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Volume 37 Number 5 June 2008 One Dollar

al token holiday offerings, but everyone hoped their brisk walk together over the bridge be- Much-Loved Resident for a miracle and that somehow Gloria would fore the school day started. be back in her classroom. So they rewrote the “Ellen would drive from Pelham and labels on the gifts for Gloria, and Judy gave come to my house in the morning. We would Teacher Retires her the gifts, telling her that the children had walk and plan the teaching day for the fifth By KAREN NANI given them to her for Gloria. I will always grades,” Judy reminisces fondly. think of that as the essence of the Christmas There is no question but what Judy has spirit. It told all of us the kind of person with positively influenced the lives of more than whom we would be privileged to work.” a thousand students in her career. Among her In 1984, Judy moved up to the fifth grade many accomplishments is the genealogy proj- and began working with a new colleague, El- ect she initiated in conjunction with the City len Funck. Judy and Ellen became much more Island Historical Society. Each year, the stu- than co-teachers; their close friendship contin- dents would put together booklets with per- ues even though Mrs. Funck retired six years sonal histories and donate them to the Histori- ago and now lives in Connecticut. cal Society, where they remain on file as part As many Island students know, Judy and of the genealogical library. Ellen taught together for 18 years at P.S. 175, “The students and their teachers would and they could be seen most mornings taking Continued on page 7 Islanders Alarmed and Vocal Over Recent Crime Wave By KAREN NANI

Photo by BARBARA DOLENSEK A rash of break-ins, vandalism and Judy DiMaio with some of her fourth-grade students (l. to r.): Hannah Glick, Kathleen auto thefts on City Island during April and Kramer, Alexis Candelaria, Scott Cruz and Emmett Shanley. May 2008 angered and frustrated residents and business owners. Police responded with When the school year comes to an end at year-olds to visit a prison island was not some arrests after numerous complaints were P.S. 175 on June 27, 2008, it will mark the last something most parents would have consid- voiced to the 45th Precinct, elected officials day of teaching for longtime Island resident ered a proper school outing. and police brass. Julia DiMaio. After 32 years with the New Underestimating the time it would take A perceived sharp increase in auto crime York City Board of Education, Judy feels that for this little nautical sojourn, the group was now is a good time to bring this “incredible late returning to school. Mrs. Ellwanger, then along City Island Avenue during the first two journey” to an end. a teacher, had already investigated and found weeks of May was particularly disturbing to Judy has been teaching at P.S. 175 on out why the group of eighth-graders was miss- Islanders (see Blotter next page). According City Island Avenue for 26 years and has the ing. to reports, while people were dining in Island distinction of being one of only a handful of Furious at the reckless behavior and the restaurants, their cars were broken into (of- teachers who has lived and taught for most late return to school, she scolded each student ten by smashing windows) and portable GPS of her career on City Island. The elite “club” one by one in the corridor outside the princi- (Global Positioning System) navigation units includes such legendary Islanders as Ruby pal’s office in what felt like a verbal “firing and other property was stolen. Islander Jackie Kall caught up with Dill, who taught kindergarten at P.S. 17 until squad.” For this reporter, being dressed down “It seems to be a challenge to see how New York City Police Commissioner the 1950s, and, more recently, Karen Collier by Mrs. Ellwanger was punishment enough, fast thieves can remove the GPS units. They Raymond Kelly at the Bronx Manhat- Mazzella, who will return to P.S. 175 next but Judy had to also endure her father’s scold- can move very quickly,” Black Whale Res- tan Realtors Banquet in May 2008. She year after a maternity leave. ingin the hallway. taurant owner Bill Kenny told The Current. asked for his help in curbing the recent crime wave on City Island. “I never found it difficult to live and teach A bright and well-liked student, Judy sur- Frustrated with the police response (or lack here,” Judy told The Current. Although some vived the ferry incident and graduated from thereof), Bill knocked on the door of Bronx identified as belonging to the home owner. parents over the years may have tried to have P.S. 17 in 1965. She went on to attend Mother Borough President Adolfo Carrión’s house on According to the district attorney, Mr. a conference with her at the IGA or at the Lit- Butler High School on Pelham Parkway and City Island Avenue. Barry was released on his own recognizance tle League field, most were respectful of her Hunter College in Manhattan. She graduated “I told him I was sorry to invade his pri- after his arraignment, and his next court ap- wish to keep her personal life on City Island with a B.A. in psychology and education and vacy, but something had to be done to stop pearance was scheduled for May 28. separate from her responsibilities at P.S. 175. eventually obtained her master’s degree in this crime wave. These kids are out of con- During this period, there were also three She credits her longtime principal, men- reading. trol.” Within a few days, Mr. Kenny noticed cars stolen from City Island Avenue and oth- tor and friend Ena Ellwanger with giving her Her full-time career as an educator began the presence of a community police van and ers had their windows smashed in acts of van- good advice in this area. “There is a lot to be at P.S. 112 on Baychester Avenue, where she officers checking the IDs of teenagers and dalism and criminal mischief. Some Islanders said for knowing the pulse of the community, taught sixth grade. She had also taught at va- others hanging out on City Island Avenue. reportedly left their cars running or left the and I learned that from Ena.” Mrs. Ellwanger, cation day camps and worked summers at P.S. now retired, also grew up on City Island, so 106 in Parkchester. In addition to the auto break-ins, at least keys in unattended cars, a practice the police she understood the pluses and minuses of But her career path was not without some one house was robbed and some storefront discourage, for obvious reasons. “It would working and living in the same place. setbacks. Caught in the New York City budget windows were smashed during April and be nice to think we could leave our cars un- Judy has lived on City Island since the crunch of the 1970s, she was “excessed” in May. One such burglary resulted in an arrest attended for a few minutes while dropping first grade, when her parents, Michael and Ei- 1975 (the Board of Education’s euphemism at by police from the 45th Precinct. off groceries, but unfortunately it is inviting leen Fitzmaurice, moved to City Island from the time for being laid off). It was during this On April 26, Bryan Barry, 18, of City trouble,” one officer told The Current. Manhattan. Her father, now deceased, became time that Judy and her husband, Frank, whom Island Avenue was arrested and charged with Another Islander pleaded for some addi- the custodian of P.S. 17 on Fordham Street, she married in 1974, began their family. She burglary, grand larceny and criminal pos- tional support from police brass. Jackie Kall, so she was always under his watchful eye, as gave birth to two children, Michael and Ei- session of stolen property. According to the owner of Port of Kall Realty, attended the well as those of her teachers. leen, and the family settled into their home on Bronx District Attorney’s office, the defen- Bronx Manhattan Realtors Banquet in May. This situation led to one embarrassing Ditmars Street. dant allegedly broke into a house on Rochelle In attendance was the NYPD commissioner moment during eighth grade, when Judy, Judy began teaching on City Island in Street through a bedroom window. He stole Raymond Kelly, so Mrs. Kall seized the op- along with this reporter and a number of oth- 1982 as a substitute, filling in for Gloria Misi- jewelry and prescription drugs. portunity to tell the commissioner about the er, usually well-behaved classmates, decided urski, who had taken ill. Mrs. Ellwanger of- When the owner returned home and no- recent crime wave. to take a little lunchtime detour. On a sunny fered her a full-time appointment in 1983 as ticed several items missing, she called the “This nice little Island that everyone spring day after hot dogs at the diner (the a second-grade teacher, and she worked under 45th Precinct. Responding officers from the thinks is a low crime district is not going to original one that was next to where the library the mentorship of another resident teacher, Bronx Evidence Collection Team recovered stay that way unless we get some help from now stands), this happy group decided to ac- Miriam Kleinberg. Judy is grateful for Mrs. latent finger prints from prescription bottles, police,” she told the commissioner (see pho- cept the offer of the ferry boat captain, who Kleinberg’s tutelage and credits her with the jewelry box and a video game system. to). knew one of the students, to take a ride to and much of her future success in educating and The prints were identified as belonging Police made other arrests for assault and from Hart Island. nurturing children. to the defendant. When confronted, Mr. Barry driving while intoxicated (DWI) during April It sounds fairly tame, except for the fact Mrs. Kleinberg remembers that first reportedly told police that he had taken some and May. They are also continuing to inves- that in 1965, Hart Island was still an active Christmas, when Judy was teaching second rings and had them pawned. Police then re- tigate the rash of auto break-ins, particularly prison. There were no prisoners on the ferry grade for Gloria Misiurski, whose cancer had that day, but even so, taking a group of 13- returned. “The students brought Judy the usu- covered four rings from Westchester Square when credit cards and checkbooks are stolen Pawnbrokers and they were subsequently from the vehicles. Page Two The Island Current June 2008

4/8 – Playground equipment was spray-paint- briefly... ed in an act of criminal mischief. 45 BLOTTER 4/10-4/13 – The passenger front windows OPEN HOUSE DAY CARE/PRESCHOOL PROGRAM for of three parked cars were smashed in acts of ages two and up. Parents and children are invited to an open house on Saturday, June 14, Complaints reported from City Island to the criminal mischief. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a fun-filled morning of activities. Organized by a teacher with 15 45th Precinct during April and the first two years of experience, the program will provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment weeks of May 2008. Unfounded complaints 4/17 - Police are investigating an Internet scam that promotes the physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children, while are not included in the list nor are complaints reported by an Islander who works at home. responding to the needs of the families. Activities provided are both directed and non-directed for crime occurring on the mainland. 4/25 – A house on Rochelle Street was bur- glarized. Police arrested an Island male, 18, and are designed to promote independence and self esteem. For more details, including loca- April and May tion, call Maura at 718-885-9351. and charged him with burglary, grand larceny 5 – GRAND LARCENY and criminal possession of stolen property 3 – GRAND LARCENY AUTO THE BRONX FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA will take place on (see story this issue). 1 – ROBBERY Friday, June 27, at 9 p.m. at Orchard Beach. The fireworks are sponsored by Bronx Borough 5/3 – At City Island Avenue and Bridge Street, 10 – CRIMINAL MISCHIEF President Adolfo Carrión and State Senator Jeffrey Klein. The gates open at 7 p.m. for an an off-Island male, 25, was arrested and evening of family fun, including a musical salute to the American spirit by the Bronx Arts 3 – ASSAULT charged with DWI. Ensemble orchestra, boardwalk performers and lots of fun activities for kids. The event is 1 – DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 5/4 – A car parked at the rear of a restaurant produced by the Bronx Tourism Council in association with the NYC Department of Parks & (DWI) on City Island Avenue was broken into and Recreation, the Police Department and the Fire Department. 3 – BURGLARY credit cards, a passport and checkbook were Police report the following arrests and inci- removed. sponsored by the Cham- CITY ISLAND ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR, dents for the months of April and May: ber of Commerce, will be held during the weekend of June 7 and 8. City Island businesses and 5/4 – On City Island Avenue, the automobile local artists will participate. The fair will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will include music in 4/2 – The passenger-side window of an auto of an off-Islander was stolen. Hawkins Park. For more information, call Paul Klein at Exotiqa, 718-885-3090. parked on City Island Avenue was smashed 5/5 – On Hunter Avenue, a yacht club was and credit and ATM cards were stolen. burglarized. An unknown perpetrator entered MARATHON YARD SALES: Centre Street residents will hold multifamily 4/2 – Police arrested an off-Island male, 39, through the rear glass atrium and stole prop- yard sales on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 4 to 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They invite you and charged him with assault after he alleg- erty. to celebrate with them and to bring your shopping bags. edly punched a cashier at a restaurant on City 5/13 – On City Island Avenue, the van of an Island Avenue. off-Islander was stolen. Police reported that INDOOR TAG SALE! The City Island Community Center will hold tag sales on 4/3 – An unknown male with a weapon robbed the keys were left in the van. Sunday, June 8 and 22. There will be many vendors and opportunities for bargains. Tables are a store of cash on City Island Avenue. Police 5/15 – Police responded to reports of a fight available for $10 each. Please come and sell your wares or buy them! Call 718-885-1145 for are investigating. with punches on City Island Avenue and Ford- information or to reserve your table. 4/6 – Police are investigating the burglary of ham Street. No arrest was made. a boat on Pilot Street. An unknown perpetra- 5/15 – The automobile of an Islander was sto- THE BLESSING OF THE FLEET will take place on Sunday, June 22, tor broke into the boat through a window and len as the owner was unloading groceries on beginning at 1 p.m. (1300 hours). Multidenominational clergy will bless vessels from the removed property. Fordham Street and City Island Avenue. Fenton Marine Dock with the cooperation and support of the City Island Power Squadron and the Leonard Hawkins American Legion Post. Boats are to assemble at 12:30 p.m. at the Hart Island Ferry Dock in City Island Harbor. Communication on VHF Channel 71 begins at 12:30 p.m.

