Hudson Valley Press News

Habitat Dedicates Their 26th Home

2007-02-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - On Saturday, February 17, family, friends and volunteers gathered at 79 Monument Street to dedicate the newest Habitat home to the Williams family. They gathered to celebrate a new beginning for this hard-working family and they gathered to celebrate the completion of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh’s 26th house, sponsored by the William & Elaine Kaplan Family Charitable Foundation.

Shalanda Williams found Habitat through her aunt, Christine Owens, a Habitat homeowner. Shalanda’s application for a Habitat home includes her 7-year-old son Andreous and her 16-year-old sister Helen. Temporarily disabled from an accident on Storm King Mountain, Shalanda made up time in her sweat-equity requirement by working in the office and helping with committee work. She says she wanted a home because, “I want to give my son a better future and show him that if he believes, his dreams will come true.” Last year, the Kaplan Foundation generously agreed to sponsor one Habitat house each year for the next four years, through a grant totaling $284,000. This incredible gift has given the organization the confidence and the drive to push forward at an accelerated pace. With the number of projects in progress and in planning, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh is looking for ways to work faster and smarter to ensure that they are making a permanent change, not only house-by-house, but neighborhood-by-neighborhood. The Kaplan Foundation’s first year funding supported the new home at 79 Monument Street in the Washington Heights neighborhood, which was part of a three house development that will restore property to the tax rolls of the City of Newburgh. It will also remove an industrial site from an R-1 zone and provide local amenities such as shade trees, green space, sidewalks, and curbs, in the block adjacent to one of the City’s largest schools-South Junior High.

79 Monument Street is nestled between the two Habitat houses that were built in just five days during the 2006 Builders Blitz with the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley, Rieger Homes, EBA Inc., and F&M Homes. “These three beautiful homes have completely transformed what had previously been an abandoned and contaminated brown field. For many years, this lot had been an eyesore to all who past it, but it is now the garden spot of the Washington heights neighborhood,” said Habitat’s Executive Director Deirdre Glenn. With dedicated partners like William Kaplan and the Kaplan Family Foundation, the shared dream of a revitalized Newburgh is becoming more tangible each day.

Pictured Above: Shalanda Williams is overjoyed with her new home as she poses for a photo with William Kaplan.

Military Salute

2007-02-21T14:02:00.000-08:00

Air Force Airman 1st Class Candace M. Archer

Air Force Airman 1st Class Candace M. Archer has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. She is the daughter of Ann Clarke of Townview Drive, Wappingers Falls, N.Y. Archer graduated in 2001 from Prospect Heights High School, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Matthew S. Normann

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Matthew S. Normann has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rif

le marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.
In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Steve Normann of Upper Booneville Road, Boiceville, N.Y., and Patrica Busener of Hickory Hollow Drive, Palenville, N.Y.
Normann is a 2005 graduate of Onteora High School, Boiceville.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Darin B. Cook

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Darin B. Cook is currently deployed overseas at a forward-operating location in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq. Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq. Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq’s economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq’s sovereignty and independence as a democracy. Cook is a heating, ventilation, air conditioning craftsman with 18 years of military

service. He is the son of Barbara Cook of Johnny Cake Lane, Coxsackie, N.Y., and grandson of Elnora Cook of W. Saugerties Road, Wes

t Saugerties, N.Y. The sergeant is a 1985 graduate of Coxsackie Athens High School, N.Y.

Army Pvt. Christian L. Feist

Army Pvt. Christian L. Feist has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarme

d combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, ba

sic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.
He is the son of George and Theresa Feist of Glenwood Drive, Wallkill, N.Y.
Feist is a 2006 graduate of Wallkill High School

Army Staff Sgt. Emil Praslick III

Army Staff Sgt. Emil Praslick III has re-enlisted in the U.S. Army indefinitely after more than 11 years of military service.

Praslick an infantry instructor is assigned to the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

He is the son of Emil and Joan Praslick of Seven Oaks Lane, Brewster, N.Y.

Praslick graduated in 1985 from North Salem High School, N.Y.

Airman Wesley R. Kanganis

Air Force Airman Wesley R. Kanganis has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations. In addition, airmen who complete basic training earn credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force. He is the son of James Kanganis of Towners Road, Carmel, N.Y., and Danica Fortenberry of Micro Tower Road, Lillington, N.C. Kanganis is a 2006 graduate of Carmel High School.

Reading Stories, Making Snowmen, and Having Fun

2007-02-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - With the arrival of winter weather, students at the Newburgh Enlarged City
School District’s Washington Street Pre-K Center have been reading stories and singing
songs about snowmen.

Carol Brown and Jean Stumpf had their students make snowmen by cutting out three circles
of different sizes and assembling them from large to small as shown in the picture ahove.

Then they gave their snowmen faces and arms, hats and scarves, and buttons.

Another project had the children sewing a snowman and stuffing it with cotton to make him round and fat to go along with a song they learned.

Prepare for Men in Schools Volunteer Day

2007-02-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

Prepare for Men in Schools Volunteer Day

Recently, Oprah Winfrey made international news with her remarks that she doesn’t go into inner-city American classrooms anymore because the students don’t value education. We disagree with Ms. Winfrey. At The Black Star Project, we know that inner-city students do value education and want to do well in school, but it is up to adults to encourage, inspire, and motivate them to succeed academically.

This is the reason that The Black Star Project is inviting tens of thousands of men, especially Black men, into schools on Friday, March 2, 2007, for the first annual Men In Schools Volunteer Day. At The Black Star Project, we know that if our children fail, America fails!

Boys, and especially Black boys, need strong, positive men who model educational excellence to successfully make the transition from boyhood to manhood. We have all heard the complaints about Black boys who equate getting good grades and achieving academic success with “acting White.” The Men In Schools Volunteer Day will show these young boys that education is a “Black thing.” Regardless of race, the more education a students gets, the more successful they will be.
The Men In Schools Volunteer Day is an extension of the three-year old Million Father March program that encourages men to take their children to school on the first day of the new school year. Last year, 127 cities participated in the event, and we estimate that 300,000 men took their children to schools in such cities as Indianapolis, Detroit, Charlotte, San Antonio, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Chicago. Our Million Father March 2006 was so popular that the Mayor of Minneapolis visited schools on the first day to greet the men who brought their children to school.
Men must become involved with the education of their children from birth to the time they finish their graduate or professional degree. Men must realize that learning is a life-long venture, that there are many lessons to be taught, and that men are as responsible as women for children’s education.

Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, get better test scores, enjoy school more, and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. Additionally, children have fewer behavior problems when fathers listen to and talk with their children regularly and are active in their lives.
A good father is part of a good parent team and is critical to creating a strong family structure. Strong family structures produce children who are more academically proficient, socially developed, and self-assured. Such children become adults who are valuable assets to their communities.

We believe at The Black Star Project that when men enter into schools that are female-dominated, the educational climate changes for the better. Students are more receptive and have fewer discipline problems. Young boys begin to identify education with masculinity. Young girls look at males as academic peers and, as a result, are better able to adopt standards for positive male/female interactions. For our Men In Schools Volunteer Day, men will volunteer as readers to young children, tutors to middle-school children, mentors to upper-grade students, and college, employment, parenting and financial coaches to high school students.

Friday, March 2, 2007, is Men In Schools Volunteer Day; we encourage businesses and other places of work to allow men to take two hours off on this Friday morning so they may volunteer at their neighborhood schools.
We also encourage Black people and all people to get your school, your church, your city, and your men involved in this program. For more information, please call The Black Star Project at 312-842-3527, email us at blackstar1000@ameritech.net, or visit the website at www.blackstarproject.org.

Dutchess County Plans to Save Thousands

2007-02-21T13:54:00.001-08:00

(Poughkeepsie) - Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus announced last Monday that more than half of the Dutchess County Department of Public Work’s snowplow fleet will be equipped with new automated salt spreaders before the end of this winter.

According to County Executive Steinhaus, “Since we have experienced the first measurable snowfall of the season and I have shared many of the County’s green initiatives in my 2007 State of the County address, I wanted to update the public on the County’s efforts to retrofit our county fleet with automated salt spreader controllers. These new spreaders will not only provide the County savings in reduced salt costs, but also help protect our environment by allowing our crews to put down only the necessary amount of salt.”

Road salts can be harmful to the environment when applied excessively. Road salt can be destructive to vegetation growth along roadsides, which negatively impacts animal habitats in the area. As snow and ice melts, deicing salts are carried into the soils along roadsides and eventually into surface and groundwater. According to Peter Groffman of the Institute of Ecosystem Studies, “Road salt is very tough on aquatic life. It alters the biological makeup of freshwater and alters stream purification processes. Road salt can also have a negative impact on drinking water by increasing sodium and chloride concentrations in groundwater and surface water reservoirs. It is important that steps are taken to significantly reduce the amount of road salt being used.”

Seven of the County’s fleet of 32 snowplows have already been equipped with the new automated salt spreader controllers, with another 10 vehicles to be retrofitted before the end of this winter season. The conversion of the fleet to automated controllers is the County’s latest improvement for winter safety and roadway snow clearance. These automated controllers allow county highway crews to calibrate how much salt per mile of road needs to be put down for a particular weather event and then adjust the speed of the spreader based on the speed of the snowplow.

To achieve maximum effectiveness from the salt spreaders, Dutchess County’s Highway Division has been training its drivers on proper application techniques including calibration settings and drive speed as it relates to the speed of the spreader. The automated spreader controllers can be set to apply a certain number of pounds per mile of material. The application rate can be varied based on the nature and surface temperatures of each particular storm.

Before the County began its modernization process, it was estimated the fleet was using approximately 1400 lbs of salt/sand per mile. Average application rate is now 800 lbs per mile with the same resulting level of safety for the traveling public. The automated spreader controllers allow the Highway Division to track usage by vehicle, improve record keeping and the ability to analyze the effectiveness of operations. Additionally, there is still the ability to increase application rates for severe storms. The County Executive concluded, “We have already saved 1500 lbs of salt. Once all the spreaders are installed, the County will save more than 5,000 tons of salt each year which translates to savings of $250,000 annually, based on today’s salt prices. These new spreaders are a great example of how we are always working to reduce costs while continuing to think greener to protect our environment.”

Tips & Taxes: Information to Know

2007-02-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

What do waiters and waitresses, taxi and limo drivers, and hairdressers and spa workers have in common? They are all service industry workers who derive a significant portion of their income from tips. Those tips must be reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Here, the New York State Society of CPAs offers its own “tips” concerning the rules governing how to report tip income.

Keep a daily record of tips
The IRS requires employees who receive tips to keep a daily tip diary or to use some other method to record tip earnings. These records must show how much you were paid directly in cash tips and how much you received from your employer in credit card tips. You must also record tips you received through tip-sharing arrangements and the amounts you “tipped out” to other workers.
One way to document your tips is to use IRS Form 4070A, Employee’s Daily Record of Tips, as your personal tip diary. If you are audited, this can help verify your tip income.
Report tips to your employer

Anyone who receives $20 or more in tips during the month must report to his or her employer the total amount of tips received by the tenth day of the following month. If the tenth falls on a weekend or holiday, the information is due on the next business day.

This reporting requirement applies equally to employees who are tipped directly from customers, such as restaurant servers and hairdressers, and to those who are tipped indirectly, such as bus boys. When reporting your monthly tips, you must provide your employer with your name, address, Social Security number, employer’s name and address, the month for which you are reporting, and the amount of tips you received.

Your employer uses the amount of tip income you report to determine how much income tax withholding to deduct from your paycheck. The tip amount you report also determines how much your employer pays into your Social Security and Medicare accounts. This, in turn, affects the Social Security and Medicare benefits you and your family qualify for when you retire, become disabled, or die.

Protect yourself from allocated tips
It’s especially important for individuals who work in large food or beverage establishments to keep accurate tip records. That’s because some restaurants allocate to each employee an estimated amount of tips. Tip allocation is required by the IRS when the total amount of tips employees report to the restaurant during a given period falls below a required minimum percentage of gross sales.
As a general rule, if your Form W-2 shows allocated tips, you must report this amount as income unless you have a daily tip record documenting the amount of tips you actually received. If you do, you can claim as income only the amount of tips that you actually received.

Report all tips on your income tax return
All tips - even those that you are not required to report to your employer because the total for the month is less than $20 - are still taxable and must be reported on your tax return. The same holds true for noncash tips, such as tickets, passes, or other items of value.

Work with a CPA
The IRS has a number of programs in place to ensure that tip income is reported. If you’re unsure of your tip reporting obligations, meeting with a CPA can help ensure you comply with IRS .

“Curators as Artists” Exhibition

2007-02-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

By Jennifer L. Warren
J_Warren@HVPress.net

(Beacon) - They pay rent, select and show art, curate and do invitational, theme or subject shows and events. They’re called curators, and seven of them were on hand for another “Second Saturday” evening in Beacon, displaying their artwork at the artist collective dubbed BAU (Beacon Artist Union). Over 200 guests inhabited the small collective’s quarters throughout the evening amidst frigid, single digit temperatures. They were provided with a rare treat, not only in terms of the wide spectrum of art, but the creators behind it.

“The Curators as Artists” shows the breath of contemporary art made by artists who are primarily curators,” said Christopher Staples, the Curator for the show as well as one of seven bau 2007 members. “Rarely do curators have their works shown as a group, but we are expecting a good reaction, as the showings here at bau are always well attended.”
If Saturday’s opening night attendance figures are any indication of the exhibit’s popularity, bau will again be another hot spot on Main Street for the next few weeks, as “Curators as Artists” will run through March 4, 2007. Now in its third year, bau showcases a new contemporary art exhibit each month. An artist collective that is member run, its members include: Staples, Vivian Altman, Gary Jacketti, Gary O’Connor, Franc Palaia, Joane Klein, and Elizabeth Winchester. A winner of the 2006 Dutchess County Executive Arts Award for Organization, bau, located on 161 Main Street, is open on Saturday and Sunday 12-6 and by appointment. Next up on its agenda is a panel discussion on the arts today, slated for Sunday, February 25, 2007 at 4 pm.

One of the panel’s participants will be Karlos Carcamo, an artist whose work can be viewed at bau’s current curator exhibit. Carcamo, who resides in Wappingers Falls and holds an MFA from Hunter College, is a conceptual artist. Additionally, he, along with Gregory Slick, co-own Beacon’s Go North Gallery. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, Carcamo does photography, painting and sculpture. One of his two featured pieces at bau Saturday night was “Untitled Self Portraits,” which used color inkjet prints with limousine tints in chrome frames. Dressed as a Hip Hopper, wearing red, white and blue bandannas, in three different images, Carcamo pays tribute to an artform that has had a profound effect on his life and work.
“I sample art history, just as a hip hop artist does with music, always looking for something to reconceptualize; whether its upfront or buried, the meaning is always there for me” explained Carcamo. “I grew up with Hip Hop, so I use it as my vocabulary to create art.”

Carcamo’s “Hip Hop” art lingo can again be detected in his other bau piece, “Looking for the Perfect Beat.” Composed of 300 stacked records, the authentic art was designed with a definite purpose.

“For me, the records reflect how Hip Hop is put together,” said Carcamo, whose art has appeared all over New York City and Florida. “It also shows the incredible influence it has on our culture, such as in things like marketing.”
You can find out more about Carcamo and his gallery by logging on to his website at: gonorthgallery.blogspot.com or visit the Beacon Artist Union website at: www.beaconartistunion.com.

Pictured Above: Karlos Carcamo

2007 West Point Trumpet Conference

2007-02-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

(West Point) - The United States Military Academy Band will host the West Point Trumpet Conference on March 10th, 2007. This event, which is open to the public, will begin at 9:00 a.m. and consist of jazz and classical master classes and performances throughout the day. Clay Jenkins, Robin Rigby, Matt Shulman and Philip Smith are scheduled to appear. In addition, a final concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m. will feature David Bilger, Principal Trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra and jazz great Jon Faddis.

The events will occur at West Point’s Eisenhower Hall Ballroom and Theatre. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., David Bilger will begin the conference festivities with a master class entitled “Higher, faster, and louder: Practice tips to develop and maintain technique.” Eastman School of Music jazz studies professor Clay Jenkins will follow, presenting a jazz improvisation lecture and performance. After lunch, Philip Smith, Principal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, will be accompanied by composer Joseph Turrin performing a number of selections. Robin Rigby, faculty at Mahattan School of Music, will follow with her presentation of the Stress Management System. A proven method for promoting performance success, the system will teach methods that are essential to perfecting performance and competitive abilities. Concluding the day’s events is a performance by Matt Shulman. Mr. Shulman will combine intimate vocals with virtuosic trumpet playing and sensual electronics to create his signature sound.

The entire conference will conclude with a concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Held in West Point’s Eisenhower Hall Theatre, the concert will begin with the Academy Band’s Jazz Knights featuring lengendary jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis and the music of Dizzy Gillespie. Mr. Faddis has performed with Lionel Hampton’s Big Band, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra at the Village Vanguard, Grammy-winning United Nation Orchestra, the Dizzy Gillespie 70th Birthday Big Band, the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Following the jazz portion of the concert, the Academy Concert Band will feature David Bilger, Principal Trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Currently on the music faculties of The Curtis Institute of Music and Temple University, Mr. Bilger has appeared with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York Trumpet Ensemble, Saint Luke’s Chamber Ensemble, as well as guest appearances with the Canadian Brass and the Empire Brass. Finally, the concert will conclude with an arrangement specifically written for the conference, featuring 18 trumpet players and accompaniment.

Do not miss this unique opportunity to see world renowned musicians in an intimate setting! Due to limited seating, pre-registration is recommended for the day’s events. For additional information, please visit www.usma.edu/band and click on “West Point Trumpet Conference” (middle of homepage) or contact Staff Sgt. Eric Miller at eric.miller@usma.edu or 845-938-2446.

Please allow extra travel time for the 100% vehicle and photo I.D. inspection at Stony Lonesome and Thayer gates. Due to changing security requirements at West Point, call the Academy Band’s hotline at 845-938-2617, or check www.usma.edu/band before leaving for the concert.
Pictured Above: Jon Faddis

City Hall Celebrates Black History

2007-02-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - In celebration of Black History Month, visitors to City Hall can enjoy an outstanding exhibit of African Art through February 28. The collection belongs to Norman Sweeney, a resident of Beacon, who specializes in African/Celtic art.
Sweeney, a native of the West of Ireland, said he became interested in African art “by accident.” Years ago, he met a vendor selling African masks and other artworks at a street fair.

They struck up a conversation, and when the vendor wanted to take a break, Norman agreed to fill in for him. While the vendor was away, Norman sold a few things, without even knowing what it was he was selling. The vendor was so impressed he offered him a job. Eventually, Norman went into business for himself.

In addition to discovering that selling African art can be profitable, Norman said he gained a deep respect for the culture of the various peoples of Africa. The son of an Irish carpenter, he said he could appreciate their mastery of the wood. He studied the origins of West African art in libraries and by visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. In 1991, he traveled to Africa to see where the pieces are actually made.

“It was a remarkable experience,” said Sweeney. He traveled from Ghana to the Ivory Coast, meeting master carvers from the Ashanti, Guro, and Baule people. He also traveled to Lome, Togo, known as “the Venice of Africa.”
Currently, items from Sweeney’s African Art collection are on display in the Donnell Library in Manhattan, and the Howland Library in Beacon, where Norman resides with his wife, Amelia.

For more information on pieces from the collection, visit Sweeney’s website, http://www.madebyearth.com. Pictured Above: Norman Sweeney is pictured with Deputy Mayor Regina Angelo (center) and his wife Amelia in the lobby of Newburgh City Hall where some of Sweeney’s collection of African art is on display for Black History Month.

Social Progression is Recognized

2007-02-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

Nearly 60 years ago, Jackie Robinson stepped up to the plate and courageously broke the color barrier in baseball. His heroics began in the confines of the baseball diamond but had far-reaching reverberations on American society. More than an extraordinary athlete, Jackie was a crusader for equal opportunity and a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

As it approaches the 60th anniversary of one of the most significant moments in both baseball and American history, the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) will pay tribute to three pioneering individuals whose commitment to social progress and excellence embody the spirit of Jackie Robinson. Stan O’Neal, Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch and a leader in the world of financial services and corporate philanthropy; Sheila C. Johnson, pioneering businesswomen and ardent philanthropist, President and CEO of Salamander Hospitality and President of the WNBA Washington Mystics and Spike Lee, world renowned film director, will be honored at the Jackie Robinson Foundation Annual Awards Dinner on Monday, March 5, 2007 at The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, presented by Ford Motor Company.

Entertainer Bill Cosby will again host the event, considered one of the most highly anticipated on the New York social calendar. O’Neal is slated to receive the ROBIE Award for Achievement in Industry; Johnson will be presented with the Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award; and Lee will receive the ROBIE Award for Humanitarianism.
The Jackie Robinson Foundation

Established in 1973, the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is one of the nation’s premier education and leadership development programs. It provides four-year college scholarships to minority students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership capacity and financial need. Transcending financial assistance, the Foundation equips its scholarship recipients with a comprehensive set of support services including mentoring, career guidance and practical life skills, resulting in a 97% graduation rate, more than twice the national average for minority students. The more than 1,100 JRF alumni are both leaders in their professional fields and consummate ambassadors of Jackie’s legacy of community service.
This academic year (2006-2007), JRF is providing more than $1.8 million in scholarship support to 266 Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars representing 33 states. Enrolled in 93 different institutions, Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars attend some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the United States.

“Each of our honorees,” said Della Britton Baeza, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, “has cultivated pathways to opportunities for future generations. They have truly lived by Jackie’s guiding tenet that, ‘A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.’”

For more information about the Foundation or to purchase tickets, please visit www.jackierobinson.org or call (212) 290-8600. Pictured Above: Spike Lee

Jill Scott is nominated for 10th Grammy

2007-02-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

On the heels of the announcement of celebrated vocalist Jill Scott’s 10th GRAMMY nomination for her collaboration with legends George Benson and Al Jarreau, “God Bless The Child,” Hidden Beach/Universal Records released an album of all Jill Scott’s top collaborations, on January 30, 2007. Acclaimed for her ability to smoothly weave pop, R&B, jazz, and even operatic styles, Jill Scott: Collaborations is a tour de force of cool.

Included on the album is the GRAMMY-nominated partnership with jazz greats Benson and Jarreau, as well as two other tracks honored this year - her duet with famed jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, “Good Morning Heartache” (Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists) and the sensual “Daydreamin,” off of Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor (Best Rap Album), which the two recently performed on The Late Show with David Letterman.
The album features guest spots from these collaborators and hip-hop heavyweights: Common, Mos Def, will.i.am, and Will Smith, as well as legendary performers such as Kirk Franklin, The Isley Brothers, and Sergio Mendes. The genre-hopping album is Jill Scott and her signature stylings at their best.

Next up Jill Scott heads to the studio for work on her third studio album, due out in the Summer of 2007. She recently made the scene at Sundance in support of her role in the Dakota Fanning movie “Hounddog,” in which she plays Big Momma Thornton, the artist who originally sang the Elvis Presley hit. Acting has become a new joy for Scott, who will begin production on two Tyler Perry movies this year.

In 2005, Jill Scott won her first GRAMMY for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for “Cross My Mind,” from her sophomore album, Beautifully Human: Words & Sounds Vol. 2, nominated for Best R&B Album that same year. It was the follow-up to 2001’s critically acclaimed Who Is Jill Scott?: Words & Sounds Vol. 1, which earned Jill four GRAMMY nominations, including a Best New Artist nomination.
Pictured Above: Recording Artist and Actor Jill Scott

Musical Enrichment for Local Youth

2007-02-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

(Poughkeepsie) - Allyn J. Washington, one of the founding faculty members of Dutchess Community College, is now helping to bring the next generation of students onto the campus. Professor Emeritus Washington has provided a $10,000 gift to the DCC Music School through the DCC Foundation. The funding has allowed the development of a new program connecting Poughkeepsie High School with the College’s noncredit music education program.

In the first of several programs to be developed with that gift, the College is currently conducting the Washington Program at Dutchess Community College Music School. The six-week course was developed by DCC Music School Director Julie Wegener in collaboration with teachers in the music program at Poughkeepsie High School. Nine select Poughkeepsie High music students are coming to an after school class each Monday through March 5 to study a specialized musical topic, including History of American Work Songs/Songs of Slavery, History of Jazz, Creative Improvisation, Native American Music, Vocal Technique, and West African Music. The faculty includes Dennis Yerry, Jacqueline Venable, and Joakim Larty of the DCC Music School, Ceista Little-Quinn, who teaches both with Poughkeepsie High School and the DCC Music School, and Poughkeepsie High School teachers Bill Gillespie and Dr. Richard Carr.

The DCC Music School is part of the College’s noncredit programs offered through its Office of Community Services. The DCC Music School provides the opportunity for children, teens, and adults to study with a professional performing musician. The DCC Music School also offers a MusicLink scholarship program for economically disadvantaged students.

Wegener said one of the goals of the new program is to introduce students to DCC through the noncredit music program, and encourage them to continue their education after high school graduation as students in DCC’s credit program. The College offers an Associate Degree in Performing Arts and a Certificate program in Music Performance. “DCC is reaching out to these musical, energetic students,” said Wegener. “We’re saying, ‘Come and spend some time with us and see what we’re about,’ and their reaction has been very enthusiastic.”

The Washington Program at the DCC Music School is just the first phase of noncredit programming Wegener expects to develop with the gift from Professor Emeritus Washington. “There are a lot of possibilities of enhancing and developing other programs,” said Wegener. “Some of the money will also be used for our MusicLink Scholarships for low-income students.”
Allyn J. Washington and his family have left a lasting impact on Dutchess Community College. He was part of a group of three administrators and 12 founding faculty members who readied DCC for its first opening day of classes in 1958, and was head of the Mathematics Department from 1958 through 1979. During the academic year 1974-75, he served as acting Executive Dean of the College. While at DCC in 1978, he also received the New York State Mathematics Association of Two Year Colleges award for Exemplary Service to Mathematics Education. In 1962, he began writing technical mathematics textbooks. Although retired from the classroom, he has remained actively engaged in textbook writing, and his book has been the leader in its field for more than 30 years. Although the Washingtons now live in Grass Valley, California , they have continued their support of DCC. A major gift helped make possible the Allyn J. Washington Center for Science and Art, which was dedicated in the year 2000, and another in 2005 resulted in the naming of the College’s Mildred I. Washington Art Gallery .

DCC Foundation Director Trish Prunty said the Professor Emeritus Washington had approached her about making another gift that would have an impact on the lives of students. Out of several possibilities, he chose a gift to the DCC Music School. “The main driving force was to see the money directly helping young students learn and flourish in music,” said Prunty. “The Washingtons have always had a love of music and art.” Pictured Above: Dennis Yerry teaches Poughkeepsie High Students and DCC Music School Director Julie Wegener a Native American circle dance.

A Request for a Convienient V.A. location

2007-02-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

Less than a month after Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Congressman John Hall (D-NY) made a direct appeal to Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it will open a Vet Center in Middletown, New York next year to provide veterans and military families from in the mid-Hudson Valley with a convenient location for counseling and other services.

Hinchey and Hall sent Nicholson a letter in January to request the establishment of a Vet Center in Orange County since the closest Vet Centers currently available are in White Plains and Albany, which are inconvenient locations for many veterans and their families who live in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster, and Sullivan counties. The VA has yet to determine an exact site in Middletown for the Vet
Center.

“Opening a Vet Center in Orange County will help make the lives of our local veterans and military families much easier,” Hinchey said. “The brave men and women who admirably serve our country in the armed forces deserve to be treated with our country’s utmost respect and that includes providing reasonable access to full benefits and counseling when they return home. Vet Centers provide valuable counseling and assistance, and now all of those services will be much more convenient for veterans and military families who live in the mid-Hudson Valley. The new Vet Center is an important step in fulfilling the commitments we have made to those who have served and are now serving our country.”

Hall said, “We are very glad the VA recognized the growing need for veterans facilities in Orange County . The new Middletown center will provide crucial services to Hudson Valley veterans returning every day from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan . Our government has an obligation to provide first class care to veterans who risked their lives and this VA center is part of that contract.”
Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for family members of veterans and active military personnel for military related issues and readjustment counseling. The benefits are provided at no cost to the veteran or family.

