Harrison REVIEW THE
September 6, 2013 | Vol. 1, Number 1 | www.harrisonreview.com
Library renovation project forms advisory committee By DANIEL OFFNER Staff Writer With four months left to raise $1 million before a Dec. 31 deadline, members of the Harrison Public Library Foundation plan to continue in their efforts to complete the proposed $3.6 million capital renovation project. Since 2010, members of the foundation have sought to renovate the antiquated facility at 2 Bruce Ave., which has not seen an improvement in more than two decades. Although they initially proposed to match a $1.1 million pledge through private donations and charity fundraisers, the members of the library’s Board of Trustees said they ran into trouble when dealing with the necessary improvements to the building’s maintenance. After a series of negotiations,
the Town of Harrison made an agreement with the foundation on April 4, pledging to contribute $1.1 million for the project, which was deferred so the town could cover the cost of maintenance to the library facility over the next five years, in two parts—$650,000 for the cost of infrastructure improvements and $450,000 from a franchise agreement with Cablevision for a television studio that has been incorporated into the project. As the clock continues to tick closer to the Dec. 31 deadline, the foundation expects to raise the final $1 million necessary to proceed with the proposed renovations. Should the Halperin Fund fail to raise the money by that time, the project will be executed nonetheless, using the financial commitments already agreed to by the town and the Halperin Fund.
“The project we’d like to do is $3.6 million,” Halperin said, “But if we’re unsuccessful there is another project we can do.” Although he did not provide any details on what the minimum project would include, Halperin said it would not be to the same scale as the renovations proposed. Meanwhile, the town—as per its pledge agreement—is now in the process of forming a capital improvement committee, which serves as an advisory group, rendering non-binding advice regarding the administration, design architecture, budgeting, construction and the completion of the capital renovations. On Aug. 26, Ross Halperin, executive director of the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Fund—so named for Ross’ father, who passed away in
2008—requested the Town Council select its candidates for the capital improvement committee in an effort to hire a managing architect for the project prior to Dec. 1, 2013. Planning to begin construction in 2014, Halperin said that he hopes to have a managing architect approved on Dec. 1, 2013 almost a month before the project deadline. The committee, which has not been formed as of press time, will consist of eight members, four of whom will represent each of the town’s four library boards, while the remaining four members will be chosen by the Town Council and approved by the Halperin Fund. Maureen Skrilow, president of the Harrison Public Library Board of Trustees, said the LIBRARY continued on page 5
The Harrison Public Library, seen here in its current condition, will soon see its first renovations in more than two decades as members of the Harrison Public Library Foundation continue to raise funds for the final $1 million component. File photo
Town rescinds chief stipend By DANIEL OFFNER Staff Writer Less than a month after approving a $1,500 monthly stipend for Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini for performing the additional duties of police captain, members of the Harrison Town Council reconvened on Aug. 29 to formally rescind their decision. The stipend—which would’ve equated to an additional $18,000 per year—was initially authorized by the council following an executive session meeting on Aug. 1 to compensate Marraccini for serving a dual role. Based on the 2013 town budget, Marraccini is expected to earn an annual salary of $164,457 for fulfilling his duties as chief of police. Harrison police have not had anyone serve the role of captain since Marraccini was appointed chief three years ago. As the manager of the department’s daily operations, the chief does not earn overtime, something that the stipend sought to address for his additional efforts with the police department. According to Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, the vacant captain position has often resulted in an undue workload for Marraccini. “This board was in the mindset that a stipend was appropriate so long as the double duty continued,” Belmont said. “Upon further deliberation...it is my opinion a stipend is not appropriate at this time.” After the council rescinded the stipend, Marraccini acknowledged it was the right thing for the council and the community. “I know there are other department heads that are working very hard out there, that I work with on a daily basis, and I ap-
Formerly
preciate them,” Marraccini said. “I work so hard because my men work so hard for me and this community, and I could not do it without the support of not only the board, but the men and women of the Harrison Police Department, who work for us on a daily basis.” For members of the Town Council, its initial decision was the result of more than a year of internal debate concerning compensation for Marraccini working overtime hours. Republican Councilman Joe Cannella said that the council’s decision to rescind the stipend stems from the town’s current economic situation and unresolved union issues, which have not been addressed for more than a year. Apart from the Harrison police union—which renegotiated the terms of its contract last year—the town’s four remaining labor unions have been operating under expired contracts since Dec. 31, 2012. “At this time [the council] didn’t feel it’s right, even though it’s just,” said Republican Councilman Fred Sciliano. However, former Harrison Mayor Joan Walsh, a Democrat currently seeking re-election after two years out of office, said the stipend should not have been approved in the first place since the department could appoint a captain. She added that, through the addition of a $1,500 monthly stipend, the town would ultimately add to the chief’s pension. “Being the chief of police, the chief executive of the department, is a full-time job and it is expected that he or she will be on call 24-hours a day,” Walsh said. “We have enough capable and well-qualified officers to share the duties of captain.” CONTACT: dan@hometwn.com
2 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 6, 2013
September 6, 2013 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 3
Primary 2013 tidbits It’s a big primary across the Sound Shore and there will be several familiar names on the September ballot. On Sept. 10, Catherine Parker and Tom Murphy—in one of the bigger political races in the region—will headline a busy primary day for local voters. The two candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination for the county legislative District 7 seat. The winner will face Republican nominee John Verni in the general election. The ultimate victor will then take over the seat of incumbent Legislator Judy Myers, a Democrat, on Jan. 1, 2014. Myers will not seek re-election. Registered Democrats in the district, which consists of Mamaroneck, Rye, Larchmont and portions of New Rochelle and Harrison, are asked to come out to the polls and vote for their candidate of choice. The Independence line for the same county seat will also be at stake on the primary ballot. Parker won the endorsement of the county Independence Party, but has been challenged by Verni.
