February 2009
02-25-09
Traphagen Elementary SCHOOL receives grant FROM ARTSWESTCHESTER
     ArtsWestchester is pleased to announce the 2009 Arts Partners Challenge Grants.  Concordia Conservatory, the community music school at Concordia College in Bronxville, and the Traphagen Elementary School of Mount Vernon City School District were grantees this year.
      Concordia Conservatory in conjunction with the Martin H. Traphagen Elementary School in Mount Vernon were awarded a challenge grant for a program entitled “Drum Talk”. The grant includes in-school sessions with an all-school performance with Conservatory faculty member and percussionist Yousif Sheronick.  This grant provides students with exposure to world music and an extraordinary experience in a cultural context. Matching funds from Concordia Conservatory and the Traphagen School along with The Arts Partners Challenge Grant will support this collaboration. Full story

02-26-09
Mount Vernon Relay for Life Kicks Off 2009 Fundraising Effort

          Cancer survivor Vanessa Cowan and Sarah Hess of the American Cancer Society

     More than ninety attendees gathered in Mount Vernon as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Mount Vernon kicked off its 2009 fundraising efforts. The Kickoff Celebration, held Tuesday, February 24th at the Mount Vernon Armory, was designed to be both entertaining and informative and included an overview of the Relay for Life, team recruitment information, an introduction of the volunteer committee, raffle drawings and wrapped up with a touching “Why I Relay” ceremony. Full story

02-25-09
Senate Passes Neighborhood Preservation Act
    Senator Jeff Klein’s recent bill, the Neighborhood Preservation Act, passed the NYS Senate with 47 members voting for the bill and 11 members voting against it. The legislation creates a standard of safety and habitability for bank owned homes which are foreclosed and vacant. Klein’s legislation will allow municipalities to use their discretion in how they chose to clean up these unsitely residential properties and how they choose to get reimbursed for their work whether by issuing violations or through legal action, or by simply billing the bank.
     Currently, in New York State, municipalities use real property law (RPL) 235-b to craft administration codes by which to enforce the standard of safety and habitability. Real property law (RPL) 235-b establishes a standard of habitability for occupied properties between tenants and landlords. Currently, no such standard for bank owned (REO) properties exists. This standard of habitability has been considered to be breached in the State of New York if such conditions such as inadequate security (failure to provide locks and secure the premises), substantial accumulation of garbage, severe infestation of insects/rodents, and sewage leaks and spills are in evidence. Klein’s bill will provide parallel support to any codes and laws created by an individual municipality with reference to a bank owned vacant property. Full story

02-25-09
Mayor Young, Water Department to Unveil New Flexfuel Emergency Vehicle
    On Thursday, February 26^th at 10:00 a.m. , Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr. and Water Department Commissioner David Ford will be unveiling the department’s newest vehicle, a new 2009 Dodge Durango Flexfuel vehicle.  The event will take place in front of City Hall.
     The City of Mount Vernon has dedicated its attention toward becoming a green city.  The purchase of this vehicle is just one of many steps that the city has taken toward this end.

Amended Article
02-25-09
Over 160 players attend "Carton Open 2K9" tennis tournament at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

(l to r) Danielle Carr, Judith Norton and Mayor Clinton I. Young pictured before the start of play.

     On Saturday, February 21, over 160 players from all over the tri-state area, including many from Mount Vernon, participated in the "Carton Open 2K9" tennis tournament held at the brand new Billie Jean King indoor tennis center in Flushing Meadows, home of the US Open.
     The event was sponsored by the Mount Vernon based Carton Tennis Corporation, recently founded by Danielle Carr and Judith Norton.
     As the participants entered the lobby of the impressive facility to register, many were in awe as they looked up at an array of very large color portraits of tennis greats adorning the walls.
     Once registered, the players walked anxiously and briskly towards the locker rooms, where they changed and quickly walked towards the staging area for court assignments and instructions. Each participant knew in advance they would be playing tennis in the premier tennis facility in the entire country.  Full story

02-24-09
FORMER HEAD OF PURCHASING FOR THE Mt. VERNON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON

Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that Arthur Rose (DOB 1/22/59) of 22 Pease Street, Mount Vernon, New York was sentenced today to two indeterminate terms of three and one half to seven years in state prison, to be served concurrently, on his conviction after trial to:

02-24-09
ArtsWestchester and Mt. Vernon Public Library to Present Tapestry of the Diaspora  

     In recognition of Black History Month, on Thursday, February 12, an exhibition entitled “Tapestry of the Diaspora” will open in the Rotunda Gallery of the Mt. Vernon Public Library. Featured artists include Alfred Fayemi, Robin J. Miller, and Barry L. Mason. The exhibition, a collaboration between ArtsWestchester and the Mt. Vernon Public Library, features the work of these three Mt. Vernon-based artists who, despite working in different media, are all, in some way, influenced by their African roots.
     The exhibition is curated by Simone Dewey, a former gallery owner and independent curator, and will be on view at the Mt. Vernon Public Library through March 28^th with an opening reception planned for Thursday, February 12^th, from 5-8 pm.  Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 10am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 9 am-5pm, and Sunday from 1-5 pm. The Rotunda at the Mount Vernon Public Library is located at 28 South First Avenue in Mt. Vernon. For more information please call (914) 668-1840 or visit www.mountvernonpubliclibrary.org.

02-24-09

02-24-09
MVCTC Presents the 2^nd Annual Black History Challenge for Middle and High School Youth 
    The Mount Vernon Community That Cares coalition through the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau will host the second annual Black History Quiz Challenge. Several teams from the local middle and high schools will convene at the Mt. Vernon Armory on Friday, February 27, 2009 to display their knowledge of black history facts through friendly competition. This event is free and is open to the public and will begin at 3:00p.m.
     Food, music, and entertainment such as drama skits, poetry, and informational resource tables will be provided.  We encourage all youth to attend this program and support Mount Vernon’s brightest!
     For further information, please contact Claudette Coote at (914) 409-5330 or DaMia Harris at (914) 665-2344 dharris@cmvny.com.

02-23-09

02-23-09

Mount Vernon Youth Bureau Presents
“SHE GOT HER OWN:
An Economic Empowerment Workshop
for Young Women.”

02-23-09
Senator Jeff Klein Calls for Middle Class Tax Cuts and Increases on Higher Income Earners
    In the midst of legislative negotiations to fill the $14 billion dollar NYS budget gap, Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Jeff Klein released a progressive tax proposal which would provide middle class tax cuts to stimulate the economy while generating $1 billion dollars in revenue for the state.
     Klein’s proposal doubles the standard deduction for every type of tax filer making under 250K and provides a tax cut in the form of a debit card to ensure spending (the standard deduction is a dollar amount reduced from one’s total taxable income, thereby reducing their tax liability). Currently, a single person with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 can deduct $7,500 from their income, resulting in taxes on $52,500 of the filer’s income rather than $60,000.  Under the Senator’s plan, the standard deduction would increase to $15,000 for a single person, resulting in taxes on $45,000 of the filer’s income rather than $60,000. Full story

02-23-09
AMERICAN RED CROSS TO HOLD  FLAG RAISING CEREMONY TO CELEBRATE AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH
    On  Thursday March 3^rd  at 11:00 am , The American Red Cross in Westchester County will celebrate March is Red Cross Month with an official flag raising ceremony on the lawn of the chapter. County Executive Spano   will preside.  Spano explains:  “The importance of the Red Cross to this community – to our nation as a whole – cannot be overstated, When disaster strikes we know they will be there along with the very many volunteers who are so generous with their time and money. “
     The Red Cross has been at the forefront of helping Americans prevent, prepare for and respond to large and small disasters for 127 years.   Dating back to Franklin D. Roosevelt, March has become the official month to recognize the extraordinary achievements of the Red Cross and its essential humanitarian role in the community. 
     To attend go to: American Red Cross in Westchester County,
106 North Broadway, White Plains, NY

02-22-09
Pelham News
Girl Scout Silver Awards presented to seven Pelham girls

(l to r) seated: Maura Tracy, Sarah DeYoung, Samantha Scinta; standing: Sara Settineri, Cheryl Parisi and Sophia DiVitto.

