Avenue

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Vol 110 Number 43
Let’s Go Mets…
And Blue Devils!
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Friday, October 23, 2015
Spano vs. Nuckel:
Compare and Contrast
Members of the Saunders High School girls’ volleyball team – let’s go Mets!
GOP mayoral candidate Bill Nuckel
Mayor Mike Spano
By Phil Foley
The Saunders High School girls’ volleyball
team showed its New York pride at a home game
against Roosevelt last week that also fell on game
five of the National League Division Series for the
New York Mets. Both teams ended up with a victory!
Saunders had a great week in volleyball,
winning all three matches. On Oct. 13, Saunders
defeated Gorton 28-26, 25-18 and 25-19. Amanda
Kiriakos had five aces and five kills, and Brenda
Garrido had seven aces and two kills.
On Oct. 15, Saunders beat Roosevelt 25-12,
25-20 and 25-19. Kiriakos had four aces and eight
kills, and Natalia Bator had 11 aces.
On Oct. 16, Saunders defeated Yonkers Montessori
Academy in four sets, 22-25, 25-22, 25-19
Continued on Page 8
PAL Boxers Take
Medals in California
By Dan Murphy
With less than two weeks to go before Election
Day, Nov. 3 in Yonkers, we offer a review of
the issues presented, and the experience of both
mayoral candidates, Democrat Mayor Mike Spano
and Republican Bill Nuckel.
Budget
Nuckel has focused his campaign on what
he calls a bloated city budget, and has questioned
whether the city, under Spano, has kept its budget
under the property tax cap.
Spano has stood by his claim that the city has
kept its budgets under the property tax cap and
cites the fact that the state comptroller has certified
that the city’s budgets are indeed under the cap,
and that city homeowners have received property
tax rebate checks from the state because the Yonkers
budget is at or under the cap.
Due to a $55 million error in the Yonkers
Board of Education budget, the city has had to borrow
or bond $41 million and has had to increase
the sales tax to close the education portion of the
city budget. In return, the state has allocated $24
Continued on Page 8
Yonkers’ Finest Endorse
Spano and Sabatino
From left are Sal Corrente, gold medal-winner Emanuel and his dad, Joshua Lee, and David
Villar. Photo by Ed Whitman.
Congratulations to the Yonkers Police Athletic
League boxing program, led by Sal Corrente
and David Villar, for taking top honors in
the recent 41st National PAL Boxing Championships
in California.
PAL coaches Brian O’Shea, Doug Grey and
Joshua Lee accompanied the following boxers,
who all won medals, to the competition:
Emanuel Lee, 13, 110 pounds, won the gold
medal in the Flyweight Title;
Brian O’Shea Jr., 16, 119 pounds, silver
medal;
Karam Al Mahersi, 20, silver medal in the
Continued on Page 7
A&P Closures Will
Affect Yonkers Shoppers
Mayor Mike Spano and District 3 City Councilman Michael Sabatino with Yonkers CSLA President
Tom Phelan.
By Dan Murphy
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Third District
City Councilman Michael Sabatino have
received endorsements from the Yonkers Police
Benevolent Association and the Yonkers Captain
Lieutenants and Sergeants Association – the city’s
two police unions.
“Under Mike Spano, Yonkers is one of the
safest small cities in the nation,” said Det. Keith
Olson, president of the Yonkers PBA. “Public
safety has been a top priority during his first term
as mayor, as was shown in the last budget when he
created 10 additional police officer positions for
the YPD. The Yonkers PBA is proud to endorse
Mike Spano for a second term as mayor of the
City of Yonkers.”
Olson also endorsed Sabatino on behalf of
the Yonkers PBA.
“The Yonkers Police Benevolent Association
Continued on Page 8
Exchange Club Honors
Yonkers’ Bravest
The A&P on the corner of Nepperhan and Odell Avenue will be closing soon.
By Dan Murphy
The recent bankruptcy of A&P supermarkets,
one of the oldest supermarket chains in
Westchester and Yonkers, will negatively affect
some Yonkers residents and shoppers,
if the recent results of the sale of their stores
goes through.
While ACME supermarkets have been the
highest bidder of most A&Ps and Pathmarks
in Westchester and Yonkers, the A&P on the
corner of Nepperhan Avenue and Odell Avenue
of the concern for residents of northwest
Yonkers.
ACME was not the highest bidder for the
Odell A&P; CVS was the highest bidder, with
terms of the agreement, or how high CVS bid
for the location, are not public. U.S. Bankruptcy
Court Judge Robert Drain is presiding over
the bankruptcy and will make the final decision.
Yonkers residents, and two City Council
Continued on Page 8
From left are firefighter Jerry Thompson, Capt. Gregory Coyle, Exchange Club President Ann
Muro, club member Tom Quimones, and firefighters Sean Faughnan and Timothy Sullivan.
The Exchange Club of Yonkers recently held
its annual Fire Prevention/Firefighter of the Year
dinner honoring the crew of Ladder 71. This year’s
honorees included Capt. Gregory Coyle, and firefighters
Tim Sullivan, Jerry Thompson and Sean
Faughnan, who were recognized for their outstanding
service and dedication as members of the
Yonkers Fire Department and for their exceptional
and remarkable performance while responding to
a structure fire Jan. 14, 2014.
A special recognition award was presented to
Assistant Chief John Flynn for his years of outstanding
service and dedication, and for his many
Continued on Page 8

PaGe 2 - yONkeRs RisiNG - FRiday, OctObeR 23, 2015
Yonkers Marathon
Draw Large Field
It was a cold, sunny day – a
perfect day for a run – as Yonkers
celebrated the 90th running of the
Yonkers Marathon, one of the oldest
and toughest marathons in the state,
throughout the hills of the city Oct.
18.
A large crowd of races lined
up in downtown Yonkers to run in a
newly-laid-out course that included a
half-marathon and 5K.
Congratulations to overall and
first-place men’s winner Matt Collins,
from New York City, and to woman’s
first-place winner Patrice Kentner.
Congratulations also to any runner
who participated and finished this
grueling race.
And kudos to the city and the
Yonkers Parks Department for putting
on another great marathon.
Dr. David Lent spoke on behalf
of marathon sponsor St. John’s Riverside
Hospital, and his practice, Westchester
Orthopedic Center.
The 2014 Yonkers Jr. Idol. Amara
Barlow-Valerio sang the national
anthem.
Recent Yonkers Sports Hall of
Fame inductee Richard Hill was also
Continued on Page 8
Overall and men’s marathon winner Matt Collins.
Photos by Donna Davis
Women’s marathon winner Patrice Kentner with a
friend and happy Mets fan.
Hudson River Museum
Readies for Halloween
Upcoming events at the
Hudson River Museum in Yonkers
include a number of Halloween-themed
programs.
The Hudson River Museum
and YOHO artists are
teaming up to create brand new
installations in the period rooms
of Glenview, the museum’s historic
home, through Nov. 1.
Inspired by Glenview’s Victorian
decor and Victorians’ deep
interest with death and the idea
of “the Gothic” and the “morbidly
poetic,” YOHO artists
have decorated the Great Hall,
library, sitting room and dining
room of Glenview. In addition,
see the Day of the Dead altar by
Aurelia Fernandez, and don’t
miss the miniature spooky additions
to Nybelwyck Hall, the
museum’s dollhouse.
On Halloween, Saturday,
Oct. 31 at the museum, visitor
can enjoy:
Halloween-themed art and
science projects, dance workshops,
spooky stories and a
special planetarium show will
take place between 1 and 7 p.m.
Food will also be available for
purchase. Museum admission is
free from 4 to 7 p.m.
Make paper flowers or
black paper cutouts of fearful
creatures, and see spooky science
tricks, then do some, from
1 to 4 p.m.
Dance excerpts from Michael
Jackson’s “Thriller” video
will perform on the gallery
stage, led by Tara Giangrande
and Mouse from the Dynamic
Rockers, at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Trick-or-treating with free
admission will be from 4 to 7
p.m.
Storyteller April Armstrong
will tell scary – but not
too scary – stories from 4 to
5:30 p.m. Stories are 25 minutes
long and for ages 4 to 10.
Treats for brave listeners will be
offered after the stories.
“Ghosts of Nybelwyck Hall” will take
place at 6 p.m. This talk will be led by Miniaturist
Darren Scala and is definitely scary.
Halloween storyteller April Armstrong will spook attendees
at the Hudson River Museum.
“Death and the Maiden” (1985) by Alexa Grace will be on
view at Gothic Glenview 2015 in Hudson River Museum’s
Glenview parlor room.
A “Sky Frights” planetarium show is
scheduled for 6 p.m. See night creatures and the
horrors that lurk among the stars!
For a complete list of events, visit www.
HRM.org.
Mayor Spano
Deserves Four More Years!
Thanks to Mayor Mike Spano for his work over
the past four years to bring jobs to Yonkers.
Mayor Spano has served as a great example for
all mayors in New York State on how to bring in
development and jobs to Yonkers, and how to
rebuild our great city and the Empire State.
Mayor Spano also supports my efforts to try and
bring some of the millions of manufacturing jobs
that we have lost over the past 20 years back to
our country and back to Yonkers.
I am a Republican, but I am proud to
endorse Mayor Mike Spano for re-election on
November 3. The future of our country
should always come before political party.
Let’s Continue the Progress and
Make Yonkers Great Again
Paid for by Frank Spotorno

This, Too, is ACME
Eric W. Schoen
Notice of Formation of Glover
Avenue LLC. Arts. of Org.
filed with NY Dept. of State
on 9/10/15. Office location:
Westchester County. NY
Sec. of State designated
agent of the LLC upon whom
process against it may be
served, and shall mail process
to 70 Glover Ave, Yonkers,
NY 10704. Purpose:
any lawful activity.
#6682 10/16 – 11/20
By Eric W. Schoen
Welcome to Westchester,
ACME.
Don’t expect Road Runner
or Wile E. Coyote to greet
you at the door with a ridiculous
range of products that would inevitably
fail with hilarious consequences.
And, sadly, the smell of
Eight O’Clock coffee being
freshly ground in those red
machines at the checkout is no
more.
There is a new supermarket
in town, open in Bronxville,
New Rochelle, Eastchester and opening soon in
a neighborhood near you. ACME has arrived in
Westchester.
