March 29, 2019

Eastchester REVIEW THE

March 29, 2019 | Vol. 7, Number 13 | www.eastchesterreview.com

County receives opioid grant from Dept. of Labor

On April 6, RiverArts will present the renowned Kandinsky Trio.

The concert continues RiverArts exploration of the intersection of various art forms in one evening. For more, see page 6.

Westchester hosts 2019 Youth Summit at County Center Westchester County Executive George Latimer, the Department of Community Mental Health, the County Youth Bureau, the harris project, Montefiore Hudson Valley Collaborative, Student Assistance Services Corporation and the Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth hosted the second Annual Youth Summit at the Westchester County Center.

The event was a unique opportunity for students, educators and health professionals to come together with civic leaders and elected officials, to discuss the reasons teens may turn to substances, and explore methods of prevention.

The theme of the Youth Summit was Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness (CODA), Youth as Voices of Change. Co-Occurring Disorders is the combination of one or more mental health challenges, resulting in substance misuse or addiction.

“Many young people are impacted by mental health issues and substance misuse, and the Youth Summit is an important part of Westchester County’s multifaceted approach in addressing prevention, education and treatment for our teens,” Latimer said.

“We hope that the Youth Summit empowers youth to become positive decision-makers, seek early intervention if they have a problem, and step in if they have friends and peers that may be headed down the wrong path.”

More than 300 students from 46 Westchester County high schools gathered together for the event, which included a series of break-out workshops that addressed topics such as leading change, mindfulness, social media and trends, transformation through the arts and sport, creating connections and supporting friends and peers.

Stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD and additional men-

tal health disorders, trauma and sports injury were all highlighted as challenges that can lead to substance misuse, and the students discussed ways to increase awareness, create change and improve outcomes.

“We are extremely thrilled to partner with our school districts and co-sponsors, but most importantly with our students who are leading the way in changing the narrative on mental health and substance misuse,” said Michael Orth, commissioner of the Department of Community Mental Health.

“Prevention is such a worthwhile investment of energy and resources, and CODA provides a unique lens through which to empower our youth to truly be the ‘Voices of Change.’”

The harris project founder Stephanie Marquesano lost her son Harris to an accidental overdose when he was 19, which motivated her to start this initiative.

“This is an incredible next step in the CODA movement,” she said. “Co-occurring disorders is preventable. Our youth just need to understand it, and the tools to bring the message forward. Providing an opportunity for our youth to engage with peers from across the county, work with incredible facilitators who can inspire them to think beyond the ordinary, and receive training in some of the components of the CODA Weeks Celebration Boxes creates the framework for our youth to return to their schools ready to make positive impact.”

Westchester County will also be taking part in the CODA Weeks for 2019, which will run from April 1-April 15. CODA Weeks are dedicated to raising awareness in our schools and communities, and highlight the harris project’s peer-driven prevention program, which implements education and training in local high schools.

(Submitted)

Westchester County has received a grant from the New York State Department of Labor to assist local communities that have been affected by the opioid epidemic. The grant money, which totals $346,205, was allocated to Westchester to help train the employees who treat those battling addiction and substance abuse.

“No community is immune to the opioid crisis, and unfortunately there is a shortage of people who are trained to treat these individuals in Westchester,” said County Executive George Latimer. “This funding, which is awarded to our Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, will provide training and employment services to our workforce so we can better serve the communities that are struggling.”A number of Westchester County departments and community partners will work in tandem to provide management, training and leadership for those who will eventually treat victims of substance abuse, including Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, Westchester County departments of Social Services and Community Mental Health, Westchester Career Centers, Westmed Medical Group, the National Council of Alcohol and Drug Dependence of Westchester, Westchester Community College and WestCOP. “This grant will allow us to employ our residents who are eager to find or return to work while

at the same time providing the necessary training to help those who are affected by the crisis that is affecting our community and state,” said Thomas Kleiner, executive director of the Westchester-Putname Workforce Development Board.

Participants will be required to attend a four-week “boot camp” of employment training that covers job skills, resume development, interviewing, self-esteem building and job showering. Following the boot camp, specialized employment and training activities will prepare participants for one of the following jobs: certified peer recovery support specialist, mental health technician, behavioral health recovery coach, paramedic and credential alcoholism and substance abuse counselor.

“This grant fills a real need,” said Kevin McGuire, commissioner of the county Department of Social Services. “Opioid addiction has been growing in Westchester County, particularly in communities that have seemed to have previously been immune from the scourge of addiction.

This grant will allow us to train people to deal with this increase of those suffering from addiction.”

The program is intended to serve all the communities in Westchester, with a primary focus on the cities of Peekskill, Mount Vernon and New Rochelle.

(Submitted)

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2 • THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019

THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019 • 3

Blood pressure monitors available at Yonkers library

Westchester County Executive George Latimer demonstrates the ease of checking your blood pressure with an automated blood pressure cuff now available to use or check out at the Yonkers Riverfront Library. Photo courtesy Westchester County

Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler, Yonkers Public Library staff and the American Heart Association, along with residents, today demonstrated the ease of checking your blood pressure with an automated blood pressure cuff now available to use or check out at the Yonkers Riverfront Library.

Three identical blood pressure cuffs were given to the library through a pilot program funded by a New York State grant to promote and provide opportunities for self-measured blood pressure monitoring in the community. Users sit down, slip their arm into the sleeve, relax and push a button— the machine does the rest.

“Placing these cuffs at the library will make it as easy to check your blood pressure as it is to borrow a book,” Latimer said.

“That’s a good thing, because it can prompt you to see a doctor and learn strategies to reduce your blood pressure.”

“Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known as the silent killer because many people don’t know they have it until it is too late,” Amler said. “By making these automated cuffs more accessible to the public, we hope to save lives and encourage residents to work with a healthcare provider to help bring their blood pressure under control.

“One in three adults have hypertension, which increases the

risk of heart disease—the number one cause of death in Westchester.

We can reduce our risk by maintaining a healthy weight, reducing our consumption of salt, fat, cholesterol and alcohol, exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables.”

Through a partnership with CLUSTER, case managers will be available at the Yonkers Riverfront Library on designated days and times to assist residents with blood pressure monitoring, and library patrons can use the automated cuffs to check their own blood pressure when the library is open.

Other services offered through the library include nutritional guidance, along with classes in yoga, Zumba and mindfulness that can help residents reduce their high blood pressure.

The county Health Department has 16 more automated blood pressure cuffs to distribute and wants to hear from other agencies and organizations that can make the monitors accessible to residents. For more information, contact Patrick Quinn at 995-6588.

Everyone who uses the cuff, as well as anyone monitoring their blood pressure at home with their own cuff, can track their blood pressure over time using the American Heart Association’s Check, Change, Control. online tracking tool.

To create a free account, go to ccctracker.com and use the campaign code CHKBP.

“Controlling high blood pressure can help people prevent devastating illnesses like heart attack and stroke,” said Dr. Damara Gutnick, medical direceotr of the Montefiore Hudson Valley Collaborative and co-chair of the American Heart Association’s Community Impact Committee.

“This program can help Yonkers residents assess and monitor their blood pressure at a time and place that is convenient for them.

We know that this program can help people achieve a 10-point reduction in blood pressure over just a few months.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 34.6 million adults in the U.S. have uncontrolled hypertension; of these 11.6 million don’t know they have it.

In New York, 4.8 million adults— one in every three—are estimated to have hypertension, and only 63 percent have it under control.

In Westchester, an estimated 28.5 percent of adults were diagnosed with hypertension in 2016.

Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80, but one high blood pressure reading does not mean you have hypertension. Blood pressure must be measured at different times, while you are resting comfortably for at least five minutes. To diagnose hypertension, at least three readings greater than 120/80 are usually required.

More information about hypertension is available at westchestergov.com/health. (Submitted)

4 • THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019

THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019 • 5

Easter Bunny is coming to The Westchester Simon is hosting its annual Easter celebration festivities at The Westchester offering families the chance to participate in traditional and unique seasonal events.

Save time and avoid the line with the Bunny’s FastPass. Now you can reserve your magical moment with Bunny online at simonbunny.com.

The Bunny Photo Experience begins March 29 at 10 a.m. and runs through April 20 at Center Court, Level 1. Kids will have the chance to visit with the Bunny and take home a treasured snapshot of the fun occasion.

“We love to hold family-friendly events and we always look forward to watching children have fun with the Bunny at Easter,” said Paula Kelliher, director of marketing at The Westchester.

The Westchester is also excited to showcase a brand-new and custom Easter Set, especially designed for The Westchester and community. The entrance features an oversized arbor, cot-

tage gate and a special TV floor monitor, featuring hopping bunnies in a field of dandelions. The Easter Bunny will sit on a chair that is shaped like a giant Easter egg. The set will also be adorned with topiaries, colorful trees and glittery Easter eggs.

The Westchester also provides an opportunity for people with all spectrums of special needs and their families to enjoy this time-honored holiday tradition through a sensory-friendly Caring Bunny event in association with Autism Speaks. Caring Bunny will occur on April 7 from 9-10:30 a.m. prior to mall opening. Guests can register in advance at simon.com/ caring bunny.

The Westchester Bunny Photo Experience will also share the heart of the Easter Bunny by collecting donations for Autism Speaks throughout the season.

Many steps will be taken to reduce sensory triggers, creating a more comforting environment for children’s cherished visit with the Bunny. The subdued environment

is likely to include (specific elements or aesthetics may vary): • Turning off in-mall music, stopping escalators located near the photo set, dimming the lights and shutting down fountains for the duration of the event.

• Eliminating queue lines through the use of a numbering system whereby guests approach the set when their number is called.

• Special activities geared toward the needs of guests during the ‘wait’ period.

The popular Pet Photo Nights return to the Easter Bunny Photo Experience at The Westchester this year. Many pet owners view their pet as an integral member of the family and are just as committed in caring for their pets as their human family members.

Pet Photo nights are hosted after regular mall closing and the set gets an extensive cleaning following the event to remove any potential risk to allergy sufferers. Pet Photo Nights at The Westchester will be on April 7 and April 14 at 6:30 p.m. (Submitted)

The Westchester’s Bunny Photo Experience begins March 29 at 10 a.m. and runs through April 20 at Center Court, Level 1. Kids will have the chance to visit with the Bunny and take home a treasured snapshot of the fun occasion.

6 • THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019

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On Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m., RiverArts will present the renowned Kandinsky Trio performing two milestones of the chamber music repertoire, one from the 18th century and the other from the 20th century.

This concert continues RiverArts exploration of the intersection of various art forms in one evening.

Olivier Messiaen’s stunning “Quartet for the End of Time” is one of the most significant works of the 20th century. This piece was composed while Messiaen was an inmate in a German prisoner-of-war camp in 1940. His musical source was not in “the cataclysms and monsters of the Apocalypse, but rather in its silences of adoration, its marvelous visions of peace.” Performing with the Kandinskys will be internationally recognized clarinetist Igor Begelman.

Intertwined within the playing of the music, a short story by H.G. Wells will be read by actress Patricia Raun, as well as spectacular visuals by artist Bill Rutherfoord. Beethoven’s groundbreaking and exuberant trio in E flat major, “Op. 1 no.1,” will open this brilliant concert.

The RiverArts Chamber Series, under the artistic direction of Peter Seidenberg, is devoted to bringing the finest chamber music, both classical and contemporary, to the Rivertowns. This concert will conclude the second season of this fine series. Please check the RiverArts website for highlights of concerts and events to come.

Benedict Goodfriend (violin) Goodfriend has performed worldwide as soloist and chamber musician, receiving critical acclaim for his performances in Jordan and Symphony Hall in Boston, The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall and many others. His New York debut prompt-

ed the New York Times to write “The performance was vibrantly alive to every nuance in the score, elegantly phrased, spontaneous, and boldly characterful.”

A frequent guest on many prominent classical radio programs such as WQXR’s “Artist in Concert” and Robert Sherman’s “Listening Room,” WNYC’s “Around New York” and WGBH’s “Morning Pro Musica,” his performances have been aired on the “McNeil-Lehrer News Hour” as well as numerous times on National Public Radio’s “Performance Today.” Goodfriend’s solo engagements have taken him to France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Croatia, Taiwan and China.

Since 1987, Goodfriend has been the violinist in the Kandinsky Trio, resident ensemble at Roanoke College in Virginia and one of only six piano trios ever to win the coveted Chamber Music America Residency Award.

Alan Weinstein (cello) Weinstein is a founding member of the Kandinsky Trio, winner of national awards such as the Chamber Music America Residency Award. Weinstein has performed throughout North America and Europe in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Miller Theatre, Spivey Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Arnoff Center.

He frequently collaborates with internationally acclaimed artists including Dawn Upshaw, Ida Kavafian, Theodore Bikel and Gunther Schuller. He has appeared on television and radio broadcasts throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the “McNeil/Lehrer Report,” WNYC, and “Performance Today” on National Public Radio.

Weinstein has given more than 200 master classes at institutions including Penn State, Interlochen Arts Academy and Vanderbilt University. Elizabeth Bachelder (piano) Bachelder made her highly successful debut as a child prodigy in a solo piano recital at Carnegie Recital Hall at age 9 and her first appearance with an orchestra at the age 12. Selected to study with the renowned Myra Hess, she spent a year in London before returning to New York to study with David Saperton. She com-

Photos courtesy Bill Rutherfoord

pleted the Doctor of Musical Arts degree with Eugene List and David Burge at the Eastman School of Music. Bachelder has toured the U.S., Canada, Australia and Europe as solo pianist, as accompanist in lieder recitals and as a chamber musician.

She has recorded for Columbia Records and was featured on WQXR-New York and on National Public Radio. She has performed in recital with Metropolitan Opera tenor Arturo Sergi, Australian Opera baritone Roger Lemke, Affiliate Artists Michelle Djokic and John Ferrell and as collaborative pianist with the Audubon, Chester and Cavani quartets and the Zagreb Solistii.

Igor Begelman (clarinet) Begelman’s virtuosity and imagination have been praised by critics as a “remarkable display of music making” and have earned him an impressive list of awards, engagements and honors. An Astral alumnus and the recipient of an Avery Fisher Career Grant, Begelman has appeared as soloist with major orchestras in the U.S. and abroad, including the Houston Symphony, L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s and I Musici de Montreal, among many others. His recital appearances have included engagements throughout Europe, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Israel, as well as recitals in such distinguished venues as Philadel-

phia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Boston’s Faneuil Hall, Carnegie’s Weill and Zankel Halls, Lincoln Center and the 92nd St. Y. Equally accomplished as a soloist and chamber musician, his appearances have taken him to the Caramoor, Ravinia, Marlboro, Tanglewood and Schleswig-Holstein festivals. An active educator, Begelman gives regular master classes throughout the U.S. He has been a professor of Clarinet at the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Director of the Woodwind Program at the Bowdoin International Music Festival, and also taught at Brooklyn, Swarthmore and Sarah Lawrence College.

More details can be found at riverarts.org. (Submitted)

“Reflections on Eternity” Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.

Andrus on Hudson Auditorium 185 Old Broadway Hastings-on-Hudson

$25 in advance $30 at the door Further info/tickets

riverarts.org/chamber

THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019 • 7

Why day camp matters Summer camp is a rite of passage for many kids. It provides the opportunity to unplug, connect with nature, and develop new skills and relationships. When you think of summer camp, the traditional overnight experience typically comes to mind. However, day camps offer much more than child care during the summer. Day camps provide many of the same benefits as overnight camps, but they also offer unique advantages.

Introduction to the Camp Experience Day camps are a great alternative to overnight camp if parents or first-time campers aren’t old enough or comfortable with a weeklong separation. Day camp is also a more affordable option for many families and is a great way to introduce the concept of summer camp.

“Day camps offer the opportunity for campers to have social interaction, a fun environment and positive role models, while also allowing the parent to pick them up and go home at night,” says Andrew Campbell, the summer camp coordinator for Sally’s YMCA in Denver, North Carolina. “Overnight camp typically comes with bigger experiences, but day camp allows parent interaction each evening.”

It’s the best of both worlds.

Children receive the same benefits as an overnight camp, yet can discuss the day’s events with mom or dad, and sleep in their own bed each night.

Opportunity to Learn New Skills One of the biggest perks of summer camp is the opportunity to participate in new activities. Day camps offer the perfect chance to commit to a new activity for a short time. There’s no judgment if you don’t excel. There are no final exams or grades, and no pressure.

While archery, swimming and ziplining are typical of the traditional camp experience, some day camps offer even more specialized themes—everything from coding to photography to cooking. Exposure to new activities can boost academics, sharpen sports skills or help spark an interest in a new hobby or potential career path.

According to research from the American Camp Association, ACA, 74 percent of campers reported trying new activities at camp that they were initially hes-

itant to try. Quite often, the new activities have a lasting impact with 63 percent of parents reporting that their child continued the new activities after camp ended.

Self-Esteem Boost By tackling new experiences, children feel pride and a sense of accomplishment, and may walk away from the experience more adventurous and willing to try new things.

“Summer camps give children the opportunity to explore their own interests and personality through specialized activities and games that allow them to gain independence and a confidence that comes with that,” Campbell adds.

With more self-confidence, campers are more inclined to exhibit leadership qualities—a characteristic that can benefit the camper in many facets of life for years to come.

Increased Social Skills Making friends is an important part of the camp experience.

Camp counselors are trained to help all ages practice communication skills and build relationships. For some children, camp may be the first opportunity to interact with a diverse group of people. According to the ACA, camp counselors often “teach the things that cannot be taught in school... how to build friendships, how to lead and how to work as a team.”

Counselors also serve as mentors and model positive behavior.

They offer assurance when situations are challenging or may feel overwhelming to a child. Counselors help apprehensive campers work through difficult moments while also celebrating accomplishments.

Children benefit from a sense of community at camp by working together to solve problems,

looking out for each other, completing team-building tasks and collaborating on projects. No matter campers’ skills or talents, they are reminded to believe in themselves.

Summer Learning ACA research shows that participation in structured summer experiences reduces summer learning loss. “Day camps are a wonderful resource to avoid summer brain drain for children,” Campbell says. “We offer a safe environment where they can explore and grow in creativity. We are also an alternative to children spending more time in front of a screen than they typically do in a school year.”

Summer camp keeps students engaged year-round and helps foster creativity. Academic camps provide an opportunity for additional enrichment, yet campers are free from academic pressure found in most school classrooms.

With that freedom, they lose their fear of failure, are more relaxed, more open to learning and more creative. Summer day camps are often so engaging and fun that kids don’t even realize how much they’re learning.

According to the ACA, the number of accredited day camps has increased by 69 percent since 2002, and that’s a trend that continues to climb. Like overnight camp, day camps help build social skills, increase self-confidence and foster independence.

They are also an ideal precursor to the overnight camp experience.

“I would highly recommend day camp as a first step into the camp experience,” Campbell says.

“Day camp gives the… experience of camp with the comfort of the camper knowing they will still see their family at the end of the day.” (Submitted)

8 • THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019

The recycling conundrum BRONXVILLE TODAY Mayor Mary Marvin

As the village discusses a sustainability plan in the context of our Comprehensive Plan rollout, we are being thwarted by events far beyond our control in one aspect. It is China’s decision to no longer provide a market for our recycled paper and plastic which has already had a major trickle-down effect.

After decades of public information campaigns, Americans were finally recycling—our village took on the cause in earnest and yearly we are one of the top three communities in Westchester County, along with Scarsdale and Bedford, in the percentage of waste versus recycled materials.

But quite honestly, now much of that carefully sorted recycling nationwide is ending up in comingled trash. Waste management companies across the country are communicating that there is no longer a market for our recyclables.

As a result, municipalities are left with two choices: pay much higher rates to get rid of recyclables or throw it all away.

In a recent article in The Atlantic, the city manager of Franklin, New Hampshire said, “We are doing our best to be environmentally responsible, but we can’t afford it.”

When recycling first began in Franklin, they could break even by reselling at $6 per ton. Now the transfer station is charging the town $125 a ton to recycle or $68 a ton to incinerate. The incineration process has the added negative of releasing toxins into the air.

It is a nationwide problem.

Broadway, Virginia started recycling 22 years ago but suspended the entire program when costs went up by 63 percent. Commu-

nities trying to wait it out no longer have space to store mounds of recyclables in a healthy, environmentally friendly way. Philadelphia, one of our major cities, is now burning about half of its 1.5 million residents’ cycling material in an incinerator that converts waste to energy.

On the village level, we collect and dispose of approximately 2,150 tons of refuse at $28.87 per ton or $62,000 a year. The waste as well as the recyclables are sent to the county’s dual refuse station on the state Thruway entrance near Stew Leonard’s.

We also pay for the increased cost of recycling via a county tax levied through the town of Eastchester tax bill. On our labor cost level, it takes eight Public Works employees to complete the task every Wednesday which includes two staffers moved from the highway/road crews every week.

This feared “end” of recycling comes at a time when the U.S. is creating a record amount of waste. In 2015, the last year with verifiable data, Americans generated 262.4 million tons of waste, up 4.5 percent from 2010 and up 60 percent from 1985. This equates to nearly five pounds per person per day. Close to home, New York City collected 934 tons of metal, plastic and glass a day from residents last year, a whopping 33 percent increase in just five years.

Quite simply it is now just cheaper to throw away an old, used or broken product. I am old enough to remember having our toaster fixed at the local appliance shop, now a non-existent trade.

But the true cost extends far beyond the Costco “bargain” price of replacement. When waste with an organic component sits in a landfill, it decomposes emitting methane. Burning plastics create some energy but also produce carbon emissions and many incineration facilities release more mercury and lead than

do coal plants.

What do we do?

Even at our best, Americans were generally terrible at recycling. About 25 percent of what ends up in the blue bins is actually contaminated—wire hangers mixed with pizza boxes mixed with unwashed, congealed ketchup bottles. Sadly, the current economic environment makes it cost prohibitive to “clean” recyclables. Some companies are now charging additional “contamination” fees further adding to the overall costs.

As a mayor said in The Atlantic article, “At what point do you feel like you’re spending more money than what it takes for people to feel good about recycling?”

Across Memphis, large commercial enterprises have had to stop recycling because of contamination problems. But the Memphis airport is keeping its recycling bins in place to preserve “the culture” of recycling among passengers and employees.

Right now, it is cheaper for most American manufacturing companies to use new, rather than recycled supplies. It is only pennies difference but they add up when millions of items are produced.

Bottom line, the best way to fix recycling is to buy less. The city of San Francisco, a leader in environmental initiatives, began an ad campaign to add a fourth “R”— reduce, reuse, recycle—and “refuse.” Top on their list are the proliferation plastic bottles and straws. The city recently passed an ordinance requiring that 10 percent of all beverages sold be available in reusable containers.

Behemoth Amazon is trying to reduce waste by mailing products in the new blue and white plastic envelopes, but they, too, have proven hard to recycle.

Sadly no one has yet to find the “answer” but perhaps the best solution—most logical and obvious one—think before making a purchase.

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THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019 • 9

10 • THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019

5 reasons not to worry while your kids are at camp Worrying when our kids are away from us is normal for parents. Every time I’ve ever dropped my kids off for a new adventure without me, I’m excited for them.

But I’m also concerned about their safety, secretly wishing they would just stay home, then counting the days until they return. I know it’s not rational (few things about parenting are), but I believe my kids are always safest when they’re home with me.

If you are new to sending your kids to summer camp, let me reassure you that while they are away, you can relax your worrying muscles. I’ve spent the past three decades working at a summer camp, sending my kids to other camps, and participating in the networking and training of summer camp professionals.

I know a lot of camp directors, have visited many camps through the American Camp Association, ACA, accreditation process, and am a faithful reader of Camping Magazine. I definitely know about camp.

Before I share why you should not worry while your kids are

at camp, let me qualify that the reasons below pertain to accredited camp programs. The accreditation process is cumbersome, because the camp needs to meet more than 250 standards. That’s what I like about it.

Here are five reasons not to worry while your kids are at an ACA-accredited camp this summer: 1. They’ll have more supervision than almost anywhere else When your kids are at camp, they will have more adults caring for them than in almost any other setting. To see the required supervision ratios at accredited camp programs (based on the children’s age), visit this American Camp Association page, which refers to staff screening, supervision, and training. Ratios generally range from 1:5 to 1:10, depending on the age of the campers and the activity.

2. They’ll be safer than they are on a sports field or in your backyard.

Many parents look at the types of activities kids do at camp and their safety alarm goes off. Swim-

ming? Archery? Campfires? It all sounds so dangerous!

And yet, these and other high adventure activities are supervised by trained staff using safety equipment such as helmets and harnesses and following procedures that ensure a reduced risk of injury. In the Healthy Camp Study, which analyzed data from several camps over a five-year period, the injury rates for both day and residential camps were much lower than the rates for many popular sports.

3. Camp counselors receive more training than most parents.

Most camps provide at least a week of training before the summer begins. Many counselors are also required to complete online trainings and certifications before arriving at camp. Camp counselors learn about age group characteristics and how to use positive behavior management techniques.

4. They’ll benefit from being unplugged.

Do you worry about your kids having too much screen time? I know I do. It’s impossible to miss

how today’s teens and young adults—these so-called “screenagers”—are scrolling their way through life and navigating relationships with quick-moving thumbs. One thing I most look forward to about camp is my kids having an extended period of unplugged time, without me nagging them at all.

5. They are feeling happier than they do almost anywhere else.

Many kids say that camp is their “happy place,” and my own research on how camp experiences impact kids’ overall happiness backs this claim. In my 2015 study on the impact of camp on social well-being (i.e., hap-

piness), three out of every four children surveyed reported being “a little happier” or “a lot happier” after their summer camp experience.If you tend to worry about your children, why not take a break and send them to camp this summer?

It could do all of you some good! (Submitted)

11 • THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019

Why making friends at camp is important When I saw this TED Talk by Susan Pinker, “The Secret to Living Longer May be Your Social Life,” I was reminded once again of the crucial importance of relationships and social connections to our children’s (and our own!) life-long health and happiness.

Children and adolescents require more than intellectual growth and physical health to become happy, successful adults.

They also need to develop the social skills necessary for positive relationships with others. The importance of quality childhood friendships for well-being both during childhood and later in life has been clearly established, and many camp programs specifically focus on fostering those friendships, along with teaching, modeling and practicing social skills.

Campers look like they’re having a lot of fun playing outdoors and learning new activities, but are they also learning life skills during just two weeks at a residential summer camp? That was one of the primary questions of a study I conducted in 2014 which examined the perceived impact

of a two-week residential camp experience on children’s happiness and social skills development. Participants were 167 children ages six to 15 from six different two-week, residential summer camps in Arizona, California and Colorado. The children completed an end-of-camp written survey in which they were asked to rate (1–5) how much they thought their social skills were impacted by their camp stay. Did their social skills, for example, get a lot worse (1) or a lot better (5)?

Participants’ parents went online to complete the same survey two to four weeks after their child’s camp stay. Both children and parents reported significant positive changes in the children’s social skills and happiness as a result of their two-week camp experience, and 140 of 147 (95 percent) children reported improvement in their overall social skills.

Focus on Friendship Camp counselors, unlike teachers, view their primary role as one of facilitating friendships and positive experiences. They are also trained to help campers

build social skills. At most camp programs, counselors participate in up to a week of training prior to the summer. Sessions include exercises in communication, leadership and team building, during which counselors are trained to lead “ice-breakers” that help campers get to know one another and connect. Making friends is an important part of the camp experience, and with the help of their counselors, children learn and practice their friend-making skills. Given that camp programs emphasize forming new friendships and rekindling old friendships, the finding that children felt their social skills improved as a result of camp supports the hypothesis of this study and anecdotal testimonials. Not surprisingly, all campers reported making new friends at camp, with 99 percent of campers’ parents (132/133) reporting the same.

How do camp experiences foster friendships and develop campers’ social skills?

While the specific mechanisms for social skills development were not part of this study, campers’ comments provide some

clues as to why camp experiences help foster close friendships and improved social skills.

Sense of belonging and social acceptance, understanding their value to the camp community “I’m not exaggerating, camp is my favorite place on Earth. The people provide a sense of belonging and ‘welcomes.’ I’ll be back next year!”

“I liked the freedom you are provided with and how many new friends you can make within two weeks!”

“Camp is really fun. It’s usually hard to make friends, but here it’s easy.”

“I liked bonding with my horse, my friends, and the counselors.”

“Camp is really fun and it’s usually hard to make friends, but here it’s easy.”

“ “It’s fun and I get to play with my friends.”

Improved ability to label emotions in facial expressions, more time in face-to-face communication (no screens!)

“I want to come back to camp to get away from electronics, and I really like this experience.”

“I liked that there are no electronics, like a cleanse.”

Opportunity to practice their conversation skills at meals, activities, around the campfire, during rest time and while walking around camp: Meeting new people Children who live together in close quarters, share activity and meal times, and gather around campfires in discussion and games get an intense burst of time with one another and often report feeling closer to their friends at camp—

with whom they spend only two weeks—than to their school friends.

Because they are with each other so much and—at the six camps of focus in this study—are required to unplug from electronics, children at summer camp spend more time in intentional, directed conversation as compared to when they are not at camp. Trained counselors lead campers through team- and relationship-building activities throughout the day, skills that are more deeply developed thanks to increased faceto-face communication.

It’s no surprise that campers and parents believe camp experiences improve kids’ social skills.

Those two weeks each summer spent at camp may, indeed, be life-changing. And new friends and improved social skills may be one of the most important reasons! (Submitted)

12 • THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019

Dreaming of Summer: Enroll in Hoff-Barthelson

Students enjoy playing trumpet in the orchestra during Hoff-Barthelson’s Summer Arts Program. Photo/Steven Schnur

Enrollment for Hoff-Barthelson Music School’s Summer Arts Program, SAP, is now underway. The Summer Arts Program provides a joyous, transformative opportunity for artistic exploration for students in grades 1-10 where students form lasting friendships that help foster and reinforce learning. Each participant’s program is individually tailored to his or her needs and interests. The five-week program runs July 1 through Aug. 2. Morning only, extended day and afternoon only options are available.

Taught by top-flight faculty, offerings include instrumental classes, orchestra, chorus, chamber music, visual arts, world drumming, music technology, chimes, piano for non-pianists, jazz, rock, musical theater and frequent per-

formance opportunities.

“Unencumbered by schoolwork and the scheduling challenges faced during the school year, SAP students have the latitude to try additional instruments, experiment musically, take lessons every day, and perform each week,” Program Director Joseph Piscitelli said. “Consequently, they’re able to make tremendous progress over the program’s five weeks.”

Carolyn Zhu, mother of two participants of the program, said, “At the Summer Arts Program my kids grew as young musicians and as people.”

Mary Margulis-Ohnuma, a mother of three participants, added, “The program offers opportunities to work with a world-class faculty in a fluid format that catalyzes learning, and provides a

warm, welcoming environment.”

To learn more about the program, visit hbms.org, email summerarts@ hbms.org or call 723-1169.

Hoff-Barthelson Music School has achieved national recognition as a premier community music school for its unsurpassed leadership in education, performance and community service. With a faculty drawn from the region’s most talented teachers and performers, the school has long been one of Westchester most cherished cultural resources.

The Summer Arts Program is made possible, in part, by ArtsWestchester with support from Westchester County and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature.

(Submitted)

13 • THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019

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Notice of Formation of Jean Pak, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) On 12/18/18. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY Shall mail process to: 235 Garth Road, A6E: Scarsdale, NY 10583. Purpose: any lawful Activity.

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15 • THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019

Atomic Tom? LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

The first two rounds of the NCAA tournament were played last week, and even though we are headed into the Sweet 16 with few upsets to speak of, there was certainly more than enough drama to go around. But this drama wasn’t focused on any particular team or game— although the Duke-UCF game was certainly a nail-biter—it was centered on the actions of a coach.

During No. 2 seed Michigan State’s first round win over No. 15 Bradley, Spartans’ head coach Tom Izzo lost his cool on the court, berating freshman Aaron Henry as he came back to the bench after a timeout early in the second half. As far as optics go, it wasn’t a good one; the 64-year-old Izzo storming redfaced onto the court and scream-

ing at his 19-year-old charge as other Spartans, including junior point guard Cassius Winston, attempted to step between the two and defuse the situation.

It probably wasn’t Izzo’s finest moment as a coach, but was it worth the countless think-pieces that followed, criticizing Izzo as an abusive coach?

As much as I am a believer in the power of positivity in coaching, I have to say; Izzo’s outburst didn’t bother me one bit.

Did it look bad? Sure. Would it be acceptable if Izzo were coaching on the high school level? Probably not. Was it effective? Well, Henry didn’t play much better after the dressing down, so not really.

But to label Izzo as abusive for screaming at a player for what the coach later identified as a lack of effort seems kind of wrong-headed, at least in my book.

We’ve seen abusive coaches before. Bobby Knight choking Neil Reid, Mike Leach making an injured played stand in an

SPORTS

equipment shed during practice, and just about everything that happened under Mike Rice at Rutgers, these are examples of outright disgusting coaching behavior.

Izzo—who has long been known as a demanding coach— simply lost his temper and couldn’t think of a better way to communicate with his player. That doesn’t excuse him, for sure, but it also doesn’t make him a villain.

Heck, even his players—including Henry—seemed to think this entire situation was overblown, as the freshman replied with a bullseye emoji to a Chris Carter tweet that defended the head coach, implying that Carter had a better grasp on the intricacies of the situation than the countless pundits clutching their pearls.

I’m not advocating we return to the days of Woody Hayes and Bear Bryant. I think coaches should strive to provide positive reinforcement whenever possible

During his team’s first round game against Bradley on March 19, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo made headlines for berating one of his players on the court. But did Izzo’s actions really cross the line?

to get the best out of their players at any level. And to be perfectly honest, I’d bet that Izzo is more than a little embarrassed by his behavior in the tourney’s first round, even if he’d never admit it.

I’m just saying we need to be able to differentiate between a hot-tempered coach and an authority figure who shouldn’t be entrusted to teach our youth.

There’s a fine line, for sure, but a

little common sense can go a long way toward telling the difference between the two.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

SPORTS

16 • THE REVIEW • March 29, 2019

Stew Leonard’s hosts Miracle Mets

By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On March 25, local sports fans got the chance to meet some of the stars of one of New York City’s most iconic baseball teams, as members of the 1969 New York Mets made an appearance at Stew Leonard’s in Yonkers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their ‘miracle’ season and help raise money for Alzheimer’s research.

Ron Swoboda, Ed Kranepool, Cleon Jones, Art Shamsky, Jim McAndrew and Duffy Dyer met with fans and autograph seekers at the Yonkers supermarket— which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The event drew fans from all over the Westchester area and beyond, as fans who witnessed the Mets’ first-ever title that season, still feel a significant connection with the team.

Andy DiSanto, 59, made the nearly two-hour drive that morning from Hillsborough Township, New Jersey and was the first fan on line to meet some of his childhood heroes.

The 1969 Mets went 100-62

Stew Leonard’s President and CEO Stew Leonard Jr., speaks with members of the Mets during the March 25 event. Photos/Mike Smith

Andy DiSanto from Hillsborough, New Jersey waits on line to speak with some of the members of the 1969 Mets.

during the regular season and defeated the Baltimore Orioles to win the first-ever World Series title for the organization, which

more than 100 games five times in the team’s first seven seasons.

According to DiSanto, the team’s championship run was one of his earliest memories of

came into existence in 1962. Prior to the team’s championship season, the Mets were considered bottom-dwellers, having lost

the sport.

“I was a big Met fan, but I was only nine years old in 1969, so what I don’t remember, my older brother has had to fill me in on,”

Members of the 1969 Mets, from left, Ed Kranepool, Ron Swoboda, Cleon Jones and Duffy Dyer, sign memorabilia for fans on March 25 at Stew Leonard’s in Yonkers. The Miracle Mets and Stew Leonard’s are celebrating their 50th anniversaries this year.

DiSanto told the Review. “But they were great; they were a miracle.”

DiSanto was one of hundreds of fans who showed up on Monday morning to get the chance to share some of their fond recollections with the ballplayers and have their jerseys, bats and other memorabilia signed.

“I’ve gotten to meet a lot of the guys from the ’69 team,” DiSanto said. “And getting the chance to meet six members in one day, that’s a big deal.”

Stew Leonard’s hosted a similar meet-and-greet at the store’s East Meadow location on Sunday and held another one on Monday afternoon in Nowalk, Connecticut. Proceeds from the events and the Stew Leonard’ Wishing Well were donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver, who was the ace of that 1969 Mets team recently retired from public life after his family announced the right-hander was suffering from dementia. Bud Harrelson, the Miracle Mets’ second baseman, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016.

“I’m just lucky that I’ve gotten to meet guys like Seaver,” DiSanto said. “Obviously it’s important to raise awareness about the disease.”

CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com