R YOUKLY E WE PER PA
VOL. 1, NO. 12 — THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
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Will Ferry Tale Come True? 25 Minutes to Midtown
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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
The North Shore Local
Mayor Q&A At Town Hall
Photos by Dan Guarino By Dan Guarino
The gym at West Brighton’s Prall Intermediate School was an appropriate setting for Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Town Hall meeting on Thursday, April 13. Hundreds who came to the packed event saw a lively back and forth between residents and the mayor, surprise announcements and even a lightening round of questions
in the last quarter. More than 450 attended the meeting, with many more who rsvp’d in advance. Councilmember Debi Rose was host and moderator. BP James Oddo, State Senator Diane Savino and other local officials were also there. The mayor brought along many of his top department heads and commissioners. Rose said, “We can no longer
say we are the ‘forgotten borough.’ Our voices have been heard. Staten Island is not a standalone.� The mayor thanked the assembled crowd for coming. “It’s a weeknight. It’s a holiday week. But you are all here. That’s important.� The meeting capped de Blasio’s weeklong "City Hall in Your Borough" initiative stay in Staten Island. He met with constituents one on one and community groups, toured local locations, made his staff available, and met with Borough Hall officials. He noted, “For many decades this borough was ignored. So many Staten Islanders hold a high bar so far as what gets done.� The mayor highlighted falling SI crime statistics, the return of lower level ferry boarding, a new ferry to be named after Sandy Ground,
major pothole paving works, high stats for Pre-K for All, and working with NYPD resources and Staten Island Hospital with prevention, treatment and programs to stem the opioid epidemic tide. Many who attended were clearly ready for the question and answer period, the highpoint of the meeting. Whether they were from one of the many civic organizations there or arrived individually, there was a lot they wanted to ask. Topics ranged from criminal justice reform to student MetroCard’s to economic development, employment and youth recreational opportunities, North Shore development, immigration policies, education, land use, small business and transportation development.
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The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
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Shipping Out To Midtown The service would offer an improvement to commuters who currently either take express buses or take the SI Ferry to various subway lines. Also, those utilizing the new ferry would have access to New York Photo courtesy of Visit Staten Island Waterway’s free conBorough President James necting bus service from their Oddo and NY Waterway are Midtown terminal to other Midfloating a new idea. Bringing town destinations, with seven direct fast ferry service from St. free routes covering a multitude George to Midtown. In 25 min- of work destinations between utes or less. 57thStreet and Canal Street. On Thursday, April 13, Oddo Oddo noted, “Twenty-five minand NY Waterway president/ utes from St. George to Midtown. founder Arthur Imperatore an- Twenty-five minutes. This is not nounced the framework of an entirely the answer to all our traffic agreement that will bring fast or commuting woes. But this has ferry service from a new dock been a successful collaboration, to be constructed in St. George entirely outside of citywide govto the West 39th Street Ferry ernment, between us at Borough Terminal in Midtown. The trip Hall and the private sector, to get would take approximately the Staten Islanders the possibility of same amount of time as it takes a better commute. This mission the Staten Island ferry to travel continues on various fronts.” to Whitehall in downtown ManOddo, who has been speaking hattan. with Imperatore for four years,
stated, “Now we finally have a confluence of events that will make this workable.” “This is a big win for Staten Island and it means an even brighter future for the St. George community. Fast ferry service will have a transformative impact across Staten Island by shortening commutes for our residents and bringing more visitors to our incredible North Shore,” said Joseph Ferrara, principal of BFC Partners, developer of Empire Outlets. “This is a huge economic development boost for St. George as it will only increase the number of employees, visitors and residents that come to this area,” Lester Petracca, President of Triangle Equities, said. “And it solidifies St. George as a viable option to live, work and visit.” The new service will run throughout the day to service commuters. Price has not yet been determined, but Imperatore stated it would be fair and attractive to commuters. And it will be a faster and more certain com764 Forest Avenue Staten Island, New York. 10310
mute for Staten Islanders, many of whom now take more than two hours to get to Midtown. “The reality is,” Oddo said, “that once the construction of the new dock is completed, in around a year, we will be ready to sail. I have continuously said that ferry service will beget more ferry service once we can demonstrate how successful it will be.” However, even in the wake of a successful weeklong visit by the mayor, Oddo was matter of fact about waterborne transportation to and from the island. “Let me be clear, this does not negate the City’s obligations to our borough in its ‘5 Borough,’ since renamed ‘Citywide,’ but still inaccurate, Ferry Service at a subsidized fare. That fight continues. In the interim, we have been exhausting all options and possibilities to create a new fast ferry route to give Staten Islanders more choices.” Sounds like within the next year one of those options and possibilities will be ready to cast off. Store Hours:
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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
Zoofari Benefit Roars In
There’s nothing like a jungle jaunt with a cocktail hour. This year’s annual Staten Island Zoological Society’s ZooFari Benefit is coming up on Tuesday, April 25, at the Richmond County Country Club. The Staten Island Zoo’s major fund-raising event, ZooFari will honor Carol T. Decina, Manager of National Grid’s Community & Customer Management area, and Lifestyles for the Disabled, the unique organization that has served the developmentally disabled population of Staten Island for over 20 years. As Manager of the Community and Customer area at National Grid, Decina is the central point of contact for key stakeholders in Downstate New York within the community and business area of Staten Island. She is a member of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees, the Staten Island Econom-
ic Development Corporation Board of Trustees, and serves on the SIEDC’S Executive Women’s Council and SIEDC Personnel Committee. She was awarded the 2016 SI Power Women in Business Award in honor of her contributions to the SI community. Lifestyles started in 1994 serving four adults and families and now serves over 400. Lifestyles mission has always been to provide quality learning experiences that will enable all program participants, regardless of their disability, to become productive members of society and live with dignity and as independently as possible. The organization is closely tied to the Zoo’s programs as operator of the Zoo Café, while also participating in landscaping and decorations services. Benefit tickets include a lavish cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. Guests will also
Small Business Gets $ Support
Small business districts are getting a big hand from the city. The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has announced over $1 million in grants for 34 unique neighborhood development projects across the city. “Our Avenue NYC initiative is investing in local, community-based organizations to help strengthen and preserve small business corridors across our city,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “Small businesses are an essential part of building vibrant neighborhoods, and the grants we are awarding today will help meet tailored, local needs.” Some of those improvements will include business attraction/ retention, façade improvements, merchant organizing, and placemaking. On Staten Island those groups receiving awards include: Staten Island Downtown Alliance – Host promotional events, develop marketing collateral, and coordinate discount program-
ming to encourage residents to patronize local businesses along Jersey Street in New Brighton Staten Island Business Outreach Center – Strengthen SBS’s Neighborhood 360° investments and partnerships in Downtown Staten Island by way of merchant organizing support in Stapleton and Tompkinsville. Avenue NYC helps commercial districts thrive and provide goods and services for residents in low-and moderate-income neighborhoods. Grants up to $30,000 are awarded to community-based development organizations including BIDs (Business Improvement Districts), local development corporations, merchants’ associations, and other organizations operating within the five boroughs of New York City. A spokesperson noted, “SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building neighborhoods across the five boroughs.”
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get to mingle with a variety of creatures, including a sloth, tortoise, snake, Chuck the Groundhog, and other ambassador animals, and also have their photos taken with their favorite zoo residents. For tickets or about advertisements and prestigious sponsorship plans call 718-442-6868. The deadline for tickets and advertising and sponsorship opportunities is April 21.
