August 26, 2016 by The Rye City Review

RyeCity REVIEW THE

August 26, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 35 | www.ryecityreview.com

Liberatore pulls Rye Town Park restaurant proposal By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer

OVERHAUL Earlier this month, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino announced that an engineering firm has been selected to oversee various capital projects at Rye Playland, including improvements to rides and infrastructure as well as the potential redevelopment of the historic pool. For more, see page 7. File photo

Rye Country Day School proposes campuswide improvements The city of Rye has announced a public hearing on Sept. 6 for a series of improvements at the Rye Country Day School, which includes renovating its Performing Arts Center and establishing a new Center for Creativity. According to the proposal submitted to the Rye City Planning Department on July 17, the interior modifications to the school’s Performing Arts Center include removing and replacing the exist-

ing seating, raising the floor inside the theater to level the stage lobby, and substituting exit doors with more accessible ones. Rye Country Day School is also aiming to completely remove an existing building in the southernmost area of the campus near Cedar Street and creating a new building with a larger footprint called the Center for Creativity. Additionally, parking lot No. 6, located near the anticipated Cen-

ter for Creativity, will possibly be removed and replaced with seven new parking spaces near parking lot 7 along Boston Post Road. Further improvements include repaving the center of the campus, installing new pedestrian walks —to connect to the area where the additional seven parking spaces are to be constructed—and redeveloping the sidewalk along Cedar Street. There is currently no informa-

tion about the project’s estimated cost, and how long construction will last if approved by the city Planning Department, as of press time. Rye Country Day School Director of Public Purpose Alison Doernberg could not be reached for comment as of press time, and Headmaster Scott Nelson, who submitted the proposal, declined to comment. -Reporting by Franco Fino

One of two submitters to operate a restaurant at Rye Town Park has withdrawn their proposal to manage the park’s restaurant, snack and concession stands. Angelo Liberatore told the Rye Town Park Commission that he is foregoing his plan to revamp the park’s restaurant area after giving it some additional thought. The news was announced at the commission’s meeting on Aug. 16. According to Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, a Democrat and member of the commission, Liberatore reached out to him prior to the latest Rye Town Park Commission meeting and decided to withdraw his proposal on Aug. 15. Following a request for proposals, RFP, that was sent out in late June, the commission received two proposals: one from Liberatore, an operating partner of the Fort Pond Bay Company—which operates Half Moon and Harvest on Hudson in Westchester County, as well as East by Northeast and The Stone Lion Inn in Montauk—and one proposal from Sam Chernin and John Ambrose of Seaside Johnnies, Rye Town Park’s current restaurant tenant. “I feel just as good now about keeping the restaurant as I did

before the other party withdrew,” Ambrose said. 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, which has been around since the early 1900s, and governing its operations. The restaurant is located at 95 Dearborn Ave., off of Forest Avenue in the city of Rye, and is open seasonally from April until September each year. Seaside Johnnies’ lease agreement expires at the end of 2016. Zuckerman said that Liberatore cited issues with the proposal’s timeframe not being long enough to prepare for the 2017 season. The restaurateur said it would be difficult to align the management of the park’s restaurant with several other restaurants he co-owns, according to the Rye town supervisor. Despite the pulled proposal, however, the park commission is still mulling the review process. “I think that we need to have a better understanding of why one person pulled a proposal and why others didn’t follow through with their bid [before a decision is made],” said Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a WITHDRAWAL continued on page 8

2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 26, 2016

August 26, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3

Jenkins ‘committed’ to county executive run

Ken Jenkins, a Westchester County lawmaker since 2007, has decided to run for county executive. Jenkins is the first county executive candidate from any political party to make his intentions known. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

By CHRISTIAN FALCONE Editor-in-Chief When Ken Jenkins lost the Democratic nomination for Westchester County executive in 2013, it taught him a lot, he says. Three years later, Jenkins will try to use that experience to propel himself to the top office in the county. Jenkins, a Democrat from Yonkers who currently serves on the county Board of Legislators, formally announced his candidacy for county executive on Aug. 17, well in advance of the 2017 campaign. He wanted to get out early to avoid a situation similar to last time when, he said, some people realized he was running too late in the process. “We’re not going to have that scenario this time around,” he told the Review. Noam Bramson, the mayor of New Rochelle, went on to clinch the 2013 nomination besting Jenkins, but lost the general election to County Executive Rob Astorino, the Republican incumbent. At the convention, Jenkins, 55, made a commitment to party leaders not to challenge Bramson’s nomination by way of a primary, a decision he’s proud he stuck to. During this campaign, however, he is willing to fight to the end. “I’m committed to making the case to the people of Westchester both in a primary, if that’s necessary [this time], and certainly in a general election,” he said. Primaries aren’t bad, Jenkins says. “It gets more people in-

volved, more engaged, and the net result is a better product overall. Your person might not win, but you’re able to influence platform and policy,” he said, adding that the Democratic presidential primary between Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders helped reinforce that philosophy. Throughout the upcoming campaign, Jenkins says he plans to expose the financial missteps of the Astorino administration, as well as the “flat-out lies” to protect the county executive’s no tax increase mantra he’s touted since taking office in 2010. He criticized his political rival for using gimmicks, such as overestimating sales tax income to make the budget numbers work, and then borrowing to compensate for shortfalls in revenue. This year alone, Jenkins says, the county is $26 million over its budget projections. “Borrowing to pay for daily operating expenses is something we wouldn’t do as individuals. You’re shopping with your credit card to put food on your table [and] you’re paying interest on your basic daily needs,” he said. “You can’t talk of a zero percent tax levy and continue to borrow money.” Jenkins says he has delivered tax cuts, maintained programs, and balanced budgets as chairman of the legislative chamber; he chaired the county Board of Legislators from 2010 to 2014. If elected, Jenkins says he would do away with patronage jobs, invest in ailing infrastruc-

ture, work to restore the county’s damaged relationship with the federal government and advocate for a countywide revaluation. To get out from under the stigma of being the highest-taxed county in the country, the lawmaker says Westchester has to first provide property tax fairness before it can offer property tax relief. One of his platforms is to call for a full-scale revaluation proposal. Jenkins contends that the county currently refunds approximately $10 million a year in tax certiorari claims, or assessment reviews filed in court by property owners. “We don’t get that money back,” he said. “If you are underpaying you’ve been getting over, and if you have been overpaying you’re taking on too much.” In 2011, the Westchester Collaborative Assessment Commission recommended reforming the property tax assessment system with a loose goal of later conducting a full revaluation. However, that plan never gained any traction with the Astorino administration, likely because any reassessment of properties would increase taxes for at least a portion of property owners, causing reassessments to develop the moniker of the political third rail. “Real leaders don’t tell you what you want to hear,” Jenkins said of Astorino, “they tell you what you need to hear.” He has also been critical of JENKINS continued on page 10

4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 26, 2016

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

tion is required online. This program is sponsored by the Auxiliary Board of The Rye Free Reading Room and the Woman’s Club of Rye/Children’s Philanthrophy Section.

