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CSI in the News October 2011 - CSI Today

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<strong>CSI</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>News</strong><strong>October</strong> <strong>2011</strong>csitoday.com/<strong>in</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-newsArchivecsitoday.com/publication/csi-<strong>in</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-newsCOLLEGE OF STATEN ISLANDThe City University of New York


Table of ContentsAds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Arts & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Faculty & Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97Students & Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131


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The sound of music aboundsSunday, <strong>October</strong> 16, <strong>2011</strong>, 6:04 AMMichael J. FressolaBySTATEN ISLAND, NY — The 10 weekendsthat precede Thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g always have abarrage of concert music options:Everyone wants to schedule a performanceor three before <strong>the</strong> holidays hit.Still, <strong>the</strong> upcom<strong>in</strong>g Friday-to-Monday willbe <strong>the</strong> busiest <strong>in</strong>terlude of <strong>the</strong> season <strong>in</strong>local venues — a giant sonic buffet.The feast beg<strong>in</strong>s with a newelectronic/experimental contribution fromrenowned pianist/composer Joseph Kuberaon Friday at <strong>the</strong> Snug Harbor CulturalCenter and Botanical Garden <strong>in</strong> Liv<strong>in</strong>gston.The follow<strong>in</strong>g even<strong>in</strong>g, Musical ChairsChamber Ensemble (MCCE) will launch <strong>the</strong>Advance File PhotoStapleton-based pianist Joseph Kubera steps away from <strong>the</strong> keysFriday at Ma<strong>in</strong> Hall.<strong>2011</strong>-12 season with an all-contemporarycomposers’ showcase <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Staten IslandMuseum <strong>in</strong> St. George.The third day, Sunday, is impossibly overbooked.“Opera Exposures, “ a multi-s<strong>in</strong>ger recital at <strong>the</strong> Reformed Church <strong>in</strong> Port Richmond beg<strong>in</strong>s at 2p.m., <strong>the</strong> exact same time that <strong>the</strong> Staten Island Philharmonic will let fly <strong>the</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g notes of “The Mikado,”<strong>the</strong> great favorite of Savoyards — Gilbert & Sullivan fans — <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Music Hall at Snug Harbor.A little later, various ensembles of Wagner College will celebrate <strong>the</strong>ir Viva Italia! F<strong>in</strong>ale Concert at 4 p.m. <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> Campus Hall Performance Center.The Wagner College Choir, Chamber S<strong>in</strong>gers and Treble Chamber S<strong>in</strong>gers will participate, perform<strong>in</strong>g sacredworks and opera choruses by Italian composers as well as a medley from Adam Guettal’s “The Light <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Piazza,” (<strong>in</strong> which Florence, Italy, plays an essential role).Page 7 of 154


F<strong>in</strong>ally, on Monday, <strong>the</strong> Chamber Music Collective of <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island (<strong>CSI</strong>) will perform “WithStr<strong>in</strong>gs Attached,” a program of Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Rachman<strong>in</strong>off and Shostakovich. Performers are <strong>CSI</strong>music faculty, with special guests, <strong>the</strong> Tottenville High School Str<strong>in</strong>g Orchestra.The follow<strong>in</strong>g is a more detailed breakdown:FRIDAY: JOSEPH KUBERA’s S.I. SOUNDSLocal fans of pianist Joseph Kubera, a longtime Stapleton resident, have enjoyed his new-music/downtownrepertoire (with forays <strong>in</strong>to Scott Jopl<strong>in</strong>) for many years, possibly unaware that he enjoys an <strong>in</strong>ternationalreputation.He toured with <strong>the</strong> Merce Cunn<strong>in</strong>gham Dance Company <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> late 1970s and early 1980s, hav<strong>in</strong>g become afavorite of <strong>the</strong> company’s music director John Cage.He has played Cage’s challeng<strong>in</strong>g, chance-based, post-1950 works, he has recorded all of his Music ofChanges as well as <strong>the</strong> Concert for Piano and Orchestra.On Friday however, he isn’t plann<strong>in</strong>g to go near a piano. Instead, he has accessed a type of composition thatJohn Cage pioneered, a recorded series of ambient, random sounds. The piece, called “100 X JOHN 1,” is<strong>in</strong>tended to mark Cage’s 100th birthday, arriv<strong>in</strong>g next year. As of last week, Kubera was deposit<strong>in</strong>g localnatural sounds, like bird song, <strong>in</strong> a “sound bank.” that he’ll access on Friday dur<strong>in</strong>g “100 X JOHN 1” whichwill be assembled extemporaneously.The hour-long concert (8 p.m. <strong>in</strong> Snug Harbor’s Ma<strong>in</strong> Hall) is part of a citywide “New York Soundscape”project of <strong>the</strong> Ear to <strong>the</strong> Earth Electronic Music Foundation.SATURDAY: MUSICAL CHAIRS IS PLAYINGNow launch<strong>in</strong>g its eighth season, Musical Chairs Chamber Ensemble hardly needs <strong>in</strong>troduction. MCCEtypically performs new music by contemporary composers, regularly highlight<strong>in</strong>g a composer <strong>in</strong> residence.Audiences are often younger than <strong>the</strong> typical chamber music crowd , fulfill<strong>in</strong>g MCCE founder TamaraKeshecki contention: If <strong>the</strong> music is fresh and well-played, anyone can enjoy it.On Saturday’s program: “Four Stories” by Andrew Rosciszewski, <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong>-12 composer <strong>in</strong> residence;“Tryptych,” by 2008 resident composer Mick Rossi ; “Inlets,” by last season’s Laura Kam<strong>in</strong>sky; andWelshwoman Hilary Tann’s “The Gardens of Anna Maria Luisa de Medici.”Concerts are presented <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Staten Island Museum auditorium (at 75 Stuyvesant Pl), set up as a cafePage 8 of 154


serv<strong>in</strong>g dessert, cheese, w<strong>in</strong>e and coffee. The musicians will be pianist Maria Antonia Garcia, Ms. Keshecki(flute), and Clarice Jensen, cello. Tickets are $15 and $12. Visit www.mcensemble.org for details.SUNDAY: OPERA, ‘MIKADO’ & VIVA ITALIAOpera Exposures, <strong>the</strong> present<strong>in</strong>g entity founded <strong>in</strong> 2004 by Edna Greenwich, made its local debut last May at<strong>the</strong> “Dutch” Reformed Church on Port Richmond Avenue, Port Richmond.It went so well that Ms. Greenwich, a longtime Island resident, booked <strong>the</strong> church for ano<strong>the</strong>r concert, nextSunday at 2 p.m.It’s a recital, with five s<strong>in</strong>gers negotiat<strong>in</strong>g material <strong>the</strong>y’ve selected for <strong>the</strong>mselves. Sunday’s program isdrawn from “La Traviata,” “Showboat.” and “Il Tritico,” (Pucc<strong>in</strong>i’s even<strong>in</strong>g of one acts, “Il Tabarro,” “SuorAngelica” and “Gianna Schicchi,” which has <strong>the</strong> great aria “O mio babb<strong>in</strong>o caro.”The s<strong>in</strong>gers are all young-to-mid-career professionals with exceptional educations and resumes that <strong>in</strong>cludes<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g at Covent Garden, Glimmerglass, Carnegie Hall and Houston Grand Opera.They are sopranos Roza Tulyaganova and Ca<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>e Mazzone, mezzo Roxanne Rowedder, tenor Robert Mackand baritone Kenneth Overton.Kev<strong>in</strong> J. Miller, pianist, will accompany <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong>gers. Insider commentary is provided by artistic directorDwight Owsley, a baritone.Tickets are $40. Visit www.operaexposures.org for details.Of <strong>the</strong> 14 Gilbert and Sullivan operas, none has done <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess that “The Mikado” has <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past 126years. It may be, Wikipedia ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s, <strong>the</strong> most frequently played English-made musical <strong>the</strong>ater piece of alltime.A comic-opera story of old Japan, <strong>the</strong> show may have won new fans <strong>in</strong> 1999 with “Topsy Turvey,” a criticallylauded film that tracked <strong>the</strong> gestation of <strong>the</strong> first production <strong>in</strong> 1885.A 30-piece ensemble of <strong>the</strong> Staten Island Philharmonic will accompany <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong>gers. Two Islanders, AndreaBargabos (Yum-Yum) and Joan Callaghan (Pitti-S<strong>in</strong>g) are <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> cast. The o<strong>the</strong>r performers are GreggLauterbach, Mikado; Anthony Tolve, Nanki-Poo; Davis Tillestrand, Ko-ko; Nathan Hull, Pooh-Bah: Isaac GrierPish-Tush; Jennifer Greene, Peep-Bo and Emily Geller, Katishaw.The curta<strong>in</strong> goes up at 2 p.m. next Sunday <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Music Hall at Snug Harbor. Tickets $30/$25/$20 Studentand senior discounts available. Call 718-273-3250 or visit siphilharmonic@aol.comPage 9 of 154


For <strong>the</strong> Viva Italia Contest F<strong>in</strong>ale at Wagner College on Sunday (4 p.m. <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Campus Hall PerformanceCenter) <strong>the</strong> College Choir, Chamber S<strong>in</strong>gers and Treble Chamber S<strong>in</strong>gers will perform sacred works andopera choruses by Italian composers as well as a medley from Adam Guettal’s “The Light <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Piazza,” (<strong>in</strong>which Florence, Italy, plays an essential role).Music faculty members Alan Dornak, Janet Pranschke, Elizabeth McCullough and James Sergi, who willperform scenes from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” and Verdi’s “La Traviata.”MONDAY: <strong>CSI</strong> CHAMBER MUSIC & ST. ALBAN’S SERIESCollege of Staten Island faculty, led by pianist Sylvia Kahan and united under <strong>the</strong> banner Chamber MusicCollective of <strong>CSI</strong>, will play chamber concertos by Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Rachman<strong>in</strong>off and Shostakovich, withsome special guests, <strong>the</strong> Tottenville High School Str<strong>in</strong>g Orchestra.The 7:30 concert will be given <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Center for <strong>the</strong> Arts on <strong>the</strong> Willowbrook campus.And beyond: The excellent Music at St. Albans series, a bright spot on <strong>the</strong> musically under-served SouthShore, launches its season Oct. 30 at 3:30 p.m. with “A Greek Musical Odyssey” starr<strong>in</strong>g soprano JulieZiavras , pianist Spiro Cardamis and bouzouki player Kostas Psarros. (at St. Albans Episcopal Church <strong>in</strong>Elt<strong>in</strong>gville. Seats, $25 and $20.The same afternoon (3 p.m.), <strong>the</strong> Serenade Series at Christ Episcopal Church<strong>in</strong> New Brighton will present Sandro Russo, a pianist prized for his sensitive work on difficult showpiececompositions by Liszt, Chop<strong>in</strong> and o<strong>the</strong>rs. Admission is free but donations are accepted.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 10 of 154


Dance teachers will walk <strong>the</strong> red carpetSunday, <strong>October</strong> 30, <strong>2011</strong>, 6:35 AMStaten Island AdvanceBySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- VizzaV Events presents <strong>the</strong> second annual Red Carpet Dance School Awards to beheld on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spr<strong>in</strong>ger Concert Hall on <strong>the</strong> campus of <strong>the</strong> College of StatenIsland, Willowbrook. Tickets must be purchased <strong>in</strong> advance for $22 each through <strong>the</strong> participat<strong>in</strong>g danceschools or through VizzaV Events by call<strong>in</strong>g 866-892- 3660. Honorees will be presented with <strong>the</strong> newlydesigned "VizzaV Lum<strong>in</strong> Award" signify<strong>in</strong>g how <strong>the</strong>y illum<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>the</strong> lives of our community through dance.Former borough president Ralph J. Lamberti will be open<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> event and <strong>the</strong> master of ceremonies will beradio personality Joe Cause.Emmy award w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g choreographer Tyce Diorio will receive <strong>the</strong> Celebrity Spotlight Award and record<strong>in</strong>gartist Re<strong>in</strong>a will perform her hit, 'If I Close My Eyes.' All participat<strong>in</strong>g dance teachers will walk <strong>the</strong> red carpetgreeted by Bette Midler impersonator Donna Maxon.The unique format is not a competition but presents <strong>the</strong> award w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g choreography of <strong>the</strong> honorees.Participat<strong>in</strong>g dance schools are: Brandy's Dance Unique, Dongan Hills; Dance Electra, South Beach; DanceFactory, Charleston; Dance Sensations, Great Kills; Great Expectations, Meiers Corners; Gigante DanceCenter, Tottenville; Inspirations In Dance, Bulls Head; L.A. Dance, Tottenville; Liv2 Dance Studio, GrantCity; Melissa's Dance Workshop, Travis; Miss Carol<strong>in</strong>e's Dance Elite, Annadale; Miss Theresa's Danceland,Westerleigh; One Step Ahead, Great Kills; Reflections <strong>in</strong> Dance, Elt<strong>in</strong>gville; and Studio Dancers, Richmond.Conceived and produced by Joan Jeanne Lamberti, <strong>the</strong> event has been referred to as "The Oscars for <strong>the</strong>Dance Community." Ms. Lamberti is <strong>the</strong> former CEO/Director of Staten Island Dance Arts Studios.VizzaV Event's mission is to "Enrich <strong>the</strong> Connection between bus<strong>in</strong>ess and community" by creat<strong>in</strong>g a showthat enterta<strong>in</strong>s and highlights <strong>the</strong> contributions of dance studio owners and <strong>the</strong> positive effect <strong>the</strong>y have onour youth.In accordance with <strong>the</strong> VizzaV mission statement, a portion of <strong>the</strong> ticket sales is donated to a particularcharity. This year's recipients are St. Jude Children's Hospital founded by Danny and Marlo Thomas and <strong>the</strong>The Actors Fund, a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals <strong>in</strong> perform<strong>in</strong>g artsand enterta<strong>in</strong>ment.Page 11 of 154


Faculty & StaffPage 12 of 154


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Monday, <strong>October</strong> 3, <strong>2011</strong>Ano<strong>the</strong>r Self­Immolation Protest<strong>2011</strong>‐10‐03Tensions rise <strong>in</strong> Tibetan areas amid deteriorat<strong>in</strong>g rights situation.Kirti Monastery <strong>in</strong> an undated photo.Photo sent by a listener <strong>in</strong> TibetA young Tibetan monk from a monastery under seige by <strong>the</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>ese authorities <strong>in</strong> southwesternSichuan prov<strong>in</strong>ce set himself alight on Monday, <strong>the</strong> third such protest <strong>in</strong> a week and seen as a desperatemove to highlight <strong>the</strong> deteriorat<strong>in</strong>g Tibetan rights situation.The self‐immolation came as protests flared at <strong>the</strong> weekend <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kardze (<strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Ganzi) TibetanAutonomous Prefecture <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same prov<strong>in</strong>ce after a photo of <strong>the</strong> Dalai Lama and a huge Tibetan flagwere removed from a build<strong>in</strong>g and thrown <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> street.The monk, identified only as Kalsang and believed to be 17 or 18 years old from Kirti Monastery <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>mounta<strong>in</strong>ous Ngaba (<strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Aba) prefecture, set fire to himself near <strong>the</strong> vegetable market <strong>in</strong> Ngabatown, accord<strong>in</strong>g to rights group Free Tibet."He was reportedly hold<strong>in</strong>g a photograph of <strong>the</strong> Dalai Lama and shouted: 'There are no religious rightsand freedom <strong>in</strong> Tibet,'" <strong>the</strong> London‐based group said quot<strong>in</strong>g sources <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region.Page 14 of 154


"The police put out <strong>the</strong> fire and took him away," Free Tibet said, add<strong>in</strong>g however that his upper body issaid to be "very damaged.Ngaba town is believed to be under police and military control with nobody allowed to enter or exit <strong>the</strong>town, <strong>the</strong> group said.Two young monks, Lobsang Kalsang and Lobsang Konchog, aged between 18‐19 years old and also fromKirti monastery, self‐immolated on Sept. 26.Lobsang Kalsang is <strong>the</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>r of Phuntsog, a 21‐year‐old monk also from Kirti monastery who diedafter sett<strong>in</strong>g himself on fire <strong>in</strong> March.The monks waved <strong>the</strong> banned Tibetan flag and called for religious freedom and shouted Long live t! heDalai Lama before <strong>the</strong>y set fire to <strong>the</strong>mselves.In August, ano<strong>the</strong>r monk, identified as Tsewang Norbu, 29, from Tawu countys Nyitso monastery <strong>in</strong>Sichuan prov<strong>in</strong>ces Kardze (<strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>ese, Ganzi) prefecture, set himself on fire and died <strong>in</strong> protest atBeij<strong>in</strong>gs rule <strong>in</strong> Tibetan‐populated regionsRis<strong>in</strong>g TensionsThe weekend protest and <strong>the</strong> self‐immolation Monday heightened tensions which looked set tocont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>in</strong> Tibetan regions of Ch<strong>in</strong>a as <strong>the</strong> rul<strong>in</strong>g Ch<strong>in</strong>ese Communist Party marked its 62nd anniversary<strong>in</strong> power.Saturday's protests by more than 200 Tibetans flared <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kardze prefecture's Serthar (<strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>ese,Seda) county after a photo of <strong>the</strong> Dalai Lama and a huge Tibetan flag were removed from a build<strong>in</strong>g andthrown <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> street, eyewitnesses said.The protesters called for <strong>the</strong> return of <strong>the</strong> Dalai Lama from exile and freedom for Tibet.Calls to <strong>the</strong> Serthar county government religious affairs bureau went unanswered dur<strong>in</strong>g office hours onMonday. Ch<strong>in</strong>a is currently <strong>in</strong> its "Golden Week" of holidays follow<strong>in</strong>g National Day celebrations onSaturday.Page 15 of 154


However, a "religious <strong>in</strong>struction" official who answered <strong>the</strong> phone at <strong>the</strong> county state security police <strong>in</strong>Serthar denied any protest had taken place."No, <strong>the</strong>re was no protest," he said. "Who told you this?""I don't know about <strong>the</strong>se th<strong>in</strong>gs," he said, before hang<strong>in</strong>g up.Tenz<strong>in</strong> Tsundue, a high‐profile campaigner aga<strong>in</strong>st Ch<strong>in</strong>a's policies <strong>in</strong> Tibet, said Sichuan's Tibetancommunities had lived through a series of military <strong>in</strong>terventions <strong>in</strong> recent months."These protests were an expression of resistance aga<strong>in</strong>st military oppression from <strong>the</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>eseauthorities <strong>in</strong> that district," he said.Monastery seigeThe protests came amid a cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g seige of <strong>the</strong> Kirti Monastery by Ch<strong>in</strong>ese authorities launched aftermonk Phuntsog's self‐immolation death.Ch<strong>in</strong>ese security forces have also taken away more than 300 of <strong>the</strong> monastery's monks and deta<strong>in</strong>ed<strong>the</strong>m.Kardze has also been th! e scene of repeated Tibetan protests, both by <strong>in</strong>dividuals and by small groups,despite <strong>the</strong> threat of detentions and violent assaults aga<strong>in</strong>st protesters by Ch<strong>in</strong>ese police.Meanwhile, police <strong>in</strong> Lhasa had stepped up controls over <strong>the</strong> city's guesthouses and hotels over <strong>the</strong>holiday period, local bus<strong>in</strong>ess owners said."They are a lot more strict at <strong>the</strong> moment because of <strong>the</strong> National Day holiday," said an employee whoanswered <strong>the</strong> phone at a family‐run guesthouse <strong>in</strong> Lhasa on Monday."Everyone who stays has to register with an ID card ... They might even come and do a spot check atnight."Page 16 of 154


A second guesthouse owner said his bus<strong>in</strong>ess had been closed down by police recently."Yes, it was [<strong>the</strong> police]," <strong>the</strong> owner said. "We are closed now."PoliticsProfessor Xia M<strong>in</strong>g, a political science teacher at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island <strong>in</strong> New York, said <strong>the</strong>re isno sign <strong>the</strong> tension between Tibetans and <strong>the</strong> Communist Party authorities will ease."The Ch<strong>in</strong>ese government is clearly us<strong>in</strong>g politics to control <strong>the</strong> entire process of transmission andre<strong>in</strong>carnation," Xia said. "This is a very pa<strong>in</strong>ful conflict, and it's a very fundamental one."Xia said <strong>the</strong> root of <strong>the</strong> problem lie with <strong>the</strong> government's ideological espousal of a<strong>the</strong>ism."Based on <strong>the</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>ese government's current policies, <strong>the</strong> two sides are go<strong>in</strong>g to cont<strong>in</strong>ue to clash," hesaid.He said Ch<strong>in</strong>a's attitudes <strong>in</strong> Tibet <strong>in</strong> fact extend to <strong>the</strong> entire population."They are stuck at <strong>the</strong> material level, with <strong>the</strong> satisfaction of bodily needs for existence," he said."But we must pursue spiritual and ideological mean<strong>in</strong>g and value if we are to be different from animals."Reported by Righden Dolma for RFAs Tibetan service and Yang Jiadai and Qiao Long for <strong>the</strong> Mandar<strong>in</strong>service. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Written <strong>in</strong> English by Luisetta Mudie and ParameswaranPonnudurai.Also featured on:rfa.orgPage 17 of 154


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College of Staten Island adjunct professor accused of hero<strong>in</strong>possession is ordered released on his own recognizanceTuesday, <strong>October</strong> 04, <strong>2011</strong>, 7:02 PMJohn M. AnneseBySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- An adjunct c<strong>in</strong>ema professor at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island is accused of cutt<strong>in</strong>gmore than just film — police say he had enough hero<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> his home to merit a possession-with-<strong>in</strong>tent-to-sellcharge.Detectives raided <strong>the</strong> Pierpont Place home of Christopher Nuzzi, 46, last night, and found 66 glass<strong>in</strong>e bags ofhero<strong>in</strong> — 50 of <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> a black pouch on a kitchen table, ano<strong>the</strong>r 16 <strong>in</strong> a metal cigarette box on a liv<strong>in</strong>groom table — accord<strong>in</strong>g to court papers.Nuzzi’s home, which is <strong>in</strong> New Spr<strong>in</strong>gville, was <strong>the</strong> target of a search warrant, court papers allege.He faces charges of third-, fifth- and seventh-degree crim<strong>in</strong>al possession of a controlled substance, saidPeter N. Spencer, a spokesman for District Attorney Daniel Donovan.The top charge <strong>in</strong>cludes an allegation of possession with <strong>in</strong>tent to sell, and could carry a maximum one ton<strong>in</strong>e-year prison term if he’s convicted.Nuzzi has worked as an adjunct lecturer <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> media culture department at <strong>CSI</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ce August 2001, saidcollege spokesman Ken Bach."There’s no allegation about illegal activity on <strong>the</strong> college’s campus," Bach said. "As this is a personnelmatter, I’m not able to comment."At his arraignment <strong>in</strong> Stapleton Crim<strong>in</strong>al Court today, Nuzzi requested that he be entered <strong>in</strong>to a drugtreatment program, accord<strong>in</strong>g to a law enforcement source.He was ordered released on his own recognizance until his next court date.Nuzzi did not return a message seek<strong>in</strong>g comment tonight.One member of <strong>the</strong> media culture department, speak<strong>in</strong>g on condition of anonymity, referred to Nuzzi aspersonable and friendly.Page 19 of 154


"That’s a shock to me," <strong>the</strong> department member said.His classes have received mixed reviews on <strong>the</strong> Web site ratemyprofessors.com s<strong>in</strong>ce 2005, with severalstudents referr<strong>in</strong>g to his class as an easy A."So this professor is super easy," one user wrote <strong>in</strong> January. "All (you) have to do (is) go <strong>in</strong> and copy <strong>the</strong>notes. (A)fter he is done with <strong>the</strong> lecture he leaves <strong>the</strong> class until <strong>the</strong> movie is over <strong>the</strong>n comes back andtakes (attendance)."Ano<strong>the</strong>r wrote on Aug. 2010, "Interest<strong>in</strong>g Professor...While a very down to earth guy, he was not veryprofessional. Came late and unprepared to most classes. But he (def<strong>in</strong>itely) seemed to know his stuff."© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Also Featured on:nypost.comPage 20 of 154


10/05/<strong>2011</strong> 10:01 AM<strong>CSI</strong> Adjunct Nabbed On Drug Possession ChargesBy: NY1 <strong>News</strong>NY1 VIDEO: Police arrested an adjunct lecturer from <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island Monday after <strong>the</strong>y say<strong>the</strong>y found more than 60 bags of hero<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> his apartment.Page 21 of 154


Physicians treat<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>os have high hurdles to jump, study shows06/10/<strong>2011</strong>Experts have written about health care disparities between Lat<strong>in</strong>os and non‐Lat<strong>in</strong>o whites, mostlyfrom a policy standpo<strong>in</strong>t. They've also looked at <strong>the</strong> same disparities from <strong>the</strong> perspective of <strong>the</strong>patient, <strong>in</strong> terms of access, use and <strong>the</strong> quality of <strong>the</strong>ir health care.But how do <strong>the</strong> physicians feel about <strong>the</strong> quality of care <strong>the</strong>y provide? What challenges do doctors face<strong>in</strong> treat<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o patients, compared with physicians whose patients are primarily white and non‐Lat<strong>in</strong>o?Research out of UCLA and <strong>the</strong> City University of New York has found that primary care physicians whotreat Lat<strong>in</strong>os are less likely than physicians treat<strong>in</strong>g primarily white patients to believe <strong>the</strong>y can providehigh‐quality care. Among <strong>the</strong> reasons: <strong>in</strong>adequate time with patients, patients' ability to afford care,patients not adher<strong>in</strong>g to recommended treatments, and difficulties <strong>in</strong> communicat<strong>in</strong>g.The study appears <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> current edition of <strong>the</strong> journal Health Affairs.Researchers used data from <strong>the</strong> 2008 Community Track<strong>in</strong>g Physician Survey, a nationally representativesample of U.S. physicians that <strong>in</strong>cluded demographic <strong>in</strong>formation and patient characteristics."From this survey, we analyzed physicians' self‐reported ability to provide high‐quality care to Lat<strong>in</strong>osand compared it to that of physicians treat<strong>in</strong>g primarily whites," said Arturo Vargas‐Bustamante, anassistant professor of health services at <strong>the</strong> UCLA School of Public Health and lead author of <strong>the</strong> studyalong with Jie Chen, an assistant professor at CUNY's College of Staten Island.Lat<strong>in</strong>os differ from o<strong>the</strong>r m<strong>in</strong>ority patients <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, aswell as <strong>the</strong>ir patterns of health care access, use and spend<strong>in</strong>g, Vargas‐Bustamante said, and <strong>the</strong>sedifferences are likely to <strong>in</strong>fluence physicians' perceptions of <strong>the</strong> quality of care <strong>the</strong>y deliver.Lat<strong>in</strong>os represent more than 15 percent of <strong>the</strong> U.S. population, he noted, and <strong>the</strong>y constitute <strong>the</strong> largestethnic m<strong>in</strong>ority group <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. And <strong>the</strong> Affordable Care Act of 2010, Vargas‐Bustamante said, islikely to benefit larger proportions of m<strong>in</strong>ority <strong>in</strong>dividuals, particularly Lat<strong>in</strong>os, who currently experience<strong>the</strong> highest un<strong>in</strong>surance rate across racial and ethnic groups."We wanted to understand <strong>the</strong> challenges that providers face <strong>in</strong> deliver<strong>in</strong>g high‐quality care tounderserved populations," he said. "Overcom<strong>in</strong>g such challenges will be critical to ensure that <strong>the</strong><strong>in</strong>surance expansion under <strong>the</strong> Affordable Care Act will succeed <strong>in</strong> provid<strong>in</strong>g better health for all."What <strong>the</strong> researchers found, Vargas‐Bustamante said, was disturb<strong>in</strong>g. Physicians who primarily treatLat<strong>in</strong>o patients don't feel <strong>the</strong>y can provide high‐quality care. But <strong>in</strong> addition to <strong>the</strong> problems specific toPage 22 of 154


Lat<strong>in</strong>os, <strong>the</strong>se physicians still must contend with all <strong>the</strong> common problems of provid<strong>in</strong>g health careregardless of ethnicity, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>surers' rejection of claim decisions, medical errors, a relative lack ofavailable specialists and <strong>the</strong> lack of timely transmission of reports among physicians.Vargas‐Bustamante noted that, if implemented, <strong>the</strong> Affordable Care Act can potentially address some of<strong>the</strong>se quality challenges."An <strong>in</strong>creased supply of medical personnel, for example, would allow primary care physicians to allocatemore time to patients and improve follow‐up," he said. "Also, more cultural competence will come from<strong>the</strong> streng<strong>the</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of primary care providers, which would address problems with communicat<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>improv<strong>in</strong>g treatment compliance."The researchers received no outside fund<strong>in</strong>g for this study.The UCLA School of Public Health is dedicated to enhanc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> public's health by conduct<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>novativeresearch; tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g future leaders and health professionals; translat<strong>in</strong>g research <strong>in</strong>to policy and practice;and serv<strong>in</strong>g local, national and <strong>in</strong>ternational communities.Also Featured on: medlilexicon.com sciencedaily.com eurekalert.org <strong>in</strong>sidebayarea.commedicalxpress.com universityofcalifornia.edu univision.com <strong>in</strong>fogrok.commedcompare.com med<strong>in</strong>dia.net bio-medic<strong>in</strong>e.orgPage 23 of 154


Your Soap Box: Irw<strong>in</strong> Goldste<strong>in</strong>, Arden HeightsWednesday, <strong>October</strong> 12, <strong>2011</strong>, 10:51 AMMark D. Ste<strong>in</strong>BySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Irw<strong>in</strong> Goldste<strong>in</strong>has a solution for Social Security."It's simple and fair," said <strong>the</strong> 71-year-oldArden Heights resident and retired NewYork City teacher.Goldste<strong>in</strong> recommends everyone paySocial Security tax on <strong>the</strong>ir total <strong>in</strong>comera<strong>the</strong>r than stopp<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> base wage of$106,800.Goldste<strong>in</strong>, a longtime Staten Islander,View full sizeIrw<strong>in</strong> Goldste<strong>in</strong>, Arden Heights (Staten Island Advance/Mark Ste<strong>in</strong>)before retir<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 2009.once served as assistant pr<strong>in</strong>cipal of socialstudies at Curtis High School. He alsotaught at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island'scampuses <strong>in</strong> Willowbrook and <strong>in</strong> SunnysideHe previously lived <strong>in</strong> Great Kills and New Spr<strong>in</strong>gville before settl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> his current South Shore neighborhood12 years ago."I like <strong>the</strong> convenience," he said of his community.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 24 of 154


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, <strong>2011</strong>Graniteville Quarry Slowly Be<strong>in</strong>g Reclaimed As A ParkKa<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>e Romanelli and Frank Ojeda, board members of <strong>the</strong> Mar<strong>in</strong>ers Harbor Civic Association, survey <strong>the</strong> Graniteville Quarry<strong>in</strong> Staten Island, where a park is f<strong>in</strong>ally beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g to take shape. The Parks Department has been slowly acquir<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> land from<strong>the</strong> state which bought it <strong>in</strong> 1999. (Photo: Kathryn Carse/Staten Island Advance)Staten IslandWhen trees and shrubs were be<strong>in</strong>g cleared from <strong>the</strong> nearly five acre lot across from Pep Boys on ForestAvenue, Ka<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>e Romanelli got a few phone calls from neighbors, some wonder<strong>in</strong>g if a new shopp<strong>in</strong>gmall was be<strong>in</strong>g developed.As secretary‐treasurer of <strong>the</strong> Mar<strong>in</strong>ers Harbor Civic Association, Mrs. Romanelli was happy to tell <strong>the</strong>callers that <strong>the</strong> work was be<strong>in</strong>g done to make Graniteville Quarry more visible and less <strong>in</strong>vit<strong>in</strong>g tovagrants, accord<strong>in</strong>g to The Staten Island Advance.A Parks Department spokesperson said that <strong>the</strong> Land Restoration Project removed about 35 trees thatwere dead or dy<strong>in</strong>g. They also mowed, applied weed treatments, seeded for wildflowers, and removedtrash and debris.Page 25 of 154


It's not <strong>the</strong> first time <strong>the</strong> Parks Department has spruced up <strong>the</strong> space. It has been do<strong>in</strong>g seasonal"houseclean<strong>in</strong>g," as it slowly acquired <strong>the</strong> land from <strong>the</strong> state which bought it <strong>in</strong> 1999. For its part, <strong>the</strong>Mar<strong>in</strong>ers Harbor Civic Association is keep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> community aware of <strong>the</strong> quarry's importance."It makes a difference when you get <strong>the</strong> community <strong>in</strong>volved and when <strong>the</strong>y see what we have andwhat it can be. Look at it now, it's a waste," said Mrs. Romanelli, survey<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> area with board vicepresidentFrank Ojeda, <strong>in</strong> preparation for a cleanup on Saturday that will <strong>in</strong>clude a tour with quarryexpert Dr. Alan Benimoff, a College of Staten Island geology professor.The ultimate goal is to make <strong>the</strong> lot, adjacent to Christ United Methodist Church, attractive to <strong>the</strong>neighborhood and school kids, so <strong>the</strong>y can enjoy it as a park and a geology exhibit.While enthusiasm for <strong>the</strong> plan has been expressed for over a decade, <strong>the</strong>re is some evidence that <strong>the</strong>civic association and Partnership for Parks are f<strong>in</strong>ally mak<strong>in</strong>g some progress.One development is <strong>the</strong> formation of a group called <strong>the</strong> Friends of Graniteville Quarry Park throughwhich grants can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed and fund‐rais<strong>in</strong>g can be done. Mrs. Romanelli hopes to harness some of<strong>the</strong> resources of <strong>the</strong> big‐box bus<strong>in</strong>esses that have become part of Mar<strong>in</strong>ers Harbor <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last few years.Coca Cola Bottl<strong>in</strong>g Company has already taken an active role, donat<strong>in</strong>g refreshments and send<strong>in</strong>g 40employees to <strong>the</strong> last cleanup. It plans to be back aga<strong>in</strong> on Saturday with refreshments and volunteers.The day will beg<strong>in</strong> with Benimoff's guided tour. The professor has a long and deep‐rooted connection to<strong>the</strong> quarry and plans for its development. In 1975, he identified a rock formation known astrondhjemite, with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> diabase. It's so rare, it is known to be <strong>in</strong> only two o<strong>the</strong>r places – Wales andSouth Africa. He rout<strong>in</strong>ely conducts field trips with his students."Professor Benimoff loves to educate people on <strong>the</strong> rarity of <strong>the</strong> rock," said Mrs. Romanelli. "Last spr<strong>in</strong>g,<strong>the</strong> kids were so excited to hear that someth<strong>in</strong>g 200 million years old was <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> neighborhood."The formation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> quarry is not granite, but diabase, a very hard rock that was mistaken for granite,thus <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> surround<strong>in</strong>g area. As dirt filled <strong>the</strong> former quarry, vegetation took root, mak<strong>in</strong>g itlook like just ano<strong>the</strong>r vacant lot.Cans, broken glass, fast‐food cartons – all <strong>in</strong>dicated that people were quite comfortable hang<strong>in</strong>g out.Stray cloth<strong>in</strong>g was not <strong>the</strong> first time signs of someone camp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>re has been detected. The quarryPage 26 of 154


ocks have swaths of pa<strong>in</strong>t on <strong>the</strong>m where <strong>the</strong> Parks Department has pa<strong>in</strong>ted over graffiti.There were also mock<strong>in</strong>gbirds and a song sparrow, wildflowers and <strong>the</strong> trickle of a stream."It doesn't look like anyth<strong>in</strong>g yet," admitted Mrs. Romanelli, but <strong>the</strong> Parks Department has spoken to<strong>the</strong> civic association about plans for a passive park, a place where residents can walk and relax, andsignage will help expla<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> geological significance of <strong>the</strong> rock.Neighborhood schools – PS 22, PS 44 and <strong>the</strong> Staten Island School for Civic Leadership – would have aliv<strong>in</strong>g science lab were <strong>the</strong> park to be more accessible. In <strong>the</strong> meantime, some of <strong>the</strong>m fulfill communityservice projects by help<strong>in</strong>g out at <strong>the</strong> cleanups.Now that passersby can see <strong>in</strong> from Forest Avenue, a grant for a sign identify<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> area is animmediate goal."It will be beautiful for all of Staten Island. It is someth<strong>in</strong>g totally different from everyth<strong>in</strong>g else," saidOjeda.Graniteville Quarry Park Tour and CleanupMeet at <strong>the</strong> Forest Avenue entrance to <strong>the</strong> Park, across from Pep Boys.Tour by Alan Benimoff10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Cleanup hours11 a.m. to 3 p.m.More <strong>in</strong>formationMar<strong>in</strong>ersHarborCivic@gmail.com.Also Featured on:silive.comPage 27 of 154


