November 30, 2018 by The Rye City Review

RyeCity REVIEW THE

November 30, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 49 | www.ryecityreview.com

Westchester promotes county civil service careers

Titans skate to victory Jack Shapiro takes a faceoff against Mahopac on Nov. 21. After dropping their season opener to the Indians, Rye Town/Harrison won back-toback games last weekend. For story, see page 15. Photo/Mike Smith

Westchester County financial ratings released Westchester was notified by S&P and Fitch that the county’s financial outlook has been downgraded to AA+. Moody’s assigned Aa1 to Westchester County. “These downgrades are certainly no surprise,” County Executive George Latimer said. “As we have said these past few months, the county is in serious financial stress. We have had to make hard decisions in drafting the 2019 proposed fiscal budget; we are saving wherever we can, such as renegotiating contracts such as the Liberty Lines deal. Regardless of the many

steps we are taking to improve our footing, these problems were not created overnight and they will not be solved overnight.” In the report, S&P stated that the rating action reflects the view of the county’s narrow financial reserves at fiscal yearend 2017, and the paying of the union contracts when no money had been previously budgeted to do so. Latimer took over county government in January 2018 after defeating two-term incumbent Rob Astorino. Astorino served eight years as the county executive.

Additionally, the report commends Latimer’s efforts to formulate a structurally balanced budget and recognized the county’s “strong management, with good financial policies and practices under our financial management assessment methodology.” Meanwhile, Fitch put the rating outlook at “stable” based on the county’s continued reliance on one-time budgetary actions. S&P stated that, “should the county successfully implement additional revenue measures, as well as continued evaluating expenditure reductions to produce structurally balanced operations

while constraining long-term liability growth, we could revise the outlook to stable.” Moody’s report also stated that, “The rating also reflects the county’s deteriorated financial position that is likely to improve in the near-term given strong financial management.” “We are going to right this ship,” Latimer said. “My goal is to have the county’s AAA bond rating, by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, return before I leave office. But, we are going to have to face up to the necessity of tough choices in the days ahead.” (Submitted)

Many jobs with the county require applicants take a civil service exam—and if you are looking for one of those jobs—you’re in luck. Many exams are available online and applications can be submitted electronically. Civil service exams are often part of government employment. In order to get a job, be promoted, move to a different department, you need to take a test. So why are these jobs—and therefore the tests—worth it? Just look at a current Westchester County employee as an example. Francis Karintholil decided to serve the county because he wanted something new. He had worked for the Bank of New York until 1990, when he got a job at Westchester Community College as a registration clerk. “I didn’t expect to stay here, but I liked the environment and I was working with a lot of really nice people. Plus the benefits are really good,” he said. Karintholil went back to school eight years after he started with Westchester Community College and got an MBA from Long Island University. The county helped him pay for that education, and accommodated his trips to school after work. After 28 years, between 10 or 15 tests and seven promotions, Karintholil is an assistant commissioner of human resources for Westchester County. “My advice for anyone looking to work in civil service is to take as many tests as possible; especially tests for more general positions. Spanish language and technology skills are frequently requested, so if you have either of those, you’ll most likely be eligible for something,” he added. Any test for a county or municipal job in Westchester is de-

signed by the state. The people who develop the tests typically base them on a job description and a list of prerequisites. The other guidelines they follow are the expressed intent of the exams: According to the New York State Department of Civil Service, the intent is “… [to test] according to merit and fitness.”Not all of the county’s positions require a college degree. Many employees go back to school for free at Westchester Community College or use the tuition reimbursement program to attend other institutions. Working for the county promises other benefits. The healthcare plan is top-notch and there are many opportunities for upward mobility for good, hard-working employees. The permanency system is an especially appealing feature. For 12 weeks to a year following appointment to a position, an employee is on probation. At the conclusion of a successful probation, an employee gains permanency. After becoming permanent, an employee who tests for a new job and moves to that position is free to return to their ‘permanent’ position if they find the new job does not suit their skills. The county uses these policies to improve its workforce, ensuring that Westchester is served by qualified professionals. Although the tests can be difficult, study guides and assistance are readily available. Questions on the exams may repeat because there are similarities among various jobs such as “Supervision”— the questions in this subject are generic and cross all positions where supervising staff is a requirement of the position. This CAREERS continued on page 8

2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 30, 2018

November 30, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3

Port Chester man arraigned on attempted murder Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced on Nov. 26, that defendant Ramiro Ulises Escobar Gonzalez, 29, of Port Chester was arraigned before Westchester County Court Judge Susan Cacace in the shooting of another man in May. A Westchester County Grand Jury earlier handed up a fourcount indictment. Escobar Gonzalez is charged with attempted murder in the second degree, a class B violent felony; assault in the first degree, a class B violent felony; and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, class C violent felonies. Escobar Gonzalez is scheduled to appear in court again Dec. 11, 2018. Prosecutors allege just before 10 p.m. on May 17, outside 25 Waterfront Place in Port Chester, Escobar Gonzalez and the victim were talking over a beer. During the conversation, Escobar Gonzalez pulled out a revolver and fired three shots at the victim, striking him once in the chest. The victim called 911.

