www.myharrisonreport.com
Vol. 13/Number 30
August 2, 2013
County airport to update its master plan By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com
Better Stronger
Faster Mamaroneck football players do weighted sit-ups during a summer session on July 24. As part of an ongoing series, Sports Editor Mike Smith explores the ways high school coaches are building better athletes. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith
Move over Quiznos, Cozy Cafe is coming to town By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com
It’s been more than a year and a half since the former Quiznos Sub in downtown Harrison closed shop, and now a new business plans to open its doors at the intersection of Halstead and Harrison avenues. The Cozy Cafe—not to be confused with the Cosi franchise—has staked claim to the property with plans of opening a new restaurant, serving specialty sandwiches, salads, wraps, coffee, espresso, desserts, frozen yogurt, smoothies and shakes to customers. Anthony D’Arpino, president of the Harrison Chamber of Commerce, said it is always a good
thing for the central business district whenever a new business decides to open doors in town. “It shows signs of growth in the area,” D’Arpino said. “[The Cozy Cafe] picked a highly visible location...I think they will do fine there.” While the new eatery shows signs of growth in a struggling retail hub, many residents are not as confident as the chamber that the new business will perform well. “I just think it’s great that another business is opening up and I hope it’s able to sustain itself,” said Robert Caputo, 34. With a high volume of vacant storefronts on Halstead Avenue, Harrison’s struggle to keep and at-
tract new businesses downtown has taken a highly visible toll on the town’s main street. For decades, the town has sought to revitalize Halstead Avenue, but has remained in flux as its neighbors, like Mamaroneck and Rye, have managed to thrive in recent years. Republican Councilwoman Marlene Amelio, who cofounded the Downtown Buisness Revitalization Committee, told The Harrison Report that how long a business is able to thrive downtown is partly dependent on consumer need. “There are some that manage to remain in business through generations, and there are some, like COZY CAFE continued on page 2
Officials with the county Department of Public Works and Transportation met with members of the public last month to solicit comments regarding the development of a new master plan for the Westchester County Airport in Purchase. Last updated in 1987, the county airport’s master plan serves as a description and analysis of the existing conditions of the facilities. By updating the plan, county officials hope to further enhance safety and efficiency for travelers and determine the potential for future improvements to the airport. According to Donna Greene, a Westchester County spokesperson, the county hired DY Consulting Engineers to reexamine and update the plan while keeping consistent with current county law and policies. “It’s meant to take inventory, so we can forecast for the future,” Greene said. “We need to look at everything.” Still in the early stages of the process, the update will also take into consideration feedback from residents and airport tenants for potential ways to improve upon the airport. “All of that feedback is being compiled and analyzed,” said Jay
Pisco, county commissioner of Public Works. “The master plan will provide a guide to future investments at the airport, and is recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration.” Pisco added that law dictates strict limits on the number of commercial flights that can operate at the county airport and that the master plan is not going to change that. Although the master plan update does not necessarily mean that there will be any development, the potential improvements have left many locals concerned over the possibility of expanding the airport facilities in the area. “It doesn’t need to be expanded,” said Richard Rosenthal, a Katonah resident who works in the area. “Right now, they stack up these planes...they fly over my house sometimes. Depending on the wind, you can hear them.” One of several key issues taken into consideration by the county and their consultants will be noise abatement, which has been the concern of many living in the Purchase area who have complaints of planes flying overhead. In addition to the noise, the county public works department has taken environmental concerns into consideration. In the past, the Purchase Environmental Protective AIRPORT continued on page 7
The Westchester Airport is currently undergoing an update of its master plan—a guiding document mapping the existing facilities—with the hopes of enhancing safety and efficiency while mapping the potential for future improvement. File photo
2 • The harrison REPORT • August 2, 2013 COZY CAFE from page 1
Quiznos, that don’t even make it through a year or two,” Amelio said. However, local consumers are uncertain whether or not they feel the need for a new cafe downtown.
“It’s definitely a change,” said Samantha Lagana, 20. “I just think they should be opening something different instead of another coffee shop.” Within walking distance from the new site
Formerly a Quiznos Sub shop, the storefront at 273 Halstead Ave. will soon house the Cozy Cafe. Photos/Corey Baumer
The future sight of the Cozy Cafe at the intersection of Halstead and Harrison avenues will offer local patrons a selection of specialty sandwiches, salads, wraps, coffee, espresso, desserts, frozen yogurt, smoothies and shakes.
of the Cozy Cafe, consumers can already grab a quick bite and a cup of Joe from restaurants like the TNT Lunchonette or Casa D’Italia. In addition to the existing competition, issues concerning parking downtown could drive away business at the location.
“I think parking is going to be a problem, but I think it might work,” said Sue Sabia, 70. “People like that kind of place...where you come in, have a nice sandwich, hang out.” -With reporting by COREY BAUMER
August 2, 2013 • The HARRISON REPORT • 3
Astorino earns primary for Independence Party line By CHRIS GRAMUGLIA STAFF REPORTER chrisg@hometwn.com
Even without the endorsement of Westchester County Independence Party Chairman Giulio “Doc” Cavallo, County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, was able to get enough signatures from within the party to trigger a primary against his opponent, New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, a Democrat. The signatures were obtained from registered members of the Independence Party, providing the county executive an opportunity to ballot against Bramson. Bill O’Reilly, campaign spokesperson for the Astorino campaign, said that, despite getting the petitions, winning the primary still won’t be easy. “It’s still an uphill battle,” O’Reilly said. “Write-in primaries are notoriously difficult, but there will be a primary, thanks to a lot of political independents knocking on doors for the county executive.” According to O’Reilly, Astorino was able to collect 2,718 signatures. According to the county Board of Elections only 1,183 signatures were needed to trigger a September primary. Barry Caro, spokesperson for Bramson’s campaign, said that Astorino’s ability to gather support in the Independence Party should not come as a surprise because the county executive has been working toward that goal for some time.
