Eastchester REVIEW THE
February 2, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 5 | www.eastchesterreview.com
EVERY VOTE COUNTS ArtsWestchester’s latest exhibition “Give Us the Vote” marks the centennial of the women’s suffragist movement and starts conversation about voting rights for marginalized groups throughout history. For story, see page 6. Photo/Taylor Brown
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
Cuomo issues REOI for Long Island Sound tunnel By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer After announcing his plan to pursue a Long Island Sound tunnel at this year’s state of the state address, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, has taken more steps to make the idea come to fruition by soliciting private proposals. On Jan. 26, the state Department of Transportation, DOT, issued a request for expressions of interest, REOI, seeking input from private investors on engineering, environmental, operations and financial considerations for a future proposal. An REOI is used to assess interest in a project and to solicit ideas and information from inter-
Bill: pharmacies to handle leftover pills
ested parties. “Improving and expanding our transportation infrastructure is essential to moving New York forward,” Cuomo said. “We are taking another step to advance an ambitious project that would reduce traffic on the impossibly congested Long Island Expressway, improve connectivity, and help ensure the region’s future economic competitiveness.” The REOI comes just after the release of an 87-page document in January 2018 highlighting how much it would cost to construct the bridge or tunnel and how much revenue it would generate in tolls per year. According to the DOT’s study, an 18-mile tunnel connecting Westchester County
and Long Island could cost approximately between $31.5 billion and $55.4 billion, and could potentially produce $500 million in tolls per year. In 2016, Cuomo secured $5 million for the DOT to test the plan’s feasibility. Cuomo said earlier this month that the construction of a tunnel is “feasible” and would help alleviate the amount of traffic coming from Long Island. Unlike in previous statements, Cuomo’s announcement last Friday does not mention any link to Connecticut, only to Westchester from Long Island. The DOT’s study proposes connecting either the city of Rye or the village of Port Chester to the town of Oyster Bay in Long
Island, among other ideas. However, city officials and residents have always opposed any plan to build a tunnel to Rye as the idea has emerged several times since the 1930s. Master builder Robert Moses and former Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, a Republican, pursued the idea the 1960s, but it fell by the wayside. After facing significant opposition from both local and state-elected officials in Westchester and Long Island, Rockefeller’s proposed Rye-Oyster Bay bridge never transpired. As of press time, Gov. Cuomo’s office has said REOIs are due no later than April 2, 2018. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
A new proposal from Westchester County lawmakers would require that chain pharmacies take back leftover prescription drugs in an effort to help guard against drug abuse and waterway contamination. In particular, lawmakers hope the bill—which was referred to committee on Jan. 22 at a Board of Legislators meeting—will help stem the tide of a fatal opioid epidemic in the county and nationwide. According to documents regarding the introduction of the program, in 2015, 107 Westchester County residents died of fatal drug overdoses, and 83 percent of those deaths were caused by heroin—many of such users started with using prescription opioids. While some of such leftover prescription drugs make their way into the hands of abusers, others are flushed down the sink or toilet and eventually make their way into waterways. According to a U.S. geological study from 2002, 80 percent of streams tested across the country contained at least one pharmaceutical. If signed into law, the bill— called the Product Stewardship Program—would apply to phar-
macies with three or more locations to participate, and failure to comply could result in $1,000 daily fines. Neighboring Rockland County has already implemented a similar program according to Westchester Board of Legislators documents. A current draft of the bill would also allow residents to mail their drugs to a pharmacy instead of delivering in person. In addition to prescription drug drop-off days, in which the county allows residents to return their drugs to designated locations, lawmakers have kickstarted similar efforts to help blockade against drug abuse in the past year, including joining a lawsuit in 2017 against large pharmaceutical companies. In the suit, which includes eight other counties in New York state, lawmakers allege that pharmaceutical companies’ negligence flooded communities with powerful prescription pain medication, which has been a major contributing factor to addiction rates and fatalities across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2015, opioids were responsible for 33,000 deaths across the country; in Westchester, opioid-related deaths jumped 200 percent between 2010 to 2015. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
A new bill looks to require chain pharmacies to deal with residents’ leftover drugs. Photo courtesy flickr.com
2 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • February 2, 2018
February 2, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 3
Latimer signs executive order on chaplains Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a Democrat, will increase scrutiny on hiring police chaplains after a federal probe into corruption. An executive order signed last week will require chaplains to be active clergy members and also live in Westchester County comes as a response to a federal probe into whether or not former County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, offered up a chaplain position in exchange for campaign contributions. Last year, Westchester County police chaplains Jeremy Reichberg and Jona Rechnitz were suspended after a probe called into question campaign contributions to Astorino’s re-election campaign; specifically, a $15,000 contribution made in the same month that Reichberg was appointed chaplain. Neither of the two chaplains in question was a priest or a rabbi. Under a recently signed executive order, all requests to become a chaplain would go before the commissioner of Public Safety. Additionally, the order mandates
County Executive George Latimer has restricted rules on Westchester County police chaplains after a federal corruption probe. File photo
that a list be provided to the county executive and Board of Legislators of all the chaplains twice a year—once in July and once in January. Rechnitz’s donations in particular came under scrutiny during an especially scathing campaign last year between Latimer and Astorino when the former chaplain testified that he had helped
Astorino procure a used Rolex watch in Manhattan’s Diamond District. Despite Astorino’s attempts to rebut claims from Rechnitz, claiming he lied about the event, Latimer would go on to readily defeat the incumbent with the aid of increased Democratic voter turnout countywide. -Reporting by James Pero
Man sentenced for string of Westchester burglaries By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The Westchester County District Attorney’s office announced on Jan. 25 that a man has been sentenced to 18 year to life in state prison for burglarizing 11 homes throughout the county in 2014. Angelo Carzoglio, a 52-yearold from Manhattan, was found guilty of participating in a burglary ring that affected homes across Harrison, Irvington, Rye Brook, Tarrytown, Bedford, New Castle and Mamaroneck between June 2014 and October 2014; he was also connected to burglaries in Long Island, Putnam County, Connecticut and New Jersey. Last November, Carzoglio was convicted of 11 counts of second-degree burglary, third-degree possession of stolen property, and
County reminds residents how to avoid and treat the flu
Angelo Carzoglio, 52, was sentenced to 18 years to life for his participation in a string of burglaries that occurred in and around Westchester County in 2014. Photo courtesy Westchester County District Attorney’s office
fourth-degree conspiracy, which are all felonies. Carzoglio was also found guilty of possession of burglar’s tools and unlawful possession of radio devices, both misdemeanors.
