April 28, 2017 by The Eastchester Review

Eastchester REVIEW THE

April 28, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 17 | www.eastchesterreview.com

Town school district budget hinges on state aid increase By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino pledges to hold the line on property taxes as long as he is in office, during his annual State of the County address in White Plains. For story, see page 10. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

Rye City files beginning stages of Playland appeal By JAMES PERO Staff Writer In an executive session late last week, the Rye City Council voted to file a notice of appeal that could mark the beginnings of another legal battle between Westchester County and the city of Rye over Playland. The notice of appeal, which was filed on April 21, comes as a result of a denial by a state judge in March who threw out an initial Article 78 filed by the city last year that sought lead agency status on planned capital projects at the park, which sits adjacent to some of Rye’s residential neighborhoods. The notice serves as the first step toward filing an official appeal, and from that point the coun-

cil will have approximately five months to finalize its decision to enter back into litigation with the county. Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson said that while the city has been in consistent contact with the park’s new manager, Standard Amusements, including a recent executive session meeting between the two parties in the hopes of coming to some type of agreement, there has been little contact with representatives from the county. This week, Dan Branda, a spokesman for County Executive Rob Astorino’s administration, reiterated the county executive’s hard stance against Rye’s litigation over Playland. “There’s no merit to the lawsuit, either then or now,” he told the Review. “The court’s decision was a

decisive victory for the county and it’s not going to change. Westchester is continuing to move forward on Playland.” City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican, said that the city looks to change the dynamic between parties, giving the city a more active say in the park’s future. “We would like to be more involved going forward and have advanced notice of what’s going on at the park,” said Killian, who was the only councilmember not to back the notice of appeal after abstaining from the vote. “I feel confident that we’ll figure something out.” According to Killian, Rye is seeking to give itself more authority over an upcoming round of PLAYLAND continued on page 8

Three days before a state deadline, the Eastchester school district presented and adopted an $83.5 million budget for the 2017-2018 school year only after securing close to a million dollar increase in New York state aid. The spending plan proposes a $1.5 million increase in expenses over the current school year’s budget, most of which would be funded by a 1.62 percent increase in property tax collections. At that percentage, the district’s tax levy increase would be on par with the state-mandated cap on increases to the tax levy, known as the tax cap. But MaryEllen Byrne, communications coordinator for the school district, said finalization of the budget hinged on more than $880,000 in state funding secured by lawmakers during the state budget process. The Board of Education was not sure how much more it would be able to spend until less than two weeks before the state’s deadline for districts to adopt a school budget. According to Byrne, most school districts base their state aid estimates on the amount of funding they have previously received. But the Eastchester school district was unhappy with the portion of the state’s $16.5 billion Foundation Aid funding it had been granted in recent years. Therefore, Byrne said the school board chose to delay releasing its tentative budget proposal until it could reliably predict how much state aid it would receive. But that couldn’t happen until after New York state lawmakers agreed on the terms of a state budget for fiscal year 2017-2018, an agreement which was not met until a week after the April 1 deadline. “We were really hoping and holding out for an increase in the category of Foundation Aid,” Byrne said. “And we did get it.”

According to state Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, a Scarsdale Democrat, a years-old change in the way Foundation Aid is calculated cut Eastchester’s portion of that money by more than half. “Whatever the formula did, it hurt Eastchester in a way that it didn’t hurt other districts,” she said. Paulin said Eastchester was one of 10 school districts across the state which was being drastically underfunded in terms of Foundation Aid. During state budget deliberations, each of those districts’ funding issues was addressed. But proportionally, Eastchester schools received the largest increase in Foundation funding—$881,825. In all, the state increased its funding to Foundation Aid by $700 million from the current year’s budget to the upcoming state fiscal year, which begins on July 1. The fund now sits at $17.2 billion. The Eastchester school district will get $3.7 million of that money in total. The additional funding won’t drastically alter the district’s spending plans, even though the proposed budget anticipates additional spending. “It’s not a very exciting budget,” Byrne said. “We’re not gaining a whole lot. We’re also not losing a whole lot, either.” Most of the spending increase will pay for instruction expenses, a budget line which already consumes more than half of the school district’s annual revenue. With that money, the district will rearrange its teachers, adding two-and-a-half positions at both the middle school and high school levels and reducing about four positions at the Waverly Early Childhood Center. Meanwhile, $2.5 million would finance capital infrastructure projects at the high school and at Waverly. The budget will go to public referendum on May 16, and, if approved, would go into effect on July 1. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

INSIDE Latimer, Jenkins debate county issues Story on page 11.

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May 2017

Planning ahead... SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

May Day

WEDNESDAY

World Press Freedom Day

Grs. 3–8 math exams end

Cinco de Mayo

National Cancer Research Month

Grs. 3–8 math exams start Eastchester school budget presentation 7 p.m.

Bronxville school budget meeting 7 p.m.

EMS Gr. 8 photos

AP exams begin

Lake Isle Advisory Board 7 p.m., Lake Isle Tuckahoe residents meeting 7 p.m., Triangle Place

Eastchester architectural board 7 p.m., Town Hall

EMS PTA meeting 7:45 p.m.

National Teacher Appreciation Day

Bronxville village board 8 p.m.

Bronxville PTA 7 p.m.

Tuckahoe village board 8 p.m.

Eagles Sports Club meeting 7 p.m. Eastchester zoning board 7 p.m., Town Hall

Mother’s Day

FRIDAY

National Teacher Day

Eastchester town board 8 p.m., Town Hall

WEC/TMS Grs. K–8 PTA Dance Recital 1:30 p.m. & 3 p.m.

THURSDAY

THS Spring Concert 7 p.m.

All schools’ budget vote EMS Jazz Co. 7 p.m. Tuckahoe Planning Board 7:30 p.m.

Eastchester PTA Council 7:15 p.m.

World Lupus Day

AH Spring Concert 6:30 p.m. Tuckahoe zoning board 7:30 p.m.

GV Spring Concert 6:45 p.m.

WEC Band & Strings Concert 7 p.m.

Bronxville Planning Board 7:30 p.m.

BMS Band Concert 7 p.m. Eastchester school board 8 p.m.

SATURDAY

BMS Grs. 6 & 7 sports info night 7 p.m.

BMS Musical 7 p.m.

AP exams end

BMS Band &Chorus Concert 7 p.m.

GV International Day Waverly incoming K orientation 1:30 p.m.

THS Grs. 9–12 PTA Dance Recital 7:30 p.m.

EMS Spring Chorus Concert 7 p.m.

THS NHS Blood Drive Noon

WEC DARE graduation 9 a.m.

EMS Spring Band/ Orchestra Concert 7 p.m.

BES Gr. 4 Concert 7 p.m.

