Hr1116 e edition (2)

www.myharrisonreport.com

Vol. 12/Number 46

Town’s budget would up taxes 2.7%

Saluting

By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com

the Veterans

A member of the Harrison Police Department fires his rifle for men and women who have served the country. On Nov. 11, Harrison officials, residents and veterans gathered on Lake Street at the Honor Roll Monument in honor of Veterans Day. For more, see page 10.

Special: FAQ on Harrison’s B-Zone changes

By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com

As members of the Harrison Town Council prepare to hold a public hearing on the recent draft of the town’s Master Plan, residents living in two-family households have grown increasingly concerned over a proposed zoning change.

The Master Plan is a municipal guiding document, which recommends zoning and outlines the future of development of a town or village of city. In Harrison’s case, this will

be the first update to the Master Plan since 1988 and there will be several high-profile changes.

In the most recent chapter on the downtown business district, consultants with BFJ Planning have proposed an alternative to changing the zoning regulations in the two-family residential zone, also known as the “B” zone. According to the plan, this would allow for the continued construction of the standard “updown” houses–separate apartments on the first and second floors–and impose restrictions on any proposed

construction of “side-by-side” duplex units, limiting construction by special permit use only.

Additionally, the town is seeking to increase minimum lot sizes for two-family construction.

The questions from many residents in the B-Zone and neighboring areas have had is just how the change could affect them. The Harrison Report attempts to address a number of community concerns expressed through interviews and emails from residents.

ZONING continued on page 5

Social media use grows during Sandy crises

By CHRISTIAN FALCONE ASSOCIATE EDITOR chris@hometwn.com

Hurricane Sandy certainly left an unprecedented mark on the region, but it also sparked a social media storm.

Last month’s hurricane brought unforeseen destruction in Westchester and power outages, but also raised the bar of platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which were shown to be effective–particularly via smart phones–communication tools during and after the intense weather.

More than 20 million people sent tweets about the storm between Oct. 27 and Nov. 1 under the hashtags #sandy and #hurricane.

New Rochelle City Councilman Jared Rice, a Democrat, was one of them. Finding it difficult to communicate with residents, Rice utilized his personal Twitter account, @councilmanrice, and Facebook to effectively “get the word out,” he said.

The councilman began tweeting updates on Con Edison restorations and fuel levels at gas stations in the

November 16, 2012

aftermath of the historic hurricane.

“This storm was more severe than anything we’ve ever seen,” the councilman said. “I tried to just make the most use of [social media] in this crisis.”

On Oct. 29, as people turned to Twitter to search for storm-related information, Sandy tweets peaked at 20 percent of the total Twitter search queries. The media tool was used by residents, emergency personnel, organizations, and most important, by some of the state’s SANDY continued on page 6

Mayor Ron Belmont has presented a $56 million tentative budget for 2013, which will up the tax rate 2.7 percent if approved by the Town Council in December.

Belmont, a Republican who is finishing off his first year as mayor, said the budget as stands is below a state imposed tax cap and regardless of what changes are made to the budget over the next month, he anticipates the town will remain below the state’s threshold.

“We started to get it going in July and are below the 2 percent cap,” Belmont said during a budget presentation at the Nov. 7 Town Council meeting. “This is just a preliminary budget and that’s the way it is going to stay.”

New York State, under Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, puts a limit on the size of a tax levy increase, though a municipality can override the cap with a supermajority vote of the local governing board. This is the second year since the state imposed cap has gone into effect and Harrison has come under the threshold both years. The tentative budget has the town upping the tax levy $1.06 million over the 2012 spending plan.

But while adhering to the cap has been an uphill battle for many local officials statewide, the Town/Village of Harrison may have an advantage over some of their municipal counterparts in terms of calculating the cap. Harrison is what is known as a coterminous municipality, meaning it is both a town and a village.

In Westchester and throughout the state, villages usually exist indepen-

dently of the town and have their own village government and departments. So though Mamaroneck Town and Mamaroneck Village share a common name, they are two different municipalities with different governing boards and independent budgets. Because Harrison is coterminous, it has two budgets that can be written in synch: one for the town and one for the village.

According to Comptroller Maureen MacKenzie, in the 2013 town budget, the levy falls below the cap by $8,721. In the village budget report, the levy is $37,268 under the cap.

“This is the way we have to do our budget,” MacKenzie said. “The good news is everything is under the cap…we made it.”

In New York, there are only five coterminous municipalities recognized as having a “town/village” structure. Apart from Harrison, Westchester County also includes the coterminous Town/Village of Scarsdale and Town/Village of Mount Kisco. Green Island in Albany County and East Rochester in Monroe County are the only other two coterminous municipalities in the state.

According to Brian Butry, a spokesperson for state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, there are several calculations that play a factor in determining how the coterminous town and village budgets fall short, meet or exceed the 2 percent cap.

“Both have to apply to the tax cap equations…and the board can enact an override of one of the levies,” Butry said. “They are treated as individual entities.”

Although both the tax rate and BUDGET continued on page 12

Award-winning Newspaper Published Weekly

2 • THE HARRISON REPORT • November 16, 2012

Con Edison restores power in Harrison as scrutiny continues

By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com

Town officials said this week that power had been restored to the last remaining homes in Harrison who had been in the dark since Hurricane Sandy. But that may not be the end of the story as Con Edison is among several power companies facing scrutiny over its perceived lack of preparedness and communication.

Lake Street resident Sam Fanelli lost power at both his home and business following Superstorm Sandy’s wild ride through the Sound Shore region. Fanelli had to go the greater portion of two weeks using a generator before Con Edison workers restored power to his home on Veterans Day. “It’s ridiculous,” Fanelli said. “There were five trucks outside that morning and not one was there to hook the power line back up to my house.”

According to Fanelli, of the homes in West Harrison, his was not listed in need of restoration. Fed up after a fortnight of running on a gas powered generator, Fanelli managed to explain the situation and pinpoint the power lines for utility workers, who soon got things up and running.

On Nov. 12, electric utility workers with Con Edison announced that their largest customer restoration effort to date was drawing to a close. “This morning, the last customers

in Westchester affected by Hurricane Sandy, whose equipment could be restored, were getting their electricity back,” Con Edison officials stated in a press release.