County Executive Rob Astorino, right, will face Democratic New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson in a September primary for the Independence Party line after obtaining enough signatures from registered Independence voters. No Republican candidate for county executive has won the election without the Independence Party’s support in the last 20 years. File photos
What’s Your Beef? What’s bothering you today?
Collected on Mamaroneck Avenue in Mamaroneck “I have a bad cold.” Samantha Feuerstein, 14, Rye Brook
“People that don’t appreciate life, our freedom, and the beautiful living conditions this country offers.” Aleskey Goulbev, 27, Ukraine
-Photos and reporting by COREY BAUMER
“The heat.” Gloria Abreu, 20, Mount Vernon
“Corporate takeover of America.” Ron Normal, 62, California
“Obviously, Rob Astorino has been preparing for this possibility for four years,” Caro said. “He’s been making a concerted effort to try and force the primary, and now that there will be one, we are going to try to win it.” Caro also said that Astorino has made attempts at getting Republican supporters to change their party registration to become affiliated with the Independence Party. Astorino received the Independence Party’s endorsement when he ran for county executive in 2009, but, after his election, Astorino said Cavallo asked him to grant jobs to those close to him in the Independence Party. Astorino said he refused, and representatives from his campaign have said that Cavallo’s decision to endorse Bramson was done vengefully in response to his unwillingness to comply with such requests. The Independence Party is the third-largest party in the county, with 22,132 registered members, trailing the Democrats—who have 250,232 registered voters—and Republicans—who have 132,460. No Republican candidate for county executive has won the seat without the support of the Independence Party in 20 years, making the upcoming primary between Astorino and Bramson an important one for the county executive. The last Republican county executive candidate to win the election without running on the Independence Party line was Andrew O’Rourke. The Independence primary is scheduled for Sept. 10.
4 • The harrison REPORT • August 2, 2013
Community Briefs Harrison Public Library events 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. Art exhibit Harrison Council for the Arts presents “Melange: Paintings by Norma Foege” at the Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Ave., Aug. 3 to Aug. 30 with an opening reception Aug. 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Norma Foege’s passion for painting is reflected in her vivid landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. Her technique is a cross between representation and abstraction with a particular fondness for the colorists and impressionists.
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. Save the date. Reading is magic Closing of the summer reading game on Monday, Aug, 12, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. A special magic show for participants in the summer reading game. Open play at the library Friday, Aug. from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come meet other parents, grandparents, caregivers and children. Make new friends, play, read and have fun. Blocks and preschool LEGOs will be available for the little ones while adults chat. Board games at the library Monday, Aug. 5, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the children’s room. Bring a friend or two and play one of our many board games or bring your own. Summer reading game: Dig into reading Last chance to report on books! Monday, Aug. 5, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 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 for ages 13 to 17: Beneath the surface Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Explore the ancient arts of Palmistry, Tarot,
Gemstones, and Numerology Circle time for tots for ages 0 to 3 Wednesday, Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Songs, dancing, stories and more with Miss Claudia. Computer orientation Thursday, Aug. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. If you are feeling left behind in this technology-driven world, this class is for you. Summer programs for children at the Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library Robert the Guitar Guy Robert the Guitar guy plays great music, sings songs and has the children use a variety of instruments at the Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library on Aug. 5 at 2:30 p.m. This program is for children ages 1 to 6 years. RuneScape Club Join the adventure of the Middle Ages with this free online game for Ages 8 and up. Class will be held on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 3 p.m. Please note, there is limited enrollment for this program. Pre-registration is required starting Monday, June 24 by phone 914 939-6710 x 108 or in person. Pirate School Ahoy, mateys. Join us on Monday, Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. with a hilarious swashbuckling show with Pirate School at the Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library. 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 Friday, Aug. 2 on the boardwalk at Playland Park in Rye. Rain date is Aug. 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 914-8137010. 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 to Aug. 10 Sundays 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 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 Avenue, Harrison, N.Y. 10528. The Class of 2014 may obtain information about The Feeley Fund from the Guidance Department of the Harrison High School. Adoption: Everything you need to know Free information session at Port Chester–Rye Brook Public Library Forever Families Through Adoption, Inc. 914-939-1180; Fax: 914-939-1181 This free event is open to anyone interested in or involved with the adoption process, including professionals, community members, expectant parents, adoptive or prospective adoptive parents, and adoptees. Come learn about the domestic and international adoption process and meet the staff of Forever Families Through Adoption. FFTA is authorized in NY and CT. Se habla Español Monday, Aug. 5, 2013 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library One Haseco Avenue Port Chester, New York 10573 914-939-6710 portchester-ryebrooklibrary.org FREE–No registration necessary Questions? Contact Anna at: Forever Families Through Adoption, Inc. Phone: 914-939-1180 Email: adopt@ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption.org Web: www.foreverfamiliesthroughadoption.org 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.
August 2, 2013 • The HARRISON REPORT • 5
Letters
POLICE BLOTTER July 19....Police apprehended Brian Jenkins, a Mt. Vernon resident, who had an active bench warrant out for his arrest. He was later processed and released at $250 cash bail. July 19...Officer Cuzzupoli pulled over driver Taj Everry of Hartsdale for running a stop sign downtown. An E-Justice check would reveal Everry’s license had been revoked for three speeding tickets in 18 months. Everry is due in town court on Aug. 6. July 19....New Rochelle man Jairo Londono was apprehended after police ran his license plates with the state DMV. He was later issued a court summons for operating a vehicle with a suspended registration. July 20...During a traffic stop on Park Lane, police reported a strong odor coming from the vehicle being driven by Jonathan Gomez of Airmont. After seizing eight grams of marijuana, both Gomez and his passenger, Angie Gil, were arrested for unlawful possession. July 20...Officer Melissa Wilhelm performed a traffic stop after observing a vehicle change lanes without signaling multiple times along Westchester Avenue. Approaching the vehicle, Wilhelm reported a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle being driven by Stanley Noisette, a taxi driver from Yonkers. Noisette was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana.