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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
Grace Acquafredda Co-Publisher Kevin Boyle Co-Publisher Dan Guarino Editor Mark Cannon Columnist/Sales Fred Marino Sales The North Shore Local 212 Cromwell Avenue Staten Island, NY 10305 718-979-6700
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The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
Petty Cache ***** Who needs Lincoln Center? The Riverside Opera Company (ROC), under the direction of Maestro Alan Aurelia, presents: PoPera 2017, a performance that includes operatic fan favorites performed by 8 award winning performers and the Curtis High School Chorus, under the direction of Josh Steinhardt, singing Sam Smith's "Writings on the Wall" (from Spectre) with the full orchestra Sunday, May 7, 3 p.m. at The Music Hall at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens. Tickets are $15 per Adult in advance, $20 at door. Students & Children are FREE! For tickets visit : http://popera17.brownpapertickets.com For information call: 718876-7945 ***** 83 years of bratwurst and corned beef served with potato pancakes and red cabbage by friendly faces we've known for years sadly is coming to an end. Come say a heartfelt and delicious goodbye to Schaffer’s Tavern at this year’s Victory Boulevard Restaurant Stroll on April 30, hosted by the Victory Boulevard Merchant’s Association. Over a dozen eateries will be offering their signature favorites. There
will be musical performances, rides and attractions. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the event. To purchase tickets, go to Eventbrite.com. ***** We hear that Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis is seriously considering running for mayor, but only if her close friend and ally business mogul John Catsimatidis decides not to run. Catsimatidis ran four years ago but lost the GOP primary to Joe Lhota. ***** A better bottom line! The Staten Island Not-For-Profit Association will hold its 7th annual Nonprofit Conference on Tuesday, May 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn. The conference is the only full-day event in the borough specifically focused on improving the capacity of the nonprofit sector. Registration for this year’s conference is now open. Tickets are $65 for the first association member, $40 each additional association attendee from the same organization. Non-members are $80. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. People can register online by going to www.sinfpa.org or calling 718-889-3010. Attendees will be asked to select which workshops they plan to attend. ***** Get in on the Ground Floor! But not until September. That is when DOT will begin lower-level boarding
at the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan, and also at the same time begin a lower-level boarding pilot program during morning rush (7-9 a.m.) at Staten Island's St. George Terminal. St. George passengers entering the terminal via the Kiss & Ride will have the option of accessing the lower level. DOT will collect usage data to measure the effectiveness of lower level boarding at St. George. Altogether these efforts to enhance boarding are expected to cost $2 million next year but hopefully will alleviate some of the human traffic jams and make our commute more tolerable. ***** Congressman Dan Donovan hosted a telephone town hall meeting Monday night, taking approximately 20 questions from as many individuals. Although these callers were supposedly chosen at random, the questions interestingly touched on all major topics, including immigration, travel bans, Obamacare, Medicare, Medicaid, transportation, North Korea, Syria, Staten Island’s lack of a city hospital, student summonses, Planned Parenthood and penalties for drug dealers. There was no discussion on any topic and callers did not ask follow up questions. Something smells a little fishy to us, even through those telephone wires. ***** Speaking of fish -- This summer, Fish N Kids, Inc. will be hosting free Fishing
Page 5 Programs for kids 5 and up on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Martling Pond Bridge from 7 p.m. to dark. Parents are welcome too! ***** The eighth annual Nancy Avis L’Dor V’Dor Award Lunch will be held on Sunday, April 30 from 11:30 am to 2 p.m. at the Bernikow JCC, 1466 Manor Road. This year’s award recipients are Eileen Bernstein, Arlene Sorkin, Brooke Lopez, and Dr. Lori R. Weintrob. To register go to www.sijcc.org, or call Sylvia Cohen at 718475-5246. ***** Come learn about resources for the immigrant community at the Immigration Forum on Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at McKee High School, 290 Street Mark’s Place. Carl Vargas, lawyer from the Dream Action Coalition will be present to answer any questions regarding immigration. Food and refreshments will be provided. This event is sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. To RSVP or for more information call 646-875-3793 and speak to Mr. Ovalles or email at povalles@schools.nyc.gov. ***** Congratulations to our good friends Fran Messina, Trish Guglielmo, Kathy Murphy, Michelle Dantoni and Kathy Motola for correctly guessing that Chuck was swinging around at Clove Lakes Park Playground. Go to page 19 and see if you know where Chuck is hanging out this week.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
The North Shore Local
Budget And Response By Dan Guarino
When it comes to the dollars and cents of the city’s new budget, Community Board 1 has a few things to say to the mayor. Even before Mayor de Blasio came for an official weeklong stay, the Board drafted a letter addressing fiscal matters from a Staten Island point of view. Citing their role as a ‘planning board,’ they put forth several recommendations. Among those are to “replace Cromwell Center over Lyons Pool.” Since 1934, Cromwell Recreation Center “had been the focus of recreational activities for tens of thousands of young people and adults alike,” and included features like basketball courts, a boxing ring, fitness areas, a large theater and space for afterschool activities.” It was also ideally situated along many bus routes and the SIRT. “We ask that NYC Parks add to its Capital Budget the rebuilding of the Cromwell Center over Lyons Pool as a fully funded project. Its absence has great-
ly diminished recreational resources not only in the North Shore community but also the entire Borough.” They want an increase to Staten Island's Baseline Budget for the Department of Parks and Recreation. CB1 has consistently asked for a baseline of $100 million to be applied to this budget line. They note, “This request is driven by the need to obviate dealing with the constant response of seeking councilmember or borough president funds for items that should be handled through the normal City Agency borough distribution, thus depriving the BP and the Council of funding other needed items.” Another request is for funding a professional study of the circulation of the public areas of the St. George Ferry Terminal to provide visitors easy access to Lighthouse Point and the waterfront beyond.” They feel this will “help to create a walkway to provide visitors with a safe and visual-
NEW FERRY NAMED Mayor Bill de Blasio, Councilmember Debi Rose, and NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg announced that one of the new Staten Island Ferry Boats will be named in honor of Sandy Ground, among America’s first African-American settlements, established by freed slaves on Staten Island’s South Shore nearly two hundred years ago. The Mayor made the announcement at a town hall hosted by Councilmember Debi Rose, who led the drive to name the boat. The Sandy Ground will be the second of three new Staten Island ferries to be built by 2020. Sandy Ground’s history as a freed slave community dates back to 1828, when Capt. John Jackson, an Afri-
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can-American ferry boat operator became the first Black to own property on Staten Island, in what is now Rossville. Over time, Sandy Ground was settled by African-American oystermen who fled Maryland’s more restrictive laws. New York’s booming oyster trade allowed residents there to own their own property, boats and businesses. Last year the first of three new ferries was named in honor of Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a Staten Islander who was killed in 2013 while saving fellow soldiers in Afghanistan. The Sandy Ground is expected to be finished in fall 2019. The new 4,500-passenger boats are funded by a $156 million Federal Transportation Administration grant, $138 million in City funds and $20 million in other state and federal grant funds. They are the first new class of boats to be added to the fleet since 2006.
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ly attractive path from the ferry to Lighthouse Point. Currently, visitors must traverse a dingy, dark walkway that leads them through a dangerous parking lot and a series of fenced off, “regular work” areas in order to connect with Lighthouse Point,” which depends heavily on retail visitors and usage. They are also asking for funding for a Greenway Trail to connect the pedestrians, cyclists and rapid transit to the projects along the waterfront. “In order for the $1 billion dollars in private investment projects along the waterfront to be successful, pedestrians, cyclists and rapid transit must be able to access them from the St. George Ferry, which will be a central point of arrival.” Noting three phases have already been funded, they ask for support to create a comprehensive plan for the rest of the trail so that visitors can easily access all areas by foot, bicycle or bus. “The city must be proactive in providing the infrastructure necessary to access these
projects” before the uptick in visitors overwhelms it, making later upgrades more costly and inconvenient, hobble new businesses, take more time and discourage people from coming back. CB1 would also like to see funding for a gymnasium for P.S.21, construct a promenade to protect against storm surges and to provide waterfront access between Lighthouse Pointe and Fort Wadsworth, provide the last phase of funding for the Goodhue Park purchase, and provide sufficient capital funding to develop the infrastructure for the Mayor’s signature “Bay Street Corridor” plan. They would also like to see dollars go to improve the infrastructure, including streets and sewers, and supporting schools and hospitals, in preparation for growing business and residential population. However the NYC 2018 budget is finalized, they want to make sure money is well spent—on Staten Island.
