Eastchester REVIEW THE
June 17, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 25 | www.eastchesterreview.com
County to reconstruct Pondfield Road West Bridge After the passing of a nationwide FDA regulation classifying all vapor products as tobacco products, vape manufacturers, retailers and consumers of the growing industry may be forced to find an alternative to their alternative. For story, see page 6. Photo/Suzy Berkowitz
By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer
Various factions move to ‘Raise the Age’ on convictions By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Statewide pleas to raise New York’s adult conviction age have begun to ruminate in Westchester County, attracting the voices of faith leaders, government officials and advocacy groups alike. And while the campaign— dubbed “Raise the Age,” which aims to increase the adult conviction age of New York state from 16 to 18 years old—has raised eyebrows, New York state still remains one of only two states in the U.S. with a 16-year-old threshold; the other being North Carolina. Though talks of reforming the age limitation may be somewhat new, the 16-year-old age threshold is anything but. As a part of the Family Court Act, authorized
in 1962 along with the creation of a New York state Family Court, children as young as 16 years old have been viewed as adults in the eyes of the state’s criminal justice system. But now, according to Allison Lake, the deputy director of the nonprofit Westchester Children’s Association, which joined the campaign to raise New York’s conviction age four years ago, that 54-year statute is closer than ever to being overturned, and for youths statewide, the implications, she explained, could be significant. “The research shows us that young people who are involved in the adult criminal justice system are likely to reoffend,” Lake said. “They are also likely to commit another crime, and at a
higher level.” In fact, data from the National Juvenile Justice Network— which consists of juvenile justice reform organizations in 41 states nationwide—suggests that a young offender admitted into an adult correctional facility is 34 percent more likely to be arrested for a violent crime following their initial incident, compared to their peers who are put through a juvenile facility. This statistic, according to Lake, bears an even greater significance for the county and state’s African-American youth population, whose arrests more frequently result in jail time compared to their Caucasian counterparts. “All young people get in trouble, regardless of race,” Lake said. “But those that go through
the public system are usually browner, blacker.” According to a 2013 study by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Service’s Office of Justice Research and Performance, while 33.2 percent of Caucasian arrests in New York state resulted in incarceration, that number jumped to about 52 percent for African-Americans, despite the latter constituting a lower portion of overall arrests. Lake said that despite strong supporting evidence that an emphasis on alternative rehabilitative programs outside of the traditional adult correctional facilities usually leads to lower rates of recidivism and crime, AGE continued on page 8
Westchester County may soon work on replacing the 105-year-old bridge on Pondfield Road West that crosses the Bronx River and links Bronxville to Yonkers. In a letter to the 17-member county Board of Legislators, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, requested approval for a bond act to issue $1.03 million to design a replacement for the 53-foot-long bridge beside the River House apartment complex in Bronxville. Last year, the New York State Department of Transportation preformed a condition rating test on the bridge, rating it at 4.361 on a scale of 1 through 7. Astorino’s letter notes, “A rating below 5 indicates that a bridge requires work and delay of this work could result in continued deterioration of the bridge.” The state agency usually rates bridges every two years. The new design would consist of a bridge superstructure with a pre-cast rigid frame and arch structure. The facade of the bridge would be repaved with stones, and the stone parapets would be replaced with stonefaced concrete parapets to mimic the appearance of the existing bridge, which is located in the historic section of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation. The $1.03 million bond would only fund the bridge redesign and would not cover costs of construction. The design phase of the bridge replacement plan is estimated to take nine months, whereas construction may take as long as 21 months. During the design process, the county is expected to submit the bridge plans to Yonkers and Bronxville officials at regular
intervals for review and comment, since the structure is in both the city of Yonkers and the village of Bronxville. However, Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin, a Republican, and Village Administrator Jim Palmer both said the bridge is entirely in Yonkers. Marvin said even though the bridge is not in Bronxville, the village will benefit from the reconstruction. “As much as it’s not in the village, it is feet from our village,” she said. “And it’s kind of the gateway into our village.” The mayor added that New York-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital, one of the village’s largest employers, is just down the road from the bridge. Since the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the new design must follow guidelines in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The bridge itself is not listed as a historical landmark. The county will have to consult the State Historical Preservation Office for plan approval before sending the project out to bid. The last time capital work was done on the bridge was in 1998. The project is currently being considered by the Infrastructure and Budget and Appropriations committees of the Board of Legislators. The Pondfield Road West Bridge project is one of 13 road and bridge projects before the two county committees. The total cost of the bond acts would amount to $6.9 million, if they are all approved. The bridge connecting Yonkers and Bronxville has the highest price tag on the list. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
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June 17, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 3
HUD administrator talks life after settlement By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer As Westchester County nears the end of its seven-year commitment to identify and construct affordable housing, two representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s regional office are already working toward building a relationship for the future. The county is amid the final six months of a controversial legal settlement with HUD, in which the county agreed to create 750 units of affordable housing in 31 of its more affluent and Caucasian communities and meet specific guidelines that restrict how many of those buildings can be rental or senior-living, and where they can be built. But in a meeting with some members of the Board of Legislators on Monday, June 6, HUD Regional Administrator Holly Leicht focused on building a relationship between HUD and the county after the settlement requirements are completed.
“If we get to the end of the settlement and 750 units have been built but everybody’s saying ‘I never want to deal with the federal government or the federal government’s money or affordable housing again,’ we have not really met our goal here,” Leicht told county lawmakers. Leicht and Valerie Daniele, special assistant to the regional administrator, said their focus is on building a future with the individual municipalities after the settlement. Leicht said she hopes her department can help Westchester communities set ordinances to require developers to build specific numbers of affordable units per overall unit built. She added that, moving forward, much of the department’s aim would be education and outreach, with the goal of informing the public about the benefits of affordable housing. Leicht’s strategy would keep a dialogue open between county communities and HUD, even if Westchester decides to sever ties with the department after the terms of the settlement
have been fulfilled. But several of the legislators were fixed on HUD’s requirement for an analysis of impediments, AI, a report submitted by the county and its municipalities determining the laws, zonings and restrictions that deter the fair building of affordable housing units. Legislator David Gelfarb, a Rye Brook Republican, said what troubled him most about the county’s settlement with HUD was the reading of the analysis of impediments, which he called “Kafkaesque.” As part of the settlement, the county must submit an AI that HUD finds acceptable before the end of this year. The administration of County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, has filed at least eight separate AIs since 2010, but HUD has disagreed with each submission’s finding that zoning laws in the county were not exclusionary. “Everyone sort of agreed what the data was,” Leicht said, “But the county’s understanding that there were no impediments, we don’t necessar-
HUD regional administrator Holly Leicht told Westchester County legislators she plans on working with individual municipalities to promote affordable housing development during and after the final six months of the county’s settlement with HUD. Photo courtesy aafe.org
ily agree with.” The HUD administrator stressed that an impediment does not only result from intentional discrimination or negligence; sometimes municipal or state codes can stifle efforts to create affordable housing. Legislator John Testa, a Peekskill Republican, said of the analyses, “Maybe the results are what they are and maybe HUD needs to accept what they are.” Daniele said that although
the AI has been a point of contention between HUD and the county in the past, the intention of the AI was to help the county to recognize potential weaknesses and move forward in creating affordable housing opportunities. Leicht added, “It’s really meant to be kind of a starting point for a discussion where a town has data to be able to think about ‘what are our goals.’” Gelfarb told the Review
he was troubled with the way the HUD representatives addressed his concerns about the AI. “It didn’t really provide much of a roadmap for an ending of litigation,” he said. He said he is not entirely averse to the idea of working with HUD in the future but added, “We’re skeptical of our relations with HUD for obvious reasons and we want to bring an end to this.” CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
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What’s going on... Eastchester Public Library
Bronxville Public Library Science and Stories On Tuesday, June 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Science concepts, stories and related hands-on activities are offered in this program for children ages 6 and up. Registration is required online at bronxvillelibrary.org.
