November 25, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 48 | www.ryecityreview.com
KEEP IT
CLEAN
A coalition of elected officials, conservationists and titans of industry is calling upon New York state to provide more funding to municipalities under the Clean Water grants program. Pictured is a view from the Hommocks Conservation area in the town of Mamaroneck, where the coalition held a news conference on Nov.16. For story, see page 8. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
The Manhattanville College administration is leaning toward adjusting its shuttle bus service, following elevated outrage from the student body about the safety of its current schedule. On Nov. 10, Michael Geisler, the college’s president, confirmed that the administration
has begun discussing retracting last year’s controversial decision to alter the bus service schedule, according to Touchstone, the school’s newspaper. “I think we’re willing to bring back the bus starting in the spring term,” he said. The interest in altering the school’s bus service comes in the wake of last month’s death of Robby Schartner, a 21-year-
old junior at the college who was killed by Emma Fox, of Rye, while returning to campus after a night out in White Plains. As of September 2015, the college decided to cut the last campus bus route on Fridays and Saturdays, which typically returned to campus by 3:30 a.m. As a result, the bus, the Valiant Express, makes its final
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
As deliberations over a controversial proposal by telecom contractor Crown Castle aimed at bolstering Rye’s cellular service drag on, the Rye City Council will now also consider an alternative plan spawned from an independent consultant hired by some of the city’s own residents. The alternative plan, submitted by the consulting group CityScape officials48 on | November 25, 2016 | Vol.to4,city Number Nov. 16, would replace the installation of dozens of smaller wireless signal-emitting nodes—which currently number 64 in Crown Castle’s proposal— to 10 much larger poles across the city. Documents submitted last week show that the newly proposed poles would be located on or near municipal buildings and range in size from 70 to 100 feet long and resemble a flagpole, as opposed to the currently proreturn to campus at 1:30 a.m. posed equipment which would On Oct. 9, Schartner had include antennae that range in been walking along Westches- size from 4 to 6 feet long. ter Avenue in White Plains According to Josh Coen, a when he was struck by Fox, 24, Rye resident who has helped who was under the influence at mobilize a committee of resithe time of the incident. At the dents opposed to the proposal time, police reported that Fox and are responsible for hiring had a blood alcohol content of CityScape, though the poles three times the legal limit in would be much larger, their location could help mitigate poMANHATTANVILLE continued on page 11 tential adverse effects on prop-
Manhattanville plans change in bus service schedule By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
Residents propose Crown Castle plan alternative erty values; a primary concern of residents. While the telecom service provider’s current proposal would install equipment on top of telephone poles located in what’s known as the city “right-ofway”—specifically locations adjacent to homes and city sidewalks—the residents’ plan would shift any additional equipment away from homes, and towards government-owned property such as the Fire Department, Whitby Castle and the city Boat Basin. “The 64 new Crown [nodes] www.cityreviewnr.com would go in the utility right-ofway, that runs across many people’s lawn or backyard,” Coen said. “We think that’s a bad thing.” The right-of-way use agreement was enacted between the city and Crown Castle—then called NextG—in 2011 during the administration of Mayor Douglas French, a Republican, and sets guidelines for when, where and how the company may alter or improve its equipment. Coen said both he and other residents fear that once new equipment is installed, it could give Crown Castle—who is being contracted by Verizon Wirelesss—license to alter the site at will. “Once a [pole] is an existing wireless site, other equipment CROWN continued on page 8
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November 25, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3
Walter’s expresses interest in Rye Town Park
With news that Seaside Johnnies has decided to pull out of Rye Town Park, the ownership at Mamaroneck’s historic Walter’s Hot Dog Stand has expressed interest in operating a food truck at the park and Oakland Beach area next season. Photo courtesy Walter’s Hot Dogs
By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Westchester’s famed food stand, Walter’s Hot Dogs, is interested in operating a food truck out of Rye Town Park to fill the opening left by Seaside Johnnies’ exit. Katharine Warrington Woodward, the public relations and events manager of Walter’s, told the Review this week that the family-owned company is anticipating a discussion with the Rye Town Park Commission about an opportunity to operate at the beginning of 2017. “We’re definitely interested in bringing a food truck to [Rye Town Park],” she said. Walter’s interest comes on the heels of the owners of Seaside Johnnies, John Ambrose and Sam Chernin, the park’s current restaurant tenants, rejecting a new deal to continue operating the restaurant for one year with an option for a second year. On Nov. 15, the park commission offered Ambrose the new deal by adjusting its previous offer of just a one-year extension. That latest proposal also offered a refund of 25 percent of the fees in rent charged— approximately $25,000—to Ambrose if he was not brought back for a second year. Rye Town Supervisor Gary
