Upcoming Meetings - NDCCA and 122Pct

Yep... there are just a few meetings left before we get to Christmas.

On Wednesday night December 19th the 122 Precinct Community Council will meet at the 122 Station house. Bring your issues and concerns to the NYPD and hear about the actions they have taken the following month.

On Thursday night December 20, we meet. At 8pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post we will hear from our guest speaker Gladys Schweiger - the Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Foundation of Staten Island.

Following that we will celebrate with a grab bag (bring a gift valued at $10 and take a gift) and some good cheer and spirits.

Stay safe and enjoy the holidays!!!

A Walk Around Staten Island

Ok... the captioned show was shown on Channel 13 tonight, ending just moments ago. What did you think of it? I'd like to know. Did it give a good picture of our borough? Let me have your thoughts. I have mine... and I will share them with you soon.

> Joe Markowski

A Visit to Ocean 3

OK... so we have been wondering what this new place - Ocean 3 - actually is. Sure, the awnings say lounge, restaurant and bar. But what actually was happening there.

So we visited tonight. We met the 3 new owners - George (the cook), Amir and Paul. They have renovated the place substantially. The main dining room is now the lounge which usually doesn't begin until 9:30 or 10 pm. ( We left before that time so I can't tell you what the lounge experience is like.) There is a large open space in the middle and low couches all along the perimeter. They expect to be open until 2-ish during the week and later on the weekends.

The dining room is in the upper section of the upper floor restaurant. The place has been painted and has all new furniture. The food offered is half Italian and half Mediterranean.

The downstairs - also redecorated - will primarily serve their pizza selections and other Italian foods. By the way, the chef from Portofino is still cooking for Ocean 3 and I would imagine he is focusing on the Italian food.

The three owners were very anxious to show us around and explain what they are trying to do there. They are aware that they exist in a residential neighborhood. So we will have to see how this plays out.

The food tasted very good, had nice presentation and was spicey. The service was good... so lets see what develops. Give them a try and let us know what you think.

> Joe

Lights on the Lane !!!

We often had to wait and wait for the Lane to get adorned with Christmas Lights during the holiday season. Why just last year they arrived only a few days before Christmas. Wonderfully they have arrived weeks early this year and they look magnificent as you drive up or down the Lane.

Make sure you journey up or down the Lane some night over the next few weeks and enjoy the display of holiday lights.

Enjoy them.

Meetings and Thanksgiving

If you missed our meeting last week you missed an update by Angela D'Aiuto on the Preservation League of Staten Island.

If you miss our meeting next month on December 20 you will miss a presentation by Gladys Schweiger, the Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Foundation of Staten Island.

If you sleep through the next 72 hours you will miss Thanksgiving.

From all of us at the NDCCA... Happy Thanksgiving!

> Joe Markowski

November Meeting - Thursday the 15th

Greetings… Autumn has arrived, Halloween is gone and we await the
arrival of the fatted turkey… followed by Winter and the Holidays! Such a wonderful time of the year!

Our guest speaker this month will be Angela D’Aiuto, from the Preservation League of Staten Island. The League is celebrating its 30th anniversary and going throughout Staten Island promoting preservation and planning. They accomplish this in many ways, from offering historic house tours, educational seminars at Richmondtown, advocacy, landmarking and planning initiatives. Plan now on hearing about the important role that this organization plays in protecting our Island.

Our meeting this month is Thursday, November 15, 2007 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post, 2750 Amboy Road. We will begin promptly at 8 p.m.

Come. Join us. And… bring a neighbor!

> Joe Markowski

November 2007 - Chit Chat

Wow. It happened so quickly. One day Portofino Restaurant on Richmond Road was closed for painting and now it is to be replaced by Ocean 3 – a place that is being mentioned as a “restaurant, bar and lounge”. I wonder what all that will mean for us? It sounds like something we need to keep an eye on... A special thanks to Chris Maccarone at the Restaurant on the Plaza who has been including a copy of our newsletter with his outgoing orders in the days before our meetings… About that enormous structure being constructed at Bache and Edison, a building which is truly out of character with the surrounding housing, that we mentioned last month, well there has been a development. It appears that the work permits for that building are being revoked. Now I’m not sure just what that means. What will happen to the current structure? Will a new proposal be offered that will allow it to continue? Will it need to be diminished in size? We need to watch and see what happens next… And a special thanks needs to be extended to Ron Cole who coordinated a “yard sale” which resulted in a nice profit to the Association. Thanks Ron!... Want to get more involved with your community and our organization? You can make a difference. There are a number of other ways you can contribute by joining or chairing a committee. Call 718-979-6011 and let us know that you are interested… The Sanitation Dept reminds us that they will be collecting fallen leaves in PAPER LAWN AND LEAF BAGS or unlined 20 to 32 gallon containers. Leaves placed in plastic bags are subject to fine$$$... There will be a lecture on “Dispelling Myths About Landmarking” at 7:30pm on Friday, Nov16 at the Courthouse at Historic Richmondtown. The speaker will be Tara Harrison – a staff member of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Call 718-980-1551 with questions…

Sanitation, Veterans Day and Leaf Collection

Just a reminder... there will be no garbage or recycling collection or street cleaning on Monday, November 12.

