September, 2012 - The Nyack Villager

TheNyack Villager ®
An independent monthly news magazine celebrating life and the arts in the Hudson River Villages
September
2012
This month we celebrate The Nyack Villager’s 19th birthday
with a review of some favorite covers by Jan & Shel Haber
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Mailed on or near the first of each month to every residential address in eight river villages—Upper Nyack, Nyack, Central Nyack, South Nyack,
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2 The Nyack Villager September, 2012

In this issue
Departments
3 REPORTER AT LARGE
• How & where to register to vote
• On the new bridge
• What they’re saying:
George Sherman on the new TZ Bridge
Kirsten Gillibrand on Todd Akin
• The Cost of the War in Iraq
• What Was in The Villager 10 Years Ago?
7 LETTERS to The Nyack Villager
12 COMMUNITY NOTES Community dates in September
14 SEPTEMBER EVENTS Art & entertainment this month
16 CALENDAR Highlights in September
17 OP-CALENDAR PAGE useful local phone numbers
Columns
8 REMEMBER THE DAYS? Jim Leiner’s Memories of Liberty Street School
9 THE APP OF THE MONTH by Vicky Schwaid
10 AT THE MOVIES Ric Pantale on film superheroes
11 HEARTWORMS by Midge L. Ritchie DVM
12 THE LIFETIME GARDENER by Jon Feldman
13 NYACK BUSINESS BEAT by Scott Baird
18 THEY GOT WHAT?! Donna Cox on current trends in real estate
Features
6 VILLAGER ON THE ROAD The Fremont Troll
6 TOOTS AND THE DEAD RATS a reminiscence by Jan Haber
19 BACK TO SCHOOL in the river villages
On our September cover
CELEBRATING THE NYACK VILLAGER’S 19th ANNIVERSARY
with some of our favorite covers by Jan & Shel Haber,
© 2009—2012 The Nyack Villager, Nyack, NY
Jon Feldman on a
fine Rhododendron
see page 12
The Nyack Villager
September, 2012 Vol. 19 No. 1
On the Internet at www.nyackvillager.com
Ric Pantale on
movie superheroes
see page 10
Dr. Ritchie on
heartworm in dogs
see page 11
Seattle’s
Municipal Troll
see page 6
Back To School
see page 19
E-mail news releases to us at info@nyackvillager.com Deadline for our October issue is September 15.
Please include a contact name and telephone number
REPORTER
at large
How & where to register to vote
To vote in the upcoming local & presidential
elections on Nov. 6 you must be registered.
You must register to vote if you’ve never
registered or if you moved since you last
registered. Fortunately, New York State,
makes it easy to register.
• Register in person at the Rockland County
Board of Elections Mon—Fri 9am to 5pm
and during special hours on Sat Oct 13,
from 2pm to 9pm or at any New York State
agency-based voter registration center.
The Rockland County Board of Elections is
at 11 New Hempstead Road New City, NY
10956. Phone: 845.638.5172. Call to
have an application mailed to you.
• You can also enter your name directly into
the mailing list database to have a New York
State Voter Registration Form mailed to
you. NOTE: The same form can be downloaded,
using this link—
http://www.elections.ny.gov/VotingRegister.htmlHow
and Where to register to Vote
or You can call 1.800.FOR.VOTE to request
a voter application. You can download
a PDF version of the NY State Voter
Registration Form in English or Spanish.
All signed applications must be postmarked
by October 12, 2012, or dropped off at the
Board of Elections by that date.
• Absentee ballot applications can be obtained
online or in person at the Board of
Elections, and then dropped off or mailed
in with an original signature postmarked no
later than October 30, 2012. Absentee Ballots
are due postmarked or dropped off by
November 5. You can use the absentee ballot
even if you’ll be at home on election day.
• To vote you must be 18 years old or older,
a US citizen, a Rockland County resident
for 30 days prior to November 6, not in jail
nor on parole for a felony conviction, and
not claiming the right to vote elsewhere.
Frequently asked question:
If I sign up to vote, will I get called for jury
duty?
Answer:
The court draws names from many sources, including
the Department of Motor Vehicles.
An individual is more likely to be called for jury
duty because of possessing a driver’s license
than because he/she is registered to vote.
Reporter At Large continues on page 4
The Nyack Villager September, 2012 3

4 The Nyack Villager September, 2012
REPORTER
at large
On the new bridge
Plans to replace the Tappan Zee Bridge have
moved a giant step forward.
In Piermont, with the Hudson River as his
scenic backdrop, Gov. Andrew Cuomo proclaimed
...“a different day for the Tappan
Zee,” adding, “We’ve made more progress
in the past few months than we made in 13
years.”
Indeed, as of Monday, August 20, the NY
Metropolitan Council, comprised of the
county executives of Westchester, Rockland
and Putnam, gave their approval, clearing
the way for the governor to seek federal financing
for part of the project’s cost.
Not everybody is happy about it. There is
still uncertainly about where $5.2 billion
will come from—and there is real outrage
about the projected toll of $14 which, some
say, will put the new bridge beyond the
reach of working commuters.
There are plenty of concerns. Paul Gallay,
president of Riverkeeper, the pro-environment
watchdog group that has criticized the
governor’s plan, wrote, “In the business
world, no reputable company would hold a
vote on, let alone approve a $5 billion investment
on the basis of a sketchy, one-page
financial plan, especially from a business
that’s already having problems with its bond
rating, like the Thruway Authority.”
On Monday the state killed off all hopes for
rail service over the new Tappan Zee Bridge,
dooming Rockland, Westchester and Putnam
counties to countless generations of
dependence on their cars, with all the hydocarbon
emissions that will surely follow.
The best mass transit we can hope for is a
dedicated bus lane during rush hours.
Howard Glaser, director of state operations,
called the August 20 vote "an important
step forward. There's been 10 years of
study, hundreds of public meetings, and finally
we'll begin to move forward," Glaser
said. "The (55 year old) bridge is outdated,
it's unsafe. Residents of Westchester and
Rockland and Putnam deserve better, and
it's an important economic lifeline for all of
New York State."
Among many questions that remain: why
was is Tappan Zee Bridge falling apart after
only 55 years? The GW will celebrate its
81st birthday in a few weeks.
What they’re saying
● GEORGE SHERMAN ON THE NEW TZ BRIDGE
In a letter dated Aug 7, George Sherman, a
resident of South Nyack and longtime advocate
for the environment, complains that
meetings intended as public information
sessions have been monopolized by local
politicians whose speeches add nothing to
the debate and leave no time for local residents
to be heard.
“I'm sure that you are aware that this area is
and has been out of compliance with federal
clean air standards for years,” wrote Mr.
Sherman, “The proposed new bridge(s) will
create more traffic and only compound this
problem. Yet this serious threat to our
health has not been addressed and we are
faced with a major increase of cancer causing
toxins being spewed into our air.
This whole region will suffer as polluted air
knows no boundary. When 287 and 87
were joined, we saw a doubling of truck
traffic through this corridor. I don’t see that
the sign at the 287/87 juncture directing
trucks north to 84 has had a significant impact
in reducing the truck volume.
“We had requested that epidemiological
studies be done in this region to determine
the degree of illness so a realistic assessment
could be made but we were turned down by
the NY State Thruway Authority. Somewhere
in the 88 million dollars spent on
consultants, money could have been found
for this important study.
Are they afraid that such a study will reveal
a problem that they do not want to deal
with?”
The letter was sent to Brian Coneybeare,
former News 12 anchor, now a spokesman
for the governor.
● SEN. KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND ON REP. TODD AKIN
“In all my years of public service, I’ve heard
a lot of shocking remarks on the campaign
trail. But yesterday’s appalling comment by
Tea Party senatorial candidate Rep. Todd
Akin of Missouri took things to a whole
new level.”
“If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has
ways to try to shut that whole thing down,”
he said, falsely claiming that rape survivors
can’t become pregnant as a result of the
crime, while defending his opposition to
abortion, even in cases of rape and incest.
Sen. Gillibrand added that Akin’s opponent
is Sen. Claire McCaskill, “who has been a
strong progressive voice in the Senate on
behalf of women’s rights.”
Rosie O’Donnell’s close call
Hours after she
helped a woman
from her car in a
Nyack parking lot,
Rosie O’Donnell,
popular actor, comedian
and South
Nyack resident, said
she experienced
chest ache, clammy
skin, nausea and vomiting. She did an online
search for heart attack symptoms in
women and took some aspirin.
The cardiologist she consulted the next day
told her that her coronary artery was 99%
blocked. The cardiologist installed a stent.
At last report, Ms. O’Donnell was making
good progress toward recovery.
Considering herself lucky, Ms. O’Donnell
urged women to know the symptoms of
heart attack and to “listen to the voice inside—the
one we all so easily ignore.”
Great advice. Get well soon, Rosie!
Symptoms of heart attack
Anthony Komaroff, MD writes that, although
the most common sign of heart attack
in both men and women is chest pain
or discomfort, other symptoms tend to vary
depending on gender.
In men—
symptoms include pain or discomfort in the
center of the chest, pain or discomfort that
radiates to the upper body, especially shoulders
or arms and neck, sweating, dizziness.
In women—
symptoms include pressure, aching, or tightness
in the center of the chest (although not
as frequently as in men), shortness of breath,
weakness; unusual fatigue, nausea or vomiting,
dizziness back or jaw pain.
Dr. Komaroff is professor of medicine at Harvard
Medical School and editor-in-chief of
Harvard Health Publications.
Fact checking
As much as we admire and use the Internet,
we must recognize that it’s the perfect
medium for legitimizing lies and half-truths.
Get to know Snopes, if you’re not already
acquainted with it. Be your own fact
checker at http://www.snopes.com/
Snopes describes their site as “the definitive
Internet reference source for urban legends,
folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation.”
✫

