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City of Mount Vernon, NY
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May '08

The ABCs of
Surviving Divorce
by
Roberta Apuzzo
 

Info about
MRSA infection

 

 

05-10-08  NP
Fundraiser for School Board Candidates: Elias Gootzeit, Diane Munro Maria Cedano & Kathie Brewington - May 17
     There will be a fundraiser taking place on May 17 for School Board Candidates, Elias Gootzeit, Diane Munro Maria Cedano & Kathie Brewington at Mount Vernon Democratic Headquarters, located at 1 Park Avenue.
     Those attending can expect to be treated to a Night on the Bayou, with Creole food and jazz entertainment.
     The event is scheduled for 7:00 - 10:00 PM, and there is a suggested donation of $40.00. For additional information call: 914-374-1110.


05-10-08  #12
Author and syndicated cartoonist Jerry Craft conducts cartooning workshop at Mt. Vernon's Boys & Girl's Club


   
Jerry Craft, famed author and syndicated cartoonist, showing his latest comic books at the Boys & Girls Club workshop.

     The gym at Mount Vernon's Boys & Girls Club was humming with excitement on Friday, April 9, as nearly 80 children who attend the popular after-school program at the facility awaited the start of a cartooning workshop.
     When introduced to the kids, Jerry Craft, the famed author and syndicated cartoonist asked the kids to quiet down and their response was impressive. The kids immediately  focused their eyes on Craft and you could hear a pin drop in the spacious gym.
     Craft opened the workshop by telling the kids how he ventured into the field, and also explained and showed how his magical cartoons are created. 
Go


05-09-08 NP
Book & Bake Sale at Mount Vernon Public Library to take place May 16/17
   
Find that perfect summer novel on Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17 at the Friends' Semi-Annual Book & Bake Sale - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, at the Mount Vernon Public Library (Community Room). Books will be on sale at a cost of: $.50 0 $3.00.
     Donations of new and gently used books accepted thru May 9. No texts, encyclopedias or books in garbage bags. Shopping bags or boxes only at the  Avenue entrance of the library, located on Second Avenue, between 1st & 2nd street in Mount Vernon.
     Sponsored by the Friends of the Mount Vernon Library.


05-08-08 NP
May 10 “Live at the Arts Exchange Concert” Pays Tribute to ‘Great Women in Jazz’
 
     At 7:00 PM on Saturday May 10th  the spectacular Grand Banking Room of the Arts Exchange, located at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains, will come alive with a concert titled Great Women in Jazz.  The Annette St. John Trio, based in Mt. Vernon , will join with saxophone legend and Westchester resident Houston Person.


05-08-08 #11
Construction to start on Petrillo Plaza Mount Vernon
   
Downtown Mount Vernon will soon undergo a face-lift. Work to improve the area will begin this Monday (May 12) at Petrillo Plaza, the area of East Prospect Avenue between North Third Avenue and Park Avenue.
     The $2.4 million construction project is a joint initiative of Westchester County and the City of Mount Vernon. It will enlarge the waiting area for Bee-Line passengers, install new bus shelters and benches, street lighting and a landscaped center median along East Prospect Avenue. The street will also be paved and new traffic signals installed.
     “This project is a springboard for Mount Vernon to redevelop the downtown area,” said County Executive Andy Spano. “Not only will it be welcomed by all who visit the area, but our bus passengers will be able to wait for buses in comfort and out of the elements.”
     County Transportation Commissioner Lawrence C. Salley said, “With 3,500 daily passengers, Petrillo Plaza is the third busiest bus stop in the Bee-Line system. We want to make available to our Mount Vernon passengers amenities that have been included in the White Plains and New Rochelle bus terminal projects.”
     “Public transportation is vital to Mount Vernon residents,” said Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton Young. “This project will benefit not only bus riders but all those who visit our downtown area to work or shop.”
     Funding for the project came from various Federal Transit Administration and New York State Department of Transportation grants.
     During construction, Bee-Line Routes 7, 40, 41, 43 and 55 that normally serve passengers on the south side of Petrillo Plaza will be moved to Elm Avenue next to Metro-North’s Mount Vernon East railroad station. Passengers were handed information on the project last week, and signs have been posted at the bus stop reminding passengers of the construction. Passengers who use Routes 53 and 54 will find their buses at West Prospect Avenue and Gramatan Avenue.


