April 15, 2016

Eastchester REVIEW THE

April 15, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 16 | www.eastchesterreview.com

Eastchester headed toward 5-year deal for Scout Field

YET ANOTHER DEAL

By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer

A revised agreement to hand over the operations of Rye Playland to Standard Amusements is set to slash $26 million in proposed county-funded projects, if approved.

For story, see page 7. File photo

Nonprofits feeling effects of Westchester County budget cuts

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Months after the passage of the 2016 Westchester County budget that solidified significant cuts to nonprofit organizations across the county, some organizations—including those that provide crucial public services—are already feeling the pinch.

According to Laura Schwartz, the executive director of April’s Child, an organization that provides social services to abuseprone children and families across the county, her organization has been among the hardest hit.

“We’re feeling the pain right now,” she said. “We’ve lost a lot of money.”

Schwartz said that the recent

cuts to her organization have been the largest slash in governmental funding she’s seen in her 23-year tenure at April’s Child, headquartered in White Plains. The entirety of a previous $204,000 social services contract between April’s Child and the county, she explained, has completely disappeared.

The results have been substantial reductions in both the organization’s full-time staff and the breadth of services it’s able to provide to county residents, she said.

According to Schwartz, since the cuts were made, April’s Child has been forced to lay off three of its four full-time staff members. And now, with the executive director being the only full-time staffer, the orga-

nization employs three part-time staffers in their place.

“The impact, financially to the agency, was mitigated by three people losing their jobs,” Schwartz added. “But you’re putting three people on unemployment who maybe can’t afford their rent.”

More importantly, Schwartz said, some of the families that her organization services can no longer receive help as a result of the county’s budget sequestration; even despite restoration of 75 percent of the proposed cuts during last-minute budget deliberations.

Since January, April’s Child has been forced to reduce the number of people in its care by about 90 adults and 170 children, Schwartz said, marking

an approximately 50 percent decrease in the overall number of clients it serves.

But April’s Child hasn’t been the only organization feeling an impact.

According to Joanna Straub, the executive director of Nonprofit Westchester, a coalition of nonprofits across Westchester County, others have borne similar burdens.

“I touched base with a couple of the organizations that were affected by the cuts,” Straub told the Review. “All are still in operation, but those who suffered the most serious cuts have completely closed the affected programs, laid off staff and reduced staff hours.”

BUDGET continued on page 7

Westchester County and the town of Eastchester have been renewing annual license agreements to jointly maintain and refurbish Scout Field since 2013, but now, Eastchester plans to claim long-term responsibility of the park.

A vote to authorize Town Supervisor Anthony Colavita, a Republican, to execute an intermunicipal agreement, IMA, with the county to manage Scout Field on Midland Avenue in the village of Bronxville was unanimously passed during an Eastchester Town Council meeting held on Tuesday, April 5.

“The field is in dire need of work,” Colavita said, “and this project is long overdue.”

The IMA, which will cost the town a nominal fee, is another move toward overhauling the parks in Eastchester and its encompassing villages, which most recently included the reopening of Parkway Oval Field’s baseball diamond in Tuckahoe.

Although the town had proposed a long-term deal for Scout Field at least twice before, the county did not sign the agreement, Colavita said. “The county attorney advised us that this time the agreement will go through right away,” he added, estimating that the deal should be executed by the end of April.

The deal would put Eastchester in charge of maintenance of upper Scout Field in addition to the lower field, for which it is already responsible.

The agreement tasks the county with installing water and irrigation systems, leveling

INSIDE

the field for safe play and laying new grass across the field.

Eastchester, in turn, will pave the parking lot and driveway area, install fencing, and furnish the field with benches, bleachers, scoreboards, trash cans and similar items.

Colavita said that Eastchester’s contributions would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The agreement does not include maintenance or renovations to the Boy Scouts cabin on the grounds of the field.

The town will be accountable for field maintenance for five years and has the right to extend the deal for an additional five years.

According to Colavita, the county has the right to terminate the agreement at any time. However, if the term is cut short, the county must prorate its fee.

Eastchester and Bronxville will enter into a sub-IMA, which leaves the village responsible, in part, for field maintenance duties, including trash collection.

Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin, a Republican, called the agreement “a great collaboration between the county, the town and the village,” adding that the deal is an example of government working at its best.

Colavita said he hopes the field will be playable by spring 2017.

Next year, the Bronxville school district is expected to dig up its current athletic venue on the high school campus, Hayes Field, to lay subterranean plumbing as part of its flood mitigation plans. The project,

Westchester lawmakers target Islamophobia Story on page 3.

FIELD continued on page 9

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April 15, 2016 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • 3

County considers Islamophobia resolution

Members of the Westchester Coalition against Islamophobia have contacted county lawmakers to propose a resolution to combat the discrimination of Muslim residents. Pictured is the Westchester Muslim Center in Mount Vernon, New York. Photo courtesy WestchesterMuslim.org

By SIBYLLA ChIPAZIwA Editorial Assistant With Islam once again thrust into the spotlight due to the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels and San Bernardino, California, the climate of fear has worsened and discrimination against Muslims has been on the rise nationwide.

This discrimination has spurred members of the Westchester Coalition against Islamophobia, WCAI—a local, grassroots organization consisting of both Muslim and non-Muslim members that focuses on public policy and civil rights—to alert county lawmakers to the hate and rhetoric that Muslims face and urge them to have something in place to ensure not just the safety of followers of Islam, but of all county residents, no matter their background.

WCAI came about in August 2012 in response, among other things, to Pamela Geller and her American Freedom Defense Initiative’s Islamophobic ads that could be seen on Metro-North platforms.

On March 29, the Public Safety and Social Services Committee of the county Board of Legislators discussed a drafted, proposed Islamophobia resolution co-sponsored by county legislators Alfreda Williams, a Greenburgh Democrat, and Ben Boykin, a White Plains Democrat. The meeting, which was jointly held with the county’s Minority Affairs Task Force, heard testimony from WCAI members on the need for such a resolution.

“Ever since 9/11 actually,

there have been indications that this is something that needs to be dealt with,” Williams said.

The draft resolution states that threats posed by Islamophobia are threats against the “American values of religious freedom and cultural diversity” in the county and the U.S., and that a commitment to ensuring the safety and civil rights of both Muslim and non-Muslim residents should be reaffirmed. The draft also calls for the Westchester community to stand with Muslim residents against all forms of Islamophobia.

Priscilla Read, president of WCAI, mentioned recent legislation in Syracuse and Albany that stands with Muslim residents against Islamophobia, and that the recent surge in violence against Muslims—though not seen in Westchester—is a deep concern.

One such concern is how Islamophobia could affect Muslim children in the future.

Nada Khaliseh, a mother of three who teaches Islam, spoke of children in her classes telling her stories of being harassed at school. “Telling a kid that he’s a terrorist constantly—because that’s what they hear in the media—is really not pleasant at all and it’s going to affect them somehow,” she said. “I really worry about that…. It may be as a joke, but it does hurt. It does have consequences.”

Dr. Yasser Alsafadi, a board member of the Upper Westchester Muslim Society, based in Thornwood, shared what his community has faced, especially over the last six months. He said

that mothers and children are afraid to go out alone, even to go shopping. Children have been harassed and bullied at school, and many face verbal harassment in public and at work.

“The tragedy is that our community feels unempowered, they feel weak and discouraged… but they don’t report [incidents] to the authorities,” Alsafadi said.

