Eastchester REVIEW THE
December 22 & 29, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 51 | www.eastchesterreview.com
Astorino vetoes budget; legislators ready for override By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
Batter up!
Nora’s Ovenworks crowned three winners at its second annual baking competition, where kids in first through seventh grades were given an hour to complete their dishes, which were then presented to three judges from the Harrison community. For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy Nora Brunnett
Spano, Jaffe jump into mix for Latimer’s vacated Senate seat By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Harrison resident Mark Jaffe are the latest candidates to announce their bid for the senate seat that will be vacated when George Latimer becomes Westchester County executive. The Yonkers mayor, a Democrat, stated his interest in the position officially in a video announcement on Dec. 13. Spano is currently serving a second four-year term that is set to expire in 2019. Jaffe, who is currently the chief executive of a business advocacy nonprofit based in New York City called the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, announced his candidacy on Dec. 12.
“In these tumultuous times we need to be unified,” Jaffe said in a statement. “I pledge to fight every day to deliver necessary services and maintain core Democratic values. If elected, I will fight for greater transparency in government, more affordable higher education, improved public health and safety, mass transit improvements and use my skills to help create good paying jobs.” Jaffe has unsuccessfully ran for office five times, losing a race for Harrison Town Council in 2009 and a Democratic primary for a state Assembly seat the following year. In 2011, Jaffe ran for county legislator, but lost that Democratic primary as well. In 2013, he was nominated by the party for the same seat, but ultimately lost
in the general election to incumbent Legislator David Gelfarb, a Republican. Jaffe ran another unsuccessful campaign for Harrison Town Council in 2015, when Republicans won every seat on the board. The candidates’ announcements come after state Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer, of Yonkers; Bedford Town Supervisor Chris Burdick; and White Plains’ Kat Brezler, a teacher and former campaign organizer for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders during his presidential bid, have already said that they are interested in the Senate seat. The Senate’s 37th District covers Rye, White Plains, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Yonkers, North Castle, Bedford, and Eastchester. Since a primary will not be
held for the vacated seat, county Democratic leaders will be tasked with choosing a candidate to run in a special election. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, has not yet announced whether there will be a special election to fill the final year of Latimer’s vacated seat. The governor is not required to call for a special election, and has the option to let the seat remain unfilled until the November 2018 election. The election may be important for Democrats to regain more ground on Republicans that will hold a 31-30 majority in January. The 37th District seat is one of two vacated positions in the New York state Senate. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
After the inclusion of a tax rate increase and restoration of several cuts by county lawmakers, County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, officially vetoed a revised budget. “Such an action by the legislature was unnecessary and unacceptable to county taxpayers, already burdened with the highest combined property taxes in the nation,” Astorino said in his a message to the county Board of Legislators. How long Astorino’s veto will hold, however, remains to be seen, as county lawmakers say they have enough votes for an override. Originally legislators voted by a margin of 12-5 to pass the budget—enough votes for a supermajority, which would trigger an override. In addition to raising the tax levy by 2 percent, the lawmakers’ proposed budget restored positions to the county Parks Department, the county’s Planning and Engineering departments, as well as support staff for the county executive’s office. If the revised budget were to pass, it would mark the first time since Astorino took office in 2010 that county residents would see an increase in their tax levy. Lawmakers say the tax levy increase is being included to help offset $30 million in revenue from a deal privatizing the county’s airport; a deal Democrats have criticized since last year when the initiative was announced by Astorino. The deal seeks to reclassify the airport under a Federal Aviation Administration-run program that allows participants to transition their publicly owned airports into the private sector and then use subsequent revenue towards an operating budget.
At a glance Budget projects a 2% tax increase in order to offset $30M in project revenue from an airport privatization deal that lawmakers nixed Lawmakers’ budget restores positions to the county Parks Department and its Engineering and Planning departments.
