september 7.indd - WestchesterGuardian.com

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VOL. I NO. V
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2006
Five Years Ago...
If it was the intention of Saudi
jackal Osama Bin Laden, and his band
of Kool-Aid-imbibing gutter-snipes, to
indelibly stain the fabric of our Nation’s
history with the heelprint of radical Islamic violence on September 11, 2001,
they surely succeeded. The series of incidents, involving four hijacked commercial airliners, instantly took the
lives of more than three thousand innocent people, many from Westchester,
at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, more lives than were lost at Pearl
Harbor.
Those of us in New York, perhaps
continue to experience the most profound sense of loss and despair. Yes, despair that 1,725 days after that Black Day
there is still a huge cavity where the North
and South Towers of the World Trade
Center once stood for twenty-five years.
That hole in the ground bears testament
to a lack of leadership in federal, state,
and city government unprecedented in
recent American history. And, shame
on all of us that we would tolerate, indeed, re-elect the likes of George Bush,
George Pataki, and Michael Bloomberg,
not one of whom have shown the kind
of courage, or moral fiber, that inspired
this nation to greatness through our
Inside...
New Castle Silence
Deafening, pg. 2
More On
Jing Kelly, pg. 4
The Advocate:
Judicial Rising Star, pg. 5
Spano vs.
Stewart-Cousins, pg. 11
darkest moments.
George Bush’s misguided priorities following 9/11 have not only cost
as many American lives in Afghanistan
and Iraq as were lost on that mournful day, but have sapped our economic
strength as we pour hundreds of billions
of dollars into countries that view us as
“unwelcome occupiers”, while showing little promise of ever being able to
secure any democratic form of government, or peace amongst continually
warring religious factions. Five years
later what do the people of this nation
have to show for having followed Mr.
Bush into his, and Dick Cheney’s, war?
How many Americans, after all, hold
stock in the Halliburton Corporation?
While we have continued to tolerate a huge crater, where the Towers once
proudly stood, thousands of young
American men and women have come
home in body-bags, quietly without
too much fuss. And, tens of thousands
more have filled our under-funded VA
hospitals, trying desperately to reclaim
their lives minus arms, legs, and any
sense that a grateful nation really values their contribution any more than it
valued their father’s, or their grandfather’s, in Viet Nam.
As with the assassination of John
Fitzgerald Kennedy, few of us will ever
forget where we were on 9/11 when those
planes did the unimaginable. However
personal our loss, however traumatized
we remain, we must, on this fifth anniversary of our national tragedy, stop,
and take stock of where we have been
ever since. Clearly, we have not shown
the national resolve, nor the compassion
we, as Americans, have been admired
for throughout history.
Instead, we have permitted greedy
and misguided politicians to manipulate and control us in the name of “The
Terrorist Threat.” In this regard our
enormous economic sacrifices are surpassed only by the sacrifice of our Constitutionally-guaranteed freedoms. We
will not win the war against an oppressive, tyrannical, and violent enemy by
becoming more like him.
We must not permit our way of life,
the very institutions and practices that
have defined us as a nation of free people for two hundred and thirty years, to
Continued on page 13
PAGE 2
THE WESTCHESTER GUARDIAN
New Castle Silence Deafening
by Maureen Keating Tsuchiya
The defendants, Dennis Mahoney, a retired police officer and, John
Vize, a New Castle Police Department lieutenant, who is currently responsible for staff services and special events, are charged with misrepresenting
that the retired officer worked as a police officer for a full twenty years
when, in fact, he worked only nineteen years under section 63-c of the New
York Executive Law, to recover pension benefits paid by the State to Mahoney since on or about August 2000 for a total of $181,629 or $2751.95
Index
The Advocate: Rory J. Bellantoni, Judicial Rising Star........................pg 5
Ask Sammy Z: ...................................................................................pg 21
Classified............................................................................................pg 22
Clip-Out Community Calendar. ..............................................pgs 18-19
The Court Report:
Judge DiBella Unseals Murder Indictment............................................. pg 3
Design Inspirations:
“WINDOWS” Are the Eyes to Your Room............................................... pg 9
Freedom Isn’t Free: When We Were Happy To Vote..........................pg 6
Great Chefs of Westchester: Anthony Goncalves..........................pg 10
Horoscope: Shimmering Stars Sept. 7-13, 2006................................pg 12
In Our Opinion ....................................................................................pg 4
Living Latino in Westchester:
Hopes and Aspirations............................................................................ pg 8
Local Movie Theater Directory. .....................................................pg 21
Marriage and Family in Westchester:
Dealing With Your Adolescent Children................................................ pg 15
Maureen Keating Tsuchiya:
New Castle Silence Deafening.............................................................. pg. 5
Popcorn Movie Reviews: The Illusionist and Trust The Man..........pg 20
Taking Judicial Notice: “F” Is For Felon...........................................pg 16
The World Traveler: India: The Greatest Show on Earth…Part 2.......pg 7
This Week in History: September 7-September 13..........................pg 22
The Westchester Guardian
2 William Street, Suite 406
White Plains, NY 10601
Tel. 914-328-3096
Publisher: Guardian News Corp.
Sam Zherka, President
Editor-in Chief
Richard Blassberg
Bureau Chief
Maureen Keating Tsuchiya
Published weekly on Thursday
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
per month; and, salary and benefits paid to Vize by the Town of New Castle
during the period of his breach of duty on or about August 1999, to on or
about July 2000, approximately $100,00 in salary and benefits.
Defendant Lt. John Vize serves as the Police Department’s records officer—which the complaint described as “a position of confidence and trust.
Vize owes the Department, the Town, and the Town’s citizens a fiduciary
duty. His fiduciary duty includes, “a duty to perform his services in good
faith, a duty of undivided and undiluted loyalty, and a duty to disclose to
the Department, and the Town, any information material to transactions in
which he engaged on behalf of the Department.”
According to state rules, “to earn a year of creditable service, an employee must perform paid service for no less than six hours a day and thirty
hours a week.” Furthermore, the law provides for increased retirement benefits for police officers who work for a police department that has elected
to participate in, and contribute to, this retirement plan, and who retire,
“after the completion of twenty years of total creditable services.” The Town
of New Castle elected to participate in this plan, which entitles police officers to receive a pension, together with an annuity, sufficient to provide
the officer with a retirement allowance equal to one-half his or final average
salary.
According to the complaint, Mahoney, who now resides in Carey, North
Carolina, did not perform any work for the Department, but continued to
receive regular paychecks from the Town of New Castle during the time in
question. Lt. Vize, of Mohegan Lake, as the Department’s records officer
was responsible for, among other things, scheduling and recording police
officers’ shifts, and maintaining the Department’s payroll records for the
Town. With Lt. Vize’s knowledge, cooperation, and approval, other police
officers worked many of the shifts that had been assigned to Mahoney.
Yet when Mahoney filed for retirement in 2000, he represented that he
had completed 20 years of service, causing the state to pay Mahoney full
PAGE 3
The Court Report
By Richard Blassberg
Judge DiBella Unseals Murder Indictment
Westchester County Court, White Plains
Judge Robert DiBella Presiding
Wednesday morning August 30th Abraham Ghaly, 17, appeared before
County Court Judge Robert DiBella for the unsealing of an eleven-count
indictment, charging him with Second Degree Murder, and Second Degree Manslaughter amongst a host of other charges. Several members of
the Defendant’s family were present in the courtroom, as Ghaly, who is
represented by Attorney Andrew Sayegh, of Yonkers, was led in by court
officers. The Defendant was arrested upon returning from North Carolina
on August 5th, and had been held in the County Jail since that date.
The charges against Ghaly and four other youths stem from an incident
last year, in Yonkers, in which it is alleged he and the others stomped a
Mexican immigrant, named Vega, to death. The Defendant’s Attorney, in
his opening remarks to the Court, attempted to suggest that his client was,
in fact, innocent of the more serious counts of Indictment #06-0863.
Upon unsealing the indictment Judge DiBella stated, “The Court has
unsealed Indictment 0863 of 06. I believe there are a dozen copies. I am
handing down all but one of them.” He went on, “Mr. Sayegh, you’ve had
an opportunity to read the indictment?”
Attorney Sayegh responded, “Yes your Honor. I waive a reading of it,
and plead not guilty.”
DiBella then informed counsel, “The conference date for all the codefendants is September 22nd.” The Judge asked if that date would be okay
with Sayegh.
Sayegh responded that the date was not a problem, and then went on to
begin making a case for reasonable bail. He told DiBella, “This is an elevencount indictment, but my client is charged with only five counts, and not
the top count.” He went on, “There is no evidence of any type tying my client to the murder, no weapon, no DNA, nothing.”
Sayegh now attempted to separate the Defendant in the Court’s mind
from the four co-defendants involved in the killing. He told the Judge, “On
August seventh the DA filed a Certificate of Indictment. I learned that two,
or more, of the defendants were arraigned by Your Honor. My client has
been in custody since August fifth. That’s twenty-five days. He did drop out
of Gorton High School, but he achieved a G.E.D. and has been accepted
into a two-year college. I would ask Your Honor to consider one hundred
thousand dollars bail.”
At this point Assistant DA Paula Branca-Santos spoke up, declaring,
“This particular Defendant took an active role in the stomping death of
the victim, a person of Mexican descent, a Mr. Vega. It was this Defendant
who, after the first round of attacks, when the victim was trying to get up,
pulled him down. There is a statement by a non-codefendant that the Defendant did that.”
She went further to undermine Sayegh’s assertions, “In November of
2005 the Defendant’s own family filed a Missing Persons Report with the
Yonkers Police. The People request a remand of the Defendant, or, if Your
Honor is inclined to set bail, five hundred thousand dollars bail.”
Judge DiBella, having heard the arguments from each attorney, now
told Sayegh, “He is charged with Second Degree Murder under the second
count of the indictment, an A-Felony. He has been charged by a grand jury.
To say he is not involved is to negate the actions of the grand jury. The police went to his house, and his parents were either unable, or unwilling, to
tell the police where he was. In light of all of these facts I do not believe one
hundred thousand dollars is adequate.”
DiBella having arrived at his decision, now announced, “At this time
I believe five hundred thousand dollars bond or three hundred thousand
cash is more appropriate. And, Mr. Sayegh, if bail is posted he is not to
leave the State of New York at any time without my permission.”
DiBella turned to the Defendant, “Mr. Gahly do you understand what
has happened here?” The Defendant responded, “Yes sir.”
Defense Attorney Sayegh after informing the Court that his client had a
medical condition which required attention while in jail, and receiving assurances from DiBella that the matter would be attended to, then proceeded
to further attempt to separate the Defendant from his co-defendants.
Sayegh stated, “I understand there are nine confessions from four codefendants. We will be making a motion to sever my client from the other
four co-defendants, because of these confessions. I have asked Mr. Scholar,
(an ADA involved in the case) for a copy of those confessions on two occasions.”
ADA Branca-Santos jumped in, “The question is whether Mr. Sayegh
is entitled to a copy of those statements at this time? It is my position that
he is not.”
