Monday, May 30, 2011

IMPACT OF NYS PROPERTY TAX CAP...POOL CONCERNS...MOBILE SHREDDER...SAVE $ ON FREE LIGHT BULBS

The Greenburgh Town Board will discuss the impact of the proposed NYS property tax cap on town services at our work session tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9:30 AM.

I spent about 2 hours at the town pool today chatting with residents. There were two concerns that kept coming up on open day at AF Veteran Town Pool: the need for more shade around the pool. Other residents objected to the fact that we opened up the pool on the last day of the memorial day weekend (TODAY) instead of Saturday. The reason: budget cuts. When we prepared the budget we looked at past attendance on memorial day weekend. Usually, the turnout is light during the Memorial day weekend(today was an exceptionally hot day and the pool was packed). So we decided to save some money by opening on Memorial Day instead of a day or two before. We're trying hard to cut the services that will impact people the least. We're asking all departments in the town govenrment to make cuts. Todays discussion highlights the difficulties we face when making cuts --everyone wants to cut government spending. But, people don't like to experience cuts in services. What do you think????

The County Mobile Shredder will be at Town Hall for resident shredding on Saturday, June 4, 2011 from
10 AM to 2 PM. For more information contact Town Clerk Judith Beville at 993 1504 or townclerk@greenburghny.com.




WANT TO RECEIVE FOUR FREE ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHT BULBS? ATTEND OUR ENERGY MEETING ON JUNE 6th AND RECEIVE YOUR FREE BULBS. YOU"LL SAVE AT LEAST $74 ON YOUR ENERGY COSTS

If you own your home, you’re probably losing an average of $700 in energy annually. This loss affects your wallet, and in many cases, your comfort and health. For Greenburgh and the state, it also affects our sustainability and dependence on foreign resources.

To give homeowners the tools to become more energy efficient, the town is hosting Renew Greenburgh on Monday, June 6 at the Greenburgh Town Hall from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. You might think that energy efficiency is complicated. It’s not. It’s simply doing more with the same or less energy. For example, you could save at least $84 annually just by replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent blubs (CFLs). Because lighting represents 12% of a home’s energy use, if every household did this, it would be hugely significant.

To get you started, each Greenburgh family attending the event will receive 4 CFLs—a $74 value that’s being provided free by Renew Greenburgh with support from NYSERDA.

We’ll also get you started on other upgrades by covering the state, federal and utility programs that are available. For example, under Green Jobs – Green New York, most homeowners can receive a free comprehensive home energy assessment. Using this data, and a range of super low-interest loans, cashback incentives and other financing, you’ll be able create an improvement plan that is right for you.

To pre-register for the event and light bulbs, go to www.RenewGreenburgh.org or call (866) 495-2959. To apply for the assessment, bring your ConEd account number OR past 12 months of bills. You can get this by using your ConEd account number at the following link: www.ConEd.com.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

free lights that could save you $$...summer job openings announced

Save on Energy Costs, Improve Home Value—4 FREE ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHT BULBS WILL BE GIVEN TO YOU IF YOU ATTEND JUNE 6TH MEETING AT GREENBURGH TOWN HALL
If you own your home, you’re probably losing an average of $700 in energy annually. This loss affects your wallet, and in many cases, your comfort and health. For Greenburgh and the state, it also affects our sustainability and dependence on foreign resources.
To give homeowners the tools to become more energy efficient, the town is hosting Renew Greenburgh on Monday, June 6 at the Greenburgh Town Hall from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. You might think that energy efficiency is complicated. It’s not. It’s simply doing more with the same or less energy. For example, you could save at least $84 annually just by replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent blubs (CFLs). Because lighting represents 12% of a home’s energy use, if every household did this, it would be hugely significant.
To get you started, each Greenburgh family attending the event will receive 4 CFLs—a $44 value that’s being provided free by Renew Greenburgh with support from NYSERDA.
We’ll also get you started on other upgrades by covering the state, federal and utility programs that are available. For example, under Green Jobs – Green New York, most homeowners can receive a free comprehensive home energy assessment. Using this data, and a range of super low-interest loans, cashback incentives and other financing, you’ll be able create an improvement plan that is right for you.
To pre-register for the event and light bulbs, go to www.RenewGreenburgh.org or call (866) 495-2959. To apply for the assessment, bring your ConEd account number OR past 12 months of bills. You can get this by using your ConEd account number at the following link: www.ConEd.com.

NEED A SUMMER JOB???? Are you children home this summer—with nothing to do? Four student interns working for me and Town Clerk Judith Beville have created a summer job blog advising of job openings. They have found a number of summer jobs: Zach Bergenfeld, Jon Rood, Josh Ringel and David Schuman are the interns working on this initiative. They will continue to update the blog with more openings. Know of anyone interested in hiring students this summer? Let us know.
THE WEBSITE: GREENBURGHJOBS.BLOGSPOT.COM

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

WATCH LIVING HISTORY INTERVIEWS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 10:06 PM
To: gblist@cit-e.net
Subject: WATCH OUR HEROES ON PUBLIC ACCESS TV FRIDAY NIGHT TO MONDAY EVENING



It’s nice to have heroes. Greenburgh is fortunate to have our own heroes. Watch interviews with about 60 veterans of World War II on public access TV. The program will air Friday evening to Monday evening (the entire memorial day weekend) on cablevision channel 76 and Verizon Channel 35. A special thank you to Alan Hochberg, who interviewed the following veterans and Steve Wittenberg of Ardsley, who is involved with the VFW post in Ardsley.

