Advocate News May 9

Vol. 28 No. 19•

Rockland’s Independent Jewish Community Newspaper Since 1985

• 29 Iyar 5773

• May 9 2013

free weekly

carlucci, IDC crack down on corruption Senator Carlucci: "It's time to give the residents a voice and a venue to say, 'Enough is enough'."

A. Moeller

Monsey

845-444-2453

new

TOR

bus loop

see

page 4

Senator David Carlucci with Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, IDC Coalition Leader. The IDC held a public hearing on political reforms Wednesday in Valley Cottage

8th candidate enters spring valley race Calherbe Monel is running for Mayor of Spring Valley Civic Leader, Political Activist, Humanitarian and Entrepreneur, Calherbe Monel, has officially announced his candidacy for the mayoral seat in the Village of Spring Valley.

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‫במדבר‬

Monel, became a resident of the village twenty two years ago and almost immediately became part of the unique social and political fabric of the community. At the very heart of every activity was his desire to assist his fellow compatriots and the community at large.

Upon graduating from Ramapo High school 1994, he was hired as a Program Administrator and Counselor for “Man to Man,” a state program funded through the Department of Social Services. He was also appointed to the Spring Valley

9:16

7:45

Last week, the IDC held its first public hearing on broad Albany reform, in which party officials and good government advocates spoke on a host of issues that included public financing of state elections and eliminating the controversial Wilson-Pakula law.

Rockland residents and Government groups discussed a number of reforms that may help in the State’s ongoing probe into corruption. Among the ideas proposed were, campaign contribution limits, and greater transparency among donations.

Carlucci and members of the Independent Democratic Conference, a group that jointly runs the Senate with the GOP said earlier this month that its former cont. Page 13

Monsey Family Medical Center highlights spring health concerns

Allergy, Cold, or Flu?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to pollen. Dr. Renata Witkowska the allergist at Monsey Family Medical Center notes that symptoms of Hay fever are seasonal. "This means you will feel worse when the pollens that affect you are at their highest levels." She explains that Hay fever is the most common form of allergy. It affects 1 in 5 people. You may have an allergy when your body overreacts to things. Your body's overreaction to the allergens is Youth Bureau and became ac- what causes symptoms. tive in the local chapter of the NAACP. "In general, if you want to know He received his Bachelor of the difference between an alScience degree in Organiza- lergy and a cold", explains Dr. tional Leadership and Manage- Witkowska, " Cold symptoms ment from Regent University. are milder and usually above He also attained a certificate the shoulders." A runny nose, sore throat and stuffy nose are cont. Page 18

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

In an effort to restore public trust, local politicians brought a forum to the people to solicit ideas on how to end the seemingly endless culture of corruption in Albany. Senator David Carlucci was joined by members of the Independent Democratic Conference for a public hearing in Rockland County dedicated to reforming the state's antiquated campaign finance system.

In addition to hearing testimony delivered from the State's foremost experts on election law and ethics reform, the hearing provided a venue for local Rockland residents to offer their own suggestions and input on how to restore trust in our electoral and political process.

the most common symptoms.

Aches and pains and a cough can also be present. The flu is all over – The flu is more severe and includes a fever, body aches, headaches, fatigue and, sometimes a cough. Less common but still possible with the flu are sneezing, sore throat and stuffy nose.

Allergies are in the nose – Allergies are in the nose with nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and clear nasal drainage.

Fatigue is another common symptom. Often there will be severe itching in the nose, eyes and throat. All of these symptoms come and go with the allergy counts and of course and person’s individual allergies.

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of your allergies. cont on

health news see page 8

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THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

as we go to press Black Voter Turnout Passes Whites In 2012 Election, A First In Census History Making history, America's blacks voted at higher rates than whites in 2012, lifting Democrat Barack Obama to victory amid voter apathy, particularly among young people, new census data show. Despite increasing population, the number of white voters declined for the first time since 1996.

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

Publisher's Desk A Weekly Editorial By:

S

Mendel Hoffman

enator Carlucci and Senator Klein opened up the floor to Rockland residents Wednesday. They understand that our community deserves answers and solutions to the public corruption issues. The IDC is working together with the Governor to clean up Albany.

Governor Andrew Cuomo was quick to react to the situation. He did it with gun-control, and now again with preventing public corruption The new bill he is proposing is essential to ensuring that Government works and can effectively keep the public's trust. In the last decade, there have been 35 arrests. It is just too easy to take bribes and this does not put the best interest of the constituents Blacks were the only race or ethnic group to show in mind. Hopefully this law will make it less enticing to accept a bribe. We support the Governor's and the Senators newest inian increase in voter turnout in November, most tiatives. This important legislation would create a new class of public corruption crimes and enhance New York prosecutors’ notably in the Midwest and Southeastern U.S., ability to crack down on public corruption across the state. the Census Bureau said Wednesday. The analysis, based on a sample survey of voters last year, is viewed as the best source of government data on turnout by race and ethnicity.

The Associated Press reported last week that black voter turnout surpassed whites for the first time, based on an analysis by experts of earlier data.

In all, about 66.2 percent of eligible black voters cast ballots in 2012, up from 64.7 percent in 2008, according to census data. That compares with non-Hispanic white turnout of 64.1 percent, which fell from 66.1 percent four years earlier. As recently as 1996, blacks had turnout rates 8 percentage points lower than non-Hispanic whites. "Obama's win in 2012, despite the important Democratic constituency of young voters not participating at a high level, is good news," said Michael McDonald, a George Mason University professor who specializes in voter turnout.

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

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Currently, the laws defining public corruption in New York are obsolete and far less effective than federal statutes for prosecuting individuals who commit public corruption crimes. The Public Trust Act is especially important to tax-payers who rely on the work and honesty of their elected officials. Elected officials need to be held to a higher standard.

letters to the editor Is there no such thing as pedestrian rights??

To the editor:

The downtown area of Monsey, New York is known in Rockland to have heavy traffic during the day. This can make everyday life intolerable it parts of the area due to the lack of necessary infrastructure in the village. There have been a few past requests and petitions sent to the Town Supervisor and Highway Department, but as of now, there has been no action.

One of the requests was to put a Silicone pedestrian crosswalk banner at Homestead Lane & Route 306. It would be less costly than traffic lights, and if that’s not viable then alternatively, at least they can install standard traffic lights with a pedestrian-signal.

Another proposal for the area which has included numerous resident-signatures was to put sidewalks on both sides of Saddle River Road, as it is now kind of an extension to Main Street.

After many complaints, residents have also expressed a wish for sidewalks and needed more stop signs in other parts of downtown Monsey as well,

such as on Maple Avenue (At Saddle River Rd), and sidewalks on streets connecting Main St to Saddle River Road.

One last request was also to put TOR bus shelters outside the former Pontiac dealership on Rt. 59, and the corner of Rt. 306- on both the westbound and eastbound sides of Route 59, as people complain that they have to sit on the sidewalk, or stand waiting because there is nowhere else to sit.

Monsey Resident, Name Withheld

The GOP is once again proposing legislation to undermine mothers and working families. But, that’s just what they are doing.

House Republicans are considering a bill to reduce overtime pay for hard-working Americans. Instead, employers will be encouraged to give workers “comp time” but will have control to say no when they are sick or need time off to care for loved ones.

And the money saved will go into a pot that the employer controls and gives back to those who have earned it only at the end of year – interest free.

This bill would have an outsized impact on women. Our families should not have to work more for less pay. If you agree, will you join Congresswoman Lowey in taking action today in our online petition drive?

Dear Editor, Bates Drive and Route 59 has become a very busy intersection. Has there been any talk of a traffic signal coming to that area?

This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. For years there have been many close calls with drivers and accidents as well.

Please find out if thiss can be improved.

Thanks Monsey Resident, Name Withheld

if you see something, say somthing

Dear Editor,

We are collecting signatures before Mother’s Day this weekend to show the GOP that we won’t stand for it. Add your name now to our petition and stand with working women and families. Increasing the struggles facing our families isn’t fair. Add your name to Nita's petition and tell the GOP that we will not let them cut our families’ paychecks.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Frost Finance Director Nita Lowey for Congress

‫פדיון שבויין‬ help

If any New Yorkers witness activities that seem suspicious or out of place, please report them to local law enforcement.

Pollard & Rubashkin.

In New York City, please call

contact the White House between 9am-5pm

1-888-NYC-SAFE (1-888-692-7233)

phone @ 202-456-1414 or fax @ 202-456-2461

Elsewhere in New York State, please call 1-866-SAFE-NYS (1-866-723-3697)

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

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THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

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‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

RCDC EMPLOYMENT Par nassah Project

This unique employment program will help pair employers with those seeking jobs in the area.

To get involved, list your job openings, or to learn more about the program; please email:

szema@RCDCinc.cm

or call 845-352-1400 "helping the community, one job at a time."

THE ADVOCATE 9, 12:55 2013PM TOR Loop 2 Ad-10 x 14_Layout May 1 4/22/13

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Page 1

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

# W TOR LOOP 2 E N Faster, Easier, Better

TOR LOOP #2 now travels in BOTH directions for quicker & more convenient bus trips.

