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Volume 38 Number 9 November 2009 One Dollar

After Detour, Ladder 53 Credited with Response to Two-Alarm Blaze on CI Avenue By KAREN NANI

long to wait for these off-Island companies. caused heavy outbound delays and backups “This is a wood frame structure. This fire at the bridge. EMS Division Commander took off. The six or seven minute difference James Booth, a City Island resident, told that it takes an off-Island ladder to come to The Current that in addition to the ambu- City Island would have been the difference lance at the scene, an ambulance and EMS of life and death,” Council Member James crew was redeployed to the south end of the Vacca told CBS News after surveying the Island in case any other emergencies arose. damage to the building. This was necessary because the avenue was Patrice and Raphael Ortega, who have completely blocked at that point and an owned To Go Express for 13 years, stood ambulance would have had trouble getting stunned watching the fire along with the through. Eleven firefighters who fought building’s owners, Louise and Joe Del- the blaze were treated for minor injuries at Giudice. There was no one at work in the Jacobi and Montefiore hospitals. Photos by RICK DeWITT and RON TERNER The cause of the fire continues to be A two-alarm blaze ignited 415 City Island Avenue, the location of the popular To-Go restaurant or at the salon at the time of the Express take-out restaurant, four residential apartments and the Art of Beauty Salon on blaze. under investigation by the fire department. Monday, Oct. 5, 2009. Although Ladder 53 responded quickly, it took a detour when it Meanwhile, morning traffic on and Some Islanders observed the wires spark- was given the wrong location from the first 911 call at 6:40 a.m. Residents felt vindicated off the Island was detoured by police ing on the pole nearest the building during for their efforts to save the unit, as it was the first to respond and was immediately onto Minneford and King Avenues, which Continued on page 2 deployed for evacuation and fire containment.

Sirens and helicopters roused Island- ments and roof of the building, according ers from their sleep on the morning of to Chief Dunne. Fortunately, there were Chamber Honors Local Volunteers Monday, Oct. 5, when a two-alarm blaze no injuries to the 11 tenants of the build- By JUDY RAUH ignited 415 City Island Avenue, the loca- ing, who either left on their own or were tion of the popular To-Go Express take-out assisted by firefighters. One female tenant restaurant, four residential apartments and told The Current: “I was asleep and heard the Art of Beauty salon. After fighting for yelling. It was sanitation workers who seven months to keep Ladder 53 on City saw the smoke and were banging on the Island, residents felt vindicated for their windows and yelling for us to get out.” efforts as the unit was the first to respond, At the same time, another Island resi- and the ladder was immediately deployed dent, Mayella Haslam, was driving to for evacuation and fire containment. work when she stopped for the light at “It made a difference in that we had Ditmars Street around 6:40 a.m. and saw the equipment and personnel available smoke and flames coming out of the right to ladder the rear of the building, which top corner of the building. “I pulled over effected the rescue for civilians who lived and ran to the left entrance to the apart- in the building on the second floor,” FDNY ments and started ringing doorbells and Deputy Chief Thomas Dunne told report- yelling. Chris McGuire [of All Pro Marine ers at the scene. Contracting] and two sanitation men were Although Ladder 53 responded quickly, trying the right entrance,” she told The it took a detour because of an inaccurate Current. location given by the operator responding Ms. Haslam was buzzed into the hall- Photo by RON TERNER to the first 911 call at 6:40 a.m. According way and started banging on the apartment Pictured at the 99th Annual Chamber Awards Dinner are (l. to r.) front row: Tom Mes- to reports from Islanders, both Ladder 53 doors and yelling for people to get out. sina, Laury Hopkins, Mike O’Connor, Peter LaScala, Yolanda Cirulli, Ralph Manfredonia, and Engine 70, which make up the City She saw four tenants leaving the build- John Tomsen, James Vacca and Helen Livingston McMahon. Back row: Skip Giacco and Island company, rushed to Pilot Street, ing, and by the time she left, “balls of fire Michael Shanley. then turned around and headed to the actual were coming down around the doorway. fire 13 blocks away on City Island Avenue I counted one, two, three and then ran At its 99th annual awards dinner, the Member and master of ceremonies for between Ditmars and Bowne Streets. out into the street.” She credited Chris City Island Chamber of Commerce paid the evening; the Rev. Sue Chadwick, pas- FDNY released the first 911 call tape, McGuire, the sanitation workers and an tribute to seven people for their dedicated tor of Trinity United Methodist Church; which appears to have gone dead before employee of Cottam Heating with helping work in the community. Gerard “Skip” Father Michael Challinor and Sister Ber- the address of the fire was given. The other tenants get out. There were still no Giacco, the new president of the Cham- nadette Hannaway from St. Mary, Star dispatcher sent the crew to 20 Pilot Street, fire trucks on the scene, but she said they ber, hosted the event, which was held at of the Sea Church, and Rabbi Shohama probably intending 30 Pilot Street, the came within the next minute. the Lido restaurant on Saturday, Oct. 24, Wiener of Temple Beth-El. location of Pickwick Terrace, site of the Despite the detour, Island units were 2009. Helen Livingston McMahon was cell tower that relayed the 911 call. They first on the scene and declared it a two- Paul Klein, Chamber vice president, given the Sam Bierman Community Ser- were then quickly rerouted to the correct alarm fire at 6:47 a.m. They were eventu- introduced the special attendees for the vice Award for her many volunteer activi- location on City Island Avenue follow- ally joined by more than 100 firefighters evening: Adolfo Carrión, former Bronx ties on City Island. “She has committed ing subsequent 911 calls giving the exact from 25 units in neighboring divisions in Borough President and now the White herself to our youth,”Mr. Vacca noted address. the Bronx, who fought for 90 minutes to House Director of Urban Affairs; Tom in his presentation of the award. Helen Meanwhile, the “heavy body of fire” bring the stubborn blaze under control. Messina, representing Congressman Joe thanked everyone who helped her. was spreading rapidly from the ceiling in Residents and local elected officials Crowley; James Vacca, City Council Laury Hopkins received the Tom Cer- the store on the first floor to the upper apart- maintained that it would have taken too Continued on page 4 Page Two The Island Current November 2009

larceny auto on City Island Avenue at 7 a.m. briefly... 45 BLOTTER The vehicle was removed from the owner’s driveway. CITY ISLAND CLEAN-UP: Come one, come all to help clean up City Island 10/4 – Police arrested an Island male, 54, Complaints reported from City Island to the Avenue! Meet at Hawkins Park on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 9 a.m. to get your assignment. The and charged him with DWI on Ditmars Street 45th Precinct during September and October Department of Sanitation will provide brooms, rakes, bags and gloves, so just bring yourself and City Island Avenue at 1:50 a.m. 2009. Unfounded complaints are not included and lots of energy. Free barbecue afterward for all the volunteers. All ages welcome but parental 10/13 – A complaint of criminal mischief in the list nor are complaints for crime occur- supervision required for youngsters. was filed when the hood and windshield of a ring on the mainland. vehicle on City Island Avenue were damaged BLOOD DRIVE, sponsored by the Bronx Masons, will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, September and October around 4 p.m. between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 113 Bay Street. Almost 2 – CRIMINAL MISCHIEF Warning: Police from the 45th Precinct anyone between the ages of 17 and 75, weighing a minimum of 110 pounds and in good general 1 – ASSAULT want to warn Islanders about a rash of break- health, can be a blood donor. Photo or signature ID and Social Security number are required at 1 – BURGLARY ing-and-entering incidents occurring nearby the time of donation. 1 – DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED in the Bronx. Unknown perpetrators are im- (DWI) personating water and Con Ed inspectors say- SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM: The City Island Library and the American Society 1 – GRAND LARCENY (AUTO) ing that they have come to read homeowners’ for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) will co-sponsor a Spay/Neuter program on 2 – CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A meters. Once the alleged inspector gains ac- Saturday, Nov. 7. The ASPCA will bring a large mobile clinic to City Island in front of the WEAPON library at 320 City Island Avenue between Fordham and Bay Streets starting around 7:30 a.m. cess to the home or apartment, an accomplice Police report the following incidents for and conducting surgery until 3 p.m. Pet owners will be charged a fee of $75 for each spay or sneaks in and ransacks the residence. They are the period from September 1 to October 15, warning residents, especially the elderly, to neuter surgery. This is an all-inclusive fee in the event that the pet requires one or more of the 2009: not grant access to their homes unless they are additional procedures being offered that day (e.g., rabies or distemper vaccines, nail trim and 9/2 – A female, 45, was assaulted by an absolutely sure that the inspector is legitimate. E-collar). Pet owners who have proof of being on public assistance will not be charged. For unknown person at 4 p.m. on Cross Street and If unsure, call Con Edison or other agency to more information, call (877) SPAY-NYC. Minneford Avenue. Police are investigating confirm the inspection, or call the 45th Pre- the incident. REGISTRATION FOR GIRLS SOFTBALL: Girls 5–16 who wish to reg- cinct at 718-822-5411 and report your doubts. 9/7 – A complaint of criminal mischief ister for the Pelham Bay Belles may do so at the Pelham Bay Little League Clubhouse, which was filed at 12:30 a.m. when a vehicle parked is located at 2680 Westchester Avenue in the Bronx (exit 2 of the Hutchinson River Parkway on City Island Avenue and Pilot Street was south). For registration fees and information, call 718-931-9585 anytime; leave a message and a CORRECTION damaged. There were two errors in the story representative of the league will contact you, or you may visit their website, www.pelhambayll. 9/11 – On Bay Street, two arrests were about the City Island school principals com. The Pelham Bay Girls Softball League is open to all girls ages 5–16 living in the Bronx. made for criminal possession of a weapon at in the October issue of The Current: No one is turned away for any reason, and all girls will be able play, regardless of their level 8:15 p.m. A male, 32, was charged with pos- Assemblyman Michael Benedetto’s of experience. session of a gravity knife, while another male, funding of $100,000 was used to sup- 54, was charged with possession of a shotgun ELECTION DAY SALE AT P.S. 175: On Tuesday, Nov, 3, from 6 a.m. to 8 (see story in October 2009 Current). port the computer lab with all new MAC p.m., stop by P.S. 175, 200 City Island Avenue, on your way to the voting machine, and buy fresh- 10/2 – At 10 p.m., a commercial establish- desktop computers. State Senator Jeff baked goods and try your luck with a raffle. The grand prizes will include an Apple iPod Touch, ment on City Island Avenue was broken into Klein will be donating $43,000 for a a 26-inch flat-screen television, bicycles and Beatles: Rock Band game, to name just a few. The through windows that were popped open. project still to be determined. PTA, which is organizing the event, thanks everyone in advance for their continued support. 10/4 – Police are investigating a grand FREE TEEN CONCERT: In memory of Gary Gunzl, a free City Island Memorial calls to an FDNY operator, who would Concert is planned for Friday, Nov. 13, at the Lido Restaurant on City Island Avenue and Pilot Two-Alarm Blaze work with fire dispatchers. The change, Street. Special guests are lined up, including actor Scott Winters from the HBO show “Oz” and Continued from page 1 intended to shorten response times, has the movie “Good Will Hunting.” There will be lively music, a hip hop artist and a place for the early moments of the blaze. FDNY faced criticism because 911 operators do teens to come together and reflect on life choices. The concert is planned from 8 to 11 p.m. and officials were asked about the exterior not undergo the same level of training as admission is free. However, donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of the event. For wiring as a source, but they would not FDNY operators do, and because firefight- more information, please contact Yolanda Cirulli at 917-499-4627. comment, citing the ongoing investigation. ers have reported an uptick in errors. Island resident Edward Sadler, who worked “Any firefighter will tell you that when for the FDNY for many years, observed it comes to putting out a structural fire, that additional delays were caused by the every second counts,” Mr. Vacca said. presence of overhead Cablevision wires, “Shortening the dispatching process is which forced the ladder company to rig important, but if UCT has our firefighters extension ladders. He told The Current that arriving at the wrong location, we need to these wires and Con Ed’s should have been go back to the drawing board.” installed underground years ago, a project Within one week of the fire, the Art of that has never been undertaken because of Beauty announced that it will reopen for the expense. business from Tuesdays through Saturdays The building was extensively renovated in a temporary location at 240 City Island over 10 years ago, including new exterior Avenue, at the corner of Schofield Street. siding and interior remodeling. Both To Go The salon’s hours will remain the same and Art of Beauty have been successfully as before (see What’s Going On in this and safely run for more than 10 years at issue). the site, which includes both 413 and 415 The Ortegas have not been as fortu- City Island Avenue addresses. Patrice told nate. “All our stuff remains buried under The Current that the DelGiudices are “good the rubble and we can’t get it out yet. The landlords” and that the building was kept in restaurant is our life and we just want to excellent condition. get it started again,” Patrice said tearfully. As to the detour, Mr. Vacca, who is She explained that relocating the restaurant chair of the City Council’s Fire and Crimi- to another site on City Island is not as easy nal Justice Services Committee, has called as moving the salon as there are zoning Photos by PAUL NANI on Mayor Michael Bloomberg to order and permit issues when it comes to kitch- On Oct. 17, at 2:15 a.m., a pick-up truck hit a utility pole near Catherine Scott Prom- an investigation of the circumstances that ens. Patrice said the owners of Filomena’s enade, downing live power lines and burning the grass near the sidewalk. City Island delayed the fire response, not only on City Pizza, which reopened in September 2009 Avenue was closed by police through the morning while Con Ed made repairs. Island but also in Morris Park two days ear- after a fire in May 2008 damaged their lier. He also announced that his committee building, were being very supportive and THE ISLAND CURRENT Editorial Office: 718-885-0760 will hold an oversight hearing in November P.O. Box 6 Display Advertising: 718-885-1636 explaining how they survived the tempo- on the city’s new 911 dispatching system, City Island, N.Y. 10464 or: [email protected] rary closure. Subscriptions: 718-885-9268 called Unified Call Taking (UCT), which Both the salon and restaurant owners www.theislandcurrent.com EDITOR: Karen Rauhauser Nani local firefighters said may have contributed hope the building can be renovated and that to the delays. CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Sara S. McPherson DISTRIBUTION: Emily Leni they can resume business as soon as pos- COPY EDITOR/WRITER: Barbara Dolensek SUBSCRIPTION: Rose Kolb Previously, operators would transfer sible. ART EDITOR: Marguerite Chadwick-Juner ADVERTISING MANAGERS: Joan Ramftl, Margaret Lenz BUSINESS MANAGER: Judith Rauh STAFF: Bill Clancy, Maria Swieciki, Carol Koschak, Ed Heben, Marsha Treiber, Jane Protzman, Bill Stuttig, DR. STEVE’S Tom Smith, Virginia Dannegger, Monica Glick, Maria Sutherland, John Sheridan, Miriam Kleinberg, Paula City Island Deli Huffell and Teresa Teto. APPLIANCE SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHY: Rick DeWitt. & Pizza CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS: Russell Schaller Sr., Stephanie Ribaudo, Marge McNulty, Lorraine Nicoletti. Catering For All Occasions Masthead and special artwork by the late Theodore J. Mazaika. 1 Year guarantee on parts. Up to 8 Foot Heroes 25 Years of Experience on All Brands Typeset by Marguerite Chadwick-Juner, Witworks Studio Graphic Design, 33 Earley Street, City Island, N.Y. 10464 Printed by Hi-Speed Printing Co., 560 South Third Ave., Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 Try Our Full Line of Pizza, The Island Current (USPS 114-590) is published monthly except for January and August by the Island Current Inc., a Calzones & Take Out Dinners not-for-profit organization. Subscription rate, $12.00 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 WE DELIVER! 718-671-0700 advertising deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication, call 885-0984 or 885-0760. Copyright 2009 by The 520 City Island Avenue Island Current, Inc., 724 King Ave., City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. All rights reserved. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT BRONX, NY. 718-885-1083 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. November 2009 The Island Current Page Three