Paul Feiner



GREENBURGH HEROES WHO WERE INTERVIEWED AS PART OF THE LIVING HISTORY INITIATIVE…





Booker Morris

Bill Lyons – P51 Fighter Pilot Irv.

Jack McGrath – B-17 POW

Harold Westerman

Robert Stein

Aaron Posner

Ed Parretti – B-24 Tail Gunner

Frank Spano – B-17 Tail Gunner

Norman Straus – Sherman Tank Crew, Patton, Purple Heart

Dorian Goldstein – Army Air Corps

Anita Sternberg for her husband, Robert – U.S. Army, 8th Infantry

Nick Macri

Norman Goodfarb, ‘43-‘46 Battle of Bulge, Combat Engineers/Combat Inf. Badge, 3rd Army, Patton

Peter Carparelli for his Father, Joseph ’42-’45 – 8th Army Air Corps Pilot, U.S. Army POW 2 yrs.

Gwyneth Moore – U.S. Army Nurse ’44-‘48

Paul Edelman

Jim Pasanello – Hastings

Bob Mahr – Harrison ’42-’45, U.S. Navy

Stan Taubner – Hastings ’42-’45, U.S. Army Air Corps

Sy Berkman

Milt Mittler

Gil Erskine – Glider Pilot

Bob Burpee

Bob Phillips

Bill Schropp

Rudy Dualsky – B-24 Radio Operator

Dorothy Kaufman – U.S. Navy Yeoman (Quartermaster)

John Bostonian – China, Burma, India

Sal Corcionne

Bruno Viani

Marty Engleman

Aldo Ricci

Joe Basteri

Russ Purdy

Bob Stein

Bill Rudy – B-17 Navigator, U.S. Army Air Corps

Norman Strauss – Sherman Tank Crew, Patton’s Army

Fred Iemma – Korea

Anna Gregorian for her two Brothers

Louise Giusti for her husband, Augie – Pearl Harbor Survivor

Adam Damascus – U.S. Army 29th Infantry

Tom Garten

Sunday, May 22, 2011

arts program to be funded by private dollars...library foundation fundraiser tomorrow evening

In these difficult economic times government can’t spend taxpayer dollars to fund every worthwhile initiative. We’re making an effort to try to raise private dollars to fund terrific programs that had been funded by taxpayers in the past so we can keep your taxes as low as possible and continue to have a great town..
Within the next week or so we expect to receive a grant from a private foundation to fund the entire arts & culture program in 2012. Sarah Bracey White has done a fantastic job over the years. She oversees many programs-The Town Hall and municipal buildings have become art galleries. We have children’s art galleries, kids short story programs, writing workshops, art workshops for homeless children, poetry competitions, sculpture programs and much more. In 2012 no taxpayer dollars will be used to fund this program. Details on this substantial grant will be provided shortly. The donor is also going to fund a program for the disabled. Town taxpayers expected to save about $70,000!
Tomorrow evening the Greenburgh Public Library Foundation is holding an important fundraiser—BOOKS & COOKS (Monday, May 23rd from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Greenburgh Library). The fundraiser (donations: $125 per person) will provide guests with an opportunity to meet local authors and purchase their books while sampling food prepared by chefs from local restaurants, inspired by celebated works of literature. X20 Xaviars on the Hudson, Arrosto, Bistro Z, Caffe Azzuri, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Coffee Labs Roasters, The Cookery, 42 at the Ritz Carlton Westchester, Good Life Gourmet; The Great American BBZ Company, Lighthouse Ice Cream Kompanies, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Mughal Palace, Prosper Winery, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, SB & G Grill and The SoNo Baking Company & Café are contributing food for the event. Authors: Benjamin Cheever, Ira Berkowitz, Kate Buford, David Hajdu, Caitlin Kelly, Jenny Rosenstrach, Lee Stringer and Eric Velasquez will be at the event too. For more info about the event call 747 0519.
If you are interested in helping the town reach out to private funders (or you have contacts with philanthropists, non profits that may be interested in supporting town programs) please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com or call me at 914 993 1545 or 438 1343. George Gumina and Winsome Gordon of our Philanthropy department deserve our thanks for obtaining the arts grant.
PAUL FEINER

Thursday, May 19, 2011

60 interviews with veterans of world war II to be aired on TV...free eye glasses to veterans

Memorial Day is a little over a week away. If your business is doing something special for our veterans please advise. I will share the info with recipients of the e list before Memorial Day. Terry Scheider of Central Eyes Optical,161 S Central Ave, Hartsdale, will be giving veterans free prescription eyeglasses in honor of memorial day. You must show proof of your veterans status. The store is located in the mall with Harmons, Hurricane Wings and Pastina.

