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VOL. 1, NO. 9 — THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
The North Shore Local
Pathway To Graduation By Dan Guarino
Turns out there is more than one path to get where you want to go in life. Every day the students, teachers and staff at Pathways to Graduation on St. Marks Place are discovering new ways to get there. Pathways to Graduation is a NYC Department of Education program that provides a way for students to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma. The classes, which are free, and open to ages 17 to 21, fully prepare them for the High School Equivalency exam. Their work has been noticed. “We have had such great success here in our North Shore location with so many high school diplomas, that we are being honored with the United Federation of Teachers' Excellence in Academics award for 2017,” mathematics teacher Wilson Mohr said. For the 2016-2017 school year, they already have 82 students who have diplomas.
Mohr, Lisante and the rest of the teachers and staff at Pathways to Graduation made it clear that their aim is to reach even more students. Some are coming to the program from different countries, cultures and languages. Others may have had to drop out, did not find traditional school to be a good fit, missed school, or had to deal with pregnancies, disciplinary problems or family issues. “Every student here has their own story,” Antonio Spinelli, a teacher, said. “Sometimes after the first few weeks kids will say to us, ‘If I had you in high school, I would not have quit.’ “Here we have goals,” he explains. “If a student needs three periods of math, we make sure they get three periods of math. If they need to bring their reading up, we set that goal and help them get there. They need to achieve those goals.” Mohr adds, “High schools are rigid, very regimented. We are disciplined, but we are
Left to right: Deputy Superintendent Bob Zweig, Principal Michelle Robinson, Assistant Principal Christine Dooley and District 79 Superintendent Tim Lisante. Photos by Dan Guarino
Even so, they are looking to do more. District 79 Superintendent Tim Lisante says, “Staten Island has the highest graduation rate in the city. But if there are 5 percent who don’t graduate, those are the ones we need to reach. We want to support every student, even those who have distanced themselves from school.”
flexible to meet what students need.” Sessions are offered in the mornings at the St. George hub to accommodate students who are working. The staff note that many students are working one or two jobs and would be unable to attend otherwise. There are also evening sessions at other sites, as well as ESL (English as a Second Lan-
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Students and Staff have reasons to celebrate
guage) and bilingual classes. Pathways has eight locations on Staten Island and 65 sites citywide. Rolling admission enables students to enroll throughout the school year. Instruction is also geared for all reading and language levels. They offer internships, a co-op program and a host of other services, and have College & Career Resource Centers to coach and guide students for college and careers. At its core, Pathways to Graduation provides instruction in all five sections on the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) High School Equivalency exam: Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies. In 2014, it replaced the GED and is 7 hours long. Passing the test earns the student a fully validated high school diploma. This makes them eligible for many jobs, including city and state jobs, where having a high school diploma is a requirement. They can also apply to two-year college programs. Many of the students go on to higher education and careers.
“We take in those who’ve fallen through the cracks in a traditional high school, pick them up emotionally and academically - and help them get a real high school diploma,” Mohr said. Graduates often come back to show newer students their diplomas and share their success. This makes that goal real for them, Mohr says. “We take in those young ladies and gentlemen who have had a rocky road in life in every aspect you can imagine, break them down emotionally and scholastically - and build them back up not just as successful students, but as confident young adults who now have a fighting chance to make it out there! “Just think of all the struggling young people out there who feel that all hope is lost and they will never continue their education. We want them here with us.” For many that can be their path to success. For more information, contact Pathways to Graduation Staten Island at 718-273-3225.
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The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
Page 3
Time To Vote On $1 Million With $1 million on the table, it is time to vote. Through Sunday, April 2, North Shore residents will have the opportunity to vote on how those dollars are doled out on a variety of community-based projects. The projects are drawn from an array of ideas proposed by community members themselves. The funds are provided by Councilwoman Debi Rose, who, like other Councilmembers across the city, has been involved with the annual program for several years. All North Shore residents age 14 and older can vote for the projects of their choice. Voting kicked off on Saturday, March 25, with a project expo highlighting the eight finalists at On Your Mark, Inc. on Victory Boulevard. The finalists on this year’s ballot are: Education
Project Name: Advanced School Learning Upgrades (ASLU) Cost: $415,000 Description: Will fund 240 laptops/12 carts & printers/1 digital blackboard for 6 schools to provide community tech literacy. Location: PS 16, PS 18, PS 19, PS 31, PS 44, & PS 78 Housing
Project Name: New Lighting at the Richmond Terrace Houses Cost: $500,000 Description: New lighting for the basketball court and walkways to increase safety. Location: 71 Jersey Street Project Name: Park Renovation at the Richmond Terrace Houses Cost: $500,000 Description: Park renovation including new surfacing, play equipment, picnic tables and trees for shade. Location: Behind 61 Jersey Street Project Name: Richmond Terrace Houses Basketball Courts Cost: $500,000 Description: Repaving, adding new basketball post and hoops, backboards, bleachers and a metal roof over two basketball courts. Location: Behind 71 Jersey Street Project Name: Renovate Mari-
ners Harbor Basketball Court Cost: $500,000 Description: Renovation to the basketball court including repaving the court, new basketball post, hoops, backboards and bleachers. Location: Grandview Avenue
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Parks & Recreation
Project Name: Clove Lakes Park Adult Exercise Equipment Cost: $500,000 Description: The installation of 5-6 pieces of adult exercise equipment including concrete pads, safety surfacing and signage. Location: Clove Lakes Park East End Project Name: Replacement of Trees Along Narrows Road North Cost: $108,000 Description: Planting new trees due to the loss of Mt. Manresa & S.I.E development. This will improve the health of local residents. Location: Along Narrows Rd. N. near Fingerboard Rd. Transit
Project Name: Real Time Passenger Information Project Cost: $280,000 Description: Funding 10 countdown clocks at locations greater than a 15-minute radius from the St George Ferry. Location: Selected with community input Residents can cast their ballot at:
District Office of Councilwoman Debi Rose 130 Stuyvesant Place, 6th floor Through Friday, March 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street, Staten Island, NY, 10302 Thursday, March 30, 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
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Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Ave, Staten Island, NY 10303 Friday, March 31, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Whitehall Ferry Terminal, Manhattan Thursday, March 30, 5 to 7 p.m. North Shore residents can also vote online at Pbnyc.org/vote, or by texting “PB” to 212-676-8384.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
The North Shore Local
That Other Wheel
Photo by Dan Guarino By Dan Guarino
As the New York Wheel rolls closer to completion, it’s a good time to take a look at its cousin across the Atlantic. Turns out the Wheel is a direct descendant of the London Eye Ferris wheel in England. In fact, in 2008, the Wheel’s developer, Meir Laufer, went to London to see the Eye for himself and meet its head en-
gineer. The trip gave rise to an agreement with the Eye’s developers to bring something like it to New York. In 2012, New York Wheel CEO Richard Marin announced it would be located on the St. George waterfront. The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, stands on the south bank of the River Thames. Each of its
32 sealed, air-conditioned oval-shaped cars or capsules comfortably holds up to 25 people. According to one London tour guide, people have even booked their (small) weddings on the Eye. A trip around its outer circumference takes about 30 minutes, traveling at a speedy 0.6 mph. For 31.95 English pounds, about $40 American, you can even enjoy the ride with champagne. If you don’t like lines, you can buy an express ticket for about the same. Or you can que up like everyone else for $28 in advance, or $31 at the gate. Or get two rotations one daytime and one at night, for only $34 in advance. The London Eye is 443 feet tall and 394 feet across. In 1999, when it was built, it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, but has since been successively outpaced by wheels in Nanchang, Singapore and Las Vegas. Even in London it was topped
in 2013, when The Shard office building became the city’s tallest structure. The New York Wheel will stand 630-feet tall. Each ‘round’ trip will last about 38 minutes. Still the London Eye is the United Kingdom’s tourist champ, with more than 3.75 million paid visitors each year. It’s even featured in the opening credits to “Sherlock!” Now that’s something to raise a champagne glass to!
