NY State transportation officials announced today that they will be recommending the replacement of the Tappan Zee bridge with a new, larger bridge. The project will cost $16 billion to complete. The proposal includes a bus system –and eventually train service from Suffern to Port Chester. The State Department of Transportation is the lead agency for the project. Funding for the bridge has not been secured as of yet – and lengthy environmental reviews must be conducted.
I believe that the time has come for NY state officials to aggressively study the possibility of placing wind turbines on the new Tappan Zee bridge. State officials should also explore other initiatives that could make the bridge a model for green bridge design. Placing wind turbines on the bridge would be a way for the state to advertise the need to conserve energy and to consider energy alternatives. About 140,000 cars a day cross the bridge---I am sure that if 140,000 people see a wind turbine daily on the top of the bridge it will encourage many motorists to reflect on ways they can do their part to conserve energy. The cost of wind turbines or other energy alternatives will be nominal when one considers the fact that it will cost about $16 billion to replace the bridge.
Let’s make the new bridge construction project a PERMANENT advertisement for green construction. Wind turbines is one option. There may be other initiatives that the state could/should explore while they take the next steps that will lead to a new TZ bridge.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
NEW DOG PARK
The Town of Greenburgh will dedicate our new dog park on Sunday, October 5th at 2 PM at Rumbrook Park (off of Dobbs Ferry Road—across from the old Frank’s Nursery). This is an exciting accomplishment. Dog owners have been pressing for a dog park for many years.
I had the opportunity to visit the dog park (in the final stages of construction) earlier this week. The park is awesome! There is a section for small dogs and bigger dogs. There is a trail dogs will enjoy. The park is surrounded by beautiful views of the woods – an incredible scenic setting for a dog park! We also plan to install some benches at the park so people can enjoy the park while their dogs are having fun.
We are looking for volunteers to help us raise funds for the dog park. We will be setting up a town account. All donations (made out to Town of Greenburgh) will be used to enhance the park. If you are interested in making a donation – please advise pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
I had the opportunity to visit the dog park (in the final stages of construction) earlier this week. The park is awesome! There is a section for small dogs and bigger dogs. There is a trail dogs will enjoy. The park is surrounded by beautiful views of the woods – an incredible scenic setting for a dog park! We also plan to install some benches at the park so people can enjoy the park while their dogs are having fun.
We are looking for volunteers to help us raise funds for the dog park. We will be setting up a town account. All donations (made out to Town of Greenburgh) will be used to enhance the park. If you are interested in making a donation – please advise pfeiner@greenburghny.com.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
THE COWARDLY ANONYMOUS BLOGGERS WERE WRONG...
Earlier this month a number of blog comments were made about Raymond L. Thomas--who will be running the Xposure after school program. The comments were nasty, mean spirited and accused Mr. Thomas of being involved in criminal activity. As a result of these comments, allegations, rumors - we asked Mr. Thomas to voluntarily agree to a background check which was conducted by the police chief. This is the chief's response.
The anonymous bloggers (you know who you are) should be ashamed of yourselves. You made up stories, tried to destroy another persons reputation. PAUL FEINER
FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE, JOHN KAPICA....
Please be advised that an investigation into the background of Raymond L. Thomas has revealed NO history of criminality. John A. Kapica, Chief of Police
The anonymous bloggers (you know who you are) should be ashamed of yourselves. You made up stories, tried to destroy another persons reputation. PAUL FEINER
FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE, JOHN KAPICA....
Please be advised that an investigation into the background of Raymond L. Thomas has revealed NO history of criminality. John A. Kapica, Chief of Police
MEALS AND WHEELS WAITING LIST-- YOUR DONATION WANTED...
The Greenburgh Town Board has asked Councilwoman Diana Juettner to chair a fundraising committee to help raise funds for our meals and wheels program. The meals and wheels program provides food to elderly, homebound residents. Unfortunately, we have a waiting list and cannot provide help to every resident who needs it. I have asked Lynda Maranino (who runs the program) to provide a summary of the conditions of some of the seniors who are on our waiting list:
85 YEAR OLD, PARKINSON’S DISEASE
88 YEAR OLD, STENOSIS OF THE BACK, RECOVERING FROM FALL IN AUGUST 2008
CAN NO LONGER USE THE STOVE DUE TO SAFETY REASONS, FORGETFUL.
SENIOR LIVES ALONE…
NO PHONE
67 YEAR OLD, DIABETIC, HYPERTENSION, DEPRESSION..
NO COOKING FACILITIES, LOTS OF MEDICATIONS, NO PHONE, LIVES ALONE
72 YEAR OLD, ALONE,IN A WHEELCHAIR, DIABETIC
CANNOT COOK
-80 YEAR OLD, DOUBLE KNEE REPLACEMENT, MAIN CAREGIVER IN THE HOME.
-80 YEAR OLD, ALZHEIMERS
Daughter does not live in area
The town spends about $800,000 budget for meals and wheels. However, most of the money is reimbursed by the federal and state governments. The total cost to the town is under $300,000 (after we reduce the $800,000 budget by reimbursements and sale of meals). We serve about 275 seniors. We have about 10-15 people on a waiting list.
If you would like to be part of a fundraising committee to help the town provide service to some of the families listed above please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. If you would like to make a donation please send contributions to Greenburgh Nutrition Program, 11 Olympic Lane, Ardsley, NY 10502.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
85 YEAR OLD, PARKINSON’S DISEASE
88 YEAR OLD, STENOSIS OF THE BACK, RECOVERING FROM FALL IN AUGUST 2008
CAN NO LONGER USE THE STOVE DUE TO SAFETY REASONS, FORGETFUL.
