RyeCity REVIEW THE
May 5, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 18 | www.ryecityreview.com
Lessing’s tax-exempt status under review By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
REPORTING LIVE... Richard Giacovas, a graduate of Rye High School, became a reporter for News 12 Westchester in March 2015. As a reporter, Giacovas writes, shoots and edits all of his own work. For story, see page 10. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
RyeACT set to release annual survey results By JAMES PERO Staff Writer For the second year, Rye Action for Children and Teens, RyeACT, a community coalition to prevent drug abuse, will release the results of a student survey on drug and alcohol abuse amongst Rye’s teens and adolescents. According to City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican, who also co-chairs RyeACT, the survey results—which are being unveiled Tuesday, May 9 at Rye High School—will serve two major
functions for those intent on curbing substance abuse in the community. “The survey is used for a couple different things,” Killian said. “One thing is figuring out where we should be spending your time.” For instance, Killian said, while much of Rye’s focus has shifted toward the sweeping, and sometimes fatal, influence of opioid addiction, last year’s survey revealed that Rye’s youth displayed an unusually high proclivity for marijuana and alcohol, compared to the national and county averages.
“So many people are focused on [the] opioid crisis now, but a big part of the problem is alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana,” she said. “This survey is to help focus on what the problems are in the community.” The survey, Killian told the Review, can also be used as an indication of just how effective anti-drug initiatives have been, by showing tangible evidence whether abuse has risen or fell since last year’s report. SURVEY continued on page 8
The city assessor is reviewing the status of the tax-exempt Lessing’s operation at Whitby Castle, the Review has learned. Rye City Assessor Noreen Whitty confirmed she is in the process of reviewing the taxable status of the dining and catering operation and expects to make a determination on June 1, which could leave Lessing’s responsible for up to $25,000 a year in property taxes. The city of Rye currently does not impose a real estate tax on Lessing’s, the Long Island-based company that took over food and beverage operations of Whitby Castle at the city-run Rye Golf Club in 2014. However, in its 10-year contract with the city, the catering company agreed to pay all taxes by governmental or administrative entities if imposed. If the assessor revokes the operation’s tax-exempt status, it would be responsible for paying a real estate tax among other potential taxes and fees that might be incurred. The city already takes home approximately $300,000 annually from its profit-sharing agreement with Lessing’s; $200,000 of that revenue comes from an annual rent payment made by the company. The restaurant, which is open to the public, offers casual dining and outdoor patio tables as well as a bar area and catering services for wedding,
At a glance The Rye City assessor is currently reviewing the taxable status of the Lessing’s dining and catering operation at Rye Golf Club’s Whitby Castle The private operation is currently tax-exempt, but it could face up to $25,000 in real estate taxes each year if the assessor determines it’s a taxable entity The assessor is expecting to make a determination on June 1 for the city’s 2017 tentative assessment roll
club member-only events and private events. The news of Whitty’s tax review at Whitby comes with added significance, as the city recently settled an ongoing dispute with the town of Rye and the Rye Town Park Commission relating to its restaurant, which had been tax-exempt for more than 100 years. Last November, the Second Department of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division handed down a decision that confirmed the city of Rye’s ability to tax the restaurant situated TAX continued on page 8
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County struggles to satisfy HUD settlement By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Eight years after a settlement on Westchester County’s lack of compliance with affordable housing standards, County Executive Rob Astorino’s administration continues to grapple with satisfying the requirements of a lingering 2009 decree being monitored by the federal government. Earlier this month, for the 10th time, federal the Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, denied the county’s Analysis of Impediments, AI—a document meant to detail the barriers to affordable housing—despite the federal agency’s new helm, Republican Dr. Ben Carson. Dovetailing HUD’s decision to deny the county’s AI earlier this month, a federal appeals panel also denied the seventh appeal from the county on April 28, ruling that Westchester has engaged in “total obstructionism” regarding its 2009 federal mandate to increase access to affordable housing in more affluent pockets of the county. In addition to denying an appeal of HUD’s rejection to the county’s AI, the panel also found that county officials had failed to ensure the construction of a contested project in the town of New Castle called Chappaqua Station by “all available means.” The project, which is geared to build 28 affordable housing units near New Castle’s Metro-North Railroad stop, was the subject of staunch opposition from local officials who insisted the development be built in a different location. The project has since moved forward with reluctant permission from the local town board. In a statement last week, Ned McCormack, a spokesman for the Republican Astorino administration, said he is confident that the county will still be able to clear up its remaining requirements from the settlement, despite the latest denial. “The monitor-approved consultant, VHB, has found no evidence of exclusionary zoning based on race,” he said. “We are confident the remaining requirements can be met, and the settlement concluded in a timely manner.” But county Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat who is seeking the Democratic nomination for county executive, believes that the consultant provided the Astorino administration with the proper framework for successfully completing the AI. “I believe Rob Astornio took that document and cut it out, and then submitted that without the thing the [HUD] consultant said to do,” he said. Astorino’s administration has yet to detail a specific plan on how it will rectify problems with its latest submission. State Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat who is also running for county executive, said, if elected in November, he would travel down to Washington, D.C., and walk straight into HUD’s offices and say, “Guys, we are here to settle this.” “I guarantee as County Executive George Latimer,” he said, “within a month we will
