Gil (Owen Wilson), a Hollywood (1981) stars Meryl Streep and Jeremy day when the daughters (Ming-Na Wen, 1974 department chief, Irene Menendez- screenwriter and his fiancée, Inez (Rachel Irons in dual roles first as actors Anna Tamlyn Tomita, Lauren Tom and Rosalind Hastings (Soledad Villamil), with whom he McAdams), who are on vacation in Paris and Mike having an extramarital affair in Chao) are all grown. It is a fascinating shares a draft of his current manuscript. along with her disapproving parents (Mimi the 20th century. Their story is juxtaposed journey into a remarkable culture, whose (2010) is the story of Kennedy and Kurt Fuller). Inez wants to with that of Charles, a 19th-century biolo- Sarah’s Key mother-daughter conflicts will be neverthe- journalist Julia Jarmond (Kristin Scott spend time with her pseudo-intellectual gist who is engaged to Ernestina (Lynsey less familiar to all viewers. Thomas), who in 2009 is assigned to write friend Paul (Michael Sheen), whom Gil Baxter). Charles becomes smitten with the An American scholar, Roland Michell a story about the darkest period in French detests. So Gil takes midnight strolls alone disgraced Anna, who has had a scandalous (Aaron Eckhart), makes a discovery that history. In 1942 French officials rounded and is picked up by a classic car that takes affair with a mysterious French lieuten- leads him to meet with British profes- up and more than 10,000 Jews in the “vel’ him back in time to the 1920s. There ant. The stories move back and forth, with sor Maud Bailey (Gwyneth Paltrow) in d’hiv” stadium, where those who survived he meets Cole Porter (Yves Heck), Jose- Anna and Mike seeming to play in real life (2002). Roland has discovered were eventually sent to German concentra- phine Baker (Sonia Rolland), Zelda and the roles of Anna and Charles in the film Possession a letter from a Victorian poet laureate, tion camps. At that time, as 10-year old F. Scott Fitzgerald (Alison Pill and Tom they are making. Randolph Henry Ash (Jeremy Northam), Sarah (Mélusine Mayance) and her family Hiddleston), Ernest Hemingway (Corey In (1985) the Back to the Future that was written to someone other than his are being arrested, she hides her younger Stoll) and Gertrude Stein (Kathy Bates) best friend of high-schooler Marty McFly wife. Roland believes it was addressed to brother in a closet. After realizing she will and becomes infatuated with Ariana, the (Michael J. Fox) is the eccentric scientist Maud’s primary area of expertise, 19th- not be allowed to go home, Sarah does mistress (Marion Cotillard) of Pablo Pica- Doc (Christopher Lloyd), who is working century feminist writer Christobel LaMotte whatever she can to get back to her brother. sso (Marcial Di Fonzo Bo). Gil and Adri- on a time machine. Marty’s parents, Lor- (Jennifer Ehle). While Roland and Maud When present-day Julia moves into her ana subsequently travel in time back to raine (Lea Thompson) and George (Crispin play 20th-century detectives, the audience father-in-law’s childhood apartment, she the 1890s, where they encounter artists Glover), are at the mercy of George’s is treated to an alternate universe in which realizes that it once belonged to the Stra- Toulouse-Lautrec (Vincent Menjou Cor- supervisor, the bullying middle-aged Biff Randolph and Christobel live their lives. zynski family and their daughter, Sarah. tes), Paul Gauguin (Olivier Rabourdin) and (Thomas F. Wilson). When Marty and Set in World War II, (2008) (2010) recounts the story Edgar Degas (François Rostain). This is Doc are accidentally zapped back into the The Reader Incendies stars Kate Winslet as Hanna Schmitz, a of Jeanne and Simon Marwan (Mélissa a delightful film, in which Owen Wilson 1950s, Marty inadvertently interferes with woman in her mid-30s who forms a roman- Désormeaux-Poulin and Maxim Gaudette), does a credible job of playing a character the budding romance of his then teenaged tic, sexual attachment to a 15-year-old twins who have grown up in Canada. When Woody Allen once would have played him- parents, so he must find a way to reunite boy, Michael (David Kross). Eight years their mother, Nawal (Lubna Azabal), dies, self. them, lest he cease to exist in the 1980s. later, after she has disappeared from his her last will and testament requires them to Be warm and safe, and until next time, (1990) is the story Cinema Paradiso life, Michael is in law school. He has been journey to the Middle East to seek a brother happy viewing. . . . of Salvatore (Jacque Perrin), a prominent selected by his professor to be among a they never knew they had. The twins are

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impacted by the storm. Although City Talking With Children about Island seems so much more fortunate than many of the other island communities Natural Disasters in New York City, the hardships those By JOHN SCARDINA affected families are experiencing is just as real. The school community is planning a In the wake of Hurricane Sandy and images out of your child’s mind: have the fund-raising drive for the month of Decem- in light of the increasing likelihood that child draw the image and then rip up the ber in which all students and staff members extreme weather events will be a part of picture. This works especially well with will participate by working on different our lives from now on, we parents need to nightmares. activities to help raise relief funds. We are maintain open and loving conversations Recognize that headaches, stomach- hoping to be able to make a substantial with our children. Although there is no aches and sleep disturbances all accom- wrong way to be open and loving, here are pany anxiety and uncertainty. Let your St. Mary, Star of the Sea School contribution to those in need! some suggestions that might help: child know that these are natural reactions Turkey Bingo was a great success and Before the storm struck, students par- Remain available to talk about what to stress and will pass soon. a lot of fun; thanks to all who attended. ticipated in many exciting activities. The is happening. Accept all questions, even if Let your children be kids: when they Our younger students will be doing kindergarten has been taking walking trips they are repeated over (and over!) again. are ready to just go out and play with their some holiday arts and crafts with our to the City Island Library, and the second Be honest. Give facts at an appropriate friends, let them do so. Help them—and neighbors at Pilot Cove. We are grateful to grade visited the Morris Yacht Club (fortu- level for your child’s developmental level. yourselves—come to terms with this “new Mrs. Deborah Erosa Badillo for organizing itously right before the storm) to see how Be willing to say “I don’t know” if that is normal” in our world. this collaboration. City Island fits in with the greater New the case. As the holiday season approaches, I The St. Mary Thrift Shop will hold York City community. Students identified Acknowledge feelings—your own and would like to put in a good word about its annual Christmas Fair on Dec. 2 in the the boroughs they could see as well as your child’s. Natural events bring up lots an organization I work with: the Quaker school gymnasium. bridges, waterways and landmarks. Sev- of emotions for us, including fear, anger, Bolivia Link (www.qbl.org), which pro- Grades 3 and 4 are looking forward enth- and eighth-grade students had their worry, despair, hope, and that is how it vides fresh water, nutrition and education to their trip to the Hall of Science on first reward trip to the Bronx Zoo. should be. It helps everyone to talk about for impoverished people in the altiplano Dec. 6; the trip was originally planned for Our Halloween festivities were post- feelings. region of South America. You can give November but rescheduled due to Hur- poned, but when children returned to school Let your child know there are people holiday gifts in honor of family members ricane Sandy. The school will be closed on from their week off, we had a morning who can help. Become people who can through this website: https://www.alterna- Dec. 7 for Archdiocesan Data Day Confer- of fun activities for kindergarten through help. Find ways to help those in more need tivegifts.org/projects/project15/. ence. Dec. 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate third-grade students, and the fourth- and Blessings to all. than you. Helping others creates hope for Conception, Patroness of our Country, fifth-graders watched a movie. The sev- enth- and eighth-graders had their dance on all. City Island resident John Scardina is and a holy day of obligation. The Home Nov. 15. Limit television viewing: vivid images a school psychologist, child development School Association will sponsor a Holiday This year’s Penny Harvest program can be quite disturbing and can cause long- specialist, and parent educator. Visit his Boutique from Dec. 10 through Dec. 14. lasting discomfort. website www.ThinkLaughLearn.com. Faculty will attend Common Core Cur- has begun. Mr. Scopp, our student govern- Use drawing as a way to get disturbing riculum Professional Development Day ment leader, is organizing the collection of on Dec. 12. Grades K and 1 will attend pennies (nickels, dimes, quarters and bills the Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center on too!) through the beginning of December. Dec. 13. Proceeds from the Harvest will be donated The Christmas Assembly will take to an organization that is working on hur- place on Dec. 18 at 12:45 in the school ricane relief. We are hoping that we will gymnasium; each grade will perform as exceed what we donated last year. well as the band, Early Childhood Strings The Lincoln Center Institute is once Program and the choir. Christmas Mass again working with our students and teach- will be celebrated on Dec. 21, during ers in kindergarten through third grade. The which the eighth-grade ring ceremony will first work of art they are studying this year take place, as well as the Student of the is “Tu Maraca,” which will culminate in a Month ceremony. Christmas recess begins live musical performance at the school. In at 3 p.m. on Dec. 21, and school resumes the spring, teachers and students will be on Jan. 2. doing a puppetry unit of study. Congratulations to our October and We are once again collaborating with November Students of the Month, who the Bronx Arts Ensemble to provide stu- exemplify leadership, excellent academics dents with instruction in theatrical and and Christian awareness: Katelyn Hernan- musical arts. Fifth-graders have begun to dez and Brian Hickey (pre-kindergarten); practice for their spring performance of Alyssa Comacho-Polidura and Yanel- “A Year with Frog and Toad.” Third-and lis Santiago (kindergarten); Jayla Har- fourth-graders are participating in an after- rison, Kenneth Nelson, Peter Hickey and school program that will culminate in a Ciara Medina (first grade); Sarah Badillo, musical revue. Emily Badillo, Bruno Sambolin and Hazel Upcoming events include the Holly- Montalvo (second grade); Star Moroch rock Game Show and our annual Holiday and Analis Alarcon (third grade); Mes- Sing. siah Jean and Devin Cruz (fourth grade); A special thank-you to our wonderful Elijah Francis and Jahray Frances (fifth City Island community for all the support grade); Michael Bannister, Jacob Ocasio they showed at the PTA’s Election Day and Camille Smith (sixth grade); Tassia sale, which was a huge success. We are Turner and Destinee White-Foster (sev- most grateful to our PTA for all their hard enth grade); Keith Jones III and Alicia work, which enhances the education we are Jones (eighth grade). able to provide for our students. A Blessed Christmas and Happy New Please keep in mind these important Year to all! dates: Monday, Dec. 24, through Tues- day, Jan. 1, school closed; classes resume Public School 175 Wednesday, Jan. 2. We want to extend our thoughts and October and November Citizens-of- good wishes to any family that has been the-Month are Isaiah Elsayad, Gabriella James E. McQuade, Owner Gierum, Mikayla Murphy and Marshall Persteins (kindergarten); Isabella Reyes- Famous and Alfred Marini (first grade); Family Owned & Operated Patrick Livingston, Gwen Boyle, Ryan Whelan and Jake Zawel (second grade); for over 50 years Aiden Hanley-Piri, Demitria Mantzaris, Julian McElroy and Amanda Acocella 3535 East Tremont Avenue (third grade); Isabel Whelan, Mia Vil- lafana, Aiden Sanchez and John Bernardo Bronx, NY 10465 (fourth grade); Jade Villafana and Jona- than Mazzella (fifth grade); Joshua San- tiago, Lyla MacDonald, James McGaughan and Claudia Kimmel (sixth grade); Lydia 718-792-0270 McElroy, John Tomsen, Michael Mancuso and Michael Bauso (seventh grade); Mario Castillo, Esther Kramer, Jonieri Cruz and www.schuylerhill.com Samantha Germosen (eighth grade). We wish the entire City Island com- munity a peaceful and joy-filled holiday season! Page Sixteen The Island Current December 2012

Realty Bites St. Mary By JOAN L. CUMMINGS Star of the Sea Church Walt Disney once said, “If you can from a home sale will dictate the quality dream it, you can do it.” This is still good of life now and in retirement, so getting advice 50 years later, but in the realm of the best market price for your home is Christmas Schedule real estate, a little detachment is needed important. Like it or not, today’s buyer in today’s unstable, volatile market. Let’s wants up-to-date and move-in ready— 2012 face it, one can get very emotional buy- especially kitchens and baths. Sellers who ing your first home or selling the one you have been in their home for a number of LESSONS AND CAROLS CONCERT lived in for 30 years. In today’s market, a years tend to believe their taste in décor Sunday, December 23 little prudent detachment from the expec- is a buyers’ taste as well. Not so, Walt! tation of what buying or selling reaps can And while you’re expounding the wisdom 7:30 p.m. be a healthy thing. of putting faux brick on a load-bearing As first-time home buyers, couples kitchen wall and how the pink butterfly CHRISTMAS EVE typically envision what they want in bath tile matches your towels, the pro- their new home. Some dream tradition- spective buyer is mentally calculating the MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 ally of the white picket fence with a big replacement cost, along with the price of Carols: 7:30 p.m. backyard, others a two-car garage with a the home. Modernizing without custom- Mass: 8:00 p.m. tool shop for those weekend projects, and izing kitchens and baths can make the still others imagine a large kitchen and difference between selling your home and fireplace to share special moments with having it stay on the market. CHRISTMAS DAY family and friends. An initial first step is clearing away TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 The criterion for mortgage qualifi- clutter, including excess furniture and per- Masses: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. cation these days can throw some cold sonal family memorabilia so the buyer can and 12: Noon water on those dreams and expectations envision himself in the space. Having neu- especially when it comes to where you tral colors on the walls keeps the focus on want to live. Even with family support, the space. In other words, depersonalize NEW YEAR’S EVE the 20 percent down for a $400,000 your home. Fixing leaky faucets, cracked MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 house can be frustratingly out of reach, window panes and broken door handles Mass: 5:15 p.m. and you may have to look outside your and sweeping the curb reflect home pride. (Anticipated Mass for Feast of Mary, desired area to get the items on your wish If these details are not corrected, a buyer list. will notice, and it can quash any chance of Mother of God) The alternative to a traditional bank a sale. mortgage can be SONYMA, tailored for So though attaining the American NEW YEAR’S DAY first time homebuyers at a more realistic dream may take a lot more than a Pinoc- 3 percent down. Guideline information, chio-like version of wishing upon a star, it TUESDAY, JANUARY 1 including homes for sale, can be found on is definitely worth the pursuit with plan- (Feast of Mary, Mother of God) the New York State Homes and Commu- ning and practicality. And that, I think Masses: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m, 12:00 Noon nity Renewal website at www.nyshcr.org. you would agree, is no lie. Another alternative is the Fannie Mae Joan Lake Cummings has been a Home Path Program, www.homepath. licensed NYS broker and property man- a government-backed agency, which com ager for over 10 years. She is a former features foreclosed properties in New journalist and editor for a Texas weekly Edward D. Heben York, and throughout the United States, newspaper. She and her family moved in with a minimum of 3 percent down. 1972 to City Island, where she still retains CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA, AEP For sellers, the amount of capital gains her family’s home. Accounting, Taxes, Business Valuations, Financial Forensics, and Litigation Support City Island Deli 135 Bedford Road, Armonk, New York 10504 & Pizza (T) 914.273.8300 x 121 * (F) 914.273.8301 (C) 914.925.1120 Catering For All Occasions (E) [email protected] Up to 8 Foot Heroes Try Our Full Line of Pizza, Calzones & Take Out Dinners WE DELIVER! 520 City Island Avenue 718-885-1083 December 2012 The Island Current Page Seventeen