Blueberry Hill Apts.

Calvert Drive

Local Streets

we’ll take you there

Hwy. 306

Maple Ave. Monsey Community Outreach Center

Atrium Plaza & Secora Rd.

Shopper's Haven

Town Square (Amazing Savings)

COUNTY OF ROCKLAND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION C. SCOTT VANDERHOEF, COUNTY EXECUTIVE

(845) 364-3333

www.rocklandbus.com

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‫‪5‬‬

‫‪THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013‬‬

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THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

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‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

national & international news updates Israel, Turkey Reach Draft Agreement To End Diplomatic Rift Israeli and Turkish officials reached a draft agreement to mend the three-year diplomatic crisis between the two countries, after a productive meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem on Monday.

Ankara broke off relations with Jerusalem in May 2010, after the IDF raided the Mavi Marmara ship as it attempted to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, killing nine Turkish activists on board.

“The two sides expect to come to an agreement in the near future,” said a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

“The meeting was conducted in a good and positive manner.

The delegations reached an agreed draft, but further clarifications are required on certain subjects,” the PMO said.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was in China when the meeting occurred.

National Security Advisor Yaakov Amidror along with Joseph Ciechanover from the Prime Minister’s Office led the Israeli delegation.

The Foreign Ministry staff was not present, even though the meeting was held in their building, according to a diplomatic source.

Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu, a former Turkish ambassador to Israel, led his country’s delegation.

It was the highest level Turkish delegation to visit Israel in the last three years.

Their meeting lasted more than eight hours. It following an initial day-long meeting between the two delegations in Ankara in April.

That Turkish delegation was led by Deputy PM Bulent Arinc.

Israelis left Ankara hopeful progress had been made, and were even more optimistic on Monday.

White House: Assad Likely Behind Chemical Arms Use

Archeological Dig In Jerusalem Produces 2000 Year-Old Items

The White House says it's highly likely that Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime, not the rebel opposition, was behind any chemical weapons use in Syria.

he Israeli Antiques Authority has announced that archeologists working on a dig in the neighborhood of Ramat Shlomo in Jerusalem have unearthed an ancient stone quarry containing items dating back some 2,000 years.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says there is certainly evidence that chemical weapons have been used. But Carney says the U.S. is highly skeptical of claims that rebels put them in play.

Earlier Monday, a member of a U.N. panel investigating in Syria said there were indications that rebel forces had used the nerve agent sarin.

Carney says the U.S. is still looking for conclusive evidence about chemical weapons use.

He says there's no timeline for the investigation.

Secretary of State John Kerry was leaving for Moscow on Monday to discuss the situation in Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The TIMES OF ISRAEL reports that included in the findings are a three-toothed iron key and masonry tools such as pickaxes and metal wedges

that were instrumental in removing specially cut rocks from the quarry, which experts estimate would have been providing resources during the period of the Second Temple.

Excavation director Irina Zilberbod said her assumption is that the key must have fallen out of pocket of one of the "quarrymen" and left behind.

The project is classified as a "salvage dig" aimed at freeing up space for new road construction.

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Former Supreme Court Justice/Surrogate Court Judge

• Wills • Estate Planning • Estate Administration • Surrogate Practice 210 Route 303 Valley Cottage 10989 Phone: 845 639 7800 Fax: 845 639 7850

E-mail: aweiner@mkbllp.com

Albany & washington news briefs Pentagon: Chinese Government Waging Cyberattacks The Pentagon for the first time is officially accusing the Chinese government and military with conducting computer-based attacks against the U.S., including efforts to steal information from federal agencies.

In a new report, the Defense Department goes a small step further than it has gone previously. It has said before that cyberattacks originated in China and that Beijing may be using civilian experts in clandestine computer operations against American companies. But over the past year some U.S. government officials and private cybersecurity experts have stepped up accusations that the Chinese government appears to be directly involved in those cyberattacks. In February, U.S.based cybersecurity firm, Mandiant, issued a report accusing a secret Chinese military unit in Shanghai of years of cyberattacks against more than 140 companies, most of them American.

Sen. Schumer Wants To Block 3D Plastic Guns New York Sen. Charles Schumer says the ability for making an untraceable and undetectable gun with a 3D printer is "stomach-churning."

The Senator on Sunday displayed a photo of a plastic gun made by a Texas company using the 3D printer technology.

He said the guns are capable of firing real bullets and pass unnoticed through metal detectors. Schumer said the technology means anyone "can open a gun factory in their garage." He said the company, Defense Distributed, last week announced it had successfully made the plastic gun using a 3D printer. The senator said the company plans to post blueprints for the weapon online this week.

Cuomo, Says Sampson Arrest Makes Case For AntiCorruption Plan While lawmakers may be balking at his anti-corruption proposals, Gov. Andrew Cuomo believes the latest case involving Sen. John Sampson only bolsters his argument for new ethics legislation that faces an uncertain fate in the Assembly and Senate. “It made a bad situation worse,” Cuomo said in a radio interview on The Capitol Pressroom. “In some ways provided more clarity and more certainty that this is the moment. This does give us a moment of reform, an opportunity.”

Cuomo had already been pushing a package of reform proposals in the wake of two back-to-back corruption scandals

almost exactly one month ago. The Democratic governor wants to create a system of public financing, strengthen anti-bribery laws and repeal the Wilson-Pakula waiver that allows party leaders to provide ballot access to non-members. Cuomo also wans to increase oversight of campaign finance regulations by creating a new counsel within the Board of Elections. But Cuomo has run into something of a wall on those provisions, with Senate Republicans opposing the public financing component and both Democrats and GOP lawmakers uneasy in ending Wilson-Pakula (Senate IDC Leader Jeff Klein and others back the repeal).

Background Checks Bill Would Get A 'Couple More Votes' Now: Harry Reid Senate Democrats believe that they have several new votes in favor of a bill that would expand background checks for gun buyers, after weeks in which those who opposed the legislation faced strong political backlash at home.

The additional votes would still put the bill, a bipartisan compromise sponsored by Sens.

Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Pat Toomey (RPa.), shy of the 60 necessary for passage.

And tellingly, no one boasting of growing support would reveal the names of those lawmakers ready to flip.

But the bullish talk from Democrats -from leadership on down -- is yet another indication that the party feels good about the fallout from the failed gun vote and is increasingly eager to try again.

County to Crackdown on Unlicensed Contractors County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef today announced that discussions between County Legislator Chris Carey, the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection, and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, have resulted in a pilot plan to crackdown on unlicensed contractors on weekends, commencing in early May. “I am pleased with the close cooperation between the County’s Office of Consumer Protection and Sheriff Falco’s office that resulted in a commitment to initiate weekend crackdowns on unlicensed contractors,” said Vanderhoef. “This joint effort will help ensure consumers in Rockland County are better protected from shoddy, unsafe and unprofessional work throughout the week. I particularly want to thank Legislator Carey for bringing this to the attention of our Office of Consumer Protection and his steadfast efforts in working with the administration to protect consumers from unscrupulous contractors.”

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THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

rockland & regional News Editor, Dylan Skirloff Running For Stoney Point Town Supervisor Stony Point GOP ticket announced at Monday’s convention: Rockland County Times editor-in-chief and associate publisher Dylan Skriloff is candidate for town supervisor, GOP strategist, lawyer and Forbes Magazine columnist Thomas Basile & longtime town resident/retired NYPD Lieutenant Jim Monaghan are town council candidates

sources said.

Federal court documents released Wednesday revealed that former state Sen. Shirley Huntley recorded Adams and five other state senators and a city councilman at the bidding of federal prosecutors and the FBI. Adams has not been charged and denied any wrongdoing. A transcript of the wiretaps has not been made public. "There's definitely blood in the water and the sharks are circling," one political pundit said. Asked about her interest, James repeatedly replied, "No comment."

1st Amendment Religious Freedoms Group Says NYC Is "Targeting" Orthodox

Using terms like "sinister," "regulatory excess," and "bureaucratic targeting" to describe the city's ongoing cases against the Orthodox Jewish community with regard to metzitzah b'peh and dress code signs in retail stores and restaurants in Dylan Skirloff speaking with the Orthodox neighborhoods, Advocate Wednesday one of the nation's leading defenders of religious freedoms The Stony Point GOP held their says it sees a "direct link" of antiannual convention last Monday, Orthodox "hostility" coming from city announcing several candidates government.

The JEWISH WEEK is including three for the town board. reporting that Eric Rassbach, deputy The Rockland County Times’ Dylan general counsel for the Becket Fund for Skriloff is heading the ticket, taking Religious Liberty, posted on the group's on Democratic Supervisor Geoff Finn. website that he "suspects" the ongoing Candidate Skriloff is a registered anti-Orthodox hostility stems from the member of the Conservative Party and "significant demographic changes" will also be seeking their nomination.

Skirloff, 33, told the Advocate that taking place within New York City's he believes being an editor of a local Jewish population. newspaper can help better equip him for Rassbach writes that, due to the fact the job. “I know what the community’s that the "future" of Judaism in New need are,” he explained. If elected, to York appears to be increasingly focus on his duties as a public servant, Orthodox, most notably in Brooklyn, he may have to move more of the larger an "unreasoned fear" of this growing projects to a managing editor at the demographic is resulting in efforts to use governmental "power" to "suppress" newspaper.

