TDYCC NEWS Volume 3, Issue 1 TOWN OF GREENBURGH

Department of Community

Resources

Theodore D. Young

Community Center

32 Manhattan Avenue

White Plains, NY 10607-1329

Phone: (914) 989-3600

Fax: (914) 682-2798

Email:

tdycc@greenburghny.com

Mr. William L. Carter, Commissioner

Mr. James E. Robinson, Deputy

Commissioner

TDYCC Advisory Board:

Yzette Swavy-Lipton —Chairperson

Mayo Bartlett

Donnovan Beckford

Cora Carey

Sherron Fantauzzi

Daryl Graves

Felice Harris

John Jones

Dyanna LaPeter

Vikki Simmons

Frank Williams

Town Board Liaison:

Hon. S. Kenneth Jones

Greenburgh Police Liaison:

Lt. Desmond Martin

TDYCC NEWS:

Writer & Editor: Norma Jean Barnes

Layout & Design: Norma Jean Barnes

Photography: Anthony Graves, Norma

Jean Barnes

SUMMER 2012

Greetings TDYCC Family,

O nce again we are approaching

the summer season of program-

ming at TDYCC. We are looking for-

ward to some new and exciting things

as well as some tried and true pro-

gramming that makes TDYCC a spe-

cial place. We are currently putting to-

gether a Marching Drum Corps to

show off the talents of many young

people. Hopefully by summer they

will be participating in parades and events throughout Westchester. In

addition, we have a thriving SAT Prep Program going on, as well as

Xposure Afterschool Program. The Summer Jazz Series is almost set,

and we will present some talented artists along with our own Jazz Elite

Orchestra that will open the series on July 5th.

One of the major questions asked is when will the TDYCC floor be

done. Trust me, I am just as frustrated as you are with the snail like

pace of the process, but it is a process that requires transparency and

meeting all lawful requirements. The demolition of the old floor

should start soon and hopefully by the end of summer or early fall a

new floor will be in place. We thank you for your continued patronage

and support, and we will continue to find innovative ways to give all

of the people who use TDYCC a gratifying experience.

God Bless & Warmest Regards,

T heodore D. Young carved out a tremendous

legacy of service to the Greenburgh commu-

nity. ―He was the force that transformed a tiny

youth center into a premiere community facility

that now serves as a model for the nation. It

stands as an unequivocal testament to his

dreams, talent, and hard work. He pursued this

goal when most doubted the possibility of a multi-

million-dollar community center in the heart of

Fairview.‖1

The idea of this article is to keep before the Green-

burgh community Mr. Young’s legacy and spirit. In

renaming the Fairview Greenburgh Community

Center to the ―Theodore D. Young‖ Community

Center in 1999, Mr. Young’s name has been kept

before the public. However, as time passes and

memories fade it is important to reiterate Mr.

Young’s legacy.

Mr. Young, a native son of Greenburgh, was born

in 1938, and he passed in 1999. He was married

to Mary Young for over 30 years and they had a

son. A deeply religious, man Mr. Young was raised

in the church. ―Ted was the product of both a

nurturing community and parents who instilled

moral values, which prepared him for the chal-

lenges he would face over the next 23 years.2

In 1969, Mr. Young was appointed director of the

Greenburgh Youth Center by Town Supervisor

Nicholas Russo for a salary of $3,000. GYC was

described as ―...a dilapidated building with peeling

paint, broken floor tiles and grass growing between

the cracks.‖3 However, though the building was

humble and the budget small, Mr. Young saw vi-

sion and possibilities. ―While the Center was also

devoid of programs and funds, what he also found

were some wonderful young people with a strong

sense of community. It was upon this small foun-

dation of caring, concerned people that he was

able to begin the process of breaking ground for

the future.4

During these early years, Mr. Young, his staff, and

community volunteers worked hard to establish

strong and excellent education, recreation, social

and cultural programs for youth. One of the first

programs offered was Summer Camp. Enrollment

for the first camp was so large that it was held at

Richard J. Bailey School. The camp provided

Greenburgh children with a day camp experience

of arts and crafts, music, sports, field trips and

more. Over the camp’s 40 year history, tens of

thousands of children have enjoyed safe and

fun-filled summers. Additionally, the camp has

provided high school and college students,

many of them former campers, with a chance to

give back to the community, and to train the

next generation.

