Eastchester REVIEW THE
August 5, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 32 | www.eastchesterreview.com
Opt-out proposal could punish school districts By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
The First Lady? Hillary Clinton accepted the nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, July 28, becoming the first female ever to be nominated for president by a major political party. For more, see page 6. Photo courtesy Twitter
Legislator: Standard Amusements breached contract By JAMES PERO Staff Writer According to one Westchester County lawmaker, less than three months into a 30-year deal transferring control of county-owned Rye Playland to management company Standard Amusements, the private group has already breached contract, failing to make its first payment to the county. “[Standard] missed their first contractual payment,” said county Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat. “We’re just giving away too much control.” According to Jenkins, who opposed the contract that turned control of the amusement park over to Standard, the company’s first payment of $1.75 million—$250,000 of which
was already paid to the county upon the contract’s approval in March—was due on June 15. Specifically why the rest of the payment wasn’t made, Jenkins said, is still unbeknownst to him and his fellow lawmakers. “There has been no information as to why they did not make the payment,” Jenkins said. “It’s possible that they didn’t know what we were going to do with [Playland’s] pool.” On July 21—more than a month after the initial payment was due—a letter from Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett to Standard granted the company an extension for its first payment until Sept. 30; a date that coincides with the county Board of Legislators’ revised deadline for deciding the
fate of the Playland pool, a decision that was initially supposed to be finalized by July 31. Matt Richter, communications director for the board, who described Jenkins’ characterization of a “missed payment” as inaccurate, said that negotiations about the pool have played a central role in the decision to grant Standard an extension. “[Standard] was worried about the fate of the pool,” Richter said, adding that both parties had maintained communication over the issue prior to the June 15 payment deadline. “There was never any discrepancy; never an expectation that wasn’t met.” Richter said that both parties agreed that if a payment extension was imminent, wiring the $1.5 million to the county
wouldn’t be necessary. Currently, the future of Playland’s pool is under scrutiny by the Board of Legislators, which will consider several bond acts to either renovate the pool— which continues to leak significant amounts of water daily—or to remove it completely. According to Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat who spoke about the pool last month during a committee meeting, Standard has little interest in keeping the pool. But for county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, the pool’s removal is a deal breaker for her. “If that was [Standard’s] intention to demolish the PLAYLAND continued on page 8
A proposed federal education regulation, which would strip Title I funding for public schools with excessive opt-out rates of standardized testing, has ignited opposition from parents, lawmakers and education professionals in Westchester County. Following an Aug. 1 deadline for public comments, the U.S. Department of Education began a final approval process to amend the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, ESSA, which was passed by Congress in December 2015. The Department of Education’s proposal to amend ESSA would label most Westchester public schools as “in need of improvement” and would cut federal funding for any school where 5 percent of students or more opt out of Common Core testing. The controversial Common Core State Standards Initiative, which highlights what students should know in English language arts and mathematics at the end of each grade from kindergarten through 12th grade, is currently authorized in New York state until 2022. “I find the regulations troubling,” said Dr. Brian Monahan, the interim superintendent of the Rye City School District. “Parents made individual decisions based on what was right for their children.” Despite the lack of notice for public comment, however, the Rye City School District will not directly get involved with the proposed legislation, ac-
cording to Monahan, but will keep a close watch on it. The federal act was drafted by U.S. Secretary of Education John King, the former New York state education commissioner, following the repeal of the No Child Left Behind Act on Dec. 10, 2015. The No Child Left Behind Act previously required all public schools receiving Title I funding to administer statewide standardized testing with the stipulation that students make “adequate yearly progress.” For example, each year’s fifth graders must score better than the previous year’s fifth graders, or the federal government would step in and set mandatory improvement plans. Parents and local school administrators have panned the Common Core testing, arguing that it takes the learning out of the classroom by setting unrealistic educational guidelines for success due to the high rate of failure on standardized tests. Linda Banta, a Larchmont resident with two children in public schools who joined a rally against the regulation on July 29 held by state Senate candidate Julie Killian and congressional candidate Phil Oliva, both Republicans, said, “It’s alarming that the federal government announced something in the middle of summer that could so adversely affect our schools and economy.” If the proposal is approved, Killian, a member of the Rye City Council, said that Westchester residents would ultimately SCHOOL continued on page 10
Follow us on Twitter @eastchesterview Like us on facebook.com/eastchesterreview
2 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 5, 2016
August 5, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 3
The Giving Circle donates $78K in grants The Giving Circle of Lower Westchester awarded a record $68,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations that serve the hungry and food insecure in lower Westchester County. Award winners— generally food pantries and soup kitchens—were selected based on their exceptional work providing food and services to diverse communities in need. Each organization will receive grants of $1,000 to $6,000 through credits for food purchases from the Food Bank for Westchester, FB4W. In addition, the Giving Circle provided $10,000 in funding to two preschools—New Rochelle Day Nursery and the Yonkersbased Queens Daughters Daycare under the FB4W’s Green Thumb program. Both preschools will receive a monthly distribution of “Green Thumb Bags” containing six to eight varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables. The program advances a key priority of improving the nutritional value of food made available to those at risk of hunger in Westchester County. This is the second year the Giving Cir-
Ellen Lynch, president and CEO of The Food Bank for Westchester, with Eric Nodiff, founder and president of The Giving Circle of Lower Westchester Inc. Contributed photo
cle is providing such funds. The $78,000 total funding by the Giving Circle in 2016 represents a 10 percent increase over its 2015 grants of $71,000. The FB4W estimates that 200,000 residents in the county are at risk of hunger or facing food insecurity. More than 33 percent are children and more than 22 percent are seniors. The Food Bank for Westchester provides 95 percent of all emergency food distributed in the county. For more information about Food Bank for Westchester,
visit fb4w.org. “Access to healthy food is a basic right for all people. That is why it is really important that we all work together to help those who are hungry in our communities,” said Ellen Lynch, president and CEO of the Food Bank for Westchester. “We are pleased to partner with The Giving Circle of Lower Westchester to help local agencies provide food services for those who are in need.” “Thanks to our generous members, the Giving Circle continues to expand its ability to
2016 Giving Circle of Lower Westchester award winners Caritas of Port Chester Food Pantry Port Chester Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry at South Presbyterian Church Dobbs Ferry Ecumenical Emergency Food Pantry of White Plains White Plains El Centro Hispano Food Pantry White Plains First Reformed Church Soup Kitchen Mount Vernon Lifting Up Westchester White Plains Hillside Food Outreach Pleasantville HOPE Community Services Food Pantry New Rochelle Larchmont Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force Food Pantry Mamaroneck
fulfill our mission: helping food pantries, soup kitchens and other frontline hunger relief organizations in lower Westchester. It’s been gratifying to watch the Giving Circle rise to address this serious challenge in our local community,” said Eric Nodiff, Giving
Masters Helping Hand Food Pantry New Rochelle OLMC Elmsford Community Food Pantry Elmsford Port Chester Carver Center Food Pantry Port Chester Sacred Heart Food for the Hungry Dobbs Ferry/Yonkers San Andres Episcopal Church Food Pantry Yonkers St. Peter and St. Denis’ Food Pantry Yonkers St. Peters Neighborhood Dinner Port Chester St. Thomas Brown Bag Mamaroneck Sts. John, Paul and Clement Church Food Pantry Mount Vernon Union Baptist Church Food Pantry Greenburgh
Circle founder and president. Explaining the Giving Circle, Nodiff said, “Members pool their contributions for the purpose of donating to a common philanthropic cause—hunger relief—based on the concept that larger, combined donations go
further than several smaller individual checks. Our grants of even $1,000 can make a meaningful difference to the grant recipients. Our membership is open to anyone with a desire to help in providing this vital service to our community.”(Submitted)
4 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 5, 2016
What’s going on... Eastchester Public Library
Robert the Guitar Guy Robert The Guitar Guy will come to the library on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to entertain children and adults with lively guitar playing, storytelling and songs. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
to 5 p.m., and again from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Both sessions will include the reading of Demi’s “One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale,” followed by the making of rice balls. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is required. For more information or to register for this program, contact Jonathan Heifetz at 7218105 or by email at jheifetz@wlsmail.org.