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

Typeset by Marguerite Chadwick-Juner, Witworks Studio Graphic Design, 33 Earley Street, City Island, N.Y. 10464 Printed by Hi-Speed Printing Co., 1123 Worthen Street, Bronx, N.Y. 10474 The Island Current (USPS 114-590) is published monthly except for January and August by the Island Current Inc., a not-for-profit organization. Subscription rate, $10.00 per year. Single copies, $1.00. All subscriptions, editorial, advertis- ing and other correspondence must be mailed to: The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. Display advertising deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication, call 885-0984 or 885-0760. Copyright 2008 by The Island Current, Inc., 724 King Ave., City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. All rights reserved. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT BRONX, NY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. June 2008 The Island Current Page Three Avenue Buildings Damaged in Holiday Weekend Blaze By KAREN NANI As Islanders were returning from prevented the fire from spreading and caus- church services on May 25, 2008, and ing further damage. meeting friends for Sunday brunch, a Tony from Filomena’s Pizza was in the three-alarm fire broke out at 286 City Is- front part of the restaurant making pizza land Avenue, causing traffic chaos and seri- when the blaze started. He was stunned ously damaging two buildings. Neighbors when someone came running in and said on Hawkins Street heard at least one explo- there was smoke coming from the back. “I sion before seeing thick black smoke and have a fire door between the restaurant and flames rise from the back of the buildings. the kitchen area, so I didn’t see anything,” According to Deputy Chief Kevin he said. Scanlon of the Fire Department, fire com- Flames spread quickly, and the tin ceil- panies responded to a 911 call at 12:09 p.m. ings made it difficult to control. The cause The fire began in the rear of Filomena’s of the fire was unknown and is under inves- Pizzeria and quickly spread to 288 City Is- tigation, according to Chief Scanlon. land Avenue, the former home of Rhodes Islander George Gibbons, who owns and Six-Mile Cross restaurants. both buildings, arrived at the scene and was “The fire spread up the wood siding to frantic. He was worried about his tenants the space between the ceiling and the roof in the apartments and sad about the dam- of 288 City Island Avenue,” he told The age to the restaurant area. “There is a new Current. None of the tenants were home in tenant who was renovating the pub and was the two apartments on the top floor of 288 scheduled to open in two weeks,” he told City Island Avenue, so there were no civil- The Current. ian injuries. Chief Scanlon reported that The apartment residents were quickly five firefighters received minor injuries. accounted for and were safe, but shaken. Response to the alarm was rapid and Charlotte Mantey, who rents the back extensive. Hawkins Street resident Susan apartment, was out for the morning, and Rios may have been the first to call 911 her husband and father were upstate. Ma- just after noon. “We heard a hiss and then rissa Stewart rents the front apartment with three explosions, two very close together,” her husband, Norman. “Luckily, we were she told The Current. She said she heard down at the beach,” she told The Current as sirens almost immediately after hanging up they sat in front of Lickety Split awaiting the phone. word from the Fire Department. City Island’s Fire Truck 53 and Ladder The firefighting effort was something 70 were the first on the scene, followed by of a City Island affair. Firefighter and Is- 19 other engines, 14 ladder companies and land resident Jimmy McGowan was among 10 specialty service vehicles, according to the first responders, followed by newer Chief Scanlon. More than 200 firefighters, members of the FDNY Ed Stokes, Ralph emergency service workers, police officers Manfredonia and Tommy John McMa- from the 45th Precinct and Department of hon. EMS Chief Booth and Fire Chaplain Environmental Protection workers were in- Stephen Harding rounded out the Islander volved in fighting the fire and controlling contingency. This was Reverend Harding’s traffic. The blaze was declared under con- first call to a City Island fire since he moved trol by 1:19 p.m. into the Grace Church rectory last year. However, the intense fire caused a lot of Traffic onto City Island was reportedly damage. “The top floor [of 288 City Island halted for about two hours, an unfortunate Avenue] is lost,” the chief reported. Neigh- break, since it was the Memorial Day week- bors on Hawkins Street and Brown’s Lane end and many graduation and other parties watched as the canopy and back deck of the were planned for the day. The bridge was former restaurant was engulfed in flames. reopened about 2:30 p.m., and fire de- Luckily, the brick walls of the neighbor- partment officials allowed shops near the ing buildings, the City Island Pharmacy scene, including Exotiqa and Lickety Split, and 284 City Island Avenue, which houses to reopen their doors at that time. apartments and DeDonato Accounting,

Photos by RICK DeWITT, MICHELLE GALLO, JOHN GIRIAT & RON TERNER An intense three-alarm blaze on City Island Avenue between Hawkins and Fordham Streets disrupted the holiday weekend on Sunday afternoon, May 25, 2008. The fire damaged 288 and 286 City Island Avenue (Filomena’s Pizzeria), but none of the tenants were injured. Several Islanders were among the 200 FDNY firefighters who responded to the scene. Page Four The Island Current June 2008

and our bridge will soon be a monument to excess. Sometimes what is right is right, and the fight is worth fighting even when your advocate is powerful and retribution can swiftly pull up a chair at your table. It is a sobering truth that once someone takes your rights away, you can NEVER get them back. I hope the many will triumph over the few who will never quite under- stand the true meaning of the freedom to We welcome letters and opinions. Letters longer than walk along a beach and feel peace within. 250 words will be edited, with every effort made to preserve their substance. We reserve the right not to Keeping a good thought, print letters that are copies, libelous, inaccurate or in Joyce Sloboda Shop with us for bad taste, or those that cannot be verified. Include your phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, Graduations & other special ocassions. but names will be withheld upon request. The Heart of City Island To the Editor: Almost every day for almost 25 years, I came home from work, got my dog and walked down Horton Street to the beach. HARDWARE With each step, all of the stresses and chal- Help Keep the Peace HOUSEHOLD GOODS lenges of the day would begin to disappear. To the Editor: MARINE GOODS Many days when I reached the end of the It’s barely a month into the spring sea- PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES block, Alice, who had lived on this earth son, and the relentless and nearly deafening SPRING CLEAN-UP SUPPLIES eight decades, would ask “How are you to- sounds of vehicles with blaring radios and day, Joyce?” Those wise eyes always made the senseless honking of automobile horns me think on the bright side, and she would are already assaulting our evening tranquil- make me smile. ity. And the noise continues well into the After my walk down the beach, taking morning hours. in all the sounds and smells, I would lie at We’ve probably all become accus- the water’s edge, with the seawall as my tomed to what seems like an endless stream OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY, JUNE 7 • 1-3 P.M. bed, and wonder at the good fortune that of slow-moving traffic, but surely it would had blessed me with living in this special behoove our borough president (and fellow place. Other days I would row my dinghy resident), who recently initiated his “Team to my Rhodes 19 and sail on a soft breeze Up to Clean Up the Bronx” campaign, to at sunset. I often felt I had found heaven on require the police to respond to this offen- earth. sive barrage by visitors to our community This was the block of Skippy Lane, by enforcing New York City’s laws regard- who welcomed everyone, friends and ing excessive noise pollution. strangers alike, and told old tales of City Franz Helmke Island and its nautical history. It was home to Oliver Sacks, who would swim every day, knowing that the harmony of nature is Support Insurance Bill 2269 CITY ISLAND - “Bay View Estates” $567,000 the one true therapy. A copy of the following letter was sent to Now this tale of serenity, good karma The Current. and welcome has changed. Like the rest To Margaret B. McNulty: of New York City, the waterfront has be- I am writing this letter to address your come a battleground between those who concerns over homeowners insurance in have much, yet desire more, and those who the local area. As you may be aware, I would challenge their hubris. Their quest have introduced legislation [Bill #2269] is for nothing less than complete control to amend existing insurance law to allow and ownership. The victims are the prop- regulation over how many people can be 133 Years and 4 Generations of Community Service erty owners on Horton Street, who without dropped from their homeowners insurance proper beach rights could lose unhindered and the rationale thereof. access to that which our hearts and bodies My proposed legislation does the fol- have taken for granted all these years. lowing: it would reduce by half the maxi- When the sight of a rowboat at water’s mum amount of policy cancellations in a edge can spark a fight of epic proportion, year from 4 percent to 2 percent. Further- then no one wins. How can one person do more, it would require an insurance com- what no one else is allowed to do—use fill pany to demonstrate to the satisfaction of to make the beach the height of his own the NYS Department of Insurance a proper property, put a street runoff pipe four feet justification for widespread cancella- 726 Morris Park Avenue 732 Yonkers Avenue above the beach so the volume and veloc- tions. It would also instruct the Insurance Bronx, New York 10462-3620 Yonkers, New York 10704-2029 ity of water might expedite the erosion of Department to conduct a study into these 1 (718) 828-1800 1 (914) 375-1400 the beach and the spawning ground for practices. My legislation will provide hom- Toll free 1 (888) 828-1800 1 (888) 375- 1400 Toll free horseshoe crabs, and put a concrete wall eowners some protection from the abuses where none was before? There are only of insurance companies. I respectfully ask 11 families on this block and not one was www.ruggieroandsons.com that you review my legislation with your consulted or asked their opinion about the fellow citizens who are concerned about after hours: (718) 885-2504 remodeling and restructuring of the beach, this issue. which must have been planned for many Should you require any additional in- This firm is a family owned corporation whose only shareholders are months. Why not? formation, please contact my office at 718- Vincent & Robert Ruggiero - (NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs) Our stores have become just store- 822-2049. fronts, our boatyards gated condominiums Jeffrey D. Klein, State Senator June 2008 The Island Current Page Five Armed Forces Appreciation Day

Photo by TINA GISANTE On May 21, 2008, the Student Council of P.S. 175 presented a check for $800 to Bar- bara Dolensek of the City Island Historical Society to help purchase lamps as part of the restoration project at the Nautical Museum. The money was raised by the Penny Harvest program through which students collect pennies in order to raise funds for charitable causes. Front row (l. to r.): seventh-grade teacher Andrea Horowitz (the Penny Harvest coordinator), Barbara Dolensek, Treasure Loudermilk (eighth grade), Saul Soto (sixth grade), Benjamin Stinson-Hurwitz (sixth grade), Abigail Adams (sev- enth grade), Marcus Lopez (seventh grade), Elizabeth Vacca (eighth grade); back row: Principal Amy Lipson, Veronica Weyhrauch (seventh grade), Anna Manfredonia (sixth grade), Jenna Desgrosseilliers (sixth grade), Catherine Wang (eighth grade) and Adrian Pena (seventh grade). Sewer Project Update By BARBARA DOLENSEK Mother’s Day usually marks the first day earlier. of heavy summer traffic on City Island, but The work that is taking place on Scho- even residents who complain about the traf- field Street this summer includes the recon- fic were happy that it was accompanied by struction of a 38-foot deep storm sewer, which the permanent repaving along City Island will run from the outfall on the east end of the

Photos by VIRGINIA DANNEGGER Avenue, which had been done by Carp Con- street to City Island Avenue, and a shallower On Saturday, May 17, 2008, at the Orchard struction in order to complete the latest phase sanitary sewer that connects to houses along Beach Pavilion, Bronx Borough Presi- of the sewer-replacement project before the the street. dent Adolfo Carrión Jr. hosted the sec- Mother’s Day deadline. During the 80 days or so that it will take ond annual Armed Forces Appreciation At a task-force meeting held by the De- to complete this part of the work, Schofield Day event to honor the families of Bronx partment of Design and Construction (DDC) Street will be closed to traffic every day dur- service members killed in Iraq. A group on Tuesday, May 13, the contractor announced ing the week but will be open at night and on of City Island veterans and their families that all work on the avenue had ceased for the weekends. This work must be done during participated in the event. Top photo (l to summer, as required by the moratorium es- the warm weather, so that the fire trucks may r): American Legion Post 156 member tablished for the sake of businesses on City be stored outside the fire station on Schofield Bill Clancy, unknown off-Islander, Bronx Veteran’s Advisory Board member Mike Island. Work will, however, continue this without running the risk of freezing. Rauh, Adolfo Carrión Jr., and Legion Post summer on Schofield Street, which is the last There were a number of questions raised 156 members Robert and Carol Mennona. Middle photo: American Legion Post 156 major phase of the project, and in Pelham Bay at the task force meeting on May 13. One resi- member Pat Branley, his son, John, and wife, Michelle; Post 156 members Bob and Park, where fenders have to be attached to the dent asked to have more pedestrian walkways Carol Mennona; American Legion Post 156 Commander Dave Carman and his wife, new fire hydrants. painted onto the street, and others asked if the Betty, Alexis Candelaria, Cynde Candelaria and Dava-Lee Candelaria (in front). Bot- The repaving and the curb reconstruction curbs at Pilot Street could be finished before tom photo: Mike Rauh and Captain Robert R. O’Brien, U.S. Coast Guard Commander were completed between Hawkins Street and the summer sets in. The curbs have been re- of the New York Sector, which includes the Long Island Sound, New York Harbor, and St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church, even though paired on a temporary basis, but permanent the Hudson River. some of the avenue was not excavated for replacement must wait until after the summer purposes of construction. Still to be repaved moratorium, although no more excavation is City Island Avenue from Pilot Street south needs to be done on the avenue in that area. and the area around Schofield Street. These Virginia Gallagher, chair of Community aspects of the project are scheduled to be Board 10, has submitted a special request completed starting the Monday after Labor that the Department of Transportation (DOT) Day and represent the final work to be done. make an exception to the moratorium for the DDC estimates that 80 percent of the purpose of constructing permanent curbs, work has been finished and anticipate that the curb cuts and sidewalks on all four corners of job will end on schedule, by December 2008. City Island Avenue if it can be done within a The contract includes financial incentives to period of four weeks. It is not known when or encourage the contractor to finish on time or how DOT will respond to this request. Fire Investigation Continues By BARBARA DOLENSEK Nearly a full year has elapsed since the in contact with the community officers at the building at 190 Fordham Street, which houses 45th Police Precinct and that any suspicious several residential apartments, the City Island incidents be called in to 911 and followed Community Center and the Nautical Muse- up with paperwork filled out at the precinct. um, was damaged by fire on July 13, 2007. A resident suggested that anyone observing Although no suspects have been found, the suspicious activity take pictures with a cell Fire Department has kept the matter open, and phone, but the marshals cautioned against this the fire marshals continue to investigate the because of possible reprisal. They also advo- source of the fire. cated the use of motion-sensitive lights and Two fire marshals, John Watkins and security cameras. Frank Fitts, president of the Mark Thompson, addressed the April meeting Civic Association, reported that the Civic had of the City Island Civic Association to explain purchased cameras and would install them at what directions their investigation had taken. some point in the near future. They reported that no one has yet come for- If anyone has information about the fire ward with the identity of the individual or in- or other suspected cases of arson, the fire dividuals who may have started the fire, likely marshals can be reached at 646-220-3928. to have been caused by fireworks or smoking They are based in Queens and Brooklyn but materials, although a reward of $3,000 has will come to the Bronx to follow up any been posted and still stands. leads. They suggested that residents support (914) 760-1106 They asked that residents concerned the establishment of a fire marshal base in the about arson during the coming months remain Bronx by writing to their elected officials. Page Six The Island Current June 2008

