Riverdales ONLYLocally Owned

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Volume XIX Number 17 May 10 - 16, 2012 FREE!

By MIAWLING LAMUp to 25 residents along

Waldo Avenue will be able to park in the Manhattan College Broad-way garage for free after all.

School ofcials last week an-nounced they were abandoning plans to charge a fee after locals lambasted authorities for having the chutzpah to penalize them for the inconvenience.

Residents along Waldo Avenue claim 25 street parking spots will be lost once construction begins on the Lasallian schools new 69,000-square-foot Raymond W. Kelly Student Commons center.

Manhattan College initially

suggested a parking fee was necessary, but vice president of facilities Andrew Ryan said ofcials are now committed to providing free parking for af-fected residents.

There will be no charge for the displaced Waldo parkers, and we have not yet determined how that particular process will be controlled, as it does not need to be ready until the fourth quarter of 2012, he told the Riverdale Review on Tuesday.

The college is absorbing the additional operational expenses associated with providing parking for the displaced Waldo parkers.

However, Ryan could not yet reveal how many spaces would be set aside during the 16-month construction phase.

The number of spaces made available for the displaced Waldo parkers will be commensurate with the number of spaces that are taken for construction, he said.

We will not know the number until we get the contractor on board and develop the site logis-tics plan, which will not be until the fourth quarter of this year.

Just last month, Ryan hinted that Waldo Avenue motorists would have to pay for the privi-

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Residents will get parking help from college

Accused killers arraigned in Bronx courtroomBy MIAWLING LAM

The two men accused of murdering an aspiring chef and stealing his iPhone will not testify before a grand jury, according to their respective lawyers.

Alejandro Campos, 21, and Dominick Davis, 20, were ar-rested within hours of each other on April 26, a week after allegedly killing Hwang Bum Yang on West 232nd Street near Cambridge Avenue.

They have been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of stolen property.

Appearing before Bronx Su-preme Court for the second time on Wednesday, May 2, both men remained silent and showed little emotion as their lawyers spoke on their behalf.

Campos attorney, Martin Galvin, who has claimed his cli-ent is a good kid who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, told the court Campos would not testify.

Ive had extensive conversa-tion with Mr. Campos andhave had an opportunity to meet with his family, and it is his intention not to testify before the grand jury, he said.

Meanwhile, Davis lawyer, Kyle B. Watters, echoed similar sentiments during a brief appear-ance on Monday, May 7.

While Watters declined to comment on the pending case, he told the Riverdale Review that his client was innocent.

My client denies any guilt, of course, he said.

The two men were ordered to remain in custody and are sched-uled to next appear before Bronx Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 30.

When approached for com-ment outside the courtroom last Wednesday, Davis brother declined to comment, as did the two-dozen friends who showed up in an act of soli-darity.

The pairs decision to bypass the grand jury comes as no sur-prisesuspects generally do not testify because defense attorneys are not permitted to be present at the hearings.

Police allege Davis approached Yang, a Korean national who lived at 3261 Johnson Avenue, as he walked home from the subway and demanded that Yang hand over his iPhone.

Prosecutors believe an alterca-tion ensued before Davis red a single shot, which struck Yang in the left torso. The victim was rushed to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Detectives allege Davis stole Yangs iPhone, left the victim for dead and ed the scene in a 2002 white Honda Odyssey getaway car driven by Campos.

Authorities said the break in the case came when the

two suspects foolishly tried to ofoad the stolen phone on the popular classied website Craigslist.

Commanding ofcer of the 50th Precinct Captain Kevin Burke last week told the Review that detectives have written and video confessions from the pair. Campos, the rst of the two to be arrested, led police to Davis.

The maximum sentence for second-degree murder is life in prison; the minimum penalty under these charges is 25 years.

Meanwhile, Mayor Michael Bloomberg weighed in on the 44 percent citywide spike in iPhone-related thefts during an unrelated press conference last Thursday but said he wasnt concerned.

When asked about the in-crease, Bloomberg nonchalantly

replied, if the worst problem we have is iPhone stealing... He then turned to Police Commis-sioner Ray Kelly and sarcastically said, Ray, youd better get on this iPhone right away. This is serious.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinow-itz slammed Bloomberg for the insensitive remarks and said his comments were hurtful and wrongheaded.

I dont think the Mayor appreciates how serious this problem is, he said. Instead of blaming the victims, the victims, we must do more to improve law enforcements ability to ght and deter this type of crime.

I call on Mayor Bloomberg to apologize for his insensitive remarks, particularly to the fam-ily of Hwang Yang.

Dominick Davis (second from left) and Alejandro Campos (third from left) appear before Hon. Seth Marvin at Bronx Supreme Court. They are accused of murdering Riverdalian Hwang Bum Yang.

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By PAULETTE SCHNEIDERIts trying to keep a low prole, but

Riverdale Park cant escape its starring role as part of a link between the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway Trail and the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail in Yonkers.

It was featured at Community Board 8s parks and recreation committee meeting this month, where the New York Metro-politan Transportation Council presented its technical advisory committee study showing how Riverdale ts into a planned Hudson River Valley Greenway trail where pedestrians and cyclists will someday make their way on a continuous path, mainly along the river, from Battery Park to Troy.

NYMTCs Gerry Bogacz and consultant landscape architect Jackson Wandres di-scussed the viable routesboth through Ri-verdale Park between Palisade Avenue and the river and to Riverdale Park between the Henry Hudson Bridge and whatever point in the park is chosen for a stylish winding ramp across the Metro-North tracks.

One option for getting from the bridge to the park is a stretch of Kappock Street that leads right to Palisade Avenue.

But would that compromise parking? A cross-sectional schematic of this pro-posed route assured those concerned that the parking lanes on either side of Kappock would be narrowed impercepti-bly to accommodate bike lanes. Wandres pointed out that the change would call for nothing more than pulling in a bit closer to the curb.

The other option to the park, a path north along Independence Avenue and then down to Palisade along West 232nd Street, is more complex. First, it involves a very narrow and curved section of In-dependence Avenue thats very close to several private homes. Second, it hinges on the creation of a path along the south side of Seton Park along West 232nd Street.

A homeowner was concerned that the Independence to 232nd option would call for widening the rustic twist of Indepen-dence Avenue that borders her front yard and that speeding bikes would jeopardize neighborhood safety.

Quite the contrary, Wandres explained. The existing roads natural trafc-cal-ming features are a plus. He said that a complete street approach is preferred over a highway approach in this type of setting and that were only at the point of having a yellow line on a map for any of the routesso no one needs to start planning for construction crews any time soon.

The West 232nd Street path, though not fully endorsed by the Department of Parks, is becoming more of a fact on the ground. The second path cleanup collaboration between community members and parks department staff is scheduled for Sunday, May 20. The department may not be si-gning up for a major project, but they are indeed providing wood chips, rakes and wheelbarrows for the cleanup effort.

Whichever way we get there, the path through Riverdale Park is likely to cross at a relatively narrow section near the citys DEP wastewater pumping station, causing as little disturbance as possible in a park thats designated forever wild and is zoned as a special natural area district.

As far as getting from Manhattan to Riverdale, the $15 million path along the Henry Hudson Bridge still seems to be the likely option.

Everyone would love to ride from Inwood Park to Riverdale over a trail that runs along the Spuyten Duyvil swing bridge, Waldres said. But well have to

wait until plans for a high-speed rail line along the Metro-North tracks nds its way to the drawing board.

Once that happens, according to Paul Elston, head of Friends of the Hudson River Greenway in the Bronx, the cost of incorporating greenway infrastructure would be so insignicant as to be a roun-ding error in the larger plan.

As it is, Elston said, the Manhattan section of the greenway cost $900 million, while he estimates that the Riverdale section would cost a mere $50 million in total. If we have a solid plan, the money will come over time.

Final conceptual designs and their projected costs will be revealed during RiverFest at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in June.

Riverdale Greenway link: NYMTCs schematic for a proposed Kappock Street route toward Palisade Avenue and the river from the Henry Hudson Bridge.

