June 23, 2017 by The Rye City Review

RyeCity REVIEW THE

June 23, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 25 | www.ryecityreview.com

NO.86 The Class of 2017 take its final bow before family and friends at its June 17 commencement ceremony. The class marked the 86th to graduate from Rye High School. For coverage, see page 10. Photo/Franco Fino

2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • June 23, 2017

June 23, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3

City may lose opportunity to buy Thruway parcel

In the midst of renewed interest from the Rye City Council to purchase the New York State Thruway Authority’s property on Boston Post Road, pictured, a recently passed bill by the state Legislature could pave the way for Rye Country Day School to buy the land. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Despite renewed interest from the Rye City Council to purchase state property along Boston Post Road, the city may lose out on the parcel of land to the Rye Country Day School and is now asking the governor to intervene. With the approval of a bill by the state Legislature on June 15, the Rye Country Day School awaits the signature of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, for the ability to negotiate with the New York State Thruway Authority, NYSTA, to purchase the 4.7-acre vacant land parcel located parallel to the private school, and at the entryway of one of Rye’s municipal borders. The bill, which is sponsored by state Assemblyman Steve Otis, a Rye Democrat, and state Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer, a Republican from Erie County, would allow the independent preparatory school to purchase and utilize the land for recreational and educational purposes, including the construction of a playing field, track and field house. The move would put an end to more than three decades of off and on discussion related to the space, which has drawn interest from the city of Rye and the preparatory school both jointly and independently at different times since the late 1980s. Interest in the possibility of increased field space has always been at the forefront of the Thruway Authority property, but protecting the land from the potential for outside threats has also been a key objective for city officials, both past and present. After many inquiries from both parties to buy the property throughout the 1990s and as late as last year, the City Council notified Otis that it was discontinuing ideas to potentially purchase the land in the fall of 2016.

Now, the school’s purchase could finally come to fruition, unless the bill is vetoed by Cuomo. But the bill has recently drawn opposition from the Republican majority on the Rye City Council, which has expressed a renewed interest in obtaining the property. On June 21, Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, issued a letter to Cuomo urging him to veto the bill, saying that the city was unaware of Otis’ actions in proposing to allow Rye Country Day School, RCDS, the ability to solely purchase the property for an amount not yet determined, as of press time. In the letter, Sack indicates that the City Council only found out of Otis’ plan by “good chance.” “At best, the actions of Assemblyman Otis were premature,” Sack wrote to Cuomo. “At worst, they represented a behind-theback attempt to steer the parcel to RCDS without our knowledge and against our wishes.” Otis refuted accusations that he wasn’t communicative with the city, indicating that he sent a draft of his bill describing the intension to transfer the Thruway property to the school in a May 30 email to city officials. “[Sack’s] letter was surprising to me because it’s factually inaccurate in just about every regard,” Otis told the Review. According to that email, which was obtained by the Review, Otis sought comment from the city about the pending legislation. However, after receiving a phone call from City Manager Marcus Serrano the following day about the city’s position changing from last fall on purchasing the property, Otis later followed up in a letter on June 1 expressing that it had already been too late to change course on his proposal, which was referred to committee on June 2. “To reverse course now after [last year’s request] gives rise to serious questions about the city’s

reliability as a business partner,” Otis wrote in his letter. Even if Cuomo signs off on the bill, a stipulation requires RCDS to come to terms with the City Council on a shared-use agreement for the property. To date, those discussions have not taken place other than a meeting on Monday, June 19 between RCDS Headmaster Scott Nelson and four Republican members of the City Council where the city expressed its interest in purchasing the land. According to one of the city representatives at the meeting, it was largely unproductive and contentious. Councilman Terry McCartney, a Republican, told the Review that despite not moving forward with acquiring the parcel last year, which is estimated to cost as much as $8 million, the city never fully lost interest. “We didn’t think purchasing the property at the time was prudent without going through our voters,” he said, explaining that a change to the City Charter last November now requires the City Council to purchase land costing more than $1 million by approval in a citywide referendum. “I think we can still work things out [with the school],” McCartney said. “I’m not opposed to them buying the property, but I’m not ready to see anything done with the land until I know what’s best for our residents moving forward.” But according to Otis, the state is under no obligation to work cooperatively with the city and school, meaning the opportunity to purchase the property could be withdrawn at any point. Nelson, Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein, a Democrat, and state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat, could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • June 23, 2017

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

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

Teen Reading Raffle Starting Friday, June 23, tell the library what you thought about the books that you read. Your book reviews are raffle tickets to win fun prizes. Write as many reviews of different books as you like—including audiobooks and graphic novels. Just drop a review into the raffle box in the Teen Room. Enter all summer long through Saturday, Sept. 9.

School’s Out – STEAM Ahead On Wednesday, June 28 and Thursday, June 29 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Meeting Room. For ages 9 and up. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required online. Visit ryelibray.org, go to “Programs & Events,” “Kids,” the event date, and then “Register.” On June 28, join instructor Irum Khan in this STEAM workshop as she shows participants how to design and create a kaleidoscope that will fracture light and create magical patterns as you look through it. There are many different types of kalei-

doscopes that create a plethora of images, but all use the same basic laws of physics—manipulating light and reflection. On June 29, Khan will teach participants about the principals of aerospace engineering and air resistance through the design and creation of a parachute. Participants will launch their parachutes using a kid-friendly method, and finally will take their finished designs home for further exploration and fun. Summer events are proudly sponsored by the Auxiliary Board of the Rye Free Reading Room and the Woman’s Club of Rye/Children’s Philanthrophy Section.

Rye Historical Society Hands-on-History Summer Camp Parents looking for something fun, a little different and educational for their children to do this summer will find just the perfect camp experience at the Rye Historical Society’s annual Hands-on-History Summer Camp at the Square House Museum in Rye. Girls and boys ages 7 to 13 can spend three fun-filled weeks experiencing and learning about everyday life in earlier time periods of history. The 2017 camp schedule runs Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from July 11 to July 28. Week 1 will take campers back to colonial America; Week 2 will be in the Victorian era; and Week 3 will bring them up to the early 20th century. The cost per child for the full three weeks is $450 for members, and $525 for non-members. Weekly sessions and rates are available and is $150 for members and $175 for non-members. A 10 percent

sibling discount is also available. Campers bring their own lunch and drink; snacks will be provided. To register, call the Rye Historical Society at 967-7588. The society and its Square House Museum are located at 1 Purchase St. in Rye, and are open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit ryehistory.org or call 9677588.

