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

Volume 39 Number 7 September 2010 One Dollar

estimate for the cost of maintaining such a reconsider its present plans. Island Residents Protest New bridge, but it is not likely to be a very eco- The high cost will undoubtedly require nomical proposition. As to time, new tech- the city to seek federal funding for the proj- Bridge Design nology has made it possible for bridges to ect. This will require the city to obtain per- be constructed largely off-site and installed mits from the New York State Department By BARBARA DOLENSEK quickly. For example, the new bridge over of Parks, Recreation and Historic Pres- the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, a lon- ervation, which has deemed the existing ger span than City Island’s, is a causeway City Island bridge eligible for the National type of bridge and was constructed in less Register of Historic Places. In 2003, efforts than a year and came in under budget. were made to have the Landmarks Com- Because the temporary bridge proposed mission designate the bridge a New York by Gandhi Engineering, which designed City landmark in 2003, like the Macombs the cable-stayed bridge for DOT (their first Dam bridge, which has recently been reha- of this type), is seven feet narrower than bilitated, but the Commission would not the present bridge, residents believe that do so, at the request of the Department of should be used for as short a period of time Transportation. as possible, given the traffic issues that con- At this point, DOT has no plans to front City Island from May to September change the project, but as more residents every year. If it is possible to construct a learn about the scope of the new bridge, the new bridge in less than two years, the pro- sounds of protest may become loud enough testers argue, then the city should definitely that they have no choice but to listen. REUNION 2010!

If the above headline doesn’t seem and the roadway, something that had not newsworthy, that is probably because it occurred for some years. However, most isn’t. Island residents have been protest- Islanders are now resigned to the fact that ing the new bridge design since it was the bridge will have to be replaced at some first presented by the city’s Department of point, although they do not see why the Transportation (DOT) in 2002. Although city considers this an emergency situation the original plans called for work to be requiring immediate replacement. started in November 2008, the city recently The basis of the current protest is the announced that work will begin on a tem- design of the new bridge, whose single porary bridge in March 2011 and that a tower will rise at least 270 feet above the request for bids for the replacement bridge roadway, some 15 times that of the exist- will be sent out in September next year. ing bridge, which measures 17 feet from Now that the time seems to getting closer the roadway. DOT has suggested that the for the demolition of the much-loved exist- bridge looks like a sailboat, but even in its ing bridge, residents are gathering their yacht-building heyday, City Island never forces yet again to try to get the city to built a boat that tall. The fact that Special change course. City Island District Zoning regulations, A new Facebook page called “City approved in 1977, call for no new struc- Island Bridge: Keep It Quaint” gathered tures to be built higher than 35 feet is nearly 200 members within a week, and evidence of the city’s recognition of the more than 600 signatures have been added Island’s low-rise character. to petitions protesting the new bridge. A The first bridge proposed to the com- letter-writing campaign alerting elected munity was, in fact, 450 feet high, and officials, especially Mayor Bloomberg, to a handsomer design, according to some the problems involved with the new bridge, since it was modeled after designs by the has recently gotten under way (see Box 6, renowned Spanish architect Santiago Cala- page 4). The purpose of all of these efforts trava. DOT conceded that it might be too is to alert residents of the city’s plans and high and decided in 2003 that the 270-foot to alert city officials to the reasons Island- (80-meter) bridge was what was going to ers object to the DOT plans. be built, in spite of those protesting the In 2002, when New York City hoped design. Since then, representatives of the to get the Olympics in 2012 and when agency have refused to discuss any changes Boston was about to unveil its new cable- with the City Island community. stayed bridge over the Charles River, New Since 2003, of course, much has York City’s leaders apparently decided changed, according to the bridge commit- that City Island would be the perfect tee of the City Island Civic Association, spot for a “state-of-the-art” bridge that which is working with the Garden Club would be unique in the city. Their stated and the Historical Society to mount the reasoning was that such a bridge would protest. New York City did not win its bid not need supporting piers in the water, for the Olympics, and the technology of which require maintenance, and that such cable-stayed bridges did not keep pace with a bridge would be more cost effective bridge-building generally. Several bridges over the long run. Modern cable-stayed of that type have been found unstable in bridges, which became especially popular high wind conditions, some have suffered in Europe during the second half of the corrosion from salt water; problems also Photos by RICK DeWITT and RON TERNER 20th century, were supposed to last at least arose with the Boston bridge two years An historic reunion was held on Aug. 21, 2010, at Ambrosini Field. The gathering of more a century, just as City Island’s existing after it was opened when ice fell off the than 500 residents, family members and friends was organized by former Islander Lynn bridge had done. cables during the winter onto the roadway, McCluskey, with the help of many volunteers, including Charlie DiMaggio and Bob Car- The residents of City Island said from putting automobiles at risk. mody. Clam diggers and mussel suckers of all ages attended, including two members the very beginning that they did not want The biggest changes, however, have from the P.S. 17 class of 1935, Bill Smith and Bob Branizza. Families reunited for the first the city to demolish its historic bridge, come in the areas of cost and time. Origi- time in years, and children participated in many activities, which helped make the event which was given a rating of “fair” by the nally, the new bridge was estimated to a huge success. Attendees also took time to help maintain the quality of life on the Island DOT in 2009 and has since undergone cost about $21 million; now the estimate by signing petitions to protest the new bridge design and by contributing to organiza- considerable maintenance to both the piers is more like $120 million. There is no tions like the City Island Nautical Museum. Almost everyone agreed that the reunion should become a regular City Island event. Page Two The Island Current September 2010

7/20 – On City Island Avenue and Hawk- briefly... 45 BLOTTER ins Street, a vehicle was scratched in an inci- dent of criminal mischief. TEMPLE BETH-EL CANNED FOOD DRIVE. The holiday canned-food 8/1 – A homeowner reported an attempted Complaints reported from City Island to drive will benefit the kosher and non-kosher community food pantry of the Jewish Community burglary on Ditmars Street. An unknown sus- the 45th Precinct during July and August Council of Pelham Parkway. Drop-off locations are Temple Beth-El of City Island, 480 City pect attempted to break into the house through 2010. Unfounded complaints are not in- Island Avenue between Beach and Bowne Streets from 7 to 7:30 p.m. before Sabbath services the window. cluded in the list. on Fridays; or Kaleidoscope, 280 City Island Avenue at Hawkins Street, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 8/4 – On a boat off Centre Street, a fe- every day. For more information, call Mike Eiron at 718-702-3709. 3 – CRIMINAL MISCHIEF male reported an assault after a fight with an 1 – GRAND LARCENY AUTO acquaintance at 11 p.m. THE CITY ISLAND POWER SQUADRON will offer the America’s Boat- 2 – BURGLARIES 8/5 – Unknown suspects broke into cars ing Course at the City Island Yacht Club, 63 Pilot Street, beginning Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m. Topics 1 – ATTEMPTED BURGLARY parked in the Laurels complex at 152 Tier include fundamentals of safe boating, navigation rules and piloting techniques. The course 1 – RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT Street and removed stereo systems (grand lar- material cost is $75. Instruction is free. Please call Jim Duffy at 718-863-3855. (Please do not 1 – CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A ceny). call after 9 p.m.). WEAPON 8/5 – Police are investigating a charge of 1 – UNLAWFUL IMPRISONMENT unlawful imprisonment when an off-Island 1 – ASSAULT female allegedly grabbed and robbed another spon- 12TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL BEACH CLEAN-UP, off-Island female at 9 p.m. sored by the American Littoral Society and the Ocean Conservancy, will take place on Saturday, Police report the following incidents for 8/6 – Two men were arrested on City Is- Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Your help is needed to remove and record the amounts and the period from July 1 to Aug. 24, 2010. 7/3 – Police from the 45th Precinct ar- land Avenue and charged with reckless endan- types of litter found by the City Island Bridge and adjacent Orchard Beach areas. For more germent and criminal possession of a weapon information, call 718-885-1891. rested an off-Island male at 459 City Island Avenue at 9 p.m. The defendant was charged (see story this page). st with criminal mischief after allegedly hitting Police from the 45th Precinct ask Island- GRACE CHURCH CELEBRATES 1 ANNUAL “BLESS OUR SCHOOLS”: ers to report any information they may have Thanks to the sponsorship of the international “Moms in Touch” movement, the third Sunday the window of Seafood City with a baseball bat. regarding a crime of sexual assault of an el- of Sept. is now designated as a time for students and educators to come forward for prayers derly female on July 19 on Benson Avenue and blessings for the new school year. On Sunday, Sept. 19, the clergy and parishioners of 7/5 – On City Island Avenue at Fordham Street at 7 p.m., an off-Island male was ar- in the Bronx. Crime Stoppers will pay up to Grace Episcopal Church will join churches worldwide to pray specifically and intentionally for rested and charged with criminal mischief for $22,000 in cash for information leading to the students and schools. All members of the City Island community are invited and encouraged to intentionally breaking the windshield wiper arrest and indictment of the person(s) respon- participate in this powerful prayer witness on behalf of our children and young adults, as well as on an MTA bus. . sible for this serious crime. A male, Hispanic, those who teach, coach and mentor them. Weather permitting, worship will take place outdoors 7/11 – Two apartments in the Laurels aged 20 to 30 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall at 10 a.m. in the Grace Church courtyard. Grace is located at 116 City Island Avenue, at Pilot complex at 152 Tier Street were burglarized and 145 pounds, is suspected. Call 1-800-577- Street. For more information, please call Mother Patty Alexander at 718-885-1080. between 4 and 6 a.m. The unknown perpetra- TIPS and refer to Poster #BX-676. You don’t tors stole various electronics, including tele- have to give your name; you will be paid by CUB SCOUT REGISTRATION: Pack 211’s registration for the coming year visions, laptop computers and DVD players code number. will he held on Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Trinity Methodist Church hall at (see story this page). the corner of City Island Avenue and Bay Street. Boys in grades 1 through 5 are eligible, and the registration fee is $60 for the year. For more information or if you cannot make the registration, please call Larry Saulnier at 646- 305-5902 or e-mail [email protected]. Laurels Burglaries Lead FIRST FRIDAY’S FREE BRONX SEASIDE TROLLEY rolls to Wild Chase again on Friday, Sept. 3, with stops at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, Focal Point Gallery, By KAREN NANI Starving Artist Cafe and Gallery and the Kaleidoscope Gallery. The trolley departs hourly from acting suspiciously and called 911, reporting Pelham Bay Station from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. A series of break-ins at the Laurels con- dominium complex at 152 Tier Street led to that they had heard gun shots. The two men, a wild chase by both police and Islanders later identified by police as Keino Taylor and CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR on Aug. 6, 2010. Two suspects were appre- Cory Van Dyke, both from the Bronx, fled the will take place on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11 and 12, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring 50 or hended by police on City Island Avenue about scene and ran north on City Island Avenue. more vendors of jewelry, painting, photography, textiles, stained glass and more. Music will be 7:30 a.m. in an arrest that was widely publi- Police shut down City Island at the bridge and provided by the Lickety Split Band. For more information, visit the Chamber website at www. cized on local television stations and in local brought squad cars and a police helicopter to cityislandchamber.org. newspapers. search for the men. A convoluted chain of events led up to Islander Liz Bryant Montalbano, who the burglary of two rental units and the van- lives on a boat at the Island Boat Club, awoke AARP Chapter 318 announces that the MetroCard Mobile METROCARD VAN: dalism of several cars in the Laurels’ parking to the sound of the helicopter overhead that Van will be parked in front of Trinity United Methodist Church at City Island Avenue and Bay lot during the summer. morning and walked up the dock to investigate Street on Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Seniors and the disabled may apply for The Laurels complex was built by long- the commotion. She saw two men in the ship- reduced-fare MetroCards for use on New York City subways and buses. Please bring a Medicare time Island restaurant owner Bob Borchers, yard acting suspiciously, called 911 to report card and valid photo ID with you. in 1987–88. He eventually sold the whole the suspicious behavior and then went up to complex to the New York Zoological Society City Island Avenue. When she got near Jack’s CITY ISLAND AVENUE CLEANUP, sponsored by the Civic Associa- (Bronx Zoo), which, for many years, rented Bait and Tackle shop, she saw the two men tion, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Garden Club, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 18. the 24 units to staff and visitors. About two jump over the fence in an effort to flee from Volunteers who care about the appearance of City Island are urged to join in the effort to make and half years ago, the zoo sold the complex police. She and a number of other Islanders yelled to the police who were cruising the the avenue attractive again after a busy summer. Meet at Hawkins Park at 9 a.m., full of energy to Haim Joseph, who developed the condo- minium complex at 190 Fordham Street (for- avenue that “these were the guys they were and dressed for work! The Department of Sanitation will provide rakes, gloves, brooms and mer site of P.S. 17), among other properties looking for.” garbage bags, and the Civic will provide refreshments for all volunteers. Call 718-885-0507 for on City Island. Police quickly knocked the men down, more information. Mr. Joseph renovated the apartments and handcuffed them and arrested them, along offered them up for sale or rental. Renters with a woman from the Laurels who was were offered the option to buy, with a por- allegedly the “lookout” for the perpetrators. tion of their monthly rent going toward the According to witnesses, she was the friend of a purchase price. Mr. Joseph initially gave the tenant at the Laurels and was “casing the place Laurels realty listings to AER Realty on City and looking for opportunities” for burglaries Island, which rented more than 10 units to by keeping track of when other tenants were current City Island residents, many of whom at work and which apartments were vacant. were happy with the quality of the renova- Despite the dramatic chase and capture, tion and the fact that they were given choices the arrest of the alleged perpetrators “resulted regarding the final selection of certain fea- in a declined prosecution due to insufficient tures, such as kitchen cabinets and carpeting. evidence,” according to the Bronx District Attorney’s office. They were initially charged THE ISLAND CURRENT Editorial Office: 718-885-0760 The prices ranged from $1,400 per month for with reckless endangerment and criminal pos- P.O. Box 6 Display Advertising: 718-885-1636 a one-bedroom unit up to $2,200 per month session of a firearm, but no gun or shell cas- City Island, N.Y. 10464 or: [email protected] for a two-bedroom, two-bath unit. Subscriptions: 718-885-9268 Mr. Joseph also gave the Laurels listing ings were found at the scene, according to www.theislandcurrent.com to an off-Island realtor, who rented or sold police from the 45th Precinct. EDITOR: Karen Rauhauser Nani several units to off-Islanders. One of these The incidents led to a number of reper- CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Sara S. McPherson DISTRIBUTION: Emily Leni tenants is alleged to have been involved in the cussions surrounding the Laurels. The tenant COPY EDITOR/WRITER: Barbara Dolensek SUBSCRIPTION: Rose Kolb series of break-ins that ensued, according to whose unit was burglarized moved out. In ART EDITOR: Marguerite Chadwick-Juner ADVERTISING MANAGERS: Joan Ramftl, Margaret Lenz addition, it has been rumored that some of the BUSINESS MANAGER: Judith Rauh sources who spoke to The Current. On July 11, 2010, one Laurels tenant units were rented to government-subsidized STAFF: Bill Clancy, Maria Swieciki, Carol Koschak, Ed Heben, Marsha Treiber, Jane Protzman, Bill Stuttig, awoke at 5 a.m. to find police in his apartment low-income tenants. This rumor has been Tom Smith, Virginia Dannegger, Monica Glick, Maria Sutherland, John Sheridan, Miriam Kleinberg, Paula and most of his possessions stolen, including disputed by a number of sources, and The Huffell and Teresa Teto. Current could not confirm it; calls to Laurels PHOTOGRAPHY: Rick DeWitt. a television, laptop computer, DVD player CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS: Russell Schaller Sr., Stephanie Ribaudo, Marge McNulty, Lorraine Nicoletti. and some cash. His neighbor had called the owner Haim Joseph were not returned. No Masthead and special artwork by the late Theodore J. Mazaika. police after he heard dogs barking at some further criminal incidents had occurred at the men who were trying to gain entry through Laurels as of press time. Typeset by Marguerite Chadwick-Juner, Witworks Studio Graphic Design, 33 Earley Street, City Island, N.Y. 10464 the sliding glass doors on the balcony. Lieutenant Ortiz of the 45th Precinct was Printed by Hi-Speed Printing Co., 560 South Third Ave., Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 The Island Current (USPS 114-590) is published monthly except for January and August by the Island Current Inc., a Two weeks after this first incident, three quick to commend Islanders for alerting the not-for-profit organization. Subscription rate, $12.00 per year. Single copies, $1.00. All subscriptions, editorial, advertis- cars in the Laurels parking lot were broken police to the burglaries and to the behavior of ing and other correspondence must be mailed to: The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. Display into to steal sound systems and speakers, the two men who were arrested. “It’s impor- advertising deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication, call 885-0984 or 885-0760. Copyright 2010 by The tant for Islanders to keep their eyes open and Island Current, Inc., 724 King Ave., City Island, Bronx, NY 10464. All rights reserved. according to sources. The crime wave came to PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT BRONX, NY. a head at about 5 a.m. on Aug. 6, when neigh- notify police of any crimes or suspicious POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Island Current, P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. bors chased two men whom they observed behavior,” he told The Current. September 2010 The Island Current Page Three City Island Rooster Finds New Home By BARBARA DOLENSEK

Photo by RICK DeWITT On the morning of July 4th, City Island firefighters responded to a 911 call from a neigh- bor of 31 Earley Street. He observed waist-high flames on the second floor porch of the home owned by Joe Burck. After failing to waken Mr. Burck’s son who was asleep inside, he trained hoses on the blaze with another neighbor until the first fire truck arrived. The fire was then extinguished by firefighters, and no injuries were reported.