his 140-acre Rodman’s Neck Farm, and he had inherited in 1860 from his father. He Grace Episcopal Church in 1818 he sold 42 acres at the island’s then went on to serve as church warden for southernmost tip to George Horton from the 41 consecutive years, from 1866 to 1906. Celebrates Its 160th Birthday Town of Pelham who was the Supervisor Building the Church of Westchester County. Horton promoted by MARGARET O’CONNELL and KAREN NANI If you look upward into the rafters at the building of five streets, including Pilot, Grace Church, you will see evidence of Pell, and Schofield, and the public highway, craftsmanship of a different kind – that of Main Street (now City Island Avenue). ship building, for the church was actually Before Horton died, he deeded part of his constructed by carpenters from the nearby farm to his son, George Washington Hor- David Carll Shipyard, the first yard of its ton. kind on City Island. The architecture of Beginning in 1849, one of the Rev. the church is termed “carpenter Gothic,” a Robert Bolton’s eight daughters, Adele Bol- popular late Victorian style, but if you can ton, and one of his five Episcopal priest imagine the church being upside down, you sons, the Rev. Cornelius Winter Bolton, can see that the configuration of the beams were rowed over to City Island to offer resembles that of a ship’s hull. David Carll afternoon services every second Sunday. was a vestryman of the church for 24 con- James Flanderan, a New Rochelle Baptist, secutive years, from 1866 to 1889. offered services on the other Sundays, and Those who attended the talk by David the Eastchester Methodists visited City Fraser, a stained-glass conservator, on Sun- Island five or six times a year. Services day, Sept. 27, learned that the Bolton family Photo by ROBERT BENIMOFF were probably held at the Old School was very well known for its artistic creativ- Grace Episcopal Church celebrated its 160th anniversary at a gala dinner dance on House, which was located near where P.S. Friday, Oct. 16, at the City Island Yacht Club. The current vicar, Rev. Patricia Alexander, ity, especially in the design and manufacture 175 is today. Eventually, Union Chapel of stained glass. “The Adoration of the was joined by Mark Sisk, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, and former rec- was founded at the corner of Tier and Main tor, Rev. Douglas Coleman, to mark this important milestone in the history of the church Magi” window at Christ Church Pelham Streets and secured for the use of the three (the first known figurative stained-glass and City Island. Here at the Bishop’s table are (l. to r. seated) senior warden Harlan Sex- denominations. ton and her husband, David Sexton, Mrs. Sisk and Bishop Sisk, and (standing) Estelle window made in America) was designed This arrangement lasted only two years, Menon and junior warden Chandra Menon, Rev. Randy Alexander and Vicar Patricia and made by Cornelius’s brother William, however. When the Rev. C. W. Bolton left Alexander, with Mrs. Douglas Coleman and Rev. Coleman. assisted by their brother John. Grace’s altar for Maryland, his sister Adele continued window, picturing “The Trial of Christ,” This year, Grace Episcopal Church cel- any neighborhood, how many institutions ministering to the people of City Island was created by John Bolton, who was also ebrates its 160th year of existence on City are over 160 years old and still standing? and was rowed there every Sunday. She an Episcopal priest, and he fashioned his Island. This important milestone in City Grace is here thanks to the many named undoubtedly visited the sick and elderly, window after a version made by William for Island history was marked by a number of and unnamed Christians who created and conducted scripture study sessions and per- the church of St. Ann and the Holy Trinity in events, including a presentation on the his- supported this parish and I congratulate haps even led a service according to the Brooklyn. There has been much comparison tory of the historic Bolton window, “The you all.” Book of Common Prayer. C. W. Bolton of the two windows and opinions expressed Trial of Christ,” on Sept. 27 and a gala din- The anniversary dinner was preceded returned to become rector of Christ Church, as to which is of higher quality, but each has ner dance on Oct. 16 at the City Island Yacht on Sept. 27 by a fascinating talk given at Pelham, and he also ministered to City merit (although Grace parishioners tend to Club. the church by David Fraser, a conservator Islanders for two brief years, 1855 to 1857. prefer John’s version). More than 100 parishioners, former of stained glass and an expert on the Bolton However, the Episcopalians had lost the In 1906 New York City began to widen parishioners and other Islanders attended family, which founded Grace Church and use of the Union Chapel, although Adele Main Street, and the church building the dinner to celebrate the parish, which was made the altar window for the church one continued to minister to the Islanders, who incurred damages as a result of the project, started by the Bolton family in 1849 (see of City Island’s great treasures. eventually hired the Rev. M. M. Dillon. which was completed in 1908. That year the history below), and the many members and Grace History: The Bolton Family Within five years, in spite of the dev- church was wired for electricity for the first clergy who came before to keep the “legacy astating economic climate caused by the time, and the following year a church bell of worship, discipleship and service” going On New Year’s Day in 1722 in Phila- Civil War, the Rev. M. M. Dillon reported delphia, Ann Curtis Bolton, the wife of was installed in the belfry. In 1912 money on City Island. that “the young ladies of Pelham Priory (a was finally received from the city to pay for The Reverend Patricia Phaneuf Alexan- a 34-year-old gentleman named Robert school built by Adele Bolton’s father) had Bolton, an English immigrant, gave birth to damages to the property, and some of these der, current vicar of Grace, hailed the efforts contributed $1,358 toward the construction funds were used to raise the church building of so many who have worked and worshiped a son. Three weeks later, the boy was bap- of a new church. Adele Bolton herself col- tized Robert Bolton by a minister at Christ by five feet. Other improvements were made over the last 160 years at Grace. “We stand lected $944, and City Islanders promised to to the property over time, including the on the shoulders of spiritual giants and are Church in Philadelphia, and he eventually contribute $600. George Washington Hor- became a cotton merchant in Savannah, construction of a parish hall and the acqui- privileged to have inherited their legacy,” ton donated $100, but more important, he sition of a rectory. In 2007 Grace Episcopal she told the gathering. Georgia, where his son, another Robert, gave the fledgling church a plot of land at would follow in his footsteps. That Robert Church was named to the National Register She was joined by Mark Sisk, Bishop the intersection of Main Street (City Island of Historic Places for its architectural and of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, who and his wife, Sarah McLean, were married Avenue) and Pilot Street out of the estate in Philadelphia in 1782 and celebrated their historical significance. congratulated those who continue to be faithful to Grace. “When you think about sixth wedding anniversary with the birth of a son, named (of course) Robert, who also became a prosperous cotton merchant, first Restoring the Pillars in Savannah then, after 1807, in Liverpool, City Island artist Marguerite Chad- announced in the December issue of The England, where he met and married Ann wick-Juner has joined Eagle Scout John Island Current. Jay. Unfortunately, nine years later, Bol- Devlin in raising the funds needed to ton’s cotton business failed and he became restore the pillars of the Pelham Cem- a minister at the Dissenters Chapel at Hen- etery. ley-on-Thames, while his wife produced Marguerite has created an original 14 children. Bolton resigned his ministry in 1836 and sailed with his family to New painting to be sold in a silent auction dur- York City. A year later he became rector of ing the month of November in order to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Eastchester, raise money for the pillars. The picture can New York, and was ordained a priest five be seen in the window of the Focal Point months later. Gallery at 321 City Island Avenue. The The Rev. Robert Bolton bought prop- minimum bid is $75, and those interested erty in New Rochelle and in 1843 he in submitting a bid of $75 or higher are laid the cornerstone for Christ Church, asked to write the bid on a piece of paper the first Episcopal Church in Pelham and with name, address, phone number and/or the mother church of Grace Church, City e-mail address. The paper should then be Island. He served as Christ Church’s rector slipped under the door at the Focal Point or from 1843 until he and his wife returned to mailed to John Devlin, 185 Reville Street, England in 1851. Bronx, NY 10464. The Boltons Bring Grace to City Island As the bids come in, the highest amount In 1807 most of City Island had been will be posted at the Focal Point Gallery. purchased by Nicholas Haight as part of Bidders will also be notified of the current bids and be given the opportunity to make “Early Morning at Pelham Cemetery” by a higher bid. The successful bidder will be Marguerite Chadwick-Juner.

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NINE ONE-ONE SENDS LADDER COMPANY 53 ART OF BEAUTY SALON RELOCATES WITH HAIR DRY- TRANSFORMER POLE ON CITY TO WRONG ADDRESS. ERS TO SCHOFIELD ST. AND CITY ISLAND AVE. ISLAND AVE. HIT BY VEHICLE PUTS CHASE COMPUTERS OUT OF SERVICE.

I’M SORRY, BUT I CAN’T FIND SILLY WHICH WAY DID WHO’S THE CODGER? WHAT WE ISLAND ON THE MAP. I HEAR THERE’S A FIRE THEY GO? NEED ON CITY SALE ON HEAT PERMS. THANK HEAVEN ISLAND IS IT’S CITY ISLAND, WE STILL HAVE A THAT’S ED A FIRE BOAT NOT SILLY ISLAND. WORKING ABACUS. THEY WENT THAT SADLER, CAPTAIN AND THE WAY, BUT THE FIRE’S (RET.) OF THE CABLE ON THE OTHER WAY. FDNY. THE AVENUE PLACED UNDER GROUND.