Team Murphy
Mamaroneck resident Tom Murphy, a former village trustee, will await the returns of his primary race along with family and friends at Larchmont Tavern, located at 104 Chatsworth Ave. in Larchmont. The party is expected to begin at 9 p.m. and all are welcome to attend the gathering and watch as the vote comes in.
Registered Democrats in District 7:
Parker campaign
Rye City Councilwoman Catherine Parker will await the results of her primary contests in Mamaroneck at Bar’lees, 157 Mamaroneck Ave. Parker and her team of supporters will arrive at 9 p.m. as the votes are being counted. All are welcome to join in the festivities.
Mamaroneck Rye City Rye Town New Rochelle Harrison
8,554 3,308 1,771 1,248 352
Courtesy county Board of Elections
Map of Westchester County Legislative District 07
4 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 6, 2013
What’s going on... Harrison Public Library events
Computer orientation Thursday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. If you’re feeling left behind in this technology-oriented world, this one-hour class is for you.
Teen advisory group Volunteers wanted Volunteer at the Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Ave., as a conversation group leader for non-native English speakers. Volunteers should have an interest in meeting people from other cultures, and the ability to engage people in a pleasant, welcoming and encouraging manner. Required Skills: -Strong commitment to helping people. -A friendly and approachable manner. -Ability to get along with a diverse group of people. -Excellent communication skills. -Second language is a plus. Volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of one to two hours per week, for a period of at least six months. No prior experience necessary, guidelines will be provided. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Galina Chernykh, Library Director at gchernykh@wlsmail.org.
Circle time for tots For ages 0 to 3: Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Songs, dancing, stories and more with Miss Claudia.
bers of Hudson River Audubon. Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, 914-864-7377
Nature Games for Kids
For ages 13 to 17, Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 3:30 p.m. Teens come look at new books, talk about what you want at your library. Refreshments.
10 a.m. Kids can have fun learning about and experiencing nature through games. Cranberry Lake Preserve, Old Orchard Street, North White Plains, 914-428-1005
Millennium Book Club
Quarry Makers
Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. Book to be discussed is “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand, A World War II Story of survival, resilience and redemption. All welcome. Refreshments courtesy of the Friends of the Library.
1 p.m. A hike to re-visualize the landscape before it underwent transformations to serve New York City. Marshlands Conservancy, Boston Post Road, Rye, 914-835-4466
Westchester nature center events Friday, Sept. 20 Croton Point Nature Center, Croton Point Ave, Croton-on-Hudson, 914-862-5297
River Lovers Autumn Pot Luck Supper 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to join this organization that acts as an advocacy group for the Hudson River. Go to riverlovers.org. Saturday, Sept. 21 Lenoir Preserve, Dudley Street, Yonkers, 914-968-5851
Hawk Watch 10 a.m. Scan the skies for migrating birds of prey along the Hudson River flyway with mem-
Harrison Council for the Arts presents “Visions of Air and Water” Paintings by David W. Coffin at the Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Avenue, Sept. 6 to Oct. 4. In Coffin’s words: “Air and water in my art, just as in nature, create never ending surprises and abstractions of color, shape and pattern. As such, my direct painting approach is intuitive resulting in abstract images and forms that unfold gradually and suggest ongoing direction.” The exhibit may be viewed Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For info call the library at 914-835-0324 or see www.harrisonpl.org.
The Harrison Players: 50 Years and We’re Still Here! The Harrison Players Follies Normally, reaching 50 is somewhat of an average event, but for a community theater group, it is a major accomplishment. The Harrison Players, Inc. was founded in 1963 as a non-profit group and has produced many shows, including numerous big musicals, dramas and comedies such as Fiddler, “The Music Man,” and “Plaza Suite,” as well as mysteries, children’s shows and musical revues. To celebrate their anniversary year, The Harrison Players is presenting an evening of entertainment at Stepinac High School in White Plains on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 at 8 pm. It will feature more than 40 past and present members singing and dancing selections from shows throughout the group’s history. Directed by Anthony J. Valbiro and musically directed by Donna Cribari, the show will be followed by a champagne and dessert reception. The ticket price is $30, which includes the show and reception. Tickets can be purchased by calling 914-937-8427, or by visiting: www.harrisonplayers.org. Deadline for our What’s Going On 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.
September 6, 2013 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 5 LIBRARY from page 1
Lowey announces crime lab grant
The proposed library renovations, pictured, will look to satisfy the demands of a community in the 21st century by upgrading the existing infrastructure. File photo
board is still in the process of selecting candidates. Having already hired H3Hardy, an architectural firm commissioned to design the project, the pledge agreement further states that the final construction document will be executed under a third-party contractor. Halperin said that, while the committee will have the chance to make a decision on the contracting firm, the Halperin Fund and Town Council will evaluate all potential contractors beforehand.
But, while the foundation looks to get its ducks in a row before selecting a contractor for the project, library supporters still need to make up some financial ground in order to reach their target. Library director Galina Chernykh said the library has been doing all it can to raise money for the project. “This summer was a little slow,” Chernykh said. “Hopefully, we can get what we need.” Although the summer months did not drive the do-
nations necessary, the renovation project was able to raise $50,000 from the Javitch Foundation—which is named after Harrison resident Lee Javitch, who passed away last April—towards the proposed Early Childhood center, and the Jarden Corporation—a Rye-based Fortune 500 company—pledged to contribute $1 for every $2 contributed by the local corporate community, up to $100,000. CONTACT: dan@hometwn.com
Congresswoman Nita Lowey, the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, announced a $341,819 United States Department of Justice grant for Westchester County’s Forensic Science Services on Aug. 26. The goal of the grant, which is being provided through the Department of Justice’s DNA Backlog Reduction Program, is to help states and local governments increase the capacity of existing crime laboratories so they can analyze DNA samples more efficiently and cost effectively, as well as reduce backlogs of DNA evidence. Backlogs consists of two kinds of DNA samples: forensic evidence collected from crime scenes, victims and suspects in criminal cases that often contains DNA, and DNA samples taken from convicted
offenders and suspects under arrest in accordance with federal and state laws. The National Institute of Justice defines a backlogged DNA case as one that goes untested for 30 days or more once it has been submitted to a crime laboratory. “DNA technology is an invaluable tool in fighting and solving crime. But as awareness of the potential of DNA samples in criminal investigations has grown, demand for analyzing DNA samples has outgrown the capacity of many crime laboratories around the country,” Lowey said. “This federal investment will enable our law enforcement officials in Westchester County to take full advantage of DNA technology so they can more effectively fight and solve crime.” (Submitted)
Congresswoman Nita Lowey
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Democratic county legislator candidates
200 William St., Port Chester, N.Y. 10573 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
Q: You and your opponent have only been local elected officials. What makes you think you would perform the role of a county legislator well?
