May 25, 2018 by The Rye City Review

RyeCity REVIEW THE

May 25, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 21 | www.ryecityreview.com

Killian picked as lt. governor candidate New York that is more affordable, accountable and accessible for all families and I am honored to join Former Rye City councilwom- his team as a true partner.” an and two-time state Senate Killian will hope for a better candidate Julie Killian has been outcome in November after sufpicked to run as lieutenant gov- fering two consecutive defeats ernor in Marc Molinaro’s upcom- in races for state Senate. Just last ing bid to unseat Andrew Cuomo. month, The Republican statewide she was defeated last month convention is scheduled to take by state Assemblywoman Shelplace on Wednesday, May 23, af- ley Mayer, a Yonkers Democrat, ter press time, where Molinaro, in what was being called a pivotal a Republican and the Dutchess special election for the 37th DisCounty executive is expected to trict Senate seat. be nominated as the GOP candiShe also lost a bid for the same date to run for governor in this seat in 2016 to state Sen. George November’s election. Latimer, who vacated the posiMolinaro announced his selec- tion this January to take office as tion of Killian on Sunday, May 20. Westchester County executive. “Julie Killian is a champion Prior to that, Killian spent six for people who have no voice, years on the Rye City Council, who are left behind, who are in serving from 2012-2017. crisis and she will never back During her last campaign, down from the challenges that Killian has called for a handful are facing our state,” Molinaro of ethics reforms in Albany, insaid in a statement. “I’m proud cluding term limits. She was also to have Julie as my partner in this a critic of New York’s economic campaign to restore New Yorkers’ development programs, which belief in the future of our state.” seem to reward political donors. Killian’s name was suggested If chosen by the New York Refor the position by a panel Mo- publican State Committee, Molinaro created in April to find a linaro will seek to defeat Cuomo, runningmate. The panel was or- a Democrat, in November. ganized by John Cahill, an offiIn a statement on Facebook, cial in former Gov. George Pat- the state Republican committee aki’s administration, and Mon- applauded Molinaro’s pick for roe County Executive Cheryl lieutenant governor, saying KilDinolfo. lian will “restore transparency, According to Molinaro’s cam- fiscal responsibility and honesty” paign, at least 20 candidates were in New York government. considered for the position, inCuomo is facing a primary cluding Dinolfo, the leading can- against actress Cynthia Nixon, didate who eventually stepped who is known for her political aside to support Killian. activism for public education and In a statement released by Mo- women’s health. linaro’s campaign, Killian said, “Marc and I share a vision of CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer

Not so fast

Members of the Westchester delegation of elected officials have filed a report on storm response in the aftermath of two severe nor’easters earlier this year. Utility companies Con Edison and NYSEG were routinely criticized for their inadequate response to those storms which left residents without power for extended periods of time. For more, see page 6. Photo/James Grasso

Rye school district budget easily passes mark Ina 952-227 vote, the Rye City School District’s 2018-2019 budget passed on May 15, according to official results. The $89.2 million budget stays under the state-mandated tax cap, and adds 2.67 percent in spending over the 2017-2018 budget. According to the Rye City School District Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne’s budget, its development was influenced by state aid that the school district is set to receive for the upcoming school year. Rye is scheduled to receive approximately $4 million, accounting for 4.46 percent of the total general fund budget. The estimated tax levy increased by 3.2 percent; the tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value

is $626.78, reflecting a 3.18 percent difference from the current year’s budget. As the student enrollment has increased over the last decade, the budget maintains all current programs and calls for the addition of 6.5 new positions, including a science teacher and an English educator; however, it also comes with the loss of 3.4 positions. The 3.1 addition in full-time positions is supported by approximately a $700,000 increase in spending for staffing. Despite the historic increase in students in the school district, enrollment is projected to decrease this year by 37 individuals over last year and is expected to decline overall to 3,036 students by

the 2027-2028 school year. As of press time, 3,352 students are projected to enroll for the 20182019 school year. Salaries make up approximately 77 percent of the 20192019 budget, with mandated benefits and health care costs rising at the highest percentage rates than any cost center items on the budget. According to state law, local school districts have no control over these rising costs. The state sets the contribution levels of the teachers’ and employees’ retirement systems. As of now, mandated retirement and health care costs are expected to rise 4.64 percent, roughly $660,000, in the upcoming school year.