Please Send Letters To: Mail@StatenLocal.com
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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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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StatenLocal.com Email: News@StatenLocal.com, mail@StatenLocal.com THE NORTH SHORE LOCAL is published every Thursday by North Shore Local LLC, 212 Cromwell Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305. Ad space reservations by Monday, 12 noon, preceding date of publication. Editorial submission must be made by Monday, 3 P.M., preceding date of publication. All letters to THE NORTH SHORE LOCAL should be brief and are subject to editing. Writers should include a full address and home / office telephone number. Anonymous letters are not printed. Name withheld on request. No such ad or any part thereof may be reproduced without permission of THE NORTH SHORE LOCAL. The publisher will not be responsible for any error in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Errors must be reported to THE NORTH SHORE LOCAL within three days of publication. Ad position cannot be guaranteed unless paid prior to publication. THE NORTH SHORE LOCAL assumes no liability for the content or reply to any ads. The advertiser assumes all liability for the content of and all replies. The advertiser agrees to hold THE NORTH SHORE LOCAL and its employees harmless from all costs, expenses, liabilities, and damages resulting from or caused by the publication placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement. © 2017 The North Shore Local LLC.
The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
Petty Cache ***** They want your blood! Borough President James Oddo is hosting a blood drive that will be facilitated by SIUH and RUMC working together to benefit patients in both hospitals. The blood drive will be held on Tuesday, April 4th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Conference Room 125 at Borough Hall. So, why not drop in and drop a pint? ***** Our days are about to get a lot shorter. Come April 2, there will be no more Afternoone’s. After 24 years, this popular Forest Avenue eatery started by Joe Territo, owner of the Manor Restaurant, will fade into the sunset for good. We wish current owner Champ Albano all the best. ***** Calling all Gilligans. And Skippers, too. Get your New York and New Jersey certifications. The Staten Island Sail & Power Squadron in collaboration with the National Lighthouse Museum, 200 The Promenade, at Lighthouse Point, is offering a one day boating course on Monday, May 15, 2017, from 8a.m. to 5p.m. This Power Squadron has been teaching safety to boaters since 1934 and is a unit of the United States Power Squadron. The certification exam will be given that day. The cost for this one day course is $100 and includes breakfast, lunch, testing, certificate and the official guide book. Three hour tour not in-
cluded. To register or for more information call (718) 390-0400 or send an email to info@lighthousemuseum.org. ***** The Bill stops Here! We hear the Mayor is “taking his show on the road.” No, he didn’t join the circus. Not yet anyway. Starting in April, City Hall in Your Borough will be a week-long series of satellite office hours by the Mayor and senior Administration officials in each of the five boroughs. The purpose is to bring the resources of City Hall and the local government directly to the neighborhoods the Mayor serves. Apparently Staten Island will be the first stop on this road trip. The mayor will visit the borough from Sunday, April 9, through Thursday, April 13, before proceeding to the other four boroughs throughout the year. During the week, the mayor will set aside time to meet with local constituents, and top staff and commissioners will bring their day-to-day work to Staten Island Borough Hall. While we appreciate you setting up a satellite office here, Mr. Mayor, you might be able to improve your “Vision” of us by driving around Staten Island and familiarizing yourself with our issues. And remember to keep it under 30 mph! ***** Executive Director of Historic Richmond Town Ed Wiseman stepped down from his post earlier this week. The 8 time Emmy Award winner has secured over $12 million in funding for Richmond Town since assuming the position in 2008. We suspect there are many more wonderful and artistic ventures in Mr. Wiseman’s future and we
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wish him all the best. ***** The North Central Kiwanis Club SINY is sponsoring a dinner to honor WW II Vets at the Staaten, 697 Forest Ave. on Wednesday May 31, 2017 at 6 pm. They need help identifying WW II Vets (Staten Islanders), inviting them and escorting them if necessary. Please spread the word. Contact Committee Chairman Dennis Mangiero, 917-836-4292, tagene@ aol.com for WW II VET reservations. For information on how you can support this event please contact Mike Brennan, The Brighton Kiwanis Club, Secretary, 347-296-1827 or mbrennan@nycourts.gov. ***** Plans to convert the former convent of the Daughters of St. Paul, located at 78 Fort Place in St. George, into a 30 unit rental building have been scrapped. Instead, developer George Christo plans to convert the vacant building which was once slated to become a state funded residency for mentally ill patients
Page 5 but was met with fierce resistance, into a boutique hotel, complete with banquet hall, conference rooms, roof decks, gardens, a sidewalk café and more. He even plans to include an auditorium to showcase local performances. Perhaps the Singing Nuns can come home! At least for a performance or two. ***** Congratulations to Josephine Ferrandino, Frank Ragucci, Fran Messina, Trish Guglielmo, Kathy Motola and Timothy Geary for correctly guessing that Chuck was at the Westerleigh Park bandstand. Go to page 19 and see if you know where Chuck is this week. ***** Can you do The Local a favor? Patronize our advertisers and please tell them you saw their ad in The Local. That's the best way to keep The Local running! ***** Famed golf columnist Tom Flannagan joins The Local next week!
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
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The North Shore Local
Considering a divorce? TRY MEDIATION. Erin K. Colgan Attorney at Law
235 Forest Avenue Staten Island, New York 10301 On Saturday, March 25, Staten Isanders and other New Yorkers were treated to a noontime display of aerial accuracy and flying stratospheric showmanship. Eight Dassault/ Dornier Alpha Jet twin-engine two-seat jets from the French Air Force's Patrouille de France conducted a flyover from the north down the Hudson River south to the Statue
of Liberty and across the Verrazano Bridge. Trailing colored smoke, they traced sharp lines of red, white and blue, the shared colors of the French and American flags, across the sky. They were also accompanied by a French A400 airbus and two additional Alpha jets who were documenting the mission. One pilot even took a mid-air selfie!