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Councilwoman Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, is facing-off against former Village of Mamaroneck Trustee Tom Murphy in a Democratic primary. Photo/Ashley Helms
Catherine Parker AGE: 47 POLITICAL AFFILIATION: Independent, Democrat as of Jan. 1, 2014 ENDORSEMENTS: Independence Party POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Rye City councilwoman since 2007 PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Rye OCCUPATION: Business owner FAMILY: Husband David Walker, daughter Julia, son Aidan COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Advisory board of Rye Arts Center; past
president of the League of Women Voters of Rye; Rye Brook and Port Chester; Rye Presbyterian Sunday school teacher; liaison on the Rye City Council to Playland; police pension fund; senior advocacy group; fire department; Rye Arts Center and central business district. ONE THING THE AVERAGE VOTER DOESN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
“I was selected for former Vice President Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project.”
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Former Village of Mamaroneck trustee Tom Murphy is running against Rye City Councilwoman Catherine Parker in the Democratic Primary in the race for District 7 county legislator. The primary is Sept. 10. Photo/Liz Button
Tom Murphy AGE: 52 POLITICAL AFFILIATION: Registered Democrat ENDORSEMENTS: Working Families Party POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Former trustee in the Village of Mamaroneck,
served for 6 years PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Village of Mamaroneck OCCUPATION: Elevator mechanic FAMILY: Three children: 21-year-old daughter, 17-year-old son,
12-year-old son. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: member of Coastal Zone Management Commission in the Village of Mamaroneck, coached baseball and basketball throughout the years, village Recreation Commission, member of the Mamaroneck Coastal Environmental Coalition. ONE THING THE AVERAGE VOTER DOESN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
“I like to read history books.”
A: My feeling is this: You should have somebody who is in that role who is really knowledgeable on issues. I think that the question of taxes versus services is something that—I don’t care if you’re Republican, Democrat or an independent—I hear more and more people saying is really an issue. I’ve worked on flood mitigation; it’s incredibly important for the whole district. Again, as I’ve said many times, water doesn’t know municipal boundaries and environmental issues are really important. If I’m elected, I really want that to be part of my legacy. Q: You and your opponent agreed on a number of points in the debate at the Mamaroneck Town Center, but what sets you apart ideologically in terms of the issues and in terms of your approach to governing?
and flood mitigation, and I’ve also given some ideas of what I would do to improve those concerns. I think that’s maybe a difference between my opponent and myself in that I have a very clear vision of what I want to focus on. Q: What will be your priorities in office, if elected? A: Taxes and services, and understanding that we really have to look at ways to reduce the tax burden and understanding that you have to do a cost-benefit analysis. The Republican administration has made cuts, but the cuts are penny-wise, pound-foolish on how to make some savings. It’s not going to be savings in the long run if you’re forcing people onto greater social services. Q: For the record, what is your stance on the issue of Playland, and its future as a county-owned amusement park? Do you support the county executive’s agreement with Sustainable Playland?
A: I feel that I’ve defined my priorities as taxes, the environment
A: I grew up in northern Westchester and, every sum-
Q: You and your opponent, have always only been local elected officials. What makes you think you would perform the role of a county legislator well?
with Westchester County.
A: I think local politics, and especially being in local politics in Mamaroneck, is sometimes a hothouse of different social and economic issues that prepares you well for the county. Mamaroneck is in a lot of ways a microcosm of the county.
A: Besides passing the ethics law, I want to make sure the community gets all the resources that it possibly can to mitigate flooding and to prepare for the change in global climate. I was a trustee in 2007 when we had a catastrophic flood, and I saw what that did to people’s lives. We also have to continue to provide first-class services in Westchester while being mindful of the tax burden faced by homeowners.
Q: You and your opponent agreed on a number of points in the debate at the Mamaroneck Town Center, but what sets you apart ideologically in terms of the issues and in terms of your approach to governing? A: When you’re a legislator, you have to think about what laws you want to have passed, and I think the only person who talked about a law they wanted to enact at that debate was me. One of the ways to restore trust in government is to take the pay-toplay perception that people have out of government. To do that, I would prohibit folks who are elected to county government from accepting contributions from folks who have contracts
Q: What will be your priorities in office, if elected?
