RyeCity REVIEW THE
August 12, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 33 | www.ryecityreview.com
2 proposals to revamp Rye Town Park restaurant By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
Sea of tranquility Yoga instructor Debbie Bisaccia is bringing support to Westchester veterans with mental illness through the use of stand-up paddleboarding. Bisaccia kicked off her efforts this summer with an event at the Wainwright House in Rye. For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy Debbie Bisaccia
DiNapoli: Mid-Hudson region economy shows strength By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Editorial Assistant The mid-Hudson region is showing economic strength following the recession, but its high cost of living and doing business could obstruct future growth, according to an economic profile released by the Office of the New
York State Comptroller. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a released statement that while the region’s closeness to New York City has helped the economy, it “needs to carefully manage its ongoing need for services and infrastructure improvements given the already high cost of living.”
The mid-Hudson region is made up of the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Sullivan, with a total of 198 municipalities. The biggest highlight of the report is the annual regionwide unemployment rate dropping from 7.6 percent in 2012 to 4.7
percent in 2015. Further, according to the state Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for June 2016 has improved with the mid-Hudson region’s rate averaging out to just below 4 percent, which is lower than the state’s 4.7 percent for the same month. ECONOMY continued on page 9
The Rye Town Park Commission has received two proposals to oversee and manage the park’s restaurant, snack and concession stands, according to park officials. Restaurant proposals, which were due by Aug. 8 following a request for proposals sent out in late June, were submitted by Angelo Liberatore, an operating partner of the Fort Pond Bay Company—which operates Half Moon and Harvest on Hudson in Westchester County, and East by Northeast and The Stone Lion Inn in Montauk—and Sam Chernin and John Ambrose of Seaside Johnnies, Rye Town Park’s current restaurant tenant. While the restaurant, which overlooks Oakland Beach and the Long Island Sound, has become a mainstay for some—it is open seasonally from April until September each year—the current lease agreement with Seaside Johnnies expires at the end of 2016. “I have no reason to think that [Seaside Johnnies] won’t be awarded the contract given the fact that we have been here for 17 years and have vastly improved the park and beach,” Ambrose told the Review. According to the request for proposals, the park commission is seeking to enter into a 10-year license agreement with a private
company under the provision that it renovates and updates the restaurant. The Rye Town Park Commission—which consists of representatives from the city and town of Rye, and the villages of Port Chester, Rye Brook and the Rye Neck section of the village of Mamaroneck—is responsible for setting policy at the park and governing its operations. The park has been around since the early 1900s and includes pavilions, a beach, a duck pond and service facilities; it’s located at 95 Dearborn Ave., off of Forest Avenue in the city of Rye. Although some renovations were done to the restaurant area in 1999, prior to Seaside Johnnies first opening in 2000, whichever company, including Seaside Johnnies, signs a new agreement would be required to improve outdoor lighting, restrooms, heating, cooling and plumbing. Kitchen updates would be mandated as well. According to Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, a Democrat and member of the commission, a Westchester County Department of Health inspector recently determined that the restaurant is up to code. “It’s fair to say both applicants are proposing substantial renovations to the restaurant,” Zuckerman said. “Since we only RESTAURANT continued on page 8
11
2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 12, 2016
August 12, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3
City hires attorney for Crown Castle proposal By JAMES PERO Staff Writer At the City Council meeting on Aug. 3, in a show of solidarity with public opinion, councilmembers voted unanimously to hire both an attorney and an engineer to help them navigate the proposed installation of additional wireless equipment on nearly 70 poles citywide. “We said we were going to do it and we did it,” said Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican. “We [retained] outside counsel which has particular experience in this field.” The firm helping the City Council make its assessment on a proposal from telecom company Crown Castle is Best, Best & Krieger, a California-based law firm that is currently assisting the town/village of Scarsdale in a similar arena. The firm was hired by the city at an amount not to exceed $25,000. Among the concerns voiced by residents during the last City Council meeting, as well as a prior meeting in July, are the impact of the additional installations on property values and aesthetics of neighborhoods, as well as potential health concerns with the emitted radio frequencies. According to Crown Castle representatives, the nodes— equipment that emits radio frequencies similar to a cell tower—would bolster Verizon Wireless cell service in the city, and allow for greater network capacity and better service in the area. While the decision to hire both an engineer and an attorney marks a major step forward for those looking for greater scrutiny regarding Crown Castle’s proposal, some residents feel they were still left out of the process. At the last council meeting, various concerned residents had expressed interest in forming a volunteer group responsible for selecting an appropriate engineer and attorney for Rye. “More than 200 people sent the City Council a letter asking
A proposal by the telecommunications company Crown Castle will undergo a more stringent review, with the help of outside counsel and an engineer retained by the city. The firm Best, Best & Krieger will hire an engineer to vet the planned installation of more than 60 additional pieces of equipment on telephone poles across the city. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
for involvement,” said city resident Josh Cohn at the meeting. “If it weren’t for the alertness of a few, Crown Castle would have 66 more mini cell towers installed throughout Rye.” Sack said that when it comes to issues as magnetic as this, it’s not uncommon to see residents’ passions flare. “Sometimes the city of Rye’s interests and the interests of a particular resident may not exactly align,” the mayor said. “We appreciate that everyone has different views and they’re very passionate about this.” Sack added that one resident has already threatened to sue the city if his particular concerns
aren’t addressed. Going forward, according to City Manager Marcus Serrano, the engineer—who will be hired by the selected attorney to retain client-attorney privilege—will review Crown Castle’s proposal and then report back to the City Council for recommendations. The council must approve any plan by Crown Castle before installation begins. Serrano said there isn’t currently a time estimate on how long the council will wait for the recommendations, but added that the engineer must review a significant number of nodes. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Connect with us on @linkedin.com/company/hometown-media
4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 12, 2016
What’s going on... Rye Free Reading Room
Summer Science Fun Club: Crystals
For more information on summer hours and programs, visit ryelibrary.org.
On Friday, Aug. 19 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Meeting Room. For children in grades three to five. Online registration is required for this workshop, as space is limited. Visit ryelibrary.org, click on “Programs & Events,” then on “Kids,” click on the event date and then the “Register” button. Please use only one form for all family members. In this workshop, participants will learn the different types, shapes, colors and properties of crystals. Kids will have a hands-on experience and get to examine the crystals up close and learn the many uses for them. All participants will take home a crystal at the end of the workshop to start their own collection. 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.