Adult Book Discussion Group
EPL Film Series On Friday, June 24 at 1:30 p.m. “London Has Fallen” will be screened. After the death of the British prime minister, the world’s most powerful leaders gather in London to pay their respects. Without warning, terrorists unleash a devastating attack that leaves the city in chaos and ruins. Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) springs into action to bring U.S. President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) to safety. When Asher falls into the hands of the sinister organization, it’s up to Banning to save his commander in chief from a horrible fate. Rated R; running time: 100 minutes.
On Tuesday, June 21 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Linda Hirshman’s “Sisters in Law” will be discussed. The book tells of how Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg went to the Supreme Court and changed the world. Her book combines legal detail with warm personal anecdotes, bringing these very different women into focus as never before.
Wednesday Matinee On Wednesday, June 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. “Spotlight” will be screened as part of the library’s Oscar Series. A team of investigative reporters for the Boston Globe work to expose decades of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and coverups of the crimes by the Catholic Church. Rated R; running time: 129 minutes.
Cooking with Herbs
Family Film
On Saturday, June 25 at 10 a.m. Everyone will leave with their own herb garden. Class size is limited and registration is required at the Reference Desk or by calling 793-5055.
On Friday, June 24 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West” will be screened. A family of Emigre mice decide to move out to the West, unaware that they are falling into a
She’s not crazy, her name just rhymes with it. Read Lenore Skenazy’s column every week in the Review. A past contributor to the Daily News and the New York Sun, Skenazy has also appeared on “The Daily Show,” been profiled in the New Yorker and even had her own reality TV show, “World’s Worst Mom.”
trap perpetrated by a smooth talking cat. Rated G; running time: 75 minutes.
Life-size 1980s Clue mystery game On Thursday, June 30 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For ages 10 and up. Kick off the Teen Summer Reading game by attending the live 1980sthemed Clue mystery game. The library is bringing this rad throwback game to life as participants to figure out who totally murdered Ferris Bueller. Here’s the catch: try to dress in your best 80’s outfit or like your favorite 80’s character in order to get extra points toward the prize, which is totally sweet. Registration is required online at bronxvillelibrary.org.
Tuckahoe Public Library Creative writing workshop On Monday, June 20 at 1 p.m. Registration is required by calling 961-2121.Visit tuckahoelibrary.org for more information.
LEGOS in the Library On Friday, June 24 at 4 p.m. Come to the library and create a masterpiece to display. Open to ages 4 to 10. Registration is required by calling 9612121.
Bronxville Women’s Club Coffeehouse The public is cordially invited to attend the Friday, June 17 Coffeehouse evening at the Bronxville Women’s Club, located at 135 Midland Ave. in Bronxville, beginning at 8 p.m. These casual evenings are hosted by Al Hemberger, director of The Loft in Bronxville, and take place in the art gallery of the club. Performing this month are New York-based singer/songwriter Honor Finnegan and The Renovators, a local group consisting of Kerry Faselt-Hopwood, Jonathan Elinghaus and Al Hemberger. Admission is $5, which includes coffee and snacks, with donations for the artists. BYOB or drink ours. No need for reservations of parties of four or less. For further information, call 337-3252 or visit bronxvillewomensclub.org.
Village Lutheran Church Prayer Service The next monthly service of prayer for healing will be held on Saturday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. This short service is an opportunity to pray for personal needs and concerns, and to receive anointing with oil. The Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Road in Bronxville.
Eastchester school district news Join Music Boosters Help is needed to continue the support of music education in Eastchester in grades K-12. A full board is needed for the 2016-2017 school year. Please consider applying, no experience is necessary. To apply and for more information, visit eastchestermusicboosters.wordpress.com.
Eastchester High School driver education Get your license at 17. Information about the
driver education program can be found at eastchester.k12.ny.us. The summer program runs for approximately 6 1/2 weeks, usually beginning the last week in June and ending mid-August. Class meets every day for 90 minutes. The driving school sets each student’s schedule based on the application submitted. Hours run between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. All details are available on the application. If you have any questions, call 332-7700.
Eastchester Recreation Department Bronco Hoops summer basketball camp Bronco Hoops Basketball Camp is rooted in teaching the fundamental skills and strategy of basketball in a manner that is both fun and edu cational. Each day, athletes will participate in skill-based stations that focus on individual player development. Those skills will then be utilized in controlled game situations and scrimmages. Camp staff will work closely with each athlete to help them maximize their potential and ensure a posi tive experience. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 5 to 14, and will run from June 27 to July 7 at Bronxville High School, located at 177 Pondfield Road. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to noon, and the fee is $199. For more information, visit eastchester.org/ departments/recreation/index.html or email broncohoops@gmail.com.
Bronxville Sports and Science Camp The mission of the Bronxville Sports and Science Camp is to provide children with experiences in a variety of sports, enrich them in the field of science exploration, and empower them with decision-making skills. Blending the disciplines found in sports and academics with this life lesson theme provides children with a camp experience that will be both valuable and memorable. The camp is specifically designed for boys and girls entering grades K-6 and is presented by the Eastchester Recreation Department. There are four sessions, all in July. The camps will run weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bronxville School, located at 177 Pondfield Road. For more information, visit eastchester.org/ departments/recreation/index.html or email bronxvillesportsandsciencecamp@gmail.com.
Tuckahoe Police Department Annual Community Day The Tuckahoe Police Department presents the 14th annual Community Day on Saturday, June 25 from 11 a.m. at Parkway Oval, located at Bronx Street and Consulate Drive in Tuckahoe. There will be a celebration of Safe Riders Day, a child safety seat event at 11 a.m. and The Cops for Kids Kickball Tournament at 12:30 p.m. There will also be a bicycle helmet giveaway, a bicycle inspection and repair station, bicycle registration, bicycle safety courses and an obstacle course. Participate in a raffle drawing to win a new bicycle, too. 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.