Vet Center services include individual counseling, group counseling, marital and family counseling, bereavement counseling, medical referrals, assistance in applying for VA Benefits, employment counseling, guidance and referral, alcohol/drug assessments, information and referral to community resources, military sexual trauma counseling & referral, as well as outreach and community education. The Vet Center Program was established by Congress in 1979 out of the recognition that a significant number of Vietnam era vets were still experiencing readjustment problems. Since then, Congress and the VA have extended the program to serve veterans and military families who were involved in all other conflicts, including those involved with military activity in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Birth defect testing should be scheduled

2007-02-21T13:44:00.001-08:00

All pregnant women, regardless of their age, should be offered screening for Down syndrome before the 20th week of pregnancy, according to a new Practice Bulletin issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Previously, women were not automatically offered genetic counseling and diagnostic testing for Down syndrome by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) if they were 35 years and older.

The new ACOG guidelines recommend that all pregnant women consider less invasive screening options for assessing their risk for Down syndrome, a common disorder that is caused by an extra chromosome and can result in congenital heart defects and mental retardation. ACOG also advises that all pregnant women, regardless of their age, should, nevertheless, have the option of more invasive diagnostic testing.

Reasons cited for these new recommendations include recent improvements in screening and challenges to previous age cutoffs. ACOG recommends nuchal translu-cency (NT) measurement and biochemical marker screening for women who present for prenatal care in the first trimester. Those first seen in the second trimester should be offered ultrasound examination and screening for a combination of four biochemical markers.

The bulletin also states:
• A combination of first- and second-trimester screening is more sensitive and results in fewer false-positives than first-trimester screening alone.

• Women found to be at increased risk of having a baby with Down syndrome as the result of first-trimester screening should be offered genetic counseling and the option of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or mid-trimester amniocentesis.

• Neural tube defect screening should be offered in the mid-trimester to women who elect only first-trimester screening for Down syndrome.
More detailed information is available on the ACOG website at www.acog.org

This information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY). For more health-related information and referrals to physicians in your community, log on to MSSNY’s website at www.mssny.org.

Heart Attacks Are Killing Women

2007-02-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

More women than men die of heart attacks every year. The reason for the shocking mortality rate is not a higher gender pre-disposition to cardiovascular disease (CVD), but misinformation and unintentional negligence.

“Women are largely unaware of the tell-tale signs and symptoms of heart disease, and most of us still believe that men are the ones that get heart attacks.” explain? Dennis Goodman. MD, FACC, FACP, FCCP, former Chief of Cardiology at Scripps Memorial Hospital. A member of the team at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine.

“Traditionally CVD in women has been under-diagnosed and under-treated by physcians because women’s symptoms are often a typical. Instead of the classic chest pain, they may have arm pain, neck and back pain, palpitations, sweating, dizziness skipped heart beats and abdominal pain as the presenting symptoms,” he says. “Lack of timely diagnosis and treatment has cost thousands of women’s lives every year.”

Dr. Goodman recently presented new research on raising good HDL cholesterol through treatment with a novel cardio-friendly nutraceutical formula called HDL Booster. The study showed an average 20 percent rise in HDL as well as decreased C-reactive protein, triglycendes and homocysteine levels. For every 1 point (mg/dl) increase in HDL, there is a 3 percent decrease in cardiovascular risk, including heart attacks and strokes for women and 2 percent for men. Goodman’s findings were presented at the 4th Annual Natural Supplements Conference: An Evidence-Based Update, January 19-21.

According to Dr. Goodman, every woman should know the facts about heart disease:

1. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women.
2. More than 8 million American women are living with heart disease.
3. Ten percent are women between the ages 45-64; twenty-five percent are over 65. Therefore, post-menopause, the risk of heart disease for women goes up exponentially-catching them up with men.
4. One in two women dies of heart disease, i.e., 500,000 every year die of heart attack or stroke.
5. 270,000 women die from heart attacks, i.e., 6 times more frequently than from breast cancer.
6. Women who smoke risk heart attack 19 years earlier than non-smokers.
7. Women with diabetes are 3 times more likely to have heart attacks.
8. High blood pressure is higher in women taking oral contraceptives, especially those who are obese.
9. About 39% of Caucasian, 57% Black, 57% Latina, and 49% Asian women are sedentary and don’t find time for physical activity.
10. 38% of women and 25% of men die within the first year of a heart attack.
11. 35% of women and 18% of men who survive a heart attack will have another one within 6 years.
12. Women are almost twice as likely as men to die after bypass surgery.
13. More women than men die of heart disease each year, yet only 33% receive angioplasiy stems and bypass surgery.
14. 28% of defibrillator cases are women.
15. 36% of open heart surgeries are on women.
16. Women only comprise one quarter of participants in all heart-related research studies.

“Be empowered to ask for information about yourself and seek out appropriate therapy,” advises Dr. Goodman, “especially if you have risk factors including high cholesterol, low HDL, high blood pressure, family history of heart disease, diabetes, as well as smoking, and obesity.” He recommends annual screening for cardiovascular disease, lipids. body weight, body mass index, and diabetes. “You should discuss ways to treat the risk factors with your doctor, including natural approaches like proper diet and exercise.”

Dr. Goodman’s nutriceutical approach using HDL Booster is unique because there’s no other treatment that naturally and effectively raises good HDL while lowering triglycerides, hsCRP, and homocysteine and with minimal side effects. Current treatments with higher dose Niacin preparations like Niaspan. are often limited by uncomfortable side effects like flushing which results in low compliance. “Drugs are not my first choice. Natural therapies are best whenever possible.”

SLCH February Star of the MonthSLCH February Star of the Month

2007-02-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital is proud to announce Margaret Gallagher, R.N., of Cornwall, as the February Star of the Month. A 30-year employee, Gallagher is a nurse in Endoscopy at SLCH’s Newburgh campus.

“Maggie is compassionate and provides outstanding care to patients, going above and beyond her duties with a positive attitude on a constant basis,” said Jackie Vierboom, Director of Surgical Services. She is always going the extra mile to help a patient, co-worker, or doctor whenever needed, and is a valuable member of our team.”

Gallagher appreciates the recognition she received. “I have the support of a great team that makes coming to work each day an enjoyable experience. Working with patients and our community
also makes my job very rewarding.”

St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital employees are nominated for the Star of the Month award by their co-workers, patients, physicians and/or visitors, based on Stellar Service Standards. These standards focus on making customers feel comfortable and important, providing timely and orderly service, and improving communication with patients and staff.

2007 Winter Snow Storm

2007-02-21T13:41:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh)-It was beginning to look a lot like winter as last week’s Valentines Day Nor’Eastern dropped layers upon layers of snow and ice over everything in sight. Local schools and businesses throughout the Hudson Valley were closed due to extremely hazardous conditions, as even the most traveled roads were slippery and unsafe.

Those who decided to forge ahead during the winter storm were advised to take it slow and to leave their home with enough time to get to their destination without rushing.

Although local snow plows worked diligently, due to inclimate weather minor accidents were reported. Snow emergency vehicles worked throughout the day and into the evening, providing assistance to anyone that was in need.

Pictured above is a Newburgh Department of Public Works snow plow working hard to clear a path for the local commuters traveling through the first winter storm of the season. The storm left an accumulation of about a foot and a half of snow and ice.

Did the U.S. Plan A False Flag Attack?

2007-02-21T13:40:00.001-08:00

By Chris Stevenson

C_Stevenson@HVPress.net How much do we really know about the disaster whose code-name bears resemblance to the national emergency hotline 911? We have already seen and generally agree that the Iraqi invasion, and subsequent insurgents’ war was based on completely false and slanderous pretexts. You don’t have to be a conspiracy nut to realize that the Bush Administration lied about the weapons of mass destruction, the question is, just how deep does this corruption go? If you fear what is evidently the world’s most dangerous demonic symbol; the question mark, then my advice to you is to stop reading this column. Continue viewing the distractions provided for you; the Flavor Flav show, Springer, the Wire, Judge Judas, American Idolatry, Everybody Hates normal black boys, Cheaters, Liars, Lick Hitters or whatever. Independent thinkers please read on.

If you remember, it was being said that the “world’s no. 1 terrorist,” Osama bin Laden died of a severe case of Typhoid in August of ‘06. Late in ‘05 the New York Times reported that the CIA closed its Alec station during that year and reassigned employees to other posts in the counterintelligence center. This was the station that since 9/11 directed all of it’s operations to hunting bin Laden. Of course this was far from being the first rumor of bin Laden’s death, I am no more convinced of his death than I believe the Bush Administration really wanted to find or kill him. One blogger put it best, “maybe Bush doesn’t want to find him because his war powers end if bin Laden is captured or killed.”

Why else would “W” pull out of Afghanistan on 2/02 and place his spec-ops in Iraq two months after invading Afghanistan? The president followed that up by saying bin Laden was no longer a primary target. What? A man accused of killing thousands of American citizens in one fell swoop in New York, no longer a primary target? Hmmm. Makes me wonder, just how much do we really know about 9-1-1, 9/11? Is there cause for speculation that the World Trade Center attacks were engineered by any other party than al Qaeda, or by outside forces facilitating al Qaeda, forces within the US? And if so, what more can we expect from such a vile sinister administration?

Last summer I received emails that claimed that one of the Bush Administration’s plans for starting a war with Iran was the bombing a US aircraft carrier and sinking it in order to make it look as if the Iranians did it, giving the US an immediate pretext to invasion. At that time the USS Enterprise was to be sunk, with the Israelis actually pulling the trigger. Reportedly this was all in the works along with a US counterstrike, a complicit democratic Congress, and higher gas prices, until a leak put a stop to it. This is known as a false flag attack, some may wonder if this country’s leaders are truly capable of such a scheme, but inside jobs have laced US wars since the ‘60’s.

FCC has launched a major investigation

2007-02-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

In response to a request from Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and two of his House colleagues, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it has launched an investigation into the negotiations between the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) and the Writers Guild of America, East and west. In August 2006, Hinchey and his colleagues asked the FCC to look into CBS’s desire to consolidate newsrooms, terminate workers in the event of mergers, and remove news producers from bargaining units, thus enabling corporate interests to infiltrate the newsroom. Since then, CBS has conceded and taken the issue of removing news producers from bargaining units off the table in negotiations, but the consolidation issue remains.

“You requested that the FCC ‘conduct a review of this situation and its impact on public discourse.’ The Commission has contacted the CBS Television Network, as well as the Writers Guild of America East and west, to request a report on the situation and will report to you on its findings once we have heard from the parties,” FCC Chairman Kevin Martin wrote in a letter to Hinchey.
“I am very pleased that the FCC has finally agreed to examine the negotiations between CBS and the Writers Guild of America, East and west,” Hinchey said. “I hope that the FCC will ensure that corporate interests stay out of newsrooms so that the American public can be on the receiving end of journalism, not direct or indirect corporate promotion. As the owners of the airwaves, the American people deserve a free, open, and diverse media. Any further consolidation of newsrooms and attacks on journalists would be contrary to the best interests of the public. I hope that the FCC looks carefully at these negotiations to ensure that journalists are protected and able to do their job properly.”

CBS and the Writers Guild of America, East and west are currently engaged in contract negotiations that would extend their 50-year working relationship in New York, Washington, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Joining Hinchey in sending the letter to Chairman Martin in August to request the investigation were Congresswoman Diane Watson (D-CA) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). Hinchey is the author of the Media Ownership Reform Act (MORA), which would restore fairness in broadcasting, reduce media concentration, ensure that broadcasters meet their public interest requirements, and promote diversity, localism, and competition in American media. The congressman intends to reintroduce MORA in the coming weeks.

Our Predecessors Aren’t Examples

2007-02-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

By Mark Morial

This year’s Black History Month arrives just as African-American lawmakers are expected to have their greatest influence to date within the hallowed halls of the U.S.
Congress. Not only did Americans last November vote for a sea change in Washington, they also paved the way for one of the most diverse House chambers in history as well as House leaderships.

Two of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, New York Rep. Charles Rangel and Michigan Rep. John Conyers - have become the chairs of two of the Capitol Hill’s most influential panels - the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Judiciary committees. Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson has taken the reins of the House Homeland Security Committee, while California Rep. Juanita Millender McDonald is leading the House Administration Committee.

Committee chairmanships aren’t completely unheard of for African-American U.S. Representatives. From 1868 to 2005, 16 had served as committee chairs, 15 in the House and 1 in the Senate, according to the Congressional Research Service’s report on blacks in Congress from last August. The 110th Congress adds at least two more to that list.

Both Rangel and Conyers had served as chairmen in previous Congresses - Rangel on the Select Narcotics Abuse and Control Committee and Conyers on the House Government Operations Committee, a position held in the 1950’s and 1960’s by the first black to chair a committee- Illinois Rep. William Dawson.

African Americans officially secured the right to vote and serve in the U.S. Congress through the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments that were ratified following the Civil War.

Under the Civil Rights Act and the Reconstruction Act, Congress dissolved governments in formerly Confederate states, required them to forfeit their representation in Washington and to ensure citizenship rights for blacks, who were the majority population in several states and had aligned with the party of President Abraham Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation.

In 1870, Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi was the first black elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served the last year of the unexpired term of Jefferson Davis. That paved the way for the election of 23 other blacks to the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate during Reconstruction. In 1868, John Willis Menard of Louisiana was the first black to win a U.S. House race but did not serve because he failed to fight off an election challenge from the man who ran against him and Congress decided not to fill the seat. In 1870, South Carolinian
Joseph Rainey was officially the first black in the House, where he served until 1879.

The disputed presidential election of 1876 quickly reversed the fortunes of black officeholders and voters in the South, however. As part of the Compromise of 1877, Republicans agreed to stay out of the South’s affairs as long as democrats conceded to the election of Rutherford B. Hayes as president and agreed to respect the political rights of blacks. Southern democrats regained their power in state legislatures and took steps to disenfranchise black voters through literacy tests, poll taxes and white primaries. North Carolinian George Henry White served as the last black representative elected under Reconstruction until 1901.

It took nearly three decades for another black - Republican Oscar De Priest of Chicago - to win election and another thirty years for one to win a committee chairmanship - at east in the House. And nearly another three decades for a black to become chairman of a committee as powerful as the House Ways and Means Committee or House Judiciary Committee.
With a few exceptions, blacks tended to lead the lower-profile committees - such as the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee or House Government Operations Committee - or ones that had jurisdiction over “black” issues such as the House Committee on the District or Columbia and the House Education and Labor Committee.

The CBC’s first chairman - Michigan Rep. Charles Diggs - led the D.C. panel for two Congresses in the 1970’s, and New York Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. oversaw major social reforms of the 1960’s as head of the House Education and Labor Committee from 1961 to 1967. During the 103rd Congress, California Rep. Ronald Dellums proved an exception when he headed the House Armed Services Committee, and Rep.William Gray, a former president of the United Negro College Fund, chaired the House Budget Committee for two Congresses during his tenure from the late 1970’s to 1991.

In the mid- to late-1970’s, California Rep. Yvonne B. Burke, the first female African-American chair, led perhaps the most glamorous yet not the most powerful panel- the House Select Beauty Shop Committee - and also became the first female to head the CBC. Augustus F. Hawkins of California, who served in the House from 1963 to 1991, probably holds the distinction for most committees chaired in a congressional career at least among African Americans, having headed up the House Education and Labor and Administration committees as well as the Joint Committee on Printing, Joint Committee on the Library and the Joint Economic Committee.

The Ways and Means chairmanship is a long time coming for Rangel, who threatened to retire if Republicans continued to control the institution in 2007. His patience won him one of the most coveted chairmanships, putting him in charge of writing the nation’s tax laws. Ironically, he stands on the shoulders of the man he defeated to win election to the House back in 1970 - Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., the second black to lead a House committee.

A prominent civil rights activist before going to Washington, Powell was a charismatic politician whose enduring catchphrase, “Keep the Faith, Baby” ended up the title of a spoken word album he released in the early 1960’s. His leadership of the House Education and Labor Committee came at a critical juncture in U.S. history. In the height of the civil rights movement, he played a major role in getting important social legislation through Congress - such as President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” social programs and President John Kennedy’s “New Freedom” legislation. His committee set a record for number of bills approved in one session - 50 - that still stands today. But his tenure in the House eventually ended in a cloud of controversy.

Accused of misappropriating committee funds for his personal use, the Democratic leadership stripped him of his chairmanship and the House excluded him in 1967. The full House excluded him in 1968 but he was able through the courts to win back his seat but not his clout.
It is my hope that Rangel and Conyers as well as the Thompson and McDonald will match the output of their predecessors as our new Congress attempts to move our country into a new direction. It is my hope that we see a black Appropriations Committee chair in the not-too-distant future.

YMCA promotes an Active Childhood

2007-02-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

Remember a time when kids could just be kids? Not many do. In America today, kids are growing up too fast and missing the years that determine their talents, passions and future life plans. Finally, there is a way to promote childhood in the neighborhood in which you live: the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign seeks donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to be able to continue to provide access to YMCA programming to children, teens and families who would otherwise be unable to pay. This opportunity to support childhood in your neighborhood will allow local kids the time and place to escape their adult responsibilities and just “be a kid.”

The Newburgh Family YMCA is pleased to announce that Carol Smith, Regional Director of Community Relations for WillCare and Timothy Scannell, Chief Financial Officer for Mobile Life Support Services will lead this year’s campaign as co-chairs.
“Strong Kids promotes the one thing missing in our children’s lives’ an active and healthy childhood,” said Smith. She added, “For many kids, it’s a chance of a lifetime just to go to camp in the summer or play on a soccer team that puts teamwork and friendship ahead of winning.”

Marcia Gay Harden, Academy Award-winning actor and YMCA mom, joins the YMCA again this year as celebrity spokesperson, as part of a commitment to serving kids through the YMCA. Through the Newburgh Family YMCA’s 2007 Strong Kids Campaign, hundreds of local youth will be able to participate in Y programs that build strong kids, families and communities.

Scannell, campaign co-chair added “The Strong Kids Scholarship Program provides families in need with financial support to participate in programs and activities offered at the Y; and we hope to raise more than this year’s goal of $35,000 to provide assistance and scholarships to programs like summer camp, child care and teen activities, so that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay.”
For more information about the campaign, YMCA programs or to volunteer contact Marlene Stang, Director of Marketing and Development, 845 562-1088 or visit the websites www.newburghymca.org or www.strongkidscampaign.org.
Pictured Above: Carol Smith and Tim Scannell get ready to kick-off the Strong Kids Campaign for the Newburgh Family YMCA.

Celebrating the life of George Washington

2007-02-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - George Washington’s 275th birthdaywill be celebrated at Washngton’s Headquarters. This site will host a three day celebration of our greatest President. From 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, February 17, 18 and 19, the site will feature Revolutionary War soldiers, 18th century music and even birthday cake at our nation’s first historic site.
On Saturday, visit with General Washington’s troops. Infantry soldiers of the First and Third New York Regiments and mounted horsemen of the Second Continental Light Dragoons will re-enact life in a Revolutionary War camp. Harpsichordist Erik Lichack and violinist Melanie Zanakis will delight visitors with their performance of country dances and music General Washington would have enjoyed. The Institute of History, Archeology and Education will present Professor Ray Raymond speaking on “The Strategic Genius of George Washington,”

On Sunday, Lamb’s Artillery will show how cannon were fired in the Revolutionary War. Puppeteer Fred Greenspan will present the colorful humor of the traditional “Comedy of Punch & Judy” show. Dora Wright, Master Gardener, will talk about 18th century gardening at the joys of spring planting. Members of the Headquarters staff will offer lectures on Washington’s Pllan to invade New York City and on the famous subject of Washington’s teeth.

On Monday, Carmino Ravosa, who has performed his original composition at the White House in Washington, D.C., will tell the story of Washington at Newburgh in song. Author, collector and lecturer George C. Neumann will present “How Washington Won the Unwinnable War.” Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1782, Sergio Morales, will talk about the “Oldest Veteran.” Kathleen Chilcott, owner of Kathleen’s Tearoom in Peekskill, will discuss tea’s history and offer samples of different brews.

Washington’s Headquarters is located at the corner of Liberty and Washington Streets in Newburgh. Please call (845) 562-1191 for more information.

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and is one of 24 facilities administered by the Palisades Interstate Park commission in New York and New Jersey. To learn more about other state parks and historic sites in New York, please visit www.nysparks.com.

Eddie Murphy Stars in Film Norbit

2007-02-14T16:41:00.000-08:00

“My name is Norbit Albert Rice, and I was an orphan.” Thus begins the story of Norbit (Eddie Murphy), who was brought up by Mr. Wong (Eddie Murphy) at the Golden Wonton Restaurant and Orphanage.

There, Norbit met his true soulmate, the lovely Kate (Thandie Newton). The two became inseparable - that is, until Kate was adopted and left Norbit to begin her new life. One day, the lonely and easily intimidated nine-year-old Norbit is rescued on the school playground from the taunts of three bullies by hefty Rasputia (Eddie Murphy), age ten, who wields a mean right hook. As Norbit and Rasputia grow up, they marry and Norbit becomes part of her family.

In ‘Norbit,’ the King of Comedy is at it again. Eddie Murphy is Norbit. Eddie Murphy is Rasputia. Eddie Murphy is Mr. Wong. Murphy uses his extraordinary talents to bring these diverse and unforgettable characters to life in this boisterous, ribald comedy. Dysfunctional at best, Rasputia and her three brothers - Big Jack (Terry Crews), Earl (Clifton Powell) and Blue (Lester ‘Rasta ‘ Speight) - run the Latimore Construction Company, an outpost from which the brothers try to run the town of Boiling Springs, Tennessee. They spend most of their time running the good, hard-working people ragged, badgering them and extorting money from them.

An employee of the construction company, the meek and downtrodden Norbit is treated with disdain by his brutish brothers-in-law and even more contemptuously by his wife. The ravenous Rasputia often sends him to the local Rib Shak - owned by ex-pimps Pope Sweet Jesus (Eddie Griffin) and Lord Have Mercy (Katt Williams) to pick up her super-sized dinner. Such is Norbit’s lot, until his world undergoes a dramatic change when the grown-up and beautiful Kate returns to Boiling Springs. Kate has come back to buy the orphanage from the retiring Mr. Wong. But she is being bamboozled. Her seemingly adoring fiance Deion (Cuba Gooding, Jr. ) turns out to be a phony. He is secretly in cahoots with the conniving Latimores. They are planning to turn the orphanage into a strip club - The Nipplopolis.

But steadfast Norbit sees through their faces with a dawning realization that all is not right in Boiling Springs and in the Norbit household. With the reawakening of his feelings for Kate, Norbit gains a newfound assertiveness, rejecting the role of downtrodden, exploited milquetoast in favor of the crusading hero who knows how to dress sharp, please the ladies and ride a bike.

Will he finally stand up to the Latimores and save his true love from marrying the wrong guy? Will the mild-mannered mouse find his inner lion and set things right in Boiling Springs? And will he ever lose the yoke of servility imposed by the overwhelming, overpowering and overeating Rasputia? Therein lies a tale that can only be told by a masterful storyteller.
[PG-13] Pictured Above: Scene from the latest movie entitled Norbit featuring actor Eddie Murphy.

Federal Govenment is Awarded Funding

2007-02-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) recently voted for a measure that helps clean-up the budget mess Republicans left behind at the end of last year and funds the federal government through Fiscal Year 2007. The majority of the federal government has been operating on a temporary extension of funding from Fiscal Year 2006 - known as a continuing resolution - because Republicans failed to pass 9 of the 11 Fiscal Year 2007 appropriations bills last year when they controlled Congress.

The measure the House approved, generally funds the government at the Fiscal Year 2006 level (adjusted for increased pay costs), and also addresses some vital areas that were neglected in the Fiscal Year 2006 numbers. While adhering to the spending limit Congress established last year, the resolution invests in key priority items such as veterans and military health care, education, health care, science research, housing and transportation.

“Republicans left behind an extraordinary amount of unfinished business and this bill helps address that mess as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Hinchey said. “Democrats literally could spend the next four or five months focused on sorting out the mess that Republicans left behind, but if we were to do so we’d lose valuable time needed to address funding for next year, including a much-needed debate on funding for activities in Iraq. This funding measure is the most efficient way of moving forward, and also does a good job of increasing spending on some of our country’s most important needs. Today’s bill allows us to close the door on the incompetency Republicans displayed while they controlled Congress and finally move forward to address the wide array of issues that we were sent to Washington to address.”

As part of the funding bill, Hinchey and his fellow Democrats are also keeping their promise to the American people and suspending pay raises for members of Congress for at least the remainder of the fiscal year, and until a minimum wage increase is approved in both the House and Senate. The House passed a minimum wage increase, but the Senate has not done so yet.

While adjusting for increased costs, the spending measure passed recently simply extends the funding levels of Fiscal Year 2006. However, Democrats did address some critical areas that needed a greater increase. Specifically, the bill:

Increases funding for veterans health care by $3.6 billion to provide health care for 325,000 veterans.

Fully funds 31,359 positions, including 12,213 agents, and 2,577 intelligence analysts, thereby raising the number of intelligence analysts at the FBI to twice the level employed at the agency on 9/11.
Helps more than 5.3 million students pay for college through an increase in the Pell Grant.
Provides increased special education grants to better serve the 6.9 million children in America with disabilities.

Delivers new funding for 6,700 schools that have been failing to meet students’ needs and increases funding for Head Start.

Finances the construction of 300 new or expanded health centers that will serve 1.2 million new patients.

Funds an additional 500 research projects through the National Institutes of Health.
Provides housing assistance for 227,000 individuals and families through a $1.4 billion increase for Section 8 housing program.

The Senate is also voting on the same funding bill that the House approved. President Bush’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2008 and the largest supplemental request ever for funding in Iraq will be sent to Congres, which is why Democrats wanted to wrap up Fiscal Year 2007 matters. Pictured Above: Congressman Maurice Hinchey

New Schedules for Vaccinations

2007-02-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

Children and adolescents can now be protected against more diseases than ever before if they are vaccinated according to the recommendations of the 2007 Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedules that were just jointly issued by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). These schedules are, in turn, endorsed in New York by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), local health departments and the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY). The 2007 schedules include two new recommended vaccines - for rotavirus and human papillomavirus (HPV), plus revisions on what ages and how often to administer varicella (chickenpox) and childhood influenza vaccines.

Also, for the first time, the recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule will be divided into two schedules - one for children from birth to six years of age and a second for those seven to 18 years of age. This change reflects the growing importance of ensuring timely adolescent vaccination. The 2007 schedules include the following additions and changes.
New Rotovirus (Rota) Vaccine for Infants - Infants can now be immunized against rotovirus if they receive three doses of the new oral rotavirus vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. The vaccine can be administered to infants as young as 6 weeks, with 4- to 10-week intervals, but should not be given to infants older than 32 weeks.

Rotavirus is a virus that causes severe diarrhea in babies and young children. It is responsible for more that 200,000 emergency room visits, 55,000 to 70,0000 hospitalizations, and 20 to 60 deaths each year in the United States.

Second dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine - A second dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is now recommended for children 4 years to 6 years of age to further protect them against the disease. About 15 to 20 percent of children who received only one dose of varicella vaccine are not fully protected against chickenpox. The first dose is recommended at 12 to 15 months of age.
Older children, adolescents and adults should also receive a catch-up second dose if they previously had received only one dose. Before the licensure of varicella vaccine, there were on average about 13,500 hospitalizations and 150 deaths from complications of varicella each year in the United States.

Influenza vaccine also for older children and caregivers - Recommendations for the childhood influenza vaccination has expanded to include children 24 months to 5 years old, as well as their household contacts and caregivers. The previous recommendation was for children 6 months through 23 months. Now children from 6 months through 59 months should receive annual influenza vaccination. This recommendation was expanded because influenza often causes serious illness in children 2 to 5 years old. The number of emergency room and healthcare provider visits related to influenza is higher for 2 to 5 year olds than for healthy older children. Children 6 to 24 months of age are nearly as likely to be hospitalized for complications from influenza as are adults 65 and older.