Judge DiBella then advised, “Mr. Sayegh, I suggest you make a formal
demand for those statements.” n
MEMBER NY & CT BAR
JAMES G. DIBBINI
ATTORNEY AT LAW
570 YONKERS AVENUE
YONKERS, NY 10704
TEL: 914-965-1011
FAX: 914-965-0019
E-MAIL: [email protected]
PAGE 4
In Our Opinion...
Three weeks ago the Guardian’s front page headline read, “Court Orders Judge To Reunite Jing Kelly And Son.” The court referred to was
the New York State Supreme Court,
Appellate Division, First Department,
which had taken the rare action of issuing a Mandamus, literally commanding
New York County Family Court Judge
Sara P. Schechter to immediately arrange for visitation between Jing Kelly and her now six-year-old son. The
four-member panel who issued the order, had all been involved in the original decision back on November 17th of last year, when immediate visitation was called for.
Judge Schechter however, six weeks later, on December 29th continued
to do everything in her power to keep Jing and Tristram Kelly apart.
Not only did she not set in motion the process of regular visitation,
as specifically instructed to, but she also made certain that the child,
who has been kept for at least two years in virtual false imprisonment
in California in the home of Douglas Kelly, would remain there indefinitely to be evaluated by a psychologist. In calling for “immediate
Visitation,” back in November, the Appellate Court declared that their
reversal of Schechter’s denial of visitation to the mother, and maternal grandparents, was presumed to be in the best interests of the child.
The simple fact remains that this loving mother and her infant son have not
seen each other, nor been permitted contact of any kind, since Gail Hiler,
without any parole custody, without any legal authorization, however assisted by District Attorney Jeanine Pirro, kidnapped two-year-old Tristram
from Jing Kelly. The monstrous injustice that Mrs. Pirro set in motion, and
perpetuated by Gail Hiler, and members of her family, in total conspiracy
and collusion with Judge Schechter, must be brought down immediately.
Apparently none of the participants in this cruel scheme, though law
school graduates, believe in the Rule of Law. It is our latest understanding
that Judge Schechter will not even hold a hearing in this most urgent case
until late September, and that it will be many months before the commandment of the Appellate Court will be complied with, if ever. Her conduct
in this case can only be viewed as the most reprehensible, contempt, not
only for the Law, but also for the Human Rights of Jing and Tristram Kelly.
Therefore, we now call upon Judith Kay, Chief Judge of the State of
New York to open an investigation into the suitability of New York
County Family Court Judge Sara P. Schechter to continue sitting in that
Court. Furthermore, we are calling upon State Attorney General Eliot
Spitzer to open an immediate investigation in the actions of former
Westchester District Attorney, Jeanine Pirro, in the malicious prosecution of Jing Kelly, for Custodial Interference, as well as the organizing
and arranging of the kidnapping of Jing Kelly’s infant son, Tristram.
Our Readers Respond...
Dear Editor:
I spoke to Jing this evening. She is remarkable. She is working full time
now and coping with the stress of not knowing how much longer this litigation can go on and on without her being able to see her son’s eyes, smile, hair,
face…hold him…hear his voice. Jing was walking on the street the other day
to get a coffee with me after she signed her affidavit for the recusal motion
and a cute little boy, maybe six or seven, about the same age as Tristram sort
of hopped and skipped happily by, holding hands with his mom…Jing’s whole
body shook with the heartache of not being with her own son, of not knowing
how he is, of not seeing him happy and safe. Jing is very worried about Tristram. She does not think the Hilers and Kellys are loving and caring people
– they surely have strange ways of thinking in opposing her reunion with her
son, concealing and secreting him out of state, and she is worried because
some reports said Tristram had nightmares and “sleep terrors” while in Gail
Hiler’s home and that he was observed in California as being “subdued”. Is her
son lost and afraid and simply coping as best he can with inexplicable situations and family moves? What are the Kellys doing out there in California
with Jing’s son in their home? What are they telling him about the fact that his
mother has been fighting to gain his return? What is Tristram thinking now
he is being seen by a psychologist who is to inquire about his feelings about
regaining visitation with his mom…all these thoughts flood through Jing’s
mind. Jing says it is hard to see little children her son’s age and not think of
Tristram instantly. Jing loves Tristram and wants what’s best for him always.
She hopes that press coverage of her plight will lead the courts to move more
quickly than in the past.
Robert Wayburn, Esq.
Dear Editor:
Having read your cover story on ex-DA Pirro, I, too, am a victim of her ‘sexNazi’ administration and the hatred/retaliation towards men in Westchester. I
have not seen my two children in eight-plus years now. Although accused and
never indicted, Family Court Justice Tolbert found, I still don’t know why and
can’t afford the attempt to find out, some reason for electing my participation in
the supervised program at the White Plains YWCA in order to see my children.
I now understand Judge Tolbert, and others, have been removed.
Have you any knowledge or insight as to where I can learn more about exactly why our Family Court has been ‘cleaned out’ and by whom? After eight
(8) different attorneys, retainer’s fees, transcripts, etc., I have known nothing
but injustice and abuse in our matrimonial and family systems. I have recently
lost my business/career of 14 years due to the abuse of my ex-wife’s sister’s attorney and her reckless $2.5M suit against my employer, simply to hassle and
harass as for years leading to my being “laid-off ”.
Name Withheld by Editor
We invite our readers’ comments.
Letters should be no more than 300 words in length, and may be edited for length and clarity. Please email your letters to
editor@Westchester Guardian.com. For verification purposes we ask
you include your address and a daytime phone number.
PAGE 5
The Advocate
Richard Blassberg
Rory J. Bellantoni, Judicial Rising Star
Judge Bellantoni Embodies All of the Qualities
We Should Seek in a State Supreme Court Justice
Given all of the negative exposure New York’s judiciary has
had recently, with political clubhouse nominations, and payoffs
to party ‘wheeler-dealers,’ not to mention judges accepting bribes,
one wonders at times about the individual in black robes he may
need to appear before. And, while it’s fair to say that the majority
of judges in the state court system are decent, well-meant, individuals, who toil at administering justice, some are more inspired
than others. Unfortunately, for many, appointments, and nominations to run for
judgeships have come by way of political
cronyism, and payoff. Lord knows, Westchester has seen its share of those.
That is why it is particularly refreshing, and encouraging when one comes
across a judge the likes of Rory Bellantoni. Having sat in his courtroom on numerous occasions, as a reporter, I have
seen, first hand, the dedication, and
striving, to bring about just and constructive outcomes, this young jurist
brings to every case. His belief in the
American advocacy system of justice is
clear, to even the casual observer, as he
repeatedly goes out of his way to provide
each side with the full benefit of the Law
in the search for truth.
1995. His experiences in the United States Attorney’s Office for the
Southern District of New York, and as Senior Assistant District Attorney in Rockland County, as well as Law Clerk, and Court Attorney to
the Hon. Sam Walker, helped groom him for his desired career.
Presently a Westchester County Court Judge, dealing with
criminal matters, he is the Presiding Judge of the newly instituted
Sex Offender Court, and an Acting Justice
of the Supreme Court, assigned to various
civil cases. Additionally, he has served in
the Westchester County Family Court,
conducting hearings into matters of support, custody, and paternity. In short, he
has had a well-rounded judicial experience in preparation for State Supreme
Court Justice, the position he now seeks.
Some have suggested that Rory Bellantoni has taken on a tough challenge
running as a Republican in the up-coming election. However, he has run as the
“underdog” in both a primary, and general election, before, and won both times.
His popularity seems to cross over traditional party lines, and he has received
broad support and endorsement from
many labor unions and police agencies
throughout the Ninth Judicial District.
Bellantoni, 37, is truly precocious in
Finally, Judge Bellantoni has been takterms of his judicial temperament. Some
ing his campaign directly to the People
might say he’s had a good example in his
of Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, and Putdad, State Supreme Court Justice Oranam Counties, as well as his home county
zio R. Bellantoni. Whatever the source, that temperament is well
placed with a man who intends a lifetime career, in public service, of Westchester, that together, comprise the Ninth Judicial District.
Literally, going door-to-door, his wife Amy, expecting their secas a judge.
ond child, and his mother, frequently accompany him on his “grass
Judge Bellantoni might be considered a ‘Fordham Man,’ having roots” campaign. Most comfortable meeting, and speaking with,
graduated from Fordham University, Suuma Cum Laude, and Phi individuals and families, he is eager to discuss and understand
Beta Kappa, in 1991, and from Fordham Law, on the Dean’s List, in their concerns and their expectations. n
PAGE 6
Freedom Isn’t Free
Vicki Mayfield
When We Were Happy to Vote
I remember my mother being so happy when she
heard that we, African-Americans, had the right to
vote. She danced like I’d later see people do in a Holiness Church – flailing her arms and shouting, “We
can vote, we can vote!” The neighbors called her out
into the hall of our third-floor tenement apartment
and they yelled back and forth at each other, “We can
vote!” Us kids ran up and down the stairs, caught up
in all the excitement.
Later, over celebratory drinks, as my sister and I
sat hidden next to the couch and doorway (cause in
1965 children were taught to stay out of grown-folks’
business) my mother boasted that it was Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington that
made it happen. Everyone in the living room agreed
with her, and downed their drinks. She continued,
sounding like a Baptist preacher (I’d hear later on in
life), “We ain’t slaves no more, we is free,” she said,
and threw down her drink. “We gonna finally get better jobs.” This invoked conversations about how they
were discriminated against when going for positions
other than as housekeepers.
When the day of voting came, I remember my
Mother getting all dressed up to go and vote. I remember her smelling so good in her going-out perfume; in my mind this was a grand event. My stepfather didn’t agree with my Mother, he said she was
being a fool and that Black people weren’t going to get
anywhere. My Mother ignored him and spoke to us,
“We always gonna vote, don’t pay him any attention,”
she said with a wink. “We gonna stand up for ourselves, we ain’t slaves no more.” I remember saying,
“We ain’t slaves no more.”
When Dr. King was killed, sometime that night,
we sat huddled on the kitchen floor in our Brooklyn,
East New York apartment in the dark hearing yelling
and screaming and smelling smoke all around us, my
mother said, “We are finished. They killed Dr. King
and us too.” She cried all night and so did we. I don’t
think I was crying for Dr. King so much as I was crying because my Mother was. A year after Dr. King
died my Mother was dead.
It’s funny the last happy days I remember of my
Mother was her participation in the March on Washington and when we got the right to vote – and through
all my troubles growing up I couldn’t wait until I was
old enough to vote and I’ve voted in almost all the elections since 1976. I’m a community activist because of
my Mother’s encouraging words echoing, “We gotta
stand up for ourselves, we ain’t slaves no more.”
In 2007 the Voting Rights Act is due to expire. I
learned that from an e-mail I received in 2001 stating that I’d not be able to vote if it expires. I knew
enough to know that no one was going to stop me
from voting ever again in this life, but I didn’t know
why it was due to expire again. I was told that the law
just applied to African-Americans and I didn’t believe
that. But I didn’t understand why it had to be voted by
the legislators when the Constitution gives all citizens
of the United States the right to vote. I had so many
questions that no one I knew could answer, so I put
together a panel discussion on the Voting Rights Act,
and how to make it permanent.