SENIOR LIVES ALONE…
NO PHONE
67 YEAR OLD, DIABETIC, HYPERTENSION, DEPRESSION..
NO COOKING FACILITIES, LOTS OF MEDICATIONS, NO PHONE, LIVES ALONE
72 YEAR OLD, ALONE,IN A WHEELCHAIR, DIABETIC
CANNOT COOK
-80 YEAR OLD, DOUBLE KNEE REPLACEMENT, MAIN CAREGIVER IN THE HOME.
-80 YEAR OLD, ALZHEIMERS
Daughter does not live in area
The town spends about $800,000 budget for meals and wheels. However, most of the money is reimbursed by the federal and state governments. The total cost to the town is under $300,000 (after we reduce the $800,000 budget by reimbursements and sale of meals). We serve about 275 seniors. We have about 10-15 people on a waiting list.
If you would like to be part of a fundraising committee to help the town provide service to some of the families listed above please e mail townboard@greenburghny.com. If you would like to make a donation please send contributions to Greenburgh Nutrition Program, 11 Olympic Lane, Ardsley, NY 10502.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
OPEN SPRAIN LAKE FOR BOATERS
SPRAIN LAKE SHOULD BE USED FOR ROW BOATS, KAYAKING and for HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE ROWING PROGRAMS
WALKING TOUR OF POSSIBLE LAUNCHING SITES THAT WOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH GOLFERS SET FOR OCTOBER 4TH AT 10 AM
Last week Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, Vincent Houston and Ted Mason walked Sprain Lake as a follow up to their initiative to persuade Westchester County & Yonkers to authorize boaters to launch boats on Sprain Lake (located in Greenburgh/Yonkers) for recreational purposes. They were able to locate possible launching areas at the lake that would not interfere with golfers who enjoy golfing at Sprain Lake Golf Course. Yonkers City Council President Chuck Lesnick, who has been promoting the use of Sprain Lake for boating for many years, met with Feiner, Houston and Mason before the walking tour.
A brief follow up walk is being scheduled for Saturday, October 4th at 10 AM @ Sprain Lake Golf Course. Feiner, Houston and Mason hope to show county and local officials as well as recreation enthusiasts possible launching areas for boating.
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, according to Supervisor Feiner. 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.
WALKING TOUR OF POSSIBLE LAUNCHING SITES THAT WOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH GOLFERS SET FOR OCTOBER 4TH AT 10 AM
Last week Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, Vincent Houston and Ted Mason walked Sprain Lake as a follow up to their initiative to persuade Westchester County & Yonkers to authorize boaters to launch boats on Sprain Lake (located in Greenburgh/Yonkers) for recreational purposes. They were able to locate possible launching areas at the lake that would not interfere with golfers who enjoy golfing at Sprain Lake Golf Course. Yonkers City Council President Chuck Lesnick, who has been promoting the use of Sprain Lake for boating for many years, met with Feiner, Houston and Mason before the walking tour.
A brief follow up walk is being scheduled for Saturday, October 4th at 10 AM @ Sprain Lake Golf Course. Feiner, Houston and Mason hope to show county and local officials as well as recreation enthusiasts possible launching areas for boating.
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, according to Supervisor Feiner. 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.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
SUPPORT A GREAT NEW RESTAURANT THAT SERVES CARIBBEAN FOOD
A new restaurant, specializing in fine caribbean cuisine, has opened in Greenburgh --the only restaurant of its kind in Westchester County.
Sunsplash is located at 209 Saw Mill River Road (across from Payne Street--seconds away from the multiplex movie theater), Elmsford (592-5830).
I attended the ribbon cutting ceremonies and then enjoyed some samplings of their delicious food. If you are interested in trying a new restaurant - you won't be disappointed if you take your family to this new restaurant.
The food is great. The quality is excellent. The service is fantastic. And, their prices are very reasonable.
In this difficult economy - it's important to support our local businesses and to thank new businesses for making Greenburgh their home. Greenburgh is very lucky to have Sunsplash in our community.
PAUL FEINER
Sunsplash is located at 209 Saw Mill River Road (across from Payne Street--seconds away from the multiplex movie theater), Elmsford (592-5830).
I attended the ribbon cutting ceremonies and then enjoyed some samplings of their delicious food. If you are interested in trying a new restaurant - you won't be disappointed if you take your family to this new restaurant.
The food is great. The quality is excellent. The service is fantastic. And, their prices are very reasonable.
In this difficult economy - it's important to support our local businesses and to thank new businesses for making Greenburgh their home. Greenburgh is very lucky to have Sunsplash in our community.
PAUL FEINER
Thursday, September 18, 2008
September: Miscellaneous
The purpose of this Miscellaneous topic is to discuss any town related issues you feel are important. Please post any issues you wish to discuss in the comments section of this post. Thanks!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
SHOULD THE TOWN HAVE PAVED YOUR STREET INSTEAD OF THE STREET A FEW BLOCKS DOWN?
Do you ever wonder why Greenburgh repaved certain streets this year –but not your own? Do you think that the town did not base the decision on the merits (road conditions) but on favoritism?
Thanks to a new GIS database the town is using – you’ll never feel that again. The town (and five of the six villages within Greenburgh: Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Elmsford, Hastings, Tarrytown) contracted with TRANSmap to take images of every street in Greenburgh. We are the first locality in Westchester to take advantage of this amazing new technology.
Pavements, curbs, ramps, bridges, crosswalks, drainage structures, fire hydrants, manholes, pavement markings, roadway lighting, signals, street signs, street trees, water valves, fencing, guardrails, medians, lanes, sidewalks, school zones, surface types, catch basins has been collected for the town of Greenburgh by Transmap.