Mother Goose Monday

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

Practice ACT On Saturday, Aug. 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Detailed score reports highlighting personal strengths and weaknesses will be available at applerouth.com the Friday after the test. Both the exams and the reports are free. Space is limited. Register at applerouth.com/signup. Call 371-8000 for more information. Test-takers should bring water, a snack, pencils and a calculator.

Fenom’s Funtastic Obstacle Run On Saturday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Children’s Room. Children ages 2 and 3 with a caregiver are welcome to attend Fenom’s Funtastic Obstacle Run. This program will allow children to hop, skip, run and crawl through an obstacle course. This course is designed to help kids in this age group learn how to follow directions, work together and build confidence in the most entertaining and engaging way possible. This program is free and open to the public, and registra-

Children ages 6 months to 3 and a half years old are welcome to attend this Mother Goose-themed workshop on Mondays in the Meeting Room. There are two sessions: the first session is from 10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. and the second is from 10:45 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. Granny Jean Klein, who is well-versed in early childhood development, will introduce babies and toddlers to playful rhymes, songs and puppetry. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate with children in the library and should continue these activities at home. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Beam Me Up: 50 Years of Star Trek On Tuesday, Aug. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Meeting Room. 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, the best-known science fiction franchise of all time. The adventures of Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy and the rest of the original crew have thrilled audiences for generations. Beam Me Up traces how creator Gene Roddenberry first envisioned the original TV show as a western in space, and then built a team of legendary actors, brilliant writers and clear-sighted directors who brought the original crew’s story to life across a TV series, animated children’s show and

six feature films between 1966 and 1991. Designed for both casual and die-hard fans of all ages, this fast-paced, multimedia program explores Roddenberry’s inspirations for the characters, stories and settings in the original series, and follows the backstage drama behind its many incarnations over the years. Finally, the program examines the legacy of the Star Trek franchise today and its ongoing impact on pop culture.

days 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.

Wainwright House

Rye Playland

Yoga and movement workshops The Wainwright House Yoga Training Academy will hold the following programs this fall: RYS 200 Weekend Series, a RYS 200 10-week 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.

Rye Recreation US Sports Institute camps 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 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 Town Park Parking permits The discounted season permits for both residents and non-residents are sold out. The parking permits will be on sale Wednes-

Park activities Rye Playland, located at 1 Playland Parkway in Rye, will be open on Friday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27 from noon to midnight. On Sunday, Aug. 28, the park will be open from noon to 10 p.m. Don’t forget about Friday night fireworks starting at 9:15 p.m. through Sept. 2. Admission and parking fees apply. For more information, visit RyePlayland.org. On Saturday, Aug. 27 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Read Sanctuary, located at Playland, will hold a program called “Insect Walk: Who’s Out There and What Are They Doing?” Join a hike to scout for these tiny creatures. For more information, call 967-8720.

Marshlands Conservancy On Saturday, Aug. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Marshlands Conservancy will hold a volunteer work project. Bring work gloves and help clean up the shoreline. Hand tools will be provided. The Marshlands Conservancy is located off of Route 1 in Rye. For more information, call 835-4466.

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 26, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5

WJWW replacing piping on Douglas

On Aug. 18, following a request from Mayor Ron Belmont, the town/village of Harrison approved a proposal to replace approximately 1,000 feet of a water main on Douglas Circle in the city of Rye. Photo/Franco Fino

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer In an effort to maintain infrastructure, the town/village of Harrison recently approved measures to jointly fund and replace water main piping in the Greenhaven section of Rye, following an urgent request by Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont. Belmont, a Republican and member of the Westchester Joint Water Works board of trustees, requested approval for WJWW to replace approximately 1,000 feet of piping on Douglas Circle near Greenhaven Road, located in the city of Rye. Harrison requested the initiative to address an immediate issue after piping on Douglas Circle malfunctioned on Aug. 4, according to Belmont. The preliminary total cost of the WJWW project, which is funded jointly by Harrison and the town and village of Mamaroneck, is estimated at $600,000. Harrison is responsible for $325,800 of the cost, while the village of Mamaroneck and the town of Mamaroneck are

responsible for $160,200 and $114,000, respectively. Westchester Joint Water Works is a nonprofit public benefit corporation which operates the water systems of its three-member municipalities: Harrison, and the town and village of Mamaroneck. The company, which was created under a special act of the New York state legislature in 1927— governed by a three-member board of trustees including Belmont, village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum, and town of Mamaroneck Supervisor Nancy Seligson—supplies water to more than 14,800 retail customers and sells water on a wholesale basis to the village of Larchmont, United Water New Rochelle and the Aquarion Water Company of New York. WJWW purchases all of its water from the city of New York through the Delaware Aqueduct in Yonkers, and Rye Lake, which is located near the eastern part of Kensico Reservoir in Harrison, according to its website. Despite the approval of the infrastructure maintenance on Aug. 18, Harrison Councilman

Joe Stout, a Democrat, voted against funding the construction. “I don’t understand why we would pay for an improvement that isn’t located within the three communities,” he said. According to Mamaroneck Town Administrator Stephen Altieri, the joint effort between the municipalities is required to cover a designated area of the city of Rye, as customers in Greenhaven pay for the water privately. However, unlike ratepayers located within the three-member municipalities, Greenhaven residents would not be affected by a potential rate increase, according to Stout. “They should pay for improvements that specifically benefit their properties,” he said of Greenhaven residents. According to David Birdsall, a business director at Westchester Joint Water Works, the construction will be complete by Labor Day, Sept. 5. Greenhaven residents are receiving temporary water from local hydrants, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