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The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
Page 7
Loose Cannon
On Being Scrumbie
By Mark Cannon
High School truly shapes you. My class at Msgr. Farrell High School, in the mid — seventies, was a collection of the most diverse, middle to upper class white guys, ever assembled in one place. It ranged from the brilliant, to the barely breathing. One of the most interesting dudes was a guy named Joe Rombi. I called him Scrumbie, since I rarely called anyone by their Christian name. Scrumbie was cool. His hair was as long as you could wear, without getting smacked. He had a rebellious nature, was very funny, and always seemed to be in trouble. At Farrell, rebels were frowned upon and punished severely. In those days, Farrell had Irish Christian Brothers, a few of whom would beat you in a most un-Christian fashion. Some of the lay teachers were only slightly less brutal. The trick was to avoid these guys at all costs. There were also wonderful teachers and coaches. Dennis Donovan was life changing, as a teacher and a mentor. Denny Barrett, although never my coach, had a very positive influence on my life. Father Finn, Father Sullivan, Rick Somma, Pete Hansen and Tony Rafaniello, all helped to shape me into a semi-productive adult. Rebellion ran the gamut, from the silly to the serious. Silly, being Freddy Bencivenga and I betting on who could wear the same tie for the most consecutive days. I won when Mr. Jaccarino scissored Freddy’s tie right off his neck. Mr J. said that he “just couldn’t stand to look at it any longer.” Serious was when a classmate, stole a Driver’s Education car and torched it down
at Oakwood Beach. Rumor has it that he went on to lead a productive, prison free, life. I was a jock, a basketball player, whose idea of rebellion was spending the weekends drinking Budweiser and smoking Parliaments. Despite these misspent nights, I tried to toe the line in both academics and athletics, because deep down, I was a conformist. Scrumbie was different. In my eyes, he was the free spirit I always wanted to be. He couldn’t be bothered with sports, and always seemed to be on the edge of expulsion. I was as surprised to see him graduate as I was to see myself. Flash forward ten years— Scrumbie shows up late at our reunion, jumps on stage with the band, and does a killer Mick Jagger impersonation. Later that night, he tells me that he hitchhiked to San Francisco, is playing in a band, and doing standup comedy for a living. His legend, in my mind, continues to grow. Scrumbie was leading the life I craved, but was afraid to pursue. He was a modern day Jack Kerouac. I was working in Manhattan, and living on The Rock. Flash forward to 2014 —we reconnect on Facebook. Joe is back on Staten Island, and is working at —wait for it—Fox News! I tried desperately to get him to introduce me to Megyn Kelly, but was sharply rebuffed. Seriously Joe, was it really necessary to circulate my picture with building security? Has Joe sold out? Hardly. Yes, he is working as a camera man for Fox (and shyly reveals that he has won multiple Emmy awards) however, this is just his day job. At night he works the stand-up circuit both here and in the City. He has worked with and befriended such comic luminaries as Staten Island’s own Nanci Richards and Pete Davidson. Joe has also worked with Buddy Flip, Rich Carruci, Nate Bargatze, Joel Richardson, Fred Rubino and Sean Morton. In 2010 he was inducted into the Woodshed Hall-of-Fame, at Legion, a legendary comedy bar in Williamsburg, after being nominated by Mike Lawrence and Dan St. Germain. As we sat and talked in the Gav-
el Grill in St. George a few weeks ago, Joe was visibly shocked that he was my secret wannabe. “But you were the star basketball player and were funny as hell!” he exclaimed. True, I was a star jock, but I really didn’t want to be, I wanted to be Scrumbie, the non-conforming rebel who lived by his own rules. In those torturous high school years, I just wasn’t comfortable in my own skin. I wanted to be somebody else, and I chose him. I still believe that many kids that age wish they were someone else — if only for a little while. While we were drinking coffee, Joe told me tales of hitchhiking to New Orleans with a rolled up blanket and a guitar, and squeezing out a meager living playing at the Paradise Cafe on Bourbon Street. As he spoke, I felt the familiar pang of regret. This guy has lived a life! I on the other hand, have spent almost my entire existence, right here on The Rock.
As he continued to speak, he revealed another side. The side of a man who eventually settled down and mastered a craft. A craft he worked long and hard to learn. Hired in the mailroom at ABC television, he eventually worked his way up to operating the camera. Starting out on the soap operas, he soon found himself behind the camera for the biggest game in town — Monday Night Football. Today, he works on many of Fox’s most successful news shows. He is married and has a 12 year old son. Joe jokes that he is old enough to be his Grandfather. His son is clearly the light and joy of his life. He speaks of him with beaming pride. Joe has come full circle, and now calls the North Shore home. High School really shapes us — true. The real molding though, comes from the people you meet, at this very vulnerable stage of life. The teachers, coaches, friends, and yes, even the secret wannabes.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
The North Shore Local
A Vision For Cromwell Center Emerges By: Peter Lisi
Opened in 1936, the George Cromwell Recreation Center was built on an eleven year old pier that was converted into a waterside sports and recreational facility at a cost of one million dollars. The Center was named to honor Staten Island’s first Borough President, George C. Cromwell (1860-1934), who also served in the New York State Assembly. Cromwell later became the President of the Richmond County Parks Commission and was responsible for several pieces of legislation such as the Fish and Oyster Protection Bill. This Bill was initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the Works Progress Administration and aimed to revive the American economy during the Great Depression. President Roosevelt held a gala ball in 1939 and the center was used as a dock to tie up vessels. In 1940 Sugar Ray Robinson fought his last amateur fight at the Center. The Center is now under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, but a community based organization, Let’s Rebuild Cromwell Community Coalition, spearheaded by Kelly Vilar, has diligently fought for the revival of the Center since its May 2010 collapse. And thanks to this group of volunteer activists, the North Shore will finally see a new recreational facility built next to Lyon’s Pool in Tompkinsville at the epicenter of the Bay Street Corridor. Preliminary plans were developed based on previous programming at the former Cromwell Center and the community’s expressed desire to replace the lost multipurpose basketball courts with minimal impact to the existing landmarked building. Conceptual designs by Urbahn Architects propose construction of a 95,000 square foot, three level building above the existing
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parking lot of Lyon’s Pool, at the corner of Murray Hulbert Avenue and Hannah Street. Level one of the new facility will include a covered parking lot for 65 spaces and 4 handicap spaces. Improvements will be made to existing swimming pools, restrooms, showers, lockers and exercise rooms, accompanied by the addition of a new elevator and children’s playground. Level two includes a number of multi-purpose rooms that will be used for dance performances, computer resources, a teaching kitchen and administration offices. Level three is considered the most important and will hold 4 multi-use competition size basketball courts, restrooms, showers and lockers. The Let’s Rebuild Cromwell Community Coalition noted several items of concern, including the fact that the proposed facility is smaller than the original, so adding an additional floor with rooftop usable space has been suggested. Other suggestions include housing Staten Island’s only city owned indoor pool and hockey rink as this would greatly enhance programs and services typically unavailable to the North Shore community. Another major concern is parking. Perhaps they should consider a pier that provides better parking accommodations. With a whopping estimated $100 million dollar price tag, quite different than the one million dollar cost of the original George Cromwell Recreational Center built in 1934, the City of New York, Parks Department and our elected officials now have the difficult task of finding the money to build it. Great job to all involved in resurrecting this long overdue request to “Rebuild Cromwell” and if it wasn’t for the Let’s Rebuild Cromwell Community Coalition, this project would still be at the bottom of the ocean.