In October 2014, he was arrested by the Harrison Police Department after committing a burglary in Fairfield, Connecticut. According to the DA’s office, at the time, police discovered thousands of dollars worth of jewelry that Carzoglio and his co-conspirators stole from the home in Connecticut. After the incident, police searched Carzoglio’s home in Manhattan and identified a number of items that were stolen from homes in Westchester. Police also discovered one of Carzoglio’s co-conspirators, a jeweler who bought and sold stolen jewelry out of an office in the “Diamond District” in midtown Manhattan. Assistant district attorneys Joseph DiBenedetto and Brian Fitzgerald prosecuted the case. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
Village of Tuckahoe’s
Official Newspaper
County Executive George Latimer receives his flu shot at the Westchester County Health Department clinic in White Plains. Contributed photo
With flu widespread throughout the state and nation, Westchester County Executive George Latimer rolled up his sleeve for a flu shot on Jan. 30 at the Westchester County Health Department clinic in White Plains, urging others who haven’t already done so to get themselves and their children vaccinated. “Get a flu shot and make sure your family members do, too,” Latimer said. “The vaccine can help keep you healthy or reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get the flu. It’s our best defense and flu shots remain widely available.” To increase access to flu shots for children, pharmacists statewide are now allowed to administer flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18, following an executive order issued Friday by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Parents should check for availability with their local pharmacy. Flu vaccines also are offered at supermarkets, doctors’ offices and by appointment at the Westchester County Department of Health clinics in White Plains and Yonkers. Call 995-5800 to schedule flu shot with the health department. To find a flu vaccine at a pharmacy or clinic near you, go to westchestergov.com/health. “Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best protection we have against flu deaths in every age group,” said Dr. Sherlita Amler, commissioner of Health. “While Westchester has had no pediatric flu deaths so far this season, 37 children across the U.S. have
died. And as the CDC has pointed out, this year, Baby Boomers ages 50 to 64 are being hospitalized for flu at greater rates than young children, so really everyone should take this seriously and get a flu shot. If protecting yourself isn’t reason enough, the vaccine also can protect infants, young children and seniors, all of whom are much more vulnerable to flu complications.” Westchester typically experiences roughly 90,000 cases of influenza during the flu season, which runs from October to as late as May. The latest figures show influenza levels are widespread statewide, with 8.58 percent of doctors’ visits attributed to flu, according to the New York State Department of Health. In New York, it is typical at this time of year for 3.1 percent of doctors’ visits to be attributed to the flu. Flu symptoms include fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills and fatigue. Residents with these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider, who may prescribe medication that can shorten symptom duration. To avoid the flu and other viruses, wash your hands with soap and water before and after using the toilet, blowing your nose, preparing or eating food. Wet your hands, work up a lather, and scrub the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails; then rinse and dry. “Wash your hands thoroughly for about 20 seconds – the
amount of time it takes to sing the A-B-Cs or to sing the Happy Birthday song twice,” Amler said. Until they are well, people who are ill should stay home and avoid visits to newborns or family members in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices or assisted living facilities, Amler said. People in these settings are often at increased risk for complications and viruses spread easily there. If you have a family member home sick with the flu or another virus, hand hygiene and frequent cleaning are critical for your whole household. Environmentally friendly cleaning products often aren’t strong enough to kill germs, Amler said. Instead, clean high-touch hard surfaces with a bleach solution. Add a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water. Pour this into a labeled spray bottle and use it to clean countertops and tables, railings and door knobs, but don’t use on upholstered furniture. When you are sick, try to avoid preparing food for others and don’t share utensils. “Keep your distance from people who are sick because flu virus spreads through the air when a sick person breathes, speaks or coughs,” Amler said. “When you have a fever, stay home to avoid spreading your illness to others until you are fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours.” For more information, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at 813-5000 or visit westchestergov.com/health. (Submitted)
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What’s going on... Eastchester Public Library
for this program. This program is open to grades six and up. For more information, contact Amelia Buccarelli at 721-8109.
Adult Yoga
For more information on hours and programs, visit eastchesterlibrary.org.
On Monday, Feb. 12 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join the library for its Adult Yoga class series starting on Feb. 12. Please bring your own yoga mat or a towel and a water bottle. Registration is required online for this program. For more information, contact Amelia Buccarelli at 721-8109.
Bronxville Public Library
helps children return to their families healthy and happy. At this informational workshop, you will meet some successful foster parents and learn more about how to become one. There is no obligation or pressure, and all questions will be addressed. Registration is required by calling 337-7680 ext. 24 or emailing bronxvillelibrary@gmail.com.
Blood drive, raffle and bake sale
On Thursday, Feb. 8 from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Themed stories followed by a craft project for children ages 3 and up. Make a basket to hold all of your valentines.