Zuckerman, a Democrat and president of the park commission, said that despite Walter’s interest, there are a number of questions remaining before the commission determines its next plan of action. “There might be community opposition to a foodtruck operation at the beach,” he said. “I don’t know yet for certain if the other [park] commissioners would be in favor of that.” Even with Walter’s now a possibility at the Oakland Beach area, Ambrose, who has operated Seaside Johnnies at the park since 2000, told the Review there is still hope to work out a deal with the commission before year-end. “The door is ajar at this particular time,” he said. Ambrose, who has rejected two proposals to date, added that there’s enough time to salvage his relationship with the commission, and certainly an adequate amount of time to submit a counteroffer, which he plans to do urgently. Ambrose would not reveal any details about his potential proposal. However, according to Zuckerman, it seems unlikely that the two parties will reach a conclusion before Seaside Johnnies’ license agreement expires at the end of December. “When one door closes, another always
opens,” Zuckerman said. “If our time with Seaside Johnnies is in fact over, we must move ahead and look forward to other opportunities; [Walter’s] can be one of several opportunities.” Walter’s Hot Dog Stand, which is located on Palmer Avenue in the town of Mamaroneck, was founded by Walter Warrington in 1919. The family business, which can easily be identified by its pagoda-style copper roof with dragon lanterns, is a nationally registered historical landmark. A food truck operation at the park could help minimize the economic loss of as much as an estimated $200,000 as a result of the absence of Seaside Johnnies and no substitute able to step in to fill the restaurant on such short notice. “We’re in a good place right now; I love Walter’s as an idea for a food truck,” said Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican and member of the park commission. “But before negotiating with anyone, there’s still some stuff to work out.” Rye Brook Mayor Paul Rosenberg, a Democrat and member of the park commission, could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
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What’s going on... Rye Free Reading Room
book selection and snack on coffee and cake. To keep the titles timely and meaningful, each month’s choice is agreed upon at the previous meeting and all books are available at the library prior to the meeting. This discussion will be held off-site. Please call the library at 967-0480 or stop by for the location.
public on an ongoing basis to novice and experienced writers.
Wainwright House
Rye Recreation
Gizmos Science Fun Club
For more information on hours and programs, visit ryelibrary.org.
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.
Friday Book Café On Friday, Dec. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. “A Christmas Memory: One Christmas, and The Thanksgiving Visitor” by Truman Capote will be discussed. This is a monthly meeting of this longrunning and lively book group. Gather with interesting, thoughtful people to discuss this month’s
On Friday, Dec. 2 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Meeting Room. For grades K–2. Please note that children must be able to participate without an accompanying adult. 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. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Visit ryelibrary.org, click on Programs & Events, Kids, the event date and then the Register button.
Rye Library Writers On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Ogden Nash Room. Share work, brainstorm, encourage fellow writers and be encouraged in a welcoming and supportive environment. This writers’ group meets once a month to discuss works in progress, writing topics, the writing process, and individual writing joys and challenges. Open to the
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.
Volunteer opportunities Wainwright House invites those interested in volunteering to join its volunteer enrichment program. Opportunities are available to train as docents, who would conduct tours of the beautiful mansion, and discuss the history of the house with visitors. Volunteers also help with special events throughout the year in various capacities. Wainwright House is a learning center situated on 5 acres of lawns and gardens, overlooking Milton Harbor on Long Island Sound at 260 Stuyvesant Ave. in Rye. For more information, call Mary de Barros or Angela Sculti at 967-6080 or visit wainwright.org.
The Rye Arts Center The Rye Arts Center is located at 51 Milton Road in Rye. For more information or to register for the programs below, call 9670700 or visit ryeartscenter.org.
Small works exhibition and sale The exhibit closes on Saturday, Dec. 3. Featuring more than 25 artists, this juried exhibition and sale will feature diverse works no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches; affordable art for all.
Rye Meeting House
‘On the Wing’ photo exhibit By popular request, the Bird Homestead nonprofit will hold over “On the Wing,” an exhibit of photographs of birds by Nadia Valla on view at the Meeting House, until Nov. 26. 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
Winter program online registration opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 for residents and on Tuesday, Dec. 13 for non-residents. 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 ryeny.gov/recreation.cfm for more information and to view the winter brochure.
Turkey Run The 40th annual Turkey Run and Paws Walk for all ages will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26 at Rye Recreation Park. Fee: $15 before Nov. 22; $20 up to the race day. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. on the day. The Paws Walk starts at 9 a.m.; the 1-mile Fun Run starts at 9:30 a.m., and the 3.1- or 5.2-mile race/walk starts at 10 a.m. Register online at ryeny.gov/recreation.cfm. For more information, call 967-2535.
Ho Ho Ho! Santa is Calling On Monday, Dec. 12 or Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free and for Rye residents only. For ages 3 to 7. Santa has made special arrangements with Rye Recreation to telephone your child at home. A special registration form is required and is available at Rye Recreation, 281 Midland Ave., and online at ryeny.gov/recreation.cfm. Sign up as early as possible before Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m., and Santa will do his best to reach all the good children in Rye.
Dear Santa Through Wednesday, Dec. 14. The mailboxes are located at Rye Recreation, 281 Midland Ave., and at the corner of Elm and Purchase streets. Your child’s letter will be taken by special delivery, via reindeer express, directly to Santa Claus at the North Pole. Santa will answer as many letters as possible. No stamps necessary; however, a return address is required.
