Issuu

Riverdale’s ONLY Locally Owned Newspaper!

Volume XIX • Number 27 • July 19 - 25, 2012 •

FREE!

State test scores a mixed bag for local schools By MIAWLING LAM Local elementary and middle school students posted mixed results on this year’s standardized tests. Data from the state’s English and math exams, released by the New York State Education Department late Tuesday, shows while proficiency levels rose at P.S. 24 and M.S/H.S. 141, fewer students at P.S. 81 were performing at grade level in English. P.S. 24 emerged as the clear winner in the battle of the two local elementary schools, with nearly 84 percent deemed proficient in math, up from 81 percent last year. In English, 75 percent met or exceeded the state’s bar for proficiency, compared to 71 percent in 2011. The number of P.S. 24 students scoring at level 3 and 4—the top two bands—also soared across-theboard on the math exam, while in English, most grades recorded gains. The percentage of fourth graders passing the English exam jumped from 8 percent to 14 percent. However, the number of third graders meeting or exceeding English proficiency levels dropped from 74 percent to 71 percent.

At P.S. 81, slightly fewer students in third and fourth grades met the state’s bar for English proﬁciency, contributing to the school’s overall 63 percent pass rate. Last year, it was 64 percent. However, the school recorded gains in math, with 69 percent of children performing at grade level, compared to 64 percent in 2011. In another bright spot, the percentage of P.S. 81 third graders passing the math exam jumped from 61 percent to 69 percent. Meanwhile, students at Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy also recorded modest gains across both subjects. Nearly half of all students at M.S/H.S. 141 passed the English exam this year, slightly up from 45 percent in 2011. The school fared better in math with 66 percent of students reaching the state’s standard, up from 62 percent last year. Overall, the number of city students meeting proﬁciency rose for a second consecutive year. Around 47 percent met the state’s English standard, compared to 44 percent in 2011, while 60 percent were up to par in math, also up from 57 percent last year.

Statewide, 55 percent of students met the state’s bar for proficiency in English, up from 53 percent in the previous year. In math, 65 percent of students met or exceeded the standard, up from 63 percent. Despite the gains, Mayor Michael Bloomberg pledged that city officials would not grow complacent or rest on their laurels. “The progress we see this year doesn’t give us a reason to rest—it gives us a reason to strive for even greater gains,” he said in a news release. “There’s still much more work to do, but there’s no question our students are headed in the right direction.” Schools Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott also threw his support behind the state’s efforts to lift standards and said the initiatives would better prepare students for college and the workplace. Next year, state officials will introduce new college and career-ready standards, as well as a rigorous teacher and principal evaluation system. “We support the state’s commitment to raise standards for curriculum and graduation, and to increase the Continued on Page 5

Second massage parlor appears to be out of business By MIAWLING LAM Law enforcement ofﬁcials are seeking to shutter Riverdale’s only remaining massage parlor after an employee was busted for soliciting sexual services yet again. In March, undercover NYPD ofﬁcers swooped on Riverdale Skin & Body Care, a massage parlor located at 3733 Riverdale Avenue, but news of the bust

Bronx-born Donald Sobol, the author of the well-known Encyclopedia Brown books, has died. See editorial on Page 18.

emerged only this week. Commanding officer of the 50th Precinct Captain Kevin Burke revealed Kisook Kim, 35, from Queens, was arrested and charged with prostitution during the covert operation on March 2. Authorities allege she agreed to perform sexual intercourse with a client for $140. The second undercover sting was carried out shortly after two employees were first nabbed for prostitution in February. In that incident, officers from the NYPD’s Bronx Vice Squad charged Eun Lee, 53, for permitting prostitution and slapped Kim with one charge of prostitution. Officers allege she agreed to perform sexual intercourse in exchange for money on that occasion, too. Burke said authorities were now pursuing the establishment’s closure, per the city’s nuisance abatement order. Under those rules, a city judge can order a building boarded up if there is sufficient evidence that two counts of prostitution occurred on the premises. “They’re now in the process of submitting the paperwork to the courts,” Capt. Burke said, adding that it takes roughly two months

for a judge to deliver a decision once the documents are filed Captain Burke said the latest development was proof that there was no place in the precinct for such illegal activities. “We are pro-business, however we’re not going to tolerate any illegal activities and we’re going to do our best to investigate and respond to community complaints.” The revelations come a month after the Riverdale Review first reported that the business appeared to be trading as Riverdale Spa on the popular classifieds website backpage.com. The posts, which at one time appeared on a daily basis, have disappeared from the site. At the time, the establishment was pitched as offering its clients an “unforgettable Asian full body rub,” “royal treatments by real Korean and Japanese,” and “sensual FUN.” The advertisement, which featured images of four women in various states of undress, also touted its “luxurious, high class full body rub” and “table shower.” According to Urban Dictionary, an online reference of slang words and phrases, a table Continued on Page 3

Progress on the Palisade Avenue retaining wall repair project: Concrete structures with a stone-patterned façade are being set in place. The project is due for completion in several months.

Thursday, July 19, 2012 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

Espaillat will run for Manhattan seat

By MIAWLING LAM After narrowly losing to Rep. Charles Rangel, Adriano Espaillat has hit the ground running in a bid to seek re-election to the New York state Senate. The elected official began campaigning outside subway stations on the Upper West Side on Tuesday, just days after his campaign staff submitted 4,238 petitions to secure his place on the ballot. Under newly drawn political boundaries, the 31st Senate District will no longer include parts of Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil. In fact, apart from a tiny sliver of Marble Hill, the entire district is in Manhattan, stretching from Inwood and Washington Heights to parts of the Upper West Side and Midtown West. But Espaillat spokesman Ibrahim Khan said the re-election campaign did not mean that Riverdale constituents should feel neglected. “We are gung-ho committed to serving our term out in Riverdale,” he said. “Even though the district is changing, our Riverdale liaison will be there until the end of December. We will continue to be engaged with the community and encourage all constituents to keep calling in and reaching out anytime they need our help.” Espaillat will face a tough battle to retain his state Senate seat, with a prominent member in Upper Manhattan’s Dominican community, Assemblyman Guillermo Linares, seeking to overthrow him. Linares threw his support behind Rep. Rangel during the congressional campaign. In exchange, it is understood Rangel as well as the Manhattan Democratic Party and its allies will support Linares. But Khan said Espaillat was not fazed by the prospect of running two challenging back-to-back campaigns. “He is ready to go. He took a couple of days off and he’s absolutely raring to go,” he said. Khan also said campaign staff honored a pledge made during the failed congressional bid and filed only signatures collected after the June 26 primary. In an early sign of how the election could get ugly, Khan stressed the campaign did not accept any signatures from Espaillat ally Mark Levine. “Even though we were legally allowed to do so, we chose not to count Mark Levine’s signatures, which is in contrast to what (opponent) Guillermo Linares did when he ran for City Council,” Khan said. “After Miguel Martinez went to jail for corruption, Guillermo tried to take his petitions to get on the ballot.” Espaillat confirmed the worst-kept secret in political circles when he announced he was mounting a re-election campaign at a meeting of the Northern Manhattan Democrats for Change and the Friends of Adriano Espaillat in Fort George Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, July 11. Speaking in front a cheering crowd of supporters, Espaillat said he hoped the momentum from the “summer of unity” garnered during the congressional campaign would continue.

“Let’s build that coalition that we know we’re able to build, where everybody comes and votes, a bigtent approach to politics where the Asian, the black, the Latino, no matter whatever country they come from, the African-American, the young, the senior, the man and the woman, everybody could be under that same tent,” he said. “Let’s not allow the treachery of politics to divide this community.” According to the ofﬁcial Board of Elections results, Rep. Rangel triumphed over state Sen. Espaillat by a margin of 1,086 votes. Voters will again head to the polls on primary day, September 13.

By MIAWLING LAM Riverdale is set to become a whole lot holier. The Archdiocese of New York has unveiled preliminary plans for a major expansion of the John Cardinal O’Connor Clergy Residence for retired priests on 5655 Arlington Avenue. Under the proposal, which is subject to approval from the City Planning Commission, a new two-story 27,000-square-foot residence will be built to accommodate up to 25 additional retired priests. A small dining room and four guest rooms will be constructed to mirror an existing 90,000-square- foot wing, which currently houses 32 retired clergymen. Archdiocesan spokesman Joseph Zwilling said the expansion was needed to cater to a growing number of retired priests in the diocese.