coloring group on Monday, Aug. 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Those under stress will benefit from listening to tranquil music while coloring. All coloring sheets and supplies will be provided, and light refreshments will be served. This activity is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
Family Movie: ‘Zootopia’
The library will be screening the classic film “The Goonies” on Monday, Aug. 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. In order to save their home from foreclosure, a group of misfits set out to find a pirate’s ancient treasure. Rated PG; running time: 114 minutes. This screening is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
The family film “Zootopia” will be screened on Friday, Aug. 12 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This animated Disney film is a comedic adventure set in the modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia. This screening is free and open to the public, and registration is suggested. For more information or to register for this screening, call 793-5055. Rated: PG; running time: 111 minutes.
Bronxville Public Library
Zumba for Teens Teens in grades six and up are welcome to learn Zumba on Monday, Aug. 8 from 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in the library. The class will be led by an instructor from the Steffi Nossen School of Dance. This class is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
Books and Snacks Club Children entering kindergarten through second grade are welcome to join the library’s Books and Snacks Club on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 4 p.m.
The lower level of the Bronxville Public Library will be closed until Monday, Aug. 8 due to a floor refinishing project.
Adult Coloring Group Adults are welcome to join the library’s
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.”
Righteous Films: ‘The Goonies’
Tubular Tuesdays: Rubik’s Cube Pillow Children ages 10 and up are welcome to join the library’s Rubik’s Cube Pillow crafting activity on Tuesday, Aug. 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Participants can get ready to travel back to the ‘80s with this cool craft. Supplies will be provided. This activity is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
Adult Summer Reading Game Movie: ‘The Cutting Edge’ The library will be screening the film “The Cutting Edge” on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. This romantic comedy about a handsome, self-centered ex-ice hockey player and a figure skater with a prima donna attitude who dislike each other intensely, but team up because to each other they represent a last resort for their prospective careers in the rink. Rated PG; running time: 102 minutes. This screening is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
Knight Training Children ages 5 and up are welcome to join the library’s knight training program on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Children will be able to make marshmallow catapults, battle a dragon and design a shield during this activity. This activity is free and open to the public, and registration is required. For more information or to register for this activity, call 337-7680.
Thursday Matinee: ‘Learning to Drive’ The library will screen the movie “Learning to Drive” on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. This film is about a Manhattan driver who takes driving lessons from a Sikh instructor with marriage troubles of his own. In each other’s company they find the courage to get back on the road and the strength to take the wheel. Rated R; running time: 89 minutes. This screening is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
Knight and Princess Storycraft Children ages 3 and up are welcome to time travel during this activity on Thursday, Aug. 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This time travel will
be followed by a craft project. This activity is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
Fresh Friday Activities Students entering grades five and up are welcome to join the library’s fresh Friday activities program on Friday, Aug. 12 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Teen Room. The library will provide crafts and programs for students to enjoy. This activity is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
Eastchester Recreation Department The Community Fund The Community Fund is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1919 to enhance the quality of life for and provide assistance to all residents living in Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe, the BET community. The Community Fund monitors the BET community to determine which services are most needed and provides grant funding and administrative support to the social service agencies and community programs that meet these various essential needs. For more information, visit eastchester.org/departments/ recreation/index.html.
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 2016-17 school year. Please consider applying, no experience is necessary. To apply and for more information, visit eastchestermusicboosters.wordpress.com.
EHS driver education 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 3327700.
Bronxville events Bronxville Farmers Market On Saturdays through Nov. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at Stone Place at Paxton Avenue, rain or shine. Browse offerings from more than 30 vendors. Visit bronxvillefarmersmarket.com for more information. 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.