The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
Page 9
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
The North Shore Local
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The North Shore Local
Thursday, March 30, 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- March 30, April 4, 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, March 30, 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, March 30, 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, March 30, April 2, 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, March 31-April 2
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown Music Hall at Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building T Go to tickets.vendini.com for tickets. Friday, March 24, 8 p.m.
Tavern Concert: Glen Cutrona &
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017 Friends Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue. For info call: 718-351-1611
4-12. Meet and greet with the cast afterward.
Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
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
Amazing Amphibians Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center, 2351 Veterans Road West Discover our resident frogs, toads and salamanders! For info call: 718-605-3970 Saturday, April 1, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Memoir Writing Workshop St. George Library Center, 5 Central Avenue A free memoir writing workshop for adults of all ages. For info call: 718-442-8560. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. 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 1, 1– 3 p.m.
Staten Island Museum: 1st Saturday Family Workshop: Mask and Puppet Making Workshop Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A. For info call: 718727-1135.
Sunday, March 26 September 3
Monday thru Sunday, to June 18, 2017
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 3, 1 p.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
Page 11 Schwartz The Alice Austen House, 2 Hylan Boulevard. For info call: 718816-4506 Tuesday, April 4, 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. Wednesday, April 5, 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: 718-273-2060 Wednesday, April 5, 6–8 p.m.
Evening Group Hike or Trail Run Greenbelt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave, Staten Island, NY 10306, USA 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.
Saturday, Sunday, April 1, 2, 1-4 p.m.
Art Studio Staten Island Children's Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace. For info call: 718-273-2060. Every Saturday/Sunday. Saturday, April 1, 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 1, 6 p.m.
Tavern Concert: Wahoo Skiffle Crazies Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue. For info call: 718-351-1611
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Page 12
Ask the Doc By Peter Galvin, MD
Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. It is caused by either herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 (HSV-2), a virus that almost exclusively causes genital infections, or HSV type 1 (HSV-1) which causes oral and lip infections (“cold sores”) and genital herpes. HSV-2 is estimated to infect more than 45 million U.S. residents aged 14 to 49 years. HSV1 now causes 10 to 20 percent of all new cases of genital herpes. Congential herpes (newborns infected during birth by an infected mother) is more than twice as common as congenital syphilis and can be devastating to newborns. In addition, there is a strong association between genital herpes infection and HIV type 1. There is no cure and no vaccine for HSV infections. There is also no coordinated na-
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
The North Shore Local
On HSV Infections tional effort to control genital herpes. Efforts to reduce HSV transmission can be challenging because most infected people (estimated to be 8 out of 10) are unaware they are infected yet they remain at risk to transmit the virus to others. The first step in confronting a widespread, largely underrecognized public health problem is to identify those who are infected. One would think that given such a large problem, screening the population with a blood test or genital swab would readily identify infected individuals but sadly such is not the case. Recently, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) again (they last made a recommendation in 2005) recommended against routine screening for HSV. This is based on the high rate of false positives (estimated to be about the same rate as true positives or 50 percent), potential harms from screen-
ing (telling and treating someone as positive when they are not), and limited evidence that medical treatment reduces transmission to uninfected persons and newborns. In addition, screening for HSV-1 cannot determine the infection site so a positive HSV-1 screen could be from an oral infection, genital infection, or both. HSV screening should still be performed however in selected cases. Treatment with antiviral medications can shorten the length of an attack and lessen the likelihood of transmission. Long-term suppressive treatment can do the same plus reduce the number of outbreaks with their pain and discomfort but treatment does nothing to reduce the social stigma that HSV infection can bring. Obstetricians and hospitals will recommend a C-section to a symptomatic infected woman about to deliver to avoid hav-
ing the baby become infected. Because HSV is transmitted by physical contact with an infected person, the only way to prevent transmission is physical protection (condom). Oral contraceptives, IUDs and other pregnancy protection methods will not prevent HSV infection. Also an infected but asymptomatic person may still transmit the virus. It is clear then that the medical community, perhaps with the assistance of lawmakers and the public, needs to goad the federal agencies like the NIH, CDC, and others into action to develop better screening tests and methods. In this age of technology it should be relatively easy to reliably identify, warn, and treat infected individuals in order to stop the transmission of this nasty virus. Please direct questions and comments to Mail@statenlocal.com
RICHMOND COUNTY ORCHESTRA'S TRIBUTE TO THE LATE KATHY VORWICK
The Richmond County Orchestra (RCO), under the direction of Maestro Alan Aurelia, presents: 5th and Fox, a performance that includes Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and New Music by Staten Island living composer Howard Fox, Saturday, April 8, 2017, 7:30 p.m. at Olivet Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $15 per adult in advance, $20 at door. Students & children are FREE! For tickets visit: http://m.bpt.me/ event/2898763. For information call: 718-876-7945
Dr. Fox performs with the RCO “My Hymn for Kathy,” which he wrote as a final birthday gift for the late Kathy Vorwick, one of the founders of the Greenbelt Conservancy. Ms. Vorwick was both an avid environmentalist and conservationist and practically single-handedly sa ved Pouch Camp. She once tied herself to the largest tree in Staten Island to stop bulldozers from widening Old Town Road. She and Dr. Fox served on the Greenbelt Conservancy Board of Directors. Dr. Fox said “Kathy
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celebrated her final birthday in hospice and this hymn was my birthday gift to her,” and added, “Kathy was a very spiritual person, so I wrote a hymn-like piece as a tribute to her.” This is the world premiere of My Hymn for Kathy. Dr. Fox earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from New York College of Podiatric Medicine and his Bachelor of Arts from College of Liberal Arts (Music/Organic Chemistry), Syracuse University. His principal instrument is the bassoon. He studied composition under Dr. Earl George and has been awarded 2016 Outstanding Composer. He has performed at the Springer Concert Hall, College of Staten Island Campus and at St. Peter’s Church on Lexington Avenue, NYC.
Founded in 1998, under the direction of Maestro Alan Aurelia, The Richmond County Orchestra continues its effort to enhance the musical and cultural life of Staten Island and strives to inspire a love of music through a presentation of the classical repertoire and programming that encourages interaction with audience members. The orchestra offers live performances in the three council districts of Staten Island, presenting works of living composers as well as music from the past, providing its listeners with an opportunity to explore a new artistic language. In addition, the RCO offers educational innovations designed to capture the interest of young students who want to pursue a career in music.
The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
Page 13
From New Brighton To Nashville: Jessica Rose
By Dan Guarino
Call it North Shore with a Southern twang. Or Staten Island rocks a Stetson. But SI’s Jessica Rose Kartalis is making her mark on Music City- Nashville USA. Though she moved to Nashville three years ago, the successful singer/songwriter/guitarist’s roots go deep back home. Her mother, Janice Kartalis, told The Local that Jessica was born and raised in West Brighton. Growing up here, she graduated from Blessed Sacrament School, and from Notre Dame Academy High School. Janice notes she herself is a native-born Staten Island-
er who grew up on the North Shore. Jessica’s grandfather’s parents left Italy and after passing through Ellis Island settled in New Brighton. Her grandmother’s family has lived in Westerleigh for generations. Cary Avenue is named after her great-great-grandfather. Jessica’s Dad, James Kartalis' own family is from West Brighton and Sunnyside. “Both our families,” Janice explains, “have roots not only on Staten Island, but have been living on the North Shore for many generations!” Now the young musician’s career is taking her quite far.
