RyeCity REVIEW THE
August 11, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 32 | www.ryecityreview.com
City leaders back plan to add career firefighters By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
A new perspective Twenty-one SUNY Purchase College students meet with the Dalai Lama as part of their study abroad trip in India. For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy Carly Sorenson
Immigration policy passes Legislature; Astorino to veto By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Shortly after the Westchester County Legislature approved a bill to set forth a policy on immigration enforcement, the county executive pledged to veto the legislation with support from top public safety officials. The bill passed through the county Board of Legislators in a 10-5 vote on Aug. 7 after mounting political pressure from the county’s Democratic Caucus. Known as the Immigration Protection Act, it aims to prevent the county’s emergency services from aiding the federal government in investigations made on
the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and national origin. The act comes in response to Republican President Donald Trump’s effort to deport undocumented immigrants. Despite approval from two Republicans lawmakers, David Gelfarb, of Rye Brook, and Jim Maisano, of New Rochelle, the bill failed to capture a supermajority vote, which would have prevented the legislation from being vetoed by County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican. “I’m opposed to this act because it puts public safety at risk,” the county executive said, explaining the legislation would put the county at odds with the
federal government, and would ultimately dub Westchester as a “sanctuary” county for undocumented immigrant; one that limits its cooperation with the national government’s effort to enforce immigration law. Astorino said the policy would cost the county an estimated $13 million in federal funding. “It all adds up to be a dangerous idea, and for those reasons I will veto this legislation,” he added. The Immigration Protection Act was first pitched by county Majority Leader Catherine Borgia, an Ossining Democrat, in February after uncertainty over whether or not Astorino would repeal an existing executive order
relating to immigration status that was signed by former County Executive Andy Spano, a Democrat, in 2006. In Westchester government, the incumbent county executive can legally repeal any executive order made by one of his predecessors. The new legislation, in addition to piggybacking the current policy, would also prevent law enforcement officials from honoring requests made by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Customs and Border Protection, which do not give rise to probable cause. IMMIGRATION continued on page 11
Public Safety Commissioner Michael Corcoran will publicly unveil his plan to add four career leadership positions to the Rye Fire Department next month, with the blessing of the city manager and support from lawmakers. According to City Manager Marcus Serrano, Corcoran will present his recommendation to establish a professional deputy chief position to head the department and employ three additional lieutenants on Sept. 13 during a City Council meeting. “We’re planning on moving forward with [Corcoran’s] recommendations,” Serrano said, adding the decision will come with a hefty price tag of upwards of $200,000. The Fire Department, which has four companies—one hook and ladder company, two engine and hose companies, and a fire police patrol unit—currently employs 18 professional firefighters and has roughly 30 active volunteers, 12 of whom are trained to fight indoor fires. Despite the cost of the additional staffing, several members of the Rye City Council have already expressed their support for Corcoran’s plan, including Richard Mecca and Julie Killian, both Republicans. The plan includes nixing the fire inspector position, which is currently filled by the department’s only professional lieutenant, Kurt Tietjen, and dispersing the position’s duties to the new lieutenants and the deputy
fire chief. Corcoran’s recommendation for the Fire Department, which he took over earlier this year, comes after a number of concerns related to its staffing, operations, and a diminishing volunteer base that spurred an official review that began when he assumed the role of public safety commissioner. In January, the state Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau, PESH, issued the Fire Department 19 serious procedural policy and operational standards violations, some of which were prompted by former fire Chief Mike Billington’s lack of training. Billington left the department earlier this year, and it has been in the command of Chief David Larr, who is also not qualified to hold the position. As part of a Freedom of Information Law request for training records submitted in April, the Review found that Larr, who previously served as the assistant chief, does not have the requisite training to be in command of fire scenes. Corcoran was named to the position of public safety commissioner at the beginning of this year, after serving as Rye police commissioner since being hired by the city at the start of 2016. Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein, a Democrat, said she supports Corcoran’s solution for the department. “He understands what needs to be done from a safety standpoint as well as looking at this as a liability issue,” she FIREFIGHTERS continued on page 9
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2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 11, 2017
August 11, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3
Rye Town named a climate smart community
The town of Rye is the 200th Climate Smart Community in New York state. File photo
The town of Rye was recently named the 200th Climate Smart Community to be registered in New York State by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The Rye Town Council adopted the Climate Smart Pledge in a recent resolution, which committed the town to: 1. Lead, organize and promote municipal and townwide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020. 2. Explore best practices and lessons learned from other municipalities and sustainability efforts. 3. Solicit public input and feedback. 4. Recommend actions that will result in the town and the community reducing their carbon footprint for future generations. In congratulating the town on being named to the Climate Smart Communities program,
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “This is an all-hands-ondeck moment in history. Climate change is affecting each of us and demands the attention of every government body, every business, and every citizen.” Becoming a Climate Smart Community is the latest step in revitalizing the Town Council’s Sustainability Committee, first formed in 2014, and now led by Councilman Tony Baxter. The new Sustainability Committee includes local constituents from all of the town’s municipalities who are working together to help fulfill the Climate Smart Pledge. “This pledge builds momentum toward our efforts to address the town’s sustainability, and will help put us on a course to reduce the impact that the town has on the environment,” Baxter said. To date, the town has already made great strides towards increasing sustainability by being
awarded $16,000 in DEC rebate funding for an electric vehicle charging station to be installed at Crawford Park, and by joining the Energize NY Commercial Program, which will help commercial property owners to make energy efficient and clean energy upgrades to buildings. The Climate Smart Communities program will also provide free tools and technical assistance to help Rye to increase its sustainability and economic development. “Becoming a Climate Smart Community puts the town of Rye in the company of other forward-thinking communities across the state who are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and conserve resources while helping taxpayers to save money”, said Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman. For further information, check the town’s website at townofryeny.com. (Submitted)
Rye City’s
Official Newspaper Rye Schools
4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 11, 2017
What’s going on... Rye Free Reading Room
For more information on hours and programs, visit ryelibrary.org.
