September 2, 2016 by The Rye City Review

RyeCity REVIEW THE

September 2, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 36 | www.ryecityreview.com

Legislators condemn Rye’s Playland Article 78 By JAMES PERO Staff Writer

NEW FACES

The Rye City School District will be home to more than a dozen new faculty members for the 2016-17 school year. This week, read 10 profiles of new members at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and check out more new faces in the Review next week. For more, see page 6. File photo

FBI plans to relocate field office to Midland Avenue space Following the expiration of its current lease agreement for its location in White Plains, the FBI will relocate its field office to a larger facility in the city of Rye. The agency is expected to relocate from 222 Bloomingdale Road in White Plains to a newer 30,000-square-foot facility at 600 Midland Ave. in Rye, according to an FBI spokeswoman, who wished to remain anonymous. The relocation, which is expected as early as December, will transpire out of need to “stand alone” and in the interest

of improving security, according to the spokeswoman. The agency will be the only tenant in the Midland Avenue building. The new FBI field office, which sold for $6 million in January 2015, according to New York Commercial Realty Group, will continue serving as a centerpiece for counter-terrorism in Westchester and Putnam counties. Aside from the agency’s plans to improve security, officials would not disclose any further information about the move to Rye. Rye City Manager Marcus

Serrano, who didn’t have any knowledge as to why the FBI was relocating to Rye, said, “It’s beneficial in case we need to work with them for any reason.” He also noted that Michael Corcoran, the city of Rye police commissioner, is happy with the FBI’s plans to relocate. According to Serrano, the city does not have any jurisdiction relating to the FBI’s purchase of the two-story Rye building, but “there would not be any major consequences” as to whether or not the FBI relocated

to Midland Avenue. The building was once occupied by USAlliance Federal Credit Union, a full-service nonprofit financial institution. The bureau currently has 18 field offices in the state, including three main offices in New York City, Buffalo and Albany, and five smaller resident agencies in the metropolitan area. Corcoran and Rye City Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, could not be reached for comment, as of press time. -Reporting by Franco Fino

Amidst a mounting legal battle between the city of Rye and Westchester County over proposed capital improvements to Playland, many county lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle have continued to assert the county’s authority over the park’s future. The county Board of Legislators’ Litigation Committee, which convened on Aug. 25, has already rejected Rye’s claims that the county had mishandled SEQRA procedure, as well as claims that the county failed to inform the city of developments at the amusement park. “If the county were to cede that responsibility to the city of Rye, it would establish an improper and likely deleterious precedent for all the other county park properties throughout Westchester,” said Legislator Lyndon Williams, a Mount Vernon Democrat. “This precedent could greatly increase the timeline for all county renovations and repairs.” Rye Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, as well as Michael Gerrard, an attorney retained by the city who drafted the city’s initial notification of its intent to file an Article 78, have repeatedly claimed that the city has been kept in the dark throughout the process of formalizing projects at the park. “People have differing opinions of what’s been offered and what’s on the table,” said Rye

City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican. “The whole thing could benefit from sitting in a room to talk, as opposed to corresponding by email, so that there’s no misrepresentation of what a ‘seat at the table’ actually means.” According to Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson, now that both sides have firmly taken stances, the county will have until Sept. 23 to submit its arguments to a New York State Supreme Court judge. She told the Review there is no current estimate on when the judge will render a decision. If Rye wins its Article 78, the county would be forced to return back to the drawing board and undergo an entire environmental review process for projects at the park once again. This will allow the city to challenge a declaration of lead agency—which is the first step in a SEQRA process—in front of the state Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner. Among the major projects that have given the city pause are plans currently being mulled by the Board of Legislators to either remove or renovate the park’s historic pool, which could potentially open the door for a new dining area. In May, the county entered into a 30-year agreement with the management company Standard Amusements, that aims to inject PLAYLAND continued on page 9

2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

September 2, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3

Rye Y marks 5th anniversary of health programs

Rye Y members who are cancer survivors take part in an activity as part of LIVESTRONG Day. The program, along with the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program, turned 5 this summer. Contributed photo

Two of the Rye YMCA’s most successful and highly regarded community health programs turned 5 this summer. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA have reached hundreds of Y members and residents from across Westchester and Fairfield counties, giving them the resources, strength and courage to take control of their own health. The Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program, DPP, is an evidencebased, one-year small group program for adults who are overweight and at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, or have been diagnosed with prediabetes. Based on extensive research by the National Institute of Health, the Y’s DPP has reached nearly 46,000 participants across the United States since 2010. “When we launched the YMCA’s DPP in 2011, we were only one of a handful of Ys nationwide chosen to provide this program,” said Tanya Stack, regional coordinator for the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program. “We knew how important this would be for our members and our community. More than 29 million Americans are living with diabetes and more than 86 million have been diagnosed with prediabetes. Countless others don’t even know they have prediabetes. We knew we could make a difference if we gave people the tools to prevent this debilitating disease.” In addition to classes offered at its facility, the Rye Y has forged a strong partnership with Open Door Family Medical Centers, a federally qualified health center. Through this joint effort, the Y trained bilin-