After eight years, Westchester County continues to struggle with satisfying the terms of its 2009 settlement with HUD mandating the development of affordable housing. File photo
have turned the corner on this issue.” Latimer also criticized Astorino for using ideology in the 2009 county executive campaign to rally his base against the Obama administration. “It led him to play George Wallace in the schoolhouse door and that’s exactly what he did,” he said referencing the former segregationist Alabama governor. “He stood in the schoolhouse door and said, ‘No housing in my county.’” The denial of the county’s AI comes despite its success in clearing a hurdle of developing more than the 750 units of affordable housing required in its HUD settlement by the end of 2016. While Astorino has touted the development of 790 units of affordable housing—50 more than the required amount— the county’s Democratic lawmakers have drawn skepticism to the county executive’s claim, arguing instead that some of the units slated for construction are still too prospective to be counted. “There are 790 that have been approved, but whether or not they are being developed at the present time is a different story,” said Alfreda Williams, a Greenburgh Democrat. “They’re in the pipeline but there are no shovels in the ground.” According to Williams, the latest denial of the county’s AI will come with its own set of consequences. As a result, she said, the county will now continue to be ineligible for federal funding in the form of community block grants, an area in which it has lost more than $20 million since 2010. “The county executive seems to think he’s punishing HUD, but actually he’s punishing the people of Westchester County,” Williams said. -with reporting by Christian Falcone
CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
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What’s going on... Rye Free Reading Room
aid and how to interpret financial award letters. For more information, visit collegestarter.org or contact the presenter, Jeff Hirsich, at 646-239-6864 or jeff@collegestarter.org.
Computer, Internet and Email Security
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.
Scholarships and awards workshop On Tuesday, May 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Meeting Room. This workshop will provide case studies to illustrate the difference between a college’s sticker price versus net price, while defining and examining the various types of financial aid, i.e. unsubsidized loans, subsidized loans, grants, scholarships, and work study. In addition, participants will dissect how to earn “free money”
On Thursday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Raho Technology Center. This session will present methods to reduce vulnerability to computer and internet security problems by setting features in Microsoft’s Internet browser. It will also describe several programs to help protect against malicious software from being put on computers as well as useful removal tools. Email security will also be discussed.
College application workshop On Thursday, May 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Meeting Room. This workshop will provide details for how a student’s extracurricular profile and recommendation letters can best enhance their overall college applications. Through clear examples, participants will examine the best ways to shine a spotlight on a student’s extracurricular activities. In addition, participants will learn who is best to seek out for college recommendation letters, how and when to approach them, and how self-reflection forms can help ensure the best possible letters are written. Participants in this workshop will leave with guided materials to help support them
when creating extracurricular profiles and completing self-reflection forms. For more information, visit collegestarter.org or contact the presenter, Jeff Hirsich, at 646-2396864 or jeff@collegestarter.org.
Post Road in Rye. All proceeds benefit children’s programs in Rye. For more information, visit womansclubofrye.org.
Mock SAT
‘Butterflies in My Back Yard’
On Saturday, May 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Take a fulllength practice SAT under real test conditions. Detailed score reports highlighting personal strengths and weaknesses will be available at applerouth.com the Friday after the test. Both the exams and the reports are free. Space is limited, so register at applerouth.com/signup. Call 371-8000 for more information. Test takers should bring water, a snack, pencils and a calculator.
The Bird Homestead nonprofit will present “Butterflies in My Back Yard” by lepidopterist Victor DeMasi on Saturday, May 13, at 4 p.m. at the Meeting House on Milton Road, co-sponsored by Central Westchester Audubon. DeMasi is a curatorial affiliate at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. With photos on PowerPoint, he will take the audience on a sunny day walk through his butterfly meadow in Connecticut. The audience will view some of the beautiful rare and common species that he has seen there in 40 years of stewardship. DeMasi will explain the life histories of some species. He will discuss butterflies in our changing environment, touching on climate change and invasive plant species. He will also bring an impressive display of specimens of museum quality. Admission is free. For more information, email birdhomestead.meetinghouse@gmail. com or call 967-0099.
Wainwright House The Wainwright House is located at 260 Stuyvesant Ave. in Rye. For more information, call 967-6080 or visit wainwright.org.
Outreach to Japanese community Talented Japanese yoga teacher Hiromi Nomoto will offer four classes at Wainwright House, beginning in May. Classes include Mommy & Me, Vinyasa 101, Yin & Yang Yoga and Yin Yoga. Classes will be taught in English with all clarifications and questions responded to in English or Japanese. For more information on these classes and all other ongoing classes, visit wainwright.org or call 967-6080.
Rye Arts Center The Rye Arts Center is located at 51 Milton Road in Rye. For more information or to register for a program, call 967-0700 or visit ryeartscenter.org.
BYOB Paint Workshop: Loosen Up & Paint! On Thursday, May 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. With Laura Anechiarico. For ages 21 and up. BYOB and join the Rye Arts Center for an evening of self expression through paint. No paint by numbers, no pressure to be perfect. The workshop will start with a simple still-life and progress from there. Participants will be encouraged to work at their own pace, and in their own style. No experience necessary; if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, make this the first time. All supplies included. (Remember, BYOB!) Fee: $65, members receive a discount.