New human papillomavirus (hpv) vaccine for young females - Future generations of women can be protected against the human papillomavirus (HPV) if they receive three doses of the new HPV vaccine, starting with the first between age 11 and 12 years, followed by the second dose two months later and the third dose at least four months after the second dose. The series can also be initiated anytime between ages 9 through 26, and if an inocculation is missed, it can be completed until age 26.

HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. More than 20 million men and women in the United States are currently infected with HPV, and 6.2 million new infections occur each year. A vaccine for boys is still under development.
Meningococcal vaccine now
available

Although the recommendations for meningococcal vaccine remain the same as before, children who did not receive this vaccine at the recommended age of 11- 12 because of the previous shortage, should now be scheduled for immunization.
Summation of recommended
vaccines

Because of the timing of administration is complex and the most appropriate vaccine product varies with circumstances, a doctor should oversee all immunizations. A simplified summary of the old and new recommendations in the revised charts is, nevertheless, listed here. By age 6, children should be immunized against these diseases: rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumonia, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis A and B, meningitis and flu (annually). By age 18, they should have received additional vaccines against many of these diseases, and girls should be immunized against cervical cancer caused by HPV.
Proof of immunization required by schools and child care centers

It should also be noted that proof of immunization against most of the diseases by the ages listed on these charts is mandatory for entry into schools and child care centers in New York.

Additional information
Your general physician or pediatrician can answer questions about the new recommendations and before administering each vaccine will give you a Vaccine Information Statement with printed information about the disease(s) and vaccine.
Information is likewise available online and by phone. Valuable sources include the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/; 800-CDC-INFO, 800-232-4636), the NYSDOH (http://www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/immunization/index.htm, 518-473-4437), the American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.cispimmunize.org/) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html).
The two new 2007 immunization schedules are linked to these sites and can be accessed directly at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5551a7.htm?s_cid=mm5551a7_e.

SLCH Star of the Month

2007-02-14T16:37:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital is proud to announce Elizabeth Hopper, of Newburgh, as the January Star of the Month. An employee of SLCH for almost three years, Hopper works in Credit and Collections as an Associate Accounts Poster.

Her attention to detail enhances the department’s ability to work well with patients and families. “Elizabeth takes pride in her work and consistently displays a positive attitude. She works extra hours without hesitation and is a true team player,” said Monique Ortiz, Director of Patient Financial Services.

Hopper was honored to receive this special recognition. “I’m delighted to receive this award,” she said. “I find my job satisfying and very rewarding.”

St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital employees are nominated for the Star of the Month award by their co-workers, patients, physicians and/or visitors, based on Stellar Service Standards. These standards focus on making customers feel comfortable and important, providing timely and orderly service, and improving communication with patients and staff.

Students D.R.U.M. to Their Own Beat

2007-02-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - A group of students at the Newburgh Enlarged City School District’s Horizons-on-the Hudson Magnet School are banging on bongo drums three days a week as part of the school’s “Options Program,” a wide range of special activities that enable students to explore their gifts and talents outside the regular curriculum.

The 24-session D.R.U.M. option is directed by nationally-known percussionist Jeff Haynes of Komunyaka Music, Inc., who has toured and recorded extensively with Cassandra Wilson, the Pat Metheny Group, Al Jarreau, Boney James, Lizz Wright, Harry Belafonte, Dionne Farris, and Peabo Bryson.

“D.R.U.M. is more than just banging on drums,” said Haynes after one of his recent classes. “I call the program D.R.U.M. because for me the letters stand for ‘Discipline, Respect, Unity and Music.’ We have great minds and strong bodies. We listen to and learn from each other. From many hands we produce one rhythm. We can embrace the world through music.”

During D.R.U.M. sessions, students receive drum and percussion instruction along with instruction in team building and partnership. While learning rhythmic patterns, sounds and tones, they play the drums together, listen to each other, and support each other. As part of the workshop, students are also given an additional opportunity for self expression and personal voice by writing and reciting poems, which they perform to the drum beats of their classmates.

Although Horizons’ D.R.U.M students have already performed once for the students at the Washington Street Pre-K Center, what they’re working towards is a “culminating event,” a grand finale that will be presented as an assembly to other Horizons students and as an evening performance for parents, families and members of the community.

“When you wake up in the morning and start to move, to talk, to walk, to work, to play,” said Haynes, “all in rhythm. All you have to do is listen. That’s what I’m trying to get my students to do, to listen to the rhythms all around them.”

Pictured Above From Top: Percussionist Jeff Haynes (right) accompanies a student as he reads a poem to students in the D.R.U.M. option at Horizons-on-the-Hudson Magnet School.

Percussionist Jeff Haynes works with students at Horizons-on-the-Hudson Magnet School during the three-day-a-week, 24-session “option” program called D.R.U.M.

Media Honeymoon Ends for Obama

2007-02-14T16:30:00.000-08:00

By George E. Curry

After peering from the cover of Time magazine, making the round of TV Sunday talk shows and being urged by newspaper columnists and editorial writers to make a run for president in 2008, Barack Obama’s honeymoon with the media is over. Generally, overly favorable news coverage ends the moment a candidate declares for office. However, for Obama, who is still considering whether to run, the tide has already turned.

According to mediamatters.org, a media monitoring site, Republican operatives and conservative talk show hosts launched a not-so-subtle attack on Obama’s middle name - Hussein.

“In late November, Republican strategist Ed Rogers began pointedly referring to ‘Barack Hussein Obama,’ using the senator and potential Democratic presidential candidate’s middle name,” MediaMatters reported. “Soon, the utterly meaningless - but eminently mockable - fact that Obama’s middle name is ‘Hussein’ was everywhere. NBC’s Mike Viqueira announced ‘a man named Barack Obama, whose middle name, incidentally, is Hussein, running for president.’ On the December 5 edition of Fox News’ Special Report with Brit Hume, Carl Cameron told viewers, ‘Though he’s written two books about himself already, most people know very little about Barack Hussein Obama Junior’s uncommonly privileged life.’ In case you’re wondering: No, ‘John Sidney McCain’ does not appear in any Fox News stories available on Nexis.”

Chris Matthews interviewed Ed Rogers on his show and teased him about mocking Obama’s middle name on the program while the regular host was away.

MATTHEWS: Ed, you made some news here the other night. Let’s take a look at the tape of what you said.
ROGERS: Oh, come on.
MATTHEWS: No, no - of what you said in my absence. When the cat’s away, the mouse will play.
ROGERS: Where were you? Where were you?
MATTHEWS: Let’s take a look at what you said.
ROGERS [video clip] Held me down as somebody that underestimates Barack Hussein Obama, please.
MATTHEWS: Well, you know in an American life, the only time we start using three names for a person is when they’re an assassin - you know, John Henry -
ROGERS: There’s some truth to that.
MATTHEWS: Lee Harvey Oswald. Why did you invoke the middle name of Barack Obama out of nowhere? What are you up to, sir?
ROGERS: Mostly teasing him as a lightweight and somebody that’s just not ready…But I hope he runs. I want him to run. There’s more - Yes, there is more. Matthews pretended that Rogers “made some news” in his absence when it was Matthews who had been the culprit.
According to the monitoring group, “On the November 7 edition of Hardball - three full weeks before Rogers’ comment - Matthews said:

‘You know, it’s interesting that Barack Obama’s middle name is Hussein. That will be interesting down the road, won’t it?”
CNN’s Jeff Greenfield was no better than his conservative counterparts.

Referring to Obama, the journalist said: “…He may be walking around with a sartorial time bomb. Ask yourself: Is there any other major public figure who dresses the way he does? Why, yes. It is Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who, unlike most of his predecessors, seem to have skipped through enough copies of GQ to find the jacket-and-no-tie look agreeable. And maybe that’s not the comparison a possible presidential contender really wants to evoke.”

Since when did not wearing a tie with a suit equate to being a terrorist sympathizer?

But Greenfield did not stop there. “Now, it is one thing to have a last name that sounds like Osama and a middle name, Hussein, that is probably less than helpful. But an outfit that reminds people of a charter member of the Axis of Evil? Why, this could leave his presidential hopes hanging by a thread. Or is that threads?”

New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd had written a column saying that Obama’s “ears stick out.” When Obama saw Dowd, he teased her about her description of him, saying, “You talked about my ears. I just want to put you on notice: I’m very sensitive … I was teased relentlessly when I was a kid about my big ears.”

That joking exchange was blown out of proportion by Rush Limbaugh. He said, “...If the guy is sensitive about his big ears, we need to give him a new name, like Dumbo, but that doesn’t quite get it. You know, just calling him - calling him - that just doesn’t -how about Barack Hussein Odumbo?”

Obama was named after his father, who was born in Kenya, not Kennebunkport. To focus on his name, his big ears or whether he wears a tie shows just how small-minded and vicious some opinionated talking heads can be.

George E. Curry is editor-in-chief of the NNPA News Service and BlackPressUSA.com

Municipalities Obtain Needed Resources

2007-02-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

New City) - Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef has recently announced his support for an amendment to state legislation that would increase the local share of the County’s sales tax so that Rockland’s five towns would receive a proportionate share of the revenue based on the size of their respective police departments.

According to the amendment, which was proposed jointly by Senator Thomas P. Morahan and Assemblyman Kenneth P. Zebrowski, the one-sixteenth of one-percent proposed share of the County’s total sales tax revenue would be divided up between the five towns based on the number of officers in each of their police departments. The bill, which was passed by the Rockland County Legislature last month and was originally proposed as an equal share, would now give the Towns of Haverstraw, Stony Point, Ramapo, Orangetown and Clarkstown a revenue share relative to the number of policemen each town employs. The split revenue share could not be used for salaries and must go toward the purchase of equipment and supplies needed for law enforcement purposes.
“I am pleased that Assemblyman Zebrowski and I were able to successfully craft this amendment, which ensures an equitable distribution of public safety funding for each of Rockland’s five towns,” Morahan said. “In this way, we can ensure a distribution of sales tax revenue that is fair to all.”
The new bill must be passed into law by March 1, 2007, in order to go into effect for the current year. It was proposed by Vanderhoef and supported by the Rockland County Legislature in order to prevent a County property tax increase of 25-percent in 2007.

Vanderhoef applauded the amendment and praised Morahan and Zebrowski’s support of the bill.
“This is the most equitable way of splitting up the revenues between the towns and will give their police departments increased funding for vital crime fighting resources. I thank Senator Morahan and Assemblyman Zebrowski for their vision and initiative,” Vanderhoef said. “I am pleased that the members of the Rockland County Legislature supported this legislation and I thank them for their partnership in our continuing efforts to keep property taxes down for our residents.”
The towns would receive the following sales tax revenue shares in 2007:

Clarkstown: 172 police officers $692,820
Haverstraw: 69 police officers $277,933
Orangetown: 88 police officers $354,466
Ramapo: 111 police officers $447,110
Stony Point: 30 police officers $120,841
Villages with police departments would receive the following share:
Spring Valley 61 police officers $245,709
Piermont 8 police officers $32,224
South Nyack 6 police officers $24,168
Suffern 26 police officers $104,729
In 2008, the revenue share could double to one-eighth of one-percent of the County’s sales tax revenue and would be divided up between the towns as follows:
Clarkstown: $1,716,986 million
Haverstraw: $688,792
Orangetown: $878,459
Ramapo: $1,108,056
Stony Point: $299,475
Villages with police departments would receive the following share:
Spring Valley: $608,932
Piermont: $79,860
South Nyack: $59,895
Suffern: $259,545

The County has projected $152 million in total sales tax revenue for 2006 and has budgeted receipts of $168 million for 2007.

The County began sharing sales tax revenue with its municipalities in March 2002.

Address your Individual Tax Filing Status

2007-02-14T16:28:00.000-08:00

Choosing the right filing status is important. Not only does it determine the tax rate that applies to your taxable income, reports the New York State Society of CPAs, but also the amount of standard deduction you’re eligible for and the types of deductions and credits you can take. CPAs offer an explanation of the five filing status options to help you select the right one for your circumstances.

Single
You are considered to be a single filer if you are unmarried, divorced, or legally separated from your spouse on the last day of the tax year. If you have dependents that you support, you may qualify for a more favorable filing status, such as head of household or qualifying widower.

Married filing jointly
You may file jointly if (1) on the last day of the tax year you were married and living together as husband and wife, or (2) were married and living apart, but not legally separated under a divorce decree or separate maintenance agreement. You may also file jointly if your spouse died in 2006 and you did not remarry.

When you’re married and file a joint return, both spouses report their income on the same Form 1040 and both are responsible for any tax due. For married couples, generally filing jointly offers the greatest tax savings. But despite the tax advantages, there are certain instances (described below) when it may not be advisable to file jointly.

Married filing separately
Couples who are married but file separately report their income, exemptions, and deductions on separate individual returns. In most cases, these couples pay a higher tax rate than joint filers. That is due, in part, to the fact that when you file separately you lose some of the tax credits and deductions you could have claimed on a joint return. These include the child and dependent care credit, the adoption expense credit, and the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning credits. You also lose out on deducting student loan interest.

However, there are times when filing separately might benefit your overall tax situation - for example, if one spouse has high medical or miscellaneous itemized deductions. These expenses are deductible only to the extent that they exceed a certain percentage (7.5 percent for medical and 2 percent for miscellaneous deductions) of your adjusted gross income (AGI). By filing separately, the AGI for each spouse is reduced, making it easier to qualify for the deduction.

Head of household
Head of Household tax rates are lower than those for single or married filing separately taxpayers. To be eligible, you must be unmarried at the end of the year and not entitled to file as a qualifying widow(er) with a dependent child. You also must have paid more than half the cost of maintaining the main home of a qualifying person who lived in the home for more than six months. In some cases, married persons who have not lived with their spouses may qualify for this status.

Qualifying widow or widower with qualifying child
You are generally eligible to use the qualifying widow(er) with dependent child status as your filing status for the two years following your spouse’s death if you have not remarried. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria: (1) You were entitled to file a joint return with your spouse the year before he/she died (regardless of whether you actually did); (2) You have a child, stepchild, adopted or foster child that you claim as a dependent; (3) For the past year, you paid more than half the cost of maintaining your main home in which your dependent child lived for more than half of the year.
Choosing the right filing status can make a significant difference in the amount of taxes you pay. A CPA can help you determine the most advantageous filing status for your situation.

Home Loans at Extremely Low Rates

2007-02-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

(Middletown) - February 6, 2007 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is offering home repair loans at one-percent interest for qualifying very-low income homeowners. Homeowners 62 and older who cannot afford a loan may qualify for a grant.

The loans and grants are available through USDA Rural Development’s Section 504 Home Repair Loan Program. Loan funds can be used to make general home repairs and improvements. Grant funds are used to make accessibility improvements for disabled household members or to remove health and safety hazards.

Applicants may obtain multiple Section 504 loans, but the maximum outstanding at a given time is $20,000 and the maximum repayment term is 20 years. Grants are limited to a lifetime assistance of $7,500.

To be eligible for a home repair loan, applicants must live in a rural area, have an acceptable credit history, the ability to repay the loan and an income falling within the very-low category for the household size of the county inhabited. To view income limits and rural eligibility requirements for Section 504 and other USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing (SFH) programs, visit http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAcdon.do7NavKey-home@l.
For more information on USDA Rural Development housing programs, residents in Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Westchester, Putnam, and Suffolk Counties should contact the USDA, Rural Development at 225 Dolson Ave., Suite 104, Middletown, NY 10940 at (845) 343-1872 Ext. #4. The Middletown, NY, USDA Service Center can also provide information on other USDA Rural Development programs. Additional information is also available online at the following web address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, USDA Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. In fiscal year 2006, USDA Rural Development invested more than $250 million in rural New York, raising its total investment in the state to more than $1.2 billion since 2001.

Nominees for the Spitzer administration

2007-02-14T16:26:00.000-08:00

Governor Eliot Spitzer and Lieutenant Governor David Paterson announced nominations for several key administration positions.
George B. Alexander is nominated to serve as Chairman of the State Board of Parole and Chief Executive Officer of the New York State Division of Parole. Mr. Alexander currently serves as Director and Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Probation and Youth Detention Services. From 1993 to 2000, he served as Deputy Director in the Parole Violation Unit at the New York State Division of Parole. Prior to that, Mr. Alexander was a Senior Parole Officer and a Parole Revocation Specialist. Mr. Alexander received his B. A. from Buffalo State College.

As Chairman of the State Board of Parole and Chief Executive Officer of the New York State Division of Parole, Mr. Alexander’s annual salary will be $120,800.

Astrid C. Glynn is nominated to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Transportation. Ms. Glynn currently serves as Director of Capital Planning for the Massachusetts School Building Authority. From 2005 to 2006, she was Deputy Chief in the Massachusetts Office for Commonwealth Development. Previously, Ms. Glynn served in the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation in a number of capacities, including Deputy Secretary for Planning, Executive Director in the Office of Transportation Planning, Deputy Secretary for Capital Planning and Multimodal Transportation and Director of Intermodal Transportation. Ms. Glynn earned her B. A. from Bennington College and her J.D. from Albany Law School of Union University.

As Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, Ms.Glynn’s annual salary will be $136,000.

Judd Levy is nominated to serve as Chairman of the Boards of the New York State Housing Finance Agency and the State of New York Mortgage Authority. Mr. Levy has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Community Development Trust since 1998. Previously, Mr. Levy served as President for Local Initiatives Managed Assets Corporation and for Hemlock Enterprises, INC. From 1978 to 1988, he was Managing Director of the Housing Finance Department for Merrill Lynch Capital Markets. Mr. Levy received his B.S. from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania.

As Chairman, Mr. Levy will not receive a salary.

Amy Pitcairn Barasch is appointed to serve as Executive Director of the Office of the Prevention of Domestic Violence. Ms. Pitcairn Barasch has worked in the New York City Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence since 2002. While there, she served in a number of capacities, including her most recent post as Executive Director of the New York City Family Justice Center. Prior to that, she was Project Director of the Domestic Violence Response Teams from 2002 to 2005. Previously, Ms. Pitcairn Barasch was an Associate at Lansner and Kubitschek from 2001 to 2002 and the Director of the Family Court Legal Program at Pace Women’s Justice Center from 1999 to 2001. Ms. Pitcaim Barasch received her B. A. from Brown University and her J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.
As Executive Director of the Office of the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Ms. Pitcairn Barasch’s annual salary will be $121,019.

Jeannine Rosolie represents N.J.

2007-02-14T16:24:00.001-08:00

Jeannine Rosolie of Morristown, New Jersey has won the title of Miss New Jersey International. In late July 2007, Jeannine will travel to Chicago and represent New Jersey in the national competition and compete for the title of Miss International 2007.
Jeannine is a full-time senior at Fordham University in New York. She occupies her free time as a Big Brothers/Big Sisters mentor and a D.A.S.H. Foundation spokesperson. In her leisure time she enjoys dancing, singing, fashion and beauty styling.

Because of her academic excellence and community activities, Jeannine is a member of the National Scholars Honor Society. She has also won many other titles, including Miss New Jersey American Queen 2006. Her platform is the fight against childhood obesity. “The promotion of positive mentality and physicality early on, in a body-obsessed world, can prevent unhealthy and harmful habits from developing later on,” Jeannine said.
Jeannine is elated to be New Jersey’s ambassador and feels honored to represent her state at the Miss International pageant. She was chosen from a large pool of New Jersey contestants to earn the title of Miss New Jersey International. The national competition will be held next year in Chicago at the Northshore Center for the Performing Arts. The Miss International 2007 production is open to the public and is taped before a live studio audience.

The women of the Miss International® pageant are single women ages 19-29, originating from any part of the world. The national competition includes a private interview with a panel of esteemed judges. This portion consists of 40% of the score. The Fashion Wear portion, the presentation of today’s current fashion, adds another 20% to the score. Fitness Wear lends an additional 20% to the score. Lastly, the evening gown presentation completes the program and contributes 20% to the total score.

The Miss Internationa] Pageant is a production of International® Pageants, Inc. The International® Pageants Corporation celebrates its twentieth year of competition, under the leadership of the National Executive Director, Mrs. Mary Richardson, herself a former Mrs. Virginia USA. The pageant is recognized for its integrity, high ethical standards, utmost fairness, and consistent application of its rules and regulations. “It is our goal to provide ladies everywhere with the opportunity to compete in a pageant system that maintains the highest moral values,” states Mrs. Richardson. “We are firmly committed to applying these standards to our past, present and future contestants and directors.”

For further information regarding the Miss International pageant, visit the official website at the following web address: www.Miss-International.us or call 540-989-5992. Pictured Above: Jeannine Rosolie

Annual Essential Service Program

2007-02-14T16:24:00.000-08:00

Mid-Hudson Valley residents whose utility accounts are past due won’t have their electric service disconnected this winter under the annual “Essential Services Program” of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. The program is designed to meet the basic heating, lighting and cooking needs of customers who are having difficulty paying their electric bills during the coldest winter months, and is implemented typically early to mid-December through February.

“The program also protects the interests of the great majority of customers who pay for electricity on a timely basis, as unpaid account balances are ultimately spread across and collected through the bills of all our customers,” said Charles A. Freni, Senior Vice President of Customer Services.

Freni explained that during the program, an Essential Service Apparatus will be attached to an electric meter on a past due account to provide sufficient energy to operate a heating units, some lights, a refrigerator and an electric stove burner on a limited basis.
“If a customer uses more that a predetermined amount of electricity, the apparatus interrupts electric service, warning that the limit has been exceeded. The apparatus can then be reset by the customer to restore service for those limited needs,” Freni said. All of the utility’s existing notification procedures, including reminder notices and telephone and field contacts, will be completed before and Essential Services Apparatus is installed.

This apparatus provides essential electric service while giving the customer additional time to work out payment or other arrangements to re-establish full electric service, said Freni. “We will also continue to reach out to customers with our Extend-A-Hand Program, which was initiated to address the financial hardships being experienced by customers who are having difficulty making payments. The program packages options such as payment arrangements, referral services, and our Good Neighbor Fund in order to help them meet financial difficulties,” Freni said.

Additionally, customers experiencing a financial hardship are encouraged to seek assistance by applying for a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or an Emergency HEAP grant through their local Department of Social Services or Office for the Aging, he said. Customers eligible for HEAP grants may also qualify for EmPower New York, a free service offered by the New York Energy Research and Development Authority providing energy conservation measures and energy education. Program referrals are available through their local Department of Social Services, or Central Hudson.

Green’ Architects are Seeing Red

2007-02-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

When it comes to creating environmentally correct buildings, what was old is new again.
Today’s hottest trend in architecture is “building green,” a concept that merges environmental sensibility with the hard realities of modern construction. And the green movement is not limited to country homes in picturesque, woodsy settings. New ecology-minded apartment and commercial towers have begun appearing in such hardcore urban landscapes as New York, Chicago and San Francisco.

Just as surprising, developers have found that the steel-and-glass skyscrapers enamored by science fiction writers and big-name “starchitects” project the wrong image for structures with environmental attitude. Buyers and tenants, it turns out, prefer earth tones and natural accents in their earth-friendly abodes. To achieve this look, architects and builders frequently turn to one of the oldest, and certainly the “earthiest” of materials - brick.

“There are few man-made materials more appropriate than brick for sustainable building,” says Dick Jennison, chief executive of the Brick Industry Association (www.gobrick.com). “It’s an all-natural product to begin with and it can be completely recycled when its use has ended. But brick also has the right look and feel for projects that are designed to be in harmony with the environment.”
Brick is considered a green or “sustainable” building material because it embodies a number of environmental qualities. It is made from clay and shale - two virtually inexhaustible natural materials, it has a long lifespan, requires little maintenance, is virtually impervious to weathering and decay, and is almost totally recyclable.

Building green began as a grassroots movement among architects and other industry professionals hoping to restore a sense of civic responsibility to the way modern buildings utilize energy materials, and even the land they are sited on - before, during and long after construction.

In New York City alone, nearly two dozen environmentally engineered apartment and commercial towers are currently under construction. The first of these, the 26-story, 293-unit Solaire, reached full occupancy just six months after it opened. It is the nation’s first residential high-rise to earn Gold LEED status under the U.S. Green Building Council’s rating system recognizing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Like many of today’s greenest buildings, the Solaire incorporates red brick in its facade. Marty Dettling, project manager during the building’s construction, noted however, “It’s not just environmental criteria that determines which materials you choose. Brick has always been used and it always will be used - take a look at how many other buildings in New York City are made of brick.”

Steinhaus Hosts Nonprofit Impact Meeting

2007-02-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

(Poughkeepsie) - County Executive William R. Steinhaus and senior staff met recently with Andrea Reynolds, President of Community Foundation of Dutchess County; Diana Gurieva, Executive Vice President of Dyson Foundation; and Anne Beaulieu, President and CEO of United Way of Dutchess County to launch a formal, ongoing dialogue about their mutual interests in maintaining a strong, vibrant nonprofit service delivery system to better serve the county’s residents.

According to Steinhaus, “The County funds extensive human services to fulfill the identified needs for our population, from pre-natal infants to assisting our elderly population. The nonprofit agencies are our partners in delivering quality services to help our residents. In today’s climate of both fiscal and programmatic accountability, public and private funders need to communicate with each other about the emerging trends and issues. This type of discussion supports our missions and goals for community improvement.”

The meeting agenda included an overview of the Health & Human Services Cabinet which involves the Commissioners and Directors of the county’s human service departments. During the past year and half, the Cabinet has strengthened the County’s strategic direction for human services based on resource allocation, best practices and achieved outcomes.

“Monthly cabinet meetings have improved communication, staff cooperation and networking, interdepartmental efficiencies and reduced duplication of efforts,” states Cabinet Director Betsy Brockway.

A major project for the Health & Human Services Cabinet is incorporating client outcome measures and data collection into the County’s human services contracts. To date, more than 150 non-profit and county staff have received outcome training with ongoing technical assistance available. A contract procedures manual has also been developed to improve consistent grant management and program monitoring across county departments.

The issue of accountability is a major focus in today’s world. Non-profit organizations who receive funding support must be prepared to demonstrate that the pre-determined outcomes have been achieved. Anne Beaulieu, United Way of Dutchess County said, “The money used to fund United Way programs is not OUR money, it is our donors’ money and we have an obligation to see that the outcomes the funding is supposed to provide are actually achieved.”

Other discussion topics included enhancing future collaborative funding opportunities, the impact of retiring nonprofit leadership and succession planning and the potential benefits of a non-profit council.

Based on the success of this recent meeting, the group plans to continue to meet quarterly. According to Steinhaus, “We all have a common goal - to have a healthy service provider network. While we have had many previous informal conversations with public and private funders, these meetings are an opportunity to have key stakeholders in the community collaborate in a formal setting and work in partnership to support non-profit agencies’ significant contributions to the quality of life in Dutchess County.” Pictured Above: County Executive William R. Steinhaus

Federal Bank Fills Vacant Positions

2007-02-14T16:15:00.000-08:00

Broadway Financial Corporation (“Company”) (NASDAQ:BYFC), the holding company of Broadway Federal Bank, f.s.b. (“Bank” or “Broadway”), recently announced that F. Glenn Harvey, Javier Leon and Elrick Williams have been elected to the Board of Directors (Board) of both the Company and the Bank.

Mr. Leon and Mr. Williams will fill the vacancies left by retiring directors Rosa M. Hill and Elbert T. Hudson. In addition, the Board voted to expand the number of Directors from nine to ten.
Javier Leon is Chief Executive Officer of Chivas USA and its parent company, Chivas USA Enterprises LLC. Chivas USA is a member team of US Major League Soccer and is the sister team of Chivas Guadalajara, Mexico’s most followed soccer club, with more than 30 million fans across Mexico and the United States. As CEO, Mr. Leon oversees business operations, including finances and long-term strategic planning, as well as licensing and trademark management.