July 20...An assistant teacher from the Bronx was apprehended on the Mamaroneck/I-95 exit ramp for operating a vehicle with a suspended license. The driver was issued a summons and the vehicle was impounded. July 20...A Brooklyn man was stopped for a commercial vehicle safety inspection when police found his license was suspended for failure to pay a fine. A ticket was processed with a return court date on Aug. 6. July 23...Police apprehended Victor Manuel Garcia Mecaco, a Port Chester resident, for a burglary committed at Paul’s Cleaners on Halstead Avenue. The man later confessed to stealing approximately. $60 from the cash register as well as an additional burglary in May, in which he stole approximately $550 from the same store. Mecaco was arraigned at town court before being transported to county jail. July 23...A bench warrant was issued for Cory Calcagni, a Port Chester resident, for failing to appear in court. Harrison Police Det. Forgione placed Calcagni under arrest after spotting him outside the municipal building at 1 Heineman Pl. Calcagni could not post bail and was later transported to county jail. July 24...Police performing stationary speed enforcement pulled over a vehicle for driving 58 miles per hour along Westchester Avenue. Driver Lauren Donfrio was arrested for driving with a suspended registration. Her vehicle was impounded and she was issued a court summons to return on Aug. 13.
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What happened to America? To the Editor, I was watching a show on the History Channel about the 10 most important documents in U.S. history. I was in awe of these critical documents such as The Bill of Rights, The Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Emancipation Proclamation, etc. It occurred to me that our forefathers were courageous people who all fought for the common good of the people of this great nation. As I watched it also occurred to me, what happened to the U.S.? It seems we no longer do what is right for the people of America; we do what is right for the political party we belong to. George Washington warned us against a two-party political system. He must have been foreseeing the future. For quite a while now the politics have not been American politics, it has become Democrat or Republican politics. We no longer have a government that is concerned with the common good of the nation. We have a government in which, when someone gets elected, they spend time in office campaigning for the next election. They do not vote on or introduce legislation that is good for the country; they do what is right for the Democrats or Republicans and in the meantime we have an economy in recession, civil rights disappearing and many people wondering who is representing me? We need to stop this insanity and get back to what made this country great and have politicians that what to work for the common good. We need to tell our representatives to stop voting Republican or Democrat and start voting the way our forefathers did to bring this country back to where it is. We are one of the strongest militaries and the wealthiest countries in the world and yet we have homeless in our streets and families going hungry simply because our politicians are too involved in blaming each other and not voting for legislation because it was introduced by the other party. George Washington was truly a great leader, but I think we should try to prove him wrong and show him that a two-party system can work if both parties set aside party affiliations and work for a common cause America. Pat Angarano, Harrison
6 • The harrison REPORT • August 2, 2013
Get to Noam: Bramson hits the campaign trail
Demoratic New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, left, holds a town hall event in Mount Kisco, last week, in which he discusses his four-point plan of action before asking the crowd for questions and comments on his campaign. County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, gives a presentation during a similar “Ask Astorino” town hall event in the Town of Mamaroneck earlier this year. Photos/Dan Offner and Donna Greene By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com
With the stage set for a contentious electoral season, the two candidates running for Westchester County executive have taken their campaigns on the road, touring the county one town hall at a time. For the incumbent, Republican Rob Astorino, the campaign strategy is one he has been implementing over the past year through his “Ask Astorino” town hall forums. As of press time, Astorino has visited 22 municipalities in the county to field questions from local residents on issues presently facing county government. Similar to the tactic taken by the Astorino campaign, Democratic candidate and City of New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson recently announced he too plans to tour town halls around the county to answer residents’ questions and comments on the current admin-
istration’s approach on several issues facing Westchester. “These are substantively different events,” said Jessica Proud, a spokeswoman for the Astorino campaign. “County Executive Astorino’s town hall meetings accurately inform Westchester families about what’s going on in the county. Mr. Bramson’s are political forums. If Mr. Bramson were to give accurate information about his tenure in New Rochelle— for example, his 109 percent tax increase—he would lose votes at every stop.” Aptly dubbed “Getting to Know Noam,” Bramson plans to tour five town halls through Aug. 4, with a presentation on his campaign platform for the upcoming elections this November. According to Bramson’s campaign manager, Barry Caro, town hall-style meetings are a standard campaign strategy, which gives the candidate an opportunity to have a longform discussion with people.