For the utility company, Superstorm Sandy and the nor’easter snow storm that struck last week caused more damage than anticipated, producing five times as many outages since Hurricane Irene hit the Sound Shore region last year.

But politicians, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, have been critical of the company’s preparation saying that Con Edison should have been better suited and staffed to handle widespread outages. The lack of communication to residents about when power would be restored also drew the ire of elected officials. In Westchester, the county Board of Legislators was asking for an investigation into the company by the public service commission, the state agency which licenses power companies.

At the Town Council meeting held Nov. 7, Town Councilman Joseph Cannella, a Republican, also took shots at Con Edison officials.

“The lack of coordination and lack of planning at Con Edison... was absolutely extrodinary,” Cannella said. “I think the management is deficient; their planning was inadequate and what happened is basically inexcusable.”

Through the additional assistance of thousands of mutual aid and contractor personnel,

The day after Sandy hit Westchester, a utility pole was snapped in half and the intersection of Union Avenue and Ramapo Trail was covered with trees. With the entire town now reportedly back on the grid this week, many question Con Edison’s response time. Photo/Mark Lungariello

Con Edison has managed to replaced over 60 miles of electric cables to customers in tens of thousands of locations. The assistance from outside of the area did not arrive en masse until several days after the storm hit, which has been a bone of contention for the power company’s harshest critics.

Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont was sending email blasts each day following the storm. On Monday, he said that after two weeks, utility

crews working with Con Edison have restored power to most of the town.

“Thankfully, we escaped the very worst of the storm that has brought true devastion to some waterfront communities in our area,” Belmont said. “Hopefully, this will be my last storm related correspondence for a very long time.”

Any remaining residents without power can contact Con Edison at 1-800-752-6633.

November 16, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 3

Westchester opens storm recovery center

By ALEXANDRA BOGDANOVIC STAFF REPORTER alexandra@hometwn.com

As power was restored this week to the remaining residents left in the dark after Hurricane Sandy, Westchester County government set up a storm recovery center to dole out information about continuing outages and to offer guidance on applying for disaster aid.

Dozens of Westchester residents affected

by Hurricane Sandy flocked to a newly created storm recovery center at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on its first full day of operations. According to an official tally, 54 people visited the center within four hours after it opened on Nov. 9. County Executive Robert Astorino, who announced the center’s opening at a Nov. 8 press conference, said Con Ed representatives would staff the center 12 hours per day as long as it is open in order to answer customer questions about power restoration to their homes and neighborhoods.

“The idea behind the center is to provide a place where people can get up-to-date information about their personal needs,” said Astorino. “One thing I heard over and over again as I spoke with people around the county was utter frustration in not getting questions answered from Con Ed. In times of crisis, there is no substitute for face-to-face contact with someone who has the information you need to make decisions.”

Many people who came to the center Nov. 9 still weren’t happy. “A lot of people are angry with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Con Edison,” said Arlene Small, who works for Project Hope. “A lot of families are only seeking to get their lights turned back on and get money to cover storm damages.”

Astorino reminded residents to document their losses with photographs and with receipts from repairs. Those who want to file claims should also contact their insurance companies to find out what–if anything–is covered, Astorino said. In the meantime, Project Hope, a crisis counseling program created by the New York State Office of Mental Health in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene last year, will offer what comfort it can to those in need, Small said. “Sometimes, it’s a matter of just listening and helping people to cope with what’s happened,” said Small’s partner, Norma Pereira. “But part of our job is also to do outreach, to let people know it’s OK to ask for help.”

Karen Reynolds, of Catholic Charities

A sign in the lobby of the Westchester County Center points the way to the storm recovery center. Photos/Alexandra Bogdanovic

Community Services in Yonkers, said the group established a presence at the storm recovery center in order to offer another community resource for families affected by the hurricane and last week’s wintery nor’easter. “We’re working with various social service agencies to ensure that no one goes hungry for another night,” Reynolds said, adding that prolonged power outages created tremendous hardships for some people, including a client who lost $1,000 worth of food. Representatives from the Small Business Administration are also at the storm recovery center to explain low-interest loan packages available to individuals, nonprofit organizations and businesses of any size.

“These loans are for the repair or replacement of real state and/or personal property damaged by the storm and related flooding,” officials said. “People who register with FEMA may be sent a loan application from the SBA.” No one is obligated to take out a lone and applicants have six months after approval to decide whether to accept it, according to the SBA. Because President Barack Obama declared Westchester County a disaster area, residents who were affected by the storm are eligible to apply for disaster aid.

In order to file for aid, applicants must first register by calling 1-800-621-3362, or by visiting the website disasterassistance.gov.

Registration is mandatory before residents apply for assistance at the center, where FEMA representatives are on hand to help with the application process. Anyone applying for federal disaster relief at the center should also bring their social security information, private insurance information, address and zip code of the damaged property, directions to the damaged home or property, their daytime phone number and an address where you can receive mail.

The multi-purpose Hurricane Sandy Recovery Center at the Westchester County Center, located at 198 Central Ave. inWhite Plains, will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days per week until further notice.

Janice Sosebee, a community relations representative with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and her colleague, Maria Rodriguez, were among those on hand to help Westchester residents affected by Hurricane Sandy apply for federal disaster aid Nov. 9.

4 • THE HARRISON REPORT • November 16, 2012

C ommunity Briefs Volunteers needed for SPRYE SPRYE (Staying Put in Rye and Environs, Rye, Port Chester, Harrison and Rye Brook) helps older adults remain connected to their community and able to remain in their homes as they age. One of the services the organization provides is transportation to medical appointments, shopping and other essential errands. SPRYE is currently in need of volunteer drivers; even a two hour a week commitment will provide a round trip ride for one of the members. For more information, call (914) 481-5706.

Harrison resident, tennis pro offers adult tennis program this fall Jeffrey Greene, longtime Westchester resident, successful college tennis coach, highlyranked USTA Eastern Section Senior Men’s veteran tournament competitor and current director of tennis at Camp Pennigewassett in New Hampshire, will be offering an adult tennis program on weekends this fall. Classes will be held on Saturday and Sunday mornings at Harrison High School and will continue through the end of November.

To register, please go to the Solazzo Center, located at 270 Harrison Ave. (opposite the train station) or for additional information,

call the Harrison Recreation Office at (914) 670-3179 for further details.