gual lifestyle coaches who are now offering Spanish language classes at Open Door’s facilities in Port Chester and Ossining. This summer, the Rye Y is working with Hudson River Health Care, HRHC, to expand the YMCA’s DPP to Yonkers. HRHC is one of four partners selected by the New York State Department of Health to implement its Local I.M.P.A.C.T Program, an initiative funded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HRHC reached out to the Rye Y because its Diabetes Prevention Program is the only CDC-recognized lifestyle change program in Westchester County. During the past five years, more than 140 adults have enrolled in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, many of them finding it “life-changing.” Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer, either through their own experience or through the diagnosis or a friend, family member or colleague. Recognizing the need to support adults who are facing this terrible disease, the Rye Y launched LIVESTRONG at the YMCA in July 2011. LIVESTRONG at the Y is a free, 12-week small group program designed to help cancer survivors regain their total health. Over the past five years, 459 adults have grown stronger through the program’s focus on physical activity, stress reduction and emotional support. Along the way, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA reached several notable milestones. In 2013, the Rye Y was recognized by YMCA of the USA and the LIVESTRONG Foundation with the Excellence and Innovation Award for hosting LIVESTRONG week—a

celebration of cancer survivors and their families that has continued every year since 2012. In 2015, the Rye Y started an alumni group to keep program participants connected to the Y and each other. Also in 2015, the Rye Y became the first YMCA in the country to offer LIVESTRONG at the YMCA at a federally qualified health center. Thanks to a collaboration with Open Door and Soul Ryeders, the Y began holding Spanish-language classes at Open Door’s Port Chester facility. Lori-Beth Patsy, an Open Door exercise physiologist who led the first class, wrote of her group: “You have no idea how grateful they are for this. After going through what they went through and then not being able to share their stories because of language and other barriers, they were so happy.” “The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA paved the way for a range of health and wellness programs for our members and the community at large,” said Laura Tiedge, the Y’s senior director for Healthy Living. “Thanks to the success of these two programs, we’ve been able to build new partnerships, leverage additional funding and make a real impact, not only in the Sound Shore area, but also throughout Westchester County.” For more information about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA or any of the Rye Y’s community health programs, visit ryeymca.org or contact Tanya Stack at 967-6363 ext. 206 or Tanya@ryeymca.org. (Submitted)

4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

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

ing files and printing features. Also addressed will be the new Windows 10 system, which replaces Windows 8.1 and will be in all new computers. This workshop is free and open to the public, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vaccinate!: Ask Questions, Get Answers

The Rye Free Reading Room will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor Day.

Rye Library Writers Share work, brainstorm, encourage fellow writers and be encouraged in a welcoming and supportive environment during this workshop on Saturday, Sept. 3 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Ogden Nash Room. This writers’ group meets once a month to discuss their works in progress, writing topics, the writing process and their individual writing joys and challenges. This workshop is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Dr. Toni Lyn Salvatore, pediatric hospitalist at Greenwich Hospital specializing in Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care, will host a workshop for parents about the importance of vaccines on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Meeting Room. Parents will be able to ask questions and receive answers to vaccine-related topics. This workshop is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Wainwright House

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 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

Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester Congregation nature walk and Tashlich Join Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester for a walk and a short family-friendly service on Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 10:15 a.m. to noon. Those who wish to join will meet at the Edith Read Sanctuary and proceed to the Read Sanctuary beach. Free parking is located inside Rye Playland’s parking lot. For more information or to register for this event, call Dan O’Connor at 9674382 ext. 11 or email him at doconnor@congregationemanuel.org.

Young families Rosh Hashanah service and celebration Families with children ages 8 and under are welcome to attend this Rosh Hashanah service and celebration on Monday, Oct. 8 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, located at 2125 Westchester Avenue E. in Rye. For more information or to RSVP for this event, call Jane at 967-4382 ext. 21or email her at jdubro@ congregationemanuel.org.

County events

Wiggle, Giggle Time

Westchester County Car Show

Children ages 18 months to 4 years old are welcome to join this music and movement class on Wednesday, Sept. 7 in the Meeting Room. There are three class sessions: 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m. or 11 a.m. During this class, children will be able to wiggle to music, giggle to funny rhymes and pretend to be wild animals. Children and caretakers should only attend one session per day. Doors close five minutes after the program begins so attendees should arrive on time. This class is free and open to the public, and registration is not required. For more information about the class, call 231-3162.

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino invites classic car buffs to the Westchester County Car Show on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. Registration for exhibitors on that day is from 8 a.m. to noon. Admission is free for spectators. There is a parking fee of $5 per car. In case of rain, the event will be cancelled. The show will feature displays of a wide variety of classic and collectible cars, street rods and motorcycles, all carefully restored to mint condition or modified for performance. The Westchester Street Rod Association will present more than 100 trophies to the best vehicles, classified by decades up to modified 2016. For information on entering a car or bike, call 260-9274, 666-2057, 844-8240 or 203-536-0747. For information about being a vendor at the event, call Beth Bricker at 231-4645. The car show is sponsored by Westchester County Parks, the Westchester Street Rod Association and Sassone Bros. Auto Body Repairs.

Using Your Computer Basics This hands-on workshop on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Raho Technology Center is meant to help adults learn how to use their computer. The workshop uses the popular Windows 7 system which has wide use in home computers and with business computers. Among the topics covered will be using programs, preparing documents, setting up folders, saving and retriev-

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 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 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.