05-08-08 NP

Click here to view the rest of invitation!


05-08-08 #10
City of Mount Vernon keeping a close eye on gas pumps
    
As prices at the pumps continue to climb toward and in some instances exceed $4.00/gallon, Mayor Clinton Young’s administration has made it a priority to step up inspections of gas stations. 
     “We understand how much of a toll rising gas prices take on your wallet, we are all feeling this burden,” said Mayor Young. “However, what it is within our control to do is to make sure that when you pay for $20, $40, $60 worth of gas, that you are getting the right amount of product. The results of the inspections indicate that people who are buying their gas in Mount Vernon are getting the best bang for their buck.”
     In recent weeks, Michael Paulercio, the city’s Sealer of Weights & Measures, has conducted inspections of 9 stations, a total of 52 petroleum pumps, 34 blended pumps (where different grades of gas come through the same pump), and 6 diesel pumps. The result of the inspections found 9 violations in total, with all but one of the violations found to be in favor of the consumer. The pump in violation not in favor of the consumer was immediately put out of service, but was fixed and back in operation within a day and a half.
     There are also some things that you can do as a consumer to make sure that you don’t end up getting cheated at the pump:

  • Be aware of “pump hanging” where the previous transaction may have not finished, and you could end up paying for gas that never ended up in your car, truck, or motorcycle;
  • Make sure the pump starts at ZERO on both Gallons and Total Price;
  • DO THE MATH! Stop at 1 gallon, check the total price against the price displayed on top of the pump. Stop again at 10 gallons and check again, and finally;
  • Always get a receipt. Make sure the receipt matches the prices and total displayed on the pump.

05-08-08 #9
National Black Police Association prepares to celebrate “Police Week”

Memorial Service held last year on the West Front of the United
States Capitol in Washington, D.C. at the start of
"Police Week". 

     The National Black Police Association (NBPA) has been in existence since 1972, and has chapters across the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom, Canada and Bermuda. The principal concerns of the (NBPA) center on law enforcement issues and the effect of those issues upon the total community, especially the communities of color.
 
    In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as "Police Week."
     As the (NBPA) prepares to celebrate "Police Week" with their law enforcement family across the country, it is imperative for them to continue their mission of protecting, educating and uplifting the communities they proudly serve.
     During the week of May 12 -16, which has been designated “Police Week," the Westchester NBPA will host a seminar for parents, educators, and community leaders on the topic: “How do you know if your child is in a Gang?” In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in gang involvement and gang activities in communities of color; therefore, it is critical that parents and educators of young children in general and young Black men in particular participate in the seminar.
The seminar will be held on:
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Thornton High School
121 South Sixth Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
Start time: 10:30 am
Admission is free!
     Please share this announcement regarding the seminar with parents, educators and child care workers. Knowledge is the key for uplifting and protecting the future for our families, youth and communities.
     For more information, contact Damon K. Jones at (914) 316-1452


05-07-08 #8
City of Mount Vernon plants trees at Brush Park in honor of the city's fallen heroes

    Family and friends viewing tree planted in honor of Detective Christopher A. Ridley

    
Tuesday, May 6, was a special and memorable day in Mount Vernon, since Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr., Public Works Commissioner Terrence Horton, and Con Edison Director of Public Affairs Sandy Miller planted twelve new trees at Brush Park in Mount Vernon. Four of the trees were named for some of the “Fallen Heroes of Mount Vernon.” 
The list of fallen heroes included:

  • Lieutenant Colonel Nasby Wynn, one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, who was the first black police officer in the City of Mount Vernon.

  • Detective Christopher A. Ridley, who was killed earlier this year by County Police Officers in a truly tragic incident. He served the department for two years.

  • Marine Corporal Bernard “Brent” Gooden, who was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division based at Camp Lejeune, NC, was among the first servicemen to die in Iraq on April 4, 2003.

