The North Shore Local | THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

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VOL. 1, NO. 10 — THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

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MAMMOTH FUN At Local Museums See Page 2

INSIDE: LOOSE CANNON JOE NUGENT TOM FLANNAGAN LOCAL COLOR LOTS MORE !

Photo by Dan Guarino

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

The North Shore Local

Spring Places To Go, Things To Do

By Dan Guarino

Thoughts of April showers getting you down? Well, both the Staten Island Museum and the Staten Island Children’s Museum have plenty of activities lined up this month that are sure to make any day a little brighter. The Children's Museum will welcome NYC Public School Spring Break Week with free admission on Monday, April 10, thanks to the Staten Island Rotary Foundation, and extended hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the week.

All week long from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. kids can experiment with paint and shapes to create their own one of a kind “pizzazzy” print patterns. In addition to its regularly scheduled activities, the SI Children’s Museum is presenting a special roster of offerings. Each week they serve up such favorites as Story Time & Science Time, Kidz Cook, Tot’s Time, Clay Day, Paint Day and Art Studio. But this month they are adding what they call

“Plantings, Pancakes, Purple Princes.”

This program kicks off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, with “Plant a Seedling, Watch it Grow.” Sponsored by Con Edison, kids can start their summer gardens by using peat pots, soil and seeds. They’ll learn about seed propagation, soil types and how to care for their new seedlings. This popular program has a limit of 25 people per session, so make sure to get there early.

Thursday, April 13, will be Purple Prince Day. The Museum says, “Get ready to dance and sing with Patrick and the Rock-a-silly Band to celebrate the music and artistry of Prince.

We'll party like its 1999!”

Visitors can check their website for a list of more purple related activities.

On Friday, April 14, there will be a special Kidz Cook program in honor of Passover.

Kids will learn how to make the perfect Passover potato latke.

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by ShopRite. Sessions will be at 2, 3 and 4 p.m.

Puzzled? Come on Saturday, April 15. Between 1 and 4 p.m. guests can draw a picture and turn it into a jigsaw puzzle, then have fun over and over again putting the design back together again. It’s more fun than tax returns!

The museum will be closed on Easter Sunday, but admission will be free again on Monday, April 17, compliments of the Lois and Richard Nicotra Foundation At 2 p.m. you can get in the swing with “Play Percussive Rhythms.” Join the famed Harambee Dance Company and learn about African dance and rhythms; play on an authentic West African djembe!

Got a Poem in Your Pocket?

Write your own poem, or sonnet or limerick or haiku, on the path leading to the museum,

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from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, weather permitting, on Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and 23.

On Sunday, April 30, the museum will prove ukuleles not only make music, they make smiles, too. At 2 p.m. Michael Ghect, instructor at the JCC Senior Center, will present the inaugural performance of The Staten Island Ukes!

Just a brisk stroll away, the Staten Island Museum is offering quite a few special activities of its own.

Stop in on Saturday, April 8, from 2-3 p.m. for Freshkills: From Landfill to Park. Learn about the history, ongoing development, and environmental transformation of the largest landfill-to-park project in the world.

Later that evening, tap your toes to the Musical Chairs Chamber Ensemble: Music for Three at 8 p.m. with flute, piano and cello.

Continued on page 8

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The North Shore Local

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

SI Seen From The South

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

True, Staten Island sits at the southern tip of New York. But who expected a nod from THE South?

Yes, Fredericksburg, Virginia, has noticed Staten Island.

In fact the headline of a new featured story in the local online newspaper Fredericksburg. com notes “Spring May Be Perfect Time for NYC Getaway.”

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They say, “New York City offers a variety of experiences and events in springtime, from strolling the High Line, cheering on the Mets and Yankees baseball home openers, to discovering the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden in Staten Island. NYC & Company, the city’s destination marketing organization, has shared its list of

top outdoor destinations across the Big Apple’s five boroughs.”

To those weary of Williamsburg, nonplussed by Norfolk or Newport News, apathetic about Alexandria, and ready for what's beyond Roanoke, they recommend a northbound trip to see the other Richmond.

Among the NYC highlights, they highly suggest a visit to “Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, on the North Shore of Staten Island.”

They mention that it’s home to beautiful historical buildings and various gardens. This includes the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, which they state is one of only two authentic scholar’s gardens in the entire United States. It features “pavilions, a bamboo forest path, rock structures and a koi-filled pond, it was inspired by gardens in China.”

Plus it’s a scenic ride from Lower Manhattan on the free

Staten Island Ferry and a short ride on the S40 bus.

No doubt this featured small slice of Staten Island will pique the interest of those in Virginia and elsewhere below the Mason-Dixon Line.

Once news gets out about everything else the island has to offer, expect a full-scale friendly incursion of Southern tourists to the North.

The North Shore that is.

Y’all come back now, hear?

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Staten Island Art At Gracie Mansion Staten island has a place on the wall at Gracie Mansion.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Gracie Mansion serving as New York City’s Mayoral residence, the Gracie Mansion Conservancy announces a new exhibit, New York 1942. It includes artwork, documents and objects focused on 1942, the year Mayor Fiorello La Guardia moved in, becoming the first NYC mayor to live there. This is the second year-long, curated exhibition in a series and the first to truly reflect all five boroughs of the City.

As part of the showcase, select works on loan from the Staten Island Museum are dispersed throughout the 1799 mansion and will be seen by visitors from all over the world.

The first is a 1944 watercolor, Refugees by Arnold Hoffmann, depicting the flight of families

from World War II. Hoffmann, an immigrant from Odessa himself, was very concerned about the impact of war and several of his pieces in the Staten Island Museum’s collection deal with themes related to war and the devastation it brings.

Also on loan is a painting by Cecil Bell, an artistic fixture on Staten Island. One of his most popular images is a gouache painting entitled Shine! It depicts one of the Italian immigrant shoe-shine men who used to ply the Staten Island Ferry. This painting hangs over a mantelpiece in one of the original rooms of Gracie Mansion.

Last but not least, is a more recent museum acquisition, SEEN by Louis Bouché, shows New York Harbor as seen from

Continued on page 4

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 ART AT GRACIE MANSION Continued from Page 3

SI Goes High Tech

By Dan Guarino

High tech may not be the first thing people think of with all that Staten Island has to offer.

But according to authors Jasmine Cardona and Ken Bach, “The North Shore of Staten Island is becoming a burgeoning center of technology innovation in New York City, led by the efforts of the CUNY College of Staten Island (CSI) Technology Incubator, and its first round of tech-based entrepreneurs from across the region and around the globe.”

The College of Staten Island notes their “Tech Incubator provides opportunity for technological innovation and is transforming Staten Island into a leading hub for creativity, entrepreneurship and growth. We leverage the ecosystems of technology and our academic community on behalf of entrepreneurs, the diverse communities of Staten Island and the College.”

Listing nearly a dozen partners, they say the program removes obstacles and gives entrepreneurs competitive advantages through mentors, talent, investors and the resources of CUNY. As Linda M. Baran, President and CEO of SINY Chamber of Commerce, told Bach and Cardona, “The Incubator’s direct connection to the world-class programming provided by CSI is exactly the kind of innovative solution our borough needs to succeed in today’s competitive tech marketplace.”

Some of the current projects under development range from “3D simulations that drive new

ways of seeing design and construction project progress to data-driven apps to improve the tourist experience through environmental interactions and local retail opportunities.” The CSI Tech Incubator is also fostering the development of an Artificial Intelligence and facial recognition startup that may “enhance operations in New York City public schools and schools across the country.”

To bring these ideas to life and to the marketplace, they say, they rely on “strategic mentors, industry professionals, faculty, sponsors, government leaders and a dedicated tactical team with the mutual goal of supporting and elevating our entrepreneurs.”

Cardona and Bach say Staten Island and especially the North Shore is the perfect place for this. “Local and international tech entrepreneurs determined to make the leap from a startup to something much bigger will have a place to call home. These startups may be uniquely poised to find a permanent home on Staten Island’s North Shore, in light of its many developments.”

Applications for the program’s Fall 2017 Batch will be accept up to July 7, 2017. The three-stage process includes submission of the online application, then an interview and finally a pitch presentation.

The College of Staten Island’s Tech Incubator may not be re-inventing the light bulb. But its staff, partners, inventors and entrepreneurs are making the world a brighter place.

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Staten Island. The oil on canvas depicts the working shores of Staten Island, with Manhattan in the distance.

