The Mount Vernon Inquirer

The People's Newspaper

City of Mount Vernon, NY
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April '08
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Joe Parisi
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May '08

The ABCs of
Surviving Divorce
by
Roberta Apuzzo

Info about
MRSA infection

05-15-08 NP
IT’S CLEANUP TIME FOR MOUNT VERNON THIS WEEKEND
   This weekend, Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr., Public Works Commissioner Terrence Horton, and about twenty-five neighborhood and community groups will be working together for a cleaner Mount Vernon.
     Cleanup Weekend is a concentrated effort by the Department of Public Works to engage people in the community will be on Friday, May 16^th & Saturday, May 17^th.
     “Pick up a rag, a broom, or a few plants and join in,” said Mayor Young. “This is a great opportunity for everyone to take ownership of the physical image of our great city. And please remember, don’t dump on Mount Vernon, we all lose.”

05-15-08 NP
The Harrigan Educational & Cultural Center Dance Academy to perform at Lehman College on May 17
   The Harrigan Educational & Cultural Center, Inc. (HE&CC) Artistic Director Joyce Harrigan leads her well-trained and charismatic academy of dancers to the Lovinger Theatre at Lehman College for the 14th Annual Showcase Performance on May 17, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The performance will feature new choreography from Joyce Harrigan, Eleanor Moody, Veora Layton, Regina Joseph, Samantha Hewitt and Nereida Luff.
     Operating out of the historic Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, NY since 1998, the Harrigan Dance Academy is known for its soulful choreography and moving interpretations of the human experience through dance. In addition to its signature praise-dance and liturgical pieces often seen in churches and at special events throughout the tri-state area, the annual showcase performance provides an opportunity for the Academy to demonstrate its African, modern, lyrical and hip-hop repertoire in addition to enthusiastic displays from students in the step programs.
     Under the dynamic leadership of Joyce Harrigan, the Dance Academy has experienced tremendous growth since its inception. From a class of about six young girls from Mount Vernon, the Bronx and neighboring communities meeting once per week to perform when asked, the Academy registered more than 100 students for the 2007-2008 season, starting with dancers as young as 3. The intergenerational academy meets the growing demand for performances and workshops. Most recently, the Harrigan Dance Academy was asked to take part in a special event to celebrate 50^th anniversary of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
     Anyone interested in attending the upcoming Saturday evening performance is encouraged to contact the Harrigan Educational & Cultural Center at (212) 560-4824 to get tickets for the event, as the one-night only performance is nearly sold out. The Harrigan Dance Academy will continue to perform throughout the summer as part of a limited tour.

05-15-08 #20
20th Annual Spring Harvest Canned Food Drive
   The Spring Harvest Food Drive to benefit the Sacred Heart Food Pantry is now in its twentieth year and continues to stay strong. This year the Fleetwood Chiropractic Center will be collecting food from June 2nd thru June 7th. During this time many people have a “sun and fun” attitude. But it’s no fun if there is no food on the table. That’s why Drs. Russell and Lucia choose this time of year to sponsor the drive.
     The Spring Harvest has grown from strictly patient donations to a large project involving Lincoln, Pennington, Traphagen, Columbus, and Holmes schools. In addition, the Excelsior Learning Center, Milestone School, Sts. Peter and Paul School, Our Lady of Victory School, Sacred Heart School, Mt. Vernon Public Library Children’s Division, and the Fleetwood Deli-Café will be involved with the food drive this year. Classes from the Davis Middle School will also be working to collect food and raise funds. The National Association of Letter Carriers will also be collecting food this year as part of their national effort.
     Last year almost 6,000 cans of food were collected and donated to the Sacred Heart Food Pantry. The Food Pantry is a service where qualified families can pick up grocery bags of healthy, well balanced meal items at no cost. This service is family oriented and has far reaching affects on the children and their parents who benefit from these meals.
     Last year the pantry provided more than 4725 bags of food to 325 households. “Our collections last year provided enough food for the entire summer”, explained Dr. Russell.
     You can help the Spring Harvest be a success in a number of ways. If your children are enrolled in any of the schools involved, please donate as much as you can. If they are not in the schools, you can drop off donations at the Children’s Division of the Mt. Vernon Public Library on Second Avenue, or at the Fleetwood Deli-Café at 525 Gramatan Avenue, where you will receive a complimentary cup of coffee. Food may also be dropped off at the Fleetwood Chiropractic Center, 25 East Broad Street, where they will be providing various Chiropractic Services including Consultations and Spinal Examinations at reduced fees in exchange for your donations. In addition, patients who bring in food during the drive will receive their Chiropractic Care at a significant discount.
     If you have any questions, please call Dr. Russell at 699-6770. Please do your little bit, and help make a big difference.