Residents who normally receive Monday garbage collection should place their trash out at curbside Monday after 4pm for pickup.

Those receiving Monday recycling collection will NOT have their recycling picked up until Monday, Nov 19... So don't put your recycling out!

Also, all Staten Islanders are responsible for raking fallen leaves on their property and placing them out properly in compostable lawn and leaf bags ( that is, in paper bags or unlined 20 to 32 gallon containers ) for special collection after 4pm on Saturday Nov 10 ( tomorrow ) and/or Saturday Nov 24.

Note: Residents who put out their leaves in plastic bags face a $25 fine for the first violation, $50 for the second and $100 for the third and each subsequent violation. Leaves in plastic bags will be treated as garbage and thrown in refuse trucks because the plastic does not decompose.

Dining Through New Dorp at Brioso

We had a wonderful time at Brioso on Thursday night as 25 of us gathered together for good food and good conversation with good friends.

We were treated wonderfully as we dined on fine foods in a wonderful New Dorp restaurant.

Make sure you plan on joining us next time as we support the businesses in our community... and our love of good food!

And if you want a great meal make sure you make a reservation at Brioso's on the Lane.

> Joe

UPDATE - Richmondtown Roadway Improvement Project

The NYC Department of Transportation is inviting all interested parties to view the most recent designs for the captioned project and learn about the progress of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

These materials and this information will be on display in the Court House at Historic Richmondtown at 441 Clarke Avenue, 2nd floor.

The days and hours are as follows:
Thursday, Nov8 from 1 to 8pm.
Friday, Nov9 from 1 to 5pm.
Saturday, Nov10 from 1 to 5pm.
Monday, Nov12 from 1 to 5pm.
Tuesday, Nov13 from 1 to 5pm.
Wednesday, Nov14 from 1 to 5pm.

You can view the displays online at:
http://nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/richmondtown.shtml#richmondtown

You can submit comments via email to:
Richmondtownproject@dot.nyc.gov

Our community abuts Richmondtown.
Changes to that community could greatly impact us.
You need to be concerned about changes to that neighborhood.
Check it out!

> Joe

Our Monthly Meeting - What You Missed !!!

So what did you miss? You missed an update on various items in our community (New Dorp Lumber, 321 Edison, Hess, Franks, dining, the Welsh property). You missed Ann's Joke of the Month! You missed a presentation by Michael Reiser, the Recycling Outreach Coordinator for Staten Island, who worked through the financials associated with recycling to show how recycling does make financial sense for the city. He helped us understand how much more room there is for us to improve and the benefit there would be for us. And he also answered a number of questions that our attendees had for him.

So if you are now saddened that you missed the meeting - don't despair. We will have another meeting in November on the 15th. Plan now on attending.

And lastly, remember, you can join us for dinner on the 30th. Check out the entry on our Dining Through New Dorp event.

See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

Dining Through New Dorp

We will resume our Dining Through New Dorp program with our 44^th visit to a wonderful neighborhood restaurant - Brioso. Plan now on joining us for good food, good conversation and good company. We have purchased over 1250 dinners from our neighborhood restaurants and spent over $30,400 since 1994. It is a program of which you can all be proud.

On Tuesday, October 30 at 7pm we will journey to Brioso at 174 New Dorp Lane and sample their culinary treasures. What awaits us? Let me tell you:
1. appetizer (served family style) mozzarella en carozza and fried zucchini
2. pasta – penne alla vodka
3. entrée choice of...veal scallopine alla siciliana (veal medallions with tiomato, eggplant, mozzarella)... or pollo saporito (chicken with sun-dried tomato, garlic and artichokes)... or salmon alla griglia (salmon with steamed vegetables)
4. dessert (choice of dessert tray), coffee, tea
5. soda, tax, tip included
6. additional wine / drink cash bar
The cost for this feast, including meal, tax, tip and donation is $35.00 per person. Call Linda at 718-351-3714 to make your reservations.

Come... eat with us!

October Meeting and Newsletter

Our monthly meeting will be Thursday, October 18 at 8pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. Our guest speaker is Mike Reiser, the Recycling Outreach Coordinator for Staten Island. Plan now on attending and bring a neighbor!

The October newsletter... ah yes. I've heard comments that the newsletter sometimes arrives after our monthly meeting. And that is not good. So this month I made sure that it was completed earlier and delivered to the printer earlier. My hope is that yours was in your mailbox. (My newsletter arrived yesterday.) Please let me know if it does not arrive before our monthly meeting next Thursday.

If you cannot attend the meeting but want to become more involved and help us with the work of the Association, please call 718-979-6011 or send us an email at ndcca@excite.com or newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com.

Thank you and I hope to see you at the meeting!

