March 2019 One Dollar

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

Volume 48 Number 2 March 2019 One Dollar

to become clean enough that efforts were the challenge of restoring City Island’s oys- launched to restore the population of many ter populations, not just for the sake of im- Oysters Made City Island, species, specifically the oyster. proving the environment but also because In 2014, the Billion Oyster Project (bil- oyster reefs are such a significant part of and Now City Island Will lionoysterproject.org) was formed with the City Island’s history. The Drift, headed goal of repopulating New York Harbor with by Maria Caruso, is planning to make this Make Oysters oysters. This time the goal is not to feed project an important part of Viacommunity By BARBARA DOLENSEK New Yorkers but to enable oysters to clean Day, which this year will take place on Fri- the water by removing pollutants such as day, May 10. nitrogen and by building oyster reefs that Paul Mankiewicz, an ecologist who can protect the city against storm surges resides on City Island, proposed in the and flooding. The project involves the par- early 1990s that oyster reefs and saltmarsh ticipation of students in oyster restoration, be used to create a living filter around the and so far more than 6,000 local students Pelham Bay Landfill. In recent years, he have participated in the hands-on curricu- has successfully created reefs in southwest lum. More than 28 million oysters have Florida, and is working with Mike Carew of been planted, 12 oyster reefs over 7 acres Captain Mike’s Diving Services to advise have been created, and more than a million the group in the ways Islanders can partici- pounds of oyster shells have been diverted pate in this important project. from landfills and returned to the harbor. Unlike Orrin Fordham’s oyster plant- Recognizing that much of this work ing scheme, the new plan does not include has been the result of volunteer participa- creating oysters to be eaten or transported to tion and the cooperation of city restaurants restaurants but has as its primary goal mak- that provided the oyster shells, a newly ing the waters around City Island healthier formed group on City Island called the City and safer. An adult oyster can filter as much Island Drift, which grew out of last year’s as 50 gallons of water a day, and in so do- Viacommunity Day (see the June 2018 is- Continued on page 3 sue of The Island Current), has undertaken Photo courtesy of the City Island Nautical Museum Fred Glasier and his oystering skiff on the west shore of City Island. Oysters Then with infant oysters. The sedges along the State Legislators Visit City Island Many City Island residents are un- edge of the marshes, and the buoys, stakes, By KAREN NANI and BARBARA DOLENSEK aware that the biggest business here in the and wharf-piles were similarly clothed. 19th century did not involve restaurants or If the circumstances were favorable, this beaches but was centered on oyster farm- deposit survived the winter, and the next ing. And if the community joins together to spring the youngsters were large enough support the new oyster-planting project be- to be taken and transplanted. It was only a ing developed by the City Island Drift (for- short step in logic, therefore, to conclude, merly the Viacommunity Day committee), that if objects were thrown thickly into oysters may become part of City Island’s the water, on purpose to catch the floating present and future as well as its history. spawn, a large quantity of young oysters Because there was no bridge between would be secured, and could be saved for City Island and the mainland until 1873, transplanting at very slight expense.” residents who tried to run businesses here One of the reasons for the great success could not easily get their goods to market of the oyster business was the incredible off the Island. In 1835, for example, Peter popularity of the mollusk in New York City Cooper, who later founded Cooper Union, in the 19th century. According to an essay bought land on the Island in order to estab- by Andrew Gardner called “The Mighty lish a glue factory, but the lack of transpor- Mollusk” (2017) “restaurants thrived by tation made the project unworkable. offering quick meals that appealed to up- At about the same time, a shipbuilder per-class businessmen and workers short from Connecticut named Orrin Freder- on time, and oysters were a perfect choice ick Fordham moved to City Island, and as they could be served and eaten quickly. tradition has it that he brought with him The oyster stands that dotted the streets at Photo by KAREN NANI a system of planting oysters on artificial lunchtime and operated in the city’s mar- kets were frequented by members of both New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (above, left) addressed the City Island beds to increase oyster growth beyond the community on Feb. 21, 2019, and answered questions about state and local issues. the high and low classes of society.” great natural banks in Eastchester Bay. By The town hall was moderated by City Island Indivisible members Barbara Zahm and spreading shells on the bay floor, oyster lar- Unfortunately, because of overhar- John Doyle (seated). vae or spat could be attracted to the shells vesting, pollution, landfilling and bottom and readily collected and marketed in about dredging, the oyster population in New As of Jan. 1, 2019, the New York State mittee, Mr. Benedetto was asked a number three years. Because oysters could be gath- York declined toward the end of the centu- government has a Democratic governor, of questions about the bill he sponsored ered and delivered to market by boat rather ry, and with it the popularity of oysters with Senate and Assembly, and already several regarding education reform, which is now than over land, oystering quickly became a the restaurant trade. Some City Islanders bills have passed, including the Reproduc- being deliberated in the Senate. Ms. Biaggi, major industry on City Island. According to caused trouble by acting as oyster pirates, tive Health Act and Voter Rights Reforms. as chair of the Ethics and Internal Gover- the Bureau of Fisheries in 1880, “It is safe as they were called by the New York Times In order to understand the implications of nance Committee, was asked what issues to say…that half a hundred families derive and other newspapers, for invading the wa- these and other issues that are being consid- her committee faces during the current their support from the oyster-industry in ters of communities on Long Island, but ered in Albany, the City Island Indivisible session, which runs from January through this one community. . . . The total produc- business on City Island by then had turned Group sponsored two town hall meetings June. tion of East Chester bay, last season (1879- to ship building, and oystering was on its at which Assemblyman Mike Benedetto Both legislators were praised for their 80), may be placed approximately at 55,000 way out. and State Senator Alessandra Biaggi were respective roles in helping to pass into law bushels.” Oysters Now asked to explain their positions on issues several positive changes with electoral re- The author of the Fisheries Bureau By the turn of the 20th century, the ranging from ethics and voting rights to form, such as same-day voter registration, report went on to say: “I have no doubt oyster reefs throughout New York Harbor health care and the environment, as well as early voting and so on, as well as for their that, whatever was the date of its origin, had been dredged up and covered with silt, local concerns. views on campaign finance reform. The Re- the credit of first truly propagating oysters and water quality was so bad that little ma- Mr. Benedetto addressed his City Is- productive Health Act was also signed into from seed caught upon artificial beds or rine life was able to survive. However, the land constituents on Thursday, Jan. 24, and law soon after the beginning of the term, prepared receptacles, belongs to the men of passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, Alessandra Biaggi met with the community and in response to the issue of late-term City Island. It had been a matter of common which prohibited the dumping of waste in on Thursday, Feb. 21. As newly appointed abortion, Ms. Biaggi, who was raised a Ro- observation, that any object tossed into the the harbor, made it possible for the water chair of the Assembly’s Education Com- Continued on page 3 water in summer, became covered at once Page Two The Island Current March 2019 briefly...

POET GERARD MALANGA will present a reading and book signing at the Island Gallery, 278 City Island Avenue, on Friday, March 1. The doors will open at 5 p.m. and the reading will begin at 7 p.m. Copies of his latest book, “Cool & Other Poems,” will be available for purchase. Gerard Malanga, who was born in the Bronx, is the author of numerous books of poetry and is also a photographer and filmmaker. He is especially known for his black-and-white portraits of fellow poets, writers, and artists, and he worked with Andy Warhol in the 1960s. The event is cosponsored by Anoosh Donahue/Early Ruth and the Island Gallery. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

ST. MARY’S CLASS OF 1966 will celebrate “When the Class of ‘66 turns 66” on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Please call Annamarie Reilly Camella at 973-620-9276 for information and a reservation form. Reservations requested by April 1, 2019.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER: On Tuesday, March 5, the night before Ash Wednesday, a traditional pancake supper will be held at Grace Episco- pal Church on City Island Avenue at Pilot Street from 5 to 7 p.m. All are welcome! The menu will include pancakes, bacon, sausages, and hot and cold beverages. A donation of $5 per adult is suggested; $2 for children under 12. For more information, call the parish at 718-885-1080.

ST. PADDY’S DAY 5K RACE will be held on Saturday, March 9, at 11 a.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at The Clipper Café, 274 City Island Avenue, and the finish line will be at The Snug, 302 City Island Avenue. All ages are welcome and the suggested James E. McQuade, Owner donation is $10. All proceeds will be donated to the City Island Theater Group. For more information contact Rose Rodstrom ([email protected]) or Jackie Ciarletta (Jacque- Family Owned & Operated [email protected]). for over 50 years

known vehicle struck an Island resident’s 3535 East Tremont Avenue 45 BLOTTER parked vehicle at 10 p.m. and then fled the scene of the accident. Bronx, NY 10465 2/9 – At 9 p.m. on City Island Avenue, Complaints reported from City Is- police responded to a call from the alarm land to the 45th Precinct during January company of a commercial establishment and February 2019. Unfounded com- and found the front window shattered by plaints are not included in the list. 718-792-0270 unknown person(s) in an act of criminal 1 – CRIMINAL MISCHIEF mischief. Police examined video from the 1 – ASSAULT store’s camera that showed two unknown www.schuylerhill.com 1 – LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN males fighting outside the store around the ACCIDENT time of the incident. 1 – RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT 2/11 – Police from the 45th Precinct Police provided details on the follow- are investigating an incident of reckless en- ing arrests and incidents for the period dangerment at 9:46 p.m. on City Island Av- from Jan. 20 to Feb. 19, 2019: enue and Ditmars Street. They responded 2/7 – Police from the 45th Precinct to a 911 call of shots fired and upon arrival arrested an off-Island female, 64, and found shell casings at the gas station. Po- charged her with assault on Tier Street lice reviewed surveillance video from the at 7:30 a.m. The defendant arrived at her scene which showed two unknown males place of work as a caregiver and allegedly brandishing firearms and another pumping punched another off-Island female in the gas at the time of the incident. Suspects fled Gift face. According to police, the two women the scene before police arrived, so it is un- Certificates were co-workers. known whether there were any injuries or Available! 2/8 – On City Island Avenue, an un- who fired the shots.

413 City Island Ave. 718-885-3831 City Island, NY 10464 718-885-3832

Trinity United THE ISLAND CURRENT Editorial Office: 718-885-0760 P.O. Box 6 Display Advertising: 718-885-1636 City Island, N.Y. 10464 or: [email protected] Subscriptions: 718-885-9268 Methodist www.theislandcurrent.com EDITOR: Karen Rauhauser Nani CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Sara S. McPherson DISTRIBUTION: Emily Leni Church COPY EDITOR/WRITER: Barbara Dolensek SUBSCRIPTION: Rose Kolb ART EDITOR: Marguerite Chadwick-Juner ADVERTISING MANAGER: Margaret Lenz Join us as we seek and share BUSINESS MANAGER: Judith Rauh more love, joy, and peace for all! STAFF: Maria Swieciki, Ed Heben, Marsha Treiber, Jane Protzman, Bill Stuttig, Tom Smith, Virginia Dan- negger, Monica Glick, Maria Sutherland, John Sheridan, and Johanna Paciullo. PHOTOGRAPHY: Rick DeWitt and Matt Panza March 6th - Ash Wednesday Service CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS: Stephanie Ribaudo, Lorraine Nicoletti. Masthead and special artwork by the late Theodore J. Mazaika. Cartoon format originated by Russell Schaller Sr. 7:30 p.m.