“It’s exciting to get our collection out to diverse audiences, and to be part of this lively project,” Staten Island Museum Curator of Art Robert Bunkin commented.

Paul Gunther, Executive Director of the Gracie Mansion Conservancy said, "Staten Island was a crucial location in the nation's fight against global fascism from 1942 to victory in 1945. It is both fitting and thrilling that artworks from the Museum's collection are on view to help tell the story of this exceptional interlude in New York's history and Gracie's 75th anniversary as the

The North Shore Local official home of our mayors offers a unique place to do so."

For more information on Gracie Mansion and its programs visit NYC.GOV/GRACIETOURS. Founded in 1881 the Staten Island Museum is New York City’s only general interest museum. Its exhibitions and educational programs explore the connections between natural science, art, and history based on its diverse collections. It serves over 219,000 adults and school children at the Museum and in the community.

The Staten Island Museum’s two locations are at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and in St. George, two blocks from the Ferry Terminal.

For more information go to www.StatenIslandMuseum. org.

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718-979-6700 Contact The Elected Congressman Dan Donovan 265 New Dorp Lane, 2nd Floor Staten Island, NY 10306 Phone: 718-351-1062 Fax: 718-980-0768 Borough President James Oddo 10 Richmond Terrace Borough Hall, Room 120 Staten Island, New York 10301 718-816-2000 Assemblyman Matthew Titone 853 Forest Avenue Staten Island, NY 10310 718-442-9932 Assemblyman Michael Cusick 1911 Richmond Avenue Staten Island, NY 10314 718-370-1384 State Senator Diane Savino 36 Richmond Terr., Suite 112 Staten Island, NY 10301 718-727-9406 State Senator Andrew Lanza 3845 Richmond Ave., Suite 2A Staten Island, NY 10312 718-984-4073 City Councilwoman Debi Rose 130 Stuyvesant Place 6th Floor, Room 602 Staten Island, New York 10301 718-556-7370 District Attorney Michael E. McMahon 130 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY, 10301 718-876-6300

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The North Shore Local

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Petty Cache ***** RSVP, Don’t Delay!. As part of the mayor’s week long visit to Staten Island, he will host a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. on April 13 at IS 27. Space is very limited and you must RSVP by 12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11. You can RSVP by emailing TownHallRSVP@cityhall. nyc.gov or by calling (212) 788-9778. And, don’t be late that night, the doors will close promptly at 7:30. ***** No way out on Innis Street next week. During the week of April 10 through April 14 (the week of PRHS spring break), the Port Authority plans to fully close Innis Street as well as both sidewalks from John Street to Morningstar Road 9a.m. to 4p.m. daily that week. During the closures, local/emergency vehicular access to Eaton Place will be accommodated, but vehicles will not be able to drive underneath the bridge. ***** A little over a year ago, the St. George Theatre launched a fundraising campaign which gave their patrons the opportunity when purchasing tickets to choose to donate an additional $1.00 or more to the Kids Against Cancer Pediatric Oncology Program at Northwell/ SIUH. The theatre's Doreen Cugno, co-founder & executive director presented $2,553 to Kids Against Cancer's Mark Russo and Lenny Rampulla on the stage of the theatre prior to the production of The Wizard of Oz which was attended by sev-

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eral hundred including children and families assisted by Kids Against Cancer and Northwell/SIUH. The campaign continues for another year enabling patrons to purchase tickets for shows at the St. George Theatre and choose to add on a $1 or more to Kids Against Cancer. https://www. stgeorgetheatre.com/ Visit http://www.kidsagainstcancer. org/ to learn more about Kids Against Cancer. ***** Everybody in the pool, or maybe not! There is a dispute brewing between the newly formed North Shore Indoor Pool Committee and BP Oddo about where to put the $50 million pool promised to us by Mayor de Blasio. Oddo is pushing to locate it in the Petrides Complex while the committee wants it north of the expressway where its members feel it would be more accessible to North Shore residents.

While we are delighted that Staten Island will get this new facility, $50 million for a pool?

Sounds like a load of, dare we say ,“Kroc.” ***** Wow, no homeless shelter, no jail, a new indoor pool!

Woudn’t it be great for us if every year was an election year! ***** Stop & Stor's Denise Leahy Henick was honored by Michael's Cause at their 6th Annual Evening of Hope Dinner Dance at the Hilton Garden Inn. 730 people attended supporting the work of Robert and Theresa Capolongo who are raising awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the leading fatal genetic childhood disease that affects 1 in 3,500 boys worldwide.

The Capolongos founded Michael's Cause after their son Michael was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in hopes of helping others also affected. Denise Leahy Henick, Director of Administration at Stop & Stor and her husband Jeff Henick, who is Chief Operating Officer at Stop&Stor and who is on the Board of Ambassadors for Michael's Cause have raised aware-

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ness and donated generously through Stop & Stor Charitable Fund to Michael's Cause since 2013. ***** The next meeting of Community Board 1 will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 7:30 PM at the All Saints Church, Victory Boulevard. at Woolley Avenue. The next meeting of the 121 Precinct Community Council will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 7 p.m. at 970 Richmond Avenue. ***** DA Michael McMahon will host an annual candlelight vigil to honor crime victims on Thursday, April 6 from 6:30 p.m.to 8 p.m. in the Sipp Auditorium at RUMC, 355 Bard Avenue. During the ceremony, community members will have the opportunity to honor and remember those who were victims of crimes such as homicide, domestic violence, assault, abuse, DWI, stalking, sexual assault, hate crimes and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Those who wish to have a victim's name read during the

ceremony, RSVP, or to learn more about the event, should call 718-720-2591 or 718-5567065. ***** Play Ball!! Snug Harbor Little League Opening Day Ceremony is this Saturday, April 8. Players will line up at 9 a.m. and will be led to Field 2 by the Port Richmond High School Marching Band. Why not come down and cheer them on. ***** Congratulations to John Buhart, Fran Messina, Trish Guglielmo, Ryann McGrath , JSF, Frank Ragucci and Arthur Patterson for correctly guessing that Chuck was at the Martling Avenue overflow from Martling Lake to Brooks Pond. Go to page 19 and see if you know where Chuck is this week. ***** Why not celebrate together?

Come join Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, 275 Martling Ave., on Tuesday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. for a community seder. Services will be held at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $36 (Adults) $25 (Children).

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

The North Shore Local

Loose Cannon

PROMISES KEPT

Sitting in District Attorney Michael E. McMahon’s expansive office, I am struck by how comfortable and in command he appears. Of course he is a seasoned politician, and being a graduate of both Monsignor Farrell High School and New York Law — very well educated. Still, I couldn’t help but be impressed with how confidently he spoke of the progress his office has made, and the initiatives that are coming down the pike.

Promises made — promises kept, that’s how the DA describes his first year. During his campaign, and at his swearing in ceremony, he laid out a vision to transform the Richmond County District Attorney (RCDA) into a twenty-first century office. He described how the office had been woefully shortchanged in both dollars and in staff. McMahon advised that he has been able to get a thirty-seven percent funding increase in his first year. This increase has led to hiring twenty additional Assistant District Attorneys — and a fifty percent overall increase in the size of the staff. The DA was not shy when asked if his prior relationship with Mayor DeBlasio — when both were in the New York City Council —was helpful. He advised that the day after his inauguration he was on the phone and “getting into the weeds” with the Mayor’s budget director; and that both the Mayor and Vanessa Gibson of the Public Safety Commission, were helpful in procuring the additional funding.

The DA got right into his first year’s accomplishments:

— Setting up a separate and independent Domestic Violence Bureau, complete with a Bureau Chief and ten full time ADAs. — Getting the Family Justice Center fully operational — the center is a co-located facility down the street from the DA’s office at 120 Stuyvesant Place. McMahon explained that many victims of domestic violence are reluctant to press charges because they are in a dependent relationship with their abuser. This center uses

from the New York County District Attorney to install a modern computerized case management system to streamline prosecutions and improve efficiency and record-keeping.

This system enables ADA’s, Bureau Chiefs, and the DA himself to pull up any case with the touch of a button.

— Setting up a Veteran’s Treatment Court — a problem-solving court to deal specifically with cases against military veterans. The idea is to help veterans with addiction issues

DA Mike McMahon

a holistic approach in helping these victims. Inside there are full time ADA’s and victim’s advocates from the DA’s office, domestic violence officers from the NYPD, Safe Horizons, Community Health Action for New York, and other not-for-profit organizations and service providers that deal with domestic violence and its horrible aftermath. The DA explained that victims can now learn how to break the cycle of dependency they are in with their abuser, get out of the relationship, and press the necessary charges.

