RyeCity REVIEW THE
November 18, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 47 | www.ryecityreview.com
Zuckerman: No backup plan for Seaside Johnnies’ exit By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
Thank You On Friday, Nov. 11, residents and elected officials recognized veterans of the armed forces on the Village Green outside of Rye City Hall for the city’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. For coverage, see page 6. Photo/Franco Fino
City manager’s budget proposes 6.73% property tax hike By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Even with no frills, Rye property owners are looking at more than a 6 percent tax increase in 2017, if the city manager’s tentative budget is approved next month. Spurred by tepid revenue
growth and costly city salaries, City Manager Marcus Serrano is asking the Rye City Council to override the tax cap limit in order to adopt his $36M budget, which projects a 6.73 percent tax rate increase. While the tax levy rate for the city of Rye, which is calculated combining factors such as
the amount of taxes levied and a calculated growth factor, was set at 0.68 percent, that rate, which would have only allowed for the city to raise expenses by an additional $500,000 over the 2016 budget, fell well below the city’s needs. “I feel it is impossible to stay below the tax cap,” said Serrano,
who presented his budget to City Council on Nov. 9. According to the city manager, increases in state-mandated workers compensation contributions and retirement funds alone would have sent city expenditures over the 0.68 percent BUDGET continued on page 11
With a vacant beachfront restaurant more than likely next summer, the Rye Town Park Commission does not have an alternative to the park’s exiting tenant, Seaside Johnnies, the commission president said. According to Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, a Democrat and president of the park commission, while commissioners have floated the idea of hiring concessioners to operate the park’s snack and beverage stands, or filling the park with food trucks, the commission currently does not have a solution to fill the hole left by Seaside Johnnies’ departure, which was finalized on Wednesday, Nov. 16, when John Ambrose, co-owner of the restaurant, rejected the latest, and final, offer from the commission. “We will obviously do our due diligence and see what alternatives are available, but [at the moment], we have no backup plan,” Zuckerman told the Review on Wednesday. During a park commission meeting on Nov. 15, commissioners again offered to extend Seaside Johnnies’ current deal, which expires at the end of 2016, for one year with a new option to re-sign the restaurant for a second year. As part of that deal, if the park commission
could not formally agree to extend the license agreement for a second year, Ambrose and Sam Chernin, also a co-owner of Seaside Johnnies, would be refunded 25 percent of the fees in rent charged by the commission for the second year; approximately $25,000. The new deal came on the heels of Ambrose’s displeasure with the commission’s previous one-year extension offer. Ambrose, who has operated the restaurant since 2000, told the Review that he plans on rejecting any offer by the park commission unless it assures him two years in the location. “I would never in a million years take a one-year deal with an option,” he said. “The grey area that comes along with the option is something we don’t want to touch because it’s not guaranteed.” According to Rye Brook Mayor Paul Rosenberg, a Democrat and member of the park commission who drafted the new proposal with the option year, the split between commissioners about offering either a one- or two-year deal ultimately led to the new offer. “My thought is that it would have turned into a two-year deal,” he said. “The commission did not intend on insulting Ambrose’s pride.” Rosenberg said he is hopeful SEASIDE continued on page 7
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November 18, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3
Tentative budget curbs Forest Ave. improvements By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Despite sufficient support from residents to address pedestrian safety concerns along Forest and Manursing avenues, the city’s tentative 2017 budget does not earmark any funding for such work. During a budget workshop session on Nov. 14, the Rye City Council reviewed the potential sidewalk improvements that were presented by a consulting firm over the summer, but ultimately postponed the discussion for January. In mid-July, Stantec Consulting Services, which provides consulting for land development and design, presented the City Council with four options, estimated to cost anywhere from $1.5 million to $2 million each, for improvements consisting of implementing either a sidewalk or a pedestrian/bicyclist pathway. The presentation by Stantec came on the heels of a city-commissioned pedestrian improvement study that was conducted in the spring. In the study, Stantec reviewed ways to better accommodate pedestrians by performing a brief review of existing traffic conditions, which covers the average speed of passing vehicles, and the average amount of vehicles and pedestrians—consisting of joggers, walkers, strollers with children, and bicyclists—that travel along Forest and Manursing avenues. The study estimates that during peak periods, an average of 400 vehicles per hour travel along Forest Avenue. In addition to the study conducted by Stantec, an abundance of residents’ letters sent to city
City lawmakers postponed discussion about four options for sidewalk improvements on Forest Avenue, pictured, following a pedestrian safety study by Stantec Consulting Services that began in the spring. Photo/Franco Fino
officials in April indicated an overwhelming support for a sidewalk along Forest Avenue. “There were mixed opinions in the beginning of the process,” said Brian Dempsey, chairman of the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee. “But, from a pedestrian safety standpoint, I think the sidewalk would help.” However, according to City Manager Marcus Serrano, while the need for a sidewalk on the two roads remains a priority for many residents, the city is still mulling all of its options. “People that are supporting [sidewalks] don’t want to hear that; they want to see sidewalks built, but we have to consider our options first,” he said. Serrano added that while the city is still considering taking on the sidewalk improvement project, the municipality recently applied for grant funding through the New York State Department of Transportation. Despite applying for the state aid, there is no indication, at this time, that the city will choose any of the recommended pedestrian improvements proposals if it were not to receive the award. According to Serrano, among the four options recommended by Stantec, the City Council is also considering reducing the speed limit from its current city-
wide limit of 30 mph to 25 mph. In New York, reducing the speed limit to 25 mph would require state authorization. However, Councilwoman Emily Hurd, a Democrat hopeful for improvements on Forest Avenue, said a change in the city speed limit wouldn’t be foolproof without enforcement and education. “I don’t think it will solve the problem,” she said. “Obviously we have limited resources, but I hope that even if we don’t get the grant, the city will move forward with the project.” As previously reported by the Review, Stantec also suggested that the city considered redeveloping Forest Avenue as a one-way street. However, the proposal gained no traction with city officials due to the level of difficulty that could potentially arise for emergency vehicles. According to Serrano, there is currently no estimated value of the state grant they are seeking or a time frame for its possible award. City Engineer Ryan Coyne, City Planner Christian Miller, as well as Mayor Joe Sack and Councilwoman Kirstin Bucci could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