Rye City’s

Official Newspaper

6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 26, 2016

RyeCity REVIEW THE

New Rye City School District Staff

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

DISTRICTWIDE

Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com 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

Dr. Brian Monahan, Interim Superintendent of Schools

Sheryl Goffman, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

Michael Arias, Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics

Monahan joined the district on Aug. 1. Prior to coming to Rye, he served as interim superintendent of schools in the Hendrick Hudson, Garrison and Mahopac school districts. He retired as superintendent of schools in the North Rockland Central School District in 2009, after serving there for 14 years in several administrative capacities. Following his retirement, Monahan spent three years at Pace University as a full-time faculty member and coordinator of the university’s graduate program in education leadership. In addition to his work at Pace, he has served as an adjunct professor of English, computer science and education at Fordham University, Bank Street College of Education, Westchester Community College and Iona College. Monahan has a B.A. in English from SUNY Albany and holds three master’s degrees: in English education from Iona College, applied linguistics from Columbia University, and computer science from Pace University.

Goffman joined the district on July 1. Prior to coming to Rye, she was the interim assistant superintendent for Academic Services for the Ossining Union Free School District, and also served as interim director of Educational Services for the Peekskill City School District. She retired in 2010 from her position as deputy superintendent at Mineola Union Free School District, where she also served as assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Goffman has a B.S., summa cum laude, from Boston University’s School of Education. She has an M.A. from the University of Michigan in Special Education, an M.Ed. from Teachers College at Columbia University in Special Education/Administration, and has undertaken doctoral studies in special education, also at Teachers College.

Arias joined the district on July 1. Prior to coming to Rye, he was the director of Athletics at Keio Academy in Purchase for nine years. Prior to becoming athletics director, Arias was a physical education instructor and health education instructor at Keio. His coaching experience includes working as a JV football coach in the Nyack Public Schools and as an assistant varsity baseball coach in the Mamaroneck Union Free School District. Arias has a B.S. in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland, an M.S. in Health Education from Lehman College, and a professional diploma in educational leadership from Manhattanville College.

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

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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.

Lila Smith, School Nurse

Smith is already a familiar face at Midland School—she served as the substitute nurse for the 2015-16 school year. This year, Smith becomes the permanent nurse. She has worked as a substitute nurse in the district since 2011 and at Rye Country Day School since 2010. She has been the after-school clubs nurse at Rye Country Day since 2015. Smith was a staff nurse at the Cornell Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility from 1999 to 2004, and a staff nurse at Greenwich Gynecology and Obstetrics from 1997 to 1999. Smith has a BSN in Nursing from Georgetown University and is a registered nurse in New York and New Jersey.

Christa Agostino, Special Education

Miki Yoshiura, Music Teacher

Agostino comes to Rye from Public School 94 Kings College School, a Title One school in the Bronx, where she has worked as a special education teacher since 2014. She has a background in literacy, specifically in interventions for struggling students. Agostino has an M.S. in Education and Special Education from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry.

Yoshiura was a student teacher at Milton School in 2004 under Dr. Shawn Amdur, and comes back to Rye from the City School District of New Rochelle, where she has served as a general music and chorus class teacher at the Isaac E. Young Middle School the for the past three years. Prior to that, she taught general and choral music at the Trinity, Ward and Barnard elementary schools in New Rochelle for five years. Yoshiura has an M.A. and M.Ed. in Music and Music Education from Teachers College at Columbia University and is working toward her Ed.D., also from Columbia. (Submitted)

August 26, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7

County chooses Playland engineer By JAMES PERO Staff Writer The selection of a consortium of engineering firms responsible for overseeing a slew of capital projects at Rye Playland marks

a major step forward in actualizing renovations at the outdated amusement park. Earlier this month, following a brief request for proposals, RFP, process, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Re-

publican, announced that a consortium of engineering firms led by LiRo Engineers Inc. has been selected to take on various park renovations. “Hiring this consortium is the next step towards making the

new Playland a reality,” Astorino said. “The consultants will ensure this series of capital projects is streamlined and executed efficiently.” Among the major renovations in the pipeline for the park—which hasn’t seen any significant work since the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy necessitated ma-

jor repairs to Playland’s boardwalk and Ice Casino—are various improvements to rides and infrastructure, as well as the potential redevelopment of the Playland pool. A deal struck between the management company Standard Amusements and the county in May will see the investment of $32 million from the county and

Renovations to Rye Playland take a step forward after a consortium of engineering firms was chosen by the county to lead the redevelopment process. File photo

$27.5 million from the company, and will run for 30 years. Nick Singer, co-founder of Standard Amusements, lauded the county’s expediency in the RFP process, which was launched in July. “The speed with which Westchester County completed the RFP process and selected LiRo is impressive by any measure,” Singer said. According to a statement by the county, a construction schedule for projects at the park will be finalized by the end of September. Currently, one major project already being mulled over by the county Board of Legislators would decide the future of Playland’s historic pool. Legislators must decide whether to replace the pool— which continues to suffer from significant leakage—or foot the bill for costly renovations, estimated at nearly $10 million. So far, Standard has expressed its desire to have the pool removed and to repurpose the existing site for a veranda serving light refreshments. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 26, 2016

Summerfest 2016 Field Day

WITHDRAWAL from page 1

A RYE OLDTIMER Judge John Carey

This guest column was written by Douglas Carey, a resident of Rye and son of John Carey. On Sunday, Sept. 4, the Leaders of Tomorrow volunteers and the Rye Recreation Department will once again sponsor Summerfest 2016, the “Annual Field Day of Fun for Kids of All Ages.” All residents and friends are invited to leave their electronic devices at home and come to this “Olde-Thyme” afternoon of free activities at Rye Recreation Park. The honorary chairman of Summerfest, former Mayor Judge John Carey, 92 years young, will lead the ballplayers in singing our national anthem in order to start this American and Rye tradition. The first moderne Rye Field Day was held on the “Village Green” in 1919 to help welcome home our residents who had served in the “Great War.” Members of the police and volunteer fire departments, elected officials and residents all participated in the day’s games, races, contests and activities. Village President Theodore Fremd won the running race and held the title as the fastest man in Rye. Maybe this year we might see city Councilwoman Julie Killian race against state Sen. George Latimer for the title of Fastest Honorable Resident of Rye. Over the decades, Field Day has been held at the ball field behind the Rye Y (now a paved parking lot), the Rye High School football field (now a carpeted field and stadium), Gagliardo Park and Rye Recreation Park. The day will begin with the annual Jack Curran Memorial Bare Handed Base Ball Game at 2:30 p.m. on the baseball field. All booths and kids’ activities will start at 3 p.m. and will continue until 4:30 p.m., including