The FBI’s latest hate crime statistics show that during 2014, religious bias made up almost 19 percent of reported crimes, and while anti-Semitism bears the brunt of discrimination at almost 57 percent, Islamophobia was just over 16 percent.

Alsafadi added that people are still afraid despite knowing how to report hate crimes, especially due to recent comments made by Republican presidential candidates Ted Cruz and Donald Trump. Khaliseh said that the media does not help decrease Islamophobia, either.

Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat and member of the Public Safety and Social Services Committee, said the discourse on Islam has been “disappointing, to say the least.”

“We need to fight for this,” he said. “This is not something that comes easy… and perhaps that when it’s tougher, it’s more valuable.”

Ned McCormack, communications director for the county executive’s office, said that the administration cannot comment on the resolution until it’s been finalized.

CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com

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What’s going on...

Eastchester Public Library

their own LEGO masterpiece on Wednesday, April 20 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Children’s Room.

This month’s theme is wacky buildings. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Thursday matinee

Toddler story time Toddlers ages 24 to 36 months are welcome to the library on Thursday, April 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for story time. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required. All children should be supervised by a caretaker. For more information, contact Teresa Chang at 721-8105 or by email at tchang@ wlsmail.org.

Board game afternoon Children and teens in fourth grade and up are welcome to the library on Thursday, April 21 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for an afternoon of board games. This drop-off program welcomes children to bring their own games or play the ones the library will provide. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is suggested but not required. For more information or to register for the program, contact Elizabeth Portillo at 793-5055 or by email at eportillo@wlsmail.org.

Bronxville Public Library

Tots of Fun The library will host a Tots of Fun playdate for toddlers age 2 on Wednesday, April 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., using the library’s tunnels, scarves and instruments. The program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

LEGO club Children ages 4 and up are welcome to build

The library will be screening the Oscar series version of “Cinderella” on Thursday, April 21 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. When her father unexpectedly passes away, young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her scheming step-sisters. Never one to give up hope, Ella’s fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger. Rated PG-13; running time: 105 minutes.

This screening is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Preschool storycraft A storytime program appropriate for children ages 3 and up will be held on Thursday, April 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The program will include themed stories, followed by a craft project. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Eastchester Recreation Department Eastchester Soccer Youth Association registration Let your child join the fun. Register now for the ESYA’s spring 2016 season. Visit sportssignup. com/eastchester.start or eysoccer.com for additional information and for online registration.

Eastchester Blue Devils lacrosse Registration for the 2016 Eastchester Blue Devils’ spring lacrosse is now open for boys and girls grades three to eight. Registrations for boys and girls grades K-2 is currently underway. For more information, contact Neill Kelly at kelly.ebdlax@ gmail.com. To register, visit bluedevilslax.com.

The Bronxville Women’s Club Midland Concert Series “Fantasies Through the Years” is the theme for the Saturday, April 16 concert on the Midland Music Series beginning at 7:30 p.m., at The Bronxville Women’s Club, 135 Midland Ave. in Bronxville. Pianist Oxana Mikhailoff will perform fantasies by Mozart,

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Schubert and Schumann. Tickets will be available at the door; there is a discount for tickets reserved before the concert. BWC members: $15/$18; general public: $20/$25; seniors: $18/$22; students: $5. If concertgoers wish, they may enjoy dinner at the BWC at 6 p.m. before the concert. For more information and reservations, call 337-3252 or visit bronxvillewomensclub.org.

Bike-a-Thon Everyone is invited to participate in The Bronxville Women’s Club’s Bike-a-Thon on Sunday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The route will take the participants from The Bronxville Women’s Club, 135 Midland Ave. in Bronxville, to the Butterfly Garden in Eastchester and back to the BWC. There will also be a photo scavenger hunt. Families can ride a bike or stroll, enjoying the beautiful gardens and spring flowers. Registration on April 17 will be $30 for one person and $60 for a family. Proceeds will go toward the new patio doors to the sunken patio in the Patio Room. For more information and to register, call 337-3252 or visit bronxvillewomensclub.org.

Woman of the Year fundraiser The public is invited to attend the annual “Woman of the Year” and “Distinguished Community Service Award” evening at the Bronxville Women’s Club on Sunday, April 24 at 5 p.m. The evening will be a wine social with plentiful hors d’oeurves, dessert and coffee following the ceremony. Bronxville resident Dee Sorensen will be awarded Woman of the Year and Margaret and Anthony Colavita from Eastchester will receive the Distinguished Community Service Award. The evening will be catered by Sheldon Party Services.

For more information and reservations, call 3373252 or visit bronxvillewomensclub.org.

Literature Section guest speaker The Literature Section of the Bronxville Women’s Club is pleased to announce that Ray Geselbracht, a retired archivest, will be its guest on Thursday, April 28 at 1:30 p.m. Geselbracht worked at the historical Truman Library in Missouri, the National Archives in Washington, District of Columbia., and he was the Special Assistant to the Director in Hyde Park, New York. For more information, call 337-3252 or visit bronxvillewomensclub.org.

Eastchester High School Players Club Spring musical The Eastchester High School Players Club will perform their spring musical, Kanter and Ebb’s “Curtains” from Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 17, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets to the musical, which is a combination of a comedy and a mystery, will cost $12 for adults and $8 for students and children. For more information or to purchase tickets to the show, call 793-6130 ext. 4477.

Sarah Lawrence College ‘Hudson River Through The Arts’ series Sarah Lawrence College will be hosting a “Hudson River Through the Arts” series, containing performances by students about the Hudson Valley. The first performance, called “How to Hug a Tree,” will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 2 p.m. at The Center for the Urban River, located at 35 Alexander St. in Yonkers, and will be presented by the college’s Theatre Outreach program. The musical aims to teach children about the importance of the environment and values like loyalty, bravery and ethics. Tickets to this performance are free and open to the public. For more information, call 395-2412, visit sarahlawrence.edu or email collegevents@sarahlawrence.edu.

Village Lutheran Church Prayer service Village Lutheran Church’s next monthly sevice of prayer for healing will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Village Lutheran Church, located at 172 White Plains Road in Bronxville.

For more information about the service, call 3370207 or visit vlc-ny.org.

Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.

New to the Review Corey Stockton has joined the Review as its latest staff writer.

Stockton is a graduate of the University at Albany, where received a B.A. in English in 2013. As a freelance reporter, he produced articles for the Albany Times Union. After living in Albany for

Corey Stockton

six years, he returned to his hometown of Yorktown, New York, where he currently lives.

Stockton spends his free time practicing, teaching and blogging about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

He can be reached at 653-1000 ext. 16, or by email at corey@hometwn.com.

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April 15, 2016 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • 5

Bronxville students volunteer at Habitat for Humanity

The club plans on volunteering again in April to help build a home in the area and raise money for the organization through an egg hunt. Photos courtesy the Bronxville Union Free School District.

Fifteen members of the Bronxville High School Habitat for Humanity Club and their advisors, Chris Doyle and Zhanna Cabrera, volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity store in New Rochelle on March 6 to restore the building and organize various items brought into the store.

“It feels terrific to help a community in need, especially one that is so close to ours,” ninth-grader Kirsten Ircha said. “We are so fortunate, and that is why it is important to give back.”

The students unloaded trucks of donations, painted the store and removed unwanted goods from it. The Habitat for Humanity store sells donated furniture and other home furnishings. Proceeds from the sales benefit the organization and help benefactors build homes for people in need in Yonkers, New Rochelle and other areas of Westchester.