The Nyack Villager September, 2012 5

Villager On the Road
The Fremont Troll
You have to love a city where a troll qualifies
as municipal art.
In the Fremont district of Seattle, Washington,
under the Aurora Bridge, there lurks an
18’ troll, clutching a VW Beetle with California
license plates. One imagines he just
grabbed it off the roadway above.
In 1990, the audacious plans of artists Steve
Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter and
Ross Whitehead won the competition sponsored
by the Fremont Arts Council. The
goal was to rehabilitate the area under the
bridge—long a hangout for drug dealers.
The troll was built later that same year.
Trolls are known to live under bridges—as
you know if you are familiar with the Scandinavian
folktale, Three Billy Goats Gruff.
Made of steel rebar, wire and concrete, the
Fremont Troll is known to freeze in place
whenever there are observers. Aurora Avenue
North was renamed Troll Avenue in
his honor. ✫
Toots and the dead rats
by Jan Haber
When Cynthia O’Kelly was in the third
grade, she got religion.
Her parents, casual Methodists, viewed
their daughter’s religious fervor with amused
toleration, although I feel sure they would
have intervened had they known about the
rat funerals.
For one whole
summer, Toots—
nobody ever called
her Cynthia—buried every dead
rat we could find under the elevated
tracks in our neighborhood
on the North side of
Chicago.
I was her willing accomplice, scrounging little
boxes to serve as caskets for the departed.
Each rat was buried with elaborate Christian
ceremony in a deep hole in the cinders
under the elevated tracks.
Toots ran a pretty good funeral, complete
with readings from a tattered Bible. To our
eight year-old ears, the ceremony resonated
with dignity and holiness. At the site of
each interment, we raised a small cross we
fashioned ourselves from two sticks and
some twine.
I can only imagine what my parents would
have said about the enterprise. My dad was
a doctor and my mother a registered nurse.
They were both, I thought, obsessed with
hand washing. My mother kept our small
apartment scrubbed and disinfected, as
though she expected it to be used to perform
surgery. Rats and other germ-carriers
were anathema.
Had they found out how we were spending
our time, I suspect it would have ruined
everything and a lot of rats would have
gone unburied. ✫
Jan Haber, a graphic artist and writer, is the
editor of The Nyack Villager.
6 The Nyack Villager September, 2012

Letters
An open community forum.
to the editor
Opinions expressed are those of
each letter writer; The Nyack Villager
need not agree.
A correction
To The Nyack Villager—
In August 2012 in Editor's Note following a
letter entitled, Question about Sean Ryan Park,
there were some errors I'd like to correct.
—Missy Pinckert, Upper Nyack
Editor’s Note: Our mistake. We transposed the
numbers in the date of Mr. Ryan’s tragic death
and should have reported he died in 1995—
not 1955. For more details, see www.co.rockland.ny.us/environ/county/SeanHunterRyan.htm
More on Nyack Library
(Letter edited for length)
To The Nyack Villager—
Nyack Library board members must expect
that those who contact you will express dissent.
Non-users and those who are happy
with the status quo will not be willing to sit
through tedious, sometimes incomprehensible
three-hour board meetings.
Recently, those who disagree with current
library policy have been dismissed as ignorant
or as complainers who dislike change.
It has even been suggested this library is not
the place for research and that such users
should go elsewhere.
The library should serve the needs of all its
people—as the library’s extremely high calibre
staff seems to understand. Why doesn’t
the administration and board share their responsiveness?
To a person, all those who recently spoke in
disagreement say they love the Nyack Library.
Their criticisms should not be dismissed
but welcomed as evidence of an
engaged public, not demonized and dismissed.
Currently, at board meetings, there is little
communication. One leaves the meeting
having expressed one’s views, but there is no
back and forth discussion. Then everything
seems to drop into a black hole.
Has the board considered what has been
said? Without two-way communication,
there’s no way to know.
Nyack Library should focus on the needs
and convenience of its tax-paying users.
—Maureen Lester
Nyack Library: another opinion
To The Nyack Villager—
In response to a number of letters that you
have published, I have to say that I love the
Nyack Library. I think this is because I use
the online service to order specific books I
want. Nyacklibrary.org makes it incredibly
easy to put a hold on any book you want in
the entire Ramapo Catskill system. They
even call you up when the book is ready for
pickup. Now, when I read an intriguing
book review, I immediately go online and
put a hold on the book. It works so well. I
just love it.
The scattered magazine displays are a minor
source of annoyance, but overall we have a
great library if you use the available technology.
—Karen Tarapata, Upper Nyack
Note: Letters continue online at
www.nyackvillager.com
This publication
welcomes letters on all subjects
from its readers..
The address
to which to send your letter appears
on page 17.
The Nyack Villager September, 2012 7

