July 22, 2016

RyeCity REVIEW THE

July 22, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 30 | www.ryecityreview.com

Superintendent Alvarez tenders resignation

By CHRISTIAN FALCONE Editor-in-Chief

BLACK& BLUE In the wake of the shootings of Dallas police officers on July 7, an act precipitated by the sudden deaths of two African-American civilians in Minnesota and Louisiana at the hands of law enforcement, Westchester County took to the streets to react with planned events in White Plains and Mamaroneck.

For coverage, see page 8. Photo/Bobby Begun; photo/Chris Courtney

City mulls Forest Avenue sidewalk construction

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer In an effort to address pedestrian safety, a consulting firm presented the Rye City Council with four options for sidewalks along Forest and Manursing avenues.

The presentation by Stantec Consulting Services, which

provides consulting for land development and design, comes on the heels of a pedestrian improvement study that began in the spring.

Forest Avenue, which currently lacks any sidewalk, has long been a safety concern of city officials, but that concern has never led to any studies or action. Manursing Avenue, al-

though less traversed than Forest Avenue, also lacks any adequate sidewalk. All of the options presented by Stantec at the July 13 City Council meeting consist of implementing either a sidewalk or a pedestrian/bicyclist pathway.

Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, said, “Now that we have the information, [the city] can make

more of an informed choice.”

In the spring study, Stantec reviewed ways to better accommodate pedestrians by performing a brief review of existing traffic conditions, which covers the average speed of passing vehicles, and the average amount of vehicles and pedestrians—consisting of SIDEWALK continued on page 5

Rye City School District Schools Superintendent Dr. Frank Alvarez announced his resignation on Tuesday, July 19.

Alvarez, who will step down from the district’s lead position on July 31, sent a letter to administrators, faculty and staff early Tuesday and informed the public of his decision at the Board of Education meeting that same night.

According to district officials, Alvarez informed the Board of Education earlier this year of his intention to step down. Since that time, the two parties have been working to plan for the transition.

And, after 22 years of being a schools superintendent, district officials say, Alvarez does not intend to return to being a full-time superintendent.

“Rye has been a wonderful community in which to work,” he said in his letter. “I am proud of the many accomplishments attained in the last four years. The support of the Board of Education, faculty, staff and parents enabled several new initiatives to take root and become important components of a productive school environment for all our students.”

Alvarez highlighted the backing of a $16.35 million bond referendum in 2012 that funded the construction of a new science wing on the Rye High School campus, and the community’s

overwhelming support—70 percent approval—for a 2015-16 override budget that included a 6.85 percent tax levy increase and implemented a full-day kindergarten program.

Board of Education President Katy Keohane Glassberg thanked Alvarez for his service to the district.

“Under Frank’s leadership, we have undertaken wonderful educational initiatives, including heightened focus on literacy and professional development districtwide; full-day kindergarten; [and] STEM offerings,” she said in a statement. “Students have flourished during his tenure and Rye continues to be one of the top-rated school districts in the country.”

But Alvarez’s tenure wasn’t without controversy.

Most notably, in May 2013, he suspended four elementary school teachers over allegations of improper coaching on state tests. The issue divided the school community, led to a protracted stalemate and ultimately resulted in the permanent removal of one of the four teachers.

Alvarez was hired by Rye City Board of Education in March 2012, after he resigned from the Montclair School District in New Jersey. He was given a five-year contract; he just concluded his ALVAREZ continued on page 7

2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 22, 2016

July 22, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3

City Council considers raising debt limit

During his annual State of the City address, Mayor Joe Sack said that the City Council would look to tackle the city’s low debt limit. Now, the council is taking its first step toward raising it. File photo

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer A discussion of raising Rye’s debt limit has taken a step forward after the city Finance Committee—a volunteer group that was asked to study debt limitations—presented its findings at a recent Rye City Council meeting.

Although Mark Doran, chairman of the city Finance Committee, didn’t issue recommendations to the City Council at its July 13 meeting, he did provide salient facts on just where Rye stands in regard to its ability to issue debt.

The findings, according to Doran, indicate that Rye’s debt limitations, compared to other municipalities across the state, stand as an outlier; not because of the debt they are allowed to issue, but because of the debt they cannot.

While Rye’s city charter dictates that the City Council can issue only 5 percent of the average of its annual gross budget from the previous three budgets without going to public referendum—a stipulation that usually allows for approximately $700,000 of debt issuance—under the New York state Constitution, the city could issue a maximum of $500 million in debt.

Current city debt projections

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for the 2015 to 2016 fiscal year stand at $11 million; the city reached an historic high in 2007 when it accumulated $25 million in debt.

Any city debt—for example, a bond—exceeding that amount must go up to vote at a public referendum under the terms of the current charter; this stipulation could also be nixed if the council chooses to move forward with altering the charter.

The city’s current debt restrictions, according to Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, can prove to be an obstacle for the city when it comes to allocating money for critical projects.

“The ability to issue debt is an important tool in funding the city’s needs,” he said.

City Manager Marcus Serrano said that another benefit to altering the charter to raise the debt limit would be the ability to take advantage of currently low interest rates.

Allowing the council to authorize higher amounts of debt without public referendum—a common practice for other municipalities that Serrano has worked for—would allow the city to act in a quicker fashion, Serrano explained.

Among the potential applications for taking on more debt, the mayor has previously cited a costly lawsuit with the envi-

ronmental nonprofit Save the Sound, which could force the city to provide costly renovations to sewer infrastructure, as well as the regular city-funded repairs to village roads and other infrastructure.