In addition to restoring the building, the students unpacked boxes of items used in the Os-

Members of the Bronxville Habitat for Humanity Club volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity store in New Rochelle to restore the building and organize the store’s items.

car-winning movie “Bridge of Spies” and “The Girl on the Train,” filmed in Westchester.

The movie memorabilia, which included tape recording devices, furniture, home furnishings, books, files and a Photoshopped picture of Tom Hanks, was sorted and will be available for purchase at the store.

“Habitat for Humanity does an amazing job making sure that any extra items, like furniture, are put to great use,” junior Sasha Ircha said.

Doyle said he’s proud of his students for donating their time to serve the local community through their work with Habitat for Humanity.

“There are many people in the Westchester area who need help with housing, and our students rise to the challenge,” he said.

In April, members of the club will help build a home in the area and raise money for the organization through an egg hunt. (Submitted)

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Senegal puts Mamaroneck High School on the map

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By SARAh vARNEY Education Reporter

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Mamaroneck High School sophomores Colin Lavin, left, and Tim Sommer, far right, pose for a selfie with a trio of Cem Lambaye students. Just 30 students can be accommodated on the trip to Senegal. Photos courtesy Jamie Schiff

A few members of the Students for Senegal Club at Mamaroneck High School used to think that lions ran wild in the streets of the West African country of Senegal, but now that the organization has been around for four years, they know better. In this country, too, dangerous wild animals are kept in nature preserves far from populated areas.

While the distance between Senegal and Mamaroneck is about 4,000 miles, the gap has been bridged by AP Chemistry teacher Amary Sek, a Senegalese native who left his country 40 years ago.

Sek, who spearheads the high school club and its 24 members, recently traveled to the country over the winter holiday break to deliver books and other goodies.

The club makes the trip to the village of Lambaye every two years, Sek, who grew up poor in the village, said.

Students for Senegal started out as a small club in 2009, and is now a separate nonprofit organization that strives to foster cross-cultural exchange and extend the gift of education to the people of Senegal, according to its website. Since its inception, the organization has raised more than $75,000 and has sent more

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The Students for Senegal Club gathers beneath its logo. The club at Mamaroneck High School currently has about 40 members. Photo/Sarah Varney

Sophie Miller, an 11th-grade member of Students for Senegal, hangs out with a group of middle schoolers in Lambaye. Group members say they feel like rock stars when they arrive at the village.

than 30 preschoolers to school in Lambaye. The organization has also expanded chapters to Hommocks and Fieldston middle schools.

Students for Senegal evolved from the childhood stories Sek used to tell his students after school. Although Sek left Senegal years ago, his memories of growing up are fresh.

“I would tell [students] stories about how I grew up, how things were in my village,” he said. “More and more students would come and listen, and then one day a student came up with the idea to have a formal club.”

Since its inception, the club has undertaken numerous fundraisers and charity drives and has raised a total of $100,000 toward its goal of building a Learning Center for Lambaye. The Learning Center will have a women’s center, a preschool and a meeting room. The students organize all the fundraisers themselves, Sek said. Once a year, they hold a gala event as their biggest fundraiser.

Lambaye currently has a population of nearly 13,000, but Sek said economic conditions are not so different from the way they were when he was growing up there, and that the area is still quite poor.

Senegal is a country about the size of South Dakota, sandwiched between Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Mali, with a population of 13 million. A secular Muslim country, 52 percent of the population is under 19 years old, according to a 2013 census.

While the value of an education is understood in more populated areas of Senegal, such as Dakar, the capital city, the message has been slower to trickle down to more rural areas like Lambaye, Sek said.

It is common for fathers to

take one or more of his children away from a home village to the city to become street vendors.

“There is an exodus of many of the men,” Sek added. “They are leaving their wives and kids behind and often they are not given support.”

Like many African countries, the culture is warmly receptive to visitors. “They are honored when someone comes to visit.

They make lots of food; there is dancing. It is a very big deal,” Sek said.

Jamie Schiff, a senior member of Students for Senegal, bears out Sek. “Their [Senegalese hosts’] welcoming attitude and the way in which they received us was like nothing we’d ever experienced before,” she said.

Students for Senegal has donated thousands of books in both English and French, Senegal’s official language, and have founded a small library at the school.

One of Sek’s stories fostered “Smiles for Senegal,” a 2015 drive that collected hundreds of toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste for their peer students in Lambaye. When Sek mentioned using a stick as dental floss, the Students for Senegal Club discussed how to promote dental health in the country.

Since the club’s involvement with the students at Cem Lambaye, the passing rate for students taking the critical exam that enables them to move on to high school has increased from 30 percent to 70 percent.

Mamaroneck High School students in the Students for Senegal Club benefit from their involvement as well. “You can see your efforts pay off firsthand,” junior Molly Nodiff said.

CONTACT: sarah@hometwn.com

April 15, 2016 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • 7

County to cover $32M in new Playland deal

A newly revised agreement meant to transfer control of Rye Playland to the management company Standard Amusements slashes $26 million in costly projects to a number of the park’s ailing structures. The discounted deal, however, continues to draw flak from county legislators and residents alike. File photo

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Despite a $26 million slash to proposed county-funded capital projects, a new revised agreement forking over operations of Rye Playland to the management company Standard Amusements is still warranting concerns.

The new agreement, which was announced on Friday, April 8, calls for $32 million in capital renovations to the park; a cost to be footed by the county. This new total marks a significant departure from the previously proposed $58 million total.

According to Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, the new agreement still puts a huge burden on county taxpayers.

“The annual debt service for that $32 million worth of capital will cost the taxpayers $2.6 million annually,” Parker said.

“I find that very, very troubling.”

With the terms of the new agreement, Parker said that Standard Amusements would also invest $5 million into the park before the start of the 2017 season and an additional $27 million after 50 percent of the county’s capital project money has been expended.

Compared to the previous agreement, Standard’s matching $32 million investment would be an increase of $2 million over their previously planned investment. In February, Standard had already committed to increasing its investment from $25 million to $30 million.

This latest agreement also proposes significant cuts to a number of costly projects previously agreed to, including multimillion dollar decreases to renovations for the park’s colonnades

and the park’s parking lot. “[The agreement] shows a joint commitment between the county and Standard Amusement to invest in the future of Playland,” said Ned McCormack, spokesman for County Executive Rob Astorino’s administration. “We are in the final stages of approving a contract that will save Playland.”

Even so, Parker, whose legislative district covers the countyowned amusement park in Rye, said the agreement is failing to accomplish the objectives that a public-private partnership is meant to accomplish.

“We entered into the idea of a public-private partnership to do two things: to reduce the burden on taxpayers [and] to revitalize the park,” she said, adding that the former is far from being accomplished.

As evidenced by a recent petition on change.org decrying the efficacy of the recent deal, some residents around the county also share similar sentiments with Parker. The petition, which was launched on Thursday, April 7, has already surpassed 1,106 signatures, as of press time.

Deidre Curran, the petition’s author, said that it was meant to underscore what she—and others in the surrounding communities—feel is a raw deal for taxpayers.

“We’re going to pour money into this park and then hand all the money over to a private hedge fund,” Curran said. “It’s ludicrous.”

Curran would rather opt to keep the park under county control and launch a large-scale fundraiser meant to gather the money necessary to provide critical renovations.

“At this point, what we need

to do is develop a plan that involves bonding out the money and start fundraising for the park,” she said, adding that the park’s historic appeal would help.