June 17, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 5
County labor union rallies for new deal A local chapter of the Civil Service Employees Association Inc. held two rallies in front of the Westchester County government’s Edwin G. Michaelian Office Building, located at 148 Martine Ave. in White Plains, on June 7. The union, which represents more than 3,000 employees across multiple county departments, was protesting the lack of
a new labor contract for nearly five years, the longest the union has ever gone without a new agreement in place. The last time the union and the county met to negotiate toward a new contract was in 2014, when CSEA 9200 walked away from the bargaining table following a fact-finder’s recommendations that, if accepted, would lead union members
CSEA 9200 President Kwabena Manu addresses union members at a rally held outside the Westchester County government building on June 7. The union, representing county employees, has been without a contract for more than 1,600 days.
to contribute toward their health care, along with accepting a twoyear wage freeze. “We walked away from the last contract because if we had taken it, it means we’d be taking money out of the pockets of our members,” said Kwabena Manu, president of CSEA 9200. Currently, the union continues to operate under the parameters of the previous contract, which expired on Dec. 31, 2011. The first rally took place from noon to 2 p.m., and another took place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. At the noon gathering, Manu spoke to around 200 union members gathering with custom T-shirts and placards. “We are not here to insult anyone in the county [government],” Manu said. “We are just demanding what we deserve…. Just come to the table with a fair and equitable contract.” However, Manu told members present at the rally that the time has come for the union to pay into their health benefits. “The county is not going to give us any raises if we don’t pay into [them],” he said. “But
CSEA 9200 union members shout, “What do we want? Contract! When do we want it? Now!” during a rally on Martine Avenue in White Plains. The last time the union held negotiations with county officials was in 2014. Photos/Sibylla Chipaziwa
I can promise you that by the end of this year, we will have a contract. If we don’t, vote me out.” Tracey Gamble, a Connecticut resident that has worked in
the county Department of Environmental Facilities for 30 years, said the cost of living is always going up, and that five years without a contract is too long.
“I have three kids in college…. We’re not getting nothing,” he said. “When we speak on it, they [the county government] get mad. It’s crazy.” -Reporting by Sibylla Chipaziwa
6 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • June 17, 2016
Eastchester REVIEW THE
FDA ban puts vape shops in danger
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As part of the FDA’s new regulation, each e-liquid sold at White Plains Vapors on Mamaroneck Avenue would need to be registered for federal approval, costing retailers a steep fee for each product. Photos/Suzy Berkowitz
By SUZY BERKOWITZ Editorial Assistant A federal regulation published by the FDA on May 10 classifying all vapor products as tobacco products may soon have a large impact on so-called vape shops acrossthe country. The regulation, which is now included in the FDA’s Federal Register, deems all tobacco products—which now include vapor products—subject to the Tobacco Control Act, a law that gives the FDA the authority to regulate these products as it sees fit. All components of a vaporizer or e-cigarette—including eliquids, atomizers, batteries, cartridges, accessories, digital settings, tank systems, flavoring and programmable software—will be classified as tobacco products, subjecting them to individual regulation. The regulation also classifies hookah products and cigars as tobacco products, and subjects them to the Tobacco Control Act as well. The regulation goes into effect on Aug. 8, 2016, and will require all components of tobacco products manufactured after Feb. 15, 2007 to be registered on an individual basis for federal approval within two years. According to Jeff Stier, a senior fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research, the application process—which requires the submission of all product ingredients, product listings and manufacturing establishments—would cost an estimated $1 million per application. According to Cheryl Richter, owner of the CV Vape Den by Cherry Vape in Port Chester, the new FDA regulation puts her business, among many others, in danger of closing.
Having been manufacturing e-cigarettes and vaporizers for the past eight years, Richter has approximately 75 separate e-liquids on the market, a registration process that would cost her an estimated $9 billion in total. “A lot of these vape shops were created by entrepreneurs who became businesspeople, so this regulation would really be wiping out the entire market,” she said. Vapors, which gained their first patent in China in 2004 and were introduced to the United States in 2007, have since brought in $1.7 billion in revenue nationwide, according to the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association, with approximately 7,000 stores dedicated to the smoking alternative industry throughout the country. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2014, nearly 9 million adults across the country use e-cigarettes as an alternative to traditional smoking. Because e-cigarettes and vapor products are available in varying amounts of nicotine, including none at all, users are able to customize and regulate their nicotine intake, which helps them wean off of it. Spike Babaian, another veteran of the business, opened New York City’s first vape store, Vape NY, in 2011, and currently maintains three locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan. A former smoker, Babaian told the Review she turned to e-cigarettes in 2008 as a healthier alternative. Founder of the annual convention Vapefest and the National Vapers Club, a consumer-based organization about the vaping industry, Babaian said the stipulations of the FDA’s new regulation make it impossible for small business owners, who can’t afford to register each in-
dividual product for approval, to comply. She said even if vapor manufacturers and retailers could pay the registration fee, they are not guaranteed approval by the FDA. “This ban would hand over the market to big tobacco companies because they’re the only ones that can afford to register their products,” Babaian said. The regulation has been eliciting feedback from outside the industry as well. Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican, sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf on
products,” Johnson asks. While Johnson criticizes the regulation, U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, a New York Democrat, applauds it, saying that nicotine and tobacco exposure is a threat to public health. “An estimated 2 million American high school students have now used e-cigarettes,” Lowey said in a released statement. “Children should not have access to these dangerous products, and adults should be aware of health risks associated with their use via new warning labels.” Although the national age to legally purchase a vapor product is 18, some lawmakers across the country have already tried to steer youth away
[This] was obviously an effort to “ wipe us out completely, and now we’re in the fight of our lives. They would basically be putting e-liquid manufacturers in the position of committing a federal offense within the next two years.