     On February 6, seven Pelham Senior Girl Scouts in Troop #1570 were awarded the Silver Award, the second highest award they can achieve in scouting. Many hours of community service, leadership hours and a final 40 hour environmental project was completed by each of the girls.
     The girls also sold more than 400 CFL's to the community, created Earth Day recycling projects, and initiated bottle and can recycling in the Pelham Memorial High School cafeteria. Many will be going on to qualify for the Gold Award.
     Story and picture courtesy of The Pelham Weekly.

02-22-09
Greenville Community Theater announces a new aspect of their theatrical season
     Greenville Community Theater presents a new aspect of their theatrical season, The GCTeaser. This local company hopes to "tease" out a new audience and potential new members by presenting a new program of one act plays.  
     Double E Production directors Jean Eifert and Ray Eckerle, along with fourteen actors, have prepared a program of four interesting short plays. Two performances are planned for the Edgemont High School Theater, White Oak Lane in Scarsdale, Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 29 at 3 PM.  Eifert, currently co-president of GCT, has been coaching members to perform Readers Theater for the past three years.       
     These workshop productions ignited a renewed interest in acting. Now she, along with fellow director Eckerle, is bringing actors to the main stage of Edgemont High with scripts in hand, minimal costumes, and simple staging with no elaborate sets.  Eifert selected some of the plays based on the talents and interests of the members.  She comments, “It is the perfect opportunity for people with busy work and family schedules, who do not have time to memorize lines, to get into the act.  They commit to only three or four rehearsals to share the spotlight. As directors, this also presents an opportunity for us to do something a little more edgy.” Full story

02-20-09
Mt. Vernon student wins second place in10^th Annual Jerome H. & Laura Holland Scholarship Awards
    The American Red Cross in Westchester continues with the 10^th Annual Jerome H. & Laura Holland Scholarship which awards three deserving high school students with a scholarship towards their future education. Scholarships were underwritten through the generosity and support of Con Edison.
     Dr. Holland’s legacy extends beyond his work with the Red Cross to include higher education. His service spans numerous boards of directors for national organizations, including the National Committee for Cooperative Education, the Institute of International Education and the Council on Foreign Relations. Dr. Holland actively promoted the cause of education. The American Red Cross in Westchester keeps his memory alive through the continuation of these scholarships in his honor.
     Lizbeth Morales, winner of the second place scholarship of $1,500 is a senior at Mount Vernon High School nominated by Ms. Peggy Williams. Lizbeth is originally from Mexico and has endured life struggles and hardship at a young age. She arrived in New York with her family after an 8 year battle for residency. Lizbeth was a former LEP (Limited English Proficient) that blossomed into a determined, goal oriented woman. She has retained outstanding grades while assisting her community and being Vice President of the Boy Scouts of American Club. Lizbeth has also worked as a library and kindergarten assistant. She wishes to be seen as an example of success and is a role model to both her siblings and peers.

02-20-09
Johnny O'Neal to perform at First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Vernon

PJS Jazz Society is extremely pleased to present Johnny O’Neal the extraordinary jazz pianist on Sunday March 8, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon, NY. Mr. O’Neal has performed with many of the giants of jazz such as Ray Brown, Art Blakey, Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Pass, Nancy Wilson, Anita O’Day, Lionel Hampton, Kenny Burrell, Sonny Stitt, Benny Golson, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Clark      Terry, and many, many more. He played his idol Art Tatum in the Academy Award winning film Ray. In the film he is heard playing Yesterdays. It is not a recording of Tatum playing, it is Johnny O’Neal

02-20-09
From the Desk of Westchester County
District Attorney Janet DiFiore
Protecting Westchester’s Seniors
     As Westchester County’s chief law enforcement officer, I am particularly concerned with the safety and security of Westchester’s growing number of senior residents. According to the Westchester County Department of Planning, by 2010, the number of Westchester residents age 60 and over will increase by 9% compared with 2000; the number age 80 and over, a potentially more vulnerable group, is expected to increase by the same rate. My office is active in both prosecution and prevention of crimes where seniors are frequent targets.
     The Special Prosecutions Division of the District Attorney’s Office prosecutes cases of elder abuse, which generally involves physical or emotional abuse of an older adult by someone in a position of trust, and can include physical assaults or failure to provide appropriate physical or medical care. Because this abuse often involves homebound victims, it is important that all of us pay attention if we see a family member or neighbor who has an injury, appears fearful, or shows signs of poor nutrition or care. My office has specialized prosecutors, teamed with a criminal investigator funded by a federal Violence Against Women Act grant, who respond to victims of such crimes, often meeting them in their homes to limit stress and inconvenience. Full story

02-20-09
Mayor Young Announces New Online Payment Service through CMVNY.com
     Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr. announced today, along with Management Services Commissioner Mary Young, that the City of Mount Vernon will be using an online payment system to make it easier for people who get parking tickets to pay their fines on their time.  In Mayor Young’s 2008 State of the City Address, he explained that Mount Vernon would take any and every opportunity to extend the useful hours of City Hall.  The city has now partnered with Link2Gov and their system Pay2Gov Express to begin accepting payments — credit, debit and electronic checks — online in a quick and cost-efficient manner, and at all hours of the day. Full story

02-20-09

TRAJECTORIES: DISCOURSE AND CRITIQUE IN AFRICAN AMERICAN ART AND ART OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA Armour J. Blackburn Center • Howard University • Washington DC

20th ANNUAL JAMES A. PORTER COLLOQUIUM ON AFRICAN AMERICAN ART - Honoring Sharon Patton & Judith Wilson

     The 2009 Porter Colloquium presents new research, new interpretations, and new subjectivities that inform scholarly practice and promote fresh ways of thinking and writing about African American art and other art in the African Diaspora. This year’s theme, Trajectories provides a frame by which art historians, artists, critics, curators, collectors and interdisciplinary scholars, privilege topics, concepts, and issues that further tease out the complexities, the multiple levels of meaning, the subtleties, the contradictions in recent artistic production and art scholarship.
     Over the past twenty years the Porter Colloquium has identified and marked doorways that art historians, curators, interdisciplinary scholars, and artists of future generations will see as texts, as sources for informing artistic production, art historiography, aesthetic discourse on African American art here in North America and throughout the African Diaspora.
     The Porter Colloquium Session will benefit art historians, interdisciplinary scholars, artists, educators, collectors, students, museum professionals and the general public.

     It highly recommend that NCA members and all art enthusiasts attend this event. It is truly an informative event and filled with important contacts in the field of art, particularly Black art.  Even if you can only go on Saturday, it will be well worth it.

     Buses from New York, round trip are only $30.