JCC of Mid-Westchester offers Mah Jongg classes The JCC of Mid-Westchester will offer a series of Mah Jongg classes for new and experienced players beginning the week of Nov. 4. For new players, a beginner instruction class will be offered on Mondays from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. beginning Nov. 5. For more experienced players who still need some guidance, a supervised play class will be offered Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. beginning on Nov. 6. Additionally, a mother-daughter pairs class will be offered on Sundays from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. beginning Nov. 4.

Classes are limited to a maximum of 12 players, and are led by Mah Jongg instructor Anne Weisel. All classes are six weeks in length and the fee is $160 per class.

In addition, if you have a group of players who would like to meet another day/time, contact Julie Dorfman at (914) 472-3300 x412 to discuss your particular interest. All classes meet at the JCC of Mid-Westchester, located at 999 Wilmot Road in Scarsdale.

Events at the Harrison Public Library, Bruce Avenue Technology Petting Zoo Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Visit the Technology Petting Zoo for handson interaction with the iPad, Nook Tablet, and Kindle Fire tablet. Get the feel of the devices before you buy or learn how to better utilize these items if you already own them. The

library will share tips, answer questions, and show how to download eBooks, audiobooks and access other library services.

Origami Nov. 17 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Join the library and learn how to make Origami, a craft program presented by library volunteers. All are welcome.

M&M Productions presents “Love, Loss and What I Wore” by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron Nov. 18 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

This play is made up of many monologues that create a mosaic of all ages of life. Four actresses share stores common to all women with both humor and serious commentary.

Native American Thanksgiving service The Katonah United Methodist Church, in partnership with Frances Schutta, a NativeAmerican religious practitioner, will hold its annual interfaith service of Thanksgiving on Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. People of all faith traditions are welcome to participate in this interfaith service. Attendees are encouraged to bring a symbol of something for which they are grateful and be prepared to say a few words about it.

For additional information, call the church at (914) 232-4094 or visit katonahumc.wordpress. com. The church is located at 5 Bedford Road.

Holiday concert by Westchester Choral Society A holiday choral concert performed with organ and harp featuring St. Saens “Christmas Oratorio,” plus songs and carols of the season, will be given by the Westchester Choral Society, directed by Frank Nemhauser, on Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. at Rye Presbyterian Church, located at 882 Boston Post Road. The concert will conclude with an audience sing-along.

Tickets are available at the door or via the

website and are $25 for adults, $10 for students. For tickets and information, visit westchesterchoralsociety.org.

Choral singers needed for Taconic Opera Taconic Opera invites choral singers to participate in the world premiere performance and professional recording of the oratorio “Enoch” by the company’s General and Artistic Director, Dan Montez. The work will feature the Taconic Opera chorus, professional lead singers and full orchestra.

All voice parts are welcome and no dues are required. Membership for experienced choristers will not require an audition. Scores will be available at a reduced price at rehearsals for $20, but they also can be purchased through amazon.com.

The company will be presenting two performances of the oratorio in two locations: March 2, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ossining United Methodist Church; and March 3, 2013 at 3 p.m. at the White Plains Presbyterian Church.

Rehearsals will continue on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. -9 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 p.m.

-5 p.m., with time off for the December holidays. The rehearsal location is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located at 801 Kitchawan Road (Route 134, between Taconic Parkway and Route 100) in Ossining (border of Yorktown). A dress rehearsal with leads and orchestra is scheduled for March 1, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Ossining United Methodist Church.

For more information, contact divamaryc@aol.com or call (914) 649-1826.

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.

Hessler inducted into senior Hall of Fame Charles Hessler, 93 years young, a lifelong resident of the Village of Mamaroneck and former owner of J.D. Brophy Inc. in Harrison, has been chosen to be inducted into Westchester County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for his contributions toward his community over his lifetime.

Westchester County Executive, Robert P. Astorino will be presenting the awards to all being honored on Dec. 3. (Submitted)

November 16, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 5 ZONING from page 1

Q: What does it mean to have a non-conforming lot?

A: A non-conforming lot is a property which is no longer compliant after zoning codes are changed. Non-conforming lots are ‘grandfathered in,’ meaning simply they can continue to exist even though the regulations have changed. In essence, this would allow existing residential properties to stay within their current 5,000 square foot lot size.

Although the term ‘grandfather in’ is not actually stated, according to the village code [Ch. 235, Article IX] structures that do not meet the newly adopted lot requirements are limited in their ability to expand, enlarge, extend, reconstruct, alter or restore their property unless to conform to the existing code or through approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Any significant work may mean that the property must be brought “up to code” before permits could be approved, unless a variance is received.

Q: Can the owner of a two-family house ever get to rebuild another two-family house on their lot? And if they rebuild, will they have to make it a one-family house with the new proposal?

A: Currently within the B zone, both twofamily and single-family residential developments are permissible on (“50x100”) 5,000 square-foot property lots. According to a proposal raised by Mayor Ron Belmont in a column published earlier this year, this could

change to 6,000 square foot property lots. Yet, within the current draft of the Master Plan, consultants with BFJ Planning have suggested changing the individual square footage allowable per an individual two-family unit to 3,500 square feet, totaling 7,000 square feet.

By increasing or “up-zoning” the current lot size from 5,000 square feet to 6,000 – 7,000 square feet, the code would restrict a resident’s ability to rebuild on the property, unless the construction conforms to the new requirements.

Q: What if I wanted to change my already existing two-family residence under the new regulations? Would this be permissible?

A: No. Although the lots would be nonconforming and could remain at the prior zoning regulations, the change would restrict a resident’s ability to expand or tear down from the already existing property.

According to Mary McElroy, a sales associate with William Raveis, in order to approve any extensions onto the existing property, the resident would need a variance.

“If the town changes how wide a property can be...you can’t build on the property anymore,” McElroy said. “In order to get a variance, the owner would need to certify letters to all neighbors in the area around the property.”

McElroy concluded this is a very complex and time-consuming process.

Q: Does this apply to properties within other two-family “B” zones or just those in the downtown area?

A: The change, if approved, would apply to all two-family zones including those in the two-family residential zone near Silver Lake in West Harrison.

Q: Will the zoning regulations affect my taxes?

A: If approved, there is a strong probability new residences [6,000 – 7,000 square foot lots] will be built and those homes could affect taxes. However, it is still uncertain if it will have an increasing or decreasing effect.

