October 9, 2014 Vol. 5 No. 20 Providing local news and information to the Woodbury community T. E. A. L Walk raised $12,500 WHAT’S UP Community Town Board meeting 2 Tuition Free NY is NOT Free 3 Police Academy Update 6 Burke Memorial Fundraiser 7 Craft Fair–Vendors Apply Now! 7 New Police Officers 8 Lions Club Yard Sale 9 Sports 9U Woodbury Wolverines M-W Athlete of the Week 10 10 History Images of America Pumpkin Festival 11 11 Faith Raising Successful Children 12 Another culture shock 13 The Eitz Chaim ~Calendar 13 High Holy Days 13 Education14 Sudoku15 Forty-seven sponsors and over 200 walkers Over 200 supporters walked for T.E.A.L’s 2014 Woodbury event at Earl Reservoir on September 27th. MW Athletic Club came out in force for the 2014 Woodbury T.E.A.L walk. Nancy Irizarry is at the left in her tutu. Photos by Ben Meyers. Woodbury - Nancy Irizarry happily reported that Woodbury’s T.E.A.L Walk at Earl Reservoir had over 200 hundred people who registered to walk and raised $12,500. Nancy’s son Nelson Savino-Caraballo sang the National Anthem and her goddaughter Melissa Vega sang, “Overcomer”, while her sister Tiffany Vega sang, “It’s a beautiful day”. Limor from Younique Fitness N’ Dance, did a Zumba warm up and Dr. Jennifer Reich gave information about ovarian cancer awareness and hereditary issues. She expressed the concerns about knowing your family background and how it will help you in case you have been diagnosed with cancer. See T.E.A.L, page 1 Prsrt Std ECRWSS US Postage Paid EDDM Retail Postal Customer Vails Gate Cleaners, Inc. 547 Rte. 32 Highland Mills (next to Post Office) Sign on vgcleaners.c om f or c oupon - 5 0 % o f f n ex t o r d er I n fo 8 4 5 - 8 6 3 - 3 3 0 7 2 Community Town Board meeting By Desiree Potvin, Clerk for the Town of Woodbury Woodbury - Summary Week of Town Board Meeting held on October 2, 2014 Oath of Office Ceremony: Town Clerk Desiree Potvin administered the Oath of Office to newly hired, full-time Police Officers Christopher Correa, Joseph Iorio and Kristen Potter. Cancelation of Work-session - October 13 and November 3: The Board canceled the October 13 work-session due to the Columbus Day holiday and the November 3 work-session due to Election Day. Public Hearing Scheduled - Amendment to Towing Law: The Board scheduled a public hearing on proposed Introductory Local Law 4 of 2014 to amend Chapter 283 of the Town Code entitled “Towing”, to improve towing response times and ease of vehicle redemptions for those individuals operating vehicles within the Town. The public hearing is scheduled to be held at 7:30PM on October 16, 2014. T.E.A.L Announcement of Budget Workshop Dates: Deputy Supervisor Frank Paler- mo announced that budget workshops will be held at 7:30PM at the Highway Garage on October 7th, 8th, 14th, 20th and if need the 22nd. He noted that funds to be discussed each meeting will be announced on the Town’s website www.townofwoodbury.com. Receipt of 2015 Tentative Budget: Town Clerk Potvin stated that, pursuant to Town Law Section 106(3), a copy of the Fiscal Year 2015 Tentative Budget was received by her office on September 29, 2014, and has been distributed to the Board members. The tentative budget consists of the budget summaries submitted by each department without discussion or changes made by the full Board. Cont. from p. 1 The following were the sponsors for this year. Vega Stars Entertainment - Hudson Valley Bagels Laura Stevens Physical Therapy - Skyline chimney Sweep Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush - D-Lux Electrical Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Frenkel & Co. - Precision Therapeutic - Wellness Spring Crossroads Cafe - Fran’s Hallmarks Woodbury Pharmacy - Central Valley Pharmacy Uno Pizzeria & Grill - By George Salon The Dug Out - Harriman Auto Printing Plus - Jay’s Deli - Reynolds Oil - Yoursport NYS signs - ADG Realty - Target - David and Anthony Massage Envy - Shoprite - Stop and Shop - BJ’s Salad and Such - CVS - Monroe Jewelers - CAL Auto Younique Fittness N’ Dance - Central Valley Cleaners Robert Cameron - Aissa Rodriguez Mr and Mrs Hutchins - Blanca Rodriguez Brenda Ortiz - Norma Llamas Marge Moore - The Caparara”s The Ingram’s - The Kirkpatrick’s - The Hughes’s To read more articles go to WoodburyGazette.com • Library News and updates • Neuhaus Proposes $703 million Budget • History - Custer’s funeral at West Point • Highland Mills UMC – Prayer Box and Drive-in Prayers • Nan Hayworth Highlights Maloney’s cuts to Veterans October 9, 2014 www.WoodburyGazette.com Fall Subscriptions -October is here Be a volunteer Leaves are turning & days are shorter! We still need you! Costs always increase just like you know It at home. Our annual subscription fee for Voluntary Subscribers is still only $30 for a whole year. We should note that we receive requests for mailed subscriptions outside of Woodbury. For these we must ask for $45 to cover the extra postage which keeps increasing. Some W O O D B U R Y Woodbury residents near Harriman have ZIP codes other than Woodbury’s. We are sorry but we cannot mail you the Woodbury Gazette for free because our cost would be $45. Remember! We are really helped by your support. Thank you in advance as each of you continue to volunteer your support! Each subscription is entered into our records and each and every one is appreciated. Like the very cool nights? Frost Is coming! G A Z E T T E Supporter Renewal q Its Dotime you enjoy receiving this newspaper on a regular to renew your voluntary subscription to thebasis? newspaper that speaks your language. Without your help the q Do you think this newspaper serves a necessary function? your neighborhood newspaper, exist. If q Gazette, Do you believe that Woodbury should have itscannot own newspaper? you enjoy having the local news sent to your mail box, q Do you like keeping current with local events and government? please renew your subscription today. q Voluntary Subscription ($30) included. (New and Renewal): Subscription We do and weRate would like to continue Within Woodbury ......$20 for the year sending you the Woodbury Gazette. Outside Woodbury .....$28 for the year YES! I would like to receive the Woodbury Gazette. Please count in as onewith of your Please mailme this form yourreaders. payment payable to: The Woodbury Gazette P.O.Box 511, Highland Mills, NY 10930-0511 Street _____________________________________________ Name_____________________________________________ Name___________________________________________ City_________________________State_____ Zip_________ Address_________________________________________ Please mail this form to: City______________________State____Zip___________ WOODBURY GAZETTE P.O. Box 511 Highland Mills, NY 10930 Thank you for your support! Thank you for your continued support! www.WoodburyGazette.com October 9, 2014 3 Community On Education MY VIEW Tuition Free NY is NOT Free “…. more taxes to fund what he calls ‘Tuition Free NY’” By Rich Cocchiara Ask New Yorkers what they regard as the most daunting challenges facing New York and you will invariably hear TAXES and JOBS. Certainly it is a message I hear loud and clear as I campaign for the New York State Assembly. Those living on fixed incomes, such as seniors and retirees, can’t afford the taxes on homes that they have owned most of their adult lives. Many are trapped in a fiscal vice because they can’t sell their homes, thanks to the dismal state of our economy. Those lucky enough to find a buyer also pay a price---often leaving behind children, grandchildren and loved ones as they flee New York. Scores of our young and recent college graduates are also being forced to leave the State because New York’s taxes and regulatory climate are stifling economic growth, and the creation of new jobs that pay a mortgage. Now here comes Assemblyman James Skoufis with a proposed solu- tion to our skyrocketing tax burden… more taxes to fund what he calls ‘Tuition Free NY.’ Unfortunately, Tuition Free NY is far from free. This program will dramatically increase the tax burden for New Yorkers, even for those who don’t have children in college or have already paid to help their kids through college. By his own admission, this program will cost one percent of our current State budget which adds nearly $1.5 Billion to New York’s tax burden, already one of the highest in the nation. And there is a big catch for those supposedly lucky kids who will be the beneficiary of the Skoufis tax increase. His program requires students to attend a SUNY/CUNY school and ‘remain’ in New York for five (5) years after graduation. What if they can’t find a job in New York? His program requires that recipients ‘give back’ 250 hours each year (the better part of one workday a week). What New York bureaucracy is going to define what is and what isn’t an appropriate ‘give back,’ and dispatch To our Friends and Neighbors, A living resident of Woodbury, Amanda was suddenly diagnosed on June 2, 2014 with Leukemia. Amanda is a 25 year old, graduate of Monroe Woodbury and registered nurse. Due to her illness she’s unable to work and is now in the process of losing her job. Due to the evergrowing medical bills for extensive chemotherapy treatment, Amanda needs the help of the community. Leukemia is not curable, but can be put into remission with a lot of treatment. With HOPE we can put her into remission. Thank you for any donation that you can make to help Amanda. With love and Gratitude, Amanda’s Family the thousands of state paid regulators required to enforce ‘give back’ rules? I have a better idea to solve the tuition and tax problem. Instead of increasing our taxes beyond the breaking point, let’s enlist the job creators to help pay for college educations using the taxes they already pay. How? By allowing a business to take a tax credit equal to the amount they pay towards the student loans of any employee. The student gets help with a loan and the business owner gets a well-educated young person and sees their taxes at work in the form of an employee - instead of a tax hike. Businesses would have an incentive to hire and students get a good paying job after college. I’ve spoken to several business leaders who agree that this would create new incentives to hire more people while not costing them anything more in taxes than they pay now. More importantly, taxpayers avoid a massive tax increase that will force a new wave of emigrants to bolt New York. This is a win/win for everyone: stu- dents, job creators, taxpayers…and we won’t need a new bureaucracy or a fresh regiment of regulators. I don’t have a fancy name for this program. Call it a common sense solution to skyrocketing taxes and tuition costs. It is the same fiscally prudent approach I have used as a Town Councilman in Hamptonburgh, where we have not raised tax rates in 29 years; the same type of innovative approach I used at IBM for 31 years to solve complex problems and the same straight forward approach I have used as a local small business owner. It’s time we send some people to Albany with experience in the real world of problem solving, and retire those career politicians whose only notion of good is to tax more, spend more, and regulate more. It is the kind of common sense I will take to Albany if elected to the New York State Assembly in November. Rich Cocchiara is the RepublicanConservative-Independence Party candidate for the 99th District, New York State Assembly. Amanda Ort iz-Abrams Fundraiser Mario’s Rest aurant Located in Hig hland Mills, N October 17th , Live entertain Y 2014 8pm to 11pm All funds rais ment with Bru ce Drink Specia Perrone, Food ls! C OST $20 PER PERSON ed will help p ay Amanda’s ri sing medical bills. 4 Community October 9, 2014 www.WoodburyGazette.com Letter to the editor David Sutz announces WRITE-IN candidacy for Town of Woodbury Supervisor My name is David Sutz and I am pleased to announce my WRITE-IN candidacy for Town of Woodbury Supervisor. It is an honor and privilege to serve the good citizens of Woodbury as a Village of Woodbury Trustee. Having been re-elected to my third term in office, I am afforded the continued opportunity to work diligently to rebuild and upgrade our infrastructure, expand local business, negotiate with vendors and successfully defend our quality of life. Serving in this capacity has given me abundant insight into how local government impacts our daily lives and I have learned many effective ways to minimize those impacts. My wife, Maria and I have lived here for 23 years and raised four children in this beautiful community. While they were growing up, I coached baseball, soccer, basketball and the Challenger / VIP leagues. During that time, I became and still am an active Emergency Medical Technician with the Woodbury Community Ambulance Corp having volunteered for the past 17 years 5 as Vice-President. As a qualified CPR & First Aid Instructor I serve at the Orange County 911 Center as a Trainer. In addition, I am a proud, active and supporting member of the Woodbury Community Association for over 14 years. My business history includes being a Burger King Franchisee, opening and operating successful stores for over 35 years in Westchester and Dutchess Counties. This has provided me with invaluable experience while working with multiple municipalities and elected officials on many levels involving many governmental matters. As a result, I am well versed and disciplined in all facets of eight figure budgeting. For the past 10 years I have served on the Board of the Metro NY Franchisee Association representing over 300 restaurants in the NY/Hudson Valley region. Over the past three years, I C A R S 85 Route 17M•Harriman, NY Walk-ins Welcome Open Mon – Friday 8-5 Mention this Ad and receive $10 OFF a repair of $75 or more (845) 782-2505 was elected to serve on the Government Relations Committee representing Burger King & other fast food restaurant owners across the United States by lobbying in Washington DC. A main function of my position is to educate and inform government representatives about the ways small businesses are affected by laws and regulations. In addition, I work closely with the Valerie Fund a fundraising organization dedicated to helping children with cancer. Some of my goals, if elected, are to: Protect our rights by continuing to vigorously defend against any annexation; bring fresh perspective through result oriented business principles to Woodbury Town Government; encourage continued and expanded cooperation between the Town & Village Boards; ensure our Police, Highway, Parks, Senior Center, Libraries and all other departments and services as well as all their employees are treated with respect and have the necessary tools and resources to properly serve all residents and business owners and intelligently control spending while carefully managing the Town budget. Woodbury voters deserve a fair and honest choice on Election Day. In order to accomplish this, I invite my opponent to a public debate(s) so voters can decide for themselves the best candidate for Supervisor. I am a WRITE-IN candidate so your support is crucial. When you vote on Tuesday, November 4th please consider supporting me and vote for me by writing in DAVID SUTZ on the ballot as Woodbury Town Supervisor. Polls are open from 6:00 am - 9:00 pm. If you would like to contact me to discuss any issues, please email me at davidsutz@yahoo. com, call me at 845-709-3844 or visit me at www.VoteSutz.com Thanking you in advance for your time and consideration, David Sutz IMPORT & DOMESTIC AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR • NY State Inspections • Brakes • Front End • Engine Analysis Specializing in Exhaust Repairs Expert Welder on staff! 10% Discount for Veterans 24 hour Towing (Local & Long Distance) Vote for a better New York -Vote for Rich Cocchiara The Republican Primary for Family Court Judge was won by only two votes. This is a prime example that YOUR VOTE REALLY DOES MATTER! It is extremely important for every registered voter to exercise their right to vote. It could be the difference to who wins the election. New York State is ranked high in taxes paid but low in job growth. Recently, mortgage website Bankrate.com ranked New York State as the worst state to retire, because of its high taxes, its high cost-of-living, and its health care system which is becoming less affordable and more unavailable. We need to start taking back New York, one district at a time. We need to elect candidates such as my husband, Rich Cocchiara, who has been a problem solver throughout his working career. New York State needs people with common sense ideas who have real solutions and will not just lead rallies. He knows how to balance budgets in both business and in local town politics as one of the councilpersons in Hamptonburgh. Rich has the qualities and experience needed to be your next NYS Assemblyperson. Take it from the Primary - YOUR VOTE REALLY DOES MATTER! Vote for change. Vote for a better New York. Vote for Rich Cocchiara on November 4th for the 99th Assembly District. Thank you, Judy Cocchiara Ralph Caruso for Supervisor - EXACT same core values as John Burke John Burke was my family’s long time friend but he was Woodbury’s Chief Financial Officer and he called himself “protector of the purse strings”. During John’s first year in office, he was faced with monumental challenges. There was out of control spending, a maintenance backlog and the Woodbury Pool was in crisis. FLASH FORWARD to the end of his “first term”; our bond rating increased, the town had a maintenance program, and the pool was crystal clear. For six more years John continued to improve our quality of life and became the proud voice of Woodbury residents, or, as he had also often