Eastchester REVIEW THE
December 1, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 48 | www.eastchesterreview.com
Leadership council celebrates women in philanthropy
LIFE IS A MARATHON Hema Nambiar, founder of 13-one and an active runner, created jackets inspired by NASA technology to mimic the effects of Heatsheets that runners wear to regulate their body temperatures after a marathon. For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy https://13-one.com
Toys for Tots donation drive hosted at Westy centers Westy Self Storage continues its support of the Toys for Tots donation drive for the 19th year. This drive will run until Dec. 19. The Westy centers in Westchester are hosting this drive as designated drop off locations for donations. In addition to collection, Westy will also provide storage for the donations as well as assist with final delivery. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, USMCR, Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys for less fortunate children in the local communities. A shiny new toy delivers the message of hope to needy youngsters. This act of kindness will help
motivate the children to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Please help make Christmas special by dropping off a donation at Westy Self Storage in White Plains, located at 179 Westmoreland Ave.; in Elmsford, located at 395 Saw Mill River Road; in Tuckahoe, located at 65 Marbledale Road, or in Port Chester, located at 351 N. Main St. and 299 Boston Post Road. Toys for Tots began in 1947 when the wife of Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR, handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll and asked her husband to deliver the doll to an organization which would give it to a needy child at Christmas.
When they realized that no such organization existed, they decided to start one. That Christmas a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. The pilot program was so successful that the Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948 and expanded it into a nationwide campaign and since then has distributed more than 370 million toys to more than 173 million children. “Toys for Tots Westchester County is proud to once again partner with Westy Self Storage. For many years Westy has supported the Toys for Tots cam-
paign and has been instrumental in our success of collecting and redistributing toys to the disadvantaged children of our community,” said Steve Topilnycky, Westchester Coordinator, Toys for Tots. Westy is open for drop off seven days a week. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Call 997-7771 or visit Westy. com for directions. “We are proud to again be part of the Toys for Tots program,” said Tim Mincin, district director of Westy Self Storage, White Plains. “Every child deserves a special gift at Christmas.” (Submitted)
Women of influence will come together on Dec. 5 for the United Way Women’s Leadership Council’s 5th Annual Celebration of Women in Philanthropy, a day that recognizes and reinforces the work of women who are helping to lift up women and children living on the edge of poverty in Westchester and Putnam counties. Business women and community leaders will be honored for their work and inspired by stories of those who have overcome the odds to reach self-sufficiency and are thriving in their new lives. The breakfast event will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown. “This event is about women taking a stand for other women and their families,” said Alana Sweeny, president and CEO of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam. “We are thrilled to welcome Dyllan McGee, a two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, and Michelle Brown of News 12 as emcee. These women are role models who have set an example of compassion and action. I’m truly looking forward to this inspirational morning with the women of our community.” McGee is founder and executive producer of MAKERS, a women’s media brand for trailblazing women, as well as the founder and executive producer of McGee Media, a documentary film company dedicated to producing content that inspires a more fair and equitable world. In addition, she has executive produced the MAKERS Conference since it launched in 2014 to gather some of the most game-changing women in the public and private sectors. The Women’s Leadership Council will also present its “Women of Distinction” awards at the breakfast, to Bracken-Thompson, partner at
Thompson & Bender and Honorable Regent Judith Johnson, New York State Board of Regents. Bracken-Thompson is a partner of Thompson & Bender. Founded in 1987, the agency is the region’s premier advertising and public relations firm. As a partner in the firm, Bracken-Thompson is responsible for a wide variety of clients representing a broad spectrum of business sectors including Fortune 500 firms; banks and financial institutions, educational institutions; not-for-profits; hospitals and health care organizations and business organizations among others. Bracken-Thompson is active in numerous community and professional organizations and serves on the boards of many organizations, including the Business Council of Westchester, the Hudson River Museum and the Westchester Parks Foundation. Johnson, of the New York State Board of Regents, was appointed to the Board of Regents for a five-year term effective April 1, 2015. Johnson has devoted her professional life to public education. Whether working to transform national and local education, leading school districts to give all children the same opportunity to succeed or building partnerships with the business community, civic organizations, government leaders and the arts community, she has built an extensive network of partners to help schools raise student achievement. Individual tickets are at $125, with tables and sponsorships also available. To learn more and reserve your seat today, please visit UWWP.org/wlcbreakfast. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and program journal ads, please contact Margaret Tramontine at MTramontine@ uwwp.org or 997-6700 ext. 737. (Submitted)
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BMS seventh-graders study molecules Bronxville Middle School seventh-graders, who have been learning about animal and plant cells and studying the basics of different cell parts, participated in a hands-on science lab experiment to further understand how molecules get diffused across the cell membrane.