This new technology provides the town with the opportunity to inventory our assets. All this information will be posted on the town web site (www.greenburghny.com) by October 1st, 2008.
According to a presentation made by TRANSmap to the Town Board on Tuesday, September 16th – every road in the town is assigned a different color: failed, very poor, poor, fair, good, very good, excellent. The Commissioner of Public Works will use the ratings to determine which streets are being paved. Residents who live on streets that were not paved can compare their streets with the streets that are being paved ---by visiting the web site.
The town will be able to use the Transmap program for planning purposes (sign regulation, code enforcement); storm water initiatives (maintenance, stormwater, permitting, mapping), safety (mobility management, incident reports, street lighting dispatch, 911, accident locations, safety audits, access management, etc..) and for many other purposes.
We believe that the program will pay for itself. Communities across the nation that have used this technology have been able to receive additional funding from FEMA after storms because municipal inventories have been documented. Hillsborough County, Florida saved over a million dollars in savings on sign management in the first year. They project between $5 and $10 million in savings a year.
If you are interested in watching the presentation that was made to the Town Board by Transmap on Tuesday, September 16th please watch the archives of the Town Board work session (September 16, 2008) on the town web site: www.greenburghny.com (check archives: Town Board meetings).
Thanks to a new GIS database the town is using – you’ll never feel that again. The town (and five of the six villages within Greenburgh: Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Elmsford, Hastings, Tarrytown) contracted with TRANSmap to take images of every street in Greenburgh. We are the first locality in Westchester to take advantage of this amazing new technology.
Pavements, curbs, ramps, bridges, crosswalks, drainage structures, fire hydrants, manholes, pavement markings, roadway lighting, signals, street signs, street trees, water valves, fencing, guardrails, medians, lanes, sidewalks, school zones, surface types, catch basins has been collected for the town of Greenburgh by Transmap.
This new technology provides the town with the opportunity to inventory our assets. All this information will be posted on the town web site (www.greenburghny.com) by October 1st, 2008.
According to a presentation made by TRANSmap to the Town Board on Tuesday, September 16th – every road in the town is assigned a different color: failed, very poor, poor, fair, good, very good, excellent. The Commissioner of Public Works will use the ratings to determine which streets are being paved. Residents who live on streets that were not paved can compare their streets with the streets that are being paved ---by visiting the web site.
The town will be able to use the Transmap program for planning purposes (sign regulation, code enforcement); storm water initiatives (maintenance, stormwater, permitting, mapping), safety (mobility management, incident reports, street lighting dispatch, 911, accident locations, safety audits, access management, etc..) and for many other purposes.
We believe that the program will pay for itself. Communities across the nation that have used this technology have been able to receive additional funding from FEMA after storms because municipal inventories have been documented. Hillsborough County, Florida saved over a million dollars in savings on sign management in the first year. They project between $5 and $10 million in savings a year.
If you are interested in watching the presentation that was made to the Town Board by Transmap on Tuesday, September 16th please watch the archives of the Town Board work session (September 16, 2008) on the town web site: www.greenburghny.com (check archives: Town Board meetings).
work session today
Please be advised that interviews with candidates for Commissioner of the Theodore Young Community Center to begin today. Selection (hopefully) will be made by end of the month.
Tuesday– September 16, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 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.)
2:00p.m. TransMap Presentation
2:30p.m. Executive Session
TDYCC Commissioner Interviews
4:45p.m. Executive Session - Legal
5:30p.m. Adjourn
Tuesday– September 16, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 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.)
2:00p.m. TransMap Presentation
2:30p.m. Executive Session
TDYCC Commissioner Interviews
4:45p.m. Executive Session - Legal
5:30p.m. Adjourn
Monday, September 15, 2008
XPOSURE RESPONSE TO FALSE ACCUSATIONS THAT WERE POSTED ON BLOG COMMENTS
Hello Supervisor Feiner
I would like you to post my full unedited response below.
I want to personally thank you for your vision and dedication to our communities and the education and well being of our youth. Our country desperately needs more leaders like yourself.
I can no longer sit on the sidelines while cowardly bloggers sit back and try to use swift-boat style fear and intimidation tactics to scare people into thinking that a new and innovative program like Xposure is not needed. And yes I have been fingerprinted by the New York State Department of Education and so will anyone working for my organization. Exactly what are people afraid of? Is it that just maybe our children will become more engaged and interested in learning?
Is it that maybe our children will become financially literate and avoid the pitfalls of no savings and bad credit? Is it that our children will become more prepared for the world of work? Is it that our children will realize they too can become Scientists, Doctors or Engineers? Is it that some of them may become the next Obama? Is it that our children will become successful, productive citizens?
I am a Social Entrepreneur with an accomplished career providing direction and leadership for many non-profit organizations. But before I get to some of my career accomplishments it should be noted by those divisive trouble making curiosity seekers that I received a Top Secret Special Background Investigation security clearance from our nation’s military as a member of the elite U.S. Air Force Airborne Command Post. Specifically my job was to design, maintain, and repair high tech electronic communications equipment directly responsible for our nation’s defense. After honorably serving my country I went to work in corporate America as a communications engineer for Eastman Kodak and Digital Equipment Corp. for 10 years before deciding to take a proactive role in social issues affecting our youth and communities. I was hired by Rutgers University to help rehabilitate adjudicated youth returning to Newark, N.J. communities.
Below are more of my career accomplishments:
• Region Leader - Medgar Evers College - Directed Brooklyn School to Careers Initiative.
