“David Storobin, a guy who can’t even fess up to what he writes on his web pages anymore and is busy scrubbing what little history he has, because he’s embarrassed about his ties to skinheads, and neo-Nazi groups and white supremacist groups” – L. Fidler

RESPOND (RUSSIAN LANGUAGE)

RESPOND (ENGLISH LANGUAGE)

“Mr. Fidler, these are my true ‘ties,’” Storobin said in a statement. “These are my family members who died fighting the Nazis in World War II and who were murdered by Soviet persecutors for being Jewish. These are the blood ties I share with so many other Jewish people in our community whose families were also persecuted and killed. This is what is real, Mr. Fidler. Not your false and outrageous claims that I have ties to neo-Nazis and skinheads.”

“Once again, Mr. Fidler, I demand that you retract your offensive statements and apologize to my family and the broader community for using the memory of murdered Jews to spread an untrue attack rumor for your own political gain.”

NTV (Russian Language):

                                    ######

Republican David Storobin, a lawyer, and Jewish supporters are demanding that Democrat Lew Fidler, a veteran City Council member, apologize for saying Storobin was “embarrassed by his ties to skinheads and neo-Nazi groups and white supremacist groups.”

Years ago, Storobin interviewed controversial figures, including Jim Gilchrist of the anti-immigrant “Minuteman movement.”  The articles Storobin posted were then picked up on white power web sites such as “Stormfront,” CBS 2′s Tony Aiello reported.

“I was a journalist and as a journalist, it was my job to interview people,” Storobin said.

Storobin said it’s ridiculous to link an observant Jew to neo-Nazis.

“All four of my grandparents — all four of them — had their families wiped out during the Holocaust,” Storobin said.

But the Fidler campaign isn’t backing down, saying “Be honest about your Internet ranting. Why did they end up on white supremacist websites? Come clean, Mr. Storobin.”

CBS , http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/01/31/controversial-comments-spark-nasty-start-to-brooklyn-race-for-krugers-senate-seat/

By Linda Mercaldo

Perhaps it’s for turning heads as you sip champagne under the stars at that special black-tie affair, or for dancing the night away at the wedding of your precious child.  Or perhaps, as it was for actress Melissa Hunter, it’s to dazzle the paparazzi as you take a turn down the Red Carpet at the Oscars.

Whatever the occasion, when you want to stun, you need to know one name: Galit.

Galit and Andre, designers in the finest European tradition, opened Galit Couture in Brooklyn, 15 years ago.  Using only the finest fabrics and materials, their opulent evening and bridal gowns are created to not only meet, but to consistently exceed their clients’ expectations.  Galit’s designs have appeared in Contemporary Bride magazine and she was recently the focus of an article in the New York Times.

How lucky to have a designer of international importance so close to home – and now, with the opening of their new Galit Couture location at 1470 Hylan Boulevard on Staten Island, owning a creation by Galit  and Andre has become easier and more convenient than ever.

Picture yourself in a dramatic creation rendered in silks, satins and lace.  Imagine the secret thrill when you realize that they are looking at you, as you walk through the room in a strikingly beautiful creation worn with comfort and ease.  It’s as if you were born for this moment… and perhaps you were.

If you’re ready to experience Galit Couture, if you’re ready to explore the possibilities, if you’re ready to see fantasies of high-fashion brought to life in glorious colors and textures, then you are invited to join Galit and Andre at a gala fashion show to celebrate the opening of their new store.  The date is Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 7:00 pm.  Admission is free – bring only your sense of wonder and your willingness to picture yourself in one of their unique creations. For reservation please call: 718-646-8190

But most of all – be ready to imagine yourself dressed to stun.

Dear Readers of Citizens Magazine:

My name is Sam Pirozzolo and I am proud to be writing to you in the inaugural issue of Citizens Magazine appearing in the Staten Island Advance. I hold the position of President of the Community Education Council of District 31 (Staten Island), also known as CEC 31.

CEC 31 is a group of 11 parent volunteers, 9 elected and 2 appointed:

·CEC members represent students and parents, acting as advocates for our school district.

