February 2013

The

Nyack Villager ®

February

2013

An independent monthly news magazine celebrating life and the arts in the Hudson River Villages

Graphic by Jan Haber ©2013 The Nyack Villager

Some Of the Many Personalities of Cupid

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The Nyack Villager is the only publication mailed to every residential address in all eight river villages—Upper Nyack, Nyack, Central Nyack, South Nyack, Grand View, Upper Grandview, Piermont & Palisades NY, as well as many businesses and professionals in Rockland and by subscription everywhere.

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2 The Nyack Villager February, 2013

In this issue

REPORTER at large

Departments

Christoper’s—the Nyack landmark—to close

3 REPORTER AT LARGE • Christopher’s—the Nyack Landmark—to close • For you and your Valentine • Oscar Night nominees (page 24) 4

LETTERS TO THE NYACK VILLAGER

5

FEBRUARY FROLIC Art & entertainment this month

Every day is Valentine’s Day See page 10

12 COMMUNITY NOTES What’s happening in February 20 CALENDAR Highlights in February 21 OP-CALENDAR PAGE useful local phone numbers

Columns 8 REMEMBER THE DAYS? Jim Leiner on his life in crime 9 THE APP OF THE MONTH Who the heck is Siri? by Vicky Schwaid

Jim Leiner on his life in crime see page 8

10 EVERY DAY IS VALENTINES DAY by Jessica Downing DVM 11 THE DOCTOR IS IN David Brogno MD on the signs of heart attack 13 NYACK BUSINESS BEAT Scott Baird on a splendid new eating place 16 AT THE MOVIES Ric Pantale on the iconic Hollywood sign part 2 17 FROM TOWN HALL by Supervisor Andy Stewart 18 NOTES FROM HARRIET Harriet Cornell on ensuring children’s future 19 PLUMBING & HEATING TIPS: Renovating a kitchen with Ralph Spano 22 PET CARE Dr. Peter Segall on veterinary eye care

Learning the signs of a heart attack see page 11

22 THE LIFETIME GARDENER Jon Feldman on astro-gardening 23 THEY GOT WHAT?! Donna Cox on current trends in real estate

Features 6

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW CUPID?

6

VALENTINE’S DAY CUSTOMS AROUND THE WORLD

10 PET OF THE MONTH Meet the lovely Savannah 14 SUMMER CAMPS 2013 18 WHEN DID GIRLS START WEARING PINK?

Veterinary eye care see page 22

On our February cover Some Of the Many Personalities of Cupid Graphic by Jan Haber © 2013 The Nyack Villager, Nyack, NY

The Nyack Villager

When did girls start wearing pink? See page 18

February, 2013 Vol. 19 No. 6 Mailed on or near the first of each month to every residential address in eight river villages—Upper Nyack, Nyack, Central Nyack, South Nyack, Grand View, Upper Grandview, Piermont and Palisades NY.

On the Internet at www.nyackvillager.com E-mail news releases to us at [email protected] Deadline for our March issue is February 15. Please include a contact name and telephone number.

In early February, Christopher’s Antiques, one of Nyack’s true landmark shops, will close; its owner, Howard Siegel, is retiring. We are sorry to see him go, but wish him a happy retirement. Christopher’s opened its doors in 1969 at 71 South Broadway. At the time, people were getting in line to tell the original owners, Joe Christopher and Howard Siegel, that they were crazy to open a new shop on that street—and particularly on that block. But they did succeed. They succeed due to the fine quality and good price of the products they sold—and also the knowledgeable, courteous and friendly way they served their customers. Over the years, largely because of the presence of Christopher’s, that block prospered and became known as Nyack’s antique row. Howie told us, “As the years passed, things changed at the shop; at first our furniture was turn-of-the-century then, as prices rose beyond the reach of our average customer, we changed and carried oak furniture from the 20s and, as time went on, English furniture from the 30s and good antique reproductions. We always tried to feature furniture that was both attractive and reasonably priced.” Over their 44 years in Nyack, Christopher’s offered a creative selection of antiques, reproductions, collectibles and decorative accessories. Before wicker was in, they carried wicker. They had outdoor and garden furniture. It was one of the few places you could find a large standing mirror, an oldfashioned Hoosier or a breakfront cabinet that could fit in a normal room. Throughout the years, inside and out, the shop was always tastefully adorned, but as the Christmas season approached Christopher’s took on a festive look and scent, with green, red and gold decorations in every corner. In our house we have (and cherish) an oak icebox from the 1920s, a carved sideboard we bought 25 years ago, two marble-topped night tables and an oak bedstead purchased Reporter at Large continues on page 4 The Nyack Villager February, 2013 3

REPORTER at large

selection of gift boxed chocolates, find just the right one. Koblins Pharmacy 96 Main St., 358.0688

If a basket of goodies is on your list, try Back to Earth. They will make up a nice selection of edibles—perhaps fruits, chocoChristopher’s to close starts of page 5 lates or jams—whatever you think your 15 years ago and out back, some cozy wicker sweetie would like. furniture we added last year. Back to Earth, 1 S. Broadway, 353-3311. In many, many homes across Rockland and If you intend to get your Valentine some the rest of the tri-state area, you will find jewelry, one of the finest jewelry designers furniture and accessories that came from anywhere has her own studio and shop right Christopher’s. Nyack won’t be the same here in Nyack. Saundra Messenger is without it. known for her elegant and unexpected deWe and legions of others will miss the fun signs. Most women when asked say, “Her of shopping in Nyack’s true landmark. designs fit my personality perfectly.” Saundra Messenger, 38 High Ave. 512.8862.

For you and your Valentine

Earings are a good choice and they rarely go out of style. Maria Luisa carries a good selection. She also has a large variety of clothIf you love sending Valentine’s Day gift cards ing, wearable accessories and uncommon decorative pieces for the home. as I do, drop in at Koblin’s pharmacy and Maria Luisa, 77 S. Broadway 353.4122. browse through the nice selection and buy one, two, three or maybe four. Then go to At the Corner Frame Shop, have a photo of the next display counter and from the large your Valentine custom framed or purchase a

Here are some quick notes on Valentine’s Day gifts and dinning.

An open community forum.

my purse strings.

to the editor

This is a forum for residents—they are the “stakeholders.” Reputable landscapers might take their concerns to a relevant trade organization or the local Chamber of Commerce.

Letters

Opinions expressed are those of each letter writer; The Nyack Villager need not agree.

Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, —Colin Heasman

fine art print by a local artist. Corner Frame Shop, 40 S. Franklin St. 727.1240. If your plans include taking your Valentine to lunch or dinner, we suggest Luminesque Café for their unique menu. Especially fun is Saturday brunch, with live music from noon to 2pm. Luminesque Café, 140 Main St. 671.9229. We also suggest Murasaki, where you will find sushi at its best. Our favorite lunch is the sushi lunch-box; for dinner we like Kushi skewered shrimp and scallops or salmon teriyaki or the steamed clams. It’s always fun to sit at the sushi bar and watch the chef perform his magic. Murasaki Japanese Restaurant 138 Main St 328.3222. Long-time residents sometimes ask if there’s any way to get the collector kaleidoscopes that used to be the house specialty at Hand of Craftsman. The answer is yes! Google kalidoscopesUSA.com In the words of the Beatles, “All you need is love. Love is all you need.” ✫ port-a-johns in the front of the entrance to the (bar). Meanwhile, my tenants and clients of (the handsome) shop next door have to walk through vomit to enter the store and their apartments. Very truly yours,—David A. Wilkinson

Lead in Nyack’s drinking water?

To The Nyack Villager— [Editor’s note: last month,The Nyack Villager Terrific tech column Main Street marauders printed a letter from Mr. Monaco, who seemed To The Nyack Villager— To The Nyack Villager— worried about the levels of lead he said was in [Editor’s note: this letter, sent by its author to Just have to tell you how much I enjoy the Nyack’s drinking water. “The Nyack Water columns by Vicki Schwaid. I'm fairly profi- The Nyack Villager, was addressed to the Department,” they say on their website, “has cient on computers and technology but it's mayor and Nyack’s village board.] tested for lead in tap water since ...1992. We continue to have problems with patrons Until this year, our water system has never exhard to garner new info in large doses, so these short columns are perfect for newbies of the ... (Main Street bar). I have added ceeded the lead action level of 15.0 ug/L, or additional lighting in the front of (their ad- parts per billion. Some of the test results for and experienced users as well. dress) to discourage them from smoking the lead samples taken this year were higher Ms. Schwaid's writing is straightforward and vomiting in the alcove leading to the than seen in any of our previous monitoring and understandable, and the tips presented (upstairs) apartments to no avail. The other periods. These higher results have caused our are useful and valuable to me. So, thanks night a number of their patrons managed to water system to exceed the lead action level ... for including this terrific tech column in enter the hallway downstairs and left beThe sources of the lead in drinking water are your magazine—it's another reason I look hind several dozen cigarette butts, filling the typically from the internal pipes, service lines forward to each issue. entire building with cigarette smoke and or plumbing fixtures in your home or build—Catherine Paull, Nyack crushing their cigarettes out on the walls. ing. The cause of the increase in lead levels in This bar is, has been (see my letter from More about leaf blowers our water test results this year is not known at 12/14/2010) and continues to be a chronic this time, but is under evaluation.” To The Nyack Villager (an excerpt)— nuisance. Can you pass an ordinance reI believe as a resident the trustees should concern themselves with the 'quality of life' quiring this bar to place vomitoriums in the The Nyack Villager will keep an eye on this front of the bar for the convenience of their story; we will share any information we can in the village—over regard of how an indifind with our readers.] ✫ patrons and the neighboring buildings? vidual citizen chooses to spend his money I suppose a less elegant solution would be on whatever service; they are not trustees of 4 The Nyack Villager February, 2013

February Artist Of the Month New York photographer Leland Bobbé captures the duality of NYC's drag queens—the extravagantly made-up drag divas and the organic men that lie beneath. The men in the photographs range in age and ethnicity, encompassing a wide spectrum. Through the power of hair and makeup these men are able to completely transform themselves and find their female side while simultaneously showing their male side.