In other news, Board of Education, BOE, members Chris Repetto and Kelly Smith-Powers both retained their seats on the board in uncontested elections. Newcomer Callie Erickson was also elected, after being unchallenged. All three board members will now serve three-year terms. Repetto has served on the school board since 2012 and has three children in the school district. Smith-Powers, who has lived in Rye for six years, also has three children in the district. Erickson has served four years on the Rye Presbyterian Nursery School’s advisory board, with three of those years in the role of a chairperson. -Reporting by Franco Fino

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RTP inks 10-year deal with new food vendor

The Rye Town Park Commission has accepted a 10-year deal with owners of the popular Thornwood restaurant, The Barley House, to run the restaurant and food and beverage stands at Rye Town Park and Oakland Beach. File photo

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The Rye Town Park Commission has agreed to terms with a Thornwood restaurant group to operate the park’s restaurant and food and beverage stands for the next decade. The park commission voted unanimously on May 9 to officially accept the lease agreement with the group, which has named the park’s restaurant Barley on the Beach. Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, a Democrat and president of the park commission, said the agreement includes two fiveyear period contract extension options. According to the contract, the commission will take 6 percent of the restaurant operator’s gross revenue each year. “We’re really hopeful this will be an extremely successful restaurant that benefits the park and all those use it,” Zuckerman said. The park’s restaurant and concession stands usually start operating on Memorial Day weekend. But since the contract was finalized so late, Zuckerman said Barley on the Beach isn’t expected to open for business until some-

time later this summer; he added the vendors may potentially serve hamburgers and hot dogs along the beach in the meantime. As of press time, the restaurant’s menu has not been made public, but it is expected to serve food similar to the company’s other outlet known as The Barley House, which is located in Thornwood in the town of Mount Pleasant. The Barley House features American bar classics like appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and draft beer. The owners of the restaurant operate another bar food-friendly eatery along the waterfront in Tarrytown known as Barley on the Hudson, which opened last summer. The process for finding a new vendor began last summer when the park commission issued a request for proposals; however, it didn’t initially draw many restaurateurs interested in a long-term operation, stalling the process for months. The park commission’s previous contract with Homestyle Caterers, which owned and operated the Ocean Grille at Rye Town Park and several Nathan’s Famous hot dog stands on the grounds, expired last October. The company was not

among the finalists in the process that began last year. Homestyle Caterers’ enterprise at the park only lasted one year, as it served as the replacement for the park’s former long-time restaurant Seaside Johnnies, which ceased operating in 2016. The park commission received permission last year from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, to negotiate food-service contracts up to 20 years with restaurateurs. Under current state law, the park commission cannot entertain an agreement with a concessionaire that exceeds three years without special approval from the state. The park, which overlooks Oakland Beach and the Long Island Sound, is located off of Forest Avenue in the city of Rye. The 62-acre green space and beachfront offers seasonal swimming and year-round use for passive and semi-active events. The park commission consists of members from the city and town of Rye, the villages of Port Chester and Rye Brook, and the Rye Neck section of the village of Mamaroneck. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

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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.

Wiggle, Giggle Time 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.

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.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester LEGO City Builder 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.

Playland’s 90th anniversary Westchester County Executive George Latimer invites everyone to celebrate Playland Amusement Park’s 90th Anniversary season on Saturday, May 26, starting at noon. Anniversary fun begins at 11 a.m. with a display of vintage cars. Starting at 11:30 a.m., entertainment will be on the move as costumed characters and special visitors dressed in period clothing wander through the park. Rides will open at noon. A dedication and cake cutting ceremony will take place at the Music Tower Theater stage at 12:30 p.m. Mini cupcakes will be distributed to parkgoers while supplies last. Discount admission is $15 on May 26, which is good for unlimited rides until the park closes at 11 p.m. Admissions go on sale at 11 a.m. Grab a seat in front of the Music Tower Stage to hear DJ Celebration Entertainment play sounds from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and today from noon to 5 p.m. Playland’s Kiddyland DJ will also entertain with the “Play it DJ” show in three performances at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. There will be chances to win a raffle for a season pass as well as the Playland prize wheel with valuable giveaways including park, beach, poo and mini-golf admission, and commemorative items including a 90th Anniversary tee shirt.

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.