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September 2, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5

Letters to the Editor

The use of public funds Mayor Joe Sack sent an email in response to my Aug. 12 column, "Say it ain't so, Mayor Joe." He does not deny any use of public funds in the creation or citywide mailing of the pro-City Council material. He says the mailing was done because someone asked for it. So who was it, Mr. Mayor, who has such access to the city's assets? Is such person prepared to reimburse the city? Please, Mr. Mayor, give us the facts. And tell us why any such mailing was called for when most or all of the information was readily available on the city website or in our local newspapers. Judge John Carey, Rye

About Letters to the Editor Publication is not guaranteed. We reserve the right to edit letters for content or space, at our discretion, without notification from the company. We reserve the right to reject submissions at our discretion without notice to the author. Sorry, but we are unable to notify authors in advance if and when a letter will be printed. Deadline for submission is Friday before publication. The maximum length of letters that appear in our pages is 625 words, but letters are usually significantly shorter to accommodate space needs.

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6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 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

OSBORN SCHOOL

RYE MIDDLE SCHOOL

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 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

Dr. Jake Ross, Psychologist

Debra Aronson, American Sign Language Teacher

Cody Blume, Social Studies Teacher

Ross comes to Rye from Bedford Road Elementary School in Pleasantville, where he completed an internship focused on in-district special education programs for high needs students. He worked as an extern at Midland School in 2012 to 2013 under Dr. Anat Mor, as well as at Westchester Medical Center from 2013 to 2014, and at the Jewish Child Care Association from 2014 to 2015. Ross has a Psy.D. from Yeshiva University’s Ferkaf Graduate School of Psychology, an M.S. in psychology from Yeshiva University, and a B.A. in psychology from Binghamton University.

Aronson comes to Rye from Solomon Schechter High School in White Plains, where she has taught American Sign Language, ASL, to high school students grades nine through 12 since 2014. In 2016, she began teaching ASL to undergraduate college students at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry. From 2014 to 2015, she taught ASL as a foreign language at Greenwich High School. She is a founder of and teacher at C.A.S.L.E. Incorporated, where she teaches ASL to hearing children ages 2 to 18. Aronson has a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in ASL from the University of Hartford. She is currently working towards a master’s degree in teaching American Sign Language as a foreign language at the University of Northern Colorado.

Blume comes to Rye from Mamaroneck High School, where he taught social studies for the past three years. Prior to becoming a full-time teacher, he was as substitute teacher in the Mamaroneck Union Free School District, working in the district’s four elementary, middle and high schools and special education classrooms. He completed his student teaching in 11th-grade U.S. History at Mamaroneck High School. Blume has a B.A., magna cum laude, in history and secondary education and an M.A., summa cum laude, in world history, both from St. John’s University in Queens.

RYE MIDDLE SCHOOL

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Natalie Folloro, School Psychologist

Nicholas Rastegar, French Teacher

Julianne Potoma Tamucci, Science Teacher

Folloro comes to Rye from Ardsley High School in Ardsley, where she spent a year as the school psychologist for the high school and for students enrolled in the emotional and academic support programs. Prior to working in Ardsley, she was the school psychologist from 2013 to 2015 at the Hallen School, a private school for special education in New Rochelle. From 2011 to 2013, she completed a fulltime, 18-month internship at the elementary, middle and high schools in the Ardsley Union Free School District, and a part-time internship at the Port Chester Middle School. She began her career as a threes and fours teacher at the Hastings Co-Op Nursery School. Folloro is trained in non-violent crisis intervention. She has a B.A. in psychology, cum laude, and an M.A. in school psychology, both from Iona College.

Rastegar comes to Rye from the Bronxville Middle/High School, where he served as a French and Spanish teacher for the past five years. Prior to working in Bronxville, he was a French and Spanish teacher at the Brockport High School in the Brockport Central School District. Rastegar has a B.A. in Spanish and French from Le Moyne College, an M.S. in education policy from the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester, and is completing an M.A. in Spanish language and cultures from the University of Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain.

Potoma Tamucci comes to Rye from Chester Academy High School in Chester, where she taught living environment regents level classes, forensic science and environmental science for grades 9 through 12, and served as a self-contained English teacher for grade 12 for the 2015-16 school year. Prior to teaching in Chester, she spent eight years as a sixth- through eighthgrade Science teacher at the Rose E. Scala School/PS/ MS 71 in the Bronx. She has participated in the Science Alliance of the NY Academy of Sciences’ Scientist-inResidence Program, Urban Advantage and GLOBE Professional Development Programs. Potoma Tamucci has a B.S. in chemistry from Susquehanna University and an M.A. in teaching, summa cum laude, from Manhattanville College. CONTINUED on next page

September 2, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7

New Rye City School District Staff RYE HIGH SCHOOL

RYE HIGH SCHOOL

Peter DeVasto, English Teacher

Mary Ellen Reidy, English Teacher

Taryn Phelan, Social Studies Teacher

Caitlyn Stein, Mathematics Teacher

DeVasto comes to Rye from Mamaroneck, where he taught 10th-grade English Language Arts and Academic Enrichment at Mamaroneck High School as a leave replacement English teacher. Prior to working in Mamaroneck, he was a long-term leave replacement teacher at Harrison High School, where he taught ninth-grade English and a humanities-based enrichment class. As a student teacher at Arlington High School in Arlington, Massachusetts, he planned and implemented ninth- and 10th-grade college preparatory and honors English classes. DeVasto graduated cum laude with a B.A. in humanities and philosophy from the University of New Hampshire and has an M.A. in secondary teaching in English, with distinction, from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College.