“Rob Astorino didn’t invent the town hall meeting,” Caro said. “He is not the first or the last candidate to do so.” On July 25, Bramson held his third town hall event at the Mount Kisco Public Library to give a brief overview of his “plan of action.” “I like to think of the City of New Rochelle as a microcosm of Westchester County as a whole,” Bramson said. In his presentation, Bramson discussed several important issues facing the county, including the affordable housing settlement, land use and development, funding to the county Department of Social Services, as well as national issues like gun control, abortion, and marriage equality. Under a housing settlement the county made in 2009 under the administration of former Democratic County Executive Andy Spano, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the county construct or acquire a total of 750 units of affordable housing across 31 eligible communities in the county by 2015. During recent Ask Astorino events, the county executive said HUD has since tried to “move the goal posts,” by using data not included as part of the settlement to recommend new affordable housing benchmarks. Based on a study done in 2004 by Rutgers University, a federally appointed housing monitor James Johnson, who has been overseeing the county’s compliance with the settlement, said 5,847 units should be built across Westchester County. “I will do what is in the settlement,” Astorino said. “But I will not do what is in the interest of the federal government.” During the July 25 “Getting to Know Noam” event in Mount Kisco, Bramson said, despite the “fear tactics” from the Astorino camp, the
number requirement remains at the 750-unit threshold. “An intelligent housing policy is in everyone’s interest,” Bramson said. “We need to stop shouting and hold work sessions that are constructive to a sensible housing policy.” On the topic of social services, Bramson said the county should promote the independence, responsibility and self-reliance of people to contribute to a common good. “We’re all in this together,” Bramson said. “We can’t wall off social distress and live in splendid isolation.” During the last budget cycle, the county cut funding for the Department of Social Services, which resulted in an increase in fees for the Title XX program, which is used to subsidize low-income families. The subsidy specifically provides temporary assistance to recipients who need daycare services in order to work at a job or to participate in the department’s mandated employment related activities. After the cuts the county now requires that families contribute 35 percent of their weekly pay—as opposed to the previous 20 percent contribution—which exceeds twice the federal poverty line and caps the availability of the program. According to Astorino, the county was able to preserve essential services with no tax levy increase by cutting the amount of spending in the county’s social services budget. According to Astorino, department spending on social services have increased a total of $17 million from 2010 to 2013. Yet, despite the fiscal concerns, Bramson argues that, based on the cuts to the county’s Title XX program, Westchester needs a greater level of coordination within the Department of Social Services, instead of the “draconian” cuts made to childcare credits. Four months remain until Election Day.
August 2, 2013 • The HARRISON REPORT • 7
Numbers are wrong, but these girls sing just right harrison Happenings Mayor Ron Belmont
With a mixture of confusion and dismay, I recently read a July article from a, weekly paper. The article focused on Harrison properties and seems to have created numbers, which are hard to verify and certainly did not come from our offices. Moreover, the article quotes realtors in Larchmont, when several Harrison/Rye realtors would have been glad to give a more insightful picture of Harrison’s real estate market. While it is true that Harrison has lost monies due to certioraris and Small Claims Assessment Reviews, so has every town in Westchester County and, in fact, based on county apportionments, Harrison has fared better than most towns. Our caseloads have been steadily declining since 2009, while our sales volume has been gradually increasing, both good trends for our town. As of July 27, Harrison has had more than 100 sales of real estate properties, which indicates an improvement from the prior year at the same period. Positive images, such as a well-received supermarket and six new store ribbon cuttings in recent months, suggest upward trending as well. I am optimistic that this direction will continue and look forward to seeing new residents and businesses settle in our community. On a related note, as we continue to bring our offices in to the 21st century, the assessment office will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 7, through Wednesday, Aug. 14 for office upgrades. The assessment office will be completing a scanning project of all property record cards with an eye to an on-line access portal in 2014. We are sorry for the interruption of services, but we think you will like the results when fully-implemented. Thanks for your patience. In conjunction with the planning phase of Harrison Public Library’s downtown branch, library director Galina Chernykh recently attended the Planning and Design of Public Libraries summer program at Harvard
University. The program provided a multitude of learning opportunities. Space planning and program functionality are key elements in providing efficient delivery of essential library services. Emerging trends and cutting edge systems were the focus as Ms. Chernykh networked with industry experts. As plans for upgrading the physical plant of the facility continue, I look forward to seeing the library add to the array of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. These new programs will be available to thousands of patrons and I believe that, by building on the exceptional programs currently offered through the library, literacy will be promoted and important educational objectives will be advanced. In addition, this project has the potential to revitalize our town and add to Harrison’s appeal. On a related note, I am happy to see that our corporate neighbors are supporting the library renovation. The Jarden Corporation pledged $100,000 as part of a corporate matching campaign. For every $2 contributed by other corporate entities, Jarden will match $1 dollar up to $100,000. In appreciation of this generous gesture, the Jarden Corporation will be given the opportunity of renaming the library’s new teen center the Marmot Teen Center. In closing, I would like to bring your attention to a local talent show currently featuring two Harrison residents. Alyson Isbrandtsen and Brooke Chaco are still in the running at Westchester Burger’s “Westchester Idol.” Every Monday, in July and August, Westchester Burger Company in Rye Brook hosts contestants and their fans as the singers compete for a grand prize of $2,500. I had the pleasure of attending this week’s sing-off and was quite impressed with the talent. As Harrison contestants are still in the competition, I urge you to come out and support their efforts. The next “Lunch with the Mayor” is on Friday, Aug. 2, and I will be at Vasi Delicatessen located at 181 Underhill Ave. in West Harrison. On Friday, Aug. 9, I will be at N.Y. Pizza Station located at 370 Halstead Ave. in downtown Harrison. I will be at these locations from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.
AIRPORT from page 1
Association—a nonprofit organization that works to protect and preserve the environment in Purchase—has worked with the county by participating in airport advisory meetings and supporting efforts to introduce environmental personnel and standards to guide airport operations. “PEPA’s position on the airport has been to oppose further expansion and thus, limit the airport’s increased environmental impacts on drinking water quality, airport noise, and air pollution,” said PEPA Executive Director Anne Gold. “We will continue to monitor any proposed projects—including a master plan update—to ensure they will not represent any expansion of the airport.” In 2004, the county airport was the third in the nation to become ISO 14001-certified for its air-
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port environmental management system, which monitors the environmental performance of the facilities. Despite concerns over whether or not the airport plans to expand, some have felt improvements are necessary to bring the county airport up-to-date with the 21st century. “I do a lot of work with Westchester Airport and I think what troubles me the most is that I’ve found how inconvenient and complex the layout is,” said Debbie Wecker, a Bedford resident. “I think it’s completely inefficient...if anything is going to change, they should work on that.” With no plan on the table as of press time, the county and its consultants plan to continue their efforts to finalize a master plan in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration guidance.