 

     Mayor Clinton I. Young and his administration have put together an ambitious campaign to promote Mount Vernon as a great place to do business, partnering with Clipper Magazine and over 60 local merchants to bolster his effort.
     The mayor has utilized promotional expense money from his office to purchase the cover of  this past January 21^st edition of Clipper Magazine that will run for 6 weeks.
     The mayor's efforts must be applauded, since he is asking people, not only in Mount Vernon, but in surrounding communities, to rediscover Mount Vernon as a great place to shop, thus helping to invigorate the city's economy.
     As has been highly publicized in the Journal News and on this website, after operating The Inquirer Newspaper as a virtual one man show for over four years, I decided to go in a totally new direction with the paper. I recruited a team of junior and senior partners, each performing a unique function within the business, now known as The Inquirer Media Group.
     For the last four months, the new team has been training and working together to resurrect the new Inquirer newspaper. We have had countless meetings and training sessions, and we have also involved nearly 10 Mount Vernon High School students as apprentices. Many of these students intended to participate in our new journalist internship program, and hoped to receive scholarships from us as well. Full story

02-18-09
Westchester County Livable Community Village Coordinator offering free training session
     We invite you to attend the Westchester County Livable Community Village Coordinator's free training session on February 27, 2009 at the Westchester County Center from 9 a.m. to noon, 198 Central Ave., White Plains.
     The training session is sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, AARP and Partners for Livable Communities.  Livable Communities is a multi-year initiative that serves as the county's blueprint for "neighbors helping neighbors" and is the vehicle for advocacy and civic engagement.  Its goal is to help seniors to live independently with dignity, safety and security.
     A Livable Community offers seniors the opportunity to add life to their years by staying in their own homes or appropriate, affordable accessible housing with options in their communities such as a wide range of recreational, social and cultural activities, good health, walkable streets and many other features.
     A Livable Community Village is a network of people with shared interests.  The good news is such villages already exist throughout Westchester in the form of neighborhood associations, houses of worship, congregate housing and civic and social organizations. 
     Becoming a Livable Community Village will offer you access to free
community educational seminars for all ages, and your group can
participate in the free Village survey of member's interests, needs,
talents and skills.  It will also provide your group with advocacy tools
and cutting-edge information to address the needs of seniors at all
levels of government.
     To register and for more information, please call 914-813-6406 or email bab6@westchestergov.com by Feb. 20.

02-18-09
Anne Hutchinson, Abigail Adams & Eleanor Roosevelt, in dance, at National Historic Site in Westchester County
     Celebrating Women’s History Month, the word renowned Ajkun Ballet Theatre presents a special dance sequence evoking the lives of three prominent women from American history  --  Anne Hutchinson, Abigail Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt  --   at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, in Mt. Vernon, NY on Saturday, March 14,  2009, at 1:30 PM.  The site is open that day from noon to 4 PM, and there will also be a 3 PM tour of the historic cemetery, exploring the lives of American women over three centuries. 
     Parking and admission are free; refreshments served.

02-16-09
Editorial
Mt. Vernon District Leader ruffling feathers over MVPD comments posted on his Facebook site
    For over four years, as the publisher and editor of The Mount Vernon Inquirer, I have reported on hundreds of stories related to the City of Mount Vernon. Not one single story I have ever written had a negative tone about Mount Vernon. All my stories have been about all the positive things that unfold throughout the City of Mount Vernon on a daily basis.
     In America we are blessed with freedom of speech, but some of our fellow citizens have a tendency to abuse that freedom and make unwarranted, inflammatory, provocative and unjustified attacks against others, especially those in the law enforcement field.
     I was recently disheartened when I visited the Facebook page belonging to Samuel L. Rivers, a District Leader for the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee, who has announced at his site that he may run for Mount Vernon City Council. What shocked me and disheartened me were comments written by Rivers that I simply read in disbelief. In one instance he writes: "Rumor has it that the police officers love when there is a murder in Mount Vernon because they get a substantial amount of overtime." In another instance he replies to an email: "I am not referring to our own home grown heroes. I am talking about the police officers who live in Rockland and counties North. They do not care about Mount Vernon. They are only here to get a paycheck and soak up as much overtime as they can. We should fire them and give our local officers that care about Mount Vernon a raise of $25,000. Quality is better than quantity!"
     To make and publicize above stated comments is not in the best interest of the City of Mount Vernon. Whether an officer lives in Mount Vernon or not is irrelevant. The officers he is referring to may not live in Mount Vernon, but they have all taken an oath of office to serve, protect and preserve human life in Mount Vernon, and they put their lives on the line in doing so on a daily basis.
     I don't live in Mount Vernon, but I have worked very heard throughout the years to reverse the  unjustified negative press that Mount Vernon has been the recipient of for decades. So to me it is very troubling when I read comments like the ones written by Rivers on his Facebook page.
     As a District Leader and possible City Council candidate, Rivers should be promoting Mount Vernon in a positive way in order to develop harmony and not discord amongst the populace. His comments are truly irresponsible and only contribute to giving Mount Vernon another unwarranted black eye.

Joe Parisi, Editor

02-14-09
Young Singers Invited to Audition
     Downtown Music, a nonprofit performing arts organization located in the heart of White Plains, announces that it will hold auditions for its children’s opera, Brundibar.  Boys, ages 7-14, and girls, ages 7-16, with previous musical theater or classical training are encouraged to audition for a role in the Hans Krasa's children's opera. The auditions will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 11:00am - 1:30pm and Sunday, March 15 from 2:30 - 4:30pm at Grace Church, which is located on the corner of Church Street and Main Street in White Plains. Please call 914-949-0384 of e-mail TLewis@dtmusic.org  to schedule an audition.
     Young people will also be able to participate in set design and construction with Jeremy Gratt.  Mr. Gratt was one of the founders of The Herbert Mark Newman Theatre, and served as Managing and Technical Director from 1991-2004. Jeremy designed lights and composed original music and sound scores for shows at the Newman Theatre. While at the Newman, he taught technical theatre skills to students from the Cottage School.
     The Brundibar concert, which is part of Downtown Music’s 21st performing arts season, will take place on Friday, May 15 at 8:00pm, Saturday, Mary 16 at 8:00pm, and Sunday, May 17 at 4:00pm. The concert will be conducted by Timothy Lewis, Director of Downtown Music.  Stage direction will be managed by Mara Mills. Ms. Mills has been an educator, storyteller, writer, stage director and producer for over 30 years. In 1991, she founded the Herbert Mark Newman Theatre with Marsha Newman and Jeremy Gratt. Her focus, at the theatre and in her teaching and storytelling, is to provide ways to creatively involve the community, examine social issues through the arts, and to introduce new work to the public

02-13-09
Clinton Clair Glenn, Jr., former pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Mount Vernon dead at 75

                                             The late Rev. Clinton Clair Glenn, Jr.

The Rev. Clinton Clair Glenn Jr., a former pastor of Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church in Bolton Hill whose activism resulted in the establishment of several educational facilities and housing for the needy, died Feb. 4 of cancer at his Lutherville home. He was 75.
     Mr. Glenn, the son of a laborer, was born and raised in New Castle, Pa. After dropping out of Pennsylvania State University, he enlisted in the Navy.
     After being discharged in 1956, Mr. Glenn worked in sales and service for the elevator division of Westinghouse Electric Corp.
     After earning a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Maryland in 1964, he enrolled at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
     Ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1967, Mr. Glenn began his career at First Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Neb.
     After being named pastor of Brown Memorial the next year, Mr. Glenn launched outreach programs. Full story

02-12-09
ArtsWestchester Announces 2009 Arts Award Winners

Former Westchester County Executive Alfred (Al) Delbello, a partner at the law firm of Delbello, Donellan, Weingarten Wise & Wiederkerh LLP, and his wife Delores (Dee) Delbello, publisher of the Westchester County Business Journal, will receive ArtsWestchester’s prestigious Arts Patron Award for their successful and longstanding initiatives on behalf of the arts in Westchester County.      The annual Arts Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose vision, commitment and leadership enrich the cultural life of Westchester County, its communities, and its citizens. The Delbellos will be joined with their fellow 2009 honorees, including six individuals and five organizations, during a special luncheon, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on April 3rd at Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook. Full story

02-11-09

02-10-09

02-09-09
County Clerk Idoni’s office goes red and raises $1,960

   
   Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni with staff on Go Red for Women Day, February 6, 2009