Rye Town Park Season permits The Rye Town Park Commission is encouraging residents to buy season permits and take full advantage of the beautiful park and Oakland Beach. It is offering “high tide” benefits for a “low tide” cost. And, they’ve held the line on prices—no increases for residents. Beach access is free for all permit holders. For a family of two adults and all children under age 18 a season permit is only $150. That’s good from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Individual adult permits are only $110. Parking for permit holders is deeply discounted, compared to those without permits. These discounts include the daytime beach season from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends, as well as the pre- and postseason periods. Senior permits (ages 62+) are $20 and include free parking. Platinum family ($300) permits also include free parking. Parking only permits are $150. Seniors who have passes dated on and before 2010 DO NOT have to renew their passes. Credit card payments will be accepted for season permits. The park accepts MasterCard, Visa and Discover. They also accept checks or money orders payable to Rye Town Park. People have two options in paying for their permits: mail the completed forms back, with payment by check or providing credit card information; or bring them to the park permit office, which will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. New permit holders will have to provide a proof of residence (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.). Note: Non-residents can also purchase discounted season permits: $60 for seniors; $250 for singles; and $350 for family rates. For further information and details, call the park starting 967-0965. More information is available at ryetownpark.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 9675273. Scholarships are available upon request. Please note: coaches should also register to coach in their online account.

Westchester County news Register for swim classes at county pools Online registration is now open for swimming and aquatic fitness classes at Saxon Woods pool in White Plains, Tibbetts Brook pool in Yonkers and Playland pool in Rye. For children and for adults just getting started with swimming, Learn-to-Swim lessons are offered for all ages and ability levels, from toddlers age 3 to senior citizens. Classes begin Wednesday, July 5, and run through Friday, Aug. 11. Lessons for adults ages 18 and older will be held only at Saxon Woods pool. The schedule for classes at Tibbetts Brook and Saxon Woods is as follows: Children ages 3–6: Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 7–10: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Children ages 11–17: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Adults (ages 18 and up): Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. (Saxon Woods only). Class schedule for Playland Pool is as follows: Children ages 3–6: Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Children ages 7–10: Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Children ages 11–17: Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Only online registration is accepted. The registration fee is $80, which includes pool admission fees for the participant. Adults and teens participating in the Learn-to-Swim program at Tibbetts Brook and Saxon Woods pools must present a valid Westchester County resident Park Pass on the first day of class; children under 12 registering for the lessons must be accompanied by a Park Pass-holding parent or adult guardian. A Park Pass is not required at Playland. For swimmers who want a high-power, cardiovascular fitness workout, a six-session Aqua Zumba class will also be offered this summer. Classes will be held on Friday nights from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Saxon Woods Pool from July 7 through July 26; and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Tibbetts Brook Pool from July 8 through July 27. Fee is $75. A Park Pass is not required but participants must be Westchester County residents. Only online registration is accepted. For more information or to register for the programs, visit parks.westchestergov.com/activities/ swimming. 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.

June 23, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5

County approves $10M Playland Pool rehab

Westchester County lawmakers voted overwhelmingly this week to renovate Playland’s swimming pool, authorizing a bond for nearly $10 million in repairs. File photo

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Advocates for retaining and renovating Playland’s historic swimming pool scored a major victory this week after Westchester County lawmakers, in a 15-2 vote, decided to inject nearly $10 million in capital improvements to bring the structure back up to par. The decision comes after more than a year of deliberations over the ailing pool’s fate, and for the time being, sinks a prospective plan to build a new seasonal dining area that proponents of pool renovations say would have exacerbated noise and aesthetics in surrounding Rye neighborhoods. Playland is owned by the county but is located within the city of Rye. “The reason we’ve been advocating so strongly is that the local community spoke out in favor of keeping the swimming pool as opposed to the other uses that were discussed with Standard [Amusements],” said county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat. The decision by the county Board of Legislators marks a reversal from an initial plan sent down by County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, that would have removed the pool completely, giving the amusement park’s co-managers of Playland, Standard Amusements, license to utilize the space as they

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saw fit. Standard Amusements, an investment firm headed by Harrison native Nick Singer, who also formerly co-managed the hedge fund Standard General, was selected to operate the amusement park in a management agreement struck in May 2016. County Legislator Jim Maisano, a New Rochelle Republican and vocal critic of the plan to remove the pool, said, “I’m especially happy that those kids whose families can’t afford a membership at a club with a pool or for trips to the shore will have an easily accessible and affordable option to escape the brutal summer heat and humidity that we often have in the lower Hudson Valley.” Not all lawmakers were on board with saving the pool by injecting a hefty dose of capital, however. Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat, and Republican Minority Leader John Testa, of Peekskill, accounted for the only opposition votes. At a June 20 meeting of the full legislative board, Kaplowitz said that he voted no due to his support of an alternate plan that would have installed a retractable platform over the pool that would have doubled as a dining area. As per a management agreement, Playland is set to be solely operated by Standard Amusements, after the county expends 50 percent of the money ear-

marked for capital improvements. The deal will see both parties pour $30 million each into various renovations, rides, and concessions over the course of 30 years. An initial payment of $1.5 million that Standard was expected to make to the county has been delayed and tied to a decision on the pool. Also holding up that payment has been ongoing litigation between the county and the city of Rye over jurisdictional authority on capital projects planned by Standard for the park. According to Dan Branda, a spokesman for the Astorino administration, the $1.5 million payment will not be received by the county until 60 days after a decision of the Rye lawsuit. Though Rye’s lawsuit was thrown out by a judge in March, the city has since launched the beginning stages of an appeal which will have to be fully submitted before August. Rye will also mull over filing an injunction on upcoming projects at the park that would immediately halt millions of dollars of improvements to park rides and infrastructure. According to county Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-on-Hudson Democrat, from here, the design phase of the pool’s renovation will take up to 18 months, with the construction taking an additional 16 months. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

JAMES PERO james@hometwn.com FRANCO FINO franco@hometwn.com

6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • June 23, 2017

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Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Reporter | James Pero ext. 20, james@hometwn.com Reporter | Franco Fino ext. 18, franco@hometwn.com General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer Corey Stockton Staff Photographers Andrew Dapolite, Jen Parente Columnists John Carey, Rye City Council, Lenore Skenazy, Joe Murphy Letters The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes. Community Events If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com. Delivery For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Classifieds & Legals To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Postmaster Send address changes to: The Rye City Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Visit us online www.ryecityreview.com

