Columbia Association of the Police Department, City of New York

COLUMBIA NEWS

Hello all of Columbia,

On Friday May 6, 2011 we had our annual 2011 Golf Classic at the Clearview Golf Course located in Bayside Queens. There was lots of fun to be had and lots of raffle prizes for all of the golfers that attended this event. This year we had food and an open bar at the prestigious Valentino’s Restaurant which is conveniently located right next door to the golf course. I want to thank the owners of Valentino’s for their gracious hospitality. Congratulations are in order for Board Officers Louie Balsamo and Chris Pizzo for another successful golf classic.

This year’s Columbia Association’s Awards Dinner at El Caribe was a huge success. A great time was had by all that attended. A special thanks to the Master of Ceremonies, First Vice-President Richard Angeletti, for another job well done. Receiving the Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino Award was Assistant Chief Thomas Galati, The Columbia Association’s “Man of the Year”. Receiving the Columbia Association Humanitarian Award was our very own attorney, Stuart Salles. Receiving our Italian-American Achievement Award was the talented actress Jennifer Esposito. Receiving the Lieutenant Mario Biaggi Award for Valor was Police Officer Robert Salerno. Receiving the Police Officer Michael Melchiona Award for Valor was Detective Michael Sileo. Receiving the Police Officer Arthur Pelo Award for Valor was Police Officer Michael Gerbasi. Congratulations to all our award recipients; Salute! The Columbia Association would like to express its gratitude to all of the members that partook in this event and all of the Fraternal and Union groups that supported our event and made it a huge success. This being the tenth anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center where we lost twenty-three members of the service, a special tribute was made in their honor. The Columbia Association will never forget the heroes that gave the ultimate sacrifice on that historic day.

On June 17, 2011 we held our annual Columbia fishing trip aboard the charter boat, Captain Jim, in Freeport, Long Island. There were reports of bad weather all week on the news. The morning of this event, I received a call from Board Officer Louis Balsamo who stated, “If we don’t get twenty-five people to go out and fish then the Captain won’t leave the dock”. Extreme measures had to be made. I quickly started to pray for a miracle and the weather started to clear up and by the time we were set to leave, there were more than enough Columbia members to make this event a success. It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day. Thanks to Board Officers Chris Pizzo and Louie Balsamo and all of the Board Officers who helped make this event worthy.

On June 28, 2011 we held our annual High School and College Scholarship Awards ceremony at the Italian Charities Building located at 82-30 Queens Boulevard. The ceremony started at 7PM sharp. The general meeting followed. Members congratulated all of the award recipients. The names of the award recipients will be posted on the Columbia website. Thanks to Board Officers Paul Capotosto and Dyanne Marzano for making this event a success.

Summer is right around the corner. It is the time of year for happy events. Take the time out to enjoy family and friends during this time of the year. The Columbia Association would like to wish all of their members a great summer. Why not make plans this summer to attend the Columbia Association’s annual Lake George Trip? There is still time to make reservations.

The trip will take place from Sunday July 31, 2011 until Friday August 5, 2011. Reservations will be made at the Quality Inn located at beautiful Lake George. Saratoga Racetrack and Casino is only 20 minutes away. There will be a fireworks display on the lake on Thursday night, August 4, 2011. To make a reservation call 518-668-3525, press 0 to leave a message for Scott only and tell him you are a Columbia Association member to receive a special discounted price.

Let us push for membership. If you have not paid your dues for 2011 please see your delegate or any Board Officer and support your organization. The expression goes, we are only as strong as our weakest link. You can download a membership application on the Columbia website which is www.nypdcolumbia.org.

Until next time, stay true to the Columbia Association.

Police Week Washington D.C. Left to Right Police Officer Marzano, Columbia Association President Sergeant Anthony Cesarano, Detective Rossi and Detective Petrizzo.

Affiliated with the National Council of Columbia Associations

In Civil Service, Inc. and the National Coalition of Italian American Law Enforcement Organizations

Fraternity n Integrity n Charity

VOL. 45, NO. 3 May — June 2011 SINCE 1932 ONLINE ISSUE

Our President’s Message...

