A MESSAGE FROM NORTH COUNTY NEWS MANAGING EDITOR
DANNY LOPRIORE:
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:Danny LoprioreTel: 914-231-5346Email: dannylope@aol.com or www.seasonsinsanctuary.com(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)
Seasons in Sanctuary
Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. – “Seasons in Sanctuary” is a newly-released (Outskirts Press) novel based on a true story and written by Danny Lopriore – veteran news and sports journalist in the New York City area.
The book is based on a “true” story – written somewhere between fact and fiction, good and evil and faith and failure – a tribute to those who are brave enough to uncover, express and share their God-given talents. It is loosely based on real people, places and events covered by the author over his 20 years as a journalist and is set in the teeming streets of the Bronx, N.Y. and the suburb of Yonkers, N.Y. through the years 1960-1995.
”Seasons in Sanctuary” is the tale of a troubled New York City mobster who would rather be a baseball coach and his redemptive journey is “true” enough to have happened and fantastic enough to make one want to believe that it could happen again and again and again.
Tommy Vitale – a former New York Yankees minor leaguer – sustains an leg injury that ends his dreams of playing professional baseball and rebounds to joins the “family business” – eventually rising to the ranks of union delegate and organizer in his Uncle Mario’s “family”. Unable to give up his first love – sports – Vitale finds himself coaching a small, suburban area Catholic school baseball team when a local coach resigns. “Seasons” recounts his transformation and championship years at Redemption High School where re-discovers his “true calling” but must face the decision of choosing between “career”.
The book is currently available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and Outskirtspress.com
Author: Danny Lopriore is a veteran newspaper reporter, editor and columnist who has covered high school sports and news for several daily and weekly newspapers in New York and New Jersey since 1989. He lives in Westchester County, N.Y. with his wife Dianne and children.
Outskirts Press is the publishing house for emerging authors. For more information, please visit http://www.outskirtspress.com/ or www.seasonsinsanctuary
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A MESSAGE FROM BOB MYER:
Stefan Davenport presents an ongoing Wednesday Night Jazz JamSession at: Susans Restaurant.Hosted by me, Bob Meyer, it features different rhythm sections eachweek playing the first set.
An open session follows and allmusicians are welcome to sit in.There is NO cover.8:30 -11:30
Susans is located at12 North Division StreetPeekskill, NY 10566914-737-6624http://www.susansinpeekskill.com/Good food, good spirits and a friendly atmosphere.I hope to see you there.
Thanks and Peace, Bob
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A MESSAGE FROM PEEKSKILL MAYOR TESTA:
City of Peekskill
Office of the Mayor
April 5, 2007
The year 2007 marks the 10th year that I have been a part of government in Peekskill, serving one term as councilman and 3 terms as mayor. I am proud of my contributions to my hometown and the community that the Testa family has called home for over a century.
As mayor, I set forth an aggressive vision for the city that included all aspects of the community. I had always believed Peekskill was the premier location in Westchester and a jewel in the rough. I was determined to polish that jewel and to help Peekskill realize the potential I felt it has always harbored. We have made tremendous strides toward that goal. As a result, Peekskill is poised for even greater things and the pieces are in place for a future of continued fiscal prosperity and positive change.
I have given my heart and soul to my position as mayor and work diligently to achieve the goals we have set. I have been extremely fortunate to have a council majority that shares these goals. They have given me their unwavering support and assistance during this unprecedented period of growth and revitalization. I have also been very fortunate to have the talented and dedicated staff that has worked so hard day in and day out to make our vision a reality.
I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve Peekskill these ten years and feel proud to have been continually reelected by overwhelming margins. The people of Peekskill have entrusted me to lead our city and have strongly supported my administration’s policies. I will be forever grateful for their support. However, after much reflection with the ones I love I am announcing today that I will not be seeking another term as mayor of Peekskill.
As I have willingly sacrificed much of my personal life for the dedication to my job as mayor, so too have those close to me sacrificed. The only reason that I have had the strength and ability to dedicate myself to my position is because I have a family who has consistently supported my efforts and gave me the encouragement I needed to be successful. Now it is time I look to other ventures and catch up with the many things I have put to the side. My desire at this time is to spend more time with my family and do the things we have not been able to do together. There are many books waiting to be read and maybe even one to write. There are many things left undone that need attention.