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Black History Month Celebration An evening of song, rhythm, stories and joy—Nyack Center’s Annual Black History Month Celebration and 3rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Contest honoring those who contribute to the lives of African Americans. Top finalists in our oratory contest will perform at the event. Scholarships will be awarded. Celebration begins at 7pm Sat, Feb 9th at Nyack Center, 58 Depew Avenue, Nyack, NY, cor Broadway at Depew. 845.358.2600. Everybody is welcome; free to all.

ArtsRock presents Darlene Love Darlene Love, Rock-and-Roll icon, will appear in concert on Valentine’s Day in Suffern, presented by ArtsRock. “Darlene Love’s thunderbolt voice is as embedded in the history of Rock-and-Roll as Eric Clapton’s guitar or Bob Dylan’s lyrics.” —New York Times. 8pm Feb 14 at the Lafayette Theater, 97 Lafayette Avenue in Suffern. Tickets are $30, $45 or $75, available at the theatre box office or from Sign Of the Times, 112 Main St., Nyack NY

Carnegie Room concert series in Nyack Library's historic Carnegie-Farian Room at 59 South Broadway are at 7:30 pm. Info and tickets at www.carnegieroom.org or call 845. 608.3593. FREE CONCERT PASS FOR TWO available at Nyack Library circulation desk with valid Nyack Library ID card. Tickets: $25 adult, $20 senior / $15 young adult.

In February at Hopper House Gallery hours: Thursday-Sunday, 1-5 PM or by appointment. Admission is $5 adults, $3 Seniors; Free for members, students and children. Docent guided tours can be arranged for an additional fee.

• ROCKLAND’S ROLE IN THE 1913 ARMORY SHOW Called the most important American art show of the 20th century, the legendary 1913 Armory show in NY City introduced modern art to the American public. Its visionary echoes are still heard today. Among artists seen in America for the first time—Picasso, Munch, Duchamp, Van Gogh, Kandinsky—was Edward Hopper, then a young artist who sold his first painting at this show and later became one of the most important artists of his generation.

• BRAHMS COMPLETE CHAMBER WORKS (Classical) Sat Feb 2 • PIANO RECITAL (Classical) Sat Feb 9 • NYACK HS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (Classical) Sun Feb 10 • BRAHMS COMPLETE CHAMBER WORKS (Classical) Sat Feb 16 • GUITAR MAGIC SERIES: Celebrating Hendrix (Songwriter) Fri Feb 22 • BRAHMS COMPLETE CHAMBER WORKS (Classical) Sat Feb 23

Rockland Jazz & Blues Society

Free First Friday Film The First Friday Film Series at Piermont Public Library presents “Searching for Sugar Man” (2012). Part music documentary, part detective story, this is the true story of Sixto Rodriguez, the greatest '70s rock icon who never was—an homage to unrecognized genius everywhere. Free to all. Fri, Feb 1, at 7:30pm, 25 Flywheel Park West, Piermont. Info: 845.359.4595.

Why waste your talent in the shower? The Rockland Camerata has openings for singers to join us in our Spring concert. The audience-pleasing program includes American folk songs, spirituals, songs from the musical theater, and choruses from Gilbert & Sullivan. Info: e-mail [email protected] or call 845.634.5562. Rockland Camerata, Matthew Rupcich, Music Director

The Book—an endangered species? PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT & READING Eileen Brady Nelson, Piermont resident, is a fine art photographer and educator. This exhibition pays homage to books of the past that were beautifully designed, printed, and bound. Read over and over again, some became cherished heirlooms. Viewing them inspires many memories and makes one question how the new world of electronic publishing will ever replace them. All are welcome. The reading starts promptly at 3pm. Piermont Public Library, 25 Flywheel Park West, Piermont. The exhibit runs from Feb 2 thru 26; opening / reading held Sun, Feb 3 from 2 to 4pm. Info: 845.359.4595.

Concerts presented in the Carnegie Room at Nyack Library, 59 South Broadway. Tickets:$25 Adult /$20 Senior / $18 Member /$15 Young Adult. Tickets can be purchased at www.carnegieroom.org in person at Nyack Library Circulation Desk or by phone at 845.608.3593. Concerts begin at 7:30pm. Light refreshments and beverages will be served.

Figure Drawing at Nyack Center

• VOCALIST ALEXIS COLE with John DiMartino, piano The Music of Bari Sax Legend Pepper Adams and other Jazz Classics. Fri, Feb 15 at 7:30pm

Valentine’s Day Concert

Mark Waller, dealer, historian, author, and director of Gallery Moderne in Piermont, will speak at Hopper House, presenting a brief outline of the Armory Show and an insight into • BRAZILIAN TRUMPETER CLAUDIO RODITI with Roni Benthe important role played by Hopper and others. Hur and Paul Meyers, guitars. Fri, Feb 15 at 7pm. Reserve early. Fri, Feb 1 at 7:30pm • HOPPER HOUSE IS LOOKING FOR new docents & Spring interns; info: edwardhopperhouse.org/opportunities.html

Corner Frame Shop, 40 S. Franklin St, Nyack (cor Franklin & Depew). February 1-28. Exhibit Hours Tue thru Sat 10am to 5:30pm. Opening reception Sat, Feb 2, from 5:30 until 8:30pm. Free. Refreshments will be served. Signed prints available for purchase. Info: 845.727.1240

Save the Dates The Garden Club of Nyack Flower Show setup: Fri, March 1 Garden Club Flower Show: Sat, March 2

MARC H

Formerly at Hopper House, ongoing figure drawing sessions at Nyack Center are on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 10pm. Sessions are drop-in and welcome artists of all levels. Per session: students $6, $12 regular. Rear entrance of Nyack Center, Broadway and Depew. Sessions are in back room. Visit nyackcenterfiguredrawing.blogspot.com Michèle Sorel, soprano & Marc Mathelier, guitarist will perform “Sweet Moments”—selections of romantic music at Finkelstein Memorial Library’s Annual free Valentine’s Day Concert, “Music on a Sunday Afternoon” concert series. Seating is limited. Complimentary refreshments. Sun, Feb 10, at 2 in the afternoon (snow date Feb 17 at 2 pm). Info call 845.352.5700 ext 243 or visit online www.finkelsteinlibrary.org/music-concerts-winter-2013 Art & entertainment listings conclude on page 7 The Nyack Villager February, 2013 5

How well do you know Cupid? We all think we know the Cupid of the Valentine card—the cute, chubby baby with the tiny bow and arrow. But do we really? Eros, as he was known to the ancient Greeks, was one of the first four gods in the universe, the aweinspiring god of erotic love. He was depicted as a beautiful, slender youth, the son of Aphrodite, goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation. Centuries later, the Romans called him Cupid (Latin cupido, meaning desire). He begins to appear in art as a chubby baby with wings, sometimes wearing a diaper, sometimes a blindfold, showing that love is blind. The Roman Cupid’s mother is Venus, goddess of love; his father is Jupiter, god of commerce and wrestling. This fickle, playful Cupid is responsible for love at first sight. He sometimes, perversely,


aims his sweet poison-tipped arrows at mis- matched couples causing them to fall in love, just to see what will happen. Less well known is the story that this young prankster sometimes shoots lead-tipped arrows to cause couples to fall in hate.

Valentine’s Day customs around the world ❥ In Great Britain, Spring begins on St.

Valentine's Day (February 14), widely believed to be the day on which birds choose their mates. Valentines Day is also called In mythology, Cupid the Birds' Wedding Day. gets a dose of his own medicine when he inad- ❥ In Norfolk (UK), a character called Jack vertently pierces himself Valentine knocks on the back door of houses with a love arrow and leaving sweets and presents for children. falls head over heels for ❥ The first man an unmarried woman sees the beautiful Psyche, of on February 14 is destined to be her future whom Venus, his mother, husband. vehemently disapproves. Venus sets Psyche a series of ❥ If a single girl sees a robin flying overimpossible tasks, hoping to head on Valentine’s Day, it means she will drive her away but Psyche tri- marry a sailor. If she sees a sparrow, she will umphs, is reconciled with Venus, wed a poor man and be very happy. If she marries Cupid and lives happily sees a goldfinch, she will marry a rich man. ever after in a vine-covered cottage in a good neighborhood on Mt. Olympus. ✫ ❥ In Wales, young men used to carve wooden love spoons to give as gifts on FebCupid & Psyche ruary 14. Hearts, keys and keyholes used to by Paul-Jacques-Aimé Baudry decorate the spoons meant, You unlock my French painter / muralist 1828—1886 heart.

Wed, Feb 27– 8pm at Nyack Center

❥ Also in Wales, many people observe Dydd Santes Dwynwen, a day to commemorate St Dwynwen, patron saint of Welsh lovers.

February Frolic starts on page 5

❥ In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag (All Hearts' Day).

❥ In Finland they celebrate Ystävänpäivä which translates Friend's Day, and is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones.

❥ In Slovenia, St Valentine or Zdravko was one of the saints of Spring, the saint of good health and the patron of beekeepers.

