Vol. 13/Number 27
www.myharrisonreport.com
Bursting Fourth
July 12, 2013
Fireworks light up the Harrison sky on the Fourth of July. For story, see pages 10-11.
Photo/Dan Offner
2 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 12, 2013
Clock is ticking on Harrison Public Library renovation project By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com
With $2.4 million of the proposed $3.6 million capital renovation of the Harrison Public Library facility downtown already committed, the members of the library foundation have until December to raise the final $1.2 million component to begin the project. Although the group has less than six months to raise funds, Harrison Public Library Foundation’s Executive Director Ross Halperin said he is hopeful the group will collect enough funding to begin the renovations. “It’s going well,” Halperin said, regarding the recent fundraising efforts of the group. “We have been collecting donations on our website.” As of press time, the foundation, through the use of the crowd-funding website Razoo, has raised close to $10,000 in private donations from 18 local donors. Since 2010, the library foundation has sought to renovate the facility, which has not seen any improvements in more than two decades. With an additional pledge to match the town’s more than $1 million in funding on behalf of the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Fund, which is named for Ross Halperin’s father, the library initially proposed to raise the remaining funding through private donations and charity fundraisers. But the members of the library’s Board of Trustees said they ran
into trouble when dealing with the necessary improvements to the building’s maintenance. After an elongated series of negotiations, the town agreed to contribute $1.1 million to the project—which had initially been deferred so the town could cover the cost of maintenance to the facility over the next five years—in two parts, allocating $650,000 for infrastructure improvements and $450,000 from a recent franchise agreement with Cablevision for a television studio that has been incorporated into the project. “[The libarary foundation] has been working very hard at it, as we all are, to get this accomplished,” said Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican. “People should start jumping on it now, before it’s too late.” In addition to the funds raised online, last week, state Assemblyman David Buchwald, a Democrat whose district includes Harrison, announced the state plans to provide $73,607 in public library construction grant funding designated with the specific purpose of constructing the proposed teen center. The state also issued a $34,590 grant to the library’s West Harrison branch, to upgrade the flat roof and air-conditioning unit to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs. “Westchester libraries offer access to a vast amount of resources for learning, finding job training, or simply leisure activities,” Buchwald said. “I’ve been a lifelong advocate for public libraries and the good they do in our
communities, and it is vital that they continue to receive the support they need to continue to provide excellent services.” Buchwald has worked to increase public library funding by $4.2 million in this year’s state budget. Through a concept study of the project, the architectural firm H3Hardy constructed the first diagrams of the exterior of the proposed renovations as well as the scope of work to be done. The renderings provided by H3Hardy show the final designs, which include construction of a new community room, com-
puter center, teen center, and reading rooms for both children and adults. “Keeping up-to-date with new technology is a challenge, and, with this [state] funding, we will be able to improve our teen center with innovative new technology to provide our youth with tools they need to succeed in the future,” said library director Galina Chernykh. With the addition of a state grant, the library foundation, while closer to its goal, must still raise over $1 million in private funding by December if it hopes to begin construction in June 2014.
This rendering is an architect’s design for a proposed teen center, as a part of an overall capital renovation project for the Harrison Public Library. When complete, the project will also include construction of a new community room, computer center and reading room for both children and adults. Contributed photo
July 12, 2013 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 3
Facing debt, humane society shutters doors By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com
Last year, after settling a suit with the state Supreme Court, volunteers of the Westchester Shore Humane Society were given control of the animal shelter, located in Harrison, effectively removing the former Board of Directors, who were cited for unsanitary living conditions and violations to nonprofit law. After taking over, the group of 14 volunteers also found they had inherited a large sum of debt from the recently-exiled board. As a result, volunteers made numerous attempts to fundraise to cover the cost of the acquired debt and to complete necessary renovations to the previously condemned property, on Harrison Avenue, even spending out-of-pocket to stay afloat. “Unfortunately, we’ve run out of money,” said Westchester Shore President Eric Lobel, a Saugerties resident. “We kept it open over a year, but ultimately, it caught up with us.” Although Lobel told The Harrison Report he was willing to revisit discussions with the Harrison Town Council—after it backed out of its contract with the shelter in 2006. The council, last year, expressed that it had no inclination of entering into a contract with the local shelter, nor did it wish to renege on its existing contract with the New Rochelle Humane Society. Left saddled with more than $20,000 owed to the IRS in back payroll taxes, plus the cost to fix the previously condemned facility, the Humane Society—a non-profit organization making no discernible profit—shuttered doors this month. In the past year, the recently-closed shelter had over 140 pet adoptions before the money to maintain the facility ran out. On June 7, volunteers with the humane society formally announced the shelter temporarily closed due to financial challenges. Finding difficulty staying afloat, the members of the Westchester Shore Humane Society contacted the SPCA of Westchester to take over the animals. “We are working hard to stabilize our situation and plan to be open and providing for the local dogs and cats in need again very soon,” the humane society’s website states. “Stay tuned.”
The Westchester Shore Humane Society facilities on Harrison Avenue are currently closed to the public since volunteers cannot afford to keep the space open.
Despite the financial turmoil, Lobel and the current Board of Directors remain hopeful of entering into an agreement with the SPCA or another outside animal care organization, to pay off the existing sum of debt and ultimately take over the facility on Harrison Avenue. SPCA Executive Director Shannon Laukhuf said the organization has already had several discussions with the WHS Board of Directors, as well as the town’s Building Department, to determine the best case scenario for the location of the shelter and its animals. “We hope they can reopen in that location,” Laukhuf said. “They have been a great resource for that community.” Although the animals are being kept under the care of the SPCA, the organization will not be taking over the Westchester Shore Humane Society’s facilities, leaving the future of the vacant facility unclear as volunteer board members continue their efforts to reopen downtown. According to Laukhuf, since the SPCA is in a period of “due diligence,” the organization hopes to assist the humane society volunteers in determining the best way to go about reopening the shelter.