Photo by JANE PROTZMAN Marianne Anderson, administrator of Pelham Bay Park, spoke to a crowd of over 100 people about the park and Orchard Beach at the City Island Nautical Museum on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012.

By JOHN SHERIDAN and MARIA SUTHERLAND

A Brief but Early History of buying land sooner rather than later. In 1884 Pelham Bay Park the New Parks Act was passed, and in 1888 a commission purchased nearly 24 percent The overwhelming response to Admin- of the land that would become the Bronx istrator Marianne Anderson’s presentation and set it aside for parks and parkways. Re- at the Nautical Museum a couple of Sun- member, the Bronx did not officially come days ago had us thinking more about the into existence until 1898; the commission history of Pelham Bay Park. had purchased 24 percent of the 23rd and The story begins in 1881 with the cre- 24th Wards of New York City (still only ation of the New York Park Association. Manhattan and annexed lands that had once John Mullaly, the so-called Father of the belonged to lower Westchester). Bronx Park System and the Association’s Pelham Bay Park takes its name from secretary, led the legislative battle for the the bay that was filled in the 1930s with the creation of more parks. It was his great con- creation of Orchard Beach, especially its cern that New York City, then comprising parking lot. The lagoon where crew teams only the island of Manhattan and newly ac- hone their skills is all that remains of what quired land from Westchester County, was was once the body of water known as Pel- rapidly becoming a crowded, tenement- ham Bay. There is a song about this subject strewn metropolis. The new parks would that is near and dear to our hearts. The lyric serve the city’s denizens as Central Park begins: was already serving them, as a kind of oa- A bay is a body of water surrounded sis, an escape from the helter-skelter of ur- By land on sides one, two and three ban living. Its waters flow in from then out to Others did not see it that way. Many the ocean in the New York State legislature, with a Unless your bay happens to be . . . sharp eye, no doubt, on the breathtakingly Underneath Pelham Bay parking lot, high price tag for Central Park, expressed long forgot, I kid you not concerns about the cost of purchasing and There was a bay but now a parking then maintaining so many new parks, Pel- lot ham Bay Park being only one of a system Today there’s cars where once sand- of nine. Included among the opposition, bars by sailors were known. ironically, was that great outdoorsman and There’s more, but you will have to stop future President of the United States, Teddy by The Starving Artist one of these last Fri- Roosevelt. days of the month to hear it. Ultimately, Mullaly and the Associa- As always we invite your input at tion prevailed, in part because of their argu- . ment that, with the price of real estate set to [email protected] Merry Christmas and a Happy New skyrocket, they would be saving money by Year!

“Pride in Our Community” ATLANTIC EMERITUS REALTY, INC. Licensed Real Estate Broker HAPPY Sales - Rental - Residential - Commercial HOLIDAYS Robert T. Carmody - Licensed Real Estate Broker Associates from Maria Swieciki • Candy Mancuso • Debra Saulnier Chef Rafael’s Pre-qualified buyers waiting! 300 City Island Avenue TO-GO 718-885-0088 phone 718-885-1426 fax EXPRESS Visit our website at: www.aerhomes.com or www.cityislandhomes.com 718-885-9656 inford ennifer K Weddings J Makeup Artist Events EDMOND (Teddy) PRYOR Consultations www.jenniferkinford.com ATTORNEY AT LAW City Island, NY 917-704-2298 1925 Williamsbridge Road 300 City Island Avenue Bronx, City Island, New York 10461 (718) 829-0222 New York 10464 www.pryorlaw.com Page Eighteen The Island Current December 2012

involved. Violet later served on the board of Island with Rodstrom Shipyards (a precur- machinery, history, philosophy, literature, both Temple Beth-El of City Island and the sor to Consolidated Yachts). After work- ships, aviation, weather, even food. Articu- City Island Chamber of Commerce. ing with a marine contractor for a period late, with a remarkable memory, a dry sense She loved to play the piano and the re- of time, Bryce and a fellow worker, Rob- of humor and a good grasp of anything nau- The Current will print obituaries free of charge upon noti- fication by a member of the deceased’s immediate family. corder and to dance and sing, all of which ert White, established their own marine tical or mechanical, and much that wasn’t, Call 718-885-0760 or write to P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY she performed with style and beauty. Her contracting company, Kirk and White, and Bryce was happy to provide insight and 10464, including your telephone number. favorite breed of dog was the beagle, and built docks in the New York area and along opinion on nearly any topic. City Island’s she owned three of them. the Hudson River for many years. Bryce gradual shift to a more residential tenor, After their marriage in 1969, Violet sometimes joked that Kirk and White was however, had influenced Bryce to move his and Mort Ellis lived in Flushing, Queens, designated a hobby, as he never made any contracting operations to Nyack. and later moved to Woodmere, Long Island. money at it. Bryce Kirk chose the nursing home They finally settled on City Island in 2002. For many years, at tables in the now where he lived because it was close enough Violet is survived by her husband, a vanished Ship’s Galley restaurant or Spout- to the Hudson River that he could walk to it. brother, an uncle, a nephew and niece and er’s Inn, or the more contemporary Black A celebration of Bryce Kirk’s life will several cousins. She had a great presence on Whale or Tree House, Bryce was available be held on Dec. 2, at 1:30 p.m. at Grace City Island and will be missed by everyone to all comers for nightly dinner discussions. Episcopal Church, 116 City Island Avenue, who knew her. Topics were unlimited: politics, sociology, at Pilot Street. Donations in her memory would be greatly appreciated and can be made to the Rogosin Institute, which is involved in research and treatment programs for both diabetes and kidney disease. Write to the Development Office HT230, Rogosin Insti- tute, 505 East 70th Street, New York NY 10021 or donate online at www.rogosi.org./ donate.