     On February 6^th, Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni and his staff put on their red and jeans and raised $1,960 from a bake sale, raffle and sales of “Go Red for Women” ribbons, pins, and bracelets. “Go Red for Women,” a national campaign of the American Heart Association (AHA), educates women about the risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

02-09-09
VNA of Hudson Valley ranked among top 25% of home health care providers in country for 2008
    The Visiting Nurse Association of Hudson Valley, headquartered in Tarrytown, is proud to announce that it has been named to the 2008 HomeCare Elite, a compilation of the most successful Medicare-certified home health care providers in the United States. This annual review identifies the top 25 percent of agencies, ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance.  This is the third consecutive year the VNA of Hudson Valley has been named to the list.
     Michele A. Quirolo, President & CEO, credits the staff’s dedication to the well being of their patients and the efficient use of resources with the VNA’s ability to continually rank as one of the HomeCare Elite. She said, “The recognition by the HomeCare Elite is a direct reflection on our professional and compassionate staff.  I am proud of them and the care the VNA of Hudson Valley provides its patients.”
     “The 2008 HomeCare Elite winners exemplify a commitment to providing their patients with optimum care while performing at the highest level,” said Nancy Buller, Senior Director of Marketing Communications at OCS, Inc. "We congratulate the VNA of Hudson Valley on being one of the Top home care agencies in the country."
     The 2008 HomeCare Elite is the only performance recognition of its kind in the home health industry. The 2008 HomeCare Elite is brought to the industry by OCS, Inc., the leading provider of healthcare informatics.
     The Visiting Nurse Association of Hudson Valley has been serving Westchester residents for over 111 years.  It is a multi-faceted home health care organization that provides a continuum of services to individuals from infants to seniors – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.   The VNA of Hudson Valley coordinates a broad array of home health services which are available to all patients who can be treated at home instead of a hospital, or who need follow-up care after a hospital stay.  For more information, please call (914) 666-7616, or visit: www.vnahv.org.

02-08-09
Dr. Joy DeGruy speaks to packed house at Doles Center

    
                           Dr. DeGruy addressing a large crowd at the Doles Center

     On Saturday February 7, 2009. Dr. Joy DeGruy, author of “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome” spoke at the Doles Community Center in Mount Vernon to a full house of enthralled people. Before addressing her main topic, “Where are the Children?” - she gave a quick synopsis of her powerful foundation thesis, “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome,” which is the basis for her current work.
     While the material seemed difficult and painful, the audience clung to her every word. Many in the audience felt empowered by the discussion that clarified their understanding of the reasons for dysfunctional behaviors.
      In her book, Dr. DeGruy first exposes the reader to the conditions that led to the Atlantic slave trade and allowed the pursuant racism and efforts at repression to continue through the present day. She then looks at the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that our ancestors faced as the result of the slave trade. Next she discusses the adaptive behaviors they developed, both positive and negative, that allowed them to survive and often even thrive. Dr. DeGruy concludes by reevaluating those adaptive behaviors that have been passed down through generations and where appropriate, she explores replacing behaviors which are today maladaptive with ones that will promote, ensure and sustain the healing and advancement of African American culture.

02-08-09
Texas Archbishop seeks information on the late William Albert Nichols
     "We are attempting to locate information from your area on the late William Albert Nichols.  He died in 1947, but some say 1939 or 1940. He was supposed to have started a small Church/congregation, St Sophia's, in 1946. Any information on Rev. Nichols will be highly appreciate, who is known to have used the Church name 'Ignatius' for many years. We would also like to locate where he was buried."

Thank you,

Most Rev. Victor Prentice
Archbishop
PO Box 121
Sudan, TX 79371
806-227-2214

02-06-09
Mayor Young dedicates parking spaces exclusively for City Hall visitors
     Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr. has instructed  that starting this week, the back parking lot at Mount Vernon City Hall will have over 30 spaces exclusively dedicated to city hall visitors.  This has been done to make City Hall a more easily accessible public building where those citizens, business owners, and others can come and conduct their business without the added hassle of looking for a parking spot.
     “We want and we need to be more user friendly here at City Hall,” said Mayor Young.  “This may seem like a small thing, but we know that it will mean something to the people who need to come to this building every day.  Whether it’s to pay their taxes, apply for a building permit, or sign up for recreational activities, people need to know that we are here for them, and not the other way around.” 
     Over the past several months the city has been receiving some comments regarding the difficulty that people had been having with finding parking in and around City Hall.  Mayor Young has attempted to instill a philosophy and practice of being responsive to the public’s needs.
     “I personally appreciate all the comments and suggestions made to my office,” said Mayor Young.  “I can only hope that the open lines of communication stay open so that the people whom we all work for continue to help us do our jobs better.”
     Previously, there were 23 parking spaces on the back wall of the parking lot.  Those spaces will be reduced to 22, as two of the spaces will be used to create a true ADA-compliant handicap space.   In addition, there are now 10 spaces that can be used by the public in the parking lot opposite the back wall.  In total there will be 32 spaces, including 3 handicap spaces (this exceeds ADA requirements for the size of the lot).

02-06-09
Letter to the Editor (Scam Alert)
Serious allegations against Con Edison's employees and NYS Landlords
     Letter forwarded to Commissioner of New York State Public Service Commission by complainant:
Dear Commissioner: 
     This letter purposes to ask for your assistance in regards to a criminal activity [and a Federal Offense] that, sadly, Con Edison's employees and NYS Landlords have been committing for years - the stealing of the tenants' electricity by the landlords (in complicity with Con Edison's Employees, in exchange of money).  Please, be advised of the following: 

1.    When I lived at 712 West 175th Street (Apt. A); New York, N Y 10033, my, then, Landlord (Mr. Sergio Kielmanowicz, which I later found out has two different names [which he uses to defraud the US Government and commit crimes], stole my electricity by having it connected with his buildings' basements, office, lobby and other parts of his building.  This left me with bills that were around $100 dollars per month for a very small, one bedroom apartment with a small kitchen that only 1 skinny person could stand in.  This, in turn, left me with a false, fraudulent debt of thousands of dollars at the end of several years.  Full story

02-05-09
Mount Vernon Gospel Knights to compete in Pathmark Gospel Choir Competition

   
                      Mt Vernon Gospel Knights shown during 2008 competition

     In New York City, no Black History Month is complete until the Pathmark Gospel Choir Competition sings out, this time on Saturday, February 28, 2009. For the first time, great U. S. choirs, this time from Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, are joined by an outstanding choir from Canada. Prizes total $10,000. The daylong event is free to the public and takes place in The World Financial Center Winter Garden, West Street between Vesey and Liberty Streets in Lower Manhattan.
     Lamont Saunders of Pathmark Stores plays emcee for the day, with guest host JC Thompson, and special performances by JC Thompson & Beyond Blessed, the ensemble he formed in 2006 that has already shared the stage with virtually all of gospel’s greatest performers. Youth Division choirs, members age 18 and under, compete first beginning at 10:30 AM. Winners are announced at 12:30. Then from 1:30 to 5:00 PM, it is time for the Open Division.