Urban League will honor community leaders and studentsSunday, <strong>October</strong> 16, <strong>2011</strong>, 6:40 AMStaten Island AdvanceBySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The New York Urban League-Staten Island Branch will celebrate its 46th AnnualMills G. Sk<strong>in</strong>ner Awards Luncheon to be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 21 at <strong>the</strong> Staaten, West Brighton.Tickets are $65. To reserve a seat call 917-921-0372.Several <strong>in</strong>dividuals and bus<strong>in</strong>esses will be honored dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> commemoration of <strong>the</strong>se many years ofservice.Beryl S. Clark, <strong>the</strong> recipient of <strong>the</strong> Education Award, is <strong>the</strong> vice president for early childhood services of <strong>the</strong>Staten Island Mental Health Society. Her goals are to br<strong>in</strong>g about equal opportunity, acceptance and successfor all young children by promot<strong>in</strong>g and excellence <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> preschool environment and by extension <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>community at large. Global Medical Relief Fund (GMRF) for Children, Elissa Montanti, founder, will receive<strong>the</strong> Health and Social Welfare Award. Ms. Montanti founded <strong>the</strong> nonprofit, nonpartisan organization to aidchildren who have suffered severe <strong>in</strong>jury, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g loss of limbs, due to war, natural disaster or illness.The Charles Langere Community Service Award will be given to Bro<strong>the</strong>rs Care, Frank Sullivan, president.Bro<strong>the</strong>rs Care is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to promot<strong>in</strong>g community pride and awareness <strong>in</strong>West Brighton and o<strong>the</strong>r similar neighborhoods.The Clarence "Butch" Mang<strong>in</strong> Award will be given to Delta Academy/Gems, Beth Coleman-Oliver, president.Delta Academy provides <strong>the</strong> opportunity for local Delta chapters to enrich and enhance <strong>the</strong> education thatyoung teens receive <strong>in</strong> public schools.The Staten Island recipients of <strong>the</strong> New York Urban League, Whitney M. Young scholarships will receive <strong>the</strong>Chancellor Richard R. Green Award. The honorees are Curtis High School graduates Victoria Lee, attend<strong>in</strong>gAdlephi University, L.I.; Stephanie Tituana, attend<strong>in</strong>g Brooklyn College; Cynthia LaBrocco, attend<strong>in</strong>gBorough of Manhattan Community College; and Joshua Rodriquez, attend<strong>in</strong>g Syracuse (N.Y.) University.Chairpersons for this event will be Dr. Wilma Jones, chief librarian at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island, and LarryBody, caseworker with PROCEED, a social service agency located <strong>in</strong> Elizabeth, N.J.Page 28 of 154


Nurses rose to <strong>the</strong> challenge dur<strong>in</strong>g hurricaneSunday, <strong>October</strong> 16, <strong>2011</strong>, 1:07 AMLetters to <strong>the</strong> Editor/Staten Island AdvanceByBy RUTH GALLEGOTOMPKINSVILLEIn <strong>the</strong> event of disasters, we count on hospital health-care professionals on duty (or volunteers) torespond and assist <strong>in</strong> medical care.In anticipation of Hurricane Irene, New York City hospitals and nurs<strong>in</strong>g homes <strong>in</strong> low-ly<strong>in</strong>g areas wereevacuated. In Staten Island, it led to <strong>the</strong> clos<strong>in</strong>g and evacuation of both Staten Island University Hospitallocations and South Beach Psychiatric Center (SBPC).Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), <strong>the</strong> only hospital left open, admitted roughly 270 patients.It is amaz<strong>in</strong>g how facilities were able to orchestrate mass patient transfers with<strong>in</strong> a short amount of time.Even more impressive is <strong>the</strong> work of staff, specifically <strong>the</strong> nurses.Be<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> front l<strong>in</strong>e of care, nurses have to make critical decisions and execute complicated tasks toensure cont<strong>in</strong>uity of care with every transfer.Consider<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> amount of admissions that RUMC had received, it seems <strong>in</strong>evitable that nurses had towork more hours, float to different units, or take higher patient loads.As expected, <strong>the</strong>se RUMC, SIUH, and SBPC nurses rose up to <strong>the</strong> occasion. Sadly, most of <strong>the</strong>ir hard workand sacrifices are easily overlooked.So I would like to acknowledge <strong>the</strong> great job that nurses have done dur<strong>in</strong>g Hurricane Irene. It makes meproud to be a nurse.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 29 of 154


Monday, <strong>October</strong> 17th, <strong>2011</strong>Disrupt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>stream accountThe State of Islam: Culture and Cold War Politics <strong>in</strong> PakistanSaadia ToorLondon: Pluto Press, <strong>2011</strong>PP. 252In <strong>the</strong> acknowledgements which preface this book, Saadia Toor, Associate Professor of Sociology at <strong>the</strong>College of Staten Island, City University of New York, thanks her fa<strong>the</strong>r for teach<strong>in</strong>g her “that <strong>the</strong><strong>in</strong>justices and <strong>in</strong>equities of this world are not part of <strong>the</strong> natural order of th<strong>in</strong>gs, and that all humanbe<strong>in</strong>gs deserve a life of dignity”. (p. xii) This <strong>in</strong>sight provides <strong>the</strong> overarch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>me of “The State ofIslam”, which Toor br<strong>in</strong>gs down to earth with a detailed analysis of Pakistan’s history <strong>in</strong> cultural, socioeconomicand political terms.The Pakistan she reveals is a far cry from <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>stream media’s image of a hotbed of violent religiousextremism. Instead we see ord<strong>in</strong>ary people ‐ progressive activists, poets, peasants and workersstruggl<strong>in</strong>g for a life of dignity, but thwarted time after time by <strong>the</strong> mach<strong>in</strong>ations of repressive regimesrepresent<strong>in</strong>g only <strong>the</strong> rich, and <strong>the</strong>ir manipulation of Islam to serve <strong>the</strong>ir own <strong>in</strong>terests. “In Pakistan, as<strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r parts of <strong>the</strong> Muslim world, <strong>the</strong> rise of Islamists as a social and political force was eng<strong>in</strong>eeredPage 30 of 154


oth directly, by <strong>in</strong>duct<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong>to state <strong>in</strong>stitutions as Zia did, and <strong>in</strong>directly, by ‘cleans<strong>in</strong>g’ <strong>the</strong>political sphere of <strong>the</strong>ir only effective nemesis/counter, <strong>the</strong> Left.” (p. 3)This rul<strong>in</strong>g class strategy for elim<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g popular struggle was re<strong>in</strong>forced by external factors: Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>Cold War, <strong>the</strong> US saw Islam as a bulwark aga<strong>in</strong>st communism, culm<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> America’s proxy war <strong>in</strong>Afghanistan, and all <strong>the</strong> repercussions this has had for Pakistan ever s<strong>in</strong>ce. Though US troops are nowfight<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r side, Pakistan rema<strong>in</strong>s as an essential ally and recipient of funds that shore up itsmilitary to <strong>the</strong> detriment of <strong>the</strong> majority of <strong>the</strong> populace.Toor’s account of Pakistan’s foundation is iconoclastic, challeng<strong>in</strong>g received wisdom and even <strong>the</strong>usually sta<strong>in</strong>‐free reputation of Gandhi. Accord<strong>in</strong>g to her, Muslim League leader Mohammad J<strong>in</strong>nah wasa secular democrat who envisioned Muslims’ place as be<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong> a united <strong>in</strong>dependent India, but waspushed <strong>in</strong>to accept<strong>in</strong>g a separate Muslim state by Gandhi’s conflat<strong>in</strong>g India with H<strong>in</strong>duism, and <strong>the</strong>Indian National Congress’ refusal to share power. Toor conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>gly refutes claims that Pakistan can becompared to Israel as a state based on a particular religion. Pakistan, as created <strong>in</strong> 1947, was diverse <strong>in</strong>ethnic, cultural and religious terms, and rich <strong>in</strong> progressive culture. Yet, as a result of both domestic andexternal cont<strong>in</strong>gencies, religion and narrowly def<strong>in</strong>ed nationalism came to dom<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>the</strong> state’s identity,but this didn’t happen without a struggle. In fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g passages of <strong>the</strong> book, Toor reviews <strong>the</strong> conflictsand debates that prefaced this change, cit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> views, sometimes expressed <strong>in</strong> poems, of diversetrends and classes ‐ from rightists to liberals to progressives, especially <strong>the</strong> Progressive WritersAssociation until it was banned <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mid‐50s.“The story of how a country which appeared to be on <strong>the</strong> br<strong>in</strong>k of socialist revolution <strong>in</strong> 1969 wasturned <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> purported bastion of ‘Islamic terror’ is one of <strong>the</strong> most compell<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> modern history.”(p. 117) Toor tells <strong>the</strong> story well, trac<strong>in</strong>g Pakistan’s trajectory through successive repressive regimes,each fur<strong>the</strong>r cement<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> all‐pervasive control of <strong>the</strong> military over society and its resources, with <strong>the</strong>reign of Bhutto’s People’s Party be<strong>in</strong>g an exception only <strong>in</strong> terms of its rhetoric.Special attention is accorded “<strong>the</strong> long shadow of Zia”, for, accord<strong>in</strong>g to Toor, “Every aspect of <strong>the</strong>Pakistani state, society, politics and culture worth not<strong>in</strong>g today bears <strong>the</strong> scars of <strong>the</strong> 11 years of martiallaw under General Zia ul Haq from 1977 to 1988, Pakistan’s longest and most brutal militarydictatorship.” (p. 117) Yet, this was also <strong>the</strong> decade when <strong>the</strong> contemporary women’s movementemerged. From <strong>the</strong> book cover, which shows female workers protest<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st ris<strong>in</strong>g food prices, onewould expect coverage of women’s issues throughout, but this is not <strong>the</strong> case. Apparently, <strong>the</strong> earlyprogressive movement was heavily male‐dom<strong>in</strong>ated. But, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 80s, women became an importantcomponent of <strong>the</strong> opposition, protest<strong>in</strong>g draconian policies which essentially crim<strong>in</strong>alised women’spresence <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> public sphere, mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m vulnerable to unprecedented violence, and depriv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>mof rights actually accorded <strong>the</strong>m by Islam. Eventually, defenders of <strong>the</strong>se anti‐female policies wererevealed to be defend<strong>in</strong>g patriarchal control, not piety, <strong>in</strong> a dynamic familiar to women activistselsewhere.Toor is up‐front with her <strong>in</strong>tention “to disrupt <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>stream account of Pakistani history by offer<strong>in</strong>gan alternative narrative”, one which “aims to highlight resistance and struggle, and to document <strong>the</strong>important and historical role played by <strong>the</strong> Pakistani Left <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> culture and politics of <strong>the</strong> country”. (p.5) As such, her book is unique and well worth read<strong>in</strong>g.Page 31 of 154


The political effects of existential fearWednesday, <strong>October</strong> 19, <strong>2011</strong>9/11 attacks Credit: National Parks ServiceWhy did <strong>the</strong> approval rat<strong>in</strong>gs of President George W. Bush— who was perceived as <strong>in</strong>decisive beforeSeptember 11, 2001—soar over 90 percent after <strong>the</strong> terrorist attacks? Because Americans were acutelyaware of <strong>the</strong>ir own deaths. That is one lesson from <strong>the</strong> psychological literature on "mortality salience"reviewed <strong>in</strong> a new article called "The Politics of Mortal Terror." The paper, by psychologists FloretteCohen of <strong>the</strong> City University of New York's College of Staten Island and Sheldon Solomon of SkidmoreCollege, appears <strong>in</strong> <strong>October</strong>'s Current Directions <strong>in</strong> Psychological Science, a journal published by <strong>the</strong>Association for Psychological Science.The fear people felt after 9/11 was real, but it also made <strong>the</strong>m ripe for psychological manipulation,experts say. "We all know that fear tactics have been used by politicians for years to sway votes," saysCohen. Now psychological research offers <strong>in</strong>sight <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> chill<strong>in</strong>gly named "terror management."The authors cite studies show<strong>in</strong>g that awareness of mortality tends to make people feel more positivetoward heroic, charismatic figures and more punitive toward wrongdoers. In one study, Cohen and hercolleagues asked participants to th<strong>in</strong>k of death and <strong>the</strong>n gave <strong>the</strong>m statements from three fictionalpolitical figures. One was charismatic: he appealed to <strong>the</strong> specialness of <strong>the</strong> person and <strong>the</strong> group towhich she belonged. One was a technocrat, offer<strong>in</strong>g practical solutions to problems. The third stressedPage 32 of 154


<strong>the</strong> value of participation <strong>in</strong> democracy. After th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g about death, support for <strong>the</strong> charismatic leadershot up eightfold.Even sublim<strong>in</strong>al suggestions of mortality have similar effects. Subjects who saw <strong>the</strong> numbers 911 or <strong>the</strong>letters WTC had higher op<strong>in</strong>ions of a Bush statement about <strong>the</strong> necessity of <strong>in</strong>vad<strong>in</strong>g Iraq. This was trueof both liberals and conservatives.Awareness of danger and death can bias even peaceful people toward war or aggression. Iranianstudents <strong>in</strong> a control condition preferred <strong>the</strong> statement of a person preach<strong>in</strong>g understand<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>the</strong>value of human life over a jihadist call to suicide bomb<strong>in</strong>g. But primed to th<strong>in</strong>k about death, <strong>the</strong>y grewmore positive toward <strong>the</strong> bomber. Some even said that <strong>the</strong>y might consider becom<strong>in</strong>g a martyr.As time goes by and <strong>the</strong> memory of danger and death grows fa<strong>in</strong>ter, however, "morality salience" tendsto polarize people politically, lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m to cl<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong>ir own beliefs and demonize o<strong>the</strong>rs who holdoppos<strong>in</strong>g beliefs—see<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> cause of <strong>the</strong>ir own endangerment.The psychological research should make voters wary of emotional political appeals and even of <strong>the</strong>irown emotions <strong>in</strong> response, Cohen says. "We encourage all citizens to vote with <strong>the</strong>ir heads ra<strong>the</strong>r than<strong>the</strong>ir hearts. Become an educated voter. Look at <strong>the</strong> candidate's positions and platforms. Look at whoyou are vot<strong>in</strong>g for and what <strong>the</strong>y stand for."Also featured on: healthnewsdigest.com brightsurf.com medilexicon.com physorg.comsciencedaily.comesciencenews.comPage 33 of 154


Law & Politics Book ReviewSponsored by <strong>the</strong> Law and Courts Section of <strong>the</strong> American Political Science AssociationEVOLUTION, CREATIONISM, AND THE BATTLE TO CONTROLAMERICA’S CLASSROOMSby Michael Berkman and Eric Plutzer. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2010.304pp. Hardback. $85.00/£50.00. ISBN: 9780521190466. Paperback. $27.99/£17.99. ISBN:9780521148863. Adobe eBook. $22.00. ISBN: 9780511922251.pp. 584‐590Reviewed by Michal Paris, Political Science, The College of Staten Island (CUNY). Email:Michael.Paris [at] csi.cuny.edu.“No scientific generalization is more strongly supported by thoroughly tested [evidence] than is that oforganic evolution.” So said a resolution of <strong>the</strong> American Association for <strong>the</strong> Advancement of Science <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> year 1922. Yet, as is well known, shortly <strong>the</strong>reafter, <strong>in</strong> 1925, <strong>the</strong>re followed <strong>the</strong> Scopes Monkey Trial.For decades after that, communities across America banished evolution from high school biologyclassrooms. Susan Epperson’s successful establishment clause challenge to an Arkansas law that made itunlawful to teach Darw<strong>in</strong>ian evolution did not end <strong>the</strong> controversy <strong>in</strong> 1968. Nor did Don Aguillard’ssuccessful attack on a Louisiana law that required “balanced treatment” for “creation science” and“evolution” end it <strong>in</strong> 1987. Still, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1990’s, <strong>the</strong> national guardians of modern science <strong>in</strong> publiceducation – for example, <strong>the</strong> National Academy of Science’s National Research Council – might havereasonably thought that <strong>the</strong>y were pound<strong>in</strong>g nails <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> coff<strong>in</strong> when <strong>the</strong>y po<strong>in</strong>tedly argued that <strong>the</strong>scientific case for evolution had grown stronger by <strong>the</strong> decade, and that evolution was scientific fact,pure and simple, and not merely a hunch, an idea, or even “a <strong>the</strong>ory” (Berkman and Plutzer, pp.14‐15;99‐101; 145). But anti‐evolutionism <strong>in</strong> America is like <strong>the</strong> wounded soldier who suffers defeat only toreturn to <strong>the</strong> fight with enhanced ardor (p.98, <strong>in</strong>ternal citation omitted). And so “scientific creationism”soon morphed <strong>in</strong>to “<strong>in</strong>telligent design,” and controversies over evolution and state education standardserupted aga<strong>in</strong>, most notably <strong>in</strong> Kansas and Florida. In Dover, Pennsylvania <strong>in</strong> 2004, <strong>the</strong>re were echoes<strong>the</strong> Scopes Monkey Trial when <strong>the</strong> compet<strong>in</strong>g sides faced off <strong>in</strong> federal court <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Kitzmiller case. Aconservative judge nom<strong>in</strong>ated by George W. Bush dealt <strong>the</strong> anti‐evolutionists yet ano<strong>the</strong>r st<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g legaldefeat.Why is <strong>the</strong>re an ongo<strong>in</strong>g political controversy when, accord<strong>in</strong>g to an overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g scientific consensusbased on overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g empirical evidence, <strong>the</strong>re should be no controversy? What expla<strong>in</strong>s “<strong>the</strong>amaz<strong>in</strong>g durability of this conflict on <strong>the</strong> American scene” (p.3)? In this book, Berkman and Plutzer setout to unpack this puzzle and illum<strong>in</strong>ate its multiple strands. They succeed. This is a very f<strong>in</strong>e and nicelycrafted book. It will be impossible here to do justice to <strong>the</strong> authors’ social scientific creativity andnuanced argument.Most readers will approach <strong>the</strong> creationism/evolution controversy with <strong>the</strong> sense that this is onePage 34 of 154


<strong>in</strong>stance of what [*585] Laurence Tribe once said about <strong>the</strong> abortion issue: What we have here is a“clash of absolutes” that is <strong>in</strong> large measure impervious to reason and evidence. The secular andscientific consensus on evolution threatens <strong>the</strong> deeply held religious values of large numbers of people.After that, <strong>the</strong>re really isn’t all that much to say.Although <strong>the</strong>re is some truth to this common wisdom, Berkman and Plutzer show, <strong>the</strong> story ofevolutionary biology <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> classroom is far more complicated and <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g. The authors’ contributionbeg<strong>in</strong>s, as does much good social science, with some simple, important, and neglected questions: Whoshould decide what children learn <strong>in</strong> public schools? Who decides now? How are policies on teach<strong>in</strong>gevolution made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fifty states? How are <strong>the</strong>y actually implemented (made?) at <strong>the</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t of contact<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> classroom? Why do teach<strong>in</strong>g practices take <strong>the</strong> shape and form that <strong>the</strong>y do? To address <strong>the</strong>sequestions, <strong>the</strong> authors take us on a journey through America’s honeycombed system of educationalpolitics and policymak<strong>in</strong>g. We encounter some surpris<strong>in</strong>g facts, which <strong>in</strong> turn call for explanation, which<strong>in</strong> turn give rise to new questions, which <strong>in</strong> turn give rise to <strong>the</strong> need to dig out more facts. The heart ofthis book consists of results from a nationwide, six‐page survey of 926 high school biology teachersconducted <strong>in</strong> 2007.Berkman and Plutzer focus on first response to <strong>the</strong> question “who should decide?” The democraticanswer is that <strong>the</strong> people should govern. Faith <strong>in</strong> democracy f<strong>in</strong>ds <strong>in</strong>stitutional reflection <strong>in</strong> traditions offederalism and local control <strong>in</strong> education. In a constitutional democracy, however, <strong>the</strong> people oftendon’t rule unproblematically, or without limit. When it comes to teach<strong>in</strong>g evolution, democracycompetes with roughly three o<strong>the</strong>r important sources of authority: (1) law and courts, (2) science and<strong>the</strong> views of policy experts, and (3) ideas about <strong>the</strong> professionalism and autonomy of teachers.Chapter 1 offers a brief legal and policy history of <strong>the</strong> evolution conflict, tak<strong>in</strong>g us from Scopes toKitzmiller. Law and courts scholars have often remarked that <strong>the</strong> implementation of judicial decisions isgenerally easier when a court says “stop do<strong>in</strong>g x,” as opposed to “do x.” The creationism decisions bearthis out. There is a constitutional boundary here. States cannot ban evolution or allow “creationscience” or “<strong>in</strong>telligent design” (ID) to be taught. Lawmakers <strong>in</strong> state capitals respect this boundary, giveor take a few momentary lapses, as do teachers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> nation’s classrooms, give or take a few outliers.At <strong>the</strong> same time, <strong>the</strong> authors rem<strong>in</strong>d us, <strong>the</strong> boundary has ano<strong>the</strong>r, “permissive” side. The spacenarrowed by <strong>the</strong> law “still provides significant room” for a wide range of policies and practices (p.25). Do<strong>the</strong> people govern with<strong>in</strong> this permissive zone?In Chapter 2, Berkman and Plutzer turn to public op<strong>in</strong>ion on teach<strong>in</strong>g creationism and evolution. Somemight f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>se facts surpris<strong>in</strong>g, or even jarr<strong>in</strong>g. After canvass<strong>in</strong>g (and <strong>in</strong> some cases reanalyz<strong>in</strong>g) allrelevant polls and surveys over <strong>the</strong> past three decades, <strong>the</strong> authors conclude that a substantial majorityof Americans endorse teach<strong>in</strong>g both creationism and evolution. Indeed, five adm<strong>in</strong>istrations of onesurvey s<strong>in</strong>ce 1999 reveal that 38% of Americans say [*586] <strong>the</strong>y would like “to replace scientificdiscussions of human orig<strong>in</strong>s with biblically <strong>in</strong>spired alternatives” (p. 36). Poll results consistently showthat teach<strong>in</strong>g evolution only (which is, after all, <strong>the</strong> official policy <strong>in</strong> all fifty states) comes <strong>in</strong> a distantthird place to teach<strong>in</strong>g both evolution and creationism or teach<strong>in</strong>g creationism only. Teach<strong>in</strong>g evolutiononly received as low as 12% support, and never came <strong>in</strong> at higher than 35% (pp.36‐39). These op<strong>in</strong>ions,<strong>the</strong> authors argue, have little to do with “irrationality” or “ignorance.” Support for creationism is rational<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>imal sense that it flows readily and coherently from broader belief systems. Even among <strong>the</strong>“scientifically literate,” public op<strong>in</strong>ion still overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g favors teach<strong>in</strong>g both (pp.49; 75‐79). After thisnational overview, one might th<strong>in</strong>k that when it comes to teach<strong>in</strong>g evolution <strong>the</strong>re is a very large gapbetween public op<strong>in</strong>ion (<strong>the</strong> democratic will, if one likes) and public policy. But that view would bePage 35 of 154


adically <strong>in</strong>complete, if not mistaken.Berkman and Plutzer turn <strong>in</strong> Chapter 3 to expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g this observed pattern of public op<strong>in</strong>ion. Theydescribe “a nation divided by religion, education and place.” Support for creationism is <strong>the</strong> product of acentury‐old split between ma<strong>in</strong>l<strong>in</strong>e Protestant denom<strong>in</strong>ations and doctr<strong>in</strong>ally conservative ones. Thesplit with<strong>in</strong> Protestantism reflects profound differences <strong>in</strong> attitudes toward modernity, how to <strong>in</strong>terpret<strong>the</strong> Bible, ideas about progress, and eschatoloty (premillennial vs. postmillennial). The authors draw onexist<strong>in</strong>g taxonomies of denom<strong>in</strong>ations and two surveys match<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se denom<strong>in</strong>ations with op<strong>in</strong>ionsabout evolution to uncover a pattern with significant implications for political mobilization. Only amongJews and people with “no religious affiliation” do we f<strong>in</strong>d firm opposition to creationism. Op<strong>in</strong>ion with<strong>in</strong>ma<strong>in</strong>l<strong>in</strong>e Protestant and Catholic denom<strong>in</strong>ations is ra<strong>the</strong>r diverse, and often evenly split. Leaders of suchreligious formations will likely avoid <strong>the</strong> topic. Only with<strong>in</strong> traditional Protestant churches is support forcreationism nearly uniform and deeply felt – perfect conditions for political mobilization,notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g repeated legal defeats (p.72). Levels of education do not have a strong impact onop<strong>in</strong>ion, except for <strong>the</strong> fact that those with postgraduate degrees tend to strongly favor evolution. Asfor geography, <strong>the</strong> authors po<strong>in</strong>t out that anti‐evolutionism is a national movement, although, asexpected, it is strongest <strong>in</strong> South and <strong>the</strong> Midwest, where traditional Protestantism is most prevalent.Chapter 3 also goes on to map public op<strong>in</strong>ion <strong>in</strong> each of <strong>the</strong> fifty states. Here, <strong>the</strong> authors draw on n<strong>in</strong>estudies with 9,533 respondents. Aga<strong>in</strong>, we f<strong>in</strong>d surpris<strong>in</strong>gly limited support for teach<strong>in</strong>g evolution only.Even <strong>in</strong> Massachusetts, <strong>the</strong> state most favorably disposed to evolution, and even tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> evidence <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> light most favorable to support for evolution, no more than 47% support <strong>the</strong> consensus view amongprofessional scientists (p.85). Support for teach<strong>in</strong>g evolution only falls below 30% <strong>in</strong> about half <strong>the</strong>states. In each state, <strong>the</strong> authors conclude, public op<strong>in</strong>ion on teach<strong>in</strong>g evolution is strongly associatedwith (1) <strong>the</strong> percentage of <strong>the</strong> population hold<strong>in</strong>g masters or doctoral degrees, and (2) <strong>the</strong> percentageof <strong>the</strong> population affiliated with doctr<strong>in</strong>ally conservative churches (p.87). [*587]Hav<strong>in</strong>g established what public op<strong>in</strong>ion is, nationally and state‐by‐state, and discuss<strong>in</strong>g why it is what itis, Berkman and Plutzer move on to a stepwise exam<strong>in</strong>ation of whe<strong>the</strong>r it matters, and if so, how? InChapter 4, <strong>the</strong>y draw on a thorough review of <strong>the</strong> quality of each state’s science standards as of 2000.They f<strong>in</strong>d a considerable range of different formal standards on <strong>the</strong> permissive side of <strong>the</strong> constitutionalboundary. At one end of <strong>the</strong> spectrum, we have Kansas’s myopic denial of evolution (s<strong>in</strong>ce reformed) orIowa’s vague and mean<strong>in</strong>gless verbiage (“students can understand relationships and concepts <strong>in</strong>biological science”). At <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r end, we have states that fully embrace <strong>the</strong> rigor and elaboration of <strong>the</strong>scientific consensus. The best s<strong>in</strong>gle source for this scientific consensus, a gold standard for sciencestandards, <strong>the</strong> authors note, is <strong>the</strong> National Research Council’s “National Science Education Standards”(NSES) (1996) (p.100). What expla<strong>in</strong>s this wide variation <strong>in</strong> quality? Berkman and Plutzer compare <strong>the</strong>explanatory power of two models, a “technical” one <strong>in</strong> which science and bureaucratic autonomydeterm<strong>in</strong>e policy, and a “responsive” one <strong>in</strong> which public op<strong>in</strong>ion does. Interest<strong>in</strong>gly, <strong>the</strong>y f<strong>in</strong>d that <strong>the</strong>technical model expla<strong>in</strong>s variation for subjects <strong>in</strong> science o<strong>the</strong>r than evolution, but <strong>the</strong> responsive modelholds for evolution (p.110). “In states where a majority of <strong>the</strong> public are hostile toward evolution,” <strong>the</strong>authors write, “<strong>the</strong> standards tend to be cursory and vague…” (p.113). So public op<strong>in</strong>ion is related tostate standards. But do <strong>the</strong> state standards determ<strong>in</strong>e what happens <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> classroom? To answer thatquestion Berkman and Plutzer needed to know what happens <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> classroom, and what might expla<strong>in</strong>variation <strong>in</strong> what happens <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> classroom.In Chapter 5, <strong>the</strong> authors describe <strong>the</strong>ir national survey of biology teachers (with 926 respondents) andreport both quantitative and qualitative data from it. They asked teachers to state how much time <strong>the</strong>yPage 36 of 154


spent each year cover<strong>in</strong>g “evolutionary processes,” “human evolution,” and “creationism or <strong>in</strong>telligentdesign.” They also asked several questions designed to probe how close teachers’ beliefs and practiceswere to <strong>the</strong> scientific consensus’s gold standard, as def<strong>in</strong>ed by <strong>the</strong> National Research Council’s NSESdocument – questions about whe<strong>the</strong>r teachers believed that evolution has <strong>the</strong> status of scientific fact,believed that one cannot understand biology and several related fields without understand<strong>in</strong>gevolution, and believed that evolution is properly regarded as a unify<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>me <strong>in</strong> science. They foundsignificant variation <strong>in</strong> time spent on evolution and <strong>in</strong> teach<strong>in</strong>g content and methods, especially when itcomes to “human evolution.” Seventeen percent of <strong>the</strong>ir respondents did not cover human evolution atall, while ano<strong>the</strong>r 35% spent only 1‐2 hours on it (p.123). When <strong>the</strong>y comb<strong>in</strong>ed “evolutionary processes”with “human evolution,” Berkman and Plutzer found that <strong>the</strong> average teacher spent a total of 14 hourson it, and only 1% of <strong>the</strong> respondents excluded it entirely. When it comes to how close <strong>the</strong> content ofteach<strong>in</strong>g evolution comes to <strong>the</strong> scientific consensus, Berkman and Plutzer report that teachers are“divided roughly 50‐50 between those who embrace <strong>the</strong> national organization’s recommendedpedagogical approach and those who do not.” However, only 12% “are teach<strong>in</strong>g evolution <strong>in</strong> a manner[*588] totally consistent with <strong>the</strong> recommendations of <strong>the</strong> most prom<strong>in</strong>ent national scientificorganizations” (p.127).Many teachers sought to underm<strong>in</strong>e evolution, or to avoid controversy, by conf<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>struction to“microevolution” (with<strong>in</strong> species changes), by leav<strong>in</strong>g evolution to <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> course so as to give itshort shrift, or by explicitly stat<strong>in</strong>g that students need not believe <strong>in</strong> evolution <strong>in</strong> order to learn about itas a <strong>the</strong>ory (<strong>the</strong> authors wonder what would happen if a science teacher told students that he or she didnot care whe<strong>the</strong>r students actually believed that light simultaneously has <strong>the</strong> properties of waves anddiscrete particles) (p.133). Seventy‐five percent of <strong>the</strong> respondents reported spend<strong>in</strong>g no time at all oncreationism or ID, but 22% reported spend<strong>in</strong>g at least some time on <strong>the</strong>m. Berkman and Plutzerestimate that between 14‐21% of all teachers are endors<strong>in</strong>g creationism or ID <strong>in</strong> some fashion, ma<strong>in</strong>lyby present<strong>in</strong>g it along with evolution as if <strong>the</strong> two views were ak<strong>in</strong> to compet<strong>in</strong>g ideas or <strong>the</strong>ories. Ei<strong>the</strong>rboth are “scientific models,” or both are “religion,” but ei<strong>the</strong>r way evolution is underm<strong>in</strong>ed.Why is it that some teachers spend over 20 hours on evolution and adhere to <strong>the</strong> scientific consensus onhow to teach it, while o<strong>the</strong>rs barely mention it? How much of <strong>the</strong> variation might be expla<strong>in</strong>ed bydifferent state standards and accountability mechanisms? How much by teachers’ educationalbackgrounds, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, and professional identities? How much by <strong>the</strong>ir personal beliefs? What is <strong>the</strong> roleof local community op<strong>in</strong>ion, or pressure?Berkman and Plutzer place <strong>the</strong>ir discussion of teachers’ beliefs and practices <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> broader context ofwork on street‐level bureaucracy (Lipsky, 1980). In Chapter 6, <strong>the</strong>y ask whe<strong>the</strong>r differences <strong>in</strong> statestandards (viewed now <strong>in</strong> 2007 based on <strong>the</strong>ir own analysis) expla<strong>in</strong> differences <strong>in</strong> teach<strong>in</strong>g practices.They f<strong>in</strong>d that, for <strong>the</strong> most part, <strong>the</strong>y do not (p.174). By contrast, teachers’ self‐rated expertisecorrelates well with time spent on evolution and <strong>the</strong> rigor of <strong>in</strong>struction (p.171). In Chapter 7, <strong>the</strong>authors turn to how “<strong>the</strong> personal becomes pedagogical.” They test various models designed to explore<strong>the</strong> role of two central personal characteristics: educational background and personal beliefs. They f<strong>in</strong>dthat <strong>the</strong> educational backgrounds of high school biology teachers varies a lot – only 51% have earned abachelor’s degree <strong>in</strong> science – and it seems to expla<strong>in</strong> a lot of <strong>the</strong> variance. One <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g isthat a teacher’s hav<strong>in</strong>g taken a full college course <strong>in</strong> evolutionary biology appears to have <strong>the</strong> largestimpact, compared to o<strong>the</strong>r measures of educational background and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g. This f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g and o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong>this chapter direct our attention to teacher tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and certification (p.182). It is possible that changes<strong>in</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and certification could improve <strong>in</strong>struction (my thought was that stronger requirementscouldn’t hurt), but it is also possible that core religious beliefs and self‐selection come before and trumpPage 37 of 154


formal tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g. Ano<strong>the</strong>r regression model shows that “not only do personal beliefs <strong>in</strong>fluence<strong>in</strong>struction, <strong>the</strong>y also have a stronger impact than any o<strong>the</strong>r factor [<strong>the</strong> authors] have exam<strong>in</strong>ed. At <strong>the</strong>end of <strong>the</strong> day, beliefs are <strong>the</strong> most powerful predictor for teachers on both sides of <strong>the</strong> divide (pp.186,189). [*589]Does that mean that teachers are simply and only free agents? Not exactly. In Chapter 8, Berkman andPlutzer conclude <strong>the</strong>ir empirical <strong>in</strong>quiry with a look at <strong>the</strong> relationship between teachers and <strong>the</strong>ir localcommunities. Us<strong>in</strong>g denom<strong>in</strong>ational membership data and data on <strong>the</strong> percentage of <strong>the</strong> localpopulation hold<strong>in</strong>g advanced degrees, <strong>the</strong>y construct a scale of local culture rang<strong>in</strong>g from“traditionalism” to “cosmopolitanism.” They show that teachers’ personal beliefs about evolution arestrongly related to school district characteristics. What is at work here is a process ak<strong>in</strong> to “assortivemat<strong>in</strong>g” <strong>in</strong> decisions about whom to marry. Here, what is go<strong>in</strong>g on is “assortive hir<strong>in</strong>g and retention.”Teachers tend to look for work with<strong>in</strong> fifteen miles of where <strong>the</strong>y grew up, and districts tend to hireteachers who will “harmonize and fit <strong>in</strong> with <strong>the</strong> prevail<strong>in</strong>g local culture” (pp.199‐200). Teachers,districts, and local residents share values. Overt community pressure is very rare, because often <strong>the</strong>re isno home/school conflict (pp.202‐207). Moreover, even when community op<strong>in</strong>ion is diverse, teachersdevelop ways of avoid<strong>in</strong>g conflict. For example, <strong>the</strong>y might never say <strong>the</strong> word “evolution,” preferr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>stead to say “change over time.”Berkman and Plutzer began with <strong>the</strong> question “who decides?” An exhaustive review of public op<strong>in</strong>ion onteach<strong>in</strong>g evolution seemed to reveal that official policy was wildly out of l<strong>in</strong>e with public op<strong>in</strong>ion. Lawand science seemed to have won <strong>the</strong> day. However, closer <strong>in</strong>spection state‐by‐state op<strong>in</strong>ion, statepolicies, and classroom practices revealed a fair amount of “bottom‐up, democratic control,” producedthrough “multiple mechanisms” (p.213). Teachers’ views reflect <strong>the</strong> culture of <strong>the</strong> communities <strong>the</strong>yserve, and those communities are <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly divided by religion and education. About 20% of allteachers embrace <strong>the</strong> scientific consensus and ano<strong>the</strong>r 20% or so consistently seek to underm<strong>in</strong>e it.That leaves an ambivalent 60% <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> middle, grop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir way cautiously through <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>efield. Thiscontroversy, with its “thousands of potential arenas of conflict,” is “dist<strong>in</strong>ctly American.” The nature androle of religion and political decentralization <strong>in</strong> education ensure that <strong>the</strong> conflict will cont<strong>in</strong>ue.One neglected <strong>the</strong>me <strong>in</strong> this work is <strong>the</strong> possible role of race and its relationship to religion and politics(cf: Wadsworth, 2008). The authors note that traditional Protestant black churches are every bit assupportive of creationism as <strong>the</strong>ir white counterparts (pp.71‐72), but, <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>gly, <strong>the</strong>y are notpolitically mobilized on <strong>the</strong> evolution issue. The authors surmise that evolution would not be a highpriority for traditional black churches, but <strong>the</strong>y leave it at that. They also note that <strong>the</strong>ir national sampleunderrepresents teachers teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> schools with substantial m<strong>in</strong>ority student populations (pp.118‐19).Race was not <strong>in</strong>cluded as a variable <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> many regression analyses <strong>in</strong> this book (or maybe it was butdidn’t yield any <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g result, so <strong>the</strong> results were not reported). In any event, more susta<strong>in</strong>edattention to race might have filled out <strong>the</strong> picture. To be provocative about this po<strong>in</strong>t, I’m wonder<strong>in</strong>gwhe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> strongest proponents of creationism are not also those most ardently devoted to <strong>the</strong>survival of white supremacy. If so, would that matter? Are evolution and a [*590] sense of white racialvictimization part of <strong>the</strong> same larger complex of underly<strong>in</strong>g beliefs?This m<strong>in</strong>or quibble aside, this book has many great virtues. Berkman and Plutzer strike exactly <strong>the</strong> rightbalance between, on <strong>the</strong> one hand, reveal<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir thought processes, describ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> operationalizationof <strong>the</strong>ir variable, expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir regression models, and <strong>the</strong> like, and, on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, susta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g alively, engag<strong>in</strong>g narrative discussion that keeps <strong>the</strong> reader engaged and th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g and learn<strong>in</strong>g along with<strong>the</strong>m. I would th<strong>in</strong>k that anyone teach<strong>in</strong>g a methods course, whe<strong>the</strong>r at <strong>the</strong> undergraduate or graduatePage 38 of 154


level, would want to take a close look at this book to consider it for course adoptions. Scholars of lawand courts will like this book as a model of how legal decisions can be placed <strong>in</strong> broader public op<strong>in</strong>ionand policy environments through careful quantitative analyses. Berkman and Plutzer’s argument showshow legal ideas and rules can do real boundary work, and can reframe <strong>the</strong> terms of conflicts, withouttightly determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g policies and outcomes. If we read only <strong>the</strong> law, we won’t beg<strong>in</strong> to understand whatis really go<strong>in</strong>g on. F<strong>in</strong>ally, many people who study education will want to read this book. The authors areconstantly fram<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir analyses <strong>in</strong> broader bodies of research on what teacher do and why, and,beyond that, research on street‐level bureaucracy. Anyone concerned about state education standards,curriculum, and teach<strong>in</strong>g practices is likely to f<strong>in</strong>d a plethora of substantive and methodological ideasand <strong>in</strong>sights here.REFERENCES:Lipsky, Michael. 1980. Street‐Level Bureaucracy: Dilemmas of <strong>the</strong> Individual <strong>in</strong> Public Service. New York:Russell Sage Foundation.Wadsworth, Nancy D. 2008. “Reconcil<strong>in</strong>g Fractures: The Intersection of Race and Religion <strong>in</strong> UnitedStates Political Development,” <strong>in</strong> Joseph Lowndes, Julie Novkov, and Dorian T. Warren, eds., Race andAmerican Political Development. New York: Routledge.CASE REFERENCES:Edwards v. Aguillard, 482 U.S. 578 (1987).Epperson v. Arkansas, 393 U.S. 97 (1968).Kitzmiller v. Dover School District, 400 F. Supp.2d 707 (M.D. Pa 2005).Page 39 of 154


Malliotakis, Sav<strong>in</strong>o at Manhattan's Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a LegislativeConferenceFriday, <strong>October</strong> 21, <strong>2011</strong>, 7:17 AMJudy L. RandallBySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Staten Island's two female state lawmakers will participate <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>aLegislative Conference <strong>in</strong> Manhattan today and tomorrow.Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn) will lead a discussion on college retention rates for Lat<strong>in</strong>ostudents and state Sen. Diane Sav<strong>in</strong>o (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) will moderate a panel on Lat<strong>in</strong>o suiciderates."As a woman of Cuban descent, I am excited to discuss issues of importance to <strong>the</strong> Hispanic community,"said Ms. Malliotakis, which she said <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong> need to promote m<strong>in</strong>ority-owned bus<strong>in</strong>esses, jobs creationand educational opportunities.Ms. Sav<strong>in</strong>o said <strong>the</strong> event will offer participants <strong>the</strong> chance to explore <strong>the</strong> "cultural dist<strong>in</strong>ctions among thispopulation."College of Staten Island President Dr. Tomas Morales will be among those honored.The two-day conference is sponsored by <strong>the</strong> New York State Senate and <strong>the</strong> Hispanic Fund and will be held<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, 811 Seventh Ave., at 53rd St.Tickets are $200.For fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>formation, contact <strong>the</strong> Hispanic Federation at 212-233-8955.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 40 of 154


Page 41 of 154


The Journey of <strong>the</strong> Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Use of <strong>the</strong> Home OfficeDeduction [CPA Journal, The]Copyright: (c) <strong>2011</strong> New York State Society of Certified Public AccountantsSource: Proquest LLCWordcount: 3557As work styles have changed throughout <strong>the</strong> years, more taxpayers have started work<strong>in</strong>g from home.With <strong>the</strong> help of modern technology, hav<strong>in</strong>g a home office has become more practical and efficient. Theconcept of work<strong>in</strong>g from home affects many facets of an <strong>in</strong>dividual' s life, such as commut<strong>in</strong>g time, travelexpense, and, of course, tax issues. Although <strong>the</strong> idea of a home office deduction - that is, us<strong>in</strong>g aportion of one's home exclusively for bus<strong>in</strong>ess purposes and deduct<strong>in</strong>g related expenses when fil<strong>in</strong>g taxes- is not new, <strong>the</strong> criteria have changed over time . Some believe that <strong>the</strong>se criteria have not changedenough.This article explores <strong>the</strong> standards related to <strong>the</strong> home office deduction, serv<strong>in</strong>g as a refresher of <strong>the</strong>history of <strong>the</strong> issue and giv<strong>in</strong>g CPAs an understand<strong>in</strong>g of how <strong>the</strong> standards have evolved <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>ircurrent model, as well as an <strong>in</strong>sight <strong>in</strong>to how timeconsum<strong>in</strong>g it can be to effect change.A Glimpse <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> PastA taxpayer's home has to qualify as his pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> order to be eligible for a homeoffice deduction. But what exactly does "pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess" mean? Nei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> IRC nor <strong>the</strong>Treasury Regulations provide an exact def<strong>in</strong>ition. It has fallen upon <strong>the</strong> courts to provide judicial guidanceas to what is meant by this phrase.One case that called out for attention and <strong>the</strong> need for change <strong>in</strong> this area of law was Comm'r v. Soliman(506 U.S. 168, 1993), which went all <strong>the</strong> way to <strong>the</strong> Supreme Court. It should be noted that <strong>the</strong> year of<strong>the</strong> tax return <strong>in</strong> question was 1983. Thus, a decade elapsed before this matter completed its entirejourney and a f<strong>in</strong>al resolution was reached. The case orig<strong>in</strong>ated <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S. Tax Court, went on to <strong>the</strong>U.S. Court of Appeals, and obta<strong>in</strong>ed its f<strong>in</strong>al decision after be<strong>in</strong>g heard before <strong>the</strong> U.S. Supreme Court. Areview of Soliman provides historical background for <strong>the</strong> development and understand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> homeoffice deduction.Background, Nader Soliman was an anes<strong>the</strong>siologist who had a home office for which he sought to take adeduction. Although Soliman's primary work was done on patients <strong>in</strong> three different hospitals, he also dida great deal of work at his home. Soliman used his office to contact surgeons and patients as well ashospitals to arrange admissions of his patients. He performed all his recordkeep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> office,ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g detailed accounts of bill<strong>in</strong>g records and patient logs. In addition, he stored patient records,bill<strong>in</strong>g records, correspondence with patients, names of surgeons and <strong>in</strong>surance companies, medicaljournals, medical texts, collections agency records, and <strong>in</strong>surance code books <strong>in</strong> his home office. Believ<strong>in</strong>ghe was entitled to a home office deduction, he claimed such a deduction on his 1983 tax return.Although <strong>the</strong> general rule states that no deduction is permitted with respect to a taxpayer's residence, ataxpayer can f<strong>in</strong>d exceptions to this rule <strong>in</strong> IRC section 280A(c). The full details of <strong>the</strong> exceptions can beseen <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Exhibit. As an anes<strong>the</strong>siologist, Soliman did not store <strong>in</strong>ventory, so he did not look to IRCsection 280A(c)(2). He did not utilize a separate structure for his home office, so he did not look to IRCsection 280A(c)(l)(C) for his exception. Because he did not meet with patients <strong>in</strong> his home office, he didnot look to IRC section 280A (c)(l)(B)(b), ei<strong>the</strong>r. Soliman was of <strong>the</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion that he had found anexception to <strong>the</strong> general rule <strong>in</strong> IRC section 280A(c)(l)(A), because he believed his office satisfied <strong>the</strong>requirements as his pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Aga<strong>in</strong>, <strong>the</strong> problem is def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g what exactly is meant bythis term<strong>in</strong>ology. While Soliman thought that he had satisfied IRC section 280A(C)(I)(A), <strong>the</strong> IRS did notagree.This disagreement resulted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> dispute go<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> Tax Court (94 T.C. 20, 1990), which decided <strong>in</strong>Page 42 of 154


favor of Soliman. The case was appealed to <strong>the</strong> Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals (935 F.2D 52, 1991). Onappeal, <strong>the</strong> court aga<strong>in</strong> decided <strong>in</strong> favor of Soliman. It should be noted that both of <strong>the</strong>se victories for<strong>the</strong> taxpayer were a split decision. The Supreme Court granted certiorari and reversed <strong>the</strong> decision of <strong>the</strong>lower courts. The decision of <strong>the</strong> Supreme Court, like <strong>the</strong> decision of both o<strong>the</strong>r courts, was split.Court of Appeals. Judge Phillips of <strong>the</strong> U.S. Court of Appeals did not believe that <strong>the</strong> new "facts andcircumstances" test was appropriate. This test provides that if management or adm<strong>in</strong>istrative activities areessential to <strong>the</strong> taxpayer's trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess and <strong>the</strong> only available office space is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> taxpayer's home,<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> home office can be <strong>the</strong> taxpayer's pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess. But <strong>in</strong>terpretation of this testfrequently causes debate. It was Judge Phillips's op<strong>in</strong>ion that a taxpayer can have only one pr<strong>in</strong>cipal placeof bus<strong>in</strong>ess, accord<strong>in</strong>g to IRC section 280A. To determ<strong>in</strong>e which location should be considered <strong>the</strong>pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess, a comparison of all places of bus<strong>in</strong>ess would be necessary. Judge Phillipsagreed with <strong>the</strong> dissent<strong>in</strong>g judges of <strong>the</strong> Tax Court that <strong>the</strong> facts-and-circumstances test elim<strong>in</strong>ated anyneed for compar<strong>in</strong>g a taxpayer's use of several bus<strong>in</strong>ess locations. The dissent<strong>in</strong>g judges believed thatthis comparison was essential <strong>in</strong> order to determ<strong>in</strong>e a taxpayer's one and only pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess.The Supreme Court The Court granted certiorari to resolve <strong>the</strong> conflict and a reversed decision was <strong>the</strong>outcome. In determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> home office qualified as Soliman' s pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess, <strong>the</strong>Court listed two primary considerations:* The relative importance of <strong>the</strong> functions performed at each bus<strong>in</strong>ess location must be analyzed.* The decision maker should compare <strong>the</strong> amount of time spent at home with <strong>the</strong> amount of time spent<strong>in</strong> each of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r places where bus<strong>in</strong>ess is transacted.Based on <strong>the</strong>se two po<strong>in</strong>ts, <strong>the</strong> Supreme Court ruled aga<strong>in</strong>st Soliman. The tasks he performed at hishome office were deemed to be less important than those tasks he performed at <strong>the</strong> hospitals; that is,treat<strong>in</strong>g patients at <strong>the</strong> hospitals weighed more heavily than <strong>the</strong> adm<strong>in</strong>istrative duties performed <strong>in</strong> hishome office. With respect to <strong>the</strong> Court's second criterion - time - <strong>the</strong> hospital locations won out onceaga<strong>in</strong>. Soliman spent 30 to 35 hours per week at <strong>the</strong> hospitals, whereas he only spent 10 to 15 hours perweek <strong>in</strong> his home office. The majority believed, as did <strong>the</strong> dissent<strong>in</strong>g judges of <strong>the</strong> lower courts, that itwas necessary to perform a comparative analysis of <strong>the</strong> taxpayer's various bus<strong>in</strong>ess locations <strong>in</strong> order todeterm<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess. In addition, <strong>the</strong> Supreme Court rejected <strong>the</strong> Court of Appeals'reliance on <strong>the</strong> availability of alternative office space as an additional consideration <strong>in</strong> determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g ataxpayer's pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Justice Thomas, who agreed with <strong>the</strong> majority, made an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>gpo<strong>in</strong>t: 'We granted certiorari to clarify a recurr<strong>in</strong>g question of tax law that has been <strong>the</strong> subject ofconsiderable disagreement. Unfortunately, this issue is no clearer today than it was before we grantedcertiorari."Justice Stevens dissented. He believed that <strong>the</strong> Court's conclusion deviated from Congress' purpose andunfairly denied an <strong>in</strong>tended benefit to <strong>the</strong> grow<strong>in</strong>g number of self-employed taxpayers who manage <strong>the</strong>irbus<strong>in</strong>ess from a home office. He stated: "In my judgment, <strong>the</strong> Court's contrary conclusion <strong>in</strong> this case willbreed uncerta<strong>in</strong>ty <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> law, frustrate a primary purpose of <strong>the</strong> statute, and unfairly penalize deserv<strong>in</strong>gtaxpayers. Given <strong>the</strong> grow<strong>in</strong>g importance of home offices, <strong>the</strong> result is most unfortunate."This case brought attention to <strong>the</strong> need for change, and reform did come about, albeit too late forSoliman. While this particular case <strong>in</strong>volved an anes<strong>the</strong>siologist, taxpayers <strong>in</strong> many o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>dustries havebeen affected, such as musicians, small contractors, and many o<strong>the</strong>rs.A General Rule and ExceptionsAs a general rule, expenses <strong>in</strong> connection with one's personal residence are not deductible, with <strong>the</strong>exceptions of <strong>in</strong>terest, taxes, and casualty losses. IRC section 280A provides this rule, as well asexceptions to <strong>the</strong> rule. Exceptions can be found <strong>in</strong> IRC section 280A(c). In addition to use of <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>essportion of <strong>the</strong> home on an exclusive and regular basis, many o<strong>the</strong>r factors need to be considered.IRC section 280A(c)(l) states that an exception applies if a portion of <strong>the</strong> taxpayer' s residence is usedexclusively for bus<strong>in</strong>ess on a regular basis. But <strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess portion of <strong>the</strong> residence cannot serve doubleduty, mean<strong>in</strong>g that it cannot act as a place to meet clients one day and a place for <strong>the</strong> family to watch amovie <strong>the</strong> next.Bridg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Past and <strong>the</strong> PresentPage 43 of 154


Prior to <strong>the</strong> enactment of IRC section 280A, a home office needed to be "appropriate and helpful" <strong>in</strong>order to qualify as deductible. The test used <strong>in</strong> Soliman was <strong>the</strong> facts-and-circumstances test discussedabove. With respect to Soliman, <strong>the</strong> hospitals did not provide him with office space. Soliman managedand coord<strong>in</strong>ated his anes<strong>the</strong>siology work <strong>in</strong> his home office. The Tax Court deemed that Soliman spentsubstantial time <strong>in</strong> his home office. In addition, <strong>the</strong> use of his home office was important to a successfulmedical practice. Based upon <strong>the</strong> facts and circumstances presented, Soliman found favor with <strong>the</strong> TaxCourt.The <strong>in</strong>tention of Congress <strong>in</strong> enact<strong>in</strong>g IRC section 280A (added by <strong>the</strong> Tax Reform Act of 1976) was toprevent taxpayers from abus<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> home office deduction. Before its adoption, expenses attributable to<strong>the</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess use of a residence were deductible whenever <strong>the</strong>y were appropriate and helpful to <strong>the</strong>taxpayer's bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Obviously, this standard left room for a great deal of abuse. Throughout <strong>the</strong> years,various changes have been made with respect to IRC section 280A. In 1998, Congress passed <strong>the</strong> 1997Taxpayer Relief Act, which amended IRC section 280A by add<strong>in</strong>g one additional sentence. This onesentence would most likely have yielded a different outcome for Soliman:For purposes of subparagraph (A), <strong>the</strong> term "pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess" <strong>in</strong>cludes a place of bus<strong>in</strong>esswhich is used by <strong>the</strong> taxpayer for <strong>the</strong> adm<strong>in</strong>istrative or management activities of any trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess of<strong>the</strong> taxpayer if <strong>the</strong>re is no o<strong>the</strong>r fixed location of such trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess where <strong>the</strong> taxpayer conductssubstantial adm<strong>in</strong>istrative or management activities of such trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess.Examples <strong>in</strong> O<strong>the</strong>r ProfessionsTaxpayers and <strong>the</strong> IRS have always battled over <strong>the</strong> notion of a home office deduction. Below is asampl<strong>in</strong>g of some court cases that explore different issues that may arise.Music. Some musicians provide music lessons from an area <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir homes. O<strong>the</strong>r performers may use <strong>the</strong>garage or basement to practice. Such was <strong>the</strong> case <strong>in</strong> Valerie Jean Genck v. Comm'r (T. C. Memo 1998-105). Genck performed as <strong>the</strong> lead s<strong>in</strong>ger <strong>in</strong> a band with her husband, Mat<strong>the</strong>w Genck. In addition tobe<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> lead s<strong>in</strong>ger, she was also <strong>the</strong> band's manager. She spent about 12 hours per week perform<strong>in</strong>gand about 30 hours per week <strong>in</strong> her home office satisfy<strong>in</strong>g her responsibilities as <strong>the</strong> band's manager,conduct<strong>in</strong>g various adm<strong>in</strong>istrative and managerial activities.Genck claimed a home office deduction on her 1992 tax return. She possessed well-organized recordsthat she presented to <strong>the</strong> court, which was satisfied that 50% of her apartment was used both regularlyand exclusively <strong>in</strong> connection with her activities as <strong>the</strong> band's manager. Once aga<strong>in</strong>, <strong>the</strong> question to beanswered was whe<strong>the</strong>r her home office could be considered her pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess. The courtneeded to apply <strong>the</strong> criteria set forth <strong>in</strong> Soliman, namely <strong>the</strong> relative importance of <strong>the</strong> work done <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>home office and <strong>the</strong> amount of time spent <strong>the</strong>re.The court found that <strong>the</strong> importance of, and <strong>the</strong> time spent on, <strong>the</strong> activities performed at <strong>the</strong> officewere sufficient enough to support its treatment as Genck' s pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess as manager of <strong>the</strong>band. This case proved to be a plus for many musicians. It should be noted that even though <strong>the</strong>Soliman criteria were used, <strong>the</strong> taxpayer proved to be victorious. In this particular case, it is <strong>the</strong> fact thatGenck was <strong>the</strong> band's manager, coupled with her organized records, that worked <strong>in</strong> her favor.Medic<strong>in</strong>e. The case of David J. Edwards v. Comm'r (T.C. Memo 2002-169) validated <strong>the</strong> outcome that hadbeen reached <strong>in</strong> Soliman. Edwards was, among o<strong>the</strong>r th<strong>in</strong>gs, a medical doctor who sought to deduct for ahome office. But Edwards may have overreached: He sought to deduct two-thirds of <strong>the</strong> expenses ofma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g his home. Some of <strong>the</strong> expenses he attempted to deduct <strong>in</strong>cluded both <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>cipal and <strong>the</strong><strong>in</strong>terest portion of his mortgage payment; pr<strong>in</strong>cipal repayment is never deductible. In addition, Edwardsdeducted taxes, <strong>in</strong>surance, and utilities. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, <strong>the</strong> mortgage <strong>in</strong>terest, as well as <strong>the</strong> real estatetaxes, had already been claimed as an itemized deduction and a taxpayer is not permitted to deduct <strong>the</strong>same item twice.Edwards was filed <strong>in</strong> July 2002 and <strong>in</strong>volved tax years 1996 and 1997. While it was filed n<strong>in</strong>e years after<strong>the</strong> Soliman decision that brought about <strong>the</strong> need for change, such change had not yet arrived <strong>in</strong> time forEdwards. Because <strong>the</strong> tax years <strong>in</strong> question <strong>in</strong>volved 1996 and 1997, this case was evaluated us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>same rules that had been applied <strong>in</strong> Soliman. The court decided that Edwards's most important work wassee<strong>in</strong>g patients and, like Soliman, he did not see patients at his home office. Also like Soliman, Edwardsdid not get <strong>the</strong> home office deduction.Page 44 of 154


Real estate. John M. Rodriguez v. Comm'r (T.C. Memo 2009-22) <strong>in</strong>volved tax returns for tax years 1998-2001. Rodriguez had some success <strong>in</strong> claim<strong>in</strong>g an office <strong>in</strong> his home on <strong>the</strong>se tax returns. He was a realestate manager for several real estate developers. In addition, he handled a personal real estate bus<strong>in</strong>essthat he conducted entirely from his home. He had allocated 40% of his home as his home office becausehe stated that he used two of <strong>the</strong> five rooms for bus<strong>in</strong>ess.While <strong>the</strong> IRS agreed that <strong>the</strong> space was used regularly and exclusively for bus<strong>in</strong>ess, <strong>the</strong>y disagreed withhis percentage because <strong>the</strong> rooms were not <strong>the</strong> same size. Rodriguez was only allowed to allocate 28.5%as his home office. Although <strong>the</strong> two-prong test of Soliman was not appropriate <strong>in</strong> this case becauseRodriguez conducted his personal real estate bus<strong>in</strong>ess from only one location, his home, he still needed tobattle <strong>the</strong> issue of proper measurement. The Rodriguez case is from 2009, and is just one <strong>in</strong>dication that<strong>the</strong> office <strong>in</strong> home deduction has been <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past, is now, and will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be an issue of debatebetween taxpayers and <strong>the</strong> IRS.Rodriguez's battle did not <strong>in</strong>volve pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess, which is usually <strong>the</strong> major battle; ra<strong>the</strong>r, hisfight was regard<strong>in</strong>g size. This po<strong>in</strong>t illustrates that <strong>the</strong> ability to properly claim a home office deduction,while not impossible, is difficult. Ano<strong>the</strong>r issue to keep <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d is that while <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place ofbus<strong>in</strong>ess is one of <strong>the</strong> stickiest po<strong>in</strong>ts to deal with <strong>in</strong> connection with <strong>the</strong> home office deduction, by nomeans is it <strong>the</strong> only one.Look<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> FutureBoth <strong>the</strong> House and <strong>the</strong> Senate have submitted bills on <strong>the</strong> matter of home office deduction. In June2009, Congressman Charles Gonzalez (D-Tex.) <strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>the</strong> Home Office Tax Deduction Simplificationand Improvement Act; simultaneously, Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Ma<strong>in</strong>e) <strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>the</strong> bill <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Senate. The objective of <strong>the</strong> bill is to basically provide a standard deduction for a home office. Inaddition, <strong>the</strong> bill provides for a de m<strong>in</strong>imis amount of personal use when deal<strong>in</strong>g with employees ra<strong>the</strong>rthan self-employed taxpayers. While <strong>the</strong> home office would still need to be for <strong>the</strong> employer'sconvenience, it would liberalize <strong>the</strong> criteria exclusively used for bus<strong>in</strong>ess by stat<strong>in</strong>g:A portion of a dwell<strong>in</strong>g unit shall not fail to be deemed as exclusively used for bus<strong>in</strong>ess for purposes ofthis paragraph solely because a de m<strong>in</strong>imis amount of non-bus<strong>in</strong>ess activity may be carried out <strong>in</strong> suchportion.Ra<strong>the</strong>r than calculate <strong>the</strong> deduction as it is done presently, which <strong>in</strong>volves a great deal of recordkeep<strong>in</strong>gand computation, a standard rate would be used if <strong>the</strong> taxpayer chose to do so. This rate would bedeterm<strong>in</strong>ed by <strong>the</strong> Secretary of <strong>the</strong> Treasury and would be multiplied by <strong>the</strong> square footage used for <strong>the</strong>home office. A maximum amount of square footage would also be determ<strong>in</strong>ed by <strong>the</strong> Secretary.In 2009, <strong>the</strong>re had been a desire to br<strong>in</strong>g about change. Unfortunately, some legislation that gets<strong>in</strong>troduced is allowed to die, and change never comes; perhaps change will come with a newer bill<strong>in</strong>troduced <strong>in</strong> 2010. Congressman John J. Hall (DN.Y.) sponsored this bill, <strong>the</strong> Help Small Bus<strong>in</strong>esses Startand Grow Act. One provision of this bill related to a standard office deduction. It was suggested thisdeduction be <strong>the</strong> lesser of $2,500 or <strong>the</strong> gross <strong>in</strong>come derived from <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual's trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess forwhich such use occurs. Once aga<strong>in</strong>, an attempt is be<strong>in</strong>g made to change <strong>the</strong> status quo, but this bill wasreferred to <strong>the</strong> Committee on Ways and Means and <strong>the</strong> Committee on Small Bus<strong>in</strong>ess, and it has not seenmovement s<strong>in</strong>ce.The concern here is whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>re will be a return to <strong>the</strong> abuse Congress orig<strong>in</strong>ally tried to avoid when it<strong>in</strong>itially adopted IRC section 280A. This section was adopted to prevent taxpayers from treat<strong>in</strong>g whato<strong>the</strong>rwise would be nondeductible liv<strong>in</strong>g and family expenses as bus<strong>in</strong>ess expenses.It should be noted that most of <strong>the</strong> discussion here is related to self-employed <strong>in</strong>dividuals. The criteria fora qualify<strong>in</strong>g home office deduction are a little different for those taxpayers who are employees. Theirhome office must be for <strong>the</strong> convenience of <strong>the</strong> employer; this complicates matters fur<strong>the</strong>r. Manytelecommuters today do so for <strong>the</strong> employee's own convenience. It is not uncommon, however, to f<strong>in</strong>dthat some taxpayers who work strictly from home are do<strong>in</strong>g so at <strong>the</strong> employer's request. While this maystill be appeal<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> employee, it provides a number of benefits to <strong>the</strong> employer, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>reduction of office space and <strong>the</strong> associated high cost of commercial space.Plann<strong>in</strong>g ConsiderationsPage 45 of 154


Many disputes have arisen between taxpayers and <strong>the</strong> IRS on <strong>the</strong> home office deduction po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>past. The battles cont<strong>in</strong>ue <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> present and will persist <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> future. Sometimes <strong>the</strong> taxpayer prevailsand sometimes not; sometimes <strong>the</strong> taxpayer may have a partial victory.With <strong>the</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ued rise of telecommut<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> number of taxpayers seek<strong>in</strong>g a home office deduction willrise as well. With more small sole proprietors work<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong>ir homes, <strong>the</strong> number of taxpayers seek<strong>in</strong>ga home office deduction will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to rise. While nei<strong>the</strong>r telecommut<strong>in</strong>g nor operat<strong>in</strong>g a bus<strong>in</strong>ess fromone's property guarantees a properly claimed home office deduction, <strong>the</strong> number of battles to be foughtwill <strong>in</strong>crease. As such, a detailed understand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> current criteria and <strong>the</strong> general rule, as well as allof <strong>the</strong> exceptions to <strong>the</strong> general rule, is essential to properly claim<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> home office deduction.Taxpayers and <strong>the</strong> IRS have always battled over <strong>the</strong> notion of a home office deduction.EXHIBITIRC Section 280A(a) General ruleExcept as o<strong>the</strong>rwise provided <strong>in</strong> this section, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> case of a taxpayer who is an <strong>in</strong>dividual or an Scorporation, no deduction o<strong>the</strong>rwise allowable under this chapter shall be allowed with respect to <strong>the</strong> useof a dwell<strong>in</strong>g unit which is used by <strong>the</strong> taxpayer dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> taxable year as a residence.(b) Exception for <strong>in</strong>terest, taxes, casualty losses, etc.Subsection (a) shall not apply to any deduction allowable to <strong>the</strong> taxpayer without regard to its connectionwith his trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess (or with his <strong>in</strong>come-produc<strong>in</strong>g activity).(c) Exceptions for certa<strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess or rental use; limitation on deductions for such use(1) Certa<strong>in</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess useSubsection (a) shall not apply to any item to <strong>the</strong> extent such item is allocable to a portion of <strong>the</strong> dwell<strong>in</strong>gunit which is exclusively used on a regular basis -(A) as <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess for any trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess of <strong>the</strong> taxpayer,(B) as a place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess which is used by patients, clients, or customers <strong>in</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g or deal<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong>taxpayer <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> normal course of his trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess, or(C) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> case of a separate structure which is not attached to <strong>the</strong> dwell<strong>in</strong>g unit, <strong>in</strong> connection with <strong>the</strong>taxpayer's trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess. In <strong>the</strong> case of an employee, <strong>the</strong> preced<strong>in</strong>g sentence shall apply only if <strong>the</strong>exclusive use referred to <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> preced<strong>in</strong>g sentence is for <strong>the</strong> convenience of his employer. For purposesof subparagraph (A), <strong>the</strong> term "pr<strong>in</strong>cipal place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess" <strong>in</strong>cludes a place of bus<strong>in</strong>ess which is used by<strong>the</strong> taxpayer for <strong>the</strong> adm<strong>in</strong>istrative or management activities of any trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess of <strong>the</strong> taxpayer if<strong>the</strong>re is no o<strong>the</strong>r fixed location of such trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess where <strong>the</strong> taxpayer conducts substantialadm<strong>in</strong>istrative or management activities of such trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess.(2) Certa<strong>in</strong> storage useSubsection (a) shall not apply to any item to <strong>the</strong> extent such item is allocable to space with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>dwell<strong>in</strong>g unit which is used on a regular basis as a storage unit for <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ventory or product samples of<strong>the</strong> taxpayer held for use <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> taxpayer's trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess of sell<strong>in</strong>g products at retail or wholesale, butonly if <strong>the</strong> dwell<strong>in</strong>g unit is <strong>the</strong> sole fixed location of such trade or bus<strong>in</strong>ess.Note: The italicized section was added by <strong>the</strong> Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.Mary Recor, CF is an assistant professor at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island-CUNY.Page 46 of 154


percent of <strong>the</strong>m are <strong>in</strong> New Jersey.Bigger and bigger conta<strong>in</strong>er ships are com<strong>in</strong>g, ships that <strong>the</strong> small Red Hook Conta<strong>in</strong>er Port can’tpossibly handle, he said. He po<strong>in</strong>ted to <strong>the</strong> Danish Ship Emma Maersk, which can accommodate 11,000shipp<strong>in</strong>g conta<strong>in</strong>ers and whose tower is as high as a 12‐story build<strong>in</strong>g.Although <strong>the</strong> Sunset Park waterfront could be dredged to accommodate <strong>the</strong>se new ships, he said, do<strong>in</strong>gso would substantially alter <strong>the</strong> landscape. The better alternative, he said, would be for Brooklyn toconcentrate on ship repair for smaller, more typical ships.Brooklyn, he said, already has dry docks (ship repair facilities) at <strong>the</strong> Brooklyn Navy Yard and severalfloat<strong>in</strong>g dry docks <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r locations. These facilities should be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed and expanded, he said, toreta<strong>in</strong> and attract jobs. Just recently, he recounted, <strong>the</strong> contract to repair one of <strong>the</strong> Staten Island ferrieswas lost to a dry dock <strong>in</strong> Virg<strong>in</strong>ia, result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a loss of jobs.Advani of <strong>the</strong> Brooklyn Waterfront Research Center focused on Sunset Park. The goals of most planners,she said, are to expand access to <strong>the</strong> waterfront, which is now occupied by <strong>in</strong>dustrial complexes such as<strong>the</strong> Bush Term<strong>in</strong>al, and to unite <strong>in</strong>dustrial western Sunset Park with residential eastern Sunset Park.The two parts of <strong>the</strong> neighborhood are divided by <strong>the</strong> huge overhead Gowanus Expressway. Manyplanners have advocated putt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> expressway — which already needs to be repaired or replaced —underground or at street level. On a related matter, she praised <strong>the</strong> plan for Bush Term<strong>in</strong>al Piers Park,which will be created out of an <strong>in</strong>active storage area for <strong>the</strong> historic <strong>in</strong>dustrial development.Coney and <strong>the</strong> Navy YardIn one of <strong>the</strong> more nostalgic elements of <strong>the</strong> conference, Borough Historian Schweiger traced <strong>the</strong>history of Coney Island, illustrated by slides. Around <strong>the</strong> turn of <strong>the</strong> last century, Coney was basically asummer resort, with several hotels, three full‐scale amusement parks, and piers for ferries to taketourists to and from Manhattan. The area also had three racetracks.Eventually, <strong>the</strong> amusement parks closed, with <strong>the</strong> last one, Steeplechase Park, shutt<strong>in</strong>g down <strong>in</strong> 1964.The racetracks were an early casualty because <strong>the</strong> state temporarily banned bett<strong>in</strong>g at racetracks <strong>in</strong>1910. The hotels shut down after <strong>the</strong> amusement area’s clientele changed from middle‐class to work<strong>in</strong>gclass.Although <strong>the</strong>re was one bright spot — <strong>the</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g of Astroland Park <strong>in</strong> 1962 — <strong>the</strong> amusement areabecame a crime‐ and gang‐ridden shell of its former self by <strong>the</strong> 1970s. The area’s rebirth <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1990s iswell known, and Schweiger approv<strong>in</strong>gly displayed slides of MCU Park, home of <strong>the</strong> Brooklyn Cyclones,and <strong>the</strong> new Luna Park, operated by <strong>the</strong> Italian corporation Zamperla.Ano<strong>the</strong>r area that has seen a rebirth is <strong>the</strong> Brooklyn Navy Yard, and Kimball gave its story. MostBrooklynites know that <strong>the</strong> U.S. Navy left <strong>the</strong> Navy Yard <strong>in</strong> 1966, but many don’t know that a hugeprivate shipbuild<strong>in</strong>g corporation, Seatra<strong>in</strong>, began build<strong>in</strong>g ships with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> former Navy facility <strong>in</strong> 1967,only to close its doors <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1980s. In 1987 <strong>the</strong> Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp. was formed andbegan to concentrate on attract<strong>in</strong>g smaller <strong>in</strong>dustry to <strong>the</strong> site.Page 48 of 154


<strong>Today</strong>, by any stretch of <strong>the</strong> imag<strong>in</strong>ation, <strong>the</strong> Navy Yard is a success. Most of <strong>the</strong> build<strong>in</strong>gs have beenleased, said Kimball, and <strong>the</strong> number of jobs has grown from 3,600 <strong>in</strong> 2001 to 5,800 today. Companiesthat lease space <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> yard vary widely, from Ste<strong>in</strong>er Movie Studios to a company that makes protectivevests used by U.S. troops <strong>in</strong> Afghanistan, from food service companies to <strong>the</strong> still‐active dry docks, andfrom a furniture workshop to architects’ offices.Asked what <strong>the</strong> Navy Yard offers <strong>the</strong>se companies, Kimball answered that one of <strong>the</strong> attractions is a“hassle‐free environment.” Because <strong>the</strong> yard is <strong>in</strong> an enclosed space, it has its own security and its ownrules. “No one’s go<strong>in</strong>g to give your truck five park<strong>in</strong>g tickets,” he said.Page 49 of 154


SportsPage 50 of 154


<strong>CSI</strong> women lock up top seed <strong>in</strong> CUNY soccer tourneySunday, <strong>October</strong> 02, <strong>2011</strong>, 9:02 AMStaten Island Advance Sports DeskByThe College of Staten Island scored four goals <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> second half yesterday to defeat visit<strong>in</strong>g John Jay, 5-0,and cl<strong>in</strong>ch <strong>the</strong> top seed for <strong>the</strong> CUNY women's soccer tournament.Freshman Gabriela Galeano scored her first goal to give <strong>the</strong> Dolph<strong>in</strong>s (4-0 CUNY, 7-3 overall) a 1-0 lead athalftime.Lauren Neglia, Demi-Jean Martorano, Samantha Wysokowski scored <strong>in</strong> a 12-m<strong>in</strong>ute span of <strong>the</strong> second halfand freshman Mateamarie Denoble closed <strong>the</strong> scor<strong>in</strong>g with her first goal.Martorano, Wysokowski, Paige Buono and Deena D'Amato had assists. Wysokowski (66 m<strong>in</strong>utes) and ValerieIncontrera shared time <strong>in</strong> net and made one save apiece.VOLLEYBALLThe College of Staten Island women's volleyball team (2-9 overall) dropped a 20-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-21non-league decision to <strong>the</strong> Cul<strong>in</strong>ary Institute of America.Vasiliki Stergioula had 10 digs and 10 aces and Gabriele Bradshawhad 12 assists and n<strong>in</strong>e digs.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 51 of 154


Lightn<strong>in</strong>g's Thiam Leads Strike for CUNYAC/Applebee's Player of <strong>the</strong> WeekYork's Adleson Gets Rookie; Both Teams Go Unbeaten <strong>in</strong> CUNYAC Last WeekWeek 5 CUNYAC Men's Soccer W<strong>in</strong>nersCUNYAC/Applebee’s Men’s Soccer Player of <strong>the</strong> WeekMOMAR THIAM, LehmanForward/Sophomore/ New York, NYOff to an excellent start at 6‐4 overall and 4‐1 <strong>in</strong> CUNYAC, <strong>the</strong> Lightn<strong>in</strong>g men’s soccer team is start<strong>in</strong>g tofashion itself a contender to possibly make a deep run <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> CUNYAC Championships. And one of <strong>the</strong>ma<strong>in</strong> reasons why has been <strong>the</strong> play of sophomore Momar Thiam, who has been named <strong>the</strong>CUNYAC/Applebees Men’s Soccer Player of <strong>the</strong> Week.Over <strong>the</strong> week that ended <strong>October</strong> 2, <strong>the</strong> Lightn<strong>in</strong>g toppled three CUNYAC opponents <strong>in</strong> three tries,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>in</strong>s over John Jay, College of Staten Island and Brooklyn College with Thiam play<strong>in</strong>g a majorrole <strong>in</strong> each. In <strong>the</strong> Lightn<strong>in</strong>g’s 1‐0 triumph over previously undefeated <strong>CSI</strong>, Thiam registered <strong>the</strong> gamew<strong>in</strong>ner.Aga<strong>in</strong>st Brooklyn, he capped <strong>the</strong> day’s scor<strong>in</strong>g with a goal as Lehman won 3‐0.Honor Roll: V<strong>in</strong>cent Cruz (Baruch), Mario Baez (Hunter), Ahmed El‐Ghareib (<strong>CSI</strong>,) Menard Milus (York).Page 52 of 154


