January 19, 2018 by The Eastchester Review

Eastchester REVIEW THE

January 19, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 3 | www.eastchesterreview.com

Democrats nominate Mayer for Senate seat By JAMES PERO Staff Writer

FAST BREAK

Malik Moore-Crooks brings the ball up the court during Tuckahoe’s Jan. 16 game against Solomon Schechter. Moore-Crooks scored 29 points as the Tigers erased an early deficit to top the Lions 67-41. For story, see page 15. Photo/Mike Smith

2 GOP candidates vie for Latimer’s Senate seat By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Westchester County Republicans are expecting to choose from a pool of two candidates to run in a special election to fill County Executive George Latimer’s recently vacated state Senate seat. Sarmad Khojasteh, a commercial litigation attorney from the town of Bedford, is bidding for the Republican nomination to face-off against Democratic nominee Shelley Mayer, an incumbent state assemblywoman from Yonkers. An emigrate who was born in Iran 1981, Khojasteh relocated to the United States in 1982 after the Islamic Revolution and during the Iran-Iraq War.

“Unfortunately, many of our elected officials seem intent on proposing legislation as a form of protest, or to win political points in a game of partisan ping pong, rather than listening to their constituents and coming up with ideas that would help to solve real problems for the people they serve,” Khojasteh said. “I believe that by replacing career politicians with independent-minded, practical problem solvers in Albany we can put the American dream back within reach of all New Yorkers.” Khojasteh joins Dan Schorr, who has also announced his plans to seek the Senate’s 37th District seat. Schorr unsuccessfully ran for county district attorney nine years ago, losing to then-District Attor-

ney Janet DiFiore, a Democrat. Schorr is well known around the county, previously serving as a prosecutor in Westchester and New York City and as the Yonkers inspector general. The Senate’s 37th District covers Rye, White Plains, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Yonkers, North Castle, Bedford, and Eastchester. As of press time, the Westchester County Republican Party has not announced a date for when it will nominate its candidate, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, has not yet called for a special election. The governor is not necessarily required to call for a special election. Cuomo has the option to let the seat remain unfilled un-

til the November 2018 election. Latimer, a Democrat, vacated the seat on Jan. 1 after being sworn in as county executive. The election may be crucial for Republicans to prevent Democrats from regaining more ground in the Senate, as Republicans currently hold a slim 3130 majority, as of press time. The 37th District seat is one of two vacated positions in the state Senate this year. The Senate’s 32nd District seat, which covers an area in the Bronx, has also been vacated. Doug Colety, the chairman of the county Republican Committee, could not be reached for comment. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

State Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer, a Democrat, was nominated unanimously on Jan. 9 as the successor to former state Sen. George Latimer’s Senate seat. Latimer, a fellow Democrat, vacated the seat when he was elected as Westchester County executive and subsequently took office on Jan. 1. Mayer took the nomination over a field of candidates that included Bedford Supervisor Chris Burdick and former Bernie Sanders organizer and White Plains resident, Kat Brezler, as well as Mark Jaffe of West Harrison. Prior to the Democrats convention at the Westchester County Center on Tuesday night, all of the other candidates had dropped out of the race, including Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano who left the running a week before the nomination process. “You opened up your minds and your hearts; you heard my story,” Mayer said at the County Center. While Mayer won’t face a primary from fellow Democrats, she will have to square off against a Republican opponent for the seat in a special election yet to be called for by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. Cuomo hasn’t indicated when he might call for a special election or when it might take place. Mayer is expected to face either Sarmad Khojasteh or Dan Schorr, both Republicans who are seeking the party’s nomination. However, county Republicans have yet to announce when they plan to nominate a candidate for the seat. With Mayer, Democrats will look to increase their edge in the state Senate where Republicans

