Riverdale’s ONLYLocally Owned

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Volume XVIII • Number 9 • January 27 - February 2, 2011 • FREE!

Continued on Page 13

MTA takes first step to cashless, but still expensive, tolls

On skating rink plan, city may be on thin ice

FAREWELL TO ARMS – The MTA removed the gate on one of the lanes on the Henry Hudson Bridge last week, allowing motorists to drive through without stopping for the gate arm to go up. The removal is the first step in making all the toll lanes gateless, and eventually moving to a completely cashless system. Pictured at the removal of the gate are (L-R) Executive Director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign Kate Slevin, MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Jim Ferrara, MTA Board Member Mark Lebow, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman James Vacca, MTA Chairman Jay Walder, Assemblyman Guillermo Linares, and Bronx Community Board 8 Traffic and Transportation Committee Chair Dan Padernacht.

By BRENDAN McHUGHIt’s a farewell to arms.The MTA on January 20 removed the

gates on the E-ZPass lanes on the Henry Hudson Bridge as part of a pilot program to move to completely cashless tolling on the bridge by 2012.

Drivers with E-ZPass can now roll through the tollbooth without having to wait for the barricade to rise, making it quicker to move across the bridge.

“There’s a better way to collect tolls in the 21st century, and it’s called all-elec-tronic tolling,” said Jay Walder, chairman

CEO of the MTA. “By removing the gate arms today, we begin the process of ush-ering in this new era in toll collection. If all goes according to plan, by next year the Henry Hudson Bridge will be the first cashless bridge in the country, reducing travel times for drivers and expenses for

the MTA.” There are still three lanes in each direc-

tion available for drivers without E-ZPass. In 2012, when the bridge goes cashless, those lanes will be eliminated. For driv-ers without E-ZPass and for out-of-state drivers, a picture will be taken of the car’s license plate and the driver will be billed the non-E-ZPass toll, currently $4.00. The E-ZPass rate is $2.20.

During the current phase of the pilot, new state-of-the-art cameras positioned within the existing toll plaza configura-tion and back office operations will all be tested.

“This pilot will significantly change our approach to toll collection,” MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Jim Ferrara said. He added that customers will notice the difference in the gateless phase right away because they will not have to come to a stop and wait for gate arms to lift.

“Our message to E-ZPass customers at the Henry Hudson is simple,” he said. “Don’t stop, keep moving!”

A decision on whether to expand ei-ther the gateless or cashless operations at other MTA crossings will be made after the pilot has ended. Currently, Denver, Texas and Florida operate cashless systems in a highway environment. In the New York region, several tolling authorities operate mixed cash and electronic systems, but none are totally cashless.

The Henry Hudson Bridge, which links the Inwood section of Manhattan to Riverdale, was chosen for the pilot because of its favorable plaza configura-tion, its high E-ZPass market share (85

By BRENDAN McHUGHThe Bronx’s first ice-skating rink in more than a

quarter century is slated to open next winter in Van Cortlandt Park.

The tennis courts along Broadway, which go mostly unused this time of year, will be the site for the temporary new rink, according to Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

In his State of the City speech, the mayor said, “In the Bronx, we’ll join with the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy to do something that has been talked about for more than a decade: we’ll turn unused tennis courts into an ice skating rink open all winter long.”

City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe acknowledged that this idea has been around for years, ever since the Riverdale Ice Skating Rink closed. The women’s clothing store, Loehmann’s, now sits in that building. “Ever since that time people have been thinking about getting skating back here in the Bronx,” he said.

“Fernando Ferrer, Adolfo Carrion and Ruben Diaz

(Jr.) have all had the idea of starting one in the Bronx,” Benepe said. Ferrer and Carrion were the last two borough presidents before Diaz, the current borough president.

But it was always money that hindered the return of a skate rink to the Bronx. Now, however, the Parks Department will be adding $100,000 to $200,000 to improve the lighting and electrical infrastructure in the area to accommodate the rink.

The Parks Department now awaits design proposals from contractors as to how they plan to build and fund the seasonal rink. “The mayor has embraced the idea so it has a good momentum going, but we’ll see if anyone thinks they can make money off of it.”

Benepe said the VCPC has plans to model it after the rink in Bryant Park, but admitted the costs to maintain the rink is high and it won’t be easy to fund it.

He added that Riverdale residents should be credited with getting the rink put in the park after a throng of requests from the neighborhood.

But Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has concerns. “I

would love to have an ice-skating rink in the Bronx and in our community. I am concerned about the cost, at a time when the city and the state are cutting millions out of the budget.

“It concerns me we’re putting money toward something new when we should be fighting for money for things like our schools. Secondly, this should go through the parks department, not through a private organization. It raises a concern as to public access to this facility. It should be totally public. In my opinion, any privatization concerns me.

The history of ice-skating in the Bronx goes back over a century. Lloyd Ultan, the Bronx County Historian, said an “explosion of ice-skating occurred in the Bronx in the late 19th, early 20th century. Thousands of people had ice-skates that were clamped on the bottom of their regular shoes.”

Ultan said a pond in Van Cortlandt Park and Twin Lakes in Bronx Park were two major attractions for borough skaters. The Parks Department would measure and track the thickness of the ice.

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W 2 Will Bx Deli King get ‘chopped’ on TV?

By MIAWLING LAMMaking eggplant parmigiana was easy

but Peking duck appetizers?Italian food guru and second-genera-

tion Bronx deli legend David Greco will tackle the Chinese delicacy next week when he competes on the popular Food Network cooking show, Chopped.

The program, hosted by Ted Allen, challenges four chefs to create an ex-traordinary three-course meal using odd combinations of everyday ingredients and unorthodox flavor combinations.

After each course, a contestant is elimi-nated until one chef remains and walks away with the $10,000 prize.

In an episode earlier this month, contestants had 20 minutes to whip up an appetizer using tamarind soda, cock-tail nuts, haricot vert and goat brains. In another, chefs had to present judges with a dessert composed of puffed rice cereal, gummy worms, horned melon and cashew butter.

Despite the dual challenge of unusual ingredients and time constraints, Greco said he wasn’t fazed by the experience.

“To make great food very quickly is what I do best,” he said.

“I don’t think anybody has been serv-ing people as long as I have. Let’s face it: What I’m doing, I’ve been doing since I was 12 years old.”

According to the episode synopsis on the Food Network’s website, Greco and his colleagues will attempt to create a Peking duck appetizer, cook a seemingly simple protein in the entree round and create an inspired dessert using cheese crackers and an unusual fruit.

Greco, who famously beat celebrity

chef Bobby Flay in an eggplant parmigiana “Throwdown” in March 2008, declined to spill the beans on the outcome but told The Riverdale Review he stayed true to himself and even hit the sauce.

“I certainly stick to who I am,” he said. “I stick to my Italianism throughout the whole thing – you’ll see when I’m drinking my wine on the table on the set.”

He also admitted that his biggest hurdle on the set was fatigue.

The gregarious chef said he didn’t get any sleep the day before the show was filmed last October and relied on two Manhattan Special coffee beverages to get through the intense filming process.

“People don’t realize that it’s a grueling day that starts at 6 a.m and doesn’t fin-ish until 10 p.m at night. I’m a man who works 18 hours a day so it was peanuts for me,” he said.

“The problem is I catered the National Italian American Foundation’s 35th An-niversary Gala Dinner the night before. I didn’t get home till 4:30 in the morning and I had to be on the set at 6 a.m.”

Greco took over his father’s business, Mike’s Deli, in the Arthur Avenue Retail Market 15 years ago and has been raising its profile ever since.