No barking or meows heard here anymore as the kennels that once housed cats and dogs are left vacant. Photos/Daniel Offner
4 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 12, 2013
C ommunity Briefs Harrison Public Library events
Volunteers Needed for Summer Reading Program If you are 14 years old or older, you can share your love of reading with children this summer. Earn community service hours and feel good about helping others. Volunteer this summer to read with children and help make our summer reading program a success. Stop by the information desk at the downtown library to fill out an application. For info, call 914-835-0324. The Contemporary Watercolors of Michael Mendel Michael is a representational watercolorist, painting under the nom de plume of ZEPEL. His paintings focus on everyday objects and activities. He has participated in group exhibitions at The National Arts Club in New York City, The Lyme Art Association in Olde Lyme Conn., Woodstock Arts Fair and The Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit in New York City. The exhibit may be viewed Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For info call the Library at 914/835-0324 or see www.harrisonpl.org.
Summer reading game-Dig Into Reading Mondays, July 22, 29 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, July 17, 24, 31 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children will read books or have someone else read to them. Volunteers will listen or read to children who will then report on the books to earn great prizes, do crafts and have a lot of fun. Teen summer reading program-Beneath the Surface Ages 13 to 17. Wednesdays, July 24, 31 from 2 pm. to 3 p.m.-Explore the ancient arts of palmistry, tarot, gemstones, and numerology Circle time for tots Ages 0 to 3.Wednesdays, July 17, 24, 31 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Songs, dancing, stories and more with Miss Claudia
Big Band music at Playland
Swing and sway to the romantic music of the Big Band era played against the backdrop of moonlight streaming across Long Island Sound when the Milt Gerver Orchestra performs on Fridays, July 12, 19, 26 and August 2 on the boardwalk at Playland Park in Rye. Rain date is August 9. From 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. each week, Milt and his orchestra will evoke the nostalgic music of the immortal bandleaders of the 1930s and 40’s, like Glen Miller and Tommy Dorsey, accompanied by his professional vocalists. Jive to the lively “In the Mood,” waltz to the beautiful strains of “Moonlight
Serenade,” or just sit back and enjoy the music and moonlight. As an added bonus, you can watch the weekly fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Admission to the Big Band performances on the boardwalk is free. Seating is limited; visitors can bring folding chairs. Parking is $5 on Friday evening, $1 for senior citizens with a Westchester County Park Pass. Playland Park is located on Playland Parkway in Rye. Go to RyePlayland.org or call (914) 813-7010.
Summer art classes at Greenburgh Nature Center
Enjoy a five-class series of art instruction. Learn, explore and create in the beautiful outdoor setting of the nature center. Students work independently and in groups, learning to use a variety of basic supplies, as well as simple sketching, painting and more. Each class focuses on a new technique, ranging from landscapes to portraits, cartoons to still-lifes. Instructor Jake Hurwitz is a fun, outgoing and experienced art teacher who relates well with young students. Session Dates: Saturdays, July 13 to Aug. 10 Sundays, July 14 to Aug. 11 Class Times: Group 1, ages 7 to 10: Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon Group 2, ages 7 to 10: Sundays 10 a.m. to noon Group 3, ages 11 to 14 plus: Saturdays 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Classes run for two hours and are held outdoors, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, class held indoors. Pre-registration and pre-payment required online. See website to register and pay. Classes start promptly, so please arrive on time. Dress appropriately for outdoor activity. Session Fee, which covers five classes and all supplies: Members $150 Non-members $175
Free concert in Rye Town Park
“Standards and Soul” will perform a concert at Rye Town Park as part of the park’s Twilight Tuesdays concert series. Led by wellknown local keyboard artist Peter Salomon, this six-piece band serves up a combination of great rock, pop and light jazz standards with a generous helping of classic soul. The concert will be held on Tuesday, July 16, at the park’s south pavilion located by the beach near the Dearborn Avenue entrance to the park. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Admission is free, and parking at Rye Town Park will be $5 or $4 for permit holders after 4 p.m. Nearby residents are encouraged to walk. Space in the pavilion will be set aside for dancing, which is highly recommended for people of all ages. All concerts will be held rain or shine, except in case of thunderstorms. Picnicking is welcome. Some seating will be available, but people are encouraged to bring blankets or beach chairs. Dining and takeout is available at the nearby Seaside Johnnie’s Restaurant. This is the fourth of seven free concerts that will be held on Tuesdays in July and August. The concert series is sponsored in part by Rye
Ford/Subaru, Green Mountain Energy, and the Open House Store in Rye. For further information, phone Rye Town Park at 967-0965 or visit the park’s web site: www.ryetownpark.org
Shabbat on the Beach
Community Synagogue of Rye invites families raising young Jewish children to attend “Shabbat on the Beach” at Oakland Beach in Rye on Friday, July 19 at 6 p.m. Join Rabbi Leora Frankel and Cantor Melanie Cooperman for a family-friendly, musical Shabbat service on the beach. After the service, families are invited to stay for pizza dinner and all are welcome to enjoy wine and light refreshments. We’ll be gathering in the covered pavilion next to the Rye Town Park administration building. Please RSVP to Diane Sacks, Clergy Assistant, at dsacks@comsynrye.org by July 15 to reserve a place, as space is limited. Visit Community Synagogue of Rye on the web at www.comsynrye.org and “like” our Facebook page at facebook.com/comsynrye.
“Bare” at the White Plains Performing Arts Center and Harrison Summer Theatre
The White Plains Performing Arts Center and Harrison Summer Theatre will present the Westchester Regional Premiere of the 2004 version of the musical “Bare” from July 26 to July 28, 2013. “Bare” will be live on stage July 26 to July 28, 2013, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets: call 914-328-1600 or order online at www.wppac.com or visit the WPPAC box office at 11 City Place, White Plains, NY 10601. For group sales, please call 914-328-1600. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students 22 and under.
Contribute to the 2014 The Feeley Fund
The Eugene J. Feeley Harrison High School, Student Aid Fund, Inc., know as “The Feeley Fund,” has awarded grants to three Harrison High School 2013 graduates: Jennifer Choe, attending SUNY Oneonta, Patricia Jane Geller, attending Georgetown and Sara Purinton, attending Hamilton College. Headed by Christopher Tyler, the Faculty Selection Committee chooses students who are accepted at accredited colleges and are financially eligible. The Feeley Fund, established in 1967, is a continuation of the Harrison High School Scholarship Fund begun in 1947. Over the past 65 years, 1,180 students have received over $545,000 in financial aid. Lola Geiger, executive director of The Feeley Fund, ably assisted by Mary Riguzzi, thanks all Harrison residents, parents and faculty for providing the financial assistance for these worthy young people. Contributions may be sent to The Feeley Fund, 250 Union Ave., Harrison, N.Y. 10528. The Class of 2014 may obtain information about The Feeley Fund from the Guidance Department of the Harrison High School. Deadline for our Community Briefs section is every Friday at 12 p.m. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.