Family Storytime Yoga On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on the Village Green, weather permitting. Master storytime yoga teacher Elisha Simpson narrates international folktales and interprets them through yoga to give children a way to connect and discover their inner world of creativity, body and imagination.
Here Comes the Sun workshop On Saturday, Aug. 12 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Meeting Room. For ages 9 and up only. Come to the library and learn about our favorite star: the sun. Participants will have fun performing a variety of activities and experiments related to the sun and solar power. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required for this event. Visit ryelibray.org, go to “Programs & Events,” “Kids,” the event date, and then “Register.”
Spin-A-Yarn On Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ogden Nash Room. Open to the public. This is an informational needlework and fabric arts get-together. Bring your own project and supplies, and work and chat.
Family Summer Drive-In Classic Movie Series
Graham Clarke’s Musical Summer Fridays
Starting Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. in the Meeting Room. “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) will be screened. This is part of the library’s summer drive-in movie series. Kids will pick up the “box cars” they designed and created at the previous Family Fun Night and “drive-in” to the “Ryebrary Theatre” to watch the feature film. There will be fresh popped popcorn and juice boxes. Rated: PG; running time: 120 minutes.
On Fridays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room. For ages 12 months and up. Families are welcome. Rock out at the Rye Free Reading Room this summer when popular children’s musician Graham Clarke returns for a special summer series. Kids love Graham’s silly humor and fun songs and will move and groove to the beat with this energetic performer. Please arrive early; doors will be closed 10 minutes after the show begins and no one will be admitted after that. This event is sponsored by the Auxiliary Board of the Rye Free Reading Room.
Celebrate I Love My Feet Day On Thursday, Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Meeting Room. Show your feet some love. Linda Cozzi will help you find solutions to common foot problems, learn where to buy useful foot products, and know when to see a specialist. Participants will also learn some easy and healthful foot exercises. Cozzi is a licensed nail technician with 15 years experience and specializes in foot care.
Family Fun Night: Design & Build A Pasta Sculpture On Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room. For children entering grades K–5 in September. On Aug. 17, make crazy pasta sculptures. Using a variety of art supplies including different shaped pasta, markers, pipe cleaners and foam, participants will create unique sculptures. All you need to bring is your creativity; the library will supply everything else. Whose sculpture will be the craziest? Space is limited for this event and pre-registration is required. Visit ryelibray.org, go to “Programs & Events,” “Kids,” the event date, and then “Register.”
Ryebrary Summer S.T.E.A.M.ers On Friday, Aug. 18 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. All Ryebrary S.T.E.A.M.ers who are entering kindergarten through second grade in September are invited to join the librarians every Friday in the new “S.T.E.A.M. LAB,” where literacy meets S.T.E.A.M. Each month, participants will read a book together. Then, taking inspiration from the story, kids will be taught how to think with their hands and minds. It’s inquiry-based learning combined with a hands-on activity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, or mathematics. Aug. 18’s book is “Iggy Peck, Architect” by Andrea Beaty. Children do not have to pre-read the book. The STEAM activity will have participants building a bridge out of Popsicle sticks. Pre-registration is required online. Visit ryelibray.org, go to “Programs & Events,” “Kids,” the event date, and then “Register.”
Summer STEAM workshop with ArchForKids On Friday, Aug. 18 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Meeting Room. For grades 3–5 only. “Fun with Facades”: Explore the distinctive structures of your community. Recreate their fonts (facades). Space is limited for this event and pre-registration is required. Visit ryelibray.org, go to “Programs & Events,” “Kids,” the event date, and then “Register.” This event is sponsored by TD Bank.
