Dear Readers:
Like most of you, I am having my taxes prepared. I received this e-mail from the accounting firm I use, Dewey-Cheetum & Howe:
"Andy,
Here is the tax sales and use tax. New York residents are liable for this tax as long as they bought
something from television, the Internet, or while on vacation outside of NewYork State (see actual example from the New York State web site below). If you did pay a tax to another jurisdiction, you can claim a credit.
I've recreated the charts, from this year and last year:
2008 CHART:
If your federal adjusted
gross income is: Enter
up to $15,000 *.................... $ 6
$ 15,001 - $ 30,000................. 16
30,001 - 50,000..................... 22
50,001 - 75,000..................... 29
75,001 - 100,000.................... 42
100,001 - 150,000................... 59
150,001 - 200,000................... 75
200,001 and greater............... .0377% (.000377) of income, or $ 200,
whichever amount is smaller.
* This may be any amount up to $15,000,
including 0 or a negative amount.
2007 CHART:
If your federal adjusted
gross income is: Enter
up to $15,000 *..................... $ 5
$ 15,001 - $ 30,000.................. 15
30,001 - 50,000...................... 21
50,001 - 75,000...................... 27
75,001 - 100,000..................... 40
100,001 - 150,000.................... 56
150,001 - 200,000.................... 75
200,001 and greater................ .0361% (.000361)of income, or $ 200,
whichever amount is smaller
* This may be any amount up to $15,000,
including 0 or a negative amount.
So, even if you have no taxable income, you owe this tax.
Now, you may say "It's only one dollar". I say that if 2 million New York
State filers made less than $15,000, than New York collected an additional
$2 million from the poorest of the poor. If you made $250,000, the tax
increases from $90.25 to $94.25.
The example straight from the New York State tax instructions right from the
web site will make you laugh:
You purchased a book on a trip to New Hampshire that you brought back to
your residence in Nassau County, New York, for use there.
No kidding. Buy a book on vacation, read it when you get back, and pay New
York State tax on it. Why? You purchased something outside of New York and
had the audacity to use it in New York!"
I have not purchased anything outside of N.Y. in years. I have not purchased anything over the Internet. Yet this year, my tax return will note I paid this tax anyway. Why? Because the State of New York will not believe you have not purchased anything out of state. I urged my accountant to err on the side of caution and have me pay this tax. See in New York, you have to prove you did not buy anything, the State does not have to prove you did. As with most tax regulation, you are guilty till proven innocent.
When I wrote about this tax "Hypocrisy....or the N.Y. State Government" ( BAZZOMANIFESTO 04/06/05) I pointed out that even though you are paying this tax, the following elected leaders did not as listed on their 2003 returns: Attorney General Elliot Spitzer, Assembly Leader Sheldon Silver, State Senate Leader Joe Bruno, Lt. Governor Mary Donohue, and Governor Pataki. We were then asked to believe that even though they all made numerous trips out of state, they purchased nothing to bring back and use in N.Y. Possible? Yes. Probable? No.
Maybe Leona Hemsley was right when she said only "little people" pay taxes. This is another case of the State nickel and dimming you to death. I have this year written three columns on Governor Patterson's proposed budget with it's 137 new or increased taxes, surcharges and fees. Of these, the most obnoxious is the three new taxes just to pay your taxes. Saturday's Daily News (02/21/09) editorial page finally acknowledged these taxes. Your humble writer was weeks ahead of the curve again, but I digress.
You would think that some of our elected leaders would show some anger, you would be wrong, they just shrug. You would think you the tax payer would show anger, again you would be wrong. Have we as residents of New York been so emasculated as not to be angered at being shafted? Do we really believe we are not paying enough in taxes to run this state? Where is the anger of our elected official or wanna be officials? If they won't lead the charge, who will? The state of New York is going to pass a "millionaire's tax" on income. Except they are defineing millionaire income as those making $250,000.00. If the leaders of the supposed loyal opposition won't lead, then I guess it's up to us. Or will you as these budget talks progress rollover and play dead?