July 12, 2013 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 5
Astorino makes play for Independence line By CHRIS GRAMUGLIA STAFF REPORTER chrisg@hometwn.com
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino will attempt to run on the county’s Independence Party Line even after the party’s chair, Guilio “Doc” Cavallo, gave the endorsement to Astorino’s Democratic opponent, New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson. Astorino received the party’s endorsement in 2009 when he was successful in his second bid for county executive, but this time around, Cavallo said that rising property taxes and a lack of job creation strategies under Astorino caused the party to shift its support elsewhere. Representatives from Astorino’s campaign have said that Cavallo’s decision to endorse Bramson was no surprise and was done vengefully after the county executive refused to grant patronage jobs to a number of people in the Independence Party who are close to Cavallo. According to the Board of Elections, the Independence Party has 22,132 registered members in Westchester, making it the third-largest party in the county in terms of registration numbers, trailing Democrats who have 250,232 registered voters and Republicans with 132,460 registered voters. In 2009, Cavallo endorsed Astorino when he ran against then-County Executive Andy Spano, a Democrat, and is believed to have played an instrumental role in Astorino’s historic upset. “In 2009, we had the support [of the
Independence Party] and really appreciated it,” said Bill O’Reilly, a spokesperson for the Astorino re-election campaign. “We won on both the Republican and Independent lines.” O’Reilly said that Astorino’s campaign expected Bramson would receive the endorsement over the county executive this time around and that Cavallo is “getting back at Rob for not getting him those jobs.” “[Cavallo’s] got a group that is close to him in the party, and thought everybody would get parked somewhere with a very nice salary,” O’Reilly said. “He said, ‘I want those jobs,’ and Rob doesn’t work that way.” However, losing the endorsement has not stopped Astorino, and, according to O’Reilly, has even been a source of discontent within the Independence Party itself. “A number of people within the party and the people who were outside of it—Democrats and Republicans—are trying to do…a write-in primary,” O’Reilly said. “Up until now in the party [Cavallo has] always dictated everything. This represents a breakaway faction within the party.” O’Reilly said, while he thinks the odds of winning the line are small, the campaign wants to try anyway, and feels strongly that Astorino should be on the Independence line. To aid in those efforts, Republicans have been reaching out to registered voters asking them to swtich their registration to the Independence Party, hoping to help the county executive secure the minor party’s ballot line.
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County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, hasn’t let his lack of endorsement from Independence Party Chairman Giulio Cavallo deter him from seeking the party’s nomination. He will attempt to primary in order to carry the party’s line in the general election. File photo
Tony Sayegh, a Republican analyst for News 12 and Fox News, told The Harrison Report that new voting machines make attempts at write-in ballots much easier, and, as a campaign strategy, Astorino is doing the right thing by maximizing his chances. “On the more antiquated machines, it was more difficult to write the name easily.” Sayegh said. Sayegh said that, due to a lot of recent election case law, the value in the voting process has been shifted more toward the intent of the voter, and there is a lot more flexibility in how voters
can write candidates names in on the ballot. The new machines are more voter-friendly when it comes to write-ins, according to Sayegh, and votes will still be counted even if the candidate’s name is not written exactly how it is listed. With respect to Astorino’s chances of success, Sayegh said that the county executive’s ability to appeal to a wide number of voters has always been strong, and that, while getting the nomination would be helpful, it will not be imperative to an Astorino victory in November. “In Rob’s particular case, it is not as essential, he can win without it,” Sayegh said. “That’s just Campaigning 101. This is an insurance policy. If you can do it without disrupting campaign strategy and if you get the resources, you should do it.” Barry Caro, a spokesperson for Bramson’s campaign, said he is confident in Bramson’s credentials. “Obviously we’re aware of [Astorino’s decision], but we are going to continue going about our business,” Caro said. “We’re confident at the end of the day that we will get enough signatures and qualify for the ballot.” While Cavallo did endorse Bramson, the Democratic candidate is still required to collect enough petitions to carry the line in the general election. It has been nearly 20 years since a Republican candidate for county executive has won an election without the support of the Independence Party. The last Republican to do so was Andrew O’Rourke.
6 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 12, 2013
Harrison responds to HUD report card By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com
Last month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sent report cards to 31 communities in Westchester, noting its individual progress complying with the affordable housing settlement. According to the report cards issued by the Federal Housing Monitor James E. Johnson, the Town/Village of Harrison would need to construct 756 units of affordable housing by 2015 in order to reach the benchmark. Although 23 of the 31 communities have issued response letters to the federal monitor, the Harrison has yet to do so. The basis for the report cards stems from a settlement agreement made in 2009, under the administration of then-County Executive Andrew Spano, a Democrat, between the county and the Anti-Discrimination Center of Metro New York mandating Westchester construct or acquire 750 units of affordable housing in 31 of its communities over the span of seven years. The case came about after claims that the municipal zoning ordinances in Westchester County were exclusionary based on race. Communities, such as Harrison, with less than a 7 percent Hispanic population and less than a 3 percent black, based on 2000 census numbers, were ordered to comply with the settlement. Using data outside the HUD settle-
The Newport towers along Halstead Avenue, pictured, provide market-rate rental apartments and are but one of many different housing options in the Town of Harrison. Photos/Daniel Offner
Combined retail-residential properties, such as the residential property pictured here above Pizza 2000 on Halstead Avenue, is another variation of housing in Harrison.