I enlisted the help of the-then President of the
League of Women Voters (LWV) Joy Rosenwegh, who
referred me to Sondra Slade, the current president of
the LWV in Bronxville, NY. Ms. Slade was very supportive of my wanting to give a panel discussion on
the Voting Rights Act, and corrected me that the act
of voting is protected under the 15th Amendment of
the Constitution. Sondra explained that the Act has a
“sunset” clause that sets. I looked up this information
and learned that in 1982 President Reagan extended
the act for 25 years, which brings us to 2007. To my
understanding this “sunset” is in place to keep the Act
from being unconstitutional.
I was encouraged by Mr. Alan Goldston, the chairperson of Democracy for Westchester, a branch of
Democracy for America, a grassroots political party
whose stance is to give America’s stewardship back to
the people. At the panel discussion, get the participants
the sign letters of support for the Voting Rights Act
and ask their political representatives to extend the Act
again, which I did. I went political party shopping when
I became more than sick of the crooked Old Boys Party
of Democrats and Republicans in Westchester County,
to whom I went for help (I’ll share that information
with you in future writings).
At the “Making The Voting Rights Act Permament” panel discussion was the Hon. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Vice-Chair, County Board of Legislators,
who was cheated out of her votes in her bid for New
York State Senator and Gregory Wallace, a local lawyer, historian and author. I learned at the panel discussion that the joy my Mother felt about voting was
a temporary fix for a long-term problem. I learned
from Sondra that the right to vote is free as long as we
keep it that way. The word she used was vigilance.
Leaving the panel discussion sponsored by DFW
and myself, I had more questions than ever about the
Voting Rights Act. For more information I went to a
panel discussion presented by the New York Democratic Lawyers Council entitled “The Fight For Your
Vote: An Inside Look at the Battle to Save the Voting
Rights Act of 1965”. Åt that panel discussion of lawyers for lawyers, I felt like a sheep in the lion’s den but
I was there for my Mother, myself, our future generations, so I was a fortified sheep. I learned that the Voting Rights Act is being violated every election year in
other states, including New York State’s Westchester
County, for not providing voting information and
documentation in languages other than English. As
Ms. Stewart-Cousins’ statement of how she lost the
election resounds in my head, because her supporters, as she put it, went to the right Church but the
wrong pew, making their votes invalid. I began to cry
as I walked to the subway.
My Mother and her generation were bamboozled.
The Constitution gives the right to vote to every citizen
of the United States, but certain politicians in individContinued on page 17
Although it’s easy to find interesting quotes about
India, I decided to add one more of Twain’s to this
week’s second and, for now, last column on the subcontinent…
“So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left
undone, either by man or nature, to make India the
most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his
rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing
overlooked.” - Mark Twain
Last week, I gave a few facts, ruminations, and
suggestions regarding India and its travel possibilities. I will continue this week with things to expect
that might be disturbing, a brief review of stereotypes
that always seem to need to be reviewed, and ways to
prepare yourself for the parallel universe called India,
along with a few solid resources for travel information and planning. Though I had gotten excited about
writing an ongoing series of articles till I felt I had
covered all the bases, I realized that would take a few
more reincarnations to accomplish, and I can’t be sure
I’ll be coming back as a writer, or even a mammal for
that matter, though
I’ve grown rather fond
of being one. I will, no
doubt, return to India in my column and
hopefully in person
before long.
What else could I
possibly convey to you
in a thousand words or
so, or even a long series
of writings, that will
convince you to travel
India some day? Twain Delhi Street
says it all in a few words without giving specifics, and
if he is conveying one thing, it’s that you can’t really
go wrong. Going to Egypt? Then of course you simply
must see the pyramids at Giza as well as Luxor with
the nearby Valley of the Kings. A similar sentence can
be constructed for most cities and countries. Yet no
such sentence can
be written
for India.
Even if you
miss the
Taj Mahal,
you won’t
come away
with a feeling
that
you’ve
missed
India be- Ganesha Chathurty Indian Festival
PAGE 7
India: The Greatest
Show on Earth...Part 2
cause of it (though I certainly would suggest it nonetheless).
All you need to do is turn your head to witness
something either surprising, shocking, amazing, profound or otherwise unforgettable
that will make any such regrets
impossible to be bothered with.
It’s clearly not merely the ‘things to
see’ that provide such a panoply of
scenes, but the sheer number and
variety of people going about their
lives, more distinct in their roles
and garb, as well as language, that
provide a never ending source of fascination.
Here are two short lists of important issues to
contemplate before, and after, you arrive…
Things that might bother you during your stay
1. Staring - it’s nearly impossible to win a staring
contest in India, as it is not considered rude, or if it
is, it certainly is a well-kept state secret. It is far more
common in public places, which
is pretty much everywhere,
where one has stopped to catch
one’s breath. Usually the little
ones will be the first to show up,
then another dozen or so within
the next minute in ever increasing age order. Relax; they’re not
going to take your nifty possessions, though they may gawk
enough to make you think they
might. Say something, sing
something, and witness their
lovely smiles.
2. Crowds - have you ever seen photos of old New
York from about a century ago when it was wall-towall people and carts on the streets? Now add an occasional elephant, ox cart, along with all manner of
motorized vehicle, as well as colors and aromas of every imaginable type, and you’re getting warm.
3. Sanitation - for the average Indian,
it’s also much like New York was not so long
ago, with communal outhouses behind the
tenements with squat toilets, minus the toilet paper. Water is used instead. This is not
something you need to be able to do during your stay, but you’ll certainly encounter
them and may even find one handy at times.
(what did our ancestors use before TP was
available…?). Keep in mind though that
personal hygiene is a virtue, and is taken to
great lengths by most. More affluent Indians
have bathrooms little different than yours.
4. Food eaten by hand- something else
that may bother you even if you are using utensils.
It’s common throughout South and Southeast Asia.
You’ll need to get over it fast or go home. Besides, it’s
meant to be eaten that way.
Stereotypes that die hard
1. Turbans - these are worn by
the Sikhs, not Hindus or Muslims,
as Sikh men are prohibited from
cutting their hair in their religion.
Sikh boys do not wear a turban until
they’ve ‘come of age’. Sikhism, a distinct faith, was a deliberate blending
of Hinduism and Buddhism, and is
relatively new, dating back to the late 15th century.
Guru Nanak was their first and founding seer, and
their holy book is called Adi Granth, or Granth Sahib.
Intermarriage among Hindus and Sikhs is quite common. All Sikhs have the same last name, Singh (“lion”,
as in Singapore = city of lions) and the northern state
of Punjab is their homeland. The word ‘Sikh’ derives
from the Sanskrit word shishya, meaning ‘disciple’.
2. Vegetarianism - not everyone is, though it is far
more common than in the west. Upper caste Hindus
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PAGE 8
Living Latino in Westchester
Eridania Camacho
Hopes and Aspirations
Last week, I reported on a Latino who came to
For Florelia, who now lives in Pelham, the adjustthis country approximately 25 years ago with little ment period was relatively easy because she already
more than the shirt on his back, and today is a suc- had a circle of family and friends here. “I found work
cessful businessman, and City Councilman in New right away and friends allowed me to stay in their
Rochelle. In this follow-up article, I will highlight home in exchange for cooking. This was great bea few more recent arrivals: Ofelia Barrenchea, who cause for two years I did not have to worry about payemigrated from Peru, and Florelia Holguin, who emi- ing rent. I didn’t suffer depression the way that other
grated from Colombia, as well as Maria Elena Franco, immigrants do partly because I remained well conwho came from Mexico.
nected to my family and friends back in Colombia
Ofelia has been in this country all of three months as well as here, in part thanks to the internet. “While
while Florelia has been in the United States for ap- living with my friends I learned how to operate the
proximately seven years, and Maria Elena for two computer and the internet, and now I have a computyears. Their stories are not
er with a camera that alFor the great majority of immigrants, in lows me to speak to and
unique; their experiences
are shared by many im- addition to having to cope with everyday see my family and friends
migrants in their newly challenges such as paying bills, working, back home. My pastor
adopted country. Those etc., there is also the additional burden of says that the internet has
experiences are almost a adjusting to their new way of life.
kept me from suffering
right of passage as they
from depression because
go through the assimilation process. For some, like I’ve remained connected with loved ones on a reguFlorelia, the adjustment has been relatively easy while lar basis. Sometimes I do experience depression and
for others, like Maria Elena, it is more difficult. Both then I go to work and start interacting with the kids,
Maria Elena and Ofelia have experienced depression and my depression disappears. I don’t dwell too much
as a result of isolation, the language barrier and ad- on it.”
justing to a different way of life. They know that they
“This country seemed beautiful to me,” Florelia
need to overcome many of these barriers in order to continued. “The architecture, the layout and design
be successful here.
of the cities and its roads. There are many things, inMaria Elena, currently living in New Rochelle, cluding the laws that protect you.”
feels isolated, partly because she does not know the
All three of these women came to this country
language, doesn’t drive and stays at home while her with dreams they hope to fulfill. The common theme
husband and kids go to work and school. She wants is to find work, see their children succeed and to some
to work, but for now her work schedule is episodic day own their own homes.
housekeeping. “I really did not want to come to this
While some of Florelia’s dreams shared some
country. I came because my children and husband commonalities with Maria Elena and Ofelia, one of
were already here and I wanted to work to help my her dreams was to be able to help other people in need
family economically.” Maria Elena has three daugh- in her home country. “I met a man in Colombia who
ters and one son.
was in the advanced stages of diabetes. I promised
Ofelia finds the way of life in this country very him that if I came to this country that I would pay
different. In Colombia, there were a lot of family his medical bills until he passed away. I fulfilled this
gatherings which she finds are limited here. The jobs promise.” She also mentioned that her son needed to
are too demanding, and she doesn’t have a voice. have a kidney removed and she could not afford the
You may have an opinion but you have to keep your medical bills on her small pension and the little work
mouth shut Family members are distant because of she had. Those were incentives for her to come to the
the demands of their jobs and there’s no humanity, it’s United States.
all about money. “It’s been very hard for me.”
All three women work in the service industry;
Florelia has babysat 2 children for the same family
for seven years. “I taught the entire family Spanish
(the father, mother and children). Now when the
children’s grandparents come to visit and, if I don’t
understand what they’re saying to me, the kids will
translate. I went to school to learn English but it was
difficult because I found little time to study. I learned
to drive here in this country at the age of 50. I never
drove in my country. I have always been a dreamer
and now my dream is to live in Europe and to continue traveling.”
Ofelia used to be a professional in her country.
She used to be a schoolteacher. “But even so, I saw
that most people who returned to Peru from the US,
were better off than I was. So I thought that it might
be a good idea to come to the US because life is extremely difficult back home. What I find is that here
I’m a nobody, I’m not a professional. I would like to
transfer my teaching license from Peru to this country, but I have to learn English. I started taking classes, hopefully I’ll become fluent.” She currently works
in the basement of a department store making $7.00
per hour unpacking merchandise.
For the great majority of immigrants, in addition
to having to cope with everyday challenges such as
paying bills, working, etc., there is also the additional
burden of adjusting to their new way of life. That may
include isolation, depression and language barriers as
well as the anxiety that most experience in building
their new life and creating new support systems in
the assimilation process. One of the things that I find
through my conversations with these individuals is
that there are more commonalities among all of us
than there are differences; in one way or another we
all share similar hopes and aspirations: to be successful, accepted, loved.