Q: For the record, what is your stance on the issue of Playland and its future as a county-owned amusement park? Do you support the county executive’s agreement with Sustainable Playland? A: I think the plan that [Republican County Executive] Rob Astorino and Catherine Parker are touting is a bad plan for the county and for Playland. It’s called Sustainable Playland and that’s an oxymoron because it’s not going to be Playland afterwards, and it is not going to be sustainable. What I’d like
mer, my mom would bring me down to Playland and it was the highlight of my summer. I want to be clear, I love Playland and I would not let anything happen that would jeopardize it from going on forever; it would be over my dead body. What I said at the debate is the other part of how I see Playland. For many years, and not just during Astorino’s administration, I feel that the county has not done the best job with Playland. It hasn’t been maintained because there’s a real cost and, at this point, it needs something pretty extreme for a facelift. I think that the plan that has been chosen, Sustainable Playland, and working with Central Amusements, is a good plan. I think that Sustainable Playland is accurately finding other business models that will fit within the footprint of Playland that will work. It’s a gem and it can just be run better and will be more profitable and will certainly be something that people will rediscover. PARKER continued on page 10
to see that would really be a great addition is the children’s museum, and I think, in a lot of ways, that works in tandem with the amusement park. Sustainable Playland has no experience running an amusement park and what they want to do is get rid of half of the rides, and the park will wither on the vine, in my opinion. Q: Do you credit the county executive with stemming the tax hikes that became prevalent under the Spano administration? What would you do differently to alleviate that tax burden on residents of Westchester? A: I think that what you have to realize is the county executive proposes the budget and the county legislature approves the budget. I think the county legislature actually approved the budget a couple years ago that was less and had a greater tax cut than Astorino had proposed. What you have to realize about the county executive is that he’s borrowed a lot of money to keep the tax rate low. MURPHY continued on page 10
September 6, 2013 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 7
Bruce Museum takes a Closer look Taking a closer look at graphic art, the Bruce Museum presents “Closer: The Graphic Art of Chuck Close” from Sept. 28, 2013 to Jan. 26, 2014. With a body of work composed almost entirely of portraits, the American artist Chuck Close has been astounding us with his artistic verisimilitude for more than four decades. His prints, especially, are adventures in problem solving: working from the particularities of each print medium–woodcut, etching, silkscreen, linocut, aquatint, pulp-paper multiple –he gives his imagination free rein to reconceive their aesthetic possibilities. Although a spirit of experimentation characterizes Close’s work across all media, it is particularly evident in the wide-ranging scope of his printed production. “Any innovation that is evident in my paintings is a direct result of something that happened in the course of making a print,” Close said. Close was born on July 5, 1940, in Monroe, Wash. Despite learning disabilities, including dyslexia, he cultivated his artistic talents from a young age. Close attended junior college and the University of Washington, Seattle and then received a BFA and MFA from Yale University in the early 1960s. After a year of study in Austria in 1964-1965 on a Fulbright grant and a brief stint teaching art at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, he moved to New York City in the
fall of 1967 to pursue his career while living and working in his SoHo studio. Chuck Close announced his arrival on the contemporary art scene with his large-scale, blackand-white airbrushed heads, paintings based on photographs he had transferred to canvas by means of a grid. Recognition came quickly; his work was shown at the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, in 1969, followed by a solo exhibition at New York’s Bykert Gallery in 1970 and a one-man show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 1971. In 1972, he created the first print of his professional career, a mezzotint, which began a life-long engagement with the aesthetics and technology of printmaking. The collaborative nature of this work has been vital to the artist’s creative process; working with master printers, Close alters one or several variables to create endless permutations in a wide variety of print techniques, usually recycling past portraits of himself, his family, and his friends. On Dec. 7, 1988, Close suffered a spinal artery collapse, which initially left him paralyzed from the neck down. After arduous rehabilitation, he resumed work with his customary intensity. “The great curse for artists is ease,” Close said, “resistance is really an important thing.” One of the great modern masters of printmaking, methodical yet always inventive in his approach, Chuck Close continues to follow the bold trajectory he set for
Chuck Close self-portrait, 2006, Jacquard tapestry, 103 x 79 in. Photo courtesy The Heller Group
himself nearly five decades ago. “Closer: The Graphic Art of Chuck Close” is accompanied by a generously illustrated catalogue by the same title. A lecture series and film series will also complement the exhibition. Explore art and science at the Bruce Museum, located at 1 Museum Dr. in Greenwich, Conn. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for students up to 22 years, $6 for seniors and free for members and children under 5 years. Individual admission is free on Tuesday. Free on-site parking is available and the museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities. For additional information, call the Bruce Museum at 203-869-0376, or visit the website at www.brucemuseum.org. (Submitted)
Correcting the record The Aug. 30 article entitled, “Uncertainty surrounds outside attorney hiring” stated that it was unclear whether a Harrison town attorney had authorization to hire outside legal counsel at his or her discretion. The attorney position does have the authority to retain outside legal services and pay fees of up to $10,000 without Town Council approval.
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8 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 6, 2013
Heart Walk returns to Kensico Dam Facts About Walking
Why try walking? Walking is the simplest way to start and continue a fitness journey. Walking costs nothing to get started. Walking has the lowest dropout rate of any type of exercise. Walking is easy and safe. Physically active people reduce their CVD risk by 30 percent. Studies show that for every hour of walking, life expectancy may increase by two hours. Walking is the single most effective form of exercise to achieve heart health. Walking for as little as 30 minutes a day will improve circulation, reduce stress and anxiety, increase enthusiasm and optimism, improve muscle tone and strength, lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure, and promote weight loss. To maintain your current weight, walk 30 minutes daily at 4mph. To lose weight by incorporating exercise only (no diet changes); walk for 45 minutes daily at 4 mph.