I visited the ACME in Bronxville on Tuesday
(the grand opening for the store was Sunday).
The first thing you notice when you enter the store
is that someone did a major job cleaning the old
A&P. The store has a fresh, new feeling to it.
Former A&P Bronxville shoppers will notice
that there has been little if no change in where the
various product categories are located within the
store. It makes the consumer feel at home. You are
greeted at the entrance by a cornucopia of fresh,
store-baked goodies – many seasonal including a
display of various international breads. Fresh flowers
are abundant, although I did not see Satka, the
lady responsible for creating flower displays at the
A&P for years.
The deli features Boar’s Head cold cuts.
Many people will only eat the Boar’s Head brand,
although I find them a bit salty. The apples are
piled high in the produce department and the selection
looks fresh with cut-up fruit platters available
for parties. The seafood looked like it had just been
caught, and the meat looked like the animals had
just walked in from the farm.
The dairy was freshly stocked with national
brands, as well as store brands. Speaking of store
brands, the ACME store brand is called Essential
Everyday. You will find that name on dairy items,
as well as grocery items.
I didn’t have time to compare prices, but I
did notice many items on special. No supermarket
rewards cards at ACME…my key chain says
thank you. Fortunately, I did notice there were several
former A&P employees working in the new
ACME. I’m very happy for them that they were
able to keep their jobs, and happy that the company
kept them employed.
ACME is no newcomer to the grocery business
in operation for more than 124 years. It got
its beginning in 1891 when two friends, Samuel
Robinson and Robert Crawford, opened a small
neighborhood grocery store in south Philadelphia
that emphasized quality products, low prices and
friendly service.
Before entering our area, ACME stores were
found in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and
Maryland. The company also owns Sav-on Drug
Stores and Pharmacies
In 2013, ACME’S parent company acquired
ACME Markets from SUPERVALU, a transaction
that brought all Albertsons stores under singular
ownership again and added Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s
and Star Markets to the growing food and drug retailer
that employs approximately
265,000 people nationwide.
Daitch Shopwell, Bohack,
Finast and Grand Union. We survived
the closing of those famed
grocery stores, we will survive
the loss of A&P, Pathmark, Food
Emporium and Waldbaums.
Good luck, ACME! And
kudos to the ACME company
and staffers for getting the stores
cleaned and opened in a short
period of time. The communities
they serve depend on them.
Finally, let’s hope the A&P
at Odell and Nepperhan avenues
in Yonkers remains a supermarket. I love CVS, but
the last thing Yonkers needs is another one!
Hot Topics
McDonald’s all-day breakfast is all over the
news. Franchisees are complaining it was rolled
out too quickly, but folks love it. You are guaranteed
a super fresh product as the all-day breakfast
items are cooked to order. Now, if McDonald’s
could only figure out a way for people to select
what they want before they enter the line, similar
to how the drive-thru works.
How often have you gotten stuck on a line in
store with people taking way too long to decide
what they want?
Brothels in America – didn’t know they still
existed. Worse than the brothels is waking up from
a coma and the first thing you see is a Kardashian!
Do people obey the rules of the road anymore?
Just the other day a woman looked at me
like I was nuts because she went through a stop
sign and almost barreled into my car. Another motorist
driving on the wrong side of the road got upset
at me when I honked at her.
Several months ago I had Assemblyman Tom
Abinanti on my radio show discussing the daily
accidents on the Sprain Brook Parkway north and
south from Tuckahoe Road to Greenburgh. When
are we going to wake up and not hear the traffic
reporters talking about accidents on this section of
the Sprain?
Sadly, all the gun legislation will not prevent
bad people from getting ahold of guns and causing
destruction. We need to do more screening of those
people obtaining guns, and better access to mental
health services is sorely needed in this country.
By the time you read this column, let’s hope
the Mets are in the World Series. As I watched the
first two games of the National League Championship
Series at Shea Stadium over the weekend,
I was amused at the face coverings the players
were wearing to keep warm. Is this something
new or something I have missed? Granted its cold
in New York this time of year, but Chicago is certainly
not known for its warmth, either. You gotta
believe!
Hershey’s is doubling the size of its’ kisses
and adding hazelnuts to the mix. We can always
use a bigger kiss!
Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@aol.
com and follow him on Twitter @ericyonkers.
Catch the Westchester Rising Radio Show featuring
Dan Murphy and Eric Schoen on Thursdays at
10 a.m. on WVOX 1460 on the A.M. dial, at wvox.
com and click on “listen live,” or via the mobile
application for download free from the APP store.
Friday, October 23, 2015 - Yonkers Rising - PAGE 3
Senator Supports Protection
Of Domestic Violence Victims
During this month of
October, designated as Domestic
Violence Awareness
Month, State Sen. Andrea
Stewart-Cousins, the Senate
Democratic leader, expressed
her steadfast support
for legislation that
protects victims of domestic
violence.
“We have a responsibility
to address the devastating
impact domestic
violence has on intimate
partners and families, and
we must do all we can to
victims of domestic violence.
Legislation was passed
by both the Senate and Assembly
this year that prohibits
housing discrimination
against victims of domestic
violence. Those affected by
domestic violence have already
suffered tremendous
trauma and this initiative
will prevent further trauma
from occurring. In addition,
this bill prohibits landlords
from evicting tenants solely
based on their domestic violence
assist domestic violence
victim status.
survivors as they break free
of the cycle of violence and
move forward with their
State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins
* Allow domestic violence
victims to cancel contracts.
lives,” she said. “It starts with awareness in our
communities and a willingness to reach out to
friends, family and neighbors to let them know
help is available and that they don’t have to go
it alone.”
The statistics are troubling: One in four
women will experience domestic violence in
their lifetime, according to the National Institute
of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control. In
New York State, more than 280,000 calls were
made to domestic violence and sexual assault
hotlines in 2014, and courts recorded 202,000
orders of protection entered in the Domestic Violence
Registry.
In Westchester County in 2014, the District
Attorney’s Office investigated 2,647 cases of domestic
violence.
All the while, the National Coalition Against
Domestic Violence reports that 70 percent of domestic
violence or intimate partner assaults go
unreported.
It is not only the victims of domestic violence
who can suffer in silence by not seeking
assistance; children who witness violence in the
home, including its aftermath, can suffer severe
emotional and developmental challenges that are
similar to those who have been abused directly.
The state provides assistance for those willing
to take the necessary steps to leave a violent
home life through the Office of Domestic Violence
Prevention.
As part of Stewart-Cousins’ commitment
to aiding the survivors of domestic violence, the
senator has supported legislation that will:
* Prohibit housing discrimination against
Legislation has been introduced that will allow
those impacted by domestic violence, who
have sought and received a permanent order of
protection and are under a multi-year contract
for phone, cable or bundle services, to break
the contract without penalty. Early termination
fees charged by residential service providers often
impose hardships on survivors of domestic
violence at times when their personal funds are
severely limited, and are desperately needed to
increase their safety and combat their abusers.
This legislation is a common-sense way to
remove an additional, often overlooked hardship
faced by victims of domestic violence, said
Stewart-Cousins.
* Prohibit workplace discrimination against
victims of domestic violence.
An initiative has been introduced that will
prohibit workplace discrimination against New
Yorkers impacted by domestic violence. This
legislation will require employers to provide
reasonable, alternative accommodations for the
survivors of domestic violence. If an employee
must seek medical attention, rely on services
from a shelter or crisis center and/or participate
in counseling, they should not also have to worry
about losing their jobs due to these traumatic circumstances.
“There is no place for domestic violence in
the State of New York,” said Stewart-Cousins.
“I remain committed to working with my colleagues
in the Legislature, the governor and law
enforcement to stamp out domestic violence and
help survivors and their families get the services
and protections they need and deserve.”
What to Expect When Buying
Residential Real Estate
By James L. Hyer, Esq.
One of the most stressful decisions individuals
can make during their lives is the purchase of
their first home. As buying a home is also likely
one of the largest purchases in a person’s life, the
financial stress can be daunting and this pressure
can be amplified if the purchaser lacks knowledge
regarding the home-buying process. Knowing
what to expect during this process can significantly
reduce the anxiety that may accompany the
purchase of a first home.
Although real estate transactions can be
complex, the following major steps can be expected
by a purchaser:
1. Purchase Offer – When the search is over
and a purchaser selects a home, either the purchaser
(if acting without a realtor) or the purchaser’s
realtor will submit a purchase offer to the
seller or seller’s realtor. If this offer is accepted,
the realtors will create a memorandum of sale
listing the terms of the offer, which will then be
sent to the attorneys for the seller and purchaser.
2. Contract of Sale – Upon receipt of the
memorandum of sale, the seller’s attorney will
prepare a contract of sale to present to the purchaser’s
attorney. Following negotiations, the
purchaser will sign and return the contract to the
seller’s attorney with a check for the down payment
amount (which is typically 10 to 20 percent
of the sales price). A binding contract will exist
once the seller also signs the contract of sale, returns
it to the purchaser’s attorney, and deposits
the down payment check.
3. Mortgage Contingency – Unless a purchaser
is buying a home with no financing, a
mortgage contingency clause is typically added to
the contract of sale, making the purchaser’s obligation
to buy the home contingent upon receiving
financing for a set sum. This will involve a review
of the purchaser’s finances and the preparation of
an Appraisal Report by the purchaser’s lender.
4. Inspections – Purchasers usually conduct
inspections either before signing a contract
of sale or within a certain period following the
contract, which may include inspections for engineering,
termites and vermin, lead paint, oil and
septic tank sturdiness, well water and radon gas.
5. Title Report – Following receipt of a fullysigned
contract of sale, the purchaser’s attorney
will order a title report to ensure that no liens,
judgments, violations or other problems with the
home exist.
6. Survey – The purchaser will order a survey
to be conducted. This is a physical map of
the property illustrating the boundaries, location
of any buildings in the site, wetlands and other
environmental issues, and possible problems with
adjoining landowners.
7. Walk Through – On the day of the real
estate closing, the purchaser will conduct a final
inspection of the home to ensure that no damage
has occurred to the home since the last inspections.