• Program Manager - P.A.Y.B.A.C.C. and Providence Malta Prep adjudicated youth programs in Jersey City. The New Jersey Juvenile Justice - Community based programs
• Assistant Director – W.A.Y. (Work Appreciation for Youth) foster care youth development program for The Children’s Village where I developed “The 6C’s”, work ethics employment retention tool, and Co-wrote, “THE WAY TO WORK”, pre-employment workshop series for at-risk youth. I am currently a member of the board of directors for The Children’s Village Institute located in Dobbs Ferry.
CV Institute
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman: Kenneth Kirshenbaum
Board members:, Paul Jenkel, Michael Schaenen, Ray Thomas
President and CEO: Jeremy C. Kohomban
The Children’s Village Institute supports the programs and activities of The Children's Village. The Institute executes its mission by identifying and disseminating information on best practices, model programs, workforce training, advocating on behalf of issues to help children and families, conducting fundraising activities, and providing financial and other forms of assistance.
• Sr. Vice President - BP Vance Real Estate www.BPVance.com on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. I am no longer in Real Estate but many of the great articles I have written can be found in the resources newsletter section of the website.
• Director - B.E. L.L. Afterschool Programs PS. 67 and PS 81 No Child Left Behind SES Provider.
NOTE: A social entrepreneur is someone who recognizes a social problem and uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create, and manage a venture to make social change = XPOSURE FOUNDATION INC.
In this great capitalist country of ours those same principles can be applied in the world of business.
Fabulous 1 Bedroom w/ Private Balcony and great 25th floor city views in Luxury Full Service Bldg.
Price: $789,000
Broker: Raymond L. Thomas
**SOLD** FABULOUS ONE BEDROOM W/PRIVATE BALCONY and GREAT RIVER VIEWS FROM THE LR/DR AND BDRM, HARDWOOD FLOORS, BAY WINDOWS. CUSTOMIZED BATHROOM W/iTALIAN SLATE TILES AND MERIDIAN MASSAGER. NEWLY RENOVATED KITCHEN. APT. FACES NORTH WITH LOTS OF ...
During my stint in the world of real estate I soon realized my passion for the education and future of our youth called for me to manage the B.E.L.L. After-School programs for Brooklyn’s PS 67 and PS 81 elementary schools. These programs are No Child Left Behind S.E.S. programs designed to raise standardized test scores in Reading, Math and Science.
It is while managing these programs that I felt the need to create something that would address our student’s educational needs in a more holistic way.
That is how XPOSURE FOUNDATION INC. was born.
It is important to me that student be excited about learning. It is important to me that teachers teach lessons that are interesting, engaging and skills rich. It is important to me that parents and schools become true partners in our children’s education.
XPOSURE is not a program, it is a movement whose time has come and can not or will not be stopped by any swift-boat style tactics. Look into my background a little deeper and you will find that I grew up in the Housing Projects of Newark, N.J. where crime such as drug dealing and murder with no exaggeration were the norm. I have been blessed with success and it my duty to give back and to show others how to do the same. I am here to personally let all the cowardly anonymous posters know that fear and intimidation tactics will never deter me or my efforts to provide better opportunities for our nation’s youth. If anything it makes my resolve stronger. I am honored to have an opportunity to serve the great community of Greenburgh!
XPOSURE is not a program, XPOSURE is a MOVEMENT.
“21st Century Results require 21st Century Thinking and 21st Century Tools”
I will later post the phone number of PS 67 Principal Ms. Cheryl Ault. The negative bloggers should contact her about Xposure’s contributions in providing computer and smartboard training for the schools teachers. The trainings are currently being conducted by XPOSURE on Friday’s and Saturday’s (Free of Charge). That is what a true partnership in educating our children looks like.
Below is a letter from Ms. Sadie Silver – Principal of Brooklyn’s PS 28.
Ms. Silver later shared results from the state’s science exam and stated that students who participated in Xposure scored higher on the tests than their peers.
Raymond L. Thomas Jr.
Executive Director/Founder
Xposure Foundation Inc.
“To accomplish great things you must dream as well as act”.
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
Public School 28
Warren Prep Academy
1001 Herkimer Street
Brooklyn, New York 11233
Phone: (718) 467-2865 Fax: (718) 953-4189
Principal Assistant Principal
Sadie Silver Theresa Lovelace
May 6, 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
Mr. Raymond L. Thomas Jr. was contacted by me, Ms. Silver, principal of Warren Prep Academy, Public School 28K in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn to bring the Xposure program to our school. Mr. Thomas worked diligently with our staff to begin recruiting parents and students for the program. There was an overwhelming response from our parents to enroll their children into the program.
Mr. Thomas and his staff recruited 20 students for the program. The programs the Xposure After-School Program offer include Financial Literacy, Technology, and Science. Recently our children began preparing for the NYS Science Exam and all of the Xposure students understand the scientific method thoroughly. Their academic language in science has improved greatly and their motivation towards school has increased because they look forward to attending the Xposure After-School Program.
We are very fond of the Xposure Program and all the programs that support higher order thinking. Their use of technology is preparing our students for the future in ways that are unimaginable. We look forward to working with Mr. Raymond L. Thomas in the future and truly believe that all of the families that participate in the Xposure After-School program will be very well rounded.
Sincerely,
Sadie Silver
Ms. Sadie Silver
Principal
I would like you to post my full unedited response below.
I want to personally thank you for your vision and dedication to our communities and the education and well being of our youth. Our country desperately needs more leaders like yourself.
I can no longer sit on the sidelines while cowardly bloggers sit back and try to use swift-boat style fear and intimidation tactics to scare people into thinking that a new and innovative program like Xposure is not needed. And yes I have been fingerprinted by the New York State Department of Education and so will anyone working for my organization. Exactly what are people afraid of? Is it that just maybe our children will become more engaged and interested in learning?