❥ In some Latin American countries Valentine's Day is known as Día del Amor y la Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship). It is common to see people perform acts of appreciation for their friends. ❥ In Saudi Arabia, religious police recently

At Nyack Center, South Bdwy at Depew, Nyack All films presented digitally. Info: 845.353.2568 Tickets:$11 gen’l adm; $8 students seniors & gen’l members; $7 student & senior members unless otherwise noted. Purchase tickets at door, in advance from 800.838.3006 or online at www.rivertownfilm.org

Wed, Feb 13–8pm at Nyack Center

• A LATE QUARTET (2012) Directed by Yaron Zilberman with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken, Catherine Keener; USA, 105 min, (R)

banned the sale of all Valentine's Day goods and ordered shop workers to remove any red items, as the day is considered a Christian holiday.

The paradoxical drives for self-expression and group harmony permeate this story of a quartet of musicians. When the eldest among them announces that he is playing his last season, volatile, clashing egos and emotions threaten to sabotage their seamless unity.

This ban’s unintended consequence was the creation of a black market in roses and red wrapping paper. ✫

Grace notes abound in “A Late Quartet,” a small, shining, gem of a movie that works its way into your heart with insinuating poetry of music.”—Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

• CHASING ICE (2012) Directed by Jeff Orlowski USA, 76 min, docu, unrated Even with a scientific upbringing, acclaimed photographer James Balog had been a skeptic about climate change until a trip to the Arctic opened his eyes to the biggest story in human history and sparked a challenge that put his career and his very well-being at risk. Using time-lapse photography, his hauntingly beautiful videos capture ancient mountains as they vanish before us. “Chasing Ice” depicts a photographer at the end of his tether, delivering evidence—and hope. Sundance Film Festival: Best Cinematography SXSW Film Festival: Audience award for Best Documentary “Heart-stopping. Here is a film for skeptics who say ‘we don't have enough information.’—Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun-Times. ✫

How to prepare a news release for the next Nyack Villager E-mail the name of the event, its date, time, sponsoring group and cost of admission, if any, to [email protected] Add one name and contact number so our readers can ask questions. Send it no later than February 15 for the March Villager. There is never a charge for a news release.

The Nyack Villager February, 2013 7

Remember the days? by James F. Leiner

My crime spree I guess it’s about time I come clean! If someone searches the police archives in the Nyack Village Hall, I’m sure they will discover my record. No, my offense is not recent; it’s the story of a nine-year old boy’s adventure growing up in a Nyack that is no more. My troubles came in 1954, a warm summer when we enjoyed swimming in the river or frolicking in a shallow pool in the Nyack Brook. One of my weekly chores was to collect glass bottles and return them for the deposit. I would get a nickel for a large soda bottle and 2¢ for the small bottles. Do you remember those heavy green Coke bottles? We found them all over the village near those bright red Coke machines. One hot August Friday my buddy Harold and I collected several dozen bottles. We loaded my red wagon and started down Depew Avenue towards the A&P grocery store on Broadway. “Ya know Harold— somebody said if you hit the bottom of a Coke bottle just right against a stone wall it sounds like a bomb going off. Ever try it?” “Naah,” he answered. “I think we should. We got plenty of Coke bottles. C’mon Harold it’ll be fun!”

“And whose going to clean up this mess?” he asked. “Come on. You guys are comin’ with me.” He half marched, half dragged us over to the Nyack Police station on Main Street. Taking us to the station’s squad room we were handcuffed to the heating pipes running up to the second floor. There was a dirty old wooden bench between the pipes to sit on. “Now sit there and don’t make a sound. I don’t wanna hear a peep out of either of ya!” He didn’t have to worry about that—we both were too scared to talk. Officer Gentile sat at a desk and put a piece of paper in the old black Remington typewriter. He growled: “Name—where do ya live—how old are you—what’s your old man’s name?” His questions kept coming along with growls and snarls as he typed with two fingers. The chief came out of his office. “Whatcha got here Pete?” “Couple of juvenile deliquents—caught ‘em busting bottles over at the school. Gonna book em!” “Call their fathers when you get a chance,” said the chief as he walked away. Our hearts sank. We were going to jail for sure. Gentile fingerprinted us and took our photographs.

We sat for hours, whispering to each other about going to jail before Officer Gentile returned to the station house about six On Depew Avenue we passed the girl’s play- o’clock. He picked up the telephone and ground of Liberty Street School. Yes—the asked the operator to ring my house. “Fred girls played on the north side, the boys on —got your boy down here at the station. the south. Wonder what educators of that Think ya better come down. He made the day knew? Anyway, there was a large blank same call to Harold’s father and shortly the wall at the edge of the playground where two walked in the police station. Officer the fire escape came down. The gate was Gentile stood talking to them at the front open. “C’mon Harold!” Grasping a heavy counter along with the chief. Harold and I bottle by neck and flinging it against the knew we were dead! brick wall delivered the exact sound we The next day was Saturday and would you were seeking. “BOOM” went the bottle as believe Harold and I swept the entire playit smashed against the bricks. “BOOM— BOOM—BOOM,” soon a staccato cadence ground at Liberty Street School; yup, both sides. Office Gentile walked by a few times developed; it was GREAT! during the day, still growling, as he checked Suddenly I felt the back of my shirt being on our progress while our dads enjoyed a tugged up, lifting me almost off the ground. few cool ones in the shade. “What do you jerks think you’re doing?” I looked over at Harold and he was dangling So, there you have it, the gory details of my crime spree. My only arrest at nine. I as precariously as I was from the hands of Nyack Police Officer Pete Gentile. He was can tell you one thing: it sure scared the @#$%& out of me! growling and asked again. “What are you doing?” The Nyack Villager thanks Jim Leiner for helping us

“Naah,” he said. “Might get in trouble.”

“Making bombs,” came sheepishly from me. 8 The Nyack Villager February, 2013

all ‘ Remember the Days.’

✫

The App of the Month by Vicki Schwaid

Who the heck is Siri? If you have the iPhone 4s or 5, then you have Siri. Apple refers to Siri as your personal assistant. Siri has a multiple functions and different ways it can be utilized. You can ask it questions and it then searches the Internet (or your phone) for the answer. Siri will respond out loud with the answer or it will display a Safari web page. Another cool thing—you can ask Siri to make an appointment and put it on your calendar. This is how it's done: speak into the phone and say make appointment with Nyack Villager for lunch on Feb 14 at 2pm. Siri will respond with confirmation of the date, time and subject. You have the opportunity to say create or cancel. The concept with all of the Siri stuff is that you don’t have to type as much and can be a little more hands free. You can speak freely into the phone and Siri will reply or create. I love to use Siri to type texts or emails. Here’s how: Next to the space bar, on the left side, is a microphone. Open up a new email or do a reply, then put the cursor in the window where you would type, tap on the microphone and begin speaking. Hit the microphone to stop. What then takes place is magical; the dictation is quickly turned into type/text. The window will fill with your message. Then just hit send. I do find it’s important to proof-read it because Siri is definitely a work in progress. If you want punctuation, then you have to say period, exclamation mark, question mark, new line and so on. So, if you have an iPhone 4s or iPhone 5, go to settings and make sure Siri is on. Then you'll have your own personal assistant. Have fun! Vicki Schwaid is the owner of The Mac Shack in Nyack. The Mac Shack does on-site service and support for Mac computers and devices. She has been in the computing industry for 25+ years with a fluid understanding of networking, programming & graphic production. ✫

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. —Mark Twain, 1835—1910 The Nyack Villager February, 2013 9

From Valley Cottage Animal Hospital by Jessica Downing, DVM

Valentine’s Day is every day “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”—Anatole France If you were to look inside my heart, you would see a pair of dark eyes that pierce your soul. A pure white blaze runs between those all-knowing eyes. Perched on his head is a set of the biggest bat-like ears one has ever seen. My heart’s desire answers to the name Koa—that is, when he wants to. I do not have to tell him that he’s perfect, he was born knowing that. I know that I am not alone. If you were to look into the hearts of the people around you, your neighbors, your co-workers, the person driving ahead of you, you would see a spot deep inside their being that is reserved for a very special non-human friend. I know this because I see this love in humanity’s heart, not just on Valentine’s Day, but every single day. Yes, I see love every day. Yesterday, I walked passed an exam room. An elderly widower was waiting to take his aging poodle home. The assistant carried the poodle into the room and placed him into the man’s arms. When the assistant left, I saw the man give the poodle a quick kiss on the head and say, “let’s go home.” A tender gesture, not meant to be seen by anyone, but one which tugged at my heart. Today, I saw a beautiful purebred for her yearly wellness exam. A year ago, this dog was covered in dirt and grease, rescued from

a parking lot by a man who had just lost his own canine friend. Her new family brought her to us in the middle of the night. We gave her the first bath she had ever had. Now, people often mistake her for a show dog. Of course, the food that her new family gave her nourished her body, but it was their love that saved her from that parking lot. The refrigerator in our hospital is a testament of love. It is filled with containers of boiled chicken, hamburgers, and cheese. I know this food has been lovingly prepared by anxious owners, hoping that their hospitalized furry companions will eat. A look of relief on an owner’s face, when their finicky feline eats his first meal in days, tells of the angst and worry that has been weighing on them ever since their cat became sick. Yes, I see love every day; perhaps not in the grand gestures of romance that we see on Valentine’s Day. I do not see dozens of red roses or big stuffed teddy bears. Instead it is love in a very uncomplicated and pure form and that’s the best love of all. General practitioner and emergency veterinarian at Valley Cottage Animal Hospital since 2005, Dr. Jessica Downing grew up in upstate New York. She completed her veterinary education at the New York State Veterinary College at Cornell University and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. Dr. Downing's professional interests include emergency medicine, ultrasonography and surgery. When she's not busy with her duties at the hospital, Dr. Downing enjoys running, hiking, gardening, personal fitness and going for walks with her two French Bulldogs, Koa and Dakota. ✫

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PET FOR ADOPTION Savannah is a beautiful three year-old female dilute tortoiseshell cat. She is gently playful, enjoys people and is well behaved when left to herself. Savannah has been spayed and is up to date on all her shots. Fee to adopt: $150

To adopt this or other fine pet, contact Hi-Tor Animal Care Center, 65 Firemen’s Memorial Drive, Pomona NY 845.354.7900 or [email protected] ✫ photo: @ 2013 Jane Zipilli


The Doctor is by David Brogno, M.D.