Solar eclipse workshop On Saturday, Aug. 19 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Meeting Room. For ages 9 and up only. In this workshop, science teacher Johnda Ferrari will shed some light on some of the mysteries surrounding a solar eclipse. She will also help participants understand what the excitement is surrounding the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21. Join the library in this fun workshop as you learn all about solar eclipses and how to stay safe while watching them. Participants will enjoy making their own solar camera or viewer to take home. Space is limited for this event and pre-registration is required. Visit ryelibray.org, go to “Programs & Events,” “Kids,” the event date, and then “Register.”
Rye Town Park Free outdoor movie On Monday, Aug. 14 at 8:15 p.m. Rye Town Park has re-scheduled its annual outdoor movie for the fourth time, due to the stormy weather the evenings of the previous scheduled presentations. The movie is the popular, animated feature film produced by Elton John: “Gnomeo and Juliet.” This time, the movie will be shown rain or shine. If the weather is good, it will be shown on the lawn at the north end of the park, near the beach entrance and restrooms. If the weather is rainy, the
film will be held in the pavilion across from the administration building, next to the restaurant. The running time of the movie is 84 minutes. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets if the film is shown outdoors. Chairs will be available if it is shown in the pavilion. Free; normal parking fees apply. For more information, phone the park at 967-0965.
Summer Storytimes At Rye Town Park On Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Rye Town Park. Recommended for infants through preschoolers. Enjoy sunshine, stories and engaging activities by the seaside with the Rye Free Reading Room’s talented librarians. Rye Town Park will charge a reduced parking fee of $2 for attendees.
Rye Arts Center The Rye Arts Center is located at 51 Milton Road in Rye. For more information or to register for a program, call 967-0700 or visit ryeartscenter.org.
Summer Musical Theater Workshop: ‘The Music Man’ From Monday, Aug. 14 through Friday, Aug. 18. In these week-long workshops, students will learn shortened versions of scenes, songs, and simple choreography—all from some of the greatest Broadway and Disney productions. Students will get a chance to experience the world of theater by exploring their talent through acting, singing, and dancing. All students are asked to bring a voice recording device. An informal presentation is held each Friday evening for family members. Daily attendance is required in order to make each presentation successful. For more information and to register, visit ryeartscenter.org.
College Essay Writing boot camp From Tuesday, Aug. 15 through Thursday, Aug. 17. Writing college essays is challenging even for the best students. In this six-hour intensive personal statement boot camp, all elements of writing a successful college essay will be revealed. Students will hear examples of superior and inferior essays. The boot camp begins with a brainstorming survey before the start date. Students will receive three custom-tailored ideas to choose from, or they may choose their own. Over the course of the boot camp, students will write, receive edits, and revise until they come away with a completed essay in their authentic voice. Open to all high school students; rising seniors can use the essay for the Common Application. For more information and to register, visit ryeartscenter.org.
Rye Youth Soccer Fall 2017 registration Online registration is open at ryeyouthsoccer.org for fall intramural soccer for boys and girls grades K–5. The season will begin Saturday, Sept. 16 and end Saturday, Nov. 4, with no games on Sept. 30. Complete details on dates and times of the program can be found on the website. Questions? Contact Patti Adimari, registrar, at pattirys@optonline.net or 967-5273. Scholarships are available upon request. Please note: coaches should also register to coach in their online account. 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.
August 11, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5
Westchester holds annual Jewish music/arts festival The 43rd annual Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival will be held on Sunday, Aug. 20, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. The festival is presented by the Westchester Jewish Council and the Westchester Klezmer Program in cooperation with Westchester County Parks. The event is a celebration for the whole family and will feature a wide variety of musical performances including headlin-
er Golem, a Klezmer rock band based in New York City. Golem is known for its virtuosic musicianship, theatricality, humor and fearless wild energy, combined with a boundless love of tradition. Golem is clearly “not your grandparents’ klezmer.” Also performing will be Rockmitzvah, a full service live musical ensemble of real rock and roll musicians. They will play a mix of child and adult friendly tunes. Israeli singer and composer San-
Face painting, juggling performances and sing-a-longs are just a few of the activities the 43rd annual Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival has to offer. Contributed photos
dy Shmuely will lead a singa-long. His high spirits and incredible energy invites audience participation. In addition, Israeli dancing with Camp Zeke for all ages will take place throughout the day. Face painting by Maria, as well as juggler Ned Gelfars, whose show is full of juggling, magic, and an incredible amount of hilarious, good-natured audience participation, will also be on hand to provide additional family activities and fun throughout the day. The event is free, including parking, and is open to the public, and will be held rain or shine. Attendees are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, and picnics. Food, including ice cream and ices trucks and snacks (pizza, and more) will be available for purchase. A vendor exhibition area including Jewish Art/ Judaica, jewelry and more will be open throughout the festival. “There is something for everyone, from children to adults, at this festival. We have lined up amazing musical performers, as well as fun activities for kids. We hope all members of the community, regardless of faith, will join us for this very festive day”,
The 43rd annual Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival is headlined by Golem, a Klezmer rock band from New York City.
