Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Chit Chat in May
OK… we actually did believe that someone would speak at our meeting last month about the Greenbelt Rec Center. However we received a call the afternoon of the meeting saying they could not make it. And they didn’t. Well, now we are told that some one will attend our meeting this month and give us an update on the Center so make sure you attend on Thursday May 15 for an update on the goings-on at the Greenbelt Recreation Center on Brielle Avenue… The cell phone tower that is now situated behind Neuhaus Realty is a “first responder” cell tower dedicated to those services and ensuring they have the bandwidth needed to do their job effectively. No commercial entities should be utilizing that tower… We have not heard back from our German friends since our last correspondence with them. In that message we had informed them that we could not commit at this time to a “town twinning” as they were hoping. That certainly disappointed them and may lead them to alter their plans. We shall see… And we wonder whether Detective Maria Gilsenan will continue in her role as Community Affairs Officer now that she is a Detective?... Also, who will be our new regional librarian now that Theresa Myrhol has moved on to Manhattan? I guess only time will tell… As for the Franks property, aside from the approved demolition work there is still no indication of what will be happening in that space. Admittedly the current real estate market makes all these decisions more challenging but we are certain that such prime real estate will sooner or later be back in play. Our concern is whether the new occupant of that space helps make our neighborhood a better place… Hey, did you see that we are going to be getting a new park down at New Dorp Beach. Wow, first the park with the walking paths and sprinkler and now swings and slides (?) for our kids. That is a terrific change for that space in such a short period of time. Hopefully we can get some information on exactly what is planned for exactly where… And speaking of parks, the playground at PS41 will be undergoing some changes. We have not yet seen the specifics of those changes but we have already heard from some of our neighbors in that vicinity who have some concerns about what those changes could mean for them. We invite those neighbors to come to our meeting and share their experiences and concerns with us so that we can work with them to maximize the benefit of these changes… And we have heard from a former neighbor who is looking for pictures of the original New Dorp train station to help him as he looks to re-create that facility in a model he is building. If you have any such photos, give us a call at 718-979-6011 and we will make sure those photos get to this creative neighbor… In the meantime, if you have something you would like to share with us – leave it on our telephone line at 718-979-6011 or email us. We welcome your insights and observations…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…
Monday, May 12, 2008
Cop Calls and Cell Phones
Cop Calls
If a cop calls for money, it's not a cop. It's a con. The NYPD never solicits charitable donations. If you receive a call, write down as much information as possible, ask for written material and report them to the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau at 212-741-8401.
Cell Phones
Here are some hints about your cell phone that we learned from our Community Board:
5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do
For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.) There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.
Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:
FIRST Emergency
The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.
SECOND
Have you locked your keys in the car?
Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
THIRD Hidden Battery Power
Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.
FOURTH How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
When your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
FIFTH Free Directory Service for Cells
Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.
If a cop calls for money, it's not a cop. It's a con. The NYPD never solicits charitable donations. If you receive a call, write down as much information as possible, ask for written material and report them to the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau at 212-741-8401.
Cell Phones
Here are some hints about your cell phone that we learned from our Community Board:
5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do
For all the folks with cell phones. (This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, and wallet. Good information to have with you.) There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies.
Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:
FIRST Emergency
The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.
SECOND
Have you locked your keys in the car?
Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
THIRD Hidden Battery Power
Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.
FOURTH How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
When your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
FIFTH Free Directory Service for Cells
Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Nini's, Neuhaus, Keyspan, Parks and Franks
So whats been happening? We had our 45th Dining through New Dorp experience last week as we dined at Nini's on New Dorp Lane. We were treated wonderfully and the food and company was terrific! You should plan on joining us the next time we dine. Hey... you gotta eat!
Neuhaus Realty has a large cell tower sticking up on their property at the intersection of Rockland Avenue and Richmond Road. Actually its one of the new towers that are being placed throughout the city and are dedicated to carrying traffic for the city's first responders. We have been assured that no commercial traffic will be using that facility... and it can be erected on commercial property as of right.
Meanwhile Keyspan - soon to be known as National Grid - has been digging up many of the streets throughout our community... digging long trenches along many of the streets south of New Dorp Lane. We have reached out to Councilman Oddo's office looking for his help in making sure that they put our streets back together when they are finished. As you are aware, Councilman Oddo is one of the City Councilmen proposing legislation that will require that our streets be put back together following any excavation.
And it seems that our Borough President is proposing to construct a park in the New Dorp Beach area. That is wonderful news for our community... and it's completion should not be that far away.
Lastly, the old Franks property has seen some excavation on that property recently and it is all part of a demolition permit that was granted for that property. As to what will happen there... no news yet.