According to the Finance Committee’s findings, of the 27 municipalities statewide that it surveyed, 26 reported no municipally-mandated limit on the issuance of debt.

Most municipalities, according to the Finance Committee’s report, use a state-mandated debt limit which is based mostly on home values and other taxes.

Despite the council’s interest in opening up the city’s debt limitations, Sack said that they still intend on staying fiscally responsible with its finances.

“Rye has always been very prudent and frugal with its budgeting in general, and that will not change even with an increase to the debt limit,” he said.

There is no current estimate of what level the city’s debt limit could be set at, but according to Sack, that will be determined “based on further conversation.”

An option to alter the charter and change the debt limit would go on the Election Day ballot if the council agrees to continue forward with the proposal.

CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

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4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 22, 2016

What’s going on...

Rye Free Reading Room

This coding workshop will give girls a chance to show their talents in this male-dominated industry of technology and online gaming. Participants are encouraged to bring a pair of earbuds for this class.

This workshop is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Family Fun Night: Clay Art Center

Toddler Sensory Activity Bins Children ages 1 and older are welcome to the library on Saturday, July 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Children’s Room to enjoy sensory activity bins that will help children become familiar with the world around them through play. These sensory bins help kids engage, explore, discover and create. This ongoing activity is free and open to the public and registration is not required.

Code: A Game for Kids Children entering grades three to five are welcome to attend this coding program on Tuesday, July 26 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Raho Technology Lab. This activity will teach children how to use code to write a story featuring Ice Age, make a game in PlayLab or draw a winter wonderland with characters from the film “Frozen.” This program is free and open to the public, and registration is required. For more information or to register for the program, call 967-0480.

Summer Thursdays @ 11: Art of Meditation Adults are welcome to learn about the art of meditation on Thursday, July 28 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Meeting Room. The program includes easy techniques to help participants cope with everyday life. Meditation is a simple way to reduce stress and relieve anxiety. This workshop will be taught by Carol Chudo, who has a background in Zen Buddhism and has taught the art of meditation for years. This workshop is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Coding for Middle School Girls Girls entering grades six to eight are welcome to join this coding activity on Thursday, July 28 from 4 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. in the Raho Technology Center.

Children in grades three to five and adults are welcome to attend this art program on Thursday, July 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This workshop, facilitated by the Clay Art Center, will involve participants making a whimsical animal of their choice by stamping, rolling or sculpting their character into a dishwasher- and food-safe mug.

This program is free and open to the public, and registration is required. For more information or to register for this workshop, call 967-0480.

Wainwright House Yoga on the Lawn The Wainwright House, located at 260 Stuyvesant Ave. in Rye, will hold a free yoga class on Sunday, July 24 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the lawn. For more information or to register for the class, call 967-6080.

Rye Arts Center Music School 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.

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.

Rye Town Park Summer Stories at Rye Town Park On Tuesday, July 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the park’s seaside pavilion. On your mark, get set, read. Celebrate summer with tales of parks, nature, sunshine, oceans and beaches, told by talented Rye Free Reading Room storytellers. Rye Town Park will charge a reduced parking fee for storytime attendees of $2. Please tell the parking attendant when you arrive you are attending this activity.

Twilight Tuesdays Concert Series The Derivatives band will be playing on Tuesday, July 26 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rye Town Park, located at 95 Dearborn Ave. in Rye. The band performs songs made famous by other bands, including pop songs from the ‘60s through present day.

Admission to the concert is free, and parking at Rye Town Park is available after 4 p.m. Parking will be $4 for resident permit holders, and free for senior permit holders. Nearby residents are encouraged to walk to the concert. All concerts will be held rain or shine, except in case of thunderstorms. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, chairs and picnics. For more information, call 9670965 or visit ryetownpark.org.

Park season permits Discounted season permits are avaiable for Rye

City, Port Chester, Rye Brook, Rye Neck and Rye Town residents and non-residents alike. Season permits allow people to take full advantage of the beautiful Rye Town Park and Oakland Beach. Permit holders get “high tide” benefits for a “low tide” cost. Rye Town Park is a “stay-cation” bargain.

The permits will be on sale Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Permit Office in the Administration Building, Rye Town Park, 95 Dearborn Ave. in Rye. Parkingonly permits are $150. Beach access is free for all permit holders.

The more permit holders go to the beach, the more they save. MasterCard, Visa and Discover credit cards will be accepted for season permits.

New resident permit holders will have to provide a proof of residence. For more information, call the park at 967-0965 or visit ryetownpark.org.

Rye Meeting House ‘On the Wing’ photo exhibit By popular request, the Bird Homestead nonprofit will hold over “On the Wing,” an exhibit of photographs of birds by Nadia Valla on view at the Meeting House, until Nov. 26. It was originally scheduled to close at the end of June. The exhibit features 80 beautiful photos of more than 50 species of birds from the local area. These range from elegant white egrets that wade and fish in the estuary to the brightly colored warblers that pass through during their migration.

Valla often captures her subjects from a kayak where she can photograph wading birds and swimming ducks at eye level. The photographs are grouped by species to provide an educational experience, in addition to aesthetic enjoyment.

Valla is a French-born photographer and a member of the Little Garden Club of Rye. The exhibit is open Saturday afternoons from noon to 3 p.m. 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.

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.

July 22, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5 SIDEWALK from page 1

Proposals for Forest Avenue PROJECT

COST

DESCRIPTION

Option A $1.7M Construction of a 3- to-4-foot sidewalk on alternating sides that begins along the west side of Forest

Avenue where there is an existing sidewalk.