Fox manslaughter case adjourned to Dec. 6 Emma Fox’s Nov. 15 court date was adjourned, and the Rye resident is due to reappear in White Plains City Court on Dec. 6. Fox is being charged with the death of a 21-year-old Manhattanville College student in October. According to Robert Wolf, the deputy communications director for the Westchester County District Attorney’s office, no reason was given for the adjournment. On Oct. 9, Fox struck and killed Robby Schartner, of Fishkill, while he was walking along
Westchester Avenue during the early morning hours on his way back to the college after a night out on Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains. Fox, 24, has been charged with an aggravated DWI and first-degree vehicular manslaughter. White Plains police reported that Fox had been intoxicated at the time of the incident with a blood alcohol content of 0.21; the legal limit in New York state is 0.08. According to police, Fox had been travelling eastbound on
Westchester Avenue at about 5 a.m. when she fatally struck Schartner with her car, a 2012 Nissan Sentra. Fox, who had been held at the Westchester County Jail on a $100,000 bail, was released on Nov. 10, according to Justin Pruyne, the deputy commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Correction. Stephen Lewis, Fox’s attorney, could not be reached for comment, as of press time. -Reporting by Franco Fino
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What’s going on... Rye Free Reading Room
boards and other props are sometimes used to enhance stories and model future classroom experiences. A fun craft project is designed around the story theme or a seasonal topic. Parents and caregivers are asked to assist younger children using scissors, glue and other art materials.
wildly popular digital media instructor, Austin Olney. Registration is limited. Sign up at ryelibrary. org. Go to Programs and Events, choose the date and event, and click on the Register button.
Wainwright
Tellabration For more information on hours and programs, visit ryelibrary.org. The library will be closed on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24.
It’s a Wrap: Fun Arm Knitting On Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Meeting Room. Arm knitting is so much fun, and the best part is that you can do it, even if you don’t know how to knit. Join the library for a work session and go home with a knitted warm and cozy cowl for yourself or as a holiday gift. Your friends will be amazed and delighted as you show them what you made with your arms. Bring two skeins of 6 weight yarn to class. No needles necessary. Taught by frequent arts and crafts instructor Carol Costa.
On Saturday, Nov. 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Presented by Rye Storytellers Guild. This annual event features the telling of stories throughout the world on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Please bring a friend and enjoy this evening of stories meant for grown-ups. Refreshments will be served.
Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester
Teacher-in-the-Library
Volunteer opportunities
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.
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.
Family Story Time and Craft
Make 2-D animations and cartoons
On Saturday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Children’s Room. For ages 3 1/2 years old and up with their grown-ups. Children listen to ageappropriate stories and participate in fun games, rhymes and other activities to develop pre-literacy skills and an interest in books and reading. Felt
On Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in the Raho Technology Center. Want to try making digital cartoons? Learn how with the computer application called Synfig Studio. Animating is addictive and fun and allows the creative process to flow. The program will be led by the libraty’s
Valla often captures her subjects from a kayak where she can photograph wading birds and swimming ducks at eye level. The photographs are grouped by species to provide an educational experience, in addition to aesthetic enjoyment. Valla is a French-born photographer and a member of the Little Garden Club of Rye. The exhibit is open Saturday afternoons from noon to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Donations will be gratefully accepted. The Rye Meeting House is located at 624 Milton Road in Rye. For more information, email birdhomestead.meetinghouse@gmail.com or call 967-0099.
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 967-0700 or visit ryeartscenter.org.
Small works exhibition and sale The exhibit closes on Saturday, Dec. 3. There will be a reception on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 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.
Pre-K and kindergarten program On Sunday, Nov. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester’s pre-K and kindergarten classes are a wonderful introduction to the religious school experience. Each class focuses on a Jewish holiday with a fun-filled program, including cooking, music, storytelling and arts and crafts. Classes meet seven times on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. during Religious School and are open to the public. For questions, please email Marcie at maiuvalasit@congregationemanuel.org, or call 967-4382 ext. 15. Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester is located at 2125 E. Westchester Ave. in Rye. For more information, call 967-4382 or visit congregationemanuel.org.
Rye Recreation 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. 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.
Rye City’s
Official Newspaper
November 18, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5
Mrs. Green’s shuts down 5 stores citing new strategy By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Mrs. Green’s Neighborhood Market announced on Nov. 15 that it would be closing multiple stores in New York and Connecticut to shift focus to five of its “core” Westchester stores as part of a new strategy. Amid customer complaints of supply shortages in some of its Westchester locations, the Irvington-based company released
plans to close its Rye and Tarrytown stores, as well as two locations in western Connecticut and a location in the West Village in Manhattan. According to David Kiser, a Mrs. Green’s manager, the Rye location will close its doors on Nov. 18 or Nov. 19, depending on how much inventory is left over following a close-out sale which featured 50 percent off on all items. A spokesperson for the com-
pany said that the store’s locations in Tarrytown and Fairfield, Connecticut, launched the same sale, and would also be closed by the end of the week based on the same criteria. The Stamford, Connecticut, and West Village locations were closed immediately. On Wednesday morning, shoppers perused the almost vacant isles at the Rye store. “It wasn’t my No. 1 store that I visited frequently, but if I ever Mrs. Green’s Neighborhood Market in Rye will run a 50 percent off sale on what inventory is left before it closes. Four other locations will also close so the company can shift its focus onto its five most profitable Westchester County locations. Photos/Andrew Dapolite
The empty dairy shelves at Mrs. Green’s in Rye will not be restocked before the location closes. By Nov. 19, the store will be empty and boarded up.
need milk or fruit, I would try and stop in as often as I could,” said Colleen Scott, a Rye resident who was sifting through the remainder of the store’s sparse merchandise. “It always had nice alternatives, like green home products. It’s definitely sad for the town for sure. I wished it worked out.” In a released statement, Mrs. Green’s said that it planned to shift attention to its five flagship locations within the county: Eastchester, Yorktown, Briarcliff, Mount Kisco and Larchmont.
