“Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper” NQUIRER · 2016-05-30 · “Mount Vernon’s Hometown...

“Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper”

http://www.mvinquirer.com

Serving the news and information needs of Mount Vernon, NY – “A City That Believes”

COMPLIMENTARY

T H E MO U N T V ER NO N

INQUIRER “The People’s Newspaper”

FEATURESVolume 11, Number 6 June 2016

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Not even overcast skies and the threat of rain could keep Mount Vernonites from coming out to show love for Mount Vernon’s

own Heavy D on Saturday, May 21st. The occasion marked the first time the Myers Foundation for Thrombosis and the Arts held a fundraiser, just a few days shy of what would have been Heavy D’s 49th birthday. The old school-style block party was held adjacent to Heavy D & the Boyz Park, located on Lorraine Avenue, between Columbus Avenue and Espla-nade.

“My son loved Mount Vernon, and he believed in the importance of family and education. It took three years of planning to put this day together, but I finally felt ready, and I know my son would have wanted his family to help bring our com-munity together,” said Eulahlee Myers, Heavy D’s mom.

The family-friendly day included fun for all ages. Children climbed, swung, and ran joyfully in the playground, jumped

around in the two bounce houses, watched curiously as a clown created balloon animals, and danced the Whip and Nae Nae alongside their elders when DJ Tri-State Jericko spun Silentó. Teens and adults played ball on the park’s bas-ketball courts, with a stunning mural of Heavy D & the Boyz as the backdrop.

Elders talked, sang along to the music, and even busted a few dance moves alongside Heavy D’s dad, Clifford My-ers, during the festivities. Free food, drink and sweets were plentiful, and left no one hungry. There were raffles and giveaways, and quality entertainment fed the spirit. Family, friends and neighbors

On a sunny and picture prefect Saturday afternoon, April 30, a throng of people gathered on the corner of Park Avenue,

between Elm Avenue and East Prospect Avenue, for a ceremony involving the unveiling of a street sign renamed after David A. Ford, Sr. The street will now be knownw as “David A. Ford, Sr. Way”.

It is rare for a living individual to have a street renamed in his honor, but the City of Mount Vernon made an exception in Ford’s case, since his contributions to his beloved Mount Vernon can only be de-scribed as legendary.

A community prospers and thrives on the contributions of its citizens for the common good. David A. Ford has been active in all aspects of community life in Mount Vernon all of his adult life serving as longtime Commissioner of the Water

A mural painted by André Trenier and dedicated to Heavy D and the Boyz

Ford, accompanied by his family, is shown holding a second street sign that will be installed across the street from Democratic headquarters

Nuttin’ but love at Myers Foundation fundraiser

David A. Ford, Sr. has street renamed after him

Mt. Vernon City Council honors distinguished citizens

Page 24

Sweet “Dreamgirls”!Page 7

Mt. Vernon School of Music holds exciting “Spring Recital”

0

Reneging on LED streetlight contract

has halted a true Mt. Vernon renaissance

Page 4

Story by Joe Parisi

Story by Tamara StewartPictures by Bryan Allen



www.mvinquirer.com2 l June 2016



www.mvinquirer.com 3 l June 2016




MLK 4TH Avenue and 3rd Street – “The Renaissance”

MLK 3RD Avenue and 3rd Street – “The Barack”

Representatives from multimillion dollar companies vowed to support Horton and his business endeavors

William J. Kane, streetlight management system technician, with Terrance Horton

The mayor of Asuncion (c) signing a proclamation while accompanied by Mt. Vernon officials and members of his delegation

Since 2007, many have ridiculed Terrence Horton, president of Sentinel Technologies Service International, about his vision to

transform the Third Street corridor into a vibrant and bustling neighborhood com-prised of new affordable housing units, of-fice space, cultural space, an educational facility, and Mount Vernon’s newest shop-ping destination. Many called his idea a ‘pipe dream’ – with no chance to succeed.

As many of you have read in the In-quirer, in 2015 Horton traveled to South Korea with a small Mount Vernon delega-tion comprised of Mayor Ernest D. Davis, Steven Horton, Marcus Griffith, and Joe Parisi, publisher of the Mount Vernon In-quirer, in addition to a Soosung engineer-ing contingent. The purpose of the long journey was to sign an International Trade Agreement with Soosung Electronics, a leading manufacturer of LED lighting, and a Friendship Agreement with the city of Gwangju.

The trip was a total success and soon thereafter Senteniel Technologies Service International was selected, after much scrutiny by the city, as the company that would install high efficiency streetlights throughout the city of Mount Vernon.

The two signed agreements were un-like all the previous ones signed by Mount Vernon, since an intertwining partnership between the city of Gwangju, the city of Mount Vernon, Soosung Electronics, and Sentinel Technology Services Interna-tional, Inc. had been forged and brought to fruition.

This historical trade agreement, which was backed by the city of Gwangju, was to establish a genuine northeast distribution hub, an educational learning center for ad-vanced green technologies, and develop shared commerce between Gwangju, South Korea, and the city of Mount Ver-non. The historical alliance was also going to generate the creation of badly needed jobs for the city.

Some of the changes included the in-

troduction of the Barack building, intro-duction of high standards of world trade, cultural exchange, science and education, influx of city sales tax, women entrepre-neurial and inclusionary practices and JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!! A real renaissance was in the making for the City of Mount Vernon.

Horton and his team put in place a mas-ter plan known as the MLK 3rd and 3rd Project, and quickly developed a concept that was to encompass the following: buildings were to be erected with approxi-mately 500,000 square feet, and the street level was to be used for retail space. The retail space was destined to become the hub of shopping and a cultural designa-tion for the area.

On the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors of their development, representing approximately 50,000 square feet of space, they planned to house their newly accredited 501(c)(3) Sentinel Vocational Apprentice Train-ing program (SVAT), as well as their small business incubator for entrepreneurial de-velopment.

Sentinel generated preliminary commit-ments from well-established developers eager to employ well-trained and skilled individuals. In addition, Westchester County Executive Astorino and Jim Cole-man, director of the county IDA, are in-credible advocates of Mount Vernon’s Go Green Workforce Initiative, and they rolled up their sleeves and were ready to help in any way possible.

Soosung Electronics had agreed to bring their state-of-the-art Photovoltaic and LED lighting solutions to the Mount Vernon community, providing residents the opportunity to participate in the fast-est growing industry of our time - Green Technologies. The promise of inclusion and individual empowerment for all the young and not so young people of Mount Vernon was to become a reality.

The Sentinel development plans were simply awesome and promising - prompt-ing several Fortune 500 companies to

EDITORIAL

Reneging on LED streetlight contract has halted a true Mt. Vernon renaissance





Member



Founded in 2004 by JOSEPH A. PARISI AND LUISA PARISI

Published by

The Mount Vernon InquirerP.O. Box 458

Mount Vernon, NY 10551-0458 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.mvinquirer.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITORReaders are encouraged to send us letters expressing their viewpoints on any issue. Letters should not contain inflammatory or provoca-tive language and will be subject to editorial review. Please keep your letters brief and not to exceed 300 words. Your name and address must be included, but will be withheld upon request.

SUGGESTED NEWS ITEMSWe welcome all suggestions con-cerning news we should cover in our newspaper. Please call the Editor with suggestions at 914-584-6386.

EditorJoe Parisi

Assistant EditorsLeslie AlpertCheryl Parisi

News Reporters / WritersJoe Parisi, Chief Reporter

James Fair Tamara Stewart

Sales and AdvertisingDarryl Walker, Director

Paul StewartGraphic DesignAshley Covelli Cheryl Parisi

Justin Bozier was selected to shadow the mayor for the day

On Thursday, April 28, youth from Grace Bap-tist Church participated in Job Shadow Day with

youth of Grace Baptist Church who got a behind- the-scenes look inside what it takes to run a city.

Justin Bozier was selected to shadow the mayor for a day that was full of informative, exciting, and fast-paced activities. Justin met with students from Holmes School who read their essays for career day, sat in on meetings about future plans for the city and helped coordinate the “My Brother’s Keeper” kickoff by reading the city’s commitment to the program in front of a crowd on the steps of City Hall.

Mayor Thomas said, “Justin is a phenomenal young man who is on the track to success. I look forward

to providing him and our youth with the resources needed to grow. Once again, I want to thank Grace Baptist Church for giving the youth of Mount Vernon an opportunity to learn and follow their dreams.”

Justin Bozier said, “Shadowing Mayor Richard Thomas of Mount Vernon, NY today is something I will remember forever. The amount of work he and his staff do and how engaged they are in helping rebuild the community of Mount Vernon is really remarkable and inspiring. This is something I am really thankful for in being able to see the “behind-the-scenes” action first-hand. I am grateful to the Mayor and his staff for welcoming me with open arms and making this experience very memorable.”

Youth participate in “Job Shadow Day” at City Hall

On April 29, a group of Mount Vernon High School stu-dents traveled to

Washington, DC to meet with Congressman Eliot Engel, who represents Mount Vernon.

Upon arriving, the students gathered on the steps of the Capitol with the congressman where he discussed his work in Congress on behalf of the Mount Vernon community.

It was a memorable experi-ence for the students, since many of them had never visited the Capitol or seen the White House up close.

Congressman Engel meets with MVHS students on steps of the Capitol

Mount Vernon named “Best of the Bunch” for millennials

A panel of young profession-als from a leading Westches-ter publication has named Mount Vernon, NY, as the

best place for millennials to live in Westchester County.

Mount Vernon stood out from the other entrants for several reasons in-cluding its sense of community, diversi-ty, and access to three major highways, three Metro-North stations, and the New York City subway system. No oth-

er city or town in Westchester County has the location benefits of Mount Ver-non. Mount Vernon also topped the list in affordability with the lowest median rental price for a one-bedroom apart-ment.

Mayor Richard Thomas said, “I am encouraged that the panel recog-nizes the renaissance taking place in our city. As a councilman, I advocated for new development because I knew the economic benefits that come with

smart growth. As Mayor, I am prioritiz-ing zoning changes, safe streets, and beautification projects that are mak-ing Mount Vernon into a destination for jobs, homes, and an impressive quality of life.”

“We have made significant chang-es in the way Mount Vernon runs and the results speak for themselves. The city is on the rise with billions in new development taking hold. Investors have heard the message that it’s a

new day in Mount Vernon. At the same time, we have continued to celebrate its culture and diversity. From CityFest, to Summer Breeze concerts, to youth camps and churches on every corner, Mount Vernon is a place full of life and spirit.”