ment—based on a 2004 report from Rutgers University, which was never adopted by the county—Johnson allocates 5,847 units be built throughout Westchester. With no affordable housing units constructed in Harrison since the settlement agreement in 2009, Johnson cites the Rutgers report, allocating that Harrison build six units more than the initial terms of the settlement for the entire county. “The unadopted Affordable Housing Allocation Plan produced in 2005 by the county’s planning department called for 756 affordable housing units in Harrison, of which none have been built in the interim,” Johnson states in his report. In addition, the report card makes several points, including that 2.9 percent of the total acreage permits multifamily housing. It also cites that three zones currently permit multifamily development, but with more than half of the locations available entirely built out, the town could only accommodate approximately 45 housing units. Although accusatory, the report cards are
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non-binding, meaning municipalities are not required to comply with the number of allocated housing units in the monitor’s letter. “We were initially told 30,” said Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican. “The report had Harrison at 756…that was kind of a shock.” During a visit to Harrison in June, Republican County Executive Rob Astorino gave a presentation on the monitor’s report cards, stating that the federal government is demanding the county do away with local zoning provisions in order to comply with the settlement, citing claims that the existing municipal zoning ordinances in the county are discriminatory. “Washington is equating zoning and discrimination as the same thing,” Astorino said. “The federal government is determining what is necessary to balance neighborhoods.” Although reserving comment on the actual details of the monitor’s report card, Town Councilman Joe Cannella, a Republican, said that the individual Westchester municipalities are relying on the county to handle how it will execute the settlement. “The county is legally obligated, like it or not,” Cannella said. “I believe the county has been doing as best it can to protect the rights of municipalities.” According to Republican Town Councilman Fred Sciliano, with the county in agreement to comply with the initial settlement—which cites census data collected in 2000 as its basis for discriminatory zoning practices—the federal government has overstepped its bounds by calling on municipalities to meet a new threshold of affordable units. “If [the monitor] were to look at the newer census, we do have a lot of minorities living and renting within Harrison,” Sciliano said. “I bet you we’re pretty much complying.” Based on census data collected in 2010, in the Town/Village of more than 27,000 residents, the African American population takes up only 2.4 percent of Harrison’s overall demographics, while the Hispanic population consists of 11.7 percent. Apart from the census data, the report card also states Harrison has not adopted the county’s model zoning ordinance—a series of provisions to help local communities add fair and affordable housing to their communities—and states that, even with additional action from the town, fair and affordable units will remain problematic without a financial subsidy from the county. Republican councilmen Steve Malfitano and Marlene Amelio declined comment regarding the monitor’s report cards.
DANIEL OFFNER
dan@hometwn.com
July 12, 2013 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 7
Nice job, Jackie, now let’s fix these libraries HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
Recently, I attended Congresswoman Nita Lowey’s press conference in which she announced that $35 million in FEMA aid will be available to Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties for Sandy disaster relief. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program reimburses local municipalities for emergency response expenditures. These grants will help communities restore essential services that were compromised as a result of the devastating effects from Superstorm Sandy. Congresswoman Lowey will continue advocating for additional aid designed to alleviate the impact of future storm-related events. Recently, the Harrison town clerk’s office completed an audit of all the functions performed by her staff. The audit began within days of clerk Jackie Greer taking office. Tasks were evaluated and, if found to be duplicative or outdated, were streamlined or brought up to date. Subsequently, an operating procedure book was created and, as a result, each staff member can perform all processes in the office. The audit also discovered that some of the processes could be completely eliminated. For example, in the past, if a department head wanted to place an item on the town-village board agenda, the clerk would require the department to provide a minimum of 10 copies for distribution to the board and other agencies. Information, that used to be hand-carried and copied, is now emailed to a dedicated mailbox in the clerk’s office. From there, all the items are printed and collated in just minutes compared to hours. All agenda items, including the back-up information, can now be found on the town’s website. Now, only five copies are printed, for the board members, instead of the initial requirement of 10. All other departments can download the information from the website. This one example of process improvement and time-savings has made it possible for the staff to begin digitizing records dating as far back as 1837. Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and State Librarian, Bernard A. Margolis, recently announced that the New York State Library partnership has awarded $14 million in public library construction grants. The Harrison Public Library has received a $73,607 grant
from the state to help defray the cost of the library’s upcoming renovation. The grant money will be used to renovate the lower level of the library into a teen center. The West Harrison library also received a $34,590 state construction grant to upgrade the flat roof and air-conditioning unit, in an effort to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs. On a related note, this year’s Summer Reading Game Program is underway. This program is designed to encourage children to keep reading throughout the summer. Kids simply read books or magazines, or have someone else read to them, and earn fun prizes. The Summer Reading Game program for teens offers participants the chance not only to explore and discuss books, but also to learn about tarot cards, palm reading, gemstones, and numerology. For more information, visit the library’s web site at www. harrisonpl.org. Recently, I attended a benchmark conference hosted by the Westchester County Association. One of the WCA’s missions is to provide Westchester County with a framework for the direction and implementation of sustainable economic growth. Topics covered at this seminar included different aspects of creating ways local municipalities can attract business to our region. A panel discussion illustrated how rapidly changing communications are shaping current trends in economic development. The competition, for drawing in and retaining businesses, is consistent and powerful. Information on how other regions are attracting investors was shared. Providing a community, for young professionals who will be part of an upcoming vibrant workforce, was also a topic discussed at this event. Going forward, Westchester County will be working hard to develop new and innovative ways to compete for new business. I look forward to collaborating, with our neighboring municipalities and government officials, to make our region attractive to new industry. In closing, I would like to recognize the 12-year-old boys and the 12-year-old-girls Harrison Little League teams. Both teams won the New York State District 20 Championships in the state Little League World Series. Congratulations to the teams, their coaches and their parents for a job well-done. The next “Lunch with the Mayor” is on Friday, July 19 and I will be at Emilio’s Ristorante located at 1 Colonial Place in Downtown Harrison. I will be at this location from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.
