Harrison Report (9.28.2012)

Vol. 12/Number 39

www.myharrisonreport.com

September 28, 2012

Politicians clash over radio debate

By CHRISTIAN FALCONE ASSOCIATE EDITOR chris@hometwn.com

candidate wasn’t able to clear that much time in his schedule.

“I think George Latimer is trying A dispute between an into make a tempest out of cumbent politician, his opa teapot,” the campaign ponent in the upcoming elecspokesperson said. tions and a local radio station But Marrone, who surrounding the details of a initially pitched the scheduled debate resulting in idea over a month ago, a no-show has been brewing. said a three-hour debate State Assemblyman George was never on the table.

Latimer, a Democrat, continIn response to that ues to call out his state Senate claim, O'Reilly said, opponent Bob Cohen for not George Latimer “Whatever it was, it just committing to a recent radio debate didn’t work. We would love to do that had been planned for over a the debate with Bob Marrone. That month. But Cohen's officials main- one day just didn’t work.” tain that they couldn't clear enough And as of last week, amid critispace in their schedules to partake cism that included an article in The in the event and are more than Daily News, Cohen willing to talk issues with the agreed on-air to debate assemblyman.

Latimer on WVOX in The criticism of Republican the coming weeks. A candidate Cohen, 57, started date and time is yet to when New Rochelle radio be finalized. station WVOX reached out to Each of the Senate him on numerous occasions, candidates appear on yet never received a response Marrone’s morning from the Cohen camp to take show biweekly to talk part, according to its morning about issues such as Bob Cohen radio host Bob Marrone. the state's political landThe incident proved fodder for scape, property taxes, ethics in govLatimer, 58, to go on the offensive ernment and mandates strangling criticizing Cohen. Latimer called local governments and school disthe Republican out in a letter to the tricts. The race for the 37th Senate press and Cohen’s camp for ducking district is considered the marquee the debate. race this election cycle, with all eyes "You want to maul me," said from the Sound Shore to Albany fixLatimer, a Rye resident, referring ated on it. to Cohen’s blitz of negative remarks After gauging the sizable interthrough press releases and mail- est in the race, Marrone decided to ers. "You don’t want to talk about have both candidates in studio for issues. You want to duck out of ac- an on-air debate that would run for countability and smack the living roughly 90 minutes. Marrone was daylights out of me." set to moderate, along with fellow Cohen campaign spokesperson WVOX hosts Phil Riesman, a colBill O’Reilly said he was under the umnist for The Journal News, and impression that the debate had been DEBATE continued on page 11 planned for three hours, and his

Westchester Joint Water Works, pictured here, is scheduled to undergo a $4.9 million rehabilitation project in order to restore two water storage tanks. Water Works officials have proposed a 2 percent increase to water rates in Harrison to help cover the cost of the endeavor. File photo

Water Works mulls additional 2% rate hike

By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com

Residents may see water rates rise an additional 2 percent, as officials from Westchester Joint Water Works have proposed a hike to cover the cost of a $4.9 million project to rehabilitate two water storage tanks

on Park Lane and Woodside Avenue in West Harrison.

During a work session on Sept.

20, members of the Harrison Town Council met with representatives from Water Works to discuss funding the project, which would affect Harrison residents specifically.

According to Water Works

Manager Anthony Conetta, should Water Works not follow through with the rehabilitation project, the company would be endangering the community and be subject to a fine from the county for failing to comply with health regulations.

WATER continued on page 4

Harrison Democrats name new party chair

By MARK LUNGARIELLO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF mark@hometwn.com

The Harrison Democratic Committee has elected a new chairwoman: Elizabeth “Jimmi” Pritchard, a former town councilwoman who previously served in the post during the late 1990s.

Pritchard replaces Joe Derwin,

who served as chair since 2009.

After internal discussions with committee members, Derwin did not formally seek to run for re-election to the position, according to sources. He first ascended to the position in February 2009 when then-Chair Robert Tiburzi stepped down. He was re-elected to the position every year since without opposition.

“I am honored to be elected," said Pritchard. “I look forward to a busy couple of years... there is a lot of work left to do.”