currently hold a one-person majority, 31-30, with two open seats. “Shelley Mayer can hit the ground running and give the hundreds of thousands of Westchester residents the representation they deserve,” said Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Yonkers Democrat, in a statement this week. Republicans will be hardpressed to win a seat that has been Democrats’ hand for decades. However, throughout the past several election cycles Republicans have unsuccessfully pumped significant financing into campaigns hoping to win control of the seat, including a race between Latimer and GOP candidate Bob Cohen during a 2012 election that broke a record for most money spent—$4.5 million in total— during a New York political race at the time. Democrats will also look to further capitalize on a blue surge of Democratic support that was seen during the 2017 elections that to the election of a new county executive and a string of Democratic victories throughout Westchester. The 37th Senatorial District encompasses the cities of Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle and Rye, and the towns of Eastchester, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Rye, Bedford and North Castle. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

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What’s going on... Eastchester Public Library

For more information on hours and programs, visit eastchesterlibrary.org.

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.

Chat & Color Book Club Meeting On Monday, Jan. 22 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the book Sale Room. Join the Chat & Color Book Club to discuss this month’s book, “The Couple Next Door” by Shari Lapena. Copies of the books will be available at the Circulation Desk. Pictures and colored pencils are provided. Light refreshments will be served. Online registration suggested. Open to adults. For more information, contact Amelia Buccarelli at abuccarelli@wlsmail.org.

Basics Computer Class On Thursday, Jan. 25 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This series of six classes are designed for people with little or no computer experience and topics will vary each week. Topics will be navigating the Internet, sending emails, opening and downloading files from your email, attaching a document to an email, saving a document to a flash drive, and much more. Registration is required for each class and will have a 10-person limit. Register online, in person, or by calling the Reference Desk 721-8103. For more information, contact Amelia Buccarelli at abuccarelli@wlsmail.org.

Book Discussion and Signing with therapist Robert Bernstein On Saturday, Jan. 27 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Local author and educational therapist Rob Bernstein will discuss his new book, “Uniquely Normal: Tapping the Reservoir of Normalcy to Treat Autism.” Bernstein is an educational therapist who treats autistic children and young adults at his practice in Dobbs Ferry. He advocates a cutting-edge approach that works with autistic people “on their terms, and allow(s) them to lead.” In his 2017 Best Books Award Winner, Bernstein has found a different approach based on cognition thinking in helping people of all ages with autism spectrum disorder. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Bronxville Public Library For more information on hours and programs, visit bronxvillelibrary.org.

Become a Foster Parent

Tuckahoe Public Library

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.

Midterm Week in the Teen Room From Sunday, Jan. 21 through Monday, Jan. 29. It’s mandatory quiet week in the Teen Room just in time for midterms. Head to the Teen Room for some quiet studying, snacks and games for a break. Snacks will be provided, please no outside food. For grades 6–12 only.

Classical Sonata On Sunday, Jan. 22 from 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the Yeager Room. Violist Kathryn Lockwood returns to the Bronxville Library on with pianist Jon Klibonoff in a varied program for viola and piano. A native of Australia, Lockwood has been hailed as a violist of exceptional talents in reviews around the country and abroad for her performances as a chamber musician and soloist. Prize winner and faculty member of Manhattan School of Music, Klibonoff hails from New York and has appeared as orchestra soloist, solo recitalist, and chamber musician throughout the U.S. and abroad. Together, this dynamic duo will play sonatas by Brahms and Poulenc; Fantasiestucke by Schumann, and a zen and programmatic piece by Japanese composer, Somei Satoh. These two world-renowned musicians, who happen to live locally, are not to be missed in this intimate setting at your local library. Free and open to the public. A reception will follow the performance.

National Book Prize Finalist Author Conversation On Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Due to an overwhelming response, the location for this event has been moved to The Sommer Center at Concordia College, located at 171 White Plains Road in Bronxville. The event is free, but registration is required by visiting bronxvillelibrary.org. For more information, email margaret_mager@yahoo.com. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Friends of the Bronxville Public Library is encouraging book clubs to read Min Jin Lee’s “Pachinko,” a finalist for the National Book Award, a national bestseller and a New York Times editor’s choice, in preparation for a special conversation with the author. Min Jin Lee will be interviewed by Bronxville’s Sissel McCarthy, distinguished lecturer and director of the journalism program at Hunter College, and the audience will participate in a book discussion. A book sale and signing will follow the discussion.

