Riverdale Review, May 19, 2011 by Andrew Wolf

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Volume XVIII • Number 24 • May 19 - 25, 2011 •

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Rent control? This house is just $17,000 a month! By MIAWLING LAM And Jimmy McMillan thought the rent was too damn high. A palatial 11,200-square-foot mansion in the heart of Riverdale has just hit the rental market for a staggering $17,000 a month. It is believed to be one of the most expensive residential properties to ever enter the Bronx rental market. The sprawling six-bedroom, nine-bathroom palace, located at 5020 Iselin Avenue and within the confines of Fieldston, boasts a private elevator, butler’s pantry and three wood-burning fireplaces. A top-of-the-line gourmet kitchen with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, six-burner Viking stove and wine cooler also boosts its appeal to culinary enthusiasts. If those bells and whistles aren’t enough, the ritzy home— part of the Villanova Heights estate—even features an inground heated swimming pool and adjoining cabana. Designed by world-renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern and built in 2004, the three-story home has been on the market since April 23 and is listed for $17,000 per month, furnished. Those with their own furniture are eligible for a discount and can rent the home for $15,500 per month, unfurnished. CitiHabitats listing agent Nathan Sheard said the pad was “definitely” the most luxurious currently on the market in The Bronx. The agent at the New Yorkbased real estate brokerage firm said while nobody has come forward to plunk down money, it was still early days. “We’ve just started the marketing process and we’re just getting the word out there,” he told the Riverdale Review. “The architect did an amazing job with the property. You have all the modern amenities but also all the classic details. The attention to detail is just really amazing. “A lot of us make a lot of sacrifices in order to live in New York as far as space, but at 11,000 square feet, it’s definitely something that can be very comfortable.” Landscaping services, daily housekeeping, 24-hour security and an on-site supervisor are also included in the monthly rental price.

Hardwood floors provide a touch of elegance, while the muted color palette of creams, whites and lattes throughout the property complete the contemporary look. In the gushing real estate blurb, prospective renters are told the classic arts-and-craftsstyle abode would make them “the envy of even the early 20th century’s barons of industry.” City property records indicate the mansion has a revised market value of $16.74 million for fiscal year 2011-12. Paperwork also reveals a deed transfer title worth $4.15 million was executed in January and that Chapel Farm Estate, a corporation owned by John Fitzgerald, is the current owner. As of press time, calls to Villanova Heights and John Fitzgerald for comment were not returned. Sheard said Fitzgerald has no interest in selling but may reconsider if a buyer is willing to drop a cool $7.25 million. Despite the current financial situation, Sheard remained upbeat and said he was confident of finding an interested renter, either on a short-term or long-term basis. “There are a lot of avenues that we think is potentially advantageous for this property,” he said. “Seeing that it is positioned very conveniently to both Yankee Stadium and the New York Knicks, who have a practice facility in Tarrytown, there’s definitely potential. “We also work closely with the major firms that specialize in corporate relocation, so with a lot of firms bringing in clients from Hong Kong, Singapore and the U.K., it would be a great opportunity for them to have a place where they can live and take advantage of life in the city.” According to a suburb snapshot produced by online real estate resource Trulia, the median sales price for homes in Fieldston jumped to $2,087,500, a 136.5 percent increase between November and April. The six-figure price tag for properties in the exclusive community is 464 percent higher than the median sales price for homes in the rest of the borough.

The exterior of the very expensive rental house on 5020 Iselin Avenue.

If you can afford $17,000 a month in rent, you could also afford to eat out.

Thursday, May 19, 2011 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

‘New’ Kappock guardrails already crumbling By BRENDAN McHUGH One year after completion, the new railing along the Kappock Street underpass is in a state of disrepair. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has called upon the NYC Department of Design and Construction to immediately repair the pedestrian guardrails along the southerly side of the Kappock Street underpass. Despite being installed only last year, the guardrails have started to deteriorate. Concrete footings to which the railings are attached are crumbling in many locations, the guardrails are loose and unstable, the joints in the concrete wall are crumbling, and a metal cylinder is disconnected from the adjacent rail. “Given this project took a year longer to complete than originally scheduled, there is no excuse for these defects,” Dinowitz wrote in a letter to DDC engineer Dickens Charles. Beyond calling for just a repair of the railings, Dinowitz has called for an investigation into how such poor workmanship could have taken place. He has demanded to know what contractor performed the work, how the contractor was chosen and whether taxpayers must now pay for repairs of the project or whether the contractor will properly finish the job at no additional cost. “Clearly there needs to be an investigation of this contractor. I’m no expert, but even a layperson like myself can come to the conclusion that expensive work performed by a contractor hired by the city should last more than a year. It’s outrageous, particularly given the long delay in finishing this project that the work performed is crumbling before our eyes. I say to the contractor, ‘Fix it, and fix it now!’”Assemblyman Dinowitz said. A DDC representative was unable to comment as of press time but is looking into the situation. This isn’t the first mention of deteriorating areas along the Henry Hudson Parkway. Community Board 8 member Robert Press last month brought up

Census indicates acceleration of white flight from Bronx County By MIAWLING LAM White families continue to leave Bronx County in droves. New census data released last Wednesday reveals the county’s white population has plunged to near historic lows, declining by 43,580 in just 20 years. According to the figures, there were 386,497 white residents in Bronx County last year, compared to 430,077 in 1990. The slide comes despite a gain in population of more than 52,000 over that same period. The figures raise serious concerns about “white flight” and the effect that racial makeup changes have on social cohesion. A breakdown shows Hispanics and Latinos accounted for much of Bronx County’s population growth. In fact, all racial types recorded an uptick in numbers except for whites. The data shows nearly 100,000 additional Hispanics have settled in The Bronx since 2000. The influx means their numbers have soared to 741,413, up from nearly 645,000 at the turn of the century. Meanwhile, the number of blacks and African-Americans also rose by more than 30,000 over the same period. The latest tranche of census data uncovered a slew of interesting demographic Continued on Page 19

construction at the West 239th Street and West 252nd Street overpasses, where Department of Transportation workers were making repairs to the walls. Press said he was concerned the problems may be the result of poor workmanship similar to what is now at Kappock Street, but the DOT says the repairs were minor.

By MIAWLING LAM It’s official: Kingsbridge Innovative Design Charter School has been ordered to shut its doors. The troubled charter school was given its last rites and had its charter revoked following a unanimous decision at the Board of Regents meeting in Albany on Tuesday. It is the first time the state has moved to close a charter school in its first year of operation. The decision is effective as of July 1 and comes after months of uncertainty. Chair of the P-12 Education Committee and Regents Member Anthony S. Bottar led brief discussions on KIDS during the meeting. He said while the board reviewed all the evidence, they determined the school simply could not remain open. “We deliberated yesterday afternoon following the presentation,” he said, “and in the end, concluded unanimously to recommend to the board that the charter for the Kingsbridge Innovative Design Charter School be continued through to June 30 of this year and that it be revoked July 1, 2011.” More than 150 children will now need to enroll in other schools or explore home schooling—an option several parents have previously said they would consider in the event of closure. KIDS Executive Director Julio Cotto was unavailable for comment before press time. The KIDS school was slapped with a probation order on March 24 due to gross financial and educational misman-

agement. Since opening its doors—10 days behind schedule—on September 17, the school has been plagued by spiraling costs, payroll issues and non-delivery of textbooks and curriculum materials. It allegedly missed payments to teachers’ 401k accounts, and a former staffer said her paycheck was delayed in December. Following the decision, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said he wasn’t surprised by the decision. “Given the devastating report that I read, I am not surprised,” he said. “It seemed inevitable that this would happen. “Everything really speaks for itself. There was gross financial mismanagement at the school, taxpayer money was squandered and the school is suffering academically.” Dinowitz welcomed the state’s decision to allow the school to remain open until June and said attention must now turn to finding another school for all affected families. The vote was passed despite a last-ditch effort from the school’s parent community to avert the shutdown. Just last week, a small group of parents finally succeeded in getting the support of a local elected official. Prior to the breakthrough, no representative was willing to go to bat for the school. Councilman G. Oliver Koppell signed a letter in support of the school and urged the state to extend the probation order. In the one-page letter, addressed to