Bronxville zoning board 7:30 p.m.

Memorial Day, all schools and government offices closed

Grs. 4 & 8 science test

Shavuot begins

WEC NYS science test

Eastchester Planning Board 7 p.m., Town Hall

Armed Forces Day

EHS Human Rights Carnival Noon

WEC Grs. 4 & 5 Chorus Concert 7 p.m.

Grs. 4 & 8 science test

Marbledale Road meeting 7:30 p.m., Tuckahoe Community Center

Westchester Earth Day observance 9 a.m., Kensico Dam Plaza

EHS Players Club Cabaret 7 p.m.

BMS Orchestra Concert

Eastchester traffic committee 7 p.m., Community Room

Kentucky Derby

Waverly incoming K orientation 1:30 p.m.

THS Junior Class Carnival Cottle Field

Eastchester town board 8 p.m., Town Hall

SAT exams

BMS Field Day

Ramadan begins

April 28, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 3

Local publisher launches green-lace initiative With the new EPA director a man who has been critical of the agency in some of his past remarks, and more and more scientists growing increasingly concerned about Earth’s future, one Westchester County resident decided to show her solidary for the cause. More than 600 cities worldwide took to the streets on Earth Day, April 22, in the March for Science. Particularly in the U.S., thousands of scientists and supporters of science—many of them wearing neon green shoelaces created by Mary Ann Liebert—marched on Washington to call attention to President Donald Trump and their frustrations with the misrepresentation and exclusion of scientific knowledge in recent government policy decisions. “I wanted to do something that would last,” said Liebert, who is president and CEO of the eponymous, 37-year-old New Rochelle-based company. “I like the idea of seeing all those marching feet. I wanted the [shoelaces] to stand out.” Mary Ann Leibert Inc. publishes 80 peer-reviewed STEM journals, books and newsmagazines. The journals range in topics such as biomedical research, public health and biotechnology. The idea of the shoelaces

happened to come to Liebert one day recently, and it just felt right. “I’m very visual,” she said. “Once I had the picture of them in my mind, I decided on a name: Go Green for Science.” Liebert added that she hopes the shoelaces will keep the discussion and commitment to science moving forward. “Scientists are my heroes. I want to do everything that I can to support them,” she said, adding that she is very committed to encouraging young people to consider careers in science. Since January, more than 5,000

pairs have been donated to scientists who participated in the march, and those who support science. “What I’m saying is, let’s lace up for science,” she said. “I don’t think people think very much about federal funding for science and how important it is,” Liebert said. “By wearing the shoelaces, people are going to ask, ‘Why are you wearing those?’” She is willing to give out the shoelaces to anyone who is interested. Send an email to gogreen@ liebertpub.com for more information. -Reporting by Sibylla Chipaziwa

Students from the University of Vermont show off their GoGreen Shoelaces for Science, launched by New Rochelle-based Mary Ann Liebert Inc. The shoelaces were worn by thousands who participated in the March for Science on Earth Day, April 22 in Washington, D.C. Photos courtesy Kathryn Ryan

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What’s going on... Eastchester Public Library

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

Chat & Color Book Club On Monday, May 8 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join the Chat & Color Book Club to discuss this month’s book, “I Liked My Life” by Abby Fabiaschi. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. Pictures and colored pencils are provided. Light refreshments will be served. Online registration suggested as space is limited. Open to adults. For more information, contact Amelia Buccarelli at 721-8109 or abuccarelli@ wlsmail.org.

Battle of the Books interest meeting On Wednesday, May 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is a general interest meeting for children and teens entering grades 4–10 in the fall of 2017 (and their parents) who are interested in participating in the 2017 Westchester Library System Battle of the Books. Battle of the Books is a fast-paced trivia competition. Participants are expected to read five books, and commit to be a part of a team which will hold regular practices be-

tween June and October. This all leads up to a countywide event held at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose on Saturday, Oct. 21. Online pre-registration is suggested as space is limited. If you cannot make the meeting but are still interested in participating, please contact Jonathan Heifetz at jheifetz@wlsmail.org or Amelia Buccarelli at abuccarelli@wlsmail.org.

Bronxville Public Library

An All-Bronxville A Cappella Showcase On Sunday, April 30 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join the library for a very special afternoon of music, featuring four diverse vocal groups: SHA! Cappella, Bronxville High School’s only a cappella group; SLC Majors, an all-part group from Sarah Lawrence College; Treble in Paradise, an all-female alto and soprano voices; and Vocal Minority, Sarah Lawrence College’s only all-male group.

Mother’s Day Frames On Wednesday, May 3 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. For ages 3 and up. Decorate a wood frame to give as a gift to the special mom in your life. Online registration required. Please provide child’s name and age in the comment box provided. For more information on library hours and programs, visit bronxvillelibrary.org.

Short Story Reading On Saturday, April 29 from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Acclaimed voice actor Alan Sklar will perform a dramatic reading of Lawrence Block’s story, “Hilliard’s Ceremony.” Alan Hilliard is an American foreign service officer in Togo, Africa. He has a good life but feels something is missing, so he speaks with an American friend who suggests he meet a wise African witch doctor. Hilliard does so… with surprising results. A delightful story about breakthroughs and personal growth.

Book donation drop-off On Thursday, May 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 6 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 Public Library. Limit 10 books per patron. Books will be screened for suitability before being accepted.

Star Wars Party On Thursday, May 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For ages 3 and up. May the “fourth” be with you while participating in stories, activities and crafts.

Tuckahoe Public Library

camps below. Camp registration will close on Monday, May 15, and applicants will only be accepted if space permits. There are four separate day camp programs for children who turn age 4 by June 27 through youth entering grade nine in the fall of 2017. Camp Rainbow information will be available soon. Please check eastchester.org/departments/recreation periodically for more information. Camp Galaxy Junior and Senior are full day programs for grades 1–3 and 4–6, respectively. Swimming and out-of-camp trips are included with Camp Galaxy. Both camps begin on Tuesday, June 27. Camp Quest is a travel camp for grades 7–9; trips are taken each day throughout the tri-state area. Please note that registration for this camp is on Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Eastchester Town Hall. There will be two sessions: Session A starts on Monday, June 26; Session B starts on Monday, July 17.

JCC of Mid-Westchester JCC Academic Center The JCC Academic Center is registering now for the following programs to help students prepare for spring 2017 exams: biology SAT subject test, chemistry SAT subject test and math 2 SAT subject test prep, AP review, Regents prep, and summer SAT and ACT intensives and boot camps. For details on all programs and online registration, visit jccmw.org. Questions? Contact Lisa Itzkowitz, director of the JCC Academic Center, at itzkowitzl@jccmw.org or 472-7176. All classes are held at the JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale.