Is it that maybe our children will become financially literate and avoid the pitfalls of no savings and bad credit? Is it that our children will become more prepared for the world of work? Is it that our children will realize they too can become Scientists, Doctors or Engineers? Is it that some of them may become the next Obama? Is it that our children will become successful, productive citizens?
I am a Social Entrepreneur with an accomplished career providing direction and leadership for many non-profit organizations. But before I get to some of my career accomplishments it should be noted by those divisive trouble making curiosity seekers that I received a Top Secret Special Background Investigation security clearance from our nation’s military as a member of the elite U.S. Air Force Airborne Command Post. Specifically my job was to design, maintain, and repair high tech electronic communications equipment directly responsible for our nation’s defense. After honorably serving my country I went to work in corporate America as a communications engineer for Eastman Kodak and Digital Equipment Corp. for 10 years before deciding to take a proactive role in social issues affecting our youth and communities. I was hired by Rutgers University to help rehabilitate adjudicated youth returning to Newark, N.J. communities.
Below are more of my career accomplishments:
• Region Leader - Medgar Evers College - Directed Brooklyn School to Careers Initiative.
• Program Manager - P.A.Y.B.A.C.C. and Providence Malta Prep adjudicated youth programs in Jersey City. The New Jersey Juvenile Justice - Community based programs
• Assistant Director – W.A.Y. (Work Appreciation for Youth) foster care youth development program for The Children’s Village where I developed “The 6C’s”, work ethics employment retention tool, and Co-wrote, “THE WAY TO WORK”, pre-employment workshop series for at-risk youth. I am currently a member of the board of directors for The Children’s Village Institute located in Dobbs Ferry.
CV Institute
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman: Kenneth Kirshenbaum
Board members:, Paul Jenkel, Michael Schaenen, Ray Thomas
President and CEO: Jeremy C. Kohomban
The Children’s Village Institute supports the programs and activities of The Children's Village. The Institute executes its mission by identifying and disseminating information on best practices, model programs, workforce training, advocating on behalf of issues to help children and families, conducting fundraising activities, and providing financial and other forms of assistance.
• Sr. Vice President - BP Vance Real Estate www.BPVance.com on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. I am no longer in Real Estate but many of the great articles I have written can be found in the resources newsletter section of the website.
• Director - B.E. L.L. Afterschool Programs PS. 67 and PS 81 No Child Left Behind SES Provider.
NOTE: A social entrepreneur is someone who recognizes a social problem and uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create, and manage a venture to make social change = XPOSURE FOUNDATION INC.
In this great capitalist country of ours those same principles can be applied in the world of business.
Fabulous 1 Bedroom w/ Private Balcony and great 25th floor city views in Luxury Full Service Bldg.
Price: $789,000
Broker: Raymond L. Thomas
**SOLD** FABULOUS ONE BEDROOM W/PRIVATE BALCONY and GREAT RIVER VIEWS FROM THE LR/DR AND BDRM, HARDWOOD FLOORS, BAY WINDOWS. CUSTOMIZED BATHROOM W/iTALIAN SLATE TILES AND MERIDIAN MASSAGER. NEWLY RENOVATED KITCHEN. APT. FACES NORTH WITH LOTS OF ...
During my stint in the world of real estate I soon realized my passion for the education and future of our youth called for me to manage the B.E.L.L. After-School programs for Brooklyn’s PS 67 and PS 81 elementary schools. These programs are No Child Left Behind S.E.S. programs designed to raise standardized test scores in Reading, Math and Science.
It is while managing these programs that I felt the need to create something that would address our student’s educational needs in a more holistic way.
That is how XPOSURE FOUNDATION INC. was born.
It is important to me that student be excited about learning. It is important to me that teachers teach lessons that are interesting, engaging and skills rich. It is important to me that parents and schools become true partners in our children’s education.
XPOSURE is not a program, it is a movement whose time has come and can not or will not be stopped by any swift-boat style tactics. Look into my background a little deeper and you will find that I grew up in the Housing Projects of Newark, N.J. where crime such as drug dealing and murder with no exaggeration were the norm. I have been blessed with success and it my duty to give back and to show others how to do the same. I am here to personally let all the cowardly anonymous posters know that fear and intimidation tactics will never deter me or my efforts to provide better opportunities for our nation’s youth. If anything it makes my resolve stronger. I am honored to have an opportunity to serve the great community of Greenburgh!
XPOSURE is not a program, XPOSURE is a MOVEMENT.
“21st Century Results require 21st Century Thinking and 21st Century Tools”
I will later post the phone number of PS 67 Principal Ms. Cheryl Ault. The negative bloggers should contact her about Xposure’s contributions in providing computer and smartboard training for the schools teachers. The trainings are currently being conducted by XPOSURE on Friday’s and Saturday’s (Free of Charge). That is what a true partnership in educating our children looks like.
Below is a letter from Ms. Sadie Silver – Principal of Brooklyn’s PS 28.
Ms. Silver later shared results from the state’s science exam and stated that students who participated in Xposure scored higher on the tests than their peers.
Raymond L. Thomas Jr.
Executive Director/Founder
Xposure Foundation Inc.
“To accomplish great things you must dream as well as act”.
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
Public School 28
Warren Prep Academy
1001 Herkimer Street
Brooklyn, New York 11233
Phone: (718) 467-2865 Fax: (718) 953-4189
Principal Assistant Principal
Sadie Silver Theresa Lovelace
May 6, 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
Mr. Raymond L. Thomas Jr. was contacted by me, Ms. Silver, principal of Warren Prep Academy, Public School 28K in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn to bring the Xposure program to our school. Mr. Thomas worked diligently with our staff to begin recruiting parents and students for the program. There was an overwhelming response from our parents to enroll their children into the program.