·Nine of our members must be parents of children attending school in this school district and two members are appointed by the Staten Island Borough President.

·We advise the Schools Chancellor & NYC Department of Education about student & parent needs & concerns.

·We do NOT work for the Department of Education & are NOT controlled by the DoE.

·We receive NO SALARY for holding our positions on the CEC.

·Each school district has its own Council but CEC 31 covers the entire borough of Staten Island.

·We also participate in shaping the educational programs of the district.

You have got to love Gandhi - words to live by!

Over the last 4 years, CEC 31 has been very active in the Staten Island school system, helping to establish the Middle School Scholars Program, rezoning some North Shore school zones, fighting to get school bus service restored to Staten Island students and requesting that the DoE allow students to carry cell phones so they are safer while traveling to-and-from school.

I hope to bring you information on educational matters of interest to Staten Island parents, including discussions on school report cards, legislative topics, school progress reports and other subjects that affect your schoolchildren.

My writings will focus on broad educational themes – not to offer advice on individual concerns- but to help parents navigate the NYC Department of Education, learn about Staten Island schools and become more involved in your children’s education.

At CEC 31 our motto is “Helping You to Help Your Children”. I hope to do that for the readers of Citizens Magazine.

Sincerely,

Sam Pirozzolo
President, CEC 31
www.cec31.org

By Ilya Galak

Wikipedia: “A civic association is a type of organization whose official goal is to improve neighborhoods through volunteer work by its members”

Would you begin, Janine, by giving us a little information about yourself, your family background?

Sure, my name is Janine Materna and I’m a third generation Staten Islander. I’m the daughter of two loving hard working parents Joseph and Dolores Materna. From an early childhood, my parents instilled in me the values of honesty, self respect and respect for others. Most importantly, they instilled in me a strong work ethic. Through example, they show that the obstacles we face can be overcome with dedication, integrity and hard work. I’m the youngest of three girls. My two older sisters are Jodi Materna, an Attorney, and Jennifer a Financial Adviser. It was fun growing up and having my mother get our names confused, since all of our first name initials all begin with “J.” We are a very close-knit family that can truly rely on one another through thick and thin. I can honestly say that I enjoy spending time with them. I love tradition and enjoy celebrating my ethnic background, which is of Italian, Polish and Russian descent.

I was born in Great Kills and raised in Prince’s Bay. I’m the proud product of the New York City public school education. I graduated from Columbia University with a Political Science and Environmental Science degree. I also received a Graduate Certificate from the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University. I have worked in the financial services industry for a number of years, consulting Fortune 500 companies both domestically and globally.

I have a strong interest in autism. I learned about autism when I ran for New York City Council back in 2009. After going from town to town, knocking on doors and meeting people, I was taken back to learn about the high amount of families touched by a loved one with autism. After awhile, it felt like every other house I visited was impacted. I began studying the subject more and more, and found it to be really interesting, so much so, that I’m currently working towards my Masters Degree in Childhood and Special Education from St. John’s University. There is just something so special about children that I love. Special needs children hold a special place in my heart and I hope to one day truly make a positive difference in their lives.

I’m involved in a variety of organizations including serving as the President of the largest Civic Association on the South Shore of Staten Island the Pleasant Plains, Prince’s Bay, Richmond Valley Civic Association, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York Junior Board, Co-Chair the Alumni Representative Committee for Columbia University, New York Junior League, and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Staten Island Historical Society at Historic Richmond Town. I also serve on a variety of fundraising committees for the Jewish Community Center (JCC), American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes.

How did you get involved in community activities?

My passion for the community stems from an early age, when I noticed that helping others in need, giving back to my community and investigating the issues that concerned us all gave me a sense of fulfillment in improving society.  I have always been passionate about making my community a better place. From grammar school, high school and beyond I have always been involved in some leadership capacity, whether it be organizing local food drives with the Girl Scouts, volunteering with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and March of Dimes, being a student peer mentor through the Council for Unity New York City program, serving as Senior Class President of over 1,000 students at Tottenville High School (one of the largest and most diverse New York City public schools with a student body of over 4,000  students), or traveling  to Albany, NY to lobby for more funding for updated textbooks. Back in high school, I received the prestigious New York City Public High School Distinguished Graduate of 2001 from Mayor Rudy Giuliani for demonstrating outstanding leadership, community service and scholarship. In addition, I received several Certificate of Outstanding Community Service awards from the former Congressman Vito Fossella, Former City Councilman Stephen Fialla, Former Congressman Michael McMahon, Assemblyman Matthew Titone, and Councilwoman Debi Rose.