— Setting up a separate Anti-Violence Firearms Unit for gun cases. This unit works specifically to prosecute firearms cases. In addition to handling all felony gun cases, including homicides committed with a firearm, the unit helps identify drivers of shooting and gun violence incidents.

— Obtaining a financial grant

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to get treatment and break the cycle of criminal recidivism. We then discussed what DA McMahon called the “issue of the day.” He spoke of how shortly before he came into office, a family in the neighborhood lost a son to a heroin overdose.

He was deeply touched by their loss, and during his first week as District Attorney he wanted to see the file on the young man’s case. He was shocked to learn there was no file, because overdoses were treated as either a suicide or an accident — with no criminal investigation.

The DA’s voice rose for the first time, “This was unacceptable, these cases should be investigated as crimes and we should be trying to find the dealers!”

McMahon started the Overdose Response Initiative — where every overdose is treated as a crime scene. An ECT (Evidence Collection Team) is sent to the scene and a case is

automatically opened. The ECT collects any drug paraphernalia, cell phones, and other evidence that could lead to a dealer. In 2016 the RCDA and NYPD opened 90 cases after people perished from a drug overdose.

And, as final totals from 2016 are reported from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, we know that there will have been between 107-119 fatal overdoses for the year.

McMahon stated that this initiative has led to the arrest of dozens of drug dealers---including two individuals charged under the Drug Kingpin statute, an A-1 Felony.

The DA worked with the Office of Court Administration to open a separate Narcotics Court to more quickly resolve drug cases and put dealers behind bars. When he came into office there were over four hundred active felony drug cases in the Supreme Court. Some of these cases were being disposed of under pressure of a heavy calendar, through plea deals, due to lack of a trial part.

In October 2016, his efforts were rewarded, when a new Supreme Court part was added, with the Honorable Charles Troia presiding. This part deals specifically with drug prosecutions and has quickly helped ease the backlog. McMahon touted Judge Troia for doing a fantastic job running this court. McMahon is a cutting edge prosecutor. He believes in being proactive in preventing — not just prosecuting — crime. He believes in getting to the root cause of a problem. Arresting and prosecuting people with addiction issues, while often necessary, can at times be handled differently.

He instituted HOPE— the Heroin Overdose Prevention and Education program — which he calls an “earlier diversion program.” Anyone arrested for misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, who is eligible for a desk appearance ticket, (usu-

Continued on page 8

The North Shore Local

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

World War II Vets Sought

The North Central Kiwanis Club SINY is sponsoring a Dinner to honor WW II Veterans at the Staaten, 697 Forest Avenue on Wednesday night May 31, 2017 at 6 p.m.

The organizing committee seeks help identifying WW II vets so it can reach out and extend an invitation to the dinner as guests of honor. The organizers say that escorts can be provided should any vet need

such assistance.

Neighbors and friends are asked to spread the word.

Contact Committee Chairman Dennis Mangiero, 917-8364292, tagene@aol.com for WW II VET reservations. For information as to how you may support this event contact me, Mike Brennan, The Brighton Kiwanis Club, Secretary, 347296-1827 or by email mbrennan@nycourts.gov.

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TAKE A WALK…OR A RUN

By Dan Guarino

Thinking about walking to enjoy the fresh air, clear your thoughts, improve your health, or just enjoy some time with family, friends and the kids? You can stop thinking about it, because there are few neighborhood walks/runs just a short stroll away.

Whether it’s rain or shine, New York Road Runners, which promotes fitness events for adults and kids, including the New York City Marathon, collaborates yearround with NYC Parks’ Community Parks Initiative.

The program engages the community by providing free walks/ runs, (5k), at local parks throughout New York City. Each week NYRR and NYC Parks host two open runs here on Staten Island.

Every Sunday morning you can join them from 9 to 10 a.m. at Conference House Park, at 298 Saterlee Street. Or you can join in on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. at Silver Lake Park, off Silver Lake Road.

Whether you want to walk, jog or run, NYRR says, “these runs are free and open to anyone. Strollers

and children are all welcome. And they are all year round.”

“The runs are timed, but there is always staff or volunteer participants that wait and cheer everyone until the last person finishes!”

Why do they do it? “Our goal is to help and inspire people and their community through running or physical activity.”

The Mayo Clinic says that walking can help maintain a healthy weight, prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, strengthen bones and muscles, improve your balance and coordination, and improve your mood.

Walking can also refresh your mind, spark creative connections, help you problem solve, boost your body through activity, and enhance your social life by spending time family, friends or meeting new people.

It’s even good for the soul. “Traveling on foot can be meditative,” notes author and walker Carl Honore.

Don’t you feel better about walking already?

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Page 8 SPRING THINGS TO DO Continued from Page 2

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

The SI Museum also is hosting its own School Holiday Break, every day from April 10 to 14, from 1 to 3 p.m.

“Spring is the time when everything is growing and bursting into life,” they say.

“Join the family fun with animal inspired art activities.”

On April 10, 12 and 14 visitors can explore animal habitats. What do they need to survive? Create a triorama of a favorite animal’s home.

On April 11 and 13, kids can construct animal puppets from construction paper and other art materials.

April 15 is Super Science Saturday with a Bird Walk for those 8 to 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. “It’s a birdy world! There are 10,400 species of birds; how many can you find on our exploration of the grounds?”

Or slow down with Meditation 101, a guided meditation in their Infinite Compassion Gallery, from 2 to 3 p.m. Dress comfortably.

Then on ASpril 23, from 2 to

3 p.m. there will be an introduction to “I am number…”, a human-interest documentary web-series chronicling the individual experience of men subjected to the US Selective Service Draft during the Vietnam War Era (1955-1975). The project’s staffers will introduce it through videos and personal testimony from veterans, and recruit new veterans to be interviewed for oral histories.

The Staten island Museum ends off the month on a high note. On Sunday, April 30, at 2 p.m., they will be hosting Songs of Insurrection with Marguerite Maria Rivas and Wil Wynn. It will be a rousing reading celebrating the Walt Whitman-like American spirit of resistance.

Both the Staten Island Museum and the Staten Island Children’s Museum are located at the Snug Harbor Campus at 1000 Richmond Road.

With so many things to see and so many things to do, it must be spring!

Oh, and the wooly mammoth on the cover? That's at the Staten Island Museum.

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CALL TODAY AND PAY LESS 844-524-8173 LOOSE CANNON Continued from Page 6 ally first offenders) can qualify.

The individual is first counseled at the police precinct by a specially trained peer coach.

If he or she decides to participate in the program, they are brought to a resource and recovery center, of which there are two on Staten Island, for an assessment and service plan.

If the participant visits the resource center within 7 days, their case is adjourned for 30 days and they do not have to appear in court. If they have meaningfully engaged by the 37th day, the DA’s office will decline to prosecute their case, and the person will have received a second chance, with no criminal or arrest record.

McMahon explained that over one hundred people have been offered the program.

The DA’s voice softened, “This is both a public safety and a public health issue. Heroin is so potent today that a single shot can kill you. Young people are dying in large numbers all over Staten Island. We have to

try to educate and treat them — not just lock them up. Also, a criminal record for drug possession can absolutely ruin a young person’s chances in life.

This program gives first offenders a second chance.”

District Attorney Michael McMahon’s initiatives are working.

A few weeks back, Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said that the rest of the city needs to get on board and replicate the Overdose Response Initiative and the HOPE Program. This is man bites dog kind of news.

When the rest of the city follows something started on Staten Island, it is a very big deal.

DA McMahon was quick to point out he has had help with the HOPE program. He mentioned Borough President James Oddo, the NYPD, the Legal Aid Society, the Department of Health, the Mayor’s Office, and OASAS, as all playing a role, and worthy of thanks.

Promises made — promises kept. An accurate assessment of District Attorney Mike McMahon’s first year — by any objective measure.

The North Shore Local

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Page 9

World’s First Sri Lankan Inspired Museum Debuts The Wijiesinghes with members of the NYPD

and just happens to be a student of the Honorable Judge Raja Rajeswari, an accomplished dancer and instructor at Padmalaya Dance Academy.