Introduction to Facebook On Friday, Jan. 26 from 11 a.m. to noon. Curious about Facebook? Join the library for this basic introduction where you will learn how to create an account; share photos; interests and hobbies; view photos of friends and family; and how to “like, share and post.” Please note that this is a presentation only. You will not receive assistance setting up and using Facebook on your own computer. Registration is required by calling 337-7680 ext. 24 or emailing bronxvillelibrary@gmail.com.

For more information on hours and programs, visit tuckahoe.com/library.

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.

Bodhi Meditation On Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. Come and learn to practice simple, guided meditations to increase your health and well-being with Kristen Lu of the Bodhi Meditation Society. Powerful, guided visualizations will be provided to help you quickly reach a state of relaxation. Participants will experience a group energy session to facilitate your body’s natural healing ability. Please wear comfortable shoes. If you would like to sit on the floor for the seated meditation, feel free to bring a yoga mat. It is recommended that you have a light lunch up to 30 minutes before the workshop. Registration is required by calling the library at 961-2121.

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 school news Middle School Immersive Theater Experience On Wednesday, Jan. 24 and Thursday, Jan. 25 at

7 p.m. at Eastchester Middle School. How do you do theatre when you have no theater? This has been the big question this past year at Eastchester Middle and High School during the renovation of the auditorium. The answer? “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Eastchester Middle School is presenting an immersive theatre experience entitled “What Dream May Come.” Throughout the evening, the audience will move freely between classrooms to view 10-minute plays occurring throughout the school. Each play tackles issues faced by teens every day, ranging from the lighter complications like what happens when your phone is left at home to the deeper challenges of bullying or academic anxiety. Take a trip back to your school days and discover that as much as things have changed some things never will. It will be an experience like no other. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Jan. 24 and Jan. 25 in the Eastchester Middle School Cafeteria. Tickets are available only at the door and are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

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, 2313481, 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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Law senior partner receives Founder’s award Frank McCullough, senior partner in the law firm of McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt

LLP in White Plains, was recently the guest of honor at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace

University’s Land Use Law Center Annual Dinner. At the dinner, McCullough received the distin-

From left, John Nolon, professor of Law and Counsel for the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Land Use Law Center, Frank McCullough, senior partner at McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt LLP, and Jessica Bacher, executive director of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Land Use Law Center. Contributed photo

guished Founder’s Award. The dinner was held at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains on Dec. 6. The Founder’s Award is bestowed each year in the name of Theodore W. Kheel, the great American attorney and labor mediator, renowned for his ability to build consensus and resolve conflicts. McCullough was a major supporter of the Land Use Law Center. “Frank is an ideal recipient for the Founder’s Award,” said John Nolon, professor of Law and Counsel for the Land Use Law Center. “He has distinguished himself in the regional land use community for navigating and calming troubled waters of local zoning approvals of much needed projects and has also epitomized the image of the practicing lawyer as one who gives back to their community.” Nolon also noted that McCullough has distinguished himself as a land use attorney who is sensitive to and able to unite disparate parties in support of growth and conserva-

tion. Throughout his career, he has counseled his clients to accommodate the interests of local land use officials who represent the full range of interests implicated in land development. McCullough and fellow partner Seth Mandelbaum also spoke during the Land Use Law Center’s 16th Annual Alfred B. DelBello Land Use and Sustainable Development Conference the following day, on Dec. 7. The theme of this year’s event focused on the ways in which local governments are overcoming challenges and finding solutions that target new ways to plan, regulate, and design communities. The sessions included topics such as financing mixed use development, form-based codes, as well as the future of mobility, designing healthy communities and office space redevelopment. “I am truly grateful to have received this recognition from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Land Use Law Center,” McCullough said. “John Nolan and the Cen-

