July 1, 2016 by The Rye City Review

July 1, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 27 | www.ryecityreview.com

Astorino pushes to remove Playland pool By JAMES PERO Staff Writer

It’s over! Rye Neck High School graduates toss their caps into the air at the end of the commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 23. For coverage, see page 6. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

Rye police continue search for serial burglary suspect On Tuesday, June 14, the Rye Police Department continued its search for an unidentified young woman after she attempted to burglarize another home in the city, marking the third such incident in recent months. According to Rye police, a string of intrusions has affected homeowners on Harbor Lane, Oakland Beach Avenue and Riverside View thus far. “These are crimes of opportunities,” Police Commissioner Michael Corcoran said. “We are very fortunate to live in an extremely safe community, but I stress to people to lock their

doors and set alarms.” According to the commissioner, the suspect, who is believed to be a local resident, has targeted homes with unlocked doors. The suspect is a young white female who stands at 5-foot-4 and weighs approximately 125 pounds. During her most recent intrusion, at roughly 6 a.m. on June 14 at a home on Oakland Beach Avenue, the suspect was last described by the homeowner as having a long blonde ponytail and wearing a white sweatshirt with a baseball cap. The homeowner encountered the

suspect walking up the staircase inside the home. Throughout the intrusions, the young woman has reportedly stolen a number of exposed portable items, including wallets and cellphones. Since the June 14 invasion, however, the suspect has reportedly been inactive, according to police. “The case is still under serious investigation at the moment,” Corcoran said. Though burglaries typically occur during nighttime hours, or while homeowners are away, the suspect’s unusual patterns have led police to question her

motives. Further, the community has experienced an increasing amount of drug activity, which police believe explains the reason for the recent home invasions. Although not yet confirmed, police believe the woman is an opioid addict looking to invade homes for drugs. As of press time, the Police Department is working on possible leads to identify the suspect, but urges residents to lock their doors and secure their vehicles. -Reporting by Franco Fino

Support for costly renovations to Rye Playland’s historic swimming pool may be running dry after a proposed capital project from Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino’s Republican administration looks to remove the site completely. On Monday, June 20, a proposed $2.7 million bond act to remove and fill the park’s pool was sent to lawmakers by Astorino. The bond act was then referred to the committees on Budget and Appropriations, Labor, Parks, Planning and Housing and Infrastructure, where it will be reviewed by various members of the county Board of Legislators. The murky future of the pool is the latest development at the county-owned amusement park, and comes after years of negotiations between the county and various private entities interested in taking over operations there. In March, the management company Standard Amusements finalized a 30-year agreement with the county. According to the terms of the agreement—which also committed the county to $32 million in capital projects—the county is required to make a decision on the pool’s fate by July 31 or Standard may contractually exit the agreement. A Standard representative declined to answer whether or not the company would invoke that clause if the bond is stalled.

Additionally, if the bond fails to pass and Standard chooses to exit the agreement with the county, the management company would be fully refunded for its $1.5 million initial payment to the county. If passed, the bond act would authorize Standard to repurpose the covered space formerly occupied by the pool however it sees fit. According to Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat, while legislators proposed a compromised option that would provide repairs to the pool and keep it running in the interim, Nicholas Singer, co-founder of Standard Amusements, has shown little interest in that option. A spokesperson for Standard Amusements told the Review if the pool is filled—an outcome preferred by Standard— the new layout would include what the company envisions as an “open veranda” with light refreshments. According to county Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-on-Hudson Democrat, it’s too early to know exactly how the board will vote on the issue. “At this point, we need more specific information on the exact current condition of the pool and what the repair costs would be before we make a properly considered judgment,” she said. According to a 2003 report by the Westchester County parks PLAYLAND continued on page 10

2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 1, 2016

July 1, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3

Westchester scrambles to reach housing threshold By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer A vote by some Democrats on the Westchester County Board of Legislators which blocked funding for affordable housing has left county administration officials struggling to find a Plan B. The county anticipated reaching the number of required affordable housing units six months ahead of schedule, but Westchester lawmakers, in a 9-5 vote on June 13, failed to pass spending funds on 10 affordable housing units in the Cambium development located in the village of Larchmont. Now, the county must find an alternate site to construct additional affordable housing in an effort to comply with the stipulations of a 2009 settlement. The county is mandated to fund 750 units of affordable housing in 31 municipalities by Dec. 31, 2016. And, to date, county officials have been unable to provide specifics as to its next course of action. There are currently 54 affordable housing units in the pipeline pending approval by the Westchester County Planning Department, according to Ned McCormack, communications director for County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican. But McCormack did not specify

where the developments would be located, noting that Yorktown, Lewisboro, Lincolndale and Cortlandt were all being considered. “If the county fails to meet its 750-unit obligation at the end of the year, responsibility for the fines of up to $60,000 a month will be on these legislators who said ‘no’ to affordable housing,” McCormack said. Funding for the Larchmont development, located at 10 Byron Place in the town of Mamaroneck, required a supermajority of 12 votes to approve a $3 million purchase of those 10 affordable housing units. “It was a disappointing vote,” said county Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat. “These units probably would have counted, but unfortunately we will now have to look elsewhere.” But according to county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, all 17 legislators received written communication from the court-appointed housing monitor’s office on the same day as the vote to acknowledge that the units the county desired to purchase would not count, ultimately because the town of Mamaroneck had previously created these 10 units of affordable housing prior to the settlement. “For any legislator who had

bothered to ask Carolyn Stevens, community liaison who works with Jim Johnson, the monitor, they would have heard significant doubt that the units would be counted,” Parker said. According to the housing settlement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, the county Board of Legislators is not permitted to fund more than 25 percent of the total number of 750 affordable housing units through the acquisition of pre-existing housing units. But McCormack even questioned whether or not the county had reached that threshold for pre-existing units. “The argument that we’ve reached that cap is completely erroneous,” McCormack said. “Even with the approval of these 10 units, the county would still have been 77 units below the cap.” In May, the county found itself in hot water regarding the Conifer project, which is a 28-unit development located at the Chappaqua station in New Castle. Had the federal court not overruled the monitor, Westchester County would have faced $60,000 a month in fines and a potential penalty of having to fund additional affordable housing units for not reaching its benchmark. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

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4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 1, 2016