Follow us on Twitter
@ eastchesterview
August 5, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 5
Ralph’s owner set to sue Mamaroneck By JAMES PERO Staff Writer The owner of a controversial new Mamaroneck business, Ralph’s Italian Ices and Ice Cream, has threatened to sue after restrictions were tightened on the shop’s hours and zoning classification. “They allow you to open a business and then make decisions without any kind of due diligence,” said Scott Rosenburg, a Long Island resident and owner of Ralph’s. “I’ll file an appeal and I’ll sue them.” The impetus for Rosenburg’s suit comes after a determination by the village zoning board on Monday, July 18 that reduced the business’ hours and also mandated that Rosenburg apply for a special permit by Aug. 17, otherwise he could face the revocation of his certificate of occupancy. Prior to the zoning board’s decision, the business’ hours of operation ranged from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight
on Sunday. New stipulations by the zoning board dictate that until Rosenburg applies for the permit, Ralph’s will have to close at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 p.m. on weekends. When making their decision, zoning board Chairman Barry Weprin, who spoke to the Review regarding Ralph’s, said board members acknowledged that Ralph’s—which is currently classified as a retail establishment—should not be classified as such under the village’s zoning code. “The consensus among the board is that [Ralph’s] meets the definition of food service establishment,” he said. Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, who has attributed many of the problems spurred by Ralph’s to the business’ unforeseen success, said that if the situation comes down to litigation, it could be bad for everyone. “He has the same option as the residents to sue,” Rosenblum
said. “Neither side is going to be happy.” Potentially, Rosenburg could file an Article 78, which would appeal the zoning board’s decision and possibly end up in court. However, despite a potential lawsuit looming, Democratic Trustee Leon Potok said that the village always takes precaution to guard itself against litigation. “The outside attorneys retained to work with the [zoning board] and the other land use boards do a good job protecting the village,” Potok said. Fervor over Ralph’s has bubbled to the surface over the past several weeks after what residents have highlighted as onerous traffic conditions, unsightly garbage, and disruptive noise levels as a result of the business’ opening in May. While Ralph’s must apply for the special permit before Aug. 17, it has been permitted to stay in business in the interim. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
The owner of a controversial business, Ralph’s Italian Ices and Ice Cream in Mamaroneck, may sue the village after the Zoning Board of Appeals voted to restrict the shop’s hours and impose a stricter review process. File photo
6 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 5, 2016
Eastchester REVIEW THE
170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Executive Vice President | Ira Ellenthal ext. 31, irathal@hometwn.com
Clinton accepts historic nomination
Democrats from across the country came together for the Democratic National Convention from July 25 through July 28 to nominate Hillary Clinton’s candidacy for president. The convention marked a historic moment, as Clinton became the first woman to accept a presidential nomination from a major political party. She recognized this pivotal moment when addressing the crowd on the final night of the conven-
tion. “When any barrier falls in America, it clears the way for everyone. After all, when there are no ceilings, the sky’s the limit.” Before accepting her nomination, Clinton was spoken highly of by a multitude of elected officials from various political affiliations. President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe CONTINUED on next page
Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Suzy Berkowitz ext. 30, suzy@hometwn.com Reporter | Corey Stockton ext. 16, corey@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com
Bill Clinton, who served as the 42nd president, takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention on July 28. Photo courtesy Alex Hoffman
Staff Writers James Pero, Franco Fino Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite Intern Josh Stabile
Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton embrace after Bill speaks on the final night of the convention.
Columnists Mary Marvin, Richard Forliano, Lenore Skenazy Letters
The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes.
Community Events
If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com.
Delivery
For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27.
Classifieds & Legals
To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27.
Postmaster
Send address changes to: The Eastchester Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601
Visit us online www.eastchesterreview.com
Follow us on Twitter, @eastchesterview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/eastchesterreview The Eastchester Review (permit #106661) is published by Home Town Media Group weekly for an annual subscription of $32. Application to mail at the peridcals postage rate is approved at Port Chester, N.Y., 10573. Periodicals postage paid at Port Chester and additional mailing offices.
Hillary Clinton while accepting the nomination for president on the final night of the Democratic National Convention. Now, she and running mate Tim Kaine hit the campaign trail ahead of the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Photos courtesy Twitter
August 5, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 7 Biden took the stage toward the end of the convention, expressing both gratitude to the nation and trust in Clinton to lead the country toward greatness. Former presidential candidate and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders also took the stage, urging his supporters—some of whom took to the convention in protest over what they considered an unfair election after controversial emails were leaked, documenting an orchestrated effort
to tilt the Democratic primary in Clinton’s favor—to turn their support toward her, adopting the phrase “stronger together.” A multitude of other advocates and high-profile speakers filed in throughout the fourday-long event, concluding with Clinton urging the nation to join the movement. Now, she and running mate Tim Kaine hit the campaign trail ahead of the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election. -Reporting by Suzy Berkowitz
Former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders takes the stage, urging his supporters to vote in favor of Hillary Clinton. Photo courtesy Alex Hoffman
Hillary Clinton embraces daughter Chelsea after she speaks on the final night of the Democratic National Convention, held in Philadelphia. Photos courtesy Twitter
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, of New York, and New York state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Stewart-Cousins represents the 35th Senate District, which encompasses Tarrytown, Scarsdale and parts of Yonkers, White Plains and New Rochelle. Photo/Jonaliza Misa
Hillary Clinton makes a surprise entrance after President Obama’s speech on July 27. The president embraced his former secretary of state after stating that there is no one more qualified to be president than Clinton.
8 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 5, 2016
The Chapel School appoints new principal Michael Schultz was recently named the next principal at Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School in Bronxville, where he has a long personal history. Baptized and confirmed at Village Lutheran Church, and a 1982 graduate of The Chapel School, Schultz went on to graduate from Bronxville High School and Concordia College, where he was an NCAA Div. II All-American baseball player. After a short stint in professional baseball, and an even shorter time working in finance and technology in New York City, Schultz worked in graphic design and marketing while paving the way to his career in education. After earning his masters in education from Iona College, he was hired as sixth-grade teacher and athletic director at The Chapel School. In 1999, newly called Principal Jim Dhyne named Schultz assistant principal, and together they led The Chapel School through a major construction and renovation project which was completed in November of 2002. Over the next 14 years, Schultz, Dhyne and VLC Senior Pastor the Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell led a tremendous faculty and staff through the exciting expansion of programming in academics, athletics, music, drama, art and service learning, which has culminated in a thriving school
Newly-appointed principal of The Chapel School Michael Schutlz, with his wife Erica and three children, Tyler, Alyson and Lyndsie. Photo courtesy Kim Zwisdak