PAGE 2 Columbia News May - June 2011

Editor’s Spot New York City Police Department Columbia Association

Board of Officers wwwnypdcolumbia.org

Executive Board President ..................................Anthony Cesarano........................ (212) 620-8930 1st Vice President ....................Rich Angeletti...............................(718) 822-5815 2nd Vice President ...................Paul A. Capotosto.........................(212) 226-2180 Executive Secretary .................R.J Coleman................................. (212) 258-2840 Treasurer ..................................Kendra Damante......................... (718) 972-7871 Recording Secretary.................Christopher Pizzo......................... (718) 657-8181 Corresponding Secretary .........Tony Quagliariello........................ (646) 210-9170 Sergeant At Arms .....................Frank Tornetti...............................(212) 239-9801 Editor ........................................Emanuel Rossi............................ (845) 902-0175

Financial Secretaries Manhattan …………….……...Anthony Burgio……………….… (212) 741-4811

Brooklyn……………….……..Louis Balsamo…………………... (718) 965-6336

Queens …………………….....Matthew Cioffi………………….. (718) 476-7595

Bronx………………………....Steven Berger…………………… (718) 548-1250

Staten Island ………………....John Peruffo……………..……… (718) 876-7606

Retiree’s………………….…..Nat Infurna……………………… (516) 747-1389

Life Member………………….Phil Repaci Sr…………………... (718) 758-4475

Trustees Manhattan………………...….Russ Maturo…………………...…(212) 239-9801

Manhattan………………...….Louis Corrente………………...…(212) 477-9275

Manhattan…………………….Andrew Carraro…………………(212) 927-3200

Brooklyn……………………..Sal Ferrante…………………..….(718) 875-6850

Brooklyn…………………......Vincent Aprea……………………(718) 629-1220

Brooklyn……………………..Michael Mongelli………………..(516) 732-5961

Queens…………………….…Stephen Salazer………………….(718) 533-2011

Queens…………………….…Dyanne Marzano…..…………….(718) 279-5200

Bronx………………………...Richard Citarella…………...…….(718) 292-6161

Bronx………………………...Rocco Ruscitto…………………..(914) 755-0606

Staten Island ………………...Michael Alfieri...………..……… (917) 575-0009

Citywide………………….....Alessandro Pizzirusso…………….(718) 876-8959

Directors & Advisors Special Assistant to the President: Phil Panzarella …..……….…(631) 965-7290

Public Affairs................................John DelGaudio.......................(718) 494-3801

Travel............................................John Martini............................(718) 848- 1858

Health……………………………Dr. Brian Mignola…...………(718) 816-9056

Legal…………………………….Stuart Salles…..……………...(212) 267-9090

Legal…………………………….James Moschella…..…………(212) 233-3800

Entertainment Coordinator……...Luigi Moneta………..……….(212) 791-2021

Spiritual……………………DC Msgr. Robert Romano…….…..(646) 610-6472

Spiritual………………………...Msgr. David Cassato….………(718) 259-9146

Past Presidents

Frank Ventura…………………….…………………………...… (212) 610-6910

Paul DiGiacmo……………………....………………………..….(212) 587-1000

Giovanni Porcelli………………………………………………....(718) 702-2200

Stephen P. Chiarini.........................................................................(516) 887-5737

John Bucalo....................................................................................(631) 669- 9023

Vincent Colangelo..........................................................................(516) 795-5095

Pasquale Cama................................................................................(718) 463-0797

Pantalea Palladino...........................................................................(914) 968-7892

Hon. Mario Biaggi...........................................................................(718) 796-9708

I was doing a bit of “net surfing” the other day and came across an interest-ing article on www.Askmen.com writ-ten by Mr. Mafioso (that's right I didn’t make it up!). It’s too big to run all of it; remember I have limited space but I wish to relay the memorable excerpts. If you want to read the complete article you can visit the site. It reads : “Real Men Keep Their Word”.