harmony-drenched acoustic rock/modern folk will travel back in time to learn lost techniques on Saturday, June 14, from 12 to 3 p.m., you sound of Project Mercury at 8 p.m. Sunday, such as using a mini-guillotine to cut stone, can still watch baseball in the Bronx. Celebrate June 29, brings us Chris Frawley, Bill Irvine among restoration methods. Father’s Day by watching a real 19th-century- and George Kelly—Thieves & Poets—and The volunteer team will include a group era baseball game on the grounds of the Bar- their instrumental magic, beginning at 3 p.m. from France, who will participate under the tow-Pell Mansion. The New York Mutuals will For more, visit our Web site at www.starvin- sponsorship of Preservation Volunteers, a New play another local vintage team in an 1864 rules gartistonline.com. York City-based non-profit organization. -Par game. The game ball will be raffled off at the end If you have a new business, or if your old business is ticipants will stay at Le Refuge Inn and the cost of the game, and the players will stay to play a offering a new service, write to The Current, P.O. Box 6, per person is $1,115, which will cover lodging game of round-up with the kids. An exhibit of City Island, NY 10464 by the 10th of the month. for six nights, breakfast and lunch, workshop vintage baseball memorabilia will be on display instruction and materials, and insurance. The in the mansion, and tours to the mansion will be On Sunday, June 29, Jo Heck is hosting workshop schedule will include time to sightsee free. Fees are $20 per adult, $10 per child 6–17; a concert by Tom Pacheco in her apartment in the vicinity. A reduced fee of $600 is available children under 6 are free. Members: $15 per #16 at 190 Fordham Street to be preceeded by for local residents who do not need lodging. adult, $5 per child 6–17. Registration requested; a potluck lunch. Lunch at 1:30 p.m., concert Heritage Conservation Network is a non- call 718-885-1461 or e-mail [email protected]. at 3. To make reservations, call Jo Heck at As a service to our readers, The Island Current will periodically list recent sales profit organization dedicated to the conserva- 718-885-1494 or e-mail joheck@earthlink. tion of architectural heritage around the world. net. Suggested contribution is $15. of residential and commercial property as HCN’s workshops give volunteers the opportu- Starving Artist Cafe & Gallery (249 found in the public record. This feature nity to give something back by helping to protect City Island Avenue, 718-885-3779 started is designed to give a general idea of the valuable cultural treasures. To learn more about the month that welcomes summer with an fair market values of property on City HCN’s international workshops, visit their Web art reception for photographer Don Nester, Island. An update will be published every site at www.heritageconservation.net. “images from infinity.” That show will run few months at our discretion. The listings The deadline to register for the workshop is through June and July. The first full weekend July 3, 2008. To register, go to heritageconser- in June features spiritual, inspirational song- below represent some of the recent sales. The Current is not responsible for errors vation.net/wsbartow-pell-2008.htm. For more From the Children’s Room writer Laura Berman Benelli on Friday, June information, call Clarissa Cylich at 718-885- or omissions in the data. 6, at 8 p.m., talented young singer-songwriter 1461. Bugapalooza! A buggy extravaganza of Anthony Da Costa on Saturday, June 7, at Closing Sale In the meantime, the month of June is full music, stories and much more. This program 8 p.m., and cellist Elizabeth Glushko (who Address Date Price Type of activities. features insect songs, folklore and create-a- has been a substitute teacher at P.S. 175) Friday, June 6, is the date for the First buggy story. Tuesday, June 10, at 3:30 p.m.. with her duo, Cellar, on Sunday, June 8, at 3 633 King Avenue 1/25/08 $168,783 1 Family 651 King Avenue 3/21/08 $825,000 1 Family Friday Trolley from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The first Recommended for ages 4 to 12. p.m. A “group of teachers” come together to stop of the free City Island Bronx Seaside Trol- Summer Program: The kick-off for the bring all a “pack of fun” on Friday, June 13, 212 Kirby Street 4/4/08 $375,000 1 Family 165 Tier Street 4/24/08 $430,000 1 Family ley after Pelham Bay Station is Bartow-Pell, New York State Summer Reading Program is as Midnight Jester takes the stage at 8 p.m. 310 King Avenue 4/28/08 $375,000 1 Family where there will be guided tours and music, free Thursday, June 5, 2008. We encourage stu- On Saturday, June 14, it’s another young with admission to museum. Live music will be artist, Christine Dominguez, with her brand dents pre-K to Grade 6 to sign up. The theme performed by the Bronx Symphony Orchestra for this year is “Catch the Reading Bug.” of R&B, hip hop and soul, starting at 8 p.m. Bartow-Pell News Woodwinds. Artists include: Richard Parately Then travel to the sounds of Middle Eastern There will be prizes, certificates and an end- The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum will on the flute, Ellen Bardekoff on the oboe, Monte of-the-summer reading celebration. and Spanish music on Sunday, June 15, at 4 Morgenstern on the clarinet and Amy Fraser on p.m. with Chris Wertenbaker’s Port O’ Mon- have an exciting opportunity this summer to Read Aloud: Every Thursday in at 3:30 bring their garden walkways back to the original the bassoon. p.m. Ages 4 to 11. keys. Fish Altieri, Bronx singer-songwriter Botanical Illustration classes will be held and band promoter himself, plays the Artist design and condition. Two organizations, Heri- Arts and Crafts: Monday, June 9, at 3:30 tage Conservation Network and Preservation on Mondays from June 9 through 30 with Ja- p.m. Father’s Day crafts for ages 4 to 11. on Friday, June 20, with songwriters filling net Shearn from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Study in pencil the remainder of the weekend as well: Aaron Volunteers, will help to repair the masonry steps by bringing enthusiastic volunteers from as far tonal scales, texture, perspective, light source Teen Time Gilmartin (Saturday, June 21, 8 p.m.) and and composition working from the local flow- Theresa Sareo, the Starving Artist’s “sweet- away as France to join this hands-on effort. Every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. Ages 11 to The Bartow-Pell staff is also asking the lo- ers and plants on the beautiful grounds of the 17. We will be registering teens for tourna- heart” (Sunday, June 22, 3 p.m.). On that 19th-century mansion. Botanical illustration and Sunday afternoon, we’ll be wishing “birthday cal community to get involved as well by spon- ments during the summer. soring volunteers for the project, which will take drawing experience necessary. The fee is $170 happy” to a good friend of the Starving Artist, ($153 for Pelham Art Center and Bartow-Pell Adult Programs Debbie Martin! Finishing off June, we have from August 3–9, 2008. Volunteers will work with a masonry specialist, Andy deGruchy of members) for four sessions, June 9, 16, 23 and Laptop Workshop: Tuesday, June 17, at our usual last-Friday-of-the-month “Take the 30. Pre-registration is required to ensure there Stage” open mike night for poets, songwrit- deGruchy Masonry Restoration, to clean up the 10:30 a.m. All are welcome! effects of past repair work on the garden paths, are enough people to have a class, please call For information about any of the above ers, comics and actors, starting at 8 p.m. 914-738-2525. which date to 1915, and to restore the flagstone programs, call Mrs. Gerges or Mr. Corvino at on June 27. On Saturday, June 28, it’s the Although the Yankees will be in Houston steps to their original appearance. Volunteers the City Island branch at 718-885-1703. June 2008 The Island Current Page Seven “Moon” Brings Out Laughter in the Rain By PAUL NANI

Islanders who braved the northeast winds identity had the audience in stitches during and driving rain on Friday, May 9, were re- the scene where Charlotte thinks that Roz’s P.S. 175 eighth-grader Catherine Wang (right) was the winner of the Ezra Jack Keats warded with an evening of laughter at the City fiancé, Howard, well-played by Keith Trauce- Bookmaking Competition for the Bronx (Grades 6 through 8). She is shown here Island Theater Group’s production of “Moon niek, is actually Frank Capra. with Amy Lipson, principal, and Elizabeth Vacca (eighth-grader) after the ceremony Over Buffalo.” Rounding out the excellent ensemble honoring the contest’s city-wide and borough winners held on Friday, May 16, at the Author Ken Ludwig’s story revolves were Tara Brant, who returned to the Grace Donnell Library in Manhattan. around some over-the-hill actors and a strug- stage as Eileen in “Moon” after a break to start gling repertory theater troupe on the road in a family, and Frank Siciliano, another CITG Buffalo, New York in 1953. The principal ac- veteran, who plays Richard, the lawyer. A Single Act of Kindness tors, George and Charlotte Hay, lament that There were great costumes and props to By NANCY SCOTTO PRYOR they have not been given any big movie roles go with the different roles being played by and are especially jealous of Ronald Coleman the actors in the company, including Cyrano On a spring day on City Island several gether with one purpose—to find this child. and Greer Garson, who were selected to play de Bergerac and General George Patton. Ku- years ago, a little boy went missing. The end- The story never made the papers and never the leads in “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” which dos to costume designers Carol McCabe and ing was a happy one, since the parents found received national attention. His parents never Frank Capra is about to start filming. their child safe in his own home under a box, sat down with Oprah for a powerful hour of Norma Kerner, as well as prop master Barbara where he had fallen asleep while playing. emotional television. They simply found their As luck would have it, Ronald Cole- Dolensek. What’s important about the story, or at least little boy, hugged him, thanked everyone and man breaks both legs the first day on the set, As I am at Grace Church most Sundays, it what was important to me, is the amazing went about the rest of their day, undoubtedly so Capra decides to fly up to Buffalo to see was interesting to see the set evolving over the sense of community that City Island showed a bit more appreciative of the place they live. the Hays perform in order to consider them weeks leading up to opening night and then that day. The friends and neighbors who helped as replacements for Coleman and Garson. to see the final product. The hardworking set Within minutes of hearing about the that day also went on with their lives without Needless to say, everything does not go very “carpenters” were Con Grondahl, John Byrne youngster, dozens of neighbors came to- any expectation of thanks or acknowledg- smoothly. and Christopher McGowan, and their set was ment. Most of them felt that this was some- My usual interaction with the City Island well designed to accommodate the slapstick thing you just do when you are part of a com- Theater Group is as the Grace Church liaison, bits, silly sword fights, and stage chases, com- munity. But that day changed how I looked so I’m most often discussing rehearsal sched- plete with doors that kept opening and slam- at the place I have called home for most of ules, broken lights and heat. But I was asked my life. I felt then, and I believe now, that ming shut. a community which responds in such a way to review the play by my wife, Karen, editor All of the chaos indoors was brilliantly deserves to be recognized. of The Current, and it turned out to be a fun, orchestrated by director Nick Sala, assisted Wouldn’t it be nice if every now and then if not optional, assignment. by stage manager Eileen Fox and lighting someone said “Great job!” for a favor you had I found the interplay between the hus- director Susan Velcheck. And the chaos out- done? We don’t seek that kind of praise, but band and wife team, played by William Kozy side, the howling winds and the rain, couldn’t it feels good when we get it and also when and Camille Kaiser, witty, convincing and al- drown out the laughter inside the theater. we give it. It makes us, on some level, want ways full of surprises. The two are often at During intermission, I talked with some to keep doing good. Why should we not com- odds with each other, especially about an af- audience members to get their reactions. Is- mend those people who, in some small way, fair George has had with a local Buffalo girl. lander Diane Duryea declared, “I’m loving it have made a big difference? Why should we Both stars are well-trained comedic actors, and laughing my head off. The lines are funny not spotlight the good things that occur every and the CITG is lucky to have them on stage day in our very own City Island community? and the cast is doing a great job.” Barbara Har- If you would like to share a positive story for this production. rison Kaye agreed. “I’m totally into the play about our community, please e-mail me at Sandra Prosnitz is hilarious as the hard- and enjoying it tremendously—very funny.” [email protected]. of-hearing grandmother character, Ethel, who City Island’s own grandes dames Jackie As Amelia Earhart once said: “A single delivers great quips about her son-in-law Kall and Virginia Gallagher thought the show act of kindness throws out roots in all direc- George, for whom she has no patience at all. was “very professional and wonderful.” tions, and the roots spring up and make new John Garcia plays Paul, the company’s The show was dedicated to longtime trees. The greatest work that kindness does stage manager. He does a terrific job in the CITG member Carole Sullivan, whom I had to others is that it makes them kind them- slapstick scenes where the actors chase each the pleasure of working with on the Grace selves.” other around the stage à la the Three Stoog- Church Vestry. Carole had a great sense of hu- es. He eventually “gets the girl,” the Hays’ mor, and I could picture myself sitting beside daughter, Roz, who is charmingly played by her as she would have laughed her throaty Elizabeth Paldino. laugh more than once during this wonderful On opening night, a case of mistaken comedic farce. would pursue education as a vocation. 718-885-3400 Teacher Retires Her daughter, Eileen, is also taking a Continued from page 1 page from her mother’s lesson plan, so to come to the Nautical Museum in the spring to speak. She is a Speech Language Pathologist present the booklets to us,” Barbara Dolensek, at Middle School 180 in Co-op City. Judy’s Catering for All Occasions museum vice president recalls. “They always son, Michael, also learned from his mother’s loved visiting the museum and learning about successful collaborations with friends, for he WE DELIVER City Island’s past, something that Mrs. Di- and a longtime friend, Islander Eric Neuner, Maio always encouraged.” own their own marketing company, SpireVi- The respect and love of Judy DiMaio’s sion, which is based in Manhattan. students is easily spotted on City Island. Dur- After 32 years of welcoming new stu- ing the interview for this profile, held at the dents, what does Judy have on her schedule Black Whale restaurant, one of her former for September? “Ellen and I will walk and students waited on our table and was glowing have breakfast on September 4, the first day when she hugged “Mrs. DiMaio.” She proudly of the new school year,” she laughed, noting told Judy of her college graduation and her fu- that it will feel funny not to be heading for the PRUNING REMOVAL ture plans. school afterward. Then she plans to help her Another former student, Fred Ramftl, ar- husband with the gardening, if he will let her, rived at the restaurant with his grandmother at their home on Buckley Street. Frank is a re- to celebrate his graduation from Long Island tired U.S. Customs Agent, who continues to University on May 20. Fred told Judy that he consult for the department three days a week. FREE ESTIMATES FULLY INSURED now has his M.S. in Education to add to his Judy was honored at a faculty sponsored BUCKET TRUCK RENTAL 718-885-0914 master’s degree in history from Iona. Judy dinner on May 30 along with another retiring reminisced that he had been good in history teacher, Christine Belassario, and retiring as- when she taught him and was delighted that he sistant principal Josephine Rondi. Page Eight The Island Current June 2008 Planting Day at P.S. 175 A Gardening Pilot Program was started in May 2008 at the City Island School by parents Han Yu Hung Sanderson, a professional horticulturist and educator at the New York Botanical Garden, and Lisa Fine. The program is for first- and second-grade students.