”
– CHERYL RICHTER, owner of CV Vape Den behalf of the Committee of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs questioning the reasoning behind the FDA’s decision to implement a screening process on e-liquids. Johnson mentioned the negative affect that the regulation will have on small businesses, and the reliance on traditional cigarettes that the regulation may force vapor users to return to. “Has the FDA considered the unintended consequences if decreased access to e-cigarettes leads to increased consumption of traditional cigarette and tobacco
from traditional cigarettes by raising the age limit. In 2013, former New York City Mayor Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a Republican, passed legislation banning the sale of cigarettes to anyone under the age of 21; in 2016, California Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat, did the same. With concern over the growing popularity of vapor products among young people, Richter and Babaian agree teenagers aren’t their target audience. They also suspect there to be ulterior motives behind the FDA’s decision to
enact this regulation, considering its financial favorability toward big tobacco companies. Since the formation of the Master Settlement Agreement in November 1998—a deal struck between the five largest tobacco companies and 46 state attorney generals—the tobacco industry has been required to pay the participating states an annual sum of $10 billion indefinitely. According to Richter and Babaian, the rising popularity of vapor products has negatively impacted the revenue of big tobacco companies, putting states’ annual payout in jeopardy. “[This] was obviously an effort to wipe us out completely, and now we’re in the fight of our lives,” Richter said. “They would basically be putting e-liquid manufacturers in the position of committing a federal offense within the next two years. We’re not calling it a regulation; we’re calling it a de facto ban.” With the regulation in place, a growing community of vapers may be forced to find an alternative to their alternative. Richter said vapor products are so successful because they work effectively. She said e-cigarettes’ ability to mimic the physical and psychological habits of traditional smoking and allow the user to regulate their nicotine intake eventually helps them kick the habit completely. “I was a smoker for 32 years and I tried the patch, the gum and giving it up cold turkey,” Richter said, “and this was the only thing that worked. We’ve had so many stories of people who had been smokers for 50 years and quit because they started vaping. It’s life-changing.” CONTACT: suzy@hometwn.com
Vaporizers and e-cigarettes have become one of the most popular alternatives to traditional smoking because it mimics the physical and psychological habits of smoking. Vape retailers say their target audience consist of longtime smokers who want to quit but don’t know how.
BURGER BLAST
June 17, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 7
Pow Burger, on Main Street in New Rochelle, serves up a Mexican BLT burger with tomatoes, mayonnaise, a Mexican-style chimichurri and agaveglazed bacon. Photo/Suzy Berkowitz
More than meats the eye By SUZY BERKOWITZ Editorial Assistant Attendees at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla ate and drank until the cows came home. On Thursday, June 9, Westchester Magazine’s fifth annual Burger and Beer Blast event, which was part of the monthly magazine’s sixth annual weeklong Wine and Food Festival, brought out a record number of almost 3,000 visitors to sample slider-sized patties from vendors across the county and cast their vote for Westchester’s best burger. After a warm welcoming from Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who referred to the
event as the reason why “Westchester has become a destination for foodies,” 32 participating restaurants, four food trucks and two bakeries served the masses, all hoping to boost their clientele, gain exposure and place in this year’s competition. “This is a great event, and some restaurants have been coming back year after year,” said Jennifer D’Ambrosio, Westchester Magazine’s director of marketing. “My favorite part is the friendly competition.” Barbara Glus, manager of Piper’s Kilt on White Plains Road in Eastchester, said the restaurant has been participating in the event for the past four years. She
Attendees at the blast gamble at the Empire City Yonkers Raceway tent, which offered games of blackjack and Russian roulette. This was Empire City’s first year at the event.
said they continue to return to the blast in an effort to reach a consumer base they wouldn’t otherwise have. Showcasing a classic cheeseburger with sauteed onions, Piper’s Kilt snagged third place in this year’s best burger competition, an honor Glus said the 37-year-old restaurant is used to receiving. Having placed within the top three since they started participating in the event, Piper’s Kilt was also awarded Westchester Magazine’s Best of Westchester burger recognition in 2015, an online readers’ choice contest created by the magazine. Another contender at this year’s blast was the Rye Roadhouse on High Street in Rye, which has been participating in the event since its inception. No stranger to acknowledgement,
More than 30 chefs and restaurateurs from across Westchester gather at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla to show off their skills and broaden their client base.
this New Orleans-influenced eatery was also recognized in Westchester Magazine’s 2015 Best of Westchester contest for their fried chicken. Giving customers a taste of their blackened beignet burger topped with smoked Gouda cheese and a Creole rémoulade, Kevin Campbell, co-owner and manager, said he made sure to keep the sliders simple to appeal to the masses. “The event was excellent; it was by far the largest crowd we’ve ever seen,” he said. “We go to build our business and bring in new customers. We got some good feedback.” Campbell said the weekends following the event often bring in new diners who sampled a bite at the festival and are interested in trying the rest of the menu. Although the Rye Roadhouse didn’t place within the top three in this year’s burger competition, they’re confident they did well. Also trying to take home a piece of the pie was Polpettina, an Italian eatery with locations on Larchmont Avenue in Larchmont and Fisher Avenue in Eastchester. Although Polpettina is known for their pizza, co-owner Kyle Inserra said the restaurant participates in the event to show clients that they don’t have any beef with the idea of cooking burgers. Grilling up a classic patty topped with cheddar cheese and
house-made tomato jam on a potato bun, Inserra said although the restaurant has been open for the past six years, gaining more exposure and expanding a client base is always helpful. He also said the event gives restaurateurs the chance to get to know each other. “There are so many of these events in the city, but they’re so rare in Westchester,” he said. “I love spending time with other chefs and getting to taste their food.” Inserra said Polpettina has only attended the blast twice, taking a break in between their last showing, and returning this year to find the event’s consumer base exponentially larger than before. D’Ambrosio said the blast has grown so quickly because Westchester Magazine makes sure to keep the event new and exciting
year after year. This year, Empire City Yonkers Raceway attended for the first time, occupying a tent full of blackjack and Russian roulette tables for guests to enjoy. From gambling to the grill, there was something for everyone at this year’s blast. Taking home the crown for best burger was renowned chef Peter Kelly’s rib-eye-brisket patty, topped with a melted pepper jack and cheddar sauce, spicy cherry peppers and lardoons on a delicate pretzel bun. Kelly, of X20 Xavier’s on the Hudson in Yonkers, has won the competition four out of five years. Coming in second was a burger made by Coals Pizza, which has one location in Port Chester and one in Bronxville. D’Ambrosio said although there was a competitive tone to the day’s events, she hopes the blast was just that for customers and restaurateurs alike. CONTACT: suzy@hometwn.com
Chef Peter Kelly, of X20 Xavier’s on the Hudson in Yonkers, serves customers at Westchester Magazine’s Beer and Burger Blast. Kelly’s burger has been voted best at the blast four out of the last five years. Photos courtesy Facebook
8 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • June 17, 2016
BRONXVILLE TODAY Mayor Mary Marvin