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Continued on Page 11

Rangel and Espaillat seek support of Ben Franklin Democratic ClubBy MIAWLING LAM

Race and ethnicity should not deter-mine the outcome of the citys hottest congressional race, according to veteran politico Charles Rangel.

The Democrat, who is seeking a 22nd term representing New Yorks newly renumbered 13th congressional district, delivered the comments during a surprise appearance at last Wednesdays Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club annual dinner in Riverdale.

In his rst public appearance in The Bronx since new political boundaries were unveiled, Rangel made an early pitch for votes and spoke of a burning desire to be re-elected.

He also took a minor swipe at state Senator Adriano Espaillat, a Dominican-American who is attempting to unseat the incumbent by mobilizing the predomi-nantly Latino population.

Im so proud that for 40 years in my congressional district, weve had no conicts in people because of cultures, color or background, Representative Rangel said.

Weve been able to work out our dif-ferences, and I can assure you that I really want, at the end of this race, to be able to say that we worked hard to make certain that color and culture was not [a factor] in the election of all the aspirants in our great district.

The frail leader, who is still recovering from a back injury, struggled to move around the room and used a walker. However, he insisted he would be back on his feet next week and vowed to return to The Bronx once hes better.

I look forward to working with you,

the assemblyman, the district leaders, the state committee and the honorees to make this a better community and certainly a better country, he said.

I hope to be able to come back and take your questions and answer those things that are so important to you.

Although he left right after his speech and headed to another engagement, sources said Rangel hightailed it back upon learning that challenger Adriano Espaillat was in the audience.

The pair were seated as far away as pos-sible from each otheron opposite ends of the room, in factwhich explains why Rangel may not have noticed Espaillat in the crowd.

Under the finalized congressional boundaries, the new 13th District will move up into The Bronx and cover Bed-ford Park, Norwood, Kingsbridge Heights and parts of Kingsbridge and University Heights.

Census data shows the district will be 55 percent Hispanic, 27 percent black and 12 percent white.

As soon as Rangel left the rst time, Espaillat took to the stage and delivered his own remarks.

During his speech, Espaillat praised the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club and compared his dealings with them to a rst kiss.

Many people are married for 30, 40 years, but theres nothing like that rst kiss, he said.

And in many ways, the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club had been my rst kiss, and I will never forget the kind of support and the kind of effort that you put forth.

Espaillat made scant reference to Ran-gel, only reafrming his intention to run for a seat in Washington, D.C., and he expressed his hope that the club would continue their support.

He claimed the reform movement was under attack nationwide and that more was needed to tackle issues such as stu-dent loan debt, immigration reform, job creation and affordable housing.

We have many challenges ahead of us. I hope to continue to work with you. I hope to continue to be a partner of the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, he said.

Rangel is expected to face at least three Democratic challengers in the June 26 primary: Espaillat, former presidential aide Clyde Williams and former local

district leader Joyce Johnson, who is the only woman in the race.

The political clubs 52nd dinner, held at the Riverdale Temple, attracted a whos who of politics.

Notable attendees included Bronx Bor-ough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Congress-man Eliot Engel, Councilman G. Oliver Koppell and state Senators Jeffrey Klein and Gustavo Rivera.

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Comptroller John Liu, Pub-lic Advocate Bill de Blasio and former Comptroller Bill Thompson were also in attendance.

Among the honorees were commu-nity and political activist Marcia Allina, District Council 37 executive director

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P.S. 24Pajama Day is this Friday, May 11. Kids

are allowed to come to school in their PJs, and they can bring slippers, a pillow and a stuffed toy if they wish during this special day of reading and activities. But theyre encouraged to bring a donationa new book or pair of pajamasfor the Pajama Program, an organization that provides these items to needy children in group homes and shelters.

P.S. 81An orientation for families of in-

coming kindergarteners will take place next Wednesday, May 15, at 9 a.m. in the school cafeteria. All are welcome to participate in the parent associations annual international dinner, rafe and auction on Thursday, May 17, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Please bring a dish that serves eight.

Attendees can view the Childrens Art Gallery to see highlights of the school art program. For more information, contact Nina Velazquez at 718-796-8966, exten-sion 1174.

M.S./H.S. 141Riverdale/Kingsbridge Academy

The community is invited to share in two upcoming events:

The rst-ever RKArnival on Friday, May 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the school yard. Admission is free, and tickets will be on sale for contests, games and food. Expect music, dancing, prizes and fun.

The annual Spring Arts Festival is on Thursday, May 24, at 7 p.m. Student artwork will be on display, and performancescho-ral, instrumental and dancewill will feature students from all grades. The suggested contribution is $5.

Horace Mann SchoolUpper Division students curated

their own art exhibition, to remain on display in the schools Fisher Art Gallery through Wednesday, May 16. Riverdalian saxophonist Sam Torres, a senior, joined maintenance staff member Ed Heinzinger on percussion and English teacher Harry Bauld on piano at last Mondays opening reception.

Riverdalian Anna Carrol participated in last weeks SciTech12, a showcase of extraordinary work in science, engi-neering and design by Upper Division students. Anna collaborated with fellow junior Gabby Reid on a project address-ing architecture and technology. Some other projects focused on cancer markers, cardiac arrhythmia physiology, evolu-tion in yeast, blood splatter analysis, concussion awareness, asteroids and hovercrafts.

Manhattan CollegeThe environmental engineering

program will sponsor its 57th annual Institute in Water Pollution Control from Monday, May 21, to Thursday, May 24. This years institute will ad-dress treatment plant operations and process control. Specic topics will include nutrient removal process control, anaerobic bio-energy produc-tion operations, odor control systems, health and safety, instrumentation, and side stream nutrient treatment.

Attendees are eligible for up to 28 professional development hours or 28 New York state wastewater opera-tor contact hours. The institute will be directed by Dr. Robert Sharp, a professor of civil and environmental engineering, and Jeanette Brown, adjunct professor in environmental engineering and former national president of the Water Environment Federation.

Commencement exercises will take place on Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York will receive an honorary doctorate and deliver the keynote address on May 20 at 1 p.m. to undergraduates receiving degrees in arts, business, education, engineering and science. Oil industry executive Thomas OMalley (63) will also receive an honorary doctorate. John Esposito (69), retired president and CEO of Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. and Bacardi North America, will receive an honorary doc-torate and deliver the keynote address on Saturday, May 19, at 3 p.m. to stu-dents receiving bachelors and master degrees or professional diplomas from the school of continuing and profes-sional studies

College of Mount Saint Vincent

The colleges Student Research and Service Symposium will be held on

Thursday, May 17, at 5 p.m. in Smith Hall. Sociology major Mahabir Samuel will present his original undergraduate re-search on content analysis of hip-hop lyrics. Samuel, a se-nior, concluded that

the phenomenon of education is acting white in some minority communities is not anti-intellectual attitude but rather a critical response to real and perceived failings of the American education system. Sociology major Michelle Thompson will present her research on the internationalization of the LGBT community. Thompson, a senior, examined blog entries on the implementation of the military dont ask, dont tell policy and found that the LGBT community has internationalized and has changed ethnically. She will be enlisting in the United States Navy after graduation.

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5Parking help on way from collegelege of using the parking lot. He claimed the charge was necessary to cover the additional security and cleaning costs as-sociated with running the garage 24/7.

Currently, the ve-story parking lot is open strictly to students and employees of the college and as such is closed during school vacations.

Marty ONeill, vice president of the ten-ants association at 3875 Waldo Avenue, welcomed the breakthrough.

The Riverdale resident has been leading the ght against the charge since April last year when the college rst unveiled plans for the student center.

We are very pleased, ONeill said, but those free parking spaces in their lot doesnt resolve all the issues. They should be aware that they have given us something for our inconvenience but that doesnt mitigate any other problems that may come up in the future.

We want to be informed on a regular basis because, as with any project this large,

there can be changes. We want to know that there is a line of communication open and that they will be forthcoming with any adjustments that may happen.