He said people were now aware of the Bronx’s Little Italy and that since his battle with Flay, hordes of tourists were flocking to the family-run business. Greco has ap-peared on several Food Network shows.

“People are acknowledging that I’m the Italian food expert. I appreciate it, because you have some big mambo stores in Manhattan that are setting up and copy-ing what we do. They’re putting the name Italy on it and yes, they’re doing a great

job but we’re still old-school,” he said.“Our food is the best quality, we treat

our customers like family and people real-ize that we care about our business.”

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said Greco’s appearance will showcase what the borough has to offer.

“Once again, our well-known chef David Greco will be putting the name of the Bronx in everybody’s mouths, liter-ally,” he said.

“His participation on the popular Food

Network show Chopped represents a great opportunity for him as a chef and, at the same, a great chance to let America know that our borough is home to some of the best eateries in the world.”

“David is one of our borough’s greatest ambassadors, and I know I speak for 1.4 million Bronxites when I wish him the best of luck.”

The Chopped episode, titled ‘A Cornish Mess,’ will air on the Food Network at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1.

Dave Greco of Mike’s Deli on Arthur Avenue will compete on the popular Food Network show “Chopped” next Tuesday evening.

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ary 27, 20113Bloomberg botches snow cleanup, and gets ripped at hearing

By MIAWLING LAM and BRENDAN MCHUGH

Bronxites have accused Michael Bloomberg of dropping the ball yet again following the season’s second deplorable snow removal effort.

Residents ripped into the beleaguered New York City Mayor after sanitation de-partment crews took four hours to plow all of the borough’s streets last Friday.

According to the National Weather Service, five inches of snow was dumped in the Bronx by 7:45 a.m., compared to a total of 4.2 inches in Manhattan’s Central Park.

Bronx commuters and motorists were quick to note the delays and vented their frustrations on Twitter.

One user, shelina456 who was driving from Manhattan to the Bronx, tweeted: “Its sad they don’t even attempt to shovel the streets in the BX smh cars sliding everywhere (sic).”

Another user, AngelsNDivasNYC, even suggested that Bloomberg should relocate from his sprawling Upper East Side doublewide townhouse and move to the outer boroughs.

“This snow sucks,” she said. “The streets and sidewalks are not clean. Bloom-berg move to The Bronx and try to get your kids to school on time.”

Data obtained from the Department of Sanitation shows that despite the snow end-ing at 8 a.m, it wasn’t until noon that 100 percent of all Bronx streets were plowed.

Bloomberg was heavily criticized last month after he failed to activate the city’s snow emergency plans during the now infamous Dec. 26 blizzard.

The freak snowstorm blanketed the

city with almost two feet of snow, snarled traffic and rendered virtually every street impassable. By the fourth day, some streets hadn’t even seen a plow.

But Bronx Councilman James Vacca said Bloomberg appears to have learned from his mistakes.

Vacca said last Friday’s snow removal ef-forts was a remarkable improvement from the pitiful attempts on Boxing Day.

“I hear it’s going pretty good. I do think the main streets...were done well,” he said.

Vacca admitted his office did not re-ceive a single complaint. In contrast, his office received hundreds of calls following last month’s blizzard.

The freak weather event was at the center of proceedings last Monday when the City Council held its latest public response hearing in the Bronx.

The hearing gave residents, such as Steven Bailey, an opportunity to provide feedback on the city’s mismanaged bliz-zard clean-up.

The Concerned Residents Organiza-tion Vice President said seniors and pedestrians suffered the most from the botched efforts.

“No one cleaned bus stops and pe-destrian walkways,” he said. “The senior citizens are not going to take this any longer.”

City Council Sanitation Committee Chair Letitia James also lashed out at city officials, who refused to take questions during the two-hour hearing.

A Department of Sanitation spokesman said no discussions would take place and instead, all comments would be taken back to the office to be reviewed.

“It is an outrage,” James said. “It’s a slap in the face to this Board and to the residents.”

Councilman G. Oliver Koppell said the situation after Boxing Day was horrific but said his office fielded “relatively few calls” and said residents’ concerns were addressed swiftly by sanitation depart-ment crews.

But Koppell seemed to be alone in his praise of the city’s efforts. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said he couldn’t drive to Kmart two days after the storm and ended up having to walk through the slush to get food for his family.

“Hopefully what comes out of the blizzard of 2010 is equitable, fair treat-ment,” he said.

KOPPELL – Satisfied with City’s snow response effort.

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P.S. 81A parents’ association meeting is

scheduled for Wednesday, February 2, at 7 p.m. in the school lunchroom.

A parent networking meeting is sched-uled for Monday, February 7, at 9 a.m. in the school lunchroom. This is a venue where parents can connect and share ideas and information on possible busi-ness opportunities.

St. Gabriel School

Parents considering Saint Gabriel’s for their child are invited to an open house on Monday, February 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. The event will offer a tour of the facility, information on application and registration procedures and an oppor-tunity to speak with the principal. The school is at 590 West 235th Street, between Arlington and Netherland avenues. For more information, call the school office at 718-548-0444.

Horace Mann SchoolThe Lower Division is engaged in Com-

munity Spirit Week. This year’s focus is on what it means to be part of a “circle of friends.” Students will examine how civility and teamwork are unifying, while bullying can threaten to break the circle. In support of this theme, students recently attended a performance on Rosa Parks and they will soon attend the off-Broadway musical “Freckleface Strawberry,” based on a book by Julianne Moore whose message is that we should celebrate our unique characteristics. Each day this week celebrates a different value, and stu-dents are encouraged to “dress the part.” Monday’s theme was “Being Kind is No Sweat,” and students were asked to wear sweat pants or sweatshirts to show their unity in support of this theme. Tuesday was “Let’s Team Up and Be Respectful” day, and students wore red, white and blue. Wednesday was dedicated to “It’s in Our Jeans to Be Friendly,” and students wore denim. Thursday is “Let’s Have Tee-riffic Manners,” and students may wear their favorite T-shirts. Friday is “We Have HM Spirit!”day, and students are invited to wear their HM attire or anything maroon and white. Friday’s activities will culmi-nate in a Soren Bennick production, “The Power of One,” a series of skits that portray what bullying is and empower each child to report any instances of bullying they

witness. Teacher-led activities will also focus on manners and civility as well as team building.

Kinneret Day SchoolFirst-graders and their teacher, Emily

Feller, are headed to the New York Hall of Science in Queens. Now that they have learned about the five senses, the students

will participate one of the Hall of Science’s workshops on learn-ing how the senses work together to per-ceive information. Through hands-on activities, they will get to make observations and draw conclusions

about each of the senses.

College Of Mt. St. VincentThe college will hold a Study Abroad

Fair on Tuesday, February 8. “Let’s Study Abroad,” an information session highlight-ing opportunities for study in England, Italy, Russia and other countries, will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in Pastorini Dining Room in the Administration Building. Dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies Edward Meyer will dis-cuss the value of an international education in his lecture entitled “Why You Should Study Abroad and How to Get Started.” This fair launches the spring calendar of events for the college’s Center for International Studies lecture series. The center, founded last year, promotes international education and cross-cultural exchange through lec-tures, study abroad and foreign language programming. Visit mountsaintvincent.edu/1103.htm for more information.

Local ScholarsThe State University of New York College

at Plattsburgh has announced that Claudia De La Cruz and Sean Gilmartin were named to the dean’s list for the fall 2010 semester. To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must achieve a semester GPA of at least 3.5 with at least 12 credit hours. SUNY Platts-burgh became an original member of the State University of New York in 1948. It was founded in 1889 as a teaching college, and it now offers more than 60 majors and a wide range of special programs. Its mission is to prepare graduates for professional life and advanced studies through a foundation in liberal arts and an experience that cel-ebrates excellence, ethical values, lifelong learning and responsible citizenship in a global community.