Over Memorial Day weekend, the village’s Green Committee sponsored a very successful “Take Back Day,” collecting gently used sheets and blankets for area animal shelters, shredding papers via use of the Westchester County Mobile Shredder, and accepting home electronic goods for their safe and environmentally responsible disposal. Next on the committee docket is the creation of a “Community Garden” adjacent to the Paddle Courts where families may garden, and a “Giving Garden” devoted to growing vegetables for area soup kitchens and food pantries. The garden is the result of a partnership with the Bronxville Rotary Club, an enthusiastic supporter of all of the village’s recent environmental initiatives. At our most recent Green Committee meeting, the members suggested I recap some of their initiatives over the years as a gentle reminder to continue best practices. It is so important that our village environmental initiatives take hold on a continuous, not one-shot basis, and be incorporated as multi-generational family habits. First among them is adherence to the leaf blower ban in effect from June 1 to Sept, 30. Do not hesitate to call the police desk at 337-0500 to report any illegal usage, and instruct any lawn service you employ to discontinue use on your property. It will make for a much quieter summer in the village. As the weather warms up, hundreds of lawn sprinkler systems will be reactivated. Given the almost obscenely high cost of water in our area, it is incumbent that we find ways to conserve both our wallets and a diminishing natural resource. Environmental experts recommend watering lawns only once a day and in the early morning when evaporation is at its lowest, thus maximizing the effectiveness of the water. Sprinklers should also be carefully calibrated to ensure that water
is never directed onto sidewalks or driveways. Any other property runoff from gutters or sump pumps needs to be directed to grassy areas and not onto the roads or into storm sewers. Pet waste must also never be placed in our sewers, as it is a major contaminant to our entire water systems due to the growth of dangerous bacteria. Leave grass clippings on the lawn this summer if at all possible. Remaining on the lawn increases the natural enrichment of the soil and eliminates costly collection trips by our Department of Public Works. If gathered, bag them curbside so they don’t clog sewers and drains post rain events. Take special care of the trees on your property. The village does not have a tree ordinance as we historically relied on the foresight and stewardship of our residents to value this intrinsic asset. With few, though glaring exceptions, this has been the case. Trees positively alter our environment by moderating climate, improving air quality, harboring wildlife, preserving soil and conserving water. The net cooling effect of just one young healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. Well-placed trees on a property can cut air conditioning cost by 10 to 15 percent, and can indirectly cut the carbon dioxide emissions from cooling units. Trees on private property also produce great monetary value. Studies have demonstrated that 10 to 23 percent of the value of a residence is based on its tree stock. More intangible, but of importance nonetheless, are the symbolic links with the past that mature trees provide while other connections have long since gone. Care for your lawn and trees without the use of pesticides. All of the village municipal open spaces and our school’s property are free of chemicals and pesticides thanks to the efforts of our Green Committee. Regular pesticide use kills microorganisms in the soil and weakens plants so that they are
vulnerable to pest infestation and disease. They can also sicken or kill non-target species such as beneficial insects, fish, birds, frogs and household pets. Many of the lawn chemicals used by local landscapers and first popularized in the 1960s were byproducts of chemicals produced for use during war, and are only now being tested for their true toxicity and actual duration of their potency. Many commercial pesticides are associated with some risk to human health and the environment. It is actually illegal to claim that any pesticide is “safe,” even when used as directed. Pesticide runoff pollutes ground and surface water, which threatens the safety of our drinking water supply. Also, many lawn pesticides are toxic to aquatic and marine organisms as well. Other smaller initiatives that can change household habits and incorporate children in the stewardship of their environment include: • walking together on an errand instead of driving. • unplugging appliances, toasters, TVs and stereos when not in use. • reusing cloth napkins at meals instead of paper. • returning plastic bags to the store where items were purchased. • keeping a reusable bag or two in one’s handbag or car to use when making purchases. • not idling the car while waiting. • using eenergy-efficient light bulbs. • turning off lights when leaving a room. • buying as much locally grown food as possible. Our Green Committee is a small but dedicated cadre of citizens. We need more help as our efforts are quite hands on and labor intensive. We welcome any interested citizens to join us. It is not an advocacy group by design, rather a committee dedicated to fostering proven good environmental practices. Our next committee meeting is Wednesday, June 27 at 7:15 p.m. in Village Hall. Please join us.
AGE from page 1
chief opposition among state senators has prevented the law from being reformed. “As advocates, we show [government officials] the research that [raising the age] is better for community safety,” Lake said. “It doesn’t seem to resonate with the conservative members of the Senate.” Last year, despite the allocation of funds in Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget for legislation changing the conviction age and bolstering the family court system, the move was eventually taken out of the final budget after a tepid response from Republican leadership in the Senate. Although the 2016-2017 fiscal year budget allocates $110 million for the legislation, no law is currently in place. As a result of the lack of po-
litical will, various religious leaders across Westchester have now joined the cause. “I’ve spent 16 years working with adolescents in youth groups,” said Pastor John Geary of White Plains Presbyterian Church. “[Raise the age] is an opportunity; a brighter future to chart a different course; one that wouldn’t be determined by incarceration.” Recently Geary—who is involved in various issues pertaining to criminal justice reform—was one of 35 clergy members representing various sects, who petitioned the governor’s office to pass legislation in their upcoming budget, which must be adopted before June 16; the end of the legislative session. Additionally, Julie Killian, city of Rye councilwoman and Republican candidate for state Senate, has shown her support
for a form of legislation raising the conviction age. “Sixteen-year-old kids should not be in adult prisons, period,” she said, acknowledging that there are details of the currently proposed legislation that still need to be worked out. “I am confident that progress can be made on this issue.” Already, Cuomo promised to pardon thousands of youth offenders who were cycled into the correctional system for misdemeanors in December 2015, which was heralded by reformers as a significant step forward. Lake, however, maintains some skepticism when postulating about the future. “There’s a lot of work to do,” she said, adding that the conversation surrounding the subject has increased. “But it puts us in a great position for next year.” CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Factions across Westchester County and the state are campaigning to raise New York’s conviction age from 16 to 18 years old. Currently, New York is one of only two states in the entire country with such a low threshold. Allison Lake, deputy director of Westchester’s Children’s Association, said the consequences for entering our youth into the correctional system can be dire. Map courtesy raisetheageny.gov
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June 17, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 9
Save the Sound seeks participation for water testing
This map indicates all of the sites tested by Save the Sound during the summer of 2015. Green indicates that the site passes safe swim criteria; orange is a failure; red is a failure by 10 times or more; and gray indicates that not enough data was collected to calculate an average.