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The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
Page 7
Loose Cannon
High Hopes For Lopes — And Sweeney, Too
By Mark Cannon
I was born in St. Vincent’s hospital here on the North Shore. My backyard abuts the parking lot of that same hospital, now called Richmond University Medical Center. I guess you can say I haven’t gotten very far in life. That said, I didn’t grow up on the North Shore, I was an Oakwood boy, who spent some of my wayward youth at the Lopes family home on Kennington Street in Great Kills. I met James “Pip” Lopes at The Monsignor Farrell High School, and although he was football, and I was basketball, we became fast friends. There were a lot of Lopes: Dad - Eugene, Mom - Ann — and six kids — two older and three younger than “Pip.” The eldest siblings, Gene and Suzanne, following proper protocol, paid me zero attention. Also, as nature intended, I treated the younger brothers, Tom and John, with a disdain that came straight out of Eddie Haskell’s playbook. The younger sister, Patricia, always had me — too tongue-tied to talk. It was a great home, on a great block, and will always have a special place in my heart. In 2008, John Lopes was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a form of blood cancer. His friends and family created the foundation, “High Hopes For Lopes,” (“HHFL”) and held a fundraiser at the Staaten. The place was packed. I have attended two of these events and the turnouts are remarkable — a testament to a terrific guy from a great family. Annoying in his youth, John blossomed into a well-rounded adult, raising three beautiful children with his wonderful wife, Joanne. Always a fighter, John has not backed
down an inch from the day of his diagnosis. He has responded positively to treatments, and keeps a healthy, hopeful attitude. He is an inspiration to everyone around him. Since the seminal event in 2009, “HHFL” has held biennial fundraisers. The next will be April 29, 2017, at Hillside Swim Club, 12-5 p.m. For a $50 donation you can enjoy beer, wine and soda, plus catering by one of my favorite places — Canlon’s. There will be live music, door prizes, raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle — with no givebacks permitted. In 2015, the Board of “HHFL,” and the West Brighton community, lost an angel, when Susan Strype Whelan passed away after a long battle with cancer. Susie also grew up on Kennington Street — across the street from the Lopes’. In her honor, the Susan Strype Whelan Memorial will be awarded at the event this year. The “Spirit of Annie,” Memorial Award will be given in honor of the late Mrs. Ann Lopes. I can assure you, Ann Lopes was one of the most spirited women to ever walk the planet . Come on out and support this worthy cause. “HHFL” has provided financial aid to many families, and with our support, will continue to do good works throughout Staten Island. “High Hopes For Lopes” has also helped West Brighton’s favorite bartender, Mark Sweeney. Mark was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma back in August of 2010. He received a stem cell transplant in 2011, and was in remission for two years. Over the last year and a half, he has had some relapses. However, after his latest round of treatments, his numbers are “headed in the right direction.” Mark credits “HHFL” for crossing over that Mason - Dixon line which divides North Shore from South Shore — and extending a helping hand to him and his family. As any West Brighton resident can tell you, Mark has been an important cog in this
community for years. A proud Eagle, he graduated from St. Peter’s High School in 1975. Mark is a scratch golfer, who has won more than his fair share of both tournaments and wagers at Silver Lake Golf Club. Following in his father’s (the legendary Edgar Sweeney) footsteps, he coached basketball at Sacred Heart. Mark is also famous for the free golf clinics he provides for neighborhood children. He has given hundreds of lessons to kids trying to learn the game. Mark takes great pride in the fact, that for many years, he held the position of Criminal Court Administrative Supervisor in the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office. He and his lovely wife, Patty, have raised three terrific children. Patience is a virtue when Mark is behind the stick at Jody’s. An “old school” bartender, he be-
lieves in lending a sympathetic ear to those he serves, often spending agonizing moments gabbing with his customers. This peculiar habit can lead to some frustration for those still waiting for a drink — especially me. A few years back I texted Mark about some neighborhood issue —and after about two weeks he finally replied. Upon receiving his tardy response, I texted him back — “And I thought you were slow as a bartender!” Mark is very grateful for the support received from “High Hopes For Lopes," but wanted to point out that many others in the community have been there for him as well. “People make fun of Staten Island,” he said, “but there is no better place to be when the chips are down.” Amen to that Mark Sweeney, and may God bless both you and John Lopes.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
The North Shore Local
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The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
Page 9
Ron Dante
SI Music Man Coming Home: Ron Dante By Dan Guarino
If you find yourself singing along with “Sugar, Sugar,” you know the work of Ron Dante. And if you're old enough to remember when sugar wasn't a bad word, you might have a cardboard record of that title stashed away somewhere. You know, the one you anxiously cut out from the back of Super Sugar Crisp cereal. Of course you had to consume the entire contents of the box first, but at least Sugar Crisp was tasty, not like Honey-combs or Alpha Bits. What you may not know is this accomplished singer /songwriter /producer /musician grew up on Staten Island. And he’s playing his first hometown concert at the St. George Theatre Sunday, April 23. “I am so thrilled about playing my hometown,” he said. “I love this place!” Appearing also will be Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone, The Happenings and The 1910 Fruitgum Company. Dante, the voice behind The Archies and The Cuff Links, will be performing hits like “Sugar, Sugar,” and “Tracey.” “It’s a homecoming. My family is interconnected with relatives all over Staten Island.” From his current home in Los Angeles, he told The Local how Staten Island shaped his career and about his memories of growing up in West Brighton and Four Corners. “The St. George was the first
move theater I ever went to when I was a child. “I used to go swimming every summer almost every day, diving off the high board in Tompkinsville. Behind the pool there were maybe 60 basketball courts. I loved to play basketball.” His music career also began here, nurtured by a mix of family and community. He began playing guitar at 13. At 14, family friends Vito Piccone and the Elegants (“Little Star”) introduced him to the music business. “And I was lucky enough my father and cousins knew managers from New York City. So they took me on professionally.” But it was the downside of the business that brought his biggest break. When things were “not working out so well,” a secretary offered to take him upstairs to one of the biggest music companies. There he met Don Kirschner, the man who launched the careers of Carol King, Neil Sedaka, and Neil Diamond as well as hundreds of songwriters, put rock concerts on TV, and helped create The Monkees, and yes, The Archies. “I knew this was a gift,” Dante said. “I kept my eyes open, and my mouth shut. I have been very blessed with many opportunities coming my way. And I reached out for them.” Eventually, he auditioned to provide the musical voice for the fictional band, The Archies. “Sugar, Sugar” went to number
one. “We did over a hundred songs for the TV show, and four or five albums.” Recording 20 different vocal parts and adding talented studio musicians, he had a hit with “Tracey” and other songs as the group, “The Cuff Links.” He also found success singing
commercial jingles for Coke, Pepsi, McDonalds and even Coppertone. Then he met “this guy just starting out. I became Barry Manilow’s producer. We had 18 hit singles, from “Mandy” to “Copacabana,” two Grammy nominations and Best Pop Vocal for ‘Copacabana.’” Dante also produced Cher and many other acts. Show business was more than music for Dante. He later became a theatre producer working on “Ain’t Misbehavin’, which won a Tony for Best Musical. The next year he was the producer for “Children of a Lesser God,” which earned the Tony award for Best Drama. Dante says Staten Island has played a part in all he has done. He remembers taking the ferry to Manhattan, and feeling the excitement, but also watching the city get smaller as he got closer to home. “You felt safe in Staten Island. You felt loved. And I knew I would go on to great things in life with the foundation of such a wonderful place.”
