November 11, 2016 by The Eastchester Review

Eastchester REVIEW THE

November 11, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 46 | www.eastchesterreview.com

Latimer bests Killian to hold onto Senate seat Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino announced a potential 40-year, public-private partnership with the investment firm Oaktree Management to operate Westchester Airport. The deal is expected tobring in $140 million in additional revenue for the county. For story, see page 6. File photo

Scarpino prevails in Westchester district attorney race By ANDREW DAPOLITE Contributor Democrat Anthony Scarpino will be taking over the office of Westchester County district attorney after a decisive victory against Republican Bruce Bendish on Tuesday. As polling results flowed into election headquarters at The Coliseum in White Plains, Scarpino held an impressive early lead, ultimately capturing 70 percent of the nearly 345,000 votes that were cast. “I was caught a little bit off guard,” Scarpino told the Review on Wednesday morning. “I was cautiously optimistic that I was going to win because of the enrollment, but the numbers were

overwhelming.” According to Westchester County’s voter rolls, there are roughly 152,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans in the county. At the center of this year’s race for the county’s top law enforcement position was the question of qualifications. Scarpino, currently a partner at the law firm of DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise and Wiederkehr, began his 37-year career in public service as an FBI agent before serving as a judge in the city of Mount Vernon as well as a justice at the county and state Supreme Court levels. In contrast, Bendish served as an assistant district attorney in

Westchester County for 14 years before opening a private practice for criminal defense. Throughout the campaign, Scarpino was often attacked by his opponent for not having tried cases in a courtroom, which he calls a mischaracterization of his record. “It’s one thing to say, ‘You were not a prosecutor in a case,’ because I was not a DA,” Scarpino said, “but being a trial judge, you try cases.” Scarpino also countered that Bendish had not served as a real law enforcement officer. “I had a baseball coach when I was growing up, that used to say that everybody has a hole in their swing,” Scarpino said. “Everybody’s resume is short. Bruce

Bendish was never a trial judge. Jeanine Pirro was a DA, but she was a judge first. Janet DiFiore was also a judge before she became DA. Judicial experience counts.” According to Scarpino, the issues that he plans to address in his new role include Westchester’s heroin and illegal drug epidemic—a situation he described as “a scourge that is destroying our youth”—as well as Internet predators, phone scams, child and elder abuse, domestic violence, and injustices against immigrants who he believes are preyed upon by people who take advantage of their fear of deportation. Bendish, while disappointed SCARPINO continued on page 8

By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Assistant Editor In a battle of neighbors, New York state Sen. George Latimer held on to his 37th District seat after a contentious campaign against Republican Julie Killian. As polls closed at 9 p.m. on Nov. 8, some Latimer supporters started to trickle into Rosa’s La Scarbitta Ristorante on Halstead Avenue in the village of Mamaroneck, two doors down from Latimer’s campaign headquarters. According to unofficial results from the Westchester County Board of Elections as of press time, Latimer, a Rye Democrat, won with 66,751 or 55 percent of votes to Killian’s 53,975 or 45 percent with 99 percent of districts reporting. For Latimer, the win continues a streak of 17 consecutive election victories without tasting defeat. But the wins have not always been easy. “We’ve turned politics into a blood sport; we’ve turned it into a demolition derby, and that’s not what politics is,” he said. At his headquarters as the first numbers came in, Meg Cameron, chairwoman of the Rye City Democratic Committee, said that she was not surprised at the results. “George’s achievements and long record of service are much greater than Julie’s, even though they’re both well-known and respected in the community,” she said. However, much of the talk among Democrats on election night was of a Killian television ad accusing Latimer of turning a blind eye to sexual assault in Albany. Cameron added that she was

“very disappointed” at how the campaign played out. “Given this is a ‘hometown’ race, and Rye is kind of a small town, [Killian] ran such an ugly campaign,” Cameron said. Surrounded by other prominent elected officials representing Westchester, Latimer celebrated another win. “I had a good feeling, but I know that it was going to be a competitive race,” Latimer, 62, told the Review after declaring victory. “I have great respect for my opponent, and whatever we disagreed on, I never did not respect her skill set as an advocate.” In Port Chester, Killian, a Rye City councilwoman, held camp at Saltaire Oyster Bar amid a contingent of supporters that remained hopeful well into the night as the numbers started to climb in her opponent’s favor. Overall Killian said she was pleased with the way her campaign was run and learned a lot over the last eight months. Her advocates stressed the need to bring reform issues to the forefront, most notably a push for term limits on elected officials in Albany. “The fight for term limits, tax and mandate relief, fair school funding, drug abuse LATIMER continued on page 8

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November 11, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 3

Westchester considers ‘puppy mill’ law By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Some Westchester lawmakers are considering a bill that would put a tighter leash on pet stores in the county. The so-called puppy mill law, an amendment to the county’s existing animal sales law, would place restrictions on where owners of pet stores in the county are allowed to buy dogs and cats from in an effort to stem the mistreatment of animals, which are commercially bred in an environment that is unsafe or unhealthy. However, the county Legislation Committee has already seen backlash from local pet dealers, who say the current proposal is too ambiguous and unfairly restrictive.“It’s going to minimize where I can buy from,” Gary Nudelman, owner of NY Pet Breeder in White Plains, told the committee on Oct. 31. “I have a successful business model for 33 years. So you guys are now telling me who I can and cannot buy from.” The proposed law restricts pet store owners from buying dogs or cats from breeders who have received any citations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, in the previous three years or who have received a cease and desist or a civil penalty in the previous five years. However, in an email to the Legislation Committee, Courtney Hogan, government affairs specialist for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, said that the county’s proposal doesn’t take into account the basis for which the USDA issues certain