By ANGELA JORDAN For the fourth consecutive year, Save the Sound is hosting its water quality monitoring training sessions again this summer. According to Tracey Brown, the director of Western Sound programs, the purpose of the program is to give citizens the opportunity to participate in sampling studies that are used to persuade elected officials to invest more in water infrastructure, while simultaneously informing residents of the true quality of their local waters. “This program really focuses on bacteria contamination and what we’re trying to do is figure out where updated structure investments need to be made, or where animal waste is,” Brown said, “because we want to make sure the shoreline is safe to swim in.” The Westchester municipalities where Save the Sound conducts samplings include New Rochelle, Pelham, Rye, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Port Chester, Scarsdale, White Plains and Mount Vernon. They have also extended their services out to Greenwich, Connecticut, and will begin testing at some sites on Long
Island soon. In the summer of 2015, Save the Sound worked with 24 volunteers who collected roughly 400 water samples from 52 different sites in Westchester and Greenwich. They tested the water for Enterococcus, bacteria that indicates fecal contamination. After the results were collected, they then gave each site a “pass” or “fail” score based on safe swim criteria established by the states of New York and Connecticut. The 52 sites included rivers, embayments and shorelines. Of the three categories, rivers were the most contaminated waters, with a 79 percent fail rate, followed by shorelines, which had a 35 percent fail rate, and then embayments, which had a 34 percent fail rate. The sites with the highest levels of contamination were Mount Vernon, Pelham, Port Chester and White Plains, and the cleanest sites were in Larchmont and Greenwich. Mamaroneck had sites ranging from the cleanest, the Mamaroneck Harbor, to one of the most contaminated, the Sheldrake River. Furthermore, according to Save the Sound, 51 of the testing sites indicated worsening water quality when compared
to samples from 2014. Brown, however, said that there are usually specific causes for water contamination that can be remedied. Brown said that in Rye for example, some of the sanitary sewer lines are cracked, and therefore sewage overflows in manholes can cause water contamination, and that by pushing for state funding to update Rye’s sewer infrastructure, the city could significantly reduce the bacteria in bodies of water like Playland Lake and Beaver Swamp Brook. The first testing dates for water quality monitoring training sessions were in Mamaroneck on June 6 and June 7, but Brown said that there will likely be more available training session in a few weeks if there is a demand for it. “We’re trying to drum up some new people to volunteer,” Brown said. “We’ll add more [training dates] depending on interest.” Save the Sound’s Westchester office is located at 545 Tompkins Ave. in Mamaroneck, and Brown said that locals who are interested in attending a training session should contact Peter Linderoth at plinderoth@ savethesound.org.
Eamon Pearson, a volunteer at one of Save the Sound’s water quality monitoring training sessions in 2014, takes a water sample. Photos courtesy Save the Sound
10 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • June 17, 2016
The shape of things to come HISTORICALLY SPEAKING Richard Forliano
Starting after Labor Day 2015, the column “Historically Speaking” was revived after a four-year hiatus. The purpose of the column is to reveal in narrative form both old and new insights about the people, places and events that comprise the community’s fascinating history. In the 22 columns that were published, a narrative history has been compiled covering the fascinating 17th- and early 18thcentury history of historic Eastchester during Colonial times. There might possibly be a few articles published between the Fourth of July and Labor Day on topics of immediate relevance or on an event commemorating an historic happening. The column “Historically Speaking” will resume again every other week after this Labor Day, with articles on the 18th- and 19th-century history of the town. As in previous columns, new information and insights based on newly uncovered sources will be presented. It would be remiss to omit the story of the African-American slaves and freed blacks who joined the original Colonial settlers of Eastchester. In the 18th century African-American slaves comprised 10 percent of the population of the town. As late as 1820, the federal census listed 20 African-Americans still in bondage, almost five decades after signing of the Declaration of Independence. No history of Eastchester would be complete without telling the story of Eastchester’s important and tragic role during the American Revolution. At the start of the war, the once content citizens of Eastchester were bitterly divided over whether to sympathize with the British or to side with the patriots who were willing to risk everything for freedom. The recent Broadway hit musical “Hamilton”
has a song in which the Loyalist Eastchester minister, Samuel Seabury, debates with Hamilton over which side to join. In October 1776, the British commander, William Howe, tried to split the Continental Army under the command of George Washington in half by marching westward from the Long Island Sound through Pelham and Eastchester. Col. John Glover, outnumbered 4 to 1, was able to prevent the Hessians under Howe’s command from accomplishing his goal. Unfortunately, George Washington lost his battle for New York City and would not recapture the city until the very end of the war. For seven long, bloody years, Eastchester and lower Westchester County were trapped in a lawless no man’s land in which roving bands of criminals with dim allegiance to either side stole, looted, burned and killed whoever stood in their way. Brother was turned against brother, father against son, and even husband against wife as this savage conflict dragged on. Few communities suffered as much as Eastchester in the bloody no man’s land that was later given the name “The Neutral Zone.” Ironically, the devastation of the American Revolution, in which possibly every single house in the present town of Eastchester was destroyed, did not change much about the character of the town. After the war, the patriots returned to their widely scattered farms and the population remained relatively the same. But the bucolic peace that existed before the war was broken. The people of Eastchester “feared everyone, loved no one.” It would have to wait until the early 19th century that the roots of modern Eastchester began to emerge. A cotton mill, still standing, named the Tuckahoe Company, was built on the banks of the Bronx River. But marble discovered on the property of the son of the town supervisor during the Revolutionary War re-
vived the economy of the town, and the arrival of the New York and Harlem railroad in 1844 was arguably the most transformative event in the history of the town. Not only would it become cheaper and faster to send Tuckahoe marble around the country, but other new industries like Hodgeman Rubber in presentday Tuckahoe and Swain’s Cutlery Mill in present-day Bronxville attracted new workers. Irish immigrants fleeing the famine came to work in the quarries. A sizable number of German immigrants looking for more opportunities also came to town. In 1850, the village of Mount Vernon was created from five adjoining farms in Southern Eastchester as affordable housing for working class people fleeing the high rents and congestion in New York City. Lastly, wealthy people bought land and built beautiful estates throughout the town. The Civil War created profound changes in Eastchester. A number of soldiers volunteered to fight to preserve the Union, but the majority of the people in Westchester opposed Abraham Lincoln the presidential election of 1860 and 1864. Anger over the first draft in American history resulted in participation in the Civil War riots in early July 1863. In the later half of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the suburban roots of modern Eastchester began to emerge. Ongoing research is being conducted at this time. By fall 2017, the reader should have a clearer picture of how Eastchester was beginning to evolve from its rural roots to the its present suburban makeup. Please contact us at historian@eastchesterhistoricalsociety.org about any comments or questions you might have about this column. Also, any questions about sources of information will be addressed.
