September 30, 2016

Page 1

RyeCity REVIEW THE

September 30, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 40 | www.ryecityreview.com

Payment for Playland likely extended again

ACES WILD

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer

Jade Iadarola serves against Harrison on Sept. 26. Iadarola had 10 kills, 10 digs and seven aces in the Garnets’ 3-0 win over the Huskies. For story, see page 15. Photo/Mike Smith

Future of Seaside Johnnies restaurant now uncertain By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The Rye Town Park Commission is considering reopening a new request for proposals to oversee and manage the park’s restaurant and snack and concession stands, according to commission members.

During the latest park commission meeting on Sept. 20, park commission officials were set to accept a proposal from Seaside Johnnies, the current restaurant tenant at the park, to contiunue to manage the park’s restaurant; however, after receiving a number of concerning emails from residents who felt

that they were not thoroughly involved in choosing a new operator, the commission did not reach a conclusion and tabled the resolution. “We shouldn’t do anything too quickly,” said Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican and member of the commission. “We may end up in the same situation that

we are in today, but at least we would have gone through the process more efficiently.” Initially, two restaurant proposals were submitted to the park commission following a request for proposals, RFP, sent out in late June; but Angelo JOHNNIES continued on page 10

An imminent extension by the Westchester County Board of Legislators on the fate of Playland’s pool casts a shadow of uncertainty over a $1.5 million payment from new park manager Standard Amusements. According to county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, while the deadline for legislators to make a decision on the pool ends on Sept. 30, after press time, there is a possibility the date could be extended further. “We don’t want to demolish the pool, but we have some details to figure out if we’re going to rehabilitate it,” Parker told the Review. According to Ned McCormack, spokesman for Republican County Executive Rob Astorinio’s administration, with that potential extension for the pool could come yet another extension on an initial payment from Standard Amusements— the management company put in charge of operating the park— which is set to coincide with the county Legislature’s pool deadline. “All the parties are talking,” said McCormack regarding the prospect of another payment extension for Standard. “It’s likely that there will be another extension.” The extended payment—

which is the second contractual payment to the county as part of Standard’s deal to manage Playland, struck in May—was originally due on June 15, but was granted an extension to Sept. 30 from the county executive’s office on July 21, more than a month after the initial due date. Questions surrounding when Standard may make its initial payment have boiled to the surface over the past several months after county Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat, accused Standard of missing the $1.5 million transfer and breaching the contract. “That payment was not made,” Jenkins said. “I would question whether or not Standard is living up to their end of the bargain.” Both representatives of Standard and representatives with the county executive’s office have repeatedly refuted such claims. “There was no late payment,” McCormack said, adding that both parties have been in constant negotiations. “An extension was granted in a timely manner.” However, emails obtained by the Review through a Freedom of Information Law, FOIL, request, show correspondence between Associate County Attorney Tami Altschiller dated June 27—nearly two weeks after the payment’s due date— PLAYLAND continued on page 8

8


2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 30, 2016


September 30, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3

City to discuss imposing water restrictions

The SUEZ water company has asked customers in the Sound Shore to refrain from outdoor water usage, following a “severe drought” issue in Connecticut. Photo courtesy Shaylor

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer In an effort to address drought conditions, the Rye City Council is expected to consider imposing water restrictions, after SUEZ water officials began asking customers in the city of Rye, and the villages of Rye Brook and Port Chester to limit their outdoor watering. The City Council plans to discuss the matter at its Oct. 5 meeting. The water company began asking customers to dial down on water usage in response to a drought in Connecticut that is affecting communities in Westchester County. The SUEZ water company, formerly known as United Water, purchases its water from the Connecticut-based Aquarion Water Company, which supplies several Sound Shore municipalities that make up Rate District 2. On Sept. 16, after Connecticut upgraded to a “severe drought,” Aquarion implemented a mandatory ban for customers it

serves in four Connecticut communities, which use the same water supply SUEZ purchases for Rye, Port Chester and Rye Brook, the only three communities in Rate District 2. “We are joining Aquarion in asking customers to turn off their irrigation systems and sprinklers for the season,” said Chris Graziano, vice president and general manager at SUEZ. “We are doing this to ensure that we have an adequate water supply for everyday use and fire protection.” SUEZ, which serves 54,000 people in Rate District 2, said customers should refrain from using irrigation systems, sprinklers and soaker hoses, but can continue watering activities using a hand-held hose in the meantime. Graziano said customers located in the villages of Bronxville, Tuckahoe, North Pelham, Pelham Manor, Ardsley, Hastings-on-Hudson and Dobbs Ferry will not be directly impacted by the request, as SUEZ purchases water from the New York

City Water System for those communities. According to Rye City Manager Marcus Serrano, the city code allows Rye to impose water restrictions on residents, as it has dealt with drought conditions in the past. He said the city previously battled drought conditions in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The city manager said that the water restrictions would limit water usage in certain sections of the Rye Golf Club, which is owned by the city, but he noted that golf club members should not worry about damage to the club’s greens. “The timing is good because the temperature has been dropping,” Serrano said. “It’s obviously bad that it’s happening, but it happened at the best possible time.” Councilman Terry McCartney, a Republican and liaison to the Rye Golf Club Commission, could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com


4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 30, 2016

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

surprising secrets of happiness and success he has learned from his patients over the last 40 years.

Teacher-in-the-Library On Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Children’s Room. Rye teachers offer after-school homework help to students attending local public and private elementary schools in the Rye area. This is a free program sponsored by the Auxiliary Board of the Rye Free Reading Room, Woman’s Club of Rye/Children’s Philanthropy section, and the PTO of the Rye schools. For more information on hours and programs, visit ryelibrary.org.

Coffee with the City Council On Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Residents are invited to join members of the City Council to discuss any topic of interest. Mayor Joe Sack and Deputy Mayor Julie Killian will be in attendance. Free coffee and donuts will be provided.

Happiness & Success with Dr. Yukio Ishizuka On Saturday, Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Dramatically improve your threshold of tolerance of stress (from life challenges) through closeness between committed couples, eliminating anxiety, anger, physical symptoms and depression without medications and often within six months. Dr. Yukio Ishizuka, a Rye resident and Harvard-trained psychiatrist in private practice, shares

English as a Second Language for adults On Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon in the Ogden Nash Room. Led by Val Polikoff, who is an experienced ESL teacher with certification from Westchester Community College, Division of Continuing Education and the English Language Institute. The objective of this program is to help students build their speaking fluency through various classroom activities, promoting students’ communication and writing skills. Depending on students’ level, classes will consist of reading, discussions, developing short stories, introducing guided conversations, addressing the grammar, and writing assignments. The class is for adults with a working knowledge of English. Please come to a class for an evaluation.