A man, without his word, is nothing. You've no doubt heard this expression in a variety of ways and permutations, but you probably never gave it any thought.

Keeping your word in my world is a given. We quickly develop the habit not to say we will deliver on something we know we can't, whether it's promising to pay someone back, keeping a secret or say-ing we'll do a favor we won't follow though on. But this isn't unique to my world. In the business world and in your personal life, the same rules apply. In the corporate world, you should never be in a situation where you've let someone down because you should never promise anything in the first place. It's a business, not a freaking charity.

Your word is gold

Here are a few more tips to remember: Give your word when you mean it: Like I said before, when you promise something, the other person must assume it's a done deal. Your word should be like currency. It's money in the bank for someone who is counting on it. That being said, you shouldn't dole it out over everything and anything, or it will lose its value. Because your word is like currency, you must give it only when the occasion is important enough to call for it. The person you are promising something to must be able to recognize that your prom-ise has value. You don't give money out to every Tony, Dino and Nick do you? Why do the same with your word? Admit when you can't do it: When you are faced with a situation that demands something of you (whether it's a favor, a contact, doing some job), and you know you can't deliver, admit it. Tell them you don't believe in false promises and bluffs. It's simple. Don't wiggle or skirt the issue. If, in the end, you can make good on whatever was asked of you, it will only make you look better in the eyes of the other person. Fulfill your promise 100% The first time you are asked for an important favor in which you must give your word, make sure you give it your 100% effort. First impres-sions count. I learn a lot about a man after I ask him for a favor. If he keeps his promise fully and completely without any hint of an excuse or hesitation, he has gained my respect. He set the tone properly from day one. So make sure you have the story straight on that first favor. You don't want to be calling back whoever you've made a promise to with questions two days later. Never go back on your word: Even if you've been screwed over more times than a one-legged pros-titute, you should never back down from your word. I don't care if you don't trust your own shadow. If you are in a situation where you have promised something, you do it. Period. www.Askmen.com By Mr. Mafioso If you want something featured in the newsletter please for-ward me the information at crime1on1@ hotmail.com

PAGE 3 Columbia News May—June 2011

Financial Secretaries Corner

Manhattan Anthony Burgio

Greetings! Manhattan mem-bership is continuing to in-crease. If you haven't sub-mitted your 2011 dues please see your Precinct Delegate, any Board Offi-cer, or visit our website ASAP. Thank you and be safe.

Brooklyn Louis Balsamo (Mr. Italy)

Hello my Fellow Brooklyn Pai-sons. If anyone is interested there will be a board position opening in the near future within the bor-ough of Brooklyn. Please contact me or any of the other board offi-cers if you are interested. On Sep-tember 29th we will be holding our Cigars Under the Stars dinner in Manhattan at Battery Park Gar-dens. Tickets are on sale now -

please refer to the flyer or our website for further information.

Queens Matthew Cioffi I would like to point out the "above and beyond" effort put forth by one of the greatest delegates I have had the honor of knowing: Lt Anthony Cucuzza of the Fleet Services Division. His devotion and passion for the Association is both pure and genuine. Tony's zeal in sign-ing up new and veteran members is never-ending. But his devotion to the Association doesn't end with increasing membership. For Tony, attending the general meetings is just as important . Anyone who attends these general meetings is well aware of "King Tony" and his entourage of 50 plus members.

Tony is not above helping anyone out with advice or guidance and may even be counted on to share a shrimp or cannoli with anyone who asks. In short, Tony truly embodies the spirit of the Columbia Association and we as a fraternal organization are lucky to call him one of our own. Tony, like your beloved Aunt cried out at your Sergeant promotion " I love you."

Financial Secretaries Corner

Bronx Steven Berger

To all Bronx Members:

Presently at this time our membership is slightly up from last year. But as a whole we are down, greatly as of years ago. For the good of the Columbia As-sociation I ask you to encourage any members of the department with Italian heritage to join and support this great organization.