THE TOWN OF GREENBURGH WILL BE AIRING 60+VIDEO INTERVIEWS WITH VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II ON OUR PUBLIC ACCESS TV STATION NON STOP FROM FRIDAY NIGHT, MAY 27TH TO MEMORIAL DAY, MAY 30TH. OUR VETERANS COMMITTEE HAS BEEN INTERVIEWING GREENBURGH RESIDENTS WHO SERVED IN WORLD WAR II. This is the 2nd year that our veterans stories will be aired during Memorial Day weekend. Watch your neighbor/heroes--learn their stories. Encourage your children to learn about the contributions their neighbors made for democracy. Steve Wittenberg and Alan Hochberg have been instrumental in producing the living history initiative. Cablevision Channel 76 and Verizon Channel 35


ALL VETERANS WELCOME!
(and families)

CENTRAL EYES OPTICAL
161 South Central PARK AVENUE
Hartsdale, NY 10530


Central Eyes Optical is giving away free
prescription eyeglasses in honor of
Memorial Day to all veterans along with their
family members!

Come join us Monday, may 30, 2011
9:00 - 10:00
as we show our appreciation to our vets for
saving our country and lives!

Call for information, Hope to see you there!
(914) 948-1700

THANK YOU, VETERANS.
PAUL FEINER

FRANK'S NURSERY MEETING..BATTLE OF BANDS TO RAISE FUNDS

COMMUNITY MEETING TO DISCUSS FRANK’S NURSERY. MEETING TO BE HELD AT FRANK’S NURSERY, 715 DOBBS FERRY ROAD ON TUESDAY, MAY 24TH AT 7:15 PM. (MEETING WILL BE OUTDOORS)

Greenburgh has acquired Frank’s Nursery (due to a foreclosure). An informal community discussion will be held at the property on Tuesday, May 24th at 7:15 PM. Frank’s is located at 715 Dobbs Ferry Road. Among the options to be considered: renting the property (for about a year) to a company that needs to park their trucks at Frank’s (the company cuts trees for Con Ed). Another option: a recreation bubble for recreation uses (this would require a zoning change). The town would lease the property to a private business - probably for 15 years. Others have suggested that the town sell the Police HQ and Court on Tarrytown Road and replace these two buildings with a new building at Frank’s. We don’t have the money for a new building now –but the land could serve a town purpose sometime in the future. What do you think?

BATTLE OF THE BANDS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 11TH—HELP A SICK CHILD GET A HEART TRANSPLANT VIA THE GIFT OF LIFE PROGRAM
Zach Bergenfeld, Jon Rood, Josh Ringel, Andrew Oberlander and David Schuman are student interns working on a Battle of the Bands concert on Saturday, June 11th to raise funds for the Gift of Life Foundation, a Rotary Club initiative that helps children around the world obtain heart transplants. The Battle of the Bands will be held at the Hartsdale Farmers market from 10 to 2 pm.
Please help spread the word. If you know of any student bands that are interested in performing at this Battle of the Bands concert please e Josh Ringel at greenburghny1@gmail.com. Thank you and hope to see you there!
We need more musicians for our E HARTSDALE AVE FARMER’S MARKET CONCERT SERIES
…and volunteers
If you know of any musician who would like to donate their time this summer –performing at the E Hartsdale Ave farmer’s market outdoor concert series on Saturday mornings please advise Town Clerk Judith Beville at 993-1504 or e mail her at jbeville@greenburghny.com. Last year residents of E Hartsdale Ave and shoppers were able to enjoy weekly summer concerts at the market (which begins in June). The musicians donated their time and talent. We’re also looking for volunteers to help out during the farmer’s market concerts.
PAUL FEINER

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

BATTLE OF BANDS ON JUNE 19TH FOR GIFT OF LIFE

STUDENT INTERNS RAISING FUNDS FOR ROTARY GIFT OF LIFE PROJECT—HELPING CHILDREN WITH HEART DEFECTS
ORGANIZING BATTLE OF THE BANDS AT THE HARTSDALE FARMERS MARKET ON SATURDAY, JUNE 11TH
LOOKING FOR BANDS TO PERFORM AT FUNDRAISER

Do you have musical talent? Do you think you have what it takes to play in front of Greenburgh? If so, come play at the annual Greenburgh Battle of the Bands on Saturday June 11th at the Hartsdale Farmer’s Market. Even if you don’t have musical talent, come out and support and listen to local bands. This year, for the first time, the Battle of the Bands will benefit the Gift of Life International Foundation. The Gift of Life Foundation began in 1975 as a project by the Manhasset Rotary Club and has grown into a full-fledged organization which strives to increase “…peace and understanding by facilitating free medical services to children suffering from congenital heart defects and other similar or allied illnesses…”. The Battle of the Bands will be an opportunity to help disadvantaged children both domestically and internationally. Clubs from local schools will be there to help raise money for the Gift of Life as well as own their school cause. If you are interested in playing in the Battle of the Bands or participating in the fundraiser through your school’s club, email us at greenburghny1@gmail.com. Town Clerk Judith Beville is working with the students on a daily basis –helping them organizing this initiative.