Using dialysis tubing, a type of semipermeable membrane tubing used in separation techniques, the students modeled a cell membrane to investigate the selective permeability of dialysis tubing. To begin the experiment, they tied both ends of the dialysis tube to form a bag, which was filled with
Bronxville Middle School seventh-grader Thomas Koester participates in a hands-on science lab experiment to further understand how molecules get diffused across the cell membrane. Photos courtesy Bronxville school district
cornstarch. Then, they added water and several drops of iodine to a beaker and placed the bag into it. After that, the students observed whether the color of the solution in the bag would change, indicating that the iodine was able to pass through the membrane into the bag. “The purpose of the lab was for the students to gain better science lab skills,” said science teacher Jennifer Zopp, who teaches the curriculum along with fellow teacher Karen Green. “It also allowed them to see that diffusion can happen across a membrane. Sometimes, not seeing something doesn’t mean it’s not actually there, which is a hard, abstract concept for middle school students to understand.” Throughout the science experiment, the students took notes on their observations, wrote down the procedures and steps they took, created data tables and constructed a hypothesis. During their next science lab experiment, they will redesign the lab with slightly different materials and continue to make discoveries on their own. “Some students often choose to work in the opposite direc-
Seventh-graders Max Morgan and Rachel Conniff participate in a hands-on science lab experiment to further understand how molecules get diffused across the cell membrane.
tion, where they put iodine in the cell and cornstarch in the beaker solution to see if it’s a oneway passage or if it can go both
ways,” Zopp said. The science lab experiment challenged and encouraged students to collaborate with their
peers and think critically to solve a problem, skills closely aligned with the dispositions of the Bronxville Promise. (Submitted)
4 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 1, 2017
What’s going on... Eastchester Public Library
participate. Online registration is suggested. For more information, contact Amelia Buccarelli at abuccarelli@wlsmail.org. Want to help make our blankets but can’t attend? The library welcomes donations of knitted squares (7 inches by 7 inches), ideally knitted with a No. 5 needle, by Friday, Dec. 15. Just drop them off at the Circulation Desk.
Bronxville Public Library For more information on hours and programs, visit eastchesterlibrary.org.
Book Chat & Holiday Party On Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. For grades 3–5. Book Chat is for kids who love to read. Bring in your favorite books (one to five each) to share with the group. The object is to share the books without spoilers, and make your friends want to read them. Online pre-registration is suggested. For more information, contact Jonathan Heifetz at 721-8105 or jheifetz@wlsmail.org.
Basics Computer Class On Thursday, Dec. 7 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Learn how to navigate the internet, open a PDF, attach a document to your email or save to a flash drive, etc. If you have your own device (laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.), please bring it and a charger to class. Online pre-registration is suggested. For more information, contact Amelia Buccarelli at abuccarelli@wlsmail.org.
Knitting for a Cause On Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Last holiday season the Eastchester Public Library donated multiple blankets to Project Linus, which distributes handmade blankets to critically ill children that were made from squares created by patrons. Teens and adults alike came together to learn basic knitting, new techniques and to put the blankets together. Don’t know how to knit? No problem. Beginners through advanced knitters are welcome. Eastchester’s resident knitting expert Dottie is happy to teach you. Each session will be an opportunity to work on your square, learn to knit, share techniques, ask questions and begin to put together our blankets. Yarn will be provided at each session, but feel free to bring or use your own as well. There will be a few sets of No. 5 knitting needles, but if you have your own, please bring those along. If you start a square, but don’t have time to finish it, that is still a huge help, as long as you drop it off before a session, so we can finish it. You do not need to attend all three sessions to
For more information on hours and programs, visit bronxvillelibrary.org.
Soap, candle & bath salt workshop On Friday, Dec. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Join the library for this interactive, hands-on workshop where you will create your own scented bar of soap using the melt and pour method. Participants will also be making a soy candle in a decorative tin and scented bath salts. All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is required by 337-7680 ext. 24 or email bronxvillelibrary@gmail.com.