said Elliot Forchheimer, Executive Director of The Westchester Jewish Council. Pre-registration is requested at WJCouncil.org. All registrants will be entered into a raffle to win a $50 gift card. The winner will be contacted via email the Tuesday following the festival. This event is sponsored in part by the Morris & Sylvia Trachten Family
Foundation. For more information about the event, including information on becoming a vendor, visit WJCouncil.org or contact Westchester Jewish Council Assistant Executive Director Pam Goldstein at Pam@wjcouncil.org or call 328-7001. The Westchester Jewish Council connects Westchester’s Jewish communities and strengthens
relationships among Jewish organizations and other ethnic and faith based groups, elected officials, Israel and the community at large. The Westchester Jewish Council is a proud Core partner of UJA-Federation of New York. For more information about the Westchester Jewish Council, visit us online at WJCouncil.org. (Submitted)
6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 11, 2017
RyeCity REVIEW THE
170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
SUNY Purchase students meet
Dalai Lama
Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter
Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com
During a five-week study abroad trip in Himachal Pradesh, India, 21 students from SUNY Purchase College were able to meet and listen to the teachings of the Dalai Lama. The summer semester trip went from May 27 to June 2, where students stayed in the Norbulingka Institute, an institution that works to preserve Tibetan culture and serves as the Dalai Lama’s summer home in Dharamsala, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader for the Tibetan people. While at the institution, the students learned about the social and cultural studies of food in India, a class taught by Dr. Lisa Jean Moore, a sociology and gender studies professor at SUNY Purchase, and Tibetan art taught by Dr. Suzanne Ironbiter, a lecturer emerita in liberal studies at Purchase. Carly Sorenson, a sophomore and creative writing major, said she wanted to go on the trip because “I just find Tibetan Buddhism fascinating.” Brian Peterkin, a senior and new media major, said he’s “always been big on expanding consciousness and learning, and [am] curious if there is such a thing as enlightenment.” His research in Buddhist philosophy led him to realize that it had ties to India, prompting his interest in the trip. The meeting with the Dalai Lama was set up by Ironbiter, who has a professional relationship with Philippa Russell, whose husband, Jeremy Russell, is an English translator for the Dalai Lama. This relationship has made meet-
Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Reporter | James Pero ext. 20, james@hometwn.com Reporter | Franco Fino ext. 18, franco@hometwn.com General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer Corey Stockton Staff Photographers Andrew Dapolite, Jen Parente Columnists John Carey, Rye City Council, Lenore Skenazy, Joe Murphy Letters The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes. Community Events If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com. Delivery For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Classifieds & Legals To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Postmaster Send address changes to: The Rye City Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601
ings with the Dalai Lama possible on two other study abroad trips. “It was amazing,” Sorenson said. “I’m lucky I got to meet [the Dalai Lama].” Sorenson said after she shook hands with the Dalai Lama, the two discussed the connection between quantum mechanics and how it connected to Buddhism. “[The meeting was] very overwhelming,” she said. Peterkin explained he was nervous prior to meeting with the Dalai Lama, but came away from the encounter with a new perspective. He described the Dalai Lama as “so humble and appreciative, despite being aware of his standing amongst his people and in the world.” Peterkin explained that this meeting has left him with a lot of respect for the Dalai Lama. Beyond the initial meeting, the students attended three days of teachings taught by the Dalai Lama during Saga Dawa, a Tibetan Buddhist holiday that honors the birth, wisdom and death of Buddha. “The talks were directed towards the younger scholastic audience but there were broad enough
topics that they were able to appeal to everyone present,” Peterkin said. Beyond the teachings, the students were also able to learn from the locals who lived in Dharamsala. “A lot of the students were able to see what it’s like to have a refugee population and how they’re integrated and accepted [into a new society],” Moore said. This included experiencing firsthand the ways in which the Tibetan people have integrated into Dharamsala after being exiled from China in the 1960s. “The whole struggle of the conflict between China and Tibet [is] very interesting,” Sorenson said. According to OfficeOfTibet. com, India is currently home to more than 10,000 exiled Tibetan people. “It’s really good for our students to be able to see the ways in which cultures can be integrated into homes that aren’t their home and [how they’re] able to thrive and continue their religious practices,” Moore said. Both Sorenson and Peterkin expressed how welcoming the locals were to the group of students. These connections helped the students form a better understanding of the culture. “Spiritually was at the heart of everyday life and improving balancing oneself,” Peterkin said.
SUNY Purchase College students meet with the Dalai Lama as part of their study abroad trip in India.
“This took precedence to attaining financial security and I found this quite refreshing.” Peterkin explained that one of the fascinating parts of the trip was learning the way in which the lives of people in Dharamsala differed from American culture.
“I think the study abroad trip provides students with the opportunity to get a global perspective that’s a very different culture from what they experience in New York City,” Moore said. CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
SUNY Purchase College students study Tibetan art in the Norbulingka Institute, an institution that preserves Tibetan culture and the summer home of the Dalai Lama.