What’s going on... Rye Free Reading Room

Visit ryelibrary.org for more information on these and other events and programs. The library will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Summer Thursdays @ 11 series On Thursday, July 7 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Meeting Room, “Happier and Healthier through Pure Food” with Virginia Rodriguez Perlado will be held. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about healthy eating and lifestyle habits to improve your life and give you some tools not only to improve these areas, but also to be able to selfmanage your own health as you navigate through life. Let’s get happier and healthier through pure food and awesome lifestyles to feel the best you have ever been. Rodriguez Perlado is an integrative nutrition health coach certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Ryebrary Summer Olympics On Thursday, July 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. This program is suitable for children in grades K-5 and their grown-ups. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Visit ryelibrary.org, click on “Program & Events” then “Kids,” click the date of the event followed by the “Register” button. Use one form for all family members. Get ready to go for the Gold at the Ryebrary Summer Olympics. Bring your family and be prepared to show your skills at a variety of fun games such as Pool Noodle Toss, Balloon Madness, Snow Blower, Paper Plate Relay and other fun games. This event is sponsored by the Auxiliary Board of Rye Free Reading Room and Woman’s Club of Rye/Children’s Philanthropy Section.

Summer Science Club with Irum Khan On Friday, July 8 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the

Meeting Room. This event is for kids in grades 3-5 only. Pre-registration is required for this workshop and begins on Friday, July 1. Visit ryelibrary.org, click on “Program & Events” then click the date of the event followed by the “Register” button. Use one form for all family members. Use batteries, wires and squishy circuitry to engineer caterpillars, butterflies, flowers or even Minions that move and light up in this fun workshop. This program is proudly sponsored by the Auxiliary Board of the Rye Free Reading Room and the Woman’s Club of Rye/Children’s Philanthropy Section.

Rye Playland Fourth of July weekend Playland will be open on Friday, July 1, Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3 from noon to midnight, and on Monday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to midnight. There will be fireworks on July 1 at 9:15 p.m., and on July 3 and July 4 at 9:30 p.m. Admission and parking fees apply. Playland Park is located off of Playland Parkway in Rye. For more information, call 813-7010 or visit ryeplayland.org.

Rye Arts Center Music School

the Rye Arts Center’s summer class guide or to register for classes, visit apm.activecommunities. com/ryeartscenter.

Rye Recreation For more information or to register, visit ryeny. gov/recreation.cfm or call 967-2125.

Field hockey camp On Monday to Thursday at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., from Aug. 8 to Aug. 11. For grades three to six as of September 2016. This program will be held at the Rye Recreation Park. Rain date: Friday, Aug. 12. Fee: $95 for residents; $120 for non-residents. Players will develop their technique in dribbling, passing and shooting as well as an understanding of offensive and defensive plays.

Basketball camp On Monday to Thursday at 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., from Aug. 8 to Aug. 11. For grades one to three as of September 2016. This program will be held at the Rye Recreation Park. Rain date: Friday, Aug. 12. Fee: $145 for residents; $170 for non-residents. Players will develop their dribbling, passing and shooting skills. Each day will end with small-sided games where coaches will encourage good sportsmanship and teamwork.

The Rye Arts Center will offer summer classes at their Music School, which offers opportunities for students to enhance their musical experience through recitals, community performances, practice marathons and student composition festivals. The Music School caters to more than 200 students during the school year, and holds weeklong sessions over the summer. For more information about The Music School, call Anne Bach Fumasoli at 967-0700 ext. 23 or email her at anne@ ryeartscenter.org.

On Monday to Friday at 9 a.m. to noon, from Aug. 15 to Aug. 19. For grades three to nine as of September 2016. This program will be held at the Damiano Recreation Center. Fee: $270 for residents; $300 for non-residents. Zero to 60 in two seconds? How fast can an object go without compromising safety? Students in this camp will work with their Pit Crew to design and build vehicles, such as dragsters and hovering levitrons, which should able to withstand astonishing speeds. Fasten your seat belt, the race has begun.

Summer class registration

Rye Meeting House

Registration is open for summer classes. Weeklong classes began on Monday, June 27. Students will be able to choose between classes in fine arts, STEM education, musical theater and an arts immersion program. For more information, to view

New York metropolitan area. The concert will be held at the park’s south pavilion, located by the beach near the Dearborn Avenue entrance to the park. Admission is free. Parking at Rye Town Park after 4 p.m. will be $5, $4 for resident permit holders, and free for senior permit holders. Nearby residents are encouraged to walk. Space in the pavilion will be set aside for dancing, which is highly recommended for people of all ages. All concerts will be held rain or shine, except in case of thunderstorms. Picnicking is welcome. Some seating will be available, but people are encouraged to bring blankets or beach chairs. Dining and takeout is available at the nearby Seaside Johnnie’s Restaurant. This is the third of seven free concerts that will be held on Tuesdays in July and August. The concert series is sponsored in part by G. Griffin Wine and Spirits. For more information, call Rye Town Park at 967-0965 or visit ryetownpark.org.

Keeping a Nature Journal On Saturday, July 2 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring a notebook or sketchbook and pen to record your observations at the Read Wildlife Sanctuary, located at Playland Park in Rye. For more information, call 967-8720.

Kirby Golf Outing

Momentum Madness

Twilight Tuesday Concert Series The Reddy Valentino Orchestra will be performing a concert at Rye Town Park on Tuesday, July 5 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. as part of the park’s Twilight Tuesdays concert series. Well-known Rye resident, vocalist and musician Scott Wenzel has been serving as band leader in the late ‘90s. The swing orchestra began back in 1938 at New York’s Hotel Edison. The 15-member band features trumpets, trombones and reeds. They’ve played at social functions in Rye and the

The 27th Annual George J. Kirby Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, July 18 at the Griffith E Harris “the Griff” Golf Course in Greenwich, Connecticut. Every year, thanks to generous local business and individual sponsorships, more than 300 Rye Senior Citizens are able to participate in cultural, educational and health programs plus seasonal luncheon events. Become a lead sponsor by donating a check in the amount of $150 or more. All checks can be made payable to Rye Senior Citizens and can be sent to Jerry McGuire, 411 Midland Ave., Rye, NY 10580. To participate in the scramble format tournament and enjoy a barbecue dinner hosted by Kelly’s at the Rye Recreation Park, the cost is $175. For more information, to sponsor the event, or to make golf or dinner reservations, contact Tom Maloney at 310-7631 or Jerry McGuire at 490-8641. 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.