Ramiro Ulises Escobar Gonzalez

Port Chester police arrested the defendant later that evening at his apartment. The victim was hospitalized and released several weeks later.

Assistant district attorneys Stephen Ronco and Kristina Dushaj of the Investigations Division are prosecuting the case. (Submitted)

GET A SMART PHONE FOR

0 DOWN

with AT&T Next Every YearSM and AT&T Next® *Req’s well-qualified credit & elig. svc. Tax due at sale. Limits & restr's apply.

HOW IT WORKS 1. Choose your new smartphone. (Tax due at time of sale.) 2. Choose your installment and AT&T wireless plans.1 (The retail price of your new smartphone is divided into installment payments and added to your wireless bill.)

AT&T Next Every Year Pay 24 installment payments to fulfill the agreement. Upgrade every year.2

AT&T Next

Pay 30 installment payments to fulfill the agreement. Upgrade every two years.2

3. Make an optional down payment at the time of purchase to lower your installment payments. If you cancel your wireless service plan, your remaining installment balance becomes due. 2 Upgrade eligible once 50% of device cost is paid on AT&T Next Every Year and 80% with AT&T Next. Requires trade-in of financed smartphone or one of the same make/model in fully functional/good physical condition. 1

844-215-4928

AT&T Business Customers: Please contact your AT&T sales representative for more information or call 866.9att.b2b (866.928.8222). AT&T NEXT OR AT&T NEXT EVERY YEAR: Credit approval required. For smartphones only. Tax on sales price due at sale. Requires 0% APR monthly installment agreement and eligible service. Divides sales price into monthly installments. AT&T Next: 30-month agreement with trade-in to upgrade when 80% of sales price is paid off. AT&T Next Every Year: 24-month agreement with trade-in to upgrade when 50% of sales price is paid off. $0 down: Requires well-qualified credit. Limit as low as 2 smartphones at $0 down. Down payment: May be required and depends on a variety of factors. Down payment if required will be either 30% of sales price or a dollar amount ranging from currently $0 to $600 (amount subject to change, and may be higher). You may choose to pay more upfront. Remainder of sales price is divided into 30 or 24 monthly installments. Service: Eligible postpaid voice and data service (minimum $45 per month after AutoPay and Paperless billing discount for new customers. Pay $55 per month until discount starts within 2 bills. Existing customers can add to eligible current plans which may be less) is required and extra. If service is canceled, remaining installment agreement balance is due. Examples: $749.99 sales price on AT&T Next (30-month) with $0 down is $25 per month, with $225 down (30%) is $17.50 per month, or with $600 down is $5 per month. On AT&T Next Every Year (24-month) with $0 down is $31.25 per month, with $225 down (30%) is $21.88 per month, or with $600 down is $6.25 per month. Activation or upgrade fee: Up to $45/line. Waiver of fee subject to change. Restocking Fee: Up to $45. Limits: Purchase limit applies. Eligibility,device, line and financing limits & other restr’s apply. Upgrade with eligible trade-in: Requires payment of percentage of sales price (50% or 80%), account in good standing, trade-in of financed device (or one of the same make and model) in good physical and fully functional condition through the AT&T Next or AT&T Next Every Year trade-in program (excludes AT&T trade-in program where you receive an instant credit or AT&T promotion card), and purchase of new eligible smartphone with qualified wireless service. After upgrade, unbilled installments are waived. See att.com/next and your Retail Installment Agreement for full details. GENERAL WIRELESS SERVICE: Subject to wireless customer agreement (att.com/wca). Services are not for resale. Deposit: May be required. Limits: Purchase and line limits apply. Prices vary by location. Credit approval, fees, monthly and other charges, usage, eligibility and other restrictions per line may apply. See att.com/additional charges for more details on other charges. Pricing and terms are subject to change and may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. Coverage and service are not available everywhere. You get an off -net (roaming) usage allowance for each service. If you exceed the allowance, your services may be restricted or terminated. Other restrictions apply and may result in service termination. For info on AT&T network management policies see att.com/broadbandinfo. © 2018 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Owners of all marks retain their rights. RTP SF T 0218 5181 D-Sa

4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 30, 2018

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

ence “Don Pasquale” by Gaetano Donizetti. Made possible by the support of the Dineen Classical Music Gift Fund.

Teacher-In-The-Library

For more information on hours and programs, visit ryelibrary.org.

Mother Goose Monday On Mondays from 10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. in the Children’s Room. Recommended for infants and toddlers. Nursery rhymes, songs, and finger plays. “Granny Jean” Klein, wellversed in early childhood development, introduces babies and toddlers to playful rhymes, songs, and puppetry. Parents and caregivers participate with the children at the library and are encouraged to continue the activities at home. Because the program is often a child’s first experience in an audience setting, it is important that adults strive to arrive on time and actively help children focus on the presentation. For more information, call the Children’s Reference Desk at 231-3162.

Lunch at La Scala On Mondays from noon to 3 p.m. No need to travel to Italy. Join the library here in Rye for six Mondays at noon (bring lunch or a snack) and watch some of the most popular operas ever recorded at Italy’s famed La Scala. On April 17, experi-

On Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Children’s Room, when the library is open. For grades K–5. Drop by the library where Rye teachers offer homework help to students attending local public and private elementary schools in the Rye and close surrounding areas. 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.

