This too is Yonkers–By Eric W. Schoen
“Oh! We’re having a heatwave, a tropical heatwave. The temperature’s rising, it isn’t surprising.”
It’s the middle of July in New York! What do u expect? Thank you, Irving Berlin, for reminding us that we should not be surprised that the feel-like temperatures will be in the 100-degree range.
Now, you know what to do: Drink plenty of water – not coffee nor vodka, but crystal clear water. If you are like me and live in Yonkers with some of the best-tasting water in the country, you can open your faucet and the delicious cold water comes flowing out. It doesn’t even need ice cubes or refrigeration.
Light clothes? That’s a no-brainer. Staying as close to an air conditioner as you can? I finally turned my air conditioning on as we go to press, as the ceiling fan has done it so far. It seems like, with weight loss, I am constantly cold and until a few weeks ago I was wearing light long-sleeve sweaters when I would head to the supermarket or Starbucks, or activities where I knew the AC would be blasting.
The blackout in New York last weekend? As I have always said, they are not “Conning Ed,” but they are “conning us.” Fortunately, when folks knew it was a wide blackout covering a great portion of the West Side, they exited a big venue like Madison Square Garden with a sold-out Jennifer Lopez concert like ladies and gentlemen. It wasn’t as easy to exit the trains and subways of the city.
Would you want to be stuck in a subway packed in like sardines, with no lights, no air conditioning?
A quick reminder: Listen to those announcements they make when you go to the movies pointing out the exits to use in case of an emergency. Look around for the best way to get out of large venues like Madison Square Garden when you happen to be in one. And don’t forget the escape plan for getting out of your house or apartment in case of emergency. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Now, onto more news of the week…
They Didn’t Want Me for Jury Duty {subhead}
Well, friends, my jury service that was scheduled to start Tuesday consisted of a phone call on Monday night, in which I was told that I didn’t have to report Tuesday or any day this week, and I had fulfilled my service commitment and wouldn’t be called for six years. Jury of my peers? I never got a chance to meet my peers, those who would have served with me!
And I was so looking forward to writing an article about jury duty in Yonkers City Court. I have never been called to serve as a juror in the Yonkers courts, let alone knew that they had jury trials in my hometown. I thought the jury action took place in White Plains or way downtown, in Manhattan.
I was looking forward to the metal detectors going off because of the metal in my knees, and having everyone on line stare at me and say, “What’s wrong with that man?” As I would be in pants, did they have a private room like at the airport where I could pull down my drawers and show them the scars from my knee replacements?
Did they read last week’s article and say maybe that guy is right? Maybe we should treat jurors with respect and pay for their parking? Did they think I might know those that would come before me whose innocence or guilt I would have to decide? Did they think I would know all the judges, or that my “celebrity” status as a columnist and radio talk show host would attract throngs of media? Only kidding!
It was simply the luck of the draw. They must not have needed new jurors this week. It certainly was kind of annoying not being able to plan my week, as I did not know what day or days I would have to serve. Usually the notice says the dates your term is for; usually two weeks. I didn’t see that on the notice. But I hope my column, which I know several judges read, motivates them to work with the commissioner of jurors on ways to give more respect to those called for jury service.
At least pay for the parking!
Farewell, Former School Board President Dunne {subhead}
It was so sad to learn of the passing of former Yonkers Board of Education President and Trustee Bernadette Dunne. She truly cared about the students of Yonkers and did all within her power to ensure they received the finest education possible. She didn’t receive any compensation for the long hours she spent visiting schools.
Her favorite Irish blessing: “May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine always warm your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
Rest in peace, Mrs. Dunne!
Goodbye, Police Commissioner Gardner {subhead}
I met Charles “Chuck” Gardner in 1988 in the throes of the housing desegregation battle. He was extremely kind and a pleasure to chat with, but you knew he took his job protecting those officials involved in a messy situation very seriously. He worked his way up the ranks and did an excellent job as police commissioner. Chuck announced his retirement this week, and will be missed.
Thank you for your service these many years.
We welcome John Mueller, who, pending City Council approval, will be the new Yonkers police commissioner. He, too, has come up through the ranks of YPD. We wish him Godspeed in keeping the residents of our city safe and secure!
Hot Topics {subhead}
Twice this week, once at a major supermarket and the other time at a nationwide pharmacy chain, I picked up items long past their expiration date. You must check the expiration date on everything you buy. The stores should be doing it, but no matter if they do, you should give it a second check. You are paying good money for the items you buy!
It was the night before opening night of “Lion King” on Broadway and I had snagged a front row seat on the right inside aisle. At the beginning of the show, the “animals” come marching in through the orchestra. I got hit in the head by the tail of one of the animals as it climbed onto the stage.
I knew this show was something special, and I hear the new film version coming out this week is also something special. Catch it!
We celebrate 50 years since man landed on the moon. Where was I? Probably watching from a black-and-white television set sitting on the living room floor. I don’t remember if we had a color television yet. I was not a big believer of exploring the moon when I was a kid, as we had so many problems close to home. Over the years, I have begun to appreciate more exploration of the moon and Mars.
The newly planned space trips should be exciting!
Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@aol.com, follow him on Twitter @ericyonkers and listen to Eric Schoen and Dan Murphy on the Westchester Rising Radio Show no Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. on WVOX 1460 AM, or go to WVOX.com and click the arrow to listen to the live stream or download the WVOX app from the App Store free of charge.