In November, Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation agreed to a $1 billion deal that would extend for 40 years and throughout its lifespan pay the county $595 million on top of $550 million in capital improvements at the airport. That deal will be subject to the approval of an incoming administration of County Executive-elect George Latimer, a Democrat, who has so far been critical of the privatization. Latimer will be sworn into office in January. Without revenue from the airport deal, however, lawmakers worry that the county would be required to draw money from its reserve fund to cover expenses. Without a certain total in its reserve fund, Westchester County lawmakers risk taking a hit on their credit rating—particularly a rating by credit agency Moody’s—which dictates how easily the county can borrow money. Currently, Westchester has the second highest rating from Moody’s of AA1. Legislators will hold a vote to override the county executive’s veto on Thursday, Dec. 22, after press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
2 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 3
State threatens suit over Hudson River dredging By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Ahead of a determination by the Environmental Protection Agency, Westchester County lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, are making a stand, threatening to sue the agency if it rules that General Electric’s dredging on the Hudson River is complete. According to a statement from county legislators last week, Cuomo and New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman are ready to sue the federal government if the EPA decides to wrap up its dredging of the upper Hudson River; a section of the waterway long-polluted by the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs. “For nearly forty years, General Electric manufacturing facilities dumped millions of pounds of hazardous PCBs directly into the Hudson,” reads the joint statement by legislators. “This contamination has impacted the health and livelihood of communities along the Hudson River ever since. Gov. Cuomo and New York state have urged the EPA to conduct a complete and thorough
review to ensure our communities are protected.” According to environmental advocacy group Hudson Riverkeeper, between 1947 to 1977 General Electric, GE, dumped more than 1.3 million pounds of cancer-causing PCBs into the Hudson River which has contaminated the waterway, wildlife, and has since been found in humans. After decades of debate, GE was required to undergo an extensive dredging project aimed at removing the PCBs from the river which was set to be carried out in two phases and subject to two five-year reviews, the first of which was conducted in 2012. Now, with the second five-year review set to be completed in the spring 2018, according to the EPA, calls to continue dredging are heating back up. “The Hudson River is a critical economic engine and environmental treasure and New York will not allow PCB contamination to continue wreaking havoc on this vital resource,” said Cuomo in a statement. “The data is clear: the job is not done and the EPA cannot declare that this remediation is complete. If they do, New York will take any action
necessary to hold them accountable for ensuring our waterways are protected and properly restored.” According to a letter sent by New York state Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner, Basil Seggos, to EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, in November, despite claims by GE that 70 percent of the PCBs have been removed from the upper Hudson, samples taken by the state show that the contamination could be three times worse than the EPA expected. In September, GE responded to calls to continue dredging, alleging that it’s work has been completed. “New York state played an instrumental role in every major decision related to the dredging project and approved and oversaw the work and does not dispute that GE met all of its commitments,” reads the GE statement. In December of last year, GE filed a request for certificate of completion and the EPA will be required to respond to that request by Saturday, Dec. 23. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, is ready to take legal action fi the EPA deems a dredging project undertaken by General Electric as complete. Photo courtesy Hudson Riverkeeper
4 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
What’s going on... Eastchester Public Library
demonstrate how yoga can have profound positive effect, both physically and mentally, when practiced regularly. Registration required by calling 337-7680 ext. 24 or emailing bronxvillelibrary@gmail.com.
Tuckahoe Public Library
For more information on hours and programs, visit eastchesterlibrary.org. The library will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas, and on Monday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day.
Family Movie On Thursday, Dec. 28 from 2 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. The library will be showing “Despicable Me 3,” starring the voices of Steve Carrell and Kristen Wiig. Open to the public and no registration is required. Please note, school districts are closed on this day. Rated PG; running time: 96 minutes.
Second- & Third-Grade Book Club On Wednesday, Jan. 3 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Second- & Third-Grade Book Club is back. Participants will discuss “Riding Freedom” by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Refreshments will be served. Participants are asked to read the book in advance. Copies are available at the Circulation Desk. Online registration is suggested. For more information, contact Jonathan Heifetz at 721-8105 or jheifetz@wlsmail.org.
Bronxville Public Library For more information on hours and programs, visit bronxvillelibrary.org. The library will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 24 and Monday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas, and on Sunday, Dec. 31 and Monday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day.
Tween Cooking Class: Holidays On Saturday, Dec. 23 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Back by popular demand. Make a yummy treat to bring home for the holidays. For ages 9 and up. Registration is required online. Please include any allergies your child may have in the comment box provided.
For more information on hours and programs, visit tuckahoe.com/library. The library will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas, and on Monday, Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day.
Holiday Stories & Songs with Mayor Ecklond On Thursday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. With Miss Elaine, Miss Gail and special guest Mayor Steve Ecklond. Open to children up to age 8. Registration is required by calling the library at 961-2121.
NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital is located at 55 Palmer Ave. in Bronxville. For more information, call 787-1000 or visit nyp.org/lawrence.
Joint Replacement Seminar On Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the hospital Lobby Conference Room. Are you tired of knee, hip or shoulder pain? Have you scheduled joint replacement surgery? Whether or not you are planning to get a new knee or hip, all are welcome to attend this pre-operative joint replacement patient education class. You’ll learn firsthand about the surgical and rehabilitative experience and meet the hospital’s multidisciplinary team who can answer your questions. Registration is required by calling 787-2119.
Aphasia Support Group Meeting
On Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Drop in the library during the school break and make a craft using the provided materials and your imagination.
On Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, Palmer Hall, first floor, Rehabilitation Department (Speech Office). Aphasia is a communication disorder that often results from damage to the brain—usually caused by stroke. It can affect the ability to speak and understand, read and write. These free meetings are for anyone who has the condition and are led by an NYP Lawrence speech therapist. The gatherings offer information on how to improve communication, the latest in aphasia research, language games, and a place to make friends in a supportive environment. Family members and caregivers are welcome. For more information call Dahna Stadtmauer or Meagan Moscaritolo at 787-3373.
LEGO Club
Eastchester Rotary Club
Social Needlers On Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 11 a.m. to noon. Join this knitting and crochet hour every Wednesday. Participants will chat and socialize while making beautiful items which will be donated to the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.
Imagination Station
On Thursday, Dec. 28 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Build your own LEGO masterpiece to display in the children’s room. This month’s theme is “Home for the Holidays”.
Yoga On Thursday, Dec. 28 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Relieve the stress of the holidays by joining this session of yoga. Damien Germino will guide participants through a basic session, which will
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 res-
idents 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 will close for the season after play on Sunday, Dec. 31. They will remain open until that date, weather and conditions permitting; check with the individual course. 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.