Marilyn’s Musical Maracas A Bilingual Storytime On Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. Join Marilyn Castillo at the library on Tuesday mornings for a blast of culture, music, and language in Spanish. Have fun learning simple words, numbers, and colors en español through simple songs and rhymes, while moving to music fiesta style. Music helps children retain words and expressions much more effectively. The rhythm of the music, as well as the repetitive patterns within the song, helps kids memorize new words, making it an easy way to teach a second language.

Spin-A-Yarn On Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ogden Nash Room. Open to the public. Information needlework, fabric arts get-together. Bring your own

project and supplies and work and chat.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester

Wiggle, Giggle Time

LEGO City Builder

On Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m. or 11 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. Please choose one session to attend. Children will wiggle to music, giggle to funny rhymes, and pretend to be wild and wonderful animals in this lively interactive program with “Dawny Dew” Halasz. Music is a natural connection tool. It brings people together and helps them interact with one another. Children are engaged with the use of puppets, felt board activities, nursery rhymes, and songs. This activity encourages active participation by parents and other caregivers. This 20-minute weekly musical program promotes early language skills and socialization. Please note that doors close five minutes after the program begins to prevent interruptions and help focus audience attention on the presenter. Please be prepared to enjoy the Children’s Room while waiting for the next session to begin. For more information, contact the Children’s Reference Desk at 231-3162.

Enjoy building city scenes with LEGO bricks at home? Let your creativity loose with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester’s newest play space: LEGO City Builder. This is an interactive city that visitors can add their own elements and designs right into the display. The new play area includes skyscrapers, police and fire stations, cafes, suburban streets, beaches, a LEGO Friends section and more. Celebrate the grand opening of this exciting new space with photo opportunities and custom builds created by Master Model Builder Anthony Maddaloni. Admission starts at $16.95; children under age 2 are free. Opening hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is located at 39 Fitzgerald St. in Yonkers. For more information, call 844-740-9223 or visit westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

Graham Clarke’s Musical Fridays On Fridays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. Families are always welcome. Rock out at the Rye Free Reading Room on Friday mornings when popular children’s musician Graham Clarke performs. Kids love Graham’s silly humor and fun songs and will enjoy moving and grooving to the beat with this energetic performer. Please arrive early to find parking; doors will be closed 10 minutes after show begins or when room is at “fire code” capacity, and no one will be admitted after that. Weather permitting, Graham’s performance will be outside on the Village Green where a larger audience can be accommodated.

The Rye Arts Center The Rye Arts Center is located at 51 Milton Road in Rye. Winter classes have begun. For more information, call 967-0700 or visit ryeartscenter.org.

Spring and Summer Classes Spring and summer classes are now available. The Rye Arts Center offers a wide range of visual and performing arts and STEAM program opportunities for children, teens and adults at all skill levels. Explore the center’s guide and find the perfect creative outlet for you and your family at ryeartscenter.org.

Free yoga at Rye Town Park Yoga instructor Dhokela Yzeiraj will begin Sunday morning classes at Rye Town Park starting June 3. Classes will be held on the lawn area near the gazebo and “Cope” sculpture exhibit. Yzeiraj invites people of all ages and backgrounds to balance their weekend with morning classes, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. She incorporates meditation along with gentle and grounding yoga postures. Participants should bring their own mats or practice directly on the grass. This is a donation-based class, with no required fees. Participants will be required to sign “hold harmless” forms. People can sign up at the Rye Town Park website or show up the morning of class. Class will be cancelled in case of rain the morning of. Yzeiraj is certified in raja yoga with Yoga Alliance and has been practicing for eight years. She is also trained in the ancient Indian medicine of Ayurveda, “The Knowledge of Life,” and incorporates it as yoga’s sister science in her teachings. She enjoys sharing this timeless wisdom in daily living through food, bodywork and gardening in community. For more information about the program, contact Yzeiraj at dhokela@gmail.com. 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.

Like us on facebook.com/ryecityreview

November 30, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5

ArtsWestchester awarded $145K grant for bridge art ArtsWestchester today announced that it is the recipient of a $145,000 grant from the New NY Bridge Community Benefit Program to commission two iconic sculptures by New York artists for the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. The monumental artworks may incorporate remnant steel salvaged from the retired Tappan Zee Bridge and will be placed at designated sites on New York State Thruway-owned land on the Tarrytown, Westchester County, and South Nyack, Rockland County, sides of the bridge’s shared bicycle/pedestrian path next year. “Public art, like the bridge, is exciting, engaging and inspirational,” said Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester. “It helps create a special sense of connection to place and infuses the extraordinary into everyday life. The fact that the New York State Thruway Authority has decided to incorporate original artwork into the new bridge project is sensational.” Now through Jan. 11, 2019, ArtsWestchester, in partnership with the state Thruway Authority and the Arts Council of Rockland, seeks qualifications from professional New York State art-