I asked all three women whether they plan to
someday return to their homelands. Maria Elena
does hope to return to Mexico. Ofelia feels that this
is a new start for her and that this is now her country. Florelia feels that she accomplished what she set
out to do and is now, after seven years, returning to
Colombia to continue her charity work there. She declared, “I want to rest my tired feet.” n
PAGE 9
Design Inspirations
Veronica Imperatrice
“WINDOWS” Are the
Eyes to Your Room
Are you thinking about how and what you will be
doing when it comes to window treatments? Whether
you love the country look or a very formal traditional
style, all of your windows will need to be addressed.
There are many contemporary homes today that
have tremendous windows including the palladium
style that are left
without any coverage.
In a more
colonial formal
look, full drapery
that puddles at the
floor is probably
used the most. If
you are planning
on making your
curtains yourself,
you are ahead of
game. You
the
can buy the fabric
and coordinate it
in your room on the seats of your dining or kitchen
chairs as well. All styles are available to you, just keep
in mind the décor and then go for it. Be sure you take
good measurements before you begin, both on the inside and outside of the frame of each window. When
you purchase your hardware, be sure of the size, where
they will be hung, and
the finish of the rods in
every room.
Valances and balloon valances will be
terrific in your kitchen,
bedrooms, or dining
room. You can stuff the
valance with tissue to
create the balloon look
if so desired.
Mini-blinds
and
wooden blinds are easy to care for and are another
great look for most rooms. In your bedrooms, consider coordinating your drapery with your bed-
spreads, shams and
d u v e t s . S i m p l e
panels with a
swag can work
beautifully. Try the
scarf look especially in a bedroom.
Drape it softly, allowing it to flow
gracefully.
If you are into
the country look,
you might want to use both wooden shutters and fabric instead of just curtains in your kitchen area. You
can add a hanging basket of flowers as well, to bring
the outdoors in. If you can sew, instead of buying fabric to make some
of the curtains, try buying coordinating flat sheets. Cut
the sheets into wide enough strips and make your own
valance. Be sure you allow enough fabric to gather to get
a full rich look.
Another inexpensive way to accent around your
windows is to use a wallpaper border and frame the
frame with it: there are so many patterns to choose
from. Have fun with this project, think and then rethink until you get the perfect look. Have you thought about placing a ceiling fan in
the center of the bedroom or kitchen or dining area? Well if not, see what styles
are available, and you will
be surprised how wonderful and functional ceiling
fans can be. You will sleep
better on those hot summer nights, and enjoy the
ambiance it will create.
We are entering my
favorite season, the time
when temperatures change,
children are back in school,
and there’s more time for us. Just as the seasons change,
so do we. Our desire for autumn colors, and cozy
nights are just a thought away. So lets look at some new ideas, for old and forgotten
areas within your home.
Fresh paint, new bedding,
readdress the accessories in a
room based on the season. Soon
enough you will have created
a new feeling instead of a tired
look.
As a mother of three, I feel
it is important to allow boys and
girls alike to express their taste,
their likes, even though it might
kill the designer in me! Eventually, they will grow up,
and you will meet, somewhere in the middle.
When you are faced with limited funds, don’t get
frustrated! You must begin searching the ways your
dollar will have the most impact. Clearance centers,
in the best of stores will always be a great source for
value. Try e-bay, or the classifieds. Remember one
man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Sometimes a
simple trip to a dollar store can produce a find.
I know that we are often faced with the dilemma
of accepting a relative’s furniture nightmare. Well to
spare some hard feelings, consider re-finishing that
awful old dresser, and breathe new life into it. Replace
the old hardware, go for something fresh. And before
you know it, you will love your new creation.
All in all, decorating one’s home is an unending
adventure in expression and comfort. So enjoy the
voyage! I look forward to our working together, in
upcoming articles. n
PAGE 10
at home with... The Great Chefs of Westchester
Goncalves lends his expert advice for home entertaining. In addition to seeking the finest ingredients and cooking with enthusiasm, consider the
importance of high-quality coffee. “It’s how you end
the meal, and the last thing people have; so it will stick
in their minds.”
This week, Chef Goncalves shows us how he
combines fresh fruits and Balsamic Vinegar for an
exciting sauce to complement Rack of Lamb. Stuffed
Eggplant served with Raw Sicilian Sauce combines a
variety of vegetables and tastes -a meal in itself or a
great side dish!
Rack of Lamb
Chef Anthony Goncalves
This week, our special guest food writer is Chef Anthony Goncalves, of Trotter’s Restaurant and Lounge,
in White Plains. Born in Yonkers, Chef Goncalves is a
self-taught chef, who’s greatest influences were his grandmother and father. His father worked in a family restaurant in Portugal before emigrating to the States.
“My Grandmother wasn’t afraid to pair fruit, cheese,
and bacon all in the same dish,” says Chef Goncalves. “You
wouldn’t know if it was a dessert or a savory. I learned
every detail needed while working with food, from my father-the importance of cleanliness, things to look for when
checking the fish and to always keep tasting!” Goncalves’
grandfather was a fisherman in Portugal and Anthony
prides himself on “fantastic fish preparations.”
“My cuisine is creative; I have a passion for hospitality.
I take a fun approach to entertaining, and while everything
doesn’t have to be so serious, my food is serious and sophisticated.” Goncalves changes his menu approximately
every seven weeks, to reflect the changing availability of
produce in the market. “If baby asparagus is out of season,
it is off the menu. My customers expect to see something
new and experimental while dining with me. I am gratified
when we meet or exceed their expectations. We care about
the people who come in here, and I think our customers
understand what we are all about.”
Trotter’s Restaurant & Lounge
Chef Anthony Goncalves
175 Main St, White Plains, NY
914.421.5012
Lunch
Mon. -Fri. 12-4P
Dinner
Mon.-Tues: 5-10P; Wed.-Thur. 5-10:30P; Fri.-Sat.: 5-11P
Closed Sunday
www.trottersny.com
(4) 8oz. Niman Ranch Lamb Chops
3 Semi Ripe Peaches
2oz. Blueberry Sauce (see below)
White Balsamic Reduction Garnish
Split each 8 oz. Chop into (2) 4 oz. Pieces.
Salt, Pepper and Olive Oil all sides.
Pan Sear and make crusty on both sides.
Finish in Oven to reach desired Temperature.
Quarter 3 Peaches and place in pan. Coat and Toss in
Sugar and place in oven until Sugar is caramelized
and Peaches are warmed through.
Spoon out 1/2 oz. portions of Blueberry Sauce onto
Plate.
Place Lamb on top.
Position 3 segments of Peaches on each plate.
Finish with White Balsamic Reduction
Blueberry Sauce
6 Cups of Water
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Ver-jus (tart fresh juice of unripe wine
grapes used for acidity. www.verjus.com)
1 Vanilla Bean
1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
Split Vanilla Bean in 1/2.
Place all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Simmer for 20 minutes.
Tips & Influences:
Favorite Gadgets: “Sharp knives! (Be careful!); dull knives are very frustrating. Stainless steel
all clad pots and pans with copper bases, for even
heating; my Juicer.”
Major Influence: “My Grandmother and my Fa-
ther.”
Can’t Cook Without: “We always have Fresh
Vegetables, whatever is in season is in my house
and in my restaurant. Olive Oil: I have a great collection of unfiltered extra virgin olive oils.”
White Balsamic Reduction
1 Qt. White Balsamic Vinegar
1 Cup Sugar
Bring to rumbling boil; reduce 3/4. Cool.
Stuffed Eggplant
2
1
1
3
3/4
2oz.
1-1/4
5oz.
Eggplants
Large Zucchini
Large Carrot
Bell Peppers 1 Red, 1 Yellow 1 Green
Lb. Sauteed Spinach
Fresh Mozzarella
Grated Parmesan
Raw Sicilian Tomato Sauce (see below)
Salt & Pepper to taste
Slice Eggplant in half and cut off top. Score flesh,
drizzle with olive oil and roast in oven @350 degrees for 15-20 min. When finished scoop out eggplant with serving spoon leaving about 1/2” flesh.
Slice Zucchini, Carrot & Squash lengthwise at 1/2”
thickness, season with salt, pepper and olive oil, grill
until tender then medium dice.
Season peppers, grill until soft, peel off skin, remove
seeds then medium dice.
Saute Spinach in 1/2-oz Olive oil and salt and
pepper.
Combine ingredients and fill Eggplants.
Top with Fresh Mozzarella and Bake in 350 degree
oven until cheese is melted. Cover with 1 1/4 oz
Parmesan; Flash in broiler until crusted.
Finish with spicy breadcrumbs and extra virgin
olive oil.
Raw Sicilian Tomato Sauce
1lb.
1
3oz.
6
1oz.
1/2 tsp.
San Marzano canned Tomatoes
White Onion, diced
Basil, Diced
Cloves Garlic
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sugar
Salt & Pepper to taste.
Heat 1 oz. extra virgin olive oil, add onion and saute until
caramelized, add garlic and saute until aromatic.Add tomato, bring to boil. Finish w. Basil, sugar, salt and black/white
pepper. Puree until smooth.
The Chef says....
“Cook from the heart and rely on freshness.
This job is so much fun because we love
what we work with, and we love what we
create with it.”
PAGE 11
Senator Nick Spano
Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Expands Public Hearing Blasts Nick Spano For
Scope on Liquor Laws,
Misleading Attack Ad
Regulations & Bars
Spano Chaired Investigations Committee
to Take Testimony on Five Additional Areas
of Interest and Concern
Public Hearing Scheduled for September 7, 2006
Senator Nick Spano (Westchester), Chair of the Senate Committee on
Investigations and Government Operations, announced on August 28 that
he has expanded the scope of testimony that will be heard at the September
7, 2006, Public Hearing.
In addition to probing New York’s liquor laws and regulations and the
State Liquor Authority’s role, efforts and effectiveness in enforcement, testimony will also be taken on the use of optical scanning devices to check
identification at ‘cabarets’, the use of New York State Lottery terminals as an
ID-checking mechanism, mandating training for all holders of ‘on-premise’ licenses, training and licensing of servers, and training and licensing of
all ‘bouncers’.
Senator Nick Spano said, “After seeing firsthand the condition of some
Chelsea area club patrons at closing time, I am more determined than ever
that New York has no time to lose in putting the brakes on liquor law violations that are evidently going on inside these clubs. However, before passing
laws that may seem appropriate on their face but, for some reason, may not
be feasible or workable, I have expanded the scope of testimony that will be
accepted at the Committee’s September 7 Public Hearing.”
Negative Ad Reveals Spano’s Confusion
About Geography Of His District
Yonkers, NY – On Monday, August 28, Democratic State Senate candidate Andrea Stewart-Cousins blasted Republican State Senator Nick Spano
for reaching a “new low in dirty campaigning” by unleashing a new, misleading attack ad. The ad attempts to link Democratic Stewart-Cousins to
pedophiles and sex offenders in “our backyard”, while showing pictures of
children and suburban neighborhoods. The ad tries to justify the linkage
by attacking her for failing to oppose the placement of a homeless shelter
in Senator Spano’s district.