Orthodox practices.

Brooklyn hopeful Eric Adams among the 7 names of officials recorded by feds

The Daily news reported Wednesday that State Sen. Eric Adams, the frontrunner in the Brooklyn Borough President race, may soon have some serious company following the revelation Wednesday he was being taped by federal investigators.

City Councilwoman Letitia James (D-Crown Heights) is seriously considering dropping her flailing bid for Public Advocate and tossing her name into the race to become Brooklyn's next top cheerleader, multiple political

Christie Slims Down

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie secretly underwent lap-band stomach surgery to aggressively slim down.

The Governor agreed to the operation at the urging of family and friends after turning 50 last September.

“I’ve struggled with this issue for 20 years,” he said. “For me, this is about turning 50 and looking at my children and wanting to be there for them.”

He also insisted that, contrary to what observers may say, the effort to slim down was not motivated by thoughts of a presidential bid.

“It’s so much more important than that,” he said.

Christie checked in to a surgery center on Feb. 16. A source said

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Friedman: 171% Pay Increases For SV Board “Have Harmed Countless Families” Will End “Tax You And Pay Me” In Spring Valley Village Hall Over the past ten years, our economy has gone from bad to worse, and residents have seen their income stay the same or drop – while many neighbors of ours have lost their jobs entirely. At the same time, residents have seen their village tax bills skyrocket an astounding 94%. No government in the region, not even those plagued by severe financial problems, has increased taxes nearly as much. Yet taxpayers in Spring Valley, who have always been on the bottom of the financial ladder, have been pushed beyond the brink of what their families can handle by the Mayor and Village Board.

Amid these harmful tax increases, a few in Spring Valley have done quite well for themselves. At the same time that they increased property taxes by 94%, the Mayor and Village Board used some of that extra tax revenue for their personal benefit – by increasing their own salaries by tens of thousands of dollars at taxpayer’s expense. In the last decade, the Mayor’s salary has increased by over $45,000 a year or 58%, while Village Board members have given themselves hefty pay raises totaling over $16,000 a year, equating to over 171% in pay increases.

The numbers are irrefutable: 2002 2012 percentage increase dollar increase

property tax rate $118.20 per $1,000 $229.30 per $1,000 94% Tax Increase Roughly $2,300 per family

Mayor’s Salary $78,898 $125,000 58% Pay Increase Over $45,000 a year

Board Member’s Salary $9,500 $25,750 171% Pay Increase Over $16,000 a year

By looking at these figures, it is clear to see that the Mayor and Village Board have been governing with a “Tax You and Pay Me” vision of government that has benefited themselves at the expense of taxpayers. Current occupants of these village offices may claim that their predecessors were responsible for these increases, but the reality is that last year alone, the Village Board approved a budget that included a tax increase that busted the tax cap, at the same time as a pay increase of just under $10,000 for the mayor, and $4,400 for each Trustee. The pay increases to Village Board members last year alone amounted to more than 20%.

Taxpayers are offended – and ought to be, especially as this year, some of those same Village Board members are seeking the office of mayor. the very year that these Board members hiked their own salaries over 20%, i took a voluntary pay cut in my salary as a ramapo councilman. Elected office shouldn’t be a post one amasses great fortune in; it is a heavy mantle of responsibility that one is supposed to uphold to benefit his or her constituents. It is troubling that so many Spring Valley elected officials have no objection to increasing taxes tremendously and using some of that money for outrageous pay increases for themselves, while they fire other employees and cut services.

These actions are indicative of a government wholly insensitive to the needs of the people they ought to serve. Their actions have harmed countless families, who were barely financially secure before these tax and pay increases.

As Mayor, my first order of business will be to put an end to the “Tax You and Pay Me” vision of government now upheld by the occupants of Village Hall. As long as I am mayor, there will be no pay increases for elected officials until the day this village can pass a responsible budget that CUTS property taxes in Spring Valley for the first time in decades. By maintaining such a policy in Village Hall, we will be able to begin to restore fiscal sanity and the public’s trust in their village government.

page 8 health talk

Family Health Talk

‫רופא חולים‬

Ben Gilman

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

Allergy or Cold

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 Brian Blitz, PA

FAMILY MEDICINE

Dr. Jamie Giraldo

OB/GYN

Dr. Joel W. Allen Dr. Debra Kirschner Melissa A. Carco, PA Ayelet Honig, NP

DENTAL

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

SPECIALTY Dr. Harry Baldinger - Podiatry Dr. Michael Ginsburg- Podiatry Dr. David Schwalb - Urology Dr. Renata Witkowska - Allergy Dr. Samuel Wong - Ophthalmology Dr. Soren White - Dermatology Dr. Philip Fried - Dermatology 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

Sneezing

2.

Coughing

3.

Itching (mostly eyes, nose, mouth, throat and skin)

4.

Runny nose

5.

Stuffy nose

6.

Headache

7.

Ear fullness and popping

8.

Watery, red or swollen eyes

9.

Dark circles under your eyes

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

from page 1

Symptoms can include: 1.

MONSEY FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER

Sprays: Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that helps prevent the body's reaction to allergens. Cromolyn sodium is more helpful if you use it before you're exposed to allergens. This medicine may take 2 to 4 weeks to start working.

It is available without a prescription. Nasal steroid sprays reduce the reaction of the nasal tissues to inhaled allergens.

This helps relieve the swelling in your nose so that you feel less stopped-up. They are the most effective at treating patients who have chronic symptoms Nasal steroid sprays are available with a prescription from your doctor. You won't notice their benefits for up to 2 weeks after starting them.

Eye drops. If your other medicines are not helping enough with your itchy, watery eyes, your doctor may prescribe eye drops for you.

10. Trouble smelling 11. Hives

How does hay fever differ from a cold or the flu?

Hay fever lasts longer than a cold or the flu—up to several weeks—and does not cause fever. The nasal discharge from Hay fever is thin, watery and clear, while nasal discharge from a cold or the flu tends to be thicker. Itching (mostly eyes, nose, mouth, throat and skin) is common with hay fever but not with a cold or the flu. Sneezing is more prominent with hay fever and can occur in rather violent bouts.

When should I see a doctor? If your symptoms interfere with your life, consider seeing your family doctor. Your doctor will probably do a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms.

Keeping a record of your symptoms over a period of time can help your doctor determine what triggers your allergies.

How are allergies treated? Several medicines can be used to treat allergies. Your doctor will help you determine what medicine is best for you depending on your symptoms, age and overall health.

These medicines are more useful if you use them before you're exposed to allergens.

Antihistamines help reduce the sneezing, runny nose and itchiness of allergies. They're more useful if you use them before you're exposed to allergens. Some antihistamines come in pill form (some brand names: Zyrtec, Claritin) and some are nasal sprays (one brand name: Astelin). Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. Others are less likely to cause these side effects, but some of these require a prescription.

Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, help temporarily relieve the stuffy nose of allergies. Decongestants are found in many medicines and come as pills, nose sprays and nose drops (some brand names: Sudafed, Afrin, Sinex). They are best used only for a short time.

Nose sprays and drops shouldn't be used for more than 3 days because you can become dependent on them. This causes you to feel even more stopped-up when you try to quit using them.

You can buy decongestants without a doctor's prescription.

However, cautions Dr. Arthur Landau, an Internist on staff at Monsey Family Medical Center, "decongestants can raise your blood pressure, so it's a good idea to talk to your family doctor before using them, especially if you have high blood pressure."

Allergy shots (also called immunotherapy) are an option for people who try other treatments but still have allergy symptoms. These shots contain a very small amount of the allergen you are allergic to. They're given on a regular schedule so that your body gets used to the allergens and no longer overreacts to them. This helps decrease your body’s sensitivity to the allergen. Over time, your allergy symptoms will become less severe. Allergy shots are only used when the allergens you're sensitive to can be identified and when you can't avoid them. It takes a few months to years to finish treatment, and you may need to have treatments throughout your life.

To speak to Dr. Renata Witkowska, allergist at Monsey Family Medical Center, or to schedule an appointment at the Medical center, please call 845-352-6800.

page 9 health talk

Family Health Talk Ben Gilman

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

‫רופא חולים‬

MONSEY FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER

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

E.M.D.R. may relieve painful memories & past trauma,

by Naomi franklin, lcsw, E.M.D.R therapist

E.

M.D.R. if you haven’t heard about it before, may be the answer to painful or traumatic memories that still bother you or your loved ones. While PTSD has been making the news with stories about soldiers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, most people don’t realize that even ‘smaller’ traumas like being embarrassed or bullied as a child can stay with us and impact on our functioning. Of course, other traumas like experiencing a car crash or a fire, or suffering from abuse, neglect, or assault can also create symptoms of PTSD, hampering our long term functioning and mental health. Perhaps you have felt that you swept your past memories under the rug and have let bygones be bygones. However, do you suffer from low self esteem, anxiety, negative moods, intrusive thoughts, or disrupted sleep? Does your child who experienced events that seemed very upsetting to them have symptoms that seem like ADHD or depression? It’s actually possible that the source of the upset and negative behaviors may be the underlying distressful memories and the unhealthy thoughts that may have gotten ‘stuck’ to them.