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ary 27, 20115CB8 Ed Committee takes on bullying

By MIAWLING LAMLegislation around cyberbullying is

inadequate and schools are being forced to develop their own curriculum to ad-dress the issue.

So says Heather Kagedan from the Riverdale Mental Health Association who delivered the frank assessment during last Monday’s Community Board 8 education committee meeting.

The guest speaker talked about bullying on various levels and provided useful infor-mation to parents about what they should do if they suspect their child is being bullied and signs they should look out for.

She also told the audience that while state and federal laws have been introdu-ced to curb traditional forms of bullying, cyberbullying was harder to police.

“Schools are only expected to have a response to bullying that occurs on school property,” she said.

“Technically, cyberbullying is not considered to have occurred on school property if the kids are sending messages to each other at home so there’s a little disconnect there.”

Kagedan also said schools were having to develop their own curriculum.

“It has been mandated that there needs to be a curriculum in schools on bullying,” she said.

“The exact curricula has not been mandated so schools are left to, on their own, create curriculum on bullying and on respect and tolerance.”

Latest figures from the National Crime Prevention Council reveals 43 percent of American teenagers have experienced some form of cyberbullying.

Two-thirds of respondents claim parents

usually know what they’re doing online but don’t set rules, while only 23 percent said they have and follow their parents’ rules.

There have been at least four examples in the United States where cyber-bullying has been linked to the suicide of a teenager.

Apart from the usual suspects such as Facebook and MySpace, Kagedan men-tioned relatively newcomer, Formspring, as another social networking site that parents should be wary of.

“It’s used by a lot of kids and it’s basi-cally a place where they ask and answer any anonymous question that somebody throws out,” she said.

“What do you think of so and so? Who’s the biggest loser? Any kid can respond all anonymously, so that can be used in a cruel way.”

Kagedan said schools in District 10, of which Riverdale is part of, usually adopted a multi-faceted approach and drew upon a combination of student workshops, reme-diation sessions with qualified guidance counselors and punitive action.

In particular, she praised the way the issue was addressed at M.S/H.S 141.

“They do address the cyberbullying component and some of their more pu-nitive action – some of their more serious punishment – is reserved for those types of infractions. We do see they are taking a strong stance against this.”

Meanwhile, the committee reiterated its desire to get P.S. 24’s principal Donna Connelly to attend one of their meetings in the near future.

The Education Committee has invited Connelly to appear on numerous occasions since she took the helm in September 2009 but they have been repeatedly rebuffed.

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Schervier offers free workshop on composting

Bon Secours New York Health Sys-tem/Schervier is pleased to announce that a free workshop is being offered to the public on January 27, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Community Hall at Schervier Nursing Care Center, 2975 Independence Avenue, Riverdale, between 227th and 231st Streets. Called 'Worm Bins Made Easy,' this hands-on workshop from the NYC Compost Project in the Bronx cov-ers the essentials of indoor composting

with worms. It is ideal for those who want to compost food scraps at home, work, or school but do not have access to an outdoor space. All participants will be eligible to 'adopt' a dozen worms in a mini-bin made of recycled materials and can receive a discount coupon toward the purchase of a larger system. An RSVP to attend the workshop is required, either by phone at 718-817-8543 or via e-mail at compost@nybg.org.

This program is part of Bon Secours New York's Environmental Stewardship Program and is a Healthy Communities

Initiative, which is our commitment to creating communities of health, hope and well-being. Bon Secours is develop-ing long-term, collaborative relationships with the people who live and work in the communities we serve and with other lo-cal organizations so that together we can identify and address priorities to improve the quality of life and health.

Adult and children's classes at RCC

The Riverdale Community Center at MS/HS 141, 660 West 237th Street, is accepting registration for its Adult and Youth Educa-tion Program. Over 60 classes are offered for adults, teens, and children in the Arts, Com-puter, Dance, Exercise and Health, Languages, Leisure Activities, Music, Exam Preparation and Reading and Math Tutoring.

RCC specializes in test preparation -Specialized High Schools Prep and Art Prep for High School of Art & Design and LaGuardia HS.(For current 7th grad-ers who will be taking the these exams in the Fall 2011); and, S.A.T. and ACT prep (for current 11 graders who will be taking these exams in the Spring 2011). Also offered are small group tutorials in Reading Grades 2 & 3; Reading and Writ-ing Grades 4 &5; Basic Math Skills Grades 2 & 3; and Basic Math Skills Grades 4 & 5. All preparation classes are taught by licensed, certified teachers.

New Tuesday evening classes for adults include Expressive Painting from Within - Liberate your creative expression using relaxation, movement exercises, media-tion, guided imagery and the joy of paint-ing to music; Yoga for Osteo - Participants will safely learn how to become stronger, while increasing flexibility and balance through yoga; French and Italian Cook-ing; and many more.

New Saturday morning classes for adults and teens include Tennis for Begin-ners and Intermediates and Shake Your Soul Yoga as well as some favorites: Yoga and Rejuvenation, Computer Essential, Digital Photography, etc. For children, classes include Aerobics for Kids, Cooking for Kids, Crafts, Jewelry Making, Basket-ball, Tennis, Guitar, Piano and more.

Call 796-4724 or 796-4882 or visit our website at www.riverdalecommuni-tycenter.org for information or for a free brochure. You may register by phone with Master Card, Visa, or AMEX or by FAX at 796-0414. In-person registration will be

held at Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy (MS/HS 141) on Feb. 15th from 7-8:30 pm, Feb. 19th from 10 am - 12 noon, and Feb. 23rd from 1-3 pm. Payment by check or money order is accepted with the form.

The Riverdale Community Center, now in its 39th year, has something for everyone!

Rabba Sara Hurwitz to speak at the Y

The Simon Senior Center, located in the Riverdale YM-YWHA, announces that Rabba Sara Hurwitz, the first female orthodox rabbi, will be speaking at the Y on Friday, Jan. 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Rabba Hurwitz will speak on 'My Per-sonal Journey toward becoming the First Female Orthodox Rabba.' Admission is free and all seniors from Riverdale and the surrounding neighborhoods are welcome to attend. A nutritious kosher chicken luncheon will be served at 12 noon. Sug-gested donation for lunch is $2.25.

The Riverdale YM-YWHA is located at 5625 Arlington Avenue. For more infor-mation, call Toby at 718-548-8200 x223 or Linda at x230.

CSAIR offers free Torah class for 5th graders

For the second year, Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale (CSAIR) will offer a class for 5th graders who would like to get a jump on learning the skills involved in preparing for Bar and Bat Mitzvah.

Led by Cantor Elizabeth Stevens, this class will teach Torah cantillation in a fun, stress-free environment. The class will meet on Sunday mornings from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The first session will be on Sunday, January 30.

This program is free and is open to 5th graders from the entire community. Each student in the class will prepare a few verses to chant from the Torah as part of CSAIR's Shavuot celebration on the eve-ning of June 7, 2011. As Cantor Stevens noted, 'What better way to celebrating the giving of the Torah.'

CSAIR is located at 475 West 250th Street. For more information or to register, call the CSAIR office at 718-543-8400.

Sephardic Cooking Class at Riverdale Temple

On Sunday, January 30, at 1 p.m., Bar-celona-based Sephardic food expert Janet Amateau will teach Ottoman Sephardic cooking at Riverdale Temple.

The lesson will focus on ´desayuno´, a traditional vegetarian Sabbath meal of savory pastries, casseroles and salads eaten throughout the Ottoman Sephardic world. The format will be part demonstra-tion, part hands-on (there is no obligation to participate) and is appropriate for all skill levels. The total duration, including time to share the meal prepared in class, is approximately three hours.