that was recently named Best of Westchester’s Best Private School and Best Preschool in Westchester for 2016. “I am so excited,” Schultz said. “Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School has always been a special place to me, and I have truly been blessed to be part of its journey for most of the past 47 years. The Best of Westchester recognition is fantastic, but we have only scratched the surface.” “Principal Schultz has a long and well respected history at Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School. As we cel-
ebrate our 70th anniversary of The Chapel School in the new academic year, he brings a great understanding of our history and many new ideas and plans for the future. It is an exciting time for our school and I am looking forward to seeing Principal Schultz lead our beloved school into our bright future,” Hartwell said. The Chapel School and Village Lutheran Church are located at 172 White Plains Road in Bronxville. For more information about The Chapel School and its programs, call 3373202 or visit thechapelschool. org. (Submitted)
Bronxville Elementary Skypes with author Bronxville Elementary School students had a meaningful and inspiring conversation with Peter Reynolds, a New York Times bestselling and award-winning illustrator and children’s book author, when they welcomed him to their school during a Skype session on May 19. The schoolwide event, which was organized by Principal Tricia Murray, Technology Director Jennifer Forsberg and library media teacher Izzy Fattore, was made possible with assistance from the district’s instructional technology specialist Brad Ashley and the entire technology team. The students interacted with the author and watched him on a big screen from multiple locations throughout the school. “Getting to Skype with author Peter Reynolds was one of the
PLAYLAND from page 1
best experiences,” said secondgrade teacher Dianne Aronson, whose class was set up in the auditorium. “He was wonderful with the students and was very inspiring. He talked about how important it is for them to be kind to one another. His overall message about writing and learning really encouraged students to be creative.” Students said they appreciated that the author shared with them his story boards, told them about the writing process and where he got his ideas from and even gave them a sneak peek of his next book. They said they were inspired by his message to be kind to others and his encouragement to be creative and continue to draw anything, anytime and anywhere. When students asked Reyn-
olds what his favorite book was, he showed them a blank book. “A blank book, because that story hasn’t been created yet and there are always opportunities to create stories, and they got that message too,” first-grade teacher Valerie Palacio said. Following the Skype session, students reflected on the experience and created their own illustrated books. “This was a wonderful example of technology bringing people together,” said Assistant Principal Adrienne Laitman, adding that this was the first time the entire school participated in a Skype session together. “It not only allowed us to listen to an accomplished author, but it enabled the entire school community to participate in an indoor event together.” (Submitted)
An agreement transferring control of Rye Playland struck between Westchester County and Standard Amusements in March is facing some scrutiny after the management company was granted an extension of its first significant payment to the county. The reason for the extension, according to county officials, is a looming decison over the fate of the Playland pool, pictured. Photo/Chris Courtney
pool, the Board of Legislators should have been told that upfront,” Parker said. “A decision like that could’ve cost support for the agreement.” Currently, according to a Standard Amusements representative, the company envisions the site of the pool as a spot for “light refreshments” and an “open veranda.” A contract between Standard and the county,
however, leaves the future of the site open to interpretation by the company. Projections put the cost of filling and removing the pool at approximately $2.7 million, while estimates to rehabilitate the pool have come in at $9.5 million, according to a recent county Labor, Parks, Planning and Housing Committee meeting. Now, the Board of Legislators
will have approximately 60 days to come to a decision over what it wants to do with Playland’s ailing pool, otherwise Standard has the option to exit the agreement as per the contract. Representatives for Standard Amusements could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Rye looks to create Department of Public Safety The city of Rye is moving forward with plans to scrap its police and fire departments in favor of a joint Department of Public Safety. Although it will require a public referendum, if approved, Rye would become just the third jurisdiction in Westchester County with such a department. Currently, only the city of White Plains and the county have departments of public safety. The move would combine the roles of police commissioner and fire administrator into one leadership position. The proposal, which was introduced in late May, would be the first major step in creating the city’s first public safety commissioner, and is being considered in part to help streamline the Fire Department’s
oversight and free up city funds to hire additional firefighters. Throughout the past several years, concerns have been raised over the department’s decreasing number of volunteer firefighters and paid staffing levels. Currently, fire Lt. Kurt Tietjen—the highest-ranking paid Rye Fire Department member— takes care of much of the day-today administration of the department. According to Tietjen, the position is a “logical step” in getting the department back on track, despite it still needing additional paid firefighters to help assist its current staff of 17. Because the public safety commissioner position would require alterations to the city’s charter, however, the creation
of such a position would also be required to go to public referendum, allowing residents to vote on the upcoming November Election Day ballot. The position’s creation would also require the approval of both the New York state and Westchester County departments of civil service. To fill the new hybrid role overseeing the fire and police departments, the city is expected to turn to Police Commissioner Michael Corcoran, who was hired in February. Corcoran told the Review that no one has yet formally approached him for the role, but said he works in conjunction with the Fire Department frequently. -Reporting by James Pero
Best of Westchester shows off its finest
DeCicco & Sons Events and Cuisine provides catering services from its stores in Larchmont and Harrison.
Hal Prince Entertainment provided the music during Westchester Magazine’s Best of Westchester party at Glen Island Harbour Club on July 27.
Patrons are all smiles after a night of drinking, eating and dancing.
For the last 15 years, restaurateurs, residents, guests and vendors alike have looked forward to Westchester Magazine’s annual Best of Westchester party, which celebrates the culmination of an online survey collecting readers’ and editors’ highlights of the county, encompassing food, drink, shopping and leisure. From December 2015 through February 2016, more than 12,000 readers across the county cast their votes on what they thought were the crowning jewels of the lower Hudson Valley. Editors of Westchester Magazine selected favorite spots from 147 categories, including food and drink, fun and leisure, health and beauty, while readers selected winners from another 224 categories. Readers crowned Yonkers eatery X20 Xaviar’s on the Hudson best American restaurant, and Mamaroneck distributor Half Time best in beer selection. Best burger was awarded to Eastchester eatery Piper’s Kilt, the Rye Roadhouse took home the gold for best fried chicken, and Mamaroneck’s Sal’s Pizza won best slice. Larchmont’s Acura of Westchester was crowned best auto dealership, Mamaroneck’s Salon POSH took home best beauty salon, and Larchmont’s The Voracious Reader won best bookstore. The Best of Westchester party was hosted at New Rochelle’s Glen Island Harbour Club on July 27. The event brought out businesses from across the county, allowing them to display the goods and services they provide. Residents and guests enjoyed a night of eating, drinking, dancing and entertainment. -Reporting by Suzy Berkowitz
August 5, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 9
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino spends some time with Miss Westchester and Miss Hudson Valley. Photos/Bobby Begun
A beautiful outdoor setting at Best of Westchester’s 2016 extravaganza last Wednesday evening at New Rochelle’s Glen Island Harbour Club.
David Spencer, of The Brazen Angel Entertainment Corporation, delights the crowd with his flair.