called himself, “The Sixth Man” - John Q Citizen. Because of the untimely death of Supervisor Burke, Woodbury voters must elect a new “voice of the people”. Ralph Caruso is my family’s choice. We are proud to say that he is also a long time family friend and we have had the privilege to work with Ralph on The Citizens for the Preservation of Woodbury Committee. It is a group of non-partisan citizens who “very carefully” select issues that need to be brought to the public’s attention. Our most recent project was a referendum to change the date of the Village election from June to November to improve voter turnout. Mission accomplished! Over the years, Ralph has belonged to numerous community groups and has quietly dedicated himself to our town. Ralph also has extensive management experience such as Superintendent of Operations for the MTA, and he is also a small business Proprietor. Ralph Caruso has the EXACT same core values as John Burke; fiscal responsibly, protection our property values, and preservation our parks. In fact, John Burke and Ralph Caruso have stood shoulder to shoulder on the issues of annexation, sewer, water, well problems, and the KJ pipeline. Please secure Woodbury’s future. Vote for Ralph Caruso for Town of Woodbury Supervisor on Tuesday, November 04, 2014. Poles open from 6 am to 9 PM. Carol Mullooly, Central Valley I am voting for James’ re-election I write to support the re-election of Assemblyman James Skoufis to the 99th Assembly District. Since his initial election, James’ achievements have been so extensive that I feared that I might not do him justice in a short letter. But I have a very personal story which demonstrates both his character and integrity, and also his devotion to service to others. In 2011, when Hurricane Irene devastated much of the Town of Woodbury, our home was inundated with four feet of water in the basement, leaving us with a massive cleanup. James was then a member of the Woodbury Town Board. After the floodwater was pumped out, I learned that James was arranging assistance to any Woodbury resident who needed help. Once I contacted him, he enlisted volunteers from the Woodbury Commu- nity Association, who worked tirelessly to clear debris from our basement. James helped countless other town residents in similar situations, not only with cleanup, but as they waded through the flood of insurance red tape and claim delays. With this experience as background, after James’ election to the Assembly, the first two bills he proposed dealt with hurricane relief and insurance claims. One requires insurance companies to respond promptly to claims after natural disasters, while the other empanels a state task force to learn how well insurance companies have responded to recent natural disasters. Both bills passed in the Assembly in James’ first legislative session. In November, I am voting for James’ reelection. I hope you will too. Sincerely, Bob Curtis Town of Woodbury www.WoodburyGazette.com October 9, 2014 Rich Cocchiara is the person best qualified I endorse Rich Cocchiara to become our next representative to the State Assembly for the 99th District. Rich is an innovative business leader, with a demonstrated ability to assist businesses and governments in solving major logistical and infrastructure problems. Rich and his wife, Judy, have resided and paid taxes in our district for decades while raising their three children. Rich has served as a town councilman for the past twelve years, knows firsthand what the problems are which confront the people of this district, and will do all that he can to make sure our voices are truly heard in Albany. Rich wants to improve our community so that people will want to stay and live in New York, instead of fleeing our region due to high taxes and inadequate job opportunities. He wants to bring sanity back to our state’s education system by stopping Common Core, and he wants to provide a positive new business environment for entrepreneurs and corporations, for hourly wage earners, and for future college graduates. Finally, I have known Rich personally for more than thirty years and he is a person of integrity, and won’t be just another “photoop” politician. He is honest, reliable, and willing to work the very long hours necessary to succeed in this position. I believe Rich Cocchiara is the person best qualified to be our next Assemblyman, and I plan to vote for him this November. I hope you consider supporting him too. Sincerely, Steven A. Kimmel Washingtonville Ralph Caruso - he’s the right person for Woodbury The Election for Woodbury Town Supervisor this year is most important. Woodbury is fighting for its life and survival to remain a place we want to live, raise families and become Senior Citizens. We need a person who has leadership qualities, who not only knows how to get things done, but also has a record of positive accomplishments. Ralph Caruso is just that person. He has a long list of championing causes with great results that reach back many years. Most recently in the beginning of 2014, he led the petition drive to have a referendum vote for our Woodbury voters to decide whether they wanted to move the Village election from June to the November general election, affording a greater convenience and voting representation. In 2007 he challenged the Orange County Legislature and County Executive successfully stopping the transfer of ownership and control to Kiryas Joel of that part of Orange County Route 44 (Seven Springs Road) that passes through its village, thus preventing unforeseen condition, such as road closures. I can go on identifying the many more times Ralph Caruso went to bat for Woodbury and made the difference, but it’s clear, he’s the right person for Woodbury and will continue the practice of working for the people of Woodbury as their full time Town Supervisor. On November 4, 2014, join me in voting for Ralph Caruso, and thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Veronica J. Quercia Laws Should Apply Equally to All - “non-KJ” seating area? If you still do not understand what problems currently confront the Town of Monroe - and for that matter, all of Orange County - then all you needed to do was to go to the recent public scoping session held in Kiryas Joel. Upon entering the lavish and opulent Bais Rachel Paradise Hall in KJ, you would have been faced with signs directing people to sit in the “non-KJ” seating area and the “KJ-seating” area. In other words: Seating was segregated on one side of the room for Hasidic people and the other side of the room for non-Hasidic people. If you are not outraged by this - you should be! And, the Town Board of Monroe sat on stage in complete support of this travesty. Imagine if a meeting was held in the City of Newburgh, and they reserved seating for African-Americans on one side of the room and all others on the other side of the room. OUTRAGEOUS! I thought the struggles of Rosa Parks, the Civil Rights movement and the U.S. Constitution, had put an end to such situations many decades ago. There are one set of laws that should apply equally to all of us. We are all AMERICANS. Laws should apply equally against religious, racial, or gender, segregation! Laws should apply equally for fair elections! Laws should apply equally for environmental protections! One group of people should not try to circumvent laws to try and get land to change zoning restrictions. One group of people should not be able to take water rights away from other people in Cornwall and Woodbury. One group of citizens should not be able to grow at the expense of other citizens of our County. We are ALL Orange County citizens. We are all Americans and we should all live equally under one set of laws. Andrew Jackson said it best: “We desire nothing but equal rights and equal laws for everyone.” Some of us are proud to fight - to our political death, if need be - to make sure these principles prevail in Orange County! Mike Anagnostakis Orange County Legislator 5 Community James has made college affordability a priority Over the past 36 years, college tuition costs have skyrocketed over 1000%. That’s not a typo – there’s no extra zero. The consumer price index, inflation, and wages do not come close to touching how rapidly and dramatically college costs have risen. As someone looking to attend college next year, these numbers are daunting to my family and me. That’s why I’m supporting Assemblyman James Skoufis’ re-election. James has made college affordability a priority, introducing Tuition-Free NY that seeks to make SUNY and CUNY tuition-free for in-state students in exchange for community service and living/working in New York for at least five years following graduation. James believes no student should be prevented from better educating himself or herself because the cost of college makes attending out of reach. Nor should any