Yoga Kids On Monday, Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. For ages 4 to 7. Children will build focus, confidence and strength as they learn traditional yoga poses, age-appropriate breathing exercises and relaxation skills. Registration is required online. Please put the name and age or grade in comment box provided. Please sign up for each individual class.
Book Donation Drop-Off On Thursday, Dec. 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring in your gently used books for the ongoing library book sale. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Bronxville Library. Limit 10 books per patron. Books will be screened for suitability before being accepted. Here are a few things to consider: books must be in good condition; no mildew, musty odors, stained pages, torn covers or pages, broken spines, excessive writing or highlighting; no textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines or workbooks, law or medical books; no books on technology, science or travel that are more than two years old.
Tuckahoe Public Library
For more information on hours and programs, visit tuckahoe.com/library.
On Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m., there will be the lighting of the town Christmas tree, menorah and crèche at Memorial Park, located at the corner of White Plains and California roads. Join your friends and neighbors, sing songs of the season, and spread holiday cheer. All are welcome. These events are sponsored by the Eastchester/ Tuckahoe Chamber of Commerce, the Eastchester Recreation Department and the Eastchester Beautification Foundation.
Eastchester schools news
Holiday Books & Tea: ‘A Christmas Carol’
Waverly PTA Night of Shopping
On Saturday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. Librarian Elaine Provenzano will explore the history of this classic holiday tale about Scrooge, Marley, the Three Ghosts, and the Cratchit family; what it meant to Charles Dickens; and how it affected Victorian readers. Please register by calling the library at 9612121.
The Waverly Early Childhood Center PTA will be holding its first annual Night of Shopping, a holiday vendor fair on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come and bring your friends, bring the kids, and get your holiday shopping done. If you are interested in being a vendor and have questions, email waverlywaysandmeans@gmail.com.
Memoir Writing Workshop
LEGOLAND Westchester
On Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. Learn to write about your memories in this monthly program. Please register by calling the library at 961-2121.
Truman and Latin America On Friday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Dr. Geselbracht returns to discuss President Harry S. Truman’s important legacy with Latin America. Truman is remembered for saving Western Europe after World War II, establishing a prosperous and democratic Japan, and preserving the independence of South Korea. But Truman also left an important legacy in Latin American policy. It’s an often neglected legacy, full of paradox, which remains at the heart of United States policy toward Latin America. This program will use historical documents and photographs to rediscover this important legacy.
Community news Gingerbread House Decorating Contest Come show your creativity and decorating skills in the annual Eastchester Recreation Department Gingerbread House Decorating Contest on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Haindl Field Rec Room. This activity is for residents in grades 1–6, and there can be teams of up to two people. The contest will be judged in age categories. To register, visit eastchester.org/departments/recreation.php for details and forms. Any questions can be directed to recreation supervisor Sally Veltidi at 771-3311.
Santa Stop & Holiday Lights Celebration There will be a Santa Stop on Sunday, Dec. 3 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Gazebo Park, across from Eastchester Town Hall. Come have your picture taken with Santa, make a fun craft, and enjoy some hot chocolate, courtesy of The Odyssey Restaurant, and cookies.
Bricktacular Tis the season to be jolly at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester during Bricktacular. Join in on the festive holiday fun every weekend in December as you walk through a Winter Wonderland-themed MINILAND searching for LEGO presents in a bricktastic scavenger hunt. Help the LEGO delivery truck get all of the hidden presents delivered by the holiday for a chance to win a family four pack of annual passes. Snap a photo with our custom holiday themed builds created by Master Model Builder Anthony Maddoloni, and enjoy winter and holiday-themed mosaic builds in the Master Builder Academy. All visitors receive a limited edition Collector Holiday LEGO Brick. Annual pass members can keep warm with a free hot chocolate every weekend. On Christmas Day, the center will be open for Bricktacular’s last day. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is located at 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. Tickets start at $15.95; children under 2 are free. Opening hours for Bricktacular in December: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Monday, Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 866-243-0770 or visit legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester. 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.