02-05-09
Editorial
Assemblyman Pretlow introduces controversial legislation to amend county law concerning legal notices

Assemblyman Gary Pretlow has introduced legislation which will amend County Law by requiring county clerks to designate a judicial publication – in most cases the Law Journal – for the publication of county-mandated public notices. This legislation is bad for the citizens of New York, especially residents of Mount Vernon. Please note that public notices are intended to inform citizens about government related activities that affect their everyday lives; few ordinary citizens read the Law Journal or other judicial publications. Newspapers play an important role in keeping the public informed; the Law Journal is not a general interest newspaper. This legislation constitutes nothing more than a mandated increased revenue stream for the Law Journal,

02-05-09 
Opinion
Why Child Care and Head Start Funding Do Belong in the Stimulus Package
     In a recent broadcast of The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, NY Times columnist David Brooks remarked that “Head Start does not belong in the economic recovery package.”  In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth.
     In today’s world, most parents work outside the home and a majority of children are taken care of by someone other than their parents on a regular basis.  The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) reports that 70% of U.S. women with children are in the labor force, 75% work more than 30 hours a week and 90% use some type of child care.   Single parent U.S. households doubled between 1970 and 1990, but even where women are part of a dual earner household, their financial contributions are very significant to the well-being of the family.
     Child care can be very expensive, however, and not just for low-income families.  In New York State the fees are among the highest in the nation.  In Westchester County, child care for a single four year old child can be more than $12,000 annually - almost double the yearly tuition at a SUNY institution.   Infant care may exceed $17,000.  High-income families also find their child care expenses daunting, especially if more than one of their children needs care.  In many Westchester households, the child care bill is second only to the mortgage or rent payment.
Full story

02-05-09 
WESTCHESTER FLU CASES ESCALATE AT RAPID PACE
    With reported cases of the flu doubling and indicating that influenza is spreading its miserable symptoms far and wide, the Westchester County Health Department urges residents to get their flu shot now.
     As of January 26, only 20 flu cases had been identified in Westchester, but by February 2, an additional 20 flu cases had been reported, bringing the total number of reported flu cases to 40. Testing and reporting are largely voluntary, so the number of cases is an indicator of flu activity but does not fully represent the number of residents who have had the flu.
     “These numbers tell us that the flu is flourishing in Westchester County,” said Dr. Joshua Lipsman, Westchester County Commissioner of Health.  “I would like to remind residents, particularly those who are pregnant or age 50 and over to get a flu shot now. Parents with children ages 6 months to 18 years old who have not already had their children vaccinated should do so, too. It is especially important to get vaccinated this year because the prevailing flu strain that is circulating is resistant to antiviral medication, so treatment once you have the flu is of limited use.”
     Residents are cautioned that there is still plenty of time left to catch the flu, since flu season often doesn’t peak until later into the winter.  Those who get the vaccine now can avoid the flu or have a much milder illness if they do get it.  Health care providers also should be certain to get their flu shots to prevent spreading the flu to their patients.

02-03-09
Idoni Named Co-Chair of State Clerks’ eRecording  Committee

Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni has been chosen to co-chair the eRecording Committte of the New York State Association of County Clerks (NYSACC).  The New York City Register, Annette Hill, will serve as co-chair with Idoni of the committee that will oversee and make recommendations on the process by which land records are moved electronically into county clerks’ offices in the future. The appointments were made by the President of NYSACC, Patricia Ritchie, the St. Lawrence County Clerk.

02-02-09

Mayor Young announces start of Mount Vernon Comprehensive Plan Process

 

     The City of Mount Vernon has been without a new Comprehensive Plan for Development since 1968.  Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr. has decided that it is time for the city to take control of its future and outline a path to smart development that will truly benefit our community.  At a press conference on Monday, February 2nd, Mayor Young presented an introduction to the Comprehensive Plan process and how the city will be working with the community to achieve certain goals associated with the plan. 
     The mayor emphasized that this plan is not going to be a full makeover of the city, but rather it will serve as a guide for the city administration, citizens, and developers of what we want to see happen in our city. 
     "Mount Vernon has failed in the past to reach its full potential," said Mayor Young.  "We are not unlike any other community.  In fact, we have more even more advantages than most, we simply need to start capitalizing on the things that make our city great, like our diversity, our location, our manageable size, and our dedicated citizenry." Full story

02-02-09
BLOOMBERG, KLEIN AND HEALTH COMMISSIONER FRIEDEN ANNOUNCE NEW RESTAURANT INSPECTION PROGRAM TO IMPROVE FOOD SAFETY



Klein and Bloomberg unfurl new initiative to implement a letter grading system whereby diners may easily access the results of an establishment's latest health inspection.

     Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Deputy Senate Majority Leader Jeff Klein announced on Saturday, January 31st, that New York City is updating its restaurant inspection system to improve sanitary conditions and give consumers more information. Under the new model, the Health Department will increase inspections for less sanitary restaurants and require all establishments to conspicuously post letter grades – a measure championed by Senator Klein to keep the public better informed about inspection results. The new system will be phased in over the next two years. This approach will concentrate city resources on the restaurants that pose the greatest risk to public health and place no additional burden on establishments that maintain sanitary conditions. Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City Health Commissioner, and State Assemblyman Steve Cymbrowitz joined Mayor Bloomberg and Senator Klein at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge for today's announcement. Full story

02-02-09
FRYER GREASE GIVES COUNTY FUEL FOR THOUGHT     
    County Executive Andy Spano will roll out a free vegetable oil recycling pick-up service for restaurants, caterers and other food service providers that will grease the way to saving money and saving the environment, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 10:30 a.m. at Sam’s of Gedney Way Restaurant in White Plains.
     Spano will be joined by restaurant owner Peter Herrera and representatives from MasterCard,  the Westchester Restaurant Association, the county’s Chefs Association and others to outline this new initiative that is good for a business, good for the environment and can save the county thousands of dollars on fuel to power county vehicles and equipment and potentially to heat county buildings.
     Kitchen assistants from Sam’s will show the process they use for emptying fryer grease into tubs and then storing it in 55-gallon barrels that will be picked-up on a monthly basis by county recycling staff at no cost.
     The county’s Veggie Van, which runs on recycling vegetable oil and tours around the county to provide information on global warming, will be there for participants to view.
     Sam’s is located at 50 Gedney Way, off Mamaroneck Avenue, in White Plains.  

JANUARY 2009
 

01-31-09
A February issue of The Inquirer will not be published due to complexity of forming new media group

     Due to the enormous complexity and transition involving putting together a new corporation, along with training a large new staff, it will be impossible for a February edition of The Inquirer to be printed as previously announced.
     We will keep our readers posted about when the new and exciting issue of The Inquirer will be available.
     Thank you for your continued support.
     Joe Parisi, Editor

01-30-09

ArtsWestchester will be celebrating Black History Month
    Throughout February and early March ArtsWestchester will be celebrating Black History Month with an exciting line up of events including an evening of poetry, monologues and music with legendary Actress Ruby Dee and her family, a video teleconference with distinguished Author Ernest J. Gaines, and an eclectic array of concerts.
     With the exception of a video teleconference with author Ernest J. Gaines, which will be held at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, all Black History Month events will be included as part of ArtsWestchester’s “Arts at the X” performance series, which is held at The Arts Exchange, ArtsWestchester’s headquarters, at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains. The “Arts at the X” Black History Month series is presented with the County Executive’s Office of African-American Affairs and is sponsored by the African American Men of Westchester and Citibank. Full story

01-30-09
Earth Day Westchester 2009 to be celebrated April 19
     Earth Day Westchester 2009, brought to you by Westchester County
Government, will be held Sunday, April 19, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(rain or shine) at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, New York.  County
Executive Andy Spano will be presenting sustainability/recycling awards
and prizes at the event.
     There will be live music and entertainment, free "Earth Machine"
composting bins for the first 50 families, free reusable shopping bags
while supplies last, free raffles for valuable prizes like a home energy
audit and 30-day unlimited ride MetroCards, Farmers Market, lawn and
gardening advice, "green" exhibits and more.
     Free admission and parking.  Walk, cycle, ride Metro-North or carpool to
the event. Kensico Dam Plaza is located at the north end of the Bronx
River Parkway in Valhalla.
     Held in cooperation with the Westchester Climate Change Advisory
Council.  Sponsored by Wheelabrator Westchester, LP, City Carting of
Westchester, Malcolm Pirnie, Birdsall Services Group and Cornerstone
Environmental Group, LLC.
     Also on April 19, "Pitch in for Parks" - call 914.864.7054.
 