Board of Regents Member Dr. Betty Rosa and written by his education adviser, Eleanor Edelstein, Koppell said the passion exhibited by the parents spoke volumes. “Obviously, there have been problems with the school’s ﬁnances. Nevertheless, despite the problems, the parents have great conﬁdence in the school,” he wrote. “I believe there has to be something unique about the learning experience at the school that has inspired so many of the parents to be dismayed at the thought of its closing. “In view of this…I am recommending that its probation be extended for a year, in line with the probationary period of

other charter schools. “I do have some concerns about the ﬁnancial management of the school, but the parents were so enthusiastic about the school that I thought maybe giving them a chance to clean up their act, that maybe it would work,” he said. “I’m not a huge advocate of charter schools to begin with, but when a whole bunch of parents come to you and tell you their kids are having this wonderful experience and they don’t want to see their school disappear, it’s hard to turn them down.” That was the tough decision that the Regents, unlike Koppell, were able to make.

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3 The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, May 19, 2011

Board of Regents orders ‘wacky’ charter school to close doors June 30

Thursday, May 19, 2011 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

Around the schools... Riverdale-Kingsbridge Academy

The community is invited to RKA’s ﬁrst Academic and Arts Fair, to be held on Thursday and Friday, May 26 and 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evening. Students will guide attendees through an exhibition of class assignments completed by students in grades 6 through 12. The RKA Dancers and the middle school band will perform at the fair on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Saint Gabriel School

This Saturday, May 21, the annual fun-filled Spring Fair will enliven the Saint Gabriel schoolyard from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The community is invited to join in the games, face painting, raffles, crafts and other activities. Vendors will offer a variety of wares and foods for breakfast and lunch. Proceeds from the event will benefit the school, located at 590 West 235th Street, between Netherland and Arlington avenues. In the event of rain, the fair will be held on Saturday, June 4.

SAR High School

Yishai Chamudot, an SAR freshman and a Riverdale resident, was a finalist in the International Bible Contest in Jerusalem on Israel’s Independence Day. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Education Minister Gideon Sa’ar attended the competition, which was televised throughout Israel. Finalists met with Netanyahu as part of a weeklong series of events. Chamudot ranked first place at last year’s youth division competition, held in New York. The SAR High School Choir participated in the annual Col. David “Mickey” Marcus Memorial in the Jewish chapel at West Point Military Academy this month. The memorial honors Marcus, the first Israeli army general, and the other American soldiers who volunteered to fight in Israel’s War of Independence. Col. Marcus, the subject of a film starring Kirk Douglas, is the only soldier buried at West Point who was killed while fighting under the flag of another country. The school earned a Silver Award at New York Blood Center’s Annual Recognition Breakfast this month. The breakfast, held on the Fordham University campus, recognizes the contributions of Bronx

high schools and stresses the need for more blood donations. Thanks to the dedication of its student blood drive committee, SAR has one of the highest rates of blood donation among area schools—it collected 133 units during the spring and fall blood drives in 2010.

Horace Mann School

Saxophonist Sam Torres, an HM junior and a Riverdale resident, will be performing at Smoke Jazz and Supper Club-Lounge this Sunday, May 22, with the New York Jazz Academy’s Wayne Shorter Ensemble, led by saxophonist Wayne Escoffery. The set is from 4:30 to 5:45. Smoke is at 2751 Broadway, between 105th and 106th streets in Manhattan. For more information, contact the club at 212-864-6662 or info@smokejazz.com. Pianist Jay Lee, an HM eighth-grader, is a one of three first-place winners of the Bronx Arts Ensemble’s Jonathan Bingham Young Bronx Artist Contest, held at the Amalgamated Houses last month. Each of the winners receives $500 and gets to be a soloist with the BAE at one of its subscription concerts in the 2011-2012 season. Lee attends the Pre-College Division at the Manhattan School of Music. He won ﬁrst place in the conservatory’s 2009 Pre-college Concerto Competition and received the Ralph Zola Memorial Scholarship in 2009 and 2010.

College of Mount Saint Vincent

The community is invited to join Dr. Teresita Ramirez, chair of the business and economics department, on a 12-day trip to China in January, 2012. The group will leave New York on Monday, January 2, and return on Friday, January 13. The itinerary features visits to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, with stops at historical sites including the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square. The cost of the trip is $3,023, which includes all transportation, accommodations, daily breakfast, seven dinners and all sightseeing tours. Participants have the option of earning college credit by registering for “China in the Global Economy,” a three-credit course that examines economic, political, historical and cultural factors. For more information, contact Dr. Ramirez at 718-405-3372 or teresita. ramirez@mountsaintvincent.edu.

By BRENDAN McHUGH Manhattan College has been storing cars from a local auto dealership in their parking garage. This may constitute a violation of the agreement with the New York State Dormitory Authority which ﬁnanced the facility. A tip from a local resident last week revealed 20 Jeeps and Chryslers are parked on the second ﬂoor of the garage on Broadway, each with a license plate border for the Riverdale dealership and shipping information on the dashboard. This has been seen as a sign of disrespect toward the community, as the parking garage was the center of controversy when Community Board 8 discussed it

more than six years ago. Community board members asked Manhattan College whether local residents could use the garage while they visited Van Cortlandt Park, but the college said no. “We were told by the college, ‘We cannot do that under our covenants,’” land use chairman Charles Moerdler said. “If this is true, I would be very upset,” Community Board 8 chairman Damian McShane said in an email. “In the past, we have asked the college to allow the public to use the lot for special events, i.e. track and ﬁeld events, but they indicated they were not allowed to operate in that fashion.” In 2005, the college said the garage could be used only for students, faculty and staff

as per the agreement with the New York State Dormitory Authority, from whom they received bonds for the project. A plan of the garage created by the college in 2005 stated, “[Public parking] does not seem possible because, as a notfor-profit and with tax-exempt financing for our portion of the project, we would run afoul of IRS rules if we had a private business for non-College parking on the College parking levels.” A copy of the covenant with the NYSDA, recently obtained through a Freedom of Information Law request, confirmed the position: “Failure of the College to operate the facilities financed by the Series 2007B Bonds in a manner that is substantially related to the College’s charitable purpose under Sec-

Riverdale Chrysler Jeep is using the Manhattan College garage to store new vehicles, which may be a violation of the college’s agreement with the agency that ﬁnanced it.

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5 The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, May 19, 2011

College garage used to store dealer’s cars

tion 513(a) of the Code, may cause interest on the Series 2007B Bonds to be included in gross income retroactively to the date of the issuance of the Series 2007B Bonds.” A Manhattan College spokeswoman said she did not have time to discuss the situation, even though requests for comment were made five days before deadline. It is unknown what the agreement is with Riverdale Chrysler Jeep and how it may affect the college. The garage already has a difficult history with Riverdale. The college originally had an agreement with Pathmark to occupy the first floor of the building with a certain number of parking spots allocated for the store, but when the economy worsened, Pathmark backed out. The college has yet to fill the garage with a tenant. Rumors of a Trader Joe’s have circulated in the years since, but so far nothing has moved forward.