ter continue to set a high standard in providing invaluable service and guidance for the greater community, and I am proud to have worked with them over the years. As I continue my practice at McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt, I look forward to the future and the numerous projects we are engaged in and actively pursuing.” Established in 1993, the Land Use Law Center is dedicated to fostering the development of sustainable communities and regions through the promotion of innovative land use strategies and dispute resolution techniques. Through the work of its programs, centers, and institutes, the Land Use Law Center offers conferences, seminars, clinics, academic law school courses, continuing legal education programs, audio podcasts, and frequent publications and resources on contemporary land use, real estate, and environmental issues. For more information about McCullough, Goldberger & Staudt, LLP, visit mcculloughgoldberger.com. (Submitted)

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Interfaith committee

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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

sparks discussion on violence against women

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This year’s Rye Women’s Interfaith Committee annual conference is at the Rye Presbyterian Church. File photo

The Rye Women’s Interfaith Committee, a community of women from different religious faiths, will tackle the topics of human trafficking and domestic violence against women in their annual conference this month. The presentation, titled “Women Under Threat—Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking,” will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Rye Presbyterian Church at 3:30 p.m. Admission for the event is $15 at the door. Attendees will be treated to a discussion led by the Rev. Kym McNair, coordinator of community and education engagement for My Sister’s Place, a nonprofit organization in White Plains that offers emotional and legal support to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Caroll Claps, a coordinator for the event, said the presentation was chosen because the committee wanted to feature a nonprofit

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In prior years, the Rye Women’s Interfaith Committee has discussed topics including religious diversity. Photo courtesy turkishculturalcenter.org

organization and what it has to offer. Along with supporting the local organization, Claps said, they wanted to choose a meaningful topic. “There is quite a lot of information [out there] as far as violence to women and people who come out… will learn that this [presentation] is quite the topic for today’s society,” said Lynn Staley, a coordinator for the event. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a hotline service for victims of human trafficking, in 2017, New York state had 180 human trafficking cases reported. The presentation will work to bring awareness to the broader community on the topic of trafficking. David Ryan, a founder of the Westchester County Anti-Trafficking Task Force, a group of organizations who work together to respond to and end cases of human trafficking, said one of the most important things to focus on when it comes to human trafficking is raising awareness. The task force also includes My Sister’s Place and the International Organization for Adolescents, a non-government organization that focuses on cases of children and youth trafficking. “Our goal ultimately is to find these victims, get them out of the environment they’re in, and get them the help and services they need, and ultimately hold the traffickers accountable,” Ryan said. Along with a discussion on human trafficking, McNair will speak on domestic violence. “Domestic abuse often goes unreported,” Claps said. “[There are] women and men who are married and living in Rye, on the outside they look like a perfectly happy family, and on the inside, they’re not.” According to the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, an agency that works to respond and prevent cases of domestic violence, in 2016 “the state’s Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline received

The Rev. Kym McNair, coordinator of community and education engagement for My Sister’s Place. Photo courtesy bedfordpreschurch.com

8,584 calls. An 18 percent increase from 2015.” Of these calls, 12 percent came from Westchester County, which was the second highest volume of calls from any county in the state. “I can say that once people become more aware [of abuse tactics], they talk about it more, and become aware of what they’ve overlooked,” McNair said. She went on to say that people tend to think of domestic violence as primarily physical and sexual. When you take those two out of the equation, people realize there are a lot more types of violence, including psychological and emotional. Claps encourages people to come out to the event because along with raising awareness, McNair will speak on the things that My Sister’s Place has to offer those who might be in unsafe situations. “I think people will be surprised, and they’ll find out information about the whole [My Sister’s Place] program itself,” Claps said. McNair said that anyone can benefit from attending the presentation. “My hope is that people will have a better understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and human trafficking, as well as how people can call on My Sister’s Place for help,” McNair said. “We have offices, lawyers, [and] councilors.” CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com