Derwin oversaw the party during the heated elections of 2009 in which Mayor Joan Walsh, one of two Democrats on the board at the DEMS continued on page 8

2 • THE HARRISON REPORT • September 28, 2012

September 28, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 3

As property values decline, Westchester taxes still high

By ALEXANDRA BOGDANOVIC STAFF REPORTER alexandra@hometwn.com

U.S. Census data released Sept. 19 shows that Westchester residents faced with declining income and property values are also confronted with the steepest property tax burden in the country.

Following a 12.5 percent property tax hike from 2008 to 2011, the average property tax rate in the county stands at $10,000.

Meanwhile, homeowners are making roughly 3 percent less than they did four years ago. To add insult to injury, home values in Westchester fell by approximately 15 percent during the same timeframe.

In a Sept. 20 statement, Rye Town Supervisor and GOP congressional candidate Joe Carvin said the current crisis stems in part from “decades of irresponsible spending and unfunded mandates–both at the state and federal level.”

But Jim Bryan, an economics professor at Manhattanville College in Purchase, said there are other factors in play.

“When property values decline, what you have is a higher tax rate on a smaller base,” Bryan said. “That sort of thing is going on one way or another throughout the country, largely in reaction to the [housing] crash.”

Even in the “Great Recession” that has plagued the country for the past few years,

local governments must balance their budgets, Bryan said. When tax revenues drop, municipalities have two options: They can either cut services or raise tax rates to try to replenish the revenue. In most communities, governments have done a combination of both, he said.

Elsewhere in the country, circumstances are even more dire than in Westchester, according to Bryan. Nationally, property values declined by roughly 30 percent in the past few years, he said. In some places, the figures dropped by 40 percent.

The decrease in property values in other locales may be the reason people aren’t leaving the county, Bryan said. According to the economics professor, Westchester residents may be staying put because they have simply grown accustomed to the cost of living and the incremental tax hikes that have become commonplace.

“In order for a population shift to occur, there has to be a shift to a place where the circumstances are better. These trends aren’t unique to Westchester–they are national trends,” Bryan said. “There’s only so far you can go without changing employers. And in the current climate, leaving a job to strike out on your own is a hazardous venture.”

In the Village of Bronxville, property tax increases have prompted some residents to question the village’s relationship with

the Town of Eastchester, and to question whether there’s an advantage to being a village within a town, according to Mayor Mary Marvin. New York State law dictates that village residents must pay town taxes regardless of whether the town actually provides services to village residents within its jurisdiction, Marvin added. Last year, Bronxville residents contributed approximately $1.1 million in taxes to the Town of Eastchester.

“Why the Westchester property tax rate is so much higher than the rest of the country is a good question,” Bryan said. “It is not necessarily the most affluent county in the country, but it does cater, on average, to a fairly affluent population. Quality schooling and other services tend to be done more lavishly.”

In comparison to other nearby counties such as Fairfield, Conn., Westchester has less industrial tax base to absorb the tax burden that otherwise hits residential homeowners, Bryan said.

In the short term, all of that is neither here nor there, he added. All anyone can really do is stay the course and hope the economy improves.

“As painful as it sounds, riding it out in Westchester isn’t as bad [as it is elsewhere],” Bryan said. “No one I know is predicting a rapid recovery. But then this was no ordinary recession.”

4 • THE HARRISON REPORT • September 28, 2012

C ommunity Briefs Events at the Harrison Public Library, Bruce Avenue Stephen A. Welles Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m.

Come help the Harrison Library and Stephen A. Welles celebrate the 35th anniversary of "Saturday Night Fever" and other disco era legends.

This multi-media presentation chronicles and critically examines the history of disco and the recent passing of Donna Summer and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. 2012 also marks the 35th anniversary of “Saturday Night Fever.”

What these recent events/ happenings mean to the disco generation will be explored. Welles will also do a short dance demo to the beat of a few classic disco songs from the ‘70s.

For more information, call (914) 835-0324 or visit harrisonpl.org.

51st Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29-30 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., rain or shine The Armonk Outdoor Art Show is consistently ranked one the top fine art and fine craft shows in the New York Metro Area by Sunshine Artist Magazine and ranked No. 15 nationwide by Art Fair SourceBook.

The art show features over 185 juried exhibitors from across the United States and abroad.