01-30-09
Do you qualify for free tax preparation services?
     For the 5th consecutive year, Westchester County is providing low- and moderate-income residents with tax preparation services, designed to make sure people get tax credits they are entitled to.
     The focus of the effort is the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a tax credit for low- and moderate-income people.
     Find out if you qualify by calling 2-1-1, United Way's help line. If you qualify, we will fill out your taxes.
     For further information, go to www.westchestergov.com/eitc
http://www.westchestergov.com/eitc>

01-30-09
2009 BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ BASKET BALL TOURNEY DATES SET
    Team registration is now being accepted for the Westchester County 79^th Boys’ and 25th Girls’ Recreation Basketball Tournament to be held at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, February 11 at 3 p.m.
     Sponsored by Westchester County Parks, the tournament will be held on the following dates: Thursday – Saturday, March 5 – 7; Monday – Thursday, March 9 – 12; and Monday – Thursday, March 16 – 19.
     The tournament is open to all Westchester youth teams sponsored by local recreation departments. The local recreation departments will determine the teams that qualify and will represent their community in the tournament.
     Both boys’ and girls’ divisions will be divided into three age groups for competition: Cubs (11 and under), Midgets (12-13), and Juniors (14-15). Age is determined as of September 1, 2008.
     Trophies will be awarded to the winning and runner-up teams in each division and the players on the winning teams in each division will receive individual awards.
     Entry fee is $75 per team. Team rosters must be submitted through local municipal recreation departments before the deadline. Parking is $4 at the County Center lot.
     For more information and registration, call your local municipal recreation department or the County Parks Department at (914) 864-7064.

01-30-09
Klein declares Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act a victory for Equal Rights
     On Thursday, President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a law named for an Alabama woman who at the end of a 19-year career as a supervisor in a tire factory complained that she had been paid less than men.

      After a Supreme Court ruling against her, Congress approved the legislation that expands workers' rights to sue in this kind of case, relaxing the statute of limitations.

      "Women continue to face opposition in the work place, but today's historic legislation marks a step forward in what has been a centuries old battle to substantiate the fundamental principle of the Declaration of Independence: that all men are created equal.  I am exceptionally proud to share this moment with my female colleagues in the Legislature, and all the working women across the state. This is a watershed moment in the fight for equal rights but there is still more ahead," said Senator Klein.

      Klein expressed hope that the Senate would pass the Paid Family Leave Act which last year passed the Assembly and has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Craig Johnson.

      Studies by the New York Women's Foundation have found that New York State ranks in the bottom third of states for women's labor force participation (44th); and African American and Latina women are much less likely to be in managerial or professional occupations relative to white and Asian American women. However, women continue to enter the workforce at an increasing rate, and New York is no different. Women represent 53% of the state's workforce, with 66% of mothers with young children working outside the home and 20% of adults caring for an elderly relative. In addition, 78% of people who need family leave can't afford to take it

      According to a June 2008 estimate by the Department of Insurance, Paid Family Leave would only cost about $8/person annually or 16 cents/week, which translates into a 10-15% increase in disability premiums.

      In polls by the Community Service Society, New Yorkers across income levels said they would be willing to pay for a paid family leave benefit. Seventy-six percent of low-income New Yorkers and 64% of moderate and higher income New Yorkers said they would favor extending TDI to provide up to 12 weeks of paid family leave even if it meant $1 a week would be deducted from their paychecks. (Source: 2005 Unheard Third Survey, CSS)

01-29-09
SCAM ALERT
Be aware of candy selling campaigns; Mount Vernon City School District is not using candy sales as a fundraising tool
    Please be aware that the Mount Vernon City School District is currently not using candy sales as a fundraiser tool. There have been several reports of young adults and children claiming to be selling candy for sports or other school district related events.
     The district is not authorizing the sale of candy or other goods for fundraising outside of the school property. Please be aware that a purchase of these goods does not go towards the school district and the individuals selling these goods do not represent the school district or district athletics.

01-29-09
RHYTHMS OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
     Henry P. Warner and the Community Musicians will appear at AC-BAW Gallery, 128 South 4th Avenue in Mount Vernon on Saturday, March 7th at 5pm. Free admission. Family welcome. Info call: (914) 667-7278.

01-27-09
5 Court Street officially named for Fallen Mt. Vernon Officer, Christopher Ridley

Legislator Lyndon Williams at the podium, surrounded by (r to l) Reverend Richardson of Mt. Vernon ’s Grace Baptist Church, County Executive Andy Spano and Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore.

    On Sunday, January 25, 2009, the county dedicated the 85 Court Street plaza for Christopher A. Ridley, the Mount Vernon resident and police officer slain on the plaza last January.  Officer Ridley was off duty when he happened upon and intervened in an altercation in progress outside the county’s social services office building. County Executive Andy Spano proposed renaming the plaza to honor Officer Ridley, a motion the County Board approved at its meeting last week.
     At the ceremony, County Legislator Lyndon Williams (D-Mt. Vernon) spoke about Officer Ridley’s sacrifice and commitment to the Mt. Vernon community. He and County Executive Andy Spano unveiled a plaque to name the area Christopher Ridley Plaza in tribute. Stanley Ridley, Detective Ridley’s father, expressed his thanks for the overwhelming support received by the Ridley family.

01-27-09
Legislation provides County Clerk Idoni with support to discourage SSNs in public records
     While state legislation enhancing the public’s access to records is hailed by citizens and editorial boards, records managers like Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni must struggle with a key question:  How does he make records easily available to the public without providing key personal information, such as social security numbers, to identity thieves? And state legislation, which went into effect at the beginning of January of 2009, is offering some help.

01-23-09
The Center for Black Literature
at Medgar Evers College/CUNY
in partnership with
AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc.
present

a special tribute to
NANA CAMILLE YARBROUGH


in recognition of the
30th Anniversary
of her landmark book
"CORNROWS"
a Coretta Scott King Award-Winning Children's Book

* MARK THE DATE *
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2009
Medgar Evers College/CUNY • Brooklyn, NY

Details Soon Come!
for more info., please call
The Center for Black Literature at 718.270.6976
or AKILA WORKSONGS at 718.756.8501
or email frontdesk@akilaworksongs.com

01-23-09

County announces seven-point plan to help stimulate the local economy and create jobs
     Westchester County Executive Andy Spano, reacting to the news that Westchester ’s jobless rate increased to 5.7 percent in December, announced a series of measures the county is taking to help businesses and the unemployed weather the tough economy.
     One example, said Spano, is a new “Green Jobs” training program in which the county’s One-Stop Employment Center is re-training unemployed workers to become “Energy Analysts” for a new, off-shoot businesses started by Robison Oil. The company wanted to hire 12 new energy analysts, but found few qualified candidates for the job since it is essentially a new job field. The One-Stop stepped in to find candidates and train them while using grant money to help pay part of their salaries during their initial on-the job training phase.
     For more information on the seven-point plan to help stimulate the local economy and create jobs go to www.westchestergov.com.

01-22-09
Idoni confirms Westchester foreclosures have slowed

While the span of time between new legislation and impact for those most in need can often be long, 2008 statistics released today by the office of the Westchester County Clerk show that Westchester foreclosures slowed following foreclosure reform measures signed into law last August.  One part of the new state legislation requires lenders to send pre-foreclosure notices to borrowers at least ninety days before an action is started.  That notice encourages the homeowner to seek help and provides contact information for local government-approved housing counselors.       “The slowing of foreclosure filings is good news, but Westchester residents are still losing their homes and need help,” warned Idoni.