Reidy comes to Rye from the Life Sciences Secondary School in New York City, where she has worked as an English teacher since 2007. Prior to working at Life Sciences, she was a student teacher at the Louis D. Brandeis High School and at the Center School, both in New York City. Reidy has a B.A. in English from Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. in teaching adolescence English from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education.

Phelan comes to Rye from Hastings High School in Hastings-on-Hudson, where she was a sociology and world history leave replacement teacher for the past year. Prior to that, she was a permanent substitute and a teacher assistant at Dobbs Ferry High School. Prior to working in Dobbs Ferry, she was a social studies per diem and leave replacement teacher at the Islip Middle School. She also worked as an at-home teacher in both Dobbs Ferry and Islip. Phelan has a B.S. in adolescence education and social studies from The State University of New York at Oswego. She is currently working towards her master’s degree in literacy education from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry.

Stein comes to Rye from F.E. Bellows Elementary School in Mamaroneck, where she was a temporary elementary school leave replacement. Prior to working in Mamaroneck, she was a substitute teacher at the Fox Lane High School in Bedford, and at the Rye Neck Middle/High School in Mamaroneck. She completed her student teaching at the Fox Lane High School. She has worked as a private mathematics tutor for Westchester County families since 2012. Stein has a B.A. in mathematics and an M.A. in teaching and secondary mathematics, both from Manhattanville College, where she participated in the Dual Degree Honors Program. (Submitted)

8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

College football 70 years later A RYE OLDTIMER Judge John Carey

I have a friend nearby who likes to talk about our days on the Yale 1943 football team. It was not a hard team to make, since the best players were already in the South Pacific or making ready to hit the beaches of Normandy. We each got a gold Big Three Champ football at the end of the season, since Princeton had no team that year and Harvard’s was a pushover. My friend points out that the official game stats gave him a

weight of 140 pounds and me 180. We are now both at 140; I dropped a lot of weight when Pat, my wife of 65 years, passed earlier this year. But now our son Douglas is managing my diet and making me drink more water than I would have thought possible. The same 1943 team friend is a proud former Marine, and I must say that anyone who can survive the rigors of basic training at Parris Island is fully entitled to be proud. One time when my college class was having a mini reunion near Parris Island, the former Marine’s credentials came in mighty handy. Many of us in the class wanted to see the

famous Parris Island but never had. Our classmate came to the rescue and arranged for us to visit. We were loaded onto buses complete with tour guides. On our bus, the guide was a female Marine who looked as if she might tip the scales at 98 pounds. I asked her what it was like doing all the physically demanding drills that Parris Island is famous for. In reply, she held out her hands for me to inspect. They seemed minute, until she told me that she had been taught how to kill with her small hands alone. CONTACT: j_pcarey@verizon.net

Arts & Craft Beer Fest offers unique events Still creating buzz in Westchester County, the 2016 Arts & Craft Beer Fest continues to offer local residents and visitors a calendar of unique events that provide just the right mix of excitement for arts enthusiasts and craft beer lovers. Organized by ArtsWestchester in partnership with Half Time, Taste NY and Westchester County Tourism, the festival provides visual art, music and New York state craft beers at select events, including the Harbor Island International Beer Festival on Saturday, Sept. 24. “It’s not your typical beer fest,” said Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester. “Combining arts and craft beer offerings creates a unique synergy for people looking for fun things to do this summer and fall. This innovative business partnership provides a great way to bridge our respective followings and diversify and grow our audiences. We are thrilled to continue this series through November and hope to expand the initiative throughout the Hudson Valley region in years to come.” The partnership between the cultural industry and the craft beer industry kicked off in May at ArtsWestchester’s annual spring event, ArtsBash, and continues through November. At each arts and craft beer event, New York state craft breweries are paired with select events at Westchester’s renowned cultural institutions to offer arts and beer enthusiasts unique entertainment experiences. The initiative bridges these two creative industries in order to boost the local economy and build tourism. The ArtsWestchester events are supported by a $50,000 Craft Beverage Marketing and Promotion grant. The grant supports the promotion of eight county art events related to craft beer. The grant program launched in 2014 as a result of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s second Wine, Beer, Spirits and Cider Summit and was created to increase the profile, awareness and sales of New York state-produced wine, beer, spirits and hard cider. Funding is provided by Empire State Development in coordination with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. “We are continuously looking for ways to support New York state’s booming craft beverage