Works include oils, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, printmaking, drawing/pastels, sculpture, photography, digital art, wearable art and fine crafts. There will be free parking on site, as well as children’s activities/treasure hunt, emerging artists, docent tours and a full food court.

Admission price is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and with coupon, children under 18 are free. Sorry, no dogs allowed. For further information and discount coupons, visit armonkoutdoorartshow.org.

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show is located at Community Park on Business Park Drive in Armonk.

Harrison High School Class of 1962 Reunion On Sept. 29, the Harrison High School Class of 1962 will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Festivities will be held at the Larchmont Shore Club, located at One Oak Bluff Ave. in Larchmont from 6:15 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $110 per person. Checks should be made to Joyce Day, 111 Atwater St., Milford, Conn. 06460-7660 (with your name and HHS ’62 Reunion included in the memo).

The class will also hold additional activities during that weekend.

Complete information on reunion, classmates, biographies, pictures, and memorabilia can be found at HHSReunion1962.tumblr.com.

For questions or concerns, contact Don Strange at (203) 912-4038 or email strange@optonline.net or any of the other reunion committee members.

Fourth Annual Fall Harvest Festival at Empire City Casino The Fall Harvest Festival is back on the calendar at Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway and is set for Sept. 29. The one-day celebration of New York State harness racing, agriculture and produce for fans of all ages is on the schedule from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. on the track apron. Festival activities will require tickets. Tickets can be purchased on site at the following prices: $5 for five tickets, $10 for 15 tickets, $15 for 25 tickets, and $20 for 40 tickets.

There will be activities for the young and those young at heart: harness races, pony rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, face painting, and musical entertainment.

The Annual Legislative Race also returns featuring members of the Assembly and Senate.

Two large tents will house the musical entertainment, as well as a wide variety of food and beverages for the entire family. There will also be New York State fudge, cheese and wine product samplings, as well as a pie-eating contest featuring Yonkers Raceway's drivers squaring off against public contestants.

Children’s afterschool tennis program Jeffrey Greene, long-time Westchester resident, successful college tennis coach, highlyranked USTA Eastern Section Senior Men’s tournament veteran competitor and current director of tennis at Camp Pemigewasset in New Hampshire, heads up the Harrison Recreation Department-sponsored tennis program for children starting the week of Sept. 10. Classes for third-fifth and sixth-ninth grades are offered Monday – Thursday at the Harrison Avenue School tennis courts, with classes meeting twice a week for eight weeks (16 total classes). Class size is limited, therefore first come, first served.

Register at the Solazzo Center Recreation Office, located at 270 Harrison Ave. (opposite the train station) or call (914) 670-3179 for additional details.

Annual educational and ethnic food festival at St. Vladimir's Seminary Saturday, Oct. 6 from 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The annual educational and ethnic food festival at St. Vladimir's Seminary, located at 575 Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, this year will focus on the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, with a discussion group for teens on the blockbuster movie/book “The Hunger Games.” Dr. Christopher Mitchell, director of the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College which houses a major research collection by seven British authors, will deliver a keynote on "Lewis and Tolkien: Scholars and Friends." The Rev. Dr. Andrew Cuneo, the first Oxford University scholar ever to receive a doctoral degree on C.S. Lewis, will present a lecture about that author. Additionally, Cuneo will hold a book discussion on Lewis's work “The Abolition of Man.” Complementing the educational component of the day will be ethnic foods and entertainment, including Irish dancing. Free admission to the grounds and food booths are open from 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit svots.edu.

Deadline for our Community Briefs section is every Friday at 12 p.m. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.

WATER from page 1

"We should do the full rehab [work] now," Conetta said. "We've already completed the rehabilitation of the Woodside tank... and there are minor repairs needed in each of the other five [storage tanks]."

The scope of work would include painting the tanks’ interior and exterior, fixing a broken vent to prevent wildlife from getting inside and contaminating the water, prep work for winter weather and sandblasting.

The Westchester Joint Water Works, a shared utility governed by municipal leaders in Mamaroneck and Harrison, currently operates on a system of seven water storage tanks between two water treatment facilities.

Since three of the seven storage tanks that are in need of work only service Harrison residents, Water Works officials are expecting the town to foot the bill.

"We try to share the cost as much as possible," said Business Director David Birdsall, “but these tanks are internally self-sufficient.”