Pancakes with Santa On Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. at the Damiano Recreation Center, 281 Midland Ave. Registration is required as space is limited to 100 participants. For ages 2 to 7. Fee: $18 per registrant (children and adults); non-residents add $2. Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and have your picture taken with Santa. Santa requests that parents supply gifts for their own child for him to distribute, valued under $20, to be dropped off at Rye Recreation by Tuesday, Dec. 13. 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.
November 25, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5
City shelves milestone restoration, relocation By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Although it seemed likely that the City Council would accept a proposal to relocate one of Rye’s Benjamin Franklin mile markers on Nov. 16, the decision was postponed and will likely take place by the end of December. During the latest City Council meeting, the city Landmarks Advisory Committee presented its proposal to relocate the 25th milestone, which is currently embedded in a low stone wall running along Boston Post Road across the street from Parkway Drive, to its original location on Old Post Road near the Osborn retirement community property. However, after additional thought, members of the City Council elected to postpone a decision until Dec. 21 in order to gain more of a community perspective on the issue. “There was a sense from the committee that they wanted to move forward, but I think we need a little more time to come to a conclusion after hearing the facts, and without being under pressure,” said
Councilwoman Danielle TaggerEpstein, a Democrat. The A.M. Art Conservation Company, which was responsible for restoring mile markers in the town/village of Scarsdale, has been commissioned to undertake the proposed assignment for $14,600. According to the company, the project includes removal and transportation, stabilization through a wet cleaning method, and mounting the milestone near the retirement property. Even with the City Council expressing a need for more time to reach a decision, Maurio Sax, a member of the landmarks committee, said there’s certainly been enough time to think about the proposal considering the amount of presentations and several meetings the committee has conducted on the issue. “I’ve never heard any resident voice an opinion objecting to this,” he said. “Right now, the milestone is not available for the public to view, and we just want to bring them up to date and give them new dignity.” According to Sax, aside from
its inconspicuous location, an abundance of dangers are present to those trying to visit the 25th milestone. “Anyone that wants to view the mile marker puts their life in danger trying to cross [Boston] Post Road,” he said. Sax added the mile marker is often shrouded in poison ivy and sharp branches, too. In 1763, the historical mile markers were established to create postal rates. Benjamin Franklin, who was the deputy postmaster general at the time, constructed 230 milestones at 1-mile intervals for regulating postal rates and aiding mail delivery between New York City and Boston. During that time period, postal rates were charged by the mile. The city of Rye is believed to be the only municipality in Westchester County to still possess a full set of mile markers that are either located near or at their original designated sites. There are three milestones located in the city of Rye, and an additional one located on the Rye-Port Chester border, which is currently under the supervi-
After a presentation by the city Landmarks Advisory Committee and the A.M. Arts Conservation Company on Nov. 16, the Rye City Council decided to postpone a vote to relocate the city’s 25th mile marker to Dec. 21. Photos/Franco Fino
sion of the city. The 24th milestone is mounted on the wall in front of the Jay Heritage Center on the east side of Boston Post Road, and the
26th mile marker, which was originally located outside of the Christ’s Church on Boston Post Road, now sits inside City Hall. Following its restoration
in 2013, it was relocated to City Hall to prevent further deterioration. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
Tasting
6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 25, 2016
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Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Reporter | James Pero ext. 20, james@hometwn.com Reporter | Franco Fino ext. 18, franco@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 Writer Corey Stockton Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite Columnists John Carey, Rye City Council, Lenore Skenazy, Joe Murphy
A chef from Hive Living Room + Bar at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel hosts a cooking demonstration for attendees with his son acting as sous chef.
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.
Cerebral Palsy of Westchester sponsored a food and wine tasting event on Nov. 7, featuring more than 25 of the area’s finest restaurants and beverage establishments. The event took place at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel in West Harrison, where attendees purchased tickets to benefit the nonprofit organization. In addition to tastings from throughout the county and Connecticut, Marty’s Jazz Trio provided a relaxing musical accompaniment, as chefs from Hive Living Room + Bar as well as Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant and Inn performed cooking demonstrations. Cerebral Palsy of Westchester’s mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. The organization provides essential services, vocational training, recreation, rehabilitation and advocacy to thousands of children
Family members from family-owned Walter’s Hot Dog Stand in Mamaroneck serve hot dogs from their Palmer Avenue restaurant, a registered historical landmark.
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, a local microbrewery based in Elmsford, taste-tested some of its most famous craft beers.
and adults in Westchester and Fairfield counties. All proceeds from the event will be put towards efforts to aide children and adults suffer-
ing from cerebral palsy who require need services in order to better enjoy activities regardless of the level of their abilities. -Reporting by Andrew Dapolite
Community Events
If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com.
A fondue fountain coats fruits and sweets with chocolate.
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From left, CPW board President Richard Osterer; Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont; Linda Kuck, executive director; Kiyoko Brown, board secretary; and Venita Osterer, board member.
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.