“We from Mount Vernon are al-ways quick to brag about our city be-cause we know what a special place it is. We are more than a city, we are family.”




Pictures from the kickoff of “My Brother’s Keeper” in Mount Vernon

On Thursday, April 28, the City of Mount Vernon accepted the “My Brother’s Keeper” chal-lenge from the White House.

Mayor Richard Thomas and the City of Mount Vernon announced the acceptance of President Barack Obama’s “My Broth-er’s Keeper” community challenge on the steps of City Hall in front of a large crowd.

Mayor Thomas was joined by a coali-tion of stakeholders that included School Superintendent Kenneth Hamilton, sev-eral members of the Mount Vernon City Council, clergy members, local nonprofit groups, and other community members. They stood in support alongside Mayor Thomas to help advance the “My Broth-er’s Keeper” initiative in Mount Vernon.

The program is aimed at helping young people read at grade level by third grade, high school completion, college and ca-reer readiness, improve access to jobs and valuable work experience, and reduce violence in the community.

Mayor Richard Thomas said, “My Broth-er’s Keeper is a pledge for all of us to look at one another as brothers and sisters and recommit to try to keep them out of harm’s way. It’s very easy for young peo-ple in Mount Vernon to become a statis-tic. I was fortunate enough to have loving people and a united community reach out to me at a young age. I want to extend that same hope and helping hand to the young people in our community.”

School Superintendent Kenneth Hamil-ton said, “I commit my pledge on behalf of the school district. We are committed to combining our resources and I think it is about time that our social services, our

religious leaders, our city and our schools come together for the sake of all children.”

Councilman Yuhanna Edwards said, “It is time to do this, but understand that we cannot do this alone, the school district cannot do this alone. It’s going to take a village to raise a child, so let us get togeth-er, become that village and raise these children and get ready for a new future.”

Commissioner Darren Morton said, “Our children just need a promise. They just need for us to believe in them and they need for us to invoke the strategies that we need for them to succeed in a web of intervention. The Recreation Department and the Youth Bureau will pool all their resources together and help our children find their place in this world. I commit all of my resources, intellectually and collab-oratively, with those here in Mount Vernon to ensure that we are our brother’s and sister’s keeper.”

“My Brother’s Keeper” advocate Delia Farquharson said, “We have to consider the social needs, the emotional needs, and the psychological needs of our chil-dren and our community. These needs are integral if any program is to work in effect-ing change in our community.”

Reverend Gwen Wilson said, “This pro-gram can catapult all of our youth to a place where education will take them to greater heights. Where they can enter the workforce and become doctors, lawyers, businessmen, police officers, firefighters, and where they will be educated from el-ementary, middle school high school and college. These young people can become viable partners of this community and make a great statement for our city.”

President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper Challenge”

(l to r) Angela Freeman, Carmen Paolercio, Anton and Anthony Paolercio

Clare Effiong (c) with her students at Esther’s Aid Bakery Empowerment Center in Rwanda

Art show benefiting “Esther’s Aid” held in Fleetwood

A rt lovers flocked to a two-day art show held at The Studio in Fleetwood, which commenced on Saturday,

April 30. The theme of the art show was: “The Journey Continues” – and was sponsored by Angela Freeman, principal of the Milestone School, and modern artist, Anton.

The art show was held to help support Esther’s Aid “Village of Peace” in Rwanda.

Esther’s Aid inspires hope in the impoverished, the hungry, and those who have suffered greatly. They take each child and youth from the dust, teach and train them how to function, and empower them.

Established in 1999 in New Ro-chelle, by Clare Effiong, Esther’s Aid for Needy and Abandoned Children, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Christian-based, non-profit charity devoted to helping

feed, educate, and train impoverished children, youth and women.

Esther’s Aid has a strong record of success, providing the tools neces-sary for youngsters and widows to lift themselves out of poverty and achieve productive futures.

Modern artist Anton has held sev-eral art shows in support of Esther’s Aid, and 35% of the proceeds go di-rectly to Esther’s Aid.

Anton’s pieces creatively explore the many artistic avenues life has to offer. “My intentions are to provoke and jolt the viewer’s thinking by chal-lenging them visually, but more impor-tant, mentally. We are much stronger, much smarter and more powerful than we have been led to believe,” empha-sizes Anton. Anton decided several years ago to include having art shows that “give back,” focusing on helping support the less fortunate.




(l to r) Lorrell, Deena, Effie & Michelle Tiny Joe Dixon

Marty & Curtis Taylor, Jr.

Jimmy EarlyC.C. White, Effie, Lorrell & Deena

The spirit of Motown rocked the house on Friday, April 29th, when Mount Vernon’s talented teens took on Michael Ben-

nett’s “Dreamgirls” at Mount Vernon High School. Under the powerful leadership of Evelyn Collins, the Mount Vernon City School District’s Director of the Arts and Gifted and Talented Program, the District’s performing and visual arts team has once again successfully brought “The Great White Way” to Mount Vernon.

While none of the teens in the high school production had been born when the original production of “Dreamgirls” opened on Broadway in 1981, clearly all of them are familiar with the movie version that hit theaters in 2006, and which starred Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, Anika Noni Rose, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, and Keith Robinson. Echoes of their idols could be seen and felt in the young actors’ performances, as students from Mount Vernon’s three high schools sang, acted, and danced their way into the audience’s hearts.

“Dreamgirls” follows the career of

a 1960’s girl group (initially called The Dreamettes and eventually renamed The Dreams), as they try to make a name for themselves in the music business. Best friends Effie, Lorrell and Deena begin the show as musical ingénues hoping to win Amateur Night at the Apollo, and end it as worldly women who have learned that there’s more to life than acquiring mate-rial things and achieving professional suc-cess. It was clear that the tale of show business “aspirations, heartaches, and tri-umphs resonated with citizens of the “City that Believes.”

All members of the ensemble cast gave strong performances, exhibiting admi-rable command of a challenging number of songs, numerous set changes, and the show’s mature themes. Supported by first-rate musicians, heavenly pit vocal-ists, and great music and vocal direction, Mount Vernon students transported the audience to the heyday of Hitsville USA. Kudos are also in order for the evocative set and lighting design, which began at the entrance to the school, and which subtly yet powerfully brought the past alive. Eye-

Sweet “Dreamgirls”!Story by Tamara StewartPictures by Mike Williams

catching costume design and creative choreography added to the show’s star quality, and the entire production crew did an outstanding job of keeping the show flowing smoothly.

Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Hamilton continues to be a charismatic leader and driving force behind many exciting improvements in Mount Vernon education. Last year’s $1.35 million, four-year grant funding the teaching of science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), will be joined by substantial im-provements in the District’s programs and facilities as a result of the passage of a $108 million bond in March 2016. Estab-lishment of a full-day Pre-Kindergarten program, restoration of career and techni-cal education programs, and repairs and upgrades to school facilities, are among the improvements targeted by the 20/20 Vision initiative. Like “Dreamgirls’” char-acter Effie White, Mount Vernon schools seem poised for a successful comeback!




Department starting in 1977 and in innu-merable positions in the volunteer and po-litical sectors. There are few aspects of life in Mount Vernon that he has not touched and made better.

While his life was community involve-ment, his passion was politics. From 1969 to 1996, he was Chairman of the Mount Vernon Democratic City Commit-tee. He was also Chairman of the Black Democrats of Westchester County and a member of the Council of Black Elected Democrats of New York State. Further-more, he also served as New York State Committeeperson for the 84th Assembly District.

David played a huge role in helping to diversify the political landscape in Mount Vernon, since Mount Vernon was almost 100% Republican and white when he first became involved in local politics. The Democratic Party blossomed under his leadership and eventually became the dominant party in Mount Vernon.

In addition, he served as President of

the Lions Club of Mount Vernon and Presi-dent of the Mount Vernon YMCA. He is a Life Member of the 369 Veteran’s Asso-ciation, and a Life Member of the Mount Vernon NAACP. He was also a longtime Chairman of the Board of Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center and a mem-ber of the National Association of Health Care Providers.

And, under his leadership, the Board of Water Supply had a longstanding tradition of excellence.

It is very important to note that Ford is a veteran of WWII. He married the former Eula (Daisy) Gadson, who passed not that long ago, and is the proud father of six children (David Jr., James, Renee, Garey, Michael, and Karen). He has five grand-children, Rachel, Shaarod, Nardara, Jerel and David Christopher and three great-grandchildren, Amira, Sydney and Cam-den.

Although David is now retired and his mobility has been hindered a bit, he has contributed to the Mount Vernon commu-

The newly installed street sign soon after it was unveiled to the public Mayor Richard Thomas presented an award to Ford

Ford addressing the crowd

Continued from page 1

nity for longer and better than we are ever likely to see again.

The Master of Ceremonies at the un-veiling ceremony was City Clerk, George Brown.

There was a long list of speakers, led by Mayor Richard Thomas, and Ford was bestowed with many awards and endless accolades by the many who spoke.

When asked to address the large crowd, Ford stated: “I have had a lot of help from many throughout the years. What you have given me today will be with me forev-er. I plan to stay involved in politics, since my mind is still active.”

Please note that the city had chosen a different location for the street sign, but Ford requested that the location be changed to Park Avenue, directly below Democratic Headquarters – for obvious reasons.

After the unveiling of the street sign, there was a picture taking opportunity for the many who wanted to be photo-graphed with Ford.

Immediately after the ceremony, Ford and his family, along with invited guests, attended a reception at a nearby catering facility.




Five young men entertaining the audience with a dance routine

C.A.P.P. Program presented 3rd Annual Youth Empowerment Showcase

On Friday, April 22, the C.A.P.P. Program presented a spec-tacular event at Nellie Thorn-ton High School. The C.A.P.P.

Program, through the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau and with the support of Mayor Richard Thomas and the City of Mount Vernon, continue to bring ex-

Building sought for music school sold at auction

A building on the city’s fore-closure list and eagerly sought by the Mount Ver-non Arts Council for a mu-

sic school, has been sold at auction.It is well known that the City Coun-

cil originally approved the sale of the

building, located at 135 N. High St., to the Arts Council, but when the matter went before the Board of Es-timate and Contract, the sale of the property was voted down.

It had been rumored that the sale to the Arts Council was stopped due

to involvement by former employees of the City of Mount Vernon.

