theories of the origin of the holy/holiday. There is some belief that the middle of February was chosen to commemorate the date of the martyrdom of St. Valentine in 270 A.D.; still others link the day to the “Christianization” of the pagan celebration of Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture as well as to the Rome founders Romulus and Remus. No matter the origin, the celebration of the day is filled with expressions of friendship, love, flowers, chocolates and cards. According to History.com, Valentine’s Day is celebrated primarily in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. Valentine’s greetings began as early as the Middle Ages. Popular celebrations began as early as 1700 and the sending of cards instead of handwritten letters began in 1900 with the improvements of printing technology. For more information on Valentine’s Day, visit www.history.com/topics/valentine s-day/history-of-valentines-day. The Onderdonk House is located at 1820 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood at the corner of Flushing and Onderdonk Avenues. There is plenty of free on-street parking. By mass transit, take the L train to Jefferson Street, then proceed five blocks northeast along Flushing Avenue. The Q54 bus passes two blocks away on Metropolitan Avenue and the B57 passes the house on Flushing Avenue. For more information, call the Society at 1-718-456-1776 or visit www.onderdonkhouse.org. This program is made possible in part by the support of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs through the efforts of City Council Members Antonio Reynoso and Elizabeth Crowley. -CONTINUED FROM PG. 15- 49 • TIMES, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015 News From The GRHS Pop-Up Market Benefits Youth Ctr. Their creative writing classes offer students the chance to create characters and formulate plot twists while editing and formatting their own work for publication. The Children's Readers Theater promotes literacy through visual aids, including puppetry, interactive read-a-longs and live performance. The organization also offers a variety of educational programs, such as private tutoring in reading, writing and math. They also host preparatory courses for tests such as the TACHS, SAT, SHSAT, ACT and GED, as well as college entrance exams. Excalibur also assists special needs students sent to them by the NYC Department of Education for extra help with their academic and personal issues. In addition to a variety of local vendors and craftsmen, Sunday's market will also feature a special reading for the children in attendance led by Harris herself. Excalibur character “Sally the Puppet” will also star in a special free puppet show for children and their families. To learn more about The Excalibur Reading Program, visit www.excaliburreadingprogram.o rg. For more information on the market, visit www.finbackbrewery.com -CONTINUED FROM PG. 15- enrichment class?” Cross questioned, “For some parents, $10-$20 for a regular class is a struggle.” Cross’ own upbringing shaped his desire to help expand enrichment education and wellness programs to underserved communities. “I experienced the struggle of a working class, single Latina mom working ten hour days, pushing on to bring stability to herself and her kids,” he explained. Cross was raised in Miami, Fla. He was enrolled in ballroom dancing lessons at the age of 10 and quickly understood the value of enrichment education. “I am the result of public education,” he stated. “I do the work I do today because I can empathize with the students and teachers we serve. As Langston Hughes would say, ‘Life ain’t a crystal stair.’ I always remember that phrase when thinking about my upbringing and the people we serve all over NYC.” This knowledge of ballroom dancing came in handy when Cross was a college student. As an undergrad, he earned extra income as a ballroom dance instructor. After college, Cross became a high school history and social studies teacher. He went on to work with the organization Fit 4 Life NYC where he had the unique opportunity to teach ballroom dance and yoga in New York City’s public schools. In two short years, Hosh Kids has expanded and now offers classes and programs throughout the city. “We run yoga, dance, music, martial arts and just about every form of enrichment before, during and after school,” Cross stated. The group also started a community theater group at St. Margaret’s School in Middle Village. “I hope to bring more programs to CB5 in the next two years,” he explained, “Our demand is strong and we might have to start wait-listing.” In addition to his work with the Hosh Foundation, Cross was appointed last spring by City Council Member Antonio Reynoso to a seat on Community Board 5 after the district lines were redrawn back in January 2014. Cross sits on Board 5’s Youth Committee and considers his first year as a new board member “revealing and rewarding.” “I really appreciate the relationships I’ve been able to develop,” he stated, “It’s an amazing group.” Cross also serves as a Ridgewood Property Owners and Civic Association (RPOCA) board member and was recently accepted to sit on the city’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) local Neighborhood Advisory Board. As one of the younger local civic members, Cross hopes his technical savvy and experience will help improve and elevate the neighborhood’s online presence. “I’m a digital creature,” he stated, “My focus will be on how we can continue to showcase RPOCA digitally.” In addition, Cross would also like to be more involved on policy recommendations that will showcase Ridgewood as a center for business, commerce and technology. “I think there is a lot of potential for Ridgewood and Board 5 to build its digital and tech presence,” he added, “We must engage young people to be involved through relevant social and media channels. I think a message can have depth online.” Cross regards himself as a “facilitator whose only agenda is to make my life and the lives of the people we all serve better.” He spent the past couple of months assembling an impressive panel of local civic leaders, educators and historians with the goal of discussing Ridgewood’s future. The panel met yesterday, Feb. 4, at the newly opened Topos Bookstore Cafe on Woodward Avenue in Ridgewood. Among the participants were RPOCA President Charles Ober, RPOCA Counsel Paul Kerzner and Myrtle Avenue BID Executive Director Ted Renz. “My goal is for people to understand that ‘out with the old, in with the new’ is neither sustainable nor organic,” he explained, “On-going dialogue, diversity and understanding will be what I hope comes out of this talk.” When asked about Ridgewood’s recent growth and notoriety, Cross was optimistic that a balance between the area’s rich past and rapidly changing future is possible. “I think change is good, but remembering that Ridgewood is a historic neighborhood with decades of good people at work is key, too,” he explained. “I’m interested in continuing to connect the old with the new in the neighborhood. Change keeps and preserves a neighborhood’s identity as fresh and relevant.” As for his own future, Cross is eager to continue to serve his community and its residents. “I personally focus on three issues that I care about most: children, seniors and people with physical and mental disabilities,” he stated. When asked about his thoughts on Ridgewood’s future, he replied, “We must listen to the work of previous generations in order to thrust ourselves into the future.” Community Cavalcade: Henry Cross -CONTINUED FROM PG. 15- Visit Our Archives At www.TimesNewsweekly.com
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