LEGOLAND Westchester 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.
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December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 5
Letters to the Editor
Caroling tradition celebrates 10th year To the Editor, In December 2008, a longtime resident of Eastchester, Theresa Nicholson, thought it would be a nice deed to spread some Christmas cheer to all her neighbors and friends by way of Christmas caroling. Along with her family, friends and their children, they went from house to house singing their happy Christmas songs armed with a flashlight and a portable DVD player. The DVD player was to help the kids keep time to their lyrics which they had in their hand as the children sung from their song sheets. The children and adults sung their hearts out. I, myself, was a participant along with my 8-year-old daughter at that time. The kids enjoyed going house to house as they felt enormous pride as the neighbors complimented them on their lovely singing and told them how much they enjoyed their performances. The adults singing were equally delighted to see everyone enjoying such a great outing. The fun didn’t stop there—after singing for an hour and a half and covering about 10 blocks of homes, it was off to the Nicholson’s home to warm up with hot cocoa, hot food, desserts and more laughter and fun. This tradition continued the following year and the word had spread, and now there were about 60 volunteer carolers and the numbers keep growing to this day. Without fail, Theresa sends out emails with a date and a time for this annual Christmas Caroling Event and After Party. I think it is safe to say that this event has captured the true meaning of community and the true meaning of spreading joy and cheer during the holiday season. Imagine all the children who got to experience this kind of Christmas spirit throughout their growing years. So you better watch out. Santa is not the only one coming to town! The Carolers will be out spreading their joy this Saturday, Dec. 23 and it is such a lovely sound and sight! Colleen Gleeson, Eastchester
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6 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
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.
Nora’s Ovenworks hosts annual children’s baking competition
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter Nora’s Ovenworks held its second annual kids baking competition, giving children from around Westchester County a chance to show off their skills in a contest amongst their peers. The competition took place on Dec. 9 at Nora’s Ovenworks, a bakery that specializes in customized cakes, located at 64 Halstead Ave. in Harrison. Nora Brunnett, owner of Nora’s Ovenworks, said she was inspired to start the competition after seeing her sister participate in a baking competition, and receiving the suggestion from her students. “I work with a lot of kids, and everyone [was] coming in and saying, ‘You should do a baking competition,’” Brunnett told the Review. The contestants ranged from first-graders to seventh-graders, and included students from the kids baking classes held at Nora’s Ovenworks, as well as students from outside the community.
Nora Brunnett, owner of Nora’s Ovenworks, encourages her younger students to handle baking ingredients on their own. Photos courtesy Facebook.com/theovenworks
“I thought that it would be nice [for the] kids to kind of showcase what they are able to do all by themselves, because oftentimes we as adults and parents tend to take over,” Brunnett said. The children were instructed to turn in their recipes a week prior to the competition, and on the day of, they were given an hour to create their submissions.
Brunnett said that the first baker began at 9 a.m., and that children were coming throughout the entire day. “At one point, we had six kids in the kitchen baking,” she said. “It was kind of a continuous flow.” Some of the entries included chocolate chip cookies, a lemon sour cream cake, shortbread cookies, and chocolate cupcakes.
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Competitors from the first annual baking competition pose with Mrs. New York City.
Some of the students participating in the bake-off come from Nora’s Ovenworks’ baking summer camp classes.
After the participants were finished, their dishes were presented to a panel of three judges: Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont; Alex DeBourcy, Mrs. New York City; and Chef Stella Caruso, who teaches baking classes at Nora’s Ovenworks. “I chose Mr. Belmont because… he’s really great with kids,” Brunnett said. “He’s kind of a feel-good mayor, he’s very community-oriented, so I really liked that piece and wanted to bring it back to the bakery.” Brunnett explained she invited Debourcy back to be a judge for similar reasons. “[Debourcy’s] local, and I know that she works with the community a lot,” Brunnett said. Caruso said when judging the competition, she looked at presentation, execution, texture, and flavor of the baked goods. The grand prize winner of the competition was sixth-grader Revha Menon, a resident of White Plains, who created a lemon blueberry bundt crumb cake. Second place went to Aidan Grant, a fourth-grader who made a chocolate cherry muffin. Grant is one of Brunnett’s regular students. “[Grant’s] pretty proud of himself, and I was pretty impressed too,” Brunnett said. Brunnett said his recipe was
“quite intense,” and that although she didn’t get a chance to try it, it smelled amazing. Another participant who placed high in the competition was Greta Friedman, of Scarsdale. Lana Friedman, Greta Friedman’s mother, had brought her to participate in the competition for the second year. “[Greta’s] favorite part was to be alone in the competition and do everything by herself,” Lana Friedman said. “To be here by herself, and be able to create what she created was great. She really enjoyed every moment of it.” Caruso explained that for her, the most rewarding part of the competition was being able to engage with the community. “It was just a really wonderful community thing, where we saw these kids really light up,” she said. This year’s competition saw 16 contestants, compared to nine from last year, and because of the growing response, Brunnett intends to hold the competition next year. “This event is one of my favorite events, it really gives me a chance to see what the kids have learned and how they put it into action,” Brunnett said. “It was a proud moment for me.” CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 7
8 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
On taxes, mandates and funding BRONXVILLE TODAY Mayor Mary Marvin
As we approach a new legislative session in Albany, my colleagues and I on the state and local levels developed our legislative priorities list. It can prove to be an exercise in fertility as we often joke that we could simply re-date last year’s list and re-deliver to Albany. But it is our duty as a collective group to encourage the governor and our legislators to provide local governments with the resources and flexibility needed to deliver essential municipal services in the most cost-effective manner for the taxpayers we serve. Since a state-local fiscal partnership is essential to economic vitality, unrestricted state aid is needed now more than ever given the 2 percent cap which is actually below one half of 1 percent due to the application of a formula. However, inexplicably, cities and villages have not received an increase in unrestricted aid (AIM funding) since 2008. School districts, on the other hand, have experienced significant year-to-year increases far exceeding the funding of the entire AIM program to municipalities. A fairly thought out “revenue sharing” formula, intended to redistribute state tax revenues, has been disregarded making the revenue stream inconsistent, unfair and unpredictable. Tax-exempt properties also present a fiscal challenge. According to the New York State Comptroller’s Office, $680 billion in market value of real property in New York state (27 percent) is exempt from municipal taxes equating to approximately $17 billion yearly in foregone property tax revenue. However, the tax-exempt entities need essential municipal services. A proposal that would permit municipalities to impose charges just to defray the cost of local services including police and fire protection, street maintenance and lighting seems equitable.
