dec13 by TheAdvocate

Vol. 27 No. 49 • Rockland’s Independent Jewish Community Newspaper Since 1985 • 29 Kislev

5773

December 13, 2012 free weekly

advocate wishes a happy chanukah to all the community

‫א פרייליכען חנוכה‬

Fall back

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday.

Remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday !‫ווארט נישט ביז זןנטאג‬

I U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and Rabbi Schmuel Butman in Manhattan

Suffern Mayor Dagan LaCorte lighting the menorah

?‫איר פילט נישט גוט‬

MONSEY FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER IS OPEN

SATURDAY NIGHT

‫מוצאי שבת‬

6:30pm - 9:30pm

For Primary Care & Dental Appointments & Walk-ins Welcome

845-352-6800

40 Robert Pitt Dr. Monsey, NY 10952

Ramapo Councilman Friedman lighting the Spring Valley menorah

Mayor Bloomberg lights a menorah from Mayor’s Office

appointed by the New York State Thruway Authority to serve on a newly formed panel that is charged with studying ways to implement mass transit on a new Tappan Zee Bridge. Supervisor St. Lawrence is one of only seven elected officials from Rockland County on the Mass Transit Task Force. The

new panel are County Executive Scott Vanderhoef, Senator David Carlucci, Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee,

cont. Page 4

Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives elevated Rep. Nita Lowey of New York’s 18th congressional district (Westchester and Rockland counties), to their ranking member on the powerful Appropriations Committee.

been the top Democrat on the committee’s foreign operations subcommittee. She announced her bid for the party’s top slot on the Approriations Committee last April after Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) announced he was retiring.

Lowey, a leading pro-Israel lawmaker who is Jewish, had

“It is especially gratifying to be the first woman to lead either cont. Page 4

The #1 Judaica source in Rockland 27 Orchard St. 845-352-7792

5:40

4:10

“Chanukah is a special time of year to spend with friends and family, and it’s a story of strength in the face of adversity and moral courage in the face of in-

justice. In recent weeks, the people of New York have also had our strength and spirit tested. Our city braved one of the most devastating storms ever seen on the East Coast, and New Yorkers of every background and from every borough have stepped up in amazing ways to help their neighbors,” Bloomberg said in the statement. “New York is a city where, even in the

toughest of times, we have faith in the future. As New Yorkers light the menorah tonight, I wish them a Happy Chanukah.”

St. Lawrence Appointed to New State health news sponsored by Monsey Family Medical Center Panel on the Tappan Zee Bridge Electronic medical records Ramapo Supervisor Christo- other Rockland elected ofbenefit monsey patients pher P. St. Lawrence has been ficials that are serving on the

Congresswoman Nita Lowey to lead Appropriations Committee

‫מקץ‬

n a statement, Mayor Michael Bloomberg invoked the struggle of the Maccabees in describing New Yorkers’ struggles in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy since late October.

Electronic medical records (EMR’s) help improve the care of patients and reduce medical errors in doctors’ offices. Medical groups around the country are utilizing or considering the use of EMR’s. Monsey Family Medical Center is now fully EMR, which to the advantage of the patient-translates into Increased preventive care services and rapid and remote access to patient information. It also provides easier chronic disease management. “Our patients are the primary beneficiaries as all our doctors adopt the use of electronic tools like EHRs,” explained, Dr. Arthur Landau, an Internal Medicine doctor at Monsey Family Medical Center.

When the patient’s paper medical record is converted to the electronic format, the patient and his/her medical team will have a number of immediate benefits. The record will be secure, legible and available to all members of the physician’s staff. It can be accessed by the physician from home, the emergency room, the hospital, a nursing home, or from anywhere in the world.

Within the EMR, the patient’s medical data including demographic and insurance information as well as listings of diagnosis, medications, allergies, immunizations and other vital medical information are precisely and succinctly organized, using standardized terminology. Results of laboratory tests and x-rays done in cont. Page 7, health news section

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

as we go to press Legislator Frank Sparaco Declines To Seek Minority Leader Post Rockland County Legislator Frank Sparaco (R-Valley Cottage) has announced that he is declining to seek the post of Minority Leader of the Rockland County Legislature for the 2013 session. Legislator Sparaco was elected Minority Leader for the 2011 session, and again for the 2012 session. "It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as the Minority Leader of the Rockland County Legislature. I am proud of the record I have built during that time both as a legislator and as Minority Leader – a record of fighting taxes of all kinds, and promoting the ideas of fiscal responsibility during these difficult times," said Legislator Sparaco.As Minority Leader, Legislator Sparaco has built a record of opposing tax hikes and new taxes, including: Property tax increases of over 80% Doubling the mortgage tax Increasing the cell phone tax by 30 cents a month, Increasing the sales tax rate to 8.75% Looking forward, Legislator Sparaco expressed his desire to build on that record. "I look forward to continuing in my position as a County Legislator. By declining the position of Minority Leader, I will be able to act more independently and further the causes that have been near and dear to my constituents and me," he said.

Rockland Community Development Center Inc. 22 Main Street • Monsey, NY 10952 Tel (845) 770-1950

Fax (845) 746-2203

E-mail: Editor@AdvocateNews.org ******* Mendel Hoffman | President & Publisher Aaron Moeller

*Editor-In Chief

Michael Kaye

*News Room

Mindy Rubin

*Contributor

Ronald Goldblatt

*Circulation Manager

Stanley Cohen

*Advertising Manager

********** •THE VOICE OF THIS PAPER DOES NOT REPRESENT ANY GROUP. •THE ADVOCATE IS AN INDEPENDENT ENGLISH NEWSPAPER. •THE ADVOCATE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE KASHRUS OF ANY PRODUCT IN THE NEWSPAPER. • COPYRIGHT 2012 ISSN 1055-9132

• All material in this paper is the exclusive property of THE ADVOCATE and cannot be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed by our columnists do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s. • Any article submitted to the newspaper can be edited at the discretion of the publisher. • The newspaper will not be liable for errors appearing in an advertisement beyond the cost of space occupied by the error. The advertiser assumes the responsibility for errors in telephone orders. • In-house design: All advertisements designed and prepared by The Advocate are the property of the newspaper and cannot be reproduced without consent of the publisher. • The health information articles contained in this publication are for information only and not intended as medical advice. For health care advice and information contact your health care provider. • Editorials related to political endorsements or support are written by an independent committee. They do not represent the views of The Advocate staff. It should not be considered as endorsements or support by this paper.

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

Publisher's Desk A Weekly Editorial By:

Mendel Hoffman

Congradulations to Mrs. Nita Lowey Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have elevated Congresswoman Nita Lowey of New York’s 18th congressional district, (and soon to be Rockland County’s sole representative in Congress)to their ranking member on the powerful Appropriations Committee. This is the most important committee in Congress. Throughout her service on the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Lowey has acted as a strong advocate for the best interests of the American people, at home in Monsey and around the world. We appreciate the efforts Congresswoman Lowey has done for our community and the Country as a whole.We congratulate her on her appointment and wish her the best in the future.

letters to the editor Dear Editor, Senator Carlucci Helps Cleanup Rockland The people of our district demand leaders who are committed to creating opportunities for tomorrow. I am referring to devoted public servants, like Senator David Carlucci. On November 10th, Senator Carlucci led a community cleanup along Route 304. It was a privilege to work with neighbors performing an invaluable service to our community, assembled together by Senator Carlucci. We all picked up trash along Route

304, in an effort to help beautify our neighborhood. Senator Carlucci did a wonderful job to bring us together and leading us to be a part of the solution. Thanks to our Senator, Rockland Resident Dear Editor, A new Stage in Spring Valley? This is the latest wasteful expense by Spring Valley Using reserve funds to pay for something overpriced and unnecessary that will be used roughly three times

THE ADVOCATE WISHES ALL OUR READERS A HAPPY CHANUKAH



a year demonstrates the lack of fiscal responsibility by Village Hall. For example, that $97,690 could have been spent on an animal control officer for the village AND Spring Valley's required funding to Hi Tor Animal Care Center, Inc. for over three years money which the mayor said she could not find at all this year. No group would ever pay $3,000 - $4,000 to rent this when they could get it for a small fraction of the price elsewhere. As for the $200 rental fee for village events, it would take over 488 events to cover the cost

of this stage. The Mayor thinks she will recover the costs in 3 to 5 years, which is wholly unrealistic. It would require her to rent it out roughly one out of every three days for 3 to 5 years (including the winter and through every hurricane to come) to make back the money. Additionally, the overtime needed to pay village employees to oversee its use would actually cost more than the stage itself. Sincerely, D. Friedman Spring valley

‫פדיון שבויין‬ help

Pollard & Rubashkin.

contact the White House between 9am-5pm phone @ 202-456-1414 or fax @ 202-456-2461 every call makes a difference

WRITE TO US The Advocate welcomes Letters to the Editor & the Action Desk about relevant topics and issues. Letters must include the writer’s name, address and phone number, although the name may be withheld from publication at the writer’s request. The Advocate reserves the right to edit for clarity and good taste. To voice your opinion, call: 845-770-1950, Fax: 845-770-1983, or e-mail Editor@AdvocateNews.org

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

WISHing THE COMMUNITY A HAPPY chanukah

from Mendel Hoffman President/ CEO, and the entire staff at

Wishing you all

A Happy Chanukah ILAN S. SCHOENBERGER Rockland County Legislator

WISHES THE COMMUNITY A HAPPY chanukah

County Executive Ramapo Town Councilman

C. Scott Vanderhoef

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

Congresswoman Nita Lowey to lead Appropriations Committee (cont from page 1) party on this powerful committee,” Lowey said in a statement Tuesday after her election by the House Democrats’ steering committee.