Westchester County lawmakers are considering a law which would regulate which breeders a pet vendor gets its dogs and cats from, but some merchants say the proposed law would be too restrictive. Photo courtesy ny-petrescue.org

citations. “An indirect violation, by nature of the USDA code, is really a teaching moment,” Hogan said, adding for example that USDA issues citations for food containers not being tightly sealed, or for a breeder not being present for an unscheduled inspection. Legislator Jim Maisano, a New Rochelle Republican who sponsored the bill, said the committee will make amendments to the most recent draft before discussing the legislation further. “We’re going through all the feedback,” he told the Review. “We have lots of notes.” According to the most recent draft of the legislation, the penalty for violating any of the restrictions outlined in the law would include fines of between $100 and $500. The county proposal has been preceded by newly adopted local

laws in six separate Westchester communities. The first municipal puppy mill law in the county was passed in the village of Mamaroneck in February. Since then, similar laws have been passed in Harrison, Rye Brook, Port Chester, Mount Pleasant and Yorktown. A similar law in New Rochelle is also being considered; but city officials are waiting for the results of litigation surrounding New York City’s version of its law before making a decision. The county is taking similar precautions. “The purpose of the law is to pass something that is effective,” said Legislator Virginia Perez, a Yonkers Democrat. “We’re not overreaching; we are protecting both pets and the people that deal with them. We don’t want to leave it open for cases of litigation.” However, the county’s bill, which has been in the works for more than a year, does not include the same restrictions as those of its municipalities. Each of the municipalities’ laws resembled that of Mamaroneck, which stipulates that a pet store owner could only obtain its animals from a humane society or shelter located within Westchester. Violations of those laws can incur a fine of up to $1,000. “We’ve been advised by legal counsel that those laws are questionably legal,” Maisano said. A bill signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, in 2014 delegated laws regulating the sale of pets to municipalities. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

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What’s going on... Eastchester Public Library

Portillo at 721-8109 or eportillo@wlsmail.org.

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

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

Friends of EPL Tag Sale collection begins On Saturday, Nov. 12 through Thursday, Nov. 17. Donations of toys, games, puzzles, dishes, small electrical appliances, sports equipment and jewelry will gladly be accepted. No stuffed animals, clothing or shoes, please. The tag sale will be held from Friday, Nov. 18 through Monday, Nov. 21.

Saving for College workshop On Monday, Nov. 28 from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. This workshop is for high schoolers and parents, and covers the rising cost of education and various methods to help make college more affordable. Some specifics include setting a college savings goal that is right for you; a federal financial aid overview; the FAFSA application and how certain factors (such as expected family contribution) are calculated; different types of student loans; and specific tax-advantaged ways parents can save for their children’s education. Pre-registration online is required. For more information, contact Elizabeth

On Saturday, Nov. 12 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. International concert violinist David Podles takes you on a musical tour through the gypsy campgrounds of Romania, Russia, Poland, Latvia, India, Spain and former Yugoslavia. His violin will delight as he brings to life the mystical culture of these nomads, whose music remains rich in mystery and ancient traditions. A gypsy dance performance will accompany the music.

Yoga Kids On Monday, Nov. 14 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Children will build focus, confidence and strength as they learn traditional yoga poses, age-appropriate breathing exercises and relaxation skills. For ages 4 to 7. Registration is required online; please provide child’s name and age in the comment box.

Thanksgiving Storycraft

eryday activities such as mealtime, bedtime and bath time. Signs are taught through song, activity, movement and a short book to reinforce the signs. Open to babies ages 4 months to 15 months. Registration is required online; please provide child’s name and age in the comment box.

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

Kids’ Yoga On Monday, Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. Join Miss Peggy for yoga designed just for kids. Open to ages 2 to 5. Registration is required by calling 961-2121.

Festive Bath Salts On Monday, Nov. 14 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For teens. Learn how to make bath salts that are decorative, too. Scent and color them just the way you’d like and design the packaging to look festive. Perfect for gifting at the holidays. All materials are free. Limited space; registration is required by calling 961-2121.

Babytime Storytime

On Thursday, Nov. 17 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is a themed stories and craft project for children ages 3 and up.

On Thursday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. Join Miss Ellen for stories and songs for babies. Open to newborns to age 2. Registration is required by calling 961-2121.

Baby Sign Language

Musical Adventures in the Library

On Friday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. This is an introduction to sign language for ev-

On Friday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. Join the library and welcome storyteller Audry Ginsburg and guitarist Lee Metcalf from Concordia College to storytime. Open to ages 2 to 7. Registration is required by calling 961-2121.

Tellabration On Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. Join the library as special guest storytellers share some of their favorite stories. Open to children and adult listeners. Registration is required by calling 961-2121.

Bronxville Women’s Club The Bronxville Women’s Club is located at 135 Midland Ave. in Bronxville. For more information, call 337-3252 or visit bronxvillewomensclub.org.

Tomorrow Medicine discussion On Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 1:30 p.m. Come join Dr. Timothy Morley, of Tomorrow Medicine, for a free educational discussion on healthy aging and the truth about hormones. Morley and his team are experts in finding root causes and prevention of disease before it starts. Come and learn what you can do to reach optimal health and protect you body for the future.

Book and author luncheon On Wednesday, Nov. 16 at noon. Phil Wallace is the guest author. Wallace will discuss his book, “A Call to the Sea: Captain Charles Stewart of the USS Constitution and Chasing the Cobra.” Copies of his book will be for sale. Come and enjoy lunch and a very interesting book discussion. For all inquiries or more information about lunch fees and the free book discussion, call the Bronxville Women’s Club at 337-3252 or visit bronxvillewomensclub.org. Lunch and the discussion will be held in the Tea Room at The Anna Lawrence Bisland 1928 House at 135 Midland Ave.

BWC Coffeehouse On Friday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. Live music at The Anna Lawrence Bisland 1928 House at 135 Midland Ave. November artists are graduates of Sarah Lawrence College, Starnes&Shah, a folk/rock duo. With one half of this female duo from Dallas and the other from Lebanon, the distinct sound of Zilpha Starnes (keyboard and vocals) and Dania Abu-Shaheen (guitar and vocals) can be heard in both their introspective acoustic ballads and memorable rock melodies. Their songs range from pared down ballads to rock anthems complete with choral arrangements and layered guitars. Come out and enjoy a relaxing evening of music in the Loggia as the lighting dims and it is transformed into a sophisticated coffeehouse usually on the third Friday night of the month. Only $5 admission, which includes coffee, tea and snacks. BYOB or drink the BWC’s; donations for the performers accepted. Al Hemberger, owner of the Bronxville Loft, a recording studio, is the monthly host.

Village Lutheran Church The Village Lutheran Church is located at 172 White Plains Road in Bronxville. For more information, call 337-0207 or visit vlc-ny.org.

Good News Christian Coffee House The next Good News Christian Coffee House will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Concordia College Sommer Center for Worship and the Performing Arts. This special event will feature three acts: the Concordia GospelKnights, Davie Pettigrew and Dana Isles and Facedown. The Coffee House opens at 6:30 p.m. with coffee and pastries. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for students and $3 for children ages 5 to 12.