In a 3-2 vote last July, the Harrison Town Council approved a 17 percent rate hike under the belief it would cover the cost of Water Works’ operating budget while keeping up with the increased cost of water sup-

ply from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Earlier this year, Republican council members Joe Cannella and Steve Malfitano voted in opposition of the rate increase after finding that several capital projects–including the rehabilitation of the Park Lane and Woodside tanks–were included in the water works operating budget.

“This raises the question of what is included in the budget,” Malfitano told The Harrison Report last July. “I almost want to say ‘go back and sharpen your pencil.’”

If approved, the proposed 2 percent increase could raise residents’ water bills as much as 19 percent more than last year.

But before any rate increase can be authorized, the council must vote whether or not it will issue a bond for the Water Works project. According to Comptroller Maureen MacKenzie, if the town floats a bond for $4.9 million, the additional increase would redistribute the revenue borrowed back to Water Works, which would then pay the awarded contractor for the project. In order to issue the bond, the council must hold a public hearing to decide on the preferred method of payment to Water Works.

Have a news tip?

Contact your local reporter Dan Offner, dan@hometwn.com

September 28, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 5

Harrison League of Women Voters rallies voter registration

By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com

Only a few weeks remain until Nov. 6 when polls will open for the 2012 general elections. But while the race heats up and the clock winds down, members of the Harrison League of Women Voters are reminding residents there is still time to register.

On Sept. 25, members of the Harrison League of Women Voters went to the Claremont Shopping Center along Halstead Avenue to hand out registration forms and absentee ballots to anyone eligible to vote.

“It’s your constitutional right to get out and vote,” said League Chairperson Lola Geiger.

“Your input counts even if your candidate loses… so long as you take an interest.”

According to Geiger, the Harrison League of Women Voters chapter holds its local voter registration drive as part of national registration week each year in an effort to get more people to vote. In February, members of the league took turns encouraging students at Harrison High School who turn 18 prior to election day to register early and to go out and vote in this year’s state, federal and presidential elections.

“Getting people to vote during such a close election [season] is important,” said Voter Service Chairperson Diane Levy. “Every vote counts.” Before noon, the league gave

out roughly 15 absentee ballots and three voter registration applications.

This year, the registration forms changed, after state legislation was passed requiring the option to register as an organ donor to be included on the form.

Although most residents who have registered in years prior are not required to sign up again, those who plan to change their address or party affiliation have to fill out a new form.

“If you’re able to vote, you should,” said resident Dorothy Revelli. “No matter what.”

On Oct. 23, the Harrison League of Women Voters, in conjunction with other local municipalities in the Sound Shore area, will host a debate between state and federal candidates in the district.

At the federal level, the debate will pit Democrat incumbent Rep. Nita Lowey against Republican candidate and current Rye Town Supervisor Joe Carvin. In the state arena, the league will host two debates–the first between Republican incumbent Assemblyman Robert Castelli and Democratic candidate and current White Plains Councilman David Buchwald. The second debate will be between Democrat Assemblyman George Latimer and Republican candidate Bob Cohen who will face each other in the race over retiring state Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer’s seat.

Harrison League of Women Voters Chair Lola Geiger and Voter Service Chairperson Diane Levy, pictured at the Claremont Shopping Center Sept. 25, hand out voter registration forms to passersby.

With only a few weeks until the Nov. 6 elections, Geiger and Levy have aimed their efforts toward getting more residents registered to vote. Photo/Daniel Offner

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6 • THE HARRISON REPORT • September 28, 2012

Volunteers collect for Red Cross blood drive

By DANIEL OFFNER STAFF REPORTER dan@hometwn.com

On Sept. 19, three Harrison volunteers helped collect more than 30 pints of blood for the American Red Cross. The event, sponsored by the Harrison Emergency Medical Services and Amici’s Deli on Halstead Avenue, was held at the Veterans Memorial Building and attracted

participants from across the Sound Shore.

“We will be able to help 105 patients… it was an excellent turnout,” said volunteer Ada Angarano.