> Joe Markowski

October 2007 - Chit Chat

I have been told by a number of members of this organization that I should have included some information in the last newsletter which I did not. So let me make up for it now. Congratulations to Marie Markowski, NDCCA Treasurer who became a grandmother for the first time in the last week of August - a baby boy to her oldest daughter… I hope everyone enjoyed the Columbus Day Parade on September 30. The bands were magnificent and the marchers were very enthusiastic. Standing on the sunny side of the street, I even picked up a little sunburn. Thank you to Borough President James Molinaro for bringing this event to our community each year. And a thank you to Deidre D’Angelis, Principal of New Dorp High School, for the use of her facility to stage the marchers and host the Italian Heritage event preceding the parade… There is an enormous structure being constructed at Bache and Edison, a building which is truly out of character with the surrounding housing. Yet despite the zoning changes that were enacted to slow down the growth in our neighborhoods, these ghastly structures are still legal and there is little that we can do to prevent them. As we said years ago – and testified to the NY City Council – our corners are being bought up by community facilities and turned into medical centers due to the increased available parking on the streets… And as we mentioned last month. there is much for us to keep an eye on in our community. There is the former Waldbaum’s /Franks property. Now that it is not going to be a Target… what will become of it? Do we really need another stripmall? There is the developing structure at New Dorp Lane and Edison – the old Welsh property. We are watching as the structures there take shape – two structures... We now have a magnificent park down by the beach. Will we be able to get the commitment from the Federal government to keep the waterfront clean and usable or will we need to tiptoe carefully through garbage and other junk on the beach? And what can we do to support the second phase of the New Dorp Beach project that will create the bikepath linking Midland and Great Kills Parks? And speaking of the new park, did you get a chance to experience it this summer? If not, its still there. Go check it out!... Want to get more involved with your community and our organization? You can make a difference. There are a number of other ways you can contribute by joining or chairing a committee. Call 718-979-6011 and let us know that you are interested. Call today!... A special thanks to Barbara Sanchez – our Webmaster – who has helped us get the blog up and working. We would not be where we are without her. Thanks again!!... Interested in running for public office, the League of Women Voters will sponsor six sessions at CSI beginning Oct16. For additional information call 212-725-3541… and lastly, congratulation to NDCCA members Alex and Candida Finkelstein who recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Yep… 70!!!... Wow… congrats!

New Dorp Beach Sewer and Water Relief

As I look out my window at the first rainfall we've had in a number of days I think back on the comments I heard last night by Melissa and Patricia. They live on Roma Ave and they were telling us about the water problems they have suffered and endured for many, many years. Unfortunately they did not hear about any quick fixes that will alleviate their problems in the near future.

What we did hear last night at a Community Board 2 meeting were the beginning details on a project which will bring new water mains as well as sanitary and storm sewers to a number of streets in the New Dorp Beach Community - Cedar Grove Avenue, Milton, Finley, Hett and Roma, as well as a number of the streets running down to Cedar Grove Ave, such as Marine Way. Some streets will get all three - new water, new sanitary and storm. Other streets will get less. Many of those decisions will depend on the age of the current structures and the width of the streets.

The project is fully funded... so it will happen. Final details of the project will not be available for about two more years. Hopefully soon after that our New Dorp Beach neighbors will be able to begin getting relief and improved services for much of that neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

New Dorp Lumber / Strip Mall

Well we have finally found out what will be going into the former New Dorp Lumber main building. A local real estate company is advertising "Prime Retail Space For Lease". They describe the offering as "New Dorp Strip Mall (New)... 7 Upscale Storefronts at Train Station, 1000 to 4000 Sq.Ft. at $25/Sq.Ft." I hope the location brings some interesting new businesses to our community. We shall see.

As for the other New Dorp Lumber property, it is becoming three houses despite what the builder may have told local neighbors. (I heard that he told them two.)

> Joe Markowski

Help Plant Trees in the Greenbelt!

Help Plant Trees in the Greenbelt!
Saturday, October 20, 2007, 9 am – 3 pm

In celebration of It’s My Park Day, park staff will plant thousands of saplings on the grounds of the new Greenbelt Recreation Center, 501 Brielle Avenue, S.I., NY to restore the trail that connects it to the Nature Center and the Great Swamp. The site is easy to reach via public transportation or car.

Volunteers are needed all day for this environmental restoration project. Two planting sessions: 9 - 11 a.m. & 1 - 3 p.m. Volunteers, please contact the Greenbelt at: 718-667-2165 or communications@sigreenbelt.org

Earn conservation and/or community service hours (if applicable). Tools, gloves and refreshments will be available. Tree-planting experience is not necessary, but a love of the outdoors is helpful! Visit: sigreenbelt.org for more details.

Volunteers, please contact the Greenbelt at: 718-667-2165

Graffiti

Councilman Oddo will be pulling together a group this Thursday to look at the growth of graffiti throughout our neighborhoods. As I walked up the Lane on Sunday I could see more graffiti than I would have liked. (I would have liked none.) Crazily, much of the graffiti is on the second story level meaning that some people (vandals) are climbing atop our commercial buildings so they can leave their tag. That is both ugly plus dangerous.

Hopefully this group will come out of the meeting with some action steps that we can take to stem this ugly tide.