Thursday, May 19, 2011 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

CSAIR class on the Book of Ruth

The Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale (CSAIR) will present a two-part class, ‘Sexual Politics in the Book of Ruth,’ on Thursday, May 19 and 26, at 7:45 p.m. each evening. This course will be taught by Professor Diane M. Sharon, a CSAIR member, and will focus on the Biblical Book of Ruth, looking at the book as a whole, with particular attention to Chapter 3 where Ruth uses overt sexuality to obtain a goal that has social beneﬁts for both Naomi and Ruth. Professor Sharon will explore the ethical and moral issues at stake, what is problematical for the contemporary reader - and what is acceptable, and what this story tells us about our biblical role models and their leadership qualities. This program is sponsored by the CSAIR Adult Education Committee. It is free and open to the entire community. For more information, contact the CSAIR ofﬁce at 718-543-8400. CSAIR is located at 475 West 250th Street at the Henry Hudson Parkway.

Bronx history lecture at Van Cortlandt Library

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Bronx Week, Van Cortlandt Library will display a collection of Bronx History Collages by Professor Victor Mastro, who has lectured and written about Bronx history

for decades. His collages will be on display from May 15 to May 31. In addition, on Thursday, May 19, at 3 p.m., Professor Mastro will deliver a lecture, ‘A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words,’ in which he will describe his collages in detail. Van Cortlandt Branch Library is located at 3874 Sedgwick Avenue. For more information, call 718-543-5150.

BAE Strings to play at CMSV’s baccalaureate

Bronx Arts Ensemble Strings to play the music of JS Bach, Beethoven and Gustav Holst at the College of Mount Saint Vincent’s Baccalaureate Mass in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on Friday, May 20 at 5 p.m. Appearing with the Bronx Arts Ensemble is solo trumpeter, James Miller. Bachelor, BBA, BPS and masters graduates and guests are invited to attend. The College of Mount Saint Vincent is located at 6301 Riverdale Avenue in the Bronx. Visit bronxartsensemble.org or call 718.601.7399.

RNH to hold outdoor ﬂea market

The Riverdale Neighborhood House will hold an outdoor ﬂea market onsite at 5521 Mosholu Avenue on Saturday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, May 22. Tables at the ﬂea market will be run by

local residents. Items for sale will include crafts, music, books and house wares. New handmade and gently used items will be available. If you would like additional information or a vendor application about RNH’s ﬂea market, call 718-549-8100 ext. 111 or visit www.riverdaleonline.org.

CSAIR concert features Six13 and Hazamir

Jewish a cappella sensation Six13 and local chapters of Hazamir, the International Jewish High School Choir, will perform at the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale (CSAIR) on Sunday, May 22, at 12:15 p.m. Six13 combines the energy, humor and charm of college a cappella with the polish of professional musicians. With intricate harmonies and a pop sensibility they use the full range of the human voice to prove that the Jewish heart still beats. They have recorded 4 albums, performed at Jewish Heritage Days at major sports arenas, including Shea Stadium, Citi field and Madison Square Garden in New York, and Dolphin Stadium in Florida, and they have won a long list of awards. Hazamir is a project of the Zamir Choral Foundation, founded and directed by Matthew Lazar. It was created to provide an engaging, artistic, educational and social outlet for Jewish teens across the denominational spectrum. The result is high level music-making that is a joy for audiences of all ages. Hazamir sings everything from the first known Jewish choral music from the 17th century to contemporary pieces written expressly for them. Tickets for the concert, which is sponsored by the Jerry Smith Memorial Fund at CSAIR, are $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and $6 for children and students. Tickets are available online at www.csair. org or by calling the CSAIR office at 718543-8400. CSAIR is located at 475 West 250th Street at the Henry Hudson Parkway.

Police Day at the Riv. Y

Great fun for the entire Family. It’s free hands-on fun for children as the 50th Precinct ﬁlls the Riverdale Y’s parking lot with an NYPD car, motorcycle, mounted ofﬁcer and horse, NYPD bomb squad truck and a NYPD ambulance on Sunday, May 22 from 10 am to 2 pm. Conditions

permitting, there may even be a fly-over by a police helicopter. Children will have an opportunity to explore the equipment, talk with officers and learn safety tips, first-hand. All families with children are invited to this event. The Y’s director of Early Childhood Education will be there to answer questions and give tours of the Y’s facilities for young children. The Riverale Y is located at 5625 Arlington Avenue. For more information, please call 718-548-8200 ext. 200 or see our website at www.riverdaley.org

‘Aladdin’ to be shown at Riverdale Y

The award-winning Riverdale Rising Stars Jr. will be performing Disney’s Aladdin at the Riverdale Y. This show stars the talented youth of Riverdale and is appropriate for all ages. Show dates and times are Sunday, May 22 at 1:30 and 5:30 PM, Tuesday, May 24 at 7:00 PM, Thursday May 26 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, May 29 at 2:00 and 6:00PM On Sunday May 29, please join us for a Memorial Day BBQ at 4:00! All proceeds beneﬁt the Riverdale Rising Stars. The Riverdale Y is located at 5625 Arlington Avenue. For more information call 718-548-8200 ext 200 or see our website for tickets and performances at www.RiverdaleY.org.

Penny social at St. John’s School

St. John’s Penny Social will be held on Saturday, May 21, 1 p.m., at St. John’s Lower Church, Stryker Room , 3021 Kingsbridge Avenue. Donation of $5 includes refreshments and 50 penny tickets. There is plenty of parking. For more information, call 718-543-3003.

Chabad to hold Lag B’Omer picnic

Chabad of Riverdale invites the entire community join us at the Lag B’Omer picnic & festivities on Sunday, May 22 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Seton Park. The picnic will feature: Performance by world-renowned BMX Bike Stunt Show, pony rides, obstacle course, moon bounce, great delicious food, and fun for the whole family. Admission is free but there is a charge for all rides, food and drinks. The kashrus of all food and drinks are under the auspices of Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale. For $100 you can be a co-sponsor for this event! Sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale. For more information & directions please call 718-5491100 ext 10.

Architecture tour at the Woodlawn Cemetery

The last day of Bronx Week is the perfect time to visit The Woodlawn Cemetery, one of New York’s most famous architectural treasures. On Sunday, May 22, architect and author Charles D. Warren will lead a tour from Grand Central Station to Woodlawn, following the path of the cemetery’s development and exploring its architectural treasures, including the great mausoleums by acclaimed architects McKim, Mead & White, Carrere & Hastings, John Russell Pope, and more. Riders will learn about the fascinating connection between 20thcentury rail and Woodlawn’s history. Participants meet at the Grand Central information booth (promptly at noon). Cost is $20 per person, additional cost for Metro North. For reservations, contact Brian Sahd, Executive Director, Friends of Woodlawn, 718-920-1470.

Manhattan grad opens new restaurant in neighborhood

When Luigi Marcoccia was a ﬁnance major at Manhattan College, like so many other students he was a patron of Jasper’s. ‘Everybody went to Jasper’s. It was a rite of passage.’ Marcoccia says that after graduation, he never dreamed Jasper’s would return to his life. The 1994 graduate has gone on to a career in the ﬁnancial world, but now he and his partners will take over the legendary institution and give it a new name, look, and menu. Generico’s Pizzeria and Café will take up residence at 3535 Riverdale Avenue with an opening slated on or about Memorial Day weekend. ‘Jasper’s has been a tradition and legend for two decades,’ says Marcoccia. ‘Generico’s will honor Jasper’s tradition in a new way, and of course we will keep the famous Jasper’s pizza.’ Generico’s will also offer al fresco dining as the front of the new bistro will feature a sidewalk café.