Violet Ellis Bryce Kirk Bryce Kirk, a longtime resident of City Violet Marlene Ellis Island, passed away suddenly in a nursing home near Nyack, New York, on Nov. 2, Violet Ellis, 65, a resident of City Is- 2012, at the age of 91. The son of the late land since 2002, passed away on Sept. 16, William A Kirk, a marine insurance broker, 2012, after a long series of illnesses. Her and the late Elizabeth Gload Kirk, Bryce husband, Mort, and her dearest friend, Bill was born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Rainford, were at her side. Island, where he attended Port Washington Violet Marlene was born in Manhattan High school and later Cornell University. to Mary and Morris Papier. She attended Known to friends as Captain Bryce Lincoln High School and graduated from Kirk (of the tugboat ), Bryce once Queens College, where she earned both Shirley S. Photo by RICK DeWITT denied ever having life goals, saying sim- BA and MS degrees. She was then accept- Revelers partied into the night under the tent at Split Rock. ply that he enjoyed doing certain types of ed into the Manhattan School of Music’s work. After leaving Cornell, Bryce worked doctoral program. Chamber Dinner Ladder Company 70 and Engine Company on barges in the Brooklyn shipyards before For 20 years, Violet was a dedicated Continued from page 5 53 on City Island was greeted with a stand- earning his CAA licenses at Roosevelt Field ing ovation from a community grateful for elementary school teacher for the New who received the Chamber’s Special Cer- when he was working with American Ex- their year-round dedication and effectiveness York Board of Education. She first taught tificate of Appreciation, represents a very port Airlines. During World War II, Bryce in keeping City Island safe. in Long Island City and then on the Lower large district and won his recent election Maria Caruso, whose husband, Stefane served in the United States Navy as a flight unopposed, an indication of his quality as a East Side. She was also a tireless volun- Kane, proprietor of Bistro SK, won a New engineer. legislator. teer with the United Federation of Teach- Business Award in 2011, introduced three Following the war, Bryce came to City John Doyle, who was until recently Sen- ers (UFT), serving on its Jewish Heritage, new recipients of the award, Alexandra ator Klein’s director of community affairs, Irish Heritage, Italian American Studies, Whitcombe of Fine Florals (who had cre- is now an assistant public relations director Political Action and Social and Recreation- ated wonderful centerpieces for the tables), at the North Central Healthcare Hospital al Committees. She was also involved with Edwin Castro of Dragon’s Path Academy, Network in the Bronx. and Nick Vrettos of the Firehouse Corner the Jewish Labor Committee. The Tom Cerreta Community Service Deli. All three spoke of the pleasures as well Violet was a board member of the Jew- Award was presented to Maria Swieciki, the as the challenges involved in opening up a ish Teachers Association and was instru- “Talebearer” columnist for The Island Cur- new business in a welcoming community mental in planning its annual luncheons. and an active volunteer on City Island, rent like City Island. She also served on the board of the Long who expressed particular thanks to her fam- The music provided by the Lickety Split ily, noting that it is impossible to be effective Island Chapter of the American Orff- Band provided a lively spirit to the eve- in a community without the support of one’s Schulwerk Association and introduced its ning as guests mingled and danced between family at home. methods to the UFT’s NYC Music Teach- courses before heading off into the pleasant The awarding of the Catherine Scott ers Association with which she was also November evening. Achievement Award to the firefighters of

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December 2012 The Island Current Page Nineteen Play Review the costumes (which involved as many as four changes for most of the actors) were In the Garden Continued from page 7 brilliantly orchestrated by Carol McCabe, By MARY COLBY accent of actor Beverley (hilariously acted with the assistance of Cheryl Brinker by Leslie Blumgold) and the fake praise of and Celeste Ploumis. Gathering props for Winter Gardens: Banjo (another over-the-top performance CITG plays is Barbara Dolensek’s avoca- Extending the Gardening Year tion, but this particular project took her to by Frank Siciliano). Winter is on its way and many garden- places she never thought she would have The Stanley children, played with ers are relieved to get a break from prun- to go (with a sarcophagus in the car, no charm by Danny Conover as budding ing, digging and transplanting. Service to less). Lighting design by Joe Burck and photographer Richard and Sarah Harrold our garden is on hold. We dream of new sound design by Denis Zepeda were flaw- as June, madly in love with Sandy (Denis combinations of plants, color schemes and less, as usual, and the stage managing was Zepeda), are encouraged by Whiteside to designs, but if we had created a winter efficiently carried out by Fiorella de Lima follow their dreams, much to the horror garden, no matter how small, we would wit- and her assistant, Hannah Glick. Publicity of their father, who finally obtains a court ness its loveliness with no labor through the was beautifully managed by Mary McIn- order to evict Whiteside within 15 min- darkening and all but the snowiest of days. tyre and the program (now illustrated utes. Even the smallest gardens can be with actor photos by Rick DeWitt) was There were, in this large cast, a whole enhanced by one evergreen to catch the produced in record time by Susan Rauh. array of wonderful subsidiary roles: Whi- light and pillow the snow. Most evergreens John Coppola took on the truly monu- teside’s doctor (David Lazar), his nurse grow huge, some to 100 feet or more, so mental task of directing this complex, fast- (Sandy Prosnitz), Professor Merz (Andrew do your research. Don’t trust the labels and moving and demanding production, and Ravick), Mrs. McCutcheon (Eileen Fox), look up the eventual height. Picea abies Nick Sala and Carol McCabe, as usual, Sarah (Connie Del Vecchio) and the odd ‘Wills Zwerg’ (Will’s Dwarf Spruce) can served as production managers to make sister, Harriet (Lorain Porto), plus a bevy top out at 16 to 26 feet, but mine, in its 10th it all happen in spite of Hurricane Sandy, of penguins, prisoners (Jonathon Lang- year, does not exceed 5 feet, so it is slow a no-name nor’easter and other unfore- kamp and Thomas Losito), deliverymen growing. Abies koreana ‘Silberlocke’ (Sil- seen obstacles. Nevertheless, the play was (Jay Langkamp and Thomas Losito, who ver Curls) is silvery blue, and the undersides enthusiastically received by overflowing also played a couple of police officers). are white as if dusted with snow, a brilliant Snowdrops crowds, and the CITG board voted to Somehow the small stage managed to selection, and the cones are purplish brown, send the proceeds from the performance accommodate all of the wonderful actors standing up at attention. I have mine with reptans. Hellebores, the varieties foetidus or with the highest attendance to the Mayor’s and the sarcophagus, plus a Christmas gray plants and small grasses to enhance orientalis, will tolerate deep shade, which Fund to help hurricane victims. tree surrounded by presents, a lot of lovely the winter scene. makes them all the more valuable, but take A fitting finale to a terrific year for furniture, and a freewheeling wheelchair Dark green yew, box and holly are caution as they are very poisonous. They the City Island Theater Group, which used by Whiteside. The handsome set lovely against the red twig Cornus shrubs. seed around like cress, so you may bulk up mounted four successful productions in itself was designed and decorated by the Witch Hazel (Hamamellis mollis or Jelena) your patch by transplanting the seedlings. 2012. We can hardly wait to see what the immensely talented Joe Burck and built will reward you in February with ribbons Cut away the foliage if it is tattered, so the New Year has in store! by CITG veteran Keith Rodriguez, and of sweetly scented flowers. A small clump flowers will emerge without a blemish. of Hellebore Niger beneath will unfold their Birch, Crape Myrtle, Stewartia and Acer Happy Holidays to Our Customers and Friends! pristine white goblets with golden antlers, Griseum are all great small trees for pat- forming a tiny landscape with no regard for terned, colorful or peeling bark. Profes- A-QUALITY the weather. You’ll run out in the plunging sional landscape services will advise to GLASS & SHADE CO. temperature to check their progress, for clean up all the leaves but leave them around Insulated Glass and Parts every stage of their blossoming is gorgeous, your shrubs; they make lovely new soil Mirrors • Table Tops • Blinds • Shades especially when it’s snowing. and protect the plants in winter. It is also a Storm Windows and Doors The elegant sprays of winter jasmine, great time to feed your garden with manure, Jasminium nudifolium, with their smiling since feeding the roots is key for robust and Tel: 718-885-2100 or 718-885-2155 yellow flowers, will cheer you on your healthy plants. Fax: 718-885-2126 return home. Snowdrops (Galanthophiles), Catalogues from Greer Gardens, Fair- 104 Hawkins Street, City Island, NY 10464 unite! People are truly mad for them. They weather Gardens and White Flower Farm even have parties in England where the club will take their place by your armchair this members bring their plants, along with clods year, but next year will be the beginning of of earth, to ogle at tea time. Underplant the a winter wonderland. snowdrops with the short black grass Ophi- Mary Colby is a gardener and fine art- opogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ or Ajuga ist, whose studio and gallery, Fe Fi Faux, is on City Island.