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Bellows third-graders experience Japan Day Donning traditional Japanese kimonos, third-graders at F.E. Bellows Elementary School participated in a variety of hands-on activities and workshops to immerse themselves into the Japanese culture. Deeply connected to the third-grade curriculum, the annual Japan Day celebration took place on May 11. Throughout the day, the stu-

dents—who had been studying the culture, geography, food and history of Japan—learned about the significance of kimonos and discussed what school is like for students in Japan. They also tasted traditional food, practiced calligraphy by writing Japanese words with a brush and ink, created origami and learned about kendo, the modern Japanese martial art.

appreciation of other cultures. “They learned how we can be different, yet similar,” she said. “The day gave students a “They also learned about the glimpse into the life of a Jap- importance of rituals and traanese student,” said Ann Cul- ditions both in Japan and maylagh, a third-grade teacher be even their own lives. In the and team leader. “We provid- end, they saw how we are all ed students with an authentic globally connected.” experience covering various The celebration was made facets of life.” possible thanks to parent volunCullagh added the expe- teers and members of the Japarience allowed students to nese community, who provided gain a greater global perspec- insight into numerous Japanese tive and sensitivity, as well as traditions. (Submitted)

From left, F.E. Bellows’ Luciano, Benjamin, Henry and Dalia create origami. Photos courtesy Rye Neck school district

Third-grader Ethan practiced calligraphy during the annual Japan Day.

6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • May 25, 2018

RyeCity REVIEW THE

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

United Westchester board announces

storm response findings In response to the two March Nor’easters, United Westchester, co-chaired by Westchester County Executive George Latimer and New York State Assemblyman David Buchwald, have released recommendations and a 49-page report on the failures of the utilities to the Public Service Commission, Con Edison and NYSEG. United Westchester is the unprecedented group of local, county, state and federal officials working together to find solutions to prevent and better respond to storms. The in-depth report and its series of early recommendations were compiled from the views of these elected officials. “These recommendations are not silver bullets—there is no silver bullet,” Latimer said. “We need a series of intelligent things to occur for this to work. Most importantly, for this system to work

the utilities and the local governments need to work hand in glove. What this report does is make very specific recommendations about what can be improved based on the specifics of what we all saw those days.” Buchwald added, “The many officials who contributed to this United Westchester Power Outage Report shared insightful observations, describing what was too often a disorganized utility response to the outages of March. This in-depth report finds a broad range of problems that need to be addressed so that power restoration efforts in Westchester County can be significantly improved.” Following a robust discussion of concerns and ideas, elected officials were asked to respond to a questionnaire about the

problems with the storm response in their communities, and ideas for improvements. The questionnaire included 21 categories which covered: • preparation • communication • coordination of crew • dry ice/water distribution • preventative maintenance. The report also makes public the creation of a 12-member Executive Committee to coordinate the work of United Westchester. United Westchester’s recommendations are: • The Public Service Commission, as well as Con Edison and NYSEG, should perform an analysis of their ability to forecast the severity of future storms and their process of preparation. • Utility companies should invite county, state and feder-

al officials to participate in prestorm conference calls when they are held. • Utility companies must fully integrate the contact information they receive from elected officials into their emergency response outreach. • Con Edison officials should reevaluate their intergovernmental conference calls. • Utility companies should revisit the practice of using robo-calls to inform customers of the status of their power. • The utility companies need to significantly improve their internal communication processes during storm emergencies • The utility companies and the Public Service Commission should rigorously reevaluate the functioning and reliance on the mutual aid system for power

outage restorations. • Utilities should devise a better approach for providing government officials information as to how many and what kind of crews are providing services to each municipality. • NYSEG should commit to providing liaisons to municipalities at the start of storm restoration work, rather than days later. • Con Ed should strengthen their municipal liaison program. • Utility companies should engage all government partners to identify an up-to-date and comprehensive list of critical facilities that are in immediate need of attention when their power goes out. • A dialogue should be initiated between governments and utilities about whether it is possible to better help vulnerable customers. (Submitted)

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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

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Several nor’easters this year have put added strain on utility companies. But poor response performance left customers without power for days, and in some cases weeks. Photo courtesy wikipedia.org

May 25, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7

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Financial report portends major county budget gap

A new financial report by Westchester County’s budget director forecasts a ballooning 2018 budget gap despite increasing sales tax revenue. Photo courtesy westchester.gov