RNH after school program open house

The Riverdale Neighborhood House, located at 5521 Mosholu Avenue, will hold an open house on Tuesday, May 24, from 6 to 7 p.m., for its after school program for K-5. Parents have the option of 2, 3, 4 or 5 days or care. Fee includes care on public school half-days, and full-day care from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on most school holidays and February and Spring breaks. Limited scholarships for working parents. If you would like additional information, call 718-549-8100 ext. 125 or visit www.riverdaleonline.org.

Toastmasters Club invites new members

The Bronx Toastmasters Club invites new members to join them at their meeting on May 25 at 7:30 PM at the Riverdale Neighborhood House, 5521 Mosholu Avenue. Wouldn’t you like to communicate effectively? Now you can! Toastmasters will show you how to listen effectively, think on your feet, and speak conﬁdently. You will learn valuable leadership skills - all in a supportive, non-intimidating environment. Come as a guest and witness for yourself what they accomplish. The club meets

every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. For further information visit their website at www.thebronxtoastmasters.com or call 718-796-6671.

Paddy Lyons to address Serra Club meeting

The Serra Club presents a new hymn, Our Lady of the Rosary, written by Martin Dolgow and Paddy Lyons. Paddy Lyons, who composed and arranged the hymn, will introduce the hymn at the meeting on Wednesday, May 25, at 12 noon.

The hymn, a tribute to the Blessed Mother, highlights the Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries and asks her to pray for all. The chorus is intended to be sung by parishioners in Church and inspire them to Pray the Rosary. Also, the chaplain, Father Quarato, will continue his series on the Mass. The Serra Club is an international organization, whose mission is to foster and promote vocations to the ordained priesthood and vowed religious life, and through this ministry, fosters and afﬁrms the members’ common Catholic faith. Luncheon meetings are held at noon at the Eastwood

Open house at Riv. Y

The simon senior center located at the riverdale ym-ymha will be hosting an open house on sunday may 22nd starting at 9:30 a m. The day will begin with card and table games, bingo and coffee in a relaxed environment in the card room. It will be followed by a kosher lunch. There will be afternoon entertainment and dancing with yuri mitchenko. all seniors in the community are invited to participate. Suggested lunch donation is $2.25. the Riverdale Y is located at 5625 Arlington Avenue. For further information please call the Y @ 718-548-8200 x 223 or 224.

7 The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, May 19, 2011

Manor at 3371 Eastchester Road (corner of Boston Post Road) in the Bronx. The cost of the luncheon is $20. Call 718-654-3601 for additional information and reservations.

Thursday, May 19, 2011 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

Thursday, May 19

ambulance. For more information, please call 718-548-8200 ext. 200 or see our website at www.riverdaley.org.

BRONX HISTORY LECTURE 3 p.m. Van Cortlandt Branch Library 3874 Sedgwick Avenue Prof. Victor Mastro will deliver a lecture, “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words,” in which he will describe his Bronx History Collage in detail. For more info, call 718-543-5150.

Riverdale

Van Cortlandt

Riverdale

SPRING CONCERT 12:15:00 Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel 475 West 250th Street Jewish a cappella sensation Six13 and local chapters of Hazamir, the International Jewish High School Choir, will perform. For info, call 718-543-8400 or visit www.csair.com.

TEEN CAFÉ 4 p.m. Riverdale Branch Library 5540 Mosholu Avenue Come hang out with your friends in a cool, casual environment. Bring snacks to enjoy while you listen to the radio & chat with your friends. Use laptops to do your homework, watch videos, play games, & more! For more information, call 718-549-1212.

Yonkers

Kingsbridge

Monday, May 23

CB8 MEETING 7 p.m. 50th Police Precinct 3450 Kingsbridge Avenue Meeting of the Public Safety Committee of Community Board 8. For more information, call 718-884-3959.

Riverdale

DISCUSSION ON BOOK OF RUTH 7:45 p.m. Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel 475 West 250th Street Professor Diane M. Sharon will teach a class on ‘Sexual Politics in the Book of Ruth.’ Focus will be on the Biblical Book of Ruth, particularly Chapter 3. Two-part class: May 19 and 26. Free and open to the community. For more information, call 718-543-8400.

Friday, May 20 Riverdale

KNITTING CIRCLE 2 p.m. Riverdale Branch Library 5540 Mosholu Avenue Gather with other knitters and perhaps pick-up a few tips and tricks as you work on your own creations! For more information, call 718-549-1212.

Riverdale

BACCALAUREATE MASS 5 p.m. College of Mount St. Vincent Chapel of Immaculate Conception Bronx Arts Ensemble Strings to play the music of JS Bach, Beethoven and Gustav Holst at the College of Mount Saint Vincent’s Baccalaureate Mass. For more information, visit bronxartsensemble.org or call 718.601.7399.

Saturday, May 21 Riverdale

FLEA MARKET 11 a.m. Riverdale Neighborhood House 5521 Mosholu Avenue Items for sale will include crafts, music, books and house wares. New handmade and gently used items will be available. Rain date is May 22. For more information, call 718-549-8100 ext. 111.

Kingsbridge

PENNY SOCIAL 1 p.m. Old St. John’s School 3030 Godwin Terrace Donation of $5 includes refreshments and 50 penny tickets and free parking. For more information, call 718-543-3003.

Spuyten Duyvil

LIVE YIDDISH MUSIC 1 p.m. Will Branch Library 1500 Central Park Avenue Experience the magic of live performance when Eleanor Reissa & Friends take the stage. Admission is free. For more information, call 914-337-1500, ext. 404.

Kingsbridge

KNITTING & CROCHET 5 p.m. Kingsbridge Branch Library 280 West 231st Street If you are a knitter or crocheter, come join us to work on your current project, show off ﬁnished ones, swap skills, or just chat with your fellow crafters. All ages and skill levels are welcome. We have a limited supply of yarn and needles for beginners to practice with, but participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies. For more information, call 718-548-5656.

Riverdale

CB8 MEETING 7:30 p.m. Community Board 8 5676 Riverdale Avenue Meeting of the Housing Committee of Community Board 8. For more information, call 718-884-3959.

Tuesday, May 24 PRESCHOOL STORY TIME 10:30 a.m. Van Cortlandt Branch Library 3874 Sedgwick Avenue Preschoolers from 3 to 5 years old and their parents/caregivers can enjoy new and classic picture books, action songs, meet other preschoolers in the neighborhood and stay after the story time for Arts & Crafts. For more info, call 718-543-5150.

Riverdale

OPEN HOUSE 6 p.m. Riverdale Neighborhood House 5521 Mosholu Avenue Open house for RNH’s after school program for K-5. For more information, call 718-549-8100 ext. 125.

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WORKSHOP 7 p.m. Riverdale YM-YWHA 5625 Arlington Avenue Workshop on ‘How to protect your child legally and ﬁnancially.’ The entire community is invited. For more information, contact Charlie Schiller at 718-548- 8200 ext. 229.

Sunday, May 22

Spuyten Duyvil

TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETING 7:30 p.m. Riverdale Neighborhood House 5521 Mosholu Avenue Bronx Toastmasters Club invites new members to join at their free meeting. For more information, call 718-796-6671 or visit www.thebronxtoastmasters.com.