December 1, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 5
Wrapped with Love launches Christmas donation drive Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway employees were in the Christmas spirit, joined by General Counsel Timothy Rooney Jr. at the inaugural Wrapped with Love volunteer event to assist those in need during the holiday season on Nov. 13 in the casino’s Good Time Room. The supportive staffers wrapped toys that will be donated to Catholic Charities and the Yon-
kers-based Aisling Irish Community Center as part of 11th Annual Christmas Spirit Coat & Toy Drive. The gifts will assist the organization’s local families this upcoming holiday season. Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities, and Órla Kelleher, executive director of Aisling Irish Community Center, were on hand for the festivities to accept
the donations. State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, Liam McLaughlin, Yonkers city council president, Michael Sabatino, Yonkers city council member, joined Rooney in support of the program, reminding the public that there is need in Westchester County. Bob Galterio, Empire City’s COO, was also in attendance.
General Counsel Tim Rooney Jr. presents Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities, with a $10,000 check donated to Catholic Charities.
Clothing and toy donations made to Empire City Casino will benefit families throughout Westchester County. Photos courtesy Facebook.com/empirecitycasino
Rooney, on behalf of Empire City Casino, was more than in the Christmas spirit, surprising Sullivan with a generous $10,000 check donated to Catholic Charities to assist with essentials that might be needed by families. Scott Nicholson, president of the Gander Group’s eastern corporate office, also participated in the gift-wrapping and donation. For the past several years, a truckload of new toys has been donated to the drive by Josh Blake, CEO of the Gander Group, a California-based company. Blake has made considerable toy donations to the drive for six consecutive
years, clearly illustrating commitment and loyalty, which are important pieces of the company’s mission. Another annual key contributor to the effort is John Lennon, owner of Yonkers-based Smart Move & Storage, who generously donated his company’s services to transport all the wrapped toys to Catholic Charities’ headquarters. During the first 10 years of the initiative, Empire City has collected 10,000 toys and 3,500 coats to families and children in need. The community effort, now in its second decade continued through Nov. 30.
Though Westchester County is often considered to be an affluent and wealthy community because of its median income of $83,422, there are still extreme pockets of poverty (nearly 10 percent living in poverty), and 31 percent of that population is under the age of 17. In addition, 12 percent of families do not have anyone working in the household, and 52 percent of those in poverty are single parents. Those assembled at the event encouraged both corporations and individuals to give back to the community. For more information on Empire City Casino visit Empirecitycasino.com. (Submitted)
6 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 1, 2017
Eastchester REVIEW THE
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using NASA technology By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter Feeling inspired after an extensive recovery from surgery, and completing her first half marathon, Hema Nambiar went on to create her own clothing line. Nambiar, a resident of Larchmont and founder of 13-one, uses Heatsheets, a material used in the one-time use insulated blankets runners put on after a marathon to regulate their body temperatures, in her line of outdoor jackets. Nambiar, 48, participated in her first marathon three years after undergoing surgery to fix her ruptured diaphragm. She explained she was born with a diaphragmatic hernia, a birth defect that causes an opening in the diaphragm, a muscle that plays a necessary role in respiration. This is usually caught when a person is younger, however Nambiar was much older when it was discovered. “I was lucky enough to be 37, and had three kids, and it held,” Nambiar said. The rupture caused Nambiar’s internal organs to move into her chest cavity, collapsing one of her lungs and limiting her ability to breathe. Two years after her initial
surgery to fix the problem, she suffered the same affliction. For her second surgery, Nambiar saw a doctor at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center who gave her a synthetic diaphragm. “I’m practically bionic woman,” she said. After enduring all of this, Nambiar wanted more than anything to get back to her active lifestyle. She said that once she completed the half marathon, she was overcome with a lot of different emotions, but mainly she felt like her life was finally getting back to normal. From here, she began to brainstorm ideas for 13-one, the name of which is based on how many miles are in a half marathon, 13.1. “I was just thinking about the races, and what a cool technology the Heatsheets were,” she said. Nambiar began pursuing her businesses in 2015, when she was accepted into the Goldman Sachs/Tory Burch 10,000 Small Business Program, which helps provide business education to small, female-led companies. With these newly acquired skills under her belt, Nambiar reached out to AFM Heatsheets, the manufacturer of insulated blankets
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13-one sells wind breakers, full zip jackets and trench coats that can protect from all the elements.