Facts You Probably Don’t Need The Playboy bunny costume was the first service uniform to be registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Cruise control and automatic transmission were invented by a blind engineer named Ralph Teetor. The national animal of Scotland is the unicorn. The average CD can hold 74 minutes worth of music. That unusual length was determined by Sony's president, who decided that a single CD should be able to contain the longest recorded version of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. There was a third Apple founder. Ronald Wayne who sold his 10% stake for $800 in 1976. President William Henry Harrison gave the longest inaugural address. Unfortunately, he contracted pneumonia and
died 30 days later, serving the shortest term in history. The winning word in the 1940 National Spelling Bee was "therapy." An elephant's trunk has more than 150,000 muscles in it. Two-digit interstate highways are designed to let drivers know the general direction of the highway. If an interstate has an odd number it runs north and south. If it has an even number it runs east and west. Bugs Bunny was the second cartoon character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; the first was Mickey Mouse. (Special correspondent Sean McVeigh scours the internet for facts you might find interesting. We don’t spend time verifying said facts).
Photo courtesy Jessica Rose Music
Professionally known as Jessica Rose, her upcoming shows will find her playing in Terre Haute, IN, and Key West, FL. She is a Jimmy Buffett Worldwide Margaritaville Performer
and opened Buffett’s Sirius XM Concert at the Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville in 2016. She regularly plays at Margar-
Continued on page 14
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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.
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Page 14 FROM NEW BRIGHTON Continued from Page 13
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
itaville in Key West, Nashville, Atlantic City and on the stages of Las Vegas and Montego Bay, Jamaica. Some of her fondest memories are having country superstar Randy Jackson attend her hometown show in Staten Island and singing with Keith Urban at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. She was the very first performer to play at the Grand Opening of the Landshark Bar & Grill on the beach at Resorts Casino in Atlantic City. She also has performed regularly at the famous Steel Pier in Atlantic City, where she had the honor to perform at a private event for Miss America 2014, the contestants, and all involved with the 2015 Miss America Pageant. Every year she does her own “Hometown Show” just after Christmas at the Liberty Tavern on Forest Avenue. She appeared on American Idol during Season 12, and played her “new” hometown
of Nashville at many locations and honky tonks on the famous "Broadway Strip.” These venues include Tootsies World Famous Orchid Lounge, The Blue Bird Cafe, The Stage, The Row and Big Shotz. Recent tours have let her share her music in LA, Oregon, Indiana and Illinois. You might have even heard her on Ty, Kelly and Chuck Morning Show on Nash FM here in New York on 94.7 and across the country. Rose is one of the artists who writes and performs the 10 Minute Tune on the nationally syndicated Cumulus Media radio network show. Jessica Rose has also become a recording artist. To date she has released two singles, “One of the Boys” and “Throw A Rock,” and a four song EP. The self-titled EP contains her songs “Turn Around,” “Make Summer Last,” “Not This Time” and “Rose Tattoo.” Her music, much of which she writes herself, has been described as Pop Country or Country with an electric edge.
The North Shore Local
As one fan wrote, “Love the lyrics and the vocals...... Hope to see more from this artist.” Another said, “Love your energy in this fun song, Rose Tattoo. Carefree and sweet. Keep doing what you do!” Right now, she is working on a new CD, and working hard to build a buzz around its June 5 release date. All titles are available on iTunes and elsewhere. Perhaps Jessica Rose’s highest achievement has been being recognized by the Country Music Association. Founded in 1958, CMA counts more than 7,300 music industry professionals and companies among its members around the globe. The organization notes, “CMA is dedicated to bringing the poetry and emotion of Country Music to the world. We will continue the tradition of leadership and professionalism, promoting the music, and recognizing excellence in all its forms.” As such they have given Jessica Rose the honor of being a
CMA Emerging Artist. She will also have an Artist Meet and Greet Booth at this year’s 2017 CMA Music Festival at Fan Fair X. The festival will be held in Nashville from June 8 to June 11. Despite living and working elsewhere, she has not forgotten where “home” is. As her mom says, “We would like to invite our neighbors to come out to one of her local shows this Summer! It is so important to show that her community, the North Shore and Staten Island, New York, are all behind her and that we are all along for the ride!” About that ride, Jessica Rose says, “In meeting so many amazing people along my journey, in the industry, or new fans, which are now friends as well, I would like to say thank you for all the continued love and support.” Sounds like a country song in the making! For more information check out www.realjessicarose.com or www.facebook.com/realjessicarose/
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The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
Seymour Glass By Kevin Boyle
So, yearly real estate taxes on a house in Marine Park in Brooklyn, 1969 were $321 for the year. The same house gets a bill this year for $4,462. The reason I know about the $321 bill is because my mother saved the bill and filed it with other records including driving directions to someone’s house in 1993. She saved a poem that a besotted boy sent to my sister when she was in high school. Besotted, there’s a word everyone uses all the time… I guess it’s particularly apt here because it’s a bit obscure like so
many of the items she chose to keep. She wrote a list of names she found amusing in long hand and then typed the list as well. Although she was born a Driscoll, she had the name Boyle for decades and had probably developed an ear for amusing or unusual names. With Boyle there was plenty to play with. In Brooklyn, we’d often hear our name said as Berle. Occasionally other kids would riff and we’d be called Milton or Milty after the comedian Milton Berle. If we stood out on the basketball court we’d be
called Earl the Berle after Earl the Pearl Monroe, the Hall of Fame basketball player. We were called Boyled egg and whatever else sounded clever to neighborhood rubes. Later, a local politician once called me a Boyle on his ass. That wasn’t bad. Anyway, it seems the name game tickled my mother. Her list had more than 50 names that she came across at work or in random news stories. You could have some fun with Boyle but at least our name wasn’t Terrible, as in Albert Terrible, who made her Top 50 list. His poor teachers. Albert, be good! No, I’m Terrible. I have to guess but I think some names made the list because they looked funny. Fanya Bimbat and Hilda Headley and Lottie Duda were a few. Lottie Duda had to make her laugh. I’m thinking she got a chuckle from Frankwood Guppy, Zollie Boddie, and Girlie Atkinson. No doubt she got a kick out Paradise Colucci and Bonus Dixon. I wonder if Bonus,
Page 15 born in 1927 was an unexpected twin. Or a change of life baby. Major Fatherly, Lorna Bravo, Patience Fox and Ollie Vick made the list. And so did Lababe Labaky, Cinderella Whyte, and Rolor Ray. Echo Waltz, Golden Wright, and Airfield Branch sounded like something other than people. Cardinal Bain, who was neither a priest nor a bird, died in 1994. He is remembered on this list. And so is Raven Cochrane. And keeping with the bird theme, Robin Branch is listed. Electo Brammer, Fannie Finger, Charles Navigate, Pearl Diamond, and Fairy Crouch made the list and so did Clyde Beach. He’s not on the list but her favorite baseball player in recent years was another with a notable name: Buster Posey Good thing it was a bit later in life when she developed this interest in unusual names. She could have named one of her sons Lance. Lance Boyle would have made this list.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
Rich Negrin
Warren Procci
NEGRIN AND PROCCI TO BE HONORED AT WAGNER COLLEGE Rich Negrin, former managing director of the city of Philadelphia, will deliver this year’s commencement address at Wagner College on May 19. Also being honored is Dr. Warren R. Procci, chairman of Wagner College’s Board of Trustees and former president of the American Psychoanalytic Association. Negrin studied political science at Wagner College and played on the Seahawk football team. As co-captain, he led the team to the 1987 Division III national college