With congressman Michael Grimm

What are the big issues you’ve faced since you’ve been a President of this Association?

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a new President was helping people adapt to the change of leadership that existed for close to 20 years. The former President, and friend of mine, Dennis Dell’ Angelo, served for 17 years of the association! As a new President, I had to work extra hard in changing people’s attitudes from what they were use to doing to what they could be doing to improve the quality of life in our community. After so many years of the same leadership, I faced people that were set in their ways a bit, but after awhile I gained their confidence and with their support have accomplished some great things in our community.

Another challenge I faced when first becoming President was being perceived as being much younger than my membership.  When people first looked at me they viewed me as someone younger than them, but when they had a chance to get to know me they saw a person that is sharp, passionate, relentless and truly committed to doing what’s right for the people of the community.

Members of the community are getting more upset each day with the methadone clinic located at Staten Island University Hospital – South. People approach me all the time on how they are trying to get to work in the morning and are approached for drugs on the platform of the Prince’s Bay train station. I also hear complaints from business owners that they are constantly being harassed by patients of the methadone clinic, residents that live up and down Seguine Avenue complain of people loitering outside their homes, and parents of children that fear for the safety of their children, while they wait for the bus stop to head to school. The Civic Association understands that people are in need of help. However, what we are finding is that the methadone patients encountered on the train platform up and down Seguine Avenue are from the outer boroughs, and not Staten Island. We believe this doesn’t make sense and the people of the South Shore of Staten Island shouldn’t have to care for patients from outer boroughs when we don’t get a fair share of health services. The population on the South Shore of Staten Island has grown tremendously over the last 10-15 years, yet a woman that goes into labor is required to go to Staten Island University Hospital – North or RUMC, due to the lack of a maternity ward in the hospital on the South Shore. We don’t have a maternity ward for the women in our community, but we service people from other boroughs? In addition, the emergency room is outdated and not fully equipped with the latest technology like our neighboring hospitals on the North Shore. The Civic Association has collected thousands of signatures and plans to sit down with the executive board of Staten Island University Hospital to discuss our concerns some time in the near future.

Why is it important for residents to join the Civic Association?

I believe it’s important for people to get involved in their community by having a voice. The Pleasant Plains, Prince’s Bay, Richmond Valley Civic Association serves as a wonderful opportunity for committed residents of our community to address current issues that impact our community. I hear people everyday complaining about things they dislike about Staten Island, but never do anything about it. Well the Civic Association is an opportunity to make change happen, so get off the sidelines and get involved! Now more than ever is when every concerned citizen should belong to a civic association. In the South Shore of Staten Island, the oldest, most active and most prestigious civic organization is the Pleasant Plains, Prince’s Bay, Richmond Valley Civic Association.

By joining the Pleasant Plains, Prince’s Bay, Richmond Valley Civic Association you can express those concerns and complaints and work within the community in getting them resolved. The Civic Association doesn’t only serve as a place to complain, but to also suggest community-building events that can help foster a better sense of a community. We implemented four major traditions for our association, which are the Meet the Candidates Forum, Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Holiday Party and the Great American Barbecue held at the Seguine Mansion. These events serve as community builders for neighbors, business owners, families and friends alike to join forces and be a voice in our community. We strive to keep events as low cost as possible with the generous support of some local businesses to encourage more people of our community to get involved and continue to enhance the small town feeling of the 3 towns.

You can join Civic Association for as little as $20 per year per family. For that amount you receive a monthly newsletter and voting privileges.

Any thoughts for people that are thinking about applying to their Civic Association?