State Senator Jeff Klein secured a safe long-term home for an abused rooster rescued from a South Bronx cockfight. The owner of the Hollywood Haircuts barber shop on City Adolfo Carrión Back in Town Island had been rehabilitating and caring for the rooster, Coco, since his rescue earlier By BARBARA DOLENSEK this year. Shown above are Senator Klein, the rooster (Coco), and Alex Mullokandov of Many people who leave City Island individuals facing foreclosure or in need of Hollywood Haircuts. can’t wait to get back, and our former housing by offering mortgage assistance, Early this summer, residents living looking beautiful. I want him to be on a Borough President Adolfo Carrión is no rental subsidies and so on, the department near Ditmars Street and City Island Avenue farm.” exception. Soon after the inauguration also helps local city governments and com- found themselves awakened by an unusual Senator Klein’s office began reaching of President Obama, Mr. Carrión was munities within the cities purchase public alarm clock: a rooster crowing as if he out to area farms to find the rooster a home, appointed to join his staff in the White properties, set up public works projects, were on a farm upstate. A call to 311 was and Riverdale resident Isabelle Weisinger House as the first Director of Urban Affairs, improve quality of life and utilize block made by a resident who noticed the rooster immediately let him know about the Berk- grants to help improve local schools, busi- and he and his family moved to Washing- walking on the sidewalk in front of the new shire Bird Paradise Sanctuary in Petersburg, nesses and housing. ton, D.C., where they remained for a little barber shop at 405 City Island Avenue, New York. Ms. Weisinger became familiar over a year. In May of this year, however, As a City Island resident, he hopes since it is illegal to keep a rooster in New with the sanctuary a few years ago when a he decided to move back to New York, that his new position will be of help to York City, and as a result the rooster is now bird in her neighborhood was in need of a where he has taken the challenging job of this community in some way, and he is actually living on a farm upstate. new home. Regional Administrator of the New York ready to roll up his sleeves and participate “We have a very large sanctuary with and New Jersey office of the U.S. Depart- in projects like the City Island cleanup on State Senator Jeff Klein was asked to birds from all over the world,” said Pete ment of Housing and Urban Development Sept. 18 and the beach cleanup on Sept. look into the matter, and he learned from (HUD). And of course he moved back into 25 (see Briefly for both announcements). Alex Mullokandov of Hollywood Haircuts Dubacher, owner of the Berkshire Bird Par- the beautiful old Victorian house on City For the time being, his wife, Linda, will that he had rescued the rooster from a adise Sanctuary. “When the rooster arrives, Island Avenue that he and his wife, Linda remain in Washington, where she is works cockfight in the South Bronx. Because he we will make sure the he is compatible with Baldwin, had recently renovated. in the Department of Justice as Director loves animals, especially birds, Mr. Mullo- other birds and we will gradually introduce In Washington, Mr. Carrión told The of the Office of Sex Offender Sentenc- kandov had been rehabilitating and caring him to them. We have had cockfighting Current, his job was to figure out how best ing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Register- for the rooster, Coco, along with his pet roosters brought to us before, and they have to allocate federal resources in a coordi- ing, and Tracking (SMART). She works canaries, which reside in a cage that often done very well.” nated way to the urban issues of hous- with the different states (including Indian hangs outside the shop. Senator Klein and his staff were happy ing, transportation, health care, education, nations) offering technical assistance on According to Mr. Mullokandov, the with the outcome. “Cockfights are an abu- business and so on. “It was like flying high their notification and tracking systems and American Society for the Prevention of sive and horrendous practice that have no up in a plane,” he said, “but I prefer to be implementing the Adam Walsh Child Pro- Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) had rescued place in the Bronx or anywhere else in this down on the front lines,” dealing with these tection and Safety Act of 2006. five roosters from a cock fighting opera- city. I am extremely pleased that we were issues in a much more hands-on way. In response to the rumors that invari- tion in the South Bronx earlier this year. able to find a good home for this rooster And “hands-on” is certainly what his ably surround Mr. Carrión, The Current He offered to take Coco, who was badly where he can live safely while becoming new responsibilities require. There are 10 asked him whether he planned to run for injured, on a temporary basis, since he was reacquainted with other birds in a natural HUD regions in the country, but the New Mayor of New York in 2013. He would not unable to keep him permanently in either and healthy habitat.” York and New Jersey region is the largest, confirm that rumor, but he did point out that his apartment or his shop. “I know a lot To report animal cruelty, contact the with six offices, a staff of 540 and a $28 his return to City Island at least made him about birds from growing up in Russia, so New York City ASPCA at 212-876-7700. million budget. Although most people are eligible to do so when the time comes. I recovered him and he’s now healthy and aware that HUD provides assistance to Primary Elections By Fred Ramftl Jr. This year, the Conservative, Demo- cratic voters will also be asked to select cratic, and Republican primary elections the candidate for Assemblyman between will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 14. The Michael Benedetto, Rafael Dominguez and polling place on City Island is Public Herbert Moreira-Brown. There will also School 175 at 200 City Island Avenue, be ballots for delegates representing the and the polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 82nd Assembly District at the state con- 9 p.m. Aside from selecting candidates for vention. The candidates for the Male State the Nov. 2 election this year, the primary Committee are George Crouch and Egidio will afford voters a good chance to become Sementelli, and Jennifer Rivera and Felicia familiar with the new voting machines. Sementelli for Female State Committee. Registered Republican voters will be Democratic voters will also be asked to asked to choose between Rick Lazio and vote for seven delegates each in two groups Carl P. Paladino for Governor of New of delegates to the 82nd Assembly Dis- York, and Gregory J. Edwards and Thomas trict Judicial Convention: Group A (Angela Ognibene for Lieutenant Governor. Repub- Rosario, Herbert Moreira-Brown, Clara lican candidates for the full six-year term Marrero, Brice Santiago, Dom Masters, of U. S. Senator are Gary Berntsen and Jay Andrew Petralia, Felicia Sementelli; and Townsend, and for the two-year unexpired Group B (James Vacca, James Payne, Mar- term of U. S. Senator, Joseph J. DioGuardi, jorie Velazquez, Noreen Kilkenny, Paisley David Malpass and Bruce Blakeman. Harvey, Jeff Lynch, Marjorie Helms and Registered Democratic votes will Lewis Goldstein. choose between Kirsten Gillibrand and The Conservative Primary will be for Gail Goode for the two-year unexpired Governor; the slate includes Rick Lazio term of U. S. Senator. (Already on the bal- and Ralph C. Lorigo. lot for November on the Democratic line For more information about the pri- are Chuck Schumer for the full six-year mary election, call the Bronx office of term as U. S. Senator and Andrew Cuomo the League of Women Voters at 718-299- as Governor.) The primary slate for New 9017 or visit www.lwvnyc.org/election. York Attorney General includes Richard html or the General Board of Elections: Brodsky, Eric Schneiderman, Sean Coffey, 212-VOTE-NYC (212-868-3692); web- Eric R. Dinallo and Kathleen Rice. site: http://vote.nyc.ny.us. In the 82nd Assembly District, Demo- Page Four The Island Current September 2010

an editorial alternatives to those currently in place, so as The new bridge violates zoning regulations Fair Winds or Foul to avoid the difficulties associated with an and vastly degrades City Island’s historical The summer of 2010 will not go down in history as one of City Island’s finest. It began incident that closes the City Island bridge. and uniquely nautical character. with a fatal accident that closed the bridge for four hours on Memorial Day weekend, leav- Would you be so kind as to communi- • The new bridge was originally esti- ing Islanders unable to return home and, worse, leaving Island visitors stuck on City Island cate with your colleagues at the NYPD and mated at $21 million; it is now estimated at Avenue with no police supervision. We always expect excessive traffic to start on the first FDNY on this matter and to keep the Board $120 million. Where is the budget integrity warm weekend in the spring, and by the end of June this year the NYPD finally got their apprised of your actions. and accountability of taxpayer dollars? traffic control act together, but the increasing number of loud motorcycles and automobiles Thank you for your attention and assis- • The new bridge has been designed by going from one end of the Island to the other at night only got worse. A utility pole was bro- an engineering firm that has never built or ken in half by a car drag racing up the Avenue in June, and noise complaints were registered tance in this matter. maintained a cable-stayed bridge. Where is throughout the summer against motorcycles and restaurants with large parking lots. Island John Marano, Chair visitors and residents alike threw garbage (and worse) all over our streets, bought and sold Bronx Community Board #10 your integrity in taking such a risk? drugs, ran our red lights and raced in the fire lane, parked illegally and otherwise behaved • Due to instability caused by high winds, salt-water corrosion and the need for like hooligans. Triple Thanks It is heartening that groups of Islanders got together to celebrate life on City Island, special equipment to maintain steel cables whether by attending a Civic Association meeting to protest these attacks on our quality of To all of our family, friends and neighbors 270 feet in the air, maintenance issues will life or by gathering together for a reunion of friends and family at the beautifully renovated on City Island: be substantially more serious and costs will Ambrosini Little League Field. Hawkins Street Park was refurbished by the Department of We want to thank each of you for your be substantially higher than estimated. Parks, with the encouragement of the Garden Club of City Island, which also installed and prayers, concern and support at a very dif- In summary, please use your good of- maintained attractive plantings all over the island. We were happy to learn that the city gov- ficult time, when Bob had two heart attacks fices to preserve the existing City Island ernment decided not to remove our Ladder Company 53. We are grateful to Councilmember and triple bypass surgery. It was all of your Bridge. Jimmy Vacca for his leading role in this, but why should we feel grateful to the city for ad- prayers that helped us through it all. Sincerely, equate fire protection to which we are entitled by law? And finally, after months of work, the We truly appreciate everyone’s con- Thomas McGuire Chamber of Commerce is finally about to install security cameras along the Avenue, with a cern. City Islanders are “one family.” grant from Senator Jeff Klein. God bless you all. It is not surprising, however, that some of us who have lived here for many years are Mary Lou and Bob Lachman deeply concerned that the quality of life here is slipping. We have too many empty store- fronts, too many buildings that are derelict and run down, too many illegal apartments and absentee landlords, too many businesses that specialize in attracting off-Islanders who drive too fast and drink too much. The sight of SUVs creating traffic congestion in front of P.S. Hail and Farewell 175 every day after school is enough to make us wonder why parents no longer allow their To City Island: children to walk to and from school. We cannot count on city government to help us out of I take this opportunity to bid a very this situation. It is up to the residents and the businesses of City Island to work together to fond farewell to all City Islanders and this improve our own community. wonderful little community. I have been For example, concerned residents can and should join the City Island Civic Association surrounded by friends and good wishes and attend its monthly meetings on the last Tuesday of every month (except December). The every moment of my 16 years working at Civic will serve as a liaison with elected officials and government agencies and give advice the City Island Library. This little island on how to deal with certain problems, as well as a place to share grievances. Community and its people have made every day pleas- Board 10 (718-892-1161) can also be of assistance with neighborhood issues. If you wish ant, every breeze fair. What a heartening to express complaints (or praise) to the Police Department, attend a Community Council experience it has been, being able to work meeting of the 45th precinct on the first Thursday of every month. If you don’t know where in a place where one is just as at home on to complain, call 311 to report unsanitary conditions, illegal zoning use or excessive noise, the street or in any of the local shops as and if the situation you are observing is an emergency, call 911. Make sure to note the at one’s own desk. Unique in all the world complaint number and send the number to the Civic Association for follow-up (city.island. and truly without peer. It’s been more than [email protected]). And don’t assume that because you live on City Island, you can run a red light, speed down the fire lane or park illegally! Set a good example for your kids as well as fun, more than nice; it’s been GREAT! for off-Islanders. I hope to see you from time to time, for Keeping our community clean and safe is a lot like maintaining our own homes. We need auld lang syne. to work constantly to keep up the quality of life we want and need. Griping to each other Dennis Owen Desiderio doesn’t solve anything, and making one phone call or attending one meeting is not enough. We must learn to work together to keep City Island the unique community that it is. City Island Bridge A copy of the following letter was received mainland in the Bronx. As a result of the by The Current. accident all pedestrian and vehicular traffic Honorable Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg ceased for four hours, while the NYPD con- City Hall ducted its investigation. New York, NY 10007 Inasmuch as the bridge was closed, people wishing to leave the Island’s res- Please note that City Island’s existing taurants and bars could not, and residents bridge was in “fair” condition, according to wishing to return home were unable to do 2009 NYC Bridge Inspection reports. Since so. In the ensuing four hours of the inves- then it has had extensive maintenance. Is the bridge still considered an emergency We welcome letters and opinions. Letters longer than tigation, nothing moved either way on the 250 words will be edited, with every effort made to bridge, the sole access to and from the Is- situation? I also draw your attention to preserve their substance. We reserve the right not to other substantive issues surrounding City print letters that are copies, libelous, inaccurate or in land. This created massive frustration on bad taste, or those that cannot be verified. Include your the part of the Islanders trying to reach their Island’s bridge. phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, • The existing bridge is eligible for the but names will be withheld upon request. homes and those visitors trying to leave the Island, and this resulted in several acts of National Register of Historic Places and Asking for Solutions anti-social behavior. should not be demolished because of its City Island is the home of some of the historic importance. A copy of the following letter was received • The new cable-stayed bridge that by The Current. finest seafood restaurants in the city and is prone to heavy traffic conditions. The board NYC DOT has decided to put in its place Mr. Joseph Bruno, Commissioner, appreciates the great amount of effort in- is 270 feet above the roadway. That is NYC Office of Emergency Management volved in the investigation of an accident, more than 15 times higher than the current 165 Cadman Plaza East especially one that involves a fatality. How- bridge, which measures 17 feet from the Brooklyn, NY 11201 ever, if an incident like this should occur road at its highest point. No new structure Dear Mr. Bruno: again, and the likelihood is that it will, a on City Island can be built higher than 35 Over the Memorial Day weekend there better system must be devised to handle it. feet per Special City Island District Zoning was a vehicular accident on the City Is- Therefore, the Board is requesting a Regulations adopted in 1977. Why should land bridge that connects City Island to the multi-agency meeting to discuss procedural a new bridge be so much higher than that? September 2010 The Island Current Page Five Champion Island Rower to Ninety Years Young Compete in the Czech Republic By JUDY RAUH

Photo by Pete Thompson Family members came to Florida in June 2010 to help Vera Thompson celebrate her 90th birthday. Top row, (l. to r.): Louis, Terry, Mark, Maddie and Kathy Demas; Cameron Chase; Linda, Dan and John Wright; Teresa Wright; Jack Bunyan; and Beth and Matt Rota. Bot- tom row, (l. to r.): Alison Chase; Red Thompson; Vera Thompson; Dot Bunyan; and Judy and Mike Rauh. Sitting on Vera’s lap is her great-great-granddaughter Lily Chase. Not pictured is Lily’s mom, Jackie Chase.

