Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Meeting Thursday December 15

Friends ... neighbors ... we meet this Thursday evening for a brief review of area topics followed by the raffling of our two holiday baskets and then some good cheer and conversation with friends.

Join the festivities.

Note: There will be no meeting in January ... newsletter yes ... meeting no.

Remember ... if you see something ... say something ... share the info with us.

... and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

> Joe Markowski

Monday, November 28, 2011

November Meeting Recap

OK … now that the Thanksgiving holiday is beyond us and we are all busy preparing for Christmas … let me share a few remarks from our last meeting.

Jay Anderson from the Staten Island EDC spoke to us about the outlook for Staten Island and New Dorp over the upcoming years as part of our New Dorp 2020/25 Project.

Most of the heavy industrial development will occur on the north shore particularly along the waterway. That is where the businesses are and that is where the zoning will permit that type of growth. It is an opportunity that exists but must be cultivated.

What type of economic opportunity are we most likely to see in New Dorp? Our neighborhood is most likely to benefit from service industries and retail growth. The Lane, Plaza and Hylan Blvd are suitable zones that can support and nourish those opportunities.

So the outlook is good for our neighborhood. It can remain a desirable location for living and working.

Our December meeting will have an update on the issues in the neighborhood followed by some merriment … and the raffling off of our two holiday baskets. (Call 718-979-6011 to buy tickets.)

Instead of a holiday grab bag we ask that you bring some items for our troops as part of our ongoing “Support Our Troops” initiative.

January we stay inside and try and keep warm … and then in February we will resume our review of our neighborhood and its future as we invite in the City Planning Team from Staten Island to talk about the zoning in our community and what it will permit.

Remember … we need your support.

Renew your membership.

Not a member? Call 718-979-6011 and join … only $18 per year … that’s a nickel a day.

And don’t be afraid to invite a neighbor to join.

Thanks for your continuing support …

> Joe Markowski

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Meeting Thursday Nov 17 - Be there !

We meet Thursday night Nov 17 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road at 8pm. Our guest speaker will be Jay Anderson from the SIEDC. He will be telling us about the SIEDC's view of the future of Staten Island over the upcoming years as part of our New Dorp 2020/25 Project. Plan on coming and bring a neighbor.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

You Missed a Good One!

At our meeting tonight Frank DiTomasso of DiTomasso Realty shared a wealth of information about the current state of our community from a real estate perspective. And it made us feel good to get an objective view of the neighborhood and its pluses and minuses. I will be sharing some of his insights with you over the upcoming days.

A nice crowd got to hear his overview.

We also heard about the numerous programs available at our local library from Jan Klucevsek of the New Dorp Branch ...

... as well as an update on our neighborhood from Community Affairs Police Office Kevin Medefendt.

Not to mention "Ann's Joke of the Month".

Yep ... you missed a good one.

> Joe Markowski


Thursday, September 29, 2011

Dining Through New Dorp at Nini's Cafe

We celebrated our 50th Dining Through New Dorp event last night at Nini's at 710 New Dorp Lane.

At our last meeting some of our members said we just had to try the Pork Chops with Vinegar and Peppers at Nini's.

So most all of us did.

... and they were terrific! Very tasty ... large portions ... wonderful sauce/ gravy ... truly a wonderful taste.

Just wanted to mention it.

A special thanks to Nini's for sharing their hospitality with us.

> Joe Markowski

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Low Income Senior Housing Becoming Available on North Shore

Greetings ... I got some information at this morning's meeting of the Aging Committee at Community Board 2 and wanted to share it with you so you could share it with anyone you know who could be interested or in need.

They are now accepting applications for new low income, subsidized, senior housing – Victory-Fiedler Senior Apartments.