Although he couldn’t reveal the number of priests waiting to secure a room at the residence, Zwilling said the facility has been incredibly popular because of the camaraderie it fosters. “It’s been a big hit with the priests,” he said. “It was part of Cardinal (Edward) Egan’s initiative. He wanted to have a place for priests who had given a life of service to be cared for in a ﬁrst-class facility, and that’s what they have here. “It’s not like living in an apartment by yourself. Here, you’re with other men that you’ve known your entire adult life and who you might have served with in different parishes. It’s that shared experience that really makes the place a wonderful place to live.” Engineers are slated to conduct test borings at the site over the next two weeks

and converted the space into a home for retired priests in 2003. Msgr. Harry J. Byrne, who lived at the O’Connor residence for eight years before moving down the road to Our Lady of Consolation in December, said he holds fond memories of his former home. “It’s a very excellent place for us retired priests. I had a very nice suite there with a living room, bedroom, bath, little sink and refrigerator,” said the former pastor of the Epiphany Church in Manhattan. “It was very pleasant and we had very good dining meals. What I found particularly attractive was the association with the whole group. You moved around, spoke to other priests, and that was very refreshing.” Ofﬁcials have not calculated the total construction cost but have revealed the Archdiocese will raise the money for the 16-month construction project entirely through private means.

Second massage parlor on way out INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT? ing Touch—earlier this year. A magistrate ordered that parlor, located at 4685 Manhattan College Parkway, to close after police busted two Queens women on separate occasions soliciting money in return for sexual services. Yingji Li, 40, was busted and charged with one count of prostitution during a sting operation on December 22, while Ying Al Li, 43, was busted during a second sting on February 29. She was also arrested and charged with one count of unauthorized practice of a profession and another misdemeanor prostitution count. New Healing Touch, which was closed on May 9, has yet to make an application to reopen. In fact, a white “For Rent” sign was erected on the building earlier this month.

Call a lawyer that will fight for you!

Stu Kerner, Esq. MOTOR VEHICLE RELATED

Continued from Page 1 shower is defined as a service in which a masseuse bathes a customer while he is lying on a table, “first face down then on your back so particular attention can be paid to private parts.” When the Riverdale Review visited the Riverdale Avenue address earlier this week, the business was open and in operation. However, perhaps in a sign of its owners trying to keep a low profile, two of the building’s signs had been pulled down, leaving a tattered red awning as the only indicator of the business. Riverdale Skin & Body became the area’s sole massage parlor after law enforcement officials successfully nuisance abated a rival establishment—New Heal-

AWARDS & SETTLEMENTS*

Bus accident: $5,120,000 NYC police motor vehicle accident: $2,000,000 Two car motor vehicle accident aggravates back injury: $640,000 Hit in the rear on the Cross Bronx Expressway: $285,000 Side swipe motor vehicle accident: $350,000 (*) Prior results do not guarantee a future similar outcome.

FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL TOLL FREE

(866) 880-6347

No Attorney Fee Unless You Win or Collect! Your Accident & Injury Law Firm 269 W. 231st St. Bronx, NY 10463

StuKernerLaw.com

3 The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, July 19, 2012

Retired priests eye expansion of residence

to help determine what work is required, but Zwilling stressed that noise would be kept to a minimum. It is understood engineers will adopt controlled blasting methods such as targeted line drilling rather than the more disruptive blasting technique. Residents immediately surrounding the residence, particularly those in the Netherland Gardens and Skyview developments, have begun receiving notification of the church’s intentions. Officials are expected to provide concrete plans in the fall, once test borings have been carried out. Originally built in 1902, the residence has been used as a monastery for cloistered sisters and more recently housed the St. John Neumann pre-seminary program for students preparing to enter the St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers. Diocesan officials eventually renovated

Thursday, July 19, 2012 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

Around the schools... College of Mount Saint Vincent

More than 330 College of Mount Saint Vincent students participated in community service programs during the spring 2012 semester. The students completed nearly 2,800 hours of service both domestically and abroad, acting on campus as volunteer teaching assistants in the biology department and as helpers to the college’s nonproﬁt partners, including the Hebrew Home at Riverdale. They also worked with poverty-stricken families and indigenous populations in need of medical care in Appalachia and Guatemala. Service learning opportunities are offered through the Division of Academic and Student Affairs and the Ofﬁce of Campus Ministry. In keeping with the philosophy of giving back to the less fortunate espoused by the Sisters of Charity of New York—the college’s founders and sponsors—participation in service learning opportunities remains an integral component of a College of Mount Saint Vincent education.

Local Scholars

Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has announced that Jissell Pena and Edward McCaffrey are among this year’s graduates. Pena earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering and McCaffrey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. Marquette, a Jesuit Catholic university, enrolls more than 11,500 students from all 50 states and more than 75 foreign countries in its graduate and undergraduate programs. It offers 116 majors, 65 minors and pre-professional programs in dentistry, law and medicine. Marquette, known for its service learning programs and internships, encourages students to use what they learn to make a difference in the world. Fairfield University in Farifield, Connecticut, has announced that Katie Boyle and Santi Vukaj were named to the dean’s list for the spring 2012 semester. To be selected for the dean’s list, a student must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5. Fairfield, a comprehensive Jesuit university, enrolls more than a thousand graduate students and nearly 4,000 undergraduates in its College of Arts & Science, Dolan School of Business, School of Nursing, School of Engineering, School of Gen-

eral Studies and off-campus programs. The university challenges its students to lead inspired lives of leadership and service. The MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, Massachusetts, has announced that Linelle Shepp was awarded a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree this spring. Shepp was among more than 400 students in the class of 2012 at the MGH Institute’s health sciences graduate school, which enrolls more than 1,100 full- and part-time students who learn either on-site or online. The school was founded by Massachusetts General Hospital 35 years ago as an innovative, interprofessional graduate school that prepares specialists in communication disorders, medical imaging, nursing and physical therapy. Programs integrate classroom learning with research and clinical experience. The institute grants doctoral degrees, master’s degrees and certiﬁcates of advanced study and offers continuing education for practicing professionals and baccalaureate-educated individuals entering health care from another ﬁeld. Its Center of Interprofessional Studies and Innovation fosters collaboration among peers in various disciplines, hoping to forge a new model of health sciences for the 21st century. Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, has announced that for the spring 2012 semester, Katherine Joseph was named to the dean’s list at Emory College, the university’s liberal arts college, and that Raven Gilberts was named to the merit

list at Oxford College, the university’s two-year liberal arts division in Oxford, Georgia. To qualify, students must earn a semester GPA of at least 3.859 at Emory College or 3.0 at Oxford College. Emory University enrolls more than 7,400 undergraduates and more than 6,400 graduate students in its nine academic divisions, including schools of liberal arts, business, law, medicine, nursing, public health and religion. It is known for its demanding academics, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. The university includes the Carlos Museum, the Carter Center, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, Georgia’s largest health care system. Emory is the thirdlargest private employer in the metro Atlanta area. Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, has announced that Nata-

sha Lopez is among 424 students who received Bachelor of Science degrees in business management this spring. Lopez earned cum laude distinction. Babson is an internationally recognized leader in entrepreneurial management education that enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduates and 1,300 graduate students. It grants undergraduate B.S. degrees as well as M.B.A. and custom M.S. and M.B.A. degrees through its F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. It has been top-ranked for its entrepreneurship education for the past 19 years by U.S. News & World Report, and its executive education programs are ranked among the top worldwide by the Financial Times and Bloomberg Businessweek. Babson continues to advance “Entrepreneurial Thought and Action” as a force for generating sustainable economic and social values.

Continued from Page 1 rigor of next year’s tests,” Walcott said. “I know that our students and teachers are ready to take on this challenge.” State Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch also downplayed the state’s gains. She said while some positive momentum could be garnered from the numbers. It was disappointing that students of color, English Language Learners and special education students were falling behind. “That’s why we are continuing to press forward with critical reforms to ensure all of our kids are ready for college and careers,” she said. “In the fall, we will begin to phase in

a new, more challenging, content rich curriculum and continue to press for the implementation of a rigorous teacher evaluation system in every district across the state.” Test scores have fluctuated in recent years. In 2009, 82 percent of city students were deemed proficient in math and 69 percent passed the English exam. However, two years ago, state officials determined that the exams had become too easy to pass and recalibrated test scores. As a result, marks plunged at virtually every public school across the state. Parents can view their children’s individual test results starting from the week of July 30, through the ARIS Parent Link.

Premier healthcare for routine and chronic conditions. Extended hours. Minimal wait times. Relaxing and serene environment. Enjoy the quality of Montefiore’s outstanding care in your neighborhood.