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By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter In celebration of President John F. Kennedy’s centennial birthday, the Kennedy family was honored with a plaque commemorating the 12 years that they lived in Bronxville. Until last month’s official unveiling, Bronxville had been the only place of residence for the Kennedys that didn’t have official public recognition. Marilyn Hill, of the Bronxville Historical Conservancy, said the obscurity of the Kennedys time in Bronxville was because typically historical markers are placed in the home of the previous residents. Yet, the Kennedy family’s 6-acre estate known as Crown-

lands was located on Pondfield Road, but in the 1950s, the land was torn down and subdivided into what is now known as Crown Circle. The memorial plaque features a broad outline of activities that Kennedy, his siblings and par- President John F. Kennedy. ents took part in while living in the village from 1929 to 1941, according to Hill, who added that Kennedy’s 100th birthday marked “the perfect time for us to do a marker to commemorate [him].” The project stemmed from the historians and residents of Bronxville wondering why there was nothing celebrating the Kennedys lives there, according to Hill. As of a year ago, the conservancy began working with Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin to come up with the plaque idea. “The decision was that we would recognize the years and residence of the entire [Kennedy] family as participators in the community, but with emphasis on John [F. President John F. Kennedy stands with Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. Photos courtesy flickr.com Kennedy],” Hill said. During the family’s time in Bronxville, Kennedy was away attending private school at Riverdale Country School and eventually Harvard University. However, he was still an active participant in the village. Kennedy was a member of Boy Scout Troop 2 and took lessons at Miss Covington’s School of Dance. Although Kennedy wasn’t enrolled in the Bronxville school district, his six younger siblings attended both private and public schools there. Walter Sedovic, a historic preservation architect from Bronxville, said he felt it was President John F. Kennedy rides in a motorcade with his wife Jacqueline important that he attended the Kennedy. Photo courtesy commons.wikimedia.org plaque’s May 29 unveiling. “John F. Kennedy in my ment was Bronxville’s collaboBronxville resident Dawn earlier life represented all ration with neighboring Tucka- Tyrell said that her and her husthe ideals that I had as a hoe, who donated marble stone band wanted to come to the mechild,” Sedovic said. from a local marble quarry for the morial to support their son, who Mayor Marvin ex- plaque. is a part of Boy Scout Troop 2. plained that one of the She said they first learned that “I am so proud to share this best parts of the monu- commemoration,” she said. “As Kennedy was a member of Troop for me, President Kennedy will 2 when they were looking for a The President John always represent bold vision, a troop for their son to join. “It’s F. Kennedy plaque commitment to public service, a very exciting,” Tyrell said. “We commemorates the youthful energy, and in my mind, a love the plaque.” Kennedy family’s time spent vigor that signals America will alin Bronxville from 1929 to 1941. Photo/Taylor Brown ways have even better days ahead.” CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com

June 23, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7

CPW receives volunteer award

Uniquely U. enters its 20th year By MAXENE FABE MULFORD

Cerebral Palsy of Westchester has been given the Volunteer Award for their participation in the BackPack Program. Contributed photos

Do you know what it means for me to enter my 20th year of helping rising high school seniors with their college applications and essays? It means this summer I’m beginning to work with students who weren’t even born when I started Uniquely U. College Essay Consultants in the spring of 1998. Since then, the cost of college has almost tripled. Once worshipped colleges have fallen in the rankings, and been overtaken by a herd of dark horses. The Scholastic Aptitude Test has also watched its former fearsome power fade. And the once-anemic Common App has grown into a juggernaut electronically servicing more than 700 public, private and international schools. I remember it as a newsprint booklet students completed, as midnight neared, at Kinko’s, the last bastion of the typewriter. Has Uniquely U. also changed

Like us on The BackPack Program works to provide children with nutritious meals during weekends and school vacations.

On June 1, Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, CPW, was recognized at the 12th Annual Hunger Heroes Awards Breakfast. The Food Bank for Westchester awarded CPW with the Volunteer Award for their efforts in working to end hunger in the county. CPW has partnered with the Food Bank for Westchester since 2016 as part of the BackPack Program, which is designed to help alleviate child hunger by providing hungry and at-risk children with nutritious, easy-toprepare food on weekends and school vacations. CPW is the first off site location to assemble Backpacks. Each Backpack has six meals and includes; protein,

milk, fruit, grain and vegetables. In the Backpack there is also a recipe with nutrition information in English and Spanish. Vocational program participants and Port Chester High School students in transition assemble over 200 backpacks a month. This provides participants with the chance to develop social and interpersonal communication skills as well as employment readiness training. CPW’s Community Based Day Program then delivers the backpacks to children in need at local schools and community centers twice a month. For more than 65 years, CPW has been the leading non-prof-

it organization in Westchester County, providing essential services to children and adults with all developmental disabilities including autism, neurological impairments, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. It has always been our purpose to help people realize their goals, build brighter futures, and lead more independent lives as members of their community. For more information about CPW or its programs please contact Joan Colangelo, director of development, at 937-3800 ext. 215 or email Colangelo at joan. colangelo@cpwestchester.org. (Submitted)

Cerebral Palsy of Westchester has worked with the Food Bank for Westchester since 2016 on the BackPack Program.

over the years? I’ve perfected high-tech activity sheets with Instagram, audio and video links. My texting’s way better; I Skype and know the ins and outs of Google Drive. I’ve even got a world clock app for conference calls to China. Still, Uniquely U.’s core techniques—“Collect, Connect, Convey”—and my objective— to allow my students to choose the academic program—not the brand—that fits them best—has been there right from the start. As a result my students over the years have been accepted to 331 colleges and universities. This year alone, they gained admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point, Columbia University, the ultra selective Honors Program at McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, University of Michigan, the University of Virginia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Penn State, Chapman’s elite film

program, Georgia Tech, Boston University, Northeastern, and the College of Charleston. Though I’m most proud of my inner city students for whom making it to community college has been a major triumph. You should read their essays! People often ask me, “Are there any taboo topics?” None based on content. To me, an essay that lacks awareness of life’s gray areas does not meet the essential criteria—unless we see the writer acquire the capacity to re-see—literally “re-vise”— previous certainties, and further, with this newly defined maturity, envision and embark upon a fulfilling future. Just bear in mind: summer time is the right time to write your college essay. Are you ready to schedule your free consultation? Call toll-free at 1-866-8837729, email us at uniquelyu1@ gmail.com, or submit your information form at uuessay.com. (Submitted)

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8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • June 23, 2017

County seeks lawsuit against Big Pharma

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: Part II THE COUNCIL CORNER Councilwoman Kirstin Bucci

Councilman Terry McCartney also helped write this column.