Typeset by Marguerite Chadwick-Juner, Witworks Studio Graphic Design, Oriental, NC 28571 Morning Prayer Weekdays 6:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Printed by Stellar Printing Inc., 3838 9th St., Long Island City, NY 11101 Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. The Island Current (USPS 114-590) is published monthly except for January and August by the Island Current Inc., a not-for-profit organization. Subscription rate, $12.00 per year. Single copies, $1.00. All subscriptions, editorial, advertis- Sunday School for ages 3 and up 10:00 a.m. ing and other correspondence must be mailed to: The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. Display advertising deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication, call 885-0760. Copyright 2019 by The Island Current, Inc., 724 King Ave., City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. All rights reserved. 331 City Island Avenue, City Island,Bronx, NY 718-885-1218 PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT BRONX, NY. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. Rev. David Jolly, [email protected] March 2019 The Island Current Page Three City Island Memories Brought to Life By BARBARA DOLENSEK Hidden for many years in an old file the segment that describes aspects of City cabinet at the City Island Nautical Museum Island history; the Nautical Room will focus was a folder full of interviews with 25 City on boat-building and sail-making on City Island residents that had been recorded and Island, once a major industry on the island; transcribed in 1984. Because these inter- the Community Room will feature growing views reflect life on City Island 35 years up on the Island and its development as a ago, when the Island was very different residential and commercial neighborhood; from what it is now, museum volunteers the School Room will concentrate on sto- have been editing these stories and hope ries that relate to the school buildings (P.S. Photo by BARBARA DOLENSEK to bring them to life within the next few 17 and St. Mary’s) in which the speakers New York State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto spoke at a town hall gathering at months. went to school; and the Gallery will have the City Island Nautical Museum on Jan. 24, 2019. The idea is to combine the interviews a segment on influential Island residents of Legislators Visit Both Mr. Benedetto and Ms. Biaggi with images in a five-part documentary that the past. were asked about the health care act advo- will be on view in the exhibit rooms in the Three volunteers are now abridging Continued from page 1 cating a single-payer system that was passed museum. Recordings of the original words the original oral histories and sorting them man Catholic, was quick to explain: “We by the Assembly several times but was re- will be played against images of City Is- into categories; others are looking for his- do not celebrate abortion. The bill is about jected by the Senate in previous years. “The land relevant to the subjects described by toric photographs and videos. Putting this protecting the lives of women and enabling single-payer system proposed nationally is the interviewees. Old photographs of City together will be James and Tommy Breen, abortions at 24 weeks when the fetus is not basically the same as the New York Health Island will be supplemented by old and new two videographers who grew up on City Is- viable.” She pointed to the bill passed in Act that passed in the Assembly. It is now videos to show how the community has land and whose Facebook page “The New being taken seriously and can pass in the Ireland, a strongly Catholic country, that al- changed and, in some cases, remained the City Island Bridge” has been much admired State Senate, but we have to make sure it is lows late-term abortions to protect a wom- and heralded as a brilliant contribution to fiscally sound,” Ms. Biaggi cautioned. She same. an’s life. described the many potential benefits, in- The videos will be available for visitors City Island history. Barbara Zahm and Lois Wagh moderat- cluding coverage for all and savings for 98 to view in the Library, the Nautical Room, Islanders who are interested in learning ed the meeting with Assemblyman Benedet- percent of New Yorkers who currently pay the Community Room, the School Room more about this project are invited to e-mail to and asked a series of prepared questions for health insurance. Although the health act and the Gallery. The Library will display the City Island Nautical Museum at info@ relating to statewide and local issues be- should eliminate additional bills, co-pays cityislandmuseum.org. fore asking for questions from the floor. As and deductibles, as well as adding addition- Education Committee chair, he noted that al health benefits, it is not clear how it will the first issue he must address is allocating be paid for. It would theoretically eliminate proper funding in the state budget, one quar- private insurers, but taxes will have to be ter of which is for education. He is in the raised (e.g., payroll tax increase). Ms. Bi- process of studying revisions in the ways in aggi noted: “This has to be done carefully as which teachers are evaluated, as well as the a deliberative process. California and Ver- problems relating to standardized testing mont have already failed, so New York has and the tests for specialized high schools. to get it right.” As a special education teacher in the Bronx Governor Cuomo’s Green New Deal for over 30 years, Mr. Benedetto also plans advocating environmental protection laws to review the ways in which special ed has was also discussed, specifically in com- increasingly become merged with general parison to the Green New Deal proposed education. In addition, he will explore the nationally by recently elected Congress- reasons why the $4 billion formerly allocat- woman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “It’s so ed for public schools never reached them, exciting that a New York Congresswoman is including City Island’s own P.S. 175. leading the charge on climate change,” Ms. On the subject of transportation, the Biaggi said proudly. “The governor’s pro- Assemblyman was pleased to announce that posal and Ms. Ocasio-Cortez’s plans over- in collaboration with the NYS Department lap.” She explained that both plans include of Transportation, the state has launched a combinations of the following: mandates $33 million plan to mitigate traffic issues for 100 percent clean power by 2040, re- on I-95 between Country Club Road and duction in greenhouse gas emissions by 100 the Hutchinson River Parkway. The exit to percent, investment in clean technology, de- City Island/Orchard Beach, now an exit- carbonization of the atmosphere, a carbon only lane, will be extended as a northbound tax, elimination of plastic bags and straws, travel lane, a new exit into Co-op City from and storm resiliency, which specifically af- Photo courtesy of PAUL MANKIEWICZ the Hutch will be created and other im- fects City Island. An example of the reef wall panels that were set up in southeast Florida in a project provements will be made to the current I-95, Environmental issues were a hot topic led by Islander Paul Mankiewicz. which now suffers with significant traffic during the town halls (all puns intended), congestion. and both legislators were supportive of ef- group is planning to take these first steps Moderators Barbara Zahm and John forts to promote clean air and water. On a Oysters by arranging for the restaurants to provide Doyle opened the town hall with Ms. Biaggi local issue, Mr. Benedetto promised help Continued from page 1 shells and then asking volunteers to help with a brief review of her experience lead- from the Department of Environmental put them in bags and transport them to areas ing up to her upset victory over longtime ing, they transform sediment and nitrogen Conservation for a City Island project de- on the Island where they can rest for a few State Senator Jeff Klein in the 2018 Demo- into packets that end up at the bottom of scribed by Civic Association officer Bar- cratic primary, and her subsequent election the bay, where they are no longer harmful. months. Volunteers of all ages and skills will bara Dolensek. “We are currently working to the Senate. Ms. Zahm told the crowd of The sediment provides food for annelids, be needed, along with the input of commu- on a project to ‘plant’ oyster populations more than 70 interested residents and off-Is- nity organizations, including the City Island in Eastchester Bay off City Island, to help arthropods and other marine animals, how- landers that Ms. Biaggi was the fourth gen- Historical Society and the Community Cen- control storm surges and to clean the water ever, and the oyster beds themselves will at- eration of her family to live in District 34, ter, as well as restaurants. As Maria Caruso (see story on page 1). The state senator re- tract other creatures, as many as 100 differ- which includes City Island. She has a law puts it, “We hope to engage our community sponded enthusiastically as well, saying that ent species, enriching the environment on degree from Fordham University and has to work together to keep and preserve City this fit right in with her Sustainable South several levels. worked for both Governor Andrew Cuomo Bronx plan for more greenery, clean water Island’s nautical history and to promote its and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Building an oyster reef is not an easy and storm resiliency, and promised to work nautical future.” as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the task, but it has been done in New York Har- with residents to help achieve this goal. Islanders who are interested in knowing Southern District of New York. bor by the Billion Oyster Project and at other Local issues were the focus of the last more about this project or who would like Ms. Biaggi energetically explained the locations on Long Island Sound, the Hudson minutes of the town hall meetings. Islanders to offer their services as volunteers or to do- historical significance of the 2018 election. and Jamaica Bay. In the meantime, oys- pleaded with the legislators to help with the nate funds to help cover expenses are invited “For the first time in 100 years, the New ter shells must be collected and deposited noise from the Rodman’s Neck firing range. to e-mail [email protected]. In the York State Senate is controlled by Demo- in sacks on land where they can “cure,” as Although it is an NYPD facility, the Rod- meantime, be sure to put May 10 Viacom- crats.” As a result, Ms. Biaggi became chair Dr. Mankiewicz puts it, before being placed man’s Neck range is used by state police of- of the Ethics and Health Committees and munity Day on your calendar. ficers as well, and both Mr. Benedetto and on a reef in the water. The City Island Drift her commitment to change was evident. Ms. Biaggi were asked to look into ways “The Ethics Committee met for only the that the state could contribute to the costs second time in 2017 in response to com- of improving sound abatement at the range, plaints of corruption in Albany. I am reviv- perhaps by funding temporary baffling that ing the effort for the committee to be taken would minimize the noise level as the city’s seriously and oversee good government re- construction project proceeds. form.” Specifically, she will hold hearings Both legislators were eager to hear on sexual harassment and misconduct in about local concerns and made notes on New York State and address the issue of the issues of particular interest to City Island- influence of “dark” money in state politics. ers. Mr. Benedetto’s office can be reached She supports the Joint Commission on Pub- at 718-892-2235, and the number for Ms. lic Ethics (JCOPE) and believes in the need Biaggi’s office is 718-822-2049. for an independent body to rule on conflicts of interest. Page Four The Island Current March 2019

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best of everything for 2019 and beyond. Melanie Benvenue Buchanan When You Work with Me to Buy or Sell, Red, White and Blue Thanks You are Working with the BEST! (A copy of the following letter was received by The Current) Joseph Goonan Leonard Hawkins Post 156 550 City Island Avenue We welcome letters and opinions. Letters longer than Bronx, NY 10464 250 words will be edited, with every effort made to 20172014 Centurion International President’s Diamond Producer && preserve their substance. We reserve the right not to On behalf of the entire congregation QualityPinnacle service QualityPinnacle ServiceProducer Awards Awards print letters that are copies, libelous, inaccurate or in bad taste, or those that cannot be verified. Include your of Grace Episcopal Church, we want to phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, thank you and the Legion for replacing but names will be withheld upon request. our old and weathered American flag with a brand new one. Grateful for Support God bless you and all the members of To the Editor: Post 156. I want to convey my sincere and Eileen Marcus Looking to sell humble gratitude for all your kindness and Senior Warden your house? offers of help during the illness of my hus- [email protected] band, Hank Buchanan. The outreach and Now’s the time. support was overwhelming. I especially I would love to help you. thank the members of City Island Yacht Club, the Garden Club of City Island and the City Island Nautical Museum. Also thanks to our wonderful neighbors on Minneford Avenue and Tier Street (where we spent two winters), our boat EDMOND (Teddy) PRYOR neighbors, the dock staff at South Min- neford Yacht Club and the store owners on ATTORNEY AT LAW the avenue who fondly remembered Hank from all the years he shopped there. 292 City Island Avenue The past few years have been challeng- (718) 829-0222 City Island www.pryorlaw.com ing to say the least, but you all helped me New York 10464 and Hank through it. I wish you all the very

Kerry A. Dinneen, Esq. March 2019 The Island Current Page Five A Current Review A Few Very Good Men (And One Woman) By BRUCE A. WEIS On 22 February at 20:00 hours, ele- sentation was completely enjoyable and ments of Marine Rifle Security Company thoroughly militarized. Commands were Windward (MCSFCO GTMO) took control shouted, not merely spoken. Superior of- of the Grace Church stage, thereby enabling fers were exclusively referred to as “SIR.” the presentation of the City Island Theater Uniformed Marines snapped to attention group’s first production of 2019. The Ma- and marched in perfect formations. The rine assault was direct, to the beat of drums, show’s cast was large, especially for the and alerted the audience to the presence of small Grace Church stage, but somehow the a significant and timely narrative: “A Few CITG managed to jam 17 actors onto that Good Men” by Aaron Sorkin. Sorkin later stage very effectively. Let’s start with the wrote the screenplay for a movie version of line personnel. the show, which gave Jack Nicholson one of Casual and cavalier at first, John the most memorable lines in movie history, Squires’ Lieutenant Daniel Kaffe stood out but more about that later. like a sore thumb in these strict military “A Few Good Men” tells the story of a formations. In the course of the evening, court-martial at which military lawyers dis- however, he seamlessly transitioned his cover a high-level conspiracy in the course character from glib and unenthusiastic to of defending two Marines accused of mur- driven and relentless, remaining likable all der. As the play opens, finishing touches the while. are being put in place on the legal resolu- Dakota Martin as Lieutenant Com- tion to the death of Marine Private Santiago, mander Joanne Galloway, meanwhile, did who had died as the result of an informal some transitioning herself. Her Galloway punishment, termed a “Code Red,” at the started out focused and controlled, dedi- U.S. naval base in Guantánamo Bay. Pri- cated only to her job, but she blossomed as vate Downey (Kenneth Murphy) and Lance the show progressed, and by the end of the Corporal Dawson (Greg Weiss) are on trial night, she had become a passionate defend- for the crime. The attorney assigned to the er of the men she had come to believe in. two men, Navy Lieutenant Daniel Kaffe Armand Paganelli as Lieutenant Colo- (John Squires) isn’t particularly interested nel Nathan Jessep portrayed impeccably the in their case and actually has a history of guy we all wanted to hate. We all wanted to see his character brought down, yet he was Photos by MARY McINTYRE settling cases via plea bargains. The case The cast of Aaron Sorkin’s “A Few Good Men,” which is being presented by the City still able to illustrate the dichotomy of this follows this course until Navy Lieutenant Island Theater Group during February and March 2019 (top photo, front row, l. to r.): Commander Jo Galloway (Dakota Martin) story—Jessep’s feeling he was doing things Phil Dante, Gary Krigsman, Dakota Martin, Scott Harwood, John Squires, Armand appears in the story. She believes this is to for the good of others, regardless of how the Paganelli, Elizabeth Paldino (director), Robert McEvily, Dennis DeLeo, Joseph Mon- be a serious case of misconduct, and Kaffee others might feel about it. tano and Tom Weppler; (back row): Michael Sorge, Jack McGuirk, Benjamin Beruh, attempts to be removed from it. Joseph Montano’s Captain Matthew Kenneth Murphy, Greg Weiss, Thomas Losito and Nick Rueger. This scene from the The trial of the two Marines is the final Markinson was one of the nuanced charac- play (bottom photo) shows Nick Reuger standing and Scott Harwood, Dakota Martin step in a chain of events that started when ters in the show. Trapped between superior and John Squires seated. Santiago reported a guard had illegally fired and subordinate officers who have little re- between Chaffee and Galloway, except for Men,” starring Alec Baldwin as Colonel his weapon over the fence line into Cuba. spect for him, Markinson plays both ends the moment when he illustrated just what it Jessep, with a teleplay by Sorkin adapted Santiago saw this as a way he could leave against the middle and Matthew illustrated was that kept him calm. from his original script. However, to the the base, as he was unhappy there, and the character’s conflict exactly. Gary Krigsman’s often harried Captain best of my knowledge, this show has never he hoped to barter the name of the illegal Tom Weppler’s Lieutenant Jonathan Julius Randolph was enjoyable as he presid- aired. shooter for a transfer. Santiago had been a Kendrick came down with Team Jessup in- ed over the trial of Dawson and Downey (no On a personal note, I have wondered for lackluster Marine at Guantanamo, and the stead of Team Markinson with regard to the small feat) and forcefully set up Jessup for years about those internet stories that Jack story went that Downey and Dawson acci- fate of Private Santiago. Kendrick couldn’t his coup de grâce at the hands of Chaffee. Nicholson adlibbed the famous line “You dently killed him during a physical assault be trusted with much beyond the accuracy Phil Dante as Commander Walter Stone can’t handle the truth.” Researching this for that had been meant to motivate him into of a biblical quotation, and Tom projected successfully expressed the calculations that the review, I guess he did, but only kind of. being a better Marine. How the two Ma- this exactly throughout the evening. occur when one must choose between do- The line in the film screenplay that Nicholson rines came to administer this assault, and at Greg Weiss’s Lance Corporal Harold ing the right thing and doing what is in your changed was “You already have the truth,” but whose command, is the crux of the story, as Dawson and Kevin Murphy’s Private FC best interest, and understanding just how “You can’t handle the truth” actually appears Galloway and then Kaffe relentlessly follow Loudon Downey were on one level the stars quickly the calculations can change. in the play’s script. I’ve come to the conclu- the story through the chain of command to of the evening, as they were the points of Dennis DeLeo’s Captain Isaac Whita- sion that Aaron Sorkin changed the line when Lieutenant Kendrick, Captain Markinson the show: Marines on trial for murder after ker had seen it all and just hoped to keep he wrote the screenplay, and that Nicholson, and ultimately Lieutenant Colonel Nathan following orders. Even worse for them, they things moving with the least possible an- who would have researched the role and was Jessup. All the while, they battle both offi- still believed in those orders. Greg and Kev- guish. Whitaker understood the talents and doubtlessly aware of both lines, changed it cial deception and the Marine code of Duty, in each illustrated the conflict that can arise weaknesses of his subordinates and did his back during filming. Who knows? Honor, God and Country. from following your beliefs to a tragic end. best to understand the back story as well. Costumes for “A Few Good Men” were Interestingly, Aaron Sorkin says that he Robert McEvily’s Captain Jack Ross Jack McGuirk as Corporal Jeffrey Howard coordinated by Carol McCabe, and I was got the idea for “A Few Good Men” during just tries to keep a lid on things as an embar- convincingly provided straightforward tes- personally relieved to find that the Theater a phone conversation with his sister Debo- rassing case is disposed of, and after Daniel timony at the trial of Dawson and Downey Group rented all of the uniforms, which rah, who was serving a three-year stint with Kaffe’s conversion, nobody seems interest- that illustrated the Marine Corps ethos their spared Carol and her crew the trauma of ac- the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. ed in working with him. Robert’s desperate defense was facing. tually creating military uniforms for 17 ac- She was on her way to Guantanamo Bay twists and turns as he tried to hold a fix to- Thomas Losito, Nicholas Rueger and tors. Lighting design was by Nico Pechin, Naval Base to defend a group of Marines gether were a pleasure to watch. Michael Sorge each donned several hats and the lighting operators were Amanda who had nearly killed a fellow Marine in a On the other side of the courtroom, during the play, covering a number of small Livingston Martin and Susan Rauh. The hazing ordered by a superior officer. Sorkin Scott Harwood’s Lieutenant Sam Weinberg but key supporting roles with aplomb. With- new spot and area lighting installed by the ultimately wrote much of the play on cock- was in the story throughout and ultimately out their work, the play could not have gone Theater Group a few weeks ago was a huge tail napkins while bartending at the Palace part of Dawson and Downey’s defense on. The combined efforts of all these actors help in accommodating the large cast on the Theatre on Broadway. team. Scott’s Weinburg calm provided an made for a fascinating production. small Grace stage. Set construction was by The City Island Theater Group’s pre- effective counterpoint to the ongoing angst “A Few Good Men” opened on Broad- Dan Srdoc and everyone in the group helped way at the Music Box Theatre, on Nov. 15, with set painting. Props were assembled by 1989, with Tom Hulce as Lieutenant Kaf- Barbara Dolensek, who owes special thanks fee, Megan Gallagher as Lieutenant Com- to people who own handguns and hand- mander Joanne Galloway and Stephen Lang cuffs. Pam Johnston once again served as as Lieutenant Colonel Jessep. The Broad- Production Stage Manager responsible for way production earned Megan Gallagher a the goings on backstage, and Hannah Glick 1990 Theater World Award and a Best Actor handled sound design. nomination for Tom Hulce at the 44th Tony Elizabeth Paldino did a magnificent job Awards. Aaron Sorkin adapted his work with the direction of “A Few Good Men,” into a film screenplay, which was directed successfully creating a military environ- by Rob Reiner in 1992. The movie starred ment on the stage of an Episcopal church. Tom Cruise as Lieutenant Kaffee, Demi Nick Sala and Susan Rauh shared Produc- Moore as Lieutenant Commander Joanne tion Manager duties. Galloway and Jack Nicholson as Lieutenant Performances of “A Few Good Men” Colonel Jessep. The film was nominated for continue on Friday and Saturday, March 1 the Academy Award for Best Picture and re- and 2, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 3, at ceived a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay. 3 p.m. The City Island Theater Group will In 2018 NBC announced plans to broadcast present “Auntie Mame” as its second pro- a live television production of “A Few Good duction of 2019. Page Six The Island Current March 2019