This senior housing apartment building is located at 150 Victory Blvd (next to old Tompkinsville Theatre) near Westervelt Avenue . The building will have 39 - 1 bedroom apartments for persons age 62 years or older. The total annual income maximum (as listed in the ad) is:
· 1 person $28,650
· 2 persons $32,750

An ad for these units was published in the newspapers this past Sunday (Daily News, SI Advance, El Diario). Applications are reviewed on a first come first serve basis.

Sylvia Mitchell is the “Rental Director” for this SHRC (Senior Housing Resource Corporation) project and can answer any questions you may have.

If you have any questions, please call Sylvia Mitchell – 718-981-6226.


[ Information supplied by Nikki Odlivak, President/CEO ]


CASC - Community Agency for Senior Citizens, Inc.
SHRC - Senior Housing Resource Corporation
56 Bay Street, 5th Fl
Staten Island, NY 10301
718-981-6226


So please spread the word.


These will be subsidized units so financial help may be available for someone in need.


> Joe Markowski




Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Meeting - Sep 15 - Thursday - 8pm

Yes ... our first meeting of the new season is this Thursday, September 15 at 8pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road.

Come now and begin the discussion of what New Dorp should look like in 2020 ... as well as other more current concerns.

Hope to see you then.

> Joe Markowski

Saturday, September 10, 2011

The End of Summer

Greetings ... well … the long summer is quickly winding down. And it has been an incredible summer. What have we seen? Temperatures rising to 106 degrees! An earthquake! A hurricane! Wow … if that isn’t an incredible mix of natural phenomena … what is?

And for me it has been an incredible summer. A personal note if I may. When I was younger I used to wonder why old people talked so much about grandkids. Heck … they were just little kids. Au contraire. Now I see what they were talking about. Having one of those little ones call you “grandpa” is quite an amazing event and I’ve been blessed to have that experience. But enough about me.

Our next meeting is Thursday September 15 at 8pm. ( Our newletter will say September 18 but that was because I was still looking at the August calendar. My Bad. )

There are many things we will need to talk about this year. The new ballfield at the foot of New Dorp Lane. Kohl’s – what is it’s status? … Sterling Avenue gets repaved. ( What is your new nomination for the worst street in New Dorp? I nominate the stretch of Ross Avenue between 10th and the railroad. It is quite painful. What is your suggestion? ) … Cedar Grove Beach / Park. How did it pan out over the summer? … What’s next as we talk about the water problems that our members face?

It’s been mentioned to me that New Dorp Lane is dirtier than ever. What do you think? Is it? It certainly has more vacant stores than we have seen in a long time.

And let’s talk about the Lane. Actually I would like us to begin a discussion about the future of New Dorp. What should New Dorp look like in 2020? Or 2030? What should the Lane look like? Hairdressers, tattoo parlors, pizza places, pet stores, restaurants and empty stores. What types of businesses can the Lane support? What type should it support? What do we need in our neighborhood? We have decried attempts to allow buildings which are higher … myself included. But in a future New Dorp … if you want more people to walk the Lane and shop in its stores … would it make more sense to allow some buildings full of apartments so there were shoppers around? I know we had a presentation earlier about a large structure for seniors and it met a lot of resistance … much of it warranted. But if we do not have higher density housing near public transportation then who will be the shoppers along the Lane? How do we keep our small town feel without limiting our possibilities.

I am not saying that we need to go in that direction. I am saying that we need to start thinking about these things and talking about these things and inviting speakers in who will help us understand the pluses and minuses of the various options we have.

There are few jobs for our young people on the island. There are few places for young people to gather. There are fewer places that our young people can afford to live in. They are leaving New Dorp. They are leaving the Island. Have we created an atmosphere that prevents them from establishing roots and growing in our community? What direction are we headed? Is there room for them in our vision of the future?

And the ways we communicate with each other. The newsletter ( I hope ) still has a place in our lives. However the handwriting is quite clear that the future will be electronic and found on a smartphone or tablet or some other device. Social networks move vast amounts of information faster than any telephone calling tree. Check out Facebook and how all our politicians and businesses have taken to using it. They know where the future is. We need to recognize that as well.