Staten Island John Peruffo

Greetings From Staten Island. Look for the Det. Anthony J. Venditti me-morial motorcycle tour on Sunday Oct 2, 2011 (rain or shine). The run starts in Flushing Meadow Park and ends on Staten Island at the Elks Lodge, 3250 Richmond Ave. Have a great summer!

Life Member Phil Repaci Sr.

Sadly, life member and past presi-dent Pantalea (Vincent) Palladino passed away May 11, 2011. Anyone who knew him knows him to be a gentle and sincere human being. His kind is hard to find. Also we would like to thank life member Robert Sabatino for his donation to the scholarship fund. Hope everyone has a good and safe summer.

LAKE GEORGE TRIP

SUNDAY JULY 31, 2011 - FRIDAY AUGUST 5, 2011 QUALITY INN - LAKE GEORGE

$200.00 PER ROOM PER NIGHT – 2 ADULTS

**NO ADDITIONAL COST FOR CHILDREN**

$15.00 EXTRA PER ADDITIONAL ADULT (18 & OVER) PER NIGHT ALL ROOMS ARE POOL SIDE WITH BALCONY

SARATOGA RACETRACK AND CASINO

IS ONLY 20 MINUTES AWAY

EACH ROOM EQUIPPED WITH: 2- QUEEN SIZED BEDS OR 1 -KING SIZE BED

REFRIGERATOR, COFFEE MAKER, IRON. DELUXE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE THURSDAY NIGHT

TO MAKE RESERVATIONS CALL 518-668-3525, PRESS 0 TO

LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR SCOTT ONLY AND TELL HIM YOU ARE A COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION MEMBER TO RECEIVE ABOVE PRICE.

ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT

MARC MARINO (212) 693-5722 ANTHONY CESARANO (646) 529-4310

RICH ANGELETTI (347) 205-5702

PAGE 4 Columbia News May—June 2011

PAGE 5 Columbia News May—June 2011

4TH ANNUAL MOTORCYLE TOUR IN REMEMBERANCE

DET. ANTHONY J. VENDITTISUNDAY OCTOBER 2, 2011

• Registration at the Old New York City Ice Skating Rink Parking lot at World’s Fair Unisphere (Big Globe) Flushing Meadow Park

• Registration from 8:00 to 9:45 Kicks stands up at 10:00am sharp• Directions-Grand Central Parkway West Exit at 9P, Make right at stop sign. Parking Lot on left ½

mile• Post party barbeque @ 12:00 pm, The Elks Lodge, 3250 Richmond Avenue, corner of Arthur Kill

Road, Staten Island

SUNDAY OCTOBER 2, 2011RAIN OR SHINE

CONTACTIGNAZIOCONCA@NYPDCOLUMBIA.ORG

CONTACTJOHNPERUFFO@NYPDCOLUMBIA.ORG

RAFFLES PRIZES FLAT SCREEN T.V.’S$25.00 PER RIDER DONATIONS INCLUDE B.B.Q.$20.00 PER PASSENGER $25.00 PER WALK IN

PAGE 6 Columbia News May - June 2011

COLUMBUS DAY PARADE

OCTOBER 10th, 2011

0900 Hrs. Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral 1000 Hrs. Parade Detail muster at the corner

of 47th St. & 5 Ave.

Immediately following the parade: NYPD Columbia Association

Luncheon (1200-1600 hrs.) Please take note of our NEW location

**Church of St. Ignatius Loyola** WALLACE HALL

980 Park Ave. & 84th St. Bus transportation will start at 0815 hrs. sharp!! for those wishing

to attend mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral At 0900 hrs transportation will be provided to the parade muster site only

All transportation leaves from Wallace Hall

NOTE: THE END OF PARADE IS AT 79TH STREET& 5TH AVE. “WALLACE HALL” (LUNCH) IS

5 BLOCKS NORTH ( 84th STREET & PARK AVE)

**LIMITED PARKING IN THE AREA**

INFO: EMANUEL ROSSI @ 845-902-0175 or Crime1on1@hotmail.com ANTHONY CESARANO @ 646-529-4310 or Leadviper@Aol