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Some interesting new laws nationwide BRONXVILLE TODAY Mayor Mary Marvin

In last week’s column, I highlighted some of the 500-plus laws passed in the last session of the New York state Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. I though it further useful to research what was passed in other states in 2017 as they often share a commonality of purpose or act as a forecast as to what may affect New Yorkers going forward. Nationally, the themes centered very specific societal issues: opioid addiction, both stricter laws and medical assistance; human trafficking; the legalization of marijuana; epi-pen usage in public facilities; and gun control—literally dozens of state-enacted legislation pertaining to all of the above subjects. In addition, the minimum wage was raised in 14 states, and soda taxes are clearly gaining traction. Staying close to home, New Jersey and Connecticut covered most of the above topics but the New Jersey Legislature focused on reducing the tax burden as it competes with New York for one of the most expensive places to live. To that end, sales tax was lowered to 6.875 percent from 7 percent; the amount of retirement income excluded from state income taxes will increase fivefold, and the estate tax exemption now rises to $2 million. Connecticut added two potentially ground breaking pieces of legislation that I believe will be copied in other states going forward: Employers are now not allowed to ask a job applicant if they have prior arrests or convictions on an initial job application; and most insurance policies will be required to cover 3-D

and more advanced mammogram procedures. Our neighbors in Vermont are trying to come to terms with their particularly acute opioid epidemic by passing some very strict drug laws. As example, anyone convicted of selling fentanyl can now receive a prison term of 20 years and a million-dollar fine. A Vermont law that I think should be nationwide is the requirement that anyone seeking public office or a high level government staff position must disclose all business ownerships and sources of income above $5,000. In addition, officeholders may not become lobbyists immediately upon leaving office. In a portend of things to come, the Utah Legislature added a 4.7 percent sales tax on all Amazon purchases since they are losing $200 million-plus every year in this revenue stream. In the same vein, California now grants lower level felons the right to vote, and no one under the age of 18 can be charged with prostitution. I would be remiss if I did not mention other new California initiatives as their legislature was the most prolife passing almost 900 new laws: • Victims cannot ever consent to sex while unconscious or incapacitated by drugs, alcohol or medication. • All single-user toilets must be gender neutral. • Terminally ill patients can choose to end their lives using experimental drugs not receiving full FDA approval. Health plans may cover their costs and physicians who recommend them are exempt from any disciplinary actions. • Parents must be notified by any sports league if their child’s head was hit, and all coaches and sports administrators must receive concussion training and

abide by new protocols when assessing head injuries. • The term “Redskins” cannot be used by any public school sports team or as a mascot. • Gun magazines of more than ten bullets are now strictly banned. • Illinois, in the first of its kind, enacted a law requiring cosmetologists to undergo training to recognize physical signs of sexual and domestic violence. Finally, every year, the states do not disappoint and enact laws which are esoteric, fun, a little zany or just plain head-scratchers: • In California, barbershops and hair salons may serve free beer and wine to customers up until 10 p.m. (I couldn’t find a prohibition on start time!?) • North Carolina did not overturn the ban on restricting bingo games to five hours. • Golf carts may now be driven in Ohio on all roads with a speed limit up to 35 mph. This law would permit them on every street in Bronxville! • In Utah, marriage is against the law between cousins only if you are younger than 65 years old. • Oregon has banned the use of sky lanterns, but not fireworks, due to the potential for fire. • In one of the last states in the Union, Pennsylvania now allows one to buy a six-pack of beer, but not a case, in a grocery store instead of the state-run package store. • In an effort to be more green (?) California now allows burials only 3.5 feet deep versus the traditional 5 feet requirement. And I end with my favorite, from California: In an effort to reduce the amount of gas from cows, Senate Bill No. 1383 approved a system of tubes and attached backpacks to filter and capture the gas—a dreadful visual indeed!!