The class at Riverdale Temple is open to all. Space is very limited; prepayment is required. Price (members): $65.00 per person including materials.

Riverdale Temple is located at 4545 In-dependence Ave (246th Street). For more information call 718-548-3800.

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Carlebach group announces meeting

The Carlebach Tefillah will meet for its monthly Shabbat service at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale the Bayit, 3700 henry Hudson Parkway, on Saturday, January 29 at 9 a.m.

Healthy kiddush (light snacks) to follow. Childcare available.

Classic film series at the Riverdale Y

The Rose Family Classic Film Series opened its this year at the Y on January 22. This year, the series' theme will be New York City in Film and the selections will follow the progress of the portrayal of our city and inhabitants from 1928 through 2008. The series will again be led by Film Professor Jason Lucero of NYU and for the first time, tickets will include a pre-movie dinner and discussion at 6:30 p.m., followed by flm show-ing at 7:15 p.m. Tickets (including dinner) are $10/$8 for seniors and students. They are available online at www.RiverdaleY.org. The films will be shown at the Riverdale Y, 5625 Arlington Avenue, in the Y's theater which has a hi-def screen and projector.

The films are: Jan. 22, Speedy;

Feb. 2, 42nd Street; Feb. 12, On the Town; March 2, Sweet Smell of Suc-cess; March 9, A Thousand Clowns; March 30, The Out of Towners; April 6, Sex and the City.

Chabad of Riverdale celebrated Its 19th anniversary at the Botanical Garden

Over 250 friends and support-ers gathered this past Saturday evening, January 22, 2011, for a gala evening of dinner, entertain-ment, and tribute, celebrating the 19th anniversary of Chabad-Lubavitch of Riverdale, directed by Rabbi Levi Y. and Sorah Sh-emtov at the New York Botani-cal Garden. The honorees were Myrna & Eric Zinn, and Pamela & Barry Moskowitz.

Myrna & Eric Zinn, the Guests of Honor, were honored for their support and commitment to Chabad and their selfless com-mitment to the welfare of the greater Jewish community. Eric Zinn spoke about the Chabad House's growth during the past 19 years and the impact that Chabad has on hundreds of people. He compared the worldwide Chabad movement to American Express, saying, 'Every country, state, or

city he and many other Jews come to, instead of looking for an American Express office, he looks for Chabad.' He continued, 'There is no better branch than our local Chabad of Riverdale, directed by Rabbi Levi and Sorah Shemtov.'

Pamela & Barry Moskowitz were honored as Parents of the Year. Their son, Kobe, attended the Chabad of Riverdale Early Learning Center, where their daughter, Mikela, is currently en-rolled. Barry Moskowitz thanked the Shemtovs for Chabad's state-of-the-art preschool program.

The evening also included a video that recapped the his-tory and activities of Chabad-Lubavitch of Riverdale for the past 19 years, and an emotional award presentation.

The crowd enjoyed the sing-ing sensation by Father and Son duo Moti & Yoni Zigelbaum ac-companied by the Benshimon orchestra.

The special warmth and love that is the trademark of Chabad made the evening a most memo-rable experience for the entire Riverdale community.

Chabad-Lubavitch of River-dale thanks everyone that took part in making its 19th an-niversary celebration the most successful ever.

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Thursday, January 27Spuyten DuyvilTODDLER STORY TIME10:30 a.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library650 W. 235th Street

Toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old and their par-ents/caregivers can enjoy interactive stories, action songs, and fingerplays, and spend time with other toddlers in the neighborhood. For more information, call 718-796-1202.

RiverdaleCOMPOSTING WORKSHOP11 a.m. Schervier Nursing Care Center2975 Independence Avenue

Called “Worm Bins Made Easy,” this hands-on workshop from the NYC Compost Project in the Bronx covers the es-sentials of indoor composting with worms. An RSVP to attend the workshop is required, either by phone at 718-817-8543 or via e-mail at compost@nybg.org.

RiverdaleBABY STORY TIME11:30 a.m. Riverdale Branch Library5540 Mosholu Avenue

Babies from birth to 18 months old and their parents/care-givers can enjoy great books, lively songs, and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. For more information, call 718-549-1212.

RiverdaleTEEN CAFÉ4 p.m. Riverdale Branch Library5540 Mosholu Avenue

Come hang out with your friends in a cool, casual envi-ronment. Bring snacks to enjoy while you listen to the radio & chat with your friends. Use laptops to do your homework, watch videos, play games, & more! For more information, call 718-549-1212.

RiverdaleADULT EDUCATION7:30 p.m. Riverdale Temple4545 Independence Avenue

Rabbinic intern Steven Altarescu will lead a discussion on relationshiops between parents and children in the bible. For more information, call 718-548-3800.

Friday, January 28RiverdaleLECTURE10:30 a.m. Riverdale YM-YWHA5625 Arlington Avenue

The Simon Center Center will ffeature Rabba Sara Hurwitz, who will speak on her personal journey toward becoming the first female orthodox rabba. Admission is free; all seniors from the area are invited. For more information, call 718-548-8200 x223.

RiverdaleFUN FRIDAYS3:30 p.m. Riverdale Branch Library5540 Mosholu Avenue

Board games of all types and all skill levels. For more information, call 718-549-1212.

KingsbridgeTEEN ADVISORY GROUP4 p.m. Kingsbridge Branch Library280 West 231st Street

TAG meetings will be held on Friday afternoons downstairs in the Reading Room. If you are a 7th -12th grade student, you are eligible to join. For more information, call 718-548-5656.

Saturday, January 29RiverdaleSHABBAT SERVICE9 a.m. Hebrew Institute of Riverdale3700 Henry Hudson Parkway

The Carlebach Tefillah will meet for its monthly Shabbat service. Healthy kiddush (light snacks) to follow. Childcare available.

Sunday, January 30RiverdaleTORAH TRAINING CLASS11:30 a.m. Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel475 West 250th Street

A class for 5th graders who would like to get a jump on learning the skills involved in preparing for Bat and Bat Mitzvah. For more information or to register, call 718-543-8400.

RiverdaleSEPHARDIC COOKING CLASS1 p.m. Riverdale TempleWest 246th St. & Independence Ave.

Barcelona-based Sephardic food expert Janet Amateau will teach Ottoman Sephardic cooking at Riverdale Temple.

The lesson will focus on ́ desayuno´, a traditional vegetarian Sabbath meal. For more information call 718-548-3800.

Monday, January 31Spuyten DuyvilREADING ALOUD4 p.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library650 W. 235th Street

A librarian will share favorite picture books, providing children with the wonder of books and the joy of reading. For more information, call 718-796-1202.

Tuesday, February 1Spuyten DuyvilBABY STORY TIME11 a.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library650 W. 235th Street

Babies from birth to 18 months old and their parents/caregivers can enjoy great books, lively songs, and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. For info, call 718-796-1202.

Wednesday, February 2Van CortlandtVALENTINE HEART WREATH3:30 p.m. Van Cortlandt Branch Library3874 Sedgwick Avenue

Come to the Library and make a pretty Valentine wreath decoration from paper hearts and a paper plate. For more information, call 718-543-5150.

RiverdaleCHESS4 p.m. Riverdale Branch Library5540 Mosholu Avenue

Learn to play chess and develop your skills with other players in an informal setting. For more info, call 718-549-1212.

RiverdaleCLASSIC FILM SCREENING6:30 p.m. Riverdale YM-YWHA5625 Arlington Avenue

Dinner at 6:30 p.m., film showing at 7:15 p.m. featuring the movie '42nd Street' (1933). Tickets (including dinner) are $10/$8 seniors and students. For more information, call 718-548-8200, ext. 214.