ists or artist collectives interested in creating permanent site-responsive works of public sculpture for the Rockland County and Westchester County landings of the shared bicycle/pedestrian path on the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. The request for artist qualifications is the first in a twostage competitive process to identify artists for the sculpture commissions. Eligible artists must reside, work or maintain a studio in the state and have until midnight, Jan. 11, 2019 to submit their qualifications via the website artsw. org/mariocuomobridge. Each artist’s sculpture commission will be in the amount of $45,000, plus monies to cover engineering costs for each sculpture. Artists will be notified if they are invited to submit a full proposal on or around Feb. 4, 2019. “The public arts competition provides a unique opportunity for New York State artists, whether it’s by honoring the Hudson Valley’s natural beauty, the region’s rich heritage or the remarkable engineering of the new bridge,” said Matthew Driscoll, Thruway Authority executive director. “The Thruway Authority is delighted to make space available

at the Rockland and Westchester landings of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge for the future artworks to be displayed and to showcase their creativity.” The $3.98 billion bridge is one of the largest single design-build contracts for a transportation project in the U.S. Located less than 20 miles north of New York City, the cable-stayed span crosses one of the widest parts of the Hudson River and is the largest bridge project in New York State history. The bridge will feature a shared bicycle/pedestrian path, which will include six overlooks—resting points that will reflect the culture and history of the Lower Hudson Valley. The path will provide a new connection for non-motorized transport in the region and offer an exciting recreational opportunity that currently doesn’t exist in Rockland or Westchester counties. The path has a landing plaza at each side of the bridge, one in Rockland and one in Westchester, with public gathering and parking areas. Locations at each landing have been designated for the placement of a significant work of public sculpture. (Submitted)

ArtsWestchester is the recipient of a $145,000 grant from the New NY Bridge Community Benefit Program to commission two iconic sculptures by New York artists for the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 30, 2018

RyeCity REVIEW THE

P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000

Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com

Stéphane Matteau

kicks-off Empire City’s first Rangers viewing party

Editor-in-Chief | Christian Falcone ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@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 Sales Director | Jim Scova ext. 10, jscova@hometwn.com Advertising | Mike Scova ext. 14, mike@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Nancy Kaplan ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Columnists John Carey, Joe Murphy

Letters The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes. Community Events If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com. Delivery For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Classifieds & Legals To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Postmaster Send address changes to: The Rye City Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 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.

Empire City Casino, in partnership with the New York Rangers, announced today its schedule of viewing parties for several upcoming New York Rangers away games hosted by former Rangers legends. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 with New York Rangers Legend Stéphane Matteau, who will mingle with fans, sign autographs and cheer the Rangers on as they face off against the Montreal Canadiens. Previous New York Rangers hosts over the years have included legendary goaltender Mike Richter, Adam Graves, Steve Vickers, Nick Fotiu and others. Most Rangers fans remember Matteau for his game-winning wraparound goal in double overtime of Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals against the New Jersey Devils that helped pave the way for the Rangers first Stanley Cup championship in more than 54 years. More recently, Matteau has dedicated his time giving back to local communities, including partnering with the Woodlawn Student Leadership & Legacy Program in the Bronx, which provides mentorship opportunities with notable figures. The viewing parties, held inside of Dan Rooney’s Sports Pub, are free for all to attend

and begin 30 minutes before the puck drops. Hungry fans can enjoy $5 game-time specials, including Budweiser, wings, pigs-in-a-blanket and more. Joining Matteau for the festivities will be the Rangers Blue Crew, who will put fans to the test with Rangers trivia and offer an array of Rangers swag as giveaways during each intermission. “It may not be the world’s most famous arena, but it’ll sure feel like it at one of the premier entertainment destinations in the Northeast, with hundreds of passionate Rangers fans rooting for their home team,” said Taryn Duffy, vice president of corporate communications and public affairs at Empire City Casino. “For the fourth year in a row, we are bringing fans up close and personal with some of hockey’s all-time greats. Now it’s time to drop the puck.” The Dec. 1 event is the first of several viewing parties planned during the upcoming NHL season, all of which are hosted by former New York Rangers. Fans can visit empirecitycasino.com for the latest announcements on this season’s Rangers hosts. For more information about Empire City Casino and other events, please visit empirecitycasino.com. (Submitted)

The schedule for additional Rangers viewing parties at Empire City Casino this season include: Monday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. at Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m. at Winnipeg Jets Thursday, March 7, 7:30 p.m. at Detroit Red Wings Monday, April 1, 7 p.m. at New Jersey Devils

November 30, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7

8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 30, 2018

ArtsWestchester presents award to Regeneron scientist ArtsWestchester presented its top “Innovator Award” to George D. Yancopoulos, Regeneron’s founding scientist, pres-

ident and chief scientific officer, at its annual gala on Nov. 17 at the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains. The evening served as a

celebration of innovation, especially highlighting the connection between the arts and sciences. (Submitted)

GET A SMART PHONE FOR

0 DOWN

with AT&T Next Every YearSM and AT&T Next® *Req’s well-qualified credit & elig. svc. Tax due at sale. Limits & restr's apply.

HOW IT WORKS 1.

Choose your new smartphone. (Tax due at time of sale.)

Choose your installment and AT&T wireless plans.1 (The retail price of your new smartphone is divided into installment payments and added to your wireless bill.)