Daniel offner
dan@hometwn.com
8 • The harrison REPORT • August 2, 2013
Artists in (their own) residence Westchester wanderer Lisa Jardine
I returned home from my summer vacation in Italy with art on the brain. And it wasn’t necessarily another museum visit I had in mind. I was more interested in the artists themselves. My search began with Helen Gates, the executive director of the Rye Arts Center, the largest multi-arts center in Westchester. “There are thousands of artists in Westchester County working at it full-time or creating art when they can,” Gates said. And so I asked her for a few recommendations of artists she knew who lived, worked and exhibited in their homes. The first stop on my expedition was the home of Elizabeth Derderian, a realist painter in Rye who works in acrylic and oil. You may have come across Elizabeth’s work around town as she does commissioned work and has painted a majority of the landmarks in Rye. Her home is filled with the art she’s created over the years; some pieces have won awards. Taking it all in as a collection, it’s obvious she isn’t compartmentalized into one particular style and you can tell she enjoys the play between light and dark. “My inspiration comes
Horses by Jim Langley.
Bob Clyatt’s Raku method on human form.
from composition, a scene that strikes me, the lighting or the color,” Derderian said. Walking from room to room, the people and landscapes she’s painted come to life and almost speak to you. Her studio is in the basement, a small space carved out of the remnants of a large active family. And it’s right next to the laundry machine where she says she can multi-task by
throwing in a load. I asked her if it was lonely working in her basement for so many hours. “Growing up as an only child with older parents, I learned how to be independent and do my own thing, create my own world,” she said. “That’s what my painting is for me.” Next up on my quest was Bob Clyatt, a sculptor specializing in the Japanese method
Glenn Aber’s home gallery, just back from a show in the Hamptons.
of Raku, which creates the most interesting crackled pieces of art I’ve ever seen. His home and studio are off a main road in Rye and yet completely hidden from view. When you arrive at his front door, you are transported to another place in time and his pieces, both large and small, make you stop and think. Almost all of the work I saw at his studio was sculptures
of the human form, which lend themselves perfectly to the Raku method. “I take anything I have on hand that will burn and throw it into the canister so the piece that gets fired has the immediacy of the day,” Clyatt said. “The smoke swirls around the art, pickling it, and, as it cools, it creates the cracks on the surface of the glaze. I enlist nature as my partner in the process.”
Clyatt said he never knows how the piece will look when it comes out of the fire; it’s always a surprise. He enjoys giving studio visits so people can learn more about the art they are buying and the context of the work. His studio is completely made of glass and perfectly placed in the backyard of his home with extreme care for his surroundings. It’s CONTINUED on next page
Still life by Elizabeth Derderian. Photos/Lisa Jardine
August 2, 2013 • The HARRISON REPORT • 9
Pet Rescue Lucas is a two-year-old Springer Spaniel mix. He is a good boy, but needs some basic manners training. Lucas would like to be the only dog in your home as he can be picky about who his friends are. He needs someone that will take him for training classes and help him become a great companion. He is working on his housebreaking and leash training. Lucas is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and micro-chipped. The adoption donation for Lucas is $250. To learn more, please contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at 914-834-6955 or on the web at www.NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
CONTINUED from last page
no wonder he considers nature his partner. The last artist I met on my tour was Jim Langley. Jim’s home was under renovation, but he was gracious enough to let me in and show me some of his artwork while I carefully stepped around the construction. What struck me when I first walked in were basket upon basket of beautifully illustrated children’s books. “I haven’t made the switch to ebooks, and I have two young children,” Langley said. “I’ve always been drawn to beautiful illustrations in books and have spent many afternoons in the basement of The Strand bookstore in New York City combing through thousands of children’s books.” Langley told me a bit about his process. “When I’m working on a piece, most of the work gets done in my studio. I’ll use photographs from my personal experiences and then mentally Photoshop them into a different landscape or setting,” he said. Ten years ago, with the birth of his first child, Langley
quit practicing architecture and stayed home to raise his daughter. That is when he picked up his brush and started to paint. While touring his home gallery, I was quite taken with several of his paintings of horses. “My daughter started riding lessons and I spent a lot of time at the stables,” Langley said. His life experience comes right through each canvas. Langley is gearing up for his one-man show at the Rye Arts Center next spring and a new website is in the works. But my journey wouldn’t be complete without a visit to an actual in-home gallery. Glenn Aber is the owner of Glenn Aber Contemporary and Aibo Fine Asian, both of which are combined in the basement of his gorgeous home in Rye. Aber spent most of his career in textiles and didn’t get into the art business until he retired eight years ago. On a whim, he and his wife took a trip to Vietnam after reading an article about artists in Hanoi. Within a day, he had acquired 15 works of art. Within a month, it was 150. A fascination with Asian art
quickly turned into a business and now he represents artists from all over the world. “I’m lucky to have something at my age that I enjoy,” Aber said. “I have a chance to meet a lot of wonderful people. This is something I’ll do forever. It’s in my nature to work and I like the challenge.” Charity plays an important part in Aber’s business and he donates a portion of every sale to his favorite charitable organizations. His gallery is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art. To sum up my week of artistic wanderings, I asked Helen Gates why she thought Westchester was a great place for artists to live and work. “Westchester County provides artists with access to potential buyers and patrons to financially support their work,” she said. “This, combined with direct access to New York City puts Westchester in a sweet spot for artists to thrive.” To contact Lisa, email her at lisa@hometwn.com. And follow her on Twitter @westchesterwand
10 • The harrison REPORT • August 2, 2013
Summer Concert series continues...
N
ew York Music featuring Don Felice took to the stage, playing Italian favorites in West Harrison on July 25 as part of the town’s summer concert series. Every week throughout the summer the town puts on two concerts, one in West Harrison and one downtown. The concert series runs through the end of August. Don Felice belts out another Italian favorite last Thursday evening on West Harrison’s Village Green. Mayor Ron Belmont and Paula Pesaturo, promoter for New York Music, enjoy the evening last Thursday night in West Harrison.