10 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 5, 2016
Astorino visits Camp Morty with a surprise
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, far right, surprises campers with ice cream at Camp Morty on July 27. From left, Dustin Hunter, camp director; Joanne Fernandez, chairperson of the Westchester Parks Foundation and Government Affairs Manager at Entergy; James Washington Jr., 14, of New Rochelle; Angelica Lavandier, 15, of Mount Vernon; Christion Lavandier, 14, of Mount Vernon; Charai Bradberry, counselor-in-training, 16, of Mount Vernon; and Ta’tiauna Bradberry, counselor, 19, of Mount Vernon. Photo courtesy Westchester County
Located at Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, the county’s northernmost park in North Salem, Camp Morty is designed and open specifically for children ages 8 to 15 who either are in foster care or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. For Christion and Angelica Lavandier, a brother and sister from Mount Vernon, Camp Morty is not only a lot of fun, but also eye-opening. “I learned how to be kind to everybody,” Christion, 14, said. And despite being in the woods far from home, the experience couldn’t have been more welcoming. “When I first got here, I felt really loved,” Christion added. During a hot summer day in July, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino surprised the campers with ice cream, joined by Westchester County Department of Social Services Commissioner Kevin M. McGuire; Deputy Westchester Parks Commissioner Peter Tartaglia; and Westchester Parks Foundation Board Chairwoman Joanne Fernandez. Campers created and hung welcome banners for the visitors, shook hands with the county executive, and posed for photos during the festive lunch. “Camp Morty is a special place for special children,” Astorino said. “It’s here that they get to experience the great outdoors,
develop valuable life skills and enjoy all the traditional activities of summer camp while making new friends. But most importantly, Camp Morty is a place where these kids can just be kids. I want to thank the Westchester Parks Foundation for its tremendous partnership, as well as our departments of Social Services and Parks for making this possible.” This year, the Westchester Parks Foundation took the lead over recruitment and enrollment efforts, which resulted in a significant increase in enrollment compared to last year. Children who receive services through the Department of Social Services are eligible to be enrolled at Camp Morty, which is funded by DSS and supported in kind by the Department of Parks. Camp Morty provides six weekly sessions that run from Sunday to Friday, and activities including swimming, sports, arts and crafts, ropes course, outdoor adventure, drama, dance and boating. Evenings at camp include exciting campfires, talent shows and a campwide game of capture the flag. Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “I am so happy that we can provide this outstanding park as a setting for Camp Morty, and it is wonderful to team with the Westchester Parks Foundation and the
Department of Social Services to give these children a week of fun, friendship and fresh air.” To increase awareness of Camp Morty, the parks foundation led a variety of recruitment efforts, including presenting to 10 different housing authorities, community centers and homeless shelters throughout the county, with a focus on Yonkers, White Plains, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Peekskill. Information about Camp Morty was also distributed across school districts and nonprofits focused on family and children services. The parks foundation also worked directly with caseworkers from the Department of Social Services and welcomed families to open enrollment sessions. “We made a concerted effort with our new role this year to really expand the awareness of Camp Morty to children and families who may not have been aware of the camp before. To date, we have received nearly 500 applications,” Fernandez said. “Last year, 397 slots were filled with 217 unique campers, some of which attend more than one session. So, we are on track to really bringing this experience to more children in Westchester for years to come.” Sessions at Camp Morty continue through Aug. 12. For more information, visit campmorty. com. (Submitted)
Volunteer with Save the Sound Be empowered to get out into your local water and see for yourself if water is safe for swimming or fish. Save the Sound is training volunteers to become citizen scientists. Interested volunteers should email pollution@savethesound.org for more information. Communities along the Sound where water quality monitoring will be occurring this summer include Port Chester, Rye, Scarsdale, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Pelham, Mount Vernon and Greenwich. Volunteers will be needed one morning per week to collect water samples through Labor Day, in order to build up a complete picture of water quality in the communities surrounding the western Sound. Multiple trainings were held in early June. After completing training, volunteers will travel to pre-selected sites in their communities, once a week before 9 a.m., with Save the Sound’s water monitoring coordinator. The collection time will likely only take 90 minutes on one morning every week. This work is very important.
Save the Sound has found that fecal contamination is highest in the streams, creeks, and rivers that run through communities and flow to the shoreline. Connecticut Fund for the Environment, CFE, and Save the Sound provide many opportunities for residents to get involved in helping to protect the land, air, and water in the area. More than 13,300 people belong to the citizen network to stay informed about key environmental issues in the state. When thousands talk with one voice, our leaders listen. Make your voice heard. Visit ctenvironment.org to sign up. Each summer, the organizations send teams of trained volunteers out around the western Sound to test their local waters for bacterial contamination and other signs of sewage overflows. Contact pollution@savethesound.org for more information. Volunteers working together can make a huge difference in the health of our planet. The Coastal Cleanup program is a great way to get outside and get involved. Over the last 10 years, Save the Sound has helped organize hundreds of coastal cleanup
events that have brought together more than 17,000 volunteers who have removed 137,500 pounds of trash from 500 miles of waterfront. You can get involved by joining an established shore, watercraft, or underwater cleanup or by becoming a Cleanup Captain and putting together your own team. For more information, visit the Coastal Cleanup page at ctenvironment.org or contact Valerie Wormely-Radford at vwormely-radford@ctenvironment.org. The habitat restoration program has great projects that could use boots on the ground. The program removes invasive plant species that are choking native flora, protects disappearing dune grasses, and builds fish ladders to help fish reach spawning sites. CFE and Save the Sound hold volunteer plantings to help rebuild the habitats around many of our restoration sitesFor more information, visit our Habitat Restoration page at ctenvironment.org or contact Valerie Wormely-Radford at vwormely-radford@ctenvironment.org. (Submitted)
SCHOOL from page 1
be punished for exercising their right to withhold their children from the Common Core tests. “This proposal could singlehandedly damage all that our students, teachers and families have worked for,” she said. While the final approval process for the proposed amendment began on Monday, Aug. 1, there is currently no set timetable for when a decision will be reached. According to Oliva, who currently serves as senior advisor to Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, the Department of Education has kept the amendment in total secrecy. “I guarantee 99 percent of parents in Westchester County don’t know about this,” he said. “We only found out about it by luck.” Oliva also stressed that the proposal, which would go into effect at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year, if approved, would also result in property depreciation. Meanwhile, state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat, has
On July 29, state Senate candidate Julie Killian, of Rye, and Phil Oliva, a candidate for Congress, urged Westchester parents to voice their opinions against a federal education regulation. Photo/Franco Fino
long been a vocal critic of the practice of standardized testing. “The opt-out rights of parents to do what’s in the best interest for their child should absolutely not be manipulated by the federal government,” he said. Following the 2012 rollout of Common Core, Latimer made an effort to explain his opposition to the initiative to King, the
state education commissioner at the time, saying that he was “convinced we’re heading down the wrong path [for education].” Latimer is running for reelection to the state Senate this fall and facing off against Killian. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