It is important, however, that the citizens of Peekskill know that I am not going away. For the next 8 months we will continue to move the many projects and initiatives forward. This is particularly important since there are those intent on delaying and stopping the progress and momentum we have created. I will continue to be involved in the community and have not ruled out running for future office. I am committed to Peekskill and plan on continuing to be a positive influence for many years to come.
Thank for very much.
John G. Testa, Mayor
Below is a just a sample of Peekskill’s accomplishments since I became mayor in 2002:
• Established Office of Emergency Management and creation of Emergency Operation center.
• Emphasis on quality of life and clampdown on illegal occupancy
• Successful in the fight against sewage diversion
• Established Mayor’s Quality of life/Code Enforcement Hotline
• Expanded Community Policing Unit
• Created Drug Enforcement Task Force
• Upgrade of City Parks and Playgrounds
• Built first-class full size baseball facility: Peekskill Stadium
• Turned the City’s finances around to become recognized by the State Comptroller as one of the most fiscally sound municipalities in NY State.
• 0% tax increase for the last 2 years
• Increased city tax base by $3 million since 2002
• Reduced City portion of tax bill from 27.3% in 2002 to 24.8% in 2007
• Established a policy of open and informative government:
- Established City Website
- Established first city wide quarterly newsletter
- Videotape presentations at work sessions to be shown on the Government Cable Channel
• Instituted e-government by replacing a paper driven weekly council information packets with laptop computers and digital information. (Also utilizing the city website for availability to city hall departments, forms and paying bills online.)
• Established a vision of citywide revitalization through new residential developments, additional retail and commercial development as well as preservation of older and historic neighborhoods.
• Tackled major infrastructure repairs along Central Avenue
• Over 40 acres of former industrial use sites in various stages of remediation
• Began construction of new $32 million Water Treatment Facility
• Recognized by the County for having Westchester’s Most Innovative Solid Waste/ Recycling Program
• Promoted the preservation of historic buildings and promoted the history of the community
• Initiated the restoration of the Lincoln Depot building and property
• Peekskill named a “Preserve America Community”
• Established two historic districts
• Continued to promote and preserve the Artist District and focus:
- Completed the Art Lofts on Central Ave. and South Street
- Opening of the Hudson Valley center for Contemporary Art on Main Street
- Expansion of Westchester Community College in the downtown
• Opening of dozens of new businesses, including restaurants.
• Assisted in the restoration of the Paramount Center for the Arts
• Adding over 40 acres of additional public access land including Annsville Trail and Fort Hill.
• Attracting Target to Peekskill, a major national retailer
• Instituting the Waterfront Redevelopment Project
• Initiated a major downtown redevelopment project
• Multimillion dollars in private investment to the city
• Recognized by Westchester Magazine multiple times, including being cited as one of “Westchester’s 6 Boom Towns” and also as one of the “Top 10 Places to Live in Westchester County”
• Recognized as one of the “10 Terrific Hudson Valley Home Towns” by Hudson Valley Magazine.
• Maintained a policy of putting Peekskill first and government over politics
MY COMMENTS ON THIS:
THE NEW RACE FOR MAYOR:
Dear Readers:
Let the historians judge the Mayoralty of John Testa. Having never lost an election, and won a primary against a sitting incumbent says a lot on how the citizens of Peekskill regarded him. Let us now look at the political landscape as it now appears. We already know that Mary Foster is the Democratic candidate for Mayor. I hope Mary will forgive me, but I honestly believed she could not win against Mayor Testa. As a sitting Mayor, the race would have been a referendum on his term in office. In talking to a good number of people, just people, regular voters who are not immersed in the nuances of politics, I found there were just not nearly enough people who really thought change was necessary. Mayor Testa still had the ability to appeal to voters of both parties. To a great degree now that John Testa is out of the running, the race for mayor is now Mary's to lose. If she continues to believe that re-evaluating all the on going plans that are now in the works, especially in regards to the proposed Target Store, she could very well lose. In fact, regarding her stance on the Target Store, if she continues her chosen path, there are a number of Democratic voting citizens who would welcome a primary between her and Don Bennett.
As for possible challengers,.let's start with the premise that the Peekskill GOP will not nominate a novice for the office of Mayor. The first name that ALWAYS comes up is former councilman Bill Schmidt. While he would be the next strongest candidate if not equally as strong as the Mayor, it is my belief knowing the hours of his "day job" that he will not make the run. As a matter of fact, as his work load has increased considerably, I do not see him even running for the council.