Han Yu Hung Sanderson, parent of second-grader Everett Sanderson, meets with Mrs. Stevelman’s first-grade class to make plans.

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First-grade parent volunteer Pete Wiehler assists first-grade students with their planting. Getting into Shape: Sat. & Sun. June 7 & 8, 2008 The Importance of Exercise By BUTCH NIEVES As you can imagine, I hear a ton of ex- active. That’s backward fitness. Only by be- cuses from people on why they don’t exer- ing fit can you become more active. To be- cise. Sometimes the reason is self inflicted: come and maintain a level of fitness, there “I don’t have the time.” Other times the rea- is no replacement for a consistent exercise son is procrastination: “I’m going to start as program. It’s the only way. soon as tax season ends.” And occasionally True fitness is when your body can do the reason is downright funny: “The dog ate whatever you ask of it. This means having my gym shorts.” flexibility, strength and endurance. I usually point out to these well-mean- Do you exercise? Or are you fooling ing folks that, no matter what their reasons, yourself with the excuse of “being active”? exercise is a very important activity that will How happy are you with your level of fit- dramatically improve their lives. I bring up ness? Are you able to meet all of the func- the health benefits and describe how many tional demands of life? Or do you find your- of their physical ailments will improve. I self opting out of experiences or situations talk about how great they will feel dropping that you know would be too challenging? excess weight and rediscovering a slender If you have used the excuse of “being figure. active” in the past, it’s time to reconsider However, there is always one excuse your options. Don’t practice backward fit- that I couldn’t answer: “Oh, I don’t need to ness with the hope of true results. After all, exercise in a gym. I’m very active. I play there’s no trial run in the game of life. tennis and hike in the summer and I ski in Be excellent. An important aspect of the winter.” becoming and staying fit is to be persistent. Well, they have a point, right? Tennis, You can exercise every day for a week, but hiking and skiing are all active sports that if you follow that week with a month of no burn calories. Maybe these people can be fit exercise, then you’ve lost all the ground you without doing any other exercise, especially gained. Find an exercise program that you if they are at a reasonable weight. are able to do consistently, and then stick But then I started to notice a trend. The with it. In the words of Aristotle: “We are “active” people couldn’t touch their toes in what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is a simple flexibility test. The “tennis play- not an act, but a habit.” ers” couldn’t jump rope for 60 seconds. The Butch Nieves is a City Island resident “hikers” needed a week to recover from a who owns a personal fitness business. His one-mile jog. The “skiers” encountered in- Web site is www.mramericaspersonaltrain- jury after injury. And then it hit me. ing.com. You don’t become fit by simply being June 2008 The Island Current Page Nine Bryce Kirk: “All the Good Timber Is Cut” By BRUCE A. WEIS

at the boatyards charge their groceries in the winter, when there was no work, because in the spring they went back to work and paid them off. They all lived here, or most of them lived here, and there were no marinas, just boatyards.” “There is a photograph of the men com- ing out of the Nevins yard with that mast, the largest wooden mast in the world. Everything stopped for boats on the Island. Traffic al- ways stopped for boats. The police stopped traffic. If one yard couldn’t handle a boat, another yard would.” The Consolidated yard, for instance, had the biggest railway, with a 1,200-ton capacity. If the Minneford yard got a boat they couldn’t haul out of the water, Consolidated would haul the boat on their Photo by RICK DEWITT railway. “Consolidated had a gate in their Bryce Kirk. fence, and workers would tramp from Min- neford into Consolidated, do the work and go Bryce Kirk is not happy with City Is- back at night. “Arrangements like that kept land’s current incarnation. “City Island used the place alive.” to be the yachting capitol of the world,” he de- The gradual decline of City Island’s clares. “Now it’s the French fry capitol of the yacht-building industry is laid variously at the world.” Even worse, he sees no hope for im- doorstep of condominium development, an provement, at least for the yachting business. ill-conceived rezoning in the early 1960s, or “I can’t see any way that this part of New York fiberglass, but Bryce believes the true cause is City is going to improve,” he says, and then much simpler: “The real money is gone.” By considers: “It may be improving for …. the way of example, he cites a recent television restaurant business. This has become a mecca program describing the Dodge family’s Great for people who want to dine, but there’s very Lakes yacht. The ship had just been sold to a little yachting any more. It’s all boating.” Belgium merchant, and its engine room was The son of a marine insurance broker, being redone at a cost of $3 million dollars. Bryce Kirk was born in Brooklyn and never, “The ship was just magnificent, 200-some- even for a second, considered following his odd feet long. That’s yachting.” father into the business. The child of William In those days, engineers would sit down A. Kirk and Elizabeth Gload Kirk, Bryce at- with various people to design a yacht’s en- tended Port Washington High School and gine room, and if there was going to be oiling then Cornell University. As to goals, Bryce done, for instance, the oilcan had to be in a doubts that he ever had any. “I enjoyed do- certain place. Maybe in a corner, so that what ing certain types of work”, he says, “and I looked like an ordinary oilcan would have Photos by RICK DeWITT and WALDO PERSTEINS enjoyed doing what I was doing, whatever it two straight surfaces and a round surface on City Island Girl Scouts hosted a Plant and Bake Sale on Saturday, May 10, the day may have been at the moment.” He worked in the outside, because it would fit only in that before Mother’s Day, outside Trinity Methodist Church. Shown above with their Brooklyn shipyards and earned CAA (Civil place. That oilcan would probably have cost blooms are (top photos) leaders Jami Reilly and Brenda Prohaska and scouts: Bri- Aviation Authority) licenses at Roosevelt about $75 dollars, which a man would have anna Reilly, Michelle Lombardo, Anastasia Lacina, Dusty Prohaska and Catherine Field and North Beech Airport (later to be- to work a month and a half for. Money was Ficke. This follows the successful Boy Scout Sale before Easter (bottom photo, front come LaGuardia) before World War II. After no object. And it all ran out in the Depres- row) David Mooney, Liam Flynn, Omar Garcia, Daniel Green, Alex Skokos. Back row: the war began, he left a protected position sion. “Shortly after the Depression, there was Troop committee members Edward Esposito and William Clancy Sr. with American Export Airlines and served in a little spurt, but after that. . . . now you buy a the Navy as a flight engineer at a Washing- Chevrolet.” ton-area base. Bryce describes his business partner, Bryce was reassigned to inspection Bob White, “a good man who doesn’t talk shortly after putting his commanding officer much but just does,” as the most memorable on report (“He couldn’t figure a fuel load and character he ever knew. Robert White grew didn’t know how to use the power settings, so up in Garrison, New York, where he “sort I figured that sooner or later, we were going of” fished. Shad fisherman of that period in to crash somewhere.”). Bryce made overseas Garrison would fish with a 2,000-foot drift flights into Europe and Africa for the remain- net, pulled by rowboats for 10 hours a day, der of the war and received his flight pay after stretched out tight. ”Robert White wasn’t all. given to much conversation,” says Bryce, After the war, Bryce, who had been liv- “but as you got to know him, you respected ing in New Rochelle, came to City Island as a him more and more. He would never lie, de- watchman for Rodstrom Shipyards (a precur- scribing it as a waste of time.” sor to Consolidated Yachts). He subsequently Bryce Kirk plans to keep working, but he worked for a marine contractor whom he de- sees a shrinking demand for marine contract- scribes as a brilliant builder and an excellent ing. “The governments are taking the water- teacher. Bryce and a fellow worker, Robert front away from people,” he says. “Little by White, ultimately became partners of their little, it’s insidious. People are getting grants own marine contracting company, determined from the State of New York to improve; they to avoid certain mistakes of their construction call it, the waterfront.” All they do is put mentor. “We didn’t go into business to make rocks in front of it. Now you can’t swim from money,” he says. “We went into the business it, you shouldn’t let kids fish from the slip- because we enjoyed working with and on the pery rocks and you can’t tie your boat up to it. machinery. That was our joy, we really loved . . It’s destruction of the waterfront. Likewise, the machinery.” “all the good timber is cut. You used to be Bryce describes pre-condominium-era able to get 80-foot spruce poles for masts, 24 City Island as a tightly knit community of inches in diameter, stuff like that. You can’t yacht-builders and boat-workers. “Staten get them anymore. There’s a market and our Island, of course, was a boat-building and a market is diminishing.” ship-building area, as was Bayonne and all Bryce Kirk keeps a regular table at The those places, but the people didn’t live as Treehouse on City Island and can be found close to the job as they did on City Island. there most nights. If you ever have a question A man could walk across the street and be at about City Island, you know where to look. his job. There was no commutation expense. . . And the market let the people who worked Page Ten The Island Current June 2008