According to Vince Ferrandino, a certified planner and Principal consultant of Ferrandino & Associates Inc. in Elmsford, by decreasing the residential density, it is possible the property owner would pay less in property taxes.

“This may or may not be offset by the number of families with kids in school,” Ferrandino said. “This could serve as a method of balancing out property taxes.”

Q: Will this affect the value of my residence?

A: This is difficult to predict one way or the other and there are certainly varying viewpoints. Property values are determined by demand, of course, and demand is dictated by many factors. Those in support of the change could argue the change could bring a higher aesthetic value to the B-Zone which could

lead to higher values.

The factor of what new development, if any, the zoning changes brings into the neighborhoods affected.

According to Fremont Street resident Emil Toso, the change will affect taxes negatively.

Toso feels that the change in lot requirements will make property more difficult to sell and result in lost value that could cost as much as $70,000.

“Some mortgaged properties may now find themselves underwater and unable to be refinanced,” said Toso in an email regarding the zoning proposal. “And some owners may be asked by their lender to pay down their mortgage debt.”

Apart from Toso’s viewpoint, the valuation is a difficult question that varies on numerous factors that could potentially alter the value of a resident’s home.

Although several proposals have been buzzing around town, nothing is set in stone.

Residents are reminded that the draft Master Plan is not necessarily all-inclusive and contains recommendations from planning consultants that must meet the consent of the Town Council.

A public hearing on the 2012 draft Master Plan for the Town/Village of Harrison will be held in the municipal offices at 1 Heineman Place on Nov. 14.

6 • THE HARRISON REPORT • November 16, 2012 SANDY from page 1

highest elected officials—the most prominent being Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. The goal was to communicate crucial information in preparation of the storm, during its height and in the aftermath.

Diana Costello, communications specialist for County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, said before Sandy hit, county officials met to discuss ways to communicate with the public. “We knew that information was going to be critical to people in dealing with preparing for Sandy,” said Costello, who handled most of the tweets for Westchester government. “We tweeted even before it hit.”

Through Twitter handles like @westchestergov and @robastorino, the county updated residents on the power situation and where to go for help in a way never seen before.

“We really made a very concerted effort from the start to use social media as one of our main means of communication,” she said.

“The response was tremendous. The more we realized people were really paying attention the more we knew it was right to do.”

Port Chester Mayor Dennis Pilla, a Democrat, said social media was very powerful amid Sandy and that the tool was shown to be particularly handy during the severe power outages. At the height of the hurricane, 9,000 Port Chester households lost power out of 179,000 total Westchester residents, and more than 2 million statewide. “You may not know [without social media] that there are still one or two houses without power on a block,” the

mayor said.

Platforms like Twitter were also helpful for residents to use as a means to finding fuel, or the shortest lines for it.

On Nov. 5, New Rochelle’s Sara Doolan, 23, tweeted that Costco off of Main Street in New Rochelle had gas and short lines. “Some of my friends texted me to let me know they had gone and gotten gas,” she said. “They didn’t even know Costco sold gas.”

Lines for fuel were so crippling in the weeks following the storm that gridlock was seen throughout the county. Eric Yi of Larchmont said through Twitter he learned to avoid certain roads because of gas traffic. “I had to avoid Mamaroneck Avenue altogether when trying to get to I-95 for work,” said Yi, 24. “I saw lots of people attempting to assist each other and coordinate [through social media] where gas was available during the shortage.”

Doolan learned that gas was easier to come by in Connecticut, thanks to Twitter. She was able to fill up her tank over the state line without having to wait for hours.

Communications efforts were just as crucial for local municipalities in their response to the storm.

In Rye, the city utilized its Nixle notification system, reaching 2,800 of its residents.

The system provides access to emergency information, road closures or advisory information and is linked to the city and schools list serve, city website, Rye TV, and sent to local media. “The messages did get viral,” said Rye

Mayor Doug French.

However, the city does not have an official social media component. French, a Republican, has his own Twitter account, @mayor10580, but it lacks the amount of followers needed to spread information efficiently, he said.

French said the city is looking into setting up a city social media component to include an official Twitter account for Rye. “Potentially a Facebook and Twitter account to disseminate information,” French said.

Between Oct. 27 and Oct. 30, tweets mentioning the Red Cross increased 30-fold.

Additionally, the usage of Twitter by people in New York City peaked on Oct. 29 at roughly 9 p.m., more than doubling the usage from the previous two days. In the week following the storm, mention of the word “donate” was at a 180-day peak and the phrase “donate blood” was at a 365-day peak, according to Twitter.

Even numerous nonprofits took to social media to access their local communities for shelter and donations. The Rye YMCA, which is located along the Blind Brook, typically suffers from flooding and power outages during a storm of any significance. But since flooding that occurred in Rye was limited to coastal areas, the Rye Y maintained its power and was in a rare position to lend a helping hand.

“This was a first for us,” said Gregg Howells, executive director of the Rye YMCA. Through the likes of Twitter, Facebook and email blasts, the Y invited residents to shower, recharge cellphones, grab a cup of coffee or access WIFI. Lisa Tidball, media coordinator for the Rye

Y, said it is hard to know how effective Twitter was during the storm, but the overall response was so overwhelming that the Y had to double its WiFi usage due to demand. “It is the first time we used Twitter to invite people in,” she said. “In the past, we had to use it to communicate to people that the facility was closed.”

Port Chester Mayor Pilla said oftentimes, like in situations such as excessive power outages, going door to door to notify residents is ineffective. Instead, he said he used social media to communicate essential information, such as where to get dry ice and the hours of operation of local shelters.

Using a combination of social media, email notifications and the schools list serve improves the reach, he said. “People are used to getting information at their fingertips,” Pilla said. “They want to know quickly as possible what is going on.”

During Sandy, it was practically all that the county’s Costello did. She said anything that came into her email inbox or by phone was quickly sent back out via a tweet. “Anything coming into the communications office, I was thinking how I could put it out on Twitter in 140 characters,” she said. “That was it for us during Sandy.”

County Executive Astorino tweeted a few hundred times before, during and after the hurricane. By comparison, Astorino sent out only 67 tweets during Tropical Storm Irene.