Westchester County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky has introduced a bill to authorize the county attorney to file a lawsuit against Big Pharma for deceptive marketing of opioid painkillers. Photo courtesy spine-health.com

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Westchester County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky has introduced a bill that would authorize the county attorney to file a lawsuit against large pharmaceutical companies for deceptive practices. The effort comes as a way to stem the tide of rising costs for government and public safety from a growing drug epidemic in Westchester County, which has seen opioid-related deaths increase by 60 percent in the last year, according to county Legislator Ben Boykin, a White Plains Democrat. According to the county Medical Examiner’s report, opioid and opiates, including heroin, were responsible for 83 percent of drug-related deaths in 2015. In that year alone, 107 Westchester residents died from overdoses. Shimsky, a Hastings-on-Hudson Democrat who first introduced the plan on June 19, told the Review the legislation would be directed against a number of pharmaceutical companies that have used deceptive marketing of opioid painkillers, seeking punitive and compensatory damages for the costs already expended by Westchester County. The bill would allow West-

chester to join several other counties that have already filed lawsuits or are investigating pharmaceutical companies for over prescribing prescription painkillers, including Dutchess, Rockland, Ulster, Nassau, Suffolk, Broome, Erie, Sullivan and Orange. Prescription overdoses are now responsible for killing more Americans than cocaine and heroin combined, and have moved past traffic accidents as the leading cause of death nationwide, according to Shimsky. “We are seeing an enormous rise in fatalities over the last few years as a result of opioid addiction,” she said, adding that there is currently no estimate for how much the county would be seeking in compensation. “Over-marketing of opioids has created a mess in our county and we really do need to make sure that we get compensated for what we have already tried to do to clean up the problem.” And just this month, the federal Food and Drug Administration requested Endo Pharmaceuticals, an international pharmaceutical manufacturer, remove Opana ER—a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller—from the market after concluding the drug’s potential for abuse outweighed its therapeutic value. As part of Shimsky’s bill,

which doesn’t take aim at any specific companies as of press time, Westchester would file its own lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies separate from those already filed by the other counties involved. The proposal—it’s currently awaiting approval in committee—piggybacks other legislation pitched by Shimsky relating to opioid abuse in Westchester, namely the Prescription Drug Stewardship Program law, which would require pharmacy chains with more than three stores in Westchester County to become locations to dispose of unused medications; that idea was proposed in late May. Jerry McKinstry, a spokesman for the Republican administration of County Executive Rob Astorino, declined to comment on the new proposal since it is still being worked out in committee. However, he said that the Astorino administration is also making an effort to deal with the opioid crisis with the launch of WORTHY: Westchester Opioid Response Teams Helping You, a program aimed at integrating the response of several county agencies, local officials and community leaders in recognizing heroin as a growing problem across Westchester. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

This is the next installment in exploring the potential opportunities for all Rye residents related to Disbrow Park and the best way to create an asset for the city that will exist long into the future. Councilman Terry McCartney wrote the first installment two weeks ago in the Rye City Review. An update on the Disbrow Park Master Plan process, also written by McCartney as the liaison to the Rye Recreation Commission, is posted on the city’s website, ryeny.gov. The next Disbrow Park public meeting is Tuesday, June 27, and the next City Council meeting is Wednesday, July 12. No final decisions have been made and, as with every issue, the council welcomes and encourages input from all residents. In November 2016, as part of our budgeting process, the City Council set priorities for capital spending. These priorities were further refined at the city’s capital projects workshop in February 2017. The city’s Department of Public Works facility, located in Disbrow Park, is at the top of the priority list because it is both dilapidated and insufficient to address the city’s current needs. For example, most of the DPW trucks are uncovered, which means the trucks have to be replaced more frequently, creating an unnecessary expense. The city raised its debt limit

in the fall of 2016, creating additional access to capital. The borrowing calculation is complicated and it’s detailed in a June 2016 Rye City Review article. Essentially, it increases the amount the city can borrow solely by council vote from $2 million to roughly $13 million. We are one of the few communities with a self-imposed debt limit and, even after the increase, our debt limit is well below that of surrounding communities. This increase provides the city with the flexibility to make needed investments in its infrastructure. Some lean years following 2008 have resulted in inadequate infrastructure investment, of which DPW is a casualty. Importantly, when the council raised the city’s debt limit, it included a specific constraint with respect to buying property. If the city is contemplating a real estate investment in excess of $1 million, it must go to public referendum. This gives the citizens of Rye the opportunity to voice their opinion on that real estate investment. Hence, the discussion, public hearing and possible referendum on buying the New York State Thruway property. As part of the process of investing in the city’s DPW facility, it makes sense to evaluate Disbrow Park and its current configuration. To be clear, the impetus for reconfiguring Disbrow Park is to maximize park space that would benefit multiple user groups in Rye. Park space is one of the few items that meets the definition of a public good because it is both non-rivalrous (consumption by one person doesn’t preclude consumption by another), and non-excludable (a person can’t be prevented from consuming

that good). In addition to more green space, there is the possibility for: • Improved walking trails for people to enjoy the wetlands, open space, shade trees and park pavilion. • Regulation baseball/softball fields with improved layouts, fencing and dugouts. A comfortable space for spectators to watch their children (or whomever) play ball. This would provide the opportunity for Rye to host more events, games and tournaments. • An additional soccer/lacrosse field. Lacrosse doesn’t have dedicated field space in Rye and this project could create that opportunity. • A dog park. • A playground. • Renovated soccer fields. • Better parking and safer traffic flow. • An additional tennis court and, potentially, paddle courts! There are numerous items that will require further consideration including environmental issues, traffic impacts and the not insignificant cost. Rest assured that the process will be deliberate and thorough, allowing investigation and resolution of every issue with the opportunity for public comment throughout. Input from residents is critical to the process so please complete the survey that is available on the city website through Sunday, June 25. To reiterate, no decisions have been made yet. We are considering, evaluating and discussing all of the options in order to reach the best possible outcome for Rye. CONTACT: kbucci@ryeny.gov; tmccartney@ryeny.gov

Community Synagogue moves place of worship By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter Due to an extensive renovation project, at the Community Synagogue of Rye will be holding its services at Rye Presbyterian Church for the next 14 months. The Community Synagogue, located on Forest Avenue, will be undergoing construction from June 26 through August 2018. According to Rabbi Daniel Gropper, changes will be made to the sanctuary and more space will be created for communal gatherings. During construction, the Community Synagogue required a new place to hold their services, leading them to rent out the chapel in Rye Presbyterian. Gropper explained that the choice to rent out room for their services at Rye Presbyterian was easy. “[There’s] really a long, established friendship that we have

Rabbi Robert A. Rothman, Rabbi Emeritus at the Community Synagogue of Rye.