New to the Review Franco Fino has joined the Review as a staff writer. Fino is a recent graduate of Manhattanville College, where he received a B.A. in Communications & Media Studies in May 2016. While attending Manhattanville, Fino served as the executive editor of the college’s independent student news publication, Touchstone. Prior to joining this

Franco Fino

company, he spent several months in 2015 working as a reporting intern at The Queens Tribune. Fino currently resides in the Bronx, and enjoys spending much of his free time golfing in Westchester County, and leisure cooking his favorite Italian dishes. Reach Fino at 653-1000 ext. 18 or franco@hometwn.com.

July 1, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5

Letters to the Editor

Debt isn’t the only solution To the Editor, I read with interest Kirsten Bucci’s comments in “Should the city of Rye raise its debt limit?” in the June 3 issue of the Review, particularly: “It is probably a fair assumption that in budgeting for future years, the city will either have to raise taxes or issue additional debt”; and the follow-up discussion. However, the idea of borrowing for operating costs (which apparently Bucci views as a viable alternative) is anathema to me and—I hope—most of our community. President Barack Obama has burdened our children and grandchildren with enough debt. Funding the city and bridging “the gap between the amount our property taxes generate and the costs associated with the projects our city requires and our residents would appreciate” is, of course, a continuing issue. Reducing the tax burden was the reason Matt Fahey, Duncan Hennes and I ran for Rye City Council a dozen years ago. Tax rates had been going up an alarming rate and, although none of us had been politically active before, we ran on the Republican ticket with the goal of reducing taxes. During our term, the annual increase was reduced by two-thirds, as I recall. I do not mean to be putting myself at hazard for a rotator cuff by patting us on the back, but one of the things that we did was identify and put into work additional sources of revenue, most of which was paid for by non-Rye residents. I believe these were the first new sources of revenues applied to Rye costs in at least 40 years. I think Bucci and the current council should similarly look for new sources of revenue. One possibility would be a city real estate transfer tax, which we discussed in 2006. It would have been applied on a decreasing basis, depending on how long one owned the property and would be based on one’s profit. The thought behind it was simply this: Rye is a valuable brand. Long-term residents have contributed to it by paying for schools, recreation costs, etc. The value of the brand belongs to all of us, but real estate developers basically skim it. Irrespective of one’s viewpoint on mega mansions, what one commonly hears is: “Anyway, Rye benefits from higher taxes.” This is wrong. Rye determines what it needs to raise from real estate taxes. We then get tax bills determined by multiplying that number by a fraction. The fraction’s numerator is the assessed value of our own individual

homes and the denominator is the assessed value of all parcels in Rye. Any change in the value of an individual parcel does not increase total dollars to Rye, but simply affects our individual contributions. For example, if my neighbor’s house were assessed at the value of twice mine, his taxes would be double mine. If I then sold my home and the new buyer constructed something new which was assessed at the same price as my neighbor’s, the tax on my parcel would double. However, the increase, now attributable to my parcel, would then be spread out over all of the rest of the taxable real estate in Rye. Since, as to an individual, it is de minimis, one never notices it. Because the transfer tax we discussed years ago would be based on length of ownership depreciating, for example, paying 10 percent a year over 10 years would not result in any payment by a long-term resident of Rye, but would return the city a portion of the gain realized by a developer who flipped a property in the short term. Proceeds would be used for infrastructure, not operating costs, and it would thus “address the gap between the amount our property taxes generate and the costs associated with the projects our city requires.” This tax would require an amendment to New York state laws. When we discussed it when I was on the council 10 years ago, the city Finance Committee felt there was no point in pursuing it. However, with the passage of time and the need for additional revenues at the local level to pick up some of the costs the state has mandated local government assume, I believe the City Council should give thought to this proposal and see if other communities with similar cash needs would be interested in pursuing it. In all events, I think the City Council should broaden its horizon to see if there are other moneys available either from new sources or perhaps from user charges. In all events, reject the concept of additional debt. Gerry Seitz, Rye

6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 1, 2016

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Rye Neck graduates 107 students

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Schools Superintendent Dr. Peter Mustich addresses the graduating class.

Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite Intern Justin Grant Columnists John Carey, Rye City Council, Lenore Skenazy, Joe Murphy

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Valedictorian Allison Baal gives a few parting words to her classmates.

On Thursday, June 23 in the Rye Neck High School gymnasium, 107 seniors proceeded up the half court line on the same basketball court where many of them took their physical education classes and competed as student-athletes only weeks earlier. Family and friends of the graduates filled the bleachers on the outskirts of the gymnasium as others had a closer view from the countless rows of chairs set up on the hardwood floor. A common theme made by numerous speakers at this year’s Michael Dearwester, a 2006 commencement ceremony was Rye Neck High School graduate, the relatively small class sizes addresses this year’s graduating class as part of the speaker series, Only moments after graduating, a graduate holds multiple bouquets of the school district accommo- “Ten Years After.” flowers given to her by her family. dates each year in a district spanning two municipalities: the city of Rye and the village of Mamaroneck. Of the 107 graduates of the Class of 2016, 96 percent are moving on to some form of college or continuing education classes, 51 were inducted into the National Honor Society and 23 were designated as AP Scholars after completing the requisite coursework. Rye Neck High School Principal Dr. Barbara Ferraro served as the master of ceremonies and offered complimentary words to the graduating seniors. “Your class is known as the nicest and most caring group of Carly Merrill proceeds up the aisle in the gymnasium through a line of teachers and school administrators. students,” Ferraro said. “Your words and actions created an at- mosphere of scholarship, respect and responsibility throughout the entire high school.” Salutatorian Theresa McSweeney started her remarks to her fellow graduates with a simple question. “Is it conceited to say that I think we’re a pretty awesome group of kids?” McSweeney asked, to which her classmates—and even some faculty members—responded with a thunderous applause. McSweeney concluded her remarks by encouraging her classmates to give future endeavors their best effort, despite the fear of the unknown and the trepidation of making mistakes.

A graduate takes a selfie outside the gymnasium at the conclusion of the ceremony. Photos/Andrew Dapolite

CONTINUED on next page

Nora Hanson, a Rye Neck High School teacher, presents Felipe Silva with the Maureen Sullivan Scholarship Award.