there is only one road on and off the island. presentation. Mike said he was grateful for In addition, in recent years, it has become Chamber Dinner the opportunity to work with the people of a popular destination for motorcyclists, who Continued from page 1 City Island. unfortunately, and illegally, circumvent the Yolanda Cirulli was honored with the traffic by using the fire lane. etta Accomplished Service Award for her Service to Community Award for her work The City Island Civic Association active contribution to the arts on City with the homeless stray animals in the area. brought their concerns to Captain Roume- Island, much of it with the children. Jimmy Dee Stewart, representing Tristate Com- liotis at the monthly Community Council praised Laury “for your spirit and enthu- panion Animal Care, presented Yolanda meetings of the 45th Precinct, and he subse- siasm in promoting young people.” Laury with a certificate of recognition for her quently devised a stunningly simple yet ef- told the audience she was happy to be able work with the animals. We welcome letters and opinions. Letters longer than fective solution to the traffic problem. With to help Island children. 250 words will be edited, with every effort made to Michael Shanley was presented the A Special Valor Award for Ralph Man- preserve their substance. We reserve the right not to the support of Assistant Chief Purtell’s of- fredonia and John Tomsen celebrated their print letters that are copies, libelous, inaccurate or in fice, manpower resources were reallocated Catherine Scott Achievement Award for bad taste, or those that cannot be verified. Include your his contributions to P.S. 175 and to The courageous work to save a drowning man phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, and traffic cones were placed along the en- in Eastchester Bay last summer. Both but names will be withheld upon request. tire length of the fire lane on City Island Av- Island Current. Mr. Vacca lauded Michael Ralph and John grew up on City Island. enue. This, along with the presence of police for “fostering civic pride and responsibil- John noted that because of that, the stormy Grateful Grace Church officers from the 45th, effectively controlled ity through leadership.” Michael thanked waters around City Island didn’t scare To the Editor: the traffic problem and also led to actions by the business community on City Island them. “The water was just an extension of On behalf of the clergy, vestry, and the precinct that diminished the motorcycle for its support of the local school, and the island,” he said. parishioners of Grace Episcopal Church, I problem. he expressed gratitude to the many other In addition to the Chamber awards, the want to thank all those members of the City The City Island Civic Association rec- parents who have worked with him on the honorees were also given proclamations Island community who have helped us mark ommends that you commend Captain Rou- P.T.A. He also expressed his gratitude to from the City Council, Congressional Rec- the 160th anniversary of our founding in meliotis for his forward thinking and for Barbara Dolensek for encouraging him to ognition from Congressman Joe Crowley, a 1849. We are so grateful to everyone who having devised a viable solution to this prob- write for The Current. citation from Assemblyman Michael Bene- attended our Bolton lecture and champagne lem, which had become nearly intolerable New York City Police Office Mike detto and a certificate from New York State brunch in September and our celebratory for residents of City Island, and increasingly O’Connor was recognized with the Exem- Senator Jeff Klein. dinner at the City Island Yacht Club on Oct. unpleasant for visitors. plary Community Service Award for his At the conclusion of the awards cer- 16. Paul Nani, Traffic Chair, dedication to City Island. He has served as emony, Jimmy Vacca presented the Cham- That evening in particular I was remind- City Island Civic Association the community affairs officer at the 45th ber with a proclamation from the City ed anew of what makes City Island such a Police Precinct for several years, “a chal- Council honoring the organization for its special place: it truly is a “small town” in the Traffic Improvement Noticed lenging job,” as Jimmy Vacca noted in his 99th year of service to the community. Bronx. I cannot tell you just how gratifying To the Editor: it was to look out at the crowd and see not I would like to comment on the tremen- only Grace parishioners, but also members dous improvement in the traffic flow on City of the other houses of worship, community Island this past summer. It was so much leaders, business owners and friends of our improved that it was noticeable. Everyone congregation all gathered to give thanks and should be in line to thank the captain of the enjoy fellowship together. It was a very spe- 45th Precinct for his attention to this incred- cial evening, and I was deeply touched by ible problem we have all had to face in the your presence. summer. Whoever came up with the idea of Our parish in general and I in particular putting the cones in the fire lane was bril- have felt so supported by the people of City liant. Island over these past five years, and I look Having grown up and lived on the Is- forward to more opportunities for collabo- land most of my life, I have long been fa- ration and conviviality in the future! miliar with the snarl of cars every summer. I send my love and gratitude to you So a big thank you also goes to the Civic all. May God continue to bless City Island Association and to Paul Nani, who heads up abundantly. the Traffic Committee, for all their efforts Mother Patty Alexander, Vicar, in meeting with the 45th and finally getting Grace Episcopal Church the need for help across to the people who Betty Lavelle-Esola, could make it happen. Great job! Sue Kawczynski & Victor L. Anderson, Jr. Thanks from City Island Diane Duryea A copy of the following letter was received by The Current. Commissioner Raymond Kelly New York City Police Department One Police Plaza New York, NY 10038-1497 Dear Commissioner Kelly: The City Island Civic Association would like you to recognize the efforts of Captain Dimitrios Roumeliotis, command- ing officer of the 45th Police Precinct in the Bronx. Captain Roumeliotis, supported by the office of Assistant Chief Thomas Purtell of Patrol Borough Bronx, was able to solve a problem this summer that has plagued City Island as long as residents of this Bronx community can remember. As you may know, City Island, in the northeast Bronx, is a popular tourist attraction in the summer because of its many seafood restaurants and its proximity to Orchard Beach and Pelham Bay Park. But with this popularity invariably comes overwhelming gridlocked traffic on many summer weekends, especially since November 2009 The Island Current Page Five A Current Review It’s Her Park: City Island Theater in One Act, A Profile of Marianne Anderson Part I: A Review By JANE PROTZMAN By BRUCE WEIS There have been many changes and improvements in what we see now as we drive through Pelham Bay Park on our way to and from City Island. The person to thank is Marianne Anderson, the administrator of Pelham Bay Park and Orchard Beach. It has been her goal as the new administrator, after only a year and a half in the job, to give the park more visibility to its visitors. It is her mission to make the perimeters of the park more inviting, by broadening the vistas and making the roadside views more attractive. The emphasis in the past has been on areas well inside the park that are invisible to pass- ersby. Marianne Anderson was born and raised in the Fordham section of the Bronx, where DeVoe Park was her favorite place during Photo by JANE PROTZMAN her childhood. She now lives in Woodlawn Marianne Anderson with her husband, Brian, and their three children: Conor, 20; Emma, 18; and Luke, (DEC) that will breach the berm in the midst 6. After graduating from Lehman College, of the cove, thus restoring the tidal flow with degrees in history and environmental to the cove and sustaining the natural salt studies, Marianne began her career in the marsh community. The DEC will build a Photo by RICK DeWITT Parks Department in its Intern Program and bridge at the breach, which will enable the Dennis DeLeo and Eileen Marcus in “Variations on the Death of Trotsky” part of the then went into the Natural Resources Divi- continuation of the Siwanoy Trail along the one-act festival presented by the City Island Theater Group and produced by Nick Sala, sion. Since then she has held many different site of the tracks of the old monorail to City president. positions in the Parks Department and has Island. From 1910 to 1914 a revolutionary accomplished a great deal. She is quick to monorail system provided access to City To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the has grown tired and family routine is bor- point out, however, that she has a wonderful Island from the no longer existing Bartow City Island Theater Group presented the ing and Jack is in the throes of a mid-life staff of professionals doing the work and that Railroad Station. fourth edition of one of its most successful crisis, having realized he was meant to do much credit is due to them. It is a wonderful experience, as you drive features, a festival of one-act plays over two something else with his life. A noticeable improvement includes the toward the Orchard Beach Circle from the weekends in October this year. In an effort In perhaps the most complex produc- many areas in Pelham Bay Park planted with Shore Road, to see the sunlight streaming reminiscent of the Normandy invasion, 27 tion of the evening, “Variations on the perennials and ornamental grasses. This effort through the trees now that the marshland has actors and 11 directors, with the logistical Death of Trotsky” by David Ives, Dennis is sponsored by Park’s Greenstreets Program. been opened up. support of the producer and his staff, 15 DeLeo (as Leon Trotsky) and Eileen Mar- Of special interest to those of us who drive on Scott Farrington, the horticulture super- complete (if short) productions were offered cus (Mrs. Trotsky) channel Monty Python and off City Island is the planted area in the visor for Pelham Bay Park for the past year to an appreciative City Island audience. attempting Groundhog Day. (Don’t ask traffic circle’s triangle before the road to the and a half, has been concentrating on the The difficulty in producing a series of about the mountaineer’s axe.) The title of City Island bridge. Another attractive planted more southern areas of the park, in the area one-act plays is obvious from the name: the play defines its themes: How many area is across the street from the Turtle Cove of the Victory Memorial Gardens. Subse- there is only one brief act during which ways can Leon Trotsky and his faithful Golf Range at the entrance to a Parks Depart- quently he will focus on northerly areas, characters and some portion of an environ- wife define the events of Aug. 21, 1940. ment garage. which will be more visible to City Islanders. ment must appear on stage fully formed. “Canker Sores And Other Distractions” Other newly planted areas include those In addition to his efforts in the Turtle Cove Something takes place, and they’re gone; opens on the restaurant rendezvous of a near the entrance to the Bronx Equestrian marsh, John Grayley has created an exten- followed immediately by another set of happy, well-provided-for Prunella (Angela Center, at the circle inside the entrance of sive wildflower meadow on the grounds of characters in a different play, doing some- Theresa Collins) and her less happy ex- Orchard Beach and along the bike path of the Bartow-Pell Mansion by clearing a pre- thing else in a different place. Some theater- husband Martin (Joe Tom Collins), a man Shore Road. Marianne gives a lot of the viously overgrown area. He has also opened goers may want to know more about each who reluctantly provided for her in their credit for these attractive areas and their up an area that now provides a water view story, while others will be happy to choose divorce. The point of their meeting is to design and planting to Vinny Marrone and and hopes to begin a cutting garden for the their own endings. find if there’s still a romantic spark left. An his Bronx Borough Parks crew. She told The mansion, whose grounds are maintained by The first weekend of the festival, Oct. uncooperative waitress (Kate McShane) Current: “Pelham Bay Park is loved by the the Parks Department. 16–18, opened with the play “Chocolate” doesn’t help. Parks Department staff, because it is used by There has also been considerable work by Frederick Stroppel, in which John Geil, After intermission, in “Pride of Place” all of the Bronx.” This kind of enthusiasm done along the bridle path for the Eques- a police detective reminiscent of Columbo, by Donald Steele, a happy new home helps get the work done. trian Center. This has been made possible interviews Mrs. Colby (played by Sandy owner named Lisa (Tee Cotter) finds that A very noticeable improvement has been with mitigation funds from the construc- Prosnitz), alternately Betty Crocker, Emily Joyce (Camille Kaiser), the home’s previ- made in what is referred to as the Turtle tion of the Croton Water Filtration Plant Post and a sex kitten, concerning the where- ous owner, is having more than a little trou- Cove marsh and natural area. This is a major through the NYC Department of Environ- abouts of Mr. Colby. Mrs. Colby hasn’t seen ble letting go of her old home and putting restoration project funded by a National Fish mental Protection and the Municipal Water Mr. Colby in two weeks, yet the neighbors away the memories of the time she spent & Wildlife Foundation grant. Work began in Finance Authority. The result of this effort heard a lot of suspicious noise just about there. Lisa must decide just how much of June with a seasonal field crew supervised by can be seen along Shore Road and also along that time. Is that a bloodstain or chocolate Joyce’s previous life she will accept into Adam Thornbrough of the Natural Resources I-95 north just after the entrance from the on the floor and just why did Mrs. Colby her new home. group, with additional supervision by John Hutchinson River Parkway, where new trees need all that cement? In “Anything for You” by Cathy Cele- Grayley, the Natural Areas manager. In the have been planted along the fence. Next up was “Naked Mole Rats in sia, a forlorn Lynette (Susan Rauh), one surrounding upland areas, the crew focused The Friends of Pelham Bay Park is a the World of Darkness” by Mike Folie, in half of a close friendship, decides to chal- on the removal of the extensive vines and volunteer group that was formed after the which a practical Barbara (Carol Dooner) lenge the boundaries of that friendship. invasive shrubs, such as porcelain berry and big nor’easter storm in November 1992, and a frustrated Jack (Robert Mulroy) take Imagine her surprise when the friendship’s multiform roses, that have stagnated natu- which caused considerable damage within a family trip to the zoo. Their relationship other half, Gail (Elizabeth Paldino), accepts ral forest regeneration. From June through the Park. The group goes out seven or eight the challenge and runs with it. August, the crew concentrated on the north- times a year to restore the trails in the Park In the final play of the evening, Lorna west edges of Turtle Cove and it is hoped and to create open view areas. they also raise Davis (Lindy Tabano) and Gerry Morgan that there will be trees eventually planted in funds for special programs, including an (Robert Mulroy) share “An Unmade Bed” the area. This work will help restore normal educational program for children with spe- by Frank Siciliano. Angry and bitter that ecological processes and improve the habitat cial needs. City Islander Han Yu Hung is the their spouses have carried on a long-term and pollution run-off. The treatment of the group’s Gardener Educator, who provides affair, the couple meets in a hotel room to strip of land surrounding Turtle Cove will special programs at a sensory garden near the plot their revenge. allow natural vegetation to establish. playground in the southern end of the Park. Unfortunately, due to the Island Cur- In the lowland areas, the crew is con- Marianne welcomes volunteers who rent’s production schedule, we werre unable trolling invasive plants and next year hopes would be interested in clearing vines and to tell you about the Festival’s second week, to plant salt marsh grass. This work coin- freeing the trees of negative vegetation. Oct. 23–25, but we will be there, certain cides with the anticipated work by the NYS Islander Elizabeth Alston has been help- that the second week will be as good as the Department of Environmental Conservation ing with this clearing effort. If anyone is interested in either the Friends of Pelham Bay Park or in doing volunteer work in the Park, Marianne would be delighted. She may be reached as marianne.Anderson@parks. nyc.gov or 718-430-4686. The website for “Her Park” is www.nycgovparks.org/parks/ Edward D. Heben pelhambaypark/, which gives information CPA/ABV, CVA, AEP about its history, activities and facilities. Partner Marianne reports that the deer popula- 709 Westchester Avenue tion in the Park is no longer transient, and White Plains, NY 10604 that there are also about 66 wild turkeys and 914-949-2990 • Fax: 914-949-2910 a “handful” of coyotes. Clearly, the habitat www.citrincooperman.com is improving not only for humans but for [email protected] wildlife as well. Page Six The Island Current November 2009