Hunter Tandem Take CUNYAC/HSS Women's Tennis Honors JenniferKraham & Flavia Guidi Earn NodsHunter's Jennifer Kraham & Flavia Guidi Earn Women's Tennis HonorsCUNYAC/Hospital For Special Surgery Women’s Tennis Player of <strong>the</strong> WeekJENNIFER KRAHAM, Hunter1st S<strong>in</strong>gles/Senior/ East Northport, LI/Commack HSThe CUNY Athletic Conference named Jennifer Kraham CUNYAC/Hospital For Special Surgery Women'sTennis Player of <strong>the</strong> Week, for <strong>the</strong> week end<strong>in</strong>g Sunday, <strong>October</strong> 2nd. It is <strong>the</strong> second‐straight weekthat Kraham has been honored. The senior from East Northport, NY won all four of her matches thisweek. Aga<strong>in</strong>st John Jay she swept first s<strong>in</strong>gles and teamed up to sweep first doubles with G<strong>in</strong>a Yeo.Aga<strong>in</strong>st CCNY, she won second s<strong>in</strong>gles 6‐2, 6‐0 and teamed up with Amanda Annicaro to w<strong>in</strong> seconddoubles 9‐7.Honor Roll: Yuliya Orkis (Brooklyn), Johanna Uquillas (CCNY), Tenz<strong>in</strong> Kunchok (York).Page 54 of 154


CUNYAC/Hospital For Special Surgery Women’s Tennis Rookie of <strong>the</strong> WeekFLAVIA GUIDI, Hunter2nd‐3rd S<strong>in</strong>gles/Freshman/ Orbetello, Italy/S Guiliana FalconieriFlavia Guidi has been named CUNYAC/Hospital For Special Surgery Women's Tennis Rookie of <strong>the</strong>Week. After be<strong>in</strong>g named an honorable mention last week for her impressive show<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> USTA/ITANor<strong>the</strong>ast Regional Championships, Guidi w<strong>in</strong>s her first career CUNYAC accolade this week. Thefreshman from Ortebello Italy won all four matches this week <strong>in</strong> impressive fashion. She swept seconds<strong>in</strong>gles aga<strong>in</strong>st John Jay and third s<strong>in</strong>gles aga<strong>in</strong>st CCNY. Aga<strong>in</strong>st John Jay she swept second doubles withStephanie Ahwireng and teamed up with Sophia Pence to w<strong>in</strong> third doubles 8‐1.Kraham and Guidi have helped Hunter to a 4‐0 overall and CUNYAC record so far <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong> season, as<strong>the</strong> Hawks travel across <strong>the</strong> Verrazano Bridge to face <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island tomorrow at 3:30pm.Honor Roll: Oluwatobi Ojo (CCNY), Nikita Ramsay (York).Page 55 of 154


Hawks' Mahoney & Dolph<strong>in</strong>s' Huse<strong>in</strong>begovic Cited <strong>in</strong> Women's CrossCountryPhoto by: Greg ArmstrongCUNYAC/US Army Women’s Cross Country Runner of <strong>the</strong> WeekLIZZY MAHONEY, HunterJunior/Auburn, NY/AuburnHunter’s Lizzy Mahoney was named CUNYAC/US Army Runner of <strong>the</strong> Week for <strong>the</strong> fourth straight, asannounced by <strong>the</strong> conference earlier this afternoon.Mahoney has consistently won her races for <strong>the</strong> Hawks and was outstand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g her squad to athird place f<strong>in</strong>ish at <strong>the</strong> Mount Sa<strong>in</strong>t Mary's Invitational last week. The Auburn, NY native won <strong>the</strong> race<strong>in</strong> 20:49, mark<strong>in</strong>g her fourth straight victory this season. The junior has now captured <strong>the</strong> award of fourseparate occasions this season.Both <strong>the</strong> men and women's cross country teams return to action next week when <strong>the</strong>y head to BrachBrook Park <strong>in</strong> New Jersey to compete <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Highlander Invite on Sunday, <strong>October</strong> 9th.Page 56 of 154


CUNYAC/US Army Women’s Cross Country Rookie of <strong>the</strong> WeekAMINA HUSEINBEGOVIC, Staten IslandFreshman/Brooklyn, NY/ Middle Tech (Bosnia)Freshman Am<strong>in</strong>a Huse<strong>in</strong>begovic (23:43.33) came <strong>in</strong> 28 th to lead <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island to a 7thplace f<strong>in</strong>ish at <strong>the</strong> Lehman College Invitational at Van Cortlandt Park <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bronx, New York.Huse<strong>in</strong>begovic's mark was just three seconds off her best show<strong>in</strong>g as well, show<strong>in</strong>g great consistencythis season. As a team, <strong>CSI</strong> had a season‐high n<strong>in</strong>e runners cross <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e on Sunday <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> women's 5krace, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a pair <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Top 50 with <strong>the</strong> CUNYAC Championships just three weeks away.Next up for <strong>the</strong> Dolph<strong>in</strong>s will be <strong>the</strong>ir very own <strong>in</strong>vitational, to be held at Clove Lakes Park at 9am and10am respectively this Sunday, <strong>October</strong> 9.Page 57 of 154


No easy flight as Susan Wagner Falcons hit <strong>the</strong> road dur<strong>in</strong>g construction projectThomas J. Harrigan, <strong>October</strong> 04, <strong>2011</strong> 8:35 a.m.Construction has begun on <strong>the</strong> field at Susan Wagner, displac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> school’s football and soccer teams.‐ (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma‐Hammel)The Susan Wagner High School fall sports teams have a very big extra obstacle to overcome this season.With <strong>the</strong> $7.5 million athletic complex renovation (which will provide <strong>the</strong> Falcons with a brand newfootball field and track) <strong>in</strong> full sw<strong>in</strong>g, Susan Wagner’s football and soccer teams have had to pack up <strong>the</strong>equipment and hit <strong>the</strong> road, not just for away games, but for practices and for games <strong>the</strong>y host.And while <strong>the</strong> community has stepped up to aid <strong>the</strong> Falcons, with <strong>the</strong> football team us<strong>in</strong>g TottenvilleHigh School’s field for games and <strong>the</strong> Greenbelt Recreation Center’s for practice, and soccer teamsplay<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island, <strong>the</strong> travel<strong>in</strong>g has caused some difficulties.“Just some k<strong>in</strong>d of cont<strong>in</strong>uity (problems) go<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong> recreation center back to here,” said SusanWagner football coach Al Paturzo. “Our away games we’re pack<strong>in</strong>g up our stuff, which is normal, but<strong>the</strong>n, we’re do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> same th<strong>in</strong>g to go to home games.”“It’s just a constant th<strong>in</strong>g, you’re try<strong>in</strong>g to get everyth<strong>in</strong>g, equipment boxes, medical kits,” he added.“Then if you leave <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong>re, you’ve got to remember to br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m back on Friday, because onSaturday we’re go<strong>in</strong>g away.”Meanwhile, <strong>the</strong> girls’ soccer team has had to leave school early and take public transportation to get to<strong>CSI</strong>.“We take <strong>the</strong> girls out for away games, <strong>the</strong>y leave school early, but now because of <strong>the</strong> home games aswell, <strong>the</strong>y have to get out early, so <strong>the</strong>y are k<strong>in</strong>d of miss<strong>in</strong>g a lot of classes,” said Susan Wagner girls’soccer coach Carleen Rago.Also, with <strong>CSI</strong>’s soccer season runn<strong>in</strong>g simultaneously, Susan Wagner’s team has been relegated toplay<strong>in</strong>g on a grass field, whereas all of its o<strong>the</strong>r games are played on turf.As for <strong>the</strong> football team, <strong>the</strong> Greenbelt Recreation Center has a turf field, but it doesn’t have yardagePage 58 of 154


l<strong>in</strong>es, hash marks or numbers, caus<strong>in</strong>g some frustration when spott<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> football.Play<strong>in</strong>g at Tottenville has also caused <strong>the</strong>re to be some sparse crowds for Susan Wagner’s games.“Our home games at Tottenville, people aren’t go<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>the</strong>re,” Paturzo said. “It’s tough enough to get<strong>the</strong>m to go to your games when you’re home. Now you’ve got to go <strong>the</strong>re, so you don’t really get <strong>the</strong>support that you normally would get, that becomes a hassle.”The construction project has been caus<strong>in</strong>g problems for Susan Wagner sports teams from its start <strong>in</strong> lateMay, as a gaffe by a contractor led to a flatbed truck be<strong>in</strong>g stuck <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mud on Susan Wagner’s field,prior to <strong>the</strong> baseball team complet<strong>in</strong>g its season.Accord<strong>in</strong>g to City Councilman James Oddo, <strong>the</strong> renovation wasn’t supposed to get underway until after<strong>the</strong> conclusion of <strong>the</strong> baseball season, but numerous ra<strong>in</strong>outs caused <strong>the</strong> season to be extended. As aresult, <strong>the</strong> baseball team had to move one of its f<strong>in</strong>al home games to Petrides.The project will actually force Susan Wagner’s baseball team to be without a home field <strong>in</strong>def<strong>in</strong>itely.Oddo has plans for a second phase to <strong>the</strong> project that <strong>in</strong>volves build<strong>in</strong>g a new baseball field on <strong>the</strong> landadjacent to <strong>the</strong> old field, but he first has to secure access to that land, which is controlled by <strong>the</strong>Department of Citywide Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Services.With that <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d, Paturzo said he is content that <strong>the</strong> football team at least has consistent access to afield until <strong>the</strong> new one is completed.He said his longtime friend and fellow coach, Tottenville’s Jim Munson, was <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong> help<strong>in</strong>g tosecure <strong>the</strong> field, and he was grateful to Tottenville’s pr<strong>in</strong>cipal, John Tum<strong>in</strong>aro, for com<strong>in</strong>g to SusanWagner’s aid.“Coach Munson could want to do everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world for me, but <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>cipal, Mr. Tum<strong>in</strong>aro,wholeheartedly supported us to help us,” Paturzo said.“Gett<strong>in</strong>g to play every game <strong>the</strong>re, our five home games on Saturday at 1 p.m. is important,” he added.“If I would try to do it at o<strong>the</strong>r places, <strong>the</strong>y had a home game, so we couldn’t have done it. In thatregard, Tottenville was really dynamite, because <strong>the</strong>y play <strong>the</strong>ir games on Friday, and it’s unbelievablethat we are able to play five games <strong>in</strong> a row <strong>the</strong>re.”With all of <strong>the</strong> swirl<strong>in</strong>g distractions, none of <strong>the</strong> fall sports teams have gotten off to a good start, asPaturzo’s squad is 1‐2, boys’ soccer is 2‐2, and Rago’s team is 1‐3‐2.Despite this, Rago said her soccer girls aren’t dwell<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> negatives of <strong>the</strong>ir current situation, butra<strong>the</strong>r look<strong>in</strong>g to what <strong>the</strong>y will eventually have <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> future.“It hasn’t been a really big problem for us, because we’re excited that we’re gett<strong>in</strong>g a brand new field,and <strong>the</strong> girls are just deal<strong>in</strong>g with it until next year, because <strong>the</strong>y’re go<strong>in</strong>g to get someth<strong>in</strong>g better out ofit,” Rago said.Oddo’s office projects <strong>the</strong> construction to be completed by <strong>the</strong> 2012‐13 academic year, but until thattime comes, <strong>the</strong> Falcons are just go<strong>in</strong>g to have to get used to life without a home.Page 59 of 154


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CUNYAC Photographer/Baruch Student Denis Gostev W<strong>in</strong>s CUNYPhotography Contest With <strong>CSI</strong> Baseball ShotCourtesy of <strong>the</strong> City University of New YorkPhoto by: Denis GostevThe City University of New York rewards deserv<strong>in</strong>g students who capture touch<strong>in</strong>g or astound<strong>in</strong>g imagesof CUNY through photography each month, and <strong>the</strong> September w<strong>in</strong>ner is Denis Gostev, a philosophyand math major at Baruch College, who hopes to go <strong>in</strong>to sports photography. Gostev's award‐w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gimage, "We Did It," was <strong>the</strong> face of <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island men's baseball championship this pastMay. <strong>CSI</strong> defeated Baruch, 1‐0, <strong>in</strong> 10 <strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs at MCU Ballpark, <strong>the</strong> home of <strong>the</strong> Brooklyn Cyclones.Gostev was <strong>the</strong>re with his camera tak<strong>in</strong>g multiple images for <strong>the</strong> CUNY Athletic Conference, and hisw<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g contribution fully captured <strong>the</strong> jubilation of <strong>the</strong> thrill<strong>in</strong>g victory.Besides cover<strong>in</strong>g sports, Gostev enjoys mak<strong>in</strong>g photographs of wildlife, particularly birds. He says <strong>in</strong> ane‐mail that what he likes about this picture is that it captures an "exhilarat<strong>in</strong>g moment [with a] s<strong>in</strong>gleclear po<strong>in</strong>t which grabs an eye and depicts <strong>the</strong> moment [of victory]." He also likes <strong>the</strong> "completeness of<strong>the</strong> image (noth<strong>in</strong>g to be added to be understood and no unnecessary distract<strong>in</strong>g elements)." Thatcompleteness, he adds, <strong>in</strong>cludes "identifiable CUNY outfits."Gostev's "We Did It" will now be entered <strong>in</strong>to a f<strong>in</strong>alists' competition, with <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ner tak<strong>in</strong>g home aniPad. W<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g images must say someth<strong>in</strong>g about CUNY students, a CUNY college, a campus activity or<strong>the</strong> educational experience writ broadly. They must tell a story <strong>in</strong> and of <strong>the</strong>mselves.A panel of professional photographers meet to determ<strong>in</strong>e w<strong>in</strong>ners. The College of Staten Island and <strong>the</strong>men's baseball program wish to thank Mr. Gostev for his shot. Photography entries for future w<strong>in</strong>nerscan be submitted via <strong>the</strong> CUNY website at www.cuny.edu.Page 61 of 154


TENNIS STUNNER!Bulldogs Snap Hawks' 103­Match Conference W<strong>in</strong> Streak; Move IntoFirst PlaceCourtesy of Brooklyn Sports InformationPhoto by: Damion ReidBox ScoreBrooklyn, NY‐‐‐The Brooklyn College Women's Tennis Team accomplished what no o<strong>the</strong>r CUNYAC teamcould do <strong>in</strong> over a decade as <strong>the</strong>y defeated Hunter 6‐3 on Thursday afternoon end<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Hawks 103‐match w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g streak. The streak dates back to <strong>the</strong> 2000 season, and <strong>in</strong>cludes 82 consecutive regularseason w<strong>in</strong>s, as Staten Island was <strong>the</strong> last team to beat Hunter <strong>in</strong> league play.With <strong>the</strong> victory, <strong>the</strong> Bulldogs leap ahead of Hunter <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> CUNYAC stand<strong>in</strong>gs, improv<strong>in</strong>g to 4‐0 <strong>in</strong> leagueplay and 7‐2 overall. The Hawks fall to 5‐1 <strong>in</strong> both conference play and <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir overall record as <strong>the</strong>yhave yet to face a non‐conference foe this season."This was a huge w<strong>in</strong> for our program," said Head Coach Ahmad Odetalla. "Hunter has been sodom<strong>in</strong>ant <strong>in</strong> conference play and <strong>the</strong>refore beat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m is a huge lift for our confidence. I thought weplayed exceptionally well."The w<strong>in</strong> did not come easily as Brooklyn won <strong>the</strong> third doubles match but Hunter claimed <strong>the</strong> firstdoubles match shortly afterward. BC's number two doubles duo of Maria Sanz and Norma LynnChabbott trailed Hunter's tandem of Stephanie Ahwireng and G<strong>in</strong>a Yeo 6‐2, but made an amaz<strong>in</strong>g run toPage 62 of 154


come back and tie <strong>the</strong> match, 8‐8. The duo dom<strong>in</strong>ated <strong>the</strong> tiebreaker, w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g 7‐2 and giv<strong>in</strong>g Brooklyn a2‐1 advantage headed <strong>in</strong>to s<strong>in</strong>gles.Brooklyn cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>the</strong>ir hot play <strong>in</strong> s<strong>in</strong>gles as Gianna Gelosi, who also won her doubles match, cruisedpast her #6 s<strong>in</strong>gles opponent, Lumi Chan, 6‐1, 6‐1. With <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>, Brooklyn ga<strong>in</strong>ed an emotional lift,know<strong>in</strong>g that only two more s<strong>in</strong>gles w<strong>in</strong>s were needed to claim <strong>the</strong> match.Yuliya Orkis, who has yet to lose this season, cont<strong>in</strong>ued her dom<strong>in</strong>ance <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> #1 flight, defeat<strong>in</strong>gHunter's Flavia Guidi 6‐1, 6‐2, and mov<strong>in</strong>g her squad just one match away from <strong>the</strong> victory.The Bulldogs would not have to wait much longer for that decid<strong>in</strong>g match as Chabbott, one of <strong>the</strong>doubles heroes, would wrap up her #5 doubles match just a few m<strong>in</strong>utes later, w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> straight sets,6‐0, 6‐4.Brooklyn would also w<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> #3 s<strong>in</strong>gles match as Janice Shen won <strong>in</strong> straight sets, 6‐4, 7‐5.Up next for <strong>the</strong> Bulldogs is ano<strong>the</strong>r conference rival, <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island, who will travel toBrooklyn on Tuesday, <strong>October</strong> 11th for a 4:00 pm start.Page 63 of 154


<strong>CSI</strong> takes 3rd <strong>in</strong> cross country race at Clove Lakes ParkMonday, <strong>October</strong> 10, <strong>2011</strong>, 12:00 PMStaten Island AdvanceByAm<strong>in</strong>ia Huse<strong>in</strong>begovic’s top-10 f<strong>in</strong>ish (23 m<strong>in</strong>utes, 58 seconds) paced <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island women’scross country squad to third place <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>CSI</strong> Invitational at Clove Lakes Park.Queens College won <strong>the</strong> meet and Brooklyn took second.Joanna Villegas (15th, 24:30), Mallory Baio (26th, 25:30), Bibi Ghafari (25:46) and Jackie Jamaledd<strong>in</strong>e(26:00) competed for <strong>CSI</strong>.Matt Pfaff (seventh, 30:00) was <strong>the</strong> first <strong>CSI</strong> man, followed by Sean Kelly (31:50), Chris Gonzalez (32:20),Shawn Cybulska (32:22) and Andrew Pate (32:43).© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 64 of 154


<strong>CSI</strong> men lose soccer decision to St. Joseph'sTuesday, <strong>October</strong> 11, <strong>2011</strong>, 11:04 AMGlenn NybackByPATCHOGUE, L.I. — The Golden Eagles scored two unanswered second-half goals en route to <strong>the</strong>ir nonconferencew<strong>in</strong>.St. Joseph’s (8-6) ran out to a 2-0 lead before Dolph<strong>in</strong> Alfonso Castaneda knocked <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first of his twounassisted scores. The hosts made it 3-1 on John Dettori’s second goal before Castaneda notched his secondgoal with less than two m<strong>in</strong>utes to go until halftime.The (3-7-1) Dolph<strong>in</strong>s, who were outshot 11-5 <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g half, travel to Baruch College tomorrow for a 6p.m. CUNY contest.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 65 of 154


<strong>CSI</strong> sophomore Demi-Jean Martorano masters a two-stepTuesday, <strong>October</strong> 11, <strong>2011</strong>, 10:14 AMDanny Colv<strong>in</strong>ByOkay, let’s get this straight from <strong>the</strong> start.Demi-Jean Martorano does not walk onwater, hang <strong>the</strong> moon, or leap tallbuild<strong>in</strong>gs.Anyth<strong>in</strong>g else is up for debate.The College of Staten Island women’ssoccer team will most likely w<strong>in</strong> its seventhCUNY championship <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last n<strong>in</strong>eseasons later this week and, if <strong>the</strong>Dolph<strong>in</strong>s earn postseason recognition, itwill be mostly on Martorano’s do<strong>in</strong>g.If <strong>the</strong> <strong>CSI</strong> women’s tennis team is able torebound and capture its first CUNY titleunder coach Paul Ricciardi, it will also bedue to Martorano’s appearance.Staten Island Advance/Bill Lyons<strong>CSI</strong>'s Demi-Jean Martorano plays s<strong>in</strong>gles for <strong>the</strong> Dolph<strong>in</strong> tennis team --when she's not lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> soccer team <strong>in</strong> scor<strong>in</strong>g.The Dolph<strong>in</strong> sophomore is not <strong>the</strong>Willowbrook school’s first two-sport star but to do it <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same season takes a special <strong>in</strong>dividual with <strong>the</strong>m<strong>in</strong>dset, passion and skills to succeed.“I’ve played soccer for 13 years and that’s what I came here for,” says Martorano, who shunned Division Ioffers to stay close to home.“But tennis is basically new (play<strong>in</strong>g just three years) to me and it’s fun. Hey, if I could work <strong>in</strong> volleyball(played as a soph at New Dorp HS and also staged <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fall season) I would, but I th<strong>in</strong>k it’d be a bit toomuch.”Page 66 of 154


Still to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> her hectic schedule, shemust have <strong>the</strong> metabolism of ahumm<strong>in</strong>gbird, go<strong>in</strong>g from one challenge to<strong>the</strong> next.As a nurs<strong>in</strong>g major, she’s tak<strong>in</strong>g 8 a.m.classes so she can make <strong>the</strong> afternoonsoccer/tennis practices/matches.“I work <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> summer so <strong>the</strong> moneycarries over to <strong>the</strong> school year,” MartoranoPhoto courtesy/Kellie Carnevale of <strong>CSI</strong>Demi-Jean Martorano is ranked eighth <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country <strong>in</strong> Division IIIscor<strong>in</strong>g.says. “This way I can concentrate onacademics and sports.”The oppos<strong>in</strong>g schools have studied <strong>the</strong>NCAA Division III statistics and as <strong>the</strong>nation’s No. 8 po<strong>in</strong>t scorer and also No. 8goal netter, Martorano is draw<strong>in</strong>g plenty ofbull’s-eye attention on <strong>the</strong> field.“Schools are now double and tripleteam<strong>in</strong>gher,” says <strong>CSI</strong> coach JohnGuagliardo, who admits to mak<strong>in</strong>gMartorano his No. 1 recruit objective <strong>in</strong>2010.“That creates open<strong>in</strong>gs elsewhere. Sherecognizes it and is smart enough to giveit up for <strong>the</strong> team.Staten Island Advance/Bill LyonsDemi-Jean Martorano plays s<strong>in</strong>gles for <strong>the</strong> <strong>CSI</strong> tennis team.“Demi can score when she want, she can take over a game (five game-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g goals <strong>in</strong> last year’s CUNYRookie of <strong>the</strong> Year season) and that’s why she’s deservedly marked. She’s <strong>the</strong> real deal.”“I’m not a girly girl. I guess grow<strong>in</strong>g up I was a tomboy,” admits Martorano, who set <strong>the</strong> CentralCougars’scor<strong>in</strong>g record.“Play<strong>in</strong>g soccer I can be aggressive as I want but tennis is a different sport. It’s much more mental and youreally have to stay focused.”“You can tell Demi is a competitor, I just wish I could see more of her,” offers Ricciardi, who sometimes feelslike a dog stranded on an ice floe.Page 67 of 154


Soccer is obviously Martorano’s top sportand so <strong>the</strong> arrangement among <strong>the</strong>coaches and her is <strong>the</strong> spotted ball getstop priority and has caused Demi, whoplays anywhere from No. 3 to No. 5s<strong>in</strong>gles, to miss tennis matches.“That’s <strong>the</strong> agreement,” laments Ricciardi.“Soccer comes first. We have a big stretchof important matches which I hope she’llStaten Island Advance/Bill Lyonsbe available.”Demi-Jean Martorano leads <strong>the</strong> <strong>CSI</strong> team <strong>in</strong> scor<strong>in</strong>g.Guagliardo is as happy as Friday night.With Martorano (won <strong>the</strong> CUNY Player of<strong>the</strong> Week award <strong>the</strong> first four weeks) and his best-ever recruit<strong>in</strong>g class this season, he figures <strong>the</strong> Dolph<strong>in</strong>sare a year away from mak<strong>in</strong>g big noise.“It doesn’t bo<strong>the</strong>r me that she plays two sports; <strong>in</strong> fact, I encourage it,” says Guagliardo. “An athlete is anathlete. Let her go out and play.”Martorano is more than halfway to Fiosa Begai’s school record of 59 goals <strong>in</strong> 1 1/2 seasons, but <strong>in</strong> herRussell terrier energy lifestyle she barely notices.“She’s an on-<strong>the</strong>-go fireplug, works hard <strong>in</strong> practice and is <strong>the</strong> reason why we are where we are,” cont<strong>in</strong>uedGuagliardo. “If we go anywhere, it’s because of her. I’m high on <strong>the</strong> kid. And she like her coach.”© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 68 of 154


Dolph<strong>in</strong>s ace FDU-Florham <strong>in</strong> 8-1 soccer trounc<strong>in</strong>gTuesday, <strong>October</strong> 11, <strong>2011</strong>, 11:01 AMStaten Island AdvanceByMADISON, N.J. — The College of Staten Island women’s tennis team won its third match <strong>in</strong> a row and fourth<strong>in</strong> its last five with an 8-1 non-conference victory over FDU-Florham yesterday.The (6-6) Dolph<strong>in</strong>s, who moved to <strong>the</strong> .500 mark for <strong>the</strong> first time this season, managed to pull out two of<strong>the</strong> three doubles despite all matches be<strong>in</strong>g tied at 6-6.At No. 2 doubles, <strong>the</strong> team of Alena Vedeneeva and Demi-Jean Martorano got on <strong>the</strong> board first with a 9-7w<strong>in</strong> over FDU’s Marcie Schlanger and Michelle Berkenstock. At No. 3, <strong>CSI</strong> also scratched out a w<strong>in</strong>, as <strong>the</strong>pair of Sophia Varriano and Katie Masterson won 8-6 over FDU’s sister tandem of Kim and L<strong>in</strong>dsey Mart<strong>in</strong>.<strong>CSI</strong> rolled <strong>in</strong> s<strong>in</strong>gles. Ilona Stoyko pulled out a w<strong>in</strong> at No. 1 over Kristen Lefkus, 7-5, 6-0. Vedeneeva alsowon at No. 2, while Jean Baak (No. 4) and Martorano (No. 5), both only surrendered two games <strong>in</strong> straightsetvictories. In a three-set marathon at No. 3, Varriano earned her way to a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, w<strong>in</strong> overSchlanger. Masterson topped th<strong>in</strong>gs off with an 8-7 (7-3) w<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> No. 6 spot.Coach Paul Ricciardi’s netters play a key CUNY match today at Brooklyn College.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 69 of 154


Hawks Guerrero Gets CUNYAC/U.S. Army Runner of <strong>the</strong> Week MedgarEvers' Ferguson Takes Rookie HonorsCUNYAC/US Army Men’s Cross Country Runner of <strong>the</strong> WeekCHRIS GUERRERO, HunterJunior/Astoria, NY/Townsend HarrisHunter College’s Chris Guerrero was awarded his second straight CUNY Athletic Conference/US ArmyRunner of <strong>the</strong> Week for his performance this past weekend, it was announced today.Guerrero had an impressive out<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> Highlander Invitational, f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g eighth overall <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 135‐manrace to pace <strong>the</strong> Hawk runners. The Astoria, NY native ran <strong>the</strong> 8K <strong>in</strong> a personal best time of 26:04.39 tohelp <strong>the</strong> men to a seventh place f<strong>in</strong>ish overall among <strong>the</strong> 15 teams compet<strong>in</strong>g and earn his secondweekly nod.Hunter College is back <strong>in</strong> action this Saturday, <strong>October</strong> 15th when both teams head to Hoboken, NJ tocompete <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Collegiate Track Conference Championships hosted by Steven's Institute of Technology.Honor Roll: Gilbert Marte (Baruch).Page 70 of 154


CUNYAC/US Army Men’s Cross Country Rookie of <strong>the</strong> WeekWAYNE FERGUSON, Medgar EversFreshman/ Brooklyn, NYWayne Ferguson, a freshman for <strong>the</strong> Cougars, garners his first‐career CUNYAC/U.S. Army Cross CountryRookie of <strong>the</strong> Week after runn<strong>in</strong>g two strong races <strong>in</strong> four days. First, <strong>the</strong> Brooklyn resident ran a 21:40over a 3.35 mile course <strong>in</strong> Prospect Park to w<strong>in</strong> a Medgar Evers dual meet. Then on Sunday <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>College of Staten Island hosted <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>in</strong>vitational at nearby Clove Lakes Park, where Ferguson ran a 29:28over a four‐mile course.Honor Roll: Xi Q<strong>in</strong>g Mui (Baruch).Page 71 of 154


Mahoney Makes It Four In A Row <strong>in</strong> Women's Cross Country <strong>CSI</strong>'s Am<strong>in</strong>aHuse<strong>in</strong>begovic Notches Top RookieCUNYAC/US Army Women’s Cross Country Runner of <strong>the</strong> WeekLIZZY MAHONEY, HunterJunior/Auburn, NY/AuburnFor <strong>the</strong> fourth consecutive week, Hunter College cross country standout Lizzy Mahoney was namedCUNYAC/U.S. Army Runner of <strong>the</strong> Week, as announced by <strong>the</strong> CUNY Athletic Conference today.Mahoney, <strong>the</strong> two‐time defend<strong>in</strong>g CUNYAC Senior College Individual Champion, turned <strong>in</strong> acommand<strong>in</strong>g performance last week, claim<strong>in</strong>g fourth place at <strong>the</strong> New Jersey City University HighlanderInvitational with a personal best time of 18:52.28. The junior helped <strong>the</strong> Hawk women to an eighth placeteam f<strong>in</strong>ish at <strong>the</strong> 5K event which played hosted to a number of Division I and II competitors.Hunter College is back <strong>in</strong> action this Saturday, <strong>October</strong> 15th when both teams head to Hoboken, NJ tocompete <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Collegiate Track Conference Championships hosted by Steven's Institute of Technology.Honor Roll: Sara Soto (Baruch), Jhanna Moore (CCNY).Page 72 of 154


CUNYAC/US Army Women’s Cross Country Rookie of <strong>the</strong> WeekAMINA HUSEINBEGOVIC, Staten IslandFreshman/ Brooklyn, NY/Brooklyn TechThe College of Staten Island Women’s Cross Country team took a third place f<strong>in</strong>ish last Sunday morn<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> Clove Lakes Park <strong>in</strong> Staten Island, NY. <strong>CSI</strong>’s Am<strong>in</strong>a Huse<strong>in</strong>begovic timed <strong>in</strong> her best of <strong>the</strong> season tolead for <strong>the</strong> Dolph<strong>in</strong>s at 23.58. Her f<strong>in</strong>ish put her <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> top 10 of all runners. The Dolph<strong>in</strong>s will travelback to Van Cortlandt Park <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bronx next Sunday, <strong>October</strong> 16 for a 10 am meet hosted by YorkCollege.Honor Roll: Viktoriya Mikhelzon (Baruch), Dev<strong>in</strong> Cleary (CCNY), Joanna Villegas (Staten Island).Page 73 of 154


Brooklyn College Earns No. 1 Seed For CUNYAC Tennis Championshipsby John Torenli (sports@brooklyneagle.net), published onl<strong>in</strong>e 10‐12‐<strong>2011</strong>By John TorenliThey’re No. 1 … after all <strong>the</strong>se years.The Brooklyn College women’s tennis team wrapped up <strong>the</strong> top seed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> upcom<strong>in</strong>g CUNYACChampionships on Tuesday afternoon, roll<strong>in</strong>g to a 6‐3 triumph over <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island on ourborough’s Roosevelt Courts.Freshman phenom Yulika Orkis of Brooklyn’s St. Edmund Prep improved to 10‐0 on <strong>the</strong> season <strong>in</strong> No. 1flight s<strong>in</strong>gles play, earn<strong>in</strong>g CUNYAC Player of <strong>the</strong> Week honors for <strong>the</strong> second time to go with her earlierRookie of <strong>the</strong> Week award.Orkis also teamed with Liana Rivk<strong>in</strong> to w<strong>in</strong> first‐flight doubles, and Janice Shen and Gianna Gelosi alsoposted a big doubles victory as <strong>the</strong> Bulldogs improved to 10‐2 overall this year, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a perfect 7‐0 <strong>in</strong>conference play. “II thought we did an outstand<strong>in</strong>g job gett<strong>in</strong>g ahead early with <strong>the</strong> doubles matches,”said Bulldogs coach Ahmad Odetalla. “That has been one of <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> reasons why we have beensuccessful all year and today was a classic example”Though <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong> over S.I. proved to be <strong>the</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>cher, BC actually posted its biggest triumph <strong>in</strong> programhistory last Thursday afternoon, knock<strong>in</strong>g off Hunter, 6‐3, to end <strong>the</strong> Hawks’ dizzy<strong>in</strong>g 103‐match w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gstreak dat<strong>in</strong>g back to 2000.“This was a huge w<strong>in</strong> for our program,” Odetalla noted. “Hunter has been so dom<strong>in</strong>ant <strong>in</strong> conferenceplay and <strong>the</strong>refore beat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m is a huge lift for our confidence. I thought we played exceptionallywell.”BC will host St. Elizabeth this afternoon before tak<strong>in</strong>g on Lehman and <strong>the</strong> College of New Rochelle over<strong>the</strong> weekend to close out <strong>the</strong> regular season. The CUNYAC quarterf<strong>in</strong>als beg<strong>in</strong> next Wednesday, with <strong>the</strong>semif<strong>in</strong>als and championship round to be held at <strong>the</strong> National Tennis Center <strong>in</strong> Flush<strong>in</strong>g on Oct. 21 and22, respectively.Odetalla, who doubles as a physical education teacher at Bedford Academy High School, is <strong>in</strong> his thirdseason as <strong>the</strong> women’s head coach and has been lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> men’s program for <strong>the</strong> past two years.“We have a lot of faith <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> newcomers we have this year,” he said prior to <strong>the</strong> season. “We will be ayoung team, but <strong>the</strong>se players have <strong>the</strong> talent to make up for a lack of collegiate experience. We arelook<strong>in</strong>g to have a solid season this year and contend for <strong>the</strong> CUNYAC championship.”Thus far, Odetalla’s ladies are threaten<strong>in</strong>g to do much more than contend.Page 74 of 154


<strong>CSI</strong> women lock up top spot <strong>in</strong> soccerWednesday, <strong>October</strong> 12, <strong>2011</strong>, 10:55 AMStaten Island AdvanceByThe College of Staten Island women’s soccer team cl<strong>in</strong>ched <strong>the</strong> CUNYAC regular-season title and <strong>the</strong>conference tournament’s top seed yesterday with a 4-0 victory over visit<strong>in</strong>g York.The Dolph<strong>in</strong>s (5-0 CUNYAC, 10-3 overall) scored less than two m<strong>in</strong>utes <strong>in</strong> as Demi-Jean Martoranoconnected off a Lauren Neglia pass.A m<strong>in</strong>ute and a half later, Samantha Wysokowski scored on an assist from Martorano.The onslaught cont<strong>in</strong>ued at <strong>the</strong> 5:59 mark when an unmarked Liana DeNaro tallied off a Gabriela Galeanofeed for a three-goal cushion at <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>termission.Valerie Incontrera, who played goalie for <strong>CSI</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first half, scored <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 52nd m<strong>in</strong>ute off a Martoranoassist.Christ<strong>in</strong>a Jacob made her debut <strong>in</strong> goal for <strong>the</strong> Dolph<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> second half and stopped York’s lone shot onnet for <strong>the</strong> match. <strong>CSI</strong> outshot York 22-4.The Dolph<strong>in</strong>s play CCNY Friday to conclude <strong>the</strong> regular season. Wysokowski, who earned a red card for arough foul yesterday, will have to sit out <strong>the</strong> contest.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 75 of 154


<strong>CSI</strong> loses women's volleyball game to College of St. ElizabethThursday, <strong>October</strong> 13, <strong>2011</strong>, 11:30 AMStaten Island AdvanceByThe College of St. Elizabeth swept <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island 25-17, 25-21, 25-21 <strong>in</strong> women’s volleyballyesterday <strong>in</strong> Willowbrook.<strong>CSI</strong> sophomore Vasiliki Stergioula had 11 of <strong>the</strong> team’s 28 kills and led <strong>the</strong> Dolph<strong>in</strong>s with three service aces.Jean Marie Lewandoski led <strong>CSI</strong> defensively with a game-high 20 digs.St. Elizabeth improved to 11-12 while <strong>CSI</strong> dropped to 2-14.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 76 of 154