Spotlight on Education On Thursday, Oct. 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in

the Meeting Room. Are we, as a society, spotlighting success rather than accomplishment? Join an informative and fun evening, one that will make you think out of the box. Sponsored by the Kehilla Chapter of Hadasah. Moderated by Edith Halpern, past president of Hadassah. Guests will be Thomas J. Schwarz, president Purchase College, State University of New York; Jonathan Ross, superintendent of schools of Blind Brook and Rye Brook; Janine Rose, anchor and news director of News 12 Westchester; Stephanie A. Fehr of Rye Brook, state PTA consultant, and past vice president of NYSPTA (special needs committee); and Elizabeth Rotfeld, senior coordinator and deputy village clerk for the village of Rye Brook. The Kehilla Chapter of Hadassah includes members in Port Chester, Rye Brook, Rye and Mamaroneck. The program is open to the community. There is no admission charge. Light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. will precede the discussion. Halpern may be called at 939-2813 for any questions.

Gizmos Science Fun Club On Friday, Oct. 7 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. For grades K–2. Please note that the child must be able to participate without an accompanying adult. Space is limited. Registration is ongoing on the library’s website. Click on “Programs & Events,” “Kids,” the event date and then “Register.” Gizmos Science Fun Club offers children a chance to engage in hands-on, inquiry-based experiments. In this one-hour science workshop, participants will focus on a different STEM or STEAM activity each month with handouts to follow up at home. Through this program, children will begin to see that science, technology engineering, math and the arts can be fun.

Wainwright House 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 Program registration is open online at ryeny. gov/recreation.cfm. Register early. Most programs have minimum requirements and may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Nothing cancels programs more than waiting until the last minute to register. In addition, programs have maximum enrollments and may fill up quickly. Visit the Rye Recreation site for more information.

Halloween window painting registration Registration for the annual Halloween window painting is open at ryeny.gov/recreation.cfm. This is limited to the first 500 teams to register. The

window painting will take place on Sunday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rain date will be Sunday, Oct. 23. All registration is online. All participants painting must be enrolled in grades K–8 and must be Rye residents. Teams of two children only. Fee: $16 per team. Team assignments will be available for pick up on Thursday, Oct. 13 and Friday, Oct. 14 at Rye Recreation.

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 967-4382 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.

Election Day Register to vote Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Qualifications to register to vote: • be a United States citizen; • be 18 years old by December 31 of the year in which you file this form (note: you must be 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote); • live at your present address at least 30 days before an election; • not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction and; • not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; • not claim the right to vote elsewhere. Register in person by Friday, Oct. 14 at the county Board of Elections, BOE, located at 25 Quarropas St. in White Plains. Phone number: 995-5700. Register by mail, postmarked by Friday, Oct. 14 and received by Wednesday, Oct. 19 by the BOE. Apply for absentee ballot in person by Monday, Nov. 7 at the BOE. Apply for absentee ballot by mail, postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 1 at the BOE. Deliver ballot in person by Tuesday, Nov. 8 at the BOE. Deliver ballot by mail, postmarked by Monday, Nov. 7 and received by Saturday, Nov. 12 by the BOE. 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.


September 30, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5

County health dept. offers rabies prevention tips Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler recommends residents take a few simple precautions now to protect themselves, their families and their pets from rabies this summer. “Whether your children are at home in their own backyard or roaming through the woods at camp this summer, make sure they know to stay away from wild and stray animals—no matter how cute and cuddly—to avoid possible exposure to rabies and the need for lifesaving treatment,” Amler said. “It’s also a good idea to be sure your pets’ rabies vaccines are up to date because their risk for exposure to other animals increases during warmer weather, too.” Of the 150 animals that were submitted for rabies testing this year through the end of May, seven were confirmed rabid, including three raccoons, a bat, a fox, a skunk and a cat. In 2015, 41 were confirmed rabid, including 16 raccoons, nine bats, nine skunks, six cats and a fox. To avoid rabies exposure, it’s also important to keep crea-

tures like bats out of your home. In most cases, treatment can be avoided if the bat is caught and tested for rabies. But if the bat is rabid, a series of lifesaving vaccines must begin soon. Whenever a bat is found in a room with young child, a pet, a sleeping or mentally impaired person, contact with the bat must be suspected, so call the Westchester County Department of Health at 813-5000. “Check to see whether your soffits and attic vents are tightly screened,” Amler said. “If a bat gets inside, capture and contain it safely and call the health department immediately. That way, if you, a pet or a family member was exposed, the bat can be tested for rabies, which can help you and your family avoid a series of rabies shots.” Watch a video to learn how to safely capture a bat in your home at health.westchestergov. com/rabies. What can you do to keep animals away from and out of your home? • Always make sure doors and windows are secure and that any

small openings that will allow an animal entrance into your home are closed off. This includes screening, chimneys, attic vents and air conditioners. • If a bat finds its way into your house, confine or capture it (without further exposing yourself) for possible rabies testing. Never release a bat due to the possibility of pet or human exposure. Instead, call the health department at 813-5000 to arrange for testing. • Cover garbage cans securely to avoid attracting animals. • Don’t leave food for people or pets outside and unattended. Don’t scatter birdseed or crumbs on the ground. How can you tell if an animal is rabid? • Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal. • A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. • Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted. What should you do if bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal? • Wash the bite or scratch with

The Westchester County Department of Health advises residents to call their veterinarian and local animal control officer to report any suspected exposure to rabies. Photo courtesy dogster.com

warm, soapy water. • Call your doctor or hospital to find out if additional treatment is needed. • Report the incident to the health department, 24 hours a day, at 813-5000. If calling after business hours, follow the recorded instructions for reporting public health emergencies.

