www.myharrisonreport.com
Vol. 12/Number 28
A STAR-SPANGLED SALUTE A spectacle lit up the sky over the Project Homerun site at the corner of Harrison and Oakland avenues on July 4. Residents gathered for the annual downtown fireworks show, which has become a town tradition. For more, see pages 10-11. Photo/Daniel Offner
Officials clarify policy on commercial parking By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com
When the town banned the parking of commercial vehicles on Harrison streets overnight, contractor Ken Fusco didn’t seem to mind. Fusco’s business on Purdy Street was in a commercial zone, so he continued parking one vehicle across the street each night assuming he was exempted under the cur-
rent policy. Then he got a ticket. “They basically rewrote the rules to say that even though I have a commercial zoned district, I don’t have the ability to park a commercial vehicle overnight,” Fusco said. “The fact that this takes precedent when there are so many more important issues to worry about is just disgusting.” Fusco received several addi-
tional tickets for the same violation. Should things continue, Fusco said, he would have no choice but to pack up his business and leave. An already-controversial ban on commercial vehicle parking became even more of a potboiler on July 5, when town officials amended the language of the existing ban so that it clearly included all town streets and not solely residential ones. BAN continued on page 8
Town Council won’t chip in for library project By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com
Citing a difficult fiscal climate in town, the Harrison Town Council said “no” to boosting funding for a downtown library renovation project. At a special work session on July 5, elected officials swiftly rejected the option of contributing to the construction project, which the
library is seeking to fund through donations. “We are aware these are very difficult times for the economy,” said Councilwoman Marlene Amelio. “But we truly do not have the funds.” The current library, which has not seen a renovation since 1984, is set for an expansion that will cost roughly $3 million and would add
an additional 1,200 square feet to its existing structure. When the architectural firm H3Hardy first presented its concept design last October, members of the Library Board of Trustees did not feel it would require any of the town’s funding. This was primarily because of a $1 million dollar pledged contribution from the Richard E. Halperin LIBRARY continued on page 14
July 13, 2012
Harrison water rates hiked 17 percent By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com
The Harrison Town Council approved a 17 percent water rate hike on July 5, just days after a relatively nominal–yet nonetheless dramatic– 11 percent increase was estimated by town officials. The 3-2 approval of the new rates came after representatives of Westchester Joint Water Works made a public presentation, which had several members of the council scoffing at the fiscal management of the utility. The Westchester Joint Water Works, a utility jointly run by municipal leaders in Mamaroneck and Harrison, proposed the town approve the hike for the 2012-2013 fiscal year in order to keep up with the increased cost of supply from New York City, where the water works purchases its water. The city increased its sales rates by 9.8 percent. David Birdsall, the business director of the water works, explained that whenever the city levies an increase, the water works must alter the rating structure in each of its municipalities it services. “We have a system that was perhaps not at a level it should have been,” Birdsall said. “But this rate is something we expect will balance out quite well going forward.” Based on figures provided by Birdsall prior to the increase, the adopted base rate will increase by 55 cents to a fee of $3.76 per 100 cubic feet. This tier is the lowest applicable cost up to 6,600 cubic feet of water provided. For residents, the typical costs will increase to a calculated $4.53 rate per 100 cubic feet of water pumped into their homes. This rate tier maxes out at roughly 15,000 cubic feet. The highest costing tier, for residents exceeding the 15,000 cubic feet, will increase 77 cents to
a rate of $5.31 per 100 cubic feet. Additional surcharges will also be included on resident’s upcoming water bill. However, members of Harrison’s Town Council became dismayed upon learning the proposed rate increase was 7.2 percent higher than the mandatory rate from the city Department of Environmental Protection. According to water works Manager Anthony Conetta, this was primarily due to a 12 percent increase to the operating budget. This consists of several capital expenses including rehabilitation to two of the town’s pump stations–one on Park Lane and one on Woodside Avenue–and the cost of a new SCADA water radar system, which monitors water usage. “The status of our current SCADA system is primitive at best,” Conetta said. Councilman Steve Malfitano, a Republican who as mayor of the town from 2002-2007 sat on the water works Board of Directors, was especially aggravated in finding a capital line item budgeted as an operating expense. “This raises the question of what else is included in the operating budget,” Malfitano said. “I almost want to say, ‘go back and sharpen your pencil.’” Both Councilman Malfitano and Republican Councilman Joe Cannella opposed the rate increase because of the addition of a $350,000 capital expense to the operating budget would cost more for a short-term expense. “Rather than advertising it in 10 or 12 years, you intend to knock it all out in one year,” Cannella said. “This should’ve been a capital expense and not done all at once.” In the past, when the water works increased its local rates, municipal WATER continued on page 3
2 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 13, 2012
July 13, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 3
Con Edison standoff continues as heat wave passes By KAYANA JEAN-PHILIPPE CONTRIBUTOR
The standoff between Consolidated Edison union workers and management continued as the worst heat wave of the year baked the Sound Shore this past weekend. Despite concerns the heat would bring outages and power crises without proper staffing in place, representatives of the utility company said the labor battle didn’t affect service in what was its most crucial weekend of the year so far. An estimated 8,500 Con Edison union workers were locked out the morning of July 1 after a contentious contract negotiation, which ended in a stalemate. Con Edison management and union leadership were engaged in discussions regarding the terms of a new contract and management wanted the union to provide advanced notice of a strike. “We offered the union leadership the opportunity to continue working under the old contract,” said Con Edison spokesman Allan Drury. “That would have kept the union workers on the job and provided both sides with an assurance that there would be no work stoppage while negotiations continued. The union leadership declined this offer.” Union members picketing outside of Con Edison’s Rye property on Theodore Fremd Avenue over the last week said that negotiations stalled because executives sought con-
cessions from workers without first seeking concessions at the top. Locked out employee Chris Lapp of Pawling, N.Y. pointed out the uneven distribution of the company’s funds. Kevin Burke, the CEO of Con Edison, makes over $10 million a year in salary, wages, stocks, pensions and health care. “The CEO makes lots of money,” said Lapp, 38. Con Ed replaced the 8,500 union workers with 5,000 management personnel until contract negotiations are settled. Consequently, Con Ed has closed walk-in centers, cancelled meter readings and reduced major construction projects. But despite not seeing mass outages during the heat wave over the last week, there is still an issue of concern with the current arrangement. Union worker Clarence Nahim of Ossining said that management is not prepared to handle the workload. “We’re very skilled workers in what we do,” said Nahim, 46. “It’s almost impossible for managers to take care of everything.” The company confirmed four managers have been injured on the job–two in substations and one in a manhole. According to Drury, the company spokesman, a fourth injury occurred when a manager left a Con Edison lot in a company vehicle. A picketer approached the vehicle and sounded an air horn near his ear, resulting in some hearing loss, according to Drury.