July 1, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7 “What you need to do is get out there and try,” McSweeney said. “Try things you’re interested in, try things wherein there may be a risk, try things that are out of your comfort zone. Get out there and live.” This year’s ceremony marked the third year of the Rye Neck keynote speaker series “Ten Years After,” a highlight of the event that featured a Rye Neck alum returning to their alma mater to discuss the world, as they experienced it, a decade after their graduation. This year’s speaker was 2006 Rye Neck graduate and standout athlete Michael Dearwester. Dearwester attended Dartmouth College where he majored in history and played on the football team, before advancing to Duke University and obtaining a master’s degree in Business Administration. In his speech, Dearwester recalled the culture shock of leaving home and attending a school where he wasn’t the largest person on the football team. As their lengthy journey through the Rye Neck school district came to a close, Valedictorian Allison Baal, who is headed to Cornell, compared the

Family and friends of the graduates filled the bleachers on the outskirts of the Rye Neck High School gymnasium.

Rye Neck senior John Paul receives his high school diploma from Allen Hodys, president of the Board of Education. Photos/Andrew Dapolite

end at Rye Neck to the release of the final installment of J.K. Rowling’s popular fantasy series, “Harry Potter.” “Once the book was finally in our hands, no one was prepared for it to end,” Baal said. “Were the far-stretched hypotheses

years in the making correct? Final chapters are always bittersweet, simultaneously evoking nostalgia and eagerness, nervousness and excitement and an equal desire for the familiar and the unknown.” -Reporting by Andrew Dapolite

Of the 107 graduating seniors, 96 percent are moving on to some form of college or continued education.

8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 1, 2016

Hospice of Westchester celebrates butterflies Hospice of Westchester, HOW, an organization which has provided exceptional end-of-life care to residents of Westchester for more than 24 years, recently hosted its sixth annual Celebration of Life Memorial Butterfly Release. Hundreds of families, friends and community members joined HOW for two remembrance ceremonies, each concluding with the release of Monarch butterflies that honored the memories of loved ones who have passed away. The event took place at the Wainwright House in Rye on Sunday, May 15. The ceremonies featured welcome remarks from Mary K. Spengler, CEO of HOW. Hospice staff and representatives from the Comfort Crew Pediatric Palliative Care Program shared readings related to loss and bereavement, as well as information about the journey of the Monarch butterfly, which is often viewed as a symbol of loved ones who have passed away. David Devine and The Soundettes performed musical interludes during the ceremonies. Following each remembrance program, HOW bereavement coordinators read the names of those being remembered. Guests then gathered for the release of butterflies in memory of their loved ones. Children and their families were invited to participate in crafts centered on the Monarch butterfly. Guests were also invited to walk the grounds of Wainwright House throughout the day. “This event provides our families and members of the community a meaningful opportunity to remember and ac-

Children pose with Monarch butterflies that landed on them during Hospice of Westchester’s sixth annual Memorial Butterfly Release on Sunday, May 15 in Rye.

From left, Hospice of Westchester New Rochelle’s Bereavement Coordinator Karen Morrison Dreher, Hospice of Westchester Chappaqua’s Director of Volunteers Bruce Page and Hospice of Westchester Rye’s Bereavement Coordinator Kim Gordan.

Children participate in arts and crafts centered on the Monarch butterfly during the Butterfly Release. Photos courtesy Kayleigh Lentz

knowledge their loved ones with a beautiful tribute,” Spengler said. “Many of those in attendance were able to renew their connections with our staff and

volunteers who served their loved ones or provided bereavement support. It is a truly special event that we look forward to every year.” (Submitted)

A year in review at The Rye Arts Center Another successful year for The Rye Arts Center concluded at the end of June. It has been a year of growth and community building. More than 20,000 people have enjoyed the many programs and activities offered by The Rye Arts Center, the region’s largest multi-arts center. Visitors may have noticed changes to the center’s historic home at 51 Milton Road. The Children’s Studio and main office have both received major renovations this year (made possible through The Wallace Fox Foundation). The Performing Arts Room also underwent facelift gaining new sound and lighting equipment, curtains, chairs and a new screen and projector. Hundreds of visitors have already enjoyed concerts, screenings and lectures in this cozy performance space. This year marked the start of new programs, including The High School Arts Council, RAC LIVE!, an ongoing series of performing arts events, and Art On The Lawn, an ongoing public art series. New partnerships have been forged with many organizations, including Heard In Rye, Music Together, The Ground Glass, Artistree Performing Arts and

The Rye Arts Center

the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester. The center works with these partners and dozens of others to share the arts with a wide audience. ArtsWestchester selected The Rye Arts Center to receive its annual Arts Education Award for its STEAM Education programs. STEAM Education (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) has been an enormous area of growth for the center which offers about 100 STEAM-related classes each year including 3-D printing, computer coding, creative building and more. With her first full year nearly under her belt, Executive Director Meg Rodriguez is working with her staff and board to prepare for the year ahead. “We have an exciting year planned!

The Performing Arts Room will be filled with music, theater, and comedy performances. Art On The Lawn will bring a new work to Rye Town Park. Our STEAM programs will be strengthened with new computers and teaching tools,” she said. Also reaching its final stage is the Annual Appeal, chaired by board member Jennifer Sandling. The organization is within reach of its $80,000 goal. As a special offer, all donors between May 15 and June 30 were entered into a drawing to win an iPad Mini. The Rye Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) organization. Tax-deductible donations can be made at ryeartscenter.org, by calling 967-0700, or by mailing your gift to The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road, Rye, NY 10580. (Submitted)

July 1, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9

rye neck HIGH SCHOOL CLASS of 2016 Matthew Vinson Aber Maria Aiello Sabrina Albanese Sydney Allison Maria Fernanda Angulo Ferrufino Erin Rose Aquino Almila Arda Christian James Axisa Emilio Mitchell Ayala Allison Elizabeth Baal Victor Balzano Jack Bauer Gianna Caterina Bevilacqua Félix Bigaouette Katherine Pucillo Brennan Craig Busby Jake E. Calcagni Noah Caplan Frank Capparelli Kayla Nicole Casas Nicole Catanzariti Mark Cianciulli Edward Cohen Christopher Joseph Colangelo Thomas S. Collins Ashley Samantha Colon Lukas Myles Corona

Anna K. Gomes Costa Pierre Coupin Dina Daas Bianca Maria Dasilva Ailyn Carolina De Marco Jacqueline Nicole DeCicco Stephen DeRose Jr. Robert A. Dignelli Alyanna P. Domalanta Andrea P. Domalanta Jewel Dolis Estrella Melissa Anne Fay Daniel Felix Katherine S. Fraioli Christina Constance Fraioli William Jason Galeano Melanie Irene Garcia Jazmin Garcia Edward L. Gibbs III Bruno O. Goncalves Julia Gutterman Lydia Ashlyn Ibarra Artur Pierre Andrzej Jacques Aki Kamoshida Sabrina Nicole Kates Julia L. Kelly Matthew Peter Kopy