We have a Facebook page which is updated much too infrequently. I need to get much better at that. I am not exactly a Luddite but when it comes to Facebook I remain really basic. When it comes to Twitter I don’t tweet. However if we want to engage the young in our community then we need to embrace these technologies. No high school or college student is going to read our newsletter. They might … just might … check out our Facebook page. We need to move in that direction. They could have input … make suggestions … become an active part of our community and a participant in the ongoing dialogue.

Ok … let me get off my soapbox. (Kids … have your parents or grandparents explain that to you.)

As I’ve said in the past, we rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs helps to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter.

We will be sending out of membership renewals soon. Please support our efforts on your behalf.

Lastly, as I’ve mentioned and will continue to mention, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

Joe Markowski, President

Monday, June 6, 2011

Hylan Blvd Transportation Improvement Study

The MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) and the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) are working together to improve overall operations and safety of Hylan Boulevard for transit users, motorists, and pedestrians.

The goals are to:
• Reduce bus travel time and improve reliability for express and local buses
• Improve traffic flow at congested intersections
• Improve safety for all corridor users, including motorists, transit riders, and pedestrians


There will be a PUBLIC MEETING Wednesday, June 8, 2011 from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Presentation at 7:15 PM
The Renaissance
Regency Room
2131 Hylan Boulevard
(at Bedford Avenue)
Staten Island, NY


Come to the Public Meeting to:
• View preliminary treatments developed to improve bus service, traffic flow and safety along the corridor
• Learn about proposed Select Bus Service station locations and service plans
• Provide your input and talk with project team members

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

May Meeting - Thursday May 19 at 8pm

Greetings ... Ok … we tried it one more time … the regular way … newsletter to printer … newsletter to Post Office … newsletters to you PRIOR to the meeting. How did it work this month? I got my newsletter on Tuesday. What about you?

It has been a full season for us as we have had a series of speakers to provide us with a broad range of things to consider. Councilman Jim Oddo held his Civic Roundtable at our February meeting … bringing together Community Leaders from across his district and providing us with an insight in the workings of the City and our budget challenges. In March our guest speaker was Michael Reiser who is the Recycling Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education with growNYC. Mr. Reiser talked to us about the Paper Challenge contest being conducted across the three Community Boards as well as other updates on our recycling efforts. Last month Randy Lee spoke to us on a proposal to develop a senior residence atop the Municipal Parking Lot on New Dorp Lane. It would be called the St.James Residence. The room was full of neighborhood residents and a sizeable representation from the Business Community in New Dorp.

Originally we were to be visited by Adena Long, the Borough Parks Commissioner, this month but due to a scheduling conflict we will need to wait until our June meeting before we can meet with her and learn of her vision for our neighborhood.

This month let’s revisit all the issues in our neighborhood … gather whatever updates we can … lay out the issues that we need to keep in the forefront as we go forward. We also will be putting together out nominations for elections next month as we prepare our organization to deal with the changing nature of our community.

We rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs helps to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter.

Lastly and as I’ve mentioned quite a bit lately, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

Monday, April 18, 2011

Upcoming Meeting Thursday April 21

Greetings ... OK … I am going to keep this short and sweet. For three of the last four months our newsletter has not arrived on time to allow you to attend our meeting. Three out of four months. That is a pitiful performance. So I’m hoping for a much better result this month. Thursday the 21st will tell. We were honored last month by our guest speaker Michael Reiser who is the Recycling Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education with growNYC. Mr. Reiser talked to us about the Paper Challenge contest being conducted across the three Community Boards as well as other updates on our recycling efforts. Community Board 2 actually won $4 thou for the first quarter of 2011. ( I think we came in 2nd.) This month we will hear from Randy Lee on a proposal to develop a senior residence atop the Municipal Parking Lot on New Dorp Lane. It would be called the St.James Residence and … well come to the meeting and hear all about it. Present your questions. Get the answers you need. In May we will be visited by Adena Long, the Borough Parks Commissioner. Never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your observations, your compliments, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind? Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates. We rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs helps to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter. Lastly and as I’ve mentioned quite a bit lately, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it. See you around the neighborhood. Joe Markowski, President