I received a news article from one of our own retired detectives, Peter Palazzo, it reads: New Windsor cadet’s family was there for the long march

WEST POINT– Pat Palazzo tossed and turned but only caught a few winks of sleep Friday night. Fi-nally, at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, she got up and took a shower before her dozen houseguests got up. Palazzo in-vited some 45 people to watch her eldest daughter, Nicole, graduate. She figured a handful of folks would show—instead, she received 39 RSVPs, including one from a Pennsylvania relative the family hadn’t seen for two decades. Nicole spent her first nine years in New York City near folks with no military ties. “I didn’t even know where West Point was,” said Pat Palazzo. But once Nicole’s family moved to Orange County, every –thing changed. Their next door neighbor was a Korean War veteran and took Nicole and younger brother Dan to football games and other Academy events. Her interest was piqued. She started taking tae kwondo lessons and knew she wanted to attend West Point by the time she was 12. She threw herself into everything from jun-ior ROTC to the National Science Honor Society, and earned a coveted Army admission slot. “She perse-vered,” Pat said. “She set her goal on it.” But the program at West Point was far more frenetic than at Washingtonville High. “She told me, “Daddy, I didn’t realize how much you can get done in one day,” Pete Palazzo said “They pushed her to the brink.” Pat Palazzo teared up once she saw graduates lining up outside the stadium. “She’s been crying all day” Pete said. Pat remembers the Wal-Mart trips, the trays of home-prepared ziti and meatball dinners, and on cam-pus beach-side picnics before Nicole earned off-post privileges. She remembers hosting sleepovers and Thanksgiving parade road trips for Nicole’s out-of town friends. Palazzo majored in kinesthesilogy and served as a commanding officer her senior year. Come November, she’ll be posted as a quartermaster at Fort Hood in Texas. Palazzo hopes to eventually become a physician’s assistant, even though that would require four more years of service. The tears streamed down Pat Palazzo’s face as her daughter, newly minted second lieutenant, received hugs and gifts from fawning family after the ceremony. Her little girl is all grown up. Article written by Michael Novinson Times Herald-Record

PAGE 7 Columbia News May - June 2011

L/R P.O. Tommy Gibson-FTS, Com-mander William C. Herrman, P.O. Pat Mendola (past board officer) FTS, P.O. Artie Scala FTS, and 2nd X.O. Master Chief Rafael Perez of the USS NEW YORK.

FLEET WEEK 2011

PAGE 8 Columbia News May - June 2011

Health & Fitness Section Living in a heavily wooded area, my children

tend to suffer from allergy attacks especially during this time of year. I find myself running to the drug store to get all types of anti-this and anti-that! I read an article on webMD.com written by Annie Stuart and reviewed by Brunida Nazario M.D. I would like to share it with you. What treatment do you recommend for my hay fever?

Sometimes avoiding allergic triggers isn’t enough – you need al-

lergy medicine. There are a variety of over-the-counter and pre-

scription medications to treat allergies and their symptoms. This

includes antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and

leukotriene blockers.

Antihistamines can help with symptoms of a runny nose, sneez-

ing, and itching of the nose and throat, as well as eye symptoms.

"Antihistamine sprays are good for congestion and are fast acting,"

says Lavi. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines are often the first

choice of treatment for seasonal allergies. Antihistamines available

over the counter include brompheniramine (Dimetapp Allergy),

certirizine (Zyrtec), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton Allergy),

diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy), fexofenadine (Allegra), and

loratadine (Alavert, Claritin).

Some are also available with a prescription.

Decongestants relieve nasal congestion. People often use them

in combination with another medication, such as an antihistamine.

They are available over the counter and come in both oral and

nasal spray forms. Oral decongestants include phenylephrine

(Dimetapp Cold Drops, Neo-Synephrine, Sudafed PE) and pseu-

doephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed). Don’t use oral deconges-

tants for more than seven days without checking with your doctor.