into the enigmatic world of album art on a wide variety of styles and functions. puter? No problem! We have computers and begins to understand how visual Here at the City Island Library, patron available for instructional use. Registra- cues convey messages about politics and and volunteer Regina Sanglier will teach tion required. identity. Students will leave the workshop you the basics, and hopefully get you cre- Saturday Afternoon Movies: Fea- having created their own original album ating your very own works of art. Session ture movie titles, varying in length, at 1 cover art. Wednesday, March 20, 3 p.m. One: March: 2 and 16 at 10:30 a.m. These p.m.: March 2: “Queen of Katwee”; March After-School Lounge: Come to the are the last two classes of a four-class ses- 9: “Skyscraper”; March 16: “Christopher Clam Diggers Laundromat, located library after school for a chance to get sion. Registration is required. Limited to Robin”; March 23: “Book Club”; March at 323 City Island Avenue (between Ford- a head start on your homework before 10 participants. A waiting list is available 30: “Ocean’s 8.” ham and Bay Streets) is now open seven unwinding online! Monday through for future sessions. Some programs require advance reg- days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Mensa Mondays: Doing puzzles has istration, which can be done in person, or (last wash at 7:30 p.m.). Self-service, or Friday Afternoon Activities: On been linked to improved memory, better by phone. All programs are free! let Helen and Tricia do all the work for Fridays, at 3 p.m. we plan a series of spe- you. We offer same-day service; pick-up problem-solving skills and even lower and delivery available. Kid-friendly. Free cial activities to celebrate the beginning stress levels. Let us help you work off soap and bleach every day. Owned and of the weekend so check out this month’s those Monday blues by providing you operated by lifetime City Island residents. events and come hang out with us! March with riddles, crosswords, word searches If you have five minutes (two minutes to 1: Wii and Board Games; March 8: Online and number puzzles to train your brain! drop off and three minutes to pick up) or Women’s History Scavenger Hunt; March Every Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. have any questions, stop in or call us at 15: Wii and Board Games; March 22: Bas- City Island Scrabble Club: If you’re 347-449-7400. ket Weaving; March 29: Wii and Board looking for some friendly competition, Scavello’s on the Island at 101 Games. then join our Scrabble Club! Come in City Island Avenue is offering a terrific MARCH ADULT PROGRAMS and flex your vocabulary muscles. Note: new food service called Gourmet to Go, Limited to 12 participants; registration which offers restaurant-quality food for Creative Aging: Finding Your Wis- the home. You can order semi-prepared dom Voice Poetry & Creative Writing required. Thursday, March 7 and 21, at 1 dishes for finishing in the home kitchen, Workshop: In this six-week workshop, p.m. finished dishes frozen or refrigerated, as we look at wisdom poetry and writings City Island Book Club: Call or stop well as sauces, breads, soups and freshly from ancient times until now, and from by the branch for more information. Mon- made desserts, which you can order whole around the world, delving into universal day, March 11 and 25, at 5 p.m. or by the piece. Scavello’s catering service truths. Each writer will then explore these The Island Writers: This is a group is now at this location, offering heroes, truths, while learning how to write with for all who are interested in writing cheese trays and more. Open Tuesday their own unique wisdom voice. Led by professionally or personally. All are wel- through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. John Maney, a workshop leader certified come, so come join in on the literary fun! and open Saturday and Sunday from 11 Every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. a.m. to 11 p.m. Call 718-885-2570 to place to lead creative writing workshops with One-on-One: Computer, Tablet, an order, or just drop in (remember, Scav- NY Writers Coalition. Monday, March 11, ello’s has its own parking lot). 18, 25 and April 1, 8 and 15. and Resumé Instruction: Stop in, or call Atlantic Emeritus Realty will now City Island Calligraphy: Calligra- to make an appointment for one hour of be doing business as City Island Realty phy is an ancient form of communication personalized instruction that addresses One, a long overdue change. They are and artistic expression that has since taken your questions and concerns. No com- still at the same location, 300 City island Avenue, with the same phone number (718-885-0088) and agents.

PROGRAMS AT THE CITY ISLAND LIBRARY 718-885-1703 Our hours are: Monday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. MARCH CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Little Irish Steppers: Little Irish Steppers is an Irish pre-dance and movement class developed for children ages 2 to 5 with a participating adult. Upbeat traditional Irish music and songs, combined with popular toddler songs, clapping, stamping, and shakers are used to explore rhythm and a variety of time signatures. Wednesday, March 20, 11 a.m. Circle Time: Children from birth to 3 years old and their caregivers can enjoy stories, songs, and finger plays while spending time with other toddlers. Limit of 15 children with their caregivers. Craft included. Every Tuesday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Play-Doh Time: Have fun exploring sensory dough as well as making your own creations with Play-Doh by knead- ing, rolling and molding it! Ages 2 to 5. Play-Doh does contain wheat products. Every Thursday at 11 a.m. Read & Play: Children from birth to 3 years old and caregivers can take part in wonderful stories, discover amazing toys, and meet new friends in this fun, informal program. Limit of 15 children with their caregivers. Every Friday from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Craft-A-Way: Drop in and participate in creating projects related to a theme or holiday. Ages 2 to 5. Friday, March 15, 11:30 a.m. MARCH TEEN and TWEEN PROGRAMS Seeing Sounds: This workshop looks March 2019 The Island Current Page Seven Boat Show 2019 By GREG CLANCY The night before I visited the 2019 for decades, and she never complained. Progressive New York Boat Show, I had a Hey, Sally, are you still out there? Parking remarkable dream. I dreamt that I was at this year was $80! No kidding. I could buy the Javits Center on the show floor, but dinner for 20 in Appleton, WI, for eighty instead of finding the Boat Show staffed bucks! by salespeople and exhibitors I found it But allow me to get back to business. staffed by politicians. The political season The BUYER (or Boyar if you please) is a never seems to end these days, so I was not bit of a phantom. They are the elusive 1 surprised to find Mayor Bill de Blasio at percenters, the exhibitor’s version of that the front door in the Progressive booth ex- 50-inch striper you’ve been hunting for tolling the virtues of affordable boating op- all your life. 90 percent of the show is de- tions. I liked it, although he lost me when signed for them, from Sailfish and Boston he quipped about the harbor patrol and how Whaler right on up to the queens of the they need to stop picking on jet skiers. I show. Speaking of the queens, there were don’t care much for jet skis, so I decided to a few. Sabre, Azimut, Formula and Galeon move on. Just behind the Progressive stand all vied for the position. I liked the Sabre was a large engine exhibit manned by the 48 Salon Express with her “down-east” one and only President Obama! He smiled lines and Navy hull, but if I’m being truth- brightly and looked very well rested as he ful I would have to say that the Galeon pitched a plan to offer universal access to 470 Sky stole the show. Made in Poland, free engine maintenance for all mariners. and a favorite of Russia’s millionaires, this Sign me up, I thought! was Galeon’s first trip to the New York My spirits soared until I heard the Boat Show. She has Clorox bottle lines, sound of a chainsaw in the distance. Being but without the sleekness of a Tiara. She the doughty Island Current reporter that I looked kind of like a Tiara who needed to am, I ran to the sound of danger. Once there lose a hundred pounds, but she still won for I found our new Congresswoman Alexan- sheer glitz. As beamy as can be, she had a dria Ocasio-Cortez carefully chain-sawing huge sky deck (flybridge), condo-like fin- a stunning Chris Craft into hundreds of ishes and bulkheads in the aft cockpit that pieces. “It wasn’t fair!” she explained, that fold down to create more deck space. Her only one boater could own such a yacht. million dollar price tag wasn’t so bad ei- She planned to distribute the many pieces ther, especially when compared to the Sa- to hundreds of aspiring boaters. I needed bre 48, which listed closer to $1.7 million. to ponder this one so I decided to go get The BUYER (Boyar) doesn’t always myself a beer, but before I could get my go for a queen, however. Sometimes they $15 draft Budweiser, I stumbled upon a just want a simple fishing boat. These are debate in the form of a mock fishing tour- the half-million dollar center consoles that ney. There I found Governor Cuomo and fill most of the show floor. These include Cynthia Nixon engaged in a “Fishing for Jupiter, Sailfish, Whaler, Grady and so on. Voters” contest. One of the kings of this class was a 41-foot Just when I thought it couldn’t get any Regulator listed at $935,855. (Pardon my better, I spotted President Trump standing use of the masculine, but fishermen like to Photos by GREG CLANCY These intrepid City Island boaters, the out on the street, looking in with his nose feel manly.) This Regulator boasted quad pressed to the glass. His hair flapped in the Clancy family, attended the 2019 New 425-horse Yamaha outboards, an “Abaco York Boat Show in January and met up breeze, and I think he was crying. He just Sky” colored hull and three seats at the with members of the City Island Yacht couldn’t get in. I’m sorry, Mr. President, I center console. She could have accommo- Club (top photo). They boarded and thought. But this is the Progressive New dated 20 fishermen comfortably spread out reviewed a number of different power York Boat Show, after all! And besides, along her gunwale. yachts and had a great time, despite the you can’t come in here and build walls Among these high-end fishing boats I parking bill (bottom photo). between Power Boaters and Sailors! That noticed two new innovations that are grow- wall already exists, and has for eons! (This ing in popularity: the first is the Seakeeper, change their own oil and rejoice at an af- is the part of the article where my wife tells a gyro-stabilizer about the size of a large fordable “new” boat that is less than 30 me that I’m turning into my father). suitcase that sits inside the bilge right on years old. The buyer plays three important When I awoke, I was relieved to re- top of the keel and (mostly) prevents the parts at the boat show. First, the buyer hits member that the election season was over. boat from rocking, even in a beam sea. Last the dozens of exhibits while filing up the I was even more relieved to remember that year I reported that I had taken an actual show floor and providing camouflage for winter will soon be over. With spring im- test ride on an Azimut with the Seakeep- the BUYERS. Second, the buyer comes to pending and a Progressive New York Boat er gyro, and I have to say it really works. get a sneak peek into the boat that he or she Show to attend, I decided that I had better The cost of this system (for a retrofit, say) might be buying a few decades hence. I for leave the politics to my friends at the Civic ranges from $30k to $200k and the system one picked a 37-foot Sabreline Backcove Association and polish up my boat shoes requires a huge amount of electricity, but I in 2014. I’ve only got 15 years to go. Yay! instead! still think it’s the best innovations in years. find a 20-odd-foot bowrider for well un- Lastly, the buyer exists to fill Mr. Javits’ I honestly don’t know how many times It stops boats from rocking, literally. der $50k if you are interested. Lake boats coffers by buying beer marked up by about I’ve attended the Boat Show, but it’s at Innovation number two is less con- like Rossiter and Bennington fit into this 6,000 percent. least 20 times. Maybe closer to 30. This vincing. Some brands (Jupiter, for exam- category too, though they’re more for the Now for my last two categories of year I attended the show with my wife, ple) have eliminated switches at the helm. upstate crowd. Buyers who are especially show attendee. Don’t worry, I’ll keep this Admiral Meaghan, and my first through All switches are now just a graphic on an bullish can still look at the likes of Carver, quick. First is the BuYeR (the batty). This fourth mates, Patrick, Matthew, James and LED touch screen. For example, the on- which is still coming to the show year after is an ordinary buyer who suffers from Jonathan. We all found the show to be in- off switch for running lights is no longer year and which still carries flybridge cruis- delusions of grandeur; a person who has credibly crowded. This year (like the last) a switch; rather it is a faux button on a ers for less than the price of an average convinced himself that he might become found the Javits Center packed to the gills. computer screen. I think this is a bad idea. home on City Island. Buyers also come to a BUYER, and soon. My brother Bill fits I begin to wonder if we may see the show “Fly-by-wire” systems are great, until they the show for other things, such as engines. into this category. Sorry, Bill, maybe we’ll grow again in coming years. That would be break. How offensive were switches any- Speaking of engines, Yamaha and Evin- get the Hinckley next year. an incredible reversal after years of decline way? Switches never bothered me. Helm rude now have new lines of outboard V-8s Last but not least we have the Landlub- through the ‘90s and ‘00s. stations without cupholders bother me going up to 425 horse power. These are ber (otherwise known as Ladies). I apolo- All this crowding begs a question. (Azimut). But switches? Not so much. the largest outboards ever created and they gize to those women of the sea who fall Who the heck are all these people coming Somewhere between the BUYERS and are now standard offerings on most of the into one of the above categories because I to the boat show? I decided to conduct a the Buyers we ran into City Island’s own BUYERS fishing boats. As for inboards, know there are plenty of you out there. If study, and I determined that the standard David Mooney, now a commander in the Mercruiser had an 8.7L inboard rated at you are a woman and you know how to tie boat show visitor falls into five categories: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Dave is the 565 horses. The efficiency and small size a bowline, then I’m not talking to you. But BUYER, Buyer, buyer, BuYeR and Land- second in command for the Coast Guard of these gas engines are incredible. In the some of the members of the fairer sex re- lubber. (This is the part of the article where Auxiliary for all of New York City, and a mid-1990s, for example, a Crusader or ally just don’t get it. (Now, this is the part my fearless editors say that I’m turning tremendous resource for all of us on City Mercruiser inboard of similar dimensions of the article where the guys at the Legion into my father, a man who wrote this article Island. It was great to run into you, Dave. might only get up to the high 300s in terms think I am turning into my dad). Let me ask for over 30 years and got zanier with each Now to the Buyer (or Bourgeois). This of horsepower. you something. What lady on God’s green year.) I apologize in advance to editors is a real buyer, but they’re just not coming The next class of show attendee is Earth goes to the boat show to get a facial? Barbara and Karen for the tour de force of to spend a half a million on an outboard. the buyer (or bluejacket). A bluejacket is Well let me tell you, they exist, and so capital letters we are about to embark on! These are the folks for Glastron, Yamaha, a common sailor, an enlisted man, an able did the facial booth. Who on God’s green But first remember that Sally McCheap Blue Marlin and the like. They come for seaman. This is the average joe, the rest had to deal with my father’s crazy articles the sub-$100k brands. In fact, you can still of us who toil away on their own bottom, Continued on page 14 Page Eight The Island Current March 2019 March 2019 The Island Current Page Nine WACKY WINTER WEATHER