Option B $2M Construction of a multi-use path for both pedestrians

and bicyclists on alternating sides that begins

along the west side of Forest Avenue at the intersection of Apawamis Avenue.

City lawmakers are considering proposing a $2 million sidewalk improvement project on Forest Avenue, pictured, following a pedestrian safety study by Stantec Consulting Services that began in the spring.

Photo/Franco Fino

joggers, walkers, strollers with children, and bicyclists—that travel along Forest and Manursing avenues.

The study estimates that during peak periods, an average amount of 400 vehicles per hour travel along Forest Avenue.

The project to create sidewalks on Forest Avenue is estimated to cost anywhere from $1.5 million to $2 million, according to Stantec. Stantec also recommended that the city consider redeveloping Forest Avenue as a one-way street, or

possibly reduce the speed limit to 25 mph, as opposed to its current citywide speed limit of 30 mph.

However, city officials did not seem interested in the idea of transforming Forest Avenue into a one-way corridor.

“Having a one-way will make Forest Avenue a more difficult situation [for residents] to get home,” Rye City Manager Marcus Serrano said. “If there is an emergency, it becomes a rough situation for emergency vehicles to enter as well.”

Although a one-way street is unlikely, according to Sack, a speed reduction or strictly enforcing the current speed limit would be more favorable. “I personally think reducing the speed limit to 25 mph in Rye would be a great idea,” he said.

However, reducing the speed limit to 25 mph would require state authorization, according to Serrano.

But the need for a sidewalk on the road remains a priority for many residents.

Karen Meyers, a resident of

Option C $1.4M

Creating a 3- to-4-foot sidewalk that begins only on the east side of Forest Avenue at the intersection of Apawamis Avenue, and continues north toward Manursing Avenue. The option does not include improvements for bicyclists.

Option D $1.8M Build a multi-use path only along the east side of

Forest Avenue, which would connect to an existing

walkway on Forest Avenue, and continues north toward Manursing Avenue.

Hook Road, told city officials that the way Forest Avenue is currently constructed is incredibly dangerous. “I absolutely support the proposal to put sidewalks, [as] there is no room for children walking, strollers and dogs,” she said.

The city manager said that while the city considers creat-

ing a sidewalk on Forest Avenue, residents should keep in mind that the city government does not have an unlimited amount of funds to dispense.

“It’s definitely premature,” said Sack about moving forward on any of the proposed options.

“But we have put ourselves in a good position by gathering this

information.”

According to the mayor, the city needs more time to consider the proposals, and admitted that there needs to be more of a community conversation before determining the next plan of action.

CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 22, 2016

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

Local chef awarded

James Beard grant

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Guadalupe Hernandez has been working at The Spotted Pig in New York City since May, learning the ins and outs of the restaurant business under renowned chef and co-owner April Bloomfield. Photo courtesy Facebook

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Guadalupe Hernandez, 43, recently received a culinary grant from the James Beard Foundation to undergo a women leadership mentor program. She was one of 21 women selected nationwide.

Photo courtesy Guadalupe Hernandez

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By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Editorial Assistant

Postmaster

Guadalupe Hernandez has been cooking for a living ever since immigrating to the United States from Mexico to be with her husband in the early 90s.

Once here, Hernandez cared

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for the elderly to both make money and improve her English, bringing meals from home to work.

“Sometimes when I’d warm up my food and they’d see me eat, my clients would ask what the food was,” she said. “Eventually, I started cooking for them.”

She became a private cook to mostly elderly clients, so she had to be mindful of various dietary restrictions, including lowsodium and low-fat. Hernandez, a resident of Rye, decided to become a professional chef and enrolled in culinary school two years ago. Having had her fill of cooking privately, she also started looking for restaurant jobs,

only to be told that she didn’t have the requisite experience.

“But I have been cooking for almost 20 years; I know how to cook a steak, I know how to cook an egg,” she’d say.

Hernandez, 43, started volunteering and earning internships, finally gaining restaurant experience. She then noticed culinary scholarships and grants, and began applying for those, too.

Hernandez applied for one particular grant within hours of its deadline.

Earlier this year, the James Beard Foundation, a culinary nonprofit organization, notified Hernandez that she was one of 21 women selected nationwide

for its Women in Culinary Leadership grant.

“I decided to apply because I felt I met the requirements they were asking for,” she said. “I’m so honored to have received this grant. I’ve worked hard to be at this level.”

The James Beard Foundation’s mission is to “celebrate, nurture, and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire.” The nonprofit is named after James Beard, called the “Dean of American cookery.”

After his death in 1985, his Greenwich Village brownstone was transformed into the foundation’s base for culinary heritage and programs.

Candidates of the leadership grant will participate in either a six- or 12-month mentor/grantee program. The program exposes candidates to the front and back of house of a restaurant. Front of house means the areas that guests are exposed to, and back of house covers the kitchen, employee areas and offices. All candidates have had some form of culinary or hospitality experience through school or past employment. Hernandez in particular will mainly focus on back-of-house aspects.

Now in its third season, the Women in Culinary Leadership Program offers hands-on mentorships, giving women the chance to break through the culinary world’s “glass ceiling” by working with industry leaders

and building restaurant and/or kitchen skills.

“There are so many wonderful women in the industry, but that’s not enough,” said Shelley Menaged, manager of special projects and student programs for the James Beard Foundation.

“We’re giving these women a leg up… a chance to take it to the next level.”

Hernandez started her mentorship this past May at The Spotted Pig in New York City, under renowned chef and co-owner April Bloomfield. The restaurant offers a fusion of American and Italian cuisines.

“I’m like a sponge trying to learn as much as I can,” Hernandez told the Review of her experience so far.

