I’m madder than a fish swimming in the river Lethe who, for obvious reasons, never knows from whence he came or to where he was going over the fact that the lines to get these newfangled city identification cards are longer than the ones for “Jaws,” and our great mayor is yet to install a fast-track for the seniors who need it the most.
Look, you all know the ol’ Screecher has been flashing his driver’s licence and PBA card to get things done since back when I was cruisin’ in my turquoise-and-ivory ’54 Belaire up and down 86th Street. And I’ll continued to get those important government-issued cars renewed for as long as they continue to allow me to get behind the wheel — or until I can’t fit behind it, whichever comes first.
But I bet you didn’t know (or maybe your did), that I am the biggest advocate of city IDs for seniors who sometimes — through know fault of their own — forget who they are or where they are going. Fact it, it’s a problem, and it needs to be solve, as having a valid identification on a person will help these seniors if, god forbid, they get lost.
So once again, it’s up to me to do the solving!
Obviously, these seniors can’t possible stand in these long lines to get their new cards, as they might forget why they are online and walk away. So it is best that the mayor install a “fast-track” line for all of our beloved elderly so they don’t have to wait around. Time is short, my friend!
So let’s make sure our seniors are able to get this life-saving document post haste, and not postmortem!
Now’s the point in the column where I try to remember the things I intended to write about.
And in this special edition of my Screech, I’ll like to talk about this year BWECC! Man of the Year, Matthew Barone, the assistant principal of PS-IS 226 in the grand old neighborhood of Mapleton! So here’s his promo cut-and-pasted from something my secretary Grace.
“As a lifelong learner, Matthew Barone has deeply rooted himself in the public school system in New York City. He attended James Madison High School and went on to pursue a degree from Brooklyn College in social studies and secondary education. While studying, he worked for the New York City Department of Education as a para professional. Upon graduating from Brooklyn College he started his teaching career at Middle School 88 in Park Slope. After spending more than 10 years in the classroom teaching middle school students, he transitioned to leading a department of teachers in MS 88 as an assistant principal.
“Fulfilling his desire to work in a K-8 school, he now works as an assistant principal in PS-IS 226. Here, he assists Principal Sherry Tannenbaum in educating and leading our Bensonhurst students, preparing them to be college- and career-ready. One of the many initiatives started by Matthew is the use of an online remedial reading program, which has assisted the most at-risk students and English language learners to achieve greater success in literacy. He also piloted “GO Math” for his middle school math students. When he is not modeling rigorous lessons for teachers, counseling students, or mentoring new teachers, Matthew plays flag football with his middle school students and organizing various fund-raisers for students in need.
“Matthew is a diehard Jets fan, and takes most pleasure in Sunday dinners at home, with his wife Susan and their five children Matthew, Antonia, Alexandra, Nicholas, and Aidan. During his time off you can spot him cheering on his school’s volleyball team, attending a school concert, or even participating in an act during one of the many performances his students put on stage. Matthew also attends Community Education Council meetings for District 21, to support the educational initiatives that impact our community each year. He is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators. Matthew has an uncompromising view that all students can learn if provided with an Environment, which fosters safety, compassion, and positive learning experiences. He leads his staff with these tenets in mind, impacting hundreds of students each year.
“Matthew lives by the advice of his grandmother: “Never settle for less.” He attributes his success in life to the endless support provided to him by his mother, the love and encouragement provided by his wife and children, and for working in a school where there is a shared goal that all students can reach high levels of success if provided with the right tools.”
This is the reason why BWECC!’S Man of the Year is being feted on Thursday, March 5 at the beautiful El Caribe Country Club in Mill Basin. So contact us at BWECC@aol.com to make reservations to join us for an evening of gluttony, fun, frolic and dancing!
Screech at you next week!