Thursday, May 26 TODDLER STORY TIME 10:30 a.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library 650 West 235th Street Toddlers from 18 months to 3 years old and their parents/caregivers can enjoy interactive stories, action songs, and ﬁngerplays, and spend time with other toddlers in the neighborhood. For more information, call 718-796-1202.

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POLICE DAY AT THE Y 10 a.m. Riverdale YM-YWHA 5625 Arlington Avenue It’s free hands-on fun for children as the 50th Precinct ﬁlls the Riverdale Y’s parking lot with an NYPD car, motorcycle, mounted ofﬁcer and horse, NYPD bomb squad truck and a NYPD

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DA BRONX SPEECH 2 p.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library 650 West 235th Street In celebration of Bronx week Prof. Victor Mastro will explore and discuss the lingo, the idioms, the Bronxism, the peculiar argot that is truly the Bronx! However, though we can’t guarantee that you’ll leave the program with a Bronx accent, we do think you will have a lot of fun. For info, call 718-796-1202.

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By BRENDAN McHUGH You could have cut the tension with a blade. The proposed Van Cortlandt Park skating rink caused a heated discussion at Community Board 8 last Tuesday, where members of the board were almost evenly split over an environmental resolution introduced by Robert Press. Before the resolution was even presented, land use chairman Charles Moerdler said he thought the process the Department of Parks and Recreation has gone through is sketchy at best. “In my opinion, the process has been improper and can, in my view, provide an invitation to corruption,” he said before former board member Saul Scheinbach accused him of calling the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy corrupt—which Moerdler denied. Moerdler went on to say his point is not whether or not anyone wants a skating rink, or that anyone is corrupt, but that the process the rink has gone through has problems. The conservancy has been involved with a potential bidder, Ice Rink Events, in developing a skating rink for the site, at the corner of Broadway and West 242nd Street, since July 2010. The public—including the community board—was kept out of the loop until February. When two weeks ago an addendum was released allowing permanent cooling towers in the park, one of the interested bidders, American Skating Entertainment Centers, LLC, never received the information from the parks department, but the two other prospective bidders did. A parks department representative did not respond to a request for comment by press time. The parks department has gone through a request for proposal process. RFPs are a

way for the city to get private companies to work on projects without taxpayer money, but the result is the local communities have limited say in the projects themselves. The parks department issues general guidelines, then leaves it up to private companies to create the projects. The parks department then chooses the best one, and only then does it go before a board that can vote on it. The community board has asked the parks department to attend its parks committee meetings ever since February, but many people didn’t consider those meetings as sufﬁcient public hearings, as they offered very little information. “I am very concerned about what this project will do to the park,” said Press, whose resolution called for an environmental impact study of the area and how a skating rink will affect the parkland. “And we saw the chairman of the board [Damian McShane] obviously isn’t [concerned about the long-term effects of the park]. Press eventually rescinded his resolution after an agreement with the board to have his issues addressed at the parks committee meeting. McShane’s claim is that the skating rink, regardless of how it gets done, is a great thing for Riverdale, and not something the community should try to stop. . “My concern is, when you don’t follow a process for transparency, it’s dangerous,” Moerdler said. While he is in favor of a skating rink, he said there is no reason to forgo public scrutiny. At state Senator Gustavo Rivera’s town hall meeting Sunday, Bronxite Jose Diaz mentioned the skating rink, saying that a temporary facility is not in the best interest of The Bronx because it would create temporary jobs, which are usually poor jobs. �

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Sunday, May 22 at 1:30 PM & 5:30 PM Tuesday, May 24 at 7:00PM Thursday, May 26 at 7:00PM Sunday, May 29 at 2:00 & 6:00PM Tickets available on line at www.RiverdaleY.org At the door: $20 Admission: $18 (online) Seniors: $15 Students $10 Group Rates: $10 5625 Arlington Avenue Bronx, NY 10471 718-548-8200

9 The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, May 19, 2011

Community Board upset over Skate Rink

Thursday, May 19, 2011 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

Scheinbach removed from Community Board

By BRENDAN McHUGH Two members of Community Board 8 have not been reappointed. Bert Feinberg and Saul Scheinbach were not reappointed after local elected officials felt they were no longer able to serve the board to the best of their abilities. Feinberg was unable to attend meetings over the past year due to his health, while Scheinbach may have been seen as too aggressive with his board membership. Because of Scheinbach’s overzealousness, yoga instructor Danna Liebert was slapped with nearly $4,000 in fines from the Environmental Control Board in 2009. Her sin? She posted a few flyers on telephone poles throughout Riverdale. Scheinbach, who chaired the environmental and sanitation committee, brought up these violations at the monthly public board meetings and routinely asked board members to report violations to 311 at the committee meetings. It was alleged that Scheinbach “threw his weight around,” using his position as a board member to “punish” the offender. “I hope the community board learned a lesson from this incident to support local businesses,” Liebert said. “Fliers exist in Riverdale—and still do prolifically—because it’s hard for small business owners to get the word out about their services.” Liebert runs Grounded Growth Yoga (groundedgrowthyoga.com) and holds three weekly classes at the bottom level of Sotheby’s Realty on Riverdale Avenue. She said she had no idea about the law until receiving the fine—$75 per flyer—and because she admitted to putting up each and every flyer, there was no leeway in the fine. “It was a very hostile,” she said. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and City Councilman G. Oliver Koppell both wrote to the ECB asking that the fines be reduced, but because Liebert told the truth in her testimony—that she did put up the flyers, albeit unknowingly against the law—the city still issued summonses for the full amount. Liebert said she wished someone had just told her about law and she would have stopped immediately. “I’ve paid it and put it behind me,” she said. The decision was made by the borough president’s office not to reappoint Scheinbach. Every two years, board members are up for reappointment. “Community board appointments are made at the discretion of the borough president, and we have a long internal process,” said John DeSio, communications director for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “In the end, we make the selections based on how we believe people will represent both our office and their respective communities. We thank those former members for their service to their communities and wish them well in their future endeavors.” The decision not to reappoint Feinberg came from City Councilman G. Oliver Koppell. “Bert has not been well, and he will be missed a lot,” Koppell said. “I’m sorry, but he just hasn’t been well.” Neither Scheinbach nor Feinberg could be reached for comment by press time. Eduardo Corcino, Ari Adam Spett, Xaxia Sanchez, Marvin Goodman, Anthony Piscitelli, Rita Lowe and Dr. Madeline

Ginzburg will be joining Community Board 8 next near. The board recently nominated Lowe for a community service award because of her dedication to the Riverdale neighborhood. Spett has been an active member of the economic development committee, where he has kept the committee updated on the Small Business Survival Act currently being addressed in the City Council. “I’m humbled and ecstatic at the same time,” Spett said. “What I want to bring to the board is a continuation of the dynamism we had on economic development, where we’ve been a very active committee and brought the community board to the people. I would like to continue with that tradition.”

Police Day at the Y Fun for the entire family! Sunday, May 22 from 10 am to 2 pm outside in the front parking lot Families with Young Children ... Come join us outside on May 22 and explore, hands on, police vehicles of every type. Ofﬁcers will be on hand to offer child safety tips. Depending on the 50th Precinct's needs that day, we expect to host:

• an NYPD car • an NYPD motorcycle • an NYPD mounted ofﬁcer and horse • an NYPD bomb squad truck • an NYPD ambulance

Tour our Early Childhood facilities ... Our early childhood Director and teachers will be on hand to tour you through the Y's facilities and answer questions about Nursery School and other programming for young children.