According to the American Red Cross, the United States is currently experiencing a blood shortage, in which an estimated 44,000 people are in need of blood each day. Type O is the most requested blood type due to its ability to

Volunteers Zack Bsharat, Ada Angarano and Jennifer Lucas pose at the seventh town blood drive. Photos/Daniel Offner

Richie Rafail donates during Sept. 19’s blood drive at the Harrison Veterans Building.

What’s Your Beef?

What’s bothering you today?

fuse with all other blood categories.

“One pint will typically help three people,” said Thomas Kane, an account manager with

the Red Cross. “We also have a ‘double red’ machine, which provides just the red blood cells and can help even more people.”

Dennis Nardone to celebrate radio anniversary with music concert

Collected on Main Street in New Rochelle “Not enough retail stores [downtown].”

-Adeline Panico, 88, New Rochelle

“I was mugged almost a year ago and I'm worried it might happen again.”

-Christine Perez, 31, New Rochelle

“I haven't seen any significant increase in jobs.”

-Robert O'Flaherty, 63, New Rochelle

-Reporting and photos by JASON CHIREVAS

“The disconnect between city hall and the downtown business area and owners.”

-Dan Fego, 56, New Rochelle

Radio disc jockey Dennis Nardone will celebrate 15 years of talk radio and 10 years of hosting his rock ‘n’ roll show on WVOX 1460AM with a concert. The event will take place Oct. 12 at New Rochelle High School.

The Bronx Wanderers, Barbara Harris (original lead singer of "The Toys"), The Devotions, The Fellas, Twin Gold Singers, Just Nuts Dance Band and more surprise guests are all coming out for radio disc jockey Dennis Nardone, who will be celebrating 15 years of talk radio and 10 years hosting his rock ‘n’ roll show on WVOX 1460AM and wvox.com worldwide. The event will take place at New Rochelle High School in the Whitney Young Auditorium on Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Additionally, some of Nardone’s favorite bands and entertainers are also coming out to help him raise money for the New Rochelle High School girls basketball program.

For tickets, call Paul at (914) 469-9047. Reserve seats are $35 and general admission is $30.

For more information, visit ClubDennis911.com. (Submitted)

September 28, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 7

Org proves county is open for business

By ALEXANDRA BOGDANOVIC STAFF REPORTER alexandra@hometwn.com

On Sept. 20, two large tour buses crept along the narrow streets in New Rochelle’s business and residential areas as guides described points of interest ranging from waterfront homes, to parks, schools and office buildings along the way.

But it wasn’t a sight-seeing tour. Instead, the excursion, which was conducted as part of the Westchester County Association’s Blueprint City Show Case, was designed not only to give the passengers an overview of the city, but incentive to do business there.

“When the Westchester County Association approached us about doing this a year ago, we thought it would be a tremendous opportunity to let everyone know that New Rochelle is open for business,” said City Manager Chuck Strome.

Among the city’s assets are its proximity to New York City and other regional hubs, its direct link to mass transit, a stable downtown area and flexible zoning standards, Strome said.

Democratic Mayor Noam Bramson, who delivered the A view of Interstate 95 and the Metro-North train tracks in keynote address during lunch New Rochelle. City officials cite the municipality’s direct link at “Top of the Roc,” also said to mass transit and proximity to the highway as two of the New Rochelle has a lot to of- city's most significant attributes. Photo/Alexandra Bogdanovic fer, including abundant waterfront and diver- what Westchester’s bigger cities, such as New Rochelle, White Plains and Yonkers, have to sity in housing stock.

As in any other community, there are also offer, the organization hopes to spur economic development throughout the county. challenges, he said.

In addition to implementing an “aggressive “There is a lack of corporate anchors, and while there is evidence of renewal, there is marketing plan” featuring the city tours, the also evidence of continuing distress. We are group hopes to help address some of the issues not White Plains and we are not Stamford that surfaced after multi-national companies [Connecticut],” Bramson said. “Because there left the area and the national economy tanked are challenges, the upside and the possibility in 2008 by creating jobs, filling vacant comfor investment here is better than any other mercial space, simplifying regulations governcommunity in Westchester. Progress is not just ing development and laying the groundwork about the hand that is dealt to us, but about the for infrastructure improvements.

The efforts already appear to be paying choices we make. I am very proud of what my off in one of those areas. According to the team has done and is doing.”