AT&T Next Every Year Pay 24 installment payments to fulfill the agreement. Upgrade every year.2

AT&T Next

Pay 30 installment payments to fulfill the agreement. Upgrade every two years.2

From left, ArtsWestchester President Michael Minihan; 2018 gala honoree and President/Chief Scientific Officer at Regeneron, Dr. George Yancopoulos; ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam; and President and CEO of Regeneron Len Schleifer.

844-215-4928

CAREERS from page 1

From left, Westchester County Legislator Lyndon Williams, Mark Alexander and Nicholas Alexander, of Alexander Development Group.

Guests from Ethan Allen Global, Inc., from left, Gen Moran, chairman and CEO Farooq Kathwari, Patricia LaPierre and Andrea Chasanoff. Photos/Barry Mason

helps multiple-time test-takers score highly on the exams. The tests are undeniably a challenge, but many employees such as Karintholil have enjoyed long careers in civil service. And over the last few years, the number of test takers has increased. Vacancies occur when an existing permanent employee retires or leaves. Following that, human resources posts the opening and a candidate is appointed from a list of successful test takers. Note that an offer has to be made to one of the top three scorers willing to accept the position. If there is no list, an offer can be made to anyone who qualifies for the position. That person can serve provisionally until he or she takes the test and scores high enough to be made permanent after completing probation. Until recently, taking the exam required a written application. Now, you can apply for exams online, pay the fee and request notifications when new exams are posted. Tests are held at various locations throughout the county, and vary in length and content based on the position they test for. The uptick in test-takers is due in part to the new online

portal. But Karintholil notes that there is a new, growing enthusiasm for civil service that didn’t previously exist. “The younger generation is more interested today in civil service than in past years when the private sector offered generous defined benefit plans and health plan coverage,” he said. “Now, the public sector is almost alone in offering these benefits. This certainly contributes to the county’s ability to attract a talented workforce.” It bears mentioning that not every position in the county is governed by civil service tests. Certain positions are deemed exempt, non-competitive, labor or unclassified. But just because those positions do not require someone to take a written civil service exam, they do have to meet the qualifications of the position in order that the civil service principle of selecting candidates based on merit and fitness can be maintained. An example is Stacey Dolgin-Kmetz, who began her work for Westchester County in 1980 in the Department of Social Services. While attending law school at night, Dolgin-Kmetz took a civil service test for a paralegal position and was hired in the county Attorney’s office. In 1984, after working as a paralegal in the

county Attorney’s Office, she earned her law degree. Rather than seeking employment with a high-powered law firm, she continued working as an attorney at the county Attorney’s Office, a position that does not require a Civil Service Exam. Dolgin-Kmetz did this because she enjoys her work. “Frankly, I did not think I’d do anything different in private practice,” she said. “At the county Attorney’s Office I have had the opportunity to represent the county in a variety of matters involving tax issues, land use, employment discrimination, legislation, family law, general litigation and contracts.” After starting with the county Attorney’s Office more than 35 years ago, she is now Westchester County’s chief deputy county attorney. There are many stories similar to that of Karintholil and Dolgin-Kmetz where employees have enjoyed success in a fulfilling career that spans decades while serving the residents of Westchester County. If you are interested in taking a civil service exam, you can create an account with the county Department of Human Resources at exams.westchestergov.com/ webexam/userregistration/userRegistration.htm. (Submitted)

November 30, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9

Bellows’ fourth-graders master circus tricks

F.E. Bellows Elementary School fourth-graders practice their circus skills, thanks to the interactive circus workshops that were

F.E. Bellows Elementary School fourth-graders practice their circus skills, thanks to the interactive circus workshops that were sponsored by the PTSA.

F.E. Bellows Elementary School fourth-graders learned to balance on stilts and juggle various objects when the O-Town Circus Academy visited their school from Nov. 13-16. Throughout the week, performers provided the students with a variety of engaging activities and helped them master their circus skills, which included juggling, plate spinning, diabolo manipulation, devil sticks, Chinese yo-yo, clowning and stilt walking. “Besides having fun, the students were learning through play and discovering on their own how to perform,” said physical education teacher Kristin Desio, who oversaw the program along with fellow teacher Bryan Iacovelli. The activities were designed to support the students’ physical fitness, balance and coordination and strengthen their gross and fine motor skills. In addition, the learning experience helped enhance their ability to collaborate with peers. At the end of the week, the students will demonstrate their newly acquired skills to parents, teachers and peers during a special circus performance, to be held on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at the middle and high school campus. The interactive workshops, which all students in thirdthrough fifth-grade had the opportunity to participate in, were made possible thanks to the generous support of the PTSA. (Submitted)

F.E. Bellows Elementary School fourth-graders practice their circus skills, thanks to the interactive circus workshops that were sponsored by the PTSA. Photos courtesy Rye Neck school district

10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 30, 2018

APPLE TARTLETS

POTATOES AU GRATIN

Give a little

TENDERNESS

and SAVE 75%* on Omaha Steaks®

PORK CHOPS

FILET MIGNONS

The Family Gourmet Feast

TOP SIRLOINS

2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons 2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 2 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) 4 (3 oz.) Kielbasa Sausages 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 4 (3 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin 4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets Omaha Steaks Seasoning Packet

30 -GOURMET

55586PYP | $199.91* separately

Combo Price

ITEMS!