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Dear Readers:
As promised, below is the reply to my last post from the Peekskill Guardian. I must point out first and foremost, at no time do they resort to personal attack against me. For that I am grateful and appreciative.
I wish to point out, being that the writers are not known, they can and do say that there is criminal activity in Peekskill's elected circles. No one can sue them for libel or slander. It is like a drive by shooting. A newspaper can not act in the same irrisposible manner. What you the reader must take into account is that the Peekskill Guardian is only giving their opinion. What they say is a crime, is not necessarily so. I would argue that the spirit and intent of the charter has not been followed. This year Peekskill's elected officials are up for election. They must answer to the public for their actions. It is up to the loyal opposition to hold them accoutable.
a.b.
HERE IS THE PEESKKILL GUARDIAN'S REPLY TO MY LAST POST:
Sunday, February 15, 2009
An Open Letter to Andy Bazzo
Dear Mr. Bazzo,
We are writing in response to your post, “The Enemy of My Friend is My Enemy.”
You mischaracterized what we wrote.
We did not ask the NCN to silence Mary Foster. We took them to task for allowing Foster to lie about things she voted on in the past. She denied that the City had invested ten of millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements since she’s been on the Common Council. And she’s been purging the City website of information that contradicts the alternative view of reality she is trying to create, with the considerable help of the NCN.
One gets the sense that no one at the NCN has ever stepped foot in Peekskill, or if they have, they haven’t paid attention to all the infrastructure improvements that have been made over the years. The flower garden on Central Avenue is an enduring monument to millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements. But the NCN has no institutional memory of anything that happens in Peekskill.
The issue goes much deeper than this single lie by Mary Foster.
The NCN treats Mary Foster differently than it treats other public officials.
We believe newspapers have an obligation to report when elected officials break the law. Every week, the NCN runs a crime blotter. But the same editorial board that publishes the crimes of unelected people, gives Peekskill’s elected officials a free pass.
You can’t tell us that Bruce Apar and Kathleen Fitzgerald haven’t been informed about them. We have received the same press releases the NCN has gotten, detailing Foster’s law-breaking. But the NCN continues to look the other way.
When we saw the video of Bishop Williamson saying, “I’m not going by emotion, I’m going by the evidence…”, we immediately saw a parallel to what can be the only thing going through Bruce Apar’s mind when he decides not to report Foster’s law-breaking.
By law, Peekskill has a City Manager form of government. No elected official can act as the City Manager. But Mary Foster has usurped the role of the City Manager, contrary to law.
The consequences have been disastrous.
Most recently, Foster illegally awarded a no-bid contract for the repair of the steps of City Hall. The job has been mishandled terribly, and will cost taxpayers more than had the project been put out to bid. It has already cost the citizens of Peekskill access to City Hall. Foster has used this as an excuse to move Council Meetings around the City, depriving people of the consistency of the public process. Imagine if Congress had held the recent “stimulus” vote in the basement of a school in North Dakota, and you can see the lunacy of vesting all power in a single official who has been given a free pass by the local media.
Also recently, Foster suspended winter parking rules, creating chaos. It appears to be a ruse on her part to create new revenue. Parking tickets have increased significantly, due to Foster’s inability to communicate the new parking rules to citizens. It is having a negative effect on business in the downtown. But you won’t read about it in the official paper of “Go, Mary, go!”
You try to dismiss our concerns as mere policy disagreements.
Since when is obeying the law and rules of ethics a policy choice?
The NCN is effectively telling the children of Peekskill that it is okay to break the law and that ethics are meaningless.
Most disturbing of all, Mr. Bazzo, is your insinuation that you will reject any fact that is presented in colorful language you dislike. In this, I take it you are agreeing with Bruce Apar’s view of the world, the reductio ad absurdum of which is complicity with genocide.
Bruce Apar has taken the public position that he will deny any fact presented in a way he doesn’t like. So long as he continues to take this position, so long as he is unwilling to separate facts from rhetoric and independently corroborate those facts, he will never be a newspaperman, but merely a marketing tool masquerading as one.
We applaud your friendship with Mr. Apar and Ms. Fitzpatrick. But your friends have been terribly mistaken by choosing to ignore Mary Foster’s legal and ethical violations, and failing to report her overall bad judgment.
Sincerely,
The Peekskill Guardian
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CABLE T.V. UPDATE:
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA:
My new show starts this week. The topic is below:
Paul R. Martin III is a resident of Yorktown Heights, NY and has become one of the foremost historical artists in the United States. Paul has an extensive background in Civil War and WWII era history, which translates to very detailed and historically accurate artwork. His background as a high school art instructor and living history participant has contributed to Paul’s impact as a lecturer for schools, Round Tables and historical societies. Paul is a member of many historical organizations and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of local and national history.
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THE VOLPE REPORT:
Andy- here is the schedule:
Domenic Volpe the host of The Volpe Report is pleased to announce the next guest is Michael Kaplowitz- County Legislator District 4. Michael talks about the County Budget, State issues affecting county residents, state of the county with respect to the enviromment.
The Volpe Report can be seen on Public Access Channel 15, Thursday Feb.26, March 5 and 12 at 8:00pm in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area. In the Yorktown/Putnam Valley area access Channel 74 Wednesdays Feb.25, March 4 and 11 at 6:00pm.
The Volpe Report-- Hosted by Domenic Volpe
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THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:
Please watch my show " The Watchdog Report"
Wednesday on channel #74 at 4:30 P.M.
My guest is Joy Brighton from Act for America.The
tpoic is Redicle Islam in the USA. Please attend our next UTY meeting
on Feb. 25, 2008 at the Yorktown Town Hall at 7:30 P.M.
Ed Ciffone
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT 12 GRAPES, N. DIVISION STREET, PEEKSKILL:
SPECIAL EVENTS IN MARCH:
Storm Front, a Billy Joel Tribute Band
Friday, March 6, 9:30 - 12:30
Mark your calendars, and make your reservations early. This show will sell out.
Guitar Prodigy Showcase
Friday, March 27, 9:30 - 11:30
Three young guitarists with incredible talent take the stage in 30 minute sets.
Check 12grapes.com for full details and weekly updates.
All the best,
Rich & Jeannie
COMING UP:
Wed, Feb 25, 8:00-10:30 - Greg Aulden (Acoustic, solo; Originals & Covers)
Thu, Feb 26, 8:00-10:30 - Petey Hop (Acoustic, duo; Originals & Covers)
Petey's unique singing voice, his repertoir of hundreds of songs and guitar skills
that will knock you out, all make for one great evening of great entertainment.
Fri, Feb 27, 9:30-12:30 - Teri Lamar & New Company (Pop, Motown, R&B)
Voted "Westchester's Friendliest Band" by More Sugar! Magazine. We say they're just plain fun.
Sun, Mar 1, 6:00 - 9:00, Marc Von Em
Marc Von Em has been described as soulful, funky, sometimes bluesy sometimes haunting,
always sincere. One reviewer writes "I can genuinely say if you haven't heard or seen him live, you're only cheating yourself." Join us as we welcome this uniquely talented artist to our stage.
Wed, Mar 4, 8:00 - 10:30, Jon Cobert
Five-time Grammy Nominee. All-time knockout keyboard player.
Thu, Mar 5, 8:30 - 11:30, Johnny Feds & da Bluez Boyz Jam
Enuf said.
Sat, March 6, 9:30-12:30
"Storm Front" A Billy Joel Tribute Band
Last June, they took 12 Grapes by storm...the place was packed, and everyone was dancing all night long. Storm Front tours around the country, including BB King's in NYC.
Featuring five amazing musicians--the piano, sax and vocals are outstanding.