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June 17, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 11
Tech. Sgt. Lemm honored at Kensico Dam By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Police officers, veterans and servicemen joined Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and the family of Tech. Sgt. Joseph Lemm on Monday, June 6 beside the 9/11 Rising memorial at the Kensico Dam in Valhalla to honor the fallen “superman.” Astorino accompanied Lemm’s family, including his wife, Christine, his stepdaughter, Brooke Chaco, and his son, Ryan, down the Westchester Fallen Heroes Memorial Walkway to the tune of “God Bless America,” performed by The Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester, to Lemm’s newly unveiled plaque which lies between an American flag and a U.S. Air Force flag. The county executive called Lemm, a 15-year veteran of the NYPD and sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, selfless, brave and courageous, a family man, a hero and Superman. Moreover, Astorino said
Lemm was a throwback to the heroic soldiers who, exactly 72 years ago, were storming the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. “Not only was Joseph Lemm a throwback to the greatest generation,” the county executive said, “he was the greatest of our generation today.” Lemm, a West Harrison resident, was killed in action on Dec. 21, 2015 in Afghanistan when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive near Lemm’s team outside Bagram Air Field. Lemm sacrificed his life to shield his team from the blast, which killed the sergeant and five other Americans. The Lemm family remained solemn during Father Chris Monturo’s closing prayer and the nine-shot rifle salute, which was followed by a bugle performance of taps. Astorino shook hands with 5-year-old Ryan Lemm, who was wearing dog tags etched with his father’s face, before departing from the family. Lemm is one of 18 heroes recognized in the walkway at
Kensico Dam and the first to represent the Air Force. His plaque is directly across the walkway from the only other Harrison honoree, Sgt. Anthony Kallideen of Purchase, a veteran of both the Army and the Marine Corps. Lemm was also honored in May during Harrison’s Memorial Day parade on May 30, when his stepdaughter Brooke, 17, sang the national anthem and “God Bless America” for the opening and closing ceremonies. Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, who attended the ceremony in Valhalla, told the Review that a service to recognize Lemm’s addition to the Honor Roll Memorial in Ma Riis Park is pending. Belmont noted that the weather and the energy of the Lemm commemoration were reminiscent of the annual 9/11 ceremony beside the Rising memorial. Just like the men and women recognized by the towering steel memorial, Lemm will be remembered in Kensico Dam West Harrison resident Tech. Sgt. Joseph Lemm of the U.S. Air Force is honored with a plaque and wreath at the Kensico Dam in Valhalla.
for decades to come. “Seventy-two years from now, when many of us are long gone, people will come here and read about a great
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, third from right, joins the family of fallen Tech. Sgt. Joseph Lemm in honoring the “real-life superman” at the Westchester Fallen Heroes Memorial Walkway.
man of courage and character, who fought for us as a soldier and served us as a police officer,” Astorino said, “but above all else, to those
who loved him most, was a wonderful son, a husband and father to his family.” CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, second from right, accompanies the family of fallen Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joseph Lemm. Photos/Bobby Begun
12 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • June 17, 2016
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June 17, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 13
My brother from another planet RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
Solomon Feuerwerker grew up as an alien. Not alien as in illegal immigrant. Alien as in from another planet. That planet was Williamsburg, Brooklyn. While many people in Williamsburg lead lives most of us can relate to, Solomon was the youngest of 11 children in an ultra-orthodox Jewish family. The religious sect he grew up in, a group called the Satmar Hasidim, believes in large families and distrusts the modern world. Members wear distinctive clothing—the men are in black suits, white shirts and side curls—and speak the traditional hybrid German/Hebrew/Slavic language of Yiddish. They do not mingle with outsiders. They do not watch any media. Boys like Solomon go to sex-segregated schools and are forbidden to study almost anything other than religion. No algebra. No biology. No non-Jewish studies beyond what a fourth- or fifth-grader would learn at public school. Which is why it’s all the more remarkable that about a week ago, Solomon stood up in front of a crowd of 300 and announced that he had been accepted to medical school. The crowd went wild. This was the annual downtown gala sponsored by Footsteps, the organization that helped Solomon and hundreds of others find their way out of ultra-orthodoxy to lead lives of their choosing. Footsteps is not anti-religion, it is pro-freedom. Its slogan is “Your life, your journey, your choice.” “Our core value is choice,” says Lani Santo, the executive
director. “We really help people think through the consequences of their various decisions.” Because people leaving ultra-orthodoxy are often shunned by the community they left behind, including their own families, Footsteps provides counseling, practical help and a home base for those who have lost their entire support system. The gala was organized to celebrate the milestones in the lives of Footsteps participants, since few had family members to cheer them on. Instead, the audience of Footsteps supporters whooped for a member who just got her first tech job, and another who just became an Uber driver. Several members had become engaged, provoking joyous applause. Then Solomon took the stage as the evening’s keynote speaker, and the audience sat in stunned silence as he told his story. “You need to understand just how insane it is for me to be here,” the 26-year-old began. “I grew up in a typically sized family in Williamsburg: I have 10 siblings. Exposure to the mainstream world is almost nonexistent. Some people say I’m an immigrant in my own country, but I prefer ‘alien.’ An immigrant might know about science and history and politics—an alien doesn’t. An immigrant has read books and watched TV—an alien hasn’t. An immigrant has spoken to people of the opposite sex without feeling like the world is about to end. An immigrant might be culturally unaware, but at the same time be an informed citizen of the world. An alien is just an alien and let me tell you, if an alien is going to successfully transition to immigrant, they need Footsteps.” Solomon heard about Footsteps through the grapevine as a teen. By then, he’d already been
sneaking off to the DVD store in the Puerto Rican part of his neighborhood and voraciously renting action flicks. These taught him colloquial English, and gave him direction: He wanted to be a cop, just like the guys in the movies. But then he went on a tour of Hunter College sponsored by Footsteps and his life changed. Classes in art and sociology! Laboratories! Students of every stripe talking, studying, laughing together. Footsteps was founded by a Hunter student, Malkie Schwartz, who’d made her way out of ultra-orthodoxy and wanted to help others who chose that path. Solomon enrolled and immediately floundered. “I had never tackled the concept of the atom, or seen a periodic table of the elements,” he later recalled. “I did not even know that all living things were made up of cells.” He had to make up for lost time, and at first, he couldn’t. He was in danger of failing, but reached out for help. And by the next year, he rose to the top of his class in chemistry. He continued to climb, getting A’s in his coursework while working part time, and becoming a mentor to others following in his, well, footsteps. He began volunteering at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and doing genetics research. And last year, he did it. He graduated with a degree in sociology. He put off applying to med school, however, to stay on for a year at Hunter, teaching organic chemistry. Now Solomon is heading to Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Yes, he will be an immigrant from New York, but not an alien. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
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Women in Innovation panel to be held Women in Innovation, WIN, a networking group for women working in innovative careers across any industry, will hold its inaugural event, a panel discussion on Women in Emerging Digital Leadership, at MasterCard, located at 2000 Purchase St. in Purchase on Wednesday, June 22 at 6 p.m. The event, co-sponsored by the MasterCard Women’s Leadership Network, will tap into leading digital media executives for insights on career path planning and how to leverage existing networks to uncover and activate new opportunities. Panelists for the one-hour session include: • Tina Exarhos, chief marketing officer of Now This is Media, ad-