What is EMDR and how does it work?

E.M.D.R. was discovered by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987when she was walking through a park and she realized that eye movements seemed to lessen the negative emotion from her own upsetting memories. Originally it seemed to others like just a quirky, controversial technique. Over the years, however, with well over 22 major clinical studies researching it, it was substantiated as the accepted treatment-of choice for PTSD that it is today. E.M.D.R. stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and has been approved by the American Psychiatric Association, the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the Department of Defense as an effective means to treat PTSD. The NY Times noted that The National Institute of Mental Health did a study and found that E.M.D.R. did just as well as cognitive behavioral approaches, without the long-drawn-out exposure and homework demanded by the cognitive behavior approaches.

E.M.D.R. is a method whereby a therapist trained in the E.M.D.R. protocol can help your own brain make more useful connections and understanding about what happened in the past, bringing lasting emotional relief. E.M.D.R. uses side to side stimulation, whether with eye movements, vibrations, tapping, or tones into the ears. One theory why this works is that the eye movements may simulate what happens when we sleep and have rapid eye movements and our brain sorts and files away our events of the day. Another theory is that when we remember the painful past memory together with being focused in the here and now on the side-to-side stimulation, this may ‘unfix’ the painful memory from being ‘frozen’ in it’s own neural network, freeing the brain to ‘reprocess’ the memory with more useful and healthy beliefs. Unpleasant emotions or physical sensations can be eliminated leaving the memory without the accompanying distress.

No hypnosis or anything like hypnosis is involved and patients are fully conscious and aware throughout E.M.D.R. sessions.

The therapist can guide you or your loved one through the process to help your own brain gain more adaptive thoughts about the trauma to bring relief. While several sessions may be needed to effect relief for a single incident trauma [like a crash or a fire], it may also take only a few sessions, and the relief can be lasting. In situations where the trauma was long lasting like a childhood full of chronic domestic violence or abuse, the treatment understandably will take longer. EMDR is used in the context of therapeutic treatment, needs preparation, and may not always be called for. While EMDR helps a very high percentage of the time, it may not work for everyone.

The profound relief brought by EMDR has helped patients of all ages, from very young to very old. A child who was bullied, a middle aged patient with a painful childhood memory, and a Holocaust survivor, are among a few examples of patients who gained relief from E.M.D.R. Project Ohr has several skilled clinicians currently on staff who have gotten the lengthy, advanced training in E.M.D.R. that the E.M.D.R. Institute of America provides.

Project Ohr is happy to offer this cutting edge technique to help people gain relief. Call Project Ohr to arrange to meet a clinician to see if you or your child or loved one could possibly benefit from E.M.D.R. and be free from the shackles of a painful past to enjoy life today.

DID YOU KNOW...

We've heard countless times that good posture and ergonomics are necessary when you're working at a computer, but what exactly happens when you don't follow those tips? The Wall Street Journal found out....As it turns out, a lot changes. It's not just in your body, it's also psychological: It's not as though slouching will give you a hunchback in a day, but "if you do this day after day, and your muscles are not strong, the whole skeleton changes," Dr. Golubic says. "I'm not aware of any studies that look at the changes in the volume of organs like the liver and spleen when you sit straight or slump forward. But we do know that when you slouch, you project an attitude of depression and low motivation." When you sit up straight, he adds, "psychologically, your attitude is better."

Thankfully, improving your posture is pretty easy. You can test your posture against a wall, and ergonomically optimizing your workspace will help as well. For their part, The Wall Street Journal also recommends keeping an eye out for lower back pain as an indicator for poor posture, and considering something like yoga to improve your sitting position.

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 Sharon Kronenberg LCSW, Individual Therapist Adults Chana Simmonds LCSW, Family and Individual Therapist- Adults Gila Zelinger LCSW, Family and Individual Therapist, Teens and Adults Rabbi Aryeh Frankel LMSW, Individual & Couples Therapist, Teens & Adults Naomi Franklin LCSW, Child Therapist Yael Kahan LMSW, Family and Individual Therapist, Teens and Adults Esther Rothbaum LMSW, Child Therapist Toby Spitzer LMSW, Individual and Family Therapist Tziporah Spira LMSW Family and Individual Therapist, Teens and Adults Aviva Cohen LMSW, Therapist Pre-Teens, and Teens Rabbi Moshe Abramczyk LMSW, Therapist, males, ages 12 and above Gitty Kleinman,

Intern

MSW

10

THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

Second-hand killer

One third of adults and 40 percent of children worldwide are exposed yearly to the deadly toxins in second-hand tobacco smoke.

Percentage of 13- to 15-year-olds living with smokers, 2008 Europe

78%

Africa

28%

Eastern Mediterranean

38%

Exposure affects everyone

Known diseases caused by second-hand smoke among:

Female child

Male child

Adult male

Adult female

• Middle ear disease • Upper respiratory impairment • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) • Lower respiratory illness

• Middle ear disease • Upper respiratory impairment • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) • Lower respiratory illness

• Nasal irritation • Lung cancer

• Nasal irritation • Lung cancer

• Heart disease

• Heart disease • Lower birth weights for babies

41% The Americas

Second-hand toxins Southeast Asia

34%

Of the 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, 50 are known carcinogens, including:

51% Western Pacific

Source: World Health Organization Graphic: Lee Hulteng

Nicotine

Methanol

(Insecticide)

(Rocket fuel)

(Solvent)

Aresenic

Methane

Butane

(Poison)

(Sewer gas)

Carbon monoxide

Cadmium

(Exhaust gas)

(Toxic metal used in batteries)

Tolulene

© 2009 MCT

Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever) Asthma Eczema Chronic Cough Food Allergies Hives Recurrent Infections Stinging Insect Allergies Nasal Polyps

For an immediate appointment with

Dr. Renata Witkowska

in the Department of Allergy and Immunology Call 352-6800 today.

There is not need to hide from the air and flowers.

Monsey Family Medical Center 40 Robert Pitt Drive Monsey, NY 10952 845.352.6800

Soon millions of low-income adults will gain health insurance coverage through Medicaid in one of the farthest-reaching provisions of the Obama health care law. How will that change their finances, spending habits, use of available medical services and — most important — their health?

New results from a landmark study, released on Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine, go a long way toward answering those questions. The study, called the Oregon Health Study, compares thousands of lowincome people in Oregon who received access to Medicaid with an identical population that did not.

It found that those who gained Medicaid coverage spent more on health care, making more visits to doctors and trips to the hospital. But the study suggests that Medicaid coverage did not make those adults much healthier, at least within the two-year time frame of the research, judging by their blood pressure, blood sugar and other measures. It did, however, substantially reduce the incidence of depression, and it made them vastly more financially secure.

“There was this view that Medicaid coverage would not do much for the low-income uninsured, either because they had access to charity care or because Medicaid is not good insurance,” said Amy Finkelstein of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “This rejects that notion entirely.” Her work on the Oregon study contributed to her receipt last year of the John Bates Clark Medal, a laurel for younger economists considered second only to the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science for those in the profession.

Currently about 50 million Americans, nearly all them poor, receive health care coverage under Medicaid, a federal program administered by the states. But most states do not provide Medicaid coverage to adults without disabilities or dependent children, no matter how poor they are.

Many more states might join in the expansion in the coming months or years. The Affordable Care Act, President Obama’s health care law, has the federal government pay for a large majority of the increased Medicaid costs in perpetuity, making the financial burden on states much smaller.

(Lighter fluid)

spring is in the air, so are the allergies • • • • • • • • •

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

Medicaid Access Increases Use of Care

HEALTH NEWS Health Matters Children suffer

‫תשע״ג‬

Ben Gilman Spring Valley

Family Medical Center 175 Rt. 59 Spring Valley, NY 10977

Breakthrough In Spectacular $50 Million Airport Diamond Heist

Police on Wednesday claimed a major breakthrough in their investigation of a spectacular $50 million diamond heist, detaining 31 people in a three-nation sweep some three months after robbers pulled off the theft with clockwork precision at Brussels Airport A Frenchman who is believed to have been one of the actual robbers was detained in France, while six people were detained in Switzerland and 24 in Belgium.

What's more, police say they have proof that diamonds found in Switzerland were part of the cache that was spirited away in the brazen Feb. 18 robbery that ranks among the biggest diamond heists of recent times.

Suspects in France and Switzerland were detained on Tuesday, and the following day Belgian police carried out a massive earlymorning operation, with 250 police involved in 40 house searches. `'In Switzerland, we have found diamonds that we can already say are coming from the heist, and in Belgium large amounts of money have been found. And the investigation is still ongoing," said JeanMarc Meilleur, a spokesman for

the Brussels prosecutor's office.

Meilleur was scant on detail, yielding no clues how police got on the trail of the suspects.

Authorities were expected to announce later Wednesday how many of the detainees would be charged and arrested.