that use technology developed by NASA to help protect astronauts and spacecrafts during travel from the heat, cold and water. Nambiar said she was fascinated by the technology, and wondered if there was a way turn the Heatsheets blankets into something useable for everyday life. She explained that from here, Nambiar approached them with her idea of incorporating their technology into a jacket line. “I think she’s really come up with a wonderful concept for what women are looking for,” said Lacie Flannery, vice president of AFM Heatsheets. By November 2016, Nambiar was launching a Kickstarter campaign with a goal of raising $10,000 by December 2016. In one month, Nambiar raised more than $14,000 from 83 backers. Flannery explained the process of creating the jackets from start to finish took seven months. “For her to incorporate [Heatsheets technology] into an everyday use jacket was really smart,” Flannery said. “The reception has been really positive.” Ruth Bradley, of Larchmont, said she owns a 13-one trench coat which she described as Hema “quite chic.” Bradley explained she finds the light weight jacket easy to travel with, and thinks it would be ideal for a wide range of people. “I mean it’s good for athletes, outdoorsy people, [and] people just around town picking up their kids from school,” she said. 13-one jackets can be found at Parkers, a retail store in Rye that sells outdoor apparel, and online at 13-one.com. “[Nambiar] is our only partner that actually uses our technology for apparel, which is exciting,” Flannery said. Nambiar said she hopes to continue to expand the clothing brand’s reach. “I want everyone to open up their holiday gifts and have a 13-one [product inside],” Nambiar said. CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
Hema Nambiar, founder of 13-one. Photos courtesy 13-one.com
Hema Nambiar said the jackets were inspired by the Heatsheets runners wear after a marathon.
The jackets use Heatsheets technology to control the wearers body temperatures, even in Iceland.
December 1, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 7
Westchester’s Instagram travel guide wins 2 awards County Executive Rob Astorino is excited to announce that Westchester recently won two major marketing and advertising awards for the “Bestchester”
InstaTravel Guide. Created for Westchester County Tourism and Film in collaboration with their digital agency partner Fifteen Degrees, Instagram users are just
a few taps away from the best of Westchester. The county earned Gold from the W3 Awards and Silver from the Davey Awards, both in the Social Media and
Westchester County has won two awards in marketing and advertising for the Instagram travel guide at @ Visitwestchesterny. Photo courtesy Westchestergov.com
Branding categories. “Westchester’s tourism market brought in $1.8 billion in 2016 and continues to grow,” Astorino said. “Westchester is honored to receive these prestigious awards for our efforts that make exploring Westchester a fun, interactive
and convenient experience for residents and visitors alike.” From cozy hotels and micro-breweries to apple orchards and river boat tours, the InstaTravel Guide serves as the web’s first pictorial, interest-based, Instagram-only travel guide. Organized into clever categories like Questchester for hiking & biking, Zestchester for restaurants, Harvestchester for farms & orchards and Fetchester for dog friendly locations, the guide is useful for both spontaneous day-trippers and long-range planners. Both international competitions recognize outstanding cre-
ative achievement in marketing and advertising, with specific categories in Social Media and Branding. W3, which received 5,000 worldwide, bestowed the Guide with the 2017 Gold for Social Features – Experimental & Innovation. From Davey, a creative award that received 4,000 entrees, focused exclusively on outstanding creative work from the best small agencies, the Guide received the Silver for Social Features – Outstanding Brand Social Page. The Westchester County InstaTravel Guide can be found on Instagram at @visitwestchesterny. (Submitted)
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The food waste crisis and the hungry BRONXVILLE TODAY Mayor Mary Marvin
This past week I attended several Thanksgiving dinners served to folks who were not financially able to provide their own. It made me grateful that our small village “Giving Garden” did its small part by producing 200-plus pounds of vegetables that were distributed directly to area soup kitchens. Most importantly, it caused me to reflect on all the food we waste daily while others go hungry. Worldwide, 1.3 billion tons of food will be thrown away this year and the United States contributes mightily to this total. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a full 10 percent of our available food supply is wasted at the retail level and more than 20 percent is wasted in our homes. That’s food worth more than $160 billion while one in seven American households don’t have enough to eat. Reducing food waste by just 15 percent would be enough to feed more than 25 million Americans yearly. Getting food from farm to table uses 10 percent of our country’s energy supply, 50 percent of our land, and 80 percent of all fresh water consumed. Yet, more than 30 percent of all that is grown goes uneaten. This same uneaten food is the largest component of solid waste rotting in our landfills and producing record methane emissions. Methane gas can migrate significant distances and carries with it molecules of such toxins as pesticides, paint thinners and dry cleaning fluids. Worldwide, France leads the way in addressing the food waste crisis as the first country to actually ban supermarkets from throwing away or destroying un-