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Twenty-one SUNY Purchase college students stayed in Dharamsala, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, India for five weeks. Photo courtesy Carly Sorenson
Brian Peterkin, a senior and creative writing major at SUNY Purchase College, makes friends with the locals in Dharamsala, India. Photos courtesy Brian Peterkin
August 11, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7
8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 11, 2017
Lawmakers take stab at slashing prescription drugs
From a Rye oldtimer A RYE OLDTIMER Judge John Carey
This column was written with Doug Carey, Judge John Carey’s son.
Westchester lawmakers eye prescription drugs as costs continue to soar while bearing downon the county’s elderly. Photo courtesy Flickr.com
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer As prescription drug prices continue to soar across the country, Westchester lawmakers will search for ways to mitigate those impacts on county residents, including lobbying Congress to expedite federal legislation mired in a bureaucratic stasis. “Companies are here to make profit, but also to help people,” said county Legislator David Tubiolo, a Yonkers Republican. “And if people can’t afford it, it’s not helping.” Tubiolo, who sits on the Board of Legislators’ Seniors Committee, said that in the coming months he plans to bring a resolution to the county legislative floor urging federal lawmakers to act on legislation aimed at bringing greater transparency to erratic increases in drug costs. Specifically, Tubiolo said, the resolution will focus on lobbying Congress to take action on the Fair Accountability and Innovative Research, FAIR, Drug Pricing Act; a measure introduced in part by U.S. Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican, that would require pharmaceutical companies to submit a justification to the Department of Health and Human Services for raising drug prices. That legislation has been stalled in committee since its introduction in May. “We’re asking the federal government to act faster,” Tubiolo said. “We’re looking into what we have the jurisdiction over and what we have the authority over.” Already, Tubiolo said, he has
attempted to bring awareness to programs offered through the county, including a card available through Westchester’s partnership with ProAct Inc. that gives residents significant discounts on drugs not covered through their insurance. While the initiative has been in place since 2012, Tubiolo said awareness of the card’s availability has been underwhelming due in part to lack of proper advertising. For lawmakers across the spectrum, however, regulating drug prices is often a tall order. Drug prices sold through the private sector are set by pharmaceutical companies, and as a result, are subject mainly to the myriad market forces. Such a dynamic has been highlighted in recent high-profile price hikes like those associated with the lifesaving drug Epipen, which administers epinephrine through injection to patients experiencing a severe allergic reaction, or Daraprim, a medicine popular amongst patients with autoimmune disorders which rose from $13.50 per pill to more than $750 overnight. According to a 2016 report from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, drug prices are slated to keep rising over the next 10 years by an average of 6.3 percent annually. Between 2013 and 2016, the center recorded double digit drug price increases, including a 12 percent increase overall in 2015. According to county Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hasting-on-Hudson Democrat, those increases can, and do, have ad-
verse effects on residents—especially seniors requiring medicine on fixed incomes—throughout the county. “A lot of senior citizens, because of the cost of prescription drugs, are cutting doses on their own, which creates medical issues, or are not filling them at all,” Shimsky said. “A lot of people will say the private market is so efficient, and keeps cost down, but sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn’t.” Tubiolo said that he’s spoken to some seniors who have gone as far as to cut costs in their diet, choosing to eat cat or dog food in order to help clear room in their budgets for medicine. “Some people privately told me they have done that to pay for drugs,” he said. “No one should have to eat below standard to pay for drugs.” On top of endangering people’s health, Shimsky said increased drug costs can also act as a drag on the local economy. “In terms of the economy, if all the disposable income is being drained out by drug manufacturers, other sectors of the economy are going to get hurt,” she said. “If you can’t buy dinner, can’t go to the movies, can’t get out to drive, other people who rely on that business are going to suffer.” Tubiolo said the introduction of the resolution will likely happen in the next several months, and Shimsky said while she’ll have to read the declaration first, she would be open to supporting the idea behind it. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Mark your calendars on Sunday, Sept. 3. At the Rye Recreation Park, the Leaders of Tomorrow Educational Enrichment Organization, founded in 1992, and the Rye Recreation Department will host the 24th annual Summerfest, a field day of fun for kids of all ages. The Summerfest field day is an event which brings together hundreds of Rye’s residents from 1 month old to 101 years young, which is modeled after the old William H. Ball Field Day which ran from Labor Day 1919 until Labor Day 1979. Local residents Doug Carey and Mike Kennedy, who had founded an educational enrichment organization to promote community service volunteer workshops through all and programs, decided to try and resurrect the “end of the summer community event” that so many generations of Rye residents had enjoyed. The first ten Summerfest field days were held at Gagliardo Park from 1994 to 2003, and to celebrate the centennial of Rye’s incorporation as a village in 2004, the Leaders of Tomorrow organization moved the field day to its current venue at the Rye Recreation Park, or affectionately known by longtime Rye residents as “51 Milton.” The Summerfest is an after-