BHS students share childhood anecdotes Bronxville High School 10thgrade students in Victor Maxwell’s Honors English class – who have been learning about the art and craft of storytelling – recently participated in a Moth Story Slam-style event during class. Having previously written stories about their childhoods, the students had the opportunity to perform their stories before an audience of peers. Keeping up with the style of a Moth Story Slam – which are open-mic storytelling competitions held around the world that allow people to share short stories before a live audience – some of the students’ stories included a summer camp disaster, a first kiss, a death-defying bike ride, a jellyfish attack and finding a new friend in a neighbor. “A great story brings us into the world of the teller and allows us to understand them without needing to explain themselves,” Maxwell added. “It also takes us on a journey where we are constantly anticipating what will happen and yet still manage

Victor Maxwell, a teacher at Bronxville High School, listens to a student’s story during a Moth Story Slam-style event in class.

to be surprised.” Throughout the story writing and storytelling experience, the students learned about the art of structuring stories, how to create suspense and humor and add details that make stories come alive. They also learned how to give a presentation in a natural and engaging way, including how to use their voices and bodies to

deepen their communication. “There is no better way to learn the power that a well-constructed story holds than to create and share one,” Maxwell said. “Stories are one big way that human beings connect to one another. The students enjoyed the experience and got to know each other in a deeper way through these stories. It was really touching and a lot of fun.” (Submitted)

Bronxville High School 10th-grader Jack Moore shares a childhood story with his peers during a Moth Story Slam-style event in Victor Maxwell’s Honors English class. Photos courtesy Bronxville school district

Opinion-Editorial

Trump’s comments: A perversion of Dr. King’s legacy By CLIFFORD JACKSON Donald Trump’s racist and vulgar comments on immigration from Africa, Haiti and El Salvador—that these were “---hole countries” that we should be limiting immigration and allowing for more immigration from countries like Norway—are rather ironic. I have been saying this and writing about this for years. I saw Michael Che bring this out on a recent “Weekend Update” skit on “Saturday Night Live.” He in his comedic genius made the point that “these so-called ----hole

counties have been the victims of colonialism and exploitation of its people and resources by the Western world for the last 500 years that allowed these Western countries to become rich at their expense.” As Abraham Lincoln also said in his second inaugural address, “the wealth of this country is based upon the unrequited sweat and toil of 246 years of free slave labor by the bondsman.” Trump is America, many of his supporters are from the sewer and have an “Archie Bunker” searing ignorance and racism that allows this type of garbage

to be expressed by a Donald Trump. These same people do not realize and do not care that Haiti has been exploited and raped of its resources by the U.S. for the past 200 years. Papa Doc and Baby Doc Duvalier are glaring examples. Trump’s proclamation to Martin Luther King Jr. was an insult to his legacy and to decent justice-seeking people around the world. Clifford Jackson is a resident of Larchmont. The views expressed are his own.

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Giants legend to host big game viewing party

Meet Red! This beautiful setter/ collie mix is about 7 years young and very handsome. He is looking for a calm, quiet home to hang out with his human family. He will alert you to people at your door and will happily go to his place so that you can welcome your guests. He likes playing with his toys and going for long walks. Red is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped. Make him part of your family! To meet Red, call Pet Rescue in Harrison at 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue. org. (Submitted)