The American Heart Association has announced the 2013 Westchester Heart Walk event is set for Oct. 6 at Kensico Dam in Valhalla. Teams and individual walkers are encouraged to sign up online at www.westchesterheartwalk.org The Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun, family environment and is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. The non-competitive walk raises funds to support heart disease and stroke research, as well as educational and advocacy programs in the Westchester area. Last year’s event attracted nearly 2,000 participants. This year’s goal is to raise $270,000 to support the mission of the American Heart Association of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Company teams, community groups, families—even pets—are encouraged to walk for heart health. “Cardiovascular diseases and stroke are the leading causes of death among men and women. Events like the Heart Walk help promote our message of healthy lifestyles through exercise, and help raise important funding for
programs and research,” Jennifer Gelick, AHA Heart Walk director, said. “We hope companies, community teams and individuals come out and support the walk.” American Heart Associationfunded research has yielded important discoveries, such as the heart-lung machine, CPR, life-extending drugs, pacemakers, bypass surgery and surgical techniques to repair heart defects. Seven research grants totaling more than $1.6 million have been recently funded by the American Heart Association at New York Medical College in Valhalla. The Westchester Heart Walk is sponsored nationally by Subway and Jenny Craig and presented locally by cause sponsor Stamford Hospital. Additional sponsors Philips, Walgreens, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, Merit Direct, WestMed, and media sponsor WFAS. For more information about the Heart Walk or to start a team, please email jennifer.gelick@heart. org or call 914-640-3274. To sign up your team online, visit www.westchesterheartwalk.org. (Submitted)
Walkers get underway at the 2012 Westchester Heart Walk. Contributed photo
September 6, 2013 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 9
Financial and fairway fortunes improving
Recently, it has come to my attention that some misinformation may be circulating concerning the Town’s financial status. I am encouraged by Moody’s recent findings regarding Harrison’s fiscal standing. According to the most recent report, our current rating indicates that our financial position is improving. We have a sizeable residential and commercial tax base and a moderate tax burden that is expected to remain manageable. According to Moody’s, the Town/Village of Harrison has strong liquidity resulting in an improved financial position. The town board has taken a conservative approach to managing budget revenues, at lower levels. This has created a continuum of balanced financial outcomes that improve fund balance levels. I am confident that this will continue and therefore reflect favorably in our credit rating during future reviews. In the past, I have received several calls from residents concerning the road condition on Route 120, Purchase Street. In response, I repeatedly reached out to the New York State
Department of Transportation, as this is a state roadway and they are charged with its maintenance and upkeep. I am happy to report that, after several discussions with DOT representatives, the Town of Harrison should be enjoying a new and improved roadway in the near future. When I am informed of the exact start date of the improvement project, I will be sure to let residents know. Westchester County will be organizing a 9-11 Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at The Rising at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla at 7 p.m. In commemoration of the lives lost on the Sept. 11 attacks, a 12th anniversary program will include an honor guard, a wreath-laying ceremony and a recitation of the names of the 111 county residents and 12 former residents who lost their lives on that tragic day. The county will also dedicate a beam from Ground Zero that will be permanently placed at The Rising. In addition, the county and the volunteer center of United Way are urging local residents and business people to participate in volunteer services as a way to honor those whose lives were lost. A range of volunteer opportunities will be offered throughout the county from Sept. 3 to Sept.
11. A complete list of volunteer events is available at www.volunteer-center.org/service2103. As election season approaches, my regularly featured mayor’s column in The Harrison Review will be on hiatus from early September through midNovember. While there is a contested race in progress, the paper cannot give one candidate an advantage over the other in promoting their campaign platform through a weekly column. If you are interested in receiving the column during this interval please email mayorscolumn@harrisonny.gov and indicate that you would like to receive it. I look forward to sharing views on significant issues and important events. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. In closing, I would like to remind residents to refrain from putting any toxic materials on their property in an effort to deter unwanted dogs or other animals. A pesticide label, located on packaging of all pesticides and most toxic compounds, is deemed a legal document and expressly outlines appropriate use and application. If humans or animals are injured, due to misapplication, liability may result. Please proceed with caution.
What’s Your Beef? What’s bothering you today?
Collected on Mamaroneck Avenue in Mamaroneck “The community parks don’t have enough activities for kids.” David Brown, 31, Port Chester
“There should be a traffic light between Stanley Road and Mt. Pleasant Road in the Mamaroneck Village.” Alex Fakhin, 20, Mamaroneck
“My pale Irish skin is too sensitive for the summer sun.” Emily Newcomb, 19, White Plains
“Cashiers give receipts for everything even just a single donut, it’s too much.” Jeff Kramer, 51, Parsippany
-Photos and reporting by AIDAN MORETTI
10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 6, 2013
PARKER from page 6
Q: Do you credit the county executive with stemming the tax hikes that became prevalent under the Spano administration? What would you do differently to alleviate that tax burden on residents of Westchester? A: It was a different time prior to the recession, and I think it made all elected officials look at their responsibilities for their budgets. No longer could they see the taxpayer as a bottomless pit that they could continually go back to. Tough decisions were going to be made. I think there has been a real collective change in elected officials’ mindsets and in how they need to operate and represent their constituency and be responsible for the taxpayer’s money. Astorino has certainly looked to identify ways of saving, but I don’t know if he’s done it the right way. The one way that I obviously agree with him is that I think he was right in identifying Playland as an area where doing public-private partnerships could be a way to possibly alleviate the burden on the taxpayer. Q: What kind of shape do you think the county is in? What are its biggest problems? What is the biggest misstep of the current administration? A: We’re lucky that we live here. I love Westchester County and we are so fortunate in what we have. We have beautiful beaches, we have beautiful parks, charm-
ing villages and great schools. There’s a reason why our property prices are so high and why people want to live here. It’s a wonderful place to live. That being said, I really believe that, right now, we have the moniker of the most heavily taxed county in the country. That does nothing to help our reputation and it certainly is something that we need to address. I would like to address that and, at the same time, look at the possibilities for helping the environment. I think these two things can go simultaneously. Q: How do you plan to address flood mitigation, as you have previously mentioned as part of your platform, when many of the projects being talked about are in the multi-million dollar range, and the county has stated it does not have the ability to fund such projects? A: I want to see the county create a flood management office and dedicate dollars every year to flood mitigation. I think that’s critical; the ball has been dropped and it has for the past few years. We’ve lost valuable time. When you’re talking about flooding and property damage in the millions, especially if Hurricane Sandy had hit farther north, we really have no time to waste. The county will be of best service if it works cooperatively with the state and federal government.