noon of old fashioned, low tech activities, including booths offering facepainting, beanbag toss; races and contests, including the 30yard dash, potato sack races, a water balloon competition, ice cream eating contests, a barehanded wooden bat baseball game, and a wooden racquet tennis tournament; a local history exhibit; and finishes with the annual honoree ceremony and two hours of live music. Jerry and Martha McGuire have graciously donated and supplied the hot dogs and fixings for every Summerfest that has taken place in Rye. Cold water along with Longford’s Own-Made Ice Cream and the traditional Rye Fire Department “spray” keeps everyone cool and refreshed during the day. Over the years, many Rye residents have been honored during Summerfest during a ceremony that has taken place toward the end of the field day, oftentimes during the intermission of the live big band music program. The first honorees were the 1938 New York state runner-up Rye Colleens softball team; each attending member was presented with a scrapbook of their season compiled by the students of the Leaders of Tomorrow Educational Enrichment Summer Program. This year’s honoree is a longtime community service leader and resident Ralph Vellone. Mr. Vellone has been involved in numerous activities, and for more than 25 years organized and directed one of the finest summer baseball opportunities in the entire nation for local student ath-
letes that were trying to continue at the collegiate and/or professional level. For many years, it was simply known as the Rye Pepsi Tournament, or affectionately as Mr. Vellone’s tournament. Leaders of Tomorrow also has sponsored an annual educational enrichment summer program for 25 years; created and maintained four public gardens; has donated, planted and cared for more than 50 trees in Rye, mostly at Gagliardo Park; and has organized a variety of specific all volunteer activities such as the annual Fourth of July program at the Rye Free Reading Room and other service projects that try to “build bridges” and strengthen the ties that make Rye such a healthy community to live in. All prizes for the Summerfest are donated by local residents and merchants. Hundreds of Rye residents have volunteered over the years to insure the success of the Summerfest, striving to fulfill one of our goals: that every “kid” goes home with multiple prizes. All events for the Summerfest, including the John Carey Jr. Memorial Music Program featuring the Reddy Valentino Big Band Orchestra, are free to all Rye residents. This is due in large part to the unselfish generosity of local residents who donate and those who volunteer their time, both of whom demonstrate how much they care about our community. We hope that you will consider making a donation of prizes or to sponsor an event or activity for this year’s Summerfest. For more information, please call 996-5082 or 967-2535.
August 11, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9
Former Yankees player heads to Empire Casino
FIREFIGHTERS from page 1
City Manager Marcus Serrano and most of the Rye City Council have expressed their support for Public Safety Commissioner Michael Corcoran’s plan to add additional career leadership positions to the Fire Department, which is estimated to cost $200,000. Corcoran will present his recommendations to the council in September. File photo
added. “He did a thorough review before coming to the city manager and the council with his recommendations [and] he was thoughtful in his analysis.” In May, Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, said he would sup-
port any plan by the public safety commissioner to rectify some of the issues within the Fire Department. “[Corcoran’s] assessment is what we are going to rely upon,” he told the Review at the time. “If that means hir-
ing additional firefighters, then so be it.” Sack could not be reached for additional comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
Tino Martinez, a former New York Yankees first baseman, will attend Empire City Casino on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Contributed photo
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Empire City Casino continues to bring New York baseball’s most popular players to the largest entertainment destination in the northeast. Former New York Yankees first baseman Tino Martinez, a key player on four “Bronx Bombers” World Series championship teams, will appear at Dan Rooney’s Sports Bar at the casino on Wednesday, Aug. 16, when the Yankees play their crosstown rival Mets in a “Subway Series” game at Citi Field. Martinez will meet and greet fans to sign autographs and take photographs beginning at 6:10 p.m. The first 75 attendees will receive an exclusive Empire City Casino baseball for Martinez to sign. Martinez will watch the game
with baseball devotees inside Dan Rooney’s, a sports pub featuring over 40 large screen TVs and upscale pub food and cold brews available for purchase. Hungry visitors can enjoy the signature half rotisserie chicken with roasted potatoes, or dive into a mouthwatering award-winning Dan Rooney’s burger topped with brie cheese, marinated onions, and honey mustard. During his 16-year career with the Yankees, Mariners, Cardinals, and Devil Rays, Martinez drove in 1,271 runs as a two-time AllStar. He enjoyed six seasons with 100 or more RBI, while slugging 339 home runs. A first-round draft pick out of the University of Tampa, his clutch hitting
helped to lead the Yankees to world championships in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000. He was also an Olympic gold medalist in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea. Attendees can come early and take a chance on the record-breaking $2 million jackpot currently available only at Empire City Casino on the IGT Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars slot machine. Or check out Empire City’s newest games, including Titanic-Heart of the Ocean and Wan Shi Ru Progressive. Empire Club members 55 and over who earn at least 10 Empire Points on Wednesdays in August can receive $10 free play & free valet. Visit Empirecitycasino.com for details. (Submitted)
10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 11, 2017
August 11, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11 IMMIGRATION from page 1
WCC tuition won’t increase under proposed budget
County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, plans to veto a bill known as the Immigration Protection Act, which passed the county Legislature in a 10-5 vote on Aug. 7. The bill aims to set a countywide policy on immigration enforcement for law enforcement officials. Photo courtesy Jerry McKinstry
Dr. Belinda S. Miles, president of Westchester Community College, and County Executive Robert P. Astorino. Contributed photo
Additionally, it would protect Westchester from liability due to false arrests and imprisonments. Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, said Astorino’s comments are “full of falsehoods” and “fear mongering” meant to justify vetoing the legislation. “The purpose of the Immigration protection Act is to protect Westchester residents and keep us all safer,” she added. “We looked very closely at the U.S. Constitution when drafting this, and based on rights already in the Constitution, it abides by federal law.” The Democratic Caucus, which is made up of nine lawmakers, submitted the legislation to codify the existing policies adopted under Spano, not knowing the stance of the county executive and some top county public safety officials on the matter.