What should you do if your pet fights with another animal? • Wear gloves when handling your pet during and after an encounter with another animal. • Call your veterinarian and the animal control officer in your community to report the incident. • If your pet is exposed to a

suspect rabid animal, try to keep the animal in sight until the police or a wildlife trapper arrive. • If your pet bites or scratches someone, confine your animal. Call the health department immediately at 813-5000 and contact the veterinarian for your pet’s rabies vaccine records. (Submitted)


6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 30, 2016

RyeCity REVIEW THE

170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000

Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com 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 Reporter | James Pero ext. 20, james@hometwn.com

Rash of

overdoses spurs committee in Mamaroneck

Reporter | Franco Fino ext. 18, franco@hometwn.com

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer

Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin

Amidst a rash of recent overdoses in the village of Mamaroneck, the mayor, Police Department, schools and concerned residents have begun to galvanize in an attempt to fight back against a sweeping opiate epidemic. According to village police, five overdoses have taken place in the village since July—two of which were fatal—prompting cries from concerned residents and a call to action from Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican. “It’s a true epidemic,” the mayor said. “It’s one of the greatest threats to society in general.” Village police said that while toxicology reports are still pending, opiates appear to have been involved in at least several if not all of the overdoses; two of which occurred between Sept. 2 and Sept 6. According to the police, the ages of the victims are 59, 30, 28, 25 and 24. They were unable to provide any further details on the most recent overdose, but two of the overdoses were stabilized from the emergency overdose prevention drug Narcan. In response, Rosenblum said the village will form a new Committee on Drug Abuse Policy designed to help combat the deadly scourge in the community. Currently, the mayor said, the committee consists of himself, Deputy Mayor Louis Santoro, a Republican, village police Chief Chris Leahy, village residents and students,

Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer Corey Stockton Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite Columnists John Carey, Rye City Council, Lenore Skenazy, Joe Murphy Letters

The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes.

Community Events

If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com.

Delivery

For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27.

Classifieds & Legals

To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27.

Postmaster

Send address changes to: The Rye City Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601

Visit us online www.ryecityreview.com Follow us on Twitter, @ryecityreview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/ryecityreview The Rye City Review (permit #438660) is published by Home Town Media Group weekly for an annual subscription of $32. Application to mail at the peridcals postage rate is approved at Port Chester, N.Y., 10573. Periodicals postage paid at Port Chester and additional mailing offices.

as well as Westchester County District Attorney James McCarty and Village Court Justice Christie Derrico. While representatives from Mamaroneck’s school district were not invited to the first meeting, Rosenblum said that Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps was invited and will be attending the committee’s next meeting on Sept. 22. According to Rosenblum, among the specific objectives of the committee will be to raise awareness of the severity of the drug problem facing the village. By bringing members of the community together with school administrators and police, he hopes that open dialogue can affect change. “When we bury this stuff, what we’re really burying are the kids,” the mayor said. While an official policy has yet to be outlined by the committee, one area that the mayor has targeted for increased efforts is the Mamaroneck school district; an arena Rosenblum considers paramount to helping prevent drug abuse before it’s too late. According to Helene Fremder, a social worker for Mamaroneck High School and coordinator for the social work department in the school district, the committee marks a significant step toward helping young adults stray away from drug use. “It takes a community to make a dent in these kinds of changes,” she said. “It has to be a multi-pronged approach.” Currently, she said, despite 35 percent of the high school’s health lessons being devoted

to drug education, and an array of school programs that promote healthy lifestyles, there are currently no programs that address opioid or opiate abuse specifically. Opioids, she explained, are covered under the normal health curriculum amidst other drugs, and there is currently no prevention work directed solely at opioids or opiates. However, for young adults, opiate and opioid abuse presents a unique risk, with opiates use rates more than doubling amongst 18- to 25-yearolds over the past decade, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC. Forty-five percent of heroin addicts, the center says, started with abusing prescription medication. One village of Larchmont resident, Susanna HerlitzFerguson, who joined efforts to prevent opioid abuse after one of her four children saw several of his acquaintances fall victim to drug overdoses, said she feels there just isn’t enough being done in the community. “Suburban towns have an extreme desire for perfect reputations, to attract people to come live in the community,” she said, adding that as a result drug use tends to get “swept under the rug.” Herlitz-Ferguson, who is a member of the recently formed committee, hopes that by creating open conversation about drug abuse in Mamaroneck, perceptions in the community will change as well. “All the parents believe this couldn’t happen to their children,” she said. “We need to wake people up.” According to the CDC, fatal heroin overdoses,

spurred by spikes in the use of prescription opioids like oxycodone, have skyrocketed in the past decade, quadrupling to more than 10,000 per year in the U.S. between 2002 to 2014. In response, onus has shifted, not just to federal and state elected officials—the former of which is currently contemplating allocating $1.1 billion to opioid prevention funding nationwide—but to local communities such as Mamaroneck. On Sept. 22, Herlitz-Fergu-

son, in addition to several other concerned residents, held an open forum at the Regatta in Mamaroneck to discuss how to address rising drug use in the community and what both parents and kids can do about it. The meeting, which Herlitz-Ferguson hopes will be one of many, is just one step toward addressing Mamaroneck’s problem, she said. “It’s better late than never,” she said. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

With five confirmed overdoses since July, the village of Mamaroneck will form a committee intent on combatting a rampant opioid epidemic that has swept communities nationwide. Pictured is naloxone, also known as Narcan, that is used to block the effects of opioids. Photo courtesy Flickr.com


September 30, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7

New measures on campaign donors draw criticism By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a measure late last month that aims to toughen election, lobbying and ethics enforcement laws, in an effort to limit the power of independent expenditure campaigns. State Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat who is running for re-election, said, “It doesn’t solve the problem.” The legislation would diminish the influence of a U.S. Supreme Court case known as Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which has encouraged wealthy donors to increase campaign contributions through independent expenditures to publicly support or criticize a candidate, according to the governor. In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations have the same free speech rights as people. An independent expenditure is a political campaign communication that touts or expressively advocates for the defeat of an identified candidate that is not made in cooperation with or at the approv-

Following Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s signing of a new measure into law that targets lobbyists and independent expenditure groups regarding campaign money, nonprofit organizations and state and local politicians responded. File photo

al of a candidate, or a candidate’s authorized committee. Cuomo said, “Citizens United is one of the worst Supreme Court decisions in history, and in just

six years has already had a profoundly corrosive impact on our democracy.” Under the new agreement, independent spending groups—political consultants and lobbyists— are required to register with the state and may not be formed by a candidate or run by the candidate’s family members or former staffers. The law will also strengthen anti-coordination between independent spending groups and candidates, as it prohibits independent spenders from contributing directly to candidates and prevents political action committees, PACs, from making contributions to independent expenditure committees operating under common control. However, according to Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican candidate for the state Senate, political spending is not necessarily the issue. “Corrupt and go-along career legislators are the problem,” she said. “If we really want to change the culture of corruption in Albany, we need to enact term limits for state officeholders.”