student be saddled with a lifetime of debt after earning a degree. Assemblyman Skoufis has my support because he has – and will always continue to – look out for middleclass families like mine. Christian Javier, Highland Mills Tuition-Free NY is a bad proposal As a recent college graduate I am concerned with the future of my fellow students in regards to Tuition-Free NY. While the intent of paying for students’ tuition is good, meeting the requirements of the program, such as staying in New York for five years as well as being continuously employed for that time after graduating is worrisome. Given that New York State is ranked 45th in job creation in the United States, if I was unable to get a job and fulfill the requirements of the program, my “free tuition” would be converted into a loan with interest. If that’s the case, how would I even be able to pay back the subsequent loans without a source of income? If anything, what I want and what my fellow students should want most is jobs following graduation. Without that, we can only expect the volume of student loans to increase and further contribute to the student loan bubble that’s bound to burst in the near future. Tuition-Free NY is a bad proposal, and that is why I am supporting Rich Cocchiara to be our next Assemblyperson from the 99th District. Mr. Cocchiara has proposed tax credits to NY companies that hire college students from NY, when those companies directly help pay part of the college student loans their new employees may have. A great idea from a candidate with decades of business experience representing us in Albany. A better idea than the current incumbent’s Tuition-Free NY proposal. Joseph Gildea Washingtonville Woodbury Gazette Contact Information PO Box 511, Highland Mills, NY 10930 845-928-9101 editor@woodburygazette.com advertising@woodburygazette.com info@woodburygazette.com www.woodburygazette.com Give Your Child the Best Advantage to Achieve Success. We know every child is unique. Our programs are designed to help bring out the best in your child. With caring therapists trained in sensory integration, handwriting skills, gross motor skills and much more. Pediatric Occupational Therapy Solutions Call us for a consultation. We are here to help your child be the best they can be. Phone (845) 827-5360 615 Route 32, Highland Mills Developing skills in developing children pediatricotsolutions.com 6 Community October 9, 2014 www.WoodburyGazette.com Police Academy Update Class learns about crime scene preservation,Case Law and threat perception By Benjamin Meyers Central Valley - During the last two weeks, the fourth and fifth classes of the Woodbury Civilian Police Academy, students took in a lot of lesions on law enforcement. Prior classes experience how K-9 units help officers carry out work such as patrol, scent tracking, and attack roles, as well as NYS Penal Law’s Article 35 concerning justification of force. The recent lessons taught how crime scenes are established and evidence is gathered including DNA and finger prints. Class members actually dusted for prints, “lifted”, labeled and sealed them for computer identification. Case Law taught how restricted officers are as they deal with individuals who want to threaten them. However, it also clarifies what actions officers may take. There is a “chain” of escalation and it is based upon reasonable response. Officers always are there to protect the public and act as a source of aid for people who just need a hand. When enforcing the law police also adhere to the same law concerning the constitutional rights of individuals. It is clear to class members that your local police are thoroughly trained. The Woodbury Police Academy’s next class deals with traffic stops and offenses. Above: Woodbury Civilian Police Academy members learn how to use a baton also called a billystick, billy club, truncheon or nightstick. Left: Woodbury’s Civilian Police Academy class gather behind K-9 Officer Simba from Monroe. Handler, Officer Jim Gaylor is not in the photo. Photos by Ben Meyers 5 Star Construction Unlimited, LLC • Design • Build • Decorate • Management Full Phase Construction Company Additions • Add a Level • Roofing • Siding Windows • Decks • Finished Basements Commercial Snow Removal Office (845) 238-2457 • Cell (845) 590-4195 www.WoodburyGazette.com October 9, 2014 John P. Burke Memorial Fundraiser Pasta Dinner November 1 By Desire Potvin, Woodbury’s Town Clerk Woodbury - The John P. Burke Memo- rial Committee has planned its first fundraising event!!! A pasta dinner will be held at the Highland Mills Firehouse/ Village Hall on November 1, 2014, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Each ticket costs $10 and advanced sales are available at the Woodbury Town Clerk’s Office. Tickets will also be sold at the door and “to go” meals are available as well. Funds are being raised to place a memorial at the Central Valley Pool to honor past Supervisor John P. Burke, who passed away on July 29, 2014, and to award a scholarship to a Woodbury resident. For more information, please call Desiree Potvin, Woodbury’s Town Clerk, at 928-6829 x7. If you would like to contribute to the fundraiser, but cannot attend, checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 1004, Highland Mills, NY 10930 Attn: Town Clerk’s Office. In the memo field, please indicate it is for the John P. Burke Memorial Fund and checks can be made payable to the Town of Woodbury. Craft Fair Nov. 29th – Vendors Apply Now! Women of Woodbury fundraiser at Woodbury’s Senior Center By Susan Vrana Women of Woodbury will hold a Fundraiser- Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Woodbury Senior Center, County Rt. 105, Highland Mills, NY. Applications for Vendors: $25.00 per space and the spaces are approximately 6 feet. by 4 feet, vendors must supply their own tables. Spaces will be given on a first come first serve basis. Reserve space for your business now. For info & vendor applications call Susan 845-928-9007 7 Community PLS DNT TXT + Ryan Crosby LUTCF, Agent 531 Rt 32 Highland Mills, NY 10930 Bus: 845-928-2896 ryan@ryancrosby.net Providing Insurance and Financial Services DRIVE A public service announcement brought to you by your school, other drivers and the advertisers and publisher of the Woodbury Gazette. Out with the old, over-priced auto policy – in with State Farm® Give yourself some newfound car insurance savings from State Farm®. What could make your day better than that? GET TO A BETTER STATE® CALL RYAN CROSBY OR VISIT US ONLINE TODAY! State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL 1103167.1 8 Community October 9, 2014 www.WoodburyGazette.com New Police Officers - Joseph Iorio, Christopher Correa and Kristen Potter “Confident we chose the candidates who were born to do the job.” – Chief Vasquez By Benjamin Meyers Central Valley - “It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you today Police Officers Joseph Iorio, Christopher Correa and Kristen Potter. I also want to acknowledge that Kristen is the first female police officer in the Town of Woodbury.” So ended the first part of the October 2nd Town of Woodbury monthly meeting by Woodbury Chief of Police Richard Vasquez. Chief Vasquez began the swearing in ceremony by thanking all of the town’s councilmen and clerk Desiree Potvin for their part during interviews and other aspects of hiring new personnel. The Town Hall was filled with well wishers, parents, friends and the whole class of the Woodbury Civilian Police Academy, who left immediately after to attend a weekly class. What follows are excerpts of Chief Vasquez’s explanation of what efforts were taken by the Wooddbury Police Department during the hiring process and what things are crucial as the new officers embark upon their new careers. “The town board interviewed and approved the final three candidates. Desiree mailed out over 130 canvass letters and scheduled approximately 50 interviews. The individuals we interviewed all had scores of 90 or 95. So we clearly have the top candidates. Woodbury Chief of Police Richard Vasquez is pleased as three new Officers are added to the Department. Next to the Chief are Christopher Correa, Kristen Potter and Joseph Iorio. Photos by Ben Meyers Naional Car Care Monh We Wish to Express Our Gratitude to All Our Valued Clients!! It’s been a pleasure to serve you for the past 30 years! For the entire month of October... Receive the following Special Savings: *Free Maintenance Inspection *$10.00 off repairs/service of $50.00 or more *$20.00 off repairs/service of $100.00 or more *$30.00 off repairs/service of $150.00 or more “The interview panel consisted of Lt. Abbott, Sgt. Watson, Sgt. Bourke and I. We interviewed many hours including the weekend and were able to unanimously narrow it down to the top three candidates you see here today. We wanted to hire candidates that were