About the Interns:

My name is Zach Bergenfeld and I'm a senior at Ardsley High School who will be studying business at the University of Southern California in the fall. I joined Supervisor Feiner to learn about local government and politics, and as well to give back to the local community.

My name is Jon Rood I am a senior at Ardsley High School who will be studying business and marketing at UAlbany. I joined Paul to gain experience in government and marketing.

My name is Josh Ringel I am currently a junior at UAlbany and I am majoring in Public Policy. I joined Supervisor Feiner in the spring of 2009 for my High School internship and interned with him last summer. I joined to gain experience in the field of Public Policy and Government

Thank you,
The Greenburgh Interns
Zach Bergenfeld, Event Planner
Jon Rood, Event Planner
Josh Ringel, Event Planner

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

can you beat our purchase price---school elections today

REMINDER--TUESDAY IS SCHOOL BUDGET/ELECTION DAY. Today is election day for School Boards around NYS. You can vote for school board members. You also have the ability to vote on the school budget. This is the only government budget you can vote on (I personally believe that the electorate should have the ability to vote on municipal budgets as well--but that is not authorized under NYS law). PLEASE VOTE. Be a part of the process. Check the website of the school district you live in to learn more about the budget --and where polling places are located.

Can you beat the purchase prices we paid for these items? Are you interested in being placed on the town bid list? Would the business you own/work for be able to purchase the following for less? Let me know. We want to encourage more people to bid for town purchases and to help us save money.
pfeiner@greenburghny.com

(2) US FLAG 4’X 6’ NYLON FOR DISPLAY AT PARKS $29/EA



(40) FLATS OF ANNUAL FLOWERS 36/FLAT, 4-5” PLANTS $7.50/FLAT, FOR PARK BEAUTIFICATION



(6) PITCHER PLATE 6X24 RUBBER, CHAMPION $41.75/EA FOR BASE BALL FIELDS

Sunday, May 15, 2011

SPRAIN LAKE SHOULD BE OPEN FOR BOATERS

Every time I drive past Sprain Lake (on the border of Hastings/Yonkers/Greenburgh) I think about missed opportunities. Westchester County should authorize boaters to launch boats on Sprain Lake for recreational purposes. There are possible launching areas at the lake that would not interfere with golfers who enjoy golfing at Sprain Lake Golf Course. Currently, the only other lower Westchester County place to row is on Glen Island and the course is almost full to capacity. The NYAC, Pelham Community Rowing Assoc, Iona College, Pelham H.S., Riverdale H.S. and various other individuals are all using this site. It is essential that another site be opened for these booming water sport. Rowing and kayaking provide a tremendous opportunity for H.S. kids to participate in lifetime a sport, and may even help them acquire college scholarships. It would be great for the Greenburgh and Yonkers High Schools to be able to start programs for their students.
There has also been an incredible surge in Masters rowing programs. Many are returning to the sport they loved in college, and many more first time rowers are experiencing the joy of being on the water and improving their health through the great cardiovascular benefits of rowing.
Photos have been submitted to the county re: possible launch sites for boats.. These site are at the northern end of the golf course and do not in any way interfere with the golfers. There is also plenty of land that would be suitable to erect a temporary fenced in area to store boats for a trial use of the water. If all goes well and the community embraces the use of the lake, a permanent structure could be built for the storage of the boats.
There are several colleges in the area that are also looking for a better site to row. They may be able to assist with the installation of the fenced in area and help provide equipment for the high school programs to use to get started. This could be a revenue generator for the county. We have an asset that is not being taken advantage of by Westchester residents. We can enhance the quality of life for many people if we open up the lake to boating.

Friday, May 13, 2011

don't get discouraged...if you're out of work. READ FOLLOWING LETTER

From: Paul Feiner
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2011 11:41 PM
Subject: landed a job!...and a new job posting


Feeling down? YOu STILL have not gotten your dream job. Don't get discouraged. Another success story! KEEP PUSHING YOURSELF. 500 rejections and one job offer means you got the job. Let me know when you find your next job and when I can delete you from these e mail advisories.
PAUL FEINER


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: joe
sent: Friday, May 13, 2011 7:42 PM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: Successful landing


Hi Paul,


I wanted to let you know that after a 2 1/2 year search, I finally landed a job here in Westchester in the insurance industry.

I was told about this job through my networking connections. It was not a published job. It is very important to keep in contact with former

co-workers as well as your current networking group.

Also, it is important to to remain positive. There were many times during my long search when I felt like giving up.But you can not.



Thank you for continuing to distribute information through your Linked In account as well as the email distribution.

It really does make a difference.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

greenburgh nature center--trail for severely disabled adults

The Greenburgh Town Board supported the application of the Greenburgh Nature Center to apply for a CDBG grant for an ADA/Multi sensory Woodland Trail for Severely disabled adults. The grant (federal dollars) would be for $60,000 and be spent in 2013-2014. The purpose of the project (which I am very excited about) is to provide safe, beautiful and comfortable access to a portion of the woodland trail—free of physical and economic barriers. There will be multi sensory stimulation through landscaping and engaging activities that integrate the use of colors, light and shade, sounds, smells and textures. Universal design principles will be utilized for all information boards, tactile maps and wheelchair accessible pathways so that families, caretakers and service providers can also enjoy the site.