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

St. Lawrence Appointed to New State Panel on the Tappan Zee Bridge from page 1 Legislative Chairwoman Harriet Cornell, Mayor Tish Dubow of South Nyack, and Mayor Jen White of Nyack. The 29-member Mass Transit Task Force will have one year to pinpoint transit solutions for the replacement bridge and the I-287 corridor, develop funding strategies to implement and sustain transit operations, and generate a corridor management plan to make certain that there is a workable transit program.

Lowey defeated Rep. Marcy Kaptur (DOhio) for the top spot. Kaptur had seniority but was seen as problematic because of her sometimes frosty relations with the House Demcoratic leadership and her relatively conservative views on abortion. Lowey won by a vote of 36-10, sources told The Hill newspaper. “Throughout her service on the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Lowey has acted as a fierce advocate for the best interests of the American people, at home and around the world,” said Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the minority leader. “As the first woman to hold her new post, she will continue to fight for investments that strengthen the middle class and spur our prosperity.”

‫תשע״ג‬

Pelosi emphasized that Lowey and a top Democrat on another committee, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), of the Financial Services, were women — an implied jab at House Republicans, who elected only white men to committee chairmanships.

fraudulent fish being sold all over new York Are you sure that white tuna roll you ordered from your local sushi place is actually tuna? Because chances are extremely high that it's actually snake mackerel, a type of fish that contains a toxin known to... cause severe diarrhea. A conservation group called Oceana recently released a disturbing report that reveals "widespread seafood fraud" in New York City. Fraudulent food in this town? We've seen this before, and just becuase the hechsher is correct, does not always guarantee the supply chain is getting the proper labling either. The group that tested the fish obtained 143 fresh seafood samples—from restaurants, small markets and national chain grocery stores—and found that 39% sold or served mislabeled fish. Of the 81

disturbing considering the city's love affair with Japanese restaurants, 100% of the 16 sushi bars they tested sold mislabeled fish. None of these stores or restaurants were named in the study, but researchers collected the majority of their samples from Manhattan.

retail outlets sampled, 58% (three in five) sold mislabeled product. National chains fared the best, with only 12% carrying fraudulent stock, while small markets ranked significantly higher at 40% mislabeled fish. Perhaps most

Researchers discovered that besides tuna, red snapper was the most commonly mislabeled product. Their tests revealed "red snapper" samples to be either a lower quality type of snapper or, among many others, tilefish, a variety of seafood the FDA advises people not to eat due to the extremely high levels of mercury. Aside from health concerns, consumers are being cheated when they assume they're buying top quality products and instead getting lesser-valued fish. Dining or shopping "in higher-end eateries and retail outlets…did not guarantee an honestly labeled seafood meal or purchase."

"The construction of a new Tappan Zee Bridge is one of the most significant public works projects in the United States today," said Supervisor St. Lawrence. "Under the leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo, the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge has been brought to the forefront, and we are finally making considerable headway on a project that has been in the discussion stages for many years." "This project is a major investment in our infrastructure, our economy, our county, and our future," continued St. Lawrence. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Mass Transit Task Force to ensure that the new Tappan Zee Bridge will have the mass transit components that our region desperately needs."Two years ago, Independent Democrats and Senate Republicans put partisan differences aside to end the dysfunction, gridlock and reckless fiscal policies of the previous Senate leadership. This partnership returned function and order to the Senate Chamber, restored fiscal integrity, and produced remarkable accomplishments that have benefited all New Yorkers. Today’s agreement marks a bold new chapter in this partnership that will allow the Senate to continue pushing New York State forward, while ensuring that there will be no returning to the failed leadership of the past. Three highly distinctive designs for a new Tappan Zee Bridge spanning the Hudson River in New York were unveiled on Wednesday, ranging from designs that resemble two pairs of tuning forks, a regatta, and a cream-colored version of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. The New York State Thruway Authority unveiled the proposals for a new bridge connecting Westchester and Rockland counties north of New York City to replace the existing Tappan Zee, which was built in the 1950s and is now in poor condition. Proposal 1, which looks like side-by-side

tuning forks, is the least costly at $3.1 billion and earned the endorsement of a selection committee making recommendations to the Thruway Authority Board, which is to choose a design on December 17. "Best looking and most cost-effective," said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, describing Proposal 1 at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The selection committee's endorsement was based on price, bridge lifespan, construction schedule and environmental effects, according to Brian Conybeare, a special adviser for the project. Proposal 2, which looks a bit like the Golden Gate, has an estimated cost of $3.990 billion, and Proposal 3, which resembles a crowd of sail boats racing in one of the regattas often seen on the Hudson, is estimated at $4.059 billion. Proposal 1 also has the shortest construction time frame, at just over five years, meaning the new bridge could be completed before 2019. With any of the three options, there would be $600 million to $800 million in additional costs related to project finance, management, oversight, contingencies and aesthetic improvements, Conybeare said. In the hopes of insuring the massive transportation link reflects the beauty of the Hudson River Valley, Cuomo in September named a team of six artists to advise the selection team, including sculptor Jeffrey Koons and Metropolitan Museum of Art director Thomas Campbell, a tapestries expert. The names of the design firms that created each proposal were not released by the state.

Nuclear warhead stockpiles U.S. and Russian stockpiles have declined since the end of the Cold War and the signing of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty two decades ago.

Estimated nuclear warhead stockpiles U.S.

1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) signed

Russia

50,000

2012 Russia 10,000 U.S. 5,000*

40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

*Not including about 3,500 U.S. warheads that have been retired and are awaiting dismantlement Source: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Federation of American Scientists Graphic: Chicago Tribune

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

‫תשע״ג‬

national & international news updates

Bris Millah stays legal in Germany

German lawmakers have approved a bill to keep male infant circumcision legal after a regional court ruled earlier this year that the practice amounts to bodily harm. The government proposed the law following heavy criticism of the Cologne court ruling by Jewish and Muslim groups. Jews in particular consider male infant circumcision an ancient and essential part of their religious tradition. The new law, passed with 434 to 100 votes, grants parents the right to authorize the circumcision of their sons by a trained practitioner. A cross-party minority in Parliament had proposed that parents should have to wait until their son is 14 so he can give informed consent for the procedure. Danish Jews On High Alert If you are a Jew living in or visiting Denmark, you may want to think twice about wearing a yarmulke or speaking Hebrew in public according to Denmark’s

Jewish Religious Community organization and the Israeli ambassador to Denmark.

“We advise Israelis who come to Denmark and want to go to the synagogue to wait to don their skull caps until they enter the building and not to wear them in the street, irrespective of whether the areas they are visiting are seen as being safe,” Arthur Avnon, Israel’s ambassador to Denmark told AFP . Avnon said tourists should also be careful about wearing Star of David or other identifiably Jewish pieces of jewelry. Jewish private schools in Copenhagen were also told to take precautions. The warnings were issued following an attack on the Israeli embassy in Copenhagen on November 19 in retaliation for Israel’s settlement expansions and its Pillar of Defense Operation against Hamas. During the embassy attack, which involved fireworks and stone-throwing, the word “childkillers” was scrawled in paint on the embassy entrance wall. There was no official response to the incident from the Denmark government. An estimated 6,000 to 8,000 Jews reside in Denmark.

Americans Living Longer

Americans, on a whole, are dying less from cancer and heart-related causes, but at the same time, chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and sedentary living are on the rise, according to a new report ranking the health of each U.S. state. The report, released by UnitedHealth Group's nonprofit, the United Health Foundation, in association with the American Public Health Association and the Partnership for Prevention, shows that 27.8 percent of all Americans are obese, 9.5 percent have diabetes, 30.8 percent have hypertension and 26.2 percent lead sedentary lifestyles. However, premature deaths and deaths from heart disease and cancer have decreased since 1990. "As a nation, we've made extraordinary gains in longevity over the past decades, but as individuals we are regressing in our health," Dr. Reed Tuckson, M.D., medical adviser to the United Health Foundation and chief of medical affairs for UnitedHealth Group, said in a statement.