As for the county executive’s Twitter page, Costello said he does do some of his own tweeting. However, during Sandy, she joked “he definitely had folks helping him out.”

Harrison making headway with Sandy cleanup As I continue to monitor the clean up efforts after the storm, this week’s column will be brief. I hope that you and your family have endured the effects of Hurricane Sandy without too much damage or inconvenience. Thank you for HARRISON your patience as our town personnel continues to address HAPPENINGS minor repairs and debris cleanup in several neighborhoods.

Mayor Ron Belmont Our Department of Public Works, EMS, police department and fire departments worked long hours in an effort insure the safety of our residents and should be commended for their dedication. Unfortunately, our community suffered substantial power outages and lost many large trees, resulting in downed wires and significant property damage.

Many Harrison residents were and continue to be affected by Hurricane Sandy. Con Ed is currently in the process of fully restoring our entire community. I feel that they are doing a commendable job, as their response to many service calls exhibited professionalism and understanding.

The magnitude of this storm was unprecedented and it was very difficult to predict the damage that would result. In the aftermath, many town employees were checking on residents, making sure that those in need were helped to hospitals and shelters. All of Harrison’s emergency responders and Town officials were involved in the response and recovery taking place during and after the hurricane. I was in frequent contact with Con Ed, each day, often times expressing my frustration at the number of Co Ed reps in our area and the time it was taking to restore power. I was repeatedly assured that they were addressing the problems in a systematic and well coordinated fashion. As indicated by Harrison’s Con Ed liaison, our entire community, for the most part, was fully restored by Sunday, Nov. 11.

Again, I would like to thank all residents for their patience and understanding as Harrison continues to rebuild and repair. As we work together, we will continue to return to normalcy and our community will flourish, I will be updating you on our progress and your continued patience and cooperation will be greatly appreciated during this time.

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November 16, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 7

Holocaust survivor gears up for 100th birthday

By ASHLEY HELMS STAFF REPORTER ashley@hometwn.com

In the quiet Eastchester home of Ina and Jack Polack, an antique grandfather clock above the front door rings out to signal the onset of 4 p.m. Mr. Polak, who will turn 100 on New Year’s Eve, is younger than the clock by a few decades.

“My parents got it when they got married in 1917,” Mrs. Polak said. “It was a gift from my father’s grandmother.”

Their household furniture also tells an old tale. When the German army sent the Jewish Dutch to labor camps during World War II, Mrs. Polak said the Nazis would raid each house and send all possessions back to Germany. Somehow, they missed Mrs. Polak’s house and now all the furniture of her childhood lines her and Polak’s Eastchester home.

“When I returned to my Holland home, I couldn’t believe that the furniture was still there; it was all new then too,” Mrs. Polak said.

The Polaks’ love story is anything but ordinary. Shortly after meeting, they were both taken to the Westerbork transit camp where they secretly wrote love letters to each other behind the watchful eye of Mr. Polak’s wife at the time, Manja. A book and a movie have been made based on these letters, both entitled “Steal a Pencil For Me,” and Mrs. Polak said an opera has also been in the works for more than two years.

The couple will soon be celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary and Polak is getting ready to commemorate a century of life.

The Polak birthday party will be held in two parts: one celebration on Jan. 5, 2013 at the Shaarei Tikvah synagogue in Scarsdale, where Mr. Polak will be reading the same scripture he read at his bar mitzvah when he was 13. The event will also celebrate the Polaks’ wedding anniversary.

On Jan. 6, 2013 a reception will be held in New York City, which Mr. Polak said will be attended by over 300 people. “I have friends from all over the world who are going to come,” he said.

“In every city in this country, I have read and told my story.”

Also on Jan. 6, Mrs. Polak said her two great-granddaughters will be turning 3, so it’ll be a celebration for them as well.

Catherine Hicks, who played mother Annie Camden on the hit family drama “7th Heaven,” will be in attendance at the reception. “My daughter manages talent in Los Angeles and they all want to come,” Mrs. Polak said.

In the midst of all the celebrating, Mr. Polak said his religion has stayed very important to him and is one of the most important things that came out of the Holocaust for him. That’s why he has been an active member in his Synagogue, Mr. Polak said.

“After we were liberated I spent two weeks in cattle cars, every night people died and I had to carry out the dead bodies and bury them and say a special prayer,” Polak said. “Whenever I say the special prayer today, I cry.”

Polak stays healthy by reading as much as he can. The book shelves in his home are lined with thousands all books, he said.

According to Harriet Ross, editor of the book “Steal a Pencil For Me,” Mr. Polak was still playing tennis regularly when the book was written.

“At age 89, he continues to play his weekly game of tennis,” she stated in the book.

But Polak said living to see 100 all comes down to a little luck and the love of his wife and family.

“Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are a great group and they know what it’s like to be related to Holocaust survivors,” Polak said. “Our granddaughter is forgetting a little in this case, but all of them know how lucky it is to be alive.”

Ina and Jack Polak, who are Holocaust survivors, together in their Eastchester home on Oct. 24. They will soon be celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary and Polack will turn 100 on Dec. 31. Photo/Ashley Helms

8 • THE HARRISON REPORT • November 16, 2012

November 16, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 9

Shop Local: It’s a Charming Experience

By HOWARD STURMAN PUBLISHER

When people think of an enjoyable shopping experience, they usually don’t imagine cookie-cutter stores out of town. Shopping at locally owned businesses can be a lot more fun.

The ambiance of small, local shops is charming and quaint. The town storefronts and display windows each have a unique take on the holidays and special shopping events throughout the year, and it typically incorporates the distinct merchandise that the store sells. A trip inside the store is like being transported into another place.

Normally, locally owned shops are anything but ordinary. Unlike large chain stores out of town, the local shops are sometimes set inside historic buildings that have creaky wooden floors, ceilings with unique angles and enticing staircases leading to undiscovered treasures.

Dealing with the ‘Boss’ Instead of being ambushed by a pushy salesperson, the shopper is instead greeted by the jovial owner and sometimes by their friendly dog

or cat, as well.

The shopping experience itself can be a lot of fun. You get to interact more with the “boss” at small mom-and-pop shops, so you’re treated like a real person, rather than cattle herded through a chute. They encourage the shopper to take their time and meander through the store. While they are in business to earn money, they generally will not pressure the shopper to buy a lot of extra stuff or try to force them to sign up for a store credit card.