ONeill said the next battle was to ensure that ofcials set aside 25 spaces for displaced parkersthe school claims fewer spaces will be lostand that techni-cal issues are worked out.

We need to make sure that the agree-ment is from the point at which construc-tion begins and parking is no longer avail-able and until the time that the signs come down and are changed back to the alternate side that were used to, he said.

We dont want [them] to say we n-ished and the city didnt do their job and change the sign.

According to plans, the new student center will boast a Starbucks, mini-mart, lounge, food service and campus book-store. Two of the oors will also be open to be public, and meeting rooms will be available for student and community use. The facility is set to open in fall 2014.

By MIAWLING LAMCity Council slush funds should be doled

out more equitably rather than to ofcials with the most political clout, according to a government watchdog group.

A new report released by the Citizens Union shows while the discretionary funds allocation process has improved in recent years, additional reforms were needed to ensure fairer distribution.

According to an analysis, large dispari-ties exist among the 51 City Council mem-bers. The Bronx delegation also recorded mixed results when it came to how much money each of them collected.

Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Ar-royo, who represents Mott Haven, Hunts Point and Melrose, last year raked in $8.6 million in capital and expenses fund-ingthe most of any ofcial in The Bronx and 6th out of 51 members citywide.

Councilman James Vacca followed closely behind with his $8.2 million al-location, while Councilman G. Oliver Koppell collected $6.3 million, placing him in 15th position overall.

At the other end of the spectrum, scan-dal-prone Councilman Larry Seabrook received the third-lowest amount across the ve boroughs with his $3 million allocation, while Councilwoman Helen Foster also struggled to collect signicant discretionary funding with her $3.5 million total.

Overall, the City Council distributed nearly $580 million in capital and ex-penses funding in scal year 2012. The

monies are typically used to bankroll capital projects such as school renovations and to fund smaller neighborhood initia-tives like after-school programs.

Council Speaker Christine Quinn is charged with distributing all capital funds and a large portion of the expense funds to each of the 51 members.

Citizens Union executive director Dick Dadey said handing the Council speaker with such degrees of power was a grave mistake.

While the citys discretionary funding process is improved in signicant ways from a decade ago, it remains awed and needs additional reform, he said in a statement.

Recent reforms in the City Council have improved the vetting of organizations receiving funding and provided additional disclosure, yet the distribution process to members remains too politicized and not equitable and objective enough.

Citizen Unions policy and research manager and primary author of the report Rachael Fauss also said the ndings fail to take into account the demographics of a particular district.

There is little correlation between the relative socioeconomic status of districts and the amount of funding received by members of the Council to distribute for their constituents, she said.

Fauss said objective measures such as so-cioeconomic factors should be worked into the distribution process to ensure all districts are given their fair share of monies.

Council disperses discretionary funds

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Bronx Opera to present Hansel & Gretel

The Bronx Opera follows the famed mischievous brother and sister into Ilsenstein forest to meet the echoing trees, the little Sandman, the 14 angels of protection, the little Dew Fairy, and the evil witch and her tempting gingerbread house in this classic opera based on the famed Brother Grimm story. Filled with parables about family life and struggles that ring true today, Hansel & Gretel is a delight for any age. Fully-Staged with Orchestra, Sung in English, Senior, Chil-dren, and Group Discounts.

In the Bronx shows will be held on Fri. & Sat., May 11 & 12 @ 7:30 pm at Lehman Colleges Lovinger Theatre, For more in-formation, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/184327.

Boy Scouts to hold fundraiser auction

Boy Scout Troop 240 will hold its an-nual Fundraiser Auction on Friday, May 11, at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church, 4765 Henry Hudson Parkway. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Auction starts at 7 p.m. BBQ hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments available for purchase.

Auction and rafe prizes include: gift bas-kets, electronics, restaurant and health club gift certicates, sports event tickets, home goods, games, camping items, and more.

Riverdale Y to reopen Sunday Market

The Riverdale Y Sunday Market will reopen this season from 9am-2pm on May 13 at MS/HS 141, located at West 237th Street and Independence Avenue.

The market offers natural organic and local products- kosher and non kosher items. This year the market will include some new vendors including sh, Middle Eastern Fare, a new hot sauce vendor and some new artisans. Of course we will have our regular favorites of produce, baked goods, eggs, meats, cheese - some fair trade and organic.

This year, The Riverdale Y Sunday Market will also have their annual Envi-ronmental Fair at the opening on May 13. Please bring these recyclables to the Fair at the Sunday Market: Computers (CPUs), monitors, printers, scanners, fax machines, photocopiers, cell phones, VCR/DVD/CD players, game systems, stereos, televisions,

and other electronic devices. We do not accept any radioactive material or electron-ics with hazardous materials such as air conditioners and humidiers. WeRecycle is a certied company that will dispose of all these items. Wearable Collections accepts all used clean clothing including shoes and hats. They also accept household items such as curtains, linens, towels, handbags and belts. Besides these companies, there will be a ower vendor, informational table for the Ofce of Recycling Outreach and Edu-cation and other environmental products. Sponsored in part by NYC Funding with thanks to Councilman Oliver Koppell.

For more information please go to our website: www.RiverdaleY.org or call 718-548-8200.

AJWS ghting for food security

On Saturday, May 12, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale, the American Jewish World Services Reverse Hunger campaign joins CSAIR, the Hebrew Institute of River-dale and Riverdale Temple in presenting Fighting for Food Security: The Story of a Leading Haitian Activist, a dialogue featuring Camille Chalmers.

For decades, Chalmers has decried U.S. and other nations development practices that destroy Haitis agricultural economy. She is executive director of the Haitian Advocacy Platform for an Alternative Development, an AJWS grantee. Chalmers will suggest how the community can help ght food insecurity in Haiti.

CSAIR is located at 475 West 250th Street at the Henry Hudson Parkway. For more information, call the CSAIR ofce at 718-543-8400.

Brandeis Group to hold spring luncheon

The Riverdale Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee will hold its An-nual Spring Luncheon and Installation on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at The Riverview, One Warburton Avenue, Hastings-On-Hud-son, N.Y. The installation of ofcers for the coming year is scheduled for 11 A.M. to be followed by the luncheon at 12 Noon.

Entertainment will be presented by Joe Pace, door prizes will be offered and a boutique, Vintage Jewelry by Granny Franny will be displayed for sale.

Subscription is $60.00 by advance res-

ervation only. Please send check, payable to B.N.C., to Mrs. Jessie Wallerich, 3333 Henry Hudson Parkway, Apt. 5B, Bronx, N.Y. 10463, by May 15th. The menu in-cludes salmon, chicken or a pasta for the main dish and guests should indicate their preference on their check. Transportation, if needed, will be provided for $10.00 round trip and must be requested with a separate check. All proceeds will benet the Sustaining the Mind Fund.

Riv. Temple announces upcoming activities

Tuesday May 15 Rabbi Lewis leads a program from noon to 1:30 called Lunch and Learn where anyone can come learn about Judaism with the Rabbi and bring their own lunch. Riverdale Temple 4545 Independence Ave Riverdale, NY 10471718-548-3800 ext 0

Once again, the Arthritis Foundation Ex-ercise Program (AFEP) is being offered at the Riverdale Temple with Stan. For those who are unfamiliar with the program, it offers gentle stretching, balancing, endurance and strengthening components for eight one hour sessions. There will be no cost to participants. Please call the ofce for registration. Mondays, 10-11 a.m., from May 7th until June 28th. *NOTE: No class on Memorial Day* Held at Riverdale Temple 4545 Independence Ave Riverdale, NY 10471 718-548-3800 ext 0

Sunday, May 20th (2 EVENTS):We will hold our Student Sponsorship

Breakfast from 9:30-11:30 am. Those

interested must RSVP by May 13th and can call the temple ofce or come in to pick up a yer for further details. Also, we will host a YIVO lecture on the his-tory of Yiddish language, given by Paul Glasser, at 2pm Riverdale Temple 4545 Independence Ave Riverdale, NY 10471 718-548-3800 ext 0

The last date for the Mommy, Daddy and Me program here at Riverdale Temple is Sunday 5/13. We now have a soft gym for toddlers to play on during our Mommy, Daddy and Me sessions. Each class is still only $20! Riverdale Temple 4545 Independence Ave Riverdale, NY 10471 718-548-3800 ext 0

Tot Shabbat, May 18th @ 5:30 pm in the West Lounge at Riverdale Temple 4545 Independence Ave Riverdale, NY 10471 718-548-3800 ext 0 Come enjoy music, dance, and crafts! Open to all children birth to 6 (older siblings welcome, too).