Saturday, February 5KingsbridgeREADING HOUR1 p.m. Kingsbridge Branch Library280 West 231st Street

The Rotary Club of Riverdale invites youngers 3-12 years old to participate in the reading program. Readers will be grouped by skill level and encouraged to read, helped with pronunciation and word understanding. For more information, contact Karen Pesce at 718-549-4469.

Monday, February 7Van CortlandtLECTURE11:30 a.m. Van Cortlandt Senior Center3880 Sedgwick Avenue

A lecture on 'Ways of Saving Energy and Money' by Wilson Martinez of Beam NY. Topics to be covered include Vampire voltage, CFO light bulbs and appliances. For info, call 718-549-4700.

Friday, February 11Van CortlandtHEALTH LECTURE11 a.m. Van Cortlandt Senior Center3880 Sedgwick Avenue

Lawrence Hospital will present a lecture on Joint Pain and Arthritis. For more information, call 718-549-4700.

Saturday, February 12RiverdaleCLASSIC FILM SCREENING6:30 p.m. Riverdale YM-YWHA5625 Arlington Avenue

Dinner at 6:30 p.m., film showing at 7:15 p.m. featuring the movie ‘On the Town’ (1949). Tickets (including dinner) are $10/$8 seniors and students. For more information, call 718-548-8200, ext. 214.

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By BRENDAN McHUGHWhat a difference a couple blocks can

make.Ailing Johnson Avenue merchants met

last week to discuss the formation of a merchants association, after seeing the rejuvenation of Riverdale Avenue, only a couple blocks away.

The cause of that rejuvenation can be attributed mainly to the poor relationship the Johnson Avenue landlord Friedland Properties has with the storeowners. Riverdale Laundromat, among other stores, moved from Johnson to Riverdale Avenue in search of a better deal.

The relationship with the landlord is so bad that merchants at the meeting asked not to be named in the paper for fear of some sort of backlash.

According the merchants, when a lease expires, Friedland will sometimes raise the rent an excessive amount and refuse to negotiate. The storeowner has the option to pay the new price or close shop. If they choose to close, the realty company will sometimes offer the vacant store at a lesser price than the previous owner was renting at. Merchants say this boggles their minds and has hurt property values of the existing stores.

Riverdale Avenue merchants have had the pleasure of dealing with a much more compassionate landlord. One merchant, who has had stores on both Riverdale and Johnson avenues, explained that if he had any problems on Johnson Avenue, Friedland would not show any compassion with delaying the rent that month. But if something happened in his Riverdale Avenue store, the landlord would under-stand; one time the landlord did not collect any rent after a difficult month.

While merchants brought up other problems that plague Johnson Avenue, Friedland was the biggest. One person said other merchants park on Johnson Avenue all day and continue to feed the muni-meters, which does not allow customers to find parking as easily.

Robert Rubinstein, a lawyer who has dealt with the Friedland family in the past, hopes he can bring the two parties together to find a common ground. “I want them to have an understanding of what the merchants want,” he said.

It may be difficult to bring Friedland to the table. As a number of merchants pointed out, Friedland has no reason to negotiate or be more compassionate. They own hundreds of properties, and two or three stores that sit vacant in Riverdale are not important to them.

A message left with Friedland Properties was not returned.

Johnson Avenue merchants will continue to discuss their plan of action Feb. 16, mostly likely at the Atria. Unless they find a way to convince Friedland to break their rigid busi-ness plan, it will be difficult for the budding merchants association to find relief.

At their first meeting of the year, the Riverdale Avenue merchants voted Ray Norberto, owner of the Page Turner, as presi-dent of the association. He will be replacing Sotheby’s Ellen Feld, who is the new secre-tary. Chase Bank’s Alex Mairena is the new vice president, and Greek Express’ Manos Orfanopoulous is the new treasurer.

“I am very honored and humbled by the confidence of my fellow merchants in the South Riverdale Avenue Merchants Association,” Norberto said. “I am very enthusiastic about the future of our neighborhood shops.”

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Continued on Page12

By BRENDAN McHUGHCommunity Board 8 Transportation

Chair Dan Padernacht told the neigh-bors living near Salanter Akiba Riverdale (SAR) Academy that he would continue to facilitate talks about traffic problems for as long as a year, if that is what it is going to take.

Residents felt slighted and unwel-comed throughout heated discussions in last year’s Community Board 8 Land Use meetings about the Academy, and Pader-nacht does not want them walking away with the same feeling after the Board’s Traffic and Transportation committee resolves any problems.

“It is my goal to continue a dialogue between SAR and the residents of the neighboring community,” Padernacht said. “Through this conversation, I be-lieve that the parties can work together to create solutions to some of the traffic and transportation issues they are con-fronting.”

Residents surrounding the school have been fuming over the disregard for safety and traffic laws by parents and school faculty and staff, and want not only new parking regulations in the area, but also better enforcement by authorities.

At last month’s Traffic and Transpor-tation meeting, Padernacht wanted to go over the current parking regulations with the residents of 254th Street and Sycamore, Independence and Palisade avenues, and discuss what changes could be made to the existing regulations.

On Independence Avenue, the general consensus was to eliminate any existing parking and create No Standing along the

street. The same goes for 254th Street, in between Independence and Palisade. On Sycamore, however, no change was made to eliminate an existing eight spots be-cause one neighbor, who was not present, has no garage for her car and has to park on the street, and her neighbors did not want to take that away from her without her approval. No decision was made with Palisade Avenue either.

The Community Board does not have the power to enact the new regulations; they only recommend these changes to the Department of Transportation. A DOT spokesperson said the department is currently working with the community to address parking and other concerns in the area.

Residents don’t see the problem going away even with new parking regulations. Throughout the Tuesday, Jan. 18 meeting, residents pleaded with the committee to find a way to increase the enforcement of existing regulations.

“You can put up signs that will just be ignored in the end,” local resident Steve Hammer said.

Brandon del Pozo, captain of the 50th Precinct, said he has to pick and choose where to use his manpower. “We deploy our traffic resources to locations that have a demonstrated history of accidents and there has not been an accident near SAR since last summer,” he said in a phone interview.

“Cars were going through stop signs, not yielding the right of way, and cars were skid-ding on some ice and road salt on W.254th St. at the intersection of Independence Ave.”

CB transit chair vows solution to SAR woes

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Continued from Page 1Henry Hudson tollpercent weekdays), and the absence of commercial traffic.

The Henry Hudson Bridge opened to traffic December 12, 1936. In 2010, the bridge carried an estimated 23 million vehicles.

City Councilman James Vacca ap-plauded the program and said this will give relief not only to commuters, but also to local residents living near the bridge. “A major problem people who live near bridges complain about are the backup all day long and the pollution,” he said. “I do think getting traffic to move quicker is a good objective.”

Community Board 8 Traffic and Trans-portation chairman Dan Padernacht agreed, saying, “Gateless tolls increase the efficiency of the E-ZPass program, which speeds up the time of a driver’s commute. In addition, it decreases the time that ve-hicles are at the toll plaza, which means less vehicle emissions being spread into our community.”

Motorists are urged to secure their E-ZPass tags on their windshields and to register the license plate of any car that regularly uses tags on their account. Up to four E-ZPass tags can be linked to the same account. Motorists can obtain an E-ZPass or register a license plate by calling 1-800-333-TOLL or visiting ezpassny.com.

wrote board member Robert Press in a report of the dismissal at the school.

“It’s an accident waiting to happen,” one resident chimed in during the meeting.