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer A recent financial review of the Westchester County budget has lawmakers cautioning against a deficit which they say may only continue to balloon. The current budget deficit projection for the 2018 fiscal year, which was forecasted by Lawrence Soule, the county budget director], at a county Board of Legislators’ Budget and Appropriations Committee meeting earlier this month, will stand at $28.7 million. That number, however, does not factor in a looming contract negotiation with the Civil Service Employees Association, CSEA, the county’s largest union, which has been operating sans contract since 2011. During a committee meeting, Soule forecasted that the contract could end up totaling upwards of $40 million. “After years of one-shot budget gimmicks, over-estimations of revenues, refusal to look at ongoing sources of revenue and neglect of important contracts, the county is looking not only at a significant deficit this year, but an ongoing

structural deficit of around $20 million,” said county Legislator Catherine Borgia, chairwoman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, in a statement. As a result of a $20 million structural deficit—which comes as a result of the county spending more money than it generates in revenue—lawmakers will likely be forced to look at the prospect of increases taxes by raising the property tax levy. Under the previous administration of Republican County Executive Rob Astorino, who was elected in 2010, taxes were never raised. Astorino lost re-election in November 2017 to George Latimer, a Democrat who took office as county executive in January. Also as a result of a budget gap, the county will be forced to draw on its fund balance. According to Soule, for the fiscal years of 2017 and 2018, lawmakers are looking at a 61 percent reduction of fund balance if used to fill in those shortfalls, a reduction that could directly affect the county’s AAA credit rating from Moody’s, a financial service and credit rating agency. That rating affects the county’s

ability to borrow and issue bonds at preferential interest rates and could prove increasingly important as the Federal Reserve continues to increase borrowing rates. In the county’s favor has been better than expected sales tax revenue which compared to 2017 revenue is up 6.4 percent, and can be attributed to increasing gas prices of which the county takes a share through taxes. The stability of that growth remains to be seen, however. In March, state Comptroller Thomas Dinapoli issued a report forecasting a more modest sales tax increase, adjusting the county’s projected 3.7 percent increase to a 2.8 percent increase—a number more in line with previous years’ actual rates. While a deal to privatize the county’s airport would have also injected additional revenue into 2018’s budget, Latimer’s administration has since pumped the brakes on the plan conjured by Astorino. In defense of sidelining the deal, lawmakers have cited its lack of impact on the structural deficit, instead labeling it a “band-aid.” CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

May 25, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9

Westchester Land Trust to celebrate 30 years David Rockefeller’s legacy of conservation and philanthropy will be celebrated at the West-

chester Land Trust’s 30th Anniversary Annual Benefit on June 2; the event will take place at the

private Rockefeller Family Estate in Pocantico Hills. The venue is an elegant recreation center and

gathering place used by the family for almost 100 years. Funds raised at the event will be used by Westchester Land Trust, WLT, to permanently preserve open space throughout the county, including

Pictured is the June 2 itinerary for Westchester Land Trust’s upcoming 30th annual benefit.

more than 1,000 acres of currently active projects. “We would like to thank and recognize Houlihan Lawrence, EMM Wealth, Westchester Bank, Beam Suntory and Serendipity Magazine for their generous support of our benefit. Kudos to Patti J. Howard and her dedicated Benefit Committee for volunteering their time to help plan a festive evening,” said Lori Ensinger, president of WLT. “We have many exciting land protection projects on our horizon and have so much to celebrate.” In March of 2018, WLT announced the permanent protection of 60 acres of the Hudson Pines Estate, the Westchester County home of the late David and Peggy Rockefeller. This major milestone marked the eighth conservation easement on Rockefeller family lands that WLT completed. Located in both the village of Sleepy Hollow and the town of Mt. Pleasant, Hudson Pines is an important component of an already notable conservation corridor including the 1,500-acre Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Its preservation protects diverse woodlands, meadows and wetlands, provides habitat to a great diversity of plant and animal species, buffers the nearby Pocantico River—an important tributary to the Hudson River—and preserves an iconic view from Rockefeller

State Park and surrounding lands. Tickets to this magical evening include a strolling dinner with savory food stations, live music and dancing, exciting silent auction items and themed entertainment. VIP tickets include intimate guided tours by Historic Hudson Valley docents, and a VIP reception before the main event begins. For further information about the event, or to purchase tickets, please contact Michelle Pleim development and special events coordinator, at 234-6992 ext. 22, or michelle@westchesterlandtrust.org. Based in Bedford Hills, the WLT works with public and private partners to preserve land in perpetuity and to enhance the natural resources in Westchester and eastern Putnam counties—a densely populated region under persistent threat from the pressures of development. Through the use of conservation easements and outright acquisition, WLT’s efforts benefit the longterm health of these communities by safeguarding air quality, food supply and community character, as well as critical watershed areas. Since its founding in 1988, WLT has preserved almost 8,000 acres of open space including 745 acres of preserves owned by the organization which are free and open to the public year round. (Submitted)