Early on the Center established a basketball

league that achieved ―legendary‖ status for its

caliber of play. The program attracted the best

players around who, ―...brought outbursts of ―oos‖

and ―ahs‖ as the players demonstrated fancy

passes, fast breaks, and ―dunks.‖5 The early bas-

ketball program laid a foundation for the excellent

sports and recreation programs for which TDYCC

has become well known. Character building pro-

grams such as Boy Scouts were organized by the

late Robert (Bob) Morgan, and cooking classes

were offered that emphasized food preparation

and social skills.

Karate was introduced under Sensei Clyde Coy

who has trained hundreds of youth and adults in

the disciplined martial arts. Today the Karate pro-

gram continues and Sensei Coy has the distinction

of being TDYCC’s instructor with greatest longevity.

Theater arts programs were started to provide

youth with an avenue of creativity. This paved the

way for future arts programs such as photography,

fashion design, sewing, theater and dance classes.

An outstanding event for many years was the Mar-

tin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast which be-

came the largest commemorative event of Dr. King

in the region. As programs gained momentum,

parents, volunteers and others pitched in to sup-

port the activities for young people.

Recognizing that ―it takes a village to raise a child‖

Mr. Young provided youth with a safe haven and

welcoming environment. The idea of a ―home-

away-from-home‖ for youth became integral to the

community center’s identity. Mr. Young embodied

this concept in his actions and demeanor. Many

have described Mr. Young as a mentor, and that

he personally made them feel like part of the fam-

ily. The Center ―...exuded a warm and friendly at-

mosphere.‖6

Throughout his career, Mr. Young worked tirelessly

to create facilities that were commensurate to

program activities. The largest undertaking was

the planning, fundraising, and construction of the

full service community center that Greenburgh

enjoys today. Mr. Young partnered with Ed Rosen-

thal a highly successful, retired businessman who

took on the challenge of creating better facilities.

Mr. Rosenthal chaired the Community Facilities

Committee, a cross-segment of community leaders

who planned and raised funds to build the Com-

munity Center, Day Care, Greenburgh Community

Action Program and Social Services.

―Perseverance, fortitude, and determination forced

their way through red tape. Funding for the con-

struction of the facility was realized thru Federal,

State, and local funding making it a unique ven-

ture.‖7

With the opening of the new building in the early

1970s programs expanded and matured, becom-

ing a center in a true sense—realizing itself as the

heart of the community. However, this was not the

end of Mr. Young’s vision for creating an adequate

facility for programs. More additions were to come

including the arduous planning, lobbying, strategiz-

ing, and eventual construction of an Olympic-sized

pool in 1982, and an expanded second floor in

1997. ―...Ted had a secret vision that would not

tolerate a minimal existence.‖8

―...some of Ted’s proudest moments came as he

observed former summer campers mentoring the

next generation. This was the very essence of his

spirit; that we might learn to embrace one another

perpetuating the spirit of reaching back to help

another go forward. While much of his efforts were

with the young people, Ted also had a burning

desire to raise the consciousness of his entire

community academically and politically. He under-

stood the long-term value of an informed, edu-

cated and involved community. Now the torch has

been passed to the younger generation.‖9

Special thanks to Carolyn Cooke, Mary Young,

James E. Robinson, Patricia Richards & Valerie

Whitehead for their assistance in writing this

article. Quotes from Spirit of A Man...A Vision For

His People, Carolyn Cooke, Managing Editor,

1999: 1 Page-3; 2 Page-5; 3 Page-6; 4 Page-6; 5

Page-15; 6 Page-10; 7 Page-25; 8 Page-10; 9 Page-

62.