So thats a quick synopsis of the goings on in the neighborhood.
What news do you have for us? Come on... share it and let us hear what you have to say !!!!
> Joe
Neuhaus Realty has a large cell tower sticking up on their property at the intersection of Rockland Avenue and Richmond Road. Actually its one of the new towers that are being placed throughout the city and are dedicated to carrying traffic for the city's first responders. We have been assured that no commercial traffic will be using that facility... and it can be erected on commercial property as of right.
Meanwhile Keyspan - soon to be known as National Grid - has been digging up many of the streets throughout our community... digging long trenches along many of the streets south of New Dorp Lane. We have reached out to Councilman Oddo's office looking for his help in making sure that they put our streets back together when they are finished. As you are aware, Councilman Oddo is one of the City Councilmen proposing legislation that will require that our streets be put back together following any excavation.
And it seems that our Borough President is proposing to construct a park in the New Dorp Beach area. That is wonderful news for our community... and it's completion should not be that far away.
Lastly, the old Franks property has seen some excavation on that property recently and it is all part of a demolition permit that was granted for that property. As to what will happen there... no news yet.
So thats a quick synopsis of the goings on in the neighborhood.
What news do you have for us? Come on... share it and let us hear what you have to say !!!!
> Joe
Monday, April 14, 2008
Our Meeting is Thursday Night
Our meeting is Thursday night. Plan now on attending.
Our speaker will talk about the Greenbelt Recreation Center.
We will talk about the possibilities for the PS41 playground.
And what about what Keyspan is doing to our streets?
Come share your views and insights.
> Joe Markowski
Our speaker will talk about the Greenbelt Recreation Center.
We will talk about the possibilities for the PS41 playground.
And what about what Keyspan is doing to our streets?
Come share your views and insights.
> Joe Markowski
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Upcoming April Meeting News
Greetings. Spring is finally in the air… or at least it is supposed to be in the air. Just as Winter was not very wintry… Spring has not been very Springy… so far. But its early. Keep the faith. We know what April showers bring… and then what Mayflowers bring….
Last month we were fortunate to have a number of speakers update us on a number of matters. Police Officers Maria Gilsenan (check out chit chat) and Kevin Medifendt gave us a number of safety tips to remember as the warmer weather approaches. Doctor Dennis Blumfield representing the S.I.Heart Society spoke to us about the risk factors of heart attack – focusing on the things we cannot control and the things we can control. And Ron O’Loughlin informed us about some upcoming fund-raisers by Boy Scout Troop 24. And Yolanda Gleason told us about all the wonderful programs at the New Dorp Branch Library.
This month we will hear about the changes and new offerings at the Greenbelt Recreation Center on Brielle Avenue. Come hear about what is available to you at this location.
We will resume our Dining Through New Dorp program with our 45th visit to a wonderful neighborhood restaurant – Nini’s. Look inside for details and plan now on joining us for good food, conversation and good company. We will be dining out Wednesday, April 23. We have purchased over 1278 dinners from our neighborhood restaurants and spent over $31,300 since 1994. It is a program of which you can all be proud.
Our meeting this month is Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. We will begin promptly at 8 p.m. Come. Join us. And… bring a neighbor!
Last month we were fortunate to have a number of speakers update us on a number of matters. Police Officers Maria Gilsenan (check out chit chat) and Kevin Medifendt gave us a number of safety tips to remember as the warmer weather approaches. Doctor Dennis Blumfield representing the S.I.Heart Society spoke to us about the risk factors of heart attack – focusing on the things we cannot control and the things we can control. And Ron O’Loughlin informed us about some upcoming fund-raisers by Boy Scout Troop 24. And Yolanda Gleason told us about all the wonderful programs at the New Dorp Branch Library.
This month we will hear about the changes and new offerings at the Greenbelt Recreation Center on Brielle Avenue. Come hear about what is available to you at this location.
We will resume our Dining Through New Dorp program with our 45th visit to a wonderful neighborhood restaurant – Nini’s. Look inside for details and plan now on joining us for good food, conversation and good company. We will be dining out Wednesday, April 23. We have purchased over 1278 dinners from our neighborhood restaurants and spent over $31,300 since 1994. It is a program of which you can all be proud.
Our meeting this month is Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 2750 Amboy Road. We will begin promptly at 8 p.m. Come. Join us. And… bring a neighbor!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
What's New???
Hey... New Dorp... how are things going in your neck of the woods? What's making you happy? What's making you troubled? What would you like to see done in our neighborhood?
Share your thoughts and comments.