Fairfield Cheese Company, based in Fairfield, Connecticut, provides all sorts of artisanal cheeses. Photos/Andrew Dapolite
November 25, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7
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Coalition calls for $800M in public works grants
tive proposal difficult to draft due to lack of information. can be added to it with little to Concerns over the project no approval,” Coen said. mounted throughout the course A letter sent to the city from of the summer, resulting in CityScape suggests that by shift- numerous well-attended, and ing any new equipment to mu- sometimes contentious, public nicipal buildings, the city could hearings. avoid Crown Castle tacking on While initial hesitation inequipment without city over- cluded the potential for adverse sight. health effects resulting from the “Facilities on municipal prop- nodes’ emission of radio freerty are… free from ‘pile-on’ quencies, RF, Coen—citing the risk,” the letter states. “The city city’s lack of regulatory authorwould retain oversight on ad- ity of RF waves—said that residitional [equipment] located on dents’ main concerns are now municipal property.” the proposal’s impacts on aesCurrently eight of 10 pro- thetics and property values. spective sites for poles are locatHow the residents’ plan will ed on city-owned property. factor into the City Council’s Additionally, consultants decision, however, remains to be from CityScape also claim that seen, as the council is still curCrown Castle has failed to show rently in the midst of deliberatadequate proof that there are ing both the company’s proposal significant gaps in Verizon’s and its adherence with State coverage, making any alterna- Environmental Quality Review CROWN from page 1
process, SEQR. “I think it’s very interesting, and we’ll certainly consider it just as we have considered everything that has been presented to us,” said Rye Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican. City Attorney Kristen Wilson said the alternative plan has been sent to Crown Castle and will be discussed with the contractor via conference call after press time. Though the city—who hired its own lawyer and engineer to assist its navigation of Crown Castle’s proposal in July—has said that it will make a decision on the company’s SEQR application on Dec. 7, Wilson said in light of the proposal, a decision could be delayed until Dec. 21, when the City Council must make a decision on the proposal as a whole. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
State Assemblyman Steve Otis, right, a former mayor of the city of Rye, speaks at a news conference in the town of Mamaroneck on Nov. 16 as New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson looks on. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Assistant Editor On a recent fall morning, elected officials, titans of industry and some concerned residents gathered at the littleknown Hommocks Conservation area in the town of Mamaroneck to call upon New York state to extend its Clean Water grants program for crucial water infrastructure projects. Also announced on Nov. 16 was the formation of a coalition, which includes elected officials, worker union officials, conservationists and members of the construction industry, to lobby for crucial water repairs, and how the high costs of such projects cannot be funded by individual communities alone, without state intervention. The projects are ways to ensure that wastewater is properly treated and managed to protect the environment for years to come. On the wooden viewing platform of the conservation area, Mamaroneck Town Supervisor Nancy Seligson, a Democrat, said that the site could be affected by polluted runoff, especially after heavy rains and when sewer pipes aren’t repaired. “I worry about how to repair sewer infrastructure and how to pay for it,” she said. “The costs are too high
for each municipality to do it on their own.” One necessary clean water project that Seligson pointed to is the installation of ultraviolet light treatment to the town of Mamaroneck’s entire water system, a part of the Westchester Joint Water Works, which could cost $80 million. This does not include repairs to water mains which are a century old, according to Seligson. Seligson added that the town has been working with the villages of Mamaroneck, Larchmont and Pelham Manor, and the city of New Rochelle; all part of New Rochelle’s sewer district. Democratic state Assemblyman Steve Otis, also a former mayor of the city of Rye, was credited for recognizing and helping to initiate the Clean Water program at the state level in 2014, garnering support from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, both Democrats. The program has now provided more than $400 million in grants toward municipal projects. All who spoke at the conference praised Otis’ efforts. “We have, statewide, over $70 billion in water infrastructure projects that need to be done,” Otis said. “Even with low-interest loans from the state, it’s too
much debt [for municipalities].” Seligson added that these clean water initiatives are crucial not just for drinking water and the environment, but also to provide jobs in the region; one reason why construction and union leaders are participating in the coalition. Otis said that every $10 million granted creates 160 new jobs. “This is pure water, pure jobs; it’s good for property tax payers,” he added. “We need to grow this program and put more projects [in motion].” New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, a Democrat, said that many of the things needed to be done to protect the water quality in the Long Island Sound “are falling to our little old municipality.” He also pointed out that more needs to be done with investing in infrastructure. “There’s this mismatch between the scale of the need and the importance of the priority, and the resources that are available to us,” he said. “Unless those two things are equalized, the financial condition of our municipality is going to suffer terribly, and eventually the quality of the Long Island Sound will suffer as well…. All of us will pay the price.” CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
Concerned residents offered their perspective on a controversial Crown Castle proposal that could see the installation of wireless equipment citywide. File photo
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Experiences that impacted elders SENIOR INFORMATION SUBJECTS JOSEPH MURPHY