Residents take part in the 16 and under obstacle race during Summer Field Day 1965. Photo courtesy Douglas Carey

the Lee Frank Memorial Face Painting; the Michael Zadlo Sr. Memorial Golf Challenge; the Mr. Bill (Mahoney) Memorial Horseshoe Challenge; the Longford’s Ice Cream Eating Contest; the Grandma Kirby Memorial Peanut Scramble; the William H. Balls Memorial Running Races; the John Andrew Kirby Memorial Potato Sack Races; and the Mrs. West and Mrs. Byrne Memorial Water Balloon Toss. The Jack Nye Memorial Wood Racquet Ice Tea Tennis Tournament will be held on the Har-Tru courts beginning at 3:30 p.m. Cold water will be available, along with the best hot dogs and fixings in America, courtesy of Kelly’s Restaurant and the Post Road Market. During the Patricia F. John Carey Jr. Memorial Music Program, which will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Mr. Ralph Vellone will be honored for his lifelong volunteer contributions and tremendous impact on our community, especially for the youth of Rye. Several prizes will be given out to the winners of the annual raffle and quiz questions about our fair city and its remarkable history. So, study up on your Rye history and come on down to ole 51 Milton (Rye Recreation Park) and enjoy a free familyfriendly day of fun. Remember, if you want to win delectable bagged coffee from Starbucks

or a gift certificate for lunch at a local restaurant, you need to be the first one to answer questions about Rye’s history. Can you explain what Peter Disbrow and Buster Crabbe had in common? How about the amazing Dr. Polgar and TV star Gary Moore? Which Forest Avenue neighbor and Rye Recreation commissioner was the first and might be the only athlete to ever win a gold medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympics? You might even want to enhance your Rye IQ by asking one of your neighbors if they remember where The Marilyn Shoppe, Seymour Electric, Channel One TV Sales and Service, Odell’s Hardware Store, Balf’s Jewelers, or Lepler Bros. were located; or ask one of our longtime residents if they ever ate at Woolworth’s, the White Elephant, or Rip’s, or had a malt or milkshake at one of Rye’s Pharmacies. Do you know where the Coachman’s or Tut’s Beachcomber were located? Or, do you know which restaurant recently opened in the same location where Baskin-Robbins used to serve their summer delights? Enjoy your research and see you all at Summerfest 2016 on Sept. 4 at Rye Recreation Park. For more information, please send an email to Rye1904@yahoo.com.

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The Rye Town Park Commission is currently reviewing a proposal from John Ambrose, the present restaurant tenant and co-owner of Seaside Johnnies, following the withdrawal of Angelo Liberatore’s plan on Aug. 15. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

Republican and member of the commission. The park commission did not disclose any information about others submitting bids to operate the restaurant. The operators of Seaside Johnnies are proposing an expansion on their current restaurant theme, while adding a tropical twist. With proposed refurnishing for the beachfront snack bar and the entrance to the main restaurant, the proposal also includes updating equipment, extending the bar and adding an indoor fireplace. The proposal estimates the construction to

cost about $1 million. During the park commission meeting, members suggested the restaurant remain open yearround or to have its timeline extended further into the fall. But according to Ambrose, the Seaside Johnnies operators will not entertain measures to extend the restaurant’s timeline if their proposal is accepted by the commission. “Business just dries up after Labor Day,” he said. “In theory it’s a great idea, but knowing how things drop off, it’s not a practical one.” Zuckerman said the commis-

sion has no intentions of forcing the restaurant’s operator to remain open any longer than what he feels is necessary for practical business. The commission, which will meet again on Sept. 20, will have until Oct. 7 to make a decision on whether or not to accept Ambrose’s proposal. “We look forward to finalizing a deal with the commission,” Ambrose said. According to Zuckerman, the commission has the jurisdiction to reopen the RFP if it does not reach a decision with Ambrose. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

Fire dept. to offer free CPR class The September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance has taken place every Sept. 11 since 2002. This effort first established the inspiring tradition of engaging in charitable service on 9/11 as an annual and forward-looking tribute to the 9/11 victims and survivors. For the second year, the Rye Professional Firefighters Local 2029 will hold a free cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, class for members of the public who have never received CPR

education before. The adult and pediatric CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age. What better way to give back to your community than to learn a skill that could one day save someone's life? Space is limited, so please visit local2029. com/cpr-sign-up to register if you meet the following criteria: 1. You have not taken a CPR

class in the last five years. 2. You are not a member of an emergency services department (fire, police, or EMS). 3. You must be at least 12 years old. If you have any questions, email iaff2029@gmail.com. The free CPR class will take place on Sunday, Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rye Fire Department headquarters, located at 15 Locust Ave. Please note that the date and time are subject to change. (Submitted)

August 26, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9

Rye Town Park fountain restored in dedication

The fountain at Rye Town Park was restored by the Terenzi family as a dedication to the late Alfred “Zeke” Terenzi and Sam Terenzi, who were involved in the park’s operations. Contributed photo

The family of the late Alfred “Zeke” Terenzi and Sam Terenzi is hosting a dedication ceremony in their honor. The family will be dedicating the restoration of the park’s decorative fountain, located by the park’s administration (towers) building. The event will take place at the park fountain on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 10:30 a.m. Both Sam Terenzi and his fa-

ther Zeke were involved in the operation of Rye Town Park, and many times expressed their desire that the fountain be repaired. There had been a fountain at that location for many years, but since the early 2000s it had become damaged by heavy storms and problems with the operation of the pump and electric structure. A new design was made to deal with

these problems. Special thanks go to Lenny Sotolongo, of Sotolongo Lawn Sprinkler, and John Grieco, of Westmore Electric, for their help with the project. Since the fountain has been restored, it has delighted people of all ages, and has become a favorite place for people to take selfie souvenir photos of their visit to Rye Town Park. (Submitted)