Staten Island sports bullet<strong>in</strong> board -- Friday, Oct. 14, <strong>2011</strong>Friday, <strong>October</strong> 14, <strong>2011</strong>, 9:43 AMStaten Island AdvanceBy<strong>CSI</strong>-Wagner fall gameThe College of Staten Island and Wagner College baseball teams will square off tomorrow <strong>in</strong> a fall baseballgame at 11 a.m. at <strong>the</strong> Richmond County Bank Ballpark <strong>in</strong> St. George. Admission is free.Travel baseball tryoutsThe Staten Island Orioles will hold tryouts for its 2012 travel baseball season for eighth-graders andfreshmen on Nov. 5 and Nov. 12 and for sophomores and juniors on Nov. 6 and Nov. 13. Registration bothdays is at 9 a.m. at <strong>the</strong> South Shore Babe Ruth League (637 Page Ave.). For additional <strong>in</strong>formation, e-mailsiorioles@hotmail.com or go to www.leaguel<strong>in</strong>eup.com/siorioles.St<strong>in</strong>grays tryoutsThe Staten Island St<strong>in</strong>grays will hold tryouts for 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls tonight at <strong>the</strong> CYO Center <strong>in</strong>Port Richmond at 8 p.m. for <strong>the</strong> 2012 AAU travel girls’ basketball season. Call Mike Neely 917-667-8907 or e-mail sist<strong>in</strong>grays@yahoo.com.Flag football registrationThe United Sports Leagues of America (USLA) Men’s Flag Football League is tak<strong>in</strong>g registrations for itsMonday night league season, which starts Oct. 31, at Cpl. Thompson Field <strong>in</strong> West Brighton. Call 718-887-4980 or 631-445-5248.Charity game seek<strong>in</strong>g femalesThe 9/11 Flag Football League is look<strong>in</strong>g for a few good women and girls to play <strong>in</strong> its second annual gamesto fight breast cancer. Girls ages 13 and up are encouraged to call 347- 992- 5755 early to play <strong>in</strong> one of <strong>the</strong>four contests Oct. 23 at Tottenville HS. All proceeds go to <strong>the</strong> Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 77 of 154


At long last, <strong>CSI</strong> <strong>in</strong> plann<strong>in</strong>g stages to launch a Hall of FameSaturday, <strong>October</strong> 15, <strong>2011</strong>, 12:55 PMJack M<strong>in</strong>ogueByThe College of Staten Island is clos<strong>in</strong>g agap<strong>in</strong>g hole <strong>in</strong> its athletic program byestablish<strong>in</strong>g a Sports Hall of Fame.Gap<strong>in</strong>g because <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> school's 35 years asa four-year <strong>in</strong>stitution, its athletes havecaptured 94 City University of New York(CUNY) Conference championships and 74CUNY tourney titles and made 24 trips toNCAA Division III tournaments.Advance file photoCUNY Conference championship teams have long been a staple at <strong>the</strong>College of Staten Island.Obviously, <strong>CSI</strong> has had more than itsshare of outstand<strong>in</strong>g student-athletes.Sadly, <strong>the</strong>y were forgotten almost before<strong>the</strong>y graduated.That's all go<strong>in</strong>g to change as <strong>the</strong> <strong>CSI</strong> Sports Hall of Fame is about to become a reality under <strong>CSI</strong> presidentDr. Tomas D. Morales and new athletic director Vernon Mummert.However, less than a decade ago, a hall of fame was a non-starter.For a quarter-century, prior to Angelo Aponte's five-year (2003-2008) tenure as Vice President for F<strong>in</strong>anceand Adm<strong>in</strong>istration, <strong>CSI</strong> adm<strong>in</strong>istrations treated <strong>in</strong>tercollegiate athletics as a nuisance. And that's a k<strong>in</strong>ddescription.One obvious example was what happened when <strong>the</strong> Staten Island Yankees left a prist<strong>in</strong>e rebuilt stadium on<strong>the</strong> <strong>CSI</strong> campus for <strong>the</strong>ir current home <strong>in</strong> St. George. By <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g year, <strong>the</strong> stadium, and especially <strong>the</strong>ballfield, resembled a slum — until <strong>the</strong> Advance took <strong>the</strong> school's adm<strong>in</strong>istration to task.Despite resistance, Aponte changed <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>dset and among o<strong>the</strong>r accomplishments, rescued a "lost"$800,000 for soccer and softball fields.Page 78 of 154


Morales, who became <strong>CSI</strong> president <strong>in</strong> June 2007, and Mummert, <strong>the</strong> new AD, have cont<strong>in</strong>ued treat<strong>in</strong>gathletes as students. (This past academic year, 81 of 201 student-athletes — better that 40 percent — hadGPAs of 3.0 or better.)"A sports hall of fame is one of <strong>the</strong> first th<strong>in</strong>gs I wanted to see become part of <strong>the</strong> program," said Mummert,who has spent more than three decades as an athletic adm<strong>in</strong>istrator, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g 18 at Drew University wherehe started a hall of fame. "Honestly, I couldn't believe <strong>CSI</strong> didn't have one."That's changed now, although <strong>the</strong> hall of fame is still a work <strong>in</strong> progress — but one which will emphasizeStaten Island.Even though <strong>the</strong>re's <strong>the</strong> daunt<strong>in</strong>g task of play<strong>in</strong>g catchup, possible nom<strong>in</strong>ations won't rest solely with <strong>the</strong>college's hall of fame committee.Associate Athletic Director David Pizzuto already has made it possible for <strong>CSI</strong> followers — for <strong>the</strong> entirecommunity, really — to be part of <strong>the</strong> nom<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g process.The <strong>CSI</strong> athletics website (www.csidolph<strong>in</strong>s.com) now has a Hall of Fame button which allows anyone topr<strong>in</strong>t out and complete a nom<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g form and <strong>the</strong>n mail it to Pizzuto at <strong>the</strong> <strong>CSI</strong> Athletics Dept., 2800 VictoryBlvd., 1R 204, S.I. 10314.The community has <strong>the</strong> opportunity to become part of <strong>CSI</strong>'s student-athletes' escape from second-classcitizenship to part of <strong>the</strong> school's history.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 79 of 154


Bulldogs Dynamic Duo of Orkis & Shen Take Weekly AwardsAs Brooklyn Regular Season UndefeatedCUNYAC/Hospital For Special Surgery Women’s TennisStand<strong>in</strong>gs: http://cunyathletics.com/stand<strong>in</strong>gs.aspx?path=wtennis&Statistics: http://cunyathletics.com/custompages/wtennis/<strong>2011</strong>/confstat.htm?path=wtennisCUNYAC/Hospital For Special Surgery Women’s Tennis Player of <strong>the</strong> WeekYULIA ORKIS, Brooklyn1st S<strong>in</strong>gles/Freshman/Brooklyn, NY/St. Edmund’s PrepFor <strong>the</strong> second consecutive week and third occasion this season, Brooklyn College freshman Yuliya Orkishas been named <strong>the</strong> CUNY Athletic Conference /Hospital for Special Surgery Women’s Tennis Player of<strong>the</strong> Week.In a 6‐3 victory over conference foe <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island on <strong>October</strong> 11 th , Orkis won both of hermatches on <strong>the</strong> day to help keep <strong>the</strong> Bulldogs perfect on <strong>the</strong> season <strong>in</strong> CUNYAC play, while also cl<strong>in</strong>ch<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> number 1 overall seed for Brooklyn <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> upcom<strong>in</strong>g CUNYAC/HSS Women’s Tennis Championships.Page 80 of 154


Play<strong>in</strong>g at number 1 doubles, Orkis teamed up with Liana Rivk<strong>in</strong> to defeat <strong>the</strong> tandem of Ilona Stoykoand Jean Baak, 8‐1, and <strong>the</strong>n later shutdown Alena Vandeneeva <strong>in</strong> straight sets, 6‐0, 6‐0 at number 1s<strong>in</strong>gles.Honor Roll: Natalie DeSabato (CCNY), Jane Selegean (Hunter), Iiona Stoyko (<strong>CSI</strong>).CUNYAC/Hospital For Special Surgery Women’s Tennis Rookie of <strong>the</strong> WeekJANICE SHEN, Brooklyn3rd S<strong>in</strong>gles/Senior/Shirley, NY/William FloydFor <strong>the</strong> second consecutive week, Brooklyn College senior Janice Shen has been named <strong>the</strong> CUNYAthletic Conference /Hospital for Special Surgery Women’s Tennis Rookie of <strong>the</strong> Week.Shen had ano<strong>the</strong>r stellar week for <strong>the</strong> Bulldogs, go<strong>in</strong>g 2‐0 <strong>in</strong> both s<strong>in</strong>gles and doubles play.In <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong> over <strong>CSI</strong>, Shen got <strong>the</strong> better of Sophia Varriano at number 3 s<strong>in</strong>gles, 6‐1, 6‐2, while pair<strong>in</strong>g upwith Gianna Gelosi at number 3 doubles to down <strong>the</strong> team of Katie Masterson and Varriano, 8‐3.In BC’s 9‐0 w<strong>in</strong> over <strong>the</strong> College of New Rochelle on <strong>October</strong> 15 th , Shen stepped up to number 1 s<strong>in</strong>glesto defeat Delnisha Baker 10‐2. She would also move up to number 1 doubles with partner Gelosi to get<strong>the</strong> better of Baker and Nancy Varughese, 8‐3.Honor Roll: Ayanna Reed (CCNY), Maryna Incherera (<strong>CSI</strong>).Page 81 of 154


Oct. 18 Mount Sa<strong>in</strong>t Mary roundup: Women’s tennis beats Staten Island10/19/11Women’s tennis: Mount Sa<strong>in</strong>t Mary College 7, College of Staten Island 2Mount Sa<strong>in</strong>t Mary’s doubles teams swept College of Staten Island <strong>in</strong> a non‐conference match <strong>in</strong>Newburgh.Jaimee Lubniewski and Annemarie Llewellyn, and Emily Gregory and Jen Gregory each won 8‐2, andAlissa Niad and Krist<strong>in</strong>a Swyryt won 8‐0 for <strong>the</strong> Mount (9‐1).Page 82 of 154


Women's Swimmer Alyssa Lubr<strong>in</strong>o is Selected to National NCAA DivisionIII SAAC CommitteeAlyssa Lubr<strong>in</strong>o, a junior on <strong>the</strong> Baruch women’s swimm<strong>in</strong>g team, has been appo<strong>in</strong>ted to <strong>the</strong> NCAADivision III Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).The appo<strong>in</strong>tment is prestigious as a Baruch and CUNY Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) student‐athlete willbe serv<strong>in</strong>g on a major national committee that serves <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>terests of student‐athletes that compete on<strong>the</strong> NCAA Division III level.The NCAA has paired <strong>the</strong> CUNYAC with <strong>the</strong> University Athletic Association (UAA) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir partnerconference program when it comes to representation on <strong>the</strong> committee.As a result, Alyssa will be charged to represent both conferences <strong>in</strong> issues related to <strong>the</strong> national SAACand all NCAA legislation that has a significant impact on <strong>the</strong> well‐be<strong>in</strong>g of student‐athletes.She will also attend all of <strong>the</strong> NCAA SAAC meet<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> annual meet<strong>in</strong>g that takes place at <strong>the</strong>NCAA Convention. The next convention is scheduled for January 11‐14, 2012, <strong>in</strong> Indianapolis, Indiana.Alyssa will represent <strong>the</strong> views of <strong>the</strong> two conferences through communication and contact with eachconference SAAC leadership.“I am thrilled and honored to be a member of such an important committee that will play a significantPage 83 of 154


ole <strong>in</strong> serv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>terests of student‐athletes from across <strong>the</strong> country, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> CUNYAC and UAAconferences,” said Lubr<strong>in</strong>o. “This selection represents a terrific professional development opportunityfor me and I am really look<strong>in</strong>g forward to gett<strong>in</strong>g started to assist all student‐athletes.”Lubr<strong>in</strong>o, a junior from Staten Island, is currently major<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> account<strong>in</strong>g. She has played a significant role<strong>in</strong> lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Baruch women’s swimm<strong>in</strong>g team to back‐to‐back CUNYAC Championships dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> pasttwo seasons.In addition, she was one of 20 student‐athletes from <strong>the</strong> CUNYAC that traveled to New Orleans,Louisiana (May 25 – June 4) as part of <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong> CUNY Athletic Conference’s (CUNYAC) Goodwill Tour.Mickey Abbatiello (Men’s Basketball) and Naomi Chang (Athletic Tra<strong>in</strong>er) were also a part of <strong>the</strong> specialgroup that volunteered <strong>the</strong>ir time <strong>in</strong> New Orleans towards rebuild<strong>in</strong>g a home and visit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>communities that to this day are still impacted by <strong>the</strong> historic Hurricane Katr<strong>in</strong>a.CUNYAC Schools RepresentedBaruch CollegeBrooklyn CollegeCity College of New York (CCNY)College of Staten IslandHunter CollegeJohn Jay College of Crim<strong>in</strong>al JusticeLehman CollegeMedgar Evers CollegeYork CollegeUAA Schools RepresentedBrandeis UniversityCarnegie Mellon UniversityCase Western Reserve UniversityEmory UniversityNew York UniversityUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of RochesterWash<strong>in</strong>gton University of St. LouisPage 84 of 154


Ra<strong>in</strong> takes toll on Staten Island sports scheduleThursday, <strong>October</strong> 20, <strong>2011</strong>, 11:16 AMStaten Island AdvanceByYesterday's ra<strong>in</strong> wiped out some of <strong>the</strong> scheduled outdoor action.All high school girls' soccer matches were postponed. The St. Joseph Hill at Moore Catholic game will bemade up today at 4 p.m., while Long Island Lu<strong>the</strong>ran at Staten Island Academy will now be played tomorrowat 4. There is no makeup date yet for <strong>the</strong> Mary Louis vs. St. John Villa match. The same goes for <strong>the</strong> boys'soccer meet<strong>in</strong>g between St. Edmund's and host St. Joseph by-<strong>the</strong>-Sea.Two high school girls' tennis matches were pushed to today at 4 p.m., with Villa at SIA and Notre DameAcademy at Sea.The Staten Island PSAL girls' frosh/soph cross country championships at Clove Lakes Park were also washedout and will now be held today at 4:15 p.m.The women's CUNYAC quarterf<strong>in</strong>al tennis match between host College of Staten Island and CCNY will beplayed today beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g at 3:30 p.m. There is no makeup date for <strong>the</strong> <strong>CSI</strong> women's soccer match aga<strong>in</strong>stvisit<strong>in</strong>g Berkeley College.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 85 of 154


Women's tennis: <strong>CSI</strong> advances to semisFriday, <strong>October</strong> 21, <strong>2011</strong>, 11:32 AMStaten Island AdvanceByThe College of Staten Island women’s tennis team advanced to <strong>the</strong> CUNY Conference semif<strong>in</strong>al round with a5-1 triumph over visit<strong>in</strong>g City College of New York yesterday <strong>in</strong> Willowbrook.<strong>CSI</strong> got s<strong>in</strong>gles w<strong>in</strong>s from Jean Baak, Demi-Jean Martorano and Maryna Incherchera and coupled that with apair of doubles victories for its quarterf<strong>in</strong>al marg<strong>in</strong>.The fourth-ranked Dolph<strong>in</strong>s face top-seed Brooklyn College <strong>in</strong> today’s semis at <strong>the</strong> USTA National TennisCenter <strong>in</strong> Flush<strong>in</strong>g Meadows, Queens.SINGLES: Ilona Stoyko (<strong>CSI</strong>) vs. Natalie DeSabato, Natalie (CCNY) 4-2, unf<strong>in</strong>ished; Alena Vedeneeva (<strong>CSI</strong>)vs. Ayanna Reed, Ayanna (CCNY) 5-3, unf<strong>in</strong>ished; Sophia Varriano (<strong>CSI</strong>) vs. Nataliya Machalaba (CCNY) 6-1,2-0, unf<strong>in</strong>ished; Jean Baak (<strong>CSI</strong>) def. Johanna Uquillas (CCNY) 6-0, 6-0; Demi-Jean Martorano (<strong>CSI</strong>) def.Sherada Bogle (CCNY) 6-0, 6-2; MarynaIncherchera (<strong>CSI</strong>) def. Elena Louie (CCNY) 6-3, 6-0.DOUBLES: DeSabato and Reed (CCNY) def. Vedeneeva and Varriano (<strong>CSI</strong>) 9-7; Stoyko and Baak (<strong>CSI</strong>) def.Machalaba and Uquillas (CCNY) 8-1; Martorano and Incherchera (<strong>CSI</strong>) def. Oluwatobi Ojo and Cicely Blaise(CCNY) 8-1.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 86 of 154


<strong>CSI</strong> women's tennis season done with 5-1 loss to BrooklynCollegeSaturday, <strong>October</strong> 22, <strong>2011</strong>, 10:17 AMStaten Island Advance Sports DeskByA w<strong>in</strong> by <strong>the</strong> No. 2 doubles team of Ilona Stoyko and Jean Baak wasn’t enough for <strong>the</strong> College of StatenIsland, which lost to Brooklyn College, 5-1, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> CUNY Conference tennis semif<strong>in</strong>als.Brooklyn advances to face No. 2 Hunter <strong>in</strong> Saturday's championship. The fourth-seeded Dolph<strong>in</strong>s f<strong>in</strong>ish <strong>the</strong>season at 7-10 overall.SINGLES: Yuliya Orkis (BC) def. Ilona Stoyko, 6-0, 6-0; Janice Shen (BC) def. Sophia Varriano, 6-2, 6-1;Maria Sanz (BC) def. Jean Baak, 7-5, 7-5.DOUBLES: Orkis and Liana Rivk<strong>in</strong> (BC) def. Alena Vedeneeva and Varriano, 8-4; Stoyko and Baak (<strong>CSI</strong>) def.Norma Chabbot and Sanz, 8-6; Shen and Gianna Gelosi (BC) def. Demi-Jean Martorano and MarynaIncherchera, 8-3.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 87 of 154


Page 1 of 1NYU tops College of Staten Island <strong>in</strong> men's soccer, 6-1Sunday, <strong>October</strong> 23, <strong>2011</strong>, 8:27 AMStaten Island Advance Sports DeskByNew York University scored three times <strong>in</strong> each half for a 6-1 non-conference men’s soccer victory over <strong>the</strong>host Dolph<strong>in</strong>s on Saturday.Alfonso Castenada scored <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 75th m<strong>in</strong>ute for <strong>CSI</strong> (3-10-1 overall).© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 88 of 154


John Jay's Brenda Pitts Seizes CUNYAC/Applebee's Player of <strong>the</strong> Week<strong>CSI</strong>'s Melissa Gelardi Takes Top Rookie Once Aga<strong>in</strong>For Immediate Release ‐ <strong>October</strong> 24, <strong>2011</strong>CUNYAC/Applebee’s Women’s SoccerJJC's Brenda Pitts & <strong>CSI</strong>'s Melissa GelardiStand<strong>in</strong>gs: http://cunyathletics.com/stand<strong>in</strong>gs.aspx?path=wsoccer&Statistics: http://cunyathletics.com/custompages/wsoccer/WOMEN<strong>2011</strong>/confstat.htm?path=wsoccerCUNYAC/Applebee’s Women’s Soccer Player of <strong>the</strong> WeekBRENDA PITTS, John JayDefense/Sophomore/Nokesville, VAJohn Jay College of Crim<strong>in</strong>al Justice women's soccer player Brenda Pitts has been named <strong>the</strong> CityUniversity of New York Athletic Conference / Applebee’s Women's Soccer Player of <strong>the</strong> Week, CUNYACannounced on Monday.Pitts, a team co‐capta<strong>in</strong>, earns <strong>the</strong> award for <strong>the</strong> first time this season. She scored <strong>the</strong> games' lone goal<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bloodhounds 1‐0 w<strong>in</strong> over NYU‐Polytechnic University on Saturday to snap an eight match los<strong>in</strong>gPage 89 of 154


streak. She took three shots <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> contest, help<strong>in</strong>g John Jay to outshoot its opponent 14‐8 overall <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>contest.A CUNYAC All‐Star and sportsmanship award w<strong>in</strong>ner last season, Pitts has netted two goals andrecorded one assist this season as <strong>the</strong> Bloodhounds are <strong>in</strong> full force <strong>in</strong> quest of <strong>the</strong> program's firstconference championship. The Bloodhounds will play <strong>the</strong> City College of New York <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> semif<strong>in</strong>al roundof <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong> CUNYAC / Applebee's women's soccer championship on November 2.Honor Roll: Dz<strong>in</strong>dizi Asmoah‐Wade (CCNY).CUNYAC/Applebee’s Women’s Soccer Rookie of <strong>the</strong> WeekMELISSA GELARDI, Staten IslandForward/Freshman/Staten Island, NY/St. Joseph by <strong>the</strong> SeaFor <strong>the</strong> fourth time this season, College of Staten Island women's soccer freshman Melissa Gelardi hasbeen named CUNYAC Rookie of <strong>the</strong> Week, earned <strong>the</strong> new citation follow<strong>in</strong>g her first collegiate gameboth <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field and between <strong>the</strong> pipes, <strong>in</strong> <strong>CSI</strong>'s only game aga<strong>in</strong>st Drew University.Gelardi, most noted for her ability to dish <strong>the</strong> ball to her teammates to <strong>the</strong> tune of a <strong>CSI</strong> s<strong>in</strong>gle‐seasonrecord 11 assists to date, was a stop‐gap aga<strong>in</strong>st Drew <strong>in</strong> goal for <strong>the</strong> Dolph<strong>in</strong>s. After play<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> firsthalf, Gelardi and her unit was down 4‐0 at halftime, so Gelardi put on <strong>the</strong> mitts and headed for <strong>the</strong> goal.Despite <strong>the</strong> 5‐0 f<strong>in</strong>al, Gelardi was exceptional <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> second frame, turn<strong>in</strong>g back 9 shots <strong>in</strong> 45 m<strong>in</strong>utes as<strong>the</strong> Rangers cont<strong>in</strong>ued to step on <strong>the</strong> gas.For <strong>the</strong> season Gelardi is one of eight Dolph<strong>in</strong>s who has played <strong>in</strong> every game this season, spread<strong>in</strong>g outa pair of goals next to 11 assists for 15 po<strong>in</strong>ts, third best on <strong>the</strong> squad. The 11 assists are an all‐times<strong>in</strong>gle season high, break<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> former mark of 9 set by both T<strong>in</strong>a Chechel <strong>in</strong> 2006 and aga<strong>in</strong> byteammate Christ<strong>in</strong>a Sgarlato last year.The <strong>CSI</strong> women get back underway tomorrow <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir regular season home f<strong>in</strong>ale aga<strong>in</strong>st SUNY‐Purchaseat 4:00 pm.Honor Roll: Bergelie Louis (John Jay).Page 90 of 154


<strong>CSI</strong> honor roll of athletes grew to 89 dur<strong>in</strong>g spr<strong>in</strong>gTuesday, <strong>October</strong> 25, <strong>2011</strong>, 11:09 AMJerry LeeByWILLOWBROOK - The College of StatenIsland (<strong>CSI</strong>) Office of IntercollegiateAthletics, toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, awarded itsfirst Athletic Director Honor Roll citationsfollow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 2010 fall season.At that time, 78 student-athletes who hadachieved a 3.0 grade po<strong>in</strong>t average (GPA)or better were recognized.The Willowbrook school recentlyannounced <strong>the</strong> honorees for <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong>Advance File PhotoAce pitcher Danielle Ponsiglione is <strong>the</strong> capta<strong>in</strong> of both <strong>the</strong> softball andvolleyball teams.spr<strong>in</strong>g season and <strong>the</strong> number of citationshas grown to 89.The students will be honored <strong>in</strong> a specialStudent-Athlete Day ceremony <strong>in</strong> April, <strong>in</strong>cooperation with <strong>the</strong> national <strong>in</strong>itiative brought forward by <strong>the</strong> National Consortium of Academics <strong>in</strong> Sport.The honor roll, unique to <strong>the</strong> athletics program at <strong>CSI</strong>, was <strong>the</strong> bra<strong>in</strong>child of <strong>the</strong> <strong>CSI</strong> student-athletecommittee and athletic director Vernon Mummert. Mummert wanted to draw attention to <strong>the</strong> academicachievements of <strong>the</strong> school’s student-athletes at <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitution.“Many times our student-athletes have to balance part-time and full-time jobs with full academic class loads,varsity team commitments, and family responsibilities at home,” Mummert said. “The <strong>in</strong>stitutionalrecognition shows <strong>the</strong>se young men and women that we are tak<strong>in</strong>g notice, and it will hopefully <strong>in</strong>spire <strong>the</strong>mto greater heights of academic achievement and athletic performance.”The 89 total athletes are a cross section of <strong>CSI</strong>’s 13 <strong>in</strong>tercollegiate sports and cheerlead<strong>in</strong>g program. <strong>CSI</strong>boasted 201 total student-athletes <strong>in</strong> 2010-11, mean<strong>in</strong>g that 44.3 percent of <strong>the</strong> student-athlete body isbe<strong>in</strong>g honored. Of <strong>the</strong> 89 honored, 69 are carry<strong>in</strong>g overall GPA’s over a 3.0 (34 percent), while a select 23Page 91 of 154


have a GPA of over 3.5.“It speaks volumes about <strong>the</strong> balance exhibited by our athletes and <strong>the</strong> tremendous academic support <strong>the</strong>yreceive on campus,” Mummert said.The <strong>CSI</strong> Office of Intercollegiate Athletics does its part <strong>in</strong> aid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> cause. Work<strong>in</strong>g primarily through KatieArcuri, <strong>the</strong> assistant athletic director for student-athlete services, student-athletes are awarded priorityregistration, which allows <strong>the</strong>m to manage <strong>the</strong>ir class schedule with <strong>the</strong>ir rigorous practice, personalworkout, and <strong>in</strong>tercollegiate schedule rout<strong>in</strong>es, and are offered academic advisement with<strong>in</strong> athletics officesto guide <strong>the</strong>ir academic path. Along <strong>the</strong> way, <strong>the</strong> office solicits mid-semester checks on student-athletes andoffers counsel<strong>in</strong>g and peer tutor opportunities for at-risk students.“The student-athletes cont<strong>in</strong>ue to excel <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> classroom as <strong>the</strong> number of honor roll students grow eachsemester,” said Ms. Arcuri. “It is a deserv<strong>in</strong>g achievement for <strong>the</strong>m to be honored each semester with <strong>the</strong>citation.”Men’s swimm<strong>in</strong>g had <strong>the</strong> most honorees while men’s cross country had <strong>the</strong> highest team GPA — a 3.34.Seven athletes boasted perfect (4.0) GPAs. They are Ilona Stoyko (swimm<strong>in</strong>g/tennis), Lisa LaManna(volleyball/cross-country, graduated), Raechel Strobel (softball, graduated), Q<strong>in</strong>g Li (tennis, graduated),Lauren Neglia (soccer), Olivia Tierno (basketball), and Tomasz Hajbert (swimm<strong>in</strong>g).The student-athletes will be awarded commemorative certificates dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> ceremony, which will featurewords from <strong>CSI</strong> President Dr. Tomas Morales and Vice-President for Student-Affairs Dr. Ramona Brown.The complete list of honorees, by sports, is:Baseball: Nick T<strong>in</strong>gos, Joe Falcone, Daniel Slev<strong>in</strong>, Paul Matusiewicz, Mario Peralta, Joe Cassano, MarkGlennerster.Basketball: Caitl<strong>in</strong> Johnson, Olivia Tierno, Jaclyn Tocco, Katelyn Hepworth, Christ<strong>in</strong>a Sgarlato, David Hughes,Patrick Granata, Chris Maccarone, Jordan Young, Herschel Jenk<strong>in</strong>s.Cheerlead<strong>in</strong>g: Jacquelyn Reddy, Camelo Vanloo, Kristyn Sett<strong>in</strong>eri, Victoria Sem<strong>in</strong>ara, Nicole Med<strong>in</strong>a, Hea<strong>the</strong>rLananna, Caitl<strong>in</strong> McKeever, Maria Donofrio, Lisa Conlon, Ca<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>e Bernardo.Cross country: Shantel Peters, Bibi Ghafari, Dean Kunjravia, Michael Jamaledd<strong>in</strong>e, Matt Greger, AdebolaOlasoju, Shawn Cybulska.Soccer: Stephanie McNichol, Danielle McLaughl<strong>in</strong>, Lauren Neglia, Michelle Kelley, Karla Pesantes, NicoleIacona, Natalie Tombasco, Amanda Percaccio, Paige Buono, Christ<strong>in</strong>a Sgarlato, Mubaric Ibrahim, StephenPage 92 of 154


Caifa, Orsi Bermudez Reyes, Stephen Mattei, Beshouy Askharoun, Adam Birnbaum, Michael Massa, AnthonyBrucato, John Tanna.Softball: Rachel Strobel, Stefanie Solari, Amanda W<strong>in</strong>ant, Kristi Dillon, Jillian Castore, Danielle Ponsiglione.Swimm<strong>in</strong>g: Gabriella Villarruel, Joanna Irizarry-Zaraza, Priscila Alvarez, Vasiliki Stergioula, Jessica Pifalo,Angelica Grant, Ela<strong>in</strong>a Lei, Lauren Overeem, Mitchell Lovell, Jian Wang, Robert Stumpf, Pavel Buyanov,Aleksander Pomeranets, Vladislav Romanov, Tomasz Habert, Louis Algar<strong>in</strong>, Maciej Hajbert, Danila Novikov,Michael Halkias, Mitchell Lovell, Jian Wang.Tennis: Gabriella Villarruel, Yelena Rasporskaya, Q<strong>in</strong>g Li, Tara Colao, Just<strong>in</strong>e Kuna, Ilona Stoyko, DanielUrsomanno, Robert Hargraves, Joseph Taranto, Riad Hamai, Masaru Takaki.Volleyball: Danielle Ponsiglione, Lisa Lamanna, Sarah Elkhatib, Vasiliki Stergioula.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 93 of 154


Soccer: College of Staten Island women w<strong>in</strong> aga<strong>in</strong>st SUNY-PurchaseWednesday, <strong>October</strong> 26, <strong>2011</strong>, 11:14 AMStaten Island AdvanceByThe College of Staten Island had four different goal scorers yesterday <strong>in</strong> a 4-0 w<strong>in</strong> over visit<strong>in</strong>g SUNY-Purchase.The Dolph<strong>in</strong>s, who owned advantages <strong>in</strong> shots (15-6) and corner kicks (6-1) improved to 12-4 overall.<strong>CSI</strong> won’t play aga<strong>in</strong> until it hosts No. 4 York College <strong>in</strong> a CUNYAC semif<strong>in</strong>al on Nov. 2 (3:30 p.m.).Matea Marie DeNoble, Demi-Jean Martorano, Lauren Neglia and Gabrielle Galeano scored for <strong>the</strong> Dolph<strong>in</strong>swhile Natalie Tombasco, Christ<strong>in</strong>a Jacob and Ashley Albanese had assists.Freshman DeNoble opened <strong>the</strong> scor<strong>in</strong>g 34 m<strong>in</strong>utes <strong>in</strong> on a Tombasco feed. The Dolph<strong>in</strong>s scored three <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>match’s f<strong>in</strong>al 21 m<strong>in</strong>utes, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Martorano’s 17th of <strong>the</strong> season.<strong>CSI</strong> goalie Samantha Wysokowski made two saves.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 94 of 154


CUNYAC / Applebee's Men's Soccer Semif<strong>in</strong>als Rescheduled For WednesdaySemif<strong>in</strong>als Will Be At Aviator <strong>in</strong> Brooklyn Start<strong>in</strong>g at 3:30 pmThe CUNYAC / Applebee’s Men's Soccer Semif<strong>in</strong>als that were postponed on Saturday, will now be heldat <strong>the</strong> Aviator Sports Complex <strong>in</strong> Brooklyn, NY on Wednesday, November 2 with <strong>the</strong> first game kick<strong>in</strong>goff at 3:30 pm (#1 Lehman vs. #5 Hunter), followed at 5:30 pm by <strong>the</strong> #2 York vs. #3 Baruch match.CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL = For more on each quarterf<strong>in</strong>al game & Championship l<strong>in</strong>ksSEMIFINALS @ AVIATOR SPORTS (Brooklyn, NY), Wednesday, November 2#1 Lehman vs. #5 Hunter ‐ 3:30 pm ‐ LIVE STATS#2 York vs. #3 Baruch ‐ 5:30 pm ‐ LIVE STATSFREE TICKET LINKFans, get your tickets us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>k above. With each registered ticket you are eligible to w<strong>in</strong> a prize <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> CUNYAC Championship draw<strong>in</strong>g.DIRECTIONS TO AVIATORThe CUNYAC / Applebee’s Men's Soccer Semif<strong>in</strong>als at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island were CANCELLED onSaturday at halftime of <strong>the</strong> first game (Hunter was up 1‐0 at <strong>the</strong> half). S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> contest does notbecome official until <strong>the</strong> 70th m<strong>in</strong>ute, it will be replayed <strong>in</strong> its' entirety at a date‐site‐time to beannounced.Page 95 of 154


Staten Island, NY ‐‐ The <strong>2011</strong> CUNYAC / Applebee's Men's Soccer Championship semif<strong>in</strong>als were slatedfor Saturday, <strong>October</strong> 29 at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island, before <strong>the</strong> action was cancelled due to wea<strong>the</strong>r.The Championship f<strong>in</strong>al, for CUNYAC's automatic berth to <strong>the</strong> NCAA Championship will be played <strong>the</strong>follow<strong>in</strong>g Saturday, November 5 @ 6:00 pm on Randall's Island.The quarterf<strong>in</strong>als kicked off on Wednesday, <strong>October</strong> 26 with four quarterf<strong>in</strong>al games at <strong>the</strong> higherseeded teams. #1 Lehman crushed #8 Staten Island, 5‐0, while <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r three games went down to <strong>the</strong>f<strong>in</strong>al whistle, with #2 York need<strong>in</strong>g two goals and an overtime assist from Rachidi Amadou. #3 Baruchturned a very late 1‐0 deficit around to a 2‐1 victory via two goals from V<strong>in</strong>cent Cruz and #5 Hunter, <strong>the</strong>defend<strong>in</strong>g champions earned a 1‐0 w<strong>in</strong> over #4 John Jay on a penalty kick by senior Danny Vera <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>68th m<strong>in</strong>ute.The four w<strong>in</strong>ners will now battle <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> semif<strong>in</strong>als on Saturday, Tournament Information:Quarterf<strong>in</strong>als (at higher seed) ‐ Wednesday, <strong>October</strong> 26, <strong>2011</strong>#1 Lehman def, #8 Staten Island, 5‐0#2 York def. #7 Medgar Evers, 4‐3 (Overtime)#3 Baruch def. #6 CCNY, 2‐1#5 Hunter def. #4 John Jay, 1‐0FINAL @ RANDALL'S ISLAND, Saturday, November 5 (6:00 pm)Semif<strong>in</strong>al w<strong>in</strong>ners ‐ LIVE STATSFans can check <strong>in</strong> and reserve free tickets by visit<strong>in</strong>g, CUNYAC Championships.Fans that check <strong>in</strong> at <strong>the</strong> championships us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir onl<strong>in</strong>e ticket will be eligible for a prize, and fans thatattend multiple CUNYAC championship events will be eligible for a draw<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong>‐12season to w<strong>in</strong> additional prizes.Stay tuned to CUNYAthletics.com for <strong>the</strong> latest details.Page 96 of 154


StoriesPage 97 of 154


Thousands of SUNY and CUNY Students to Walk­Out <strong>in</strong> Protest of TuitionHikes, Cuts, and Debt10/04 1:52 pmFrom B<strong>in</strong>ghamton NYSR:In <strong>2011</strong> New York State cut <strong>the</strong> SUNY/CUNY budget by over $300 million, passed a 5‐year automaticannual tuition hike, and cut <strong>the</strong> Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) by $31 million. Thousands of studentsthroughout SUNY and CUNY are be<strong>in</strong>g mobilized by New York Students Ris<strong>in</strong>g (NYSR) to oppose <strong>the</strong>semassive cuts to Public Higher Education alongside tuition hikes, crush<strong>in</strong>g student debt, and ris<strong>in</strong>gunemployment. On Wed. Oct. 5 at 1pm, students from across <strong>the</strong> state will orchestrate a state‐widestudent walk‐out to oppose <strong>the</strong> drastic austerity measures that cont<strong>in</strong>ue to underm<strong>in</strong>e New York State’syoung people. As our economy crumbles and public universities are forced to price out work<strong>in</strong>g classstudents, Governor Andrew Cuomo cont<strong>in</strong>ues to support efforts to give tax breaks to <strong>the</strong> wealthy andunderm<strong>in</strong>e our public <strong>in</strong>stitutions. This event will also co<strong>in</strong>cide with a large march <strong>in</strong> New York Cityorganized by <strong>the</strong> Occupy Wall Street group to combat <strong>the</strong> rise of austerity and <strong>in</strong>come <strong>in</strong>equality, wheremany CUNY students will jo<strong>in</strong> activists and labor unions <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> streets of <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial district.Across <strong>the</strong> state, NYSR demands <strong>the</strong> repeal of NYSUNY 2020 and <strong>the</strong> related tuition hikes, an <strong>in</strong>crease ofstate fund<strong>in</strong>g to SUNY and CUNY to be f<strong>in</strong>anced through <strong>the</strong> an extended millionaires tax and enforcedstock transfer tax, and, <strong>in</strong>stead of cushion<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial crisis on <strong>the</strong> backs of students and staff, weask SUNY and CUNY to "Chop from <strong>the</strong> Top," reduc<strong>in</strong>g top adm<strong>in</strong>istrator salaries by 2.5 to 5% percent <strong>in</strong>order to make up budget short falls. At B<strong>in</strong>ghamton, we call on Interim President McGrath to give his$70,000 salary <strong>in</strong>crease back to <strong>the</strong> university to help cover <strong>the</strong> budget cuts. B<strong>in</strong>ghamton's NYSR affiliateConcerned B<strong>in</strong>ghamton Students also organized last year's Rally Aga<strong>in</strong>st Irresponsible Spend<strong>in</strong>g, part <strong>the</strong>National Day of Action for Public Education on <strong>October</strong> 7 2010.WHEN: Wednesday, <strong>October</strong> 5, <strong>2011</strong> at 12 PM to 3 PM.WHERE: Walkout be<strong>in</strong>gs out side <strong>the</strong> Library Tower at 12 PM; after march<strong>in</strong>g around campus andrally<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cooper Adm<strong>in</strong>istration Build<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong>re will be a Teach In <strong>in</strong> Lecture Hall 7 at 2:15.PARTICIPATING SUNY & CUNY CAMPUSES: University at Albany, B<strong>in</strong>ghamton University, University atBuffalo, Purchase University, New Paltz University, Hunter College, John Jay College of Crim<strong>in</strong>al Justice,Brooklyn Community College, College of Staten Island, Bronx Community College, and CUNY Grad CenterPage 98 of 154