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Learn the signs of a heart attack Not knowing the signs of a heart attack can be deadly. All too often, people having a heart attack wait too long to get help. By learning the signs, you may be able to save a loved one’s life—or your own. Not everyone who has a heart attack feels sudden, crushing pain. While some heart attacks come on suddenly and intensely, most start more slowly, and cause only mild pain. The classic signs of a heart attack are: • Discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and returns. It can feel like pain, uncomfortable pressure, fullness or squeezing. • Pain or discomfort elsewhere in the upper body: one or both arms, the back, stomach or jaw. • Shortness of breath, with or without discomfort in the chest. • Breaking out in a cold sweat, lightheadedness or nausea. The more of these signs you have, the more likely it is that you are having a heart attack. In women, chest pain or discomfort are the most common symptoms of a heart attack. But they are more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Some women can have a heart attack without feeling any chest pressure. Women may mistake heart attack symptoms for less dangerous health conditions, such as acid reflux or the flu. If you think you might be having a heart attack, don’t wait more than five minutes to call 911. When treating a heart attack, every minute matters. Call even if you are not sure the symptoms you are experiencing really indicate a heart attack. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital; have someone else drive you. By calling 911, emergency medical personnel will be able to begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room. Listen to your body and don’t ignore chest discomfort. Receiving quick treatment can save your life David Brogno, M.D., is Nyack Hospital Chief of Cardiology, Columbia Doctors of the Hudson Valley. ✫ The Nyack Villager February, 2013 11

Community notes Tell The Villager and we’ll tell the community. E-mail brief news release to: [email protected]

Red Carpet Oscar Party Don’t miss the Red Carpet Oscar Party fundraiser hosted by Friends of the Nyacks. The black tie (optional) event starts with a red carpet walk to include a “who are you wearing” at 7:15pm. Guests will enjoy a half hour of socializing, hors d’ouvres and wine followed by a sit-down dinner and the live feed of the Academy Awards. The evening will be filled with fashion, fun, special surprise appearances, paparazzi, awards—all the while supporting local community-minded NAMI/Familya of Rockland County, affiliated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The Friends have earnarked their donation for programs that assist parents/caregivers of children and adolescents with emotional difficulties. Red Carpet Oscar Party Fundraiser for Friends of the Nyacks Feb 24 at Harbor Hill, 91 Main St., Nyack; Red Carpet Walk starts 7:15pm; main event 8-11pm. Cost: $80pp, $150 per couple. Info: Paulette Ross 845.348.1767 e-mail: [email protected]

Historical Society of the Nyacks

modest living she and her mother sold eggs, butter and farm animals and took in roomers. They were Friends (Quakers), referred to Sunday as “first day,” and were also vegetarians. She identifies herself as from Nyack-on-Hudson and tells about coming to town, sometimes on foot, to go to the library or catch the Chrystenah to Manhattan. She also traveled by horse and buggy and the Nyack-Tarrytown ferry to visit relatives in Pleasantville.

Nyack’s Winter Farmers’ Market

The notebook, by Robert Hart, records details about life and history in South Nyack between 1799 and 1855. Items that Hart recorded are the history of how the Cornelison farm, comprising most of South Nyack, was subdivided, how many shad his sons caught each year, the death dates of prominent citizens, events in the history of the Nyack Presbyterian Church, and the details of running his farm.

• R & R MUSIC returns to the market with an acoustic set. Thurs, Feb 21 from 11am to 1pm

• NUTRITIONIST REBECCA MEYERSON of Simply Healthy Living will be at the market for healthy cooking advice, demonstrations and to answer questions. Thurs, Feb 7 from 11am to 1pm

Food Swap

"Food Swapping" is a new national phenomenon. No cash is exchanged—homemade food changes hands in a silent auction format. Bring up to 12 items of your handmade or homegrown culinary goodies—ie: jams, chutneys, breads, Come visit Saturdays in Feb & Mar from 1—4pm in the vinegars, cookies, spreads, etc., and swap for something else basement of the Depew House, 50 Piermont Avenue, adja- you can take home. cent to Nyack Library. More info may be had by calling Come to the Rockland Food Swap on Tues, Feb 26, from 845.358.0552 or by going to www.nyackhistory.org — 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Piermont Reformed Church at —Thanks to Win Perry for details about the show. 361 Ferdon Avenue, Piermont. Parking in the back. For more info, visit www.rocklandswappers.blogspot.com At Birchwood Center Info: call Phyllis Segura at 845.365.0042. 85 S. Broadway, Nyack. Everyone is welcome. Info or to register, e-mail [email protected] or call (845) 358-6409.

LOCAL TREASURES—a quilt, a blanket, a diary, a notebook • THROUGH MY FLESH I SEE and many other items in our collection for you to see. A Body-Chanting Workshop with Judith Rose The quilt is the Nyack Star Quilt, signed by a group of local In this workshop, we will deepen our reverence for the body women, likely auctioned or raffled to raise money in support through chant, textual inquiry, and movement using the lyriof young men who were leaving to fight in the Civil War to cal Hebrew movement art of OtiyotHayyot ("Living Letters"). preserve the union and end slavery. We are showing it again Sun, Feb 10 from 2 to 4:30pm; fee: $35 by popular demand. • VALENTINE’S WORKSHOP FOR COUPLES The blanket is the sort woven by itinerant weavers, often Partner Massage & Stretch Together. Come with your partner, with a loom mounted on a wagon bed, usually using wool friend or family member for a fun, soothing experience. yarn spun by the owner. Its owner, Peter T. Stephens, was a Learn how to stretch together and give each other a really wealthy farmer in West Nyack with a grand sandstone house. great foot, shoulder and neck massage. He was also a judge who served a term as supervisor of the Sat, Feb 16, from 2 to 6pm; fee: $175 per couple Town of Clarkstown. A news article notes that he produced Info or to register for these workshops call 845.358.6409. 40,000 gallons of cider one year and frequently exhibited his produce and animals at the county agricultural fair. “After Hours” Chamber networking Come to “After Hours,” the Chamber’s networking event and The diary was handwritten by Bertha Frost, in 1881-1895. She was also a farmer in West Nyack, but at the other end of be a part of the discussion of plans for promoting Nyack. All the economic spectrum. She took over the family farm as a are invited to attend. Tues, Feb 12, from 6 to 7:30pm at Pour House, 102 Main teenager on the abdication of her father (a "gentleman of Street, Nyack. leisure") and managed it throughout her life. To earn their 12 The Nyack Villager February, 2013

Every Thursday, 8am to 2pm, indoors at Nyack Center, corner of Depew & South Broadway, in Nyack.

Nyack Hospital Lose to Win Nyack Hospital is offering a Lose to Win weight loss class beginning on January 28, 2013 for all those who have resolved that “This is the year.” Classes will be held at the YMCA in Nyack for eight consecutive Mondays from 7:30 to 9pm. The cost is $10 and registration is required. For more information or to register, please call (845) 348-2004. Class size is limited.

Spring Valley Clinic relocates NYACK HOSPITAL RECOVERY CENTER FOR CHANGE SATELLITE CLINIC IN SPRING VALLEY HAS A NEW ADDRESS. As of mid-January, Nyack Hospital’s Recovery Center for Change satellite clinic in Spring Valley will be located at 7 Main Street, Spring Valley, NY. Opened in 2006 at the Martin Luther King Center in Spring Valley, The Recovery Center offers supportive services for those suffering from addiction and includes group and individual counseling, case management and referrals. With referrals from individuals, Department of Social Services, Drug and Family Treatment Courts, Probation and Parole, the center offers comprehensive treatment to those in need.

The program provides services to approximately 350 clients and their families each year. Recovery Center Director Teri Aliotta comments, “We are grateful to the Martin Luther King Center for their past support. As our programs change and expand to meet the needs of the community, it has become necessary to move into a space of our own." For more information about the Nyack Hospital Recovery Center, please visit www.nyackhospital.org

Palisades Indoor Farmers’ Market The cure for the winter hum-drums—heirloom and organic vegetables from Blooming Hill farm, line-caught fish from Pura Vida Fisheries, apples, cider and baked goods from The Orchards of Concklin, Cooperstown Cheese, grass-fed beef and pork, chicken from Full Moon and Brookside Farms, The Pie Lady & Son and new and wonderful ice cream flavors from Dish Café—just a few of our delicious winter offerings. Stop by for gifts for your Valentine and ingredients to make a romantic meal. The knife sharpener will join us the first Saturday of the month. The Palisades Farmers Market is open every Sat, 9am to 1pm, rain, snow or shine—at 675 Oak Tree Road, in Palisades, NY. Join the e-mail list to receive market updates at [email protected]

Upper Nyack School Mardi Gras

Nyack Business Beat

with Cajun fare, cocktails, live and silent auctions, music and entertainment to benefit Upper Nyack Elementary School Children will be held Fri, Feb 1 at 7pm at Town & Country, 922 Rte 9W, Congers. For further information, contact Annette James at [email protected]

From the Chamber of Commerce of the Nyacks

Flash Mob Dance CENTER FOR SAFETY & CHANGE (formerly Rockland Family Shelter) invites you to participate in the Rockland Rising Flash Mob Dance at the Palisades Mall (choreography by the magical Myrna Packer, of Bridgman/Packer) Thurs, Feb 14. Arrive at 5pm, dance at 5:30* Founded by playwright, author and activist Eve Ensler, Rockland Rising works internationally to end violence against women and girls. * The Flash Mob Dance is open to women and men of all ages—no prior dance experience is necessary. For those interested, dance lessons will be given prior to the event. Participants should arrive at 5pm in front of H&M Department Store on Feb 14, located on the first floor of the mall. A $5 donation is suggested.