8. Closing – At the real estate closing, all
parties will appear. The purchaser will complete
documents from their lender and the final paperwork
to purchase the home, after which the attorneys
will provide their respective clients with
a post-closing package to enclose copies of all of
the transfer documents.
While a number of additional steps may be
necessary depending upon the complexity of the
transaction involved or problems that may arise,
the above steps describe the typical residential
home-buying process. Now that you know what
to expect, stop delaying and make your American
dream happen today!
James Hyer is a partner of Bashian and Farber,
LLP, located at 235 Main St., White Plains,
with satellite offices in Manhattan, and Greenwich,
Conn. Contact him at 914-946-5100 or
www.bashianfarberlaw.com.
CORPORATION NOTICE
CITY OF YONKERS-NEW YORK
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to law, that the City Council of the City of
Yonkers, New York will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at
8:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, New York
on the following resolution, to wit:
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A PROPOSED RESOLUTION FOR A HONORARY STREET RENAMING OF
CHURCHILL AVENUE AS “MATTHEW WALLACE WAY”
VINCENT SPANO
City Clerk
#1406 10/23/2015

PAGE 4 - Yonkers rising - Friday, October 23, 2015
City Celebrates Opening
Of Grant Park II
Beczak’s Son Visits Namesake
Joseph Beczak, second from left, with Science Barge Capt. Bob Walters, left, and family, at a
recent visit to the environmental center that bears his father’s name.
Mayor Mike Spano, joined by housing and elected officials, cuts the ribbon on the new
affordable housing project.
During a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebration
last week, the City of Yonkers unveiled the
recently completed Grant Park II, home to 56 new
affordable housing units and the final phase in the
revitalization efforts of the Mulford Garden public
housing complex.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, representatives
from Yonkers Municipal Housing Authority, New
York State Homes and Community Renewal, the
Yonkers Industrial Development Agency, Landex
Development and others were in attendance to
mark the completion of the 56 units dedicated to
providing more quality affordable housing to the
residents of Yonkers.
“This is a great day, both for the people who
are moving into their new homes and for the City
of Yonkers, as we mark the continued renewal of
one of our most vital neighborhoods,” said Spano.
“I can’t think of a better example of government
and the private sector working together to replace
homes that were substandard with homes that are
outstanding.”
“The completion of this phase of Grant Park
is a prime example of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s commitment
to creating affordable housing opportunities
for our fellow New Yorkers across the State,”
added Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner/CEO
James Rubin. “This true collaboration
among the state, City of Yonkers and the private
sector has added 56 safe, new, energy-efficient
units of affordable housing stock in Yonkers. This
neighborhood has seen some difficult times. The
residents who will call this home will play a big
part in helping to re-invigorate the community –
and in the end, that’s what matters.”
Grant Park II, located at 1 Whetstone Ave., is
the fourth and final phase in the revitalization of a
planned 240-unit affordable housing community.
It offers 56 apartments consisting of one-, twoand
three-bedroom townhouse-style apartments,
each with a washer and dryer. Included on site is
a community clubhouse, fitness center, computer
center and on-site management office.
The community accepts tenants with low income
and physical disabilities; its residents can
earn up to 60 percent of the area median income.
Additionally, Grant Park II has attained
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-
Gold and Energy Star certifications. Careful planning
by the development, design and construction
teams in creating a “green” building allows for
lower energy use, water, materials and air quality.
Grant Park II’s residents will all benefit from
an eco-friendly environment and reduced energy
cost.
“The Housing Authority and its board are
pleased to have completed this new phase of the
Mulford Gardens redevelopment project,” said Joseph
Shulinder, executive director of the Yonkers
Municipal Housing Authority. “These 56 units
are another step forward in the joint effort of the
City of Yonkers and the Authority to redevelop
the Ashburton Avenue corridor and provide quality
affordable housing to our residents. We want
to thank our partners, the New York State Department
of Housing and Community Renewal, the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
our developer partners the Landex Corporation,
and all the additional partners who have provided
financial assistance to the project.”
“Transforming a neighborhood is never easy,
but at Grant Park, a determined community and
housing authority overcame a daunting array of
challenges over the years,” added Holly Leicht,
HUD regional administrator for New York and
New Jersey. “Today, we celebrate the completion
of a HUD HOPE VI redevelopment project
that was launched more than a decade ago. These
homes are a testament to the importance of sustained
commitment and long-term partnerships
among all levels of government.”
Those who contributed financially to the
project were the Federal Department of Housing
and Urban Development’s HOPE VI program, the
NYS Homes and Community Renewal, Bank of
America Merrill Lynch, the Richman Group Affordable
Housing Corporation and Yonkers Industrial
Development Agency.
“Grant Park II should serve as a shining example
of what can be accomplished when the public
and private sector work together,” said State
Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Senate Democratic
leader. “I am proud to vote in favor of state
funding to create affordable housing like this. As
someone who grew up in public housing, I know
how important it is to have a safe home, and these
additional 56 units will be just such a place for
Yonkers families.”
“The completion of Grant Park II is an exciting
moment for this community and reflects our
continued focus on building affordable housing in
Yonkers,” added Assembly member Shelley Mayer.
“Through collaboration among government
and the private sector, we have found a way to create
affordable, quality housing for our residents –
places they will be proud to call home. I salute
all who made today a reality, and look forward to
continued focus on quality, affordable housing in
our community.”
The Hidden Secrets of
The Spano Administration
By Bill Nuckel
Republican candidate for Yonkers mayor
The present administration has increased
the city budget by $127 million since taking
office. Have you received any benefit from the
increase? The Administration has!
The mayor has filled the government with
political patronage while continually violating
the City Charter, and his sphere of influence has
been granted millions of dollars in city contracts.
Public affairs, the office responsible for
the mayor’s public relations, has increased its
budget from $335,000 in 2014 to $1,241,000
through 2016. In addition, it has grown from
four employees to 11 employees. Constituent
services, another arm of the mayor’s office, has
increased its budget from $482,000 to $582,000.
City departmental expenses are projected to
increase $7 million annually through 2018, and
the administration has no plan for re-occurring
revenue. However, there is a proposal for a sewage
tax district.
Health care costs for city employees are
projected to increase 7 percent annually. The
city could save $3 million per annum by becoming
self-insured, but is deterred because of a failure
to track case histories. Workers compensation
is projected to rise 10 percent annually until
2018. The cost payout today is approaching $20
million.
The mayor tells us property tax increases
have been limited to 2 percent when, in actuality,
we are paying 2.5 percent. Under his watch,
the income tax surcharge has increased to 16.75
percent from 15 percent, but can be increased to
as much as 19 percent; our water usage fees have
increased 10 percent; city sales tax has increased
to 8.875 percent from 8.375 percent. (This half
a percent increase in sales tax is dedicated to the
Board of Education budget.)
The mayor talks about all the redevelopment
throughout Yonkers and, particularly, cites
the waterfront. Yet, existing housing on the waterfront
has a vacancy rate of 60 percent and
there is no mention of a remedy. All this redevelopment
and, yet, no developer pays full taxes
on assessed value for six years. In addition, you,
as a taxpayer, have lost millions in Industrial
Development Agency-granted mortgage tax exemption
revenue. This exemption revenue does
not solely benefit Yonkers – we share it with
both Westchester County and New York State.
How much revenue are we losing on stalled
or failed projects?
The administration claims crime is down.
Violent crimes, for the first six months of 2015,
have more than doubled the total number for
2014. The figures for August and September are
not being released. The waterfront is being well
guarded, while on the midnight to 8 a.m. tour,
only 34 to 36 officers patrol our streets citywide.
State funds have been used to close the
Board of Education budget gap for fiscal year
2016 and 2017. Total expenses for the board
are projected to increase on an average of
$14 million through 2018. So why hasn’t the
board moved on a simple thing like revising its
33-year-old transportation plan? If the mayor is
going to boast about increasing graduation rates,
then he has to acknowledge that one high school
is already in receivership and eight other schools
are just steps away.
Yonkers is standing still. My pledge to the
taxpayers of Yonkers is to report an actual accounting
of city government, to be open and
honest with the citizen, become effective and efficient
as a corporation must, and cut waste from
the budget.
While in Yonkers to attend his 50th Sacred
Heart High School reunion, Joseph Beczak, a
sociology professor at San Diego City College,
stopped by Sarah Lawrence College’s CURB –
formerly Beczak Environmental Educational Center
– which was named after his father in 1980.
He also enjoyed visiting the Science Barge
Mason is a young dog that weighs about 50
pounds. He was found as a stray in Yonkers two
weeks ago and is the nicest pup you could meet!
He loves to run after a ball and he bounces like a
bunny when he runs.
The best news is that Mason is cat- and
dog-friendly, and is very gentle. He has coloring
Meet Mason
Bring Mason home today.
and Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club – once
the Yonkers Canoe Club, where his father was
commodore. Joseph was a competitive paddler in
the 1960s.
Terry Nagai, a long-time Beczak enthusiast
and former Sacred Heart High School faculty
member, arranged the visits.
similar to a Doberman, however, he is definitely
a bully breed.
Visit Mason at the Yonkers Animal Shelter,
at 1000 Ridge Hill Blvd., between 11 a.m. and 4
p.m. daily. For more information, call 914-377-
6730 during business hours or 201-981-3215 at
any time, or email lesliem147@gmail.com.
Expanded Friday Hours
At Yonkers Public Library
The trustees of the Yonkers Public Library
announced last week that beginning Friday, Oct.
23, all three branches of the library will open at
9 a.m. on Fridays. The new opening time will
add one hour each week to the public service
schedule at the Riverfront Library at One Larkin
Center, and the Grinton I. Will Branch at 1500
Central Park Ave.
“We’re delighted to provide this expanded
schedule to meet the needs of the Yonkers community,”
said Library Director Edward Falcone.
For the full schedule at all three Yonkers
Public Library branches, visit www.ypl.org or
call 914-337-1500.

Yonkers Breaks Ground
On Marriott Hotel
FRiday, OctObeR 23, 2015 - yONkeRs RisiNG- PaGe 5
On This Day in
Yonkers History…
Mayor Mike Spano with City officials and developers breaking ground on new Marriott
coming to Yonkers.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano joined executives
from True North Hotels and Robert
Martin Company last week for the groundbreaking
of a new Marriott Hotel in South
Westchester Executive Park. Constructed by
True North Hotel Group, the three-acre property
will become home to a 154-room Courtyard
by Marriott by mid-2016.