College Essay Writing Workshop On Tuesday, Aug. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Online registration is required. Students registered for this class are automatically registered for the follow-up session on Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The college essay is the element of your application that provides insight into your character through your authentic voice. In this workshop, participants will explore the art of personal essay writing through discussion, analysis of exemplars and writing exercises. The instructor, Dana Stranges, teaches high school English and ESL at Tappan Zee High School in Rockland County. The first session will focus on what makes a great college essay, and participants will leave with a topic and hopefully with a plan and raw material. The second session will provide feedback and tips on how to polish the final piece.
Wainwright House Yoga and movement workshops The Wainwright House Yoga Training Academy will hold the following programs this summer and fall: Introductory workshop to child/teen yoga teacher training on Aug. 20 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Course hours count toward RCYS certification and are led by Yoga Mountain training specialists. RYS 200 Weekend Series, a RYS 200 10-week-
She’s not crazy, her name just rhymes with it. Read Lenore Skenazy’s column every week in the Review. A past contributor to the Daily News and the New York Sun, Skenazy has also appeared on “The Daily Show,” been profiled in the New Yorker and even had her own reality TV show, “World’s Worst Mom.”
end series beginning Sept. 23 with yoga masters Paula Heitzner, Patty Holmes and Susan J. Wright. Anatomy Trains, an international training taught by Laurice Nemetz on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, is an anatomy and physiology workshop open to movement therapists. Housing will be available. For fees and information, call 967-6080, email registrar@wainwright.org or visit wainwright.org.
on dates and times of the program can be found the website. If you have any questions, contact Patti Adimari, registrar, at pattirys@optonline.net or 967-5273. Scholarships are available upon request. Please note that coaches should also register to coach in their online account.
Rye Recreation
Summer stories will be told on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Rye Town Park’s Seaside Pavilion. Tales will be about parks, nature, sunshine, oceans and beaches, told by talented Rye library storytellers. Rye Town Park will charge a reduced parking fee of $2 for story time attendees. Attendees are encouraged to tell parking attendants that they are entering the park for story time.
For more information or to register for the programs, visit ryeny.gov/recreation.cfm or call 967-2125.
Sports Squirts Camp Children ages 3 to 5 can experience a new sport each day of the Sports Squirts. The camp will run Monday, Aug. 22 through Thursday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Rain date will be Friday, Aug. 26. Participants have the opportunity to try lacrosse, soccer, basketball, t-ball, floor hockey, parachute games and more in a safe, structured environment. Fee: $85 for residents; $110 for non-residents. For more information or to register a child for the sports camp, visit ryeny.gov/recreation.cfm or call 967-2125.
US Sports Institute camps Multi-Sport Camp is for children in grades K-6 as of September 2016. From Monday, Aug. 22 through Thursday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Rain date will be Friday, Aug. 26. Fee: $145 for residents; $170 for non-residents. Campers must bring their own lunch. The program will take place at Rye Recreation Park. Participants will experience more than 16 different sports from around the world, including, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, cricket, floor hockey and more at this camp. First Play Flag Football Camp is for children in grades K-2 as of September 2016. From Monday, Aug. 29 through Thursday, Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Rain date will be Friday, Sept. 2. Fee: $95 for residents; $120 for non-residents. The program will take place at Rye Recreation Park. Open to children of all ability levels, this football camp will focus on individual techniques and, more importantly, fun. The week finishes with the USSI Flag Football Super Bowl. Lacrosse Camp is for children in grades three to six as September 2016. From Monday, Aug. 29 through Thursday, Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Rain date will be Friday, Sept. 2. Fee: $145 for residents; $170 for non-residents. The program will take place at Rye Recreation Park. Players will learn and develop their technique in passing, catching and scooping. Each day will end with small-sided games where participants will develop an understanding of offensive and defensive plays. For more information or to register a child for a sports camp, visit ryeny.gov/recreation.cfm or call 967-2125.
Rye Youth Soccer fall 2016 registration Online registration is open at ryeyouthsoccer. org for fall intramural soccer for boys and girls in grades K-5. The season will begin Saturday, Sept. 17 and end Saturday, Nov. 12. Complete details
Rye Town Park Summer Stories at Rye Town Park
Parking permits The discounted season permits for both residents and non-residents are sold out. The parking 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. Parking-only permits are $150. MasterCard, Visa and Discover credit cards will be accepted. 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.
August 12, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5
Benson knocked off primary ballot in DA race By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Following a ruling by the Westchester County Board of Elections, Mitch Benson will not be able to challenge for the Republican nomination for district attorney, ending his plans of a primary battle against GOP frontrunner Bruce Bendish. The Board of Elections requires potential candidates for elections to submit petitions from registered voters within the party whose line they are seeking to run on. Both Benson and Bendish surpassed the 2,000-signature requirement, but on Aug. 3, the county Board of Elections found more than 1,000 of Benson’s 2,700 signatures to be invalid. Benson filed a lawsuit with the Westchester Supreme Court in attempt to validate his petition, and even though the court reinstated some of the grieved signatures, it wasn’t enough for him to meet the requirement to appear on the primary ballot. Doug Colety, commissioner of the county Board of Elections, said the Judge Bruce Tolbert— alongside attorneys for Benson, Bendish and the Board of Elections—went through Benson’s petition line by line for three days, by which time it became “mathematically impossible” for him to meet the requirement threshold. “The majority of [the challenges to Benson’s petition] pertained to people not registered to vote, people not enrolled in the Republican Party and defective witnesses’ petition statements,” Colety told the Review. Bendish submitted more than 4,000 signatures to the Board of
Bruce Bendish, left, will no longer have to run in a Republican primary for Westchester County district attorney against Mitch Benson, as Benson’s petitions have been invalidated by the county Board of Elections. Bendish, the GOP candidate, will now face Democratic nominee Anthony Scarpino, right, in the general election. File photo; photo courtesy law.pace.edu
Elections following his endorsement by the county GOP at the party’s nominating convention in April. At the convention, Bendish also received nearly 75 percent of votes from Republican delegates. Following the court’s decision, Benson said, “While I disagree with certain discretionary and technical determinations which invalidated hundreds of signatures, I recognize it is part of the political process and within the authority of the Board of Elections and the court to make the decisions they did.” Now, Bendish, 69, will begin his general election campaign against Democratic candidate Anthony Scarpino. “We’re comfortable that we put this primary question behind us,” Bendish told the Review. “We’re all gearing up for the
November election. We’re prepared for it.” Bendish, who is running with the slogan “Experience Matters,” has served as assistant district attorney in Westchester for 14 years. During that time, he also served as the head of the county’s homicide bureau. Scarpino, 64, is a former Westchester County Court judge and a New York state Supreme Court justice. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 12, 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 Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com
Helping veterans, one wave at a time
Executive Vice President | Ira Ellenthal ext. 31, irathal@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Suzy Berkowitz ext. 30, suzy@hometwn.com Reporter | James Pero ext. 20, james@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers Corey Stockton, Franco Fino Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite Intern Josh Stabile Columnists John Carey, Rye City Council, Lenore Skenazy, Joe Murphy Letters
The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes.