By VIRGINIA DANNEGGER

Question: What changes would you like to see take place on City Island in 2019? Joe Burck Sr. I like the Island the way it is, but there is always room for improvement. For instance, I’d like to see the area where the old Trader John’s place was near the bridge made into a park. Old things go, new things come. That’s pretty much the way life is.

Melanie Benvenue In 2019, I would like to see the positive changes from last year continue, such as the new and improved stores on the Avenue. To keep this trend going, more Islanders shopping locally would help a great deal. I would like to see long- standing eyesore buildings demolished or rehabbed into more aes- thetically pleasing structures, business or residential. I would like to see more police enforcement in response to speeding and other reckless driving on the Island. Denise Kritikos I love City Island. I love the small town feel, but I would like to see more police presence in the off season and something done about illegal commercial business being done on residential blocks.

Bruce Burgeson Let’s try to give more business to our City Island merchants. We don’t want to lose them! John Skinner I would like to see more after-school programs for the young people on City Island. Programs like the PSS Senior Center should be available to children and teenagers to go to after school. The City Island library does a good job, but there should be more choices for younger Islanders. There are livelier activities like music and dance that would interest the young people that are not appropriate for the library. Jason Breines Illegal drugs, traffic, the MTA schedule, noise from the firing range, and infrastructure all remain issues on City Island. I would like to see more done by all Islanders in conjunction with the City Island Civic Association to resolve these issues. I would also favor term limits for officers of the Civic Association.

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Owned and Operated by a City Island Resident

Photos by MATT PANZA It’s been a weather roller coaster so far in 2019 with ice storms (top photo) followed by warm days in February that caused spring fever among Islanders who rushed to Orchard Beach (middle photo). So far, there have been no snowstorms like the ones five years ago that created picturesque winter scenes on City Island (bottom photo montage). Page Ten The Island Current March 2019

Organization News News on this page concerning organizations, and events listed in, are submitted by representatives of those organizations. A limit of 150 words is requested for all news items submitted. In most cases news will be edited and every effort will be made to preserve the substance of longer items. News and calendar events must be received by no later than the 20th of each month except December and July. If the 20th falls on a holiday or Sunday, the deadline is the 19th. Mail submissions to P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER MUST BE INCLUDED. Current Calendar Avenue. The work has been completed. This care is especially important for trees MARCH surrounded by hardscape which receive Tues., March 5, Shrove Tuesday Pancake less water than trees in lawns and are more Supper, Grace Episcopal Church Parish subject to stress. Unlike forest trees that Hall, City Island Avenue at Pilot Street, 5 are fertilized and mulched by falling leaves to 7 p.m. and other dying plant matter, they receive very little fertilizer. Bartlett Tree Experts Sat., March 9, St. Paddy’s Day 5K Race, is certified by New York City and is able 11 a.m. start at Clipper Café, 274 City to get permits to work on city trees. The Island Avenue. All proceeds go to the City Garden Club hopes to use money donated Photo by JOANNE VALLETTA City Island’s American Legion Unit 156 Hosted a Valentine’s Dinner Dance on Satur- Island Theater Group (see Briefly this by Island residents and businesses to do the issue). day, Feb. 16, 2019. Many thanks to Legionnaires above—Peter Booth, Peter Zvara, same work for trees on other blocks in the and Bobby Salerno (Chef), who assisted with set up and dinner preparation. Tues., March 26, City Island Civic Asso- coming years. ciation meets, 7:30 p.m., Community Our Annual Luncheon Committee is munity for all your support over the past March 8: Rabbi Shohama and Rabbi Center, 190 Fordham Street. finalizing the venue and cost details of the 100 years. It’s our honor to be your com- David; oneg sponsored by Jodie Sadovsky Garden Club’s May 16 event. This year’s munity partner. and Phillis Maucieri Sat., March 30, POTS Program, St. theme is “Daisies are Forever. “ Our annual Peter C. Del-Debbio March 15: Congregation-led Mary’s School Yard, Minneford Avenue luncheon, open to everyone, features a March 22: Rabbi David; oneg sponsored and Kilroe Street, drop-off between 4:30 raffle that includes gift baskets created by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 156 by Violet Smith and 5 p.m. Menu: chicken with peppers, members, as well as gift certificates and April 5: Congregation-led onions and potatoes. Many thanks to all who attended the Val- special items. Please join us for this very Other activities: special event. entine’s Dinner Dance on Saturday, Feb. 16, APRIL March 5: Rabbi David’s first of three The Garden Club of City Island meets hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary classes on Passover, followed by three Sat., April 6, Temple Beth-El Gala Din- monthly, except August. We usually meet Unit 156 and chaired by Laura Booth, presi- classes on Shavuot. ner Dance, Pelham/Split Rock Golf on the first Monday of the month at 10 a.m. dent. A special shout-out to Bobby Salerno March 13: Rabbi Shohama’s second Courses, 7 to 11 p.m. at the City Island Yacht Club on Pilot Street. for his cooking expertise, and to the SAL, of three online Healing Programs during Meetings conclude with home-baked goods Legion and Auxiliary members who volun- Fri., April 12, Scout Fundraiser for Trin- lunch hour, 12 to 1 p.m. and refreshments served by our hospitality teered their time with set up, decorations and ity United Methodist Church, 7 p.m., March 17: Purim play, open to all at committee. The Garden Club’s April I and preparation. It was a fun evening, and we Morris Yacht Club. TBE followed by dinner at the Black May 6 meetings will be club business meet- appreciate the community support for our Whale; $40 per person. RSVP and prepay- Sons of the American Legion ings, with no speakers scheduled. veteran programs. ment required. Squadron #156 Sharynne Wilder Our next event will be our annual St. SAVE THE DATE: April 6: Temple Patrick’s Day Dinner on Sunday, March 17. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, Beth El’s 85th Anniversary Dinner/Dance at American Legion Post #156 Flyers and further information will be posted March 14, at 7:30 p.m. The dues for 2019 Pelham/Split Rock, honoring Arnold Wile, shortly. Please, mark your calendars for our ($30) are now due. Miracle Minyan founding member and Our next meeting is Sunday, March 3, Veteran’s Spring Bingo on Friday, April 12, New members are always welcome. If architectural advisor, and Skip and Louise you are a male descendant, step-descendant at 12 noon. Dues ($55) are past due for at the Post. Reservations are required. For Giacco for their ongoing commitment to or adopted descendant of a veteran set forth 2019. Please drop them off at the Post, and more information, please contact Regina our City Island community. Details will be in the dates established by Congress, we be sure your name is on the envelope. The Murphy, chair for donations, at reginamur- on our website: www.yourshulbythesea.org. would love to have you as a member. Stop hall is available for your next party. We can [email protected]. TBE invites the City Island Community by the Post to pick up an application. We accommodate up to 80 people. Members The Quilts of Valor Foundation National to join our yoga class on Monday evenings will also need a copy of a DD-214 from your receive a discount on all hall rentals. Please Sew Day was Feb. 2. ALA Unit 156 partici- relative. from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., led by Daniella call our Activities Vice Commander Joe pated in its sixth annual nationwide event, It’s party time! When booking your next Haney (Patreesha Sat Inder Kaur), a certi- Goonan at 917-825-9576 for availability. chaired by Harlan Sexton at the Leonard party, consider the Legion Post. Members fied instructor in spiritual disciplines of Please come in and play the Queen of Hawkins post. Our group, Quilters by the receive a discount rate on all hall rentals. breath and body. Suitable for all persons, Hearts game of chance each week. The Sea, has almost completed the next QOV Peter Booth ages, body types and experience levels. weekly drawing is held at 7 p.m. on Sat- quilt to be presented to a Korean war vet- Dress in loose-fitting clothes; participants urday night. The jackpot grows each week eran. Our group is growing and all are wel- City Island Republicans can take session on the ground (mats and until someone selects the Queen of Hearts. come to participate. pillows provided) or sit in a chair. Tea Thanks to all of the poll workers for their The game is open to all, and the proceeds Many thanks to Vikki Weidemann, Troop and cookies served afterwards. Suggested hard work during the special election. Peti- help fund projects around the Post. Leader of Girl Scout Troop 1165, who freewill offering $10 per session. RSVP to tions are being circulated because we need All retired flags should be dropped off at gathered donations for Support the Troops Daniella at [email protected]. signatures for the November ballot and to the Post for proper disposal. Please put them in Afghanistan. CARE packages were sent Chesed Committee: If you need a help- qualify the Party’s status as an official politi- in the former mailbox by the post’s flagpole. to our troops in Afghanistan through the cal party. Please sign if someone comes to ing hand, a caring call, a ride to the doc- The following are dates of upcoming Theodore Korony Post in Throggs Neck just your door. tor, etc., let us know. If you have love to events: in time for Valentine’s Day. They did a great Fred Ramftl Jr. give, we need your support. No experience March 10, St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 12 job! required. To seek support and/or to vol- noon. This event starts at East Tremont and The Auxiliary Unit welcomes all new Garden Club of City Island unteer, please e-mail us at yourshulbythe- Lafayette Avenues and marches down East members. If you’d like further information [email protected]. At the Garden Club’s March 4 meeting, Tremont to Harding Avenue. on eligibility, please visit ALAforVeterans. Prayer Group: TBE has an informal our committees will work on plans for the March 17, St. Patrick’s Day Dinner from org/join or e-mail our membership chair, prayer group to hold members, friends & coming months. The Program Committee is 2 to 6 p.m. This event will be hosted by Viki Trifari, at [email protected]. considering future presenters and field trips. Legion Auxiliary Unit 156; Cost $30 per Joanne Valletta family in prayer for healing. If you feel The Publicity Committee will continue to person; $10 for children 6–12; younger chil- called to join this group, please e-mail us at [email protected]. report club activities to the media as they dren free. Please sign up at the Post. Temple Beth-El take place. The Membership Committee will Save the Date! As the American Legion Oneg Sponsorships: Onegs are joyful encourage new membership and post perti- prepares to observe its 100th anniversary, Temple Beth-El (TBE), “your shul by the community celebrations, often sponsored nent information. Of course, the Hospitality Post 156 is preparing to celebrate its own sea,” 480 City Island Avenue, is a stimulat- by people commemorating special events Committee will continue to serve goodies 100-year legacy on Nov. 23, 2019 with a ing non-denominational, welcoming place to honor others or their own special occa- and refreshments at the monthly meetings, Centennial Serviceman’s Dinner Dance at for observance of Jewish traditions. Jewish sion (e.g., birthday, anniversary, new job, and the Sunshine Committee will continue Scavello’s On The Island, 101 City Island renewal is the style of our deeply spiritual, yahrzeit, memorials). To sponsor one or to to attend to members in need of special Avenue. We are asking the City Island innovative, all-inclusive and open-minded find out more information, please contact cheer and encouragement. community to provide copies of records worship. Twice a month Rabbi Shohama Violet Smith at [email protected] or 718- The Beautification Committee is organiz- or photos of patriotic events or memo- Wiener and/or Rabbi David Evan Markus 885-0978. ing our annual fund-raising campaign and rial observances in our community and lead services with music by Your Band by For additional information, check out will deliver letters in April requesting dona- assist us in recording these special events the Sea. Other times services are led by our website at www.yourshulbythesea.org. tions from City Island residents and busi- for posterity. I would like to hear from all congregants in a joyful celebratory man- Paul Klein nesses. Funds collected will be used for the people whose lives have been touched by the ner. Events begin promptly so please arrive seasonal plantings in the planter boxes along American Legion Family in our community 15 minutes early. Services are followed by the avenue, holiday wreaths for our public St. Mary’s Thrift Shop spaces, special beautification projects and of City Island. an oneg (refreshments). Reminder: for the Please remember the following Legion- payments to CJS Property Care for clean- health and comfort of all, please refrain Watch out for our End of Season Sales! ing tree pits and grassy areas on City Island naires who have gone before us: Edward from wearing perfume or cologne. We look We will be closed from March 21 through Avenue. Watkins, Post 156 Member Vietnam Era forward to seeing you. March 30. On April 4 we will reopen with This winter the Garden Club contracted Veteran, 14-year member, and Edwin Shipp, Services take place on Friday evenings our spring collection. with Bartlett Tree Experts to fertilize, com- Post 156 Honorary Life Member, Vietnam from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Doors may be locked. The shop is open on Thursdays and Sat- post and mulch the city-owned trees between Era Veteran, 36-year member. Please knock and be patient. Thank you. urdays from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Bay and Carroll Streets along City Island Thank you to the entire City Island com- March 1: Congregation-led Arlene Byrne March 2019 The Island Current Page Eleven