Prior to joining Chivas USA, Mr. Leon was Managing Director with Merrill Lynch where he was responsible for the Private Investment Bank project with the goal to connect top-tier US companies with ultra high net worth families in Latin America. Before joining Merrill Lynch, he was Director of Equity for Latin America at Deutsche Bank, where he was responsible for all equity transactions in Latin America. He has also worked with the Latin American Equities Group at Baring Securities and as Director for the Hedge Fund Group, developing structured products for institutional clients.
Born in Mexico City, Mr. Leon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Claremont McKenna College and a Master’s in International Management at the University of California at San Diego.
Elrick Williams is founder. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Allston Trading LLC, a firm that specializes in algorithmic electronic trading of stocks. Treasury bonds, currencies, futures and options. His firm generates revenues of $150 million annually. Mr. Williams is the beneficial owner of 100,000 shares of Broadway Financial Corporation’s stock.

Mr. Williams is a member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and has over thirty-five years experience in finance and economics. His past experience has ranged from an economic analyst at U.S. Trust Company to Project Manager at the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help. During his tenure at the Foundation, Mr. Williams managed a program to recruit and provide credit training to mid-level bankers from twelve African countries.

Mr. Williams is a native of New York City. He received his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Williams College and his Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
Mr. Harvey currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank. Among the initiatives implemented by Mr. Harvey is the creation of a Wealth Management Division to conduct external sales of retail banking products and services and creation of Sports and Commercial and Industrial loan programs. He has secured loans for the purchase of the Los Angeles Sparks WNBA franchise and a working capital loan to Chivas USA.

Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Harvey was Senior Vice President of Comerica Bank-California, Entertainment Group. He has over twenty years of banking experience in the areas of general corporate, film, gaming and professional sports finance and loan syndication, structuring and distribution.

Mr. Harvey received an undergraduate degree from University of California at Berkeley and a Masters in Business Administration and Juris Doctor from University of California at Los Angeles. Mr. Harvey is the grandson of architect Paul R. Williams, one of the Bank’s founding directors.
Broadway Federal Bank is a sixty-year old community-oriented savings bank, which primarily originates residential and commercial mortgage loans in the greater Los Angeles area. The Bank operates four full service branches, three in the city of Los Angeles, and one in the nearby city of Inglewood, California.

Indian Point Faces Re-licensing Issues

2007-02-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

Dismayed by the decision of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to reject Westchester’s request for broader criteria when considering the relicensing of Indian Point, County Executive Andy Spano has filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, asking for review of the December determination of the NRC.

“We gave the NRC a detailed petition as to why we feel its re-licensing criteria should be updated,” Spano said. “It was summarily rejected, basically because they said they changed the criteria in 2000 and nothing had happened since that would cause them to revisit the issue. Did they forget September 11th ever happened?”

Spano has consistently said that if this were Indian Point’s first license, it would be rejected due to population density, congested road network and for safety and security reasons based on an evacuation plan that would not be able to work in a fast-breaking scenario as in a terrorist attack.

The county petition to the NRC raised these and other issues and said the criteria for re-licensing should be the same as if the plant owners were applying for the license for the first time today. It must consider siting issues, as well as the age and the continuous problems at the plant.

“I don’t think the NRC ever met a nuclear plant it didn’t like. I want them to put public safety first. It is not enough to rubber stamp a re-licensing request and then say that, if there are indeed problems, another NRC division will deal with the oversight,” Spano said.
Current re-licensing guidelines for nuclear plants allow the NRC to consider only issues such as the age of the power plants. Other issues such as local demographics, siting and the ability to conduct an effective emergency evacuation are excluded from consideration in renewal decisions.

“The decision not to include these other factors is ridiculous and potentially affects the safety of all residents in our area,” Spano said. “I will continue to do everything to fight this. In particular, we insist that the NRC consider the appropriateness of existing sites, not just take such sites as givens. Furthermore, we insist that the NRC consider the current difficulties and realities when an emergency evacuation takes place in a dense, congested population center with limited roadways, even though the area was not as developed when the facility was first constructed.”

Among the questions that the county feels are relevant are the following:

Could the same plant be licensed on the same site today?
Could a new plant, designed and built to the current standards, be licensed on the same site today?
Have the local societal and infrastructure factors, which influenced the licensing of the plant originally, changed in a manner that would make the plant less apt to be licensed today?

Have other local conditions, such as environmental regulations or population distribution, which affect the plants’ continued operation, changed?

New Sanctuary for Mt. Carmel Church

2007-02-07T23:34:00.000-08:00

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Town of Newburgh) - The members of Mount Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ added a new chapter to their history book last Sunday as they officially opened the doors to their new church. It was a short walk across the parking lot to a new church home, but it took the congregation a long time to get there.

The original church home was on Colden Street in the City of Newburgh. Elder Johnson, who had been sent to preach at the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Beacon, New York by Bishop W.E. Gilliam, found and rented a little store front at 62 Colden Street and called this mission, Mt. Carmel. His purpose in mind was to turn Newburgh upside down by making Disciples of Christ. That was August, 1956. It wouldn’t be long before the church would be on the move, growing in strength and numbers. In November of 1962 Bishop Johnson and the Mt. Carmel congregation marched from Colden Street to 13-15 Johnston Street, led by the late Bishop Gilliam and the congregation of the Shiloh Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ from New York, New York. In 1983 a fire destroyed the Mt. Carmel edifice on Johnston Street. They would regroup and, on the second Sunday in November of 1984 march from Johnston Street to their new home at 1528 Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh.

Their latest move wasn’t quite as far, just next door - literally, but it was done “purposefully.” They lined up in front of the old church edifice at four o’clock to begin their “spiritual march” to 1524 Route 300.

Bishop Emeritus George W. Johnson had a vision for a new church and it was no coincidence that Elder Herring, the current pastor, was named his successor - therefore charged with the responsibility to carry out his vision for a new church. Sister Wanda Boyd said, “Today we realize a vision that has come to pass. But even more so, today we realize that we must always depend on God. On this occasion, we are here to rejoice, celebrate and give thanks.”

In a celebratory ceremony fitting to mark the occasion of the dedication of the new Mount Carmel edifice, the congregation and invited guests rejoiced in the word of God, celebrated by “making a joyful noise unto the Lord” and gave thanks to those with the vision to see what could be achieved through the grace of God.

The Mount Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ opened the doors to their new church this past Sunday. Inset photo: The founder of Mount Carmel Church Bishop Emeritus George W. Johnson addresses the congregation during the dedication ceremony, as Mother Johnson looks on.

Click here to view more photos

Calamity amoung the Democrats’

2007-02-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

By George Curry
G_Curry@HVPress.net

Congress reconvened recently with a record number of African-American committee chairmen. But the hardest part of governing, now that Democrats control both the House and Senate, may be how well Party leaders handle members of their own Party.

Even before she assumes her role as the first female Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is showing signs of inconsistency. I don’t know what it is, but when White liberals want to prove that they can be tough, they invariably pick an African-American as the punching bag. Bill Clinton, running for president, appeared before a Jesse Jackson-sponsored event to criticize Sister Souljah.

Although FBI agents reported that they found $90,000 in Rep. William Jefferson’s freezer, giving new meaning to the term “cold cash,” he still has not been indicted, let alone convicted of any crime. In fact, he proceeded to get re-elected against overwhelming odds. Rather than grant Jefferson the presumption of innocence and wait for him to be judged by the judicial system, Pelosi saw fit to summarily kick him off of the House Ways and Means Committee. The Congressional Black Caucus objected to the move but, in the end, had no power to change the outcome.

Seeing several Republican operatives go to jail on corruption charges, Pelosi pledged to drain the swamp, her way of saying Democrats would be a paragon on ethical behavior. She sought to make this point by passing over Alcee Hastings, an African-American, to become chair of the House Intelligence Committee.

Playing on the intelligence of African-Americans, she decided to pass over Hastings at the urging of Blue Dog Democrats, conservatives that frequently vote with Republicans. Hastings’ opponents point to a Senate decision 17 years ago to remove him from the federal bench. The

Senate voted to impeach Hastings after a federal jury found him not guilty of accepting bribes.
Pelosi praised Hastings work as she announced her decision not to appoint him, saying “Alcee Hastings has always placed national security as his highest priority. He has served our country well, and I have full confidence that he continue to do so.”

Strangely, Pelosi rejected Hastings, supposedly on ethical grounds, while pushing hard for the selection of tainted Rep. John Murtha (D-Penn.). Murtha was entangled in ABSCAM, the FBI bribery and sting operation of the 1970s that sent several Congressmen to jail. Murtha was seen on the videotaped discussing a bribe for help in an immigration case. Murtha never turned down the bribe, saying only that he wasn’t interested “at this time.”

Pelosi fought hard for Murtha to become House Majority leader, but that position went to Steny Hoyer of Maryland. If she was interested in draining swamps in Florida, why wasn’t she interested in draining them in Pennsylvania? That’s the Who-wants-to-be-a-Millionaire question of the year.

Over the past 12 years, House Republican leaders have been effective because they had a clear agenda and punished anyone who strayed from the course. Early indications are that Nancy Pelosi will rule by caving in to conservative dissidents.
The clout of Blue Dog Democrats is vastly overrated. With 44 members, they have only one member more than the CBC - one-fifth of the Democratic delegation. If it weren’t for Black Congressmen such as Harold Ford Jr., a member of both groups, the Blue Dogs wouldn’t enjoy that slight edge

The Hispanic and Black congressional caucuses often form a voting block and have more combined members than the so-called Blue Dog Democrats. In addition, other groups, such as those representing progressive women, represent more members than the conservative wing of the Democratic Party. The Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, for example, co-chaired by Barbara Lee and Lynn Woolsey - had at least 71 members this past January. It makes no sense to capitulate to 20 percent of the Party while ignoring the needs of the other 80 percent.

Although some members of the CBC feel we should be doing cartwheels over their election to power committees and subcommittees, the new Speaker of the House has already proven that she is willing to ignore the wishes of the CBC.

Ron Walters, the highly-respected political scientist at the University of Maryland, and I appeared on Jesse Jackson’s talk show recently. All three of us concluded that African-Americans can’t relax now that Blacks have more power in Congress. In order to bring about change and keep some of the Black lawmakers on course, African-Americans must lobby them and hold them accountable. And when Pelosi steps out of line, she, too, should feel the heat.

If we fail to do that, we might continue to have a good time every year at CBC weekend, but we will have minimal influence in Congress. And if that’s going to be the case, why go through the motions.

George E. Curry is editor-in-chief of the NNPA News Service and BlackPressUSA.com

Three extraordinary American Men

2007-02-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

January marked at least one major first for African Americans. For the first time in history, not one but two blacks - the Chicago Bears’ Lovie Smith and the Indianapolis Colts’ Tony Dungy - led their teams to football’s premier contest - the Super Bowl.

And another black man - Illinois Sen. Barack Obama - took the first step toward throwing his hat in the ring in the ultimate political contest - the battle for the nation’s highest office. He’s hardly the first African American to vie for the presidency: He stands upon the broad shoulders of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Shirley Chisholm, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Carol Moseley Braun and others. Not since Jackson in 1988 has a black been considered a serious contender for the Oval Office. But, unlike his predecessors, Obama probably stands the best chance of becoming the first African American to win his party’s presidential nomination in 2008 or beyond.

In a recent Zogby poll, the Illinois Democrat led the field in New Hampshire, a historic testing ground for presidential candidates, with 23 percent of voters favoring him compared to 19 percent for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards. Up until 1992, the candidate who won the primary usually made his way to the White House even though Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have defied that trend in recent elections.
What a delightful coincidence that these historic developments would occur in the month that celebrates the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and that Obama would represent Chicago in the hallowed halls of the U.S. Congress.

That Smith beat out his mentor Dungy by a few hours to be the first black coach to guide his team into the National Football League’s crown-jewel game makes up for the fact that his Bears handily defeated my beloved New Orleans Saints to get there. I’ll forgive Lovie this year because it is truly a great day in history when two black coaches meet at the pinnacle event of professional football. I cannot make promises for next year, though. If Lovie robs my Saints of their Super Bowl dreams next year, I’ll have to take it personally.

Roughly 66 percent of National Football League players are African Americans but blacks have long faced formidable obstacles to their populating the coaching ranks. In 1989, Art Shell became the first African-American head coach in the NFL’s modern era. In his own way, Dungy, a former Pittsburgh Steeler who got his coaching start in 1981, played his own role in diversifying the profession by recruiting Smith to be linebacker coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1996.

The institution of the so-called “Rooney Rule” broke down barriers in the NFL’s ‘oldboy’ network by requiring teams to consider at least one minority candidate in their hiring processes. By the start of this year’s season, there was a record seven black head coaches.
“For years and years, the coaching decisions and many other decisions in professional football really followed the old way of doing things,” Darrell Millner, professor of black studies at Portland State University, told the Portland Oregonian newspaper recently.

“These two black coaches today are reflection that that is changing. Their success gives an additional impetus of the continuation of that kind of change.”

In a recent television interview, Bears fan Obama made a great point about these two men that speaks less to the color of their skin and more to the content of their character, to invoke Dr. King. “What makes it even better is that they’re both men of humility. They’re both men of God. They never trash talk. They’re not yellers or screamers on the sidelines. They’re a couple of class individuals,” he said.

In a Letter to the Editor to his local paper, Hal Nelson, executive director of secondary education for the Sarasota County School District, wondered if divine intervention played some role in bringing two black coaches together in the Super Bowl to “illuminate the potential of the American experience” and underscore the importance of three key qualities exhibited by Dungy and Smith - competence, character and tenacity. “Competence is evident when one is able to achieve the goals of the organization, despite times when others will inevitably say that one has been granted the opportunity because of being a minority, female, etc.

Character is evident when, in the face of such adversity, faith and spirituality allow us to first recognize our own flaws, and then forgive the actions of others. Tenacity is evident when one decides to perform well despite unfair treatment, such as being dismissed unprofessionally or compensated unjustly. When we act as a land of opportunity, greatness grows,” he wrote.

I cannot agree more and have to extend that same observation to Obama. All three men provide positive role models for future generations to aspire to. They give our children hope that the American Dream is possible for all members of society to attain.

Gallery Celebrates Black History

2007-02-07T13:21:00.000-08:00

(Beacon) - On Saturday, February 3, the Howland Cultural Center began its thirteenth annual celebration of the nationally recognized “African-American History Month.”

Nine African-American artists from the Hudson Valley are exhibiting their work, which includes paintings, sculpture, photography, and pottery. An added feature to the celebration is the photography of “African-American Musicians Through The Decades” which is mounted on the gallery’s balcony.

The photography is the work of Bibiana Huang Matheis and is presented by Ned Moran’s Avalone Archives Museum of Rock & Roll.
February was officially designated nationally as African-American History Month in 1976, although celebrating the contributions of black Americans to the development of America started much earlier in 1926. At that time, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a professor at Columbia University and the “father” of African-American history, believed it was long overdue for black Americans to be formally recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to every area of life in America: music, science, education, literature, sports, theatre, journalism, politics, religion, law & the judiciary, military, government, inventions, medicine, business, art, and more. February was chosen as the month for the recognition due to the birthdays of two men: Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglas’, two giants in American history.

The nine artists featured in this year’s exhibition are Maryam Ali of Poughkeepsie, Ronald E. Brown of White Plains, Shelita Burchett of Beacon, Waveney Harrington of Beacon, Robert Lee Jones, New York City, Richard Outlaw of Newburgh, John T. Spencer of New York City, Eleanor Thompson of Beacon, and Donald Whitely of Tarrytown. In addition to the artists, African-American folk art will be on exhibit, courtesy of Barbara Simmons from B. J.‘s Soul Food Restaurant in Beacon.

Ronald Brown says of his art, “I seek to capture the spiritual essence of those who long ago made the Africans works of art, which are dispersed throughout the world today. My works are African inspired and are part of a continuum that reaches back into the time that Africans came to the New World with a history of ceramics and other artistic expressions. My work is a continuation of those who came before me.”
Eleanor Thompson states, “Painting has been a part of my creative journey for over thirty years; on the other hand, sculpting is my unplanned futuristic aesthetic journey. It is an unforgettable and overpowering experience each time my hands touch the softness of clay or the cold hardness of stone as it assumes a personality of its own.”

The Howland Cultural Center is located at the east end of Main Street (477) in Beacon. The exhibition will run through Sunday, February 25. Regular gallery hours are from 1:00 - 5:00 PM every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. During February, the art gallery will be closed to the general viewing public as the Howland Chamber Music Circle will present a piano concert on February 18th.

Pictued Above Clockwise: Eleanor Thompson gazes at her artwork on display, Sky and Sea and Sunrise on the Hudson.

Freedom by Richard Outlaw hangs on display at the Howland Cultural Center.Publish

Ned Mran, Susan Wallach Fino, Ron Brown, Eleanor Thompson, Mayor Gould, and Richard Outlaw are a few of the featured artist in this year’s exhibition. Return to top of page

Rhema Worship Center on the Move

2007-02-07T13:20:00.000-08:00

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Newburgh) - Pastor Gail A. Roberson is the Founder and Senior Pastor of the Rhema Christian Worship Center. She has been preaching the Gospel for over twenty-eight years. Through all of her ups and downs, her testimony remains the same, “that the LORD has done it again.”

That phrase would hold true again on Sunday, February 4, 2007, as the church held their first service in their new home at 163 Broadway in the City of Newburgh. Not such a far move from the old edifice on Lander Street, but with a growing congregation and a ministry that includes a Youth Ministry, Outreach Ministry, GFT-R.C.W.C. Praise and Worship Team, Men of Promise Ministry (M.O.P.M.), Women of Purpose Ministry (W.O.P.M.), GFT-R.C.W.C. Choir, GFT- R.C.W.C. Security Ministry, GFT-R.C.W.C. Dance Ministry and a GFT-R.C.W.C. Step Ministry, space was sure to become an issue.

Pastor Roberson commits to teach the Rhema Christian Worship Center family, to becoming a Church that will “build God a kingdom and not a church. For if we build God a kingdom according to the Word of God and not on our own personal agenda, the House of Worship will become what God has ordained it to be.”

Pastor Roberson credits her totaled growth in ministry to Jesus Christ. She realized that she can’t do anything with out the Lord. She always refers to the scripture in the book of Romans 8:23 where it states: “And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
As she began to preach the word, she invited everyone to “take a victory lap around the church.”

“If you build Him a house, the people will come,” Pastor Roberson said. With the additional space and the growing ministry, it will only be a matter of time before Rhema Christian Worship Center is on the move again.

Stating that “This is a place where everyone is important to the body!” Pastor Roberson invites everyone to come fellowship with them and find out “what a Mighty God we serve.”

Pictured Above: Pastor Gail Roberson, Minister Anita Powell, Minister Justin Caesar, Sister Jacqueline Caesar during the first service in their new church at 163 Broadway.

Selecting a Proper Long Term Care Policy

2007-02-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

Planning for your future care or that of a loved one has emotional and financial implications. According to the New York Society of CPAs, there are a number of important questions you should ask before selecting a long-term care policy. Here are some of them.

When do i become eligible for benefits and do i have to be hospitalized first?
Most insurance companies decide when you’re eligible for long term care benefits based on your inability to perform a certain number (generally two or three) of activities of daily living (ADLs). These typically include bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, and getting in and out of bed. CPAs generally agree that what triggers benefits is the most crucial factor when choosing a long term care policy.

What type of care does the policy cover?
There are long term care policies that cover home care, assisted living care, and skilled nursing home care. Since you can’t predict the level of care you’ll need, the best alternative is a policy that covers a wide spectrum of care.

How much does the policy pay per day for each type of care?
Most policies pay a maximum daily amount for your care, but you don’t necessarily have to insure for the full cost. Should you decide that you will be able to fund a portion of the daily cost from your savings, you can save on premiums by selecting a lower daily benefit.

How long will the policy continue to pay for my care?
The more years the policy covers, the higher the premium. According to the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA), the average length of stay in a nursing home is 2½ years. Based on that information, many people choose a two or three year benefit period.

Is there a waiting period before benefits are paid?
The waiting period is the number of days you must receive long-term care before the policy pays benefits. The standard waiting period is between 20 and 100 days, but a policy with a longer waiting period will come with a lower premium. What is best for you depends on your assets and how much you can afford to pay in premiums.

Are Alzheimer’s disease and other mental and nervous disorders covered?
Be sure that the policy specifically includes coverage for mental or cognitive impairment.

Does the policy come with a premium waiver?
This provision allows you to stop paying premiums during the time you are receiving benefits. Read your policy carefully; some policies require you to be receiving benefits for a period of time - 60 to 90 days is common - before premiums are waived.

Does the policy offer protection from inflation?
With the cost of home health and nursing home care increasing sharply, it’s important to select a policy that will increase the level of your benefits with inflation to ensure that you have adequate coverage for the future.

Is the policy tax-qualified?
Most long term care policies sold today are tax-qualified, which means your premiums for long term care insurance can be applied toward meeting the 7.5 percent threshold for the medical expense deduction and that the benefits you receive are generally not considered taxable income.

How long had the company been in business?
In many cases, long-term care policyholders do not receive benefits for 10 to 20 years after the policy is issued, so you want to be sure to select a company that is going to be around when you need the benefits.

Volunteer Leadership is Recognized

2007-02-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - Administrators, board members, physicians, and other friends of St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital gathered recently to honor outgoing Foundation, Auxiliary, and Medical Executive Committee volunteer leadership and welcome new leadership.

John Davies, who had served as Chair of the St. Luke’s Cornwall Health System Foundation, has concluded his term. During his tenure, the Foundation launched its Architects of Progress Capital Campaign, was successful in obtaining several grants, and raised other major funds to bring new facilities, programs, and services to our region.

Mr. Davies will remain a member of the Foundation board.
Assuming the Chairmanship of the Foundation is John H. Smith Sr., of William A. Smith and Son, Inc. The Cornwall-on-Hudson resident served 29 years on the Boards of Trustees of The Cornwall Hospital, and then the merged St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital. He brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served on several hospital board committees and in other leadership roles. New to the Foundation board is Beacon resident Mark T. Starkman, an attorney with Jacobowitz and Gubits, LLP.

Catherine Huggins, who had served as President of the St. Luke’s Cornwall Health System Foundation Auxiliary, has concluded her term. During her tenure, the Auxiliary supported the Foundation through initiatives including the Auxiliary-run thrift shops and gift shops, and community programs including a holiday party for dialysis patients, and the granting of two scholarships to promising high school students.

Assuming the role of Auxiliary President is Joan DiTullo, of Wallkill. Mrs. DiTullo has been actively involved in various Auxiliary initiatives over the past few years, particularly the annual neonatal intensive care unit graduate party and the gala. Cathleen McVeigh is First Vice President; Carol Ziegler is Treasurer.

There also have been changes to the hospital’s Medical Executive Committee. Continuing as President of the Committee is Gurinder Mehar, M.D.; Stephen Lazar, M.D. replaces Gina Del Savio, M.D. as Vice President; Stephen Cestari, D.O., replaces Donna Kasello, M.D. as Chair of the Dept. of Ob/Gyn, and Richard Diamond, M.D., Seth Levin, M.D., Ahmad Masood, M.D., and Thomas Reed, M.D. replace Members-at-Large Dean Cassimatis, M.D., David Harrison, M.D., Anne Mullin, M.D., and Conrado Tojino Jr., D.O.

Picturead Above Clockwise: John Smith, Joan DiTullo, Mark Starkman

2007 Buffalo Soldier Award

2007-02-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef on Friday presented the 2007 Buffalo Soldier Award to Village of Wesley Hills resident and former combat Marine and Vietnam War veteran Guillermo “Bill” J.M. Thorne, Sr.

The Buffalo Soldier Award is presented annually to an outstanding African-American veteran who resides in Rockland County and is named after the soldiers of the 10th Black Cavalry Regiment. They earned their fearsome fighting reputation in the Kansas Frontier and were never defeated in 23 years of service in the Indian Wars, which lasted from 1867 to 1890. The 10th Cavalry also served in World War I, World War II and Vietnam. They were nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” after Native Americans spread the legend of the soldiers’ uncommon valor, likening the soldiers to buffalo because they suffered wound after wound, yet did not die.
A panel of past Buffalo Soldier honorees helped to select Thorne for this year’s award.

“Bill put his life on the line to serve our country in the United States Marine Corps and the Vietnam War, and he continues to dedicate himself to helping those who are less fortunate,” said Vanderhoef. “It is a privilege to honor him for his brave service and dedication to our community and to our country.”

A graduate of Marymount Manhattan College in New York with a B.A. in Business Management, Thorne also received an A.A. in Liberal Arts from The University of the State of New York, earning credits toward M.S. Computer Science and J.D. Juris Doctor. Thorne currently serves as a Life Member of the Kearson & Edwards Post 1600 of the American Legion in Pomona, NY and is a member of the Rockland County American Legion, among other organizations. A two-time recipient of the Purple Heart Medal for wounds sustained in combat, Thorne currently is Senior Vice-Commander, Department of New York, Military Order of the Purple Heart USA. He is a Registered Real Estate Broker with the Department of Veterans Affairs where he provides specialized services for veterans seeking to buy, sell, or refinance a home.

For many years Thorne has been an advocate for children throughout the region by actively collecting toys as part of the Marine Corps Reserves’ Toys for Tots Program.

Hall addresses urgent Veterans’ issues

2007-02-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

Congressman John Hall met with officials of the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System and key veterans leaders at the Castle Point and Montrose campuses, both in New York’s 19th Congressional District, to discuss high priority veterans’ issues.

Hall, who has been named to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, discussed legislation that the committee is expected to consider this year, and sought input from those at the meetings. He also asked for their ideas on other issues that should be on the committee’s agenda.

This is the first of a series of meetings to be held with veterans and organizations that serve them throughout the 19th CD in order to hear their concerns regarding issues before the Veterans Affairs Committee, said Hall.
Almost 50,000 veterans live in the district, and more than 155,000 live in the Hudson Valley.

“At a time when the war in Iraq and military operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world are creating a new generation of veterans, the VA faces two critical, closely-related challenges,” noted Hall. “The first is to make sure that there are adequate resources, services and facilities to meet the needs of America’s existing generations of veterans. That means working to fully fund the VA healthcare system, and rejecting budget proposals that lock veterans out of the system of impose new fees. The second is to prepare the VA to absorb the new caseload being created today, and to make sure adequate mental health and prosthetic services are available to meet this generation’s specific needs.”
Hall has been selected by the Democratic caucus to serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
The opportunity to chair a subcommittee is rare for freshman members of Congress, and will allow him to oversee programs involving veterans’ compensation, pensions, life insurance, burial benefits and claims.

The subcommittee is expected to explore solutions to the backlog of veterans’ claims pending with the Department of Veterans Affairs and advance proposals to make it easier for veterans to claim their benefits.

A vote approving Hall’s selection as subcommittee chairman is expected in Congress next week.
Hall is also slated to serve on the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, which oversees veterans’ education, rehabilitation, housing, and other matters. The subcommittee is scheduled to consider a 21st Century GI Bill of Rights this year.

Empowering girls with life’s essientials

2007-02-07T13:13:00.001-08:00

(Hyde Park) - Eleanor Roosevelt said, “I have a firm belief in the ability and power of women to achieve.” The Girls’ Leadership Workshop at the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill (ERVK) brings together promising young female leaders for summer empowerment experiences to enhance the inherent ability of young women to create a more just world, as modeled by Eleanor Roosevelt. ERVK is currently accepting applications for the GLW 2007 summer sessions. The deadline for completed applications is February 15, 2007.

Sixty girls of exceptional promise and highly diverse backgrounds from across the United States and abroad will be selected to attend one of two program sessions, July 14 - 22 and July 28 - August 5, 2007. Applicants must be currently in the 9th or 10th grade and demonstrate an interest in social justice and community service. In an effort to support our local families, ERVK reserves twenty-five percent of the available slots for girls from the Mid-Hudson Valley region. If selected, participants are responsible for a $500.00 program fee and transportation to and from Hyde Park, NY (a limited number of scholarships are available).

With Eleanor Roosevelt’s incredible life and legacy as a cornerstone, Girls’ Leadership Workshop participants bring their passion and leadership potential to life through a series of interactive workshops, field trips to the United Nations in New York City and other significant sites, and supportive relationships with inspiring female mentors and peers. The multi-faceted program is based at the Stone Cottage on the grounds of the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park, NY, with participants residing at nearby Vassar College. Following the nine-day session, girls are supported to further develop their talents and pursue social justice projects in their home communities. In Eleanor Roosevelt’s words, “Where after all do human rights begin? In small places, close to home . . .”