WATER from page 1
officials did not impose increases to reflect this. Because of this, a deficit was built over the years, which more recently has necessitated larger rate hikes each year to catch up as it were. This resulted in an influx of rate fees in both member municipalities, and played a key role in 2010 when the water rates increased by 28 percent. The same year the Village of Mamaroneck saw rates hit all-time high of 75 percent. “Previous managers have wasted millions because of ego, instead of working together,” said Councilman Fred Sciliano, who voted in favor of the increase. Because of past situations in which the water works disregarded the individual budgets of the member municipalities, the local comptrollers have been brought into the discussions in order to fully investigate line items called to question. “How much these capital expenses add to
the 17 percent rate increase is something that I think has to be looked at,” Town Comptroller Maureen MacKenzie said. Bringing the conversation to a halt by coercing the council into a decision, Conetta explained that if the town rejected the proposed rate increase, Harrison would be penalized for purchasing water going over and above the mandatory 9.8 percent rate. “Right now, water is one of the cheapest commodities and one of the cheapest utilities,” Conetta said. “Each day there is not a rate increase, water is being purchased at a 10 percent rate from New York City which is not being passed along to the customer.” The penalties for failing to meet the rates set by the water works and the DEP would send water costs skyrocketing in future years. This swayed Councilwoman Marlene Amelio to vote in favor of the rate increase, which is expected to boost the average household cost by an additional $86.39 a year for water.
Con Edison union workers protest after being locked out July 1. Contributed photo
“We do our best to prevent injuries, but this can be dangerous work and injuries can happen to anyone,” he said. Residents of the area out shopping this week had mixed feelings about the standoff. Rye resident Elizabeth Thurer, 42, who was shopping on Rye’s Purchase Street, was concerned about getting power up and running in case of an emergency. “That many people let go is very upsetting,” said Thurer. “When
there’s a power outage, it’s concerning.” But Rye resident Charlotte Moore, 37, understood the company’s point of view. “We have to hope that Con Ed would have done the mathematics and the research,” said Moore. “Even though the public would be affected, it shouldn’t be that bad. There are harsh economic realities, and this may be the last resort.” -With reporting by DYLAN HAMMER
4 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 13, 2012
C ommunity Briefs Events at the Harrison Public Library, Bruce Avenue Summer Reading Game Summer Reading Game hours are 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (as well as 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Monday evenings) from July 9 to Aug. 9. For more information, call (914) 835-0324 or visit harrisonpl.org. Mad Science Workshop Friday, July 13 at 4 p.m. Optical illusions program: Build your own periscope while learning about optics, reflection and sight. Signup is required, as space is limited. Call the library to sign up at (914) 835-0324. Circle Time for Tots with Miss Claudia Wednesday July 18 and 25 at 10:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. –12 p.m. For more information, call (914) 835-0324. Storyland with Miss Bonnie July 16, 23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m. Songs, stories and movement for ages 3 to 5 (siblings welcome). For more information, call (914) 835-0324 or visit harrisonpl.org.
“Wiggle and Giggle” with Dawny Dew Twenty minutes of music, puppets and more Thursday, July 19 at 10:30 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. for ages 6 and under (siblings welcome.) For more information, call (914) 8350324 or visit harrisonpl.org. Greenwich to host annual sidewalk sale The Greenwich Chamber of Commerce will present the 2012 Greenwich sidewalk sale days on Thursday, July 12 through Sunday, July 15 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, shoppers will enjoy live music by singer and songwriter R J Bracchitta and some of his fellow musicians and dancing by Arthur Murray Grande Ballroom of Greenwich. Photographer Monika Satur and face painter and balloon artist Funela will be on hand to entertain children. Face painting and balloon characters are $5 each. Also on tap is fare from participating restaurants, including Restaurant Jean-Louis, which will feature a special Bastille Day menu. Bargains and not-to-be-missed items will be for sale at a wide range of retailers. For further information on the 2012 Greenwich sidewalk sale days, contact the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce at (203) 869-3500 or visit Greenwichchamber.com. Pet Rescue Kitten and cat adoption day Sunday, July 15 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Petco 324 Central Ave., Hartsdale For more information, visit NY-PetRescue.
org, email petrescueny@aol.com or call (914) 834-6955. Celebrate the Emerald Isle at Ridge Road Park A day-long salute to the traditions of Ireland will take place during the Irish Heritage Day Celebration on Sunday, July 15 from 1 p.m.–6 p.m. at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale. The day’s entertainment includes the Cray and Dempsey Band, the Guss Hayes Band, Padraig Allen and the McLean Avenue Band, The Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester and the O’Rourke Irish Dancers. There will be many vendors on site where festival-goers can purchase traditional food and shop for arts and crafts. Activities for children include games, face painting by Noelle Clancy and Westchester County’s own Be Fit-Mobile. Admission is $5 per adult. Children under 14 are admitted free. Parking is free. Seating is informal so bring blankets or chairs for seating on the lawn. The festival will be held rain or shine. No coolers will be allowed. The event is sponsored by Westchester County Parks and the American-Irish Association of Westchester County. For more information, call (914) 424-3515 or visit info@americanirish.net. Art and science Sundays on the science barge Every Sunday, from July through October, the Science Barge on Yonkers’ waterfront invites children ages 4-10 for hands-on art
and science workshops. Children and adults can cross the gangplank and come aboard the barge to learn about everything from growing hydroponic plants to making kaleidoscopes to the dynamics of juggling. And, back by popular demand are Blue Crab Blitz days. Learn all about the crabs that you catch with Science Barge Director Bob Walters. So get your sea legs ready and come aboard on Sundays from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. July 15: Anatomy of Plants and Hydroponic Farming July 22: Jacob Kim and the Dynamics of Juggling July 29: Blue Crab Blitz Aug. 5: Hunting for Oxygen Aug. 12: Blue Crab Blitz Greenwich Hospital psychologist, dietitian to address weight loss Psychologist, dietitian and certified diabetes educator Christopher Mosunic will discuss ways to effectively lose weight and maintain weight loss through psychological and nutritional techniques on Thursday, July 19 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. in the Noble Conference Center at Greenwich Hospital. For more information or to register for the free lecture, call (203) 863-3929 or email valerie. pisano@greenwichhospital.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.