Community Events
If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com.
Delivery
For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27.
Classifieds & Legals
To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27.
Postmaster
Send address changes to: The Rye City Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601
Visit us online www.ryecityreview.com Follow us on Twitter, @ryecityreview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/ryecityreview The Rye City Review (permit #438660) is published by Home Town Media Group weekly for an annual subscription of $32. Application to mail at the peridcals postage rate is approved at Port Chester, N.Y., 10573. Periodicals postage paid at Port Chester and additional mailing offices.
From left, U.S. veteran Robert Bisaccia holding therapy dog Buddy Boy, Debbie Bisaccia and Westchester County Veterans Service Agency Commissioner Ron Tocci. Photos courtesy Debbie Bisaccia
By SUZY BERKOWITZ Editorial Assistant While some complete 22 pushups a day for 22 days to honor and raise awareness for the 22 veterans who commit suicide on a daily basis, others help to combat this issue through more unconventional means of therapy: yoga on stand-up paddleboards. Debbie Bisaccia, a physical therapist, certified yoga instructor and owner of SUP OM Yoga—Westchester County’s first and only certified and accredited stand-up paddleboarding school—was inspired by the 22 Pushup Challenge to bring her instruction on water to those in need of it most: veterans. Her father, Robert Bisaccia, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime volunteer for the Fischer House Foundation—an organization that provides nationwide temporary housing to families of veterans at no cost—helped Debbie Bisaccia piece together her plan of action. After being introduced to U.S. Army veteran Nate Waldera, founder of Proudly We Stand—a nonprofit organization that brings standup paddleboarding to veterans in need—Debbie Bisaccia brought community leaders and local organizations on board to help contribute to her first stand-up paddleboarding yoga event to benefit veterans. All proceeds from the event,
which was held on Thursday, June 16, benefitted Proudly We Stand. Beginning with a twohour-long stand-up paddleboarding lesson which launched from the Wainwright House in Rye and ending with a reception featuring music from the Rye High School band and speeches from veterans, elected officials, and local organizations, Debbie Bisaccia said the day’s events brought out approximately 35 people of varying ages and two therapy dogs who paddled alongside their owners. “I thought if I could bring this sport to veterans suffering from mental challenges, I could improve their quality of life,” Debbie Bisaccia said. “This activity has the potential to make a profound impact on the community and implement change.” Debbie Bisaccia, who has been stand-up paddleboard-
ing for 18 years and practicing yoga for 15, opened SUP OM Yoga on Stuyvesant Avenue in Rye five years ago in an effort to share her two passions with the community. She said standup paddleboarding is not only relaxing, but beneficial as well, as it engages multiple muscular groups and promotes flexibility, strength and range of motion. The school provides basic standup paddleboarding lessons, followed by more advanced lessons involving yoga and fitness on the boards. Those involved in her June event included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, local pet rescues and animal shelters, Rye City Mayor Joe Sack and village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum. “I think Debbie is really a force of nature, and it was through her personal efforts that this event got off the ground,” Sack said. “This event was not only fun and healthy, but also something informative that raised awareness about this important issue. I think it’s a creative and out-of-the-box way to get people the help they need.” Sack said his favorite part of the day’s activities was seeing a room full of energized people who were made happier from the therapeutic benefits of both stand-up paddleboarding and yoga. As for Debbie Bisaccia, one standout moment during the event involved veteran Sam Riti, 69, standing up on the paddleboard
Debbie Bisaccia’s stand-up paddleboarding event to benefit Proudly We Stand brought out approximately 35 people of all ages.
for the first time in his life after struggling to find his balance. Riti, commander of AMVETS Post 38 in Yonkers, said the event was unbelievable, and could help veterans returning home with psychological issues. “When you’re out there and concentrating on what you’re doing, you really take your mind off of everything,” Riti said. “Just being out on the water is something else.” Debbie Bisaccia’s long-term goal is to work with Proudly We Stand to bring stand-up paddleboarding to as many veterans as possible, especially younger vets who have recently returned home from active duty. She would like to establish a stronger collaboration with community pet rescues and animal shelters
for more rescue dogs to enhance the experience. After the success of her first event, Debbie Bisaccia plans to launch this therapeutic practice throughout the immediate community and beyond, including a VA hospital in Montrose, New York, where she plans to host a similar event in the fall. “Being on these stand-up paddleboards is so symbolic to life,” she said. “You start crawling and you stand, and what defines us is not how we fall, but how we are able to rise up. If I can bring this sport, one paddle stroke, wave and breath at a time, to veterans, we can create a stigma-free environment. Where there is help, there will be hope.” CONTACT: suzy@hometwn.com
U.S. veteran Sam Riti, 69, salutes the flag. The event marked his first time on a stand-up paddleboard.
Dark clouds overhead didn’t stop a group from enjoying the flow of the water on their stand-up paddleboards.
August 12, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7
Songs for Seeds comes to Rye Brook Named best music class by New York Magazine and most magical music class by Red Tricycle, Songs for Seeds will begin offering 10 classes for children under 6 years of age at The East Pointe Dance Studio, located at
11 Rye Ridge Plaza, starting on Tuesday, Sept. 20 through Saturday, Dec. 17. Classes will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and the entire schedule is available at songsforseeds.com/ny/ryebrook.