Typical of comments from Girls’ Leadership Workshop alumnae, one recent graduate wrote, “Quite honestly, there were times during the workshop that my blood almost bubbled with excitement, either because of meeting an awe-inspiring woman, feeling the support and strength of the network that formed among us girls, or hearing of an issue that particularly interested me. I feel better prepared to create my own future, rather than just merely dreaming it. The underlying current that fueled the entire experience was the inspirational life and legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt. After studying both her public and private life more in-depth, I felt her presence throughout the workshop as a personal mentor and guiding spirit.”

For an application or information, please visit ERVK’s website at www.ervk.org.

Board of Directors Announces Resignation

2007-02-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

The board of directors of Rockland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) announced at its meeting recenlty that Holly Freedman, REDC’s President and CEO since June 1994, has resigned from her position effective April 1, 2007.

REDC is a contract agency of the County of Rockland and is governed by a 33-member Board of Directors from the public and private sectors. Its mission is to promote the Rockland County economy by fostering the creation and attraction of new business, and the retention and expansion of existing business.

In announcing her resignation, Ms. Freedman said, “It has been a privilege to have served Rockland County in this capacity for the past 13 years. I’ve worked in partnership with very talented people in both the private and public sectors of Rockland County and throughout New York State, and, as a team; we’ve produced innovative programs and enhanced existing ones for the benefit of Rockland County businesses and all county residents. I’m particularly proud that our successes have stimulated job opportunities and improved the quality of life.”
Upon leaving REDC, Ms. Freedman will join the National Executive Service Corps (NESC) as its Vice President and Regional Director for Westchester and Rockland counties.

NESC, based in New York City, provides business planning and management consulting services to nonprofits, municipalities and school districts. “Through my work with the NESC, I look forward to continued close collaboration with the Rockland County nonprofit community,” Ms. Freedman said.

William Helmer, REDC Board Chairman said, “The Board and the entire business community recognizes Ms. Freedman’s outstanding work and the significant accomplishments of the REDC under her leadership. We will miss her and wish her well in her new position.”
Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, who by virtue of his office is the County’s chief economic development officer, added his praise and thanks to Ms. Freedman. “We thank Holly for her years of service to the County. During her tenure as president of REDC, she has done much to stimulate economic growth and development. Indeed, she has taken the organization to a new level of strength and effectiveness,” Vanderhoef said. “We wish her well in her new endeavor, and look forward to working with her successor to ensure the continued expansion of Rockland’s economy.”

In order to ensure a smooth transition and to provide continuity of service to the business community, a search committee has been formed to seek qualified candidates to fill the President and CEO position. Helmer will chair the committee, which includes other members from REDC’s Board of Directors.

Rockland Economic Development Corporation (REDC) promotes the economy in Rockland County by fostering the creation and attraction of new business and the retention and expansion of existing business to stimulate job opportunities to improve the quality of life in Rockland County. REDC is a contract agency of the County of Rockland. Programs and services are made possible with financial support from the County of Rockland, the U.S. Department of Defense, corporate grants and private sector contributions.

Dutchess County’s new well testing law

2007-02-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

(Poughkeepsie) - “Today, I am announcing that I have forwarded sample legislation to all 30 local governments in Dutchess County for those who choose to enact local town laws requiring mandatory well water testing in their community. This legislation could be used if the respective local town leaders believe it to be a necessary and appropriate step for their community and residents,” said Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus.

Local town leaders will have the opportunity if they choose to take the initiative and decide if enacting this legislation is the right approach for their residents based on the geology of their area, population density, contamination history and other factors in their town. No local town currently mandates well testing and only one of 57 counties in NY State has such a mandate.

As drafted, were the locality to adopt the legislation, it would require a water test for those with wells for bacterial and chemical contamination before the transfer of title to private residential premises or commercial establishments. The property seller would have to have well water tested by a New York State approved laboratory and obtain written certification that the test results are in accordance to New York State Sanitary Code Part 5 limits. The test results would be provided to the property purchaser and filed with the municipality for public inspection. Towns could use the sample legislation as written or as a basis to create its own local law.
“Dutchess County already has a strong record of protecting the health of our residents and our environment as demonstrated with the creation Dutchess County Safe Drinking Water Enhancement Program which I announced in my 2001 State of the County address,” said Steinhaus. The Dutchess County Safe Drinking Water Enhancement Program is an extensive water testing program in place for more than 700 public water systems, ensuring the quality and safety of publicly regulated water systems. The County Health Department, as directed by Steinhaus, has sent tens of thousands of mailings to all property owners about water quality matters in an outreach effort to raise public awareness and encourage well water testing.

Additionally, the Dutchess County Legislature has available for adoption a proposal crafted by Legislators Mary Swartz, East Fishkill and
Shannon LaFrance, Fishkill with assistance from former Chairman Bradford Kendall. This proposal would further the efforts of Dutchess County government to protect its residents and environment. This legislation provides for a target, science-based testing effort funded by the county budget as opposed to a county mandated expense of $500 or more to every single individual county homeowner with a well were the county to adopt a county wide law.

Individual residents, local government and county government all play a vital role in protecting our environment and personal health. Steinhaus concluded “I am proud of Dutchess County’s record for protecting the health of our residents. I have provided our local town leaders with this draft legislation so they can choose what they believe best for their individual communities, and further complement county efforts.”

Barber’s Quest for Cultural Enrichment

2007-02-07T13:11:00.000-08:00

(Beacon) - Alyssa Barber is a 7th grader, a resident of Beacon, and a remarkable individual. Although she is only 12 years old, she is perhaps the greatest young example of the embodiment of community service. Her activities, her dedication to personal development, her uplifting spirit and personality, and her capacity for intellect set her apart from other pre-adolescents.

Two years ago Alyssa was selected to become a student ambassador, representing the State of New York, to travel with the group to Yosemite National Park, as part of the People to People academic program. She was the first African American female chosen to attend from South Avenue Elementary School. The opportunity to spend two weeks far away from her home, learning and interacting with other kids from around the nation, is testament to her maturity, intelligence, outgoing nature and warmly positive attitude. Last year she went to London and Scotland with the same program and this year Alyssa is going to Australia.

The People To People Student Ambassador Program is a program for students to travel around the world and learn about different cultures. The objective of the program is to promote understanding while building leadership skills among America’s youth. The experience of each trip includes meetings with government officials, interaction with other students, and educational activities.
It is important for the development of a community to recognize greatness and leadership in its residents so that these individuals may be a powerful example to others. It is equally important to praise children where it is due, so that they may maintain high self esteem, especially for young women who endure such stormy weather during adolescence.
Alyssa Barber was on the High Honor Roll at South Avenue Elementary School. She is currently attending Rombout Middle School, a 7th grader and still maintains that High Honor Roll status. She is a second degree black belt in karate and student assist at the Inner Strength Karate School, where she has received many awards for excellence.

Alyssa is also a member of the Springfield Baptist Church, where she has done extensive community service and is part of the ROP Young Adult Choir, formerly a member of the Cooper Goldenaires Choir, the Praise Dance Team, and the Usher ministry. Her other rewards and acknowledgements include: Member of the International Ambassadors Alumni Society, she has received 240 high school credits from the Washington School of World Studies, she was inducted into the Who’s Who Among Outstanding Middle School Students, Academic Achievement Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Reading Awards. She was a winner of the Amistad Essay contest and the winner of the D.A.R.E. Essay contest for the D.A.R.E. program.

If you would like to help sponsor Alyssa’s trip to Australia, please call (845) 464-6782.

Possibilities for Newburgh’s waterfront

2007-02-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Newburgh) - Last Tuesday night, 5-year-old-Jasmine attended the first in a week long series of charrette’s that ended last night. Her mother brought her to Newburgh Free Academy to hear Andres Duany and others from Leyland Alliance describe the charrette process and how 30 acres along the Hudson River could be developed.

Leyland Alliance, the master developer, was chosen to lead the development after demonstrating their ability to create a plan for the future of Newburgh’s waterfront district.

Jasmine listened as the developer, architects and planners described what went wrong in Newburgh during the last 50 years. How suburbs were a complete failure and what he and his team have done in other cities like Mississippi, after Hurricane Katrina.

An hour into the discussion Jasmine was fast asleep. But her mom was still very attentive listening to what City of Newburgh officials and residents hope to see as a “vibrant new mixed-use neighborhood emerge from this public-private initiative.”
Duany said, “The goal here is to create a place in which people can live, work, learn and play - a place in which retail, office and residential buildings are interspersed with civic structures, public parks and squares for all to enjoy.”

As the charrette’s continued throughout the week, a vision for the neighborhood, and for future development throughout Newburgh’s waterfront district began to emerge. On Saturday, possible designs were presented to the public during a “pin up presentation.” Chris White of Congressman Maurice Hinchey’s office said the developers should look closely at the Congressman’s work on a proposed light rail line that would connect the city’s waterfront to Stewart International Airport in New Windsor.
The main designs focused on affordable housing, open space, restaurants, and rental units.

Mayor Nick Valentine said during the Saturday charrette that he feels that the developer is on the same page as the people of the city in terms of the designs.

The best prospective plans for the site were presented Tuesday evening at the last public input meeting. The developer will now begin work on a presentation for the city council, which will include a full site plan and cost, that they will deliver in the next few months.

Pictured Above: Senator William Larkin addresses the audience during Satuday’s charrette.

New Orleans Needs to be Restored

2007-02-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

By Richard LeGrier

Within a week of celebrating the birth and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Hartford mourned the passing of a local African American hero, William R. Hales. The founder of the Hartford Inquirer died Wednesday, January 10, 2007, at the age of 72.

The Hartford Courant regarded William “Roy” Hales as “an icon in the city’s black community.” Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez expressed a “heavy heart” in the loss of William Hales, “a pioneer journalist” who “gave me advice and counsel that I have long valued and respected.”
Longtime friend and pastor, Rev. Dr. King T. Hayes reflected that “Roy Hales was a ‘People’s Person’ who truly believed in helping others.” His funeral was held in Hartford, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 350 Albany Avenue, on Wednesday, January 17, 2007. “Roy Hales will not be buried. He had to leave his body but his Spirit still lives; Roy Hales will remain in the annals of Hartford history and should never be forgotten.”

Like Dr. King, William “Roy” Hales had a dream. Born on August 18, 1934; Mr. Hales was perhaps one of those “outsiders coming in,” that Dr. King referenced in his Letter from a Birmingham Jail. Raised on a farm in Girard, Ga., trained as both an automobile and diesel mechanic, Hales came to Hartford in the 1950’s, worked as a lead mechanic at several prominent dealerships, opened a laundromat and electronics business on Albany Avenue, moved into real estate, and eventually branched into four Connecticut cities and one Massachusetts city to circulate his Inquirer weekly newspapers.

In recent newspaper articles reporting his passing, former Hartford Mayor Thirman Milner recalled William Hales as a great man who cared deeply about the city and its residents. “His newspaper articles reflected that,” Milner said. Hales and Milner, the first African American mayor of New England, talked often about important issues, as well as the difficulties of running a newspaper.
“Being a publisher was tough. Many times he talked about how hard it was,” Milner said. “But he kept the paper going for the community, and that was an accomplishment.”

“William Hales had enormous respect and admiration. He was a gentleman-one who would open doors for women-he had a tremendous generosity of Spirit and talent the way he grew his newspaper and provided access to the community,” recalled Carrie Saxon Perry, president of the Greater Hartford NAACP, and the first African American woman to be elected mayor of a major U.S. city. “I would see him often at the Cozy Spot Restaurant, and I would talk with him. He was very open and a great listener.” Many women considered Hales “a great catch” until he remarried. Honorably he earned favor beyond his widespread admirers and with national advertisers.
“Little by little he learned,” W. Reggie Hales, who became an integral part of Inquirer day to day operations, proudly recalled of his publisher father.

“Back then, the paper looked pretty raggedy, but the community had a way to get the positive aspects of their neighborhoods in print. We weren’t getting coverage in the big media.”

William Hales launched the Hartford Inquirer from a one-room office on Albany Avenue in 1975, a year after the collapse of the Hartford Star, another community paper. Putting out the paper was quite a challenge and learning experience for Hales who had no experience. He learned on the fly, picking up tips on advertising, layout and photography from people in the business, during his first years of publishing
Soon after starting the Hartford Inquirer, Hales helped create the Waterbury Inquirer, and eventually grew the Inquirer Newspaper Group to include Bridgeport, New Haven and Springfield circulations.

Although self-taught in the news industry, Hales became widely-recognized for championing the causes of the less privileged and covering key issues important to the African American community. Among the numerous awards and citations, his newspaper was the recipient of a City of Hartford proclamation, declaring June 7, 1995 as “Inquirer Newspaper Day.”
“Mr. Hales had the same impact in Hartford that Jet magazine did nationally.

We had a voice that people would hear all over the state.” stated former city Councilman Steve Harris. Ultimately William R. Hales distinguished himself as the founder and publisher of New England’s largest circulating African American weekly publication.
Between 1975 and 2006 his newspapers became the community-conscious communications that covered national news and weekly concerns in Connecticut and Massachusetts cities for nearly 30 years.

The Boston Globe cited Hales’ creation of the Waterbury Inquirer and its regard by readers and community leaders for “providing an outlet for blacks’ perspectives on local issues.”

Over those years that constituted William R. Hales’ life as a businessman, family man, community leader and philanthropist, he dually dealt with injustice and opportunity for people of color and the disenfranchised.

Pictured Above: William “Roy“ Hales

Reginald Lewis’ Cultural Museum

2007-02-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

Leslie King-Hammond, PhD., has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture (RFLM)

In assuming the chairmanship of RFLM, King-Hammond shared her vision for the Museum. “We are uniquely positioned not only to introduce Maryland’s African American experience to our nation and the world, but also to bring the world to Maryland, by offering exhibitions, programming and initiatives which allow Marylanders to explore cultures and experiences from across the African Diaspora,” she said. “As we have in the past, we remain committed to developing partnerships with institutions, corporations, schools, and other community-oriented stakeholders to achieve these goals.”

“I am absolutely thrilled that Leslie has taken on this expanded role with the Board,” said Dr. David Taft Terry, RFLM Executive Director, adding, “George L. Russell, Jr., [RFLM’s founding chairman] has placed us upon a solid foundation and provided the necessary forward momentum; Maryland owes him a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. Yet, in honor of what George has given, I can think of no one better suited to lead us now than Leslie King-Hammond.” Mr. Russell will remain on the board, devoting his energies to fundraising.

Dr. King-Hammond, Dean of Graduate Studies and Professor of Art History, at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), has more than thirty years experience in cultural institutions. Beyond her duties at MICA she has compiled an impressive track record of professional service. A former president of the College Art Association, King-Hammond serves on the Executive Board of the International Association of Art Critics. She is also a widely exhibited artist in her own right. Her works were featured in The Art of 9/11, curated by Arthur Danto in New York City, and in the traveling exhibition, It’s for the Birds, organized by the Bernice Steinbaum Gallery in Miami.
She holds a BA - University of Minnesota, an MLA - Louisiana State University-Shreveport, an MFA - University of Maryland, and a Ph.D. - Johns Hopkins University.

The RFLM opened June 2005 and is the second largest African American museum in the nation. Located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, it is dedicated to sharing the courageous journeys toward freedom and self-determination made by African American Marylanders. The museum is a place for all people, from all backgrounds to remember struggles, celebrate accomplishments and experience culture.

Pictured Above: Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture (RFLM)

National African Parent Involvement Day

2007-01-31T18:22:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 12, 2007 is education’s greatest day for parent involvement. Schools locally and across the nation have made special efforts to make this day “parent friendly” for America’s parents, particularly those of children of African American descent. National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) will be observed Monday, February 12, 2007. Parents, guardians, grandparents, fictive kin, ere., will foe taking their children to school/visiting their children in school in support of this national endeavor to encourage parents to come together in a single setting to promote educational excellence for today’s youths.

While the focus of the day (during Black History month) is primarily on African Americans, the purpose and intent of NAAPID is not mutually exclusive. ALL parents are encouraged to participate. This national observation provides a vehicle to open up dialogue among teachers, parents and students that will lead to a more conducive learning environment for every student from kindergarten through college. It is one avenue for improved home, school and community relations.
Ann Arbor (MI) Schools principal, Joseph Dulin, founded NAAPID, a nonprofit 501 (C) (3), volunteer, national initiative in 1995, with the first Annual Day being held in February 1996. He conceived the idea of NAAPID after accepting the challenge made to them at the Million Man March. The men were strongly encouraged to return to their individual homes and do more to build, involve and increase their commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals in their communities. Without question, he credits the success he has experienced as an educator to parent involvement. Further, research supports parental involvement as a viable means of enhancing children’s academic successes. Dulin believes that, “Every parent wants their child to have a better quality of life than they themselves have had. It is the American dream, and for many African Americans, this dream has not been realized as a result of their child’s failure in school. Education is the key to success and parents are educators’ greatest allies.”

Schools are free to plan events and activities of their choosing. Activities range from classroom visitations to luncheons/dinners to national speakers to weeklong celebrations. Some districts have even formed a coalition to work together to present “NAAPID @ Night” in order to further extend the school day, to work together for a common goal and to allow parents an opportunity to participate who are unable to attend during regular school hours.
We ask that public and parochial institutions of learning plan to participate in this win/win endeavor. NAAPID encourages participation from the “village” as a whole, not just the academic community.

Pictured Above: Tanisha Nunn Gary

Tanisha Gary Joins Gary Foundation

2007-01-31T18:20:00.000-08:00

The Gary Foundation is excited to announce that Tanisha Nunn Gary is joining the Foundation as the Executive Director, effective immediately. The Gary Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for young people. Tanisha, along with Kenneth Gary, President and CEO, will work together to reach the goals of the Foundation.

Tanisha Gary most recently worked as an associate attorney at the Law Offices of Gary, Williams, Parenti, Finney, Lewis, McManus, Watson and Sperando, P.L., and has accepted the position of Executive Director with the Gary Foundation, to help it achieve its fundraising objectives. Tanisha is a graduate of Spelman College and acquired her law degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law. She is actively involved with Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Inc., Fort Pierce Chapter of The Links, Inc., South Florida Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, and the National Bar Association.
Together, Tanisha and Kenneth plan to increase their sponsorship base and form strategic partnerships with several national corporations with the purpose of generating millions of dollars for the Foundation. They are also planning several significant fundraisers in the community throughout the year including the Willie Gary Celebrity Golf Classic, Denim and Diamonds Gala, garage sale featuring designer clothing and other luxury items, and a raffle of two, fully loaded, 2008 GMC Denalis, to name a few. All of the proceeds generated by the Foundation will benefit boys and girls by providing college scholarships and other resources to students who wish to attain a college education.

“I look forward to continuing the mission of the Gary Foundation by providing educational opportunities for young people by partnering with other Foundations and corporations to increase the amount of scholarships that we award,” said Tanisha Gary. “The Gary Foundation will continue to seek out positive role models to encourage children to not only do well academically, but to dream big dreams!”

“I am so delighted to welcome Tanisha to the Gary Foundation,” said Willie Gary. “I know she has the talent, energy, and drive to make the Foundation even more successful in the years to come. She is a tremendous asset, and many children will benefit from the scholarship money that will be raised.”

In 1994 Willie Gary and his wife, Dr. Gloria Gary, founded The Gary Foundation. The Foundation provides scholarships and direction to at-risk students who wish to attend college. Willie Gary and the Foundation have also supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities by donating millions of dollars - including $10 million to his alma mater Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Pictured Above Tanisha Gary

Students Drive to be Number One

2007-01-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - The solar powered car that Newburgh Free Academy (NFA) students plan on racing across the country next summer is being completely rebuilt with a $20,000 donation from Ameresco, an energy services company with offices across North America including Newburgh.

NFA’s Solar Racing Team and their rebuilt vehicle, Sol Machine VI, will compete against teams from other schools in the US and abroad in a contest that begins in Round Rock, TX on July 14 and scheduled to end in Newburgh, New York eight days later. “These devoted, energetic students have combined their thirst for learning with a passion for preserving the environment,” says David J. Anderson, Executive Vice President.
“Ameresco believes in supporting activities that teach young people to become active stewards of their environment by encouraging responsible energy use and renewable energy innovation.” Ameresco - which works with governments, and commercial and industrial businesses to develop energy saving solutions and renewable energy generation worldwide - is supporting the NFA Solar Racing Team through the company’s Better Schools Partnership which Ameresco created to provide assistance to youth programs that focus on math, science and engineering.

Earlier this year, NFA students began petitioning various local, state and federal sources for funds necessary to retool their saucer-shaped race car which has become worn from previous races. Richard E. Kohrs, who manages the Ameresco Newburgh office, heard of the students’ efforts and invited them to his Front Street office. The students detailed their summer race plans and ideas for improving the solar car. Shortly thereafter, Kohrs informed race team student advisory Christopher Eachus that Ameresco would sponsor the student solar racing team and the reconstruction of the solar car.

“We’d hoped all along that a local sponsor would step up and support these deserving kids and Ameresco has done just that,” said Eachus. “The kids and the school are extremely appreciative to Richard Kohrs and Ameresco through whose generosity these students will receive an important and rare educational experience.” While the students are focused on improving on last year’s third place finish, Eachus, a physics teacher and faculty advisor to the NFA Solar Racing Team, says the main focus for the atypical program is to spark inventive thought and urge the students to stretch their minds further and further in search of new answers to math, science and engineering problems.

The students’ race car is currently equipped with an electric 4.6 hp motor powered by twelve on-board batteries. The batteries get their power from solar energy collected from flexible solar cells that blanket the upper half of the car. The contribution from Ameresco will be used mainly to cover the cost of significant fiberglass and welding work as well as replacement solar cells. The vehicle requires no liquid fuel and produces no emissions. The upgraded car will be adorned with Ameresco logos similar to a NASCAR look. Ameresco also plans to outfit the student race crew with logoed apparel. NFA students steered Sol Machine VI to a third place finish in last summer’s Dell-Winston National Solar Challenge, a 4-day closed-track race at the Texas Motor Speedway. With this financial donation they’re planning on finishing first! Pictured Above: NFA Solar Car team with Congressman Hinchey, Mayor Valentine, Dave Anderson of Ameresco and Superintendent Dr. Saturnelli (Race Team Technical Advisor Christopher Eachus, far right).

Arts Commission Seeks Logo Design

2007-01-31T18:18:00.001-08:00

(Newburgh) - The Arts & Culture Commission (A & CC) of the City of Newburgh is initiating a competition for a logo design to be used on its publications. The logo may include text, graphic designs or a combination of the two. It should reflect the mission of the A&CC which can be found on the home page of the City of Newburgh website at the following web address www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov.

The competition is open to all artists, designers and students in the Newburgh area. A hard copy of the design can be sent to the Arts & Culture Commission c/o City Hall, 83 Broadway, Newburgh, N.Y. 12550, or e-mail it to arts@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov.

If the logo is accepted it becomes the property of the A&CC. A fee of $500 will be paid for the logo and additional fees may be assigned if letterheads and other publications are needed. The design must be converted into a JPEG, TIFF or PDF computer format for use in computer-generated publications.
Artists and designers submitting a logo should include a brief resume and qualifications.
The deadline is February 23, 2007.

The Arts and Culture Commission is an official commission of the City of Newburgh. Further information can be found on the City website or at www.newburgharts.com.

Exhibit Explores African American Life

2007-01-31T18:18:00.000-08:00

(Kingston) - TRANSART and Cultural Services announces the installation of an exhibition chronicling the history, of African Americans in the Mid-HudsonValley from the 1600’s to the end of the 19th Century. Entitled “Somebody’s Calling My Name - Free and Half Free” the exhibit will be on view in the Ulster County Office Building, 244 Fair Street, Kingston, New York, in the Tourism Information Room, and on view from February 5 through February 28. The Exhibit can be seen Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

In 1626, eleven men from Africa and from Europe became the Mid-Hudson Valley’s first African ancestry residents. A few years later, the first African women arrived. They could own property, marry in a Dutch church, and the men could serve in the militia and could testify against whites in a court of law. In 1644, the men petitioned for their freedom and won. No longer slaves, they remained “half free”. Each had to labor on Dutch West India Company public work projects whenever required and each had to pay the Company 22 bushels of grain and “one fat hog” every year for as long as he lived. They never became the equal of the Dutch freeman or of freed indentured servants and those who remained enslaved could hope for “half free” status. Their “half free” lives are symbolic of the history of African Americans in the Mid Hudson Valley who for the next 300 years would not achieve full equality with the White majority.

“Somebody’s Calling My Name-Free and Half Free” was part of a four part exhibition on view during the tri-centennial celebration of the first capital of New York State, Kingston. Greer Smith, President of TRANSART says, “Free and Half Free” has been designed to travel to schools, libraries or wherever this information is of interest. The exhibition is a chronology and can be used as a tool for further study and dialogue around important periods in American history and Hudson Valley history.

“It is also important to showcase this activity in the County Office Building,” states Rick Remsnyder, Director of Tourism. “We encourage people to stop in while transacting other business and then come back with their families.

A Tribute to James Brown

2007-01-31T18:16:00.000-08:00

Soul Legend James Brown who passed away on Dec, 25 2006 will be honored in Newburgh on Fri, Feb., 2, 2007. Solid S.T.E.P.S. Recording will be hosting a tribute event at Its’ All Good Restaurant, 90 Broadway, Newburgh, 7pm-11pm.
The God Father of Soul’s daughters Dr. Yamma Brown, veterinarian and Deanna Brown, radio personality will be presented with a Prestige Award in honor of their father by Mr. Torrance Harvey, Co-owner of Prestigious Music Group.
Both daughters are board members of the newly created James Brown Music Education Foundation which has been established to further the lifelong efforts of Mr. Brown to support music and education for the nation’s youth.
Those of us who knew him were keenly aware that music allowed him to rise from his own difficult circumstances on the streets, to one of the most influential and important cultural icons in the world. It was very important for him to find a way to give back, states a Brown representative.

It will be a celebration of his life and music. They will feature live performances by “The Hudson Valley’s number 1 dance party band”, Bosco and the Storm, whom have performed on various cruise ships, hotels and casinos for over a decade. In addition sensational recording artist Rynard Brown, future star recording artist Esty, Readnex Poetry Squad and many others will share the stage.

“The hardest-working man in show business, James Brown at the age of 73 has transitioned to the next level. He left behind a legacy of music second to none. The impact that he has made on the world of music transcends 5 decades. His countless hits have influenced all genres of music from funk, R & B, hip-hop, disco and rock. He has been an image of entertainment for all audiences for as long most can recall and it is our responsibility to honor such an icon.” states Damon Finch one of the presidents of Solid S.T.E.P.S. Recording.

For additional information contact Solid S.T.E.P.S. Recording at 845 725-7703 or online at SolidStepsRecording.com.

Soy Unica! Soy Latina! Workshop

2007-01-31T18:11:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - The Newburgh Latino Youth Collaborative presented “Soy Unica! Soy Latina!” on Saturday, January 27 on the Mount Saint Mary College campus.

Registration was open to the first 100 Latina girls between the ages of 9 - 16 and who attend the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. Mothers and/or caregivers were also encouraged to attend with their daughters to take part in several interactive workshops engaging them in topics such as racism, self-worth, career and college opportunities, along with exposure to cultural dances, art and much more.
The YWCA, Newburgh APPS/MISN, Safe Homes of Orange County, Sarah Wells Girl Scouts and the Middletown Police Department were some of the many organizations that participated in the workshops.

The Newburgh Latino Youth Collaborative stated, “As we continue to witness the effects of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs in our community, we must renew our commitment to protect and empower every human being, particularly our youth. Hispanic girls rank higher in rates of pregnancy, depression and suicide, when compared to other racial or ethnic groups.”
In response to this need, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration developed a bilingual initiative for Hispanic girls and their mothers and caregivers. The public education initiative, called Soy Unica! Soy Latina!, is designed to build and enhance Young Latinas’ self- esteem, mental health, decision-making and assertiveness to prevent the harmful consequences of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs.