The 4Ever Rallying 4 Regina Blood Drive and Sean Francis Lyons Gift of Life Awareness Day Raffle and Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tuckahoe Community Center, located at 71 Columbus Ave. in Tuckahoe. Visit nybloodcenter.org and search “4Ever Rallying 4 Regina” to sign up to give blood. For questions about eligibility to donate due to travel outside the U.S., medications or medical conditions, visit nybloodcenter.org or call 1-800-6880900. For information about the Donor Advantage Program, please visit mydonoradvantage.com. Please bring your donor ID card or identification with photo or signature.
Women & Money Round Table Series
On Sunday, Feb. 4 at 1:30 p.m. Please join us for an interactive program and informative lecture by Richard Knox on the Great American Songbook. The Great American Songbook, also known as “American Standards,” is the canon of the most important and influential American songs from the early and mid-20th century. They include the most popular and enduring melodies from the 1910s to the 1950s that were created primarily for Broadway musical productions and Hollywood musical films. In the last part of this series, Knox will focus on songs composed and recorded during the 1950s. This program is free and open to the public and is the final program in this series.
On Friday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to noon. This week’s topic is “The Keys to Building Your Investment Portfolio.” Building and managing a portfolio involves understanding and managing risk. Participants will share the secrets of portfolio construction and discuss asset allocation, investment styles, diversification and risk. Most important, they will show you how to put it all together to create a custom blueprint that meets your goals and tames your fears. Registration is required by calling 337-7680 ext. 24 or emailing bronxvillelibrary@gmail.com.
Free AARP Tax Help Starting Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get free AARP tax help every Tuesday through April 17. No appointments necessary; first come, first served. For more information, call the library at 793-5055.
The Surveillance State: Big Data, Freedom and You On Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This is a topic in the Great Courses DVD lecture series: “The Surveillance State: Big Data, Freedom and You.” Uncover the surveillance of our society and consider its impact on our privacy and civil liberties. Big data is here and that means the government and private industries are collecting massive amounts of data about each of us. In these revealing lectures, Professor Paul Rosenweig, J.D., will scrutinize our system of oversight for intelligence agencies and the way the information impacts our civil liberties. This series will run every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. for eight weeks, and includes lectures and guest speakers. You need not attend all sessions to participate. Coffee will be served. No registration required; all are welcome.
Earring Making Workshop On Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join local Bling’s the Thing founder, Joan Lloyd, in making earrings for a cause. For every pair you make to keep, you make one to be donated to a women’s shelter. Right now, Lloyd donates about 900 pairs a month. The workshop is free and no previous jewelry-making experience is necessary. This event is open to ages 8 and up. Registration is required online. Each participant must register individually, as space is limited. For more information, contact Amelia Buccarelli at 721-8109.
Teen Yoga On Monday, Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join the library for its Teen Yoga class series starting on Feb. 12. Please bring your own yoga mat or a towel and a water bottle. Registration is required online
Book Donation Drop-Off On Saturday, Feb. 3 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 is 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.
Social Needlers On Monday, Feb. 5 and Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to noon. Join the library for a knitting and crochet hour every Monday and Wednesday. Participants can chat and socialize while making beautiful items which will be donated to the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.
Adult Coloring Group On Monday, Feb. 5 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Coloring has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Come and be creative and meet new friends, all while listening to tranquil music. Coloring sheets and materials will be provided.
Tuckahoe Public Library
For more information on hours and programs, visit tuckahoe.com/library.
AARP Tax Aide Program Starting Fridays, Feb. 2 through April 13 from noon to 2 p.m. The Tuckahoe Public Library presents the AARP Tax Aide Program. No appointment necessary; first come, first served. For more information, call the library at 961-2121.
Teen Cooking
Tween/Teen Cooking Class
On Monday, Feb. 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Favorite cookbook author and chef Annette Zito will demonstrate how to make a tasty crab cake bite and linzer tarts for a valentine’s day treat. Space is limited. Registration is required by calling the library at 961-2121.
On Monday, Feb. 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Join Ms. Jessica and make a quick and easy recipe. For ages 9 and up. Registration is required at the Children’s Reference Desk or by calling 337-7680 ext. 34.
On Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. Learn to write about your memories in this monthly program. Registration is required by calling the library at 961-2121.
Valentine Sweets Workshop
Changes from the Great War
On Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. In this workshop, participants will melt and pour chocolate into Valentine’s Day-themed molds. While waiting for the chocolate to set, decorate a mason jar to hold the candy using various embellishments. All materials will be supplied. Space is limited. Registration is required by calling 337-7680 ext. 24 or emailing bronxvillelibrary@gmail.com.
On Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Please join the library for a special presentation by Eastchester town historian Richard Forliano, who will show and discuss rarely seen slides on how the Great War of 1917 impacted the local community and transformed the world. Registration is required by calling the library at 961-2121.
Become a Foster Parent On Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Being a foster parent can be both challenging and rewarding. More than ever, children need caring, loving adults. Foster parents give kids love and stability when they need it most and they form a bridge that
Community news
Valentine’s Day Storycraft
The Great American Songbook Part V
For more information on hours and programs, visit bronxvillelibrary.org.
treatment for stress, worry, lack of focus, and more. Yoga leads to more physical strength, better balance and flexibility. Meditation leads to peace of mind and greater well-being. Registration is required by calling the library at 961-2121.
Memoir Writing Workshop
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
Yoga and Meditation for Beginners
The six county-owned golf courses closed for the season after play on Sunday, Dec. 31. The courses are Dunwoodie, 231-3490, and Sprain Lake, 2313481, both in Yonkers; Maple Moor, 995-9200, in White Plains; Mohansic, 862-5283, in Yorktown Heights; Saxon Woods, 231-3461, in Scarsdale; and Hudson Hills, 864-3000, in Ossining. The courses are expected to reopen in March, weather and conditions permitting. The exact date will be announced.
On Thursday, Feb. 8 from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. Certified instructor Ann Casapini will lead you through a variety of yoga poses and guided meditations. For thousands of years, yogis and meditators have claimed many benefits for their practices. Regular yoga and meditation practice is an effective
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.