ADDITIONAL DATES & PLACES: Tues Feb 12 at Birchwood Center, 85 South Broadway, 7:15 Call for entries for Legion scholarships to 8:30pm IF YOU ARE Tues Feb 13 at Birchwood Center, 85 South Broadway, 3:30 (1) the child or grandchild of a US Armed Forces veteran or to 5:30pm World War 2 Merchant Marine, For info including dance rehearsal schedules, please call (2) a resident of the Nyack School District attending any acNancy Donoghue at 845.634.3391. credited High School, (3) have SAT score of 1200 or above, and Quiet Reading Room named for a (4) have been accepted by an accredited university or two or special lady four year college, The Quiet Reading Room at St. Thomas Aquinas College’s you may be eligible for one of 2 scholarships awarded annuLougheed Library was named for Rose T. DeGroat. Her husally by American Legion Post 310 of Nyack. band, Charles W. DeGroat, wrote the following tribute. Applicants must submit a 400-500 word essay on the topic, “Rose T. DeGroat and the life she lead is truly an inspiration "Is the United States of America an exceptional nation?" and for all of us. ... She came from a hardworking, inspiring, be interviewed by the selection committee composed of four loving family who taught her the values of hard work, members of Post 310. working together and family. I will never forget Rose and I Each of two winners will receive scholarships of $500. don’t want others to forget her either. The Reading Room at St. Thomas is a perfect tribute to Rose’s love of family Request for application and questions can be addressed to and of learning. Her life has truly been an inspiration to all Alex Umrichin, American Legion Post 310, PO Box 302 ✫ of us.” Nyack, NY 10960.

by Scott Baird There must be good gastronomic karma at 8 North Broadway. For years, Nyackers knew this place as a great restaurant—Lu Shane’s, but for the past few years, we’ve walked past that dark, empty space wondering when someone would move in and create their dream restaurant. The wait is over. A group of friends took over the space and started a great new restaurant known simply as 8 North Broadway. 8 North Broadway opened in December, 2012. With a chic copper bar and beautiful modern design, you can tell—the place is going to be a big hit. The chefs, Constantine Kalandranis and Hichim Habbas, have worked for some of the biggest names in NY City’s culinary community. Their Mediterranean menu includes offerings from Greece, Spain, Italy and France. From sizzling octopus to quail on the plancha to pan roasted rib eye, all of their menu items are exotic and enticing. The restaurant’s philosophy is to shop local and provide fresh, local food. The owners are supporters of the Nyack Farmers’ Market and now, the Winter Farmers’ Market at the Nyack Center. Every day, they bring in fresh fish right off the docks—so you never know what will be on the menu. And here’s something else that’s different—they have 6 local beers on tap and three local wines. Nyack is proud to boast yet another destination dining experience. Scott Baird is President of the Nyack Chamber of Commerce and is a commercial realtor with Rand Commercial Services. You can reach him at [email protected] and the Chamber at www.nyackchamber.org ✫ The Nyack Villager February, 2013 13

✷ SUMMER CAMPS 2013 ✷ February is the perfect time to think about warm days to come and to plan for your kids’ Summer fun. Our community offers a wealth of resources and a variety of fun field activities for you to choose from. Check out some of what’s available. (In alphabetical order.) Amazing Grace Circus Summer Day Camp Hudson Valley’s oldest year-round youth circus organization, Amazing Grace Circus!, presents its 11th Annual Big Top Circus Summer Day Camp for ages 5—14. Children and teens learn juggling, clowning, acrobatics, trapeze, tightwire, and aerial skills. Campers put on a real circus show with costumes, make-up, and choreography for acrobatic and clown routines at the end of each 2-week session. To get in shape for the summer camp enroll in School of Circus Arts in Nyack. New session starts now. Call Carlo Pellegrini, Circus & Camp Director at 845-348-8740, to sign up for Circus Summer Camp, website: www.amazinggracecircus.org Blue Rock School Summer Play 110 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack is an enchanting place with a warm, caring and experienced staff. Ages 3 ½ to 12 explore art, music, nature and science, woodworking, drama, swimming, games and free play on four acres of wooded property. Our older groups can choose a once-a-week Excursion Option where they explore the great outdoors in local parks, hiking trails, and area rivers and lakes. CIT program available for ages 13 and older. Five-week program: July 1 to August 1, Mondays-Thursdays, 9:30am— 3pm. Open House Saturday, March 9 at 2pm. Register at [email protected] or 845-627-0234. www.bluerockschool.org Elisabeth Morrow School, Summer Explorations June 24—August 2, the summer program offers a unique blend of camp and school, with a wide variety of choices. Workshops include math, reading/literature, sports, arts, science, computer, cooking, LEGO engineering, woodworking, fashion design and more! The 14-acre wooded campus, playgrounds, playing fields, science and computer labs provide just the right setting for learning and recreation. We offer two-week sessions with half or full day options for children age three through grade six. New this summer: one week courses offered for students in grades 7—9. Academic offerings including science, math, writing, drama, test prep, technology, art and more. website: www.elisabethmorrow.org for more information or call (201) 568-5566, ext. 7150. Green Meadow Waldorf School Jun 24—28, Jul 1—5, 307 Hungry Hollow Rd., Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977. Summer Farm Days for ages 4—7. Children work on the farm, caring for animals, getting dirty in the vegetable garden, and enjoying field and stream. Summer Garden Days. Children work in the biodynamic garden, planting, harvesting, and learning to care for the earth, the source of our food. Contact: Lisa Miccio, 845.356.2514 x326 or [email protected] for both. Lightbox Photo Camp This hands-on course introduces you to the basics of digital photography. Learn how to make the technical choices that support the desired artistic results, in a fun freewheeling environment. 12—15 year olds July 8—12 $450; 16—18 year olds July 15— 19 $450; For less than the cost of one shoot, both models and photographers can participate in a week of dazzling creativity. Noted photographer Chris Carroll will coordinate shoots with selected groups of photographers and models. In a a safe, empowering environment that will allow new or unsure models to experience the fun and excitement of real photo shoots. July 22—26 $550 information: www.lightboxnyack.com [email protected] www.facebook.com/lightboxnyack Music and Arts Summer Camp offers a creative and nurturing environment for children interested in music, singing, theatre, and art at the beautiful FOR mansion in Nyack, July 8 through August 2, 10am to 2pm. Through group and private music lessons, musical games, improvisation and movement, students not only develop their skills in the arts, but they have a blast doing it! Directed by Christopher Yates, owner of Nyack’s Lanti Yates Music Studio, the camp features professional actress Jill Lobo, and professional musicians and guest artists who are gifted, caring teachers. For a child interested in creative expression, this is an exuberant camp brimming with possibilities. Register now/find more info at lantiyatesmusic.com. Nyack Fencing Academy Sleep Away Summer Camp Held at the Peddie School, an innovative private school located in Hightstown, New Jersey, from August 4—10. We focus primarily on introducing new students and advancing the skills of current students in the sport of fencing for ages 9—20. Participants will develop skills in the weapon of their choice (Foil, Epee, or Saber). We provide individualized instruction, tactical group classes, supervised round-robin fencing, and conditioning combined with a unique opportunity to enjoy many summer camp activities. (Movie Nights, Olympic Sized Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Hiking Trails, 6 different sport fields, Air Conditioned Dorms). For more information: Website: www.nyackfencing.com Phone: 845-803-6052 Rockland Center for the Arts Summer Camp The camp experience at RoCA turns summer "sun" days into creative "fun" days for children ages 5 through 12. RoCA's ten wooded acres, fully equipped, air-conditioned, art studios and large sparkling swimming pool are the site of our programs. Campers, under the supervision of adult instructors and caring counselors, learn in a hands-on, non-competitive environment where confidence, creativity and group cooperation are encouraged. Three or four days per week are available. Four, six or eight-week sessions are offered. June 25—August 16. Discounts available. An Open House will be held Sunday, March 10, 1—4pm. Contact: Amy Alinkofsky, Camp Director (845) 358-0877 x. 18 [email protected] www.rocklandartcenter.org

Amazing Grace Circus 14 The Nyack Villager February, 2013

Elisabeth Morrow School

Lightbox Photo Camp

Green Meadow Waldorf School

Blue Rock School

Lanti Yates Music

Nyack Fencing Academy

Rockland Center for the Arts The Nyack Villager February, 2013 15

At the Movies by Ric Pantale

The Hollywood Sign part 2 Echo Mountain, where the Hollywood sign stands, was a place in the old days where you could climb to the peak, picnic and yell down into the canyon to hear your echo. During the 1920s and 30s, when times were rough, it was a hobo hangout. On any given night you could catch the scent of stolen chickens roasting on a hobo campfire.

drugstore—which was untrue. Instead she climbed the treacherous path leading up to the sign. When she reached the top, there with the sign that promised wonderful dreams, Peggy threw herself off the letter H and fell to her death.