Killian also criticized Cuomo for previously receiving businessbacked aid. “It’s ironic that the governor, who has raised tens of millions [of dollars] from people who have state contracts, wants to now limit campaign donations from legitimate organizations who want to express their constitutionally protected free speech,” she said. In 2011 and 2012, a controversial business-backed group called Committee to Save New York spent $17 million to advance

Cuomo’s agenda during his first two years as governor. Among others to criticize the new measures is Common Cause New York, a nonprofit political advocacy organization that engages in lobbying that has been openly opposed to the legislation. The group has argued that the legislation places stringent restrictions on nonprofits, and will prevent those opposing the government from expressing their free speech. Susan Lerner, the executive

director of Common Cause New York, said, “Common Cause New York is deeply disappointed that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has chosen to ignore the causes of systematic corruption in Albany, and instead wrongfully punish organizations’ proper and lawful collaboration to more effectively advocate for their causes.” According to Lerner, her organization believes the new law will not stand on appeal. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com


8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 30, 2016 PLAYLAND from page 1

Initially due in June, a $1.5 million payment to Westchester County from Standard Amusements, the management company overseeing Playland, is likely to be extended yet again as a decision on the future status of Playland pool will also likely be extended past Friday, Sept. 30. File photo

prodding the co-founder of Standard Amusements, Nick Singer, on when the payment will be received. “I have checked with the finance commissioner for the county and she does not have any record showing a payment from Standard Amusements,” reads the email. “As you will recall the payment was due June 15, 2016. Please advise when the county can expect this payment to be made.” An email response from Singer, reads, “Let me speak to my CFO tomorrow and can come back to you…. Do we have wire instructions on the special reserve account?” A representative from Standard Amusements told the Review that those correspondences failed to reflect ongoing discussions between the company and the county executive’s office; discussions which Altschiller was allegedly not privy to, according to a Standard spokesperson. Altschiller declined to comment on whether or not her email was sent to Singer without such knowledge. When reached by phone on Wednesday, Singer would not tell the Review whether Standard planned to make its $1.5 million payment to the county by the previously agreed upon Sept. 30 deadline.

A representative from Standard emailed a statement to the Review, which said, “Standard Amusements is committed to one thing: making Playland a crown jewel of Westchester County, once again. Any suggestion we have done anything to disrupt that goal is just silly.” County administration officials have repeatedly tied Standard’s reluctance to send its initial payment to uncertainty over Playland’s pool. “[Standard said] it doesn’t make sense for us to make a payment before [issues with the pool] get resolved,” McCormack said. In a county Budget and Appropriations Committee meeting on Aug. 15, Lawrence Soule, the county budget director, reiterated similar sentiments about the payment, explaining during discussions with committee members that Standard’s payment was “delayed” and is “pending the outcome” of a decision on the future of the pool. Parker, who was among county Democrats deriding Astorino’s agreement with Standard before its authorization in May, said that the last payment extension as well as a potential extension in the near future is just one example of a flawed agreement between the two parties. “My discomfort with the

agreement started right from the beginning,” Parker said. “The structure gives Standard the right to pull out and it gives little power to the county.” According to the finalized version of the agreement, Standard may exercise its right to contractually exit the agreement if the county Board of Legislators fails to reach a decision on the pool before a predetermined deadline. That deadline was originally slated for July 31 but was extended until Sept. 30. To date, Standard has given no indication that it intends to exercise its right to opt out. A 30-year agreement between the county and Standard commits both parties to $30 million in critical capital improvements at the ailing amusement park and is the culmination of several years of negotiations with various public and private entities. Now, legislators seem in favor of providing renovations to the pool amidst tepid support for a bond act introduced by Astorino’s administration that would have seen its complete removal. Legislator Ben Boykin, a White Plains Democrat, could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com


September 30, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9

Preventing falls: Tips to help seniors So many elderly friends and family members dread the possibility of falling, and with good reason—it is an increasingly common occurrence among our aging population and the consequences of a fall can be quite dire. Each year in the United States, more than 11 million people over the age of 65 fall— that’s one of every three senior citizens. Plus, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries to older people, and cause more than 90 percent of hip fractures. Aside from the injuries and even death that might result, falling can lead to decreased mobility and even more fear of falling, which in turn can limit a person’s independence and negatively affect their quality of life. Physical therapist Daniel Holand, from the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, VNSNY, tells his Westchester patients and family caregivers that the first thing they can do is to talk with their primary care doctor about their risk for falling. Physicians can serve as an important first checkpoint for falls prevention.

Asking about an individual’s history of falling, and observing him or her doing specific in-office activities, such as getting up from a chair and walking steadily, helps the physician identify people who are at higher-thanaverage risk. Holand also recommends that caregivers talk with family members about what they would do if they fall. He suggests considering a Personal Emergency Response System, PERS, or “panic button” that can be worn around the neck or in a pocket. In the home, a family caregiver’s watchful eye can be extremely helpful in preventing falls. This helpful video, at vnsny.org/preventingfalls, suggests simple home modifications and daily living guidelines to help prevent trips and falls in the home. A handy Home Falls Prevention Checklist can also be downloaded at vnsny.org/FallsChecklist, and VNSNY’s Holand says there are specific risk factors for falling, listed below, that a family caregiver should consider and discuss with their physician or home care nurse:

• Age: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, each year one in every three adults age 65 and older falls. Falls happen to all people, Holand says, but the older people are when they fall, the more susceptible they are to injury, and recovery becomes more challenging. In fact, people age 75 and older who fall are four to five times more likely than those ages 65 to 74 to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or longer. • Multiple medications: Taking four or more medications, especially those that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness, increases one’s risk of falling. You should talk with your primary doctor about any side effects your family member is experiencing from medications. Taking medicine with a meal or before bed or working with the doctor to have lowest possible dosages might help ameliorate some symptoms. • Vision: Family caregivers should encourage family members to get an annual vision

exam, because failing vision can go unnoticed by a person able to carry out daily activities such as reading the paper or watching television. However, vision problems can be the cause of a fall and improving vision can go a long way in preventing falls. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, showed the effect of cataract surgery on helping patients prevent falls. The study found that for the oldest patients, and those who were very ill, those who had cataracts removed sustained 16 percent fewer hip fractures in the year after surgery than those who did not. Patients ages 80 to 84 experienced the most significant benefit, with 28 percent fewer hip fractures. The study underscores the important role vision plays in healthy aging. Holand recommends that family caregivers help their care recipients update glasses frequently and consider getting a pair with single vision distance lenses for some activities, such as walking outside. • Home Environment: It’s important to make periodic assessments of the home to reduce