8 The Nyack Villager September, 2012
Remember the days?
by James F. Leiner
Memories of Liberty Street
School
Liberty Street School once rested
majestically on a small hill in the
south end of Nyack. Its lovely
green front lawn sloped gently
down to Broadway.
Built on property donated by Tunis
Depew, the school opened in 1851; additions
were added in 1867, 1909 and 1949. Originally
called the Nyack School it was the only
public school in the area, and housed all grades
until the end of 1929 when new junior and senior
High Schools opened on Midland Avenue.
High School classes occupied the top floor.
There was a pre-fabricated building on the
south side of the school housing what, at the
time, were called slow learners. On the southeast
corner, a building housed grade 3-D (advanced
students). Physical education was
handled either in the giant hall on the downstairs
floor or on the outside playground depending
on the weather.
Upper grades went to the Nyack YMCA on
Burd Street, where varsity basketball was
played. Varsity baseball and football were
played on “Doc” Bernard’s field located at his
Clarkstown Country Club. Students were separated
by gender, boys on the south playground,
and girls on the north. The yearbook
was called The Owl; the school colors were blue
& gold.
In the early 1930s the front lawn was sold for
a new post office and Liberty Street was extended
south from Depew to Hudson Avenue.
The Nyack School became Liberty Street
School.
Teachers stayed for a long time back then; to
many, Liberty Street seemed like home. Teachers
like Susan Blauvelt & Warren Templin
(English), Florence Slade (spelling and penmanship),
Winifred Davis and Geraldine Moffit,
(mathematics), Betty Ingersoll (history),
Evangeline MacLaren, (public speaking & dramatics)—was
she ever qualified for that subject!
Gertrude Goldstein and Bandmaster Arthur
Christman, (music), Solon Gordon, (printing
and mechanical drawing), Vivian Krumm and
Francis H. Campbell, (science), Ella Goodsir,
(bookkeeping), and Doris Newton, (geography).
In 1929 Kenneth MacCalman was the
superintendent and a former chemistry teacher,
A.W. “Mr. Ritt” Ritterhausen was the principal.
Before him principals were Homer J.
Wightman and Charles Warner.
Sports have always been a big part of education
and Nyack School was no different. The Nyack
coaches of the day included Harold S. DeGroat
(baseball, basketball & football), Thornley
Booth, (soccer), George Hobart
&, Harold Petersen, (basketball),
Thomas G.Ausbury coached
football and baseball. Phyllis R.
Clarke and Ruth Mosley coached
all the girls’ sports. Assistant
coaches included Sol Gordon,
(wrestling), Verner Cox, Warren
Templin (track & soccer) and
Francis Campbell, (tennis). All-
County athletes were plentiful
coming from Liberty Street including the
Geary, Lovett, Donovan and Theis brothers,
Louis Durkin, Louis Tillinghast, “Buzz” Fountain,
and Harry Rosenberg. Rosenberg was the
first in Rockland County to run 100 yards in
10 seconds—miraculous time in the 20s, considering
the type of shoes and the cinder track.
Also guys like Syd Bradshaw, Chris Kelly, Bud
Avery, Peck Artopee (yes, the street is named
after him), Fred Conace, Syd Miller, Pete (take
2 & hit to right) D’Auria, Dan Guilfoyle, Andy
Podraskie, Horace Tyrus, Harry Dropkin, Bill
Perry and Jack Rose. The girl athletes often remembered
are Betty Zabriskie, Dorothy
Blount, Betty Parietti, Hope Coffey and the
Speh sisters.
Academics were stressed—and paid off for
many of the students. Success came to many
including Sydney Bradshaw, former governor
of the NY Stock Exchange, Eddie Sauter,
arranger for many of the Big Bands during the
40s; Bill Smith, basso star of musicals like
Showboat and Porgy and Bess; Leonard Goldstein,
in charge of all U.S military bands in Europe
by the end of World War II; Rusty
Crawford, chairman of the board of Bowery
Savings Bank; John Bott, former editor of the
NY Post, William H. Hand, assistant to
Thomas Edison and later a successful inventor,
Homer Lydecker Sr., a successful businessman
and avid baseball fan, and Clifford Blauvelt,
vice-president of American Cyanamid.
Liberty Street would continue to be the village’s
only Elementary School until it was closed in
1968 after being declared unsafe by the State
Education Department. After settling a dispute
over the land with the Depew family heirs the
school was torn down in September 1977. The
property was sold to the Nyack Urban Renewal
Agency. Dozens of Liberty Street Alumni stood
watching the demolition with a tear in their
eye. “It was a very nice school at the time,” said
Pat Roy who graduated from 6th grade in
1953, as she watched the workers tear down
the school. “But, I don’t feel bad, it’s making
way for other things, Liberty Street served its
purpose in its time.” ✫
The Nyack Villager thanks Jim Leiner for helping
us all ‘Remember the Days.’

The App of the Month
by Vicki Schwaid
NAG NAG NAG
“Oh, I haven’t had the
chance.” “Oh, I’ll do
it tomorrow.” “Eh, I
did one a month ago,
that’s good enough.”
“Oh, geez, I’ve been meaning to get a hard
drive, but haven’t had a chance.”
Does this all sound too familiar? It does to
me. The importance of backup is so under
estimated. The computer data we create is
becoming the integrated fibers of our life—
our photos, music, emails, documents, each
and every one—beyond important to us.
So, really, it doesn’t take much effort in the
long run to set up a backup scheme.
There are several options, however. The
two easiest options are to purchase either an
external hard drive (USB, FireWire, SATA)
or a Time Capsule, which is a network
drive. If you choose the first option—the
external hard drive route—then all you really
need to do is connect it to your Mac; the
operating system will ask “Do you want this
drive to be used for time machine?” and
you say YES! Time Machine is the name of
the backup program. Viola! the backup will
begin and will happen every hour as long as
the hard drive is plugged into the computer.
If you decide to disconnect the external
drive and then put it back into the computer
a day or week later, the backup will naturally
resume as if it was never taken out.
The second option also works like a charm.
A Time Capsule is an Apple product that
contains a hard drive in a white slim box
however in general, it does NOT connect
to the computer but connects to the network
(either the router or modem). Most
people who have laptops travel with them,
or take them back and forth to work. What
is lovely about this option is the Time Capsule
knows the laptop is back home and will
resume any backup that has started. There
are no cables to worry about because the
backup happens over the wireless network.
Magic!
And I will nag you too and say “GO
BACKUP!” There—I nagged you! ✫
Vicki Schwaid is the owner of The Mac Shack
in Nyack. The Mac Shack does on-site service
and support for Mac Computers and devices.
She has been in the computing industry for 25+
years with a fluid understanding of networking,
programming, video & graphic production.
The Nyack Villager September, 2012 9

At the Movies
by Ric Pantale
A Superhero Is Nothing
But a Super Sandwich
There seems to be an endless barrage
of superhero movies today.
You have to wonder when Mighty
Mouse and Popeye will get their shot (oops
forgot—Popeye was done ‘way back in 1980).
Where and how did all this start?
It seems as though every few months Hollywood
finds another hero with unbelievable
powers. Of course, superheroes are nothing
new in movies; consider Tarzan. He is kind
of a superhero without shoes—and he goes
back to 1918—the last year of WW1.
Tarzan's super powers included his ability
to talk to animals. And he seemed to have a
vine handy whenever he needed to travel.
The first superheroes came from popular
comic strips, often done as movie serials.
Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers—even Superman
thrilled Saturday morning movie goers.
In the 1940s Superman and Batman, along
with Captain Marvel were all done as film
serials. Let's not forget Dick Tracy, the big
city super detective with a crazy-looking
nose.
Comic book superheroes became superpopular
during WW2. Every hero wanted
to kick Nazi butt, especially Captain America.
For some reason Japan escaped his wrath.
By the early 1950s comic books came under
serious fire from US congressmen who felt
young minds were being poisoned by horror
comics. Because of that, all comic books
suffered. Superman and Batman continued
but some of the other super heroes went
into early retirement. Then,
sometime in the 1980s, comic
books were reborn as graphic
novels, spawning a whole new
generation of comic addicts.
Every now and then a movie
was made starring the new heroes
—Swamp Thing, The Hulk and
Super Woman—but they were
invariably of poor quality, with low budgets
and laughably bad special effects.
This went on until the first serious superhero
film appeared. Superman, The Movie came
when newly-developing computer graphics,
super sound and new, sophisticated visual
techniques were all coming together.
Although the Christopher Reeve was perfect
in the role of Superman, he was unknown
to movie audiences of the day. For the first
time, a movie based on a comic book had a
big budget and a supporting cast full of big
stars—Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman,
Glenn Ford. Soon thereafter came an unusually
fine sequel, Superman 2.
Hollywood producers were stunned by the
box office success of these films and became
convinced that, given a decent budget and
first rate actors, people would flock to see a
film about a superhero.
Batman came next, with a young, imaginative
director, Tim Burton, staring such notables
as Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson
and Kim Basinger. The success of these
films created a new genre that is going
strong today. I am still waiting for my own
superhero, Birdman to make his appearance.
He can't fly but is a great jumper.
Ric Pantale writer and director, is an independent
film maker. His latest film, “Delilah
Rose,” is scheduled for release soon. ✫
10 The Nyack Villager September, 2012