On a cold winter evening, the diamonds had been loaded on a plane bound for Zurich when robbers, dressed in dark police clothing and hoods, drove through a hole they had cut in the airport fence in two black cars with blue police lights flashing. They drove onto the tarmac, approached the plane, brandished machine guns, offloaded the diamonds, then made their getaway in an operation that barely took five minutes. Later that night, investigators found the charred remains of a van most likely used in the heist, but little else.

The stolen parcels contained both rough and polished stones. The trail ran dry until the surprise announcement on Wednesday.

Meilleur said that the man held in France is suspected to be one of the robbers. "This person has a very heavy judicial background in France and his extradition to Belgium has been requested."

11

THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

Maestro Cuomo

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

an op-ed by Ryan Karben

L

ooks like libraries are going to need lots of shelf space for Andrew Cuomo. In just the third year of his first term as New York's Governor, Cuomo's tenure has already spawned book plans from a Vanity Fair editor, Post columnist Fred Dicker and, as of last week, the Governor himself.

It's no wonder. While the Governor is rarely depicted as a political choir boy, the chorus he conducts in Albany is positively harmonious.

Albany earned a reputation for off-key governance long ago. The current corruption scandals, which shook even the most calloused observers of Capitol life, could lead many veteran lawmakers to call it quits rather than seek re-election next year. But for those who stick it out, there is a political lifeline: Governor Cuomo.

If the Governor wasn't running for re-election last year, it was hard to tell. Regular Democrats, Independent Democrats and Republicans all hung tight to the Governor, featuring him in their ads and tripping over each other to prove their willingness to support Cuomo's fiscally restrained, social progressive agenda. With minor exceptions, that strategy was sound.

The Governor's approval ratings dipped this year, partially from his controversial but successful push for gun control legislation. And, like clockwork, the press has swooped in with a breathless narrative of a politically damaged Governor. Cue hyperventilated stories on Cuomo's hiring, flying and advertising.

In truth, he has little reason to worry.

For starters, Cuomo's poll numbers remain in very solid shape. It is difficult for even the most skilled pols to sustain positive momentum through an entire term of office. Cuomo's approval rating of 57% is impressive on its own-- and ten points higher than George Pataki's in the third year of his governorship. But in the context of the charged issues the Governor has taken on in his stint on the Second Floor, it is nothing short of remarkable.

Cuomo has also steadily and skillfully redrawn the Capitol's ideological map. He persuaded urban Assembly Democrats to adopt a suburban property tax cap they previously rejected. He coaxed Senate Republicans to provide the votes to pass a bill that failed when the Democrats were in charge of the chamber.

Efficient budget negotiations produced on-time fiscal plans that helpfully allow legislators to avoid unpleasant votes to extend expiring taxes in their 2014 election year. Chronically late budgets embarrassed lawmakers for years.

In confronting these thorny issues Cuomo scored repeated policy wins without becoming the political target of powerful interests. Business groups didn't like the tax extenders this year- but none ran ads against them. Medicaid reform has been complex and painful to some health care providers, including campaign contributing nursing home operators, but the policy battles have been confined to task forces; there is little public clamor or sustained legislative pushback.

The press may lament Cuomo's reluctance to open these chess matches with his own detailed bill language, but the results of the Governor's careful legislative strategy are indisputable-- there is less policy rancor in Albany today than anytime in recent memory. No small feat with a power sharing agreement in the Senate, increasing pressure for state law changes from municipalities and continuing uncertainty over the state's economic future.

Cuomo's triumphs on progressive issues-- a higher

minimum wage, gun control riled grass roots Republicans and stalled the Governor's efforts to further codify protections. But the credit the Governor earns for navigating the ragged shores that impede passage of meaningful legislation far outweighs the potential loss of these conservative voters (who would likely abandon the Governor anyway as speculation about his presidential plans increases).

The legislative session is always a politically perilous time for governors. Lawmakers can easily score press by grilling gubernatorial appointees in hearings or launching investigations. When I served in the Assembly during the Pataki years, my Democratic colleagues and I received recommended mailers from our central communications staff so we could slam the Governor's proposals to our constituents and bring down his poll numbers before budget negotiations began. The "sausage making" of legislation attracts legions of lobbyists, politicians and activists to Albany for a six month season of gossip and gamesmanship.

Cuomo is seven weeks away from the close of his third session. And though debates rage on hydraulic fracking, a potential casino referendum and the Governor's abortion proposals, a decision on fracking does not appear near, there is talk of postponing the casino referendum until 2014 and Cuomo has stated frankly that the votes are not yet there to pass his women's health agenda.

A full, but not terribly spicy, political plate.

Most significantly, the Governor retains a powerful upper hand as the Legislature debates various anticorruption proposals spurred by the wired woes of its members.

The conventional wisdom-- generally supported by polling-- is that voters dislike legislative bodies but cheer their own representatives. No longer.

One-third of the electorate believes it's likely their state senator will be arrested on corruption charges.

Half do not trust their assemblymembers. In contrast, the Governor's administration has been scandal-free and around 60% of voters believe Cuomo will succeed in passing anti-corruption measures.

The outlines of an "anti-corruption deal" do not take huge imagination: a pilot public financing program for state Comptroller elections (a pet project of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and a re-election guarantee for his ally Tom DiNapoli), continued high dollar fundraising for party "housekeeping" accounts controlled by legislative leaders in exchange for lower contribution limits for individual campaigns and heightened penalties for bribery without a requirement to collar your colleagues.

The Wilson-Pakula reform would ice the governor's cake with powerful editorial boards that detest the present law and weaken the state's Conservative and Working Families parties. Both of those parties, though ideological opposites, have caused Cuomo political heartburn. The Independent Democratic Conference, which holds the balance of power in the Senate, strongly backs the reform.

Cuomo regularly contrasts his accomplishments in New York with the inert state of policymaking in Washington. He avoids trips to Capitol Hill like a hypochondriac steers clear of germs. There is little interest in dancing at anyone else's club.

Mario Cuomo famously told The New Republic in 1985 that "You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose." But anyone listening attentively to Albany's present score hears a consistent chorus of achievement in the current Cuomo's stewardship.

There is no magic in politics, but there is music.

And Andrew Cuomo is a maestro.

Monsey Family Medical Center is pleased to welcome

Soren White, MD

to the Department of Dermatology

For an immediate appointment call 845-352-6800 ext 6824

can you write? limited number of college intern positions available at the advocate

e-mail - editor@advocatenews.org

call - 845 770 1950

THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

12

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

Summer Vacation on Cape Cod Clean sandy beaches, boating, cruises, fishing, water parks, family fun and much more

congregation Beth israel of onset cape cod Mr. Burt Parker, President Emeritus A Family Friendly Orthodox Shul

Daily and Shabbos

June 29 through Labor Day Rosh Hashana davening led by the Maccabeats Nearby cottages and hotels See our website for a brochure listing places to stay and things to do

Wendy at 339 364 0063 or ehauser@capecodshul.org www.capecodshul.org BETH ISRAEL OF ONSET, CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS

13

THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

‫תשע״ג‬

carlucci, IDC crack down on corruption continued from page 1 member, alleged bribery suspect, Malcom Smith is no longer welcome to caucus with the group. Unfortunately since that scandal, there have been a plethora of FBI busts. The most recent tale of Albany corruption includes the arrest Monday of another former state Senate majority leader.

The total arrests in less than a decade is now at thirty two. Thirty two is the number of state level officials caught in corruption cases in the past seven years. The fourth arrest in the past four weeks came during the Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who campaigned to clean up Albany, had repeatedly insisted that state

"Some legislators say there is not a reason to do anything," Cuomo said. "You will get legislators who say, 'These are just charges, no one has been found guilty of anything and you are innocent until proven guilty, so let's wait and see.' So you have a whole spectrum of opinions."

politics has shed its dysfunctional past.

“They can’t continue to go forward saying Albany is working great and it’s no longer dysfunctional,” said Bill Mahoney of the New York Public Interest Research Group. “This is clearly not true.” Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week introduced a program bill that would amend criminal

procedure law as it relates to the prosecution of misconduct by public servants. The bill comes on the heels of the arrest of Sen. Malcolm Smith, Assemblyman Eric Stevenson, among others.

Senator Klein echoed a similar sentiment to the bill that Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida) argued when he stated 'We need to build a firewall between political work and public service.’

Under the law, campaign consultants would no longer be able to turn around and lobby those they help elect. This was under a bill to be introduced by Valesky.

Any firms that provide campaign management, fund raising services, public relations, development of campaign literature and ads, and strategic advice to a campaign will be prohibited from lobbying state officials on legislation, regulatory changes, budget items and procurement of services. "If we let these two continue to mix, we're just asking for trouble," said Valesky. "That's unacceptable and our constituents deserve better.It's up to us to rebuild the public's trust in their government," Valesky said. We have a window of opportunity to really change.”

The repeal of the controversial WilsonPakula law got mixed reviews in Rockland. Generally speaking this is an authorization given by a political party to a candidate for public office in the State of New York which allows a candidate not registered with that party to run as its candidate in a given election.