By Peter Lisi

Staten Island is home to 1/3 of all Sri Lankans living in New York city. They are no doubt attracted to the friendly and welcoming nature of our borough and its affordable suburban setting. The Wijiesinghes, a Sri Lankan family who calls Staten Island home dishes out culinary delights from their homeland in their family owned and operated Lakruwana Restaurant, located at 668 Bay Street in Stapleton. Both the exterior and interior of the restaurant work in tandem to transport you to another continent. Thousands of pink cabo stones, brought over from Sri Lanka, line the walls with countless statues of Buddhas holding court throughout.

In addition to a full weekday menu, patrons can enjoy an all you can eat buffet offered every Sunday. This treasure filled building is now home to the Sri Lankan Art and Cultural Museum, the first museum in the world honoring 2,600 years of rich culture nourished by the Buddhist teachings and

of the World’s First Museum of Sri Lankan History in Abroad” from State Assemblyman Matthew Titone.

Julia’s pride of ancestral history and many travels to Sri Lanka inspired the idea of opening this museum. Museum exhibits include paintings drawn using lotus flower ink, religious statues and elaborate musical instruments, all displayed beautifully for guest’s to admire.

Designers of this beautiful historically significant museum do not want people to forget how rich and gorgeous Sri Lankan culture is and invite everyone to visit this impressive museum. Sri Lankan Art and Cultural Museum is lo-

The Wijiesinghes with Councilwoman Debi Rose

preserved by the nation.

Lakruwanan Wijiesinghe, his wife Jayantha and daughter Julia, carefully selected every artifact, specimen, drawing and statue imported from their homeland of Sri Lanka.

Julia Wijesinghe is an accomplished 18 year old, graduating this June from Notre Dame Academy, then heading to college majoring in computer science. She’s enjoyed dancing since she was 2½ years old,

More notably she is the first India born woman to be appointed a judge in New York City, after having worked at the Staten Island District Attorney’s office for several years.

The museum’s opening ceremony was attended by many local residents, business owners and politicians as they lighted ceremonial candles, while clergy blessed the new museum. Officials present included Councilwoman Deborah Rose, Honorable Judge Raja Rajeswari, and representa- Julia Wijiesinghe with the Honorable tives of Borough President Judge Raja Rajeswari James Oddo and State Assemblyman Matthew Titone. cated at 668 Bay Street, Staten Julia was presented with a Island, New York opened FriNew York State Assembly Cita- day’s 5-10 p.m. and Saturday tion in recognition of achieve- to Sunday 12-10 p.m. ment for the “Grand Opening

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Page 10

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

The North Shore Local

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The North Shore Local

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 Saturday, April 8, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Thursday, April 6, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.

Tree Tots and Peepers: Nature Inspired Programs for Toddlers Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Avenue. For info call: 718-351-3450. Every Thursday.

Thursday, Tuesday - April 6, 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tot's Time Plus Staten Island Children's Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace Pre-schoolers create artwork, sing along and listen to stories.

For info call: 718-273-2060.

Every Thursday, Tuesday.

Thursday, April 6, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

The Story Museum Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue Stories, crafts, music, dancing and singing. For info call: 718351-1611. Every Thursday.

Thursday, April 6, 1:30–4:30 p.m.

Paint Day Staten Island Children's Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace Experiment with paints and other media! For info call: 718273-2060. Every Thursday.

Thursdays-Sundays, to April 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

SWING: An Exhibition on the History of Swing Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Buildings C & G Friday, Sunday, April 7,9, 1-4 p.m.

Tours of the Conference House Conference House, 298 Satterlee Street Historic house where Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Edward Rutledge met with the British to end the Revolutionary War. Free. For info call: 718-984-6046. Every Friday, Sunday.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 7,8,9

Godspell The Little Victory Theatre, 4089 Victory Boulevard Produced by Children’s Spotlight Theatre of Staten Island For info call:718-524-8467

Soil Reboot: Compost Extract Compost Demonstration Site, Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terrace Learn easy ways to support soil life and plant health.

Saturday, April 1, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Meditation Class The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, 338 Lighthouse Avenue. For info call: 718-9873500. Every Saturday.

Saturday, April 8, 2017, 12-5 p.m.

Hand-Crafted in Staten Island Fair SICC Gallery, Art on the Terrace, 776 Richmond Terrace April 1 thru May 14, 2017

RECYCLED - SICC Members Art Exhibit Art on the Terrace, 776 Richmond Terrace Staten Island Creative Community The Staten Island Creative Community exhibition of art recycled, converted, reclaimed, repurposed. Gallery hours: Saturday/Sunday 12-6.

Opening Reception - Saturday, April 8, 7 - 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 8, 12-4 p.m.

NYC BBQ Cookoff 2017 Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue. For tickets go to: www.historicrichmondtown.org.

For info call: 718-273-2060.

Every Saturday/Sunday.

For info call: 718-447-6490 or go to www.noblemaritime.org

Saturday, April 8, 1-2 p.m.

Monday thru Sunday, to June 18, 2017

Spring Flowering Tree and Shrub Walk Carl Grillo Glass House, Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terrace Tour the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden. Learn about horticultural tradition. Register at education@snug-harbor. org.

Saturday, April 8, 3:30– 5 p.m.

Tai Chi The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, 338 Lighthouse Avenue. For info call: 718-9873500. Every Saturday.

Saturday, April 8, 7:30-10 p.m.

Richmond County Orchestra Presents: 5th and Fox Olivet Presbyterian Church, 97 Myrtle Avenue For tickets go to m/bpt.me/ events. For info call: 718-8767945 Sunday, April 9, 3-6 p.m.

Second Sunday Spoken Word Performance SICC Gallery, Art on the Terrace, 776 Richmond Terrace Original stories and poetry on “Sunday In Spring” Sunday, March 26 September 3

Magic Show!

Dongan Hills Library, 1617 Richmond Road Children’s magician Evan Paquette performs and shares a mini magic lesson. Free.

The DNA of Water: Exhibition Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Main Hall- Building C Water has border, passageway, gateway and path to present, past and future. Exhibit open from Weds-Sun 10-5. For info call 718-425-3504

Saturday, April 8, 1-3 p.m.

Sunday, April 9, 9-10 a.m.

Saturday, April 8, 12-2 p.m.

Turn & Learn with NYC Compost Compost Demonstration Site, Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terrace Enjoy the fresh air, learn sustainable landscape practices.

Bring a water bottle, wear closed toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Saturday, Sunday, April 8, 9, 1-4 p.m.

Art Studio Staten Island Children's Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace.

Page 11

Open Run: Conference House Park Conference House Park, 298 Satterlee Street Community walk/run free and open to all -strollers and children, all welcome. Every Sunday year-round.

Sunday, April 16, 2-5 p.m.

Sea Chanty Sessions Noble Maritime Collection, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building D. Listen or join in with maritime songs, stories, history, and lore.

Of Human Feelings: Portraits

by Warren Lyons Staten Island Museum, 75 Stuyvesant Place Larger than life portraits of Billie Holiday, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, more. For info call: 718-727-1135 Monday, April 10, 1p.m.

Al-Anon Meeting St. Paul's Church, 140 Clinton Avenue. For info contact: 718 447-6362 Tuesday thru Sunday, to May 28

Primate Portraits By Robin Schwartz The Alice Austen House, 2 Hylan Boulevard. For info call: 718-816-4506 Tuesday, April 11, 10–11:30 a.m.

Tot Time Tuesdays Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center, 2351 Veteran’s Road West. Learn about a new plant or animal every week by making crafts, playing games and socializing with other toddlers!

Parent or caregiver required to stay. Ages 1-4 (Flexible). For info call 718- 605-3970.

Tuesday, April 11, 7-8 p.m.

Open Run: Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park Road Community walk/run free and open to all -strollers and children, all welcome. Every Tuesday year-round.

Wednesday, April 12, 1:30–4:30 p.m.

Clay Day Staten Island Children's Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace Satisfy a "knead". Work with air-dry clay. For info call: 718273-2060 Wednesday, April 12, 6–8 p.m.

Evening Group Hike or Trail Run Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Avenue Led by Greenbelt staff and Staten Island Athletic Club members. Approx. five miles.

Bring a flashlight or headlamp.

For info call 718-351-3450.

Every Wednesday.