Organization News News on this page concerning organizations, and events listed in, are submitted by representatives of those organizations. A limit of 150 words is requested for all news items submitted. In most cases news will be edited and every effort will be made to preserve the substance of longer items. News and calendar events must be received by no later than the 20th of each month except December and July. If the 20th falls on a holiday or Sunday, the deadline is the 19th. Mail submissions to P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER MUST BE INCLUDED. Current Calendar of the Fleet. Mother Patty will be on hand along with the other faith leaders of City Island to bless the fleet from the dock of JUNE Fenton’s Marine, 225 Fordham Street. Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, Arts and Sunday, June 29, 10 a.m.: Episcopal Crafts Fair sponsored by the Chamber of Com- Visitation by the Rt. Rev. Catherine S. merce, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. City Island Avenue. Roskam, Suffragan Bishop of New York. Sunday, June 8 and 22, Community Center Please plan to be present, as our friend Tag Sales, 190 Fordham Street. Bishop Roskam returns to Grace to admin- Thursday, June 19, Community Board 10 ister the rites of baptism, confirmation, meets, 7:30 p.m., to be scheduled. Call 718- reception into the Episcopal Church, and 892-1161 for details. reaffirmation of baptismal vows. Sunday, June 22, Blessing of the Fleet, 1 p.m. For more information about Grace, off Fenton’s Marine Dock, VHF Channel 71 be- please call the Parish Office at 718-885- ginning 12:30 p.m. 1080, or visit our Web site, www.gracecity- Tuesday, June 24, City Island Civic Associa- island.org. Photo by ANGELO BELLOCCHIO tion meets, 7:30 p.m., Community Center, 190 Rev. Patricia Alexander The Cub Scout Pack 11 honored its scouts at the Blue and Gold Family Dinner on May Fordham Street. 2, 2008, at the Trinity Methodist Church Hall. Congratulations goes to Jak Popovic, Friday, June 27, Bronx Fireworks Spectacu- Conner Saulnier and John Branley for earning their Arrow of Light and for “Crossing lar, Orchard Beach, 9 p.m. sponsored by Bor- St. Mary, Star of the Sea the Bridge” into Boy Scouts. ough President Adolfo Carrión Jr. and State Senator Jeff Klein. On Friday, June 6, we will have our monthly Holy Hour from 4 to 5 p.m. This Saturday, June 28, POTS Program, St. Mary’s will be our last scheduled Holy Hour before School Yard, Minneford Avenue and Kilroe Grace’s “Happy Hookers” Street, drop-off between 4:30 and 5 p.m. Menu: the summer months. Come and join us for chef’s salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, this period of adoration. cubes of ham, turkey, etc.). On this same day, June 6, the graduates of St. Mary’s School will have their Gradua- Temple Beth-El tion Mass at 7 p.m. and will follow this with Temple Beth-El of City Island is an all- a party in the school gym. inclusive, egalitarian, multiethnic Jewish We congratulate all our graduates, both congregation for all ages. We are located those in St. Mary’s School and those in our at 480 City Island Avenue, between Beach Religious Education program who attend and Bowne Streets, and we conduct Sabbath other schools, and we wish them all well in services each Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Our their high school careers. doors are open to all. On Fathers Day, Sunday, June 15, we will We follow the Rabbi Marcia Prager honor all our fathers with a special blessing prayer book, primarily in English, with easy- at all the Masses. to-read typeface and singable Hebrew. Reb Our Parish Council will bring the year’s Aliza Erber will lead the Kabbalat Shabbat activities to a close by gathering for a cel- service on June 6 at 7:30 p.m. and the Shab- ebration dinner at the Black Whale. bat service on June 7 at 10:30 a.m. At the end of the month, we will once During these two services, adult students again welcome Father Alexander Iheon- of her B’nai Bina class will be called to unekwu, who will be returning to us for the the Torah. On Friday, Cheryl Berent and summer months. Barbara Greco will become Bat Mitzvah. Have a happy, healthy and safe summer. On Saturday, Joe Stern, Jaime Pat Cuesta Sr. Bernadette, osu and Mike Eiron will become Bar Mitzvah. Photo by KAREN NANI Reciting the Torah blessings is symbolic of Trinity United Methodist Church Ann McGuire leads a group at Grace Episcopal Church called Hugs ‘n’ Stitches. They knit, crochet and sew blankets all year long for children in Bronx homeless shelters. the person’s acceptance of Jewish respon- Greetings to all! Spring is upon us, Shown with their wonderful collection ready for delivery to the needy are the “happy sibilities as a participating member of the and summer is quickly approaching. Trinity community with basic beliefs, values and a hookers,” as they are also known (l. to r.): Evyonne Baker, Elizabeth Brant, Ann holds its weekly service every Sunday at McGuire, Marilyn Martin and Mother Patty Alexander. shared history. 10 a.m. Sunday school is held at the same (On other Friday nights, Mort Ellis and time. this will begin in June. A $2 contribution is Bob Berent, with his accordion, lead the Sons of the American Legion A reminder that we are holding a square suggested for yoga and for ongoing classes Sabbath service.) Squadron #156 dance and dinner here at Trinity on June 14 including Sittercise on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Tai chi-yoga classes continue on Thurs- from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults The only news that we have to report and tai chi/yoga at 12 noon, and fitness on days at 6 p.m. Marc Kaplan’s exercises will and $7 for children under 10. If you are is that our membership rolls keep climb- Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.. Remember, our van leave you feeling refreshed, more flexible interested in purchasing a ticket, please call ing. We are always looking for some good leaves Pilot Street every sunny Monday and and energetic. For more information, call Rev. Sue at 718-885-1218 or Ellie Hebard members. Any male who is the descendant Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. for the Orchard Marc at 718-885-2445. at 718-518-7241. Everyone is welcome, and of a veteran is eligible to join the squadron. Beach walks. For further information, please “Dancing with Elaine,”a series of lessons we look forward to having a great time! If you are interested, please call co-vice call Patty at 914-882-9578. in ballroom and Latin dance continues for Budget Shop is open on June 3, 14 and commanders of membership Fred Ramftl at three more Wednesdays in June (through 17. If you would like to volunteer, please 347-680-7695 or Scott Murphy at 646-314- Garden Club News the 18th). Open to the public, no partner call Myra Martin at 718-885-1049. 1000. required. The lessons are from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Anne Sill If any member has not paid dues, be The next meeting of the Garden Club of $10 per session for non-members. (Temple reminded to drop them off at the Post. Dues City Island will be on Monday, June 2, at 10 Beth-El members free). Call 718-885-2154 Cub Scout Pack 211 for the year are $30. a.m. at the City Island Yacht Club. for more information. Fred Ramftl We had a record turnout for our Spring For more information, visit our Web site The pack capped off its season with Luncheon at the City Island Yacht Club with at www.yourshulbythesea.org. the Blue and Gold Family Dinner on May everyone enjoying the raffle of beautiful Bob Berent 2, 2008, at the Trinity Methodist Church Healthy Senior Exercise Program gift baskets donated by our members and Hall. All the scouts were honored for their The PSS City Island Healthy Senior Exer- gift certificates donated by our local res- achievements throughout the year. Needless Grace Episcopal Church cise Program is growing. In a partnership taurants, beauty and nail salons. We would to say, they achieved a great deal. They made with the Arthritis Foundation, we are pleased like to thanks the following dignitaries for Weekly schedule: Grace Church will cel- all their parents and adult leaders proud. to offer a series of eight Arthritis Founda- attending the luncheon: Bronx Commis- ebrate Holy Communion every Sunday in Congratulations goes to Jak Popovic, tion Exercise sessions on Fridays at 10 a.m. sioner of Arts Hector Aponte, State Senator June at 10 a.m., with Church School. During Conner Saulnier and John Branley for earn- at Grace Parish Hall beginning May 30 and Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Michael Bene- July and August (through Labor Day week- ing their Arrow of Light and for “Crossing continuing through July 25 (no session July detto, Council Member James Vacca, Con- end), our Sunday worship moves to 9 a.m. the Bridge” into Boy Scouts, where they 4). These free classes, with instructor Patty gressional district leader Fran Mahoney and We also offer evening prayer in the church were met and welcomed by Scoutmaster Grondahl, are designed to provide gentle Kenneth Kearns, district manager of Com- every Monday at 7 p.m. and morning prayer Waldo Perstien and their fellow Boy Scouts. exercise for anyone of any age with arthritis. munity Board 10. on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Sorry to see you go, young men; we will All are welcome. Transportation to and from In time for Memorial Day the Garden Here is an overview of special events at miss you. all sessions at Grace Parish Hall is available. Club has planted flowers and other plants at Grace Church during June: The pack is already looking forward to Additional plans for expansion include a the Memorial Triangle and the City Island Sunday, June 15, 11:30 a.m.: Third Annual an exciting new year. Registration will be in yoga class for older people on Thursdays at sign, in the planters at the Legion, the Public Father’s Day Picnic, sponsored by the Chil- early September. We wish everyone a safe 1 p.m. to be taught by City Islander and New Library and Hawkins Street Park. dren’s Church School. All are welcomed! and enjoyable summer. Rochelle YMCA instuctor Tracy Tomsen; Phyllis Goodman Sunday, June 22, 1 a.m.: The Blessing Angelo Bellocchio June 2008 The Island Current Page Eleven

day from 9 to 10 a.m. Call Mary Immediato at 718-885-0793. New class added: Satur- day at 9 a.m. Yoga: City Island’s Marc Kaplan is teaching Yoga—a class for beginners to intermediates, which will include Hatha and Namaste yoga with some Saroope (restorative yoga). He hopes to include tai-chi as well, which will help balance immune system and reduce pain. Depend- ing on the class size the cost will be $10 or For additional information about the Community Cen- ter, or if you are interested in conducting classes here if a small class $15. Please contact Susan please call 718-885-1145. for inquiries at: [email protected] or call 885-9145. Open Monthly Meetings of the Board are held on the first Tuesday of each month FAMILY PROGRAM at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Center Main & MIXED AGE GROUPS Room at 190 Fordham Street. All members Vilma’s Music Together: Music and are encouraged to attend. For up to date movement for children ages birth through information visit www.cityislandcommuni- five and the adults who love them! Fridays tycenter.com. or Saturdays 10 to 10:45 a.m. For more information, call 718-882-2223, visit www. Announcements vilmasmusictogether.com or e-mail info@ Photos by VIRGINIA DANNEGGER Indoor Tag Sale: It’s the return of the vilmasmusictogether.com. The officers of the Garden Club of City Island were delighted with the large turnout at Springtime Indoor Tag Sale! June 8 and 22. Chess Club: Monday evenings from 7 the annual luncheon on Thursday, May 22, 2008, at the City Island Yacht Club. Here (l. Tables available for $10 each. Please come to 11 p.m. For ages 13 and up. No need to to r.) are Susan Strazzera, president; Barbara Hoffman, vice president; Phyllis Good- and sell your wares, or buy them! Call 718- register, just show up! Call Bill at 718-541- man, secretary; Joan Lyons, treasurer. 885-1145 for information or to reserve your 3995 for more information. table or e-mail [email protected]. Art Lessons: Drawing and painting Weekly Schedule lessons by Laury Hopkins. Private and semiprivate (1 to 3 students). Weekday State Senator Jeff Klein YOUTH PROGRAM evenings 7:30 to 9 p.m. $30 for 1 1⁄2 hours. stands with Carol McCabe Drama Club: Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 Three classes must be paid for up front. and Virginia Gallagher at the p.m. starting Sept. 19, for ages 8 to 12. Acrylic paints only (no oils). Your choice of annual luncheon of the Gar- Activities will be planned for each evening. subject: still life, from photographs or your den Club of City Island at the Participants must be prepared to do just that, imagination. Call Laury to schedule and for City Island Yacht Club. Participate! We will do relaxation and voice information about materials at 718-885- exercises, recite limericks and tongue-twist- 3202. ers, improvise with props and costumes, and Amy Gottlieb-McElroy act out scenes from plays and stories. One parent will be expected to volunteer to stay each evening. Call Laury at 718-885-3202. Irish Dance: The Deirdre O’Mara Legion News was very well attended. The service was School of Irish Dance teaches step dancing conducted by rabbinic intern David Daniel Tempus fugit. It seems like only yester- in a fun, competitive environment for all Klipper, who explained the tradition of the day that I sat down, quill in hand, to write Boy Scout News ages. A confidence-building and cultural Sabbat Service. The ceremony ended with the May Post newsletter. Our commander, experience for all who participate. Wednes- the congregation and guests partaking of Boy Scout Troop 211 is nearing the end Dave Carman, has been busy whipping the days after school. Call Deirdre at 201-679- wine and bread. of a busy year of scouting. First, and most troops into shape for the annual Memorial 1450 or visit www.deirdreomara.com. I attended the second annual Bronx importantly, the troop organization would Tae Kwon Do: Traditional classes to Day parade, no easy task. He has observed Armed Forces Day Celebration at Orchard like to thank the outstanding support shown benefit you physically, mentally and spir- that a number of Post members’ stomachs Beach on Saturday, May 17. The event is by City Islanders and visitors to our spring itually. Some benefits include improved now peek out from beneath what were once the brainchild of our neighbor and Bronx Easter flower sale. Thanks to your continued cardiovascular health, better focus and con- mighty chests. He consulted Islander Butch Borough President Adolfo Carrión Jr., his support, we will be able to send nearly 10 centration, increased flexibility and lean Nieves, a former Mr. America, who wrote Veterans Advisory Council and Bronx scouts to a week-long Boy Scout summer body mass. Children will learn courtesy, an article on fitness just last month for The integrity, perseverance, self-control and elected officials. I met and shook hands camp in upstate New York. In April eight Island Current to see if members’ mid- indomitable spirit. Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. with a number of our present servicemen scouts braved the elements, built their own sections could be turned into washboards and Saturdays at 11 a.m. $10 per class, and one officer who were bound for Iraq. shelters and slept outdoors during an over- instead of potbellies. Butch said that there is twice weekly. Call 718-885-3702. These men and women are all volunteers night camping trip. The scouts also enjoyed no quick fix and that the secret to great abs Sally’s Playground: Birth to 5 years. and certainly deserve our support. As the a six-mile hike over beautiful, rugged ter- is fat-burning cardio-resistance training and Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12 Allstate ads say, we are in good hands. rain, reaching a height of 1,000 feet above noon. $7 per child, $4 for siblings. Buy a proper eating. By following a strict regimen, Several families who had a member sea level. five-visit card and get one visit free. Play- great strides can be made by Memorial Day killed in action were honored, among During my second full year as Troop ground available for party rentals. Call Sally 2009! them Staff Sgt. Christian Engledrum from Scoutmaster, I learned more about the peo- at 718-885-0349 for more information. If you have looked in your mailbox lately, Throggs Neck. Following brief speeches ple who volunteered time to the troop before Youth Center: Saturday evenings from you may have noticed that, like the phoenix, by distinguished guests, the multitudes sat I assumed the helm. While it is impossible 7:30 to 10 p.m. Please call Jay Howard the Post Dispatch has risen from the dead. at 718-885-2192 or Deana Weyhrauch at down to a gourmet luncheon provided by to thank everyone who has helped the troop William Clancy and Jack Katz are the staff 917-418-1377 for more information. We are the Borough President. in the past, I will do my best to acknowl- members and can be contacted on the Post’s looking for volunteers to staff the nights. Meetings for the month of June are as edge recent volunteer efforts when I can. number, x0639. The edition included a scin- If you are interested in helping out, please follows; regular meetings Monday, June 2 This year, it came to my attention that tillating message from our commander, in call. and 16; executive board meeting Monday, City Island’s Regina Kreig has helped with which he elaborated on the myriad accom- ADULT PROGRAM June 9. Troop 211’s flower sale for nearly 10 years. plishments at the Post. He was very appre- Salsa Dance: Dance your stress away On Thursday, June 12, the outgoing Regina, thank you for all you did to keep ciative of those who have volunteered their to the basic beats of salsa, merengue, cha- Bronx County Commanders Dinner will be Troop 211 going! City Island owes many time and talent to make his tenure in office cha and bachata. A partner is not necessary. held at the Lobster House. On Friday, June thanks to all those who have ever volun- most productive. $50 per month or $15 per class. Friday 13, the Bronx County Convention will be teered time to scouting. Membership: Mike Treat stated that 2008 nights, 7 to 8: 30 p.m. Call 917-838-6501. held at 7:30 p.m. at the Sam Young Post. Please keep an eye out for more Troop Belly Dancing: “Shimmy by The Sea” dues are due, even overdue. Call Mike on Friday, June 6, will be the 64th anniver- 211 news in a future edition of the Current, is a group of women learning and dancing x1130 if you know of someone eligible for sary of D-Day. The following excerpts were especially regarding the names of scouts together. Mondays at 7:30 p.m. For infor- membership, and Mike will give them his taken from our squadron history. “On June who receive the highest awards during the mation about classes, call 718-885-1145 or sales pitch. May Court of Honor. For information about 845-358-0260 and leave a message. 4th everyone was restricted to the base... Americanism: Ed Shipp reports that helping or joining Troop 211, e-mail Troop- TNT (Tuesday Night Tap): Adult Jazz/ On June 5th all planes were painted with everything is shipshape. Residents are using Tap Classes. Tuesday, 7 to 8 p.m. Call special markings, invasion stripes. That [email protected]. our decorative drop-off box, just inside the Corinne Grondahl at 718-309-8041. evening and following morning the sky Scoutmaster Waldo Persteins main gate, to deposit worn flags. We’re still Aerobics with Mary: Monday, Wednes- horizon to horizon was stacked with dron- looking for 5x7-foot serviceable flags to day, Friday: half-hour low impact at 8:30 ing aircraft. . . The atmosphere was electric. City Island Republicans honor deceased veterans. These flags will a.m.; Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Fri- . . Cpl. Witkin entered the Nissen barracks be flown until they are deemed to be ready June will be a busy month for the City and said: “We’re landing on the beaches of for retirement. In recognition of a donation, Island Republicans. This is petition month, Normandy. . . . It’s D-Day.” On June 6, the the veteran’s name will be affixed to the flag and we have a full slate of candidates this 33rd logged 11 combat missions. Six of the pole located at the Bridge Memorial. The year. In order to get the candidates on the 11 pilots would not survive the war. ballot, we have to collect signatures from flag that graced the coffin of Dr. Fred Hess TowBOAT/U.S. Sick call: Comrade Joseph DeLuca is registered Republicans on the Island. We ask was donated by his widow, Eileen, and his City Island in the United Hebrew Geriatric Center, 60 all registered Republicans to please sign the son, Fred Jr. Ed said that volunteers are still Willow Lane, New Rochelle, recuperating petitions when they come around, so that we needed as flag stewards. Call him at the Post from a fall at home. Joe is a veteran of the can get all of the candidates on the ballot. at x0639. Big Deuce, recipient of the Silver Star, Our next meeting is on Tuesday, June 10, The Post Memorial Service was held 2008, at 7:30 p.m. at the Legion Post, 550 Purple Heart and, of course, the prestigious at the Temple Beth-El on Friday, May 16. City Island Avenue. We hope to see every- Good Conduct Medal. Despite a miserable evening, the service one there. Russ Schaller, Sgt. Emeritus Fred Ramftl Page Twelve The Island Current June 2008 June 2008 The Island Current Page Thirteen MEMORIAL DAY 2008: RED, WHITE AND BLUE SKIES