Join us at 12 Grapes for A Bottle of Red, A Bottle of White and a Billy Joel Tribute Night!
$10 Entertainment Fee for all, including diners
Fri, March 27, 9:30-11:30
Guitar Prodigy Showcase
Ranging in age from 12 to 14, these three guitar players will amaze you. They are:
Myles Mancuso, who was a guest musician last July with Roxy Perry, and recently featured in an article in More Sugar! Magazine; Paul Beladino of Peekskill, who's been seen onstage with The Straight Up Dirties, and... Alex Sciglio, who performed here last year with world touring blues guitarist Melvin Taylor. Each guitarist will perform a set with his own adult back-up band.
The evening will culminate with all three players performing together in a jam session.
Dinner reservations begin at 8pm. $5 Entertainment Fee.
Click here for 12grapes.com
to see our full calendar of events
Visit hvmusic.com to see photos and descriptions of our bands.
The good news is winter's almost over. Before you know it, our French Doors will be open to the Spring air. In the meantime, come join us Tuesday through Sunday for Lunch or Dinner, and don't forget we have a terrific Sunday Brunch. And, of course, great live music Wednesday through Sunday.
Once again, thank you for your patronage and friendship. We look forward to seeing you at 12 Grapes soon.
Sincerely,
Rich & Jeannie Credidio
12 Grapes Music & Wine Bar
12 North Division Street, Peekskill, NY
(914) 737-6624
12grapes.com
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE:
Andy:
FYI – This is the general feeling of Yorktown residents….
Tom
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 2:37 PM
To: tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
Subject: Lakeside Colony II - Residents
We stand behind you and I will notify the residents to vote the incumbents off the Town Board this November. The residents of Lakeside Colony II welcome your establishment and are hoping for a favorable resolution.
Don’t give up.
****************
Thomas DeChiaro
The Winery at St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - fax
The town continues to ignore my requests for a meeting to resolve the open issues & the lawsuit with the winery. They have hired four (4) outside law firms to defend this lawsuit, all at the taxpayer’s (our) expense.
How can we trust the current leadership to guide us through these challenging economic times when they can’t even solve a simple problem with one local business owner?
In November, we need to change the leadership in Yorktown. Vote out the incumbents!
tomde@TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
The Winery at St. George
1715 E. Main Street
Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
(914) 455-4272
Thomas DeChiaro
The Winery at St. George
PO Box 32
Baldwin Place, NY 10505
www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.com
(914) 455-4272
(914) 455-4273 - fax
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A MESSAGE FROM ASSEMBLYMAN GREG BALL:
New York: Ball Raising Money to Take on Hall
February 17, 2009
By Josh Kurtz
Roll Call Staff
State Assemblyman Greg Ball (R), who announced last week that he is setting up an exploratory committee as a prelude to a possible challenge to Rep. John Hall (D), said in an interview that he’ll take "a few months" before making a final decision on the race. By opening an account so early in the cycle, "we’re going to be able to have a real exploratory phase of the campaign," Ball said.
Ball, whose Assembly district covers about 20 percent of Hall’s Hudson Valley Congressional district, said he is confident that he can raise the money and attract the grass-roots support to run a solid campaign. But he said he would take the next few months to gauge voters’ reaction to Hall’s performance and the Democratic-controlled government in Washington, D.C.
Ball, riffing on Hall’s former life as a popular singer-songwriter, said the Congressman is no "rock star," and he said he believes he can make the case that Hall is ignoring the "kitchen-table issues" that voters care most about. A Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesman disputed that.
"John Hall is successfully fighting for Hudson Valley families and veterans with a steady focus on creating jobs and jump-starting our economy," Shripal Shah said. "We’re confident Congressman John Hall’s constituents are proud of his record and will appreciate his efforts come November 2010."
Ball, who is just 31, ousted an incumbent Republican Assemblyman in a contentious 2006 primary and faced opposition from some GOP leaders in his 2008 re-election race. But all five county GOP chairmen in the district attended his fundraiser last week, and Ball expressed confidence that he’ll have their full support if he runs.