visor at Lerer Hippeau Ventures and former chief marketing officer of MTV Networks • Fran Hauser, a digital and venture capitalist partner at Rothenberg Ventures and former president of Time Inc. Digital • Tiffany Pham, founder and chief executive officer of Mogul • Johanna Zeilstra, entrepreneur and founder of Womensdebate.org • Elisa Romm, executive vice president of B2B marketing at MasterCard Co-founded by Grace Fedele and Suzanna Keith, Women in Innovation is a community focused organization dedicated to elevating women in Westchester and Fairfield counties who are pushing the boundaries of
innovation and accelerating the pace of change across a range of industries. In hopes of empowering women in innovation and educating women with the latest innovation and technology trends, WIN will host events that feature top speakers and great networking opportunities. Participants will be able to expand their innovative boundaries and stay at the forefront of change by attending the Women in Innovation’s panel discussion. For more information or to register to attend the discussion, contact Keith at skconcepts@ hotmail.com or 925-0753, or contact Jenn Howland at jennhowland13@gmail.com or 9607521. (Submitted)
Clarissa is a beautiful torbie with plush fur. She loves being pet but isn’t the biggest fan of being held. Her meows tell you when she wants attention. Clarissa is the Mother Goose among her foster siblings. She also is a fierce hunter of catnip mice—she attacks them then runs around the house making this funny noise as if to say, “Hey, look what I found!” Clarissa needs to go to a home with an experienced cat owner and with another young cat in the household. She is microchipped, spayed, in excellent health and up to date with all vaccinations. Her adoption donation is $80. To meet Clarissa, contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at 835-3332 or 8354133 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
SPORTS
14 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • June 17, 2016
The fun in NBA conspiracies LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
I don’t mind saying it: I love conspiracy theories. Chemtrails, CIA mind control, the Illuminati “relocating” recently deceased celebrities to private, tropical islands. It’s not that I necessarily believe the tin-foil hat folks, I just love hearing their takes. But somewhere mixed in with the crowd that vigilantly dissected the Zapruder film to “prove” that the JFK assassination was actually perpetrated by a nefarious cabal of black hole-worshipping space men, is the group that turned their trained eye toward Left Shark’s freemason symbolism during Katy Perry’s Super Bowl XLIX halftime performance. Of course, I’m talking about sports-truthers. On Sunday, prior to Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it was announced that Golden State
Warriors’ forward Draymond Green would serve a one-game suspension after being retroactively assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for attempting a low-blow on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James in the waning moments of Game 4. Without Green in the lineup on Monday, the Cavaliers avoided elimination with a decisive 112-97 win, sending the series back to Cleveland for a Game 6. To the untrained observer, it seemed like the NBA had made an objective, fair and rational decision. Green is a well-documented agitator on the court, and over the course of the playoffs, has demonstrated a propensity for targeting opponents’ groins, either with his fists or his feet. But to those who are really in the know, what had happened was clear: the NBA was just looking for a way to extend the series. The avalanche of takes started soon after Green’s suspension was announced on Sunday. “The NBA is just looking for
more advertising dollars,” some fans screamed. “A LeBron win is better for the league’s brand!” others opined. Even if the conspiracy theorists can’t agree on exactly why the NBA chose to suspend Green, it’s clear that there is some sort of pro-Cavaliers agenda being passed down from the league office. Of course, when it comes to sports conspiracies, the NBA has always been fertile ground. There is the famed “frozen draft lottery envelope” theory that posits the league maneuvered to ensure that Patrick Ewing ended up on the Knicks in 1985. There are those who believe that Michael Jordan’s first retirement and subsequent baseball career was the result of him being caught by the league for betting on games. Heck, any time a team loses a hard-fought playoff series, there are countless fans who point to unbalanced officiating as part
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On Sunday, June 13, the NBA suspended Golden State Warriors’ star Draymond Green for Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Unsurprisingly, the announcement gave rise to more NBA conspiracy theories. File photo
of a league mandate to help one team advance for some reason or another. Now, the Warriors-Cavs series is a little bit closer at 3-2, at press time, but just because Cleveland gets to head back to its home court doesn’t mean that
when everything is settled, the long-suffering city of Cleveland is going to be celebrating its first major sports title since 1946. More than likely, the Green suspension and the Warriors’ Game 5 loss is just a small speed bump on the road to a second-straight
championship for Golden State. But let’s face it: when you’ve had a series as devoid of drama as this one, maybe a little controversy is what’s best for business.
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SPORTS
June 17, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 15
Bronxville falls in OT GIRLS LACROSSE
class c
SEMIFINALS
SKANEATELES 11 OT BRONXVILLE 10 TOMPKINS CORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
6/10/16
Game Notes: •S enior Lilly Grass led Bronxville with four goals and ends her high school career as the Broncos’ all-time leading scorer •B ronxville held a four-goal lead midway through the second half •S kaneateles tied the game with 14 seconds left and won in overtime By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor For the third year in a row, Bronxville’s lacrosse season came to an end in the state semifinals, as the Broncos lost an overtime heartbreaker to Section III champ Skaneateles on June 10 at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Although a coveted state title remains elusive for the Broncos, Bronxville will return a large number of players next year as they once again vie for the Class C crown. Led by a four-goal, one-assist effort from senior Lilly Grass, Bronxville took an 8-4 lead with 13:42 left in regulation, but the Lakers were able to quickly string together five consecutive goals to take their first lead of the game with 7:09 to play. Undaunted, the Broncos battled back and were clinging to a 10-9 lead with under a minute to play, when Skaneateles forced an offensive zone turnover and took the ball down the field, tying the game up on a goal by Molly Newton with 14 seconds left. Skaneateles’ momentum carried over into the overtime period, as the Lakers won the draw and peppered Bronxville goalie Claire Kraemer with shots before another turnover—this time on the Broncos’ end of the field—led to the game-winning goal by Olivia Navaroli. Despite the 11-10 loss, it
A few Bronxville athletes pose with the school mascot, Bronco, on June 9. Photos/Bobby Begun
Bronxville lacrosse players take a selfie.
Bronxville’s girls’ lacrosse team poses for a picture on June 9, before getting on the bus to travel to the state semifinals in Cortland, New York.
looks as though Bronxville will have a solid chance to contend for a state title next year. The Broncos return 20 varsity players in 2017, including both sophomore Ali Berkery and junior Olivia Jensen, who combined for five goals in Friday’s loss, and will also bring back midfield stalwart Beth Finley, who was injured in the Broncos’ Section I title game and missed the state playoff run
this year. Five of Bronxville’s returning players have already committed to play Division I lacrosse after they graduate. Bronxville’s departing seniors, however, will be hard to replace. Grass, who was named to the Class C All-Tournament team, and is the program’s alltime leading scorer, will be headed to Michigan next fall, and the squad will also say farewell to a trio of senior defensive
players in Lain Miller, Taylor Sears and Fallon Raviol, who, along with sophomore goalie Claire Kraemer, made the Broncos one of the best defensive teams in the state this year. The following day, Skaneateles would go on to lose in the Class C championship game, falling to Mount Sinai 12-3. CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Head coach Sharon Robinson acknowledges the crowd that showed up to Bronxville High School to see the team off as it headed to states.
16 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • June 17, 2016