According to SAR executive director Debra May, parents are suppose to pull into the main parking lot to pick up students at dismissal. However, some parents will drive past the lot and park on 254th or another road and wait for the students there, causing congestion that “looked worse than mid-town in a gridlock situation,” Press wrote.

Padernacht told residents that he would send out an invitation to the 50th Precinct and NYPD’s Traffic Enforcement agency to be present at the next meeting so residents can have a chance to explain their problems and ask for help. Capt. del Pozo said someone from the precinct would be attending the meeting.

Continued from Page 11SAR parking woes

By BRENDAN McHUGHMaybe the beep’s New Year’s resolution

was to get everyone to stop neglecting the Bronx?

First there’s the snowjob. Then the American Idol snub. Now it’s the MTA.

Recent MTA statistics show the Bronx has the worst service of any of the five boroughs, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is using this as another opportunity to call out the City on giving the cold shoulder to the Bronx.

“The statistics released by the MTA show that the Bronx continues to be treated as the “forgotten borough” and that cannot continue,” Diaz said.

The statistics show that the number 1, 2, 4 and 5 lines of the IRT, starting in the Kingsbridge/Riverdale, Woodlawn and Eastchester sections of the Bronx, have the longest weekday wait assessments in the system, together with the A train that Riverdale and Kingsbridge residents use via a bus connection.

The key service-performance indica-tors show the same shocking results, with the number 2 train having the worst indicators in the system. Even the on-time performance statistics shown on the MTA’s Dashboard show that each of lines starting in the Bronx had a worse on-time performance record than was targeted.

That this is a particularly serious prob-lem for Bronxites is shown by the station indicators, which confirm that the Bronx stations are treated unfairly. The Bronx received a KPI ratings of 83.8% for its sub-way stations, compared to 88.4 %, 88.65% and 89.4% for Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens respectively.

“These new MTA service ratings are unacceptable. Residents of the Bronx must have clean, efficient, reliable and on-time subway service to get to and from work and to go about their activities,” Diaz said. “The fares Bronxites pay to use the system are the same as everyone else, and yet the MTA continues to give us the short end of the stick when it comes to

subway service.“I will not tolerate anyone treating the

Bronx as the “forgotten borough” and demand that the MTA offer a full account as to why service starting in this borough lags so far behind the rest of the City and develop a plan to address these deficien-cies immediately. We deserve nothing less,” Diaz said.

Earlier this week, Diaz attended the City Council’s Dec. 26 blizzard response hear-ing where he laid into the City and Mayor Bloomberg, saying “the Bronx doesn’t get it’s fair share and we’re sick of it.” He went on to say that if Bloomberg cannot properly manage all five boroughs, how could he run for president of the United States, where he would have to manage an entire country.

Last week, Fox’s American Idol portrayed a young man’s tough upbringing in the Bronx. Diaz took that opportunity to shine light on the stereotype the Bronx has ac-quired over the years, saying, “Rather than focus on the amazing revitalization the Bronx has seen over the past three decades, the producers of the show chose instead to highlight the negative stereotypes that have plagued our borough for years.

“The Bronx is the proud home of 1.4 million people, and over the past 30 years we have seen a dramatic drop in crime, incredible new business activity and the development of amazing new infrastructure. The portrayal of the Bronx by the producers of American Idol in such an extremely negative light is not only shameful, it does not accurately represent how far the Bronx has come.”

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Friday, January 28ValhallaPHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION8 p.m. Westchester Community CollegeTech. Building Auditorium

Westchester Photographic Society presents members competition. Members compete in digital, color and open mind. For more information, call 914-271-5542.

White PlainsONE ACT PLAY8 p.m. Rochambeau School228 Fisher Avenue

From the Wings - An Evening of One Act Plays. January 28 and 29. For more information, call 914-946-5143.

RyePARTY NIGHT8:45 p.m. Playland Ice CasinoPlayland Park

Live DJ, party lights, on-ice contests, giveaways and more. For more information, call 914-813-7059.

Saturday, January 29North White PlainsFAMILY TRIVIA CHALLENGE1 p.m. Cranberry Lake PreserveOld Orchard Street

What is the only venomous snake found at Cranberry Lake? How many professional sports teams are named for birds? If you or child enjoyed these questions, you will do well in our first-ever Family Trivia Challenge. Popcorn, prizes and fun for all. For more information, call 914-428-1005.

Cross RiverTRACKING FOR KIDS1 p.m. Trailside Nature MuseumWard Pound Ridge Reservation

Animals leave many traces of their presence for us to find. In a program, intended for children of all ages, we will discuss the basics of tracking animlas while we take a walk to look for signs of animal use and later make your own tracking field guide. For more information, call 914-864-7322.

RyeVOLUNTEER WORK1 p.m. Marshlands ConservancyRoute 1

Curator's Choice: Help maintain Marshlands's natural and historic beauty. Please bring work gloves; hand tools provided. For more information, call 914-835-4466.

RyeSATURDAY NIGHT GROOVES8:45 p.m. Playland Ice CasinoPlayland Park

Skate to the sounds of '70s, '80s, '90s and today. For more information, call 914-813-7059.

Sunday, January 30Mt. KiscoHISTORIC MANSION TOUR1 p.m. Merestead455 Byram Lake Road

Learn how an elegant Georgian-style mansion influenced decorating an furnishing trends across America. Learn how the Sloane-Patterson family, who built Merestead had local, regional, national and international impact. For info, call 914-864-7039.

SomersLET IT SNOW!1 p.m. Muscoot FarmRoute 100

Fun indoor winter activities for families. Outdoor activities weather permitting. For more info, call 914-864-7282.

ScarsdaleFEEDING FUN2 p.m. Greenburgh Nature Center99 Dromore Road

It's mealtime in the large animal museum. Come see what's on the menu. For more information, visit www.greenburghna-turecenter.org or call 914-723-3470.

Wednesday, February 2Yonkers

BOOK DISCUSSION1 p.m. Riverfront LibraryOne Larkin Center

The Riverfront Book Club will meet. Join Librarian Jody Maier in a discussion of "The Postmistress" by Sarah Blake. For more information, call 914-337-1500, ext. 492.

Friday, February 4ValhallaPHOTOGRAPHY PRESENTATION8 p.m. Westchester Community CollegeTech. Building Auditorium

Westchester Photographic Society presents Out of the Box, an evening of members' picks. Always as much fun as it is educational. For more information, call 914-271-5542.

Saturday, February 5Croton-on-HudsonHUDSON RIVER EAGLE FEST9 a.m. Croton Point Nature CenterCroton Point Avenue

See eagles on the wing. Live bird s hows, children's area, eagle exploration bus tours, a raptor identification program and more. More info at 914-762-9212, ext. 110 or teatown.org.

YonkersWILDLIFE OF THE HUDSON VALLEY10 a.m. Lenoir PreserveDudley Street

A slide presentation of the wild critters that call the Hudson Valley home. A walk to view wildlife will follow. For more information, call 914-968-5851.

Cross RiverIT'S GROUNDHOG DAY1 p.m. Trailside Nature MuseumWard Pound Ridge Reservation

Celebrate Groundhog Day a little late. Come join us to make a groundhog mask, paper puppet, yummy groundhog treats and other fun activities. Learn about hibernation and what it means if the groundhog sees its shadow. For more information call 914-864-7322.

RyeVOLUNTEER WORK1 p.m. Marshlands ConservancyRoute 1

Clearing Wisteria Behind the Summer Cottage. Wisteria is a problematic vine that needs to be controlled with the use of hand tools. bring work gloves. Hand tools provided. For more information, call 914-835-4466.