05-15-08 #19
Federation of Women's Clubs presents "Woman of the Year Award"

Ursula La Motte accepting her award

    The Westchester County Federation of Women’s Clubs held its May meeting at the Davenport Club in New Rochelle, on Thursday, May 1. The purpose of the meeting was to install new officers for the Federation and to honor the person chosen as their “Woman of the Year.”
     Serving in the office of President will be Barbara Bianco of Rye, 1st Vice President will be Roberta Bennett of the Dobbs Ferry Club, 2nd V.P. Camille Odierna of Larchmont, Recording Secretary is Jean Lemak of Peekskill/Cortlandt, and Corresponding Secretary will be Maureen Lambert from the Scarsdale Women’s Club. Elected to the Board are: Flora Machigiani, Nancy Ryan, Mina Crasson, and Jeanne Wienkoop.
     The members of the Federation were delighted to announce that they had chosen Ursula La Motte as their “Woman of the Year” for 2008. This is the first time that the recipient has been a member of one of Westchester’s clubs herself. She is with the Bedford Hills Woman’s Club.
     La Motte has had a long and distinguished career of public service. She served as County Legislator beginning in 1995 until this past year. She was also a Town of Bedford Councilwoman and Deputy Town Supervisor. As an expert on environmental issues, she served for seven years as a member of the Westchester County Planning Board. She helped found the Pound Ridge Recycling Program and served on their Conservation Board. Other area groups she has chaired or served on the Board include The Westchester Children’s Association, Children’s Aid Society of N.Y., Boys and Girls Clubs of Northern Westchester, Visiting Nurse Association of Hudson Valley and Northern Westchester Hospital Center. It was indeed an honor to present this prestigious award to such a deserving and dedicated individual.

05-14-08 #18
Mount Vernon's legendary Sioux Taylor leaving for South Carolina after 40 years

Sioux Taylor pictured in her study at home

Story by Joe Parisi
     Sioux Taylor, a legendary longtime activist and resident of Mount Vernon for the last 40 years, and former Recreation Commissioner, has decided it is time to move on and is moving to South Carolina to be near her daughter and family.
     Born and raised in Harlem, NY as the daughter of a strict Episcopal minister, Taylor attended NYC Schools and eventually graduated from Fordham University in 1952, and attended postgraduate school at New York University. After college, Taylor became a Licensed Master Social Worker and married her late husband of 33 years, Dr. Abram Taylor in 1958.
     In 1965 Taylor moved to Mount Vernon, and that same year she gave birth to her daughter, Kawardra, who is now an attorney and currently lives in South Carolina with her husband Steven, also an attorney. They have a daughter by the name of Bailey.
     When Taylor and her husband moved to Mount Vernon, they bought a lovely home located at 185 Hillcrest Road, where she still resides today.
     Taylor very quickly started playing a very important and active role in Mount Vernon, becoming the Executive Director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, until her appointment as Mount Vernon's Department of Recreation Commissioner. In these positions, she implemented positive youth development after school and summer programs, expanded activities for seniors and city-wide events (i.e., outdoor concerts and the All-City Summer Games. Go

05-14-08 #17
Detective Christopher A. Ridley posthumously awarded Medal of Honor

Detective Christopher A. Ridley

Story by Joe Parisi
     On Tuesday, May 13, during a picture perfect sunny day, many gathered at a City Hall Plaza ceremony to commemorate Police Officer’s Memorial Day. The annual event recognizes the dedicated and unselfish service by police officers to the City of Mount Vernon who have served with distinction and demonstrated acts of heroism.
     This year's event attracted many dignitaries, which included Westchester County District Attorney, Janet DiFiori, along with many friends and family members of police officers that were honored.
     Highlighting the ceremony was the presentation of the Medal of Honor, posthumously, to Detective Christopher Ridley, who was gunned down in front of the White Plains Social Services building by Westchester County police while he was off-duty and trying to apprehend a violent perpetrator. Go

05-12-08 #16
United Lutheran Church of Mount Vernon scheduled to celebrate 150th anniversary

150 years ago in May, The German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul’s Church of West Mount Vernon was organized into a congregation and the Rev. J. H. Baden was called to be pastor. This was the oldest of three founding congregations that eventually formed what is today The United Lutheran Church of Mount Vernon.
Two other Mount Vernon congregations formed The United Lutheran Church’s founding congregations. They were the Swedish Lutheran Emanuel Church, and the English Evangelical Lutheran Church. T hese two congregations merged in 1962 and changed the name to Christ Lutheran Church.
In 1974, the German Church, which was then simply St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, consolidated with Christ Lutheran Church to form