It was a happy occasion when family and friends joined Vera Thompson at her Florida home in mid-June to celebrate her 90th birthday. Vera had lived on City Island for more than 40 years when she moved to Orlando in 1969. She has many fond memories of her life on City Island. Photo by Caryn Moore Vera was born on June 8, 1920, to Vera Alycia Daloia Moore at the U.S. Youth National Championships. and Charles Buhl, who then lived in the Bronx. They moved to City Island when Regatta in the open singles event, winning Alycia Daloia-Moore, the daughter of she was five, to Levy’s bungalows on west 17 medals in competition and being named Judge John and Caryn Moore of Earley Schofield Street. Like many City Island- Street, was proud to represent the United the 2010 Rower of the Year at the Ursuline ers, the Buhls lived in a number of rental School. Finally, on June, 25, 2010, at West States in the single-scull competition at the houses and apartments, moving as the fam- Photo by Mike Rauh recent World Junior Rowing Champion- Winsor, New Jersey, Alycia finished first in ily grew or the rent went up. She was the Vera Buhl Thompson ship in the Czech Republic. the Junior World Championship trials on oldest of four girls: her sisters, Florence, start dating him until she was 18 1/2. They She was named to the U.S. Rowing Mercer Lake by sweeping the best two out Marian and Dorothy, followed. When she eloped on July 15, 1939, and their first Junior Women’s National Team, the cul- of three finals. In the first final, she clocked was 10, her father bought the house at 314 home together was across the street from mination of an extraordinary spring row- the fastest time in 8:09.654. In the second King Avenue with his World War I bonus. the Buhls. They then moved to the rear ing season for Alycia who competed as final, she won by more than 30 seconds, (They later sold this to their daughter cottage at 22 Centre Street. This house was the single scull for the Ursuline School’s finishing in 7:57.741. Dorothy and her husband, John Bunyan.) rented 32 years later by her daughter Judy newly established team. In the regular This fall Alycia will begin her college Vera remembers her childhood with a and her husband, Mike Rauh, and then career at Boston College, where she was sense of freedom. She loved City Island season she was undefeated, capturing first by her granddaughter Beth Rauh and her awarded a partial scholarship for rowing. because she could walk around as much as place at the Augusta International, Mercer fiancé, Matt Rota, in 2003. She would like to thank her coach, she wanted without getting lost. “All you Sprints and the Cooper Cup. She then won Vera and Bill Wright moved around as had to do was find the Avenue,” she recalls. the New York State Championship and the Brian Brunelle, for teaching her to row and their parents had done. A few homes later When they lived on King Avenue, the fam- Northeast Regional Championship. This for believing in her, as well as her parents, found them at the Bowne Street apartments. ily swam at Maxim’s Beach at the foot of was followed by second-place finishes at whose support helped make her dreams They spent 10 years there, raising four east Fordham Street. Until she learned to the Scholastic Nationals and the U.S. Row- come true. children in a one-bedroom rental: John, swim, her father would wrap a truck inner ing Nationals in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the words of the rowing great Jim Marilyn, Judy and Teresa. It was a relief to tube around her waist before sending her Among Alycia’s other accomplish- Dietz, “Rowing is a sport for dreamers, as move to a three-bedroom bungalow at 35 down to the beach. ments were posting the fastest time for the long as you put in the work, you can own Carroll Street in 1954. They finally bought Vera always loved to read and joined Junior Women in the Head of the Charles the dream.” their first home in 1958 at 682 Minneford the City Island Library at the age of 6. She Avenue, followed by a larger house at 37 remembers the library on the Avenue next Schofield Street in 1962. door to Klein’s Department Store on the Despite all these moves, there was corner of Fordham Street. As her reading always a sense of community and the near- abilities grew, the two-book borrowing ness of the water. Vera started taking her limit was too small for her, she said. So she small children to the Bowne Street beach, would go to the library three times a week and then the beaches at Carroll Street and in order to get her fill. Schofield Street became their playground. One of her early playmates was Elea- There were also beach parties and barbe- nor Waterhouse, who lived in the big house cues at the Hecker’s house on Fordham next to Public School 17 on Fordham Street. Street. She seemed rich to Vera, because When Vera and Bill moved to Florida she had a full-size playhouse in her back- after Bill’s retirement in 1969, it was yard. Vera graduated from nearby P.S. 17 hard to say goodbye to City Island. But in January 1933. It thrilled her that her two their daughters Teresa Wright and Mari- oldest children, John and Marilyn, had the lyn Chase, and granddaughters Kathy and same kindergarten teacher as she did, Mrs. Alison Chase, moved with them, which Ruby Dill. Vera loved the cooking class kept them from feeling lonely. They really because she loved to eat, even though she enjoyed the warmth of the Florida winters. only weighed 112 pounds at graduation After Bill’s death from cancer in 1977, (and was 5 feet 10 inches tall)! Vera met Lloyd (Red) Thompson, and they She met her future husband, Wilfred were married in 1980. Through 30 years (Bill) Wright, at P.S. 17, but she didn’t of marriage, they have traveled all over the world, including Mexico, Hawaii, Austra- lia, New Zealand, the Fiji Islands, the Cay- man Islands and the Panama Canal Zone. They also did many cross-country trips in their fifth-wheel camper. They have a lot of memories from their travels and the friends they made. Although their age and health have slowed them down, Vera and Red still have a lot to share with their family. It was a joy for Vera to have her children, stepchil- dren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephew, friends, and most of all, her only surviving sister, Dot Bunyan, join in her 90th birthday celebration. “I feel so loved,” she said. Page Six The Island Current September 2010

p.m. ticketing company, Zerve, 212-209-3370. A Game On: Every Thursday at 3:30 variety of discounts are offered for groups, p.m. seniors, observers and children. Call Cap- tain Chris at 917-417-7557 for more infor- Adult Programs mation. Introduction to the Internet: Tues- Sisters Agatha and Margaret Biggart are As a service to our readers, The Island day mornings at 10 a.m. Pre-registration proposing to open Aggie’s Roll, a casual, If you have a new business, or if your old business is Current will periodically list recent sales is required. offering a new service, write to The Current, P.O. Box 6, moderately priced clam and fish shack next City Island, NY 10464 by the 10th of the month. of residential and commercial property as Resumé Writing Workshop: to P.S. 175. They plan to seat 15 to 20 Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Please people inside with outside dining on the found in the public record. This feature Jo Heck and David Cook, 190 Fordham pre-register. dock and also a take-out service. The menu is designed to give a general idea of the Street (#16) are hosting a concert by Rod fair market values of property on City Please check our fliers for any addi- MacDonald on Sun., Sept 5, beginning with will be small but will offer City Island, Island. An update will be published every tional programs for adults in September. a potluck supper at 6 p.m. before the 8 p.m. once famous for its fresh and local seafood, few months at our discretion. The listings We are located at 320 City Island Avenue performance. Rod MacDonald is an award- items that that no other restaurant currently below represent some of the recent sales. at Bay Street. For information about any winning songwriter, a gifted vocalist and offers, with fresh and local being the key of the programs above, call the City Island an engaging entertainer who moves effort- words. The proprietors are members of the The Current is not responsible for errors branch at 718-885-1703. lessly between the many styles that have Slow Food Movement and the National or omissions in the data. deeply influenced him. He accompanies Clam Society, and they take their clams and Closing Sale himself with a solid guitar style and excit- lobsters very seriously. Striving to be true Address Date Price Type to City Island’s interesting history from the ing harmonica licks. Rod has released nine 360 City Island Ave. 6/11/10 $580,000 1 family Bartow-Pell solo CDs in the United States and Europe, Hippies’ Place to the oystermen who ruled 475 King Avenue 6/18/10 $525,000 1 family including his latest, “After the War,” and he at the turn of the 19th century, Aggie’s Roll 25 Centre Street 7/2/10 $800,000 1 family Concert will offer fresh seafood with a renewed 70 Buckley Street 7/13/10 $465,500 1 family regularly tours here and abroad. For the past 10 Fordham Street 7/19/10 $499,500 1 family On Friday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. attend the five years, Rod has taught a performance perspective. They have purchased a mobile 611 King Avenue 8/9/10 $648,000 1 family final concert of the First Friday! summer series on the history of music at Florida kitchen (lobster red, of course) for cater- 437 Minneford Ave. 8/16/10 $253,000 1 family series, the “Bronx Beat at Bartow-Pell” Atlantic University. Entrance fee $15; call ing and special events. Stay tuned for more (sponsored by the Bronx Council on the information as the project develops. 718-885-1494 for reservations. Arts), which will feature traditional music Starving Artist Cafe and Gallery (249 The Island Current Fleet has added a of the many cultures that have populated City Island Avenue, 718-885-3779) starts new vessel, the Island Current IV, so they the Bronx over the last four centuries. Juil- now have four great boats to choose from, out September “Jazzin’ Up the End of Sum- mer” on Labor Day weekend. On Friday, liard graduates Maria Millar and Shawn all of them operating out of Jack’s Bait Wyckoff of the Silver Roots ensemble and Tackle, 551 City Island Avenue. All Sept. 3, come for a fun-filled night with Big Al and friends. Saturdays in September will be joined by cellist Adrian Daurov to of their boats sail daily for either daytime present “Echoing Voices: A Musical His- or nighttime fishing. The local porgy trips include Sept. 4 at 8 p.m., when Elliott Glick Hours: Mondays and Thursdays 11 tory of America” on flute, violin and cello have been super, but private charters can will lead an all-star band for your listening a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednes- as they focus on the music of immigrants also be set up for the western part of Long pleasure; Sept. 11 at 8 p.m., a “blues party” days 1 to 6 p.m. Fridays 12 noon to 5 from Europe, Russia, China and elsewhere Island Sound, which offers amazing catches with Bennett Harris, and Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. of bluefish, striped bass, porgies and fluke. master guitarist John Guth. Sundays feature through their stories of coming to America. The Island Current III leaves each morning Stephen Marcus and Friends (Sept. 12, 3 Children’s Programs Enjoy an evening of entertainment and p.m.), Slight Imperfection (debut perfor- enlightenment by listening to the music, at 8 a.m., and the evening trips depart at Lapsit Program: Wednesdays, Sept. mance, Sept. 19, 3 p.m.) and our “sweet- viewing the new Bolton exhibition, touring 6:30 p.m. for stripers and blues and return 1 and 15, 10:30 a.m. Birth to 18 months. heart,” Theresa Sareo (Sept. 26, 3 p.m.). the mansion and strolling in the garden. at about 12:30 a.m. As of Sept. 7, the porgy All welcome for story time and music. Of course, there’s always the last-Friday- Tickets are $8; members free. Seating is limit will increase to 40 fish per angler, and Reading Out Loud: Thursdays, Sept. of-the-month “Take the Stage” open mic limited: first come, first served. Regis- all the boats carry the permit that extends 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 3:30 p.m. the porgy season to November. Tickets for musicians, songwriters, comics, actors, tration requested; call 718-885-1461 or Arts and Crafts: Tuesday, Sept. 14, should be booked in advance either online poets on Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. For more com- [email protected]. Light refreshments will at 3:30 p.m. (www.islandcurrent.com) or by calling their plete information on September’s schedule, be offered. Toddler Program: Thursdays, Sept. visit www.starvingartistonline.com. The free Bronx Seaside Trolley will 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m. make a continuous loop from the #6 Pel- Young Adult Programs ham Bay Park subway station to Bartow- Yu-Gi-Oh: Every Wednesday at 3:30 Pell and on to City Island starting at 5:25 p.m.