Local shops also frequently go that extra mile for their customers by doing things like gift wrapping and providing coffee or donuts at no additional charge.

Passion for Business The owners of local shops are in business because they love it. It’s a passion for them. It’s not just a step on the career ladder, so you often find people who are experts at their particular type of store.

They buy the products that they feel will best represent their vision of the store, instead of having to answer to a corporation.

Because they work directly with the artisans and suppliers, the owners are usually very knowledgeable about the wares that they sell. They know how long it took the artisan to make an object, as well as all of the hard work they put forth. Items purchased in local shops can sometimes be a much higher quality than the mass produced items found at other stores.

High-quality merchandise is not only distinct, but it will also last much longer.

Shopping in the local stores often provides an opportunity for people to run into old friends or neighbors that they have not seen in a while.

They can mingle on the streets and catch up on the local gossip. The store owners get to know their customers, as well. It is a family atmosphere.

To encourage shoppers to patronize the local stores, many towns will make street parking free and put on events that are sure to draw a crowd. It’s part of this unique feeling that makes shopping so enjoyable when you spend your time and money close to home.

10 • THE HARRISON REPORT • November 16, 2012

Harrison honors local veterans with parade, ceremony

Ellie Gilmore, 4, waves the American flag as the parade marches up Underhill Avenue in West Harrison.

A West Harrison veteran looks at the Honor Roll in remembrance of those who served in overseas wars.

By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com

Harbor this December. The band, which was selected to represent New York, will be flying out to the Hawaiian naval base in less than a month for the 50th anniversary of the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.

After the procession, U.S. Army General Evo Riguzzi recounted his recent visit to the historic battlegrounds in Normandy in the south of France in order to pay tribute to those who gave their lives on D-Day as part of the effort to topple the Nazi regime.

For Riguzzi, Veterans Day honors not only the past but the present. “Today, we honor all our veterans who sacrifice their lives to make this country safe,” Riguzzi said as he turned to three young men in uniform. “We are proud of you guys and thank you for your service as marines.”

For West Harrison resident Jim McShane, Veterans Day has always meant something much greater than ceremonies and congratulatory remarks. Drafted into the United States Army second division, McShane, 83, spent a year and a half in Germany during the time of the Iron Curtain, when the Soviet threat cast a pall on foreign relations.

“It is a very big day for us [veterans],” McShane said. “It’s a time for remembering our lost friends.”

On Nov. 11, Underhill Avenue was closed off as members of West Harrison’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 5463 marched toward the Honor Roll monument at the center of Lake Street. Although the parade is not as widely at-

tended as Harrison’s Memorial and Columbus Day festivities, residents came out of their homes to watch and cheer as veterans, town council members, firefighters from the West Harrison and Purchase departments and the Harrison High School Marching band walked past.

“We come out every year to see our daughter’s performance,” said Harrison High School parents Mike and Kristina Camillone.

“Unfortunately, the parade is generally not a big event.” Veterans Day festivities were once common, but Harrison is one of only a handful of communities in Westchester which still has a parade.

For the members of the Harrison High School band, the Veterans Day parade serves as their last big performance before their trip to Pearl

Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 5463 present wreaths commemorating those who have served in the military. Photos/Daniel Offner

November 16, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 11

The long overdue breakup letter I want to avoid the clichés in this letter. I don’t want to say “this is how it’s meant to be.” I don’t want to say “it’s better this way.” I’d hate to say “it’s not you, it’s me.”

LUNGARIELLO But I need to be honest, too: I just need time. I have a AT LARGE lot going on in my head and in my life and my career and Mark Lungariello I just need some space. It’s nothing you did wrong or did any differently than you had throughout our entire 30-year relationship. It’s nothing you can change, to be honest, nor should you. You are who you are, New York Jets, and deep down I’ll never love another football team like you. But I know it’s better for the both of us if we just go our separate ways.

I’ve been turning into a person I don’t want to be lately. I find myself yelling at the television every Sunday, like last weekend against the Seahawks when your quarterback barely threw for 100 yards and your best running back crawled for 50 yards on the day. I find myself getting angry at little things that I shouldn’t get mad about (“Why is Shonn Green’s name spelled ‘Shonn?’ Is that a typo?”) I laugh like a maniac at every sack of your quarterback and I shout out the seconds it takes for the offensive line to collapse. “One! Two! Three! Collapse!”

And then: “You see? I don’t care if you had David Bruce Banner under center, no one can be an effective QB under that kind of pressure!”

Sometimes, I don’t know what I’ll do to the remote control. I get so worked up and I take my frustrations out on that poor remote. I slam it into the couch cushions; I toss it aside into the throw pillows. I’ve just barely prevented myself from launching the control into the Sony flat screen, my pride and joy. Our relationship is taking a toll on the appliances around me. I’m becoming someone I’m not lately and I need time to find my old self again.

You may not know it yet, but you’ll be better off with someone who isn’t as negative as I am.

I stopped having fun long ago and I feel I’ve just been going through the motions. You deserve someone more forgiving than me. I still hold a grudge about drafting Ken O’Brien over Dan Marino in the 1983 NFL Draft.

There is a confession I have to make to you now that we’re discussing this like civilized adults. I don’t like Fireman Ed. Never did. I didn’t want to say anything because I knew how much he means to you.

He’s one of these guys that if I were actually at the stadium watching the game live, I’d yell out “down in front.” I must have missed this ceremony where the fans elected this guy to represent us as the face of people who like the Jets. I never like people at ballgames who think they have some orchestral power over the crowd, waving their arms like a conductor as if they have some type of authority. I feel bad for these people. I bet their mothers never hugged them.

Fireman Ed was probably one of those kids in class who would act up for attention. At work at the FDNY, he must have been passed over for a job or ignored by his peers. In the stands at the Meadowlands, he elevates himself to god status.

I’ll always remember the times we had, good and bad. You made me see things with new eyes, like when I suddenly liked Brett Favre for one season when you traded for him. You also taught me to hate him with renewed vigor when the malcontent forced you to trade him to Minnesota not even 12 months after Mike Bloomberg gave him the key to the city. I learned a lot from you about life: I remember the optimism of Vinny Testaverde’s first few years and the melancholy when Testaverde signed with the Patriots in 2006 and helped those jerks knock us out of the playoffs. I stayed loyal to you through the ups and downs. I remember that playoff game two long years ago, when we finally beat the Patriots in the playoffs and at Foxboro (that was almost enough to forgive getting knocked out in the championship game for the second year in a row). We were there for each other when things hurt the most, like in the 2004 AFC playoff game in Pittsburgh in which kicker Doug Brien missed two would-be game-winning field goals, in the fourth quarter and in overtime.