“If you set up a restoration fund drive and you marketed it, people would throw money at you.”

Among the problems with current proposal, Curran said that profit sharing—or in her opinion, a lack thereof—was among some of the most concerning. “[Standard is] going to keep 90 percent of the profit,” she said. “I don’t know how Astorino can spin this as a good idea for taxpayers.”

County Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat, who has been a vocal critic of the deal with Standard, echoed similar concerns over profit sharing.

“The best agreement would be one that says, ‘If we’re going to be partners in this deal… then we should be getting more than 10 percent,’” he said.

Currently, before the amended agreement goes before the county Board of Legislators for a vote, it will first go through a public hearing where residents can provide their input.

Although the deadline for the legislative body to finalize its review of the plan and sign off on the agreement was recently extended to April 29, the administration said a vote is currently scheduled for May 2. But Parker said she’s doubtful that the vote will happen by the expected date due to scheduling conflicts amongst legislators.

A public hearing on the amended agreement is expected to take place on Wednesday, April 20.

CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

BUDGET from page 1

When drastic cuts were first proposed during the county’s 2016 budget cycle, nonprofits from across the county banded together in order to bring awareness to the issue. The result was a restoration of about 75 percent of the proposed cuts, but the loss in funding is still wreaking havoc on the organizations.

Photo courtesy Nonprofit Westchester

And while the effect on employees in the nonprofit sector has been great, according to Straub, the larger effects on communities lacking services in Westchester are of an even greater concern.

Straub said the cuts will eventually have two long-term effects; one being the diminishing financial stability of nonprofits, and the other, she explained, is a bigger burden on the county who will have to provide those services at a higher cost.

According to Schwartz, while it only costs April’s Child $1,400

to keep a child out of foster care, once the same child enters the system—an occurrence which Schwartz fears will happen much more frequently without their services—the child costs the county approximately $110,000 per year.

As for filling the funding gap now that April’s Child has lost their contract, Schwartz said that her organization will be more reliant than ever on fundraising for their operating budget.

“The difficulty is that [now], my primary goal is to serve the families,” she said. “It doesn’t

allow me to focus on the things that I need to do like fundraising; the things I need to do to keep the agency running.”

Government funding or not, Schwartz said that her organization has no choice but to continue trying their best to provide the services that their community needs.

“We’re mission-driven,” said Schwartz, adding that the organization has been around for 34 years. “We’re not going to stop now.”

CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

8 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • April 15, 2016

Runners welcome to join Team Chapel Each year, tens of thousands of people train with passion, heart and determination to run the 26.2mile, five-borough course of the TCS New York City Marathon.

Join Team Chapel in their partnership with the TCS New York City Marathon.

Runners of every skill level are encouraged to submit their application for consideration. If chosen to be a member of Team Chapel, each runner has a guaranteed spot in the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon. Already registered?

Give yourself a reason to run and put meaning behind your miles by joining Team Chapel. The Chapel School has been named an Official Charity Partner of the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon.

The TCS New York City Marathon has grown from 55 finishers racing in Central Park, to the world’s largest and most popular marathon. Team Chapel has been proud to be an official charity partner of the TCS New York City Marathon since 2011. Team Chapel is excited to continue making history with this incredible race while supporting The Chapel School and raising money for The Chapel School Scholarship Fund.

“Team Chapel is thrilled to partner with the TCS New York City Marathon as an official charity partner,” said Kim Zwisdak, development office project man-

ager at The Chapel School. “The TCS New York City Marathon provides a powerful platform for our passionate charity runners to fundraise and raise awareness for causes that are close to their hearts. We are looking forward to supporting our runners throughout their memorable journeys as they train for, and ultimately achieve their goal of completing this race, all while raising critical funds which benefit The Chapel School’s Scholarship Fund.”

The Team Coach and Senior Pastor of the Church and School, the Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell, helped form the charity run several years ago. More than 40 runners have been a part of Team Chapel with over $107,000 raised to date. Families choose The Chapel School for the quality education and nurturing environment that is provided for their children.

“For many students, the cost of tuition requires that they either receive financial help or enroll in another academic setting which may not provide the academic excellence and emotional support that The Chapel School offers so well,” said Principal James Dhyne.

Team Chapel still has space available on their team for runners. Each runner must raise at least $3,000 each and collectively the team is hoping to reach and

surpass $15,000 before running the 26.2 miles. Donations are welcome and are being accepted at teamchapel.com.

“We welcome Team Chapel as an official charity partner of the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon,” said Michael Rodgers, vice president of development and philanthropy for New York Road Runners. “Our official charity partner program is one of the TCS New York City Marathon’s most meaningful elements, providing thousands of participants with the opportunity to run for causes significant to them, while raising critical funds for hundreds of inspiring nonprofit organizations. We wish the best to all of these runners as they begin their extraordinary journey to the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon.”

For more information on Team Chapel, contact The Chapel School at 337-3202 or at TeamChapel.com. The Chapel School is located at 172 White Plains Road in Bronxville and has one of the first and longest running preschool programs in New York state. For more information about the Chapel School and its programs, visit thechapelschool. org. To be considered for Team Chapel, email kzwisdak@thechapelschool.org with your name, address, and phone number.

(Submitted)

P u B LI S H ES

Mamaroneck THE

REVIEW

Harrison REVIEW

Eastchester REVIEW THE

INSIDE

THE

INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY

www.hometwn.com | 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601 | (914) 653-1000

Breakdowns of the State School Tax Relief Program BRONXVILLE TODAY Mayor Mary Marvin

Residents have reached out to the village upon reading the recent major changes to the New York State School Tax Relief Program, STAR, in the new state budget passed two weeks ago.

To recap: The STAR program is a mechanism to reduce school district property taxes on primary residences of New York state residents.

Enacted in August 1997, under the governorship of George Pataki, it is a very small version of Homestead Provisions in place in other states. It only affects school taxes and is not applicable to municipal tax obligations.

To be eligible for the STAR exemption, a resident can live in any type of housing including single- and multifamily houses, coops, condominiums and owner-occupied apartment buildings.

To receive what is called Basic STAR: • A resident must own their own “home” and declare it a primary residence.

The income eligibility limitation is $500,000 or less of the combined incomes of the homeowners and owners’ spouses who reside at the property.

For Enhanced STAR: • The residency rules are exactly the same, but the age and income provisions differ.

• A resident must be 65 years of age or older and have all owners’ incomes not exceed $84,550.

Indices to determine a primary residence, include voting, vehicle registration and days spent at the location.

Income eligibility in 2016 is based on income information from the 2014 tax year. Income is defined as federal “adjusted gross income” minus the

“taxable amount” of total distributions from individual retirement accounts or IRA’s.

The Basic STAR provides an exemption from the first $30,000 of the full value of a primary home, and Enhanced STAR recipients receive an exemption on the first $65,300 of their home value.

An important difference is that Enhanced STAR eligibility must be applied for on a yearly basis, whereas Regular STAR, once received, is granted in perpetuity.

Although the start date for the upcoming changes to the program is still uncertain as to whether it will affect the 2017 or 2018 tax rolls, anyone who believes they are eligible to take advantage of the STAR program should contact our village assessor and begin the paperwork and verification.

Regardless, the deadline is Dec. 31 of every year for it to take effect for the next taxable cycle.

It is important to confirm your eligibility now under the more favorable payout system versus to be caught off guard when the new rules take effect.

Under the current regulation, New York state gives the homeowner the upfront “discount” on their tax bill and then pays the school districts the money exempted to their taxpayers.