“While the closure of any location is difficult—especially because our customers and communities have supported us—they are also necessary as we focus on our core, profitable stores,” the company said. In 2014, the company announced plans to expand from 18 locations to 40 by the end of that year, and planned to have 100 stores open within the next few years. That plan included a store at the Rivertowns Square Shopping Center currently be-
ing developed in Dobbs Ferry. Plans for that store have been cancelled. Also, Mrs. Green’s CEO Pat Brown has resigned as a component of the company’s new direction. John Collins, a spokesman for the company, told the Review that existing management has taken over Brown’s responsibilities while the company conducts an internal and external search for a new CEO. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 18, 2016
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Rye commemorates past, current veterans
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Two veterans in attendance at this year’s Veterans Day ceremony outside of City Hall. Photos/Franco Fino
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Rye City Councilman Terry McCartney, far left, a veteran himself, sits during a moment of silence along with other past war veterans.
Even on a windy fall day, only standing room remained as an abundance of residents and officials gathered on the Village Green on Friday, Nov. 11, outside Rye City Hall for the city’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. Despite the blustery weather and the whirling leaves that were difficult to ignore, the lawn outside of City Hall provided an atmosphere that was suitable for attendees of the ceremony and veterans alike, with the added comfort of numerous members of the community. Rye Mayor Joe Sack, state Sen. George Latimer, state Assemblyman Steve Otis, and principal guest speaker Peter Lion, the author of “American St. Nick: A True Story,” addressed the audience. Sack chose to recognize Rye
native Fred de Barros, a veteran who was assigned to a special unit as a military scout dog-handler and was deployed to Saigon, Vietnam in 1967. Sack highlighted the dangers encountered by de Barros, who, at the age of 22, was part of the 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, which was otherwise known as “The Tropical Lighting,” accompanied by a German shepherd dog named Tinser. “When the company was patrolling through the jungle, Fred and Tinser were the very first ones leading the company forward, looking for the first signs of trouble,” he said. While Sack chose to honor de Barros, and the late Bob Lynch, a World War II veteran who recently passed away, Latimer chose a different tact.
He insisted that real heroes are veterans of the many armed forces academies, not celebrities, famous athletes or musicians and their accomplishments. “We should worship men and women who left their homes, went through basic training, put on a uniform for their country, and served their country,” Latimer said. “These are the people that kids should look up to.” The day’s ceremony closed with its final speaker, Lion, who also authored a forthcoming PBS documentary about George Mergenthaler, a Rye resident who was killed in the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive campaign during World War II. Mergenthaler enlisted in the army after the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan.
American Legion Post 128 Cmdr. Fred de Barros takes a selfie with a child outside of Rye City Hall.
-Reporting by Franco Fino
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Families and friends of the veterans at the start of the annual ceremony.
From left, Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, Mayor Joe Sack, New York state Assemblyman Steve Otis, and American Legion Post 128 Cmdr. Fred de Barros attend the city’s ceremony.
November 18, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7 SEASIDE from page 1
On Nov. 16, John Ambrose, co-owner of Rye Town Park’s Seaside Johnnies restaurant, formally declined a counteroffer by the park’s commission to operate the restaurant in 2017. There is currently no solution to the expected vacancy next season, according to Gary Zuckerman, the commission president, pictured. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
the commission will learn from the experience. “I don’t think there is anyone to blame,” he said. “It was a group effort, and the [commission] felt there was an ample amount of time for the [request for proposals] to generate a certain amount of responses, but unfortunately that didn’t happen.” In June, the park commission sent out a request for proposals, RFP, soliciting restaurateurs interested in operating the park for a 10-year period. But with a late August submission deadline, the commission left itself little time to review any proposals and make a decision. That became further prob-
lematic when one of only two RFP respondents, Angelo Liberatore, an operating partner of the Fort Pond Bay Company— which operates Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry, Harvest on Hudson in Hastings-On-Hudson, and East by Northeast and the Stone Lion Inn in Montauk— pulled his proposal citing a lack of sufficient time to get a restaurant up and running for the 2017 season. After Liberatore took himself out of the running, the commission received a multitude of alarming emails from residents aggravated over their minimal involvement in choosing a new operator. Faced with the possi-
bility of a vacant restaurant and snack bar for the 2017 season, while also balancing a desire to revamp the RFP process to attract more respondents for the long term, the commission only offered Seaside Johnnies a oneyear extension on its current lease. Even with the risk of an economic loss of as much as $200,000 as a result of Ambrose closing his doors, and no viable alternative for 2017, Zuckerman said the commission will not initiate a new offer. “At this point, I would rule it out,” he said. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 18, 2016
Technology keeps reminding me of my age THE COUNCIL CORNER Councilman Richard Mecca
As I approach my 62nd birthday, there are two things which remind me of my advancing age: my arthritic knee and my cellphone. I have been blessed with a strong mechanical ability and can fix almost anything, but I can’t figure out the functions of my cellphone. Sure, I can make a call and answer it, but past that I struggle. When I get a text, the “ping” raises my anxiety level before I even look at the phone. If I am driving, I don’t dare touch the phone for fear of a ticket. When I pick up the phone, I can’t read the screen without my glasses. My fat fingers miss the keys so I have to use a stylus. This immediate form of communication takes me a whole lot longer than dialing a phone. My daughters, who were born just outside the dates to be considered millennials, admit that while they have had to develop their tech skills for work, it doesn’t come as readily to them as it does to the 20-somethings who have had access to technology since birth. I have been warned to keep the iPad away from my 20-month-old granddaughter who will search for cow videos and fight to the death before relinquishing it.