Some said it would not help the passage of the bill. Jesse Laymon, of Citizens Action noted that this particular element of the bill is not a good idea.“ We like

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voter fusion.” He said. Klien insisted that the more parties the more democracy, instead of parties trying to influence one another. He also believes this would help fusion voting.” The various parties could then play a role. If we take money out of politics, it would work.” Klein insisted.

State Senator Elaine Savino said that the result of spending so much time raising money distracts public servants from other important issues.

The message the IDC wanted to portray is best described in their most recent Op-Ed column: If New Yorkers needed one more reason to support major ethics and campaign finance reform in Albany, this past week gave them several. The recent scandals that have

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

rocked our state’s political world have cast a cloud over the integrity and fairness of our political system. The apparent corruption that has ensnared public officials throughout the state, with some of the alleged wrongdoers residing in Rockland County, hits very close to home. Now is the time to act swiftly so that we can restore accountability and transparency at the ballot box.

In addition, we are proposing several reforms to our state’s campaign finance and ethics laws. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's spokesman Michael Whyland told the Times Union that campaign finance reform bills pass the chamber every year only to run aground in the Senate.

"We have been working closely with advocates to craft a bill this year to reform our campaign finance laws," he said.

THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

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‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

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Moreover, a person does not need to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion, which explains how one can get concussed and be completely oblivious to his or her injury. As a matter of fact, only 10% of concussed victims experience a bout of unconsciousness. All athletes and non-athletes, regardless of age, who are suspected of a concussion, must stop all types of physical activity immediately.

A concussion may occur during many different sports or activities. Helmets protect against more serious head injuries, but they do not necessarily prevent concussions.

It may not be obvious to parents, coaches, trainers and athletes immediately how bad the head injury is, so if a concussion is at all suspected, the athlete needs to stop with the game or the practice.

Symptoms of a concussion could be severe as bleeding into the brain. The general physical symptoms are increasing confusion or headaches, vomiting, double vision or unequal pupils. Cognitive symptoms may include sluggish behavior or difficulty concentrating or remembering. Also, irritability, nervousness drowsiness, or

fading in and out of consciousness are indications of trauma as well. If one finds it difficult to sleep or is sleeping far longer than one is accustomed to, he or she should consult a physician as well.

Provided that one does not have any serious symptoms (falling in and out of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, or double vision), an MRI or CT scan is not necessary. A doctor will ask about symptoms, and force a patient to undergo a neurological physical exam, a balancing test, and a mental agility test.

The most dangerous part of a concussion is how normal a person can behave after enduring such a shocking event. But when the injury is discovered, one must rest the concussed brain to ensure proper recovery.

One cannot perform any physical exertion that will raise the heart rate or execute any mental work, such as school work or thinking tasks, which require concentration.

Although physicians may prescribe a limited amount of work for a given individual, those who have severe concussions must give their brain a complete rest. This is not as easy as it sounds. Try lying in bed without typing an email, texting a friend, or even thinking about the supper you just ate!

Severe concussions force an individual to remain mentally immobilized while being physically confined.

Recovery periods usually last from 7-14 days, but more severe injuries could last longer, with the most brutal injuries leaving the brain irrevocably in a paralyzed state.

If one returns to normal activities too soon, second-impact syndrome can occur, which is a potentially fatal concussion that occurs before the brain fully heals.

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How to cope with a Concussion The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines a concussion as “an injury to the brain where force causes the brain to move within the skull.” These injuries are usually caused by a blow to the head, but can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken. When the skull makes contact with an object—against another person, a ball, or the ground—or experiences some kind of whiplash movement, the brain coils or rebounds into a twisting motion within the skull. The result is damaged blood vessels which cause swelling and bleeding in the brain. Neurons are harmed as well, causing an impediment in the brain’s ability to transmit messages within itself.

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BizFact

Peanuts MS and vitamin D

Global peanut production is projected to top 35 million metric tons for the 2011-2012 season; production forecast for selected countries:

16.2 million

Studies suggest that maintaining proper levels of vitamin D may lower the risk of developing multiple sclerosis or lessen the severity of MS symptoms.

How much is enough

Recommended dietary allowances (RDAs), in international units, by age group Age 19 to 50 51 to 70 70 and older 5.4 million

India

800

Good sources

1.7 million China

600 600

U.S.

1.6 million

0.9 million

Nigeria Sudan

Source: U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service

2012MCT MCT ©©2012

• Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel and fish liver oils • Vitamin D fortified milk and yogurt • Vitamin D fortified orange juice • Supplements

© 2012 MCT Source: Mayo Clinic, U.S. National Institutes of Health, MCT Photo Service

15

THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

Educational Insights Treating School Districts Like Children Eliezer Vilinsky, M.A. Miryam Vilinsky, M.Ed.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES, INC. © 2013 All rights reserved. Permission to print granted to The Advocate

The issue: We’re back to the accountability issue. As the end of the school year approaches, school boards and government agencies want to determine how much progress was made this past year and how well set everything is for next year. After all, that is the responsible thing to do.

The state of Maine has proposed to rate its school districts by assigning a letter grade A – F to each district based on this past year’s performance. The letter grade would be posted publicly.

The Maine idea was immediately met with a lot of disapproval. Some disapproving groups denounced the public display of the letter grade, while others criticized how the grade would be earned.

Governor LePage and his loyal legislators explained that Maine is duplicating the system established by the state of Florida during the tenure of former Governor Jeb Bush.

Apparently other states have done the same with much satisfaction. Let’s look more closely at the complaints aimed at the new proposal.

One complaint is that public display of the letter grade will be punitive, not constructive.

Consumers, such as prospective home buyers, will be reluctant to buy homes in a district that receives a low grade. Property values in the immediate area may also sink. This is similar to how people react to restaurants in New York City that bear letter grades lower than an A on their front windows. Consumers shy away from poorly rated restaurants. Who wants food poisoning, anyway?

The flip side of such concerns reminds us that those grades have, indeed, embarrassed some eating establishments into improving their quality. Perhaps the same will happen with schools. They will have an incentive to improve their act.

The second complaint is about how the letter grade is determined. Florida evaluates four elements: two sets of standardized test results along with two measures of long-term progress.

Schools must show how they have improved over time. These four elements are weighed and then blended together according to a sophisticated scientific formula, and presto, you have the letters A through F.

Again, a pile of protests has materialized, including the belief that you cannot fairly evaluate a whole district based upon a couple of standardized tests that were administered at two grade levels, such as thirdgraders. There is so much more that needs to be taken into account to fairly capture the quality of such a multi-faceted entity as a whole school district. What were they thinking?

Our take on the issue: To tell you the truth, no offense to Maine, but we really don’t care about their school district report cards and their letter grade debate. We do care about children everywhere. And this debate applies perfectly to how we go about grading and rating progress of our children during each marking period and at the end of the academic year in practically every school in our country. Don’t our schools send home report cards with single letter grades that are supposed to reflect a full year of progress or

lack of it? Everything the kid did is boiled down to a letter A through F. Where are those protestors from Maine when we need them?

‫תשע״ג‬

Simon Group has announced about 60 percent of the stores that will open at the

Shops at Nanuet in October.

The stores announced so far are:

Fairway

An anecdotal approach takes time, sensitivity, and human thinking.

24 Hour Fitness

Is there really a way to weigh and report children’s accomplishments in a single letter grade? Is it fair to them and is it fair to their teachers? Really. Why do we use such a system of reporting? Are we looking for convenience? Are letter grades a universal language that all parents and educators communicate in?

Our professional advice: Because we see composite grades as limited, we advocate anecdotal reporting. When we started and administrated schools, we introduced a system of anecdotal reporting that accurately characterized each child. The system also noted progress over time in each area of reporting in a meaningful way. Academic objectives were selected for each student, and each student’s progress was noted as per his personal objectives. Our reporting was highly individualized, accurate, and meaningful, unlike the New York City restaurant – Maine school district approach.

Even on paper or virtual report cards, we described children as people in plain English, not in codes. Parents understood exactly what their children could or could not do yet. It is a refreshing approach that is extremely effective, but not very popular.

Why not? Because it takes work. It is not as simple as letting a math formula process a bunch of percentages and standard scores by computer. An anecdotal approach takes time, sensitivity, and human thinking, three things that all children deserve as they are being judged.

Some people might argue that we need letter grades based on math formulae because we need to compare our children to other children around the country. We need to know how they measure up to our neighbor’s children down the street or to others on the opposite coast.

Why? We really need to focus on the progress of children as individuals. Our responsibility is to prod each child forward at his pace in his way the best we can. Yes, we have mixed classrooms and we can’t individualize perfectly, but noting each child’s progress against his own past and current rate of progress is more valuable than how he compares to children from another state.

The bottom line: Everything related to education needs to be people-oriented, including progress reporting. There is no reason in the world why we should trade anecdotal reporting for sterile letter grades. Focus on children as people, not as widgets. Help them see their own progress and potential in a meaningful way. That will help them as they join the effort toward

Michael Kors

“helping children to help themselves.”