No Knock Registry forms now available Town Clerk Jackie Greer announced that the forms for the new No Knock Registry are now available online, in the clerk’s office and at each Harrison library. Greer will also be attending the senior meetings and registering those who are interested. If you are a member of a group and would like the clerk to attend your meeting or provide forms, please call (914) 670-3030. For the first time, residents will have the ability to fill out a form right on the town’s website (Harrison-NY.gov) and with the click of the mouse, you will be placed on the registry. For your convenience, please call the clerk’s office at (914) 835-3030 and a form can be mailed to you. Forms can be faxed to the clerk’s office at (914) 835-2009. Since the forms became available, over 150 residents have signed up for the registry. The No Knock Registry is similar to the
Do Not Call Registry. Residents that sign up for the registry will be protected against commercial solicitors from entering upon their property. Due to recent constitutional case law, nonprofit, religious and political organizations are allowed access to your property. For your security, only addresses will be placed on the registry. Names will not be included. All solicitors, except those representing religious and political organizations, must have a Harrison Police Solicitation Badge. All solicitors must be over the age of 16 or be accompanied by a parent or an adult over 21. Soliciting is allowed Monday-Saturday, excluding national holidays, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier. If a solicitor comes to your door without a badge or doesn’t comply with the proper time limits, please call the Harrison Police Department immediately. (Submitted)
Correcting the record In the July 5 edition, the headline of the p. 3 article was incorrect. It stated “GOP Assembly primary hopeful nets Paladino endorsement.” Diane DiDonato Roth is running for state Senate, not Assembly.
July 13, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 5
Mayor talks parking legislation, master plan update HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
I hope you all had a safe and relaxing Fourth of July. I was happy to see familiar friends and new faces at the fireworks display in downtown Harrison. I would like to commend Roy Aletti and Billy Powell for their hard work in delivering an event that was enjoyed by all. This week, I would like to bring the status of two local legislative matters to your attention. In February, the Town Board approved a request to adopt a home rule message supporting a bill in both the New York State Assembly and the Senate, in connection with amending the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, to allow a residential parking system in West Harrison. The intent is to prevent residents from neighboring communities from parking on West Harrison streets overnight. The state had previously passed legislation that authorized a residential parking system for downtown Harrison
in 1998. It was our hope that the residential parking bill would pass for the West Harrison area. Unfortunately, the bill passed in the Assembly but did not pass in the Senate. The Town Board also approved a request to adopt a home rule message supporting a bill that would provide a 3 percent occupancy tax on lodging at our local hotels. This tax has been under consideration in the past and would raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra revenue for our town. This would help ease some of the tax burden on Harrison residents. The state has allowed cities and villages to impose this type of occupancy tax. Unfortunately, even with strong lobbying efforts on behalf of the town, the bill was defeated. Obviously, we are disappointed that these bills did not gain approval this year. We will continue to support these very important bills and hope for future success. With the continued hard work and determination of our elected officials, I am optimistic that these bills will eventually pass and become law. I would like to highlight recent
efforts in revitalizing our downtown area. As the development of Harrison’s master plan is underway, the Downtown Revitalization Committee, a group of local merchants and residents working on upgrading the downtown district, is working hard on identifying goals and implementing ideas. They have made impressive strides in an effort to improve aesthetics, infrastructure and parking. The committee will be making recommendations, for the master plan, to our consultants at BFJ Planning, our Town Planner Pat Cleary and the Town Board. Upon Town Board approval of a draft version of the plan, a public hearing will be set and a final version of the master plan may be adopted as early as November. On Friday, July 13, I will be at Cobble Stone, located at 620 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase, from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. for “Lunch with the Mayor.” On Friday, July 20, I will be at SOHO Grille, located at 385 Halstead Ave. in downtown Harrison. I encourage all residents, who have community issues they would like to discuss to come and see me.
Pet Rescue
Willow is an adorable tabby, about 3 years old, who would love to be your one and only cat. Willow is very sweet and affectionate and will likely be a true lap cat. This delightful lady loves to be petted and enjoys all the human attention she can get. Willow is spayed, in excellent health and up to date with all vaccinations. The adoption donation for Willow is $75. If you love tabbies, contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at (914) 834-6955 or visit NY-Petrescue.org.
6 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 13, 2012
Harrison High School Class of 2012 The list of Harrison High School graduates was not printed in its entirety in the June 29 edition of The Harrison Report. In light of the oversight, here is the complete list of Harrison’s Class of 2012.
Touching moments were a common sight June 22.