My wife claims that current technology is so challenging for us, the baby boomers, because its use is so counter to the way we were taught. As children, at home and at school, we were instructed to listen. Our brains formed concepts and reasoned using language. In school, we sat in rows, listening (or in my case not) to a teacher speak, or to work alone on rote, factual tasks at our desks, placed in rows. Cooperative learning was called “cheating.” Our teachers couldn’t begin to design a lesson which integrated Internet research and shared work on Google Docs displayed on a SMART Board! I wish my father was alive the day my daughter came home with an Apple Watch. Dad was a huge Dick Tracy fan and was obsessed with having the ability to call someone from a watch. I can’t imagine his reaction to a drone delivering packages to his door or a car without a driver. Resistance to change is imbedded in human nature. When I try to rationalize my resistance to all electronic devices, including the computer I am using to write this piece, I look back to the beginning use of electricity. Tesla, Westinghouse and Edison were fierce competitors to provide electricity to the public. They had a vision of how the world would be transformed, yet this change was met with resistance. Fear of illness and the
supernatural fueled public opinion characterizing electricity as “the devil’s handiwork.” The public’s fear of this unseen technology was so great, that the Edison Electric Company offered to wire and connect houses for free, and if the occupant did not want “electricity” after a short time period, the company would remove the wiring. Needless to say, the rest is history. Not to say that all technological advances have the same effect on society. In the early 1950s, nuclear engineers promised that nuclear power would render metering of electricity as unnecessary. Or, my favorite, that one day, telephone use will be charged by time used, not distance traveled. Since standing still means being passed by, I will continue to muddle through all of the changes which come my way until I take my final breath, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. I am concerned about a society which is losing its civility and compassion, and advertises it immediately! Technology has provided us with the capacity to readily access and share information and opinions. As I see it, the challenge now lies in people’s ability to recognize the damage which can be done with a keystroke. CONTACT: rmecca@ryeny.gov
Jerry is a handsome, large, brown tabby. He was brought to us with his brother, Tom, when his former owner lost her job and had to move to a home that would not allow cats. Jerry is more than ready for a new forever home. He is one fun loving cat with a quirky personality, and should do well in a family. Jerry is neutered, up-to-date with all vaccinations, in excellent health and microchipped. The donation for Jerry is $100. To meet this big, handsome boy, contact Pet Rescue at 835-3332 or 835-4133, or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
November 18, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9
10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 18, 2016
The fading skill of self-leaf-bagging A RYE OLDTIMER Judge John Carey
Time was when we burned our leaves at the curbside. But that was banned years ago as a fire hazard. Nowadays, most residents get rid of them as best they can. You can hire someone to blow your leaves away, most likely into a truck or into the street. Or you can bag them and put them at the curb for the city to remove, unless you prefer to let them sit for years where they lie, hoping to use them for com-
post and that they will nourish the soil. Our son Douglas Carey has already bagged this fall dozens of bags. And this from our tiny lot, 100 by 100 feet, a quarteracre. He has developed a clever technique. When you buy leaf bags from the hardware store, they are ornery devices; hard to open and reluctant to stand up for filling. Douglas has this figured out: You stand the bag upright in an empty trash can and fill it with leaves by picking them up between a rake and a child’s snow shovel. The filled bag can be unwieldy, but can be transported with ease on a wheel bar-
Revenue shortfalls re-spark county budget concerns
row or a child’s wagon. I had the delight on Veterans Day of helping to bag our leaves. It was relaxing and an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon remembering after the ceremony on the Village Green. Just think if we had both been using gas-powered leaf blowers. We would not have been able to enjoy each other’s company listening to the soothing sounds of nature and the steady yet gentle sounds of raking leaves. Maybe the leaf blower ban should be year-round, a healthy form of chicken soup for our red-blue polarized nation. CONTACT: j_pcarey@verizon.net
With a deadline quickly approaching, revenue shortfalls and skyrocketing health care costs will become the focal points of Westchester lawmakers responsible for approving a county budget for 2017. File photo
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer When Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino presented his countywide budget for 2017 on Nov. 10, he once again put forward a plan that promises to keep taxes flat; something the Republican county executive has done every year since taking office in 2010. Now, approval of the budget falls into the hands of the county’s legislative branch, which is faced with mending a substantial revenue shortfall and taming ballooning health care costs. The operating budget, which will be vetted in tandem with the recently released capital budget over the next month, will cost Westchester taxpayers $1.8 billion—a 0.4 percent spending increase over 2016—and will not raise the county’s tax levy for the seventh consecutive year. “Not increasing taxes is not an abstract slogan,” Astorino said at a press conference to unveil his budget. “It’s real money in the pockets of real people—young people, families, seniors on fixed incomes and entrepreneurs trying to scrape together enough money to start a business or stay in business.” Broad cuts to nonprofits dominated talks during last year’s budget cycle; however, the 2017 budget, as proposed, has shown no reduction to services and nonprofits, or layoffs to county employees. Joanna Straub, executive director of Nonprofit Westchester, a coalition of nonprofits countywide, said that while there are currently
no proposed cuts, if budgeted revenue were to decrease, nonprofit funding could be among the first funding to be sequestered. Despite the Astorino administration’s commitment to maintaining the same level of services and staff, the county continues to grapple with increasingly stark revenue shortfalls, which it attributes to underperforming sales tax revenues and lower gas and energy prices. The administration has estimated that between sales tax shortfalls and rising health care costs, it will see in total a $30 million revenue shortfall. Such gaps have sparked concern from opponents of the county executive’s over the course of his two terms in office. County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-on-Hudson Democrat who also chairs the county Infrastructure Committee, has been a consistent critic of what she has characterized as fiscal irresponsibility on the administration’s behalf. “If you’re predicting revenues in your budget, you need to have a level of certainty that you’re going to obtain those revenues in the near future,” Shimsky said. Among major complaints from lawmakers following the budget’s release was the administration’s inclusion of $15 million in projected revenue from a tenuous agreement between the county and Oaktree Capital regarding management of Westchester Airport. The proposal, which was only announced on Nov. 3, looks to tap into additional revenue by privatizing the county-owned commercial airport, which sees in excess of 1.75 million passengers