football championship. Following graduation, Negrin briefly played NFL football for the Cleveland Browns (1988) and the New York Jets (1989). Negrin earned his law degree from Rutgers University. His legal career has included service as a Philadelphia city prosecutor, a litigator with the firm of Morgan Lewis, and a vice president and associate general counsel for the Aramark Corporation. After serving for three years as vice chairman of the Philadel-
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf Courtesy of Rachel Farnsworth
Serves: 4‑6 Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef 1 cup bread crumbs 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ cup milk 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced 1 cup ketchup ¼ cup brown sugar, tightly
packed 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1/8 teaspoon salt Pinch cayenne pepper Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a baking pan (9 x 13) with non-stick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, basil, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, milk and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well combined. Divide meat in half. Shape
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The North Shore Local
phia Board of Ethics, Negrin was appointed executive director of the city’s Board of Revision of Taxes. Seven months later, he was named deputy mayor for administration and coordination and managing director of the city of Philadelphia, where he became known for his high ethical standards and his insistence on personal, hands-on community engagement. A boyhood tragedy shaped Negrin’s life in public service. In 1979, he was a 13-year-old getting ready to play in his very first Pop Warner football league game. He was excited, not only for the game, but because joining him was his number one fan, his dad, a Cuban exile and pro-democracy activist. As Negrin and his dad were getting in the car, his father was gunned down by assassins. “I’m not sure I can put into words how hard it was to lose my dad in that way,” Negrin recalls. “An act of violence like that stays with you forever.” That experience, Negrin says, has made him a relentless advocate for families and a crusader against violent crime.
In 2015, as Mayor Michael Nutter was approaching the end of his term, Deputy Mayor Negrin resigned from public service to become a partner at the Philadelphia law firm of Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel. In December, he announced that he would run for Philadelphia district attorney. Rich Negrin will be awarded an honorary Doctorate Of Humane Letters by his alma mater at this year’s commencement exercise. Dr. Warren R. Procci, chairman of the college’s board of trustees, will also be awarded an honorary Doctor Of Humane Letters degree at the 2017 commencement program. Procci, a 1968 Wagner graduate and native Staten Islander, is himself the son of a Wagner alumnus and native Islander: Waddie Procci ’36, whose parents immigrated from Italy. After graduating summa cum laude with a chemistry degree, Procci earned his medical doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, where he completed his residency in psychiatry. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
half the meat into the bottom half of the loaf and place in prepared pan. Place mozzarella slices down the center, leaving ½” around the ends and sides. Shape remaining half of meat as the top half of the loaf, sealing the edges. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar,
garlic, salt and cayenne pepper. Pour half the sauce over the meatloaf, reserving the remaining half for later. Bake in the preheated oven and pour the remaining sauce over the meatloaf. Increase temperature to 400 degrees and bake an additional 15 minutes. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
Page 17
THE LOCAL KID
Heading to High School By Jillian Bodiford
It’s a chilly winter day, break just started and you cannot wait for the holidays. Suddenly, you hear the UPS truck come to a halt right in front of your house. You pause your Netflix, throw that cozy blanket off your shivering legs, and run to the front door to grab the package from Amazon, expecting it to be an early Christmas present. Well, this is no early Christmas present. You are in seventh grade and those Barron and Kaplan test books staring up at you from that box must mean only one thing: TACHS prep is beginning. Deciding on a high school is no easy decision. This is the first huge, life changing decision a 13 or 14 year old has to make. When you were much younger, your parents decided which grammar school you would attend. Of course
you had no say, you were just a kid. Luckily for me, my decision was made well before I received my TACHS results. However, finding out that I was accepted to Villa Academy with a scholarship just sealed the deal. But some of you will not be so lucky and have a harder time choosing where to spend the next four years of your life. So, how do you make such a decision and not lose your sanity, or drive your parents crazy, in the process? First, visit every open house. Go into each open house with a clear mind, and stay away from comparing things to previous schools you’ve visited. Each Catholic, public, or specialized school is unique and offers things that the other doesn’t. Second, you must commit yourself to TACHS tutoring. Though my prep didn’t
help me much on the actual test (the TACHS test caught everyone off guard because it was Common Core and no one, not even the test prep textbook companies, were expecting that to happen), it helped build my confidence and taught me important time management skills, which are vital when taking any standardized exam. Next, don’t let the waiting time drive you crazy. If you are nervous, just remember that 86% of students last year got accepted to one of their top five schools/programs, so there is nothing to worry about. If you really focus during the exam, and keep your grades up through seventh grade, you will no doubt make at least one of your top choices. Only when you receive all of your results should you make a decision. What I took into consideration when
choosing my high school was distance from home, academics, what sets the school apart from others, and the food of course (especially the cookies). It is almost April. Catholic school results came out in January, and specialized/public school results came out in March, and still plenty of kids don’t know where they are going to high school. My advice? Go with your gut and where you see yourself best fitting in. And, don’t listen to your friends. Only you know what’s best for you. I am beyond excited to be attending St. John Villa Academy in September and am very much relieved that I had such an easy time making a decision! Any suggestions, questions, or comments for The Local Kid? Email her at jillbodiford27@gmail. com
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 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!
Albert Noce
Sean Peterson
Peter Trivelas
SeanSweeney
Michele Sherry
Peggy McDermot
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The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
Council Corner:
NEWS YOU MIGHT USE FROM COUNCILWOMAN DEBI ROSE
Councilwoman Debi Rose frequently updates her constituents through Facebook and newsletters. The Staten Island Alliance for North Shore Children and Families gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn to exchange ideas and hear from NYC Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina. In her address, Chancellor Farina spoke about the importance of early childhood education, celebrating success in our schools, pooling local resources, and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow by encouraging creativity, analytical thinking and problem solving from an early age. My office has been working with this initiative for months, with the collective goal of a future in which all children on Staten Island experience positive and enriching childhoods and, through family, school, and community, are given the skills, life experiences, and opportunity to develop and achieve
Page 19
WHERE’S CHUCK?
their own vision of success with the love and support of caring adults who value their potential. ***** DA Michael McMahon, the NYPD Patrol Borough Staten Island and the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force recently hosted a hate crime education, awareness and response seminar at the Bernikow Jewish Community Center. Convened by the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island, the seminar helped educate the community on law enforcement responses to hate crimes and how residents should respond should they witness biased-based attacks. In a budget hearing of the City Council's Education Committee, I asked Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina whether the Department of Education was making contingency plans for
Our furry friend has been quite busy of late. Just look at all that wood down there! We think Chuck must be part beaver (which would account for his poor performance in predicting spring's arrival), because everyContinued on page 20 body knows that a woodchuck
can't chuck wood. 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!