Annual gala: ‘A Vision in Rye’ On Friday, May 12 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Doral Arrowwood, 975 Anderson Hill Road in Rye Brook. Join the Rye Arts Center to support the arts and celebrate honorees Bob Clyatt and Brigitte Loritz. For more information and tickets, visit ryeartscenter.org.
Rye Meeting House
Rye Historical Society
Hands-on-History Summer Camp Parents looking for something fun, a little different and educational for their children to do this summer will find just the perfect camp experience at the Rye Historical Society’s annual Hands-on-History Summer Camp at the Square House Museum in Rye. Girls and boys ages 7 to 13 can spend three fun-filled weeks experiencing and learning about everyday life in earlier time periods of history. The 2017 camp schedule runs Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from July 11 to July 28. Week 1 will take campers back to colonial America; Week 2 will be in the Victorian era; and Week 3 will bring them up to the early 20th century. The cost per child for the full three weeks is $450 for members, and $525 for non-members. Weekly sessions and rates are available and is $150 for members and $175 for non-members. A 10 percent sibling discount is also available. Campers bring their own lunch and drink; snacks will be provided. To register, call the Rye Historical Society at 967-7588. The society and its Square House Museum are located at 1 Purchase St. in Rye, and are open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit ryehistory.org or call 967-7588.
The Woman’s Club of Rye Annual spring boutique The Woman’s Club of Rye Children’s Philanthropy invites you to its annual Spring Boutique on Wednesday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Whitby Castle, 330 Boston
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.
May 5, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5
Rye High School scores in best schools list Rye High School received top placements on the U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 list of “best high schools” that was released on April 25. -Reporting by Franco Fino
20,487
Rye High School ranked 15th in the state and 90th in country for best high school out of more than 20,487 educational institutions that qualified. U.S. News & World Report, which compares with other media companies that have ranking systems, such as Forbes and the Washington Monthly, ranks schools based on prior year’s student performance on the math and reading parts of state proficiency tests. The rankings are also based on the prior year’s Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate test data and how well schools prepare students for college-level work.
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U.S. News & World Report ranked Rye High School third in the state when looking at open enrollment schools. Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Monahan attributed the success to a culmination of years of dedication and hard work throughout the Rye City School District. “We are extremely proud of Rye High School’s impressive standing in the state and in the country,” he said.
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Rye High School ranked fourth in country when looking at open enrollment, while also managing to earn a gold medal, the highest achievable honor given out by the media company. Principal Patricia Taylor said, “This honor is a testament to the teaching excellence here at Rye High School and at all Rye schools that prepare students to excel at Rye High.”
Rye High School received several honors and high rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 list of best high schools. File photo
6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • May 5, 2017
RyeCity REVIEW THE
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Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com 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 General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@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 Andrew Dapolite, Jen Parente Columnists John Carey, Rye City Council, Lenore Skenazy, Joe Murphy
Young entrepreneur takes over family business
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter After the loss of her father, Meral Kathwari, a junior in college at the time, made the decision to take over her father’s international business, Kathwari of Kashmir. In November 2014, Kathwari, who has lived in Mamaroneck for 10 years, was studying for her B.A. in mass communication and minor in speech communication at Iona College and was serving on two club executive boards when she found out her father, Tariq, had passed away. He was 61 years old when he was caught in a riptide while swimming in Goa, India. He was the owner and founder of Kathwari of Kashmir, a company based in Kashmir, India, that sells luxury textiles including rugs, carpets and clothing in a variety of colors, materials and styles. Kathwari, 22, is an only child, so at the time of her father’s death, she was the only person who would be able to carry on Kathwari of Kashmir. “I just remember thinking to myself,
Meral Kathwari takes a photo with camels in Dubai. Photo courtesy Brunettesecrets.com
‘What am I supposed to do,’” she told the Review. She made the decision to take over the business as its owner and director. When Kathwari, a Kashmiri-American, was younger, she moved away from her father in India—her asthma and the country’s
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 weekly by Home Town Media Group for an annual subscription of $45. Application to mail at the periodicals postage rate is approved at White Plains, N.Y., 10601. Periodicals postage paid at White Plains and additional mailing offices.
Meral Kathwari poses with one of the many rugs that her business Kathwari of Kashmir sells. Photos courtesy Meral Kathwari
air pollution made it difficult for her to breathe—to Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her mother. From there, she and her mother moved to Rome, Italy, before finally settling in Mamaroneck in 2007. Growing up, although Kathwari didn’t live with her father, he would visit her whenever he had time. Kathwari wasn’t unfamiliar with her father’s business, having spent summers in Kashmir shadowing him throughout his workday, and helping him bring Kathwari of Kashmir into the digital age with social media accounts and a website in 2012. Growing up, she had spent a lot of time with her father in his showroom, saying how one of her favorite memories of him was how he interacted with clients. “That was where he was most passionate,” she said. When Kathwari and her father weren’t working to better the business, they enjoyed traveling together on road trips throughout the U.S. and all over India. In June 2012, she began documenting those trips on her blog Brunettesecrets.com that has since gained more than 1,600 followers. In her posts, she discusses must-see spots, travel tips, and life advice alongside vibrant photos of her destinations. Kathwari says in one blog post that she attributes her “travel bug” to her father. “[My father] says it’s important that I see the world and experience everything it has to offer before I settle down and start a family,” she wrote. “I will do this.” Kathwari turned her blog into a travel series that launched on
Meral Kathwari, owner and director of Kathwari of Kashmir, models one of her company’s embroidered wool coats.
Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Television, LMCTV, a local community public access television station. “Since I’ve been traveling, I wanted to write [and] blog about my experiences and produce travels shows too,” she told the Review. As of now, one episode of the series has been released, “Brunette Secrets: Seville,” where Kathwari visits Seville, Spain. The series follows her around, while she brings viewers to three different locations in Seville: Plaza de Espana, Casa de Pilatos and the Seville Cathedral. During the first video, which is available on LMCTV.org and YouTube, she discusses local artwork, food, culture and architecture. Kathwari revealed that future episodes include trips to Barcelona, Madrid and Dubai. “My dream job would be [to be] like Anthony Bourdain or Christiane Armanpour, traveling and reporting on things and places people should know about that aren’t usually covered in the mainstream media,” she said. She said she also plans to go to Fordham University’s one-year public media program in the fall. Accomplishing more than your average 20-something, Kathwari has done this while also owning and running a business. But the work hasn’t come without sacrifices throughout her college career. “I wish I could’ve had more time to put towards everything individually,” she said. “[But] if you have people supporting you, and people around you that love you, you’re capable of doing anything you put your mind to.” CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
May 5, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7
Rye Rotary’s ‘Crazy Legs’ raises scholarship funds Rye neighbors and friends gathered at Whitby Castle on April 26 to help raise funds for need-based Rye High School scholarships and other community grant programs. The Rye Rotary Club hosted its second annual Crazy Legs Contest where seven local contestants competed for the titles of “Best Legs” and “Best Cos-
tume,” in order to continue the longstanding tradition of providing more than $100,000 in scholarships to high school graduates since the club’s inception in 1973. David Scribman and David Walker each won awards for “Best Legs” and “Best Costume,” respectively. Other participants in this year’s event included Jim Fox, Paul Har-
rison, Cai Palmer, Jay Scotti and Jason Mehler. According to Mehler, who serves as Rye Rotary president, the club provided four scholarships last year to worthy graduates, and looks to continue that tradition with the funds raised from this year’s event. -Review staff David Walker, a massage therapist, puts on an entrance show for those in attendance.
Contestants in this year’s Crazy Legs Contest. From left, David Schribman, Jim Fox, David Walker, Jason Mehler, Cai Palmer, Jay Scotti and Paul Harrison. Photos/Jen Parente
8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • May 5, 2017 SURVEY from page 1
In a community event scheduled for May 9, Rye Action for Children and Teens, RyeACT, will unveil the results of its annual survey on drug and alcohol abuse amongst Rye’s youth. File photo
In addition to survey results, Tuesday’s event will also feature guest speaker Dr. Robert DuPont, founder of the Institute for Behavior and Health, who will help parse through the data and just what it means for Rye. According to Killian, the event will be concluded with “breakout sessions” where students and parents will be able to discuss the survey and the abuse of drugs in the community. “Getting the entire community involved is what our coalition is all about,” she said. “It’s so important to educate everybody; young and old alike.” Last year, levels of marijuana and alcohol use amongst Rye teens and adolescents
that exceed national?] averages became the focus of survey data collected from 2014. According to that data, 56 percent of 11thand 12th-graders engaged in binge drinking within the past 30 days of the survey compared to an average of about 22 percent in Westchester County. While results of the survey can be difficult to face, Killian, a mother of five, said that the open discussion should benefit everyone. “[Those results] were certainly very disappointing and a bit scary,” she said. “It’s not a black and white issue. The more we can get parents and their kids educated, the better.” CONTACT: jame@hometwn.com
TAX from page 1
The operators of Whitby Castle at Rye Golf Club, pictured, may soon be forced to pay taxes as part of a 2014 agreement with Rye, if the city assessor determines they should be a taxable entity by withdrawing a current tax exemption. File photo
on the Rye Town Park grounds. While the park was originally created as a public area in 1907, the city assessor decided that it would be taxable in 2011, after existing on the land for 104 years exempt from taxation by the city’s governing body. The property, which housed Seaside Johnnies restaurant at the time, was placed on the city’s tax roll and Whitty’s decision was upheld by the city Board of Assessment Review. After several unsuccessful challenges made by the park commission and the town of Rye, the town has had to reimburse the city for $110,000 in taxes dating back to 2011, as of press time. If Whitty revokes their tax exempt status, Lessing’s would only have to pay taxes for
the upcoming year. The 2017 tentative assessment roll is the first opportunity to consider the taxable status of the private catering company at the golf club, according to the assessor, who said that the ongoing case with the town of Rye held her from assessing Lessing’s in the past. Whitty told the Review that Lessing’s is the only tax exempt operation that she is currently reviewing, as of press time. Deputy Comptroller Joe Fazzino and a representative from Lessing’s could not be reached for comment. Councilman Terry McCartney, a Republican and liaison to the Rye Golf Club Commission, declined to comment. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