What are your suggestions for fighting graffiti?

> Joe Markowski

Columbus Day Parade - September 30, 2007

We celebrated the Columbus Day Parade this Sunday and it was a marvelous event on a wonderful weather day. Sponsored by our Borough President James Molinaro, this was the 17th Annual march up New Dorp Lane. There were marchers and floats and bands galore entertaining the many citizens of Staten Island and New Dorp who lined the streets to enjoy this spectacle. Yes, the high school bands were there, various scout troops, our own New Dorp High School float, various Italian organizations, the SI Zoo, and Mrs.Rosemary's dancers. Many restaurants along the Lane sold food to the hungry spectators (and marchers). A good time was had by all. Me? I stood on the sunny side of the street and actually picked up a little sunburn as I enjoyed the festive display. I hope you managed to enjoy this treat for our community.

> Joe Markowski

Upcoming Events

At the Staten Island Zoo on October 6 and 7 witness amazing magic performed by a Master Magician - " Tommy Wind". This show is complete with levitations, appearances, live dove magic, escapes and large LasVegas-style illusions and much, much more. In addition to the Zoo admission, the admission price is $2.00 and children under 5 are free. For further information call 718-442-3174 ext 33.

Then from October 12 through January 13, 2008 - "Dinosaur Encounter". The exhibit opens daily 10:30am to 4pm. In addition to Zoo admission, the cost is $4.00 per person for non-members and $3.00 for SIZoo members.

New Dorp Beach Park

Located at New Dorp Lane and Cedar Grove, here is what you see once you walk in and sit on one of the benches. Of course, you would also have had to turn on the sprinkler... as I did.

Enjoy it ! I did !

> Joe Markowski

New Dorp Lumber Property

The old New Dorp Lumber property is composed of two parcels. It looks like the parcel which housed the wood storage will be replaced by three houses.

As for the main store, it is being cleaned out and renovated(?). Will it be reused by a new tenant? Or is this preparation for demolition? What have you heard?

> Joe

Important Dates

Calendar of upcoming events:

Sep30 - Sunday - Columbus Day Parade on New Dorp Lane at 1pm

Schedules for 2007:
Upcoming general meetings for 2007 are:
Oct 18,Nov 15,Dec 20

Upcoming Executive Board meetings for 2007 are:
Oct 10,Nov 14,Dec 12

Good Neighbor Award

Good Neighbor Award
Do you have a neighbor who has done something wonderful… and you wish there was some way to honor them? Well there is. Nominate them for a "Good Neighbor Award".
See our webpage for a nomination sheet… or call 718-979-6011 for a copy…
and mail it in today.

September 2007 - Chit Chat

There is much for us to keep an eye on in our community. There is the former Waldbaum’s /Franks property. Now that it is not going to be a Target… what will become of it? Do we really need another stripmall? There is the developing structure at New Dorp Lane and Edison – the old Welsh property. We are watching as the structures there take shape – two structures. And the Hess gas station on Hylan and New Dorp Lane is being redesigned. Will the new layout prove efficient and successful or will it add to the pain at that intersection?... We now have a magnificent park down by the beach. Will we be able to get the commitment from the Federal government to keep the waterfront clean and usable or will we need to tiptoe carefully through garbage and other junk on the beach? And what can we do to support the second phase of the New Dorp Beach project that will create the bikepath linking Midland and Great Kills Parks? And speaking of the new park, did you get a chance to experience it this summer? If not, its still there. Go check it out!... Do you know someone who would care to display their business card in our newsletter? Tell them to call 718-979-6011 and inquire about advertising to our community… Want to get more involved with your community and our organization? You can make a difference. There are a number of other ways you can contribute by joining or chairing a committee. Call 718-979-6011 and let us know that you are interested. Call today!... The Staten Island Museum is offering a number of interesting programs over the upcoming months from “All Aboard: The History of the Staten Island Ferry” on Oct18, to “That Ever Loyal Island: Staten Island and the American Revolution with Professor Phillip Papas” on Oct27, to “Filmmaking on Staten Island: The Early Days” on Nov4, to “The First Staten Island Know-It-All Bowl” on Nov9. You can call Maria Fiorelli at 718-727-1135 ext 115 for additional information… State Senator Andrew Lanza is coming to the New Dorp Branch Library on Sep19 where his office will be able to provide support on a host of issues and he is hosting an Open House at his district office (3845 Richmond Ave) on Sep20…. so don’t just sit there… get involved!... and lastly… don’t forget the Columbus Day Parade on Sep30. Lets line the Lane and enjoy this special event.

Meeting Tonight

Our monthly meeting is tonight... the first of the new season. Please join us and bring your ideas, your comments and your scuttlebutt... what you have heard about the goings-on in the neighborhood. And let us explore those words together.

Mark your calendars for the Columbus Day Parade on Sunday September 30. We need everyone to turn out and line the Lane as we celebrate the holiday and our neighborhood!

> Joe Markowski

What Do You Think?

OK... I am opening up this blog and I'd like to hear / read your feedback about it and the issues we should be dealing with in our community. I am new to this whole blogging thing so work with me and I'm hoping we can put it to good use for all of us.