Charlene Kwong Alison Marie LeMoigne Jake Alexander Levi Conor Jake Leydon Sabrina Alexis Llanos John Joseph Luiso Tristan J. Marsh Anne DeRose Masciopinto Theresa Marie McSweeney Carly Patricia Merrill Philip William Micalizzi Michael J. Miranda Jasmin Mora Lucia W. Moreira Aguilar Natalie Theresa Morelli Thais C. Nascimento Machado Vjeran Ozimec John Robert Paul Maria Gabriela Prado Jasmine Reyes Lauren Samantha Richman Lesly Leonela Rios Joseph Domonick Sabia Rosella Marie Salanitro Nicholas Ryan Santoianni Evelyn Renee Scott Sarah Rose Sensi

Conner Scott Sexton Mizuki Shionoya Felipe Diniz Pereira Da Silva Victoria Hannah Skaf James Dylan Skehan Cassandra Elizabeth Sterbens Eva Gabriela Stimler Lars Stoeckhert Adam Andrew Szamborski Airic Michael Temple Zachary Michael Tenner Ana Isabel Thurman Victoria Marie Tripicchio Alexis Meschelle Tucker Linda Melissa Valdez Nicholas Vallarelli Nicholas Peter Vallejos Daniel Villegas Benjamin Campbell Weinstock Olivia Lynn Wice Jia Yao Wong Julia Alyna Wright Nicole Marie Yannuzzi Sabrina Min Loon Zhang Denise Zheng

Fourth of July happenings in Westchester Place

White Plains White Plains High School 550 North St.

Yonkers Cross Country Shopping Center 8000 Malk Walk

Rye Playland 1 Playland Parkway

Valhalla Kensico Dam 1 Bronx River Parkway

Larchmont Manor Park Park Avenue

Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Best view from Pierson Park in Tarrytown and Kingsland Park in Sleepy Hollow

New Rochelle

Event

Date & Time

Entertainment, food and fireworks

Friday, July 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Rain date: Wednesday, July 6

Music and fireworks

Friday, July 1 Music at 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks

Friday, July 1 at 9:15 p.m. Sunday, July 3 at 9:15 p.m. Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m.

Music and fireworks

Sunday, July 3 Music at 8 p.m. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Races, music and fireworks

Monday, July 4 Music and races at 7 p.m. and fireworks will follow

Fireworks

Monday, July 4 at 9 p.m.

Fireworks

Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m

( New Rochelle waterfront )

Best view from Hudson Park, Five Islands Park and waterfront restaurants

10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 1, 2016

The Crown Castle mini-cell towers issue THE COUNCIL CORNER Councilwoman Emily Hurd

One of the biggest challenges we face as a city government is getting the word out to residents about issues before the council. Issues arise every week that impact some section of our community. In my opinion, these issues would be best addressed if we had the input of the residents most directly affected by the respective issue. If only there was a way to point a computer cursor at a map and somehow create a listserv directed to all impacted residents. Unfortunately, it does not work like that and sharing information about issues before the City Council is a challenge. An issue that would benefit from broad dissemination is one currently before the City Council: Crown Castle, a telecom company, is seeking to install approximately 56 wireless “mini-cell towers” throughout Rye to achieve a blanket of coverage for its client, Verizon Wireless. Crown Castle has an agreement with Rye from 2011 where-

by Crown Castle was permitted to install eight mini-cell towers for a different wireless provider, not Verizon Wireless. That agreement was considered and approved under Rye City Code Section 167, which deals with “Streets and Sidewalks.” The reason the city proceeded as they did in 2011, in my estimation, is because these mini-cell towers are placed on utility poles in the city’s right of way. You can check out Crown Castle’s 2011 installations at the following eight locations: 594 Forest Ave., 138 Oakland Beach Ave., side of 411 Milton Road, 36 Franklin Ave., across from 52 Roosevelt Ave., 120 Old Post Road, across from 401 Theodore Fremd Ave., and 2 Clinton Ave. Seems to me the city might have considered processing a wireless mini-cell tower application more appropriately under the City’s Code Section 196, “Wireless Telecommunications Facilities.” After all, the intent of that chapter is “to ensure that the placement… of wireless telecommunications facilities and related equipment is consistent with the city’s land use policies and zoning code; to minimize the negative and adverse vi-

sual impact of [such facilities and] to protect the health, safety and welfare of the City of Rye.” Not surprisingly, Crown Castle returned to Rye this year to request an additional 73, no, scratch that, 56 mini-cell towers that are slightly larger than those installed in 2011. The explosion in demand for wireless broadband to accommodate new devices like smartphones, digital tablets, laptops and other devices has led to an explosion in demand for facilities. According to the 2012 FCC Wireless Competition Report, Verizon Wireless plans to increase its cell sites by 53 percent—from 42,600 to 65,000—just to accommodate its current needs. Not surprisingly, annual wireless revenues increased 183 percent from $65.3 billion in 2001 to $184 billion in 2012, according to CTIA, The Wireless Association. So how should Rye proceed? While the Telecommunications Act of 1996 limits what the city of Rye can do to prevent wireless facilities altogether, subsequent case law demonstrates that a municipality may control the location, construction and modification of these wireless facilities.

Where Crown Castle proposes new mini-cell towers: 290 North St. 12 Sharon Lane 124 Maple Ave. 44 Grace Church St. 8 Holly Lane 151 Locust Ave. 401 Theodore Fremd Ave. 411 Theodore Fremd Ave. 555 Theodore Fremd Ave. 330 Theall Road 57 Osborne Road 42 Lasalle Ave. 47 Soundview Ave. 98 Soundview Ave. 170 Soundview Ave. 339 Rye Beach Ave. 19 Hix Ave. 630 Forest Ave. 53 Dearborn Ave.

578 Forest Ave. 2 Garden Drive 10 Van Buren St. 51 Hewlett Ave. 5 Pine Island Road 650 Milton Road 350 Stuyvesant Ave. 150 Stuyvesant Ave. 421 Park Ave. 999 Forest Ave. 290 Stuyvesant Road 740 Old Milton Road 4 Ellsworth St. 717 Forest Ave. 499 Stuyvesant Ave. 95 North St. 11 North St. 2 Hammond Road 19 Seneca St.