Call 718-601-8205 to make an appointment. Same day appointments available. Montefiore Medical Group – Riverdale 3510 Johnson Avenue Bronx, New York 10463 www.montefiore.org/mmg-riverdale

Make Montefiore Medical Group Riverdale part of your life. Montefiore Medical Group is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Patient-Centered Medical Home Practice that improves patients’ health and care coordination.

5 The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, July 19, 2012

State test scores a mixed bag

Thursday, July 19, 2012 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

Bronx International Film Festival 10 for 10

To celebrate 10 years, the Bronx International Film Festival (BXFF) is offering 10 for 10 submissions, $10 for any short or feature film submission postmarked by July 31, 2012 for the 10th Annual Bronx International Film Festival scheduled for November 7 - 9, 2012 at Lehman Stages, home of the 500-seat Lovinger Theatre, on the beautiful Lehman College campus. We accept short and feature narrative, documentary, animation and experimental films. An urban theme or setting, particularly The Bronx or New York City, is desirable but not necessary for submission. Top film and top documentary each receives a $1,000 cash prize. Submission guidelines and form are available on bronxfilmfestival.com.

Free writers workshop in Bay Plaza

Presented by the Bronx Council on the Arts’ Bronx Writers Center, Getting to the Finish Line: How to Prepare Your Writing for the Next Stage is a free workshop that includes hands-on writing exercises, discussion of structure, story-telling and voice and a Q&A with the instructor. Bring a notebook, a pen and your creative ideas! Maria Romano, Director of the Bronx Writers Center, will facilitate this workshop. The session will be held at Barnes & Noble at Bay Plaza on Friday, July 20, 2012, from 6:00-8:00pm. Admis-

sion is free and all are welcome. Reserve your seat at http://bronxwriters7202012. eventbrite.com/. Maria Romano, Director of BCA’s Bronx Writers Center, will facilitate the workshop. Originally hired as a consultant to manage The Big Read in 2008/2009, Maria holds a BA in English from Yale University and an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. She teaches writing to middle school and high school students for the Fordham University Science and Technology Entry Program and was a Curriculum Advisor for Girls Write Now, a writing and mentoring non-proﬁt organization. She is a Bronx resident and an award-winning writer of short stories. Getting to the Finish Line: How to Prepare Your Writing for the Next Stage is one of a series of free workshops for writers produced by the Bronx Writers Center. Upcoming BWC workshops at Barnes and Noble Bay Plaza are: • First Lines: Getting Started on Your Writing Project on August 17th • Ask and Editor. Ask an Agent on September 21st For additional information on this workshop or other events presented by the Bronx Writers Center, call 718-931-9500 x21, e-mail bronxwriters@bronxarts.org, or visit the Bronx Writers Center’s web pages at www.bronxarts.org. Barnes & Noble Bay Plaza is located at 290 Baychester Avenue in the Co-op City section of the Bronx. To ﬁnd out about other literary activities at the store,

please call 718-862-3945 or visit www. barnesandnoble.com (click on “Stores and Events”). The Bronx Writers Center supports and develops the appetite for writing and reading in the Bronx. The BWC searches for and promotes new voices and audiences and engages the community in literary and literacy programs.

Riverdale Youth Market to be held weekly at RNH

The Riverdale Neighborhood House (RNH) will host the Riverdale Youth Market every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. through November 15, 2012. This is a youth-run farm stand offering fresh fruits and vegetables from regional farms. RNH is located at 5521 Mosholu Avenue, across from the Riverdale Library., Since its founding in 1872, RNH has partnered with the residents of the Northwest Bronx to build and sustain a healthy and productive community. RNH delivers ﬁrst-rate educational and social services to the entire community: children, teens, seniors and families. RNH programs strengthen the social fabric of our community and enhance the quality of life for our neighbors.

BAE to present Bach and Friends

The Bronx Arts Ensemble will present SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH BACH AND FRIENDS on Sunday, July 22, 2 pm at Rockwood Drive Circle, Van Cortlandt Park and 4 pm at Fordham University’s McGinley Center. The concert features Georg Philipp Telemann’s “Quartet in G Major for Flute, Oboe, Violin and Continuo” and “Cantata No. 72, Was gleicht dem Adel wahrer Christen” and Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Three Arias for Soprano” and “Trio Sonata in G Major for Flute, Violin, and Continuo, BWV 1039”. SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH BACH AND FRIENDS is part of BAE’s SummerMusic 2012 free concert series and features harpsichordist Edward Brewer. Joining Mr. Brewer are oboist Virginia Brewer, violinist Susan Shumway, ﬂutist Jeanne Wilson and cellist Bruce Wang. An active performer in the New York area for more than 35 years, harpsichordist EDWARD BREWER performs regularly in the city’s concert halls. His afﬁliations include Amor Artis, The Oratorio Society

of New York, The Bronx Arts Ensemble, the Fairfield Chorale, and the Discovery Orchestra. He performed for many seasons in Westchester with Philharmonia Virtuosi, and he was founding music director of the Soclair Music Festival in New Jersey. As a recording artist Mr. Brewer has over 30 recordings to his credit. SummerMusic 2012 in Van Cortlandt Park and Fordham University continues on Sunday, July 29 with Magical Mystery Tour featuring music of the ‘60s and Tango Magic! on Sunday, August 5. Romantic Summer Breezes complete the summer concert season on Sunday, August 12. Pelham Bay SummerMusic concerts include Magical Mystery Tour on Friday, July 27 at 6 pm and Jazz Gems on Friday, August 24 at 6 pm. In case of rain, the Van Cortlandt Park concert will be moved to Vladeck Hall in the Amalgamated Houses at Hillman Avenue and Van Cortlandt Park South. Please call the BAE office after 11:00 am if the forecast calls for rain. Seating is provided in Van Cortlandt Park but the audience is urged to bring folding chairs. Enter Van Cortlandt Park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue to reach Rockwood Drive Circle just a short distance from the stables. Vehicle entrance for Fordham University is on Southern Blvd across from the NY Botanical Garden. INFORMATION: 718.601.7399 or bronxartsensemble.org The Bronx’s premier music performance ensemble serving the borough since 1972, the Bronx Arts Ensemble is a not-for-profit organization enriching the cultural environment of the Bronx with a year-round schedule of concerts, special programs for families and a full music and arts-in-education program for schools.

‘Home of the Brave’ to be shown at the Y

On July 25 at 1:00 p.m. the Riverdale Y Senior Center will perform in the Y theater a show, Home of the Brave: WWII Experiences in the Military and the Homefront.’ Directed by: Yoni Oppenheim. Home of the Brave, a theatrical performance of the senior’s personal stories and interviews, will be done through monologues, scenes, and songs of the period. SPARC is a collaboration among the NY City Dept. of Cultural Affairs, the Dept. of the Aging and the City’s ﬁve local arts councils. This program is supported, in part, by the National Endowment for the Arts. The entire community is invited to this performance. For more information, contact 718-548-8200, ext 223. The Y is located at 5625 Arlington Avenue.

By MIAWLING LAM City Council candidate Cliff Stanton raised less than $33,000 in the ﬁrst half of 2012, according to the latest campaign disclosure report. Documents filed with the Campaign Finance Board on Monday reveal Stanton collected $32,829.89 from January 26 through July 10, thanks in part to contributions from food service companies. Stanton, a Van Cortlandt Village resident and leader of a boycott against the Riverdale Review, is seeking a run for Councilman G. Oliver Koppell’s seat in the 2013 citywide elections. Koppell is being forced to vacate the ofﬁce due to term limit rules. Stanton is the only candidate who has declared a run for City Council District 11. The only other person currently registered to run for Koppell’s seat is Ari Hoffnung, a deputy comptroller for John Liu, who has more than $79,000 in his coffers from a previous campaign. However, Hoffnung hasn’t raised any money in four years and has indicated he was not considering a run. Rumors have swirled about the political aspirations of several other area residents, including Community Board 8 members Andrew Cohen, Daniel Padernacht and Robert Press. As of press time, calls to Co-

hen and Padernacht were not returned. But Press, who ran for Assembly in the mid-1990s, remained vague when asked if he was mulling a run. “I have no comment at this time,” he said. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, whose name has also been ﬂoated around, said he too has yet to reach a conclusion. “It’s a little too early to be making decisions,” he said. “Right now, I am running for the Assembly.” Campaign contribution records show Stanton received several donations of more than $1,000 each from executives at New York Picnic Company and from the Olympic Ice Cream Corp. The largest contribution came courtesy of Mark Rosen from Marathon Enterprises, who donated $2,750. Marathon Enterprises is a major regional supplier of meats and delicatessen products, including Sabrett hot dogs. Stanton runs United Snacks, which has a relationship with the Nuts4Nuts street vendors—a possible explanation of why he received so much money from those in the industry. At least eight self-employed food vendors collectively donated more than $1,400 toward his campaign. Several P.S. 24 parents association members also kicked in funds.