Election Over, Administration Unleashes New Rules Put Off During Campaign

-While the “fiscal cliff” of looming tax increases and spending cuts dominates political conversation in Washington, some Republicans and business groups see signs of a “regulatory cliff” that they say could be just as damaging to the economy.

Schumer: Fiscal Cliff Would Hike NY's Milk Prices Sen. Charles Schumer warns that if Washington doesn’t avoid the so-called fiscal cliff, New Yorkers could see the price of milk

double and dairy farmers would suffer. The Democrat says Congress must agree on a budget or a 1940s law will kick in on Jan. 1 that will trigger higher costs even as famers get lower prices under the government’s subsidy program. Schumer says Congress must approve a temporary return of the Milk Income Loss program that protects more than 5,400 dairy farmers in New York state. The 2008 dairy law that protected farmers and consumers expired in September and must be renewed or the outdated law will kick in. Schumer says that if it does, milk could cost $6 a gallon.

wishing readers a happy Chanukah jb offset printing company norwood NJ

Albany & washington news briefs

Congresswoman Lowey Selected as Top Dem on Appropriations Committee

The Hill Reports: House Democratic leaders have chosen Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) over Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) for the position of ranking member on the powerful House Appropriations Committee in a victory for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who championed Lowey. Kaptur had seniority on the panel, but her past independence from leadership and stance on abortion rights were seen as factors in the race. Lowey, who was favored to win, is slated to replace retiring Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.), who served one term as ranking member, in January. Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), incoming Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, and Congressman Peter King (R-NY), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security – who co-chair the bipartisan Congressional task force on recovering from Tropical Sandy – today issued the following statement on reports of a $4555 billion supplemental appropriations request: “$50 billion in disaster recovery funding would be insufficient to meet the severe needs faced by New York, New Jersey, and other states affected by Tropical Storm Sandy. While recovering and rebuilding

will be a long-term priority, it is important that the supplemental appropriations request meets what our region requires. “We continue to work in a bipartisan way to ensure that the White House requests – and Congress appropriates – funding sufficient to help our region recover.”

Senate Control to be shared in NY Control of the state Senate during the upcoming session will be shared between Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, and Sen. Jeff Klein, the de facto leader of a five-member independent conference, all but eliminating the power of the Senate Democrats for the time being. The two conference leaders together will administer "joint and equal authority" over the daily Senate agenda, the state budget process, board appointments, committee assignments and leadership posts. The title of "Temporary President" will alternate between Skelos and Klein every two weeks. "The Senate Republican Conference has worked closely with [Klein's] Independent Democratic Conference and Governor Cuomo to bring historic progress to New York," Skelos said. "We've brought spending under control, ended Albany dysfunction and consistently delivered

the bipartisan results New Yorkers need and deserve – even on many of the most difficult issues. Senator Klein has proven to be a thoughtful and effective leader and I look forward to partnering with him to move this state forward." The bipartisan coalition will be written into the Senate's rules for the 2013 session. The official title of the partnership will be the "Senate Majority Coalition."

Schneiderman may Sue EPA Over Clean Air Violation The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reportedly left methane, a chemical compound that is harmful to the environment and released in large quantities by oil and gas companies, out of a recent update in air pollution standards for those industries. Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced on Tuesday that he and a coalition of seven states, including New York, are prepared to sue the EPA for violating the Clean Air Act. Reports done by the agency show that methane warms the earth 25 times more than carbon dioxide, adding greatly to the climate change that is currently taking place.

DiNapoli has dire warnings for going over the cliff New York State Comptroller Thomas

DiNapoli, above, released a report last Thursday depicting the danger of the country falling over the fiscal cliff. DiNapoli detailed the contents of the report during a speech before the Business and Labor Coalition of New York that same day. If Congress fails to act to avert sweeping federal tax hikes and sharp spending cuts by January 1, New Yorkers could face more than $43 billion in tax increases and lose $609 million in federal aid in 2013, warned state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli in a speech to the Business and Labor Coalition of New York last Thursday.

Port Authority Bridges and Tunnels Tolls Go Up to $13 Commuters are paying more to drive from New Jersey into New York City. The next phase of toll increases kicked in at Port Authority bridges and tunnels on Sunday. Cash tolls on the George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing will increase $1 to $13. Tolls for E-ZPass users will go from $9.50 to $10.25 during peak commuting hours and from $7.50 to $8.25 during offpeak hours. The Port Authority last raised tolls in September 2011. Tolls are next slated to rise on Dec. 1, 2013 unless a lawsuit against the increase is successful.

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

rockland & regional Vanderhoef saves jobs Vanderhoef supported the Legislature's decisions to restore the mosquito control program, which employs five people, and to also retain four officers in the county Sheriff's Department's mounted unit and five in the sheriff's patrol unit, all of whom would have been laid off, under Vanderhoef's original budget.

Earlier in 2012, Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco trimmed more than $3 million from his own budget before presenting it to Vanderhoef. Since October, Falco has shed even more expenses in overtime and relief accounts, hoping to protect officers from further layoffs. ENGEL: $20 MILLION AWARDED TO FIX HURRICANE SANDY ROAD DAMAGE

Congressman Eliot Engel announced last week, that $20 million in federal funds were awarded to New York State for emergency repairs of roads damaged by Hurricane Sandy. “When natural disasters such as Sandy hit wide areas, it is up to the federal government to assist individual states in making the necessary repairs and rebuilding. This FHA money will help to restore traffic services and make emergency roadway repairs including removal of debris, repairing sign and signal damages and road washouts on federal-aid highways.” Legislator Schoenberger Urges Residents to Call Telephone, Internet Providers for Service Credits Due from Power Outages Caused by Hurricane Sandy

Rockland County Legislator Ilan Schoenberger urges residents to contact their telephone, cable/video and internet service providers to receive credit for service lost due to power outages experienced as a result of Hurricane Sandy. The superstorm, which hit Rockland on Monday, October 28, caused outages to almost 98,000 O&R Utility customers in the county. “You must initiate the contact,” emphasized Schoenberger. “Providers do not give credits unless consumers ask for them. I encourage anyone who experienced loss of any of these services to contact their provider to determine if they are entitled to a credit for the time their service was out. Thousands experienced the loss of these services for many days and that could reflect almost a quarter or more of the monthly cost of the services. For about 250 residents left without power for almost two weeks, it could represent

Wishing the Community A

one-half of the monthly cost. There was a lot of distraction in getting back to normal after this storm; repairing damage, removing trees and debris, cleaningand restocking refrigerators, so many may have overlooked or are unaware of their right to receive a credit for the time they did not have telephone, cable and internet services. This also applies to wireless phone customers who may have experienced interruption in service due to cell tower outages.”

Happy Chanukkah

Schoenberger advises consumers to contact their providers by phone, internet or in writing to inform the provider of the length of time the service was out and to monitor their subsequent bills for the credit. Bloomberg Hits Brakes on Pedicab Rate Decision

Aron Wieder

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he’ll decide by Friday whether to sign a proposal to keep pedicabs from charging confusing, sometimes exorbitant rates.

Rockland County Legislator

The proposal was up for Bloomberg to consider signing Wednesday. After a pedicab driver complained that the city was unfair to the bicycle taxis, Bloomberg said he wanted “to find out a little more” about the proposal. The City Council voted unanimously last month to require pedicab drivers to charge by the minute, with the timer clearly visible. Now, most pedicab drivers charge by city block and per passenger. Some add surcharges. One Texas family paid more than $400 for a 14-block ride this summer. Officials estimate 300 to 400 pedicabs are operating around the city. After Sandy, City Eyes Moving Power Gear Higher A major push is on to move New York City’s electrical infrastructure to higher ground or upper floors after Superstorm Sandy sent seawater pouring into low-lying substations and skyscraper basements and plunged half of Manhattan into darkness for four days. The effort, likely to be enormously costly, will center partly on two old weaknesses brought into sharp relief by the surge: power distribution stations built just yards from the water’s edge, and electrical components located in vulnerable basements. Ever since Thomas Edison built the world’s first central power station in a Manhattan seaport district in 1882, central elements of the island’s electrical infrastructure have been located along the waterfront. Ten of Con Edison’s 101 transmission and distribution substations sit in flood zones.

david fried for county executive (pictures from the Announcement)

David Fried, Former Village Justice of Spring Valley with Spring Valley Trustee Leon

Healthy Living

Good for the tummy

These help the stomach do its work and make it easier for the body to absorb nutrients:

Yogurt

• Supports intestinal bacteria and other microorganisms that play essential part in digestion

Bananas

• Help regulate stomachÕs acid-base balance; prevent diarrhea

Stress, change in sleeping or eating habits, antibiotics and laxatives are among the things that interfere with the stomachÕs work