February 2, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 5
ArtsWestchester awards “Arts Alive” grants More film festivals, arts workshops, multicultural programs, free concerts and other cultural activities will be made available throughout Westchester County in the coming year. With $63,000 in funds from New York State Council on the Arts, ArtsWestchester awarded 35 grants for community-based arts projects to take place this year. These “Arts Alive” grants support artistic expression and community involvement through the arts – from dance and theater to writing and outdoor festivals – by helping to fund proposals from local artists and organizations. “These ‘Arts Alive’ grants are truly keeping the arts alive and vital in Westchester County,” said Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester. “We especially thank Westchester’s representatives in the State Senate and Assembly for continuing to support the arts through the New York State Council on the Arts’ Decentralization Grants Program and we are thrilled to see the vibrant cultural programs and arts
activities that will come to fruition in the coming year thanks to this funding.” White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach, State Assemblymen David Buchwald and Steve Otis, and other notable dignitaries and business leaders joined ArtsWestchester’s Board of Trustees for a private breakfast to present Arts Alive grants to organizations and artists. The breakfast took place at ArtsWestchester, which is located at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains. Arts Alive grants are awarded in three categories: Arts Alive Project Grants provide Westchester-based organizations and artists with financial and technical support for projects at a grassroots level; Arts Alive Artist Grants support works that relate to the community in a significant way; and Arts Alive Education Grants provide support for partnerships between individual artists or cultural organizations and Westchester public schools (grades kindergarten through 12th-grade). Some examples of these funded projects include:
• Money Makin’ Mob (Mount Vernon) – an all-day outdoor hip-hop music and dance festival featuring local musicians, dancers and DJs. • YoFi Film Fest Workshops (Yonkers) – Ten Saturday workshops in Yonkers will teach 6th9th grade students about professional film, television, animation and digital video. • Veterans Writing Workshop (Ossining) – writing workshops led by artist David Surface will pair local veterans with Ossining High School students for a “story exchange.” Arts Alive grantees are chosen through a competitive process that includes a panel of community members and arts professionals. For more info, visit artsw.org/artsalive. Arts Alive Project Grants are made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, DEC, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature and administered by ArtsWestchester. (Submitted)
Arts Alive project grantees: Arch For Kids (Dobbs Ferry) Arts and Culture Committee (Greenburgh) ARTS10566 (Peekskill) Asbury-Crestwood United Methodist Church (Tuckahoe/Crestwood) Black Marble Duo (Peekskill) Cross Cultural Connection (Peekskill) Greenburgh Public Library (Greenburgh) Little Radical Theatrics (Bronxville) Money Makin’ Mob (Mount Vernon) Mount Vernon Public Library (Mount Vernon) Niji No Kai (Valhalla) Organization of Chinese Americans – Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter (White Plains) Operation PROM (New Rochelle) Ossining Documentary and Discussion Series (Ossining) Ossining Public Library (Ossining) Peekskill Arts Alliance (Peekskill) PJS Jazz Society (Mount Vernon) Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services (Mount Vernon) Rebecca Thomas (Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow) Rivertowns Village Green (Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow) Sidra Bell Dance NY (White Plains) St. Thomas Orchestra (Mamaroneck) The Nowodworski Foundation (Purdys) The Westchester Chordsmen (Rye) Thomas H. Slater Center (White Plains) Tribes Hill (Peekskill) White Plains Public Library (White Plains) YoFi Fest (Yonkers) Zafiro Acevedo (Yonkers)
6 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • February 2, 2018
Eastchester REVIEW THE
P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
ArtsWestchester exhibition
celebrates centennial of suffragist movement
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
Members of Stitch & Bitch of Westchester County, a crochet and knitting group, create pink “p---- hats” for the ArtsWestchester gift shop.
Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Nancy Kaplan ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers James Pero, Franco Fino Staff Photographer Jen Parente Columnists Mary Marvin, Richard Forliano
Letters The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes. Community Events If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com. Delivery For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Classifieds & Legals To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Postmaster Send address changes to The Eastchester Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Visit us online www.eastchesterreview.com
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“Redress” by Laura Garcia Colvin.
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter ArtsWestchester’s latest exhibition “Give Us the Vote” pays homage to the centennial of the women’s suffragist movement of 1917 and brings new light to the issue of voter restriction throughout the following years. “Give Us the Vote” features 20 artists and their interpretations of the struggles marginalized groups have faced in the struggle to obtain equal voting rights. “The artwork here is generally inspired by the suffragist movement, but it’s [also] looking at where our voting rights are today,” said Kathleen Reckling, ArtsWestchester gallery director. Reckling hopes for the exhibition to be able to create open conversation amongst its visitors, especially in the wake of the Women’s March of 2018, a women-led protest march that rallies for equal rights which was held worldwide on Jan. 20. In honor of the march, ArtsWestchester welcomed Stitch & Bitch of Westchester County, a knitting and crochet group, to hold their weekly meeting amongst the “Give Us the Vote” exhibition on Jan. 19. The women knitted pink “p--- hats” that they donated to the ArtsWestchester gift shop and are on sale for $7. The hats are meant to resemble female anatomy and are intended to create a visual representation of solidarity amongst marchers. According to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City had more than 200,000 participants in this year’s march.
Natalie Baxter’s “Golden Lane.” Photos/Taylor Brown
“Grab ‘em By the Ballots” by Zoe Buckman is one of the displays in ArtsWestchester for the “Give Us the Vote” exhibition.