annually. Although the administration has lauded the deal as a potential source of $140 million in additional tax revenue over the course of 40 years, lawmakers have approached the plan with caution, criticizing Astorino’s attempt to fast-track its approval by tying a Board of Legislators’ decision to a required Dec. 27 budget deadline, and for not sending out a formal request for proposals. “The Astorino administration negotiated with an airport management vendor behind closed doors, likely to avoid scrutiny for the newest accounting gimmick,” said county Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat who has already announced his plans to run for county executive in 2017. According to Shimsky, the chances of the Board of Legislators signing off on a budget containing the administration’s airport agreement are increasingly slim. “It is extremely, extremely unlikely that we’re going to book those revenues by the [Dec. 27] deadline,” she said, regarding the legislative chamber’s required review of the Astorino budget. Among the major obstacles, Shimsky explained, are a lengthy application timeline regarding the FAA’s privatization program through which the administration would process its proposal. Since the program’s inception in 1997, only two of the 10 airports that applied have gone through the entire process; Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico and Stewart International Airport in COUNTY continued on page 11
November 18, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11
Westchester considers ‘puppy mill’ law By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Some Westchester lawmakers are considering a bill that would put a tighter leash on pet stores in the county. The so-called puppy mill law, an amendment to the county’s existing animal sales law, would place restrictions on where owners of pet stores in the county are allowed to buy dogs and cats from in an effort to stem the mistreatment of animals, which are commercially bred in an environment that is unsafe or unhealthy. However, the county Legislation Committee has already seen backlash from local pet dealers, who say the current proposal is too ambiguous and unfairly restrictive.“It’s going to minimize where I can buy from,” Gary Nudelman, owner of NY Pet Breeder in White Plains, told the committee on Oct. 31. “I have a successful business model for 33 years. So you guys are now telling me who I can and cannot buy from.” The proposed law restricts pet store owners from buying dogs or cats from breeders who have received any citations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, in the previous three years or who have received a cease and desist or a civil penalty in the previous five years. However, in an email to the Legislation Committee, Courtney Hogan, government affairs specialist for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, said that the county’s proposal doesn’t take into account the basis for which the USDA issues certain
COUNTY from page 10
Newburgh, New York. Stewart International has since reverted back to public management. And a similar public-private partnership transferring the management of Rye Playland— a county-owned amusement park whose footprints sit within the city of Rye—was vetted by the county for nearly six years before it was finally approved earlier this year. Further adding to fears of uncertain revenue streams in the county budget are the increasingly high costs of health care, which according to adminis-
Westchester County lawmakers are considering a law which would regulate which breeders a pet vendor gets its dogs and cats from, but some merchants say the proposed law would be too restrictive. Photo courtesy ny-petrescue.org
citations. “An indirect violation, by nature of the USDA code, is really a teaching moment,” Hogan said, adding for example that USDA issues citations for food containers not being tightly sealed, or for a breeder not being present for an unscheduled inspection. Legislator Jim Maisano, a New Rochelle Republican who sponsored the bill, said the committee will make amendments to the most recent draft before discussing the legislation further. “We’re going through all the feedback,” he told the Review. “We have lots of notes.” According to the most recent draft of the legislation, the penalty for violating any of the restrictions outlined in the law would include fines of between $100 and $500. The county proposal has been preceded by newly adopted local tration officials have exceeded budget expectations by $10 million. Budget numbers show that in 2016 the county appropriated more than $135 million to cover health insurance costs for current employees. For the proposed budget, Astorino has requested $152 million. Health care of retired employees alone cost the county $65 million in 2016, according to budget numbers. Fights over to what extent the county is responsible for paying the full cost of employees’ health care have sprung up recently after heated negotiations between the Astorino ad-
laws in six separate Westchester communities. The first municipal puppy mill law in the county was passed in the village of Mamaroneck in February. Since then, similar laws have been passed in Harrison, Rye Brook, Port Chester, Mount Pleasant and Yorktown. A similar law in New Rochelle is also being considered; but city officials are waiting for the results of litigation surrounding New York City’s version of its law before making a decision. The county is taking similar precautions. “The purpose of the law is to pass something that is effective,” said Legislator Virginia Perez, a Yonkers Democrat. “We’re not overreaching; we are protecting both pets and the people that deal with them. We don’t want to leave it open for cases of litigation.” However, the county’s bill, which has been in the works for more than a year, does not include the same restrictions as those of its municipalities. Each of the municipalities’ laws resembled that of Mamaroneck, which stipulates that a pet store owner could only obtain its animals from a humane society or shelter located within Westchester. Violations of those laws can incur a fine of up to $1,000. “We’ve been advised by legal counsel that those laws are questionably legal,” Maisano said. A bill signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, in 2014 delegated laws regulating the sale of pets to municipalities. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
ministration and the Civil Service Employees Association, CSEA—a union representing the county’s public sector workers—failed to produce a compromise, including a contract offer that the union rejected earlier this month. “The contract rejection by the CSEA is just more evidence that the union is not dealing with reality,” Astorino said. “Apparently, the CSEA thinks it is entitled to free health care forever, paid for by taxpayers.” Contract negotiations between the two parties are still ongoing. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
BUDGET from page 1