8 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 12, 2013
Business Briefs Shudder: Fitness for a better life
In a world full of uncertainty, you can count on one thing; when you decide to take the next step to improve your life, and when you put the hard work in, the return is priceless. I am Dorine Watkins. I’m certified by the leaders in the industry, the International Sports Science Association, and I’m here to show you the way. A resident of Mamaroneck for 45 years, I would like to take the opportunity to offer you a free consultation and the choice to train in the comfort of your home, my home or a gym. My company is Shudder, and we’re trained in the fundamentals of physiology, anatomy and biochemistry. I will create an in-depth, carefully-designed wellness and training program specifically for your body. It will include strength, balance, vascular health, stamina, improved metabolic function, oxygen intake and nutrient dense food choices. We will discuss your lifestyle, challenges, objectives, schedule and sleep habits as well as any limitations or health issues. My goal is to help you achieve lifetime fitness by giving you the knowledge and tools to accomplish your goals. We all know that an active, healthy lifestyle dramatically reduces risk of disease, builds confidence, improves hormone levels, builds bone density and muscle fibers, and creates new capillaries for improved nutrient transport. We will work together to determine the
right supplements for your body by understanding where you get your energy and by avoiding late day crashes. Feel better, look better, but most importantly, live better. For any questions please feel free to reach me at 914-356-5607, or check out our website at www.shudder.biz. Douglas Elliman to open new office in Scarsdale Douglas Elliman Real Estate is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in Scarsdale. This is the company’s first foray into southern Westchester and it will offer both buyers and sellers the unique full-service customer experience for which Douglas Elliman is known. The office will serve as a strategic marketing hub for Scarsdale, as well as the Long Island Sound communities of Rye, Larchmont, New Rochelle and Pelham. Set on 26 Popham Road, the welcoming gateway to Scarsdale, Douglas Elliman is strategically located across the street from the Scarsdale train station, at a perfect corner location at the village entrance. The state-of-the art office space is approximately 2,200 square feet. “Scarsdale is a quintessential Westchester town, and we are thrilled to open an office there,” said Dottie Herman, president and CEO of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. “This expansion to southern Westchester cements our pledge to expand our reach throughout Westchester and be the ‘go-to’ real estate firm in the county and in all the regions we service.” “We envision this location as one that will bridge the New York City market to Westchester. Scarsdale and its surrounding towns resonate with people moving from the city when making a move to the suburbs,” Gabe Pasquale, executive vice president of Elliman’s Westchester brokerage said. “With its simple commute to Manhattan, great shopping, fine dining, and vibrant cultural scene, this area has become one of the most desired communities to live in. I look forward to a very successful future here.” Douglas Elliman Real Estate is New York’s largest residential brokerage, with more than 70 offices in New York City, Long Island, the Hamptons ,Westchester/Putnam, and south Florida, and more than 4,000 real estate agents and a network of national and international affiliates. They are strategic partners with London-based Knight Frank LLP for
residential business in all of their New York markets. Douglas Elliman ranked in the top four of all real estate companies in the nation in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. The company also controls a portfolio of real estate services, including Manhattan’s largest residential property manager, Douglas Elliman Property Management, as well as DE Title and DE Capital Mortgage. For more information on Douglas Elliman, as well as expert commentary on emerging trends in the real estate industry, visit the Douglas Elliman site at www.elliman.com. Jon A. Dorf, Esq. joins Hudson Valley economic development corporation Board of Directors On Monday, June 17, 2013, The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation announced that Jon A. Dorf, managing partner of Dorf & Nelson LLP of Rye, N.Y., has joined the organization’s Board of Directors. Dorf started the practice as a sole practitioner more than 20 years ago and, since then, has expanded the firm to include multiple practice areas and a wide range of experienced attorneys, as well as a number of paralegals and administrative professionals. “I’m very excited to join the Board of Directors of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation as it gives me another opportunity to get involved with an organization that promotes a positive business environment here in the Hudson Valley,” Dorf said. “There are many legal issues facing businesses today, and it’s an honor to leverage my knowledge of corporate, real estate and intellectual property law to benefit local businesses and organizations that are looking to grow and expand in our communities.” Dorf & Nelson LLP serves individuals, entrepreneurs, family business owners and successful companies as both legal counsel and a trusted advisor. The firm’s diverse practice groups, including corporate, real estate, intellectual property, litigation, life sciences and not-for-profit, bring comprehensive perspective to its clients’ legal and business issues.
Signature Bank adds veteran private client banking team; expands three others
Signature Bank, a New York-based fullservice commercial bank, announced the appointment of a new private client banking team to be based in its White Plains, N.Y. office in Westchester County. David Pilossoph and Marie Moreno, both of whom are veteran bankers that spent decades with Citibank, N.A., were each named Group Director and Senior Vice President. Pilossoph and Moreno spent 35 and 22 years, respectively, at Citibank locations in the Westchester area. Pilossoph most recently served as vice president and branch manager at the 244 Main Street branch in White Plains, a role he held for 23 years. Over the years, Pilossoph gained signifi-
cant experience, serving a range of businesses, particularly professional services firms. Moreno was a vice president and branch manager at the 444 Mamaroneck Ave. branch in White Plains, where she focused on business banking, primarily for professional services entities. Before being promoted to this branch manager role, she worked with Pilossoph for nearly two decades. Joining Pilossoph’s and Moreno’s team is Diane Fracasse, who brings 25 years of banking experience to her new senior client associate role. Fracasse was assistant branch manager for Pilossoph at the White Plains branch, providing sales, service and operational support. Additionally, the bank appointed several new banking professionals to various existing teams. Thomas Pappas, with 13 years of banking experience, was named group director at the bank’s office at 261 Madison Ave. in Manhattan. Pappas joins the team of Cliff Broder, a group director and senior vice president who has been with Signature Bank since the bank’s inception in 2001. Prior, Pappas was vice president and a private banker at J.P. Morgan Chase’s headquarters in midtown Manhattan. In this role, he served as point person for client relationship banking as well as for various investment advisors. Zoe Koutsoupakis, a banking veteran who brings 34 years of expertise to her new role as group director and senior vice president, joined recently named Group Director and Vice President Monika Buono in Borough Park. Together, they will lead the team of five who will eventually be based in a new office in Bay Ridge. Koutsoupakis, who worked with Buono and other team members for nearly two decades, spent the past 11 years at Investor’s Bank and its predecessor Marathon Bank, as area manager and senior vice president in Bay Ridge. She also spent 23 years at Atlantic Bank as an area manager. Joining the team headed by group directors and senior vice presidents John Corallo and Jim McHugh, also in Borough Park, is Denise Longworth, associate group director. Longworth has 37 years of banking experience, all spent at Citibank in a range of commercial banking roles. For the past nine years, she was a business banker in Park Slope, Brooklyn, managing a portfolio spanning approximately 1,000 small business clients. “We again have proven our capabilities in attracting bankers whose entire careers have been dedicated to financial services and in many cases, spent at the same institution. We attract professionals like David and Marie, who join as an integrated team in a key geographic market, helping to enhance our strong presence in, in this case, Westchester County. With two offices and six teams across the county now, we are further penetrating this area’s business landscape with the addition of this veteran team,” President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph J. DePaolo said. The next Business Briefs section will run on August 2. Please send any submission for our July issue to biz@hometwn.com by Friday, July 28. Each submission can include one picture. If you have any questions, email Deputy Editor Jason Chirevas at news@hometwn.com.