So... what do you think? Will this add value to our discussions about our neighborhood? Will it allow us to share informaiton and concerns more quickly?

Let me know what you think and remember our meeting on Thursday night September 20.

> Joe Markowski

Association Meeting

We will be meeting on Thursday September 20 at 8pm at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post. Plan now on attending and bring a neighbor !

New Dorp Beach Park Needs Water

As you can read in tonight's SI Advance the new park has suffered from our recent dry spell. However Parks and the contratcor have pledged to replace the plants which did not make it. And we will look for them to do just that.

Make sure you visit this wonderful new peaceful place in New Dorp.

New Dorp Beach Park

I hope everyone of you will visit the new park in our community - New Dorp Beach Park. I attended the ribbon-cutting last week and it was a wonderful event. I even got the opportunity to run under the sprinkler for a quick and refreshing spray of water. Start at the corner of New Dorp Lane and Cedar Grove and then explore the rest of this newest attraction in our community. The Parks Department did a wonderful job and they did it on time. And thanks again to Councilman Oddo for funding this wonderful space.

> Joe Markowski

June 2007 - Chit Chat

JUNE 2007

Chitchat

Open Letter to the Membership

Sit down. Give me a few minutes. We need to talk. Our Association, like most other Associations and Civic groups, is facing the challenge of maintaining and increasing its membership.

This challenge was clearly pointed out at a recent meeting held by Councilman James Oddo in his Staten Island office and attended by many representatives of civic groups throughout his district and the Island.

Citizens are no longer attending civic meetings in sizeable numbers unless their neighborhood is under a direct threat. Show me a huge threat to the neighborhood and I will show you a well attended meeting. Otherwise, it’s a meeting of the regulars.

Why is that? Are our neighbors not interested in our neighborhood? That’s probably not true because they sure complain to us and each other whenever we meet. So what is it that makes it so difficult to attend one meeting a month? Are we that busy? Is our neighborhood that low on our list of priorities?

Or is it something else? Does the Association not fulfill your needs – the needs of its members? Are we not responsive enough? Are we too hard to reach? We are accessible by telephone, voicemail, letter and email. Do we need another method? What would that be? If you have a suggestion or recommendation, I need you to share that with me. But more on that later.

What will work for you? More frequent meetings? Meetings earlier/later in the day? More frequent newsletters? More information on our webpage? Less frequent meetings?

I need your thoughts and suggestions. Please take a few minutes out over the next few days and tell me what you think about us and this organization. (We are tough; we can take it.) Tell me how we can reach more people. Who should we be talking to that we are not currently talking to? How would we go about doing that?

Telephone me at 718-979-6011 and leave a message with your suggestions and comments. Send us a note to NDCCA, PO Box 060245, SI, NY 10306 and send us your suggestions and comments. Email us at ndcca@excite.com or newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com and offer your comments and suggestions.

We need to expand our membership. We need to expand our reach. And we need you to help us achieve that. Don’t be bashful. Share your insight. Our entire community will be better off because of it.

I want to gather your comments, thoughts and recommendations which I will share with you before I share with you some of the comments made at the meeting in Jim Oddo’s office.

As I’ve mentioned over the past few months… to ensure our continued vitality and to deal with the issues of the future we must bring in new members. We must reach out to our neighbors. So I ask each of you this year to resolve to invite one neighbor to join our Association. The next time you are chatting with or visiting with your neighbor, suggest they give us a call and join with us as we work to ensure that this neighborhood is second to none.

Thank you. Joe Markowski, President

Community Hot News

06/22… At our meeting last night we had elections and the current slate of officers was re-elected. We spent most of the meeting talking about the Association and its role in our neighborhood. We brainstormed about different methods for reaching out to the various groups in our community. How do we reach those people who are not members and make sure they hear about us?

We will continue exploring various options over the next few months… so if you have suggestions, ideas, comments, send them to us via email or snailmail… or give us a call. Find out how to reach us in the “Contact us” section.

Community Hot News

06/15 … Lets talk about civic groups… our civic group… and what it needs to become in the 21st century…look for some questions about our Association and the ways we reach out to the members of our community in the next newsletter… or you can begin your review right now by going to our “chitchat” section. Then take a moment out and give us your feedback. Send us an email at ndcca@excite.com or newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com.

06/15 … Get involved with your community. Volunteer to help us in our work. Even an hour a month would help! Call 979-6011 and tell us you want to help.

Chit Chat - May 2007

MAY 2007

Chitchat

There has been a lot of woods clearing activities taking place at the top of the block for our neighbors on Summit. What’s going on there? We are reaching out on a number of fronts. Come hear an update at the May meeting and if you have additional information call us at 718-979-6011… Do you know someone who would care to display their business card in our newsletter? Tell them to call 718-979-6011 and inquire about advertising to our community… The Preservation League of Staten Island is hosting a presentation featuring: “Women’s Places: Architecture and Design in the 19th Century” with Professor Denise Rompilla on Friday, May 18 at 7:30pm in the Court House of Historic Richmondtown. Requested donation is $3.00. Call 718-9880-1551 to reserve your spot… Lastly, now is the time to consider whether you want to get more involved with your community and our organization. You can make a difference by running for office as a member of our Association. Nominations will be made in May with our elections in June. And even if being an officer seems too intense for you, there are a number of other ways you can contribute by joining or chairing a committee. Call 718-979-6011 and let us know that you are interested. Call today!