Astorino seeks Senior Hall of Fame nominations Do you know a senior who is making or has made a positive difference in Westchester County through his or her professional life, volunteer work or both? If so, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino invites you to submit a nomination to the Westchester Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, now in its 34th year. “The Hall of Fame is a special tradition that honors seniors who have given their time and energy to improve the quality of life in their communities or the county at large” Astorino said. “Don’t miss this great opportunity to shine a light on people who merit special recognition for their contributions.” Those selected will be inducted into the Senior Hall of Fame at a festive luncheon on Friday, Dec. 2 in the Grand Ballroom of the Westchester Marriott Hotel

in White Plains. Nominations are due by Friday, Sept. 16 and may be obtained online at westchestergov. com/seniors. To be nominated, a person must: be at least 60 years old and live in Westchester; have made significant contributions to improve life in the county; be an outstanding leader or advocate; have done professional work that reflects innovative solutions to fulfill unmet community needs (if nomination is based on paid professional work); and not be a past Hall of Fame inductee (see the list of former inductees at westchestergov.com/seniors). All nominations will be reviewed by a judging committee of past Senior Hall of Fame honorees, members from the county Department of Senior Programs and Services’ Aging Network, the county’s Senior Council and

the Older Americans Act Advisory Council. Gala hosts are the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, DSPS, Westchester County Parks and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services. DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said that seniors have helped Westchester to become known for its renowned quality of life. “Today’s older generation molded a way of life that reflects the caring and generosity of its people,” she said. Please submit your nominations online at westchestergov. com/seniors, or if you prefer to mail your nomination, contact Rose Cappa at rose@theeventdepartmentny.com or 747-0519. Also contact Cappa to learn how to become a Hall of Fame sponsor or to sponsor a particular honoree. (Submitted)

10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 26, 2016

City Council public hearings 101 THE COUNCIL CORNER Councilman Terry McCartney

The City Council often holds public hearings, and there are times when we are required to by law. This occurs when we are either adopting or amending legislation—such as the rock chipping legislation or the zoning changes for the two proposed senior housing projects—or when we have approval authority over a specific permit application— such as the current Crown Castle application to modify the Right of Way permit agreement. Mandatory public hearings require formal public notice. The majority of the time we hold public hearings, however, we do so not out of requirement, but because we want public input before deciding on a course of action. Examples of this are the deer overpopulation issue, the Rye Playland development plans, and anytime we are contemplating road or sidewalk improvements. Permissive public hearings do not require formal notice and are simply put into the published agendas for our meetings. Public hearings are an important part of our meetings and we value your thoughtful points of view. Over the past few years during my time on the council, we have had dozens of public hearings, and I have seen some excellent public hearing presentations by Rye citizens and others that were less than helpful. So, I decided to write this Council Corner piece about ways to be successful if you choose to speak at a City Council public hearing. One point to understand is that we hold public hearings to gather information. We have not made up our minds. We want to gather as much good information as we possibly can so that we can responsibly balance the many interests that are involved in any decision we make. With that in mind, here are a few tips for speaking at public hearings: 1. Don’t be nervous. We don’t expect you to be a great public speaker. I’m a trial lawyer and still get nervous once

in a while. I think that the most impactful speakers are the ones who are prepared and speak plainly and from their heart. Pick a friendly face on the dais and speak to that person—Richie Mecca is usually a good choice (nicest guy I know). If you would rather give us a written statement, email it to us before the hearing. We do actually read all of your emails. 2. Be brief. When we have a popular issue or multiple hearings on a single night, our meetings often go well past midnight, so please limit your comments to three to five minutes. If you think you are winning us over by speaking for 15 or 20 minutes, you are mistaken. 3. Be reasonable. Some arguments we hear during public hearings can be one-sided and focused only on the speaker’s point of view. While that can be understandable, we don’t have the luxury of being one-sided. We have to look at the issue from all sides and balance any other relevant and important interests involved. 4. Remember that we have to follow the law. This is the most common thing that some people ignore when making comments during a public hearing. We have a duty to follow the law at all times. That is why our Corporation Counsel attends every meeting and we often hire outside counsel to assist us. We must also try to avoid pointless, expensive litigation so that we don’t waste your tax dollars. 5. Avoid hyperbole. Nothing makes us tune out faster than someone stating an exaggerated personal opinion as though it were an undisputed fact. You are trying to persuade us with the reasonableness of your position. Don’t blow it by mixing in something outrageous for perceived impact. 6. If you cite a reference, please be accurate about what it really says and make copies of the reference for the council and hand them up before you start. We can follow along better and assess the reasonableness of your argument if we can read your reference for ourselves. Please don’t misstate what a

reference actually says; we will read it, and it is usually quickly apparent if a speaker was fast and loose with their references. For those of you who are lawyers and cite to case law, act as though we are an appellate court and either give us your “brief” or hand up your cases. 7. Address your comments to the City Council members, not the applicant. Hearings are not adversarial proceedings in which the public questions or argues with an applicant. It is fine to ask a question, and then to leave it up to the applicant to respond if they so choose. Sometimes they will do so in writing after the hearing. If so, we will post their written response on the city website. 8. Don’t insult us. Some people like to include reminders that the City Council should “do our duty” or “not sell out Rye for some special interest” or words to that effect. Before you say something like that, please remember that all seven of us on the council are volunteers who give hundreds, perhaps thousands, of hours of our time to our city because we love it and want to protect it. We want what’s best for Rye and we don’t owe anything to any special interests. We’ll still be in council chambers doing our duty after you leave for the night and long after your specific issue has been resolved. We serve four-year terms. We understand our duty and take it very seriously. When the public hearing on an issue is finally closed, usually after many meetings and everyone has had an opportunity to be heard, the councilmembers will give their thoughts about what was important and how much weight it bore in the analysis resulting in their vote for or against. If you want your public hearing comments to carry weight with us, following these simple tips is a good place to start. We look forward to seeing you in chambers. While we may not always agree with you, we will always listen to you and consider your input. That is democracy at work. CONTACT: tmccartney@ryeny.gov