Emma Rose F. Adler Samantha Agostinelli Joseph Albert Albanese Carolina Alvarez Luiza C. R. Andrade Michael Andrade Samantha L. Angilletta Roi Ankawa Rotem Ankawa Matthew John Aracich Cherry T. Aung Jirolamo Joseph Barbagallo Nicole Anne Barletta Lindsey Ross Barnett Michelle Christine Barnstable Alexander James Beckett David Bigelow Marwan R. Bishtawi Allyson Michelle Brabant Dean Philip Brancucci John Peter Brefere Rachel Marie Breslin Luis Miguel Broady Anthony Michael Brown Faryn Michele Brown William Maxwell Bruckner
Roberto M. Bruno Abigail R. Burack Joseph Phillip Cannavo Olivia Rose Caparelli Shawn Carolyn Caparelli Josue Santiago Cardenas Ulloa Monique Cardoso Matthew Francis Carducci Pablo A. Carrera Calero Cory Anthony Castagna Michael Zhongyang Chen Emily Faith Chestler Steven Michael Chilelli Stephen Anthony Cirillo Tiffani Lillian Ciufo Jenna Lee Clemens Julia Elizabeth Coash Leticia Gomes Coelho Cassidy Blair Cohen Alexi Ann Contrata Sebastian Cortes Mejia Jared Louis Cummins Daniel Angelo Cuneo Matthew David Cysner Rafael Dalcolmo Michael John D’Annibale Christopher Michael D’Antona Suellen Alessandra DaSilva Zachary Louis Davidoff Salvatore Michael DeFonce Tyler Romeo DeLacy Carissa Ann DeLaurentis Steven Thomas DeLeo Marvin Eduardo DeLeon Cifuentes Vincent J. DeSantis Alexandra Grace Diaz Destiny Aarnette Diaz Josephine Marie DiMatteo Kimberly Lynn DiPilato Daniella D’Ippolito Matthew Pascente DiRe Michael Stephen DiTursi Kevin Christopher Doyle Charles Scott Drago Julia Paige Druckman Ashley Rose N. Eklund Brandon Gregory Ellis Genesis Ericson Zachary Morgan Ersoff Julio Jose Espinola Brandon Anthony Fabiani Amanda Ferraro Ryan Santos Ferreira Blair Morgan Finkel Alice Madeline Fitzgerald James David Flynn Jaquelini Deodoro Fonseca Michael Angelo Forgione Sabrina A. Forgione Eric Wolfgang Fuerst
Alexandra Sacha Fuller Kevin Joseph Fusco Cameron Sean Ganis Daniel Garcia Alcantara Salvatore Louis Giacomo David Alan Giliotti Taylor Paige Gillespie Conrad J. Gironda Daniel Sam Glass Melissa Brooke Goldberg Olimpia Renee Goldberg Michael Eric Goldman Claudia M. Goncalves Loren Elizabeth Griffo Alexandra Marie Gurrieri Amy Danielle Guzman Richard Patrick Haddad Charles Addison Hayden Alice Catherine Heine Erick Hernandez William B. S. Hilliard Sandra Lauren Hirsh Giovani A. Holguin John Hubbard Jr Rachel Susan Hurvitz Juuli Olga Irene Huttunen Ayesha Khursheed Iftikhar Kevin Patrick Imperia Taylor Gabrielle Jones Yuki Kamiya Thomas Kapusi Matthew Meir Karpf
Lauren Kim Nicole Marie Kocher Emily Rose Koller Benjamin Ace Konigsberg Ji In Kwon Alyssa Jenny LaBarbera Tyler Patrick LaBarbera Brian Bras Lauro Jacqueline Aldana Ledesma Christina Marie Loguidice Ashley Ann Lucien Caroline Anne Lukaswitz Jennifer Macchia Raffaele Macchia Marlon Heriberto Maldonado Monterroso Michael Joseph Marcuccilli Jr Mary Katherine Marren Kareena Daisy Martinez Kyle Louis Martino Haruka Maruo Dominick John Matthews Troy McIver Caitlin Ashley McKay Rosario Menniti Alison Ann Midollo Mariah Rose Minnerly Alexandra Clare Misisco Justin Michael Misuriello Ryan Mark Molloy John A. Moore Jr Gabriella Christine Moreno
Emma Adler, a summa cum laude student who was chosen by teachers to be a speaker at the graduation, receives her diploma. Photos/Dylan Hammer
July 13, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 7
Daniel Benjamin Morgen Diana Yanira Moron Ashley Suzanne Muller Michele Munoz Michael Henry Murphy James Townley Nangle Christie P. Nannariello Amanda Grace Nardozzi Alexa Marie Nardulli Farhan M. Nasim Mame Fatou Ngom James Nitis Adriana Nocco Mizuho Notsu Christopher Jonathan Obleda Julia Anne Occhipinti Rachel Alexandra Oestreicher Miyu Ohkimoto Michael Anthony Olivia Karina Del Rocio Orellana Dana Ortega Ashley Caroline Ossip Gabrielle Justine Padro Athena Pantelopoulos Eleni Pantelopoulos Alexandra S. Paonetti Nicholas Scott Pecora Cayla Morgan Pettinato Anthony Joseph Philippo Shang-Li Polera Madison Nan Pollack Jose Pablo Porretti Candioti Matthew Roy Porto Antonino Prainito Nicole Paige Rachlin Gabriela Cristina Ravanelli Heather Lynne Remsen Jennifer Renda Ariadne Helena Rentz Yuleixi X. Reyes Yllaconza Samantha Rae Rhodes Lindsay A. Riehl Steven Rodriguez
Principal James Ruck expresses his pride in the Class of 2012 during the ceremony.
Dylan Luis Rosales Jessica C. R. Rozycki Sara Nicole Rozycki Alexis M. Rubenstein Kevin J. Ruiz Samantha Elyse Russo Dominick Louis Salvatori Alexandra Marie Salvo Betsy Isabel Sanchez Socualaya Elisa Santelia Geo Santhosh Nina Marie Sarmiento Catherine Margaret Saviano Sabrina Christina Scanlan Alyx Lauren Scapperotti Logan Samuel Schwartz Jessica Nicole Segal Jacob Hugh Seidman Matthew Jordan Shaffer Eric Shalyutin
The senior chorus performs “Changes” by David Bowie.
Emma Alyse Shapiro Isabelle Nicole Sheck Douglas Scott Shulman Teri Singh Andrew Michael Smithline Zachary Jared Snyder Kevin H. Song Michael Robert Sperduto Thomas David Spiconardi Stephen Andrew Stark Zoe Brooke Stein Michael Lewis Stiglianese Lily Stokoe Amanda Marie Suhre Christie Marie Suozzo Ray Kareem Tammam Pasquale Anthony Tedesco Jacob Louis Temkin Robert Vincent Tiburzi III Anne Bridget Tobin-Kreiser
Harrison High School seniors celebrate graduation by tossing their caps into the air.
Angela Rosa Troia Andrea Nicole Tuzzolino Elizabeth Doreen Underwood Javier Valentin Jr Maeghan Anne Vega Kevin Richard Vendola Patrick James Viscome
Jennifer M. Volponi Jenna Frances Webb Alijah N. Webb Matthew Adam Weinreb Chloe Jean Williams Julia Williams Michelle Winkelman
Lucas D. Wolf Daniel Glenn Wolfe Qin Yu Yang Naokazu Yorihiro Christina Evangelia Yotides Ashley Taylor Zaccagnino Steven Patrick Zeh
8 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 13, 2012
Club Dennis to return for Ma Riis concert
Purchase College to host ‘Summer Piano’ with Pete Malinverni
On Aug. 15, the Town of Harrison will welcome a family-friendly event featuring entertainment by Club Dennis.