State Board of Elections news Campaign finance seminar For more information on library hours and programs, visit tuckahoe.com/library.

Japanese Children’s Day On Friday, May 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Open to children and families. Join the library for an afternoon of origami, calligraphy, kimonos, sushi, storytelling, and more. To register and for more information, call the library at 961-2121.

Westchester Italian Cultural Center 2017 Italy trip This summer, Westchester Italian Cultural Center will be traveling to Sicily and Calabria in Italy from July 1 to July 11. Make memories that you’ll cherish forever. Now it is time to book your spot on this fabulous trip to Italy, and start dreaming of strolling in a piazza while eating the most delicious gelato. To register and learn more about the trip, visit wiccny. org/travel-program or call the center at 771-8700.

Eastchester Recreation Summer camps Applications are available online at eastchester.org/departments/recreation, where you will also find more information on the

The New York State Board of Elections, NYSBOE, will host a campaign finance seminar for Westchester County on Wednesday, May 3. The seminar will include a presentation on campaign financial disclosure requirements as defined in New York State Election Law. Conducted by NYSBOE’s Compliance Unit, this seminar is designed to assist candidates and committees in understanding the law and the disclosure process. Members of the media and the public are welcome. Certified public accountants who pre-register and attend can receive three Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. The seminar, which is free of charge, is held in partnership with the county board of elections. The information for the seminar is as follows: Wednesday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westchester County Board of Elections, 25 Quarropas St. in White Plains. Tel.: 995-5700. Those interested in attending the seminar may register on the NYSBOE website at elections.ny.gov. 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.

April 28, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 5

Hospital renews national accreditation

The Commission on Cancer, CoC, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons, ACS, has granted a three-year accreditation with multiple commendations to the cancer program at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, NYPLH, which received its original accreditation in 1988. To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet or exceed the CoC quality

care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care. A three year accreditation with commendation is only awarded to a facility that exceeds standard requirements at the time of its triennial survey. The NYPLH takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer

as a complex group of diseases that requires coordination among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic and interventional radiologists, pathologists, and other supportive oncology providers. The physicians include cancer specialists who are members of the highly regarded NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Westchester and ColumbiaDoctors faculty

The NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital has been accredited for three years by the Commission on Cancer. Photo courtesy Facebook.com/NYPLawrence

practices. Many of these doctors are members of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, one of only three National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in New York State. These provider teams, new technology, access to clinical trials, and disease-specific management teams elevate the level of care provided. The NYPLH cancer center provides a comprehensive menu of services from prevention to diagnosis to advanced treatments and survivorship. Additional programs include enhanced support and survivorship programs, genetics counseling, nutrition care, pain management, and palliative care. “This continuation of our decades-long accreditation is a distinction that the entire team takes tremendous pride in. The additional commendations in six areas demonstrates our commitment to the highest quality cancer care. Patients can feel safe knowing that the care they receive is delivered in a state of the art facility and provided by physicians and clinical teams fully vested in achieving the best outcomes,” said Michael J. Fosina, president of NYPLH. The NYPLH’s commitment to quality care begins with specially trained staff and surgeons who participate in voluntary evaluations

to earn the CoC accreditation. Key members of the leadership team were crucial in bringing the cancer center to this new level of designation. They include: Dr. Anthony Provenzano, chair of the cancer committee, NYPLH, Dr. Henry Lee, director of radiation oncology, NYPLH and cancer liaison physician to the Commission on Cancer, Dr. Maureen Killackey, director of NYPLH Cancer Services and national general member of the Commission on Cancer, and Mr. Cherian Mathew, data and accreditation manager, NYPLH. Like all CoC accredited facilities, NYPLH maintains a cancer registry and contributes data to the National Cancer Data Base, NCDB, a joint program of the CoC and American Cancer Society. This nationwide oncology outcomes database is the largest clinical disease registry in the world. Data on all types of cancer are tracked and analyzed through the NCDB and used to explore trends in cancer care. CoC accredited cancer centers, in turn, have access to information derived from this type of data analysis, which is used to create national, regional and state benchmark reports. These reports help CoC facilities with their quality improvement efforts. For more information on NYPLH, visit nyp.org/lawrence or call 914-787-1000. (Submitted)

6 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • April 28, 2017

Eastchester REVIEW THE

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Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Reporter | Corey Stockton ext. 16, corey@hometwn.com Reporter | Franco Fino ext. 18, franco@hometwn.com General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lynne Starr ext. 29, lynne@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers James Pero, Franco Fino Staff Photographers Andrew Dapolite, Jen Parente Columnists Mary Marvin, Richard Forliano, Lenore Skenazy

Young entrepreneur takes over family business

By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter After the loss of her father, Meral Kathwari, a junior in college at the time, made the decision to take over her father’s international business, Kathwari of Kashmir. In November 2014, Kathwari, who has lived in Mamaroneck for 10 years, was studying for her B.A. in mass communication and minor in speech communication at Iona College and was serving on two club executive boards when she found out her father, Tariq, had passed away. He was 61 years old when he was caught in a riptide while swimming in Goa, India. He was the owner and founder of Kathwari of Kashmir, a company based in Kashmir, India, that sells luxury textiles including rugs, carpets and clothing in a variety of colors, materials and styles. Kathwari, 22, is an only child, so at the time of her father’s death, she was the only person who would be able to carry on Kathwari of Kashmir. “I just remember thinking to myself,

Meral Kathwari takes a photo with camels in Dubai. Photo courtesy Brunettesecrets.com

‘What am I supposed to do,’” she told the Review. She made the decision to take over the business as its owner and director. When Kathwari, a Kashmiri-American, was younger, she moved away from her father in India—her asthma and the country’s

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, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Visit us online www.eastchesterreview.com

Follow us on Twitter, @eastchesterview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/eastchesterreview The Eastchester Review is published weekly by Home Town Media Group for an annual subscription of $45. Application to mail at the periodicals postage rate is approved at White Plains, N.Y., 10601. Periodicals postage paid at White Plains and additional mailing offices.