June 23, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9

Rabbi Daniel Gropper leads members of the Community Synagogue of Rye to the Rye Presbyterian Church.

The Torah scroll is carried under the huppah, or wedding canopy, to the Rye Presbyterian Church. Photos courtesy Wendy Moger-Boss

with the folks of Rye Presbyterian Church,” Gropper said. “They were just a natural community to reach out [to].” Both Gropper and the Rev. Daniel Love, co-pastor at Rye Presbyterian, explained that the Community Synagogue and Rye Presbyterian have a history of working together. In 2014, Gropper and Love led an interfaith trip to Israel where they took 55 members from both places of worship on a tour of the country. The Community Synagogue’s temporary change of location to the Boston Post Road church was signified with a parade, also known as “Hachnasat Sefer Torah,” which was held on Sunday,

Members of the Rye Presbyterian Church welcome the Community Synagogue of Rye.

June 18. The event included the transferring of the sacred ritual objects, the Torah scrolls and eternal light, from the Community Synagogue to Rye Presbyterian. Gropper explained this type of ceremony is part of a public demonstration meant to serve as an announcement of the transfer. “It involves the whole community, [and] becomes sort of a public demonstration,” Gropper told the Review. The Torah scrolls were carried by members of the synagogue under a huppah, or wedding canopy, throughout the streets of Rye along with the eternal light, carried by Gropper. Love said that the church ended their worship services early on Sunday morning to be able to welcome the Community Synagogue upon their arrival, estimating that the celebration brought in more than 140 people. Members of Rye Presbyterian gathered outside, clapping at the arrival of the parade, while children held signs saying, “Welcome to our church.” “Everybody spilled outside to welcome [the Community Synagogue],” Love said. Gropper said that the event was “very moving and very joyous.” The location change will not affect the Community Synagogue’s days of worship, which are Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com

The Torah scrolls are carried to the Community Synagogue of Rye’s new location in Rye Presbyterian Church, where the synagogue will be for the next 14 months.

10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • June 23, 2017

Rye High celebrates 86th class

On a rather showery morning, daylight broke just in time to celebrate the accomplishments of 267 students at Rye High School’s 86th annual commencement ceremony. This year, the event culminated in front of a crowded gathering of friends and family at Nugent Stadium on Saturday, June 17. High school Principal Patricia Taylor opened the event with introductory remarks and passed the torch to interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Monahan, who ended his speech in quick fashion, joking that he’d try to make it short.

Senior Emily DiEdwards performs her rendition of “The House That Built Me” as part of the musical interlude during graduation.

After the ceremony’s customary Latin oration, given by students Madeleine Albanese, Nicolas Lepore, Courtney Lyons, Adaku Udeagha and Michael Carty, a musical interlude of “The House That Built Me” was performed by graduating senior Emily DiEdwards. Thomas Tartaglia, the senior class president, presented this year’s class gift to the faculty attending, saying that while it was stereotypical to donate a bench to the school, it was just right for a staff that had helped them so much along their journey.

Senior class president, Thomas Tartaglia, presents the class gift to the school’s faculty.

Valedictorian Keaton Mueller addressed his fellow classmates and offered words instilling confidence for their future success. Among this year’s graduating class, 147 students were inducted into the National Honor Society, earning a GPA of 90 percent or higher, and completing at least 75 hours of community service.

Principal Patricia Taylor, right, and Board of Education President Katy Keohane Glassberg celebrate at the end of graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 17. Photos/Franco fino

-Reporting by Franco Fino

A graduating senior smiles during the ceremony.

Board of Education President Katy Keohane Glassberg hands out diplomas to the graduating class.

Seniors begin walking toward their commencement ceremony.

Rye High School Graduates

June 23, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11

Class of 2017

Noe Abe Isabel Abt Madeleine Christiane Albanese Haley Callahan Alexa Brooke Anne Alexander John Carlos Amaya Villa Teddy Aquilino John William Barber Shaye Julia Barnes Michael James Batal John Richard Bateman, Jr. Carina Lydia Becker Paul Belanger Jonathan Berté Samantha Berté Christian Biga Joseph Biga Charles Hunter Black Samantha Bluvol Clemente Georg Borgogni Eleanor Bradley Christopher Breen Jack Martin Breitenbach Liam Brennan Diana Michelle Brody Katherine Gallagher Brown Mat C. Bruno Jack William Bryan Emery Buckner-Wolfson Sara Hallie Buffone Myles Burbank Ryan Burinescu Arthur Miles Burke Kyle Michael Buttigieg Amanda Leigh Cadenhead Darrel Patrick Cameron Sydnie Grace Cammisa Michael Carty III Tyler Edward Cavataro James Elliot Chabot Simon Haruo Makanalani Chait Clara Chambers Edward Joseph Clark Jamison Mortola Clark Kaitlan Elizabeth Clark Griffin James Coccari Katherine Coleman Shane Nicholas Concavage Caitlin Mary Cornacchia William Courtney Nicholas Creus Jane Marie Curran Caroline Marie Dailey John Matthew Dailey

Caitlin Daley Eliza L. Davis Ilana Joelle Davis Natalie Ann Davis Nicole Leah Davis Rachel J. Davis Anna DeBartolo Julianna Marie Decker Penelope Rose Deen Kerry Del Guercio Aarsh Desai Paul Devlin Heidy Diaz Emily Kathryn DiEdwards Jaime E. Donnelly Reagan Doran Robert George Douglas Sharon Elizabeth Doyle Brendan Starr Dugan Brett Michael Egan Jason P. Ehrlich Ibrahim Mohamed El Shenawy Ryan Kenneth Emery Samantha Espino Kelly Anne Ferguson Dylan Fisher Sean Patrick Fitzgibbons Samantha Flores-Gutierrez Ethan W. Fogarty Alexander Bastian Foresman Brendan James Fox Paul Franzetti Tara Elizabeth Gallagher Bryan Spencer Gamarra Clara Gasso-Soler Marina Gasso-Soler Thomas Joseph Gates Justin Paul Gencarelli Firoz V. George Miles Roc Giordano Isabella Girling Olivia Giroux Leonardo Gomes Victor Matthew Gomez Arthur Felipe Heider Gough Tiernan Gough Fusine Lara Govaert Andrew James Graham Lisa Gushiken Leslie Arlene Gutelius Genna Perry Haddad Thomas Hager John Patrick Hammer Amanda D. Hartzell