As a woman of color in a white, male-dominated industry, Hernandez says she does not experience discrimination based on her gender and race anymore.

“I don’t think there’s a big difference now between men and women, especially in the kitchen,” she said. “If you go to the back of a restaurant, especially the prep team, most of them—if not 100 percent—are Hispanic.

Being in an environment like that, it’s awesome because I can work with everybody. There’s no racism. We all want to work.”

A representative from The Spotted Pig could not be reached for comment.

CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com

July 22, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7

Nature and predicting the seasons ahead A RYE OLDTIMER Judge John Carey

This guest column was written by Douglas Carey, a resident of Rye and son of John Carey.

A wise, avid naturalist and family member once taught me that when you see squirrels working furiously to gather nuts and other forms of sustenance, the coming winter will be long and harsh. I wonder if the same can be said about people.

Over the course of the past month of hot summer days, our neighborhood has been bustling with activity. Trucks appear out of nowhere, four or five men jump out, each with a different gas-powered machine of destruction, and with the precision of a band of squirrels, set out to cut and alter the landscape and then use blowing machines to make sure that those who did not witness the event would have no idea what had previously taken place.

It just might be a long and harsh winter because the trucks seem to take all of the cuttings and fruits of the harvest with them (to their nests?).

The demolition of a few beautiful and sustainable homes have taken place in close proximity to our home. Actually, there are five houses and even more structures in the process of (re)construction and/or major expansion within approximately 500 yards of our residence. Work begins each day, Monday through Saturday, between 7 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. Unlike physically fit squirrels, some men working on these sites must not be able to swing a framing ALVAREZ from page 1 fourth year with the district.

Alvarez collected a salary of $239,334 this school year.

The Review has submitted a Freedom of Information Law request with the school district for any separation agreement between Alvarez and the school board; that request is pending.

In the meantime, the Board of Education will begin a search process to find a permanent re-

hammer or even a lighter finishing hammer since they inject their nails with an air-gun propelled by large gas-burning compressors.

I have yet to see a squirrel yielding one of these innovations of the post-industrial age. I must be thankful, though, to the three different food trucks that announce their daily arrivals, just after the workers begin their day. Each truck has at least one air horn that they blast for five to 10 seconds to announce that coffee is ready. If the workers do not descend forthwith, a second and sometimes longer blast permeates the once peaceful parts of Poningo or Milton Point. The coffee and le petit déjeuner of the first two trucks must not be that appealing, because the potential clients do not usually meet the peddlers until the third truck arrives.

More than 15 mature oak, maple and pine trees within 150 yards of our abode have been cut down or are no longer producing leaves, all within the past two years. Two of the magnificent maples that have provided relief from the July heat have had new asphalt driveways paved inside, their drip lines close to their trunks. Another, along Halls Lane, was extricated in its entirety from the ground by the impact of a truck carrying food from a supermarket to a home in the neighborhood. The driver, who was warned to look up when he was looking at something in his right hand, first claimed the tree had fallen on his truck. He later revised his story to acknowledge that he was getting directions for his next delivery in Mamaroneck via satellite. The device advised that he take narrow and formerly quiet Hall’s Lane to Stuyvesant

to Milton to Oakland Beach Avenue to the Post Road, instead of going directly to Oakland Beach Avenue, as the best route from Forest Avenue to Mamaroneck.

Thank God that our local squirrels have not given in to the myopic sense of analysis of the benefits of digital technology and improvements that have allowed many to turn a blind eye to costs of directly and indirectly violating our leaf blower law, our noise ordinances, state law on motor idling, all in the name of progress.

What will the future hold for us? Will cell towers germinate and rise in greater numbers than our precious hardwoods? Will these cell towers serve as a sustainable source of oxygen while serving as a source of flood mitigation through its unique system of water retention? Instead of hiring bow hunters to cull the deer population, will we use their expertise to locate and cull the proliferation of telecommunication locations?

The previous winter was a mild one, in respect to snowfall and consecutive days below freezing. Based on recent human activity on Milton Point, expect at least 15 separate days of snowfall and an extended period of about 40 consecutive days below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. As for the squirrels, despite the inability to access the Internet and satellite weather reports or their refusal to use gas-powered devices to gather the fruits of their harvest, I believe this coming winter will be mild, similar to last year, with just a few more snowfalls.

Have a peaceful day and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature, if you can.

placement for Alvarez, Keohane Glassberg said, although no timeline has been announced.

Dr. Brian Monahan has been hired to serve as interim superintendent. His hiring will take effect on Aug. 1.

“Dr. Monahan is a seasoned, professional superintendent,” Keohane Glassberg said. “The district is fortunate to have such an experienced educator at this time of transition.”

Monahan 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.

Following his retirement, Monahan, in the 2012-13 school year, began serving in interim superintendent roles in the Hendrick Hudson, Garrison and Mahopac school districts.

CONTACT: chris@hometwn.com

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8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 22, 2016

Westchester speaks out

on high-profile killings

Hundreds of protesters of all races and denominations rally in downtown White Plains at a justice march in the wake of two African-American civilian shootings by police this month. Photos/Bobby Begun

Justice marchers’ moods and messages are easy to observe during the rally in White Plains.

By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Editorial Assistant Gun violence has always been a hot topic in the news, and lately, civilians and members of law enforcement have both been targeted in what some call a racist agenda, and what others call retaliation for how minorities are treated.