Meeting Agenda - June 2007

JUNE 2007

The Meeting Agenda

June 21, 2007 – Kells-Grennie American Legion Post, 2750 Amboy Rd – 8pm



Proposed Agenda

1 welcome

2 minutes

3 financial report

4 correspondence (in, out, email)

5 committee reports

a. Community Board 2 updates

b. 122 Precinct Community Council updates

c. "Dining Through New Dorp" update

d. Education update

e. “Good Neighbor Award” update

f. Community meeting updates

6 miscellaneous updates ( Frank’s Nursery, the Welsh property, Summit Ave )

7 elections

8 new business / old business

9 discussion of the challenges facing the organization

10 refreshments



Calendar of upcoming events:

Jun17 Sun Fathers’ Day

Jun19 Tue Community Board #2 Monthly Meeting

Jun20 Wed 122 Pct Community Council meeting

Jun21 Thu NDCCA Monthly Meeting



Schedules for 2007:

Upcoming general meetings for 2007 are: Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 20



Upcoming Executive Board meetings for 2007 are:Jul11,Aug8,Sep12,Oct10,Nov14,Dec12

Upcoming speakers/events: Jun Elections

Community Hot News

05/10 … Meet Councilman James Oddo and Robert Englert, the Director of Land Use for the SI Borough President’s Office at our May 17 meeting. Plan now on attending.

05/10 … And while you are making plans, mark May 30 on your calendars and join us for our 43rd Dining event at the Restaurant on the Plaza at 7pm. Bring your family and friends… and those who you would like to make friends with to this event. Call Linda at 718-351-3714 to make your reservation. Check our Dining Program page for additional details.

Community Hot News

02/20 … Meet the new Commanding Officer of the 122nd Precinct – Deputy Inspector Thomas Delahanty – at the next Community Council meeting on February 21 at 8pm at the precinct at 2320 Hylan Blvd. You should also bring your quality of life issues and other concerns. The meeting is your forum for expressing your concerns to the NYPD. Do not miss this opportunity to meet the new boss and express your concerns.

02/20 … Plan now on attending our next meeting on Thursday night March 15 when Kay Pesile will speak to us about things financial. Bring your friends, neighbors and questions for an enlightening evening with an astute financial planner.

02/20 … And have you journeyed down by New Dorp Beach and Cedar Grove? The new park is beginning to take shape and it looks terrific.

Forms

Here's a listing of all of the NDCCA forms available:
NDCCA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION- for New Dorp Residents

FRIENDS OF NEW DORP MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION- For Non-New Dorp Residents who want to participate in NDCCA activities

GOOD NEIGHBOR NOMINATION FORM- Let your neighbor know how special they are. Nominate them for NDCCA's Good Neighbor Award

Community Links

Visit these websites for more information about our community:


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New Dorp specific -

The New Dorp Central Civic Association -
http://www.ndcca.com/

NYPD 122 Precinct - (The website for the 122 Precinct which covers New Dorp)
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/nypd/html/pct/pct122.html

New Dorp Branch Library -
http://www.nypl.org/branch/si/ndr.html

New Dorp High School -
http://www.nycenet.edu/OurSchools/Region7/R440/default.htm

Staten Island Technical High School -
http://www.nycenet.edu/OurSchools/Region7/R605/default.htm

P.S. #41 -
http://www.nycenet.edu/OurSchools/Region7/R041/default.htm

Staten Island Technical High School -
http://www.nycenet.edu/OurSchools/Region7/R605/default.htm

NYPD 122 Precinct - (The website for the 122 Precinct which covers New Dorp)
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/nypd/html/pct/pct122.html


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Staten Island related -

Office of the Borough President -
http://statenislandusa.com/
To send a message to the Borough President use this form -
http://statenislandusa.com/cfm/contact.cfm

Staten Island Economic Development Corporation
http://www.siedc.net/

Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
http://www.sichamber.com/html/welcome.html

Staten Island Advance
http://www.statenislandadvance.com/advance/



SI Live (The Advance On-Line)
http://www.silive.com/enter/index.ssf?/advance/%3f

MyStatenIsland.com -
http://www.mystatenisland.com/

Staten Island Growth Management task Force -
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/gmtf/home.html


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NYC general information sites-

Main NYC website-
http://www.nyc.gov

NYC website updates … that is … what’s new!
http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/whatsnew.html

NYC Agencies listing – (lists all the NYC Agencies)
http://home.nyc.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=nyc_agencies&catID=97

NYC featured Online Services-
http://home.nyc.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=nyc_transactions&catID=842

NYC general forms directory-
http://home.nyc.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=nyc_forms&catID=856