Family Health Talk

‫רופא חולים‬

Ben Gilman

Spring Valley Family Medical Center 175 Route 59, Spring Valley NY 10977

PEDIATRIC MEDICINE

Dr. Esther Bekritsky Dr. Gerson Gluck

ADULT MEDICINE

Dr. James Israel Dr. Arthur Landau Dr. Debra Grohman Dr. Delatre Lolo Dr. Manoj Pulicottil Elana Klein, PA Erick Araujo, PA

FAMILY MEDICINE

Dr. Michael Safran Dr. Jamie Giraldo

OB/GYN

Dr. Joel W. Allen Dr. Debra Kirschner Melissa A. Carco, PA Nancy Solomon, CNM

DENTAL

Dr. Genady Benyaminov Dr. Stacey Lubetsky Dr. Ramin Kashani Dr. Jacklyn Tadros Dr. Sarah Hanna Dr. David Horowitz

SPECIALTY Dr. Harry Baldinger - Podiatry Dr. Michael Ginsburg- Podiatry Dr. David Schwalb - Urology Dr. Renata Witkowska - Allergy Dr. Samuel Wong - Ophthalmology Dr. Alfred Hellreich - Dermatology Dr. Philip Fried - Dermatology Dr. Yoel Kantor - Endocrinology Hanna Raice MS, RD, CDENutrition Counseling Aaron Muller, Speech Therapy Melech Karp, Speech Therapy

schedule your appointment today: Monsey Family Medical Center 40 Robert Pitt Dr. Monsey, NY 10952

(845) 352-6800

Electronic medical records benefit monsey patients (cont. from page 1) the office or at the hospital can be immediately added to the record. These results can be graphed and viewed in a number of meaningful forms. Patients benefit from improved efficiencies and service as a result of the EMR. Prescriptions are electronically sent directly to pharmacies and are ready to be picked up after the office visit. Marked reductions in prescription errors and drug interactions have already been demonstrated in southeastern Michigan from the use of this technology. Patients may also be able to request referrals, prescriptions refills, and appointments through the Internet from their physicians’ offices. The electronic medical record has other features

that are of benefit to patients. Automatic reminders for a variety of preventive health measures are easily generated. These reminders can improve disease prevention and early diagnosis. The integration of laboratory and x-ray reports with other data in the EMR provides a more succinct and exact view of all of a patient’s medical information. No longer will the physician have to page through sheets of handwritten notes in a paper chart searching for information. Last week, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reported that the percentage of doctors adopting electronic health records has increased from 48 percent in 2009 to 72 percent in 2012.

HEALTH NEWS Plate over pyramid

The U.S. Department of AgricultureÕs ÒChoose MyPlate,Ó helps prompt consumers to think about what they eat.

Choose MyPlate

• Updates USDA food patterns for the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans • Features a plate icon (pictured) rather than familiar food pyramid; new icon designed to remind people to eat healthfully, but not provide specific dietary guidance

Recent USDA food pyramids

Featured six segments of food groups and suggested daily consumption

1992-2005

Featured color bands of different widths as a guide to food groups and proportions to be eaten

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, choosemyplate.gov

MONSEY FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER

Monsey Family Medical Center 40 Robert Pitt Dr. Monsey, NY 10952

Aspirin & Your Heart

spirin is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication. Aspirin was first isolated by Felix Hoffmann, a chemist with the German company Bayer in 1897.

Cholesterol: The Good, The Bad, and The Essential Is an aspirin a day for you? Despite its popularity, doctors don’t readily recommend aspirin to their patients or see aspirin as voluntary.

However the mounting Salicylic acid, the main body of research pointing metabolite of aspirin, is an to aspirin’s ability to prointegral part of human and tect against a host of diseases begs the question: animal metabolism. Should patients ask their Aspirin also has an anti- doctor about incorporating platelet effect by inhibiting an aspirin a day? the production of thromboxane, which under nor- Many doctors do suggest mal circumstances binds daily aspirin therapy to paplatelet molecules together tients who have had a heart to create a patch over dam- attack or stroke, or have aged walls of blood ves- a family history of colon cancer. sels. In addition to being ben- Dr. Arthur Landau an Ineficial for brain and colon ternist at Monsey Family health, aspirin is also good Medical Center suggests Asprin to patients who for your heart. have had a stent placed in According to the Mayo a coronary artery, or have Clinic, an aspirin a day ups had coronary bypass suryour heart health by inter- gery, or have chest pain fering with your blood's due to coronary artery disclotting action. When you ease (angina) bleed, cells in your blood called platelets build up at "If you are a man with the site of a cut or wound to diabetes older than 50 or a help form a plug that stops woman with diabetes older the bleeding. This clotting than 60, it is also higly sugcan also occur in the blood gested." notes, Dr. Landau. vessels that supply blood The typical dosage of aspito your heart, leading to a rin as a preventative is 75 blood clot that can block mg, fewer than a standard the artery or prevent proper baby aspirin. However, blood flow. While it doesn’t many doctors will precompletely prohibit clotting scribe 81 mg (the dose of a altogether, aspirin helps by typical baby aspirin) up to reducing platelets' ability to 325 mg, which is a regular clot. strength aspirin. schedule your There are downsides to appointment aspirin, including aspirin today: allergy that can trigger an asthma attack, bleeding stomach ulcers, and Monsey clotting disorders. Before Family Medical Center starting a daily aspirin 40 Robert Pitt Dr. regimen, it’s best to talk to your doctor about your Monsey, NY 10952 specific benefits and risks.

(845) 352-6800

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

Thomas Zugibe

Rockland County District Attorney

Best Wishes for a Happy Chanukah

Chinese student boom

The number of Chinese undergraduate students attending college in the United States has increased nearly sixfold since the 2000-01 school year.

Chinese students attending U.S. colleges

Undergraduates, by school year, scale in thousands 60

2010-11 56,976 590% increase since 2000-01

50 40 30 20 10

‫מענער און פרויען דענטיסטס‬

2000-01

2002-03

2004-05

Source: Institute of International Education Graphic: Chicago Tribune

2006-07

2008-09

Family Health Talk

‫רופא חולים‬

Ben Gilman

Spring Valley Family Medical Center 175 Route 59, Spring Valley NY 10977

MONSEY FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER

Monsey Family Medical Center 40 Robert Pitt Dr. Monsey, NY 10952

ADHD: a guide for Parents Reviewed by : Naomi Franklin LMSW

ttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the name of a group of behaviors found in many children and adults. People who have ADHD have trouble paying attention in school, at home or at work. They may be much more active and/ or impulsive than what is usual for their age. These behaviors contribute to significant problems in relationships, learning and behavior. For this reason, children who have ADHD are sometimes seen as being "difficult" or as having behavior problems. ADHD is more common in boys than in girls. You may be more familiar with the term attention deficit disorder (ADD). This disorder was renamed in 1994 by the American Psychiatric Association. The child with ADHD who is inattentive will have 6 or more of the following symptoms: -Has difficulty keeping attention with work or play activities at school and/or at home -Loses things needed for activities at school and/or at home -Appears not to listen -Doesn't pay close attention to details -Seems disorganized -Has trouble with tasks that require planning ahead -Forgets things -Is easily distracted The child with ADHD who is hyperactive/impulsive will have at least 6 of the following symptoms: -Fidgety -Runs or climbs inappropriately -Can't play quietly -Blurts out answers -Can't stay in seat -Talks too much -Is always on the go Children who have ADHD have symptoms for at least 6 months. Children who have ADHD do not produce enough chemicals in key areas in the brain that are responsible for organizing

thought. Without enough of these chemicals, the organizing centers of the brain don't work well. This causes the symptoms in children who have ADHD. Research shows that ADHD is more common in children who have close relatives with the disorder. Recent research also links smoking and other substance abuse during pregnancy to ADHD. Exposure to environmental toxins, such as lead, can also be a factor. Things that don't cause ADHD: -Bad parenting (though a disorganized home life and school environment can make symptoms worse) -Too much sugar -Food allergies or other allergies -Lack of vitamins -Fluorescent lights A team effort, with parents, teachers and doctors working together, is the best way to help your child. Children who have ADHD may be difficult to parent. They may have trouble understanding directions, and their constant state of activity can be challenging for adults. Children who have ADHD also tend to need more structure and clearer expectations. You may need to change your home life a bit to help your child. Here are some things you can do to help: Make a schedule. Set specific times for waking up, eating, playing, doing homework, doing chores and going to bed. Post the schedule where your child will always see it. Reward good behavior. Congratulate your child when he or she completes each step of a task. Set a homework routine. Pick a regular place for doing homework, away from distractions such as other people. Break homework time into small parts and have breaks. Focus on effort, not grades. Reward your child when he or she tries to finish school work, not just for good grades. You can give extra rewards for earning better grades. Talk with your child's teachers. Find out how your child is doing at school--in class, at playtime, at lunchtime. Ask for daily or weekly progress notes from the teacher. To learn more you should consult a professional. Talk to a therapist at Project Ohr Department of Behavioral Health to learn about whether you need to make any changes to your children’s daily routine, or if therapy is an option.