Mr. Thomas and his staff recruited 20 students for the program. The programs the Xposure After-School Program offer include Financial Literacy, Technology, and Science. Recently our children began preparing for the NYS Science Exam and all of the Xposure students understand the scientific method thoroughly. Their academic language in science has improved greatly and their motivation towards school has increased because they look forward to attending the Xposure After-School Program.
We are very fond of the Xposure Program and all the programs that support higher order thinking. Their use of technology is preparing our students for the future in ways that are unimaginable. We look forward to working with Mr. Raymond L. Thomas in the future and truly believe that all of the families that participate in the Xposure After-School program will be very well rounded.
Sincerely,
Sadie Silver
Ms. Sadie Silver
Principal
Sunday, September 14, 2008
XPOSURE AFTER SCHOOL DOOR TO DOOR CAMPAIGN A BIG SUCCESS!
Greenburgh Councilmembers Sonja Brown, Francis Sheehan, Diana Juettner joined Acting Commissioner of the Theodore Young Community center knocking on doors tonight --encouraging families to sign their children up for the xposure program (registration is on Monday night at 6 PM). I was delighted with the response we received. Many parents and children were excited about the program --especially the chance students will be getting to invest in the stock market.
Ray Thomas, founder of the program, also joined me during our door to door initiative. We chatted about the outrageous blog comments about him (that have appeared on this blog). The allegations about his background are off base and false. The lying that is taking place is actually motivating us to work harder to make the program a success. Mr. Thomas served in the military, had special security clearance. His credentials are impressive. I'm hopeful that once some of the people who have been smearing his name learn more about him and the program they'll change their mind and embrace this initiative.
OUR PRIORITY SHOULD NOT BE POLITICS-- IT SHOULD BE CHILDREN.
Ray Thomas, founder of the program, also joined me during our door to door initiative. We chatted about the outrageous blog comments about him (that have appeared on this blog). The allegations about his background are off base and false. The lying that is taking place is actually motivating us to work harder to make the program a success. Mr. Thomas served in the military, had special security clearance. His credentials are impressive. I'm hopeful that once some of the people who have been smearing his name learn more about him and the program they'll change their mind and embrace this initiative.
OUR PRIORITY SHOULD NOT BE POLITICS-- IT SHOULD BE CHILDREN.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
TOWN BD TO KNOCK ON DOORS PROMOTING AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM- TELL YOUR K-8TH GRADER THAT THEY CAN GET PAID TO LEARN!
LANZA FAMILY FOUNDATION PROVIDES FUNDS SO STUDENTS CAN GET PAID TO LEARN!
The Greenburgh Town Board will be knocking on doors this Sunday beginning at 6 PM to encourage students to sign up for the innovative Xposure after school program. Town Board members will join Xposure Director Raymond Thomas –outreaching to members of the community. Supervisor Paul Feiner, Town Councilmembers Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Francis Sheehan will meet at the center at 6 PM on Sunday to start the door to door efforts.
If your child (K-8th grader) is interested in signing up for the program and if you reside in unincorporated Greenburgh – please attend the open house at the Theodore Young Community Center this coming Monday, September 15th beginning at 6 PM. The Community Center is located on Manhattan Ave.
The town received a grant of $167,500 dollars from the Lanza Family Foundation to start the program.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR K-8TH GRADER GET PAID TO LEARN?
Would you like to see your k-8th grader open up their own savings account with the money they earn from learning?
Would you like to see your k-8th grader invest in the stock market and become a part owner of some fortune five hundred companies?
Would you like to see your k-8th grader eat better?
…learn about science…computers…work ethics and be a host on kidsTV and KidsRadio?
If yes, come to our Xposure Foundation after school program open house.
MONDAY 6 PM Theodore Young Community Center
Theodore Young Community Center
Xposure Foundation, Inc
Executive Director Raymond Thomas 347 418 6534
The Greenburgh Town Board will be knocking on doors this Sunday beginning at 6 PM to encourage students to sign up for the innovative Xposure after school program. Town Board members will join Xposure Director Raymond Thomas –outreaching to members of the community. Supervisor Paul Feiner, Town Councilmembers Sonja Brown, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Francis Sheehan will meet at the center at 6 PM on Sunday to start the door to door efforts.
If your child (K-8th grader) is interested in signing up for the program and if you reside in unincorporated Greenburgh – please attend the open house at the Theodore Young Community Center this coming Monday, September 15th beginning at 6 PM. The Community Center is located on Manhattan Ave.
The town received a grant of $167,500 dollars from the Lanza Family Foundation to start the program.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR K-8TH GRADER GET PAID TO LEARN?
Would you like to see your k-8th grader open up their own savings account with the money they earn from learning?
Would you like to see your k-8th grader invest in the stock market and become a part owner of some fortune five hundred companies?
Would you like to see your k-8th grader eat better?
…learn about science…computers…work ethics and be a host on kidsTV and KidsRadio?
If yes, come to our Xposure Foundation after school program open house.
MONDAY 6 PM Theodore Young Community Center
Theodore Young Community Center
Xposure Foundation, Inc
Executive Director Raymond Thomas 347 418 6534
Monday, September 08, 2008
E HARTSDALE FLOOD STUDY TO BE RELEASED SEPT 24
Leonard Jackson Associates is anticipated to provide the Town Board with a briefing re: E Hartsdale Ave flood study at the September 24th Town Board meeting. Copies of the report will be released to the public.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
work session agenda tuesday--open gov forum with bob freeman wed
Work Session Agenda of the Greenburgh Town Board
Tuesday– September 9, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 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.)