The state of Massachusetts, in a unique experiment, called upon all their nonprofits to voluntarily contribute commensurate with the services they received and many have responded in kind. Even if municipalities recoup only a portion of the expenses they incur serving tax-exempt organizations, it would be a step forward. The state-imposed tax cap of 2 percent needs to exempt capital project spending from the cap calculation as the state does for school districts. Net-net the unintended consequence of the tax cap is that state infrastructure is arguably in its worst condition in a generation and not soon to be repaired in most communities. State mayors are also united in supporting legislation to constitutionally prohibit the enactment of laws that impose an unfunded mandate or fiscal burden on local communities. All current unfunded mandates should also be required to sunset in two years unless it can be demonstrated that the mandate is essential and a funding source found to offset the cost to local governments. Currently, there are more than 200 state unfunded mandates. One particularly onerous unfunded mandate is the Wicks Law dating back to 1912 and affecting both village and school construction projects. Under the current law, separate plumbing, heating, electrical, etc.—virtually all contracts on a construction project—must be separately bid. The coordination issues involved often lead to costly delays, increased administration costs and lawsuits, raising the cost of projects anywhere from 8 percent to 30 percent. Given the onslaught of mandatory unfunded initiatives directed our way, elected officials are also seeking legislative initiatives that would add to our revenue base if New York taxpayers are ever to lose their dubious distinction as the most highly taxed citizens in the nation. One major revenue source is the restructuring of the gross receipts tax, GRT, levied on the
gross operating income of utility companies operating within a municipal border. Currently, communities have the option to impose a tax at the rate of 1 percent, though Buffalo, Yonkers and Rochester have the flexibility to impose up to a 3 percent tax. Westchester communities are seeking legislation to allow all communities to be treated fairly at the higher rate. In recognition of the new cellular technology, the state of New York and the city of New York have added wireless technology to their gross receipts tax calculation. Local governments ask for permission to replicate these laws and add cellular telephone services to the GRT equation. What I have shared is just a small sampling of the changes needed in Albany to alleviate the unsustainable tax burden at the local level. The following is the top 10 “wish list” of local elected officials from across the state: • Increase unrestricted state aid • Fix the tax cap to exempt capital improvements • Increase funding for water and sewer infrastructure • Prohibit unfunded state mandates • Increase state funding for local highways • Authorize municipalities to charge for services provided to tax-exempt properties • Create and enhance tools to address abandoned property and downtown redevelopment • Expand and enhance sales tax measures • Remove barriers to intermunicipal health insurance plans • Restructure and reform the gross receipts tax Sadly, no longer can local government just advocate for positive change or for what they might need, we now have to play defense and constantly monitor the fiscal and regulatory impacts of potential bill. As one of my colleagues said, “If local governments are not at the table, we may find ourselves on the menu.”
Westchester announces $6M for youth programs
Westchester County awards more than $6 million in grants for 2018, 2019, and 2020 for programs under Westchester’s Invest-In-Kids. Photo courtesy Westchester.gov
County Executive Rob Astorino today announced that grants totaling more than $6 million—$2,123,000 annually for 2018, 2019 and 2020—will be awarded to 34 agencies for 56 atrisk youth programs under Westchester’s Invest-In-Kids program. “Invest-In-Kids is a vital partnership between Westchester County and our non-profits that responds to the needs of Westchester’s youth,” Astorino said. “I am excited to partner with these 34 agencies to provide essential services with far-reaching, positive results for our at-risk youth population.” Established in 1993, InvestIn-Kids addresses the needs of at-risk youth in 11 urban communities: Elmsford, Greenburgh, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Chester, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, White Plains and Yonkers.