Students ga<strong>the</strong>r at College of Staten Island to protest CUNYtuition hikesPosted: Wednesday, <strong>October</strong> 05, <strong>2011</strong>, 2:55 PMBy Jan Somma‐HammelInspired by recent protests on Wall Street, dozens of College of Staten Island students ga<strong>the</strong>red today torally aga<strong>in</strong>st CUNY tuition hikes.Page 99 of 154


SUNY/CUNY students protest<strong>in</strong>g tuition hikes, staff cutsPosted by: Cara Mat<strong>the</strong>ws ‐ Posted <strong>in</strong> Uncategorized on Oct 05, <strong>2011</strong>New York Students Ris<strong>in</strong>g is organiz<strong>in</strong>g walkouts at roughly 15 State University of New York and CityUniversity of New York campuses today, along with a few private universities, to protest tuition hikesand staff cuts. They are also unhappy with “crush<strong>in</strong>g student debt, and ris<strong>in</strong>g unemployment,” <strong>the</strong> groupsaid <strong>in</strong> a statement.The state cut <strong>the</strong> SUNY and CUNY budgets by more than $300 million this year and <strong>in</strong>creased tuition,accord<strong>in</strong>g to New York Students Ris<strong>in</strong>g, which wants <strong>the</strong> tuition hikes repealed, student loan forgivenessand “an end to excessive adm<strong>in</strong>istrative pay.”SUNY tuition <strong>in</strong>creased from $4,970 a year to $5,270 this fall at state‐operated campuses. It will go up30 percent over <strong>the</strong> five years, for an annual tuition <strong>in</strong> five years of $6,470 for <strong>in</strong>‐state undergraduatestudents. SUNY’s university centers are gett<strong>in</strong>g additional revenue of 3 percent by charg<strong>in</strong>g a new $75fee and hik<strong>in</strong>g tuition for undergraduates from out of state by 10 percent.SUNY spokesman Morgan Hook noted that <strong>the</strong> protests are tak<strong>in</strong>g place on just six of <strong>the</strong> universitysystem’s 64 campuses.There’s obviously go<strong>in</strong>g to be dissent on campuses, but <strong>the</strong> SUNY Student Assembly, whose membersare elected by <strong>the</strong>ir peers each campus, have backed <strong>the</strong> tuition hikes for three years, Hook said.“Part of <strong>the</strong> reason why <strong>the</strong> bill got passed was because <strong>the</strong> students supported it,” he said.SUNY has made a commitment to re<strong>in</strong>vest some of <strong>the</strong> new tuition money to help students who aremaxed out for Tuition Assistance Program benefits, he said.The protests are tak<strong>in</strong>g place from noon to 5 p.m. today <strong>in</strong> Albany, B<strong>in</strong>ghamton, Buffalo, New Paltz,Purchase and New York City. Students <strong>in</strong> New York City will jo<strong>in</strong> demonstrators with <strong>the</strong> Occupy WallStreet group.These are <strong>the</strong> schools that are <strong>in</strong>volved:—The University at Albany—B<strong>in</strong>ghamton University—The University at Buffalo—Brooklyn College—The New School—SUNY Purchase—SUNY New Paltz—Hunter College—Brooklyn Community CollegePage 100 of 154


—New York University—College of Staten Island—Bronx Community College—CUNY Graduate Center—Columbia University—Fashion Institute of Technology—John Jay College of Crim<strong>in</strong>al JusticeAlso Featured on: exam<strong>in</strong>er.com dailykos.com dissenter.firedoglake.comPage 101 of 154


<strong>CSI</strong>'s first-ever homecom<strong>in</strong>g gets an enthusiastic reception oncampus among organizerWednesday, <strong>October</strong> 05, <strong>2011</strong>, 10:25 AMMark D. Ste<strong>in</strong>ByWILLOWBROOK -- The sun briefly pokedfrom overcast skies Saturday morn<strong>in</strong>g andsh<strong>in</strong>ed down on a group of 200 peopleparticipat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> College of StatenIsland’s (<strong>CSI</strong>) Breast Cancer Walkathon. Itwas unexpected, especially after <strong>the</strong> ra<strong>in</strong>sthat pounded New York <strong>the</strong> night before.Sponsored by Con Edison, <strong>the</strong> walk wasdesigned to raise funds for breast cancerresearch. It was <strong>the</strong> first of a series ofevents at <strong>the</strong> Willowbrook school thatcelebrated its first ever homecom<strong>in</strong>g thisStaten island Advance/Mark Ste<strong>in</strong>past weekend.The College of Staten Island celebrated its first ever homecom<strong>in</strong>gevent this past Saturday, and with that, dyed <strong>the</strong> water p<strong>in</strong>k as <strong>the</strong>school held its annual walk to raise money for breast cancer research. “We laughed. We cried. It was everyth<strong>in</strong>g,”said Dr. Donna Gerstle, director of <strong>the</strong>Staten Island Breast Cancer ResearchInitiative. “And it was a lot of fun. It’s a celebration of hope that people can truly come toge<strong>the</strong>r so we cancelebrate friends and family that have been touched by breast cancer.”Like <strong>the</strong> sunlight early <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> day, <strong>CSI</strong> was aglow <strong>in</strong> p<strong>in</strong>k. All walkers wore p<strong>in</strong>k T-shirts. The two founta<strong>in</strong>s —<strong>in</strong> front of and beh<strong>in</strong>d Build<strong>in</strong>g 1P — were dyed p<strong>in</strong>k and lured students and staff members eager to snap aphotograph.“Just to be toge<strong>the</strong>r for a united cause. It’s just special,” Dr. Gerstle said.Ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g with one ano<strong>the</strong>r, like those who walked to fight breast cancer, was <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me of <strong>the</strong> day.“It’s a wonderful opportunity for faculty, students and alumni to come toge<strong>the</strong>r to support our cancerresearch project, our walkathon,” said Dr. Tomas Morales, college president. “But also to reconnect alumniPage 102 of 154


to <strong>the</strong> college, to create a sense of community here.”The day kicked off with <strong>the</strong> walkathon at 10 a.m. and <strong>in</strong>cluded a number of events before an alumni d<strong>in</strong>nerat 6 p.m.Classes end<strong>in</strong>g with “2” and “7” — from 1962 to 2007 —celebrated <strong>the</strong>ir reunions and retired facultymembers also attended. Many of <strong>the</strong>m were students at <strong>the</strong> former Staten Island Community and Richmondcolleges <strong>in</strong> Sunnyside and St. George, respectively — <strong>the</strong> predecessors of <strong>CSI</strong>.“The College of Staten Island is a unique <strong>in</strong>stitution, given that we’re <strong>the</strong> only public <strong>in</strong>stitution on StatenIsland, a municipality that would be <strong>the</strong> 35th largest city <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States, with 500,000 people,” notedMorales.<strong>CSI</strong>’s president is a member of <strong>the</strong> Staten Island University Hospital board of directors. When he visits <strong>the</strong>hospital and o<strong>the</strong>r schools across Staten Island, he comes across numerous <strong>CSI</strong> alumni who earned degrees<strong>in</strong> nurs<strong>in</strong>g and teach<strong>in</strong>g.“There’s not a day that goes by that I’m out <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> community and I don’t meet an alum,” he said. In fact,he said, 22,000 live <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> borough.All told, <strong>CSI</strong> boasts 55,000 liv<strong>in</strong>g alumni.Soccer and volleyball matches, an Oktoberfest-<strong>the</strong>med luncheon, a band performance to recognize <strong>CSI</strong> radiostation WSIA’s 30th anniversary, and kids’ activities, such as a pumpk<strong>in</strong> pick<strong>in</strong>g patch, were part of <strong>the</strong> fun.There was also a network<strong>in</strong>g event between alumni and students set to graduate <strong>in</strong> 2012.Thomas Tellefsen, chairman of <strong>the</strong> school’s bus<strong>in</strong>ess department and a graduate of 1977, said <strong>the</strong> ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>gwas a great opportunity for students to chat.“It’s a wonderful chance for <strong>the</strong>m to talk to people who have gone through <strong>the</strong> process,” Tellefsen said. “Forus alumni, it’s really excit<strong>in</strong>g to see what <strong>the</strong> new crop looks like and to get a sense of what <strong>the</strong>y’re try<strong>in</strong>g toaccomplish. Maybe we can pass on a few ideas along <strong>the</strong> way.”Tellefsen expla<strong>in</strong>ed that <strong>the</strong> students appear upbeat, yet do have concerns as <strong>the</strong> economy has yet tobounce back.“They’re realistic about <strong>the</strong> job market,” he said. “They see <strong>the</strong> jobs aren’t com<strong>in</strong>g as quickly as <strong>the</strong>y werefive years ago, but <strong>the</strong>y’re upbeat because <strong>the</strong>y realize <strong>the</strong>re are still opportunities. Maybe it takes a littlelonger, but <strong>the</strong>y could still get <strong>the</strong>re.”Page 103 of 154


Arthur Merola, president of <strong>the</strong> board of directors of <strong>the</strong> alumni association, and a member of <strong>the</strong> class of1985, said <strong>CSI</strong>’s homecom<strong>in</strong>g is unique.“This is <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of someth<strong>in</strong>g, and we hope to cont<strong>in</strong>ue it. The college has given <strong>the</strong> diversity to <strong>the</strong>community, more importantly to <strong>the</strong> city, and to <strong>the</strong> world,” he said.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 104 of 154


Staten Island resident part of creative team beh<strong>in</strong>d newdocumentary about 'The Tombs'Wednesday, <strong>October</strong> 05, <strong>2011</strong>, 9:39 AMDiane LoreBySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - PORT RICHMOND -Vernon (Dyverse) Wooton knows ath<strong>in</strong>g or two about mean streets.The one-time rapper-musician, who nowmakes his home <strong>in</strong> Port Richmond, isorig<strong>in</strong>ally from <strong>the</strong> Bronx, and spent histeen years <strong>in</strong> a group home at MountLoretto.Nowadays, <strong>the</strong> 37-year-old Wooton servesas a youth mentor and board member ofYoung Talented and Gifted (YTG), <strong>the</strong>Graniteville-based non-profit that aims toempower youth and encourage <strong>the</strong>irtalents through <strong>the</strong> arts and education.When Wooton was approached to be partof <strong>the</strong> creative team beh<strong>in</strong>d an<strong>in</strong>dependent film about <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>famousVernon (Dyverse) Wooten, at right, of Port Richmond, with Curtis HighSchool student Isaiah Harrison, of Mar<strong>in</strong>ers Harbor, at <strong>the</strong> premiere ofManhattan House of Detention – a.k.a.'The Tombs,' an <strong>in</strong>dependent film for which Wooten served as associateexecutive producer. (Photo courtesy Vernon Wooton)"The Tombs" – he saw an opportunity to<strong>in</strong>fluence and <strong>in</strong>form young people about<strong>the</strong> prison system and <strong>the</strong> effect it has on young black and Lat<strong>in</strong>o men.Wooton signed on as associate executive producer, jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g director Jerry Lamo<strong>the</strong> (who also directed <strong>the</strong>films "Blackout" and "Amour Inf<strong>in</strong>ity") and executive producer Tami Roman (from VH1's "BasketballWives")."I'm proud of this project because it allows me to educate, enterta<strong>in</strong> and <strong>in</strong>form young people about <strong>the</strong>Page 105 of 154


prison system and <strong>the</strong> effect it has on black and Lat<strong>in</strong>o young men," Wooton expla<strong>in</strong>ed.The film is described as a "gritty and powerful exploration of <strong>the</strong> effects of <strong>the</strong> prison <strong>in</strong>dustrial complex on<strong>the</strong> spirit and psyche of black and Lat<strong>in</strong>o men <strong>in</strong> New York State and across <strong>the</strong> nation.""Artfully played out with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> context of <strong>the</strong> flawed and overburdened justice system, 'The Tombs' is a firstattempt at us<strong>in</strong>g dramatic film as an educational medium for students and <strong>the</strong> broader public."The film is registered with this year's Cannes Film Festival, <strong>the</strong> Venice Film Festival, and <strong>the</strong> Melbourne(Australia) International Film Festival. It has also been picked up as part of HBO's American Black FilmFestival."The Tombs" premiered Sept. 17 as part of <strong>the</strong> day-long Urbanworld Independent Film Festival at <strong>the</strong> AMC34th Street Theater <strong>in</strong> midtown Manhattan.True to his mission to mentor and educate urban youth, Wooton selected Curtis High School junior IsaiahHarrison of Mar<strong>in</strong>ers Harbor, to accompany him at <strong>the</strong> premiere. The two met <strong>in</strong> January at <strong>the</strong> 4th AnnualMart<strong>in</strong> Lu<strong>the</strong>r K<strong>in</strong>g "Step Up, Speak Out Family Summit" at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island. The ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g wassponsored by Young Talented and Gifted. Wooton was one of <strong>the</strong> workshop facilitators.Wooton, a tower<strong>in</strong>g man who walks with a cane, said he was <strong>in</strong>spired to mentor and give back to urbanteens through his own experiences.Although he was born and raised <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bronx <strong>in</strong> a large family, to keep him off <strong>the</strong> streets and out oftrouble with <strong>the</strong> law, his parents sent him away to a group home on <strong>the</strong> grounds of <strong>the</strong> Mission of <strong>the</strong>Immaculate Mary at Mount Loretto, <strong>in</strong> Pleasant Pla<strong>in</strong>s.While a student at Port Richmond High School, he became <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> music and film as a form ofexpression. Later, he took advantage of workshops and classes offered by Community TV (CTV) and beganshoot<strong>in</strong>g his own show and music videos.At about <strong>the</strong> same time, he became <strong>in</strong>volved as a rapper and musician <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mix-hop, multi-cultural bandcalled Aquavibe; he was known by <strong>the</strong> name Dyverse. He also tried his hand <strong>in</strong> retail<strong>in</strong>g, as owner of a hiphopcloth<strong>in</strong>g store <strong>in</strong> Stapleton. He was <strong>in</strong>troduced to director Lamo<strong>the</strong> when Lamo<strong>the</strong> was mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> film"Blackout" and <strong>the</strong> director cast him <strong>in</strong> a bit part.Just before he headed off to <strong>the</strong> film festival for <strong>the</strong> premier of "The Tombs" Wooton appeared <strong>in</strong> TappenPark to kick off events for <strong>the</strong> Staten Island Black Heritage Family Day.Page 106 of 154


Assemblyman Cusick hails youngsters for <strong>the</strong>ir accomplishmentsand commitment to physical fitness, lauds PS 29Thursday, <strong>October</strong> 06, <strong>2011</strong>, 7:44 AMStaten Island AdvanceBySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Thirty StatenIsland youngsters were recognized lastnight for <strong>the</strong>ir commitment to physicalfitness dur<strong>in</strong>g an annual awards ceremonyheld by Assemblyman Michael Cusick.Cusick’s “Total Fitness Challenge,” open toyoungsters <strong>in</strong> grades pre-K through eight,called on kids to read 30 m<strong>in</strong>utes a daydur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> summer and participate <strong>in</strong> asmany physical activities as possible on adaily basis.Depend<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> number of po<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>the</strong>yatta<strong>in</strong>ed, <strong>the</strong>y were awarded first-, second- and third-place medals. All receivedcertificates.View full sizeAssemblyman Michael Cusick at <strong>the</strong> Total Fitness Challenge with someof this year's w<strong>in</strong>ners.The w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g school, PS 29 <strong>in</strong> Castleton Corners, received a trophy.“Physical education is an <strong>in</strong>tegral element <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> development of our children,” said Cusick, prior to <strong>the</strong>ceremony at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island. “Accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> city comptroller [John Liu], only 6 percent ofschools audited came anywhere near offer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> required amount of physical education ... The report [also]stated that 21 percent of children are obese and ano<strong>the</strong>r 18 percent are overweight.”Not<strong>in</strong>g that childhood obesity is an epidemic <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States, Cusick (D-Mid-Island) said it leads to <strong>the</strong>likelihood of adult obesity, which is associated with diabetes, heart disease and cancer.The Total Fitness Challenge was created by Cusick to encourage children to be more physically active dur<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> summer months and lead a healthier lifestyle.Page 107 of 154


In all, 35 schools and nearly 600 students participated — an <strong>in</strong>crease of more than 200 children fromCusick’s fitness challenge last year.The Total Fitness Challenge w<strong>in</strong>ners are:Pre-K: 1st, Angela K<strong>in</strong>g, YMCA Nursery School.K<strong>in</strong>dergarten: 1st, Isabella Policarpo, Gateway Academy; 2nd, Kaylee Kub<strong>in</strong>ski, PS 4; 3rd, Liam McBratney,Our Lady of Good Counsel.Grade 1: 1st, Just<strong>in</strong> Colantuono, PS 36; 2nd, Aiswaryah Anantharajah, PS 58; 3rd, Jessica L<strong>in</strong>der, PS 56.Grade 2: 1st, Allison Parker, PS 29; 2nd, Jessica Amodeo, PS 56; 3rd, Just<strong>in</strong> Lonczynski, PS 29.Grade 3: 1st, Olivia Lombardo, PS 29; 2nd, Ellie Vaserman, PS 29; 3rd, Julianna Verde, PS 3.Grade 4: 1st, Maria Coelho, PS 56; 2nd, Nicole Amodeo, PS 56; 3rd, Rebecca Rodriguez, PS 56.Grade 5: 1st, Olivia Becker, PS 29; 2nd, Patrick Parker, PS 29; 3rd, Sabella Vaserman, PS 80.Grade 6: 1st, Annie Anantharajah, Laurie Intermediate; 2nd, Emma Faherty, Bernste<strong>in</strong> Intermediate; 3rd,Megan F<strong>in</strong>nerly, Paulo Intermediate.Grade 7; 1st, Robert DeForge, Paulo Intermediate; 2nd, Gunnar Garpestad, PS 80; 3rd, Ciaran Farley, St.Rita.Grade 8; 1st, Nicole Galletta, Academy of St. Dorothy; 2nd, Monica Suggs, Our Lady of Good Counsel; 3rd,Kiara Ortega, Our Lady of Good Counsel.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 108 of 154


College of Staten Island students rally to protest tuition hikes,budget cutsThursday, <strong>October</strong> 06, <strong>2011</strong>, 8:50 AMStaten Island AdvanceBySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Inspired by <strong>the</strong>ongo<strong>in</strong>g protests on Wall Street, dozens ofCollege of Staten Island studentscollectively left <strong>the</strong>ir classrooms yesterdayafternoon and rallied aga<strong>in</strong>st CUNY tuitionhikes.Prior to a student protest scheduled for 1p.m., about a dozen students ran through<strong>the</strong> Willowbrook campus, bang<strong>in</strong>g drumsand wav<strong>in</strong>g signs to urge o<strong>the</strong>rs to jo<strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong>ir protest.With<strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>utes, <strong>the</strong> circular area beh<strong>in</strong>dbuild<strong>in</strong>g 1P — between <strong>the</strong> school’scampus center and library — was packedwith more than 100 protesters andobservers, as well as faculty members.EnlargeStaten Island AdvanceJesse Frankl<strong>in</strong>, a junior student from St George, was a leader of <strong>the</strong>tuition hike protest at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island Wednesday, <strong>October</strong>5. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)<strong>CSI</strong> protest 10-06-<strong>2011</strong> gallery (20 photos)As viewers took photographs and recorded video, <strong>the</strong> approximately 40 protesters shouted “Walk out!The <strong>CSI</strong> protesters used whistles and o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>struments and carried numerous signs to get o<strong>the</strong>r students’attention.Students ga<strong>the</strong>r at College of Staten Island to protest CUNYtuition hikes“We’re just tired of <strong>the</strong> bull(expletive),”said sophomore Jay Ax of Great Kills. “Ourtuition just got raised and <strong>the</strong>y’re cutt<strong>in</strong>gf<strong>in</strong>ancial aid. We’re here because we want to make someth<strong>in</strong>g out of ourselves.”Inspired by recent protests on Wall Street, dozens of College of StatenIsland students ga<strong>the</strong>red today to rally aga<strong>in</strong>st CUNY tuition hikes.Page 109 of 154


Students also compla<strong>in</strong>ed about recent cuts <strong>in</strong> faculty and classes.Similar actions occurred at o<strong>the</strong>r SUNY and CUNY campuses, accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> Associated Press.Both entities raised tuition by $300 this fall, and <strong>the</strong> state legislature approved tuition raises at SUNY andCUNY colleges of up to $300 each year for <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g four years, accord<strong>in</strong>g to CUNY spokesman MichaelArena.“I’m not happy about <strong>the</strong> tuition hikes,” said sophomore Jeremy Haire, who was watch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> go<strong>in</strong>gs-on.“But somebody’s got to do someth<strong>in</strong>g about it.”Several faculty members said <strong>the</strong>y were impressed and proud to see <strong>the</strong> student body stand<strong>in</strong>g up for itself.One teacher, who chose to rema<strong>in</strong> anonymous, brought his class of 17 students outside to see <strong>the</strong> protest.He called it a learn<strong>in</strong>g experience and asked <strong>the</strong> class to research <strong>the</strong> issues <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> protest for anessay.Leeor Bronis, editor of <strong>CSI</strong>’s student newspaper, “The Banner,” said o<strong>the</strong>rs usually disregard protest actions.“They don’t really th<strong>in</strong>k of <strong>the</strong> issues at <strong>the</strong> school ... this has everyth<strong>in</strong>g to do with <strong>the</strong>m,” said Ms. Bronis,add<strong>in</strong>g that freshmen she’d spoken to were unaware of <strong>the</strong> situation until attend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> protest.“The students at today’s rally worked closely with college adm<strong>in</strong>istration <strong>in</strong> order to conduct <strong>the</strong>irdemonstration <strong>in</strong> a creative and respectful manner,” said Ken Bach, a <strong>CSI</strong> spokesman. “Their passion wasevident, and <strong>the</strong>y exercised <strong>the</strong>ir First Amendment rights peacefully.”Ax was thrilled with <strong>the</strong> large turnout.“It shows that people know that <strong>the</strong>y have a voice and <strong>the</strong>y’re here and <strong>the</strong>y’re ready to let <strong>the</strong>ir voice beheard,” <strong>the</strong> South Shore 24-year-old said. “Even if <strong>the</strong>y’re not lett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir voice be heard, just <strong>the</strong>irpresence here alone is excellent.”After <strong>the</strong> rally, which dispersed about 2 p.m., <strong>the</strong> students marched through <strong>the</strong> campus before head<strong>in</strong>g toWall Street to jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> demonstration <strong>the</strong>re.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Also Featured on:exam<strong>in</strong>er.comPage 110 of 154


<strong>CSI</strong> gets some blow-backWednesday, <strong>October</strong> 12, <strong>2011</strong>, 9:55 AMMark D. Ste<strong>in</strong>ByWILLOWBROOK -- Inspired by <strong>the</strong> ongo<strong>in</strong>g protests on Wall Street, dozens of College of Staten Island (<strong>CSI</strong>)students collectively stormed out of <strong>the</strong>ir classrooms and ga<strong>the</strong>red last Wednesday afternoon to rally aga<strong>in</strong>stCUNY tuition hikes.Prior to a student protest scheduled for 1 p.m., about a dozen pupils ran through <strong>the</strong> Willowbrook campusbang<strong>in</strong>g drums and wav<strong>in</strong>g signs to alert o<strong>the</strong>rs that <strong>the</strong> time had come to vent.With<strong>in</strong> a matter of m<strong>in</strong>utes, <strong>the</strong> circular area beh<strong>in</strong>d build<strong>in</strong>g 1P — set <strong>in</strong> between <strong>the</strong> school’s campuscenter and library — was packed with more than 100 protesters and observers, as well as faculty members.As viewers took photographs and recorded video, some 40 protesters shouted “Walk out! <strong>CSI</strong>.” to <strong>in</strong>formfolks on campus that someth<strong>in</strong>g needs to be done.John Rojas shouted to <strong>the</strong> crowd, “We are all victims of this. All of us. Not just you, or you, or you,” he said,po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>dividuals. “It’s everybody.”Rojas, a sophomore from Richmond, was one of <strong>the</strong> most visible faces at <strong>the</strong> protest. He and four o<strong>the</strong>rs —Jesse Frankl<strong>in</strong>, Ilya Geller, Yaeko Kashimoto and Jay Ax — were <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong> organiz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> protest.“We’re just tired of <strong>the</strong> bull(expletive),” barked Ax, also a sophomore, from Great Kills. “Our tuition just gotraised and <strong>the</strong>y’re cutt<strong>in</strong>g f<strong>in</strong>ancial aid. We’re here because we want to make someth<strong>in</strong>g out of ourselves.”Protesters also expressed dissent toward recent cuts <strong>in</strong> faculty and classes.Similar actions occurred at o<strong>the</strong>r SUNY [State University of New York] and CUNY [City University of NewYork] universities, reported <strong>the</strong> Associated Press.Both entities raised tuition $300 this fall and <strong>the</strong> state legislature authorized that SUNY and CUNY cancont<strong>in</strong>ue to raise tuition up to $300 each year for <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g four years, accord<strong>in</strong>g to CUNY spokesmanMichael Arena.While students also shouted that for 129 years, CUNY tuition was free, Arena said that luxury was only forPage 111 of 154


merit-based students, o<strong>the</strong>r than from 1970 to 1975, when it <strong>in</strong>deed was free for all.In 1976, <strong>the</strong> policy was changed to cater to students who couldn’t attend school, unless it was free.Protesters at <strong>CSI</strong> used whistles and o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>struments. They carried signs that drew attention from scores ofpass<strong>in</strong>g students.“I’m not happy about <strong>the</strong> tuition hikes,” said observer, Jeremy Haire, a sophomore. “But somebody’s got todo someth<strong>in</strong>g about it.”Rosebank resident and college senior Liz E. was <strong>in</strong> agreement.“We’re all for it,” she said of <strong>the</strong> protest. “I don’t know why we need to pay for an education.”She and her friend, Lana N., both work full time and said <strong>the</strong> school’s tuition raise fur<strong>the</strong>r complicates analready difficult situation <strong>the</strong>y’re <strong>in</strong>.Leeor Bronis, editor of <strong>CSI</strong>’s newspaper “The Banner” and a student at <strong>the</strong> school, said o<strong>the</strong>rs usuallydisregard acts like <strong>the</strong> protest.“They don’t really th<strong>in</strong>k of <strong>the</strong> issues at <strong>the</strong> school .¤.¤. this has everyth<strong>in</strong>g to do with <strong>the</strong>m,” said Ms.Bronis, add<strong>in</strong>g that freshman students she’d spoken to were unaware of <strong>the</strong> hikes until attend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>protest.Faculty members said <strong>the</strong>y were impressed and proud to see <strong>the</strong> student body stand<strong>in</strong>g up for itself.A teacher, who chose not to give his name, brought his 17 students outside to witness <strong>the</strong> demonstration.He wanted <strong>the</strong>m to learn from it and research <strong>the</strong> issues <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> preparation for writ<strong>in</strong>g an essay.Ax was thrilled to see <strong>the</strong> large turnout.“It shows that people know that <strong>the</strong>y have a voice and <strong>the</strong>y’re here and <strong>the</strong>y’re ready to let <strong>the</strong>ir voice beheard,” <strong>the</strong> 24-year-old said. “Even if <strong>the</strong>y’re not lett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir voice be heard, just <strong>the</strong>ir presence here aloneis excellent.”After <strong>the</strong> rally, which dispersed about 2 p.m., <strong>the</strong> students headed to Wall Street to demonstrate.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 112 of 154


At <strong>CSI</strong>, po<strong>in</strong>ts of light to dispel <strong>the</strong> hatredWednesday, <strong>October</strong> 12, <strong>2011</strong>, 6:43 AMKiawana RichBySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong>ir different backgrounds, participants <strong>in</strong>last night's second annual Candlelight VigilAga<strong>in</strong>st Hate at <strong>the</strong> College of StatenIsland, Willowbrook, proclaimed anidentical message: Hate should never betolerated and it should never def<strong>in</strong>e whoyou are.Featured speaker D<strong>in</strong>a Ahmed of Mar<strong>in</strong>ersHarbor, an 18-year-old student, told of alife-chang<strong>in</strong>g experience that occurredseveral years ago while she was with herStaten Island Advance/Hilton FloresStudents turn out for <strong>the</strong> Gay Straight Alliance of <strong>the</strong> College of StatenIsland's second annual Candlelight Vigil Aga<strong>in</strong>st Hate outside <strong>the</strong>Campus Center <strong>in</strong> Willowbrook.Terrorists are gett<strong>in</strong>g on and <strong>the</strong>y are go<strong>in</strong>g to bomb us all!"best friend <strong>in</strong> Brooklyn.Dressed <strong>in</strong> traditional Muslim garb, <strong>the</strong>girls boarded <strong>the</strong> R tra<strong>in</strong>. She heard ateenage boy shout: "Get off <strong>the</strong> tra<strong>in</strong>.Miss Ahmed didn't try to hold back tears <strong>the</strong>n -- nor could she hold <strong>the</strong>m back last night. But, she said,unlike so many times before, she did not want "to look back at this moment and regret not do<strong>in</strong>g anyth<strong>in</strong>g."She sought to confront <strong>the</strong> culprit -- now anonymous among 20 high school boys. When he would not stepforward, she addressed <strong>the</strong> group: "He had no right to hate o<strong>the</strong>rs who are different," and, "Read a damnbook so maybe you wouldn't be so ignorant.""I did someth<strong>in</strong>g about someone's hatred, I didn't just sit <strong>the</strong>re and take it. And s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>n, I don't tolerateany hatred from anyone," she said.O<strong>the</strong>r speakers shared similarly poignant stories with <strong>the</strong> audience of about 40.Page 113 of 154


Learn<strong>in</strong>g to deal with and overcome such hatred was what <strong>the</strong> even<strong>in</strong>g was all about, said JeremiahJurkiewicz, president of <strong>the</strong> sponsor<strong>in</strong>g group <strong>the</strong> Gay Straight Alliance at <strong>CSI</strong>.For GSA Vice President Lisa Marie Scollo, her copious freckles were a cross that became almost too much tobear. The Island native said she was teased throughout elementary and high school. "They called me'Chocolate Chip' and 'Frog' and much more.""The pa<strong>in</strong> of be<strong>in</strong>g bullied made me feel alone and helpless," she added, not<strong>in</strong>g that she often contemplatedsuicide.But <strong>the</strong> comfortable and nurtur<strong>in</strong>g environment of <strong>CSI</strong> has helped her break out of her shell, she said.<strong>CSI</strong> Psychology Professor Florette Cohen had <strong>the</strong> last word: "If we all ban toge<strong>the</strong>r as one, we can stop <strong>the</strong>hate."© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 114 of 154


Colleges With The Highest Acceptance Rates: U.S. <strong>News</strong> List10/17/11Really don't want to chance it with college admissions next year?U.S. <strong>News</strong> and World Report recently named <strong>the</strong> top 100 colleges with <strong>the</strong> highest acceptance rates. 31colleges had acceptance rates of 100% and several more had rates of 99%. So <strong>the</strong> next time a highschool senior says someth<strong>in</strong>g like, "I will never get <strong>in</strong>to college!!" you will know what list to show <strong>the</strong>m.Check out our slide show of 10 colleges it is hard not to get <strong>in</strong>to. Then tell us, what do you th<strong>in</strong>k of highacceptance rates? Weigh <strong>in</strong> below!Page 115 of 154


10/18/<strong>2011</strong> 10:42 PMStaten Islanders Jo<strong>in</strong> "Occupy Wall Street" MovementBy: Mari FagelNY1 VIDEO: A new Qu<strong>in</strong>nipiac poll shows <strong>the</strong> majority of Staten Islanders support <strong>the</strong> Occupy WallStreet movement, and tens of College of Staten Island students have jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> ongo<strong>in</strong>g protests.Page 116 of 154


Staten Island's MTA board member Allen Cappelli calls for tollequityMonday, <strong>October</strong> 24, <strong>2011</strong>, 2:31 AMMichael SedonBySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- If you start <strong>in</strong>Manhattan, you can drive all over <strong>the</strong> city,except Staten Island, without pay<strong>in</strong>g anickel <strong>in</strong> tolls. But Staten Islanders can'teven th<strong>in</strong>k about such a journey withoutfork<strong>in</strong>g over cash to use <strong>the</strong> Verrazano-Narrows Bridge."It's patently an unfair system," says AllenCappelli, <strong>the</strong> MTA's lone Island boardmember.And to balance <strong>the</strong> system, he's press<strong>in</strong>gofficials to spread <strong>the</strong> burden by toll<strong>in</strong>g allcurrently free river cross<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>toManhattan.Staten Island Advance photoAllen Cappelli is press<strong>in</strong>g MTA officials to spread <strong>the</strong> burden by toll<strong>in</strong>gall currently free river cross<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>to Manhattan. Cappelli, <strong>the</strong> board'ssole Staten Islander, says that 12 of New York City's river cross<strong>in</strong>gscould generate much needed revenue for public transportation.Cappelli, <strong>the</strong> board's sole Staten Islander, says that 12 of New York City's river cross<strong>in</strong>gs could generatemuch needed revenue for public transportation."I would not support rais<strong>in</strong>g tolls to support capital projects," Cappelli said. "I say that not because I'mopposed to pay<strong>in</strong>g for th<strong>in</strong>gs that are appropriate, but I believe right now <strong>the</strong> toll policy <strong>in</strong> this region is<strong>in</strong>sane, that it's geographically discrim<strong>in</strong>atory."Cappelli will push <strong>the</strong> idea as he sees his fellow residents bar<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> brunt of <strong>the</strong> burden <strong>in</strong> support<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>regional public transportation system.Page 117 of 154


The seven bridges and two tunnels <strong>the</strong> MTA is responsible for generate approximately $1.4 billion annuallyfrom tolls, and more than half of that money goes to support public transportation, such as buses, subwaysand railways, accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> MTA's website.Toll revenue at <strong>the</strong> Verrazano <strong>in</strong> 2010 reached $313 million, or 22 percent of <strong>the</strong> $1.4 billion raised by all of<strong>the</strong> MTA's cross<strong>in</strong>gs.Cappelli said plac<strong>in</strong>g a toll on all of <strong>the</strong> city's river cross<strong>in</strong>gs, such as <strong>the</strong> four East River cross<strong>in</strong>gs and <strong>the</strong>eight Harlem River cross<strong>in</strong>gs, which are currently free, would spread around <strong>the</strong> cost of subsidiz<strong>in</strong>g busesand subways giv<strong>in</strong>g Staten Islanders a fair shake."If you're mak<strong>in</strong>g everybody pay a fair fare, so to speak, you can raise, I believe, more money and be ableto charge people less," Cappelli said.The problem with runn<strong>in</strong>g such a massive, regional transportation system is that some of <strong>the</strong> routes areprofitable but some are not, and comb<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g those costs system-wide requires revenue from o<strong>the</strong>r sources."Public transportation is always a money-los<strong>in</strong>g proposition and buses are even more so," Cappelli said. "If Icould just cherry pick <strong>the</strong> routes that I would want to run and not have to run service everywhere, <strong>the</strong>n youcould, <strong>in</strong> fact, make money on it."He also mentioned large undertak<strong>in</strong>gs such as runn<strong>in</strong>g a subway l<strong>in</strong>e down second avenue, which hedescribed as an "important project," but it's huge price tag diverts fund<strong>in</strong>g from o<strong>the</strong>r areas of <strong>the</strong> system."Part of <strong>the</strong> problem is that <strong>the</strong>se mega projects that we have suck up every dollar <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region," Cappellisaid.The MTA has borrowed vast sums of money through <strong>the</strong> years to fund some of <strong>the</strong>se projects, which hasresulted <strong>in</strong> a nearly $2 billion annual bill to service that past debt, and <strong>the</strong> cost of ma<strong>in</strong>tenance for <strong>the</strong> 100-plus year old subway system fur<strong>the</strong>r exasperates <strong>the</strong> budget, he said.Runn<strong>in</strong>g a bus through <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island campus is an example of a much smaller transportationneed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region that is not be<strong>in</strong>g funded because of a lack of money.The MTA has an "<strong>in</strong>ternal rule" that states <strong>the</strong> agency cannot add costs to bus services, and extend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>exist<strong>in</strong>g bus route that stops at <strong>the</strong> college, through <strong>the</strong> campus would cause enough time loss thatadditional buses would have to be added to <strong>the</strong> route to make up <strong>the</strong> difference, Cappelli said."If you're add<strong>in</strong>g on time and you try to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> a schedule <strong>the</strong>n you end up hav<strong>in</strong>g to put ano<strong>the</strong>r bus on,"Cappelli said. "That becomes <strong>the</strong> argument."Page 118 of 154