Eliezer and Miryam Vilinsky are educational consultants in private practice. They provide direct instruction to students, conduct teacher-training seminars and consult with schools and families worldwide. They can be reached at Educational Support Services at 426-3673

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

Vera Bradley Bath & Body Works

Banana Republic

The Limited

Coach

Soma LUSH

Brighton Collectibles White House/Black Market Express

Teavana Cohen’s Fashion Optical GNC

Gap

TD Bank

Jos. A. Bank

Mercury pollution cycle

Mercury is emitted into the atmosphere mainly by coal-fired power plants.

How that toxic metal gets into the food chain and harms humans: 1. Smoke from coal-fired plants mixes with clouds

2. When it rains, mercury lands on soil, in water and is absorbed by plants

3. Fish eat contaminated plants; mercury concentration increases when tainted smaller fish are eaten by larger ones

4. Humans, wildlife eat fish containing mercury, which accumulates in tissues

Harmful effects Adults Mercury can affect brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, immune system

Fetus Most at risk; impairs nervous system affecting cognitive, motor skills

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Graphic: Robert Dorrell, Judy Treible

Mercury is an element that is found all over the earth, in soil, rocks, and water. Even trace amounts can be found in the air.

The largest deposits on earth are as cinnabar (mercuric sulfide). Mercury exists in several forms such as a liquid metal (quicksilver), as a vapor, and in compounds (organic and inorganic). Scientifically, the symbol for mercury is Hg and its element number is 80.

Mercury has been used for centuries as a medicine, to make amalgams, and in many industrial applications. Eventually, scientists, physicians and others realized the various forms of mercury caused health problems. The phrase "Mad as a Hatter" originated in the 1800's from the observation that people (hatters) who used mercury

Wildlife Impairs behavior, reproduction

© 2011 MCT

to process felt for hats often developed mental changes. The problem with mercury is that if humans are exposed to any of the forms of mercury, depending on the amount (dose), route (ingestion, skin contact, inhalation), duration (time) of exposure; mercury can be toxic to humans. Some elemental and chemical forms of mercury (vapor, methylmercury, inorganic mercury) are more toxic than other forms. The human fetus and medically compromised people (for example, patients with lung or kidney problems) are the most susceptible to the toxic effects of mercury.

Although various forms of mercury can cause some different symptoms, the effects that are most toxic occur in the brain and nervous system of humans and other animals.

16

THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

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- 10:30-7:00 845-425-9070 Tuesday & Thursday-10:30-5:30 26 S. Central Ave. Friday: 10:30-3:00 Spring Valley, NY 10977 Sunday: 11:00-5:00

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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

17

THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

‫תשע״ג‬

FORECLOSURE COUNSELING

RCDC Housing, Inc. would like to help you...

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

(845) 352-1400 ext. 3243

Please note:

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

Neighbor Fund

If you have a turn off notice from Orange and Rockland you can contact RCDC Housing for help signing up for the Neighbor Fund for some monetary assistance.

Call 845-352-1400

ext 3240.

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

How Air Conditioners Work

by: HowStuffWorks.com

The first modern air conditioning system was developed in 1902 by a young electrical engineer named Willis Haviland Carrier. It was designed to solve a humidity problem at the Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing and Publishing Company in Brooklyn, N.Y. Paper stock at the plant would sometimes absorb moisture from the warm summer air, making it difficult to apply the layered inking techniques of the time. Carrier treated the air inside the building by blowing it across chilled pipes. The air cooled as it passed across the cold pipes, and since cool air can't carry as much moisture as warm air, the process reduced the humidity in the plant and stabilized the moisture content of the paper. Reducing the humidity also had the side benefit of lowering the air temperature -and a new technology was born.

The actual process air conditioners use to reduce the ambient air temperature in a room is based on a very simple scientific principle. The rest is achieved with the application of a few clever mechanical techniques. Actually, an air conditioner is very similar to another appliance in your home -- the refrigerator. Air conditioners don't have the exterior housing a refrigerator relies on to insulate its cold box. Instead, the walls in your home keep cold air in and hot air out. Air conditioners use refrigeration to chill indoor air, taking advantage of a remarkable physical law: When a liquid converts to a gas (in a process called phase conversion), it absorbs heat. Air conditioners exploit this feature of phase conversion by forcing special chemical compounds to evaporate and condense over and over again in a closed system of coils.

When hot air flows over the cold, low-pressure evaporator coils, the refrigerant inside absorbs heat as it changes from a liquid to a gaseous state. To keep cooling efficiently, the air conditioner has to convert the refrigerant gas back to a liquid again. To do that, a com-

pressor puts the gas under high pressure, a process that creates unwanted heat. All the extra heat created by compressing the gas is then evacuated to the outdoors with the help of a second set of coils called condenser coils, and a second fan. As the gas cools, it changes back to a liquid, and the process starts all over again. Think of it as an endless, elegant cycle: liquid refrigerant, phase conversion to a gas/ heat absorption, compression and phase transition back to a liquid again. The biggest job an air conditioner has to do is to cool the indoor air.

That's not all it does, though.

Air conditioners monitor and regulate the air temperature via a thermostat. They also have an onboard filter that removes airborne particulates from the circulating air. Air conditioners function as dehumidifiers. Because temperature is a key component of relative humidity, reducing the temperature of a volume of humid air causes it to release a portion of its moisture.

That's why there are drains and moisture-collecting pans near or attached to air conditioners, and why air conditioners discharge water when they operate on humid days.

Still, the major parts of an air conditioner manage refrigerant and move air in two directions: indoors and outside:

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 Self employed health insurance for small business owners Healthy NY for small employers makes it possible for small business owners to provide self employed health insurance to their employees. If you want quotes on a self employed health insurance plan or small business health care benefits simply complete the quote form above or call 1-888-215-4045.

For small business owners to be eligible to offer Healthy NY plans, they must meet the following requirements: • • • •

Evaporator - Receives the liquid refrigerant Condenser - Facilitates heat transfer

If eligible, the employer must be w illing to abide by the follow ing guidelines: •

Expansion valve - regulates refrigerant flow into the evaporator Compressor - A pump that pressurizes refrigerant

They must be doing business in New York state The business must have at least 1 but not more than 50 employees who are eligible for Healthy NY The income of 30% of the employees must not be more than $40,000 (gross) annually The employer must not have provided health insurance coverage to their employees in the past 12 months

• •

50% of the employees must join the Healthy NY program and at least 1 of them has an income of not more than $40,000. In counting towards the 50%, the employer may count employees who have coverage through other public health insurance programs or other sources of coverage such as being a dependent on a family member’s policy.

The employer must be willing to cover 50% of the premium cost.

The employer can only offer Healthy NY coverage to full-time employees – those who work not less than 20 hours per week or those whose income is not more than $40,000 (gross) annually.

18

THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

news from the village of spring valley 8th candidate enters spring valley race from page 1 from Norfolk State University’s Neighborhood Leadership and Development Program and received a certificate in Non-profit Leadership and Management from Wisconsin-Madison University. He is also a graduate of the City of Virginia Beach Citizen Police Academy. As a resi-

dent of Virginia Beach, he was elected as Vice President of the local civic league where he spearheaded a family centered initiative that culminated in a Family Day, where members of the community came together to participate in fun filled activi-

ties. His service to the community did not end there. He was appointed Associate Director of the City of Virginia Beach Minority Business Council and became a member of the Citizen Police Council board. In 2009, he received his official ordination as a Reverend.

Though he lived in Virginia Beach for several years, Spring Valley was always considered home. He made frequent trips to visit family and participated in activities that allowed him

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to stay connected. He was actively involved in planning the village’s first Haitian Flag Day Parade of Unity and served on subsequent Flag Day planning committees. Upon his return, he reactivated his membership in the local chapter of the NAACP and is now the host and producer of “The Monel Show,” a Cablevision public access television program on channel 76. He is currently the Director of Business Development at an IT school and software development company in New Jersey.

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THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

health UPDATE

19

That word "microbiome" — describing the collection of bacteria that live in and on our bodies — keeps popping up. This time, researchers say that children whose parents clean their pacifiers by sucking them might be less likely to develop allergic conditions because of how their parents' saliva changes their microbiomes.

ents had answered was what they did when their child's pacifier fell out of his or her mouth.

That's the word from a small study of 184 Swedish babies published in this week's issue of the journal Pediatrics. The researchers found that the 65 babies whose mother or father sucked on their pacifiers to cleanse them were significantly less likely to get eczema and asthma, two conditions caused by allergic reactions, than babies whose parents did not use the cleaning technique.

"They put it in their mouth, sucked on it and then gave it back to the children," Hesselmar says. "It's a quite common way to clean pacifier."

The findings add credence to a growing body of evidence that suggests that exposure, or the lack of exposure, to microbes early in life can affect a child's health by influencing his or her microbiome.

"There's recently been an explosion of interest in the microbiome and how it might influence many things — but in particular someone's propensity to develop an allergic disease," Matsui says.

To investigate the role of pacifier cleaning, Bill Hesselmar of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and his colleagues analyzed data they had collected for a broader study about babies' allergies. Among the questions the par-

"We asked them how they cleaned the pacifier — if they rinsed them in water — and of course most of them did," Hesselmar says.