Under the new regulation, a taxpayer must pay their tax bill in full and then wait for a rebate check mailed out in the following fall.

The real disadvantage will be to new homeowners or residents who change homes within the village after the start date of the new law.

For example, if you are currently registered and have been registered for Basic STAR for years and then decide to move residences within the village post 2017 or 2018 (whenever the new rules come into effect), you must start anew.

Your form of exemption will automatically change from the upfront exemption to a post payment rebate.

The same is true if you stay in your current home but do not file for a first time exemption prior to the implementation of the new system. That is why it is crucial not to wait on this.

Hopefully, the new version of the program will also be an improved version, as our state comptroller has noted it is a program easily gamed.

In a recent study by the comptroller’s office, 6,500 STAR parcels in 46 random municipalities were sampled and 20 percent of them were found to be improper or duplicate filing, costing the state taxpayers $73 million in the budget year 2015–2016.

Most common among the erroneous payments given to New York homeowners are to those who also claim primary Florida residency and those who take the exemption on both their primary New York home and their New York vacation home.

The seminal weakness in the program is the lack of a requirement of demonstrable certifiable information that identifies the real property owner, such as a social security number.

In addition, due to the limitations of the state computer systems, local assessors cannot track exemptions outside of their local jurisdictions, let alone those in neighboring states and/or Florida.

The state auditors also found that family members tend to keep the exemption long after the eligible homeowner has passed away.

In addition, a not insignificant amount of corporate and bank owned properties have been granted the exemption in error.

However, those eligible and deserving should not hesitate to reach out to Village Hall for assistance.

Town of Eastchester

Official Newspaper Eastchester Schools

April 15, 2016 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • 9

Most school testing opt-out rates remain flat Changes in the rate of students refusing to take the 2016 New York State Education De-

partment yearly English Language Arts, ELA/Math exams were minimal, with the excep-

tions of Bronxville and Harrison school districts. In Bronxville, the opt-out rate from 2015 to 2016

increased from 1.0 percent to 4.1 percent, and in Harrison, the rate decreased from 19 percent to 16.3 percent.

Rye Neck results present something of an outlier. With

just over 700 students, this year’s opt-out rate for ELA is approximately 32 percent. In 2015, it was 26 percent for both tests. Over the past two years, the Common Core state-mandated ELA and

Math tests have raised the ire of some parents, leading some to opt their children out of participating.

These parents say the tests are too arduous for younger students.

-Reporting by Sarah Varney

ELA/Math Test Opt-Out Numbers NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE STUDENTS GRADES 3-5

SCHOOL DISTRICT

NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE STUDENTS GRADES 6-8

OPT OUTS

OPT-OUTS

2016 OPT-OUTS

2015 OPT-OUTS

Harrison

813

107

783

154

16.3%

19.0%

Bronxville

383

97

393

24

4.1%

1.0%

Eastchester

728

76

768

169

16.3%

17.0%

Rye City

799

59

814

86

8.9%

7.0%

Tuckahoe

283

51

289

81

23.0%

N/A%

Rye Neck

407

*109

350

*135

*32.0%

26.0%

* ELA FIGURES ONLY FIELD from page 1

LEgAL NOTIcEs PROBATE CITATION

SURROGATE’S COURT – WESTCHESTER COUNTY SECOND AMENDED CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent

File No. 2015-1217

TO: IRENE DANTONA MELOCHIK a/k/a IRENE DANTONA MARKOWICZ Vladimir Rajcok, whose whereabouts are unknown, and if he is deceased, to all the unknown distributees, heirs at law and next of kin of Vladimir Rajcok and to all the unknown distributees, heirs at law and next of kin of FLORENCE ANN SABOL a/k/a FLORENCE SABOL, their guardians, committees, conservators or assignees, and if any of them survived FLORENCE ANN SABOL a/k/a FLORENCE SABOL but have since died or become incompetent, their successors in interest, executors, administrators, legal representatives, devisees, legatees, spouses, distributees, heirs at law, next of kin, committees, conservators, guardians or any person having any claim or interest through them by purchase, inheritance or otherwise.

A petition having been duly filed by FRANK MASICK who is domiciled at 9218 Dayton Pike #73, Soddy Daisy, Tennessee 37379.

YOu ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAuSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Westchester County at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. , 18th Floor, White Plains, New York on May 18, 2016 at 9:30 o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the Estate of FLORENCE ANN SABOL a/k/a FLORENCE SABOL lately domiciled at 1 Rivervue Place, Tuckahoe, New York admitting to probate a Will dated October 9, 2002, a copy of which is attached, as the Will of FLORENCE ANN SABOL a/k/a FLORENCE SABOL deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that [ X] Letters Testamentary issue to: FRANK MASICK Dated, Attested and Sealed April 8, 2016

BRANDON R. SALL Hon._____________________________ Surrogate _____________________________ Chief Clerk

Howard Garfinkel, Lauterbach Garfinkel Damast & Hollander, LLP Attorneys for Frank Masick, Petitioner

Tel: 845-368-4400

49 North Airmont Road, Suite 101, Suffern, New York 10901 Address of Attorney

Fax: 845-368-4446

[NOTE: This citation is served upon you are required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.]

The town of Eastchester expects to acquire Scout Field from Westchester County for at least five years.

Both Eastchester and Bronxville, however, would contribute to the park’s development. File photo

largely funded by FEMA, aims to improve storm water drainage in an area that is prone to severe flooding.

Colavita expects Scout Field to function as a relief location for some of Bronxville’s sporting events while Hayes Field is under construction.

Karen Peterson, athletic director for the Bronxville schools,

said, “If [Scout] field becomes playable, we’d be happy to bring our kids there.” She added that Bronxville is currently “field poor.”

While the dimensions of upper Scout Field currently support athletics for 12 and under, Colavita says the town plans to swap some of the unplayable wetland for dry land in order to make the

field high school regulation.

Colavita, Peterson and Marvin each mentioned the dearth of parks and green space in Bronxville.

“We’re all on board on this one,” Marvin said. “It just fills a need that everyone agrees is there.”

CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

10 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • April 15, 2016

LEgAL NOTIcEs EASTCHESTER UFSD NOTICE OF ANNUAL DISTRICT ELECTION AND VOTE The Annual District Public Election and Vote of the qualified voters of the Eastchester union Free School District of the Town of Eastchester, Westchester County, State of New York, will be held at the Eastchester Middle School for those persons residing in the Eastchester High School/Middle School Election District and at 235 Garth Road for those persons residing in the Garth Road Election District on May 17, 2016 between the hours of six (6:00) AM and nine (9:00) PM EDT, for the purpose of electing three members of the Board of Education of said District for three (3) full terms of three (3) years, and one member of the Board of Education of said District for term commencing on May 18, 2016 and expiring on June 30, 2018.

One (1) member of the Board of Education for a full term of three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2016 (position currently filled by Mary Messner Martin) and expiring June 30, 2019.

One (1) member of the Board of Education for a full term of three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2016 (position currently filled by Judah Holstein) and expiring June 30, 2019.

One (1) member of the Board of Education for a full term of three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2016 (position currently filled by Paul Doyle) and expiring June 30, 2019.

One (1) member of the Board of Education for a term of two years (2) years, commencing May 18, 2016 (position currently filled by Dr. Cheryl Smith) and expiring on June 30, 2018.