Some no-cost solutions have been achieved <strong>in</strong> extend<strong>in</strong>g bus routes <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> Teleport Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Park <strong>in</strong>Bloomfield and <strong>the</strong> Target Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Center <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> South Shore.The North Shore rail l<strong>in</strong>e is not a "dead" issue, and Cappelli feels that <strong>the</strong>re will be some improvements to<strong>the</strong> North Shore transportation corridor <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> next few years."From my perspective <strong>the</strong>re are two major projects that I would like to see on <strong>the</strong> board; one is <strong>the</strong> NorthShore rail l<strong>in</strong>e and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r is <strong>the</strong> West Shore light rail system and work<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> Port Authority to dothat," Cappelli said.Ultimately, Cappelli would like to see <strong>the</strong> exist<strong>in</strong>g Staten Island railroad connect to a North Shore and WestShore rail system, which would <strong>in</strong> turn cross <strong>the</strong> Bayonne Bridge to connect with <strong>the</strong> rail system <strong>in</strong> Elizabeth,New Jersey.With new leaders <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> MTA and <strong>the</strong> Port Authority com<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>the</strong> discussions of rais<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> BayonneBridge road bed, now might be <strong>the</strong> perfect time to seriously talk about hook<strong>in</strong>g Staten Island up to aregional rail system, where Islanders could potentially take a tra<strong>in</strong> all around <strong>the</strong> borough and <strong>the</strong>n be ableto get to Newark Airport, Manhattan or anywhere else <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> system, Cappelli expla<strong>in</strong>ed."The dream was to be part of <strong>the</strong> regional transportation system," Cappelli said. "That was exactly <strong>the</strong>objective."© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 119 of 154


Walk<strong>in</strong>g and hop<strong>in</strong>g for a cure for Juvenile DiabetesMonday, <strong>October</strong> 24, <strong>2011</strong>, 6:30 AMStaten Island AdvanceByBy KATELYNN RUSNOCKSTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A crowd deckedout <strong>in</strong> colorful T-shirts sauntered through<strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island yesterdaymorn<strong>in</strong>g to raise funds to help f<strong>in</strong>d a curefor juvenile diabetes.Staten island Advance/Derek AlvezMembers of "Caitlyn's Crew" walked for Caitlyn Carr of Huguenot,hold<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> banner above <strong>the</strong> sketch of <strong>the</strong> smil<strong>in</strong>g face.wea<strong>the</strong>r that arrived just <strong>in</strong> time for <strong>the</strong> start of <strong>the</strong> trek.More than 2,500 participants came out for<strong>the</strong> Juvenile Diabetes ResearchFoundation's (JDRF) Walk To CureDiabetes, ga<strong>the</strong>red on <strong>the</strong> Great Lawn of<strong>the</strong> campus, and enjoyed <strong>the</strong> sunnyThe Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation hoped to raise $300,000 at yesterday's event.The JDRF was founded <strong>in</strong> 1970 by parents of children with diabetes. Research reports note that up to 3million Americans may be suffer<strong>in</strong>g from Type 1 diabetes, <strong>the</strong> form of diabetes on which <strong>the</strong> organizationfocuses. It is usually diagnosed <strong>in</strong> children, teenagers, or young adults and those affected must <strong>in</strong>jectmultiple doses of <strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>ir blood stream daily.Although yesterday's event was a fundrais<strong>in</strong>g effort, Lisa Moore, co-president of <strong>the</strong> Staten Island branch of<strong>the</strong> JDRF noted, "It's a very positive event. It's not sad."The diverse crowd, which ranged <strong>in</strong> agefrom youngsters affected by diabetes and<strong>the</strong>ir sibl<strong>in</strong>gs to <strong>the</strong>ir grandparents,agreed."It was a really nice turnout," saidChrist<strong>in</strong>a D'Angelis, co-president of <strong>the</strong>Page 120 of 154


Staten Island branch of <strong>the</strong> JDRF.In addition to walk<strong>in</strong>g, groups spent timeplay<strong>in</strong>g catch on <strong>the</strong> Great Lawn, listen<strong>in</strong>gto music, and eat<strong>in</strong>g food donated byvarious vendors.Noted Franc<strong>in</strong>e Sperantzas of Woodrow,whose 4-year-old daughter, Maria, hasjuvenile diabetes: "It's kid-friendly andrais<strong>in</strong>g money for a great cause." A teamof 30 people, who called <strong>the</strong>mselves "MJ'sEnlargeDerek Alvez Angels," walked <strong>in</strong> honor of Maria.Marie Ciofalo of New Spr<strong>in</strong>gville holds her one-year old grandsonChristopher Consolmagno of Huguenot before walk<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> JuvenileDiabetes Research Foundation, Staten Island Walk to Cure Diabetes forcous<strong>in</strong> Jordan Goldste<strong>in</strong> at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island. - (StatenIsland Advance/ DEREK ALVEZ).Ano<strong>the</strong>r group, "Team Ty and Ry," hasraised over $50,000 <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past threeyears that <strong>the</strong>y have been walk<strong>in</strong>gJDRF Walk gallery (12 photos)toge<strong>the</strong>r. The team is named for TylerMalone and Ryan Kirschner, who met whenRyan was diagnosed with diabetes and Tyler, who also has diabetes, became his camp counselor andmentor.Ryan's mom, Jennifer Kirschner, a former New Spr<strong>in</strong>gville resident, tearfully described <strong>the</strong> event. "I love <strong>the</strong>toge<strong>the</strong>rness, that everyone is here to support someone.""It's an emotional day," added Maria Leconte, a former Elt<strong>in</strong>gville resident and friend of <strong>the</strong> Kirschner family.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 121 of 154


was moderated by Senator Jim Alesi.> Bridge to a Healthier Tomorrow: Address<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o Health Disparities – This workshop focused on <strong>the</strong>health disparities that imperil <strong>the</strong> well‐be<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong>o population, which is disproportionatelyimpacted by diabetes, asthma, HIV/AIDS, cancer, cardiovascular disease and <strong>the</strong> lack of health<strong>in</strong>surance. Panelists discussed successful community‐based health care <strong>in</strong>itiatives and public policiesthat can promote solutions to Lat<strong>in</strong>o health care needs.Participants <strong>in</strong>cluded: Paloma Hernandez, President of <strong>the</strong> Urban Health Plan; Wayne Keathley,President and CEO of Mount S<strong>in</strong>ai; Guillermo Chacon, President of <strong>the</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong>o Commission on AIDS; andDr. Alvaro Carrascal, Senior Vice President for Cancer Control of <strong>the</strong> American Cancer Society. Theworkshop was moderated by Senator Jeff Kle<strong>in</strong>.> Las Olvidadas: Confront<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong>a Teen Suicide Crisis – Accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> Centers for DiseaseControl <strong>in</strong> New York City, more than one Lat<strong>in</strong>a teenager out of every seven has attempted suicide. Thisworkshop focused on how to prevent suicide among Lat<strong>in</strong>a adolescents.Workshop participants <strong>in</strong>cluded: Dr. Rosa Gil, President of Comunilife; Dr. Leopoldo Cabassa, from <strong>the</strong>Psychiatric Institute Center of Excellence; Dr. Manny Gonzalez from <strong>the</strong> Hunter College School of SocialWork; and Dr. Maria Oquendo, from <strong>the</strong> Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University. Theworkshop was moderated by Senator Diane Sav<strong>in</strong>o.> Our Future Depends on It: Increas<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o College Success – While Lat<strong>in</strong>o college enrollment rateshave been <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g over <strong>the</strong> last 10 years, Hispanics currently have <strong>the</strong> lowest college graduation ratesof any major population group. This panel helped to identify programs and strategies to support andaccelerate Lat<strong>in</strong>o college success rates to stimulate long‐term community wealth and development.Workshop participants <strong>in</strong>cluded: Frank Sanchez, CUNY Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs; LillianRodriquez Lopez, President of <strong>the</strong> Hispanic Federation; Frances Lucerna, Executive Director of El PuenteAcademy; and Carlos Med<strong>in</strong>a, Associate Provost and Associate Vice Chancellor of <strong>the</strong> SUNY Office ofDiversity, Equity and Inclusion. The workshop was moderated by Senator Jack Mart<strong>in</strong>s andAssemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis.In addition to <strong>the</strong> workshops, a CUNY youth roundtable discussion was conducted by Senator JohnFlanagan to discuss career challenges and opportunities. The roundtable <strong>in</strong>cluded a number of CUNYstudents, along with Senators Golden and Alesi, Assemblywoman Malliotakis and senior CUNY officials<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Senior Vice Chancellor and Secretary to <strong>the</strong> Board of Trustees Jay Henderson, Vice Chancellorfor Student Affairs Frank Sanchez, Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges Eduardo Marti and CUNYTrustee Rita DiMart<strong>in</strong>o.Organizations participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a Conference <strong>in</strong>cluded: Adelante of Suffolk County,Alianza Dom<strong>in</strong>icana, <strong>the</strong> Brooklyn Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, <strong>the</strong> Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Council of New YorkState, Catholic Charities, Circulo de La Hispanidad, <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island, <strong>the</strong> Committee forHispanic Children and Families, <strong>the</strong> Community Association of Progressive Dom<strong>in</strong>icans, <strong>the</strong> HispanicBro<strong>the</strong>rhood of Rockville Centre, <strong>the</strong> Institute for Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly, <strong>the</strong> Long Island HispanicChamber of Commerce and <strong>the</strong> New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.Page 122 of 154


Monday, <strong>October</strong> 24, <strong>2011</strong><strong>2011</strong> CUNY Graduate Programs FairWhen: Thursday, November 3rd, 3 PM‐7 PMWhere: Baruch College‐ Auxliary Gym55 Lex<strong>in</strong>gton Avenue, Manhattan (entrance 25th street)From CUNY.eduGraduate FairPre‐register for <strong>the</strong> <strong>2011</strong> CUNY Graduate Programs Fair scheduled for Thursday, November 3th from 3PM ‐ 7 PM and learn more about CUNY's 800+ Master's and Doctoral degree programs and over 200Graduate Certificate programs <strong>in</strong> 150+ fields. You will also have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to speak with graduateadmissions professionals from <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g CUNY colleges and professional schools:Baruch CollegeBrooklyn CollegeThe City College of New YorkCollege of Staten IslandCUNY School of LawThe Graduate School & University CenterThe Graduate School of JournalismHunter CollegeJohn Jay College of Crim<strong>in</strong>al JusticeLehman CollegeQueens CollegeSchool of Professional StudiesOnce pre‐registered , explore our Graduate Studies site to learn more about CUNY’s many nationallyrenowned programs.Page 123 of 154


Directions to <strong>the</strong> Graduate FairA convenient trip from anywhere <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> metropolitan area, by bus, subway and from Penn Station andGrand Central Station, Baruch College is located on 25th Street between Lex<strong>in</strong>gton and Third Avenueson <strong>the</strong> east side of Manhattan.By Subway: Take <strong>the</strong> 1, 6, F, N or R to 23rd Street Station.By Bus: Take <strong>the</strong> M1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 15, 18, 101, or 102 to 23rd Street.If you have any questions regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fair, please call: (646) 660‐6750.We look forward to see<strong>in</strong>g you at <strong>the</strong> fair!The CUNY Graduate CommunityNY Graduate Programs Fair scheduled for Thursday, November 3th from 3 PM - 7 PM and learn more aboutCUNY's 800+ Master's and Doctoral degree programs and over 200 Graduate Certificate programs <strong>in</strong> 150+ fields.You will also have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to speak with graduate admissions professionals from <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g CUNYcolleges and professional schools:Baruch CollegeBrooklyn CollegeThe City College of New YorkCollege of Staten IslandCUNY School of LawThe Graduate School & University CenterThe Graduate School of JournalismHunter CollegeJohn Jay College of Crim<strong>in</strong>al JusticeLehman CollegeQueens CollegeSchool of Professional StudiesOnce pre-registered , explore our Graduate Studies site to learn more about CUNY’s many nationally renownedprograms.Directions to <strong>the</strong> Graduate FairA convenient trip from anywhere <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> metropolitan area, by bus, subway and from Penn Station and Grand CentralStation, Baruch College is located on 25th Street between Lex<strong>in</strong>gton and Third Avenues on <strong>the</strong> east side ofManhattan.By Subway: Take <strong>the</strong> 1, 6, F, N or R to 23rd Street Station.By Bus: Take <strong>the</strong> M1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 15, 18, 101, or 102 to 23rd Street.If you have any questions regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fair, please call: (646) 660-6750.We look forward to see<strong>in</strong>g you at <strong>the</strong> fair!The CUNY Graduate CommunityPage 124 of 154


Hundreds Attend Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a Conference Hosted by State Senate andHispanic Federation“This conference was an impressive ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g of bright, talented people who came toge<strong>the</strong>r to discusshow to make <strong>the</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong>o community more prosperous,” Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said.“Every conference room and ballroom was filled with people committed to giv<strong>in</strong>g Hispanic‐ownedentrepreneurs <strong>the</strong> resources <strong>the</strong>y need to grow and improv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> quality of life for Lat<strong>in</strong>os.”Among <strong>the</strong> bipartisan group of legislators who attended were: state Senators Charles Fuschillo, JohnFlanagan, Jack Mart<strong>in</strong>s, Mart<strong>in</strong> Golden, Jim Alesi, Lee Zeld<strong>in</strong>, Jeff Kle<strong>in</strong>, Diane Sav<strong>in</strong>o and David Carlucci;Assemblymembers Nicole Malliotakis, Guillermo L<strong>in</strong>ares, Naomi Rivera, former Assemblyman RobertoRamirez and former New York City Councilman Fernando Ferrer.“I greatly appreciate everyone that attended and participated <strong>in</strong> Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a, especially our partnersat <strong>the</strong> Hispanic Federation,” Senator Skelos said. “Throughout <strong>the</strong> weekend people shared <strong>the</strong>irexperiences and <strong>in</strong>sights to help o<strong>the</strong>rs succeed. The <strong>in</strong>formation was valuable, <strong>the</strong> camaraderie wasenjoyable, and we look forward to build<strong>in</strong>g on this event <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> future.”More than 200 people attended a luncheon that featured remarks from Richard Parsons, Chairman ofCitigroup and former CEO of Time Warner; as well as a presentation by Jorge Silva‐Puras, RegionalAdm<strong>in</strong>istrator of <strong>the</strong> U.S. Small Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Adm<strong>in</strong>istration.Also speak<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> luncheon was Assemblyman Guillermo L<strong>in</strong>ares of Manhattan. Dr. L<strong>in</strong>ares was <strong>the</strong>first Dom<strong>in</strong>ican‐born elected official <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States and was appo<strong>in</strong>ted by President Bill Cl<strong>in</strong>ton toChair <strong>the</strong> White House Initiative for Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans.A gala d<strong>in</strong>ner, held Saturday night, began with <strong>the</strong> national an<strong>the</strong>m sung by Marybeth Melendez, avisually impaired graduate student at <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island. The gala was emceed by Jean<strong>in</strong>eRamirez of NY1 <strong>News</strong>, who has traveled to Cuba, Puerto Rico and <strong>the</strong> Dom<strong>in</strong>ican Republic for specialfeature report<strong>in</strong>g assignments.Featured speakers at <strong>the</strong> d<strong>in</strong>ner <strong>in</strong>cluded Lillian Rodriqúez López, President of <strong>the</strong> Hispanic Federation;Monika Mantilla, founder, President and CEO of Altura Management and Assemblywoman NicoleMalliotakis, whose mo<strong>the</strong>r came to <strong>the</strong> United States from Cuba.Special awards were presented at <strong>the</strong> d<strong>in</strong>ner to recognize <strong>in</strong>dividuals who have made outstand<strong>in</strong>gcontributions to <strong>the</strong> Hispanic community.The Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a Award for Excellence <strong>in</strong> Education was presented to Dr. Tomás Morales, <strong>the</strong> Presidentof <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island.The Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a Community award was given to Gil Bernard<strong>in</strong>o, <strong>the</strong> Executive Director of Circulo De LaHispanidad, a non‐profit Hispanic community organization <strong>in</strong> Nassau County.Page 125 of 154


The Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a Award for Excellence <strong>in</strong> Bus<strong>in</strong>ess was presented to Juan Figueroa, an owner ofMilestone Mechanical, a heat<strong>in</strong>g and cool<strong>in</strong>g company <strong>in</strong> Manhattan that focuses on energy‐efficientbuild<strong>in</strong>gs. After beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g just three years ago, <strong>the</strong> company has achieved almost $2 million <strong>in</strong> sales.The Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>o Legacy Award was presented to Rita DiMart<strong>in</strong>o, a member of <strong>the</strong> CUNY Board ofTrustees and former vice President of Congressional Relations for AT&T. Ms. DiMart<strong>in</strong>o also served <strong>in</strong>leadership roles with UNICEF.In addition, Senator Lee Zeld<strong>in</strong> presented an award for Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Person of <strong>the</strong> Year to Santiago Reyes, arestaurant owner <strong>in</strong> Suffolk County.O<strong>the</strong>r speakers at Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a were: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg; Irene M. Esteves,Executive Vice President and Chief F<strong>in</strong>ancial Officer for Time Warner Cable Inc.; Dr. John B. K<strong>in</strong>g,Commissioner of Education and President of <strong>the</strong> State University of New York; and former New York CityCouncil Member Fernando Ferrer.Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a Conference workshops <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g:M<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g Our Bus<strong>in</strong>ess: Protect<strong>in</strong>g and Support<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o Small Bus<strong>in</strong>esses – There are almost 100,000Hispanic‐owned small bus<strong>in</strong>esses <strong>in</strong> New York City. This workshop focused on promot<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o jobgrowth and <strong>the</strong> unique challenges faced by Lat<strong>in</strong>o bus<strong>in</strong>essmen through loans, small bus<strong>in</strong>essdevelopment and o<strong>the</strong>r measures.Participants <strong>in</strong>cluded: Hector Cordero Guzman, a professor at <strong>the</strong> School of Public Affairs at BaruchCollege; Paul Qu<strong>in</strong>tero, President of ACCON NY; Luis Balzac, former Director of Puerto Rico IndustrialDevelopment Corp.; and Das Velez, Executive Director of M<strong>in</strong>ority and Women Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Developmentfor ESDC. The workshop was moderated by Senator Mart<strong>in</strong> Golden.Got Jobs? Promot<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o Job Growth – The unemployment rate for Hispanics <strong>in</strong> New York City has<strong>in</strong>creased from seven percent to more than 12 percent from 2007 to 2010. This discussion focused onwhat is be<strong>in</strong>g done at <strong>the</strong> government and community levels to help Lat<strong>in</strong>os and o<strong>the</strong>rs f<strong>in</strong>d jobs. It<strong>in</strong>cluded discussions about job tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, adult education and support for small bus<strong>in</strong>esses.Workshop participants <strong>in</strong>cluded: Alexander Saavedra, Vice President/Director of SEEDCO; Edw<strong>in</strong>Melendez, Director of Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College; Jorge Mart<strong>in</strong>ez, a Trustee <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Village ofFreeport; Alfredo Placeres, President of <strong>the</strong> NYS Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Ken Pokalsky,senior Director of Government Affairs for <strong>the</strong> Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Council of <strong>the</strong> State of New York. The workshopwas moderated by Senator Jim Alesi.Bridge to a Healthier Tomorrow: Address<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o Health Disparities – This workshop focused on <strong>the</strong>health disparities that imperil <strong>the</strong> well‐be<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong>o population, which is disproportionatelyimpacted by diabetes, asthma, HIV/AIDS, cancer, cardiovascular disease and <strong>the</strong> lack of health<strong>in</strong>surance. Panelists discussed successful community‐based health care <strong>in</strong>itiatives and public policiesthat can promote solutions to Lat<strong>in</strong>o health care needs.Participants <strong>in</strong>cluded: Paloma Hernandez, President of <strong>the</strong> Urban Health Plan; Wayne Keathley,President and CEO of Mount S<strong>in</strong>ai; Guillermo Chacon, President of <strong>the</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong>o Commission on AIDS; andPage 126 of 154


Dr. Alvaro Carrascal, Senior Vice President for Cancer Control of <strong>the</strong> American Cancer Society. Theworkshop was moderated by Senator Jeff Kle<strong>in</strong>.Las Olvidadas: Confront<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong>a Teen Suicide Crisis – Accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> Centers for Disease Control<strong>in</strong> New York City, more than one Lat<strong>in</strong>a teenager out of every seven has attempted suicide. Thisworkshop focused on how to prevent suicide among Lat<strong>in</strong>a adolescents.Workshop participants <strong>in</strong>cluded: Dr. Rosa Gil, President of Comunilife; Dr. Leopoldo Cabassa, from <strong>the</strong>Psychiatric Institute Center of Excellence; Dr. Manny Gonzalez from <strong>the</strong> Hunter College School of SocialWork; and Dr. Maria Oquendo, from <strong>the</strong> Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University. Theworkshop was moderated by Senator Diane Sav<strong>in</strong>o.Our Future Depends on It: Increas<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o College Success – While Lat<strong>in</strong>o college enrollment rateshave been <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g over <strong>the</strong> last 10 years, Hispanics currently have <strong>the</strong> lowest college graduation ratesof any major population group. This panel helped to identify programs and strategies to support andaccelerate Lat<strong>in</strong>o college success rates to stimulate long‐term community wealth and development.Workshop participants <strong>in</strong>cluded: Frank Sanchez, CUNY Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs; LillianRodriquez Lopez, President of <strong>the</strong> Hispanic Federation; Frances Lucerna, Executive Director of El PuenteAcademy; and Carlos Med<strong>in</strong>a, Associate Provost and Associate Vice Chancellor of <strong>the</strong> SUNY Office ofDiversity, Equity and Inclusion. The workshop was moderated by Senator Jack Mart<strong>in</strong>s andAssemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis.In addition to <strong>the</strong> workshops, a CUNY youth roundtable discussion was conducted by Senator JohnFlanagan to discuss career challenges and opportunities. The roundtable <strong>in</strong>cluded a number of CUNYstudents, along with Senators Golden and Alesi, Assemblywoman Malliotakis and senior CUNY officials<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Senior Vice Chancellor and Secretary to <strong>the</strong> Board of Trustees Jay Henderson, Vice Chancellorfor Student Affairs Frank Sanchez, Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges Eduardo Marti and CUNYTrustee Rita DiMart<strong>in</strong>o.Organizations participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a Conference <strong>in</strong>cluded: Adelante of Suffolk County,Alianza Dom<strong>in</strong>icana, <strong>the</strong> Brooklyn Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, <strong>the</strong> Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Council of New YorkState, Catholic Charities, Circulo de La Hispanidad, <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island, <strong>the</strong> Committee forHispanic Children and Families, <strong>the</strong> Community Association of Progressive Dom<strong>in</strong>icans, <strong>the</strong> HispanicBro<strong>the</strong>rhood of Rockville Centre, <strong>the</strong> Institute for Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly, <strong>the</strong> Long Island HispanicChamber of Commerce and <strong>the</strong> New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.Also Featured on: newswire.com nysenate.govPage 127 of 154


New York State Senate and <strong>the</strong> Hispanic Federation to hold Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>aConference to focus on economic opportunities for <strong>the</strong> Hispanic community“We are very excited about this conference, which will promote <strong>in</strong>creased economic opportunities forLat<strong>in</strong>o New Yorkers and discuss o<strong>the</strong>r important issues, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g health and education,” Senator Skelossaid. “We look forward to a productive discussion and exchange of ideas regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> needs, challengesand aspirations of <strong>the</strong> Hispanic community so we can move forward toge<strong>the</strong>r to create jobs andstreng<strong>the</strong>n our economy.”“As a nonprofit membership organization, <strong>the</strong> mission of <strong>the</strong> Hispanic Federation is to advance andempower <strong>the</strong> Hispanic community,” Lillian Rodriguez Lopez, President of <strong>the</strong> Hispanic Federation said.“We look forward to a constructive and mean<strong>in</strong>gful dialogue on much needed policies and <strong>in</strong>itiativesthat will serve to better educate and meet <strong>the</strong> needs of <strong>the</strong> ever‐ <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g Hispanic communities <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>State of New York.”The conference will feature policy workshops, network<strong>in</strong>g opportunities and presentations featur<strong>in</strong>gspeakers of local and national prom<strong>in</strong>ence. Scheduled speakers <strong>in</strong>clude Cristobal I. Conde, former CEO ofSunGard Data Systems, a bus<strong>in</strong>ess with 20,000 employees and $5 billion <strong>in</strong> yearly sales.Additional <strong>in</strong>formation about <strong>the</strong> conference is available at www.SenateUnidad.com.Also speak<strong>in</strong>g will be: Jorge Silva‐Puras, Regional Adm<strong>in</strong>istrator of <strong>the</strong> U.S. Small Bus<strong>in</strong>essAdm<strong>in</strong>istration. Previously, Mr. Silva‐Puras served as Chief of Staff of <strong>the</strong> Commownwealth of PuertoRico and Secretary of <strong>the</strong> Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development; Irene M. Esteves,Executive Vice President and Chief F<strong>in</strong>ancial Officer for Time Warner Cable Inc; Dr. John B. K<strong>in</strong>g,Commissioner of Education and President of <strong>the</strong> State University of New York; and Lillian RodriquezLopez, President of <strong>the</strong> Hispanic Federation.Senator Skelos and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will also address attendees at <strong>the</strong>conference. O<strong>the</strong>r members of <strong>the</strong> State Senate and Assembly will participate <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> events andworkshop discussions.Panelists participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> workshop discussions will <strong>in</strong>clude recognized experts from <strong>the</strong> Hispaniccommunity <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> areas of bus<strong>in</strong>ess, education, health care and government. Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a Conferenceworkshops <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g:M<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g Our Bus<strong>in</strong>ess: Protect<strong>in</strong>g and Support<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o Small Bus<strong>in</strong>esses – There are almost 100,000Hispanic‐owned small bus<strong>in</strong>esses <strong>in</strong> New York City. This workshop on promot<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o job growth willhighlight unique challenges faced by Lat<strong>in</strong>o bus<strong>in</strong>essmen through loans, small bus<strong>in</strong>ess developmentand o<strong>the</strong>r measuresGot Jobs? Promot<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o Job Growth – The unemployment rate for Hispanics <strong>in</strong> New York City has<strong>in</strong>creased from seven percent to more than 12 percent from 2007 to 2010. This discussion will focus onPage 128 of 154


what is be<strong>in</strong>g done at <strong>the</strong> government and community levels to help Lat<strong>in</strong>os and o<strong>the</strong>rs f<strong>in</strong>d jobs,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g discussions about job tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, adult education and support for small bus<strong>in</strong>esses.Bridge to a Healthier Tomorrow: Address<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o Health Disparities – This workshop will focus on <strong>the</strong>health disparities that imperil <strong>the</strong> well‐be<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong>o population, which is disproportionatelyimpacted by diabetes, asthma, HIV/AIDS, cancer, cardiovascular disease and <strong>the</strong> lack of health<strong>in</strong>surance. Panelists will discuss successful community‐based health care <strong>in</strong>itiatives and public policiesthat can promote solutions to Lat<strong>in</strong>o health care needs.Las Olvidadas: Confront<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Lat<strong>in</strong>a Teen Suicide Crisis – Accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> Centers for Disease Control<strong>in</strong> New York City, more than one Lat<strong>in</strong>a teenager out of every seven has attempted suicide. Thisworkshop will focus on how to prevent suicide among Lat<strong>in</strong>a adolescents.Our Future Depends on It: Increas<strong>in</strong>g Lat<strong>in</strong>o College Success – While Lat<strong>in</strong>o college enrollment rateshave been <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g over <strong>the</strong> last 10 years, Hispanics currently have <strong>the</strong> lowest college graduation ratesof any major population group. This panel will identify programs and strategies to support andaccelerate Lat<strong>in</strong>o college success rates to stimulate long‐term community wealth and development.O<strong>the</strong>r organizations participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a Conference <strong>in</strong>clude: Adelante of Suffolk County,Alianza Dom<strong>in</strong>icana, <strong>the</strong> Brooklyn Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, <strong>the</strong> Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Council of New YorkState, Catholic Charities, Circulo de La Hispanidad, <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island, <strong>the</strong> Committee forHispanic Children and Families, <strong>the</strong> Community Association of Progressive Dom<strong>in</strong>icans, <strong>the</strong> HispanicBro<strong>the</strong>rhood of Rockville Centre, <strong>the</strong> Institute for Puerto Rican/Hispanic Elderly, <strong>the</strong> Long Island HispanicChamber of Commerce, <strong>the</strong> New York City Hispanic Chamber of CommerceAccord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> census, almost half of <strong>the</strong> entrepreneurs <strong>in</strong> New York were born <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r countries.“In New York City alone <strong>the</strong>re are about 70,000 foreign‐born bus<strong>in</strong>ess owners, many of <strong>the</strong>m Lat<strong>in</strong>os,”Senator Skelos said. “It is critically important that state government recognizes <strong>the</strong>ir contributions to oureconomy and helps <strong>the</strong>m prosper and grow. The Senate’s Unidad Lat<strong>in</strong>a conference will help us achievethat goal.”Also Featured on: newswire.com <strong>in</strong>surancenewsnet.comPage 129 of 154


College AdmissionsBy Allen Grove, About.com Gu deCollege Admissions1 CUNY , <strong>the</strong> City University of New York, has 480,000 students enrolled <strong>in</strong> ts 23 <strong>in</strong>st tutions located throughout <strong>the</strong> New York City region. It is one of <strong>the</strong>most diverse and affordable colleges <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country. High achiev<strong>in</strong>g students at seven of CUNY's senior colleges should check out <strong>the</strong> Macaulay HonorsCollege, a program with outstand<strong>in</strong>g perks. All Macaulay students receive• a full undergraduate tuition scholarship.• a new laptop.• up to $7,500 for global study, <strong>in</strong>ternships and serv ce projects.• a Cultural Passport allow<strong>in</strong>g free or discounted admission to many NYC events.• professional mentor<strong>in</strong>g and career preparat on.• a hous<strong>in</strong>g package for students at City College, Hunter College, and Lehman College.• a sequence of four honors sem<strong>in</strong>ars focused on New York City.Admission to <strong>the</strong> Macaulay Honors College is highly selective. The program currently has 1,609 students total from <strong>the</strong>seven member campuses. Accepted students generally have an 'A' average <strong>in</strong> high school and a comb<strong>in</strong>ed SAT crit calread<strong>in</strong>g and math score of 1400 (give or take).To learn more about <strong>the</strong> seven sen or colleges that have a branch of <strong>the</strong> Macaulay Honors College, check out each school's2 3 4 5 6 7profile: Baruch College , Brooklyn College , City College , Hunter College , Lehman College , Queens College , and <strong>the</strong>8College of Staten Island .If you'd like to learn more about <strong>the</strong> Macaulay Honors College and what it takes to apply, visit <strong>the</strong> official Macaulay9CUNY Queens Collegewebsite . If you are familiar with <strong>the</strong> Macaulay Honors College, please share your experiences below.*Muhammad* / FlickrI frequently spotlight a great college that might be off <strong>the</strong> radar of college appl cants. If <strong>the</strong>re's a college you'd like to see featured here, please post10your deas <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> College Admissions Forum .Page 130 of 154


Students & AlumniPage 131 of 154


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Your Soap BoxWednesday, <strong>October</strong> 12, <strong>2011</strong>, 8:59 AMMark D. Ste<strong>in</strong>BySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Lynn Matteo worked on Wall Street for 32 years.Now 50 years old, <strong>the</strong> former vice president of operations has decided to returnto college to pursue ano<strong>the</strong>r lifestyle.Advance FilePhotoLynn Matteo of OakwoodMs. Matteo was laid off by her job about 18 months ago. In that time, herseverance package has been exhausted, <strong>the</strong> Oakwood resident said.On unemployment, Ms. Matteo said she sold her stock to attend classes at <strong>the</strong>College of Staten Island.With only 14 credits from Pace University many years ago, Ms. Matteo said <strong>the</strong> experience is fresh.“It’s <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g, because now that everyone got over <strong>the</strong> fact that I’m not <strong>the</strong> professor — <strong>the</strong>re was a lot ofhush when I walked <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> room on <strong>the</strong> first week — but I go <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> day time, which has predom<strong>in</strong>antlykids out of high school com<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong>ir first experience <strong>in</strong> college,” Ms. Matteo said. “In many ways, it’s myfirst experience <strong>in</strong> college, too.”She’s thrilled with <strong>the</strong> experience, she said, and th<strong>in</strong>ks she aspires to become a historian, but isn’t certa<strong>in</strong>.“It’s a lot of work. A lot of read<strong>in</strong>g, a lot of time dedicated to it. I’m hop<strong>in</strong>g that it’ll be worth it when I’m <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> class of 2015,” she said.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 133 of 154


Chris Williams, who lost leg <strong>in</strong> 2007 shoot<strong>in</strong>g, will be back onFort Hamilton sidel<strong>in</strong>e SaturdayBY Mitch AbramsonDAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITERThursday, <strong>October</strong> 13th <strong>2011</strong>, 12:31 PMDebbie Egan‐Ch<strong>in</strong>/<strong>News</strong>Former football player Chris Williams at Fort Hamilton High School where he was a sophomore on <strong>the</strong>football team <strong>in</strong> 2007 when he was shot while defend<strong>in</strong>g his sister.Chris Williams admits he may cry. He won't be embarrassed. He's cried before, he says, and sometimesit's unavoidable.Williams, a former offensive tackle at Fort Hamilton, th<strong>in</strong>ks back to <strong>the</strong> times when he couldn't helphimself.He cried after he was shot n<strong>in</strong>e times, <strong>in</strong> 2007, while he was try<strong>in</strong>g to protect his little sister. He criedafter he was paralyzed from <strong>the</strong> knee down <strong>in</strong> his left leg, his right leg was amputated and <strong>the</strong> doctortold him he'd never play football aga<strong>in</strong>."I cried like a newborn baby when I heard that," Williams, now 19, says with a chuckle. "That wasrough."Page 134 of 154


And he will almost certa<strong>in</strong>ly lose it when he takes <strong>the</strong> sidel<strong>in</strong>e at Fort Hamilton for Homecom<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>stNew Utrecht on Saturday.The Tigers are celebrat<strong>in</strong>g a w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g streak that's reached 37 regular‐season games. The last time <strong>the</strong>ylost was to New Utrecht on Sept. 28, 2007, when Williams was a junior. That double‐overtime losshappened to be <strong>the</strong> last game <strong>in</strong> which Williams played; a day later, he was shot.Return<strong>in</strong>g to his former school as his team plays host to his last opponent may be enough to pushWilliams over <strong>the</strong> edge."It's go<strong>in</strong>g to mean a lot go<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>the</strong>re," said Williams, who's now a sophomore at <strong>the</strong> College ofStaten Island.His ties rema<strong>in</strong> strong at <strong>the</strong> school, where <strong>the</strong> 6‐5, 350‐pound Williams made quite an impression.In his senior year, he was voted Homecom<strong>in</strong>g k<strong>in</strong>g and played bass drum <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> march<strong>in</strong>g band,thump<strong>in</strong>g away <strong>in</strong> his wheelchair. He said he'll do a turn with <strong>the</strong> band dur<strong>in</strong>g Saturday's game."Chris was <strong>the</strong> man at school," said Jeff Legree Jr., <strong>the</strong> quarterback on <strong>the</strong> 2007‐08 team. "When I tellyou he was <strong>the</strong> man ‐ he got all <strong>the</strong> honeys, he was popular. Chris was a great teammate. He had NFLtypepotential, but God had ano<strong>the</strong>r plan for him."Williams was on his way home from practice on Sept. 29, 2007 when he got a call from 13‐year‐old hishalf‐sister. A group of men was harass<strong>in</strong>g her near <strong>the</strong>ir home <strong>in</strong> Flatbush, she told him.By <strong>the</strong> time Williams reached her, <strong>the</strong> men had left, or so he thought. Williams walked <strong>the</strong> four blocksback to <strong>the</strong>ir apartment when he was ambushed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> lobby by one of <strong>the</strong> assailants, and shot n<strong>in</strong>etimes with a .45 caliber automatic.An arrest was made on Oct. 24, 2007, but <strong>the</strong> record was sealed by <strong>the</strong> Brooklyn District Attorney, aspokesman said, add<strong>in</strong>g that he was legally barred from discuss<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> case."I thought I was go<strong>in</strong>g to die," Williams said last week. "I didn't know what was go<strong>in</strong>g to happen to me. Iwas really scared, lay<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>re <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> hallway. I prayed and everyth<strong>in</strong>g just happened."He woke up at K<strong>in</strong>gs County Hospital 11days later. His first question: whe<strong>the</strong>r or not he would ever playfootball aga<strong>in</strong>. "I was concerned about football before walk<strong>in</strong>g," he said. "Football, up to that po<strong>in</strong>t, wasmy life."Before <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>cident, Williams' former coach V<strong>in</strong>ce La<strong>in</strong>o thought that Williams had a chance to go as faras he wanted. Williams was raw, he said, and a little too docile, but he had great potential. "He'd havePage 135 of 154


een a guy that we'd be still talk<strong>in</strong>g about today," La<strong>in</strong>o said. "Here was a guy who never played footballbefore high school....He was go<strong>in</strong>g to be one of <strong>the</strong> biggest recruits that New York City had <strong>in</strong> a very longtime."Instead, his right leg, riddled with bullets, was amputated. His football career was over. Sitt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>hospital after <strong>the</strong> shoot<strong>in</strong>g, Williams struggled to figure out what to do next. What would he do with hislife? Who would he become?"Sometimes I would wake up and see Coach La<strong>in</strong>o and his son (Frank) just stand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>re," Williams said."O<strong>the</strong>r times I would wake up and see Coach (Daniel) Perez and o<strong>the</strong>r players <strong>the</strong>re. They were always<strong>the</strong>re for support."In that regard, not much has changed. For <strong>the</strong> past two summers, coaches and alumni have held "ChrisWilliams Beach Day," an idea hatched when Williams told La<strong>in</strong>o that he had yet to set foot on a beachs<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> shoot<strong>in</strong>g.Wear<strong>in</strong>g a life vest, Williams now swims for hours on end <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> waters near La<strong>in</strong>o's beach front home <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> Rockaways."If it was up to him, he would swim to Europe," La<strong>in</strong>o said.To this day, Williams wonders why <strong>the</strong>y go out of <strong>the</strong>ir way. He may not consider himself a hero, buto<strong>the</strong>rs do.Williams volunteers with <strong>the</strong> Faces Maimonides Theater Group, a program <strong>in</strong> which teenagers performscenes about abusive relationships, bully<strong>in</strong>g and o<strong>the</strong>r adolescent issues. He recently wrote andperformed a monologue about his experience gett<strong>in</strong>g shot."He's an <strong>in</strong>credibly talented actor," said Susan Montez, <strong>the</strong> group's director. "He's so will<strong>in</strong>g to bevulnerable and real <strong>in</strong> front of people, and that's such a gift. I've seen him br<strong>in</strong>g people to tears with hisperformances. He <strong>in</strong>spires people."Page 136 of 154