The United Lutheran Church of Mount Vernon. Facing financial strains in the 1980s, The United Lutheran Church sold its church property and relocated to the Wartburg campus and worship in the Wartburg Chapel.
     Once on the campus, the congregation became key members of the Wartburg community, escorting residents from the skilled nursing facility to weekly Sunday worship in the Chapel, and volunteering at special events. In 1990, the Bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the ELCA gave permission for Wartburg’s Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. James Sudbrock, to become the minister of the congregation. The tradition of the chaplain serving as United Lutheran’s pastor continues today with the ministry of the Rev. Carol E. A. Fryer.
     On Sunday, June 8, during the weekly 10:15 AM service, the congregation will celebrate their 150^th year and the service of installation for Dolores McKay, MDiv, as a seminary intern. A reception for Ms. McKay will follow on the beautiful grounds of Wartburg’s park-like campus.
     Other special events are planned in celebration of the anniversary year. These include Sunday, May 18, when the Rev. Faith Lugazia from Bukoba, Tanzania, will be the guest preacher at the 10:15 AM service in Wartburg Chapel. Rev. Lugazia was one of the first women to be ordained in the Northwestern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania.
     There will also be a guest preacher, The Rev. John Lunn, on “Missionary Sunday,”June 29. The United Lutheran Church is one of several churches that support Rev. Lunn’s mission at Phebe Hospital in Liberia. Rev. Lunn will give a presentation after Sunday service, and that will be followed by a luncheon.
     For additional information about upcoming events at The United Lutheran Church, please call Pastor Carol E. A. Fryer, at 914-513-5162.

05-12-08 #15
Mount Vernon Hospital announces opening of Transitional Care Unit

Mount Vernon Hospital (MVH) is pleased to announce the New York State Department of Health approved opening of its state-of-the-art Richard and Barbara Naclerio Transitional Care Unit (TCU).
Mount Vernon Hospital is one of only five hospitals statewide – the only one in the Hudson Valley – chosen in a highly competitive application process for this important three-year, Transitional Care Unit demonstration program. An issue affecting healthcare, nationally, is the gap in appropriate placement for those hospitalized patients, usually elderly, who no longer require acute care but are not ready for hospital

discharge.
     Mount Vernon Hospital’s TCU is a 20-bed, dedicated unit for Sound Shore Health System patients. During stays in the TCU’s sub-acute setting, patients are involved in enhanced therapy programs to ready them for return to their home or placement in the next appropriate level of care.
     Mount Vernon Hospital is a founding member of the Sound Shore Health System (SSHS). Speaking for SSHS, the President and CEO, John R. Spicer, said, “Transitional Care Units may be the steppingstone needed to safeguard the fragile citizens of our community and the State. We are pleased that Mount Vernon Hospital was recognized to help find the much-needed solution in transitional care.”
     For more information on Mount Vernon Hospital's TCU, please call Judy Cimmino at 914.361.6374.

05-13-08 NP
BOE candidates crying foul over use of Mt. Vernon Democratic Headquarters for fundraiser
    The Better Schools Now Candidates, Charles Stern, Maria Aneiro, Derrick Claye, Michelle Walker and Sean Fenton are outraged about the fact that Mount Vernon Democratic Headquarters on Park Avenue is being allowed to be used for a fundraiser by competing BOE candidates.
     Debra Stern, Campaign Chairperson for the group, has written to the Mount Vernon Democratic Committee Chairwoman, Serapher Con-Halevi about the issue.
     "I am writing to express my concern that the Mount Vernon Democratic Committee Headquarters is being used to host a fundraiser for school board candidates Kathie Brewington, Maria Cedano, Elias Gootzeit and Diane Munro. This use of facilities is a tacit endorsement by you and by the Democratic City Committee for these candidates. Historically, the City Committee has remained neutral in school board elections, as such elections are non-partisan, and this neutrality is being compromised by you in this critical election," wrote Stern.
   Stern is awaiting a reply from Con-Halevi.