PROJECT OHR Department of Behavioral Health

PSYCHIATRY Seymour Kushnir, MD ADULT PSYCHIATRY Zvi Weisstuch, MD ADULT and Child PSYCHIATRY

SOCIAL WORK

Individual, Couple Child & Family Therapy Malka Harris Susswein LCSW, Clinical Director Project Ohr, Individual and Family Therapist Gelly Asovski LCSW, Play Therapist Rabbi Aryeh Frankel LMSW, Family Therapist, males, teens and adults Sharon Kronenberg LCSW, Individual Therapist Adults Chana Simmonds LCSW, Family and Individual Therapist- Adults Gila Zelinger LCSW, Family and Individual Therapist, Teens and Adults Naomi Franklin LMSW, Child Therapist Yael Kahan LMSW, Family and Individual Therapist, Teens and Adults

Tips to help you prioritize and stop procrastinating

implementation intention is a planning strategy that helps automate a desired action. You plan out an if-then process, where you use a certain situation to lead to a desired response. Setting out in advance some specifics of when and where forms the "if-component" of the implementation intention, and the specifics of how forms the "then-component." In effect, you're the director in the play of your life, giving the cue to act a certain way.

Make specific, actionable plans. Make it easier for you to get to done by spending some time thinking about what that journey will look like. If I am reminded by my list to do some general task like "write blog post" instead of something specific like "research and brainstorm some ideas for blog post about to-do lists", I'll be much less likely to reach the intended goal.

Give yourself earlier deadlines. Studies found that even when earlier deadlines were self-imposed, students performed better than those who had later deadlines.

Tziporah Spira LMSW Family and Individual Therapist, Teens and Adults

Prioritize. Look at those 150 tasks you have to do and pick the most important, pressing or interesting ones to work on, big and small. It's easier to focus on 5 things and get them out of the way than running away from a towering mountain of DO THIS NOW!

Aviva Cohen LMSW, Therapist Pre-Teens, and Teens

At the same time, don't micromanage your tasks, or you'll feel locked in and unable to make adjustments and respond to things that come up. Use your dones as a reference to make better, more responsive plans. Use implementation intentions in your planning. An

Ease up and pat yourself on the back. Since our minds can get overloaded to the point of distraction, forgive yourself for not getting to 150 tasks. Be realistic about what you can do in a day.

Esther Rothbaum LMSW, Child Therapist Toby Spitzer LMSW, Individual and Family Therapist

Rabbi Moshe Abramczyk LMSW, Therapist, males, ages 12 and above

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

Jan/2/2013

sales

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

Andrew M. Cuomo Governor WISHES THE COMMUNITY A HAPPY chanukah

Wishing the Community A

Happy Chanukkah

Phil Soskin

Rockland County Legislator happy chanukah

Yitzy Ulman Councilman, Town of Ramapo

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

We’re #1

in Childhood Immunizations.

onsey Family Medical Center, part of Community Medical & Dental Care, Inc. scored the highest ratings for several benchmarks in quality health care. We scored # 1 in the region in Childhood Immunizations. health Center: Community Medical and Dental Care, Inc. Hudson River HealthCare Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center Open Door Family Medical Center Inc. Refuah Health Center New York State health centers (AVG.)

City Spring Monsey / Valley Peekskill Mount Vernon Ossining New Square (all)

Diabetes control 94.29% 72.26% 71.43% 80.05% 64.29% 73.60%

hypertension low birth Childhood Cervical cancer control weight immunization screening 90.00% 2.96% 88.57% 97.14% 60.49% 6.71% 81.43% 41.87% 70.00% 4.68% 85.71% 60.00% 67.65% 2.68% 86.18% 69.50% 75.71% 4.83% 10.71% 47.14% 64.40% 7.18% 70.10% 61.60% Source: U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

‫תשע״ג‬

Join us! at the agudah Convention

deCeMBer 27-30, 2012

!ubjbt ubhjt hrnua

d’’ga, ,cy z’’h - s’’h hjhu ,arp ,ca

our reSPonSiBilitieS to one another in tiMeS oF Challenge

hilton eaSt BrunSwiCK

Motzoei ShaBBoS

NA TI

Convention Chairman Rabbi Menachem Lubinsky

thurSdaY evening 7:30 PM Plenary Session

on the theMe rabbi Yitzchok Scheiner

Rosh HaYeshiva, Kaminetz, Yerushalayim

rabbi uren reich

Rosh HaYeshiva, Woodlake Village

A L CONVENT

FridaY night

9:30 aM Shiur for women

Plenary Session

rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi

International Lecturer

10:15 aM Concurrent Sessions

1. wreStling with worKPlaCe dileMMaS: ethiCal and halaChiC ChallengeS in the oFFiCe, on the JoB

rabbi Yaakov Bender

rabbi Yosef viener

Rosh HaYeshiva, Darchei Torah

Rav, Congregation Shaar HaShomayim, Monsey

Chairman: rabbi Chaim dovid zwiebel

Yosef aszknazy

President, Cortland Insurance

Executive Vice President, Agudath Israel of America

Binyomin Berger

CPA Bernath & Rosenberg

thurSdaY night 10:15 PM late night Sessions

1. Lo SaSuru: CoMBating the ConteMPorarY aSSault on our MindS and SoulS

Mendy Kaplowitz

Founder, Daf Yomi Sugyos, Flatbush

Jacob Schlanger

rabbi ariel Shoshan

Co-Director, Technology Awareness Group

Rav, Congregation Ahavas Torah Scottsdale, Arizona

Yaakov nadel

Mordechai Fried

Director and Founder, Guard Your Eyes

Founder, Yagdil Torah, Belz

3. Metzizah B’Peh ControverSY: iSolated Challenge or Part oF a larger PiCture? daniel Berman, M.d.

rabbi Yisroel reisman

eytan Kobre

Rav, Agudath Israel of Madison

Editor U.S. Desk, Mishpacha Magazine Managing Editor, Dialogue Magazine

rabbi Meir levy

Noted Shadchan, Lakewood

Friday Morning rabbi Baruch Mordechai ezrachi Rosh HaYeshiva, Ateres Yisroel, Yerushalayim

Motzoei Shabbos rabbi Shlomo gottesman Editor, Yeshurun

Sunday Morning rabbi Yehoshua eichenstein Rosh HaYeshiva, Yad Aaron, Israel

rabbi Yehudah Yonah (Y.Y.) rubinstein Education Director, Ohr Naava Senior Lecturer, Gateways

Sheves achim rabbi doniel alter

Yerachmiel Simins, Esq.

rabbi aaron david dunner rabbi uren reich

Rosh HaYeshiva, Woodlake Village

Moshe hillel drew

Ya r C h e i Kallah

Menahel Ruchani, Bais Rochel, Monsey

Dayan, Hisachdus Hakehillos, London

Managing Director, Standard and Poor’s Corporation

Moshe Pogrow

rabbi Pinchos Jung

2. CarPe SiYuM: CeleBration aS CatalYSt For Further torah StudY

rabbi aharon Feldman

NASI Project

rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky

Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Gedolah Philadelphia

Rosh Kollel, Kollel Ari Shebi’chabura, Yerushalayim

Internal Medicine

for women: the Battle oF the BullY:

haraSSMent on the PlaYground, in the worKPlaCe and BeYond

leil Shabbos with the Maggid rabbi Paysach Krohn

Author, The Maggid Series

ShaBBoS daY draSha rabbi Baruch Mordechai ezrachi

Rosh HaYeshiva, Ateres Yisroel, Yerushalayim

aFternoon Shiur rabbi Chaim Yehuda Pollak

Rosh Kollel, Kollel of Willowbrook, Staten Island

ShaloSh SeudoS men, Yiddish: rabbi Yosef Frankel

Mrs. Yael Kaisman

Vyelopoler Rebbe

dr. tzipora Koslowitz

Clinical Child Psychologist

Rosh HaYeshiva, Bais Medrash Govoha, Lakewood

dr. Yitzchok Shindler Psy.d

men, english:

Mechaneches, Bruriah, Elizabeth

Clinical Psychologist

Mrs. Shoshana Bernstein

Writer & Educator

KaBBaloS ShaBBoS draSha rabbi Yisroel Belsky

Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Torah Vodaath

for women: rabbi david ozeirey

8:30 P.M. agudath israel Centennial Banquet Melave Malka

eMBraCing eMunah in a MadhouSe oF KFirah

rabbi Yitzchok Kurtzer, M.d.