allowable increase without an override. The state’s tax cap legislation was meant to set a ceiling at which municipalities can raise property taxes. If the budget is approved by the City Council, it would mark the first year that the city exceeded the tax cap. According to Serrano, without adding extra revenue or decreasing city expenditures, the cap will remain difficult to grapple with in the future. “As revenues start leveling out and the expenses rise, it’s impossible; you can’t keep tax increases at zero,” he said. While the rate may sound like a large hike, according to Serrano, the average household will only see a $20 increase in taxes per month, based on the tentative budget plan for next year. Included in the nearly 7 percent tax rate increase are $600,000 in annual street repaving, which has in previous years come from the city’s unassigned general fund balance. Without the repaving, the tax increase would have hovered around 4 percent. According to Serrano, over the past several years, the city has begun using general fund money to pay for repaving; a practice that took hold following the 2008 housing crisis when tax revenue for the city plummeted. Between 2008 and 2014, the city opted to forego any repaving work as a result of insufficient funds for capital projects. Now, Serrano said, the city may look to bond out projects that require more capital. Next year, the city is budgeting to spend $1.7 million on capital projects that include renovations to the Dearborn pump station, street repaving, and
After being presented with a 2017 city budget by the city manager on Nov. 9, the Rye City Council will work towards finalizing a tentative budget containing expenses like $600,000 in road repaving and increasingly steep health care costs. File photo
parking lot improvements at 1st and 2nd streets. Those projects will be paid for primarily from general city revenue, aside from $350,000 in state grants toward repaving. According to City Comptroller Joe Fazzino, revenue shortfalls and increased expenditure costs put the city $1.5 million behind budget. Fazzino said that while the numbers may look bad, from a budgetary standpoint, they still represent a silver lining. “It sounds like a bad thing, but it’s actually a good thing,” he said. “We planned for a $2.6 million loss.” Though the city received some unexpected revenue gains from several areas—namely approximately $600,000 in reimbursed legal fees from the city’s insurance carrier regarding a Rye Golf Club settlement—other factors, such as rising health care costs and city salaries, outweighed the gains. Budget projections show an approximately $300,000 increase in health care costs for retired employees alone, which add to increases for both active and retired city employees that have skyrocketed since 2008
from $2.5 million to a projected $5.5 million for 2017. According to Serrano, the future health benefits and salaries for 2017 and beyond are still uncertain, as the city is currently in negotiations with three of the city’s four major union contracts—including contracts for both the police and fire unions—and is fast approaching the end of a civil service office workers contract that will expire at the end of the year. While benefits constitute a significant chunk of the city’s total budget—clocking in at 27 percent—salaries account for the largest portion of the city’s expenditures at 37 percent. Serrano said that some salary costs have been offset by staff reductions over the past several years; 10 percent over the past five years. He added that in the tentative budget, there are no proposed layoffs to city staff or hires, despite a roster that he characterized as “bare bones.” The City Council will now begin its review of the budget and must make any changes prior to being approved by a Dec. 21 deadline. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 18, 2016
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November 18, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13
About that Yale interview RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
One recent Sunday I went to my local Queens bakery at 9, 11 and 2, and each time sat across from a friendly, open 18-year-old. These New York City students shared their hopes, dreams, and what they do in their free time. One researches drone strikes in Somalia. Another teaches the disabled to ski. A third measures the size and shape of snake skulls. Typical... for this group. These are applicants for early admission to Yale. Me, I’m an alumni interviewer. That means I help lighten the Yale Admissions Department’s load by volunteering to assess half a dozen candidates each year. This is my 15th or 16th goround, and it always gives me great delight. But this year, it also gave me pause. That’s because another alum, Ben Orlin, just wrote a piece in The Los Angeles Times titled, “Why I Won’t Re-enlist as a Yale Alumni Interviewer.” His beef is that “the whole process is so spectacularly insane that participating in it— even in such a peripheral role— feels like watching spiders crawl out of my tear ducts.” The insanity is not the kids— they’re great. Nor is it Yale—it can’t take everyone. The insanity is the giant disparity between the number of stunning applicants and the number that get in: “For every bed in the freshman dorms, 20 kids are lining up, at least five of whom are high school rock stars,” Orlin wrote. “From that murderer’s row, ad-
missions officers face the impossible task of picking just one. There’s no right answer.” He feels for all the students who have done so much, and are likely to take their rejection personally. (Don’t we all?) What these kids can’t know is that they are just as amazing as the ones who get the thick envelopes, but they may be the 15th top debater who also spent a year teaching calculus in Kenya. No school needs 15 of the same thing. Thus, some get in, but others get bumped for a dancer/sculptor/beekeeper from Utah, or spear fisher (with perfect SATs) from Spain. So, that day as I spoke with the hopefuls, I felt compelled to also mention The Ghosts of Applicants Past. There was the girl so fascinated by rhetoric that she learned Ancient Greek. She wanted to read the first philosophers to describe speaking techniques like, “I won’t mention the defendant’s past as a thief, because that is not relevant to this case.” She loved the way information got sneakily embedded. But she also loved neuroscience, so she was doing lab research on Alzheimer’s. Her modest little goal was to figure out whether how information gets into our brains has any relation to how it leaks out. She did not get in. Another year I met a young man from a Manhattan public high school who admitted that during middle school computer class, he would hack a friend’s screen to suddenly show cartoons when the teacher was walking past. By the time he was in high school, he put his computer skills to more serious
work by starting a web design company for local businesses. If some of the coding got too hard, he’d farm it out to Russian programmers and pay them part of his fee. By senior year he’d turned his attention to the medical field and got an internship at a local teaching hospital. He discovered something (I couldn’t understand what) about how plaque builds up in arteries, and had come up with a new, cheap way to dissolve it. Ten medical school professors came to hear his lecture. When one objected that his idea wouldn’t work, he showed him how it would. This kid applied to Yale and MIT. I hope he got into the latter, because he did not get into Yale. Then there was the young woman who was producing a documentary on a French fashion muse from the ‘70s. No dice. And another student so fascinated by the French Revolution that she did original research on the guillotine jewelry of that time. She didn’t make the cut. Meantime, a young man I had a hard time interviewing because he had so little to say, did make it in. I gather that he was spectacular at math. But he got lost navigating from Union Square to our interview at a Starbucks on First Avenue and 17th and arrived late. Which is not to say Yale gets it wrong. Many of the students I’ve recommended, it took. But Orlin got it right, too: Ivy admissions are an opaque process, not to be taken personally. The good news is that by the time students think they’re Yale material, they usually are. Even if they don’t get in. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