Photos by RICK DeWITT The rain finally let up, providing Islanders with a sunny Memorial Day weekend. On Monday, May 26, the traditional Memorial Day parade marched up City Island Avenue with some special military and musical guests. Sponsored by American Legion Post 156, the march included marines from the USS Kearsarge and sailors from the USS Nitze, both in port for Fleet Weekend. The Northeast Navy Brass Band and Monaghan Pipe Band provided the marching beat. The Ladies Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, City Island Little League and St. Mary’s Softball followed dignitaries, including Bronc Borough President Adolfo Carrión, Council Member Jimmy Vacca, State Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. In the middle was Island Current cartoonist and World War II veteran Russell Schaller, who hitched a ride in resident Jacqueline Kall’s patriotically decorated car.

Edward D. Heben CPA/ABV, CVA, AEP Partner 709 Westchester Avenue White Plains, NY 10604 914-949-2990 • Fax: 914-949-2910 Photo by WALDO PERSTEINS www.citrincooperman.com [email protected] In April 2008 eight Boy Scouts of Troop 211 braved the elements of upstate New York for an overnight camping trip, which included a six-mile hike over rugged terrain. Page Fourteen The Island Current June 2008

erts as Darby Shaw, a Tulane University law Career and Technical Education H.S.: student who has developed a theory about why Donovan Carrera. The Fieldston School: two Supreme Court Judges have been murdered. Camille Pruvost (partial scholarship). When her lover, law professor Thomas Callahan Ursuline: Treasure Loudermilk (partial (Sam Shepard), shares her thesis with his best friend, Gavin Verheek (John Heard), in Wash- scholarship). Urban Assembly School ington, murder and mayhem ensue. Eventually of Design and Construction: Alexander Darby hooks up with reporter Gray Grantham Giaccon, Edwin Lopez, Kaylynn Lopez. (Denzel Washington) in an attempt to survive Vangard H.S.: Natalia Famous. Wallkill and expose the conspiracy. Stanley Tucci is H.S.: Mitchell Santiago. Wings Acad- excellent as the assassin Khamel who has a dif- emy: Qwadasia Lovett. Young Lawyers ferent persona in every scene. Public School 175 In addition, Augustus Berger was In a A Time to Kill (1996), when the 10- accepted to Brooklyn Latin H.S.; Jonathan Beginning with the opening strains of John year-old daughter (Raeven Larrymore Kelley) Best wishes to all the eighth-graders of Carl Lee Hailey (Samuel L. Jackson) is Caamano received a partial scholarship to Barry’s wonderfully steamy music, Body Heat who, pending successful completion of (1981) is a masterpiece of classical imagery and brutally raped by two drunk rednecks, he kills Mount St. Michael Academy; Antoinette graduation requirements, will be attend- mood, reminiscent of the film noir genre of the them. Young lawyer Jake Brigance (Matthew Legnini was accepted to Brooklyn Techni- 1940s. William Hurt, as sleazy young lawyer McConaughey) defends him with the assistance ing the following high schools in Sep- cal H.S.; Treasure Loudermilk received a Ned Racine, teams with Kathleen Turner as of a rich Northern volunteer lawyer Ellen Roark tember: Beacon H.S.: Daniel Masterson. partial scholarship to Preston H.S.; Camille sex-crazed Mattie Walker. They eventually plot (Sandra Bullock) and alcoholic lawyer friend Belmont Preparatory H.S.: Jessica Pruvost was accepted to Fiorello LaGuar- against her husband, played by Richard Crenna, Harry Rex Vonner (Oliver Platt). Also on hand Carino. Blessed Sacrament/St.Gabriel: dia H.S. of the Performing Arts; Kyle a businessman who is “willing to do whatever is are prosecuting attorney Rufus Buckley (Kevin Angela Acocella, Steven Owens, Larisa Williams received a partial scholarship to Spacey) and Jake’s wife (Ashley Judd). necessary.” Pirraglia. Bronx Engineering and Tech Salesian H.S. True Believer (1989) stars James Wood as The Client (1994) stars Susan Sarandon Academy: Jonathan Caamano. Bronx once-famous 1960s radical attorney Edward J. as Reggie Love, a young lawyer who battles Congratulations and good luck to every- H.S. for the Visual Arts: Sharon Huerta, Dodd, now a pot-head who uses the Constitu- with “Reverend” Roy (Tommy Lee Jones), a one in September! Jonathan Marrero. Bronx H.S. of Sci- tion to defend drug dealers. When Roger Baron federal prosecutor with high ambition. When St. Mary, Star of the Sea (Robert Downey Jr.) comes to be his law clerk young Mark Sway (Brad Renfro) and his little ence: Rosemary Gibson, Catherine Wang, fresh out of law school, the two get involved brother Ricky (David Speck) witness the suicide Kyle Williams. Cardinal Spellman: Dani- Best wishes to all the eighth-grade in the case of a Korean charged with the street of a gangland lawyer, they are picked up by elle Conie, Gabrielle Pirraglia, Amanda graduates, who will attend the follow- assassination of a Chinese gang member. Dodd Sgt. Hardy (Bill Patton). Because their mother Sowa, Hayley Walker, Samantha Weyhr- ing high schools in September: All Hal- (Mary-Louise Parker) doesn’t know what to do, finally has a cause in which he can believe in auch. Collegiate Institute for Math and lows: Kofi Arhin. Blessed Sacrament/St. this gritty action/drama. Mark hires Reggie to represent him. Science: Aaron Delgado. Danbury H.S.: Gabriel: Demme Akins, Jasmine Andrade, Class Action (1991) stars Gene Hackman as Alcatraz is depicted with gut-wrenching Andrew Davis. Felisa Rincon de Gautier Jedidiah Tucker, a lawyer for the “underdog,” violence, in Murder in the First (1995), which Kaelyn Braxton, Joseph Moore, Onyia and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as his daugh- stars Kevin Bacon as Henri Young, who is sent Institute for Law/Public Policy: Samuel Smith, Chervante Thomas. Bronx H.S. of ter, Maggie, a young but highly ambitious and to prison for stealing $5 to buy food to feed Nesbitt, Quantasia Scarborough. Ford- Science: Xaver Nicholas, Aimee Zam- respected corporate attorney. When they are not his sister. There he is subjected to unspeakable ham Prep: Kevin Whalen. Global Enter- brana. Cardinal Spellman: Jillian Gray- locking horns as opposing counsel in a class brutality at the hands of a sadistic warden (Gary prise H.S.: Estela Carino-Santos. H.S. son, Pedro Martinez, Michael McDonald, action suit about cars that blow up, they wage Oldman). His case is taken up by a young law- for Math, Science and Engineering at Jocelyn Proietti. Kent Hill H.S. (Maine): an emotional battle outside the courtroom, in yer named James Stamphill (Christian Slater), City College: Onaje Hope-Felix, Day- O’Shea Bell. Lehman: Malena Allbright, this excellent drama/thriller with highly intel- who proceeds to put the prison itself on trial. Von Walker. Lehman: Alexander Hack- This is a compelling drama whose opening half Genea Tomlinson. Monsignor Scanlan: ligent performances by its stars. man, Jonathan Rachiele, Jasmine Rivera, In A Few Good Men (1992), Tom Cruise hour of violence will offend many. Avery Haley. Mount St. Michael: Daniel plays Lt. Daniel Kaffee, a young naval lawyer The Chamber (1996) is the story of Sam Luz Salas-Orea. Maria Regina: Theanna Ancrum. Pelham Prep Academy: Stephen who is assigned to defend the accused in a Cayhall (Gene Hackman), a Ku Klux Klan Green, Kaitlin Masiello, Erica Miccoli, Bert. Preston: Farah Nesbeth. St. Ray- murder case. He is assisted by Lt. Cdr. JoAnne member who was involved in a bombing that Rebecca Rodstrom. Monroe Academy: mond H.S. for Boys: Michael Dilucca, Galloway (Demi Moore) and Lt. Sam Weinberg left the two children of a civil rights lawyer Nersyloreeny Delorbe. Monsignor Scan- Kadeem Holmes, John Lichti. Salesian: (Kevin Pollack) working against prosecutor dead. As he awaits his death sentence, his case is lan H.S.: Joseph Accomando. Mount St. Nicholas Maniotis, Nicholas Ruggiero. Capt. Jack Ross (Kevin Bacon). A highlight of reopened by his lawyer grandson Adam (Chris Michael: Augustus Berger. New Rochelle Young Women’s Leadership Academy: the film is an unforgettable classic confronta- O’Donnell). The supporting cast includes Faye H.S.: Wolfranz Xhokaxhiu. Preston: Tay- Dunaway as Adam’s Aunt Lee and Millie Per- Jasmine Gray. Still undecided is JaVon tion scene between Kaffee and Col. Nathan R. lor Cole, Julia Hayes, Antoinette Leg- Jessep (Jack Nicholson). kins as the grieving mother. Ridley. In The Firm (1993), Tom Cruise is Mitch The Rainmaker (1997) is the story of the nini (partial scholarship), Elizabeth Vacca. In addition, Farah Nesbeth received a McDeere, a recent Harvard law school gradu- Donny Ray Black (Johnny Whitworth), who Renaissance H.S. of Musical Theater partial scholarship to Monsignor Scanlan ate hired by Oliver Lambert (Hal Holbrook) to is dying of leukemia. His mother, Dot Black and Technology: Matthew Roman. St. H.S.; Xaver Nicholas received a partial work at a prestigious Memphis law firm under (Mary Kay Place), wants to sue Great Benefits Catharine Academy: Fabjola Rama. St. scholarship to Mount St. Michael; Aimee the mentorship of Avery Tolar (Gene Hack- Insurance Company for denying payment for Raymond Academy: Janessa Desjardin Zambrana received a full scholarship to man). When Mitch becomes simulataneously a treatment that could save Donny Ray’s life. (partial scholarship), Raquel Olivo. St. Monsignor Scanlan H.S. and to the Mont- Young lawyer Rudy Baylor (Matt Damon) takes blackmailed by Wayne Terrance (Ed Harris) of Raymond H.S. for Boys: Daniel Doati. fort Academy. his case, with the assistance of Deck Schifflet the FBI and “the Firm’s” director of security, Salesian: Paul Dinome. Samuel Gompers William Devasher (Wilfred Brimley), he is (Danny DeVito), a man who has failed to pass Congratulations and good luck to all! assisted in his survival efforts by his his wife, the bar exam six times. Their formidable oppo- Abby (Jeanne Tripplehorn), his brother Ray nent is Leo K. Drummond (John Voight). Claire (David Strathairn) and a secretary in jeopardy, Danes is on hand as Kelly Rucker, an abused Tammy Hemphill (Holly Hunter). wife who becomes Rudy’s love interest. The Pelican Brief (1993) stars Julia Rob- And until next time, happy viewing. . . .