“The real work happens in little spaces, in [local] communities,” said Cheryl Couts, a member of Stitch & Bitch. Reckling hopes that the gallery will get across a similar message to the Women’s March. “It’s that idea that you can participate, and these acts of protests are really about making sure we’re the best version of America that we can be, and that everyone has an equal chance,” she said. The art covers both floors of the gallery, and focuses on the suffragist movement; the Voting Rights Act of 1965, an act eliminating discriminatory voting laws; and gerrymandering, when political boundaries are drawn to favor a political party. When choosing the artwork, Reckling said they looked at artists who had a strong background of artwork that focused on political issues and invited those artists to submit proposals. Some of the artwork, including “Redress,” chronicles the suffragists protests throughout the years. “It just sort of points to this idea that our story of democra-
“Cast” by Richard Tomasello.
Jerry Schrier’s “TILT (Crippling Liberty).”
cy is ever evolving,” Reckling said. “The suffragists kind of laid a groundwork for the political movements following.”
Other works of art, including Richard Tomasello’s “Cast,” provides and optimistic outlook to the future of voting rights. The sculpture features a voting booth is wrapped plaster and medical gauze with barbed wire surrounding it. Tomasello said it’s meant to represent how some people are restricted from getting too close to cast their votes while using a cast to imply there is room for this broken political system to heal.
Reckling said that the messages of the work in the gallery has left visitors coming out “feeling really jazzed about the role they get to play [in history].” The exhibition is in ArtsWestchester until Feb. 10. The gallery is open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit artswestchester.org. CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
February 2, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 7
8 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • February 2, 2018
Bronxville’s priorities in the new year BRONXVILLE TODAY Mayor Mary Marvin
As my first official village-centric column of the new year, I wanted to share with you what the Board of Trustees has determined as priorities for the upcoming year. Truly, the year promises to be one of the busiest I can recollect, as so many major projects are on the front burner. Garage for our public works staff and equipment Built in 1942, and not substantially remodeled since, our current facility has a compromised infrastructure. Leaking in so many spots, the building cannot hold our equipment, necessitating outdoor storage which halves the life of most of our intricate vehicles. Repairs also have to be made in the freezing cold and on a public street. Last year, we sought proposals that resulted in estimates much higher than anticipated, so we are going back to the drawing board. Regardless of the scope, something has to be done to improve working conditions and storage of millions of dollars of equipment. Comprehensive plan In light of changing residential and business realities, our overall zoning and planning regulations must be updated to reflect the current climate. As example, due to the popularity of Internet shopping, stores want to operate in the village with a service component or solely as a service such as exercise studios and restaurants. On the residential side, tear downs, tree removals and multiyear construction projects need to be addressed with new rules and regulations. The quality of life of neighbors must have a more central role in our consideration of permits and approvals. Upgrade to village commercial and residential lighting We currently have the most inefficient lighting system possible employing 189-watt incandescent bulbs on most of our streets, near both homes and businesses. We will move slowly, especially in residential areas, as needs are very different depending on street width, topography and den-
sity of homes. Our neighbors in Scarsdale are ahead of us in the process and we are learning from their rollout. Certainly, aesthetics is a major factor throughout the village. In the business district, other factors must be considered including insurance and liability issues, traffic flow concerns and illumination needs when businesses are closed. Teamsters labor negotiations Our Department of Public Works employees are represented by the Teamsters. We are currently in constructive talks to craft a new agreement going forward. As would be no surprise, health care coverage and contribution rates are the main issues under discussion. Infrastructure improvements We continue on our aggressive course to repair our more than 100-year-old infrastructure in a methodical way to avoid patchwork emergency deferred maintenance issues that are much more costly. The sewer system is currently our main focus as we enter Phase Two of pipe repair and relining. Midland Avenue/Pondfield Road intersection We continue to seek a light/ walk configuration that will improve pedestrian flow in particular as we encourage residents to embrace a more walking environment. In recent years, more stringent state rules apply when an intersection is reconfigured (witness what we were required to do near St. Joseph’s Church), and we are conscious of the unobstructed beauty of the village’s crossroads at Pondfield and Midland. Currently we are reviewing many options, aware that an improvement is warranted. Budget Starting in early February, the trustees, staff and I begin a very comprehensive review of our spending in anticipation of a new budget being crafted and adopted by May 1, 2018. Municipal expenditures are 19 percent of every village tax dollar. Given the recently passed tax laws, we are acutely aware of the added burden placed on Westchester County residents in particular. Kensington Road improvements As the Villa BXV project nears successful completion, we are looking towards upgrading the
nearby Bacon Woods Park, sidewalks and intersections that were left in limbo as we awaited positive development on the long unattractive Kensington parking lot. A hidden gem, the village owns Bacon Woods, a more than 1.6acre park straddling Kensington and Sagamore roads that warrants upgrading and refurbishing. Business district revitalization Extremely important to the value of everything in the village, we continue to work with our Chamber of Commerce, standing committees, merchants and landlords to not only fill the vacant storefronts, but ensure that we have the optimal mix of businesses to promote stability and profit. Parking opportunities We are actively working with various property owners and village entities to increase our inventory through village ownership and/or public/private partnerships. Smaller in scope but equally important Constant refurbishing and maintenance of the condition and attractiveness of village public spaces Village Hall: • Improvement of the website. • Startup of the Community Garden. • Repairs to the library’s HVAC system. • Upgrades to court security, phone system, parking software, records retrieval and cameras. • Improve our green efforts regarding composting, recycling volume. • Replace street trees lost over the years to age, storm and disease. Our overarching goal is to make the village the most efficiently run, fiscally responsible, attractive and inviting place to live. As most residents did, we came to Bronxville for the excellence of the public school system. The task of the municipal government is to offer enough services and amenities within a very small budget to want you to continue to make the village home long after the children are off to college. For long-term sustainability, it is imperative that we keep a healthy balance between school and non-school families and encourage lifetime investment in our community.