The Summer Concert Series schedule for Harrison and West Harrison.
Maurizio Minichino on keyboards provides the music.
Although the threat of poor weather made for a smaller than usual crowd, it could not stop people from dancing and enjoying themselves. Photos/Bobby Begun
Gianni Mennilo solos his organetto as part of New York Music.
You’re never too young to enjoy an old favorite like 1-year-old Jamie Pastoressa is here.
August 2, 2013 • The HARRISON REPORT • 11
12 • The harrison REPORT • August 2, 2013
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August 2, 2013 • The HARRISON REPORT • 13
Business Briefs
Lopolito in charge at Rye Golf Club In January 2013, Jim Lopolito accepted the challenging position with the City of Rye as Rye Golf Club’s consulting and interim general manager. With initial challenges in facility upgrading, a closed restaurant, and no service and kitchen staff remaining, Lopolito was able to successfully reopen Whitby Castle Restaurant within two months of his start date. Lopolito hired new Executive Chef Ken Pulomena and Special Events Manager Samantha Mastroberti as well as a full kitchen, catering, and restaurant staff. Lopolito is in the process of rebounding Rye Golf Club’s success, especially Whitby Castle Restaurant. Just a short five months later, Lopolito is proud to announce that the Rye Golf Club’s private and public operations have improved, with excellent service and incredible food. Jim walks the grounds each and every day visiting and talking with pool members and golf members listening to how they see things at the club. At times, you will find Lopolito at the very busy pool snack bar, in the main dining room, at a banquet event, or just talking to staff. He will make sure the staff is happy and service is going well. Staff will say Jim is rarely at his desk and always helping to run the club. Lopolito came to the Rye Golf Club as a former certified club manager and certified executive chef with a lengthy background in the hospitality industry. Lopolito has worked in fine restaurants, a private city club, a large catering and concert production venue, and country clubs. A few locations include: The River Café, Tavern on the Green, Weill Cornell University, Rolling Hills Country Club, Tamarack Country Club, The Capitol Theatre, and The Larchmont Shore Club. Most recently, Lopolito has been moving to reinforce the “open to the public” concept for Whitby Castle Restaurant, as many people think the facility is entirely private. In order to invite the public to try the delicious food at Whitby Castle Restaurant, Lopolito has recently introduced Themed Thursday Night Dinner Specials and Friday night “Music at the Castle” events produced on the outdoor terrace, including water views, during these summer months. Whitby Castle Catering has also had a busy year thus far and is already looking forward to a prosperous 2014. From weddings and bar/bat mitzvah’s to brunches and baby/bridal showers, Whitby Castle serves as the perfect backdrop for all of life’s celebrations. The Rye Golf Club is proud to have Jim Lopolito as the general manager. He has proven himself to the Town of Rye, the club members, and even his staff. The employees of the Rye Golf Club stand behind Lopolito, and, if you visit Whitby Castle’s Restaurant, or if you would like to talk about membership, you will understand why. Lopolito believes that Rye Golf Club and
Whitby Castle have a bright future. “The course we are on is encouraging and progressive,” he said. Restaurant reservations are available at 914.835.3200 x16. For more information on hosting a Special Event at Whitby Castle, please call 914.835.3200 x19. Jump Start Tutoring opens new tutoring center in Ardsley. Jump Start Tutoring, which has long provided one-on-one tutoring for Eastchester, Bronxville and Scarsdale students, has recently opened a new tutoring facility in Ardsley, at 631 Saw Mill River Road to service the river town’s school districts. Led by its founder, Matt Warshay, a graduate of Fordham University and NYU Stern’s School of Business, JST “motivates students to succeed,” with carefully selected tutors, diagnostic testing, and personalized instruction. Both offices have private study rooms fully equipped with the latest teaching technology. For further information, visit www. jumpstarttutoring.com. Preview issue of LGBT health journal launched Mary Ann Liebert Inc., publishers has published the preview issue of LGBT Health, a new peer-reviewed journal dedicated to promoting optimal healthcare for millions of sexual and gender minority persons worldwide. The journal provides a valuable forum for members of the research, medical, and advocacy communities to present and discuss the latest research findings and critical issues related to all aspects of the health and healthcare of sexual orientation and gender identity minorities. LGBT Health is published online with Open Access options and in print. The preview issue is available free on the LGBT Health website. “This is a historical moment for LGBT healthcare,” Editor-in-Chief William Byne, MD, PhD said in his editorial, A New Era for LGBT Health. “Increased recognition of LGBT health disparities, together with recent progressive developments, have created an extraordinary window of opportunity to profoundly lower the barriers to healthcare for LGBT-identified persons, to research the most important health concerns and needs of specific LGBT populations, and to train clinicians in the best practices to meet those needs. We must act now to ensure that this window of opportunity does not close but opens into a new era for LGBT health around the globe.” The preview issue includes an interview with Leonard Harvey, MD, MBA, senior medical director of Aetna, southern California, which focuses on insurance issues that are especially important for LGBT individuals. In LG(BT) Persons in the Second Half of Life: The Intersectional Influences of Stigma and Cohort, Brian de Vries, PhD, San Francisco State University, reviews the issues faced by aging LGBT individuals in terms of health, social support, and other needs. Nils Daulaire, MD, MPH, assistant secretary for global affairs with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, presents the global scope of LGBT health issues and emphasizes the role of the World Health Organization, the health arm of the United Nations, in his article The Importance of LGBT Health on a Global Scale. The full table of contents of the preview issue
is available on the LGBT Health website. The full inaugural issue of the journal, publishing in September 2013 and launching at the GLMA conference in Denver, CO, will feature a wide range of articles and topic areas aimed at clarifying LGBT health needs, defining clinical and educational best practices, identifying means to increase access to care, and educating and empowering medical consumers. Spanning a broad array of disciplines, LGBT Health brings together the LGBT research, medical, and advocacy communities to address current challenges and improve the health, well being, and patient outcomes of LGBT populations. The journal publishes original research, review articles, clinical reports, case studies, legal and policy perspectives, and much more. LGBT Health is published quarterly online with Open Access options and in print. Sign up today to receive email alerts for LGBT Health. Douglas Elliman’s Westchester brokerage welcomes two new agents As Douglas Elliman Real Estate’s Westchester presence continues to expand, two new additions have been made to the firm’s Armonk brokerage with the hiring of Associate Broker Antonette “Toni” Guido and Licensed Sales Agent Vanessa Flores. “We are thrilled that Toni and Vanessa are joining the team at Douglas Elliman,” said Gabe Pasquale, executive vice president and regional director “Together, they bring a vast knowledge of business and financing, tenacity and professionalism, and a dedication to their clients, which make them both a great fit for Elliman.”