When questioned on the matter by the Inquirer, Mayor Richard Thomas stated: “I voted down the sale of the property to the Arts Council, since former city employees sit on the Arts

Council board and I found that to be a conflict of interest.”

Regrettably, if the building had been sold to the Arts Council, it would have been used to expand the popular music school, which is cur-rently housed at the Doles Center.

Members of the Edward Williams Elementary School Chorus at The Pierre Hotel

Williams School students perform at Pierre Hotel in NYC

On Thursday, May 5, under the direction of Antonel-la Delli Carpini (Chorus Director), select mem-

bers of Edward Williams Elemen-tary School Chorus performed “Get Up!” at the annual National Moth-ers’ Day Council Luncheon at The Pierre Hotel in Manhattan, spon-sored by Elizabeth Arden, Inc. This prestigious event recognizes and honors mothers who maintain ex-ceptional careers while balancing the demands of motherhood; this year’s main honorees were actress Sarah Jessica Parker and entrepre-neur Joy Mangano.

This extraordinary experience provided the talented students of Edward Williams with the oppor-tunity to perform for an audience

of over 500 guests and other hon-orees. Each student (ranging in grades 3rd-6th) conducted them-selves with great integrity, behaved respectfully and performed profes-sionally. Visiting and singing in such a historic and wonderfully artistic venue is an experience the students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Everybody involved whole-heart-edly thanks the gracious people at Elizabeth Arden Inc. for their kind-ness, hospitality, professionalism and generosity of spirit! And the event would not have been possible without the marvelous chaperons, Rachel Boettigheimer (Williams’ ICT & Resource Room Teacher) and Mary Lando (Williams’ String En-semble Instructor).

citing opportunities for youth to come together for great causes and to show-case the positive collaborations and projects in which they are engaged.

This was an evening filled with stellar performances by local youth through poetry on self-esteem, short skits on healthy behaviors, dance routines, soulful signing and a fashion show fi-nale. The audience was also treated to very informative and engaging speak-ers such as Grammy and Clio Award winning poet and youth advocate J. Ivy, who educated our audience on healthy behaviors vs. risky behaviors and their consequences. Students, parents, and community-based organizations were all in attendance.

Mayor Thomas said, “Thanks once again to our Mount Vernon Youth Bu-reau for their outstanding youth pro-gramming. The C.A.P.P. program offers our youth a chance to empower them-selves and showcase their talents to the community. Mount Vernon is a hub for the arts and music and this show-

case brought out the best that Mount Vernon has to offer.”

“The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, through its C.A.P.P. Program offers multi-dimensional opportunities which promote community support related to health, education, and recreation. We are thankful for the community collab-orative and the city’s youth who shared their talents,” stated DaMia Harris-Madden, Executive Director.

The city worked in collaboration with the students from Mount Vernon, Nellie Thornton, and Mandela High Schools who were committed to making the event a success, as well as Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation (SASF) and their dedicated dance troops, Family Services of Westchester, WestCop, The Nepperhan Community Center of Yon-kers, Kensworth Consulting, the Garri-son Family and other youth advocates to present this event.

For more information contact the Mount Vernon C.A.P.P. Program at 914-665-3870.




A young performer impressing the audience on the piano Judy Williams providing opening comments

This young group of singers drew a standing ovation

This beautiful young lady awed the crowd with her performance on the guitar

The popular Mount Vernon School of Music continues to grow at a rapid pace and on Saturday, May 7, they held their annual “Spring

Recital” at their current home, the Doles Center, before an excited packed theater.

Opening comments came from Judy

Williams, who thanked the many parents for having the vision to enroll their children in a school that is educating their children about the arts; teaching them how to be-come excellent vocalists; and also teach-ing them to play their favorite instruments – all in a safe environment.

Mt. Vernon School of Music holds exciting “Spring Recital”


The Mistress of Ceremonies for the spectacular event was Cathy Webb, whose warm personality and great sense of humor kept the large audience smiling and applauding loudly throughout the re-

cital.Maureen Wilson, director of the music

school said, “Our goal is to help students garner a love of music-making that they will have their entire lives. Our school

Loretta Van Raalte inducted into the 2016 Eastern Hall of Fame

Loretta Van Raalte, of Hartsdale, N.Y., has been a staple in tennis in the Eastern Section for more than 35 years. Her kind spirit,

hardworking demeanor and love of the game are evident to anyone she meets. And on Friday, April 29, she was induct-ed into the Eastern Hall of Fame at the Beach Point Club in Mamaroneck, NY.

She started playing tennis in 1978 when she took lessons with her friend June Marcus in Greenburgh, N.Y. Shortly after her first tennis lesson, Van Raalte began playing at the Hudson Valley Tennis Club in 1979, where she was introduced to the club’s designer,

builder and teaching professional, Jerry Alleyne.

She quickly became interested in or-ganizing tennis and took a job coordi-nating the Hudson Valley Tennis Club’s leagues from 1980 to 1985. Van Raalte then was asked by Alleyne to be the club’s director of tennis, a role she held from 1985 to 1998.

Van Raalte founded the Jerry Alleyne Memorial Foundation (JAMF) in 2000 following Alleyne’s death in 1998.

JAMF offers a summer program for kids from May to September at the Westchester Plaza Tennis Academy in Mount Vernon.




This adult band was terrific and received a rousing applause


strives to spread the transformative power of music by providing the high-est quality music education and expe-riences to all in the community who seek them.”

The recitalists spanned generations with performers as young as five years old sharing the bill with adults, featur-ing performers demonstrating their skills on the piano, guitar, and an as-sortment of other instruments. Others entertained the audience by singing.

The recital also included an adult trio of guitarists who received a rous-ing ovation at the end of their perfor-mance. The audience was also treated to two adults – one who performed excellently using a trombone and the other one on the drums. They were both extremely talented and entertain-ing.

The guest performer was Mount Vernon City Councilman Andre Wal-lace, who played several pieces on the piano.

Although learning under crowded conditions at the Doles Center, mem-bers of the Board continue to seek a new and larger location for the school. The City Council recently approved the sale of a promising building to the school on the city’s foreclosure list, but Mayor Richard Thomas voted down the purchase of the building. “You have individuals that formerly worked for the City of Mount Vernon sitting on the school’s Board and that presents a conflict of interest,” said Mayor Thomas.

Readers interested in learning more about the Mount Vernon School of Music can call 914-667-2360.

Holocaust survivors Arthur Citrin (l) and Esther Elstein lit three of six candles representing the six million who perished in the Holocaust

Holocaust survivor Helen Levenson

Holocaust survivor Hyman Mendelowitz

Holocaust survivor Dora Zyndorf

Holocaust survivors Minnie Osher (l) and Dora Zyndorf (r) lit the remaining three candles

Monday night, May 9, was a night of reaffirmation, and memories of the darkest era in modern history echoed through Mount

Vernon’s City Hall.Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas

and City Council members joined eleven Holocaust survivors, their families, Jewish clergy and community members in paying tribute to the resilience of those who lived through the horror of the systematic geno-cide the Nazis called the Final Solution.

After welcoming remarks by Louise Challop of the Jewish Community Council of Mount Vernon, a visibly moved Mayor Thomas said he was truly humbled to be in the presence of those who are such clear examples of “endurance and perse-verance.”

The Mayor went on to draw a connec-tion between the lessons learned from the Holocaust and present day Mount Vernon. Pointing out that when the Nazis rose to power, few voices were raised against them, the Mayor promised “Mount Vernon is a voice that will always speak up … to take the right stand on the right issues.”

All the survivors in attendance at the ceremony had been children during the Holocaust. Their heart-wrenching stories of survival were brought to life in the vivid telling by Tania Weiss and Halina Rosen-kranz, both from Westchester Jewish Community Services.

Mt. Vernon hosts Holocaust Memorial Program

Rabbi Morris Barzilai from Sinai Free Synagogue and Rabbi Gedalyah Berger of Fleetwood Synagogue spoke about the triumph of the human spirit.

Also sharing experiences was Ira Ko-rner, a son of survivors.

The survivors lit six candles represent-ing the six million Jewish men, women and children who perished in the Holo-caust.

Violist Lydia Leizman underscored the evening’s theme of loss, remembrance

and resilience. The survivors in attendance were: Ellen

and Jerry Kaidanow, Hyman Mendelowitz, Danuta Rottman, Rose Winterfeldt, Esther Elstein, Hannelore Hecht, Helen Leven-son, Minnie Osher, Arthur Citrin and Dora

Zyndorf.The Jewish Community Council of

Mount Vernon and the Mayor’s office sponsored the evening, with assistance from Westchester Jewish Community Ser-vices.




Four empty chairs and caps representing the officers Mt. Vernon has lost in the line of duty

Captain Edward Adinaro acted as the master of ceremonies

Mayor Thomas presenting a proclamation to Acting Police Commissioner Ronald Fatigate

Mayor Thomas speaking during the ceremony

Police Emerald Society of Westchester County arriving at City Hall Plaza

Mayor Thomas presenting a commendation to P.O. Nicholas Smith

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Public Law 87-726 that set aside May 15 as National Peace Officers’ Me-morial Day, and the week in which May

15 falls as National Police Week. This year, National Police Week runs from Monday, May 9 through Sunday, May 15.

On Wednesday, May 14, during a sun-ny morning, many gathered at a City Hall Plaza ceremony to commemorate Police Officer’s Memorial Day in Mount Vernon.

This year’s event attracted a bigger crowd than in previous years, and in-cluded a long list of dignitaries, along with

Mt. Vernon holds Police Memorial Day

many friends and family members of po-lice officers that were honored.

Acting as the Master of Ceremonies for the event was Captain Edward Adinaro,

who stated, “As part of this observance, Mayor Thomas created a Proclamation declaring today, May 10, 2016, Police Me-morial Day in the City of Mount Vernon.





This is the day that we remember those members of the Mount Ver-non Police Department who gave their lives serving the citizens of our city.” He further added, “As we pause to commemorate our fallen officers, we are also assembled here today to pay tribute to those who walk among us – those officers who have exemplified themselves in acts of bravery and intelligence over the past year.”

Eve Soto, who besides being a vocalist is also a songwriter, pro-vided a beautiful rendition of the na-tional anthem.

The ceremony began with a Mount Vernon Police Department Honor Guard marching in from the street

with the colors, followed by the im-pressive Police Emerald Society of Westchester County band playing the national anthem.