On Thursday, July 14, local organizers held a rally calling for police reform in the wake of two civilian deaths of AfricanAmerican males at the hands of Republican Mayor Norman Rosenblum of the village of Mamaroneck law enforcement that sparked places a candle at a memorial during a vigil on held on July 15 in honor of the slain Dallas police officers. Photo/Chris Courtney outrage across the nation. Hundreds of participants of all ages chures demanding police reform neapolis, Minnesota, as well and races marched for justice on both county and state levels, as other civilians shot and through downtown White Plains. including establishing both in- killed by law enforceWESPAC, an organization based dependent oversight structures ment during the week in White Plains that focuses on and a special prosecutor to in- of the Fourth of July.

In response to those peace and justice activism, led vestigate and discipline police misconduct. shootings, five Dalthe rally.

The impetus of the White las police officers were The march, which began at 6 p.m., started at Calvary Bap- Plains rally were the murders of tist Church and ended at Court Alton Sterling on July 5, in BaCONTINUED on next page Street, where a stage was set up ton Rouge, Louisiana, and Phifor speakers to address racial- lando Castile on July 6, in Minized policing, police accountably, transparency, reform, and improving relations between communities and police.

On hand were members of the Westchester Coalition for Police Reform, a subdivision of the Westchester Martin Luther King Jr. Institute for Nonviolence.

The coalition handed out bro-

The Rev. Franklyn Richardson, of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, addresses hundreds of supporters in downtown White Plains at the conclusion of a march for justice and police reform on July 14. Richardson offered suggestions to address racialized policing.

July 22, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9 gunned down, and several others were injured by Micah Johnson, an Army Reserve veteran of the Afghan War. The shooting took place during a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest for Sterling and Castile.

That was recently followed by the shootings of three Baton Rogue police officers on July 17

by Gavin Long, a former Marine who served in Iraq.

Kenneth Chamberlain Jr., a co-founder of the coalition, is no stranger to police shootings. He lost his father, Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., to bullets from White Plains police officers in November 2011. The shooting took place at 135 S. Lexington Ave., Chamberlain Sr.’s home, which marked the first stop on the march.

Chamberlain Sr., an African-American and former U.S. Marine, was shot when police responded to a LifeAid alert.

Chamberlain Sr. refused help when emergency personnel arrived at his residence, leading police to break down the door to his apartment. Police used a Taser to try and subdue Chamberlain Sr., who police said was wielding a butcher knife, and also shot him twice. He later died at White Plains Hospital.

In 2012, a grand jury decided against indicting the police officers involved in the shooting.

This year, 639 civilians have died at the hands of law enforcement, as of press time, and 66 police officers have been killed in the line of duty over that same timeframe.

Now, as a country tries to unite behind a common cause, the importance of building relationships between police and the communities they watch over becomes a focal point.

Imam Ali, of Yonkers, addresses the gathering of supporters at the White Plains police reform rally. He shared his vision for an America that lives in unity and with respect for all walks of life.

Photo/Bobby Begun

Many rally participants brought out their children, bearing signs and T-shirts with important messages to all.

Photo/Andrew Courtney

and mingling with members of law enforcement in Dallas following the shootings played out more than 1,500 miles away.

Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, feels that the recent events are a result of po-

litical correctness and “different groups representing their own agendas.”

“I think there has to be honest and open dialogue among all parties,” he told the Review.

“The first line of defense this country has is our uniformed personnel: your police, your fire, your EMS. And when you go after them, you’re going after everybody.”

A police officer looks on at a memorial adorned with candles in memory of the five Dallas police officers ambushed and killed on July 7 through July 8.

-with reporting by Andrew Dapolite

CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com

Residents of the village of Mamaroneck lay candles in front of the memorial at the village courtroom on July 15.

Appreciation and admiration for the work of local police was shown in a candlelight vigil held in the village of Mamaroneck on the evening of Friday, July 15, which honored the police officers killed in Dallas on July 7 through July 8.

Participants gathered at the memorial in front of the Mamaroneck courtroom to light candles and show gratitude to the men and women in uniform who protect and serve their communities. Police officers from the area were present, and scenes reminiscent of civilians hugging

A police officer from the village of Mamaroneck speaks with a resident at the Dallas candlelight vigil. Emphasis on positive relations between law enforcement and communities is seen as one solution to the tensions felt nationwide.

Photos/Chris Courtney

10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 22, 2016

Music takes centerstage at Rye Town Park

From left, Paul Jensen, lead vocals, and Paul Hennessee, on bass guitar, harmonize at Rye Town Park.

A large turnout was on hand for the Tuesday Twilight Concert Series at Rye Town Park.

It’s summertime and that means the Tuesday Twilight Concert Series at Rye Town Park is in full swing.

The concerts are held at the south pavilion near the Dearborn Avenue end of the park. The series, which started on June 21 with a performance by Twist of Fate, is held on seven consecutive Tuesdays throughout the summer season. The concerts, sponsored

this year by G. Griffin Wine and Spirits, take place from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Parking is $5; $4 for resident permit holders and free resident senior permit holders.

On Tuesday, July 12 the Urban Coyotes, a five-piece rock band playing a diverse mix of Americana-inspired tunes, drawing on soulful styles from New Orleans to Austin to Portland and beyond, performed for a de-

REMAINING CONCERT SCHEDULE July 26 The Derivatives Aug. 2 concert rain date Aug. 9 Angelo Rubino Band Aug. 16 concert rain date

lighted audience.

-Reporting by Christian Falcone

Jerry Pasquale keeps the beat on drums. Photos/Bobby Begun

Denise Adorante on acoustic guitar.

Jon Dykstra on keyboards.