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Page 12

Ask the Doc

By Peter Galvin, MD

Rest has long been the cornerstone of the management and treatment of concussion, especially in children and adolescents. This advice includes both physical and cognitive rest. Physicians have been advising both rest at home and avoidance of classwork for many years. A recent study out of Ottawa, Canada, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, casts more doubt on the current recommendations for concussion management. There is limited evidence in the medical literature that the current recommendations result in a positive effect on prognosis, especially in adolescents. Although strenuous exercise in the post-concussion period may be harmful and may increase re-injury risk, evidence is mounting that prolonged rest after a concussion may increase the likelihood of the patient developing persistent

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Concussions Considered

postconcussive syndrome (PPCS) which is characterized by fatigue, anxiety, depression, and physical deconditioning.

Evidence about the importance of physical activity for maintaining physical and cognitive health is unequivocal. Physical activity is considered an effective method for improving cognitive and brain health, especially in children. There is overwhelming evidence that physical activity in youths promotes better body composition, skeletal health, and cardiorespiratory fitness. It also improves depression, anxiety, self-concept, cognitive performance, and academic achievement. It was with these concepts in mind that the Ottawa study was designed. The study enrolled over 3,000 participants aged 5 to 18 who presented to the ED with acute head injury.

They excluded those who were found to have either an

Chicken Cacciatore

By Sharon Feldman Ingredients 1 whole chicken cut in pieces 1 red bell pepper 8-10 medium size button mushrooms (add more if small) 1 onion 4 cloves of garlic 20 black olives (pitted) 2 tablespoon of capers 6 anchovies 4 sprigs of thyme 1 teaspoon of chopped rosemary (or dried) 1 handful of fresh parsley 3 tablespoons plain flour 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup of dry of white wine 1½ cups of tomato purée ½ chopped chili (depending on taste) Directions: Coat chicken pieces in plain flour. Heat the olive oil in an oven proof pot. Add your chicken pieces and brown evenly on both sides. Do half the chicken at a time. Add the thyme leaves. Take out once brown (chicken doesn’t need to be cooked).

The North Shore Local

Chop the onion finely and add to the same pot on very low heat.

Crush and add your garlic. Mix well with wooden spoon, scrape off the brown bits from the bottom. Add the rosemary, finely chopped. Add the anchovies. Chop the chili very fine and add to pot.

Slice the mushrooms into six wedges and add to pot and brown (add a little more olive oil). Slice your bell pepper lengthwise and fairly thin, add to pot. Add the olives. Add the capers. Add the white wine. Add the tomato puree and bring to a simmer. Add your chicken pieces. Place in oven and bake at 350ºF for 40 minutes.

Rest 15 minutes and serve. Serve with freshly chopped parsley.

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abnormal brain scan, acute intoxication, neurological abnormalities, or a lack of head trauma. Then they compared the rates of development of PPCS among those who were kept at rest against those who resumed light aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, and stationary-bicycle riding) within 3 to 7 days after the head injury.

The study found that the proportion of participants with postconcussive symptoms at 28 days after the injury was 28 percent in those who had resumed light exercise vs. 40 percent in those who had remained at rest, a significant difference. This matches a number of other studies that have shown similar results.

The theory is that light aerobic exercise increases cerebral blood flow and increases the output of certain neurochemicals, both of which lead to faster brain healing. Early physical activity can lessen the negative

effects that prolonged inactivity has on body and brain conditioning. Regardless of potential benefit however caution in the immediate postconcussion period is prudent. Participation in activities where there is a risk of collision (contact sports) or falls (skiing, bicycle riding, skating) should remain prohibited until clearance from a health professional is obtained.

While more research is needed, it would seem that in many concussion cases the recommendation to resume light exercise early on will replace the recommendation of complete rest. Of course the recommendations would be from a health professional and on a case-bycase basis but it is hoped that the number of those suffering from prolonged postconcussive syndrome, or PPCS, will be decreasing over time.

Please direct questions and comments to mail@statenlocal.com

MEET WITH THE MAYOR IN WEST BRIGHTON

By Dan Guarino

Mayor Bill de Blasio is coming ashore on Staten Island.

On Thursday, April 13, he will be meeting with residents at what is being billed as the "North Shore Working for Your Neighborhood Town Hall.” The event will be held at Prall Intermediate School-IS 27, at 11 Clove Lake Place in West Brighton, starting at 7 p.m.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and be closed at 7:30 p.m.

Though space is limited, Staten Islander’s still have time to sign up for the RSVP-only event. They can do so up till 12 noon on Tuesday, April 11, by going to TownHallRSVP@cityhall.nyc.gov or calling 212-788-9778.

The town hall meeting, the second for de Blasio on SI, is sponsored by Councilwoman Debi Rose, Borough President James Oddo, Senator Andrew Lanza and Assemblyman Matthew Titone.

Event co-sponsors include Community Board 1, Empowerment Zone, Forest Avenue, and El Centro del Immigrante.

Mayor de Blasio’s last town hall on the island was on April 20, 2016, at PS 48 in Concord.

The mayor will be “in the neighborhood” from Sunday, April 9, to Thursday, April 13, as the first stop in his "City Hall in Your Borough" initiative. Working from Borough Hall, his trip will include meeting with individual constituents and local groups, going to events and visiting locations around the borough.

Besides the town hall, this will include a City Hall in Your Borough: City Resource Fair at Borough Hall on Tuesday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Borough Hall is located at 10 Richmond Terrace.

According to his spokesperson Jessica Ramos, at the town hall "the Mayor will be taking questions and many commissioners will be on hand to speak with constituents as well."

"I have long said that it is important for him to spend time on Staten Island talking with Staten Islanders about the issues that matter to us."

The North Shore Local

By Dan Guarino

What is a Community Board?

NYC.gov says, “Community boards play an important role in improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. But many people don't know a lot about them or how they operate.”

Committee Board 1 Chairman Nicholas Sicolari spoke with The Local to help remedy that. “We’re here for the community,” he said.

“We are one of the official city agencies, and we have the resources of New York City.”

Each Community Board has up to 50 unsalaried members, selected from involved people in each community. They must live, work, or have some other significant interest in the community.

“There are 59 community boards city-wide,” Sicolari says.

“We’ve got three of them here on Staten Island.”

CB1 covers the North Shore to the Staten Island Expressway, including areas like Arlington, Fort Wadsworth, New Brighton, Port Ivory, Port Richmond, Randall Manor, Rosebank, St. George, Stapleton, Sunnyside and others.

Mid-island CB2 includes Bulls

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

What’s CB1?

Head, Chelsea, Dongan Hills, Midland Beach, New Dorp, Todt Hill, Travis and more.

To the south CB3 covers neighborhoods like Annadale, Eltingville, Great Kills, Huguenot, Prince's Bay, Tottenville and more.

Among other responsibilities, they must be consulted on placement of most municipal facilities in the community, review applications for zoning changes, and for liquor licenses, make recommendations for the City’s budget, assess the needs of their neighborhoods and address community concerns.

How do they do this?

With the dedicated work of District Manager Joseph Carroll, Community Coordinator Lisa Crosby and Community Associate Linda Maffeo, Sicolari said.

“My district manager, Joe Carroll, oversees the ins and outs of the operation on a daily basis.

During regular business hours, people can call 718-981-6900. We help guide them with what they

Facts You Probably Don’t Need

(Sean McVeigh, on special assignment, scours the internet for these facts which we don’t verify.)

 In Germany there are fake bus stops outside nursing homes to prevent confused senior citizens from wandering off.  The cost of college text books has risen 812% over the past 30 years.  In the entire state of Ohio in 1895, there were only two cars on the road, and the drivers of these two cars crashed into each other.  Chris Farley was supposed to be the voice of Shrek and had 80-90% of the lines recorded before he overdosed and died.  The founder of Pringles, Fred Baur, was buried in a Pringles can.  President LBJ owned an am-

phibious car, the Amphicar, and used it to scare guests by driving it into a lake and screaming about brake failure.  Germany and Japan have the world’s oldest populations, with a median age of 46.1. Niger has the world’s youngest population with a median age of 15.1.  Do you know the origin of “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water?” Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water!”

(Yech).

need.

“We also have area and functional committees. These are things like the Land Use Committee, where we have the most influence. We look at projects, and advise the City on whether it’s a good fit or not.

“There are the different neighborhood committees, Parks Committee, plus there’s the Waterfront Committee, which has been dealing with Sandy and other remediation for future storms.

“We have a Labor Committee.

Not a lot of people know that Staten Island has the highest percentage of union workers. We listen to and work on the concerns of teachers, nurses and other workers. The Services Committee works with agencies like Sanitation on things like how snow removal will be handled.”