From Valley Cottage
Animal Hospital
by Midge L. Ritchie, DVM
Nasty Little Worms and
Your Best Friend’s Heart
Heartworm disease is a serious
and potentially fatal condition
caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries
of the lungs and occasionally in the right
side of the heart of dogs, cats and other
species of mammals, including wolves, foxes,
ferrets, sea lions and (in rare instances) humans.
Heartworms are classified as nematodes
(roundworms), specifically Dirofilaria
immitis. Dogs and cats of any age or breed are
susceptible to infection.
The disease is spread by mosquitoes that become
infected with microfilariae while taking
a blood meal from an infected animal. When
the infected mosquito bites another dog, cat,
or susceptible animal, the larvae are deposited
on the skin and actively migrate into the new
host. For about two months the larvae migrate
through the connective tissue, under the
skin, and then pass into the animal's blood
stream. There, they are quickly transported
to the arteries of the lungs. It takes a total of
approximately six months for the infective
larvae to mature into adult worms that begin
producing offspring, microfilariae. Adult
heartworms can live for five to seven years in
the dog. The onset and severity of disease in
the dog is mainly a reflection of the number
of adult heartworms present, the age of the
infection and the level of activity of the dog.
Dogs with higher numbers of worms are generally
found to have more severe heart and
lung disease changes. The heart may enlarge
and become weakened due to an increased
workload and congestive heart failure may
occur. A very active dog (working dog) is
more likely to develop severe disease with a
relatively small number of heartworms than
an inactive one (a lap dog or couch potato).
Occasionally, a dog with a large
number of heartworms may not
only have worms in the heart, but
also in the caudal vena cava (large
primary vein of the lower body)
between liver and heart. If heartworms
are not removed surgically,
this syndrome causes sudden collapse
and death within two to
three days.
In the cat, the larvae molt as well, but fewer
worms survive to adulthood. While dogs
may suffer from severe heart and lung damage
from heartworm infection, cats typically exhibit
minimal changes in the heart. The cat's
primary response to the presence of heartworms
occurs in the lungs. Cats typically
have fewer and smaller worms than dogs and
the life span of worms is shorter, approximately
two to three years, compared to five to
seven years in dogs. However, heartworms do
not need to develop into adults to cause significant
pulmonary damage in cats, and consequences
can be very serious when cats are
infected by mosquitoes carrying heartworm
larvae (acute pulmonary inflammation response
and lung injury). This initial phase is
often misdiagnosed as asthma or allergic
bronchitis but in actuality is part of a syndrome
now known as Heartworm Associated
Respiratory Disease (HARD).
Although at Valley Cottage Animal Hospital
we believe that prevention is key, many owners
unknowingly adopt dogs that are already
infected with the disease; so what happens
then? The only treatment that is approved by
the FDA is the use of melarsomine, commonly
known as Immiticide. This requires 3
injections over a course of 30 days, followed
by strict rest for a total of 60 days. This is
proven to kill 98% of the worms. In the past,
many have tried using what is called a “slowkill”
method, by using long-term heartworm
preventive, or macrocyclic lactones. Slow-kill
methods using continuous monthly administration
of prophylactic doses of any macrocyclic
lactone are NOT RECOMMENDED.
While effective in reducing the life span of juvenile
and adult heartworms, it appears that
the older the worms are when first exposed to
macrocyclic lactones, the longer it takes for
them to die. It may take more than two years
of continuous administration before adult
heartworms are eliminated completely, and
rigid exercise restriction would still be required
for the entire treatment period.
Throughout this period, the infection would
persist and would continue to worsen. Another
potential concern in using macrocyclic
lactones long-term in heartworm positive
dogs as stand-alone therapy is the potential
for resistance in sub-populations of heartworms.
Canine heartworm infection is widely distributed
throughout the US. Heartworm infection
has been found in dogs native to all 50
states. All dogs, regardless of their age, sex, or
habitat, are susceptible to heartworm infection.
At the Valley Cottage Animal Hospital
we have seen an increasing rate of positive
dogs within the last year; in fact, we have
treated 6 already just this year. This is why we
cannot stress enough the importance of
monthly heartworm preventives and yearly
checkups. Clinical signs that owners may notice
include, but are not limited to, cough,
exercise intolerance, dyspnea (difficulty
breathing), syncope (temporary loss of consciousness
due to poor blood flow to the
brain), and ascites (fluid accumulation in the
abdominal cavity). If you note any of these
signs, it is important to call your veterinarian.
If you have more questions regarding heartworm
disease, please feel free to contact us at
the Valley Cottage Animal Hospital, or call
your regular veterinarian. You can also check
out the American Heartworm Society’s website
at www.heartwormsociety.org ✫
Originally from Ohio, Dr. Ritchie trained at Ross
University School of Veterinary Medicine, and
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and
Biomedical Sciences. She is part of the Valley Cottage
Animal Hospital team.
The Nyack Villager September, 2012 11

The Lifetime Gardener
by Jon Feldman
If we're lucky, from time to time,
something touches our life that transforms
a moment into a lifelong
memory. Whether a person, place
or pet, such happenings become a
part of the story of our lives. For
me, it occurs more often with plants
than anything else.
Many of my firsts were while visiting a
botanical garden, plant nursery, or in the gardens
of friends. Some meetings were clearly
love at first sight. Others took a bit more
time for the attraction to be fully realized.
Curiously, it is often the circumstances of
the discovery that hold more long-lasting
appeal than the object itself.
I’ve met some extraordinary gardeners in
my work and am frequently awed by the
broad knowledge and love of plants they
share. One such person, a gardener for
most of her considerable lifetime, tends a
plot that her parents started at the end of
Community notes
Tell The Villager and we’ll tell the community.
E-mail brief news release to: info@nyackvillager.com
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE NYACKS
The Chamber’s After Hours networking gatherings resume
this month. For time & place call (845) 353-2221
SEPTEMBERFEST 2012
The Chamber of Commerce of the Nyacks hosts its annual
Autumn street fair, SeptemberFest, on Sunday, Sept 9 from
10am to 5pm rain or shine. Enjoy shopping, browsing, a
petting zoo for the kids, live music and food. Fun for all.
APPLE PICKING BEGINS
Pick your own apples at The Orchards of Concklin starting
Sept 8. The Orchards will be open for picking apples every
weekend thru Oct 21, 10am to 5pm, weather permitting.
12 The Nyack Villager September, 2012
the Korean War. During each visit, I am
shown new plants and learn more about her
fascinating life as we walk through
the array of plants and layers of history.
I have a few transplants of
her groundcovers now, and look
forward to pointing them out during
tours of my own gardens.
My first true infatuation, at about
age 12, was with a genus of plants
known as Rhododendrons. My parents
were crazy about them, and this acorn
didn’t fall far from their tree. The folks
were long-standing members of the American
Rhododendron Society, and I accompanied
them to its meetings and annual plant
sales. It wasn’t long before I joined the
ranks and shared the passion of the faithful.
One particular species that captured my
parents’ hearts, and became a part of family
lore, was a yellow-flowering variety known
as Mary Fleming. Like another family favorite,
Angel Wing seashells, sightings of a
Mary were as rare as finding an intact wing
among scattered shards along a sandy
beach. Either one would be announced
Apples include Cortland, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Empires,
Golden Delicious, Winesap, Rome, Fuji and Macouns. (Not
all apples wil be available on all weekends.)
For special fun, every weekend from noon to 5pm, The Orchards
have Inflatables for children.
The Orchards are at Exit 12 on the Palisades Parkway at Rte
45 & South Mountain Road in Pomona, NY. GPS address
1010 RT 45, Pomona NY. Info: 845.354.0369.
AT BIRCHWOOD CENTER
85 S. Broadway, Nyack. Everyone is welcome. Info or to register,
e-mail info@birchwoodcenter.com or call (845) 358-6409.
• Pilates Mat Class with Nicole Faustini
Build strength in the deep abdominal muscles focusing on
alignment, stability, and mobility of the spine. Beginners
welcome. Tuesdays, 7:15 to 8:15pm. Drop in: $20
• Rejuvenate with Restorative Yoga
with great pride and satisfaction—accompanied
by exact locations, dimensions and
comparisons to previous finds.
Our curiosity about the woman blessed
with such an unusual plant as her namesake
reached its peak in the pre-Google world of
the 1970s, yielding only snippets of undocumented
information.
The ensuing decades since the lapse of my
Society membership did not significantly
reduce the desire for more information on
this now-mythical woman ingrained into
my family’s history. Years later, in a fortunate
stroke of serendipity, I was called to an
interesting older property, in Upper Nyack,
for a landscape consultation. While walking
the grounds, enjoying its unusual and mature
plantings, I was listening to my client
explain the history of the place and found it
especially interesting that a well-known
horticulturist had owned and planted the
property in the late 1950s and ‘60s. Her
name was Mary Fleming. ✫
Jon Feldman is the owner of G. biloba Garden
Environments. Reach him at 353-3448 or
www.gbiloba.com
Open, reflect and receive the benefits of complete relaxation
using various props to support the body in deeply comfortable
and relaxing ways. Wed, Sept 19, 7 to 8:30pm. $25
• Sacred Sundown Services for Yom Kippur with Judith Rose
and Lisa Sokolov
Kol Nidre: Tuesday, Sept 25, 7:30 to 9pm.
Ne’ilah and Break Fast: Wed, Sept 26, 6 to 7:30pm.
$30 per service or $50 for both. Pre-Registration required.
NYACK SKATEBOARDING CONTEST
Nyack's first skateboarding contest (with prizes) takes place
Sat, Sept. 29 from 1-3 pm in the Riverspace parking lot,
Main Street, Nyack. The goal: to raise awareness for the
need of a legitimate skate spot in Nyack.
Nyack skateboarders Joe Ondrek, Joe Russo, Jamaal Bey,
Tim Anderson and teacher Sarah Anderson have been going
door to door to alert the neighbors. They have also set up