In a statement, George Longworth, the commissioner of the county Public Safety Department, called it a “bad and reckless idea.” “This bill is being passed over the objections of the [county] law enforcement authorities,” he said. “It will make Westchester families and police officers less safe.” The bill was also denounced by Hector Lopez, the president of the Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association, the county’s largest law enforcement group representing Hispanic officers, and County Attorney Robert Meehan, who first raised concerns about the law establishing a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants living in the county. According to Joe Sgammato, the press secretary for the Democratic Caucus, the caucus plans to hold a vote to override a veto by
the county executive. However, in order to override Astorino, the Board of Legislators will need a supermajority vote. And with the need for one more lawmaker to pledge his or her support for bill, that supermajority remains in the hands of the Republican Caucus. In a joint statement from the Republican Caucus, lawmakers echoed sentiments expressed by the county executive, saying the proposal is “well intentioned” but barely adds any “new protections” for the county’s immigrant community. “The immigrant community should know that law enforcement is there to serve them and protect them regardless of their immigration status,” the statement read. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
For the fifth consecutive year, tuition for nearly 13,000 students at Westchester Community College, WCC, will not increase under a proposed budget that was submitted by County Executive Robert P. Astorino to the Board of Legislators on Friday, July 14. “Working closely with the college’s leadership, we are able to propose a budget that keeps tuition flat for the fifth year in a row,” Astorino said. “WCC is where so many students go for a quality and affordable education so that they can make a better life for themselves and their families. We must find ways to keep public education affordable and a tuition increase would hurt far too
many of WCC’s students.” The $122 million operating budget for the 2017-2018 school year includes a $29.9 million sponsor contribution from the county, an increase of $67,000 over last year and $500,000 from the year before. “We propose a budget that prioritizes an affordable and high quality education for Westchester Community College’s students and families,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, president of Westchester Community College. “No tuition increases for five years is notable within New York State and a testament to our collaborative partnership with Westchester County leadership.”
Westchester Community College’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the college’s budget amid its deliberations about national trends in college affordability and financial challenges facing students. Additionally, WCC’s capital budget includes $2.16 million for four projects, which include technology upgrades at several locations on-and-off-campus along with site improvements throughout campus and a proposal to assess planning and infrastructure needs going forward. The Board of Legislators is scheduled to vote on the budget on Aug. 7. The college’s fiscal year begins on Sept. 1. (Submitted)
12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 11, 2017
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14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 11, 2017
Head games LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
As much as I loved playing football, I’m starting to wonder; if I could do it all over again, would I still suit up? On July 25, a study released by Boston University revealed that of 202 donated brains from deceased former football players across all levels of the sport, 177—or 87 percent—tested positive for signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, CTE, a degenerative brain disease that has been tied to repeated blows to the head. The numbers are alarming, sure, but they don’t exactly tell the whole story, especially when it comes to youth football. Of those 202 brains, 111 came from former NFL players—people who played football at the highest level for years. Furthermore, even the brains of those who never made it to the NFL were donated by families who had an inkling that something wasn’t right. So yes, the results of the study paint a dark picture of football’s effects on the brain, but it’s a selective grouping, and not something that really speaks to the general experience of someone deciding to play high school football. And really, that’s the problem facing youth football now; there’s so much uncertainty about the long-term effects of playing the sport, it’s enough to give parents—and potential athletes— pause.