As a service to our readers, The Island Current will periodically list recent sales november of residential and commercial property as Adult Programs found in the public record. This feature is designed to give a general idea of the Wii Virtual Bowling: For adults and fair market values of property on City seniors. Every Monday evening at 5:30 Island. An update will be published every p.m. few months at our discretion. The listings Food Safety Program: Saturday. Nov. below represent some of the recent sales. 7, at 2 p.m. Presented by Cornell Univer- The Current is not responsible for errors sity. or omissions in the data. ASPCA Spay/Neuter Program: Sat- Closing Sale urday, Nov. 7, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Address Date Price Type Outdoor van service (see Brief this issue). 69 Earley Street 12/03/08 $490,000 1 Family Photo by MONICA GLICK Computer Classes: Tuesday morn- 60 Tier Street 3/2/09 $300,000 1 Family Customers are still lining up at the Art of Beauty Salon in its new, but temporary loca- 187 Reville Street 5/19/09 $497,500 1 Family + Lot tion. ings at 10:30 a.m. 690 Bridge Street 6/24/09 $460,000 1 Family Resume Writing Workshop: Wednes- 32 Fordham Street 7/8/09 $400,500 1 Family The museum will be open every day day, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m. 503 Minneford Ave. 7/22/09 $382,978 1 Family for guided tours during five Dutch Days, 86 Schofield Street 7/31/09 $330,000 2 Family Thursday, Nov. 12, through Monday, Nov. Children’s Activities 238 Bowne Street 8/27/09 $375,000 Condo 162 Rochelle Street 8/27/09 $530,000 1 Family 16, from 12 to 4 p.m. and Friday from noon Free Green Workshop: Yoga! We 80 Earley Street 9/1/09 $542,500 1 Family to 8 p.m. On display is an exhibition of con- continue the New Green Apple Kids sea- 57 Hawkins Street 9/10/09 $550,000 1 Family temporary Dutch design objects throughout son with a half-moon pose when Yogi Erin If you have a new business, or if your old business is the house. A free bus will run from the leads us in a session of story time yoga. offering a new service, write to The Current, P.O. Box 6, Museum of Arts and Design in Manhattan Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. City Island, NY 10464 by the 10th of the month. to BPMM on those five days, leaving at 1 The Glow Show: Glow in the dark In spite of the fire that damaged the p.m. and returning at approximately 4:30 discoveries presented by “Mad Science of building at 415 City Island Avenue, The p.m. Space on the bus is limited; registra- Westchester & Manhattan.” Probe the prop- Art of Beauty Salon, which was next tion required. erties of light and explore some unusual door, remains open for business in a tem- On Friday, Nov. 13, from 7 to 8 p.m., applications of glow in the dark technol- porary location at 240 City Island Avenue, the museum offers a lecture: “Vriede- ogy. Monday, Nov. 23, at 3:30 p.m. Ages 5 at the corner of Schofield Street. The landt—Land of Peace?” Vriedelandt was to 12. Registration is limited to 25 partici- salon’s hours are Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 the Dutch name for a vast area of the Bronx pants. p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., that included Pelham Bay Park. Museum Pre-School Program: Every Thursday Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fri- guide Tom Vasti gives a fascinating glimpse in November (5, 12, 19), Dec. 3 and 10. days and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To into its Dutch heritage and connection to Pre-registration is required. Ages 3 to 5. make an appointment, call 718-885-3831. Anne Hutchinson. Lecture free with admis- Picture Book Program: Thursdays at At the Starving Artist Cafe and Gal- sion to the mansion. 3:30 p.m. for school age children. lery (249 City Island Avenue, 718-885- On Saturday, Nov. 14 from 2 to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts: Tues- 3779), the Starving Artist himself, Elliott there will be an enlightening discussion of day, Nov. 10, at 3:30 p.m. Glick, takes the stage on Saturday, Nov. contemporary Dutch design, its influences, Baby Lapsit Story Time: Wednesday, 28, at 8 p.m. Also that month there’s a styles and techniques. Lecture free with Nov. 4, 10:30 a.m. Birth to 18 months. “Saturday Night Blues Party” set for Nov. Admission $5 adults, $3 seniors and chil- Young Adult Programs 14 with Bennett Harris, starting at 8 p.m., dren 6-17. Registration requested. and then there’s jazz on Saturday, Nov. 7, The First Friday Bronx Seaside Trol- Graphic Novel Rewrite: Mondays with Two Guitars, at 8 p.m. The Beatles ley on Friday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. tribute band, Rubber Soul, is back for two p.m. will include a Holiday Candlelight Manga Overdrive: Tuesdays from shows at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday, Tour Preview and music by the Metropoli- 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 21; there are seats left in both, more tones. Experience the magic of the mansion Yu-Gi-Oh: Wednesdays from 3:30 to at the early show. City Islander Denise at night—by candlelight—decorated for 4:30 p.m. Adorante performs with Carrie Magistro the holidays. Do a little shopping at the Teen Time Game On: Thursdays from on Friday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. And there Holiday Boutique and enjoy music by a 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. is our usual “Take the Stage” Open Mic Seven Sisters College a cappella group, the Night, for songwriters, comics, poets, We are located at 320 City Island Ave- Metropolitones. Light refreshments will be nue at Bay Street. For information about musicians and actors, on Friday, Nov. 27, served. Registration requested. at 8 p.m., as well as a “Let’s Be Thankful” any of the programs above, call the City Our annual Winter Family Day will be Island branch at 718-885-1703. open jam session for all musicians on the held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 Sunday of Thanksgiving Day Weekend, p.m. Puppet shows will be presented at 11 Nov. 29, beginning at 3 p.m. For more a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and wagon rides from on our schedule, including our Thursday noon to 2 p.m. and photos with Santa from music offerings for Nov. 5 and 19, visit 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission to the pup- http://www.starvingartistonline.com/. pet show $20 children 3–17, free for adults and children under 3. Hayrides $5 children and adults. Space is limited for puppet show; registration is requested. November and On Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, December Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. the Bronx Arts Ensemble and Singers will present “Music at Bartow-Pell for St. Nicholas,” four performances of a wonderful holiday concert. The concert is Ongoing events at the Bartow-Pell free, but space is limited and tickets are Mansion Museum include the exhibition required. Call Bronx Arts Ensemble at 718- Please Place Your Thanksgiving Orders Now! “The Age of Botanical Wonders: Illus- 601-7399 for tickets. trations from Transactions of the Horti- Holiday Candlelight Tours will be held cultural Society of London, 1805–1829,” on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. See which remains on view through Nov. 22. the mansion decorated for the holidays New programs and events begin with with Christmas trees inspired by “The Nut- the Bronx Seaside Trolley and Pelham cracker” in rooms throughout the building. Jazz Ensemble on Friday, Nov. 6, from Tours by costumed docents highlight 19th- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Experience the magic of century holiday traditions. Warm cider and the mansion at night and the new exhibi- refreshments will be served. Admission tion of contemporary Dutch design objects $10 adults, $7 seniors and children 6-17. intermingled with the 19th-century col- Registration requested. lections of the Greek Revival house, plus For information, registration and reser- music by the Pelham Jazz Ensemble and vations, call 718-885-1461 or e-mail info@ light refreshments. The free Bronx Seaside bpmm.org. Regular admission to the man- Trolley makes a continuous loop from sion is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and Pelham Bay Park #6 subway station to children 6–17. Bartow-Pell to City Island. November 2009 The Island Current Page Seven Going Out of Commission By MARY DANNEGER

Eyesores, Safety Hazards and Anomalies In this column, readers have expressed their points of view as a follow-up to the article in the October issue of The Island Current, “Dirty Island: Time to Clean Up.” We have cho- sen to print photographs of the sites rather than of the contributors, and although all of them were willing to acknowledge their opinions, we have chosen to make them anonymous.

1) There are too many empty stores along City Island Avenue, like the one between Fordham and Bay Streets—the old pizza place, which has been vacant for almost 30 years. This is an awfully long time for a store to be vacant. It’s right in Photo by MIKE RAUH the center of where so many things are A lively crowd of more than 55 people danced the night away at the Stuyvesant Yacht going on that I find it a terrible eyesore. Club at its 120th Going-out-of-Commission ceremony. One of these stores could be turned It’s that time of year again when City It has been over three years since the into a rec room for kids and older teens. Island’s yacht club members hold their devastating fire at the Morris Yacht Club, City Island lost six kids in two years Going-out-of-Commission ceremonies. but the club is determined to come back because of drug-related issues and other Members and guests of the four clubs tra- better than ever. Visitors are welcome dur- problems. The landlords of these vacant ditionally join together at the end of the ing the day to observe the progress that is stores could help themselves and the com- summer sailing season to celebrate with a being made. The foundation has been com- munity by opening one or more of them for traditional flag ceremony, dinner and danc- pleted, the exterior walls are up, the roof community use. ing. will soon be installed and the windows will Photos by RICK DeWITT On Saturday, Oct. 17, sixty members be delivered in December. Also, the new 2) The property that I find most offen- attended the 102nd GOC party at the City travel lift pier is getting a good workout, sive in terms of condition and upkeep is Island Yacht Club. Clam digger Jim Lynch, helping to double the number of regular the storefront on the northwest corner of boat members. this year’s commodore, happily welcomed Fordham Street (Curry’s). It has been a the addition of new stewards from the Black “The camaraderie that exists has never mess ever since I opened my own business Whale--Billy, Vinny and Calliope. The club been stronger in the nearly 30 years I have is looking forward to expanding its snack been associated with the club,” said Ste- on City Island in April of 1993. I can’t and beverage service to the dock for the next phen Lott, Morris board chairman. “It truly believe the property has been so neglected season. Even though membership is thriv- shows that when a determined group of for so many years. That intersection is the ing, the CIYC is still looking to welcome individuals put their minds together, noth- most important location on City Island. To new members for next year and is consider- ing is impossible.” The club will hold its have such a centrally located building be ing adding membership for kayakers. Going-out-of-Commission Dinner Dance so derelict brings the whole character of During the GOC ceremony at the on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Lido. the Island down. Stuyvesant Yacht Club, also held on Oct. Although Island residents are always sad To the owner of the property: why 17, Commodore Bob Schultz made a speech to see boats leaving the water for dry dock as don’t you rent it out to somebody who will winter approaches, it is comforting to know in the newly refinished first-floor lounge, take care of it? highlighting the events of the 120-year-old that the tradition of going out of commission club. Although it is now officially out of continues to play an important role in yacht 3) There is an empty building on the club life here on nautical City Island, just as commission until next year, there will be corner of Reynolds Street at 135 City plenty of activity during the winter months, it has done for over a century. Island Avenue, which used to house an and a number of projects are being planned for the clubhouse and docks. Commodore electric company that is still in operation Schultz and Chairman Kolaja promise to in Mount Vernon, I think. Water is leaking make improvements that will continue to Hey, Seniors! out of the door. I suspect broken pipes or keep members proud of the club in its By PATTY GRONDAHL a collapsed roof. In the winter the leaking upcoming 121st season. Hey, Seniors! I mean you, if you are water freezes and creates a hazard for any- On Saturday, Oct. 24, an elaborate, well- between the ages of 50 and 100. It isn’t one walking there. attended GOC was held at the Harlem Yacht easy to become a senior. It takes a lot of There are also overgrown weeds in Club. The grand ballroom on the second hard work and good luck, so congratula- front of the building. What a contrast to floor was recently remodeled with the help tions and live it up! the Black Whale, whose owner keeps the of the current Commodore Bruce Lages, When you reach 50, you are encour- area in front of his business very neat and together with his wife, Diane, many club aged to be a member of AARP. At 55 clean, with flowers. members and the dedicated interior designer years, you receive reduced admission to Ken Binder. It has been transformed into a 4) Although no one believes that there gorgeous party room for guests and mem- many museums, movie houses and enter- has been vandalism in the Pelham Cem- bers to enjoy. Mr. Binder, who is a Harlem tainment venues. At 60 you are entitled to Yacht Club member and Island resident, NYC Department of the Aging programs etery on City Island, a visitor could be “has gone through extraordinary measures such as Meals on Wheels. At 65 years forgiven for thinking so because of the with such detailed work from cutting and plus, you can enroll in Medicare. So the condition of the columns supporting the creating new curtains to hand-painting sail- age at which an older person officially gates. Everyone on the Island should be ing motifs on the walls. It is really a sight becomes a senior varies, but being older grateful to Eagle Scout John Devlin, not to see,” Diane Lovett, office and catering has concrete benefits. We will be talking only for repairing the fence but also for manager of the Harlem, told The Current. about those benefits here in this column. spearheading the effort to raise funds to Despite the difficult economic climate, the There are many exciting activities repair the columns. It is disrespectful of Harlem Yacht Club has had a good season and opportunities for seniors taking place the dead to have the cemetery entrance so and the membership has remained steady. dilapidated. Visitors to an old community The club will hold an open house on Nov. right here on City Island. As the Direc- often visit the local cemetery to get some 21 from 2 to 6 p.m., and all of City Island is tor of PSS Senior Programs, I would be invited to attend. Hors d’oeuvres and bever- delighted to share with you what City sense of history. Perhaps a sign could be ages will be served free of charge. “Who Island has for its older residents and I want put in the City Island Nautical Museum knows,” said Ms. Lovett, “you may want to to know what your interests are.. Please encouraging visitors to see the cemetery join, have an event with us, stay for a while call me at 718-885-1891 or e-mail me nearby. . . . or forever.” [email protected] to learn more.