I was talking with a woman who I got to know through my introduction to tenant eviction issues. The inevitably of evictions was confronted as a result of the consequences resulting from Hurricane Sandy. Unanticipated flooding had a major impact on tenants residing at Highland Hall over the last decade. In addition to the storm conditions, there was an underlying tragedy that unfolded. This other disaster was associated with the number of tenants facing eviction as a result of increasing failures to pay rent or meet rent increases under new management. Tenant challenges were complicated. Some lost their full-time jobs. In addition, they also lost the opportunity to depend on their benevolent landlord who was known to assist tenants when confronted with periods of misery. However, at the time of this crisis, the generosity of the landlord stopped because he was saddled with negotiations to sell the building; so the idea of a tenant negotiating an extension to remain in their apartment was flawed. Now the landlord was unavailable and hesitant to assist tenants, lest he lose the prospect of selling the building. Concomitantly, there were tenants in jeopardy due to pressures, stemming from the loss of other networks to gain monetary security. Specifically, some tenants were able to rely on “contract work” relationships offered from networks developed over the years. Unfortunately, these long-standing arrangements were declining in targeted fields of practice. Then there were the realities of the elderly tenants on fixed incomes, many of whom lived in restrictive apartments in the basement. Most of these tenants were women. Single-family parents and elders were uncertain as to how to remain in their apartments. The schedules for action were especially alarming once the building was sold. The idea of change only heightened anxieties among all tenants. In my work with the tenants and the landlord, I sought viable solutions for those who were most challenged. In one instance, I was able to relocate an elderly woman
to Rye Manor. In the case of a single parent troubled by the loss of her job, I was able to identify a benefactor to assist her, thus temporarily allaying her fears. She gained time to improve her situation, and she took advantage of it. She could find contract work; but her household expenses far exceeded those earnings. In addition, she used her network skills to find a unique position with a family caring for an elderly mother. This position was pure luck, especially when she was invited to reside in the client’s home to offer 24/7 care. Although a stopgap solution riddled with limitations for any long-term security, she was encouraged to make an application at Rye Manor, recognizing that the admissions process was extensive. While she had to wait over three years for her application to be approved, in early 2016 she was offered an apartment in Rye Manor, and her life changed dramatically. She is now secure in her new apartment and able to cover her living expenses. The impact for all tenants in this Highland Hall experience, although overwhelming after Sandy, has since stabilized once the flooding conditions were corrected and alternate housing was found for the few in most need. Today, this story has become a prequel to the challenges facing seniors, especially women, today. Many are unexpectedly confronted with health issues, as well as notices to relocate from their homes based on actions landlords are taking to enhance their profit margins. Many landlords are making improvements to their buildings to gain greater returns on investments; and to meet these goals, senior tenants are being notified to evacuate their apartments within 30 to 60 days. Housing landscapes are changing and profits are soaring for landlords. Our elders are being displaced and find it more difficult to identify new apartments in the area. One unexpected outcome is that where new housing has been built, communities are now struggling with overcrowding and increases in school enrollment, as well as traffic congestion. In Larchmont for instance, the village allowed the construction of many new buildings and as a result, their community’s congestion is troubling. So the village has imposed a moratorium on new construction.
In contrast, the city of Rye is experiencing a significant change in its landscape. Small Cape Cod homes built in the ‘50s are being bought, razed and replaced by larger, more expensive homes formerly owned by seniors. Once seniors sell their homes, they are confronted with finding another home, but no longer in Rye because of the incredibly high costs of the new houses and the dwindling inventory of apartments. The crowds of elders seeking admission cannot be accommodated. As for elders living alone, they are being forced to move due to increasing taxes coupled with the challenges to maintain the upkeep of their homes. Many of these elders are either forced to ignore maintenance issues or hire outside contractors. Seniors are seeking refuge in senior housing complexes that are affordable, like Rye Manor or other HUD buildings. But some may not find adequate housing in a timely manner and may be subject to living in their cars until they can identify proper housing. I have seen this trend in my practice and know this alternative is frightening. Should this pattern unravel where seniors are relocating under pressure, it will be a challenging issue for local communities. Fortunately, Rye has started the construction of a 44-unit apartment complex that is affordable for persons age 55 and older. There is also the proposal targeting the property at 120 Old Post Road as a site projected for senior housing. The landscape changes in Rye are forcing us to lose a precious component of our community. It has been the buildup of our neighborhoods where many friendships have been anchored over time with neighbors, young and old, who have come to love and enjoy one another; and it is the loss of our elders in these neighborhoods who helped build Rye and will now be lost. Remember, the loss should be replaced by other seniors moving into our community, and ideally they will bring to our borders the nourishment to enrich our tomorrows. Thank you for reading; and I invite you to share any ideas you may have to resolve issues confronting our community, and hopefully you will advise me of them. You can reach me at 643-7813. CONTACT: gunnerjpm@aol.com
Police investigate swastikas at SUNY Purchase
The New York state University Police at SUNY Purchase College are investigating swastikas that were drawn on a bulletin board in one of the college’s dorms on Nov. 20. File photo
By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Police are investigating hateful images that were found in one of the dorm rooms at SUNY Purchase College on Nov. 20. According to Betsy Aldredge, a spokeswoman for the college, the New York state University Police, UPD, began investigating the vandalism after the college discovered three swastikas drawn on a bulletin board in one of the dormitories late last weekend. After the incident, Thomas Schwarz, the president of the college, sent a message to the campus community. “We continue to explore our options for protecting our most vulnerable on campus,” he said in the statement. “I urge you all to remain active, engaged and committed to ensuring that our campus is a model for what our nation