weekly delivery of fresh organic fruits and and Symptoms of Depression, VNS or for prayer requests, please send an email vegetables. To join or for information, contact March 11, 1:15 p.m., Scrabble Tourna- to Pastor Dave at david.jolly@nyac-umc. the new coordinator Jessica Sinclair at 914- ment com. 625-7440 or [email protected]. March 18, 12:30 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day The Budget Shop is open and bursting City Island Culinary Club: Mondays, Party, Lunch and Entertainment at the seams! Stop in and see what is new. March 21, 1 p.m.: Close. Lunch served March 4 and 18, at 7 p.m. The theme for Trinity is thankful for City Island’s contin- March is Irish cooking. Share recipes and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ued support, both in volunteering of time, have fun with other Islanders who like to March 25, 12:30 p.m.: Birthday Party cook. For information, call Kenny Selesky with DJ and the generosity of the donations. at 917-533-7873. March 28, 1:30 p.m.: Concert by Singing Rick DeWitt For additional information about the Community Cen- City Island Indivisible: Join other con- Group; theme: Through the Years ter, or if you are interested in conducting classes here cerned citizens who are supporting progres- March 29. 1:15 p.m.: Fall’s Prevention please call 718-885-1145. sive action on issues such as health care Presentation AARP Chapter 318 Thank you to the 90 people who renewed for all, environmental protection policies, Daily Programming We meet on the first and third Wednes- or joined the center for 2019. We are grateful civil rights, women’s rights and reproductive Mondays: day of the month at 1 p.m. at the Trinity for your support. Remember membership to health choices, voter rights and public educa- 9:15 a.m. Tai Chi for Arthritis, for all Methodist Church Hall. We will have a the CICC is only $30 for families and $20 tion. We come together to discuss actions, exercise levels for individuals. Members are entitled to rent write letters and work together to help find regular meeting on March 6. On March 20, 10:15 a.m. Card Games and Canasta we will hold our annual St. Patrick’s/ St. the center for family events at reasonable ways to preserve our democratic ideals. For 12 noon to 1 p.m. Lunch rates. To join the Center and for up-to-date more information and meeting dates, contact Joseph’s day luncheon. There will be tradi- Tuesdays: tional corned beef and cabbage, with Italian information visit www.cityislandcommuni- Barbara Zahm at 914-882-7963 or cityis- 9:15 a.m. Cardio Fit: Vigorous aerobic pastries for dessert. The cost is $18 per tycenter.org, or call 718-885-1145, or like us [email protected] or “Like” City Island and strength training on Facebook and check FB for any changes Indivisible on Facebook. 12 noon to 1 p.m. Lunch person, and you must sign up by March 6. in classes. Healing Service: Francesca Vitale, RPP, 1 p.m. Yoga Stretch In the event of bad weather, members will We would like to offer more programs founder and director of the Healing Force, is Wednesdays: be notified if we have to cancel a meeting. for youth and ask you to share your thoughts a board-certified educator and practitioner 10:15 a.m. Arthritis Workshop, exercises Carroll Reid and ideas on how best to do this. in polarity/craniosacral/raindrop therapies. for all joints The Center is run by a volunteer board Formerly of the NY Open Center, Francesca 11 to 12 noon. Blood Pressure Screening, of directors who meet on the first Tuesday is an intuitive healer and offers sessions first and third Wednesday of the month of each month at 7 p.m. in the Community in energy medicine that works to correct 12 noon to 1 p.m. Lunch Center Main Room at 190 Fordham Street. energetic imbalances and distortions, which 1 p.m. Calligraphy All members are encouraged to attend this leads to clarity of mind and restored health. 1 p.m. Second and fourth Wednesday open meeting. We always welcome and Partial proceeds given to CICC. Visit www. of the month: Haircuts by Brenda for $10. Grace Episcopal Church really need volunteers and donations. thehealingforce.net. For free consultation or Please call to sign up. NEW to make an appointment, call 914-837-6830. Thursdays: Grace Episcopal Church, located at 116 AA Meeting: Saturdays and Sundays at Weight Watchers Meetings: Tuesdays, 9:15 a.m. Tai Chi for Arthritis, for all City Island Avenue on the corner of Pilot 7:30 a.m. All are welcome. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. We are an official WW site exercise levels Street, a place of worship and fellowship, City Island Knitting Club: Thursdays with a new leader, Alex Sokoloff. New mem- 10 a.m. Acrylic Painting warmly welcomes you to the following: at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy knitting with others. bers are always welcome. For more informa- 12 noon to 1 p.m. Lunch Worship Schedule during the month tion, please call Patty at 914-882-9578. Beginners and all levels welcome. For infor- 1:15 p.m.: Singing group with Napat; of March: All Sunday services including Yoga with Jo Ann: Wednesdays, 7 to mation or to register, contact Dana Caton at theme: Through the Years Lenten Sunday services at 10 a.m. led by 678-591-1846 or [email protected]. 8:15 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 to 9:15 a.m. Fridays: Gentle level-one class. Please bring a mat, Father John Covington. Holy Eucharist Rite Feldenkrais Class: Mondays at 6 p.m. 9:15 a.m. Fit for Life: Vigorous cardio I. After the service, we offer coffee hour, Find greater ease of movement, flexibility, a strap and, if possible, a yoga blanket. For and toning a time for refreshments and fellowship. relief from pain, relaxation and improved information, e-mail [email protected] or 11:15 a.m. Yoga Stretch posture. Feldenkrais exercises involve call 917-853-4719. 12 noon to 1 p.m. Lunch All are welcome. We have birthday and a combination of gentle movements, rest Zumba with Julia and Lettie: Satur- We have a social worker who visits every anniversary prayers during the service and and self-awareness, which give your brain days, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Want to lose those extra week on Wednesdays to answer questions, healing prayers after the service on the first and body access to helpful information to pounds and that belly fat? Well, here is your apply for benefits and help in any other Sunday of each month. improve the way your body feels and func- chance. Join this high-energy 90-minute way. Call 718-885-0727 or drop by the Cen- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper: On tions. No class Feb. 18. For information, workout with toning. For information, call ter. Tuesday, March 5, the night before Ash Julia at 917-601-5514. please contact Julie Kavee 347-266-6247 or Transportation Services. Off-Island Wednesday, a traditional pancake supper Zumba with Lettie: Thursdays, 6:30 [email protected]. shopping trips leave at 9 a.m. and include will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the church Introductory Meditation Talk: p.m. (new time). Lettie’s very creative class Shop Rite, Stop & Shop, Target, Farmer’s is a real calorie burner and a blast. For infor- hall. All are welcome! The menu will Wednesdays, March 13 and 27, 7 p.m. If Market, Trader Joe’s, and more. The sug- include pancakes, bacon, sausages, and hot you’ve ever considered meditation or prac- mation, call 917-292-4228. gested contribution for a round trip is $1 on and cold beverages. A donation of $5 per ticed in the past, join Sherry Steel for a free Patty Grondahl City Island, $2.50 for off-Island shopping informative class. For more information, call trips and $3 for longer off-Island trips. Any- adult is suggested; $2 for children under 12. or text Sherry at 718-864-2963. St. Mary, Star of the Sea one over 60 is encouraged to take advantage For more information, call the parish at 718- 885-1080. YOUTH PROGRAMS of our door-to-door transportation services. Wednesday, March 6, is Ash Wednes- The Ash Wednesday service will take Bollywood and Indian Folk Dance: Call Alex at 347-834-6466 for more informa- day, the beginning of the holy season of place on Wednesday, March 6, at 7:30 p.m. Friday (NEW DAY) at 6 p.m. for teens and tion and for pickup or trips. Lent, a time of prayer and fasting. Masses adults. Join Lalitha Cosme at this new time, Patty Attis Bible Study, led by Father John Coving- on that day will be 7 a.m. and 12 noon. to explore the dance, energy, movement and ton, takes place every other Sunday after Ashes will be blessed and distributed at all culture of India and Indian films. To register Trinity United Methodist Church service during coffee hour. Masses. or for more information, call 646-269-2033 Sunday School: It’s never too late (or All are welcome to attend our monthly Our weekly worship service and Sunday or e-mail [email protected]. too early) to join our enthusiastic group of coffee hour, which will be held in the rec- school are at 10 a.m. Holy Communion Irish Dance for Children: Mondays, tory after the 11 o’clock Mass on Sunday, children. Sunday School meets on the first 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Step dancing for all ages is celebrated on the first Sunday of each March 10. and third Sundays each month led by Karen taught by Caitlin Nora Kelly. For day and month. Trinity often has a coffee hour after The Lenten devotion of Stations of the Nani. The students range in age from 2 to time or information, e-mail caitlin.nora. the service. Come and join us for worship Cross will be held each Friday evening dur- 13 and newcomers are welcome. No extra [email protected] or call 914-262-4517. and fellowship. Children’s Sunday school ing Lent at 7 p.m. time is needed; students will begin the ser- Island Tots: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Pre- takes place during the 10 a.m. service. All The Thrift Shop will hold its Spring vice with the entire congregation at 10 a.m. school children get together to socialize, children are welcome to attend. Collection on Thursday, April 4. Come and and then leave with Mrs. Nani for lessons have fun and play. To register or for more Morning Prayer is held in the sanctuary see all our spring bargains! and activities, including arts and crafts, for information, call Barbara at 917-359-1871. from 6:30 to 9 a.m., Monday through Fri- Rose Dietz 30 minutes during the service. They will NEW CLASS. Spanish Classes for day. Come in to pray, read the Bible or have rejoin the congregation after the exchange Children: Thursdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Pastor Dave pray with you or for you. A few Additional class on Mondays beginning in of peace. PSS Senior Center minutes of quiet devotion can change your April. Did you know that NYC’s Conver- Music Ministry: The Grace Church day. sational Spanish program for kids offers The mission of PSS City Island Center is to choir will participate in Evensong at the This year’s Souper Bowl of Caring Fund- classes right here on City Island. Children provide neighborhood adults 60 and over with Cathedral of St. John the Divine on Satur- the tools to live life to their fullest, keeping raiser was a huge success. The monetary in grades K through 8 of all skill levels are day, March 2, starting at 5 p.m. All are wel- them healthy, engaged and connected through donations are still being counted, but the welcome. Visit espanolexperience.com or come to attend. Meanwhile, the GraceTones call 917-889-4938 for information on both innovative programs and classes. We are not children collected more than 120 food items! are beginning their fourth year! Composed classes. your everyday senior center! All proceeds go to City Harvest. of members of the church choir and singers Introduction to Art Portfolio Prep: The center is located at 116 City Island The children and teens are now planning from on and off City Island, they usually For high school prep or just for fun! To Avenue and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon- a used-book and bake sale, set for March 23, perform at area nursing homes and reha- enroll, call Geri Smith at 718-885-1503. day through Friday. Programs are funded by 10 a.m. to noon, with proceeds split between PSS and the NYC Department for the Aging. bilitation centers, but this month, they’ve ADULT PROGRAMS the Trinity UMC Youth Group and Imagine All programs and events are subject to been invited to sing right here on the Island Aerobics with Mary: Sundays, Mon- No Malaria. change. To receive our newsletter and calendar at The Starving Artist, March 3, starting at days, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 to 10 a.m. Save the date: Scout Fundraiser for Trin- of events send your e-mail to pattis@pssusa. 3 p.m. If you’d like to sing with the Grace- Stay strong with cross fit/aerobic strength ity UMC is set for April 12 at 7 p.m. at the org. Tones, remember that you don’t have to sing training. Call Mary Immediato at 718-885- Morris Yacht Club. Dinner tickets are $50 Highlights like an angel, just have the desire to help 0793. AFA Certified. each, payable to Boy Scouts of America. City Island Civic Association: Meets March 1, 12:30 p.m.: Nutrition Presenta- lift the spirits of those in need. Interested? Contact Margaret Lenz for tickets at mar- at 7:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every tion and Food Tasting by Mt. St. Vincent Please call Sandy Dunn at 917-566-1296 or [email protected], or call 718-885-1636. month (except December). Join your com- Interns e-mail [email protected]. munity in action. March 4, 1:15 p.m.: Charades, popcorn, If you would like to be on the mailing Sandy Dunn City Island Community Supported hot cocoa, prizes list for Trinity’s Newsletter and/or to receive Agriculture: Register for late spring 2019 March 8, 12:30 p.m.: Recognizing Signs Pastor Dave’s e-mail “Thought of the Day,” Continued on page 12 Page Twelve The Island Current March 2019