The newest boat in the Island Current fishing fleet. September 2010 The Island Current Page Seven City Island Library A Current Review Retirements “Snew White” Wows the On the wall of the City Island Library is an inconspicuous plaque which reads: Island Crowd The City Island Branch of the By BRUCE A. WEIS New York Public Library is recognized by The New York Times For the outstanding contributions of Branch Librarian Evelyn Gerges Winner of The New York Times Librarian Award December 2004 Mrs. Gerges is one of the two librar- Evelyn Gerges ians, along with Dennis Desidirio, who will be leaving City Island this month because of a retirement offer being given by the City of New York to all experi- enced librarians. This is part of a budget- ary policy being practiced by many NYC departments, including the Board of Edu- cation. Born Evelyn Torres in Brooklyn, the family moved to the Bronx in 1963. Eve- lyn attended Theodore Roosevelt High School and received her BA from Lehman Photo by RICK DeWITT On Saturday, July 10, 2010, the City Island Theater Group presented a parody of the College. She became a student teacher story of Snow White on the lawn of Grace Episcopal Church. In “Snew White,” play- because she loved working with children, wright Charlie Lovett included variations on the characters present in Walt Disney’s film, but then found out that teachers do not Dennis Desidirio including Snew White (Amanda Livingston), the Evil Queen (Eileen Marcus) and her two clock out at 3 o’clock, so she decided ladies in waiting, Crabtree (Maritza Martin) and Evelyn (Connieann DelVecchio). All seven to become a children’s librarian. Mrs. location, and the round window in the cur- dwarves were present, with names appropriate to their characters: Twitchy (John Gei- Gerges received her MLS from Queens rent library is where the front door was. deman), Sloppy (Danny Figueroa), Spiffy (Kimberly Montemurro), Sticky (Denis Zepeda), College and joined the New York Public When the library expanded, Mrs. Gerges Snippy (Robbie Livingston), Nosey (Tara Maldonado) and Brad the Surfer Dwarf (Steven Library system in June 1977. developed a reference children’s section Bendler). There was even a Magic Mirror (Elizabeth Paladino). The hilarious outdoor After working at the Fordham, Bay- and a children’s reading room. Other pro- show delighted children and adults alike. chester and Mosholu Branches, Mrs. grams developed by Mrs. Gerges are the There are many versions of the Snow a wicked dwarf along with the two young Gerges finally ended up on City Island. lapsit program which welcomes babies White fairy tale, based on different Euro- ladies. That tale never acquired the cachet She loved it here from the beginning and from birth to 18 months, another for pean sources. The best-known is definitely of “Snow White and the Seven [good] says, “City Island is the most wonderful toddlers ages 18 to 36 months, and then the German rendition popularized by the Dwarfs.” place to be. It has wonderful parents and a pre-school program from ages 3 to 5 ever-reliable Grimm brothers, whose ver- More modern characters, including Dr. wonderful teachers who care enough to years, which includes music and science sion of the tale was the basis for Walt Sigmund Freud (Christopher Meindl), made bring their kids to the library. I always appreciation. Disney’s 1937 film “Snow White and the appearances throughout the play. On-stage said this is where I would be retiring She also started “Stories in the Shade” Seven Dwarfs.” The Disney screenplay UPS deliveries were handled by Louis the from. I love this place because it’s family which met at Orchard Beach on Thursdays for this animated classic includes a magic UPS Delivery Gal (Stephanie Montmurro), oriented and I’m a family oriented person. at 11, and she read to kids who were at day mirror, seven adorable dwarfs and a poi- and Gerry, the Insurance Salesman (Frank I love the work, the staff and the commu- camp in Pelham Bay Park. On Tuesdays at soned apple, all of which are permanently Siciliano), popped in occasionally, ever in nity.” 11 she read at Ambrosini Field. Teachers cemented in the psyches of generations of search of a new client. The “Snew White” parody places the The library was just a storefront when who met her at the beach brought classes American children. On Saturday afternoon, July 10, the kingdom of the Evil Queen in the prov- Mrs. Gerges arrived. It was in the same from the South Bronx and Wakefield to our library and made a class trip out of it. City Island Theatre Group presented a ince of Wychwood, whose Governor (Bob Livingston) and his two aides, Dean (Luigi The kids would have lunch in the Reading somewhat different version of the story on Scarogni) and Deluca (Keith Rodriguez), Garden, another of Mrs. Gerges’ innova- the lawn of Grace Episcopal Church. In “Snew White,” playwright Charlie Lovett added a layer of political intrigue to the tions. With the help of the Garden Club included all the familiar characters present story. there is a garden in the back of the library in Walt Disney’s film and added a number This presentation out-of-doors kept and amid the flowers there are zucchini, of back stories that the Grimm broth- the production’s staging requirements to a tomatoes and a picnic table. Mrs. Gerges ers inexplicably failed to include in their minimum; all that was needed was a stra- is bilingual, so the library now has a fable. tegically placed curtain and a few benches. non-circulating children’s Spanish book Amanda Livingston headlined in the Chris Manetakis directed the show with collection and offers bilingual computer title role of Snew White, the most beauti- great skill. The costumes were organized classes. ful maiden in the land, whose principal by Carol McCabe and the props by Barbara What did she like about being a librar- antagonists are an incredibly Evil Queen Dolensek. ian? She says,”It was so rewarding.” She (Eileen Marcus) and her two ladies in wait- Although the play was presented for sees kids now that she knew when they ing, Crabtree (Maritza Martin) and Evelyn children, the adults in the audience of over were babies, and she remembers them. (Connieann DelVecchio). All seven dwarfs 100, found plenty to laugh at, including She loves to hear the parents say, “It’s were present, with names appropriate to the idea that Sigmund Freud was able to because of you that my kids love books their characters: Twitchy (John Geide- make great strides healing the Evil Queen’s and reading.” man), Sloppy (Danny Figueroa), Spiffy esteem issues and the realization that poli- (Kimberly Montemurro), Sticky (Denis tics in Wychwood were almost as outland- Zepeda), Snippy (Robbie Livingston), ish as politics in the real world. Nosey (Tara Maldonado) and Brad the Clearly, the City Island Theater Group’s Surfer Dwarf (Steven Bendler). primary intention with this delightful pro- Naturally, there was also a Magic Mir- duction was to provide a free afternoon ror (Elizabeth Paladino). of entertainment for Island youngsters (of Augmenting the traditional Snow all ages), but this critic suspects that the White cast was the character of Rose Red group’s real goal is to squeeze as many (Janette Martinez), who may have crept talented actors as possible onto a small in from the lesser-known and unrelated stage where they can create comedic chaos. German fairy tale “Rose Red and Snow Clearly, the group achieved both goals White,” which focused on a good bear and admirably. Page Eight The Island Current September 2010 September 2010 The Island Current Page Nine Scenes from the Summer of 2010

Photo courtesy of CHARLES EDELEN Temple Beth-El’s annual Summer Dance Party on Thursday, Aug. 5, at the Stuyvesant Yacht Club was attended by about 40 friends and members of the temple, including four members of the Westchester–City Island Sailing Meetup Group. Enjoying the music, dancing and food are (l. to r.): Alan Dattner and Rabbi Shohama Wiener, Bill Rainford and Elaine Belasco, Cheryl and Bob Berent, Kathy Lonergan (in background), and Freddy Lando and Violet Ellis. Hutchinson River Restoration Two years ago, in September 2008, When SoundWatch, an environmental the Hutchinson River Restoration Project group on City Island, heard about HRRP’s (HRRP) came into being as a not-for-profit interest in the River, they told them they organization dedicated to the restoration of were in the process of dissolving and the Hutchinson River. The organization, wanted to share some money with them. It which is sponsoring a major cleanup of the was at that point that HRRP went through Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary on Sept. the process of becoming a tax-exempt orga- 26 this year, was formed by Island resi- nization. dents Toby Liederman and Eleanor Rae, As HRRP they have dedicated them- because they were interested in learning selves to learning about the river and to more about our Pilgrim mother, Anne Mar- educating the public about it. They have bury Hutchinson (1591–1643), who lived taken trips on land and by water along briefly in the Bronx until her untimely the river and shared what they learned by death at the hands of the Siwanoy tribe of talking and distributing material at public American Indians. events. They have completed two cleanups Eventually, their interest in Anne along the shores of the river of debris con- Hutchinson led them to learn more about sisting of huge amounts of plastic and tires the river that was named for her, and a accessible only by water. Thanks to grants small group of individuals joined them in from both the Citizens Committee for New our quest. They found that the river was York City and the New York City Environ- classified in its Westchester County loca- mental Fund of the Hudson River Founda- tion as belonging to New York State’s most tion, they are doing another cleanup, this polluted category and that most people one on Sept. 26 of this year. knew little or nothing about its poor con- If you are interested in joining HRRP dition. In fact, no one they spoke with for this cleanup at the Thomas Pell Wildlife realized that the river has its source in Sanctuary, New York City’s second largest Scarsdale and that its mouth—according salt marsh and home to many species of to the Army Corps of Engineers—is at the birds, fish and turtles, please let them know southern tip of City Island. by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 718-885-9653.

Photos by RICK DeWITT and LYLA MacDONALD Despite traffic woes and stifling heat, many positive memories were created this sum- mer. The annual Blessing of the Fleet took place under sunny skies on June 27, followed later that week by the spectacular “Bronx Salutes America” fireworks display sponsored by Senator Jeff Klein and Borough President Ruben Diaz. Children then gathered for a fun-filled Vacation Bible School during the second week of July at Trinity United Method- ist Church, complete with veggie tales, pirates and prayers for our planet Earth.

A Secret Garden Flower Boutique (914) 760-1106 Flowers & Baskets for All Ocassions! Specializing in Weddings and Funerals City Island Physical Therapy Turning those special moments into Janine Mantzaris, P.T. beautiful memories. 340 City Island Avenue • Bronx, NY 10464 Phone: 917-577-1752 • Fax: 718-885-1191 We deliver smiles! For walk-ins only: Buy a bouquet for www.cityislandphysicaltherapy.vpweb.com $25-30 ~ get $5 off. WE NOW HAVE EVENING HOURS 3231 Westchester Ave. For $50 get $10 off with this ad. Modalities include: Bronx, NY 10461 Therapeutic exercise, balance training, manual therapy 718-822-2900 • Fax: 718-828-0171 including soft tissue massage and myofascial release, mechanical tractions, ultrasound, electrical stimulation www.asecretgardenny.com and FCEs (Functional Capacity Evaluations) Page Ten The Island Current September 2010

Organization News News on this page concerning organizations, and events listed in, are submitted by representatives of those organiza- tions. A limit of 150 words is requested for all news items submitted. In most cases news will be edited and every effort will be made to preserve the substance of longer items. News and calendar events must be received by no later than the 20th of each month except December and July. If the 20th falls on a holiday or Sunday, the deadline is the 19th. Mail submissions to P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY 10464. YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER MUST BE INCLUDED. early Church. Absolutely no preparation or Current Calendar previous Bible Study experience is neces- SEPTEMBER sary. Come and see! Sunday, Oct. 3, 12 noon: The Bless- Sat. and Sun., Sept. 11 and 12, Arts and ing of the Animals. All pets (four-legged, Crafts Fair, sponsored by the Chamber of winged, scaled and finned) are invited to Commerce, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. City Island come to the Grace courtyard for a special Avenue. blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. In the interest of peacekeeping, we do ask that Tues., Sept. 14, Primary Election at P.S. 175, attendees be leashed, caged, or otherwise 200 City Island Avenue, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. restrained! Thurs., Sept. 16, Community Board 10 Rev. Patricia Alexander Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Providence Rest, 3304 Waterbury Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465 Photo by BOB BERENT Sat., Sept. 18, City Island Cleanup, spon- Trinity United Methodist Church Temple Beth-El of City Island has celebrated at least one summertime Sabbath under the sored by the Civic Association, the Garden stars each year since 2003. On Friday, Aug. 13, this year, the Shabbat By The Sea featured Our weekly worship service and Sunday Club and the Chamber of Commerce; meet a dinner and Sabbath service by the water’s edge. A dinner before the service was held school are at 10 a.m., and Holy Communion at 9 a.m. at Hawkins Park. at the Stuyvesant Yacht Club, and afterward, most of the diners took a launch ride over is celebrated on the first Sunday of each to the waterfront property of Ken Binder and Steve Roth, where the special service was Tues., Sept. 21, Cub Scout Pack 211 Reg- month. Prayer service is held every weekday conducted by Rabbi Shohama Wiener and Cantor Elaine Faver (at the right). istration, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Trinity Methodist at 9:15 a.m. We encourage you to bring your Church hall at the corner of City Island children to Sunday school to further their forms from the rectory or in the vestibule of ent a Medicare card and valid photo ID, such Avenue and Bay Street. knowledge of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Sunday school will begin on Sept. 12. Trin- the church. as a driver’s license, may also apply for a Sat., Sept. 25, POTS Program, St. Mary’s ity often has a coffee hour after the service; Our monthly holy hour will resume on reduced-fare MetroCard. For more informa- School Yard, Minneford Avenue and Kil- come join us for worship and fellowship. Friday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 5 p.m. tion, call 718-885-3055. roe Street, drop-off between 4:30 and 5 Be on the lookout for our annual Food Sr. Bernadette, osu Our Octoberfest trip to Platzl Brauhaus in p.m. Menu: sausage and peppers with Sale on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pomona, New York, is scheduled for Oct. 15. The price is $75 per person and includes the potatoes. The Fall Group Bible Study will begin Sunday, Oct. 24, and run for five consecu- Temple Beth El bus trip and a full day of food, beer, apple Tues., Sept. 28, City Island Civic Asso- cider and wonderful entertainment. Please tive Sundays, ending Nov 21. Each session Temple Beth-El, an all-inclusive egalitar- ciation meets, 7:30 p.m., Community will begin at 11:30 a.m., with Bibles and make and pay for reservations by Sept. 15. ian, multiethnic Jewish congregation for all For trip information, call 718-885-1479. Center, 190 Fordham Street. refreshments provided, and will end at 12:30 ages at 480 City Island Avenue, between Mary Carman OCTOBER p.m. No registration or fee is required. Beach and Bowne Streets, wishes our The study begins with chapter 6 of the friends and neighbors a most happy, healthy Fri., Sat. and Sun., Oct. 1 to 3, American Acts of the Apostles, which was written and peaceful New Year (5771). We conduct City Island Republicans Legion Pumpkin Sale. Legion parking lot by Luke, a Greek physician, companion of Sabbath services on Friday nights at 7:30 at City Island Avenue and Cross Street, 10 the Apostle Paul and author of the Gospel. p.m. Our doors are open to all and holiday The election season is in full swing. Can- a.m. to 6 p.m. Acts gives us the earliest record of the first attendance is free. didates are traveling across the city and state. Christians who were all Judeans and became Our holiday season begins on Wednes- I am happy to report that we have a Mon., Oct. 4, Boating Course, spon- known as the followers of “The Way” and Republican Primary on Sept. 14, 2010. Polls sored by the Power Squadron, City Island day, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m. We will gather to join takes us to the inclusion of Gentiles into in prayer that this coming year bring good- are open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Votes will Yacht Club, 63 Pilot Street, 7:30 p.m. (see the early church. George Cavalieri, Trinity’s ness, healing and peace to all. As always, be cast for the Republican nominations for Briefly this issue). Lay Leader/ Speaker, will be moderator our beautiful High Holiday services are free the offices of governor, lieutenant governor The Budget Corner will reopen Sept. 14. and open to the public, but come early to get and both United States Senate seats. We Will someone out there please volunteer to good seats! have not had a primary this large in years, Grace Episcopal Church lead Budget behind the scenes? Myra Mar- High Holy Days Services and we do not often have such a chance to tin will work right along with you to help select our nominees. So please come out to You are warmly invited to join us for Rosh Hashanah Evening: Wednesday, and train you for this responsibility, which vote. This will give you a chance to get used any of our regular weekly worship ser- Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. basically involves contacting the established to the new voting equipment before Novem- vices, which are as follows: Holy Com- Rosh Hashanah Mornings: Thursday and crew for work dates and help with the glean- ber. The list of candidates is in this issue of munion is celebrated every Sunday at 10 Friday, Sept. 9 and 10, at 9:30 a.m. ing and pricing. We need your help; call The Island Current. a.m., with childcare available on the first Shofar Service and Tashlich (both great Myra at 718-885-1049. Although some say that primaries are not Sunday of the month and the Laying on of for kids): Thursday, Sept. 9, at 11:30 a.m. Rick DeWitt Yom Kippur Eve and Kol Nidre: Friday, good, holding a primary allows us to decide Hands for Healing on the second Sunday; who our nominees should be instead of let- evening prayer is offered every Monday at Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m. Yom Kippur Day: Saturday, Sept. 18, ting local and state party bosses make those 7 p.m., and morning prayer is offered ev- decisions. Furthermore, a primary allows ery Wednesday at 10 a.m. Newcomers are St. Mary, Star of the Sea at 9:30 a.m. Yizkor near 11 a.m. Closing services begin promptly at 5:30 p.m., fol- us to groom candidates for future races and always welcome. For more information, In early September, we bid good-bye to Fr. choose candidates who actually represent please contact Mother Patty Alexander, the lowed by a Break the Fast, which is free for Alexander Iheonunekwu, who was with us for members, $10 for non-members. our party’s views. Vicar of Grace Church, at 718-885-1080 or Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, at [email protected]. the months of July and August. He will return A Shabbat/Sukkot celebration will be to his parish work as pastor of Holy Ghost led by Rabbi Shohama on Friday, Sept. 24, Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Legion Post. Here is an overview of what’s happen- Fred Ramftl Jr. ing at Grace Church during Sept. and early Parish in Nigeria. We wish him God speed. at 7:30 p.m. (Help us build the Sukkah on October: St. Mary’s School will officially open on Sunday, Sept. 19, about 10 a.m.) Sunday, Sept. 5, 9:50 a.m.: “Lambs” Tuesday, Sept. 7, when the faculty will gather A Shabbat/Simchat Torah celebration PSS Healthy Senior (also led by the Rabbi) will be held on Fri- Babysitting with Miss Natalie for the opening Conference Day. Students Exercise Program Thursday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m.: “Zumba will report on Wednesday, Sept 8. We hope day, Oct. 1, at 7:30 p.m. Do try to join us for these festive ser- with Tiah.” Fall session begins. For more the year will be an enriching and challenging Please take advantage of the following vices. And, again, a happy New Year to all. information, see ad in this issue or visit one for all. classes for the Month of September: Zumba Bob Berent with Stephanie on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. in www.abarnes-consulting.com. St. Mary’s Thrift Shop will reopen offi- Sunday, Sept. 12: “Homecoming the Community Center; Cardio Fitness with cially on Thursday, Sept. 16. Come and check Sunday.” Join us for our regular 10 a.m. AARP Chapter 318 Mary on Tuesdays at 9:30 at Grace Church worship (with children’s Church School), out all the fall selections. Hall; Sittercise with Norma on Tuesdays at followed by an All-Parish Picnic in the On Saturday, Sept. 18, we will welcome AARP Chapter 318 meets the first and 10:30 at Grace Church Hall; Orchard Beach courtyard at approximately 11:30 a.m. our Archbishop Timothy Dolan to City Island third Wednesday of each month. Our first Walk on Wednesdays (leave Pilot Street at Bring your friends! and to St. Mary’s. He will celebrate our annual meeting this year is Sept. 1. On Sept. 15, State 9:30 a.m.); Yoga Stretch with Michael on Thursday, Sept. 16, 9:30 a.m.: Memo- outdoor Mass at 5:15 p.m. that evening in St. Senator Jeff Klein will speak to the member- Thursdays at 9:30 at Grace Church Hall; rial Service on Hart Island/Potter’s Field. Mary’s schoolyard. A light supper will follow ship and answer questions, and on Oct. 6, Arthritis Exercise with Patty on Thursdays Participants should meet at the Fordham the liturgy. This will be a very special occa- Councilmember James Vacca will speak and at 10:30 at Grace Church Hall; Indian Folk/ take questions from the audience. New mem- Street Community Center at 9 a.m. sion this year, so mark your calendars and Zumba with Adelaide on Fridays at 10 a.m. at bers are always welcome. Sunday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.: “Mass on plan to attend. Grace Church Hall. With the assistance of Assemblyman Remember that you can attend all classes the Grass” and “Bless our Schools” Sun- Sunday, Sept. 19, has been designated as day. Weather permitting, we will gather in Michael Benedetto, the MetroCard Mobile for $20 per month, or all classes for $6 per Catechetical Sunday throughout the country. the Grace Courtyard for a special outdoor Van will be parked in front of Trinity United week. Or you can contribute to individual Eucharist; if it rains, we will worship in- On that morning at the 10 o’clock Mass, we Methodist Church at City Island Avenue and classes at $2 for exercise and $4 for dance. side. Regardless of the forecast, all stu- will commission our catechists for the work Bay Street on Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 1:30 Call Tony at 347-834-6466 for transportation dents, teachers, and other school person- they will do in our religious education pro- to 3:30 p.m. Coffee and cake will be served in to programs and for a schedule of afternoon nel are invited to Grace for a special time gram throughout the year. the church hall. Everyone is welcome. shopping trips to Shore Road, Shop Rite, of prayer as a new academic year begins. Our religious education program will The Metro Card enables senior citizens 65 Fairway, Target, Key Food, Bay Plaza, Stop Bring backpacks to be blessed, too! begin on Wednesday, Sept. 22, with grades years and older to apply for a reduced-fare & Shop, Empire City and more. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Fall 1 through 3 meeting from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and MetroCard; they will receive a temporary For further information call Patty at 718- card on the spot. Bring proof of age, such as a Bible Study begins with the Acts of the grades 4 through 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Reg- 885-1891. Programs are funded by Presbyte- Medicare card and valid photo identification. Apostles. Join us as we read and pray our istrations should be sent to Sr. Bernadette as rian Senior Services, the NYC Department for People with disabilities that qualify who pres- the Aging and the NYC Arthritis Foundation. way through this “history book” about the soon as possible. New students may obtain Pat Grondahl September 2010 The Island Current Page Eleven