5) It’s a good thing Juliet lived in Verona when she said, “ O Romeo, Romeo! where- fore art thou Romeo!” because in Verona they knew how to build balconies. She FREE ESTIMATES was able to come out of her bedroom and look for him. If she lived on Reville Street (house numbers 140–148), she would not have been able to get out of her house onto the balcony. Could the builder or architect of those houses make some kind of entry from the balcony to the house? It isn’t too late. Maybe the homeowners could even put up some kind of external staircase so that those balconies could be enjoyed. Page Eight The Island Current November 2009

Organization News News on this page concerning organizations, and events listed in, are submitted by representatives of those organiza- tions. A limit of 150 words is requested for all news items submitted. In most cases news will be edited and every effort will be made to preserve the substance of longer items. News and calendar events must be received by no later than the 20th of each month except December and July. If the 20th falls on a holiday or Sunday, the deadline is the 19th. Mail submissions to P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER MUST BE INCLUDED. Current Calendar 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from Oct. 25 to Nov. 22. This group will continue a previ- November ous study of the Apostle Paul’s New Testa- Tues., Nov. 3, Election Day Sale, P.S. 175, ment Second Letter to the Corinthians com- 200 City Island Ave., 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. pleting the study with chapters 8–13. The theme is: “Paul, Apostle for Open Hearts, Sat., Nov. 7, City Island Clean-Up Day, Part 11.” A subject-by-subject, verse-by- meet at Hawkins Park at 9 a.m. Free barbe- verse study of the text, with discussions and cue afterward for participants. teachings will focus on the subjects pre- Tues., Nov. 10, Blood Drive, 4 to 8 p.m., sented by the text. George Cavalieri, Trinity’s lay leader/ Trinity United Methodist Church, 113 Bay speaker, will be moderator for the Bible Street. Photo by CHERYL BERENT study. No registration is required and all Temple Beth-El’s Rabbi Shohama Wiener and her spouse, Alan Dattner (left), provide Wed., Nov. 11, Dedication of Memorial materials are provided. Everyone is wel- insights from the Torah as “Jonah” (center, Marc Kaplan) takes a call of advice, while the honoring victims of 9/11, Pelham Cem- come, whether or not you have attended “Queen of Nineveh” (Olga Berdé) and the “Captain” (Bob Berent in the fisherman’s hat) etery at 1 p.m. previously. For further information, if act as witnesses during an interview with time-traveling rabbinic intern David Markus needed, call Reverend Susan Chadwick at (right) at Yom Kippur services on Sept. 28. Fri., Nov. 20, Community Board 10 meets, 718-885-1218. 7:30 p.m. Riverbay Corp., 2049 Bartow Pastor Sue’s open house is Dec. 6 be- City Island Republicans stroller or clothing for the child. Cards or Avenue, Room 31. tween 1 and 5 p.m. letters of encouragement would also be Ellen G. Hebard appreciated. One can find out more about Happy Thanksgiving The Bronx County dinner held on Oct. 22 the Gift of Life program and Bronx Rotary Tues., Nov. 24, City Island Civic Associa- was a huge success! Many officials, includ- at www.BronxRotaryClub.org. If you would tion meets, 7:30 p.m., Community Center, St. Mary, Star of the Sea ing Rudy Giuliani, were in attendance at this like to visit the child in the hospital or 190 Fordham Street. We began the month of November with event at the Villa Barone. donate, please call Rev. Susan Chadwick at Once again, we had a smooth election at 718-885-3658. Thurs., Nov. 26, Thanksgiving Dinner, spon- the celebration of two special days: the Feast our local poll site, P.S. 175. We would like to The Bronx Rotary Club meets every sored by Trinity United Methodist Church, of All Saints and the Commemoration of All Souls. thank all of the pollworkers of both parties Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. at The Harbor res- 113 Bay Street, 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. On Nov. 3, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, for their hard work during that long day. taurant on City Island. Third Tuesdays of Sat., Nov. 28, POTS Program, St. Mary’s the new Archbishop of New York, will visit Our next meeting will be our Christmas the month are sunset meetings at 6 p.m. and School Yard, Minneford Avenue and Kilroe the Northeast Vicariate of the Bronx. He party. Details will follow in the December the location varies. Call 718-617-1600 for Street, drop-off between 4:30 and 5 p.m. will be present at St. Barnabas Parish for issue of The Island Current. details. Come and check us out! Marguerite Chadwick-Juner Menu: Chicken or turkey cut up with rice. a vespers service, which will be followed Fred Ramftl, Jr. by a reception where the Archbishop will Sat., Nov. 28, Holiday Tree Lighting and meet and greet all the people in attendance. Carols, Hawkins Park, 7 p.m., sponsored by Several of our parishioners will attend this Bronx Rotary Club Cub Scout Pack 211 the Chamber of Commerce. joyous event. The Bronx Rotary Club has a newly Cub Scout Pack 211, after a delayed All are welcome to attend our monthly December established “Local Health Initiatives Com- start, is off to a tremendous new season coffee hour, which will be held in the rectory mittee.” As a first project under the direction with 16 new recruits, mostly from off Fri., Dec. 4 and Sat. Dec. 5, Trinity after the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Nov. 8. of this committee, the Club participated in the Island. We guess the good news is Church ChristmasFair. St. Mary’s School will hold its annual the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer spreading. The size of the pack has grown Turkey Bingo on Friday evening, Nov. 20, walk at Orchard Beach on Sunday, Oct. Fri., Dec. 11, Menorah Lighting, Hawkins by almost 100 percent. We are off and in the school gym beginning at 7 p.m. This 18. The Club raised more than $700 and is Park, 5:30 p.m. running with some high adventure and is open to all parishioners. Come and bring still contributing, in the hope of reaching exciting trips planned for the season. The Sat., Dec. 12, Grace Church Christmas the family for an evening of fun! the goal of $1,000. All funds raised for this scouts have already gone fishing with their Crafts Festival, Grace Episcopal Church, Our annual Thanksgiving Mass will Bronx event will be put to use locally. Eight fathers on one of the Island charter boats City Island Avenue and Pilot Street, 10 a.m. take place on Tuesday evening, Nov. 24, Club members formed the team that partici- and caught huge porgies. This will soon to 5 p.m. at 7:30 p.m. Because many people travel pated in walk, including Islander Marguerite be followed by a visit to the Air Power on Wednesday, we hope that the Tuesday Chadwick-Juner. Museum in Long Island, where the scouts schedule will make it possible for more of In the upcoming months, the Club will will experience climbing on WW2 fighter Trinity United Methodist our parishioners to gather and give thanks participate in walks and fund-raising for jets and other aircraft. Church as a faith community for the blessings given colo-rectal cancer research at the Colon We would like to take this opportunity to each of us and to our community. At the Cancer Challenge in Central Park under the to welcome our new recruits and their Our worship service and Sunday Mass, we will collect canned and dried direction of member Albert Ferro, Public new leaders. The Tiger group and the new school are at 10 a.m. Holy Communion foods, which will be distributed to the poor. Relations Manager for the New York Metro- adult leader James Goonan would like to is celebrated on the first Sunday of each All are welcome to attend. Happy Thanks- politan Familial Cancer Registry. The Club welcome Aron Glynn, Ginutis Sipas, Carlo month. Prayer service is held every week- giving to all! will also participate in the Find the Cure Fragola, Joseph Goonan and Rasma Ped- day at 9 a.m. We encourage you to bring Sunday, Nov. 29, is the first Sunday of walk for cystic fibrosis under the direction ersom. The Wolves and their adult leaders your children to Sunday school to further Advent, the beginning of the time of prepa- of Rev. Susan Chadwick, whose family Phil and Paul Mazzella, along with their their knowledge of the teachings of Jesus ration for the coming of Our Savior to live member is afflicted with the disease. new den mother, Dinamonique Taplier, Christ. We often have a coffee hour after among us as a man. Our Advent candle The Club is very proud to announce the would like to welcome Timothy Stein, the service. Come and join us for worship will have a prominent place in the church impending arrival of its 11th Gift of Life Jordan Rodriguez, Christian Taplier, John and fellowship. as we mark off the weeks in anticipation of child. The Rotary Gift of Life program pro- Wilson and Nicholas Badillo. The Bears Trinity wishes to thank the community Christ’s coming. vides life-saving heart surgeries for children and their adult leaders Larry Saulnier, who for its support at our annual food and bake The Parish Council will meet on Monday from other countries where the surgical tech- is also Cubmaster, and Jimmy McGaughn, sale held on Oct. 3. It was a great success. evening, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. in the rectory. niques are not available to them and families Assistant Cubmaster, and their new den We hope to see you again at our Christmas Sr. Bernadette, osu cannot afford them. One parent or guardian mother, Shelly Lawrence, would like to Fair, which will be held on Dec. 4 between and the sick child are brought to the United welcome Jacob Ocasio, Tyqui Lawrence 2 and 8 p.m. and on Dec. 5 between 11 a.m. PSS Healthy Senior States at the Club’s expense. The Club also and Matthew Valentine. The Webelos and 3 p.m. Trinity will have many homemade finds a host family for the duration of their and their adult leader, Joseph Kramer, goodies and lots of special choices at the hol- Exercise Program stay and pays the hospital costs, which are would like to welcome Justin Munafo, iday gift tables for you to choose from. We are pleased to offer Zoomba classes about $6,000. The operations are performed David Lucher, Gabi Cabrera and Nicholas We also wish to thank James Kortleven at the Community Center on Mondays at at either Montefiore Children’s Hospital by Moore. and crew for the wonderful job refurbishing Dr. Samuel Weinstein, or at the Maria Fareri There is no doubt that the new scouts, our kitchen. It is truly a pleasure to work in 10:30 a.m. with Stephanie. Zoomba is a Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical along with the older scouts, will make us now. fun filled exercise/dance craze that features Center by Dr. Suvro Sett. Both surgeons and all proud. Stay tuned for more good news. Remember Trinity’s annual Thanks- Latin music. The classes will begin on Nov. their staff donate their services. Registration is still open for any young giving dinner. Join us between 12 and 4:30 16 just in time to balance holiday eating. Our The life-saving surgery for two-year- boy from first to fifth grade. We meet p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and enjoy ev- schedule at Grace Church Hall will change old Austin from Nigeria is tentatively set on Tuesday nights at Trinity Methodist eryone’s company and fantastic food pre- as follows: Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. Cardio Fit- for Nov. 10. The Club would welcome Church Hall at 113 Bay Street. pared by Anne Cox. This is a great oppor- ness with Mary; 10:30 a.m. Sittercise with any donations, including a child’s car seat, Angelo Bellocchio tunity to join together and give thanks for Patty; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. Yoga Stretch with all our blessings. Please call Reverend Sue Michael; 10:30 a.m. Arthritis Exercise with if you are a shut-in and need your dinner Patty. Weather permitting, Orchard Beach delivered. walks will continue on Wednesdays with The Budget Shop will be open on Nov. 3, 7, 17 and 21, as well as Dec. 1, 8, 12, and the van leaving Pilot Street at 9:30 a.m. Call Dec. 15, the last day for this year. Please Tony at 347-834-6466 for transportation to call Jay Howard at 718-885-2192 to volun- all programs and for a schedule of afternoon teer. If you would like to help raise funds shopping trips. Call Patty at 718-885-1891 for Trinity by running the Budget Shop, for further information. Programs are funded please call Myra Martin at 718-885-1049 by Presbyterian Senior Services, the NYC or Ellie Hebard at 718-518-7241. Department for the Aging and the Arthritis A group Bible study will meet for five Foundation. Sunday sessions in Fellowship Hall from Pat Grondahl November 2009 The Island Current Page Nine

This group is geared toward children ages 0–4 years old. Each family is asked to con- ALL GOD’S CREATURES tribute $10 per session, as this covers the use of the center, equipment and snacks. It is a great place to meet other caregivers and children. We welcome your company. For information, please call Sarah at 917- 684-6644. Weekly Schedule

For additional information about the Community Cen- YOUTH PROGRAM ter, or if you are interested in conducting classes here Irish Dance: The Deirdre O’Mara please call 718-885-1145. School of Irish Dance teaches step dancing Open Monthly Meetings of the Board in a fun, competitive environment for all are held on the first Tuesday of each month ages. A confidence-building and cultural at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Center Main experience for all who participate. Wednes- Room at 190 Fordham Street. All members days after school. Call Deirdre at 201-679- are encouraged to attend. For up to date 1450 or visit www.deirdreomara.com. information visit www.cityislandcommuni- Tae Kwon Do: Traditional classes to tycenter.com. benefit you physically, mentally and spir- NEW CLASSES itually. Some benefits include improved Family and Me Fitness: An exercise cardiovascular health, better focus and con- program for children (infant to 5) and centration, increased flexibility and lean parents. Music and full body movements body mass. Children will learn courtesy, to benefit the children, toning and aerobic integrity, perseverance, self-control and movement to benefit the adults, with a focus indomitable spirit. Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. and on having fun with the children. Tuesdays Saturdays 11 a.m. $10 per class, twice and Thursdays at 9 a.m. $5.00 per family. weekly. Call 718-885-3702. For more information, call Sarah Persteins Sally’s Playground: Where children at 718-885-9122. ages 1–5 enjoy indoor play. Wednesdays Bosu Balance Training: Sundays at 11 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Call Sally at 718-885- a.m. For a great workout, call Janet at 646- 0349 with questions. $7 per child ($4 for 544-4292. each additional sibling). Come and join the fun! The Art of Parenting as a Life Skill: Photos by EVYONNE BAKER and VIRGINIA DANNEGGER Do you ever wonder if you will get through ADULT PROGRAM To mark the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Blessing of the Animals was held on Oct. your children’s childhood with your wits Ashtanga Yoga with Vincenza: a yoga 3 and 4 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea and Grace Episcopal churches. Clergy from both about you? Can you remember the compe- instructor certified by Synergy Yoga Cen- churches welcomed and said a prayer for Island pets of all shapes, sizes and species. tent and well-rested person you were before ter of Miami. Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. you had kids? Would you simply like to be for one hour. Please bring a yoga mat. month (except December). planning a Children’s Christmas Pageant to be held on Christmas Eve, and your children are a better parent? Parenting Course: Monday E-mail [email protected] or call 917- FAMILY PROGRAM invited to participate! For more information, nights, 7:30 to 9 p.m., starting Oct. 19 and 440-3618. & MIXED AGE GROUPS including rehearsal times, please call Pageant ending Dec. 7. $125.00 for 8 sessions. Call Salsa Dance: Dance your stress away Vilma’s Music Together: Music and 718-885-9305 or e-mail johnscardina@hot- Director Steve Marcus at 718-885-1080. to the basic beats of salsa. No partner neces- movement for children ages birth through 5 Sunday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m.: All Saints’ Sun- mail.com. sary. $50 per month or $15 per class. Friday and adults that love them! Saturdays 10 to day. Art Classes With Laury: Storytime nights, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Call Nilsa at 917-838- 10:45 a.m. For more information, call 718- Thursday, Nov. 19, 9:30 a.m.: Memorial Art for ages 2 ½ to 5 accompanied by adult. 6501. 882-2223, visit www.funtimemusictogether. Service on Hart Island/Potter’s Field. Please 12:45 to 2 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 5 –Dec. Belly Dancing: Shimmy by the Sea. com or e-mail info@vilmasmusictogether. contact Mother Patty Alexander at 718-885- 14, or Thursdays, Oct. 1–Dec. 17. Eleven Theresa Mahon (aka Salacia) teaches the com. 1080 or [email protected] by Monday, Nov. classes $80, limited to 8 students. Painting oldest documented dance in the history of Chess Club: Thursday evenings from 7 2, if you would like to take part. the Planet: Grades K–3, first class 3:30 mankind—Egyptian belly dancing. It is a to 11 p.m. For ages 13 and up. No need to Wednesday, Nov. 25, 6 p.m.: Special to 4:30 p.m.; second class 4:45 to 5:45 low-impact way to get in shape and tone register; just show up! Call Bill at 718-541- Thanksgiving service. Please join us on p.m., Mondays, Oct. 5–Dec. 7. Ten classes your body while having lots of fun. Terry 3995 for more information. Thanksgiving Eve for a simple service of Holy Communion and thanksgiving for all of $80, limited to 8 students. Jaws, Claws has been a professional belly dancer for 23 Amy Gottlieb and Scales: Create your own dragon (see years and a teacher of the art for 15 years. God’s blessings. examples in the Atlantic Emeritus Realty Classes are held every Monday evening at And please mark your calendars for Sat- urday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the sixth window) for grades 4–8. Tuesdays, 4 to 7:30 p.m. The fee for each one-hour class is Grace Episcopal Church 5:30 p.m., Oct. 6–Dec. 8. Ten classes $100, annual Grace Church Christmas Crafts Festi- $15. Call 845-358-0260. In 2009 Grace Church celebrates 160 limited to 6 students. Teen and Adult val, featuring the very popular Grace Café. Aerobics with Mary: Monday, Wednes- years of mission and ministry on City Island, Rev. Patricia Alexander Painting (acrylics) Seventh- and eighth- day and Friday: half-hour low impact at and we are here for you. You are welcome to graders preparing portfolios for high school 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, join us for any of our regular weekly worship are welcome. Thursdays 7:30 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 to 10 a.m. Call Mary services, which are as follows: Holy Commu- Oct. 1–Dec. 10, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Ten classes Sons of the American Legion Immediato at 718-885-0793. nion is celebrated every Sunday at 10 a.m.; Squadron # 156 $80. Some supplies required. Limited to 6 Yoga: A beginner-to-intermediate class Evening Prayer is offered every Monday at students. For more information or to sign 7 p.m.; and Morning Prayer is offered every that includes Hatha and Namaste yoga with The next meeting of Squadron #156 will up, call Laury at 718-885-3202. Leave a Wednesday at 10 a.m. Here is an overview some Saroope (restorative yoga). Also tai- be on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. of what is happening at Grace Church during message! chi, which will help balance immune sys- We are getting ready for the 90th Anni- November, with a preview for December: City Island Playgroup: Beginning tem and reduce pain. Please contact Marc versary Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Calling all City Island Children! Grace is Nov. 2, Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to Kaplan for inquiries at [email protected] Lido. Alive n’ Kicking will be playing. 12:30 p.m. Bouncing castle and many dif- or call 718-885-2445. Dues for 2010 are $30. We are also look- ferent toys for all ages. Structured activities, City Island Civic Association: Meets ing for plenty of good members. Stop by the such as circle time, story time and free play. at 7:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every Post if you are interested. Fred Ramftl, Jr. Vice Commander, Membership