Dana Fisher, an Emmy awardwinning TV producer at ABC’s “The View,” brought Songs for Seeds to Westchester and Scarsdale last fall, and it’s been so successful and so popular with children and their parents, she’s now
expanding the toddler educational music program to Rye Brook. “We’re so excited to introduce Songs to Seeds to Rye Brook, Rye, Port Chester, Harrison, Purchase and Mamaroneck,” Fisher said. “When we lived in Manhattan, I sent my two babies to Songs for Seeds. When we moved to Scarsdale, I kept think-
ing why was there nothing like Song for Seeds in Westchester? We opened classes in Scarsdale one year ago and the response has been overwhelming. We’re now thrilled to bring this educational and fun program to the Rye Brook area. The children and their parents sing and dance together and love it. There’s sim-
Songs for Seeds, Scarsdale’s award-winning and beloved young children’s music program, is coming to Rye Brook. Photo courtesy songsforseeds.com
ply nothing like it, anywhere.” Songs for Seeds features 45-minute classes led by a threepiece live band of teachers/ musicians who encourage kids to sing, play instruments and dance. At the end of class, the students are invited to sing with the band karaoke-style, and play the band’s instruments, including guitar, keys and drums. Each week, the children experience music, instruments and language from a different culture. Magnetic art murals are created by the children during the singalong of well-known nursery rhymes, magic tricks are used to practice numbers and counting, and a wheel is spun to reinforce the names and sounds of animals. By mixing original kids rock ‘n’ roll with adult contemporary music, the band is sure to please little ones (and their adult parents!). Songs for Seeds was founded in 2009 by the owners of Apple Seeds, a Manhattan-based company that offers fun, educational programs for young children. For more information about the new Rye Brook classes, email ryebrook@songsforseeds. com or visit songsforseeds.com/ ny/ryebrook. (Submitted)
8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 12, 2016
Say it ain’t so, Mayor Joe A RYE OLDTIMER Judge John Carey
On the same day that the water company closed our taps for a few hours, the U.S. Mail brought a slick piece of self-advertising from the City Council. Measuring 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches of heavy stock, and bearing a classic full-color photo of City Hall, the back was covered with puffing by the incumbent councilmembers, whose names
and email addresses were prominently displayed. It resembled what we see in last-minute political campaign ads. If the printing and postage were paid for by the members of the council, so be it. They can spend their own money on mailings just like anyone else. But if $1 of public funds went into this slick self-promotion, then those who authorized it have a lot of explaining to do. It would have been unthinkable during my 14 years on the City Council, and especially during my eight
years as mayor, for public funds to have been used for such a City Council self-promotion. Councilmembers have always been free to promote themselves, but at their own expense and not at public expense. We have independent newspapers in Rye which publish at no cost what they believe the public should know about. I look forward to a public response hereto from the mayor or other councilmembers. CONTACT: j_pcarey@verizon.net
Now presenting for your delight and amazement: Silverado’s kittens, about 10 to 11 weeks old. From left, Tigger: beauteous, light gray glamour puss, melt-in-your-arms sweetness; Blanche: dark and sultry, mysterious and playful; Thistle: king of the house, knows how handsome he is and plays it up to the hilt; and Oakey-Smokie: clever, keeps the group hopping with his playful antics. These young kitties must be adopted with a sibling or other kitten or young cat in the home. The kittens are up to date with shots for their young age and are in excellent health. The adoption fee for each kitten is $80 plus a refundable $60 spay/neuter deposit required by New York state. To meet these kitties, please contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at 835-3332/4133 or visit NYPetRescue.org. (Submitted)
RESTAURANT from page 1
have two proposals, the methodology of analysis will need to be determined by the commission, [and] from several perspectives.” Liberatore is proposing to operate a full-service, seafood-focused concept restaurant called the Mission Fishery, serving Spanish-influenced American cuisine. With proposed renovations to the restaurant’s professional services, additions to the bar, kitchen and dining room furniture, and interior finishes and equipment—which include kitchen small wares, artwork and décor and a new visual system— the estimated total cost of the project is $724,350, according to Liberatore’s proposal. The operators of Seaside Johnnies are proposing to expand on their current restaurant theme, while adding a tropical twist. The operators also proposed refurnishing for the beachfront snack bar and main restaurant. The proposal also includes updates to equipment. In total, the construction cost is estimated at $1 million, according to the proposal. Ambrose also told the Review that he plans on making heavy renovations to his Tiki Bar restaurant, which is located nearby on the Playland boardwalk. According to Zuckerman, the proposed operators will also have to consider a recent appellate court ruling, which allows the city of Rye to impose a real estate tax on the Rye
The Rye Town Park Commission is currently reviewing two bids to take over operation of the restaurant and snack stands at the park, following a request for proposals submission deadline of Aug. 8. The lease agreement with the restaurant’s current tenant, Seaside Johnnies, is set to expire at the end of this year. File photo
Town Park restaurant. In 2011, the city of Rye Assessor Noreen Whitty revoked the tax exemption status of land where the current restaurant is situated on after 104 years, leading to the town of Rye and the park commission to challenge the decision in state Supreme Court before ultimately losing the case in a decision which was rendered recently. However, Zuckerman said the city would not have the authority to also tax the snack and concession stands at the park. The park is currently co-owned and funded by the town of Rye and
the city of Rye. Ambrose said that the city never contacted him about imposing a real estate tax. The park commission, which will meet on Tuesday, Aug. 16 to begin to discuss the proposals, will have until Oct. 7 to make a decision on which proposal to accept. Liberatore declined to comment on his proposal, and Rye City Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican and member of the commission, could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
Helping Hands to hold school bag drive Helping Hands for the Homeless & Hungry Inc., a Rye-based nonprofit organization, will hold its 29th annual Empty School Bag project on Monday, Aug. 15 and Tuesday, Aug. 16 in the Resurrection Church basement, located at 910 Boston Post Road in Rye. Helping Hands’ goal is to provide 2,065 new backpacks, each filled with more than 17 school items for grades K-12. Now routinely included in each middle and high school student backpack is a scientific calculator to better prepare students for math and science homework and tests. Incredibly, just $26 will provide a school-ready backpack with brand-new supplies for an at-risk, needy child. These backpacks will be distributed to underprivileged students, many residing in homeless shelters,
throughout lower Westchester County through Helping Hands’ partnership with 18 nonprofit agencies working with the children and families. How can you make a difference? It’s easy. Here are two ways to join Helping Hands: 1. Make a donation: The Backpack Project is funded entirely by private donations from Helping Hands’ annual backpack appeal. Just $26 will provide one school-ready backpack—less than a tank of gas for a week. Funds are needed now. Donations can be made through HelpingHandsRye.org or via postal mail. 2. Volunteer: Volunteers are needed on Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon to unload and set up supplies and backpacks, and/or on Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon to