sold food. Supermarkets of 4,300 square feet or more must sign donation contracts with charities or face stiff monetary penalties. The measure was passed unanimously by the French Senate and modest projections estimate at least 10 million more meals were served to the hungry in the first year. The “no waste” movement was the result of a grassroots coalition of ordinary shoppers, anti-poverty groups and green organizations. A very unusual provision of the French legislation also requires food banks and charities to share a legal obligation to stock donated foods in proper hygienic conditions and distribute with “dignity”—defined as only given out at accredited centers where human contact and conversation is fostered versus any street or truck handouts. In addition, the law also makes it extremely easy for food factories to donate production overages directly to approved charities. England is not far behind requiring their major supermarket chains to enter agreements with the government, albeit not punishable by fine, to cut food and packaging waste. The U.S. is the only country to have a “Good Samaritan” law, or the Bill Emerson Food Donation Act, which removed liability for any illnesses caused by donated food. We also have a very favorable tax provision to incentivize supermarkets to donate unsold food. Supermarkets can discount the value of food given away from their taxes up to 10 percent of their aggregate income, clearly an incentive to donate. Then why are we not leading the movement? First, it is an awareness issue. According to a recent survey, only 53 percent of Americans think food waste is an issue. A John Hopkins study had it at 43
percent just two years ago, so the trend is encouraging. Also, food is cheaper in the U.S. than nearly any country in the world aided (not with controversy) by significant corn, wheat, dairy and soy bean subsidies. Americans, like most of the world populace, are also confused by the Sell By-Consume By packaging dates and often throw away food thinking they are avoiding foodborne illnesses. Bottom line, our waste policy is consumer driven—a cultural, attitudinal desire to only eat perfectly shaped, unblemished, “pretty” food. We have a national obsession with the aesthetic versus nutritional quality of our food and this image is reinforced by the all the cooking shows/gourmet magazines where only “camera ready” products are used. According to multiple consumer surveys, Americans also want to see an abundance of a product on a shelf, especially fresh foods. We don’t ever want to buy from a near empty display. As a result, supermarkets have no incentive to order close to the margins, rather they add a little more to the purchase price to create the “abundant” effect from over purchasing. The most major source of food waste is our national desire to purchase ready-made foods for the convenience. Prepared food cannot be repackaged or frozen by law or even allowed to be kept even one day to redistribute in most states. But the appetizer platters, specialized salads and rotisserie chickens are so in demand they are currently here to stay. Currently, the most forward-thinking answers to the food waste crisis emanate from the European Union nations which provide a template from which to choose solutions tailored to U.S. conditions.
Latimer joins BCW’s speaker series Fresh off the campaign trail, Sen. George Latimer, Westchester County executive-elect, will address the Business Council of Westchester, BCW, in one his first public speaking engagements in his new role as the county’s chief executive. Latimer will address the BCW on Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown as part of the BCW’s Key Bank Speakers Series. Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, said the event would
provide members with a rare opportunity to get an inside look at Latimer’s priorities for the county’s future and his plans for economic development. “We were honored that the new county executive has chosen to make one of his first public appearances at our Key Bank Speakers Series,’’ she said. “We will be very interested to hear about his plans for the transition and his thoughts on promoting economic development in Westchester.” Admission is $65 for mem-
Sen. George Latimer, Westchester County executive-elect. Contributed photo
bers and $75 for future members. Tickets can be reserved by visiting thebcw.org. (Submitted)
Wartburg offers spiritual care training program
Wartburg’s Spiritual Care Visitor Skills-Based Training Program graduates. Contributed photo
Wartburg hosted a free eightweek Spiritual Care Visitor Skills-Based Training Program specifically designed for volunteers. The training program was presented by Caroline Cella of Embrace Caretaking, in partnership with Wartburg. Twenty participants, from throughout the local communities, successfully completed the program. “An individual’s spirituality is an integral part of their well-being,” said David J. Gentner, Wartburg president and CEO. “We recognize and welcome the cultural, spiritual and religious diversity of each member of our Wartburg family. Through our newly introduced Spiritual Care Visitor Skills-Based Training Program, we affirm our commitment to provide attentive and compassionate care to all our residents.” “This new initiative enables us to provide quality one-on-one visits with our residents at Wart-