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Page 10
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
The North Shore Local
News From Borough Hall
On Tuesday, April 18, Staten Island Borough President put forth several announcements of interest to Island residents. Here’s a quick rundown. Community Policing Expands To South Shore: As part of his "City Hall in Your Borough" initiative, Mayor Bill de Blasio and his staff spent the week on Staten Island, making Borough Hall their home base. On Monday, BP Oddo joined the Mayor at the 123rd Precinct in Tottenville to announce the expansion of the NYPD's Neighborhood Policing program to the precinct. The program assigns cops to specific neighborhoods and encourages them to form relationships with community members with the ultimate goal of reducing crime. While the Mayor noted that the 123rd is already the safest precinct in the city, he also added that the area will further benefit from being
part of the program. Neighborhood policing is already underway in the borough's 120th and 122nd precincts. Sanitation Crews Added To Clean Up Litter: More great news in the fight against litter! On Friday, Mayor de Blasio announced the addition of two-person Sanitation crews to address the issue. The crews will manually sweep and collect trash on sidewalks, streets and other public locations. The crews will be deployed across the borough three times a week for 32 weeks a year. The office will continue to send its Clean Team out several times a week to tackle particularly dirty or overgrown locations. Reminder: Road Closures Ahead: BP Oddo, Council Member Steven Matteo and NYC Parks Department have announced a schedule of litter cleanups along major thoroughfares for the months of March and April. The cleanups, which will involve the deployment of heavy equipment
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and require full road closures, are as follows: -Thursday, April 20: Victory Boulevard from Travis Avenue to Signs Road -Thursday, April 27: Forest Hill Road from Yukon Avenue to Richmond Hill Road -Thursday, May 4: Forest Hill Road from Richmond Hill Road to Rockland Avenue -Thursday, May 11: Richmond Hill Road from Forest Hill Road to Arthur Kill Road -Tuesday, May 18: Rockland Avenue from Forest Hill Road to Manor Road These roads will be closed from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on those dates. Motorists are advised to be aware and plan alternate routes on these dates. Upcoming Events FREE MAMMOGRAMS: April 25, July 26, October 3, at 3 locations across SI. AUTISM OPEN RUNS: Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. Conference House Park. BLOOD DRIVE: Tuesday, June 6, 9:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. at Bor-
732-792-2333
ough Hall. Book Your Free Mammography Now: BP Oddo is encouraging all eligible Staten Island women to take advantage of the free mobile mammography screenings his office is hosting on Tuesday, April 25. The mobile mammography van will be at Hylan Plaza Parking Lot in New Dorp (near CVS) from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and at Bricktown Commons (Michael's Parking Lot) in Charleston from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The screenings will be available to eligible women ages 40 and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year. All insurance plans will be accepted, and co-pays and deductibles will be waived. The mammograms will be free to uninsured women. The screenings will be funded by the New York State Cancer Services Program and the Cancer Services Program of Staten Island. An appointment must be made to get screened. Call 1-800-564-6868.
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The Awning WarFIPVTF t
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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 Artist Talk: Photographing Animals with Robin Schwartz
Thursday, April 20
Tree Tots and Peepers 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Avenue. Nature inspired programs for toddlers. For info call: 718-351-3450. Every Thursday. Tot's Time Plus
11 a.m.-1 p.m. 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. The Story Museum
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue Stories, crafts, music, dancing and singing. For info call: 718351-1611. Every Thursday. Paint Day
1:30–4:30 p.m. Staten Island Children's Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace Experiment with paints and other media! For info call: 718273-2060. Every Thursday. Film Night At SICC
7 p.m. Art on the Terrace, 776 Richmond Terrace. See/discuss films by Bergman, Bunuel and Felini. Friday, April 21 Tours of the Conference House
10 a.m.–2p.m. Alice Austen House, 2 Hylan Boulevard. For info call: 718-816-4506. Meditation Class
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, 338 Lighthouse Avenue. For info call: 718-987-3500. Every Saturday. RECYCLED - SICC Members Art Exhibit
12-6 p.m. Art on the Terrace, 776 Richmond Terrace Staten Island Creative Community. Gallery hours: Saturday/Sunday. Through May 14. NYC Chili Cookoff 2017
12–4 p.m. Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue. Official NY State Cookoff for the International Chili Society. For info/tickets go to: www. historicrichmondtown.org. Earth Day Extravaganza!
1–4 p.m. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, 2351 Veterans Road West. Learn how to become an eco-hero! Activities, building bird feeders, a pond-themed puppet show, recycling relay races, and more. Age 5+. For info call: 718-605-3970 Art Studio
1-4 p.m. Staten Island Children's Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace. For info call: 718-273-2060. Every Saturday/ Sunday. Tai Chi
1-4 p.m. Conference House, 298 Satterlee Street Historic Revolutionary War meeting house. Free. For info call: 718-984-6046. Every Friday.
3:30– 5 p.m. The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, 338 Lighthouse Avenue. For info call: 718-987-3500. Every Saturday.
Painting & Vino
The Art of Haiku and the Haiku Tree
7–9 p.m. Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building P–Winter Garden. Sip wine and learn professional painting techniques made easy. Tickets at paintingandvino2017.brownpapertickets.com. Saturday, April 22 Auxiliary Spring Tea
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Conference House, 7455 Hylan Boulevard. For info call: 718-984-6046.
2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Mariners Harbor Library, 206 South Avenue. Write poetry and make origami birds for library Haiku tree. Ages 8-16 . For info call: 212-621-0690 Sunday, April 23 The DNA of Water: Art Exhibition
10-5 p.m. Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Main Hall- Building C. Water as a border, passageway, gateway and path to present, past and
future. Gallery hours Wednesday-Sunday. Through September 3. For info call 718-425-3504 Art Studio
1-4 p.m. Staten Island Children's Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace. For info call: 718-273-2060. Every Sunday. Tours of the Conference House
1-4 p.m. Conference House, 298 Satterlee Street Historic Revolutionary War house. Free. For info call: 718-984-6046. Every Friday, Sunday. Open Run: 9-10 a.m. 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. Workshop: Make your Own Pinhole Camera
1–3 p.m. The Alice Austen House, 2 Hylan Boulevard. For info call: 718-816-4506 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. Sundays through Saturdays. Through June 18. For info call: 718-727-1135 Presentation: I am number...
2–3:30 p.m. Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terrace. Human-interest documentary web-series on the individual experience with US Selective Service Draft during the Vietnam War Era. Staffers will introduce project with videos/ personal testimony of veterans, and recruit new veterans to be interviewed. Monday, April 24 Al-Anon Meeting
1p.m. St. Paul's Church, 140 Clinton Avenue. For info contact: 718 447-6362 Boro-Linc Staten Island: Exploring Family and Cultural History with Art
5:30–7:30 p.m. Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building P.
Page 11 Tuesday, April 25 Primate Portraits By Robin Schwartz
The Alice Austen House, 2 Hylan Boulevard. Tuesdays to Sundays. Through May 28. For info call: 718-816-4506 The Making of St. Peter's Basilica
7–8 p.m. Casa Belevedere, The Italian Cultural Foundation, 79 Howard Avenue. Extraordinary History, Controversy & Genius at Work- presentation by Francesco Bonavita. For info and reservations call:718-273-7660. Tot Time Tuesdays
10–11:30 a.m. 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 718605-3970. Tot's Time Plus
11 a.m.-1 p.m. 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 Tuesday. Open Run: Silver Lake Park
7-8 p.m. Silver Lake Park Road. Community walk/run free and open to all -strollers and children, all welcome. Every Tuesday year-round. Wednesday, April 26 Bird and Nature Walk
10 a.m.–12 p.m. Wolfe's Pond Park, 420 Cornelia Avenue. Meet at Parks Department building parking lot. Clay Day
1:30–4:30 p.m. Staten Island Children's Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace Satisfy a "knead". Work with air-dry clay. For info call: 718273-2060 Evening Group Hike or Trail Run
6–8 p.m. Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Avenue. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. For info call 718-351-3450. Every Wednesday.