WestCop/ECAP Food drive and Thanksgiving basket giveaway WestCop/ECAP is a nonprofit organization located at 142 Main St. in Tuckahoe. The organization assists at-risk families and veterans in Bronxville, Tuckahoe and Eastchester. The Eastchester Community Action Partnership, ECAP, has started its preparations for this year’s Thanksgiving Basket Program, an ECAP tradition for more than 27 years. Contributions may be made in the form of donations of nonperishable food items or gift cards from ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, The Fresh Market or C-Town. Donations of cash or a check payable to WestCOP-ECAP are equally appreciated. Contributions may be dropped off at 142 Main St. between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Special arrangements may be made to accommodate donation drop-offs or pickups. Contact ECAP at 337-7768 if you or your organization would consider hosting a food drive. On Tuesday, Nov. 22, there will be a Thanksgiving basket giveaway for all registered participants. For more information, contact area director Don Brown at 337-7768 or dbrown@westcop.org, or visit westcop. org/eastchester-c-a-p. 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.

November 11, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 5

Letters to the Editor

Thank you for your support To the Editor, My deep appreciation to the voters of Westchester County for their strong vote of confidence on my third term as senator. I look forward to working with the community over the next two years to fight for the issues we care about. State Sen. George Latimer, Rye

About Letters to the Editor Publication is not guaranteed. We reserve the right to edit letters for content or space, at our discretion, without notification from the company. We reserve the right to reject submissions at our discretion without notice to the author. The letter should be signed and include the writer’s address and phone number for verification purposes. We will not publish letters

that cannot be verified. The opinions of letter writers do not reflect those of this newspaper. Please submit via fax to (914) 653-5000 or email to chris@hometwn.com or via post to Home Town Media Group, C/O Letters to the Editor, 170 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601. We do not accept unsolicited Op-Ed submissions, film reviews, or food reviews.

NHL’s Rangers to host charitable race at Playland

On Saturday, Nov. 19, the New York Rangers will help support the Garden of Dreams and Northwell Health charity foundations by hosting its first RangersTown 5K Run at Rye Town Park and Playland. File photo

The New York Rangers will host its first RangersTown 5K Run at Rye Playland and Rye Town Park to support two health care-based charity organizations. On Saturday, Nov. 19, the Rangers will host the event in conjunction with its marketing partners, the Northwell Health Foundation and the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a nonprofit organization that was established in 2006 that works with the MSG Network and the Madison Square Garden Company, to raise money for charitable programs. The race was approved by the Rye Town Park Commission on Sept. 20 and the Rye City Council on Oct. 5. “This event is great for our

community,” said Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, a Democrat. “It further solidifies our town and [Westchester] county ties with the Rangers, and it’s another indication of the wonderful uses that can be accommodated by Rye Town Park.” The 5K race will begin in the parking lot at Playland and will extend along the boardwalk into Rye Town Park along the beach path to Dearborn Avenue. The route follows a 3.1-mile course with varying terrain throughout the park, and will finish in the northwestern section of the amusement park’s parking lot. According to Ryan Watson, the vice president of communications at the Madison Square

Garden Company, five former Rangers will be participating in the 5K race, including Adam Graves, Stephane Matteau, Ron Duguay, Rod Gilbert and Ron Greschner. Registration for the event is limited to 1,200 people. Online registration ends on Wednesday, Nov. 16, and costs $50; kids ages 8 to 12 can run for free. On the day of the event, registrants will receive a RangersTown 5K t-shirt and a Rangers-branded drawstring bag for participating in the race. Setup is expected to begin at 6 a.m. in the Playland parking lot, and the race will begin at 10 a.m. The race is estimated to conclude at 1 p.m., as of press time. -Reporting by Franco Fino

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Astorino looks to repurpose revenue from county airport

Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer

Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com

A potential 40-year agreement announced by Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino looks to privatize management of the county’s airport in exchange for more than $100 million in additional tax revenue. The potential deal, announced by the Astorino administration last week, would put the investment firm, Oaktree Capital Management, in charge of $30 million in improvements at the 70-year-old facility—which sees about 1.75 million passengers per year—and would look to alter a current management agreement with the company AvPorts to allow revenue from the airport to be used for general budgetary purposes for the first time in Westchester’s history.

Reporter | Corey Stockton ext. 16, corey@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising | Lynne Starr ext. 29, lynne@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer James Pero, Franco Fino Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite Columnists Mary Marvin, Richard Forliano, Lenore Skenazy

“We are creating a reliable, long-term source of funding that will assist taxpayers, help pay for parks, police, day care and all of our other services, and enhance the passenger experience at our airport,” Astorino said regarding the 700-acre facility located in White Plains. The county hopes that through applying under an FAA airport privatization program rolled out under former President Bill Clinton, revenue from the airport would be authorized for use outside of the airport’s immediate needs.Currently, any revenue generated by the facility is required to be spent by the county at the airport according to the current lease. According to administration officials, the county would see $15 million in revenue from the deal within the first year, $5 mil-

lion annually over the next four years, and $2 million annually for the remainder of the lease agreement. The agreement would also see Oaktree investing its capital in both general amenities as well as the airport’s IT; specifically a renovated passenger lounge, concessions, and a reconfigured ticketing and boarding system. While Astorino has lauded the deal as a potential wellspring of extra revenue for the county, Democratic lawmakers—who would be in charge of vetting and approving a final iteration of the plan—have criticized the administration’s attempt to tie approval for the proposal to the county’s Dec. 27 budget deadline. “To expect the board to vote on a $140 million public-private partnership for one of our county’s assets, and tying it to the

While Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino has lauded a publicprivate partnership with the investment firm Oaktree Management as a means of shoring up extra revenue at the county airport, his Democratic counterparts in the county’s legislative branch have raised flags. Photos courtesy Westchester County

budget, is just unrealistic,” said Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat. Other similar agreements, Parker said, like a $60 million public-private management contract for Playland, have required much longer vetting periods. “The due diligence required for these deals is often very complex, and as we saw with the Playland deal, it took six years for there to be a finalized plan,”

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Westchester County Airport is open 24/7 and currently served by six passenger airlines and sees about 1.75 million travelers a year, with nonstop service and connections nationwide and worldwide.

