.
Feedback
Local Connections  

Wine & Spirits Tasting Fundraiser For Autism Speaks

Liz Fortugno said she has long wanted to raise money for “amazing children” like her 19-year-old son, James III, who is on the autistic spectrum. Fortugno, who is the district manager for Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, has now gone ahead and don

2 Comments Recommend Robin Traum (Editor)

Liz McDonnell Fortugno May 20, 2013 at 11:22 pm
Thank you Robin for writing an amazing blog for this event. James is on cloud 9, and totallyRead More ecstatic about this event. Please everyone come down, and spread the word because these children need everything we can give them. The simplest little thing like an article about their struggles fills such a void in these amazing children's lives who most of the time feel that they are different and don't fit in. James has rock star status now, and went to bed tonight with a smile from ear to ear, and that means the world to his mom. Thank you again
Lindsay P May 20, 2013 at 10:21 pm
I happen to have the pleasure of knowing James and his family. You will not meet a moreRead More kind-hearted, generous, dedicated and hard working young man. You will also not meet a more loving and devoted family! It's not a surprise that James turned out to be the amazing young man he is! This is such a wonderful and beneficial cause, and I hope to be present at the event!
Incumbent Clarkstown School Board Trustees Robert Carlucci and Diane Hoeneveld
Rockland Resident May 20, 2013 at 08:41 pm
Based on the postcard sent around by the school district, there is about a 10% increase in spendingRead More by the district over last year. They are raising taxes by 2.9%...and they are also using $11-12 million in reserve funds to "close the gap" of spending vs revenue. The reserve fund they are drawing off of will run out in approximately 2-3 years. How can anyone think this is a responsible budget, if we are "balancing" our budget on a reserve fund that will run out?
Pearl River Lanes, which will close permanently May 25 2013.
Stephen Bruno May 20, 2013 at 09:43 pm
Very sad for every bowler in Pearl River especially young kids who want to start up this greatRead More sport. I just finished my senior season of Varsity Bowling and seeing that they are leaving makes me very sad. Since this year was the first time in a very long time that the Boys team won the League Title, its a shame that the PR teams wont have a "home court" anymore
Paul Witte May 20, 2013 at 09:32 pm
Raissia that's what happens when you have a landlord from Long Island who doesn't care about PR itRead More shows the way they keep the property. The rumor is a Walgreens.
Charles W. Samoylo May 20, 2013 at 09:22 pm
The Leica Family were great owners of the Pearl River Lanes. I bowled at the lanes back in theRead More 80' s and 90's. and was very successful .Bowling many high scoring games and 186 + average when I stopped bowling due injuries I learned my craft at the time with the efforts of their dedicated staff at the time. Pearl River Lanes will surely be missed and I hope the lanes continue.Pearl River needs some activities for the community.They no longer have movie theater ,now bowling alleys going, A sad day for Pearl River,
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
WGMom May 20, 2013 at 09:10 am
It's entirely true that every professional has out-of-pocket expenses. But as someone who worked asRead More a corporate trainer, I can guarantee you I NEVER had to pay out of pocket expenses for supplies to teach classes. Every piece of paper, supply, and even snacks for the participants were fully covered expenses. If I had to spend out of pocket money to procure supplies, I could submit for a reimbursement, and receive it, no questions asked. I am now in school to become a high school teacher and I can see the stark difference in how the education of folks in a corporate environment is incredibly different, and privileged, than the public school environment. I've sat through numerous classes in the Clarkstown and Ramapo districts, doing observations required for my education certification, and while Clarkstown certainly benefits from certain advantages, the shabbiness of being a public school is still there. Furniture, such as teacher desks, that looks like it was purchased in a garage sale 30 years ago... faculty bathrooms that are dark and dingy, nearly crumbling, and sorely in need of updating. Etc. The public expects teachers to have professional training, act professionally, but they lack sometimes basic resources and are expected to function in an environment that feels more like a dungeon than an institution of learning. The citizens of Clarkstown, if they could get a tour of some of the facilities they are expecting children to learn in, and teachers to teach in, would be very surprised. We do supply some great technology, but then we put it in classrooms with windows that won't stay closed when it's windy, as one example. I spent most of my time in South, which is the best of the bunch, facilities-wise. Clarkstown North is a mess, Woodglen's woods are littered with fallen trees no one's cleaned up after Sandy, Laurel Plains had to be shuttered thanks to that whole foul stench... the district is in a situation where there are major capital improvements that are going to be needed. Buildings are aging, and it seems it's only the most basic of upkeep that happens. The district can't even fix the roofs of the buildings without applying for a state grant.
Heywood Jablohme May 18, 2013 at 07:17 am
What professional doesn't spend $500 per year on out of pocket expenses related to their jobs?Read More Staples offering 10% (or 5 in some cases) is hardly an example of the community getting involved. Thankfully, there are other examples of the community and PTA's getting involved and providing needed services. Clarkstown and surrounding areas hardly have substantial unmet needs in their classroom, thankfully.
Truth4all May 16, 2013 at 11:37 am
I guess better late than never. LaCorte is serving his 4th year as Mayor and was Trustee for I thinkRead More 4 years before that. This year is the only time he has brought the idea to the village about participating in this program. He is motivated by the opportunity of getting positive press for his County Executive campaign. The village should have been involved in this program ( as well as the Americorps program) long before this. On a positive note, hopefully the Village will continue this worthwhile partnership for many years to come.
Sunny May 16, 2013 at 03:50 pm
Is there an article on patch about it? I am unable to find except on lohud.com
Green Farmer May 15, 2013 at 08:23 pm
Finally!!
b May 15, 2013 at 07:31 pm
Thank God. It's been a long time coming. Finally someone has paid attention.!!! That man has gotRead More to go.
Watchdog May 16, 2013 at 04:37 pm
George, don't you have enough to do straightening out the affairs of Clarkstown. Overtime in theRead More Police Department is rampant and the Town Attorney is out of control. As Tom Nimick says, we need an outside auditor for that operation since taxpayers were abused with the hiring of a political operative Jay Savino who I understand is singing like a canary. Get on the right side George before the FBI comes a lookin" I hear that the Gromack war chest is the first place they are looking for clues. Do the right thing George or you will get trampled with the rest of them.
Tom Nimick May 15, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Congratulations, George. Now about your other responsibilities as a member of the Town Board withRead More primary oversight over budget and expenditures: Won't you be the one to propose the needed audit of the Office of Town Attorney? You know the problems exist - likely you know more about the problems than I do. It is sad to see you silent in the face of the abuse of patronage. When will we hear your voice on it?
Teacher May 16, 2013 at 07:24 am
The new format is attractive but it is hard to find the comments that go with stories.