Regular Meetings Weekly Twelve-Step Meetings on City Island Narcotics Anonymous: Sundays at 2 p.m., St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church, City Island Avenue near the Bridge. Thursdays at 8 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church hall, 113 Bay Street. Alcoholics Anonymous: Mondays at 8 p.m., Trinity United Meth- HARDWARE odist Church hall. HOUSEHOLD GOODS Tuesdays at 8 p.m., St. Mary Star of the MARINE GOODS Sea Church. PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Grace Episco- pal Church hall, 116 City Island Avenue (at Pilot Street). Page Ten The Island Current November 2009

figured women that is not to be missed. Jack Lemmon won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Harry Stoner in Save the Tiger (1973). This dated film co-stars Jack Gilford as Phil Greene, Harry’s conscience-stricken partner. The 1970s clothes are wonderful in this rather depressing drama, in which two men try to save Capri Fashions, ostensibly to save the jobs of their employees. The following three films aren’t techni- The World of Fashion cally about fashion but have the wardrobes of the leading ladies as the stars of each Hollywood has given us many films story. Legally Blonde (2001) features Reese devoted in some way to the world of fashion. Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a perky soror- Lady in the Dark (1944) stars Ginger Rog- ity sister who is determined to follow her ers as Liza Elliott, a fashion magazine editor boyfriend to Harvard Law School. She is who is plagued by anxiety. In desperation, beguiling as a woman who has complete she seeks the help of a psychiatrist (Barry confidence in her attire and is much smarter Sullivan), who helps her analyze her dreams, than anyone acknowledges. which are wonderful musical numbers. A Down with Love (2003) is an homage mink dress by designer Edith Head is quite Kindergartener Samantha Jean Kucerak and first grader Isabel Whelan were named to the Rock Hudson/Doris Day films of the “Citizens of the Month” by P. S. 175. a scene stealer. 1950s with Renée Zellwegger and Ewan The Devil Wears Prada (2006) is the McGregor, two rival writers and the competi- story of Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), tion between men and women. However, the to develop and implement a 14-week unit a would-be journalist who “settles” for star of this film is the women’s clothing. of study. During the first session, the teach- a job for which scores of young women No discussion of the fashion world can ing artist will be working with fourth- and would sell their souls—that of assistant be complete without mentioning Sex & sixth-grade classes, as well as class 3M, on to the managing editor of Vogue, Miranda the City (2008). The movie includes Car- a study of sculpture through papier mâché, Priestly (Meryl Streep). The supporting cast rie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cyn- which will help students develop their includes Stanley Tucci as designer Nigel, thia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and creativity, self-confidence and problem- Emily Blunt as Miranda’s primary assistant, Samantha (Kim Catrall)—a writer, lawyer, solving skills. All classes from kindergar- Adrian Grenier as Andy’s boyfriend, Nate, housewife and publicist respectively. The ten through sixth grade will participate in and Simon Baker as Christian Thompson, film moves the plot of the TV series forward this program by the end of the school year. a rakish writer who tries to capture Andy’s Public School 175 and is definitely for fans of the show. The We are having several exciting events heart. The entire cast is excellent, with the clothing is compelling, and the film ends, Our school year is off to another won- scene stealers, of course, being the clothes. in the weeks to come. They include our of course, in Bryant Park’s Fashion Week in derful start! Our Extended Day Program, The September Issue (2009) is about the annual Family/Pajama Night for kinder- New York City. which began the second week of school, real-life editor of Vogue, Anna Wintour, and garten through third grade, a Halloween And until next time, happy viewing. . . . provides students in all grades with aca- her larger-than-life team of editors who rule movie and snacks for our fourth and fifth the world of fashion. This film documents demic support, as well as test preparation graders, and the Halloween Dance for our the creation of the September 2007 issue, for the Specialized High School Exam and students in grades six to eight. The PTA is which weighed nearly five pounds and was Richard B. Chernaik, M.D. the TACHS for eighth-grade students. also having the annual Election Day Sale the single largest issue of a magazine ever Once again, we have received a grant on Nov. 3. We hope to see many of you published. Although I appreciate a good An Alternative to from the Sports & Arts in Schools Foun- there! As always, we are greatly apprecia- documentary, I found the previous film Supermarket Medicine dation for an after-school program. This tive for all of the support we get from our much more entertaining. year’s program, which serves students in community! Another documentary is Unzipped Board Certified Internist grades five though eight, includes a sports Please keep in mind these important (1995), the story of Isaac Mizrahi, one of component that changes throughout the dates: Nov. 3—Election Day; school is Associate Clinical Professor at the most successful fashion designers today, year, homework help, cooking and tae closed for all students; and Nov. 17—Par- Albert Einstein College of Medicine as he plans his fall 1994 collection. He com- kwon do. Another component of the Sports ent-Teacher Conferences from 12:30 to Active in teaching medical students bines inspirations such as the Hollywood & Arts program is the series of trips that 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 8 p.m. Eskimo look and the Mary Tyler Moore at Montefiore Medical Center students attend during school holidays. So show with Ouija-derived comments like ]] far this year, the students have gone apple “dominatrix mixed with Hitchcock” into a I don’t belong to any HMO. I don’t picking at Stuart’s Farm in Granite Springs, well-received collection. This behind-the- believe medicine can be practiced on New York, and to see “Toy Story 1 and 2,” scenes look at the creative side of fashion the run. Good care requires a compre- both in 3D. There will be many more excit- portrays Mizrahi as being driven by excite- hensive history, a complete physical ing trips to attend in the coming months! TowBOAT/U.S. ment and creativity, despite the concomitant examination and, above all, meticulous Although our art program was cut back chaos and cacophony. City Island attention to detail. this year, seventh- and eighth-graders have Robert Altman’s Ready to Wear (1994), RICHARD B. CHERNAIK, M.D. been learning how to sketch and do pen- which was released with the French name ]] and-ink drawings with Mrs. Moscone. We Prêt-à-Porter, features an ensemble cast that MEDICARE ACCEPTED has traveled to Paris to put on a fashion have also begun a collaboration with Stu- 100 Elgar Place, Building 35 extravaganza. The film boasts 31 principal dio-In-A-School this year. This program characters and cameos from well-known Telephone (718) 320-2188 pairs an artist with our classroom teachers models and designers. The primary stories revolve around Julia Roberts and Tim Rob- bins, who spend the film in a hotel room; Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastrianni, who are trying to rekindle a romance; Stephen Rea as a photographer who humiliates a number of female journalists; and Kim Basinger as the caricature of a TV journalist covering the event. Fashion manufacturing is the theme of the romantic comedy So Fine (1981). Ryan O’Neal stars as Bobby Fine, a professor at a private college in upstate New York. To keep his knitwear company afloat, Bobby’s father, Jack (Jack Warden), borrows money from loan shark Eddie (Richard Kiel). When Jack can’t pay it back, Eddie forces Bobby to come into the business. Mariangela Melato is wonderful as Eddie’s wife, Lira, who becomes infatuated with Bobby with hilari- ous results. Another film with manufacturing as its setting is Real Women Have Curves (2002). TV’s Ugly Betty star America Ferrera por- trays a Mexican-American teenager named Ana who has a chance to go to Columbia on a scholarship. However, her mother, Car- men (Lupe Ontiveros), has other plans for her. Ana is expected to work with her older sister, Estela (Ingrid Oliu), a seamstress, at a sweatshop. Carmen’s cruel tongue makes us cringe, but there is a celebration of full- November 2009 The Island Current Page Eleven