Q: The City of Rye has been embroiled in controversy and scandal over the last 18 months. What have you learned from those experiences? A: The city has had some controversy, especially surrounding Rye Golf Club. The lesson is one that we need to recognize could happen in any community. My lesson here is for everyone in other communities: Don’t take things just at face value, ask the questions and you may be unfortunately surprised. Q: How do you plan to work collaboratively with the Republicans on the board when Democrats have battled the Republican administration tooth-andnail on many initiatives, even leading to several lawsuits? A: I’d like to think of myself as one who practices what we learned when we were young: Play well with others. I believe in treating all my colleagues, regardless of their political affiliation, with respect because good ideas can come from the left and they can come from the right. I have always prided myself on the fact that I really like to look at things issue by issue so I will bring that to White Plains and I think it’s an attitude that is sorely needed in White Plains. -Reporting by Ashley Helms
MURPHY from page 6
Q: What kind of shape do you think the county is in? What are its biggest problems? What was the biggest misstep of the current administration? A: There are a lot of positives for the county, but, to keep that quality of life, we have to invest in our infrastructure, we have to invest in our children and we have to invest in those who need a hand in order to participate in the full advantage of being an American citizen. Astorino doesn’t believe in that. Q: How do you plan to address flood mitigation, as you have previously mentioned as part of your platform, when many of the projects being talked about are in the multi-million dollar range, and the county has stated it does not have the ability to fund such projects? A: I’d like to see the county provide grants for people so that they could move their
utilities to a higher level in their homes. Right now, everyone’s heating and cooling is all in the basement. The county can’t just say, “We don’t have the money, so we’re not going to do it.” We have to see where we can get money from the federal government. What the county can also do is pay the local municipalities’ share of the flood studies that need to be done, which can be very expensive. Q: There is a movement in the Village of Mamaroneck to commercialize traditionally maritime areas. Do you support such a vision, or can you strike a balance between development and maintaining the traditional character of the village? A: I was chairman of the [Harbor] Coastal Zone Commission of the Village of Mamaroneck, so this is an issue that is near and dear to my heart. I don’t believe that allow-
ing housing will allow access to the waterfront, and it will also diminish the views that we all enjoy of the waterfront for the benefit of a few people and particularly to the benefit of developers. Q: How do you plan to work collaboratively with the Republicans on the board when Democrats have battled the Republican administration tooth-andnail on many initiatives, even leading to several lawsuits? A: I don’t believe in government by lawsuit. I believe that is a bad way to have your differences aired, I’ll say that. But I do think that what Democrats have been less than successful at over the years is vigorously advocating for our positions and being honest with people about how we feel and why we feel that way. -Reporting by Liz Button
September 6, 2013 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11
Harrison Home Sales Listings provided by the office of Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni Photos courtesy Trulia.com
550 West Street $1,475,000 Date of Sale: 7/15/13
40 Ellsworth Avenue $900,000 Date of Sale: 7/19/13
14 Highland Park Place $1,800,000 Date of Sale: 7/17/13
68 Sunnyside Avenue $445,000 Date of Sale: 7/17/13
2 Alyssa Lane $3,000,000 Date of Sale: 7/9/13
3 Tom-O-Shanter Drive $1,025,000 Date of Sale: 6/24/13
10 Plymouth Road $1,965,000 Date of Sale: 6/20/13
23 Willetts Road $879,000 Date of Sale: 6/11/13
49 Macri Avenue $615,000 Date of Sale: 6/17/13
27 Buckout Road $1,600,000 Date of Sale: 6/10/13
10 Hickory Pine Court $2,800,000 Date of Sale: 5/9/13
3 Hampton Road $1,975,000 Date of Sale: 6/3/13
49 Stonewall Circle $1,600,000 Date of Sale: 6/18/13
394 Columbus Avenue $442,000 Date of Sale: 6/12/13
33 Stratford Road $3,300,000 Date of Sale: 5/28/13
12 Adelphi Avenue $950,000 Date of Sale: 5/24/13
12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 6, 2013
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September 6, 2013 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13
Food sherpa from the east goes west On the front page of the food section of The New York Times on July 30, there was an interesting article about food sherpas, a new trend in bespoke travel guides. The idea is that, in order to truly experience a city, you must eat where the locals eat. I know many travelers who think that, by asking their hotel bellhop where they eat that accomplishes the same thing. But who knows if your bellhop has good taste in food? Enter the food sherpa. This person lives in the city or town you are visiting and works in the culinary industry in some manner. Or maybe he or she is simply a foodie with an intense love for their city. Either way, hiring a food sherpa can make for a very fun adventure. The fees vary depending on city and guide but, in my experience, they are well worth every euro or yen. While living in Japan, I had my own food sherpa on speed dial and when any friends or family came to town, I immediately called Reiko. This week Reiko came to Westchester County. She makes three trips to the United States each year on behalf of her company, Wishbone
Tokyo Cooking and Catering, to do private cooking classes and private parties as well as give food tours in Tokyo and cooking classes there. And if you book early enough during her stay in the U.S., you even get to eat fish and other fresh ingredients directly from the Tsukiji market. So what does one do when one of your favorite chefs comes to town? Why, you go food shopping. And eat a lot. Reiko was in Rye for a private cooking class and dinner at a client’s home for seven couples. She works with the hosts ahead of time via email to select the menu and the price of the meal corresponds to their selection. For this particular client, she was making noodles and dumplings as well as a few Reiko specialties. I wasn’t surprised by the request, as it’s harder to find good noodles and dumplings in Westchester than it is to find other types of Japanese food and everyone loves them. Reiko brought a lot of the dry ingredients with her from Japan, but we made a quick stop at Daido-522 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains-right as she hopped off the Metro North from New York City, where she was amazed with the breadth of Japanese products. “Are we close to Keio?” she said.
The following day we visited Kam Sen Asian Market, billed as “The Largest Asian Market in Westchester.” While there, we quickly went through the aisles, filling in the holes on her shopping list. This market is large and not only covers Asia, but some parts of Latin America as well. We did fairly well with the list, however, we were on the hunt for Kafir Lime leaves, which went unfound. We were getting hungry from all the food shopping and I had read about a new Korean “fast food” restaurant, So Gong Dong Tofu in Hartsdale-known as SGD to the locals-that I wanted to try. Only six minutes away, it was the perfect place for a quick lunch. It’s not often you find exceptional food in a strip mall, but SGD changed my mind. When dining with a chef and writing a restaurant review, it’s necessary to order almost everything on the menu. We were not disappointed that we did. Like most Korean restaurants, we were served an assortment of pickled vegetables in small dishes that comes with your meal. Watch out for the pickled daikon with large rings of sliced fresh jalapeno; delicious, but you will lose a layer of skin in your mouth. The Kim Chi was just the right amount of sour and spicy
The Bimbimbap prepared table-side at So Gong Dong Tofu in Hartsdale.