CB1 is working closely with the new $13 million emergency room project at RUMC. “It affects all the North Shore. We’re helping make that happen and working with

Page 13 logistical issues, parking, construction and traffic issues and how it’s going to affect the neighborhood.”

Then there is the Mayor’s proposed re-zoning for increased housing along the Bay Street corridor. “We’re looking at if the infrastructure of Stapleton can support the impact of new residents there. Can the sewer system handle it? Will there be enough buses?”

Board members are selected by elected officials such as the Borough President and City Councilmembers, but anyone can apply to serve or volunteer. “You can apply at the Borough President’s website,” which is ww.statenislandusa.com.

Sicolari welcomes the community’s input and any help or suggestions they can give. “We value the community and advocate for the people in it.”

So that’s what a Community Board does!

Community Board 1 is meeting next on Tuesday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 2329 Victory Boulevard.

All are welcome to attend.

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Dr. Fung is an active attending at Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital on Staten Island, NY. He is intimately involved with educating and teaching podiatry resident doctors and students at both hospitals. Dr. Fung has completed a 4 year intensive Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgery and Medicine residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. Dr. Fung has also completed a mini Fellowship in Podiatric Dermatology at Bako Pathology Laboratory in Alpharetta, GA. Dr. Fung actively seeks education on the latest advances in podiatric medicine and surgery in order to better serve and care for his patients.

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Page 14

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

The North Shore Local

Runaway Success At RUMC Run

Richmond University Medical Center held its 5K Run/ Walk on Saturday, April 1.

Hospital officials were pleased to report that the event drew 350 participants and raised more with the $37,000 with all proceeds benefitting the Pediatric Unit in the Emergency Department, which is part of the larger Emergency Department Capital Campaign.

The after-party was at Nurnberger Bierhalle where racers enjoyed authentic German food and beer, donated by the restaurant.

1st Place winners were Joe Brancale and Jennifer Marano.

RUMC said: “Thank you to all of the runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, NYPD, and our West Brighton /Snug Harbor neighbors for their support!”

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The North Shore Local

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

The Checklist

By Kevin Boyle

For all the behavioral scientists and neuroscientists among my readers (yea, they number in the thousands, believe me) you’re free to start tracking my brain’s deterioration. I have no clue what I wrote last week or the week before or the year before.

For the rest of you, don’t worry if my stuff sounds vaguely familiar – nobody’s ever accused me of original thought. Anyway, I had an unoriginal idea for a column this week and then couldn’t

decide if I’d done it before.

Which got me to thinking about lists.

Making a list to accomplish things is a good way to …. accomplish things. You make a list and check them off. Clean the garage. Wash the car. Buy detergent. Once you actually write a list, that stuff is getting done. You check things off or cross them out with vigor. Check, done. Hooray. Maybe after all is said and done, you crumple up the list and toss it into the garbage can like Larry Bird.

But the checklist has its limitations. The checklist is for things you’re going to do not for things you’ve done.

Yes, I cleaned the garage because I had a checklist but after a few days I start thinking, did I clean the garage? The checklist is gone. And I can’t remember diddly.

I make a new checklist and I write: clean the garage. I go out to the garage to find someone has cleaned it. It could have been me, but I’m not sure. I look at my checklist really not sure if clean the garage deserves a checkmark. Sure, I can check it off because it’s been done but there’s hardly any satisfaction in pressing the pen on the paper. Checkmarks feel better when they’ve been earned.

I can’t remember what was on last week’s checklist much like I can’t remember if I wrote something for this column. A while back we did some website overhaul and all our archives were stolen by the Russians or wikileaks so I can’t do a quick search to

Page 15 see if I ever wrote about contaminated bagels or about men in their 80’s who wear toupees.

You’re with me on contaminated bagels, right? You order a plain bagel and as you’re about to bite into it your nose picks up the scent of an onion bagel or, even worse, an everything bagel. This makes you homicidal. If you wanted an onion bagel you would have ordered one.

Almost as annoying as the contaminated bagels is when you tell someone about the offending bagel and they say, oh, I like onion bagels. That’s not the point I want to scream.

They poo-poo me and say I’m exaggerating. That drives me further insane.

There’s the expression one bad apple spoils the whole bunch. Apples got nothing on bagels. Somebody puts an onion or everything bagel in the same bag as plain bagels and I want to start a fistfight.

I just don’t take poisoning lightly. And I don’t need a checklist to remind me.

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Page 16

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

The North Shore Local

Which Wood Would You Use?

By Artie Wallace

Though most people know there are different kinds of wood, a lot of people don’t know which wood is best for their projects. This week I will tell you a little about the different types of wood.

Pine: Pine is one of the cheapest woods to buy. It is very lightweight and has a yellowish or whitish color to it. Pine is very good to use for a rustic finished product. It’s contrast between the main color and the darker more dense knots allows for a nice old look when stained. The softness of the wood will create chipping and splitting when using certain tools, this will help give your finished product a more aged look.

Cherry: Cherry wood is defined by it’s fine, straight grains and reddish/brown to blond color. Cherry is a hard

wood commonly used to make furniture because it can easily be shaped to a smooth polished finish. Cherry wood is a bit on the expensive side, but if your making a piece of furniture, it’s worth it.

Maple: Maple is one of the hardest woods and is ideal for making dressers, shelves or cabinets. It can be defined by it’s creamy white color (some-

times it has a reddish tint to it). Maple is usually more affordable than Cherry. When properly sealed, Maple can give you the look of Cherry or Mahogany without the price.

Oak: Oak is a hardwood that has a tendency to be very grainy, Oak can either have a swirling look and be light brown to pinkish/red in color or have grain like tiger stripes with spots of yellow. Oak is very resistant to warping and when stained right can give you a very nice two toned look.

Walnut: Walnut can be a chocolate brown or yellow (depending on if it came from the inner or outer part of the tree).

Walnut is ideal for making tables, headboards and things

that are going to be in clear view that need a hardwood.

When oiled properly, the beauty of the Walnut stands out like with no other wood.

Note: All woods take stains and oils differently. So be sure to test your stain and/or oil on a piece of scrap wood before applying to your project.

If you have ideas for future DIYer articles, email me at Mail@Statenlocal.com

Please Send Letters To: Mail@StatenLocal.com

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Liberty Tavern - 382 Forest Ave. Jody’s - 372 Forest Ave. BROADWAY Johnny’s Auto Body-267 Broadway YMCA- 651 Broadway HENDERSON AVE Vinny’s Deli-500 Henderson Ave. Union Hall - 502 Henderson Ave. CASTLETON AVE Wicked Stitches- 840 Castleton Ave. Dick’s Deli- 857 Castleton Ave. ST. GEORGE NEWSRACK- Ferry Passenger Drop-Off Court House – 23 Central Ave. St. George Theater – 35 Hyatt Street St. George Library – 5 Central Ave. Ruddy and Deans - 44 Richmond Terrace RICHMOND TERRACE Staten Island Children’s Museum- 1000 Richmond Terrace

The North Shore Local

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Page 17

LOCAL COLOR: READERS SEND IN THEIR PIX We know the North Shore has some wonderfully talented photographers (and a good number of people who get lucky with a great shot once in a while!). Here are some shots that readers shared with us this week. Send your photos (limit 2 per week) to mail@statenlocal.com and we’ll do our best to print them, space permitting. Snap away!

Sandy Kane

Sean Peterson

Sandy Kane

Sandy Kane

Sandy Kane

Zachary Holuka

Chris Boyle

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Page 18

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Council Corner:

In Memoriam Death Notices Lawrence Viscione

March 30, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 Darren L. Harris

March 28, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 Robert J. Mann

March 10, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 Victoria A. Greenly

March 24, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056

Obituaries Dolores Braadt

Dolores Braadt, 85, of Staten Island, passed away peacefully at home on March 26, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. Born August 20, 1931 in Staten Island, Dolores graduated from Port Richmond High School. She was married to her late husband, George W. who preceded her in death in

The North Shore Local

2011. They were married for over 66 years.

Dolores worked as a telephone operator for New York Telephone.

She was a devout Catholic at St. Mary’s of the Assumption where she volunteered her time at the church and school.

She enjoyed gardening, shopping and especially spending time with her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren.

Dolores leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved children, Robert (Patricia) Braadt, George Braadt and Heather Locarro. Her cherished grandchildren, Jessica, Kristy, Jenny (Babydoll), Anthony, Vanessa, Jorge, Cecilie, Clint and Carlos; loving great grandchildren, Isabella, Gabrielle and Alessandra.