July 22, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11

Fear-Pokémongering RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

By now, even if you have not yet played Pokémon Go, you are more aware of it than your own breathing. You have read that the app has been downloaded more than any app, and that it has actually convinced kids to leave the house to go play outside—a miracle!

But you have probably also heard about the player who stumbled upon a dead body, and the two guys who walked off a cliff (but lived), and the 15-year-old who didn’t look up and got hit by a car. (She’s alive, too.) And then there were those four guys arrested in a black BMW somewhere in Missouri for waiting in a secluded area and robbing the Pokémon players who stopped by.

So if you are part of the vast web of Very Concerned Adults whose life’s purpose seems to be dreaming up terrible things that can happen to kids anytime they venture beyond the kitchen, you can relax. You’ve got your stranger-danger stories. Phew!

Now you can remind us that anytime people are headed outside, especially kids, they had better think long and hard first.

Following this incredibly predictable script, a bunch of our local TV stations are solemnly warning us about scenarios they have made up in their heads. Reports CBS New York, “there are worries that sex offenders might use the app to lure children.” And says NBC New York, the app “could potentially put young people at

risk.”

Note to news editors: Worries are not the same as “realities.” What’s more, pretty much anything can “potentially” put young people at risk, including eating dinner (they could choke!), playing baseball (they could get hit by a bat!) and attending school (what if they fall off the stage during a production of “Annie?”).

As delightful as Pokémon Go is to play—I love it and I’ve never played videogames (or whatever this is) before—it almost seems to be more exciting to the authorities who can spit out a new set of warnings faster than you can say, “Air Time!”

And so all the way across the country, the San Francisco Police Department took it upon itself to tell moms and dads that they should “know where [their] kids are going when playing with the app” and “set limits”—as if parents couldn’t possibly do that themselves. As if this whole “kids going outside” thing is just so new and crazy.

The ‘Frisco Fear-mongers also published this Pokémon Go Safety Tip: “Know your surroundings and pay attention to where you’re going/who is around you. Slow car paralleling a person on foot might be a sign it’s a getaway car.”

Um, yeah. Except that with literally 15 million people playing this game across the entire country for the past week, we have that one BMW in Missouri to point to as an actual menace.

Meantime, over in England, which you’d think has bigger problems to freak out about, the authorities are warning that the app could be used to make

children “easily accessible to criminals”—and they don’t even have the game there yet!

It’s almost like there’s a parallel universe out there: Game players get points for finding Pokémon, and the warning class gets points for dreaming up Hollywood horror movie plots. But the warners also get massive publicity, because nothing sells like kids in peril. Even if they aren’t in peril.

(Can I remind us all here that stranger-danger is the least likely of crimes?)

So the other morning, I was walking around my bustling, leafy Queens neighborhood when I saw one mom showing another mom the app. The explainer had her 10-year-old son with her. “Can he go out on his own to play?” I (a stranger!) asked.

“Oh no, no, no,” she said, as if I’d queried, “Would you bathe your child in acid?” The other mom agreed: No way.

“What age do you think you’ll let them play on their own?”

Answered Mom No. 1, grimly laughing: “28.”

The Pokémon game is so fun, so simple, so sharable, it is as if the company invented the 21st century equivalent of the ball—a toy kids can play with on their own, or in a group, or when they’re walking down the street.

But the ball came of age before the warning industry, indeed before the dawn of history, so kids simply got to go outside and play with it.

Imagine that.

CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 22, 2016

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13 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 22, 2016

Business Briefs Fordham Westchester’s Ravazzin Center awarded $500K grant by county Fordham University’s Ravazzin Center, an extension of the school’s Westchester campus, has been awarded a $500,000 grant by Westchester County for its work with the Children and Family Institute.

The Ravazzin Center, part of Fordham’s Graduate School for Social Service, GSS, will use the grant money to evaluate a care model aimed at reducing the risk of homelessness for children in foster care.

Over the course of three years, GSS researchers will evaluate several components of the program’s work with homeless youth, including outreach, education, employment opportunities, and connections with families and support systems. The Fordham research team will also assess a network of peer-to-peer “navigators,” foster care teens who help other teens “navigators,” or foster care the social service system.

“Sometimes youth don’t feel that the professionals understand them,” said Janna Heyman, Ph.D., professor of Social Work and chair of the Ravazzin Center. “Having a young person that can say, ‘I’ve been there,’ and who can help connect them to professional support and guidance makes a big difference.”

The Ravazzin Center has spent the past two years studying how Westchester County helps its foster care youth. Its research revealed a gap in communications that has led to the implementation of the peer-to-peer approach.

The previous research also helped identify factors that lead to homelessness, such as the number of times a child has been moved from home to home.

“Now, we identify the youth that have been moved several times and understand that’s when we should bring in peer-to-peer navigators and professionals to further support them,” Heyman said.

The next three years will be devoted to implementing the program and evaluating its various components—from education to housing, to peer-to-peer programming.

The Ravazzin Center was established in 1995. Its mission is to empower social workers and communities to meet the needs of an aging society through development and dissemination of knowledge.

Fordham University’s Westchester campus is conveniently located off Interstate 287, Interstate 684 and the Hutchinson River Parkway. The 3-story, state-of-the-art building sits on 32 landscaped acres in West Harrison. Fordham Westchester is home to the Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies, Gabelli School of Business, Graduate School of Education and Graduate School of Social Service. It is also home to four institutes: the Beck Institute on Poverty and Religion, Children FIRST, National Center for Social Work Trauma Education, and the Ravazzin Center on Aging.