passionate about the law enforcement profession and dedicated to public service … because that is what the Town deserves. “There are people who are born to do this job, and there are others who want to take the job for job security. I am confident we chose the candidates who were born to do the job. Always remember that we chose this profession to serve the public. So serve with pride, honor, and integrity. Always do the right thing.” Joseph Iorio is twenty-two years old Fordham University Graduate. Kristen Potter is a twenty-seven year old trained 911 dispatchers for the Orange County 911 Division of Emergency Services. Christopher Correa is a twenty-six year old former police officer with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. The Home of the Quality Repair Domestic & Import Auto Repair CE CE (845) 782-7859 2 Ramapo Ave., Harriman, NY Mon-Fri. 8:00 - 5:00 Sat. 8:00 - 4:00 NG NG • 24 Hour Towing (local and long distance) R AT B R ATI • Free Shuttle E BService I LE L to and from home or work (12 mile radius) • Fleet Services Welcome of QUALIT Y CAR CARE of QUALIT Y CAR CARE 1984-2014 014 1984-2Technicians • A.S.E. Certified YE YE A RS A RS www.harrimanauto.com like us on Facebook www.WoodburyGazette.com October 9, 2014 Community 9 Good bargains at Lions Club Yard Sale Collectibles and odds & ends combined made a successful day for fundraiser By Benjamin Meyers American Legion member, Bob Cotter, surveys a booth for something unique… something like his Reagan T-shirt. Central Valley - Early fall, sunny nice day and a big Lions Club yard sale. What more can you ask? St. Patrick’s parking lot was filled by 9 a.m. with vendors and early bargain hunters on Saturday, September 20. Woodbury residents and other sellers of rare attic wares were selling all those kinds of things that have been purchased over the years but are no longer needed…or wanted. Other spaces were occupied by professional yard sale vendors, and there were organizations such as Woodbury’s American Legion Post 779 offering a 50/50 raffle, and the Historical Society selling books, especially the newly released, Images of America; Woodbury Orange County authored by Sheila Conroy and Nancy Simpson. Sheila was there autographing copies. Next to the Lions canopy were smoking grills. Yup! The hot dogs were big ones with skins crisped just right. Many who couldn’t resist the eats, this writer for one, opted for Debbie Demeza’s home cooked sausage and peppers on a roll. Yes, it had a little kick to it…perfect. The event is one of Woodbury Lions Club’s fundraisers that help the club in its many charitable community oriented programs. Didn’t make it Frank Reynolds mans the Lions Club canopy during its annual yard sale last Saturday where Debbie Demeza’s sausage & peppers were a hit. Photos by Ben Meyers this year? That’s okay, start listing things you’ve collected for such a long time and now find that there is no space for them and wives, don’t worry, your husbands won’t miss the stuff…sign up for a space next year. 10 Sports October 9, 2014 9U Woodbury Wolverines lost tough game www.WoodburyGazette.com M-W Athlete of the Week Sept. 26th & Oct. 3rd 2014 Strong pitching performances from Austin Palmieri, James Mastropolo and Jaden Fatmen Emily Rocks & Cole Gennett Outstanding Tennis and Football players singled out by Athletic Director Ron Montalto for the team but due to a teammates injury, she has been playing up at 3rd singles most of the season. Emily has risen to the challenge and she is a huge part of the team’s success this season. Emily’s record this season is seven wins and only one loss. Congratulations Emily! M-W Varsity Football By John Murray The Woodbury Wolverines lost a tough one this past weekend getting beat 8-4 against the Teel Ravens of Ridgefield Park NJ. Despite strong pitching performances from Austin Palmieri, James Mastopolo and Jaden Fatmen, the team just wasn’t able to get enough runs. The run support came by way of team leaders Austin Palmieri and Jaden Fatmen. Both boys are hitting well of .500 and consistently been producing from the team. The defense was supported by stellar play of J.J. Kelleher at second base, James Mastropolo at short stop, and catching support of Collin Murray behind the dish. Catch all the action by visiting the website at https://woodbury wolverines.shutterfly.com/. Above: Jaden Fateman at bat is about to make perfect ball contact. Below: Collin Murray looking like a pro catcher. The Monroe-Woodbury Athletic Director, Ron Montalto, would like to announce that Emily Rocks is the “Athlete of the Week” for the week ending September 26, 2014 for the Monroe-Woodbury Girls Varsity Tennis team coached by Chris Vero. Emily, a senior, has been a member of the Girls Varsity Tennis team for two seasons. Emily plays 4th singles Photos courtesy of Andrew “Andy” Fateman A Unique & Creative Contractor Custom Renovations & General Contracting Quality Carpentry Int/Ext. Remodeling & Painting Kitchen & Bathrooms Additions Garages Basements Creative decks & Screen Porches Roofing Siding Windows Doors Home Repairs & Improvements Joseph Abbadessa Highland Mills, NY 845.590.6064 4joeboss@gmail.com Solution 9 6 4 8 7 5 3 2 1 3 2 8 9 1 6 4 5 7 1 7 5 3 4 2 9 6 8 4 9 3 6 2 1 8 7 5 5 8 2 4 9 7 1 3 6 7 1 6 5 8 3 2 9 4 6 4 7 1 3 9 5 8 2 2 3 1 7 5 8 6 4 9 8 5 9 2 6 4 7 1 3 n WORRYING does not take away tomorrow’s TROUBLES; it takes away today’s PEACE. N Mr. Montalto, would also like to announce that Cole Gennett is the “Athlete of the Week” for the week ending October 3, 2014 for the Monroe-Woodbury Varsity Football team coached by Bernie Connolly. Cole, a senior, had two catches for 57 yards and one touchdown in our 27-21 win against Newburgh on September 27th. Cole also rushed for 55 yards and two touchdowns. He was credited with a team leading11 tackles on defense, earning the linebacker of the week honors. Cole is a four year varsity player who has started the last three years! Congratulations Cole! Classified TUTORING MATH and SCIENCE TUTORING Penn State University Mathematics Graduate specializing in math courses ranging in: -Algebra (Traditional and Modern) -Trigonometry/ Geometry -Calculus I-IV -Ordinary Differential Equations -Number Theory - As well as Physics, Earth Science and more. Tutor Experience - 2008 Monroe-Woodbury Graduate Perfect Math SAT Score - Achieved near perfect Math Praxis Score NJCTL Math Program writer (2013-current) Flexible scheduling available 7 days a week $40/hour (needs-based rates available) Call Tyler Jacobsen: (845) 325-5878 www.WoodburyGazette.com October 9, 2014 11 History Images of America – Woodbury, Orange County Art & Gertie Earl of Ohio visit Woodbury and find newly released book By Benjamin Meyers Central Valley - What do you know about the Earl family? If you don’t know anything then you should purchase Sheila Conroy and Nancy Simpson’s newly published book Acadia Publishing, Images of America – Woodbury, Orange County. Sheila was autographing her book at the Lions Club yard sale on Saturday, September 20th at St. Patrick’s Church’s parking lot. While talking with her, she mentioned that an older couple had stopped by earlier who used to live in Woodbury, but now living in Ohio, and that they knew all about many of the old time store owners and families who were indigenous to our town. Sheila said, “Bill Doyle knows them! I think they are still here.” Hurrying over to the American Legion’s booth set up, we asked Bill the name of the couple that knew so much about Woodbury. “Oh! They would be the Earls…Arthur, or, Artie Earl, and his wife Gertrude. They’re just leaving, but we can catch them!” Well, we met Artie and Gertie. Artie explained that they stopped in Woodbury to visit some friends on their way from their farm in Nova Scotia where they spend the summer raising horses to their home in Ohio. He said, “Not a big farm… only a few horses, and Gertie likes to spend the summer there.” John and Laurel Wentink joined Art and Gertie at the yard sale. Art and Laurel are cousins through the Conks…I think. Getting back to the Earl family, Artie explained that the “first” Earl came to this area in the mid-1700. He obtained a patent of land which included most of Woodbury. As years went by the lake, which has since been dammed and October 9, 1975 Sakharov wins Peace Prize, 39 Years ago Andrei Dmitriyevich Sakharov, the Soviet physicist who helped build the USSR’s first hydrogen bomb, is awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in recognition of his struggle against “the abuse of power and violations of human dignity in all its forms.” Sakharov was forbidden by the Soviet government from personally traveling to Oslo, Norway, to accept the award. Born in Moscow in 1921, Sakharov studied physics at Moscow University and in June 1948 was recruited into the Soviet nuclear weapons program. In 1948, after detonating