tripping hazards. Keep pathways clear of clutter and well-lighted, make sure floors are dry, ensure that stairs are level and evenly spaced, and install handrails wherever there is more than one step down. Also, carefully gather wires, tape down carpets, and install grab bars in the bathroom so no one is tempted to grab onto a towel bar (which is not meant to support weight). Especially for those seniors who have some incontinence and find themselves hurrying to the bathroom, it’s critical that their pathways are clutter-free, secure and well-lighted. • Footwear: Research says if you’re over 65, you increase your risk of falling if you walk barefoot or with only socks. Our reflexes decrease as we age, so if your family member happens to step on something injurious, the reflex that causes him or her to hop off it may cause them to fall. Encourage your family member to wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes both around the house and outside. • Assistive Devices: If your family member uses a cane, walker or crutch, make sure it fits properly in terms of height and handle grip size, and that they use it correctly. At least once a

month, turn it upside down and make sure the rubber tips are in good shape and change them if they show signs of wear. • Balance: Good balance is important to prevent falls. But a person’s balance may be affected by illness or medication. If you feel you have to hold your family member or they may topple, talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend a balance retraining program. • Muscle strength: Research at California State University showed that physical activity plays an important role in preventing and/or lowering an older adult’s risk for falling. As a caregiver, you can help your family member keep up their muscle strength by reminding them, coaching them, or participating with them. According to VNSNY’s Holand, various forms of exercise can help, including walking, tai chi, yoga, strength training, and exercise classes for seniors. Visit VNSNY.org or call 1-800-675-0391 to learn more about home- and communitybased programs and services that can be integrated into your unique clinical and social needs. (Submitted)


10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 30, 2016 JOHNNIES from page 1

Members of the Rye Town Park Commission are uncertain if they will accept a proposal from Seaside Johnnies owner John Ambrose, pictured, to manage the park’s restaurant space, following a number of complaints from area residents. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

Liberatore, an operating partner of the Fort Pond Bay Company—which operates Half Moon and Harvest on Hudson in Westchester County, and East by Northeast and The Stone Lion Inn in Montauk—announced his withdrawal to the park commission on Aug. 15, citing the proposal’s time frame as too short to prepare for the 2017 season. While the current license agreement with John Ambrose and Sam Chernin, the owners of Seaside Johnnies, which overlooks Oakland Beach and the Long Island Sound—it is open seasonally from April until September—expires at the end of 2016, the park commission is facing a possible restaurant vacancy, as it has not yet reached a deal with Ambrose to either extend its current agreement, or enter into a new one. According to Rye Town Attorney Paul Noto, the park commission rejected a Seaside Johnnies license extension once in 2014 and again in 2015. The operators of Seaside Johnnies, who first opened the restaurant in Rye Town Park in 2000, are seeking a 10-year license to continue managing the restaurant, and are proposing to expand on their current

restaurant theme, while adding a tropical twist. With proposed refurnishing for the beachfront snack bar and main restaurant, the proposal also includes updates to equipment. In total, the construction cost is estimated at $1 million, according to the proposal. Despite the risk of the restaurant going vacant in 2017, Killian said that the commission is not certain that it will reach a deal with Ambrose. “I feel strongly that we should hire a restaurant consultant to help us generate more options,” she said. According to Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, a Democrat and president of the commission, the park, which already struggles to break even financially each year, will lose approximately $100,000 if the restaurant does not reopen next year. “The commission apparently desires that a new [RFP] be issued and that a consultant be retained for that purpose, but there is just no resolution for that at the present time,” he said. Killian and Zuckerman both said that if a restaurant vacancy occurs, the commission would possibly entertain temporary food trucks; however, Zuckerman said that food trucks could pres-

ent a number of issues, including the location of the trucks. “People won’t leave the beach to walk to the parking lot,” he 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 and governing it’s operations. The park has been around since the early 1900s and includes pavilions, a beach, a duck pond and service facilities; it’s located at 95 Dearborn Ave., off of Forest Avenue in the city of Rye. Rye City Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican and member of the park commission, declined to comment about the future of Seaside Johnnies, but noted that he and Killian are “on the same page.” The park commission will have until Oct. 7 to make a decision on whether or not to accept Ambrose’s proposal. Port Chester Mayor Dennis Pilla and Ambrose could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

Connect with us on @linkedin.com/company/hometown-media


September 30, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11

Harrison haunted house supports wounded veteran By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The Consigliere family will commence their annual haunted house on Halloween, Oct. 31 to seek donations to support a wounded war veteran that suffered traumatic injuries in Afghanistan. Following approval by the Town Council on Sept. 15, the

Harrison-based family was granted permission to temporarily close down a partial section of Webster Avenue, between the corners of Ellsworth Avenue and Post Place, for their third annual haunted house. Three years ago, the Consigliere family started the event as a way to support veteran, Cpl. Joshua Hotaling, 29, who on May 13, 2011, while serving as

After suffering tragic injuries as a marine in Afghanistan, California native Joshua Hotaling has received continued support from his close friend, a former marine and Harrison police officer, Rocky Consigliere, and the entire Consigliere family with an annual haunted house that raises money for Hotaling.

a Marine in Sangin, Afghanistan, was injured by an improvised explosive device, IED, bomb, which left him with traumatic amputations of his legs and several hand-related injuries. Hotaling served alongside close friend and Harrison police officer, Rocky Consigliere, one of the founding members of the family’s haunted house. “The most rewarding thing for me is to be able to tell Josh’s story,” said Rocky Consigliere. “He made such a sacrifice at a young age, and unfortunately his life was changed forever. For me, it’s important to do this every year to raise money so he can have a bit of a decent lifestyle.” The haunted house, which is currently being built by several members of the Consigliere family, will feature six volunteer actors from the Rye Neck High School drama program, a number of individuals from the Consigliere family and friends of the family. Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, said, “People are always giving back to the commu-

Volunteers from the Rye Neck High School drama program, the Consiglieres and friends of the family will serve as actors in the haunted house. Photos courtesy Dan Consigliere

nity and it’s what makes Harrison a great place to live.” According to Dan Consigliere, a cousin of Rocky Consigliere who also organizes the event, the family raised $6,000

for Hotaling during last year’s event. “Last year, it got bigger and more people started paying attention, so we decided to advertise it,” he said. “This year, we’re making it even bigger

with more costumes and actors.” While the event currently does not have any local sponsorship from organizations within the community, Dan Consigliere mentioned that the family, which does not charge individuals to enjoy the haunted house, hopes that members of the community donate whatever they can to support the wounded veteran. “We strongly recommend donations for the cause,” he said. “We don’t want any credit either. We just want to show veterans that we care.” Dan Consigliere also mentioned that he hopes this year’s outcome will lead to a possible expansion of the event for next year, in which they can raise money for more veterans. “As the years go on, we’d like to expand support not just to one single veteran, but for many other veterans too, as a little way of thanking them for putting their lives on the line year in and year out.” The haunted house will be open between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31 at 86 Webster Ave., as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com