“This will be the third hotel in the Robert
Martin Company developed in South Westchester
Executive Park, which further enhances
Yonkers as a destination for business
and leisure travel,” said Spano. “This means
more jobs for local residents and more revenue
to fund essential services. We appreciate
the commitment of Robert Martin Company
and True North for their continued support in
making Yonkers a great place to live, work and
play.”
To be built with an assistance package
from the Yonkers Industrial Development
Agency, the new hotel will be located on a
parcel directly opposite the existing Residence
Inn at 7 Executive Boulevard, built six years
ago by the same owners, True North Hotels.
Amenities to be featured in the hotel include a
coffee shop, pool, meeting room and exercise
room.
“The location permits efficiency of parking
and operation of the two adjoining facilities,
while catering to two different segments
of hotel guests,” said Brad Weins, senior vice
president of True North Hotels.
“This new hotel will provide approximately
50 permanent jobs and add to our tax
base, while adding little or no additional demand
for local services,” added YIDA President
Ken Jenkins. “It’s a clear boost for the
city’s economy.”
The total cost of the project is estimated
be $24.5 million and will provide for 50 fulltime-equivalent,
permanent jobs and approximately
250 construction jobs.
“The South Westchester Executive Park
has grown to more than 1 million square feet
of mixed uses over three decades of encouragement
by the City of Yonkers,” said Robert
Weinberg, president of Robert Martin Company.
“It also continues to attract new uses
benefiting from the proximity of amenities,
which minimize the need for traveling offsite
on local roads. Still to come with local approval
could be more stores serving the area
and eventually apartments attractive to nearly
5,000 workers within easy walking and biking
distance.”
Courtyard by Marriott joins the growing
hotel boom in Yonkers, including the opening
of Hyatt Place in the Cross County Center,
and the construction of the Hampton Inn and
the recently renovated Royal Regency, both
located on Tuckahoe Road.
Letters to the Editor
Computer Repair
Dear Editor:
I strongly make this personal endorsement
of Michael Meyer, a candidate for Yonkers City
Council in the Third District.
We need someone who truly cares about the
residents of the Third Council District and that
candidate is Michael Meyer with his communityfirst
attitude and along with his platform of getting
back to the basics, also his main issue of our
quality of life in our district totally galvanizes me
and I strongly ask all Third District residents on
Election Day, when they go to the polls, to vote
for Michael Meyer for Yonkers City Council in the
Third District.
In closing, I strongly feel that we need to return
back to the days, when we had a representative
who we could all respect and those days
were when we were represented by former Councilwoman
Joan Gronowski. I strongly feel that a
Meyer Victory will bring us to those days.
In my opinion, the Current City councilman
is a lapdog of the mayor and that Mr. Sabatino
only cares about photo-ops and ribbon cuttings
and has been a no-show councilman, in my view.
Sabatino is also supported by the special interests
and political insiders that have long ruined
our city, this group of people I like to call The Yonkers
Cartel. It’s time to get back to the basics and
elect Michael Meyer to the Yonkers City Council
on Election Day.
Delfim A. heusler
Yonkers
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The Federal Sugar Refinery from a postcard receipt mailed June 1914.
By Mary Hoar
President Emeritas, Yonkers Historical
Society
Monday, oct. 26
Oct. 26, 1914: Mr. Spreckels announced a
temporary shut down of the Federal Sugar Refinery
to allow the machinery, which ran 24 hours a
day, 11 months of the year, to be repaired and get
routine maintenance. The factory re-opened in
December when Cuba once again began cutting
its sugar cane.
Oct. 26, 1926: Public Safety Commissioner
William Cameron ordered automobile parking
in the downtown area to be supervised by a
policeman on a bicycle, and changed the order
for the sale of last police department horses. The
original sale was for six horses, with a seventh to
be kept for the use of the “parking overseer.” That
final horse was ordered to be sold.
Oct. 26, 1919: Alvin “Shipwreck” Kelly ascended
to the top of the Proctor’s Theater building
flagpole to begin a weeklong perch.
Tuesday, oct. 27
Oct. 27, 1908: William Howard Taft, the
Republican nominee for president, was the principal
speaker at a rally at Blaney’s Theater. Introduced
by Congressman John Andrus, thousands
enthusiastically heard him present his platform.
Oct. 27, 1923: At a meeting of the Armour
Villa Park Improvement Association in School
Eight, it was voted to drop the name of the section
and change it to something else. It was decided
to choose a name at the next meeting.
Wednesday, oct. 28
Oct. 28, 1927: The old Waring mansion
was “knocked down” to John Stone of 315 South
Broadway for $10, under John Kettell’s hammer
on the counter in the City Clerk’s Office. That
hammer sounded the knell for the old home that
once was one of the city’s show places.
Oct. 28, 1929: The Spreckels Sugar Refinery
signed a lease for a strip of land extending 300
feet north along the New York Central Railroad
tracks to build a $500,000 addition to its factory.
The land was rented from the John Andrus estate.
Oct. 28, 1937: The fourth annual National
Salon of Photography held by the Yonkers Camera
Club at the Yonkers Museum of Science and
Arts in Trevor Park drew entries from every section
of the U.S., with more than 400 prints sent
for consideration.
Thursday, oct. 29
Oct. 29, 1904: Barney Oldfield, driving his
automobile known as the Green Dragon, won
the 10-mile race for the world’s championship at
the Empire City Racetrack. At the same time, he
established a new world record for distance. His
time was 9:12, beating the former record of 9:13.
Oct. 29, 1924: Upholding the contention
that Yonkers is just as suitable to make motion
pictures as France, the Supreme Court of New
York handed down a decision awarding John
Kellerd $772. Kellerd had signed a contract to
make a picture for a New York concern; the “suburbs
of Yonkers” were the main film locations.
The company decided to film the in France.
Since Kellerd was unable to go to France, he sued
for the amount of his contract.
Primarily a stage actor, Kellerd was best
known in silent movies, and for the film “The
Fight,” made in 1915.
Friday, oct. 30
Oct. 30, 1905: The Leake and Watts Orphan
Home sold a strip of land parallel to the Hudson
River to the New York Central Railroad for $1.
Alvin “Shipwreck Kelly” pictured on top of a
flagpole.
Oct. 30, 1917: Secretary of the Treasury
and former Yonkers resident William McAdoo
appointed Yonkers resident Russell Leffingwell
assistant secretary of the treasury in charge of
Liberty Loans.
Oct. 30, 1925: Five hundred and seventy cubic
yards of gravel was washed into the Hudson
River off Josephine Street during a gale. Contractor
Frank Cooney was supplying the material
for construction of a cement highway between
North Tarrytown and Briarcliff.
Saturday, oct. 31
Oct. 31, 1902: Congressman Oscar Underwood
of Alabama, the first Democratic whip in
the House of Representatives, addressed a large
rally in Philipsburg Hall. Underwood ran for
president in 1912.
Oct. 31, 1904: Frank Crocker won the Hudson
River race, starting from Poughkeepsie and
finishing at 86th Street. Not only did the Yonkers
man pilot the motorboat, he finished 19 minutes
ahead of his nearest rival.
Oct. 31, 1961: Thousands of spectators saw
Janet Mick, Miss Rheingold 1961, atop a float
decorated as a colorful peacock throne in the
16th annual Yonkers ragamuffin parade. Dozens
of newsboys rode The Herald Statesman float,
while King Gray Cameron and Queen Beth
Kertzman with their court of six high school students
rode on a float sponsored by the Yonkers
Real Estate Board and Emil Yedowitz and Sons.
Sunday, Nov. 1
Nov. 1, 1899: The November issue of Argosy
featured the opening chapters of “The American
Syndicate,” a novel by Frederick Burton of Yonkers.
The story told the experiences of a New
Yorker who heads to Puerto Rico with $33 in his
pocket and a signboard, yet managed to undertake
big business schemes.
Nov. 1, 1929: Overcome by her admiration
for Alvin “Shipwreck” Kelly’s pluck, a 22-yearold
telephone operator prevailed upon the flagpole
sitter’s attendants to hoist her up to his side
on top of the Proctor Building and rewarded him
with a kiss, to the delight of the cheering crowd.
For more information on the Yonkers Historical
Society, Sherwood House and upcoming
events, visit www.facebook.com/YonkersHistoricalSociety,
or LinkedIn and Twitter @YonkersHistoric.
For information on membership
in YHS, call 914-961-8940 or email yhsociety@
aol.com.
DELIVERY DRIVER NEEDED
Delivery driver wanted for weekly
newspapers in Yonkers and Westchester
County. Experience and own
auto preferred. To apply send email
to risingmediagroup@gmail.com

PAGE 6 - Yonkers Rising - Friday, October 23, 2015
Classifieds
ANTIQUES • ART • COLLECTIBLES
Most cash paid for paintings, antiques, furniture,
silver, sculpture, jewelry, books, cameras, records,
instruments, coins, watches, gold, comics,
sports cards, etc. Please call Aaron at 914-654-
1683.
Delivery Driver Needed-Delivery
driver wanted for weekly newspapers in
Yonkers and Westchester County. Experience
and own auto preferred. To apply send email to
risingmediagroup@gmail.com
Licensed therapists needed
- for Early Intervention SLP, OT, PT, SI, SW,
Psych Cases in Westchester County for ages
0-3 with developmental delays Send resume to
HR@skhov.org
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Legal Notices
Notice of Formation of MCA
Realty Group LLC. Art. Of
Org. filed with the Secy.
of State of NY (SSNY) on
07/13/2015. Office location:
Westchester County. SSNY
Designated as agent of LLC
upon whom process against
it may be served. SSNY shall
mail copy of process to: The
LLC, 248 New Main St., Yonkers,
NY 10701. Purpose:
any lawful act.
#6670 09/18 – 10/23
Notice of formation of I.B.
General Construction LLC
Arts. Of Org. filed with the
Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY)
on 06/03/2015. Office location:
Westchester. The street
address is: 56 Etville Ave,
Yonkers NY 10703. SSNY
has been designated as
agent of the LLC upon whom
process against it may be
served. SSNY shall mail
process served to: IGOR
BALKOVYY, 56 Etville Ave,
Yonkers NY 10703. Purpose:
any lawful act.
#6671 09/18 - 10/23
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER
CITY OF YONKERS,
Plaintiff,
-against-
Notice of formation of Westchester
Consulting LLC Arts.
Of Org. filed with the Sect’y
of State of NY (SSNY) on
7/6/2015. Office location:
Westchester. The street address
is: 25 Cedar Street
#4N Yonkers, NY 10701.
SSNY has been designated
as agent of the LLC upon
whom process against it may
be served. SSNY shall mail
process served to: Ricardo
Rodriguez, 25 Cedar Street
#4N Yonkers, NY 10701.
Purpose: any lawful act.
#6672 09/25 - 10/30
JOSEPH MASSIMO, P.L.D. CORP., KEDAR PROPERTIES, LLC., NEW YORK STATE
DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE and JOHN DOE (said name being fictitious,
it being the intention of plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being
foreclosed herein, and any parties, corporations or entities, if any, having or claiming
an interest or lien upon said premises),
SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER
DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE OF THE INDY-
MAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-AR12, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH
CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-AR12 UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING
AGREEMENT JUNE 1, 2005,
MELINDA ANNE ROBERTS A/K/A MELINDA ROBERTS, et al.
V.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated
5/5/2015, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of WESTCHESTER,
wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE OF THE
INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-AR12, MORTGAGE PASS-
THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-AR12 UNDER THE POOLING AND
SERVICING AGREEMENT JUNE 1, 2005, is the Plaintiff and MELINDA ANNE ROB-
ERTS A/K/A MELINDA ROBERTS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned
Referee will sell at public auction at the WESTCHESTER COUNTY COURTHOUSE
LOBBY, 111 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD., WHITE PLAINS, NY 10601, on
11/9/2015 at 9:30am, premises known as 1348 NEPPERHAN AVE, YONKERS, NY
10703: Section 3 Block 3364 Lot 27.28:
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS
AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN
THE CITY OF YONKERS, COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER AND STATE OF NEW
YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #2603/2010. JO-
SEPH G. GOUBEAUD, JR., ESQ. - Referee. RAS Boriskin, LLC 900 Merchants Concourse,
Suite 106, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff
#3184 10/09/15 – 10/30/15
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Index No.: 62773/2014
Property address:
37 Saratoga Avenue, Yonkers, New York
Section 1 Block 32 Lot 24
Defendants.
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT:
JOSEPH MASSIMO
The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order
of the Hon. Robert DiBella, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New
York, dated September 24, 2015 and filed along with the supporting papers in the
Westchester County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclosure on a tax lien
for the property located at 37 Saratoga Avenue, Yonkers, New York. The sum of
money for which judgment may be taken in case of default is $200,977.79 including
interest calculated up to and including June 30, 2014.
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to serve upon Plaintiff’s attorney an
answer to the complaint in this action within twenty days after the service of this summons,
exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty days after service is complete if this
summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your
failure to answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded
in the complaint.
Trial is desired in the County of Westchester. The basis of venue is the location of the
subject premises.
NOTICE
YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR REAL PROPERTY
IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT BY SERVING
A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON PLAINTIFF’S ATTORNEY WHO FILED THIS TAX
FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH
THE COURT, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AND YOU CAN LOSE
YOUR REAL PROPERTY. SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY OR GO TO THE COURT
WHERE YOUR CASE IS PENDING FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO
ANSWER THE SUMMONS AND PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY. SENDING A PAY-
MENT TO YOUR TAX COLLECTOR WILL NOT STOP THIS FORECLOSURE AC-
TION. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE
ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF CITY OF YONKERS AND FILING THE ANSWER
WITH THE COURT.
Dated:
White Plains, New York
September 28, 2015
OXMAN TULIS KIRKPATRICK
WHYATT & GEIGER, LLP
By: STUART E. KAHAN, Esq.
120 Bloomingdale Road, Suite 100
White Plains, New York 10605
(914) 422-3900
skahan@oxmanlaw.com
#1404 10/02/2015 – 10/23/2015

Friday, October 23, 2015 - Yonkers Rising - PAGE 7
Seniors and Health Care
Attorney Honored at
St. Joseph’s Annual Ball
The law firm of
Veneruso, Curto, Schwartz
and Curto, LLP, announced
last week that its managing
partner, James Veneruso,
Esq., will be honored at
the Saint Joseph’s Medical
Center’s annual ball Saturday,
Nov. 7 at the Hilton
Westchester in Rye Brook.
Veneruso has received
both a Peer and Client Review
Rating of AV Preeminent
rating from Martindale
Hubble since 1984, and his
biographic sketch appears
in “Who’s Who in American
Law.” He is a former
adjunct instructor of business
at Iona College and
College of Mount Saint Vincent.
Veneruso is active in civic and charitable
organizations. In addition to serving on the
Board of Trustees of Saint Joseph’s Medical
Center, he serves as legal counsel and is a board
member of Habitat for Humanity of Westchester,
as well as Yonkers Partners in Education,
Inc., and the Italian American Forum. He formerly
served on the board and as legal counsel
Mental Health Association
Hosts Foster Child Visitation
If you’ve ever read the book “Are You My
Mother?” to a child, you understand the critical
importance of the Host Visitation program
at The Mental Health Association of Westchester,
which helps families stay in contact even
though a child may be in foster care.
There are nearly 600 children in foster care
in Westchester County who need to stay connected
to their families of origin.
The Host Visitation program trains community
volunteers to assist families by supervising
and supporting them as they visit one
another despite the separation of foster care.
Visits take place once or twice a week in a variety
of possible settings, including a library or
Gain Acceptance Into
Your Dream School
News flash: College rankings don’t matter.
This claim might sound crazy, but it’s true.
Research shows that where you go to school
makes little difference to future financial success
or quality of life – personal qualities such
as ambition, perseverance and a sense of purpose
are all more important.
Dwindling acceptance rates, mounting
tuition costs and intense academic pressure...
today’s college hopefuls and their families
face more hurdles than ever before. But for all
those seeking admission to the elusive “dream
school,” educational consultant Kristin White
explains that it doesn’t need to be so hard.
Join White at the Larchmont Public Library
on Monday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m., for a free
seminar on the matter,
White, author of “It’s the Student, Not
the College: The Secrets of Succeeding at Any
School Without Going Broke or Crazy” (The
Experiment Publishers, April 2015), has helped
hundreds of parents and students look beyond
the dream school hype and focus on what’s
most important. Now she shows how to avoid
James Veneruso
to the Greyston Foundation,
Family Service Society
of Yonkers and Heartsong,
Inc.
Among the honors he
has received, are “Most
Socially Conscious Attorney,”
awarded by Westchester
County Bar Association
and the Westchester
Business Journal; and the
“Hon. Richard Daronco
Distinguished Service in
Law Award,” awarded by
the Columbian Lawyers’
Association of Westchester
County.
Veneruso resides in
Yonkers with his wife, Lillian,
and they have three
children. Their daughter Jacquelyn and her husband,
Peter Flick, reside in Arizona with their
three children, Isabella Grace, James and Ryder
Jude; and James Jr. and his wife, Aubry, who
reside in Chicago, have a baby girl, Lucia.
Their youngest son, Stephen, is an attorney
practicing in Yonkers at Veneruso, Curto,
Schwartz and Curto, LLP, and is engaged to
Stephanie Ciaccia.
community center. These visits greatly reduce
the trauma children experience by being separated.
Volunteers are currently being recruited
to participate in training, which will take place
Nov. 3, 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the
MHA offices in Tarrytown.
For more information, call Jackie Boissonnault,
LMSW, at 914-345-5900, ext. 7518, or
visit www.mhawestchester.org.
Founded in 1946, MHA has become a premier
advocate for mental health in the community,
serving as a resource for all those who
experience emotional and social issues and
mental health conditions.
unrepayable debt and set yourself up to grow,
excel and enjoy yourself at any school.
Instead of obsessing over GPA cutoffs and
SAT scores, White will share how to build a
personal “success profile” by adopting the traits
that help stellar students make the grade in
school and life. White’s presentation will also
include information on why what you do in
school counts more than where you go, the criteria
to consider when choosing a college, how
to find a good fit for your family’s finances, and
tips for graduating career-ready and landing a
great first job.
White is an educational consultant who
helps students and families evaluate colleges,
boarding schools and independent dayschools,
while also helping them navigate the
admissions process. Her educational consulting
firm, Darien Academic Advisors, LLC, is based
in Darien, Conn., but works with students and
families across the U.S. and around the world.
For more information about this or any of
the programs offered by the Larchmont Public
Library, visit www.larchmontlibrary.org.
Fashion Event Supports
Pediatric Cancer Foundation
View some of the latest fashions while supporting a good cause on Oct. 28.
PAL Boxers
Continued from Page 1
heavyweight division;
Angel Ruiz, 17, 114 pounds, bronze medal;
Iman Lee, 15, 125 pounds, bronze medal;
Tony Harris, 15, 154 pounds, bronze medal.
The boxing program is just one of the programs
offered by the PAL, to bring discipline
and athletic participation to the young people of
Yonkers. The PAL’s Marty Walshin Center on
The Pediatric Cancer Foundation will celebrate
its 45th year in style at its annual fall
event, Fashion Meets Philanthropy, taking
place Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Simon’s
The Westchester, in collaboration with
Harper’s BAZAAR.
This year, PCF’s annual fall event takes
on a new shape, from a change in venue, to
collaborating with a national fashion magazine
and a strong roster of luxury retail supporters.
Fashion Meets Philanthropy will bring guests
front and center at one of the most bespoke
fashion events of the season.
During the event, pediatric cancer survivor
and pre-kindergarten teacher Soleidy
Estevez, who was diagnosed with Osteogenic
Sarcoma at 7 years old and has been in recovery
for 11 years, will share her story of hope
and courage.