Reiko’s handmade dumplings. Photos/Lisa Jardine
with a nice crunch. For the main course, we ordered Soondubu Jjigae, which is a typical Korean stew made with tofu and various other ingredients that you choose. We chose Kim Chi as our main ingredient, extra spicy served over Kalguksu, which are thick noodles. There is a list of things you can choose from. We also had Bibimbap, a signature Korean dish, which translates to mixed rice. We ordered ours with seafood and it comes to the table sizzling. A waiter mixes it all together in front of you, adding just the right amount of chili pepper sauce. To finish off the main courses, we added an
order of beef short ribs and a crispy seafood pancake. The food was fabulous. We over-ordered because we wanted to try everything, but, if you ordered the correct amount, the bill would have been extremely reasonable. This is one place I will visit again, often, especially during the winter months. We rushed back home to load all of our ingredients in the car to take over to the client’s home so Reiko could start cooking. It was a gorgeous evening and the table was set beautifully outside in the garden. The host had a smile on her face because she wasn’t cooking that night;
Reiko was in the kitchen. To set up your own private party/cooking class in the U.S. or Japan, or to visit Tsukiji, contact Reiko on facebook: Tsukiji Fish Market and Beyond.
“I’m always on the lookout for a great story, an amazing restaurant, an unusual day trip or a must-see cultural event in Westchester County.”
TO CONTACT LISA, email lisa@hometwn.com. And follow her on Twitter, @WestchesterWand
The beef short ribs at So Gong Dong Tofu.
14 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 6, 2013
Committee declares Astorino ads unfair Abigail is an adorable female terrier mix, 1 to 2 years old and around 20 pounds. She is a lovely dog and enjoys nothing more than cuddling with her person. Abigail forms a strong bond and likes to keep her person in her sights. She is great on the leash and very good in the house though a little mouthy—in a playful way—so children over the age of eight would work best. Abigail is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm tested and micro-chipped. The adoption donation for Abigail is $250. To learn more, please contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at 914-834-6955 or on the web at www.NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
By DANIEL OFFNER Staff Writer Republican County Executive Robert Astorino has engaged in unfair campaign practices, according to the findings of the non-partisan Westchester County Fair Campaign Practices Committee. The committee, which has no punitive authority, found merit in all five of the complaints made by the Democratic challenger in the race for the county’s top elected office, New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, in response to campaign advertisements about Bramson’s record on taxes. “Mr. Bramson complained that in August 2013, Rob Astorino’s campaign for county executive began airing a television and a radio ad and sent out a mailer with false, misleading and out-of-context statements about Mayor Bramson’s record as a member of the New Rochelle City Council and as Mayor of New Rochelle,” the committee stated. After the committee’s ruling, Barry Caro, a spokesman for the Bramson campaign, called for the Astorino campaign to pull the advertisements—dubbed “pants on fire”—off the air. “Republican Rob Astorino just got caught with his pants on fire,” Caro said. “Lying once in a thirty-second advertisement is bad enough, but lying five times
Republican County Executive Rob Astorino was found to have engaged in unfair campaign practices by the non-partisan Fair Campaign Practices Committee for his recent “pants on fire” advertisements. This mailer attacking Noam Bramson’s tax record as mayor of New Rochelle is one of several being circulated by the Astorino campaign.
makes clear that this was a deliberate attempt to mislead voters about taxes.” The committee found Astorino’s campaign advertisements were unfair for asserting Bramson gave himself a free car, healthcare for life and raised sales, sewer and library taxes while governing the City of New Rochelle. Out of the five, two complaints were found to be unfair since the city policy providing the mayor health insurance benefits and a city vehicle were set prior to Bramson taking local office. First elected to office in New Rochelle in 1996—two years before it would require employees to contribute 18 percent of their healthcare premium—Bramson is not required to contribute to his health insurance, but voluntarily contributes 18 percent according to New Rochelle communications manager Kathy Gilwit. The committee, in its report, adds that during his eight-year tenure as mayor, Bramson has never taken any action to obtain a city vehicle, despite the city policy permitting the mayor have access to one. As to the other three complaints, committee members
found that the “pants on fire” advertisements—which claim Bramson raised New Rochelle’s sales, sewer and library taxes— were unfair since the city does not have the authority to raise sewer and library taxes, and since the sales tax rate is the same as when Bramson took office, except for a state-mandated increase. Despite the committee’s decision and Caro’s response, the Astorino campaign said it does not plan to take the ad off the air. “Westchester voters deserve to know that Mr. Bramson raised his part-time salary 40 percent—to $88,971—accepted healthcare for life as a part-time New Rochelle employee and raised property taxes 109 percent to pay for those perks,” said Jessica Proud, a spokesperson for Friends of County Executive Rob Astorino. “The library tax, sewer tax, and garbage fee also went up dramatically under his watch, but, evidently, he knows nothing about them. The TV ad is accurate and it will remain running. We welcome further discussion about Mr. Bramson’s record in office.” CONTACT: dan@hometwn.com