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Daffodils and wine tasting at the Jay house This year the Little Garden Club of Rye’s Daffodil Show was held in the Jay Mansion on April 20 and paired with a New York state wine tasting. Triumphing over a late snowfall that blanketed Tete a Tetes and Ice Follies, garden club members persevered and created a show that was better than ever attracting class entries from as far away as Pennsylvania. Winning entries were selected by judges from the American Daffodil Society. Everyone loved the expanded location and the new effort to raise funds for the Jay Meadow. Yellow was the hue of choice starting with a sharp yellow classic 1970 911 Porsche parked out in front of the portico; upon entering the house, many took in a sunny array of ribbon and medal winning daffodils from tazzettas to miniatures. All enjoyed music provided by Patrick Corcoran’s jazz ensemble together with sips of varietals served by Wine at Five‘s Bruno Peixoto. Fox Caterers provided tasty bites. As stewards of a New York state park, hosting programs that promote New York history and culture are important to us. Jay Heritage Center enjoyed working with Cai Palmer from Wine at Five to make an appropriate selection of
varietals. Guests sipped the following wines from New York state vitners: Eminence Road Farm Winery, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir (Finger Lakes); Channing Daughters, Chardonnay “Scuttlehole” (The Hamptons); Barry Family Cellars, Rose of Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes); Fjord, Cabernet Franc (Hudson Valley). “These are all wines from
some of the farms I’ve personally enjoyed, visited and worked at,” Peixoto said. “These are also growers and winemakers that focus on sustainable practices and believe in making wine in the most artisanal way possible.” More than 100 people attended the Daffodil Party co-chaired by Chris Duncan, Liz Garrett and Suzanne Clary. (Submitted)
s
From left, Cynthia McClintock, Suzanne Clary and Dede Montgomery. Photos courtesy Cutty McGill
Cheryl and Ed Adler on the grounds of the Jay Heritage Center.
Andrea and Eliot Martone
10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • May 5, 2017
Rye alumnus lands dream reporting job By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter From a young age, Richard Giacovas knew that broadcast journalism was his passion. Now 25 years old, he’s living out his dream while covering local stories for News 12 Westchester. Giacovas began working for News 12 Westchester in September 2013 as a freelance associate producer. He was hired a few months after graduating from Iona College where he received his B.A. in mass communication with a concentration in broadcast journalism. From there, he was promoted to a part-time position on the weekends as a producer. “I basically did everything I could to get on camera,” Giacovas told the Review. In March 2015, his hard work paid off and Giacovas was able to do his first on-air special about Dr. Susan Blum, founder and director at Blum Center for Health in Rye Brook. “It was my first time trying to learn to take an interview and
make it compelling,” he said. Giacovas’ current position as a reporter includes writing, shooting and editing all of his stories. “I’m actually really enjoying it,” he said. These new responsibilities came after Altice, a media company based in the Netherlands, completed its acquisition of Cablevision, which included News 12, in May 2016, for an estimated cost of $17.7 billion. After the acquisition, News 12 Westchester began filming out of Long Island.
said, adding that he also cherishes the opportunity to tell people’s stories, especially ones local to the Rye community. That type of reporting is what helped him win a spot on The Business Council of Westchester’s 40 under 40 “Rising Star” list of 2015. This yearly award recognizes 40 young, talented individuals in Westchester who are excelling in their field of work. But the seeds of his local stardom were sown well before he reached his 20’s. “From a little boy, I always knew that I wanted to be on TV in some capacity,” Giacovas said. Giacovas, who has lived in Rye for more than a decade, said he was 8 years old when he started putting on his own mock news broadcasts in his living room.
Richard Giacovas interviews Sheryl Devefta of Greenburgh about the drug charges against a Virginia Road Elementary School teacher.
Richard [Giacovas] was a senior, “When everybody, even the other kids knew that he was it.” – MICHAEL LIMONE, a Rye High School video journalism teacher
For Giacovas, covering a variety of topics, including weather, natural disasters and interesting people in Westchester, is his favorite part of the job. “Every day is different and it’s so cool to have that,” he
Richard Giacovas reports outside Virginia Road Elementary School in Valhalla after an elementary teacher at the school was arrested on drug charges. Photos/Andrew Dapolite