July 12, 2013 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 9
New playground to honor Lola Geiger
On June 22, a new playground was dedicated to Lola Geiger during a ceremony at the Leo Mintzer Center in West Harrison.
The Harrison Children’s Center dedicated a new playground to Lola Geiger, HCC’s longtime president and one of Harrison’s great citizens. A community ceremony and celebration was held on a beautiful Saturday morning June 22 at the Leo Mintzer Center in West Harrison. Geri Rubenstein, HCC’s president, kicked off the ceremony with a short speech, honoring Lola’s contributions to the HCC and Harrison community over many years. “Ever since Lola and her late husband, Phil, arrived in Harrison over 60 years ago, her number one priority was the children,” Rubenstein said. “Besides being one of the founders of the HCC in 1975 and serving as its president for over 20 years, Lola was also the president of the Friends of the Harrison Library, head of the Feeley Fund, the Harrison Youth Council and the League of Women Voters. She’s a truly remarkable woman and Harrison gem!” Geri also paid tribute to the generosity of
Harrison children enjoy thier new playground at a ceremonial ribbon cutting opening the park last month. Contributed photos
HCC’s supporters, who contributed the funds for the playground, and to the strong partnership between the HCC and Mayor Ron Belmont and town board. “Without their full support, this wonderful new playground would not have happened,” she said. When the speeches were over, Geiger and Mayor Belmont cut the ribbon, officially opening the playground. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony was a celebration with a light lunch, ice cream and entertainment by “Dawny Dew.” The HCC offers a high-quality educational childcare program at the Leo Mintzer Center in West Harrison and All Saints Church in downtown Harrison. In addition, HCC offers afterschool programs at Harrison Avenue School, Parsons Memorial School, and Samuel J Preston School. For further information about any of these programs, please contact Executive Director Debbie Imperia, at 914-835-4271. (Submitted)
10 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 12, 2013
Harrison resident’s fireworks are one of a kind
By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com
In celebration of our nation’s sovereignty this July 4, people came in droves, lining Oakland and Halstead avenues for Harrison’s Independence Day celebration. Though it has only been seven years that the town has put on an “official” fireworks display, it is no secret that an “unofficial” backyard display has been going on for nearly three decades. Oakland Avenue resident Roy Aletti, who has been on both the official and unofficial side of organizing the spectacle for years, said that he enjoys putting together the festivities, which he finds provides a more homey and memorable atmosphere than most other fireworks displays in the county. “Men fought and died for this country, which
The sky was bright with lights in Harrison.
Harrison’s Roy Aletti put on a memorable show for town residents this Fourth of July as onlookers lined the streets of Oakland and Halstead avenues to take part in the annual celebration. Photos/Dan Offner
is even more reason we should celebrate with more zest,” said Aletti, 55. “There is nothing like the time-honored tradition of pyrotechnics for both old and young.” Over the years, Aletti, who also owns the Harrison Paint Supply on Purdy Street, went from holding lavish Fourth of July parties in his yard to organizing the festivities for the town. Even when the town didn’t provide the festivities, however, police and firefighters were still on the scene to assist if anything were to go wrong. In 2007, the town took over the festivities, but hit an unforeseeable wall when the economy plummeted, forcing it to cut funding.
July 12, 2013 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 11
Able to keep the celebration alive with private funding, the town agreed to continue to provide entertainment, safety and police, while Aletti dipped into his own pocket as well as collected donations from local businesses to keep the firecrackers cracking each Fourth of July. With $8,500 raised from local businesses and private donations this year, Aletti hired Legion Fireworks, based in Wappingers Falls, to handle the pyrotechnic display. This year’s donors included several businesses, including Emilio’s Restaurant, Pizza 2000, Uncle Henry’s, Trotta’s Pharmacy, Harrison Bake Shop, Harrison Flower Mart, DeCicco’s, Harrison Paint Supply, Harrison Funeral Home, Traitoria Viviolo, Powell’s Catering, Franklin Park Restaurant, Station Cleaners, Murray’s Ice Cream, Harrison Bagel and private donations from Bob Amelio, Dave Christiano, Joe Cannella, and the Harrison PBA.
Aletti said he plans to continue to help the town with the fireworks until he can afford to set up an unofficial party of his own again, which he said would be tapered down to a much smaller scale then it has been in the past. “Aside from Veterans and Memorial Day, it is the most important day in the nation,” Aletti said. “We’re celebrating our whole way of life.” This year’s festivities also kicked off the Town of Harrison’s summer concert series, with the local band Reunion asked to play this year. Joining the band on stage, members of the Harrison Town Council applauded as the band played classic renditions of AllAmerican Rock classics. “God bless America and God bless the Town of Harrison,” said Mayor Ron Belmont, as the fireworks launched, exploding in the night sky.
Firework shows have been an annual Independence Day occurrence for years in town.
People sit along Oakland Avenue in downtown Harrison and marvel at the pyrotechnics, as fireworks illuminated the night sky
Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, seen here alongside Town Clerk Jackie Greer, state Assemblyman David Buchwald and town councilmen Fred Sciliano and Marlene Amelio, took the stage to countdown the fireworks with the crowd.