The speakers included Mayor Richard Thomas, City Comptroller Maureen Walker, City Councilwom-an Roberta Apuzzo, PBA President Brent Gamble, and Acting Police Commissioner Ronald Fatigate.

The “Memorial Service” was fol-lowed by the “Awards Presenta-tion” part of the ceremony in which numerous members of the Police Department were honored for their outstanding performance. A total of twenty-five officers received awards and two civilians also were honored with awards.


People dancing to Prince’s songs

A mother enjoying the festivities with her kids

Three volunteers helped to feed the hungry attendees

On Thursday, May 12, the Mount Vernon Public Library remem-bered Prince by holding a cel-ebration in the library’s rotunda

and center hallway with portraits of Prince adorning all the walls throughout the li-brary along with purple balloons and other decorations related to Prince.

The Mistress of Ceremonies for the memorable event was Catherine Webb, who kicked off the reception with a few words about Prince, followed by a video presentation.

The Grammy and Oscar-winner died on April 21 after being found unresponsive in

an elevator at his suburban Minneapolis studio complex. He was 57.

“Prince showed you how to party, so today, here in Mount Vernon, we’re going to party as if Prince was here,” said one attendee.

Many danced as huge speakers blasted Prince’s hits and deep cuts. Some wiped away tears but most treated the gathering at the library as a definite celebration.

Those who attended enjoyed a sump-tuous buffet, courtesy of the library, along with trivia, karaoke, refreshments and prizes.

Many celebrate life and music of Prince at MVPL




jaFa’s Poets Corner2007 - PRESENT

Poems Submitted by Our Readers Edited by jaFa (James Fair)

JAFA’S POETS CORNER (9TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY)Edited by james “jAFa” FairMay the Muse of Poetry continue to inspire.

THE SECRET GLANCES OR... I’LL NEVER TELLAuthor: bobbyjoemackMount Vernon resident A Stolen GlanceThat they canNever...Ever seea silent glanceExchanged betweenYou... And just MeA GlanceA NodA MutualHidden SmileThe thoughtThe HeartWill CherishFor a whileAnd yet withinThe unseen glanceLingers the thoughtOf some fine RomanceIf only just AllowedAnd given a ChanceAnd maybe soonOn One dayWe shall Solemnly danceAnd All becauseOf one SilentYet SecretStolen Glance...

WALK SLOWLY BY MEAuthor: Charles RodaMount Vernon resident

Sitting on a park bench in April I admire a young woman in a breeze-blown skirt.As her ponytail sways in the wind, she is conscious of her beauty.

In the humid air of July I reflect on a woman in her thirties in a blue suit and lustrous, shoulder-length hair.She arouses suspense and imagina-tion.

With the autumn leaves falling I study a proud, silver-haired, confident lady in tan, pleated slacks and white blouse.Her disciplined body declares her presence.

BROKEN SOCIETY, 2016Author: Tanisha Wright, Mount Vernon resident

Most of the time there’s a cycle of broken children. Broken homes, broken dreams filled with broken identities.Daddies left, mommies at work, leaving the oldest raising their sib-lings. Emotions and pain blocked with sex, drugs, and intoxication. The majority just conform to the complexity of these broken societ-ies.

Silent cries because prides are too high or some just don’t recognize the cycle of broken children raising chil-dren.

POOR PERFORMING SCHOOLS, ABANDONED BUILDINGS, HOMICIDES, SUICIDES, AND IN MOST CASES PROSTITUTION.

INCOMPLETED PARKS, MULTI-PLE ALCOHOL SPOTS AND STREET PHRAMACIST CONTINUOUSLY INCREASING.

LACK OF FAITH, LACK OF HOPE, WITH LACK OF CONFIDENCE.

SOME BREAK FREE AND BE MORE THAN WHAT THE BRO-KEN SOCIETY WANT THEM TO BE.

UNFORTUNATELY MANY ARE TRAPPED, STUCK BY THEIR UNHEALED WOUNDS AND BRUISES.

It’s a cycle of unhealed children rais-ing broken children

TO OUR READERS & SUPPORTERSFrom the editor: james “jAFa” Fair

This month JAFa’s Poets Corner celebrates its 9th year. We are the longest, continuously, running poetry column in any local area monthly publication. We have reached this milestone because of you, the community, who have so

generously supported us. THANK YOU!

Please email your poems to [email protected] or mail a (typed copy please) to James Fair, 153 South 5th Ave., Apt 6B, Mount Vernon, NY 10550

It’s the Law!

In a recent column I wrote about the importance of preparing for meetings and receiving an I.E.P., an In-

dividual Education Program, that meets the individual edu-cational needs of children. The following information is a quote from Wrightslaw regard-ing the unique needs of your child and using the “IDEA mis-sion statement”.

“Meeting Your Child’s Unique Needs – It’s the Law!

The purpose of IDEA is to meet the unique needs of your child – not the class, not the teacher, not the school, not the district budget.

Do not accept these state-ments from the school:

• We don’t have to do it• We don’t have money in

the budget• We can’t make exceptions• We have never done that

beforeThe school has a responsi-

bility to provide your child with an education tailored to his unique needs and to prepare your child for further educa-tion, employment and inde-pendent living. Find the legal authority in IDEA.”

Parents, I highly recom-mend that you subscribe to Wrightslaw where you will find articles on many important topics. The current edition contains articles on what you should look for in your child’s I.E.P., the mission statement of IDEA, and the need for a new I.E.P. when unique needs of your child change.

I would also suggest that if you want specific informa-tion on the law, you should purchase the book, Special Education Law by Peter and Pamela Wright. You will learn more about IDEA, Individu-als with Disabilities Educa-tion Act, I.E.P.s and 504 plans. Information is essential, but

you must be willing to do your homework. The old adage, “What you don’t know can hurt you” is true. It can also hurt your children.

Since we are on the subject of the laws, I want to share some specific information from IDEA.

“The main purposes are …to ensure that all children with disabilities have avail-able to them a free, appro-priate, public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living, and to en-sure that the rights of children with disabilities and parents of such children are protected…”

In regard to specific learn-ing disabilities, the law states that schools shall not be re-quired to take into consid-eration whether a child has severe discrepancy between achievement and intellectual ability to find a child eligible for special education services as a child with a specific learn-ing disability.

Knowledge of the law helps parents understand their rights, but it does not elimi-nate their responsibility to provide for their children. This is a partnership. Parents must be serious participants in the education of their children. They must be involved in aca-demic success which means the daily “grind” of homework completion, test prep, READ-ING, ongoing communication with teachers, etc. When the team is working together, chil-dren can achieve. If there are problems, the team will strive to find solutions. Children have a right to an educational program that works for them. They are worth it!

EDUCATION COLUMNBy Diane Fulves, M.A., M.Ed.,

Director, EMPOWERING OUR PARENTSEmail: [email protected]




Jim and Annie Kiselak’s Natural Food Column

Direct from the sunny island of Vieques, Puerto Rico

Your best gluten free goods

The following items can be consumed liberally on your Glu-ten Free Diet (go organic and local with your whole - food choices wherever possible; flash frozen is fine, too):

• Healthy fat: extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, grass-fed tallow and organic or pasture-fed butter, ghee, almond milk, avocados, co-conuts, olives, nuts and nut butters, cheese (except for blue cheeses), and seeds (flaxseed, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds).

• Protein: whole eggs, wild fish (salmon, black cod, mahi mahi, grouper, herring, trout, sardines); shellfish and mol-luscs (shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels, clams, oysters), grass-fed meat, fowl, poul-try, and pork (beef, lamb, liver, bison, chicken, turkey, duck, ostrich, veal), wild game.

• Vegetables: leafy greens and lettuces, collards, spin-ach, broccoli, kale, chard, cabbage, onions, mush-rooms, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, sauerkraut, arti-choke, alfalfa sprouts, green beans, celery, bok choy, rad-ishes, watercress, turnip, as-paragus, garlic, leek, fennel, shallots, scallions, ginger, jicama, parsley, water chest-nuts.

• Low-sugar Fruit: avocado, bell peppers, cucumber, tomato, zucchini, squash, pumpkin, eggplant, lemons, limes.

• Herbs, Seasonings, and Condiments: You can go wild here as long as you watch labels. Kiss ketchup and chutney goodbye but enjoy mustard, horseradish, tapenade, and salsa if they are free of gluten, wheat, soy, and sugar. There are virtually no restrictions on herbs and

seasonings; be mindful of packaged products, howev-er, that were made at plants that process wheat and soy.

The following can be used in moderation (“moderation” means eating small amounts of these ingredients once a day or, ideally, just a couple times weekly):

• Non-gluten grains: ama-ranth, buckwheat, rice (brown, white, wild), millet, quinoa, sorghum, teff. (A note about oats: although oats do not naturally contain gluten, they are frequently contaminated with gluten because they are processed at mills that also handle wheat; avoid them unless they come with a guarantee that they are gluten-free.) When non-gluten grains are processed for human con-sumption (e.g., milling whole oats and preparing rice for packaging), their physical structure changes, and this increases the risk of an in-flammatory reaction. For this reason, we limit these foods.

• Legumes (beans, lentils, peas). Exception: you can have hummus (made from chickpeas).

• Carrots and parsnips.• Whole sweet fruit: berries

are best; be extra cautious of sugary fruits such as apricots, mangos, melons, papaya, prunes, and pine-apple.

• Cow’s milk and cream: use sparingly in recipes, coffee, and tea.

• Cottage cheese, yogurt, and kefir: use sparingly in recipes or as a topping.

• Sweeteners: natural stevia and chocolate (choose dark chocolate that’s at least 70 percent or more cocoa).

• Wine: one glass a day if you so choose, preferably red.

Anti-inflammatory smoothies worth trying

As the seasons shift, embrace these anti-inflammatory “cock-tails”—juices and

shakes stocked with nutritious superfoods to help maintain your healthy lifestyle.

“No matter the kind of diet you may lean toward—vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, no-carb, Medi-terranean, Neanderthal, or any other kind of diet—any and all anti-inflammation efforts are well worth it!” says nutritionist and juic-ing pioneer Cherie Calbom, MS, author of The Juice Lady’s Anti-Inflammation Diet. “You can lose weight on the anti-inflammation diet and rejuvenate your body.”

Here are a few of Calbom’s tasty and convenient favorites.