Phil Simms may have coined the phrase “I’m going to Disney World” following his big game win in 1987, but the legendary quarterback is “going to Empire City Casino” for this year’s big game to host a viewing party, hang out with football fans and watch the biggest game on the planet on Feb. 4. The free festivities begin in the casino’s entertainment lounge at 6 p.m. on game day, where Simms will mingle with fans, participate in a Q-and-A, and sign autographs before watching the big game and testing out his throwing arm with fans. During the event, Simms will reflect on his career, offer his game day predictions and share what it takes to win the big game. Empire City Casino will dis-

play the big game on LED jumbo screens to bring football fans as close to the action as possible. Seating will be firstcome, first-served with beer and food specials all game long. Most fans know Simms as one of the greatest quarterbacks in football history, and who was recently nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Over his 15-year career with the New York Giants, Simms set numerous records and won two world championships in 1987 and 1991. Currently, Simms is a football analyst on TV, radio and online. “Phil Simms fits the bill as the perfect game day host for our guests,” said Taryn Duffy, director of public affairs for Empire City Casino. “We’re excited to

have that same energy and excitement Phil brought to the football field here at Empire City Casino with fans meeting and hearing from the football icon.” As an added bonus, the first 5,000 Empire Club Members to check in at the main promotions booth will receive a free football-themed beanie hat. Fans who are not yet Empire Club members can sign up for free in a matter of minutes at any promotions booth. Empire City is Manhattan’s closest casino, a short drive from the George Washington Bridge and easily accessible via Metro North, bus, shuttle bus and more (exact point-to-point directions provided here). For more information on Empire City Casino and the viewing party, visit empirecitycasino.com. (Submitted)

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10 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • January 19, 2018

January 19, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 11

12 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • January 19, 2018

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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Camille DiSalvo, Village Clerk, Tuckahoe, N.Y. Dated: January 19, 2018 TOWN OF EASTCHESTER PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Board, other boards, commissions, committees, and advisory councils of the Town of Eastchester will be holding the following scheduled meetings during the month of February, 2018. Date February 1 February 1 February 6 February 13 February 13 February 22 February 27 February 28 TBA

Time Place 7:00 PM Town Hall Auditorium 7:30 PM Community Room 11:00 AM Community Room 7:00 PM Town Hall Auditorium 7:00 PM Community Room 7:00 PM Town Hall Auditorium 7:00 PM Community Room 6:30 PM Library Auditorium 7:30 PM 2nd Floor Conference Room

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January 19, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 13

14 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • January 19, 2018

Game-saving catch LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

Conventional wisdom might posit that, these days, the NBA regular season isn’t worth a hill of beans. But increasingly, the same might hold true for the NFL. For the last 10 years or so, pundits have maintained that the long, grueling, 82-game NBA schedule is little more than a glorified pre-season. With rest days for star players and the emergence of super teams like we’ve seen in Boston, Miami, Cleveland and Golden State, the true competition in basketball doesn’t really ramp up until the conference finals at the very earliest, rendering much of what happens between October and May largely irrelevant from a spectator’s standpoint. As a result, the NBA’s popularity largely hinges on its most marketable stars and teams engaging in one or two largely pre-destined series at the end of the year to keep fans engaged. Which brings us the growing

problem facing today’s NFL. It wasn’t too long ago that gridiron Sundays (and Mondays) were appointment-viewing. And it’s not hard to understand why; with only 16 weeks of regular-season football, each game carried with it more weight and significance than any one contest of its competitors in America’s four major sports leagues. But over the last few years, something has changed, and Americans don’t seem to be as dialed into football as we once were. Oversaturation—games played three days a week—had a lot to do with it, but so too does the shifting public attitude toward the sport. There is a definite contingent of fans turned off by the risk of head trauma that the players assume and the league’s seemingly toothless efforts to combat the danger. Other, more vocal groups have tuned out due to their anger with the league for not sternly disciplining players who choose to protest injustice in society. Heck, even the fans who are still watching often bemoan the lack of quality play around the

SPORTS

league, which has turned—much like the NBA—into an organization of haves and have-nots. The results, unsurprisingly, mean that ratings have been in a slow, yet steady decline. But once we get to the playoffs, whatever issues facing the league during its regular season seem to disappear. Last Sunday alone, the Blake Bortles-led Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers faced off in a wild shootout that saw the Jags escape with an improbable 45-42 win. That game was followed by one of the wildest playoff games in history, as the Minnesota Vikings topped the New Orleans Saints thanks to a wacky 61-yard touchdown by receiver Stefon Diggs. For once, fans came into work on Monday talking about the play on the field rather than some peripheral issue concerning protests, suspensions, headshots or referees. But if I were an NFL executive, I wouldn’t bank on the goodwill lasting. There’s an unmistakable trend of football’s declining popularity, and it’s going to take