Please join us at Sabbath Evening Ser-vices May 18 to honor Cantorial Intern, Aviva Kolet for sharing her angelic voice with us for the past two years. Professional quartet and Organist. Special kiddush will follow the service. Riverdale Temple 4545 Independence Ave Riverdale, NY 10471 718-548-3800 ext 0

Riv. AARP Chapter to meetThe Riverdale Chapter 1546 of AARP will

meet on Wednesday, May 16th, at 12:30 p.m. at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church, 4765 Henry Hudson Parkway West. We will have Edward Schneider, a school teacher who retired after 12 years at the Bronx Historical Society speak and show slides all about the Bronx of Yesterday.

The community is invited to join in with refreshments. For additional information, call Manfred Segal at l-718-549-0088.

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Musical to be presented at the Riverdale Y

The award-winning Riverdale Rising Stars present a limited engagement of their spring musical classic 42nd Street! This Tony Award-winning musical features well known songs including Lullaby of Broadway, Were In The Money, 42nd Street and more.

Boasting a cast of 29, these talented teens will tap their way into your hearts with this old-fashioned musical comedy - perfect for all ages. Show times and dates are Thursday, May 17 at 7:30pm,

Saturday, May 19 at 9:00pm and Sunday, May 20 at 3:00pm and 7:00pm.

Please visit riverdalerisingstars.com for tickets and more information. Group sales are available. Contact Lwalton@riverdaley.org. The Riverdale Y is located at 5625 Ar-lington Avenue.

Curves to give away free 30-day memberships

Curves of Riverdale will give a free 30-day membership to any non-member who visits the club during regular operat-ing hours throughout National Womens

Health Week, May 13-19. This annual awareness week, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Ofce on Womens Health (OWH), begins each year on Mothers Day and brings together communities, businesses, gov-ernment, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote womens health. Curves International has partnered with the OWH to help promote National Womens Health Week and to provide health and wellness programs and materi-als to women throughout the country.

In further support of this partnership, Curves announces the inaugural National Curves Day celebration, which will occur annually on the Thursday of National Womens Health Week. Curves International aims to give away one million free 30-day memberships at participating Curves gyms throughout the United States and Canada during the week-long event. Any non-mem-ber who visits a participating Curves club during National Womens Health Week will be eligible for this free membership offer.

The theme for the 13th annual Na-tional Womens Health Week is Its Your Time. National Womens Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. It also encourages women to take the following steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases:

Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings.

Get active.

Eat healthy. Pay attention to mental health,

including getting enough sleep and managing stress.

Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.

For more information about Curves of Bronx, located at 3719 Riverdale Ave., National Curves Day and the Curves one million free 30-day memberships offer, con-tact a Curves of Riverdale staff member at 718-549-0555. For more information about Curves, please visit www.curves.com.

For more information about National Womens Health Week, including a list of events in your area, please visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/.

Lag BaOmer Celebration at the Riverdale Y

A real bonre, Israeli music, Israeli food and lots of fun on this very special night!

Lag BaOmer, is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, which occurs on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. According to the Talmud and Midrash, this day marks the hillula (anniver-sary of death) of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a Mishnaic sage and leading disciple of Rabbi Akiva in the 2nd century. Modern Jewish tradition links the holiday to the Bar Kokhba Revolt against the Roman Empire (132-135 CE). In Israel, Lag BaOmer is celebrated as a symbol of the ghting Jewish spirit and is marked by bonres all over Israel!

Please join us in our back lot on Sunday, May 13 at 6:00pm for our bonre in honor of this holiday. This celebration is part of our iHouse program. The entire com-munity is invited to this event! For more information please go to our website www.RiverdaleY.org or call 718-548-8200.

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Thursday, May 10Spuyten DuyvilTODDLER STORY TIME10:30 a.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library650 West 235th Street

Toddlers from 18 months to 3 years and their parents/care-givers can enjoy interactive stories, action songs, ngerplays, and spend time with other toddlers in the neighborhood. For more information, call 718-796-1202.

RiverdaleSINGING & READING11:30 a.m. Riverdale Branch Library5540 Mosholu Avenue

Emily Ellison introduces readers to the great world of exciting picture, story, and song books full of music and sound. Children will revel in the joy of reading while singing, dancing, and stomping their feet, and experiment with various rhythm instruments. For children ages 2 to 6 years old with parent/caregiver. For more information, call 718-549-1212.

RiverdaleLAG BOMER PICNIC4:30 p.m. Seton Park235th St. & Independence Avenue

Chabads Lag BOmer Picnic features a live-action world renowned BMX Bike Stunt Show, pony rides, an obstacle course and moon bounce, great delicious food and fun for the whole family all in one place. For more information, visit www.ChabadRiverdale.org or call 718-549-1100 ext. 10.

Friday, May 11RiverdaleTAI CHI10 a.m. Riverdale Branch Library5540 Mosholu Avenue

This tai chi (Sun Style) includes agile steps and exercises that may improve mobility, breathing and relaxation. Tai chi has been show to reduce pain and stiffness, increase exibility, enhance muscle strength, improve concentration and memory, and help people cope with stress and depression. This is an adult program. Registration is required. Please call the branch at 718-549-1212 or send an e-mail to Riverdale@nypl.org to reserve your spot.

KingsbridgeBILINGUAL BIRDIES10:30 a.m. Kingsbridge Branch Library291 West 231st Street

A foreign language and live music program for children ages newborn to ve years old with parent/caregiver. The bilingual musicians teach through live music, movement, puppetry and games. Each session ends with a lively bubble dance party! Children learn basic vocabulary and short phrases while playing with instruments and fun props. For more information, call 718-548-5656.

KingsbridgeTEEN ADVISORY GROUP4 p.m. Kingsbridge Branch Library291 West 231st Street

Let your voice be heard in the Kingsbridge Librarys Teen Advisory Group! TAG meetings will be held on Friday afternoons from 4-5 pm. If you are a 7th -12th grade student, you are eligible to join. For more information, call 718-548-5656.

RiverdaleBOY SCOUT FUNDRAISER AUCTION7 p.m. Riverdale Presbyterian Church4765 Henry Hudson Parkway

Doors open 6:30 p.m.; Auction starts 7 p.m. BBQ hamburg-ers, hot dogs and refreshments available for purchase.

Saturday, May 12RiverdaleLECTURE/DIALOGUE6:30 p.m. Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel475 West 250th Street

Fighting for Food Security: The Story of a Leading Haitian Activist, a dialogue featuring Camille Chalmers. For more information, call the CSAIR ofce at 718-543-8400.

Sunday, May 13RiverdaleRIVERDALE Y SUNDAY MARKET9 a.m. MS/HS 141Independence Ave. & West 237th Street

This year the market will include some new vendors including sh, Middle Eastern Fare, a new hot sauce vendor and some new artisans. Also featuring the annual Environmental

Fair. For more information, visit www.RiverdaleY.org or call 718-548-8200.

RiverdaleLAG BAOMER CELEBRATION6 p.m. Riverdale YM-YWHA5625 Arlington Avenue

A real bonre, Israeli music, Israeli food and lots of fun on this very special night! For more information, visit www.RiverdaleY.org or call 718-548-8200.

Monday, May 14Van CortlandtREAD OUT LOUD10:30 a.m. Van Cortlandt Branch Library3874 Sedgwick Avenue

Pre-schoolers from 3 to 5 years old and their parents/care-givers can enjoy new and classic picture books, action songs and meet other pre-schoolers in the neighborhood. For more information, call 718-543-5150.