Stewart-Cousins, however, does not represent the district into which
the shelter was moved and the Westchester County Legislature, where
Stewart-Cousins serves, had no role in the decision to relocate the shelter.
“Republican Nick Spano is following the classic Karl Rove strategy of
making misleading charges against his opponent to attempt to distract voters from his record of failure in Albany,” said Stewart-Cousins. “Apparently,
after 20 years in office, Sen. Spano still does not understand where his district
is. His ad criticizes me for failing to oppose the placement of a shelter in his
own district. I do not represent that district – he does. When I came within
18 votes of defeating him in 2004, he said that it was a ‘wake up call.” Well,
he’s apparently hit the snooze button.”
Republican Sen. Spano’s ad refers to the movement of the Grasslands
homeless shelter from the county airport to the town of Valhalla. Sen. Spano represents Valhalla. Stewart-Cousins does not.
PAGE 12
Horoscope
Shelley L. Ackerman
Shimmering Stars:
Photo/Kate Lacey
Sept. 7 - Sept. 13, 2006
The Lunar Eclipse of September 7, 2006:
A Turning Point for All
By Shelley L. Ackerman
Eclipse Season is upon us.
This week as the multi-hued magnificence of autumn in New York draws closer and we mark the somber 5th anniversary of 9-11, change is in the air and in the heavens.
And though for the time being Pluto has been kicked out of the Solar System by the International Astronomical Union (don’t they have better things to do?), the planet of death and rebirth (very much involved in
the chart of the US in September 2001 and so many key points throughout history) is still alive and well and
active as a hidden but powerful player - rising in the chart of the lunar eclipse of September 7th.
This lunar eclipse will be a turning point for many of us because it (the full moon) occurs at 15 degrees
of Pisces/Virgo. By way of explanation: The 15th degree of any mutable sign (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius,
Pisces) is recognized by astrologers as pivotal because it is often at play when consciousness is about to
shift right along with circumstances in our lives. Much of what has been hidden will now start to surface,
and our perception will sharpen. The cooperative interplay between the Sun. Moon, Jupiter and Uranus in
the eclipse chart adds to the alchemical quality of the moment.
Hold on to your hats: This fall promises to be one of the most exciting ones in recent years with breakthroughs in the offing for natives of every sign of the zodiac.
Aries: Just past the stroke of midnight on
Friday 9/8, your ruling planet Mars, goes into Libra
and in your 7th house of relationships, revving up
your social calendar big time for the next 6 weeks.
And though that part of your horoscope is also where
‘open enemies’ often turn up, not every exchange has
confrontation written all over it. A little anger management goes a long way
Taurus: Your style, flare, and recent flurry of
Joe Bartlett has worked at WOR Radio for
nearly 20 years.
The true-to-his Virgo
sun sign radio star works 5
days a week.
Named best News Director in NYC in 1997, he
is now co-host of the WOR
Morning Show from 5-9 AM
weekdays (with former NYC
First Lady Donna Hanover) and on Saturday morning with George Meade.
creative activity has prompted admiration in many
while making you the envy of others. Among the onlookers wishing they were in your shoes right now,
could be a brother or sister who is not doing nearly
as well. Sibling rivalry is not all that it’s cracked up
to be, so if asked, be helpful and diffuse
any jealousy with flattery and sincere encouragement.
Gemini: You’re inclined to take
better care of your car (or boat) than you
do yourself! Well it’s time for a tune-up
and a check up. If something is bothering you, see a doctor. On 9/12 when mercury goes into your 5th house of creativity
and love affairs, your eloquence soars to
new heights as a stellar opportunity to be
heard and applauded falls into your lap.
Your child’s star shines too.
Cancer: Home and security is
always your number one priority, and
you best of all the zodiac signs know the
importance of the right place to reside. If you’ve seen
something you’d like to live in or someone you’d like to
live with, speak now or forever hold your peace. On
another front, the lunar eclipse opens your mind and
shakes your belief system to its core. Go with it: these
revelations will bring you luck.
Leo: In sharp contrast to the heaviness of
the Saturn Neptune opposition (which lingers over
the next 10 months), Mercury and Mars now in your
3rd house of short trips has you jumping all over the
place. You may feel like a chicken (or should I say
‘Lion’) without a head, but much of this activity is significant and could be productive. If you’re moved to
practice yoga or learn to meditate, now would be the
perfect Kodak moment.
Virgo: For the past three weeks, a very
good idea that has been ruminating inside you is now
cooked to perfection, The lunar eclipse in your 7th
house of partnership will reveal who’s along for the
ride – or not. Either way, the time to act is approaching rapidly. Feisty Mars and your ruler Mercury meet
and enter your 2nd house of personal income this
week, brightening up your financial picture with a
vengeance!
Continued on the next page
New Castle, continued from page 2
pension benefits six years earlier than it would
have done.
According to a source at New Castle Town
Hall, no one has yet resigned, been disciplined,
or placed on leave, at anytime, as a result of this
matter, including, but not limited to, Town Administrator Gennaro Faiella, or Police Chief
Robert Breen. The Town has reportedly adopted
a code of ethics for all town employees since this
pattern of behavior came to light.
There is a lot of tension within the 40-member New Castle Police Department, which has
worked without a contract for more than 19
months. During that time officers have repeatedly conducted informational picketing in downtown Chappaqua and at Town Board meetings,
to draw attention to what has been referred to as
“the town’s refusal to negotiate in good faith.” Lt.
Vize, a union trustee, has been quoted as stating,
“This town is loaded. They know it, we know it.”
The Police Department was accredited in
2005 by the New York State Division of Criminal
Justice Services. Accredited agencies must implement about 130 standards and procedures that
contain a clear statement of their professional
obligations and objectives. What is not clear is
whether the Police Department will retain this
state accreditation as a result of this litigation.
Currently, no member of the New Castle Town
Board has publicly called for any disciplinary actions, or resignations of members of the Department and their chain of command as result of this
litigation, and other serious, unsolved, felonies.
Why hasn’t the Town of New Castle looked
to other organizations for models of procedures
to follow during investigations and prosecutions
of ethics violations. For example, most large corporations have compliance groups that govern
behavior in the conduct of business. Staff under
scrutiny are often placed on leave, paid or unpaid, when circumstances warrant such removal,
Continued from previous page
Libra: Mum’s the word no more. Mercury
and Mars on your ascendant this week has you speaking up with uncharacteristic verve and gusto. But don’t
spill all the beans just yet: Your ruler, Venus, now in
Virgo in your 12th house of secret dealings and personal motivation is still reworking things from behind the
scenes. All that you need to know has not yet been revealed: Be the good listener and let others chat away.
Scorpio: Your ruler Pluto is down but not out.
Moving right along, whether he’s recognized or not is
immaterial. As a matter of fact Scorpios are much more
comfortable when traveling
incognito. Mars going into the
12th house (a/k/a the ‘bunker’)
of your horoscope for the next 6
weeks sets the agenda for clearing out any an all skeletons in
your closet. Do the work NOW,
it’s going to be a very busy Fall.
but it’s just a small inconvenience in the scheme of
things. The bigger issue is the nearly year-long opposition from Neptune to your ruler Saturn. Some call
it the “Is that all there is” syndrome. So while it feels
like nothing in life is meeting your expectations,
remember that for the
time being, winning
the lottery wouldn’t do
it for ya.
Aquarius:
The lunar eclipse in your
2nd house of do re mi,
shakes up your sense of
self-worth and the wakeup call turns out to be a
financial blessing in disguise. Higher ups are in
2 Virgos 2
Anne Meara, veteran NY a better mood after the
actress and comedienne
12th, approach them after
and daughter actress
that, your head will be
Amy Stiller
Sagittarius: “Now is
clearer too. Overdoing it
the time for all good men to come to the aid of their par- with alcohol or any substance isn’t even an option.
ty” is much more than an old typing tutor phrase, it is a
Pisces: The lunar eclipse in your sign with uncall to action. And as polarizing as Pluto in Sagittarius has
predictable
Uranus could mean an unexpected move!
been since 1995, he is now moving forward and you can’t
At
the
very
least
a complete personal makeover or the
drop the ball now. And with Mercury and Mars activating
your 11th house of hopes, wishes, and community affairs, renovation of at least one room is in order. Change is
your skill as visionary and effectiveness in the long-term all around as a significant other finally takes charge of
his or her financial life and you’re able to pool your
planning department is right on target.
resources for a major purchase that you’ve planned
Capricorn: A change in the daily commute for a while. Encouraging words and gratitude sweeten
of a partner or significant other impacts your routine the moment. n
PAGE 13
while independent third-party investigations are
conducted.
Reports should have been issued publicly,
and promptly, in order to assure taxpaying citizens that laws were being enforced, fairly and
evenly, and that appropriate actions were being
taken. Why has Town government failed to fulfill its obligation to the residents of New Castle?
What other skeletons does the Town have in its
closet? n
Five Years Ago, continued from page 1
become derailed by the so-called War On Terrorism.
We must not allow ourselves to become fragmented as
a nation, North versus South, East Coast versus West
Coast. Remarks such as the mayor of New Orleans regrettably made about the World Trade Center site are
symptomatic of the regional division and desperate
scrambling for scarce resources the Bush Administration has caused by its ill-conceived agenda.
We must, once again, see ourselves as Americans,
first and foremost. What happened on September 11th,
five years ago, happened to us all, as did what happened in New Orleans a year ago. It’s time we rethink
about what happened on that day we can never forget,
and what has happened to our country in the five years
since. Most importantly, we must decide if where we
have been going is really where we want to be. n
Are you looking for a job? A place to live? Do
you have something you want to sell?
Nothing gets better results than placing an ad
in the Classified Section.
To place an ad call us at 914-328-3096. We’ll
be happy to help you!
Relationship Problems?
Drinking Too Much?
Having An Affair?
Is anxiety, depression, or stress related to
any of the above getting you down?
HELP IS HERE!
Robert M. Lichtman, PhD
New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Clinical Member American Association
for Marriage and Family Therapy
Susan Krieger, MA
Associate Counselor
914-960-9943 or 914-395-0808
Evening and Weekend Hours By Appointment Only
559 Gramatan Ave., Suite 202, Fleetwood, NY 10552
PAGE 14
PAGE 15
Marriage and Family in Westchester
Dr. Maria Munoz Kantha
Dealing with your Adolescent Children
As parents, we usually perceive raising our adolescent children as a difficult and confusing process.
Psychological development during adolescence is as
dynamic as biological growth and development. The
emotional life of a typical adolescent is a sequence
of fluctuating vicissitudes, with the highs being very
high and the lows being very low.
This is because the adolescent has not had an experiential base against which to measure their emotional roller coaster difficulties. Things often seem
much worse than they are. Our adolescents bring into
our interaction with them a changing sense of who
they are and a concurrent host of new characteristics:
a new vocabulary, a new assertiveness, new interests,
high demands, new experiences, challenging, and
definite opinions, identity issues, and a strong need
for privacy.
On another level, their personal growth and development in conjunction with their independence,
skills, and expanding capabilities, make teenagers
easier to live with than little children. We find ourselves saying, “It’s so much easier now that they are in
their teens, what a relief! No more baby sitters, they
can take care of themselves.”
Adolescence is a time to achieve new and more
mature relationships with age-mates of both sexes.