5625 Arlington Avenue Bronx, NY 10471 718-548-8200 www.RiverdaleY.org

11 The RIVERDALE REVIEW â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, May 19, 2011

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Thursday, May 19, 2011 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

VC Park loses 2 soccer ﬁelds

By BRENDAN McHUGH Riverdale Soccer Club has its hands full after the renovation of the Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground left the club with two fewer fields than it had in years past. “We have 700 kids in Riverdale Soccer Club,” said club president Bruce Silverman. “We’re very patient throughout the whole renovation process. We were hopeful when it was all done there wouldn’t be any issues. But we’ve been left with less than what was left before.” The Parade Ground used to have six fields available to soccer players, but since the renovation, two fields were nixed in the southeast corner, leaving the soccer club with only four usable fields. Two other fields have always been closed each season to preserve their condition. This comes after a two-year, $15 million renovation of the grounds that many hoped would solve problems, not create new ones. “When taxpayers’ money goes to an improvement of a public facility, they expect a public benefit, not a detriment. That’s why I was shocked to learn that youth soccer players found themselves worse off after the renovation of the Parade Ground,” Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said. Dinowitz has asked Bronx parks commissioner Hector Aponte to examine a proposal by the soccer club that would allow extra space to become soccer fields. The proposal involves designating three additional soccer fields in the southeastern section of the Parade Ground when it opens. Currently, the entire unopened area will be for cricket pitches. “Jeffrey Dinowitz’s letter is an uplifting moment for us,” Silverman said, applauding the assemblyman for his quick and

active response on behalf of the youth soccer players in Riverdale. Silverman said he doesn’t want to make this an issue of cricket vs. soccer, but rather an issue of keeping what the soccer club already had. “We’re very supportive of all those cricket fields.” “The southern portion of the Parade Grounds is an enormous area, and it’s all for cricket,” he said. “Can a portion of that be divvied up for soccer?” In the letter, Dinowitz wrote, “The Riverdale Soccer Club claims there are currently ten fields designated for cricket, which is four more than currently allocated for soccer. If this number is correct, then subtracting two cricket fields would actually bring their number more in line with the number of soccer fields, a seemingly equitable solution.” No cricket league could be reached for comment. “I urge the parks department to make changes in the use of the fields in Van Cortlandt Park,” Dinowitz said. “The first priority must be to provide space for young people. Soccer continues to grow in popularity among kids, yet Parks has reduced the number of soccer fields. This is unacceptable and must be changed. Van Cortlandt Park is for all New Yorkers, but first and foremost it should be for the children of our community.” Over the past few years, enrollment at the soccer club has increased dramatically, meaning the loss of two fields has been even more difficult to handle. “The permit process has become a struggle. To get the field space we need has been quite difficult,” Silverman said, citing the growing demand of soccer fields in the area. “We’re not the only soccer group in The Bronx.”

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Friday, May 20 Elmsford

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION 8:30 a.m. Greenburgh Public Library 300 Tarrytown Road Get rid of those pesky rakes and noisy leaf blowers! Learn how you and your community can save time and money as you improve the quality of your landscape during “Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em: Shredding the Old Ideas of Leaf Removal.” For more information, visit www.greenburghlibrary.org.

Saturday, May 21 Cross River

BIRDING 7:30 a.m. Trailside Nature Museum Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Join the early birds looking for, well, early birds! Catch sight of returning song birds during one of the most active periods of the day. Naturalist Ed Kanze leads this excursion to observe the behavior of some of the colorful songbirds of the the reservation. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Trailside. For more information, call 914-864-7322.

Rye

VOLUNTEER WORK 10 a.m. Read Wildlife Sanctuary Playland Parkway Join Read Sanctuary Volunteer Corps as we work to improve maintenance, clear debris from the salt marsh and other tasks. Join the team that’s helping keep the sanctuary in good shape. Lunch is donated by the Friends of Read Wildlife Sanctuary. For more information, call 914-967-8720.

Croton-on-Hudson

SEINING FOR KIDS 10 a.m. Croton Point Nature Center Croton Point Avenue Join us as we discover what lies under the waves of Mother’s Lap Beach. Bring water boots and prepare to get wet. For more information, call 914-862-5297.

North Salem

CHALLENGE COURSE FOR TEENS 10 a.m. Mountain Lakes Park Hawley Road Join other teens aged 13 - 16 for a challenging yet fun day of team building skills on the Challenge Course. Elements range from 2-10 feet above the ground. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and an unforgettable life experience this is where to be. All equipment provided, just bring your courage and enthusiam along with lunch. Pre-registration required by May 8. For more information, call 914-864-7313.

Valhalla

ASIAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION 12 p.m. Kensico Dam Plaza Bronx River Parkway Ethnic food, dance, music, entertainment and arts and crafts. For more information, call 914-328-1542.

North White Plains

BIRD WATCHING 1 p.m. Cranberry Lake Preserve Old Orchard Street Birding can be intimidating to newbies with all sorts of gear and terms to learn, in addition to dozens of bird species. We’ll make it all simple during this 90-minute talk and walk. For more information, call 914-428-1005.

Yonkers

AQUEDUCT HIKE 1 p.m. Lenoir Preserve Dudley Street Join the staff as we take a hike on the aqueduct to Draper Park. Please bring a lunch for when we stop and then enjoy some nature games. For mature children and adults. For more information, call 914-968-5851.

Rye

VOLUNTEER WORK 1 p.m. Marshlands Conservancy Route 1 As the high ocean tides reach our shores twice a day, they tend to bring in debris from storm drains and other sources. We need your help. Sanitation gloves and bags provided. For more information, call 914-835-4466.

Pelham

ANIMATION SCREENING

19:30:00 Pelham Art Center 155 Fifth Avenue ‘Animation Night,’ a free screening of 21 short animated movies from 18 independent ﬁlmmakers. Due to the graphic nature of some animations, this event is recommended for ages 16+ For more information, call 914-738-2525.

Sunday, May 22 White Plains

BICYCLE SUNDAY 10 a.m. Westchester County Center 198 Central Park Avenue The Bronx River Parkway opens to all bicylists, skaters, scooters, walkers and joggers. No motorized vehicles. From the Westchester County Center in white Plains to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. For more information, call 914- 995-4050.

Somers

FARMERS MARKET 10 a.m. Muscoot Farm Route 100 Fresh produce, meat, cheese, soap, candles, honey, maple syrup, ﬂowers, ﬁsh and delicious baked goods. For more information, call 914-864-7282.

Scarsdale

THE GREEN ECO-FEST 12 p.m. The Weinberg Nature Center 455 Mamaroneck Road Join the Weinberg Nature Center and all the staff and volunteers for this annual, big-time fun and active outdoor event, featuring pony rides, multiple live animal programs, Native American workshops, arts & crafts, green energy booths, music, and more. For more information, call 914722-1289.

Scarsdale

NATURE WALK 2 p.m. Greenburgh Nature Center 99 Dromore Road Join Naturalist John Mancuso as he explores Woodfrog Pond. Begin indoors with a brief introduction, featuring live animals, then walk to the ondd and use a net to catch some of the creatures living there. Requires appropriate dressing; limited enrollment. Members $2, Non-members $6. For more information, call 914-723-3470.

Thursday, May 26 Yonkers

MEET THE AUTHOR 2 p.m. Grinton Will Public Library 1500 Central Park Avenue Historian Dennis Corcoran will talk about the origins and history of the Hall of Fame museum in Cooperstown, its election process and interesting biographical and career information of the inductees. Admission is free. Book signing will follow. For more information, call 914-337-1500, ext. 317.