should be.” Schwarz also warned the community of the repercussions for violating the college’s policy on hate crimes. “I would like to add that hate crimes are considered felonies and are punishable by arrest and dismissal from the college,” he said. Aldredge said that as part of the college’s protocol, any incidents involving a hate crime are first reported to the university’s police, and are then referred to the “appropriate authorities,” including the Westchester County Intelligence Center, and the Evidence Collection and Bias Crime teams from the New York state police. On Nov. 13, Westchester County police discovered antiSemitic and anti-African-American imagery along the Bronx River bike path in the city of White Plains. County police said the footpath and bridge were defaced with spray-painted swas-
tikas, KKK initials, and various racial slurs. That investigation is currently ongoing. This also isn’t the first time that SUNY Purchase has been faced with hate crimes. In March 2015, campus authorities investigated a similar incident involving swastikas that were found spray-painted in a dorm room. According to Aldredge, a student was ultimately arrested and expelled from the college. Aldredge would not provide additional details on that incident. Around the same time, nooses were found spraypainted in another dorm, but that incident remains unsolved. The college’s police said the investigation into the recent discovery of swastikas is ongoing as well, but would not provide additional information, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
November 25, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11
Mamaroneck to conduct deer study with drone
MANHATTANVILLE from page 1
New York state; Fox was measured at 0.21, and the legal limit is 0.08. She is being charged with aggravated DUI and firstdegree vehicular manslaughter. “In regard to safety, this is the best decision the school can make,” said Falon Kirby, a senior at the college. “Students won’t feel stranded or lost [in White Plains], and will know that, no matter what the hour, they will return to Manhattanville College safely.” As part of a new school policy implemented last year, the college altered the schedule for the Valiant Express bus, adding four early morning runs to transport students to and from White Plains Monday through Friday in place of the last two weekend runs. “I love the [late] bus coming back to campus,” said Jess Cowle, a junior at the college. “I think it’s a great way for students to get home from a night out.” J.J. Pryor, a spokeswoman for the college, previously told the Review that the administration enacted the change in the Valiant Express, which was once dubbed as the “drunk bus,”
Manhattanville College’s administration is contemplating reintroducing its former bus schedule, which included later pickups on weekends, following the death of junior Robby Schartner on Oct. 9. Photo courtesy Karina Cordova
in order to comply with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986. She said that an institution could potentially be penalized if the college is aware of on- or off-campus conduct that encourages drinking and does nothing to prevent such abuse. But while the school administration plans to reverse course back to its former bus schedule, it’s currently unclear how the col-
lege will balance complying with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, and protecting the safety of students returning from downtown White Plains under the influence after a night out. Pryor could not be reached for comment, as of press time. Fox was released from Westchester County Jail on Nov. 10, and is due back in court on Dec. 6. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
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Efforts to accurately assess deer populations in Mamaroneck will move forward as a hired consultant gears up to survey the village using a drone. According to Village Manager Richard Slingerland, it has been confirmed that the study will start on Dec. 31, 2016, and will survey several areas of the village particularly affected by the presence of deer such as Shore Acres, Orienta, Green Haven and Harbor Heights. The study, Slingerland said, will take approximately three days and will cost $3,220. According to Taffy Williams, the consultant hired to conduct the survey, the drone will use thermal and visible light imaging to provide the village with a sampling of various locations. These images, Williams—who
is a wildlife rehabilitator with the state DEC and an FAA-licensed drone operator—said will be sourced over at least three different excursions that could take as long as three hours each, and will then be analyzed for several weeks after they’re collected. According to Williams, while there are other methods used to track deer, the use of drones will give the village the most accurate picture. “There really is no other way to accurately assess numbers of deer,” she said. “Some people would swear by the pellet method, but it’s been widely discredited.” A pellet based method of tracking deer—which counts the number of deer pellets within a given area and then extrapolates that data—presents too many
variables, according to Williams. “One deer can produce a wealth of pellets,” she said. “Or there could be [an] opposite, if a deer is malnourished, they may put out just a few droppings.” A study to track the deer was spawned in March from an Ad Hoc Deer Committee that was formed by the village Board of Trustees in November 2015 after Mamaroneck residents complained of an overabundant deer population exacerbating deer-related auto accidents, damage to landscaping, and the potential of contracting Lyme disease. After Westchester County rejected pleas from both the city of Rye and the village last year for help culling their deer population, the village will now foot the bill for its own survey. -Reporting by James Pero
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12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 25, 2016
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November 25, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13
Old jokes to die laughing at RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
An elderly man comes into a bar and notices a lovely lady about his age having a drink by herself. He pulls up a stool, leans over and asks, “So... do I come here often?” Sure, laugh. Or cry. Fact is, we’ll all be the lady or the man some day—God willing. In the meantime, we can tremble, or simply grab a copy of “Die Laughing: Killer Jokes for Newly Old Folks,” the new book by William Novak. The cover shows a cane slipping on a banana peel. But the real joke is on the rest of us who didn’t think of this great idea first. Novak, 68, is the author of 25 other books, and, by the way, father of BJ Novak, writer, actor and executive producer of “The Office” (he played Ryan Howard). Papa Novak is probably best known as co-author of “The Big Book of Jewish Humor.” But he says he was between books— “which is a ‘writerly’ way of saying unemployed”—when he hurt his shoulder and had to go to physical therapy for the first time in his life. So he’s stretching, aching, and dealing with doctors when he realizes: This is not a unique experience. What the world needs is a joke book about exactly this—the changes that eventually come to your body, your routine, your love life (!), and especially, your short-term memory: Mr. Jackson, your test results have come back, and I’m afraid I have a double dose of bad news. Just tell me. I can handle it. Okay. You have cancer, and you also have Alzheimer’s. That’s terrible. But at least I