fill empty school bags. Tuesday, the day to fill the backpacks, is a better day for young children to help out. Community service hours are available to students who request a form. Volunteer sign-up can be found on Helping Hands’ website. Since 1987, this event has enabled more than 26,000 students to start their school year with all the supplies they need to succeed. The community has participated with more than 300 volunteers of all ages over the days’ mornings. You, the community, have given generously every year. Thank you for giving a child a better start at education this September. For more information, visit HelpingHandsRye.org or email HelpingHandsRye@gmail.com. (Submitted)
August 12, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9 ECONOMY from page 1
Major employers in the region include health care and social assistance, government, hospitality and retail. Attracting other industries, such as biotechnology, entertainment and tourism, is also being encouraged as a way to take advantage of the region’s infrastructure and workforce. One way Westchester is attracting the biotechnology industry is with the construction of a $1.2 billion biotech and medical office complex on undeveloped land in Valhalla, which would also include a hotel and stores. The development is estimated to create 4,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent jobs to take advantage of the county’s educated workforce, and could generate $9 million a year in property tax revenue. With the region’s unemployment rate being low and more jobs expected in the near future, the mid-Hudson population is bound to increase—the total population of the region as of 2015 is just over 2.5 million, with 43 percent of those residents living in Westchester” according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Most of the population growth in the past five years has taken place in Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties. The senior population has been growing regionwide; according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, residents over 65 made up around 15 percent of Westchester’s population in 2014. Ulster, Sullivan and Dutchess counties all have the highest numbers of seniors, possibly due to the lower costs of living, according to DiNapoli’s report. Westchester’s Hispanic population has been increasing as well, making up about 23 percent of the total county population in 2014. The county has had the highest number of Hispanic residents in the region since as
At a glance The mid-Hudson region consists of seven counties: Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Sullivan Although it is showing signs of strong economic recovery following the recession, the region’s high costs of living and doing business could affect future growth Region’s unemployment rate as of June 2016 is just below 4%, lower than the state’s 4.7% rate With 2.5 million residents, the region’s population over age 65 is increasing, as well as the Hispanic population Westchester has had the highest median home sale price of the region for the past decade
early as 2000. “Given the changing demographics, there seems to be an increased preference for urban living among younger people,” said William C. Perkins, professor and chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Management at Manhattanville College, referring to the region’s growing elder and Hispanic populations. Westchester seems to be at the forefront of developing urban living, with its proximity to New York City, the highest median home value of more than $509,000 and the third highest household income at more than $83,000 in the region. The county has seen significant investment into transit-oriented developments, taking advantage of mass transit options and suburban space, offering a cheaper alternative to New York City’s real estate, especially for businesses. William Mooney, director of Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development, said
that DiNapoli’s report confirms the county’s “exciting growth.” “Promoting economic growth has always been a pillar of County Executive Rob Astorino’s administration,” Mooney said. “The market is clearly responding to Westchester’s strengths, including a highly skilled and talented workforce; accessibility with trains, infrastructure and proximity to New York City; and an unparalleled quality of life with schools, arts and open space that employers and employees are looking for.” The mid-Hudson region’s high cost of living and doing business, seen as possible obstacles to future growth, is attributed to high homeowner costs, having some of the highest property taxes in the state, or in the case of Westchester County, the entire country. Foreclosures in Westchester have increased by 18 percent since 2014, a lingering effect of the recession. CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
Rye City
Official Newspaper Rye Schools
10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 12, 2016
Talking Business: With Stavros Orsaris
By IRA ELLENTHAL Executive Vice President The old saying that youth is wasted on the young doesn’t seem to apply to Stavros Orsaris, who’s making the most of his high energy, innate savvy and tireless desire to succeed in business. The centerpiece of this success-story-in-the-making is Victory Mitsubishi in Larchmont, where Orsaris is turning heads as a high-ranking member of its new management team. Granted, 22 is decidedly young for anyone to become a general sales manager of an automobile dealership, but those who know Orsaris agree that he exudes a maturity well beyond his years. Says a longtime family-friend, “He’s always acted older, carrying himself in a self-assured, confident manner. What’s more, he’s forever asking questions and seeking the advice of elders in an obvious attempt to learn as much as he can, as quickly as he can.” Bob O’Neill, manager of the Victory Mitsubishi account for SPAdvertising in New York City, also declares Orsaris ready and able to light a fire under the operation. Acknowledging that Victory’s previous management encountered more than a few issues, especially on the customer service end, O’Neill says, “Orsaris knows what he has to do
because he grew up in the automotive business and is already doing it. In virtually no time at all, customer service has improved dramatically.” “It’s true,” Orsaris says with obvious pride. “In just a few months, our Sales Satisfaction and Customer Service Indexes have risen from the low 80s to the mid-90s. What’s more, they’re only going to improve further. Our sales and service staffs have gotten the message and they understand clearly that anything less will be unacceptable. Additionally, we updated our service department and hired the best possible technicians.” And he takes the concept of customer friendliness a step further when he adds: “One hundred percent credit approval is our goal. Put another way, those with poor credit will be treated with dignity and respect.” It isn’t going to hurt that the Mitsubishi brand has caught fire; in fact, even the competition has noticed, as evidenced by— among other things—the recent Basic Agreement signed by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Nissan) and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) to form a far-reaching strategic alliance. Following an MMC share issue, Nissan will take a 34 percent equity stake in MMC. The alliance extends an existing partnership between Nissan
and MMC, under which the companies have jointly collaborated for the past five years. The collaboration includes purchasing, common vehicle platforms, sharing of technology, joint plant utilization and growth markets. “We’re sitting pretty on the product front, too,” Orsaris says. “Our leading sellers, the Outlander and the Lancer, are earning high marks and, importantly, we’ve got the inventory—200 new cars and 100 preowned ones—in order to accommodate the growing demand.” Victory’s bright picture intensifies when Orsaris raises the issue of community involvement. “We want to become an integral part of the community, doing everything possible to further its initiatives,” he says earnestly. “You hear about a lot [of] companies that talk the talk on the importance of supporting local initiatives; we’re actually walking the walk. Whatever is of interest to Larchmont and the surrounding area is of interest to us.” With creative help from its ad agency, Victory Mitsubishi is even sporting a new slogan: Everyone Needs a Victory in Life. “I really like it and, based on the feedback we’re getting, so do our customers,” Orsaris says. CONTACT: irathal@hometwn.com
Stavros Orsaris, Victory Mitsubishi’s new general sales manager, is demonstrating strong leadership skills.