Toni, a real estate attorney, has brought those skills to her career as a real estate agent. Having represented clients in real estate closings throughout Westchester, Toni can identify issues before they arise and ensure that any problems are dealt with expeditiously and effectively. At the age of 26, Vanessa purchased her first “to be built” home and was instrumental in dealing with the general contractor and subcontractors. She later sold that home for over 100 percent return on investment and 50 percent return on cost–showing a natural knack for real estate, prior to getting her license in 2006. Combined with a 10-plus year accounting and finance background working at large companies such as IBM, Pricewaterhouse, Coopers, KPMG, and Stone Point Capital, Vanessa’s skills are a winning combination and her clients know they can rely on her from start to finish. Toni received her undergraduate degree from Manhattan College and a doctorate of Law from Fordham Law School. She has lived in various parts of Westchester, both Southern and Northern, and currently resides with her three children. Vanessa holds a BBA in accounting from IONA College and currently lives in Putnam County with her husband, six-year-old daughter and four-year-old son. 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.
14 • The harrison REPORT • August 2, 2013
August 2, 2013 • The HARRISON REPORT • 15
Sports Heroes and the modern athlete One of the more jarring and painful passages into adulthood for many people is the realization that the idols and heroes of one’s youth will often fail, in some way or another. The failure doesn’t have to be a spectacular one. It can simply be the moment that one realizes that the heroes of youth aren’t perfect, but instead flawed humans like the rest of us. While not earth-shattering, these moments of realization go a long way towards stripping away the illusions of the way the world works in a child’s mind. But for sports fans, more and more these days, the more we find out about our heroes, the more misplaced that idolatry seems. As a youngster, two of my biggest heroes were Lenny Dykstra and Kirby Puckett. Major leaguers whose hustle and exuberance, respectively, resonated with me deeply. As it turned out, both men—despite their on-field abilities, were not role-models at all, a shock to an eight-year-old’s understanding of how the world was supposed to work. Like many youngsters growing up in the late 1980s, the world of professional wrestling was as much a breeding ground for hero-creation as legitimate athletics. Despite the best efforts of my older brother, I remained firmly convinced that pro wrestling was real until the
age of nine or ten. Larger than life athletes, literal representations of good versus evil, there was a reason so many of us worshipped men like Hulk Hogan. Men who entered the squared circle and delivered impassioned speeches about the importance of upholding a strict moral code. Even after I grew wise live mike to the WWE’s sham, it was Mike Smith still hard for me whenever news would break about those childhood heroes battling addictions to alcohol and pills and committing terrible acts, from drunk-driving to‑perhaps most famously‑Chris Benoit’s double murder-suicide that left his wife and young son dead. But of all those wrestlers I adored at an early age, there was perhaps nobody I rooted for harder than Jake “The Snake” Roberts. A tough-talking Texan with a handlebar mustache and a 12-foot python, Roberts, to me, was the epitome of what a man was supposed to be. Sure, he was slightly unhinged, but he was captivating. And my Jake Roberts bed sheets and Wrestling Buddy plush toy were testament to his hold over me. A few years back, I came across a YouTube clip, now famous in wrestling circles, that showed how far Roberts had fallen. Wrestling in a small venue in Boston, Roberts, now sporting some 70 extra pounds around his
A screenshot from Diamond Dallas Page’s website shows the physical transformation pro wrestler Jake Roberts has undergone over the last year. Roberts’ battle with drugs and alcohol remains ongoing, but his recovery is being documented by a film crew. Photo Courtesy of DDPYOGA.com
waist, shambled into the ring, addled by drugs and alcohol, mumbled incoherently into the microphone at a visibly shaken audience, laid down in the ring—apparently sleeping—and left without wrestling. I knew the man had fallen on hard times, but the video was still tough to watch. The once-great Roberts, a man who possessed both wit and athleticism, was a broken old man, seemingly destined to fall prey to an early death at the hands of drugs and alcohol like so many of his colleagues. But last week, stories broke about Roberts’ attempts at rehabilitation. Staying in the house of another former wrestler, Diamond Dallas
Page, who has become something of a self-help guru, Roberts, it seemed, was making a sincere effort to shake the demons that the life of a professional wrestler had awakened in him. Through participation in Page’s intense yoga program, as well as counseling sessions, the 58-year old Roberts has dropped most of that extra weight–with much of his progress captured by a full-time filmmaking crew that is there to document the day-to-day goings on at the “Accountability Crib,” Page’s name for his Smyrna, Ga. home. As the videos—posted to YouTube on Page’s account—show, the process is by no means an easy one. One recent video shows Page offering words of encouragement to a distraught Roberts, lying in his bed, who is inconsolable about a short relapse with booze. Every day is an uphill battle for Roberts, and that won’t likely ever stop being the case. It’s a much tougher fight than squaring off with King Kong Bundy or The Honky Tonk Man, but, for the first time, Roberts seems to understand that to be the case. He may not be thrilling a crowd of thousands at Madison Square Garden anymore, but Roberts’ constant fight has the opportunity to make him more of a hero now than he ever was before. Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
KAOS squad wins Connecticut title By MIKE SMITH SPORTS EDITOR sports@hometwn.com
The 16u Total KAOS Blue team poses with a championship plaque after winning the ASA Connecticut State Championship on July 22. The team won the championship game of the tourney with a walk-off sac fly in the bottom of the eighth inning. Contributed Photo