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Page 12
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
OA Is A Common Cause Of Pain
Ask The Doc By Peter Galvin, MD
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and reduced activity in middle aged and elderly people. While it is estimated to affect from 20 to 30 million people, up to 85 percent of those 65 and older have x-ray findings consistent with it. Traditionally it has been thought that OA is caused by mechanical wear and tear of the joints however there is mounting evidence that inflammation is a significant factor as well, especially in younger people. There is also a genetic factor, especially among women as it is estimated that about 60 percent of women with OA got it from their family tree. The most commonly affected joints are the knees, hips and fingers. Until the early 20th century OA was often confused with rheumatoid arthritis. OA involves the cartilage in joints. Cartilage is a firm but slippery substance that
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allows the joint to move freely and prevents bone on bone wear. Over time the cartilage surface develops fissures and tiny cracks, which eventually evolve into erosive destruction in advanced cases. Once the joint reaches the stage of bone on bone contact with little to no remaining cartilage, the inflammatory process skyrockets causing pain, swelling, joint deformity and restriction of movement, often resulting in disability and joint replacement. According to the CDC, OA accounts for $3 to $13 billion a year in health care costs with knee and hip replacements costing $28.5 billion and $13.7 billion per year, respectively. Diagnosing OA is relatively simple, usually requiring a physical examination, x-rays and a blood test to rule out other causes of arthritis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for OA. Initial treatment recommendations are usually lifestyle modifications like aer-
obic exercises, aquatic exercises and weight loss. Often successful initiation of these regimens can slow the progression of the disease. Physical therapy is often very helpful as well and may also slow disease progression. Medications, both OTCs and prescription medications, can be used to alleviate symptoms but will neither slow disease progression nor cure it. Medication recommendations usually start with Tylenol and/or Advil or Aleve. A popular OTC remedy is the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. While some people claim relief from this combination, to date there has been no data documenting a benefit. Prescription medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen and naproxen, COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex and Mobic and topicals like Voltaren gel and Capsaicin cream (derived from chili pep-
pers). More potent but non-narcotic pain relievers like Tramadol may help. Narcotics are often a last resort for severe cases due to the high incidence of addiction and the potential for abuse. Joint injection with cortisone may help temporarily but the number of injections per joint is limited and over time injections become less effective. In addition, viscosupplement (i.e. Synvisc, Orthovisc) injections may help temporarily. Often the end point is joint replacement. If you are having joint pain first see your doctor who can determine the diagnosis and help you develop a treatment program. If you are overweight, weight loss is the single most important thing you can do to help yourself. Also, especially if you are older, do not start an exercise program without first discussing it with your doctor. Questions and comments may be sent to mail@statenlocal.com.
Be Well – Be Happy
ANCIENT ART OF YOGA NIDRA
By Kathy Pastina
Most of us have come to a point in life where our greatest necessity is peace of mind. The half waking and half dreaming state is a potential area for human power. The practice of yoga nidra or deep relaxation is a tool to unlock the doorway to find peace within and build resilience against stress. We all have this potential but in our modern world we have lost the point of balance and harmony. It has been said that the greatest threat to our faith and inner peace is distraction. We live in a world where we
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are driven to distraction with technology that gives us an unending stream of information that is not only exhausting, but stressful, creating a domino effect on our body that turns on our fight or flight response. This comes in handy when facing a threat of imminent danger. We see a growling dog and run the other way. It’s a builtin response for all living things and helps us out of dangerous situations. In today’s world though, most of us get stuck on stress mode experiencing anxiety and fear to a perceived threat that most times doesn’t exist, perhaps only in our cycling, aggressive minds. We just don’t know how to turn it off. The practice of yoga nidra or deep relaxation can help. Yoga nidra means yogic sleep with a trace of awareness and is an ancient technique of relaxing the mind, body and spirit. It’s a process of let-
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ting go and being here in the moment. A deep meditation using the body as a focus of awareness. The theory behind yoga nidra is that it works on your energy body, your subtle energy or life force. Our breath contains this energy or “prana” and interestingly enough the word for breath in latin is “spiritus”-spirit. Our spirit at our core can find inner peace. When our body and breath are guided into a calm state we can more easily access this peace. The practice restores balance and enhances the flow of your energy. Little by little you are guided from the furthest part of the body and taken inward. Guided to a state between wakefulness and sleep we open into deeper phases of the mind which has been researched and scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, depression, tension, pain and improve calm, sleep and
overall wellbeing. The body and mind turns off the fight or flight mode and turns on the rest and relaxation mode. This rest mode is not the same kind achieved through sitting in the lazy boy at home with a glass of wine! Yoga nidra brings awareness to the physical, mental and energy bodies relaxing and relieving muscular, emotional and mental tensions. The body and mind don’t affect each other they ARE each other which is why in this practice every part of your being is brought into harmony. The beautiful thing about this practice is there is no experience necessary! A class usually includes gentle stretching, breath work, soothing, gentle music guides you into yoga nidra lying or sitting in a comfortable position with a short meditation afterwards.
The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
Fun At The St. George Day Festival By Dan Guarino
Everywhere else it will be 2017, but at Tompkinsville Park Saturday, April 22, it will be the Year of the Dragon. Rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. St. George Day 2017, “a community festival celebrating Earth Day and the arts,” is on. And they are taking the old story of St. George and the Dragon into a whole new creative direction. For the Dragon Parade, all are invited to dress up as a dragon, a flower or their own original creation, bring along an instrument or noisemaker and join in. The Wagner HS marching band will be joining in, too. The festival will offer areas for a variety of interests. The Earth Day Zone is going to be a “buzzing spot to celebrate our environment!” Eco-enthusiasts from all around Staten Island have pre-
pared fun, educational games, workshops, demonstrations and activities,” including free bike repair, international food sampling, a solar car presentation, a rock climbing wall and more. Art Around The Park will showcase local artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their work. There will also be live painting, wandering minstrels, face painting, hula hoops and more. Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, The Little Prince, poetry and an open mic will all be in the Spoken Word Garden. The Music Stage will host singers, musicians, dancers, cheerleaders and comedy. This Earth Day many will be coming out to have fun and “help to make our community stronger, healthier, and greener!” For more information go to www.stgeorgedaysi.com
Facts You Probably Don’t Need Andrew Jackson opposed paper currency. He appears on the $20 bill (for now).
Though regarded as a "perfect document," the United States Constitution contains many spelling and grammatical errors. Just ask the delegate from "Pensylvania."
Office, for fear of copying Ricky Gervais' character. Plants make caffeine to defend themselves against pests. Caffeine is toxic to birds, dogs, cats, and it has a pronounced adverse effect on mollusks, various insects, and spiders.
The Flintstones was the most profitable network cartoon franchise for 30 years before being unseated by The Simpsons.
The number of vasectomies during March Madness goes up 50+% because men schedule the procedure during that time so they can sit around and watch basketball for days during recovery.
The first American Football cheerleaders were male. It's only after WWII that females became the standard.
Aerosmith earned more money from Guitar Hero than from any of their albums.
Roman general Marcus Crassus created Rome's first firefighting crew with a team of 500 men. His team would respond to a fire, and then Crassus would force the owner of the burning building to sell him the property at an exorbitantly low price, or let it burn to the ground. Steve Carell never watched more than 10 minutes of the original
Despite it calling itself the “Sunshine State” Florida is not the sunniest state. Arizona is the sunniest followed by Nevada. Canada consumes the most doughnuts and has the most doughnut shops per capita of any country in the world. (These facts are delivered weekly by Sean McVeigh. We don’t verify the facts but we like reading them!)
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Please join
High Hopes for Lopes as we continue our goal of
''Helping Staten Island Neighbors in Need''
Multiple Myeloma Fundraiser
Saturday, April 29, 2017 12:00-5:00 Hillside Swim Club 151 Signs Road SI, NY
• FUN • FRIENDS • FAMILY • FABULOUS RAFFLES • FIRST RATE BANDS • FOOD & DRINK •
Catering by Canlon's Beer, wine, and soda Live music by Phil Bello and Company with special guest Tom Mollica and the Crazy 8's
$50 donation Door Prizes Raff le baskets 50/50
Tax Exempt# 27-0408145 281 Eltingville Blvd. Staten Island, New York 10312
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Craig J. Campbell, DPM
Allen Fung, DPM Licensed to perform ankle surgery
Corns, Calluses, Ingrown Nails Diabetic & Geriatric Footcare Prescription Orthotics Bunions & Hammertoes Dr. Allen Fung is a Board Certified podiatrist with extensive training and experience in treating various problems of the foot and ankle for over 5 years. His expertise includes diabetic foot care, wound care, trauma/fracture care, limb salvage, sports medicine, podiatric dermatology, and podiatric surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine. 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.
827 Forest Avenue Staten Island NY 10310 (718) 981-5098
HandsDown the Best Foot Doctors Around!