4999

BONELESS CHICKEN BREASTS

ORDER NOW &

SAVE 75%

KIELBASA SAUSAGES

Plus get 4 more Burgers

FREE

OMAHA STEAKS BURGERS

1-844-633-7206 ask for 55586PYP www.OmahaSteaks.com/cheer73 *Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2 Family Gourmet Feast packages. Your 4 free burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes the Family Gourmet Feast (55586). Standard S&H will be added per address. Flat rate shipping and reward cards and codes cannot be used with this offer. Not valid with other offers. Expires 2/28/19. All purchases acknowledge acceptance of Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Visit omahasteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI and omahasteaks.com/info/privacy-policy or call 1-800-228-9872 for a copy. ©2018 OCG | Omaha Steaks, Inc. | 18M1531

November 30, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11

Charles Dickens returns to Larchmont A Larchmont holiday tradition will again take place at the Larchmont Public Library when librarian Frank Connelly performs Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol.” This will be the 13th consecutive year that Connelly has performed the piece, fully decked out in frock coat and stovepipe hat. Charles Dickens (February 7, 1812 – June 9, 1870) was born in Portsmouth, England, and was catapulted to fame with the publication of The Pickwick Papers in 1836. By the end of his life, he had penned some of the most beloved novels the world has ever known including “David Copperfield,” “Bleak House,” “Oliver Twist,” “A Tale of Two Cities” and “Great Expectations.” His novella, “A Christmas Carol,” was written in 1843 and became an instant best seller and its characters, Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, became household names. Of

course they are all just as familiar to us today. Connelly’s reading of Dickens’ most famous work takes the audience back to Victorian Era Britain, a time when there was both strong nostalgia for old Christmas traditions as well as an initiation of new Christmas practices that are with us today, such as Christmas trees. The story is credited with being one of the greatest influences on Christmas traditions now practiced the world over. While the characters and the story are indeed familiar to all of us, it is Connelly’s reading that keeps it fresh and that brings out the story’s true meaning and character. Connelly has made it his mission to perform the reading in a fashion that is as true to its writer and as historically accurate to the original 127 readings as possible. Connelly’s reading of “A Christmas Carol” has become one of the premier holiday traditions in Westchester County and it simply is not to be missed. (Submitted)

“A Christmas Carol” Monday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. Larchmont Public Library 121 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont, NY 10538

A Larchmont holiday tradition will again take place when librarian Frank Connelly performs Charles Dickens’ timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol” at the Larchmont library. Photo courtesy Geoff Colquitt

12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 30, 2018

The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:

$42.50 for up to 4 lines. Each additional line $2.00. Classifieds ads appear in all five of our publications.

HOW TO REACH US:

ATTORNEY/LEGAL

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 866-951-9073 for Information. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket.

Attention Viagra users: Generic 100 mg blue pills or Generic 20 mg yellow pills. Get 45 plus 5 free $99 + S/H. Guaranteed, no prescription necessary. Call 877-845-8068.

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Have an idea for an invention/new product? We help everyday inventors try to patent and submit their ideas to companies! Call InventHelp®, FREE INFORMATION! 888-487-7074

CABLE & SATELLITE TV Spectrum Triple Play! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-855-977-7198

FOR SALE Buying diamonds, gold, silver, all fine jewelry and watches, coins, paintings, better furs, complete estates. We simply pay more! Call Barry 914260-8783 or e-mail Americabuying@aol.com

HEALTH Suffering from an ADDICTION to Alcohol, Opiates, Prescription PainKillers or other DRUGS? There is hope! Call Today to speak with someone who cares. Call NOW: 1-833-880-6049

DEADLINE:

Email: ads@hometwn.com Phone: (914) 653-1000 x27 P.O. Box 485, White Plains N.Y. 10602

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

DONATE YOUR CAR

Wheels For Wishes

Have a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? Get replacement FDA approved CPAP machine parts and supplies at little or no cost! Free sleep guide included! Call 866-430-6489! OXYGEN- Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 866-971-2603

Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley

MISCELLANEOUS Earthlink High Speed Internet. As Low As $14.95/ month (for the first 3 months) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology. Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1-855-970-1623

WheelsForWishes.org Call: (914) 468-4999

DIRECTV CHOICE All-Included Package. Over 185 Channels! ONLY $45/month (for 24 mos.) Call Now- Get NFL Sunday Ticket FREE! CALL 1-888-534-6918 Ask Us How To Bundle & Save!

* Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. To learn more about our programs or financial information, visit www.wheelsforwishes.org.