The Town of Harrison will hold a family-friendly music event on Wednesday, Aug. 15 at Ma Riis Park from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. The Club Dennis Family Affair is hosted by Dennis Dion Nardone, a DJ from WVOX 1460AM. The concert features Harrison High School’s Cayla Pettinato, who won the 2011 Westchester Teen Idol Contest, as one of its special guests. Other acts include Joe Rivera & the Fella’s, Ms. Barbara Harris (from the 1960s girl group The Toys), the Just Nuts Band and Teri Lamar. A special appearance by actor Vincent Pastore from the HBO series “The Sopranos” is also scheduled. There will also be magician present, as well as free snacks for all children that attend the event. Organizers of the event ask that guests bring their own chairs or blankets. (Submitted)
Pete Malinverni
On July 12, Purchase College will present “Summer Piano” featuring Pete Malinverni, a mainstay on the New York City and world jazz performance and recording scenes. Malinverni, incoming director of Jazz Studies at the Purchase College Conservatory of Music, will present a free recital and lecture entitled “What’s Going on Up There?” in which he will demonstrate the elements of improvised jazz using some of his original compositions as well as those by Thelonious Monk, George Gershwin and others. Since he came to New York in 1981, Malinverni has made a mark for himself in life and recorded performances at Carnegie Hall, Symphony Space, the Village Vanguard and the Blue Note, and has toured in North and South America, Europe and Japan. Malinverni served as Minister of Music at the Devoe Street Baptist Church in Brooklyn from 1992-2010. He is the pianist/conductor of the Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale and music director of the Pound Ridge Community Church. The Summer Piano program is free and open to the public, and will be held from 8 p.m. – 10 pm at the Music Conservatory Recital Hall at Purchase College, located at 735 Anderson Hill Road. For further information, call (914) 251-6700 or visit purchase. edu. (Submitted)
BAN from page 1
Police Chief Anthony Marraccini said tightening up the language had not changed the spirit of the ban. “I believe it was always the intent of the law to include all of the streets in Harrison,” he said. The law, which was approved at the first business meeting of the new Harrison Town Council in January, has been controversial since it was first approved. Downtown business owners believe it is targeting the blue collar area of the town and is a crippling ban, when combined with a separate ban on parking commercial vehicles in residential driveways. The Town Council had discussed amending that driveway ban by adding a provision that allowed for one small commercial vehicle to
be parked in it. Sam Navarra, a Harrison landscaper, recently received a ticket after parking his commercial truck in a residential driveway he had visited on business. Navarra was given a $100 fine for a violation he said he was not even aware of. “It’s small business genocide,” said Navarra. “If this is continues, I am going to have to raise rates for clients in Harrison.” According to Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, the ban would only have been effective if imposed on all streets, something discussed in the early goings. “If they can’t park commercial vehicles on residential streets they’ll just move to a different part of town,” he said.
With honors Toshihiro Terai graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall boarding school. The following residents were named to the Dean’s List at Fairfield University: Eric Lynch Michele Noviello Mary Liguori Rachel Crozier Clare McManus
July 13, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 9
Unforeseen side effects of technology The media was more panicked than the masses it seemed, as news hit that hundreds of thousands of computers could be infected by the DNS Changer Virus. Those computLUNGARIELLO ers, contaminated by the excellently named hacker group AT LARGE Operation Ghost Click, were set to lose Internet access on Mark Lungariello Monday in an excellently puntastic attack dubbed “D-Day.” Oh, the horror. The FBI set up a website to visit and cleanse computers of the virus, though traffic to the site was minimal. The clock ticked ever closer to Monday, and then the day came and went with no significant outages reported. Many people hadn’t even noticed the day go by, while others probably didn’t even know what DNS was–even after many news outlets tried to paint this as the most frightening techno-crisis since Y2K. According to the slightly offexpert predictions, we should have been helplessly unplugged from the Internet, running through the streets, picking up armaments, and breaking storefront windows–yet most of us hadn’t even realized there was anything to be overreacting to. Too, too boring an attack for a generation who saw “Avatar” in 3D with surround sound and who thinks CDs are archaic relics. When scientists built computers and Al Gore invented the Internet, I don’t think anyone predicted that hacking and techno-terrorism would someday be boring. There were a lot of things, frankly, I think the experts missed: Everyday things the scientists didn’t see coming along with the digital age. Phone numbers forgotten. No one realized at first that when everyone got cellphones, we would all stop memorizing each other’s phone numbers. I remember my best friend from the fifth grade’s phone number even today, yet I don’t know my sister’s cellphone number by heart. The only numbers I remember are the ones I had to dial before my cellphone and that really means my parents’ phone number. I also know my girlfriend Julie’s phone number, but that is only because she made me memorize it one day. That came after my phone died and I hadn’t called her back because I didn’t remember her number. Phone area codes. Ha! We never talk anymore. People carry phones with them everywhere they go. At bedtime, they place the phone on a charger at arm’s length so they can grab it while sleepless in the middle of the night. Yet, somehow we actually talk to each other less than ever due to texts and emails. Ever call someone and they text or email you back? Doesn’t that violate some unspoken rule of communication engagement? Dewey’s legacy destroyed. All the hard work of Dewey and the legacy of his decimal system: Lost forever. Truth be told, I never really understood the system to begin with. The dangers of good reception. It’s very tough to duck your boss when he or she is trying to find you these days. You are as transparent as cellophane when you pretend you didn’t get that email on Sunday night when he or she already knows the messages shoot straight to your phone. Kids today don’t get it. No one figured that one day, you’d wish your kids would watch more television for
a change and free up the pad or desktop so you can watch ‘Man Kicks Self in Face’ on Youtube.com. The death of the back road. Back in the Stone Age, back roads were for us local folk and those townies who could navigate suburban streets that aren’t necessarily made for through traffic. When traffic was bad on the Hutch southbound, and when I say “when traffic was bad” I mean every single day, you used to be able to hop off Exit 25, cut through Rosedale, cross Mamaroneck Avenue, and head through Saxon Woods Road into Scarsdale, or New Rochelle, or Eastchester. You wouldn’t see another car the rest of the way and you’d feel proud, as if you were a member of an exclusive club that only accepted cool folks. You like being a cool folk. Of course, it didn’t hurt that you got to your destination much more quickly. But now, there aren’t any more more shortcuts since the GPS killed the concept of back roads. Now, back roads and side streets aren’t just for townies and locals, but they are for any impatient maniac with a GPS or a smartphone who is in a rush. Take those same tried and true shortcuts of the olden days, and they are each well trafficked now. The secret is out, thanks to that silky voiced siren telling everyone to “turn left now.” Bet you didn’t see that one coming. The death of giving directions. I used to work in a gas station, so I know a thing or two about people being bad at giving directions. But if they were terrible with telling you where you needed to go then, now they have become entirely incapable of it. The reliance on GPS and the like have made it so that no one remembers how to get anywhere anymore. No one remembers the names of streets. Maybe being unplugged to avoid the DNS Changer was worth more panic than we thought…
Reach Mark Lungariello at mark@hometwn.com.