Antioxidant Power Smoothie• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk

such as hemp, coconut, or al-mond milk

• ½ cup blueberries• 1 pear• ½ cup baby spinach• 1 teaspoon Indian gooseberry

extract (optional)• 1 tablespoon flaxseed• Ice cubes (optional)Add all ingredients to a blender

and process until smooth.KEY BENEFITS: Berries help

prevent damaging effects of free radicals and inflammation.

Morning Energy• 1 to 2 carrots, scrubbed well,

tops removed, ends trimmed• ½ small beet, with leaves• 1 cucumber• 1 handful spinach or several

chard leaves• ½ lemon, peeled• 1-inch piece ginger root,

scrubbedCut produce to fit your juicer’s

feed tube. Juice all ingredients and stir. Pour into a glass and drink as soon as possible.

KEY BENEFITS: Beets contain unique phytonutrients called bet-alains, which have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflam-matory, and detoxification effects.

Anti-Inflammatory Cocktail• 1 green apple• ½ large fennel with fronds• 1-inch piece ginger root• 1 large broccoli stem• 3 leaves kale• ½ cucumberCut produce to fit your juicer.

Start by juicing the apple and fin-ish with the cucumber. Drink as soon as possible.

KEY BENEFITS: All ingredients are powerhouses known to have anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, analgesic, antioxidant, and/or an-ticarcinogenic effects.

Note: The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for profession-al medical advice, diagnosis or treatment!

Alternative Medicine Options

by

Joe Parisi




From right to left are: Funeral Director Anthony Guarino, Frank Fraley, Jr., Anthony Guarino, Jr., and Guido Cicchetti.

Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home: A long Mt. Vernon tradition

Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home at the corner of Gramatan Avenue and West Broad Street in Mount Vernon, has spent decades car-

ing for the needs of local families facing their saddest days.

Anthony Guarino, funeral director and owner since 2006, recently described to the Inquirer what makes his funeral home unique, based on his family’s association with it, which dates back to 1997.

“Ours is not just any funeral home. With our years of experience, and highly pro-fessional, friendly and compassionate staff, we pride ourselves on being the first choice for hundreds of area families each year. We are proud to embrace traditional values, diversity, and innovation in honor-ing the spirit and life of each person we serve. We offer a full selection of funeral and memorial services, ranging from tradi-tional to uniquely innovative and personal burial services, cremation options, and celebrant services,” said Guarino.

“We guide our families every step of the

way, from designing the most fitting ser-vice for the loved one, selecting the most appropriate products to fit budgets and suit needs, and making all arrangements with regard to services whether they are held at the family’s place of worship, our funeral home, cemetery, or alternate gath-ering place.”

According to Guarino, they will take care of all necessary paperwork, as well as provide access to grief education and support materials and referrals to counsel-ing services. In addition, they are avail-able to help at any time of the day or night with just one phone call to address of the physical care of the loved one and the emotional care of those left behind. Their pledge is to honor loved ones and their families with dignity, respect and personal attention to every detail.”

The Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home can be reached at (914) 699-9700 and they are located at 21 W. Broad Street, Mount Vernon, NY. Their website address is www.yannantuonofh.com.

Mayor Thomas, surrounded by city officials, announcing his new Mount Vernon Quality of Life Task Force

Mt. Vernon forms get-tough Quality of Life Task Force

On Tuesday, May 17, with a stern face and no nonsense demean-or, Mayor Richard Thomas held a press conference in front of a

dilapidated home located on North Bond Street where he unveiled the Mount Ver-non Quality of Life Task Force. The task force was formed to aggressively pursue landlords, building owners, businesses and contractors who operate illegally and fail to maintain safe and sanitary condi-tions.

“The City of Mount Vernon has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to crime and grime. I have directed members of my administration to actively monitor, enforce violations and shut down unlawful activ-ity. Illegal SRO’s [single room occupancy], businesses operating without proper per-mits, and absentee landlords are going to pay a price. Our people deserve to be safe and secure in their neighborhoods and enjoy clean streets. Our efforts today are part of the struggle to create a better qual-ity of life tomorrow,” said Thomas.

The task force, like Marines landing on a beach, but comprised of police, fire of-ficials, public works and city attorneys, of-ficially went into action on May 17. The

initial ticket blitz targeted property and business owners with a history of viola-tions and unpaid tickets.

On the May 17 initiative, 28 residents of an allegedly illegal boarding house were displaced and were quickly sent to the Mount Vernon Public Library, where city officials, social service agencies and the American Red Cross helped them find new housing.

“As developers are flocking to Mount Vernon we want to make sure criminals and those creating a bad quality of life flock out,” Thomas said. “We’re looking to crack down on known problems and make it very clear that the city is no longer tol-erating the harm to quality of life and the harm to property values.”

Prior to the North Bond Street press conference, landlords and business own-ers were ticketed for improperly stored garbage which has led to an increase in rats throughout Mount Vernon. On the day of the press conference, there was a noticeable difference, since North Bond Street looked a lot cleaner.

“We have hired a competent extermina-tor and we should have the issue with the rats under control soon,” said the mayor.

The mayor’s graduation was held at Yankee Stadium

On Wednesday, May 18, Mayor Thomas was joined by friends and family to cele-

brate his graduation from New York University. The Mayor achieved his Executive Master’s Degree in Business Administra-tion from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business. The City of Mount Vernon congratulates Mayor Richard Thomas on this great achievement.

Mayor Thomas said, “This is an occasion I will never forget. To be joined by my wife, family and friends to graduate from an institution like NYU is incredi-ble. I am a strong believer in ed-ucation and a proud product of Mount Vernon schools. I want the children of Mount Vernon to know that they can reach for the stars if they put their hearts in it.”

Mayor Thomas graduates from NYU Stern School with Executive MBA degree




David Gentner, Wartburg President & CEO, Dr. Howard Zucker, Dr. Sherlita Amler, Commissioner, Westchester County Department of

Health and Mayor Richard Thomas

NY State Commissioner of Health reminds all moms to make time to

take care of themselves

In celebration of Mother’s Day, New York State Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker recog-nized mothers for all the care and

support they provide for others and

urged them to protect their health by taking care of themselves too.

Mothers of all ages gathered on Wartburg’s beautiful 34-acre campus on Friday, May 6, to take part in dem-

Mount Vernon City School District voters approve $238.7 million budget

On Tuesday, May 17, city residents approved the Mount Vernon City School District’s $238.7

million budget for the 2016-2017 school year by a 1,104-378 unoffi-cial vote, a nearly 3-1 margin. Ab-sentee ballots were not included in the results.

The budget has a zero percent in-crease in the tax levy.

“This year, voters in the Mount Vernon City School District have certainly supported change and improvement in their school build-ings and in the education of their children – with the $108 million bond, which passed in March, the district’s 20/20 Vision and now this support for next year’s school dis-trict budget,” said District Super-intendent Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton.

“We are excited to see this level of commitment from the community and are looking forward to helping the district’s children pursue their dreams through quality instruction and programs in the coming school year.”

The total proposed taxes to be collected by the school district will be $134 million, which is unchanged for the third consecutive year. The proposed budget is a 3.41 percent increase, or $7.9 million, above last year’s approved budget of $230.9 million.

The budget includes:· Creation of six new English na-

tive learner positions· Creation of six new special edu-

cation teacher positions· Continuation of the beautifica-

tion program at five elemen-

tary schools and Mandela High School

· Expansion of the middle school sports program to include wres-tling, volleyball and softball

· Introduction of transportation for Mandela students to allow them to attend Mount Vernon High School for career and technical education (CTE) programs

· Introduction of Special Olympics program for special education students and to reinforce the im-portance of community service to those supporting the program

· Realizing an oil cost-savings of 95 percent over the previous year due to the district’s energy performance contract (EPC).

· Realizing an electric cost-savings of 35 percent over the previous year due the district’s

EPC.· Acquisition of new financial soft-ware to modernize and create greater efficiencies for payroll and human resources

· Acquisition of a new identifica-tion card system for students and staff

The budget is 100 percent aligned with the Board of Education’s goals to create systems to promote stu-dent achievement and increase out-comes, paying particular attention to subgroups in order to close the student achievement gap and de-veloping and implementing a multi-year plan for improving buildings, grounds and facilities including the exploration of private and public partnerships.

onstrations on fitting healthy eating, exercise, and better sleep into in-creasingly busy days—all while en-joy a healthy snack. Each mother was given a tulip from Dr. Zucker in appreciation for all they do.

Dr. Zucker began the event by high-lighting the links between parenting, caregiving, stress, diet, exercise, and disease. Research suggests that many women do not make self-care a priority after having children. A survey by Healthy Women and Working Mother magazine showed that women rank themselves last when it comes to managing the fam-ily’s health care behind the care they provide to their children, elderly rela-tives and spouse or significant other. In fact, 78% of women said they of-ten put off taking care of themselves or making their own health appoint-ments because they’re so busy tak-ing care of other family members.

“This Sunday we will celebrate mothers and other significant wom-en in our lives,” Dr. Zucker said. “Too often, women let go of their own care

in order to care for others. This event is a reminder to all mothers and their families that moms need to make time to take care of themselves.”

Wartburg, a senior care facility in-cluding inpatient/outpatient rehabili-tation, adult day programs, a skilled nursing facility, independent and as-sisted living, provided the venue for the event.

“I would like to thank the Com-missioner and his staff for selecting Wartburg to be the location for this exciting event and for celebrating mothers of our communities,” said David Gentner, president and CEO of Wartburg. “While this is our 150th anniversary year, it is also a celebra-tion of our future. Post-acute se-nior care is evolving and we believe Wartburg will play a key role in a new standard of integrated housing and services for seniors in Westchester County.




Dolores Mack being honored by Councilwoman Lisa Copeland Kevin Moore being honored by Councilwoman Roberta Apuzzo

Danny Bernstein being honored by Councilman Yuhanna Edwards

Dr. Joseph Cammarosano being honored by Councilman Andre Wallace

Ruth Shire being honored by City Council President Marcus Griffith

A capacity crowd packed the City Council Chambers on Wednesday night, April 27, to witness the honoring of

five distinguished Mount Vernon citi-zens prior to the commencement of the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council.

Twice a year, the City Council hon-ors remarkable individuals who have served the City of Mount Vernon with dedication and sacrifice and have made significant contributions to the Mount Vernon community.