Jennifer Firestone, the editor of The Sounding Board—P.S. 24’s PA bulletin—contributed $500, media relations committee chair Joseph Zizzo gave $300, former president Cori Worchel forked over $250 and ex-vice president Ingrid Jaen donated $150. School Leadership Team members Robin Blair and Eugenia Zakharov donated $65 and $25 respectively as well. In a brief phone interview on Tuesday, Stanton said he is not inclined to speak with this newspaper. According to several political insiders, Stanton’s $33,000 fundraising effort is fairly modest. “I thought he did okay. It wasn’t embarrassing, but it wasn’t great,” one source said. Another noted that with the support of 2009 defeated candidate Anthony Perez Cassino, he expected Stanton to “max out” immediately. “Obviously he has fallen very short.” Another insider noted that a third of the contributions came from the food service industry and that Stanton “didn’t raise as much from the community” as expected. Documents show that of the $32,830 raised, $7,950 was collected from residents outside New York City. A total of 149 individuals donated money, with 100 of those residing in The Bronx. Meanwhile, an expense re-

port ﬁled with the Campaign Finance Board shows Stanton spent $6,895.69 on everything from printing services to food for house parties to postage costs. Nearly half of that total was spent on the development of his campaign website. After taking into account his expenses, Stanton’s war chest

balance stands at $25,979. Locally, he is involved with the Parents’ Associations of P.S. 24 and Bronx High School of Science and is the treasurer of the Kingsbridge-Riverdale-Van Cortlandt Development Corporation. He is also a board member of the Tech International Charter School.

OUR BUS IS YOUR BEST BET. 30

Round Trip Bus Fare

$40 BONUS PACKAGE VALUE! $15 Meal/Retail Coupon Two $10 Free Bets & One $5 Free Bet

Why Drive? For Information Call: Enchanted Coach 914.423.9700 or 1.866.423.9700

Offering Select Service from: Bronx, New Rochelle, Riverdale and Yonkers Call for dates.

Bonus packages are issued to individuals 21 years of age or older. Offer subject to change without notice. mohegansun.com

Check Out Hot Summer Fun at Mohegan Sun! mohegansun.com/HSF

7 The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, July 19, 2012

Censorship candidate falls short on fundraising

Thursday, July 19, 2012 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

Thursday, July 19

Monday, July 23

SINGING & READING 11:30 a.m. Riverdale Branch Library 5540 Mosholu Avenue Emily Ellison introduces readers to the great world of exciting picture, story, and song books full of music and sound. Children will revel in the joy of reading while singing, dancing, and stomping their feet, and experiment with various rhythm instruments. For children ages 2 to 6 years old with parent/caregiver. For more information, call 718-549-1212.

eBOOKS FOR KINDLE 9:30 a.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library 650 West 235th Street Did you know we lend eBooks for Kindle readers? Come in and ﬁnd out how to download free eBooks to your Kindle device. For more information, call 718-796-1202.

Riverdale

Van Cortlandt

Wii TIME 3 p.m. Van Cortlandt Branch Library 3874 Sedgwick Avenue Join us @ the Van Cortlandt Library for afternoons of fun and games. (Bowling, Baseball, Tennis). For ages 5 to 12 years. For more information, call 718-543-5150.

Kingsbridge

GAME ON 4 p.m. Kingsbridge Branch Library 291 West 231st Street Got the gaming moves? Show off your skills with the controller and challenge your friends to a game in the library. Take part in our tournaments! For ages 13 to 18 years. For more information, call 718-548-5656.

Friday, July 20 Kingsbridge

STAY WELL EXERCISE 10 a.m. Kingsbridge Branch Library 291 West 231st Street Stay Well volunteers certiﬁed by the NYC’s Department for the Aging will lead participants in a well-balanced series of exercises for seniors of all ability levels. Please wear loose comfortable clothing. Exercise equipment will be provided. All participants are required to sign a personal medical waiver at the beginning of the class. Audience: Adults, 50+. For more information, call 718-548-5656.

Riverdale

UP, UP AND AWAY 3 p.m. Riverdale Branch Library 5540 Mosholu Avenue You think homework is pressure? Just wait until you learn how the weight of the earth’s atmosphere pushes down on you with the force of two elephants! Explore how Bernoulli’s principle creates enough lift to make a jumbo jet ﬂy or how air pressure can be used to launch a hot air balloon. Watch in amazement as our vortex generator creates giant smoke rings. Want even more pressure? Take a ride on our amazing Mad Science Hovercraft! Presented by Mad Science of Westchester and Manhattan. For ages 4 and older. For more information, call 718-549-1212.

Spuyten Duyvil

LUNCH & LEARN 3:30 p.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library 650 West 235th Street Some foods are great to eat every day, and some foods should only be eaten in moderation. Explore whether foods are “Go” foods, “Slow” foods, or “Whoa” foods. Children discover how hard their bodies work to keep them healthy and why it is important to make smart choices. This session includes a demonstration and a hands-on project. Presented by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. For ages 5 and older. (Limited to 25 participants). For more information, call 718-796-1202.

Spuyten Duyvil

Riverdale

COFFEE HOUR 10:30 a.m. Riverdale Branch Library 5540 Mosholu Avenue Start off your week with a cup of coffee at the Riverdale Branch. Read newspapers , catch up on current events, or just enjoy a friendly game of Chess. All in our Community Room. For more information, call 718-549-1212.

Spuyten Duyvil

KNITTING & CROCHET 11 a.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library 650 West 235th Street A get-together for knitters & crocheters at all skill levels to work on a current project, learn new techniques, or exchange information. All skill levels are welcomed. Registration not required. For more information, call 718-796-1202.

Tuesday, July 24 Riverdale

SCRABBLE 2 p.m. Riverdale Branch Library 5540 Mosholu Avenue If words work you up and crossword puzzles keep you going, come to Riverdale and share your passion with friends every Tuesday afternoon for a lively game of Scrabble. Pre-registration required. For more information, call 718-549-1212.

Spuyten Duyvil

NATURAL HISTORY 3:30 p.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library 650 West 235th Street In this program, the audience will learn about these amazing, fascinating birds by meeting live owls and investigating owl artifacts such as feathers and pellets. Presented by the New Canaan Nature Center. Recommended for ages 4 and older. For more information, call 718-796-1202.

Kingsbridge

COMEDY CLUB 4 p.m. Kingsbridge Branch Library 291 West 231st Street Calling the class comics! Brush up your best jokes for a comedic afternoon. Get the public speaking skills you need to deliver the punchline with comedy master Tara. For ages 12 to 18 years old. For more information, call 718-548-5656.

Wednesday, July 25 Riverdale

THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE 1 p.m. Riverdale YM-YWHA 5625 Arlington Avenue “Home of the Brave,” a theatrical performance of the senior’s personal stories and interviews, will be done through monologues, scenes, and songs of the period. The entire community is invited to this performance. For more information, contact 718-548-8200, ext 223.

Riverdale

Kingsbridge

TEEN READING CLUB 4 p.m. Kingsbridge Branch Library 291 West 231st Street Meet new friends and check out new books at the Kingsbridge Library’s teen summer reading club. Discuss the books you’ve read lately, update your reading logs to get prizes, and participate in weekly rafﬂes for a chance to win COOL and FABULOUS stuff!!! The teen summer reading club is open to all students who are in (or who are about to enter) 7th - 12th grade. For more information, call 718-548-5656.

CONCERT 6 p.m. Wave Hill 675 West 252nd Street The Libby Richman Quartet offers a program of smooth jazz that combines original music and standards. Part of the Sunset Wednesday Concert Series jointly sponsored by the Bronx Council on the Arts and Wave Hill. Free to Wave Hill members and children under 6; $8 for adults; $4 for students and seniors 65+; $2 for children 6-18. For concert information, visit www.bronxarts.org or call 718-931-9500 x33 or call Wave Hill’s Martha Gellens at 718-549-3200 x232 or Mary Weltzman at x320.

Sunday, July 22

Riverdale

Van Cortlandt

SUNDAY IN THE PARK 2 p.m. Van Cortlandt Park Rockwood Drive Circle The Bronx Arts Ensemble will present Sunday in the Park with Bach and Friends. Part of SummerMusic 2012 series of free concerts. For more information, call 718-601-7399.