Saturday, May 28 Scarsdale

NATURE WALK 2 p.m. Greenburgh Nature Center 99 Dromore Road Jon Curator of Living Collections Travis Brady as he leads an excursion through the Nature Center’s woods and ﬁelds to explore ways to play in and with nature. Let go of those Legos adn let’s re-pioneer the world of outdoor play! Members $2, Non-members $6. For more information, call 914-723-3470.

Sunday, May 29 Somers

FARMERS MARKET 10 a.m. Muscoot Farm Route 100 Fresh produce, meat, cheese, soap, candles, honey, maple syrup, ﬂowers, ﬁsh and delicious baked goods. For more information, call 914-864-7282.

Wednesday, June 1 Yonkers

BOOK DISCUSSION 1 p.m. Riverfront Library One Larking Center The Riverfront Book Club will meet. Join Librarian Jody Maier in a discussion of “Rescue” by Anita Shreve. For more information, call 914-337-1500, ext. 492.

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The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, May 19, 2011

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Thursday, May 19, 2011 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, May 19, 2011

Thursday, May 19, 2011 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

In honor of Memorial Day, on Saturday, May 21, Friends of Woodlawn will once again pay tribute to the heroes who serves our country with the ceremonial ﬂagging of veterans’ graves. boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, cadets, fellow veterans, loved ones, and NYC volunteers will donate their time to place ﬂags at the burial sites of thousands of veterans in Woodlawn’s care. Participants should meet at the Jerome Avenue entrance at 10 a.m. All are welcome and encouraged to volunteer. For more information, call 718-920-1470.

Workshop for parents of children with special needs

On Wednesday, May 25 at 7:00 pm, the Riverdale Y will host a workshop on ‘ How to protect your child legally and financially’. Andrew Cohen, Esq and Mitch Weisbrot, CLU will present a informative seminar that addresses the legal and financial preparations that are crucial to safeguarding assets and benefits for your special needs child. Both men are fathers of children with disabilities. Their personal experience and professional expertise enables them to help other parents navigate the confusing

and emotional aspects of estate planning that best serves the child. The entire community is invited. The Riverdale Y is located at 5625 Arlington Avenue. For more information regarding the seminar, please contact Charlie Schiller at 718-548-8200 ext 229. For more information on our speakers go the website www.amcohen.law and mitchweisbrot.com

BAE announces winners of Young Artist Contest

The Bronx Arts Ensemble has awarded three First Prize Winners in its recent Jonathan Bingham Young Bronx Artist Contest, held at Amalgamated Houses on Saturday, April 23. Each of the winners will receive $500 and a solo performance with the BAE at one of its subscription concerts in the 2011-2012 season. Winners included ﬂutist Christine Dookie, a junior at Celia Cruz High School of Music; Jay Lee, pianist and an 8th grade student at Horace Mann School in Riverdale; and pianist Michael Gellman, a junior at Bronx High School of Science. Runner-Up in the contest was Vincent Shieh, violinist, a junior at Bronx Science High School, and Honorable Mention in the contest went to singer Jarrett Parker, a senior at Celia Cruz High School, and pianist Oscar Rodriguez, a 9th grader at

Bronx Science High School. Judges for the BAE competition were William Scribner, bassoonist and Executive/Artistic Director of the BAE; John Freeman, composer and Contributing Editor of Opera News magazine; and oboist Marsha Heller, faculty member at Montclair State Teachers College (NJ).

Senior center sponsors day trip to Atlantic City

The Simon Senior Center is pleased to announce that it is sponsoring a day trip to the RESORTS Hotel in Atlantic City on Wednesday May 25th. The cost of the trip is $35 with a $22 rebate which includes a kosher lunch and roundtrip transportation on a deluxe coach bus. The Simon Senior Center is located at 5625 Arlington Ave in the Riverdale YM-YWHA, Bus seats are limited so early reservations are advised. For further information and reservations please call the Y @ 718548-8200x223 or 224 and ask for Vicki or Toby.

RCT to present Disney Little Mermaid Jr.

Riverdale Children’s Theatre has been selected as one of the ﬁrst theater groups ever to present Disney Little Mermaid Jr. This special pilot production is based on

the hit 1989 animated ﬁlm. It is a classic fairytale story that follows Ariel, a young mermaid who longs to escape her ocean home and live among the humans that inhabit the world above her. Little Mermaid contains all of the memorable songs that are featured in the Disney animated ﬁlm including the song ‘Under the Sea’ by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. All seats are $15 and can be purchased online at www.riverdaletheatre.org. Performances are held at the Lovinger Theatre, located on the Lehman College campus at 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West. Show dates are: May 26 at 7 p.m.; May 29 at 1 and 5 p.m.; May 30 at 5 p.m.; and June 12 at 1 and 5 p.m. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Call 646-436-3045 to book.

Schervier sponsors Atlantic City Bus Trip

Schervier sponsors a Day Trip to Show Boat Casino, Atlantic City on Tuesday, May 31. The bus leaves from the Schervier Apartments, 2995 Independence Avenue, Riverdale, at 8:50 a.m. and Knolls Crescent at 9 a.m., and returns around 8:30 p.m. The cost is $28 and you receive $30 back from the casino! To reserve a seat, please call Nellie Kenny at 718-543-0237. Leave your name and phone number and she will get back to you.

The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, May 19, 2011

Honoring veterans at Woodlawn Cemetery

Thursday, May 19, 2011 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

Regents prevent a new form of child abuse The parents of children attending the Kingsbridge Innovative Design Charter School owe the New York State Board of Regents their gratitude for pulling the plug on this ill-conceived project. We understand the concern of parents over the poor state of education in the public schools of New York since Mayor Bloomberg gained control of the schools, events that lured them away from their neighborhood schools. And we appreciate the loyalty that parents have shown to the idea of what one would hope would have been a better alternative located in our community. But the answer is not to sustain this particular school that has failed their children so miserably in its first year. We have read over the state’s scathing indictment of both the administrative chaos and instructional failure of the school. We have also read the rambling and often troubling response from the school administration to these charges. The only conclusion that any thoughtful and concerned observer could have is that the state had no choice but to revoke the charter of KIDCS and put them out of business. Anything less would be akin to child abuse, and a dereliction of the duty that the state has to protect our children. This decision was not taken lightly. Revoking the charter of the school is a rarely used extreme sanction. And no school has been closed down as quickly as this one. That’s how bad it was. All you have to do is read the report. That’s why we were shocked to see that alone among local public officials and community leaders, only City Councilman G. Oliver Koppell supported the pleas of the schools incompetent administration to keep their doors open. Amazingly, Koppell admits that he did not carefully study the state’s report, did not speak to state officials trying to close the school, and didn’t even personally speak to the parents who asked him for his support in saving the school. How could he be so gullible and so remiss in fulfilling his duty? It is sad to see that Koppell, himself a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, Harvard College, and Harvard Law school, is now Bronx County’s leading apologist for educational mediocrity. It is time to take off the rose-colored glasses and see what is right before his eyes. Perhaps it began with the unconscionable retention of former superintendent Irma Zardoya, bowing to pressure from the then corrupt Bronx political machine. This happened more than a decade ago when Koppell became president of the local school board. More recently, he undermined the efforts of parents to ensure that local children qualifying for gifted and talented programs have a place in the program located in our community. In recent years he has turned a blind eye to the increasing failures of our local public schools. Now he stands alone as perhaps the sole public official supporting the worst charter school ever created in the history of our state. When you look at communities, those that are successful and those that are not, a clear pattern emerges. Great schools lead to great communities, and the decline in our schools is undermining everything here including our social fabric and even our property values. It is sad that someone as smart as Oliver Koppell isn’t leading the charge for better schools. The decline of our community which will surely result from the continued erosion of educational standards will then become his legacy, the net result of more than three decades as an elected official. How tragic.