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May 25, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11

Jandon scholarship recipients announced

County closer to raising smoking age to 21

The 15 recipients of the 2018 Jandon Scholarship are joined by members of the Cecil Family and the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Photo/Teresa Toscano

The Westchester County Board of Legislators and the Jandon Foundation announced on May 16, the recipients of scholarships in the 2018 Jandon Scholars program. The program, now in its 19th year, awards $12,000 over four years to Westchester public high school seniors who meet certain academic requirements and financial eligibility guidelines, to help them complete their college educations. This year’s 15 scholarship recipients were celebrated at a ceremony at the Rotunda of the board’s Legislative Chambers. “You all have a lot to offer,” said Alec Cecil, son of Jane and Donald Cecil of Harrison who founded the program in 1999. “We want you to get through school and go on to successful careers and have families and to contribute to your communities and hopefully to the world. You are exceptional young people.” At the ceremony, Board Chairman Ben Boykin, a White Plains Democrat, urged the students to remember the moment as a turning point in their lives. “This is a moment in your life and I want you always to remember this,” he said. “Twenty, 30, 40 years from now, remember this moment be-

Below is a list of this year’s scholars, the high schools they attend and the colleges they will be attending: • Stephanie Trejo, Fox Lane High School & SUNY New Paltz • Emily Urias Velasquez, Fox Lane High School & SUNY Cortland • Angelina Ragin Rivera, Lincoln High School & Fordham University • Natanya Beckford, Mount Vernon High School & Hofstra University • Crystal McFarlane, Mount Vernon High School & Rochester Institute of Technology • Ashley Freeman, Nellie Thornton High School & College of Saint Rose • Raphael Morris, New Rochelle High School & SUNY Delhi • Valentina Loaiza, Peekskill High School & Cornell University • Camila Orellana, Peekskill High School & University at Buffalo • Dejanelle Smith, Roosevelt High School & Lehman College • Asia Thomas, Roosevelt High School Early College Studies & Lehman College • Taylor-Jayne Knight, Sleepy Hollow High School & Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • Erick Lojano-Quispe, Sleepy Hollow High School & Syracuse University • Jennifer Ortega-Salazar, White Plains High School & Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • Develyne Petion, White Plains High School & SUNY Oswego

Special thanks were extended by both Cecil and Boykin to Melanie Montalto, Jandon Scholars program coordinator, for her 15 years of work with the program.

cause this is putting you on the path to success.” One of the distinctive aspects of the Jandon Scholars program is that it follows students through their college careers. Awards are provided in annual, increasing increments, and scholarship recipients have access to a network of hundreds of alumni who have come through the program. The Jandon Foundation is a private foundation created by

Jane and Donald Cecil of Harrison. The Cecils funded the Mount Vernon “I Have a Dream” program in 1987 and began funding the Neuberger Museum of Arts’ “Writing Through the Arts” program in 1993. The Foundation’s primary philanthropic interest lies in education with particular interest in helping students from financially disadvantaged and under-educated families succeed. (Submitted)

Westchester County is moving closer to banning the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco-related products to those under the age of 21. Photo courtesy Lea Aharonovitch

The Westchester County Board of Legislators is nearing an approval of a bill that aims to tighten regulations on smoking by increasing the age for those allowed to purchase tobacco products. After closing a public hearing on May 21, the board is expected to vote on the bill at its next regular meeting scheduled for June 4. Proposed in February by the county’s Democratic caucus, the bill would restrict any person less than 21 years of age from buying tobacco or related products, like e-cigarettes, rolling papers or pipes. According to county lawmakers, the law would decrease the

amount of individuals who become regular smokers, including young adults. Democrats proposed to increase the smoking age last year, but the legislation failed to gain any support from Republicans, who, through a bipartisan coalition, held a majority on the board at the time. As of press time, the Democratic caucus holds a 13-4 majority on the 17-member Board of Legislators. If approved in Westchester, the bill would be similar to what other counties have passed in their respective municipalities. Rockland County passed a measure last month raising the age to buy tobacco or related

products, while the town of New Castle passed similar legislation earlier this month. New York City and 10 other counties, including Suffolk, have also outlawed the sale of cigarettes to people under the age of 21. Nassau County enforces similar legislation, but restricts the sale of tobacco products to those under the 19. As of press time, the statewide age for purchasing tobacco products is 18. According to the state Department of Health, smoking kills about 28,000 New Yorkers each year, and there are roughly 750,000 in the state living with a serious smoking-related illness. -Reporting by Franco Fino