2:00p.m. Agenda Review
2:30p.m. Greenburgh Nature Center – Bird Aviary
2:45p.m. Requested Moratorium on Antenna Application Approvals
3:15p.m. Xposure Program Update
3:30p.m. Executive Session - Personnel
4:30p.m. 27 Main Street Corp. – Dobbs Ferry
4:45p.m. Court Issues
5:30p.m. Adjourn
7:30p.m. Reconvene – Comptroller’s Project List – Lee F. Jackson Conference Rm.
REMINDER: Bob Freeman (FOIL Law) will hold a public forum at Town Hall on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Live Outdoor Music Series – Performances to Date
September 13th – Jonathan Flaks, 10:00am to 12:00noon and
Al Frankel, 12:00noon to 2:00pm
September 20th – Tara Pavone – Music of the Beatles, Carole King and Broadway, 10:00am to 12:00noon
and The Blues Mothers. 12:30pm to 1:30pm
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
October 18th – Musician to be confirmed
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 993-1500
Upcoming Work Session
September 16, 2008 – Work Session
House calls / Community Outreach Meetings:
September 7, 2008 – About 5:30PM – Intersection of Melissa Drive and Secor Road after the 9/11 memorial at Richard Presser Park
Tuesday– September 9, 2008
(All Work Sessions are Televised Live on Cablevision Channel 76, Verizon 32 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.)
2:00p.m. Agenda Review
2:30p.m. Greenburgh Nature Center – Bird Aviary
2:45p.m. Requested Moratorium on Antenna Application Approvals
3:15p.m. Xposure Program Update
3:30p.m. Executive Session - Personnel
4:30p.m. 27 Main Street Corp. – Dobbs Ferry
4:45p.m. Court Issues
5:30p.m. Adjourn
7:30p.m. Reconvene – Comptroller’s Project List – Lee F. Jackson Conference Rm.
REMINDER: Bob Freeman (FOIL Law) will hold a public forum at Town Hall on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
East Hartsdale Farmers Market Live Outdoor Music Series – Performances to Date
September 13th – Jonathan Flaks, 10:00am to 12:00noon and
Al Frankel, 12:00noon to 2:00pm
September 20th – Tara Pavone – Music of the Beatles, Carole King and Broadway, 10:00am to 12:00noon
and The Blues Mothers. 12:30pm to 1:30pm
October 11th – Ceasar Cantori
October 18th – Musician to be confirmed
We are looking for more jazz artists! Please contact Judith Beville, Town Clerk at: 993-1500
Upcoming Work Session
September 16, 2008 – Work Session
House calls / Community Outreach Meetings:
September 7, 2008 – About 5:30PM – Intersection of Melissa Drive and Secor Road after the 9/11 memorial at Richard Presser Park
Friday, September 05, 2008
FIRST MEETING- CLIMATE ACTION TASK FORCE ON 9/15
I hope you will consider attending this meeting –and joining the Greenburgh Climate Action Task Force. With your help we can make a big difference.
PAUL FEINER
GREENBURGH CLIMATE
ACTION TASK FORCE
First meeting Monday September 15 at 7:30 PM
Greenburgh Town Hall
Join the Greenburgh Climate Action Task Force to help Greenburgh continue to be a leader in the energy conservation.
There is an urgent need to reduce the use of coal, oil and gas due to the impact on the climate and global warming. Costs of fossil fuels are spiraling and impacting all sectors of the economy. A transition to clean energy will create new, sustainable jobs in Greenburgh.
If you are motivated to be part of a task force that will act to save energy, please come to this meeting. We are looking for representatives from government, business, educational institutions, faith communities and the environmental community.
What will the Climate Action Task Force do?
* develop an action plan to save energy and reduce carbon emissions in Greenburgh
* create a sustainability program for conservation and efficiency,
* increase the use of renewable energy like wind, solar and geothermal
* promote land use and transportation alternatives
* inventory total greenhouse gas emissions, recommend a reduction goal and a
strategy to achieve the goal
For more information:
Contact the Town of Greenburgh Energy Conservation office: 993-1649
Allegra Dengler EnergyConservation@Greenburghny.com
Deann Cartwright ConservationOutreach@Greenburghny.com
PAUL FEINER
GREENBURGH CLIMATE
ACTION TASK FORCE
First meeting Monday September 15 at 7:30 PM
Greenburgh Town Hall
Join the Greenburgh Climate Action Task Force to help Greenburgh continue to be a leader in the energy conservation.
There is an urgent need to reduce the use of coal, oil and gas due to the impact on the climate and global warming. Costs of fossil fuels are spiraling and impacting all sectors of the economy. A transition to clean energy will create new, sustainable jobs in Greenburgh.
If you are motivated to be part of a task force that will act to save energy, please come to this meeting. We are looking for representatives from government, business, educational institutions, faith communities and the environmental community.
What will the Climate Action Task Force do?
* develop an action plan to save energy and reduce carbon emissions in Greenburgh
* create a sustainability program for conservation and efficiency,
* increase the use of renewable energy like wind, solar and geothermal
* promote land use and transportation alternatives
* inventory total greenhouse gas emissions, recommend a reduction goal and a
strategy to achieve the goal
For more information:
Contact the Town of Greenburgh Energy Conservation office: 993-1649
Allegra Dengler EnergyConservation@Greenburghny.com
Deann Cartwright ConservationOutreach@Greenburghny.com
JOB OPPORTUNITIES-- AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Town of Greenburgh recently received a $167,550 grant from the Lanza Family Foundation to ENHANCE our after school program. We are contracting with the Xposure Foundation to provide one of the nations most innovative after school opportunities. This is experimental learning at the highest level. In finance, students not only learn fundamentals of banking and investing, they also open their own bank accounts, save weekly and invest in shares of public companies. In technology they review online lessons in electronics or the environment. They create and post video and radio programs about what they have learned. Please visit the xposure web site: www.XposureFoundationInc.org.