don’t have cancer! Eleven publishers told Novak no. One (obviously) said yes, so Novak started collecting jokes. As he did, he realized two things: First: “No joke is ever told for the first time.” Proof? Two older men, acquaintances but not really friends, are sitting on a park bench. One turns to the other and says, “Remind me, was it you or your brother who died last winter?” Novak says that when his friend told him that joke, he loved it and immediately decided to include it. Then, a few weeks later he was in Vermont and found “The World’s Oldest Joke Book.” It was literally a book of thigh-slappers from 4th century Greece—including the joke, “Was it you or your brother...?” But if there are no new jokes, what is eternally new is the strange sensation of having been a young person but now gradually experiencing all the things you associate with old people. To make some sense of this, Novak arranged the jokes into chapters on things like “Long marriages,” “New partners,” “Sex” (yes, I will get to some of these), “Death,” and then its funnier counterpart, “The afterlife.” So, sex? A man goes into the confession booth. “Father,” he says. “I’m 82 years old. I have children and grandchildren, but last night I made love to a girl who’s 24. And not just once but twice!” “Tell me,” says the priest, “when was the last time you came to confession?” “This is my first time. I’m Jewish.” “So why are you telling me?” “Telling you? I’m telling everybody!” For sexier ones, buy the book. Or, heck, here’s one... sort of: Mrs. Silver, a former seam-
CPW takes part in #GivingTuesday on Nov. 29
stress, was walking through town when a flasher stepped forward and opened his raincoat right in front of her. She looked at him and asked, “You call that a lining?” When I was reading these jokes, a strange thing happened to me that might happen to you, too. I heard them in my father’s voice. That’s not just because my dad loved to tell jokes—toward the end of his life that’s what he asked me for most: “Got any new ones?” It’s because jokes themselves are almost an artifact of another era, one that’s dying off. “Funny people these days, they do routines and many are terrific. But they’re not jokes in the form we know them, the ‘Two guys walk into a bar,’” Novak said. Today’s comics “tell stories, or riff, but what I’m interested in—one of my goals— is to preserve the art of the joke, Members of Cerebral Palsy of Westchester hold up signs for the nonprofit’s #GivingTuesday on Nov. 29. which I fear is leaving us.” The guys who’d grab a mic Contributed photo and rat-a-tat-tat, “My wife drove Cerebral Palsy of Westches- developmental disabilities. It is a profits; businesses and corporaher car into the living room”type of gags aren’t here any- ter, CPW, is planning to raise nonprofit organization that pro- tions; schools and universities; more. Where’d they go? Here’s money toward its programs vides essential educational servic- and families and individuals—to and services provided for #Giv- es, vocational training, recreation, inspire people to take collaboraa clue: Two old friends made a pact ingTuesday, a global giving rehabilitation, and advocacy to tive action to improve their local that whoever dies first would movement that has been driven thousands of children and adults communities and contribute in come back and tell the other what by individuals, families, organi- in Westchester and Fairfield coun- countless ways to the causes they it’s like. So one day Pete gets a zations, businesses and commu- ties. It is an organization proud to believe in. Everyone has somecall from Richard, who died of a nities in all 50 states and in coun- say that it aims to “Realize To- thing to give. Those who are interested in heart attack. Pete says, “What’s tries around the world. Since its morrow’s Potential… Today!” founding in 2012, millions of #GivingTuesday is a move- joining CPW’s #GivingTuesday it like?” Richard tells him: “I start off with a big break- people have come together to sup- ment, built by people around initiative can visit cpwestchester. fast. Then I have sex, and after port and champion the causes they the world, to celebrate giving org/donations. For more inforthat I lie in the sun. Then it’s believe in and the communities in of all kinds. It is celebrated on mation or to participate in the the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, event, contact Joan Colangelo, time for lunch, followed by a nap which they live. CPW’s mission is to advance Black Friday and Cyber Mon- CPW’s director of Development, and more sex until it’s time for the independence, productivity, day. This movement is the re- at 937-3800 ext. 215 or Joan. dinner....” Pete is thrilled. “I had no idea and full citizenship of people sult of the collective power of a Colangelo@cpwestchester.org. with cerebral palsy and other unique blend of partners—non- (Submitted) heaven would be like that!” “Who said anything about heaven? I’m a bull in Wisconsin.” We should all be so lucky. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 25, 2016
Giving thanks LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
It’s no big secret; 2016 has been a pretty dismal year. An interminable, contentious presidential election; heaps of celebrity deaths; the theatrical release of the massively overhyped “Suicide Squad”; I’d imagine that the majority of Americans are looking forward to putting the last 12 months in our rearview mirrors. But with Thanksgiving this week, this just isn’t a time for people to dwell on the black cloud of bad news that seemed to hang over our heads all year; it’s a time to count our blessings. And if you’re a sports fan, those blessings were plentiful, indeed. 2016 has been a phenomenal year for sports on just about every level. The first honest-to-goodness great moment that comes to
mind is the NCAA basketball finals between Villanova and North Carolina, a game that my Wildcats won on a last-second buzzer beater by Kris Jenkins, back in April. Sure, it was a fantastic game from my standpoint—a lifelong Wildcats fan who was too young to remember Nova’s last title in 1985—but for the average sports fan, it was nearly just as thrilling; an alltime great finish to an all-time great game. And that just seemed to set the stage for a number of wonderful championship scenarios. In May, Leicester City captured the English Premier League Crown after starting the season as 5,000-1 underdogs. In June, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off an amazing three-game comeback to topple the Golden State Warriors (who had just laid claim to being the best regular season NBA team of all time) and bring a major title to Cleveland for the first time in 68 years.