The following is a list of those that were honored:

• Danny Bernstein, Founder and Executive Director, Backyard Sports Cares;

• Dr. Joseph Cammarosano, Econ-omist, Professor, and Administra-tor (Fordham University);

• Dolores Mack, Community Activ-ist;

• Kevin Moore, Director, Young Heroes Program (at Lincoln El-ementary School); Founder, MKM Foundation (for civic minded stu-

dents);• Ruth Shire, Former President,

Friends of the Mount Vernon Pub-lic Library.

A few years ago, as a relatively new member of the Mount Vernon City Council, Roberta Apuzzo, suggested the idea of honoring extraordinary citizens and organizations on a yearly basis to the City Council body. The City Council liked her suggestion, a vote was taken, and the yearly event was born. Due to the popularity of the program, the City Council is now honoring citizens twice a year.

According to Councilwoman Apuz-zo, “By spotlighting these individu-als who toil with a smile in relative anonymity, we are actually reflect-ing upon the quality of citizens in our community. These quiet heroes are sprinkled throughout the city of Mount Vernon. They perform deeds silently, or with an assuring voice, without the expectation of reward or honor. They serve with grace and humility. This pillar of the community might be a teacher, business owner,

Mt. Vernon City Council honors distinguished citizens

mother, father, soldier, teenager, ath-lete, community leader, or volunteer – the list is endless.”

Each honoree was given a citation

by Mayor Richard Thomas and a spe-cial award (Resolution) from the City Council.





become part of the promising re-naissance that was about to unfold in Mount Vernon.

One company that expressed an in-terest in bringing new development to Mount Vernon was the South Korean giant, Kumho, which dwarfs IBM in size. They own Asiana Airlines, Kumho Tires, Kumho Electric and a long list of other huge companies. The company actually sought to invest in Mount Ver-non by establishing a distribution cen-ter in Mount Vernon and training many of the city’s youth and hiring the unem-ployed.

The president of Kumho actually sent a letter to Mayor Thomas expressing an interest in meeting with him to dis-cuss his intentions to invest in Mount Vernon, but for some unexplained rea-son, the president’s letter went unan-swered.

Sentinel Vocational Apprentice Train-ing (SVAT), a 501(c)(3) vocational pro-gram created to focus on the need to develop a skilled labor force in Mount Vernon and beyond, held its very first gala on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. The event was held at the private, pres-tigious and luxurious Bronxville Field Club and was attend by nearly 200 guests. Many of the guests were awed by what they witnessed at the gala since senior partners and representa-tives from multibillion dollar companies were present. They all partnered with SVAT and had committed to support it in every way possible to ensure its success.

One group was a real inspiration to the guests since they had traveled all the way from Paraguay, South America to attend the gala. The small delegation represented the Paraguayan govern-ment and was acting as emissary for their country. Two members from the delegation addressed the podium to speak and received rousing applause. “The president of our country learned about the Mount Vernon delegation that recently traveled to South Korea, led by Mayor Davis and Terrence Hor-ton and was highly impressed by the accomplishments of the trip. He, too, extended an invitation to Mayor Davis to visit their country for the purpose of signing a Friendship Agreement with his city, Asuncion,” said one of the speakers. He then read a letter signed by his government and presented it to Mayor Davis. Government officials later traveled to Mount Vernon and signed a Friendship Agreement involv-ing the two cities.

The list of companies seeking to in-vest in Mount Vernon was a long one and Mount Vernon’s economy was about to explode, thanks to Sentinel’s effort.

Regrettably, Mount Vernon man-aged to derail the plans that would have surely developed an instant re-naissance within the city when they re-neged on finalizing the LED streetlight contract with Sentinel.

South Korea and cities across South

America are highly disappointed in Mount Vernon, since they were highly interested in investing in Mount Vernon after signing trade agreements with the city, but Mount Vernon has been reluc-tant to follow through on its promises.

This established trade agreement, along with Sentinel’s education pro-gram and coupled with Sentinel’s de-velopment, created the ideal citywide incubator that was to attract people from all over the globe, all recognizing that Mount Vernon was the new des-tination. It was all intended to achieve the ultimate goal of fueling economic recovery in Mount Vernon by bring-ing foreign investors who would make a financial commitment to the local economy – thereby, transforming the city of Mount Vernon into the epicenter for Green Research, development, and manufacturing.

Over the years, as publisher of the Mount Vernon Inquirer, I have followed Horton’s vision and compassion for all of the people of the great city of Mount Vernon, and covered the October 2015 SVAT rollout which attracted corporate giants such as MassMutual of New York, Gensler, the largest master plan-ner in the world, and BRP, one of the most successful and fastest growing development firms in the Northeast.

As a former New York City Detective, if I had detected wrongdoing concern-ing the LED streetlight contract award-ed to Sentinel, I most certainly would have ended my support for Horton. Everything Horton has done to earn the lucrative contract was done by the book – contrary to what The Journal News has printed, which was all mis-leading and damning.

Currently, the city is spending an enormous amount of money in legal fees trying to justify in court why Senti-nel’s LED streetlight contract should be rescinded. However, unknown sourc-es want the contract and are fighting Horton vigorously to get it.

What Horton has achieved until now with his company is unprecedented and historic, and his goal has always been to educate, train and employ many of Mount Vernon’s disenfran-chised. Therefore, for the city to renege on a contract he is legally entitled to is incomprehensible. In the process, the city has deprived the taxpayers of a real renaissance and has lost all cred-ibility with Fortune 500 companies that were ready to invest in Mount Vernon. And furthermore, its endless blunders are costing taxpayers heavily.

This whole senseless matter is de-priving young graduates of a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the most comprehensive paid internship program that will/could catapult them into unprecedented careers that have been unmatched anywhere to date!

Mount Vernon taxpayers need to demand truthful answers from city of-ficials on this whole issue.

Joe ParisiPublisher/Editor

Assembly member Mayer (c) presenting a Proclamation to Kids’ Kloset Director Stephanie Roth (l) and WJCS Director of Development

Susan Lewen (r)

50 models help raise funds for WJCS Kids’ Kloset at 3rd Annual

Fashion Show

More than 200 guests, includ-ing New York State Assem-bly member Shelley Mayer, watched 50 models, from tiny

tots to teens, strut their stuff at the WJCS Kids’ Kloset 3rd Annual Fashion Show to raise funds to continue providing free clothing and related items to children in need in Westchester. Assembly member Mayer, a well-known champion for chil-dren, presented a proclamation to WJCS Kids’ Kloset Director Stephanie Roth and WJCS Director of Development Susan Lewen.

The models wore selections from the clothing donated to WJCS Kids’ Kloset and provided free through social workers at human services agencies, schools and other organizations to individual families. The clothes are chosen to match the sizes and tastes of the recipients and packed in bags, fondly deemed “bags of love” by many recipients.

WJCS Kids’ Kloset, a volunteer-driven operation, has been in existence for four

and a half years and during that time has donated more than 8,000 “bags of love” to children in Westchester. The volunteers have been among the first responders to alleviate the upheavals of families dis-placed by fires and other emergencies. On a daily basis, Kids’ Kloset is outfitting kids who don’t have winter coats, hats or scarves or those who don’t have sneak-ers needed for playing basketball or even babies who need strollers or just fresh dia-pers. Donations are collected at the ware-house at 170 E. Post Road in downtown White Plains.

Funds collected at the fashionable event, which was held on May 15 at the Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase, will be used to replenish supplies of items that need to be new or to keep the operation going. Several sponsors and community organizations pitched in to make the event a rousing success. For more information on WJCS Kids’ Kloset, visit www.wjcs.com/kidskloset.

Mount Vernon Public Library announces 2016 election results

The Mount Vernon Pub-lic Library (NY) Board of Trustees is pleased to an-nounce the passage of the

Library Budget of $4,525,631 with 420 Yes votes and 167 No votes. The vote took place on Tuesday, May 3, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Grace Greene Baker Com-munity Room at the library.

There was one trustee seat avail-

able on the Board of Trustees. This seat replaced Mr. Sean McIntyre, who resigned from the Board of Trustees and is for a term of four (4) years ending June 30, 2020.

Cathlin Gleason (6A) – 288Tanya Southerland (5A) – 103Virginia Cramer (2A) – 70Mahlon Goma- 57Jean Bacquie – 38




Mt. Vernon resident recognized for employee excellence

by Leake & Watts

Rohan Robinson, a Mount Vernon resident and employee of Leake & Watts, was recognized for ex-cellence in an awards ceremony

held at the Carol and Frank Biondi Educa-tion Center on May 17. Robinson is part of the support staff in the Residential Treat-ment Center.

Leake & Watts is an award-winning

non-profit organization serving more than 11,000 children, adults, and families throughout New York City and Westches-ter County and operates based on four core values: respect, achievement, safe-ty, and responsibility. Each year, Leake & Watts recognizes employees that embody these values through their work with the clients they support.

Scholarship recipients displaying their awards

Board of Legislators announces 2016 Jandon Scholarship recipients

During a press conference on Thursday, May 19, the Jandon Foundation and the Westchester County Board

of Legislators announced the recipi-ents of the 2016 Jandon Foundation Scholarships. Sixteen Westchester high school students will each receive $12,000 in scholarship funds from the Jandon Foundation in preparation for their next educational steps. In order for students to qualify for the awards, their families must meet financial eli-gibility guidelines established by the Jandon Foundation. The program is unique in that it follows the students throughout their college careers.

“Our Jandon Scholarship program this year is certainly tinged with sad-ness because of the passing of Jane Cecil last July. The Jandon Scholar-ships are a wonderful part of her leg-acy. It is a privilege to carry on the Jandon program here at the Board of Legislator to help further the phil-anthropic goals of the Cecil family to enable these students,” stated Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz. “Quality education is such a powerful and important part of indi-vidual success. When you consider that the Cecil’s have helped more than 200 kids achieve the goal of a college degree,that is a benefit for those indi-viduals, their families and in fact, our community. I’d like to thank the Cecil family for their continued dedication and support of education for West-chester’s youth.”

The Jandon Foundation is a private

foundation created by Jane and Don-ald Cecil of Harrison, New York. The Cecil’s funded the Mount Vernon “I Have a Dream” program in 1987 and began funding the Neuberger Muse-um of Arts “Writing Through the Arts” Program in 1993. The Jandon Schol-ars program began as a public-private partnership in 2000 under County Executive Spano in an effort to reach students throughout the county. The Board of Legislators has been admin-istering the program since 2010.