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Page 14
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
The North Shore Local
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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
Snakes On A Plane By Kevin Boyle
Last week’s Idea Guys column about reserving overhead luggage on a plane was a good idea but it reminded me how awful it is to fly. That picture of the guy being dragged off the United plane? It would make more sense if customers were dragged onto the plane. We all know the types. There’s the seemingly clueless who push something along the lines of a forklift down the aisle of the plane. They’re just following the old joke: carry-on is anything you can carry on. Your eyes haven’t even completed a full roll before you’re hit in the head with the bag they’ve got
slung over their shoulder. They walk down the aisle just knocking out one person after another. The really obnoxious ones make sure the zipper on the bag is positioned so it rips at your skin and almost draws blood. I want to ask the flight attendant for an ice pack after getting drilled by the swinging bag but I’m too annoyed at them for letting the passenger board the plane in the first place. I sit and stew in stony silence. And then just as my anger steadies into something manageable, the big oaf behind me has to use the back of my seat as a grip to help his fat ass out of the seat. His clammy paw almost makes my
Page 15
seat fully recline until he releases and then gives my whole seat a good hip bump before making his way to the restroom. On his return he’s gonna use the back of my seat to help lower himself down. And when he lets go I almost catapult into the seat in front of me. You’d think I’d watch a movie, read a book, or just fall asleep but I’d rather get annoyed. So I notice people. It’s a terrible habit. Don’t do it. I notice the high maintenance type asking to change seats, asking for extra bags of peanuts, or for somebody to fetch their crap from the overhead. I wonder how another person could make so many trips to the restroom. I understand airplane johns are so luxurious, but really? When flight attendants give their spiel about lifejackets and emergency exits they should really tell people to learn how to hold it in. Or trips to the john should be like carry-on luggage – one per customer. Gotta go again? That’ll be $35. The armrest battle is something else. A decent human be-
ing will not use it if another person has equal rights to it. Tuck your arms in and suffer but don’t be a selfish armrest bully. Of course, if you’ve got the unfortunate luck to be sitting next to someone who has done an armrest land grab, you can play it a couple of ways. You can wait until they reach for something and grab it as your own. But sometimes that just takes too damn long. The other tried and true method is the steady snail. You position your arm so it engages in a slow takeover. You give the slightest elbow nudge and when the armrest bully gives a millimeter your arm takes that millimeter. You continue this until at least half is yours. But because he started it you can continue until you conquer that invading arm and seize the entire armrest. It’s the kind of victory I’ve been trying to get Joe Nugent to write about. And then there are those who run up the aisle after the plane has taxied to the terminal and come to a stop. That’s another column.
DIDN’T GET THE LOCAL DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR? Don’t fret, you can pick one up at any of the following locations MANOR/CLOVE ROAD The Roadhouse – 1400 Clove Road Manor Restaurant – 917 Manor Road A & C Superette - 884 Manor Road C-Town - 778 Manor Road VICTORY BLVD NEWSRACK – 1785 Victory Blvd. Little Victory Theater - 4089 Victory Blvd. Mobile Gas - 2525 Victory Blvd. Victory Blvd Bagels and Buns - 2491 Victory Blvd. Joseph Ashley Salon- 2451 Victory Blvd. GTS Auto Parts - 956 Jewett Avenue Citibank - 1910 Victory Blvd. Staten Island Diner 1877 Victory Blvd Castleton Corners Pub - 1815 Victory Blvd. Met Food - 1795 Victory Blvd. Northfield Bank - 1731 Victory Blvd. The Veranda Cafe at Silver Lake Golf Course - 915 Victory Blvd. FOREST AVE NEWSRACK- 1226 Forest Ave. Planet Fitness - 2040 Forest Ave. BCB Bank - 1500 Forest Ave .
Santander - 1460 Forest Ave. Northfield Bank - 1481 Forest Ave . Richmond County Savings Bank - 1351 Forest Ave. Stop & Shop- 1351 Forest Ave Forest Ave. NEWSRACK - 1226 Forest Ave. Investors Bank- 1200 Forest Ave. Eggers Ice Cream Parlor- 1194 Forest Ave. Brighton Car Wash - 823 Forest Ave. YMCA - 651 Broadway Santander - 800 Forest Ave. Pastosa - 764 Forest Ave. Victory State Bank - 755 Forest Ave. NEWSRACK - 650 FOREST AVE Northfield Bank - 519 Forest Ave. Kings Arms Diner - 500 Forest Ave. Starbucks - 480 Forest Ave. Santander - 475 Forest Ave. NEWSRACK - 450 Forest Ave. Citibank- 445 Forest Ave. Beans & Leaves - 422 Forest Ave. HO’BRAH - 412 Forest Ave. Capital One - 386 Forest Ave.
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
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Page 16
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
Recycled Tires By Artie Wallace
For years there has been concerns about what used tires are doing to the environment. Here is your chance to use those old tires to beautify your backyard (or even on your front lawn). This is one of the more decorative projects you can do with old tires and most DIYer’s can do it. Here is how: 1- Start off by cutting a 4 inch by 4 inch hole in opposite sides of the tire for your post (do this to both sides). 2- Lining up the holes, stack the
first 2 tires and secure them together using screws from the inside. Repeat to add a 3rd tire. 3- Placing your tires where you would like them to stay, mark the ground through the bottom holes using a spray paint. 4- Dig a hole about 1 foot deep for your supports to fit in. 5- Place your tires over the holes and slide your supports in (supports should be 4 by 4’s 5 ½ feet long). 6- Cut a 2 by 4 to fit across the 4 by 4’s t the top and attach using screws. 7- To add a roof, cut two 2 by 4’s about 2 feet long and attach them to the supports about 8 inches from the top. Cut 2 pieces of plywood the width of the tires by 18 inches. Attach them to the top and to the 2 by 4’s you just added, forming a roof. 8- Paint/stain the wood the color of your choice. Then paint a decorative design on the tires. Be creative with your design. 9- Fill the inside of the tires with dirt and plant some flowers.
WIPING OUT HUNGER
Hunger touches every community. This month, Staten Islanders everywhere demonstrated a commitment to wiping out hunger in our own community. The members of the Rotary Club of Staten Island delivered over $5,000 worth of food to Blessed Sacrament Church as part of the Club's campaign called "Hunger Hurts" which aims to address the hunger needs on Staten Island. John Amodio, chairman of the the Club's foundation, said "The Club assists in keeping food pantries stocked at various times of the year. Using grants, donations and the generosity of our members we are able to help at times of the year when perhaps people aren’t thinking of giving as much." The Club's Foundation raised $2,000 to purchase food. Met Foodmarket
Members of the Rotary Club of Staten Island and volunteers at the Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry
(Victory Boulevard.) matched the amount donated enabling the Club to purchase $4,000 worth of food. In addition, individual members purchased food. Club member Danielle Reyes chaired the effort and along with Rotary Club President Rosemarie Scampas coordinated with Blessed Sacrament to identify the types of food needed and the delivery. Meanwhile, The University of Notre Dame Alumni Club of Staten Island would like to thank all the volunteers, including the parents, students, teachers and administrators of the 130 Staten Island schools that participated in the 26th annual Bread of Life Drive which concluded April 8 at Msgr. Farrell High School. Over 70,000 items of food were collected and distributed to 26 recipient organizations on Staten Island to help replenish their food pantries. The drive was a wonderful example of the generosity of Staten Islanders toward their neighbors in need. If anyone has any questions about the Bread of Life food drive or the activities of the club, please contact Joe Delaney at 718-967-9825 or Dr. Bob Griswold at 718-667-4800 .