10 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 13, 2012
Harrison celebrates Independence Day
Fireworks light up the sky over Oakland Avenue. By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com
Hundreds of Harrisonites and visitors gathered downtown near the intersection of Harrison and Oakland avenues to watch the town’s
Residents wait at the corner of Halstead and Oakland avenues for the Fourth of July lightshow.
annual Independence Day fireworks display. Though it is only the sixth year that the town has had an “official” fireworks display, it is no secret that an “unofficial” backyard fireworks display has been going on in the
neighborhood for decades. Oakland Avenue resident Roy Aletti, 54, who has been on both the unofficial and official side of organizing the spectacle, was antsy prior to the start of the pyrotechnics. “I’m always ready,” Aletti
said. “For a small scale operation, this is going to be a decent show.” The show was financed by Aletti, who is the owner of Harrison Paint Supply, as well as $7,375 in donations from local businesses,
Bringing several luminescent glow wands, Luza Reali plays in the parking lot with his twin brother Massimo.
July 13, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 11
Local band Reunion performs the All-American hit “Good Lovin’” CONTINUED from page 10
community organizations and private residents. “We got a lot of help from local citizens and businesses who cared enough to keep it going,” Aletti said. “I would like to have someone like PepsiCo sponsor the event next year, because they operate here in Harrison and they can give more than the local
[small] business owners.” Residents lined Oakland Avenue as early as 7 p.m. to get a good spot for the show, which was slated to begin at 9 p.m. “We have such a big crowd tonight, all the restaurants are full, and the weather report says we’re in for a nice evening,” said Mayor Ron
Belmont. “We also plan to improve the event next year and are open to suggestions.” This year’s festivities featured live music from the local band Reunion. “If you were asked to name one band in Harrison, it would be Reunion,” said Dave Franze, the coordinator of the summer concert series.
Frank Tartamella, 42, and his son Thomas, 12, playing with some brightly lit sparklers.
“Where else are you going to get this kind of entertainment for nothing?” Reunion kicked things off with some all-American rock classics. They are the first concert in the town’s free outdoor concert series, with shows each week in Ma Riis Park as well as the village green in West Harrison.
Eileen Plotkin, 8, dancing in the street with a sparkler before the main event.
12 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 13, 2012
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July 13, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 13
POLICE BLOTTER May 2…Twenty-three-year-old Erik Parker of Peekskill was issued a summons at 10:17 a.m. on Mamaroneck Avenue. Further investigation revealed that he was driving with a suspended license. May 2…Tasha Thomas of Newark, N.J. was issued a summons on the intersection of Halstead and Harrison avenues at 10:50 a.m. Thomas, 32, was charged with driving with a suspended license for failure to pay a fine. No arrest was made. May 2…Donavon Forquer, 57, was arrested at 3:25 p.m. for driving with a suspended license and an expired registration at the intersection of Westchester Avenue and Corporate Park Drive. Forquer was also charged with criminal possession of a fraudulent Social Security card. May 2…A Bronx man was arrested on Westchester Avenue at 8:37 p.m. Cesar Rivera, 26, was driving with a suspended registration for insurance lapse. May 2…Twenty-three-year-old Pablo Canas Gaviria was arrested on Halstead Avenue at 9:44 p.m. His license was suspended for failure to answer a summons out of Greenburgh. May 3…A Meriden, Conn. man was issued a summons on Halstead Avenue at 1:35 p.m. Upon further investigation, police found Luis Quito Cando, 42, was driving with a suspended license. May 3…Elefterois Koutinas, 42, was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the third degree. Driving privileges of the Stamford, Conn. man were suspended for failure to pay a driver responsibility assessment in New York State. May 3…A 30-year-old man of Pelham Manor was arrested on Kenilworth Road at 9 p.m. Sean Nelson had been driving with a suspended license for failure to pay a driver’s assessment fee.
L etters Voting rights of Americans under fire To the Editor, America has, at the very least, a checkered history when it comes to the most rudimentary right to any democracy: the right to vote. White, property-owning males were the only ones originally able to vote, as the 1790 European Immigration Naturalization Act only allowed whites with “good character” and who were property owners to vote. Women were excluded from voting until Alice Paul and Lucy Burns led the effort to pass the 19th Amendment allowing women the right to vote in 1920. African-Americans could not vote until the 15th Amendment, and that became nullified by the Supreme Court’s decision in 1883, which led to 100 years of legalized apartheid that was not changed until the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Native-Americans also with the 400 treaties that were violated did not have the right to vote until the 1960s Civil Rights Act. The “voter suppression laws,” financed by the Koch brothers and supported by the Republican right in many states across the country will eliminate early voting, require state ID’s and birth certificates to vote and disenfranchise more than 5 million mainly black, Hispanic, underprivileged and elderly persons from voting. This is a political effort by the Koch brothers and many Republicans to prevent those who voted for President Obama in 2008 from doing it again. Those supporting the laws talk about “voter fraud,” but there is no evidence of that. As Al Sharpton said, “It is a solution looking for a problem.” The Fourth of July recently passed and once again, many should ruminate about the lies of American history, in which the right to vote is a glaring example. Clifford Jackson, Larchmont
May 3…Andrew Knight, 33, was charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia on Westchester Avenue at 11:07 p.m. He was sent to Westchester County Jail with a $10,000 bail. May 4…Michael Oppedisano, 44, of Hawthorne, N.Y. was issued a summons on Orchard St. at 6 p.m. for not wearing a seatbelt. Further investigation revealed a suspended license for failure to pay a fine in Harrison. May 5… Harrison resident Maryloz Cardona, 38, was arrested on Harrison Avenue at 1:47 p.m. for disorderly conduct.
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May 7…A 42-year-old woman, Belia Gomez-Tagle, was issued a summons at 10 p.m. on the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Matthews Street. The Harrison resident was driving with a suspended registration and an insurance lapse suspension.
NEWS TIPS Unfortunately, our reporters cannot be everywhere. If you see news in the making or have an idea for a news story, call us. Community reporters and correspondence are listed at left.
May 24…Mario Castro of Mamaroneck, 23, was issued a summons on Halstead Avenue at 8:30 p.m. for driving with a suspended license.
LETTERS The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, simply write a letter to the editor by email to mark@hometwn.com, fax or mail. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes. Word limit: 625. No unsolicited Op/Eds, food, film reviews.
May 25…A 16-year-old of New York City attempted to steal a muffin from the cafeteria at St. Vincent’s Hospital. No charges were pressed.