05-12-08 #14
June 2008 "Mount Vernon Entrepreneur of the Month" . . . Jessica Salamone

Jessica Salamone

    After reviewing many recommendations from readers, The Inquirer decided to choose Jessica Salamone as "Mount Vernon Entrepreneur of the Month" for the Month of June.
     Salamone is one of several family owners of The Westchester School of Beauty Culture, located at 6 Gramatan Avenue in Mount Vernon. The popular school has been providing Mount Vernonites and others with a lifetime of satisfying and rewarding career opportunities in the beauty industry for decades.
     Interestingly, Salamone actually graduated from The Westchester School of Beauty Culture way back in 1971, and soon after became a licensed Esthetician. Early on she also obtained training in Aromatherapy. And in 1998, she was designated Director of the beauty culture business by her fellow family business owners.
     Besides her many responsibilities as Director of the busy school, Salamone also finds time to work as a hairstylist on a part-time basis.
     Founded by Michael P. Salamone in 1960, the school is presently a thriving family run operation, preparing qualified applicants for successful careers in the ever changing beauty industry. Throughout the years, as Director of the school, Salamone has been active in Mount Vernon community affairs, and routinely provides charitable services for the community.
     Since 1960, and during many depressed periods in downtown Mount Vernon, The Westchester School of Beauty Culture has acted as an anchor store if you might for the City of Mount Vernon. While many businesses have left Mount Vernon, to be replaced by others, Salamone and her family have elected to stay put at the same location they have occupied for nearly 40 years. Salamone's commitment and devotion to the Mount Vernon community is certainly commendable.
     Routinely, Mount Vernon students unable to pay the tuition at the school have received assistance in seeking financial aid with the help of Salamone. In addition, the diversity of their students reflects their philosophy of providing a solid career education for people of all ages, color, national origins and sexes. Furthermore, upon the successful completion of the school's program, Salamone ensures that the students will have the necessary skills to obtain employment and become productive taxpaying citizens of Mount Vernon and other communities.
     For all of the above positive reasons, The Inquirer is proud to have selected Jessica Salamone as "Mount Vernon Entrepreneur of the Month" for the Month of June
     All those wishing to contact Salamone at her school can call (914)699-2344.

05-12-08 NP
Cottage Party for "Better Schools Now Team" scheduled for Sunday, May 18
A Cottage Party Plus will be taking place on Sunday, May 18, 7 - 9 PM, at 125 Primrose Avenue in Mount Vernon for the "Better Schools Now Team" comprised of: Derrick Claye, Charles Stern, Sean Fenton, Michelle Walker and Maria Aneiro.
Debra Stern, Campaign Chairperson - 3 New Candidates; 2 Incumbents; 1 Philosophy; 0 More Excuses
(91 7) 952-0259

05-12-08 NP
Annual series of cultural heritage festivals in county parks kicks off May 31
Experience a variety of cultures from around the world this summer without leaving Westchester County when the tenth annual Asian-American Heritage Celebration kicks off the annual series of cultural heritage festivals in county parks on Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.
The festival is presented by the Westchester and Hudson Valley Chapter of the Organization of Chinese Americans. The event is sponsored by Westchester County Parks and the Westchester Arts Council. Go

05-12-08 NP
Flags to be posted at graves of soldiers who fought in America’s wars at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site May 23
In a pre-Memorial Day commemoration, flags will be posted at the graves of soldiers who fought in America’s wars from colonial times through the 20^th century, in the historic cemetery at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, in Mt. Vernon, NY, on Friday, May 23, at 1 PM. These include a score of soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War and more than 50 men who bore arms for the Union in the Civil War. Among the Civil War soldiers is former Mt. Vernon resident Hiram Slagle, a private in the 17^th New York Infantry, whose grave was only recently memorialized with a granite veterans’ stone. There are also many veterans of the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II.
For additional information, please contact David Osborn, Site Director: (914)667-4116.

05-12-08 NP

05-11-08 #13
Klein releases report on impact of foreclosure crisis on communities and property values

As the White House threatens to veto comprehensive subprime legislation and the Federal Reserve Bank struggles to regulate the mortgage industry, State Senators Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), Eric Schneiderman (D-Manhattan/Bronx), and Diane Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) and members of the local community stood at a graffiti covered and garbage strewn house and released a report: Preserving Our Neighborhoods, an in depth analysis of the impact of the foreclosure crisis on quality of life and property values in NYC, Westchester, and Nassau counties.
As billions of dollars continue to be drained from the tax base,

New York City neighborhoods are feeling the effects of the foreclosure crisis firsthand as homes fall into disrepair, attract trespassers and illegal activity.
“Years of loose credit and lax standards have roiled the U.S. housing market and taken a toll on New York neighborhoods. It takes just one boarded up home to drag down an entire neighborhood and jeopardize the safety and quality of life of thousands of hard working families. Communities are struggling to combat the effects of the subprime crisis, such as increased crime, reduced property values, unsightly graffiti, and unsavory activity at poorly maintained homes. Banks need to take responsibility for their properties and keep our communities safe and strong," said Senator Klein. Go

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 - $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 #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.

05-07-08 #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 15^thfrom 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 13^th 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.