While attending Rye High School, Giacovas took two video journalism classes his junior and senior year which enabled him to further work on becoming an on-air reporter. Vincent Baione, one of the teachers who ran the video journalism classes, said, “[Richard] was born with a natural ability to be warm and sincere in front of the camera.” By Giacovas’ senior year, his class was producing the morning announcement newscasts, which played for five minutes during homeroom, with Giacovas as the on-air anchor. “When Richard was a senior, everybody, even the other kids, knew that he was it,” said Michael Limone, an English teacher at Rye High School who also taught video journalism. “He had to do it, because he was so strong.” Limone said that there were upwards of 20 students in the class. He explained that at first the students rotated who performed as the news anchor, but eventually the class agreed that Giacovas should exclusively do the broadcast because of his natural talent. “He was so good that when people saw these [broadcasts] they thought he was a real newscaster,” Baione said. Giacovas went on to attend Iona College where he was a member of three of the school’s media clubs. This included ICTV, the school’s student-run TV network, where he was a lead anchor; WICR, Iona’s radio station on which Giacovas co-hosted a show; and The Ionian, Iona’s student-run newspaper, for which he was a staff writer. Michael Damergis, Sports Communication & Media graduate
Richard Giacovas stands with a White Plains Hospital gift shop volunteer at her surprise party thrown. Photo courtesy Twitter.com/RichardGNews12
coordinator at Iona College, worked with Giacovas and his cohost Ali Mudano on their radio show, “The Lunch Hour,” and said there was no doubt that broadcast was Giacovas’ passion. Mudano, who now works as a health and fitness coach, said that she and Giacovas both had the same type of humor, a great connection on air and also shared big dreams of becoming reporters. “It’s been really cool to see his rise through News 12,” she said. While at Iona, Giacovas landed an exclusive interview with legendary singer Barry Manilow at the Mohegan Sun Arena. A longtime Manilow fan, he says that he’s seen the artist perform 20 times. Giacovas has since scored more
high profile interviews since working at News 12 Westchester including Carol Burnett, John Stamos and The Beach Boys. Nonetheless, Giacovas says that he still has big goals left to achieve. One of those includes wanting to do an interview with Howard Stern. “I listen to him every day, and I think [he’s] probably one of the greatest interviewers of all time,” he said. Giacovas also mentioned that he would love to one day have his own talk show. “I never thought I would be on TV, so you never know,” he said. Giacovas can be found on News 12 Westchester on Monday through Friday at 4:30 p.m. CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
May 5, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11
Rye school district adopts budget
11.4 new positions
The adopted budget preserves all current schools programs and adds 11.4 positions across the district. Among those positions, two are for the English as a New Language program, and another is for a psychologist to accommodate regular and special needs students. Two more academicbased positions have been added for art, music physical education and FLES Spanish programs. Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Monahan told the Review last month that these positions would help the district deal with the growing rate of student enrollment.
The Rye City School District adopted its 2017-2018 school budget at the Board of Education’s April 18 meeting. The adopted budget will now be voted on by the public on May 16. -Reporting by Franco Fino
$86.9M
While managing to stay under the state-mandated Since the school budget is proposed under the tax cap, it tax cap, the school district adopted a budget that will only require a simple majority of approval by voters on calls for $86.9 million in spending. The budget May 16. According to Sarah Derman, the school district’s includes a 2.19 percent increase—approximately $1.8 million—in spending over the current year’s budget, and increases the tax levy by an estimated public information officer, there aren’t any differences in the adopted budget from the budget that was first proposed by Monahan back on Feb. 28. 2.64 percent.
51%
$12.1M
The reserve fund will only be reduced by 1 percentage point with its use in the upcoming budget. The reserve fund currently stands at approximately $12.1 million, which constitutes 14 percent of the 20162017 budget. The budget will help the school district remain qualified for an AAA bond rating, which typically calls for a school district’s reserves to hover around 10 percent of its annual budget.
3,467
The projected student enrollment for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year is 3,467. Student enrollment has increased steadily since the 2007-2008 school year in which 2,996 students were enrolled in the district. Monahan said that while school administration officials are often worried about the growing enrollment rate, the district will be better prepared come September if any sudden increase occurs, considering the added positions in the new budget.
3,500 3,000 2,500
2,996
3,039
3,123
07-08
08-09
09-10
3,200
10-11
3,261
11-12
3,240
12-13 SCHOOL YEAR
3,339
3,382
3,374
14-15
15-16
3,467
3,467
16-17
17-18
PROJECTED
STUDENT POPULATION
Districtwide Student Enrollment Growth
13-14
12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • May 5, 2017
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May 5, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13
Farmers set to bring market to nearby Harrison This summer, Ma Riis Park will be a source of fresh and local produce for Harrison. On May 20, the park will host its first-ever farmers market, put togeth-
er by the town Chamber of Commerce and run by Down to Earth Markets, an Ossining-based company that puts on various markets throughout Westchester County.