which has pitted the county executive against the federal govthe way the county executive ernment, has also drawn Jenkins’ has handled the county-owned criticism. The agreement stipuamusement park, Rye Playland, lates that Westchester build 750 and the implementation of a fed- units of housing in designated erally mandated affordable hous- communities by the end of 2016. ing settlement, which dates back Astorino has been outspoken to 2009. against the U.S. Department of The deal Astorino struck with Housing and Urban Developthe private management compa- ment, HUD, claiming the agency ny, Standard Amusements, to op- has sought to extend the paramerate the amusement park for the eters of the agreement and atnext 30 years was a mistake, Jen- tempted to strong arm the county kins says, once the county had to into enforcing, by even litigation, commit $30 million of taxpayers’ zoning regulations on its own money toward capital investments municipalities. into the park. He says he would Due to the standoff, HUD has have scrapped the deal and gone denied grant funding to the counback out into the market place to ty retroactive to 2013. “The federseek additional operators. “Right al government’s position is we’re now, all the power is in the ven- giving [the grant money] to somedor’s hands,” he said. “The fact is, one else,” Jenkins said. “Because this deal is a bad deal.” of the recalcitrance of this adminAstorino’s handling of the istration we have lost at least $25 affordable housing settlement, million in federal funds. JENKINS from page 3

“Penny-wise and pound-foolish is a short synopsis of this administration. I think it’s beyond being shortsighted, the decisions being made. There is no look at the future,” he added. Jenkins was the former chairman of the Yonkers Democratic Party and a past president of the Yonkers chapter of the NAACP. If he wins, Jenkins would be the first African-American county executive elected in New York state. CONTACT: chris@hometwn.com

Buster is one very cool dude. Laid-back, sweet and gentle-natured, he loves affection from humans and gets along well with other cats and dogs. He has the cutest little “meow” and is the ultimate companion. Buster is approximately 3 years old, neutered, fully vetted and in excellent health. His adoption donation is $80. To meet Buster, call Larchmont Pet Rescue at 835-3332/4133 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)

August 26, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11

Harrison considers joining EMS consortium By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer The town/village of Harrison is considering merging its emergency medical services with those of the neighboring municipalities of Rye, Port Chester and Rye Brook. The three communities, which all border Harrison to the east, operate out of one station and use two ambulances, according to the corps’ website. The unit is comprised of 45 members, including 16 volunteers. Harrison EMS currently utilizes four ambulances and employs about 60 EMTs and paramedics, most of whom are employed on a parttime basis. Harrison Councilman Joe Stout, a Democrat, said although the communities involved are considering the move, no decisions have been made. He added that if Harrison’s EMS does join forces with the other communities, it is likely the station in Harrison will remain open. “I think we need to look at all the options to keep a local ambulance service in town,” he said.

The potential merger follows a dispute between EMS and the town board earlier this year which largely concerned alleged poor management structure and misuse of funds by the EMS. On March 31, Harrison EMS announced that they would have to discontinue services after not receiving their usual quarterly stipend of $137,500 from the town. At the time, Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, claimed the town had stopped funding EMS due to mismanagement by the EMS chief and board. The town has since dispersed several monthly payments of $45,833, and town officials said they would continue to operate the EMS unit on a month-tomonth basis until further notice. Al Mignone, chairman of the Harrison EMS, said the EMS board has attempted to restructure its ranks and create better communication between the town and EMS since the fallout back in March. Rye City Manager Marcus Serrano said that Harrison

would not incur any additional cost if it were to join the consortium; however, the department would be required to use its own equipment and staff, but would adopt the group’s management structure. Serrano added that before adopting Harrison into the group, the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS board must first ensure that the group will not see any additional costs of its own or weaken its level of service. Mignone said he supports joining forces with Rye-Port Chester-Rye Brook EMS, but said he also asked the town board to consider joining the Mamaroneck Ambulance District. The village of Mamaroneck’s EMS service operates a 24-hour ambulance specified for advanced life support, offering the highest service available outside of a hospital. Scott Moore, administrator of the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS, and Belmont could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

The Harrison EMS station may soon become part of a larger unit, as the Harrison town board and the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS are each mulling the possibility of merging Harrison’s ambulances services into the larger consortium. Harrison may also consider joining the Mamaroneck Ambulance District. File photo

12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 26, 2016

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August 26, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13

Is the walk to school really so terrifying? RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

Can we please stop telling parents that it is normal to be terrified for even the shortest periods of time when kids are doing the most mundane activities: Walking to or from school? Because here’s what NBC’s Alyssa Newcomb reported recently in a piece called “Backto-School Safety Tech That Helps Keep Kids Safe” (The title alone reinforcing the idea that kids are NOT safe without us taking new, tech-assisted precautions): “No matter how mature and responsible a child is, those few blocks without adult supervision are enough to make most parents worry.” Since when? Since crime is back to the level it was in 1963? Since we are living in the safest times in human history, according to Harvard’s Stephen Pinker? Since even child deaths at the hand of a kidnapper—already extremely rare—are now one-fifth of what they were just 20 years ago? “Most parents worry” about a few-block walk, in these particularly safe times, even if they know their kids are mature and responsible? That seems like some kind of illness. Yes, it’s normal to worry if the neighborhood is truly crime-ridden. And naturally, it can be worrying if a child is late getting home, or if it’s the first week of school and the child is just getting used to the walk. But for parents to worry no matter how mature their kid, how short the walk and how safe the neigh-

borhood does not make sense. Igniting the fuse of fear makes sense for only two groups of people: The media, who depend on fear to keep us engaged, and the makers of tech tracking devices, who depend on our dollars to stay in business. After all, if they can convince us that it is normal to fret any time we take our eyes off our kids, they can sell us products that keep our eyes upon them. And so reporter Newcomb goes on to list four products that track kids and apprise the parents of their location. The PocketFinder is one. It goes into the child’s backpack and “updates a parent’s smartphone with their location every two minutes.” Obsessed much? It also alerts parents the second their child veers off the proscribed path. What a joy that makes walking home: Follow that squirrel for a block and mom calls 911. Then there’s Life360, which is free and sounds like Harry Potter’s Marauder’s Map, showing every family member’s location. But if you pay a premium (aha!), you can get “expanded history data and a live adviser for urgent situations.” Just suggesting “urgent situations” makes the walk sound dire. The Canary, also profiled, is part of a $199 home security system, allowing you “to see live video and hear audio from their home. Parents can even replay the video clip from when their child walked in the door, ensuring that they were with only authorized house guests.” Maybe it should really be called the Stool Pigeon. It seems less like a normal household de-