Chloe Elizabeth Henderson Reid F. Hirson Kathryn Gabrielle Holzer Emma Hori Alexander Tiger Hu Allison Rebecca Hufford Andrew Jordan Hufford Spencer Hardy Hunt William Wick Hynson Sarah Rosalind Iles Emma Nicole Jakobson Alexander J. Janowicz Annie Rogers Jardine James M. Jardine Sloane Pemberton Laird Johnson William Junior Guy Percy Junkins Cameron Fitzner Kamer Glory Valentine Kanes Giorgi Kapanadze Bergin Quinlan Keegan Mary Kate Kelleher Logaine Khaled Kholief Macguire James Killian Jenny M. Kim Erica Michelle Kinstel Ryan Michael Kirkpatrick William McGinnis Koester Robert P. Konopka III Christopher Stephen Kovacs Shelby Evelyn Kraut Peter William Latara Maeve Lavelle Thomas John Lavelle James Laverty Zhuo-Wei Lee Sarah Rose Lent Nicolas Lepore Sivan Gabriel Levi Matthew Paul Licursi Stephanie Lopez Rocío López Cavestany Brenden Edward Lopp Kristen Luci Deborah Ludman Courtney Marie Lyons Keily Walsh Macdonald Fiona C. Maloney Noah Mandracchia Sadie Xi Rose Mazzola Seamus Thomas McCrohan Sorcha Caroline McCrohan Erin Marie McEntire Jordyn Elizabeth McEntire

James Thomas McFarland John McFarland William Macanaw McGovern Maeve Catherine McGowan James Vincent McHugh Madeline Rose McLoughlin John Andrew McSweeney Jacob Matthew Mequet Gabriela K. Merlos Alexandra Meyer Sarah Loeb Meyers Charlotte Catherine Miller Jesse Minor Dustin J. Mion Megan Rose Montalto Juan Moreno Keaton Irving Mueller Kelsey Elizabeth Myers Charles Donlan Nagle Kenneth Nakamura Caroline Quinn Neave Heather M. Neiman Robert Stephen Nelson III Haley Rose Nemsick Jan Krzysztof Nowak Claudia O’Connell Veronica Teresa Orgera Isabella Nicole Paganelli Alexandra Katherine Palermo Andrea Elena Palu Jared Patel Lila S. Pell Christopher Anthony Perri Christopher Petersen Jack Daniel Petrucelli Jackson Olin Pollard Katherine Whalen Popp Lindsay Powers Ardian Prenga James J. Pugliatti Natalie R. Pugliatti Ileana Ann Reese Traian Peter Reese Tyler McKnight Reno Kate J. Robbins Nathalie Anne Rodilosso Augustine Evans Rodriguez Estevan Enrique Rodriguez Torres Montserrat A. Rodriguez Rafael Shaun Rodriguez Lorenzo I. Roman George Cannon Ross III Samantha Kiera Ross Katrina Drew Roth

Alexander Rainer Ruggiero Jaime Leigh Ryan Lia Catherine Salgar Zachary Samberg Gregor Sandford Julia Mar Schreib Matthew Schwab Ellen Scully Ethan Mark Sears Schuyler Elizabeth Seitz Dylan Ray Senkiw Daniel F. Sheerin Tyron Shi Robert Thomas Sims Griffin J Smith Nicholas Edward Smith Sandra Marie Sousa Julia Nicole Stack Theodore Shaw Stubbs Saba Surguladze Christian Bartholomew Sutherland Sydney Szabo Zachary Szabo Robert C. Talt Thomas Austin Tartaglia Destiny D. Telesco Crispian Joshua Thorne Grant Andrew Tiedemann Christopher Scott Tobin Stephanie Toledano Margot Rose Tolley Daisuke Anton Paul Tremonte Alexander L. Tretiak William Kelleher Tutun Adaku Udeagha Quinn D. Usry Cyrus A. Vahabzadeh Laura Arlene Varas Mariana Velasquez Sosa Anouk Veltman Nicole Paige Vereczkey Isabel Vollbrecht Jake Joseph Volpe Cecilia Reilly Wall Rachel Leigh Waxenberg James Domenico Weakley Julia Fornari Weakley Mark Allan Willis Mark Woort-Menker Kevin Joseph Zaicek Matthew Paul Zar

12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • June 23, 2017

The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:

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

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

Notice of Formation of JOYS PARENTS LLC. Arts of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 05/04/2017. Office location: Westchester. SSNY design. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy to 2179 Boston Post Rd, Larchmont, NY 10538. Purpose: any lawful activity.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Notice of Formation of Momentum Massage and Wellness, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with NY Secretary of State (SSNY) on 5/1/2017. Office Location: 16 School Street, Lower Level, Suite C, Rye, NY 10538, Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: C/O United States Corporation Agents, INC. 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: any lawful activity. United States Corporation Agents, INC. (7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228) is registered agent for LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Nature of LLC: massage and bodywork. Notice of Formation of Bridgeway Consulting, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 4/28/2017. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 187 Wolf Road Suite 101 Albany NY 1220. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of Molly Ness, LLC. Art. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/23/2016. Office: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: LLC, 4 Oakwood Avenue, Rye, NY 10580. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Yoga By Danit LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 06/09/2017. Office: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 7 Stonegate Lane, Rye, NY 10580. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Front Desk Night/Weekend Manager Tennis Club Part Time Permanent — Lower Westchester Busy and vibrant tennis club seeking an evening/weekend front desk manager. Candidate should be mature, friendly, hands on, customer service oriented, able to multi-task and work efficiently with club software. Knowledge of Excel, Microsoft Word and Club Automation a plus. Position requires opening and closing the facility, maintaining front desk and lobby, answering phones, communicating with customers and overseeing the activities of the club.