I’m getting older now, but I’m not so old that I played the sport before people realized that concussions were a growing problem. In my senior year, all the way back in 2001, I suffered the only concussion of my varsity career. In our second game of the season, up at Suffern, I was coming on a weak-side blitz as the opposing QB rolled out to his left. Our defensive end got off his blocker and was going to wrap him up low; a step too late, I decided to dive high in an attempt to swat the ball away. Unfortunately, the quarterback curled up and went down as soon as he felt the pressure. As I flew over him, my legs clipped him in the back and I drove myself headfirst into the turf at an awkward angle. The play, which was immortalized on our end of the year highlight tape—though not for my efforts—shows the back judge visibly concerned as I landed, then peeled myself off the turf and unsteadily attempted to make my way to the wrong sideline. I was still in a fog when I made my way over to the bench, where our athletic trainer—the kind of guy who generally adhered to the old school “play through it” mentality—told me that I was done for the game. I nodded in agreement, waited till he walked down to check out a cramping teammate, cleared the cobwebs out of my head and promptly inserted myself back into the game. I knew back then that it wasn’t the smartest move, but when you are 17 years old and football is your
SPORTS
life, it seemed like the only option. The next few days were the first time I really experienced the aftereffects of a concussion. I was in a general daze, couldn’t concentrate in my classes, and even passed out a time or two, once in the middle of a conversation I was having with my father in the kitchen. I sat out a few practices, sure. But the next Saturday we played Spring Valley, so you can be sure I was back out there on the field. It was a dumb move by a dumb kid, but back then, we—or at least I—just didn’t understand the repercussions of my actions. Football, even more than most sports, is the kind of endeavor that celebrates an individual’s ability to play through injuries. But over the last decade or more, we’ve learned enough about head injuries to know that playing through them simply isn’t an option. During my tenure at the Review, I have had discussions with coaches, players and administrators alike that makes me realize that, these days, concussion protocol is as important a facet of the game as the X’s and O’s. There’s still a risk for concussions, sure, but everyone, at least, is armed with knowledge that trying to play through one can have a disastrous outcome, both in the immediate and distant future. So yeah, I would probably still play. I’d probably just learn to use my head. Or not.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
Players from Rye and Beacon collide in a 2016 football game. Sports Editor Mike Smith believes that increased research about head injuries can help today’s players protect themselves better, on and off the field. File photo
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SPORTS
August 11, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15
Lake Isle claims county title By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Over the last decade, the Lake Isle Swim and Dive team has established itself as the premier powerhouse in the area, turning in a host of winning performances at the annual Westchester County Swim Association Championships. On Aug. 2, the Eastchester-based club added even more hardware to the trophy case, winning its fourth-straight combined team title at Rye Playland to cap off another successful summer season. Thanks to some dominant performances by their female competitors, Lake Isle was able to capture gold at the 92nd annual WCSA championships, scoring 307.5 points overall to edge second-place Wykagyl, which finished with 279 points. The final tally was much closer than last year, when Lake Isle topped Wykagyl by 84 points. “We knew it was going to be tough this year; every year is different with kids who go away or become the youngest in their age group,” Lake Isle coach Kevin Lavelle said. “And we knew Wykagyl was a very strong team this year, so we expected it to be close.” Lavelle, who has coached the Lake Isle squad to eight titles in the last 10 years, said that while oftentimes, the team is reliant on its male competitors to create distance from the opposition, this year, the standout performances were mostly on the girls end. Lake Isle’s girls outscored second-place Rye Golf Club by 101 points, while the boys placed fourth behind Wykagyl, Willowbrook and the Greenburgh Swim Team. Ten-year-old Claire Weinstein was the high-point champion on the girls’ side, picking up 34 points in both individual and relay events, while a number of her teammates, including Lauren Maierle, 10, Daniella Condon, 12, and Emily Gjertsen, 15, all garnered top-five finishes in their respective age divisions. Ten-year-old Noah Barrett finished second in the boys’ 10U age group with 24 total points during the event. Only three WCSA records fell during this year’s event, but Lake Isle got in on the action, as Maierle, Weinstein, Gianna Martorello and Lucianna Guitierrez were able to set a new mark of
2.22:79 in the girls 10U 200meter medley relay. “We knew heading into that final day, it was going to be close, but we had built up enough of a lead,” Lavelle said. “Our relay teams, in particular, did a really great job for us.” With another title in the books, Lavelle said that his team will enjoy the moment, and will turn their attention to repeating as champions when the 2018 season kicks off next July. “We’ve been very fortunate but you never know what is going to happen in the future,” he said. “You might have kids who decide to swim with their club teams or sit out a summer season, so you really don’t know what the team is going to look like from year to year.”
Area swimmers kick off to start the backstroke leg of the medley relay at Rye Playland.
CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Jason Amato from the Wykagyl Country Club swims on Aug. 2. Wykagyl won the boys’ title and placed second in combined team scores.
Lake Isle’s Caroline Coughlin performs the breaststroke on Aug. 2 at Rye Playland. Lake Isle’s girls 200-meter medley relay team finished second.
Steven Kwon from Harrison Recreation gets off the block on Aug. 2. Photos/Mike Smith
16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • August 11, 2017