2014: The Positive Notes of a Trying Year

January 1, 2015 9:06 PM·

Looking back on 2014, it may be easy to lose sight of the good that has happened. There have been a number of tragedies, local, domestic, and international.

As someone who likes to use the positives of life to move me forward, I would like to recap on the positive news of the last year, and share some positive personal experiences.

On a national level, I was thrilled to see Marriage Equality come to fruition in thirty-two states as well as the District of Columbia. As an educator, I was happy to see Universal pre-K in New York City and beyond. Banning of fracking will pay off when it comes to the fight against pollution.

It was great seeing accomplishments, honors and personal triumphs by many friends this past year. For John Doyle, there were several triumphs: City Island won its long fight against a very unpopular bridge design, the City Island Firehouse was not the target of budget cuts this year, and he spearheaded the Stand Up to Violence Initiative (SUV) that began at Jacobi Medical Center. The 45th Precinct Council honored Anita Valenti shortly before her passing: a celebration of a great life. John also placed near the top of great milestones in 2014 the engagement of Luisa Benedetto to Tom Delaney. Luisa, the daughter of Assemblyman Mike Benedetto and special assistant to Councilman Ritchie Torres is one of the upcoming leaders of our borough, city and state. Mazel Tov.

Tony Salimbene and his wife Eileen are most proud of the accomplishments of the American Legion, their work with the VA and with the community. They are proud that the American Legion Emergency (Disaster) Fund and the 9/11 Legacy Fund gave thousands of dollars to those in need without regard to race, creed, religion, etc. In addition to his role with the American Legion, Tony is Second Vice Chair of CB #10. In April he was honored by the Committee for Effective Leadership for being a distinguished leader, veteran and community activist.

Andrea Siegel is proud of her newborn great-nephew, Jaxson DiBattisa. She is proud to have been elected as one of the District Leaders for the 80th Assembly and being in a position to work with Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj in helping all of the residents. She is proud of her weight loss in 2014 and celebrating her 60th birthday. Kudos to Andrea!

Sal Conforto is proud of the fact that he was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. He is also proud to have marched with me in the 2014 Columbus Day Parade as I carried, not only the American and Italian flags, but also the Pride flag. Sal is a true progressive leader, businessman, journalist, and man of honor.

David Hochhauser and his wife of twenty-three years, Francie Sue Rothstein, have many things to be grateful for. David is very active with the Throggs Neck Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He is thrilled with being able to help when there is a disaster. He is also a volunteer for the American Red Cross. Assisting others in distress has always been first on David’s agenda. David and Francie enjoy the life of Riley and going on cruises with no internet makes them the most happy. They feel lucky to have the friends they cherish. According to David, he always has the last words when there is an argument between him and his extraordinary wife: “I’m sorry. I’m wrong. Yes, dear.” My friends, everyone!

Ed and Sue Weiss have had a great year with their two daughters, their spouses, and their grandchildren. They have spent much time with their daughter Robyn and her wife Janet in Boston. They love walking around Boston Harbor (no Tea Party for them) and Hampton Beach. They enjoy babysitting their two grandsons and taking them on hayrides in Virginia. They especially enjoyed my visit to Virginia in October, though I still miss them. Ed and I have been friends since law school. Here’s a secret: he was a Republican back then.

Bailey Provetto is proud of the Public Relations she does for St. Benedict’s Parish. She is proud that St. Benedict’s Parish celebrated its 90th anniversary with a visit from Cardinal’s Dolan and Egan. Tasty Ladies has written some great reviews. Bailey has eaten great food and been able to keep her great figure. Accolades! She and her husband, John Provetto, are very active with CopShot and securing our community and borough. They have been very active in fighting against graffiti in Country Club and beyond. Thank you.

For me, I was able to enjoy the beautiful state of Hawaii and revisit the states of Arizona, Utah, Oregon, and California. It is my hope that every American gets to see the wonders, the people, and the many cultures that make the United States of America great. In February, it was great to celebrate the 80th birthday of a friend of over 40 years, Sylvia Lask. That same month I was honored to attend the wedding of Estee Kaplan and Yosef Leff. Estee is the daughter of my good friend Dvorah Kaplan and the niece of Congressman Eliot Engel. Again, Mazel Tov!

In June I was thrilled to purchase an electric car. I wrote about not only the positive impact it has on the environment but how it saves money. The fact that Bonavita Key Food has a charging station made this year even better for me. Also in June, my cousin Brett Goldstein got married in Cape Cod. He is a brilliant young man who I have known since birth. He excelled throughout school including at Cornell University.

In September I began to write for The Bronx Chronicle. I am thrilled to share my opinions even when controversial with all of you as my readers. Controversy and the freedom to have different opinions is what make our democracy the best. I thank Sal Conforto for this opportunity and being able to work with Omesh, Kathleen, and Annie. This has been an extraordinary learning experience for me. As I said in my first column in September I will always speak from the heart, tell my true feelings and be open to criticism, commendation or indifference.

Well, the year has come to an end. I, as well as the entire staff of The Bronx Chronicle, are hoping that each and every one of you have a very happy and healthy 2015. May it be even better than 2014.