best performance. won four Academy Awards including Best Bicycle Thief” in The Icicle Thief (avail- Nominated for Best Screenplay, Direc- Picture, Best Actress (Tandy), Screenplay, able for sale on Amazon from third party tor, and Best Supporting Actor (Martin and Makeup. sellers). He plays a dual role as both the Landau) was Woody Allen’s philosophi- The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989) stars star and the director of the film within the cal dramedy Crimes and Misdemeanors real-life brothers Jeff and Beau Bridges film. Nichetti is supposed to be the director (available on HBO). The ensemble cast in the title roles as Jack and Frank Baker. of an excruciatingly painful art film, which includes Allen as filmmaker Cliff Stern, Both musical prodigies, they have long is to be shown on commercial television. who falls for TV producer Halley Reed been teamed as a twin-piano act, with the He is horrified as his black-and-white mas- (Mia Farrow) while shooting a documen- less talented Frank coasting on the skills of terpiece is edited and interrupted by com- tary about arrogant comedian Lester (Alan his brilliant younger brother. When their mercials. We even see a family watching Alda). Another plot concerns the respected lounge act declines in popularity, they hire this at home. Eventually, characters in the The Best Films of 1989 part I ophthalmologist Judah Rosenthal (Martin the gifted and gorgeous Susie Diamond film and commercials inexplicably switch March marks the 30th anniversary Landau), whose mistress Dolores (Angel- (Michelle Pfeiffer) as their singer. This is places, with the meshing of color and black of Marsha’s Movie Mania. Therefore, I ica Huston) threatens to tell Judah’s wife, one of Jeff’s best roles as an enigmatic man and white. This captivating film is better thought it might be interesting, timely Miriam (Clare Bloom), about their affair. who has stifled his real talents for his entire when seen after the film it parodies. and fun to present reviews, in alphabeti- Riddled with guilt, he turns to his Mafia- career. For those who like action-adventure cal order, of 30 films from 1989, when I connected brother Jack (Jerry Orbach) for Kevin Costner’s love of baseball is evi- films, there is Indiana Jones and the Last started writing the column. help. Then there is Judah’s patient Ben dent in the 1989 fantasy Field of Dreams Crusade (available on Netflix). This quest The Abyss (available as a DVD for (Sam Waterston), a Rabbi who is slowly (available on Hulu or via Amazon rental), is for the Holy Grail, Jesus’ cup from the sale only via Amazon) is an American going blind, which is symbolic of the blind in which he portrays farmer Ray Kinsella Last Supper. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) science fiction film written and directed eye that people need to assuage a guilty who hears a voice that says, “Build it and is assisted in this by a perfectly cast dad, by James Cameron (best known for the conscience. Allen uses flashbacks to estab- they will come.” So he builds a baseball Sean Connery, as Professor Henry Jones. Alien and Terminator series). It is the lish the childhood of both Rosenthal broth- diamond in the middle of his Iowa corn- In 1938, after Indiana’s grandfather Profes- story of a civilian diving team in search of ers, whose father solemnly promised them field, with the full support of his wife, sor Henry Jones Sr. goes missing while a lost nuclear submarine. The team leaders that God saw everything and that, even if Annie (Amy Madigan). Ray receives sev- pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones are formerly married petroleum engineers he didn’t, a good man could not live hap- eral other messages from a disembodied finds himself up against Adolf Hitler’s Virgil “Bud” Brigman (Ed Harris) and pily with an evil deed on his conscience. voice, one of which is “Ease his pain.” He Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its Dr. Lindsey Brigman (Mary Elizabeth This film is a fascinating investigation of realizes that his ballfield has been divinely powers. Mastrantonio), who were drafted to assist the truth of that statement and is one of ordained to give a second chance to people Lean on Me (available at the City a gung-ho Navy SEAL Lieutenant Hiram Allen’s best. who have sacrificed valuable aspects of Island Library) is a dramatized biopic Coffey (Michael Biehn) in this top-secret In Dead Poet’s Society (available via their lives. The outstanding supporting starring Morgan Freeman, loosely based recovery mission. In a race against Soviet Amazon rental) Robin Williams stars as cast includes James Earl Jones as Terrance on the story of Joe Louis Clark, a real life vessels to locate the submarine, the crew John Keating, an outstanding unconven- Mann, a reclusive writer; Burt Lancaster as inner-city high school principal. Since it is encounters an alien aquatic species. The tional prep school teacher who introduces a doctor who as a young man chose a career considered the worst school in New Jersey, Oscar-winning special effects are mes- his students to the wonders of poetry and in medicine over baseball; Ray Liotta as it will lose control to the state unless stu- merizing. The theatrical version was 145 attempts to inspire them to think for them- Shoeless Joe Jackson; and Timothy Busfeld dents improve their test scores, and Clark minutes, but a much longer special edition selves. This is not appreciated by Head- as Annie’s disbelieving brother-in-law. is reluctantly hired by Mayor Bottman of 171 minutes, released in 1993, fleshes master Nolan (Norman Lloyd) of Welton The fact-based, critically acclaimed (Alan North), though recommended by the out many of the characters and changes the Academy, who believes that 1959 is not a American Civil War film Glory (avail- Superintendent of Schools, Frank Napier ending into a political statement. time for free-thinkers. Outstanding perfor- able for rent via cablevision on-demand (Robert Guillaume). Clark resorts to some Tim Burton’s Batman (available via mances are given by Robert Sean Leonard or Amazon) is the story of one of the first unconventional methods to save the school, Cablevision on-demand rental) is a live- as Neil Perry, a sensitive and intelligent black regiments, the 54th Massachusetts such as expelling 300 students suspected action comic-book superhero film, which young man who is cursed with a completely Volunteer Infantry. The infantry is led by of drug dealing and by breaking fire code was the highest-grossing film of the year. overbearing and controlling father (Kurt- the 25-year-old son of white abolitionists, regulations by chaining the doors shut so Having witnessed his parents’ brutal mur- wood Smith); Josh Charles as the hopeless Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broder- the expelled students cannot break in to der as a child, millionaire philanthropist romantic Knox; and Ethan Hawke as Todd ick), and the script is based on his letters. harm other students. This was Freeman’s Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton) fights Anderson, Neil’s shy, new-to-the-school The exceptional cast also includes Denzel first leading role and sent him on the road crime in Gotham City disguised as Bat- roommate, who flowers under Keating’s Washington, in his Oscar-winning role as to stardom. man. When a deformed madman, who tutelage. The film was nominated for four Trip, an escaped slave; Andre Braugher as And until next time, happy viewing . . . calls himself The Joker (Jack Nicholson), Academy Awards, including Best Picture Searles, the black Boston-bred intellectual; seizes control of Gotham’s criminal under- and Best Actor for Williams; it won one, and Morgan Freeman as born leader Sgt. world, Batman must face his most ruthless for Tom Schulman’s original screenplay. Major John Rawlins, the regiment’s phi- Organization News nemesis while protecting both his identity Do the Right Thing (available via losopher and conscience. It garnered five Continued from page 11 and his love interest, reporter Vicki Vale STARZ rental) is the third (and break- Academy Award Nominations, including (Kim Basinger). out) feature film for African-American Best Art/Set Decoration, Best Film Edit- Regular Meetings Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure writer/director Spike Lee (who also stars ing, and three wins: Best Supporting Actor Weekly Twelve-Step Meetings (available via Amazon Prime or rental; or as the pizzeria’s delivery boy Mookie). (Denzel Washington), Best Cinematog- on City Island on Hulu) is a 1989 American science fic- Based on real-life events, this controver- raphy (Freddie Francis), and Best Sound Narcotics Anonymous: tion comedy in which Bill (Alex Winter) sial, thought-provoking film depicted an Editing. Fridays at 7:30 p.m., St. Mary, Star of the Sea and Ted (Keanu Reeves) are high school explosive conflict and relations between In Honey I Shrunk the Kids (available Church, City Island Avenue near the Bridge. buddies starting a band. However, they Italian- and African-Americans, Koreans via HBO or Amazon rental), absent-minded Thursdays at 8 p.m., Trinity United Method- ist Church hall, 113 Bay Street. are about to fail their history class, which and white law-enforcement in a multi- inventor Wayne Szalinski (Rick Moranis) Alcoholics Anonymous: means that Ted would have to be sent to ethnic Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood leaves his latest creation, a shrinking ray, block during a stifling hot summer day. unattended in his attic. However, it is acci- Mondays at 8 p.m., Trinity United Methodist military school. Rufus (George Carlin), Church hall. The multi-ethnic cast of the film provided dentally triggered by his teenage daughter a time traveler from a future where their Tuesdays at 8 p.m., St. Mary, Star of the Sea band is the foundation for a perfect soci- three-dimensional characters and featured and son, Amy (Amy O’Neill) and Nick Church. ety, comes to save them. With the use of the early career work of Samuel L. Jack- (Robert Oliveri), thus shrinking them and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Grace Episcopal Rufus’s time machine, Bill and Ted travel son (as local black DJ Mister Senor Love two other neighborhood teens, Russ Jr. Church. to various points in history, returning with Daddy providing commentary) and Rosie (Thomas Wilson Brown) and Ron (Jared Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 a.m., AA important figures to help them complete Perez. The tension began to escalate in Rushton), to the size of insects, much open meetings at City Island Community Center, 190 Fordham Street. their final history presentation. The leads this slice-of-life film because of a com- to the horror of his wife, Diane (Marcia plaint by a militant patron named Buggin’ Strassman), and their disbelieving neigh- St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church: 718-885- are just goofy enough to make this silly 1440 time-travel adventure work. Out (Giancarlo Esposito) that there were bors, Rus (Matt Frewer) and Mae (Kristine no pictures of “brothers” on the “Wall of Sutherland) Thompson. When the minia- Trinity United Methodist Church: 718-885- Born on the Fourth of July (avail- 1218 Fame” in a white-operated, Italian pizza turized kids, now a quarter-inch tall, are able via Cablevision on-demand rental) Grace Episcopal Church: 718-885-1080 restaurant owned by Sal (Danny Aiello). tossed out with the trash, they must survive is the second of director Oliver Stone’s Al-Anon Vietnam War-era trilogy of films, includ- A boiling point is eventually reached in the long journey across the lawn to make it Wednesdays at 7 p.m., 331 City Island Ave, ing Platoon (1986) and Heaven & Earth this street-wise landmark film. Film crit- home, in this fun fantasy-adventure. Bronx, NY 10464 (1993). It is a biography of real-life veteran ics wrongly feared Lee’s film was a call to In a fascinating foreign film, Italian Overeaters Anonymous: Ron Kovic (Tom Cruise) a patriotic, all- revolution and would cause and incite simi- writer-director-actor, Maurizio Nichetti, Saturdays at 11 a.m., Grace Episcopal Church: 718-885-1080 American small-town athlete who shocks lar responses from black urban-dwellers. created a parody of the 1949 film “The his family by enlisting in the Marines Driving Miss Daisy (available via to fight in the Vietnam War. Suffering a Cable on-demand rental) stars Jessica dreadful injury that leaves him paralyzed Tandy as Miss Daisy, an elderly southern MICHELLE GRECO, R. Ph. from the chest down, he returns home and woman whose son, Boolie (Dan Akroyd), spends an appalling, horrendous stay in is concerned for her safety. He hires wid- a Bronx Veterans’ Hospital. He further ower Hoke Colburn (Morgan Freeman) suffers a troubling reintroduction to soci- to drive her car. Thus begins the 25 year ety and becomes a staunch anti-war and friendship from the 1940s to ‘70s of a black pro-human rights political activist. The man and a Jewish woman. The cast also film, Tom Cruise and Oliver Stone were boasts Patti LuPone as Boolie’s snobby all nominated for Oscars, with only Stone wife, Florine, and Esther Rolle as Miss securing a win as Best Director. Many Daisy’s cook and housekeeper. The rich- consider it Stone’s best work and Cruise’s ness of the acting is exquisite. The film March 2019 The Island Current Page Thirteen

ing in a variety of activities. They also had a wonderful vacation program during the February break. For parents/guardians of students in the fifth to eighth grades, please keep a look out for a flyer about the summer NYEdge program, which will take place in July. We hope you will consider sending your child to participate. Please keep in mind these important dates: Parent-Teacher Conferences will take Public School 175 place on Thursday, March 14, from 12:30 Although it is a short month, Febru- to 2:30 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. The Book ary has been quite busy. Our arts program Fair and Science Fair Display will take is in full swing with fifth- graders busy place on this day, as well. Families living working with our drama teacher, Steve on City Island with children turning five on Bloom, and classroom teachers on their or before Dec. 31, 2019, should pre-register May performance of “Space Pirates.” After their children for kindergarten immedi- seeing the rehearsals, we can tell that this ately using the online tool if they have not Photo courtesy of JOHN DOYLE is going to be a marvelous production! In already done so. Eighth-grade graduation Island resident David Diaz (back row, third from left) hosted a “meet and greet” for addition, our music teacher, Joan Schwartz, will take place on Friday, June 21, at 9 New York City Public Advocate candidate Ben Yee (back row, center) at his home on has been working with the Glee Club and a.m. The eighth-grade dance will take place Jan. 12, 2019. The special election was held on Feb. 26, 2019 (results will be in the instructing students on singing and playing that evening from 7 to 10 p.m. The Eighth- April issue of The Current). the recorder. Mrs. Schwartz is also work- Grade Awards Night Dinner will take place ing with all the teachers and students in on Wednesday, June 12, at 6 p.m. The Kin- A-QUALITY preparation for our Black History Month dergarten moving-up ceremony will take Assembly, which promises to be a wonder- place on Thursday, June 20, at 9 a.m., fol- GLASS & SHADE CO. ful experience for all of our students. lowed by a family celebration in the gym. Insulated Glass and Parts January Citizens-of-the-Month were Windows Repaired The P.S. 175 tradition in which the Mirrors • Table Tops • Blinds • Shades sixth grade goes to Camp Greenkill will Isla Delaney (kindergarten); Jackie Chen & Replaced Storm Windows and Doors continue this May, but it may be a little dif- (first grade); Thora Treiber and Matthew Cullen (second grade); Alexia Alarcon Tel: 718-885-2100 or 718-885-2155 ferent, as we will be going to Frost Valley. and Samantha Kokaj (third grade); Kevin Fax: 718-885-2126 Our seventh-graders are also gearing up for Galvez and Jake Penny (fourth grade); 104 Hawkins Street, City Island, NY 10464 a fun and educational trip to Philadelphia that will take place in March and will tie in Kylee Garcia (fifth grade); Mekayala Alva- with what they are learning in social stud- rez-Middleton and Dyzir Fitzroy (sixth ies. grade); Eric Lin (seventh grade); Gebriel Our eighth-grade students are working Roberson and Max Wiehler (eighth grade). hard to be ready for their momentous June February Citizens-of-the-Month were event. This month they held a Valentine’s Ethan Stoltze (kindergarten); Jackie Chen Day bake and candy-gram sale, which pro- (first grade); Alyssa Lestyne and Ashlee vided an opportunity for their schoolmates Lestyne (second grade); Lili Lakatos and to purchase Valentine’s Day goodies for Edwin Miranda (third grade); Anthony their family members. This year’s senior Ramos and Lea Acocella (fourth grade); trip will be an overnight visit to Washing- Jenna Rugova (fifth grade); Matthew Desan- ton, DC. tis and Mikayla Murphy (sixth grade); Jhanelise Galvez (seventh grade); Fiorela 107 Caroll Sreet • City Island, NY 10464 Our NYEdge after-school program (formerly known as Sports & Arts) has Miria and Raena Quiles (eighth grade). been in full swing, with students participat- Page Fourteen The Island Current March 2019