BUSINESS DIRECTORY TAXES
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exp. 5/31/17
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
The North Shore Local COUNCIL CORNER Continued from Page 19
Aging Affordably
By Dan Guarino
Fixed income? According to the advocacy group LiveOn NY, 60% of New York’s seniors pay more than 50% of their income on rent. Because of this, 10 and 15 percent fall behind on other bills, skip meals or can’t afford three meals a day, skip getting medical care or seeing a doctor, or can’t afford medications. Factor in that by 2040 NYC’s senior population is projected to increase by 40 percent, with 65 percent of that growth on Staten Island. They say all this adds up to a growing affordable housing shortage for seniors. The city’s Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption, SCRIE, can help by freezing rents for those 62 and over. But not enough people are using it. The organization estimates that only 43 percent of eligible seniors
are enrolled. On the North Shore, less than 30 percent are enrolled. In an 18-page policy report titled “Reducing Rent Burden for Elderly New Yorkers: Improving the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program,” done with Enterprise Community Partners Inc, they address the urgent issue of rent burden experienced by the majority of SCRIE seniors. They state “since rents are frozen at the level the senior was paying when they entered the program, almost one third of SCRIE participants pay more than 70 percent of their income on rent. Additionally, the average annual income of SCRIE participants is less than $17,000.” “We strongly believe that SCRIE can be improved to reduce and prevent rent burden among seniors, ensuring
that they can remain stably housed and age with dignity in their communities. The recommendations we outline here can have a meaningful impact and public benefit by eliminating housing insecurity for thousands of low-income seniors in rent-stabilized housing.” They are recommending that the mayor and the city undertake a “a more robust outreach program to increase utilization” and cap rents for all seniors enrolled in SCRIE at one third of their income. As they underscore, “This is a critical time to explore improvements to existing programs and new opportunities to provide affordable housing options for seniors.” For more information or apply for SCRIE, go to http:// www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/ser vice/2424/senior-citi z e n-re nt-i ncre as e -e xe mp tion-scrie.
the cuts that have been proposed by the federal government. She said that while the department is not yet preparing for cuts, she encouraged all New Yorkers to speak loudly against any cuts, which would hurt not just specific schools in the city but also have a devastating effect on the city itself. ****** I sat down with Parks Department officials Monday afternoon to discuss the future of Arlington and Mariners Marsh. At this point, remediation by the Environmental Protection Agency is complete, and next steps involve a public meeting for community input. I will announce that meeting in a future eNewsletter, and I hope local residents will be able to attend. ***** To ensure input from local residents, I asked the Parks and Rosebank committees of Community Board 1 to bring together neighbors of the Alice Austen House to discuss the issue of parking in the neighborhood. I thank all who attended and provided valuable input!
Harmon Funeral Home
FAMILY OPERATED SINCE 1949 571 Forest Avenue Staten Island, NY 10310
718-442-5056
Funeral Directors K. Terrance McGinley, Terrance P. McGinley, Ryan G. McGinley and Joseph McKibbin ·
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The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
In Memoriam Death Notices Florencio Contreras Jr.
March 18, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 Joan A. Rogers
March 22, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 Athena Kendris
March 24, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 Norman M. Keating
March 11, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 Cruz Santiago
March 24, 2017 Arrangements under the di-
rection of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056 Jaroslav Pecha
March 23, 2017 Arrangements under the direction of Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island, NY 10310 /718-442-5056
Obituaries Sandra E. Olsen
Sandra E. Olsen nee (Balewitz) passed away on March 22, 2017 at home. Born on August 9, 1941 to the late Eleanor & Stanley Balewitz, she was raised in Perth Amboy, NJ. Sandra met her late husband, Emil in 1960 and were married for 53 years. She worked for SI Savings Bank at several locations for over 20 years. She enjoyed baking, knitting and crafting. Sandra was also very proud of her Polish heritage. She is survived by her loving son, William (Bill) & Antoinette Olsen; her adoring 3 grandchildren, 2 brothers, Michael & Stanley Balewitz.
Sandra was predeceased in death by her brother, George Balewitz. In lieu of flowers please donate in Sandra’s memory to any charity of your choice. A service was held at Cherubini-McInerney Funeral Home. Arrangements under the direction of Cherubini-McInerney Funeral Home (formerly Meislohn-Silvie), Staten Island, NY 10302/718-442-9047 NATHAN “NAT” MOSS
Nathan “Nat” Moss died at age 90 on March 18, 2017 at Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island. Born in Brooklyn in 1927, he came to Staten Island in 1962. He held a B.A. from Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA and an Engineering degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. For many years, he was a partner with his brother, George, in a manufacturing business in Brooklyn doing extensive government contract work. A mechanical engineer and inventor, he held several patents for mechanical devices. When he first came to the island he was very active in Democratic politics and was
Page 21 the President of the Staten Island Banner Democratic Association and published a small newspaper- The Staten Island Banner. In later years he served as a trustee. He also did volunteer work for the Staten Island Zoological Society. Moss is survived by his former wife of 42 years, Angela, his son Ben, his daughters Bettina, Selma Ward, Grace, Michele Pizzo and Jeanine. His granddaughters, Gianna, Megan and Paige; His grandsons, Patrick, Brendan and Anthony. In lieu of flowers, please donate in the loving memory of Nathan Moss to the Staten Island Zoological Society. A service was held at Cherubini-McInerney Funeral Home followed by a burial at Ocean View 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.
Then And Now THINGS CHANGE “FORMERLY MEISLOHN-SILVIE” WWW.SIFUNERALHOME.COM 1289 FOREST AVE. STATEN ISLAND, NY 10302 718-442-9047 FUNERAL DIRECTORS
In the old days, you could get a new or used car battery at 2451 Vict ory Blvd. Now you can make yourself brand new at Joseph Ashley a full service salon!
ROBERT M. CHERUBINI ~ KENNETH A. DECKER AMANDA C. VAPHIDES
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
The North Shore Local
THE LOCAL WORD SEARCH
Hot Water Tank Monitor By Chris Boyle
I’m sure it says something about me that most of my ideas have to do with improving life in the bathroom, but that’s a column for another day. Today, we will try to navigate the uncertain limitations of the household hot water tank. The problem? Running out of hot water. The fact is, in a contemporary household populated by two adults and three teenagers, the politics of bathroom usage can get pretty ugly. One of the most commonly asked questions in our house is “what the (heck) are they doing in there for so long?” That query is usually followed by the throughthe-bathroom-door declaration, “You better not use all the hot water!” As much as I want to blame the hot water hog for draining the pipes of that precious fluid, I have a hard time getting too worked up because they’re swimming
blind, so to speak. They have no idea how much hot water is left in the tank. They don’t know that someone did four loads of wash an hour ago, followed by successive showers by two youths trying to wash off last night’s party. They don’t know if there’s three minutes or 30 left before the heated fount turns to ice. The solution? A hot water tank monitor in the shower stall. A simple gauge that would be calibrated in minutes to reflect exactly how much time is left before the hot water runs out. No more guesswork. The monitor would act like your car’s fuel gauge, gently reminding you that you better pull over soon to fill ‘er up, or it’ll be a long walk home. You still wouldn’t want to be the last one getting into the shower, but at least you wouldn’t find yourself fully lathered with shampoo and blindly hoping that you have time to rinse before the arctic tide comes in!