According to Kate Cascone, Down to Earth Markets’ territory manager for Westchester, the Harrison chamber contacted the company a few years ago interested in
bringing a farmers market to the town. “It took a couple of years to find a feasible location,” Cascone said, adding that Ma Riis Park was suitable due to its location near the center of the downtown shopping district. Down to Earth Markets is a CONFIRMED VENDORS FOR MA RIIS PARK
American Pride Seafood, North Babylon, NY fish and seafood D&J Farm, Yaphank, NY produce DoReMe Farms, New Hampton, NY produce Dr. Pickle, Fairfield, NY specialty foods Mangalitsa by Mosefund, Ossining, NY meat and poultry Meredith’s Country Bakery, Kingston, NY baked goods
Ma Riis Park in Harrison is the newest location planned for a farmers market run by Down to Earth Markets, a Westchester-based company. Contributed photo
Paolo’s Kitchen Inc., New Providence, NJ prepared foods
food-only market, and only hosts local vendors. Cascone pointed to the company’s two-hour drive radius rule; as a guideline, Down to Earth looks for vendors whose travel time is about two hours or less to get to the market. She said the goal is to keep goods fresh by the time the market closes at 1 p.m. On the menu are fish, meat and a variety of produce, as well as a rotating list of specialty vendors selling honey, dairy, charcuterie, prepared foods and baked goods. Down to Earth uses nearly 100 vendors across 20 different markets. But some vendors carry a reputation. “Dr. Pickle is one of our favorite vendors of our patrons,” Cascone said, referring to the New Jersey-based fermented vegetable vendor. According to Down to Earth’s website, seven vendors, including Dr. Pickle, have been confirmed for the Ma Riis Park market. Down to Earth operates at six other locations in Westchester, including locations in Rye, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Croton-on-Hudson, Larchmont and Ossining, where the company held its first farmers market more than 25 years ago. The Harrison Farmers Market will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays between May 20 and Nov. 18. -Reporting by Corey Stockton
SPORTS
14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • May 5, 2017
Fanning the flames LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
Sometimes, things happen that make me want to throw my hands up and turn in my sports fan card. On Monday night, Orioles’ centerfielder Adam Jones, one of the brightest—and most outspoken— stars in the baseball world, took Red Sox supporters to task after a heated contest between Boston and Baltimore, accusing Fenway fans of hurling packs of peanuts—and racist comments—at him. It’s the kind of thing that makes me ashamed on so many levels; as both a member of the human race and of “Red Sox Nation.” But it doesn’t mean I’m surprised. There is no shortage of sports stories, both here and abroad, about sports fans behaving badly. These stories range from the amusing— just about anything that happens at a Buffalo Bills tailgate—to the scary, like the 2011 assault of San Francisco Giants’ fan Bryan Stow in a Dodger Stadium parking lot that left him brain-damaged.
But few are as troubling to me as the racist tendencies on display when a bleacher full of knuckleheads get a few $10 beers in them. Racism in pro stadiums, sadly, is nothing new. Not in Europe, not in America, and certainly not in Boston, which has had well-publicized trouble in the past attracting black free agents because of the despicable behavior of the Fenway Faithful. I’m not even going to attempt to justify or explain the behavior of these epithet-spewing lowlifes. They should be barred from Fenway—or wherever they spout their hate—for life, no questions asked. But I do wonder how they reconcile this sort of behavior internally. Let’s just take the Red Sox here. What sort of mental gymnastics allows one of these dirt bags to harass a guy like Adam Jones, and then turn around and root for Red Sox like Mookie Betts or Jackie Bradley Jr. when those guys step up to the plate? What sort of disconnect is going on here? I’d imagine that the types of people who do this sort of thing don’t leave a lot of time in the day
for self-examination, but I’d sure love to watch them squirm if they had to undergo some sort of spiritual audit. The other question I have involves some bit of generalization; although, given that it’s focused on the fans, it feels well-deserved. If I had to guess, these fans on Monday night most likely belonged to a subset of sports fans who like to call into sports talk radio and grouse about pro athletes—who are invariably black or of Latino descent—who set a “bad example” for our youth with their “flashy” on field antics like bat flips or touchdown dances. These complaints—which are always rooted in some form of racism—posit that guys like Yasiel Puig are destroying the moral fiber of our nation’s youth because they stood at home plate for a few seconds to admire a majestic moonshot. “What about the kids?” they mewl. “Children repeat the actions that they see!” Exactly, you chumps. And those are the same kids sitting in the stands right next to you. So next time, don’t buy a ticket.
On May 1, fans at Fenway Park in Boston hurled racist epithets at Baltimore Orioles’ centerfielder Adam Jones. Sports Editor Mike Smith doesn’t understand how racist sports enthusiasts reconcile their hate with their fandom. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org
Go to a bar, watch at home, I don’t care. Just keep your backwards viewpoints to yourself. Maybe if you stay away from our stadiums—and our kids—we won’t
have to have this same discussion in 10 years.
Follow Mike Smith on Twitter @ LiveMike_Sports
Rye Athlete of the Week
CHASE BEKKERUS By ISABEL CASTRO Contributor This week’s athlete of the week is Chase Bekkerus, captain of the Rye High School boys’ rugby team. Rugby has recently surfaced in the community and has sparked the interest of many student-athletes at Rye, including Bekkerus. The rugby team doesn’t keep track of any records yet, but Bekkerus is one of the few people, if not the only one, to have scored a hat trick. For the season opener against Lycée Français de New York, Bekkerus scored two tries and won Man of the Match. When he played them the year prior, he scored a hat trick and won Man of the Match as well. Bekkerus has been hon-
ored with many awards in multiple sports so far. He has received All-League for wrestling and football, both for his junior and sophomore year. He was also an All-Conference player for football, and received the spirit award for wrestling. Bekkerus was also bestowed with the Rye Recognition of Excellence as a sophomore for outstanding achievement in athletics. “As an athlete, Chase has a natural drive to win. On the field you can always see him working hard and motivating teammates to push themselves,” teammate Michael Davitt said. “His work ethic sets an example for the team, which is why he deserves to be one of the captains.” In addition to being the
captain of the rugby team as a junior, Bekkerus was also named the captain of the football and wrestling teams. He volunteers his time outside of school as the assistant coach for modified wrestling. He has also maintained the status of a High Honor Roll student for every quarter, and recently received the Fordham Book Award at the Rye High School Scholar’s Dinner. Bekkerus hopes to continue playing at the University of Pennsylvania after he graduates in 2018.