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Please email resumes to dori@ryeracquet.com

Harrison, NY Tennis Club seeks Director of Junior Team Tennis to direct, mng & dvlp special activities & events to promote the development of Jr teams; assemble & maintain rosters for the 5 Rye Racquet Club Jr teams; supervise & assist in Jr teams’ tennis matches; organize, lead & promote recreational tennis activities to generate formation of new teams; greet clients; explain club rules, & encourage participation in jr tournaments; confer w/ mgmt. to discuss & address tennis player’s issues & complaints; provide evaluation reports & communicate info to parents of Jr team players; explain principles, techniques, & safety procedures & demonstrate proper use of equipment facility; meet w/ staff to discuss rules, regs, &tennis projects; enforce safety rules & guidelines; evaluate recreation areas, facilities & services to capacitate desired results; meet & collaborate with personnel & community organizations to plan recreational tennis programs; perform other administrative, supervisory, & mgmt. functions to maintain effective jr tennis program. FT. Req: BA in Sports Admin + 1 yr exp as tennis prof’l. Send resume to: Carolyn Cruz, Tennis Program Director, Aljanor Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Rye Racquet Club, 3 South Rd. Harrison, NY 10528.

PROBATE CITATION

File No. 2016-1050/A SURROGATE’S COURT – WESTCHESTER COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent

SOONER OR LATER... SOMEONE’S GOING TO BLAB IT ON

WVOX

TO: All the unknown distributees, heirs at law and next of kin, of James Arden, their guardians, committees, conservators or assignees, and if any of them survived the decedent but have since died or become incompetent, their successors in interest, executors, administrators, legal representatives, devisees, legatees, spouses, distributees, heirs at law, next of kin, committees, guardians or any person having any claim or interest through them by purchase, inheritance or otherwise. A petition having been duly filed by Melody James- Parton, who is domiciled at 400 West 43rd St. Apt. 13-R, New York, NY 10036. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Westchester County, at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, 18th Fl. White Plains, New York, on August 16 2017, at 9:30 A.M. o’clock in the fore noon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the estate of James Arden, a.k.a James Malchor Arden a.k.a Jim Arden lately domiciled at 1 Landmark Square, Unit 317, Port Chester, New York 10573. admitting to probate a Will dated June 22, 2016, as the Will of James Arden, deceased, relating to real and personal property, and directing that Letters Testamentary issue to: Melody James-Parton HON. Brandon R. Sall Dated, Attested and Sealed June 6, 2017 Surrogate

Sandra Delvalle Chief Clerk

Attorney for Petitioner: Court Square Law Project by: Christina Crowley Esq., (718) 340-4412, 2 Court Square, at CUNY School of Law, Long Island City, NY 11101 [NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you.]

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June 23, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13

Business Briefs Sotheby’s International Realty releases first quarter 2017 market report

A report detailing market results for the first quarter of 2017, including Westchester County, New York, has just been released by William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty, the company recently announced. The report found that most markets posted increases in both sales volume and unit sales compared to the same period last year. Westchester County saw quarter over quarter increases of 13 percent in dollar volume and 7 percent in units, with the southern region up by 10 percent in volume and 4 percent in units, and the northern region by 22 percent and 14 percent in volume and units, respectively. Similarly, sales in Fairfield County were higher countywide than they were at this time last year, with dollar volume rising quarter over quarter by 7 percent and unit sales by 9 percent. Up on the Connecticut shoreline, comprising New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties, sales were very steady versus the first quarter of 2016, with dollar volume standing 1 percent higher than this time last year and unit sales 1 percent lower. In the Berkshires, Massachusetts, sales results were very much on par with the exceptionally robust first quarter of last year, with volume 1 percent above that period and units 10 percent higher. The first quarter of 2016 had seen enormous gains over the same time the previous year. Lastly, Litchfield County exhibited a strong performance this quarter with significant closings in the high end driving a 29 percent increase in dollar volume over the first quarter last year, and unit sales demonstrating a 9 percent increase. The report commented that buyers have been entering the marketplace in droves, prompted by the Federal Reserve’s recent rate hikes and projected further increases for this year. The changes have caused mortgage rates to tick upward and motivate real estate intenders to act before they get much higher. Additional factors supporting a strong real estate market include the first quarter rally on Wall Street, the U.S. unemployment rate falling to a ten-year low in early April, and the consumer confidence level climbing to its highest peak since December 2000 at 125.6 (1985=100), as reported by the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index. The report also found that most markets are reporting increases in properties going into contract com-

pared to this time last year, pointing to further gains in the second quarter. “If consumer confidence is traditionally the leading indicator in real estate, then we can confidently state we are well positioned for another great year,” said Paul Breunich, president and chief executive officer of William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty. “With the markets so active, pending sales increasing year over year and the prime real estate season just around the corner, we have every reason to believe the momentum will persist throughout the second quarter and the remainder of the year.” The 2017 first quarter market watch is available for download on the firm’s website, williampitt.com. Founded in 1949, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty manages a $3.9-billion portfolio with more than 1,000 sales associates in 24 brokerages spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Westchester County, New York. William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty is the largest Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate globally and the 28th-largest real estate company by sales volume in the United States. A full-service real estate firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, William Pitt and Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty provides ancillary services including commercial services through its affiliation with Building and Land Technology, a second-generation development company based in Stamford, Connecticut; William Pitt Insurance Services; and an award-winning global relocation division. Sotheby’s International Realty’s worldwide network includes approximately 19,000 sales associates located in approximately 850 offices throughout 65 countries and territories. For more information, visit williampitt.com.

Berman joins Westchester Parks Foundation board Westchester Parks Foundation, which engages the public to advocate for and invest in the preservation, conservation and use and enjoyment of Westchester County parks, just announced a new member to its board of directors: Marc J. Berman, a local expert in the finance sector. Berman currently serves as a senior advisor with Macquarie Group and has more than 25 years of experience in financial services focused on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and providing strategic and financial advice primarily to insurance industry clients. Most recently, he founded the U.S. Insurance Investment Banking Group for RBC Capital Markets, which he built and led for six and a half years. Prior, he was a managing director and spent 14 years at J.P. Morgan and also worked for Goldman Sachs. Berman started his career as an insurance broker with Marsh & McLennan. “Marc brings a wealth of experience to our board and we are so glad to have him on our team as we continue to advocate for our county parks,” said Joanne Fernandez, board chairperson for Westchester Parks Foundation. “He will bring great insight to our organization that will help us continue to keep our parks thriving.” Berman, who currently resides in West Harrison, graduated with an MBA from Columbia Business School and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.