Your community will become exactly what you allow it to become. Be a positive influence in building a good community or suffer the consequences. You can no longer procrastinate or turn your back and let someone else “do it.”

Anyone can join the Pleasant Plains, Prince’s Bay, Richmond Valley Civic Association it’s open to all Staten Islanders. We have many people in the Civic Association from other towns across Staten Island, however, only those that live within the 3 towns the Civic Association represents can vote.  If you have an idea that you believe would improve the quality of life for you and/or your family, let us know. You can get as involved as you choose.

We meet the second Monday of each month from 8:00pm – 9:30pm at the CYO-MIV Community Center at Mount Loretto. Some issues we plan on addressing this year is to work towards securing a fast ferry to Manhattan, which was promised by local officials, but yet not delivered, establishing smart Park & Ride facilities at our 3 train stations, beautifying the community by planting flowers, conducting beach cleanups, and hosting additional cost effective family friendly events to bring the three towns of Pleasant Plains, Prince’s Bay and Richmond Valley together.

Where do you think you’ve been able to make the biggest change in the district?

The biggest change I have been able to make is getting people off the sidelines and more engaged in the community. Our membership has grown tremendously to over 250 paying members. I have been able to get people that would have normally never gotten involved to becoming more engaged than ever in the community.

During our monthly meetings, the Civic Association has a speaker to inform the community on a variety of topics that influence the community. Some topics covered include:  autism awareness, Office of Emergency Contact (ways to prepare and be ready for a disaster), the MTA, Senator Andrew Lanza, Dina Tush the mother of Jessica Tush on domestic violence education, New York City Parks Department, organ donation, and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.

Last year I was approached by a mother whose son was on a wait list for a liver donation.  Although he was from our local area, his changes of receiving a liver were much greater in Ohio. The family was in need of financial help, due to the high costs of travel and time taken off work for the boy’s care. With that said, the Civic Association planned a fundraiser that was held at the Old Bermuda Inn, which raised over $7,000.00 to help pay for the costs of staying in Ohio. This was accomplished within a 2-week period of time. Thankfully he received a liver and is fine after his surgery.

On what issues can Civic Association be most influential?

From the past to today, the Civic Association has been influential on variety of issues from land use, the creation of Lemon Creek Park & Fishing Pier, establishment of Bloomingdale Park, replacement of the WWI monument in Pleasant Plains and the implementation of zoning changes for our community to stop over development. Most importantly, we strive each day to fulfill our motto in preserving the small-town quality of life.

The Civic Association each month helps feed our neighbors in need by contributing food each month to the St. Edward Food Pantry located in Mount Loretto. One of the most upsetting encounters of mine, was when the pantry requested that members of the Civic start contributing baby food. I can’t imagine a baby going hungry, especially within our own community.

                                                                                                                                                                By Ralph J. Rubinek

In one decade so many innocent lives destroyed, Jews, Christians and individuals of thought.  I will memorialize my parents, their pain and suffering, my childhood, which was taken as their experiences, touched my very soul and to this I remain a torchbearer to hope and vision only if we as a nation of free men and woman never forget.

As a child I knew I was different than all the other children there were no sounds of family especially at holidays.

My Mother, Chaya Hershberg was born in Olkuse, Poland to a family of blue-collar workers. Father, Mordcha Rubinek born in Kielzer, Poland to a family of industrialists. Both lead very different lives before the war only to meet as survivors of Hitler’s final solution.

by Albert J. Albanese, Executive Producer at Eight Days Productions

Let me introduce myself, I am a lifelong 3rd generation Staten Islander, I produce 8 TV shows that air on Verizon Foist & Time Warner Cable. The shows we produce at Eight Days Productions focus on the good things that Staten Islanders do and the wonderful events that take place on Staten Island. On our shows you will see the unsung heroes, the people who deserve credit for the wonderful things they do. The reason I decided to start producing these shows was to show the good things people do it seems the news media only shows bad things. We also show the services available on Staten Island and talk to the experts in the field so our viewers will have a better understanding of these services.