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Tips for a healthier holiday season As we prepare to gather with family and friends this holiday season, the American Heart Association, AHA, reminds us that we can make smart recipe substitutions to keep our holiday meals—and the people we love—healthier. Over-indulging in traditional holiday foods can add extra pounds to our waistlines, and increase our risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. More than 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese, according to the AHA, so getting to and maintaining a healthy weight is important during the holidays and year-round. The AHA recommends making small but impactful lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. Studies show that more than 80 percent of heart disease can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising 30 minutes most days of the week and eating healthier. The AHA says the first step is to determine your daily calorie intake with an app or online calculator, then adjust your daily calories into the healthy range. A good place to start is by eating more fruits and vegetables which are low in calories and high in nutrition. “Many of the traditional foods served during the holidays can be healthy—the trick is to not load on the butter, sodium and sugar,” said Roufia Payman, supervisor of Outpatient Nutrition Counseling, and diabetes lifestyle coach at Northern Dutchess Hospital. “Add color and nutrition to your plate with seasonal squash, roasted vegetables and fruit-based desserts.” All of the holiday parties and dinners can throw off your healthy lifestyle goals. The AHA is offering its annual Holiday Healthy Eating Guide to help people navigate the holiday season in a healthy way. The 13page free guide has tips, recipes and resources to help maintain a healthy lifestyle during the busy holiday season. The guide is available free online at bit.ly/ AHAHolidayGuide. Party with a healthy plan in place. The AHA recommends healthy portions, limiting the empty calories in alcohol drinks, and filling up on healthier fruits and vegeta-
bles first, before the less healthy options. Keep dessert temptations to small samples of your favorites instead of full servings, and eat mindfully to enjoy every morsel. Don’t stand near the party buffet and avoid mindless nibbling. Plate-up health first. Be sure to pack your holiday meals with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, fish, skinless poultry, and plant-based side dishes and main courses. Swap-in healthier choices. Substitute fat-free and low-fat dairy products for the higher fat versions, like Greek yogurt for sour cream. Use lower sodium versions of foods like broth, canned vegetables and sauces. Use whole grain breads and pastas instead of white flour ones. Cook with unsaturated, healthier fats, and non-tropical oils. Eliminate trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils. If you choose red meats, select the leanest cuts. When it comes to poultry, light meat is leaner than dark. A serving size of meat is 3 oz., about the size of a deck of cards. Avoid the empty calories of sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly if you are going to indulge in small samples of desserts. Here are some more tips. More cooking tips: • Use vegetable oils such as olive oil instead of butter. • Use herbs and spices, like rosemary and cloves, to flavor dishes instead of butter and salt. • Bake, grill or steam vegetables instead of frying. • Instead of whole milk or
heavy cream, substitute low-fat or fat-free/skim milk. Baking swaps: • Instead of butter, substitute equal parts cinnamon-flavored, no-sugar-added applesauce. • Instead of sugar, use a lowercalorie sugar substitute. • Instead of whole or heavy cream, substitute low-fat or skim milk. • Instead of using only white flour, use half white and half whole-wheat flour. • Instead of adding chocolate chips or candies, use dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries. • Use extracts like vanilla, almond and peppermint to add flavor, instead of sugar or butter. Healthier beverages: • Instead of alcohol in mixed drinks, use club soda. • Instead of adding sugar to mixed drinks, mix 100 percent juice with water or use freshly squeezed juice. • Instead of using heavy cream or whole milk in dairy-based drinks, use low-fat or skim milk. • Instead of using sugar to sweeten cider, use spices and fruit, like cinnamon, cloves and cranberries. Of course, exercise is critical to weight management and overall health. The AHA recommends getting 30 minutes of vigorous exercise on most days of the week. Eating more? Walk more. A brisk walk before or after meals can help burn those extra calories. To find more simple ways you and your family can eat healthy, visit heart.org/healthyeating. (Submitted)
14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 18, 2016
Fantasy flop LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
If I get kicked out of my fantasy football league this year, I’m placing at least 85 percent of the blame on the New Rochelle soccer team. I spent this past weekend making the rounds upstate; on Saturday, I drove up to Endwell to see the Bronxville field hockey team take on Cazenovia in the state semifinals. The following day, I drove down to Middletown to see the Huguenots win the Class AA crown against Fairport with a 2-1 win. The one thing I did not do, however, was set my fantasy lineup. With three defensive players on bye, and the majority of my top draft picks like Lamar Miller, LeGarrette Blount and Kirk Cousins on the bench since they had byes the week before, I trotted out an anemic, incom-
plete squad and handed a win to my opponent who, like me, was in the midst of a heated playoff race. If you judged solely by my friends’ reactions, you would have thought I killed somebody. Now, I understand it. We play for quite a bit of money, and the fact that I made no effort to put a team together this week may have really hurt the chances of a few of our other “owners” to recoup their league fees. I apologized to them sincerely, but in my heart, I still blame New Rochelle. Sure, maybe more of it has to do with my technological ineptitude. For the life of me, I just couldn’t figure out how to adjust my roster from my phone because I haven’t used Yahoo’s app all year. As I waited on the sidelines for the game to start, I tried frantically to manipulate my roster, to no avail. But then 1 p.m. hit, and the fantasy week—and the cham-
SPORTS
pionship game—were off and running. For the next two hours, I watched the Huguenots play a beautiful game. Their crisp passes and strong defensive challenges were interrupted only by the occasional email from one of my friends to call me horrible names that can’t, for sake of decorum, be listed here. By the time they were done celebrating their championship win, and I was done conducting my postgame interviews, it was after 4 p.m. and any chance I had to put a competitive team together was just about gone. I lost an easily winnable game, dropped out of the playoff race, and all week long, I’ve been defending myself against allegations of collusion and tanking. Maybe some of it was my fault, maybe some people in my fantasy league take things a tad too seriously, but I remain steadfast in my belief that it’s mostly New Rochelle’s fault.