Ad is to run weekly for 4 weeks. DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-877-229-5789

Discover the world’s best walk-in bathtub from

REAL ESTATE Sebastian, Florida (East Coast)Beach Cove is an Age Restricted Community where friends are easily made. Sebastian is an “Old Florida” fishing village with a quaint atmosphere yet excellent medical facilities, shopping and restaurants. Direct flights from Newark to Vero Beach. New manufactured homes from $114,900. 772-581-0080; www.beach-cove.com

5 Reasons American Standard Walk-In Tubs are Your Best Choice

COMPUTER ISSUES? FREE DIAGNOSIS by GEEKS ON SITE! Virus Removal, Data Recovery! 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE, In-home repair/On-line solutions . $20 OFF ANY SERVICE! 844-892-3990

WANTED VINTAGE STEREO EQUIPMENT! Amplifiers, Tuners, Turntables, Record Collections, Reel Tapes, Music Related Items, phemera, Cameras, Lenses. 518-545-6550 FREON R12 WANTED: CERTIFIED BUYER will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. (312)291-9169; www.refrigerantfinders.com

1,50

S AV IN G 0 S

Includes FREE American StandardRight Height Toilet

Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

888-609-0248 Receive a free American Standard Cadet toilet with full installation of a Liberation Walk-In Bath, Liberation Shower, or Deluxe Shower. Offer valid only while supplies last. Limit one per household. Must be first time purchaser. See www.walkintubs.americanstandard-us.com for other restrictions and for licensing, warranty, and company information. CSLB B982796; Suffolk NY:55431H; NYC:HIC#2022748-DCA. Safety Tubs Co. LLC does not sell in Nassau NY, Westchester NY, Putnam NY, Rockland NY.

FREE IN-HOME EVALUATION!

DENTAL Insurance

FREE Information Kit

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve! CALL NOW!

VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! Call Today: 800-404-0244

Backed by American Standard’s 140 years of experience $ Ultra low entry for easy entering and exiting Patented Quick Drain® fast water removal system Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed by American Standard 44 Hydrotherapy jets for an invigorating massage

1 2

SERVICES Guaranteed Life Insurance! (Ages 50 to 80). No medical exam. Affordable premiums never increase. Benefits never decrease. Policy will only be cancelled for non-payment. 855-686-5879.

*Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *Fully Tax Deductible

Benefiting

1-855-225-1434

Get help paying dental bills and keep more money in your pocket This is real dental insurance — NOT just a discount plan

HELP WANTED

1-855-225-1434

You can get coverage before your next checkup

Visit us online at

Don’t wait! Call now and we’ll rush you a FREE Information Kit with all the details.

JOB OPPORTUNITY: $17 P/H NYC - $14.50 P/H LI If you currently care for your relatives or friends who have Medicaid or Medicare, you may be eligible to start working for them as a personal assistant. No Certificates needed. (347)462-2610 (347)565-6200

www.dental50plus.com/nypress

Insurance Policy P150NY 6129

MB17-NM003Ec

Saving a Life EVERY 11 MINUTES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

alone I’m never

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 888-657-9488. Stay in your home longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-844-286-6771

Life Alert® is always here for me even when away from home.

Ad will run ROP Statewide. Stay in your home longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-844-286-6771

One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7.

Help at Home wit

GPSh! ®

FIRST AID

KIT

WHEN YOU ORDER!

REMEMBER A LOVED ONE

Batteries Never Need Charging.

send an obituary to: news@hometwn.com

1-800-404-9776

@ryecityreview

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!

! FREE

Help On-the-Go

For a FREE brochure call:

November 30, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13

Awesome Oranges! Petite Navel Oranges Tangerines Petite Red Navels Navel Oranges

ONLY

$1999

Special limited time offer!

4 favorite varieties

SAVE $18!

delicious oranges 20 fresh from the Grove

Reg. Price

$37.99

WOW! Handpicked fresh from the grove! 4 unique varieties. 20 delicious oranges!

Handpicked and hand packed, our fresh, juicy oranges are delivered to your door fresh off the tree! Twenty plump, delicious oranges in 4 favorite varieties. • • • •

5 Navel Oranges Juicy, sweet and seedless, they’re everyone’s favorite! 5 Petite Red Navels Spicy sweet flavor with a bright red flesh. 5 Tangerines Rich Honey-Sweet flavor with easy-to-peel skin. 5 Petite Navel Oranges Snack-sized sweet treat.

Call 1-866-303-5805 to order item 494X or Visit HaleGroves.com/N19472 Order Item #494X, mention Code H9VH-N266 for your $18 savings.

Only $19.99* (reg. $37.99), plus $5.99 shipping & handling. Satisfaction completely guaranteed. This gift ships in December at the peak of freshness. Order by Dec. 17, 2018 for GUARANTEED Christmas delivery. Since 1947. Hale Groves, Vero Beach, FL 32966

IC: H9VH-N266

Call now and

SAVE 47%!

*Plus $5.99 handling to the 48 contiguous states. Limited time offer, good while supplies last. Not valid with any other offer. Limit 5 boxes per customer.