Furniture Sharehouse 2016 Designers’ Committee kickoff promises stunning results Prominent area designers gathered at Mamaroneck Self Storage recently to search through stacks of unique items from the Furniture Sharehouse inventory, as well as new items

donated by local home furnishing vendors, to begin the creative process that will result in 10 stunning vignettes to be featured in the Furniture Sharehouse’s upcoming gala, “The Power of Ten: Celebrating 10 Years of Furnishing Families.” The hallmark of the gala, these signature “Designer Vignettes” are part of the Gala Silent Auction, and an integral part of the evening’s fundraising.

Since opening its doors in 2007, Furniture Sharehouse has provided more than 54,000 items of free furniture to more than 10,000 individuals in need, including more than 5,000 children, to fill their empty apartments and help them rebuild their lives. The “Power of Ten” gala will help raise much-needed funds to furnish hundreds of families each year moving from homelessness, escaping domestic violence, struggling with poverty, and recovering from personal or natural disasters.

Mamaroneck Self Storage is providing storage and studio display space for the furnishings to be used to create the designer vignettes. Refreshments for the kickoff meeting were generously sponsored

by Mist Home Vintage and Modern, located at 614 Fenimore Road in Mamaroneck, putting the designers in the mood for “browsing and brainstorming.”

“The Power of Ten: Celebrating 10 Years of Furnishing Families” gala will be held on Friday, Oct. 28 at Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club.

For more information on ticket and sponsorship packages, contact Rose Cappa-Rotunno at events@ theeventdepartmentny.com or call 747-0519.

Houlihan-Parnes leases The Westchester Bank’s 5th branch

White Plains-based Houlihan-Parnes Realtors LLC announced that it has represented The Westchester Bank in a 10-year lease for a 2,050-square-foot storefront bank branch space located at 301-305 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck.

Jamie Schwartz of Houlihan-Parnes Realtors represented the tenant. John Manous of HoulihanParnes Realtors represented the owner.

Schwartz said, “We were once again able to find the perfect space for The Westchester Bank’s fifth bank branch. The space was formally a RadioShack that had occupied the storefront for over 25 years. It was not on the market at the time of our search, and we were able to negotiate a deal for the space prior to RadioShack rejecting the lease in its bankruptcy proceeding and vacating the space. It’s one of the prime storefront locations on Mamaroneck Avenue in the central business district, near many other national and regional banks.”

John Tolomer, president and CEO of The Westchester Bank, said, “As we continue our strategic growth of our bank branch system, Mamaroneck is a desired location both from a consumer and commercial business banking aspect. As the leading community bank in Westchester County, The Westchester Bank is also recognized as one of the fastest-growing

community banks in the country, with total assets in excess of $570 million, loan balances in excess of $470 million, and deposits of $476 million.”

Norm DiChiara, AIA of Norman DiChiara Architects P.C., designed the branch.

Houlihan-Parnes Realtors LLC is a nationally affiliated, multi-faceted real estate investment company headquartered in White Plains. Its companies and affiliates are engaged in the acquisition and ownership of all types of commercial real estate investment property in the continental United States. Its various companies and affiliates specialize in commercial mortgage finance, investment sales, property management, and leasing and mortgage servicing. For more information, please contact James J. Houlihan at 694-6070 ext. 324 or by email at jjh@ houlihanparnes.com.

The Westchester Bank is a New York state chartered and full service, FDIC-insured commercial bank offering state-of-the-art technology with a comprehensive line of business banking products to businesses and consumers, including business and personal checking, business lending, commercial mortgages, savings accounts, CDs, money market accounts, Interest on Lawyer Accounts (IOLA), attorney escrow accounts, and tenant security accounts. The Westchester Bank is headquartered at 12 Water St., White Plains, with branches located at 2001 Central Park Ave., Yonkers; 464 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains; 994 Broadway, Thornwood; and 51 South Moger Ave., Mount Kisco.

William Raveis in Rye gets new salesperson Mary McCabe has joined the William Raveis Rye office, located at 78 Purchase St. McCabe comes to Raveis with a wealth of experience and a strong network of industry and client connections. Prior to selling real estate, she owned and operated a successful Larchmont restaurant called Bellizzi. Her passion for real estate resulted in her transition into the business in 2013. She has since built a successful career in the residential market.

McCabe works with buyers and sellers across Westchester and Connecticut as licensed real eastate salesperson. She can be reached at 217-0032 or Mary.McCabe@raveis.com.

William Raveis is the largest family-owned real estate company in the Northeast. It is ranked fifth in the leading real estate companies of the world, and is the world’s largest luxury real estate network, with 3,500 offices. For more information, visit raveis.com.

The next Business Briefs section will run in August. Please send any submission for our August edition to news@hometwn.com, with “Business” in the subject line of your email.

Each submission may include one picture. If you have any questions, email us at news@hometwn.com.

14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 22, 2016

Mike drop LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

I feel like over the past few years, I’ve devoted a lot of space in my column to retirements.

Whether it was Derek Jeter’s emotional farewell at the end of the 2014 season, David Ortiz’s historic 2016 season or Tim Duncan’s perfectly understated announcement last week, I’ve always had a fascination with an athlete’s decision to hang ‘em up.

And now, I understand why.

A few weeks ago, I told some of my teammates on my men’s baseball team that this, indeed, would be my final season.

My body is too battered, my arm is hanging on by a thread, and lately, I realize that there’s more that I want to do in life than spend every single weekend of my summer on a hot, dusty field somewhere in the five boroughs.

I couldn’t tell you the last time I went to the beach.

So I decided that, no matter what, 2016 would be my last summer playing baseball.