01-22-09
Tamika A. Coverdal a candidate for judgeship of Mount Vernon City Court Judge

 

Private practitioner, Tamika A. Coverdale, announces her interest in the candidacy for judgeship of Mount Vernon City Court Judge that was vacated by the retirement of the Honorable Brenda Dowery-Rodriguez.      Coverdale, who has a law office in Mount Vernon with a large concentration in criminal law, has been practicing throughout the Courts of Westchester for nine years. For the past two years, Coverdale has appeared in Mount Vernon City Court at least four out of five days a week. During these two years she has tried and won several criminal trials in Mount Vernon City Court.      Mount Vernon City Court is an active court, where approximately seventy percent (70%) of the caseload is criminal matters.

01-21-09
Some Books Need to Be Read and Talked About: “A Lesson Before Dying” is One of Them 

What does it mean to live, and die with dignity? Should an individual put aside their own life goals to serve a greater purpose for society? How can a work of literature transform people’s lives?      Communities throughout the county will be grappling with questions such as these as ArtsWestchester launches The Big Read in Westchester this February. This NEA-funded initiative invites the entire county to read the same book --- A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines (picture) --- and participate in a variety of public programs relating to this beautifully written and compelling novel.      ArtsWestchester (formerly known as the Westchester Arts Council), in partnership with The Westchester Library System, received a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to coordinate The

     Although the American economy is in tatters, that did not deter nearly two-hundred Mount Vernon Democrats and others from spending $150.00 each to attend the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Celebration Saturday night, January 17, at the Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle. The event was sponsored by the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee.
      As the guests streamed into the luxurious facility on the Long Island Sound, the majority of men were observed wearing the standard business suit and tie, some wore tuxedos, while the female guests showed up dressed impressively in elegant evening dresses. But what was most conspicuous about each guest was the fact they all displayed a bright smile on their faces, and were individually armed with a sense of excitement and pride, knowing they were making history by participating in Mount Vernon's own 2009 Presidential Inaugural Celebration.

Full Story

01-14-09
U.S. Postal Service launches new Priority Mail Box
    The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is launching a new, smaller Priority Mail Flat Rate Box, giving customers another choice in packaging to ship anywhere in the United States for one price, regardless of weight or destination.
     The Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box measures 8-5/8 x 5-3/8 x 1-5/8 inches — about the same size and shape as three stacked DVD cases. The smaller sized box is perfect for jewelry, electronics, event tickets, or other small items that need expedited shipping.
     “Customers will find this new sized box a great addition to our line of flat-rate packaging,” said Gary Reblin, USPS vice president of Expedited Shipping. “If an item is too thick for a flat-rate envelope but too small to fill a larger flat-rate box, this is an ideal choice. Customers get quick and easy shipping without having to use a box larger than needed. It’s the perfect combination of size, speed and price.”
     Like all USPS flat-rate boxes and envelopes, the new box is available free of charge and also can be used for international shipping.
     It will have a retail price of $4.95 effective Jan. 18 — one price, regardless of weight, up to 70 lbs. for U.S. addresses. The international price, for up to 4 lbs., will be just $10.95 to Canada or Mexico and $12.95 to all other countries, with savings of 5 percent for customers who ship online. Online prices also are lower for shipping to U.S. addresses. The online price will be $4.80, and for large volume mailers who qualify for USPS Commercial Plus pricing, the price will be $4.75.
     Customers can order the new boxes online at usps.com/supplies in packs of 10 and 25, up to a maximum of 200, starting Jan. 12 to prepare for shipping Jan. 18. Post Offices will begin stocking the boxes Jan. 18.
     With the launch of the Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box, customers will have four different flat-rate boxes from which to choose: the two original boxes (similar to a clothing box and a shoe box), the Large Flat Rate Box introduced in 2008, and the new smaller box.
     Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes provide secure delivery, including to P.O. Boxes. Priority Mail service includes Saturday delivery and residential delivery at no extra cost, with no fuel surcharges. More information about Priority Mail is available at usps.com/priority. Complete information on all USPS shipping services can be found at usps.com/shipping.

01-13-09
COMPTROLLER'S RESPONSE TO UNFOUNDED AND POLITICALLY-MOTIVATED ALLEGATIONS  BY MOUNT VERNON INSPECTOR GENERAL
    It appears the Inspector General was appointed by the mayor with specific instructions to “attack” the City Comptroller.  After a short time on the job, he initiated an “OIG Report of PILOTS” which was done solely on my testimony at a City Council hearing.  The “audit” was done without any “first hand” investigation and contained numerous untruths and inaccuracies.  The conclusion arrived at in that report was not supported by facts but represented the political views of the Inspector General.
     The recently released report dated January 13, 2009 is riddled with inaccuracies, untruths, unfounded allegations and is basically a political document that appears to be the work of a desperate individual who is preparing to wage a run for public office against a political opponent. 
     As an example of these unfounded allegations, the Inspector General reported that the Comptroller knowingly supplied an inaccurate Supplemental 2007 Financial Statement to the State. The Comptroller supplies the state with an audited IDA financial report each year. This report is prepared by an IDA contracted CPA firm using financial information provided by the Comptroller.   The Comptroller does not prepare or provide the state with Supplemental Schedules as alleged by the Inspector General.   
     The Inspector General who is being paid by the taxpayers of Mount Vernon does not appear to be performing any duties and/or functions associated with his office.  The numerous situations in Mount Vernon City Government that warrant his attention are being ignored while he engages in a cheap political witch hunt that apparently targets one individual in City Hall: the City Comptroller.  The Inspector General has compromised his office and his integrity to the point that I am of the firm belief that he is incapable of performing the duties and functions for which he was appointed.
     As the independent chief financial officer of the City of Mount Vernon, I can understand the objective in using the Inspector General to go after the ONLY elected official in City government who acts as a means of “checks and balances” on behalf of the residents of our City.”
     As I continue to examine the Inspector General’s report, I will be responding in detail to each and every one of his politically motivated and unfounded allegations. 
Maureen Walker
Mt Vernon City Comptroller

   
County Clerk Timothy Idoni with members of his Legal Department Counter Staff:  (l to r) Deputy County Clerk John Allen; Jeannine Muratore, staff assistant; John Pelose, senior clerk; and Debra Rothstein, senior clerk.

01-12-09
BULLETIN BULLETIN BULLETIN  BULLETIN BULLETIN
Inspector General's report on Maureen Walker finalized; Comptroller may face serious criminal charges

The City of Mount Vernon's Office of Inspector General has released a report on its investigation into allegations of abuse of power levied against the Comptroller of the City of Mount Vernon. The initial allegations were made before the Board of Estimate and Contract on Oct. 1, 2008 by a law firm doing business with the City.      The Inspector General found that the Comptroller exceeded her authority when she failed to issue payment to the law firm representing the City Council in two investigations after the billing invoices had been properly received, reviewed and approved by City Council. Even if the assertion of a right to “audit” the invoice(s) had merit, ten months from the date of the invoice is an unreasonable and unjustifiable time within which to conduct an audit of a single invoice.