NYC Publications directory - (Lists the NYC publications you can purchase)
http://home.nyc.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=nyc_publications&catID=1319

NYC Department of Buildings -
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dob/home.html

NYPD main website- (The primary website for the NY Police Department)
http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/home.html

NYPD 122 Precinct - (The website for the 122 Precinct which covers New Dorp)
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/nypd/html/pct/pct122.html

FDNY main website – (The primary website for the NY Fire Department)
http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/home.html


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Specific complaint & service request forms w/ phone numbers-

NYC DOT Traffic Sign Repair Request Form -
718-225-5368
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dot/html/signs/signrepr.html

NYC DOT Street Light Repair Request Form -
718-225-5368
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dot/html/signals/strlite.html

NYC DOT Street Defect/Pothole Repair Request Form
718-225-5368
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dot/html/motorist/pothole.html

NYC DOT Street, Highway & Sidewalk Construction Complaint Form
718-225-5368
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dot/html/permits/hiqaform.html

NYC Department of Sanitation Online Service Requests
212-219-8090
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dos/html/onlineserv.html

NYC Consumer Affairs complaints -
212-487-4444
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dca/html/resolve.html


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Information services-

NYC property tax, parking tickets, & water charge payments -
718-935-6000
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/nycserv_tax_epayment.html

NYC Vital Record (Birth & Death certificates) -
212-788-4520
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/vr/vr.html

NYC Dept. of Health - Restaurant Inspections lookup -
212-442-9666
http://nyc.gov/html/doh/html/rii/index.html

Staten Island Ferry Schedule
718-815-BOAT
http://nyc.gov/html/dot/html/masstran/ferries/statfery.html


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Other agencies, etc, etc.

NYC Board of Standards and Appeals
212-513-4670
http://www.nyc.gov/html/bsa/home.html

NYC Department of Education -
http://www.nycenet.edu/default.aspx

Staten Island Railway -
718-876-8261 Fax 718-876-8258
http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/sir/index.html

NYC HPD (Housing Preservation and Development) Building Information -
http://www.nyc.gov/html/hpd/html/data/hpd-online-portal.html

NYC DEP (Dept of Environmental Protection) -
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/

E-Z Pass -
800-333-8655
http://www.e-zpassny.com/


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NYC Council-

James Oddo, NYC Council - 50th district.
oddo@council.nyc.ny.us
94 Lincoln Avenue, 10306
718-980-1017 Fax 718-980-1051

Andrew Lanza, NYC Council - 51st district.
lanza@council.nyc.ny.us
3944 Richmond Avenue, 10312
718-984-5151 Fax 718-984-5737


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New York State & U.S. Government-

Main NYS website -
http://www.state.ny.us/

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
718-966-6155
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/

NYS agencies listing -
http://www.state.ny.us/state_acc.html

U.S. Government -
http://199.107.69.75/Agencies/Federal/Federal_Government.shtml

Other websites of interest:
Internet Fraud Watch http://www.fraud.org/ifw.htm - find out which consumer sites in cyberspace are legitimate

Internet print shop http://www.iprint.com with this site you can design your own stationary, and more.

Health answers http://www.healthanswers.com - health resource for people of all ages

Bank Rate Monitor http://www.bankrate.com free bank rate monitor of mortgages, credit cards, and auto loans, savings, ATM and checking account fees.

Food, food and more food. http://www.foodtv.com - find recipes dining around, browse and shop

Travel - http://www.expedia.com - Travel site.

Websites for 50 and over age group:
www.ageofreason.com
www.thirdage.com
www.seniorlink.com

New York State Office for the Aging
Information for older adults and their families. Also check out www.usc.edu/dept/gero/hmap/library/saftey.html for an interactive checklist to spot possible safety problems in the home for older consumers.

Volunteers

What is a Volunteer? by Marie Markowski

We have all just realized no matter how busy we are, how hectic our schedule is or how demanding our job, all that could change in a minute. When the tragedy struck on September 11, 2001 we not only lost husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, relatives, friends and rescue workers we also lost some of our best volunteers. They were our little league, basketball, soccer and football coaches. Boy/Girl Scout leaders, school volunteers (trips, lunch duty etc.), community volunteers (civic leaders, block watchers etc.), church lectors/ushers and people who were dedicated to countless other causes.

We live in a time when everyone is committed to continuous busy schedules. When we are asked to volunteer our first answer is “sorry I don’t have the time now”. Sometime we don’t realize it may only be one day or one hour that is needed. Many people feel they don’t know how to help. We all have gifts that could help others. You have to sit down and ask yourself WHAT AM I GOOD AT. Do I like to meet/greet other people (membership committee for an organization)?

Do I like to read books and newspapers (historian for an organization)?

Do I like to talk on the phone (relay person for an organization)?

Do I like to take pictures (photographer for an organization)?

Do I take good notes (recording secretary for an organization)?

Do I like to write letters or notes (corresponding secretary for an organization)?

Do I like to send cards/notes (sunshine committee for an organization)?