aerobics class that allows you to bring your children along up to the age of 6. For more information, call Sarah Persteins at 718- 885-9122. ADULT PROGRAM Gentle Yoga-Qi Gong Class with Norma: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Get into shape, relax the body and mind and have some fun doing it! This class is a combina- tion of low-impact Hatha Yoga and Qi-Gong For additional information about the Community Cen- (free form Tai Chi) and mild stretches. ter, or if you are interested in conducting classes here Although this class is geared to those who please call 718-885-1145. have not exercised in a while, all levels are welcome. Price per class is $7. Please bring Open Monthly Meetings of the a yoga mat, yoga strap and yoga blocks. Board are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Most of these items are available at Barnes Center Main Room at 190 Fordham Street. & Noble, Modell’s, Target or K-Mart. Straps All members are encouraged to attend. For and blocks will be available for purchase on the day of the class. For more information, up to date information visit www.cityis- please call 718-730-3442. Namaste. landcommunitycenter.com. Photo by RICK DeWITT Fit for Life with Sarah: Hi-Lo impact State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Jeff Klein met with residents of the Pilot Cove NEW CLASSES aerobics, strength training/toning, kickbox- Senior Center on Friday to discuss matters important to their community. At the center, Fall Art Classes by Laury Hopkins: ing and more. Tuesdays and Thursdays Storytime Art for PreK ages 2½ and up. the seniors wished Senator Klein a happy birthday and presented him with a cake and from 4 to 5 p.m. For more information, call a balloon. Must be accompanied by responsible adult. Sarah Persteins at 718-885-9122. Monday or Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Zumba Gold: A fun-filled dance/exer- Strazzera at 108 Ditmars Street, City Island Sons of the American Legion Story and Picture for Grades K–2. Mon- cise session with a salsa beat. Geared for 10464. Squadron # 156 days 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. or 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. ages 50 and up. Fee for the class is $4. This year, we are celebrating 50 years of Animal World for Grades 3–4. Tuesdays Our blood drive was a success. Com- Rhythmic Movement Exercise Class: Island beautification. Yes, the Garden Club 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. or 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Port- A fun way to combine exercise with various mander Walter Natiw reported that we folio Prep for Grades 5–8. Thursdays 3:15 styles of dance. Mondays from 6 to 7:15 of City Island is 50 years old! Jacqueline managed to collect more than 50 pints of to 4:30 p.m. or 4:45 to 6 p.m. All classes p.m. $15 per person. If you have questions, Kyle Kall, one of our founders, is still an blood. limited to six students; no exceptions. Ten please call Judy Farnum, Group Fitness active member of the group, and several of The clambake was also a hit. Everyone classes beginning in September; the sched- Instructor, at 914-548-4184 or e-mail judy- our members from back in the early 1960s was wined and dined to their satisfaction ule will be determined by school/holiday [email protected]. celebrate with us each year at our annual and also had fun dancing to the music of calendar. $100 for ten classes. For more Belly Dancing: Shimmy by the Sea. luncheon. The Federated Garden Clubs of Alive n’ Kickin. information or to sign up, call Laury at 718- Theresa Mahon (a.k.a. Salacia) teaches the New York State accepted the GCCI into Post Vice Commander for Americanism 885-3202. oldest documented dance in the history of membership in May 1961 as the first garden Periwinkle Music Together: All chil- Ed Shipp wants to remind everyone that all mankind—Egyptian belly dancing. It is a club in Manhattan or the Bronx to join their dren are musical! Come and share the joy old flags should be dropped off at the Post low-impact way to get in shape and tone ranks. of music with your child. Classes are for your body while having lots of fun. Terry and placed into the mailbox next to the Our new officers for 2010–12 are Bar- children, birth through age 5, and their par- has been a professional belly dancer for 23 flagpole. He will make sure that they are ents or caregivers. Activities include songs, years and a teacher of the art for 15 years. bara Hoffman, president; Barbara Harrison, retired with dignity. chants, fingerplay, instruments and free Classes are held every Monday evening at vice president; Susan Strazzera, treasurer; Our annual pumpkin sale will be held movement. Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. 7:30 p.m. The fee for each one-hour class is and, Paula Huffell secretary. from Friday, Oct. 1, through Sunday, Oct. Fall session begins Sept. 25. Contact Sarah $15. Call 845-358-0260. Our goal this anniversary year will be 3. The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fri- Meenan at sarah@periwinklemusictogether. Aerobics with Mary: Monday, Wednes- two-fold. First, we will honor our found- day and Saturday and 10 a.m. to closing on com or 914-231-6282 day, Friday: Half-hour low impact at 8:30 ers at the luncheon this year and, second, Sunday. COMING SOON a.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Fri- we will undertake a new project that will There is no date as of press time for the day from 9 to 10 a.m. Call Mary Immediato Mixed Martial Arts and Self Defense have a strong impact upon the Island’s Octoberfest. Swing by the Post for further at 718-885-0793. New class added: Satur- for Men, Women and Children: For class beautification. Toward that second goal, we details. times, fees and information call Sifu Chris day 9 a.m. have asked our Bronx Parks Commissioner, Tai-chi: Please join us at 9 a.m. on We regret to report the loss of longtime at 347-623-7276 or e-mail www.bronxjeet- Hector Aponte, and the Pelham Bay Parks kunedo.com. Saturdays for gentle Tai-chi and yoga ses- member Bill Walsh. He will be missed at sions. Using bamboo props, balls, straps Administrator, Marianne Anderson, if we the Post. Parenting in the 21st Century: An can join them on a beautification project that eight-week course with John Scardina com- and partnering to increase flexibility and There are a few members who are on may be on their agendas for the Island. If ing this fall. Learn to stop yelling, get what strength. For more information, please call sick call. The Island Current’s Legion you want from your family life and cre- Marc Kaplan at 718-885-2445. you have any suggestions for new and excit- News reporter Russ Schaller is currently at ate opportunities for your children to turn City Island Civic Association: Meets ing projects that fit our mandate and benefit Sound Shore Hospital, although he sounds into responsible, loving and independent at 7:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every the community of City Island, we would be good and his spirits remain high. Longtime people. For more information, call John at month (except December). delighted to hear them. Please e-mail any member Buddy “Old Chap” Scollon is at 718-885-9305 and visit his website, www. Amy Gottlieb suggestions you may have to our vice presi- Workmens Circle Rehabilitation Center, ThinkLaughLearn.com. Garden Club of City Island dent at [email protected] by Oct. 15. and Jack Sullivan remains at a facility in Weekly Schedule As you know, we have undertaken proj- Croton-on-Hudson. Dicky Knapp is also at First, a sincere and huge thank you to all ects large and small over the past several a facility off the Island. Please take some YOUTH PROGRAM years. The renovation of Hawkins Park has Irish Dance: The Deirdre O’Mara residents and businesses alike for your con- time to visit or call these members and School of Irish Dance teaches step danc- tinuing support of the Garden Club’s annual been completed, and several members of remember them in your prayers. ing in a fun, competitive environment for Beautification Fund drive for 2010. We are the GCCI gave it a further sprucing up by Just a reminder: SAL dues are past due. all ages. A confidence-building and cultural both pleased and proud that, thanks to you, tending the flowerbeds and adding a fresh We still have a few members who have not experience for all who participate. Wednes- we are able to continue our efforts in doing coat of paint to the flag stand, railings and paid. The dues are $30 and can be dropped days after school. Call Deirdre at 201-679- plantings and maintaining the public gardens the seal and dolphin sculptures that stand off at the Post. 1450 or visit www.deirdreomara.com. and park areas of City Island. If you haven’t in tribute to the maritime tradition of City The next SAL meeting will be held on Mommy and Me Fitness: Tuesdays yet contributed to the Fund this year, you Island. Additionally, we continue to main- Thursday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m. and Thursdays, 9 to 10 a.m. A high-energy still may do so by sending a check to Susan tain the plantings in front of the Nautical The regular Post meetings for the month Historical Museum, the Legion Triangle, the of September will be held on Monday, 134 Years and 4 Generations of Community Service Brotherhood Tree, and along the Catherine Sept. 6, and Monday, Sept. 20. Meetings Scott Promenade at Bridge Park on the north start at 8 p.m. The September executive end of the Island. board meeting will be held on Monday, More than 20 planters have now been Sept. 13, also at 8 p.m. placed in strategic public locations around Fred Ramftl Jr. City Island, providing a colorful harvest Vice Commander, Membership of flowers and foliage to residents and visitors to the community – a project shared between the GCCI and the City Island Civic Cub Scout Pack 211 Association. We continue to join with other The pack would like to announce reg- istration for the 2010–2011 scouting year. 726 Morris Park Avenue 732 Yonkers Avenue community groups who undertake periodic clean-up days to keep our Avenue clean and Young men in grades 1 through 5 are eli- Bronx, New York 10462-3620 Yonkers, New York 10704-2029 gible. Registration fee is $60 for the year. attractive. 1 (718) 828-1800 1 (914) 375-1400 Registration will be held Tuesday, Sept. 21, Toll free 1 (888) 828-1800 1 (888) 375- 1400 Toll free Be sure to join us in helping to clean up from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Trinity Methodist City Island Avenue on Saturday, Sept. 18. Church Hall, located on the corner of Bay We will be meeting at Hawkins Park at 9 Street and City Island Avenue. www.ruggieroandsons.com a.m. to receive our assignments and collect We have many exciting trips and events after hours: (718) 885-2504 our rakes, gloves and trash bags. planned for this year, including a sleepover We will keep you posted in this column on the battleship Massachusetts, two camp- This firm is a family owned corporation whose only shareholders are with news of celebratory activities and proj- ing overnights and much more. If you have Vincent & Robert Ruggiero - (NYC Dept. of Consumer Affairs) ects for this 50th anniversary year of the any questions or cannot make the registra- Garden Club of City Island. tion, please call Larry Saulnier at 646-305- 5902 or e-mail [email protected]. Barbara Harrison Larry Saulnier Page Twelve The Island Current September 2010