Page 2 TDYCC NEWS

The Legacy of Theodore D. Young

Volume 3, Issue 1 Page 3

B lue Nile of Greenburgh rites of passage compo-

nents for young men and women, ages 12-15, has

been in session since October. The program for young

men is in its fifth year, and young women is in its second

year.

Blue Nile of Greenburgh is a chapter of Blue Nile Pas-

sage, Inc. (www.bluenilepassage.org) founded in 1994

under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III at

the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. Blue Nile’s

Executive Director is Clifford B. Simmons who is a co-

founder of the program.

Over the past 7 months the youth have studied the Blue

Nile curriculum which addresses life skills needed for

healthy and productive adulthood. Among these topics

are: Personal

Growth & De-

velopment,

Health & Well-

ness, Spiritual

Grounding,

Historic African

Experience,

Economic

Awareness,

Community

Consciousness,

and Politics.

In addition, the

youth participate in

rituals such as

greeting the elders,

reciting the Blue

Nile Creed, and Lift

Every Voice and

Sing.

The Youth have

also developed

leadership skills

leading Kick-It,

their time to dis-

cuss events and

happenings they choose. There are many outings and

special events such as their recent trip to the Blacks in

Wax Museum in Baltimore on April 14th; and in May for

those that meet the criteria an overnight trip to Camp

Greenkill.

Youth who successfully complete the program go from

being known as “Young Brothers” to “Young Sons of the

Blue Nile”; and from “Young Sisters” to “Young Daugh-

ters of the Blue Nile”. The public is invited to celebrate

with the youth during their ceremonies.

For information about enrolling youth in Blue Nile of

Greenburgh in 2012-13 or to become an Elder volunteer

contact Elder Donel Dinkins, Activities Coordinator at

914-989-3648 or ddinkins@greenburghny.com.

Blue Nile of Greenburgh 2011-12

Nears Completion

The community is invited to attend

Yosemite Park Pavilion

Young Sons of the Blue Nile Ceremony—Sat, May 19, 2012

Young Daughters of the Blue Nile Ceremony—Sat, June 2, 2012

Page 4 TDYCC NEWS Volume 3, Issue 1

T DYCC is proud to offer its annual Summer Camp Experience 2012 for youth in

Open Playground— Kindergarten to 4th Grade; and Youth Incentive Pro-

gram— 5th to 8th Grade. Camp dates are July 2—August 10, 2012. TDYCC’s Sum-

mer Camp program has been in operation for over 40 years and has provided over

16,000 youth with a safe, wholesome summertime experience. The key to the Sum-

mer Camp’s success has been staff supervision, training, feedback, and parent inter-

action.

This year’s Summer Camp will feature Swimming, Academic Enrichment, Arts &

Crafts, Dance, Music, Technology, Tennis, Outdoor Play, and Field Trips. Other ac-

tivities include Theme Days and the Parent Day Showcase. Youth will enjoy fun-

filled days of supervised activities and play. A valid Town Unicard is required. Fi-

nancial assistance is available for Greenburgh Residents only—call 914-989-3607

for information.

REGISTER EARLY TO RECEIVE A DISCOUNT ON SUMMER CAMP FEES. FOR INFORMATION

CALL 914-989-3600.

EARLY REGISTRATION Greenburgh Residents from March 5—May 18

1st Child $545.00 Additional Children $475.00

GENERAL REGISTRATION Greenburgh Residents from May 19

1st Child $608.00 Additional Children $550.00

NON-RESIDENT CAMP FEE

Per Child $1,216.00

TDYCC

YOSEMITE PARK

PAVILION

JULY & AUGUST

Thursday ▪ 7:00pm

GREAT MUSIC

UNDER THE STARS

FOOD VENDORS

PLAYGROUND

ART & CRAFTS

OPEN TO THE

PUBLIC

For Information

914-989-3600

Volume 3, Issue 1 Page 5 TDYCC NEWS

T DYCC Arts Program held its 10th annual presentation entitled Heartbeat of the Drum

on Saturday, March 3 at Woodlands H.S. Auditorium. The program featured perform-

ances and exhibits by Greenburgh’s talented adults and youth enrolled in the TDYCC Arts

Program. The presentation was a showcase of rhythm in dance, drum and visual art that

was attended by an audience of about 200 family and friends. Commissioner William Carter

was the program’s M.C.