There is no other ADA/multi sensory trail of this kind within Westchester County. Severely disabled persons need to have the chance to use their own unique sense of discovery. The Greenburgh Nature Center is providing the disabled with the opportunity to connect with the environment, to see, to touch and hear the wonders of nature. It will motivate family members to spend more time with the disabled at the nature center.

BENEFITS: EASY AVAILABILITY—central location. COST TO THE DISABLED: NOTHING—no fee required to access trails. FULL ACCESSIBILITY to a trail that can be safely navigated. Encouragement of sensory play to optimize discovery of the natural world.

The Greenburgh Nature center was formed in 1975. The 33 acre property includes a woodland preserve with trails and a pond, a new barnyard, an indoor animal museum, greenroof and water catchment demonstration areas and an organic garden. They are planning to raise (with private dollars) $20,200 for this project. . If you would like to get involved and help them raise funds for this worthwhile cause – please call Greenburgh Nature Center Director Courtney White at 723 3470. Visit the nature center website: www.greenburghnaturecenter.org. The Town Board will be building a new discovery playground at the nature center in the near future –using non taxpayer developer escrow funds. This playground will be enjoyed by many pre schooler’s.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

THERE IS NO CELL PHONE SERVICE IN MUCH OF WESTCHESTER--HOW DOES THIS IMPACT EMERGENCIES

Federal officials have announced that some cellphone users in NY will soon be able to receive emergency alerts by text messages in the event of a national or regional emergency. The service is scheduled to start late this year as a preclude to nationwide service later next year.
This is a copy of a letter that I have sent out to public safety officials concerning the black outs in cell phone service – around Westchester.

Frequently, when I am driving around Westchester County and using my cell phone, my phone doesn't work. There are many areas around the county that are not covered by cell phone service. I think I'm in a third world country - my phone dies on me during the middle of telephone conversations.

In the event of a terrorist attack or emergency evacuation, cell phone coverage could be important for families and law enforcement officials. Cell service provides a link to family members and to public safety officials. I think that Westchester County should conduct an annual inventory of areas around the county that do not have cell service (by carrier) and that the county should publicize the areas that lack coverage. This should be coordinated with the local police force and be incorporated into emergency preparation plans. Localities should be encouraged to work with civic groups to address this problem.

The inventory of areas in Westchester County that are not covered by cell phone service should be posted on the county’s website. This map could be useful to those who are considering contracting with cellular phone companies for service. Some services may be better than others and residents should be able to make informed decisions.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
914 993 1545 or 438 1343

Monday, May 09, 2011

book sale...flood meeting

MASSIVE BOOK CLEARANCE SALE BY FRIENDS OF GREENBURGH LIBRARY BOOK STORE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE LIBRARY.
The Friends of the Greenburgh Library is holding a massive book clearance sale May 13 and May 14, Friday and Saturday (this weekend), from 10 am - 5pm at the new Friends of the Greenburgh Library Book Store, on the first floor of the Greenburgh Libary. We are offering ridiculous discounts to "move" our new and almost-new high quality hardcover and paperback books to clear the decks before we start collecting book donations for the yearly September book sale.

Huge Book Sale

Massive Clearance

Great Discounts



When: Friday, May 13 to Saturday May 14

10 am–5 pm. Two days only.


Where: The Greenburgh Library, 1st Floor, in the Friends of the Greenburgh Library Bookstore,

300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford, NY


Special Offer: Buy a Book Bag and Fill it to the Brim with Books!

WHAT:

· More than 3,000 books, CDs, DVDs and videos

· Hardcover, softcover, fiction, non-fiction, children’s books

· New and almost-new donated books

All Proceeds to Benefit the Library

Presented by the Friends of the Greenburgh Library

FLOOD MEETING WITH OUR CONGRESSWOMAN AND ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS, DEC

Elmsford Mayor Robert Williams, Greenburgh Public Works Commissioner Victor Carosi, Town Engineer Mike Lepre and I attended a very constructive meeting sponsored by Congresswoman Nita Lowey on Monday afternoon. Representatives of the US Army Corp of Engineers and NYS DEC met with local officials and discussed initiatives that could be taken to address the flooding problems around the county. Specifically, we asked the federal and state officials if we could initiate smaller, less expensive action steps to reduce flooding on the Saw Mill River. Since the 1960s the US Army Corp has been studying the Saw Mill River. We're sick of the studies and want to take some action-- that could at least help reduce flooding. Everytime there is a big storm 9A in Elmsford looks like a lake-- businesses and some homes have suffered significant damages AFTER each strom.

PAUL FEINER

Saturday, May 07, 2011

electric bicycle in hastings

ELECTRIC BICYCLE
A few years ago I bicycled from Hastings to Washington DC for a cause (I was raising funds for a woman who fell off her bicycle and became severely disabled. We also lobbied members of Congress to support stem cell research funding). I thought about that bike ride on Saturday when I tried my first electric bicycle.