Rosh HaYeshiva, Ner Yisroel, Baltimore

2. u’LiShadEch habanoS: new StrategieS in the ShidduCh realM

FridaY Morning

rabbi Yaakov Perlow

Novominsker Rebbe, Rosh Agudas Yisroel

rabbi dovid Schustal

rabbi Moshe Brown

rabbi avrohom Chaim levin Rosh HaYeshiva, Telshe Yeshiva, Chicago

rabbi Yosef harari-raful Rosh HaYeshiva, Ateret Torah

rabbi doniel alter

Rosh Kollel, Kollel Ari Shebi’chabura, Yerushalayim

rabbi aaron david dunner Dayan, Hisachdus Hakehillos, London

nathan lewin, Esq. Lewin & Lewin, LLP

audio-viSual PreMiere: the heritage oF KattowiCe Chairman:

Yechiel Benzion Fishoff

Chairman Emeritus Board of Trustees

SundaY Morning 10:15 aM

rePort FroM eretz YiSroel rabbi avrohom Yosef leizerson

Director, Chinuch Atzmai

10:30 aM Plenary Session

“vrmc hfbt ung”: helPing JewS in tiMeS oF need Chaskel Bennett

Member, Board of Trustees, Agudath Israel of America

rabbi Yehiel Kalish

National Director of Government Affairs, Agudath Israel of America

william rapfogel

Executive Director and CEO, Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty

Mordechai (Ben-david) werdyger

Seagate

11:45 aM Plenary Session

rabbi Yehoshua eichenstein

Vihayu LibaSar Echod: Can we Better PrePare our Children For Married liFe?

rabbi Moshe tuvia lieff

Rav, Congregation Yeshurun, Chicago

Rav, Agudath Israel of West Lawrence Rosh HaYeshiva, Yad Aaron, Israel

Rav, Agudath Israel Bais Binyomin

women: rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi

International Lecturer

Rav, Congregation Yad Yosef

rabbi zev Cohen

rabbi Meir grunbaum

Menahel, Mercaz Halichos L’Halachos HaBayis, Bais Medrash Govoha

rabbi david ozeirey

Rav, Congregation Yad Yosef

Make Your Reservations Now! Call todaY to reServe Your rooM: 212.797.7380 or eMail Convention@agudathiSrael.org

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

Sandy-Hit Shul Menorah Heading for White House A menorah from a Long Island temple that sustained heavy flooding in Superstorm Sandy is heading to the White House. The 90-year-old menorah survived the surge that submerged Temple Israel’s library and chapel in Long Beach. Rabbi David Bauman said the White House was seeking a menorah that survived the storm for its annual Chanukkah party on Thursday. Bauman said he was “overwhelmed and humbled.” The synagogue, built in the 1920,

was flooded with 10 feet of water. Bauman said the synagogue’s library containing classic Jewish literature was submerged. Six Torah scrolls, prayer books and prayer shawls also were destroyed.

New York Life Expectancy Rises to Record 81 Years The average life in the nation’s biggest city may be hectic, but it’s long. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Tuesday that life expectancy has hit a record high: 80.9 years for a baby born in the city in 2010. The national average is 78.7 years. The city’s life expectancy number has grown by three years since

2001, nearly twice the nationwide rise. Bloomberg credits factors including anti-smoking efforts, expanded HIV testing and anti-obesity programs. Those include requiring chain restaurants to post calorie counts on menus. Meanwhile, the city’s infant mortality rate hit an all-time low of 4.7 deaths per 1,000 live births last year. It has decreased 23 percent since 2001.

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

Ramapo Lighting and Electric Your Electric Supplier Since 1998

Monday-Thursday: 7:30am-5:00 845-425-7750 Friday: 7:30am-3:00 32 South Central Avenue Sunday:8:30-12:30 Spring Valley, NY 10977 Professional Staff, Free Delivery, All Commercial Fixtures,Landscape Lighting, Wiring, Dimmers, Switch Plates, all Types of Switches and Plugs, Breakers, Panels and all Other Electrical and Commercial Needs.

Lighting By Fran Monday &Wednesday- 10:30-7:00 Tuesday & Thursday-10:30-5:30 Friday: 10:30-3:00 Sunday: 11:00-5:00

845-425-9070 26 S. Central Ave. Spring Valley, NY 10977

We are distributors of all major companies including: American Brass & Crystal, Schonbek, Murray Feiss, Corbett, Kichler, Troy and many more. Please call for more info.

We also carry a large line of mirrors and accent furniture In home shopping available.

Bulb Depot USA 845-425-7750

32 S. Central Avenue, Spring Valley, NY 10977

We carry all kinds of regular and specialty bulbs including Halogen, Led, Induction Bulbs, HPS Bulbs plus many more. Shomer Shabbos

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

Educational Insights

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

Rejection Can Be a Good Thing

© 2012 All rights reserved. Permission to print granted to The Advocate The issue: This title carries an odd message, don’t ‘ya think? How on earth can rejection be good? Well, it’s not that rejection is itself good, but it can sprout positive byproducts. Let us explain. When a person experiences social rejection, what does he do? For one thing, he withdraws and turns inward. People don’t want him around. So, then if he turns inward, does anything come outward from him? Does the rejected person remain inward, or does he transform in some way? Contrary to what some of us might imagine, it seems that some people who experience social rejection come outward in creative ways. They may even do creative things that we didn’t expect from them. Very interesting. The wow factor: Dr. Sharon Kim is an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School in Baltimore. She recently completed an award-winning study on the topic of social rejection and creativity, analyzing the workings behind the phenomenon of people demonstrating creativity after being socially rejected. She and her team believe that some people have independent self-concepts, which are not damaged by social rejection. Even though social rejection does take its toll, the independent self-concepts continue to

function. Yes, these people may be socially rejected by others, but that does not destroy their self-worth. Rather than collapse, these folks become energized to pursue their creative ambitions. We picture this as someone who gets rejected by others and then says to himself, “Thank goodness they are out of my way. I don’t have to worry about pleasing society. Now I can have fun my way and do what I like to do.” That is very much how Kim et al. also view it. Our take on the issue: This reenergization seems like a release that frees the individual to be himself. And that’s the point. Prior to the bout of social rejection, our friend was probably acting responsibly within society by trying to live up to the standards of those around him, but that fit like an uncomfortable pair of shoes. In a way, social rejection replaced the painful shoes with comfy slippers. What does this have to do with education? It’s quite simple. There are a couple of lessons here for us adults to learn. The first lesson is that what you see is not always what you get. How many of us would ever imagine that behind the figure of a socially awkward child stands a creative mind or pair of hands? By the way, no one said that this applies to all children, meaning that not all socially rejected children are creative individuals. Our responsibility is to bear in mind that some are.

Behind the figure of a socially awkward child stands a creative mind. The second important lesson is that we should avoid stifling children’s creativity. At the same time that we encourage and teach children to be socially involved and appropriate, we need to provide opportunities for their creative sides. From Kim’s study, we realize that we may need to provide private opportunities for creative activities because the unencumbered private self is what comfortably hosts creativity for these guys. Our professional advice: From all of the above, we should be sure to take at least one main point to heart, and it has nothing to do with social rejection. People bring out their best, and in the Johns Hopkins study that was creativity, at times or in circumstances that may elude us. As educators this leads to our need to identify the premium environment for children to bring out their best. In other words, if a child thrives when he is by himself, give him opportunities to work solo, so that he can work most comfortably and therefore productively. Some people study best when they are holed up in a closet with no interference from others. Others don’t; they thrive on the opposite. To each his own, but we have to determine each child’s “own.” What we also see is how elusive that premium learning situation may be. In the above-mentioned study we saw that creativity was hiding under a very

unsuspecting rock. The only thing that social rejection really did was to trigger a comfortable opportunity for creativity, something that may have been lacking otherwise. Unfortunately, there seems to be no easy test that is able to identify each child’s preference. It’s mostly a matter of trial and error. Realize that Sharon Kim and her team pretty much happened upon their interesting discovery. Nevertheless, when we see our children performing at what appears to be below their potential, we should try various approaches and environments to trigger their strengths. The bottom line: This is another great opportunity for us to campaign in behalf of individualized education. We all have our strengths, weaknesses, and preferences that shine at different times. No two of us are identical. Our responsibility as parents and educators is to help children identify and realize their potential via their strengths and preferences. Sometimes that takes digging, probing, and hard work on our part. That’s okay. It’s what we should all love to do because we will be “helping children to help themselves.” Eliezer and Miryam Vilinsky are educational consultants in private practice. They provide direct instruction to students, conduct teachertraining seminars and consult with schools and families worldwide. They can be reached at Educational Support Services at 426-3673 and at www.TReaching.com. The weekly edition

of Educational Insights is available via subscription. Please call for details.