The 2016 Arts & Beer Fest is back to offer visual art, music and craft beers made in New York state. One such event is the Harbor Island Beer Festival, returning for a third year. Contributed photo

industry, and by bringing together the creativity and innovation found in both the arts and craft beverage sectors, we are able to entice even more visitors to experience everything the Hudson Valley region has to offer,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “I encourage both locals and visitors to support our local businesses and attend one of the events hosted by ArtsWestchester this year.” Among the lineup of unique events, the Harbor Island International Beer Festival will take place at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck on Sept. 24. During the event, guests will be able to experience an interactive paint event produced by ArtsWestchester while enjoying nearly 200 domestic and international renowned breweries from around the world, creative food servers and top chefs from Westchester County and New York City. The festival will also provide great music and wonderful views of the harbor and the magnificent Long Island Sound. For more information and tickets, visit harborislandbeerfestival.com. “The collaboration between the arts and craft beer industries has helped ArtsWestchester attract young professionals to Westchester arts events,” Langsam added. “Both the brewmasters and artists are brought together, adding creative and entertainment value to the consumers’ experience.” Half Time has been supplying craft beer and cider enthusiasts with an elaborate selection of beer and cider for more than a decade and employs some of the most knowledgeable beer

and cider experts in the state. Alan Daniels, the owner of the two Half Time stores in New York, featuring 5,000 beers and hundreds of ciders, believes that showcasing the art of the brew master at ArtsWestchester’s event is a perfect fit. “In addition to partnering on the events, Half Time is extremely excited to collaborate on a special commemorative growler with ArtsWestcester,” said Jason Daniels, chief operating officer for Half Time. “With the goals of promoting the relationship of art and craft beer, as well as a new partnership to develop an arts presence at Harbor Island International Beer Festival, growlers are an integral part of our business, and an important facet of providing the freshest beers to our consumers. We found it imperative to spice up our artwork on our growlers, and who better than ArtsWestchester to design our newest drinking vessels.” Jason Daniels added that the Harbor Island International Beer Festival is the largest of its kind on the East Coast, and it’s expecting 7,000 to 10,000 patrons this year. There will be more than 450 beers from more than 200 breweries from six different states offered, along with around 30 food venders from the New York metropolitan area and up and coming artists and a daylong DJ performing. Taking public transport, particularly the MetroNorth Railroad New Haven line to Mamaroneck, is encouraged to prevent drinking and driving. For more information on the other events featured at the Arts & Craft Beer Fest, visit artswestchester.org/the-arts-craft-beerfest. (Submitted)

September 2, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9 PLAYLAND from page 1

Last week, county legislators met to discuss mounting litigation regarding a round of capital projects at Rye Playland. File photo

$60 million of capital improvements into the park for infrastructure and rides; $30 million of that sum would come from taxpayers through bonds. The Article 78, which was filed by the city in August, challenges the county’s status as lead agency for capital projects at the park and harkens to a former debate between the two entities over a similar matter.

ment between the county and then potential manager Standard Playland Inc., was eventually scrapped in the wake of local resistance. The city has not yet formerly pushed for an injunction, which would put a pause on park projects, but it continues to mull over its right to do so.

In 2011, the city had threatened to sue over a potential 78,000-square-foot field house that City Council members and residents claimed would exacerbate flooding and affect living conditions for neighboring residents. While the dispute didn’t result in any formal litigation between the two, the field house project, along with an agree-

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Chase is a super sweet Lab/whippet mix, about 3 years old and 33 pounds. He loves going for romps in the dog park and is friendly with other dogs and people, too; although he gets a little nervous when people approach him quickly. His foster mom has been doing some training to help build his confidence; he loves having boundaries and a predictable routine. He is such a smart boy! At the end of the day, Chase just loves to cuddle and hang out with you. And he is totally housebroken, too. Chase is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Make Chase part of your family for an adoption donation of $300 to Pet Rescue. To learn more, call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)

10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

Patriot Housing Initiative continues to succeed

From left, Ron Tocci, director of Westchester County Veterans Service Agency; Alvin “Sarge” Cook, a veteran helped by the county’s Patriot Housing Initiative; and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Photo courtesy Westchester County

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.”

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In celebration of the Fourth of July, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino announced that the county’s Patriot Housing Initiative continues to successfully help keep veterans from homelessness throughout Westchester. Since the Patriot Housing Initiative was launched in August of 2013 with the goal of ending homelessness among veterans by the end of 2015, permanent housing has been secured for more than 300 previously homeless veterans. “During times when we prepare to celebrate or honor national holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Independence Day, we’re reminded of our freedoms and those who sacrificed so that we may enjoy those freedoms,” Astorino said.

“Our veterans have always been there for us, and we need to be there for them if the need ever arises, and we are doing just that.” Astorino credited the extraordinary cooperation between the county Veterans Service Agency, local governments, nonprofit housing and service providers, and private sector partners, including local landlords who agree to give veterans priority in the renting of available units. “To have housed 368 homeless vets is a proud moment for this initiative and our county,” said Ron Tocci, director of Veterans Services. “We are at functional zero in veteran homelessness and we will remain vigilant to keep it that way.” Astorino added that anyone aware of a veteran recently

homeless and living on the street should contact the 24-hour VA hotline at 1-877-4AIDVET (1877-424-3838). Karl Bertrand, co-chair of the Westchester County Continuum of Care Partnership for the Homeless and the Patriot Housing Initiative, and Thomas DeFilippo, the HOPE Community Services Outreach/Housing Specialist who found veteran Alvin Cook, spoke about the importance and effectiveness of this program. U.S. Navy veteran Cook, also known as “Sarge,” spoke at the July 1 morning press conference, sharing his moving experience with the initiative and the programs that helped save his life. Sarge was homeless for at least five years before he was placed into supportive housing designated for veterans. (Submitted)

Rye City Coming this month, Inside WC will take a look at arts in Westchester. If you’re interested in advertising in our “Fall for Arts” issue, please contact sales representative Lindsay Sturman at 653-100 ext. 14 or lsturman@hometwn.com.