We are excited to announce the addition of the Xposure Foundation, Inc. After School program to the Theodore D. Young Community Center.
The Xposure Greenburgh After School Program will be holding interviews for the Theodore D. Young Community Center Staff, and anyone interested in working with the Xposure Greenburgh After School Program.
Send a copy of your current resume and a writing sample telling us about your interest, capacity and ability to be a part of this new program by email to Raymondlthomas@XposureFoundationInc. before the interview time.
AND/OR
Please bring a hard copy of both these documents with you to your interview at the Theodore D. Young Community. The interview times are as follow:
Friday September 12, 2008 3:00pm - 8:00pm - Interviews
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 3:00pm – 8:00 pm - Interviews
There will also be a Parent Orientation on Monday, September 15, 2008 at 6:00pm
All parents, current employee, prospective employees, and anyone wishing additional information about the program are welcome to attend.
Parents will be able to register their children, before, during and after the presentation on September 15, 2008.
We welcome you and look forward to meeting you.
Thank You!
We are excited to announce the addition of the Xposure Foundation, Inc. After School program to the Theodore D. Young Community Center.
The Xposure Greenburgh After School Program will be holding interviews for the Theodore D. Young Community Center Staff, and anyone interested in working with the Xposure Greenburgh After School Program.
Send a copy of your current resume and a writing sample telling us about your interest, capacity and ability to be a part of this new program by email to Raymondlthomas@XposureFoundationInc. before the interview time.
AND/OR
Please bring a hard copy of both these documents with you to your interview at the Theodore D. Young Community. The interview times are as follow:
Friday September 12, 2008 3:00pm - 8:00pm - Interviews
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 3:00pm – 8:00 pm - Interviews
There will also be a Parent Orientation on Monday, September 15, 2008 at 6:00pm
All parents, current employee, prospective employees, and anyone wishing additional information about the program are welcome to attend.
Parents will be able to register their children, before, during and after the presentation on September 15, 2008.
We welcome you and look forward to meeting you.
Thank You!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
FALL BROCHURE ON LINE...DOG SWIM THIS SUNDAY
you are interested in taking advantage of any of the programs we are offering residents – please be advised that the town-wide activities brochure can be read on line. There are many exciting programs taking place this fall, winter. We hope you will enjoy. The brochure should be in the mail next week.
If you have a dog – please enjoy the dog swim at AF Veteran Town Park this Sunday, September 7th from 10 AM to 2 PM. Hundreds of dogs swim at the small pool near the entrance of the park. This is one of the most popular programs we sponsor each year.
http://www.greenburghny.com/FCpdf/32169%20GREENBURGH%20Final1.pdf
If you have a dog – please enjoy the dog swim at AF Veteran Town Park this Sunday, September 7th from 10 AM to 2 PM. Hundreds of dogs swim at the small pool near the entrance of the park. This is one of the most popular programs we sponsor each year.
http://www.greenburghny.com/FCpdf/32169%20GREENBURGH%20Final1.pdf
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
AMAZING AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM FEATURED TOMORROW
The town of Greenburgh recently recently a $167,550 grant from the Lanza Family Foundation so we can provide students with a state of the art after school program that is second to none. Check the web site:
http://www.xposureschools.com/greenburgh/ to learn more about this incredible opportunity and program. This program (which has been featured on major NY TV stations) is coming to Greenburgh and will provide students with opportunities for advancement in the fields of science and technology. It’s a world class program.
Registration will start soon. Xposure is also planning to conduct interviews so they can hire the best teachers, assistant teachers and youth aides. They are also looking for volunteers.
Because of the importance of this program – the Town Board will have a special presentation for the public tomorrow –Thursday, September 4th at 7:30 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. Please attend the meeting or watch the meeting on public access TV. Town Board meetings are also streamed live on the internet: www.greenburghny.com.
The program will be run at the Theodore Young Community Center.
PAUL FEINER
http://www.xposureschools.com/greenburgh/ to learn more about this incredible opportunity and program. This program (which has been featured on major NY TV stations) is coming to Greenburgh and will provide students with opportunities for advancement in the fields of science and technology. It’s a world class program.
Registration will start soon. Xposure is also planning to conduct interviews so they can hire the best teachers, assistant teachers and youth aides. They are also looking for volunteers.
Because of the importance of this program – the Town Board will have a special presentation for the public tomorrow –Thursday, September 4th at 7:30 PM at Greenburgh Town Hall. Please attend the meeting or watch the meeting on public access TV. Town Board meetings are also streamed live on the internet: www.greenburghny.com.
The program will be run at the Theodore Young Community Center.
PAUL FEINER
Monday, September 01, 2008
BLOG DESIGN MODIFICATION - INPUT APPRECIATED
Sometime this week, I'll be making a few aesthetic improvements to the blog to improve usability and encourage an easier method of posting comments. I have noticed that several posts have fallen into a state of disarray due to spam/advertising comments, and this will hopefully be remedied in the near future to allow for clearer discussion of the topics at hand. It should be prepared and implemented by this Friday. Any suggestions should be posted in the comments section, and I will see if they are feasible to implement. Your input is appreciated!
-Marc Herman
Binghamton University Student
-Marc Herman
Binghamton University Student
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