Stavros Orsaris has surrounded himself with a team of dedicated professionals. Photos/Andrew Dapolite
The Lancer, top, and the Outlander are among Mitsubishi’s hottest entries. Photos courtesy Mitsubishi
August 12, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11
Bait-and-switch on Common Core THE COUNCIL CORNER Councilwoman Julie Killian
“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth,” Greek philosopher Diogenes realized more than 2,000 years ago. I agree, and that is why I was so upset to find out about a federal government proposal to label schools as needing improvement when they have modest testing opt-out rates. Sadly, the deadline for comments has come and gone, but it’s important not to let the issue pass. That’s because so few families actually knew about the proposal or its in-the-dead-of-the-summer Aug. 1 deadline. On that matter, I’d give the federal government a failing grade. Definitely in need of improvement! As a local mother with five children, a councilwoman and now a candidate for state Senate, I feel strongly about this issue on so many levels. As parents, we need to speak out against such manipulative actions that affect us so close to home. Here’s the backstory: The U.S. Department of Education and its leader, Commissioner John King, who was New York state’s education commissioner before going to Washington, District of Columbia, have proposed the language that, if approved, would unfairly label public schools “In Need of Improvement” if their Common Core testing opt-out rates exceed 5 percent. The language comes
from the clarification of the nuts and bolts of the Every Student Succeeds Act passed in 2015, formerly known as No Child Left Behind. ESSA seemed to put more control back in local hands, but the details seem to show otherwise. The saying “The devil is in the details” is so true in this case. The problem in Westchester is that accounts for just about every school district. In fact, last year 22 percent of students in New York state, or roughly 240,000 students in grades three through eight, didn’t take these highstakes tests. In some districts, the opt-out rates exceeded 50 percent. Local media concluded it was mostly in largely middle class districts, not necessarily those that were failing. While the federal government’s transparency on this proposal is clearly a problem, so is the punitive nature of what they are considering—and yes, they are thinking about punishing districts with high opt-out rates. What do you think will happen if a district is tagged with the “In Need of Improvement” label? It could cost districts millions of dollars, most of which are already struggling to pay for growing expenses and a seemingly never-ending array of mandates passed down from high above. How many families would move into a school district—even historically exceptional ones—if it has been labeled in need of help? For sure, the designation would not only be catastrophic
for our local schools—some that are already among the top in the state and country—but could also send property values in a downward sputter, if not a spiral. We’ve been told all along that we have a legal right to withhold children from the Common Core tests, but this latest proposal would punish us for exercising that right. No matter what you think of Common Core, it makes no sense. Opt-out rates won’t change until the system actually changes; no amount of strong-arming, manipulation or under-the-radar comment periods (especially in June and July when parents have other things on their minds) can properly reform this issue, either. It’s hard to trust the very bureaucrats that bungled the rollout of Common Core in the first place. If the feds are trying to get better results—in this case, higher participation rates—any educator or parent can tell you it’ll take cooperation; an authentic give-and-take, not just a procedural by the book or a checkthe-box comment mentality. The Aug. 1 federal deadline for comments should be extended. Let the U.S. Department of Education know what you think about their proposal, and be sure to reach out to your state and congressional leaders as well. Our schools are among our greatest assets in Westchester, and this proposal could singlehandedly damage all that our students, teachers and families have worked for.
12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 12, 2016
The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:
UP TO 4 LINES $42.50 for 2 weeks minimum. Each Additional Line $2.00
AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 914-468-4999 Today! Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315-400-0797 Today!
FARMING Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a Free Base Camp Leasing info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com
LAND FOR SALE Land Bargains RT. 20 SCHOHARIE CO., 95.7 acres, $129,000. RT. 7 RENSSELAER CO., 27.6 acres, $75,000. RT. 205 OTSEGO CO., 2.7 acres, $22,000. Owner Financing www. helderbergrealty.com (518) 861-6541
LOTS & ACREAGE UPSTATE NY LAND SALE! CENTRAL NY. 10 AC -$29,900 CATSKILLS MOUNTAINTOP. 39 AC -$99,900 ADIRONDACK LAKEFRONT CABIN. 30 AC -$199,900 No closing costs until 8/21! Terms avail! Call 888-905-8847
MISC FOR SALE KILL BED BUGS & THEIR EGGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/ KIT Complete Treatment System. Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot.com SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD:† www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N
VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com
WANTED TO BUY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Up to $35/Box! Sealed & Unexpired. Payment Made SAME DAY. Highest Prices Paid!! C a l l J E N N I To d a y ! 8 0 0 - 4 1 3 - 3 479 www.CashForYourTestStrips.com
WANTED TO BUY Notice of Formation of Carib Fish Market & Grill, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 6/15/16. O f f i c e l o c a t i o n : We s t ch e s t e r C o u n t y. S S NY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 30 Park Avenue, Suite 3K, Mount Vernon, NY 10550. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of Facility Strategies Group, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 06/07/2016. O f f i c e l o c a t i o n : We s t ch e s t e r C o u n t y. S S NY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1 0 1 2 M a r k e t S t r e e t , S u i t e 3 07, Fo r t Mill, SC 29708. Purpose: Professional Engineering / Consulting.
HOW TO REACH US:
(914) 653-1000 x27 Fax: 653-5000 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601
DEADLINE:
Placement, correction or cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication
August 12, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13
Cuomo votes for Poké-hystseria RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
Our governor wants us to panic about a problem that does not exist: Sex offenders preying on kids playing Pokémon Go. About a week ago, state Democratic Sens. Jeff Klein, of the Bronx and Westchester counties, and Diane Savino, of Staten Island, proposed legislation banning Level 2 and 3 sex offenders from playing the popular new phone game. The senators also demanded that the game’s developers eliminate any Pokémon within 100 feet of the home of a registered sex offender. Not to be outdone, Gov. Andrew Cuomo jumped on the Poké-wagon 48 hours later to make an even tougher, first-inthe-nation law: From now on, even a Tier 1 sex offender found playing Pokémon while on parole could end up in prison. That means, if you happened to be an 18-year-old who got a sext from your 16-year-old girlfriend, and this got you labeled a low-level sex offender (which is already crazy), you could play a game on your phone and end up in prison. It should be noted here that Pokémon is more like solitaire than poker. As you walk around, cartoon creatures suddenly appear on your phone. You “catch” them by tapping the screen. Now, I realize that anytime a politician mentions new and harsher sex offender restrictions, many voters cheer. That’s why politicians keep proposing them. But these laws will not make our children safer, because they
are based on the incorrect idea that registered sex offenders pose a big threat to kids. Sex offenders pose a big threat to kids on “Law & Order” because that makes for an exciting plotline: The creep outside the playground, preparing to pounce, or the criminal mastermind online, stalking children by decoding their posts. But in real life, which is as horrifying as it is mundane, the vast majority of sexual abuse occurs at the hands of someone in the child’s life: a relative, family friend or another trusted adult. “Stranger danger” sounds like a huge threat, but the FBI stats on children abducted for nefarious purposes show exactly what percent were snatched by registered sex offenders? In 2009: Zero. And in 2010, it was less than 1 percent. Even the group that put the missing kids’ pictures on the milk cartons, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, has labeled stranger danger a “myth we have been trying to debunk.” What’s hard to believe or even understand is that registered sex offenders pose very little threat to children. A study of Washington, District of Columbia, neighborhoods compared blocks with registrants on them to those without and found no difference in the number of sex crimes committed. That’s because even though we have heard that people on the registry are insatiable child molesters, the surprising truth is that they have a very low level of recidivism. It’s about 5 percent. That’s lower than other criminals, except murderers.