burg. Spiritual Care Visitors are especially trained to listen and provide encouragement, support, and hope to those who find themselves experiencing the losses that come with aging,” noted Rev. Carol E. A. Fryer, Wartburg director of Spiritual Care and Church Relations. “We anticipate that our residents will receive numerous benefits from spending quality time with our volunteer visitors as they develop meaningful relationships. These volunteers will help ensure Wartburg’s mission - to provide ministries of healing and hope nurturing the body, mind and spirit of those entrusted to our care – remains constant.” The weekly two and half hour classes, held in Wartburg’s Gatz Conference Center, presented in-depth training on topics including: faith sharing, communication skills, aging and illness issues, interactive exercises, discernment and grief. During the final session, train-
ees visited with residents in Wartburg’s Waltemade Skilled Nursing Facility, utilizing the skills that they had developed during their sessions. Upon completing the training program, participants are qualified to be volunteer Spiritual Care Visitors at Wartburg under the supervision of Fryer. The Spiritual Care Visitors will be assigned residents with whom they will meet regularly. They will gather as a group with Fryer for support and debriefing. “Spiritual care visitors do not replace chaplains,” Cella said. “They succeed with ongoing supervision and continued education and faith formation. Their pastoral care skills will increase with practice, as they bring comfort to residents of all faiths at Wartburg.” Please contact Fryer at Cfryer@wartburg.org or call 5135162, if you are interested in becoming a Spiritual Care Visitor at Wartburg. (Submitted)
December 1, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 9
10 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 1, 2017
BES students share stories during writing celebration
Bronxville Elementary School second-graders share their personal narrative stories during the annual writing celebration. Photos courtesy Bronxville school distirict
Bronxville Elementary School second-graders, who have been studying personal narratives and writing stories from their own life experiences, shared their pieces of work with family members during the annual writing celebration on Nov. 17. Each student had prepared a story, complete with a cover page and detailed illustrations to share with teachers and parents. While the end product was purposefully not polished as it contained crossed out words, revision strips used to add more detail and edits for capital letters and punctuation marks, the students’ stories showed the thinking and writing
process that went into their work. “The purpose of our writing celebration was to emphasize the effort that goes into the process of planning, writing and revising stories,” said Justine Rutherford, a second-grade teacher and curriculum leader. The students began their writing unit by examining the work of master authors Jane Yolen and Angela Johnson, and mimicked their craft in their own stories. The young writers practiced making comparisons, repeating important lines and bringing their characters to life through actions, as well as internal and external dialogue.
The students show their families the stories they have written.
During their next unit, the students will study nonfiction reading and writing. “The students will be writing nonfiction books on topics in which they are experts,” Rutherford said. “During our personal narrative unit, they practiced writing about what they know, and this theme continues in the next unit, just in a different genre. The narrative unit also focused heavily on planning a story across many pages. This skill is reinforced during the nonfiction unit as the students decide which part will go on which page.” (Submitted)
December 1, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 11
12 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 1, 2017
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December 1, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 13
14 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 1, 2017
A bitter farewell in 1999. The result, over the last 18 years, was a “Championship LIVE MIKE Week” that featured 12 high-ocMike Smith tane games, playing oftentimes to a packed house, to cap the loThis March, when the eventu- cal season. With the section finals now al Section I basketball champions hoist the Gold Ball after the scheduled to be held at Pace— final whistle, the backdrop—for which can only fit 2,400 fans— the first time in a while—won’t and Section I looking to find be the historic Westchester homes for its semifinal round games, it’s inevitable that we County Center. On Nov. 27, Section I offi- will end up losing touch with a cials announced in a press re- big portion of the area’s hoops lease that, this year, breaking history. Section I and the Westchester with a longstanding tradition, the boys and girls basketball fi- Parks Department couldn’t seem nals will be held at Pace Univer- to reach a financial agreement to sity’s Goldstein Fitness Center keep the tradition going, which in Pleasantville instead of West- is unfortunate. Of course it’s chester’s most famous arena, easy for me—and those decrynews that comes as a grave dis- ing the decision—to have issue appointment to area hoops fans with the move without a greater grasp of the dollars and cents and players alike. For as long as anyone can re- involved. But it’s clear that for member, the 4,000-seat County many area hoopsters, the chance Center has been the Mecca of to play at the historic arena was high school basketball. Since priceless. And forgetting the long-term 1933, the venue has played host to the boys’ championship and impact that the venue has had semifinal rounds, with girls’ on local basketball—several teams getting in on the action coaches I’ve spoken to this year