Felipe Tobon embraces a young fan following New Rochelle’s 2-1 win over Fairport in the Class AA state championship game on Nov. 13. Photo/Mike Smith
But watching them celebrate that title, tears streaming down their faces as they embraced a
wild, adoring fan base? Something tells me that those guys are going to be able to live with that.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
Rye Athlete of the Week
KATIE LAVERTY By LIAM BRENNAN Contributor This week’s Athlete of the Week is Katie Laverty, a freshman on the girls varsity swimming and diving team. Laverty and her team finished the season with an impressive 7-1 record. She came in first place in the diving portion of each meet. At divisionals, she came in second place for diving and followed that up with a thirdplace finish during sectionals, where she qualified for states. Diving coach Melanie Dilascio admires Laverty’s drive to keep improving herself. “[She] surprises me with how much she is capable of learning,” Dilascio said. “Her will-
ingness to not only learn new dives, but master them.” Dilascio has the utmost confidence in Laverty’s ability to excel at the highest of levels, and said that Katie will “make the entire Rye community proud as she heads to states this month.” Teammate Michael Ackert thinks very highly of Laverty’s work ethic. “[I have not] met an athlete more dedicated than Katie,” he said. “Everything Katie has accomplished is due to her hard work, and I know she is going to go very far in the world of diving.” When Laverty is not spending time working on her own dives, she can be found vol-
unteering at the Greenwich YMCA teaching swim lessons. In addition, she is a very dedicated scholar, making the High Honor Roll.
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SPORTS
November 18, 2016 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15
Titans eye upcoming season
Ike Murov chases down a puck against the Pelicans.
By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor After two deep postseason runs, Rye Town/Harrison is coming into the 2016-17 season with a wealth of talent, experience and depth. Although head coach Jason Head knows that new challenges await the Titans this season, he is confident that a strong core of returning players will continue to push the program to new heights. Last season, the Titans fin-
ished 18-6, won the League II-C championship and made a second-straight appearance in the Division II title game, where they fell to perennial powerhouse Pelham. This year, despite moving up to Division I, Head expects his players to build on last year’s momentum. “They’re very focused, they came in ready to go,” Head said. “That loss to Pelham stuck with a lot of the guys last year, and even though we’re in Division I now and we’re not going to get
2016-17 Rye Town/Harrison Titans Hockey Schedule DATE 11/19 11/25 12/03 12/12 12/17 12/19 12/29 01/07 01/09 01/16 01/20 01/21 01/23 01/28 02/04 02/11
TIME 8:55 p.m. 11 a.m. 10 a.m. 8:50 p.m. 7:25 p.m. 8:50 p.m. 2:15 p.m. 7:25 p.m. 8:50 p.m. 8:50 p.m. 8:40 p.m. 7:25 p.m. 8:50 p.m. 7p.m. 7:20 p.m. 7:40 p.m.
OPPONENT vs. BYRAM HILLS @WHITE PLAINS* @PAWLING SOMERS vs. CLARKSTOWN vs. HENDRICK HUDSON vs. NON-REGION OPPONENT* vs. NEW ROCHELLE vs. HORACE GREELEY vs. SOMERS @BREWSTER vs. WHITE PLAINS vs. JOHN JAY @NORTH ROCKLAND @CARMEL @MAHOPAC
*Denotes first game of tournament
a chance to see them in the playoffs, they’ve been motivated.” The Titans lost just three seniors from last year’s team, and although each player played an integral role on the ice, Head said that his returning players are more than capable of picking up the slack. Offensively, the Titans will feel the loss of Doug Harrison and Max Picker, who combined for 69 goals last season. But the Titans will return last year’s alternate captain Jackson Schultz, who had 18 goals and 18 assists on the season. “We expect Jackson to be taking more of a commanding role this year,” Head said. “And we’ll also be relying on players like William Pizzutello who had a ton of chances last year and Max Chalfin who logged a lot of minutes.” The Titans’ returners will be joined by a potential breakout star in freshman Anthony Cippolone, who could be a catalyst for the Titans’ offense. “He’s a very strong player, he’s got a lot of offensive power,” Head said. “We’re looking to plug him in on a line with two upperclassmen and watch him develop.” The Titans will also have something of a new look on the defensive end, with junior Sam Smith taking over netminding duties from standout Joey Livornese. Smith was stellar in limited time last year, posting a 1.01 goals against average, and could be poised to be the latest in a growing line of solid Rye Town goalies. “He’s improved tremendously, he’s been going to a lot of goalie camps, and I think most guys would tell you that [Smith] is the hardest worker on the team,” the head coach said. “Hopefully we are going to be in the same situation we were in a few years ago when Joey [Livornese] came in and took over the role.” The Titans will open the season on Nov. 19 against Byram Hills at Rye Playland, as they become one of the first Section I teams to begin the regular season this year. According to Head, with so many returning players, the brief offsea-
Jackson Schultz takes the puck behind the net against Pelham in last year’s Division II championship game. Schultz will again be a key contributor for the Titans this year.
Max Chalfin battles with a Pelham defender last season. Chalfin is expected to take more of a lead role in the Rye Town/Harrison offense this year. Photos/Mike Smith
son shouldn’t pose much of a problem. “Aside from a few new systems we’re implementing, I think it’s going to be our ability
to make in-game adjustments that is going to be a game-changer this year,” he said. “We’re going to be up in Division I, so we’re not going to see Pelham,
but we know we’re going to have a lot of difficult teams when we start trying to make our run.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 18, 2016