Cuomo sets date for special elections in Senate By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced a date to fill two pivotal state Senate seats, including Westchester County Executive George Latimer’s vacant 37th Senate District seat. The Cuomo administration has set April 24 as the date for the special election, in which state Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer, a Democrat, is vying for the Senate’s 37th District seat against either Dan Schorr, a former prosecutor in Westchester and New York City and previous Yonkers inspector general, or Sarmad Khojasteh, a commercial litigation attorney from the town of Bedford, both Republicans. As of press time, Westchester County Republicans have not announced who it will select to run against Mayer. The Senate’s 37th District, which has been controlled by Democrats for decades, covers Rye, White Plains, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Yonkers, North Castle, Bedford and Eastchester.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has set April 24 as the date for a special election for two state Senate seats, including Westchester County Executive George Latimer’s vacant seat and one in the Bronx. File photo
in the Senate. “I look forward to electing Democrats to both open seats and finally giving New York voters the functioning Senate Democratic majority they have repeatedly voted into office, yet been denied,” said Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins in a release. Democratic victories would give the party a numerical lead and its first majority in the Senate in eight years; however, the party would need to reunite with Democratic state Sen. Simcha Felder, of Brooklyn, who caucuses with the Republicans. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
The other position in contention is the Senate’s 32nd District seat, another historically Democratic district that covers an area in the Bronx. Success in the special election will be crucial for both the Democratic and Republican parties, as the GOP currently hold a one-person majority, 31-30,
Baxter is a handsome corgi mix, about 2 years old and 25 pounds. He takes a while to warm up to new people (just like dating!) but once he does, he is affectionate and cuddly. He is a very smart boy who loves to learn and has many obedience skills; he would love to go to a home where he can further his education. Baxter is crate-trained and will “go to his place” when strangers arrive. He loves going for long walks and being with his people. He would be best in a predictable, quiet, all-adult home. Baxter is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped. Make him part of your family! To meet Baxter, call Pet Rescue in Harrison at 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
February 2, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 9
Sponsored by
The Review, in collaboration with ArtsWestchester, offers a rundown of art-related events throughout Westchester County. You can find our Arts in the Area page each month.
365/12: The Drawings of Gregory Nemec
Arts Alive grants throughout Westchester Film festivals, arts workshops, multicultural programs, free concerts and more will be made available throughout Westchester County in the coming year. With funds from New York State Council on the Arts, ArtsWestchester has awarded 35 grants for community-based arts projects to take place in 2018. These “Arts Alive” grants support artistic expression and community involvement through the arts—from dance and theater to writing and outdoor festivals—by helping to fund proposals from local artists and organizations. Arts Alive grants are awarded in three categories: Arts Alive Project Grants provide Westchester-based organizations and artists with financial and technical support for projects at a grassroots level; Arts Alive Artist Grants support works that relate to the community in a significant way; and Arts Alive Education Grants provide support for partnerships between individual artists or cultural organizations and Westchester public schools (grades K–12). Some examples of these funded projects include: • Money Makin’ Mob (Mount Vernon) – An allday outdoor hip-hop music and dance festival featuring local musicians, dancers and DJs. • YoFi Film Fest Workshops (Yonkers) – Ten Saturday workshops in Yonkers will teach sixth- to ninth-grade students about professional film, television, animation and digital video. • Veterans Writing Workshop (Ossining) – Writing workshops led by artist David Surface will pair local veterans with Ossining High School students for a “story exchange.” Arts Alive grantees are chosen through a competitive process that includes a panel of community members and arts professionals. This program is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts. For more information, visit artsw.org/artsalive.
For many artists, the creation of artwork every single day is the foundation of diligence. For Pleasantville artist Gregory Nemec, it was also the foundation for Arc Stages’ new exhibition, “365/12: A Year of Drawings.” Though he did not plan it from the start, his daily illustrations have found their way to the organization’s Schiffman Butterfield Gallery in Pleasantville. In October 2016, Nemec set himself the task of creating daily pen and ink drawings. As he continued, each month was assigned its own theme: for instance, April drawings were about fools and December’s were holiday-inspired. He did not allow himself to use preliminary sketches. Of this challenge, he said, “For the first time in my adult life, I allowed many imperfections to just be. The result is that these drawings are more alive and less rigid than many of my commissioned illustrations.” Each day, Nemec posted his latest drawing to social media and got recommendations from friends for upcoming subjects. He also used prompts from Instagram and researched new topics. This form of collaborative creating led to, as he puts it, “art that wouldn’t have existed any other way.” Each month’s drawings collectively fit together like the pieces of a puzzle, producing a larger work of art. The twelve resulting illustrations are displayed at Arc Stages through Feb. 24. Nemec’s work has appeared in The New York Times Book Review, The Wall Street Journal and more. For more information, visit bit.ly/ArtStages_Nemec.
Paintings find their way from garage to gallery Recluse artist Arthur Pinajian didn’t find much commercial success during his life. Years later, however, he became a highly valued artist when his work was salvaged before its destruction. Better late than never, according to Concordia College’s
OSilas Gallery in Bronxville. The gallery is showcasing the artist’s work in a solo exhibition through March 17. “The Pinajian Discovery: An Artist’s Life Revealed,” curated by Peter Hastings Falk, will display 30 of the artist’s abstract landscapes. In his lifetime, Pinajian created thousands of works—stacks of canvases that were left behind in the garage and attic of his sister’s home. The abstract expressionist painter left instructions for the works to be destroyed; however, when the cottage was purchased by writer Lawrence E. Joseph after the sister’s death, he asked Professor William Innes Homer, a former chair of the Association of Historians of American Art, to examine the collection. Homer assessed that Pinajian “can be ranked among the best artists of his era.” For more information, visit osilasgallery.org.
ic, which all center on the theme of love; however, these are no ordinary romances. The plays, selected from a pool of submissions, offer an offbeat “twisted” view of traditional love stories. For instance, the drama “Worlds Apart” finds high school sweethearts with differing views of their future, and the comedic “Love at First Sight” follows a man and woman who are seeking a love connection but must look beyond their various politically-correct and -incorrect assumptions in order to see each other clearly. Playwrights include Ed Friedman, David Gill, Evelyn Mertens, John Patrick Bray, Lisa Kimball and Wayne Paul Mattingly. Four performances take place on each weekend surrounding Valentine’s Day—on Fridays through Sundays from Feb. 9-18. All performances will take place on the campus of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Pleasantville. For more information, visit axialtheatre.org.