“We are thrilled to align with The Westchester,
Simon and Harper’s BAZAAR,” said
Bonnie Shyer, president of PCF. “I’d like to
extend special recognition to our volunteer
team of hardworking annual fall event chairpersons
and applaud our guest speaker, Soleidy
Estevez, who as a little girl fought cancer
with courage and strength. Now a pre-school
teacher, she wants to give back by telling her
story so that others can gain from her experience.”
Registration is limited to the first 200
guests. For more information or to purchase
tickets, visit www.pcfluncheon.org or call
914-777-3127.
North Broadway is a haven for kids in the city
who don’t have anything else to do. The PAL
offers them an alternative to the streets, and is
the reason Yonkers Rising support and promote
all of the good work they do, together with the
many PAL volunteers that make it happen.
The PAL will be holding one of its major
fundraising events in the weeks to come. Once
again the PAL has received two tickets to the
upcoming Super Bowl, along with airfare and
hotel, which will be raffled off. Tickets are $100,
so consider supporting a great organization.
Celebrating our 125 th Anniversary
Spanish and
Arabic speaking
providers are
available
INTRODUCING THE LATEST MEMBER
OF THE SAINT JOSEPH’S FAMILY
Saint Joseph’s Family Medicine
415 South Broadway
Yonkers, NY 10705
(914) 623-5400
Offering Comprehensive healthcare services for the entire family
Pediatrics • Adults • Older Adults
Ammir Rabadi, MD, Medical Director
Wendy Sylvester, MD • Nadeem Shahid, MD
Convenient Hours
Basic Testing Services On-Site
Most Insurance Plans Accepted
Same day appointments available
Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm • Friday 8am-5pm • Saturday 9am-2pm
FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, PLEASE GO TO OUR ER AT:
Saint Joseph’s Medical Center
127 South Broadway
Yonkers, New York 10701
(914) 378-7000
www.saintjoseph.org

PAGE 8 - Yonkers RIsing - Friday, October 23, 2015
Spano vs. Nuckel
Continued from Page 1
Exchange Club
Continued from Page 1
years of serving as deputy chief of fire prevention,
while also supporting and contributing to those
events honoring his fellow YFD members.
Flynn addressed the packed audience of fellow
YFD members, family, friends, members of
the civic and political community and the Blue
Knights, as he described the incident that was recalled.
On the night of Jan. 7, 2014, Tower Ladder
71 responded to 164 Beech St. for a report of a
structure fire. Upon arrival, Engine 306 reported
that there was heavy fire in the rear of the building
and the fire was preventing the occupants of the
building from exiting through the interior stairs.
Ladder 71 arrived on the scene approximately
30 seconds later and found numerous people
trapped on the second and third floors. The crews
attempted to gain access to the trapped occupants,
but were driven back down the stairs due to heave
heat and smoke conditions.
Under the direction of Coyle, Thompson and
Faughnan rapidly deployed a ground ladder to
reach the fire victims who were trapped at a window
on the second floor. Simultaneously, Sullivan
positioned, set up and operated the aerial platform
over the power lines to rescue a trapped father and
daughter from a window on the third floor.
Let’s Go
Continued from Page 1
and 25-15. Kiriakos had 13 aces and 10 kills, and
Garrido eight aces and three kills.
Yonkers H.S. had a great week, too, by winning
two matches! On Oct. 13, Yonkers defeated
Riverside 25-15, 25-15 and 25-13. Leanne Bello
had four aces, two kills and 23 assists; Nicole Frascati
had two aces and 16 kills; and Amanda Marji
had six aces and three kills.
On Oct. 15, Yonkers defeated Gorton in three
sets, 25-8, 25-16 and 25-15. Bello had 13 aces,
three kills and 23 assists; Frascati had three aces,
14 kills, one assist and one dig; Marji had 10 aces,
five kills, one assist and one dig; and Pamela Mejia
had five aces and four kills.
On Oct. 13, Palisade Prep beat Solomon
Schechter in four sets, 25-23, 22-25, 25-18 and
25-21. Khadijah Ibrahim had 13 aces, three kills
and one dig; Tiara Mack had five aces and one assist;
and Nya Nelson had one ace and three kills.
Palisade Prep also lost two matches to Alexander
Hamilton and Tuckahoe in straight sets
in both matches. Ibrahim played great in both
matches!
On Oct. 13, Lincoln visited Roosevelt and
won in five sets: 25-16, 25-21, 17-25, 20-25 and
25-23.
Football
Gorton, Saunders and Lincoln were all winners
last week. Yes, sports fans, it was another
great week of high school football in Yonkers!
These games were all a prelude to this week’s
semi-final playoffs this Saturday at Saunders
million in additional state aid over two years to
help the city balance its books. The city has also
completed an inter-municipality agreement with
the school district and has consolidated positions
at the Board of Education and city government to
save taxpayer dollars.
Despite all of these financial decisions, the
city’s overall operating budget has remained under
the property tax cap.
One piece of the Yonkers Public Schools
budget that Nuckel has correctly highlighted is the
transportation budget, which at $32 million per
year is larger than the total budgets of most other
school districts in Westchester. In order to reduce
the transportation allocation, the school district
will have to build additional schools in the southwest
portion of the city, where most of the public
students live, and will require hundreds of millions
of dollars in investment from the city and the state.
While Nuckel has focused his campaign on
the city budget, he has offered few alternative solutions
to how he would have avoided borrowing,
bonding, an increase in the sales tax and the IMA.
Nuckel has also highlighted what he sees as
a bloated city budget is some departments, which
can be found on page 4 in this week’s Yonkers
Rising. Those positions, which he characterizes as
political patronage jobs, amount to $2 million – in
a total city budget of $1 billion.
Experience
Spano has served as mayor for the past four
years, and prior to that, served as a member of the
Assembly representing Yonkers for 16 years. Nuckel’s
experience dates back to his two years as a
member of the Yonkers City Council in the 1980s.
During his two years on the council 30 years
ago, Nuckel voted for property tax increases of 9
percent and 4 percent, and increases in the income
tax surcharge. For Nuckel to point to Spano raising
property taxes by 10 percent over four years,
in comparison to his record as a member of the
City council where taxes increased by 13 percent,
is ironic.
Nuckel also refers to Spano as a “career politician,”
and while politics has always been a profession
that runs strong in the Spano family, and
Mike Spano has been successful in his runs for
elected office, Nuckel has also run for office on
many occasions, including runs for the Assembly,
council president and county legislator and mayor
this year. If Nuckel were successful in any of his
prior runs for office, he could also be called a career
politician.
Relations with the Governor and Albany
Nuckel has questioned the decision to embrace
Gov. Andrew Cuomo when he came to Yonkers
earlier this year to discuss the additional funding
for YPS in exchange for a sales tax increase.
Nuckel said he sees that visit as a bad event for
Yonkers, while Spano sees it as a positive event.
The agreement that was reached, and agreed
to by the mayor, the City Council and the state delegation
from Yonkers, avoided any cuts to services,
staff and programs in Yonkers Public Schools.
Again, Nuckel needs to present his alternative plan
to this agreement, or admit that if elected he would
have proceeded with additional cuts to YPS.
The relationship Spano has with Cuomo
also should be noted. While the state delegation
was helpful in getting Yonkers additional state
aid, Spano’s experience in Albany, and his ability
to work with Cuomo, has resulted in more state
dollars coming to Yonkers. While Nuckel questions
this relationship, one can question whether
the governor, and the dollars, would have come to
Yonkers under a Mayor Nuckel.
Positive and Negative Messages
Any challenger to a sitting incumbent mayor
needs to offer a different version of the way the
city is headed. Nuckel has offered his narrative,
which is that the city is headed in the wrong direction.
Spano has run a campaign that highlights his
accomplishments in his first term in office.
While it will be up to the voters to decide
which narrative they most agree with, over the
past four years, Spano has worked in a bipartisan
manner with the Republican majority on the City
Council. Many of the initiatives and decisions
sought and agreed to with the mayor have come
with the support of almost all of the members
of the council, with Democrats and Republicans
working together to solve the issues facing the
city.
This “political peace” that many see in Yonkers
is the underlying theme in the mayor’s race,
and the dilemma that Nuckel’s campaign must
overcome.
Development
Nuckel has publicly questioned whether
the $1 billion in development in Yonkers, both
planned and underway, is a reality. In last week’s
Yonkers Rising, we reported on the list of development
projects that total $1 billion in Yonkers. And
while the length or delays in moving some of these
projects can legitimately be called into question,
almost every project is indeed real.
Demolition of old properties in the downtown
are underway; city approval for these projects
have already occurred; and it’s clear that there
is an interest from the development community –
and from American corporations – in building in
Yonkers.
For more information on Bill Nuckel’s campaign,
visit www.BillNuckel.net, and for more information
on Mike Spano’s campaign visit www.
mikespano.com.
The conditions under which these men performed
were further complicated by extremely
cold, sub-zero, windy conditions, in addition to
having returned from a previous fire just one hour
earlier. These men performed their duties with
remarkable speed and efficiency. Their prompt,
aggressive actions and exceptional teamwork are
indicative of the professionalism associated with
the Yonkers Fire Department.
Due to the quick actions and coordinated
teamwork of Ladder 71, seven trapped victims
were successfully removed from a multi-alarm fire
without injury, and thus Local 628 proudly recognized
these members as Firemen of the Year.
Exchange Club President Ann Muro also presented
the Blue Knights with a surprise recognition
award for their many years of friendship and
financial support of Exchange and its community
projects.
“We cannot thank them enough for all they
have done…” she said, at which point the audience
stood to applaud. “The Exchange Club is
extremely proud of the wonderful relationship we
share with the Yonkers Fire Department. They are
Yonkers’ bravest and our city is lucky to have such
a fire department.”
There had been a moment of silence in memory
of Firefighter Patrick Joyce upon the sixth anniversary
of his death, and for the recent loss of
Exchange Club treasurer and longtime member
Vince Iannucci.
Field.
Gorton beat Riverside 45-6. Robbie Hamilton
had a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Also scoring 2 TDs was Malik Jones on a 27-yard
run and a 5-yard fumble recovery. Romarch Smith
also ran back a kickoff for a 6- yard TD. Rounding
out the scoring for Gorton were Ryan Hernandez
on a 9-yard run, Rance Hamilton scored on a
safety and Marvin Barnett ran 3 yards for a TD run
and kicked three extra points
Gorton finished in first place in the Hudson
River League with an undefeated mark of 6-0.