So the sex offender registry itself is a failed idea, a way of labeling hundreds of thousands of people who are, for the most part, not going to hurt anyone, much less a stranger. In fact, my guess is that you probably know someone—a friend, or a friend of a friend—who is on the registry, even though you know they’re not a threat to anyone. Add to this the idea that registrants are going to use Pokémon as Predator Helper and you have created a fantastical scenario that would be a great plot point for a Liam Neeson movie—or maybe on “The Simpsons.” But making legislation based on that fantasy is worse than mere grandstanding. Far from reassuring parents, it scares them even more by making it sound as if our kids are in constant danger the second they step outside. These laws ignore the wonderful fact that it’s actually the opposite: Kids today are safer now than they’ve been in 50 years. (And it’s not just because they’re “helicoptered.” Adults are safer today, too, and we don’t helicopter them.) Crime is back to the level it was in 1963. The real danger kids face is in NOT going outside. Obesity and diabetes are on the rise, not child rape. Making it seem as if registered sex offenders are constantly on the prowl for tots and only harsh new laws can prevent them from doing damage is a lie. The new legislation is pointless. Gov. Cuomo and Sens. Klein and Savino are guilty of a new political crime: Fear-Pokémongering. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
Precautions to avoid mosquito-borne diseases
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and the county Department of Health continue to advise residents on how to protect themselves from mosquito bites this season. “The county is working diligently to address the Zika virus through education, surveillance and mosquito control,” Astorino said. “Although there are currently no locally acquired cases of Zika or West Nile virus in Westchester County, we encourage our residents to do their best to avoid mosquito bites.” The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises pregnant women to avoid travel to Zika-affected areas, including the Wynwood neighborhood in Miami. Couples planning a pregnancy are advised to avoid pregnancy for eight weeks after they travel to regions where Zika is spreading. Residents who return from these areas are also urged to use repellents daily for three weeks after their return to protect their families and communities. County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said that additional advice to help residents avoid Zika can also help them steer clear of the West Nile virus, which typically appears in the region at this time of year. Both Rockland County and New York City have reported several batches of mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected in Orangetown the week of July 10 and on Staten Island, Queens and in the north Bronx in June and July. While no mosquitoes found in Westchester County have tested positive for the virus to date, this is the time of year when the health department expects to find them. “Given the fact that our neighbors have reported positive mos-
quitoes, it is safe to assume that mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are also present here in Westchester County,” Amler said. “The recent rain provides optimal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that can carry viruses. I urge all residents to remove standing water from their property, ensure their window screens are tight-fitting and free of tears, and to use repellents appropriately to avoid mosquito bites when spending time outdoors here or when they travel.” Last year, 17 positive mosquito batches of West Nile were found in Westchester County and two human cases were reported. This year, the health department has sent 168 batches of mosquitoes for testing since it began collecting them in early June, and will continue collecting batches of mosquitoes throughout the season. As part of its integrated pest management strategy, the health department evaluated 59,530 catch basins. Of those, nearly 42,534 were treated with larvicide. The department also gave away 400 pounds of free minnows to property owners with ponds. The minnows reduce the mosquito population by feeding on larvae and pupae before they become adult mosquitoes. Once positive pools are identified, the department will also send out inspectors to locate and eradicate standing water. If needed, storm drains in the area will be re-treated with larvicide. To help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: • Remove standing water around your home. After it rains, walk around and look for toys, flower pots or similar waterholding containers that should be overturned or put away to avoid collecting water. • Cover outdoor trash contain-
ers and drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers left outdoors. • Clean roof gutters and remove standing water from flat roofs. • Drain water in bird baths, plant pots and drip trays twice a week. • Sweep driveways of puddles after it rains. • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use and drain water that collects in pool covers. • To reduce your risk of mosquito bites: • Use insect repellent or avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding. • Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Adults can apply insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET on infants over 2 months of age by applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing their hands on their children. Products containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under 2 months of age. • Wash treated skin when mosquito exposure has ended. • Wear protective clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors and at times when mosquitoes are active. • Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report this to the Westchester County Department of Health at 813-5000 or by email at hweb@westchestergov. com. For more health information, visit westchestergov.com/ health. (Submitted)
14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 12, 2016
SPORTS
Torching the Olympics LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
I don’t think it comes as a huge surprise that, despite the myriad of problems facing the 2016 Summer Olympics, the instant that the torch was lit last week, sports fans—both diehard and casual alike—seemed to immediately forget all about the issues preceding the Rio games, and instead focused on the actual athletic competitions. I mean, let’s face it; our collective attention spans are only slightly longer than a fruit fly’s. In the months leading up to the Summer Games, there was certainly no shortage of good, hard-hitting reporting done about the ugly downside of the Olympic process. From the undeniable corruption of the International Olympic Committee and its selection of host cities, to the harm that hosting these games has done to the already
bankrupt nation of Brazil, to concerns about the Zika virus and the unsafe conditions that face Olympic athletes who will have to compete in the polluted Rio de Janeiro water, it seemed as though no stone was left unturned in exposing the underbelly of this year’s summer spectacle. And then the games started, and nobody cared anymore. Before the games, any discussion you had with anyone who even had a passing familiarity with the Olympics was likely centered on the controversy surrounding it. But for the last week, all people are talking about are the tremendous performances by competitors like American swimmer Katie Ledecky, who won the women’s 400-meter freestyle event by roughly four months. But really, this is par for the course in terms of sports fandom. Just look at the NFL. For the last few years, pro
football has had its share of bad press in the offseason. From growing concerns over head injuries and the shady off-field behavior of players, particularly those accused of domestic violence, there has been much talk, from pundits, former players and fans, about cleaning up the sport and making it safer. But when the 2016 season kicks off on Sept. 8 with a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl, the ills of the sport won’t be the conversation of choice among area fans. They’ll be much more concerned with whether the Giants did enough in the offseason to address their defensive woes. Sports—and the spectacle that comes with it—has always been a prime source of escapism. Just look at Ancient Roman history, when rulers used gladiatorial games and chariot races were used to distract the populace to great effect. But what’s amazing about these games is that they’re a distraction from problems with the
In the months leading up to the 2016 Summer Olympics, there was much talk about the problems facing the games in Rio de Janeiro. Now that the games have started, however, most people seem to have forgotten those concerns. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.com
Olympics themselves. I’m not telling you to stop watching. The Olympics are insanely entertaining, a global phenomenon, and a terrific chance to learn about new sports that may not get much coverage here in the states.