Nyack Business Beat
From the Chamber of Commerce of the
Nyacks
by Scott Baird
• Old friend with a
new name.
In May of this year,
First Niagara Bank (a
regional New York
Bank) purchased a
number of upstate
branches of HSBC (a multinational corporation),
including the iconic bank branch
we all know on South Broadway across
from the YMCA. So, in an interesting
switch from what we may be used to, a
multinational bank has been transformed
into a local, regional bank.
Despite the ownership change, the staff in
the Nyack Branch remains largely the same.
Sara Tucker still leads a team of six business
bankers, including Tracy Dembicer, who
covers Nyack. Tracy and her colleagues are
looking for businesses throughout the Hudson
Valley in need of commercial loans.
Local credit decision-making is a key strength
First Niagara brings to the table.
Sandeep Sandhu is Branch Manager in Nyack.
You’ll see other familiar faces at the branch:
those of Karen Ayres, Liz Fonvil, Arlene
Rodgers, Dan Maze and Latoya Aguillard.
We also look forward to working with First
Niagara on community projects; the bank
has a strong commitment to charitable
causes, especially those involving youth and
mentoring.
• A taste of Italy.
Celebrating her seventh year in Nyack,
fashion designer Paulette Ross brings charm
and class to Nyack in her delightful boutique—p.ross
on Main Street in the heart
of the Village. At first glance, you might
think the small store carries just “one-of-akind”
pieces, rather than full stock. But
that’s only until you understand that
Paulette has modeled her shop after European
boutiques; while she has every size in
the store, just one sample of each item is
displayed.
Paulette serves both men and women. Her
business is all about knowing her customers
and bringing something special to them.
She travels to Italy two to three times a year
to connect with the latest trends. She works
closely with clothing designers to bring home
styles that appeal to her customers’ tastes.
Paulette is also a fashion artist in her own
right. She designs jewelry, which is made in
Italy. She designs her own line of shoes,
blending high fashion with comfort. In the
same vein, the handbags she carefully selects
combine trendy looks with practicality.
Special touches, such as making sure shoes
have no pinch points and ensuring the fit
and drape of clothing are perfect, make
Paulette’s product line one of the treasures
of Nyack. ✫
Scott Baird is the President of the Chamber of
Commerce of the Nyacks; he is a commercial realtor
with Rand Commercial Services. His e-
mail address: scott.baird@randcommercial.com
an online petition at nyackskatepark@gmail.com
TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
Toastmasters is a not-for-profit organization helping promote
effective public speaking and the enrichment of leadership
skills. Nyack Toastmasters, chartered in the Spring of 2011,
meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month (Sept 13
& 27), from 7 to 8:30pm at Nyack Library. For info, phone
347.268.9182.
FARM TO YOU FEST 2012
For the first time in history, the public is invited to visit Rockland
farms—including some that are not generally open to
the public. A celebration of local agriculture takes place
Sunday, Sept 30 made possible by the Rockland Farm Alliance
(RFA). This in response to a growing interest in local
food and knowing your farmer.
Starting at the Cropsey Community Farm in New City, visitors
receive a map of participating locations and a schedule of
events throughout the county. Included on the self-guided
tour are Rockland’s only dairy farm, orchards, micro-farms,
local nurseries that have operated for generations, home
gardeners who sustain themselves with their harvest, and
more. Workshops, tours, cooking demonstrations and children’s
activities will be featured throughout the day at
Cropsey Community Farm.
The Farm Tour is self-guided, no reservations required,
10am to 4pm, rain or shine. All-day admission is $20 per
carload and $10 per bicycle/motorcycle ($5 discount for RFA
members) with proceeds to benefit Rockland Farm Alliance.
For up-to-date info, visit www.rocklandfarm.org
NYACK’S SCHOOL OF CIRCUS ARTS
Nyack’s School of Circus Arts opens Sept. 12 at The Circus
Space at Grace Church. Amazing Grace CIRCUS! has renamed
its after school circus program to reflect its local beginnings.
To celebrate its 10th year in operation, AGC will
teach acrobatics, gymnastics, aerial, dance, acting, clowning
to local kids. Nyack’s School of Circus Arts Fall Session runs
from Sept 12 thru Dec 14. Register now by contacting Mr.
Amazing (aka, Carlo Pellegrini) at 845.348.8740 or
carlo@amazinggracecircus.org Appropriate for ages 7 to
18, beginner to advanced; adult classes offered too.
Amazing Grace CIRCUS!’s celebrates its 10th Anniversary
with a new show ,“The Hippo Who Wanted to Fly,” Amazing
Grace CIRCUS’ 10th Anniversary production. A children’s
story told with circus acts, ‘The Hippo Show’ will debut Oct.
6 & 7 at Rockland Community College’s Cultural Arts Center
Theater. Shows are 12pm & 4pm on Oct. 6, 2pm on Oct. 7.
Tickets are available at the Amazing Grace CIRCUS! website
through Brown Paper Tickets. Adults: $25, Children: $15,
Seniors: $15. Group Sales available.
Visit www.amazinggracecircus.org or call 845.348.8740
and speak to Mr. Amazing.
Community Notes conclude on page 18
The Nyack Villager September, 2012 13