The Newburgh Latino Youth Collaborative was founded in 2004 with a mission “to provide Latino Youth an opportunity to be active in their community through community service, organizing of community events, and participation in empowerment programs, advocacy and referral.”
Pictured Above At the conclusion of the Soy Unica!, Soy Latina! Workshop sessions cultural dancing was displayed by a variety of dance groups, such as the one pictured above.

NAACP Image Awards Nominations

2007-01-31T18:10:00.000-08:00

The 38th NAACP Image Awards nominations were recently announced during a press conference at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. Vanessa Williams, Isaiah Washington, Chandra Wilson, Shaun Robinson and DB Woodside joined NAACP President and CEO Bruce S. Gordon, NAACP Image Awards Committee Chairman Clayola Brown and Image Awards Executive Producer Vicangelo Bulluck to announce this year’s nominees.
The NAACP Image Awards honors projects and individuals that promote diversity in the arts in television, recording, literature and motion pictures. The theme of this year’s show is “Youth Create Change.” The show will air live on Friday, March 2nd (8:00 - 10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on FOX.
The CBS network leads with a total of 19 nominations, followed by The CW with 17. “Everybody Hates Chris” received eight nominations, including the directing category. “Girlfriends” received six nominations, including the directing and writing categories.
Sony Urban leads the recording category with seven nominations, including four for Beyoncé, which tied Mary J. Blige for the individual high. Capitol and Universal records followed with five nominations apiece.
In the motion picture category, Lionsgate Films received eight nominations, including two in the directing and writing categories. Sony and Dreamworks/Paramount followed with seven nominations each. “Dreamgirls” garnered eight nominations, including best soundtrack. “Akeelah and the Bee” and “The Pursuit of Happyness” both received five nominations, with an “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture” nomination for newcomer Jaden Christopher Syre Smith.
This year, over 1,200 entries were received. From those entries, a special committee of 300 industry professionals and NAACP leaders from across the country selected five nominees in each of 35 categories. Any artist, manager, publicist, production company, record label, studio, network or publishing house may submit an entry to the NAACP Image Awards. The final selections are voted on by NAACP members, and winners will be announced during the live airing of the 38th NAACP Image Awards.
Founded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities and monitor equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

Life Insurance: A Policy Overview

2007-01-31T18:08:00.000-08:00

All life insurance policies have one thing in common: They provide a tax-free death benefit to your beneficiary when you die. But, that’s where the similarities stop. Here, the New York Society of CPAs offers an overview of the most common types of life insurance to assist you in determining which best meets your needs.

Term insurance
Term life insurance policies offer death benefits only. Term insurance is simple to understand and it allows you to purchase the most coverage for the least amount of money. You buy a policy for a specific amount and term, 15 years for example. If you die during that term, the policy pays the death benefit to your beneficiaries. If you outlive the term of the policy, you get nothing. However, you can renew the policy at much higher rates or convert the policy to a permanent form of life insurance.
The two key types of term insurance are level term life insurance (premiums remain the same over a specified period of time) and yearly renewable (starts out with a lower initial premium, but the premium rises each year).

Whole life insurance
Rather than insuring you for just a part or a “term” of your life, a whole life policy is designed to cover you for your entire life. Whole life policies cost more than term policies because, in addition to providing a death benefit, a whole life policy builds up what is referred to as “cash value.” This is essentially an investment component that, after a certain number of years, you can withdraw or borrow against. (Unpaid loans against the policy are subtracted from the death benefit.)
The investment return on a whole life policy is likely to be lower than what you might earn investing on your own, because insurance companies typically invest conservatively.

Universal life insurance
Flexibility is the key selling point of universal life insurance. With this type of whole life insurance, you can increase or decrease the death benefit as your insurance needs change. You can, within limits, determine how much of your premium is used for insurance and how much goes toward the policy’s investment component. You can also increase or decrease the amount of premium payments and how often you pay them.

Variable life insurance
Variable life insurance differs from whole life insurance in that it allows you to invest the cash value of the policy in stocks, bonds, or money market funds within the insurance company’s portfolios. With a variable life policy, both the death benefit and the cash value depend on the performance of the investments you choose, but most policies guarantee that the death benefit will not fall below a specified minimum. A variable life policy is considered a security and sold only by prospectus.

Making the decision
The type of life insurance you buy will depend on your individual needs and what you hope to get out of your policy. It’s important to consider how much protection your family needs, how long you need coverage, and how much you can afford to pay in premiums.

If what you need is strictly income protection for a set amount of time, term insurance is the more appropriate and cost effective option. Term insurance works out particularly well if you follow the principle of “buy term and invest the difference.” This means you set aside and invest on your own the money you would have spent on a more costly whole life policy.

For people with more complicated or long-term needs, whole life insurance or one of its variations may make sense. For example, if you have contributed the maximum to your retirement savings and other tax-sheltered plans, you might consider whole life insurance because the cash value in the policy builds up tax-free.

As is the case with most important financial decisions, your life insurance choice should be made within the context of your overall financial plan and circumstances. A CPA can help you determine the type of policy that works best for you.

Pension Benefits for War Veterans

2007-01-31T18:07:00.000-08:00

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reaching out to inform wartime veterans and surviving spouses of deceased wartime veterans about an under-used, special monthly pension benefit called Aid and Attendance.

Veterans have earned this benefit by their service to our nation, said Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Jim Nicholson. We want to ensure that every veteran or surviving spouse who qualifies has the chance to apply.

Although this is not a new program, not everyone is aware of his or her potential eligibility. The Aid and Attendance pension benefit may be available to wartime veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in nursing-homes or assisted-living facilities.

Many elderly veterans and surviving spouses whose incomes are above the congressionally mandated legal limit for a VA pension may still be eligible for the special monthly Aid and Attendance benefit if they have large medical expenses, including nursing home expenses, for which they do not receive reimbursement. To qualify, claimants must be incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance.

The basic criteria for the Aid and Attendance benefit includes the inability to feed oneself, to dress and undress without assistance, or to take care of one’s own bodily needs. People who are bedridden or need help to adjust special prosthetic or orthopedic devices may also be eligible, as well as those who have a physical or mental injury or illness that requires regular assistance to protect them from hazards or dangers in their daily environment.
For a wartime veteran or surviving spouse to qualify for this special monthly pension, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active military service, one day of which was during a period of war, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Wartime veterans who entered active duty on or after September 8, 1980, (October 16, 1981, for officers) must have completed at least 24 continuous months of military service or the period for which they were ordered to active duty.

If all requirements are met, VA determines eligibility for the Aid and Attendance benefit by adjusting for un-reimbursed medical expenses from the veteran’s or surviving spouse’s total household income. If the remaining income amount falls below the annual income threshold for the Aid and Attendance benefit, VA pays the difference between the claimant’s household income and the Aid and Attendance threshold.

The Aid and Attendance income threshold for a veteran without dependents is now $18,234 annually. The threshold increases to $21,615 if a veteran has one dependent, and by $1,866 for each additional dependent. The annual Aid and Attendance threshold for a surviving spouse alone is $11,715. This threshold increases to $13,976 if there is one dependent child, and by $1,866 for each additional child.

Additional information and assistance in applying for the Aid and Attendance benefit may be obtained by calling 1-800-827-1000. Applications may be submitted on-line at www.vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp. Information is also available on the website at www.va.gov or from any local veterans service organization.

Scholarships Are Readily Available

2007-01-31T18:05:00.001-08:00

Nancy Calhoun was pleased to inform local residents that the Community Foundation of Orange County will offer seventeen out of the twenty-four available scholarships to students at a number of schools in the 96th Assembly District. Last year, the foundation offered a total of twenty-seven Orange County students, from ten different school districts, scholarships totaling over $75,000 in Endowed Scholarship Funds.
These scholarships, contributed by various members of the community, assist in reaching, our goal of improved quality of education and also promote educational advancement within the area. It is essential that we encourage students to further their education and I am pleased the Community Foundation of Orange County is continuing with this valuable scholarship program.

This year, these scholarships will be available in the following schools:

• Cornwall High School - Edward C. Moult on, Jr. Scholarship, John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship;

• Chester Academy - Rudolph Pallet Memorial Science and Education Scholarship;

• Highland Falls High School- Abraham, Judith and Jonathan R, Kopald Scholarship;

• Newburgh Free Academy - John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship;

• Pine Bush High School - John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship, John Christopher Smith Scholarship, Pine Bush Alumni Scholarship, Michelle R. Bratton Memorial Scholarship, Scott F. Caen Memorial Scholarship, Isadore “Stitch” Wittenberg Scholarship;

• Valley Central High School- John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship, Anonymous Scholarship, Corinne Feller Memorial Scholarship; and

• Washingtonville High School- John D. Garrison Memorial Scholarship, Washingtonville Firefighters Memorial Scholarship, Jonathan George Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Applications for the scholarships are available through school district guidance counselors. Students at the following schools should contact their respective counselor: Cornwall High School- Grace Broere; Chester Academy- Mary Laiks; Highland Falls High School- Nancy Kolewe; Newburgh Free Academy- Heather Kraus; Pine Bush High School-Judith Pulver; Valley Central High School- Jill Conklin; and Washingtonville High School - Jodi Davis.
Individuals interested in one of the scholarships should keep in mind applications must be submitted by April 1, 2007 to the appropriate guidance offices.

Residents will be pleased to know additional scholarships are also available to college students through the Community Foundation including the new Spencer McLaughlin Scholarship and the Frederick B. and Dorothy Wildfoerster Fund.
“As your Assemblywoman, I have supported and fought for measures that will improve the quality of education in the Hudson Valley and I am pleased these scholarships are again being offered. I hope students will take advantage of this great opportunity and apply for one of these scholarships.”

For further information on the college and high school scholarship funds offered by Community Foundation, you may contact the Executive Director, Karen VanHouten at (845) 469-4469, or my district office at (845) 567-3141.

Pictured Above: Nancy Calhoun

Steps to Prevent Cervical Cancer

2007-01-31T18:05:00.000-08:00

Women under age 26 who have not yet been sexually active can reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer by getting immunized against the human papillomavirus (HPV) strains that cause 70% of cervical cancers, with the vaccine that was just approved for use late last year. All women who have already been sexually active, or who are older than 26, can reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer by not smoking or having multiple sex partners, and by having regular pelvic examinations and Pap tests to help find any abnormality in the cervix before it turns into an actual cancer or to detect cervical cancer early when it can be more easily treated.

This January, during Cervical Cancer Screening Month and Cervical Health Awareness Month, the Medical Society of the State of New York reminds women that by taking these and other positive actions, they may reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer. As a bonus they may reduce their risk of getting or suffering from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well.

Cervical cancer develops when cells lining the cervix-the part of the uterus or womb that connects with the vagina-become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. These cells can cause a mass or tumor. Malignant or cancerous tumors can spread to other parts of the body and be life threatening. Cervical cancer was once a common cause of cancer death in women in the United States, but widespread use of the Pap test has greatly reduced the number of women who die of the disease. According to the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, when cervical cancer is detected early, it is nearly 100% curable. Now the risk of developing cervical cancer in the first place is drastically reduced for those eligible for immunization with the new vaccine.
Risky behaviors for cervical cancer and STIs

STIs are rampant in the United States; the Women’s Cancer Network estimates that at least one in five people currently has an STI. Since many women with STIs do not experience any symptoms, the STIs are often not diagnosed unless serious complications develop. This is particularly true of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact. Although most HPV infections go away without treatment and do not lead to cervical cancer, HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Women should be aware of the behaviors that put them at increased risk of contracting HPV and of developing cervical cancer. These include smoking; sexual intercourse, especially at an early age; having multiple sexual partners, binge drinking leading to multiple sexual partners; and having a partner who has multiple sexual partners. Changes in these behaviors will also reduce the chance of developing other STIs, but even condoms and other prophylactics cannot fully protect against the HPV virus.
Regular screening can be a life saver

There are a number of screening methods available to help detect cervical cancer and associated HPV, but the traditional Pap test or smear is still the most recommended. To perform this simple, painless screening test, a physician collects cells from the cervix and transfers the cells to a slide for examination under a microscope.

If abnormal cells are found, additional tests may be ordered. In most cases, abnormal Pap tests are not related to cancer, but are due to bacterial or yeast infections or other causes. In addition to taking the cell sample, the physician will also conduct a pelvic examination to check the size and shape of the other reproductive organs.

The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) and its Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the American Cancer Society, the Women’s Cancer Network, and other organizations concerned about women’s health have similar recommendations for the timely screening for cervical cancer. The medical society excerpted the information below from that issued by the NCI.

• A woman should have her first cervical cancer screening at age 21 or approximately three years after she begins having sexual intercourse, whichever comes first.

• Experts recommend waiting approximately three years following the initiation of sexual activity because transient HPV infections and cervical cell changes that are not significant are common, and it takes years for a significant abnormality or cancer to develop. Cervical cancer is extremely rare in women under the age of 25.

• Women who are at higher than average risk of cervical cancer due to factors such as HIV infection should seek expert medical advice about when to begin screening, how often to be screened, and when they can discontinue cervical screenings.

• Women should have a Pap test at least once every three years.

• Women 65 to 70 years of age who have had at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the last 10 years may, upon consultation with their physician, stop cervical cancer screening.

• Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) do not need to undergo cervical cancer screenings, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical precancer or cancer.

• Women should seek expert medical advice about when they should begin screening, how often they should be screened, and when they can discontinue cervical screenings, especially if they are at higher than average risk of cervical cancer due to factors such as HIV infection.
For further information about cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening, contact the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service by calling 800-422-6237 (800-4CANCER) or logging onto www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo. The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation at www.sgo.org is another valuable resource.

This information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY). For more health-related information and referrals to physicians in your community, contact your local county medical society.

Spina Bifida Walk organized by students

2007-01-31T18:04:00.001-08:00

(Middletown) - SUNY Orange students are seeking participants, donors and sponsors for the College’s first Spina Bifida Walk, scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 4 at Middletown ’s Galleria at Crystal Run, with all proceeds from the event to be earmarked specifically for spina bifida research.

Community members may support the event in three ways, by participating as a walker, sponsoring a walker who has already registered or offering a donation to the committee. Prizes will be awarded to those who raise the most money, and early registrants will receive a free, blue, latex-free wristband (many people afflicted with spina bifida suffer from latex allergies) with the Spina Bifida Association logo. Participants may register in advance. Registration will also be held the morning of the event, beginning at 8 a.m. in the mall’s center court.
During the walk, representatives from the student-led organizing committee will be available to answer questions, accept donations and provide information about spina bifida, its lifelong effects and new cutting-edge research methods.
SUNY Orange students Sarah Marley, Shilpa Patel and Katie Horsham have been stockpiling volunteers and organizing this event for the past two months. They have received assistance from the national Spina Bifida Association as well as the Spina Bifida Association’s chapter in Rochester, N.Y. , the closest New York State SBA chapter to Orange County. Volunteers will be blanketing the area with posters, flyers and information sheets in the next few weeks to encourage participation from the community.

“There is no local walk for spina bifida, to the best of my knowledge,” said Patel, who is afflicted with spina bifida and is confined to a wheelchair. “I’ve wanted to organize a walk of this type since 2001, because it’s important to raise awareness, but also to raise money to help researchers find a cure.”

“We feel that any amount of money we raise will make a difference,” Marley added. “We’ve already gotten support from places like Orange Regional Medical Center and the Family Empowerment Council, and several stores in the mall were very generous in providing gifts that we can present to the people who raise the most money.”

An estimated 70,000 people in the United States are currently living with spina bifida, the most common permanently disabling birth defect. Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs in the first month of pregnancy when the spinal column doesn’t close completely. A herniaiton of the spinal cord protrudes from the spinal column and can lead to paralysis below the area of the herniation.
There are 60 million women at risk of having a baby born with spina bifida. On average, eight babies every day are affected by spina bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. Each year, about 3,000 pregnancies are affected by these birth defects.
The effects of spina bifida are different for every person. Up to 90 percent of children with the worst form of spina bifida have hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and must have surgery to insert a “shunt” that helps drain the fluid-the shunt stays in place for the lifetime of the person. Other conditions include full or partial paralysis, bladder and bowel control difficulties, learning disabilities, depression, latex allergy, and social and sexual issues.

Thanks to new medical treatments and technology, most people born with spina bifida can expect to live a normal life.
The standard treatment of spina bifida has been to perform surgery on the newborn within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. However, experimental new surgeries, performed in utero after spina bifida has been detected, have increased the chance for fetuses to develop normally.

“We hope to raise money to further this incredible research that has the potential to give children affected with spina bifida the quality of life they so fully deserve,” Marley said.
Among those stores and organizations that have already stepped forward to support the students’ efforts are Merle Norman Cosmetics (60-minute pamper session), Sweet Feelings Jewelers (cubic zirconium diamond pendent necklace), Gertrude Hawk ($25 gift card), Hallmark ($20 gift card), Family Empowerment Council of Orange/Sullivan County ($200) and Orange Regional Medical Center ($500).
To donate, register or seek additional information, contact Marley at (845) 224-5262. To download a registration form, visit the SUNY Orange web site at www.sunyorange.edu.

The World Series that should have been

2007-01-31T18:04:00.000-08:00

By Chris Stevenson
c_stevenson@hvpress.net

I never felt it was my place to question Negro League players. To me their parks are to be viewed as temples, undefiled by incompetence and me-ism. Hard-core athletes whose only performance enhancement was their love of the game, good times, and their own camaraderie. You see, in my opinion they didn’t deserve to gradually integrate the Major Leagues as they did, they were a financially challenged Major League. They deserved to merge their strongest division(s) with MLB, continue in their own playoffs and then the two league champions with the worst won-loss records compete in a best-of-seven with the team with the best record getting a bye to the World Series after surviving their own league series. A merger as opposed to just one player like Jackie Robinson-and later Larry Doby in the AL-would have put the Negro Leagues strongest teams into the Major League infrastructure, and raised the economy of Black-owned pro baseball teams the same way the NFL did for the AFL in the late 60’s, and the NBA did when they took in four of the ABA s strongest teams in the late 70’s. The audience was already there, in 1942 three million people paid to watch Negro League baseball, shortly after Robinson jumped, the Negro NL folded.

Did baseball have a grudge against John Jordan Buck O’Neil? Understand that pro baseball has mirrored American life more than any other sport. Outspoken black men who choose to voice concerns rather than wait for the white establishment to choose their leader will always look suspect to many whites and sadly a few blacks. From the interviews I heard conducted with him he seemed fiery, witty, humorous, but I detected an unforgiving undertone for what the sport did to him and countless other black athletes like him. The true test of any competition is not that it s a right or a privilege to compete with the best, it is a requirement. Human nature demands it. Where was white baseball s humanity when it was needed the most? Major League baseball is still throwing knuckle-balls at blacks; a black manager who won two World Series in a row (Cito Gaston) still can’t find a team to run. In fact you can still count the number of black managers on one hand. O’Neil didn’t wait for baseball to pass over him for a skipper’s post; he simply appointed himself the Negro League Ambassador and opened a museum in Kansas City-the home of his champion Monarchs-devoted to the black professional baseball leagues.

On the surface the high number of 06’ Negro League picks last winter exhibits an open-mindedness the game has never displayed ever since MLB began inducting Negro League players back in. Beneath the surface revealed some rather strange reasoning behind some choices. The obstinate legion of white baseball HOP selectors also reached to ignore Abe Manley. The owner of the Newark Eagles, and actually chose his wife Effa. Don’t get me wrong, Effa was beautiful and had it going on in other facets of life such as political activism (we all know how much baseball loves this quality), but those tireless scheming circle of white selectors know or care nothing about Effa, they just think they found a clever way to go around Abe. Baseball always feared the prospect of the black male team owner, especially one who built a league champion with profits from his numbers business. This could lead to a floodgate of black owners, too manly for baseball.
Ironically a black Hispanic- Alejandro Popez whom also bought his team with illegal lotto: profits did get a nod. Along with the bizarre choice of Mrs. Manley, were Jud Wilson, Cum Posey, WL Wilkinson, Sol White, Mule Suttles (you gotta love those names back then), Willard Brown, Cristobal Torriente, Biz Mackey, Louis Santop, Ray Brown, Andy Cooper, Jose Mendez, Ben Taylor, and Pete Hill. Black critics say only half of these people are deserving, and other players who were left off the list was the Negro Leagues last .400 hitter, Artie Wilson, and lefty Silas Simmons who was the oldest living baseball player (111) and passed away Oct. 29th, 23 days after O’Neil’s death and pitched and fielded from 1912-29 for several Negro League teams.

Simmons known for his fastball and curve earned a whopping $10 a game. He often paid .25 cents in order to watch a Major League game when he knew he and many others could have been a force in the majors. Frank Grant was also ignored, one of baseball’s best 19th Century players, and a former Buffalo Bison, Buffalo Giant, and inventor of the shin-guard (white players slid foot first to hit the 2nd baseman with their cleats).Baseball’s irony is most of it is best played in the worst era.

Mount Vernon seeks distinguished citizens

2007-01-31T18:03:00.001-08:00

(Mount Vernon) - Mayor Ernest D. Davis, The City of Mount Vernon, New York, the Mount Vernon Department of Recreation: Karen Watts, Commissioner, Mount Vernon City Council: Steven Horton, President, and Maureen Walker, Comptroller proudly present The Annual Mount Vernon Distinguished Citizens’ Award, which honors citizens for their special deeds, efforts and/or contributions to the City of Mount Vernon. This prestigious award is the brainchild of Mayor Davis that began in the year 2002 with recognition categories that vary from year to year. Nominees for this year’s category, “The Wind Beneath My Wings’” are needed. We are honoring Mount Vernonites who serve unselfishly, in the “background” (those who work hard and painstakingly behind the scenes, making things happen), who receive very little or no recognition for volunteering and executing those wonderful church, business, and organization events. The heroes who stay behind the curtains while others are honored - which is quite alright with these “behind-the-scene people” because there is exactly where they want to be.

If there is someone you would like to nominate for this year’s Mount Vernon Distinguished Citizens’ Award, please e-mail or fax the following requested information to Sheryll Brownlee-Fox at SBrownlee@cmvny.com, (914)-665-2421 no telephone calls please. The prerequisites are:

* Nominees MUST have been raised and/or currently reside in Mount Vernon, New York
* Nominee submissions must contain name, a day and evening phone number, address (e-mail address);
* The nominator must include their name, a day and evening phone number, and address (if you have one);
* 2 or 3 paragraphs submitted by nominator, describing why you feel this person should be honored;
* The deadline for nominee submissions is Monday, April 30, 2007;
* No nominees will be accepted after this date, no expectations.
* PLEASE NOTE: 10 people will be recognized

The Mount Vernon Distinguished Citizens’ Award honoring “The Wind Beneath My Wings’” is hosted by The Mount Vernon Department of Recreation during the Summer Breeze Concert Series. This year it will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2007, 7:00 p.m. at 8:30 p.m. on Mount Vernon City Plaza.

( * Residency judgment based on circumstance. )

Spitzer & Patterson Announce Nominees

2007-01-31T18:03:00.000-08:00

(Buffalo) - Governor Eliot Spitzer and Lieutenant Governor David Paterson recently announced the nominations of Daniel Gundersen to serve as Upstate Chair of the Empire State Development Corporation and Ken Schoetz to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the Upstate Development Corporation. Together they will serve as the top-economic development officials in Upstate New York. They will oversee efforts to recruit new business and support existing businesses in the North Country, Central New York, Southern Tier and Western New York.

“Dan Gundersen brings tremendous economic development experience to New York State,” said Governor Spitzer. “Paired with Ken Schoetz, we have the right team in place to bring much needed energy and focus to Upstate economic development through the newly created Upstate ESDC headquarters.”
Based in Buffalo, Gundersen will oversee the Upstate Headquarters as well as eight regional economic development offices, and will co-Chair the ESDC alongside Pat Foye who is the acting Downstate Chair.

Daniel Gundersen is a leading economic development specialist with experience in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Since 2003, Mr. Gundersen has served as Executive Deputy Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). In this role he served as the department’s Chief Operating Officer, directing operations that exceeded $665 million annually. Mr. Gundersen led Pennsylvania’s international business development office and its global competitiveness strategies.

From 2000 to 2003, Gundersen served as Assistant Secretary at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and was part of the economic team that helped guide Maryland into the top tier in the nation for economic growth.

Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, Mr. Gundersen worked with corporate and public leaders in Southeast Pennsylvania to develop nationally acclaimed public/private partnerships that addressed critical quality of life issues related to jobs, education, transportation, good government and housing. He served as an economic advisor to Mayor Ed Rendell of Philadelphia, and was a member of the City’s Economic Development Cabinet during its renaissance. Gundersen received his B.A. from Hope College and is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he earned a Masters Degree in Governmental Administration. His wife of 21 years, Tamera is a native of Corning.
Ken Schoetz has served in numerous senior positions in public service and as an attorney in private practice. He is a life-long resident of Western New York, and has government experience at both the state and local level, including serving for the last four years as Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Buffalo Regional Office. While in that position he was one of New York’s representatives on the Peace Bridge Authority. From 1988-1999 he worked in county government including seven years as Erie County Attorney. Schoetz received his B.A. in Political Economics from Williams College, and earned his J.D. from the University at Buffalo Law School where he was editor-in-chief of the Law Review.

Civil Rights Movement Must Evolve

2007-01-31T18:01:00.000-08:00

By Marc Morial

In light of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday celebration, USA Today recently asked me about the future of the civil rights movement half a century or so after it began. I told the paper the role of the National Urban League and other civil rights groups was evolving to cater to the younger generation, which possesses no memories of struggle born well before they were.

Today’s youth are looking for something different than their parents and grandparents.
This is evident in the giving patterns of young minorities, who are more likely to believe that the key to greater equality is greater access to financial power than political power.
According to the City University of New York’s Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, they are more interested in gaining access to Wall Street than marching on Washington. They also tend to support nonprofits that emphasize individual attainment and employ a business model of operation.

Instead of fighting for basic rights guaranteed to Americans, we are now fighting for our economic future. There is no doubt that African Americans have made great progress in surmounting past challenges and thriving in the 21st century: Our quality of life has improved as has our future.

In 1960, 20.1 percent of blacks graduated from high school, which was a little less than half the percentage of whites. Now, 81.1 percent hold high-school degrees or higher - compared to 86 percent of whites. High school dropout rates have fallen to nearly one half of what they were in 1975 - 27.3 percent to 15.1 percent in 2004, narrowing the gap with whites of 13.4 percentage points to three.
Since 1970, life expectancy has risen 11.4 years, while that of whites has increased 7 years.

In The State of Black America 2006, the National Urban League found the overall status of blacks to be at 73 percent of whites. In terms of health, education and social justice, blacks were from 74 to 78 percent of whites and even surpassed whites in civic engagement. However, economically, they lagged substantially behind at just 56 percent.
Despite educational improvements, the gap in salaries has actually widened since 1960 when median income of black households was roughly $14,000 less than whites in 2004 dollars. Now, that difference has expanded to $21,372 despite a nearly doubling of household income. When it comes to personal wealth, whites still outperform blacks - 10 times over.
As I said in my keynote address at our annual conference last July, the idea of expanding the American dream and table to everyone is still relevant now as it was in the 1960’s. The fight to sit at the lunch counter was an important one. But what’s the use of winning the right to eat at the lunch counter if you cannot afford the meal? Now, the civil right struggle is more a fight of not only being able to afford lunch but being able to purchase the lunch counter.

There was a time when African Americans were denied the right to own property. In 2004, home ownership among blacks hit an all-time high of nearly 50 percent.

For the African American community to achieve economic equality with whites and be competitive in the global marketplace, it is not enough just to own property - though it’s a very good start. We must also be able to maintain and secure that ownership for generations to come. And it is not enough for our children to just graduate high school.
To obtain the jobs of the future, they will need to go to college at the very least to acquire the skills of the future and gain the financial freedom we desire for them.
In 1967, at the 11th Convention of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pondered the question, “Where do we go from here?”
He also realized that the movement he helped create was an evolving entity. To grow and flourish, it couldn’t just concentrate on securing basic liberties for minorities. It had to expand into something bigger - not only for the sake of the future generations but for the legacy of those who gave their lives to the cause.
A decade after the birth of the SCLC, Dr. King realized that to keep the movement alive he needed to began to expand its scope to issues standing in the way of greater equality such as poverty and the Vietnam War, causing consternation within the Johnson administration.