Dr. Iris Pagan, executive director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, said the grants are being awarded to 56 programs as part of a three-year request for proposals, RFP, process. The annual grants include $1,755,000 provided through Westchester County’s Invest-in-Kids program and $368,000 in anticipated grants provided to the Westchester County Youth Bureau by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Under Invest-In-Kids, programs provide academic support, experiences in the arts, positive relationships with peers and adults, career exploration, and many other activities to support positive youth development. Grants will fund approximately 65 percent of each program for calendar years 2018–2020 with the agency matching 35 percent of costs. Under the terms of the
grant, all programs will be provided free of charge and must operate year-round. To help ensure the best possible outcomes for Westchester’s youth, Astorino and the Westchester Children’s Association created a public-private task force to review the RFP process. The task force designed a transparent and accountable award process for Invest-In-Kids, including a revised grant application and a community review board of youth service providers and child advocates to promote the grant, administer informational sessions for prospective applicants, and offer an objective review of the pool of applicants. Under Westchester County’s procurement process, contracts to award the grants will be submitted to the Board of Acquisition and Contract for approval. (Submitted)
December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 9
A children’s crusade and the Red Cross HISTORICALLY SPEAKING Richard Forliano
To achieve victory in this, the deadliest of wars in human history, it was necessary to put into motion, every resource, human, moral, and material. President Woodrow Wilson turned over this imposing task to the Committee on Public Information headed by a former newspaper writer named George Creel. The American people were turned into a hot mass, ready to enlist or submit to the draft, to give money, and to make any sacrifice required of them. The Committee on Public Information framed the war as an epic struggle to free the world from tyranny, to fight a war to end all wars. From its inception, the Committee on Public Information was successful. Children around the country and in our local communities joined their parents in participating in activities to promote patriotism and conserve goods that could be used for the war effort. They also took on tasks, many on a national level, through organizations like the Boy Scouts of America. During the war, radio transmitters were regulated, and scouts were called upon to look for unauthorized units capable of sabotage. Scouts were used as message runners, coast watchers, and to be on alert for slackers, men who avoided the draft and did not report for duty. Scouts sold more than $352 million of war bonds and $101 million of war saving stamps. They collected fruit pits to be processed for gas masks and inventoried black walnut trees for use as propellers and gunstocks. School children in lower Westchester communities like Mount Vernon and New Rochelle produced patriotic plays and pageants to help boost morale and enlist communitywide support. Youngsters in New Rochelle engaged in Red Cross projects, such as making bandages and wooden boxes in which to ship goods overseas. A newspaper article shows New Rochelle school children hoping to win the war by tending to victory gardens at their schools. A supplement from the New York Times showed Scarsdale boys “among the million” mobilized to work on the farms. It was the goal of the Red Cross to have every family a member. A Dec. 21, 1917 article
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Young people were involved in supporting the war. They joined their parents in selling bonds, planting victory gardens, patrolling the coastline for submarines, holding historical pageants, and preparing bandages for the Red Cross. Pictured is a Boy Scouts liberty bond. Photo courtesy Richard Forliano
in the Bronxville Review, a newspaper that covered the villages of Bronxville and Tuckahoe along with the unincorporated part of the town of Eastchester, explained the importance of involving the children: “The little ones even who don’t know what all this war horror means, in years to come will treasure their membership cards knowing that in their names was given a contribution … [that] helped in winning a lasting world peace.” And it would be the women in the Red Cross that did so much to make life bearable for the men in arms. Altogether, some 8 million—roughly 8 percent of the population and almost double the armed forces—either volunteered and/or donated to the organization. The New Rochelle volunteers between the declaration of war and Armistice Day prepared more than 800,000 surgical dressings. Red Cross volunteers in New Rochelle also set up canteens for the recruits stationed at Fort Slocum. Fort Slocum, just across the water from Glen Island, was the largest recruiting center east of the Mississippi. At these canteens, soldiers received packages of necessities (toiletries, stamps, clothing), enjoyed a hot meal and entertainment. Almost a year before the war in June of 1916, Bronxville had a chapter which later expanded to include Tuckahoe and Crestwood. This chapter met twice weekly preparing bandages, surgical dressings and other supplies that were shipped to Europe. The chapter also organized first aid training and identified cars and
trucks that could be mobilized to move troops in an emergency. By October of 1917, this local Red Cross chapter raised tens of thousands of dollars and shipped almost 700,000 articles to Europe, including surgical dressings, hospital supplies and garments. The president of the local Red Cross Chapter was Anna Lawrence Bisland, daughter of the man most responsible for establishing the village of Bronxville. That man, William Van Duzer Lawrence, was a Gilded Age millionaire who after visiting relatives in town became interested in developing real estate in Bronxville. His vision was to create a suburban haven cut off from the ills of the city: crime, disease, congestion, and filth. In less than a decade Bronxville had become an incorporated and distinct village in the town of Eastchester. Lawrence and his family were very civic-minded. His daughterin-law, Virginia, with a number of her female friends, formed the first private 20th-century charity in town during the depression of 1908. A year later Lawrence Hospital was opened. His daughter, Anna, was the first president of the Red Cross in town. Later she would found the Bronxville Women’s Club that was supportive of the women’s suffrage movement. In a future article, the complex relationship between women’s suffrage, women’s changing roles, and the war effort will be examined. Many thanks to the lower Westchester Historians Roundtable for their pioneering research that made this article possible: Eloise Morgan, former Bronxville Village historian; Ray Gelebracht, Bronxville Village historian; Phil White, Tuckahoe Village historian; Gigi Carnes, president, Crestwood Historical Society; Lissa Halen, curator, Eastchester Historical Society; David Osborn, site manager, St. Paul’s National Historic Site; Donna Jackson, acting Mount Vernon City historian; and especially Barbara Davis, New Rochelle City historian. Please contact us historian@eastchesterhistoricalsociety.org with any comments or questions you have about this column. For more information on the Eastchester Historical Society and its numerous programs, visit eastchesterhistoricalsociety.org.