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1973

CALL FOR OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION2007 FOR 2008 June 2008 The Island Current Page Fifteen

teenager selling his neckties to classmates at appeal. DeWitt Clinton High School is today a pub- He then set out to change the designer licly traded company on the New York Stock fragrance industry. He was the first to release Exchange under the symbol RL. unisex fragrances, CK One and Contradic- Calvin Klein was born just four years after tion, both of which were very successful. A Column about Ralph Lauren, on Nov. 19, 1942, on the same In all, Calvin Klein launched nine different Bronx County Bronx boulevard. He too had an interest in fragrances that linked sex and sexuality to fashion from an early age, which he attributes scents. By MICHAEL SHANLEY to the tremendous amount of time he spent When it comes to advertising, Calvin with his mother in Loehmann’s Department Klein has never been shy about pushing the Store on Fordham Road. The young Calvin envelope. In fact, he has often been accused Mosholu Parkway Park neighborhood, but they both grew up on would spend hours on end sketching women of pushing it too far. Starting with the Brooke the same block; the elegant Mosholu Park- in the suits, dresses and coats he saw in Shield’s ad campaign to giant billboards in - Fashion Avenue way. Loehmann’s. He also became very familiar Times Square featuring chiseled male models Of all the 61 neighborhoods in the Bronx, Born on Oct. 14, 1939, to Jewish parents with high-quality fabrics and materials from wearing only stark white briefs, Calvin Klein none is as dear to my heart as Bedford Park. from Belarus, Ralph Rueben Lifshitz was his Fordham Road shopping excursions, and has never failed to get attention. Controver- This is primarily because I lived there for born and raised on Mosholu Parkway; the eventually he taught himself how to sew. Fol- sial though his advertising campaigns may the first 25 years of my life, and many of tree-lined boulevard originally designed by lowing his graduation from the High School be, they are invariably successful. In 1995, the most important people in my life hail Frederick Law Olmsted to connect Bronx of Art and Design, Klein studied apparel however, he may have gone too far, for he from this very distinct Bronx neighborhood. Park with Van Cortlandt Park. The Lifshitz design at Manhattan’s preeminent Fashion was forced to withdraw an ad for his jeans The neighborhood was planned in the 1880s family eventually changed their last name to Institute of Technology. using pubescent models in provocative poses. and named after Bedford, England, which Lauren, and Ralph Rueben Lifshitz forever In 1968 Calvin Klein and his childhood The condemnation was ferocious, and Klein inspired its design as a suburban park and became known as Ralph Lauren. friend Barry Schwartz launched an apparel was accused of crossing the line between whose original homes inspired its Queen Ralph Lauren had an interest in fashion line of men’s and women’s coats. With fashion and pornography. He was even criti- Anne residential architecture. The Bedford from a very early age. He worked at many Klein’s talent for design and Schwartz’s busi- cized by the president of the United States, Park neighborhood is bound by the New after-school jobs and saved his earnings ness savvy, these two Bronx entrepreneurs Bill Clinton. York Botanical Garden to the east, Jerome to buy suits. As a student at DeWitt Clin- founded Calvin Klein Ltd. and set out on a Calvin Klein has received many accolades Park Reservoir to the west, Bedford Park ton High School, Lauren was known by journey to redefine the fashion industry. for his work and contributions to fashion, Boulevard to the south and Mosholu Park- his classmates for selling neckties that he The first big break for the young company and Calvin Klein Inc. exceeds $6 billion in way to the north. designed himself. Under his picture in the came with a $50,000 order from the upscale annual sales. He was the youngest designer With the opening of the Jerome Avenue 1957 Clinton yearbook, the young Lauren New York department store Bonwit Teller. to win the Coty Award, the highest acclaim subway in 1917 and the Third Avenue ele- wrote that he hoped to be a millionaire. After The order was for a line of men’s and wom- in the fashion industry, an award that he vated line in 1920, the neighborhood became high school, he went on to CUNY-Baruch en’s coats that were simple yet sophisticated, won for three consecutive years: 1973, 1974 more accessible and heavily built up. In spite College where he studied business, although a combination that became the Calvin Klein and 1975. He also received awards from the of the Great Depression, a large number of he dropped out after completing only two trademark. During the early 1970s Calvin Council of Fashion Designers of America in very fashionable Art Deco buildings were years. Klein expanded his line of women’s apparel 1982, 1983 and 1986, and he was crowned erected in the 1930s. After World War II, After his discharge from the United States with a basic, minimalist style. America’s Best Designer by the same organi- Bedford Park remained solidly middle class Army in 1964, Ralph Lauren took a job as Later in that decade Klein introduced zation in 1993. with a large population of Irish and Jewish a salesman at Brooks Brothers, the upscale a whole new concept in fashion; designer Although these two international giants in families. men’s clothier. In 1968 he married Ricky jeans. This new fashion staple was simply a the world of fashion are only four years apart Some of the many interesting and suc- Low-Beer; the couple has three children; two standard jean, cut tight, with “Calvin Klein” in age and grew up so close to each other on cessful people who resided in Bedford Park sons and one daughter. branded on the back pocket. In the first week Mosholu Parkway that they could be consid- include William Fox, founder of 20th Cen- Although he never attended a fashion on the market, Calvin Klein Jeans sold more ered neighbors, it is not known if they ever tury Fox and two of the biggest and most school, Ralph Lauren had a serious inter- than 200,000 pairs. Many marketing analysts knew each other. One thing is sure, however: enduring names in the fashion industry. Not est in the fashion industry, and in 1967 he attribute this phenomenon to the controver- these two Bronx-born kids changed the fash- only were they both from the same Bedford opened his own shop, where he sold neck- sial ad campaign that featured 15-year-old ion industry forever, and when it comes to ties of his own design under the Polo label. Brooke Shields, clad in her tight Calvin Klein talent, they are cut from the same cloth. For more than 30 years now, Lauren has City Island Deli Jeans, purring that “nothing comes between Note: Michael Shanley is a native Bronx- cultivated and developed the Polo reputation me and my Calvin’s.” and distinctive image. He has expanded his ite and longtime resident of City Island. He Catering For All Occasions Calvin Klein’s cutting-edge skills didn’t is a licensed tour guide for New York City product line to include men and women’s stop there. In 1982 he introduced Calvin apparel, home furnishings, accessories and specializing in Bronx County. Comments are Klein Underwear, which changed the percep- welcomed at [email protected]. fragrances. tion of men’s underwear from a basic neces- In 1984, Ralph Lauren transformed the sity to a fashionable item that suggested sex Rhinelander mansion on 72nd Street and Madison Avenue into his flagship store. Today Polo-Ralph Lauren has over 35 bou- tiques across the United States, and his lead- ing product line is carried in every upscale department store in the country. Certainly his is one of the most marketable names in DR. STEVE’S the international market, and his fashion APPLIANCE SERVICE empire has grown into a multibillion dollar business. What started with a young Bronx

1 Year guarantee on parts. CORRECTION 25 Years of Experience on All Brands The total amount of the sum received by Bronx Parks for the filtration plant in Van Cortlandt Park was $220 million, 718-671-0700 not $2 million, as printed in the May issue of The Current.

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 am-9pm • Fri-Sat 11 am-11pm Sun 11am-8pm Page Sixteen The Island Current June 2008

where he formed the IUC Group, which was composed of several diving companies and pro- fessional diving schools and became the world’s largest privately owned deep-sea construction The Current will print obituaries free of charge upon company. He served as president until his retire- notification by a member of the deceased’s immediate ment in 1996. family. Call 885-0760 or write to P.O. Box 6, City Island, In 1981, when Mr. Galerne was interviewed NY 10464, including your telephone number. by the New York Times, he explained that his firm, which then employed almost 100 divers, was the last private entrepreneur in the business. Most of his divers worked on offshore oil rigs around the world, using their expertise to solve underwater problems by diving as deep as 1,000 feet in a cage or diving bell. Mr. Galerne’s concern for his divers led him to develop a hyperbaric transport system for injured divers who would have to spend time in a decompression chamber after long dives. His system, for which he received a U.S. patent, be- came the industry standard. It involved the use of two chambers filled with breathing gas, one small chamber for transporting one or two people to a larger chamber, which could then be flown by helicopter to a hospital or station on land. Photo courtesy of Jackie Kall Mr. Galerne received many honors during Andre Galerne, founder of International Underwater Contractors, which is still based his career, including the French Legion of Honor on City Island, died on May 6, 2008. Shown above at the IUC property on Fordham for his service in World War II, the Lockheed Street (circa 1970) after he purchased the land from Kall Realty are Mr. Galerne and Award from the Marine Technology Society in Mrs. Kall (fourth and fifth from the left) with former U.S. Congressman Mario Biaggi André Galerne 1981, the New York Academy of Science Sea André Galerne, who was a pioneer in (far left) and Mr. Galerne’s son Olivier Galerne (far right). Award for Achievement in Science and Technol- the commercial deep-sea diving industry and ogy in 1989, a Lifetime Achievement Award in founder in 1962 of International Underwater 1993 from Beneath the Sea, and many others. In Contractors, which is still based on City Island, 2006 he was named to the Commercial Diving died on May 6, 2008, of natural causes in Scott- Hall of Fame and in 2008 he was recognized for sdale, Arizona, at the age of 81. notable service for Homeland Security by the Born in 1926, in Paris, France, Mr. Galerne U.S. Coast Guard. was recruited into the French underground Mr. Galerne, who lived in Larchmont COTTAM to fight against the German forces occupying for 30 years, was chairman of the City Island France during World War II. He took his first Chamber of Commerce for many years. His son dive in 1943 using Le Prieur apparatus and Lionel continues to operate IUC on City Island, later worked closely with Jacques Cousteau although the firm is much smaller now and the and Philippe Taillez in the development of the land on which it is located is being considered Aqualung. for residential development. In 1952 Mr. Galerne founded one of the In addition to his son Lionel, Mr. Galerne is world’s first international firms providing pro- survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Jean- fessional diving services in industrial work. Us- nine Renaud, and two other sons, Eric and Olivier, ing the Aqualung and light diving helmets, his of Houston, Texas, and eight grandchildren. firm revolutionized the underwater industry. In A memorial service was held at St. Mary, 1959 he left France to start International Under- Star of the Sea Church on Friday, May 16, and water Contractors (IUC) in Montreal, Canada, his ashes were interred at Pelham Cemetery. and in 1962 he moved to the United States,

“We offer free pickup and delivery”

Owned and Operated by a Robert J. Leavy City Island Resident Engineer NYS Licensed June 2008 The Island Current Page Seventeen

By JOHN SHERIDAN and MARIA SUTHERLAND

Will Wonders the process. Unfortunately, we have heard from other readers about traps that have Never Cease been left unattended. What’s a trapped It’s official: City Island is world famous. stray cat to do in such a situation? A German magazine called German Vogue Some readers have wondered what the is planning to do a spread about our Island. wild turkeys do for the winter. Take our We understand that they have contacted neighbor Mary Joe, for example. For the The Island Current for more informa- answer, we went straight to the experts, tion. Just in time, too, we say, for summer Birding Bob and Jack Rothman. Both bird- is nearly upon us; and if what it takes ers agreed that turkeys are year-round resi- to wake too many of us up to the won- dents of Pelham Bay Park. Jack writes that drous surroundings we have here is the in winter “they tend to look for seed- or genuine interest of a people thousands of nut-bearing trees … and scratch for food. miles away, then so be it. Sprechen sie They eat insects, too,” he says, “along with Deutsch? small invertebrates.” The time is still ripe It was with great joy and relief that we to hook up with Bob or Jack for one of read of Madison the cat’s homecoming their regular birdwalks; spring migrants in last month’s issue of The Current. We are everywhere, they say. In our own know that many readers of this column backyard we’ve spotted a few orioles and shared our emotion, too. Some of them various warblers, including a common yel- wrote to us, expressing their concern about lowthroat and what we think was a yellow the stray cat population on City Island. warbler. Lisa favors the kind of trap-and-release Mike did not encounter the hawk he program where the idea is to gain control told us about in his backyard, although of the population by limiting the number he did get surprisingly close. So close, in of breedable males and females. To be a fact, that he thought it best to give the tree success, though, volunteer trap-and-releas- the bird was resting in a gentle push just ers have to stay committed throughout to make sure it wasn’t sick or injured. It wasn’t! Have you noticed? It’s Wednesday night at the races time again in Eastchester Bay. Sailboat races, that is. It can be quite the spectacle, too. Check it out. And if you happen to catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two as you do, let us know about it, please, at [email protected]. We’re still waiting AMG Quickserve to hear back from the Park Rangers on that 636 City Island Avenue one. In the meantime, we have learned of a Open 7 Days a Week family of raccoons fishing off the end of a From 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. nearby jetty. Will wonders never cease? Weekdays Until 11 p.m. We hope not!