SPORTS
September 6, 2013 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15
To buy or not to buy? On Sept. 14, the best boxer in the world will step into the ring in Las Vegas, Nevada, looking to keep both his championship belts and his perfect record alive against a highly touted up-andcomer. You couldn’t ask for a better boxing narrative; veteran against prospect, two bankable stars, one a national hero in Mexico and the other—the champion—eagerly embracing the role of the villain. It’s great drama, for sure. I just don’t know if I’ll be watching. I’ve been a lifelong boxing fan. It was hard not to be growing up. I don’t know how old I was when my father sat me down in front of the TV to watch a VHS version of the classic 1985 battle between Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns—a fight universally regarded as one of the best bouts in history—but, from then on, I
was hooked. I grew up hooked on USA’s Tuesday Night Fights, Al Albert and Julio Cesar Chavez. As a teenager, I’d routinely sneak away during parties if there was a fight on to find an empty room and watch the fights on a Saturday night. I remain an avid fight fan to this day, with one exception. I don’t know if I can pony up the big bucks for another Floyd Mayweather pay-per-view. As a boxing aficionado, I certainly admire Floyd’s skills. He’s in a class by himself, nearly impossible to hit. When he wants to be, he can be a solid offensive fighter, as evidenced by his 26 knockouts. But more often than not, he’s content to make his opponents look silly, peppering them with shots as they march forward and avoiding any real action so to speak. In other words, he’s boring. His opponent, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, seems tailor-made for another effortless Mayweather win. An exciting, crowd-pleasing bruiser, Alvarez is bigger
than Mayweather, stronger than Mayweather, but does not—I fear—have the boxing ability to make this a true fight. Definitely not a fight worth $60 of my hard-earned money. Regardless, people will still tune in. Some to support Canelo, who is being heralded as the new face of boxing. Most, however, will be tuning in to see if Mayweather finally loses and gets what many fans will see as his comeuppance—a punishment for his arrogant, pampered celebrity persona that rubs so much of the boxing world the wrong way. Those fans who fork over their money won’t see that, however. They’ll see Floyd outclass yet another opponent to win a unanimous decision, another pay-per-view snore-a-thon. So I’m not paying up. I’m not watching. I’ll find out who won in the morning. With my luck, it will wind up being fight of the century. Follow Mike on Twitter, @LiveMike_Sports
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is currently undefeated and will likely remain so after his Sept. 14 PPV bout with Saul Alvarez. Mike Smith has been burned too many times by hyped pay-per-view match-ups to take the bait this time. Photo Courtesy of FloydMayweather.com
SPORTS
16 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 6, 2013
2013 Huskies team schedule 2013 Boys Soccer Schedule 9/9/2013
5:45 PM
@ Rye
9/16/2013
6:30 PM
Fox Lane
9/18/2013
4:30 PM
@ Westlake
9/20/2013
4:30 PM
@ Pleasantville
9/21/2013
7:00 PM
Keio Academy
9/24/2013
6:30 PM
Briarcliff
9/25/2013
6:30 PM
@ Nyack
9/28/2013
11:00 AM
Croton-Harmon
9/30/2013
6:30 PM
Westlake
10/2/2013
4:30 PM
@ Fox Lane
10/5/2013
3:00 PM
@ Horace Greeley
10/7/2013
6:30 PM
Port Chester
10/8/2013
6:30 PM
Pleasantville
S10/12/2013
2:00 PM
@ Briarcliff
10/14/2013
6:30 PM
Scarsdale
10/16/2013
4:30 PM
@ Croton-Harmon
2013 Girls Soccer Schedule
A Harrison player sets up a spike for a teammate on Sept. 3 against Croton-Harmon. The game against the Tigers was the first of the season and Harrison’s campaign will resume on Sept. 9. 2013 Volleyball Schedule
9/7/2013
11:00 AM
@ Albertus Magnus
9/10/2013
4:30 PM
V@ Ossining
9/10/2013
5:00 PM
@ Mamaroneck
9/11/2013
6:00 PM
Lakeland
9/12/2013
4:30 PM
Westlake
9/16/2013
4:30 PM
Byram Hills
9/17/2013
4:30 PM
Blind Brook
9/18/2013
4:30 PM
Horace Greeley
9/19/2013
4:30 PM
@ Byram Hills
9/20/2013
6:00 PM
@ Keio Academy
9/27/2013
7:00 PM
Rye
9/24/2013
6:00 PM
New Rochelle
9/30/2013
4:30 PM
Port Chester
9/26/2013
4:30 PM
Blind Brook
10/1/2013
4:30 PM
@ Horace Greeley
9/30/2013
4:30 PM
Rye Neck
10/3/2013
4:30 PM
@ Blind Brook
10/2/2013
4:30 PM
@ Fox Lane
10/4/2013
4:30 PM
@ John Jay Cross River
10/4/2013
6:00 PM
@ Eastchester
10/7/2013
4:15 PM
@ Rye Neck
10/8/2013
4:30 PM
@ Horace Greeley
10/9/2013
4:30 PM
Byram Hills
10/11/2013
6:00 PM
Rye
10/11/2013
4:30 PM
@ New Rochelle
10/15/2013
4:30 PM
@ Westlake
10/15/2013
6:00 PM
@ Rye
10/16/2013
4:30 PM
@ Blind Brook
10/17/2013
4:30 PM
Horace Greeley
10/18/2013
6:00 PM
@ Rye Neck
10/19/2013
11:00 AM
White Plains
10/22/2013
4:30 PM
Fox Lane
2013 Girls Field Hockey Schedule 9/9/2013
4:15 PM
Briarcliff
9/11/2013
4:15 PM
@ Byram Hills
9/17/2013
4:15 PM
Valhalla
9/19/2013
4:15 PM
@ Rye Neck
9/23/2013
4:15 PM
Ossining
9/25/2013
4:30 PM
@ Rye
9/26/2013
4:30 PM
@ Walter Panas
10/1/2013
4:15 PM
Fox Lane
10/3/2013
4:15 PM
@ Horace Greeley
10/7/2013
4:15 PM
Ursuline School
10/9/2013
4:15 PM
@ Ossining
10/10/2013
4:30 PM
Rye
10/15/2013
4:00 PM
@ White Plains
10/17/2013
4:15 PM
@ Fox Lane
10/19/2013
12:00 PM
Horace Greeley
10/21/2013
4:15 PM
White Plains Harrison’s libero digs out a ball against the Tigers on Sept. 3. Photos/Mike Smith