Nasal spray decongestants, such as naphazoline (Privine), oxy-

metazoline hydrochloride (Afrin), and phenylephrine hydrochloride

(Neo-Synephrine), should be limited to no more than three days.

Longer use can lead to rebound effects where your symptoms

come back, and usually worse than at the beginning, says Stone.

Nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation from allergies and can

help with a stuffy, runny, or itchy nose and sneezing. You spray

these prescription medications into your nose once or twice a day,

and can use them on a regular basis for symptom control during

hay fever season. "But they need to be used consistently," said

Lavi. "They're not designed for fast relief." Nasal steroids include

Beconase, Flonase, Nasocort, Nasonex, Rhinocort, Veramyst, and

generic fluticasone.

Leukotriene modifiers are available only by prescription. They

are used to treat asthma and to control the symptoms of nasal

allergies, and work by blocking inflammatory chemicals called

leukotrienes. Singulair (montelukast) is the only leukotriene modi-

fier approved to treat allergies.

DAMAGE TO THE EYES FROM

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE By Liviu B. Saimovici, MD

High blood pressure, known as Hypertension, leads, among other conditions, to strokes and heart disease. What is less known is that it can also cause damage to the retina, the very thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and allows us to see. Think of the retina as the film in a camera, obviously not a digital one: one can not take a picture without the film. When Hyper-tension is present the vessels that supply the ret-ina with blood and nutrients become diseased and clogged up. The retinal blood vessels begin to hemorrhage and cause vision loss. A lot of this damage can be prevented and treated. Regular examinations by a qualified medical doctor are strongly recommended. A simple eye exam for eye glasses without the dilation of pupils is not sufficient. When other conditions, such as Dia-betes, are also present, such comprehensive ex-aminations are even more critically important to maintain the health of the eyes. Liviu B. Saimovici, MD Chief, Refractive Surgery Clinic, St. Vincent Medical Center Member of the Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Staff and School of Medicine Faculty Attending Physician, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital/Lenox Hill Hospital Doc@TheArtOfLasik.com

Manhattan: 212-517-3937 800 Second Avenue @ 42nd Street New York, NY 10017 Westchester: 914-277-7631 380 Route 202 Somers, NY 10589

RETIRED DESK: By Nat Infurna

Retired Financial Secretary

MEMBERSHIP AS OF APR. 30, 2011 RETIRED.....................397 LIFE............................1120 DELINQUENT............. 32

The following members have received three notices and e-mails and have not paid their dues as of March 31, 2011. According to the by-laws they are delinquent and are not entitled to any benefits: Donald Aquino, Joseph Caldarera, Ralph Carone, Dominick Colavito, Francis Coppola, Thomas DeFrancesco, Anthony Dimichele, Thomas Frangipani, Paul Galbo Jr., Lamie Giambrone, Guy Gismondi, Garrett Gorton, Peter Inzerilla, Michael Jioia, Joseph Lazarich, Nicholas Ligreci, John Lombardo, Amelia Loretoni, Michael Lubrano, John McCarthy, John Picone, Anthony Pilla, Richard Pinto, Gerard Pitti, Phil Repaci Jr., Charles Rizzuto, Lenny Santeufemia, Frank Squicciarini, Joseph Tannuzzo, Joseph Tesoriere, Joseph Trongone, Neil Tuzzio, Catherine Wasserman.

Death Benefits Please consider donating your $400 death benefit to the Columbia Association scholarship fund in order to receive a one time tax deduction. This can be done by notifying the organization in writing.

Prayer for the sick O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers, and grant to your servant the help of your power, that his sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER SEE YOU IN

SEPTEMBER!! UNTIL THE NEXT ISSUE - CIAO!!

**REMINDER** The association has a Facebook page

Columbia Association NYC

With the help of Rocco, Louie B, Andy, along with myself -

We have over 120 members logged in! It’s a great place to get updated information, to just chat, or to catch up on

what's happening. So don’t be shy - come join us on Facebook - see you there….