A Funeral Mass was held at St. Roch’s RC Church, with burial following at Fairview Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Cherubini-McInerney Funeral Home (formerly Meislohn-Silvie), Staten Island, NY 10302/718-442-9047 The North Shore Local can only accept obituary information sent through a funeral home or cemetery. It cannot assume responsibility for any incorrect information provided to it or printed here.

NEWS YOU MIGHT USE FROM COUNCILWOMAN DEBI ROSE Councilwoman Debi Rose frequently updates her constituents through Facebook and newsletters. Here is a recent post.

On the Staten Island renaissance project: This is the largest economic development project to ever come to Staten Island. With the concerns of North Shore residents well in mind, we were able to secure an additional $100 million in investments from the city, ensure that the project was built using 100% union labor and helped deliver three brand new Staten Island Ferry boats which will be in service starting in 2019.

The North Shore of Staten Island will have the world’s tallest observation wheel on its waterfront, at 625-feet-tall,

and will also have the first high-end outlet mall located in New York City, with up to 125 retailers, eating and drinking establishments, and a 200-room hotel with catering facility. The project will generate more than 1,150 construction jobs and 1,350 permanent jobs. It also will generate more than $101 million in return to the City.

This includes: -A $1,000,000 traffic mitigation fund -$700,000 for a Planning Study for the replacement of the Cromwell Recreation Center -Commuter parking levels maintained throughout construction of the project; parking rates will be capped

Continued on page 19

“FORMERLY MEISLOHN-SILVIE” WWW.SIFUNERALHOME.COM 1289 FOREST AVE. STATEN ISLAND, NY 10302 718-442-9047 FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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The North Shore Local COUNCIL CORNER: Continued from Page 18 -100% union hiring for The Wheel and Outlet Mall; -More than 1,150 construction jobs and 1,350 permanent jobs generated, mostly for Staten Islanders -$500,000 for capacity building for M/WBE contractors; -NYC support for the activation of the North Shore Right of Way (ROW) -Supports to ensure public access to Bay St. Landing -$2 million for repair to the Richmond Terrace Esplanade and aesthetic upgrades; -$750,000 for the development of a Staten Island Greenway Trail from the Verrazano Bridge to the Goethals Bridge; -Plans for a private ferry service adjacent to the development area; -$35 million in City Capital funds for new ferries; -Plans for a ferry service to Snug Harbor; -A Comprehensive Signage Plan for the Staten Island Ferry and its Ferry Terminals (up

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017 to $200,000); -Improved signage plans for ‘Kiss & Ride’ and improved NYPD enforcement of the area; -A Welcome Center and kiosks in the ferry terminals; -Wi-Fi service in the ferry terminals and on the ferry; -Complementary ridership for Staten Island school children on The Wheel; -Free use of space in the Wheel Terminal Building for community group meetings; -Formation of a Community Association Advisory Board; -$75,000 for the creation of a Jersey Street LDC; -Rezoning of the New Brighton community from manufacturing; -New pedestrian crossings with countdown clocks in St. George; -$11 million to implement 24/7 ferry with 30-minute wait time; -Siting of an Eco Dock near the Homeport; and -Aesthetic Improvements for St. George and Jersey Street Corridors.

Page 19

WHERE’S CHUCK?

Poor Chuck wanted so badly to join the army but he unfortunately was rejected and declared 4-F-- furry, fingerless, fake and “fraid” of his own shadow! Where on the North Shore was this pho-

to taken of Chuck? Submit your answer to mail@statenlocal.com. We’ve run out of t-shirts but you will get the great glory and honor of getting a mention in our Petty Cache column!

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Page 20

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

The North Shore Local

Spring Practice Kicks-off At Wagner

Photo courtesy of Wagner College

Staten Island, NY - The Wagner College football team, under the direction of third-year head coach Jason Houghtaling, kicked off Spring Practice with the first of 15 sessions, which will culminate with the annual Green & White Game on Saturday, April 29.

According to Wagner staff, Spring Practice affords the coaching staffs and student-athletes from across the nation an opportunity to practice, scrimmage and develop depth. The NCAA dictates that 12 of the 15 spring practices may permit physical contact, none earlier than the third practice session.

Tackling is allowed in eight of the twelve contact sessions. Up to three of the eight tackling sessions may be devoted to 11-on11 scrimmages.

"I thought we had a really positive first day out there," Houghtaling said. "The guys were flying around and really got after it. They competed with great energy and enthusiasm and I'm excited to look at the film. I think the work they've put in in was evident. It's important that our players take the gains they've made in the weight room and translate that to the practice field and I saw evidence of that.

"We also have several newcomers who we had a chance to see in a practice setting for the first time and a number of them jumped out," Houghtaling added. "Obviously, we have a lot of work to do and improvement to

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make but the effort and enthusiasm were certainly there."

As the Seahawks, fresh off a 6-5 season in 2016 and a thirdplace finish (4-2) in the Northeast (NEC) Conference, took the field they did so while being directed by a new-looking coaching staff.

Rob Calabrese, who served as running backs coach and co-special teams coordinator for the Green & White last season, has taken over the reigns as offensive coordinator. Calabrese replaces Rich Scangarello, who was recently named quarterbacks coach for the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.

Houghtaling has also tabbed three new assistant coaches in Doug Rigg (inside linebackers), Garrett McLaughlin (outside linebackers) and Sean Fitzgerald (running backs), each of whom will be pursuing master's degrees at Wagner in addition to their coaching responsibilities.

Each comes with outstanding experience both as coaches and as former players.

"I'm excited about all three of our new position coaches," said Houghtaling. "They all bring something different to the table, having come from diverse backgrounds, but the one thing Doug, Garrett, and Sean have in common is their work ethic. Each of them is an extremely driven individual who has worked with some great people and I think all three have bright coaching futures."

The North Shore Local

GOLF NOTES

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

by Tom Flannagan

By Tom Flannagan

So long winter! Toss that snow shovel and wrap your hands gently around your golf clubs.

Let it be known that we will be bringing you news and notes on the popular sport of golf taking place on Staten Island. Although the local courses have been open for play throughout the winter months and many of the die-hard regulars have been taking advantage of some milder weather, it’s time to trade the snow melt for grass seed and fertilizer.

While most local clubs have already began playing club golf, the Staten Island Golf Association has posted its busy schedule for tournament play and the first major event will kick off with the qualifying rounds for the popular New York City Amateur Championship on April 30 at Silver Lake Golf Course.

The complete season schedule, which also includes junior events, can be found on the SIGA website www.thesiga.com posted by Jim

Golf Course

Fareri. We expect the Staten Island Women’s Golf Association will also release their schedule soon.

Changes to courses: Most greens superintendents use the off-season to make changes and improvements to golf courses whenever weather permits. Doug Johnstone has certainly excelled in that department at the Silver Lake course. He and his crew made some successful adjustments in the drainage on the back nine and appeared to have “dried up” the area around the 11th green, 12th tee and 13th fairway. This was followed by enlargement of the 11th green with a new level of the putting surface. “I am also adding a new trap in front of the added green and going back we’ve lengthened the hole with a new tee,” said Johnstone. “We will also clean out the pond and trim some trees to make this -- our signature hole --a real test,” added the Lake “honcho”.

Richmond County Country Club continues to change its landscape with additional bunkers and

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Page 21

lengthening of holes. Since RCCC is a private club, we are not privy to all new adjustments, but we’re told that the most severe changes will take place on the final two holes.

Long range plans are for a new green on 17 and moving the tee on the closing hole back far enough to make the hole not only longer, but it will play as a dogleg left from the newly discovered back tee.

New Rules: The USGA and the R&A got together and came up with a basket full of new rules and will give the public until August to elect which shall be put into play in order to simplify as well as speed up play.

The rules changes will apply to both amateur and professional players. At first glance, we think of how changes were made in the sport of bowling just about ruined the sport by speeding up the alleys thus raising scores through the roof.

There are some rules that we would agree with and others that would just make the game less

challenging. First of all, not all rules suggested should apply to the average golfer if the object is to speed up play. Take the average mid-handicap player with a ball embedded in a non-drop area.

The professional should have the ability to advance the ball.

Whereas the amateur might take many swings as well as time, thus delaying play. The rule on accidentally moving the ball on the putting green is usually caused by nerves and pros are supposed to have “nerves of steel.” Let the amateur off the hook without penalty!