The tabloids detailed her sad story. She was only 24. She immediately became known as the Hollywood Sign girl. A few years later, a radio station and TV studio were built nearby, even though television was still years away. It was ironic that one day, televiThe road leading to the sign was unpaved and sion would knock the major studios for a loop. not very secure. If you hiked the dusty path, Through all the years of Hollywood’s decline, no most often you would encounter hill- one ever thought of maintaining the sign. Year climbers—salesmen, workmen or students, by year, it faded and crumbled away. In the taking a break and enjoying the view. early 1940s it had a major mishap. While drivThe sign itself was huge. Made out of wooden ing at the top of Mt. Lee (as it became to be poles with wooden lattice work, it supported called) the sign’s caretaker had too much to the 44-foot tall, 30 foot wide letters. At night drink, ran off the road and crashed into the let40,000 lightbulbs blinked in succession, each ter H, sending it careening downhill. Fortulighting up a section at a time—first HOLLY, nately, no one was hurt. In 1949, the parks department took over the upkeep of the road then WOOD, and finally, LAND. and did their best to keep the sign presentable. Although its builders intended it to last no The lightbulbs were removed along with the more than 18 months, the sign has been there, four letters that spelled LAND—which was off and on, for 80 years, mirroring the fate of just as well because earthquakes had made that Hollywood itself—once bright and shiny, later part weaker. faded and crumbling, like the studios. During World War II, the 40,00 bulbs want dark as the During the 1960s, Hollywood wasn't Hollysign’s owners went bankrupt; the letters began wood any more. Paramount was the only stuto fall apart and, in 1944, the sign was taken dio left within city limits; most of the other studios moved to the San Fernando valley. over by the city. Massage parlors, adult book stores and x-rated Before that, in the 1930s, the sign was growing its own folklore. It was at its best in the Hollywood-boom time, when talking pictures were new, but soon the Great Depression hit. Hollywood, like everywhere else, suffered economic woes. The studios developed the star system—the method of creating and promoting actors, with emphasis on image, rather than talent. The studios selected young, unknown actors and created glamorous personae for them, often inventing new names and even new backgrounds. Kept under contract for decades, these actors could be maintained at low cost. Though armies of hopeful young actors flocked to Hollywood, most of them, sadly, were rejected. In 1932, A young New York stage actress named Peggy Entwistle, determined to become famous, packed her bags and moved in with a relative who lived in a cottage virtually below the sign. Though she auditioned and waited by the phone, Peggy failed to break into the movies. A long summer passed as Peggy’s depression deepened. Finally, one night in September, she said she was going to meet friends at the corner 16 The Nyack Villager February, 2013

video stores made the town look and feel seedy. The Hollywood sign was ugly, too. The paint was peeling and, by the 1970s, part of the letter D and the whole letter O fell down Mt. Lee. An arsonist set a fire that destroyed the second L. The sign became the butt of pranks. It once read Hollyweed to celebrate marijuana, then later Holywood, when Pope John Paul 11 visited in 1977. Sometime in the last year of the wild 1970s, the Chamber of Commerce declared enough was enough. The sign needed rebuilding and it needed it fast. Charities were created to raise the $250.000 to rebuild it. At a benefit hosted by Hugh Heffner, the remaining letters were auctioned off for $27,000 each. The benefit was a big success; Gene Autry bought an L, Andy Williams bought the W, Alice Cooper bought an O—and soon all the money was in hand to start reconstruction. For three long months in 1978, Mt. Lee had no sign at all. Then, after 194 tons of concrete, enamel and steel were in place, the famous sign was completed and ready for a new millennium. Today it stands proud and tall in its shiny free paint job from Sherwin Williams. Through all its 80 years, starting as a billboard for a housing development, it endured neglect and decay to be reborn as today’s Internationally-known icon. The famous Hollywood sign stands as a symbol of creativity, hard work, and the magic of motion pictures. Ric Pantale writer and director, is an independent film maker. ✫

Publicity photograph 1923

From Orangetown Town Hall by Andy Stewart, Orangetown Supervisor A Day in the Life of Town Hall Let’s face it—to get to Town Hall from the river villages you not only must overcome the physical barrier of Clausland Mountain, but make a political and cultural journey too. But it’s a trip well worth making.

accounts. Part of my job is to foster economic development by introducing business people to our town staff in charge of building permits, tax assessment, sewers and other matters directly impacting the construction process. Guess where we meet?

The Orangetown Museum installs temporary exhibits in the long hallway At the risk of over-generalization, the Villages connecting the old and new parts of Town Hall. Two recent exhibits have focused on are tourist Meccas with their own governments and strong affinities for cafés, liberal the Sparkill Creek watershed and the history of local fire departments. Right now politics, the Hudson River and NY City. Townsfolk visit often. In contrast, heading we have an exhibit of marvelous posters by westward, in general, demographics shift to- local high school students envisioning the wards a more suburban and conservative so- future of the Rockland Psychiatric Center site. At the end of the hallway is the lobby cial scene. for the new court room, as well as the police Of course, our commonalities outweigh our station and town clerk. Here our trusty differences, and one of the most important court constables maintain order by greeting things we all share is Town Hall. More and calming anxious court visitors, and than just a physical building—actually two controlling contraband. The New Court buildings, one built in 1961 and the other doubled as our Emergency Operations Cenin 1993—Town Hall is a hub of local govter during Superstorm Sandy, and it’s where ernment, civic life and a cultural space, too. we hold our annual “reorganization meetCome visit, and see for yourself. ing” in January and other larger ceremonial events, such as Youth Court graduation. A Arriving at Town Hall, you walk on sacred bronze plaque in the lobby commemorates ground. Town Hall, like most of Orangefour police officers who died in the line of burg, is built on the former massive Camp duty. Around the corner is Tappan sculptor Shanks military complex that served as Karen Worth’s bronze medallion summarizpoint of departure and return for millions ing the Town’s 300 year history. of soldiers during WWII. You can learn much about Camp Shanks and OrangeIt is an unfortunate fact that some Villagers town history from the many exhibits in don’t even realize they live in Orangetown! Town Hall—photos, memorabilia, paintYet, we all pay taxes to the Town, and beneings, historic maps. We’ve even hung site fit from sewers, police, road maintenance, plans for new construction projects that you lovely parks and other Town services availmay have noticed around town. able to all. I hope this virtual tour of Town Most people come to Town Hall to pay taxes, go to court, obtain a document from the Clerk, or participate in one of the many committees that meet around the beautiful antique conference table in the “Old Court Room.” If this big old table could talk, imagine the stories it could tell! We hold staff meetings here, reporters sit here during board meetings, and our auditors set up shop here during their annual review of the

Hall helps you to feel at home in Town Hall and comfortable seeking out the information and services you may need.

February is ...

February is promoted as...

... the most mispelled of all the months. ... merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March.—Dr. J. R. Stockton

Andrew Y. Stewart, PhD, Town Supervisor, Town of Orangetown, 26 Orangeburg Rd Orangeburg, NY 10962 845.359.5100 ext 2261 845.359.2623 FAX E-mail [email protected] ✫

• Great American Pie Month • Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month • National Grapefruit Month • International Expect Success Month The Nyack Villager February, 2013 17

Notes from Harriet by Harriet Cornell

Ensuring our children’s future If children are our future—and of course they are—then we must ensure they grow to be productive members of society and capable of becoming the educated workforce of a global economy. Seventy-five percent of brain growth and 85% of intellect, personality and social skills develop before a child reaches the age of 5. If children are not well nourished, do not have access to quality early childhood care, and if their parents are not guided in ways to be supportive, it can have a profound impact on their ability to be contributing members of society. In 1995, I played a role in founding a family-school-community-government collaborative, Rockland 21C. Its mission continues to be the optimal development of every child through a comprehensive support system, the recognition that every adult is responsible for every child and the dedication

When did girls start wearing pink? 18 The Nyack Villager February, 2013

of community resources to our common aspirations. Thanks to research and proven programs we know how to ensure healthy development. But children can’t wait while government leaders argue over funding priorities. They keep growing! We know the importance of quality early childhood programs, of vocabulary development, of after-school programs, of education in the arts and music. These are not frills—they are facts. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said “research increasingly has shown the benefits of early childhood education ... to provide the lifelong acquisition of skills for both individuals and the economy as a whole. The payoffs ... are especially high.” Think of it: the ability to compete in the global economy depends upon the earliest education and support to infants and children. This is surely an investment in economic development. We can pay now to

produce an educated citizenry—or we pay later for jails and anti-social behavior. Each and every day, I wonder if we have done enough. Do our children have the support they need to learn and to grow? Will they get enough exercise and eat healthy foods? Will the schools and local agencies have the resources to provide enrichment and after-school activities? I’m the daughter of an accountant, and while I always seek annual balanced budgets, my bottom line is longer term—about developing human capital, and giving people the tools to discover the cure for cancer and to invent the next great thing. It does take a village, and we are all a part of that village. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Harriet Cornell is Chairwoman of the Rockland County Legislature. She represents Legislative District 10, encompassing the Villages of Nyack and Upper Nyack, Central Nyack and parts of West Nyack and New City. ✫

“Little Franklin Delano Roosevelt, age 21/2, sits primly on a stool, his white skirt spread smoothly over his lap, his hands clasping a hat trimmed with a marabou feather. Shoulderlength hair and patent leather party shoes complete the ensemble. “We find the look unsettling today, yet social convention of 1884 dictated that boys wore dresses until age 6 or 7, also the time of their first haircut. Franklin’s outfit was considered gender-neutral.” —Smithsonian Magazine For a long time, babies and toddlers were dressed in white—bleachable and therefore practical. Colors—pink, blue and other pastel colors—arrived in mid-19th century. It comes as a surprise to some people that,

Plumbing & heating tips of the month by Ralph Spano

Renovation part 2: on to the kitchen Frank and Louise, pleased with the results of their bathroom renovation, started to gather ideas for their dream kitchen. They again called their master plumber, who oversaw the entire bathroom renovation (plumbing, electric, sheet rock, tile and new skylight), and brought him in to discuss what they wanted—the type of sink and appliances (microwave, dishwasher, range, refrigerator, garbage disposal) and the location of each. They wanted to re-locate their kitchen sink from one side of the kitchen to the other. Their plumber recommended they put the dishwasher, range and refrigerator on one wall, with ample counter space. He supplied names of two kitchen cabinet makers in 1918, you would have dressed your boy in pink and your girl in blue. The reason given was that pink, being a stronger color, was more suitable for the boy, while delicate and dainty blue was prettier for the girl.