Friendships grow deeper and more profound, and
cliques and crowds form. Male-female relationships
grow increasingly more exciting and tempting, as
aroused sexuality stirs new motivations, and dating
begins. The adolescent’s need for approval, recognition, and advice, shifts from parents to peer groups,
as the adolescent becomes less dependent on parents
as the major source of approval, recognition, guidance, and leadership.
Capacity and willingness to separate from his, or
her, parents are the necessary first conditions of falling in love with another person, or making a road to
separate and individuate. Accepting and achieving
socially-expected male or female roles is another difficult developmental task that the adolescent needs
to achieve. The adolescent needs to acquire a set of
values and multicultural systems as a guide to behavior. Adolescents struggle to search for a new sense of
continuity and sameness. All the sameness and continuities that they relied on earlier are now somewhat
questioned in the midst of puberty, rapid growth and
development.
To keep themselves together, they temporarily tend to over-identify with leaders and idols of
cliques, to the point where it can result in complete
loss of self-identity. Defense against the sense of identity confusion can also manifest itself in the form of
cruel exclusion of those who are “different”. Forming
cliques and stereotyping themselves may often help
adolescents deal with their inner discomfort of this
period of confusion and uncertainty.
Developmental arrest and psycho-social problems, such as drug and alcohol use, have become a
rather serious problem in Westchester County and
throughout the United States. Some researchers and
mental health providers find that drug and alcohol
use during adolescence can cause developmental arrest. Some youngsters may have difficulty with integrating, acculturating, or synthesizing, their idealistic
view of the world with reality. Some may become disillusioned and turn to drugs. This is a setback because
it gives the adolescent a way out, a means to avoid facing reality and dealing with the dilemma it creates.
Another developmental arrest for adolescents
that has become a serious problem are eating disorders. There are four major eating disorders: Anorexia
Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating, and Eating
Disorders. Bulimia nervosa is a disorder in which the
behavior of binge eating is the predominant characteristic. Adolescents with bulimia, binge uncontrollably on large amounts of food, sometimes thousands
of calories at a time. They, then, purge the calories out
of their bodies through self-induced vomiting, starving, abdominal pain, excessive exercise, laxatives, or
other methods.
Adolescents with anorexia starve themselves to dangerously thin levels, at least 15% below their appropriate
weight. Abdominal pain, self-induced vomiting, or social
interruption follows most binge-eating episodes, which
often results in feelings of guilt, depression, and self-disgust. Bulimia nervosa has been diagnosed predominately
amongst adolescent girls and young women.
Remember, many adolescents lack the skills
needed to defend themselves against difficult situations. Therefore, it is up to us, as parents, to encourage our adolescent children to express themselves in a
constructive ways. Talk to your teenage children in a
constructive fashion. Share your feelings and inform
them about the realities of life in a safe environment.
Discuss issues of drug and alcohol abuse and
their impact on their development. Talk about stress,
peer pressure, low self-esteem, avoidance, procrastination, illness, sleep, eating disorders, adolescent
domestic violence, gangs, escape, distraction, and
how they deal with stressful situations. Share stories
about your own adolescence, often our children see
us as stoic adults. However, do not pretend to be your
child’s friend. this can bring in other family dynamics
and role confusion. n
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PAGE 16
Taking Judicial Notice
Judge Kenneth Lange
“F” Is For Felon
I once spent a year at the Taconic Correctional
Facility in Bedford Hills, then a medium security
prison for males, convicted of felonies. My role was
to instruct inmates in a college-credit course in Business Law, under the auspices of Westchester Community College. My title was “Adjunct Professor”, and my
friends joked that I was a tenured professor at “TCU”
(Taconic Correctional University). They even had a
special TCU t-shirt made for me. That year was to be
the only one I was to spend indulging my fantasy of
being a college teacher.
Shortly after embarking on this new, part-time
career, I discovered how it came to be that college
courses were being taught to prisoners. The idea was
the brainchild of two State agencies, Correctional Services and the State University system. The old prison
school system, which taught reading and high school
equivalency courses, and trades, required full-time
teachers, and the additional costs of health insurance
and pension contributions. The education program in
the prisons was being “outsourced” to the State University, of which the community colleges were a part.
When a student was paroled from Taconic, he
could continue attending the State University from
a half-way house in New Paltz, with no institutional
stigma. He could attend classes with the regular student body at his new alma mater, and work toward
a degree. Of course this was all at taxpayer expense,
and it made my life with the corrections officers at
TCU difficult.
I was routinely made to wait for extended periods
before being admitted to the prison from the lobby.
A favorite rhetorical question, directed at me while I
waited, was, “How come these convicted felons get a
free college education, while I have to pay for my kids
William T. Martin
Attorney at Law
32 Court Street, Suite 707
Brooklyn, New York 11201
Tel: 718-625-2537
1-800-591-1953
Fax: 718-625-6977
2027 Williamsbridge Rd.
Bronx, New York 10461
Tel. 718-892-8588
Judge Kenneth Lange is retired from the Westchester County Court, where he served for 20 years.
He is now of counsel to the law firm of Banks, Shapiro, Gettinger and Waldinger, LLP in Mt. Kisco.
to go to parochial school?” Another gesture of hostility was to refuse to escort me through the prison to the
classroom, located at the far end of the complex. Since
no visitors could enter without an escort, and I was
there on “school business”, it was up to the “school”
to provide my escort. At that time the school had two
employees, the Director, hanging on for retirement,
and his secretary. The secretary, an attractive 19-yearold female, who had only worked in the prison for two
weeks, was given the escort job. She had the unenviable task of walking alone through the entire length
of the prison to get me, enduring catcalls, banging tin
cups and lewd remarks all the way. Then she had the
pleasure of the return trip in my company, when the
guys who missed her outward journey could lie in
wait to greet her on the way back!
Considering that most inmates had never completed high school, the college program, started in the
prisons in the 1970’s, might be viewed as a bold precursor of the present. I am convinced that, thanks to
our pioneering efforts at TCU, students are now widely
accepted in community colleges and the State University system, after flunking out of secondary school.
On my first day of class there were 40 students,
but no textbooks. I used the time to explain the wonderful world of the Uniform Commercial Code that
we were going to study. At the second class there still
were no books, and the students were proclaiming
their eagerness to get on with their studies. At the
third class we had textbooks, and I made an interesting discovery. Most of the class could not read!
At the next session, the class shrank from 40 to
15 pupils. I inquired of my supervisor at the college
as to whether I should do something to compel attendance. Flunk the absentees? He told me that the
prisoners were not required to attend class and, if
they failed to attend, I should mark them as “incomplete”. This was so the college could get paid for the all
the students I had started with. He said the missing
students had only been waiting for the textbooks to
be handed out. I inquired as to what possible value
a textbook on Business Law could have to a person
who could barely read. Then I learned the textbooks
had become a small part of the underground prison
economy, that everything from the outside had some
value as currency in this system. This was TCU’s version of Economics 101.
By now our class was limited to those who were
willing and able to do the assigned reading. The classroom discussions were lively. I did notice that the
class was particularly prone toward the presumption
of guilt, when we dealt with the occasional textbook
examples of deceptive, fraudulent or criminal behavior. They were confident that they understood the
workings of the criminal mind!
During the one session we had dealing solely
with criminal law, I thought I would share some legal trivia with them. “Why is a witness told to raise
his right hand, when he is sworn to tell the truth?” I
asked. “Because the right hand is closer to the heart”,
guessed one of the students. After a few more pupils
tried guessing, I decided to tell them:
In the 17th and 18th Centuries, convicted felons
in England were branded at the base of the thumb.
Since felons were disqualified from giving testimony
in court, raising the right hand gave the clerk a chance
to check out if the witness was qualified to testify.
Silence. Then a lone voice from the back of the
room said, “Sheet. Why they want to do a thing like
that for?” I determined to find out.*
At common law all felonies were capital crimes,
punishable by hanging. When statutes were enacted to
define crimes, many carried the death penalty. A person could be sentenced to death for stealing a sheep, or
even a handkerchief. To prevent a bloody wave of executions, particularly for first offenders, the courts developed procedures to mitigate the effects of so many
death sentences. One procedure was called benefit of
clergy. This mechanism dated back to the middle ages,
and was designed to let the church deal with its own
sinners. Originally limited to clerics, it was later exContinued on the next page
PAGE 17
Felon, continued from previous page
panded to church members. A reading test was often
given to determine eligibility for benefit of clergy. It
probably made sense when the church had a monopoly on literacy and learning. The convict would fall to
his knees, and plead for benefit of clergy. He would be
handed a bible, and be asked to read a passage. Over
time the 51st Psalm became known as the “neck verse”,
because it saved so many people from hanging.
In later years literacy became more common, and
even illiterates could memorize passages from the
51st Psalm! By 1706 the reading test was abolished,
and benefit of clergy became automatic except for a
few offenses, like treason and murder.
Those who escaped the death penalty by benefit of
clergy were branded on the thumb to make sure they
didn’t escape the gallows a second time by this device.
The branding took place in the courtroom in the pres-
ence of spectators. Thieves got branded with a “T”,
Murderers with an “M”, and felons with an “F”. Branding of felons took place here, in the New York colony,
for a period after it was seized from the Dutch. Branding ended in America before it did in England, and the
last felon to be branded in the Old Bailey was in 1789.
Most of the men who received the benefit of a
free college education during my year at TCU were
not physically marked by the penal system. It’s also a
good thing that the parole board did not ask them to
read the 51st Psalm as a condition of their release! n
* For an interesting discussion see: Friedman,
David.”Making Sense of English Law Enforcement in
th 18th Century”, University of Chicago Roundtable,
www.davidfriedman.com; “Punishments at the Old
Bailey, Late 17th to Early 18th Century, The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, www.oldbaileyonline.org.
When We Were Happy to Vote, continued from page 6
ual states of the Union can make laws to override the
Constitution, and so we need this Voting Act to make
the government correct the states and make them follow the chief law that governs us. I remember saying
to myself, “Mommy, we are still slaves, nothing has
changed.” I gave up, or so I thought.
The next morning I awoke with the idea of having
another panel discussion, and this time it would be
on “Making Your Vote Count”. It was a disaster – the
Westchester County Board of Elections would not
confirm a speaker up until a week before the event
(I was told that was typical). I tried to incorporate a
speaking event in Mount Vernon High School but no
one called me back to confirm, and I got no answer
when I called. People I was speaking to about voting
were looking at me like I had two heads. It all seemed
so helpless until the next morning. After the failed
panel discussion I awoke determined to do a door-todoor voters’ registration drive, and yes, I’m planning
another discussion, this time with politicians.
My Mother’s happiness about being free and voting was something she expected to always be there,
seeing what they went through to get it. She didn’t
think that in the future it would be challenged every
few years. I think the reason why I can’t give up on
voting is because besides our ancestors fighting with
the Union Army in the Civil War, winning the right to
vote is the only other thing African-Americans have
done collectively to change their situation in almost
one hundred years. So instead of thinking I’ll throw
in the towel on voting, or anything that will compromise being free in America, I will stand up against it,
as my Mother did. Freedom isn’t free – it has to be
fought for on a daily basis. n
India, continued from page 7
traditionally shun meat and alcohol, yet tend to be the
richer/educated/‘westernized’ ones, and so ironically
they’ll be the ones who’ll be seen indulging quite often.