August 5, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 11
Harrison PD to roll out addiction program
Harrison police Chief Anthony Marraccini announced the creation of an addiction help program called Heroin Opiate Prevention Effort, HOPE, on July 19. Photos/Andrew Dapolite
The Harrison Police Department has announced the creation of a program called Heroin Opiate Prevention Effort, HOPE, created to reach out to residents suffering with addiction. The program was announced during an emotional July 19 press conference held by state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat, and state Assemblyman David Buchwald, a White Plains Democrat, to honor the Police Department for its efforts to combat heroin use. “I am personally saddened by the events that led us here,” Harrison police Chief Anthony Marraccini said. “It’s time for law enforcement to reach out and be able to offer real assistance to people who suffer from addictions.” Last month, Harrison police arrested prominent heroin dealer Jeffrey “Flee” McCaskill,
27, and five others following the June deaths of Harrison residents Mark Rubinstein, 26, and Lauren Greer, 29. According to Marraccini, the department will open its doors to individuals seeking to combat their addiction with HOPE beginning as early as September. The program will allow addicts to surrender drugs and drug paraphernalia without the threat of incarceration. Marraccini said the Police Department has partnered with SOBA College Recovery, an addiction help organization located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that will provide residents with addiction help counseling and proper rehabilitation. “I pray that something gets done today, and changes are made,” said John Greer, the father of Lauren Greer. “The drugs that are out there are so
dangerous that if something is not done, more people are going to die right in this town.” John Greer also warned that if the judicial system failed to “send a message” to the arrested drug dealers, more residents would lose the battle to drugs. Peter Rubinstein, father of Mark Rubinstein, alluded to the ongoing battle against narcotics as a deadly disease that develops over time. “Kids are impressionable from kindergarten through college,” he said. In June, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, signed legislation that aims to address the ongoing heroin and opioid crisis statewide. According to Latimer, the state will provide $141 million for efforts to combat heroin addiction, plus an additional $25 million in funding for state-operated treatment centers. -Reporting by Franco Fino
P U B LI S H ES
Harrison REVIEW REVIEW Mamaroneck THE
Eastchester CityREVIEW NewRochelle REVIEW THE
THE
INSIDE
THE
INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY
www.hometwn.com | 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601 | (914) 653-1000
Luna is an adorable 2-year-old, 50-pound, Labrador/border collie mix. She is super sweet, affectionate and a love bug, greeting her foster mom with lots of kisses. Luna loves to sit and watch TV with you. She is friendly with other dogs and cats, loves swimming, is playful but not pushy and is housebroken, too. She is happy to meet new people, but would prefer to live in an all-female household as she is uneasy with men. Luna is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Why not donate $300 to Larchmont Pet Rescue and make Luna part of your home? To learn more, call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
12 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 5, 2016
The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:
UP TO 4 LINES $42.50 for 2 weeks minimum. Each Additional Line $2.00
ADOPTION ADOPTION: Unplanned Pregnancy? Need help? FREE assistance: caring staff, counseling and financial help. You choose the loving, preapproved adoptive parents. Joy 1-866-9223678 www.ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption. org. Hablamos Espanıl.
AUCTIONS OTSEGO COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX FORECLOSURE AUCTION. 50+/- Properties August 17 @ 11AM. Held at: Holiday Inn Oneonta. 800-243-0061 AAR, Inc. & HAR, Inc. Free brochure: www.NYSAuctions.com
AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 914-468-4999 Today! Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315-400-0797 Today!
LAND FOR SALE Cooperstown NY Land For Sale By Owner - Near Otsego Lake - 26 Acres 13 Acres Ponds, organic fields, spectacular views, restaurants, boating, great schools, 607-435-0255 - www.CooperstownProperty.com.
LOTS & ACREAGE ABANDONED FARM LIQUIDATION SALE AUG 6THñ 3 HRS NYC! 7 acresñ$19,900 10 acresñ $24,900 20 acres- $39,900 30 acres$59,900 24 Parcels being SOLD OFF! Terms are avail! Call to register 888- 905-8847 Virtual Tour: NewYorkLandandLakes.com
MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD:† www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N
VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com
WANTED TO BUY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Up to $35/Box! Sealed & Unexpired. Payment Made SAME DAY. Highest Prices Paid!! Call JENNI Today! 800-413-3479 www. CashForYourTestStrips.com
LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Qualification of Salus Security Services, LLC. Appl. for Auth. filed with NY Dept. of State on 7/5/16. Office location: Westchester County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to 11 Gramatan Ct, Bronxville, NY 10708. DE addr. of LLC c/o Vanguard Corporate Services Ltd., 3500 S Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Sec. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901 on 6/15/16. Purpose: any lawful activity.
HOW TO REACH US:
(914) 653-1000 x27 Fax: 653-5000 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601
DEADLINE:
Placement, correction or cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication
August 5, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 13
Maybe we can’t take a joke RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
Just a few weeks after the terror attacks of 9/11, Gilbert Gottfried took to the stage of the Friar’s Club and explained he had to leave early to catch a plane to California. “I couldn’t get a direct flight. We have to make a stop at the Empire State Building.” The crowd booed and someone yelled, “Too soon!” But in fact, Gottfried’s timing was impeccable. He told the joke before the invention of Twitter, and before outrage became America’s consuming passion. The rollicking new documentary, “Can We Take a Joke?” brings our lust for umbrage into sharp focus. Audiences, it points out, have become hypersensitive—especially on campus. Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld have both sworn off college gigs, because, as Rock put it, “You can’t even be offensive on your way to being inoffensive.” And so the film, by documentarian Ted Balaker, with support from the free-speech advocacy group FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education), interviews comedians, both famous and up-and-coming, about how they’re dealing with the onslaught of offendedness. One interviewee, stand-up Jim Norton, has worked his frustration into his routine. “Why is comedy the only form of the arts where people think they have to agree with, or approve the content?” he asks. “You don’t walk through a museum with a towel and throw it over paintings you don’t like [saying], ‘I don’t want anybody else seeing this because
I don’t enjoy it.’” Comedy’s job is, as George Carlin once said, “to find where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately.” That’s been the comedian’s job ever since the first jester joked about the king’s much younger wife. “If we steered clear of every topic that could offend someone, we couldn’t open our mouths,” says Lisa Lampanelli, whose entire act is making fun of absolutely everyone. That might not be your thing. But if it’s not, stay home. Instead, audiences are coming in, sitting down, and demanding that comics not say anything crude or cruel. But when my idea of cruel is your idea of hilarious, my super-sensitivity automatically wins. I get to declare not just that the comic isn’t funny, but that he is a bad person and needs to be punished. Consider what happened at Washington State University, where a student named Chris Lee wrote a musical designed to offend absolutely everyone. In fact, he billed it as such. But one night, the university itself requested 40 tickets. Those ticketholders came in and started shouting, “I’m offended!” They stood up and shook their fists. The shouts grew into threats. And guess what? Turns out the university had paid them to attend and disrupt the show. When Lee asked the cops for protection, they wouldn’t promise it. He had become someone not worth saving, because he was politically incorrect. Then there’s Justine Sacco. The young publicist was on her way to South Africa. As she boarded the plane, she tweeted, “Going to Africa. Hope I don’t get AIDS.