A Column about Bronx County By MICHAEL SHANLEY

Radicals, Socialists and these immigrants were as deplorable as their Communists: living conditions. They toiled in the sweat- The Early Cooperative shops and factories of New York City without A doorway in one of the buildings that is Amalgamated Houses, the oldest limited- Movement in the Bronx any rights or protection from exploitation. part of the Allerton Co-ops, the largest equity housing cooperative in the United Eventually, they began to organize and turned and one of the first cooperative apart- States. At the turn of the last century, a vast to the labor unions for help. ment complexes in the United States. influx of European immigrants poured into Many of these immigrants arrived from Two other workers’ cooperatives were built New York City and crowded the slums of Europe with strong socialist beliefs and found ing crisis faced by middle- and low-income in the Bronx in the late 1920s. The Sholem Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Life in New work in the garment industry and refuge in workers. Kazan, a Russian born socialist and Aleichem Cooperative located on Giles Place York was hard for these immigrant workers the Amalgamated Clothing Workers Union intellect, was totally committed to this mis- was strictly socialist and actively worked to and their families. Most were poor, had little (ACWU). While trying to master the ways sion. To break the stranglehold that slumlords preserve and promote the growth of Yiddish or no English and lived in squalid tenements. of the American society, they also sought to had on their tenants, he crafted a plan to set up culture. These tenant-owners believed that The buildings were overcrowded, overpriced improve it. The president of the Amalgam- a non-profit cooperative for affordable hous- art, music and theater were instruments of and lacked both sunlight and ventilation. ated Union at the time was Sidney Hillman, ing. empowerment. With only a bathtub in the kitchen and shared an innovative labor leader and champion of Just at this time, the New York governor The Farband Houses in Williamsbridge is toilets in the hallways, these buildings were the working man. Hillman’s philosophy was Alfred E. Smith, who was born and raised a four-building complex built by the National also unsanitary and rife with communicable that it was insufficient to merely provide bet- on the Lower East Side, was instrumental in Jewish Workers’ Alliance, a Labor Zionist diseases. The slumlords were ruthless and ter working conditions without improving the passing the Limited Dividend Housing Act of organization. Most of the original cooperators known to raise the rent at will, putting fami- living conditions for the workers as well. To 1926. This progressive legislation encouraged were communists who actively worked and lies out on the street just to get another family meet this end, he appointed Abraham Kazan, the development of affordable housing, and it supported the setting up of a socialist Jewish in at a higher rate. director of the Amalgamated Credit Union, to enabled Kazan to convince the Amalgamated state in Palestine during the 1920s and 1930s. All too often, the working conditions for come up with a plan to solve the severe hous- Clothing Workers Union to fund the construc- Today only the Amalgamated remains as tion of affordable housing for the working a cooperative (the other three cooperatives class. With a $5,000 down payment, he pur- defaulted on their loans in the years following chased a beautiful swath of land in the Bronx World War II and are now owned and man- that bordered Van Cortlandt Park, Jerome Park aged by private corporations). In the 1960s, Reservoir and Mosholu Parkway. the first original buildings were torn down The first part of the development opened to make way for two modern high-rise tow- in November 1927 with five buildings con- ers. With the towers, the current size of the taining 303 apartments. Unlike the fire traps Amalgamated Houses is 1,500 families in 11 on the Lower East Side, these five buildings buildings on 15 acres. Its footprint is approxi- boasted 26 separate entrance ways. They were mately half a mile by half a mile. It remains designed in the Tudor style and were named a living testament to the cooperative housing the Amalgamated Houses. The apartments movement and is often used as a model for were spacious and featured high ceilings, affordable housing today. cross-ventilation, hardwood floors, eat-in These early cooperators rejected the squa- kitchens and ceramic tiled bathrooms. A cen- lor of the tenements of the Lower East Side tral courtyard, with beautiful landscaped gar- and found a little utopia in the Bronx, where dens, winding walk-ways, fountains, benches millions of immigrants saw the Bronx as the and trees, was intended to foster community next stepping stone to the American dream. spirit and pride. For immigrant families mov- ing from the slums of the Lower East Side, Points of interest: this was utopia! • The Lower East Side Tenement Museum, Shortly after arriving, the new tenant- 97 Orchard Street. This museum tells the story owners set up the Amalgamated Housing of this building and the actual immigrant fami- Consumers Society and began selling shares lies who lived in it. Built in 1863, this tene- to any cooperator that wished to buy in. In the ment was home to nearly 7,000 working-class buildings’ community rooms they operated immigrants. a co-op grocery store, a pharmacy, a kosher • The Amalgamated Houses, located at butcher, a barber shop, a shoe repair shop, a Sedgwick Avenue and Van Cortlandt Park tea room and a credit union. The annual prof- South. Built between 1927 and 1930, this is its were then distributed to the shareholders the oldest limited-equity housing cooperative each year. in the United States. In 1928 the sixth building opened with an • The United Workers Cooperative Colony, impressive library containing many volumes (the Allerton Coops), located at Bronx Park in both Yiddish and English. The building also East between Allerton and Arnow Avenues. housed an auditorium, where lectures, con- When built in 1927, it was the largest and one certs, meetings and other cultural events were of the first cooperative apartment complexes held. The year 1929 saw the seventh building in the United States. On Sept. 11, 1986, open. the United Workers Cooperative Colony was Other workers’ cooperatives began to go listed on the National Register of Historic up in the Bronx. On vacant land located at Places. Allerton Avenue across from Bronx Park, • Sholem Aleichem Houses, located on active members of the Communist Party cre- Giles Place just west of Sedgwick Avenue in ated a community where they could put Van Cortlandt Village, West Bronx. This beau- their socialist ideals into practice. Here, in tiful complex is named for the famous Jewish 1927, they constructed The United Workers humorist and Yiddish playwright who died in Cooperative Colony, a 740-unit Tudor-style 1916. complex complete with hammers and sickles • Footnote: Abraham Kazan is considered carved into its limestone lintels. This commu- the father of American cooperative housing. nity was commonly called the Allerton Coops He believed that good housing conditions do (pronounced koops). not guarantee normal, healthy people and fam- From the Co-ops, the residents set out to ilies, yet he was convinced that substandard live their ideals. Neighbors referred to each housing does directly and adversely affect other as “comrades,” and residents were called health, morale and the social conditions of “coopniks.” Families marched in the May Day those who live in it. Today, well over 100,000 parade held in Union Square every May 1, and New Yorkers live in homes directly built by vigorous political debates and organizing took Kazan’s efforts. His life’s work was recog- place in the common rooms of each building. nized in many ways. He was the first person in Instead of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the New York City history to have a street named children of the Co-ops joined the Young Com- for him in his lifetime (Abraham Kazan Street munist Group and the Young Pioneer League. on Manhattan’s Lower East Side). In addition As most of the original cooperators came to developing the Amalgamated Houses, he from the appalling tenements of the Lower also was a resident and served as its president East Side, the official policy of the Coops was for 40 years. Kazan also developed Co-op that no one could be evicted if they couldn’t City, in the Bronx, which is the largest coop- pay their rent. erative development in the world. People from all over the world came to see this workers’ paradise. The Co-ops library Note: Michael Shanley is a native Bronx- held 20,000 volumes—in English, Russian and ite and long time resident of City Island. He Yiddish. The courtyards were landscaped into is a licensed tour guide for New York City well-tended gardens. Youth clubs flourished in specializing in Bronx County. Comments are basements and the common rooms were busy welcomed at [email protected] with communal and cultural activities. Page Twelve The Island Current November 2009

Lunch: For lunch Jane had a cup of lentil to include higher levels of fiber. To expedite soup, a slice of rye bread and a cup of steamed your weight loss, be sure to include a consis- MR. AMERICA’S veggies. tent and challenging exercise routine. Snack: 3 p.m. came and went, and again Check Your Fiber Score PERSONAL TRAINING Jane didn’t feel the need for a snack. On her How much fiber do you eat each day? By BUTCH NIEVES way home, she ate a small handful of al- monds. Grab a pen and paper and tally it up: Beans, Dinner: This meal didn’t change much one half cup (7); vegetables, one cup (4); Unleash the Power of Fiber ar. On the way to work, she would also grab a for Jane. Instead of instant rice she made salad, one cup (2); fruit, one piece (3); fruit mocha or a latte. brown or wild rice, and instead of white pasta juice, one cup (1); white bread (1); whole- For most people, reckless snacking de- Snack: Without fail by 10 a.m., Jane’s she made whole wheat pasta. She also added grain bread (2); white rice, one cup (1); brown rails their healthy diet, leaving them frustrated stomach would growl, sending her to the a vegetable dish to dinner, in addition to the rice, one cup (3); intact oatmeal, one cup (4); and overweight. Do you eat a healthy lunch vending machine. She would end up with a salad. meat, poultry or fish (0); eggs or dairy (0); only to succumb to the vending machine an small bag of chips, crackers or candy to hold Snack: Most nights Jane has skipped her sodas or water (0). hour later? If so, I’ve got good news for you. her over until lunch. late night snack since she just doesn’t feel If you scored less than 20: You need With just a few adjustments to your diet, you Lunch: By noon Jane was starving again hungry. On those nights that she does want a more fiber in your diet. Boosting your fiber can effortlessly kick your snacking habit to and would inhale her packed lunch of a medi- sweet treat she enjoys sliced fruit. will control your appetite and cut your risk the curb. um-sized bagel with low-fat cream cheese and Now that didn’t look hard, did it? As for many other health problems. The urge to snack happens when your deli slices and a small container of yogurt. you probably noticed, Jane’s daily calories If you scored 20–39: You consume more blood sugar levels drop—giving your body Snack: At 3 p.m. Jane’s appetite would dropped dramatically after she started adding fiber than most people, but adding more fiber the message that you need more fuel. (Enter soar and she would scavenge the office for fiber to each meal. Her percentage of calories to your diet will continue to make foods more the vending machine.) This happens after eat- a small snack to hold her over until dinner. from fat also dropped, since her snack foods satisfying and cut your calorie intake. ing meals that are low in fiber, low in calories She usually found part of a leftover pastry or had been high in fat. If you scored 40 or more: Congratula- and high in sugar. cookies, and if all else failed she would once This means that Jane is effortlessly losing tions, you are getting plenty of healthy fiber The solution? Eat meals that are filled again turn to the vending machine. weight simply by consuming more fiber. You in your diet. An added bonus for you is a re- with fiber, and you will stabilize your blood Dinner: Most nights Jane would make can follow Jane’s lead by evolving your diet duced risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes sugar levels and feel full longer. a dinner of chicken breast, instant rice and a and digestive problems. Researchers have done their homework small salad; some nights she would substitute on fiber, and the results spell easy weight loss pasta for the rice. 134 Years and 4 Generations of Community Service for all who listen. By consuming an extra 14 Snack: Every night at 10 p.m., Jane would grams of fiber each day, you can cut your cal- find herself back in the kitchen in search of orie intake by a full 10 percent. People who something sweet. Most often she would have consume more fiber (as low as 20 grams per a bowl of low-fat ice cream or sorbet before day) weigh an average of 8 pounds less than going to bed. people who consume low fiber (closer to 10 Did you notice a trend in Jane’s diet? Al- grams per day). though she kept her selections fairly low in fat, There are two main reasons that high she ate hardly any fiber, which left her battling fiber leads to weight loss: 1) Fiber fills you hunger all day. Her meals were also very high up and stabilizes blood sugar for hours. This in sugar, which caused her blood sugar levels tames your appetite and protects you from to jump up and plunge down throughout the 726 Morris Park Avenue 732 Yonkers Avenue needless snacking, and 2) foods that are high day. Bronx, New York 10462-3620 Yonkers, New York 10704-2029 in fiber aren’t as calorie dense. When you fill Here’s the revised version of Jane’s 1 (718) 828-1800 1 (914) 375-1400 up on high fiber foods, you eat just as much meals: Toll free 1 (888) 828-1800 1 (888) 375- 1400 Toll free but take in fewer calories. Breakfast: Instead of the instant oatmeal, It’s always easier to understand a concept Jane switched to using old fashioned (intact) like this when real life examples are given. So oats. She then topped it with broken walnut www.ruggieroandsons.com here’s a review of a low-fiber, high-sugar diet pieces and banana slices. Instead of drinking a that “Jane” was eating. Let’s see the small high-sugar mocha or a latte, she started drink- after hours: (718) 885-2504 changes she made to increase her fiber con- ing hot tea. tent and stabilize blood sugar. Snack: Much to her surprise, 10 a.m This firm is a family owned corporation whose only shareholders are Breakfast: Jane would typically eat a came and went without so much as a hunger Vincent & Robert Ruggiero - (NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs) packet of instant oatmeal made with low-fat pang. Jane kept her focus and worked through milk and topped with banana and brown sug- till lunch. November 2009 The Island Current Page Thirteen AUTUMN HARVEST

Photo by KAREN NANI Children from the kindergarten class of P.S. 175 and their teachers were among the first customers at the American Legion Annual Pumpkin Sale during the weekend of Oct. 2 to 4, 2009. Organizers, including Joe Goonan, Nick Batista, Jack Grogan, and Ed and Keith Shipp, kept the pumpkins and mums coming to insure a successful fund-raising event.

By JOHN SHERIDAN and MARIA SUTHERLAND

The Horseshoe else’s theater got them. Another interesting example we turned up was the present-day We recently stumbled upon an old City Cross Street, which was so named for the Island image from the early 20th century. ease with which boaters could “cross” to the The scene, which was shot from the water, other side of the Island. was called “The Horseshoe.” Having never We had an opportunity to “cross” this seen this name before and not being able summer with friends, Bill and Elena, and to place it from the view in the picture, we their kayaks. After a two-hour tour of the turned, once again, to our trusty old copy Island’s northeastern quarter, we found of John McNamara’s book “History in ourselves on the wrong side of the sandbar Asphalt.” Even when we don’t find what that stretches from Terrace Point (formerly we’re looking for—and in this instance, we known as Carey’s Point) to High Island. So did not—we are never disappointed when we carried—dragged, really—our kayaks we try. “History in Asphalt” is the kind of over the bar to complete our tour. It wasn’t book that belongs on everyone’s coffee the most sophisticated of portages, but it table, within easy reach. There’s always was a portage, a real portage. Our first! something new and interesting to be found Seeing some of the same City Island there. sights you’ve been seeing for years and For example, Belden Street, named years, but from new vantage points, can for William Belden, whose mansion home be a stimulating experience, one we highly eventually became the clubhouse for the recommend. A few of the more common Morris Yacht Club, was known formerly as sights we have been meaning to acknowl- Windmill Street. It is not difficult to imag- edge for a while now include the annual ine a bygone windmill standing somewhere fall/Halloween display in front of Jack’s on the Island’s southern tip. The southerly Bait and Tackle and the fine flowery display breezes are still friend to many an Islander. in front of the Lido throughout the summer Another example is the Scenic, which and early fall. These two Island businesses was City Island’s first silent movie theater. have demonstrated a consistent interest in It was situated on Main Street, today’s City keeping their storefronts clean and, when Island Avenue, beginning in 1913. On the and where possible, pleasing to the eye. other hand, the location of the IGA is where The onus has not always been on store- the Island’s last movie theater was situated, owners to keep the fronts of their shops and yes, we did get around to the talkies here swept and clean on a regular basis. The on City Island, even if the movies we got Garden Club used to pitch in and help, but always came at least a year after everyone they can’t do it anymore. Today, it is once DR. IVIS GETZ again up to the Island’s businessmen and businesswomen. So if you see something— Board Certified good or bad—say something. And volun- Pediatric Dentist teer to take part in the City Island Clean-Up Day on Nov. 7 (see Brief on page 2). Providing dental Finally, we invite anyone with informa- care for children, tion about the Horseshoe to share it (or any other City Island sight or sound, for that adolescents matter) with us at [email protected]. We and those can otherwise be contacted c/o The Island with special Current, P.O. Box 6, Bronx, NY 10464. needs. Happy Election Day! Don’t forget to vote. And remember, if votes don’t count, why Office in New Rochelle count votes? Robert J. Leavy 914-355-2265 Engineer www.caringpediatricdentistry.com NYS Licensed

“Pride in Our Community” ATLANTIC EMERITUS REALTY, INC. Licensed Real Estate Broker Sales - Rental - Residential - Commercial Saturday, November 21st - 1 to 4 P.M. Robert T. Carmody - Licensed Real Estate Broker Associates Maria Swieciki • Candy Mancuso • Debra Saulnier Pre-qualified buyers waiting! 300 City Island Avenue 718-885-0088 phone 718-885-1426 fax Visit our website at: www.aerhomes.com or www.cityislandhomes.com Page Fourteen The Island Current November 2009 FIRE AT SEA!