12 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 12, 2013
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LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Harrison Central School District hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: RFB #13/14-21 Projector Bulbs Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “RFB #13/1421: Projector Bulbs” on the outside. Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 25, 2013 by the Purchasing Agent (or his duly designated representative), Harrison Central School District, Business Office, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528; (914) 630-3011; Fax: (914) 835-2715, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www.empirestatebidsystem.com or from the district Business Office beginning Wednesday, July 10, 2013. The Harrison Central School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if bid number and opening date do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to the date and time indicated are invalid. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail, or in the handling of the mail by employees of the Harrison Central School District, as well as improper hand delivery. The Harrison Central School District reserves the right to waive any informalities in the bids, or to reject all bids, or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the Board will be to their best interest. By order of the Board of Education
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July 12, 2013 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 13
A bookstore summer oasis: What a novel idea The words “summer reading list” may crowd is a Thriller Chiller strike fear in the hearts of high school students Night at the end of July. across Westchester County but, for me, sumOn Friday, July 26 at 6:30 mer is the best time to finally get through the p.m., Francine is hosting an piles of books I have overflowing my bedside event open to anyone age table. As a writer and lover of young adult fic- 13 and up for an evening of tion, I do spend an inordinate amount of time amazing young adult authors reading books that were written for people at of spine tingling adventures. least 30 years younger than me. However, I Barry Lyga, the New York Times best-sellingYA author of am not alone in my sentiment. According to the Codex Group, a firm that “The Astonishing Adventures analyzes trends in the publishing industry, of Fan Boy and Goth Girl” nearly 20 percent of people ages 35 to 44 buy will be on hand to talk about young adult books more frequently than any his book “I Hunt Killers” other type of book. The percentage of female which has a fascinating premYA fans between the ages of 25 and 44 nearly ise: What if your dad was the world’s worst Serial Killer? doubled in the past four years. I asked Francine Lucidon, owner of The There will also be a Skype Voracious Reader in Larchmont, one of session with Alan Zadoff, aumy favorite independent bookstores in thor of “Boy Nobody,” which Westchester County, why she thinks YA is so has a 16-year-old assassin as the protagonist–think James popular with adults. “Adult fiction is great, but often the Bond Jr. In addition, several debut characters are dysfunctional, the story goes on and on, and they continue to be authors will round out the dysfunctional and then the book ends and panel to discuss their thrilling Inside The Voracious Reader–the area for the youngest readers. Photos/Lisa Jardine they never tend to get any better,” Lucidon new books. The Voracious said. “YA fiction recreates the intensity of Reader will serve frosty smoothies, too. When asked for a few top summer choices, THE VORACIOUS READER The event is completely free and open to Lucidon recommended “The Lucy Variations” teenage life. It’s fresh and immediate and 1997 Palmer Avenue often intelligent and thoughtful and there is the public. There will be a panel discussion in by Sara Zarr and “The 5th Wave” by Rick Larchmont, New York which each author will talk about their book, Yancey. always a resolution.” www.thevoraciousreader.com I wish there was a bookstore like the read favorite passages and generate a lively That’s two more to add to my ever-expandTwitter: @VoraciousReader Q&A. Afterwards there will ing bedside pile. Voracious Reader when I Facebook: The Voracious Reader be book signings. If you are was growing up. Follow Lisa on Twitter @WestchesterWand interested in getting your The space itself is very WESTCHESTER feet wet in the YA pool, this welcoming with colorWANDERER is the gathering for you. ful oriental rugs and small The Thriller Chiller event rocking chairs inviting little Lisa Jardine is only one of many differpeople to pull up to the wellstocked bookshelves. Attached to the store is ent and exciting happenings at The Voracious the cutest little teashop with homemade treats Reader this summer. “There’s home and there’s school and then that turn a trip to this bookstore into a true outing. Francine fills the store with books that there are the places kids go to relax and have run the gamut from picture books to early fun,” Lucidon said. “We want to be one of readers, middle grade, young adult and even a those places that kids of all ages can come to new NPR suggested books section for adults, and hang out.” To get more information on these and other and she makes sure to offer new and exciting events for all ages. Next up for the young adult upcoming events, subscribe to the the store’s newsletter on their website or check their facebook page, which Lucidon keeps current. In the world of e-books, keeping an independent bookstore alive takes a true passion for books. “Owning a bookstore like The Voracious Reader is about creating a book culture, encompassing authors and readers alike. We are trying to keep the book alive. Of course, we have embraced the e-book world as well and customers with an iPad, Nook or Kobo device can download books directly from our website while still supporting the store. We realize people go on vacation and e-readers are very convenient,” Lucidon said. Lucidon and I spoke a lot about why it’s so important for kids to read for pleasure and not just required reading for school. “Kids are under so much pressure today, jumping through hoops, doing everything they need to do to impress on the outside. Reading builds an internal life that kids need. They need to fill out on the inside too,” she said. The store’s flag outside the shop.
14 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 12, 2013
SPORTS
Why we (still) lace them up Over the past 20 years or so, there has been a proliferation of summer baseball leagues aimed at attracting collegiate baseball players. From the Westchester Rockland Wood Bat League to the Westchester Baseball Association, The All-Boro League and the New York Collegiate League Baseball, there’s no shortage of leagues that serve college prospects looking to make a name for themselves. The summer league I play in, however, is a bit different. For the past seven years, I’ve been a part of the New York City Metro Baseball League, a league that—while large and quite organized with 30 teams operating out of New York City—sort of operates on the fringes of the “respected” amateur baseball world. It’s not a league necessarily dedicated to bringing in the best players, it’s a league in which simply getting on the field and playing baseball—not furthering one’s hopes of getting signed—is the main point. This is not to say that my team—and our opponents—are bad, per se. Just about everyone on my team played baseball in college and two even had short stints playing pro ball, it’s just that what we are looking to get out of the game isn’t the same as someone who might still be
angling for a professional career. Most of the players in our league won’t ever get paid to play the game, but are simply out there because the thought of not playing baseball is a terrifying prospect. And this is why I’ve grown to love the league so much. It’s an organization of more LIVE MIKE than 400 guys joined togethMike Smith er by nothing more than their love of baseball. It’s pretty amazing to share a connection like that with people from all walks of life, and my life is certainly richer for it. Throughout the years, I’ve made friends with people I never would have met—and come into contact with more than a few larger-than-life characters. From lawyers and Wall Street guys, to baggage handlers at LaGuardia and bail bondsmen, players in our league couldn’t be more different five days out of the week. Once we hit the diamond, however, everything else goes out the window and we’re just ballplayers. I’ve squared off against a crafty 50-year-old hurler who served as the pitching coach at St. John’s University in the 1990s. I’ve watched Will Smith’s stunt-double from “Hitch” get thrown out of a game for arguing balls and strikes (more than once, actually). Four years ago, I struck out on three pitches against the controversial “Little Leaguer,” Danny Almonte, who
Trevor Brucato of the New York Rainmakers throws a pitch at the Red Hook Ballfields on June 5. Brucato, a former standout at Bronxville, plays summer baseball in the New York City Metro League. Photo/Mike Smith
was able to blow me away despite sitting in the dugout for seven innings drinking some sort of rum concoction. At the All-Star game last year, our third base coach—who allegedly did several years in a federal prison—questioned our team’s manhood, then compared us all to Tito Jackson, all in the first minute of a pregame peptalk that has since been uploaded onto youtube for posterity. We all make stupid errors, we’ve all lost a
good 10 mph on our fastballs, and our times getting from first base to third certainly aren’t what they used to be, but none of that matters. Having a good day, going 2-for-3 with a double off the fence in right center is all it takes to remind us how lucky we are to still be on the field in the first place. It’s not the Major Leagues. But it’s the next best thing. Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
What’s Your Beef? What’s bothering you today?