Monday, April 11, 2011

Meeting Next Week

Just wanted to send out an early reminder. We meet Thursday April 21. Our guest speaker will be Randy Lee who will give us an overview of a proposal to build senior housing atop the current Municipal Parking Lot on New Dorp Lane. Mark your calendars. Bring a friend. Bring your questions and concerns. I hope to see you then. > Joe Markowski

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Questions for the DEP? Questions about your water usage?

DEP IS COMING TO YOUR COMMUNITY!
Please join the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and Council Members Vincent M. Ignizio, James S. Oddo and Deborah L. Rose for a Customer Service Outreach Event in your community.
At the event you can:
• Discuss your water bill one-on-one with a DEP Customer Service Representative.
• Learn about other payment options.
• Learn about the Water Debt Assistance Program: Customers who meet the eligibility criteria can defer their unpaid water and sewer bill until the property is sold.
• Sign up for the direct debit program: Customers who enroll in the direct debit program will receive a 2% discount on their bill.
• Learn about Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and what it means for you.
• Learn about new and existing capital projects in your community.
TIME:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
LOCATION:
Joan and Alan BernikowJewish Community Center
1466 Manor Road
Staten Island, NY 10314
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call 718-595-7000 or visitDEP’s website at nyc.gov/dep

Monday, March 14, 2011

Meeting Thursday Night March 17, 2011

Greetings ... with the snows behind us and heavy rains taking their place (and I’m sure most of us prefer the rain to the snow) we long for the warmer weather that Spring will bring to us … and hopefully soon.

We were honored last month by Council Member James Oddo who conducted his Civic Roundtable at our February meeting. The room was full as the Councilman updated us on the budget challenges facing the city and our need to begin confronting these realities. We were also honored by the presence of the Civic Leaders of the various associations throughout his district. (Check out our blog. I will be posting some excellent photos from the meeting … photos taken by AJ Basile of the Councilman’s staff).

This month our guest speaker will be Michael Reiser who is the Recycling Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education with growNYC. Mr. Reiser will talk to us about the Paper Challenge contest being conducted across the three Community Boards as well as other updates on our recycling efforts. Our meeting will revert back to its regular starting time of 8pm. Plan now on attending. And did I mention … bring a neighbor?

In April we will hear from Randy Lee on a proposal to develop a senior residence atop the Municipal Parking Lot on New Dorp Lane.

In May we will be visited by Adena Long, the Borough Parks Commissioner.

We have a busy year ahead of us. Never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your observations, your compliments, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind? Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.

Our dues notices for the 2011 year have been mailed. We rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs helps to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter.

Lastly and as I’ve mentioned quite a bit lately, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

Joe Markowski, President

Saturday, February 26, 2011

NYPL Events for Teens in April

Thinking about what can your teen will be able to do in April? Here are some suggestions ...

April 2011 Events for Teens at New Dorp Branch Library

Anime/Manga Discussion Group April - 4/6
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Talk about the latest Manga! Create your own Art in anime style or in any style! Have fun discussing the newest anime and making friends! Learn about Japanese culture! For ages 12-18.

Teen Café Remixed April - 4/4, 4/11, 4/25
2:30 – 4:30 PM Come join us for fun in the community room. Play your favorite games on the PS3 and the Wii. Come hang out with your friends! You can bring your snacks, soda, coffee, homework, iPod. Check out a laptop and browse the internet! For ages 12-18.

Teen-Art! April - 4/27
3:00 – 4:00 PM Come and be creative at your library! Have fun making your own art, any style you choose. All materials will be provided. For ages 12-18.