Just kidding. I’m white.” She was making a lame joke about the way whites see Africa, the continent where her parents had worked as anti-racism activists. But one of her handful of Twitter followers assumed this was actually a racist remark and retweeted it. It got picked up by more and more people, and by the time Sacco got off her 12-hour flight, she found herself the No. 1 trending item worldwide on Twitter, with people calling for her to be raped or killed. Because of a bad joke. Jon Ronson wrote about her story in his book, “So You’ve Been Publically Shamed.” As he notes in the film: The mob that took her down wasn’t actually making the world a better place; it was just getting off on outrage. The same thing happened to Gottfried when he joked after the tsunami. “I was talking to my Japanese real estate agent. I said, ‘Is there a school in this area?’ She said, ‘Not now. But just wait.’” He lost his job as the Aflac duck, and became officially a terrible person—moreso than after 9/11, when we were still able to be shocked but move on. Now, maybe that wasn’t a tasteful joke. But comedy does not have to be tasteful. It has to be allowed. It is free speech. It is the way a society copes with its fears and stands up to tyranny. I’m guessing Vladimir Putin doesn’t tolerate a lot of anti-Putin punchlines. “Do you really want to live in a world where everyone has to think twice before they tell any kind of a joke?” asks Greg Lukianoff, the president of FIRE. America, lighten up—or be prepared for dark times. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
Donations to county’s Backpacks to School needed Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino recently announced that the county is once again teaming up with The Sharing Shelf, a program of Family Services of Westchester, FSW, to collect and distribute school supplies so that children in need can start the school year ready to learn. This year people can donate online at fsw.org/backpacks, or see the list below for the nearest drop-off location. “Since launching our backpack partnership, we have helped give vital school supplies to thousands of children in Westchester County,” Astorino said. “As always, our goal is to help as many children as we can.” Backpacks to School is a collaboration between The Sharing Shelf and the county’s Department of Social Services. Local businesses have also opened their doors and will serve as drop-off sites for donations. “We can buy and fill a backpack for $25,” said Deborah Blatt, of The Sharing Shelf. “This year, we’ve made it easy and created a special link that allows people to help us purchase everything at fsw.org/ backpacks. We’ve seen an increase in demand each summer for new school supplies and backpacks. We need the community’s support to make a positive difference in the lives of local children, many of whom would otherwise start school without the basics.” Susan B. Wayne, president and CEO of Family Services of Westchester, said, “Being able to provide children with these much needed supplies cannot be overstated. Family Services of Westchester is proud to be working with County Executive Astorino and the many other community partners who are all working toward the shared goal of helping our children.” For more information about Backpacks to School, contact Blatt of The Sharing Shelf at 305-5950 or thesharingshelf@ fsw.org; or Joseph D. Kenner or Bryan Paler of the Department of Social Services at 995-3287, 995-3987 or JKenner@westchestergov.com. Astorino also encouraged fathers and school leaders to save the date for this year’s Dads Take Your Child to School Day, taking place on Sept. 20. The event serves as a kickoff for fathers to
be more involved in their children’s schooling all throughout the year, offering opportunities for dads to sign up to volunteer, serve on PTAs, receive informational mailings and more. Ask your school about any special activities planned for the day. The countywide coordination is part of Astorino’s #DadBeThere
fatherhood initiative, which aims to actively engage fathers in all aspects of their children’s lives. “It’s a fact: kids do better in school when dads are involved,” Astorino said. “Show your kids you care. Be there. And keep that momentum going all throughout the school year to help them succeed.” (Submitted)
OPERATION BACKPACK COLLECTION BIN LOCATIONS GOVERNMENT OFFICES Westchester County Michaelian Office Building 148 Martine Ave., White Plains 995-2100 Department of Social Services (DSS) central office 112 E. Post Road, White Plains 995-5000 Mount Vernon District Office (DSS) 100 E. First St., Mount Vernon 813-6164 Peekskill District Office (DSS) 750 Washington St., Peekskill 862-5078 White Plains District Office (DSS) 85 Court St., White Plains 995-5889 Yonkers District Office (DSS) 31 Warburton Ave., Yonkers 231-2653
NONPROFITS Family Services of Westchester main office One Gateway Plaza, fourth floor, Port Chester 305-6825 Family Services of Westchester, Pelham 507 Fifth Ave., Pelham 738-1728 Family Services of Westchester Lanza Center for All Ages 106 North Broadway, White Plains 305-6875
BUSINESSES Broken Bow Brewery 173 Marbledale Road, Tuckahoe 268-0900 Miller’s Toys 335 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 698-5070 Sportech 124 S. Ridge St., Rye Brook 934-0001 PM Pediatrics, Mamaroneck 620 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 777-5437 PM Pediatrics, Yonkers 2290 Central Park Ave., Yonkers 337-5437 Vision of Tomorrow 132 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont 834-4052 Voracious Reader 1997 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 630-4581
14 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 5, 2016
SPORTS
The glory of the trade deadline LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
Over the course of an average Major League Baseball season, I generally watch a lot of baseball. More baseball than is probably healthy, if I really had to think about it. If there’s nothing else airing on a given night, I’ll probably flip back and forth between the Mets and the Yankees on my TV while also tuning in to watch my Red Sox on the MLB.TV package on my laptop. After those games wrap up, I’ll generally click on some West Coast game and fall asleep, at least for a few more months, with the soothing voice of Vin Scully emanating from my MacBook. But of the thousands of innings I watch each year, there is rarely a time when I’m following baseball with the same intensity as I do when the trade
deadline looms. As fun as following in-game action can be, following the frenzied action as teams struggle to get the final piece for a playoff run can be positively exhilarating. In the “old” days, it was a lot tougher. Without Twitter providing constant updates about potential moves, possible hang-ups due to medical issues, and stories—sometimes apocryphal—about players on the block storming out on the current teams, fans were beholden to major media outlets for the news. In 2004, I was working at a baseball training center in White Plains, and on deadline day, I was on our old dialup computer, frantically clicking refresh on ESPN.com to find out if the Red Sox were, in fact, going to trade my favorite player, Nomar Garciaparra. When the deadline hit, there was no news yet, and I went to give a lesson, only to come back an hour later to find
that Nomar had indeed been shipped off to the Cubs. Of course, the fast-paced world of Twitter has its drawbacks. Last year, as the deadline loomed, a Mets beat writer announced that infielder Wilmer Flores, who had spent the entirety of his professional career with the organization, had been traded in the middle of a game. Word reached Flores, and fans were left with the unforgettable shot of him crying on the field while being showered with applause from the Amazin’s faithful. The trade, however, fell through, and Flores still plays in Flushing today, but moments like that highlight the emotional impact that the trade deadline can have on the players we all watch. This year, while there were a few blockbuster moves—Texas made out like bandits, nabbing catcher Jonathan Lucroy, outfielder Carlos Beltran and reliever Jeremy Jeffers without
At 4 p.m. on Aug. 1, the MLB trade deadline passed, finding one New York team as buyers, and the other as sellers. Sports Editor Mike Smith thinks the days leading up to the annual deadline are among the most exciting of the entire season. Photos courtesy Wikipedia.com
giving up any of their highlytouted young players—the moves made by our local clubs weren’t quite as splashy. The Yankees traded off a good number of players from this year’s team, including Carlos Beltran, to come away with a haul of prospects that provide a much-needed youth infusion in their farm system. The Mets, after an initial deal for Reds’ slugger Jay Bruce fell through, were able to rework the offer to bring the power-hitting lefty to Citi
Field in a move that addresses the offensive woes the club has suffered through all season long. I doubt he’ll have the same kind of impact that Yoenis Cespedes had when he came over from Detroit last year, but the Mets need to start scoring runs, so this one was a no-brainer. But that’s the wonderful thing about the trade deadline; we just don’t know. Will these new Yankee prospects ever make their mark in the MLB? Will Bruce’s numbers suffer now that he’s
left the bandbox in Cincinnati? Only time will tell. But at least for one day, the teams that managed to bolster their roster for one last playoff push and the teams, like the Yankees, who are resigned to build for the future, are both feeling optimistic. It’s a long season, filled with ups and downs. So occasionally, fans need a touch of optimism.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
Frampton dazzles at Barclays By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Saturday, July 30, Carl Frampton, a 29-year-old professional boxer from Northern Ireland, won the WBA featherweight title with an impressive showing against Leo Santa Cruz at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn. And even though Frampton might not yet be a household name among American fight fans, he is gathering a devoted following in Westchester, where he chose to train for the title fight. Frampton (23-0) spent the last month preparing for the bout at Champs Boxing Club in New Rochelle, which helped him to forge inroads with area boxing fans. His arrival was noted by elected officials, as Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino made a proclamation to celebrate the fighter on July 12, and the Westchester County Board of Legislators followed suit, recognizing July 30 as “Carl
‘The Jackal’ Frampton Day.” Last Saturday night, in front of a supportive New York crowd, he was able to outpoint the previously undefeated Santa Cruz in a majority decision, 116-112, 117-111, 114-114, laying claim to his first world title in the featherweight division. Frampton began his assault in the second round, rocking Santa Cruz with a flurry of hard punches to send the champion into the ropes and take control of the fight. Ryan O’Leary, the owner of Champs Boxing Club, was on hand to witness Frampton’s upset win. “He was the underdog, he wasn’t supposed to do that, but he fought a masterful fight,” O’Leary said. “He was standing and trading, he wasn’t running, and it worked.” According to O’Leary, Frampton’s stay at the gym meant that he—and the rest of the Champs organization—were pulling hard for the Irish fighter. “We had about 60 members
there at the fight,” he said. “And he got hit with a few good shots, and I have to say my heart kind of stopped.” O’Leary, who trains both amateur and professional fighters out of his Division Street gym, acknowledged that having an international star like Frampton train there was a blessing. “You can’t put it into perspective, you don’t realize how big this guy is, he’s massive in Europe,” O’Leary said. “But we didn’t even realize it, he was so fan-friendly, and you don’t think of it at the time.” Frampton’s presence, he added, had a profound impact on several of the local fighters. “Everybody raised their game, even I was training people differently,” O’Leary said. “Just seeing the way a guy like him trained, seeing the hard work that he put in, seeing a guy at the highest level, it was really overwhelming.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
From left, Carl Frampton poses for a picture with Champs Boxing Club owner Ryan O’Leary and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in New Rochelle on July 12. Frampton trained at the New Rochelle gym in preparation for his July 30 fight against Leo Santa Cruz, in which the Irish fighter won the WBA featherweight title. Photo/Bobby Begun
SPORTS
August 5, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 15
Huguenots host camp
By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor
An Eagle defender does his best to stop a Lancer ball carrier.
A New Rochelle quarterback sheds a tackle in a scrimmage against Mount Vernon on July 27. From July 25 to July 28, the Huguenots hosted local teams at its annual Champions Camp.
Although the 2016 high school football season doesn’t officially kick off until two-adays begin on Aug. 15, most Section I teams have spent the summer months preparing for the upcoming campaign. From July 25 to July 28, several local squads took part in one of the longest-running summer camps in the area, as the New Rochelle Champions Camp gave coaches one last chance to work with their players before the preseason begins in two weeks. This year, teams at New Rochelle High School included the Huguenots, Mount Vernon, Lincoln and Eastchester. Eastchester coach Fred DiCarlo, whose Eagles have attended the camp since its inception more than a decade ago, welcomed the chance to see his players out on the field last week. According to the head coach, Champions Camp allows coaching staffs the opportunity to make sure the playbook is fresh in the minds of the players before two-a-days begin. “We’ve been coming to this camp for probably the last 13 years,” DiCarlo said. “And for us, it’s not so much about installing plays and formations, it’s about getting reps in so that we’re ready to go in August.” Unlike last year, which saw the Eagles come into the season with a host of returning starters, Eastchester will sport many new faces this year, having graduated 23 seniors. Especially for a young team, DiCarlo said, Champions Camp scrimmages against AA schools like New Rochelle and Mount Vernon can be extremely helpful at this point in the year. Host New Rochelle, coming off a season that saw them capture a Class AA title, may have been the most heralded team at the camp, but the competition was strong throughout. “Last week, we thought a little more about evaluation than we did a year ago,” DiCarlo said. “Coming in, we know that even the seniors don’t have a ton of experience, so they’ve got to get used to being out there on the field.” Eastchester, like most teams,
A Huguenot running back bursts through a hole on July 27. Photos/Mike Smith
has spent the last two months getting mentally and physically prepared for the upcoming campaign. In addition to running strength and speed training sessions three times a week—in workouts that are open to athletes from other sports as well— Eastchester also held weekly practices and participated in the Valhalla Camp in late June. It’s this kind of work in the summertime, DiCarlo hopes, that will help transform a young ballclub into a contender this fall. “We’ve got a tough schedule, and we know that without a lot of experience, there’s going to be bumps in the road,” he said. “But we’re hoping to get that experience, and figure out that learning curve so that as the season goes on, we continue to get better.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Eastchester runs the ball up the middle against Lincoln at New Rochelle High School.
16 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 5, 2016