Saunders blasted Yonkers 56-0 at Roosevelt
this past Saturday. Senior Rich Kirwin threw four
touchdown passes and Senior Markiece Jones
scored two more TDs. Saunders finished second
place in the Hudson River League with an impressive
5-1 mark.
Coach McMurray has reported that on Oct.
13, Lincoln defeated Yonkers 38-6. This football
game was played at Lincoln, and the score at the
half was 0-0. This was the continuation of a game
that was postponed last Friday.
Other scores last weekend include: Lincoln,
22 – Roosevelt, 14; and Pleasantville, 40 – Yonkers
Montessori, 16
This week’s games are as follows:
Semi-finals of the Hudson River League
Playoffs (all games at the Saunders H.S. field) on
Saturday at 11 a.m. is Gorton vs. Lincoln, and at
2:30 p.m. is Saunders vs. Riverside.
Also on Saturday, Pelham will play at Yonkers
Montessori Academy at 1 p.m.; Palisades
Prep will play Yonkers at Gorton H.S. at 1 p.m.;
and Roosevelt will play at Valhalla at a time to be
determined.
Help Make a House a Home
For Families in Need
In conjunction with the Women in Business
Committee of the Yonkers Chamber of
Commerce, Furniture Sharehouse is holding a
furniture drive Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to
1 p.m. at the Empire City Casino parking lot/
Yonkers Avenue entrance.
Furniture Sharehouse serves 10 to 12 families
per week and relies on donations from the
community to help make a house a home for
those in need. As many of their clientele live
in small, walk-up apartments, items must be
moderately-sized, and must be in good condition
(free of rips, stains and pests).
Yonkers Marathon
Continued from Page 2
introduced to the participants.
Several parents were joined by their toddlers
and older children for the last 20 feet or so,
leading up to the finish line. There were several
friends, family members and groups running
together, as well as a veteran who carried the
U.S. flag for the entire race. There were lots of
superhero T-shirts, tutus and colorful running
gear on display.
Half-marathon winner Mark Pearce, who
hails from England, said he was surprised and
delighted to see so many people along the
course cheering the runners on. The motorcycle
Yonkers Police Department escort to the finish
line was an unexpected bonus.
For those not familiar with Yonkers, they
found out very quickly why we are called the
City of Hills. NYC Runs officials said Yonkers
has the most hills in the nation, after San Francisco.
The top three male and female winners in
each category and their times were:
Marathon
Men
1. Matt Collins, 2:44:34, Manhattan
A&P Closures
Continued from Page 1
members, are hoping the judge will see that
another CVS at that location, across the street
from a Walgreens, will not fulfill the nutritional
needs of families and seniors in northwest
Yonkers, who will have to travel two miles to
find another supermarket.
Judge Drain’s office has been flooded
with calls from Yonkers who oppose the new
CVS, and have asked Judge Drain to consider
the 2nd highest bidder for this property-Key
Foods. If CVS takes over the Odell A&P it
will be the first time in 50 years that the NW
Yonkers neighborhood is without a supermarket.
“Maintaining a vibrant local economy
and a balance of stores in northwest Yonkers
is a priority for our constituents,” said City
Council Majority Leader John Larkin. “Therefore,
it would seem that the sale of this grocery
to a pharmacy chain would be inadvisable,
especially when one considers the fact that
this is the only grocery store in the neighborhood,
and there is another pharmacy across the
street.”
Larkin added that the site is currently
Yonkers’ Finest
Continued from Page 1
is proud to endorse Michael Sabatino in his bid
for re-election to the Yonkers City Council,” he
said. “A true friend to the YPD, Michael knows
the importance of public safety and has worked
hard toward the goal of keeping Yonkers safe.
The men and women of the Yonkers PBA look
forward to a continuing partnership with Councilman
Sabatino and we are happy to back him in his
campaign for re-election.”
Lt. Tom Phelan, president of the Yonkers
Captain Lieutenants and Sergeants Association,
added: “Mayor Mike Spano is strong supporter of
law enforcement and gives the YPD all of the resources
we need to be the finest police department
in the United States. This reflects in the fact that
Yonkers is one of the safest cities in the nation
for its size. The men and women of the Yonkers
CLSA enthusiastically endorse Mike Spano for
mayor because of his leadership and commitment
to the safety of the citizens of Yonkers.”
Phelan, a lieutenant with the department,
and the CLSA, also endorsed Sabatino, adding:
“Councilman Sabatino considers public safety a
paramount concern and is a strong supporter of
providing our police department with the resources
necessary to do our jobs. He is very involved
with our community, notably in regard to crime
in their neighborhoods, and is very proactive in
finding solutions. I’ve found that he works very
In his column last week, Eric Schoen
asked the campaign manager for Mayor Spano,
Euthimios Theotokatos, not once but twice
if the mayor supports signage at intersections
with red light cameras alerting motorists to
their existence. Theotokatos said the mayor
did.
Earlier this week, we received the following
statement from Theotokatos:
Clarification
Community members and local businesses
are encouraged to drop off the following items
at this Saturday’s furniture drive: small sofas (no
sleepers), armchairs, kitchen tables and chairs,
dressers and night stands, occasional tables and
small coffee tables, table lamps and lampshades,
and mirrors (no larger than 4 feet)
Donors are encouraged to review the detailed
donation guidelines on the organization’s
website before loading up their cars to ensure
that their items can be accepted. Visit www.
furnituresharehouse.org/donation-guidelines for
more information.
2. Joseph Eagan, 2:51:24, NYC
3. Matthew McKenna, 2:53:53, Manhattan
Women
1. Patrice Kentner, 3:37:08, Pelham
2. Hannah Martin, 3:39:15, Queens
3. Benedicte Uguen, 3:41:30, Briarcliff
Manor
Half-Marathon
Men
1. Mark Pearce, 1:17:48, Adliswil, Switzerland
– a Brit here in USA on holiday
2. John Connolly, 1:23:36, Liverpool,
England
3. Sean Dillon, 1:24:46, Fishkill
Women
1. Andee Swann, 1:31:00, Morristown,
TN
2. Blanca Lucero, 1:32:13, NYC
3. Kim Chalfin, 1:33:35, Nanuet, AK
5K
Women
1. Emily Rosario, 19:56, Mount Vernon
2. Teshay Getiso, 19:59, Manhattan
3. Meaghan Collins, 21:12, Valhalla
Men
1. Evan Fallor, 17:59, Dobbs Ferry
2. Pedro Yupa, 19:00, no city listed
3. Edras Flores, Jr. 19:04, no city listed
zoned for supermarket-retail, and a CVS
would require a building permit and extensive
exterior renovations, which could delay an
opening for months.
“I am totally opposed to the acceptance
by Hon. Judge Drains to allow the sale to replace
our much-needed grocery store with an
unnecessary CVS in our community,” said
City Council Minority Leader Michael Sabatino.
“In my written statement to the judge
expressing my concerns, I’ve asked that the
second bid, which I believe is from Key Food,
be considered. We need a supermarket to remain
at that location. A second 24-hour drug
store would be an unnecessary addition while
the elimination of a supermarket will be a detriment.
“There has been a supermarket at that location
for almost 50 years,” he continued. “Our
local residents and especially our seniors, who
may have limited capacity to drive, need a facility
to which they can easily commute. I am
absolutely opposed to this decision.”
We agree with Larkin, Sabatino, and all of
our readers and shoppers in northwest Yonkers
– some of whom don’t have cars or driver’s
licenses to go to another market. Sometimes it
shouldn’t always be about the “almighty dollar.”
well with Mayor Spano and other council members,
and I know he always is making Yonkers his
top priority.”
Both Spano and Sabatino thanked the unions
for their endorsements and praised the work of
Yonkers police to keep the city safe.
“The endorsements of the Captains, Lieutenants
and Sergeants Association as well as
the Police Benevolent Association speaks to the
important progress we have made on one of my
priorities – which is to keep our streets safe for
Yonkers families,” said Sabatino. “I think we
have demonstrated that together, we can have a
collective impact on improving the safety of this
community, and I’m ready to continue to work
together moving forward. I am proud of these endorsements.”
The endorsements for Spano and Sabatino
are among the first to come in from a Yonkers city
union. Third District City Council candidate Michael
Meyer recently received the endorsement
from the New York State Supreme Court Officers
Association, and Spano also received the endorsement
from the NYSSCOA, and also from the
Westchester County Police Benevolent Association,
Westchester County Hispanic Law Enforcement
Association, Westchester County Correction
Superior Officers Association and the Affiliated
Police Association of Westchester County.
Sabatino has already received the endorsement
of the Yonkers Federation of Teachers.
More endorsements from Yonkers unions are
expected next week.
“In speaking with the mayor, I answered
the red light camera questions too simply. The
way I read the question was, ‘Is the mayor
willing to consider signs?’ He was a ‘no’ in the
past, now he is willing to consider them. Basically,
the way I conveyed your second question
to the mayor was incorrect, as I stated would
you consider signs vs. are you in favor of signs.
My apologies, as this was my error.”

Sister to Sister Hosts
Black Empowerment Conference
FRiday, OctObeR 23, 2015 - yONkeRs RisiNG - PaGe 9
Community Dedicates
Lt. Roy McLaughlin Park
Some of the attendees at the Black Women Empowerment Conference.
Sister to Sister International, along with a
oalition of leading black women’s organizations
nd various community stakeholders, recently
osted a “Black Women and the Girl-Child Emowerment
Conference 2015” at Mercy College
n Dobbs Ferry.
This exciting conference was the kickoff of
ground-breaking effort related to building a
ve-year collective impact strategic plan, in suport
of the development of the black girl-child in
estchester County.
“We applaud all of our community partners
nd look forward to working with them on this
uch-needed collaboration in support of the
irl-child and their future success,” said Cheryl
rannan, STSI founder, CEO and conference
onvener. “While we have all done great work
ndividually, we know we can do more together.
ollective work and responsibility have been a
radition in the African community and we are
xcited about the prospects of our future collecive
impact agenda.”