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vice and more like the CCTV In honor of those whose lives above the door at a 7-Eleven. were lost or forever changed by And finally there’s the August the tragic events of Sept. 11, Smart Lock which lets you “see 2001, County Executive Rob and speak to whoever is at your Astorino will join with Volunteer door, even if you’re not home.” It New York! and Robison Oil to also locks and unlocks your door host the “9/11 Day Serve + Relong distance, “making it ideal if member” volunteer opportuniyour kid forgets their key,” ac- ties from Friday, Sept. 9 through cording to Newcomb. At $400, Sunday, Sept. 11. Service projit might be more ideal to make ects will kick off from 2 p.m. to your kid a few extra keys, or 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the Couneven hide one someplace clever. ty Center in White Plains, and So now I too have some ad- will run throughout the weekend vice on how to keep your kid at locations across Westchester safe on the way home from and the surrounding area. school—advice that the TV reWestchester County’s forport, in its haste to hail techno- mal 9/11 memorial ceremony at logical solutions to nearly non- The Rising at Kensico Dam in existent dangers, forgot. Teach Valhalla will begin at 7 p.m. on your children to: Sept. 11. As always, the public is Look left, look right, look invited to attend. left again when crossing the “On the 15th anniversary street. of the terrorist attacks of Sept. Make sure that anyone turn- 11, 2001, we as a community ing sees them in the crosswalk. continue to come together in Ask strangers for help if they remembrance and unity, provneed it. Teaching “stranger dan- ing that love and service will ger” removes all the people who always prevail,” Astorino said. could help them in an emer- “Last year, we had 1,200 volungency. (Remember that Utah teers put 1,670 hours of service Boy Scout who was lost for back into the community as part three days because every time of 9/11 Day. This year offers so he heard a search party member many great ways to volunteer, calling his name, he scampered whether it’s giving blood, feedoff to hide from the “stranger?”) ing the hungry, educating our However, also teach your kids children or thanking our veterthat they while they can TALK ans. I hope you’ll all join us in to anyone, they cannot go OFF remembrance.” with anyone. The theme of this year’s 9/11 And they should not get into Day is “Service. Empathy. Unisomeone’s car. ty.” Many volunteer opportuniThose are tips that make a lot ties are family-friendly and all of sense and, by golly, they are will help support one of 40 lofree! Of course, for a premium, I cal nonprofits and causes. Regwill add a new and pointless tip ister online at volunteernewyork. every month. Sign up now! org/service or call 948-4452 for more information. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com Westchester County will also host its annual employee blood drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the

County Center. To sign up or learn more, please contact Janet Lokay at jel1@westchestergov. com or 995-2127. “Join us as we remember the unity and compassion that was shared by the many first responders, blood donors and volunteers who came together after 9/11, and help us shine our light on the service and empathy that carries us forward,” said Alisa H. Kesten, executive director of Volunteer New York! “We encourage families, individuals and business groups to register today to honor the lives of those lost through these individual acts of service.” David Singer, president of Robison Oil, the presenting sponsor, said, “Our company was built on service—service to our customers and our community. That is why Robison is honored to be able to support this important day for families and individuals of all backgrounds to join together and volunteer. This is an important day in our community to serve and take action.” For a complete list of the 40 local 9/11 Day service projects, locations and their descriptions, which are scheduled from Sept. 9 through Sept. 11, visit volunteernewyork.org/service. 2016 9/11 Day participating nonprofits and causes include: Afya Foundation; A-HOME; Atria Senior Living - Briarcliff Manor; Community Service Associates; the #DadBeThere Fatherhood Initiative; Dominican College Project; Family Services of

Westchester: The Sharing Shelf; Girl Scouts; Graham Windham; Hillside Food Outreach; Humane Society of Westchester; Junior League of Central Westchester; Leake & Watts; Life Progressive Services; LiveOn New York; Meals on Wheels; Mercy College, Montrose Veterans Hospital; My Brother’s Keeper; My Second Home; New York Blood Center; One Sandwich at a Time; Open Door Family Medical Center; Operation Gratitude; Ossining School District; Our New Way Garden & Acorn Organics; Pace University Project; Project Linus; Ronald McDonald House of GHV; Rye Nature Center; Schaffer Extended Care Center; Teatown Lake Reservation; United for the Troops; Volunteer New York! Hunger Relief Corps; Westchester County Department of Health; WJCS Kids’ Closet; Westchester Parks Foundation; WestCOP; and Worldwide Community First Responder Inc. The core mission of Volunteer New York! is to inspire, mobilize and equip individuals and groups to take positive action to address pressing challenges, support nonprofits and improve the quality of life in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties. For more than 66 years, the organization has encouraged adults to serve, youth to build character, families to bond, young professionals to lead, mature adults to share their wisdom, and businesses to engage through volunteerism. Volunteer New York! helped coordinate more than 270,000 hours of service, which were devoted last year to more 500 nonprofits at a value of more than $7.3 million. For more information, follow @volunteerNYnow on Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest volunteering news in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam, or visit volunteernewyork.org. (Submitted)

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www.hometwn.com | 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601 | (914) 653-1000

14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 26, 2016

Fantasy overload LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

If there’s one piece of advice for all of you fantasy football enthusiasts out there, it’s this: Nobody, and I mean nobody, cares about your fantasy football team. Over the last 10 years or so, fantasy football has become an unavoidable facet of American sports culture. With fantasybased programing across both television and online platforms generating around $5 billion of advertising revenue annually, it’s pretty clear that Americans’ love affair with pretending to be NFL general managers isn’t ending any time soon. And man, it’s really starting to become a drag. It’s becoming tough to escape fantasy football talk, especially around this time of year, when legions of fans are gearing up for their annual

drafts. Hours upon hours of draft preview podcasts, spanning radio and television chatter, and “fantasy football experts” expounding upon their Top 10 practice squad tight ends? It’s a bit overwhelming. Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve been playing fantasy football for at least half my life. It’s a fun way to spend the season, a great way to connect with friends, and it helps me stay plugged into what’s happening around the league after my New York Giants get off to an inevitable 1-5 start. But I’ll tell you something: I don’t feel the need to talk about my team, “The Tupa Mario Bros,” every time somebody brings up football. Fantasy football’s growth is quickly transforming the way we talk about NFL around the watercooler. In the old days, if Larry Fitzgerald hauled in a gamewinning catch on Monday