The Cecil family’s primary philan-thropic interest lies in education with particular interest in helping students from financially disadvantaged and under-educated families succeed.

Alec Cecil, son of Jane and Don-ald, spoke at the press conference, “My family is privileged and honored to be able to provide assistance to such deserving students, and we very much appreciate the partnership with the Board of Legislators. We are proud of the results that so many past scholars have achieved through their hard work, dedication and the sup-port of their families and others. We welcome our new winners and are confident that they will be equally suc-cessful.”

The following is a list of Mount Ver-non recipients:

• Amigon, Melissa, Nellie Thornton, SUNY Oneonta

• Ferrell, Precious, Nellie Thornton, Johnson & Wales University

• Leslie, Shadae, Mount Vernon High School, Boston University




Mount Vernon’s new Water Commissioner, Anthony Dellamura Planning Commissioner, Shawn Patterson-Howard

Commissioner of Civil Defense, Fraida Hickson

Francine Carl (left) Director, Mt. Vernon WCC Extension Center; and Janna Gullery, Assistant Director, with Mayor Thomas

Mayor Thomas holds successful open house at City Hall

The rotunda and hallways at Mount Vernon City Hall resem-bled Grand Central Station dur-ing rush hour on Thursday, May

19, since many citizens responded to the open house invitation recently publicized by Mayor Richard Thomas.

Tables were tightly positioned next to each other representing city departments – all laden with brochures and flyers and manned by a commissioner and represen-tatives from each department.

Outside the entrance to the mayor’s of-fice was a table with literature from the

mayor’s office on it. Standing by the ta-ble was Mayor Thomas, greeting people as they approached him. Some spoke at length with the mayor, while some moth-ers introduced the mayor to their young children, and others just shook his hand and kept walking.

Standing by the Management Services table was Thomas Rajala, who had a big smile on his face since he was recently appointed Commissioner of Management Services. Rajala formerly worked as a First Deputy Comptroller in the Mount Vernon

Comptroller’s office.“Being mayor of Mount Vernon is a

tough job and it involves a lot of stress, and hopefully, events like this will help build trust between my office and the en-tire community,” said Mayor Thomas.

“Inviting us here like this was a brilliant move by Mayor Thomas since it gave us an opportunity to not only meet him in person, but also to meet all the people ap-pointed by him to help him run the city,” said one unidentified woman.




Exhibiting artists

Fine art exhibit with an “unexpected twist”

On April 9, Got Art? Inc. sponsored a Fine Arts ex-hibit at the Bronxville Li-brary. During the opening

reception more than one hundred people came out to view the exhibit, which showcased thirteen area artists (painters, photographers, sculptors and multi-media).

Exhibiting artists included: Sha-haan Azeem, Fani Miller-Beard, Cris-

tina Cerone, Cecelia Duncan, james “jAFa” Fair, Alison Gilham, Amelia Jones, Barry L. Mason, Hasna Mu-hammad, Jihaad Muhammad, Fanny-Marie Oliveras, James Bujo Williams and Ebony Yizar.

The exhibit ran through April 30.Got Art? Inc. is a non-sectarian or-

ganization founded to develop a net-work, whose goal is to connect with Fine Art artists (painters, photogra-

Retired Detective George McClendon

Mayor Richard Thomas on the passing of retired

MVPD Detective George McClendon

Retired Detective George McClendon was a major figure in Mount Vernon. He will be sorely missed

phers, multi-media, etc.) in order to provide and share resources, art instruction, references, and work-shops for artists who seek informa-tion about exhibiting, publishing, and perfecting their works.

Membership is open to all who believe that the arts are essential aspects of a community’s health and development. All ethnicities, spiritual beliefs and political views are welcome.

The organization itself is not af-filiated with, or expressively sup-portive of any political philosophy or religious organization.

Got Art? Inc. officers: Fanny-Marie Oliveras, President, james “jAFa” Fair, Vice President, Fani Miller-Beard, Secretary, James Bujo Williams, Treasurer, Cecelia Duncan and Public Relations Coor-dinator, Barry L. Mason - Graphics Coordinator.

PO Box 1206, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550

Email: [email protected] Art? Inc. invites everyone to

their website: www.gotart.org.

and the City of Mount Vernon ex-tends our deepest condolences to his family.

George started his career in 1991 with the Mount Vernon Po-lice Department. In 1994, while off-duty he was shot in the chest while protecting his family from a failed carjacking. George was a man of the community, engaged, involved, and strove to make a difference in the lives of all peo-ple. In his spare time, he was an umpire for Little League baseball and served as security at New Rochelle High School.

He inspired many to rise above and gave his time at numerous community and masonic events to empower those traveling to-ward their potential. George’s example of giving back is some-thing we can all learn from and his memory will live on with his Mount Vernon family.




(l to r) Tony Amieiro (PAC President), Tyrae Woodson-Samuels (Staff Assistant to Congressman Engel), Council President Marcus Griffith, Councilwoman

Roberta Apuzzo, Tony Ferreira, Mayor Richard Thomas, Janice Duarte, Councilman Yuhanna Edwards

(l to r) Tony Ferreira, Mayor Thomas and Fernando Viegas

(l to r) David Duarte, US Congressman Eliot Engel and Janice Duarte

(l to r) David Duarte, Planning Commissioner Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Janice Duarte, Councilwoman Roberta Apuzzo, Isabelle Marques (President of NYPALC), Tony Amieiro (President of PAC), Antonio Ferreira, Bertina Cor-reia , Gabriel Marques (President of North American Regional Council of the

Portuguese Diaspora), Tyrae Woodson-Samuels

While Portuguese live through-out the county, sizable Por-tuguese enclaves exist in Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New

Rochelle, the Tarrytowns and Ossining - all places where Portuguese-American clubs, soccer teams and stores selling Portuguese food have flourished through-out the years.

The Portuguese American Club (or “PAC”) was originally founded on August 18, 1935 in the City of Mount Vernon, NY as “Club Português Nova Aurora” or in English, “the New Dawn Portuguese Club” as a common place for Portuguese immigrants to come together as they es-tablished themselves in their new home city and country. PAC adopted its cur-rent name, Portuguese American Club,

on March 18, 1949 and its evolution and growth in Mount Vernon has spanned from 62 West First Street to its current lo-cation at 130 East Prospect Avenue since September 13, 1975.

PAC remains dedicated to its early goals and purpose, which is to promote the Portuguese language, culture and tra-ditions, and community service. Through the school Escola Dom Afonso Henriques, young children learn the Portuguese lan-guage, culture and history. Some of the richest traditions are rooted in music and food and it’s often shared with the larger community at annual barbeques and pic-nics. On September 1, 1983, the City of Mount Vernon honored the club by of-ficially naming Temple Place, Portugal Place.

Mt. Vernon Portuguese community honors Antonio Ferreira as “Man of the Year”

Photos by Henrique Mano of Luso Americano

On Saturday, May 21, Mayor Richard Thomas and members of the Mount Ver-non City Council attended a special event at the Mount Vernon Portuguese American Club to honor Antonio Ferreira, who was voted Man of the Year 2016 by the Por-tuguese communities of New York State. It’s the first time someone from the club in Mount Vernon has received this recogni-tion, and Mayor Thomas, members of the City Council and other dignitaries present-ed proclamations and citations to Ferreira.

António or “Tony” was born on Septem-ber 16, 1955 in Águas Santas, Vila-Real, Portugal and is the youngest of three chil-dren. At the age of 13, Tony immigrated to France where he began to learn his first craft and studied carpentry at Bourgoin Jollie. On June 17, 1972, at the age of 16, Mount Vernon welcomed Tony to his new home in America. Tony’s brother and sis-ter continue to reside in France and Tony continues to live and call Mount Vernon his home.

Tony became a member of the Por-tuguese-American Club (PAC) of Mount

Vernon 44 years ago – the same year he arrived in America. At the time, PAC was located at 28 East First Street and is now celebrating its 41st anniversary at its cur-rent home. He’s consistently been an ac-tive member, and has served in various leadership roles at various times. In 1996, because of his extensive volunteering both of his time and his services to the club, he was awarded an honorary mem-bership, but continues to pay his annual dues despite his honorary status.

Of course, Tony’s community involve-ment doesn’t stop there either. Tony cur-rently serves as Treasurer of the Academia do Bacalhau de New York, which is an or-ganization that raises funds to help Portu-guese-Americans and their descendants in financial need, such as paying rent or their electrical/heating bill.

Tony is a loving father and has instilled his example of civic participation early in his daughter, Sonia Ferreira, who at 5 years of age became a member of PAC Mount Vernon, and his wife, Bertini Cor-reia.




Vera Dorch (c) with family and church members during her 107th birthday celebration at the Westchester Center

Westchester Center resident celebrates her 107th birthday

On May 20, Vera Dorch was honored at the Westchester Center for Rehabilitation & Nurs-

ing by the facility, staff, her ador-ing niece, Constance Vera Terry, as well as her Pastor and fellow church members of Macedonia

(l to r) SHARE-NY President Frank Fraley, Mt. Vernon Mayor Rich Thomas and U.S Ambassador Ron Kirk

Ambassador Ron Kirk attends Chamber of Commerce event at Maggie Spillane’s

Ambassador Ron Kirk, former U.S. Trade Representative for President Barack

Obama and currently co-chair-man of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition, provided key-note remarks at the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce round-table on Tuesday, May 24, at Maggie Spillane’s restaurant. Ambassador Kirk is a leader in the Clean and Safe Energy Co-alition’s (CASEnergy) mission to advance nuclear energy as part of our nation’s energy portfolio.

In his remarks, Ambassador Kirk said, “We need to do some-thing about dirty air. You can’t get rid of Indian Point and say you’re an environmentalist.”

The Ambassador served in the President’s Cabinet as his principal trade adviser, negotia-tor and spokesperson on trade issues, and oversaw approval and implementation of free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. Kirk also oversaw the start and advancement of the trade agreement with the European Union and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

As mayor of Dallas, Texas, be-fore joining President Obama’s Cabinet, he oversaw econom-ic development efforts that brought more than 45,000 new jobs and more than $3.5 billion in new investment to Dallas.

Baptist Church. Dorch was presented with gifts, cards, flowers, songs, prayers and a large chocolate cake in honor of her 107th birthday.