After all, it wasn’t just about guaranteeing basic inalienable rights to African Americans in the South even back in the 1960’s. It was becoming less a struggle for the rights of blacks to vote and operate freely within American society. The inner-city ghettos in northern cities emerged out of poor economic conditions - not necessarily out of political circumstance. The riots of the late 1960’s occurred in areas whose residents had the right to vote for years and where the first blacks after Reconstruction won election.

“We made our government write new laws to alter some of the cruelest injustices that affected us. We made an indifferent and unconcerned nation rise from lethargy and subpoenaed its conscience to appear before the judgment seat of morality on the whole question of civil rights. We gained manhood in the nation that had always called us ‘boy’,” Dr. King said before the SCLC’s 11th Convention. “But in spite of a decade of significant progress, the problem is far from solved. The deep rumbling of discontent in our cities is indicative of the fact that the plant of freedom has grown only a bud and not yet a flower.”

Dr. King realized that economic as well as political empowerment would put the African American community on the track to full equality and prosperity in the United States by blacks - especially the poor - “the additional weapon of cash” to combat discrimination. He foresaw a “host of positive psychological effects” that would result from widespread economic security among blacks.
“The dignity of the individual will flourish when the decisions concerning his life are in his own hands, when he has the assurance that his income is stable and certain, and when he knows that he has the means to seek self-improvement. Personal conflicts between husband, wife, and children will diminish when the unjust measurement of human worth on a scale of dollars is eliminated,” he told the SCLC nearly 40 years ago.

At a National Urban League forum in Harlem last June discussing the impact of the “N Word,” one panelist said part of the reason why the younger generation invokes the word more freely than their elders is that they are not as aware of the racial epithet’s history. They don’t feel the pain of the word because their elders would rather repress bitter memories of the past than relive them. But that’s the last thing we should do in our efforts to move forward to be stronger and better than ever.

When our youth is unaware of what came before, we are undermining their ability to build upon the movement’s progress and create a brighter future for future generations.

Without those memories, we have no context in which to put our aspirations. While the movement has taken on a new form and will serve new constituents as the United States evolves demographically, we must not forget the reason why we embraced this struggle in the first place.

We must concede that the challenges now faced by the black community are somewhat different from the 1960’s. Our youth have our legacy in their hands. We can either engage them and emerge stronger or ignore them and relinquish our power.

A Methodist Build House Dedication

2007-01-31T17:58:00.000-08:00

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Newburgh) - On Saturday, January 20, friends and family gathered as Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh dedicated the Methodist Build house at 70 Benkard Avenue - home of the James family.
With the formal ceremony now only minutes from starting, the bitter cold weather of winter finally arrived. Members of the 11 participating churches of the Methodist Build arrived to find a sharp contrast inside to the weather outside. As they walked through the house, inspecting their collective hard work, they were warmed by the love that had transformed this once abandoned house into a warm, loving home.
They had done it!

Before Habitat took over, the house at 70 Benkard Avenue had been abandoned and neglected for years, with broken windows and cracked, mold-covered walls. But with the help of the hundreds of volunteers who worked tirelessly to rehabilitate this house, this home now has new walls, new energy-efficient windows, and a fresh coat of paint.

Outside, the James family arrives, eager to greet the many people who have made their dream of homeownership a reality. The excitement is building. A child will finally have the room they have always wanted. And a backyard big enough to have a puppy-if it’s okay. A kitchen big enough to cook a gourmet meal and a dinning room large enough to invite the entire family over during the holidays.

Everyone rushes inside, where the formal ceremony is about to start. This is where family advocates Martha Hasbrouck and Patricia Parker will reflect upon the family and friends who have been with the James family through the entire Habitat build process. This is where house captains Kenneth Mennerich and Marie Woods will formally present the James family with the keys to their new house. And this is where Habitat President Moacyr Calhelha will present the family with gifts from the community.

Yes, they had finally done it! With the Methodist build project done, Habitat has now completed 25 houses to date. But Habitat of Greater Newburgh’s work continues. They will continue to work to eliminate substandard housing by raising much needed funds for projects and recruiting volunteers to help in any way possible. If you would like to volunteer, make a donation or would like more information about Habitat, call them at 568-6035.

Habitat is currently accepting applications for partner families and will have its next intake session on Wednesday, January 31 at 6:30 PM at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Newburgh.

Pictured Above: The Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh dedicated the Methodist Build house at 70 Benkard Avenue during a formal ceremony to the James family on Saturday January 20, 2007.

Mt. Carmel church is built on faith

2007-01-31T12:55:00.000-08:00

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Town of Newburgh) - The members of Mount Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ added a new chapter to their history book last Sunday as they officially opened the doors to their new church. It was a short walk across the parking lot to a new church home, but it took the congregation a long time to get there.
The original church home was on Colden Street in the City of Newburgh. Elder Johnson, who had been sent to preach at the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Beacon, New York by Bishop W.E. Gilliam, found and rented a little store front at 62 Colden Street and called this mission, Mt. Carmel. His purpose in mind was to turn Newburgh upside down by making Disciples of Christ. That was August, 1956. It wouldn’t be long before the church would be on the move, growing in strength and numbers. In November of 1962 Bishop Johnson and the Mt. Carmel congregation marched from Colden Street to 13-15 Johnston Street, led by the late Bishop Gilliam and the congregation of the Shiloh Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ from New York, New York. In 1983 a fire destroyed the Mt. Carmel edifice on Johnston Street. They would regroup and, on the second Sunday in November of 1984 march from Johnston Street to their new home at 1528 Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh.
Their latest move wasn’t quite as far, just next door - literally, but it was done “purposefully.” They lined up in front of the old church edifice at four o’clock to begin their “spiritual march” to 1524 Route 300.
Bishop Emeritus George W. Johnson had a vision for a new church and it was no coincidence that Elder Herring, the current pastor, was named his successor - therefore charged with the responsibility to carry out his vision for a new church.
Sister Wanda Boyd said, “Today we realize a vision that has come to pass. But even more so, today we realize that we must always depend on God. On this occasion, we are here to rejoice, celebrate and give thanks.”
In a celebratory ceremony fitting to mark the occasion of the dedication of the new Mount Carmel edifice, the congregation and invited guests rejoiced in the word of God, celebrated by “making a joyful noise unto the Lord” and gave thanks to those with the vision to see what could be achieved through the grace of God.

Pictured Above from Top to Bottom: The Mount Carmel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ opened the doors to their new church this past Sunday. I

The founder of Mount Carmel Church Bishop Emeritus George W. Johnson addresses the congregation during the dedication ceremony, as Mother Johnson looks on.

Dr. Dongala will Speak in Harriman Hall

2007-01-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

Emmanuel Dongala, PhD, novelist, poet, scientist, and former president of the Congelese chapter of PEN, the international writers’ organization that fights for freedom of expression, will speak on Human’s Rights, People’s Rights: An African Perspective on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 7:15pm in Harriman Hall 111 Film Theatre, Orange County Community College. Harriman Hall is a universally accessible building which is located at the corner of Wawayanda and East Conkling Avenues, Middletown, NY. The lecture is free and open to the public and sponsored in part by James H. Ottaway, Jr.

Dongala is the 2003 recipient of the Fonlon-Nichols Award for his contributions to both African literature and freedom of expression, his work is also featured in the Penguin Book of Modern African Poetry. In addition, he is an author of award-winning novels Johnny Mad Dog (French: Johnny Chien Mechant) and Little Boys Come from the Stars and The Fire of Origin. He states that he chose first to become a scientist because a free Africa needed men of science, but that “my job [became] as a writer to express the sadness, anger, and shame that so much wealth and opportunity has been wasted in Africa.”

Dept., Simon’s Rock College of Bard, Great Barrington, MA, where he is a professor of chemistry with a specialty in stereochemistry and asymmetric synthesis. He also teaches French.
In addition, he was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1999.

Dr. Dongala and his family abandoned their home in Brazzaville, Congo Republic in the wake of civil war. “[It] was more horrible than I could have imagined as a novelist,” he told a New York Times interviewer. Rival militias shot civilians at random in the streets and bombarded residential neighborhoods, reducing them to rubble. 10,000 people were killed according to official estimates, but he believes the number to be much higher. 120,000 of his countrymen fled to seek shelter in the equatorial rainforests. Dr. Dongala, a professor of chemistry and dean of Brazzaville’s university, was luckier. Having received his BA at Oberlin College and his MS at Rutgers University and being a frequent visitor to the United States, he had formed a friendship with, among others, novelist Philip Roth who helped him secure an appointment as a professor at Simon’s Rock College by Leon Botstein president of Bard College. Emmanuel Dongala is always careful to stress in interviews that he is not a political exile, a fact that differentiates him from many other well-known African authors. “I did not suffer because I was a writer or an intellectual,” he told the Times, “I suffered like everybody did [during the civil war] because the rockets we call ‘Stalin’s organs’ kept firing on our house, because anarchy spread and children with machine guns took what they wanted. It was not ideological.”

The Lyceum Lecture Series is presented by Cultural Affairs. Questions may be directed to (845)341-4891 and cultural@sunyorange.edu Website: www.sunyorange.edu/lyceum

Pictured Above: Emmanuel Dongala, PhD

Art Gallery Showcases Local Talent

2007-01-24T18:46:00.000-08:00

By Jennifer L. Warren
j_warren@hvress.net

(Beacon) - For Carl Van Brunt, there is something more bonding area artists together than simply physical proximity.

“There is something bigger that connects our artists; it’s being part of a special community who can learn and share from one another,” said Van Brunt, owner of Carl Van Brunt Gallery in Beacon. “There is also a community aspect, contributing to an area they are a part of and playing a key role in it.”
Van Brunt showcased that area talent recently with the opening of “New Hudson 3,” which will run through February 26. Several hundred visitors attended the opening, viewing both painting and photography pieces from 27 area artists. Now in its fifth year, the Gallery, located at 460 Main Street, was opened by Van Brunt in the summer of 2002.

“I have been an artist my whole life and have an advertising background, so I thought it would make a lot of sense to combine the two,” said Van Brunt, who tends to lean towards painting, digital photography and sculpture when it comes time to gallery selections. “I knew a lot of artists, and thought Beacon was a great area to show it.”

Van Brunt guessed right. Growing each year, the Gallery is a popular spot on the Main Street strip which several galleries call home.

The Carl Van Brunt Gallery is especially buzzing on the second Saturday of each month, a time when all Beacon galleries keep their doors open until 9 pm. On these days, art lovers can roam the well lit Main Street drag, frequenting galleries, grabbing a bite to eat, and just plain relaxing. As one passed Van Brunt’s Gallery Saturday, a landscape painting could be spied through the window. But, this wasn’t any ordinary nature scene; superimposed on the piece was a hanger with a tie. Titled “Back to Work,” the eye-catching “anti-landscape” painting was done by artist Win Zibeon of Blauvelt, New York. Combining a mixture of virtually every school of painting (Dada, Pop, Illusionism, Surrealism), the anti-landscape series constructed by Zibeon is technically very precise, using little brushes and demanding a sort of perfection. As for interpretation, Zibeon prefers as much gray area as possible to exist.

“I’m trying to create a fine line between what the viewer perceives as real and what is real,” explained Hunter, who earned a Masters Degree in painting from Hunter College. “Landscapes are everywhere, and in many ways can be boring; my paintings are a reaction to that safety and blandness, allowing the viewer to see ordinary things in a new way.” Zibeon added, “There is always a narrative going on; I never like to limit a piece to just one thing.”

Doing all of his work in a series format, Zibeon, has also completed paintings in still lifes, weapons, strams, Placcato oro: gold, entertainers and watery windows.

2007 Miss New York International

2007-01-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

Beth Scales of Nyack, New York has won the title of Miss New York International. In late July 2007, Beth will travel to Chicago and represent New York in the national competition and compete for the title of Miss International 2007.

Beth is a full-time pre-law senior at Nyack College. She occupies her free time working with the Living Christ Church Youth Group and is a bible study leader. She also helps serve the Nyack dinners for the homeless and the New Life Clinic.

Because of her academic excellence and community activities, Beth was named the valedictorian of her graduating high school class. She has also won many other titles, including Miss Jr. National Teen-Ager 2002. Along with enjoying many of her favorite leisure activities like basketball, football and surfing, she is a keynote speaker on the topics of visual health awareness, community service, leadership and making a difference at many events, such as the Girl Scout State-Wide Conference and the Women of Influence Conference. Her platform focuses on illustrating to the public the importance of visual health. She hopes to decrease the amount of cases of amblyopia, a disease that she suffers from, that go unnoticed at an early age and increase the number that are able to be corrected simply by getting detected early. “I will help society realize the importance of taking care of their eyes by educating them about precautions, consequences and general vision health information,” Beth said.

Beth was chosen from a large pool of New York contestants to earn the title of Miss New York International. The national competition will be held next year in Chicago at the Northshore Center for the Performing Arts. The Miss International 2007 production is open to the public and is taped before a live studio audience.

The Miss International Pageant is a production of International® Pageants, Inc. The International® Pageants Corporation celebrates its twentieth year of competition, under the leadership of the National Executive Director, Mrs. Mary Richardson, herself a former Mrs. Virginia USA. The pageant is recognized for its integrity, high ethical standards, utmost fairness, and consistent application of its rules and regulations. “It is our goal to provide ladies everywhere with, the opportunity to compete in a pageant system that maintains the highest moral values,” states Mrs. Psichardson. “We are firmly committed to applying these standards to our past, present and future contestants and directors.”

For more information about the Miss International pageant, visit the official website at www.Miss-Intemational.us or call 540-989-5992.

Lillias White Stars in Blind Lemon Blues

2007-01-24T18:44:00.000-08:00

The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Documentary Arts in association with Central Track Productions have announced that Tony Award winner Lillias White will join the cast of the Off-Broadway premiere of Blind Lemon Blues, created by Alan Govenar and Akin Babatunde featuring more than 60 Blind Lemon Jefferson songs. Performances begin February 15th and continue through February 25th only, at The York Theatre at St. Peter’s (54th Street, between Lexington and Third Avenues).

Lillias White is a native New Yorker. On Broadway she has performed in The Life as Sonia, for which she received the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and the Friends of New York Awards. Her other Broadway credits include How To Succeed In Business... (Jonesey), Cats (Grizzabella), Once on This Island (Asaka), Dreamgirls (Effie) and Chicago (Mama Morton). Off-Broadway, she’s been seen in The Vagina Monologues, Crowns (Audelco Award), Dinah Was (as Dinah Washington) and in William Finn’s Romance in Hard Times (Obie Award). On film, Lillias has been seen in Game Six with Michael Keaton, Pieces of April with Katie Holmes and she is the voice of the lead muse in Disney animated Hercules. Lillias television appearances include “Law and Order,” “Law and Order SVU,” “Great Performances” with the Boston Pops, and most recently, in “Great Performances Live from Carnegie Hall” as Bloody Mary in South Pacific. In addition to her work on stage, screen, and television, Lillias performs regularly with the Colorado Symphony (“Too Hot to Handel”) the Palm Beach Pops, NY Pops and in other venues worldwide including Jazz at Lincoln Center and at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in California. As a recording artist, Lillias has recorded the Broadway cast recordings of How To Succeed In Business, The Life, The Odd Potato, Dreamgirls 20th Anniversary Concert, The Actor’s Fund productions of Hair and Funny Girl, as well as her own CD “From Brooklyn to Broadway.” Her latest album of jazz music will be released in 2007.

Blind Lemon Blues celebrates the legacy of Blind Lemon Jefferson and his profound influence upon the development of
American popular music. Jefferson was a blind street musician who played his guitar with a tin cup tied to its neck at the corner of Elm Street and Central Avenue in Dallas, Texas until a Paramount Records scout discovered him. Between 1926 and 1929, Jefferson made more than 80 records and became the biggest selling-down-home blues singer in America. After seeing a workshop of Blind Lemon Blues, playwright August Wilson said, “I listened to the music of Blind Lemon everyday for five years. Blind Lemon Jefferson was the voice of Black America at that moment.”

The musical had its world premiere at the Forum Meyrin in Geneva, Switzerland, in February of 2004, and was featured as the opening of the Festival de L’lmaginaire in Paris, France in March of 2004. In 2005 Blind Lemon Blues made its US debut in November 2005 at the Hall of State in Dallas and returned to France for the Blues Sur Seine Festival. Following its showcase at The York Theatre, Blind Lemon Blues will be presented in a nine-city tour to The Netherlands and Belgium by the World Music Theatre Festival.

Blind Lemon Blues, is a limited engagement for 10 performances only. Tickets can be purchased by calling The York Theatre Box Office at 212-935-5820 or online at
http://www.yorkrhefltrc.org

Pictured Above: Lillias White

Life Insurance: A Policy Overview

2007-01-24T18:43:00.000-08:00

Fourteen Foods Richest in Antioxidants

2007-01-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

To help the many New Yorkers whose New Year resolution was to eat healthier, the Medical Society of the Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) is sharing some of the latest news about antioxidants. Antioxidants are vitamins [and minerals?] that have gained a lot of favorable press coverage in the past few years for helping to prevent diseases and also negative press for not living up to their promise.
Several studies now indicate that one reason for these mixed reviews may be that swallowing individual antioxidants as supplements in pill form are not as effective as digesting foods rich in a combination of antioxidants. As a recent article published by the Harvard Medical School explained, antioxidants stabilize harmful by-products of the body’s energy-making machinery, called free radicals. These free radicals can damage DNA, make LDL (bad) cholesterol even worse, and cause other damage in the body. The theory put forth in the Harvard newsletter is that single antioxidants have not been effective because “It takes a network of antioxidants, like those found in foods, to neutralize free radicals.”

Helpful to those who want to improve their health through proper diet are the results of a recent study that lists the antioxidant content of many common foods. The study was conducted by a team of international researchers and published in the July 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The 14 foods with the highest antioxidant content are as follows (with antioxidant content stated in millimole per serving):

1. Blackberries - 5.746
2. Walnuts - 3.721
3. Strawberries - 3.584
4. Artichokes, prepared - 3.559
5. Cranberries - 3.125
6. Coffee - 2.959
7. Raspberries - 2.870
8. Pecans - 2.741
9. Blueberries - 2.680
10. Cloves, ground - 2.637
11. Chocolate, baking, unsweetened - 2.516
12. Cranberry juice - 2.205
13. Cherries, sour - 2.205
14. Wine, red - 2.199

Just as previous studies have shown that the body absorbs more nutrients from cooked vegetables, these researchers found that the antioxidant potential of most foods was greater if they were cooked. This was not true of grains, however, which had a lower antioxidant potential when cooled.

These studies still do not prove that eating the above foods will guarantee people protection from cancer, heart disease, eye disease and Alzheimer’s disease as claimed by antioxidant proponents, but including them in moderate amounts - along with other low-fat, low-sodium foods in moderate amounts - should help to improve most New Yorkers’ health if also combined with adequate exercise and sleep. Staying away from dangerous situations and diseased people, and washing your hands frequently, should also help.

Lowering Prescription Drug Prices

2007-01-24T18:39:00.000-08:00

In an effort to help lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and people with disabilities, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) helped pass a measure that would require the federal government to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for better prices than the ones currently offered. The prescription drug bill that Congress approved under Republican control in 2003, which Hinchey strongly opposed, explicitly prevents the federal government from negotiating with drug companies for lower prices - a provision that was put in as a favor to the drug companies at the expense of America’s seniors.

“Individual states, Fortune 500 companies, and large pharmacy chains all use their bargaining clout to negotiate for lower drug prices. It is unfathomable that under current law, the only entity in the country that can’t negotiate with pharmaceutical companies is Medicare,” Hinchey said. “Today, we voted to give Medicare the power to fight on behalf of our seniors rather than to sit back and let the drug companies call the shots and control the prices. This bill comes at a time when the cost of drugs offered through Medicare are rising at more than twice the rate of inflation in this country. Seniors and disabled Americans who get their drugs need a break and today we gave them one.”

The prescription drug bill would require the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to negotiate lower drug prices on behalf of those who are enrolled in Medicare prescription drug plans - seniors and disabled individuals. The current Medicare prescription drug law explicitly prohibits HHS from using the strength of Medicare’s 43 million beneficiaries to negotiate bulk prescription drug price discounts. The bill provides the HHS Secretary complete discretion in how to implement his negotiating authority. The Secretary’s options are many and HHS has a wealth of expertise, which it successfully used in 2001 to obtain lower prices for CIPRO, the prescription drug used in response to the anthrax attacks.

“Quite frankly, the entire Medicare prescription drug plan, Part D, needs to be scrapped because it is designed to benefit the drug companies not seniors,” Hinchey said. “The measure we passed today is a step in the right direction and probably as good as we can get with the president we have in the White House, but we must stay focused on finding ways to provide a real prescription drug plan through Medicare, not one that provides gifts to the drug companies.”

Providing HHS with negotiating authority has bipartisan support in Congress and across America. In a recent poll, 92 percent of Americans stated they supported the proposal. The bill is supported by dozens of organizations, including AARP, National Community Pharmacists Association, Association of Community Pharmacists, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Medicare Rights Center, Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, Families USA, and Consumers Union.

SLCH Announces Clinical Affiliation

2007-01-24T18:38:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - In its continuing commitment to bring comprehensive, progressive health care services and a variety of medical and surgical subspecialties to our region, St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital (SLCH) announced its clinical affiliation with The Mount Sinai Hospital. The resources of a medical center internationally acclaimed for excellence in clinical care, education, and scientific research are now accessible in the Mid-Hudson Valley.

“This partnership with Mount Sinai, one of the finest health care institutions in the country, enhances and extends the care SLCH and its physicians can provide to our community,” said Allan E. Atzrott, SLCH President and CEO. This alliance reflects SLCH’s ongoing commitment to excellence, and to providing a full range of services to our region.

“We are very pleased to make the vast resources of Mount Sinai available to St. Lukes Cornwall Hospital and the people it serves,” said Kenneth L. Davis, M.D., President and CEO of The Mount Sinai Medical Center and Dean of Mount Sinai School of Medicine. “SLCH has an excellent reputation, and has done much to bring ‘big-city care’ to the Hudson Valley. Our partnership supports and complements the physicians, technology, and services SLCH currently offers to its community.”

The partnership facilitates the continuum of care for SLCH patients requiring transfer to - or the resources of - a major medical center, and brings additional clinical capabilities to the region. Under the alliance, SLCH patients will have easy access to Mount Sinai’s inpatient and ambulatory tertiary care, as well as primary and secondary level care including the specialties of gynecologic oncology, in vitro fertilization, and kidney transplantation. The arrangement provides for a special service to coordinate physician-to-physician contact, consultations, specialized diagnostic services, and patient transfers.

George Hagopian, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist and Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Services at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, already has joined the SLCH medical staff and is performing cancer surgery at the hospital. In 2006, Mount Sinai’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology became a member of the Gynecologic Oncology Group, the nation’s primary research organization for gynecologic cancer. Pictured Above: Leaders of both hospitals presided over the ceremonial affiliation-agreement signing. Left to right: Richard O’Beirne (Chairman, SLCH Board of Trustees), Allan E. Atzrott (SLCH President and CEO), Kenneth L. Davis, M.D. (President and CEO of The Mount Sinai Medical Center), and Gurinder Mehar, M.D. (President, SLCH Medical Staff).

Understand and Address Condensation

2007-01-24T18:37:00.000-08:00

That wet mist that sometimes clouds the interior glass on your home’s windows could be the first warning sign that your home is retaining too much moisture. Even if your home doesn’t actually feel damp, excess moisture can do damage in unseen places. Condensation is the tip-off.

Understanding Condensation
Condensation occurs when the air becomes saturated with moisture and releases it in the form of water.
It causes problems including mildew on walls, window seals and baseboards; peeling or bubbling exterior paint; deteriorating attic and wall insulation; damaged floor tiles and deteriorating furniture; and rotting of structural wood between outside walls.

Controlling Condensation
To fight moisture problems caused by condensation, you need to limit the amount of water vapor in your home. Installing doublepaned insulated windows and doors with energy-efficient Low-E glazings will help, or you could double-pane your current windows by adding exterior storm panels. Simpler methods include taking shorter showers and cooking with lids on your pots to reduce moisture.
Since you can’t control all sources of moisture in your home, ventilation is very important. Your home needs to breathe to fight condensation. By allowing moist inside air to escape and dry outdoor air to enter, you can reduce your home’s humidity level. Take these steps to help ventilate your home:

Venting skylights or roof windows can breathe life into your home and help minimize moisture.

• Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans more often during the winter to expel hot, moist air.
• Open a window in each room a few minutes daily to keep air circulated.
• Keep window drapes, blinds and shades open, allowing warm air to circulate around the glass.
• Keep attic louvers open to release hot air.
• Open basement vents and crawl space vents.
• Make sure your clothes dryer and gas appliances properly vent to the outside.

Additional ventilation can also help control condensation. Venting skylights and roof windows can not only help your house breathe easier but bring healthy, natural light into your home while providing more privacy, especially in bathrooms. They can be opened with manual or electric controls to release warm, moist air.

To obtain a free three-booklet package on condensation and skylights, call 1-800-283-2831 or e-mail at www.velux usa.com.
For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency, visit www. energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit www.nfrc.org or www efficientwindows.org.

New Deputy Clerk Appointed

2007-01-24T18:35:00.000-08:00

A new First Deputy Town Clerk took office on Monday, December 11, in the Town of Newburgh.
Andrew J. Zarutskie, the Town Clerk, announced at the audit/workshop meeting of the Town Board on November 29 that he is appointing Mrs. Deborah A. Smith, who lives on Forest Road in the Town of Newburgh, to this position.

Zarutskie made the announcement immediately after the Town Board voted unanimously to appoint his current First Deputy Town Clerk, Mrs. Charlene Black, to the newly created position of Administrative Aide in the Town’s Personnel Office.

Zarutskie repeated his announcement at the public Town Board meeting the following Monday, December 4.
“Charlene has been my strong right arm for four years,” Zarutskie said, “and it pains me to lose her. However, I have no desire to stand in the way of someone who wishes to better themself.”

Mrs. Jeanne Patterson, who serves as Zarutskie’s Second Deputy Town Clerk as well as Registrar of Vital Statistics for the Town of Newburgh, will continue in her position, as will Ms. Katherine Otis, the Records Management Supervisor.

Pictured: above from left to right: Mrs. Charlene Black, outgoing First Deputy Town Clerk; Andrew J. Zarutskie, Town Clerk; Deborah A. Smith, incoming First Deputy Town Clerk.

Malcom Shabazz in mental prison

2007-01-24T18:33:00.000-08:00

Chris Stevenson
c_stevenson@hvpress.net I really don’t know of the legal status of one Malcolm Shabazz; the grandson of Malcolm X. I admit my feelings for him has been divided, part of me thinks he is a moron of the highest magnitude, a smaller part of me feels there is a good reason for his violent behavior. After all, he was born under a rage and hate that simply could not be avoided even though he was born twenty years after Malcolms assassination, a rage his mother carried in her for years. Just imagine seeing your father taken from you in a hail of bullets by members of your own race and religion in the immediate term. Would it be irrational to assume that young Malcolm would stand to gleam some of that anger while still in his mother Qubilah’s womb? Anger that would later become insanity?

The fact that he was five or six-years-old, when hardcore behavior launched by the gangster rap industry no-doubt began to make an impression on him, and actually make his own conduct blend in. Selfish and unpredictable attitudes and the emerging black penchant to not know who their true enemy was had to have made it hard for many to isolate his behavior as being peculiar. By the 90’s this attitude among black boys was fashionable Burn his grandmother’s apartment? No problem. Hostility toward other blacks was home-grown, who did his mother see kill his father but other blacks? I take no pleasure in admitting that young Malcolm is more a product of generation X than Malcolm X. The Shabazz/Little family line of black nationalists who gave their lives for the cause from great-grandfather Earl Little, a Garveyite, to Malcolm and then his surviving wife Betty, stops dead at the guy most willing to give his life for some sports gear.