Baseball has been a constant in my life ever since I was old enough to play T-ball. With the exception of two years in college when I decided that living the fraternity life was more important to me than taking the mound, I’ve been out there on the diamond.

So as confident as I am that my decision will stick, I can’t help but wonder how I’m going to deal without the sport I love.

Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not equating myself to the figures I mentioned above. These guys were titans in their fields, and I’m a weekend beer league player who had a spectacularly unsuccessful collegiate career that saw my ERA rise way higher than my GPA ever would.

But still, when something has been so important to you for so long, it’s always tough to walk away.

And to be perfectly honest, I’m starting to rethink my stance on the whole farewell tour.

My teammates spoke to a few other players around our league and word of my impending retirement got out. I may not have been one of the best players out there, but I served as a player, manager, league official, photographer— and on some occasions, sports psychologist—to a wide array of people I would never have come into contact with otherwise.

Sure, my own guys wanted me to stay on; I don’t think any of them want the unenviable task of running our team after all. But the pleas to stick around for one more year that came in from opposing players, coaches and umpires?

That was touching.

Watching Ortiz at this year’s MLB All-Star game, being

SPORTS

hounded by other, younger MLB stars to keep on playing, I understood that, as much as these season-long farewells are about saying goodbye to the game, they are also a chance to gain validation from peers, which, no matter how many accolades these guys may accrue over the course of a career, may be the most important thing.

I took what will likely be my last-ever at bat on Sunday afternoon. My team may be playoff bound, but as the skipper, I can’t, in all honesty, envision giving a guy who is hovering around the Mendoza Line a meaningful postseason at bat.

On a 1-0 count, I turned on a letter-high fastball and drove a pitch into the left centerfield gap for what will likely be my last-ever hit on a baseball diamond.

Five years ago, it would’ve been a double. But now, creaky knees and all, I didn’t see any reason to push it. I made a hard turn around first, and shrugged as I headed back to the bag, where the opposing first baseman, a huge teddy bear of a guy I’ve played against for the last decade, greeted me with a grin and a warm hug.

It was a close game, it was a big spot, but he also knew it was time to say goodbye.

After the game, both teams decided that a couple of pizzas and a few cold ones were in order.

We hung out behind the backstop, trading war stories from

On Saturday, Sports Editor Mike Smith may have collected his last hit in 25 years of playing baseball. As he prepares to hang up the cleats for good, he is starting to understand just how hard it is to say goodbye.

Contributed photo

games across Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Atlantic City. Their first baseman starting harping on my looping curveball, and I had to quickly remind him that in 10 years, he still nev-

er got a hit off me.

We parted ways, dirty, sweaty, tired and happy, and once again, he implored me to give it one more shot.

I’m not going to rethink it.

But now I understand why saying goodbye can be so damned hard.

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

July 22, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15

Local team ready for tourney

Rye’s Katie Popp blows past a defender at the Westchester County Center. Popp was selected to a Hudson Valley basketball team that will be competing in an annual state tournament.

By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Friday, Aug. 5, a handful of the top basketball players in Section I will head to Johnson City, New York, to take on the best teams from across the state at the annual Basketball Coaches Association of New York, BCANY, Summer Hoops Festival.

With a deep talent pool headlined by a number of 2016 All-State selections, Hudson Valley coach Kristi Dini is confident that her squad will have a strong showing at the prestigious tournament.

Entering into her fourth summer as the Hudson Valley coach,

Dini said she has seen interest in the summer festival rise through the years. This year, tryouts, which were held over three days in June, attracted 35 potential players, nearly double the turnout most years.

“Section I has some strong teams and even though some sections hand-select their teams and asked players to participate, we thought this was the most fair way to pick a team,” Dini said. “Ideally, the goal is to bring up a roster filled with talented players.”

Talent will not be a problem for the Hudson Valley squad.

Eight of the 12 players selected for the team received All-state

Katie Popp looks for an open teammate at the County Center.

Photos/Mike Smith

honors last winter, including both Korina Guerra and Katie McLaughlin from Ursuline High School, Katie Popp from Rye High School, and Avery LaBarbera from Harrison High School. “[Tryouts] were really exciting but it can be stressful,” LaBarbera said. “There were a lot of good players, not a lot of girls that I knew, but it was an honor to be selected.”

For Popp, a rising senior who played on the Hudson Valley team two years ago but had to pull out of the event last year due to an injury, the 2016 festival represents one last chance to bring back gold for the area.

“It’s definitely more exciting, as a senior knowing it’s going to be our last chance,” Popp said. “I think I’ve played either alongside or against pretty much all of the girls, I’ve known a lot of them my whole life, and we definitely have big aspirations.”

According to Dini, who previously coached at Somers High School, her time as a Section I coach allows her to enter the tournament with a good idea of just what her players are capable of.

“I knew all of them coming in, either having coached against them or scouted them,” she said.

“But on their high school teams, they’re not playing on a team where every player is as good as they are, so some of them might be playing completely different roles here.”

Avery LaBarbera, a rising junior at Harrison High School, competes during a playoff game in 2016.

LaBarbera was one of 12 girls selected to the Hudson Valley basketball team that will be competing at the BCANY Summer Hoops Festival in August.

Avery LaBarbera drives to the hoop during a 2016 game against Eastchester.

Because BCANY rules state that teams cannot practice until the week of the event, the Hudson Valley team will have to work quickly to form a cohesive unit.

“We haven’t been together for an official practice, and we have to get the girls used to playing with each other,” the coach said.

“That means putting in offenses, press breakers, a taste

of how you want to defend; it’s a lot to do in four days. It’s not easy. But these girls always rise to the challenge.”

CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • July 22, 2016