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718-885-1728 917-519-9093 Page Twenty The Island Current December 2012

Organization News St. Mary’s Thrift Shop Richard B. Chernaik, M.D. Continued from page 13 The thrift shop will hold its Christmas Fair on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. I have been in solo Internal Medicine practice in neighboring Co-Op Sons of the American Legion in two locations. The thrift shop location will City for over 35 years and have lived on City Island for twenty years. feature our gently used items. Across Minn- I am seven minutes away by bus and there is free parking available. We would like to remind all members eford Avenue at St. Mary’s school gym, we that dues are now due. They are $30 and will have new items on display. This is a I have many years of experience in Primary Care as well as consulting can be mailed or dropped off to the Post wonderful opportunity to do some Christmas at Montefiore Hospital. I have taught medical students and residents at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and am a Clinical Associate and placed into the SAL Box. shopping. After the fair, the thrift shop will remain a “ Christmas Shop” on Thursdays Professor of Medicine there. I have been recognized in Connelly’s The annual Pearl Harbor ceremony will Book of “Top Doctors”. be held on Saturday, Dec. 8, at noon. and Saturdays, up to and including Dec. I am in the office 5 days a week and make rounds at Montefiore Our next meeting will be held on Thurs- 22. In January we will return to our regular routine. Merry Christmas to all! Hospital daily including weekends. I am also on call twenty day, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m. Arlene Byrne four hours a day, seven days a week. I provide a “Medical New members are always welcome. If Home” for my patients (I am willing to help make all significant you are male descendant, step-descendant medical decisions). I have excellent consultants available or adopted by a veteran set forth in the City Island Theater Group whom I have vetted over the years and work well with them. dates set by Congress, we would love to Good Primary Care requires the Primary Doctor to know The City Island Theater Group is pleased have you as a member. Stop by the Post to his patient thoroughly and guide them through our chaotic to announce its first production of the 2013 medical system. pick up an application. We have eight new season, Tennessee Williams’s “The Glass members since July 1. Menagerie.” Written in the early 1940s, this Now that the weather has finally cooled drama was described by the playwright as a down, things at the Post are heating up. “memory play,” one that begins with a mem- 100 Elgar Place, Building 35 Since football season is here, stop by the ory, usually described in a monologue by one Telephone (718) 320-2188 • [email protected] Post to cheer on your favorite teams. We of the main characters. It was first written as also have food and weekend drink spe- a screenplay for MGM based on one of his cials. own short stories. It was his first successful Don’t forget the Post Christmas party on play, after which he went on to become one Monday, Dec. 17, at noon. of America’s most highly regarded play- wrights. In 1987 Paul Newman directed the Fred Ramftl Jr. second film adaptation, which starred Joanne Woodward and John Malkovich. Auditions American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for “The Glass Menagerie” will be held Fri- day, Jan. 4, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 5, On Saturday, Dec. 1, we will meet at the at 2:30 p.m. at Grace Hall, 116 City Island Legion Post at 9:30 a.m. to make a holiday Avenue at Pilot Street. Performances will be visit to the Veterans Hospital. Feb. 22, 23, 24 and 28 and March 1 and 2. On Tuesday, Dec. 4, we will meet for Mary McIntyre tree decorating at 7:30 p.m. The children’s Christmas party will take place on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m., and the Legion Post Christmas party will Trellis take place at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. Regular Meetings 17. Weekly Twelve-Step Meetings Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on City Island to all! Narcotics Anonymous: Maryann Occhicone Fridays at 7:30 p.m., St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church, City Island Avenue near the Bridge. Thursdays at 8 p.m., Trinity United Meth- odist Church hall, 113 Bay Street. Alcoholics Anonymous: Mondays at 8 p.m., Trinity United Meth- odist Church hall. AARP Chapter 318 Tuesdays at 8 p.m., St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church. The chapter meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Grace Episco- at Trinity Methodist Church Hall on Bay pal Church. Street. This month, our Dec. 5 meeting will St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church: 718- be a special pizza/bingo afternoon, begin- 885-1440 ning at 12:30. Pizza, coffee, cake and bingo Trinity United Methodist Church: 718- games will be the order of the day. On Dec. 885-1218 19, our Christmas party will take place at Grace Episcopal Church: 718-885-1080 the Lobster House Restaurant on Bridge Street at 12 noon. Meetings in January will Overeaters Anonymous: Saturdays at 11 a.m., Grace Episcopal be on the 2nd and 16th. No meetings in Church: 718-885-1080 February. Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year to all! Rosetta Wood