Social Security reps at Engel’s ofﬁce

Representatives of the Social Security Administration will be at Congressman Eliot Engel’s Bronx office on Wednesday, May 25th to help constituents with any questions and/or issues they may have concerning Social Security. The service, at the Congressman’s 3655 Johnson Avenue office, is available by appointment, which may be made by calling the Congressman’s office at 718-796-9700. Rep. Engel said, ‘Social Security representatives have been coming to my office for many years and have helped hundreds of people. These appointments get answers for people and help them navigate the system in the convenience of their neighborhood.’ The Congressman also said that the Social Security website (www.ssa.gov) offers an array of on-line services including filing

for retirement, survivors and disability beneﬁts, change of address, replacing lost Medicare cards, and keeping up to date on Social Security matters.

Jasa announces activities for June

Jasa Van Cortlandt Senior Center announces the upcoming special educational and recreational activities in June: Sunday, June 5, Make Up Day, featuring a ch oral performance by the Boricua College Chorus. Lunch served at 12:15 p.m. Menu: Chicken Chow Mein, brown rice, Oriental blend vegetables and dessert. Recommended contribution is $4. RSVP to ofﬁce: 718-549-4700. Tuesday, June 14, Compassionate Care Hospice Presentation by Pricilla at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 15, 11 a.m., Book Talk with Francie Einenkel, NYPL librarian. Friday, June 17, Goldman Sachs Community Team Works

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Gardening and Picnic Event. Highlights of the day’s activities include: gardening, exercise, picnic lunch and entertainment by Rob Silverman, jazz pianist. Preregister for picnic lunch by calling the ofﬁce at 718-5494700. Sunday, June 26, Make Up Sunday, featuring delectable lunch of turkey with pastrami sandwich, potato and fresh green salad at 12:15 p.m., followed by entertainment by Roman Lankios, xylophone player extraordinaire. Recommended contribution is $4. Jasa Van Cortlandt Senior Center is located at 3880 Sedgwick Avenue. For more information, cal 718-549-4700.

Blessing of the ﬂeet at City Island

The Annual Blessing of the Fleet with the cooperation and support of the City Island Power Squadron and the Leonard Hawkins Post #156 of the American Legion will take place on Sunday, June 26, at 1 p.m. Multidenomination clergy will bless vessels from the Fenton Marine Dock located at 225 Fordham Street, City Island. Boats are to assemble at 12:30 p.m. at the Hart Island Ferry Dock in City Island Harbor. Communication on VHF Channel #71 will begin at that time. For more information, call 718-792-2804 or 718-885-3757.

By BRENDAN McHUGH Thousands came out in support of local merchants last weekend at two street fairs on opposite sides of The Bronx. On Saturday, the Fair@The Square in Westchester Square showcased the best of the best, highlighted with an all-day concert. On Sunday, Bronxites braved the dreary weather in support of the South Riverdale Avenue Merchants Association arts fair. Both events were part of Bronx Week. “I thought it was excellent. It really was a great celebration of diversity of talent in The Bronx,” said John Bonizio, the head of the Westchester Square business improvement district steering committee and owner of Metro Optics. “Everybody seemed to have a great time.” “I never saw so many people speak to the rebirth of Westchester Square,” City Councilman James Vacca said of the third annual fair. “When you start looking at what’s been done, it’s starting to show.” The fair began as a way to attract foot trafﬁc to the commercial corridor, something the Riverdale arts festival aimed to do in its ﬁrst-ever year. In the northwest Bronx, merchants were pleased with a good turnout despite the rainy weather. “We expected it to be a lot busier,” said Marlene Hungria of Popcorn Pawz. “But we met a lot of people that didn’t know the store existed.” “I can just remember when this was

just a dream two years ago,” said SRAMA treasurer Ellen Feld, citing a time when Riverdale Avenue had nearly as many empty storefronts as actual shops. At the Riverdale fair, local music and artists were on display. The P.S. 24 choir not only sang on Riverdale Avenue, but also took the Bronx Trolley down to Citibank on Broadway to display their talents there. A mariachi band, sponsored by Santa Fe restaurant, also performed on Riverdale Avenue. Jazz and Greek bands performed throughout the day. Art was donated from a number of places, including P.S. 24, the Hebrew Home and Elisa Contemporary Art. An exhibition on the lower level of Sotheby’s Realty will be on display until July 6.

Another highlight of the fair was the opening of Riverdale Avenue’s only sidewalk café, at Salvatore’s of Soho. Feld says as soon as other restaurants open up on the street—including Corner Café and Yo Burger—more sidewalk cafés will be popping up. Community leaders were already discussing what is possible for next year. As members of Community Board 8’s economic development committee rode the Bronx Trolley, they discussed new ideas for the future. “Next year, if we start early enough, I envision expanding on what we have,” Maria Khury said. “Maybe we can ask for a street closure on Broadway and 233rd.” Other highlights from Bronx Week

Get ready to take the in our new “green” pool at the Y

Census data

Continued from Page 2 trends for Bronx County. Overall, an aging baby boomer population and higher life expectancy pushed up The Bronx’s median age to 32.8 from 31.5 in the previous decade. The number of people aged 15 to 19 and 20 to 24 recorded an increase of 0.9 percent and 0.7 percent respectively, compared to a 1.9 percent decrease in the number of children aged 5 to 9. Females also continue to outnumber males, with nearly 86,000 more women than men in The Bronx. Contrary to popular thought, the number of single mothers has declined, as has the number of unmarried couples with children. Demographic proﬁle data for speciﬁc zip codes will be released next month.

Boro Prez conferred with honorary degree Mercy College hosted and honored Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., a leader in the areas of education and public service, during its 2011 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 18 at the Westchester County Center (198 Central Avenue) in White Plains, NY. The Borough President was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and gave the keynote address at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. A welcome highlight for this year’s Commencement ceremony included 19 veterans of the U.S. military who received their degrees. ‘Throughout his accomplished career, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. has proven to be a tireless advocate for youth education,’ said Mercy College President Kimberly Cline. ‘His dedication and service to the community is a model for us all and we are honored to have his participation in this year’s Commencement ceremony.’

include the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, the veteran honorary ceremony and the Bronx Film Festival. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and his Bronx Veteran Advisory Council on Sunday hosted more than 250 men and women in a ceremony honoring their service to the country. William Kraus, acting executive director at the New York State Division of Veteran’s Affairs, was the guest speaker. Wednesday’s Retail Market was a chance to meet the vendors, engage in cooking demonstrations and try a sampling of food. The ﬁlm festival featured local Bronx artists and their ﬁlms. The event concluded Thursday with a red-carpet gala night at the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

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19 The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, May 19, 2011

Bronx Week continues with merchant events throughout the borough

Thursday, May 19, 2011 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT

RUBEN DIAZ JR. In conjunction with

INVITES YOU TO THE

Bronx Week Parade and Food, Art & Music Festival

Sunday, May 22, 2011 On Mosholu Parkway REVIEWING STAND AT VAN CORTLANDT AVENUE EAST STARTING AT 12 NOON

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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Big Daddy Kane

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FOR MORE BRONX WEEK EVENTS VISIT WWW.ILOVETHEBRONX.COM