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10 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
December 22 & 29, 2017 THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 11
Business Briefs Orthopedics at NYP Lawrence is transforming NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital Orthopedics is undergoing an exciting transformation, ushered in by nationally renowned sports medicine and orthopedic physicians from Columbia University Medical Center. Doctors will be seeing patients in Bronxville and Tarrytown, with surgical procedures performed at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Dr. Jeffrey A. Geller Hospital. The collaboration with Columbia will result in a significant expansion of services offered, including the addition of fellowship trained experts in the following orthopedic specialties: hip and knee reconstruction, sports medicine, foot and ankle, hand, elbow, shoulder, spine, and trauma. These services are complemented by the hospital’s Joint Replacement Program and extensive outpatient physical therapy services. The new team will be led by Dr. Jeffrey A. Geller, chief of orthopedic surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital. He serves as chief and director of Research, Division of Hip & Knee Reconstruction at Columbia University Medical Center’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and as the Nas S. Eftekhar professor of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University Medical Center. Geller is a nationally recognized leader in the non-operative and operative treatment of arthritic disorders of the hip and knee. “We are delighted to bring these new specialized services to NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital and provide access to world-class Columbia physicians,” said Michael J. Fosina, president of NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital. “Our patients will have access to a wider array of orthopedic services using the most advanced surgical and non-operative techniques.” “Columbia Orthopedics is thrilled to expand our services to patients in Westchester County and local communities throughout the region,” said Dr. William Levine, orthopedic surgeon-in-chief of NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, and Frank E. Stinchfield, professor and chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center. “Through our collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, patients will benefit from an academic medical practice that leverages the latest research and technology to deliver advanced orthopedic specialty care close to where they want and need it most—home.” The Joint Commission awarded NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital’s Joint Replacement Program its Gold Seal of Approval again in 2016, which demonstrates the hospital’s continuous compliance with national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. The certification award recognizes the hospital’s dedication with these state-of-the-art standards. New patients are welcome. Appointments can be made by calling 750-4650. For more information, visit nyp.org/lawrence-ortho. Founded in 1909, NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital has a long and well-established history of providing superior healthcare to the residents of southern Westchester County and its sur-
rounding communities. The 288-bed hospital joined the NewYork-Presbyterian Regional Hospital Network in 2014 and offers a cardiac catheterization laboratory, a maternity department and an emergency department providing emergency care to approximately 46,000 people annually. A new, stateof-the-art comprehensive Cancer Center, accredited by the American College of Surgeons with Multiple Commendations, offers infusion, radiation therapy, surgical and support services. NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital provides additional support and care to area residents through NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Westchester, a multispecialty physician practice, as well as ColumbiaDoctors, the faculty practice of Columbia University Medical Center. For more information, visit nyp.org/lawrence or call 787-1000.
New treatment alternative available to prevent stroke
Patients who have an increased risk of stroke due to an irregular heart beat called atrial fibrillation and who cannot use blood thinners can now take advantage of a lifesaving alternative offered at Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, WMCHealth. As a regional leader in cardiac care, Westchester Medical Center has begun offering a new technology called the WATCHMAN, which offers a catheter-based alternative to blood thinners for preventing stroke in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by a fast, irregular heartbeat. “Because of our expertise in performing delicate cardiac procedures, Westchester Medical Center is among a select group of hospitals nationwide to offer this treatment to atrial fibrillation patients who previously had no other alternative,’’ said Dr. Sei Iwai, director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at Westchester Medical Center. “We are excited to offer a life-saving alternative for our patients whose risk for stroke makes them ineligible for traditional treatments.” The Westchester Medical Center cardiology team, including Iwai, Dr. Ryan Kaple, and Mala Sharma, MBBS, has already performed the first WATCHMAN procedures with excellent outcomes. Because the upper chambers (atria) of the heart don’t squeeze normally in atrial fibrillation, an outpouching, called the left atrial appendage, can collect blood that can then clot and travel in the bloodstream to the brain, causing a stroke. The standard treatment is using blood thinners to eliminate the risk of clotting and stroke, but some patients are prohibited from using these treatments long-term. The WATCHMAN technology enables interventional cardiologists to cap off the appendage using a procedure that involves threading a catheter through the groin area and into the left atrium where the WATCHMAN device is inserted to seal the opening. The technology is approved by the FDA. WMCHealth’s Heart and Vascular Institute remains at the forefront of advanced cardiac technology in the Hudson Valley and beyond. For example, the WMCHealth Heart and Vascular Institute’s cardiac electrophysiologists have performed approximately 500 atrial fibrillation ablation procedures. In April, cardiac interventionists performed their 300th transcatheter aortic valve replacement,
TAVR, procedure. The cardiac teams also perform hybrid catheter ablations, laser lead extractions, and transcatheter mitral valve and tricuspid valve repair using the MitraClip device, patent foramen ovale, PFO, closures, and alcohol septal ablations (for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). To learn more about Westchester Medical Center and the vital services it provides to residents of the Hudson Valley and beyond, visit WestchesterMedicalCenter.org. For more information about WMCHealth, visit WMCHealth.org.