Official Newspaper Rye Schools

September 2, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11

September 2016

Planning ahead... SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Hispanic Heritage Month

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Labor Day, government offices closed

Rye Neck schools open

Rye schools open

Planning Commission meeting 7 p.m., City Hall

Rye Neck MS open house 6 p.m., Rye Neck MS

Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee meeting 7:30 p.m., Mayor’s Conference Room

World Suicide Prevention Day The Game 11 a.m., RHS

City Council workshop on Crown Castle 7:30 p.m., Council Chambers

National Grandparents Day

RHS Pep Rally

Board of Architectural Review meeting 7: 30 p.m., City Hall Board of Fire Wardens meeting 7:30 p.m., Locust Avenue Firehouse

Rye Neck National Honors Society inductions 7:30 p.m.

Eid Al Adha

Sustainability Committee meeting 7 p.m., Mayor’s Conference Room Board of Education meeting 8 p.m., RMS Multipurpose Room

Planning Commission meeting 7 p.m., City Hall

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

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

Midland Back-to-School Night

Rye Neck HS open house 7 p.m., Rye Neck HS

Milton Back-to-School Night

RMS Gr. 6 Back-to-School Night

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

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

Rye Neck Board of Education meeting 7 p.m., MS/HS Library

RMS Grs. 7 & 8 Back-to-School Night

Autumnal Equinox

Osborn Back-to-School Night

Rye Golf Club Commission meeting 8 p.m., Whitby Castle

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

Rye Neck college financial aid workshop 7 p.m.

Board of Education meeting 8 p.m., RMS Multipurpose Room

Rye Golf Club Commission meeting 8 p.m., Whitby Castle

12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

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LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Formation of Facility Strategies Group, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 06/07/2016. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1012 Market Street, Suite 307, Fort Mill, SC 29708. Purpose: Professional Engineering / Consulting. Notice of Formation of Carib Fish Market & Grill, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 6/15/16. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY 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 REVALORIZER DIVERSIFIED OPERATIONS, LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/24/2016. Office loc: Westchester County - 119 Pondfield Rd., Suite 924, Bronxville, NY 10708-0924. United States Corporation Agents, Inc. designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail process to 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity

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September 2, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13

Halle Berry and the war on moms RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

The trailer for Halle Berry’s new movie shows beautiful Berry and her boy playing “Marco Polo” at a busy playground on a sun-dappled day. “Marco!” says Berry. “Polo!” chirps the boy, who looks to be about 5. “Marco!” calls Berry. “Polo!” comes the reassuring reply. “Marco!” I think you can guess what comes (or rather, doesn’t come) next. The movie’s title is “Kidnap.” The plot is based on our culture’s favorite parenting tale: The Mom Who Looked Away and Lost Her Kid. We have absorbed it so deeply that we shame any mom who isn’t watching her kids 24/7. Maybe you’ve seen the viral Facebook video where a guy screams at a mom who is buying a phone at the phone store and can see her kid in the car the whole five minutes she’s running her errand? Or maybe you heard about the mom who was arrested last week for letting her kids, ages 8 and 9, wait in the condo for under an hour while she went to pick up dinner? A new study out of the University of California at Irvine may have figured out why we are reacting as if those short waits are crazy dangerous. Researchers Ashley J. Thomas, P. Kyle Stanford and Barbara W. Sarnecka discovered that when it comes to child safety, our risk assessment is determined not by a rational analysis of the facts, but by our judgment of the parent—particularly the mom.

And in a society that has become convinced, mostly from a surfeit of “Law & Order,” that children must be under constant adult supervision, we think any mom who doesn’t do that has put her kids in danger. What kind of mom endangers her kids? An immoral one. So it’s a feedback loop: Unsupervised kids have immoral moms, immoral moms endanger their kids. But here’s what the researchers found out: The more immoral we think the mom is, the more danger we see in her actions. In the study, participants were given a series of vignettes in which kids were left unsupervised. In each of these vignettes, the kids’ age, location and amount of time they were left alone were the same. The only thing that differed was the reason the mom left. In one scenario, for instance, the mom was dropping a book off at the library when she was hit by a car, knocked unconscious and no one realized the child was still in the car until 30 minutes later. In other scenarios, the mom left the child for 30 minutes to do some work, volunteer, or simply relax. And in another, she left for 30 minutes to meet with her lover. How much danger was the child in, on a scale of 1 to 10? “When the mother unintentionally left the child alone, people rated those scenarios safer than when she intentionally left the child alone,” Thomas told me in a phone interview. So when the child was unsupervised due to circumstances beyond the mom’s control, the kid was judged safer than when the