SPORTS

Night Football, the next day’s chatter would be about the acrobatic grab or the drama of a prime time NFL game. Nowadays, any conversation about said catch is centered on how that reception won/lost the game for your buddy and how great/awful points-perreception scoring is, and what moves you suggest he make if he hopes to secure a berth into his nerd league playoffs. Years ago, our fantasy football drafts were a fun way to spend an afternoon, talk some smack, eat way too much and engage in a little banter about the upcoming season. Last August, my buddy Jones showed up to the draft with a computer program that he wrote to optimize his draft order based on projected scoring numbers for the first 10 weeks of the regular season. I think we’re starting to take this a little too far. So yeah, by all means, enjoy your fantasy football season.

Over the last decade, fantasy football has become a big-money industry that has become tough to avoid if you happen to use the Internet. Sports Editor Mike Smith thinks it’s all become a bit too much. Photo courtesy Yahoo.com

Pick your teams, root for your guys, and send passive-aggressive emails out to the other people in your league if you think they’re abusing their vetoes whenever trades pop up.

Just keep all that stuff to yourself, because I don’t care. But while I have your attention, I just wanted to ask your opinion. Do you think it’s worth taking Ezekiel Elliott

in the first round? I’m kind of on the fence, and right now, I could use all the help I can get.

Follow Mike on Twitter @livemike_sports

Thornton-Donovan 2017: An Andean adventure When Thornton-Donovan School in New Rochelle opens its doors for year No. 116, seven of its upperschool students will be in three different countries and three other high schools. T-D has a vast network of sister schools sprinkled around the world and quite regularly sends its own to them, and receives international student visitors from them. T-D has been pioneering in international education for decades and its student ambassadors use the school’s exchange program as ways to sharpen their diplomatic skills. With Liam Gorbutt in Japan, Janine Peroune in Germany, and Nikki D’Annunzio, Ben Rufa, Gavin Tomlinson, Diale Takona and Rayaan Ba in Italy, T-D will begin the 2016-17 school year on Sept. 8. T-D is an independent and international day school with grades K–12. It boasts of its small size and small classes. It has 170 students from 40 different countries. T-D’s grades 9–12 will open at near capacity. In February 2017, T-D will begin its Andean adventure and travel to Peru in February and

TO COVER LOCAL SPORTS, YOU NEED A

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continue the undertaking by “Flying with the Condors” in Ecuador in April 2017. T-D’s 2016-17 academic theme will focus on Machu Picchu and Galapagos. As is the tradition, T-D’s graduates get accepted to many of America’s most elite colleges and universities as well as the world’s most prestigious institutions. Some of them are: DePaul, UConn, Haverford, Elon, UNC, Notre Dame, Dartmouth, Fordham, Case Western Reserve, American, George Washington University, St. Andrews,

University of Nottingham, Nanzan University (Japan), N.Y.U., University of Pittsburgh, University of Virginia, and McGill. T-D teaches numerous foreign languages: French, Spanish, Russian, German, Italian, Greek and Latin. Japanese is also offered in the early spring, as T-D continues to visit Hiroshima in July of each year. Admission information can be procured by contacting Director of Admissions Steven Schlitten at sschlitten@td.edu or visiting the school’s website at td.edu. (Submitted)

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SPORTS

August 26, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15

WFAN holds charity softball game By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Thursday, Aug. 18, sports radio personality and New Rochelle native Craig Carton returned home, leading a celebrity-laden team against all-stars from the city in an annual charity softball game at City Park. The game, now in its fifth year, gave area fans a chance to see local softballers square off against a host of former professional athletes, and helped raise money for the New Rochelle Parks and Recreation Gift Fund. Carton, who co-hosts the popular “Boomer & Carton” radio show on WFAN alongside retired NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1987 and has returned to his hometown for the last five years for the annual charity softball game, tabbing his former teacher and New Rochelle football coach Harold Crocker to manage the city team while he and Esiason captained the WFAN All-Stars. This year, the celebrity team included NHL player Matt Martin, former NFL player Chris Simms, local NFL product Ray Rice and a number of other onair personalities from the radio station. Former New York

Craig Carton, left, poses for a photo with New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson and Boomer Esiason prior to the fifth annual Boomer and Carton All-Star Softball game in New Rochelle on Aug. 18. Carton and Bramson were classmates at New Rochelle High School.

Yankees great Mariano Rivera, who lives in Rye, also took the field, but opted to play for the New Rochelle squad, manning first base for much of the game before coming on, naturally, to close out a 7-6 New Rochelle win. “I always talk about New Rochelle fondly, and the fact that we get to come out here, support the Parks and Rec and shine a light on New Rochelle, that means the world to me,” Carton

WFAN radio host Craig Carton takes a cut at the annual WFAN Charity Softball game on Aug. 18 at City Park in New Rochelle. Carton, a New Rochelle native, has come back to his hometown for the softball game for the past five years.

said. “And for the people coming out to support us, people coming out here for the first time, that’s what New Rochelle is really all about.” Crocker, who currently serves as the director of Athletics, Intramurals and Recreation at Ramapo College, said that he is not surprised at all by his former student’s success in the radio world, where he as emerged as one of the most influential radio hosts in the area, or by his desire to give back to the community. “Even back then, you knew that [Carton] was a character, but he was someone that had a lot of character,” Crocker said. “He always had this go-get-it attitude, he’s a great guy, a great family man, and great for the city of New Rochelle.” Carton’s popularity in his hometown was certainly on display last Thursday, with the hundreds of fans in attendance, although the former Huguenot is quick to shift the reason for the turnout onto the other notable figures on the field, including Rivera and Rice. “You can forget about me, you have Ray and Mo, who is the greatest closer of all time,” he said. “But it shows that these guys care about giving back, they have pride in what they do and where they come from, and it really changes the dynamic of what we’re trying to do out here.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

Former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason swings the bat on Aug. 18.

Ray Rice tries to tag a runner out at second base. Photos/Mike Smith

16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 26, 2016