Diana Krall turns up the quiet at The Capitol Theatre Five-time Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall has achieved crossover success with her smoky voice, bop piano styles and pop and rock-infused sounds. She returns to her jazz roots on her latest studio album, “Turn Up The Quiet.” On Feb. 24, Krall takes these roots to the stage at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester. On “Turn Up The Quiet,” Krall, who is the only jazz singer to have eight albums reach the top of the Billboards Jazz chart, reinterprets a collection of eleven intimate jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. The live performance will feature songs from this 2017 album, including romantic standards such as “L-O-V-E,” “Night and Day” and “Blue Skies.” The Canadian singer’s signature contralto vocals and smooth jazz style make old standards seem fresh while still honoring the classic melodies her audiences know by heart. For more information, visit thecapitoltheatre.com.
Axial Theatre offers a twisted view of love Axial Theatre kicks off its annual Twisted Valentines festival for the fourth year. Two weekends feature six one-act plays, both humorous and dramat-
Local theater celebrates Black History Month Irvington Town Hall Theater will celebrate Black History Month on Feb. 24 with 4th Wall Theatre’s production of “for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf.” In a one-night-only presentation of the Tony- and Grammy Award-nominated play, 20 poems about love, loss, struggle and empowerment are all weaved together in a “choreopoem” by Ntozake Shange. During the fully staged 90-minute production, seven nameless women, who are only referred to by the color by which they were assigned, will knit together stories with movement and music. These stories, which collectively represent African-American sisterhood, will permeate the stage on their own, without the support of a set or costumes. The “for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf” performance will be followed by a brief discussion and Q&A with director Gwen Ricks-Spencer and the actors. For more information, visit irvingtontheater.com.
These articles appear in the February 2018 issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy of the full issue is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
10 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • February 2, 2018
February 2, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 11
12 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • February 2, 2018
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February 2, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 13
SPORTS
14 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • February 2, 2018
The root of the problem LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
Like any proud supporter of the New York Giants, Sunday is shaping up to be a pretty tough day for me. With Super Bowl LII now just days away, I’m going to be forced to watch two of my least favorite teams—the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots—square off for the Lombardi Trophy after a struggling through a season that was, at least for Big Blue, an unmitigated disaster. So what, outside of a sinkhole opening up underneath U.S. Bank Stadium and swallowing both teams whole, is a Giant fan supposed to root for? I’ll tell you where I stand, even though you won’t like the answer. To me, it’s pretty simple; I’m going to be cheering on Tom Brady and the Pats. I’m just going to be holding my nose while I do it. Sure, the Pats are a detestable franchise. Whether it’s the
unbelievable success they’ve had over the past 18 years, the under-handed tactics they’ve used to maintain their spot on top, or the general smugness and entitlement of the Foxboro Faithful, it’s hard to throw any support at the franchise. If, as the old saying went, rooting for the Yankees is like rooting for U.S. Steel, then rooting for the Pats must be like cheering on Kylo Ren and the rest of the First Order. But as a guy who grew up on classic NFC East battles, I’d still rather see New England add yet another trophy than see the Eagles enjoy their moment in the sun. Sure, the Eagles are a great story this year. They lost their star quarterback, Carson Wentz, in Week 14 to an ACL injury, only to see former starter Nick Foles lead the squad to a conference championship with a few weeks of inspired play. Their defense is downright nasty, and they’ve got a number of talented guys in the backfield who have certainly been fun to watch in
the postseason. But I still remember those playoff losses to Philly in 2007 and 2009. I still remember watching Donovan McNabb and Brian Mitchell tear my team apart on a yearly basis in the early 2000s. And more than anything, I remember the pain of being forced to watch weekly games with my housemates in college—in Central Pennsylvania where Giants broadcasts were tough to come by—and cringing as they’d inevitably break into a rousing chorus of the Eagles’ fight song every time the Birds found the end zone. So no, I can’t in good conscience root for the Eagles on Saturday. Which means, by default, I’m going to have to hope that Brady earns his seventh Super Bowl ring, further cementing him as the greatest quarterback to ever to play the game. Sure, the Pats fans will be loud and obnoxious, but they’re loud and obnoxious anyway. It’s not like one more win is going to make them worse. So here’s to the Pats; let’s hope
TO COVER LOCAL SPORTS, YOU NEED A
LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow @eastchesterview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates
On Feb. 4, the Eagles and Patriots will square off in Super Bowl LII. For Giants fans like Sports Editor Mike Smith, that means choosing a team to root for is a dicey proposition. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org
they continue to get all the calls, all the breaks and cruise to a comfortable win on Sunday. But if the situation looks
dicey late in the game, I’m going to reserve the right to switch my allegiance. I’ve already got my “Sinkhole”
t-shirt ready to go.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
SPORTS
February 2, 2018 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 15
Garnets hold off Eagles’ run girls basketball league
RYE 52 EASTCHESTER 42 EASTCHESTER HS
1/25/18
Game Notes: • Teaghan Flaherty led the Garnets with 15 points • Rye went 22-29 from the foul line • Rye is currently 11-4 By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor If late game scenarios are unavoidable once the playoffs roll around, the Rye girls’ basketball team got some important reps on Jan. 25, as they buckled down in the fourth quarter to top rival Eastchester. Despite nearly squandering an early lead, the Garnets proved their mettle down the stretch, outscoring the Eagles 16-5 over the final two minutes to come away with a decisive 52-42 win over their hosts. In the end, it was the foul shooting of the Garnets that proved the difference-maker, as Rye went a combined 22-of-29 from the charity stripe to stave off a wild comeback attempt from the Eagles. Head coach Dennis Hurlie applauded his team’s ability to
Teaghan Flaherty attempts a shot in the lane against Eastchester on Jan. 25. Flaherty had 15 points in the Garnets’ win.