Business Council of Westchester launches data exchange The Business Council of Westchester recently announced the creation of the BCW Data Exchange, a comprehensive online data center providing current and prospective Westchester businesses, nonprofit organizations and governments with a multi-platform, user-friendly source for up-to-date demographic information, statistical analysis and trend data about Westchester County. The research will be conducted by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, a nonprofit policy, planning, advocacy and research organization. It will go live on the BCW website in the first quarter of 2018. The BCW Data Exchange will have the most up-to-date information on a wide variety of topics and issues impacting business in the county. Strategic areas will focus upon: demographics, snapshots of workforce data, housing, education, local government, transportation, infrastructure, real estate trends, municipal services, and other vital data relevant to the attraction and retention of businesses in Westchester. Customized reports will be available for those looking for a deeper dive into the data. “As the largest business organization in Westchester, we already serve as a resource for businesses and government officials seeking to understand the opportunities available in the county and how Westchester compares to other counties. We’re pleased to be adding this valuable tool that will also offer an unparalleled resource for our urban centers and communities across the county that are undergoing a major revitalization,” said Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “We are fortunate to be working with Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress on this important initiative. They are uniquely positioned to step beyond the limits of analyzing data from a single perspective and take a 360-degree examination of the challenges and issues that impact and shape the communities of Westchester,” Gordon added. “The mission of this initiative is to provide the framework and foundation to build and, in some cases, rebuild a prosperous economy and sustainable communities within Westchester County by
making informed decisions through data research and analysis,” said Jonathan Drapkin, president and CEO of the Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. “As we like to say, ‘Data tells a story,’ and we are particularly pleased to be working with the Business Council in developing that story that will provide a baseline source of information to assist in the promotion, attraction and marketing of Westchester County for new economic development opportunities and to expand existing businesses,” Drapkin added. The idea of a comprehensive online data resource to help promote economic development in Westchester is the result of several years of strategic planning by the BCW board of directors. Board member Heidi Davidson, who chairs the BCW’s data committee, said that the new service would fill a real need in the business community. “We live in a world where having and understanding data is everything,’’ Davidson said. “The availability of current data has long been a challenge for Westchester as there has never been a single repository of data for Westchester County. The comprehensive data available through the BCW Data Exchange will fuel the BCW and Westchester’s economic development efforts.” Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress is a nonprofit policy and planning organization that promotes regional, balanced and sustainable solutions to enhance the growth and vitality of the Hudson Valley. Founded in 1965 by business, academic and civic leaders, and based in Newburgh, N.Y., Pattern works within the nine-county area that includes Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. For more information, visit pattern-for-progress.org. The county’s largest and most influential business membership organization, The Business Council of Westchester is committed to helping businesses market, learn, advocate and grow. In addition, The Business Council of Westchester is actively involved in reviewing federal, state and county legislation and regulations in order to assess the potential impact on the business community and to influence the outcomes through advocacy when the business community’s interests may be affected. It also acts as an information resource for the business community and government leaders at all levels. For more information, visit thebcw.org. The next Business Briefs section will run in January. Please send any submission for our January edition to news@hometwn.com, with “Business” in the subject line of your email. Each submission may include one picture. If you have any questions, email us at news@hometwn.com.
12 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
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LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Formation of Barbara Fisher Interiors, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 9-15-2017. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 30 Westwood Close Irvington, NY 10533. Purpose: any lawful activity.
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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.
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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: That the Zoning Board of appeals of the Town of Eastchester will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 at 7:00pm at the Eastchester Town Hall, 40 Mill rd, Eastchester New York on the application of Lisa Fellin for an area variance to erect a new covered front porch, affecting the premises known as Section 66.E, Block 3, Lot(s) 42 on the tax map of the Town of Eastchester, New York and known as 18 Hickory hill rd Eastchester, NY 10709.
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December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 13
14 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
Hall of Lame LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
It’s that time of year again, the time of year when good deeds are weighed against bad ones, and the arbiter of who has been nice—and who has been naughty—rewards a select few for their actions. But I’m not waxing poetic about the jolly fat man up at the North Pole; I’m talking about the selection process for the 2018 inductees to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Although voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America have until Jan. 24 to officially send in their ballots, over the last few years, several intrepid writers have made their voting results public in order to give baseball fans some sense of the early returns. And while I certainly enjoy the growing transparency in the process, as well as the opportunity to drag out conversations about who, in fact, is worth of enshrinement out for over a month, a quick look at the results
so far leave me as perplexed as ever about what exactly the writers are thinking. On Dec. 18, Hall of Fame voting tracker and Twitter personality Ryan Thibodaux released a first glance at this year’s vote, and while there are some no-brainers on there—Jim Thome, Vladimir Guerrero and Chipper Jones all look like locks—the steroid question seems to once again be a divisive issue among voters. Most curiously, perhaps, are the questions surrounding two of the game’s all-time greats who may have irrevocably tarnished their reputation with their ties to performance enhancing drugs: Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds. With 17.5 percent of voters having responded, both Clemens and Bonds seem to be on the cusp of the 75 percent mark for enshrinement enshrinement, with Clemens taking in 72.6 percent of the votes and Bonds taking in 71.2 percent. But as we found out in the 2016 presidential election, sometimes early numbers can be misleading. Most experts expect those
SPORTS
numbers to drop precipitously, as the writers who are most likely to release their ballots to the public ahead of time skew to a younger demographic and are thus less likely to penalize a player for PED allegations. But beyond the “will they get in” question, these early numbers piqued a different question in my mind: how can someone have possibly voted for Clemens and not Bonds, and vice versa? As of right now, two writers who made a case for Clemens left Bonds off the ballot, while Jon Heyman chose the slugger, but not the hurler. And that’s pretty tough to reconcile, at least in my mind. Clemens and Bonds are so intertwined at this point it seems ludicrous that a writer could make a case for one but not the other. Both players were inarguably Hall of Famers early on before late-career surges—inexorably linked to some shady pharmaceutical dabbling—turned them, numbers-wise, into absolutely otherworldly talents. If you want to keep them both out of the Hall, I would understand it, but how
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LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow @eastchesterview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates
Early vote results for the 2018 Baseball Hall of Fame class were released this week, and Sports Editor Mike Smith has a few questions. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org
could you vote for one and not the other? The Hall of Fame voting process is a flawed one, for sure. Because it’s essentially a human process, and because writers come into each balloting sea-
son with their own biases about a player’s contribution to the game—and the way he treated writers during his career—you’re never going to have a perfect Hall of Fame where every player in it deserves it or every deserving
player gets his plaque on the wall. But let’s at least have a little consistency, fellas. That’s all I’m asking for.
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SPORTS
December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 15
Harrison authors win streak boys basketball
league
HARRISON 51 EASTCHESTER 45 HARRISON HS
12/14/17
Game Notes: • Luke McCarthy scored 11 of his 17 points in the 3rd quarter • Harrison is currently riding a 3-game winning streak • The Huskies will take on rival Rye at the Westchester County Center on Dec. 23 By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor After a trying start to the basketball season, it appears as though the Huskies are back on track. With a tremendous performance at the Harrison Holiday Basketball tournament last weekend, the boys’ basketball team has kicked off a three-game win streak, building confidence as the second half of the winter campaign looms. Starting with a 51-45 win over league foe Eastchester in the tourney opener, the Huskies would go on to top Peekskill in the finals before traveling to Brewster to beat the Bears on Tuesday, Dec. 19. According to head coach Gary
Luke McCarthy looks for open space against Eastchester on Dec. 14. McCarthy scored 17 points to lead the Huskies to victory.
Chiarella, the Huskies’ win streak can be chalked up to players—especially those new to the varsity game—slowly acclimating to the increased level of competition. “I think we’re just getting more comfortable, especially with the
Sean Donnellan rises up for a shot against the Huskies. Harrison won 51-45.
speed of the game,” Chiarella said. “We were missing some experienced guys with injuries so we were playing a lot of newer kids, and even though they have the skill sets, they need to build up confidence to compete.” The Thursday night win over Eastchester may have been a turning point for the Huskies, as they rode a strong second-half effort from point guard Luke McCarthy—who scored 11 of his 17 points in the third quarter—to a tightly contested win over their rivals. McCarthy would go on to score 15 points in the win over Peekskill en route to being named the tournament’s MVP. “Luke is our general, he’s going to orchestrate what we do,” Chiarella said. “He can score a little more than he did last year, but he really has a lot of control over how things go out there.” McCarthy took a backseat to teammate Alex Siapanedes in the scoring department on Tuesday night, as the junior guard dropped 21 points against the Bears. Sharing the offensive load will be important for the Huskies down the stretch, according to Chiarella. “When we have been successful, it’s because we are getting contributions from everyone on the team,” said the head coach. “It doesn’t matter if it’s two points or
Tyler Menniti goes to the basket against the Eagles. Photos/Mike Smith
four points; you have to understand your role and be the best you can be every game.” The Huskies will be back in action on Dec. 21, when they take on Lincoln, and are currently preparing for a Dec. 23 showdown with rival Rye at the Westchester County Center. Although Chiarella admits that playing at the historic venue might be a new experience for many of his charges, he is confident that his team can be successful if they let the game come to them. “This is going to be the first time a lot of these guys have played Rye on the varsity level, and the first time any of them have played at the County Center, outside of maybe rec league,” he said. “Hopefully it’s not too big for them, and if they just treat the games the same and don’t get distracted, we should be OK.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Alex Siapanedes grabs a rebound against Eastchester on Dec. 14.
16 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017