mom deliberately went to work, volunteer, relax or—the highest danger perception of all—have an affair. In other words: If we think the mom is bad, we think her kids are in more danger than if she’s good, like the mom who was hit by a car but otherwise did not intend to leave her child’s side. And here’s where it gets really nasty: When the researchers substituted dads for moms in their scenarios, the dads’ workrelated absences were treated the same as their unintentional absences. Their kids were perceived at the lowest level of danger. But when women left their kids to do some work, the perceived danger increased. Unconsciously, we seem to consider moms as selfishly, immorally choosing to endanger their kids by going to work. The researchers caution that their dad-scenario sample was small. But they also point out that the only model of childrearing that the public seems to deem decent is an old-fashioned one that only the wealthiest families can afford today: A stay-athome mom or someone hired to fill that role, constantly supervising the kids. Now the researchers’ hope and mine is that once we start to recognize the difference between real danger and our unconscious condemnation of moms who don’t live up to some 1950s mom ideal, we will stop arresting the ones who give their kids some unsupervised time, either out of necessity or FreeRange choice. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Astorino announces free Senior Law Day Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino recently announced that the 17th annual Senior Law Day will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the County Center in White Plains. The free event will feature 20 workshops on elder law topics, plus free 15-minute, one-on-one consultations with some of the county’s leading legal, financial and geriatric care experts. Parking is also free. “Successful aging is a lifelong process that requires thoughtful planning,” Astorino said. “It’s never too early to get yourself on the right path, and even if you’ve delayed putting together a plan, then now’s the time to start. Senior Law Day offers direct access to the professionals, free of charge. I encourage all residents to join us at the County Center, and I appreciate the private sector’s increased support over the past year.” Registration for Senior Law Day is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Visit westchestergov.com/seniors or call 8136300 to sign up. Seniors can register for the one-on-one consultations on the day of the event. Senior Law Day will provide a wealth of useful information and resources, including: • Workshops covering everything from estate and financial planning to health care and affordable housing, taxes, wills, trusts and much more, including two workshops in Spanish. • A free copy of “MAP: My Aging Plan,” a booklet that details what individuals and families can do from their 20s through their 80s and beyond to age successfully. • A review of long-term care policies (participants should bring a copy of their policy to the event).

• Updated copies (upon request) of the “Elder Law Q&A: An Introduction to Aging Issues and Planning for the Future,” in both English and Spanish. Questions or comments can be emailed to seniorlawdayinfo@gmail.com or tweeted to @seniorlawday. Senior Law Day builds upon the county’s award-winning Livable Communities initiative, which aims to empower Westchester’s older adults to remain in their homes as they age with dignity, independence and civic involvement. This past spring, Senior Law Day expanded and launched a new event in Yorktown, where hundreds of Northern Westchester residents participated in free workshops and consultations. Additional evening programs are offered in partnership with the Westchester County Library System throughout the year. “An estimated 7,000 seniors, family members and caregivers have benefitted from this program since Senior Law Day began in 1999,” said Mae Carpenter, commissioner of the county’s Department of Senior Programs and Services, DSPS. “I get many questions from seniors and families, like ‘When do I get started with estate planning?’ and ‘Should I continue to pay premiums for long-term care insurance?’ Senior Law Day is a great resource where seniors and their families can begin and continue planning their journey into aging.” Senior Law Day is presented by DSPS, the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services, and the Ninth Judicial District of the New York State Office of Court Administration. Steven A. Schurkman, a partner with Keane & Beane

in White Plains, is chair of the annual Senior Law Day program and author of “Elder Law Q&A.” His associate, Sarah A. Steckler, is program manager. Please visit seniorlawday. info for a wealth of useful information. The resources mentioned above are also available at seniorcitizens.westchestergov. com/senior-programs-and-services/publications. Sponsors of this year’s Senior Law Day are: Amoruso & Amoruso LLP; Bernie Leiner; Long Term Care Insurance; Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP; Covey, Roberts & CarmodyRoberts LLC; Cuddy & Feder LLP; Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates P.C.; Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano LLP; Ferncliff Cemetery Association; Glassman & Brown LLP; Hyman & Gilbert; Interim HealthCare of Greater NY; Keane & Beane P.C.; Lamson & Cutner P.C.; Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Ashe PLLC; Law Office of Valorie Joy Promisel; Life House Pooled Trust Services; Littman Krooks LLP; Lob Planning Group; Robert Leitner CFP; RIA, Financial Advisory Network; Rosenthal & Markowitz LLP; Salvatore M. Di Costanzo, Esq.; Shamberg Marwell Hollis Andreycak & Laidlaw P.C.; The Bristal Assisted Living; The Center for Special Needs Trust Administration Inc.; The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale; The New Jewish Home Sarah Neuman; The Osborn & Osborn Home Care; The Woodlawn Cemetery; Wartburg; Westchester Elder Care Consultants LLC; and Westchester Library System. For sponsorship information, please call Martha Marzano at 813-6435 or visit seniorlawday. info/sponsors. (Submitted)

SPORTS

14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

The uncertainty of September LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