capitalize from the line, adding that, at this point of the season, converting on those chances could make the difference between a win and a loss. “We obviously do a lot of freethrow shooting in practice but it’s tough to simulate a game situation like that,” Hurlie said. “You just hope they have enough experience and confidence, which they did, and that bodes well for
Ashley Anello looks for an open teammate on Jan. 25. Photos/Mike Smith
us in the playoffs.” Teaghan Flaherty led the Garnets with 15 points in a game that looked, at least early on, like a walkover for the visitors. Rye jumped out to a 29-15 lead by the end of the first half, but the Eagles battled back—led by 13 points from Fiona Teahan— and pulled within two points after Cassidy Mitchell (10 points) nailed a long-range jumper with 1:52 left to play. “That’s a high school basketball game,” Hurlie said. “When you look up at the half, you see you’re up by 14 points and you know the other team is going to make a run; you just have to weather the storm.” The Garnets were able to do so, thanks to an inspired fourth-quarter performance by point guard Niamh Carty, who scored six of her 10 points in the final two minutes of the game. “Niamh struggled a little bit in the first three quarters, but it just doesn’t faze her,” Hurlie said. “But she’s a junior, she never leaves the floor and what we are hoping to do in February—and hopefully March—a lot of that has to do with her play.” With the win, Rye improved to 11-4 on the year, but also earned an important victory over an Eastchester team that seems poised to turn the corner. The Eagles are currently 6-11, but are enjoying a late-season renaissance thanks to the return of
Niamh Carty drives past Ashley Anello on Jan. 25. Carty had six points in the final two minutes of the game.
Fiona Teahan makes a move against Rye’s Ellie Dailey.
point guard Ashley Anello, who missed the first two months of the year recovering from a torn ACL. Anello suited up for the first time last week and finally
seems to be hitting her stride, scoring 11 points against the Garnets on Thursday. “[Eastchester] just came off a big win against Harrison,” Hur-
lie said. “So to get a win like this, in a league game on the road, it’s always big.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
16 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • February 2, 2018
SPORTS
Balanced Rye clips Eagles boys basketball league
RYE 65 EASTCHESTER 53 EASTCHESTER HS
1/25/18
Game Notes: • Rye had four players reach double-digit point totals in the win • The Eagles were led by 20 points from Sean Donnellan • Rye is currently 15-1 on the season By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Rye may not have any one player likely to be named New York state’s “Mr. Basketball” at the end of the season, but so far, it hasn’t made a lick of difference. With a commitment to unselfish play and a deep pool of reserves, the Garnets have established themselves as one of the most complete teams in Section I, posting a Class A-best 15-1 record and looking more like a Gold Ball contender every day. On Jan. 25, Rye proved again why it has been so tough to beat, overcoming a slow start against Eastchester to top the Eagles 6553 on the road. The Eagles got off to a good start on Thursday, building a
Quinn Kelly goes up for a layup against the Eagles. Kelly was one of four Rye starters to score at least 10 points.
early cushion and leading by as many as seven points in the second quarter before Rye came roaring back to tie the game at 26 on an AJ Thompson layup right before the end of the first half. The Garnets continued to shine after the intermission, engineering a 10-3 run that effectively turned the tide of the game. According to Garnet head coach John Aguilar, it simply
Eastchester’s Grant DelVecchio blows past Troy Egan at Eastchester High School.
came down to figuring out how to crack the Eastchester zone. “I think when we’ve had success, we’ve been fortunate to win a lot of games when everyone brings their ‘A’ game and has laser focus,” he said. “To Eastchester’s credit, they came out more energized than we had, and it took us a while to settle in against their defense.” Although the normally sharpshooting Garnets struggled to shoot from the field early on, they got a boost from Thompson, who led the team with eight first-half points, primarily from the paint. He would finish with 11 points and was one of four Rye starters, including Quinn Kelly (15 points), Matt Tepedino (13) and Max Samberg (12) who finished with double digits. Rye also got plenty of help from the bench, which combined for 14 more. Eastchester guard Sean Donnellan led all scorers with 20 points. “We just have to figure out what is working on the court and we are going to do whatever we have to do to win a game,” Thompson said. “It just happened to be today that getting inside was what was helping us break the defense.” Another reason for the Garnets’ success has been Rye’s general unflappability in late-game situations. Against the Eagles on Thursday, the Garnets were a perfect 10-10 from the foul line in the fourth quarter. According to Thompson, the
Max Samberg drives into the lane against Eastchester on Jan. 25. Samberg had nine fourth-quarter points for the Garnets.
Matt Tepedino puts up a shot on Jan. 25. Photos/Mike Smith
Garnets’ ability to maintain composure in the fourth quarter should be an advantage when the postseason rolls around. “It’s big, even when teams are pressing us and trying to force us to take bad shots and make
mistakes,” Thompson said. “Especially when it gets towards the end of the game like that, we just remain focused.” The Garnets will have a break coming up, but will back on the court on Feb. 2, when they host
league foe Byram Hills. Eastchester, which dropped to 6-10 with the loss, will prepare for a Jan. 29 tilt with that same Bobcat team. CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com