3. Holy Cow - I don’t think ‘worship’ is quite the
proper term; people don’t say the rosary every time a
cow passes by. Yes, cows are an incarnation of the female deity Lakshmi and are given a lot of slack as they
walk about the market, but folks are not afraid to give
them a swift smack on the snoot if they start eating the
profits off of their carts. Goat, chicken and lamb are the
meats of choice. Pork is off the menu as it is in Muslim
and Jewish cultures. If pigs were a little smarter, there
would be a major problem at the border between China and India. Cows, however, truly are clueless.
I’ll leave you with a website that is surprisingly
comprehensive, useful, and provides a wonderful overview of India itself. Most surprising to me was that it is
a production of the Government of India, as I tend to
shun such sites for the more commercial ones when it
comes to handy info. Yet this site has got it all, including an interactive map of India, current exchange rates,
and a page that allows you to create your own custom
tours. Go to www.tourindia.com/htm/homepage.htm,
and be sure to click on ‘useful links’. You should bump
into this link at some point on the Tour India site, but
here it is anyway for loads of interesting maps of India…www.mapsofindia.com/index.html.
One last quote and tribute to India, though not
from Twain…
“India conquered and dominated China culturally
for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single
soldier across her border.”
- Hu Shih, former Ambassador of China to USA.
WT
The following are two quotes which seem
particularly appropriate at this point in our Nation’s history:
was a good war
“ Thereornever
a bad peace. ”
who desire to give up Freedom
“inThose
order to gain security will not have,
nor do they deserve, either one. ”
- Benjamin Franklin, 1783
Sharon A. Johnson
Phone: 914-286-7494 PO Box 902
Fax: 914-803-1611 Bronxville, NY 10708-6944
[email protected] www.careerwiseways.com
PAGE 18
community calendar
CLIP AND SAVE
thursday,
september 7
• Cirigliano: First
Generation. Photo Exhibit,
Opening Reception.
Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin
Plaza, Yonkers. For info call
914.337.1500
• Shabbat in the Woods.
Families are invited to this
service in story and song.
5:30pm. Congregation Kol
Ami, 252 Soundview Ave.,
White Plains. 914.949.4717.
• Free Blood Pressure
Screening to patients not
previously diagnosed with
hypertension. St. Joseph’s
Medical Center, Urgent
and Specialty Care, 75 So.
Broadway, Yonkers, NY.
Every Friday from 2-4P•
saturday,
september 9
• Mobile Pet Adoption Days
and Animal Events. Every
weekend local animal rescue
groups bring adoption-ready
kittens, cats, puppies and
dogs to stores and malls
throughout Westchester.
Adoption fees. For info visit
the website at www.Animallink.org/events/shtml.
sunday,
september 10
• Insects Of The Meadow
Marshlands Conservancy.
This is the time to see the
highest number of insects
and they are all fascinating
Maybe we’ll see a praying
mantis eat a bumblebee!
Route 1, Rye. 10am.
Westchester County Parks
Dept. 835.4466
• Grandparents
Day. Grandparents &
grandchildren make honey
muffins, mint tea, keepsake
crafts and more. Free.
Muscoot Farm, Rte. 100,
Somers. 864.7282
• Bike & Skate Sundays.
The Bronx River Parkway
closes to vehicular traffice
from the Westchester
County Center in White
Plains south to Scarsdale
Rd. in Yonkers for biking
and skating. 13.1 miles,
round trip. $4.00 parking
in the Westchester County
Center parking lot.
until mid-October, when
they will be auctioned off at
the LHS 25th Anniversary
Gala Ducktales Auction.
Palmer Ave. & Boston
Post Rd., Larchmont.
For info visit www.ducks.
larchmonthistory.org.
monday,
september 11
• Blood Donations
accepted at Phelps
Memorial Hospital Mon.
9-5 PM. Donors receive
a ticket for lunch after
each donation. After four
donations, donors are
presented with a certificate
for dinner at a local
restaurant. Appts. prefered/
not required. Call 366.3916
for info.
• Auditions for Westchester
Concert Singers. Singers
sought in all voice parts
(SABT). Call Laura Kimble
845.279.7705 to schedule an
audition. 7pm Presbyterian
Church, Pleasantville. www.
Westchesterconcertsingers.org.
tuesday,
• Visit the Ducks in
september 12
Downtown Larchmont! 23
duck sculptures painted by
• Open Book Discussion.
area artists are on public
display in historic Larchmont Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo
Ishiguro. 7:30PM Led by
Christine Bobkoff, Adjunct
Professor of English at
Westchester Community
College. Chappaqua Library,
195 S. Greeley, Chappaqua.
www.chappaqualibrary.org.
• Fall Outing for Senior
Citizens. Entertainment and
barbecue for senior citizens.
10am-3pm. Saxon Woods
Pool, Mamaroneck Ave.,
White Plains. Rain date
Wed., Sept. 13. Westchester
County Parks Dept.
864.7057.
• Westchester Arts
Workshop. Tour studios and
meet instructors: 6:30pm8:30pm. Westchester
County Center, 196 Central
Ave., White Plains. Lisa.
Santalis 606.7500.
• Ken Hamilton Caregiver
Support Program at
Northern Westchester
Hospital. This free program
offers emotional support
and organizational
assistance to help
caregivers manage their
daily lives while dealing
with the illness of a loved
one during hospitalization
or treatment. Call the
Caregiver Message Center
PAGE 19
Items for inclusion in our clip and save Community Calendar
must be free and open to all. Items are published, subject to the
discretion of the Editor, and space availability. Calendar listings
are due by 12 Noon, Monday, two weeks prior. Space is extremely
limited. Email listings to: [email protected]
at 914.242.8128; a caregiver
coach will return your call.
wednesday,
september 13
thursday
september 14
•Free Infant Massage
Workshop ages newborn15 mos. Studies have
• County Blood Drive. The
show that massaging
New York Blood Center
your child as an infant
works in partnership with the
is beneficial to your
business community, colleges,
baby and to you. FREE.
civic organizations, religious
10-11am Full Circle
groups and caring individuals
Family Care, 1241
to recruit donors to supply the
Mamaroneck Ave. White
best source of blood. 9amPlains, NY 204.6379.
4:30pm. Westchester County
fullcirclefamilycare.com.
Center, 198 Central Ave.,
White Plains, 995-4050. www.
westchestercountygov.com/
parks.
• Free blood pressure
screenings are available
by appointment at Phelps
Memorial Hospital Center,
701 N. Broadway, Sleepy
Hollow, every Wed.
throughout September.
9:30-11:30am. For info/
register call 914.366.3220.
• Aphasia Support
Group. Free weekly
meetings for anyone who
has a language disorder
due to a brain injury. Wed.
2-3pm, Palmer Hall, 3rd
floor, Rm. 3. 914.787.3373.
Lawrence Hospital Center,
Palmer Rd, Bronxville.
PAGE 20
Popcorn Movie Reviews
“Trust The Man”
Trust The Man
Fox Searchlight Film
Running time 103 minutes.
Rated R for language and sexual content.
David Duchovny, Julianne Moore, Billy Crudup, Maggie
Gyllenhaal, Ellen Barkin, Gary Shandling, Eva Mendez. Directed by
Bart Freundlich.
As a David Duchovny fan, I would have to say this film is not his best work.
Playing opposite Julianne Moore, and supported by Billy Crudup, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Ellen Barkin, Gary Shandling, and Eva Mendez, Duchovny, and Company
never had a chance with this poorly written, weakly directed, Bart Freundlich
film. It is a comedy with few laughs, and little to say we haven’t heard before.
Duchovny plays a Mr. Mom whose wife, played by Julianne Moore, is a successful actress. Now that’s a novel plot. Her younger brother, (Billy Crudup) essentially a no-count, is living with his girfriend, played by ever-popular Maggie
Gyllenhaal, who not only has a regular full-time job, -somebody has to pay the
rent,- but is also an undiscovered writing talent.
Amongst several uninspired performances, Gary Shandling’s, as Duchovny
and Moore’s marriage counselor is by far the least. It’s hard to take these characters
too seriously, as they perform as casually as they dress. Of course, they are typical Upper-Eastside sophisticates, complete with wisecracks and all of the usual
superficial concerns.
Eva Mendez plays an old flame of Billy Crudup’s character, managing to come
off as she usually does. Not enough excitement built into the part however. But
then, Crudup’s character is no onme to get excited about anyway.
Don’t you just know, the guys, Duchovny and Cudup. each have a brief infidelity, but manage to come to their senses in time to retrieve their true loves. Of
course, the objects of their affection aren’t exactly sitting around waiting for their
return either, Gyllenhaal, the aspiring author manages a dalliance with an overthe-hill Rocker, a momentary pause with a lesbian publisher, and a brief affair
with an obnoxious, but well-endowed, German fellow. Moore, upon learning of
her husband’s affair with the mother of one their son’s classmates
The film mercifully comes to a timely, if very contrived, ending. Intending to
create the ‘moment of truth,’ and the kind of warm feeling Steve McQueen and
Natalie Wood achieved in “Lovers And Other Strangers,” director Freundlich falls
wide of the mark.
Popcorn Guy Rating: 1 ½ out of 4 Bags of Popcorn.
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“The Illusionist”
The Illusionist
Bob Yari Productions; released by Yari Film Group.
A Koppelman-Levien Michael Landon Production in
association with Contagious Entertainment.
Running time: 1 hr., 49 min.
Rated: PG-13 for some sexuality and violence.
Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamati, Rufus Sewell, Eddie
Marsan. Directed by Neil Burger. Written by Neil Burger and
Steven Millhauser; based upon the short story The Illusionist by Steven Millhauser.
“He tries to trick you, I try to enlighten you,” says the Crown Prince to his
guests at the castle, “who has the more noble pursuit?”
The Illusionist has come to town with an act that leaves all of Vienna spellbound, for Eisenheim can grow orange trees, materialize butterflies and conjure
spirits. The spirits don’t have much to say, mind you, but they appear right on cue
and walk through the audience for this mysterious magician. No one can quite
figure out how he does it, from the Crown Prince, an extremely intelligent and
well-educated man, to the Police Inspector of Vienna, who dabbles in sleight-ofhand, as well as coin and card tricks.
“Who here is not afraid to die?” asks the Illusionist, as he looks for volunteers
for yet another trick. The Crown Prince gallantly volunteers…His Girlfriend!
Whataguy! As Dutchess Sophie von Teschen gamely steps up to the challenge, the
Illusionist recognizes the love who was torn from him when they were teens.
The Illusionist somehow manipulates time, space and reality. The government,
threatened by Eisenheim’s growing popularity and its collective inability to figure
out how he pulls off these amazing feats, has the local police in regular attendance,
ready to arrest Eisenheim and shut the theatre down, with slightest provocation.
The llusionist and the Dutchess rekindle their love, but Sophie, whom the
Prince intends to marry, is watched and followed around the clock. Eisenheim
doesn’t win himself any friends when he embarrasses the Prince in a special performance at the royal hunting lodge, and the Prince resolves to shut Eisenheim
down. Can the Illusionist out-wit Crown Prince Leopold? “I have been around
them many years, and I can tell you for sure, there is no trick they haven’t seen,”
warns the sympathetic Chief Police Inspector, who walks a fine line between his
official role and his growing admiration for Eisenheim.