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The North Shore Local
SLOW COOKER PORK TENDERLOIN CACCIATORE By Sharon Feldman
Ingredients: 1 can (14.5 oz each)Diced Tomatoes, undrained 1 can (6 oz each) Tomato Paste 2 large green bell peppers, chopped 1 pkg (8 oz each) sliced fresh button mushrooms 1 small yellow onion, chopped 1 pound pork tenderloin 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 cups dry multi-grain penne pasta, uncooked 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/4 cup water 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese Directions: Mix undrained tomatoes and tomato paste in slow cooker until blended. Stir in vegetables. Cut meat into 8 pieces; pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Sprinkle with oregano. Add to slow cooker; press into sauce with back
of spoon. Cover with lid; cook on LOW 4 to 4-1/2 hours or on HIGH 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Transfer meat to plate, reserving sauce in slow cooker; cover meat to keep warm. Mix cornstarch and water until blended. Add to sauce; stir. Cook, covered, on HIGH 6 to 8 minutes or until thickened. Drain pasta; spoon onto serving plates. Top with meat, sauce and cheeses. **Top each serving with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley, if desired. Want to share a recipe? Send to Mail@StatenLocal.com
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Mail@StatenLocal.com Egging Them On: On Saturday, April 8, Westerleigh Park held its first Easter egg hunt. More than 500 people attended ‘The Bunny Hop” which was hosted by NYC Parks and "2 Moms from Westerleigh” community organization. The organizers are very grateful to Assemblyman Mike Cusick for helping to make the event possible. (Photos courtesy of Jane Kelly)
The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
Page 17
This Week in History
Wink, Wink By Local Day Dreamer
Unlike my sidekicks who contribute to this column (hey you out there in idea land, you’re invited, too!) I don’t get inspired and come up with my own original ideas all that often. But I can give a shout out to a decent idea that should be stolen, er, realized and taken to market. Long ago, far away, I asked a young lady if she had any ideas. She batted her eyelashes at me. Which gave me the wrong idea. But she put the brakes on that. And that’s an appropriate metaphor because brakes are part of a car and so was her idea. Her idea was for cars to have headlights with eyelids and eyelashes. She thought cars should be able to flirt with other cars or just wink
at a pedestrian who was wondering if it was safe to cross in front. “They’re just boring lights and even more boring when they’re not lit,” she said. “Add some lashes and give the front of the car a whole new personality.” Maybe Herbie The Love Bug or some cartoons had tried this but she thought the possibilities were endless. “You could put a patch on one light during day driving to look like a pirate…You could have the lights bulge out in surprise if you were driving and saw something cool.” The point is, the front of a car is a blank canvas. Look at how much money is made on tire rims. Want to join in on the fun. Send your idea to the The Idea Guys at Mail@StatenLocal.com
April 20 1954 - Hank Aaron hit the first of Salvatore Trancucci, III was born. his 755 home runs. 1912 - The Boston Red Sox played their first game at Fenway Park. They beat the N.Y. Highlanders (who in 1913 would become known as the Yankees) 7-6. April 21 Kate Rodal was born.
1985 - Coca-Cola announced that it was changing its formula and introduced New Coke. April 24 Jake Bruen was born. Gracelyn Santos was born. Michael Burke was born. Richard McGlyn, Jr. was born. Denis Driscoll, Jr. was born.
1980 - Rosie Ruiz was the first woman to cross the finish line at 1898 - Spain declared war on the the Boston Marathon. She was U.S. later disqualified for cheating. April 25 1997 - The ashes of Timothy Leary, Gene Roddenberry, and 22 Felicia Ahlborn was born. others blasted into space for the 1928 - The first seeing eye dog was first space funerals. presented to Morris S. Frank. 1945 - Delegates met in San FranApril 22 cisco to organize the United NaRegina DeSantis was born. tions. 1864 - Congress authorized the inscription "In God We Trust" on April 26 Jill Del Prete Sauer was born. coins minted as U.S. currency. 1970 - The first Earth Day was ob1986 - The worst nuclear powserved. er plant accident in history occurred at Chernobyl, near Kiev, April 23 Laura DeProspo Driscoll was born. U.S.S.R.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
The North Shore Local
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!
Jessica Dantoni
Sean Sweeney
Gregory Holuka
Chris Boyle
Alia Kalil
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The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
Council Corner: NEWS YOU MIGHT USE FROM COUNCILWOMAN DEBI ROSE Councilwoman Debi Rose frequently updates her constituents through Facebook and newsletters. Here is a recent post. It was a busy week on Staten Island with Mayor de Blasio setting up 'City Hall in the Borough.' We had resource fairs, visited local non-profits, businesses and parks, and received a few announcements - including that lower-deck boarding on the Staten Island ferry will resume during rush hour, and the second new ferry will be named after historic Sandy Ground! At the Thursday night North Shore Town Hall constituents expressed concerns on a wide range of issues - displacement,
Page 19
WHERE’S CHUCK?
development, education, access to the waterfront, rebuilding Cromwell Recreation Center, and many, many more. A $5.7M investment for Mariners Harbor community center is a great end to a week on Staten Island! Richmond University Medical Center CEO Dan Messina asked about increased city funding support for SI’s non-profit hospitals. The Mayor responded that currently resiliency and city council funding cannot support a non-city hospital. A student asked about reducing low-level summonses for students and the
All winter long Chuck was dreaming of putting an extension on his den come spring. He was very sad to discover that after 50 years, this popular corner may soon look a bit different. Poor Chuck will have to Continued on page 20 look elsewhere for his building
supplies. Where on the North Shore was this photo 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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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
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In Memoriam Death Notices Virginia B. Frazer
April 12, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 Eleanor F. Willig
April 13, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 Caprice Antonia Alves
April 11, 2017 Arrangements under the di-
Please Send Letters To: Mail@StatenLocal.com
COUNCIL CORNER Continued from Page 19 Mayor responded that while crime has reduced by 35% in schools while also decreasing suspensions, there must be a consequence to violations of the law. ***** I joined Parks' Commissioner Mitchell Silver, SI Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone, and Deputy BP Ed Burke for the groundbreaking for Grandview Park! Mariners Harbor's "Big Park" will benefit from a makeover via the Mayor’s Community
rection of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 Fredric R. Grae
April 11, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056
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April 11, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 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. Parks Initiative. ***** Now, that's what I'm talking about! On Saturday, April 8th, members of the Transportation Alternatives Staten Island Activist Committee and several volunteers spent the morning cleaning a portion of the derelict North Shore waterfront trail directly across from Snug Harbor. Walking alongside the tracks of the long abandoned North Shore Rail, they collected 27 bags of trash and assorted rubbish!
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MAYOR Q AND A Continued from Page 2 The mayor frequently pointed to multi-layered approaches to island and city-wide issues. Answering a question about reforming criminal justice policies, for instance, de Blasio stated, “It goes back to this. People who have a good education, good jobs and opportunities do not usually end up getting involved in the criminal justice system. Fostering those things is important.” He also said a lot of city funding issues are dependent on what happens in Washington DC. “We are very concerned about the cuts which may be made with the federal budget.” The mayor referred some issues directly to his staff and commissioners. One woman who stated the sidewalks in front of her St. Marks Place building have been broken for 12 years, was told the
commissioner would be out assessing the problem the next day. Although the questions were uniformly polite, not
everyone was pleased with the answers. “I try to tell people the truth,” the mayor said at one point. “These questions are very honest questions. So, I am going to give you an honest answer.” Although many were pleased the mayor came, speaking outside one woman said, “This was just a big waste of time. Every question was just deflected.” “He didn’t deflect my question,” another woman replied. “He said, ‘no’.”