North White PlainsNATURALIST'S TRIVIA CHALLENGE2 p.m. Cranberry Lake PreserveOld Orchard Street

This challenge is for naturalists and nature enthusiasts only. They are asking questions that were too tough for the family trivia challenge. Questions will be about the wild kingdom and may include audio and video clips. For info, call 914-428-1005.

Tuesday, February 8YonkersPASSPORT TO ADVENTURE2 p.m. Riverfront LibraryOne Larkin Center

A film presentation. Visit Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man. For info, contact Jody Maier at 914-337-1500, ext 492.

Friday, February 11ValhallaPHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION8 p.m. Westchester Community CollegeTech. Building Auditorium

Westchester Photographic Society presents members' competition. Members compete in digital, black and white, and color and B&W prints. For more info, call 914-271-5542.

Friday, February 18ValhallaPHOTOGRAPHY PRESENTATION8 p.m. Westchester Community CollegeTech. Building Auditorium

Westchester Photographic Society presents Bill McBridde on "Photographic North America's Railroads." For more infor-mation, call 914-271-5542.

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Controversy over Cannon Pl. bldg.

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Jasa announces activities for February

Jasa Van Cortlandt Senior Center will offer the following activities in February:

A three-part series on 'Ways of Saving Energy and Money' will be given by Wilson Martinez, Beam NY, on Monday, February 7, 14 and 28. Topics to be covered at 11:30 a.m. include Vampire voltage, CFO light bulbs and appliances.

Trip to Sands Casino in Bethlehem, PA, on Thursday, Feb. 10. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at 3880 Sedgwick Avenue. Fee for bus and lunch is $25. Return: $25 cash and $5 coupon. Contact Maritza by Feb. 3 at 718-549-4700 to register.

Vaudeville-style Radio Show by Action Racket Theatre (Lois Kagan Mingus, Joanie Fritz Zosike and Robert Hieger) featuring jokes, stories, poems, song and dance on Friday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. Lunch of rosemary chicken breast and macaroni salad will be served at 12:15 p.m. Suggested contribu-tion: $3. RSVP to JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center office: 718-549-4700.

NY Fire Department will give a Fire Safety Presentation on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m.

Three-part Health Series will be pre-sented by Lawrence Hospital on Friday, Feb. 11, 18 and 25 at 11 a.m. Featured topics will be Joint Pain and Arthritis (2/11), Geriatric Surgeries (2/18), and

Diabetes (2/25).Soprano Sigal Chen and accompanist

Jonathan Dzik will present a program of opera and Broadway selections on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. Delectable lunch served at 12:15 p.m. Suggested contribution is $3. RSVP to JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center office: 7 18-549-4700.

A hot nutritious lunch is served at 12:15 p.m. Monday through Friday. Voluntary contribution is $1.50.

Jasa Van Cortlandt Senior Center is funded by NYC DFTA and by special grant from Council Member Oliver Kop-pell. Lunch and activities are available for seniors age 60+. Cultural Arts events at Jasa Van Cortlandt Senior Center are open to the public.

Jasa Van Cortlandt Senior Center is lo-cated at 3880 Sedgwick Avenue. For more information, cal 718-548-4700.

Rotary Club to sponsor reading hour

Youngsters 3-12 years old are invited to participate in the Reading Program on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Kingsbridge Library, 280 West 231st Street, from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Readers will be grouped by skill level and encouraged to read, helped with pronuncia-tion and word understanding, and for those without reading skills, interpret pictures. There is no charge for participation.

The Rotary Club of Riverdale is part of Rotary International and sponsors the library reading project as a local community service. Adult volunteers who are interested in participating are asked to contact Karen Pesce, Secretary: (718) 749-4469.

Mentoring program for small business comes to the Bronx

Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corpora-tion (BOEDC), held a ribbon cutting at BOEDC's offices to celebrate the launch in The Bronx of SCORE, a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

'For the first time, Bronx businesses will be able to take direct advantage of the critical resources provided by SCORE, which offers free counseling, mentoring and advice for entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses and those looking to expand. Our Bronx businesses need and deserve every resource they can get, and I am thrilled that SCORE has made a deci-sion to provide direct access to its services to Bronx businesses,' said Diaz.

SCORE services will be available every Thursday at the offices of the BOEDC be-tween 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 718-590-6252.

'BOEDC is delighted to partner with an exceptional service provider such as

SCORE. Their presence here at BOEDC will give our Bronx businesses the advice and mentorship needed to expand and grow. We invite those businesses that are looking to expand, to share their vision with SCORE representatives and receive valuable advice and resources. We encour-age all Bronx businesses to partner with SCORE at BOEDC,' said Cintron.

SCORE is the premier source for small business advice and mentoring in Ameri-ca., Established October 4, 1964, SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneurship education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. More than 12,400 volunteers at 364 chapters provide indi-vidual mentoring - in person and online - and business workshops for aspiring en-trepreneurs and small business owners.

SCORE has served more than nine million entrepreneurs since 1964. SCORE currently serves more than 350,000 entre-preneurs annually. Based on the findings of the Impact Study of SBA Entrepreneurial Development Resources, SCORE helped create more than 30,000 new jobs nation-wide in 2009. One in seven clients created a job. SCORE also helped create 68,432 new small businesses in 2009, according to an SBA report sent to Congress.

For more information on SCORE and the services it offers, visit www.scorenyc.org.

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JOEL PAL CECILIA McNALLY Production Manager Office Manager

ROBERT NILVA MIAWLING LAM Marketing Director Associate Editor Note our New Address:

5752 Fieldston RoadBronx, New York 10471

(718) 543-5200FAX: (718) 543-4206

STAFF: Robert Lebowitz, Brendan McHugh, Richard Reay, Paulette Schneider, Lloyd Ultan, Daniel R. Wolf

ANDREW WOLF, Editor and Publisher

Thanks to the dedicated staff at SchervierTo The Editor:

I am writing this note because I want to thank some people for the care they have given me for the last three months of my life. I have worked at Schervier for almost 12 years and know a lot of the employees, but I had no idea they cared so much about me.

I was admitted to Burke at Schervier Rehabilitation on Oc-tober 26, 2010. I had gotten sick the morning of September 22, 2010 and was sent to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. I was diagnosed with meningitis that had spread to my spine, heart and brain. The doctors’ immediate worry was my heart because the meningitis had al-ready infected my heart valve, but I was too weak to have surgery right away. On October 7, 2010, I had the surgery, but then I had a stroke, and pneumonia. I was sent to Schervier on October 26, and have been here ever since. When I came here I had to be completely taken care of, given medicine and IVs. I had two

setbacks, but they took care of me, prayed for me and encour-aged me.

I want to thank our CEO, Jim Higgins, the Schervier Nursing Care Center staff, Rosa Gaston and the tenants in the Schervier Apartments, all of them so much,

for the care, prayer, cards, acts of kindness and encouragement. To the Burke therapists, you’ve got me on my feet again. You’re the best — I love you all, I thank you all. God bless you all. I’ll be gong home this week.

Laquitta (Lucky) Gutierrez

GUEST EDITORIAL

Cathie Black’s Choice:Cheap Teachers, Not Experienced Ones

By PETER GOODMANSchools Chancellor Cathie Black got off to a bumpy start, and

bumps are turning in pot holes.Her “birth control” and “Sophie’s Choice” throwaway lines at

a meeting with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and District 2 parents were both inappropriate and just plain dumb. The Mayor had to bail her out.

After the obligatory school visits, darting in and out of classrooms, meeting with parents with an entourage of media, the public awaits the emergence of an educational policy.