SPORTS
have still listed “Getting to the County Center” as shorthand for reaching their class’ final four—the logistics of the move is going to be absolutely nightmarish. Pace’s Goldstein Center is certainly a serviceable arena, and played host to the Section I volleyball finals. But parking for those games, which drew far fewer fans than the basketball championships figure to, was problematic. Not to mention the reduced space means that scores of fans will likely be turned away from the marquee matchups, meaning that the raucous student sections that have become as much a part of the County Center experience as the basketball itself may be a thing of the past. But as much as it may hurt right now, this too shall pass. Given the rapid turnover of high school rosters, it probably won’t take long before Pace University is thought of as the “home” of Section I basketball. It may take older fans a while to warm up to the idea, sure, but in
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
This year, the Section I basketball championships will have a new home at Pace University. That news is tough to swallow for local fans and players alike. Photo/Mike Smith
the end, these games aren’t really about them. Let’s just see how long it takes “Making it to Pace” to become
a common part of the local basketball vernacular. My guess is it will be sooner than we think. But that doesn’t mean it won’t
sting in the short term.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
Eagles aiming high
SPORTS
December 1, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 15
By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor After a brilliant 2016-17 campaign that saw Eastchester’s girls come within a breath of a Class A title, the Eagles will be back 11/10/17to on the court this week looking go just a step further. And with a talented core of veteran players returning, it isn’t unreasonable to think that a sectional crown could be in the cards. Last season, the Eagles pulled off an impressive postseason run as a No. 5 seed, before falling 4948 to No. 2 Somers at the Westchester County Center. According to Eastchester coach Lindsay Farley, the squad’s returning players are eager to prove that last year’s surge was no fluke. “Obviously we ended on such a high note last year, it proved that it doesn’t matter what seed you are in the playoffs,” Farley said. “That motivates us going into this year, because it showed that if you play hard in the playoffs, anything is possible.” The Eagles return five players from last year’s squad, including leading scorer Cassidy Mitchell,
Ashley Anello looks for an open teammate last season. Anello will miss the beginning of the 2017-18 season as she recovers from a torn ACL.
who notched her 1,000th career point last season. A prolific wing scorer, Mitchell should once again be the focal point of the
Eagle offense, given her ability to score from anywhere on the court. “[Mitchell] has grown tremen-
Fiona Teahan goes up for a layup against Somers in last year’s Class A championship game. Photos/Mike Smith
Cassidy Mitchell controls the ball during last year’s Class A final game against Somers at the Westchester County Center. Mitchell will lead a deep, experienced Eagles group this year.
dously, she’s always had a fantastic outside shot but she’s also been able to improve on driving to create scoring opportunities for her teammates,” Farley said of her senior standout. Center Fiona Teahan will also be integral to the Eagles success this year, providing Eastchester with a dominant physical presence down low. Over the last several seasons, Teahan’s ability to mix it up under the basket has been a calling card for the Eagles, and her continued emergence as an offensive threat will give the team some more options this year. “Fiona has been with me as long as Cassidy has, they’ve played the last four years together so they know what our focus is,” Farley said. “They can play such
a good two-man game, which will be important for us.” Despite two stars in the frontcourt, Eastchester will start the season without the services of returning point guard Ashley Anello. Anello suffered a torn ACL in the offseason and is currently eyeing a mid-season return, one that Farley hopes will come before the Eagles get into league play in January. In her absence, Farley will turn to a committee of younger players who she hopes will gain confidence from the experience of minutes early on in the season. “We have a few young players looking to step into that role, and obviously there is going to be an adjustment coming from a position where you are used to having a strong floor leader,”
she said. “But we want to push them so we know that they are comfortable handling the ball in these situations.” The Eagles will officially kick off the season on Nov. 30, after press time when they take on Pearl River in the first round of the Eastchester Holiday Basketball Tournament, which will start a grueling stretch of December games that will see the squad take on top teams like Albertus Magnus and reigning Class A champion Somers. “It’s going to prepare us for the playoffs, we face a lot of tough teams in and out of our league,” Farley said. “We are just hoping that all of this competition is going to help to get us ready.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
16 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 1, 2017