  • Raymond C. Vanderberg, a dedicated twelve-year veteran of the Mount Vernon Fire Department, who at the time of his death was next in line to become a lieutenant. He was also an active member of the Westchester Vulcans where he pushed for diversity in the fire department. Go


05-06-08 #7
Mt. Vernon City School District Annual Art Show impresses many

Superintendent Dr. W. L. "Tony" Sawyer shown with School District teachers and
Angela Addesso (first row, second from left).

    Mount Vernon has a long unique tradition of supporting the arts in an effort to ensure that every child has a strong foundation in fine arts. On Tuesday, May 6, art work representing students throughout the entire School District was on display at the Mount Vernon Public Library for the public to view.
     The student art show, known as "Visions of Excellence," attracted many to the library on the first day of the major exhibit, which is scheduled to last through the end of May.
     "I can't believe how gifted our students are. This work is absolutely marvelous," commented Lisa Rivera, a Mount Vernon resident.
Go


05-06-08 #6
Superintendent Sawyer attends community "Cottage Party" in his honor


  
 
                                        Dr. Sawyer addressing the guests

     On Monday, May 5, nearly 75 Mount Vernon residents turned out for a community "Cottage Party" in honor of Dr. W. L. "Tony" Sawyer at Harmony Designs, located at 115 South Fourth Avenue, in downtown Mount Vernon. The event was hosted by Robin and Floyd Myers, and included a sumptuous buffet, wine, along with coffee and Italian pastries.      
     Those who attended the party were concerned citizens interested in hearing what Dr. Sawyer had to say about the School District budget vote, but most importantly, about his overall strategy and plan to propel the School District in a more positive direction. The School District has been in a tailspin for several years, and administrators have failed to meet their targets academically, and questions remain on what will be done to improve the alarming situation.
Go


05-05-08 NP
County Clerk Tim Idoni’s mobile unit to service Mount Vernon on Thursday, May 15
   
Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni is proud to announce that his Community Outreach staff will appear at Mount Vernon City Hall, Roosevelt Square on the Stevens Avenue side, Thursday, May 15th from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. If you need to apply for a U.S. Passport, staff can take your photo and process your passport application. A certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid driver’s license and the fee is usually all you need. If you are planning to apply, please call 995-3086 or visit www.westchesterclerk.com for specific requirements. 
     The Community Outreach Staff travels throughout the county to serve residents and made more than 100 mobile office visits in 2007. Passport applications can also be submitted at the Office of the Westchester County Clerk, which is located at 110 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in White Plains and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The schedule can also be found on the Mobile Office calendar located on our website.


05-02-08 #2
2nd Annual Relay For Life of Mount Vernon scheduled for June 13/14


    
Mayor Clinton I Young addressing participants at last year's Relay for Life of Mount Vernon before he became mayor.

     A cancer diagnosis is scary, life changing and…a reason to celebrate. Wait…what was that last one? The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Mount Vernon invites the Mt. Vernon community to honor and celebrate the lives of cancer survivors within their community. This overnight event is one of more than 5,000 across America held to recognize that cancer doesn’t sleep and neither will we until we find the cure. Relay For Life is the largest grassroots fundraiser in the world and gives everyone an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Since the first Relay For Life, held in 1985 in Tacoma, Washington, the event has raised over $1.8 billion. In 2007, Relay For Life will raise well over $300 million. The first annual Relay For Life of Mt. Vernon raised over $60,000 and had hundreds of participants camping out on Memorial Field, showing their commitment to the fight against cancer.
     Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors of all ages walk, run, or otherwise move around the track for the first lap. This emotional time sets the stage for the importance of each participant's contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops around the track area as teams of 10 to15 people make new friends and spend time with old ones while raising awareness and money to support cancer research, education, advocacy and local patient services. 
Go


05-02-08 #5
Major new American Cancer Society study looks to Mt. Vernon for participants
   
The American Cancer Society is looking to Mt. Vernon residents to play a direct role in improving the lives of future generations by participating in this historic study. The Society will be signing up volunteers for its Cancer Preventions Study –3 (CPS-3) at the Relay For Life of Mt. Vernon on June 13th from 6pm-10pm at Memorial Field.
     The study which will enroll a diverse population of half a million people across the United States will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer and will further efforts to eliminate cancer as a major health concern for future generations.
Go