Spuyten DuyvilKNITTING & CROCHET11 a.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library650 West 235th Street

A get-together for knitters & crocheters at all skill levels to work on a current project, learn new techniques, or even to begin a new craft. All skill levels are welcomed. Registration not required. Audience: Adults. For info, call 718-796-1202.

KingsbridgeBOOK DISCUSSION6 p.m. Kingsbridge Branch Library291 West 231st Street

Get the neighborhood read. Check out what the librarian has recommended, and hear what others think about it. Weve got the books, now we need you to talk! This months discus-sion will be of the book Life of Pi by Yann Martel. For more information, call 718-548-5656.

Tuesday, May 15Spuyten DuyvilBABY STORY TIME11 a.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library650 West 235th Street

Babies from birth to 18 months and their parents/caregiv-ers can enjoy great books, lively songs and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. For more information, call 718-796-1202.

RiverdaleLUNCH & LEARN12 pm. Riverdale Temple4545 Independence Avenue

A session where anyone can come learn about Judaism with the Rabbi and bring their own lunch. For more information, call 718-548-3800 ext 0.

Wednesday, May 16Spuyten DuyvilARTHRITIS EXERCISE PROGRAM10 a.m. Spuyten Duyvil Branch Library650 West 235th Street

This recreational program using gentle movements was designed by physicians & Arthritis health professionals under the direction of the National Arthritis Foundations Patient & Community Services Committee. The goal is to increase joint exibility, range of motion & maintenance of muscle strength. The class meets for eight weeks, one hour per session. Audience: Adults. For more information, call 718-796-1202.

RiverdaleAARP MEETING12:30:00 Riverdale Presbyterian Church4765 Henry Hudson Pkwy. West

The Riverdale Chapter 1546 of AARP will meet. Guest speaker will be Edward Schneider, a retired school teacher, who will speak and show slides about the Bronx of Yesterday. For more information, call Manfred Segal at 718-549-0088.

RiverdaleBOOK DISCUSSION1 p.m. Riverdale Branch Library5540 Mosholu Avenue

This month the group will be discussing Suffer the Little Children: A Commissario Guido Brunette Mystery by Donna Leon. Book club participants must reserve copies of each title through the Librarys catalog system. Reserve your copy by placing a hold online at www.nypl.org or visiting your local branch. For more information, call 718-549-1212.

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By MIAWLING LAMIts ofcial: Homeowners will be

hosed by yet another water hike.Despite erce public opposition,

the New York City Water Board unani-mously approved a 7 percent rate in-crease during its meeting in Manhattan last Friday.

City ofcials claimed the new rate, which will kick in on Sunday, July 1, was necessary to cover escalating debt service payments, unfunded mandates and increased operating expenses.

Authorities downplayed the hike by arguing it is the smallest increase in seven years and 25 percent lower than initial projections.

However, in real terms, the jacked-up rate will cost the average single-family homeowner using 80,000 gallons a year an extra $62 annually, while a multifam-ily unit dweller using 50,000 gallons will pay an extra $39 each year.

In an unusual move, Water Board chair Alan Moss prefaced the vote by defending the panel and stressing its impartiality.

The public has long contended the boards seven memberswho are appointed by the mayorare merely puppets for ofcials.

None of the seven members work for the administration. None of us get instructions from City Hall. We just dont, he said, adding that the last time hes seen the mayor was a decade ago.

We are our own agents, and we are

guided by our conscience and, hopefully, good judgment. The law requires that we set water and sewer rates at a level that is sufcient to pay the costs of administer-ing, operating, maintaining, repairing and the cost of capital improvements.

We also have to set rates that can pay interest and principal on outstand-ing bonds that have been issued. Thats our mandate. Thats what we have to do. Thats our job.

Moss also stressed that each board member receives only modest compen-sation$150 per meeting, regardless of its length, and travel expenses. There were no other perks, he said.

We are here because we believe in the kind of Greek democracy where youve got to participate if youre liv-ing in a place and youre enjoying the benets of local democracy.

The board then proceeded to rubber-stamp the proposal. No other board mem-bers delivered remarks, and there was no other discussion on the new rate.

In a statement issued after the vote, DEP commissioner Carter Strickland welcomed the decision. He also reiter-ated a pledge to keep water bills low through prudent cost cutting, improved transparency and efciency and aggres-sive advocacy for regulatory reform.

Though rate increases are difcult during tough economic times, we are moving in the right direction and maintaining the highest standard of quality New Yorkers have come to ex-

pect, he said.New Yorkers can be assured that DEP

is doing everything we can to keep water bills low while continuing to maintain a water system that meets the high stan-dards they expect and deserve.

Water rates have soared 77 percent since 2005the new rate comes hot on the heels of a 7.5 percent hike in 2011 and a 12.9 percent increase in 2010.

The approval comes a week after Bronx politicians and residents derided city ofcials for unfairly soaking hom-eowners with yet another rate hike.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz lam-

basted the Water Board for approving the hike despite impassioned public testimonies.

The Water Board did what they always do, which is to rubber-stamp an unjustied increase, he said, adding that the Croton Water Filtration Plant was partially to blame.

It is a direct result of the citys mas-sive cost overruns of the Croton Water Filtration Plant and, once again, its the people of New York that have to pay for the DEPs incompetence.

Ofcials have proposed a 7.9 percent water rate hike for scal year 2013.

City Water Board passes huge seven percent rate increase

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Lillian Roberts, Bronx Community Pride Center executive director Dirk McCall and Riverdale Neighborhood House president Sarah Gund.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who is a longtime member, said the importance of the political clubs work should not be underestimated.

We work together and we work hard and we can get things done, he said.

We can elect people to ofce, we can affect the issues that are important in our community and we can make things happen. And this club, more than any other political club in The Bronx, makes things happen.

Meanwhile, the endorsements con-tinue to roll in for Espaillat, with Fernando Ferrer becoming the latest notable ofcial to give the congressman his backing.

The former Bronx borough president and Democratic nominee for New York City mayor said he was compelled to support Espaillat because of his energy, passion, and bold, new ideas.

New York has always been the place where barriers are broken and history is made, Ferrer said in a statement.

We can once again make history and bring change to our communities by electing Adriano Espaillat as our next congressman.

If elected, Espaillat will become the rst Dominican-American elected to ofce in Washington, D.C.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera, New York City Correction Ofcers Benevolent Association president Norman Seabrook, noted fashion icon Oscar de la Renta,

former Rangel aide Vincent Morgan and Manhattan community activist Ruben Dario Vargas have already thrown their support behind Espaillat.

Candidates seek club supportContinued from Page 3

Congressman Charles Rangel

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By ALLISON SUMMERSThe city is currently repairing broken,

uneven and cracked sidewalks in the Riverdale area after receiving complaints from residents in the community.

Construction is underway to repair faulty sidewalks at Gale Place in Van Cortlandt Village, the Henry Hudson Parkway service road north of Manhattan College Parkway and Johnson Avenue between West 232nd and West 235th streets. Work has already been completed at Waldo Avenue between West 236th and West 238th streets.

Councilman G. Oliver Koppell took credit for the improvements and said he

was pleased the city was taking action.My ofce has received many com-

plaints about the condition of sidewalks in the area, which was of great concern to me because of the risk of pedestrians falling, he said in a statement.

I am pleased that the city responded to my concerns about pedestrian safety and is now working to x the defective sidewalks, particu-larly those that are in the worst condition.

The latest repairs come a couple of weeks after the city repaved the sidewalk on Independence Avenue between West 236th and West 237th Street at Assembly-man Jeffrey Dinowitzs request.

City repaving sidewalks throughout area

PEACEFUL MIDDLE EAST DISCOURSE. More than 200 attended the Riverdale Ys Rose Dialogue Series opener last Tuesday night, where Jewish community leader Rabbi Irving Greenberg (left) and Israeli journalist Dr. Ronen Bergman discussed the topic Israel vs. IranIs War Imminent? A festive dessert banquet followed.