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May 26…A Bronx man was issued a summons at 12:39 p.m. at the intersection of Westchester Avenue and Kenilworth Road. Charles Mills, 30, was driving with a suspended license. May 28…A New Rochelle man was issued a summons for possession of marijuana on the intersection of Halstead Avenue and Haviland Street at 12:27 p.m. No charges were made on 22-year-old Garrett DiIorio.
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May 28…William Hawkins of Port Chester, 24, was arrested at 7:03 a.m. on an active bench warrant out of Harrison at police headquarters located at 650 North St.
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14 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 13, 2012
SPORTS HHS spring athletic accomplishments for 2012
Fixing what’s broken: The MLB All-Star game Once upon a time, the Major League Baseball All-Star game meant something. Maybe not in the way it means something today, with home field advantage for the World Series on the line, but it was, in many ways, an event that people cared about. On Tuesday, MLB played its 83rd annual All-Star game, and despite the pomp and circumstance, I’m left with the overwhelming feeling that none of this really matters. The biggest thrill of the All-Star games of years past was finally having a chance to see National League stars square off against the best from the American League. Before interleague play, this was the only way–barring the World Series, of course–some bitter debates could be settled. How would Mickey fare against Gibson? Could Ted Williams do to National League pitching what he had done to American League hurlers? Sometimes, it wasn’t a question of individual players, but rather a question of style. As integration blossomed in the National League of the 1960s, with an influx of Hispanic and African-American players, the American League lagged behind, sticking to their tenants of oldschool conservatism. The result was one league populated with exciting new ball players playing a new style of baseball, while the other cloaked itself in tradition. It’s no surprise then, that between 1960 and 1970, the National League, with players such as Gibson, Roberto Clemente, and Ernie Banks, won 12 of the 14 meetings. Now, the leagues have, for the most part, lost their identities. As players pass between teams frequently and inter-league play is a staple of the MLB schedule, these matchups aren’t as alluring. We’ve seen Roy Halladay mow down hitters in both the NL and AL East, and we’ve seen David Ortiz homer off countless pitcher, as both a DH and a fielder. The mystery is gone. Now, it seems the most drama comes not from the game itself, but from the selection process. With fan votes determining the starting lineups, much vitriol has been spewed on sports talk radio over the last week about who is deserving, who is not, and who got snubbed. Local fans have taken exception to a rally by the San Francisco Giants’ PR department, which launched a massive campaign to get Pablo Sandoval elected as the starting third baseman, leaving Wright– who is having an absolutely monster year–on the bench. The ire, I feel is misplaced. I don’t think Wright’s spot as an All-Star starter is any affirmation of the year he’s having. The numbers alone serve that purpose. And I don’t think fans really care that they didn’t see Wright take the field in the first few innings. After all, who even watches the game at this point? Mets fans are simply frustrated by their inability to stuff cyber-voting boxes as well as their counterparts on the West Coast. It’s just a shame that these are the battles we’re talking about, not the ones on the field. I don’t believe the All-Star game is dead, however, just on life support. If I were MLB commissioner for a day, I’d know exactly what I’d do to fix it: copy the NHL. Get rid of the National and American League (for the game), elect two captains, and have them pick their teams, sandlot style. The process itself would be fun–well, more fun than clicking Pablo Sandoval’s name over and over again on a laptop–and the storylines would be tremendous. Will a Yankees captain snub a deserving Red Sox player? Will C.C Sabathia get the chance to throw to Buster Posey? I think it would spark interest among baseball fans, now that inter-league play is old hat. In a sport that continues to evolve in the 21st century, it might be a nice way to bring it home to its roots. Two teams, a bat, a ball and a bunch of players hoping the rain will hold off for a few more hours.
Baseball All-League: Alex Beckett Max Bruckner, Mike Forgione, Shang-Li Polera, Luke Sassano, Tyler Hart All-Section: Alex Beckett All-Section Honorable Mention: Luke Sassano Boys Golf All-League: Michael DiTursi All-Section: Michael DiTursi Girls Lacrosse All-League: Christie Nannariello, Alexandra Misisco, Abby Burack, Erica Dattero, Angela Troia, Cassidy Cohen, Christina Loguidice All-Section: Alexandra Misisco Boys Lacrosse All-League: Jake Marino, Robert Waldman All-Section: Jake Marino Softball All-League: Allyson Brabant, Christina DeCarlo, Alyx Scapperotti, Alijah Webb, Jenna Webb All-Section: Allyson Brabant, Jenna Webb All-Section Honorable Mention: Alyx Scapperotti, Alijah Webb Boys Tennis All-League: Brandon Ellis, Andy Smithline, Kosta Teverovskiy, Matthew Miles Boys Track & Field All-League: Ben Konigsberg, Jacob Seidman, Sebastian Cortes, Giovanni Valdes-Fauli All- County: Ban Konigsberg, Jacob Seidman All-Section: Ben Konigsberg, Jacob Seidman, Matt Carducci, Giovanni Valdes-Fauli, Coby Lefkowitz State Finalist: Ben Konigsberg Girls Track & Field All-League: Shawn Caparelli, Rula Abdul-Samad, Ashley DelliPaoli, Amanda Friedman, Hannah Hochman, Michelle Aguirre All-County: Amanda Friedman, Olivia Caparelli, Hannah Hochman, Shawn Caparelli All-Section: Amanda Friedman, Olivis Caparelli, Hanna Hochman, Shawn Caparelli, Michelle Aguirre (Submitted)
LIBRARY from page 1
Foundation on the condition that the library matches that amount, dollar for dollar. But Ross Halperin, Richard’s son and the executive director of the Harrison Public Library Foundation, presented a case for a public contribution in the hopes of acquiring additional capital and to apply for state grant money. “The best way to finish things in a timely manner would be to work together in a publicprivate matching challenge,” Halperin said. “If it’s successful, you’ll be buying a $2 million library for $1 million.” Over the past year, the library foundation has been fundraising and currently has over $250,000 in signed commitments, according to Halperin. Members of the Town Council did not see contributing to the effort as feasible in a time where capital projects are bonded for, adding to an already high amount of debt on the town books. “It’s difficult to commit to any major capital projects,” said Councilman Fred Sciliano,
“especially when there are other town facilities that are in terrible shape and are in need of renovation.” Financing part or all of the remaining funding would increase the town budget–and in turn taxes–by as much as 2 percent. “We just can’t do it,” said Councilman Joseph Cannella. “Personally, I think it’s a terrific project, but we have to determine if it is practical for us to issue a $2 million bond on every single project.” The council did agree to assist the library foundation to apply for grant money. “We still have the resources to continue with the project up to the next stage,” said Joe Toplyn, a library trustee. “All of us want to see this project happen.” Although the members of the library board are still in the fundraising stage, they expect to proceed with the renovations in the future, even though the timeline on when the project will begin still remains uncertain.