Photo by KAREN NANI On Sept. 28, a boat carrying two fishermen burst into flames after fueling up at Bridge Boat marina. Quick-thinking workers on the gas dock helped the occupants to get off the boat safely and then set it adrift. After 911 was called, a fire boat extinguished the blaze and towed the severely damaged vessel away. November 2009 The Island Current Page Fifteen

______FOR SALE: V-neck, mocha colored lace wed- RESUMES WRITTEN, EDITED, LAID OUT: From ding gown w/satin cummerbund & back bow; actors to lawyers. Concise, professional, supe- ______vintage 1980; size 6. $300 718 885-0015. rior. Get to the next level. Call Katie 718-885- EDUCATIONAL PLAY DATES at your home: ______2929. Gus, polar bear at the Central Park Zoo, is NOT JUST SMALL JOBS: Carpentry-Remodel- memorialized in my newly published children’s ing-Repairs. Doors, windows, furniture repair, book, Gus the Feeling Better Polar Bear, grades ______painting, locks, etc. Michael 718-885-1580. K-2. A seasoned educator, I’ll create a storytell- PIANO LESSONS: Lifetime experience teaching ing/literacy-focused “ home lesson” for your children and adults. My home on a Steinway child and friends (3-5 children)for a chilly fall/ Grand Piano. Flexible hours. Call Diana 718- winter day. Fee: purchase three books @ $9.50 ______885-2091. each ( no tax). Books may also be purchased as AVON REPRESENTATIVE: Avon is not just birthday/holiday gifts. Free delivery. Call Angela cosmetics. Jewelry, clothes, vitamins, videos, ______at 718 885-0015. complete line of children’s gifts, toys and more. FINE ART PORTRAITS: Studio on City Island. ______Ask for catalogue. Call Emily 718-885-2430. More than 30 years of photographic experience. WEBSITES CREATED: Effective, great-looking ______Call Ron Terner at 718-885-1403. websites from scratch or your old website fixed PRESTON CENTER OF COMPASSION: A spon- up. Easy, affordable, quick. Call Katie 718 885- The Bronx Rotary Club team participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer sored ministry of the Sisters of Divine Compas- ­­______2929. walk at Orchard Beach on Oct. 18, 2009. Pictured are (l. to r.) Islander and team leader sion, located on the campus of Preston High THERE’S A COMPUTER GURU right in your Marguerite Chadwick-Juner who walked in memory of her mother, June; Bruce Wal- School: Is offering an excellent After School neighborhood. City Island resident with over reading, writing and math instructional program lace, Ed Hicks, husband of survivor Janice; survivor Nancy Wallace and Dr. Johnathan 25 years of computer experience can repair for students in grades 1-8, as well as Private Kazdan. Not pictured were team members Igina DeMichele and daughter Sarah and any software or hardware problem. Instruc- tutoring/homework help program which is avail- tion available for all new PC owners. I even Cheryl Simmons-Oliver. able Mondays through Thursdays for students make house calls. References available. Call in grades 1-12. This program has extremely “Joe, the Computer Guy” 718-885-9366. affordable rates. It is also sponsoring in the ______ing new friends, seeing old friends again Summer of 2010, two fabulous Group Vaca- MASSAGE THERAPY in the privacy of your Pelham Bay Belles and, most important, getting to play softball tions. A spectacular CIE 13 day bus tour of Ire- home. Gift certificates, references avail- on our beautiful waterfront ball field, how able. John Raimondi, L.M.T. 718-885-0619. land (July 15-27) and a Norwegian Dawn 7 day ______Girls Softball cool is that? cruise to Bermuda (August 15-22). If interested, CHILD-CENTERED INDEPENDENT EDUCA- TIONAL SERVICES: Is someone in your family The Pelham Bay Belles Girls Softball The Pelham Bay Girls Softball League please call Sr. Patricia Warner at 718-892-8977 League was a success again this fall, thanks or e-mail: [email protected] for struggling with school? Discover your child’s has ongoing registration for girls ages 5–16 ______more information. learning potential and develop a plan for suc- to the team’s having had access to the City and 17 and over. For ages 5–16, call the CITY ISLAND NOTARY PUBLIC: By appoint- cess: evaluations for learning issues, ADHD Island Little League field from September Pelham Bay Little League at 718-931-9585. ment only, including weekends. Call Paula Huf- coaching, strategies for school-based behav- to the end of October. ioral issues, advocacy for student services, Leave a message and a representative will ______fell at 347-427-7337. parenting support, independent school consul- The team played in the WPBA League contact you right away. Girls ages 17 and MOVERS! No job too big or small! Van or truck. tations. NYS certified school psychologist with (Westchester/Putnam Baseball Associa- Free estimates. Call Rich, the mover 718-650- over may call Bob Carmody at 718-885- over 20 years experience in wholistic education. tion), which is the same league as our ______7515. 0088 or may stop by the real estate office at ______Call John Scardina @718-885-9305. HOUSE FOR SALE ON CITY ISLAND, new con- 17-and-over girls play in during the sum- 300 City Island Avenue. No player is ever NOVENA TO ST. JUDE: Holy St. Jude, Apostle struction, 3 bdrms, 1 1/2 bath, full basement, mer months. and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles. turned away. central Air, wood floors, granite counter tops, SS Close friend of Jesus Christ. Faithful intercessor Almost half the roster was made up Pelham Bay Softball is a recreational appliances, rear deck. Call 347-920-1567. ______of all who invoke your assistance. We beseech of girls from City Island. Some of them league affiliated with the Babe Ruth Soft- OWENS TREES.COM: Tree trimming & removal. you from the bottom of our hearts to come to had not played in years, but once they ball League, and everyone has an oppor- Free estimates. Fully insured. Call 718-885- our assistance ( mention problem). In return, we wiped off the rust, they played as if they 0914. tunity to take part in hitting, fielding and ______promise to make your name known. had never stopped. The following girls FOR SALE: Solid wood captains bed. Twin size pitching clinics during the winter months in HOUSE FOR SALE BY OWNER: Two family made up the roster: Veronica and Samantha ______with 2 drawers. $250.00 Call 718-885-0017. attached brick 67 Fordham Street. $449,000 the main facility or at other locations. Weyhrauch, Anna and Alyssa Manfredo- NEED BABYSITTER FOR LAMBS: Grace Church ______Principles Only. Call after 5pm 914-769-8388. When the season starts, every player is hiring a babysitter for its monthly Lambs pro- KEYBOARD PLAYER AVAILABLE: I play smooth nia, Sarah Graves, Kathleen Reilly, Tiana gets to play no matter what their experience gram for young children. One Sunday a month, and gentle music for special events. References Quatrucci, Vanessa Neal, Diamond Ville- 1 level; those who are more experienced will on site, about 1 ⁄2 hours: occasional other times. ______available. Call Diana at 718-885-2091. gas, Bianca Richards, Celine Marino, Clara Call Harlan Sexton 718-885-9749. have an equal opportunity to qualify for the ______PHOTO RESTORATION: Take old photographs Silva and Jahna Romano. The coaches were CITY ISLAND HOUSE FOR SALE: two family, tournament teams. The league also encour- and have them restored like new. Copies made Jim Reilly, Steve Neal and Bob Carmody. ,waterview, 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, garage, dining from negatives or prints. Framing available as ages parent participation for all age groups, room, deck, fenced backyard -larger unit avail- All of the girls’ mothers or fathers helped ______well. Call Ron 718-885-1403. especially the younger girls. able for new owner. $575,000 914-238-3374. ______TOYS, GAMES, PUZZLES, PUPPETS, craft kits to coach, set up the field, drive the girls All the players, coaches, parents and & more! Now at Exotiqa 718-885-3090 or shop to away games, and bring donuts and hot friends would like to thank the City Island Your Ad Could Be Here ______online at www.themagicofgifts.com. chocolate and even homemade cupcakes. Little League for the use of the ball field. PASSPORT PHOTOS taken at Focal Point Gal- All of the girls and parents had a great Bob Carmody lery, 321 City Island Avenue. Call Ron at 718- time, whether they were playing ball, mak- ______885-1403. PORTRAIT PARTY FAVORS: Make your next event memorable for your guests. Add a portrait station to your next special events. Every guest will go home with a framed full color portrait of themselves. Our professionally prepared and pre- sented color portraits are party favors that will be cherished for years. Call 718-885-1403 or stop ______by Focal Point Gallery, 321 City Island Avenue. COTTAM Jewelry designed & repaired: Gold, silver, ­­______pearl & bead re-stringing. Exotiqa 718-885-3090. LEARN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Photoshop 7 or black and white photography, developing film, printing, camera techniques. Call Ron 718- ­­______885-1403. VOICE LESSONS: Ages middle school through adult. My home studio. Suffering from sleep apnea? Singing strengthens your throat mus- cles, which helps eliminate the effects of apnea. ______­Flexible hours. Call Diana 718-885-2091. WINTER STORAGE COVERS: Waterproof, mil- dewproof, rust proof. Burck’s 526 City Island ______­Avenue. Bronx, New York 718-885-1559. CITY ISLAND SOUVENIRS: T-Shirts, Sweat- shirts, mugs, life rings & postcards. Exotiqa ______718-885-3090. BURCK’S BOAT STORE: Winterizing Supplies. Customer parking. 526 City Island Avenue. ______Bronx, New York 718-885-1559. Page Sixteen The Island Current November 2009

Information for the Talebearer must be received in writing no later than the 15th of the month except July and December. Mail to The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464; include your name and telephone number.

Photo by ADELE DiCHIARA Sarah Alexandra Murphy and Richard H. Islander Elaine Teto married Rene Matos on Oct. 3, 2009, at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Pocock III Church. The happy newlyweds are shown above with their grandmother, Islander Teresa Street’s Hillary Fajardo, who was recently Teto. selected to participate in the Nationals’ 2009 It’s a boy! Welcome to Matteo Francesco Miss Jr. Teen New York City pageant this Ciccone, who was born Sept. 17. Proud par- month. Judging will be for each contestant’s ents are Stacie and Stefano Ciccone of Centre interviewing skills and modeling routines. Street. Thrilled grandparents are City Island’s Good luck to this local young lady! Dawn Moen and William Moen of Port St. Happy birthday to our adorable little Joseph Lucie, Florida, and Anna Rita and Francesco Photo by JACKIE KALL Penny, who turned one year old on Oct. Ciccone of Italy. Captain Smitty on his 90th birthday. 24. Lots of hugs and kisses from Grandma, Commander Andrew McCue, son of Linda Congratulations to Captain (John Schmidt) Grandpa, Aunt Kim, Uncle John and cousins and Jerry McCue of Bowne Street, recently Smitty, long-time proprietor of the Silver Kayla and Alyssa. XOXOXOXOXOX retired from the U.S. Navy after 21 years of Arrow antique shop, who was feted on Oct. 2 Congratulations to kindergartener Samantha service. Andrew graduated from Villanova on in celebration of his 90th birthday. The event Jean Kucerak, who was named “Citizen of the a naval ROTC scholarship and then spent two took place at the Euro Cafe and was attended Month.” We are so proud of you. Love, Mom, years in flight school learning to fly the Sea- by many of his friends and adopted City Island Dad, Hunny and Pop Pop. Kudos also to Isabel hawk helicopter. He completed four six-month family. Captain Smitty thanked everyone for Whelan, who won for first grade. Keep up the cruises in the Middle East and has recently the “greatest birthday party ever” and wishes great work! Love, Mom, Dad and Ryan. been teaching at the Naval Academy. He and everyone good health and much happiness. On Friday, Aug. 28, Sarah Alexandra Murphy his wife, Donna, and their three children live Wedding bells rang for Islander Elaine and Richard H. Pocock III were married at the in Arnold, Maryland. Teto, who married Rene Matos on Oct. 3 at Immaculate Conception Church in Westhamp- Happy Thanksgiving to all! St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church. Elaine is the ton Beach, New York. The bride is a graduate of Hillary Fajardo Maria Swieciki daughter of Chris and the late Adrianna Teto P.S. 175, Cardinal Spellman High School and of Winters Street and is the granddaughter the University of Scranton. Sarah is the daugh- of Islander Teresa Teto. The bridal party was ter of Maria Murphy of Stamford, Connecticut, CI’s Rowing Phenom Junior Women’s category. filled with friends who had attended P.S. 175, and William Murphy of New Rochelle. She Her first race was at the Mystic River including maid of honor Christine Coogan and is the corporate marketing director for Beaute regatta where she finished first, winning the bridesmaids Casey Quinn, Tara O’Connell Prestige International, a division of Shiseido. gold medal for Ursuline. In her next two regat- and Lynn Calta. The bride’s brother, Mando, Her husband grew up in Philadelphia and is tas, she took silver medals at King’s Head, in was a groomsman. The reception was held at a graduate of the University of Rhode Island. Philadelphia and Head of the Riverfront, in the Glen Island Harbor Club. The newlyweds He is currently a product director for Guardian Hartford, Connecticut. Her next event was the will take up residence on Reynolds Street. Building Products. The reception was held at prestigious Head of the Housatonic in New Congratulations to all. Atlantica in Westhampton Beach. Among the Haven, Connecticut where she again took first Birthday greetings across the miles to attendants were Laura Knapp McHugh as maid place winning another gold medal. Bobby Swieciki, who turns 22 on Nov. 12. of honor and Eric Neuner and Todd Murphy Her fall season culminated in her being Love from Mom and Dad, Stephen and Maria. as groomsmen. The couple currently resides in selected to row in the world famous Head of Best wishes for continued success to Cross Hoboken, New Jersey. the Charles regatta this past weekend in Bos- ton. Alycia competed in the open women’s club event against rowers of all ages and abili- ties. She finished 11th out of 33 competitors and 3rd in her age category and 1st among American Junior Women. Her final competition of the season will take place at the Head of the Fish, in Saratoga, New York on Oct. 24, 2009. Alycia will also be participating in time trials for the Junior Women’s National team in November, in Alycia Daloia Moore Princeton, New Jersey. Alycia has been recruited by numerous Alycia Daloia-Moore has been rowing colleges including Boston College, Trinity competitively for several years. This fall she University and Villanova University. began competing for her high school’s newly established team at the Ursuline School. Aly- cia and several of her classmates were instru- mental in Ursuline establishing a scholastic rowing team. Alycia has had an outstanding fall season and has become an accomplished rower in her single scull, competing in the

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