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Riverdale Rising Stars presents David Merricks

Directed by Laurie Walton

Limited Engagement! Showtimes and Dates:

Thursday, May 17 at 7:30pmSaturday, May 19 at 9:00pm

Sunday, May 20 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm

Adults $20; $16 online; Seniors and Students $12 Tickets available online at

www.Riverdalerisingstars.com or RiverdaleY.org or call 718-548-8200

Stay connected with RRS

facebook.com/Riverdalerisingstarstwitter.com/Riverdalerisingstars

5625 Arlington AvenueBronx, NY 10471 718-548-8200

www.RiverdaleY.org

By ALLISON SUMMERSBronx Borough President Ruben Diaz

Jr. ofcially kicked off Bronx Week 2012 with a press conference in the Bronx County Building on Monday.

The annual festivities in celebration of the borough will run from May 10 through May 20, with more than 100 free and low-priced events taking place across The Bronx including art exhibits, trolley tours, concerts, theatrical performances and tness fairs.

This is where we invite Bronxites, New Yorkers and people from all over the planet to come and rediscover The Bronx, to eat at our restaurants, to come to our cultural institutions and to really appreciate our Bronx talent, Diaz said.

Some of the highlights for this years Bronx Week include a weeklong lm festival and the boroughs rst-ever solar energy conference.

In addition, favorite programs from previous years have been brought back, including Centenarian Celebration, the Bronx Bankers Breakfast, the Urban Farms Trolley Tour, Senior Day, the Bronx Week Film Festival Gala, Environmental Day and the Bronx Ball.

The festivities will conclude on May 20 with a special ceremony inducting some of the most successful and inuential Bronxites into the Bronx Walk of Fame.

This years honorees are model and actor Tyson Beckford, hip-hop mogul Fat Joe, cinematographer Sol Negrin and jazz musician Valerie Capers.

After the ceremony, visitors are invited to help celebrate the honorees achieve-ments at the annual parade, food and arts festival and concert on Mosholu Parkway.

One of the things that we do, or if not the biggest thing that we do, is we induct people to the Bronx Walk of Fame, Diaz said.

We do this with folks who wear being from The Bronx as a badge of honor. We do this to our ambassadors of The Bronx, the folks that we have unofcially deputized to go out there and to tell the world that The Bronx is a beautiful place, that The Bronx gave them a leg up, that you should recognize that the Bronx helped formulate those contributions and those talents.

Inductee Valerie Capers said the bor-ough played a major role in cultivating her talents and in making her the person she is today.

Everything thats happened to me as far as shaping my life has been in The Bronx, she explained. I went to the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind on Pelham Parkway and I received an education after losing my sight that my parents never would have been able to afford.

Congressman Charles Rangel was among those who attended the press conference to show their support.

Under the latest redistricting plan, Rangels Manhattan district moves into The Bronx and encompasses parts of Norwood and Kingsbridge.

Thank you, all of you, for allowing me to join in this great kickoff, and Im looking forward to this new partnership where well work together so we can tell Brooklyn and Queens and all the other boroughs, Watch out, here we come.

Bronxites and visitors are encour-aged to visit ilovethebronx.com to learn more about Bronx Week events and schedules.

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Thursday, May 10SomersPERSONAL BRANDING6:30 p.m. Somers LibraryRoute 139

Gain an understanding of the importance of personal branding as a career development tool. Assess and dene your desired brand that will communicate your value to an employer or client, and learn more about your personal com-munication skills. Register online at www.somerslibrary.org or call 914-232-5717.

YonkersBIKE MAINTENANCE BASICS9 a.m. REI YonkersRidge Hill Shopping Center

If you ride a bicycle, then you need this class! This class is an informative presentation that will teach you how to lube a chain, x a at tire in record time, and make other minor adjustments to your bicycle. No experience necessary! For more information, call 914-410-9500 or visit www.rei.com/yonkers.

Friday, May 11RyeNETWORKING EVENT11 a.m. Hilton Rye Town699 Westchester Avenue

Sonia Manzano will be the keynote speaker at Westchesters premier networking event - In the Company of Women luncheon benet, Westchesters annual premier womens networking event to attract nearly 600 people. For more information, call 914-949-6227 x147.

OssiningTEATOWNS PLANT SALE4 p.m. Teatown Lake Reservation1600 Spring Valley Road

This 2-day event opens with a First Pick Saleyour chance to get your favorite plants before they sell out! A rich abundance of annuals, native wildowers, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetables and herbs await. And Teatowns dedicated staff and volunteers are ready to help you pick the right plants for your yard and give you expert advice on how to care for them. On Saturday from 10:30am-1:30pm, you can also enjoy tours of Wildower Island, a two-acre sanctuary with over 230 native and endangered species of wildowers. For more information, call 914-762-2912 x110 or visit www.teatown.org.

KatonahCONCERT8 p.m. Caramoors Rosen House149 Girdle Ridge Road

The Jade Mountain. Featuring Charlotte de Rothschild, soprano; and Danielle Purrett, harp. Program: Works by Henry Purcell, Peter Warlock, Benjamin Britten, Thomas Dunhill, James Hook, George Frederick Handel, Franz Schubert, Gabriel Faure, etc. Tickets: $25. For more information, call 914-232-1252.

Saturday, May 12YonkersPLANT SALE9 a.m. Beczak Environmental Education Center35 Alexander Street

Get what you need for your garden and support local river education. Reasonably priced vegetables, herbs, owers, perennnials, and hanging baskets. Plus FREE face painting and a Mothers Day craft from noon to 2:00 PM. For more information, call 914-377-1900 x 13.

SomersCRAFT WORKSHOP10 a.m. Somers LibraryRoute 139

Beading & Basket Weaving. Learn how to make two different projects in this all-day free workshop. Register online at www.somerslibrary.org or call 914-232-5717. Space is limited. Sponsored by The Friends of Somers Library.

ScarsdaleNATURE FRIENDLY GARDENING10 a.m. Greenburgh Nature Center99 Dromore Road

Great Planting for Great Pollinators and Benecial Insects. Did you know that over 97% of the insects in an average land-scape are benecial to the environment or completely harmless? Learn how to attract the good bugs to your yard by planting the right mix of native plants. An assortment of plants discussed will be available for purchase after the program. Members: $20; Non-Members: $25. For info, call 914-723-3470.

Mt. VernonOPEN SATURDAY12 p.m. St. Pauls Church897 S. Columbus Avenue

The event features a historical talk, period meal, music, and a glimpse at the Mt. Vernon area in 1912. Contact the site at 914-667-4116 for ticket reservations and details. The Historic Dinner event at 5 p.m. commemorates the 100th anniversary of the landmark Presidential election of 1912, energetically contested by four candidates -- Woodrow Wilson, Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt and Eugene Debs.

Sunday, May 13YonkersHUDSON RIVER FAMILY SEINING10 a.m. Beczak Environmental Education Center35 Alexander Street

Catch sh and other remarkable Hudson River creatures by wading into the river and dragging a 30-foot net through the water. Led by Beczak educators, rain or shine. Waterproof over-alls for all sizes provided. $5 per person. Registration required. For all ages. For more info, call 914-377-1900 x13.

Monday, May 14BronxvilleART EXHIBIT10 a.m. Bronxville Womens Club135 Midland Avenue

Create a family heirloom with an original portrait to be treasured for many, many years to come. Portrait artist Joanne Roy will give a portrait demonstration. For more information, call 914-337-3252 or visit www.bronxvillewomensclub.org.

Wednesday, May 16Mt. VernonMUSIC1 p.m. St. Pauls Church897 S. Columbus Avenue

Please join us for a stirring performance by the Collegium Westchester of music for Violin & Organ, featuring the 1830 Erben pipe organ. For info, contact David Osborn, 914-667-4116.

White PlainsFUNDRAISER6 p.m. Brazen Fox175 Mamaroneck Avenue

Brazen Fox, a popular White Plains hotspot, is hosting a benet event to help fund Support Connections free support services. Admission includes 2 Hour Open Bar. Discounted appetizer specials available. Door prizes and rafes too! Pro-ceeds will benet Support Connections free support services and programs for people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Purchase advance tickets by calling 914-962-6402

Thursday, May 17SomersFENG SHUI6 p.m. Somers LibraryRoute 139

As with Tai Chi, Chi Gong, traditional Chinese medicine, and acupuncture, all have one thing in common - attaining balance. Feng Shui helps us create balance in our lives as we connect to our environment. Join us for a special presenta-tion with Lois Kramer Perez, and learn more about you can incorporate Feng Shui into your life. Register online at www.somerslibrary.org or call 914-232-5717.

Friday, May 18White PlainsARTS BASH11:30 a.m. Arts Westchester31 Mamaroneck Avenue

Join in to see an exciting new exhibition, Westchester Sculptsmeet the artiststour artist studiossample ne wineand taste signature dishes from some of Westchesters top restaurants. $75 General Admission. For more information, visit www.artswestchester.org.

Saturday, May 19OssiningBIRDING 10110 a.m. Teatown Lake Reservation1600 Spring Valley Road

Cant tell a blue jay from a bluebird? A crow from a blackbird? This program on bird identication is for novice birders trying to nd their wings! Well supply binoculars, eld guides and the basics of birding during a lively walk. Please note this program is for adults only. Free for members, $5pp for nonmembers. For more information, call 914-762-2912 x110.

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PERFORMANCES BY

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By ALLISON SUMMERSAfter a tedious three-month

battle with nine cases of bed bug infestations, the tenants of 3800 Waldo Avenue can now boast that they are 100 percent free of the insectsa feat not easily accomplished.

As of last week, inspectors conrmed that not a single bed bug resided in the building.

Its rare that buildings with infestations can be completely cleared, said Joan Kaufman, president of Waldo Gardens. It

almost never happens.The problem was brought to

Kaufmans attention last Febru-ary, when a woman came forward with bumps on her arm that were initially thought to be caused by allergies but turned out to be bed bugs bites.

Kaufman said immediate action was taken to eradicate the problem. Out of 174 units inspected by pest control special-istsincluding a canine trained to locate the verminnine were found to be infested with

bed bugs. Some units harbored thousands of the insects.

We were extremely aggres-sive when it came to getting rid of the problem, Kaufman said.

I had some people literally slamming the door in my face, but we brought a lawyer in and made it clear that whoever didnt comply with the cleaning proce-dures would be evicted.

However, the majority of the building complied. They really wanted to solve this as much as we did.

Kaufman said every inch of the building was sprayed, including the elevator and laundry room, and yers were distributed to ten-ants with tips on how to contain the spread of the bed bugs.

The tips included lling spray bottles with white vinegar or 91 proof rubbing alcohol and spraying clothes and shoes when arriving home, using steamers around the house, and bagging any infested items with moth balls, which help to suffocate the insects.

We also suggested that ten-ants encase all their mattresses and pillows, Kaufman said. I would bet that almost every apartment now has a mattress encasement.

Although pest control special-ists must be called in to eliminate a bed bug infestation completely, these and other measures can make the extermination process

much easier.Clothing and sheets should

be laundered as much as pos-sible in hot water, preferably at a temperature higher than 120 degrees, as bed bugs are unable to withstand extreme heat.

Carpets and areas around the bedbehind headboards, inside the box springs, under the

seams of the mattressshould be vacuumed regularly, and clutter should be removed from the area to eliminate new spaces for the insects to hide.

It is also important for people with infestations to avoid chang-ing where they sleep because the bugs can easily hide and travel on the person to the new area.

Waldo Avenue building is victorious in war on bed bugs

The YIVO Jewish Culture Series in partnership between the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and Riverdale Temple, will hold its last lecture in the series for this year on Sunday, May 20 at 2PM at the Riverdale Temple. This is the fourth of a series of four lectures for the 2011-2012 year. The response to this lecture series has been very positive and we look forward to the event again next season. The event is FREE. The Riverdale Temple is at 4545 Independence Avenue (at 246th Street).

Paul Glasser, the Dean of the Max Weinreich Center of Yivo will speak on the History of the Yiddish Language. At its height, Yiddish was spoken fro the North Sea im the west almost to the Caucasus in the east. Dr. Glasser

YIVO Jewish Culture Series at Riv. Templewill trace the history of Yiddish from its beginnings in western Europe through its expansion eastward and nally to its reach-ing the Americas, Asia and Africa with jewish immigration. Please join us for a stimulating and informative afternoon.

St. Johns Card Party will be held on Saturday, May 19, at Old St. Johns School, 3030 Godwin Terrace. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Admission of $5 includes door prizes and refreshments.

There is plenty of parking. For more information, call 718-543-3003.

Card party atSt. Johns School

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Monteore joins White House to offer summer jobs program

Monteore Medical Center, a premier academic medical center and integrated health system and the largest employer in the Bronx, has extended its commitment to local youths and its investment in sup-porting the next generation of health care leaders by joining forces with the White House to offer ten stipend positions as part of the Summer Jobs Program.

Each year Monteore offers positions to over six hundred students based in the Bronx and lower Westchester. This year the pro-gram will focus on junior and seniors high school students, providing opportunities for career instruction and mentorship by Mon-teore leaders in nancial literacy, academic focus and social growth, with an emphasis on real-world labor expectations.

Program participants will be tasked with launching and completing a project which will focus on opportunities to enhance teamwork, accountability, persistence and other character traits integral to the workplace. Monteore has long recognized the importance of sum-mer employment to the success of young people and as pathways to careers, as well as the benets that such programs can have on business, the community and country.

In January, we called on the private and public sectors to help us address record un-

employment among Americas youth. We are proud to announce that cities, federal agencies, non-prots, and companies from across the country have come together to provide hundreds of thousands of summer jobs and employment opportunities for our young people, said President Obama.

The Administration has also launched the Summer Jobs+ Bank, a new online search tool to help connect young people to jobs, internships and other employment opportunities this summer and year round. For more information about Summer Jobs+ Bank, visit - http://www.whitehouse.gov/economy/jobs/summerjobs

Engel: Congress must act to boost job creation

Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) said the April jobs report was a sign the economy is improving but it also makes clear that Congress cannot continue to sit on the sidelines. The 12-term Congress-man said we must begin passing legisla-tion to aid the private sector in putting Americans back to work.

The economy added 115,000 jobs in April, and had another 53,000 added in revisions to the March and February reports. The unemployment rate dropped again, but slightly to 8.1%. The economy has now added approximately 1 million jobs since

December 2011, and has had 26 consecutive months of private sector job growth. Over the past two years, over 4.2 million private sector jobs have been created.

Rep. Engel said, Our country is still recovering from the economic freefall that cost us about 4.6 million jobs during those dark months at the tail end of the Bush Administration. It has taken this long to get close to recovering all of those lost jobs. The bottom line is that the situation was dire and it should have been an all hands on deck moment for everyone - public and private sector, Democrats and Republicans.

However, it has not been. Republi-cans in Congress have fought President Obama on every single attempt to create jobs. Since they have taken control of the House, they have had no urgency to work towards legislation to put people back on the job. We have to work together to pass meaningful legislation - and there has been no desire from the GOP leadership to do anything with Democrats. We could have worked together to pass a new hire tax credit - but that didnt happen. We could have passed a comprehensive transportation and infrastructure bill - but that failed to muster enough GOP support to pass. It is clear that jobs numbers are being used as a political weapon to be used against the President, and I believe that is a grave injus-tice to the out-of-work Americans looking

to Washington for help. There is much we could do to help the many working families struggling with unemployment, or under-employment. Together, we can help them, divided we can only fall short.

Volunteers needed to survey beaches

Get t, help protect the citys beaches and save marine wildlife by enrolling in the an-nual Volunteer Beach Floatables Program.

Under the initiative, run by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, volunteers are mobilized each summer to survey more than 45 beaches across the ve boroughs.

Participants are asked to walk along the shoreline or on their favorite beach and spot debris such as styrofoam, wood, glass or plastic waste.