01-09-09
Editorial
M. Paul Redd leaves behind an impressive legacy
 

I am truly saddened and shocked over the death of fellow newspaper publisher, M. Paul Redd, who was a friend and a mentor to me.  He will be irreplaceable in the industry.      A few months after the creation of The Mount Vernon Inquirer newspaper, I received a telephone call from Redd, who offered me advice on how to succeed in the newspaper business, especially in a black community like Mount Vernon. “There is a lot of talk throughout Mount Vernon about you and your paper and some of it is not good,” Redd said. “I believe in what you are doing and I think you are on the right path. Just forget you are a white guy and find ways to make the people trust you

and believe in you and the negative talk will go away,” he said.      As time elapsed and the paper grew in size and popularity, Redd would call me periodically with words of encouragement. During his last telephone call to me about two years ago, he stated: “You see, I told you the people of Mount Vernon would warm up to you.”      Redd would always complain to me about the long hours he worked, but he would always end by stating: “Joe, I guess you could say my paper is a labor of love, and that is something you will learn as well.”      Like me, Redd never printed crime stories in his paper, and focused strictly on topics that he thought were important to the black community.      We will all miss him dearly, since he leaves behind an impressive legacy. Joe Parisi, editor

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01-09-09
Klein ascends to Deputy Majority Leader post

 

Senator Jeff Klein renewed his oath of office yesterday to serve New York's 34th Senate District. On the heels of the November elections which brought the Democrats to power for the first time in 40 years,  Klein ascended to the rank of Deputy Majority Leader from Deputy Minority Leader.       "It is an honor to help lead the Senate as we head into a new Albany defined by smart, relevant and practical solutions for New Yorkers across the state. The number one issue New Yorkers face is economic relief and recovery. We are at a turning point in our State's history, and the Senate will hit the ground running with targeted proposals to cut property taxes, create more jobs and stem the tide of foreclosure. We have a $15 billion dollar deficit to address and there's

no time to waste. Democrats are ready to work together in a bi-partisan manner to deliver," said Klein.      As a major architect of the Democratic strategy and the  second most powerful law maker in the Legislature's Upper Chamber, Klein will have a unique opportunity to deliver more for New York and play a critical role in developing the Senate legislative agenda. Klein will also maintain a presence on all Senate committees as an Ex-Officio      Called "smart and hard-working" by the New York Times, Klein was first elected to the Senate in 2004 after serving in the Assembly for ten years prior where he chaired the powerful Committee on Oversight, Analysis, and Investigations

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01-08-09
Mayor Young comments on Gov. Paterson's 1st State of State Message

    
                           Mayor Clinton I. Young pictured with Gov. Paterson

     “Yesterday, I sat in the State Assembly Chambers for Governor David A. Paterson’s first State of the State Message and I believe that New York is going to work through these difficult times and emerge stronger than ever.  I would like to take this opportunity to share with you just a few reasons why I believe our state is going to make it and why the City of Mount Vernon is going to play a major part in rejuvenating the state of our state.
Fiscal Responsibility
     One of the first topics that Governor Paterson spoke about is the need for greater fiscal responsibility on the state and local levels.  It is paramount that at every level of government we look at what it costs to operate the services we provide.  Mount Vernon is leading by example, as I am proud to say this year we have one of the lowest tax increases of all municipalities in Westchester County.  In addition, the State has pledged to tightened their belts and also help us use our resources in a more efficient way. Full story

01-07-09

MVPD's Lt. Zarelli a pallbearer at cousins funeral in Philadelphia; hero surgeon killed in Iraq on Christmas day

 

Lt. Michael Zarelli, a member of Mount Vernon's Police Department, traveled to Philadelphia on Monday, January 5 to be a pallbearer at his first cousin's funeral.      John P. Pryor, 42, the dedicated leader of the University of Pennsylvania's trauma team and a decorated major in the Army Reserve who wrote eloquently about the painful parallels between battlefield deaths and urban homicides, was killed on Christmas day by enemy fire in Iraq while serving as a combat surgeon.       Dr. Pryor deployed December 6 and was with a risky frontline surgical unit when he was killed by shrapnel from a mortar round. It was his second tour of duty in Iraq.       Dr. Pryor, who was experienced and cool under pressure, was born in Mount Vernon, N.Y., and raised near Albany. He completed surgical

training at the State University of New York in Buffalo, and came to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 1999. After a fellowship in trauma surgery and critical care, he joined Penn's surgical faculty and served as director of the hospital's nationally recognized trauma program. Full story

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New officers being sworn in by Mayor Young (l to r) John Fava, Anthony Frusciante,
Jerry Frusciante and Melvin Garrett.

     John Fava, American Legion Commander of the Anthony T. Fava Post #1768 in Mount Vernon, was sworn in by Mayor Clinton I. Young as Chairman of the Mount Vernon Central Committee for Veterans Affairs at a Mount Vernon City Council Chambers ceremony, held Tuesday night, January 6. Also sworn in by the mayor were the following officers:

• Anthony Frusciante, Vice-Chairman, Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 22

• Jerry Frusciante. Secretary/Chaplain, American Legion, Anthony T. Fava Post #1768

• Melvin Garrett, Treasurer, Aaron A Lewis, Post 6396, VFW

     The Master of Ceremonies for the well attended event was highly decorated Vietnam veteran, Will DuBose, who is the Director of the Mount Vernon Veterans Service Agency, City of Mount Vernon. Full story

   
    Mayor Young (c) pictured with all the businesses owners who took part in the promotion

     Location, timing and coincidence are certainly pivotal elements in the intersection of people’s lives with great historical moments.  The connection of  Dr. Charles S. Taft with one of the most tragic events in our nation’s history  --  the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln  --  was clearly a matter of timing and location, but not really coincidence.
     The 30-year-old army surgeon attended the performance of “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington on April 14, 1865, because he wanted to see the President.  The Civil War had ended days earlier in Union victory, and Lincoln was a hero of monumental proportions. In the air of patriotism and celebration that swept the nation’s capital that week, people wanted to share the great moment with the commander-in-chief, and word spread around town that the President would be at the theatre that night.  Full story

Staff of The Inquirer Media Group (l to r) Bob Nurse, Teonda King, Halima Muhammad,
Candice Wright, Shemeka Headen and Art Crawford.

     After operating The Inquirer Newspaper as a virtual one man show for over four years, Joe Parisi, co-publisher, along with his wife Luisa, are going in a totally new direction with their paper. The Parisi's have elected to recruit a team of junior and senior partners, each performing a unique function within the business, and they will be known as The Inquirer Media Group. The name of the newspaper will remain the same.
     Thanks to Art Crawford, several of the new junior partners represent Mount Vernon's younger generation, all highly educated and former members of the Genesis Group at Mount Vernon High School. Crawford, a former administrator at Mount Vernon High School ran the popular Genesis program at the high school and is now a senior partner with the The Inquirer Media Group, along with Bob Nurse. Full story

           A couple in a very festive mood pictured dancing during the onset of the party

    The holidays sometimes represent a time period where people feel alone and depressed, especially during the current global economic climate. But on Saturday, January 3, well over 200 people turned out for the annual holiday party at the AC-BAW Art Center in downtown Mount Vernon that helped reverse negative feelings.
     The annual free event is privately sponsored by elected officials, entrepreneurs and others, in an effort to lift the sprits of Mount Vernonites, and as way to thank them for their support.
     Many of the sponsors were observed walking into the AC-BAW Center early, which included Mayor Clinton I. Young, Steve Horton, John Boykin, George Brown, Reginald LaFayette, Lyndon Williams, Kenneth Plummer and others. Full story

12-29-08
Volunteers from Landauer Metropolitan, Inc. spread Christmas cheer to residents and staff at Wartburg

(Top l to r) Kwabena Gabay, Richard Berger and Glenna Lash with Long Term Residents, Willard Bowman, Valerie Brenner and  Clifton Nash.  

12-23-08

Mt. Vernon's "Look Here Optical" moving to larger premises on Gramatan Avenue

                       Tony Mignardi, proprietor and Optician

12-22-08
Kindhearted benefactors make The Mental Health Association of Westchester’s Holiday Outreach Program an overwhelming success

12-22-08
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 From African American Men of Westchester, Inc.

• Mini-van drivers to take residents on local trips

• Gift shop attendants

• Clerical assistants

• Friendly visits

• Pet visits

     Any help you can provide would improve the lives of our seniors, allowing them to meet new people and connect to the local community.  Join the Wartburg family by contacting Lois Slattery at 914-513-5114 or lslattery@thewartburg.org.
     To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit www.thewartburg.org.