So how about Councilwoman Milagros Martinez, she has not shown the strength necessary in her term on the council to conclude she could succeed in beating Mary Foster. Not that she has not been a good advocate for the city of Peekskill, in fact she has, the job of Mayor is an executive position and really requires a take charge attitude, which she has not shown. Councilman Mel Bolden besides his council position also sits on the Housing Authority board. This gives him an edge as he knows the needs of the middle class and those less fortunate and recognizes that the city of Peekskill is home to both. This actual in field knowledge is his greatest strength, and on the housing board he has demonstrated his independence when required of party orthodoxy. A race between him and Mary Foster would be too close to call as both would then be required to reach outside their main constituency. Who ever articulated their message the best would prevail.
That leaves Deputy Mayor Cathy Pisani. She along with the Mayor has been a prime mover in regards to the proposed developments in progress. In her we would see a continuation of the plans that are now in the works. She is also the longest sitting council member and has proven to be a vote getter. For those who wish to see Peekskill continue on its present course, Cathy is THE candidate. To make this the most interesting race is the fact that her vision and Mary's vision in how to achieve the same goals(the best for Peekskill) are so different. This is the true race for the future direction for the city of Peekskill. This is also the race I believe will be the one the voters will be given.
So this is how I see the landscape. Together we will one way or another see how the future unfolds. There are other who will see things differently from me, but what the heck, that is what makes politics so interesting. Everyone has the chance to see how valid their opinions are. So with a different landscape before us let the race start anew.
A MESSAGE FROM DARREN RIGGER PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN:
Official Statement by City of Peekskill Democratic Party Chair, Darren Rigger, on Republican Mayor John Testa’s announcement that he will not run for re-election.
“This announcement has little effect on the Democrats in Peekskill. This year’s election was never about John Testa, it is about the city of Peekskill and the families that live here. We knew for a long time that this was going to be a year of change and our Democratic candidates represent that change. Mary Foster running for Mayor, Don Bennett, Joe Schuder and Patricia Salvate-Riley running for Common Council will all bring fresh new ideas to City hall.”
- Darren Rigger
Chairman
City of Peekskill Democratic Committee
To confirm or for additional comment please call Chairman Darren Rigger at 845-598-3971.
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THIS WAS IN THE NORTH COUNTY NEWS:
Westchester County
Legislator proposes a bright idea
By Martin Wilbur
Saving energy is more than grandiose ideas and programs that could take years, if not decades, to introduce.For Westchester County Legislator Martin Rogowsky (D/Harrison) some of the best ways to be more energy efficient is to start off doing some of the little things.Last week Rogowsky proposed legislation that would ban all incandescent light bulbs in county facilities at the end of this year. The measure would also prohibit these same bulbs from being sold in the county after December 31, 2009.“These little things that don’t affect us too much are some of the best ways to save energy,” Rogowsky said. “If someone had done that years ago maybe we wouldn’t have an oil problem, we wouldn’t have a Mideast problem.”The lawmaker, who currently serves on Westchester’s Global Warming Task Force, said by using compact fluorescent bulbs it would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are instrumental in elevating global temperatures.He said the challenge will be to convince the public to buy the compact fluorescents, which cost between $3 and $5 each, compared to between 25 and 50 cents for the incandescent bulb.However, the fluorescents last an average of five years and use 75 to 80 percent less electricity. As a result, if you replace your 60-watt incandescent bulbs with 15-watt fluorescents, it would provide the same light but save the average home about $40 a year on the electric bill.“We know what we have to do to reduce global warming,” Rogowsky said. “Using compact fluorescent bulbs is just one example of how local efforts can help that cause tremendously.”