Meral Kathwari poses with one of the many rugs that her business Kathwari of Kashmir sells. Photos courtesy Meral Kathwari

air pollution made it difficult for her to breathe—to Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her mother. From there, she and her mother moved to Rome, Italy, before finally settling in Mamaroneck in 2007. Growing up, although Kathwari didn’t live with her father, he would visit her whenever he had time. Kathwari wasn’t unfamiliar with her father’s business, having spent summers in Kashmir shadowing him throughout his workday, and helping him bring Kathwari of Kashmir into the digital age with social media accounts and a website in 2012. Growing up, she had spent a lot of time with her father in his showroom, saying how one of her favorite memories of him was how he interacted with clients. “That was where he was most passionate,” she said. When Kathwari and her father weren’t working to better the business, they enjoyed traveling together on road trips throughout the U.S. and all over India. In June 2012, she began documenting those trips on her blog Brunettesecrets.com that has since gained more than 1,600 followers. In her posts, she discusses must-see spots, travel tips, and life advice alongside vibrant photos of her destinations. Kathwari says in one blog post that she attributes her “travel bug” to her father. “[My father] says it’s important that I see the world and experience everything it has to offer before I settle down and start a family,” she wrote. “I will do this.” Kathwari turned her blog into a travel series that launched on

Meral Kathwari, owner and director of Kathwari of Kashmir, models one of her company’s embroidered wool coats.

Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Television, LMCTV, a local community public access television station. “Since I’ve been traveling, I wanted to write [and] blog about my experiences and produce travels shows too,” she told the Review. As of now, one episode of the series has been released, “Brunette Secrets: Seville,” where Kathwari visits Seville, Spain. The series follows her around, while she brings viewers to three different locations in Seville: Plaza de Espana, Casa de Pilatos and the Seville Cathedral. During the first video, which is available on LMCTV.org and YouTube, she discusses local artwork, food, culture and architecture. Kathwari revealed that future episodes include trips to Barcelona, Madrid and Dubai. “My dream job would be [to be] like Anthony Bourdain or Christiane Armanpour, traveling and reporting on things and places people should know about that aren’t usually covered in the mainstream media,” she said. She said she also plans to go to Fordham University’s one-year public media program in the fall. Accomplishing more than your average 20-something, Kathwari has done this while also owning and running a business. But the work hasn’t come without sacrifices throughout her college career. “I wish I could’ve had more time to put towards everything individually,” she said. “[But] if you have people supporting you, and people around you that love you, you’re capable of doing anything you put your mind to.” CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com

April 28, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 7

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Church hosts Bach music festival The Reformed Church of Bronxville, located at 180 Pondfield Road, is delighted to present a two-day music festival, featuring the exquisite works of J.S. Bach (16851750). Proclaimed by Felix Mendelssohn as “the greatest music in the world,” audiences will have the opportunity to hear compositions written for a variety of instruments and choirs, under the direction of Dr. Sandor Szabo. On Saturday, May 6 at 3 p.m., the festival will commence with a two-hour Bach marathon featuring world-class musicians performing on historic instruments including baroque flute, baroque cello, baroque violin, harpsichords and organ. The burgeoning program will offer solos, duets and trios. Performing will be Helga Bartus, organ; Nurit Pacht, violin; Sandra Miller, baroque flute; Anneke Schaul-Yoder, baroque cello;

PLAYLAND from page 1

and Szabo, harpsichord and organ. On Sunday, May 7, the Bach festival will culminate with a spectacular gala concert featuring The Reformed Church of Bronxville’s Chancel Choir, Kirksingers, Chapel Choir and members of Siren Baroque Orchestra. The program will include Bach’s reformation Cantata No. 79, “Lord God, Our Sun and Shield,” as well as the Brandenburg Concerto No. 1, and Orchestral Suite No. 2, for flute and orchestra performed by renowned baroque flute player, Sandra Miller, professor of Juilliard’s historic performance department. Audience members will be invited to sing Bach’s chorales. Admission to the two-day event is free, with a reception to follow. For more information, call 337-6776 or email sszabo@reformedchurch.org. (Submitted)

After the March rejection of an Article 78 over the environmental review of $60 million in capital projects at Rye Playland, the Rye City Council will position itself to file a future appeal against Westchester County. File photo

will move to negotiate any concerns over Playland out of court. “Right now we’re just trying to resolve any future litigation,” she said. Looming litigation between Rye and the county over Playland harkens back to a failed deal to transfer the management of Playland to Sustainable Playland Inc. in 2014. Eventually, due to growing scrutiny of an 87,000-square-foot field house in the Playland parking lot, which sits adjacent to Rye’s Ryan Park neighborhood, Sustainable Playland walked away from the deal with the county. Despite posturing, the 2014 feud never reached actual litigation. A deal between Standard Amusements and the county will see the injection of $30 million from both parties and will last for 30 years. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

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The Reformed Church of Bronxville will host a two-day music festival showcasing the music of J.S. Bach. Photo courtesy reformedchurch.org

capital projects at the amusement park. Specifically, she said, the council will look to mitigate any impacts on traffic and ill effects on neighboring residences. “What happens with overflow parking?” Killian asked. “It makes sense that Rye would be involved with that and that our police commissioner would be more involved with that.” While construction of $60 million in capital projects—which materialized as a result of a management agreement struck last year between the county and Standard Amusements, an investment firm—have yet to start, Rye could also seek to file an injunction to indefinitely halt any progress of that work. The decision to file an injunction, however, could only come after the construction on the projects is underway. Wilson said that an injunction is always on the table, but for the time being, the city

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April 28, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 9

Eastchester’s African-American heritage HISTORICALLY SPEAKING Richard Forliano

One reason why the column “Historically Speaking” was revived in September 2015 was to create an interesting narrative connecting the people, places, and events dating as far back to 1642, when the famous dissident Anne Hutchinson first came into contact with the indigenous population of Eastchester. So far, articles published twice a month have covered the colonial period through the birth of the nation during the American Revolution. New insights have been uncovered. There are striking parallels between the old town of Eastchester during colonial times and the evolution of American democracy. Anne Hutchinson, arguably America’s first great founding mother, was a champion of the right to exercise the right to worship freely. Twenty-two years after the demise of Hutchinson, the Puritan families that founded the town began signing one of New York state’s most precious documents. In the Eastchester Covenant, the founders of the town committed themselves to setting up a community based on compassion, faith, integrity, cooperation, and generosity. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Eastchester Covenant is similar to the Mayflower Compact of New York state. In the years before, during, and after the American Revolution, there is a strong connection between America’s Founding Fathers and the birth of the American nation. Few communities in America paid a higher price for freedom than Eastchester. The town was caught in a bloody no man’s land, caught between the lines between Loyalist New York City and northern Westchester, controlled by the Patriots. During this period Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and John and Abigail Adams all passed through historic Eastchester. But there was another group of original settlers who contributed to the growth of colonial Eastchester whose story has only recently been unearthed. Records in the archives of the town discovered by Mount Vernon historian, Larry Spruill, show that a resident of Eastchester, Moses Hoite, as early as 1672 was engaged in the selling of an African slave in his first home in Fairfield, Connecticut. According to the colonial census of 1712, 25 African-American slaves made up more than 8 percent of the 300 inhabitants of Eastchester. In the first full-length book on Eastchester history, “Out of the Wilderness,” published at the end of 2014, Marilyn Hill and Regina Baio in their respective chapters put this historical omission into its proper perspective. Regina Baio wrote: “The ten families from Connecticut would arrive in their new home inspired by a vision of communal living and governance based on their tradition of covenants written documents or principles, and rules for a… covenanted community…. They also viewed themselves as parties in a higher covenant with God, A Covenant of Grace, with theological tenets of that spiritual contract also

informing their civil agreement. Accordingly they pledged to each other that their future community would be based on good will toward all humanity, equality, fairness, honesty, shared burdens, and economic sensibility.” Marilyn Hill eloquently placed the contribution of African-American slaves into the proper perspective: “One group has been portrayed as emigrants and notable founding settlers, while the names of the others have been lost to posterity. In retrospect, given the nature of subsequent development of the institution of slavery, if there is any ‘covenant’ inherent in the coming of the African passengers, one might say it was a covenant of injustice. Although the two groups’ past and future journeys were and would be different, those nameless passengers’ and their descendants’ contributions would spread far beyond the confines of their small port of entry as they, alongside their white counterparts, helped to build new communities and an economic future for a nascent country.” In colonial times, slavery in Eastchester and the colony of New York was different but not less odious than it was in the South. Slave rebellions took place in New York City both in 1712 and 1742. In 1712, 20 slaves were hung, three burned alive, and one broken by wracking on a wheel. Three decades later, 13 slaves were burned at the stake and 17 hung, despite the fact that there was no proof that a slave conspiracy even existed. There were no slave rebellions in Eastchester; for one trapped in slavery running away was a less dangerous and somewhat more effective way of escaping bondage. In New York City, the majority of the slave population was female; while in surrounding rural areas like Eastchester and Westchester County, young single men isolated and forced to do monotonous and unrewarding work were often tempted to run away. In fact, 86 percent of the runaways were young male slaves. The descendants of many of the original settlers who signed or put their mark on the Eastchester Covenant owned slaves at the outbreak of the American Revolution. While the Declaration of Independence stated that all men are created equal, slavery would not officially end in New York State until July 4, 1827, 51 years after the signing of the document. According to the United States Constitution, an African-American slave could not vote and was counted as three-fifths of a person. It is important to remember that in the evolution of human rights and the birth of the American nation took place in the first century and a half of Eastchester history. But it is equally important to note that African-American slaves, freed blacks, and women did not share in the human rights that our male white ancestors won in colonial times and from the American Revolution. Many thanks to Larry Spruill and Marilyn Hill and their pioneering research and writing on Eastchester’s African-American heritage. Please contact us at historian@eastchesterhistoricalsociety.org about any comments or questions you might have about this column. Also, any questions about sources of information will be addressed.

Forks, Corks & Cocktails is back

Björn & Company will kick off the summer season with the fourth annual Forks, Corks & Cocktails—a food, wine and cocktails event serving the LGBTQ community of Westchester and Lower Hudson Valley—taking place on Friday, May 5 from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Westchester, located at 3 Renaissance Square in White Plains. Voted The Best LGBTQ Initiative by Westchester Magazine, the lineup is set and the talented chefs are eager to #GetForkd. Returning to Forks, Corks & Cocktails 2017 are Polpettina, Cedar Street Grill, The Dessertist, Roc-n-Ramen, Coriander Modern Indian, Mason Sandwich Co., and more. Björn & Company is also excited to welcome BLT Steak, DeCicco & Sons, Simply Hailee, and the Food Network show “Cooks vs. Cons” contender Chef Jessica Woodford to the family of chefs and vendors, among many more. Seasonal wines sponsored by Via OneHope Wine and Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, and cocktails are sponsored by the award winning Anestasia Vodka and beverage partner Voss Water. The range of talent and cuisine is very exciting for event founder and creative director of Björn & Company. “This is our fourth

year and the level of support has been overwhelming. This truly is a community event,” he said. With just a week until the big night, Björn VW promises more announcements to be made. “We are working with sponsors to create an amazing experience for everyone, especially some extra treats for those choosing a VIP experience.” All guests will be treated to a walk-around tasting, highlighting local restaurants with food from more than a dozen chefs, seasonal cocktails, and wines, all while mingling and dancing to some great DJ-powered music. This evening is one for the food enthusiasts of New York. All are welcome to attend. Attendees must be ages 21 and up, and be dressed to impress. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and more announcements are on their way in the coming days. Björn & Company promises a full sensory experience and perfect night for the LGBTQ community to eat, drink, and party. Look for #GetForkd on social media to stay up-to-date. General admission tickets are $75 and VIP tickets are $125. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit getforkdny.com or call Björn & Company at 646-524-6342. (Submitted)

Meet Danny and Robby. These stunningly handsome brothers are extremely affectionate and entertaining! They are about 1 1/2 years old and total lap cats—they love cuddling and sleeping with their foster mom. They are friendly with other cats and dogs and are very bonded; they will only be placed in a home together. They are in excellent health, up-todate with all vaccinations, altered and microchipped. The adoption donation for each is $100. To meet these lovely kitties, please call Pet Rescue at 835-3332 or 835-4133 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)

10 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • April 28, 2017

Astorino vows no tax hikes in address By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer In his annual State of the County Address, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino renewed his promise not to raise county taxes, instead pointing to three private partnerships. “Government is limited to the amount of capital and expertise it has on hand,” Astorino, a Republican, said in his address on April 20. “So we have looked to entrepreneurs to join us in public-private partnerships, and there is significant progress to report.” Astorino vowed in his eighth address as county executive that for as long as he holds the county’s top political position, he would maintain his seven-year trend of not raising taxes, adding that in order to keep that promise, the county has had to be imaginative. “You also need to grow revenues,” he said. “And if it’s not going to be taxes—and it’s not—you have to look somewhere else.” Over the last several years, that governing philosophy has led the county to look at longterm property leases with private companies as a source of that revenue. Earlier this month, Astorino and the Democrat-led Board of Legislators unanimously agreed to sign 60 acres of county property—known as the North 60—to Fareri Associates for 99 years. Fareri plans to convert that property into a $1.2 billion biotech center, amounting to the largest public-private partnership in Westchester history. In his address, the county executive reiterated the anticipated benefits of the project: $9 million

in new real estate taxes, $7 million per year in rent, and 12,000 full-time and temporary jobs. And he repeated a statement from last year’s address: that the North 60 development would help position Westchester alongside Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Silicon Valley as a leader in innovation. But other Astorino plans to lease county property have faced significant opposition from county lawmakers. In November, the county executive announced plans to lease Westchester Airport to a private company for 40 years through a program run by the Federal Aviation Administration. Astorino said that participating in the program would allow the county to sidestep a federal law which requires that all revenue generated at the airport gets reinvested back into the airport; and he estimated that Westchester could generate at least $140 million in revenue from the airport deal that could be used for other areas of the county. Discussing the potential lease during his address, Astorino said, “The idea is to create a long-term revenue stream so that money is coming into the county’s budget for decades to come.” But lawmakers scrutinized Astorino for trying to forego a bidding process when initially presenting the plan to lease the airport property to Oaktree Capital Management, an investment management firm. “There was no way that the Board of Legislators would approve a deal of that scope and duration without first requesting bids from other operators,” said Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, a moder-

“Since no good deed goes unpunished, some people say it’s now time to raise taxes,” said Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in his annual address. “I say no.” Astorino is pictured embracing his mother prior to giving his State of the County address on April 20. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

ate Democrat from Yorktown, in his response to Astorino’s address. Democratic Majority Leader Catherine Borgia, of Ossining, further criticized the county executive in the Democratic response to Astorino’s State of the County address, calling the initial airport deal a shortsighted solution to “his own fiscal mismanagement.” She also criticized the Astorino administration for embracing the values of President Donald Trump, a common theme amongst Westchester Democrats and likely to be a focal point of this year’s county executive race. As a result of the lawmakers’ push, the county is now accepting bids; and it is expected to make a final approval in the fall. The partnership that seems to be the furthest along is the leasing out of the county-owned Rye Playland amusement park, an agreement Astorino touted as an example of successful corporate partnerships. He said the plan to lease and renovate the park, initiated in 2014, is nearing fruition. “Shovels are in the ground; and while the work is going on, Playland will be up and running on May 13 for its 89th season,” he said. As part of the 30-year lease with Standard Amusements signed in May 2016, Westchester and Standard will invest a total of $60 million into the park for capital improvements. The county will collect an increasing portion of Standard’s profits over the lease’s period. Westchester recently cleared a final hurdle in the deal, winning a court decision against the city of Rye, which sued the county

for cutting the city out of the decision. Meanwhile, the county executive has his own lawsuit in the works. He repeated his criticism of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plan to close the Indian Point Energy Center by 2021. Cuomo, a Democrat, announced the upcoming closure in February; and earlier this month, Astorino asked the Board of Legislators to back him in a lawsuit against Cuomo for not conducting a review of the environmental and economic consequences of the shutdown. In his address, Astorino reiterated his call for the board’s approval; specifically, that of the board’s Democrats. “There is no excuse not to support it,” he said. “This isn’t about whether Indian Point closes; it’s about how it closes.” Kaplowitz previously said that the board would not back the suit, calling it “dead on arrival.” For board approval, the lawsuit would need to acquire at least one Democratic vote, as Democrats hold a one-seat majority on the Board of Legislators. Early in his address, Astorino made a plea for bipartisanship in the county in a time of increasingly hostile political dialogue. “No single individual, group or party has a monopoly on the best ideas and the right way to run things,” he said after referencing the contentious 2016 presidential election which has started to bleed into Westchester politics. “Westchester works best when we work together.” CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

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April 28, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 11

In debate, county executive candidates rally Democrats

State Sen. George Latimer said in his 30-year political career he has never seen so many people come out in April to show interest for a November election. The pews at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Church were filled on April 23, as potential voters watched the two Democratic candidates. Photos/Andrew Dapolite

County Legislator Ken Jenkins called incumbent County Executive Rob Astorino, “Trump-light,” a message echoed by Bruce Campbell, moderator and member of the Up & Up Action Initiative, one of eight grassroots community activist groups which put together the forum.

By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer CROTON-ON-HUDSON—Two Democrats vying for the office of Westchester County executive addressed a church full of potential voters on Sunday, discussing their plans to unseat Republican incumbent Rob Astorino and urging them to participate in November’s election. County Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat, and state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat, took aim at Astorino—who has held the county’s top office since 2010—hoping to invigorate a Democratic Party still reeling from the outcome of the 2016 presidential election. And even though Democrats in Westchester outnumber Republican voters by 2-1, Astorino has already prevailed twice at the polls. His two potential challengers have already begun debating the issues in various communities ahead of a May 10 Democratic nominating convention to pick the party’s candidate. Both Democrats challenged the county executive’s reputation for passing seven consecutive budgets in which taxes have been cut or remained flat, calling his budget practices shortsighted and irresponsible, and often comparing him to President Donald Trump.

“Rob Astorino wants to run on taxes, taxes and taxes,” Jenkins, 55, said, adding that social services and long-term budgeting practices suffer as a result of flat tax rates. Jenkins said the only time the county truly cut taxes was when he was chairman of the Board of Legislators, from 2010 to 2013. Latimer added that seven years of no tax increases would likely set Westchester up for future financial hardship. “What we’re seeing now is an ideological approach that says, ‘We are going to do anything in order to put forth no tax increase,’” the senator said. Both candidates also chastised Astorino for the way his administration has operated the county Human Rights Commission. Latimer, who during his lengthy political career was chairman of the Board of Legislators when the commission was first instituted in the 1990s, said that it was created to allow residents to report instances of discrimination without going through the state system. “The [Republican] party’s moved so far to the right, they can’t even accept anti-discrimination efforts in the Human Rights Commission,” Latimer, 63, said, adding that as county executive he would fire everyone currently on the commission and employ a new team. Meanwhile, Jenkins said he was

responsible for saving the commission from being disbanded. Jenkins added that while he has been on the Board of Legislators, the board has overridden 260 of 267 vetoes made by Astorino. One of those overrides stopped the county executive from eliminating the commission altogether. But Jenkins lamented that the commission, now full of Astorino political appointees, is not acting proactively as it was intended to, lacks a full-time executive director and added that he would work to re-establish advocacy offices for minority groups, which, he said, have also been marginalized under the Astorino administration. “We will reimplement the offices of advocacy and make sure that we stand up for the people’s rights in Westchester County,” he said to a packed house. Although the two candidates agreed on most issues, pitting themselves against the Republican incumbent, the biggest difference in philosophy between the two centered on the results of the party’s nominating convention at the County Center. Latimer, now serving in his third term as senator, renewed his intention to honor the results of the nominating convention, saying that if he does not receive the nomination, he will throw his support behind the nominee. “If Ken is the nominee,

I’m going to put the same energy into retail on his behalf as I would on my own behalf,” he said. The senator added that he thought it would be harmful to the party’s unity and fundraising to force a September primary, and suggested that the Republican Party could manipulate the primary process to damage the Democrats. “The cause is more important than the career,” Latimer said. Conversely, Jenkins, who bowed out of the 2013 race for county executive after losing the nomination to New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson—who was soundly defeated by Astorino in the general election—said that he will petition for a primary if the party does not back him this time around. He added that he wants his nomination to come from the people he would represent as the county executive, not necessarily the district leaders responsible for choosing a nominee. “If I am not the winner of that primary that came from the people—from the voters—we will be locked hand in hand,” he said, referencing his support for Latimer in such a scenario. Whichever candidate ultimately takes on Astorino in the general election will be shorthanded in a financial race against the county executive, who reported a $2.5 million campaign fund balance in January. Latimer, who estimated that

his Republican opponent could raise as much as $4 million by November, said he has had experience winning against financially superior campaigns. In 2012, in his first race for Senate, Latimer ran against Bob Cohen, of New Rochelle, who spent approximately $4 million during the campaign. The organizers had originally planned to also host state Assemblyman Thomas Abananti, a Greenburgh Democrat who had considered running. According to Bruce Campbell, the debate moderator, Abananti pulled out of the event after withdrawing from the race. David Spano, the son of former County Executive Andy Spano, has also announced plans to seek the Democratic nomination. Spano, however, was not invited to participate. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

12 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • April 28, 2017

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April 28, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 13

Is bottled water really safer? RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

Charming, handsome and homeless, the 25-year-old we’ll call Bruce and I were eating dinner at the small downtown shelter where I volunteer once a month. We were both enjoying the pasta provided by another volunteer, but only one of us was drinking a $3 bottle of water. “WHAT?” I exclaimed when Bruce told me how much he’d paid for the bottle he’d bought earlier that day. “How can you possibly spend that much on water? How can anyone? Tap water is FREE!” Bruce just started an $11 an hour job in Brooklyn. He’s got to save up for a room, and taking out $3 chunks for a liquid that flows freely just doesn’t make sense... to me. But to him? It’s vital. “This water is safe,” he said, picking up his bottle. “So is water from the sink,” said I. His friend, a young woman who is also in the workforce and also homeless (never assume that homeless = not working) stood up for him. “The water from the tap has all sorts of chemicals in it.” “The water in bottles IS tap water!” an older shelter guest chimed in, laughing heartily. Bruce just shrugged. “I got to stay healthy.” So allow me, as a public service, to ask the questions that need answers, beginning with: Is bottled water really better for us than tap? “In general, the municipal water supply of any given area has more rigorous environmental standards and controls than the water supplies used by private bottlers,” said Richard Murdocco, a local columnist who writes on urban planning issues and has worked with environmental and housing groups. What’s more, the water Bruce was dissing—New York City’s—is not just ANY hometown’s H2O. It’s a roaring, rushing paragon of purity, said Murdocco. “The water supply is so pure that it went unfiltered for decades until federal law mandated New York City filter the water, a move city officials thought was unnecessary.” So why are people afraid of it? For starters, because bad news always gets more attention than—yawwwwwwn—anything that’s fine. “Headlines [are] about bad tap water, especially in locations like Flint, Michigan,” said Jacob Hatch, author of the Hydration Any-

where blog. People remember fuzzy factoids about plastics and pipes and toxins and leaching, but, “In general, water quality is something people know little about,” Hatch said. With so much quasi-info floating around, we THINK we heard something terrible about something, not quite sure what, and we not only believe it’s true, we believe it’s going to kill us all right here, right now. In point of fact, Hatch continued, studies show that “bottled water is not, on average, any cleaner or safer to drink than tap water.” Where bottled and tap are NOT equal is when it comes to polluting. Producing a bottle of water actually uses about six times more water than is contained in the bottle itself. And THEN there’s the energy used to make the bottle, label the bottle, fill the bottle, transport the bottle (sometimes across entire oceans) and shelve the bottle. Then there’s the energy WE burn driving to and from the store to schlep the bottles home. What’s more, 80 percent of the 50 BILLION plastic water bottles purchased in the U.S. every year do not end up recycled. Off they go to landfill. (More schlepping.) “So if you need the convenience of a water bottle,” I said to Bruce, “or if you love that particular bottle, at least reuse it. Just fill it with more water tomorrow.” Oh no, no, no, no, came the reply. “Refill it and the plastic breaks down and gets into your blood.” “That’s patently untrue,” says Michael Cervin, author of “Our World of Water: The Good, the Bad & and the Ugly of Earth’s Most Critical Resource,” and blogger at This World of Water. If you are using the same bottle for years and years, Cervin said, then yes, it can start wearing out, the way Tupperware gets tired after 10 or 15 years. But refilling it for weeks on end is no threat to anyone’s health, so long as you wash the bottle out with soap and water from time to time. Remember, Cervin added, we’re not EATING the bottle, “we’re merely using it as a vessel to consume a beverage.” I didn’t have all this info at my fingertips at the shelter, but I did have some sheets of paper, so I taught Bruce and his friend how to make an origami cup the next time they’re thirsty and don’t want to spend $3. They we filled the cups with tap water, toasted to better times and drank deep. Somehow, all three of us survived. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

CPW launches adaptive sports program Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, CPW, has launched its formal Recreation Program, an adaptive sports program, so children and youth ages 10 to 21 can experience the joy of participating in recreational, competitive sports on a regular basis. The plan for the program is that it will run every other Saturday and during school breaks. Spring break was the first week for the program. The overall goal is to give children and youth with mobility issues the opportunity to play sports they may not otherwise be able to play. Sports including soccer, bocce, basketball and tennis will be taught and played along with various other recreation activities. Each day will follow a traditional sports coaching session and include stretching, discussion of game strategy or sports lesson, play time, and then wrap-up. All participants in the program will receive a T-shirt and a recreational portfolio including pictures and assessments. CPW parents often express their desire to have their child attend a Saturday sports program, like their siblings do for exercise and socialization, and the frustrations they encounter (e.g. lack of programs willing to accommodate, meanness of other children, impatience of other parents, frustration of their child to keep up with their peers). CPW’s adaptive sports program will provide a supportive environment that provides opportunities for physical fitness, camaraderie, and normalcy for participants. CPW’s goal is to have each person reach their maximum functioning potential, intellectually, physically and emotionally, and to live a life fully integrated into society. Having opportunities to increase physical fitness is essential to achieving optimal physical functioning and psychosocial well-being. Competitive sports, in particular, have been correlated to a reduction in anger, confusion, fatigue and tension, and have been known to have positive physical effects (decreased risks of high blood pressure, obesity, heart

disease, diabetes and some types of cancer), mental effects (e.g. boosts mood, prevents/ relieves depression, improves self-esteem and self-confidence), and social effects (e.g. friendship formation, leadership opportunities, learning to lose and win gracefully, taking turns, follow rules, and manage conflict). Research studies have proven that there is a consistently positive association between physical activity level and quality of life. Individuals who feel better typically report being happier with their lives. The primary goal of the adaptive sports program is to provide children with disabilities a recreational opportunity designed to improve participants’ social, emotional and physical health through participation in regular sports. To launch the program, CPW needed to purchase a variety of adaptive sporting equipment, including: adaptive basketball and tennis nets, adaptive tennis rackets, beeping balls, adaptive wheelchair soccer guards, bocce balls and ramp, and sports wheelchairs. This was made possible by various grants by the Reeve’s Foundation, Finish Line, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Build a Bear Foundation, Carvel Foundation, Heisman Trophy Trust, and Autism Directory Services. For more than 65 years, CPW has been the leading nonprofit organization in Westchester County providing essential services to children and adults with all developmental disabilities including autism, neurological impairments, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. It has always been its purpose to help people realize their goals, build brighter futures, and lead more independent lives as members of their community. For more information about Cerebral Palsy of Westchester’s Adaptive Sports Program, please contact Joan Colangelo, director of development, at 937-3800 ext. 215 or Joan.Colangelo@cpwestchester.org. (Submitted)

14 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • April 28, 2017

SPORTS

Rain, go away LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

If you happened to get a look at a high school coach’s wish list, I bet there would be certain things you would expect to find; a talented, devoted group of players, a supportive administration, and parents who get involved—but not so much so that they start to overstay their welcome. But while I was covering a varsity softball game on Monday afternoon, a local coach let me in on one more request that more than a handful of teams find themselves hoping for this year: a dome. Even though springtime sports in the Northeast are always sort of touch-and-go for the first few weeks, this year—it has to be said—has been worse than most. Just this week alone, Tuesday and Wednesday were washouts, almost across the board. The final weekend in April has hardly been an outlier; every week since the start of the season in late March has had at least one day that resulted in a slate of games being wiped

off the schedule. The weather has impacted every sport, from track to golf and even lacrosse, which is usually fairly immune to weather-related cancelations. But few sports have been hit as hard as baseball and softball. Five weeks into the baseball season, a quick glance at teams’ overall records shows just how much chaos the spring rains have caused. A few squads have played as many as 11 games, while others have only played six. With the schedule coming to an end around May 15, barring an extra day or so being tacked onto the regular season, that gives some teams just over two weeks to make up 13 or 14 games; a daunting task, even for professionals. Now, I know there is nothing that Section I officials can do about the weather. I mean, that’s outside of the purview of even the most powerful governing body in area athletics. But there are some things that should at least be considered. Perhaps the Section I preseason could start a little bit earlier in 2018. This year, area teams started a week after the rest of

the state, forcing teams to play condensed schedules, even in the best of weather. Starting a week earlier may be able to mitigate some of the concerns about rainouts. Other ideas, like shortening the regular season, may seem doable, but will ultimately rob student-athletes of valuable experience, so they probably won’t get much consideration. One last idea, which—given my baseball-purist leanings—seems like a necessary evil is this: have school districts invest in turf fields over the next decade or so. We’ve seen schools construct new turf fields to replace grass ones already, but mostly the all-purpose ones used for endeavors like field hockey, football, soccer and lacrosse. However, baseball and softball fields have lagged far behind in that department. The result is that heavy rains on a Thursday can often mean no baseball on a Friday, which is a shame. Trust me, I haven’t run the numbers, but I know it will be costly for districts. I also know that it’s unwise to overreact to one year of bad weather and spend boatloads

Mamaroneck’s Gianna Magrino throws a pitch against New Rochelle at City Park on April 18. Sports Editor Mike Smith wonders if this season’s inclement weather will force schools to look at the option of more turf fields, like City Park. Photo/Mike Smith

of cash that can go to other areas. And to be honest, I hate the idea of kids growing up without memories of the smell of a freshly-cut grass ball field.

But it’s better than not getting on the field at all.

Follow Mike Smith on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

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SPORTS

April 28, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 15

THE ROUNDUP GIRLS LACROSSE

Horace Greeley 14 Eastchester 9 At Eastchester HS

4/21/17

The Eagles dropped a hardfought battle to the Quakers on Friday, despite a solid performance from Angelina Porcello. Porcello had three goals and an assist to lead Eastchester, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a versatile Greeley attack. Julia Arrese led all scorers with four goals, while teammate Julia Canner had three goals of her own to go along with four assists in a winning effort. The Eagles bounced back on Monday afternoon with a resounding non-league win against Yonkers, which saw Eastchester establish an 11-2 lead by halftime. Next on the docket for the Eagles is a powerful Rye team, which comes to town on April 26, after press time.

Jess Becchetti, seen here in a game earlier this season, connects with a pitch. On April 24, Becchetti led the Eagles to an extra-innings win over Mahopac, pitching nine shutout innings and driving in a run.

SOFTBALL

An Eastchester middie looks for an open teammate on April 24.

Eastchester 3 Mahopac 0 At Mahopac HS

4/24/17

A tremendous extra-innings effort was enough to give the Eagles a win on Monday, as Eastchester broke a scoreless tie in the top of the ninth inning when they rallied for three runs. Sophia Tiso singled in the first run of the game, and Jess Becchetti answered with another RBI, in addition to having a stellar day in the circle. The hurler tossed nine scoreless innings, fanning nine batters to preserve the win for the Eagles. The Eagles will play four games in six days, starting with an April 27 trip to Horace Greeley. The following day, Eastchester will host league foe Byram Hills.

BASEBALL

Eastchester 13 Tuckahoe 4 At Saggese Field

An Eagle player heaves a long pass against Yonkers. Photos/Mike Smith

4/21/17

In a crosstown rivalry game, Eagle hurler Danny Krippel shined, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings in relief to shut down Tuckahoe and hand his team the win. Offensively, John Doherty had a monster day, going 2-for-4 with a home run and five RBIs. Eastchester currently holds a 6-2 record on the year, and has gone

Two Eagles players harass a Yonkers’ ballcarrier on April 24. Eastchester handily beat their visitors, establishing an 11-2 lead by halftime.

1-1 in two league games. Conference II League B remains wide open, as five teams—including the Eagles—sit above .500 on the year.

BOYS LACROSSE

Eastchester 12 Irvington 7 At Haindl Field

4/22/17

On Saturday, the Eagles lacrosse team survived a slight scare from

the Bulldogs, pulling off a lategame run to seal a decisive fivegoal win. After Irvington tied the game at 6-6 early in the second half, Eastchester answered with six of the next seven goals to put the visitors away. Paul Moran scored two of those late goals to help the Eagles cement the win. Eastchester will be back on the field on April 28 when they travel to Byram Hills to take on the Bobcats. -Reporting by Mike Smith

16 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • April 28, 2017