In recent years, there has been an explosion in city utility polls becoming the host for all sorts of new telecommunications equipment. Many of these bulky, boxlike equipment holders are large, unsightly, block sidewalk space, and obscure pedestrian and driver sight lines. They are not small, discreet pieces of equipment, but rather a growing nuisance that the city should get a handle on before approving 56 more units. If we approve these requests, are we obligated to approve countless future requests from other carriers? Shouldn’t the city inventory and map all existing

255 Central Ave. 190 Locust Ave. 190 Thistle Lane 17 Purdy Ave. 17 Peck Ave. 33 Cedar St. 14 Ridgewood Drive 4 Ridgewood Drive 64 Highland Road 37 Colby Ave. 80 Claremont Ave. 45 Fulton Ave. 4 Reymont Ave. 110 Glen Oaks Drive 12 Harding Drive 112 Sonn Drive 51 Franklin Ave. 444 Milton Road 78 Elmwood Ave.

equipment before the council makes decisions on this application? Are there less intrusive technologies available to improve service in Rye? There is always the need for better service, but shouldn’t we require applicants to present choices and make an effort to minimize impact on our neighborhoods? My job on the City Council is to tackle neighborhood issues as if each threat was in my own neighborhood. By way of full disclosure, one of these proposed installations is in front of my home, but a quick review of the list of lo-

511 Forest Ave. 31 Allendale Drive 110 Oakland Beach Ave. 20 Chamberlain St. 12 Byrd St. 530 Milton Road 46 Hill St. 387 Oakland Beach Ave. 1 Rose St. 4 Fairlawn Court 21 Green Ave. 15 Valleyview Ave. 31 Overhill Ave. 11 Halls Lane 10 White Birch Drive 230 Stuyvesant Ave.

cations included above highlights the fact that I am far from alone. And the issue of proximity to my house is not what compels me to write about this proposal. All residents should expect the City Council to act cautiously and give this issue a full review. After all, if your street is not on this list, it may be on the next. Let’s take a time out and review this issue properly. If you agree with me, let my colleagues on the City Council know before our July 13 meeting or come and let your voice be heard.

PLAYLAND from page 1

A new bond act introduced to the Westchester County Board of Legislators would pay for the removal of the pool at Playland in favor of what Standard Amusements envisions as an open veranda. File photo

department, the pool was hemorrhaging up to 35,000 gallons of water per day at one point, which has led to other peripheral structural damage and the need for costly repairs. Former cost estimates for refurbishing the pool, according to projections, total approximately $8 million to $10 million. On the local level, according to Rye City Councilwoman Emily Hurd, a Democrat, sentiments

on the proposal are clear. “I’ve been in touch with neighbors over there that are concerned with what’s going to happen,” she said. According to Hurd, preliminary renderings from Standard showed what appeared to be a cafeteria or dining area; a proposal which she and other area residents are concerned may disturb the peace. “The raucous bar environ-

ment would be way closer to Rye neighborhoods,” she said. Although Hurd attempted to rally other members of the Rye City Council to draft a resolution that showed support for renovating the pool, she said tepid response from her colleagues derailed the initiative before it had a chance to come to fruition. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

July 1, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11

July 2016

Planning ahead... SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Fireworks 9:15 p.m., Rye Playland

Fireworks 9:30 p.m., Rye Playland

Independence Day, government offices closed

Rye Neck Board of Education reorganization meeting

Ramadan ends

Tour de France begins

Fireworks 9:30 p.m., Rye Playland

Wimbledon ends

Board of Architectural Review meeting 7:30 p.m., City Hall

Board of Fire Wardens meeting 7:30 p.m., Locust Avenue Firehouse

Humane Society of Westchester Dog Wash 10 a.m., 70 Portman Road, New Rochelle

George J. Kirby Memorial Golf Tournament Griffith E. Harris Golf Course, Greenwich, CT

Rye Sustainability Committee meeting 7 p.m., Mayor’s Conference Room

Board of Architectural Review meeting 7:30 p.m., City Hall

Cable and Communications Committee meeting 7 p.m., Rye TV studio

SPRYE meeting 9:30 a.m., Mayor’s Conference Room

Planning Commission meeting 7 p.m., City Hall

Rye Golf Club Commission meeting 7 p.m., Whitby Castle

Zoning Board of Appeals meeting 7:30 p.m., City Hall

Opioid overdose training 7 p.m., Rye Recreation

Boat Basin Commission meeting 7 p.m., Damiano Center

City Council meeting 7:30 p.m., City Hall

12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 1, 2016

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July 1, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13

Taking in a teen (or two) for a year RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

What’s it like to have two teenage boys you never met before move in and stay for the whole school year? Funny you should ask, as the two boys we’ve had living with us for the past 10 months are leaving today. I am hoping the goodbye will not be as hard as I worry it will be. The young men were our exchange students, one from Germany, one from China. Or, as I liked to say: If your country has been at war with America—or may be some day—our home is your home! Why? Well, two years ago, when our older son was heading off to college, I jokingly/not-jokingly told my husband that we should replace him with another kid about his age. Then I started Googling around and found out that AFS, the same exchange student program that had been around when I was growing up, is still going strong. In fact, it’s been around for more than 70 years, sending kids to and from more than 40 countries. Back in my day, four international kids attended my high school and it was like they were from Planet Maturity. Simply by braving life in a foreign country, they were so much more sophisticated (read: cool) than the rest of us. So I called the AFS New York office, and immediately an outreach coordinator was telling me how much I’d love being a host. It’s a volunteer position. All we really needed to qualify was an empty bed and a desk. Bingo!