Her first sortie into the political fray: supporting the Klein, now Bloomberg plan to change teacher layoff rules from inverse order of seniority to principal choice, with a reminder that senior teachers cost more, and laying off senior teachers means fewer layoffs.

Black acknowledges that there is no system to measure teaching performance,

Critics will say that we don’t yet have a comprehensive teacher-evaluation system on which to make merit-based decisions and that, until we do, seniority should rule. In fact, we’re working with the state and the teachers union to develop such a comprehensive system.

State law requires that the Department of Education must ne-gotiate the new teacher evaluation metrics, “we’re working with” means we are involved in a negotiation. After the negotiations are completed it will be a number of years before the new metrics, if ever, are accepted as “valid and reliable.”

In spite of the current lack of any measurement of teaching performance she blithely advocates laying off teachers by principal choice, with ATRs and U-rated teachers first.

… we’ll not only lose more teachers (because new teachers earn lower salaries than senior teachers)

Just as superintendents and principals are able to make decisions about which teachers are best to hire, they can make informed decisions about which teachers they are comfortable parting with if the budget requires it.

So, if you’re a teacher at the top of the salary schedule you get a reserved spot on the ice floe (senilicide) along with the teachers with whom the superintendents and principals feel “uncomfortable.” (Read UFT activist, overweight, wrong race, religion or country of origin, or, whatever bias or prejudice the supervisor harbors).

Not exactly a way to win over teachers or parents, or for that matter anyone who feels they may make others “uncomfortable.”

To be perfectly honest Black is increasingly coming off as a snarky elitist, insensitive to the hoi polloi, who is perfectly willing to make “Sophie’s Choices,” we should remind Black of Sophie’s fate.

The current drive to school closings is mean-spirited and simply poor public policy.

The State Education Department annual summary of the reasons for failing schools always places “lack of leadership at the district and school” as the number one reason for poor school performance.

What is the responsibility of the superintendent for a failing school? Currently none, it is a disgrace. What is the responsibility of the Network Leader? While the Network Leader has no supervisory authority over the principal, they do “support” the school.

Who is “punished”?The teachers. They are shunted into the ATR pool, a “Scarlet Let-

ter,” condemning the teacher to a life of being shuttled from school to school, and, if Black has her way, to be laid off first.

As Ms. Black hobnobs with the plutocracy in her Fifth Avenue penthouse the poorest New Yorkers in East New York and South Jamaica and Morrisania struggle with unemployment and crime and health, with the pathologies of poverty.

Noblesse Oblige is not a viable education policy.PETER GOODMAN is a career New York City high school teacher, and

a long-time activist with the United Federation of Teachers.

Providence College has an-nounced that Gregory Pappas, Nicholas Winiarski and Stephen Winiarski were named to the dean’s list for the fall 2010 se-mester. To qualify for the dean’s list, students must achieve at least a 3.55 grade point average with a minimum of 12 credits. Providence, a Catholic liberal arts school, is the only college or university in the United States administered by the Dominican Friars. It enrolls around 3,900 undergraduates and offers de-grees in 49 academic majors. Since 1997, Providence College has been ranked as one of the

top three regional universities in the north in U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges.

The University of Vermont in Burlington has announced that senior Jordanna E. Gessler was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2010 semester. Gessler is a political science major in the College of Arts and Sciences. To be named to the dean’s lists, students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 and rank in the top 20 percent of the class in their respective college or school. The University of Vermont was char-tered in 1791 as the first college or university in the United States that did not give preference to a religious sect. The school enrolls more than 10,000 undergradu-ates in eight schools and colleges, 1,500 graduate students and 460 medical students. The small, comprehensive university aims to blend the academic heritage of a private university with the service mission of the land-grant tradition.

Local students are honored

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Chris Norberto graduates from USN training center

Riverdale resident Chris Norberto grad-uates from the United States Navy’s Re-cruit Training C o m m a n d C e n t e r i n Great Lakes, Illinois last Friday, Janu-ary 21.

S e a m a n N o r b e r t o , USN, was se-lected as the Honor Gradu-ate of recruit division 049. This selection was based on the recruit’s individual performance of duty in all phases of basic training including leadership, initiative, military bearing, response to orders, sportsmanship, qualification of a good shipmate, and high overall scholastic standing. He also graduates with an E-3 rating, which takes most sailors 18 months to achieve.

A lifelong resident of Riverdale (or Spuyten Duyvil, as he would frequently correct the misinformed!) Seaman Nor-berto attended P.S. 24 and the Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy, where his sister Amanda is a current 9th grader. His par-ents, Aracelis and Ray Norberto, are long time Riverdale residents.

Seaman Norberto is currently train-ing at the A School for Master of Arms, located at Lackland Airforce Base, San Antonio, Texas.

'Run for the Wild' dedicated to help save penguins

Calling all runners, walkers, and ath-letic hopefuls - it's time to lace-up your running shoes to prepare for New York City's wildest race: The Wildlife Conser-vation Society's third annual Run for the Wild at WCS's Bronx Zoo.

This year's 5k-run/walk takes place on Saturday, April 30, and is dedicated to helping save penguins, which the Wildlife Conservation Society has been working to protect for more than three decades.

Run for the Wild registration is now open at www.wcs.runforthewild.org.

Participants can choose from two dif-ferent events. The 5k race for individual runners will begin at 8:30 a.m.; casual runners and walkers can take part in the Family Fun Run/Walk at 8:45 a.m.

The event promises a fun and exciting day for runners, walkers, spectators, and those who sponsor a runner. There will be plenty of post-run festivities, including refreshments, music, children's activities, and more.

After the run, participants are invited to stay and enjoy the zoo and its animal residents for the rest of the day. Everyone is encouraged to visit the Magellanic pen-guins in the zoo's Russell B. Aitken Sea Bird Aviary. There are many other wonderful exhibits to visit including Tiger Mountain, Madagascar!, and JungleWorld. Compli-mentary parking and admission will be provided.

Those who are unable to participate in the event can still help WCS save penguins by making a donation online or

sponsoring a runner or a team. Runners are encouraged to seek individual or team sponsors and will receive special Run for the Wild gifts for their fundraising efforts. For $30 in pledges runners will earn a Run for the Wild T-shirt; $100, a WCS penguin water bottle; $250, a limited edition Hard Rock Cafe pin; and $500 in pledges will earn a plush penguin and a chance to name one of the penguins at the zoo. All pledges and donations provide much needed support for WCS field staff work-ing to ensure a future for these beautiful aquatic birds.

This event will sell out, so register early. For more information, to register, or to

sponsor a runner/team, visit www.wcs.runforthewild.org.

Mass at St. Eugene's Church to commemorate a milestone event

The celebration will commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Perpetual Adora-tion Chapel for Priestly Vocations at St. Eugene's Church, 707 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers. Bishop Gerald T. Walsh will be the principal celebrant on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow the Mass.

The chapel was established by The Serra Club of The Bronx and Westchester with the blessings of Cardinal John J. O'Connor on the grounds of St. Joseph's, the major seminary of the Archdiocese of New York, on March 2, 1998. As the result of logis-tics issues, the chapel was relocated to St.

Eugene's Church on March 12, 2001.The Blessed Sacrament is exposed and

made available for adoration Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Church's Chapel and on each First Friday of the month, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Parish House Chapel, at 31 Massitoa Road. Although more than 6,000 visits are made each year, it is necessary to depend on 'committed' adorers who agree to be assigned one hour or more each week to insure that the Blessed Sacrament is never left unattended.

The Serra Club is an International Or-ganization whose mission is to promote vocations to the Priesthood and the Religious Life. Luncheon meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Eastwood Manor at 3371 Eastchester Road (corner of Boston Road) in the Bronx. For information, call 718-654-3601.

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