On July 22, the Total KAOS 16u Blue team won the Amateur Softball Association Connecticut State Championship, beating the Branford Hornets 1-0 in a hotly contested extra-inning affair held in Southington, Conn. The game, a 0-0 pitchers duel, was decided under international tie-break rules, which state that, upon reaching extra innings, the final out from the previous inning will start on second base at the top of the next frame. After KAOS, who were the home team, foiled the Hornets attempts to score in the top of the eighth, they started the bottom half with Mahopac infielder Mary Hunt on second base with the team’s three-hitter, pitcher Diana King, at the plate. King moved Hunt to third with a sac bunt, and, in the next at-bat, shortstop Kimi Chiapparelli drove in the game-winner with a sac fly to center. Coach Brian Hunt‑Mary’s father‑has been with the program for a decade, and said that the chance to have players like Chiapparelli and King–who are standouts at Mamaroneck and Rye Neck, respectively–do the “little things,” like moving runners over, that help a team win games and will be important to their growth as
ballplayers. “I told Diana before she got up there that if she got the bunt down, we were winning this game,” Hunt said. “When you put star players like we have in positions where they have to perform under pressure, that’s only going to help in the long run.” Hunt said that the chance to play teams stocked with elite player from top-to-bottom is also a chance for pitchers–including King–to elevate their games. “During the high school season, Diana can get away with throwing fastballs and be fine,” he said. “But I believe in working in the change-up against these hitters because you can’t throw the ball by everybody.” The tournament was the last of the summer for the team, and, according to the head coach, a state title was certainly a fitting end to a season that saw the ball club reach many tournament semifinals. The program’s 18u squad is headed down to North Carolina this weekend to play in the Pony Fastpitch Softball national tournament that will feature top teams from all over the country. “We had a very, very good summer,” said Hunt. “As I said to the kids after the game, this is a team game. Everybody had to be involved; everybody had to make plays. That’s what you have to do to win, and it was a great team win.”
16 • The harrison REPORT • August 2, 2013
Sports
High School athletes hit the weights for better performance
Over the last 10 or 15 years, there has been a seismic shift for younger athletes. Not so much in the way their sports are being played on the field, but how the athletes are preparing themselves for action. As athletic trainers learn more about the human body, the way athletes are training continues to evolve. There has long been a very distinct stereotpye about the culture of the weight room. Mamaroneck head football coach Anthony Vitti, himself a former Tiger standout, recalls that, in his day while weight training was a big part of the football program, the workouts being done by athletes weren’t nearly as sophisticated as they are today. “We used to call it the ‘Pig Iron Room,’” Vitti said. “You’d go in there and try and lift as much weight as you can, but in reality, that didn’t help in terms of becoming a better football player.” Now, Vitti—and other area coaches—employ varied strength programs that incorporate much more thought. The Tigers offseason program, run by assistant coach Jason Washington, is designed to focus on developing the fast-twitch muscles football players
need in order get stronger and faster. With combinations of lifts, plyometrics, and sprints, the Tigers don’t even work out in a weight room anymore, preferring to train outside when possible. “Jason is our strength guy, and he’s able to understand the body, he’s able to train the different muscle groups you need to function as an athlete” Vitti said. “Sure, you can walk into a sports club and see a body builder, but you have to ask yourself: Can that guy run?” Aside from team run programs, athletic training is fast becoming big business. Mike Basciano, who graduated from Harrison High School in 2006, has devoted his life to helping athletes train ever since a chance encounter in the gym with Harrison track coach Dominic Zanot changed his life in 2005. “I was a 125-pound kid, a back-up wide receiver,” said Basciano. “Then Dominic Zanot started coaching kids in the weight room, teaching kids how to do Olympic lifts, and then the next year, I’m 150 pounds and I’m an all-state running back.” Basciano now competes as a weightlifter, but also operates Elite Athlete Summer Camp in Stamford, Conn., a training facility that specializes in catering to athletes. Over the summer, he has athletes in sports from football and baseball to track and water polo, spending 20 hours in the gym a week in order to optimize their performance. Like a growing number of places, Basciano’s facility includes Olympic lifts and other speed and agility training—including instructions on
Mamaroneck football players do weighted sit-ups during a summer session on July 24.
proper sprint mechanics‑to make a more well-rounded athlete. “What we pride ourselves in is not just the training, but also educating our athletes,” said Basciano. “When we’re doing a drill, we make sure the athlete understand how it relates to their sport.” With such a diverse number of sports represented in his clientbase, he said, it’s important that the in-
While new movements and exercises have been incorporated into workout routines for athletes, squatting is still a key element to developing lower body strength. Photos/Bobby Begun
structors find some way to make the movements relatable. “Training a baseball player is a little different than training a football player, but mostly just in the explanation,” he said. “It’s all in the cues that you’re using to teach.” And unlike the old days, said Basciano, the routine is constantly evolving as new discoveries are made. “We’re always looking at our
drills. As much as it is on the athlete, it’s our job to keep creating new drills,” he said. “Whether it’s conversations about training, YouTube videos of new things people are trying; we always go through each motion as coaches until we have a finished product.” Reach Mike at sports@hometwn.com
Mamaroneck coach Jason Washington watches a player’s form during a front squat at Mamaroneck High School. Washington oversees Mamaroneck’s lifting program.