I haven’t always been the best fan I could be. Early in the seasons, I would watch baseball instead of your games. I could never support the bluster from Rex Ryan guaranteeing Super Bowls, then delivering toilet bowls. I never stood up for him to those Giants fans who would say he lacked class. Speaking of the Giants, I have another confession. I rooted for the Giants in those two Super Bowl wins in the last few years. “I’m just a New York fan,” I’d tell people.

I wished it was you there, but I hoped for the best for the Giants, too. You played for so many years in the Giants Stadium, but to me you were never second fiddle.

I have to admit: I rooted for the Buffalo Bills one season after I was frustrated with the way your ownership handled a potential relocation to the West Side of Manhattan, then decided to stay in the swamps of Jersey. I said I’m rooting for a real New York team in Buffalo. That lasted three weeks until you came up on the schedule. I couldn’t root for the Bills over you, you know that, and deep down I never meant you any harm.

I pray to Tim Tebow that we can still be friends. But if you can, knock a few bucks off the ticket prices first.

Reach Mark Lungariello at mark@hometwn.com

Follow us on Twitter @harrisonreport

Pet Rescue

Mama Maxwell is a slim orange/white lady with the silkiest coat, and was the proud Mom to three orange kittens – all of whom have been adopted. Maxwell, who currently resides in a foster home, would do best in a household where she is the only cat and gets all your attention. Maxwell is spayed, in excellent health and up to date with all vaccinations. The adoption donation for Maxwell is $75. If you are interested in adopting Maxwell, contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at (914) 834-6955 or visit NY-Petrescue.org.

12 • THE HARRISON REPORT • November 16, 2012

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BUDGET from page 1

tax levy increases affect a property owner’s potential tax bill, the shrinking assessment pool also means that from year to year, residents will see their portion of the tax levy shift up or down based on their assessed property value.

According to figures provided by the town assessor and comptroller, for a home valued at $250,000, taxes are expected to increase as much as $35.80 from last year.

Comparatively, residents with an estimated home value between $500,000 and $1 million can expect their property tax bills to inflate by as little as $71.60 to as much as $143.20.

An ongoing long-term concern in the town/village is growing longterm debt. Despite spending $5.8 million in debt services, the town still owes over $46 million plus interest for bonded capital expenses.

According to MacKenzie, the village indebtedness does not include bond resolutions issued this year. To date, the Town Council has already bonded more than an additional $3 million between the DPW and police department capital budget items. Although an additional $5.3 million in long-term debt came off the books this year, the town has sought to borrow an equal level of capital. Next year the town anticipates that an additional $4.4 million in long-term borrowed debt will come out of bonding.

Because the payroll is calculated on a biweekly basis, overtime pay for emergency services has not been updated, however, it is not expected to alter the totality of the tentative budget proposal.

The proposed tentative budget will be reviewed by members of the Town Council in a public hearing on Nov. 3. The council has until Dec. 20 to adopt a final spending plan for the 2013 fiscal year. If they fail to do so, the tentative budget for 2013 will take effect.

November 16, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 13

L etters Learning from Hurricane Sandy

Larchmont resident praises hospital service

To the Editor, We must rethink how we can survive/work with hostile weather.

The water pumping system in the 108-year-old New York City subway system must be upgraded.

Barriers must be erected to stop the water surge from the Atlantic Ocean and protect the subway system, road tunnels, La Guardia Airport, public buildings, Battery Park, etc.

Although trees along roads and right of ways are nice, they do not mix with power lines.

Further, it may be necessary to put power lines under ground. Also, underground transformers must be sealed from water. Of course, all of this effort would be eliminated if all buildings, hospitals, schools, public facilities, industrial facilities, homes etc., had their own power source.

The power source would not be the standard electric generator but the more useful and powerful fuel cell. I am talking about the hydrogen fuel cell. This would eliminate our dependency on the power grid and the subsequent loss of power.

I believe the use of the hydrogen fuel cell to replace the power grid would eliminate what we have seen as a result of the powerful Hurricane Sandy. There would be no disruption to heat, light and flow of gasoline to operate our cars, busses, trucks, etc. Hydrogen fuel cells have been available for some time. Of course, the extensive use of hydrogen fuels will require recharging facilities – both stationary and mobile. The mobile facilities to recharge homes, hospitals, schools, buildings both public and private This transformation will require full cooperation by government, industry and we, the people.

To the Editor, My husband was in White Plains Hospital many times over the last three years. The doctors and nurses in the emergency room were quick to respond and helped him get through a number of critical episodes. When he was admitted to his room on the third and fourth floors, the nurses, aids and hospital doctors took such good care of him. They all were like family and provided the best care in the world.

I would like to thank the doctors that took care of my husband: Dr. Marianne Monahan, Dr. Carol Lederman, Dr. Seth Leven, and Dr. Neil Shapiro for the wonderful care. I would also like to thank Mary Beth Schmidt, chaplain and Father Gus from Pastoral Care. Hospice at Calvary was there for him to the very end – God bless them all.

Carmine Masucci, Eastchester

Senator-elect grateful for support To the Editor, I’d like to thank the voters of the many communities served by the Home Town Media Group [the parent company of this newspaper] for their support in Tuesday’s election. I have been honored to serve as the Sound Shore’s state assemblyman for the past eight years, and I appreciate the chance to serve as your state senator in a larger portion of Westchester for the next two years. I promise to work hard, listen to your ideas and opinions, and represent your concerns and feelings in Albany to the best of my ability.

Whether you voted for me or not, I thank all those who did vote–this is one more reason why our country is a good, as well as great, nation.

George Latimer, Rye

Marie Kirms, Larchmont

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Preston students honor veterans

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.

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CONTRIBUTORS: Alexandra Bogdanovic, Jason Chirevas, Christian Falcone, Ashley Helms POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Harrison Report, c/o HomeTown Media Group, 200 William St., Port Chester, N.Y. 10573

On Nov. 9, local veterans visited Samuel J. Preston Elementary School and spoke with students.