14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 30, 2018

Say no to Cano LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

Just about every Mets fan I know has a sneaking suspicion that the Amazin’s are poised to go the way of the New York Giants. This week, news broke that the Metropolitans were seriously considering making a trade to bring former Yankee second baseman Robinson Cano back to the Big Apple, much to the chagrin of anyone who has watched the club over the last several years. The hypothesized deal, which would see Cano—and closer Edwin Diaz—come over from Seattle for Jay Bruce and a top prospect would seem to make sense for the Mariners, who are looking to shed payroll, but in my mind, it would be a grievous mistake for a Mets team in flux. His 2018 suspension for performance enhancing drugs not withstanding, I still like Cano as a player. He’s a solid defender

at second base who plays every day and is a bonafide threat to hit 30 homers a year. But given his age—Cano is 36—how much longer can anyone truly rely on that kind of productivity? Sure he can help the team in 2019, but what about the subsequent years? Even if the Mets entice Seattle to shoulder a significant portion of the money that Cano is owed, the second baseman’s contract runs through 2023, his age 40 season. But why would the Mets, who won just 77 games last year, go down this road and acquire an aging slugger like Cano? Maybe, like the Giants, they’ve convinced themselves that they’re closer to contention than they really are. Last year, coming off an absolutely abysmal season, the Giants found themselves in an enviable spot. With the second pick in a quarterback-rich 2018 draft, Big Blue had the chance to roll the dice on someone with the chance to be the signal-caller of the future. With a year of tutelage under Eli Manning, the quarterback the

SPORTS

Giants could have drafted would have been able to gain valuable experience as the team began the dreaded rebuilding process. But the team’s brass felt that the problems of the previous year’s team were somehow correctable. They made a few cosmetic changes to the dreadful offensive line and selected Saquon Barkley with the second pick. Barkley may be the best Giants running back I’ve ever seen, but that move sure hasn’t paid off— in fact it set the rebuild process back another year at least. Similarly, the Mets may be looking at a National League East they feel could be winnable with the right piece; the Phillies and Braves are young, the Nationals have taken a step backward and the Marlins figure to be bottom dwellers for the foreseeable future. But they shouldn’t be fooled. The Mets’ problems can’t be fixed by a Band-Aid, not even one with a career as illustrious as Cano’s. They might even be able to deal one or two of their

This week, it has been reported that the New York Mets have engaged in talks with the Mariners to acquire second baseman Robinson Cano. Sports Editor Mike Smith says “buyer beware.”

terrific starting pitchers for topflight prospects that could rejuvenate a barren farm system and set the organization up for

future success. Sure, they’ll be bad next year if they do, but they already stink, so what’s the harm in

looking toward the future?

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

TO COVER LOCAL SPORTS, YOU NEED A

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

SPORTS

November 30, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15

Titans win two at tourney ICE HOCKEY NON-LEAGUE

MAHOPAC 7 RTH 2 EBERSOL ICE RINK

11/21/18

Game Notes: J oey Harrison scored RTH’s 1st goal of the season M ahopac scored 4 goals in just over 66 seconds T he Titans responded with back-to-back wins over Clarkstown & Brewtown

By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor After a rough start to the 20182019 season, the Rye Town/ Harrison Titans proved that their relative inexperience shouldn’t necessarily be cause for concern. With two wins in three games at the annual Guy Matthews Invitational in White Plains, the Titans appear to have the depth—and the skill—to make waves in the Division II landscape this year. In their season opener against Mahopac on Nov. 21, the Titans saw an early lead evaporate as four-unanswered Indians goals

in the first period led to a decisive 7-2 Mahopac victory. But the Titans responded well over the course of their next two outings, topping Clarkstown 6-2 and Brewtown 9-2 to walk away from the tournament with a 2-1 record. According to second-year head coach Rich Myers, the team’s play ability to rebound from a tough defeat and put together back-to-back victories is an encouraging sign for the remainder of the season. “We’re really young this year, and to see the kids preserver through that and have some big success was great,” Myers told the Review. “We had four bad minutes and it tarnished what we could have done, but I think we tightened up those mistakes and played a lot better against Clarkstown and Brewtown.” The Titans were buoyed through the tournament by the stellar offensive play of Joey Harrison, who finished with five goals and an assist, and Jonah Schultz, who finished with two goals and a team-high four assists. Puck movement on the offensive end was a huge factor in the Titans’ scoring uptick in the team’s two wins, the head coach explained. “A lot of the goals we had were

really impressive, and we had one or two assists on a lot of them, which is good to see,” Myers said. “We had 34 points on our goals, and a lot of that starts on the back end.” At 2-1 on the year, the Titans will now look toward their home opener on Dec. 3, when they take on a perennially tough Scarsdale team at Rye Playland. According to Myers, it will be incumbent on the team’s veteran leaders, including forwards Jack Shapiro and Christian Pizzutello, along with defenseman Evan Ketchabaw to help set the tone for the team’s younger players. In addition, New York State’s move to 17 minute periods will necessitate increased production from the team’s third and fourth lines moving forward. Against Brewtown, Myers was impressed with the effort of his third line, which helped the Titans stave off a potential comeback attempt. “We are going to continue to need the third and fourth lines to step up and play important minutes for us,” he said. “And what I saw on Sunday, with the third line maintaining that energy and going on two power plays, that’s exactly the kind of effort we are looking for each game.”

Jack Shapiro skates down the ice against Mahopac. The Titans scored first, but the Indians responded with 4 first period goals to take control of the game.

CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

Jonah Schultz splits two defenders at the Ebersole Ice Rink. Photos/Mike Smith

Joey Harrison, left, celebrates a goal against Mahopac on Nov. 21. Harrison tallied 5 goals in the Guy Matthews Invitational tournament.

16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • November 30, 2018