She's giv<strong>in</strong>g young immigrants a voiceSaturday, <strong>October</strong> 29, <strong>2011</strong>, 5:37 AMBy Maura GrunlundSTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A real job and a driver’s license are mere dreams for Port Richmond residentSara Mart<strong>in</strong>ez, 22, and o<strong>the</strong>r teens and young adults who were brought to Staten Island from Lat<strong>in</strong>American countries as children.She is among <strong>the</strong> many undocumented young people <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> borough who are hop<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong>government will pass <strong>the</strong> Development, Relief and Education for M<strong>in</strong>ors (DREAM) Act, which wouldallow <strong>the</strong>m to obta<strong>in</strong> driver’s licenses, health <strong>in</strong>surance, work authorization papers and f<strong>in</strong>ancial aid forcollege.While a state DREAM Act wouldn’t be a path to citizenship, it would overcome many of <strong>the</strong> obstacles ofan undocumented person unable to obta<strong>in</strong> a Social Security number.Ms. Mart<strong>in</strong>ez is more fortunate than most undocumented young adults, s<strong>in</strong>ce she is on track to earn abachelor’s degree <strong>in</strong> biology from <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island. She and her parents worked andsacrificed to raise <strong>the</strong> tuition, s<strong>in</strong>ce undocumented students aren’t eligible for scholarships and o<strong>the</strong>rforms of f<strong>in</strong>ancial aid.Ms. Mart<strong>in</strong>ez was brought to this country from Mexico when she was about 1½ years old by her mo<strong>the</strong>r.Her fa<strong>the</strong>r already was liv<strong>in</strong>g on Staten Island. Her two bro<strong>the</strong>rs and one sister were born <strong>in</strong> this countryand thus are citizens. The family has moved around a bit but mostly has lived <strong>in</strong> Port Richmond.Ms. Mart<strong>in</strong>ez attended PS 19 <strong>in</strong> West Brighton, PS 20 <strong>in</strong> Port Richmond and Markham IntermediateSchool <strong>in</strong> Graniteville prior to graduat<strong>in</strong>g from Port Richmond High School <strong>in</strong> 2006.Her status started to hit home <strong>in</strong> high school, when <strong>the</strong> lack of a Social Security number prevented Ms.Mart<strong>in</strong>ez from obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a license when most of her friends were driv<strong>in</strong>g. She was unable to get workPage 137 of 154


papers for <strong>the</strong> same reason.Apply<strong>in</strong>g for college was difficult and her dreams of attend<strong>in</strong>g an out‐of‐state school were squashed,aga<strong>in</strong> by her lack of a Social Security number. Because she was <strong>in</strong>eligible for f<strong>in</strong>ancial aid, Ms. Mart<strong>in</strong>ezworked for two years prior to enroll<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>CSI</strong>. Fortunately, she is eligible for <strong>in</strong>‐state tuition at <strong>CSI</strong>because she met <strong>the</strong> residency requirements.After she obta<strong>in</strong>s her degree, Ms. Mart<strong>in</strong>ez won’t be able to apply for a job <strong>in</strong> her chosen field, due to<strong>the</strong> lack of a Social Security number. Leav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> country and apply<strong>in</strong>g for residency or citizenship isn’t arealistic plan, s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> wait<strong>in</strong>g list is very long, at least 10 years, with no guarantee of success.Besides, as with most teen and young adult undocumented Staten Islanders, this borough is where <strong>the</strong>yhave roots and many don’t have any memories of <strong>the</strong>ir native countries, because <strong>the</strong>y left at such youngages.“I’m basically stuck, because when I came <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> U.S., I didn’t enter through a po<strong>in</strong>t of entry, such asan airport,” said Ms. Mart<strong>in</strong>ez.She bristles at <strong>the</strong> term “illegal alien.”“We don’t use <strong>the</strong> word ‘illegal,’ because no human be<strong>in</strong>g is illegal,” she said.“I didn’t come here because I wanted to, I came because my parents wanted to provide me with abetter life.”For <strong>in</strong>formation about <strong>the</strong> state and federal DREAM Acts, visit <strong>the</strong> web sites Nysylc.org,Dreamactivist.org and Nydreamact.org .Page 138 of 154


AlumniPage 139 of 154


Chef Carol Frazzetta: 40 years shar<strong>in</strong>g stove-top secretsWednesday, <strong>October</strong> 05, <strong>2011</strong>, 9:57 AMMarjorie HackByLOCAL FLAVORSTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - NORTH SHORE -Like most people, chef and cook<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>structor Carol Frazzetta was not bornwith a silver spoon <strong>in</strong> her mouth. As achild of a homemaker and a stone-cutterfrom Sicily, she remembers eat<strong>in</strong>g mushyvegetables that her mo<strong>the</strong>r cooked for anhour and a half before serv<strong>in</strong>g and pastawas a fact of life.It wasn't that cook<strong>in</strong>g wasn't important toher mo<strong>the</strong>r. "She'd open right to <strong>the</strong> Daily<strong>News</strong> on Sunday, to <strong>the</strong> colored FoodChef Carol Frazzetta is mark<strong>in</strong>g 40 years as a cook<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>structor onsection," recalled Ms. Frazzetta. ButStaten Island; she <strong>in</strong>corporated as Carol's Cuis<strong>in</strong>e Cook<strong>in</strong>g School <strong>in</strong>1972. (Staten Island Advance File Photo)although she'd worked <strong>in</strong> a candy storestart<strong>in</strong>g when she was just 9 years old,her mo<strong>the</strong>r's primary goal as an adult was rooted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> practical: To "fill us up <strong>in</strong> good times and bad," saidher daughter.Ms. Frazzetta is mark<strong>in</strong>g 40 years as a cook<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>structor on Staten Island. "I th<strong>in</strong>k my anniversary wasSept. 13, 1971," she admits, though she officially <strong>in</strong>corporated as Carol's Cuis<strong>in</strong>e Cook<strong>in</strong>g School <strong>in</strong> 1972.She may tell you that her approach to food bears little resemblance to her mo<strong>the</strong>r's. "Mussels is mysignature dish. My mo<strong>the</strong>r hated fish," for <strong>in</strong>stance, she said.But, ultimately, her goal is not that different. She's just driven to get novice cooks – and those <strong>in</strong> a timecrunch – th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g beyond jarred red sauce and box-mix brownies when it comes to fill<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>the</strong>ir families.A CALLINGPage 140 of 154


Ms. Frazzetta moved with her husband and children (eventually, <strong>the</strong>y had three) from Brooklyn to Grasmere47 years ago. "I hated it here," she admitted. "The worst part was <strong>the</strong>re were no stores. The closest (back<strong>the</strong>n) was F<strong>in</strong>ast, where CVS is now."Ms. Frazzetta believes she was happy enough as a stay-at-home mom. "I loved be<strong>in</strong>g a mo<strong>the</strong>r and cook<strong>in</strong>gfor my family. I was very <strong>in</strong>volved with my family," she said.Still, self-described as "<strong>in</strong>dependent," she felt someth<strong>in</strong>g was miss<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> her life.Befriended by Ann McAuliffe, who taught her to sew, Ms. Frazzetta eventually made her way to <strong>the</strong> Collegeof Staten Island, <strong>in</strong> search of direction. To pay her tuition, she decided to offer cook<strong>in</strong>g classes <strong>in</strong> her home.The focus of her first class? A no-bra<strong>in</strong>er: Sicilian pizza.Round<strong>in</strong>g up students was tough, at first. "I begged parents at PS 48 (just blocks from her home onScranton Street) to go to my school," she said. She charged $8 per class and her recipes were written byhand.The model was an <strong>in</strong>stant hit. "By <strong>the</strong> end of n<strong>in</strong>e months, I don't know what happened, but it was packed,"she said.She's keenly aware of her market. "My patron base is <strong>the</strong> middle-class. I got people <strong>in</strong> curlers; <strong>the</strong>n, <strong>the</strong>rewas a group of gay men," she said.After three years, she'd saved up enough money to enroll <strong>in</strong> cul<strong>in</strong>ary school.OFF TO EUROPEIn 1979, she went to Paris – <strong>the</strong> first of three trips to that city – and learned about nouvelle cuis<strong>in</strong>e. "I lovedParis. I had my first foie gras," she recalled.She also studied <strong>in</strong> Bologna, with star chef Marcella Hazan, though Ms. Frazzetta said she learned far morefrom James Beard and Julia Child over <strong>the</strong> years. She also holds an advanced certificate from <strong>the</strong> CordonBleu <strong>in</strong> London and credentials from <strong>the</strong> Cul<strong>in</strong>ary Institute of America, among many o<strong>the</strong>rs.Realiz<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong>re was no place for budd<strong>in</strong>g cooks to buy top-notch kitchenware on Staten Island <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>1970s, she started sell<strong>in</strong>g such from her home.In 1983, she bought her current build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Dongan Hills at 1571 Richmond Rd., a former glass factory.Thanks to <strong>the</strong> start of sewer work at that location, which Ms. Frazzetta said nearly tanked her school, shePage 141 of 154


decided to ditch <strong>the</strong> retail and get <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> restaurant bus<strong>in</strong>ess. She opened Carol's Cafe 19 years ago, onDec. 3.She said restaurants "are sometimes <strong>the</strong> cruelest environment <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world," but she has managed towea<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> storms she's encountered over <strong>the</strong> years. In <strong>2011</strong>, Zagat Restaurant Guide listed Carol's Cafeas <strong>the</strong> top restaurant <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> borough, with a 26 rat<strong>in</strong>g for food. She said she's been a four-star establishmentfor 19 years.The rat<strong>in</strong>gs have only spurred her on. She has just opened a pub next door, featur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>ventive takes onfoods like hot dogs, sliders, chilis and egg creams, among a host of o<strong>the</strong>r lower-cost fare.ABOUT THE SCHOOLIn <strong>the</strong> meantime, she is still at <strong>the</strong> front of <strong>the</strong> class, wield<strong>in</strong>g her pots and pans, her whisks and woodenspoons. She's taught developmentally challenged adults how to make macaroni and cheese, cookies andclassic burgers. She's taught parent-child classes and recently, even did one for kids only – thoughenrollment was on <strong>the</strong> low side.On Monday and Tuesday even<strong>in</strong>gs, however, from 7 to 10:30 p.m., you'll f<strong>in</strong>d her <strong>in</strong> her kitchen onRichmond Road, walk<strong>in</strong>g adult students through any number of recipes and techniques – everyth<strong>in</strong>g frommak<strong>in</strong>g pizza and paella to turn<strong>in</strong>g out a memorable Thanksgiv<strong>in</strong>g feast.She's kept her prices low, at $65 per lesson (though she said she charges $125 if she teaches <strong>in</strong>Manhattan), <strong>in</strong> keep<strong>in</strong>g with her students' budgets.Her personal favorite to teach is a six-lesson series titled "Techniques and Theory of Cook<strong>in</strong>g." But she isalso roll<strong>in</strong>g out n<strong>in</strong>e new one-shot classes this fall – among <strong>the</strong>m "Black Tie D<strong>in</strong>ner for Couples," "AwesomeMexican Cook<strong>in</strong>g" and "Cook<strong>in</strong>g Under Pressure," <strong>the</strong> latter focus<strong>in</strong>g on how to use an oft-overlooked pieceof kitchen equipment, <strong>the</strong> pressure cooker, to turn out mouth-water<strong>in</strong>g meals.Ms. Frazzetta will also customize a special lesson for 10 to 18 people.KEY MEMORIESLast year, she cooked for Mayor Michael Bloomberg and guests at Gracie Mansion, mak<strong>in</strong>g by hand 775appetizers (chicken liver pate wrapped <strong>in</strong> bacon). Well-known food critic Florence Fabricant has called Ms.Frazzetta's French onion soup "<strong>the</strong> best I've ever tasted <strong>in</strong> my life."She's made numerous television appearances, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g one on <strong>the</strong> Bobby Flay Show where she focused onPage 142 of 154


Sicilian grill<strong>in</strong>g.But she said one of <strong>the</strong> most mean<strong>in</strong>gful cook<strong>in</strong>g-related experiences of her life happened not far from home– at PS 52 <strong>in</strong> Dongan Hills where she once served as Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal for A Day. "The kids had chef hats and openedCafe 101," she said, smil<strong>in</strong>g.She's understandably proud of her achievements, which came on <strong>the</strong> later side of life and were of her ownmak<strong>in</strong>g. "I opened a restaurant when I was 57," she said. Now <strong>in</strong> her 70s, she's open<strong>in</strong>g a second."I'm happy to say I'm on Staten Island. It's a privilege to share my recipes. Creat<strong>in</strong>g a new dish is like I justgave birth. I want <strong>the</strong>m (customers) to say 'Wow!' "But at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> day, when she's alone and mak<strong>in</strong>g d<strong>in</strong>ner for herself, she isn't whipp<strong>in</strong>g up shrimp <strong>in</strong>caramel sauce, one of <strong>the</strong> dishes she's served at Carol's Cafe; ra<strong>the</strong>r, it's a roasted sweet potato and amar<strong>in</strong>ated pork chop with caramelized onions seared <strong>in</strong> a cast iron pan."You diet by cook<strong>in</strong>g well and eat<strong>in</strong>g healthy. Everyth<strong>in</strong>g is color," she said.Far from humble, she believes she's <strong>in</strong>nately a cut above, even though many view putt<strong>in</strong>g a meal on <strong>the</strong>table as noth<strong>in</strong>g more than a chore. Ms. Frazzetta knows better. "I know I'm an artist. I only want to cook,"she said.For <strong>in</strong>formation about Ms. Frazzetta's cook<strong>in</strong>g classes, call 718-979-5600.ReunionChef Carol Frazzetta will host a ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g of any student who's taken a cook<strong>in</strong>g class with her over <strong>the</strong>years.The particularsThe reunion will be Nov. 6, start<strong>in</strong>g at 3 p.m. She needs an idea of who will attend. Please call 718-979-5600 or e-mail carolscuis<strong>in</strong>e@aol.com. Please RSVP by Oct. 17.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 143 of 154


'Jersey Shore' l<strong>in</strong>ks: What was V<strong>in</strong>ny's GPA like dur<strong>in</strong>g college?Plus o<strong>the</strong>r th<strong>in</strong>gs about V<strong>in</strong>nyPublished: Thursday, <strong>October</strong> 13, <strong>2011</strong>, 9:37 AMNJ.com StaffByWhat do you th<strong>in</strong>k "Jersey Shore" starV<strong>in</strong>ny's college GPA was? 1.5? 2.3?Try 3.9.He graduated from CUNY College of StatenIsland with a 3.9 GPA <strong>in</strong> three and a halfyears. V<strong>in</strong>ny shared this nugget and 24o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong> an entry called, aptly enough,"25 th<strong>in</strong>gs you don't know about[V<strong>in</strong>ny]."Some o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g facts: He'sV<strong>in</strong>ny, dur<strong>in</strong>g his trip to Sicily. Did you know he writes poetry?MTVfasc<strong>in</strong>ated by quantum physics, he has his own blog (complete with poetry and all!), and he has neverhad a girlfriend. Check out <strong>the</strong> list of 25 th<strong>in</strong>gs you didn't know about V<strong>in</strong>ny.More "Jersey Shore" l<strong>in</strong>ks:• Speak<strong>in</strong>g of V<strong>in</strong>ny, he is team<strong>in</strong>g up with Chas Bono, <strong>the</strong> stars of ABC's "Pretty Little Liars," Krist<strong>in</strong>Chenoweth, Amy Poehler, Tori Spell<strong>in</strong>g and o<strong>the</strong>rs to support Amplify Your Voice, a new anti-gay bully<strong>in</strong>gcampaign be<strong>in</strong>g launched by GLAAD. [E! Onl<strong>in</strong>e]• Maybe you already suspected this, but now it's official: New Jersey residents th<strong>in</strong>k "Jersey Shore" is badfor <strong>the</strong> state, accord<strong>in</strong>g to a Qu<strong>in</strong>nipiac University poll. [Wall Street Journal]• Also from Qu<strong>in</strong>nipiac, N.J. voters polled said <strong>the</strong>y back Governor Chris Christie's veto of 'Jersey Shore'-related tax credit. [NJ.com]• Just <strong>in</strong> time for Halloween! If you want to look like a "Jersey Shore" star, <strong>the</strong>re's a wig out <strong>the</strong>re that'llgive you <strong>the</strong> greased up spiky hair look, just like DJ Pauly D's. [Costumecraze.com]© <strong>2011</strong> NJ.com. All rights reserved.Page 144 of 154


<strong>October</strong> 20, <strong>2011</strong>Joanne S. Calcagno Honored for Excellence <strong>in</strong>Elementary Education and Writ<strong>in</strong>g-- Joanne Calcagno's first novel, "Raaof," details issues oftenencountered by foreign students acclimat<strong>in</strong>g to American schools --COLLEGE POINT, NY, <strong>October</strong> 20, <strong>2011</strong> /Cambridge Who's Who/ --Joanne S. Calcagno, Writer and Retired Teacher, has been recognized byCambridge Who's Who for show<strong>in</strong>g dedication, leadership and excellence <strong>in</strong>elementary education and writ<strong>in</strong>g.In March 2010, Ms. Calcagno retired from a reward<strong>in</strong>g 32-year teach<strong>in</strong>gcareer. She spent a majority of her career as an elementary school teacher atP.S. 214, where she was able to utilize her expertise <strong>in</strong> teach<strong>in</strong>g computer education and develop<strong>in</strong>g curriculum,as well as work<strong>in</strong>g with students on new programs. She taught all elementary grades except grades 3, 5 and 6.The most gratify<strong>in</strong>g aspect of her career, she has previously noted, is see<strong>in</strong>g her students make progress,become <strong>in</strong>spired and, <strong>in</strong> turn, thank her for her work.In addition to dedicat<strong>in</strong>g herself to teach<strong>in</strong>g, Ms. Calcagno has achieved success as a talented writer. In 2007, herfirst book, "Raaof," was published. The book chronicles <strong>the</strong> adolescent adventures of a young boy who emigratesfrom Yemen to Queens, New York. It details issues often encountered by foreign students acclimat<strong>in</strong>g toAmerican schools. <strong>Today</strong>, Ms. Calcagno is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> process of writ<strong>in</strong>g "F<strong>in</strong>ally an Answer," which is scheduled to becompleted by <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>2011</strong>.Ms. Calcagno's success has not gone without formal recognition. An honored VIP member of Cambridge Who'sWho, she was named a Professional of <strong>the</strong> Year represent<strong>in</strong>g education for <strong>the</strong> 2008/2009 year. She was alsofeatured <strong>in</strong> Cambridge Publish<strong>in</strong>g's "Top 101 Industry Experts" book, and selected for <strong>in</strong>clusion <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cambridge2010 calendar series. Ms. Calcagno has been published <strong>in</strong> a number of teach<strong>in</strong>g magaz<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> recognition of <strong>the</strong>creative classrooms that she created. She attributes her success to <strong>the</strong> support she received from her mo<strong>the</strong>r.Ms. Calcagno received a master's degree <strong>in</strong> elementary education, plus 45, from Queens College <strong>in</strong> 1989. Theextra credits were earned through various courses at Queens College, Bank Street College of Education, and <strong>the</strong>College of Staten Island. She is a member of various professional organizations, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> AmericanAssociation of University Women. An authority <strong>in</strong> elementary education and curriculum development, Ms.Calcagno is available to speak with <strong>the</strong> media. She can be contacted at (718) 445-2450.About Cambridge Who's WhoPage 145 of 154


With over 400,000 members represent<strong>in</strong>g every major <strong>in</strong>dustry, Cambridge Who's Who is a powerful network<strong>in</strong>gresource that enables professionals to outsh<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong>ir competition, <strong>in</strong> part through effective brand<strong>in</strong>g andmarket<strong>in</strong>g. Cambridge Who's Who employs similar public relations techniques to those utilized by Fortune 500companies and makes <strong>the</strong>m cost-effective for members who seek to take advantage of its career enhancementand bus<strong>in</strong>ess advancement services. Cambridge is pleased to welcome its new Executive Director of GlobalBrand<strong>in</strong>g and Network<strong>in</strong>g, Donald Trump Jr., who is eager to share his extensive experience <strong>in</strong> this arena withmembers.Cambridge Who's Who membership provides <strong>in</strong>dividuals with a valuable third party endorsement of <strong>the</strong>iraccomplishments and gives <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> tools needed to brand <strong>the</strong>mselves and <strong>the</strong>ir bus<strong>in</strong>esses effectively. Inaddition to publish<strong>in</strong>g biographies <strong>in</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>t and electronic form, it offers an onl<strong>in</strong>e network<strong>in</strong>g platform wheremembers can establish new professional relationships.Page 146 of 154


UFT endorses Donovan <strong>in</strong> Staten Island DA raceSaturday, <strong>October</strong> 22, <strong>2011</strong>, 4:10 PMStaten Island AdvanceBySTATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - The UnitedFederation of Teachers has endorsedDistrict Attorney Daniel Donovan <strong>in</strong> hiscampaign for re-election.UFT president Michael Mulgrew announced<strong>the</strong> endorsement."Donovan has worked closely with cityschools to combat bully<strong>in</strong>g and domesticviolence, to educate students about <strong>the</strong>dangers of drugs and alcohol, and toprosecute crim<strong>in</strong>als who prey on children,"Mulgrew said.UFT President Michael Mulgrew (left) and Staten Island DistrictAttorney Daniel DonovanAdvance photo"I am honored and humbled <strong>the</strong> UFTplaces its confidence <strong>in</strong> me. Noth<strong>in</strong>g is more important than <strong>the</strong> safety and education of our children,"Donovan said.Mulgrew, a native Staten Islander who graduated from <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island <strong>in</strong> Willowbrook, calledDonovan a pr<strong>in</strong>cipled prosecutor who helps keep city schools, children and teachers safe."Teachers must be able to work <strong>in</strong> an environment without fear for <strong>the</strong>ir safety," said Donovan. He noted hispromise when first tak<strong>in</strong>g office that he would not allow anyone who assaulted a teacher to plead to a lessercharge.The UFT is <strong>the</strong> largest teachers' union <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country, with 200,000 members <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> five boroughs.Donovan, a Republican who has been <strong>in</strong> office for eight years, is seek<strong>in</strong>g his third term. He also has <strong>the</strong>back<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Independence Party.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 147 of 154


Krasniqi work<strong>in</strong>g for ESPN <strong>in</strong> TampaWednesday, <strong>October</strong> 26, <strong>2011</strong>, 9:00 AMMichael AndersonByHUGUENOT -- <strong>October</strong> 3 may go down asone of <strong>the</strong> busiest pro sports day <strong>in</strong>Tampa’s history and it’s no surprise formerHuguenot resident Tom Krasniqi was <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>middle of it all.On that day, <strong>the</strong> Tampa Bay Rays werehome for Game 3 of <strong>the</strong> American LeagueDivision Series aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> Texas Rangers<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> afternoon while <strong>the</strong> Tampa BayBuccaneers hosted <strong>the</strong> Indianapolis ColtsPhoto Courtesy of Michael BlitchPhotographyTom Krasniqi, right, and Ronnie Lane, left, co-host Prime Time on ESPNRadio <strong>in</strong> Tampa (1040 AM).AM) — was busy dur<strong>in</strong>g both games.<strong>in</strong> a Monday Night Football contest atnight.Krasniqi — who works as a sports-talkradio host for ESPN Radio <strong>in</strong> Tampa (1040“It felt like a dream come true for any sports fan. We started by go<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> air from a sports bar rightoutside Tropicana Field,” said Krasniqi about <strong>the</strong> baseball contest <strong>in</strong> St. Petersburg. “The vibe was great.There were so many Rays fans. To be <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> middle of all that atmosphere was great.”The 37-year-old said after sign<strong>in</strong>g off <strong>the</strong> air, he went <strong>in</strong>side to watch <strong>the</strong> game before leav<strong>in</strong>g after six<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs to head to Tampa to work <strong>the</strong> Buccaneers game at Raymond James Stadium.“It was great. I was at two different venues with great fans. In <strong>the</strong> first game, <strong>the</strong>re was Rays pride all over<strong>the</strong> place,” Krasniqi said. “Then you go over and get to <strong>the</strong> park<strong>in</strong>g lot at Raymond James and <strong>the</strong>re’s a newlegion of fans out <strong>the</strong>re. People are most passionate about <strong>the</strong> Buccaneers because football is k<strong>in</strong>g downhere.”Although <strong>the</strong> atmosphere was electric, Krasniqi said it was only <strong>the</strong> second-best sports day he’s experiencedwhile <strong>in</strong> Tampa.Page 148 of 154


“When <strong>the</strong> Lightn<strong>in</strong>g won <strong>the</strong> Stanley Cup and be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> that locker room for <strong>the</strong> celebration was justunbelievable,” he said.Although he relocated to Tampa <strong>in</strong> 2004, Krasniqi got his start <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> radio bus<strong>in</strong>ess on Staten Island. Agraduate of Tottenville HS and <strong>the</strong> College of Staten Island, he handled play-by-play and hosted sports-talkshows at WSIA (88.9 FM) from 1993-1997. After <strong>in</strong>tern<strong>in</strong>g at WFAN (660 AM) <strong>in</strong> 1997, he was quickly hiredas producer/tape operator for three years.A year later, Krasniqi <strong>the</strong>n started work<strong>in</strong>g for WFAS radio (103.9 FM) <strong>in</strong> White Pla<strong>in</strong>s, N.Y., <strong>in</strong> differentcapacities such as a sports reporter, anchor and sports talk show-host and was <strong>the</strong> play-by-playcommentator for high school football and basketball <strong>in</strong> Westchester County from 1998-2003.In 2003, Krasniqi returned to <strong>the</strong> Staten Island airwaves work<strong>in</strong>g at Time Warner Cable do<strong>in</strong>g play-by-playfor high school baseball, football and basketball, Wagner and College of Staten Island basketball andbaseball and <strong>the</strong> Staten Island Yankees.“I learned a long time ago that versatility is so important,” said Krasniqi. “When I first got to Westchesterradio, I wasn’t on <strong>the</strong> air. I was produc<strong>in</strong>g and writ<strong>in</strong>g stories but little by little I got some on-airopportunities and I took advantage of it.”After his years at WFAS, Krasniqi worked at ESPN Radio <strong>in</strong> New York (1050 AM) for four months as <strong>the</strong> callscreener/producer for <strong>the</strong> “Michael Kay Show.” He moved to Tampa to take on <strong>the</strong> role as sportsanchor/sports talk show host through Metro Networks for CBS Sports radio (1010 AM) for six years.Krasniqi <strong>the</strong>n jumped back <strong>in</strong>to television do<strong>in</strong>g sportscast<strong>in</strong>g work for Bright House Sports Network formore than four years as a sports anchor, sports host and play-by-play commentator.Currently, he is <strong>the</strong> sports anchor and co-host for <strong>the</strong> afternoon drive sports show “Prime Time” on ESPNRadio <strong>in</strong> Tampa Bay, covers Buccaneers’ home games nationally for ESPN Radio, and is a fantasy footballwriter and weekly podcaster for www.fantistics.com.“My long-term goal is to do TV. I feel I’m a natural for it. It’s someth<strong>in</strong>g I want to pursue moreaggressively,” said Krasniqi.While <strong>the</strong> sportscaster doesn’t carry a list of everyone he has <strong>in</strong>terviewed, some of <strong>the</strong> more memorablepeople <strong>in</strong>clude New York Yankees owner Hank Ste<strong>in</strong>brenner and Yankee players Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter,Jorge Posada, Gary Sheffield (retired), Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Tampa Bay Lightn<strong>in</strong>gstars V<strong>in</strong>cent Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos and Mart<strong>in</strong> St. Louis and former Miami Heat great AlonzoMourn<strong>in</strong>g. Also, this past spr<strong>in</strong>g Krasniqi and some co-workers attended a charity bowl<strong>in</strong>g tournamenthosted by Yankee ace CC Sabbathia where <strong>the</strong> burly lefty served as <strong>the</strong>ir honorary capta<strong>in</strong> so Krasniqi gotPage 149 of 154


<strong>the</strong> chance to talk about “baseball and basically life <strong>in</strong> general.”“Sometimes I have to p<strong>in</strong>ch myself when I’m stand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> locker room and <strong>in</strong>terview<strong>in</strong>g someone,”admitted Krasniqi. “I’m very happy with where I’m at. I worked extremely hard and persistence is <strong>the</strong> key toany bus<strong>in</strong>ess model. I’m blessed to be do<strong>in</strong>g what I’m do<strong>in</strong>g but I always feel like <strong>the</strong>re’s more com<strong>in</strong>g.”Krasniqi — who is on <strong>the</strong> air Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. — can be heard by visit<strong>in</strong>gwww.espnflorida.com and click<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> ESPN 1040 l<strong>in</strong>k.© <strong>2011</strong> SILive.com. All rights reserved.Page 150 of 154


Patch Elections <strong>2011</strong>: County Legislative District 11Challenger Bob Milone and Incumbent Frank Sparaco By Rob<strong>in</strong> Traum <strong>October</strong> 27, <strong>2011</strong>Patch has asked your candidates a set of questions. Check back each day for <strong>the</strong>ir answers. This week,we're look<strong>in</strong>g at county candidates and next week we'll look at town candidates. Check out this PatchArticle for <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e up this week. <strong>Today</strong>'s candidates are: Frank Sparaco and Bob Milone runn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>District 11 which covers eastern New City, all of Congers and nor<strong>the</strong>rn Valley Cottage.Party L<strong>in</strong>es:Milone: DemocratSparaco: Republican, Conservative, Work<strong>in</strong>g Families, Independence1. What community do you live <strong>in</strong>?Milone: CongersSparaco: Valley Cottage2. How long have you lived <strong>the</strong>re?Milone: Resident of Congers s<strong>in</strong>ce 2000 but have lived <strong>in</strong> Clarkstown my entire life.Sparaco: 33 years3. How old are you?Milone: I am 52 years old.Sparaco: 344. Provide family <strong>in</strong>formationMilone: Wife, Lauree, daughter, Maggie, son, Robert A.,stepdaughter, Danielle Sablich, step‐daughter, G<strong>in</strong>a SablichPage 151 of 154


Sparaco: Married with two young daughters, five years old and eight months old5. What is your education background?Milone: Labor Certificate from Cornell University/Murphy InstituteSparaco: Attended ASU and College of Staten Island. United States Navy 1994‐19986. Why do you th<strong>in</strong>k you are qualified for this position?Milone: a. As a resident of Rockland for over 50 years, I know <strong>the</strong> local issues that our community isfac<strong>in</strong>g.b. I have been active <strong>in</strong> our community so I understand what it takes to be an effective leader withouthav<strong>in</strong>g been an elected official.c. I am a work<strong>in</strong>g class <strong>in</strong>dividual that has seen how union contract negotiations happen firsthand. In atime where government needs to do its job more efficiently, I can br<strong>in</strong>g government union workers to <strong>the</strong>table to negotiate fair wages that are also fair to <strong>the</strong> taxpayers without hurt<strong>in</strong>g services.Sparaco: I have served on <strong>the</strong> legislature s<strong>in</strong>ce 2008. I am a combat veteran and a small bus<strong>in</strong>ess owner.7. Why are you runn<strong>in</strong>g for this elected office?Milone: I am runn<strong>in</strong>g for County Legislator because after years of be<strong>in</strong>g active <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> political process, Iwanted to help my community on a very local level. County Legislators represent small districts but caneffect change throughout our community and help people at a grassroots level, which I feel I can help bethat voice.Sparaco: I care deeply about my community. I want my children to enjoy grow<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>in</strong> Rockland.Tough decisions are go<strong>in</strong>g to have to made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> upcom<strong>in</strong>g year and I am committed to mak<strong>in</strong>g thosetough decisions.8. What are <strong>the</strong> three issues that most concern you?Milone: a. Economic Development for District 11 ‐ Rockland County is fac<strong>in</strong>g a multi‐million dollar deficitand many services have been proposed to be cut. The ma<strong>in</strong> priority of <strong>the</strong> legislature should be toencourage bus<strong>in</strong>esses to locate <strong>in</strong>to Rockland County as a long term solution. Poor plann<strong>in</strong>g today willresult <strong>in</strong> Rockland County fac<strong>in</strong>g deficits for years to come so we need to generate new revenue. As oneof <strong>the</strong> highest taxed areas <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> country, taxpayers should not have to carry this additional burden.b. Public Benefit Corporation ‐ The Rockland County Executive has proposed <strong>the</strong> sale of Summit ParkHospital to an entity called a Public Benefit Corporation. From my understand<strong>in</strong>g, PBCs <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r areashave not been successful. To try and solve our budget problems by sell<strong>in</strong>g our hospital will be a one timePage 152 of 154


fix that is shortsighted. Also, los<strong>in</strong>g control of <strong>the</strong> Summit Park Hospital may result <strong>in</strong> job losses and/orreductions <strong>in</strong> services to our senior residents at a time when it is needed most.c. County Sales Tax ‐ District 11 is <strong>the</strong> only one that is wholly with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Town of Clarkstown. Clarkstownhas advocated to get a larger percentage of <strong>the</strong> County Sales Tax because it has large bus<strong>in</strong>esses, such as<strong>the</strong> Palisades Mall, <strong>the</strong> soon to be redesigned Nanuet Mall, and many o<strong>the</strong>rs. S<strong>in</strong>ce more sales taxgenerat<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>esses are located <strong>in</strong> Clarkstown, as a County Legislator I will advocate to make sureClarkstown gets more of <strong>the</strong> revenue for host<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se bus<strong>in</strong>esses.Sparaco: Taxes, Prioritiz<strong>in</strong>g spend<strong>in</strong>g and cuts, Po<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> County <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> right fiscal direction.9. Expla<strong>in</strong> your proposed approach to manag<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se issues.Milone: a. Economic Development for District 11 – The Rockland County Legislature needs to do anevaluation of <strong>the</strong> various properties that are available for bus<strong>in</strong>esses to move <strong>in</strong>to and what purposes<strong>the</strong>y are zoned for. The Rockland Economic Development Corporation works on gett<strong>in</strong>g largercorporations to move here and does a Small Bus<strong>in</strong>ess tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for those who request it. If each Legislatorhas lists of properties that are await<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>esses, <strong>the</strong> Legislators can act as ambassadors to encourageresidents to create bus<strong>in</strong>esses <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir community. We can also be part of discussions to get largerorganizations <strong>in</strong>to each of our districts.b. Public Benefit Corporation – I plan on vot<strong>in</strong>g no on any proposal to sell Summit Park Hospital. An auditneeds to be done to evaluate <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancials for <strong>the</strong> hospital. After an audit, we need to evaluate <strong>the</strong>services and look at creat<strong>in</strong>g efficiencies. There is a grow<strong>in</strong>g senior population <strong>in</strong> Rockland and <strong>the</strong>re is adef<strong>in</strong>ite need for this type of facility.c. County Sales Tax – I plan on talk<strong>in</strong>g with my colleagues to see if we can come up with a fairer formulafor distribut<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> county sales tax. We need to look at where <strong>the</strong> revenue is be<strong>in</strong>g created and rewardcommunities that are contribut<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> county sales tax through attract<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>esses to our area.Sparaco: Prioritiz<strong>in</strong>g spend<strong>in</strong>g, Elim<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g duplicate services, Significant cuts to County Services,Elim<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g political patronage jobs.10. Have you held elected office before?Milone: I have not held elected office before.Sparaco: Rockland County Legislator 2008‐present11. What organizations do you belong to?Milone:Page 151 of 152


Secretary‐Treasurer for Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1107 Member of <strong>the</strong> Steer<strong>in</strong>g Committee of <strong>the</strong> Rockland County Work<strong>in</strong>g Families Party, Member of <strong>the</strong>Clarkstown Democratic Committee (District 42) Political Coord<strong>in</strong>ator of CWA 1107 ‐ New City Congers Civic Association, Valley Cottage Civic Association, Rockland County Central Labor CouncilSparaco:Valley Cottage Civic Association, Congers Civic Association, Nanuet Civic AssociationBoard Member BBBS12. Election website?Milone: www.miloneforlegislator.comSparaco: www.franksparaco.comPage 152 of 152

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