12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 30, 2016

The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:

UP TO 4 LINES $42.50 for 2 weeks minimum. Each Additional Line $2.00

HOW TO REACH US:

(914) 653-1000 x27 Fax: 653-5000 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601

ADOPTION

SITUATIONS

ADOPT -A happily married childless couple would love to adopt. We will provide love, laughter, security & bright future. Expenses paid. Kimberly & Steve. 1-888-966-6266

Polish/English speaking companions, live-in/hourly ICONNEL, 246 W 38th St, NY, NY 10018. Call 1-800-915-4266 orvisit: www.iconnel.com

AUTO DONATIONS

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Onlinereservations: www.holidayoc.com

Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 914-468-4999 Today! Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315-400-0797 Today!

ESTATE SALE Estate Sale by Buckingham Estate Liquidators. Something for everyone! 215 Rocky Rapids Road Stamford CT (entrance is on Pinnacle Rock Road) Clocks, tools, many collectibles, house hold items and furniture. Friday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Sunday Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Check or cash only.

LAWN AND GARDEN Privacy Hedges, LI M ITE D SU PPLY, 6ft Arborvitae, Fast Growing, Reg $129 Now $69, Beautiful, Bushy, Nursery Grown. F R E E I n s t a l l a t i o n / F R E E d e l i v e r y, Other Trees Available! 844-592-3327, www.lowcosttreefarm.com

VACATION RENTALS

WANTED $WANTED$ CASH PAID for Pre-1980 COMIC BOOKS & Star Wars Action Figures. Original Comic Art-Sports Cards & Autographed Memorabilia- 1990’s MagictheGathering Call WILL: 800-242-6130. buying@getcashforcomics.com

LEGAL NOTICES 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 Notice of Formation of 1 Day Dental, PLLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 5/31/16. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 266 Purchase Street, Suite 101, Rye, NY 10580. Purpose: Dentistry. Notice of Formation of Montage Design Studio, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 8/24/2016. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 10 Overdale Ave, Rye NY 10580. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of Nutritionist for Health, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 08/16/2016. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 30 Doris Drive, Scarsdale. NY 10583. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Make it your year… ...to own your own home!

SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill-Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD:† www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

REAL ESTATE

A U C T I O N R E A L P R O P E R T Y TA X FORECLOSURES DUTCHESS COUNTY. Selling properties October 12 @ 11AM. The Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel, Poughkeepsie. 800243-0061 AAR, Inc. & HAR, Inc. Free brochure: www.NYSAUCTIONS.com

Follow us on Twitter

@ryecityreview

RAIN or SHINE No Pets Please!

• Craft Vendors Under Tent • Live Music • Dancing • Hayrides • Kid’s Activities • Award Winning Wineries -Saturday, October 8th:

The “REVERBERATORS” Rt. 9 & 20 or Rt. 150 South/West, Schodack

Magic Pup ians, & Da pets ncers

Sunday, October 9th:

“HAIR OF THE DOG”

518-732-7317 www.goold.com

MONOPRINT INVITATIONAL EXHIBITION October 15-December 17

Reception, Saturday, October 15, 3-5 PM Gallery Hours: 9 AM-3 PM Monday-Saturday

Land Bargains SCHOHARIE CO., 95.7 acres, fields/woods $129,000. OTSEGO CO., 30.7 acres, views $85,000. RENSSELAER CO., RT. 7; 27.6 acres fields/woods $75,000. Owner Financing www.helderbergrealty.com (518) 861-6541

REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS

at GOOLD ORCHARDS

A survey of Monoprints by contemporary artists created in the newly renovated graphics workshop.

CATSKILL MOUNTAIN LAKE LOT 14 acres WAS $79,900, NOW $69,900! Beautiful lake, 2 hrs NY City! Private gated community! Terms avail! Call 888-905-8847

FAR M ESTATE LIQU I DATION! 7 hilltop tracts from 6 to 30 acres from $19,900! Gorgeous views, streams, ponds, woods, fields! Quiet country setting! Financing avail! 888-701-7509 NewYorkLandandLakes.com

Columbus Day Weekend Sat. & Sun., Oct. 8 & 9

28th ANNIVERSARY

WATCH FOR SIGNS

MISCELLANEOUS

LENDER ORDERED FARM SALE! 39 acres WAS $119,999, NOW $89,900! Catskill Mtnís, stunning hilltop setting less than 3 hrs NY City! Woods,awesome views, great deer hunting! EZ financing. 888-479-3394

DEADLINE:

Placement, correction or cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication

woodstockschoolofart.org

The State of New York Mortgage Agency offers: -

Affordable mortgage products for first-time homebuyers Down payment assistance Funds to buy a home and finance repairs Special programs for veterans

1-800-382-HOME(4663)

www.sonyma.org

845-679-6175


September 30, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13

Uncovering why some women cover up RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

Religiously observant Muslims and Jews convened in lower Manhattan recently to discuss an item of vital interest to both: Headscarves. Also long skirts, high collars and how much arm one can expose. Whatever tension may or may not exist between the faiths on a political level vanished at a symposium on dressing modestly yet fashionably, organized by Daniel Cole of the NYU Costume Studies Department, and opened by Nancy Deihl, the director of the program. To give you an idea of how this topic cuts across religious lines, try to guess which of these statements was made by a Jewish woman, and which by a Muslim: “I dress modestly because God commanded me to, as a way to focus on my value as a person.” “Why do women cover? Sexuality is something that belongs in the home.” Answer: Jew, Muslim, respectively. But they were both nodding along with each other. The Jewish woman here is Michelle Honig, a fashion journalist who often writes about the intersection of fashion and modesty. She was wearing a green striped sweater with a white long-sleeved shirt underneath, a slim dark skirt, and long blonde hair—a wig that mostly, but not totally (she admitted) covers her hair. Her shoes looked straight out of Vogue. Admittedly, Honig said, the idea of a religiously observant Muslim, Jewish or even Christian woman “doesn’t bring to mind very fashionable women.”