We like the rule of hitting the ball within 40 seconds or get a penalty.

This should apply to all since some of the pros are just too slow.

There are 30 or more proposed rules changes all golfers have the opportunity to vote on which should stay or change.

We’d like to hear from you and your feelings on the situation.

Drop us an email to www.tflannagan@si.rr.com We would love to hear from you.

Are you behind on your mortgage payments?

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Have you been denied a loan modification?

New laws are in effect that may save your home Call Homeowner's Relief Line:

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Page 22

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

The North Shore Local

THE LOCAL WORD SEARCH Okay, here’s an idea that won’t get you rich but, then again, who knows. It’s better than the pet rock. If you don’t know what the pet rock is, ask somebody over 50.

Anyway, this is about bubbles. Who doesn’t love bubbles? It’s time someone took the universal love of bubbles and applied to kids’ bike helmets and rollerblades.

Kids might resist putting on a helmet so what better way to entice him or her that when they peddle bubbles will be generated from the little suds container on each side of the helmet leaving a trail of bubbles as they roll along. And speaking of rolling, rollerbladers are basically showoffs so

wouldn’t they love to add even more flair to their zig and their zag?

There are toys that are basically waterguns that shoot bubbles. The idea is to attach similar gadgets to helmets and rollerblades. We’re thinking a little plastic fan would spin and make soap bubbles. You have to get in your garage and work on this one but we don’t think you have to be all that Thomas Edisony to pull it off.

And if you do, we bet there will be more bubbles in your future – champagne bubbles that is.

Got an idea you want to give away because you know you’ll never do it? Well, share it with the world (or at least The Idea Guys). Send your brainstorm to Mail@StatenLocal.com

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This Week in History April 6 J.P. Brennan was born.

Trish Beresford was born.

Maria Ragucci Maira was born.

Dennis Althoff was born.

Mark Nugent was born.

Jackie Lamberti was born.

Linda Simonetti was born.

surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant in the village of Appomattox Court House.

1933 - President Franklin Roosevelt signs legislation ending Prohibition in the United States.

1971 - President Nixon pledges a withdrawal of 100,000 more troops from Vietnam by December.

April 11 David Scheffler was born.

April 10 Vincent Albunio was born.

Sean Taylor was born.

1998 - Politicians in Northern Ire1896 - After a break of 1,500 years, land reach an agreement aimed at the first Olympics of the modern ending 30 years of sectarian violence. era was held in Athens, Greece.

1847 - Publisher Joseph Pulitzer, who established a fund for the PuApril 7 litzer Prizes awarded annually for Dawn brown was born. excellence in journalism, was born Jill Long was born. in Budapest, Hungary.

Margaret DeSantis was born.

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April 8 Jennifer Mezzadri was born.

1968 - The Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

April 12 Jimmy Rogers was born.

Mary Salisbury was born.

1974 - Hank Aaron hits his 715th home 1945 - President Franklin D. Roorun, breaking Babe Ruth’s record. sevelt, who led U.S through the Great Depression and WWII, died April 9 suddenly at Warm Springs, GeorPhilip Richerme was born. gia Maryann Bollinger was born.

1961 - Russian cosmonaut Yuri 1865 - The American Civil War Gagarin became the first human in ended as General Robert E. Lee space.

The North Shore Local

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Page 23

A Sports Stretch To Remember

By Joe Nugent

Full circle. And it was the greatest sports circle of my lifetime, and that stretches out over 68 years!

It began a year ago with the first "water cooler" sports material of 2016. The NCAA college basketball championship game between North Carolina and Villanova was an epic. An incredible off-balance threepoint shot by the Tar Heels in the waning seconds tied it and the Wildcats charged down the court for one last shot.

A perfectly executed pass, followed by a screen, led to Kris Jenkins' "in-the-air" at the buzzer swish to give the title to Villanova. Many called it the greatest NCAA championship game ever. It might have been.

Fast forward two months and we were treated to an NBA final for the ages. The defending champion Golden State Warriors, led by "splash brothers" Curry and Thompson, were supposed to roll over the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron.

Afterall, the pundits claimed, the Cavs had LeBron and little else. When Golden State ran off to a 3-1 series lead, the media had Cleveland dead and buried.

We know how that turned out. The greatest player of his generation who had returned to his hometown to give the city of Cleveland a championship, performed a miracle and the Cavaliers came back and won. No longer was Cleveland a city of losers.

In the summer of 2016, at the British Open, we were treated to perhaps the greatest final day Major performances in the history of golf. Hendrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson performed on a level that was ungodly!

Birdie after birdie, putts from all angles and distances, were dropping on nearly every hole. In any other year,

Mickelson's best (65) would have been good enough to win at Royal Troon. He was 11 strokes better than the 3rd place finisher! Not in 2016.

Stenson (63 and 20 under) was simply sensational and denied Phil the glory of another Major title.

You do remember the greatest country in the world, the good old USA, DOMINATED the Summer Olympics with 46 gold medals and 121 overall. And in late August, a team from New York won the Little League World Series for the first time since 1964 (Mid-Island from Staten Island).

Next up, the 2016 World Series. The Chicago Cubs, seeking to end 108 years of frustration, against the Cleveland Indians, a team that last won a title in 1945. Two of America's lovable losers on baseball's greatest stage, and what a show they gave us.

This time it was the Indians charging to a 3-1 series lead. This time the sports media was spreading the "poor Cubbies" theme, declaring perhaps the curse of the goat would never be broken.

But the Cubs didn't fold and won a heart-stopping Game 7 that went into extra-innings (with a rain delay thrown in) by a score of 8-7.

The year 2017 began with the epic Alabama-Clemson national football championship game. No. 1 versus No. 2 in a rematch of 2016. Final score: Clemson 35, Alabama 31 with the game decided in the final seconds.

But the best was yet to come.

The first Sunday in February, and sports fans in America couldn't believe what they were seeing as the Atlanta Falcons were stomping on Tom Brady and the heavily favored Patriots 28-3 late in the third quarter. Admit, everybody out there, you stopped paying attention at your Super Bowl

party and started pounding beers!

Memo to thousands who turned off the game and got wasted. Final score: Patriots 31, Falcons 28 and I still don't believe it happened. Tom Brady walks on water!!

A couple of weeks later I watched St. Peter's and Curtis play for the Island basketball championship at Wagner College. I know it doesn't fit on the scale with the rest these memorable sports events, But this is the NORTH SHORE LOCAL, and Peter's 68, Curtis 65 was very special.

Then came Friday night and of all the incredible sports moments of the past year, nothing was more stunning than Mississippi St. 66, UConn 64 in the Women's NCAA tournament semifinals.

I stayed up and was watching the impossible happen.

Did you know that these two teams played a year ago and UConn won by 60 points!!

Do you know Vegas had the Lady Huskies winning this game by at least 25 points!

Now the historical 111game winning streak is over.

So Mississippi St. lost in the final to South Carolina, nobody will remember that. We will remember it was the year UConn went down.

The circle was completed Monday night. North Carolina 71, Gonzaga 65. Redemption for the Tar Heels.

April 2016 to April 2017.

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Nugent's Nuggets

**Master's picks: Jordon Spieth, Matt Kuchar and Brooks Kaepka. Of course, I'll be rooting for Phil. **MLB playoffs picks: In the AL, Blue Jays, Indians, Astros.

Wildcards: Yanks and Royals.

In the NL, Mets, Cubs and Giants. Wildcards: Cardinals and Dodgers. **What happened to Lexi Thompson at the LGPA tourney this weekend is a joke. i am hoping the backlash is so great the "officials" who made the four-stroke penalty decision a day late based on a television caller, lose their jobs. **If you're looking for NFL "pre-pre-pre camp" news, don't count on reading about it here. Everything about NFL April camps bores me. **I will give you up one NFL nugget. If Stanford's Christian McCaffrey is still on the board when the Giants are on the clock, GM Reese is crazy if he doesn't take him. He will be a terrific NFL player just like his dad was. **With most of the great games I mentioned earlier in this column ending after midnight, naturally it's hard to fall asleep after all that excitement.

That's when I realized how much I miss Johnny Carson!

Let me be blunt. If Kimmel, Fallon and Colbert (especially Colbert!) were all cancelled tomorrow, hardly anyone would care.

Tim O'Halloran

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THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

The North Shore Local

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