their first atomic bomb, the Soviets joined the United States in the race to develop the hydrogen bomb, a weapon theorized to be dozens of times more powerful than the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Sakharov’s concept of the “Layer Cake” bomb showed some promising results, but in late 1952 the Americans successfully detonated the world’s first “super bomb.” The Soviet team rushed to catch up and, with the aid of Soviet espionage, settled on the same winning concept as the Americans--radiation implosion. On November 22, 1955, the Soviet Union successfully detonated its first hydrogen bomb. Decorated with numerous Soviet scientific honors for his achievement the scientist became increasingly concerned with implications of the terrifying weapon. In 1969, Sakharov wrote an essay which was smuggled out of the country and published in The New York Times. The essay attacked the arms race and the Soviet political system and called for a “democratic, pluralistic society free of intolerance and dogmatism, a humanitarian society that would care for the Earth and its future.” Sakharov was fired from the weapons program and became a vocal advocate of human rights. In 1975, he was the first Soviet to win the Nobel Peace Prize. After he denounced the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Soviet authorities were quick to respond, exiling him to Gorky, where he lived in difficult conditions. In December 1986, Sakharov’s exile ended when Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev invited him to return to Moscow. He was subsequently elected to the Congress of People’s Deputies as a democratic reformer and appointed to the commission responsible for drafting a new Soviet constitution. Sakharov died in 1989. Source: History.com now known as Earl Reservoir, was the area’s first water supply and the Earl’s formed a Water Company. The pictorial book written by Sheila about Highland Mills, Central Valley and Woodbury Falls is the newest in Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series. The cost is $21.99 plus tax which comes to $23.78. Cash or check is acceptable. If this is interesting to you, you can order the book from the Woodbury Historical Society (845-928-6770) in Highland Mills. All proceeds go to the Society. While you’re there ask Leslie Rose, Historian, about the Earl history. Co-author of Woodbury, Orange County is Sheila A. Conroy in the center. On her left are Laurel and John Wentink and on her right are Gertie and Art Earl of Ohio. Photos by Ben Meyers County Hosts Pumpkin Festival Museum October 18 at Hill-Hold Museum Goshen – Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Commissioner Richard L. Rose of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation are pleased to announce Orange County’s Annual Pumpkin Festival taking place Saturday, October 18 at Hill-Hold Museum from noon to 4 p.m. Guests are invited to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of autumnal activities, including pumpkin rolling and painting, waxing leaves, scarecrow-making, face-painting, guess-the-weight-of-the-pumpkin contest, and a hay ride through the historic grounds of the Hill-Hold property to the pumpkin patch. If you look very carefully you may find a guest scarecrow lurking around to help you pick the best pumpkin for painting. Hill-Hold is located on Route 416 in Campbell Hall, across from Thomas Bull Memorial Park. Admission is $3 per adult and $2 for children. For more information, please contact Orange County Parks at 845-615-3830, email parks@orangecountygov.com, or visit the Hill-Hold Museum website, www. hillholdandbrickhouse.org. 12 Faith October 9, 2014 www.WoodburyGazette.com Raising Successful Children “What do children need to catch us demonstrating in our home?” By Pastor Gerry Dumoulin, Discovery Baptist Church - Harriman NY As parents, we have a desire deep within us to raise our children to be upstanding adults, who are successful within society. Raising a child is no easy task and it can be quite difficult at times. Although it is a challenge, raising our children is also the most rewarding and fulfilling thing we will ever do in life. All parents want to be good parents Central Valley United Methodist Church 12 Smith Clove Road, Central Valley, NY 10917 www.centralvalleyumc.com Phone/fax: 845-928-6570 All are welcome to join us! Worship: Sundays @ 9:30 am Children’s Sunday School @ 9:45 am Fellowship Hour: Sundays @ 10:30 am Prayer Group: Wednesdays @ 9:30 am Additional fellowship and service opportunities, all ages. Come join us as we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God! Congregation Eitz Chaim/MWJCC A Warm and Friendly Conservative Synagogue 1465 Orange Turnpike, P.O. Box 183 Monroe, NY 10949 845-783-7424 www.eitzchaim-monroe.org www.eitzchaimhebrewschool.com Rabbi Alex Salzberg Service times: Friday: Kaballat Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Saturday: Shaharit 9:00 a.m. Sunday: Shaharit Minyan 8:30 a.m. Open Enrollment: Gan Shalom Preschool, Hebrew School, Kadima, USY Highland Mills United Methodist Church 654 Route 32, PO Box 611, Highland Mills, NY 10930 www.highlandmillsumc.org E-mail: info@highlandmillsumc.org Phone: (845) 928-6177 Pastor: Reverend Darlene Resling Worship: Sundays @ 9:15 am - Sunday School @ 9:45 am Fellowship: Sundays @ 10:30 am Women’s Guild - Monday 10 am - 12 noon Men’s Bible Study: Saturdays @ 8:30-9:30 am Bible Study for All (check website for schedule) Monroe Temple of Liberal Judaism 314 N. Main St., Monroe, NY Telephone: (845) 783-2626 Rabbi Garry Loeb; Cantor Elana Schwartz Worship Schedule First Friday: an eclectic, intergenerational Shabbat experience for young families, singles, couples, and empty nesters. Held the 1st Friday of each month, it usually begins at 6:30 pm with a picnic or pot luck –dinner, and is followed by an hour of interesting activities. An hour-long Kabbalat service then follows at 8:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Services: Friday evenings at 8:00pm. Shachrit Service: 10:00 am Saturday morning (unless otherwise specified), including Saturdays on which there is no Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Tot Shabbat Service: 3rd Saturday of the month at 9:00 am. St. Patrick’s Church - Highland Mills 448 Route 32, Highland Mills, NY 10930 www.stpatrickshm.org Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil: 5:30 pm Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am & 12:00 pm Weekdays: Monday thru Saturday 9:00 am Holy Days - See Bulletin but at times it can be hard to know what to say, or, even do. The good news is that the Bible has a lot of good advice for parents. Most of us understand that much of what a child learns comes from direct teaching. But were you also aware that an equal amount of what they learn comes through watching parents live their lives? The Bible states in Deuteronomy 6:7-9, “And thou shalt teach them (God’s law) diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” Here the Bible instructs us to be examples to our kids all the time, and every place we are with them. Why? Because they are watching and learning from us. So the question remains, “What do our children need to catch us demonstrating in our home?” I believe that there are three essential lessons we can teach our children through our outward acts and they will leave a lasting impression. First, they need to see us display love. Hebrews 10:24 states, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Love is not just a feeling, in fact, most of the time it is an action we show to others. One way we can show our children how to love is for husbands and wives to equally respect and submit to each other. When children see this happen they learn that true love puts others before themselves. We also can display love through discipline. When we discipline properly it conveys to children that we care enough to tell them when something is not good for their lives and their future success. Secondly, they need to see us be financially responsible. (Matthew 25:14-29) In this passage Jesus stresses the importance of saving and investing money wisely. The unfortunate truth is that many families are struggling today because they do not know how to save money or spend it appropriately. We live in the “I Want it Now” culture. If we want something and don’t have the money for it most people just go out and charge it. This type of behavior is not setting up our children for success. Instead, we need to show them how to be a good steward of resources. Teaching children how to save means letting them see you put a certain amount of your paycheck into a savings account. You may want to open up one for your child and encourage them to put ten percent of their allowance into the savings account. You might also want to encourage them to pay for college outright. Resist the urge