are, but too much to let you stay that way.” ried to American diplomat Paul (Stanley Austen’s novels each month. The group This is a sweet, textured film. Tucci). Adams plays the role of Julie was founded by free-spirited, caring Ber- Continuing in innocent mode, Adams Powell, who created a blog describing her nadette (Kathy Baker). The other members also shines in the family film Enchanted experience preparing all of the recipes in are widowed control freak Jocelyn (Maria (2007) playing Giselle, a fairy princess Julia Child’s famous book “Mastering the Bellow); Sylvia (Amy Brenneman), who whose animated self falls through a well Art of French Cooking.” She determines to is married to philandering Daniel (Jimmy and lands in the flesh in New York City. cook one recipe a day for 365 days, to the Smits); and their daughter, Allegra (Mag- She is “rescued” by a Manhattan lawyer, enjoyment and consternation of her hus- gie Grace). Robert (Patrick Dempsey), who is a single band (Chris Messina). The juxtaposition Blunt truly excels in the title role father of Morgan (Rachel Covey). There is of each woman’s experience is very sweet in The Young Victoria (2009), as the a bizarre, but amusing large-scale musical indeed. young queen who ascended the throne of number in Central Park, along with a req- Emily Blunt first came to my atten- England in 1837 at the age of 18. She is Rising Stars: uisite prince (James Marsden) and an evil tion when she appeared with Meryl Streep virtually imprisoned by her mother, the Amy Adams & Emily Blunt queen (Susan Sarandon). in the comedy The Devil Wears Prada Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), The actresses Amy Adams and Emily Adams is irresistible as Delysia Lafosse (2007). (Don’t let me forget to mention and her advisor Sir John Conroy (Mark Blunt appeared together in the 2008 black in the comedy Miss Pettigrew Lives for that Meryl was nominated for an Acad- Strong). To their dismay, Victoria becomes comedy Sunshine Cleaning. They played a Day (2008). Delysia is an American emy Award for all three performances captivated by her German cousin Albert Rose and Norah Lorkowski, respectively, singer/actress who is trying to climb the described!) The film stars Anne Hathaway (Rupert Friend), a romance encouraged two sisters who start a business together, social ladder in 1939 London. She lives as Andy Sacks, a would-be journalist who by their uncle, King Leopold of Belgium a service that specializes in cleaning up in the Art Deco apartment of Nick (Mark dares to take a job as an assistant to the (Thomas Kretschmann). This blooming grisly murders. Norah is the unreliable Strong), the owner of the nightclub where infamous and outrageously cruel fashion romance is charming to witness in this weird sister; Rose is the more stable of she sings. She is in love with Michael (Lee editor Miranda Priestly (Streep). Blunt, illuminating biopic. the two, a single mother of troubled Oscar Pace), her poor piano player, and is pur- however, manages to steal every scene I look forward to future performances (Jason Spevack) whose father, Mac (Steve sued by Phil (Tom Payne), whose father as Emily Chalton, the other assistant. by these most talented actresses. And until Zahn), married someone else. Alan Arkin is producing a musical. Frances McDor- The magazine’s artistic director is played next time, happy viewing. . . . is on hand as Rose and Norah’s odd-ball mand plays the title role of Miss Pettigrew, by the marvelous Stanley Tucci; Adrian father, Joe, who is always embarking whom Delysia hires as her social secretary. Grenier appears as Andy’s chef boyfriend on get-rich-quick schemes. Although this The dowdy Miss Pettigrew is transformed Nate; and Simon Baker is the seductive film won’t be to everyone’s taste, the by her tutelage and captures the eye of a magazine writer Christian Thompson. excellent acting overcomes the contriv- dashing lingerie designer (Ciaran Hinds). In the feel-good ensemble flick The ances. In a complete change of pace, Adams Jane Austen Book Club (2007), Blunt Amy Adams first came to critical earned another Oscar nod for her perfor- appears as Prudie, the uptight school- attention and received rave reviews and mance as Sister James in the New York teacher wife of sports nut Dean (Marc Blu- a supporting actress Oscar nomination stage adaption of Doubt (2008). Phillip cas). She is invited to join a book club that for her performance as the very pregnant Seymour Hoffman appears as Father Bren- consists of a group of women and one man Ashley Johnson in Junebug (2005). In dan Flynn, who comes under suspicion by (Hugh Dancy) who discuss one of Jane that role she is married to the sullen the watchful eye of Sister Aloysius Beau- Johnny (Ben McKenzie), who is studying vier (Meryl Streep) when he befriends for his high-school equivalency diploma, Donald Miller (Joseph Foster II), the only and they live with his parents in a small black student in the school. Viola Davis town in North Carolina. Johnny’s brother was also nominated for a short but memo- rable screen time as Donald’s worried George (Alessandro Nivola) brings his HARDWARE sophisticated art dealer wife, Madeleine mother. This is an outstanding drama with HOUSEHOLD GOODS (Embeth Davidtz), to meet the family. exceptional acting. Ashley idolizes Madeleine and shines Adams appeared in a second film with MARINE GOODS with childlike innocence, revealing her Meryl Streep. the delightful true story PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES intelligence when she says to her hus- Julie and Julia (2009). Meryl stars as FALL CLEAN-UP SUPPLIES band, “God loves you just the way you the famous cook Julia Child, who is mar- September 2010 The Island Current Page Thirteen

Photo courtesy BARTOW-PELL MANSION MUSEUM A painting of Pelham Priory in 1856, home of the Bolton family being honored by a special Photo courtesy of TOURING KAYAK CLUB exhibit at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum opening on Sept. 3, 2010. The watercolor The annual Boot Hill Cup Race was held on Saturday, Aug, 7 by the City Island Touring was painted by Wlliam Rickarby Miller. Kayak Club. The race is about four miles long, starting at the club on the east shore of Beach Street and going around Hart Island and four buoys. The temperature was in the Along with the exhibition, Bartow- high 80s with a calm wind. The winner was Neil Kushner with a time of 39.08 minutes. Bolton Exhibition at Pell will present several programs relat- Participants in the race included 19 kayakers and one dog in 17 boats, and 40 people ing to the Bolton family. enjoyed the barbecue after the race. The men’s winner was Neil Kushner; the women’s winner was Ivy Strauss; the men’s double race was won by Ken Grillo and Heinz Laue, Bartow-Pell • Pelham town historian Blake Bell The Bolton family of Pelham Priory, and the women’s double was won by Cinda Becker and Virginia Letourneau. will talk on “The Boltons of Pelham founders of Grace Episcopal Church on Priory” on Thursday, Sept. 16, at 4:30 City Island as well as Christ Church in p.m. Pelham, is the subject of a major new It’s Back to School Time Again • Willene B. Clark, author of “The exhibition that will open at the Bartow- By JOHN SCARDINA Stained Glass Art of William Jay Bolton,” Pell Mansion Museum on Shore Road will give a talk at Christ Church (1415 It’s that time of year: summer has sonal responsibility for completing one’s on Sept. 3. The show, which will run Pelhamdale Avenue) on Sunday, Oct. 3, wound down, and we need to prepare for work are realities of school life. By prac- until Nov. 21, includes many objects that ticing a good work ethic at home, you will at 4 p.m. A reception will follow at the school. Here are some helpful ideas that I belonged to the family, including furni- help your child grow and mature into a Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum. hope will make that transition as smooth as ture, paintings, journals and books. responsible school citizen. • Arthur Scinta will give a lecture on possible: Included in the exhibition is a baptis- • Create a gratitude list for the family “The Reverend Robert Bolton: A Gothic • Do your best to adjust bedtimes and mal font from the City Island Historical that lists all of the benefits that come with Missionary” on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 4 p.m. wake-up times. We all need a transition Society that was once in Grace Episcopal period when we change our sleep patterns. being a part of your school community. at the museum. Church, which was founded by Adele Work toward your school routine (for Developing a healthy appreciation for the For information and reservations, call Bolton. Her brothers, who were well- example, adjust going to bed and waking gift of education can help lessen the reluc- 718-885-1461 or e-mail info@bpmm. known stained-glass makers, created the up 30 minutes a day) until you get back tance some of our children may feel when org. altar window in the church. into your school schedule. summer ends and school approaches. • Pay attention to the new developmen- • Practice family rituals that promote tal tasks your child will be facing this year healthy communication and appreciation. and plan for “school” activities at home to Share news about your day during dinner support these tasks: more reading every (“One positive thing that happened today day, more writing every day, some math was. . . . One negative thing that happened practice every day, and so on. It takes all today was. . . . ”). Have one compliment of us some time to adjust to new schedules for each family member each day (praise and workloads, so practice at home can be is contagious; just make sure it is accurate, most beneficial. (By the way, this works specific and helpful!). Spend some quiet best if the entire family engages in these time for reflection at home as a family (a activities at the same time, perhaps an moment of silence before a meal, praying impossible goal, given our busy schedules, together, watching one of those great City yet good modeling whenever you can do Island sunsets). See how this time for shar- it.) ing and contemplation enhances your fam- • Reinforce daily chores that develop ily sense of togetherness. responsibility. Classroom jobs and per- • Make a game out of school morn- ings: have a checklist for getting ready (use pictures if your child can’t read) with a special sticker for completion; use a point system for making time deadlines with eventual rewards; and offer special activities for finishing school preparation early (10 minutes of game time or reading aloud). The start of your child’s day (and, in fact, your own day) is a vital step toward a good school experience. Spend some time thinking about preparations from the night before that would help (making the lunches; setting out the clothes; packing the book bag, etc.). Practice making the morn- ing go smoothly: it will pay off for all of you! • Set some goals for the coming school year. Have each family member design a goal and post these on the refrigerator. Goal-setting builds discipline and creates a vision of the person we want to become. We are all works in progress, to be sure. . . There you go. Here comes September! Island resident John Scardina is a cer- tified school psychologist, child develop- ment expert and parent educator. Look for his upcoming parenting courses at the City Island Community Center and Bronx Community College. Also check out John’s website at www.ThinkLaughLearn.com. Page Fourteen The Island Current September 2010

the freezer aisle. Don’t fall for the pretty pho- on, the extra calories will quickly add up. Do tos and tasty-sounding names. These items are yourself a favor by not allowing these into your MR. AMERICA’S highly processed and contain loads of unneces- pantry. sary sugar. Replace with: almonds. The key to making PERSONAL TRAINING Replace with: sprouted whole-grain bread this snack a winner is to practice portion con- By BUTCH NIEVES and muffins. It is just as easy to throw a slice of trol. Place a handful of almonds into individual sprouted, whole grain bread into the toaster as it bags for pre-portioned snacks. Dump this: packaged sweets. I don’t re- Your Self-Guided Kitchen Raid a rainy day” is not a good idea. Save yourself is a frozen waffle. Spread it with some natural from that temptation and don’t buy ice cream. peanut butter and pair it with a piece of fruit. ally have to explain this one, do I? Cookies and Your kitchen will make or break your Replace with: frozen fruit. When your Now that’s a much healthier breakfast. cakes and candies shouldn’t be a regular part weight-loss results. A kitchen stocked with the sweet tooth starts acting up, throw an assort- The Pantry of your diet, so keep them out of your house. makings for healthy meals and snacks will keep ment of frozen fruit into the blender and whip Last, but not least, we come to your pan- It’s one thing to enjoy a dessert once in a while, you on track, even when late-night cravings up a healthy fiber-filled smoothie. try. This may be the most painful part of your but it is quite another to routinely eat processed strike. On the flip side, a kitchen filled with un- Dump this: frozen pizza. This is another kitchen raid, since most junk food ends up here. sweets at home. healthy munchies will derail your weight loss one of those items that is just too tempting to So take a moment to give yourself a pep talk Replace with: dried fruit. When you want efforts every single time. keep around. Why would you bother to make before grabbing that garbage bag and opening to munch on something sweet, turn to a bag of So what should your cupboards hold and a healthy dinner when a frozen pizza is calling your pantry. dried fruit. Make sure that you purchase dried what should be off limits? I have designed this your name? Ban frozen pizza from your home Dump this: sugar-filled cereal. If sugar or fruit that does not contained added sugars. self-guided kitchen raid to help you sort out the and watch as your waist starts to shrink. high fructose corn syrup is listed as an ingre- That completes your self-guided kitchen good from the bad. Go ahead, grab a garbage Replace with: turkey or veggie patties. For dient on your cereal box, it’s got to go. Sugar- raid. I encourage you to raid your kitchen every bag, print out the list below and then head to the quick dinners, keep your freezer filled with lean filled cereal is basically another form of junk couple of months as a way of keeping yourself kitchen. turkey patties and vegetable patties. Serve on a food, and will only add inches to your waist. on track. Talk with your family members about bed of brown rice or on a whole grain bun. Replace with: whole-grain oatmeal. There the healthy changes that you’re making, and try The Refrigerator to get everyone’s support. Let’s start with the fridge, the heart of your Dump this: TV dinners. I doubt that you is a huge difference between instant, sugar-filled kitchen. If you find something in your fridge need me to go into too much detail on this one. oatmeal and whole-grain oatmeal. that is on the “Dump this” list, then you know The next time you are tempted to buy a pre- Dump this: refined white bread, rice or what you have to do. Get that garbage bag packaged frozen meal, please turn the package pasta. These highly processed products promote ready. over and read the nutritional facts. You will be weight gain and a plethora of other health prob- Dump this: any beverage with high fructose shocked by the staggering number of calories lems. Do not buy “white” bread, rice or pasta, corn syrup or sugar. Drinking calories is one of and less-than-healthy ingredients. especially if you want to lose weight. the quickest ways to gain weight, so quickly rid Replace with: home-made portioned meals. Replace with: whole-grain bread, rice or your fridge of any beverage that lists HFCS or Spend some time on the weekends to cook up pasta. Whole grain is the best choice you can sugar on the ingredient list. healthy meals, and then freeze them in portioned make. It is filled with healthy fiber, and is less Replace with: water. It is a well-known containers. Then throughout the week you sim- likely to contain harmful, waist-expanding in- fact that most people are partially dehydrated, ply need to reheat and enjoy. gredients. a condition that is harmful to your health and Dump this: frozen breakfast food. French Dump this: chips and crackers. Although wreaks havoc on your weight-loss efforts. Keep toast, waffles and pancakes are popular items in refined chips and crackers are fun to munch plenty of cold water on hand for proper hydra- tion. Dump this: any rich dairy product. I know that cream cheese tastes amazing, but fat-filled dairy products are extremely high in calories and should not reside in your fridge. Eliminate high-fat cheese, milk and yogurt from your kitchen. Replace with: fresh vegetables. The pro- duce drawer in your fridge should be overflow- ing with colorful nutrient-rich veggies. In fact, your fridge should hold more veggies than the drawer can hold. Veggies are filled with fiber, vitamins and nutrients and are a vital part of a healthy well-rounded diet. Dump this: fatty meats. It is important that you be selective about the meats that you eat. I can tell you that chicken is a great source of protein, but if you take that as a license to eat fried chicken every day, then the benefit of the protein will be lost in all the extra fat calories. Replace with: lean meats. Skinless chick- en breast, lean ground turkey, white fish; there are numerous choices when it comes to lean meats. Dump this: fruit-flavored yogurt. I hate to break this to you, but that cute individually packaged yogurt is going to do more harm to your waistline than you think. More than 50 percent of the calories in fruit-flavored yogurt come from sugar. Check out the ingredient list and you likely find both high fructose corn syr- up and sugar. Replace with: plain, low-fat yogurt, Greek yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese. If you love yogurt, then get the low-fat plain version. You can even chop up some fresh fruit and stir it in. Another option is to have a scoop of low-fat cottage cheese with chopped fruit on top. The Freezer Next let’s take a look into your freezer. Anyone who has walked the freezer aisles at the store knows how plentiful frozen tempta- tions are. How does your freezer measure up? Dump this: ice cream. We may as well get this one over with. Hiding a gallon or two (or even a pint) of your favorite ice cream “for

Robert J. Leavy Engineer NYS Licensed September 2010 The Island Current Page Fifteen