> Joe
Share your thoughts and comments.
> Joe
Friday, February 15, 2008
Sanitation and Presidents' Day
The Department of Sanitation has announced that on Monday - Presidents' Day Feb 18 - there will be NO garbage or recycling pickup or street cleaning.
Residents who normally receive a pickup on Monday should put out their garbage after 4pm on Monday.
They should NOT put out their recycling until next week when it will be picked up on the 25th.
Residents who normally receive a pickup on Monday should put out their garbage after 4pm on Monday.
They should NOT put out their recycling until next week when it will be picked up on the 25th.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Special Guest Speaker in February
This month we will have a very special guest speaker – Thomas W. Matteo. Mr. Matteo, a Tottenville resident, was named the fourth borough historian by Borough President Jim Molinaro. ( Mr. Matteo replaces Richard Dickinson who died last year. )
Dr. Matteo has written several books on Staten Island history and is working on several others. He is an Associate Professor of Business at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. In 2005, he retired from his position as Executive Director at Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home after spending seven years successfully turning around the troubled institution. Among other changes, he expanded the facility’s Alzheimer’s unit, extended the adult day health-care program’s hours, and increased training opportunities for staff members.
Prior to heading Sea View, Dr. Matteo held several executive positions in City government, including President/CEO of OTB, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Affairs, and First Deputy Executive Director of the Emergency Medical Service.
Dr. Matteo has written several books on Staten Island history and is working on several others. He is an Associate Professor of Business at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. In 2005, he retired from his position as Executive Director at Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home after spending seven years successfully turning around the troubled institution. Among other changes, he expanded the facility’s Alzheimer’s unit, extended the adult day health-care program’s hours, and increased training opportunities for staff members.
Prior to heading Sea View, Dr. Matteo held several executive positions in City government, including President/CEO of OTB, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Affairs, and First Deputy Executive Director of the Emergency Medical Service.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Meeting Thursday Night
We meet Thursday night, January 17 at the Kells-Grennie American Legion Post at 8pm.
Come join us as we kick off the new year,
Come join us as we kick off the new year,
Friday, January 4, 2008
Discovering New Dorp in the New Year
Greetings. The holidays are past and we are now into the new year. I hope the holidays were pleasant and gratifying for you.
I had the opportunity to stroll down New Dorp Lane this morning and I realized that it has been a long time since I did just that. Wow. What changes. So many places catering to hair and nails! And quite a few new places to get something to eat. Now that could be exciting. Then there is the new temporary location for a bank while its new office gets constructed on the corner of NDL and Edison. And to my great surprise - tattoos! Yep, you can get a tattoo on the Lane! Only, I'm not sure what that means for our community. Me? I'm unlikely to get a tattoo soon. Such is life.
I also was reminded of the fact that we all need to keep current with the technology that is being introduced into our lives. I watched a couple at an ATM on the Lane struggling to figure out how to use it. It was actually painful to watch. And they were no older than I. So don't be a Luddite. Change is coming. Try and keep in touch with it.
I also stopped in at our New Dorp Branch Library. Are you aware that it is now open 7 days a week! Wow. This is a wonderful change and make sure you take advantage of it.
I'll be reaching out for updates on many of the issues facing our community. And I encourage you to bring things to our attention. We all have a vested interest in keeping New Dorp a thriving, desirable community.
Enough for now. Stay safe and enjoy each day.
> Joe
I had the opportunity to stroll down New Dorp Lane this morning and I realized that it has been a long time since I did just that. Wow. What changes. So many places catering to hair and nails! And quite a few new places to get something to eat. Now that could be exciting. Then there is the new temporary location for a bank while its new office gets constructed on the corner of NDL and Edison. And to my great surprise - tattoos! Yep, you can get a tattoo on the Lane! Only, I'm not sure what that means for our community. Me? I'm unlikely to get a tattoo soon. Such is life.
I also was reminded of the fact that we all need to keep current with the technology that is being introduced into our lives. I watched a couple at an ATM on the Lane struggling to figure out how to use it. It was actually painful to watch. And they were no older than I. So don't be a Luddite. Change is coming. Try and keep in touch with it.
I also stopped in at our New Dorp Branch Library. Are you aware that it is now open 7 days a week! Wow. This is a wonderful change and make sure you take advantage of it.
I'll be reaching out for updates on many of the issues facing our community. And I encourage you to bring things to our attention. We all have a vested interest in keeping New Dorp a thriving, desirable community.
Enough for now. Stay safe and enjoy each day.
> Joe
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
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!!!
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!!!
Monday, December 3, 2007
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
> Joe Markowski
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