of telling them it is okay to have loans, but rather encourage them to work while at school, and attend a Junior College to get their core requirements done. When it comes to financial stewardship, more instruction is always better for them. Lastly, our kids need to see us forgive. Luke 17:3 says, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” The adage goes “Everyone makes mistake.” Even us, as parents, we make mistakes at times with our children and teenagers. Everybody needs a second chance. They do and we do. If we want them to be successful as adults this is an important truth for them to learn. We can teach them forgiveness - by seeking forgiveness from them when we make mistakes. Not only does that teach them about forgiveness but also humility. We can also teach them forgiveness by not bringing up the past with your spouse. If you have supposedly forgiven your spouse of an offense but continually bring it up, we are instructing our children to be bitter and resentful. This will be of no benefit to them and that is why true forgiveness is an important lesson to learn. I challenge you today to begin to put these lessons into practice in your homes. You will be amazed at how your child’s life begins to change and how they grow into thriving adults. I also urge you to begin to read your Bibles and discover other wonderful truths that God has for you and your family. INC. HVAC HEATING AIR CONDITIONING • PLUMBING Our 15th year Residential Commercial Industrial Lighting Power Heat Control Wiring Maintenance & Repair Prompt and professional. Fully We provide recommendations licensed and insured. and free estimates. Phone: (845) 928-3637 dluxelectricalprojects.com "Today's quality with yesterday's honesty and integrity" ALL BOILERS - OIL, GAS, HOT AIR SYSTEMS WILL SERVICE THEM, REPAIR THEM, OR INSTALL NEW SYSTEMS CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES 250 Off $ New installation of new boiler or hot air system $25.00 off any boiler start up or fall maintenance Central Valley, NY Office: 845-781-3967 Cell: 914-774-8851 www.WoodburyGazette.com October 9, 2014 13 Faith We experienced another culture shock … Cultural Differences within Immigrant Families By Joey Clapp, International Board of Jewish Missions After returning from two years of living in Kiev, Ukraine, my wife and I were surprised at how different Slavic people are in America than in Eastern Europe. Though we had lived in Eastern Europe for two years, we experienced another culture shock when we started to interact with Russian speakers in America. Those who have actualized the dream of escaping the racism, or religious harassment, in Eastern Europe found different problems that they did not expect in their new country. We have observed how many strong families have crumbled under the pressure of living as immigrants in America. Most would agree that strong families are the foundation of a strong community. While strong families are critical, many immigrant families, who were once strong, are now divided because of the problem of assimilation. The most typical model for this problem occurs when children strongly desire to assimilate into American culture, and, the parents view this attitude as an abandonment of their heritage. The children, whether they want to or not, must attend some type of American school. In areas of heavy Slavic population like New York City, they could have numerous Russian speaking friends. Most Slavic immigrant children, however, are not that fortunate and long to fit in with their peers. These feelings lead to a lightning fast assimilation that takes parents by surprise. And then, the parents often feel slighted because they seldom remember that their children don’t have the same attachment to the “old country” as they do. This causes major problems between the parents and the children in many immigrant families. Perhaps more dangerous is when one of the spouses assimilates faster than the other one. We have observed families where the husband drags his feet on learning English and embracing American culture, while the wife becomes more and more involved with English-speaking friends and other activities. This generally creates a rift that is hard to overcome. Many have tried to fight these family divisions by forcing the unwilling family members to participate in cultural activities, which always generates resentment. Some parents even try to shield their children from assimilation by keeping them out of extra-curricular activities or community programs. Unfortunately, there is no cultural answer for this problem. Some families thrive in their new culture and some do not. However, we have found a solution that transcends cultural differences, and connects these types of families. The book of Proverbs is full of advice for families, but one verse that I’ve personally observed to be true is Proverbs 12:7, “The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.” The family that relies on cultural bonds or even familial bonds will always be stressed, if not broken, from the pressures of living in a new culture. However, the family that indulges in activities that feed the spirit (worship, prayer, Bible study) will connect on deeper levels than simply culturally or linguistically. These are the families that survive. These are the families that make it through the minefield of assimilation. You can meet Pastor and Mrs. Clapp at Discovery Baptist Church Sunday October 12, 2014, located in the Sapphire Elementary School, Harriman Heights Road, Harriman, NY The Eitz Chaim ~Calendar~ High Holy Days at Congregation Eitz Chaim Monroe – The following is a schedule of Apples to Applesauce! Gan Shalom Preschool students are proud of their heritage our programs and services. October 14 – Tuesday; USHPIZOT Our Honored Guests - What Extraordinary Jewish Women Would You Invite Into Your Sukkah? Show and/or tell why your guest is special to you! Suggested donation, $7.00. Refreshments will be served. 7 p.m., RSVP by October 5 to Fran Gordon 4966114 or fgordon1@hvc.rr.com October 16 – Thursday; Hebrew School Dancing with the Torah. For more information, call Marilyn Dale 781-6560. October 21 – Tuesday; Women with Wool, Needlework, knitting or crocheting. Free coffee will be served. 10 a.m., for more information, contact Sheila Ornstein 928-6244 October 26 – Sunday; Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh. 7 p.m., Contact Beth Marks bethmsw12@aol.com, or Jennie Ossentjuk at jennie.ossentjuk@yahoo.com October 28 – Tuesday; Women with Wool, Needlework, knitting or crocheting. Free coffee will be served. 10 a.m., for more information, contact Sheila Ornstein 928-6244 Monroe - Feeling like super heroes wearing prayer shawls and learning about the High Holy Days at Congregation Eitz Chaim., Gan Shalom Preschool students are proud of their heritage and having fun! They made New Year cards and picked apples in Warwick, NY from which they made delicious applesauce to take home to their families for Rosh Hashanah. It smelled and tasted so good! Happy New Year! Chris Scibelli B R O K E R / O W N E R C.S.A REALTY GROUP Gan Shalom Preschool students made delicious applesauce to take home to their families for Rosh Hashanah. Photo by Margaret Moriarty, Congregation Eitz Chaim Serving Monroe-Woodbury Since 1977 Residential Commercial Business Brokerage Land Development Property Management 522 Route 32, Highland Mills, NY 10930 845-928-8000 Email: Chris@ChrisScibelli.com Web: ChrisScibelli.com See us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CSARealtyGroup 14 Education October 9, 2014 www.WoodburyGazette.com A Teacher’s Perspective Education reform is about data collection Our children are being tracked By Dawn Hoagland It should be quite clear by now that the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are not what they purport to be. They are not a more rigorous set of standards. They are not increasing reading comprehension and math ability. They are not closing the achievement gap. So why are the “reformers” still touting them as the best thing since sliced bread? Who is benefitting from these standards? Peter Greene, a high school teacher and blogger, wrote an article, published on the Huffington Post (7/18/2014), suggesting that the real reason every state had to switch from their own standards to the Common Core was to create a uniform framework for gathering and analyzing student data. He suggests that we should view the standards as data “tags,” because that is what they were designed to be. Greene states, “We’ve been saying that CCSS are limited because the standards were written around what can be tested. That’s not exactly correct. The standards have been written around what can be tracked. The standards aren’t just about defining what should be taught. They’re about cataloging what students have done. This is why the “aligning” process