SPORTS Rye Racquet Club sweeps Flight I season
July 13, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 15
Front row (L-R): Kaoru Onozawa, Andrea Hessekiel, Chizu Mendoza and Yuko Takahashi. Back row (L-R): Deirdre Ragusa, Young Kim (captain), Eileen Riemerschmid, Christine Rizk and Paula Lapkin. Not pictured: Tamae Miyoshi. Contributed photos
By MIKE SMITH ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR sports@hometwn.com
Over the years, the tennis players from the Rye Racquet Club have done much to establish the organization as one of, if not the best tennis programs in the area. In July, they added another chapter to the team’s storied history as its Flight I A, B and C teams won their Metropolitan Interclub Tennis League division, giving the club an astounding fourth triple sweep win. The league is over 40 years old and is comprised of clubs from all over Westchester and Fairfield counties. Playing in the Flight I division–the league’s top tier–the Rye Racquet Club has fared well in recent years, winning the triple sweep in 2005, 2008 and 2010. Last year, both the A and C divisions were able to win the league, while the B division squad placed second, missing first place by just one point. That was a major inspiration this season, said team captain Suzanne Schnitta. “Last year, missing by one point, we all wanted to come back and erase that,” she said. “It was so great that we were able to do that this year.” The C division team may have
been the club’s biggest surprise coming into the year. With new faces on the roster, said team captain Young Kim, the players didn’t know if they’d be able to repeat as league champs. “This season, we had four new players on our team of 10, so we didn’t go into the season with any expectation of doing as well as we did last year,” said Kim. “With such a small team, each player was vital to our success.” Young’s squad came into its last match of the year against Coveleigh. The two teams had spent much of the season deadlocked, though Rye Racquet headed into that showdown with a one-point lead in the standings. Although Coveleigh took an early 2-1 lead over the club, Kim and her teammates were able to battle back to win the day, thanks in part to Kim and her partner Paul Lapkin who took the tiebreaker match. “We had no idea that the season came down to our match since we didn’t know how the rest of the team had fared,” said Kim. “Needless to say, we were thrilled when we realized that the Rye Racquet C team had captured first place.” According to Schnitta, much of the team’s success must be attributed to the talent level and competi-
Rye Racquet Club’s A division team celebrated yet another Flight 1 league title this June. Front row (L-R): Rebecca Stiritz, Carrie Rabuse and Hiromi Inagawa. Back row (L-R): Marcia Pflug, Joy Cummiskey, Corinna Bode, Carolyn Cruz (captain), Kathrin Blanch, Eileen O’Connor, Carol Chirico and Tracy Eck.
Front row (L-R): Connie Maria Sobrino and Kate Jennings. Back row (L-R): Polly Edwards, Stefani Shavel (captain), Suzanne Schnitta (co-captain), Susan (Chung) Choo, and Debbie Abrams. Not pictured: Lynn Flynn and Nancy Ozizmir.
tiveness of the ladies on the court, but credit is also due to club founder and coach Kit Byron. “I think the training is the best around as far as doubles play, and
I’ve played other places,” said Schnitta. “Kit is very professional, and what’s very important is that he has an eye for who to partner up. That’s all him.”
With the league season at an end, several of the club’s players will compete in United States Tennis Association play for the remainder of the summer.
SPORTS Former Rye Patriots change tune (and name) in 2012
16 • THE HARRISON REPORT • July 13, 2012
Slugging first baseman Joe Vingo takes a hack against the Cyclones on June 1. By MIKE SMITH ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR sports@hometwn.com
Since the 2005 inception of the Rye Patriots, Adam Weiss’ baseball club hasn’t exactly been worldbeaters in the Westchester/Rockland Wood Bat League. In the early years of the club, Weiss’ squads hovered around or below the .500 mark–always re-
spectable, yet never great. However, this summer, after a two-year overhaul–and a name change–the nowHarrison Patriots look to be the best team in the league, hands down. “We felt it was time for a change,” said Weiss about the nominal relocation. “We’ve always played our home games in Manhattanville anyway, but we were trying to secure Silver Lake for some games, too.”
Former Mamaroneck and Concordia standout Pete Denyssenko hurls against the New Rochelle Tigers on July 6. Photo/Mike Smith
As for the turnaround of the team’s fortunes, said the head coach, it took some more effort. Over the past few years, the Wood Bat League, the largest men’s amateur baseball league in Westchester, has undergone something of a seismic shift. Where the average age of ballplayers used to be in the 26-28 year old range, noted Weiss, the average age of the ballplayers in the league is now between 21 and 22 years of age. With more and more college players coming into the league looking to hone their skills in the hope of a pro contract, Weiss knew his organization would have to respond. Using his connections to the Frozen Ropes baseball training facility in Elmsford, Weiss began enlisting the help of employees, many of whom have pro experience, and his older students to fill out the roster. “It was a good fit, because you had the younger guys getting a chance to see their coaches in action,” said Weiss. “I think that helped start a strong bond.” One such player he enlisted was former Mamaroneck standout Pete Denyssenko, a former Mamaroneck hurler who also shined at the collegiate level for Concordia College.
Patriot pitcher AJ Hagan delivers a strike. Contributed photos
Denyssenko joined the team last season after graduating from college. He was solid in limited time last year, but has had a breakout season in 2012, going 4-0 with a 0.86 ERA to lead his first-place team. Denyssenko said that he is using his time–both on the field and at Frozen Ropes–to stay sharp and continue to hone his craft in case the pros come calling. “I’m not ready to give up on a shot yet,” said Denyssenko. “I still push myself to get better each time I go out there, and that’s easy on this team.” Eight Patriots have played some pro ball, while other players, like Dobbs Ferry’s Eddie Ritch, graduated
from high school in June. According to Denyssenko, the Patriots’ mix of talent levels lends itself to the players making each other better, as opposed to all the feedback coming from the coaching staff. “It’s great,” said Denyssenko “I mean, for the younger guys like Eddie, he has guys he can talk to after a play, to say ‘what should I have done there?’ That kind of thing is definitely helping me get better, too.” At 22-2 on the year, the Patriots have just eight games left in the regular season. The team will take on the New York Thunderdogs July 14 at Manhattanville College.