Since it was already late in the application process, we had just two kids for us to choose from: A “German boy who loves movies” or an “Italian boy who loves basketball.” “Get the Italian,” said my husband. Thus, Giovanni came to live with us for a year. He moved right into our older son’s now-empty bedroom, and went right off to public high school with our younger son. They were both juniors. They were both everything: They both played basketball, watched basketball, talked basketball.... But they also explored the city—my son said he’d never seen half as many neighborhoods as he did once Gio arrived—and cracked up at in-jokes and remained Snapchat friends when Gio went home last June. But once your AFS kid leaves, you’re back at square one, if you don’t like being lonely. (Did I mention I work from home? Just me and my computer.) So this year, we decided to plunge in again and chose Eric from China and Matteo from Germany. Why two? Why not? The exchange kids shared a room and dinners were lively. Did you know that in China, the number 13 is bad luck, but so is 14, so some Chinese buildings have three 12th floors? Or how about this German fact: Instead of “Happy Birthday” when the cake comes out, they blast some obscure ‘80s American pop song. Our German kid was shocked to find this was not also the practice in America when we celebrated my husband’s birthday. Meantime, the boys made him a cake and wrote “Happy Birthday” in Chinese characters along with, “�� Alles Gute zum Geburtstag.” That’s a lot to write in

blue icing. But of course, there were some downsides, starting with the fact that neither of the boys loved my cooking, except for barbecue chicken. So I made a lot of chicken. I also bought truckloads of Chips Ahoy! There was also extra laundry, of course. And at school, one of them slacked off and we had to deal with the teachers and the principal and a bit of hookey. But the upside? Hearing German and Chinese music around the apartment. Talking to them about everything from Donald Trump to Chairman Mao. Listening to the changes in their vocabulary, from, “We are seldom winning this game,” to, “Our team sucks.” Feeling a swell of pride as they got to know the city, deal with the subway, discover “South Park” and grow—literally. Yes, they are going home skinny, but taller. Just a few days ago, I got up very early and was sitting in our living room at 5 a.m. when the front door opened and our German student walked in. He had been unable to sleep as thoughts swirled about going home, and how changed he felt. So he had taken a long walk through our Queens neighborhood, which is now his Queens neighborhood. By tomorrow, he will be back home with his real parents. But for a year, he was our boy—they both were—in homesickness and in health, school work and skateboarding, and the daily doings that turn a stranger into a son. I hope I can hold it together when we say goodbye. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Bass-A-Palooza raises $15K for Save the Sound Saturday, June 4 marked the ninth annual Bass-A-Palooza Charity Fishing Tournament, which this year benefited Save the Sound, a bi-state program of Connecticut Fund for the Environment. Early risers by nature, around 100 tournament fishers began casting their lines at 5 a.m. After a full day on the water, the fishers were joined by family, friends, and supporters alike for the weigh-in. Cliff Blaze of Darien took first place for a monstrous 41.5-inch bass. The afterparty at Rowayton Seafood, sponsored by Titos Handmade Vodka, consisted of dinner, drinks, music and an auction. Attendees bid on a variety of items, including a boat motor, rod and reel, guided fishing charters, a golf outing, and tickets to major sporting events. One of the most memorable items, a tour of the Kennedy Compound and Nantucket Sound sail aboard the schooner Mya, was donated by CFE/Save the Sound board member Kiki Kennedy. Even among the awe of the fish and excitement of the auction, the true reason for the gathering was never lost. For the last

nine years, Clay Persinger, host of the tournament, has chosen to support a cause or project with the donations and auction proceeds raised. Past beneficiaries have included the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Wounded Warriors. This year, Persinger chose a local project, to help Save the Sound restore the fish passage on the Noroton River between Darien and Stamford. “We were thrilled that Clay and his team of avid recreational fisher-folk were excited about raising money to bring thousands of fish back to the Noroton River,” said Curt Johnson, executive director of CFE’s Save the Sound program. “Right now, our river herring are trying to migrate upstream to lay their eggs but are stopped dead by a wall of concrete at the Interstate 95 box culvert. With community support, we will build a fish ramp so pregnant mother herring can once again swim upstream to quiet protected ponds, allowing them to be fruitful and multiply. We are thankful that Clay and the entire Bass-A-Palooza team totally get it: more little fish means more big fish for the Sound. “Together we can restore a

miraculous migration—where river herring, sea lamprey and eel can swim freely between the Sound and the Noroton River ponds allowing them to complete their breeding cycle,” Johnson added. “More small fish not only feed more sport fish but egrets, osprey, porpoise and other wildlife in Long Island Sound. “While my passion for fishing inspired me to begin BassA-Palooza, the goal of the tournament has always been to raise money to support a cause in need,” Persinger said. “That is what inspires me to continue year after year.” Persinger continued, “When I heard that Save the Sound was working to restore a fish migration route right in my own backyard, I knew I’d found the perfect cause. This is a message that resonates with saltwater anglers: when migratory baitfish struggle to survive, larger species, like our bass population, also suffer.” Although the tournament has ended, support for the Noroton fish passage is still needed. Donations can be made by contacting Save the Sound at 203-7870646 or the Darien Land Trust at 203-655-4148. (Submitted)

Summer at Playland: Fireworks, discounts and more Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino invites everyone to enjoy a summer full of free entertainment, fireworks and discount pricing at everyone’s favorite amusement park, Rye Playland. “A visit to Playland is always fun and these upcoming pricing specials, along with great entertainment for children and families, provide even more incentives to come out to the park,” Astorino said. Playland’s summer daily entertainment schedule is now in full swing, with the Kiddyland DJ, Katy the Great and Friends, Coaster’s International Dance Party and “Funky Fairytales: Princess and the Pea” all taking place in the Kiddyland. Grab a seat in front of the Music Tower Theater stage to watch a lively song-and-dance performance called “American Beat!” Show times are posted in the park. There will be special $15 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights for those entering the

park after 5 p.m. and includes unlimited rides until closing at 10 p.m. This special runs through Sept. 1. Friday Night Fireworks are back, comprising a spectacular show choreographed to music. The shows begin at 9:15 p.m. and run every Friday from July 1 through Sept. 2. Special holiday displays take place at the Playland pier on Sunday and Monday, July 3 and July 4 at 9:30 p.m. Celebrate International Friendship Day on Sunday, Aug. 7, when all ride admissions (including juniors) are $15 from noon until the park closes at 10 p.m. Parking is $15. Playland Park is Westchester’s premier amusement park. Guests can enjoy rides, catch a show, have a snack or a meal, play mini golf and take a stroll on the boardwalk. Regular admission prices: $30 unlimited rides; $20 junior (under 48”). Westchester residents with acceptable proof of

residency are eligible for a $5 discount on these prices. Spectator admission (no rides) is free for Westchester County residents and $10 for non-residents. Season passes: $95 for unlimited rides all season, with a $15 discount for Westchester residents. Purchase four or more and save 10 percent. $35 for spectator admission all season (no rides), for non-residents of Westchester County. Parking is $10 and $15 on holidays, special events and concert days. Acceptable proof of Westchester residency is a Westchester County Park Pass, a New York state driver’s license or non-driver I.D., or a photo I.D. or report card from a Westchester County school. For the season’s schedule, visit RyePlayland.org or call the park at 813-7010. Playland is located at the end of Playland Parkway in Rye. For public bus transportation information, visit westchestergov.com/beelinebus. (Submitted)