Youth and adult performers demonstrated their talent in Ballet, Tap Dance, Hip Hop, Mod-

ern, Belly Dance, and Creative Drumming. Special guests performances by the White Plains

Youth Bureau—Youth On Stage program; and the R. J. Bailey Modern Dance class rounded

out the program. Visual art was represented by a DVD presentation by Drawing for Kids

showcasing their talent; and large art exhibit created by youth in the Winter Recess Art Pro-

ject. Congratulations to all the participants and families who made the program a success!

TDYCC Arts Program is presently holding its Spring Session of classes in African Dance,

Creative Drum, Drawing For Kids, Tap Dance, Ballet, Belly Dance. Get involved in the arts

today and develop your talent and creativity! Call Norma Jean Barnes, Activities & Arts

Coordinator at 914.989.3617.

TDYCC ARTS PROGRAM SHOWCASES

GREENBURGH’S TALENTED YOUTH & ADULTS

Volume 3, Issue 1 Page 6

T DYCC Aquatics Program invites your child to participate in the FAST Swim Team summer training program. The program will

run from April 30—July 25, 2012 ▪ Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday ▪ 4:30-6:00 p.m. Recommended equipment is a pair of

fins.

The goal of the program is for youth interested in recreational swimming

to be introduced to competitive swimming, and for those who have swam

competitively to develop to the next level. Coaches will emphasize an en-

joyable experience while developing technique, and practice habits. Dur-

ing the summer swimmers will be evaluated on stroke technique, given

individual attention and instruction for personal improvement. There is

less pressure on the swimmers during the summer program, and the focus

will be on improving technique rather than time and distance. By sum-

mer’s end the plan is to prepare each swimmer to develop the drive, confi-

dence and knowledge to race like a champion. The program is open to all

who want to become better swimmers and the level of commitment is to

come and have fun!

All participating swimmers must have a current USA Swimming registration. Please call Ted Dowie III, Lifeguard Captain at 914-

989-3645 or 914-924-7435 for information about the training program and registration fees.

FAST SWIM TEAM SUMMER TRAINING PROGRAM 2012

REVEREND TROLLINGER BECOMES PASTOR OF

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH

O n October 10, 2011, Reverend E. Lee Trollinger, Activities Co-

ordinator –Special Events at the Theodore D. Young Commu-

nity Center, was elected to the position of Pastor Elect of the Calvary

Baptist Church of White Plains. Calvary Baptist Church has an active

membership of 700. Reverend Trollinger became the sixth pastor of

this leading church in the city of White Plains during an Installation

Ceremony on November 6th.

The retired pastor, Reverend Dr. Lester Cousin was the pastor at

Calvary for 38 years. Rev. Dr. Cousin established a vision for Calvary

Baptist that made it into a jewel church in the Westchester and New

York area.

At TDYCC Rev. Trollinger worked as Activities Coordinator for four

years coordinating many special events such as Black History month

programs, Father’s Day Breakfast, Young Brothers Malik- Mentoring

Program, Annual Family Day, HBCU Bus Tour, TANF Youth Work Pro-

gram, Greenburgh Town Brochure, Public Relations, College Intern

Supervisor, and more. During his time at TDYCC Rev. Trollinger’s

programs and events were known for their excellence, quality, and

creativity.

Prior career experience includes 17 years as a Manager at Abbott

House Family & Children Services, where he was a Residence Man-

ager for Non-Secure Group Home young men, ages 15-20 years.