He also serves on the executive committee of Temple Israel Center, White Plains. As the leading organization advocating for the county park system, it is the mission of Westchester Parks Foundation, formerly known as Friends of Westchester County Parks, to encourage continued investment in Westchester County’s parks, trails and open spaces. Since its inception in 1977, the nonprofit organization has held close to the notion that it is critical to provide ongoing support for maintenance, civic improvement and access to nature. Westchester Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, philanthropic organization which provides private support to preserve the county’s park system and improve the quality of life in our communities. Westchester Parks Foundation’s mission is to engage the public to advocate for and invest in the preservation, conservation, use, and enjoyment of the 18,000 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces within the Westchester County Parks system. For more information about Westchester Parks Foundation, visit thewpf.org or follow it on Facebook.com/WestchesterParksFoundation, Twitter @ FriendsofParks and Instagram.com/thewpf.

Hospice of Westchester announces new officer, board members

Hospice of Westchester, HOW, has voted in a new officer and five new members for its 2017-2018 board of directors. George Whitehead, of Hopewell Junction, has been named treasurer after joining the board in 2016. He joins current board officers Susan Yubas, chair; Kathleen McArdle, vice chair; and Joanne Ciaramella, secretary. William F. Flooks, Jr., Mary Gadomski, Barbara Gaughan, Michele Geller, and Michael Vitale have been named the newest board members. Gadomski is the director of Business Development and Community Relations at Westchester Visiting Nurse Services Group Inc., in White Plains, a position she’s held since 2012. An experienced home health care executive, Gadomski brings with her a background in clinical program development, clinical operations, community relations, strategic

planning, and revenue growth. She has been involved with numerous organizations in the county, including Westchester County Public Private Partnership, Westchester County Domestic Violence Council, and Livable Communities of Central Westchester. Gaughan most recently served as administrator and vice president for Operations at St. Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, a position she held for more than 12 years. Gaughan has also previously worked at numerous medical facilities, including Kateri Residence in New York City, Jansen Memorial Hospice in Tuckahoe, and Kings Harbor Care Center in the Bronx. Gaughan is a licensed nursing home administrator and registered nurse. Vitale serves as senior managing director and senior vice president of Sterling National Bank in White Plains, providing commercial lending services to middle market clients, with focus on commercial real estate, nonprofit, and medical practice sectors. Previously, Vitale worked at The Westchester Bank and JPMorgan Chase. He was both coach and treasurer for Knights Basketball of Westchester from 2008 to 2015, and was previously an assistant coach for St. Augustine’s CYO basketball in Ossining and Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains. Flooks and Geller return to the HOW board, having served in previous years. Flooks has been involved with HOW since 2004, and is a former board chair. He is the owner and proprietor of Beecher Flooks Funeral Home Inc. in Pleasantville. Geller has been involved with HOW for more than 22 years, initially volunteering as a patient visitor. Currently, she is a trustee and board member for the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation. Flooks and Geller both currently serve as members of HOW’s Leadership and Development Council and Board Development Committee. Hospice of Westchester is located at 1025 Westchester Avenue, Suite 200, White Plains, NY. For additional information, visit hospiceofwestchester. com or call 682-1484. The next Business Briefs section will run in July. Please send any submission for our July edition to news@hometwn.com, with “Business” in the subject line of your email. Each submission may include one picture. If you have any questions, email us at news@hometwn.com.

14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • June 23, 2017

SPORTS

No ‘Money’ for Mayweather LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

There was a big announcement in the fight world last week, as a date has been set for the crosssport super fight between UFC champion Conor McGregor and undefeated boxing great Floyd Mayweather. It was the rare kind of news in the sports world in that it transcended boxing, or MMA, and found itself splashed across homepages of every sort of news and pop culture website. It was a doozy of an announcement, for sure, but as a boxing fan, I can’t help but yawn. I’ve been watching Mayweather fight for a long, long time. He made his debut in 1996, right when a 12-year-old me was just beginning his long descent into boxing fandom. I remember his early fights against guys like Angel Manfredy, Emmanuel Burton and Diego Corrales—fights that established him as one of boxing’s biggest up-and-coming stars around the

turn of the century. I remember tuning in to watch an older Mayweather outpoint other greats like Shane Mosley, Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya. I’ve spent hundreds upon hundreds of dollars watching the greatest defensive fighter of all time—at least since Pernell Whitaker—ply his trade in the ring, and no matter the opponent, the result was always the same; a convincing—and disappointing—win for Team Money. Floyd is the kind of fighter that is easier to appreciate than he is to root for. His bouts lack the drama of most prizefights—the idea of one punch changing the complexion of a contest—because, simply put, nobody ever hits him. As a result, most of his fights— especially the ones you shell out big bucks for on pay-per-view— are clinical showcases; and major league snooze fests. Which brings us to McGregor. I’m not a huge fan of UFC, but it’s undeniable that McGregor has become a huge draw in the

MMA world. His trash-talking rivals that of Mayweather; he’s a brash, cocky brawler with a punch that could knock down walls. And while I have no love for the sport, there’s no doubt that his fights are wonderful spectacles, usually punctuated by a quick and violent finish. So it’s no surprise that McGregor has earned himself a healthy following among the UFC crowd, especially those that would like to see one of their own knock off a celebrated boxer like Mayweather, something that would cement MMA’s legitimacy in the sports world. Unfortunately, I’ve got a better chance of batting cleanup for the New York Yankees. “All he needs to do is land one punch,” the MMAers say. “Floyd has never faced a puncher like this before!” Funny, I seem to remember similar things being said before Money’s fights against De La Hoya, Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez and Carlos Baldomir. And those guys, at the very least, were actual boxers.

June 23, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15

McGregor may be a talented fighter, but he doesn’t have the ring skills—or the experience—to pose any real threat to Mayweather’s legacy, and that’s a very important fact that we all seem to be willfully overlooking. I imagine this fight will have the same basic pacing as most of Mayweather’s fights. He’ll come out, score with a few quick punches, make McGregor chase him wildly around the ring for a few rounds while pot-shotting the Irishman until he settles in for an easy win on points. It’s the way every Floyd fight goes, after all, and it’s certainly not worth breaking the bank for. Alas, people love a circus, and I’m sure the promoters will tout other stunning upsets in the lead up to the fight, like Douglas over Tyson or Rahman over Lewis. But just because anything can happen in the ring, it doesn’t mean it will. I have a sneaking suspicion than on Aug. 27, there is going to be an awful lot of people who feel like they’ve been duped. I just don’t plan on being one of them.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

On Aug. 26, undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather will come out of retirement to take on UFC knockout artist Conor McGregor in a crosspromotional bout that figures to be one of the biggest draws of all time. But Sports Editor Mike Smith won’t be watching. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org

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16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • June 23, 2017