The value-packed day began with a contiental
breakfast, followed by an opening pleary
with a blessing for the occasion by the
ev. Marcia White Smith of Aldersgate United
ethodist Church and STSI Board member. It
as moderated by Dr. Suzanne Greenidge, ownr
of Woman to Woman OB/GYN and an STSI
nternational Advisory Board member, with feaured
special guest greetings from Dr. Iris Pagan,
xecutive director of the Westchester County
outh Bureau and Timothy Hall, J. D., president
f Mercy College, both of whom highlighted serices
and educational opportunities important
o engaging and uplifting girls.
The talent of the youth was displayed in an
TSI STEM Camp slide show and a live soulful
resentation of original “Sister Girl Poetry” by
harisse Stancil-Ashford, aka “She Salt” repreenting
the Delta Sigma Theta, Alumni Chapter.
f that were not enough, the plenary culminated
ith an ice-breaker for girl-child students, led
y Stacie NC Grant, noted event strategist, that
ncluded highlighting some of the latest dance
oves to the sounds of a special guest DJ.
The conference workshop chairwoman was
heryl Hunter-Grant, executive director of the
ower Hudson Valley Perinatal Network.
The standing-room-only intergenerational
orkshops featured various local luminaries,
ncluding the Hon. Kathie Davidson, supervisng
judge of the Ninth Judicial District Family
ourt; the Hon. Janet Malone, justice of the New
ork State Supreme Court; Susan Brownbill-
Proudly serving the City of Yonkers
Vega, Esq., assistant district attorney with the
Westchester County/Director of Community
Affairs; the Hon. Pearl Quarles, former county
legislator; the Hon. Lisa Copeland, former city
clerk in Mount Vernon; and various up-andcoming
millennial leaders.
Carol Wilkinson, News 12 reporter and anchor,
served as the special guest mistress of ceremony
for the power luncheon, which included
special greetings from the Hon. Andrea Stewart-Cousins,
Senate Democratic Conference
leader; along with Dr. Belinda Miles, president
of Westchester Community College; and the
Hon. J. Gary Pretlow, assemblyman for the 89th
District. Also present was the Hon. Ken Jenkins,
county legislator from Yonkers.
They all expressed their congratulations
and support for this collaborative effort.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Avis A. Jones-
DeWeever, founder of the Exceptional Leadership
Institute for Women and lead contributing
author of a study titled “Black Women in the
United States.”
Jones-DeWeever shared some very enlightening
facts on black women and the girl-child
in the U.S. in 2015: While we have made great
progress on some fronts nationally, we still have
a long way to go. She opened her impactful presentation
highlighting the #SayHerName campaign
that focuses on the many black women
and girls who have been victims of unnecessary
and unjust deaths in this country.
Other research highlights shared included,
that among all college degree holders, black
women take home the lowest earnings across
the board and are the most likely demographic
group in America to vote. Also, while our county
has many thriving black girls, the national trend
suggests that they are now the fastest growing
segment of the juvenile justice system.
A business expo featured health care providers,
vendors, organizational information
tables and pampering booths.
The conference sponsor was Sister to Sister
International, Inc., a nonprofit, non-governmental
organization established in 1994 that
links women and girls of African descent globally
to the resources that connect, advance and
strengthen them. This is done through advocacy,
education and the promotion of African culture.
For more information on this collective
impact initiative, contact Sister to Sister International
at 914-207-0368, email stsi@optonline.
net, or visit www.s2si.org or Facebook.
Make Rising Media Group
a part of your
advertising plan.
Call today! 914-965-4000
Kids enjoy the new Lt. Roy McLaughlin Park.
Mayor Mike Spano, right, and City Council President Liam McLaughlin, left, with the family of
Roy McLaughlin at the park dedication.
On a beautiful autumn day, family and
friends of Lt. Roy McLaughlin gathered at Lincoln
High School to celebrate his life and to
dedicate a park in his honor. The park will also
stand as a memorial to McLaughlin, a beloved
member of the Yonkers Police Department, who
grew up in the neighborhood.
The son of retired Police Capt. Roy
McLaughlin and his wife, Arleen, Lt. McLaughlin
was a first responder on 9/11, heading down
to Manhattan to offer his help after the terrorist
attacks at the World Trade Center, spending
many hours at Ground Zero.
McLaughlin came from a family of police
officers. In addition to his father, his brother
Andrew is a Yonkers Police Department captain,
his brother Mitchell is a YPD lieutenant, and his
sister Meredith McLaughlin Harsany is a YPD
sergeant. They are clearly a family dedicated to
public service.
Lt. McLaughlin died Sept. 10, 2015, one day
before the 14th anniversary of the terrorist attacks,
from complications due to the cancer he
developed after being down at Ground Zero.
Roy’s wife, Christine, and their four children,
David, Emmett, Owen and Maeve, were
on hand Oct. 16 to dedicate the park in his
honor. Schoolchildren from Saint John the Baptist
Grade School – friends of the McLaughlin
children – were on hand to try out the new playground.
The idea to dedicate the park in honor of
McLaughlin was a collaborative effort involving
City Council President Liam McLaughlin and
Barry McGoey, president of I.A.F.F. Local 628,
and Mrs. Erin McGoey. They all agreed that a
park dedicated to this selfless public servant and
beloved family man would be a monument for
the neighborhood children to enjoy for years to
come.
“The McLaughlins are a true blue family,
dedicated to the idea of serving and protecting
others, most especially our friend, Roy,” said
Council President McLaughlin (no relation).
“Today is a bittersweet day. This park will be a
lasting tribute to his memory, serving the people
of the neighborhood he loved.”
The new 10,000-square-foot playground
was recently completed, and was designed by
leading playground manufacturer Kompan. It
will include state-of-the-art pieces of playground
equipment to entertain children ages 2 to 12.
“It is always a great day in Yonkers when we
can gather together and expand our parks system
and create centers for our neighborhoods
and communities,” said Mayor Mike Spano.
“Today, we officially open Lt. Roy McLaughlin
Park in tribute to a man who was a shining star
in our police force, a great family man and real
hero. Roy’s memory will live on as children and
residents play and gather at this state-of-the-art
playground. Special thanks to Council President
Liam McLaughlin and our city workers for their
efforts in making this park a reality.”
Nick Sprayregen, Publisher
nsprayregen@risingmediagroup.com
Daniel J. Murphy, Editor-in-Chief
dmurphy@risingmediagroup.com
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risingmediagroup@gmail.com
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pgerken@risingmediagroup.com
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gbaldwin@risingmediagroup.com
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PaGe 10 - yONkeRs RisiNG - FRiday, OctObeR 23, 2015
Yonkers VA Holds Health Fair
Yonkers Raceway Horsemen
‘Race for a Cure’
Assemblymember Shelley Mayer, left of center; District 3 City Councilman Michael Sabatino,
third from right; and Yonkers Veterans Affairs Director Lou Navarro, fourth from left; with
physicians and medical staff of the Yonkers VA clinic. Photo by Ed Whitman.
Trainer Jennifer Sabot, second from right, with drivers (from left) Jordan Stratton, Brent
Holland and Jason Bartlett.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness
Month, and Yonkers Raceway’s horsemen are
once again aiding this worthy cause. Saturday,
Oct. 24 is the date for “Racing for a Cure” at
the historic half-mile harness oval at Empire
City Casino.
With trainer Monica Banca, and Kristen
Bartlett, the wife of leading driver Jason
Bartlett, taking the “reins,” Yonkers’ trainers
and drivers will be joined by other prominent
members and businesses in the harness industry
to pitch in. The effort is in conjunction
with the Frisco, Texas-based National Breast
Cancer Foundation.
The evening of the 24th will create awareness
with all drivers carrying pink whips, as
well as pink blankets presented to the winning
horses of each race that night. The whips were
donated by Karin Karlsson of Divine Equine,
while the blankets were generous contributions
of standardbred-associated benefactors.
In addition, raffles tickets at $20 each or
six for $100 have been sold for the past month
for a chance to win one of three prizes. First
prize is a “gorilla” sulky, donated by Chad
Foulk; second and third place winners will
take home a complete Walsh harness set, donated
by Barbara Boese.
Those who wish to purchase raffle tickets
but are unable to get to the raceway paddock,
or those requesting additional information,
are encouraged to e-mail either Ms. Banca at
dokka1909@yahoo.com, or Mrs. Bartlett at
kmb1104@hotmail.com.
From left are Assemblymember Shelley Mayer, Angela Crafton, Murray-Ruby Thomas (WWII
veteran and volunteer), RN clinic charge nurse Gwen Brown, medical assistant Tonya
Copeland, Veterans Affairs Director Louis Navarro, medical assistant Evarald Alexander and
Councilman Michael Sabatino.
Photos by Ed Whitman
The Yonkers VA medical group, along with
the Yonkers Office of Veterans Affairs, recently
held a community services and health fair to help
local veterans get the accessibility to health care
resources they are entitled to.
Yonkers Veterans Affairs Director Lou Navarro
explained that Yonkers veterans have one
convenient and central location to handle many of
their health care concerns at the Yonkers VA Clinic,
located at 124 New Main St.
Veterans can get their questions answered regarding
smoking, flu shots, Medicaid, food stamps,
housing, dementia, nutrition and many other needs.
Joining Navarro and the staff at the VA clinic
were Council Minority Leader Michael Sabatino,
Assemblymember Shelley Mayer and special
guest, New York City Commissioner of Veterans
Affairs Dr. Loree Sutton, retired brigadier general,
U.S. Army.
The Yonkers VA clinic can be reached at 914-
375-8055. If you know of a veteran who needs
help, please let them know.
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Yonkers is BACK.
BACK TO Controlling Taxes
MIKE SPANO
has kept property tax increases
under the state cap every ery year, and increased
exemptions emptions for seniors and veterans. We can
count on him to keep our taxes down in the future.
BACK TO Creating Jobs & Investment
MAYOR SPANO
has brought more than a billion
dollars in new investment to Yonkers, along with
more than a thousand new jobs. He’ll continue
improving our city’s economy and tax base.
BACK TO Improving Our Schools
MIKE SPANO
has reversed the damaging cuts to
our schools that were made in the past. He’s added
new teachers, began full day pre-kindergarten, and
is bringing graduation rates up. He’s giving our
children schools we can be proud of.
Vote November 3!