Monsey Family Medical Center Department of Speech Therapy M r. Aaro n M u l l e r M S c c c - S L P • M r. M e l e c h K a r p M S c c c - S L P

ALL DISORDERS TREATED INCLUDING:

WE SERVICE CLIENTS WITH: • Receptive and Expressive Language Disorders • Fluency and Voice Disorders • Pragmatic Issues • Oral Motor, Articulation and Phonological Disorders

For info & appointments:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Chronic Hoarseness Vocal Fatigue nasality resonance disorders Articulation oromotor stuttering Cognitive reading Hearing Loss Apraxia Head Trauma parkinsons dysarthria

845-352-6800x 6824 40 Robert Pitt Dr. Monsey, NY 10952

nov/12

Eliezer Vilinsky, M.A. Miryam Vilinsky, M.Ed. EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬ FORECLOSURE COUNSELING Programmable Thermostats for Consumers-Did You Know? 17

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

RCDC Housing, Inc.

The average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills - nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.

We have a certified foreclosure counselor on staff who can assist you Call us for more information

A programmable thermostat helps make it easy for you to save by offering four pre-programmed settings to regulate your home's temperature in both summer and winter - when you are home, asleep, or away. The pre-programmed settings that come with programmable thermostats are intended to deliver savings without sacrificing comfort. Depending on your family's schedule, you can see significant savings by sticking with those settings or adjust them as appropriate for your family. The key is to establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you don't need as much.

would like to help you...

(845) 352-1400 ext. 3243 RCDC HOUSING DEPARTMENT

The following information is provided to the community by the RCDC Housing Department as a public service

Heating & Cooling Maintenance

Heating & Cooling

Your home’s heating and cooling system should give you many years of service with proper maintenance. Preventive maintenance will lower your energy costs, prevent costly repairs and prolong the life of your system. Regular maintenance will ensure that your system is ready to heat and cool your home when needed. Remember that your home’s system must be maintained regularly. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance specifications . Professional Maintenance Most heating and cooling systems should be serviced once a year by a professional heating or cooling contractor. The professional contractor has the tools, instruments and training necessary to maintain your system for dependable, trouble-free operation. The contractor should inspect your system, complete necessary maintenance tasks and adjust the entire system for optimal performance. The contractor that installed your system or your local oil or gas distributor should be qualified to maintain your system. You also can look for heating and cooling contractors in the yellow pages of your local telephone book. You may want to consider purchasing a service contract for your system. Once you find a good contractor, reward the contractor’s service by your continued patronage. Thermostats Thermostats signal a demand for heat at preset minimum temperatures. It is this signal that controls the rest of the heating system. When the air reaches the desired temperature, the thermostat turns the heating system off. Thermostats control cooling systems in the same manner at preset maximum temperatures. Clock thermostats and multiple-setback thermostats can be adjusted to maintain different temperatures at different times of the day to conserve energy. You can set the units for lower temperatures during the work day if the house is empty and at night when you sleep. Maintenance Thermostats should be cleaned and, if necessary, adjusted once a year. Dust between contact points and improper alignment can affect a thermostat’s operation. Your heating and cooling contractor should inspect all thermostats during the annual service call. If you prefer, you can maintain the thermostats yourself. This annual maintenance should include the following: 1. Dust. Remove the thermostat’s cover and dust the inside surfaces and any metal coil with a soft brush.

2. Contact Points. Clean metal contact points by working a piece of heavy bond paper or thin card stock between the contact points and blowing the contacts clean. 3. Liquid Mercury Contacts. The previous step is not necessary if the unit has a liquid mercury contact enclosed in an airtight glass tube instead of contact points. 4. Switch Contacts. Clean any metal switch contacts along the top or edges of the unit with a cotton swab moistened with alcohol. 5. Alignment. Check alignment with a level and adjust as necessary. 6. Calibration. Check temperature readings for accuracy and adjust as necessary. Forced Air Heat Forced air heating systems warm many modern homes. First a furnace or electric heat pump heats cool air. A blower then forces the heated air throughout your home. The heated air travels through ducts and registers into your home’s living areas. Next cool air returns to the furnace by a separate register and duct known as the cold air return. Finally, the furnace heats the returning cool air and the cycle begins again. Your forced air heating system requires comprehensive annual maintenance by a professional heating contractor at the beginning of each heating season. In addition, you should follow the simple maintenance suggestions discussed below to keep your system operating at peak performance. Air Filters Dirty air filters restrict airflow and reduce the heating system’s efficiency. Inspect your air filters once a month when the system is in use for heating or cooling. Clean or replace dirty air filters as necessary. The first step in inspecting your air filters is to locate and remove the metal panel covering the filter or filters. The cover panel should be located near the heating system’s blower. Next, slide out the filters. Clean or replace the filters with new filters of the same size. Slide the new filters into position according to the air-flow directions on the filter. Finally, replace the cover panel. Regular inspection, cleaning and replacement of your furnace filters will reduce your heating bills and prolong the life of your heating unit.

Is your home drafty? Is it cold in your home during the winter? Are your heating bills high? If you answered YES to any of these questions then give us a call to find out if you are eligible for the New York State WEATHERIZATION Program Weatherization is a New York State funded program open to income eligible homeowners and renters. If eligible, you would receive a home energy audit to determine how your home’s efficiency could be improved. We replace windows and doors, insulate attics and walls (all determined at your audit) as well as do overall measures to better airseal your home. Weatherization works! Call today for an application.

RCDC Housing, Inc. at 845-352-1400 ext. 3240 Extended Deadline for FEMA Disaster Assistance Thirteen counties declared disaster areas after Hurricane Sandy will be allowed to apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through January 28, 2013 as opposed to the previous deadline of December 31, 2012. Assistance may come in the form of money to help with rent, home repairs, property loss, or other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. The counties that have been granted this extension are: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Rockland, Westchester, Suffolk, Queens, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster. The website for registering is www.disasterassisstance.gov.

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

Beautiful modest exercise and swimwear is now available in diﬀerent styles, colors and sizes.

Ideal for swimming, water sports, hiking, biking and all outdoor activities. Shorten the packing listwear it from your room to the lobby to the pool to the gym without having to change once!

For further information call Naomi at 845-642-8651 Healthy Living

A healthy herb

The flavorful leaves and seeds of cilantro, also known as coriander, are used by cooks around the world and have many health benefits.

Treatment for many ills

• Contains the chemical compound dodecenal, effective in killing the salmonella bacteria

• Many Europeans call it an “anti-diabetic”; studies show that it stimulates insulin secretion, lowers blood sugar in diabetic mice

• Long used in Indian medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis • U.S. researchers are studying its use as a cholesterol-lowering agent

Source: World’s Healthiest Foods, Natural News.com, MCT Photo Service

NelsoN Metals - DaviD Metals Scrap Metal recycling SpecialiStS

$ CASH PAID $

25 W. Washington Ave. Pearl River, NY

845-735-7 7 72

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

How to avoid BPA

What to look for

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in plastics used to package food, may be linked to birth defects, reproductive problems, heart disease, breast cancer.

Potentially harmful

OTHER

• Container bottoms marked with 7* or 3 may contain PBA

*New bio-based or combination plastics also marked with numeral 7

• Mimics the hormone estrogen • Found in the urine of 93 percent of the population over age 6; suggests constant exposure to BPA

• BPA can leach into food or beverage if plastic container is heated

Products, purpose of BPA

Safer alternatives

Baby bottles Makes bottle transparent

• Use glass bottles or plastic bag inserts • BPA-free bottles available

Nondisposable water bottles Makes bottle shatterproof

• Do not wash in dishwasher • Use stainless steel or BPA-free plastic bottles

Canned food lining Prevents corrosion, food contamination

• Choose food packaged in cardboard cartons • Eat fresh produce

Dental sealant, composite Resin contains BPAbased materials

• Amalgam filling; contains 50 percent mercury • Consult dentist to limit risk

• BPA also found in plastic eyeglass lenses, coatings on cash register receipts, CDs, paints, medical equipment, toys

Legally Speaking So many courts, such little time! Ryan Scott Karben, Esq.

The attorney-client relationship can be fruitful and productive or tense and strained. Fortunately, some mandatory procedures and common sense can bring peace of mind to both client and attorney. Most individuals who seek our legal assistance are confronted with a problem-whether it's an unanticipated lawsuit, a family tragedy, an arrest or a business idea. Few people show up at a law office anxious to part with a fortune. Price, however, is just one criteria to look for in selecting an attorney. Shopping for quality legal advice is not buying soap and the attorney's rates should be one of a number factors you evaluate in selecting your counsel. Pursuant to state rules government the legal profession, a written retainer agreement is required for any representation in which the fees paid will exceed $3000. A written retainer agreement should clearly state how the lawyer's fee is calculated (whether it is a flat fee or an hourly fee), what the minimum deposit it, when bills are generated, what work you will be billed for and what expenses you will need to cover. The retainer should also clearly state how many days you have to pay your bill and any interest charges for late payments. Most retainer agreements provide that in the event you do not pay your bill, the law firm can cease work on your account. In the event you and your attorney have a dispute over the bill, the Rockland County Bar Association has a committee to assist with fee disputes.