Learn to Knit
April - 4/6
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Drop 1, purl 2! Make a hat, scarf, potholder, and more. All materials will be provided. For ages 12 to 18.

So reach out at our local library and get involved.

> Joe Markowski

Friday, February 25, 2011

Bridge Work Impact

If you are planning on crossing the V-N bridge this weekend be advised of the following ...

The work planned on the Staten Island Expressway from Friday & Saturday has been moved to Saturday and Sunday instead. What work? See below ...

Subject: DOT work may affect Verrazano traffic this weekend

Hello everyone:Just want to alert you that NYS DOT work on the Staten Island Expressway may affect early morning Verrazano-Narrows Bridge travelers this weekend.Work includes lane closures and full, intermittent closures of SIE leading to and from the bridge.NYS DOT work will take place on the Brooklyn (east) bound SIE on Friday, Feb. 25th to Saturday, Feb. 26th from 10PM to 10AM and will include full, intermittent 15-minute closures of the highway between 2AM and 5AM. During full closures of the SIE (278 East) a detour will be in place at Clove Road for traffic heading to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Brooklyn.The work will be repeated in the Staten Island- (west) bound direction Saturday, February 26th to Sunday, February 27th from 11:59PM to Noon, and will include full, intermittent 15-minute closures of the highway between 2AM and 5AM.During this time, drivers should follow detour signs after going through the Verrazano's Staten Island-bound toll plaza and exit the expressway via Narrows Road/Hylan Blvd, Lily Pond Avenue, or Bay Street exits. Drivers who want to continue on the SIE can exit at the Narrows Road/Hylan Boulevard exit and follow detour signs back onto the highway.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Upcoming Meetings ... Including Ours on Thursday

Greetings ... I don’t know about you … but I have had my fill of snow and shoveling and shoveling and more shoveling. I am now thinking of Spring even though I know it is quite far off and we have all of February and March to go through.

Our dues notices for the 2011 year have been mailed. We rely on your support to keep the Association going and involved in this community. Your support is vital both through your dues and donations. The support of various merchants and entrepreneurs helps to finance our newsletter. Let us know if you are aware of a business in our community that would like to be represented in our newsletter.

Now for our upcoming year. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 7pm. We will be hosting Council Member James Oddo and his Civic Roundtable. At this meeting the heads of various Civic Organizations gather to hear updates from the Council Member and raise various questions and issues to him. This meeting starts at 7pm. So mark your calendars now and let one of your New Year’s resolutions be to become more involved in your community and hopefully this organization.

Did I mention bring a neighbor?

In March we will hear from Michael Reiser on the Recycling Program in New York City and some upcoming challenges and changes.

In April we will hear from Randy Lee on a proposal to develop a senior residence atop the Municipal Parking Lot on New Dorp Lane.

And in May we will be visited by Adena Long, the Borough Parks Commisioner.

We have a busy year ahead of us. Also, never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your observations, your compliments, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind? Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.

Lastly and as I’ve mentioned quite a bit lately, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.

See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

ND Beach Sewer Project Meeting Recap

I attended the Town Hall Meeting at New Dorp High School on Monday that focused on the New Dorp Beach Sewer Project. The meeting was arranged by Council Member James Oddo. His office sent out hundreds of flyers which were supplemented by many door-to-door invitations to attend the meeting from one neighbor to another.

Over a hundred residents attended the meeting. That is an amazingly large number … something every one in the community can feel good about. They heard presentations from the DDC (NYC Department of Design and Construction) and its contractor as well as staff from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Jim Oddo made it clear from the start that this was to be the first of many meetings … that he wanted to get this out in front of people sooner rather than later.

And after a short presentation the floor was opened up for questions and answers.

It quickly became obvious that the attendees were interested in two different water related topics.