If the proposal, which is headed to the Energy and Environmental Committee, would be passed into law, the government would not be intruding into private homes to make sure people use the correct bulbs, Rogowsky assured residents. There would be no mandate to use the fluorescents, although residents would have to go outside the county to buy them.The area’s two county legislators, Michael Kaplowitz (D/Somers) and George Oros (R/Cortlandt), gave kudos to Rogowsky for shining a light on the issue, but wondered whether the proposal would fly.Kaplowitz said the small measures like replacing county vehicles with hybrid models over time are helpful but the county is planning on hiring an energy commissioner to assist Westchester in formulating a short- and long-term plan.The legislature is in the midst of interviewing candidates for that position and Kaplowitz expects the newly created opening to be filled within two to three months.Oros said he applauded Rogowsky’s efforts and those of anyone addressing energy issues but wondered whether it would be practical.“I’m not sure if we want to take the step of dictating the kind of light bulbs people should buy,” he said
MY COMMENTS ON THIS:
Dear Readers:
I warned you, I tried to tell you that once you let government open the door to trample on your freedoms all in the name of "public good", the 'slippery slope" starts. First it was the "sin" taxes on cigarettes and alcohol. The played on your moral guilt to get you to swallow punitive taxes meant to control behavior that was considered unpleasant. Then the government with UNELECTED bureaucrats and an activist judiciary took the next step in active control of behavior, and passed laws and ordinances dictating where you can and cannot smoke to the point where the rights of private business were eliminated. This of course was for the "public good", and being that it dealt with the "nasty" habit of smoking we bought into it hook, line and sinker. After all smoking can kill you, so you should not be smoking anyway. This of course has begat the next step where there is legislation in Albany to ban smoking in YOUR car if there are minors riding in it. This is to protect the children, so if you are against this intrusion on personal property and parental rights, you will be accused of trying to kill children. I have told you before, soon they will pass laws banning smoking in your house if you have kids. Government control of behavior regarding a LEGAL product, and you are silent because it deals with smoking. So what if the other persons rights are trampled, it does not affect me, or so you think. Well damn if it doesn't, once you consent to have someone else's rights disregarded, your's will be next.
Now your rights are under assault, and it still mystifies me how you can remain silent. First it was fast food, and obesity. The government and UNELECTED bureaucrats have convinced you that these establishments are the cause of obesity. They have walked up to you, while you were minding your own business, put a gun to your's and your children's head and forced you to have that triple burger, extra large fries, diet coke(for your health) and apple pie. It is their fault for not telling you how to eat, it is not your fault for the active purchase. So because they have assuaged your guilt over personal responsibility, the government has assumed the power of "chef-in chief", and will now dictate the recipe for french fries and doughnuts. If you should speak out against this government intrusion then you must be an advocate for diabetes.
The second step in the elimination of personal rights for the "public good', is the premise that in order to save the world from climatic Armageddon, the government is now going to dictate light bulbs. Being that many of you have swallowed the "global warming" kool-ade, you will be convinced you are going to save the planet just by surrendering your house to the government. Do you not yet see that this "global-warming" kool-ade is just a ruse for you to surrender more of your personal choices to government control. All of this "public good" nonsense is to advance the cause of socialism. If you do not see that by now, when the heck will you?
The power to govern is in direct response to the consent of the governed. That is the fundamental principal of our system of government. This principal was devised to LIMIT the governments interaction visa-via the people. There is nowhere in our founding documents where the government is allowed to usurp your right to LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSIUT OF HAPPINESS for the "public good", save in time of war. In regards to this onslaught of "creeping socialism" by entrenched elected officials, UNELECTED bureaucrats, activist judges, all who think they know best how we should conduct our private lives, I....DO...NOT...CONSENT!!!!!!!!!!! The government has the right, the duty to inform and educate, but not the right to INTERFERE!!!!!!! I cannot believe that you have consented to surrender your right to be wrong, your LIBERTIES, to the government to avoid your personal responsibilities. If I am correct and you have not abdicated your rights to the government, then you must write your local officials, your county officials, your state officials, your federal officials and state emphatically I...DO...NOT....CONSENT, and stop this madness. On election day this November you must vote out of office any (regardless of party) official who wishes to perpetuate the taking of your liberty . You cannot wait for someone else to do it for you, ONLY you have it in your power to stop the madness.
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SITES TO LINK TO:
ON THE OTHER HAND W/ FORMER PEEKSKILL COUNCILMAN SCHMIDT: http://peekskillperspectives.blogspot.com/
PLAN PUTNAM: planputnam@googlegroups.com/
PEEKSKILL GUARDIAN: http://peekskillguardian.blogspot.com/
NORTH COUNTY NEWS: http://northcountynews.com/
THE JOURNAL NEWS: http://thejournalnews.com/
PEEKSKILL DEMOCRATS: http://www.peekskilldems.com/
PEEKSKILL REPUBLICANS: http://peekskillgop.com/
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CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH:
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM chanel 15 (Peekskill only)Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Every Tuesday at 10PM chanel 22Hosted by: DON PETERS *********************************************************************************** EDITOR'S NOTE:All articles re-printed in this blog from the North County News are with the permission of Bruce Apar Publisher and Editor-in-Chief.
BAZZO 04/08/07
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