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SPORTS
May 5, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15
Long ball lifts rival Harrison SOFTBALL
league
HARRISON 5 RYE 0 HARRISON HS
5/2/17
Game Notes: • Harrison’s Tamara Day authored a complete game shutout and tallied 14 strikeouts • Sam Scoli broke a scoreless tie with a fourth-inning home run • The Huskies have won three of their last four games By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On May 2, the Huskies and Garnets squared off in a softball rivalry game at Harrison High School. And although the two teams traded zeros early in the contest, it was the home team that broke through first, riding timely hitting and a tremendous pitching performance from Tamara
Day to a 5-0 win. Through three innings, Day and Rye’s Shelby Gadaleta tossed scoreless frames, but with two outs in the fourth, Harrison’s Sam Scoli put the Huskies on the board with a mammoth two-run homer to left. According to Harrison coach Dean Marino, the Scoli blast was yet another indication that the sophomore slugger is starting to round into form. “She is learning how to play at the varsity level, she has great talent, great ability,” Marino said. “Her decision-making is getting better, and against a pitcher like that, who isn’t going to walk anyone, you have to wait for a pitch that you can drive.” Harrison added three more runs in the fifth inning, as Lindsay McConway drove in two and Day helped her own cause with an RBI single. It was all the run support she would need, as Day finished with a complete game shutout, notching 14 strikeouts in the win. With fellow hurler Sydney Braiotta on the shelf for the time being, the sophomore hurler has stepped up and turned in a handful of solid performances that
have helped the Huskies win three of their last four contests. “If [Day] pitches like she did last night, we don’t have to do a whole lot to win games,” Marino said. “She’s been on a roll lately, she’s gotten more consistent, and we know that the ball is going to be in her hands.” The Garnets will look to bounce back from the loss with a game against Fox Lane on May 3, after press time, while the Huskies will look to continue their winning ways down the stretch, as they play seven games from now until the end of the regular season on May 15. For Harrison, the key will be limiting errors and getting the bats hot as the playoffs approach. “We always say it’s more important how you play at the end of the season than you do at the beginning,” Marino said. “In baseball or softball, you can win or lose any game, but if we work on what we can control, if we can keep the errors down and get four or five girls going at the plate, we are going to be very tough.”
Tamara Day throws a pitch against Rye on May 2. Day had 14 strikeouts in a complete game shutout.
CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Sam Scoli connects with a pitch on May 2. Scoli blasted a two-run, fourth-inning homer. Photos/Mike Smith
Rye shortstop Lindsey Johnson applies a tag to Harrison’s Lindsay McConway on May 2.
Rye’s Shelby Gadaleta throws a pitch against the Huskies.
SPORTS
16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • May 5, 2017
Runners line up to begin the race.
Rye YMCA celebrates healthy living Hundreds of runners, families and children enjoyed a breezy, spring day of races and festivities on Sunday, April 30. As a signature community event, the Rye Derby combines road races for all ages with Healthy Kids Day activities in a fun-filled celebration of family, community and health. Runners followed either a 5-mile or 5K course, officially started by Deputy Mayor Julie Killian. Olympic gold medalist, Million Wolde, from Ethiopia, was a special guest at the race and
Salome Kosgei was the female winner of the 5-mile race with a time of 28:29. Contributed photos
the award ceremonies. Wolde won the 5000 meters at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The male winners of the 5-mile race were Ayele Megersa (24:59), Harbert Okuti (25:09) and Gishu Dida (25:39). The female winners were: Salome Kosgei (28:29), Meseret Ali Basa (29:10) and Jennie Cohen (32:06). The winner of the 5K was once again Jonah Gorevic (17:51). Gorevic, age 13, started his racing career with the Rye Derby 1-mile family fun run about 11 years ago and has won the 5K for the last 4 years. The other male 5K winners were Pat Newsom (18:07) and Ben Sweet (19:51). Brenna Hazen, age 13, was once again the 5K female winner. The other female 5K winners were Amanda Jaffe (21:37) and Eve Spencer (21:44). The first place 5-mile Rye runners were James Kelly and Trish Muccia. Visit ryeymca.org to view complete results. The Rye YMCA parking lot was filled with Healthy Kids Day fun including active games, live music,
a climbing wall, free BBQ, frozen yogurt, sponsors tables and much more. The Rye YMCA summer camp staff led a preview of camp activities including gymnastics, crafts and STEAM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities. The day culminated with a 1-mile family fun run/walk kicked-off by Conor O’Driscoll, Rye Derby co-chair. The streets of Rye overflowed with enthusiastic families and kids of all ages running, walking, skipping and pushing strollers. “We are grateful to all the community members, sponsors and volunteers who made this day possible, and to all of the runners and families who participated in the day,” said Susan Olson, Rye YMCA director of development. Proceeds will help support the Rye YMCA financial assistance program, ensuring that the Rye YMCA can keep its powerful promise to the community that no-one will be turned away from a program or activity because he or she can’t pay. (Submitted)
From left, Margaret Mead, Rye Derby race director; Susan Olson, Rye YMCA director of development; Million Wolde, Olympic gold medalist; state Assemblyman Steve Otis; Greg Howells, Rye YMCA executive director; and Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian.
Families join in on the Rye Derby and Healthy Kids Day activities.
Rock-climbing was offered as part of the Healthy Kids Day activities.