First, there was the flooding situation that Roma and Hett endure every time we have a heavy rain. The project that was presented was meant to address that problem. The project will involve many streets between Milton and Cedar Grove from Ebbitts to New Dorp Lane. It will involve storm and sanitary sewers, 3.8 miles of new streets, curbs, sidewalks (where feasible) and lighting. Also involved in this project is the need to bring many of those streets up to the legal grade. (The earlier project around Manila and Weed streets provides an example of what the future will hold for some properties.) Over 400 properties need to be evaluated and it will be March before a more detailed picture is available for these properties. The current timeline for this project reaches out to 2015.

Second, there is the issue of the disappearing beach along the shoreline. And there clearly was a lot of interest and frustration involving this topic. There was also a lot of fear related to the impact of the next big storms that drive the tidal surge against the beach community. This project is the purview of the Army Corps of Engineers and although there was a lot of passion, anxiety and concern about this topic … it was not one that could be addressed by the City Departments in attendance. Council Member Oddo has indicated that he will reach out to the Army Corps of Engineers. My hope is that he will call another meeting, equally advertised, and give our community a chance to ask questions and get a realistic assessment of what they face.

As we become aware of more information on this topic we will put it out here on the blog. The goal of our Association remains keeping you informed about this community. We will share with you what we learn and advocate on your behalf.

Please share your insights and concerns with us. You can reach us through this blog … by email to newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com … by calling us at 718-979-6011 … or by snailmail to NDCCA, PO Box 060245, SI, NY 10306.

> Joe Markowski
President, the New Dorp Central Civic Association

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Meetings This Week ... and Next !!!

We - the New Dorp Central Civic Association - will not be meeting this week. Our next meeting will be Thursday, February 17 at 7pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. And that meeting will be a special event for us as we host Council Member James Oddo's Civic Roundtable - a meeting to which the heads of all the civic associations in his district come together. But more on that in the near future.

Meanwhile there will be a number of other meetings this week which should be of interest to you.

On Tuesday January 18 Comunity Board 2 is meeting at 1930 (730pm) at their Sea View locale for their regular monthly general meeting to which all are invited and all are also able to make a statement during the public session about items that may be of concern for them.

Also on Tuesday January 18 at the Petrides School will be a public hearing sponsored by the Staten Island Council members to review the City's handling of the Christmas snowstorm. That meeting also starts at 1930 (730pm).

On Wednesday January 19 the 122 Precinct Community Council meets at the 122 Precinct to address concerns raised by the community involving the NYPD in this precinct. That meeting starts at 2000 (8pm).

On Monday January 24 there will be a meeting at New Dorp High School from 1900-2100 (7pm to 9pm) to discuss the upcoming New Dorp Beach Sewer Project. All neighborhood residents are invited to attend to hear from the DDC (NYC Department of Design and Construction) and the DEP (NYC Department of Environmental Protection). This meeting is being provided by Council Member James Oddo. For further information contact 718-980-1017.

So start off the New Year right by participating in the events of your community. Attend a meeting. Plan on attending one each month. (Our meeting the third Thursday of each month would be a good candidate - and you can start that next week.)

As always, share your comments and concerns through this blog or our email at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or by leaving a message at 718-979-6011.

> Joe Markowski

Monday, January 10, 2011

Hearings on the Christmas Blizzard !!!

As we await the newest snow of the summer you need to be aware of the opportunity to comment on how the City handled our last snow event ...

Speaker Christine C. Quinn
Council Member James Oddo
Council Member Vincent Ignizio and
Council Member Debi Rose

with THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL COMMITEE ON SANITATION AND SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, THE COMMITEE ON FIRE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES, THE COMMITEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY, THE COMMITEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS and the members of the New York City Council will hold a public hearing on the December Blizzard of 2010 ... Evaluating the City's Response ...

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 7:30pm at ...

The Michael J. Petrides School
715 Ocean Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301

For more information please call: (212)788-5613 or email: events@council.nyc.gov

Have comments on the handling of the blizzard .. then come and let your voice be heard.