Frank and Louise gave a lot of thought to the style, make and color of the new cabinets, comparing the prices in the two cabinet shops. When their selections were made, the kitchen renovation could begin. As they were happy with work done in their bathroom renovation by the tile man, electrician and painters, they decided to hire them for the kitchen project, too.

fixtures and appliances while the electrician installed the overhead lighting fixtures, outlets and switches. From start to finish the kitchen project took about eleven days. The building inspector came in to inspect the final phase of construction and issued his approval of all the work that had been done.

Frank and Louise were delighted with the outcome and hosted a celebratory dinner and house warming for their close friends. Once plans were filed with the building deThey were happy to recommend their team partment and the construction permits were of specialists to their friends. They knew issued, demolition started; workmen stripped their plumber’s years of experience helped out the old plumbing, cabinets, ceiling and them avoid costly mistakes; they especially floor. Their master plumber then came in appreciated his attention to their budget and brought in the electrician. Together and overall design. they did their work inside the walls. When it was done, the plumber called for building Ralph Spano is president/owner of Sunshine inspections. Once the inspections were Plumbing & Heating. He can be reached at completed, workmen put up the new sheet any time at 845.548.3054. Visit him online rock, insulation and tile. at sunshineplumbingandheating.com or by Next came the cabinets, along with a beau- e-mail at: [email protected] ✫ tiful black-and-gold-veined granite countertop. While overseeing the construction, their plumber started the installation of the

ter in blue was to invite compliments on your handsome little boy. In the mid-1960s, the unisex look was in as baby boomers feared that their daughters might be lured by frilly dresses into an overly passive role in society. For two years Sears Roebuck pictured no pink toddler wear. But the pendulum swings and some young mothers who were dressed in gender-neutral clothing and deprived of Barbies see things in a different light according to the author of the Smithsonian article. “They think even if they want their girl to be a surgeon,” he writes, “there’s nothing wrong if she is a very feminine surgeon.” ✫ Five Brothers 1910

▲

In 1927, a Time Magazine article identified gender-appropriate colors for girls and boys based on the opinions of leading US retailers, Filene’s in Boston, Best & Co. in NY City, and Marshall Field in Chicago. All told parents to dress boys in pink, girls in blue. “Today’s color dictate wasn’t established until the 1940s” says the author of the Smithsonian article, “It could have gone the other way.” It became unthinkable to dress your son in pink; to dress your daugh-

he had worked with over the years.


Birthstone: AMETHYST symbol of sincerity

Flower: VIOLET symbol of faithfulness

February 2013

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage.—Lao-Tzu

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THU

1

CALENDAR ABBREVIATIONS VB=Village Board PB=Planning Board ZBA=Zoning Bd of Appeals HA=Housing Authority ARB=Architectural Review Board BWC=Bd of Water Commissioners PC=Parks Commission EC=Environmental Committee

3 last quarter R 4 Reading by Eileen Brady at Piermont Library

Nyack PB 7:30 p

5

FREE First Friday Film see page 5

Jazz & Blues Concert see page 5

6

12

13

Film Society movie at Nyack Chamber Nyack Center

Valentine’s Day concert in Spring Valley

Nyack Justice Court 5p

After Hours

see page 5

see page 7

17 first quarterR 18

19 Nyack Justice Court 5p

PALISADES Farm Mkt 9-1 page 13 Groundhog Day

celebration

see page 12

see page 5

14 ♥

20 ARB meets 7:30p

Jazz & Blues Concert

BWC meets 4:30p

see page 5

21

Nyack Justice Ct 9:30a Nyack VB meets 7:30p

see page 12

Nyack Justice rt 5p HA meets 7p PC meets 7p

FOOD SWAP see page 12

27 Film Society movie at Nyack Center see page 7

15

Nyack Justice Court 9:30a

Nyack Farm Mkt 8-2

25 full moonS 26 ZBA meets 7:30p

Carnegie Rm concert

Valentine’s Day

Presidents Day Village Hall is closed


Carnegie Rm concert page 5

every Thurs

Nyack VB meets 7:30p

see page 12 Mardi Gras

Oscar Night in Hollywood

2

9 Black History Month

8

Nyack Farm Mkt 8-2

10 new moon D 11

see page 12

SAT

see page 5

Superbowl Sunday

Red Carpet Oscar Party

7 Nyack Justice Court 9:30a

Nyack Justice Court 5p

see page 5

24

FRI

28 Nyack Justice Court 9:30a Nyack VB meets 7:30p

Talk at Hopper House see page 5

22

16 Carnegie Rm concert see page 5

PALISADES Farm Mkt 9-1 page 13

23

Carnegie Room concert

Carnegie Room concert

see page 5

see page 5

The

Nyack Villager

Founded in 1994, The Nyack Villager is published monthly, mailed on or about the first of each month to every postal address in eight Hudson River villages—Nyack, Upper Nyack, Central Nyack, South Nyack, Grand View, Upper Grandview, Piermont & Palisades (zipcodes 10960, 10964 & 10968).

Editor Contributing Editor Correspondent Publishers Community advisor Office Manager

JAN HABER SHEL HABER FRANK LoBUONO JAN & SHEL HABER FRANCES PRATT JOYCE BRESSLER

Columnists PETER SEGALL, DVM • DAN SHAW, LCSW JON FELDMAN • JIM LEINER • RIC PANTALE DONNA COX • HARRIET CORNELL • PETER KLOSE HOLLY CASTER • CINDY COLIGAN

NYACK VILLAGER ADDRESSES PO Box 82, Nyack, NY 10960-0082 e-mail: [email protected] • Editorial / advertising phone (845) 735-7639 • Fax (845) 735-7669 on the Internet at www.nyackvillager.com The Nyack Villager is on the Internet courtesy of Devine Design. Published monthly by Nyack Villager, LLC © 1994—2012 All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission is forbidden.

Phone Numbers

prefix unless otherwise noted: 845

AMBULANCE CORPS non-emergency TO REPORT A FIRE POLICE EMERGENCY non-emergency POISON CONTROL RPT CHILD ABUSE BATTERED WOMEN HOSP EMERGENCY ➤Nyack VIllage Hall, Nyack 9 N Broadway OFFICE OF VILLAGE CLERK MAYOR'S OFFICE OFFICE OF TREASURER BUILDING DEPT DEPT PUBLIC WORKS FIRE INSPECTOR JUSTICE COURT PARKING AUTHORITY WATER DEPT (non emerg) WATER PLANT EMERG HOUSING AUTH 15 Highvw SECTION 8E

911 358 4824 911 911 359 3700 1-800 + 336 6997 1-800 + 342 3720 634 3344 348 2345

➤South Nyack VIllage Hall 282 S B’wy, S. Nyack 358 0287 POLICE NON EMERGENCY 358 0206 ➤Upper Nyack VIllage Hall N. Bdwy, U. Nyack

358 0084

➤Grand View VIllage Hall 118 River Rd

358 2919

➤Piermont VIllage Hall 478 Piermont Ave

359 1258 353 7013 358 3370 359 0136 359-4595

NYACK PUBLIC SCHOOLS NYACK PUBLIC LIBRARY PALISADES FREE LIBRARY PIERMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY NYACK POST OFFICE NYACK CENTER

THE NYACK VILLAGER 358 0548 358 0229 358 3581 358 4249 358 3552 358 6245 358 4464 358 3851 358 0641 358 3734 358 2476 358 2591

358 2756 358 2600

735 7639

Get a free copy of The Nyack Villager at Nyack, Piermont, New City & Valley Cottage Libraries, Best Western Inn Nyack, Koblin’s Pharmacy, Runcible Spoon, Hogan’s in Nyack, Nyack Village Hall & selected locations; available while they last, starting near the first of each month. Residents in the eight river villages should receive a Villager each month in the mail; if you don’t, let us know and we’ll fix it. All others may subscribe at $18 for 1 year (12 issues).