The Children Are Always Boat Show BUDDY’S HARDWARE Listening Continued from page 7 & MARINE By JOHN SCARDINA Earth goes to the boat show to get a facial? A full service hardware I am astounded at the accessory booths at I recently visited a school where there lies? Can we show our children that “be- the boat show that have absolutely nothing & marine supply store were some challenging social dynamics ing right” is not the only important facet of to do with boating—backyard furniture, KARL HOEDL among a group of second graders. I know a relationship? fidget spinners for the kids and eyeglass this must be familiar to parents of school- • Finding common ground: Can accessories abound. Where are the ropes 268 City Island Ave. age children: the rise of social media and we find the places where we agree and and the bilge pumps? Hidden behind the Bronx, NY 10464 early exposure to our culture through the work from there? A love of Italian food, a booth offering a home gutter-cleaning ser- Internet has created a complex social hi- shared passion for the Mets or a soft spot vice, that’s where. I was overwhelmed by 718-885-1447 erarchy amongst our youngest students. for country music may be all we come up these booths, though I did find two happy Fax: 718-885-1617 Clothes, possessions, vacations, cell with, but it’s a start. ports of call when I meet the valiant crews [email protected] phones, who’s playing what games and Back to those second graders. One of both the Harlem and City Island Yacht gossip are the social currency—a mirror student shared that there was a playdate Clubs manning their own two booths re- of our adult world, no? Even the political coming up and only Suzie and Jake were spectively. I think I saw Harlem member debates of our times, such as immigration, invited, with three other classmates stand- Pete Green in the beer line more than at taxes, climate change, gun control, are ing right there. Meanwhile, outside of his booth, but I could hardly blame him for woven into our children’s conversations. school at pick-up time, two parents go on that. As for the CIYC crowd, it was a plea- I am not advocating overly protective and on about the trip they are about to take sure to meet Ed Woolsey, Frank Palmieri, VHF-Ch 16 Capt. Dan parenting: kids will get numerous messag- next weekend, with other parents within Bob Dyer and Merima Nokic proudly man- 718-885-3420 es no matter what we do. I am advocating easy earshot and unwitting participants in ning their booth. that we as parents model the traits that will this conversation. The same thing, no? Well, that’s it for this year folks. It is lead to greater understanding: listening, Children are always listening, not just CITY ISLAND still February and it’s snowing as I write tolerance where possible, agreeing to dis- when we are telling them what to do but U. S. Coast Guard Licensed & Approved this, but show me one sunny day with the agree and the willingness to find common also when we are driving, talking on the For Marine Towing Assistance & Salvage mercury over 60 and you will find me out ground with everyone we meet: phone with our own parents about our sib- P.O. Box 58 tearing the cover off my boat. Until then, I • Listening: Do we allow ourselves to lings and chatting with our friends. (How City Island, N.Y. 10464 wish you all fair winds and following seas! hear one another? Do we truly listen with- many times have we said “Be nice to your out simply formulating our next response? brother!” while we badmouth our own sib- Do we provide eye contact, body language lings in front of the kids?) Can we choose that is open and accepting, and a willing- to be loving, capable, compassionate and ness to be present with another person? tolerant individuals when the kids are This is essential with our children and also around? Or even when they aren’t around, essential with one another. just for the good of everyone? • Tolerance: Many of us have been engaged in political arguments that only refute others’ points of view. We have seen religious intolerance, racial intolerance, ethnic intolerance, gender intolerance and MrChimney.com social-class intolerance played across all media. Can we model tolerance of others’ Cleaning & Repairs experiences when their points of view do 718-329-3296 not threaten or limit our free expression of our experiences? 800-834-3155 • Agreeing to disagree: Can we have a loving truce with our friends and fami- March 2019 The Island Current Page Fifteen

By JOHN SHERIDAN and MARIA SUTHERLAND

Citizen Scientist, Reporting lished prizes for anyone who could create for Duty a kind of timepiece for finding longitude at sea. John Harrison was a carpenter in The Great Backyard Bird Count the county of Lincolnshire who repaired (GBBC) took place last month. It is a and built clocks in his spare time. His free and fun annual event for birders of marine chronometer ultimately won the all stripes from all over the world. Here’s top prize, but not before an embarrassing how it works: over a four day period in display of resistance from establishment February, registered participants commit scientists who couldn’t fathom Harrison’s to at least 15 minutes of actual birding. It citizen science. Fast forward to the pres- can be as easy as drawing the curtain and ent and the way that organizations such counting birds from the warmth of one’s as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the own home to really roughing it outdoors. Audubon Society are enlisting the help If it works for you, you can bird both, of the general public in the collection of indoors and outdoors. You can even miss data—important data that can be used to a day or two or three. monitor wildlife populations as they adapt The goal isn’t conformity; it’s infor- to the ever-changing environment. mation. Identified species are submitted The Christmas Bird Count is another via electronic checklists at gbbc.bird- example of citizen science at work. For count.org. There the data is processed by the last count, the Audubon Society’s the good folks at the Cornell Lab of Orni- 119th, we witnessed something new. It thology and shared, as they like to say, “in didn’t start that way, though. Up high in real time.” Sometimes they prompt partic- a tree, where we hoped to see owls, we ipants for more information. For example, saw instead a raccoon, asleep in a crotch. when we submitted 130 greater scaup, we The surprise came soon after. Up high in were asked “if we were sure.” It probably a nearby pine tree, there were more rac- had something to do with our living on an coons, about a dozen this time, huddled island, which most participants don’t. So close together for warmth as they slept. we answered a few additional questions We have read before about certain birds about our birds and were good to go. At that will come together for warmth while last check, 101,464 checklists had been they sleep but never raccoons. A family of submitted to the website for a total of raccoon maybe, a mother and her young. 16,754,577 birds. But this was no family, or if it was, it was The term “citizen science” is a rela- a very extended one. tively new one. A quick check of Wikipe- If citizen science is something that dia has it added to the definitive Oxford interests you, the National Geographic English Dictionary (OED) in 2014. The Society may be the place for you. They concept of citizen science, however, goes have a variety of projects listed on their back a lot farther. In 1714, for example, website that may stir you to action. One of the British Parliament passed the Longi- our favorites was the call for pictures from tude Act. Among other things, it estab- the mountains of the Appalachian range. You can’t top that now, can you? Page Sixteen The Island Current March 2019

clip, weed, stand back and peruse the garden. You prune a bit and then, with hands THE SNUG’S 15TH ANNUAL behind your back, you look and access your work. Gardening so engages the eyes By Mary Colby that without this seemingly wasteful activ- ST. PADDY’S DAY ity it would all be laborious. Idling by the window is not to be underestimated either as a lovely pastime. Still dreaming to be PAR T Y in the thick of it, I know that the branches TH are swelling their buds, sap is beginning SUN., MARCH 17 to run and the little green noses of bulbs 12 NOON TIL... are winking above the soil. It is exciting to be in a happy state of apprehension once CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE again. Be on the lookout for the skunk cabbages at the bend of the first circle (OTHER TRADITIONAL IRISH DISHES) by Shore Road. They are the first to turn fat and green. If you look close, you will MUSIC ALL DAY LONG see their brownish, purple, speckled tusks emerging. Everything quickens. No stop- RESERVE YOUR ping now. Spring is here! BOOTH NOW!!

Edward D. Heben 885-9559 CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA, AEP, CMEA ($4 IRISH COFFEE/12-3 P.M.) Accounting, Taxes, Business Valuations, Financial Forensics, and Litigation Support COME JOIN THE FUN!!! The Heben Group: Edward D. Heben, CPA, P.C. and Capital Haven, LLC 722 Commerce St., Thornwood, NY 10594-1004 THANK YOU FOR YOUR (T) 914.345.5888 x108 • (F) 914.345.8652 PATRONAGE (C) 914.925.1120 • (E) [email protected] Website: www.HGValue.com and www.Capital-Haven.com Proud to serve as a Trustee at Calvary Hospital: www.calvaryhospital.org

Image courtesy of GARDENS ILLUSTRATED Trimming time

Plants are hungry in March after their be pruned out. Leave your hydrangeas for long winter rest, and all plants need nour- July as you would cut off the blooms if ishment. The best way to feed a garden is you cut them now; even in July, you will with organic compost or well-rotted ma- be forfeiting some blooms, but this is the nure layered on top of the soil. In addition, only way to get them under control. Trees you can also apply Plant Tone and Holly should be thinned out by removing un- Tone twice a year. The three basic ingre- necessary branches instead of just topping dients that plants need are NPK (nitrogen, them, as topping only produces a bushier phosphorous and potassium). Nitrogen uglier tree or shrub. If you have forsyth- promotes strong growth; phosphate pro- ias, bring your cuttings inside and they motes strong roots; and potassium ripens will open up quickly. Dividing your iris fruits and produces bigger blooms. If you after they bloom will increase your sup- are unsure of what NPK ratio you need ply, and you will have aided the health of for what you are growing, choose Plant your crop. This is true of most perennials, Tone for perennials and Holly Tone for which benefit from division once every evergreens, azaleas and rhododendrons. three years. Manure should be at least two years old, I am in love with self-sowing plants, so that it doesn’t burn the plants. You can or volunteers. These plants give a garden a feed also with a chemical all-purpose fer- lived-in look as the plants seed themselves tilizer at the same time, as this will act into places we would not have thought of. quickly giving the plants an extra boost. It is up to the discerning gardener to de- Do all this before adding the mulch, and cide whether to leave them to grow or not. then the garden is dressed and ready to go. Many are ephemeral like forget-me-nots, Buy pansies if you don’t have crocus which can provide ground cover for tulips or snowdrops. They kick off the season and other bulbs. Scatter seeds of cam- with their smiling faces, and they will hold panula posharskyana “stella” and erigeron up to the March winds. Barring a real chill, karvinskianus in cracks or gaps in paving the pansies will delight you for months and walls. Annual poppies, centranthus until the warm weather arrives. If there is ruber, teasel and ferns all self-sow, as does a freeze, cover them with a sheet. If you verbena bonariensis. This verbena will ei- pick delicate flowers, like snow drops, try ther blanket your garden or peter out in a making a bed of earth in a shallow vase, season, but clouds of purple will reward water it and put the little stems in the earth you on wiry stems, so it is worthwhile to and cover with moss. Not surprisingly, it try it until it takes. A weed by definition will all look so natural. A movie tonight? is a plant in the wrong place, but when do No, I’d rather stay home with my snow we decide where the wrong place is? Con- drops! trolling volunteer plants is a fine art, and Pruning is one of the big tasks this a balance can be fashioned that makes a month, so sharpen your clippers and saws. garden a beautiful place, enhanced by ser- (718) 885-1050 Roses need light pruning to rid them of endipity. (718) 885-3419 old wood and to shape them to a pleas- The months of March and April are ing effect. If you have climbers, it is best the time for many chores, but fiddling is to go over them lightly. Branches of trees part of it all, and puttering about is a soli- [email protected] and shrubs that cross one another should tary exercise in doing almost nothing. You March 2019 The Island Current Page Seventeen

ried filing separately and lived apart from your spouse the entire year). 3. Retirement Account Limits Increase. Once you reach age 50, you are eligible to contribute (and defer paying tax on) up to $24,500 in 2018 ($25,000 in 2019). The amount includes the additional $6,000 “catch up” contribution for employees age 50 and over who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan. 4. Early Withdrawal Penalty Elimi- Tax Tips for Older Americans nated. If you withdraw money from an Everyone wants to save money on their IRA account before age 59 1/2 you gener- taxes, and older Americans are no excep- ally must pay a 10 percent penalty; how- tion. If you’re age 50 or older, here are six ever, once you reach age 59 1/2, there is tax tips that could help you do just that. no longer a penalty for early withdrawal. 1. Standard Deduction for Seniors. If Furthermore, if you leave or are termi- you and/or your spouse are 65 years old or nated from your job at age 55 or older (age older and you do not itemize your deduc- 50 for public safety employees), you may tions, you can take advantage of a higher withdraw money from a 401(k) without standard deduction amount. There is an penalty—but you still must pay tax on the additional increase in the standard deduc- additional income. To complicate matters, tion if either you or your spouse is blind. money withdrawn from an IRA is not 2. Credit for the Elderly or Disabled. exempt from the penalty. 5. Social Security Benefits. Ameri- Photo by JOANNE VALLETTA If you and/or your spouse are either 65 years or older—or you are under age 65 cans can sign up for social security benefits Ethel Lott was one of the Quilters by the Sea, the ALA group that participated in the as early as age 62 or wait to receive full Quilts of Valor Foundation National Sew Day on Feb. 2, 2019. The next QOV quilt will years old and are permanently and totally benefits at age 66 or 67 (depending on be presented to a Korean war veteran. disabled—you may be able to take the Credit for Elderly or Disabled. The credit your full retirement age). For some older is based on your age, filing status and Americans, however, Social Security ben- income. efits may be taxable. How much of your You may only take the credit if you income is taxed depends on the amount of meet the following requirements: your benefits plus any other income you a. Your income on Form 1040 line received. Generally, the more income you 38 must be less than $17,500 ($20,000 if have coming in, the more likely it is that a married filing jointly and only one spouse portion of your social security benefits will qualifies), $25,000 (married filing jointly be taxed. Therefore, when preparing your and both qualify), or $12,500 (married return, it is advisable to be especially care- filing separately and lived apart from your ful when calculating the taxable amount of spouse for the entire year). your Social Security. b. And if the non-taxable part of your 6. Higher Income Tax Filing Thresh- Social Security or other nontaxable pen- old. Taxpayers who are 65 and older are sions, annuities or disability income is less allowed an income of $1,600 more ($2,600 Support CI: Buy from Our Advertisers than $5,000 (single, head of household or married filing jointly and both spouses qualifying widow/er with dependent child); are 65 or older) before they need to file an $5,000 (married filing jointly and only one income tax return. In other words, older spouse qualifies); $7,500 (married filing taxpayers age 65 and older with income of jointly and both qualify); or $3,750 (mar- $13,600 ($26,600 married filing jointly) or less may not need to file a tax return.