TO COVER LOCAL SPORTS, YOU NEED A

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

On Jan. 14, two exciting NFL playoff games may have given the league a temporary reprieve from sinking ratings. But the NFL has some questions to answer if it hopes to keep its foothold as the nation’s most popular sport. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org

more than an once-in-a-lifetime connection between Case Keenum and Diggs to reverse it.

After all, as the name suggests, those plays don’t come around all that often.

Follow Mike on Twiter @LiveMike_Sports

SPORTS

January 19, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 15

Tuckahoe rallies to steamroll Schechter BOYS BASKETBALL

league

TUCKAHOE 67 SOLOMON SCHECHTER 41 TUCKAHOE HS

1/16/18

Game Notes: • Malik Moore-Crooks had a game-high 29 points for Tuckahoe • The Tigers outscored the Lions 36-14 in the second half • Tuckahoe will travel to Eastchester on Jan. 19 By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Last January, Solomon Schechter came into the Tuckahoe High School gymnasium and eked out an upset win over the heavily favored Tigers, snapping the home team’s eight-game winning streak with a 55-52 victory. Tuckahoe didn’t forget that. On Jan. 16, the Tigers finally put last season’s loss to bed, erupting for 36 points in the second half to bury the Lions with a 67-41 win. “We kept on bringing it up to keep us hungry,” said Tuckahoe’s Malik Moore-Crooks, who poured in a game-high 29 points on Tuesday. “We definitely got up for this one, it fueled us.” Although the Tigers may have come into the game primed for revenge, it was the Lions who answered the opening bell, jumping out to a 15-8 lead over the home team by the end of the first pe-

Malik Moore-Crooks goes up for a layup against Solomon Schechter on Jan. 16. Moore-Crooks had 29 points in the Tigers’ 67-41 win.

riod. But Tuckahoe rallied in the second quarter and headed into halftime with a 31-27 lead thanks to a half-court buzzer-beater by freshman Mekhi Clark. In the second half, Moore-Crooks and Daron Williams—who finished with 17 points—led the charge for the Tigers. “I think a lot of it was nerves,” Moore-Crooks said after the game. “It took us a while to get comfortable.” Tuckahoe head coach Al Visconti had a simpler explanation for the Tigers’ sluggish start.

Mekhi Clark lines up a foul shot on Jan. 16. Clark’s buzzer-beater at the end of the first half gave the Tigers a 31-27 lead.

Nick Zingaro soars toward the basket against the Lions.

“They just like raising my blood pressure,” he said. With the victory over Schechter, the Tigers have won two straight games to improve to 5-6 on the year. But the team’s sub.500 record may be deceiving due to the strength of its non-league schedule. Tuckahoe opened the season with a handful of games against top-flight Class AA competition, including tilts with programs like Port Chester, Mamaroneck, John Jay and Ossining. “We tried to load up the schedule so we would be ready for this time of year,” Visconti said. “It’s January 16, and we are just starting to play against schools our size; it’s only our third game in our league.” Five of the Tigers’ next six games will come against league opponents, with the exception on Friday, Jan. 19, when Tuckahoe will travel to Eastchester to tangle with the Eagles in the 14th annual Augie Nardone Basketball Scholarship Game. But even though Tuckahoe will once again be the smaller school in that matchup, they are hoping that their early-season experience against other behemoths will begin to pay off. “Coach put the schedule together to get us ready,” MooreCrooks said. “And now we are starting to play with more confidence.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

Joe Nasti clears out some space in the lane on Jan. 16. Photos/Mike Smith

16 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • January 19, 2018