"I have bent over backwards to extend an olive branch" to the GOP establishment, he said. Ball said last week’s fundraiser benefited his state political action committee but that any fundraisers he schedules in the next few months will be for his new federal campaign account.
Make a Donation Today!
"Ball4NY" Exploratory Committee, PO Box 135, Patterson, NY 12563
www.Ball4Ny.com
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A MESSAGE FROM THE YORKTOWN WATCHDOG:
Dear members:
Check out our new website at www.yorktownopengov.org. Please come to the next meeting of the UTY on Wednesday Feb. 25, 2009 at the Yorktown Town Hall at 7:30 P.M. Just a reminder to you that every last Wednesday of each month we meet at the same time and place.
As President of the UTY I am declaring war on the school districts and the New York State government. At the last Yorktown school board meeting the board did away with the finance committee; I am a member. No resident on the steering committee on the bond issue projects, I was removed by a police officer the day I tried to enter their meeting. The school board refused to reinstate the legislative committee where I was also a member. The abolishment of the finance committee was the last straw for me. Where is the transparency they claim they use? With the Governor of New York asking for another 137 new tax laws and his steadily reduction of the STAR exemptions program we must go to war. This is the start of the taxpayer’s revolution. Forget about the politicians they are useless. They can’t agree on anything especially on how to help us reduce our property taxes. They just spend more and more of our money. We need to form a new battle plan immediately and take back control of our lives before it’s too late. We have used some weapons in the past like rallies, demonstrations, petitions, letters, signs, phone calls, running candidates (we need school board candidates now) please call me if interested in running at 245-1018.
Have you seen our local newspapers with articles from our school district’s Superintendents? They want to cut jobs not salaries or benefits. What hypocrisy from two men who make outrageous salaries. Here are their salaries, for the Lakeland Superintendent he at $260,000 per year with benefits and Yorktown’s Superintendent is at $233,000 plus benefits. Those hypocrites want to cut jobs and staff in their districts before they give up a dime. We need to have one Superintendent for both school districts. The governor of New York makes $175,000 per year and he runs a whole state.
Please take advantage of our few benefits that the UTY offers our members. Besides saving on oil and at BJ’s we have something new to offer you. At our meeting on Wednesday March 25, we will have representatives from Rethinking County Government. Their goal is to abolish County Government. Also in attendance there will be a lawyer named Bobbie Anne Cox that will tell anyone that is interested in how to file for a lower assessment of their home. She will offer her services at a lower cost to UTY members. If you have any questions call her now at (914) 779-6299 tell her you’re a member of the UTY for your free consultation and the discounted cost saving.
Lastly when you file your income taxes get IRS form 5695 a new tax credit reduction on residential energy saving . If you for example installed new windows, a new boiler or if you made any changes to your home in any way to make it more energy efficient get the form.
See you on Feb. 25th; please send in your dues of $10.00 for 2009 if you haven’t yet done so. Please mail dues to United Taxpayers of Yorktown, at BOX 180 Yorktown Heights NY 10598.
Thank you.
Ed Ciffone
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THIS WEEKS "IN MY OPINION COLUMN" IN THE NCN:
Dear Readers:
This week I discuss the expaned SCHIP program and the new stimulous legislation. You can read my column on this topic exclusively on line(see link below)or in this weeks NORTH COUNTY NEWS on sale now. I am worth the seventy-five cents. Look for my column IN MY OPINION(page 10) in the editorial section. Better yet as this column is exclusive to the North County News on a regular basis and will be covering the local political scene, take out a subscription. Click on the North County News link below and go to Subscribe. Between this blog and The North County News you will have all the information to make a vote based on substance.