Several companies based in other parts of Westchester County Association, 1 million the country also have offices in New Rochelle. square feet of vacant commercial space was Of those, numerous have office space at 145 filled less than one year after the Blueprint’s Huguenot St., according to Andrew Greenspan, inception.

That wouldn’t have been possible without whose company, GHP Office Realty, LLC, teamwork, according to William Cuddy, chairowns the building.

“Right now we have 30 tenants, includ- man of the Blueprint for Westchester.

“Economic development is a broad topic,” ing a San Francisco-based software firm and Philadelphia-based law firm,” Greenspan said. Cuddy said. “One of the questions we asked The New Rochelle showcase was the sec- is ‘What are the key things that are necessary ond organized by the Westchester County to make meaningful progress?’ And what we Association’s Blueprint committee since the found is that collaboration is key. It is all about group’s inception last year. By highlighting private and public entities working together.”

Kirby is a one-year-old Husky/Shepherd mix, around 45 pounds. He loves everyone he meets, gets along with all–other dogs, cats and kids. He is housebroken, crate trained and enjoys the water. Kirby loves attention and thrives on an active life. He would love a fenced in yard so that he can romp and play, but he would be just as happy visiting a dog park or running and hiking. Kirby loves being around people, so it would be great if he could go to a home where someone is home a good part of the day.

Kirby is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm tested and micro-chipped. The adoption donation for Kirby is $250. To learn more, contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at (914) 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org.

8 • THE HARRISON REPORT • September 28, 2012

Rec dept. presents October activities 2012 ID cards are currently available Please be aware that parents must have a current 2012 ID card to register children for all programs. Be prepared to show proof of residency to obtain an ID card, a current utility bill and driver’s license for adults. A school report card or progress report for children.

Kids Yoga Fee: $200 made payable to Debra Ann Rosenberg Yoga at an early age encourages selfesteem and body awareness with physical activity that’s noncompetitive. Fostering cooperation and compassion is a great gift to give our children. Calm the body and mind for kids 5 – 10 years old starting Oct. 2 –Nov. 20 at the Leo Mintzer Center from 4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. For more information, email Debra Ann Rosenberg at debann@hotmail.com or call (914) 2629599.

Halloween window painting contest Oct. 14 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Fee: $10 made payable to Town/Village of Harrison Grades K – 8 Three categories: Individual, family and team

Purchase grads find success in field

Rain dates: Oct. 20 and 21. Registration deadline is Oct. 4.

Halloween parades Come celebrate Halloween–dress up and march in the Halloween parades at both locations. The parades are free and all ages welcome.

Downtown Harrison: Parsons School to Riis Park, Oct. 26 5:30 p.m. lineup, 6 p.m. start West Harrison Firehouse, Oct. 26 3:30 p.m. lineup, 4 p.m. start Swim team Harrison Swim Team is entering its 27th season. The team participates in the Westchester/Southern Connecticut area for children ages 5 – 18. Evaluations will be held on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. for ages 10 and under; 7 p.m. for ages 11 and over.

Location: LMK pool Fee: $300/first registrant and $200 for each addition child Checks should be payable to Town/ Village of Harrison.

For further information, call (914) 9495265 (Leo Mintzer Center) or call (914) 670-3179 (Sollazzo Center). (Submitted)

Eighty-six percent of the theater designers and technology specialists who graduate from Purchase College’s Theatre Design/Technology BFA program have found work in their field.

Contributed photo

One market niche where jobs are plentiful for qualified recent college graduates lies behind the scenes of such attention-getting events as the dramatically illuminated Super Bowl half-time show, or on the big stage of Broadway’s 2012 Tony Award winning “Peter and the Star Catcher.”

Generally out of the spotlight, but creating it for others, 86 percent of the theater designers and technology specialists who graduate from Purchase College’s Theatre Design/ Technology BFA program find work in lighting design, scenic design, costume design, costume technology, stage management or technical direction/production management.

Dozens of these graduates go on to be nominated for, and often win, Tony’s, Emmy’s, Drama Desk, Oscar’s and other prestigious awards.

This year alone, Jeff Croiter, a 1993

graduate of Purchase, won the Tony for Best Lighting Design of a Play for “Peter and the Starcatcher” (two other Purchase grads were also nominated) and David Grill, a 1986 graduate and now assistant professor and cocoordinator of theatre design/technology, has been nominated for an Emmy award for lighting of the Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show, which featured Madonna.