There are blacks who stand and wait for a great leader to emerge within this disturbed persona, but Prozac is thicker than blood. African Americans can go from street-wise and untrusting one minute, to naive and ignorantly hopeful a microsecond later. Last year celebrities like Denzel Washington and Russell Simmons began rallying to the aid of Shabazz; who was close to being released from yet another jail. Attorneys Percy Sutton (Malcolm X former lawyer) and David Dinkins (the former NY City Mayor) have taken it upon themselves to be his father figures. Noble endeavors all, but Malcolm X banks on you returning a blind eye. This is not a rough diamond that needs polishing, the original Malcolm fit that description during his hustler years. It’s safe to say this is someone with a mental illness, and issues. A 7/30/97 New York Times reveals an infant who once set fire to his sneakers during the middle of the night, and seeing things.

He has spent time in prisons that employ white prison guards who project their post-Malcolm X frustrations, and anti-black sentiments toward him through their verbal and physical abuse of Malcolm. The Shabazz family came through a crazed era; it will take more than drugs to treat Malcolm.

Maria Diana Joins Board of Trustees

2007-01-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

(Middletown) - Longtime Orange County educator and counselor Maria G. Diana was recently appointed by former New York State Governor George E. Pataki to the SUNY Orange Board of Trustees. Diana, who joined the Board during Monday’s meeting at Morrison Hall, replaces former Board Chair Roberta Glinton, whose term expired in June but had remained with the Board until a new appointee could be selected.

A Middletown native and current Goshen resident who graduated from Middletown High School, Diana spent most of her professional career as a high school counselor before retiring in June 2004. She spent 30 years in the Minisink Valley School District, including serving as the chairperson of the Counseling Department throughout her final 20 years with the district. Before moving into the counseling office, she spent two years teaching English at both Middletown High School and Minisink Valley Middle School.
Diana holds three degrees from The State University of New York at Albany, having earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education, a master’s degree in Student Personnel and a Specialist in Education (Ed.S) degree in Counseling. She is certified as a mental health counselor by the National Board of Certified Counselors.

An active member of her profession and the community, Diana has held a variety of leadership posts in many organizations, including: president of the Orange County Counselors’ Association, chairperson of the Directors of Orange County Counselors, executive member of the State Association of New York Counselors, member of the Executive Board of the Minisink Valley Teachers’ Association and educational representative on the BOCES Task Force for Vocational and Technical Education. She also was a member of the Board of Directors for the Middletown Day Nursery.

Diana is a past recipient of the Walter Kennett Award as “Counselor of the Year,” as presented by the Orange County Counselors Association.

As an appointee of the Governor, Diana’s term with the SUNY Orange Board of Trustees will conclude June 30, 2013.

Churches Remain “Under Review”

2007-01-24T18:30:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - The Archdiocese of New York, last Friday, announced its parish realignment decisions. These decisions are the culmination of an extensive three-year planning process, which involved long and careful consultation. This process, established by Edward Cardinal Egan, was designed to identify the religious, spiritual, and education needs of the Catholic faithful throughout the entire Archdiocese, and determine how those needs could best be met.

The decisions announced Friday differ in a number of instances from the initial recommendations announced in March 2006. Under the leadership of Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan, Co-Vicar General of the Archdiocese of New York, all parish recommendations were meticulously evaluated through the use of demographic information, Catholic population analysis, sacramental and fiscal data, together with wide-ranging site visits to affected parishes. This parish study was enhanced by consultation with specialists in the areas of mapping and pastoral planning. A committee of lay, religious, and clergy, known as the Archdiocesan Realignment Advisory Panel, reviewed all of the recommendations and made valuable suggestions. All parishes potentially affected by a realignment recommendation were given the opportunity to discuss their observations about the recommendation with Bishop Sullivan and his review committee.

Nine parishes and six missions originally recommended to be closed or to be merged with other parishes will retain their current status. These include Saint Rita of Cascia parish in the Bronx, Guardian Angel parish in Manhattan, Saint Benedict the Moor mission in Manhattan and Blessed Sacrament mission in Orange County.

|Saint Paul parish in Staten Island was originally recommended for closure, and will instead merge with Assumption parish. Nativity parish in Manhattan was also recommended for closure, but will instead merge with Saint Teresa’s parish. Another parish, Saint Vincent de Paul in Manhattan, will merge with Saint Columba parish with a chapel to be established, and its ministry to French-speaking Catholics transferred to other parishes in Manhattan and Westchester.
In all, ten parishes will be closed, and eleven parishes will merge with other parishes. For those parishes that merge, the existing church building will continue to be used for Mass, or a chapel will be established. In addition, three missions will be closed and reunited with their sponsoring parishes.

Several parishes will remain under ongoing study, including Saint Mary’s parish and Saint Francis of Assisi parish, both in Newburgh, Our Lady of Esperanza parish in Manhattan, and Assumption parish in Tuckahoe.

Planning for the establishment of new parishes and the construction of new church buildings for existing parishes also continues.
Materials have been prepared to assist those parishes that are being affected by the realignment decisions. These decisions will be implemented on a parish by parish basis, with a date to be established based on each parish’s particular pastoral needs.
While the Realignment process has now concluded, the Archdiocese will continue the process of strategic planning for the spiritual good of God’s People and the strengthening of its parishes and institutions.

Pictuted Above From Top to Bottom: Father William Scafidi

St. Mary’s Church in the City of Newburgh which had been targeted for closure by the Archdiocese of New York will continue to remain open as it undergoes further review.

Committee Pays Tribute to Dr. King

2007-01-24T18:23:00.000-08:00

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Newburgh) - For the past few years, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Committee has been working to create a permanent monument and bust of slain civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The moment they have been working for finally arrived last Saturday with the official unveiling.

The bitterly cold weather didn’t stop the group of people that gathered on the corner of Colden Street and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to witness history in the making. They were there to honor a man who stood up against the bitter injustice of Jim Crow laws that oppressed African-Americans and made them second class citizens.
Local sculptor David Frech was responsible for bringing King to life. He read books, looked at historical photo’s, and reviewed videotaped interviews and speeches to determine how best to capture the essence of King and create his work of art.
His most stunning recollection was that of King when confronted by an angry white man during a march. Frech was taken back by the calmness King possessed during that trying time. That is the calmness you see in the sculpture which faces east towards the Hudson River, greeting those who enter into the City of Newburgh.

Rev. Byron Williams, Pastor of Baptist Temple Church eloquently brought the warm message for the cold afternoon ceremony.
“The death of the man, was the birth of life. The messenger may have been murdered, but our presence here today symbolizes the fact that what he stood for cannot be assassinated. And will not go away until justice is truly served,” Williams said.
Williams noted that African-American’s honor King because he gave his life to God and he gave his life to liberty and freedom for African-Americans in this country. “We stand here today for Americans everywhere who are impoverished, who are discriminated against and who are mistreated day by day.”

Martin Luther King spoke of a day when Blacks and Whites would join together and live in peace and harmony. He asked that we all join together and work toward eradicating human issues that affect everyone such as poverty, racism, bias, and prejudice.

Father William Scafidi, Chairman of the Memorial Committee, summed it all up best -ironically - in his opening remarks. “We have completed, yet we have begun our project here on the corner of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard and Colden Street.”
The Memorial committee’s work is done, but the work must continue for Dr. King’s dream. If the civil rights giant were alive, he’d be 78 years old.

Pictured From Top to Bottom: Elder Dextro Tiller, Father William Scafidi, and Reverend Byron Williams stand in front of the newly bronzed bust during the unveiling ceremony.

A crowd of people gather for the Unveiling Ceremony of the newly bronzed bust of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. last Saturday January 20, 2007.

Board of Education Members Honored

2007-01-24T17:49:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - Newburgh Enlarged City School District Superintendent Dr. Annette M. Saturnelli honored members of the district’s Board of Education recently for their dedicated service and commitment to the district.
Pictured from left to right are Thomas C. Woodhull, Frank S. Galli, Grace Bowles, Board Vice President Ralph A. Pizzo, Dr. Saturnelli, Board President Runston T. Lewis, Pamela R. Resch, Dawn Fucheck, David J. Rein, and Edward Poppiti.

Celebrating the dream of Dr. King

2007-01-24T12:51:00.000-08:00

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Newburgh) - Nearly 39 years since Dr. King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis on April 4, 1968, many still remember him most for his melodic and powerful oratory that communicated the human misery and injustice of Jim Crow segregation amidst viscous racism and violent attacks.
Those memories were once again brought to life last Wednesday by Ella Bell. She was the guest speaker for the 14th Annual Community-Wide Celebration of Dr. King’s Dream held at Newburgh Free Academy. She was quick to tell you what she is not - a speech giver. She prefers to be called a “storyteller.”
So after a brief introduction by Verne Bell (no relation to Ella Bell), and some song, pageantry and drama, Ella Bell began to tell her story to the 200-plus people gathered in the auditorium. She grew up in Alabama, living two different lives that crossed the color lines. One in Montgomery, where she played with her Black friends and went to school. The other, in Prattville, where she spent weekends playing with her White friends. They not only played together, but often spent the night at each others house and ate at the same table. She had no idea that the world around her was a much different place and that the life she led was unusual.
That would all change. Just before she entered the 6th grade, Bell recalled watching Governor Patterson on television saying he would close schools before allowing integration. That prompted her mother to withdraw her from public school and enroll her into Catholic school saying, “They cannot play with your education.”
Try as her mother may, changes were taking place all around the country and were headed for Alabama. On Ella Bell’s 17th birthday the fight for freedom arrived with the freedom marchers. She joined in with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s historic march from Selma to Montgomery as the marchers neared the State Capital.
From that day on she has been active in civil rights issues. “I saw politics in action everyday. I saw people being arrested for trying to register to vote,” Bell recalled.
“You cannot allow anyone to play with our freedom like a pawn. Understand what it is,” Bell told the audience. As a current member of the Alabama State Board of Education she closed with a piece of advice for parents. “Never ask if they are going to college. But rather, have you thought about where you are going to go to college. Set the standards high and relegate nothing less than to be great.” That’s how you celebrate the dream.

Pictured Above Clockwise: Ella Bell was the guest speaker for the celebration of Dr. King’s Dream.

Reverend Boone joined hand with David Frech and others while singing “We Shall Overcome” during the 14th annual Celebration of Dr. King’s Dream.

Program commemorates Dr. King

2007-01-17T12:52:00.000-08:00

By Chuck Stewart, Jr.

(Wappingers Falls) - For 19 years, the greater Wappingers Falls community has commemorated Dr. King’s life - this year was no exception.

On Sunday, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church played host for a two-hour service that featured uplifting gospel music, prayers, a speaker and fellowship.

This year’s theme was “Champions of Peace.” Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Barbara Jordan and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were portrayed.

Josephus Galloway, portraying Mahatma Gandhi, entered the church with a walking staff. Walking slowly up the center isle, he paused briefly here and there to say hello as Gandhi did. He recounted the life of the spiritual leader who became the model for passive resistance and master of non-violence techniques.

Mother Teresa, portrayed by Deaconess Beverly Moses, recounted the life of the nun who became famous for her work with poor people. At an early age Mother Teresa was called to help others, “It is important that everyone is seen as the same in front of God-Muslim, Jew, Catholic,” she said.

Barbara Jordan, portrayed by Arvenia Brown, recounted the impressive history of the first woman and first African-American woman to address the Democratic National Convention. The US Representative after leaving politics would become a teacher. She said, “I stand for unity, equality, accountability and American ideals. I want an America as good as its promise!”

Lloyd Wilkins rounded out the “Champions of Peace” presentation with his portrayal of Dr. King. He recounted the many facets of King’s life: the Nobel Prize winner, the Reverend, the father, the marches and his death.

Keynote speaker Rev. Gail A. Burger, realized in her preparation, a haunting connection with the slain civil rights leader. Burger’s son is 39-the age at which King was assassinated. “He was so young and had so much more life to life,” she said.

Burger, the former executive director of the Dutchess County Interfaith Council, said she was impressed by the size of the Sunday afternoon crowd, however she wished the wonderful messages and portrayals of the “Champions of Peace” could have been heard by more people. With a couple hundred people in the pews, she encouraged everyone present to keep addressing the issues as King did. And teach the children who he was, and what he stood for.

Poverty. War. Discrimination. Social Injustice. These issues must still be addressed. “We still have lots of work to do,” said Burger. Rev. William Dalrymple in closing remarks said of King, “He called us to be better than we are.” And we must be, to keep the dream alive.

Pictured Above: The Angels Without Wings, sang praises during the “Champions of Peace” celebration, honoring the life and death of Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Barbara Jordan, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Holiday Traditions with a Latin Style”

2007-01-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

(Newburgh) - Bilingual students from Belma Rivera’s 6th grade class and

Carmen Rodriguez-Rivera’s 5th grade class at Newburgh Enlarged City

School District’s GAMS Tech Magnet School present an original play

recently called “Holiday Traditions with a Latin Style.”

The play tells the story of Latin-American children who feared the loss of

their holiday traditions when they came to America only to find that the old

and the new have become one.

Museum of Hudson Highland's New Exhibit

2007-01-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, January 27, at 10 a.m., the Museum of the Hudson Highlands presents, “Wildlife in Winter!” Come take a close look at how the opossum, gray squirrel and beaver (our New York State mammal) adapt to survive the harsh winter weather at the Museum’s Boulevard location, Cornwall-on-Hudson.

Learn how all of our local wildlife deals with winter. Some have gone into hibernation and some have migrated, but what about the ones that remain active all year in the Hudson Valley?

We will finish the program with a short hike in the woods to look for animal signs. Please dress accordingly. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. For information, call (845) 534-5506, ext 204 or visit our website at www.museumhudsonhighlands.org.

Art Gallery Set For Grand Opening

2007-01-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

By Jennifer L. Warren
J_Warren@hvpress.net

(Newburgh) - Art is once again finding its way to the City of Newburgh. This time, in the form of a brand new art gallery on Anne Street.

The independently run gallery, 35 feet by 65 feet, is partially intended to be a cultural resource for neighboring Safe Harbor tenants. Leading the charge of the gallery inception is Patricia Haggerty-Wenc, Executive Director of the Cornerstone Residence of Safe Harbors of the Hudson. The Cornerstone, part of a trifecta Haggerty-Wenc vision that includes the gallery, is expected to also feature a cybercafe along with Ritz Theater in the near future. All three offerings are not only intended for the enjoyment of Newburgh locals as well as growth of its commerce but the entire region. It is hoped the gallery will attract folks from even further.

“Short-term we want to be a cultural and artistic resource for Newburgh as well as a supportive community for local artists,” said Virginia Walsh, Director of the gallery, who has co-owned two other galleries in Manhattan as well as been an assistant coordinator for interdisciplinary arts at S.U.N.Y. Manhattan College. “Long-term we hope to be a formidable gallery in the area, showcasing a wide, diverse body of artists’ work from all over the country.”

That talent will first have an opportunity to be viewed at the end of the month when an opening, including several different artists and genres will be featured. Walsh is excited about distinguishing the gallery as a place that shows a wide spectrum of art on a rotating exhibition basis. That commitment can be expected in January’s inaugural display.

“We want the first show to be a group one,” revealed Walsh. “This way we will be able to showcase as much regional talent, known and not so known, as we can at one time.”

In addition to ongoing exhibits and openings, Walsh said the gallery had further goals to include guest lecturers, symposiums and demonstrations.

In the meantime, Walsh is on the lookout for any artists seeking to have their work displayed at the January opening. Interested parties may contact her at 562-6940, extension 119.

Expected hours of operation for the gallery are: Thursday: 9-1, Friday: 9-5, Saturday: 11-4:30 or by appointment. Walsh is hopeful that the gallery will flourish once word gets out. Precautions have been taken to ensure safety to its patrons; it exists in a very well lit area with twenty-four hour, seven day a week security as well as close proximity to the police station. Additionally, vestiges of culture are slowly popping up; two impressive antique stores are just around the corner as is Macchiatos, a quaint Italian cafe, both on Liberty Street. Despite the strong evidences of revitalization that surround the gallery, Walsh is well aware of some of the challenges that confront her.

“We don’t have great visibility here on Ann Street; plus, street advertising is going to be a problem because of city restrictions,” pointed out Walsh. “As a result, we’re going to make up for it with the great amount of freedom we have to offer variety in our exhibits.” Reflecting further and smiling, she adds, “I’m also going to have to real network in Newburgh as well as all over the area to make things happen here; it will happen, but just like with any other new business, it’s going to take time, patience and a lot of work.”

Mary J. Blige Joins a Stellar Lineup

2007-01-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

R&B’s reigning queen Mary J. Blige and chart-topping R&B veteran Lionel Richie will each join the 2007 Essence Music Festival for headlining performances on Saturday, July 7, 2007, it was announced by Essence Communications Inc. As the nation’s largest annual African-American event celebrating Black music and culture, the 2007 Essence Music Festival will welcome these two talented and world-renown artists back to New Orleans to take center stage at the Louisiana Superdome.

“It is tremendously exciting to announce that Mary J. Blige and Lionel Richie will be ‘Coming Home’ with the Essence Music Festival in 2007,” said Mi chelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc. “The Essence Music Festival genuinely appreciates both of these gifted performers. Mary J. Blige is a phenomenal artist celebrating a banner year and Lionel Richie is a legendary talent enjoying extraordinary success back at the top of the charts - making these two performances not to be missed!”
Continuing to dominate the charts with her album The Breakthrough, Mary J. Blige is recognized as one of today’s brightest R&B stars. Blige was the winner of nine Billboard Music Awards and two American Music Awards in 2006, and has been nominated for eight Grammy awards in 2007. Bilge’s 2007 performance marks her seventh appearance at the Essence Music Festival over the past 12 years.

Legendary singer, songwriter and Grammy award winner, Lionel Richie delivered his latest album Coming Home in 2006 to both critical acclaim and great commercial success. Nominated for two Grammy awards in 2007, including “Best R&B Album” and “Best Male R&B Song”, Coming Home represents Richie’s return to his R&B roots and coincidently serves as the theme of the 2007 Essence Music Festival in honor of the homecoming of the “biggest party of the year” to New Orleans.
“The Essence Music Festival is like a family reunion for me,” commented Lionel Richie. “My last performance there was phenomenal. The energy and warmth of such an enormous, yet familiar, crowd is absolutely overwhelming and I am so excited to be ‘Coming Home’.”

Mary J. Blige and Lionel Richie will join a stellar line-up, which includes Beyonce, who was previously announced as headlining talent for Friday, July 6, 2007. More exciting and talented performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Winter Concert will Benefit Charities

2007-01-17T09:48:00.001-08:00

The Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill, NY is pleased to announce its inaugural Winter Fundraising Concert on Saturday, January 27th, 2007 at 8 pm, the Wynton Marsalis Quintet.

Jazz musician, trumpeter, composer, band leader, advocate for the arts, and educator, Wynton Marsalis has helped propel jazz to the forefront of American culture. His prominent position in American culture was solidified in April 1997, when he became the first jazz artist to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize in music. As Jazz at Lincoln Center’s artistic director and as music director of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Marsalis continues to spread the spirit of swing and raise awareness of jazz in the consciousness of the American public and the world.
Proceeds from the evening will benefit both the Paramount Center for the Arts (PCA) and the African American Men of Westchester (AAMW).

The concert will help support the Paramount’s continued presentation and production of diverse, high-quality programming in live performance, arts-in-education, visual arts, and film, serving the varied needs and interests of the diverse communities of Westchester and Putnam Counties and the mid-Hudson Valley region. Created as a nonprofit organization in 1981, the Paramount is located in an historic landmark theatre built in 1930 that has recently been restored back to its original architectural magnificence.

The evening will also raise funds for the AAMW, based in White Plains, which aims to develop strategies for the advancement of African Americans in the areas of economic development, cultural and social awareness. Says President Melvin Burruss, “we are thrilled to be a part of this event, and honored to have Wynton Marsalis supporting our organization. Through his music, he has made a positive impact in our community and around the world.”

For tickets to the event you can call (914) 739-2333 or online at paramountcenter.org.

Pictured Above: Wynton Marsalis

Federal Suit Filed Against B’ani Joel

2007-01-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

A Not-for-profit organization committed to serving the residents of Kiryas Joel has filed a lawsuit in Federal Court in White Plains alleging that because its leaders are associated with B’nai Joel, the long-time dissident group, the village has over-charged it significantly for sanitation services which it has not received and caused losses of more than $20,000,

Representatives of Keren Chasanim, Corp. Also charge in their lawsuit that despite 1997 orders requiring the village of Kiryas Joel to designate representatives to a community board, established to mediate differences between dissidents and the village (or others) in 1997, the village has refused to cooperate and has rendered the board totally ineffectual.

Representing Keren Chasanim, Inc., Michael Sussman, its attorney, commented, “I had hoped the peace and good will would prevail in Kiryas Joel and all sides could participate in the broader life of our county. I am deeply distressed that the village leadership appears to be up to its old tricks - discriminating against those they associate with B’nai Joel.”

The lawsuit will be served upon village officials before sundown on Friday, January 12, 2007.

Inmate Phone Charges will be Reduced

2007-01-17T09:47:00.001-08:00

The Governor announced that the State Department of Correctional Services will reduce excessive telephone charges paid by the families of inmates at state correction facilities. This action precedes a previously scheduled argument slated for Tuesday, January 9, before the New York State Court of Appeals, during which the plaintiffs are challenging the legality of the previous administration’s policy relating to the telephone costs.

Long seen as an unfair tax on inmate families, the newly proposed rates will charge only the cost of the call, allowing families to maintain contact with their loved ones, without the undue financial burden of a State commission on the rate.

The Administration’s action was made after consultation with Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry, who has long advocated for this change in policy and who shepherded legislation which passed the Assembly to end the excessive charge. The administration also consulted Senator Michael Nozzolio, who introduced similar legislation in the Senate.

Assemblyman Aubry, Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Correction, said. “I am pleased that the Governor has committed to providing justice to the families of inmates, who have had to pay exorbitant telephone rates to talk to their loved ones. Thanks to the Governor for this humane decision and to the many advocates who made this solution possible.”

Senator Nozzolio, Chairman of the Senate Crime and Corrections Committee, said, “Governor Spitzer deserves tremendous credit for quickly addressing this issue and developing a comprehensive solution which restores fairness. For many years I have fought to restore fairness to the policy of charging inmate’s families exorbitant rates for simply staying in contact with family members who are incarcerated. It is my belief that the benefits of keeping a family together far outweigh the revenue gained from the current practice.”

The action will be implemented by Brian Fischer, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, at the start ofthe April 1, 2007 fiscal year. The elimination of this commission will reduce the cost of these calls by at least 50 percent.

Affordable Housing Opportunities Arise

2007-01-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Within the last month alone, Hudson River Housing, Inc (HRH) has helped twelve Dutchess County families purchase their first homes. Six of these families received homes as part of HRH’s subsidized Conklin Street Homeownership project. By spring this year, six more families will be able to take advantage of a similar opportunity to purchase a home through HRH’s Poughkeepsie

Homeownership Assistance Program. The Poughkeepsie Homeownership Assistance Program consists of the construction of six new two-family homes on vacant lots on the North side of the City, All six homes will be sold to low - income first-time homebuyers.

The six homes are located at 107 Thompson Street, 123,143, and 145 North Hamilton Street, and 160 and 162 North Clinton Street. Each home contains a rental unit, the income from which can be used to offset mortgage costs. All six properties that are part of the Poughkeepsie Homeownership Assistance Program were transferred to HRH from the City of Poughkeepsie for the purpose of creating affordable housing. “This Program promises to have substantial impact on the City of Poughkeepsie,” says Karen Wellwood, Manager of Housing Development for HRH. “This project is part of a larger overall strategy which has had a much-desired ripple-effect, complementing the other development efforts and helping to restore the public’s perception of the City of Poughkeepsie as a safe, exciting and interesting place to live in, work in, and visit.”

Funding for the Program is being provided by the NYS HOME Program, the NYS Affordable Housing Corporation, NeighborWorks America, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and the Community Preservation Corporation. This funding will be in the form of down payment assistance, which will bring the subsidized cost of the homes to $183,000 each. The homes will be available for first-time homebuyers whose household incomes are under 80% of the area median income. The City of Poughkeepsie First-Time Homebuyer program will offer grants of up to $8,000 to assist with closing costs and/or additional down payment assistance. Hudson River Housing is able to offer counseling and assistance to prospective applicants through our Homebuyer Education Programs.

An information session for those interested in purchasing one of the homes will be held January 25th at 6:00 pm at Hudson River Housing’s administrative offices, 313 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY. Applications for the program will be available following the information session, Those interested in learning more about the Program and registering for the information session may contact the office by calling (845) 454-5176.

Hudson River Housing (HRH) has substantial experience in developing and managing affordable housing in the community. HRH was created in 1982 to address the emerging homeless problem in Dutchess County, and is now a large, multi-service provider of housing and other services to a wide range of underserved populations.

The expertise of Hudson River Housing is increasingly relied upon to inform local planning related to housing, community development and homelessness. Since its formation, Hudson River Housing has developed 33 affordable homeownership opportunities, nearly 300 apartments and 8 commercial spaces. For more information, please call (845) 454-5176 or visit www.budsQnriverhQusing.org.

Tips to Tailor Your Disability Policy

2007-01-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

What would happen if your paycheck suddenly stopped because you were ill or injured and couldn’t work? Could you still pay your mortgage or rent and monthly bills? You could if you had long-term disability insurance, reports the New York Society of CPAs. Disability insurance provides monthly income when you’re disabled and unable to work. Without coverage, a disability can deplete your savings or drive you into serious debt.

Coverage options
You may already have some disability coverage through your employer, but it may not be enough. Benefits provided by employers typically cover only 50 percent of your income up to a certain monthly maximum (which may be less than 50 percent for highly compensated employees). And since benefits from group plans generally are taxable, there’s less money available for paying your bills.

There’s always Social Security disability, you may be thinking. Think again. Social Security disability replaces only a limited portion of your salary, and it’s very difficult to qualify. Generally speaking, you must have been disabled for at least five months, with a disability that is expected to last at least 12 months or end in death. Additionally, you must be unable to be gainfully employed in any occupation, not just the occupation you worked in at the time your disability began.
There are several types of policies available with features that make it possible to tailor coverage to fit your needs and pocketbook. To select the best policy for you, you’ll need to consider the following scenarios.

Own occupation or any occupation?
The most important consideration is how your policy defines disability. The best policies pay benefits if you are unable to perform the major duties of your own occupation, even if you can do some other tasks. Other policies pay only if you cannot perform the duties of any occupation for which you are reasonable qualified by training, experience, or education.

Short elimination period or longer?
All long-term disability plans have an elimination period before benefits are paid. An elimination period is similar to the deductible for medical and car insurance. The most common waiting period is 90 days, but you can select a policy that doesn’t pay until you’ve been disabled for 180, 365, or 730 days. The longer the elimination period, the lower the premium.

Two years of benefits or more?
With most policies, you can select to receive benefits for a specified period of time such as two years, five years, or until retirement age. The shorter the benefit period, the less expensive the policy. If you can afford it, it’s best to purchase a policy that provides benefits until retirement age.

60%, 70%, or 80% of income?
Disability insurance is designed to pay you enough to cover the basics, but not enough to keep you from returning to work as soon as possible. To determine the percentage of income you want to replace, compute how much you would need each month to cover your monthly expenses. Keep in mind that while some work-related expenses may be lower, you could be paying more for medical expenses. On the plus side, unlike a group plan, benefits from a personal disability policy are generally tax-free.

Non-cancelable or guaranteed renewable?
The key difference between these two policy types is that under a non-cancelable contract, once you have been approved, the company cannot cancel your policy or raise your premiums. With a guaranteed renewable policy, your policy cannot be canceled as long as you pay the premiums, but the insurer can raise your premiums as long as the change affects an entire class of policyholders and doesn’t single you out. While the price for a non-cancelable policy is higher, it’s the best option as it locks in your rates and benefits.

Consult with a CPA.
With all the options available, it’s best to select a personal disability policy within the context of your overall financial plan. A CPA can help you make the right choice.