PAGE 9 Columbia News May - June 2011

Death Announcements

The Columbia Association Mourns The Loss Of: Pray for the repose soul of life member and Past President Pantalea (Vincent) Palladino. Pray for the repose soul of Adelina Marano grandmother of Peter Marano. Pray for the repose soul of Cecile Gorlewski mother- in- law of board officer John DelGaudio. Pray for the repose soul of P.O. Franco Mezzoiuso's grandfather of Franco Mezzoiuso.

Birth Announcements

Congratulations to PO Keith Guzzetta 108 Pct and wife Shari and big brother Thomas on the birth of baby Bella Rose born

April 6th, 2011.

Congratulations to Sgt. Michael Lazzara

and wife Melissa - Son Dominick born on 2/2/2011 at 8 pounds 1 ounce 21 inches

Congratulations to Det. Nicholas DeLuca of the Bronx Auto Crime Division and his wife Liz, big sisters Pia and Violet on their new baby brother Jack Nicholas who was

born on April 14th 2011, 7 lbs 10 oz.

Restaurant Corner

Home Cooking

A recipe from past board officer Det. William Petraglia

PAGE 10 Columbia News May - June 2011

TOMATO AND BREAD SALAD

(Panzanella) SERVES 6

You really must try this recipe when to-matoes are in season. I was making to-mato salad for years before I tried it with the bread. It is easy, quick and so delicious. Use any tomatoes that are

very tasty at the time. It could be regular reds, cherries, grapes, yellows, heirlooms, or a combination. If desired, substitute

garlic for the onions. I always use whole wheat or multigrain bread, but you can use any rustic, crusty bread you prefer.

This is great for a weekday meal, as well as a picnic or potluck. Just take the in-gredients with you and toss together

about 15 minutes before serving.

INGREDIENTS 3 cups crusty bread, cut into 1-inch

cubes 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped into 1-

inch pieces 1 small sweet onion, sliced thin and cut

in half 4 tablespoons shredded fresh basil

3 to 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (can use red wine vinegar)

3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

Place the bread cubes in an oven set at 325° F. Toast until crisp and slightly

browned, turning occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes. Place in a medium bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and toss to

combine. Taste for seasoning. This is best if it sets for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Serve at room

temperature.

Harvest on the Hudson overlooks the Hudson River and the Palisades making it one of the most beautiful and beloved restaurants in the New York Area. Just North of Manhattan, their Tuscan Farm-house, garden and patio dining com-bined with sunset views and comfort-able lounge make for a perfect dining experience. Harvest on Hudson’s menu is based on the traditional cuisines of the Mediterranean, with influences from Italy, France, and Spain, as well as Greece, Turkey and Portugal. The family loved the food! My wife, Maggie, in-dulged in the roasted chicken & creamy polenta with fava beans, spring onions, zucchini, and carrots. I started with the veal scaloppini, broccoli rabe, home-made pancetta, chopped eggs, capers, lemon, and olive oil. My son, Adam, tried the braised steak pizzaiola, tomato braised chuck steak with garlic mashed potatoes & sweet peas. We couldn't stop eating, we went right into dessert! Warm caramelized apple rice crepes with an apple cider reduction & cinna-mon gelato was just mouth watering! Harvest on Hudson • 1 River Street • Hastings, NY 10706 914.478.2800

PAGE 11 Columbia News May - June 2011

BIOS LIFE SLIM *LOWERS CHOLESTEROL

*LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR

*LOWERS TRIGLYCERIDES

*REDUCES YOUR APPETITE AND BURNS AWAY EXCESS FAT SO YOU LOSE WEIGHT

*ALL NATURAL NO STIMULANTS

TO ORDER OR QUESTIONS VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE LINK

WWW.SLIMNYPD.COM

OR CALL DR. JAMES A. DI GIUSEPPI (718) 356-6955

A PORTION OF ALL SALES WILL BE DONATED TO THE NYPD COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION