Eastchester REVIEW THE
January 12, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 2 | www.eastchesterreview.com
Boykin elected new chair of BOL By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
Sweet Charlie’s, a hand rolled frozen dessert chain, will be bringing its unique spin on the traditional sweet treat to Mamaroneck, its first New York state location, by the end of this month. For more, see page 6. Photo courtesy Facebook.com/ sweetcharlies
Cuomo continues pursuit of $55B Westchester-Long Island tunnel By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer In his annual state of the state address, Gov. Andrew Cuomo once again pressed for the construction of a long-debated tunnel that would connect Long Island to either Westchester County or Connecticut. On Jan. 3, Cuomo, a Democrat, said the state Department of Transportation, DOT, completed a final analysis that suggests building a tunnel connecting Long Island to Westchester would be “feasible” and could significantly lower the amount of traffic coming from Long Island.
“It would be underwater,” Cuomo said. “It would be invisible. It would reduce traffic on the impossibly congested Long Island Expressway and would offer significant potential private investment.” According to the DOT’s study, an 18-mile tunnel connecting either the city of Rye or the village of Port Chester to Long Island would cost approximately between $31.5 billion and $55.4 billion. In 2016, Cuomo secured $5 million for the DOT to test the plan’s feasibility. The idea of building a link between Long Island to either West-
chester or Connecticut dates back to the 1930s. The proposal grew in popularity in the 1960s when master builder Robert Moses and former Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, a Republican, pursued the idea. After facing significant opposition from both local and state-elected officials in Westchester and Long Island, the planned Rye-Oyster Bay bridge never materialized. In recent history, city officials and residents have strongly opposed any plan to build a tunnel to Rye as the idea has bubbled up from time to time. In 2016, in his state of the city address, former Rye City Mayor
Joe Sack, a Republican, questioned the feasibility of building the tunnel. He said he didn’t believe the DOT study would reveal that constructing a tunnel or bridge would be a good plan, and pledged to “topple the tunnel.” Newly elected Mayor Josh Cohn, a Democrat, is expected to deliver the mayor’s annual message on Wednesday, Jan. 10, in which he’ll have the opportunity to address Cuomo’s proposal. As of press time, Cuomo’s office has not specified any next steps the administration would take to pursue the tunnel. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
With bipartisan support, the Westchester County Board of Legislators has chosen Legislator Ben Boykin, a White Plains Democrat. Boykin was voted the new chairman of the Board of Legislators by a vote of 13-3 on Jan. 8. “Tonight starts the dawning of a new era in Westchester County,” said Boykin after being elected. “The election is over and it is now time for the difficult task of governing for all of the people of Westchester County.” The election of Boykin comes after derision from other progressive county Democrats, particularly from the political activism group Indivisible Westchester, who argued that Boykin’s apparent alignment with board Republicans ran counter to the progressive movement. The group urged that Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, who had support from the majority of the Democratic Caucus, was a better candidate for the position. Three newly elected Democrats all voted against Boykin. However, Boykin, garnered enough support from eight Democratic lawmakers and all five Republicans; Parker was never nominated as an alternative, but instead secured the position as new Democratic majority leader. Boykin will replace incumbent Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat, who had served as chairman since 2014 under the tenure of former County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican. Kaplowitz took over the chairmanship from then Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat, as part of a bipartisan coalition of legislators that included former Vice Chairman Jim Maisano, a New Rochelle Republican, that helped to thin the impact of a Democratic majority
on the board. Kaplowitz formed the coalition along with another Democrat, Legislator Virginia Perez, of Yonkers, and eight Republicans that worked in unison with the Astorino administration. Boykin will head a new Democratic supermajority that formed as a result of the November 2017 elections that helped to widen a Democratic majority by three seats to 12 out of the Legislature’s 17 seats overall. According to Boykin, among his priorities will be passing a law that bans guns shows on county facilities—a move that would codify a recently signed executive order from newly elected Democratic County Executive George Latimer—as well as reviving the Immigration Protection Act that was passed by the Legislature last year but was ultimately blocked by an Astorino veto. Boykin, who has a more than 40-year-long background in financial consulting, has been a member of the Board of Legislators since 2014 and has served as the vice chairman for the Committee on Budget and Appropriations. In addition to Boykin’s election as chairman, Perez was also elected as vice chairwoman and Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-on-Hudson Democrat, was elected as majority whip. The chairman earns an additional $40,000 stipend on top of the $49,500 annual pay for serving on the Board of Legislators. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
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January 12, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 3
Maryland resident hits casino jackpot
James E. Dobson, of Maryland, won the $143,723 jackpot at Empire City Casino on May 27. Photo courtesy Facebook.com/empirecitycasino
James E. Dobson and his good friend Donzella Parker Bert made a four-hour bus trip from Stevensville, Maryland, to New York to visit Thelma Sligh, Bert’s aunt, to celebrate her 89th birthday over Memorial Day weekend. There was even greater merriment than anticipated when Dobson hit a $143,723 jackpot at Empire City Casino in Yonkers on May 27. “We hadn’t seen Aunt Thelma [Sligh] in three or four years, so we took the bus to New York, not wanting to deal with the holiday traffic,” Dobson explained. He said Sligh lives in Harlem and, “She wanted to go to the casino.” She and Bert share the same birthday, May 28. “It only took two spins,” said Bert, an avid casino-goer, who visits Delaware Park, the Horseshoe in Baltimore, and Dover Downs casinos. “I usually play the slots, for $5 to $10 spins,
but this was the biggest jackpot I [have] ever hit.” As is customary, Dobson made a $10 wager on a $5 denomination machine, this time on the wildly popular Wheel of Fortune slot in the Gotham Palace for the big payday at 8 p.m. on Saturday. “We’ll be back,” he vows. Dobson, 76, is a retired welder, having spent 45 years at Grumman. He said that he was “Alone when I hit the jackpot. When they got back, they were so happy to see me win.” He reports that he gave them “A birthday present,” sharing part of the winnings, which he plans to invest. “I have scheduled a meeting with my broker.” When not playing the slots or visiting Slight, Dobson is an avid fisherman, “I live on Chesapeake bay,” he says. He also enjoys hunting and bowling, but the slots have now become his most lucrative hobby.
The Wheel of Fortune has been more than good to Empire City players from near and far. Just six days earlier, on May 21, James M. made a shorter trip from the Bronx to Yonkers, where he hit the jackpot of $149,931 at Empire City. The six-figure score was also made in the Gotham Palace on the Wheel of Fortune, just yards away from the slot machine where a New York State racetrack casino record $1,713,985 jackpot, as of May 30, is still waiting to be hit. James M. made a $6 wager on a $1 denomination machine to score at 4:23 p.m. The Empire City life-changer continues to soar. On May 9, it eclipsed $1.6 million for the first time in history. This record-breaker is ripe again for winning and is only available on two Wheel of Fortune slots at Empire City Casino. Who will be the next Howard G.? (Submitted)
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Clarissa is a big, beautiful 2 1/2-year-old torbie with luscious fur and a gentle personality. She enjoys being petted, and though a bit shy at first, she becomes very social upon getting to know her human family. Residing in a foster home, she will get your attention by gentle meows. Among her foster feline siblings, Clarissa is the mother goose who keeps track of what’s going on. This charming cat needs to go to a home with another young cat in the house. Clarissa is in excellent health, up-to-date with all vaccinations and microchipped. Her adoption donation is $100. To meet Clarissa, contact Pet Rescue at nypetrescue@ gmail.com or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
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What’s going on... Eastchester Public Library
For more information on hours and programs, visit eastchesterlibrary.org. The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Westchester County Coin Club On Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Westchester County Coin Club, WCCC, holds its monthly meetings here at the Eastchester Public Library. The club, which has been around since 1934, is for numismatists, or collectors of U.S. and foreign coins, paper money, tokens and medals. Meetings are typically the third Wednesday of each month. The meetings run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There is a “trading table” from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Light refreshments are served at each meeting, and the club generally holds a banquet each spring. Meetings are open to the public. WCCC membership is open to those who have attended at least three meetings. Interested? Email newsletterwccc@gmail.com to subscribe to WCCC’s monthly newsletter. Have questions? Contact the club’s president, Joe, at jjt2821@aol.com, or secretary, Scott, at slkconv@aol.com.
Baby Lap Time On Thursday, Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Join the library for a wonderful baby lap time filled with music, dancing and finger plays. For babies ages 6 months to 23 months old; no registration required.
Mother Goose Time On Thursday, Jan. 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join the library for a lively time reading picture books, playing with puppets and multiple instruments. For toddlers ages 2 and 3 years old. No registration required.
Great American Songbook Part IV On Sunday, Jan. 21 at 1:30 p.m. Please join us for an interactive program and informative lecture by Richard Knox on the Great American Songbook. The Great American Songbook, also known as “American Standards,” is the canon of the most important and influential American songs from the early and mid-20th century. They include the most popular and enduring melodies from the 1910s to the 1950s that were created primarily for Broadway musical productions and Hollywood musical films. In Part IV of this five-part series, Rich will focus on songs composed and recorded during the 1950s. This program is free and open to the public.
Bronxville Public Library For more information on hours and programs, visit bronxvillelibrary.org. The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Women & Money Roundtable: What’s Going on in the Market On Friday, Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon. Join the
library for an easy-to-follow discussion on what has been going on in the financial markets. We will reveal what’s been moving the markets and why, then take a look ahead to see what may happen. We will also share some secrets for positioning your portfolio in these uncertain times. Presented by Julia Strayer, senior vice president and wealth management advisor of Merrill Lynch, and Liz Maccarone, financial analyst with Merrill Lynch. Please register by calling 3377680 ext. 24 or email bronxvillelibrary@gmail.com.
Tots of Fun: Playdate On Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A fun free play for toddlers using the Library’s tunnels, scarves, instruments, & more! Open to toddlers age 2 years old. Dates and times subject to change.
Drop-in Craft: Sand Art Snowflake On Thursday, Jan. 18 from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Drop by the children’s room and create a sand art snowflake. All materials provided. This is a first come, first serve craft. For ages 4 and up.
Picasso’s Pyrenees On Thursday, Jan. 18 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. About 100 years ago, a little mountain town in the French Pyrenees called Ceret became a center of modern art. Up-and-coming artists such as Picasso, Braque, Matisse, and Gris spent summers there, and it was there that Picasso and Braque developed analytical cubism. After WWI, another wave of artists and writers, including Soutine, Dufy, and Cocteau descended on the town. During WWII, artists fleeing Nazism settled there, among them Chagall, Dubuffet, and Tzara. Please register by calling 3377680, ext. 24 or email bronxvillelibrary@gmail. com.
Become a Foster Parent On Saturday, Jan. 20 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Being a foster parent can be both challenging and rewarding. More than ever, children need caring, loving adults. Foster parents give kids love and stability when they need it most and they form a bridge that helps children return to their families healthy and happy. At this informational workshop, you will meet some successful foster parents and learn more about how to become one. There is no obligation or pressure and all questions will be addressed.
Tuckahoe Public Library
For more information on hours and programs, visit tuckahoe.com/library. The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
One-On-One Computer Classes On Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. These are individualized computer classes for adults. The next session will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 30. Registration is required by calling the library at 961-2121.
Reiki Meditation On Tuesday, Jan. 16 at noon. This is a lunchtime meditation series. Join Reiki practitioner and librarian Linda Ahern for soothing and relaxing meditation. No experience necessary. Registration is required by calling the library at 961-2121.
Play Chess On Wednesday, Jan. 17 fro 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Open to all ages. Have fun learning the basics, and get a chance to play with a partner. Registration is required by calling the library at 961-2121.
Storytime with Christina Lafaro-Naclerio On Thursday, Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. Please join the library for a special storytime with local author, Christina Lafaro-Naclerio, who will read from her book, “What Would Happen If…” A fun rhyming book, it takes your child on a journey into the whimsical mind of a curious cricket named Cally. The book allows children’s minds to discover “what would happen if…” while helping them learn to harness their own creativity and open the door to their imagination. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is required by calling the library at 961-2121.
New Canaan Nature Center’s Wildlife Superheroes On Monday, Jan. 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. For teens. Have you ever wondered why some of the most popular superheroes are often named after animals? This program will give you an up-close look at several creatures with an array of “super” qualities that makes each one a “wildlife superhero” in its own right. Come discover the story behind an assortment of animal ambassadors such as an owl or hawk, chinchilla, tree frog, snake, lizard, or even hedgehog. Registration is required by calling the library at 961-2121.
Eastchester Rotary Club High school service opportunity The Eastchester Rotary is looking for high school-age members for its Interact Club, which meets one to two nights per month and develops service initiatives locally and worldwide that are supported by the Eastchester Rotary, part of Rotary International, a prominent worldwide service organization. This is a community-based group, and is open to Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Bronxville residents who can be students attending any public or private high school, no matter where it is located. Maybe you or someone you know has participated in the past, or are interested in joining. The Interact Club will have its own directives and leaders, and will be directed by Eastchester Rotary members Dr. Joe Comizio and his wife Carolyn Comizio. This is a great service opportunity, and has been very popular and successful in the past. Please join, and feel free to pass this along to your friends who may be interested. Please respond by email to rotary@comizioorthodontics.com with your interest and contact information: name, high school you attend, age, school year, cellphone number and email address.
Community news Eastchester Little League - TEB Softball Online registration is now open for the following programs in 2018: Winter Instructional Clinic (i.e. hitting, throwing, fielding, etc.); Winter TBall
Clinic; and Winter Pitching Clinics (Baseball and Softball). Registration is also now open for the 2018 spring season (tee ball, baseball and softball). There is a new “Challenger” Division to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 4 to 12, to enjoy the game of baseball and softball. Please note that the winter clinics will be starting on Sunday, Jan. 7, so please register today. There is a separate winter registration for Tee Ball players (ages 4 and 5). If you are unsure of your child’s “playing age,” there is a chart on eastchesterll.org under “Home” and then “Age Determination.” As done last year, there will be player assessments and uniform fittings for the 2018 spring season in February. It is vital that parents register their children for the spring season no later than Feb. 4, so they can be included for the spring. Sign up today by visiting eastchesterll.org and clicking on the “Registrations” tab.
Eastchester schools news Stockings for Soldiers The Eastchester Teachers Association, ETA, is running its annual drive to send filled stockings to soldiers. The ETA is partnering with Homes for Heroes, the Never Forget Foundation, and the Pearl River American Legion, which will ship and deliver the stockings to soldiers overseas, returning veterans, and to the Montrose VA Hospital. Parents are invited to send in items to help fill almost 200 stockings purchased by the ETA. Donated items can be given to homeroom teachers in a bag, envelope or box to the attention of Clare Delongchamp, Eastchester Middle School, or they can be dropped off at the Easchester High School Security Desk. Items which can be included in stockings: tuna packs; breakfast bars/power bars; trail mix/dried fruits/nuts/sunflower seeds; microwaveable food; cereal in single packs; snacks/candy/gum; Q-tips; powdered drinks: iced tea, lemonade, fruit punch; toilet paper/baby wipes; toothbrushes/toothpaste/ dental floss; Vaseline; foot powder; eye drops/ nose drops; sunscreen; socks/gloves; playing cards/ crossword puzzles; magazines/books; DVDs/new CDs; iTunes gift cards; AT&T phone cards; Best Buy gift cards; Christmas candy and decorations; room fresheners. Do not put in anything that can crumble, break or spill. Please do not include any pork products. It is also nice to add a cheerful holiday card.
County news Golf course closings The six county-owned golf courses closed for the season after play on Sunday, Dec. 31. The courses are Dunwoodie, 231-3490, and Sprain Lake, 231-3481, both in Yonkers; Maple Moor, 995-9200, in White Plains; Mohansic, 862-5283, in Yorktown Heights; Saxon Woods, 231-3461, in Scarsdale; and Hudson Hills, 864-3000, in Ossining. The courses are expected to reopen in March, weather and conditions permitting. The exact date will be announced. 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.
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ArtsWestchester awarded grant for new exhibit ArtsWestchester, the state’s largest, private nonprofit arts council, is the recipient of a $75,000 grant to fund a contemporary visual arts project that celebrates and illuminates the shared history of the brick industry in the Hudson Valley and its relevance to the bicentennial of the Erie Canal. This funding is part of $755 million in grants awarded through Round VII of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council, REDC, Initiative. ArtsWestchester joins 113 other private and public-sector projects that will be receiving nearly $84.8 million in funds as part of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. The grant awarded to ArtsWestchester will fund a 2018 exhibition, called “Brick by Brick: The Erie Canal and the Building Boom.” The funds will allow ArtsWestchester to mount the exhibition and commission artists to create work inspired by the once significant Hudson Valley brick
Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester.
industry, which according to some historians, was comparable in magnitude and impact to IBM
ArtsWestchester will put the $75,000 grant towards an exhibit called “Brick by Brick: The Erie Canal and the Building Boom.” Photo courtesy Lynda Shenkman Curtis
and the nascent biotech companies of today. The exhibit will open in the fall of 2018. “ArtsWestchester’s exhibition is an exciting story about the economic development of New York state as it fueled industry from Buffalo to New York City along a super water highway - the Hudson River,” explained Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester. “Brick was manufactured in towns along the river as new building codes demanded more fire-resistant materials.” A recent study by Americans for the Arts concluded that the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a significant industry in Westchester County. The research indicates that the sector generates $172.3 million in total economic activity. It also delivers $25.8 million in local and state government revenue and supports 5,179 full-time equivalent jobs. In addition to the grant awarded to ArtsWestchester, the other following county arts projects will also receive funding under the REDC grants: The Westchester Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains received $500,000. This grant will fund a piano technology lab, recording studio, percussion studio, and new studios for jazz ensembles and music therapy. Westchester Children’s Museum in Rye received $824,000. Funding from this grant will expand the museum’s exhibit and operational space in Rye Playland’s National Historic Landmark North Bathhouse. The Glenwood Power Plant in Yonkers received $1 million. With the funds, a developer will embark on preserving and redeveloping this iconic turn of the century structure into a cultural destination and performance space for members of the Yonkers community. Village of Sleepy Hollow on the Hudson and Pocantico Rivers received $195,000. This grant will help enhance the installation and landscaping of the village’s Headless Horseman Statue and public amenities. The Picture House Regional Film Center received $27,000. This education grant will assist more students to learn through film. ArtsWestchester is located at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains. For more information, visit artswestchester.org. (Submitted)
Bronxville students doante gifts to veterans
From left, Bronxville High School students Chloe Slater, Amelia Srebnik, Pippa Fraser, Anabel Maldonando and Isabelle Phillips wrap the gifts they collected for veterans at the New York State Veterans’ Home at Montrose. Photo courtesy Bronxville school district
Bronxville High School, BHS, students and their families have made the holidays a little brighter for veterans at the New York State Veterans’ Home at Montrose by generously donating more than 100 gifts to them. The holiday gift drive, which was spearheaded by social studies teacher Dana Landesman when she answered the facility’s plea for help last year, was led by the sophomore class. Over the course of a week, the students quickly collected sweaters, socks, blankets, books, jewelry, and snack baskets, among other gifts, to fulfill the veterans’ wishes. They wrapped the gifts during an after-school wrap-athon on Dec. 15 before Landesman dropped off the donations. “The staff at the hospital were overjoyed and appreciative of the donations in helping to make the holiday more special for the residents,” Landesman said. “Thanks to all the students and their fami-
lies who participated in this drive.” The New York State Veterans’ Home at Montrose provides quality care to veterans in need of skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Students said that donating the gifts was a way for them to thank the veterans for their service to and sacrifices for our country. “This gift-giving tradition has definitely made a difference,” said sophomore Anabel Maldonado, who answered a veteran’s wish for Pringles potato chips. “This veteran asked for something that I would never think to ask for, but I hope giving her those six bins of Pringles will make a difference, and I hope it made her holidays a little better.” Sophomore Amelia Srebnik said it was an honor for her to be able to fulfill the veterans’ wishes within a week due to the overwhelmingly positive response from the entire school. “I hope that the generosity
of our class and the high school overall makes a difference in brightening up each one of the veterans’ holidays, as they deserve this and much more for risking their lives to keep us safe,” said Srebnik, whose family fulfilled a veteran’s wish for crossword puzzles, colored pencils and a shirt. In addition to the granted wishes and thanks to the generosity of members of the BHS Hearts to Home Club, the veterans will receive extra gifts this holiday season, including sweat pants, pajamas, socks, and blankets. “We hoped to do something special for the holidays with the money we raised during our fall fundraisers,” said Jack McSherry, BHS senior and president of the Hearts to Home Club whose goal is to support members of the military and their families. “When we learned about this great opportunity to support the veterans, we were really happy to help.” (Submitted)
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Eastchester REVIEW THE
P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 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 Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Nancy Kaplan ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers James Pero, Franco Fino Staff Photographer Jen Parente Columnists Mary Marvin, Richard Forliano
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, P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Visit us online www.eastchesterreview.com
Follow us on Twitter, @eastchesterview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/eastchesterreview The Eastchester Review is published weekly by Home Town Media Group for an annual subscription of $45. Application to mail at the periodicals postage rate is approved at White Plains, N.Y., 10601. Periodicals postage paid at White Plains and additional mailing offices.
rolling out in Mamaroneck
Sweet Charlie’s offers 15 different toppings, including fruits, cookies and sauces. Photos courtesy Facebook.com/sweetcharlies
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter Sweet Charlie’s, a food chain known for its hand rolled frozen desserts, will be opening its first New York state location in the village of Mamaroneck by the end of the month. The dessert shop, located at 362 Mamaroneck Ave., formerly a Sprint mobile store, received approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals on Dec. 8, 2017. “We really wanted to try and break into the New York market,” said Steven Billig, CFO and co-founder of Sweet Charlie’s. Brett Wien, franchise owner of the Mamaroneck location, said that after submitting his initial plans to the zoning board, he was told he would need to file for a special variance, because the shop’s location was in violation of Chapter 342-45 under the village code. The code states that on Mamaroneck Avenue, no fast-food restaurant, carry-out or delicatessen can be within 200 feet of another fast-food restaurant, carry-out or delicatessen on the same side of the street. To prevent any trouble down the line, during the village zoning board meeting on Dec. 7, 2017, the board made sure to clarify that under its code Sweet Charlie’s is defined as a fast-food restaurant. The goal this time around was to avoid any controversy like the one that ensued in July 2016 when Ralph’s Italian Ice & Ice Cream first opened on East Boston Post Road and was initially misclassified as a retail chain. The zoning board determined, after Ralph’s had opened, that it should have been identified as a
This non-fat yogurt based dessert is one of three options from Sweet Charlie’s.
fast-food restaurant, which led to several rounds of litigation, protests from neighborhood residents complaining of noise and safety issues, and, ultimately, the eventual closure of the Staten Island-based franchise. To avoid any such confusion, Wien said that the acquisition of the variance delayed their opening by five weeks, but it wasn’t the end of the world for him. Wien told the Review that the zoning board advised him at its Dec. 7 meeting to make sure he had all the correct permits in order to avoid a situation like Ralph’s. Despite that, Wien still has plans to open the shop by the end of January, much to the anticipation of locals in the community. Billig said they’ve been receiving emails daily of customers inquiring of Sweet Charlie’s presence in Mamaroneck. “It’s like 15 degrees out, so that’s exciting to know that people will want to get ice cream when it’s that cold,” Billig said. The shop will be open yearround from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., with outdoor dining locations in
Sweet Charlie’s has lines going out the door of customers wanting to try the hand-rolled ice cream.
the spring and summer. But what really has people screaming for Sweet Charlie’s ice cream is the unique way it’s made. “We’re going to literally make the ice cream right in front of the [customers] in less than 90 seconds,” Wien said. He describes the shop’s concept as something similar to Cold Stone Creamery, the difference being that Sweet Charlie’s makes the ice cream for each individual order. And to do that, employees start with one of three liquid bases, either the premium ice cream, nonfat yogurt, or nada-moo, a vegan alternative. Using the counter, which is set at 15 degrees below zero, the base
is converted into a sweet treat in front of the customer’s eyes. The dessert is then flattened out and rolled into strips and placed in a cup and garnished with toppings. “Everything is fresh and fun looking,” Wien said. Sweet Charlie’s offers 10 different flavors of its desserts and 15 different toppings for a flat rate of $7. “The product itself is amazing,” Wien said. For customers with food allergies, Wien said the shop will also have a separate machine to make ice cream for customers with food allergies. Kelly Wenstrup, a member of the zoning board, described this feature of the shop as, “a thing
Mamaroneck will become home to Sweet Charlie’s first New York state location. Photo courtesy Linkedin.com
you can’t get somewhere else.” She went on to say that Sweet Charlie’s would be “a wonderful addition if you come to Mamaroneck.” CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
January 12, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 7
AHA tackles heart health in Hudson Valley
The American Heart Association’s Westchester and Putnam Boards created healthy snack bags to be distributed to children through the Westchester Food Bank. Contributed photo
At their recent board meetings, members of both the American Heart Association’s, AHA, Westchester and Putnam Boards packed healthy snack bags for more than 100 children served through the Westchester Food Bank. The bags included healthy whole grain, low-fat, low-sugar snacks and beverages. The two regional boards are committed to the AHA’s Healthy For Good movement designed to create lasting change to improve heart and brain health, one small step at a time. “As part of the American Heart Association’s commitment to improving the lives and health of our communities, we are delighted to partner with the Westchester Food Bank in providing our neighbors in need with a heart healthy breakfast to start their day,” said Virginia Kuper, AHA Westchester board chair. The Healthy For Good movement addresses the obesity issue in American adults and children. More than two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for heart disease and stroke as well as many other chronic illnesses and conditions, according to the AHA, and less than one percent of Americans have an ideal diet, as measured by sodium and sugar intake; fruit, vegetable and fish consumption; and more. Sadly, children are not immune from this health threat. About one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese. The prevalence of obesity in children more than tripled from 1971 to 2011. Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. These include high blood pressure, type 2
diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. Changes to lifestyle can be made incrementally - some small change today that will make a big difference tomorrow. The four key pillars of health include: • Eat smart: Make overall healthier eating choices each day. Know your daily calorie limit and aim for it. Read labels and choose mostly fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats or fish, and limit sugar, sodium and alcohol intake. Get delicious recipes and meal planning tips at heart. org/recipes. • Add color: This is the simplest way to start eating healthier: just look at your plate and add some color to it in the form of colorful fruits and vegetables. Add color to every meal and snack, because adding even one serving of fruits and vegetables each day is a great way to start building a healthier you. • Move more: Our bodies were built to move, so they need daily activity to be healthy. But working out doesn’t have to take over your life – in fact, you can start by simply adding a few 10-minute bursts of activity each day. Whether it’s walking or doing yoga or trying a new workout video, start slowly and build up to a total of 30 minutes of exercise daily, most days of the week. • Be well: For ultimate wholebody health, your mind and body need to rest, reset and recharge. Stress management, getting enough quality sleep or connecting with the world in a healthier way, can help create a calmer, healthier you. The AHA encourages employers to create a healthy work environment and promote a
healthy lifestyle for their employees. The AHA has created the Healthy Workplace Food & Beverage Toolkit to assist companies achieve a culture of health free online at heart.org/workplacewellness. “The AHA can help local employers to create an environment where the healthy choice is the default or easy choice,” said Jennifer Miller, AHA senior director in Westchester. “And it doesn’t just benefit your workers. Maintaining a healthier workforce can lower direct costs such as insurance premiums and worker’s compensation claims. It will also positively affect many indirect costs such as absenteeism and worker productivity.” For example, at company meetings, organizers can make a policy to replace pastries and donuts with healthier yogurt and fruit. They can remove sugar-sweetened beverages as a choice at meetings, and only offer water or 100 percent juices. They can serve only the healthiest choices, like salad, whole grain breads or fruit, or lean meats or fish on the lunch buffet. They can set up walking paths and have fun fitness challenges. “These are the small changes we encourage individuals to make in their own lives, and we’re asking organizational leaders to make those same choices for the health of their employees,” she said. Creating a healthier work environment can benefit everyone, and can help avoid the devastation and personal loss that heart disease and stroke causes in the lives of our community members. To learn more about workplace health, visit heart.org/foodwhereur. To get tips on improving your health, visit heart.org/gettinghealthy. (Submitted)
8 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • January 12, 2018
500 state bills and their effects BRONXVILLE TODAY Mayor Mary Marvin
January signals the enactment of many laws passed by the New York state Legislature in their 2017 session. More than 500 bills were signed into law with a goodly number having an effect on village residents. Though I often quote Mark Twain on less government, “No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the legislature is in session” when seeing 500 new laws passed. California beat us by a country mile with more than 900 new laws enacted. Many were very substantive and directed to issues of great impact including opioid addiction, domestic violence and cancer screening. The following is a brief description of some of the more substantive bills enacted. Health Insurers are now mandated to cover the cost of the anti-overdose drug naloxone and cover treatment of substance abuse without a preauthorization requirement. Doctors can now prescribe new and often more costly drugs for serious illnesses without first waiting for the less expensive alternatives to “fail” per most insurance company protocols. Individuals with emotional/ drug-related problems may be committed for 72 hours versus 24
hours for medical observation. County health departments now must report and make public opiate overdose data as well as the quantity of Narcan purchased and used. Requirement to post a human trafficking help hotline number at highway rest stops, airports, bus stations, emergency rooms and adult entertainment establishments. (Currently more than 10 million people are being trafficked worldwide, 1 million of which are children.) The age of consent for marriage has been raised from 14 to 17. Authorize local courts where a victim of domestic violence is registered to vote to issue an order to keep such information confidential and not subject to public disclosure. Municipal employees are granted up to four hours of paid leave annually for cancer screening. Certain restaurants, organizations and arenas may stock epipens and use if administered by trained personnel. Laboratories now have an affirmative duty to seek homes for animals used in research. Extension of time for filing 9/11 illness claims. Safety Motor vehicles must now pull over for EMTs and volunteer firefighters who display blue or green flashing light protocol. Tinted windows restricting more than 30 percent of light transmitted through a windshield
will now fail vehicle inspections. Courts can now charge individuals involved in alcohol related boating accidents with repeat offender status if driver had any prior DUIs or DWIs in any vehicle type. Given that 25 percent of inmates in New York prisons are of Hispanic descent and 10 percent are foreign born, translators will now be offered at all parole hearings. Miscellaneous Generous tax credit for hiring veterans. Uber and Lyft are not granted licenses to operate upstate. Board of Regents must now notice their meetings at least seven days in advance. State agencies must post proposed or revised regulations on their websites. Homeowners are eligible to receive insurance reduction if a graduate of a disaster preparedness course. The Unusual Pets are allowed to be buried with their owners in certain cemeteries. (Seventy-three million American households have pets.) Daily sports fantasy games have been reinstated as they were ruled games of skill versus illegal gambling. Funeral homes will now be eligible to serve beverages and “light fare” food. Craft beer makers receive a tax benefit for every bottle brewed. Stay tuned as the 2018 session begins!
CHI distributes grants to first-time Homebuyers
First-time homebuyers have received $1.2 million in grants form the Community Housing Innovations. Photo courtesy Facebook.com/communityhousinginnovations
Community Housing Innovations, CHI, a regional nonprofit housing agency, distributed over $1.2 million to 40 first-time homebuyers in Westchester and Long Island during 2017, including grants of $40,000 each to 16 first-time homeowners who moved into the Waterwheel Condominiums in the Village of Ardsley. Comprised of 22 newly constructed two and three-bedroom condominiums, the Waterwheel is a partnership between CHI and developer/builder/architect Ardsley Waterwheel Partners LLC, and Architectura, with offices in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Of the 24 remaining grants, which went to purchase and rehabilitate condominiums, co-ops and houses selected by the applicants themselves, seven went to homes in Westchester and 17 went to homes on Long Island.
In 1997, CHI established its Homeownership Program, which provides education and counseling to assist first-time homebuyers through the entire home purchase process and administers grants averaging $25,000 toward down-payment and home rehabilitation assistance to income-eligible first-time homebuyers. Funded by the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation, grants administered by CHI have made the American dream of homeownership a reality for more than 800 families and has distributed over $14 million in grants. CHI also provides foreclosure prevention counseling in Westchester. Income eligibility limits change annually. In 2017, families could earn a maximum of $99,814 for a household of four living in Westchester, and $99,277 for a family of four liv-
ing on Long Island. “We prove every day that our workforce can afford to buy a home with a little help from New York state and a commitment to responsible home ownership from applicants,” said Alexander Roberts, CHI executive director. “We look forward to continuing the program in 2018. We encourage families to apply for this funding.” An additional two manufactured homes were completed in 2017 and homebuyers are in contract to close in the next month or two. Homebuyer orientation sessions are free and open to the public. They begin again on Jan. 10 in White Plains, and Jan. 18 in Suffolk County. Those interested in obtaining a grant, counseling or education from CHI may register online at communityhousing. org. (Submitted)
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January 12, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 9
Eastchester Home Sales Listings provided by the office of Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni Photos courtesy Zillow.com, Trulia.com, Hotpads.com, Spotproperty.com & Maps.google.com
1 Consulate Drive, Eastchester 11/10/17 $395,000
3 Corwood Road, Eastchester 11/6/17 $1,092,500
10 Argyle Place, Eastchester 11/17/17 $2,275,000
14 Governors Road, Eastchester 10/11/17 $623,494
17 Knollwood Road, Eastchester 110/31/17 $850,000
18 Scarsdale Ave., Eastchester 11/3/17 $605,000
20 Fairway Drive, Eastchester 11/10/17 $660,000
30 Masterton Road, Eastchester 10/20/17 $4,300,000
37 Lee Ave., Eastchester 11/7/17 $668,000
52 Howard Ave., Eastchester 10/31/17 $610,000
100 White Plains Road, Eastchester 11/6/17 $4,250,000
104 Clarence Road, Eastchester 10/27/17 $650,000
142 Brook St., Eastchester 11/15/17 $540,000
229 Dante Ave., Eastchester 10/27/17 $625,000
298 White Plains Road, Eastchester 11/10/17 $650,000
37 New St., Eastchester 10/27/17 $755,000
10 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • January 12, 2018
January 12, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 11
12 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • January 12, 2018
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LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Formation of The Wonders of Puglia, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Sect. of State (SSNY) on 07/11/2017. Office location: Westchester County.SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 100 New Roc City Plz., Apt. 104, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of Luciano Entertainment, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Sect. of State (SSNY) on 07/10/2017. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 100 New Roc City Plz., Apt. 104, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of MidKnight Investigations, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (S S NY) on 12/19/17. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1333A North Ave. #318, New Rochelle. NY 10804. Purpose: any lawful activity.
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SPORTS
14 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • January 12, 2018
Going for the Gulden’s LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
There are certain times, during my coverage of high school sports, I thank the heavens that I no longer have to go through the grind of competitive athletics. Each summer, for instance, when I see area football teams suit up for the annual two-a-days summer slog, I can’t help but think; “Better them than me.” Each March, when I see baseball teams brave 40 degree weather—and the remnants of a Northeastern winter—to face some highly touted pitcher throwing in the mid-80s, I recoil in horror as I remember the unique pain of getting jammed on an inside fastball on a day where fans are bundled up like they’re gearing up for an Arctic expedition. Some things, I figure, are better left to the youngsters. But on Saturday, Jan. 6, at the 52nd annual Shoreline Wres-
tling Classic at New Rochelle High School, I saw something that made me realize that I simply don’t have the stomach—literally—for what it takes to be an athlete anymore. During an early-round match against an opponent from Port Chester, Huguenot 138-pounder Ryan McPherson began to cramp up. His coaches called a timeout and the training staff rushed over to get a handle on the situation. Now I’ve seen dozens of athletes cramp up over the years, and the protocol seems to be pretty standard; stretch out the cramping area, push some fluids and within a few minutes, the sidelined player is as right as rain. Only that’s not what happened this time. Instead, McPherson had the trainer squirt cafeteria mustard straight into his mouth. I was horrified. Now, a quick trip to Google informed me that, yes, mustard contains acetic acid which can help combat cramps, but it was jarring—both to me and some
other onlookers—to see a wrestler sucking down a bottle of French’s like it was Gatorade in the middle of the match, then return to the mat and earn a pinfall victory. As a notoriously picky eater with a lifelong aversion to mustard—I’m more of a plain meat and potatoes type of guy—I had to put myself in McPherson’s shoes and wonder if I would have done the same thing. The beauty of sport stems from its ability to force athletes to push their bodies beyond what is normally expected of them. That extra lap, those extra suicides, those multiple hours in the gym just to get the body ready to compete; that’s what sports are all about, and I get it. It worked out for McPherson, but for me, straight mustard might be a bridge too far. Next thing you know, someone would be asking me to eat veggie tofu.
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New Rochelle’s Ryan McPherson tangles with an opponent from Port Chester during the Jan. 6 Shoreline Classic. Early in the match McPherson cramped up, and chowed down on some mustard in order to get back on the mat. Photo/Mike Smith
SPORTS
January 12, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 15
Quick start helps Rye edge Eagles GIRLS BASKETBALL
league
RYE 44 EASTCHESTER 32 1/5/18
RYE HS
Game Notes: • Teaghan Flaherty led Rye with 27 points • Cassidy Mitchell scored 26 for the Eagles • Rye is currently 7-1 By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor A hot start pushed a surging Rye team past Eastchester on Jan. 5, as the Garnets downed the Eagles 44-32 at home. For Rye, who improved to 7-1 with the win, although victories have been in abundance in the early part of the season, a double-digit win over a league rival who advanced to the Class A championship game last year was a statement nonetheless. “We knew that every time Eastchester comes here they always play hard,” Rye sophomore Teaghan Flaherty said. “We knew we were going to have to play our best, and the girls really stepped up today.” Flaherty led the Garnets with 27 points and sparked an early run that saw Rye jump out to an 11-3 lead over the visitors early in the first quarter. That momentum, she added, helped set the tone for the night. “We always say we have to come out as strong as possible and we really did that today,” Flaherty said. “The bench’s energy, and everyone on the floor’s energy was really great after that.” Despite the slow start, Eastchester battled back into contention, and cut the Rye lead to six points heading into the fourth quarter. Cassidy Mitchell sparked the Eagles with 26 points, but the visitors were unable to sustain the comeback over the final eight minutes of the game. Coming into the contest, Flaherty explained that the Garnet defenders knew they would have their hands full with Mitchell, Eastchester’s standout who reached the 1,000-point mark last season. “She’s a really great player so we had to make sure that when she caught the ball we were all up on her and everyone else was back in deny,” Flaherty said. “Everyone had to be willing to help
to make sure she couldn’t get to the basket.” Rye center Ellie Dailey also helped the Garnets clean up on the glass, grabbing eight rebounds to go along with six points in the win. Winners of seven straight ballgames, the Garnets will face another league foe on Jan. 11 when they host a Harrison team that edged a good Pelham squad 41-34 on Jan. 6. As the team continues to improve, Flaherty hopes that these early wins will lead to continued success in the postseason. “It’s huge, because confidence is key,” she said. “As long as we keep doing good things on the court, we are going to get even better.”
Cassidy Mitchell drives past a Garnets player on Jan. 5. Mitchell scored 26 points for Eastchester.
CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Niamh Carty pushes past an Eastchester defender on Jan. 5.
Rye’s Ellie Dailey battles with Eastchester’s Nicole Patrylow in the paint. Dailey had eight rebounds and six points.
Teaghan Flaherty looks for a shot against Eastcheser on Jan. 5. Flaherty and the Garnets topped the Eagles 44-32.
16 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • January 12, 2018