> Joe

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Events for Adults at the New Dorp Library in February

There are many events scheduled in February for our benefit ... so check them out:

Events for Adults – February 2011
New Dorp Library

Date and time: Tuesday, February 1, 2011 @ 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Branch: NDR
Type of Program: Exercise Program for Seniors
Title of Program: Stay Well Exercise Program
Description: The Stay Well exercise program is geared for all seniors, ranging from the fit to those with disabilities. The curriculum includes aerobic exercises as well as routines designed to enhance balance, build muscle strength and aid in the performance of the tasks associated with daily living. Classes end with stress reduction exercises. Classes normally run 40 - 50 minutes and are held once a week.

Date and time: Thursday, February 3, 2011 @ 6 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Spanish Computer Class
Title of Program: Internet Básico y Como usar las computadoras en la Biblioteca.
Description: Aprenda que es el Internet, como buscar información en Internet y cómo usar las computadoras aqui en la biblioteca.

Date and time: Saturday, February 5, 2011 @ 3 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Reading
Title of Program: Creative Nonfiction/Fiction/Poetry Reading
Description: With Ellen Aug Lytle and her students. This event was funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. through public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Date and time: Tuesday, February 8, 2011 @ 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Branch: NDR
Type of Program: Exercise Program for Seniors
Title of Program: Stay Well Exercise Program
Description: The Stay Well exercise program is geared for all seniors, ranging from the fit to those with disabilities. The curriculum includes aerobic exercises as well as routines designed to enhance balance, build muscle strength and aid in the performance of the tasks associated with daily living. Classes end with stress reduction exercises. Classes normally run 40 - 50 minutes and are held once a week.

Date and time: Wednesday, February 9, 2011 @ 10:30-11:30 AM Branch: NDR Type of Program: Laptop Tutoring Title of Program: Wireless Wednesdays
Description: Wireless Wednesdays is laptop tutoring. Registration starts one week before the class.

Date and time: Thursday, February 10, 2011 @ 6 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Spanish Computer Class
Title of Program: Correo Electrónico.
Description: Obtenga su propia cuenta de correo electrónico gratuita y aprenda a mandar y recibir mensajes.

Date and time: Saturday, February 12, 2011 @ 3 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Financial InformationTitle of Program: Money Matters
Description: This class introduces savings and budget concepts. Reviews banks and banking products including debit and credit cards and introduces investment principles.

Date and time: Monday, February 14, 2011 @ 10:30-11:30 AM Branch: NDR Type of Program: Laptop Tutoring in Spanish Title of Program: Lunes de Laptops
Description: Programa orientado a personas que saben usar una computadora pero tienen dudas especíificas de como hacer ciertas cosas.

Date and time: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 10:30-11:30 AM Branch: NDR Type of Program: Adult Computer Class Title of Program: Word Basics
Description: Learn the basic features of Microsoft Word 2003, a word processing program you can use to create documents. Topics include entering and editing text, saving files, and formatting. Registration starts one week before the class.

Date and time: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 @ 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Branch: NDR
Type of Program: Exercise Program for Seniors
Title of Program: Stay Well Exercise Program
Description: The Stay Well exercise program is geared for all seniors, ranging from the fit to those with disabilities. The curriculum includes aerobic exercises as well as routines designed to enhance balance, build muscle strength and aid in the performance of the tasks associated with daily living. Classes end with stress reduction exercises. Classes normally run 40 - 50 minutes and are held once a week.

Date and time: Tuesday February 15, 2011 @ 2:30 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Writing Workshop
Title of Program: Creative Nonfiction/Fiction/Poetry Writing Workshop
Description: With Ellen Aug Lytle. This event was funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. through public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.




Date and time: Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 6 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Spanish Computer Class
Title of Program: Práctica y Resolución de dudas.
Description: Sesión de práctica.