But just because they are covering more of themselves than your average secular lass, doesn’t mean they have to be dowdy. Honig goes shopping at popular stores, “browsing through the racks, each piece going through some mental calculation of how to modest-ify it.” To do that, she usually adds layers, or maybe she’ll sew up the slit of a slinky skirt. Voila: a fashionable young woman in “normal” clothes that just happen to cover the knees and elbows. Dian Pelangi, head designer of the Indonesian fashion company that bears her name, took the podium next, looking regal in a stunning floor-length green cape with a black hood. “Hijab means ‘to cover,’” she explained to half the audience that wasn’t already wearing one of these Muslim head coverings. “There was a time when the hijab was considered weird, backwards and old-fashioned,” Pelangi said. But now it is “huge trend.” Witness the fact that a Jakarta designer showed the first “modest” fashion line at New York Fashion Week this year. And the fact both Tommy Hilfiger and DKNY brought out a Ramadan collection. Or even the fact that Pelangi herself has 4.3 million Twitter followers who look to her for advice on modest styles. With 23 percent of the world’s population being followers of Islam, catering to Muslim women’s fashion needs makes business sense. “For me,” said Pelangi, “modest fashion is the next emerging market.” And yet, for the women at this symposium, fashion meant more than just looking good. “The fashion world as it exists today is about very public sexuality,” said Ann Shafer, an art

historian and architect specializing in Islamic culture who teaches at FIT. “So I’m trying to provide another world view”—the view that “sexuality is not a sort of public phenomenon.” Shafer herself converted to Islam and was covered except for her face. But don’t think this made her—or any of the women on the panel—feel second class. On the contrary, they spoke of the freedom and joy of dressing this way. In countries like America, where women have the choice to dress any way they please, “If women still choose to cover their bodies,” said Honig, they are not “victims” who need to be saved, they’re making a statement. “They take pride in their modesty because it’s part of who they are.” Added Shafer, “It is often assumed that Muslim women who wear conservative dress don’t have a relationship to their bodies.” On the contrary, “Islam is very open about sort of how to treat your body as a sexual phenomenon”—just not in public. The other speakers concurred. They don’t want to be thought of as sexless, just maybe excess-less; rejecting a culture that reveals too much. “Modest dress should not be the ‘other’ choice, just an equal choice,” said Malky Weichbrod, the observant Jew behind the website, “My Therapist Told Me to Write a Fashion Blog.” And if ladies kick it up a notch by making it look great, they’ve got the best of both worlds. As Lyn Bakri, founder of the fashion line Aneeqa, said, “You don’t have to show much skin to look beautiful and be confident.” The women at NYU, in their robes, scarves, wigs and heels, were evidence of that.

Hounds are coming to the Long Island Sound It’s not every day that dogs are invited to enjoy the festivities at a local park, but that’s exactly what will happen on Sunday, Oct. 9 in Mamaroneck. Hundreds of walkers and their dogs will take a leisurely stroll around the perimeter of Harbor Island Park as part of the 8th annual Hounds on the Sound Dog Walk and Festival. Dog lovers are invited to register for the walk and get pledges of support from family and friends. You can also just show up to walk and pay the $25 registration fee; $40 for a family. The event is a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Westchester and Pet Rescue, with some of the proceeds going to the Friends of Mount Vernon Shelter Animals. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the dog walk starting at 11:30 a.m. After the procession, browse the wares of numerous vendors (with lots of dog-related merchandise),

listen to music, and enjoy refreshments such as pizza, burgers, hot dogs from Walter’s and home-baked treats. Get a takehome photo of you and your dog posing at the water’s edge, get a balloon shaped like a dog, buy raffle tickets, and enjoy face painting and crafts for the kids. You can also run your dog through an agility course with a professional trainer. New this year will be dog contests including Best Costume, Best Trick and Best Kisser.

Both dogs and cats will also be available for adoption. To register or for more information, visit houndsonthesound.org. The Humane Society of Westchester is located at 70 Portman Road in New Rochelle. For more information on the nonprofit, visit newrochellehumanesociety.org. Pet Rescue can be contacted by mailing PO Box 393, Larchmont, NY 10538. For more information on the nonprofit, visit NY-petrescue.org. (Submitted)

The dog walk and festival also has fun activities for the human participants, like face painting and other crafts for kids.

CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

The dog walk and festival also has fun activities for the human participants, like face painting and other crafts for kids. Contributed photos


SPORTS

14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 30, 2016

Remembering No. 16 LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

As an avid baseball fan for much of my 31 years on this planet, I’ve seen my fair share of dramatic home runs. From Joe Carter’s World Series-winner in 1992 to Mike Piazza’s post-9/11 shot at Shea Stadium, there are a lot that were in the conversation for “most memorable.” At least, they were in the conversation until Monday night. In the Miami Marlins’ first game following the tragic boating death of 24-year-old phenom Jose Fernandez, Miami leadoff hitter Dee Gordon—a close friend of Fernandez—stepped into the right-handed batters box (he’s a lefty) as a tribute to his late teammate, took a pitch from the Mets’ Bartolo Colon, then dug in from the left side and cranked Colon’s next offering over the fence for his first home run of the season.

Tears flowed down Gordon’s cheeks as he rounded the bases, and he was mobbed by his teammates in the dugout, an unusual occurrence for a home run in the first inning of a game. It was an incredible sight, but given the passion and exuberance that their fallen teammate played with in his brief Major League Baseball career, it was a perfectly fitting tribute to Fernandez. In just three years as a major leaguer, Fernandez had become one of the most recognizable and popular stars in the game. A right-handed hurler with electric stuff, his starts were appointment viewing for baseball fans. But it wasn’t just his prodigious ability to rack up strikeouts that made Fernandez outings mustwatch TV; it was his on-field exuberance and passion for the game that set him apart. Sure, Fernandez’s celebrations may have rankled some of baseball’s elder statesmen; his first career homer led to a bench-

clearing fracas when Braves’ catcher Brian McCann felt he had admired his handiwork for a bit too long—but it didn’t take a genius to see that Fernandez wasn’t out there to show people up, he just simply loved the game of baseball. Earlier this season, Fernandez was hitting against Dodger rookie Kenta Maeda when Maeda fooled him on a letter-high, Frisbee slider. While no big-leaguer likes getting fooled, Fernandez’s reaction was unique; he flashed Maeda a huge grin, and when he got back to the dugout, he—still chuckling—demonstrated to his teammates just how much that pitch had moved, as if to say, “How the heck was I supposed to hit that?” No ballplayer likes to look bad, but Fernandez laughed it off, like he was a beer-league softball player razzing himself for swinging and missing in a slow pitch league. Fernandez was one of the game’s brightest stars, a Cuban-