TOASTMASTERS CLUB MEETING 7 p.m. Riverdale Neighborhood House 5521 Mosholu Avenue Bronx Toastmasters Club of Riverdale invites new members to join in at their free meeting. For further information, visit their website www.bronxtoastmastersclub.org or call 718-796-6671.

By MIAWLING LAM After a six-year battle, the Memorial Grove in Van Cortlandt Park is officially reopened to the public. The once-beleaguered grove, which sits on the northwestern corner of Van Cortlandt Park, was unveiled by a slew of city officials during a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday. Local politicians, including Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Congressman Eliot Engel, joined area residents, war veterans, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Bronx Borough Commissioner Hector Aponte to christen the grove. The largest round of applause, however, was reserved for the two area veterans who are credited with leading the restoration effort—Herb Barret and Don Tannen. The pair of veterans, who have been fighting for the refurbishment since 2006, said it was incredibly satisfying to see the grove in all its glory. Barret implored the community to visit the grove and help maintain the site. “Come here, visit here, just hang around and sit down on the bench,” he said. “If you see something wrong, inform the parks department. Follow it up and bring it up again if they didn’t take care of it. “We had a long battle and it’s over, so let’s forget about that and go ahead and keep the memorial going.” Although the grove was finished on Friday, May 25, and opened just in time for Memorial Day, officials waited until the summer break to hold their ceremony. The completion date had been repeatedly pushed back due to a series of mistakes. In January, it was revealed that city officials placed VIF Corporation in “pre-default mode” after the contractor bungled

the plaques by using the wrong font and purchased incorrect fence materials. Created in 1949, the Memorial Grove honors 37 local soldiers killed or missing in action during World War II and the Korean War. There are additional plaques for former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and for the nonprofit military organization American Gold Star Mothers, which supports mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of the country. Parks commissioner Adrian Benepe said the memorial would “remain a place of reverence and reflection for generations to come,” while Rep. Engel stressed the importance of paying tribute to veterans who have fought for their country. Meanwhile, Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, who allocated $250,000 toward the restoration effort in 2009, said he funds many parks projects but that he was particularly proud of this one. “It’s very meaningful to me. I am the son of refugees from Nazism,” he said. “Those who are memorialized here put their lives on the line, and by putting their lives on the line, they helped protect my family and prevented the spread of Nazism from Europe and elsewhere and preserved the freedom of this country.” Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz also paid tribute to Barret and Tannen and said they demonstrated persistence and an unwavering commitment during their fight. “I think what it shows is that if you work hard and if you’re tenacious—and boy, are they tenacious—you can get things done in this city,” he said. As part of the restoration, a new pipe rail fence was installed, new plaques were laid, a few park benches were added and all 40 plaques were mounted on granite foundations.

Know-how means convenience

7 days a week. More New York Branches, Including Convenient 7-Day Banking at Stop & Shop® Locations.

800-772-1090

peoples.com

Equal Housing Lender

9 The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, July 19, 2012

Memorial Grove is ﬁnally opened in VC Park

Thursday, July 19, 2012 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

Riv. Y hosts youth theater awards BY PAULETTE SCHNEIDER Talented young actors from far and wide will gather in Riverdale this month for the seventh annual National Youth Arts Award ceremony. The Riverdale Y will hosts this year’s Eastern region event on Sunday, July 29, and many award winners won’t have far to travel—the Y’s own theater troupes, the Riverdale Rising Stars and the Rising Stars Jr., garnered no fewer than eight awards, and the ensembles merited an additional 25 nominations. The Rising Stars production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” was a hit with the National Youth Arts judges: Eric Berger won the Lead Actor in a Musical award for his portrayal of Pseudolus, the entire troupe won the Ensemble award and Laurie Walton won for Direction. The Rising Stars Jr. take on “Guys and Dolls Jr.” also made a big impression: The entire production earned the Junior Division Ensemble award. Lead Actor and Lead Actress winners in that production were Joshua Goldin-McCarthy as Sky, Kane Kavanaugh-Baer as Nathan Detroit, Enza Jonas-Giugni as Adelaide and Zoe Wilson as Sarah Brown. Laurie Walton, the Y’s resident theater companies director, said she “could not be more proud.” “I am, obviously, thrilled to have all of the Riverdale Rising Stars be recognized in such a lovely, complete way,” she said. “Rising Stars is most certainly a huge collaboration, involving literally hundreds of children, teens, parents, staff members and artistic teams who guide each production. It’s so lovely to know that, though awards are not necessary to validate us, this has been further acknowledgement that we provide our community with high-quality productions year after year.” Rising Stars alumni featured in the summer stock “Les Miserables” were past the age limit for the youth awards, so they won nominations as guest performers. The entire show was nominated for Outstanding Production and for Guest Ensemble, and old-timers nominated as Guest Actor and Guest Actress were Philip Feldman as Marius, Niko Gelfars as Javert, Mason Taub as Cosette, Emily Trambert as Madame Thenardier and Alex Walton as Jean Valjean. Other Rising Stars nominations were “Forum” for Outstanding Production, Sam Piland as Julian Marsh in “42nd Street” for Lead Actor in a Musical and Eric Berger as Josh in “Bang Bang You’re Dead” for Lead Actor in a Play. Supporting Actor and Actress in a Musical nominations went to a number of performers who appeared in “Forum”—Jacob Dabi-Levi as Hero, Jessica Lavery as Philia, Shara Zerler-Feit as Domina and in the Junior Division, Ezra Mutnick as Hysterium. Zerler-Feit was also nominated for Supporting Actress in a Musical for her role as Maggie Jones in “42nd Street.” Rising Stars Jr. nominees for Lead and Supporting Actor and Actress in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” were Jonah Barricklo as Jimmy Smith, Jacob Dabi-Levi as Trevor Graydon, Isabel Rodriguez as Millie Dillmount and Zoe Wilson as Mrs. Meers. Other Junior Division nominees for Supporting Actor and Actress were Jonah Barricklo as Nicely Nicely in “Guys and Dolls Jr.” and Zoe Wilson as Charlie Bucket in “Willy Wonka.”

“Bang Bang You’re Dead” and” Fiddler on the Roof Jr.” were nominated for Ensemble awards, and Sabrina Landau earned a nomination for Direction in “Fiddler.” Other “Forum” nominees were Emily Walton for Choreography and Chris Wilson, Gregory Kanter and Ben Becher for Set Design. National Youth Arts is an online resource that creates artist Web pages at no charge and welcomes volunteer reviewers to provide feedback and spread the word on local theater groups. The awards ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m., and registration opens at 6:45 p.m. Considering the wide audience for this event, seating is extremely limited. For more information, call the Y at 718-548-8200.

SAVE 65

on the Family Value Combo

Premium Quality Guaranteed! Omaha Steaks brings you the ﬁnest steaks and gourmet favorites available anywhere. Plus, The Family Value Combo oﬀers you something to please all your family and friends. Order today!

3 FREE Gifts Order now and we’ll send

4 FREE Omaha Steaks Burgers FREE 6-piece Cutlery Set FREE Cutting Board to every shipping address!

Family Value Combo�45069KWD

2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons 2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins Save $ 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 9401 4 (3 oz.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) 4 Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Reg. $14400....... Now Only

4999

Limit of 2 packages. Free Gifts included per shipment.

Standard shipping and handling will be applied per address. Oﬀer expires 11/15/12.

To Order visit www.OmahaSteaks.com/value23 or Call 1-866-386-5167 ��

By DAVID GREENE A former Marine from Van Cortland Park South has come out with a new video, headed for YouTube, where he defends the NYPD’s rights on the “stop and frisk” issue. He points to two incidents in his life, first being shot in the South Bronx while driving a livery taxi, and more recently when young punks threw garbage at him in a subway near his home. Over the years, Ronald James Sorenson, 73, a self-taught lobbyist, has come to the aid of the American flag, defending “Old Glory” from flag-burning, and has walked to Washington, D.C. while carrying a monkey to force lawmakers to take a second look at a citizen’s right to have exotic pets. After a recent incident in Kingsbridge, Sorenson, a former member of the U.S. Marine’s Boxing Team, decided to make the two-minute video in support of the NYPD. He recalled, “I was coming out of the subway and passed these young kids, and as I passed, they threw garbage at me.” In his day, Sorenson would have flattened the trio. But now he said, “These days, you don’t know who has a gun or who will shoot you for absolutely no reason.” Sorenson knows about being shot. He was driving a livery cab in 1969 when he was held up in the Fort Apache section of The Bronx. Sorenson recalls, “They shot me in one leg, and it went through and hit me in the other leg.” Believing that the day of a suicide bomber coming to the New York City Transit system is right around the corner, Sorenson added, “I’m all for civil rights, but stop and frisk will save lives. The

sooner they realize that, the more lives will be saved.” According to the New York Civil Liberties Union and the NYPD’s own statistics, the police department has conducted 4 million stop and frisk searches since 2002, when Mayor Michael Bloomberg took ofﬁce. With 685,724 of those stop and frisks taking place in 2011, some 600,000 or 88 percent, of those stopped were completely innocent of any crime. On Tuesday, June 26, a Manhattan Appellate court supported Justice Peter Tom’s decision to exclude a gun as evidence after a Bronx cop arrested a teen found to be carrying the gun during a stop and frisk search. On May 16, a federal judge approved a class-action lawsuit against the NYPD relating to stop and frisk.