Hastings VELO, the new Hastings on Hudson bike shop located at 45 Main Street, Hastings, is offering residents an opportunity to test their electric bicycle at no cost or no obligation. I recommend it highly. The electric bicycle is easy to ride down hill. Bicycling up hill feels different - don't have to pedal much and the bicycle goes fast, with little effort. The electric bicycle is fun to ride and great for cyclists who hate uphills and for those who can't keep up with better experienced riders.

Friday, May 06, 2011

WORK SESSION AGENDA TUESDAY

Do you want to help the Lois Bronz Children’s Center? If yes, there is a fundraiser tonight at 7 PM at Christ’s Temple, 25 Oak Street, White Plains.www.lbcc4kids.org
THE GREENBURGH LIBRARY FOUNDATION IS HAVING A FUNDRAISER—BOOKS & COOKS EVENT ON MAY 23rd from 6 PM to 9 PM at the library. Did you know that Peter Kelly from Xaviars is the honorary restaurant chair? Fantastic food from great restaurants. Local authors will also attend. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased through the Library Foundation website: www.greenburghlibraryfoundation.org or by calling 747-0519

Town of Greenburgh
Work Session of the Greenburgh Town Board
Agenda: Tuesday – May 10, 2011 – 09:15 AM
Please note that this meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:15AM
(Work Sessions begin at 9:15AM except where schedule changes are made by the Board.)

(Please note that, although the Work Session Agenda is shared with the public prior to each Work Session, the Agenda may be revised at any point up to the start of the meeting as well as during the meeting, if necessary.)

(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours,
depending upon the length of the two meetings.)

• 09:15 AM Agenda Review and Summer Meeting Dates
• 09:30 AM Motion for Executive Session by ____2nd _____Aye
• 10:30 AM Community Development Block Grants – Resolutions and Matches
• 11:00 AM Frank’s Nursery RFP – Soil Testing and Short Term Revenue opportunity for town for site
• 11:15 AM Ethics Code Revisions
• 11:45 AM Assessor
• 12:00 AM Adjourn

www.rivertownsguide.com
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS
Friday, May 6 @ 5:30---------------------(hastings Friday night live is always amazing! Try to stop by if you like to have fun)
Hastings Friday Night Live: Dancing in the Streets
with Warburton Closed to Traffic! Schedule & Details are on the website
http://www.rivertownsguide.com/fnl

Saturday, May 7 from 9am - 4pm
Garden Club of Dobbs Ferry Annual Plant Sale
Dobbs Ferry Train Station
The plant sale will be held rain or shine. We will be selling fabulous perennials, super annuals and a wide selection of herbs and vegetables. There will be a raffle for a beautiful Dogwood.

All Weekend
Azalea Garden: Opening Weekend Celebration
New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx
Treat yourself to some old-fashioned fun! Play croquet, fly a kite, and sip lemonade in the shade of the amazing new Azalea Garden.

Saturday May 7 @ 3pm
Celebrate Poetry: Springtime Reading by Local Poets
Community Room, Dobbs Ferry Library

Saturday, May 7
"Black & White Ball" Hastings-on-Hudson Education Foundation Spring Gala (a Festive, not Formal Ball). http://www.hastingseducationfoundation.org/ Become a Fan on our new Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/HastingsEducationFoundation

Sunday, May 8 from 12pm - 5pm
Astronomy Day
Hudson River Museum, Yonkers
Events throughout the day including the sounds of Solar Punch.

Weekend Quick Takes….
Links and info here http://www.rivertownsguide.com
- Rhinebeck 2011: Swap Meet and Car Show
- Hastings Friday Night Live: Dancing in the Streets
- A Night of Chocolate & Comedy
- Westchester Children's Museum's Annual Benefit: Supporting Museum Without Walls
- Ed Kowalczyk of LIVE and Graham Parker
- Steel Magnolias
- SWING DANCE! Matt Munisteri & His Syncopated Detonators
- SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK!
- A Clean Scene
- Chappaqua Farmers Market
- Garden Club of Dobbs Ferry Annual Plant Sale
- Garden Fair
- Grace Community Table
- Azalea Garden: Opening Weekend Celebration
- "Ever After" screening
- Celebrate Poetry: Springtime Reading by Local Poets
- Opening Receptions: Motown Senufu, The Steel Sculpture of Robert Spinazzola
- Exhibit Opening: Anna Bocek
- Comedy Comes to Rockland
- Hastings Education Foundation Spring Gala: Black & White Bal
- "In Bloom"
- Kris Kristofferson
- Bicycle Sundays have Begun!
- Astronomy Day
- Matt Turk
- Jeffery Weiss Concert

Job Opportunities
NeighborGreen is looking for independent contractors to promote energy conservation and home weatherizing: positions to staff farmer's markets (all ages), manage the farmer's market crews, and to do outreach and home surveys to help homeowners understand weatherizing options and ways they can reduce energy waste and costs. Contact Jean Hamerman at jean@neighborgreen.com or call 914 368-9150. www.neighborgreen.com