SPORTS
Earlier this month, the Chicago Cubs erased a similar 3-1 hole (against Cleveland) to win their first World Series title since 1908, setting off a massive victory celebration in the Windy City that drew some 5 million fans. And as far as amazing individual accomplishments go, there were plenty to go around. American swimmer Katie Ledecky caught the nation’s eye with her record-setting performance at the Rio Olympics, and Yankees rookie Gary Sanchez launched homers at an unheardof rate following his August callup to the big leagues. Sure, we said goodbye to a few giants of sport this year, too. But even the swan songs for some of our most accomplished pro athletes were amazing to watch. Red Sox slugger David Ortiz clubbed the most homers (38) in major league history for a player over 40. Longtime Dodger announcer Vin Scully retired as well, but after only a long—and well-deserved—fare-
TO COVER LOCAL SPORTS, YOU NEED A
LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow Mike Smith @ryecityreview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates
On Thursday, Nov. 24, people all over America will gather together to break bread and give thanks. Here’s what Sports Editor Mike Smith has to give thanks about this year. Photo courtesy metrocreativeconnection.com
well tour that allowed fans all over the country to reflect on his unparalleled career. Even Peyton Manning said goodbye after “leading” his team to a win in Super Bowl 50.
But don’t worry, Peyton fans, you can still see him 200 times on Sundays, shilling for Nationwide Insurance. So yeah, we may have had a few rough spots this year. But
there’s also been a lot to cheer about. And for that, we give thanks.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
SPORTS
November 25, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15
Rye wins Rafferty Cup
The Rafferty Cup on display after the men’s four+ win at the Bill Braxton Regatta. Photos/Bill Dailey
The Rye High School crew finished strong at the Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta on Nov. 13 in Windsor Township, New Jersey, faring well at the the last of six regattas that make up the fall season. The regatta, now in its 43rd year, was founded by Braxton’s family and friends as a tribute to the accomplished lightweight rower. In a very competitive field,
RHS crew participated in 13 races at the regatta, garnering three first-place finishes, three secondplace finishes, and seven appearances in the top three. The men’s varsity four+, coxed by Zach Szabo with rowers John Dailey, Tim Rudolph-Math, Jimmy Cronin and Jack Hartman, and coached by Stan Nelson, won the prestigious Rafferty Cup, beating 37 other boats, and com-
ing first in the their 1,500-meter timed qualifying heat, and first in the 2,000-meter final. The Rafferty Cup, named for Braxton’s former coach, Tom Rafferty, is one of five trophy races at the regatta. The men’s varsity double, featuring Dailey and Rudolph-Math, also had a strong race, winning by open water, and 40 seconds ahead of the nearest boat.
Felicity Johnson, left, and Erica Kinstel participate in the women’s double event. The duo took second place.
The men’s varsity four+ boat poses for a picture at the Bill Braxton Memorial Regatta on Nov. 13. The team beat 37 other boats to win the Rafferty Cup.
In the women’s double, Erica Kinstel and Felicity Johnson earned second place. And in the men’s double B, Alex Foresman and Michael Batal, as well as the men’s double C, Zach Fogarty and James Keller, earned second
places as well. The women’s varsity 4x-B came in third led by senior Kelsey Myers, with Jillian Breen, Kayla Patal and Clara Sutherland. This regatta marked the end
of a successful season, that included a bronze medal at the Head of the Charles, for RHS crew. With strong showings at the varsity and novice level, it bodes well for the spring campaign. (Submitted)
Rye’s men’s varsity four+ boat celebrates on Nov. 13. Photo/Susanna Cronin
16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 25, 2016