Date and time: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 @ 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Branch: NDR
Type of Program: Exercise Program for Seniors
Title of Program: Stay Well Exercise Program
Description: The Stay Well exercise program is geared for all seniors, ranging from the fit to those with disabilities. The curriculum includes aerobic exercises as well as routines designed to enhance balance, build muscle strength and aid in the performance of the tasks associated with daily living. Classes end with stress reduction exercises. Classes normally run 40 - 50 minutes and are held once a week.

Date and time: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 @ 2:30 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Writing Workshop
Title of Program: Creative Nonfiction/Fiction/Poetry Writing Workshop
Description: With Ellen Aug Lytle. This event was funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. through public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Date and time: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 @ 10:30-11:30 AM Branch: NDR Type of Program: Laptop Tutoring Title of Program: Wireless Wednesdays
Description: Wireless Wednesdays is laptop tutoring. Registration starts one week before the class.

Date and time: Thursday, February 24, 2011 @ 6 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Financial InformationTitle of Program: Savings! Retirement and College
Description: Where will the money come from! This class describes a variety of tax advantaged accounts that individuals can set up to help them acquire the nest egg necessary for retirement and/or college bound children.

Date and time: Friday, February 25, 2011 @ 2:30 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Book Discussion Title of Program: Stories from “A Bit on the Side” by William TrevorDescription: Book Discussion.

Date and time: Monday, February 28, 2011 @ 10:30-11:30 AM Branch: NDR Type of Program: Laptop Tutoring in Spanish Title of Program: Lunes de Laptops
Description: Programa orientado a personas que saben usar una computadora pero tienen dudas especificas de como hacer ciertas cosas.

Date and time: Monday, February 28, 2011 @ 4:30 p.m. Branch: NDR Type of Program: Book Discussion in SpanishTitle of Program: Grupo de Lectura y DiscusionDescription: Venga y participe en nuestro grupo de lectura donde discutiremos "Zorro" de Isabel Allende. Pase un rato agradable conviviendo con sus vecinos. Puede obtener una copia del libro viniendo a la biblioteca o puede ordenar el libro por medio de nuestro catalogo. Necesita leer el libro previo a la reunión.

> Joe

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

History Buffs Take Note !

The History of Staten Island - an eight week course on Wednesdays, March 30, April 6, 13, 27, May 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2011, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Wagner College.

Open to the public the series will be both fun and informative.

Business and industry, transportation, ethnic groups, Native Americans, religious institutions, Slavery on Staten Island, the Revolutionary War and Colonial Period, natural history, old movie theaters, education, healthcare institutions, and much more will be featured from an historical perspective.

Through discussion, film clips, Power Point presentations, maps, and more participants will discover the fascinating history of our home borough. Cost: $169. Unable to attend all eight sessions? Why not split the course with someone else? This series is hosted by historian, author, and naturalist Patricia M. Salmon. Please respond to this e-mail if you have any questions. To register contact the External Programs Department of Wagner College at (718) 390-3221 or email the department at external@wagner.edu

Want to know more about our Island? Check it out.

> Joe

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Happy New Year ... January Meeting - Not ... and New Housing !?!

First let me wish everyone a Happy New Year! Can you believe its 2011? Wow ... last year sure moved by quickly.

Speaking of moving quickly, I hope that you are able to move comfortably following that nasty blizzard last weekend and the sub-par cleaning effort we all experienced. We have had snows before but the City and Island did not handle the snow removal as well as they have in the past. We are slowly returning to normal ... but it has been a difficult few days.

Just a reminder ... there is no meeting this month although you will be receiving a newsletter over the next couple of weeks. And then in February we will be meeting on the 17th and exploring a proposal / concept to build senior housing atop the municipal parking lot on New Dorp Lane.

In the meantime ... please share your concerns and observations with us either through this blog or by email to our account at newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or by phone to 718-979-6011 or by traditional snailmail to PO Box 060249.

Everyone in this community is responsible for its safety and upkeep. Be proud of your neighborhood and lets continue to make it a better place.

> Joe Markowski
President, the New Dorp Central Civic Association