September events
Art & Entertainment
Armchair Walking Tours
Presented by The Historical Society of The Nyacks and the
Friends of The Nyacks, this popular program, now in its 17th
year, features slide presentations on local history, architecture
and related cultural subjects. The Armchair Walking
Tours are dedicated to the memory of Rockland County’s
great historian, John Scott. The programs are produced by
Brian Jennings, local history librarian at the Nyack Library.
THE ARCHITECTURE OF MARSHALL AND HENRY EMERY,
the opening program in September, will be presented by architect
and historian, Winston C. Perry, Jr., President of the
Historical Society of the Nyacks.
The Emery brothers defined the architectural character of the
Nyack community. Examples of their work include Nyack Library,
YMCA, St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Reformed and
Methodist Churches, the gate at Oak Hill Cemetery, numerous
stores, three grand South Broadway homes and many modest
homes.
At Nyack Library, 59 S. Broadway, at 7pm Wed evening,
Sept 12 AND at Valley Cottage Library the following afternoon,
Thurs Sept 13 at 2pm. Seating is limited at Nyack
Library; attendees must call the library in advance to register
at 845.358.3370 Ext 214 or register online.
Photographs and drawings of the Emery Brothers’ projects
will be on exhibit in the Historical Society museum at 50
Piermont Ave on Saturdays from 1 to 4pm through Sept.
Art Students League Vytlacil Campus
The Art Students League Vytlacil Campus, 241 Kings Highway, Sparkill,
NY. Info 845.359.1263 Vytlacil@artstudentsleague.org
www.artstudentsleague.org (“contact” tab for directions) Sullivan
Gallery Hours: M-Tu closed. Th, F, Sat-10 am to 5pm, W-10am to 8pm
Calendar for September 2012
• MARK SAFAN: PAINTINGS
The abstract paintings of Mark Safan, League Instructor and
Vytlacil Critique artist, will be on exhibit in the Elizabeth V.
Sullivan gallery.
Sept. 15 through Nov. 10; opening Sat, Sept. 15, from 2
to 5pm
• OPEN CRITIQUES
Get feedback on your artwork from League instructors. 2nd &
3rd Wednesdays of the month: Sept 12 & 19. 10am to 4pm.
Fee: $12. Optional lunch at 1pm: $10. Call ahead to notify.
• OPEN STUDIO & RECEPTION
Visit their studios on a monthly basis and meet our resident
artists who come from around the world.
Thursday, Sept. 20, from 5 to 7pm
• FORGING & METAL FABRICATING WORKSHOP
with sculptor James Garvey. Discover your creativity as you
work mainly with steel to learn the basics of forging.
Saturdays 10am to 1pm (excluding Sept. 1) Fee: $130
14 The Nyack Villager September, 2012
In September at RoCA
At Rockland Center For the Arts, 27 S. Greenbush Rd. West Nyack (off
Thruway Exit 12). Gallery hours 9-5 M-F; 9-4 Sat, 1-4 Sun
• ANNUAL FACULTY EXHIBITION & OPEN HOUSE
On view in the Emerson Gallery though Oct 3—RoCA’s talented
faculty exhibits their most recent artwork and projects
including painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, jewelry
and more. Chat with the faculty, tour our studios and see
demonstrations. A great opportunity to get to know RoCA!
Opening reception, Sun, Sept 9, from 2 to 5pm
• THE WORLD ACCORDING TO PETER CHENEY
On view in Gallery ONE through Oct 3—self taught artist
and Nyack resident Peter Cheney’s paintings, sometimes on
found objects, reflect the simplicity and directness of country
road signs, while his animal characters tell anecdotes of his
time in Rockland County and in his day-to-day life.
Opening reception, Sun, Sept 9, from 2 to 5pm
• CALLUM COOPER
On view in Media Project Spaces 1 & 2 through Oct 3. With
ingenious homemade camera riggings, Australian artist and
experimental filmmaker, Callum Cooper, creates films that
flip and spin, placing the viewer inside the action, much like
being on a ride in an amusement park. Created at the Vytlacil
Campus of the Arts Student League of New York, 2011.
Opening reception, Sun, Sept. 9, from 2 to 5pm
• FALL CLASSES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
include ceramics, painting & drawing, lampworked glass
beads, jewelry, figure drawing, abstract painting, cartooning,
creative writing, handmade books, beading, family workshops
and more. RoCA’s brand new website is easy and fun to use.
Classes begin Mon, Sept 10. For more info about RoCA’s
current & upcoming programs, classes and exhibitions,
visit www.rocklandartcenter.org or call 845.358. 0877.
Looking Back at Tappan Zee Bridge
The Historical Society of the Nyacks’ new exhibit, "Looking
Back at Tappan Zee Bridge" in the Carnegie Room, will be on
view at Nyack Library during regular library hours thru Oct 31.
The goal is to inform and educate residents about the past
and what they might anticipate in the near future with the
new bridge.
Starting Sept 8 The Historical Society’s exbibit hours will expand
to every Saturday from 1 to 4pm. The Society needs
volunteers to staff the exhibits. To volunteer, please contact
Leontine Temsky at leetemsky@nyackhistory.org or call
845.418.4430.
Friends Of the Nyacks Walking Tours
Tours begin at 2pm. Fee is $5 per person. No reservations required.
• EDWARD HOPPER’S NYACK Sept 16
See Nyack through the eyes of artist Edward Hopper as your
guide highlights the influence of light, water & architecture.
Tour begins at the Hopper House, 82 N. Broadway, Nyack
at 2pm, Sept 16.
• DOWNTOWN NYACK Sept 30
Trace the growth of Nyack from a small river village to a
major commercial and manufacturing center during the
gilded age; see many of the same buildings that were present
at the turn of the century.
Tour begins at the foot of Main St, Nyack by the River at
2pm, Sept 30.
• SAVE THE DATE Oct 14
2nd ANNUAL APPLE FEST—Apple Pie baking contest,
William Tell game, apple head crafts, music, games, food
and everything APPLE ... and a special treat—Meet The
Sheriff’s Horses. For more info contact Friends of the Nyacks:
info@friendsofthenyacks.org or call 845.358.4973.
Book Sale & Russian Tea Room
Russian Orthodox Church : Holy Virgin Potection Church, 51 Prospect St,
Nyack NY , 845.353.1155.
Come browse our Books Sale and sample Tasty Russian
desserts, tea and coffee at the Russian Tea Room Café. Large
selection of used books, CDs, VHS, LPs, cassettes, board
games and puzzles.
Sun, Sept 9, from 12 to 4pm.
‘Ladies Night’ at Maris Luisa’s
"Ladies' Night: The Maria Luisa Way" gatherings resume at
the shop Sept 13 with Cindy Joseph, the creator of "Boom!"
cosmetics. Details: marialuisaboutique.blogspot.com/
Nyack College Gala Faculty Concert
A highlight of the fall season, this concert features music
performed by the faculty of Nyack College in solo and ensemble
selections—a program not to be missed.
Tues, Sept 25 at 7pm at Pardington Hall, Nyack College
School of Music, 1 South Boulevard, Nyack, NY. Info:
845.675.4686. No charge for admission.
First Friday Film at Piermont Library
Dennis P. McHugh Library, 25 Flywheel Park West, Piermont NY. Phone
845.359.2163.
First Friday Film at the Piermont Library will present Jacques
Tati’s “M. Hulot’s Holiday” (1953), with a special opening
short, Buster Keaton’s “Seven Chances” (1925).
This is Jacques Tati’s first film as his clueless, bumbling alter
ego M. Hulot—a sublime, subtle, mostly silent comedy,
evoking a France now long gone. “The greatest collection of
sight gags ever committed to celluloid,” said Roger Ebert.
And since the Tati film is as slender as it is delicious, we’ll
preface it with a hilarious two-reeler the great Buster
Keaton. “Seven Chances,” a charming comedy, that culminates
with what is perhaps the most hysterical (not to mention,
extended) chase scene ever made.
Fri, Sept 7 at 7:30pm at Piermont Library. There is no
admission charge.

Rockland Historical Society Events
• STONY POINT DAY TRIP
with Structural Archeologist Dr. Andrew Smith
Come tour with us and find out about historic Stony Point—
it’s not just a battlefield. We meet and board the bus at
Fireside Restaurant on Rt. 9W (Liberty Drive) in Stony Point.
We’ll step back in time and hear of Mad Anthony Wayne,
see the churches of today and yesterday and visit the
Gilmore Sloane House. Highlights will include the Pyngyp
School, lime kiln, the Ice House ruins, the oldest houses, the
Mitch Miller House, “Teachers Rest,” the former Lovett plant,
the onetime amusement park turned arsenal…and MORE!
Please join us to see, right in our own backyard, the locations
of significant happenings in our nation’s earlier days.
A delicious luncheon at Fireside is included. Prepaid reservations
are required.
Sat, Sept 15, 9am to 1:30pm; $59 per person; HSRC
members $54 per person.
• THE UNKNOWN PALISADES—EVENING LECTURE
with Eric Nelsen of The Palisades Interstate Park
Through images and narrative, the story of the Palisades is
brought to life. Among topics covered: the villages that once
dotted its shores; the palatial estates that rose on the summit;
the epic struggle of the New Jersey Women’s Clubs and
others to preserve the cliffs from defacement by massive
stone quarries; the bathing beaches and other facilities that
ran at full-tilt during the early decades of the twentieth century;
the work of the New Deal agencies in the park during
the Great Depression; and the oasis that the park has become
in today’s busy world.
Thurs, Sept 27, 7:15pm at Historical Society, 20 Zukor
Road, New City, Admission is free, reservations are required;
space is limited—to reserve your spot, call 845.634.9629
or e-mail info@rocklandhistory.org Visit our website:
www.RocklandHistory.org
Exhibit on Sparkill Creek Watershed
During September, in partnership with the Sparkill Creek
Watershed Alliance, Piermont library will present an exhibition
entitled “The Creek, the Marsh, the River: Our Watershed,”
held as part of the 2012 Hudson River Ramble
taking place each weekend in September as a celebration of
the culture and natural resources within the Hudson River
Greenway and the Hudson River Valley Heritage Area. An
opening reception and panel discussion is scheduled for 2pm
Sun, Sept 16, in Piermont Library’s Hudson River Room.
Local author speaks at library
West Nyack resident James F. Simon, Dean Emeritus at NY
Law School, will speak about his latest book, “FDR and Chief
Justice Hughes: The President, the Supreme Court, and the
Epic Battle Over the New Deal,” at Nyack Library on Thurs,
Sept 20 at 7:30pm. The discussion of this timely history will
shed light on the relationship between the Presidency and
the Supreme Court during the 1930s, and will examine
today's complexities and impact on public policy. Free of
charge. Copies of the book will be available for purchase
and autographing.
Comedy at Tappan Reformed Church
Comedian Donna East returns to the Manse Barn stage after
her acclaimed appearance in 2009. Known for entertaining
troops in 11 countries, she has appeared at the NY Comedy
Club, Caroline’s Comedy Club, NBC lifetime Television and
Standup Comedy in NYC. This month she appears in Tappan
at the Manse Barn.
Sat, Sept 8 at 8pm at the Manse Barn, 32 Old Tappan Rd,
Tappan, NY, in the historic center of town. Tickets are
$20 per person or $90 for a group of five.
At Nyack Center, South Bdwy at Depew, Nyack
All films presented digitally. Info: 845.353.2568.
Tickets:$11 gen’l adm; $9 students seniors & general members;
$8 student & senior members.
Purchase tickets at door, in advance from 800.838.3006
or online www.rivertownfilm.org
Wed, Sept 12–8pm at Nyack Center
• AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY
Directed by Alison Klayman, 2012, USA, 91 minutes, in
English and Mandarin with English subtitles, documentary.
China's most famous international artist and most outspoken
domestic critic expresses himself through large installations
and social media. Chinese authorities don’t like what he has
to say, and have shut down his blog, beat him up, bulldozed
his newly built studio and held him in secret detention. This
is the inside story of a digital age dissident that blurs the
boundaries of art and politics.
MEET THE FILMMAKERS: Director Alison Klayman and editor
Jen Fineran will discuss their film after the screening.
Wed, Sept 19– 8pm at Nyack Center
• A SEPARATION
Directed by Asghar Farhadi, 2011, Iran, 123 minutes, in
Persian with English subtitles, rated PG-13.
“A Separation” quietly and shrewdly combines elements of
family melodrama and legal thriller. Simin wants to leave
Iran with her daughter; her husband, Nader, insists on staying
to care for his frail father. Their dilemma plays out in an
Iranian courtroom, not the ideal place to discuss intimate
matters. A portrait of the slipperiness of truth, the film presents
a society divided by sex, generation, religion and class.
Awarded the 2012 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. ✫
The Nyack Villager September, 2012 15