Our shows air on Staten Island cable on FiOS & Time Warner Cable

Richmond County Mustangs air on Mondays at 9:30PM on channel 34

Amanda on the Island airs Mondays at 11PM on channel 34

Staten Island Community Events airs Tuesdays at 6:30PM on channel 35

Meet the People airs Tuesdays at 7:30 PM on channel 35

Your Island Now airs Thursdays at 5PM on channel 34

Ride for the 84+1 airs Thursdays at 6:30PM on channel 34

Democratic Party Events airs Fridays at 4PM on channel 34

Off White Trash airs Saturdays at 11:30PM on channel 34

Richmond County Mustangs, hosted by Mustang Helen & Dawn Malvasio brings you to the various car shows on Staten Island and we interview the owners of those cars. The show also will give you information about the car clubs enthusiasts can join.

Amanda on the Island hosted by Amanda Grossman is all about the fun things on the island, bands, events, art & fashion.

Staten Island Community Events hosted by Jennifer Saladis brings Staten Island events right into your living room.

Meet the People hosted by Brooke Lopez, Janette McGilligan, Jenniffer Brown, Noelle Prideaux &  Lori Rhodes features interviews with Staten Islanders who have done great things that never get covered in the Advance or on the news.

Your Island Now hosted by Gloria Castelucci show events on the island and information on services available on the island.

The Ride for the 84 + 1 is an annual motorcycle fun in honor of the 85 Staten Islanders who gave their lives in the Vietnam War. The motorcycle community raises money for many charities.

Democratic Party Events shows the events sponsored by the Democratic Party and gives information about democratic candidates running for office.

Off White Trash is a local Staten Island classic rock band this show brings you their music to enjoy.

Future columns here will tell you all about events and features we at Eight Days Productions will bring to you on our many shows.

Well ladies and gentlemen, we have a race this March 20th in Brooklyn! Governor Cuomo has heeded the call of Brooklyn GOP Chairman Craig Eaton and is calling a Special Election to replace disgraced Democrat Carl Kruger in Senate District 27.

As has been noted here as well as other in other places, much of the senate district overlaps nicely with NY-9, which was formerly held by another disgraced Democrat and Buffoon of the Year nominee, Anthony Weiner. That seat was won by a comfortable margin by Republican/Conservative candidate and now Congressman Bob Turner.

David Storobin, a vice-chair of the Brooklyn GOP and a successful attorney is the favorite to receive the Republican and Conservative nods to run in March.

This race won’t be easy; no race for a Republican in Brooklyn is. This video has served us here at the Brooklyn GOP well over the past year and I am posting it now for our friend David Storobin.

“Construction workers have been among the Americans hit hardest over the past few years,” Obama said in a written statement. “And that makes no sense when there’s so much of America that needs rebuilding.

“Americans have faced 40 years of economic warfare. Instead of the taxpayer paid officials (President, Congress, state, local, etc) who make the rules siding with America, they sided with the enemy. Traitorous, corrupt, bribed all come to mind as the rationale” – Zellousone

Ivan Mendzheritsky (left) and David Storobin

“Dear David! Good Luck! Hope you are going to get to the top of the Olimp. I believe you can do it”- Ivan Mendzheritsky

The new book of Ivan Mendzheritsky and his 'GOOD LUCK" signature to David Storobin

For Filmography of Ivan Mendzheritsky CLICK HERE

About his “Crime and Punishment ” CLICK HERE

Transcript (By Yulia Mazur):

Thank you very much, Marty. Let me start off by saying good morning and Happy Chanukah and to the learned Rabbis and political figures and everyone thank you for being here. Thank you for your kind invitation to join with you today. David, thank you for bringing everybody together and organizing it. You know, David reminds me a little bit about me, when I was his age, chomping at the bits to run for office, working politically, working within the community and when you do that – it happens. So, David – you gonna get there, you gonna get there. And I think your entire community is very proud of you, and I know your family is also.

Let me just start of by saying … Marty has talked about different issues concerning the State of New York and how we are cutting taxes, we are cutting regulations. We eliminated for 80% of the businesses in the state, probably every small business within your community the MTA payroll tax, couple of weeks ago. We are looking to empower the business community, private sector to create jobs.