Members of Samuel J. Preston Elementary School’s Green Key Service Club spent the week honoring local veterans in the Harrison community. At the Veterans Day Breakfast on Nov. 9, local veterans Ben DeFonce, Neil Shofi and Mike Masciola joined the Preston students for a breakfast of donuts and cof-

fee that honored them for their service to the country.

In years past, students participated in a musical tribute to veterans. This year, the Green Key Service Club created cards of remembrance and well wishes to honor all veterans in Harrison. (Submitted)

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14 • THE HARRISON REPORT • November 16, 2012

Westchester kids have “alternative” Halloween

With Halloween canceled or postponed in many towns, many families visited malls so that their children were able to trick or treat. Contributed photos

Due to the impacts of Hurricane Sandy, many youngsters in Westchester were not able to partake in traditional Halloween activities such as trick or treating. However, as an alternative to going door-to-door, many parents brought their children–dressed up in their costumes–to locales such as the Westchester Mall so that they would be able to safely celebrate the holiday with ample electricity.

Many families spent Halloween at the Westchester Mall on Halloween trick or treating, as their towns postponed Halloween due to Hurricane Sandy.

SPORTS

Huskies close out great fall for field hockey

By MIKE SMITH ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR sports@hometwn.com

For Harrison field hockey coach Sara Gonzalez, the 2012 season was not only the best showing a team has put together during her time at the helm of the Huskies program, but could potentially be a sign of things to come. With a 10-4-4 record and an appearance in the Class B semifinals where Harrison lost to Putnam Valley on Nov. 6, the Huskies program proved that it could play with the perennial powers in the Section I landscape. Now, the squad will just have to prove that this year’s showing wasn’t just a one-time thing.

Much of Harrison’s success this year was predicated on the play of their senior class, a core group that has been together for years playing under Gonzalez’s tutelage. In 2012, the Huskies seniors’ efforts paid off with Harrison’s best record in over 10 years.

“I think the senior class really worked hard throughout the years to improve their skills,” said Gonzalez. “They are a very passionate bunch.”

Unfortunately for the Huskies, many key players–including leading scorer Michelle LoGuidice–won’t be around to help the Huskies repeat their 2012 performance, as the

team will bid adieu to 10 seniors in total, nine of whom were starters.

“Obviously, Michelle is hard to replace,” said Gonzalez. “But we are losing a lot, including a defensive group that played very well for us.”

Returning standouts include players like junior Michelle DiLeo, whom Gonzalez expects to have a big impact on the future of the program.

“Michelle has been on the team since she was a freshman, so she’s seen a lot of different versions of leadership,” said Gonzalez. “She should have an idea of how to be a leader for the younger girls next year.”

Overall, said Gonzalez, the success that Harrison had this year should be a definite boost to the program, as the team hopes to establish itself as a contender for semifinals each year. In fact, Gonzalez has already noticed a buzz about next season that has her optimistic for the future of the program.

“We’re going to have a winter team, we play together in the summer,” said the head coach.

“The girls have already been talking about different opportunities to play in the offseason, and I’ve already gotten more output from them than I ever have. I think they’ve reached that part where it’s not just a small group of girls looking to get better.”

Kaitlyn Talibon fights a Rye defender for a ball on Oct. 18. This year was a banner year for the Huskies, who won 10 games and advanced to the Class B semifinals. Photo/Mike Smith

SPORTS

November 16, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 15

Top storylines from sectional week New Rochelle’s turnaround It’s a relatively common trope in sports: a struggling team calls a players only meeting to discuss what it needs to do to turn things around then see its fortunes turn around in the following weeks. The only thing is, the Huguenots were never really struggling. It took just one loss–a fourth-quarter collapse against North Bergen–for the Huguenots’ leaders to convene a meeting to hash out whatever problems the team was facing to that point.

Head coach Lou DiRienzo said that prior to the meeting, there had been some infighting in the locker room, but whatever was said behind closed doors seems have done the trick. The Huguenots offense has kicked into high gear in the three games since the regular season finale, putting up 93 points in postseason play. Now, the Huguenots are just one game away from a trip to Syracuse.

Mamaroneck’s playoffs Roughly an hour and a half before Mamaroneck was set to play Suffern in the Class A field hockey finals, I caught up with Tigers coach John Savage and asked him offhandedly if his team was ready for the task ahead. Savage, no stranger to title games simply said, “It’s the championship game. Anything can happen.” And it did.

Mamaroneck went into the finals with the clear advantage on paper. They owned a 2-0 regular season win over Suffern, were red hot in the playoffs and playing on their home turf. Throw in the fact that this assemblage of girls was one of the most talented teams Savage has coached and it looked to be a recipe for a Mamaroneck win. Only Suffern was able to battle back from a 1-0 deficit to win the game in overtime.

Jason Ceneus makes a move against Pine Bush. Head coach Lou DiRienzo says that his offensive standouts, Ceneus included, have begun to break big plays in recent weeks.

one, has been able to get past whatever fatigue it may have felt from playing games on backto-back days, winning a section title on Nov. 9 before beating Pine Plains in the regional semis the following day.

Bronxville playing on short rest With Hurricane Sandy and Nor’easter Athena rocking the Section I playoff schedule, some area teams have been adversely affected in terms of squeezing games in. But Bronxville, for

Tuckahoe’s rushing attack As far as Class D schools go, Tuckahoe has emerged as a big, physical contender–if not on the offensive line, then certainly in the backfield. Against Chester on Nov. 10, the Tigers rode running backs Nick Reisman and Kayvon Reid, who were able to wear down the Hambletonian defense with tough running both around the ends and between the tackles. If Rensselaer, which takes on the Tigers on Nov. 16, isn’t willing to mix it up with Tuckahoe’s backfield, it could be a long day for the Tigers’ opponents.

Hannah Fitzgerald brings the ball upfield against Suffern on Nov. 8. Fitzgerald would score Mamaroneck’s lone goal on the day. Photos/Bobby Begun

New Rochelle’s Joe Clarke hauls in a touchdown pass on Nov. 10. The Huguenots offense has been rolling since the team’s loss to North Bergen on Oct. 24.

16 • THE HARRISON REPORT • November 16, 2012