Betty Lavelle-Esola, Sue Kawczynski, Gigi Lyons & Victor L. Anderson, Jr. Page Eighteen The Island Current June 2008

BronxBronx Borough Borough President President NewNew York York State State Senator Senator Adolfo Carrión, Jr. JeffreyJeffrey D.D. KleinKlein Adolfo Carrión, Jr. & PresentPresent NNeeww YYoorkrk SSaalutluteses

AmAmeericricaa New York’s Independence Fireworks by Independence Day Celebration Starts In The Bronx!

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Friday, June 27, 2008 Festival Begins at 7 pm • Fireworks Show at 9:00 pm

LiveLive ConcertConcert byby thethe AliveAlive NN KickinKickin BandBand HH AmazingAmazing FireworksFireworks ShowShow SetSet ToTo MusicMusic LotsLots ofof FunFun ActivitiesActivities forfor ChildrenChildren HH RangersRangers RoadRoad TourTour MagiciansMagicians HH BalloonBalloon ArtistsArtists BringBring YourYour OwnOwn ChairsChairs HH ConcessionsConcessions OpenOpen MTAMTA BusesBuses WillWill OperateOperate onon anan ExtendedExtended ScheduleSchedule

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Special Thanks to: NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation, NYPD & FDNY For more information, call 718-590-BRONX (2766) June 2008 Page Nineteen

______FINE ART PORTRAITS: Studio on City Island. THERE’S A COMPUTER GURU right in your More than 30 years of photographic experi- neighborhood. City Island resident with over ence.______Call Ron Terner at 718-885-1403. 25 years of computer experience can repair BOAT FOR SALE: 1989, 30 ft. Cruisers Villa Vee. any software or hardware problem. Instruc- Fully equipped for family and fishing. Sleeps 4, AC, tion available for all new PC owners. I even Faruno Fishfinder, standard horizon GPS, Marine make house calls. References available. radio. Turn key, $25,000. With 2008 summer slip ______Call “Joe, the Computer Guy” 718-885-9366. ______rental at S.M.Y.C. 845-832-6842. MASSAGE THERAPY in the privacy of your CENTRE STREET MULTI-FAMILY MARATHON home. Gift certificates, references avail- Blake Cottam behind the plate and Robert Pirraglia poised to hit. YARD SALES, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fri, Sat & Sun, July ______able. John Raimondi, L.M.T. 718-885-0619. 4, 5 & 6. Come celebrate with us – and bring your KEYBOARD PLAYER AVAILABLE: I play smooth ______shopping bags! and gentle music for special events. References STUDIO APARTMENT FOR RENT: Partially fur- ______available. Call Diana at 718-885-2091. ______nished. $750. Available June 1. Call 718-708-5265. Experienced reading specialist available to tutor BABYSITTER: Creative, fun college senior avail- your child. Flexible hours. Contact Nancy @ able for summer. Experience includes 5 years ______718-885-0941 or 347 219-3905. resident camp counselor and nanny job. CPR/First PHOTO RESTORATION: Take old photographs aid certified. Excellent references. Call Katie 914- and have them restored like new. Copies made ______417-7264. from negatives or prints. Framing available as RESUMES WRITTEN, EDITED, LAID OUT: From ______well. Call Ron 718-885-1403. actors to lawyers. Concise, professional, superior. TOYS, GAMES, PUZZLES, PUPPETS, craft kits ______Get to the next level. Call Katie 718 885-2929. & more! Now at Exotiqa 718-885-3090 or shop PLASTERING & GENERAL CONTRACTOR: ______online at www.themagicofgifts.com. Oxbridge Plastering LLC, fully licensed and PASSPORT PHOTOS taken at Focal Point Gallery insured. All residential and commercial reno- ______321 City Island Avenue. Call Ron at 718-885-1403. vation projects big and small, specializing in PORTRAIT PARTY FAVORS: Make your next plastering and Venetian plastering. Based on event memorable for your guests. Add a portrait City Island, serving Westchester, Bronx, Man- station to your next special events. Every guest hattan & Connecticut. Call Tony 914-582-5904 will go home with a framed full color portrait of ______or email [email protected]. themselves. Our professionally prepared and NOT JUST SMALL JOBS: Carpentry-Remodel- presented color portraits are party favors that will ing-Repairs. Doors, windows, furniture repair, be cherished for years. Call 718-885-1403 or stop ______painting, locks, etc. Michael 718-885-1580. ______by Focal Point Gallery, 321 City Island Avenue. PIANO LESSONS: Lifetime experience teaching Jewelry designed & repaired: Gold, silver, children and adults. My home on a Steinway Photos by LIZ LYONS ______pearl & bead re-stringing. Exotiqa 718-885-3090. Grand Piano. Flexible hours. Call Diana 718- American Legion Pitcher Dylan Cullen DRIVING LESSONS given daily. Cars for road tests. 885-2091. ______Permit questions free. Special attention to nervous with Anthony Orzo playing second base. CITY ISLAND SOUVENIRS: Mugs, sailboats, ______people. JoRae Auto School. 718-325-0494. life rings, teddy bears & post cards. Exotiqa LEARN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Photoshop 7 or eral home runs in practice, and on May 6 ______718-885-3090. black and white photography, developing film, print- finally went yard in an interleague game AVON REPRESENTATIVE: Avon is not just ­______ing, camera techniques. Call Ron 718-885-1403. cosmetics. Jewelry, clothes, vitamins, videos, against North Bronx. In their next game VOICE LESSONS: Ages middle school through complete line of children’s gifts, toys and more. against Sammy’s, Kyle Kreig pitched a adult. My home studio. Suffering from sleep Ask for catalogue. Call Emily 718-885-2430. ______apnea? Singing strengthens your throat mus- complete game for the win. WEBSITES CREATED: Effective, great-looking cles, which helps eliminate the effects of apnea. In the Jack’s and Legion rematch on websites from scratch or your old website fixed up. ______Flexible­ hours. Call Diana 718-885-2091. ______Easy, affordable, quick. Call Katie 718-885-2929. May 10, it was a tight game. The turning point came when Legion went ahead in the Your Ad Could Be Here top of the sixth inning. Anthony Gonzalez stepped up to the plate and hit a long fly ball into center field; it was deftly snagged by center fielder Emmett Foxe, who made a perfect throw to second base for the double Jon Nagy at third base waits for a play. play. Jacks’ took advantage of last licks and ended the game in a 10-10 tie. It was an exciting game with excellent pitching performances by Robert and Michael Pirra- glia; Dylan Cullen was behind the plate for the Legion, and Nick Connolly and Chris DiMarco pitched for Jack’s, with Blake The 2008 season is in full swing on the Cottam doing the catching. newly renovated Ambrosini Field. Our Minors: The Minors teams (ages 6– opening day on April 26, 2008, was well 8) play weekday evenings (Tuesday or attended with players and spectators and Wednesday) at the field. IGA team is honored guests. Other than a few rain- coached by John Manna and JP’s Restau- outs, the field has been in use every night rant is coached by Maria Piri, who reports of the week with practices and regular that JP’s is off to a good start. The team is season baseball and softball games. building on last year’s success by working Juniors: This year’s Juniors team, on the fundamentals of hitting, fielding New Yorker Contractors, is being coached and throwing. Players who are having a by Franco Fino. They are almost halfway good start include first baseman Nicholas through the season with a 4-6 record. Texidor, who is terrific at bat. Connor Han- Players Kevin Whelan, Danny Masterson ley-Piri has roped a long triple and several and Franco Fino Jr. have been selected for doubles, not to mention settling in behind the All-Star Game to be played Saturday, the plate. Second baseman John Thompson May 24, at Astor Field. is having an excellent season, and third Majors: Jack’s Bait & Tackle played baseman Drew Cottam is solid in the field the American Legion in the opening day and at bat. Michael Bauso in his rookie game on April 26. It was a close game season is showing real promise, and Joseph until the fifth inning, when Jack’s scored Mancuso has displayed real agility in the six runs, led off by Nick Connolly’s field. There has been some timely hitting triple, followed by an RBI single from from Joseph Cordero. The team is rounded Chris DiMarco, and base hits from Blake out by Michael Moore, Michael DeSan- Cottam, Jimmie Kunz and Rob Connolly. tis, Chris DeSantis, Michael Mancuso and Jack’s went on to win 10 to 5. Jimmy Metzler. Sammy’s Fishbox, coached by Larry T-ball has begun with a record roster Saulnier, is slamming their way through of more than 40 players! The program is the season. Their red-hot bats crushed being run by Tony Massella on Saturday Jack’s on May 8 with their double/dou- mornings from 9 to 11 at Ambrosini Field. ble-trouble hitting squad of Nicholas and Come out and watch the future of City Michael Bellocchio and Michael and Island Little League. Majors games begin Nicholas LaBriola. Their pitching aces, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. each Saturday on the Kevin Saulnier and Danny Pirraglia, won main field. As always, City Island Little the game 8 to 2. League would like to thank our sponsors Joshua Garcia of Ruggiero & Sons, for their generous support! coached by Johnny Valenti, had hit sev- Elizabeth Lyons Page Twenty The Island Current June 2008

Information for the Talebearer must be received in writ- ing no later than the 15th of the month except July and December. Mail to The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464; include your name and telephone number. Happy birthday on June 1 to Tier Street’s Marion Rosenfeld, with best wishes from the gang at Atlantic Emeritus Realty. Congratulations to Bay Street’s Stephen Swieciki, who graduated on May 11 from St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York, with a B.A. in History. We are very proud of you! Good luck as you pursue your Master’s at SBU! Virginia Nye graduated from SUNY Mari- time College as an engineer. Happy June 23 birthday greetings to the Sailmaker’s John Iovieno, with love from Theater and Technology. your family. Best of luck to Marine Street’s Christo- Congratulations to the graduating class pher Butterworth, who will graduate from of 2008, many of whom were members Archbishop Stepinac High School on June of the P.S. 175 Class of 2000. Justin Rod- 7. Your family is so proud of you. Keep up strom graduated from Villanova Univer- the good work as you continue your educa- sity in Pennsylvania and Mark Nani from tion at Westchester Community College. Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Happy Father’s Day to Jack Doyle and The boys have made their parents proud Chuck Butterworth with lots of love from and deserve many good wishes for happi- your family. ness and success. Birthday greetings on June 6 across the Confirmation blessings! On Friday, miles in sunny Florida to Jill Doyle, with May 16, 2008, Nicholas Scott Connolly love from your family. of Horton Street received the sacrament Happy birthday wishes to Ann Butter- of Confirmation at the Church of Saint worth, who celebrates her big day on June Thomas More in Manhattan. Nicholas was 29. sponsored by his aunt, Cindy Auth of Congratulations to Janessa Desjardin Greenwich, Connecticut and he took the of Pilot Street on her graduation from P.S. name of Francis, after his favorite saint, 175. Good luck in high school. We love Francis of Assisi. you! Mom, Kelly, Gram, Mima, Marissa, Photos by BARBARA HARRISON KAYE Bishop Dominick J. Lagonegro, along with St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church candi- Barbara Callahan, daughter of Brian Stephen, your brother David and your cousin Grace. dates for the sacrament of confirmation, preparing for the ceremony where they reaf- and Irene Callahan and granddaughter of firm their acceptance of the Catholic Church as their faith in May 2008 (top photo). James Callahan of Earley Street and Rus- Congratulations to Gerry McCormick, who will graduate the Sports Profession Rev. Michael Challinor, pastor, and parochial vicar Rev. Augustus Onwubiko lead the sell Schaller of King Avenue, made the young candidates for First Holy Communion into the church (bottom photo). Greenwich Connecticut High School Var- High School on June 26. Love from Mom, sity softball team. Barbara is the lone fresh- Dad and Katie. man on the team and the starting shortstop. Happy birthday on June 6 to Tina Schae- Brother Dylan was on the Greenwich Little fer. with love from your family. League team that reached the finals in 2007 A very happy Father’s Day to all our in the Cal Ripkin World Series. Among his dads and grandfathers. myriad hits was an out-of-the-park home Maria Swieciki run. This year he was the number three pick for the Greenwich Babe Ruth League team. Both Barbara and Dylan owe their athletic prowess to their grandfather Jim, who played ball for the New York State Merchant Marine Academy and the New York Yankee farm system. God bless Minneford Avenue’s Matthew Cioffi, who made his First Communion at St. Mary’s on May 3. We are so proud of you and love you very much! Mom and Dad. Kudos to Bay Street’s Alanna McIntyre, Alanna McIntyre was recently inducted into the National Honor Society on May who was inducted into the National Honor Stephen Swieciki, son of Maria and Bob Swieciki, graduated from St. Bonaventure 13. Alanna is a junior at the Renais- University in Olean, New York, on May 11, 2008, with a B.A. in History. He will continue Society on May 13. Alanna is a junior at sance High School for Musical Theater on at St. Bonaventure to pursue his masters degree in secondary education the Renaissance High School for Musical and Technology.

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