What brought Rev. Trollinger to TDYCC were the deaths of young

people and gang activity in the Fairview Greenburgh community

where he grew up. Rev. Trollinger’s motto is ―Success is not ob-

tained until you have someone who is your successor.‖ He believes

that every youth has the ability to reach their God given purpose, and

that the next generation is an assignment to be poured into no mat-

ter what the cost.

Rev. Trollinger will be greatly missed by his co-workers who wish him

tremendous success and happiness in his work as the pastor of Cal-

vary Baptist Church.

Page 7 TDYCC NEWS

O n September 3rd, 2011, Theodore D. Young

Community Center’s first floor was flooded

by Tropical Storm Irene. The most serious dam-

age occurred to the gym floor which was badly

warped by flood water. Other damage from the

flood included a flooded elevator shaft, strong

odor, ruined carpets, files and equipment.

With the loss of the Gym space, many TDYCC

programs and events have been moved off site to

R.J. Bailey School and Woodlands High School,

or to different rooms within TDYCC. We thank

the public for its patience and flexibility.

On Thursday, March 8th a General Information Meeting was held at TDYCC to report the good news that repairs will

begin soon. What was announced at the meeting was that the first phase of the repairs will start in May (date to be

announced). Initial work will include removal of floor material containing asbestos. The vendor who will remove the

material, assured those at the meeting that the asbestos was not airborne, and that the abatement will be done safely

and quickly. During this process, TDYCC will remain open and its operations and programs will be unaffected. In ad-

dition, a temporary floor will be installed just in time for Summer Camp.

The next phase of repairs will begin in late Summer or Fall 2012, and will include installation of a permanent wooden

gym floor, and replacement of the HVAC system. The bid process for a contractor for the final phase of work is cur-

rently underway. TDYCC’s thanks its patrons for their patience, and we will keep you informed on the Gym’s repair

and restoration. Once work is completed on the Gym, TDYCC will look forward to a grand reopening and rededication

program. Thanks for your support throughout this process.

UPDATE ON TDYCC’S GYM FLOOR

FILM ANIMATION FOR KIDS 9—12 !

Write, Storyboard & Produce a Stop-Motion, Animated Film

Norma Jean Barnes, Activities & Arts Coordinator

914.989.3617 ▪ njbarnes@greenburghny.com

August 20—30, 2012

Monday—Thursday ▪ 9 AM—12 Noon

FEE Free—Registration Required

Sponsored By

Volume 3, Issue 1

“To catch the reader's attention,

place an interesting sentence or

quote from the story here.”

Caption de-

scribing pic-

ture or graphic.

Page 8

VOCAL TALENT AND CHARISMA APLENTY AT “GOLDEN IDOL”

Article Reprinted with consent of www.thedaileygreenburgh.com

Volume 3, Issue 1 Page 8

GREENBURGH, N.Y.—Cradling the

microphone, Anne Barschall belted

out the National Anthem in her oper-

atic, soprano voice. At the song’s end,

the packed room, deco-

rated with gold balloons,

erupted with applause

and cheer.

The sixth annual “Golden

Idol” karaoke competition

kicked off Friday with the

whole room singing

“America, The Beautiful.”

More than a dozen sing-

ers over the age of 50 impressed the

judges and audience with their musi-

cal talent.

“I’m a little nervous,” said Barschall, a

Tarrytown resident, who missed the

competition in 2010. “I tried singing

karaoke once before, but because I’m

classically trained as a soprano, the

microphone doesn’t always do that

well.”

George Coniglio, the coordinator of

the senior citizen department at the

Theodore D. Young Community Cen-

ter, brought karaoke to the center to

showcase the seniors’ talent in an

“American Idol” format.

Amidst nearly 100 attendees, Art Bur-

nap of Yonkers won second place by

singing a deep-voiced “Impossible

Dream.” Burnap and his wife, a mem-

ber of the Community Center for 25

years, are very active in the Green-

burgh community.