There are endless possibilities. It may be you only have to attend a meeting once a month. Many times the rewards you get back are priceless. You may get to meet new neighbors and even make new friends along the way that will last a lifetime.

We are all asking at this time what can I do to help? Giving Blood and monetary contributions are very worthwhile actions and definitely needed but we should also remember many organizations lost something very precious – VOLUNTEERS - who gave their precious time.

Find an organization, charity, school, church or an event that could use your help and VOLUNTEER."

Opportunities for You to Help NDCCA...
Like every volunteer organization, we need people to help out... if we are going to be able to help out. Remember, we have no paid staff. Everything that gets done gets, done because someone volunteered some time and effort to help you and this community. So I thought I would list some things that we would like to do. If you can volunteer just an hour a month, it will help us accomplish so much more. Call at 979-6011 and let us know how you can help this community. We can use help in these areas:

PHOTOGRAPHER - we need a photographer to capture the moments of our association for our photo albums

MEET AND GREETERS- we need people to go out and greet your neighbors who are non-members; share a few moments with them; give them a copy of our newsletter; tell them what we have done; and invite them to join with us; we are the best bargain in New Dorp for only a buck a month!

GRAFFITI BUSTERS- we need people to give an occasional hour on a Saturday or Sunday to work with our Teens Against Graffiti and help Kitty Masi with our graffiti removal program

LITERATURE COORDINATOR - for our meetings. This individual would have to bring the literature to the meetings, including set up and breakdown, and reach out to various organizations to gather meaningful literature for our members.

So call tonight and become part of the solution !

Important Dates 2007

JUNE 2007

Jun17 Sun Fathers’ Day

Jun19 Tue Community Board #2 Monthly Meeting

Jun20 Wed 122 Pct Community Council meeting

Jun21 Thu NDCCA Monthly Meeting



MAY 2007
May13 Sun Mothers’ Day

May15 Tue Community Board #2 Monthly Meeting

May16 Wed 122 Pct Community Council meeting

May17 Thu NDCCA Monthly Meeting

May28 Mon Memorial Day

May30 Wed Dining Through New Dorp – 43 at Restaurant on the Plaza



APRIL 2007

Apr17 Tue Community Board #2 Monthly Meeting

Apr18 Wed 122 Pct Community Council meeting

Apr19 Thu NDCCA Monthly Meeting

Apr25 Wed Councilman Oddo Civic Roundtable

Apr26 Thu CSI Water Board hearing



MARCH 2007
FEBRUARY 2007
Feb14 Wed Valentine’s Day

Feb15 Thu NDCCA Monthly Meeting

Feb19 Mon Presidents’ Day Holiday

Feb20 Tue Election Day

Feb20 Tue Community Board #2 Monthly Meeting

Feb21 Wed 122 Pct Community Council meeting



JANUARY 2007
Jan15 Mon Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Jan17 Wed 122 Pct Community Council meeting

Jan18 Thu NDCCA Monthly Meeting

WHO'S WHO 2007

Joseph E. MarkowskiPresident
Chair, Traffic Committee

Thomas Coffey
Executive Vice President
Chair, By-Laws Committee
Chair, Education Committee

John Donovan
Senior Vice President
Chair, Smoke Detector Committee

Ronald S. Cole
Secretary
Chair, Programs Committee

Marie J. Markowski
Treasurer

Rina Pizza
Assistant Treasurer

Theresa Troiano
Corresponding Secretary
Chair, Graffiti Committee

Kenneth Lund
Recording Secretary

William Baumwoll
Chair, Good Neighbor Committee

Vincent Martire
Financial Secretary

Heather Forbes
Chair, Zoning Committee
Chair, Election Committee
Co-Chair, Sunshine Committee

Marie DeFazio
Co-Chair, Sunshine Committee

Linda Marotto
Chair, Dining Program Committee

Ann Marie Finnerty
Liaison to Community Board 2
Liaison to 122 Pct Community Council
Board of Advisors

How to Join

It's easy to become an member of NDCCA.

If you are a Resident of New Dorp, all you have to do is fill out a membership form and send your check for one year's membership. For just $15 a year you can become a member of the New Dorp Central Civic Association (NDCCA) and take part in your community.
In addition to receiving our monthly newsletter, membership in NDCCA allows you to participate in meeting discussions, vote at our General Membership meetings, run for elective office in NDCCA, join our committees, and participate in our activities.

Click here for a copy of our MEMBERSHIP FORM.
If you are Non-Resident of New Dorp, but would like to be a part of our association, we also have an opportunity for you to join as a "Friend of New Dorp." For just $12 a year you can become a Friend of New Dorp which allows you all the benefits of NDCCA membership except for the ability to vote on NDCCA matters or run for office in NDCCA.

Click here for a copy of our "Friends of New Dorp" MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION.

Contact Us

"Call, Fax, Email or Write to us! We'd love to hear from you "--Joseph Markowski, President NDCCA

Phone: 718-979-6011
Fax: 718-979-6011

Email: newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com

Write to: Joseph Markowski,
P.O. Box 060245
Staten Island, NY 10306

You can also find us on Facebook.