Birthstone:
SAPPHIRE
symbol of
wisdom
September 2012
g
a
Be good and you will be lonesome.—Mark Twain 1835—1910
Flower:
ASTER
symbol of love
of variety
SUN MON TUES WED THU FRI SAT
CALENDAR ABBREVIATIONS NYACK COMMITTEES
VB=Village Board
PB=Planning Board
ZBA=Zoning Board of Appeals
BWC=Board of Water Commissioners
HA=Housing Authority
ARB=Architectural Review Board
PC=Parks Commission
EC=Environmental Committee
2 FRIENDS OF
THE NYACKS
WALKING
TOURS
see pg 14
Village Halls
closed for
Labor Day
Rosh Hashanah
HA meets 7p
ARMCHAIR
WALKING
TOUR
see pg 14
Nyack Justice
Court 9:30a
BWC meets
4:30p
EC meets 7p
VB meets
7:30p
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Nyack ZBA
mees 7:30 p
FACULTY EXBIBIT AND OPEN HOUSE at
Rckland Center For the Arts
opening reception Sept 9
see pg 14
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Nyack Justice
Nyack Justice FREE
Court 5p
Court 9:30a
FIRST
FRIDAY
FILM
see pg 14
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
SeptemberFest
Nyack Planning Nyack Justice ARB meets
street fair Bd meets 7:30p Court 5p 7:30 p
see pg 12
BOOK SALE and
TEAROOM
see pg 14
new moon
16 D 17 18 19 20 21 22
Nyack Justice
Court 5p
Nyack Justice
Court 5p
CONCERT
AT NYACK
COLLEGE
see pg 14
Rivertown
Film Society
Sept 12 & 19
see pg 15
Nyack PC
meets 7p
Yom Kippur
Nyack Justice
Court 9:30a
EC meets 7p
Nyack Justice
Court 5p
Nyack VB
meets 7:30p
1
last quarter
At Nyack
Library—
LOOKING BACK
AT THE TZ
BRIDGE
see pg 14
MARK
SAFAN
PAINTINGS at
Art Students
League
see pg 14
first quarter
Saturday
R
skateboard S
contest fullmoon
pg 12 Farm Fest
pg 13
Sunday
30
R
16 The Nyack Villager September, 2012

The Nyack Villager
Founded in 1994, The Nyack Villager is published monthly, mailed on or about the first of each month to every postal address in eight Hudson River
villages—Nyack, Upper Nyack, Central Nyack, South Nyack, Grand View, Upper Grandview, Piermont &Palisades (zipcodes 10960, 10964 & 10968).
Editor
JAN HABER Columnists
Contributing Editor
SHEL HABER PETER SEGALL, DVM • DAN SHAW, LCSW
Correspondent
FRANK LoBUONO JON FELDMAN • JIM LEINER • RIC PANTALE
Publishers
JAN & SHEL HABER DONNA COX • HARRIET CORNELL • PETER KLOSE
Community advisor
FRANCES PRATT HOLLY CASTER • CINDY COLIGAN
Office Manager
JOYCE BRESSLER
NYACK VILLAGER ADDRESSES PO Box 82, Nyack, NY 10960-0082 e-mail: info@nyackvillager.com
• Editorial / advertising phone (845) 735-7639 • Fax (845) 735-7669
on the Internet at www.nyackvillager.com The Nyack Villager is on the Internet courtesy of Devine Design.
Published monthly by Nyack Villager, LLC © 1994—2012
All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission is forbidden.
Phone Numbers
exchange number is 845
AMBULANCE CORPS 911
non-emergency 358 4824
TO REPORT A FIRE 911
POLICE EMERGENCY 911
non-emergency 359 3700
POISON CONTROL 1-800 + 336 6997
RPT CHILD ABUSE 1-800 + 342 3720
BATTERED WOMEN 634 3344
HOSP EMERGENCY 348 2345
➤Nyack VIllage Hall, Nyack 9 N Broadway
OFFICE OF VILLAGE CLERK
MAYOR'S OFFICE
OFFICE OF TREASURER
BUILDING DEPT
DEPT PUBLIC WORKS
FIRE INSPECTOR
JUSTICE COURT
PARKING AUTHORITY
WATER DEPT (non emerg)
WATER PLANT EMERG
HOUSING AUTH 15 Highvw
SECTION 8E
358 0548
358 0229
358 3581
358 4249
358 3552
358 6245
358 4464
358 3851
358 0641
358 3734
358 2476
358 2591
➤South Nyack VIllage Hall 282 S B’wy, S. Nyack
POLICE NON EMERGENCY
➤Upper Nyack VIllage Hall N. Bdwy, U. Nyack
➤Grand View VIllage Hall 118 River Rd
➤Piermont VIllage Hall 478 Piermont Ave
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NYACK PUBLIC LIBRARY
PALISADES FREE LIBRARY
PIERMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY
NYACK POST OFFICE
NYACK CENTER
THE NYACK VILLAGER
358 0287
358 0206
358 0084
358 2919
359 1258
353 7013
358 3370
359 0136
359-4595
358 2756
358 2600
735 7639
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locations; available while they last, starting near the first
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that is MAILED to every residence in the 8 River Villages
(Nyack, Upper, Central & South Nyack, Grand View on Hudson, Upper Grandview,
Piermont & Palisades.)
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Our website has a pdf view of the entire magazine which means, if you have an ad in
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The Nyack Villager September, 2012 17