“Music is a funny kind of a thing,” said

Burnap, who sang in Japan during his

five-and-a-half years residing there.

“Music reaches out to people in the

same way that language does. It

reaches out around

the globe.”

One of the first to

flex her vocal chops

was Mary Cynthia

Brown, an Elmsford

resident and six-

time “Golden Idol”

participant, who

once won third

place.

“It feels good to sing and show off my

talent,” said Brown. “I enjoy it. It

gives me something to do.”

When it came time for the award cere-

mony, last year’s champion, Joel

Turner of White Plains, hoisted the

largest trophy again after he dazzled

the audience with charisma and talent

while singing “My Girl” and “This

Magic Moment.” The judges awarded

Burnap with the second place trophy.

Greenburgh’s Bob Plenty won third for

singing “How Great Thou Art.”

In light of the fun and talent seen dur-

ing this year’s “Golden Idol,” the Theo-

dore D. Young Community Center is

beginning a sing-a-long group every

Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Contact

George Coniglio at 914-989-3622 for

more details.

THEODORE D. YOUNG

COMMUNITY CENTER

SENIOR CITIZEN ACTIVITIES

FUN WITH MOVEMENT CLASS

Tuesdays ▪ 10:30 AM

BRIDGE

Wednesday 9 am ▪ Join group for

Duplicate Bridge play

FAIRVIEW CAFE

Fridays ▪ 11:30 AM

PAINTING & DRAWING CLASS

Fridays ▪ 8:30 am—11:30 am

AARP DRIVER’S SAFETY

WORKSHOP

Sat, May 26 ▪ 9:45 AM—4 PM

Call George Coniglio to register.

SENIOR CITIZEN

SUMMER BARBEQUES

June, July & August

Call George Coniglio for schedule

FOR INFORMATION CALL

GEORGE CONIGLIO

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

914-989-3622 OR

GCONIGLIO@GREENBURGHNY.COM

TOWN OF GREENBURGH

Department of Community Resources

Theodore D. Young Community Center

32 Manhattan Avenue

White Plains, NY 10607-1329

Phone: (914) 989-3600

Fax: (914) 682-2798

Email: tdycc@greenburghny.com

COMMISSIONER:

William L. Carter

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER:

James E. Robinson

TOWN SUPERVISOR:

Paul J. Feiner

TOWN COUNCIL:

S. Kenneth Jones

Diana D. Juettner

Kevin Morgan

Francis Sheehan

Page 9 TDYCC NEWS

TDYCC Travels to Washington, DC

TDYCC Seniors Program has scheduled a trip to Washington, DC to visit

the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Institute,

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial—and many other historic sites. The

trip dates are October 5-8, and the cost is $375 Double Occupancy, and

$495 Single Occupancy. First deposit for the trip is due on June 15th.

Trip includes motor coach transportation, three nights lodging, six meals

and guided tours. Refunds available only through travel insurance after

June 15th.

For more information call George Coniglio, Coordinator, Senior Citizen

Services at 989-3622.

T he Evergreen Club provides an active meeting

place for Greater Greenburgh’s Chinese-

speaking retirees, aged 65 and older. Members all

originally from China, come from diverse nationali-

ties such as mainland China, Taiwan, Philippines,

and Viet Nam. The Evergreen Club has been meet-

ing at TDYCC for over 12 years, and the club’s presi-

dent is Mary Liu Mien Fang.

This group of seniors is very active and enjoys many

programs and events. Among these are Tai Chi

classes, line dance classes, choral singing, field trips,

Chinese character and art classes, English speaking

classes, knitting and crochet, Birthday and annual

celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Thanksgiv-

ing and Christmas programs. The Evergreen Club’s

all time favorite board game is Mah Jong.

For more information on the Evergreen Club con-

tact George Coniglio, Director of Senior Citizen Ser-

vices at 914-989-3622.

Evergreen Club members demon-

strate a Tai Chi exercise .