11 The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, July 19, 2012

Local Marine supports ‘stop and frisk’

Thursday, July 19, 2012 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

��

Please help us save the music at P.S. 24.

Sunday, July 22

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 12:30 p.m. Support Connection 40 Triangle Center Open to women with breast, ovarian or gynecological cancer. Join a group of other women who are also living with a recurrent, advanced stage or metastatic cancer. Facilitated by a cancer survivor. Free. Pre-registration required; call 914962-6402 or 800-532-4290.

MUSHROOM WALK 9:30 a.m. Greenburgh Nature Center 99 Dromore Road Join members of COMA (CT-Westchester Mycological Association, www.comafungi.org) for a mushroom walk through our woodland trails. Walk followed by a communal lunch and a mushroom identiﬁcation session. Free. For more information, call 914-723-3470.

Rye

Yorktown Hts.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS 7 p.m. Playland Park Playland Parkway Ametur musicians perform in front of a live audience at Playland Amusement Park. For more information, visit www. ryeplayland.org/spotlight_events.html

Katonah

Scarsdale

CRAFT FAIR 10 a.m. Playland Park Playland Parkway Wade through a grand selection of crafts and fun at Playland’s Craft Fair! Taking place around the boardwalk and fountain. For more information, visit www.ryeplayland. org/index.html.

CONCERT 8 p.m. Caramoor’s Spanish Courtyard 149 Girdle Ridge Road Featuring Brooklyn Rider: Johnny Gandelsman, violin; Colin Jacobsen, violin; Nicholas Cords, viola; Eric Jacobsen, cello Program: Brooklyn Rider (group composition): Seven Steps; Ljova: Culai; Colin Jacobsen: Sheriff’s Leid, Sheriff’s Freude; Beethoven: Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131; Romanian Traditional: Music of the Roma Arr. Ljova. For more information, call 914-232-1252 or visit www.caramoor.org.

Ossining

Saturday, July 21

HISPANIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL 12 p.m. Kensico Dam Plaza 1 Bronx River Parkway Road Celebrate the Hispanic Heritage Festival at Kensico Dam Plaza! Enjoy live songs, dances, musical performances, art & cultural exhibits, ethnic foods, entertainment, games and much more! Rain or Shine; Event & Parking are FREE. Bring folding chairs or blankets for seating. For more information, call 914-864-PARK.

Somers

BEADING WORKSHOP 10 a.m. Somers Library Route 139 & Reis Park In this full-day workshop, students will make a weaved beaded bracelet composed of black Swarovski crystals and multi-colored Delica beads. $25 materials fee must be paid in advance. Space is limited, so register early!

Ossining

LEAPING LIZARDS 10 a.m. Teatown Lake Reservation 1600 Spring Valley Road Did you know that there are ﬁve species of lizards that live in our state? Discover what types of lizards you might encounter locally, and meet a couple of Teatown’s lizard ambassadors. Free for members; $5pp for nonmembers. Call 914-762-2912 x110 to make a reservation.

Yonkers

SUMMERFEST ON THE HUDSON 3 p.m. Beczak Environmental Education Center 35 Alexander Street Take out a kayak or choose a canoe ride at Beczak’s free family fun day! Join our Catch of the Catch of the Day Seining - wade into the Hudson River and see what you catch. Waterproof overalls for all sizes provided. Kick back and enjoy performances by this year’s Yonkers Idol winners and the Nepperhan Drum corps. Games, art project, sprinkler fun, and more. BBQ hotdogs and hamburgers for sale. For more information, call 914-377-1900 x13.

Scarsdale

SKIN AND BONES 11 a.m. Teatown Lake Reservation 1600 Spring Valley Road What’s on the outside of an animal may not tell the entire story! Come along as we investigate the ins and outs of animals by looking at bones, feathers, fur, teeth and more. Free for members; $5pp for non-members. Call 914-762-2912 x110 to make a reservation.

Valhalla

Katonah

A DAY IN THE RENAISSANCE 12:30 p.m. Caramoor’s Venetian Theatre 149 Girdle Ridge Road Experience what thousands of school kids have enjoyed at Caramoor. A Day in the Renaissance will take your family to Italy and England in the sixteenth century with songs and dances, street theater, music, falcons, masks and banners and a few words from Will Shakespeare. Come in costume, bring a picnic and join the fun! From the Picnic Lawns to the Spanish Courtyard and the Venetian Theater, all the beauty and excitement of Caramoor awaits you. Tickets: $10 Adult, $5 Child. For more information, call 914-232-1252 or visit www.caramoor.org.

Monday, July 23 Somers

BUSINESS PLAN 6 p.m. Somers Library Route 139 & Reis Park Learn what basic documents are needed, what conversations are to be had, issues that need to be addressed, and more - to achieve a successful business plan. Register online at www. somerslibrary.org or call 914-232-5717.

FAMILY CAMPOUT 5:30 p.m. Greenburgh Nature Center 99 Dromore Road Enjoy a night of nature on the grounds of the Nature Center. You supply the tent and sleeping bag, we’ll supply the nature. Join us for an informal barbecue, and then explore our moonlit trails with a naturalist in search of owls and other night creatures. Cap off the evening with S’mores by the ﬁre. Limited to 20 families each night. Reservations required. First come, ﬁrst served. Each tent must include a minimum of one adult. Fee: $25 per person. For more information, call 914-723-3470.

Tuesday, July 24

Katonah

Mt. Vernon

CONCERT 8 p.m. Caramoor’s Venetian Theatre 149 Girdle Ridge Road Bellini’s “I Capuleti ed i Montecchi” tells the Romeo and Juliet story in the gorgeous language of Italian bel canto. Featuring Eglise Gutiérrez (Giulietta); Kate Aldrich (Romeo); Leonardo Capalbo (Tebaldo); Jeffrey Beruan (Capellio); Benjamin Harris (Lorenzo). For more information, call 914-232-1252 or visit www.caramoor.org.

Yorktown Hts.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 7 p.m. Support Connection 40 Triangle Center Join a group of women who have also heard the words “you have breast cancer” as we discuss issues pertaining to all stages of diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment. Facilitated by cancer survivors. Free. Pre-registration required; call 914962-6402 or 800-532-4290.

Wednesday, July 25 HISTORY TOUR 1 p.m. St. Paul’s Church 897 S. Columbus Avenue General John Glover and the American Revolution. A talk exploring the life and times of John Glover, who led troops in a battle near St. paul’s Church and directed the legendary crossing of the Delaware River at Christmas 1776 before the attack on Trenton. For more information, contact David Osborn, 914-667-4116.

The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, July 19, 2012

Friday, July 20

Thursday, July 19, 2012 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, July 19, 2012

Thursday, July 19, 2012 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

The Riverdale B’nai B’rith brings Ruth Broyde Sharone, author of the 2012 book ‘Minefields and Miracles: God and Allah Need to Talk,’ into the community for a meet-the-author kosher brunch on Sunday, July 22, at 11 a.m. in a local private home. The author, journalist and filmmaker has been honored throughout the world for her interfaith activism. Her post-9/11 film, ‘God and Allah Need to Talk,’ was so well received in Los Angeles that she decided she was ‘on to something’ and arranged for screenings in mosques, churches and synagogues across the country and abroad. Sharone promotes ‘Interfaith Pilates,’ urging audiences to stretch from the core and perform ‘one small profound act that could change the world.’ To learn about the book, visit MinefieldsAndMiracles.com. For more information on the brunch and discussion, contact Dr. Howard Young at hdzyoun@yahoo.com.

Toastmasters Club invites new members

Bronx Toastmasters Club of Riverdale invites new members to join in at their free meeting on July 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Riverdale Neighborhood House, 5521 Mosholu Avenue.

Come as a guest and witness for yourself what they accomplish. They meet every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. For further information, visit their website http://www.bronxtoastmastersclub.org or call 718-796-6671.

Engel votes to keep the Affordable Care Act... again

Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) voted against the latest House Republican repeal of the landmark Affordable Care Act. This was the 31st time since the Republicans took over the House, and comes less than two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Rep. Engel is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health, and a longtime supporter of the Affordable Care Act. (To view his comments from the House ﬂoor - http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H3cq6m0rY&feature=youtu.be) ‘The obsession my Republican colleagues have with repealing the Affordable Care Act would be humorous if it was not such an obstacle to getting things done in Washington. The American people wanted reform to the health care system. Congress passed, and the President signed into law, such a reform. The Republicans sued and urged

judicial action - they got the action, just not with the results they wanted. They refuse to accept the Court’s ruling and continue to waste the people’s time by scheduling repeal votes destined to die in the Senate. ‘Ironically, the centerpiece of the law - which is the target of their ire - is a Republican idea. Newt Gingrich and the Heritage Foundation developed the concept of the individual mandate to combat the Clinton health care reform plan, and then-Governor Mitt Romney implemented it in Massachusetts. Interesting how a few short years later they now call their own concept Socialism. They have been banging the drum since taking over the House in 2011, trying to repeal and replace the law. They have surely voted often enough on repeal, but they have not presented a credible replacement plan. In reality, their replacement plan is to return to the old failed system -eliminating the health care coverage for millions, putting patients with preexisting conditions at risk, re-opening the dreaded Medicare prescription drug donut hole, taking health coverage away from young adults, and allowing insurers to be an obstacle between patients and physicians. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurers can no longer charge women more than men for identical policies,

and insurers must spend at least 80% of consumers’ premiums on health care or give rebates to their customers. The ﬁrst rebates are due to be mailed by August 1, with an estimated $1.1 billion being returned to taxpayers. ‘Republicans are blinded by their opposition to anything the President proposes, and they need to open their eyes in order to see how this law will beneﬁt millions of Americans. Until they do, we’ll be stuck voting on more attempts at repeal, and no attempts at job creation, comprehensive immigration reform or badly needed improvements to our education system.’

Schervier Center sponsors trip to Atlantic City

On Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Schervier Home will sponsor a Day trip to SHOWBOAT CASINO at Atlantic City. Cost is $28.00 per seat, with casino cash back of $25.00. The bus picks up from Schervier Apartments at 2995 Independence Avenue, Riverdale @ 8:55am and Knolls Crescent @ 9:00am. Returns at 8:30pm with drop offs at 230thst. & Kingsbridge Ave.; 232ndst. & Henry Hudson Parkway; Knolls Crescent and Schervier Apartments. For reservations please call NELLIE KENNY @ 718-543-0237.

The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, July 19, 2012

B’nai B’rith to host meetthe-author brunch

Thursday, July 19, 2012 • The RIVERDALE REVIEW

Donald Sobol

Editorial of The New York Sun, reprinted with permission http://www.nysun.com The death of Donald Sobol, who was born in The Bronx, could be the subject of its own puzzler — “Encyclopedia Brown and the Mystery of Immortality.” Encyclopedia Brown is the hero Sobol created for the series of mysteries via which so many boys, and no doubt some girls, learned not only to read but to grasp the glory of thinking. The newswires are quoting Penguin Books as saying Sobol died last week at the age of 87, more than 60 years after he left the newsroom of The New York Sun, where he’d started out in the 1940s and gained, first as a copy boy and then as a reporter, an early glimpse of how gripping copy can be turned out quickly. The mystery we find ourselves thinking about on his death is how a man who is himself mortal can create, as Sobol did in the brainy boy detective who noticed so much that he sometimes seemed omniscient, a being who will survive longer than any actual boy born in his author’s lifetime. It isn’t the absence of competing characters. We have, to name but a few, Harry Potter; TinTin; Dick, Tom, and Sam Rover; Nancy Drew; Frank and Joe Hardy; and Tom Swift. They, too, have survived their authors. It isn’t great skill as a wordsmith, though Sobol was a terrific, straightforward, often witty writer. Nor is it any mastery of the art of, say, the plot, since the ones woven for Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown were not what one would call Shakespearian. What was so special about Encyclopedia Brown was the way he drew his courage from his ability to reason, confounding Bugs Meany and his gang at every turn just by observing more and outthinking his adversaries. When Bugs tried to talk Peter Clinton into trading his bike for a Civil War sword that was engraved to Stonewall Jackson as a gift from the Southern general’s men, Clinton hired Encyclopedia to check the sword’s provenance. Clinton plunked down the Brown’s standard fee of 25 cents. Brown pronounced the sword a fake. How did he know? Jackson’s men would never have engraved a sword as having been presented after the Battle of Bull Run. The southerners knew it as the Battle of Manassas. It was Encyclopedia who solved the case of the haberdasher who reported that his store had been robbed by Natty Nat. Encyclopedia closed the case over dinner with his parents. His father was the chief of police in Idaville (named for Sobol’s mother) and read his notes on the case at the family dinner table. Mr. Dillon, a partner in the store, said he had been surprised by Natty Nat. When he looked up from the cash register, there was the famous criminal, wearing his signature gray coat with a belt in the back. Natty Nat, gun in hand, ordered Mr. Dillon to turn around and face the wall. When Mr. Dillon finally turned back around, Natty Nat — and the register’s cash — were gone. Encyclopedia promptly pronounced that there had been no robbery and that Mr. Dillon had stolen his partner’s money by emptying the cash register himself. After all, how could he have known the coat was belted in the back if he’d only seen Natty Nat from the front? This is how Brown bested them. Just by clearer thinking. The fisticuffs were thrown by his partner, Sally Kimball. She once knocked Bugs Meany “flatter than a 15-cent sandwich.” But Encyclopedia could outthink her. One day there was even a contest in which Sally sought to outsmart Encyclopedia by telling the case of the Great Merko. Brown figured it out in a trice. “You told it very cleverly,” Brown condescended, but he deduced that the Great Merko was not a man but a woman. This is how Donald Sobol lifted young Leroy Brown up to immortality, one delicious deduction at a time, ten stories to a volume, more than two dozen of which were turned out over the decades so that generations of boys could flip to the back of the book to see if they had solved the case correctly. His hero never aged. He never moved away from Idaville. He never betrayed anyone. He had no dark side. He just kept going. Sobol himself, the New York Times notes in its own obituary, never made more than a comfortable, middle-class living from the works, having sold off the broadcast and movie rights early on for a nominal fee. But he enriched the world, and will be doing so for generations to come.

Making tough choices? Always better in the open To The Editor: Our family was touched by two of the teachers involved in the current teacher excessing dilemma at P.S. 24: the keyboard music teacher that is slated to be cut and the “inexperienced” teacher that is next in line to be lost. The situation is breaking our hearts. Our son takes piano lessons outside of P.S. 24. For the last two years, the keyboard teacher was a positive influence on him. Not surprisingly, our son sometimes finds practicing unappealing. The keyboard teacher was a constant source of encouragement and helped him to find enjoyment in playing music. She even took time from her weekend to attend his “Book 1” recital. It meant a lot to him and to us. After a difficult year with an “experienced” teacher, the “inexperienced” teacher completely turned things around for our son. With the experienced teacher, he was withdrawn in class for the entire year and learned to

dislike school. Fortunately, the warm and kindness of the inexperienced teacher brought him out of his shell and made school a wonderful place again. The inexperienced teacher was engaged with her students, creative in her approach, and visibly enthusiastic about her job. Unfortunately, not all experienced teachers share those same attributes. Some teachers burn out, become inﬂexible, or simply engage the autopilot. A classroom teacher may spend 5 hours a day with her students creating the potential to do great good or great harm. When an exceptional classroom teacher comes along, it is vital to keep her in the classroom. Our son beneﬁted from an extraordinary teacher. We will always be grateful to her and hope she will continue her good work at P.S. 24. The full-page announcement that ran in both the July 5 and July 12 editions of your paper raises a valid question about educational priorities. Should

ANDREW WOLF, Editor and Publisher

Note our new address: 5752 Fieldston Road Bronx, New York 10471 (718) 543-5200 FAX: (718) 543-4206

JOEL PAL Production Manager ROBERT NILVA Marketing Director

CECILIA McNALLY Office Manager MIAWLING LAM Associate Editor

STAFF: Robert Lebowitz, Richard Reay, Paulette Schneider, Lloyd Ultan, Daniel R. Wolf

the music program be cut to keep an amazing classroom teacher? Given my experience with both the music program and the classroom teacher, my choice is unclear. I do not envy Principal Donna Connelly’s position. Does she cut a valuable music program that touches every student or a classroom teacher that may have a profound impact on one class of students at a time for years to come? It is Scylla or Charybdis. Unfortunately, the educational priority question was almost buried in unsubstantiated Continued from Page 19

Stop taxpayer $ going to religious group

To The Editor: Oliver Koppell is giving $5000 of taxpayer money to Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale and $5000 to eh Hebrew Institute to bankroll their various “programs.” I thought we had separation of religion and state in the U.S. These “programs” being funded beneﬁt Jews only and are religious in nature. The “programs” funded by Koppell teach a vile and pernicious hatred towards the entire Gentile world. Why should Gentile taxpayer money be used to fund Jewish only organizations and especially one that doesn’t even consider Gentiles human? Patty Goldstein

Who is going to stand up for V.C. Park?

Making tough choices

The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, July 19, 2012

To The Editor: A pamphlet by Rita Freed reads, “Some of the Northwest Bronx’s remaining natural areas are under threat from plans for ‘Greenway’ bicycle routes through Riverdale Park and on the Putnam Trail in Van Cortlandt Park. The projects will destroy many acres of trees and vegetation, cost millions of dollars, and force hikers, birders, dog walkers, mothers with baby carriages, and runners to give way with high-speed wheeled recreation.” Bicyclists and runners questioned by NY1/TV and “Save the Putnam Trail” want the trail better maintained with ﬁne gravel, not widened and paved. A 2011 survey by the Riverdale Nature Preservancy found that 65 respondents (most living in Fieldston and West Riverdale) only 15 bicycled in Riverdale and fewer than half would bicycle on a Riverdale Park greenway. Yet, the Metropolitan Transportation (NYMTC) is pressing for huge plans for an even grander Battery-to-Albany Hudson Greenway such as a cantilevered outer roadway for bicycles along the Henry Hudson Bridge ($15 million) and a spiral path westward through southern Riverdale Park from Palisade Avenue down to a new bridge, over the Metro North tracks — another $15 million. Minutes of a Community Board 8 meeting report that a Conservancy could manage the Greenway and vendors might be positioned along it. Private conservancies would commercialize these spaces.

In the past Van Cortlandt Park was raped by the building, thus destroying original trees and parkland homes to wildlife, of the water ﬁltration plant that was wanted by a group in Westchester… costing billions in overrun for some temporary jobs. I hope this can be stopped. The $2 million that Mayor Bloomberg promised could maintain the bike paths. I’ve walked in Van Cortlandt Park for many years and I love that it looks very woodsy and cool and far away from city streets. Paving that pathway along the lake is a bad idea. Please don’t let the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) proceed with their plans. Jane Buckelew

Nicole went back to basics and saved $312!

Packages start at just

FOR 12 MONTHS Everyday Price $24.99/mo

John got in the game with a wide range of sports, movies and more & saved up to $750!

Continued from Page 18 charges of “nepotism, mismanagement, and lies.” When your paper makes sensational accusations without evidence, it undermines your credibility. Your argument for saving the music program would be much stronger without the personal attacks. As it is, you seem to be writing with ignorance and malice. No one wants to lose the music program. No one should want to lose a great teacher. If there is a way to save both, I am sure Principal Connelly will find it. It not, regardless of the outcome, it will be the children that lose. Enrique Jaen The editor replies: The ad the writer refers to was submitted by parents, not written by us. That is not to say that the parents aren’t right on target. Our position is a reflection of the continued refusal of the principal and the current parents association leadership to comment and answer these charges brought to us by P.S. 24 parents. But overall it is our position that preserving the program and structure of the music program at P.S. 24 is more important than the job of any individual teacher. The charges in the advertisement placed by the parents are charges that they have raised, and deserve answers and support. The disgraceful effort to silence those parents who oppose the administration and eliminate a free press in our community has created an atmosphere of fear among parents. This has been reported to us by these parents and by public officials concerned by the chilling effect of any effort to undermine freedom of speech, and what that implies for our community.

Join Nicole and John and Start Saving Today!

PACKAGES UNDER $50

INCLUDED FOR 3 MONTHS with qualifying packages. Offer based on the discounted $5 price for the Blockbuster @Home. One disc at a time, $10/mo. value.

Prices valid for 12 months. Requires 24-Month agreement

NO ONE CAN COMPARE TO

DISH Network!

THE COMPETITION DOESN’T STACK UP

LARGEST CABLE PROVIDERS

BLOCKBUSTER @HOME included for 3 months Get over 100,000 movies, shows and games by mail, plus thousands of titles streamed to your TV or PC

The most HD channels Lowest All-Digital Prices Nationwide Award-Winning HD DVR FREE Installation in up to 6 rooms

YES YES YES YES YES

PREMIUM MOVIE CHANNELS

For 3 months.

SAME DAY INSTALLATION IN UP TO 6 ROOMS

Call now and save up to $750 on TV!

1-888-440-0185

Where available.

CALL TODAY INSTALLED TODAY! Call 7 days a week 8am - 11pm EST Promo Code: MB0512

Blockbuster @Home (1 disc at a time): Only available with new qualifying DISH service activated between 5/21/12 and 7/31/12. For the first 3 months of your subscription, you receive a bundle of Blockbuster @Home for $5/mo (regularly $10/mo) and your programming package at a promotional bundle price. Promotional prices continue for 3 months provided you subscribe to both components of the bundle and do not downgrade. After 3 months, then-current prices apply to each component (unless a separate promotional price still applies to your programming package). Requires online DISH account for discs by mail; broadband Internet to stream content; HD DVR to stream to TV. Exchange online rentals for free in-store movie rentals at participating Blockbuster stores. Offer not available in Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands. Streaming to TV and some channels not available with select packages. 12 month pricing requires 24 month agreement. Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. Cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining applies if service is terminated before end of agreement. With qualifying packages, Online Bonus credit requires AutoPay with Paperless Billing, email opt-in for DISH E-Newsletter, and online redemption no later than 45 days from service activation. After applicable promotional period, then-current price will apply. $10/mo HD add-on fee waived for life of current account; requires 24-month agreement, continuous enrollment in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. 3-month premium movie offer value is up to $132; after 3 months then-current price applies unless you downgrade. Free Standard Professional Installation only. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Up front fee, monthly fees, and limits on number and type of receivers will apply. You must initially enable PrimeTime Anytime feature; requires local channels broadcast in HD (not available in all markets). Number of recording hours will vary. 2000 hours based on SD programming. HD hard drive space comparison based on equipment currently available. HD programming requires HD television. Prices, packages, programming and offers subject to change without notice. Offer available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer ends 7/31/12. HBO®, Cinemax® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. STARZ and related channels and service marks are property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. All new customers are subject to a one-time, non-refundable processing fee.

Thursday, July 19, 2012 â€˘ The RIVERDALE REVIEW

Call toll-free: 1-888-459-1026 Pric r i e Th

ice

Pr Our

Bottle A Manufactured By PfizerTM.

LipitorTM $570.81

Atorvastatin* $67.00

Bottle B Manufactured By Generics Manufacturers

Typical US brand price for 20mg x 100

Generic equivalent of LipitorTM generic price for 20mg x 100

Are You Still Paying Too Much For Your Medications? You can save up to 90% when you fill your prescriptions at our Canadian and International Pharmacies.

NexiumTM $584.84

Typical US Brand Price

CelebrexTM $478.52

Typical US Brand Price

Esomeprazole* $71.00

Celecoxib*

Generic Price

$58.00

AdvairTM

$746.13 VS

Typical US Brand Price

ZetiaTM

$426.03

Typical US Brand Price

Salmeterol & Fluticasone Propionate* $140.00 Generic Price

Ezetimibe* Generic Price

$78.00

Compare our prices and see how much you can save! For more prices call us toll-free at 1-888-459-1026.

Save more today with an extra $10 off & free shipping! Get An Extra

$10 And

OFF

FREE SHIPPING

Get an extra $10 off your first order today! Call the number below and save an additional $10 plus get free shipping on your first prescription order with Canada Drug Center. Expires Dec 31, 2012. Offer is valid for prescription orders only and can not be used in conjunction with any other offers. Use code 10FREE to receive this special offer.

Order Now! Toll-free: 1-888-459-1026

Please note that we do not carry controlled substances and a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication orders.

Prescription price comparison above is valid as of June 15, 2012. All trade-mark (TM) rights associated with the brand name products in this ad belong to their respective owners. *Generic drugs are carefully regulated medications that have the same active ingredients as the original brand name drug, but are generally cheaper in price. Generic equivalents are equal to their "brand" counterparts in Active Ingredients, Dosage, Safety, Strength, Quality, Performance and Intended use. It may vary in colour, shape, size, cost and appearance.