340 City Island Avenue 718-885-0333 Bronx, NY 10464 MrChimney.com Cleaning & Repairs 718-329-3296 800-834-3155

WE PROMISE PROMPT, COURTEOUS CARE We accept walk-in patients anytime during regular hours Dr. Norbert W. Sander, Jr. Internal Medicine Dr. Eyad Hijazin Internal Medicine Dr. Rafaela Lamos Internal Medicine/Geriatrics December 2012 The Island Current Page Twenty-one MR. AMERICA’S Sailing Life on City Island By JOYCE MULCAHY PERSONAL TRAINING By BUTCH NIEVES

Hurricane Sandy blew ashore last Boats I knew from racing were piled in Fatigue-Fighting Foods after eating a well-balanced diet, contact a food professional or your physician. Stress, month, damaging all of the yacht clubs heaps while others had snapped off moor- Have trouble getting started in the morn- to varying degrees and leaving many sail- ings; yacht club docks were reduced to medications, diseases, sleep problems or ing? Feel sluggish in the afternoon? Ready lack of exercise may be to blame, and get- boats toppled from the tide and wind. planks and splinters, and there was water to crash come evening? You’re not alone. When I ventured out the morning after, damage in three of the four yacht clubs. ting these under control will get your energy Many people, especially women, are level back where it belongs. One of the most City Island Avenue seemed unscathed, Cleanup and rebuilding continues at all constantly suffering from a lack of energy. save for downed branches and random four yacht clubs: Stuyvesant, Harlem, City proven ways to increase your energy levels Fatigue can be caused by a number of dif- is to participate in a consistent, challenging power outages. However, when I went to Island and Morris Yacht and Beach Club. ferent factors, but for many people, poor nu- the perimeter of the island, particularly on For further information on how you can exercise program. trition is to blame. Since food is the body’s My passion is to help people, just like the west side, I saw Sandy’s wake of woe. help, contact me at cityislandsailing.com. fuel, how well you are able to perform dur- you, improve their energy levels and their ing the day may be directly related to what overall quality of life. foods you fill up with during meal and snack time. The Unhealthy Side of Fruit When it comes to energy levels, foods You know that healthy weight loss comes and drinks that play the biggest role are as a result of regular exercise and a diet filled carbohydrates, protein, water and caffeine. with plenty of fruits and vegetables. But is Here’s how to include them in your diet. anything with the word “fruit” or that con- Carbs for Energy tains one fruit or another a valid way to meet Your body needs some carbohydrates. your fruit quota? No. Here’s proof. Yes, you heard it right. Carbs! To get maxi- Proof One: Fruity, Sweet Cereals mum benefit, you should aim for a combina- By now, eating bowl after bowl of fruity tion of complex and simple carbs. Complex cereals that leave your milk pink and orange carbs are slower to burn and include such may only be a problem for your kids. But if foods as whole grains and starchy vegeta- you’re still addicted to the cereals that claim bles (squash, potatoes, carrots and pump- to have some semblance of fruit but are filled Photo by BARBARA DOLENSEK kin). Whole grains that are high in fiber are with added sugars and calories, it’s time for a The tiki bar at the Morris Yacht and Beach Club is now an island after Sandy stripped what you need for sustained, long-lasting the planks and railings off the access dock. change. Sure, they may taste good, but sugar- energy. Look for bread that contains two to laden breakfast cereals are ruining your fit- three grams of fiber per slice. For a healthy ness results—even if they supposedly have dose of simple carbs, stick with fresh, whole real fruit flavors. Wean yourself from the   fruits. A A fruity cereals by chopping some real fruit Trellis TowBOAT/U.S. Protein for Stamina into a bowl of healthy, sugar-free cereal. Carbs supply energy, but protein is re- Fine Florals & Events City Island Proof Two: Fruity Desserts sponsible for releasing the energy. Protein Weddings & Events • Funeral & Sympathy Your stomach may think strawberry ice is also essential for cell growth, the trans- Birthdays & Anniversaries cream, raspberry cheesecake, and cherry port of nutrients and hormones through the Please call several days in advance to plan for your floral pie are desserts from healthy heaven, but body, healthy muscles and a properly work- needs or book an appointment to discuss an event. your mind knows otherwise. Though many ing immune system. Be sure to eat a source desserts that lean on fruit for flavor are un- 150 City Island Avenue of protein at each meal, whether lean meat, Tel: 718-885-2755 • Fax: 718-885-2756 healthy, there are also many healthy fruit- fish, poultry, beans, eggs, soy, nuts or low- based desserts to enjoy. Fruit parfait and fruit fat dairy. sorbet are good alternatives. And if you just Water for Refreshment have to have your cake and eat it with berries Essential to survival, water is also es- too, a light angel food will do just fine. Just sential for energy. When you consider that make sure the slice of cake is thin. two-thirds of your body is made of water, Proof Three: Fruit Smoothies you’re reminded how important water is to Now, now. Don’t get all up in arms. All good health. Water helps control your tem- fruit smoothies are not unhealthy. In fact, perature, helps you digest food, lubricates some of them are quite healthy, giving you a your organs and plays a major role in creat- big boost of vitamins and minerals that help ing energy molecules. you feel energetic and ready to face the day. If you’re depleted of water, you prob- However, if you dabble too far beyond the ably feel depleted of energy. If you’re de- healthy fruit smoothie, you can add more hydrated, you will feel completely dragged sugar than is found in many desserts. To keep out. Without enough water, your body will your smoothie nice and healthy, don’t add work overtime to rehydrate itself instead of soft-serve ice cream or frozen yogurt, can- producing energy. dy, or other items that are obviously high in Caffeine for Stimulation sugar and unnecessary calories. Rather, keep Caffeine is a stimulant that works by your smoothie nothing but fruit, ice, juice, exaggerating the effects of your natural hor- yogurt, and a nice scoop of protein powder mones, causing your heart to beat faster and to ensure it is high on the health chart. your breathing to increase, making you feel Proof Four: (Un)Fruit Juice more alert. Perhaps you’re one of the mil- Juice can be wonderful. It has great fla- lions of people who drink one or more cups vor, great color, and great amounts of impor- of coffee in the morning. If so, you know tant vitamins and minerals. At least it does the powerful effect caffeine has to jumpstart when it is fruit juice. Unfortunately, many your energy level. drinks claim to be fruit juice, while only con- Besides coffee, caffeine is also found taining a very low amount of fruit juice. For in tea, sodas, herbs and chocolate. Be aware these low-fruit fruit juices, sugar and water that too much caffeine can make you feel make up the bulk of the contents, robbing jittery, interfere with your sleep and cause you of the important benefits of all-natural dehydration. fruit juice. Keep fruit juice indulgences to a Additional Tips minimum, as even the fruit-only kind is load- Keep in mind that overeating, no matter ed with simple sugars. what food, may cause sluggishness. Instead Go Natural of three large meals, try eating several small To clearly sidestep unhealthy fruit op- meals (don’t forget breakfast!) throughout tions, go for raw, whole fruits and avoid the day to give you constant bursts of en- packaged fruit in any shape or form. These ergy. Too much alcohol or a vitamin defi- will keep you on track with your fitness and ciency is often to blame for low energy lev- weight loss goal. els. For women, a dragged-out feeling could Don’t forget that true fitness success be caused by anemia (low iron) caused by comes from a combination of a consistent, monthly menstruation. challenging exercise routine coupled with If you still feel fatigued and lethargic clean eating. Page Twenty-two The Island Current December 2012

Lobster Box Avenue); stop in and learn more! Holiday Island If it’s a taste of France you crave, Continued from page 9 then Stephane Kane and his wife, Maria, want to welcome you to Bistro SK (273 shrimp, baby back ribs and more. There City Island Avenue). The couple promises is also sensational seafood to be had at feasts this holiday season, including oys- JPs Restaurant (703 Minneford Ave- ters, lobsters and foie gras. nue), Sammy’s Fish Box (41 City Island If Italy is more to your liking, then Avenue), the Original Sammy’s Shrimp it’s Lido Restaurant (101 City Island Box (64 City Island Avenue), the Lob- Avenue) or Portofino (555 City Island ster Box (34 City Island Avenue) and the Avenue). And there is always “dinner and Crab Shanty (361 City Island Avenue). a show” at Ohana Japanese Hibachi (Check out the festive decorations at the Seafood & Steakhouse (500 City Island Shanty while you’re there!) And the Lob- Avenue), a great gift to yourself for the ster House (691 City Island Avenue) may holidays and any time. have lost Lefty the Lobster during Hur- And after this hope-filled and joyous ricane Sandy, but guests are still greeted holiday season passes, know that City by great food and solid service. Joining Island’s shops are busy about making the seafood servers this December will the days of your New Year each the best be The Light House (565 City Island ever! Helping you perform better one muscle at a time... Pi r r a gl i a C h i r o p r a c ti c and Athletic Performance Enhancement Theresa L. Pirraglia, DC Certified A.R.T. Provider

1 Radisson Plaza • Suite 709 New Rochelle, NY 10801 914-738-2696 Fax: 914-738-2465 [email protected] www.pirragliachiropractic.com

IRONMAN PERFORMANCE TEAM TEAM CHIROPRACTOR FOR FORHAM UNIVERSITY & MANHATTAN COLLEGE

If we don’t hang together, we will hang separately – Ben Franklin We did it! Onward together into 2013 Jackie and Chris, Port of Kall since 1893! STATE SENATOR JEFF KLEIN Serving Bronx and Westchester Counties 1250 Waters Place • Bronx, NY 10461 Tel: 718-822-2049 • Fax: 718-822-2321 [email protected] Paid for by New Yorkers for Klein December 2012 The Island Current Page Twenty-three THANKS FOR THE GIVING!

______MINNIEFORD AVENUE CHILDCARE A FUN PASSPORT PHOTOS taken at Focal Point Gal- PLACE TO BE! 4 hour drop ins welcome for lery, 321 City Island Avenue. Call Ron at 718- moms who need time for errands, school trips, ______885-1403. ______etc. Call Candy Mancuso 718 885-9277. RESUMES WRITTEN, EDITED AND LAID OUT: From CITY ISLAND NOTARY-PARALEGAL-ADMIN. actors to lawyers. Concise, professional, superior. WILL PROVIDE A VARIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ______Get to the next level. Call Katie 718-885-2929. SERVICES. Correspondence, greeting cards, Coming soon! Stay Tuned! Magickal brochures, flyers, newsletter, organizational ser- Realms inc. Is being swept ashore to 258 City vices, bookkeeping, event organization. Call Island Avenue, Bronx, New York 10464. 40 ______Johanna at ( 914) 299-1414. years experience, 20 in The Bronx! Bringing CITY ISLAND! Need a DJ for your next event? to you the Enchanted Candle artist Lady Rhea Give Big Town Productions a call. We’re right and author of “The Enchanted Candle Book” Photo by RICK DeWITT here on the Island! From weddings and parties, and “The Enchanted Formulary” along with her Now in its 19th year, the Thanksgiving Dinner at Trinity United Methodist Church was held to trivia and karaoke, our DJ’s MC’s and hosts partner Lady Zoradia and their fun creative staff on Nov. 22, 2012. A whopping 119 meals were served. Shown are the dedicated volunteers are the best! 203-496-2444. www.bigtownpro- of artists and psychics. Candles, hand blended (l. to r.) Richard Cox, Lucia Yew, Jerry Bailey, Anne Cox, Susan Strazzera, Adji Henderson, ______ductions.com oils and incense, crystals, statues, new age Arlene Byrne, Jim Cox and Reverend Yew. Not pictured, but helping set up, prep, serve and 385 KING AVENUE FOR SALE: Cedar shaker- product line and services. Psychic readings by style home with direct water views on two appointment walk-ins welcomed. Open 7 days clean-up: Carmen Melicharek, Francisco Cashillo, Isabel Serrano, Maria Delgado, Tiana and levels. This nautical charmer has 3 bedrooms, Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fri & Sat 11 a.m.- Tiffany Somerville of the True Aces Bike Club, as well as Kathy Lewis, Julian Cruz, Nancy 3 full baths with original hardwood floors and 9 p.m. and Sun. 12 noon - 5 p.m. We are here to Scanella, and Kathy Knapp. wrought iron railings throughout. Skylights with assist you with all your inquiries 718-892-5350. vaulted ceilings in two bedrooms, along with MagickalRealms.com. Call today we love to an attic loft for extra storage. Finished base- ______hear from you. Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season! ment with washer/dryer and separate outside CAR/LIMO SERVICE AVAILABLE TO NYC entrance completes this picture perfect home. REGION AIRPORTS. Designated driver for those All the Best in 2013 Broker: Joan Lake Cummings By appointment special evenings/events. Locations outside of ______only 914-441-2454. NYC prices are negotiated. Beautiful SUV seats City Island Physical Therapy 7 comfortably. Call 914-419-0962. ROOMATE WANTED! Great apartment on City ______340 CITY ISLAND AVE. (WITHIN DR. SANDERS’ OFFICE) Island. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, W/D, deck, yard, THERE’S A COMPUTER GURU right in your ______must share with 2 cats. 646-295-6939. neighborhood. City Island resident with over BALANCE TRAINING, THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE, MANUAL THERAPY, 35.5’ HUNTER LEGEND 1990 for sale at South 25 years of computer experience can repair MECHANICAL TRACTIONS, ULTRASOUND, ELECTRICAL STIMULATION Minnieford Yacht Club. $4500 or best offer. any software or hardware problem. Instruction ______Please call Fred Chandler @ 917-856-9337. available for all new PC owners. I even make JANINE MANTZARIS, P.T. BUYING U.S. COINS, gold, silver, mint and house calls. References available. Call “Joe, PHONE: 917-577-1752 • FAX: 718-885-1149 proof sets, collections, paper currency and ______The Computer Guy” 718-885-9366. *INSURANCE ACCEPTED* stamps. Member ANA. Call Robert at 646-533- WEBSITES CREATED: Effective, great looking web ______2469. E-mail [email protected]. sites from scratch or your old website fixed up. ISLAND CARPENTER does renovations, res- ______Easy affordable, quick. Call Katie 718-885-2929. torations and repairs. Painting, locks, decks, OWENS TREE EXPERTS: Tree trimming & removal. weatherizing, plaster repair, windows, doors, ______Free estimates. Fully insured. Call 718-885-0914. ______handy-work, etc. Michael 718-885-1580. PIANO LESSONS: Lifetime experience teaching VOICE LESSONS: Ages middle school through children and adults. My home on a Steinway adult. My home studio. Suffering from sleep Grand Piano. Flexible hours. Call Diana 718- apnea? Singing strengthens your throat mus- ______885-2091. cles, which helps eliminate the effects of apnea. MOVERS! No job too big or too small! For a free ______Flexible hours. Call Diana 718-885-2091.­ ______estimate call JR 718-314-6321. PAINTING AND PLASTERING: Clean profes- JEWELRY REPAIRED & DESIGNED: Cash for sional work at affordable rates. Call for a free gold, watch batteries, engraved gifts, artwork, ______quote. Dave 1-646-548-8573. toys & housewares. Kaleidoscope Gallery, 280 PARENTING CONCERNS? SCHOOL CHALLENGES? City Island Avenue, 718-885-3090, www.kalei- ADHD? LD?: Child development expert/certified ______doscope280.com. school psychologist/parent educator can help you AVON REPRESENTATIVE: Avon is not just cos- to unlock the potential inside your student and metics. Jewelry, clothes, vitamins, videos, com- yourself and develop a plan for success. ADHD plete line of children’s gifts, toys and more. Ask coaching, consultations for learning disabilities and ______for catalogue. Call Emily 718-885-2430. parent coaching. Visit www.ThinkLaughLearn.com for CITY ISLAND NOTARY PUBLIC: Certified in details, or call John Scardina @ 718-885-9305. Also Bronx and New York counties. By appointment look for parent sessions at the City Island Community only, including weekends. Call Paula Huffell at Center (usually the fourth Tuesday of the month). ______347-427-7337. PHOTO RESTORATION: Take old photographs O’Piddle D’Poo! Daily walks, leash training, and have them restored like new. Copies made pet sitting. Caring for City Island’s adorable from negatives or prints. Framing available as pets for 10 years. References available. Call well. Call Ron 718-885-1403. ______1-646-316-6089. CITY ISLAND SOUVENIRS: Sweatshirts (Chil- FINE ART PORTRAITS: Studio on City Island. dren’s and adult), T-shirts, Mugs, Post cards, More than 30 years of photographic experience. bumper stickers @ Kaleidoscope Gallery. 280 Call Ron Terner at 718-885-1403. City Island Avenue, 718-885-3090, www.kalei- ______doscope280.com. KEYBOARD PLAYER AVAILABLE: I play smooth ______and gentle music for special events. References ______available. Call Diana at 718-885-2091. DR. STEVE’S LEARN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Photoshop APPLIANCE SERVICE 7 or black and white photography, developing film, printing, camera techniques. Call Ron 718- ______885-1403. 1 Year guarantee on parts. BOAT WINTERIZING SUPPLIES: Super winter 25 Years of Experience on All Brands savings! Master-Visa-Discover. Burck’s, 526 City ______Island Avenue, Bronx, New York 718-885-1559. BURCK’S HAS ICE MELT, snow shovels, wind- shield washer fluid, gloves, lock de-icer. 526 City Island Avenue Bronx, New York 718-885- 718-671-0700 ______1559. HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM WWW.BURCKINC. ______com Page Twenty-four The Island Current December 2012

Information for the Talebearer must be received in writing 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.

Ms. Maria Murray and Mr. Paul Oddo, Executive Vice-President at Lifespire.

Happy birthday to Alaura on Dec. 29. We Islander Sebastian Rodriguez (#33 in the first row, on the left) was one of several City Islanders who participated in the 2012 Warriors Football season. love you! Mom, Dad, Joey and Michael. Birthday greetings to Michael, who turns 12 on Dec. 7. With love from Mom, Dad, Alaura and Joey. Keep up the good work, Emily Sexton of Fordham Street. Emily observed the second anniversary of her horrific Nov. 13 accident by donating blood for the first time. She was very excited about finally being able to donate and wants everyone to remember that this season of holidays is also a big reason for giving blood. Photo by KAREN NANI Congratulations to Maria Murray, who Horton Street resident Lyla MacDonald was honored recently by Lifespire, Inc., for served as acolyte at Grace Episcopal her 25 years of service to adults and chil- Church for the first time on Nov. 4, 2012, dren with developmental disabilities. Maria with Reverend Ruth Anne Garcia. is currently the Director of the After-School Happy birthday to our little grandson, Respite Program throughout the tri-state Jake Penny, who will be celebrating his area. third birthday on Dec. 26. Lots of hugs and Belated happy birthday wishes to kisses from Grandma and Grandpa Penny. Mommy and Daddy—Adam and Kelly Belated 85th birthday wishes on Nov. 23 (Kuch) Silver—with love from Izabella to the Boatyard’s Ethel “Mama” Lott. We and Elon. love you LOTS and LOTS – from all your Happy belated birthday to Grandpa Ron Lotts! Kuch from Izzy and Elon and also to Kathy Birthday greetings on Dec. 22 across (Slocum) and Ken and Theresa. Photo by HARLAN SEXTON the miles in Rochester to former Caroll December birthday greetings to Pam Emily Sexton observed the second anniversary of her accident in 2010 by donating blood for the first time. Street resident Anjulee Sebastian with love Kuch with love from your grandchildren, from your City Island family and friends. Izabella and Elon Silver. Happy 51st anniversary wishes for con- Go Warriors! Congrats to all the City tinued happiness to Bowne Street’s Linda Islanders who participated in Warriors and Jerry McCue. Football this season, including Joseph Goo- Welcome to the altar! Lyla Lorraine nan and Sebastian Rodriguez. Sebastian’s MacDonald served her first Sunday as mom, Cristina was there at every game to acolyte at Grace Episcopal Church on Nov. cheer him on. 4, All Saints’ Sunday. Her grandmother And a very happy, healthy and safe holi- Lorraine Rauhauser would have been very day to all. proud. Maria Swieciki

Robert J. Leavy Engineer NYS Licensed

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