See this story at BrooklynDaily.com.
By Carmine Santa Maria
Brooklyn Daily
I madder than a resident of Bologna eating a salami sandwich over the fact that no reporters showed up at my latest meeting, and now I have to cover it myself! And when I say “nobody,” I mean “Will Bredderman,” and when I say “latest,” I mean two weeks ago.
Look, I’ve mentioned that “Bensonhurst West End Community Council’s (or as I like to call it, Bwecc!) 53rd Annual Gala” is coming up on March 19 at El Caribe, and at Bwecc’s open Community meeting on Jan. 28, everyone met and greeted these outstanding educators and distinguished honorees in the Harway Terrace Community Room. Each, of course, will be presented with the coveted “Carmine” awards — which is bigger than an Oscar, specifically because of my physique.
So this week, I opened the meeting with a letter published in the Daily News concerning the plight of a handicapped senior citizen complaining that crossing Harway Avenue at Bay 50th Street was not only treacherous, but impossible within the few seconds allocated, especially when she has to use a walker. The Council voted unanimously for a resolution to contact the Department of Cars and Crossings to immediately investigate and correct the hazardous condition. Sid, a longtime resident of the area, also corrected the fact that there had been two such fatalities at that corner, mentioning the seniors that had been killed. At the meeting Councilman Mark Treyger aide Igor Vaysberg stated that he would get a letter of support from Treyger, as did Olga Fiore, representing state Sen. Diane Savino. Liam McCabe, representing Congressman Michael Grimm, also pledged the Congressman’s support and later presented each honorees with official Congressional Congratulatory Citations.
The topics of transportation were in the limelight, with the deplorable road conditions under Stillwell Avenue having so many bumpy areas that likened them to the chasms of the Grand Canyon, as well as the $250 jaywalking fines being sought by Mayor DiBlasio’s new tax collectors.
To break up the dismal atmosphere of the downtrodden citizens attending, I told the story of a 5 year old describing the picture of a “Fricken’ elephant.” I’d go into it now, but I have a word count. So free-mail me at bwecc@aol.com if you want to here it and see the pictures.
The best part of the meeting, of course, was the cake we had, which was provided to us by our pals at Bread Plus on Harway Avenue near Bay 50th Street. It could easily have fed 100 people, but was devoured easily by our few dozen guests, thanks mostly to me.
Now, on to Scott Herman, the assistant principal at David Boody Intermediate School, who gets the Carmine for “Man of the Year.”
Scott Herman has worked as an educator for more than 25 years, holding teaching and leadership positions in several cities within the New York metropolitan area.
His first teaching experience was in Newark, where he worked with a Catholic religious order to help the poorest of the city attain a high quality education. After establishing foundations in that school, he was asked to foster similar success at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City. There he worked for a dozen years as an instructor, yearbook coordinator, literary magazine editor, programmer, curriculum coordinator, assistant freshman basketball coach, and academic dean.
In 1995, Scott became an adjunct professor of English at Kean University in Union, New Jersey where he taught for more than a dozen years.
Scott began working for the New York City Department of Education in 1998 and was appointed to David A. Boody Intermediate School in Gravesend. There, he served as a teacher, United Federation of Teachers Chapter Leader, and Assistant Principal.
For Scott, one of the most enjoyable parts of working at IS 228 is the diverse student body. He considers himself lucky to serve the students, parents, and staff of Boody.
Scott lives in Hudson County, New Jersey with his family, where he serves on an advisory committee to a local high school and a tenant-rights organization. During his free time, he enjoys reading, attending movies and concerts, and spending time with family and friends.
His next exciting endeavor involves being on an exploratory committee for the possible high school expansion of David A. Boody. Contact me at Bwecc! if you want to join us honoring Scott and his wonderful co-honorees.
Screech at you next week!