Part of the Purchase College School of the Arts' Conservatory of Theatre Arts, the theater design/technology program boasts graduates who have amassed seven Tony Awards and 17 nominations (mostly for lighting design); one Daytime Emmy and 11 nominations (mostly for art direction/set decoration); one Emmy Award and four nominations (mostly for outstanding art direction); four Drama Desk Awards and 19 nominations; and many other national design awards. (Submitted)

DEMS from page 1

Patty Langelotti has been elected to serve as secretary and Penny Pepe elected treasurer.

“I am very gratified with the committee’s decision,” said Gevirtz. “We need to work hard for a vigorous presence on local government.”

Democrats fared worse in last year’s elections, when the GOP ticket swept the ballot and convincingly won every seat up for election.

As a result, Republicans now staff the mayor seat, all four council seats and the town clerk’s office. The local Democratic Party has been in a bit of regrouping mode since November 2011, gearing up for the elections of 2013 in which the mayor and two council seats will be up for grabs.

time, staved off a challenge from her rival, David Hall, a Republican who was then serving as chief of police and had regularly clashed with the mayor publicly over police department management. Walsh was the only Democrat to win election that year, but defending the mayorship was considered by many Democrats to be a huge victory in a town where Republicans have strong advantages in registration and financing.

“Harrison has always been more Republicans than Democrats,” Pritchard said. “We need a better balance on the board.”

In addition to Pritchard, Dr. Clifford Gevirtz was elected as vice chair of the committee.

-with reporting by DANIEL OFFNER

September 28, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 9

Coping with growing older NOTES FROM A THERAPIST’S DIARY Hillary Volper LCSW

George Bernard Shaw wrote that "successful aging isn't built on immortality, so do not try to live forever, you will not succeed." When we are young, we are unable to imagine that we will grow old and retire. The cliché “the golden years” has long been replaced with the view that retirement brings its own psychological stressors, which is now compounded by a tough economy.

Today, many people delay retirement or take part time jobs to supplement their savings. And tragically, many people in our country over the age of 65 are living at the poverty level.

Each stage of our lives, including early childhood, latency, adolescence, young adulthood, parenting, middle age and late adulthood requires a reorganization of our sense of self. The psychological tasks at different stages of our lives vary, but have components in common.

There is a sense of loss of one’s former self, a letting go of the younger self and finally a reorganization of the new integrated older self.

With retirement, and/or turning 65, there are age specific tasks we face that are different from the ones in previous stages of our lives.

For example, we may mourn the loss of our professional lives. We may grieve the loss of our physical abilities and youthful looks. We may become more aware that we have less time left to live, and we may recognize that we are more vulnerable to illness. Our transitioning into this stage is not only marked by our being eligible for Medicare benefits and senior discounts, but for many people this stage is also marked by the loss of friends and colleagues.

Along with our own internal struggles, we are also coping with a culture that is filled with stereotypes about aging and discrimination toward the elderly–even in societies like China and Japan that formerly revered their elders have fallen prey to some of the same stereotypes about old age. The older generation can easily become forgotten by younger generations. Therefore, it becomes incumbent on each of us to take responsibility for our own retirement. One needs to remain physically active, intellectually challenged and emotionally stimulated. Research has proven that staying both physically and intellectually active promotes growth in of our brains. Formerly, it was believed that the brain was stagnant and stopped reproducing new cells, but we now know that our brains grows throughout our lives. So both physical and intellectual stimulation and connection to family and friends remains the key components of a satisfying retirement and successful aging.

However, if you have been forced to retire because of ill health, retirement becomes a bit more complicated. Not only are you dealing with the loss of a profession or job, but you are also dealing with the loss of your healthier self.

Along with the other tasks of aging, you are being challenged in some cases to live with a dis-

ability. Your partner or wife/husband becomes a caretaker and more responsibility is suddenly thrust on that person. He or she will grieve for his or her healthier partner. Feelings of anger, resentment or even a denial of the seriousness of the illness may surface. It is not uncommon for the healthier partner to go on endless visits to doctors in the hope of restoring their loved one to their healthier self.