Most sports fans hope against hope that one day, their teams will be good. But sometimes, at least in my mind, “good” doesn’t always equal “fun.” Let’s face it; neither the Mets nor Yankees are particularly good teams at the moment, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t entertaining as heck to watch. In fact, I find that their shortcomings—and their upsides—are poised to make this one of the more intriguing months of local baseball in recent memory. As the calendar turns to September, the Bombers and the Amazin’s find themselves in similar positions. Both New York teams are just a few games out of the final wild card, have been playing solid baseball down the stretch, and if they can string together a few more weeks’ worth of series wins, could potentially

find themselves in a position to control their own playoff destiny. But neither team’s season has unfolded quite the way the respective organizations had envisioned prior to the start of the year. The Mets, of course, were coming off of a run to the World Series, armed with one of the most promising pitching staffs that baseball had seen in recent years, a budding outfield star in Michael Conforto, and the potential to get a full year out of captain David Wright, who is finally getting the chance to play for a winner for the first time in about 10 years. Of course, it being the Mets and all, injuries derailed the seasons of Matt Harvey and Steven Matz; spinal stenosis limited Wright to just 37 games; and Conforto has looked lost at the plate and ended up spending a good portion of the season playing for the Mets’ AAA affiliate in Las Vegas. So how have the Mets man-

aged to keep afloat? Mostly because of the contributions of Yoenis Cespedes, who has also spent his share of time on the DL this season; Jose Reyes, who returned for his second go-around with the club after being released by the Colorado Rockies; and the ageless Bartolo Colon, who, with his 12-7 record, made the All-Star team again, 18 years after his first selection. Is this team close to as talented as it was a year ago? Not a chance; but watching this scrappy team compete day in and day out has certainly made for some compelling television in August. And when was the last time that the team from the Bronx had this type of energy around it? I’m not simply talking about success on the field. The Yankees, despite their success over the past 20 years—or perhaps because of it—have been historically boring for the last several ones. It has been an organization that has been content to trot out overpaid veterans year after

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

As the calendar turns to September, both the Mets and Yankees find themselves in the midst of the playoff hunt. But neither team’s season has gone quite as expected. Photo courtesy Groupe Canam

year, competing for—and winning—a division title or World Series from time to time. But for the first time since 1995, there’s a sense that the organization is in flux, but in a good way. A new crop of young players are becoming the face of the organization. Players like Aaron Judge, who still can’t really hit the offspeed stuff, but

has demonstrated the ability to launch mammoth home runs; Didi Gregorious, who is having a breakout season at age 26; and Gary Sanchez, who is hitting .383 with 11 homers in just 24 games, are forming a new nucleus that could be the start of a new dynasty. Will the Baby Bombers wilt under the pressure of a play-

off race? Can the Mets make the postseason with unknowns like Robert Gsellman taking the mound every five days? I honestly don’t know. And that uncertainty is what is going to make September so darn exciting.

Follow Mike on Twitter @livemike_sports

SPORTS

September 2, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15

Garnets aim high in 2016 By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Coming off a 12-win season with most of its starting lineup intact, the Rye boys’ soccer team looked to be heading into the 2016 campaign with a ton of momentum and high expectations. But after a last-minute shakeup left the Garnets scrambling for a new coach, Rye appears to be refocused and ready for the season ahead. In the first week of August, Sal Curella—who took over the varsity coaching job last year— abruptly resigned from his post at Rye to accept the assistant principal position at Queensbury Middle School, throwing the future of the up-and-coming program into turmoil. With the recent hire of Ernest Harmon, however, Rye appears to be in good hands. Harmon, who played for the

Ernest Harmon took the reigns of the Rye soccer program prior to the start of the preseason. Photo courtesy of Harmonschoolofsoccer.com

Liberian national team and has previously coached at Woodlands High School, said that taking over the Garnets program so late in the summer has come with a unique set of obstacles, but that the Garnets’ talent should make the transition easier. “It has been challenging, only because of the urgency that is involved,” he said. “The boys are good players, so I have to

be able to identify the strengths right away while we were having tryouts and know what things I can put in play.” Rye graduated two of its offensive standouts in Will Collwell and Leo Gomes last spring, but return in 2016 with an experienced group that made great strides in 2015. In addition to John Amaya and Sean Traynor, who are joining the squad from the U.S. Academy program this year, the Garnets will rely heavily on the contributions of captains Carl Friedrich, Tommy Gates and Thomas Tartaglia this fall. “I’ve needed [the captains] to be extremely helpful, and they’ve been a credit to the team,” Harmon said. “The boys themselves really want it, they want to be successful, and they’re willing to work hard.” In order to get the team ready for the season, Harmon has been

Two Garnets battle for the ball during a preseason drill on Aug. 30. Rye will head into 2016 with high expectations.

drilling the Garnets both on the pitch and off. On Monday, the head coach spent time with his players in the classroom to go over some of the strategies and philosophies the Garnets will be employing this year. “I thought the timing was great for the classroom session, because it gives the players a chance to sit back and understand some of the components of the game,” he said. “There is the physical part of the game, but also the tactical part, the knowledge of the game.” The Garnets will open the season on Sept. 6 at home against Keio, and Harmon said that he believes his squad will be ready for its first challenge. “I don’t want to seem like it’s do-or-die, but I expect us to have a good representation,” he said. “We have good players, we have good energy, and I see that the kids are especially looking forward to that first game.” Rye players work on a drill during the preseason. Photos/Bobby Begun

CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

Rye’s soccer team practices as it prepares for the upcoming season. Rye finished with 12 wins in 2015.

16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016