Collected on Pondfield Road in Bronxville “A bird fell out of its nest and I don’t know what to do for it.”
“When I get parking tickets.” Leonie Streit, 20, Bronxville
George Fisher, 61, Yonkers
“People talking loud on cell phones.”
“When people mess up my sandwich.”
Bilal Karriem, 46, Bronxville
Leitgton Welch, 22, Bronxville
-Photos and reporting by ILANA BRUCKMAN
SPORTS
July 12, 2013 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 15
Cruz stays perfect in rout By MIKE SMITH SPORTS EDITOR sports@hometwn.com
On June 29, Port Chester’s Bryant “Peewee” Cruz improved to 5-0 in his young fighting career, knocking out last minute replacement Tomi Archambault in just two minutes of action at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY. Originally, Cruz was slated to fight ring veteran David Huffman (4-16-1), a fighter who– despite his losing record–many felt would be a good test for the Westchester lightweight at this point in his career. Instead, a decision by the New York State Boxing Commission rendered Huffman ineligible to fight, leaving Cruz’s camp scrambling to find a replacement. “We thought about just canceling the fight,” said Cruz’s trainer, Ryan O’Leary. “But we had so many Pee-Wee fans buy tickets, we felt it was best to go ahead and find a replacement.” Unfortunately for fans, that replacement didn’t offer much in the way of competition. Cruz came out of the corner in the first round, tagged Archambault with a few clean shots, dropping him once and sapping Archambault of any will to fight. After the first knockdown, Cruz floored his hapless foe again before the fight was stopped. “Pretty much, there is nothing to take away from this fight,” O’Leary said. “It was basi-
Pee-Wee Cruz clinches with Tomi Archamabault in the first round of their June 29 fight. Cruz would knock his opponent out in the first round. Cruz waits in a neutral corner as his opponent tries to recover from an early knockdown. Cruz’s win puts him at 5-0 on the year.
cally about keeping him busy. This was just a massacre. The one thing you could say is that this guy was a southpaw, which Pee-Wee hasn’t seen at this level, but really, this guy didn’t come to fight.” Cruz–and his camp-are looking for better competition the next time out, but, luckily, they won’t have to wait long. The undefeated lightweight will be back in action on July 29 at Roseland Ballroom on a card put together by influential promoter Lou DiBella. Although there is no opponent currently in place, O’Leary believes that it will be a major step up from Archambault. “He’s not going to be in there with a pushover,” said O’Leary. “Lou DiBella is a guy who wants good, entertaining fights.” In the meantime, Cruz will continue to train at the Champs Boxing Club in New Rochelle and enjoy some perks from his growing celebrity status in Westchester. On July 2, Cruz got the chance to meet some of his fanbase at a guest-bartending stint at Mamaroneck watering hole Molly Spillane’s, a bar that has already named a drink–The Pee-Wee Mojito– after the burgeoning star. “It’s exciting because people are starting to get involved,” O’Leary added. “Every fight we’ve had, we’ve been the biggest draw. The biggest thing about Pee-Wee’s supporters is that they love him.”
Cruz gets his arm raised in celebration on June 29. The Port Chester native will be back in action this month at the Roseland Ballroom. Photos/Bobby Begun
16 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 12, 2013
SPORTS
Area fields play home to Westchester Academy tournament By MIKE SMITH SPORTS EDITOR sports@hometwn.com
The Westchester Academy Baseball hosted its first-ever tournament on July 28, inviting a cadre of summer baseball teams to compete over the course of three days at fields in Harrison, Port Chester, and Rye. Although neither of the academy’s teams found their way into the championship round, Westchester Baseball’s Edwin Diaz couldn’t have been happier with the way the tourney unfolded. Despite heavy rain on Thursday night, the tournament went on with just a slight refiguring as games planned for natural-surfaced fields, such as the lower field at Harrison High School, had to be played at alternate venues, including the synthetic field-turf at Silver Lake Park in West Harrison. “That move made all the difference for us,” said Diaz. “We were able to make it work thanks to a favor. If we didn’t do that, the tournament would have been pushed to Monday, and given the weather, we couldn’t have gotten it done.” The two academy teams fared well, with both the Navy and Grey squads making it to the semifinals, where
Shortstop Quinn Kurzner from Rye Country Day School looks to turn a double play on June 28. The Grey team made it to the semifinal round.
they bowed to the Connecticut Blue Jays and Fairfield Cardinals respectively. “Absolutely it was a good showing for us,” said Diaz. “It was our tournament and it would have been Westchester Academy versus Westchester Academy in the semis, but we put in a clause that said our teams couldn’t play against each other until the finals.” In the championship round on June 30 at Disbrow Park, Fairfield–coached by Yale assistant Kevin Huber-was able to edge its Connecticut rival in a hotly-contested 63 game. Outfielder Charlie Meder, who is signed on to play for Washington College in
A Croton batter tries to get out of the way of a fastball. Despite their 3-0 win against the Grey team, Croton would fall to the Navy team in the opening round of the playoffs. Photos/Mike Smith
Maryland next year, won MVP honors. “Fairfield is a good team, they’re very experienced,” said Diaz. “They’ve got a lot of tournaments under their belt and they are a top team at just about every tournament they go to.” The Academy hosted another tournament this past weekend, this time for their 16U division. With 11 teams coming to the tournament–as opposed to the eight that rounded out the 18U brackets–Diaz said that the slight hiccups experienced during this first go-around only served as a learning experience when it comes to running a tournament. “We just need to make sure everyone has their paperwork ready to go upfront, we kind of scrambled to get that together this time,” he said. “We also need to make sure we’ve got our umpires on standby just in case something happens like a game getting delayed.”
Westchester Academy pitcher Adonis Flores–a Lincoln High School product–delivers a pitch on June 28 at Silver Lake Park. Flores and the Grey squad would lose to the Croton Bombers 3-0.