Sophie knows the Crown Prince well enough to understand that “He’ll hunt us
down and kill us, as long as we are alive.” Will Sophie and the Illusionist triumph, or will
Sophie become another of the Prince’s rumored dead girlfriends? Prince Leopold needs
a marriage with her to gain the Crown of Hungary and overthrow his father. Bottom
line: when you are the Crown Prince, you don’t have to take no for an answer.
Go see this movie and pay very close attention! Prague, the Czech Republic, stands
in for 1900’s Vienna in this intriguing movie about mind over matter. Ed Norton is
Eisenheim, The Illusionist and he delivers a compelling performance as a man with
more than a few tricks up his sleeve. Jessica Biel is the spunky Dutchess Sophie von
Teschen, Eisenheim’s lost love, soon to be engaged to Crown Prince Leopold, played
with just the right Machiavellian edge, by Rufus Sewell. Paul Giamati plays the charming Police Inspector Uhl, charged with figuring everything out. Beautifully filmed,
with a clever script and great ensemble acting, The Illusionist is an intriguing movie
that will keep you guessing up to the very last frame.
Popcorn Girl Rating: 4 out of 4 Bags of Popcorn – Go see this film!
PAGE 21
Local Movie Theaters
westchester
Putnam
Bedford:
Brewster:
Empire Southeast Towne Center
Clearview’s Bedford Cinema
Route 22
Phone: (845) 278-0058
Route 22. 914.234.7300
Rockland:
Bronxville:
Bronxville’s Clearview Cinema
84 Kraft Ave. 914.961.4030
New City:
Clearview New City Cinema 6
202 S. Main Street
Phone: (914) 777-3456
Spring Valley:
Maveli Twin Cinema 59
57 Kennedy Dr.
Phone: (845) 578-4000
Suffern:
Lafayette Theatre
Route 59
Phone: (845) 369-8234
West Nyack:
Greenburgh:
Clearview’s Cinema 100
Greenburgh Shopping Cntr., Knollwood Rd. 914.946.4680
Mount Kisco:
Clearview’s Mount Kisco Cinema
144 Main St. 914.666.6600
New Rochelle:
Regal New Roc City 18
33 Le Count Place. 800.326.3264 x275
Peekskill:
Paramount
1008 Brown St. 914.739.2333
Pelham:
Multiplex Cinemas
Picture House
320 Saw Mill River Rd. 914.747.6000
175 Wolf Lane. 914.738.7337
Hawthorne:
Pleasantville:
Saw Mill Multiplex
Jacob Burns Film Center
121 Saw Mill River Rd. 914.747.6000
364 Manville Rd. 914.747.5555
Larchmont
Port Chester:
Clearview’s Larchmont Playhouse
Loew’s Port Chester
1975 Palmer Ave. 914.834.3001
40 Westchester Ave. 845.326.3264
Mamaroneck:
Rye:
AMC Loews Palisades Center 21
Clearview’s Mamaroneck Playhouse
Clearview’s Rye Ridge Cinema Twin
4403 Palisades Center Drive
Phone: (845) 348-1970
243 Mamaroneck Ave. 914.698.2200
1 Rye Ridge Plaza, Rye Ridge Shopping Cntr. 914.939.8177
IMAX Theatre at Palisades Center
4270 Palisades Center Drive
Phone: (845) 358-4629
Mohegan Lake:
Scarsdale:
UA Cortland Stadium 11
Fine Arts Cinema
3131 E. Main St. 800.326.3264 X625
Archway Shopping Center. 914.723.6699
Ask Sammy Z.
White Plains:
City Center 15: Cinema Deluxe
Mamaroneck Ave. & Main St. 914.747.6000
Yonkers:
Cross County Multiplex
“As Real As It Gets”
Alan S. (Yonkers)
Q. For years I’ve been hearing rumors of police
misconduct, brutality, abuse of power and corruption
in the Yonkers Police Department. Ever since Phil
Amicone has been elected, things have gotten worse.
Yonkers is run like a police state. I’m scared to death of
being approached or pulled over by a Yonkers cop, and
shouldn’t have to feel this way. Do our elected officials
care, and what can be done to stop this nonsense?
in that tortuous beating. I blame our elected officials;
first of all the Mayor, and then the former Westchester
County D.A., Jeanine Pirro. Mayor Phil Amicone has
been in the mayor’s office, in one capacity or another
for more than 10 years and, as far as I can see, done
nothing to quell the abuse by brutal police officers.
The current D.A. has only been in office for eight
months, and so the jury is still out on D.A. Janet DiFiore. Hopefully she is not going to tolerate the acA. You are right about the rumors. I’ve been hear- tions of malicious thugs the way her predecessor did.
It’s a disgrace that law-abiding citizens are frighting those same rumors since the 80’s. I witnessed brutality by the Yonkers Police, firsthand, several years ened of our police. I would like to think our current
district attorney cares enough, and will take action.
ago. It wasn’t pretty.
Two young men were severely beaten as they laid As for Mayor Amicone, unless he shows the people he
on the ground handcuffed. I’m willing to bet noth- cares and takes action against those officers who break
ing was ever done to discipline those officers involved the law, he must be put on the unemployment line.
Questions for Sammy Z. should be E-mailed to [email protected].
2 South Drive. 914.376.7100
Clearview’s Central Plaza
2630 Central Park Ave. 914.793.3232
UA Movieland
2548 Centra Park Ave. 800.326.3264 X638
Yorktown Heights:
UA Jefferson Valley
Jefferson Valley Mall. 800.326.3264 X639
Connecticut
Greenwich:
Clearview’s Greenwich Twin
356 Greenwich Avenue
Phone: (203) 869-6030
Crown Plaza 3
2 Railroad Ave
Phone: (203) 869-4030
New Canaan:
Crown New Canaan Playhouse 2
89 Elm Street
Phone: (203) 966-7908
PAGE 22
The Westchester Guardian reserves the right to edit, re-classify, reject or cancel any classified ad.
Additionally, The Westchester Guardian will not accept any advertising which willingly violates Section 296 of the Human
Rights Law which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based upon race, color, creed, national
origin, disability, marital status, sex, age, or arrest conviction record, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or
discrimination.
CLASSIFIED
help wanted
real estate
Bartenders Wanted
Westchester County night
club. Very busy location.
Experience a must, and
over 21. Call Dominica
FOR RENT
Mount Vernon - 1-bdr apt
in a building. Sec 8 ok.
$950. Avail immed. Call
Maribel
914-636-0018
Licensed Security Wanted
Westchester County night
club. Busy location. Experience a must. Fri and Sat
night. Call Dominica
914-636-0018
914-632-1230
FOR RENT
Mount Vernon - 2-bdr apt
in a building. Sec 8 ok.
$1250. Avail immed. Call
Maribel.
914-632-1230
Mount Vernon - Five story
w/up with 18 apts. Very
nice building. Many Sec 8,
good tenency. RR. $202k.
Asking 7.5 x RR 1,550,000.
Ask for Sam
INVESTMENT PROPERTY
FOR RENT
Yonkers East - 3-bdr apt,
two floors, 1.5 baths, very
nice kitchen. Wood floors,
1 parking spot. Tenant
pays utilities. $1750. Call
Maribel.
914-576-1481
914-632-1230
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY:
Sept. 7 - Sept. 13
Weekly Highlight:
September 11, 2001 - Two hijacked Boeing 767
airliners crashed into the Twin Towers at the World
Errors: All ads placed by phone are read back for verification of copy content. Please check your ad the first time it runs. We are
responsible ONLY for the first incorrect insertion.
To place a classified ad please call us at 914.328.3096. The deadline is 12 noon Monday one week prior to publication.
Trade Center. The first hit around the 80th floor of
the North Tower at 8:45am; the second around the
60th floor of the South Tower eight minutes later. The
attack was carried out by Al-Quaeda operatives and
led to our invasion of Afghanistan one month later.
September 7
1977 – A treaty turning over control of the Panama
Canal to Panama at the end of the century was
signed by President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian
dictator Omar Torrijos. The treaty also abolished the
Canal Zone, a US-controlled area that bisected the
Republic of Panama.
1776 – The American submersible Turtle made the
world’s first submarine attack when it attempted to
attach a bomb to the hull of British Admiral Richard
Howe’s flagship in New York Harbor.
September 8
1941 - German forces began their 872-day siege of
Leningrad, a major industrial center and Russia’s
the second largest city. One million civilians and Red
Army defenders lost their lives.
1664 - Governor Peter Stuyvesant surrendered the
Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam to Colonel
Richard Nicolls, commander of an English naval
squadron. The name was changed to New York
in honor of the Duke of York, who had organized
the mission. New Amsterdam was part of the
colony of New Netherland, established in 1624 and
encompassed all of New York City, parts of Long
Island, Connecticut and New Jersey.
1974 - Former President Richard Nixon was
pardoned for any crimes he committed in the
Come GROW With Us!
We have a weekly circulation of 40,000 and growing.
The Westchester Guardian can now be found at MORE
THAN 600 locations throughout Westchester.
To advertise your goods & services, contact us at
914.328.3096
or email us at
[email protected]
The Westchester Guardian
Watergate Scandal by President Gerald Ford.
President Ford said his reason was wanting to end
the divisions created by the scandal.
September 9
1971 - Prisoners at Attica Prison rioted and seized
control of the facility. Later in the day state police
retook most of it, but some 1,281 convicts still held
39 prison guards and employees hostage for the
next four days. Ten hostages and 29 inmates were
killed and 89 others injured in a raid staged by state
police and prison officers on Sept. 13
1976 - Mao Zedong, Chinese revolutionary and
statesman, died in Beijing at the age of 82. As
leader of Communist China, he launched programs
(including the Cultural Revolution) that reformed
the Chinese economy and society at the cost of
millions of lives.
September 10
1813 - During the War of 1812 Captain Oliver Hazard
Perry defeated a British squadron at the Battle of Lake
Erie. The defeat forced the British to abandon Detroit,
ensuring US control over Lake Erie. After the battle his
report stated, “We have met the enemy, and they are
ours.”
September 11
1851 - One year after Congress passed the second
Fugitive Slave Law, requiring return of all escaped
slaves to their owners, there was a skirmish
between a mixed group of African-Americans and
White abolitionists and a posse hunting for four
fugitive slaves hiding in the town of Christiana,
Penn. Thirty-seven African-Americans and one
white man were arrested and charged with treason
under the provisions of the Law; most were
acquitted.
September 12
1953 - Senator John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline
Lee Bouvier at St. Mary’s Church in Newport,
Rhode Island. About 750 guests attended the
wedding, presided over by Boston Archbishop
Richard Cushing.
1953 - Nikita Krushchev was elected as First
Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet
Union, six months after the death of Joseph Stalin.
September 13
1993 - Representatives of Israel and Palestine met
on the South Lawn of the White House and signed
the “Declaration of Principles”, their first agreement
towards ending their conflict and sharing the land
between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean.
PAGE 23
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september 7.indd - WestchesterGuardian.com

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