Quality legal advice can be costly. At the beginning of your engagement of an attorney, clearly outline any financial concerns and ask the attorney for guidance on what you can expect your entire case to cost. An honest discussion at the beginning of a representation will save aggravation for both attorney and client later on. It is important for clients to understand many legal matters are far more complex than the client may initially realize. Open communication is the best way to prevent problems. Lawyers are also supposed to provide client's with a list of "Client Rights and Responsibilities." This document, drafted by the court system, explains your attorney's obligation, your obligations as a client and other parameters of the attorney-client relationship. In the event you believe an attorney has violated his responsibilities to you, you can file a complaint with the Grievance Committee. While the overwhelming majority of complaints are dismissed and the committee does generally involve itself in fee disputes, you should press forward with a Complaint if you believe your attorney has acted in a fashion contrary to his or her obligation to zealously represent your interests. Contrary to the belief of some, attorneys are not obligated to provide anyone with a free consultation. Though some lawyers will offer a free consultation, never show up at a lawyer's office expecting to get advice free of charge. Always inquire in advance if there will be a fee for your meeting. You can contact Ryan Karben at Ryan@ryankarben.com or 914-536-4402

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

Greenfield To State: Don't Jail Drivers Over Unpaid Traffic Summonses Councilman David G. Greenfield introduced a resolution in the City Council this week calling on the state legislature to no longer incarcerate drivers for not responding to traffic summonses such as tickets for moving violations. Under Councilman Greenfield’s proposal, drivers whose license was suspended solely due to failing to pay traffic summonses would face a fine, instead of the threat of jail time. Currently, a motorist who fails to pay a ticket for a moving violation faces the same type of criminal penalty as someone who commits serious crimes against society. Many New Yorkers innocently forget to respond to a summons because they have moved or simply don’t realize that their license will be suspended and they may be jailed if found driving as a result. Councilman Greenfield introduced this resolution at Monday’s Stated Council meeting to bring the punishment in line with the actual offense after several constituents informed him they were jailed after having simply forgotten to pay a traffic ticket. In one case, a former city resident who had since moved abroad was pulled over by police while visiting Brooklyn for a family wedding. Because he had forgotten to respond to a nearly two-decade-old traffic ticket before moving, his license was suspended. As a result, when he was pulled over for a minor traf-

fic infraction, the man was detained, handcuffed, arrested and spent the time that he should have been at the wedding in a prison holding cell. “It struck me as a little extreme to drag someone from their car in handcuffs for what could easily have been a simple mistake like forgetting to respond to a ticket. I have heard of outrageous cases like parents being handcuffed and hauled off to a prison cell in front of their small children all because they forgot to respond to a ticket. Drivers should obey all traffic laws and pay when issued a ticket, but we must also recognize that forgetting to respond is not a criminal act,” said Councilman Greenfield. In addition to individuals who honestly forgot to pay their ticket or were visiting at the time, Councilman Greenfield has heard from constituents who were incorrectly detained due to a simple paperwork mistake. The resolution introduced at yesterday’s Stated Council meeting recognizes that individuals who have their license suspended due to a serious violation such as driving while intoxicated should not be on the road and should be arrested. However, it seeks to draw a distinction between those who commit criminal acts that threaten public safety with those who simply did not pay less serious traffic summonses.

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

rcdc

WOMEN’S SENIOR GROUP MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 12:30PM- 3:00PM

nutritious lunch served, stimulating program, & musical entertainment, frEE transportation

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 845.352.1400 x 3245 A PROJECT OF OFA OF ROCKLAND COUNTY

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

ta k e m y c a r d get your business card noticed by over 20,000 potential clients. Advertise with the Advocate. e-mail: Sales@AdvocateNews.org

WE TRANSLATE DOCUMENTS IN OVER 70 LANGUAGES! Birth Certificates Marriage Certificates Divorce Certificates

Death Certificates Diplomas and Transcripts Contracts and more

Fast, Accurate, Dependable, Reasonably Priced!

CALL 917-664-1817 or 1818 or e-mail gluukkonen@yahoo.com CORPORATE LANGUAGE CONSULTANTS

Commercial Industrial • Residential

Professional service & quality. That’s all you get. Free Estimates • Fully licensed & Insured

We start with design • Continue with quality • End with satisfaction!

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES Educational Consultants

• in-school support • • comprehensive educational evaluations • • individualized instruction • " helping children to help themselves " Eliezer Vilinsky, M.A. Miryam Vilinsky, M.Ed.

(845) 426-3673 www.TReaching.com

Reliable Brokerage Insurance *******************

Henry Kellner 845-783-6286

Hon. Alfred J. Weiner (Ret.) Attorney At Law/Mediator Former

Supreme Court Justice/Surrogate Court Judge/Family Court Judge • • • •

Wills, Estates, and Surrogate litigation Divorce and Family Law Guardianship and Elder Law Real Estate

• • • •

Corporate General Business Medical Malpractice Personal Injury

210 Route 303 Valley Cottage 10989 Phone: 845 639 7800 Fax: 845 639 7850

E-mail: aweiner@mkbllp.com

Heimeshe Handyman Carpentry, Electrical repairs & troubleshooting, Plumbing repairs & troubleshooting, Sheetrock, Ceramic, Painting, Closets, Doors, Windows, Appliance Installations, Much More! 35 Years Experience—Shomer Shabbos

Complete Home Maintenance

No Job Too Small

Rons General

845-425-0639

Household Service

Macro Provider 25 South Main St. Spring Valley, NY

Business Plan & Grant Proposal writer Computer Repairs &WiFi Services Computer Lessons, Custom PC Network Surveillance camera services Business cards, Campaign posters, letter of all kinds

Call Now 845 202 2001 Satisfaction Guaranteed

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

CLASSIFIED ads

To place a classified ad for $10 please call 845.770.1950 • or E-mail Sales@advocateNews.org

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Medical Center Seeks to fill several positions

Long Friday Night? Uncomfortable Mattress?

Full time Pediatrician, Full time Internist, Part Time Allergist, Part Time Dermatologist & Part Time Nutritionist

Come See Us

Top Quality / Lowest Prices to fit your budget / Don’t Pay Store Prices!

FULL TIME – Medical Assistant, PART TIME – CALL ROOM RECEPTIONIST Yiddish or Spanish speaking VERY helpful Please call: 845-352-6800 x 6834, or send resume:

Shomer Shabbos—Heimishe Service

Email: RCHealthCenter@Gmail.com Fax: 845-425-1228

Available for Elder care, Childcare, Housekeeping.

Standard & Special Sizes , Custom Shapes, Conventional Beds, One sided & Two sided Mattresses, Pillow Tops, Memory/Latex, Foam, Adjustable Electric Beds, Custom Matts, Highrisers

Mattresses for: Home, Hotels & Motels, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Schools, Dorms, Camps, Bungalows

Live in or out. Excellent references available. Please call Maria at 914-648-5197

RG Bedding & Accessories

new farm ....community in ramapo looking for serious people with experience in farming or an interest in farming. please email editor@advocateNews.org call; 770-1950

can you write? writing intern positions

FOR COLLEGE CREDIT e-mail editor@advocatenews. org

CONDOS FOR RENT-SALE

MONSEY BLUEBERRY HILL 1 BR FROM 129K - 2 BR FROM 229K PREFERRED PROPERTIES

845.352.4440

N.Y. 845-425-6400, N.J. 201-645-1054

Graphic Design Professional graphics. Lowest rates.

845-202-0669 nnydesigns@gmail.com

land wanted

wimples, sewn and painted

please call 770- 1950 leave message

bring back the beautiful Ashkanazi tradition. 845.213.0273

what a cookie!

TAXI AVAILABLE

cookies for every occasion 845 659 3055

Cheapest In Town Mini Vans Available Pay after Shabbos or Yom Tov 24 hour service Local or Long Distance 425-4411

can you sell? sales ad agents positions available e-mail editor@advocatenews.org call 845 770 1950

la familia taxi

CONDOS FOR RENT

help wanted

MONSEY BLUEBERRY HILL Apartments for rent

selling ads for newspaper • flexible hours • good pay • should have experience e-mail: ads@advocatenews.org

1 Bedroom from $1,140 2 Bedrooms from $1,620 3 Bedrooms from $2,015

NOT TO BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER

CALL BLUEBERRY HILL 845.352.4440

To place a classified ad please call 845.770.1950 or E-mail Sales@advocateNews.org or FAX 845-746-2203

THE ADVOCATE December 13, 2012

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט מקץ‬

hanukkah specials

2012 RAv - 4wD

2013 SIENNA

as low as $149.00 mo

as low as $249.00 mo

2013 hIghlANDER

2012 CAMRy

as low as $279.00 mo

as low as $199.00 mo

lEASE INCluDES fREE 2 yR, 25k MIlE REQuIRED SERvICE

T R I-ST A TE LEASING 845-729-9171

pmaloney@interstatetoyotascion.com OFFER EXPIRES DECEMBER 16TH