12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • May 25, 2018

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14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • May 25, 2018

The injury bug LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

For those in the sports world, injuries are unfortunately something that comes with the territory. Whether it’s something that happens on the field, such as the horrific opening night ankle injury sustained by the Celtics’ Gordon Hayward that kept him out for pretty much the entirety of the 2017-18 season or the bizarre drone-snafu that impacted Indians’ pitcher Trevor Bauer’s 2016 postseason, debilitating injuries are just part of the game, one more thing to overcome during a team’s quest for glory. And in my 33 years, it’s been one of those things that I’ve managed to avoid, for the most part. Until Sunday, that is. On Sunday afternoon, I took a bit of a spill walking down a flight of stairs in my socks— something I’ve done hundreds of times in my life without incident. This time, I was not so lucky. Three breaks to my humerus bone, a shoulder dislocation, and a completely torn la-

brum ended up being the prognosis, which in terms of my job covering high school sports, is a real problem given the time of year. This week, teams from all over The Review’s coverage area took to the field to compete in the Section I playoffs, and the injury has essentially prevented me from providing any coverage of all. And, take it from me, I absolutely hate it. Now, sure, I’m not out there every day contributing on the field, but I do like to think of my job as an integral part of the high school athletic experience. I’ve covered these teams for months—and certain players for years—and to be on the shelf as they, in many cases, write the final chapters to their high school sports careers, is frustrating to no end. And just look at the stories that this week has given us; few schools have had as good a time as Mamaroneck has, as the Tigers girls lacrosse team reached its first-ever Section I final game—to be played on May 23, after press time—and the boys lacrosse, baseball and softball teams all advanced to their respective semifinals.

SPORTS

Rye’s boys lacrosse team has a much anticipated Wednesday, after press time, semifinal showdown against Byram Hills, and on Thursday, the Tuckahoe Tigers will look to put the finishing touches on a Class C title run. I won’t be at any of the games, and that stinks. I feel bad hanging our local athletes and coaches out to dry, especially since my absence essentially comes down to wearing socks at an inopportune time. Beyond my inability to work during the biggest week of the spring season, the injury has also cost me the chance to continue my own athletic career. As I’ve written about quite often, I’ve been spending the last decade playing men’s league baseball, designated hitting, pitching and coaching for my team, the New York City Mud Hens. But even though my actual onfield contributions have become smaller and smaller over the last few seasons, the chance to go out each weekend and attempt to recapture my glory days has been a staple in my life. But when I spoke to the doctor after my sur-

Before he injured his shoulder on May 20, the last playoff game Sports Editor Mike Smith was able to cover this year was a May 18 tilt between Harrison and Eastchester. Smith wishes he was out there this week for another exciting postseason. Photo/Mike Smith

gery this week, I was told that, moving forward, pitching was certainly off the table, as I was most likely never going to regain full mobility in my right arm. Talk about a double gut-punch especially because this year’s Hens’ crew, at 12-0 on the year, was an absolute pleasure to play for. If I had my way, I’d have probably hung up my cleats if we won a ti-

tle this year, but it looks as though my decision was already made for me. So if I can’t make it to the high school games over the next few weeks, I’d just like to offer a little advice to our local athletes. Cherish your time on the field, because you never know when that last goal you score or touchdown you catch is going to be your last. So

enjoy every second, make them all count, and try to realize, even in the face of adversity, how lucky you all are to be competitors. And if I could offer a little more advice, it would be to watch out for slippery socks. They’ll get you every time.

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

May 25, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15

16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • May 25, 2018

s e h s i l b u P

Eastchester REVIEW THE

Harrison REVIEW THE

Mamaroneck REVIEW THE

THE

CityREVIEW NewRochelle

RyeCity REVIEW INSIDE

THE

INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY

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