Bronx Opera Company accompanied by solo piano. Registration requested. Cost: Free with museum admission. On Thursday, March 14, at 3 p.m. bring your friends to Bartow-Pell’s conser- vatory for conversation, light refreshments and, of course, tea. Find out the difference between high and low teas, fun etiquette facts, and why this afternoon ritual began. Because of limited space, registration is required. Cost: $30. “There’s Good in Every Bunny”: A Bartow-Pell Events Children’s Reading and Activity Hour will take place on March 23, from 11 a.m. to On Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. join 12 noon. Educator Angela Parrino, PhD, American classical furniture dealer and owner of Honey Tomes, LLC, a publishing Bartow-Pell board member Carswell Rush company dedicated to wellness materials Berlin for a discussion of “why the Bar- for children and adults, will be reading tow-Pell Mansion is important.” He will from John Potestivo’s book “There’s Good put the Bartow-Pell Mansion in histori- in Every Bunny,” illustrated by Jamie cal perspective and explain how it serves Forbes. Children will receive a copy of the as a teaching tool. Registration requested. book to take home. Registration requested. Cost: Free with museum admission. Cost: $15 per family. Bartow’s Literary Elevenses take place On Sunday, March 24, at 3 p.m., Me- on Saturday, March 9, from 10 to 11:30 gan Elias, food historian and author of a.m. Join Museum Educator Karen Lamb- “Lunch: A History,” will discuss her most din as she leads an historical-fiction book recent title, “Food on the Page: Cook- club where literature and tea blend for a books and American Culture.” Registra- savory adventure. Visit our website for the tion requested. Cost: Members: $10; Not- current book being explored. Tea and light Yet Members $15. refreshments will be served; please bring a An open call to artists to participate in sweet or savory snack for the group to en- “A Feast for the Eyes,” an exhibition cu- joy! Come be part of the fun. Registration rated by Mary Colby and Alison McKay. required. Cost: Free. This exhibition featuring contemporary art The Bronx Opera Company will be on the material culture of food and drink at Bartow-Pell on Sunday, March 10, at 3 will be on view at Bartow-Pell from May p.m. Here’s your opportunity to enjoy an 11 through May 26. The registration dead- afternoon celebrating an art form that has line is Friday, March 15. Artwork does withstood the test of time. Michael Spier- not have to be literal or tradition, but the man, Artistic Director of the Bronx Opera theme of food and drink should be used as Company, has put together a wonderful a creative launching point. program featuring three members of the Page Eighteen The Island Current March 2019

involved in community affairs. A few years ago I was able to return the favor when I helped her with her book on City Island. The Current will print obituaries free of charge upon noti- God bless her!” fication by a member of the deceased’s immediate family. Fay is survived by her son, John, Call 718-885-0760 or write to P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464, including your telephone number. and his wife, Denise; her sister, Lynne Connelly; her three grandchildren, Jessica, Justin and Jillian; and her dearly beloved nieces and nephews. Donations in Fay’s memory may be made to Autism Speaks at http://act. autismspeaks.org/goto/fayjordaens.

Fay Jordaens Native City Islander Fay Jordaens died in New Jersey of respiratory failure on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, at the age of 89. Fay Schmahl, daughter of the late Frederick and the late Ruth (Frombach) Photo by RON TERNER Schmahl, was born on July 27, 1929, on a houseboat anchored off the Robert Jacob Edwin Shipp Shipyard (now Consolidated) before her Edwin Shipp, a longtime City Island father built a house on Earley Street. Later, resident, died on Feb. 15, 2019. the family moved to a barge moored in He was born on July 5, 1947, in Ger- Eastchester Bay called Big Tom after the many. He came to the United States in famous rock nearby. Fay and her brother 1957 and settled in the Bronx. He was a had to row from the barge to school at P.S. graduate of DeWitt Clinton High School 17, which was often difficult when the and attended CUNY. weather was bad. From 1964 to 1966 Ed served in the Fay met Frank Jordaens at the local U.S. Army. Then he went to work for canoe club, which later became the Island AT&T and retired from Verizon after 35 Boat Club. Fay, who was the first woman years of service as a field manager. international canoe sailor in America, and Ed is well known on City Island for her husband, who died in 1982, owned his active service at American Legion Post and operated Grants Boat Club on City 156. He was a past Post and Bronx County Island from 1956 to 1989. Grant’s was the commander, and until recently he was the home port of the international canoe sail- Post Vice Commander of Americanism. ors. He is predeceased by his wife, Lisa Fay and her best friend, Ruth Cronk, Gerosa Shipp, who passed away in 2016. who died in October 2018 (see the Novem- He is survived by his brother, Keith, and ber issue of The Current), were the driving sister-in-law, Peggy Shipp, of Beacon, NY; force in the creation of the National Barbie his sister, Sonia Hentnik, of Kill Devil Doll Convention. Fay wrote four self-pub- Hills, NC, and several nieces and nephews. lished books, one of which, “Love Letters to City Island,” is in the library of the Nautical Museum. She was also a painter, and her stories and pictures can be found on the website of the Waterfront Museum in Red Hook, Brooklyn: www.waterfrontmuseum.org. Fay also wrote several articles for The Island Current, and The Current’s editor at the time, Sally McPherson, recalls: “Fay was very special to me. I met her in the mid-1960s when we moved to City Island, and she was my mentor when I became

917-709-0713 310 City Island Avenue March 2019 The Island Current Page Nineteen

______AQUARIUM MAINTENANCE: Freshwater and CITY ISLAND HANDYMAN SERVICE: Reli- salt water. Small animal maintenance. Birds, able, professional, and affordable home reptiles, *certified by the Dept. of Health in repairs. Serving the City Island community for animal care and handling. Available Wednes- over 15 years. Free estimates cheerfully given. day and Thursday. Give me a call, Roxy at Friendly and honest, low rates. Carpentry, ______646-685-9165. painting, power washing, sheet rock, doors, RESUMES WRITTEN & LAID OUT: Phenom- and windows, kitchen and bathroom light enal success rate getting you interviews and fixtures, fences, faucets, holiday decorations. jobs. Concise, professional, superior. Call ______Call Christian at 718 -679-2396. ______Katie! 646-309-7850. CITY ISLAND SOUVENIRS: Sweatshirts (chil- OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: Commercial dren’s and adult), T-shirts, mugs, postcards, building, centrally located on City Island with bumper stickers @ Kaleidoscope Gallery. 280 office and warehouse spaces available for City Island Avenue, 718-885-3090. ______rent. Please call 914-760-1106. ______www.kaleidoscope280.com. ArT prints of City Island Bridge by LOCAL COMPUTER TECH: PC hardware and Island artist Marguerite Chadwick-Juner are software repairs, anti-virus, home networking, available at: marguerite-chadwickjuner.pixels. WIFI set-up, home security and CCTV. Call com. Seasonal panoramic views of the bridge ______885-2461 or e-mail [email protected]. as well as iconic portions of the bridge can OWENS TREE EXPERTS: Tree trimming & be purchased as prints on archival paper, alu- removal. Free estimates. Fully insured. Call minum. acrylic and canvas, but here you can 718-885-0914. purchase the images on iPhone and Galaxy ______cases, pillows, duvet covers, tote bags, and FINE ART PORTRAITS: Studio on City Island. More than 40 years of photographic expe- ______t-shirts! Show your bridge love! ______rience. Call Ron Terner at 718-885-1403. ELECTRICAL, PLUS PAINTING AND PLAS- PASSPORT PHOTOS taken at Focal Point TERING: Professional work at affordable rates. Gallery, 321 City Island Avenue. Call Ron at Call for a free quote. C.I. references available. ______718-885-1403. ______Dave - 1-646-548-8573. TOO BUSY? NO TIME TO CLEAN? Call Mar- JEWELRY REPAIRED & DESIGNED: Cash for garet for all your cleaning needs. City Island gold, watch batteries, engraved gifts, art- references available. Call 917-287-1132. work, toys & housewares. Kaleidoscope Gal- ______lery, 280 City Island Avenue, 718-885-3090. O’Piddle D’Poo! Daily individual walks, www.kaleidoscope280.com. leash training, pet sitting. Caring for City ______Island’s adorable pets for 20+ years. Refer- LEARN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Photoshop ences available. Call 1-646-316-6089. 7 or black and white photography, developing ______film, printing, camera techniques. Call Ron at COZY STUDIO FOR RENT: $1200 includes 718-885-1403. heat and hot water. W/D in apt., CAC, fire- ______place. Sorry no pets, no smokers. Contact CITY ISLAND NOTARY PUBLIC: Certified in agent, Maria @ 718-885-0017. New York State. By appointment only, includ- ______ing weekends. Call Johanna at 914-299-1414. A NEW YEAR BRINGS Renewed Opportuni- ______ties for Growth in Our Schools and in Oour AVON REPRESENTATIVE: Avon is not just Homes: As an experienced child development cosmetics. Jewelry, clothes, vitamins, videos, specialist/certified school psychologist/parent complete line of children’s gifts, toys and more. educator who has worked in schools for over ______Ask for catalogue. Call Emily 718-885-2430. forty years, I will help you unlock the potential EXCLUSIVE! HOUSE FOR SALE: 104 Bay inside your student and yourself and develop Street- spacious & charming 3 BR duplex, a plan for success at home and in school right new kitchen, LR, DR, 1 bath, HW floors, huge here on City Island - you can walk to my home finished attic, unfinished basement with brand office! Visit www.ThinkLaughLearn.com for new boiler, 1 car garage. Asking $565K. For an ______details or call John Scardina 718-885-9305. appointment, please call Agent Maria Swieciki PHOTO RESTORATION: Take old photo- ______at TODAY REALTY CORP. 718-885-0017. graphs and have them restored like new. Cop- WEBSITE DESIGN- MOBILE FRIENDLY: Top ies made from negatives or prints. Framing level web design, copywriting plus tech. E- ______available as well. Call Ron at 718-885-1403. commerce and memberships. Fortune 500 ______brand designer. Call Katie! 646-309-7850. ANTI-FOULING BOTTOM PAINT $79.99 gal- lon. Customer parking. Burck’s Boat Store 526 City Island Avenue, Bronx, New York, PIANO ______718-885-1559. TUNING Rebuilding & Refinishing Buying, Selling & Moving 30 Years Experience Please Contact: Ralph Merigliano Cell: 914-262-6912 [email protected] Page Twenty The Island Current March 2019

and Butterworth families. Belated birthday greetings to Hailey Nelson on Feb. 23. Happy birthday wishes to Christopher Butterworth on March 8, Joseph Nelson on March 10 and Joe Nelson on March 28. Best wishes for continued happiness to Bay Street’s Anne and Scouse McIntyre, who will celebrate their anniversary on Information for the Talebearer must be received in March 28. writing no later than the 15th of the month except “Two Thumbs Up” to Marsha Treiber, July and December. Mail to The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464; include your name and who is celebrating the 30th anniversary telephone number. of her Marsha’s Movie Mania column for The Current. Love, Dan, Reina, Waverly and Thora. Kudos to Dr. Jed Berman, DDS, who generously offered free emergency dental work to government employees during the recent government shutdown. Former Islanders Bette and Ed Heben announced the birth of their fourth grandson, Noah Benjamin, born on Feb. 15 and weighing 8 pounds, 5 ounces. Proud parents are clam digger Ben Heben and his wife, Lisa, who now live in Mountain View, CA. Congratulations to all. March happy birthday wishes go out to Judy McCormick (March 18), Bar- bara Stiene (March 31) and Brian Moore (March 30). Hope you have a great day! Maria Swieciki

Photo courtesy of NANCY LOTRIONTE Islanders Nicolette Lotrionte and Andrew Pollack welcomed their son Wyatt Joseph, born on Feb. 14, 2019.

It’s a boy! Welcome to City Island’s newest clamdigger, Wyatt Joseph, born on Feb. 14. Proud parents are Nicolette Lotrionte and Andrew Pollack; thrilled grandparents are Nancy and Nick Lot- rionte and Bruce and Mary Pollack of San Clemente, CA, who look forward to meeting their grandson really soon. Aunts Photo by BEN HEBEN Jillian and Briana are over the moon with Noah Benjamin Heben was born on Feb. joy! 15, 2019. Lots of birthday happiness in the Doyle

Photos by RICK DeWITT On Feb. 3, 2019, Trinity United Methodist Church hosted Scout Sunday for worship and lunch. More than 80 Boy and Girl Scouts and their leaders and families attended, with many of the scouts taking an active part in the worship service. City Island Physical Therapy Janine Mantzaris, P.T. 464 City Island Avenue, Bronx, NY 10464 Phone: 718-885-1079 • www.cityislandpt.com Photo by MATT PANZA Marsha Treiber is celebrating the 30th Email: [email protected] anniversary of her Movie Mania column. We offer Physical Therapy for all ages and orthopedic conditions. We accept all Major Medical Plans: Medicare, Worker’s Compensation, No-fault, the Empire PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AND RETURN TO: Plan, AETNA, HIP, FDNY & GHI/HIP. MOVING? ISLAND CURRENT, P.O. BOX 6, CITY ISLAND, NY 10464 We also provide in-home PT visits for Medicare NAME______patients who are home bound. OLD ADDRESS______APT. #______CITY______STATE______ZIP______NEW ADDRESS______APT. #______CITY______STATE______ZIP______PLEASE ALLOW 6-8 WEEKS FOR CHANGE TO TAKE EFFECT.

CITY STATE Rate: $12 per year