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FYI:ATOM TAXI INC. AIRPORT SERVICE:
Dear Readers:
This gives me a chance to plug my business ATOM TAXI INC. As you are planning your holiday or business or vacation travel? Instead of the headache of trying to find Airport parking, we do Airport Service to The Westchester County Airport(and ALL other airports) 24/7. Just call 1(914)879-6121 and my partner Tommy, will be glad to take you in our Airport Taxi. You will also be provided with a free copy of your local paper of record The North County News. If this is a business trip we also provide a professional receipt, just tell Tommy at the time of booking. The cost of a one-way trip to LaGuardia Airport the cost is Ninety dollars plus tolls. The cost to JFK and Newark Airports is one hundred-twenty-five dollars plus tolls. The tolls are $10.00 Westchester County Airport and Stewart cost $75.00. We do not take credit cards, sorry.
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E-MAIL ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS:
Dear Readers:
It has come to my attention the difficulty in posting a comment on this blog. If you wish to comment, e-mail me at the link posted below, putting "Manifesto Reader" in the subject matter, and I will "cut and Paste" your comments myself. If you DO NOT wish your comments posted, but just wish to communicate with me, please make your wishes known in the e-mail.
LINKS: atom_taxi@yahoo.com(as this a yahoo address make sure you put an underscore (-) between atom and taxi)
For immediate reply: atomtaxi@aol.com
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SITES TO LINK TO:
JOHN G. TESTA: www.johngtesta.com
ON TOPIC W/ JOHN TESTA: www.ontopicwithjt.com
CARS & US: www.doverracing.com
THE WINERY AT ST. GEORGE: http://www.TheWineryAtStGeorge.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/"
PEEKSKILLREPUBLICANS:http://peekskillgop.com/
YORKTOWN SUPERVISOR DON PETERS: http://www.donpetersforyorktown.com/
PUTNAM VALLEY SUPERVISOR BOB TENDY:http://www.bobtendyforsupervisor.com/
THE PEEKSILL NEWS:http://thepeekskillnews.blogspot.com/
CORTLANDT MANOR CIVIC ASSOCIATION: www.cortlandtcivic.com
GOPAC: gohudblogs.com
PEEKSILL NEWS: http://peekskillnews.blogspot.com/
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: www.yorktownopengov.org
DAILY DOSE OF DUMB: http://www.dailydoseofdumb.com/
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CABLE SHOWS TO WATCH
ON POINT ON PEEKSKILL: Every Tuesday at 8PM channel 15 (Peekskill only)
Hosted by:DARREN RIGGER
DON PETERS AND YORKTOWN: Various day and times on chanel 20(Ykt.only)
Hosted by: SUPERVISOR DON PETERS
YORKTOWN WATCHDOG: Every Friday at 9:30 PM & Wednesday at 4:30PM on channel 74
Hosted By: ED CIFFON
LEGISLATORS REPORT: Saturday and Sunday at various times on chanel 20
Hosted By: COUNCILMEN NICK BIANCO AND LOU CAMPISI
THE VOLPE REPORT: Thursadys at 8PM chanel 15 (Peek. and Cort.) chanel 74 at 6pm (York.& Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Domenic Volpe
THE ISSUES: Thursdays at 9:PM chanel 74 Peekskill Mondays at 8PM chanel 15
Hosted by; Sam Davis
ON TOPIC WITH JOHN TESTA: Thursdays at 9:30PM chanel 15 (Peekskill & Cortlant)
Tuesdays in Yorktown & Putnam Valley 9:30 chanel 74
Hosted by: John Testa
CARS & US: Fridays 10 PM chanel 15(Peek. & Cortlant) 74(York. & Put. Valley)
Hosted By: Dennis Tate
SPEAK OUT WITH SANDY GALEF: Yorktown chanel 74 Wednesdays at 7:30PM..Ossining/Peekskill chanel 15 Wednesdays at 8PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
DEAR SANDY: Yorktown chanel 74 Fridays 7:30PM...Ossining/Peeksill chanel 15 Fridays
9PM
Hosted by: Sandra Galef
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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
02/22/09
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