Dorch has been a resident of Mount Vernon since her fam-ily moved here around 1922. She and her brother, Clarence Odell, remained in Mount Ver-non for their adult lives and were prominent members of the Mount Vernon community.

She graduated from A.B. Davis HS and Elizabeth City Teacher’s College in North Carolina.

Dorch joined Macedonia Baptist Church in 1927 and is the oldest member of the church. It was there where she met her future husband, Sherefield Dorch, and was married to him by Rev. Nelson in 1938.

Dorch and her husband were active members of the church and helped, raise and mentor their nieces and neph-

ews.Dorch enjoyed a happy mar-

riage for some fifty-two years. She was always passionate in decorating and sewing and retired from Lord & Taylor de-partment store.

She has always maintained her hobbies of knitting, cro-cheting, listening to jazz, reading the bible and novels and keeping up with current events.

With the support of her niece, Constance, she has enjoyed the Summer Breeze Concert Series and was a member of the “Breezetts.” She has also been a life mem-ber of the Presbyterian Jazz Society.

She has voted in elections up until 2008.

Terry describes her aunt as a “beautiful person, both inside and out.” Dorch cred-its her longevity to her faith in God, and a clean, happy, healthy lifestyle.




Some of the many seniors that participated in the informative seminar Dr. David Cassuto speaking to the seniors at the Armory

Local physical therapist holds seminar at Armory

Numerous senior citizens ben-efited from a seminar held on Wednesday, May 25, at the pop-ular Armory in Mount Vernon. Dr.

David Mark Cassuto, a physical therapist, who has a practice located at 105 Ste-vens Avenue, offered valuable information on how to engage in low-impact exercise while staying safe and well hydrated dur-ing activity.

As some of the participants enjoyed lunch provided by the Armory staff, the group attentively listened to Dr. Cassuto explain the benefit that physical activity

has on overall health and well- being and how it can help retain balance to reduce the risk of falls.

“Physical activity is a vital part of ev-eryday life, especially as we begin to age,” said Dr. Cassuto. “Keeping seniors healthy is a priority of Physical Therapy Services of Westchester, and we offer nu-merous programs that address prevalent challenges they face. It is our goal to help seniors achieve pain-free movement and maintain their independence.”

If you are a Medicare patient and suf-fer from joint pain, arthritis, stroke, joint

replacement, Parkinson’s, muscle weak-ness, difficulty walking and other physical conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Cassuto.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that since inactiv-ity increases with age, one in three men and one in two women engage in no phys-ical activity by the age of 75. The CDC states that significant health benefits can be achieved through moderate activity, which can reduce swelling caused by ar-thritis, promote strong bones, and lessen depression.

“We were delighted that Dr. Cassuto offered to present this seminar to our seniors, and always welcome the oppor-tunity to have Dr. Cassuto speak to our group,” said Geraldine Christiana, Direc-tor of the Senior Program at the Armory.

Dr. Cassuto’s longtime practice location address is 105 Stevens Ave, Suite 309, Mt. Vernon, New York and he can be reached via phone at 914-663-4500 and via fax at 914-663-4501.

Nathaly Burgos (r) with Jaron Dobson, 2015 Youth of the Year

Nathaly Burgos a four-year member of Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon represented the

Club at Siena College in Loud-onville, New York. Nathaly was one of 30 participants in the statewide competition. At four-teen years of age, she was one of the youngest participants. Despite her youth, she showed exceptional leadership qualities.

Nathaly was part of a five-member team that participated in a team building scavenger hunt. She assumed the leader-ship role on her team and led them to victory.

Nathaly also interviewed very well with the panel of judges. While she did not get selected as a finalist, she left her mark as

a strong force in future competi-tions.

Gene Bailey, director of Or-ganizational Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of America said, “Miss Burgos represented herself and Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon very well. She showed great leadership and was compelling and inspiration-al.”

Nathaly will receive a $750 scholarship from the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon and is eligible to compete again until she becomes 18.

Learn more about Nathaly Bur-gos and the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon through the club’s website found at www.bgcmvny.org.

Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon participates in NY State Youth of the Year competition




hugged and greeted each other warmly everywhere you looked, and the atmo-sphere was one of unity and camaraderie. The Recreation Dept., led by Commission-er Dr. Darren Morton and Deputy Commis-sioner Diane Atkins, did an excellent job of managing logistics, from transporting seniors and manning the grills, to provid-

ing chairs and cleaning up meticulously at the end of the day.

During the program, artist André Trenier signed his powerful tribute mural of Heavy D & the Boyz, and Heavy D’s mom heaped generous praise on the soft-spoken art-ist and his evocative work. Photographer Leon Cato attended the fundraiser to in-

Children having a great time Whip & Nae Nae dancers

Youngsters playing basketball during the festivities

The t-shirt booth

The Myers family members and friends

Artist André Trenier signing his powerful tribute mural of Heavy D & the Boyz


clude Heavy D in a documentary film he’s making about Mount Vernon and the com-plex issue of gentrification. Live musical performances, spoken word tributes, and even some light comedy made the time pass quickly, with popular music for the

“over 30” and “under 20” cohorts keeping the crowd engaged in between. Heavy D’s teenage daughter Xea flew in for the oc-casion, and a number of family members and artists traveled from out-of-state to participate in this special day.





The fundraiser was marked by many expressions of grati-tude and appreciation from those who graced the stage. Among others, Mr. & Mrs. My-ers and their extended family, Mayor Thomas and his sister Jacene, NBA Hall of Famer Walt Frazier and members of the New York Knicks organiza-tion, Bowlegged Lou of “House Party” fame, and WBLS’s Dr. Bob Lee, expressed pride in, and appreciation for, Heavy D and the City of Mount Vernon, and encouraged those in at-

tendance to work together to continue the city’s traditions of talent and greatness. There were lots of smiles and laugh-ter, and like the scattered rain-drops towards the end of the day, a few tears as well.

Those interested in learning more about The Myers Foun-dation, or the treatable, medi-cal condition thrombosis that took Heavy D’s life much too soon, should visit the founda-tion’s website www.themyers-foundation.org.


A senior citizen helping out at City Hall

Mount Vernon senior citizens help empower

City Hall

Over the past few months Mayor Richard Thomas has been working to bring a softer image to

City Hall by engaging with our se-nior citizens to help them volunteer their services. Their experience and wisdom is bringing historic knowledge and building a better future based on firm past founda-tions to City Hall.

The results have been great and government is becoming more welcoming. Seniors have been signing up to help out with some of the day-to-day tasks that oc-cur in the Mayor’s office. It has been a great experience and there are plans to expand this program across City Hall.

Seniors are powering and pro-viding new energy which is helping operations run smoothly. As part of the expansion, seniors will also be welcoming people into City Hall to create a friendlier atmosphere. To date, the outreach and response has been remarkable, with non-profit organizations chipping in to aid in this effort. “Being involved & engaged” is part of the major theme from Mayor Thomas’ office.

One of our senior volunteers, William M. Rodwick, brings over 50 years of experience as a de-signer, construction manager, es-timating chief, AVP of design, and quality and safety chief. He is help-ing empower our Public Works de-partment by assisting in pavement

resurfacing, construction quality control, lighting and electric power, as well as a host of other topics.

Mayor Thomas said, “This is what it means to be engaged and to be involved. Our seniors are stepping up to help out in a ma-jor way. Our plan is to expand this to every department and have se-niors truly involved in improving the operations of City Hall. I am thankful that they are a part of this administration and will continue to play a role in making Mount Vernon great.”

Former NYC Transit manager, current NYU Professor and Mt. Vernon resident William Rodwick said, “I’m very excited to be of as-sistance in training the Department of Public Works employees to de-velop their skills and practices.”

Retired former Mt. Vernon teach-er, with deep Mt. Vernon roots, Donna Marable, said, “It’s a great idea to expand this senior program across the building. We all have a role to play in making our city great and I really appreciate the opportunity to share my experi-ences with others. Mount Vernon is a special place and it’s good to see our Mayor taking care of the seniors.”

Singer, songwriter, musician and Mt. Vernon resident Beverley Drap-er said, “I want to thank the Mayor for allowing seniors a chance to stay involved and give back to our community.”

Mt. Vernon students doing volunteer work at the Jay Heritage Center

located in Rye, NY

The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau participates in “I Love My Parks Day”

On Saturday, May 7, students from the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s WDAY (Workforce De-velopment Academy for Youth)

program participated in the New York State Parks and Historic Sites “I Love My Parks Day.” This is an exciting statewide event to improve and enhance New York’s parks and historic sites and bring visibility to the entire park system and its needs.

This year was the biggest turnout yet, with over 6000 volunteers throughout New York State. The WDAY students vol-unteered at the Jay Heritage Center locat-ed in Rye, NY to help rehabilitate the 1917 Tennis House for community use and par-ticularly for youth clinics. While cleaning up around the Tennis House, WDAY Pro-gram participant Jaylen O’Neal assisted the Jay Heritage Center’s archaeologist discover artifacts from the 18th century.

Through the WDAY program, students are offered paid and unpaid work expe-

riences and are required to complete a GREEN/ STEM project. WDAY Program provides in-school youth ages 14-21 and out of school youth ages 16-24, with a comprehensive program that enables youth to transition into adulthood and gain economic self-sufficiency through: job skills training, mentoring, leadership opportunities, employment opportuni-ties, entrepreneurship and college/career exploration. By focusing on STEM (sci-ence, technology, engineering and math) projects, the program provides innovative opportunities and prepares youth for the global economy.

Mayor Richard Thomas said, “Mount Vernon supports community gardening and the revitalization of all parks for fami-lies to utilize. The Jay Heritage Center is a New York State historic site and West-chester County park. I am a big proponent of open green space and it remains one of my top priorities for Mount Vernon as well. STEM continues to play a vital role in educating our youth and providing our young scholars with different avenues of growth to reach their full potential and the Youth Bureau continues to focus on these opportunities.”

“GREEN and STEM activities are a vital part of the WDAY program and help par-ticipants understand the daily relevance of science, technology, engineering, and math. Through this experience these young people not only learned about the environment, they also learned the impor-tance of volunteering and giving back to the community,” stated Deputy Director, Dena Williams.

Should you have any questions or con-cerns, please contact Dominique Smith, Youth Case Manager at 914-665-2344 or [email protected]

“Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper” NQUIRER · 2016-05-30 · “Mount Vernon’s Hometown...

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