05-01-08 #4
Mount Vernon Police Foundation’s 2nd Annual Awards Gala a smash hit

          Officer David Clark (l) and Officer Alesander Jarosz receiving awards

   
The Mount Vernon Police Foundation's 2nd Annual Awards Gala, held on Tuesday, April 29, was a resounding success once again. Like last year's inaugural gala, the event was attend by nearly 300 guests and was held at the luxurious Westchester Manor, located in Hastings-on-Hudson.
     Attending the gala this year were high profile dignitaries like County Executive Andy Spano, Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiori, and a long list of others too long to list. The gathering of so many important dignitaries is a true indication that the group is being recognized in a big way for its many positive accomplishments until now.
     The goal of the relatively new nonprofit foundation is to enhance the effectiveness of the Mount Vernon Police Department by providing resources that are not covered in the city budget, which allows police officers to be more effective in doing their job.
Go


Pelham News
04-30-08
#3
Williams Elementary School students participate in "The Kids in the Kitchen" program


    
                             Children enjoying the food donated by Stop & Shop

    
The Junior League of Pelham announced their second annual childhood obesity and nutrition education initiative, "Kids in the Kitchen," with one of their events taking place at Mount Vernon's Williams Elementary School. The overall goal was to raise awareness and help reverse the growth of childhood obesity and its associated health issues.
     “Considering that women in Junior Leagues across America and in parts of Canada, Great Britain and Mexico are taking on the issue of childhood obesity by engaging kids at a community level, I believe the Junior League will make a critical “healthy” difference in the lives of an upcoming generation,” says JLP president, Cathie Arquilla. “And I’m incredibly proud of the Junior League of Pelham’s Kids in the Kitchen projects, which are impacting kids right here in our own service area.”
Go


04-29-08 #1
The Wartburg announces its partnership in the Gramatan Village Project
    
The Wartburg Adult Care Community, a leading name in eldercare for over a century, is proud to be a key community partner in the innovative Gramatan Village, Inc. Based on the pioneering Beacon Hill Village of Boston, Gramatan Village will give residents of the greater Bronxville area access to services that will allow them to remain safely and confidently in their homes for a longer period of time. 
     Wartburg professionals have worked closely with the founding members of Gramatan Village to map out a network of health care and social support partnerships. “We knew from the first that Gramatan Village would be a perfect partnership for us. All of our programs aim at helping people maximize their independence, whether they live at home or on our campus,” says Wartburg’s Business Development Manager, Lisa Hotchkiss.
     The Wartburg will provide Gramatan Village members with discounted in-home care through its Licensed Home Care Services Agency, “No Place Like Home Care,” and through its Long Term Home Health Care Program. As members’ needs change, The Wartburg will also provide priority access and financial incentives to a variety of residential, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services located on its magnificent 36-acre campus. 
     Gramatan Village membership is available to those who reside in the greater Bronxville area. For a modest annual fee, members will be able to call the “Village” for referral to community partners, and when necessary, for help putting appropriate assistance in place. Members will also enjoy discounts from local businesses, transportation, educational, and recreational services.
     The Gramatan Village office is located at 85 Pondfield Road in Bronxville. For information, call 914-337-1338 or visit the web site at
www.gramatanvillage.org or send an email to info.gramatanvillage@verizon.net


04-29-08 NP
African Heritage Program to be held at the Parker Elementary School on May 18
   
The Cecil H. Parker School PTA in association with The Lower Hudson Valley Center For Empowerment is presenting an African Heritage Program on Sunday May 18th, from 3 PM – 5 PM at the Parker Elementary School in Mount Vernon.
     The Lower Hudson Valley Center For Empowerment use community members as role models to go into the elementary schools in our area to interact with the children. These sessions build self-esteem and begin to set an example for socially accepted behaviors. 
     The program will feature artists representing the Diaspora from the New York City area.
     Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 12. Proceeds go to benefit children in the Lower Hudson Valley area. 
     For more information about this program or to submit a request to become a role model, please visit: 
www.lowerhudsonvalleycenterforempowerment.org.

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