Monty's Music is coming to the Rivertowns
Trial Classes in White Plains and Ardsley - A Unique Blend of Interactive Entertainment & Musical Theater for Children. Crossing the Pond From the UK to the USA this Summer! Ethical Culture Society in White Plains on Wednesday, June 1 from 10am - 10:45am & Life ..the place to be in Ardsley on Tuesday, June 7 from 10:30am - 11:15am. http://playatmontysmusic.com/
The HudsonIndependent.Com
Friday 6
Tot Shabbat: For children up to 5 years from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at JCC on the Hudson in Tarrytown. Call 366-7898 or visit www.jcconthehudson.org.
Nature-Friendly Plant Sale & Workshops: From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining. Call 762-2912, ext. 110 or visit www.teatown.org. Also May 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Music: Phil Dollard returns to the Black Cat Café in Irvington from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 231-9060 or visit www.blackcatchef.com.
A Night of Chocolate & Comedy: Enjoy a one-woman adult musical from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Dobbs Ferry Women’s Club. Call 686-8002 or visit www.giordanofoundation.com.
Concert: Dennis deYoung and others will perform the music of STYX at 8 p.m. at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Call 877-840-0457 or visit www.tarrytownmusichall.org.
Benefit Concert: At 8 p.m. Ed Kowalczyk of LIVE and Graham Parker will perform at the Irvington Town Hall Theater. Call 591-6602 or visit www.irvingtontheater.com.
Fridays After Dark: “ I Saw the Devil” will be screened at 9:50 p.m. at Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville. Call 747-5555 or visit www.burnsfilmcenter.org
Saturday 7
Plant Sale: The Briarcliff Manor Garden Club is holding its annual plant/bake sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1846 Pleasantville Road. Call 432-5522 or visit www.briarcliffmanorgardenclub.com.
Garden Fair: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, co-hosted by the Garden Club of Irvington- on –Hudson. Call 631-4481 or visit www.lyndhurst.org.
Teen Movie: At 2 p.m. “Ever After” will be shown at the Warner Library in Tarrytown. Call 631-7734.
Music: Emily Blumenthal performs at the Black Cat Café in Irvington from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 231-9060 or visit www.blackcatchef.com.
Concert: At 7:30 p.m. Kenny Vance & the Planotones will perform at the Irvington Town Hall Theater. Call 591-6602 or visit www.irvingtontheater.com.
Concert: Kris Kristofferson will perform at 8 p.m. at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Call 877-840-0457 or visit www.tarrytownmusichall.org.
Sunday 8
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Stone Barns: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. take part in hands-on farm activities and shop at our annual spring plant sale or farm market at 630 Bedford R0ad in Pocantico Hills. Call 366-6200 or visit www.stonebarnscenter.org.
Chamber Music: At 2 p.m. musicians from the Summit Music Festival will play at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown. Reservations required. Call 631-4481 or visit www.lyndhurst.org.
Concert: Leo Kottke and Steve Forbert will perform at 7 p.m. at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Call 877-840-0457 or visit www.tarrytownmusichall.org.

Thursday, May 05, 2011

popham road bridge update...cac meeting...frank's nursery

The village of Scardale has notified me that Popham Road Bridge (which is under construction) will be closed tomorrow Friday May 6th from 10 AM to 12 noon. A meeting is being held with residents of the community on Tuesday at 6:30 PM at Scarsdale Village Hall to update residents about the bridge construction----which impacts Edgemont residents.
Paul Feiner

CAC Lecture Series continues Thursday May 12, 2011 - 7PM

On Thursday, May 12 as part of the regularly scheduled CAC meeting, Chris Cowles, Consulting Urban Forester of The Care of Trees, will give a 45-minute presentation on "Preserving Existing Trees and Forests during Construction on Developed Land". The talk will highlight the systematic approach to preservation through the planning, design and construction phases.

All are welcome to attend. The meeting will be held in the 2nd floor training room of Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue, Greenburgh, NY 10607, and begin at 7:00PM.

Mr. Cowles works within the Tree Preservation / Land Restoration Division of The Care of Trees, (an arboricultural firm that specializes in tree solutions on land development sites and sustaining tree care). Mr. Cowles has 32 years experience in the field of tree preservation, including 8 years with state and local agencies specializing in the review and compliance of tree and landscape plans.

SAVE THE DATE—Tuesday, May 24th 7:15 PM---Frank’s Nursery---what is the town going to do with the property we now own? Short term revenue generators and long term options. The meeting will be held on site at the location of the former Frank’s nursery on Dobbs Ferry Road.
PAUL FEINER

CAITLIN KELLY ON MY WVOX RADIO PROGRAM FRIDAY MORNING AT 10

Caitlin Kelly, author of MALLED was interviewed on CBS TV. I will interview her Friday on my WVOX AM (1460) radio program (www.wvox.com). The program is streamed live on the internet from 10 AM to 11 AM. I know Caitlin from her days as a reporter for the NY TIMES.
The following is from her CBS interview.

Caitlin Kelly: I was inspired by the fact retail is one of the nation's largest and most powerful industries, with 15 million workers, yet we know next to nothing about the people we buy from every single day -- the salesperson across the counter from us. Every business story I'd read about retail focused only on senior executives and stock prices, but not the people actually selling those products and services every day, without which no retailer could survive or make a profit. Sales associates, who are everywhere around us, remained invisible. I wanted to tell their story.