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NORTH SHORE FRIENDS R O R R Y L A C U J N I A E K
U I U S N J W W O Z L K R R E
Q D C R H T Z E Y L M U A I V
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E V N R E S D I J F B X N L I
C O I D A L R L B Z Y X E G T
March 30 Rosemarie Viola Sussex was born. Sean Foley was born. 1981 – Newly-elected President Ronald Reagan was shot in the chest by David
April 1 Dan Fiumefreddo was born.
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This Week in History
1991 – Josef Stalin’s birthplace, the Soviet Republic of Georgia, voted to declare its independence from Soviet Russia.
Commission based
O F B M A K T S U T S W U N G
ERIN COLGAN JOE TERRITO JOSEPH ASHLEY KEVIN FITZGIBBONS LAUREN SAFARA MONICA SANDLER RAGU RICHARD LUTHMANN ROB CASATELLI RYAN NIX SANDY KANE SEAN SWEENEY
March 31 Luke Timmins was born. Sean Murphy was born. Tom Flannagan was born.
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Z T D C Y U H V U W I W R A Z
1865 - Confederate troops under General George Pickett were defeated at Five Forks, Virginia, hastening the end of the Civil War. 1700 - April Fools tradition of practical jokes was popularized in England 1963 - Soap operas General Hospital and The Doctors first premiered on television April 2 Lloyd Thompson was born. Gina Arnone was born.
1792 - Congress established the first U.S. Mint at Philadelphia. April 3 Lisa De Respino Bennett was born. Robert Patterson was born. Dianne Dougherty was born. Craig Ellefsen was born. Brent Fredricksen was born. 1995 - Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman to preside over the Court, sitting in for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist who was out of town. April 4 Aileen Dulski was born. Karen Cavanagh was born. 1887 – The first woman mayor was elected in the U.S. when Susanna M. Salter became mayor of Argonia, Kansas. 1968- Civil Rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King was shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee. April 5 Collen Whelan Graham was born.
1951- Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were sentenced to death for spying for Russia. 1513 - Spanish explorer Ponce De 1994- Kurt Cobain committed suLeon claims Florida for Spain icide
The North Shore Local
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
Page 23
March Silver Linings By Joe Nugent
By the time this column reaches you, the NORTH SHORE LOCAL public, it will be just about over. March I mean. Finally, this miserable, dreary month will be history and we can look forward to MLB's Opening Day, The Masters and the intensity of NHL and NBA playoffs. But as I sit in front of my computer on a Monday morning, outside my window it's cold, rainy, with a little fog mixed in. My golf club season is supposed be open this week (the Silver Lake Seniors Club), but that may be on hold until we can all rip the calendar page off and welcome April Fool's Day. There was, however, three wonderful things that happened in sports in March, one international, one national and one local. Let's begin the trio of feel-good stories with one closest to home: The Staten Island Academy Varsity Girls basketball team winning its second consecutive A Division STATE title in Glen Falls, New York. Winning your own league championship is a pretty big deal. Being the best in the New York City area is a bigger deal. But when you take on the best in the state, and come away on top for two years running, that is a spectacular accomplishment. And the Lady Tigers did it the hard way. They were down late in the semifinals (five with under two minutes) and showed the guts and heart to win in the
final seconds. The finals was a down-and-dirty, who-wantsit-most defensive struggle won by SIA 47-43. So the small school with big ambitions gets it done. Well done, young ladies! Now, the international story. The United States of America won the World Baseball Classic! What, you didn't know? I'm not surprised. With the major newspapers, ESPN and SNY giving the public more information of spring training exhibition games than the WBC event, it was hard to even find out the results of games. It didn't help that the semis and finals were played in Los Angeles and the last outs were recorded after midnight. But the facts are these. The USA team knocked off tourney favorite Dominican Republic in the quarters, squeezed past two-time WBC champions Japan 2-1 in the semifinals and crushed Puerto Rico 8-0 in the final game to give the country that invented this beautiful game its first WBC crown. This event, like the Olympics, comes around every four years (you probably didn't know that either). What will be different in 2021, you ask? As defending world champions, next time perhaps the best of our MLB stars will want to participate. Maybe the games will be played in dome stadiums, in the eastern time zone, so people can watch the games and get to bed by 11 o'clock.
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Maybe, the American sports press will treat it with the respect it deserves. And finally, on the national level, March Madness has been just that. MADNESS, but in a very good way. I hate it when TV commentators throw around the term "classic" so loosely. But wasn't the Florida-Wisconsin overtime thriller a classic? How about North Carolina-Kentucky? You could even throw in the Oregon-Michigan game and it fits the "classic" bill. UCLA-Kentucky didn't have the "down-to-the-wire" script that classics need, but what fun to watch. And how many games were within a one point or two with under a minute to play? Fifteen? Twenty? The dust has cleared now and the sheet everybody wishes they had is North Carolina (One seed), Gonzaga (One Seed), Oregon (Three Seed) and South Carolina (Seven Seed). 1-1-3-7, but so hard, right! Wrong. If you are alive going into Saturday, your sheet is already worth a bunch. Having already admitted how "humbled" this tournament has made me, I'm not going to pretend to know what will happen Saturday and Monday. But to not give it the old college try would make me a coward. So here it is. A Carolina final, North vs. South, with the Tar Heels walking away with the title they lost at the buzzer to Villanova a year ago.
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Nugent Nuggets: Fantasy Baseball draft time this week and this is the Nipper's first-round selections. Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Kris Bryant, Nolan Arenado, Clayton Kershaw, Bryce Harper, Josh Donaldson, Max Scherzer, Jose Altuve, Manny Machado, Madison Bumgarner, Paul Goldschmidt, Corey Seager, Joey Votto and Freddie Freeman. ***Dustin Johnson is now the newest "greatest golfer on the planet". Just like Jordon Speith was for a year, and Rory Mcllroy was the year before that. I will say this. The offspring of Dustin and Paulina Gretzky have a pretty good shot at being GREAT athletes! ***Next week, my Masters picks. Just so I can continue to ruin my reputation. ***I'm a Yankee fan, but I really want Noah Syndergaard and Jacob Degrom to stay healthy and make 33 starts each. If they do, special times ahead at Citi Field. ***Please Gary Sanchez, be as good as you seem to be. **I know this is the NORTH SHORE LOCAL, but the SOUTH SHORE ROTARY put on some show last weekend at the Church at Gateway. It was the 20th (and sadly the last) show put on by this group, but I hope you guys (and gals) change your minds. The performances ware Broadway quality and my main men (Al Lambert and Jack Funari) brought the house down!
Tim O'Halloran
267 Broadway Staten Island, NY 10310
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THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017
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