By JOHN SHERIDAN and MARIA SUTHERLAND

Photo by JOHN SHERIDAN An iguana crossing the road Photo by PETE GUSTAS Why Did The Iguana A white-tailed kite, rarely seen in this Cross the Road? area Imagine our surprise as we came driv- cygnet to date. ing around the Bartow Pell traffic circle The poor mossbunker, or menhaden, and were forced to break for the rather were savaged once again this summer by large iguana crossing the road. Most likely ravenous schools of bluefish. Barbara claims it had outgrown its prior owner’s handling that this year’s feeding frenzies were espe- abilities and so was abandoned in the near- cially ruthless. “It was amazing,” she said by woods. A cowardly act, to be sure. Who about one particular incident. “Like watch- knows how long it had to fend for itself? ing fireworks in the water but no color.” She And in that environment? We have heard may have a point there. Some schools were of cats and dogs being let go to fend for chased nearly out of the water altogether. themselves there, which is bad enough, In the end, all of the violence of a feed- but this was so wrong it was embarrassing. ing frenzy is simply the food chain in ac- Fortunately, this story has a happy ending. tion. And where would any of us be without The frightened and far-from-home fellow’s that? We were guests at the table of Dom new owner was manifestly excited about and Carol this summer and sampled the the prospects of caring for his newly ad- most exquisite fish chowder. It was made, opted pet. He told us he will be relocating we were told, from the head of a striped to Texas, where his iguana will at least feel bass that had been landed off Fordham closer to his original home. Street the night before. Believe us when we Another surprise this summer was the tell you that it tasted a whole lot better than white-tailed kite that Pete photographed. it sounds. This beautiful bird is almost never ob- As always, we welcome your feedback served out of its natural environment out and invite your input at [email protected]. West. Pete would know this, as he has been We can also be contacted c/o of The Island observing raptors, photographing them Current, P.O. Box 6, Bronx, NY 10464. and participating in counts for twenty plus years now. We counted 26 swans one afternoon this summer. They were across the bay, in the inlet for Edgewater. Jane counted 14 swans in the water off Tier Street. While the number of swans this year seems high- er than usual, the number of swan families seems lower. We have not counted a single

TowBOAT/U.S. City Island

Photo by JANE PROTZMAN A bevy of swans in Eastchester Bay Richard B. Chernaik, M.D. An Alternative to Supermarket Medicine

Board Certified Internist Associate Clinical Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine Active in teaching medical students at Montefiore Medical Center ]] I don’t belong to any HMO. I don’t believe medicine can be practiced on the run. Good care requires a compre- hensive history, a complete physical examination and, above all, meticulous attention to detail. RICHARD B. CHERNAIK, M.D. ]] MEDICARE ACCEPTED 100 Elgar Place, Building 35 Telephone (718) 320-2188 Page Sixteen The Island Current September 2010 Ambrosini Field Named Park of the Month Each month New York City’s Depart- with sails, evoking the island’s maritime ment of Parks & Recreation singles out one heritage. Play features include swings, a of its 1,700 parks as “Park of the Month,” spray shower and an adult exercise unit. and on August 11, 2010, the Department Throughout the field and playground are announced that Ambrosini Field on City new drinking fountains, fencing, picnic Island had been honored with the designa- tables, benches, plantings, and pavement. tion. The field honors Anthony Abraham “The Ambrosini ballfields and play- Ambrosini (1926–1994), an inspirational ground are a gem in this City Island coach and prominent member of the City community,” said Parks & Recreation Island community. Mr. Ambrosini grew up Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Visitors on Prospect Avenue in the Bronx neigh- can play ball, slide down the nautical borhood of Belmont and moved to City theme jungle gym and take in great views Island in 1956 with his wife and daughter. of the Long Island Sound.” “Ambro,” as he was known, coached the Located on the waterfront next to football, basketball and baseball teams of P.S. 175, Ambrosini Field is home to the Our Lady of Mount Carmel, trained both City Island Little League. The field was the Apache Little League baseball team reconstructed in 2008 with $1.8 million in and the adult softball team, formed the City DEP Croton Mitigation Funds to accom- Island Giants football team, and coached modate more playing space and spectators, basketball at Saint Mary, Star of the Sea and youngsters now enjoy new backstops, Church. After retiring in 1992 from his natural turf fields, bleacher seating and an printing job, he devoted himself to coach- irrigation system. Adjacent to the field is a ing on a full-time basis. colorful playground in the shape of a boat Planning for Long Term Care, and More By CORMAC MCENERY As an attorney specializing in elder competent; health-care proxies, including law, I go online every morning to read living wills, that are improperly executed the several daily elder law updates that I and ineffective; wills that leave assets to receive from various sources. Recently I family members who are now on Med- read that Legal Zoom, “one of the most icaid or some other form of public assis- prominent sellers of do-it-yourself wills tance (thus simply paying that individual’s and other estate planning documents, is debts); and trusts created to avoid probate the target of a class action lawsuit in Cali- that are either completely unfunded or fornia charging that the company engages only partially funded, or are not Medicaid- in deceptive business practices and is prac- compliant. ticing law without a license.” We are all living in a much different I have written this article to make note world than we were a few years ago, a of what I observe to be a growing trend. world that is increasingly driven by the New clients often present me with docu- long-term health care needs of ourselves ments that have been prepared by such and our heirs. It takes time, focus and an online providers, or by actual lawyers ever-growing level of expertise to make who do not concentrate in this area of law. provisions for ourselves and our families. Inevitably, the documents that were pre- You may save thousands of dollars on the pared for individuals who are now either front end in your planning process but lose deceased or incompetent do not create the hundreds of thousands of dollars on the results that were intended. back end if a plan is not clearly thought out Increasingly, I see powers-of-attorney or properly executed. that do not provide for such things as Med- So be cautious, be thoughtful and be icaid planning if the principal is no longer thorough.

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718-671-0700 September 2010 The Island Current Page Seventeen

A Column about Bronx County By MICHAEL SHANLEY

wheels. The three-decker side paddler could Disaster off the Bronx Coast: accommodate more than 2,000 passengers, The General Slocum Tragedy but the vessel harbored some killer flaws. Just off the coast of the Hunts Point pen- The ship departed from the East Third insula in the southeast Bronx was the site Street pier at 9:40 a.m. and began mov- of the worst maritime disaster in New York ing north up the East River past Blackwell’s City history. On June 15, 1904, the General (now Roosevelt) Island. As the ship passed Slocum, a paddleboat excursion vessel, turned 90th Street, most of the passengers—mainly into a floating inferno. It had been chartered children—were jammed together on the up- that day by the St. Marks German Lutheran per decks playing and enjoying the views of The General Slocum Church located on East Sixth Street just east the city. Just as she reached the spot where the children, which she did again and again, un- of Second Avenue on the lower east side of Triborough (Robert F. Kennedy) Bridge spans To make matters worse, the ship’s fire hos- til she was swept into deeper water, where she Manhattan. The group chartered the ship for the river today, cries of “Fire!” broke out. Just es of rotted cloth burst under the force of the discovered that she could swim after all and $350 for their annual Sunday school outing below, in a storage room beneath the galley, a water. As the fire raced through the crowded continued saving lives. to Locust Grove, a popular picnic ground on spark or a carelessly tossed match had ignited vessel, a speedy evacuation was the only salva- This tragedy shocked the city of New York Long Island’s north shore. Most of the 1,358 a barrel of straw. Because the room also stored tion. But the 10 life boats were tied fast to the and indeed the entire country. Within minutes passengers on the ship that day were women oil lamps, barrels of oil and paint boxes, the ship and could not be dislodged. Some claimed of the tragedy, reporters from the New York and children. The ship’s captain was 68-year- fire quickly spread out of control. It was only they were actually wired to the ship and paint- World and other major dailies were on the old William H. Van Schaick, who commanded a matter of seconds before the entire forward ed in place. Although the ship was equipped scene. The dispatches they sent back to their a crew of 23 that fateful day. part of the boat was a mass of flames. with more than 2,500 life jackets, they proved newsrooms sickened many a hardened editor. The General Slocum was named after the An inexperienced crew, untrained in useless, as the canvas had rotted and the cork Rescue workers openly wept as the corpses Civil War general and New York Congress- fire safety or emergency response, was ill filler had crumbled. The life jackets had been piled up. man Henry Warner Slocum. She was launched equipped to put out the fire or assist the pas- manufactured in 1891 and had hung above the The funerals were held every hour in in 1891 and was a familiar site at the turn of sengers. A full seven minutes elapsed before deck, unprotected from the elements, for 13 churches all over the Lower East Side and the last century. The enormous steamship was the captain was even made aware of the situa- years. Meanwhile, the intense heat kept doz- lasted more than a week. One procession from 250 feet long by 70 feet wide and was made tion, although a 12-year-old boy had suppos- ens of nearby vessels from getting sufficiently St. Mark’s Church to the Lutheran Cemetery entirely of wood except for her two stacks; edly reported the fire to him minutes earlier close to assist. in Queens involved 156 hearses and stretched her coal-fired boilers turned two side paddle but was not believed. At this point the General Slocum was over a mile. These tragic scenes were punctuat- entering the treacherous, tide-swept and ed by the fact that several men and women who whirlpool-plagued narrows of Hell Gate, the lost their entire families in the fire proceeded to Pelham Bay passage of water located next to Astoria on take their own lives. The tragedy decimated the the shoreline of Queens. Captain Van Scha- tightly knit community of German immigrants Home Center, Inc. ick could have beached the ship on Astoria’s known as Kleindeutschland (Little Germany) Kitchens • Bathrooms shore or stopped the vessel completely to al- on the Lower East Side, where nearly all of the Major Appliances low surrounding boats to help rescue the pas- passengers lived, and it never recovered. The sengers. Instead, however, he ordered the ship pall of sadness that hung over the community Plumbing Supplies • Air Conditioners northward, full steam ahead, in order to beach was so great that within a few years most of One Stop Personal Service Tel: 718-863-7529 the ship on the Bronx’s North Brother Island, the German families had moved out, forming a which was a mile and a half away. Family Owned & Operated 3073 Westchester Avenue new German immigrant community in the Up- The headwinds and the ship’s speed helped per East Side neighborhood of Yorkville. to fan the flames. The panic-stricken passen- In the weeks and months that followed the Thank you City Island for 19 years of support! gers trampled over one another in a desper- fire, an outraged public searched for answers The Scanlon Family ate attempt to escape. Many mothers grabbed and culprits. City officials vowed to conduct a their children and jumped overboard only to thorough investigation, and within weeks Cap- be beaten by the still turning paddle wheels or tain Van Schaick, executives of the Knicker- drowned by the rotten life vests, which were bocker Steamboat Co., and the inspector who filled with disintegrated cork. Desperate moth- certified the General Slocum as safe only a ers placed lifejackets on their children and month before the fire were indicted. However, tossed them into the water, only to watch in only Captain Van Schaick was convicted. He horror as their children sank instead of float- was found guilty on one of three charges: crim- ing. inal negligence for failing to maintain proper By the time the ship reached North Broth- fire drills and fire extinguishers. The jury could er Island, it was ablaze from bow to stern. Rail- not reach a verdict on the other two counts of ings gave way, and the superstructure finally manslaughter. collapsed, hurling hundreds of screaming pas- Captain Van Schaick was blinded by the sengers deep into the ship’s fiery hull. blaze, convicted of negligence and sentenced Less than 15 minutes after the smoke was to 10 years in Sing Sing Prison. He was par- first seen, the General Slocum lay smoldering doned by President William Howard Taft after Friday, Oct. 1 - 12: 00 Noon to 6:00 p.m. on North Brother Island with at least 1,021 serving just three and a half years. Ironically, people dead. On the island, where Riverside Van Schaick had officially retired the year Saturday, Oct. 2 - 12: 00 Noon to 6:00 p.m. Hospital was located for the treatment of in- before the Slocum disaster and was given an Sunday, Oct. 3 - 12: 00 Noon to 5:00 p.m. fectious diseases, doctors, nurses and patients award for safely transporting 35 million pas- jumped into the water and formed human sengers. Van Schaick died in 1927 at the age of chains in a desperate attempt to rescue survi- 90. ...at the American Legion Parking Lot vors and recover dead bodies. An investigation revealed that the There were many other acts of heroism, Knickerbocker Steamboat Company, owner 550 City Island Ave. which resulted in 321 lives being saved. A of the General Slocum, had never replaced (718) 885-0639 brave captain ran his tug alongside the General the original life belts and hoses and that the RAIN OR SHINE Slocum fully exposed to the fire and saved over first mate had not trained the crew in emer- a hundred lives. A measles patient from the is- gency procedures. In the wake of the Gen- land’s hospital ran into the water despite her eral Slocum disaster, maritime safety stan- fever and saved a few children. A nurse who dards were considerably strengthened. couldn’t swim ran into the river to grab some The tragedy was New York’s worst in terms of loss of life until the terrorist at- tacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. An annual commemoration is held each year on the anniversary of the tragedy in the Lutheran Cemetery in Queens.

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wife, Helen; Patrice Gambardella and her husband, Thomas, and Ralph Paccione. He also leaves seven grandchildren: Nicho- las and George Vrettos; Elena and David The Current will print obituaries free of charge upon noti- fication by a member of the deceased’s immediate family. Paccione; Matthew, Tyler and Justin Gam- Call 718-885-0760 or write to P.O. Box 6, City Island, NY bardella. He is also survived by his sister, 10464, including your telephone number. Anna Paccione; his sisters-in-law Angela Carroll and Gay Paccione; and his brothers- Maurie J. Paccione in-law Joseph Vasti and Gerry Carroll. Maurie J. Paccione, a longtime resident of City Island, died on July 29, 2010, at the Margaret Koller age of 80. He was born on Oct. 27, 1929, After a four-year battle with leukemia, the son of Margaret and Joseph Paccione. Margaret Koller passed away on June 17, He lived in the Throggs Neck area until he 2010, at the age of 84. Margaret was affec- met Jean Mitorotonda of City Island; they tionately known as Oma, which in German were married on Oct. 7, 1950, and lived on means “grandmother.” City Island for nearly 60 years. Margaret moved to City Island in 1963 He served his country proudly in the and lived here with her husband, Frank, Merchant Marine and the Air Force. He whom she married nearly 60 years ago. She was the owner and proprietor of Midtown enjoyed the company of her family, friends Heating and Fuel Corporation. On City Is- and neighbors, particularly if they enjoyed Photos by PEGGY EBERHART land he played a major role in the forma- Eagle Scout John Devlin was honored on her cooking or challenged her to a game Friday, June 4, at a dinner attended by tion of the City Island Little League. He or two of Scrabble. In addition to cooking, friends, family and fellow scouts. John also owned and operated the City Island Margaret loved crossword and jigsaw puz- expressed special thanks to the Black Art Gallery, where he enjoyed talking zles and attending various German social Whale, Papa John’s Deli, IGA Supermar- about painting and artists with visitors. gatherings. ket and Matt Eberhart, and the firefighters Some of his favorite pastimes were Margaret is survived by her husband; of Engine 92 who prepared the food. John fishing, bowling and performing his leg- her children, Frank and his wife, Cheryl, of also thanked Rev. Sue Chadwick and endary card tricks. He also loved watch- City Island; Steve and his wife, Vicky, of Trinity Methodist Church for the use of ing baseball and football, especially his New Rochelle, and Ingrid Kanne and her the church hall, as well as Father Michael favorite teams, the New York Yankees and husband, Mark, of Arizona; four grandchil- Challinor and former Scoutmaster Ed the New York Giants. He once met George dren and three great-grandchildren. Esposito, pictured here with John. Part Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees, who of John’s Eagle Scout project was repair- Donations in Margaret Koller’s name ing and painting the fence at Pelham let Maurie try on his World Series ring. may be made to Trinity United Methodist Cemetery, as well as raising the funds to Maurie is survived by his beloved wife Church, 113 Bay Street, City Island, NY reconstruct the stone pillars seen here. and his children: Margaret Vrettos and her 10464, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma husband, Mike; Mauro Paccione and his Society at www.LLS.org.