Rye Athlete of the Week

TJ LAVELLE By LIAM BRENNAN Contributor With Rye’s football team off to a hot start in 2016, senior quarterback TJ Lavelle has earned the fall’s first Athlete of the Week honors. Lavelle and the Garnets are currently 4-0, and his presence under center is a big reason why. Teammate Brett Egan credits the Garnets’ success this year to Lavelle’s leadership skills. “TJ has become a strong leader of the football team,” Egan said. “He plays with incredible poise on the field.” Head coach Dino Garr has been very pleased with Lavelle’s work ethic on and off the field. “[Lavelle is] an intelligent,

hardworking, gifted athlete,” Garr said. “He prepares for each game with smart awareness of what is needed to be successful at his position of quarterback.” In addition, Coach Garr mentions the impact Lavelle will have on future Garnet football players. “TJ is a young gentleman who leads his team with solid confidence and focus,” the head coach said. “TJ has been a model for future Garnets to emulate.” Lavelle’s preseason selection to the Hudson Valley Hundred has been well-deserved. This season, he has completed 32 of his 51 pass attempts for a total of 817 yards and seven touchdown passes. Although it is still early in the season, thanks

to the play of TJ, the Garnets have a shot at making a deep playoff run.

Sponsor: www.PiazzaPizzaRye.com We Deliver

Piazza Pizzeria 921-4444

On Sept. 25, Marlins’ pitcher Jose Fernandez died in a boating accident in Miami. The loss was a huge one for the baseball world. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.com

born immigrant to this country who risked his life to seek opportunity in America. He had a world of talent and could have been a perennial all-star, one of the sport’s great young players. But what I—and many others—will remember him most for is the emotion with which he played the game of baseball.

He made baseball fun, because he was clearly having fun. Sometimes, moments in sports feel so perfect, it’s almost as though they’re scripted. Gordon’s homer on Monday was one of those. Watching him and the rest of the Marlins fight back tears as they celebrated in the dugout was proof that although

Fernandez might be gone, his impact on the game and the lives he touched live on. We might not see another player like No. 16 for a while, but I’m just glad I got to see him at all.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports


SPORTS

September 30, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15

Rye spikes Huskies VOLLEYBALL

class a

RYE 3 HARRISON 0 HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL 9/26/16

Game Notes: • Rye topped Harrison 25-16, 25-17, 25-10 • Rye’s Jade Iadarola had 10 kills, 10 digs and seven aces • Rye improved to 3-0 within the league

By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor With all of nearly 10 months to mull over last season’s loss to Harrison, Rye’s volleyball team came into Monday’s meeting with the Huskies looking for some measure of revenge, and a win over their rivals. They would get both, downing the Huskies in straight sets to improve their league record to 3-0. Last year, Harrison edged Rye in a five-set nail-biter, but this year, thanks to a quick start, the Garnets were able to turn the tables and top the Huskies 2516, 25-17, 25-10. According to Rye’s second-year head coach,

Olivia Negri serves against Harrison on Sept. 26. Rye scored a decisive win over the Huskies.

Geri Jones, last season’s loss to the Huskies didn’t sit well with the four returning Garnets. “We almost beat Harrison last year and we graduated nine seniors,” Jones said. “But the girls that returned remembered what

that loss felt like.” On Monday, Rye was led by a terrific performance by junior Jade Iadarola, who tallied 10 kills, 10 digs and seven aces to help her squad bury the Huskies. But it has been Rye’s abil-

Christine Coleman blocks a shot at the net against the Huskies. Photos/Mike Smith

Jamie Donnelly sends a shot over the heads of two Harrison players.

ity to embrace a team concept, especially defensively, that has helped the Garnets get off to a perfect league record. “There is a lot that we do well, and we’re not only a good offensive team, we train very hard on defense,” Jones said. “We work really well together on the court and the girls have had great chemistry so far.” More importantly, added the head coach, the squad is simply finding ways to win. With only three seniors on the roster, the young Garnets team has shown great adaptability thus far, and parlayed that into a successful start to the season. “They’re learning how to win, which is something we weren’t able to do last year,” she said. “They love to win, and winning is contagious.” Harrison will look to bounce back from the loss to the Garnets on Sept. 28, after press time, when they travel to Pelham to take on a solid Pelicans squad. The Garnets will look to continue their unbeaten streak in the league on Wednesday when they take on a surging Eastchester club. “I think we can always improve,” Jones said. “We need to be able to adjust to the other team’s hitters a little quick-

Jade Iadarola gets set to serve on Sept. 26. Iadarola had 10 kills, 10 digs and seven aces.

er and continue to be able to find a weakness, and we’re just going to have to take

each team as they come.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com


16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • September 30, 2016

October 2016

Planning ahead... SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY Domestic Violence Awareness Month

1

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Bullying Prevention Month

2

Rosh Hashanah

3

Rosh Hashanah

Rye and Rye Neck schools closed

4

Rosh Hashanah

Rye and Rye Neck schools closed Planning Commission meeting 7 p.m., Rye City Hall

Humane Society 8th annual Dog Walk 10 a.m., Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck

9

10

Columbus Day, government offices and schools closed

Yom Kippur

11

Rye Neck Board of Education planning session 6:30 p.m., Administration building

5

16

17

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

12

Rye and Rye Neck schools closed

18

Rye Board of Education meeting 8 p.m., RMS

23

24

Rye Neck Senior Portraits Board of Architectural Review meeting 7:30 p.m., City Hall

30

Halloween

31

25

Landmarks Committee Meeting 7 p.m., City Hall

8

Fire Department Inspection 7 p.m., Locust Avenue Firehouse

13

Sustainability Committee meeting 9:30 a.m., City Hall

14

Rye Neck homecoming games

15

Rye Neck homecoming games

Board of Architectural Review meeting 7:30 p.m., City Hall Traffic and Pedestrian Safety meeting 7:30 p.m., City Hall

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

7

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

RCSD Superintendent’s Conference Day, schools closed

World Mental Health Day

6

RHS Back-to-School Night

19

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

20

Board of Appeals meeting City Hall

RHS Fall Play

21

RHS Fall Play

22

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

26

RCSD Elementary ParentTeacher Conference Day 11 a.m. dismissal

27

Rye Neck High School drama production 7:30 p.m.

28

29

Osborn Scare Fair


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.