They do not have to pick up or touch any-thing and instead simply record any items they see and report it to the agency each week.

The program is critical as it provides authorities with useful data, ensures fewer beach closures and helps save marine wildlife from ingesting the debris.

Upon registration, each volunteer will receive all materials necessary for monitoring, including letters of authorization and acknowledgment.

For more information, please contact 212-889-4216 or 917-658-2380.

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JOEL PAL CECILIA McNALLY Production Manager Office Manager

ROBERT NILVA MIAWLING LAM Marketing Director Associate EditorNote our New Address:

5752 Fieldston RoadBronx, New York 10471

(718) 543-5200FAX: (718) 543-4206

STAFF: Robert Lebowitz, Richard Reay, Paulette Schneider, Lloyd Ultan, Daniel R. Wolf

ANDREW WOLF, Editor and PublisherFAX letters to:

The Riverdale Review(718) 543-4206

or email tobxny@aol.com

or mail to5752 Fieldston Road

Bronx, NY 10471

Bloombergs insensitivityWe could hardly believe our ears when Mayor Bloomberg belittled

the theft of iPhones, a crime that has reached epidemic proportions and is so serious that one of our neighbors, Hwang Yang, was killed for his phone by two thieves just three short weeks ago.

Perhaps the mayor was unfamiliar with the crime, since the New York Times has yet to print a word about the senseless murder of a gifted, hard-working young chef in what is certainly one of the citys best and perceived to be safest neighborhoods.

But the mayor should have been aware of the murder nonetheless as the New York Post, Daily News, Wall Street Journal, local press and broadcast media gave this awful incident extensive coverage.

These thefts are up 44 percent this year, to a staggering 1,196, ac-cording to the Post. At least one of those victims lost his life, which makes this deadly serious, at least to us. Thats why Bloombergs remarks are so outrageous. He owes the grieving family of Hwang Yang a personal apology for his insensitivity to their loss.

And on another level, he owes ALL of us an apology for departing from one of the central tenets of successful urban crime ghting: the broken window theory. It is 30 years since the sociologist James Q. Wilson, who passed away recently, published his acclaimed theory of why cities become crushed by waves of crime. He theorized that small crimes left unattended, even a broken window, create a climate of permissiveness that leads to more serious crime.

This was the core of former Mayor Rudy Giulianis historically successful strategy: by enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on even the most petty of infrac-tions (remember the squeegee men annoying motorists at red lights throughout the city?), the overall crime rate dropped precipitously. Incredibly, the murder rate fell by two-thirds on Giulianis watch, and the economic vitality of the city was greatly enhanced by the feeling of security that resulted. Times Square, once a hotbed of lawlessness, has today morphed into Disney World.

Bloomberg disgracefully blamed the victims for the rash of iPhone thefts. We do live in a world where people carry around, treat cavalierly, pieces of technology thats useful to somebody if they steal them, he opined. And theyre easy to steal.

The mayor clearly doesnt respect the right of all of us to carry any desirable gizmo we want, openly, without fear of having it snatched from us, or our life extinguished for it. His job is to protect us, and indications are that he is retreating into a Dinkins-era mindset, leaving us to risk losing our own devices.

Contrast this to the creative action of Senator Schumer, who negotiated a deal with the cell phone carriers to disable and render useless any cell phone reported stolen. He deserves kudos, while the mayor deserves a loud Bronx cheer for his insensitivity and cluelessness as he goes through the motions pretending to govern in this, his stolen third term.

Adolfo redux?Just when you think youre rid of the disgraced former borough

president, Adolfo Carrion, he rises like a vampire at midnight. Ap-parently, there are some politicians who think he might just be a nifty Republican candidate for mayor. We think theyre nuts.

We guess that to ethically-challenged Carrion, being ned an unprec-edented $10,000 by the citys Conict of Interest Board for trying to have an architect he recommended for city business design a new porch for his City Island mansion and not bill him for it, shows what a smart guy he is. Similarly, being eased out of two high federal posts by the Obama admin-istration is yet another recommendation for high ofce. Scuttlebutt is that Adolfo was banished from D.C. because the presidents men discovered what we knew long ago. Adolfo Carrion is the emptiest of empty suits.

Adolfo is sitting on a pile of pay to play campaign contributions he raised when in ofce. If he had any decency, he would either return the ill-gotten cash or donate it to charity.

At the end of the day, if somehow he does run, were condent that many will remember Adolfos incompetence, his disgusting role in the expansion of hot sheet motels, his cheesy ethics viola-tions and how he created a pay to play atmosphere in the Bronx political community. If theres one vampire ex-ofcial who needs a stake driven through his political heart, it is Adolfo Carrion.

The Bronxs forgotten railroadTo The Editor:

May 29, 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the open-ing of the New York, Westches-ter, and Boston Railway.

Unfortunately, the NYW&B lasted only 25 years from 1912 to 1937. One of the reasons why it failed was a lack of Manhattan connection from the suburbs. It ended at 132nd Street Terminal in the Bronx.

There are many books writ-ten about the New York, West-chester, and Boston Railway which are available in hobby shops and book stores. Many live and feature lms have been made about this railroad and have been shown at the Bronx YMCA. Except for a stretch of the railroad in the Bronx from 180th Street and Dyre Avenue as part of the IRT #5 line, there are no traces left of the NYW&B. Another reason why

it failed was because of the par-ent ownership of the NYW&B by New Haven Railroad, which was one of its seven bankrupt-cies at the time.

Roger Arcara and Robert Bang have authored books on the New York, Westches-

ter, and Boston Railway and they write about the times and tribulations of the NYW&B. It is worthwhile reading and I urge all those reading this letter to read about it.

Al Agovino, Jr.

To The Editor:This is in response to bor-

ough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.s article.

When I saw the tragedy which occurred on the Bronx River Parkway, I shook my head, and asked how did it happen. Every Saturday I travel that road from Riverdale to the Soundview section, so far, thank the Lord, without incident.

When I enter the Parkway off the Fordham Road entrance,

I enter with extreme caution. I move to the middle lane, and drive at the posted speed limit of 40 mph, much to the consternation of other drivers who are going faster. On occa-sion Ive seen cars weaving in and out of trafc, begging for an accident.

One can navigate that road-way if they dont drive like a speed demon, and get from point A to point B without mishap.

C. Clark

Accident resulted from speeding driver

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By ALLISON SUMMERSCommunity Board 8, along with

Councilman G. Oliver Koppells ofce, is looking to build a new skateboard park within the Riverdale community to offer skaters a designated area to practice where residents will not be disturbed.

Last month, members of Koppells of-ce and Community Board 8 met with Department of Parks ofcials to scout possible locations for the park.

Bailey Playground between West 234th Street and West 238th Street and the area south of the Van Cortlandt Park stadium near the basketball courts were considered, though it was determined that the Van Cortlandt area looked more promising.

The Bronx currently has four other skateboard parks: Bruckner Park on Brinsmade Avenue and the Cross Bronx Expressway, Bronx Park on Bronx Park East, Mullaly Park on East 164th Street, and River Avenue Park on East 157th Street and River Avenue.

Koppells community affairs ofce Andrew Sandler said the rink is under consideration due to requests and peti-tions as well as complaints from com-munity residents.

Locals have even shown up to several 50th Precinct Community Council meet-ings to complain that skaters were not only damaging the sidewalk pavement, but also becoming a nuisance by skating in areas where theyre not supposed to.

Local ofcials are eager to designate a skateboarding area away from residential property to cut down on noise levels and decrease disturbances.

We requested the park to give kids

a place to go and to cut down on street accidents, CB8 parks and recreation com-mittee chair Bob Bender said.

We dont have anything like that for them around here.

The exact cost of the park and a time frame for its opening are not yet known because CB8 and Koppells ofce are still in negotiations with parks department authorities.

Discussions of creating a skateboard park in the community rst began several years ago and gained momentum after the project was included in Koppells capital budget priorities last year.

At the time, Koppells ofce estimated the skateboard park would cost up to $850,000.

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