Art for AID recognizes bicycle man of Manhattan College Parkway

The Riverdale man once known for donating and repairing bicycles literally on Manhattan College Parkway has been recognized for his community work by Art for AID, a group that meets at the Riverdale Y Sunday market.

Kevin Mullins, who had his unique “bicycle shop” in a Manhattan College Parkway parking space, was shut down by 50th precinct police only to find another way to do business. First, he went virtual with a website. Then, on July 14 he was recognized for his efforts to repair and donate bicycles to those who can’t afford bicycles or repairs by a group of volunteer seniors called Art for AID.

The group, which meets at The Riverdale Y Sunday Market, recognized his “good work.” The group is Riverdale’s only “Pop-Up Recycle Your Stuff Shop.” Since 2015 they have raised more than $25,000 for local community groups in need.

They offered to donate $300 to Mullins to cover the costs for bicycle parts. They also said they would like to discuss the possibility of Mullins coming to The Y and repairing bicycles or running a bicycle repair clinic for young people in the neighborhood.

Mullins thanked The Riverdale Press, claiming his situation would be a lot worse if it were not for the stories on his bicycle venture.

— Stacy Driks

Riverdale Y gets new CEO

The Riverdale Y is getting a new leader after eight years as the current chief executive  Deann Forman decided to leave to pursue an executive coaching business. An executive director of an Ann Arbor, Michigan, temple will take over on Aug. 15.

Melissa Sigmond, a New York City native, has “a strong record of success working in the Jewish not-for-profit philanthropic world,” according to Riverdale Y president Peter Goldman.

She comes to The Y after having led Temple Beth Emeth in Michigan for four years and Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in Charleston, South Carolina, for three years.

Goldman believes The Y is fortunate to have found a person who is well-equipped to manage the challenges of building upon the solid foundation built by Forman and her team.

In addition to her background in Jewish organizations, Sigmond oversaw  design, build and opening of the first technology center for adults 60 and older in New York City, a $3.1 million project primarily funded by former mayor Michael Bloomberg, U.S. Department of Commerce, Sony Corp., Google, and other corporate and private foundation donors.

She also worked in the business world for such companies as Bank of America Securities, Third Point LLC and the Walt Disney Co., Sony Studios and HBO.

She earned her bachelors in sociology and communications at UCLA and a leadership and management certificate from The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania.