February 10, 2017

RyeCity REVIEW THE

February 10, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 6 | www.ryecityreview.com

Apawamis Club to see $900K tax refund

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer

Moving along As the Rye City Council considers amending a local law that prohibits food truck solicitation in public spaces within the city, the move could pave the way for a food truck operation to fill the void in Rye Town Park’s restaurant and snack bar operations. For story, see page 9.

File photo

School district nears decision on new superintendent The Rye City School District’s Board of Education is closing in on its search for a new superintendent.

And according to a source, Dr. Brian Monahan, who has been serving as the interim superintendent since Aug. 1, 2016, is among the final pool of candidates.

The Board of Education is expected to identify its final

candidate at some point this month, after interviewing as many as six candidates for the position, according to school district officials.

In January, the board identified nearly 40 candidates from across 10 states, most of them coming from New York.

Following the selection of a new superintendent, members of the Board of Education will

conduct a tour for the likely candidate, as well as perform a background check afterward.

Monahan, who replaced Dr. Frank Alvarez in July 2016, retired from the North Rockland Central School District in 2009 after a 14-year career there. He has held positions as a curriculum specialist, director of information technology, and deputy superintendent; he

previously served as interim superintendent in the Hendrick Hudson, Garrison, and Mahopac school districts.

When reached on Wednesday, Feb. 8, Monahan declined to comment.

Sarah Derman, the public information officer for the school district, declined to comment.

-Reporting by Franco Fino

The Apawamis Club has been granted a considerable reduction in its property tax assessment as a result of a recent settlement with the city of Rye and the town/village of Harrison.

On Jan. 4, the state Supreme Court approved the reduction of The Apawamis Club’s assessed property value, which will ultimately cut the country club’s taxes in half—to approximately $200,000 a year.

The club’s tax assessment is shared between Rye and Harrison as a result of the 4-acre, 18hole club being partially located in both communities. Rye is responsible for assessing 75 percent of the club’s taxable value, and Harrison is responsible for the remaining 25 percent.

“We thought it would be best to negotiate a settlement with The Apawamis Club,” said Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson.

“They were willing to have a seat at the table and discuss various years of compensation, and, at the end of the day, we agreed upon a value that is favorable for both of the municipalities involved.”

The private club, which is located at 2 Club Road in Rye, will be refunded approximately $900,000 as a result of a change in the tax assessments for the years 2011 through 2016. The club is expected to receive just

under $600,000 from Rye, and just over $300,000 from Harrison.

The tax assessment case is one of the biggest in Rye since the Miriam Osborn Memorial Home Association case, in which the city assessor revoked Osborn’s tax exempt status in 1997.

According to Wilson, the Apawamis settlement is similar to several other current cases in the state regarding the tax assessments of private country clubs.

There are four country clubs in Rye and nine in Harrison. In 2013, Harrison settled a similar case with Westchester Country Club; it also settled a tax case with Willow Ridge Country Club last year.

Wilson said that, ultimately, golf course memberships have been on the decline and their assessed values have been plummeting. Further, country clubs’ income streams throughout the state have also decreased drastically. For that reason, the Supreme Court has routinely challenged the taxable value of private country clubs, Wilson said, including The Apawamis Club, which reported gross receipts of $15 million in 2014.

Gross receipts are the total amounts an organization receives from all sources during its annual accounting period, REFUND on page 5

2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • February 10, 2017

February 10, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3

Legislature approves anti-corruption bill

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer State officials have taken a big step in the fight against public corruption, as the Legislature has approved a proposal to enact a constitutional amendment that would strip taxpayer-funded pensions from state and local leaders who commit felonies in connection with their office.

The pension forfeiture proposal will be on the ballot for a referendum held on Election Day, Nov. 7.

Enacting a constitutional amendment in New York state requires both the Senate and Assembly to pass the proposal in two consecutive sessions. Afterward, the proposal goes to voters to make the final decision.

“Overall, this has had great bipartisan support, and I think it will send an overwhelming message against corruption in government,” said state Assemblyman David Buchwald, a White Plains Democrat, who first proposed the legislation in May 2013. “This measure will cause high level public officials to think twice before they decide to do something corrupt.”

Elected officials, gubernatorial appointees, municipal managers, department heads, chief fiscal officers, judges, and several other policy-makers convicted of a felony, involving the breach of public trust, would all be subject to forfeiture of pension benefits.

If it were passed in November, the provision would only apply to officials who committed crimes on or after Jan. 1, 2018, succeeding the date of the constitutional amendment.

Currently, a public officer in New York state can accept bribes, steal public funds or

The New York state Legislature has approved Assemblyman David Buchwald’s legislation that would require convicted public officers to forfeit their taxpayer-funded pensions. The bill will go to referendum on Nov. 7. File photo

engage in numerous other forms of public corruption without the threat of pension forfeiture, even if convicted.

Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, which is a statewide coalition that champions open, honest and accountable government, said, “Public officials who break the law shouldn’t get a taxpayer pension, period.”

In 2015, after then-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, was arrested and later convicted of public corruption charges, he applied and was successfully granted his pension, which comes to $79,224 a year, according to the state comptroller’s office.

Silver was convicted on Nov. 30, 2015 of charges that included honest services fraud, money laundering and extortion, after serving as the head of the state Assembly since 1994. He is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence.

Former majority leader of

the state Senate, Dean Skelos, a Long Island Republican, was also convicted on federal corruption charges, and was sentenced to five years in prison in December 2015. Skelos had served as the majority leader since 2011.

As many as 34 state and local officials have been convicted in New York since 2002 on charges including bribery, conspiracy, falsifying records, racketeering, fraud, extortion, federal corruption and perjury, among a mix of several other felonies and misdemeanors.

The only other state to exceed that number is Pennsylvania, which has seen 41 state and local officials imprisoned on similar charges since 2002.

“You would think that the threat of losing your job and paycheck, and the immense embarrassment from your community would be enough of a deterrent for these guys,” said state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat. “Hopefully now we’ll see better behavior. People just won’t tolerate corruption anymore; everybody’s on notice.”

With a tremendous amount of support for the bill, and with expectations that the legislation will pass with an overwhelming majority vote of the public, there are still a handful of individuals who oppose it, Buchwald said. Only four officials voted against the bill, including state Sens. Ruben Diaz, Kevin Parker, Diane Savino and Velmanette Montgomery, all Democrats representing areas in New York City.

“Some folks are still in total denial on how seriously corruption erodes public trust in government,” Buchwald said.

CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • February 10, 2017

What’s going on...

Rye Free Reading Room

ents understand the confusing maze of new needs.

Wainwright House

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

Teacher-in-the-Library On Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Children’s Room. Rye teachers offer after-school homework help to students attending local public and private elementary schools in the Rye area. This is a free program sponsored by the Auxiliary Board of the Rye Free Reading Room, Woman’s Club of Rye/Children’s Philanthropy section, and the PTO of the Rye schools.

The Special Challenges of Long-Distance Caregiving On Thursday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Long-distance caregiving poses unique challenges. Caregiving is often triggered by a crisis. Find out what you can do to help your loved one from afar. Mark Brownstein, president of My Elder Advocate, will offer tips and discuss how to make the most of personal visits while juggling the complexities associated with helping aging par-

Valentine Jazz Brunch On Sunday, Feb. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Featuring a performance by The Joe Corsello Jazz Ensemble. Wainwright House is the perfect setting to enjoy a sumptuous brunch prepared by Corner Stone Caterers, including mimosas, Bloody Marys, wine and live music for your special day.

Fee: $50 per person. Reservations are required online at wainwright.org or by calling 967-6080.

Heart-Centered Spiritual Growth Starting Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This is a five-week course. Learn the basics of Western spirituality experientially. Learn how to meditate through your heart.

Fee: $162 for members; $180 for non-members. Visit wainwright.org for the course outline.

For more information and to register, visit the website or call 967-6080.

Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala On Saturday, Feb. 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30

She’s not crazy, her name just rhymes with it. Read Lenore Skenazy’s column every week in the Review.

A past contributor to the Daily News and the New York Sun, Skenazy has also appeared on “The Daily Show,” been profiled in the New Yorker and even had her own reality TV show, “World’s Worst Mom.”

p.m. Wainwright House is hosting its annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Gala—a fun-filled fundraising event to help advance its mission and support programs and classes. Come in costume, don Mardi Gras’ purple, green and gold colors, or come as you are to enjoy a sumptuous New Orleans style dinner, open bar, live music for your dancing and listening pleasure, a revelers parade, and more. Fee: $150 per person. Reservations are required online at wainwright.org or by calling 967-6080.

Rye Recreation Rye Youth Soccer spring 2017 registration Online registration is open through the Rye Youth Soccer website, ryeyouthsoccer.org, for spring intramural soccer for boys and girls in grades K–5. The season will begin Saturday, April 29 and end Saturday, June 17, with no games on Saturday, May 13. Complete details on dates and times of the program can be found the aforementioned website. Questions? Contact Patti Adimari, registrar, at pattirys@optonline.net or 967-5273.

Scholarships are available upon request. Please note that coaches should also register to coach in their online account.

Rye Arts Center The Rye Arts Center is located at 51 Milton Road in Rye. For more information or to register for a program, call 967-0700 or visit ryeartscenter.org.

RAC LIVE! Coffeehouse On Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m.The Rye Arts Center is bringing live music downtown, adding excitement to the nightlife of Rye. Enjoy a series of performances at Le Pain Quotidien, located at 30 Purchase St. Each evening will introduce you to new singers, songwriters and bands who will share their unique sounds with you in this intimate setting. Come out for an evening for food, drink, and great live music. Cover: $10 for advance tickets at ryeartscenter.org; $12 at the door.

SPRYE ‘Being Mortal’s Villages’ discussion SPRYE is proud to announce that renowned surgeon, public health researcher and writer Dr. Atul Gawande will be the guest speaker at the 15th celebration of the founding of Beacon Hill Village and the subsequent Village Movement it inspired on Monday, Feb. 13 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.; doors open at 4:30 p.m.

The event will be held at the Rye Free Reading Room, located at 1061 Boston Post Road in Rye. The conversation, entitled “Being Mortal’s Villages: The Value of Community and Choice as We Grow Older,” will feature a discussion on aging, living life with purpose, and how we can transform the possibilities for the later chapters of everyone’s lives. The event will be simulcast from Boston to more than 150 of the 350-plus villages open and in development across the country, including SPRYE. All are welcome to join SPRYE for a viewing party. Please RSVP to Betti Weimersheimer, SPRYE executive director, at director@sprye.org or 481-5706. For more information, visit sprye.org.

Rye Historical Society Presidential Foods and Facts workshop Children ages 6 and up are invited to the Square House Museum in Rye on Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon to honor the presidents of the United States. Participants will learn fun trivia about some of our nation’s past leaders and recreate delicious treats favored by founding families using adapted historic recipes.

The cost for this fun and informative program, including the necessary supplies, is $10 per child.

Reservations are suggested as space is limited and can be made by calling the Rye Historical Society at 967-7588.

The Square House Museum, located at 1 Purchase St. in Rye, is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please visit ryehistory.org or call 967-7588.

Rye Meeting House

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester

‘Ecological Landscapes for Birds’ talk

‘LEGO Batman’ Movie Days

On Saturday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m., the Bird Homestead nonprofit will present noted environmental horticulturist Kim Eierman’s talk titled “Ecological Landscapes for Birds.” Central Westchester Audubon is co-sponsoring the program, which will take place at the Rye Meeting House.

It’s not too early to start dreaming about your spring garden. The birds will return from their migration before we know it. Eierman specializes in ecological landscapes and native plants. She teaches at the New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, The Native Plant Center, and several other institutions.

She is an active speaker nationwide on many ecological landscape topics.

Admission is free. Donations will be gratefully accepted. The Rye Meeting House is located at 624 Milton Road in Rye. For more information, email birdhomestead.meetinghouse@gmail.com or call 967-0099.

From Saturday, Feb. 11 to Sunday, Feb. 19 at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St. in Yonkers. Super Hero. Crimefighter. Master Builder. “LEGO Batman” is all of those and so much more. Come meet Gotham City’s Caped Crusader during this celebration of the Warner Bros. Pictures’ feature film, which will include photo ops with the scene-stealing star, a themed scavenger hunt and LEGO Batman-inspired build activities. Starting at $15.95; children under age 2 are free. Hours: Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 866-243-0770 or visit legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester.

Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.

February 10, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5 REFUND from page 1

without subtracting any costs or expenses.

The state Supreme Court’s ruling could pave the way for successful determinations for several other private country clubs located in Westchester, including an ongoing assessment challenge by Trump National Golf Club Westchester, which is owned by President Donald Trump’s company, in Briarcliff Manor.

In 2015, Trump argued that the club’s taxable value was $1.5 million. But, the town of Ossining assessed it at $14 million.

Subsequently after, the town Board of Assessment Review rejected the company’s grievance, which led Trump to file another grievance in 2016 claiming that the club was worth $7.5 million.

In that year, the town had reassessed the private club at a value of $15 million; the town rejected that grievance as well.

As of press time, the case is now awaiting a decision by the state Supreme Court.

The Apawamis Club settlement will also have a bearing on both the Rye and Harri-

On Jan. 4, the state Supreme Court approved The Apawamis Club’s property assessment settlement with the town/village of Harrison and the city of Rye. The private club is expected to receive approximately $900,000 in tax refunds from both municipalities. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

son school districts, as school districts are required to participate in tax certiorari cases along with their corresponding municipality.

According to Dr. Brian Monahan, the interim superintendent of the Rye City School District, the school district will pay the country club $328,000.

For the school district, the recent decision rearranged tax assessments dating back to 2010.

The payment will be allocated from the school district’s 201516 surpluses, he said.

Harrison’s school district is expected to pay the club

$192,000 on top of the $900,000 from Rye and Harrison.

Dr. Louis Wool, the superintendent of the Harrison school district, could not be reached for comment, as of press time.

According to Wilson, The Apawamis Club’s assessed value will be frozen for three years, as part of the settlement.

Rye Assessor Noreen Whitty, Harrison Assessor Mark Heinbockel, and Harrison Attorney Jonathan Kraut could not be reached for comment, as of press time.

CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • February 10, 2017

RyeCity REVIEW THE

170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000

Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Reporter | James Pero ext. 20, james@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 | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer Corey Stockton Staff Photographers Andrew Dapolite, Aaron Kershaw, Charlie McLaughlin Columnists John Carey, Rye City Council, Lenore Skenazy, Joe Murphy

Letters

Rye Playland

construction stalled by city lawsuit

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Progress on a slew of multimillion dollar renovations at Rye Playland continue to be hampered by litigation between Westchester County and the city of Rye, as construction at the park gets pushed back.

According to documents obtained by the Review, the county administration has attributed a lawsuit filed by the city in July for spurring multiple contract delays, including an extended March 31 deadline for a county lawmakers’ decision on the fate of Playland’s pool, in addition to a construction schedule for $30 million in county-funded capital projects by March 1.

According to Dan Branda, a spokesman for the Republican County Executive Rob Astorino’s administration, the county is expecting to meet its March

If Rye wins its lawsuit, and overturns the county’s declaration of lead agency, the city could call for a longer and more extensive review of dozens of potential projects at the park.

An extension on a decision regarding Playland’s pool is set to expire on March 31. A recent capital budget from the county includes $10 million to renovate the structure, but lawmakers will be tasked with determining just how those improvements are done.

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.

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Multi-million dollar renovations at Rye Playland have stalled amidst litigation from the city of Rye, which is seeking to assert its authority over the projects’ environmental review. File photos

1 deadline for the schedule, but until a lawsuit with the city has been decided, “there will be no shovels in the ground.”

According to Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson, the city will still continue to mull over an injunction halting projects at the park, but will hold off on pursing any embargo until the judge’s decision on the city’s lawsuit.

Wilson said there is currently no timeline for a decision on whether the city’s claims that an environmental review process, carried out as part of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, SEQR, was mishandled by the county.

Under a contract between the county and Playland’s new management, Standard Amusements, an investment firm coowned by Harrison native Nick Singer, the county could still exercise one additional 60-day extension.

As for the fate of the Playland pool, according to county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, things remain uncertain.

While $10 million has been allocated in a $300 million county capital budget for renovations, the county Board of Legislators must still determine just what type of improvement the pool will undergo.

Parker said that if the details aren’t solidified by the March 31 deadline, it’s currently too early to determine whether or not the county would negotiate an additional extension.

A deadline on the pool was

previously extended twice; once in September 2016 and again last December.

Ongoing litigation between the county and Rye dates back to August, when the city sued the county over alleged violations of the SEQR; specifically, the city claims, that the county had subverted due process by covertly declaring itself lead agency in April 2016 on a slew of upcoming capital projects at the amusement park.

The lawsuit seeks to overturn the county’s declaration of lead agency, giving the city a greater say in the environmental review process of projects at Playland, which abuts some of Rye’s residential neighborhoods.

Playland is owned by Westchester County but is located within the city of Rye. A legal dispute between the two entities harkens back to a previous management agreement between the county and Sustainable Playland Inc.; a deal that eventually dissolved after residential backlash over the proposal of an 87,000-squarefoot field house and the threat of litigation from the city of Rye. The newest management agreement between the county and Standard Amusements will split various critical capital projects at the ailing park in half, with $30 million being paid for by the county and another $30 million from Standard.

CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

February 10, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7

Jefferson hosts Latimer’s inauguration New Rochelle Jefferson Elementary School fifth-graders got to see an inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 25 when state Sen. George Latimer came to visit. Latimer was re-elected to a third term in the New York state Senate in the fall election.

Principal Kimmerly Nieves

started the ceremonies by explaining to the students how a state senator helps make laws that govern the state and a senator’s role in the community. She said Latimer has always been an advocate for the school and the City School District of New Rochelle. The 37th District is com-

prised of Bedford, Bronxville, Eastchester, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Rye, Rye Brook, Tuckahoe, White Plains and Yonkers.

Fifth-grade students Ember Stevens and Elijah Brown also spoke before the crowd.

State Sen. George Latimer, center, takes his oath of office for his third term by New Rochelle City Judge Susan Kettner as students Eliljah Brown and Ember Stevens hold the Bible for him. Photo/Aaron Kershaw

“Your dedication to Westchester County has made this community a wonderful place to live and work,” Stevens said.

“Your accessibility as a representative of our community is well-known.”

“As Jefferson students, we have enjoyed having your presence at our school,” Brown said.

He commended Latimer for coming to his classroom last year to answer questions and for taking part in the school’s summer reading challenge.

New York state Assemblyman

Steven Otis, of the 91st Assembly District, and New Rochelle Councilman Jared Rice also attended the inauguration and spoke. After the oath of office was administered, Latimer made a couple of points—to both the students and to the adults.

“You have certain responsibilities as kids, right? Later in life, you will have responsibilities too,” Latimer told the students.

“What I just did by putting my hand on the Bible is I just agreed to do certain things. I am committing myself that I will do my

very best to do those things.”

To the adults, Latimer said, “We’ve just seen in Washington the inauguration.... No matter how we voted on Election Day, we are one nation. That doesn’t mean we have to agree with things we don’t agree with. But it does mean we have to remember we are Americans. We have more in common than what separates us.”

The Jefferson Chorus concluded the program by singing the Beatles’ song, “All You Need is Love.” (Submitted)

8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • February 10, 2017

Citizen groups in Rye THE COUNCIL CORNER Councilman Terry McCartney

In Rye, we have a number of boards, commissions and committees on which citizens can serve without having to run for office or be elected. In most cases, the members of these citizen groups are appointed by the mayor, subject to the approval of the City Council, to serve one- to three-year terms.

Positions on the two commissions that provide guidance to the council regarding the enterprise funds we have in Rye, the Rye Golf Club Commission and the Boat Basin Commission, are filled by a fairly simple election process among the members of the golf club and the users of the Boat Basin.

Otherwise, the mayor appoints the members.

If you are interested in getting involved in city government, serving on a board, commission or committee is a great way to serve your fellow citizens and make a difference.

These official citizen group opportunities cover almost every aspect of life in Rye. If you have young children who play sports or if you have a background or special interest in recreation, perhaps the Recreation Commission would be a good place for you to volunteer your time. If you are interested in historical preservation, the Landmarks Advisory Committee does great work and is involved in every decision we make about how to best preserve the many historical buildings and districts in our city. The Sustainability Committee explores best practices and recommends programs and procedures to help the city and its residents become more environmentally conscious. The Commission on Human Rights fosters respect and understanding among all groups of people that live and work in Rye. Some entities, such as the Planning Commission, the Board of Architectural Review and the Board of Assessment Review, are granted the power to make certain decisions by the city charter. Appointment to those groups and a few others sometimes require a certain expertise.

Many other citizen groups do not

and only require a willing spirit and commitment to serve your community.

A full list of the 20 boards, commissions and committees we have in Rye with a description of what they do and when they meet is available on the city website, ryeny.gov. These citizen groups are permanent in nature because their issue is a constant one.

Another type of citizen group that we sometimes have in Rye is of an “ad hoc” nature.

The deer study group and the rock-chipping subcommittee are examples of citizen groups that were formed to deal with discrete issues that have arisen in Rye. Typically, ad hoc citizen groups are charged with the duty to make recommendations to the City Council about the best way to solve a certain problem confronting the city.

When the problem is solved, the ad hoc group is dissolved.

The deer overpopulation problem in Rye persists, so the deer study group is still advising the council, while the rockchipping subcommittee’s work resulted in new legislation being enacted by the city so it was dissolved with our thanks.

When there is a contentious issue before the City Council, some residents ask that we form an ad hoc citizens group so that they can actively “participate in the decision-making process.” It is important to note that, unlike the specific boards and commissions that are empowered to make certain types of decisions under the city charter, as discussed above, an ad hoc citizens group and most of our permanent boards, commissions and committees provide only recommendations to the council, but do not actively participate in the decision-making itself. The seven members of the City Council are the only ones empowered by our charter to make such decisions, and we all swear an oath to do so. We are all held accountable at the ballot box in November every four years for those decisions.

That is how representative government works.

Sometimes, we do form an ad hoc citizens group in these circumstances, sometimes we don’t. Ultimately, whether or not to form an ad hoc citizens group is the mayor’s prerogative. Although he need not,

Mayor Joe Sack typically seeks input from the council before making his decision about establishing an ad hoc group.

One of the reasons that we may choose not to form an ad hoc citizens group on a particular issue is if it involves the potential for litigation. In those situations, we must protect the interests of the city first, and preserving the city’s legal rights often involves the need to consult with counsel, in-house and outside, and maintain the confidentiality of the attorney-client relationship with our counsel.

When we don’t form an ad hoc citizen’s group, concerned citizens can still participate in the process by attending council meetings and making public comments. Often, the citizens concerned about a public issue will organize and form their own groups. The current Crown Castle and United Hospital issues are examples of when the council has chosen not to form ad hoc citizens groups because of potential litigation concerns, but the public has organized itself separately and has been very involved in making recommendations to the council. While making comments at City Council meetings is not exactly the seat at the decision-making table that concerned citizens often ask for, it is a legitimate way for your voice to be heard and considered.

If, however, the processes in place under our city charter are unacceptable to you and you are passionate about serving your fellow citizens and you want to be an actual decisionmaker on the many demanding issues that arise in our fair city, I recommend that you roll up your sleeves and run for City Council. If your fellow Rye citizens see fit to elect you, you will find your service on the council to be challenging and interesting.

For those of you willing to accept the challenge of serving on the City Council, I submit that you will quickly realize that being a representative of all Rye citizens is completely different than being involved in a citizens group on a single issue.

Make a difference. Serve your community.

CONTACT: tmccartney@ryeny.gov

Mamaroneck village manager resigns After nine years in the village of Mamaroneck, Manager Richard Slingerland will resign, taking on a new role as village administrator in Tarrytown, the Review has learned.

“Mamaroneck is a great community,” Slingerland said.

“I became aware of an opportunity in Tarrytown, looked into it, and I was offered the job.”

According to village Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, who has served all four of his terms as mayor working in tandem with Slingerland, the manager’s departure marks a

loss for the village.

“I enjoyed the time with [Slingerland],” Rosenblum said. “While we didn’t agree on several items, whether it be something specific or in general, I think he added to the recognition of the village.”

According to a statement released by the village of Tarrytown, Slingerland was selected amongst eight finalists—down from 35 initial candidates— and will replace administrator Michael Blau, who has served Tarrytown for the last 17 years.

Budget documents for 2015

and 2016 show that Blau’s adopted Tarrytown salary was $222,000 for that time period.

Slingerland said he will continue to operate under his current post as village manager until the end of March, and that he is not currently aware of any other prospective candidates to take his position.

Currently, Slingerland is making $187,300 annually with the village. A new contract with Tarrytown, which was obtained by the Review, shows that Slingerland will earn $202,000.

-Reporting by James Pero

Local pet store owner fined, banned Former village of Mamaroneck pet store owner Richard Doyle has been fined $20,000 and banned from selling pets in New York state after an investigation from the state attorney general’s office.

Both the ban and fine come after a two-year investigation from the attorney general’s office that was spurred as a result of numerous complaints from customers who had purchased sick or physically impaired pets from Doyle’s stores; some of which were sold at his former Mamaroneck Avenue storefront.

“By shutting down stores that mistreat animals… we can help ensure that consumers are purchasing healthy pets, while protecting the animals themselves

from those who break the law to turn a profit,” said state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

According to a statement from the attorney general’s office, the investigation revealed that Doyle had falsified documents for pets who had been sourced from unlicensed breeders in addition to performing a number of unlicensed surgeries in his stores.

In addition, the investigation revealed, Doyle had also regularly instructed teenage employees to administer intravenous medications on his pets in order to mask infections and pass audits from outside veterinarians.

Backlash over Doyle’s former Mamaroneck store has since launched a wave of public laws

across lower Westchester County, where municipalities, starting with the village of Mamaroneck, have passed their own anti-puppy mill legislation.

The county Board of Legislators is currently considering its own iteration of an anti-puppy mill law that would limit where stores are able to source their pets from, in addition to placing tighter restrictions on store owners who have been issued violations from the state.

According to the attorney general’s office, $15,000 of Doyle’s fine will be distributed to customers who purchased sick pets from Doyle, and $5,000 will go to New York state.

–Reporting by James Pero

Jerry is a handsome, large brown tabby, about 3 years old, who sadly and recently lost his brother Tom with whom he was close. Brought to us when his former owner lost her job, Jerry is ready for a new forever home that will give him the loving care he longs for. He is a friendly cat who enjoys people, is comfortable with other cats, and should do well in a family.

Jerry is neutered, up-to-date with all vaccinations, and microchipped.

His adoption donation is $100.

To meet Jerry, call Pet Rescue at 835-4133 or visit NY-PetRescue. org. (Submitted)

February 10, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9

Council seeks to allow food trucks in Rye

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The City Council is mulling a change to a citywide provision that currently prohibits vehicular vendors from peddling in public places in anticipation of an upcoming food truck festival at Rye Town Park on June 24.

According to City Manager Marcus Serrano, after inadvertently violating the law during last year’s inaugural Rye Recreation Food Truck Festival at the park, the city is seeking to adjust the enactment on vendors in an effort to better accommodate the city Recreation Department.

“The idea is to relax the requirement because we have our own stuff going on,” Serrano said.

The request was submitted

by Sally Rogol, the superintendent of the Recreation Department, which held its food truck festival last June.

Eight local organizations attended last year’s event, including Walter’s Hot Dogs, Longford’s, Arthur Ave. Pizza, Mykono’s Grill and Craftsman Ale House.

Serrano said that in order for

the event to occur annually, the city would have to waive several stipulations of the law, including one that prohibits solicitors from standing in any public space or street for more than 10 minutes, and another that restricts peddlers from maintaining stationary booths or stands for selling food or merchandise.

However, Serrano added that the city is currently not anticipating any option to amend the law further to authorize vendors to regularly solicit throughout the city.

He said the law would only impact events sponsored by the city Recreation Department throughout the year, and would not impact the Rye Town Park Commission’s ongoing search for vendors to operate the food services at the park.

After recently parting ways with Seaside Johnnies restaurant, which ran its business at Rye Town Park for the last 17 years, the park commission conducted a search to find a shortterm solution for the restaurant vacancy for this year.

The park commission recently received 11 proposals to manage

and operate the restaurant and snack and concession space at the park. Of those proposals, four respondents, including Longford’s and Walter’s Hot Dogs, submitted offers that include options to operate a mobile food service.

But, without a change in the city code, it’s unlikely there will be a food truck service replacing Seaside Johnnies.

“The [City] Council is not in favor of getting rid of the law; just modifying it to accommodate special situations,” said Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican and member of the park commission. “We are still working out the specific details.”

Serrano added that the language of a new provision would have to be extra specific, as a law change could potentially open up the floodgates for an abundance of vendors applying for permits to hawk throughout the city.

The park commission is seeking food providers for this season, and is anticipating commencing food operations on or

In an effort to accommodate the Recreation Department, the Rye City Council is seeking to adjust a law that prohibits mobile food vendors from peddling throughout the city. This year’s second annual Food Truck Festival will be held on June 24 in Rye Town Park. File photo

around May 1. “[Rye Town Park’s] representatives from the city of Rye have the right to amend their laws as they see fit,” said Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, a

Democrat and president of the park commission. “I’m not going to comment about what the city considers in its best interest.

When and if it affects the park, we can discuss it at that time.”

Rogol declined to comment.

A public hearing is scheduled for the next City Council meeting on Feb. 15.

CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • February 10, 2017

February 10, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11

Rye Neck students celebrate kindness Rye Neck High School students and staff members participated in No Name Calling Week from Jan. 16–20, which was created by the Gay-Lesbian Student Education Network, GLSEN. Throughout the week, members of the high school’s Gay Straight Alliance, GSA, club encouraged

their peers to sign a pledge to support each other within the school community and prevent bullying.

“No Name Calling Week is an annual event of educational activities aimed at ending namecalling of all kinds, and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an ongoing

Members of Rye Neck High School’s Gay Straight Alliance put up their peers’ pledges to prevent bullying and raise awareness.

dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities,” school psychologist Jayme Harjes said.

The week began with homeroom teachers playing a video clip describing the background, purpose and importance of No Name Calling Week. Throughout the remainder of the week, GSA club members asked students to sign a pledge to celebrate kindness and reflect on names they have been called. They also handed out candy canes with facts about bullying attached to them. On the final day, GSA officers displayed the signed pledges to raise awareness about the issue.

“The GSA looks forward to leading the high school in participating in the No Name Calling Week annually,” Harjes said.

Adopted by schools nationwide, No Name Calling Week has grown into one of the largest bullying prevention initiatives in the country. GLSEN strives to end discrimination, harassment and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in schools.

(Submitted)

Some members of Rye Neck High School’s Gay Straight Alliance pose in front of pledges for No Name Calling Week, created by the Gay-Lesbian Student Education Network. Photos courtesy Rye Neck school district

12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • February 10, 2017

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February 10, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13

Stop hating everyone who didn’t vote like you Astorino discusses tips to combat winter flu RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

Want to start an argument?

No? Well, that’s strange.

Seems like arguing—screaming, shouting, or at the very least, extreme eye-rolling—is right up there with eating breakfast these days. Wake up, brush your teeth, glance at the latest news and...

EXPLODE! Jeanne Johnson was sick of it.

Johnson is a mom of two in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and a local activist. A few years back, she got the village to make its crosswalks more obvious, to encourage kids to walk—and cars to stop. Last week, she wanted to encourage something else to stop: The demonization of everyone who voted for someone other than the someone YOU voted for. So, to a local social hall she invited Guy Benson, a conservative author; Julie Roginsky, a Democratic strategist; and Lisa “Kennedy” Montgomery, the mordantly hilarious libertarian who has a show on Fox Business. In fact, all three are on Fox all the time, often sparring, but also always happy to see each other.

That’s what Johnson wanted her fellow citizens to witness with their own eyes: You can disagree with someone’s politics, even vehemently, and not despise them as humans. As crazy as that sounds.

Kennedy moderated the chat by asking the kind of questions that can stop a “You crazy s--head!” in mid-air. For instance, she wondered, was there ever a time when either of her guests realized the other side was not evil incarnate?

Roginsky recalled a time back in college when she and her fel-

low feminists took a bus to a Rhode Island abortion clinic, where nuns and priests were protesting outside. As Roginsky and her retinue shouted, “Keep your rosaries off our ovaries!” she looked at the clergy, fervently praying, and suddenly it hit her: These clergy folk weren’t there to be judgmental jerks. They had come because they truly believe that a fetus is a life that must be saved. For them, blocking the clinic was no different from grabbing the gun from some nut holding a hostage. To this day, Roginsky remains adamantly pro-choice.

But instead of seeing pro-life supporters as bad people, she seems them simply as... people.

For his part, Benson flashed back to 2009, when Obama was sworn into office on a wave of Democratic euphoria. Conservatives were beside themselves: Here was a president who would pass every piece of liberal legislation this side of Sweden. The Republicans were on the outs, perhaps never to rise again.

So Benson said, smirk-free, he truly empathizes with what Democrats are feeling now. He obviously doesn’t share their dismay (although he didn’t sound very happy about Trump). But he gave a knowing nod to the people who... well, that’s just the thing.

The room was filled with ardent Democrats and Republicans, and probably some Libertarians besides just Kennedy. And you couldn’t tell who’s who.

For Johnson, that was the whole point. “Because of space constraints, those [feuding] people ended up having to sit at the same tables together,” she said.

She’d deliberately chosen round tables, so everyone would be looking at everyone else, and purple tablecloths. Not red. Not blue. Purple. The cookies for the event were iced in purple frost-

ing, “Together.” Cookies are always an icebreaker.

And so was this event. Up on stage, Roginsky and Benson were discussing free speech. They’d just gotten word about the unrest—riots?—at the University of California at Berkeley, where masked agitators had caused $100,000 in damage as they protested a speech to be given by the right-wing agitator Milo Yiannopoulos. Roginsky was appalled. She is hardly a fan of Yiannopoulos, but “free speech wins,” she said. “Always.”

For his part, Benson was ready with some good advice for the Democrats. “If everything is an outrage, nothing is.” In other words, if the left rejects absolutely everyone and everything Trump proposes, their message will get tuned out. Pick your battles, he advised, to get more traction.

How did the two opposites manage to stay friends through this election and post-election season? The same way they handle the Twitter taunts that come their way. The trick is to “listen generously,” said Benson. Don’t assume the person who didn’t vote your way chose the other candidate out of bigotry, stupidity, or calumny. Assume they had their varied reasons, just like you had yours. Give folks the benefit of the doubt.

By the end of the night, Johnson said she thought she saw that happening. “I know how contentious things were, or are, in our community—horrible. Just like we’re seeing on the national stage.” But after the event, the audience hung around for almost an hour, talking, laughing and eating those cookies. “Let’s do this again!” they said.

That’s an idea no one could argue with.

CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Rye City

Official Newspaper Rye Schools

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Dr. Sherlita Amler, county health commissioner, speak at a news conference on how residents can keep the flu at bay this season. Photo courtesy Westchester County

With Westchester entering the high flu season, County Executive Rob Astorino urged residents on Feb. 1 to do four things to protect themselves, their families and the people around them from the flu and other seasonal viruses like Norovirus.

“Get a flu shot if you haven’t already,” Astorino said. “It’s not too late. A flu vaccine is your best defense against the flu, and flu shots are readily available at pharmacies, supermarkets, doctors’ offices and by appointment at our health department clinics in White Plains and Yonkers.

Follow mom’s advice to wash your hands thoroughly and often. When you have a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others. And finally, clean household surfaces with a bleach solution if anyone in your home is sick.”

In a typical year, Westchester County experiences roughly 90,000 cases of influenza and 60,000 cases of the Norovirus during the flu season, which runs from October to as late as May. Last Tuesday, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, said New York state is experiencing epidemic flu activity. The latest figures nationally show influenza levels, entering the “significant” level with 3 percent of doctors’ visits being attributed to the flu. A 2 percent level of doctors’ visits is considered normal; 7 to 8 percent is considered a “bad” season.

At a news conference in White Plains, Astorino and county health commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said they were calling attention to disease prevention now because viruses flourish in the winter, when people spend

more time indoors together, and because February and March are the height of the flu season, according to the CDC. Amler said flu symptoms include fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills and fatigue, while norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

“Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot each year to protect not only yourself, but the youngest and oldest residents around us,” she said. “You can have the flu and not know it and pass it along to infants, young children and seniors, who are much more vulnerable to flu complications. Right now, Westchester is tracking for a normal flu season, but we still have a few months to go.”

To avoid spreading and catching viruses, hand hygiene is critically important, Amler said.

“Viruses spread more easily in the winter, and handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid viruses,” she said. “Wash your hands thoroughly for about 20 seconds—the amount of time it takes to sing the ABCs or to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice.”

To avoid spreading germs, other tips include coughing into your sleeve—not your hands— and reminding children to wash their hands thoroughly after they sneeze. Also, wash your hands before and after using the toilet, blowing your nose or preparing food, and teach your children the right way to wash hands. Wet your hands, work up a lather, scrub the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails, rinse and dry.

Until they are well, people who are ill should stay home and avoid visits to newborns or family members in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices or assisted living facilities, Amler said. People there are often at increased risk for complications from flu or other viruses, and viruses spread easily in these settings.

If you have a family member at home sick with the flu or another virus, hand hygiene and frequent cleaning are critical for everyone in your household.

Environmentally friendly cleaning products often aren’t strong enough to kill germs, Amler said. Instead, clean high-touch hard surfaces with a bleach solution. Add a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water. Pour this into a labeled spray bottle and use it to clean countertops and tables, railings and door knobs, but don’t use on upholstered furniture. When you are sick, try to avoid preparing food for others and don’t share utensils.

Free flu shots will be given by appointment at the White Plains district office, located at 134 Court St., on Feb. 17; March 3 and 17; and April 7 and 21. Free flu shots will also be available at the Yonkers district office, located at 20 S. Broadway, 2nd floor, on Feb. 24; March 10 and 24; and April 14 and 28. Call 9955800 to schedule a visit.

For a visual reminder of these seasonal health tips, watch the county Department of Health’s video at westchestergov.com/ health. For more information, you can also call the Department of Health at 813-5000, follow on Twitter @wchealthdept, or like on Facebook at facebook.com/ wchealthdept. (Submitted)

14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • February 10, 2017

SPORTS

Cheaters never prosper LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

Sometime around halftime on Sunday night, I sent my friend Derek an email. Derek, a Massachusetts native, is a wonderful human being, but also exemplifies the absolute worst of Patriots’ fandom—i.e., the smugness and sense of entitlement that comes with claiming the successes of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick as his own. So, seeing as his Pats were headed into the second half of Super Bowl LI trailing the Atlanta Falcons 213, I—being the good friend that I am—just wanted to know how he was doing.

He didn’t respond.

When the Falcons extended that lead to 25 points in the third quarter, I started to feel bad, so I reached out again.

I told Derek that I was sincerely sorry to be witnessing Brady’s demise in real time and

that, although his Pats had put together a historic run over the last 15 years, maybe it was time to look to the future of the organization with someone like second-year player Jimmy Garoppolo under center.

Despite my best efforts to let my friend know that I was there for him, Derek refused to answer.

My other friends also sent Derek their condolences. My buddy Matt reminded him that, in some ways, it was good that the Pats would lose to someone other than the Giants this time.

Justen let Derek know that if it were up to him, he would personally deliver a ball pump to NRG Stadium to help facilitate a New England comeback. Alex wanted to know if Derek would be driving up to Foxboro next fall for Brady’s inevitable retirement ceremony.

We’re good friends, and we were just looking out for one of our own in his time of mourning.

Of course, we all know what happened next.

Brady and the Pats scored 25 unanswered points in regulation and beat the Falcons in overtime in the most thrilling game in Super Bowl history.

As the confetti rained down in Houston and Roger Goodell took the stage to a chorus of lusty boos, Derek finally broke his silence with just three words.

“You were saying?” he responded.

If you, like most of America, root against the Patriots, you shouldn’t be surprised by what happened on Sunday night. The Pats have exceeded expectations for nearly two decades now, winning five Super Bowls in that time and establishing themselves as one of the best dynasties in the history of American professional sports—particularly in today’s age of parity.

Back in the heyday of the New York Yankees, it was often said that rooting for the Bombers was akin to rooting for U.S. Steel. If that’s the case, then cheering for Brady and the Patriots has to be

On Feb. 4, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots won their fifth Super Bowl with a 34-28 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons. Sports Editor Mike Smith now regrets trolling his Pats fan friend early on in the game. Photo courtesy Wikipedia

like rooting for Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire; you may blow up a Death Star or two, or catch Belichick videotaping an opponents’ practice, but ultimately, they will always strike back.

Derek hasn’t reached out to us since the night of the Pats’ latest win, but we don’t expect him to

be quiet for long. I’m sure that right now, he’s crafting a long, heartfelt email about how he understands how tough it must be for us to root for teams that aren’t a lock for the conference championship game each year, and that all we can do is keep our chins up.

But even though I know he’s a good friend, and that he’ll mean to cheer us up with his message, I can’t help but think that hearing from him will simply be deflating.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

TO COVER LOCAL SPORTS, YOU NEED A

LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow Mike Smith @ryecityreview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates

SPORTS

February 10, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15

THE ROUNDUP

shined on Wednesday, but the Garnets got the day’s only goal with 7:21 left in the second period when Cameron DiEdwards found the net.

The Garnets will be back in action on Feb. 8, after press time, when they host Pearl River.

WRESTLING

DIVISION IV QUALIFIERS AT NORTH ROCKLAND HS

Max Samberg goes up for a shot against Pelham on Jan. 24. Samberg led the Garnets to a victory over Tappan Zee on Feb. 7.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Rye 60 Tappan Zee 54 AT RYE HS

2/7/17

The Garnets handed Tappan Zee its first loss of the season on Tuesday night, downing the Dutchmen 60-54 at home.

Coming into the game, Tappan Zee boasted a sterling 18-0 record, but Rye’s balanced attack proved too much this week.

Max Samberg led the Garnets with 20 points on the afternoon, while the team’s top scorer this season, Charlie Nagle, added 10 of his own.

The Dutchmen used just one player off the bench, as Rye wore them down with its uptempo style of play and had a commanding 17-point lead at halftime. Tappan Zee big man Kevin Lynch was held to just 11 points.

Rye will close out the regular season on Friday, Feb. 10, when it travels to Valhalla to take on the Vikings.

against Ardsley to help the Garnets win at home.

Popp, Ellie Dailey (12 points) and Kate Robbins (11 points) accounted for every single Garnets’ point on the afternoon. Danielle Scapperotti had 13 points for the Panthers in a losing effort.

ICE HOCKEY

Rye 1 Clarkstown 0 AT PALISADES MALL

2/1/17

A tremendous performance by goalie Jack Petrucelli preserved a Garnets’ win last week, as the netminder turned in a 28-save shutout performance against the Mallrats.

Both Petrucelli and Clarkstown goalie Tim Cavanagh

-Reporting by Mike Smith

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Rye 47 Ardsley 36 AT RYE HS

2/4/17

The Garnets faced some stiff competition at the Feb. 4 Division IV qualifiers, competing against athletes from Harrison, East Ramapo, Hendrick Hudson, Nyack, North Rockland, Nyack and Arlington for a chance to earn a spot in the sectional tournament. When the dust had settled, only two Garnets kept their season alive for another weekend.

220-pounder Miles Giordano was Rye’s top finisher on the day, placing second in his weight division after losing a 6-2 decision to East Ramapo’s John Jean-Baptiste in the finals. Blake McGowan, who was pinned in the third-place bout, also punched his ticket to sectionals, where he will be competing in the 126-pound bracket.

The Section I tournament will begin on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Arlington High School.

McGowan will enter the tournament as a No. 13 seed, while Giordano is ranked ninth in the 220-pound division.

Miles Giordano tangles with an opponent during an early-season tournament. On Feb. 4, Giordano qualified for the Section I tourney with a strong showing at North Rockland. Photos/Mike Smith

Rye Athlete of the Week Lindsay Powers

By ISABEL CASTRO Contributor This week’s Athlete of the Week is Lindsay Powers, a member of the Rye High School girls track and field team. This winter was her second season competing in winter track, and this coming spring will be her first with the spring team. Powers is known for sprinting and jumping. Last winter, she ran the 600-meter and 55-meter, and competed in the long jump.

This season, Powers’ natural skill for jumping was recognized by head coach John McGee. She was introduced to the triple jump for the first time and continued to long jump as well.

2/3/17

Two days after an explosive 36-point performance against Eastchester, Katie Popp again showed why she’s one of the most prolific scorers in the section as she dropped 24 points

Powers holds a personal record for the triple jump at 31”7’, and a long jump record at 13”5 3/4’. She currently does not hold a school record, but she is the top female jumper this season in those events. McGee also includes Powers in the 4x200-meter relay. Unfortunately, Powers had to drop most of her running events due to the overlap with jumping during meets.

“It’s easier to do both in the spring,” she said. “So I hope to pick the sprinting back up next season.”

Powers has also been on the RHS sailing team since eighth grade and captained the team last spring and fall. She also spent the past nine summers sailing at American Yacht Club.

“It has been an exciting couple of years for the high school

team,” she said.

With a new fleet of boats and sails, the co-ed team placed second in their area this past fall, and the girls won the area last spring, under Powers’ lead.

Powers also shines academically. She attended the RHS Scholars Dinner, was a member of the National Honor Society, and completed more than 10 AP and honors courses. She also devotes a lot of her time outside of school to community service with multiple sailing organizations.

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16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • February 10, 2017