SPORTS

14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 1, 2016

Perception versus Reality LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

In today’s sports landscape, professional franchises must often wage wars on two distinct fronts: on the field and in the court of public opinion. Last week, two of our local teams made high-profile signings that represent how tricky it can be to navigate the rocky terrain of winning ballgames while sating their fans’ desire to root for a likeable team. The first of these moves came on June 23, when the New York Knicks made a big splash by pulling off a trade for former NBA MVP Derrick Rose. Although he is still just 27 years old, Rose has been hampered by injuries over the last four years and hasn’t been a viable NBA star since 2012. But with just one year left until he hits free agency, it would appear as though the Knicks’ newest acquisition may be less about what Rose can do

on the court and more about the optics of the situation. Rose may never be the player he once seemed destined to become, but he’s still a name. He’s the kind of player whose resume is sure to elicit a positive response in a fan base that has had little to cheer about over the last few seasons. But more than that, it seems, the play for Rose might be a calculated move by Knicks’ President Phil Jackson to announce to other NBA stars that New York is ready to win now. Despite his diminished production, Rose is still the kind of player that carries a lot of cache within NBA circles. Will bringing him aboard make the Knicks a more viable landing spot for another bigname free agent, be it Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard or Joakim Noah? It’s certainly possible. It remains to be seen what Rose has left in the tank, and he most likely won’t be a long-term solution at the point guard position. But if bringing him in can

help reestablish a culture of winning in Madison Square Garden, at least in theory, then perhaps this could be considered a coup for Jackson and the Knicks. On the other side of the spectrum, however, was the New York Mets’ decision to bring back Jose Reyes on June 25. As far as pure baseball moves go, this one makes sense. Reyes—who was recently given his outright release by the Colorado Rockies after the emergence of potential Rookie of the Year candidate Trevor Story—is costing the Mets the league minimum, salarywise, and could potentially serve as a valuable fill-in at third base, with David Wright likely done for the season. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for a team that, right now, is in desperate need of an offensive spark. But that, of course, is only half the story. Reyes may have been one of the most popular Mets during his

Last week, the Knicks and Mets both made moves that grabbed the back pages. But it will take some time to parse out just what these moves mean for New York sports. Photo courtesy wikipedia.com

first go-around with the team, but is also coming off a two-month suspension after a domestic violence incident. To that end, all the statements released by both the Mets and Reyes since the signing have been carefully worded to address—and downplay—his scandal away from the field. The Mets’ organization seems to know that a large section of their fan base could be turned off by Reyes’ actions and are eager to mitigate the fallout over bringing him back. Will Mets fans welcome his

return with open arms? General Manager Sandy Alderson certainly seems to believe that if Reyes can inject some life into the lineup, the talented infielder’s past transgressions will simply seem like a blip on the radar. So what’s more important: Winning the public relations battle, or winning on the field? Nowadays, with the amount of scrutiny faced by those in front-office positions, it feels like the two are so intertwined. Will the goodwill engendered by the Rose move lead to big

things on the court? Will Reyes lead to “bad karma” for the Metropolitans? For better or worse, the one thing that the majority of fans care about is the final result. And while both the Rose and Reyes moves might make for interesting stories right now, it’s unlikely that we will know which direction the narrative will take until we see the teams’ final records.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

Audi and Bentley, 4 months old, were found in an auto body shop covered with dirt and grime. They clean up nicely, don’t they? This delightful duo are purr machines and once they get their motors running, they will race right into your heart. Audi and Bentley are microchipped, neutered, in excellent health and up to date with all vaccinations. The donation for these two light red tabby boys is $80 each. To meet Audi and Bentley, please call Pet Rescue at 835-3332 or 835-4133 or visit NY-Petrescue.org. (Submitted)

SPORTS

July 1, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15

Footballers hit the gridiron By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Although the high school football season doesn’t officially kick off until August, local teams have been working tirelessly over the last few weeks to prepare for the upcoming campaign. With several programs participating in passing challenges and preseason camps this month, it looks as though area squads are champing at the bit to hit the gridiron this fall. According to Mamaroneck head coach Anthony Vitti, whose squad hosted Rye Neck, Rye, Saunders and Truman at the annual Tiger Football Camp this past week, summer practices are an integral part of the process for high school players. “Every year, you have a different group of kids, so you want to use this to build a bit of collegiality and put in some of the concepts you’re going to be working on during the year,” Vitti said. “You want to get a feel for the different personnel and the personality of the team.” At the Tiger Camp, teams split time between running position-based drills and light scrimmaging, and Vitti believes that flexibility gives teams a chance to test themselves against new competition while laying some of the groundwork and philosophy the team will be employing once the preseason officially starts in August. “It’s pretty fluid. You get to see a lot of teams and we’re kind of mixing and matching

A Rye lineman participates in a drill at the Tiger Football Camp on June 26. Five schools took part in the annual football camp at Mamaroneck High School last week.

as the week goes on,” he said. “As it moves along, the smaller drills become bigger drills, and because kids haven’t been tackling or blocking live in about six or seven months, it’s a good opportunity to get ready within ourselves.” But the Tiger Camp hasn’t been the only game in town. On June 11, Mamaroneck was one of a handful of schools to participate in the Big Apple 7 on 7 Shootout, which was held at Harrison High School. Unlike their

Mamaroneck head coach Anthony Vitti oversees a drill at the Tiger Camp on June 26.

A Rye Neck player chases down an opposing ball carrier on June 26. Photos/Mike Smith

work this week, which featured focus on line play, the Big Apple event focused on teams’ backs and receivers and allowed squads to brush up on their passing game. “[The Big Apple] gives kids a chance just to go out and compete,” Vitti said. “And we had some great performances from some of the younger guys.” In addition to team-oriented endeavors, there have also been events geared to individual players. On June 25, New Rochelle hosted a two-day college prep camp that offered position-specific instruction from college coaches. Although the schedule begins to relax as the season approaches, most teams will run near-daily strength and conditioning sessions, and some will even send groups of linemen to compete at skills-based challenges at the Carmel and Spring Valley high schools in late July. “I know we’re going to be working out four days a week,” Vitti said, “but it’s really multisport training, open to anyone who wants to get bigger, faster and stronger.” The Section I football season will officially open on Aug. 15. CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

A Mamaroneck receiver competes against a defensive back.

16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 1, 2016