But a lot of the parents did something else.

When the researchers checked to see if there were any differences between the kids whose parents sucked their pacifiers clean and those who didn't, they found there was. Those whose parents sucked the pacifiers clean were significantly less likely to have developed eczema at 18 and 36 months and less likely to have developed asthma at 18 months, the researchers say.

Scientists think that when parents suck their child's pacifier clean, they transfer some of the harmless bacteria in their mouths to their child, Hesselmar says. In fact, the researchers found evidence supporting that when they analyzed the saliva of the babies in the study.

"We think that these bacteria ... stimulate the immune system," Hesselmar says.

And that teaches it how to do its job properly, which includes not overreacting to things like peanuts, pollen and cats, he says.

The study adds to a growing body of evidence that lots of kids these days may be growing up essentially too clean, Matsui says.

Tourism Summit Generates New Ideas to Bring More Visitors to New York State Wednesday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the launch of New York’s largest tourism campaign in decades, committing nearly $60 million to grow the industry, create jobs and attract even more visitors to the Empire State.

The Governor’s announcement came at the conclusion of the New York State Tourism Summit, where hundreds of tourism experts gathered in Albany to discuss ideas and new ways to bring tourists to every corner of the state. As the fifth largest employment sector in New York, tourism supported 714,000 jobs and generated more than $29 billion in wages in 2012.

One out of every 12 jobs in New York is tourism-related. The more than 202 million international and domestic visitors that visited the Empire State last year resulted in $57 billion in direct tourism spending, and generated $7 billion in state and local taxes.

“New York State has some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world. From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the beaches of Long Island, no matter what you’re looking for you can find it here,” Governor Cuomo said. “I want the

A health crisis in ‘slow motion’

ThatÕs how U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon describes the effects of chronic diseases, which account for nearly two-thirds of deaths worldwide. The U.N. will hold its first summit on the issue starting Sept. 19.

Noncommunicable disease threat

36 million

29%

people died in 2008 from NCDs; cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases were the top killers

of NCD deaths in low-and middle-income countries in 2008 occurred before age 60

80%

of premature NCD deaths are preventable, caused by bad habits, such as smoking, exercising too little, eating too much

Highest death rates from NCDs for men

Highest death rates from NCDs for women

Worldwide deaths from NCDs

Top health problems, by world region

More than 800 deaths per 100,000 men, 2008

More than 700 deaths per 100,000 women, 2008

In millions, 2008

Cardiovascular Cancer Respiratory Diabetes Other

Europe, North America 17 7.6 4.2 1.3

© 2011 MCT Source: World Health Organization Graphic: Pat Carr

5.9

Asia China India

Heart disease, diabetes

Lung disease, high blood pressure Diabetes, high blood pressure

Central, South America Africa*

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

GOVERNOR LAUNCHES NEW YORK'S LARGEST TOURISM CAMPAIGN IN DECADES

children are less allergy prone when exposed to some germs

"This is a really interesting and intriguing observation," says Elizabeth Matsui of the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, who was not involved in the research.

‫תשע״ג‬

Cancer

Infectious diseases, maternal-infant health problems, poor nutrition

*Despite high death toll from NCDs, Africa remains only region where they are not the top causes of death

world to know about these assets, too, and am committed to making the State a ‘must see’ global destination and creating new jobs and investments in New York.”

After discussions with tourism experts and hearing the concerns and ideas of local and international tourism officials, the Governor announced a series of initiatives designed to make New York State the tourism capital of the world: •Highest Level of Tourism Funding in Decades: The Governor announced the state would invest nearly $60 million in tourism funding - the highest level of tourism funding in decades, making New York State third in the country in tourism funding. Last year, the state invested $19 million in tourism funding.

•New I LOVE NY marketing campaign with Port Authority and MTA to promote Upstate NY tourism destinations: Under the partnership announced today, The MTA and Port Authority will provide $2 million dollars’ worth of advertising space on subways, bus and commuter rail systems and at airport arrival points and kiosks to promote Upstate tourism.

20

THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013 Coke Takes Anti-Obesity Campaign Global Coca-Cola says it will work to make lower-calorie drinks and clear nutrition information more widely available around the world, intensifying a push against critics who say its drinks pack on the pounds.

The Atlanta-based company, which makes Sprite, Fanta and Minute Maid, already offers diet drinks in most markets. But they’re not always as readily available in emerging markets such as China and India as they are in the U.S. With sugary drinks coming under fire for fueling obesity rates, Coca-Cola Co. has been more aggressive in trying to convince customers its products can be part of a healthy lifestyle. That campaign has included the company touting its wide range of lower-calorie offerings. But Coca-Cola has also stood by its full-calorie drinks, saying that physical activity plays an important role in fighting obesity.

“There is a place for all of our beverages in a healthy lifestyle,” CEO Muhtar Kent said in a call with reporters Wednesday.

China greets Israeli prime minister in Beijing Chinese leaders welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Beijing on Wednesday as China tries to bring its growing international influence to an area where it has had little impact — the Middle East peace process.

Greeting the Israeli leader at the Great Hall of the People, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang made no direct mention of his meeting two days earlier with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who leads his people’s efforts to achieve statehood. Talks between Israel and the Palestinians on the statehood issue have been deadlocked for four years, despite pressure on Jerusalem from the United States, Russia and the European Union, long the major players in Middle East diplomacy.

While ties between Jerusalem and Beijing have expanded rapidly over the past 15 years — China is now a major purchaser of Israeli know-how, from high-technology to agriculture, engineering and military-related services — it maintains its Palestinian sympathies, amid a general critique of what it sometimes sees as Israeli belligerence in the area.

‫תשע״ג‬

After last weekend’s Israeli airstrike on a Syrian military complex, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying avoided criticizing Israel by name, but left little doubt that Beijing saw it as an unwelcome curtain raiser to Netanyahu’s visit.

“We oppose the use of force and believe any country’s sovereignty should be respected,” she said.

LaGuardia Bound Plane Hit

By Lightning Twice An American Eagle flight from Detroit has landed safely at New York’s LaGuardia Airport after being struck by lightning.

American Airlines spokesman Matt Miller says American Eagle Flight 4563 was struck twice by lightning as it approached New York on Wednesday morning.

Miller says the captain declared an emergency as a precaution.

The plane landed safely at 10:41 a.m.

The spokesman says a maintenance team is inspecting the aircraft. It was an Embraer 135 with 20 passengers and three crew members.

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

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THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

21

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

Currency features the woman’s

care center

Most currency has been redesigned to include new security features.

HereÕs what to look for on a genuine $10 bill.

1

2

3

4 5

6 7

at monsey family medical center Is proud to announce

Ayelet Hoenig,NP Has Joined our Staff

Joel Allen, MD Debra Kirschner, MD Melissa A. Carco, PA And the exceptional support staff treat each patient with patience, expertise and concern.

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1. Microprinting in different areas on each denomination For more on how to 2. New offset-printed multicolored background guard against counterfeiting, go to 3. Slightly off-center, borderless portrait secretservice.gov 4. Symbol next to portrait printed in metallic pigment ink and click on ÒKnow Your MoneyÓ 5. Security thread; words USA TEN can be seen in light 6. Color-shifting ink 7. Watermark; portrait of Alexander Hamilton can be seen in light Source: U.S. Secret Service

© 2011 MCT

Graphic: Orlando Sentinel

Ezras Torah Monsey Breakfast Event May 12 at 10:00 A.M.

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THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

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23

THE ADVOCATE May 9, 2013

‫תשע״ג‬

‫דער אדוואקאט במדבר‬

CLASSIFIED ads

To place a classified ad for $10 please call 845.770.1950 • or E-mail Sales@advocateNews.org CAREER OPPORTUNITIES COMMUNITY MEDICAL and DENTAL CARE, INC. 40 Robert Pitt Drive 845.352.6800 x6834 Monsey, NY 10952 845.503.2298 (fax) Katerina Schneidman, Director of Human Resources

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Monsey Family Medical Center 40 Robert Pitt Drive Monsey, NY 10952 845.352.6800

Available for Elder care,

CONDOS FOR RENT-SALE

Childcare, Housekeeping.

MONSEY BLUEBERRY HILL 1 BR FROM 129K 2 BR FROM 229K

PREFERRED PROPERTIES

845.352.4440

Live in or out. Excellent references available.

Please call Maria at 914-648-5197 Excellent references available. Please call Maria at 914-648-5197.

can you write internships available email editor@advocatenews.org call 845 770 1950

Family Medical Center 175 Rt. 59 Spring Valley, NY 10977

TAXI AVAILABLE

Cheapest In Town Mini Vans Available

Pay after Shabbos or Yom Tov 24 hour service Local or Long Distance 425-4411

la familia taxi

CONDOS FOR RENT

help wanted

MONSEY BLUEBERRY HILL Apartments for rent

s e lli n g a d s f o r n e w s p a p e r • 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 Email Sales@advocateNews.org or FAX 845-746-2203

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DATED MATERIAL post master please deliver same day