JG: What surprised you the most during the writing process?

CK: Writing memoir, which the book is in its description of my own experience as a sales associate in a suburban New York mall, was really challenging! I've been a journalist for decades and am used to writing about other people and their most private feelings. To reflect on my own experience and try to describe it artfully was emotionally a little scary and professionally a new step.

JG: What would you be doing if you weren't a writer?

CK: Interior design or running my own little shop. It's hard to imagine not being a writer, though.

JG: What else are you reading right now?

CK: I'm re-reading "The Imperfectionists" by Tom Rachman, a fellow Canadian and University of Toronto grad; loving "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet" by David Mitchell and very slowly reading a great biography of Elizabeth I by Anne Somerset.

JG: What's next for you?

CK: I hope to write my next book about work and how we can thrive in a job even without a big paycheck, which millions of us are now having to do in this recession. I've also been invited to speak at a number of conferences and universities about my book and my insights about retail.

For more on "Malled," visit the Penguin Group website.

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

license plate readers

Yesterday Police Chief Joseph DeCarlo met with the Town Board to discuss an innovative initiative that could cut down on crime—license plate readers. A license plate reader is a computerized system with integrated cameras, mounted on the outside of a vehicle or mounted on a fixed location. The police department currently has some license readers on police cars. It can take about 20 pictures per second per camera. It matches those plate read to a hotlist instantly alerting police to stolen vehicles, DMV infractions, amber alert hits and the NYS violent gang/terrorist organization file. Hotlist comes from DMV through NYS police and can be customized for local needs, including lists of persons wanted on local criminal warrants.
The photo of the plate and car surrounding it are saved. If a hit with hotlist, alarm sounds. All scanned plates are downloaded to a central server. LPR data may be analyzed by the Westchester Intelligence Center and is included in the larger pool of LPR data for the NY metropolitan area for use by law enforcement agencies including but not limited to the Joint Terrorist Task Force and NYPD Intel.
Participating sharing agencies limit the use of the data for law enforcement agencies. Some residents have expressed concern about privacy issues. The chief indicated that the license plate reader info would not be used for civil matters. The license plate readers can be used to catch would be burglars and to cut down on local crime. The town will be seeking grants for the license plate readers. I have advised the Police Chief that I would be willing to support the funding of two readers to be placed in a section of town that has experienced burglaries.

Monday, May 02, 2011

WORK SESSION AGENDA TOMORROW...LICENSE PLATE READERS CAN CUT CRIME..JOB CLUB

Work Session of the Greenburgh Town Board
Agenda: Tuesday – May 03, 2011 – 09:30 AM (Revised)
Please note that this meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30AM
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 35 and are streamed live. Work Sessions and Town Board Meetings will be aired each Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 7:02am and 4:45pm. Each segment will run for approximately 6 to 7 hours,
depending upon the length of the two meetings.)

• 09:30 AM Farmers Market / Westchester Greenhouse - Discussion
• 10:00 AM Frank’s Nursery Property – Update
• 10:15 AM Ethics Code Revisions
• 10:45 AM License Plate Reader – Request for Funding A LICENSE PLATE READER COULD BE PLACED AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS ON POLES WHERE CRIMES HAVE BEEN COMMITTED. THE STATIONARY READERS WOULD LINK TO A COMPUTERIZED DATA BASE. WE ARE GOING TO SEEK GRANTS FOR THESE READERS. HOWEVER, I WOULD SUPPORT USING TOWN RESOURCES TO FUND LICENSE PLATE READERS TO TEST OUT THE CONCEPT.
• 11:00 AM Special Meeting
• 11:30 AM Motion for Executive Session by_____2nd______Aye________
• 12:00 Noon Adjourn

IF YOU ARE OUT OF WORK—FEEL FREE TO JOIN OUR JOB CLUB. E MAIL ME AT PFEINER@GREENBURGHNY.COM. ALSO, VISIT WWW.LINKEDIN.COM (GREENBURGH JOBS GROUP). WE POST JOB OPENINGS FREQUENTLY. IF YOU ARE NOT OUT OF WORK – HELP YOUR UNEMPLOYED NEIGHBOR GET THROUGH THESE DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES BY INTRODUCING HIM/HER TO SOMEONE WHO WORKS IN PERSONNEL AT YOUR COMPANY. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF JOB OPENINGS WHERE YOU WORK SO I CAN SHARE WITH PEOPLE ON THE JOBS LIST.

From: Heather [mailto:heatherj___
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 7:12 AM
To: Paul Feiner
Subject: got a job

Hi Paul:

I was laid off nearly 3 years ago, the 2nd time in 6 years and just this past week, signed a contract for a new job. I found the job through networking; a friend referred me. Despite this, I was glad to read each and every lead from your LinkedIn messages. I often referred friends and former colleagues and found the opportunities to be interesting and compelling.

I have heard of several friends who have found jobs lately and others who have been interviewing more. Is the market improving? I certainly hope so.

Thank you for interest and constant support during these years and for your help to all of your constituents.

Best regards,


Heather