Parker said. Likewise, Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat, said that expecting a proper analysis from the county Board of Legislators before the budget adoption deadline is “completely unrealistic.” “There are still significant questions about the lease proposal itself,” said Jenkins, who plans to run for county executive in 2017. Among the reservations regarding the current proposal, Jenkins listed the lack of any request for proposals process—a public proposal process that is used to attract and compare potential managers—as well as reservations on whether or not the county will actually qualify to restructure under the FAA’s guidelines. In a release from the Astorino administration, officials made clear to point out that the airport would still be owned by the county, but managed by Oaktree under a new lease. As a part of the agreement, administration officials said, responsibility for capital projects at the airport would also be transferred to the new management company. Currently, as announced last month in a preliminary capital budget, the county is looking to spend $11 million in infrastructure and improvements at the airport. The county’s budget was released on Nov. 10, after press time.A spokesperson for the county executive could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

November 11, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 7

Students, teachers learn how to make movies Bronxville Elementary School students are learning how to tell stories through the power of video, thanks to a Bronxville School Foundation grant that also pro-

vided teachers with training on iMovie through the Jacob Burns Film Center. “The overall goal is to have students and teachers learn how

to be creators of content and to be comfortable with movie creation and all of its possibilities,” said Director of Technology Jennifer Forsberg. “Many

of our project-based learning units have a technology component that involves the creation of a movie, film or public service announcement.” Forsberg said it was important for students and teachers to learn how to use an iPad as an educational tool because they will have access to apps that can support student learning. This is the first year that kindergartners, first-graders and fifthgraders will have iPads in their classrooms. Jacob Burns Film Center’s Senior Faculty Program and Curriculum Developer Aaron Mace worked with Bronxville teachers over a two-day training session that focused on creating and editing videos with iMovie and syncing the content with their Google Drive. Teachers were able to craft two different projects, learn more about video production and

look at examples of student work from other districts. “The training was very informative and I am eager to use the knowledge learned about making iMovies alongside projectbased learning,” said first-grade teacher Kathryn Westerheim. “It will be an invaluable resource as the year progresses.” Mace, who worked with kindergartners and first-graders, helped students bring stories to life when they acted them out on camera to the sound of him playing the guitar. They learned about the beginning, middle and end elements of a story and the need for a setting, plot and characters. Through the activities, Mace modeled to teachers how they can incorporate and integrate visual media production into a classroom full of students. “It was fun to act in a movie about a bunyip,” said first-grader

Ainslea, whose class acted out an Australian folktale about a spooky creature called the bunyip that lives in the billabong. “I think we were really good on the video.” Teachers said they could implement movie creation in any content area, which will help reinforce the students’ narration, speaking and writing skills. As part of the program, Mace will return to the district for another training session with fifthgrade teachers in December and January. “The training is aligned with the dispositions of the Bronxville Promise because movie creation allows students to be innovative in how they create and present information,” Forsberg said. “It also allows them to collaborate with one another and engage a greater audience through their work.” (Submitted)

Bronxville Elementary School first-grade students acted out an Australian folktale on camera. Their teacher filmed them with an iPad as part of a training on iMovie through the Jacob Burns Film Center. Photo courtesy Bronxville school district

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8 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • November 11, 2016

Completing projects before winter comes BRONXVILLE TODAY Mayor Mary Marvin

So much is happening in the village as we try to outrun the coming winter season and cold weather conditions that impede outdoor projects. Before I summarize our initiatives, I neglected to mention one of our finest police offers, Lauralee Ulrich, who is part of the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. team that I introduced to you in in my recent column. Maybe I saved the best for last! Ulrich is a professional EMT who trains our police force in CPR and first aid. She is the mother of one college-aged daughter, and when not in the village, she loves to travel. Her favorite go-to relaxing destination is Mystic, Connecticut, but the waterfront anywhere is a dream vacation! The flood mitigation project Massive by Bronxville standards, the work is proceeding on schedule. All the wet wells have been installed and the threading of the trenchless pipe across Midland Avenue will commence the week of Nov. 14. As a result, the sidewalk in front of the library will temporarily close with pedestrian traffic diverted to the Village Hall side. Village Hall front walk The new lighting fixtures have arrived and new footings and conduits are being installed for walkway illumination. In concert, we are also installing new conduits for the lighting fixtures on Pondfield Road in front of both Village Hall and the library. (The lights have been off for an extended period due to the conduit malfunction.) Kensington Road project The developer is upgrading the public sidewalks from basic concrete to a material that will better blend with the new stone wall. Curbs will also be upgraded to granite. Enhanced landscape plans will be forwarded to our Design Review Committee

for its approval. Work has now progressed to the interior of the enclosed garage as it nears completion. Parking kiosks Two pay-by-space kiosks have been installed in the Garden Avenue parking lot and will be activated within a week. A third will be added near the staircase to further limit walking distances. The machines will accept credit cards, paper money and coins, and PANGO app users can still activate with their phones. A receipt with a space number and amount of time will be transmitted as proof of purchase. It is not a pay-and-display system, so one does not have to then return to the car to display the receipt in the windshield. Business district tree pits and planting Oak and elm trees have replaced dead or dying trees on Pondfield Road, Park Place and Palmer Avenue. Eco-friendly flexi-pave has been added to surround the pits so tree trunks and roots may flourish. Tree grates, though quite attractive, have caused trunk construction, and the bare earth pits were tamped down so much over the years, resulting in root damage and loss of many street trees. Residential neighborhood municipal tree plantings Our shipment of 50 linden and maple trees has arrived and we have begun planting on the village rights of way in all of our neighborhoods. We still have trees available, so please email Village Administrator Jim Palmer at jpalmer@vobny.com if you have a suitable location for a tree near your home. Wrought iron historic street signs The installation is underway and new signs have been erected on Masterton, Millburn, Sunnybrae and Homesdale roads, thanks to a generous partnership with the Bronxville Historical Conservancy. We anticipate replacing one-third of the needed signs during this first phase.

LATIMER from page 1

Camera installations Our Department of Public Works will begin installing Phase Two of our surveillance cameras at entry points and high traffic areas throughout the village. By week’s end, 18 cameras will be installed toward our project goal of 30. As a reminder, the cameras are not being used to record stoplight/speeding or any moving vehicle violations, rather they are for business and home security. Metro-North underpass lighting upgrade We are still engaged in what is a protracted battle with Metro-North as to needed upgrades and cleaning near the rail station. The village has installed new underpass lighting at our expense State Sen. George Latimer celebrates with supporters in Mamaroneck after hearing that he had clinched his so commuters can navigate safe- race against Julie Killian. Photo/Andrew Dapolite ly, especially given the fall time education, special needs respon- Democrats, Independents and Re- supporters amid applause and change. siveness and economic growth publicans, performing 12 percent chants of his name. Holiday decorations will continue,” she said. “I hope better than the top of the ticket.” “When you win [a political In an effort to save money that Albany will take up the Following the defeat, specula- campaign], the work begins. long-term as well as illumi- mantle on these challenges.” tion is sure to ensue whether And we have plenty of work in nate the business district while Although Republican Donald Killian, 56, will consider running the state of New York,” he said. stores and restaurants remain Trump followed through with a for the seat again in two years. The soon-to-be three-term open in the evening, the village historic upset, his successful Latimer stressed that the Sen- senator talked about the need for is switching to lighted garlands candidacy did little to help West- ate seat is not a “blank check” reform, getting education policy in the Pondfield Road area while chester Republicans further given to him. “It’s a promissory focused locally, stronger enviretaining traditional wreaths in down the ballot. note that I have given to the vot- ronmental protections and dealthe historically better lit west “While President-elect Trump ers,” he said. “I now have to pro- ing with the high property tax side shopping district. It’s a de- ran strong across the country, in- duce along the lines that I said in burden as just some of what parture, so let us know what you cluding in parts of upstate New discussions and debates. The needs to be done. think. Also, we just added a new York, Secretary Clinton had a burden is on me to prove that “The only way you can judge community bulletin board on strong showing in Democratic I’ve meant everything I’ve said, us is how well we fight for those the west side at the intersection Westchester County, winning al- and I intend to execute.” issues,” he said. of Palmer and Parkway roads to most 65 percent of the vote,” Standing on a wooden chair in -With reporting by Christian Falcone keep our village connected as to Killian said. “I’m proud to have the small but intimate gathering events and promotions. earned the support of many at Rosa’s, Latimer thanked his CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com Bronxville Elementary School Recognition Breakfast that he will have success as the Our young students, their par- SCARPINO from page 1 next Westchester County district ents and school faculty held the attorney.” with the results, cited the voter nicest event of the year last Friregistration disadvantage couday. Our police officers, firemen, Village Hall and library staffers pled with a high voter turnout in attended a thank you breakfast a presidential year as contributto recognize their service to the ing to his campaign’s demise. “I think if you look at the talvillage and to the children. The interaction was priceless (one lies of the polls in a non-pressecond-grader pulled me aside idential year, things are quite to contest her mother’s recent different,” Bendish said. “But I parking ticket!); pictures were congratulate Anthony Scarpino Anthony Scarpino taken and friendships made. To on his victory and it is my hope a person, we are grateful for the kindness and recognition by our youngest citizens.

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November 11, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 9

10 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • November 11, 2016

Bronxville, Eastchester & Tuckahoe Home Sales Listings provided by the office of Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni Photos courtesy Zillow.com, Trulia.com, Hotpads.com, Spotproperty.com & Maps.google.com

1 Hemlock Road, Eastchester $1,965,000 Sale Date: 8/4/16

6 Sprague Road, Scarsdale $869,500 Sale Date: 8/2/16

6 Beverly Road, Bronxville $1,088,000 Sale Date: 7/29/16

8 Orchard Place, Eastchester $3,400,000 Sale Date: 8/12/16

8 Pine Terrace, Bronxville $2,995,000 Sale Date: 8/12/16

9 Rutgers Place, Scarsdale $750,000 Sale Date: 8/8/16

11 Darcy Lane, Eastchester $815,000 Sale Date: 8/18/16

25 Oakledge Road, Bronxville $1,960,000 Sale Date: 8/16/16

29 Northway, Bronxville $1,880,000 Sale Date: 8/9/16

34 Winterhill Road, Tuckahoe $760,000 Sale Date: 8/16/16

44 Woodland Avenue, Bronxville $1,850,000 Sale Date: 8/18/16

51 Stratford Road, Scarsdale $737,000 Sale Date: 8/10/16

82 Parkway Circle, Scarsdale $818,000 Sale Date: 8/2/16

103 Webster Road, Scarsdale $815,000 Sale Date: 8/15/16

140 Gaylor Road, Scarsdale $755,000 Sale Date: 8/1/16

203 Beech Street, Eastchester $785,000 Sale Date: 8/1/16

November 11, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 11

Business Briefs NewYork-Presbyterian launches digital health platform NewYork-Presbyterian has announced the rollout of NYP OnDemand, a new suite of digital health services designed to improve and expand patient care, while also extending access to the clinical expertise of NewYork-Presbyterian’s physicians to their peers throughout the hospital’s vast health care network. NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the largest, most comprehensive medical institutions in the nation and the only one on this scale to implement an enterprisewide, comprehensive digital health portfolio. The project was catalyzed by the visionary support of Rita and Gustave Hauser, NewYork-Presbyterian’s longtime philanthropic partners. This most recent gift builds on the couple’s previous investments in telehealth infrastructure, further elevating the hospital’s ability to connect patients and clinical staff in new and innovative ways. “At NewYork-Presbyterian, we are looking to redefine the intersection of technology and healthcare and our new digital health platform is our way of strengthening traditional telehealth services,” said Dr. Steven J. Corwin, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian. “I would like to extend our deepest thanks to Rita and Gustave Hauser, for providing support for this platform. Together with ColumbiaDoctors and Weill Cornell Medicine, we are using data and technology to provide the very best care and treatment outcomes for our patients—wherever they may be— as well as seamless peer-to-peer access for our physicians across the entire organization.” NYP OnDemand is comprised of telehealth services for both patients and providers, available on the NewYork-Presbyterian website and mobile app, and will ultimately include these key areas of service: • Digital Second Opinion: NewYork-Presbyterian specialists from both ColumbiaDoctors and Weill Cornell Medicine can now offer their world-class clinical expertise for second opinions to patients around the country—and eventually, the globe— through an easy-to-access online portal. Patients are walked through the entire process without having to wait for an in-person appointment. • Inter-hospital Digital Consults: Connecting patients at NewYork-Presbyterian’s regional network hospitals to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital specialists, inter-hospital digital consults provide greater access to advanced, specialty care for patients across the New York City metro region and facilitate real-time communication between providers. • Digital Emergency and Urgent Care: As part of a new pilot program, visitors to the Lisa Perry Emergency Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/ Weill Cornell now have the option of a virtual visit through real-time video interactions with a clinician after having an initial triage and medical screening exam. This will be done in a private room with a webcam/monitor, significantly reducing time spent in the emergency department. For any non-emergency conditions that require expedited treatment, patients will eventually also be able to access a separate virtual urgent care service from NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell doctors from the comfort of their home via the NYP OnDemand smartphone application.

• Digital Follow-Up Appointments: Launching in fall 2016, digital follow-ups will provide patients a virtual follow-up option, instead of asking patients to come back to the office in person. The service offers a more convenient way to access care without another trip to the doctor. “When patients visit ColumbiaDoctors at NewYork-Presbyterian, they know they will see outstanding physicians who will combine the latest technologies with highly personalized care and caring. This new suite of digital health services will help to maintain and enhance that experience,” said Dr. Lee Goldman, dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine and chief executive of Columbia University Medical Center. “NYP OnDemand extends the reach of our worldclass doctors beyond their offices, ensuring that patients receive quality healthcare when and where it’s most convenient for them,” said Dr. Augustine M.K. Choi, interim dean of Weill Cornell Medicine. “We are proud to join NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia Doctors in offering these vital telehealth services to our patients.” Among the first services available for patients is NYP OnDemand Second Opinion. Launched earlier this summer in collaboration with ColumbiaDoctors and Weill Cornell Medicine, the service connects patients from anywhere in the country seeking a second opinion on their diagnosis from clinical experts at NewYork-Presbyterian. After a patient initiates the process online, they are assigned a care coordinator matched with the best physician for their condition, resulting in a written second opinion to the patient—all without having to leave the comfort of home. Equipped with the second opinion, the patient can then make a more informed decision about their treatment plan and, if they choose, opt to receive care at NewYork-Presbyterian. To date, NYP OnDemand second opinions are offered by more than 300 physicians in 80 medical specialties. In addition to the patient access services, NYP OnDemand also facilitates real-time peer-to-peer physician consults within the nine hospitals that are part of the NewYork-Presbyterian system. The NewYork-Presbyterian Telestroke Initiative, which has been deployed at NewYork-Presbyterian/The Allen Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian/Lower Manhattan Hospital, uses video conferencing and data sharing to allow 24/7 coverage for acute stroke care with rapid evaluation by a neurologist with stroke expertise. To date, the telestroke service has resulted in improved doorto-treatment times, which has been shown to improve overall patient outcomes. In the coming months, additional digital consult services such as behavioral health, emergency medicine and pediatrics will also be established. The NYP OnDemand suite of services was developed by NewYork-Presbyterian’s Innovation Center, launched in 2014 to deliver both clinician- and consumer-facing solutions to enhance care delivery. For more information on NYP OnDemand, visit nyp.org/ondemand.

Rosario joins BHHS Westchester’s Scarsdale office Angel Rosario has joined the Scarsdale office of

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Westchester Properties. The announcement was made by Mark Nadler, director of Westchester Sales. In a statement Nadler said, “Angel is a true professional and we are thrilled to have him join our exclusive team. He will be a remarkable addition to our staff.” After being in the banking industry for 35 years, Rosario decided it was time to embark on a new and exciting career. “During my tenure as a business relationship manager, I advised and negotiated with commercial clients on lending, product pricing and account management. As a sales and branch manager, I headed a team that was responsible for sales production and daily operations, which honed my sales and leadership skills,” Rosario said. “I believe that all of these experiences have led me to this new venture.” A resident of Westchester Country for 33 years, Rosario knows the area very well. He and his wife raised two sons who both attended Iona Prep and Iona College. Contact Rosario today for all of your buying and selling needs in Westchester County. Call 917-5973913 or email AngelRosario@bhhswestchester.com.

Damashek of Weichert, Realtors Larchmont recognized for regional awards Nicholas Germak, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, announced that Ann Marie Damashek of the Larchmont office was recognized for outstanding performance in August. Damashek led the sales region, which is com-

prised of offices throughout Orange, Dutchess, Westchester and Rockland counties in New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut, for resales and resale dollar volume. Invite this talented neighborhood specialist in to learn about the real estate services that Weichert, Realtors has to offer. Damashek can be reached in Weichert’s Larchmont office at 2090 Boston Post Road, or call 833-0800 for more information. Since 1969, Weichert, Realtors has grown from a single office into one of the nation’s leading providers of homeownership services by putting its customers first. A family of full-service real estate and financial services companies, Weichert helps customers buy and sell both residential and commercial real estate, and streamlines the delivery of mortgages and home and title insurance. Weichert leverages its customer website, weichert.com, one of the most visited real estate websites in the nation, to help families and individuals For more information, Weichert’s customer service center can be reached at 1-800-USA-SOLD. The next Business Briefs section will run in December. Please send any submission for our December 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 • November 11, 2016

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November 11, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 13

When squirrels attack RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

Recently, a squirrel chomped the leg of a senior citizen sitting on the porch of a retirement home in Deltona, Florida. A TV station there, WESH, reports that the victim ran inside, furry felon still attached, whereupon it bit two or three more seniors. This is terrible. (Especially for a squirrel fanatic like me. I’m the gal tossing almonds to my friends as I walk to the subway. One bad squirrel does not a bad species make!) But I bring it up because at the end of this “news” story, the reporter said in all seriousness, “Tonight I spoke with the parent company which runs the senior living center here in Deltona. They described in detail what happened, but did not say what, if anything, they’re doing to prevent another attack.” That’s right. The company did not abjectly, automatically and immediately announce any dramatic new measures it will take to make sure this once-in-alifetime incident does not happen once-in-a-lifetime again. What does the reporter think should happen? Perhaps the parent company could chop down all the trees on its property, or cover the porch in wire mesh? Maybe it could hire some squirrel assassins? Give HAZMAT suits to the golden agers who insist on venturing outside despite the terrible danger? This “Something must be done!” mentality is so pervasive, we think it’s normal, even prudent. But it’s not. It’s nutty. It’s making us dumb, wasteful, mean, ungrateful and scared.

We saw this M.O. in action a few years back when Applebee’s accidentally served a toddler an alcoholic drink. Because this happened to come on the heels of a similar incident or two—out of the millions and millions of meals Applebee’s serves at more than 2,000 locations across America—and because it got insanely intense media attention, the company vowed to give only single-serve juice packs to kids from now on. As if they’d been deliberately serving kids mojitos just for fun, for years. With Halloween season just over, the squirrel story also calls to mind the fact that there were indeed a few reports of nails and pins in trick or treat candy. These stories were forwarded to me, as proof of the dangers of Halloween. Which is, admittedly, a hard thing to parse. On the one hand, billions of pieces of candy didn’t have nails. But a couple did. So I guess it does make sense to feel your candy, and if there’s something hard or sharp in it, resist the urge to chomp. But as a country, we have become so infected with the belief idea that if something bad happens anywhere, ever, even once, that is proof positive that whatever is normally quite safe (ordering apple juice, trick or treating, sitting on the porch) is not safe enough. If you need proof of this conviction, try getting through airport security with an unopened can of Coke. You might as well be toting a crossbow. No TSA apparatchik is allowed to play the odds—even odds of a trillion to one—and let you go through. In a litigious society like ours, we also face an extra, boomer-

ang worry: After first worrying that an extremely unlikely event is extremely likely to happen again (in the exact same way), we now also worry that if it does, we will have to prove we were proactively preparing. Otherwise, how will we look in court? The way we do this is by wasting a lot of time, or money, or by making new rules. The media’s role in this riot of irrationality is obvious. Like the reporter at WESH, our scribes and scolds act as if any person, place or company that doesn’t immediately change their ways in the face of some unpredictable happenstance just doesn’t care enough. Tsk tsk. It’s why your ketchup comes with a safety seal around the bottle, which has another safety seal under the cap. It’s why kids go to Halloween parties instead of trick or treating. It’s why we have to jettison our Coke and take our shoes off before getting to the gate. Normal life is peppered with kabukiesque precautions. But there’s a downside to insisting that the very, very safe— the statistically safe—is not safe enough and must be stopped. Kids (and now maybe seniors) cower inside. Companies waste money on unnecessary safeguards. Airport trashcans overflow with drinks. Precautionary measures get added on, but never taken off. This means that if, some day, a single would-be terrorist hides a feisty, rabid squirrel under her wig (not that most squirrels are rabid!), you can bet that the TSA will start instituting mandatory hair-tugs as we take off our shoes. Not that I want to give them any ideas. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Astorino launches ‘Safe Sleep’ campaign Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino recently introduced a public awareness campaign aimed at preventing infant deaths attributed to unsafe sleep environments by promoting the “ABCs of Safe Sleep” throughout Westchester. The ABCs of Safe Sleep, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and others, are a reminder that the safest way for babies to sleep is Alone, on their Backs, and in a Crib. “Any preventable infant death is one too many,” Astorino said. “That’s why it’s critical to remember your baby should sleep alone, on his or her back, and in a crib—every time. Every parent, family member and caregiver needs to know the safe way to put babies to sleep. We’re talking about saving lives.” Joining Astorino were representatives from the county’s departments of Social Services and Health, the district attorney’s office, the medical community, parents and nonprofit partners. The bilingual campaign will include a video, county bus shelter and interior bus ads, posters and flyers that illustrate the ABCs of Safe Sleep in both English and Spanish. Westchester County will promote the campaign through its various programs and offices, in addition to its email newsletter, website and social media platforms. The video will also be available to show in county offices and health clinics. In addition, nonprofit partners will help distribute the information to more than 750 child care providers and more than 3,000 parents through the Child Care Council of Westchester, as well as through the Westchester County Diaper Bank in partnership with the Junior League of Central Westchester. All materials are also available to medical practices and community groups to share more broadly. “The district attorney’s office is always horrified when faced with the death of an infant, but even more so when it is discovered that such a tragedy could have been avoided with proper education and awareness,” said acting District Attorney James A. McCarty. “This information addressing a safe sleeping environment will go a long way toward reducing the number of sleep-related infant deaths that our office encounters.” “Through my work as a member of the county’s Child Fatality

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, far right, introduces a live demonstration of the “ABCs of Safe Sleep” as given by Dr. Jennifer Canter, second from left, director of Child Abuse Pediatrics Program at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. They are joined by new parents Oscar and Bruny Bravo with their son, Daniel, 8 months old. Photo courtesy Westchester County

Review Team, I have evaluated far too many infant deaths, and the most common thread among them was an unsafe sleep environment that included pillows or stuffed animals, soft bedding or bed-sharing,” said Dr. Jennifer Canter, director of the Child Abuse Pediatrics Program at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, who is featured in the video. “I hope this campaign reminds parents to always practice Safe Sleep and to make sure everyone who cares for their baby does so, too.” About 90 infants die each year in New York state from sleeprelated causes, according to the state Department of Health. Locally, the Westchester County Child Fatality Review Team reviewed nearly 80 child fatalities over the past 10 years. Since 2008, 38 percent of the cases had identified an unsafe sleeping environment. This figure climbs to 60 percent for child fatalities under the age of 1. While that doesn’t mean unsafe sleep was necessarily determined to be the cause, it nevertheless was present and of concern to investigators—highlighting the need for a public education campaign. “Losing a child is absolutely devastating,” said DSS Commissioner Kevin McGuire. “But the worst thing is when the death could have been prevented. It’s critically important that all parents know the ABCs of Safe Sleep, and that they share these practices with anyone caring for their child.” In July, New York state passed a law requiring that maternity patients receive safe sleep information that includes recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, by either providing a leaflet or showing a video, both of which are available through the state Department of Health.

Westchester’s campaign aims to reinforce the importance of the ABCs of Safe Sleep after parents leave the hospital, so that the message is always top of mind and gets shared with any other family members or caregivers who also may care for the child. “New parents will learn the ABCs of Safe Sleep at local hospitals, but this message is so important that we want to share these safe sleep practices with all potential caregivers,” said Dr. Sherlita Almer, county health commissioner. The ABCs of Safe Sleep Talk to all caregivers about the ABCs of Safe Sleep to keep your baby safe and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Use #SafeSleep to share on social media. Alone: • Babies should always sleep alone in a crib • Never with adults, no siblings or pets in the crib • No blankets, pillows, bumpers or toys • Dress baby in one more layer of clothing than you Back: • Always place baby on his or her back • No sleeping on tummy or sides • Tummy time is for supervised play time • No pillows or wedges in crib Crib: • Baby should sleep in a safe and separate crib or bassinet • Use tightly fitted sheets with no blankets • Never allow baby to sleep on a couch • No futons, chairs or waterbeds For more information, please visit westchestergov.com, or contact DSS Deputy Commissioner John Befus at jab6@westchestergov.com to learn more about becoming a partner. (Submitted)

14 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • November 11, 2016

A rigged system Ortiz, in his final season at age 40, was a revelation. He hit LIVE MIKE .315 with 38 homers and led the Mike Smith league in both RBIs (127) and doubles (48). But somehow, I woke up on Tuesday, Nov. baseball writers just didn’t feel 8 to the sinking feeling that, de- he did enough to warrant considspite our best intentions, we are eration for the MVP. operating under an inherently Sure, Ortiz’s teammate Mookflawed system. ie Betts—an ascendant center We live in a world where poli- fielder who is a difference-maktics often supersedes worthiness, er both offensively and defenwhere old biases manifest them- sively—will probably win the selves in the actions of decision- award, and as a Red Sox fan, I makers, and some people simply can’t complain. But the other can’t get a fair shake. two finalists, Mike Trout and I mean, seriously; how is Da- Jose Altuve, put up great numvid Ortiz not even a finalist for bers for teams that didn’t even American League MVP? reach the postseason. On Monday, the Baseball The only explanation is that Writers Association of America, designated hitters just don’t get BWAA, announced its finalists the love they deserve. for all of the major 2016 awards, While the designated hitter including MVP, Cy Young, and position has only been around Rookie and Manager of the Year. since 1973, only one player who And once again, the writers’ considered DH to be his primary anti-designated hitter sentiment position—Frank Thomas—has reared its head as Big Papi failed ever been selected to the Baseto make it into the final three of ball Hall of Fame. No DH has the MVP race. ever won the MVP (Thomas

SPORTS

won two as a first baseman early in his career), and if this year is any indication, it doesn’t look like that is going to change any time soon. Baseball writers—the majority of which are “traditionalists”—routinely devalue the designated hitter position. If Ortiz played 130 games at first base and made 45 errors, I have no doubt that he’d be in the mix. But because he plays DH, which the writers consider a “lesser” position, his achievements simply don’t mean as much. And it’s not just the DH. Zach Britton, the Orioles’ superb closer who gave up just four earned runs this year, was thought by many to be a possibility for the Cy Young. But did he make the final cut? Nope! Instead, three starting pitchers, not one of whom had as much of an impact on their teams as Britton had this year, beat him out. Ultimately, it’s not a huge deal. True fans appreciate the

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 Nov. 7, the Baseball Writers Association of America announced its 2016 awards finalists. Once again, designated hitters like David Ortiz, pictured, and closers got hosed. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org

contributions of both Ortiz and Britton, and Big Papi’s final season will go down in history as one of the best ever for a player on his way to retirement.

But somehow, we have to wake up these baseball writers and let them know that a great DH can and should be a viable candidate for the MVP.

Let’s make baseball awards great again.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

SPORTS

November 11, 2016 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 15

Broncos beat Rondout FIELD HOCKEY

class c

STATE REGIONAL FINALS

BRONXVILLE 2 ROUNDOUT VALLEY 0 VALHALLA HS

11/5/16

Game Notes: • Kat Ungvary and Ellie Walsh scored Bronxville’s goals • The Broncos tallied 19 shots • Bronxville will play Cazenovia on Nov. 12 On Nov. 5, Bronxville’s field hockey team rode a strong first half against Section IV titlist Rondout Valley to a 2-0 win in the state regional finals at Valhalla High School. With the victory over the Ganders, the three-time champion Broncos find themselves back in the state final four for the first time since 2014. Bronxville outshot their opponents 19-1 en route to a onesided romp, as they dominated

Ellie Walsh challenges for a ball on Nov. 5 at Valhalla High School. Walsh had a goal in Bronxville’s 2-0 win over Rondout Valley.

time of possession and put constant pressure on Ganders’ goalie Courtney Smith. Kat Ungvary started the scoring just over 10 minutes into the contest with a goal off a corner chance, and Ellie Walsh provided an insurance goal 17 minutes later. In 2015, the Broncos lost a one-sided contest to Whitney Point in the state regionals, but this year, they will join Class B Lakeland and Class A Scars-

dale as Section I’s representatives in the state final four at Maine-Endwell High School in Endwell, New York. Bronxville’s next game will be against Section III Cazenovia on Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. Cazenovia advanced with a 2-1 win over East Rochester. If Bronxville can top Cazenovia, they will take on the winner of Whitney Point and Carle Place for the state title. -Reporting by Mike Smith

Mia Bettino, left, and Ellie Walsh are presented with the region final plaque.

Ava Austi sprints past a Ganders defender on Nov. 5.

Bronxville celebrates with the region final plaque at Valhalla High School. The Broncos beat Rondout Valley to advance to the state final four.

Fiona Jones hits the ball upfield against the Ganders. Photos/Bobby Begun

16 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • November 11, 2016

SPORTS

Tigers fall to Haldane FOOTBALL

class d

FINALS

HALDANE 26 TUCKAHOE 6 MAHOPAC HS

11/4/16

Game Notes: • Haldane quarterback Brandon Twoguns rushed for three touchdowns • The Tigers faced a halftime deficit of 12-0 • Tuckahoe graduates just seven players from the 2016 team

By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Over the last several years, Tuckahoe has ruled Section I, winning four straight titles over Haldane. On Nov. 4, however, Haldane turned the tables, beating the Tigers 26-6 to bring home the school’s first Class D title since 2011. Blue Devils’ quarterback Brandon Twoguns led the Haldane resurgence, rushing for 126 yards and three scores in the win, as his team avenged an opening week loss to the Tigers. According to Tuckahoe coach Tom Itri, team health played a

Matt Annunziata drops back to throw against Haldane on Nov. 4. The Tigers fell 26-6 to the Blue Devils in the Class D title game.

big role in Friday’s loss, as the Tigers—who played against larger, private schools during the regular season—came into the championship game without several key players, including playmaker Jordan Lewis. “I think the biggest difference was that they were healthy; they had 18 to 19 players the first time we saw them, and the same number last game,” Itri said. “We had close to 10 guys not dressed, and I think the schedule had some-

thing to do with that.” The Blue Devils got on the board early and set the tone for the game, heading into halftime with a 12-0 lead. “I think getting down, we started pressing a little bit,” Itri said. “We started trying to force the ball to [wide receiver] Alex Williams, and that caused some Alex Marcovici lays a hit on a Haldane ball carrier. turnovers.” Also problematic, the head When the two teams met on coach added, was Tuckahoe’s Sept. 10, Tuckahoe won 36-16 overconfidence. and, as a result, may have taken their opponents lightly, having also won the last four section title matchups. “The message to them was that they took this game for granted and they thought this game was a given,” Itri said. “Some of the guys even admitted that after the game.” Overlooking the Blue Devils is something that Itri believes will not happen again, however. Both Haldane and Tuckahoe will return the majority of their rosters in 2017, as they will graduate a combined nine players; and the Tigers will benefit from another year of production from quarterback Matt Annunziata and wideout Alex WilHaldane quarterback Brandon Twoguns looks for an open receiver. liams, who were among Section I’s most prolific tandems in Tuckahoe’s returners—are eager ing to throw; I think that next year, we have the chance to have 2016. Annunziata hit Williams to learn from the loss. “These guys want to practice the best group Tuckahoe has ever for a 10-yard touchdown pass in the second half of Saturday’s right now,” Itri said. “On Mon- had.” game, and Itri believes that both day, when we handed in our Alex Williams is hit by two Haldane defenders at Mahopac High School. Williams scored the Tigers’ only players —as well as the rest of pads, Matt asked if we were go- CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com touchdown. Photos/Mike Smith