The North Shore Local
GOLF NOTES By Tom Flannagan
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
by Tom Flannagan
Hard to believe that it’s been 30 years since the New York City Amateur Championship was launched at the urging of the late Frank Hannigan along with Kimble Knowlden of the American Golf Corporation. As I recall, it was Hannigan, a former golf columnist at the Staten Island Advance who later moved up to the post of Executive Director of the United States Golf Association, who started the ball rolling. Hannigan said it had been years since New York City had a real city-wide golf championship for amateur players like the old Department. of Parks/ Daily Mirror event and it was about time for a new one. Knowlden, who headed up the American Golf Corp. and had operated the NYC public courses including Staten Island’s LaTourette, was all for it. It was no surprise when Knowlden reached out to Ste-
Page 21
Amateur Anniversary
ve Zuntag to direct the event. After all, Steve was the key to all competitive and junior golf in this borough and beyond. That’s why he carried the nickname of “Pope” for the rest of his life. He quickly selected a strong committee on Staten Island and made connections with other municipal courses in the city of New York. It wasn’t long before qualifying rounds were set up at each of the courses and the qualifiers would be invited to play in the championship final at the LaTourette course on Memorial Day weekend. Tournament director Zuntag insisted that the tournament be held each Memorial Day weekend and that the championship always be held at LaTourette. The new tournament was soon sanctioned by the Met Golf Association, and American Golf agreed to give up their course as well as reduce green fees for the quali-
fiers over the 54-hole championship contest. The opening event in 1988 drew a tremendous field of the top players in the Met area as well as players from all over the country. It was played in just two divisions and it was Mike Kavka winning the Men’s Open Division and Howie Joerger took the senior class. There was no super senior class in the opening year. The NYC Amateur soon grew rapidly drawing as many as 450 of the best players who were accustomed to playing in invitational events. The entry fee included breakfast, lunch and a steak dinner on the final day in addition to plenty of refreshments and prizes. Big names made the trip to LaTourette and players like Greg Cartier, Alan Specht, George Zahringer, Jeff Thomas, Mike Stamberger and Jerry Courville were just a few of the best Met players to get their name
on the trophy. Ironically, the championship division was captured only twice by a local player. Bob Britton, a six-time winner of the Staten Island Amateur, won in 1989 and it wasn’t until 2004 that Pete Meurer managed to nail it down. The passing of Steven Zuntag in 2014 left a tremendous void in the golf community. Without hesitation Matthew Zuntag, well aware of his father’s wishes, took over the controls for his dad and has vowed to keep the NYC Amateur going. The original panel of a dozen hand-picked golfers that started the event have all but gone and just Greg Falk and this writer remain from the original committee. Matthew Zuntag has rebuilt a committee and will be looking over the tournament from here on. The opening rounds
Continued on page 22
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Page 22 AMATEUR ANNIVERSARY Continued from Page 21 of qualifying will take place at Silver Lake Golf Course as well as at Clearview Golf Course on Saturday, May 6. Time to play
When you are awakened by the hum of lawn mowers, the soothing smell of cut grass and your neighbor loading his golf clubs into his car trunk it means one thing. Golf season is officially here. A recent check of the local public courses last Saturday showed each had its fair share of players out on the greensward. It was for a very good reason or reasons. First of all it was a mild day conducive to playing golf in lighter clothing. It was Easter Saturday and most players knew their chances of spending the next day (Easter) on the golf course were slim to none. After all, it is a major holiday as well as a holy day to be spent with family. Of course there are always the more serious players who will get up in the middle of the night to squeeze in the early round while the family sleeps.
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 Both the ranges at LaTourette and the Staten Island Golf Practice Center were found to be busy with all those who couldn’t get to the courses. The Younger Players
High School and College golf are well underway and we’re trying to keep track of our local stars who have moved up to higher ranks and are on the road to stardom. That brings us to one of our favorites who we had the pleasure of covering throughout not only high school and junior tournaments, but also to her winning the Staten Island Women’s Amateur Championship. Yes, we’re referring to Angela Masseria, former Tottenville High School ace who won almost everything she teed it up for from junior to adult women’s tournaments. Ms. Masseria is now a valuable part of the West Chester University’s women’s golf squad better known as the Golden Rams and their home course is Penn Oaks Golf Club. Thus far the women have been perfect, winning their fourth consec-
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The North Shore Local Golf Association and all of the scheduled events along with her close friend, Genevieve Benoit, over the years. This duo is perhaps best known for their founding and operation of “A Very Special Place Inc.” The foundation has grown to great proportions empowering people with developmental disabilities to lead fuller lives. Ms. Buglioli is being inducted into the Moore Catholic Hall of Fame on May 4th. She is being honored for her community service and we hear the day will begin with a golf tournament at South Shore Golf Course. More on this later.
utive invitational win of the spring season. West Chester put all five players in the top 11 for the 18-hole event at the recent Alvernia Spring Invitational at the Ledge Rock Golf Club in Mohnton, Pa. Angela is finishing her freshman year, has chalked up some very good scores and we think she will continue to improve. The Golden Rams will be in action on April 23-24 at an invitational hosted by PSAC rival East Stroudsberg. Diane Buglioli Honored
Here’s a woman who has contributed much to local women’s golf by not only heading up the Staten Island Women’s
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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
Page 23
Leave Well Enough Alone By JOE NUGENT
Leave baseball alone! I've heard all the arguments. The game is too slow. The games are too long. The sport is losing younger fans who don't have the patience to play or watch the games. There isn't enough "action" in baseball for the latest generations. Pull up a chair, ladies and gentleman, and children of ALL ages, Professor Nugent is about to give a lesson on why most, if not all, of these arguments are hogwash. Let's begin with the sport almost every one calls "our new national pastime," the National Football League. Do you know how much "football action" you actually see in the three hours-plus you sit in front of television? 16 minutes!! Don't believe me. Here is the math. An NFL game has an average of 120 plays, that take on average eight seconds per play. That's 960 seconds of actual football. The rest of the time we watch commercials (lot and lots of commercials), replays of plays we already saw, replays of replays for plays that are challenged, and eleven grown men bent over in a huddle discussing what will happen next. Now let's go to the NBA. Great athletes? Yes. More action than football? For sure. But here are the negatives. Fifty to sixty foul calls a game. Too many timeouts when none are actually needed because there are automatic timeouts built in every four minutes for commercials. And then there is the biggest problem of all with this league. Besides the Golden State Warriors, and maybe the Cleveland Caveliers, which of the other 14 playoff teams actually has a chance to win the championship?
And it’s always been this way. Celtics dynasty under Bill Russell, the decade dominated by Bird and Magic, Jordon's every year Bulls, Shaq and Bryant with the Lakers. And finally, the boring, yet unbeatable Spurs of Tim Duncan. I love hockey, almost as much as baseball. And the NHL is a league when No.8 seeds knock off No. 1 seeds frequently. When you hear people say, "there is nothing like playoff hockey" there really isn't. But I understand the meat-and-potato American sports fans who simply can't get into it. Hockey on television is TOO fast. Hell, half the goals scored you can't even see go in the net. Penalties that are called, and not called, are never explained. And what happens away from the puck is never even seen by the television audience. This is a sport meant to be viewed IN PERSON, but the buildings only hold 17,000 and the ticket prices are ridiculously high. So the NHL remains a Cult League, with fanatics that can't get enough and 80% of America couldn’t care less. Soccer.. Games often end 0-0 and when a rare goal is scored the clock continues to run no matter how long celebrations last. The clock also runs when the ball is kicked into the stands! And players fall down all over the place for no apparent reason. Ugh! Golf is for golfers. Only a man (or woman) who knows how hard it is to break 100, can appreciate what they see on the PGA and LGPA tours. So if you don't watch, or care, it's understandable. Which brings me back to baseball. They are already "waving" a batter to first base instead of throwing four pitches for an intentional walk. I guess it was important to save
those precious 20 seconds! Yet batters can step out after every pitch and pitchers can work as slowly as they wish. Geniuses want to "limit" throws to first base by pitchers. Why, so after the limit is reached the baserunners can steal standing up! Like they did in the World Baseball Classic, baseball is considering the "softball" rule, putting a runner at second base to start the top of the 12th inning. Can you imagine Game 7 of a World Series or a Playoff Series being decided by a "phony" runner scoring the deciding run! Then this past Sunday, respected baseball writer Joel Sherman of the New York Post advocated MLB have ties after 12 innings, Sherman brought up the Mets-Marlins 16 inning game on Friday night as an example of why ties should become baseball law. Hey, Joel, remember Mets-Astros 16 innings in the playoffs? Was that too long and boring for you? Joel, you're too young to remember, but Koufax and Marichal both went 14 innings before a Willie Mays home run ended a 1-0 game. I'm sure the fans attending and watching that game would have been thrilled if Sandy and Juan would have been told after 12 innings, "game over and nobody gets a win."
The "softball" rule is stupid. The baseball "tie" is absurd. And how about the Post story about balls and strikes in the future being called by computers or robots. God help us! Again, leave baseball alone, and it will be just fine. Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks and I don't care if the games last far into the night. NUGENT NUGGETS: Greg Bird will be just fine. Gary Sanchez goes down and the Yankees go on a tear. Who knew Austin Romine was a stud in waiting! Thank the Good Lord the Mets won't see the Marlins for a while. Man, does Jose Reyes look old or what! We know Cespedes likes to play golf (on game days), but we don't know if he knows how to slide. I heard the NBA playoffs started. Yawn!!!!!!!!!! Maybe the Rangers should have played a little harder the last four or five weeks to avoid Montreal in the first round. Trust me on this Knicks fans. The day Carmelo officially leaves town is the day your team gets a whole lot better. Is anybody buying Oprah on those weight-loss commercials? And forgive me for not sending away for that “Miracle Water.”
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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017
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