The Nyack Villager is now accepting ads for MARCH

Call us and we’ll get you started. View prices/sizes at www.nyackvillager.com e-mail us at [email protected] Phone 845 735 7639


Pet care by Peter Segall, DVM

The eyes have it Many of my clients are surprised when I discuss a referral to a Veterinary ophthalmologist. Animal eye problems are a great part of our practice. Complicated eye issues can be referred to a specialist, but we can help the majority at our own practice. How does a dog's vision compare with that of a human? While there are individual breed differences, we know a lot about how dogs see. The eye chart at our office has different size cats on it, but the use of the chart does not tell us much since our patients can't tell us what they can see. We may do such things as drop a cotton ball and watch to see if the dog follows it. We may also approach the eye with a Q-tip and see if the dog reacts before we touch the eyeball. Most dogs have good distance vision, especially if the object is moving. Since the eyes are angled out more than ours, dogs have a wider field of vision, meaning that they have good peripheral vision. Looking at the retinas of dogs, they have more rods than cones. This means that their night vision is better, but color vision is not as differentiated. While dogs see color, they do not see the variety that we do. Red is a real problem and probably looks black to them.

The Lifetime Gardener by Jon Feldman

"Hey there, you with the stars in your eyes ..." Since my earliest days as a botanist, I’ve felt a profound connection between earthly plants and the heavens. While in college, I held the position of caretaker for the University's small greenhouse. Within its glass walls, I kept busy mixing soils, re-potting outsized plants and maintaining its prized permanent collection of tropicals. But amidst the peat moss and Pepperomia, I dreamed of the stars. Late nights, under the spell of overly oxygenated air—the by-product of plant transpiration—I’d drift off into Space, imagining a life where I could exercise both of these strong passions as one occupation. 22 The Nyack Villager February, 2013

The most common eye issues in dogs involve the exterior parts of the eye—the lids, the conjunctiva and the cornea. The signs an owners might see are red eyes, swollen lids, gray corneas and signs of eye pain, such as rubbing or closed lids. Conjunctivitis can be infectious or inflammatory. The most common type is inflammatory, caused by allergens or irritants in the air. The conjunctiva turns red and there is a discharge. The eyelids may become crusty as well. Viruses and bacteria can cause these same symptoms; treatment involves flushing the eyes and either antibiotics or cortisone. The lids can be affected by allergy, causing them to swell. Antihistamines will decrease the swelling. Quite commonly the lids will develop masses called tumors. They are almost always benign. Small masses can be left as long as they don't bleed a lot. Larger masses are excised with plastic surgery and usually heal well.

As we go inside the eye the first hard structure we meet is the lens. The purpose of the lens is to focus light rays on the retina to make a clear image. As the lens ages, it becomes permeable to water. Some gets into the lens and changes it from clear to a grayish hue. This is called nuclear sclerosis and, though it will not cause blindness, it will cause some decrease in sight in low light situations. Cataracts occur when the lens becomes crystalline and gradually opaque. We occasionally see cataracts in young dogs as well as in diabetics. Usually cataracts are part of the aging process. They usually are bilateral and may cause blindness if the whole of both lens are involved. Dogs that have bilateral cataracts are no longer consigned to blindness. Veterinary ophthalmologists can remove the lens allowing these animals to see fairly well.

Tunie sees pretty well, looking out the window at all the dogs passing by at the condo. Lots of barking. She has enjoyed meeting the many dogs living at Mountainview. The cornea is the glassy covering of the front of the eye. Any disease of this tissue is Oliver and Tunie are still chasing each other called keratitis. Abrasions and ulcerations of around the apartment. I'm glad we put soundproofing under the new floor so the the cornea are frequent occurrences. downstairs neighbors can have peace. Scratches by cats, branches, or other sharp objects and even soap from bathing can lead I hope the winter will prove to be happy to ulcerative keratitis. These will usually and healthy for all my readers. heal with proper treatment unless the insult is too deep, which can result in a perforaDr. Segall can be reached Tues thru Thurs morntion allowing the fluids inside to leak out. ings at The Hudson Valley Animal Hospital, 4 If this occurs, an ophthalmologist will need Old Lake Rd Valley Cottage, NY (845) 268to do surgery. 0089 ex 3. ✫ One night it came to me...I'd become an astro-botanist! I was sure that, should such a field actually exist, NASA would be keeping it a secret and surreptitiously seek me out for the job.

I imagined being the true life Lowell, as played by Bruce Dern, in the classic movie Silent Running. At the helm of a space-traveling farm, working with a cadre of droids, I would maintain and harvest the crops that would sustain me through a lifelong journey, propelled by the power of the solar winds. It seemed the perfect career move for the self-sufficient direction I wanted my life to take. Deep in my heart I knew it was merely schoolboy’s folly, but I did get close once.

climb the stairs that opened to the heavens, anxious to see in which direction he would aim the telescope for that evening's adventure. We saw the Orion Nebula, red dwarf and blue giant stars, planetary moons and the distant spirals of neighboring galaxies. These days, light years after having nearly touched the sky, I’m satisfied to casually observe the rise of a planet as it enters the night’s sky, joining a star-studded cast for a revolution-ary performance. Less adventurous than my erstwhile dream, the ability to recognize a few commonly known star clusters like Cassiopeia, Sirius and Pleiades serves as a reasonable constellation prize. Jon Feldman is the owner of G. biloba Garden Envi-

ronments. Reach him at www.gbiloba.com or at It was a time when my best friend ran the 353-3448. ✫ school's observatory, located in the same building as the greenhouse. On clear nights, I would lock the plants in their beds and

by Donna Cox

They got what?!

Moves associated with lifestyle changes are often voluntary. What’s the best approach when you want to buy a new home but don’t need to? For many people, the sales price of their current home is a factor in how much they can spend on their next home. And, often people need the proceeds from their current home to buy their new home. As such, you may want or need to put your home on the market before purchasing your next home. This is actually quite common. Many sellers put their home on the market with the contingency that the sale of their home is subject to them finding a new home. While your home is for sale, you can begin searching for your next home. If you get an offer before you’ve found your next home, your real estate agent and attorney can outline your options. These may include a short-term rental, an extended close date or a date by which if you haven’t found the home of your dreams, you are not required to go through with the sale. Know that when a move is made by choice, you have many wonderful options. With that, here are the homes that sold during December. • THE HOMES LISTED BELOW WERE SOLD BY A VARIETY OF BROKERS PROUDLY SERVING THE RIVER VILLAGES. STYLE Contemporary Split Level Cape Cod Cape Cod Condo Tudor Colonial Condo Townhouse Two Story Colonial Victorian Victorian Colonial Townhouse

Summary

LOCATION U.Nyack U.Nyack U.Nyack U.Nyack Nyack Nyack Nyack Nyack Nyack Nyack Nyack Grandview Piermont Piermont Piermont

ADDRESS

BEDROOMS BATHS

203 Foss Dr 103 Lewis Dr 401 Tompkins Ave 407 Maple Ave 4 Burd #2206 38 N Central Ave 143 N Broadway 50 N Broadway #2 261 Main St #E 111 Jackson Ave 282 High Ave 217 River Rd 850 Piermont Ave 758 Piermont Ave 312 Cottonwood Ct

4 4 2 4 2 4 4 2 2 3 3 6 4 8 3

3.1 2.1 2 1.1 2.1 2.1 2 1.1 2 1 1 3.1 3.2 4.1 3.1

LIST PRICE $ 699,000 549,000 375,000 365,000 649,700 549,000 395,000 299,000 249,500 210,000 100,000 1,950,000 1,200,000 925,000 799,900

SALE PRICE $ 650,000 485,000 345,000 350,000 620,000 520,000 386,000 275,000 245,000 190,000 142,500 1,832,500 1,145,000 850,000 710,000

Source: GHVMLS YTD Comparison Report

Year End 2012 YTD vs. Year End 2011 YTD - Single Family Homes New inventory (the number of homes going on the market) increased 2.2% (228 YTD 2012 vs. 223YTD 2011. The number of sales increased 28% (105 YTD 2012 vs. 82 YTD 2011). The average sales price of homes that have sold decreased approximately 5.5% to $635,920. Overall, the average sales price for single family homes that have sold in Rockland County (inclusive of the river villages) was $416,941 down 4.3% over the same period last year. Year End 2012 YTD vs. Year End 2011 YTD - Condos New inventory (the number of condos going on the market) decreased 16.1% (78 YTD 2012 vs. 93 YTD 2011). The number of sales decreased 8.3% (33 YTD 2012 vs. 36 YTD 2011). The average sales price of condos that have sold decreased approximately 0.7% to $422,222. Overall, the average sales price for condos that have sold in Rockland County (inclusive of the river villages) was $228,341, down 5.2% over the same period last year. ✫

Oscar night is Sunday, Feb 24 • Nominees for Best Picture: Amour, Argo, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Django, Unchained, Les Miserables, Life of Pi, Lincoln, Silver Linings Playbook, Zero DarkThirty. • Nominees for Director: Michael Haneke (Amour); Benh Zeitlin (Beasts of the Southern Wild); Ang Lee (Life of Pi; Steven Spielberg (Lincoln); David O. Russell, (Silver Linings Playbook). • Nominees for Original Screenplay: Michael Haneke (Amour); Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained); John Gatins (Flight); Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola (Moonrise Kingdom); Mark Boal (Zero Dark Thirty). • Nominees for Actor: Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook); Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln);

Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables); Joaquin Phoenix (The Master); Denzel Washington (Flight). • Nominees for Actress: Jessica Chastain, (Zero Dark Thirty); Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook); Emmanuelle Riva, (Amour); Quvenzhane Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild); Naomi Watts, (The Impossible). • Nominees Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin (Argo); Robert De Niro (Silver Linings Playbook); Philip Seymour Hoffman, (The Master); Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln); Christoph Waltz, (Django Unchained). • Nominees Supporting Actress: Amy Adams (The Master); Sally Field (Lincoln); Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables); Helen Hunt (The Sessions); Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook). ✫ The Nyack Villager February, 2013 23