PROPOSITION NO. 1 - For the adoption of the budget for the school year 2016-17 for the schools comprising Eastchester union Free School District of the Town of Eastchester, Westchester County, State of New York, approved by the Board of Education of said District, to be submitted to the qualified voters of the District at the Election and Public Vote to be held at the Eastchester Middle School and 235 Garth Road, of said District on May 17, 2016 between the hours of six (6:00) AM and nine (9:00) PM EDT, for the raising of the net sum required for said budget in one sum by tax upon the taxable property of said District.

A copy of the budget for the school year 2016-17 to be voted on at the Annual District Public Election and Vote to be held on May 17, 2016, may be obtained by any taxpayer in the District at the Administration Building, 580 White Plains Road, and at each school in the District between the hours of eight (8:00) AM and three (3:00) PM, EDT, on each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday during the fourteen days immediately preceding May 17, 2016, the date of the Annual District Election and Public Vote.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE - Nominating petitions for candidates for the office of school board member must be filed with the District Clerk between the hours of eight (8:00) AM and five (5:00) PM, EDT, by April 18, 2016, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. A copy of each candidate’s statement of expense may be obtained by any taxpayer in the District at the Administration Building, 580 White Plains Road, between the hours of eight (8:00) AM and five (5:00) PM, EDT, on each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday during the five days immediately preceding May 17, 2016, the date of the Annual District Election and Public Vote.

On May 10, 2016, the second Tuesday preceding the date of the Annual District Election and Public Vote, the Board of Education will convene a Public Hearing at eight (8:00) PM on the proposed budget.

PLEASE TAKE FuRTHER NOTICE - The Board of Registration, Eastchester union Free School District, Town of Eastchester, Westchester County, New York, will meet to prepare the register of the qualified voters of the District for the District Public Election and Vote of the School District, which will be held on May 17, 2016 at the Administration Building, 580 White Plains Road, Eastchester, New York, on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 between the hours of eight (8:00) AM and 12 Noon (12:00) PM EDT. Please note that new voters may register at such time and location on any business day prior to and including May 11, 2016, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Vote at the location at which you are registered. You cannot vote if your name does not appear upon the register, except as in accordance with NY Education Law Sec. 2019-a.

PLEASE TAKE FuRTHER NOTICE - Any person shall be entitled to have his name placed upon said register of the qualified voters of the District provided that at the foregoing meeting of the members of the Board of Registration, such person presents himself or herself personally for registration and is known or proved to the satisfaction of such members of the Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school election to be held on May 17, 2016.

PLEASE TAKE FuRTHER NOTICE - The said register of the qualified voters of the District, when prepared, will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District at the Administration Building, 580 White Plains Road, in said District and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District at the said office of said Clerk between the hours of eight (8:00) AM and five(5:00) PM, EDT, during each of the five days, Saturday nine (9:00) AM to twelve (12:00) PM, Sunday excepted, prior to May 17, 2016, the date of the Annual District Election and Public Vote.

Applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the Office of the Clerk of the District and must be received by the Clerk of the District prior to four (4:00) PM on May 11, 2016 if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, and/ or prior to four (4:00) PM on May 16, 2016 if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Absentee ballots must be received by the Clerk not later than five (5:00) PM on May 17, 2016. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, to date, will be available in said office of the Clerk on each of the five days prior to the day of election, Saturday nine (9:00) AM to twelve (12:00) PM, Sunday excepted, and that such list will also be posted at the voting place or places.

PLEASE TAKE FuRTHER NOTICE – a Real Property Tax Exemption Report prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law will be annexed to any tentative/preliminary budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part; and shall be posted on District bulletin board(s) maintained for public notices, as well as on the District’s website. Voting on BuDGET AND TRuSTEE ELECTION will be by machine ballot.

Dated: April 1, 2016 Lisa Sanfilippo, District Clerk

SCHOOL NEWS?

ContaCt oUR EDUCatIon REpoRtER

sarah varney

sarah@hometwn.com

April 15, 2016 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • 11

All school and no play makes Jack a dull boy Westchester Children’s Museum officially opens RHYMEs WITH cRAZY RAZY Lenore Skenazy

In ancient times—say, the 1950s,‘60s, or ‘70s or maybe even the ‘80s—children were expected to waste a good deal of their time. They’d spend hours riding their bikes to nowhere, making up basketball moves, drawing with chalk or reading comic books.

Their parents didn’t worry that this meant they were going to end up drug addicts, or at least at a second-tier college. In fact, parents were generally eager to shoo the kids out of the house.

But that was before something began taking over all waking hours of the day: School.

When we think about how different childhood is today— structured, supervised, stressful—we tend to blame helicopter parents, or the culture of fear that has made stepping outside without mom or dad into an activity mentally accompanied by scary organ music. After all, every parent’s worst nightmare could be just around the corner!

But Peter Gray, the author of the basic psychology textbook used in colleges across the country (including Harvard), says that while “increased fears from the media” are partly to blame for this new, constricted childhood, there’s another force at play—or not at play, rather. “Part of it that we don’t give enough weight to is the increasing amount of influence of schooling.”

Think about how school dominates the lives of kids today.

When Gray, now a white-haired professor, was growing up, the school year was five weeks

shorter. I remember that, too— a three-month summer vacation.

Bliss! No one was freaking out about kids forgetting the lessons they left behind in May. Summer was seen as a charger kids needed, not a drain.

As for what happened during the school year itself, there was little to no homework in the lower grades, unless the kids had to do something like gathering leaves for a project. No nightly homework sheets or reading log, the bane of my existence as a mom. (Forcing your kids to read a certain amount each day turns out to be the perfect way to make them hate reading. Try it!)

Gray, who was at Clemson University last week to give a talk at the Rebooting Play Conference, as was I, says that those logs are just one hint of how parents are now supposed to continue the school day at home. They are expected to review their kids’ homework and, often, to sign it.

They’re also expected to volunteer at the school, as reading buddies or running the book sale. It’s as if, for the whole family, school has become the biggest force in their lives, inescapable from morning until night. Parents are told that this is how it has to be if they want their kids to succeed.

Once parents are taught to be “school partners,” says Gray, “all of society develops the view that children grow best when carefully monitored and guided.

And it used to be children grow themselves.”

This is not to say that kids learn algebra by climbing trees.

But they do learn how to gauge risk and handle fear. Playing a game of catch, even against a wall, they learn how to do something over and over to get it right.

(Think how much easier it is to learn that lesson on the playground than in the classroom.)

Playing with friends, they learn how to control their impulses, share, throw it a little easier to the youngest kid—a trait also known as empathy—all the arts of being human.

These activities don’t stunt intellectual development, they make young minds curious and creative.

In an essay called “Be Glad of Our Failure to Catch Up with China in Education,” Gray compares our education system to China’s, where grammar school kids spend nearly 10 hours a day studying, and by high school they face a 12-and-a-half-hour school day.

Kids are forced to endure this “for one and only one reason, to get a high score on the gaokao, the national examination that is the sole criterion for admitting students to college,” writes Gray.

What happens to those highscoring winners? “A common term used in China now to refer to the general results of their educational system is gaofen dineng, which means, literally, high scores, but low ability. Because students spend nearly all of their time studying, they have little chance to do anything else,” like develop interests, physical stamina or social skills. That’s a “success” America would do well to avoid.

To raise the kind of engaged and eager kids who grow into entrepreneurs and simply happy citizens, we need to stop school from seeping into every hour and activity of the day. Fooling around turns out to be the best schooling around.

CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

The Westchester Children’s Museum officially opened on April 13. The space is now 6,500 square feet large, following the first phase of the museum’s construction plan to enable it to be open year-round.

Contributed photo

The Westchester Children’s Museum, WCM, recently completed Phase I of its construction plan, which expanded the exhibit and program space from 4,000 square feet to 6,500 square feet. This expansion included additional exhibit and program space, new family restrooms and upgraded heating and ventilation systems that will enable the museum to stay open yearround and be a fully operational facility.

Prior to this phase of construction, the museum offered a preview of its new exhibit space in its Boardwalk Galleries only during the spring and summer months of 2014 and 2015, receiving almost 18,000 visitors over those two summers. Now that the museum has been transformed into a fulltime, fully operational museum, it expects its annual visitation number to be approximately 30,000 this year and annual growth each year after, as exhibit space is expanded. The museum’s visitors have hailed from throughout the greater Westchester/Fairfield region as well families visiting from throughout the U.S., Canada and beyond.

“The significance of this moment in the museum’s long trajectory cannot be understated,” said Tracy R. Kay, executive director of the Westchester Children’s Museum. “In order to get to this point, we must acknowledge the critical and longstanding support of our board of directors, our growing community of donors in the private, public and corporate sectors, the schools and community centers that recognize the need for the valuable out of school enrichment this museum provides, and our partner—the county of

Westchester. We look forward to further growing and serving the children and families of this region for generations to come.”

The official WCM opening was April 13, a day after the museum will host its “Doors Open” celebration honoring longtime supporters Lisina Hoch and the Laager family.

The WCM experience will now include: • KEVA Planks Construction and Design Zone • Build Your Own Roller Coaster in the Con Edison Energy Gallery • The Toddler Zone in the Curry Automotive Gallery • Take and Leave Library, sponsored by the Make a Difference with Loukoumi Foundation • Two Makerspaces exploring science, technology, engineering, art, design and mathematics • Wind Tunnel • Shadow and Light Play • Multipurpose Activity and Birthday Party Room • Four new family restrooms Hours of operation are 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays through Sundays. Admission costs $7 per person, $6 for seniors, and free for children under 1 year old, members, and households with active duty military personnel.

Founded in 2003, the creation of the Westchester Children’s Museum has been a true grassroots initiative by individuals, businesses and public officials who came together with a goal of providing enriching educational experiences for children, particularly for those in underserved communities. They sought a site that would be accessible to the broadest range

of audiences by public transportation and major roadways, coupled with ample space for vibrant programming.

The North Bathhouse at Rye Playland, out of use for more than 50 years, was identified as a site that met these requirements and offered an opportunity for architectural renewal and adaptive reuse in a location that lent itself to environmental awareness on the shores of the Long Island Sound.

Eventually, the museum will occupy the building’s full 22,000 square feet. In addition to on-site exhibits and activities, museum educators provide interactive science, art and cultural programming to children across Westchester County through the Museum Without Walls educational outreach program. WCM now works with more than 50 community organizations and has administered nearly 300 programs per year since the program’s 2010 inception.

WCM is in the midst of a $6.4 million capital campaign to complete construction and exhibit design and installation for the entire 22,000 square feet of the Bathhouses. The next phases in the museum’s development will include construction of a performance theater, water play exhibits, and a one-of-a-kind climbing structure that will wind its way through the length of the museum space and up into the clerestories above. The museum will continue to build out new exhibit and program space, as funds are available.

For further information about the Westchester Children’s Museum and its education programs, visit discoverWCM.org.

(Submitted)

12 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • April 15, 2016

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That the Planning Board of the Town of Eastchester will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 28th, 2016 at 7:00pm at the Eastchester Town Hall, 40 Mill rd, Eastchester New York on the application of Karen Fox for Site Plan Review to erect a 2 1/2 story side addition to an existing 2 1/2 story dwelling, affecting the premises known as Section 65.G, Block 1, Lot 9 on the tax map of the Town of Eastchester, New York and known as 33 Orchard St Eastchester, NY 10709.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That the Planning Board of the Town of Eastchester will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 28th, 2016 at 7:00pm at the Eastchester Town Hall, 40 Mill rd, Eastchester New York on the application of Peter Albano for Subdivision review to subdivide 2 existing building lots into 3 legal building lots, affecting the premises known as Section 76, Block 2, Lot(s) 11,10,6 on the tax map of the Town of Eastchester, New York and known as 183 Beech St Eastchester, NY 10709.

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At Westy, we value integrity and a passion for getting things done. Enjoy working with quality people in our beautiful building. Salary, bonuses & commissions. Medical & 401k benefits. EMAIL RESuME TO BECKY@WESTY.COM The Rye Town Park Commission seeks a Park Director to manage the day-to-day operations of Rye Town Park: including supervision of assistant directors, department supervisors and park staff. Prior management experience in the field of park administration recommended. Experience with budgeting, financial and performance reporting. Good knowledge of the practices and equipment associated with park and parkway operations and maintenance; familiarity with public beach operation and maintenance or aquatic facility operations; ability to plan, lay out, and supervise the work of others; ability to deal with staff and the public tactfully and effectively. Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP) preferred. Email cover letter and resume

by April 18 to: Dreisner@TownofRyeNY.com

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LEgAL NOTIcEs N O T I C E O F F O R M AT I O N O F FLOuRISHING CuLTuRE CONSuLTANTS, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) February 2, 2016.

Office location: Westchester County. Law Office of Frederick R. Dettmer, 89 Clinton Avenue # 35, New Rochelle, New York 10801 is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

N o t i c e o f Fo r m a t i o n o f We s t ch e s t e r Marriage and Family Therapy, PLLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 01/26/16. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 17 Smart Ave Yonkers, NY 10704. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF PuBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tuckahoe will hold a public hearing on a proposed Local Law on Monday, April 25, 2016 at 8:00PM at Village Hall, 65 Main Street, Tuckahoe, New York amending the Village of Tuckahoe Code Section 21-67 regarding parking violation fines.

At such hearing all persons shall have an opportunity to be heard upon said proposed Local Law.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRuSTEES Camille DiSalvo, Village Clerk Dated: Tuckahoe, NY April 12, 2016

SPORTS

April 15, 2016 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • 13

Ready for the playoff push It’s the same reason that, in each successive round of the LIVE MIKE 2016 March Madness tournaMike Smith ment, I fully expected my Villanova Wildcats to come crashWith the New York Rangers ing back down to earth. I mean, gearing up for the first round of I didn’t truly think they had a the Stanley Cup Playoffs this chance to win a national title week, I have to say, I’m not real until I saw Daniel Ochefu cutconfident about the Blue Shirts’ ting down the net after a thrillchances. But this feeling proba- ing win over UNC in the finals. bly has more to do with me than I’ve had friends tell me that it does with the Rangers. When my unrelenting pessimism is a it comes to sports fandom, I’ve chore to deal with. Several of always found that my natu- my buddies who are also Red ral pessimism comes in handy Sox fans have compared watchwhen the playoffs roll around. ing a Boston playoff game with Maybe it stems from growing me to having a root canal, and up as a Red Sox fan. That was a honestly, I can’t blame them. team that, until 2004, was built But while I often look at upon decades of futility, near- this mindset as somewhat of a misses and disappointment. defense mechanism, when it That woe-is-me feeling was so comes to the Rangers this year, I pervasive that even after the Red think my assessment is spot-on.