I’m just saying that, while you watch, you should keep in mind that there are a lot of things wrong with the way the Olympics are currently set up, and a lot of people, including the people of Brazil, who stand to suffer so we can enjoy them.
But that’s a discussion for another day: Andora is getting set to take on Fiji in the men’s handball prelims, so I have to go set my DVR.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
Frampton dazzles at Barclays By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Saturday, July 30, Carl Frampton, a 29-year-old professional boxer from Northern Ireland, won the WBA featherweight title with an impressive showing against Leo Santa Cruz at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn. And even though Frampton might not yet be a household name among American fight fans, he is gathering a devoted following in Westchester, where he chose to train for the title fight. Frampton (23-0) spent the last month preparing for the bout at Champs Boxing Club in New Rochelle, which helped him to forge inroads with area boxing fans. His arrival was noted by elected officials, as Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino made a proclamation to celebrate the fighter on July 12, and the Westchester County Board of Legislators followed suit, recognizing July 30 as “Carl
‘The Jackal’ Frampton Day.” Last Saturday night, in front of a supportive New York crowd, he was able to outpoint the previously undefeated Santa Cruz in a majority decision, 116-112, 117-111, 114-114, laying claim to his first world title in the featherweight division. Frampton began his assault in the second round, rocking Santa Cruz with a flurry of hard punches to send the champion into the ropes and take control of the fight. Ryan O’Leary, the owner of Champs Boxing Club, was on hand to witness Frampton’s upset win. “He was the underdog, he wasn’t supposed to do that, but he fought a masterful fight,” O’Leary said. “He was standing and trading, he wasn’t running, and it worked.” According to O’Leary, Frampton’s stay at the gym meant that he—and the rest of the Champs organization—were pulling hard for the Irish fighter. “We had about 60 members
there at the fight,” he said. “And he got hit with a few good shots, and I have to say my heart kind of stopped.” O’Leary, who trains both amateur and professional fighters out of his Division Street gym, acknowledged that having an international star like Frampton train there was a blessing. “You can’t put it into perspective, you don’t realize how big this guy is, he’s massive in Europe,” O’Leary said. “But we didn’t even realize it, he was so fan-friendly, and you don’t think of it at the time.” Frampton’s presence, he added, had a profound impact on several of the local fighters. “Everybody raised their game, even I was training people differently,” O’Leary said. “Just seeing the way a guy like him trained, seeing the hard work that he put in, seeing a guy at the highest level, it was really overwhelming.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
From left, Carl Frampton poses for a picture with Champs Boxing Club owner Ryan O’Leary and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in New Rochelle on July 12. Frampton trained at the New Rochelle gym in preparation for his July 30 fight against Leo Santa Cruz, in which the Irish fighter won the WBA featherweight title. Photo/Bobby Begun
SPORTS
August 12, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15
Lake Isle takes counties By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Thursday, Aug. 4, the Lake Isle Swim Team put the finishing touches on its successful defense of its 2015 title at the Westchester County Swim Championships, beating the rest of the county’s top swim teams at the Rye Playland Pool. Scoring 361 combined points, Lake Isle ran away with the competition, besting second-place finisher Wykagyl Country Club by 85 points. Coming into last week’s event, Lake Isle had enjoyed more than a decade of dominance at the county meet. With 10 Lake Isle wins since 2005, head coach Kevin Lavelle said he expected his swimmers to once again be in the hunt for another title. “We knew it was a possibility, but we had a lot of stiff competition with Wykagyl and the Chappaqua Swim Team,” he said. “They were very strong this year, but we knew we had the ability to compete with them.”
Lake Isle’s performance in the girls’ events proved the difference-maker, Lavelle added. While the boys’ team managed to outpoint Wykagyl 154-153, the girls were able to put some separation between themselves and the second-place finishers, scoring 207 points to top their opponents by 83. The 10U girls 200-meter freestyle and medley relay teams, comprised of Kait Sweeney, Claire Weinstein, Malaya Lathan and Sophia Colasacco, shined the brightest, setting new county records in the two events. The squad posted a time of 2:23.47 in the medley relay and turned in a blistering 2:05.61 in the freestyle event. Weinstein, Sweeney and Lathan were the top-three point scorers in the division, respectively. “The girls were really amazing,” Lavelle said. “In most years, it’s our boys who are the stronger side, but they really did a great job this year.” On the boys’ end, Lake Isle’s Nick Torres managed to set two county records and become the second-place over-
all scorer in the 14U division, despite participating on just two of the four days of the event. Torres, 14, has been swimming with Lake Isle for years, and has continually impressed the coaching staff with his ability in the water. “He was setting records when he was 9 years old and he’s still setting records,” Lavelle said. “We even put him in some of the 17-and-under races.” With its latest win at Counties, the Lake Isle team looked to replicate that success at the Conference Championships this past week. The event kicked off on Monday, Aug. 8, and will conclude on Thursday, Aug. 11 at the Westchester Country Club, after press time. According to Lavelle, Lake Isle’s competition is going to come from a familiar foe. “We hope to do well, but it’s going to be difficult,” the head coach said. “Wykagyl is tough, and it’s going to be a tough competition.”
Aidan Lee from the Wykagyl Country Club competes in the 50-meter butterfly event. Lee’s 36 points were tops in the boys’ 10U division.
Sophia Lord from the Rye Golf Club competes at the County Championships on Aug. 5.
CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Lake Isle’s Claire Weinstein competes in the 50-meter butterfly event at the Westchester County Swim Championships on Aug. 4. Weinstein was the top point scorer in the girls’ 10U division.
Klara Sweeney competes in the 200-meter freestyle relay on Aug. 5 at the Westchester County Swim Championships. Photos/Mike Smith
We’re live.
16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 12, 2016
The ryecityreview.com offers a modern approach to our digital component. It might sound cliché, but it really is new and improved.
RyeCityReview.com Enjoy the experience