Sat. & Sun. Sept. 11th & 12th Sunday, October 3, 2010

“the natu ral way” ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC OF PELHAM BAY Dr. Hal Rosenfeld Tel: 718-792-0710 • 3233 Westchester Ave. Minutes from City Island September 2010 The Island Current Page Nineteen Saving Pelham Parkway Trees By BARBARA DOLENSEK A number of City Islanders have On Aug. 23, Councilmember James joined with other residents of the Bronx in Vacca, Borough President Ruben Diaz, protesting the removal of 80 trees as part Representative Joseph Crowley, State of the Pelham Parkway Reconstruction Senator Jeff Klein and Assembly Mem- project, and in response to the public out- bers Naomi Rivera and Michael Benedetto ______cry, elected officials from the Bronx have signed a joint letter to the Mayor on behalf VOICE LESSONS: Ages middle school through AVON REPRESENTATIVE: Avon is not just cos- adult. My home studio. Suffering from sleep metics. Jewelry, clothes, vitamins, videos, com- written a joint letter to Mayor Michael of the Pelham Parkway community. apnea? Singing strengthens your throat mus- plete line of children’s gifts, toys and more. Ask Bloomberg to reassess the tree removal. The joint letter asks the Mayor to cles, which helps eliminate the effects of apnea. ______for catalogue. Call Emily 718-885-2430. The project is a $35 million capital appoint three representatives of the com- Flexible hours. Call Diana 718-885-2091.­ ______HOUSE SITTER FOR YOUR HOME: Island project led by the Department of Design munity to participate in the project and to Jewelry repaired & designed, cash for resident seeking long term house sitting assign- gold,engraved gifts,artwork, toys & housewares. ment. See more about me at www.healthy- and Construction (DDC) to improve the consider redesigning the sewer reconstruc- Kaleidoscope Gallery 280 City Island Avenue. giftbasketstore.com/caretaker.htm. or Call sewers and the roadway along Pelham tion project on the service road in order ______718 885-3090. ______­1-347-331-1175. Parkway, and DDC plans to remove up to save dozens of healthy street trees. MARY KAY: It’s back to school for the kids, but PAINTING AND PLASTERING: Clean profes- to 50 trees to make way for a guardrail. They ask the mayor to address the asser- beauty on a budget for you. Save 25% for the sional work at affordable rates. Call for a free www. The Parks Department has designated an tion made by former Parks Commissioner month of September! Shop online 24/7 at ______quote. Dave 1-646-548-8573. marykay.com/pattyjay or call Patty at 718-304- additional 30 to 40 trees as unhealthy and Henry Stern that an alternate guardrail 6031. APARTMENT FOR RENT: Five, newly reno- ______vated, bright, cozy rooms in private home. in need of removal. design could save dozens of trees, and they BELTOP PAVING INC: Asphalt paving, drive- Modern eat-in-kitchen, tiled full bath, br, lr, ask the city to reevaluate the designation of ways, parking areas, sidewalks. Fully licensed & office/exercise room, hardwood floors, closets, certain trees as unhealthy or diseased. ______insured. Call Nick 718 994-9533. heat, G&E included, cable ready. Looking for The officials made it clear that safety RAT ISLAND FOR SALE by owner. Also 5 single, quiet, nonsmoker, private beach. Call was an important issue but that it was also room apartment on City Island available for rent ______for appointment. 718 885-1540. References. ______$1500. Call Red 718-928-6598. THE RIGHT STITCH - Clothing is too expensive important to preserve the natural beauty of NOVENA TO ST. JUDE: Holy St. Jude, Apostle to be thrown away. Never get around to taking Pelham Parkway by saving as many trees Edward D. Heben and Martyr,great in virtue and rich in miracles. up those pants? Need that torn hem fixed? Lost as possible, which would be possible with Close friend of Jesus Christ. Faithful intercessor CPA/ABV, CVA, AEP a few buttons on your best blouse? Alterations, slight readjustments in the project design. of all who invoke your assistance. We beseech new zippers, etc., home sewing, you don’t have Partner you from the bottom of our hearts to come to the time for, done at reasonable rates. Call Each official also stressed the importance 709 Westchester Avenue our assistance (mention problem). In return, we ______Joyce at 718 885-2062. of community participation in the process, ______promise to make your name known. White Plains, NY 10604 THERE’S A COMPUTER GURU right in your 914-949-2990 • Fax: 914-949-2910 as their offices have been flooded with NOVENA TO ST. JUDE: Holy St. Jude, Apostle neighborhood. City Island resident with over www.citrincooperman.com telephone calls from concerned residents and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles. 25 years of computer experience can repair Close friend of Jesus Christ. Faithful intercessor any software or hardware problem. Instruc- [email protected] protesting the tree removal. of all who invoke your assistance. We beseech tion available for all new PC owners. I even you from the bottom of our hearts to come to make house calls. References available. Call our assistance (mention problem). In return, we ______“Joe, the Computer Guy” 718-885-9366. promise to make your name known. ______IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL TIME AND HOPE LIFE IS A JOURNEY, NOT A RACE, AND IT’S SPRINGS ETERNAL: child development expert/ GOOD TO HAVE AN EXPERT GUIDE ALONG certified school psychologist/parent educator THE WAY: Child development expert/certified can help you to unlock the potential inside your school psychologist/parent educator can help student and yourself, and develop a plan for you to unlock the potential inside your student success: visit www.ThinkLaughLearn.com for and yourself and develop a plan for sucess: visit ______details or call John Scardina @718 885-9305. www.ThinkLaughLearn.com For details or call FINE ART PORTRAITS: Studio on City Island. ______John Scardina @ 718 885-9305. More than 30 years of photographic experience. I WANT TO SWAP MY TRUCK FOR A SAIL- Call Ron Terner at 718-885-1403. BOAT...preferably wood. I am currently in Ari- ______zona. Call 520-326-1710. PROFESSIONAL MAGICIAN. Birthdays, din- CITY ISLAND: Two family house for sale. 3 bed- ners, confirmations, Mitzvahs, graduations, room & 2 bedroom. Dining room, deck, private schools, corporate events and classes. Do you ______backyard. 914-238-3374. want to make your party more fun and memo- CITY ISLAND: Two bedroom apartment for rent. rable? Call David Fletcher, City Island’s own Near beach and bus. Centrally located 914- magician, for magic customized to your event. (718) 885-3038. ______218-7454. ______CITY ISLAND: Three bedroom apartment for KEYBOARD PLAYER AVAILABLE: I play smooth rent. Dining room, deck, yard. Near beach 914- and gentle music for special events. References ______218-7454. ______available. Call Diana at 718-885-2091. 1993 4DR TOYOTA COROLLA DX WAGON FOR PHOTO RESTORATION: Take old photographs SALE: Good condition,145,000 miles, auto- and have them restored like new. Copies made matic, A/C, air-bag, new tires, brakes & battery. from negatives or prints. Framing available as ______Asking $3495. Call Dan 845-313-4402. ______well. Call Ron 718-885-1403. FOR SALE: $400 or best offer. Call 718 885- PASSPORT PHOTOS taken at Focal Point Gal- 0017. 3 piece TEAK wall unit from “The Door lery, 321 City Island Avenue. Call Ron at 718- Store” includes lighted cabinet section for col- ______885-1403. lectibles, also includes enclosed bar section PORTRAIT PARTY FAVORS: Make your next and space for a large TV. Willing to sell sepa- event memorable for your guests. Add a portrait ______rately or as a whole. station to your next special events. Every guest ISLAND CARPENTER DOES renovations, res- will go home with a framed full color portrait of torations and repairs. Painting, locks, decks, themselves. Our professionally prepared and pre- weatherizing, plaster repair, windows, doors, sented color portraits are party favors that will be ______handy-work etc. Michael 718-885-1580. cherished for years. Call 718-885-1403 or stop OWENS TREES.COM: Tree trimming & removal. ______by Focal Point Gallery, 321 City Island Avenue. Free estimates. Fully insured. Call 718-885- LEARN DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Photoshop ______0914. 7 or black and white photography, developing PIANO LESSONS: Lifetime experience teaching film, printing, camera techniques. Call Ron 718- children and adults. My home on a Steinway ­­______885-1403. Grand Piano. Flexible hours. Call Diana 718- RESUMES WRITTEN,EDITED,LAID OUT: From ______885-2091. actors to lawyers. Concise,professional,superior. Betty Lavelle-Esola, ______Get to the next level. Call Katie 718 885-2929. WEBSITES CREATED: Effective, great looking Sue Kawczynski & Victor L. Anderson, Jr. websites from scratch, or your old website fixed up. Easy, affordable,quick. Call Katie 718 ______885-2929. ZUMBA on City Island: 116 City Island Avenue. Thursdays starting Sept .9 at PM. For info: ______­www.abarnes-consulting.com 203-300-5064. BOAT SUPPLIES: Burck’s 526 City Island Ave- nue Bronx, New York 718 885-1559. Customer ______­parking. BOAT WINTERIZING SUPPLIES: LOW PRICES: “How To” Information. Burck’s Boat Store 526 City Island Avenue Bronx, New York 718 885- ______1559. Customer Parking. Your Ad Could Be Here

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Ow n e d a n d Op e r a t e d b y a Ci t y Is l a n d Re s i d e n t Page Twenty The Island Current September 2010

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

Islander Casey Quinn graduated on May 27, 2010, at Radio City Music Hall from the Col- lege of New Rochelle with a Masters of Science in Education. She is shown above (l. to r.) with her sister, Courtney, her parents, Kevin and Patty, and her brother, Nolan.

Photo by EYVONNE BAKER a.m. and 11 a.m. at the City Island Little Longtime Buckley Street residents Joe League field starting Sept. 12. And a big and Miriam Nixon moved to the west get well shout out to Sam Weyhrauch from coast of Florida in July. Their life on City the Belles who “need and miss you.” Island was celebrated at Grace Episcopal Belated July Happy Birthday wishes to Church on Sunday, July 18, 2010. Beth Rota and her sister, Susie Rauh, from a very forgetful Mom. It was great to have Education. Beth here from New Orleans for the Fourth Happy 17th birthday wishes go out to of July week. Marissa Ferris on Sept. 8. Where have the Happy September birthday to Mike Ashley Kinford married Tim Grey on Aug. years gone? Our adorable little girl has Rauh, who is training for his 33rd New 7, 2010, at the City Island Yacht Club. grown into a beautiful young woman. We York City Marathon. Go, Mike! love you and wish you many more happy Great big birthday wishes to Kayla Happy 32nd wedding anniversary on years ahead! Have the best year ever. Love, Mooney on Sept. 4, with love from the Sept. 15 to Walter and Paula Huffell, who Mom, Joey, Richard, Dad, Linda and boys. Mooney/Kretzmers. are also celebrating 32 years as happy resi- Best wishes for continued happiness to Happy birthday, David, on Sept. 19. dents of City Island. Marine Street’s Ann and Chuck Butter- Love, Grace, Paxton and Shisha. Happy 100th birthday on Aug. 4 to worth, who will celebrate their 27th wed- Happy birthday on Sept. 26 to Kevin George Seward of Seward & Kissel, from ding anniversary on Sept. 11. Lenz and to Jonathan Mullin on Sept. 27. his secretary of 32 years, Paula Huffell. Happy birthday and happy anniversary Welcome to Vincent DeGasperis as the Keep up the good work to Island resi- to Kim and Willie Strnad on Sept. 24, with newest member of the team at City Island’s dent John Scardina, who gave a workshop love from your family. Chase branch bank. If you haven’t met Vin- on July 17 at the American Mental Health Happy birthday(s) to Bay Street resi- cent yet, please stop in and say hello. Counselors Association Annual Confer- dents Ben DiGregorio, Bob Swieciki and Andrea Amoroso City Island wedding bells were ringing ence in Boston entitled “READY-SET-GO: Jean Anderson, who all celebrate their big when Ashley Kinford, daughter of Min- She will be competing in shot put and Developing Executive Functioning Skills day on Sept. 12. neford Avenue residents Donna and Hal 100-meter hurdles. For further information for Children and Their Parents in the Happy 62nd wedding anniversary wishes Kinford, married Tim Grey on Aug. 7, 2010 about the Zodiacs Track Team which runs Home.” on Sept. 5 to Ben and Virginia DiGregorio, at the City Island Yacht Club. Congratula- at Truman High School in the Bronx, check Happy birthday on Sept. 16 to Nico- with love and admiration from your fam- tions to the happy couple and may the hon- out their website at Zodiacstrack.org. lette Lotrionte and good luck to her as she ily. eymoon last forever! Arlene (Mert) Ricciardi celebrated the begins her law school career at Brooklyn Happy September birthday to my favor- “Way to go!” to Minneford Avenue resi- first birthday of her cat, Emily, on July Law School. Love, Mom and Dad. ite aunt, Dot Bunyan, with love from Judy. dent, Andrea Amoroso, who won the silver 24. Thanks to all who attended, including Godspeed to former Buckley Street res- Happy Sept. 4 birthday greetings to medal in Girls Javelin at the 2010 A.A.U. Brian and Michelle Kenny of Centre Street, idents Joe and Miriam Nixon, who moved Diane Carmody, with love from Lil Bob, Junior Olympics held in Virginia Beach in and gave gifts. to the west coast of Florida in July. Their Kelly, Robert, Cricket and Tiki. August. Andrea beat 34 competitors from “Its a girl” for former Islanders Danielle life on City Island was celebrated at Grace Congrats to Frankie Cebek on his new around the country to earn second place. and Philip Ribaudo. The happy couple Episcopal Church on Sunday, July 18, job and new car. We are so proud of you! She also competed in shot put, placing welcomed their first baby, Alana Lydia where, among their many contributions, Love, Uncle Bob, Aunt Diane, Kelly and 17th out of 69, and in pentathlon where Ribaudo, on July 9, 2010 at Greenwich Joe had been Senior Warden and Miriam Lil Bob. she came in 28th out of 38. Andrea car- Hospital. Proud first-time grandparents was a longtime member of the choir. The Happy birthday greetings on Sept. 5 to ries on her family’s tradition of medaling and great-grandmother are Anthony and party continued at Starving Artist, where the Sailmaker’s Ann McGuire. at this national event. Her older brother, Stephanie Ribaudo of City Island, Joe and their role in founding the City Island The- Happy birthday on Sept. 28 to Minni- Joseph, medaled the previous two years in Donna Torre and Anita Laterza of Cortlandt ater Group was recognized. City Island eford Avenue’s Tina Ruggiero, with love the 3,000 meter Race Walk. Andrea will be Manor, New York. will miss the Nixons! from your friends and family. training this fall for the Colgate Women’s Maria Swieciki Happy 24th birthday wishes on Sept. 2 Pelham Bay Belles Softball welcomes Games held at Madison Square Garden. to Bay Street’s Stephen Swieciki. new “Belles”: Islanders Annalise Vivolo Congratulations to Casey Quinn, and Victoria Strazzera, who will be joining who graduated from the College of New veteran player Veronica Weyhrauch this fall Rochelle with a Masters of Science in playing Doubleheaders every Sunday at 9

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