Sox won it all in 2004—and Sure, the Rangers won 46 then again in 2007 and 2013—I games this year, and finished still enter each season with the with 101 points—good enough belief that they will somehow for fourth in the Eastern Conferfind a way to dash my hopes. ence. But nothing, and I mean

nothing about this team gives me any confidence that they will be hoisting the Stanley Cup come June.

The shot-blocking and defensive pressure that had characterized the Rangers in the John Tortorella era and carried over into the early Alain Vigneault years now seems to be a thing of the past, as New York’s stalwarts like Dan Girardi seem to be breaking down before our eyes, something that can probably be attributed to the wear and tear of several years’ worth of deep playoff pushes.

Captain Ryan McDonagh, battling a hand injury, may not play early in the upcoming series against the Penguins, and netminder Henrik Lundqvist, who has been the catalyst of the Rangers’ success over the last decade or so, is starting to show his age and has looked downright human at times this year.

That’s not even taking the

To CoVER loCal spoRTs, you nEEd a

LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow @eastchesterview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates

Sports Editor Mike Smith, second from right, takes in a Rangers-Penguins game at Madison Square Garden in 2014. On April 13, after press time, New York and Pittsburgh will square off again in the playoffs. Contributed Photo

Rangers first-round foes, the Penguins, into consideration.

They’ll have the best skater on the ice in Sidney Crosby, and having won 14 of their last 16 games, they come into the playoffs as the hottest team in either conference.

So why should I fool myself into thinking this Rang-

ers team has a chance? Even if they somehow get past the Penguins, the specter of the Capitals—probably the best team in the entire NHL—looms large in the second round.

But that doesn’t mean I’ll stop rooting. When the Blue Shirts take the ice on April 13, after press time, I’ll throw on

my Jeff Beukeboom sweater, dust off my Rangers cap and scream at the television until I lose my voice.

My pessimism worked for Villanova—who’s to say it won’t work again?

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

SPORTS

14 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • April 15, 2016

Garnets ground Eagles LACROSSE

league

RYE 17 EASTCHESTER 2 EASTCHESTER HS

4/12/16

Game Notes: • Abby Abate had five goals to lead the Garnets • Rye outscored Eastchester 33-5 in two games played over the last week • The Garnets kept Eastchester largely off the score sheet by controlling the ball

By MIKE SMITh Sports Editor A veteran-laden Rye team is looking to claim a Section I title this year, and through the early portion of the schedule, they seem poised to do just that.

On Tuesday, April 12, the Garnets traveled to Eastchester and topped the Eagles 17-2 to improve to 4-0 on the season. But Rye knows full well that bigger challenges lay ahead.

The Garnets got off to a quick start, hanging nine goals on Eastchester in the first half to cruise to their second consecutive onesided victory over the Eagles.

On Thursday, April 7, Rye beat

Eastchester 16-3 at home.

“Right now, I just don’t think we are a good matchup for [Eastchester],” Rye coach Dennis Hurlie said. “They’re in a rebuilding mode, and I think they’re going to do great things with that program, but we’re returning a lot of players from a team that went to the Class B semifinals.”

Chief among those returners is All-American goalie Micheline DiNardo, who gives the Garnets a safety net on the defensive side, but against the Eagles, it was the offense and midfield’s ability to control the ball that proved to be the difference-maker. Abby Abate led

Rye’s Abby Abate controls the ball during an away game against Eastchester. Abate finished with five goals and four draw controls on the day.

with five goals and four draw controls while sophomore Margret Mitchell dished out three assists and scored a goal.

“Abby has been a four-year player for us and she’s a captain,” Hurlie said. “And Margret is only a sophomore, but she’s going to be a special player for Rye.” Although the Garnets have not been tested yet this year— their closest game being a 16-6 win over Nyack—Hurlie said that games like Tuesday’s win present their own opportunities for the Garnets.

“The positive is that you get everyone in, get a look at all your players early in the year,” the head coach said. “You just try to stay crisp and get back on the bus with a win.”

The Eagles will look to bounce back on April 15, after press time, when they travel to Nanuet to take on the Golden Knights, while the Garnets will host another league foe in Pelham before heading up to North Rockland for an April 18 showdown against the Red Raiders.

According to Hurlie, North Rockland should provide Rye with a stiff non-league challenge that should be important this early in the year.

“They are one of the best teams in the section, they return all but one starter from a team that went 15-3 last year,” he said. “We are going to learn more about what kind of team we are from that game.”

Players from Eastchester and Rye fight for the ball on April 12. The Garnets beat the Eagles 17-2.

CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

A Rye player looks for an open teammate on April 12.

An Eastchester player tries to avoid two Garnets. Photos/Mike Smith

SPORTS

April 15, 2016 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • 15

Gonzalez improves to 2-0

By MIKE SMITh Sports Editor

On Saturday, April 9, local fighter Natalie Gonzalez took another step toward boxing stardom with a one-sided unanimous decision win over Rachel Sazoff at Five Star Banquet Hall in Long Island City, New York. Although her pro career is just two fights old, the undefeated Gonzalez seems poised for big things in the women’s 105-pound division.

Gonzalez (2-0) took control from the opening bell and battered Sazoff, who was making her pro debut, to cruise to her second straight win in the professional ranks. Although the New Rochelle native had little trouble with her opponent on Saturday New Rochelle’s Natalie Gonzalez has her hand raised after her April 9 night, Sazoff did provide some- fight in Queens, New York. Gonzalez has a 2-0 professional record. thing of a different look for Gonzalez, a two-time Golden international stars, Gonzalez she works her way up the rankGloves Champion. currently has her sights set on ings. Gonzalez expects to fight “After eight years, this is the becoming the top American again sometime around June, first southpaw I ever fought,” fighter in the weight class. but said that after enjoying her said Gonzalez after the fight.

“The big fights, they’re go- win for a day or two, she’ll be “It’s awkward, seeing punch- ing to be in South America or in back in the gym this week. es at different angles, but it Asia,” O’Leary said. “But right “[Going pro] hasn’t really wasn’t too difficult; we’ve been now, there are maybe 10 Ameri- changed anything,” she said. working on this for the last can fighters, and we’d like to “I’m still working out Monday two months.” clean out the division before we to Saturday, maybe I’m just Ryan O’Leary, who trains move on to bigger fights.” working a little harder now.”

Gonzalez at Champs Boxing For Gonzalez, though, the Club in New Rochelle, said that goal is simply to stay focused as CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com Natalie Gonzalez, left, connects with a left hand during her April 9 fight. Photos/Mike Smith although his charge was dominant on Saturday night, she is still adjusting to fighting in the professional ranks.

“When you see a girl like [Natalie] in the ring for the second time as a pro, you’re not seeing her best yet,” O’Leary said. “But she did some good things, she moved her head, she jabbed, threw the right hand; I thought she was going to stop [Sazoff].”

Sazoff came into Saturday’s bout without a boxing match on her resume, but had the experience of six mixed martial arts fights to call upon against Gonzalez.

“This was her pro debut, but she competes in MMA, and she’s a rugged girl,” O’Leary said of Sazoff. “She had a good chin and she was tough.”

Although Gonzalez’s career is still young—she turned pro on Jan. 29—O’Leary said that the future is bright. While most Natalie Gonzalez stalks her opponent in her second of the high-profile fighters in Natalie Gonzalez, right, throws a punch against Rachel Sazoff. Although Gonzalez has been fighting for eight years, Sazoff is the professional fight. the 105-pound division are first southpaw she has faced.

16 • ThE EASTChESTER REvIEw • April 15, 2016