inevitably involves all that marking of standards onto everything we do. It’s not instructional. It’s not even about accountability. It’s about having us sit and tag every instructional thing we do so that student results can be entered and tracked in the Big Data Bank.” Exists to force cooperation - The way the CCSS system was designed to work does not match what the teacher is actually dealing with in the classroom. So the tagging system doesn’t fit what students need to learn, and, it isn’t flex- ible enough to allow seasoned teachers to adapt it to fit what is developmentally appropriate. Theoretically they can teach what they want, but they have to collect data on specific standards and insert it into spreadsheets collected by the district. Common Core aligned materials come already tagged to the standards. Teacher evaluations are tied to student test scores, a system required by Arne Duncan, which exists to force cooperation. Peter Greene thinks that all of this talk about decoupling the standards from high stakes testing is not going to happen. “You can’t have a data system without tagging, and you can’t have a tagging system with nothing to tag. Education and teaching are just collateral damage in all this, and not really the main thing at all.” Big companies like Pearson are not about to let the CCSS be dissolved. They are making way too much money to stop now. Parents can opt their children out of testing! If enough students opt out, this would invalidate the data. Even in states where the Common Core has supposedly been abandoned, if you look closely at the new state standards that replaced the CCSS, you will find they still fit the tagging system. Parents in these states have been fooled into thinking that they defeated the Common Core when actually it is alive and well masquerading under another name. inBloom ended up closing down Rupert Murdoch’s data collection company, inBloom, ended up closing down because parent protest over private industry having access to personal student information became insurmountable. Thank you to everyone who took a stand against inBloom. However, I am here to warn you that student data is still being collected and analyzed by other companies. The Common Core is presently being delivered by teachers in physical classrooms in public schools across the U.S. The eventual goal is for the CCSS to be delivered on computers through software programs individually adapted to each student’s learning style. Data collection will be part and parcel of this system. Family Education Rights and Privacy Act changed - Arne Duncan lobbied President Obama to change the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in 2011, which he did by Executive Order. Third party contractors now have access to our children’s personally identifiable information because of the new definition of an authorized representative called a “school official.” Pearson and Knewton have been designated as “school officials” even though these are for-profit companies. The implications of a profit making company being in possession of student profiles that detail how deeply a student understands a particular subject, how fast they acquired that understanding, and how they were able to retain it is troubling. If this information were to become accessible to graduate schools or future employers the results could end up being unfairly limiting to unsuspecting students who are presently taking online adaptive courses. If Facebook and Google can accumulate 100 bits of data about a user in one day, educational analysts can accumulate millions of bits of data by tracking student progress through a course. Jose Ferreira attended Harvard Business School and was previously a desk trader for Goldman Sachs. He is the founder of Knewton, a data mining company The Law Offices of David V. Hasin Experience. Integrity. Results. P.C. Divorce & Family Estate & Trusts Real Estate Civil Litigation Corporations & Partnerships 5 Corporate Drive ■ Central Valley, NY 845-928-1013 www.hasinlawoffices.com which partners with Pearson to offer adaptive online learning courses. Pearson has contracted with Knewton to power its My Labs and Mastering software which are being used by millions of high school students. Knewton has been collecting data on thousands of students who are enrolled at Arizona State University over the past two years. ASU has partnered with Knewton in an effort to improve the way students learn by tracking student behaviors and correlating them with test results. Knewton has the capacity to measure the amount of time students spend reading a passage or viewing a graph or a video on a subject in order to tie that information to how well the student does on an assignment or test. It picks up on patterns of past success. Theoretically this allows the adaptive software to recommend particular text or content for students to view or read before an exam that will ensure student understanding of the material. Where is the humanity? - None of this fosters creativity. Are students’ just widgets passing through a factory style of education? Of course, this is all contingent on student motivation as well. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. This is where the human factor comes into play. Teachers, real live human beings in classrooms, form relationships with students. They tell them stories about people who are successful now that may have been just like their students at one time. Humans love stories. Humans need relationships. Humans motivate other humans. Computers? Not so much. Dawn Hoagland can be contacted at commoncoreisnotok@gmail.com KEVIN ABRAMS ADG CLASSIC REALTY RELOCATION NETWORK 20+ Year Veteran Where expertise counts 158 Stage Road, Monroe, NY 10950 Cell: 845-494-5134 • Office: 845-782-8101 Fax: 845-782-8918 Email: kabrams@ADGclassicrealty.com Web: www.adgclassicrealty.com www.WoodburyGazette.com SUDOKU How to Play: Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3x3 cube contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusive with no repetition. 6 7 8 9 4 1 7 9 4 9 7 2 2 4 7 8 5 7 6 6 3 5 School Calendar Thursday, Oct 9, 2014 4 BOE - Annexation Committee Mtg 5:30 PM. Education Center CV Welcome Back Game @CV 6:30 PM SC Picture Day SC PTA Meeting 9:30 AM SE PTA Meeting 10:00 AM Friday, Oct 10, 2014 6 SC Picture Day 4 SAT I and SAT II EXAM 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Saturday, Oct 11, 2014 Monday, Oct 13, 2014 3 All Schools Closed - Columbus Day 5 Family Swim 7:30 PM - 9:45 PM, Middle School Tuesday, Oct 14, 2014 8 6 6 15 Education October 9, 2014 Wednesday, Oct 15, 2014 1 Please Recycle Woodbury Gazette BOE - Regular Board Meetings 6:00 PM, Education Center MS Picture Re-takes Thursday, Oct 16, 2014 CV BLC Meeting 3:45 PM Dr.Ralph K. Neuhaus Dr. Matthew S. King PT BLC Meeting 8:15 AM Friday, Oct 17, 2014 Family Swim 7:30 PM - 9:45 PM. Middle School HS Homecoming Football Game 7:00 PM Saturday, Oct 18, 2014 SC/SE Winner’s Walk @ SE 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Sapphire HS PSAT Gr. 10 & 11 Sunday, Oct 19, 2014 Family Swim 1:00 PM - 3:45 PM, Middle School SE Family Picture Day Monday, Oct 20, 2014 Pine Tree & Smith Clove Book Fair Music Boosters @CV 7:00 PM, Central Valley Tuesday, Oct 21, 2014 Family Swim 7:30 PM - 9:45 PM, Middle School PT Book Fair Family Night 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM HS OCMEA All-County Choral Auditions SE BLC Meeting 2:50 PM Chester Dental Associates 10 Moffatt Lane Chester, NY10918 Call Us Today (845) 469-2833 PO Box 511, Highland Mills, NY 10930 E-mail: editor@woodburygazette.com advertising @woodburygazette.com info @woodburygazette.com www.woodburygazette.com Established April 1, 2010 • Benjamin Meyers - Editor and Publisher Layout and Design • STP Graphics, Sindi Price The Woodbury Gazette publishes every other Thursday. READER NOTICE: Editor’s Note: The views expressed in the various columns in this publication are those of the writers and not of the newspaper. The Woodbury Gazette will never knowingly accept any advertisement or informational article that is illegal or considered fraudulent. The Woodbury Gazette cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur because of readers doing business with these advertisers. Advertisers are not responsible for typographical errors. The Woodbury Gazette is not responsible for any errors and subsequent consequences of those errors. The Woodbury Gazette reserves the right to reject of modify copy or pictures and to cancel an advertisement at any time. All artwork, layout and design remain the sole property of The Woodbury Gazette. Reproduction in whole or any part of any advertisement is strictly forbidden. Submissions: The Woodbury Gazette welcomes readers to submit photos and press releases for possible publication. 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