y Donna Cox
Buying a home is
quite possibly the
largest investment you will ever make and knowing as much as possible
about a property before you buy it is imperative. That’s where
a professional home inspection comes in. A home inspection should
be an objective, visual examination of a home and an evaluation of
the home's mechanical systems, plumbing and electrical systems, interior
elements, roof, attic, foundation, basement, visible structure
and more. By observing and asking questions, you can learn a great
deal about the home, how its systems work and tips on routine maintenance. A home inspector
can identify possible issues as well as recommend preventive measures which can
avoid costly future repairs. Keep in mind that no house is perfect. If the inspector finds issues
that need to be addressed, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that
you will know in advance what the issues are and can evaluate your options. After the inspection,
you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase
and will be able to make a confident buying decision. With that, here are the homes that sold
during July.
• THE HOMES LISTED BELOW WERE SOLD BY A VARIETY OF BROKERS PROUDLY SERVING THE RIVER VILLAGES.
Colonial
Victorian
Townhouse
Nyack
S. Nyack
Piermont
SUMMARY Source: GHVMLS YTD Comparison Report
They got what?!
STYLE LOCATION ADDRESS BEDROOMS BATHS LIST PRICE SALE PRICE
20 Burd St
70 Clinton Ave
525 Gair St
$ 699,000
829,000
850,000
$ 660,000
810,000
810,000
July 2012 YTD vs. July 2011 YTD - Single Family Homes
New inventory (the number of homes going on the market) increased 5.4% (156 YTD 2012 vs. 148 YTD
2011). The number of sales increased 19.1% (56 YTD 2012 vs. 47 YTD 2011). The average sales price of
homes that have sold decreased approximately 11.5% to $676,877. Overall, the average sales price for single
family homes that have sold in Rockland County (inclusive of the river villages) was $417,669, down
5.1% over the same period last year.
July 2012 YTD vs. July 2011 YTD - Condos
New inventory (the number of condos going on the market) decreased 1.8% (54 YTD 2012 vs. 55 YTD
2011). The number of sales increased 47.1% (25 YTD 2012 vs. 17 YTD 2011). The average sales price of
condos that have sold increased 1.8% to $369,293. Overall, the average sales price for condos that sold in
Rockland County (inclusive of the river villages) was $223,600, down 7% over the same period last year. ✫
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Community notes
start on page 12
NYACK COLLEGE HONORED
For the second year in a row, The Chronicle of Higher Education
named Nyack College a 2012 “Great College to Work
For,” citing four categories: work/life balance, confidence in
senior leadership, supervisor/department chair relations, and
respect and appreciation.
“It is an honor for me to work with faculty and staff who are
such extraordinarily accomplished men and women. Our success
as an institution can be credited to the part that each
associate contributes to fulfilling our mission,” says Dr.
Michael Scales, president of Nyack College.
IMPROVED ROUTE 9 BICYCLE SAFETY
An enhanced safety plan with new, high visibility signage on
Rte 9W in Clarkstown and Orangetown is expected to help
guide cyclists along the safest routes, make it clear to motorists
that cyclists have a right to be on the roadway and to
urge them to maintain three feet of safe distance when passing
a bicycle rider.
In a plan developed with the help of Assemblywoman Ellen
Jaffee, The NY State Department of Transportation evaluated
Bike Route 9, where it departs from Route 9W at Tompkins
Avenue in Haverstraw, rejoining the highway at Short Clove
Road. It then heads off of Route 9W at Christian Herald
Road in Upper Nyack, remaining separated until the Route
340-Route 9W junction.
Bike Route 9 is a 340-mile bike route connecting New Jersey,
New York and Canada, composed of state highways,
local roads, and trailways-bike paths in State park lands.
The Hudson Valley is home to 124 miles of the bike route.
YOGA AID WORLD CHALLENGE COMES TO NYACK
The Nyack yoga community will unite in a worldwide charity
"yoga relay" on Sunday, Sept 9, at 4pm at Birchwood Center
in Nyack. Participants in the challenge raise funds for one of
the Yoga Aid partner charities and then celebrate their
fundraising efforts in a special 2-hour yoga class taught by
the area's finest instructors including Charlene Bradin, Paula
Heitzner, Lena Madsen and Gail Walsh.
The event is open to all who register and donate or raise
$25 on www.yogaaid.com Also—look for a special Facebook
page with more info on the Yoga Aid Nyack effort at
www.facebook.com/yogaaidnyack ✫
E-mail BRIEF Community Notes to The Nyack Villager at
info@nyackvillager.com by 9/15 for our October issue.
18 The Nyack Villager September, 2012

BACK TO
SCHOOL
Fall, 2012
● Saddle River Day School, Saddle River, NJ
Founded in 1957; beautiful 26-acre campus, coed, college
prep day school; approx. 325 students in grades K-12.
Seven to one student-to-teacher ratio insures personalized
attention. Academic environment embraces values of responsibility,
honesty, compassion & respect. Contact: 201. 327.
4050 or www.saddleriverday.org
ART AND MUSIC
The River Villages: rich in education
COLLEGE
● Nyack College, Nyack
accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and
Schools, offers undergraduate degrees in 46 majors. Graduate
degrees include Master of Business Administration, Master
of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Divinity, and Master
of Professional Studies. Campus is located on 102 acres
with spectacular views. Info: Marielle Pasquale 845.675.
4414.
PRE-K THRU HIGH SCHOOL
● Blue Rock School, West Nyack,
A progressive, day school for grades K thru 8, founded 1987;
offering a rich educational experience that nurtures a child’s
innate love of learning. Class sizes are small with a challenging
academic curriculum integrated with the arts, nature
and play. Info: visit www.bluerockschool.org or call 845.
627. 0234.
● Green Meadow Waldorf School, Chestnut Ridge
offers Parent & Child classes for babies/toddlers, serves children
from Nursery through 12th grade. Founded in 1950.
Green Meadow students go on to top colleges, fulfilling careers,
and are known for their resilience and creativity. Info:
845. 356. 2514 ext 311 or www.gmws.org
● The River School, Nyack,
a small, private elementary school, providing classical education
and encouraging cooperation among a diverse body
of students, parents and faculty. A wide variety of activities
and small classes develop each child’s unique gifts. Info:
www.riverschoolnyack.com or e-mail rschool358@aol.com
● Rockland Country Day School, Congers
Offers a culture of inclusion, individuality, and innovation
enabling students to maximize their strengths and blaze
their own paths. College prep program promotes critical
thinking, creative expression, integrity, community service
and the cherishing of diversity. Pre K -12th grade Contact:
845. 268. 6802 ext. 227 or www.rocklandcds.org
● Rockland Jewish Academy West Nyack,
opens in September 2012 as a Pre-K to 5th Grade independent
Jewish day school, offering a full curriculum of general
and Jewish Studies, providing students with world-class
educators and facilities. Contact: 362.4200 ext 207 or
www.rocklandjewishacademy.org
● Lanti-Yates Music Studio, South Nyack,
an intimate studio that engages students of all musical levels,
interests, and ages. Professional faculty specialize in
piano, voice, guitar, and drums. Performance opportunities
help students share their passion for music. Info: 845.405.
3615 or www.lantiyatesmusic.com
● Rockland Center For the Arts, West Nyack,
offers hands-on art programs for all age and skill levels in
ceramics, painting, drawing, creative writing, glass, cartooning,
jewelry making, photography, family workshops and
more—all taught by professionally trained artists in fully
equipped studios. Nestled in nature with galleries of contemporary
art. Info: www.rocklandartcenter.org or 845. 358.
0877.
● Rockland Conservatory of Music, Pearl River
a not-for-profit community music school founded in 1956.
We offer music and voice lessons for students of all ages and
abilities, also offers Women’s and Children’s Choruses, String
Orchestra, Music Therapy and a variety of concerts and
events. Info: info@rocklandconservatory.org or 845.356.
1622.
● Vytlacil Campus, Art Students League, Sparkill
The Vytlacil campus of the renowned Art Students League of
NY offers weekend Workshops, Open Artwork Critiques by
League instructors, and a monthly Open Studio event. Art
Exhibitions in the Elizabeth V. Sullivan Gallery feature local
artists of distinction. Info: www.artstudentsleague.org or
845.359.1263.
PRESCHOOLS
● Jewish Preschool of the Nyacks, Upper Nyack
Offering a strong, early childhood program based on the curriculum
advocated by the National Association for the Education
of Young Children, combined with exposure to Jewish
culture for both unaffiliated and affiliated families. Opening
in September 2012 in Upper Nyack. Contact: Rabbi Jeffrey
Abraham at csirabbi@optonline.net
● The Montessori Center of Nyack
Founded in 1978. Offers a strong academic, social and artistic
foundation for children ages 2-5 in morning, afternoon,
and full-day sessions, with Breakfast, After-School and Universal
Pre-Kindergarten programs. Accredited by the National
Association for the Education of Young Children and
affiliated with the American Montessori Society. Contact
www.NyackMontessori.com rschool358@aol.com ✫
The Nyack Villager September, 2012 19

20 The Nyack Villager September, 2012