If you are fortunate enough to have your health, and have saved enough money to retire, you have many options during retirement. But even so, you will do better if you create a short and long term plan for retirement. If you are in a relationship, it means having conversations on a regular basis to insure that you and your significant other are on the same page. It means giving yourself time to think about what you can afford, and what activities you would like to be involved in. It may also mean discussing whether or not you would like to work on a parttime basis, or in the same job or a new one.

For example, one colleague of mine gave himself five years to retire. He read books about retirement and also spoke to people about their own retirements. In the first few years, he phased out his professional involvements, and in the last year before he retired, he and his wife decided where they wanted to retire to, sold their home and purchased a new one in a community in the south. They chose a town that they had visited for many years that was culturally rich and near to his wife’s sister. Wisely, they included their grown daughter in their discussions on retirement. In their two-part plan, they agreed to live in their new home for 10 years. After 10 years, if they felt they were too fragile to continue living in their new home, they would gift their home to their daughter and move north to be closer to her. This is probably the most well thought out retirement plan I have ever come across. Not everyone wants to map out their retirement plan with such precision, but for this couple their retirement plan helped them feel in control of their lives and minimized stress.

On the other hand, I recently worked with a woman who entered therapy because of her husband’s difficulty in adjusting to retirement.

She had become a caretaker to a man who did not need taking care of. He was despondent about his life. He was a drain on her and she was at a loss as to how to help him. Fortunately, he entered therapy and eventually was able to find engaging activities that helped him restore his sense of self-worth and was able to move out of his depression.

While studies say that couples fare better than those living alone, the studies also point out that being educated and having financial security with a strong social life will contribute to a successful retirement regardless of whether one is in a relationship or not. As one divorced male friend told me recently, "I have a reason to get up each day, and my dogs are the reason." He is devoted to his dogs, and also has loving friends that he is involved with. In truth, it doesn't matter what you do as long as you care about what it is, remain involved in society, socialize with friends and family, and

stay active physically.

Here are seven steps to prepare for a successful retirement: 1. Have a financial plan. Consider talking to an independent financial advisor to determine what is financially realistic for you in retirement. Include your spouse or partner in these meetings.

2. Give yourself a short and long-term plan with specific retirement goals. Speak with people who are retired and ask them frank questions about what worked and didn’t work in retirement. For example, consider taking adult education classes or volunteering for organizations that have meaning to you.

3. If you are thinking about downsizing to a smaller home or relocating, discuss these plans as soon as possible with your partner, so that you both have ample time to explore your options. If you are relocating, narrow down your potential locations, and visit the intended communities in warm and colder weather.

4. Speak with your spouse or partner frequently about your retirement plans. It is important that both of you share your thoughts and feelings at each stage. Continue the dialogue even if you are not in agreement. And eventually, a plan will likely fall into place.

5. If you would like to continue working, talk with the human resource specialist at your company to clarify if working fewer hours is feasible. If you are in your own business and

cutting back on your hours, be sure to plan for the time when you are not able to work and identify other activities for the down time.

6. Discuss your retirement plans with your grown children. Some people have unrealistic expectations of how their children will take care of them in their old age. It is imperative that you know what your children are willing and not willing to do for you.

7.Lastly, most of us have difficulty in facing the fact that we may be unable to care for ourselves in the our later years, so make sure to have a contingency plan which may include independent living or moving closer to family in such an eventuality.

Research consistently tells us that staying physically active, challenging ourselves mentally, and maintaining connections to family and friends makes for a healthier retirement and healthier aging Retirement often marks the end of a familiar lifestyle that we have known, but it need not mark the end of a satisfying and productive life.

Hillary Volper, LCSW is a psychotherapist in private practice in Larchmont and Manhattan.

She works with individuals, couples and groups. She is on staff at the Training Institute for Mental Health where she teaches, supervises and sits on their board of trustees in New York City. To contact Hillary, email her at HGVolper@aol.com.

10 • THE HARRISON REPORT • September 28, 2012

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September 28, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 11 DEBATE from page 1

Howard Sturman, publisher of The Harrison Report’s parent company, HomeTown Media Group.

When Marrone made his initial pitch live on the air Latimer accepted, while Cohen, a New Rochelle resident, said he would “get back to him,” according to the radio personality. He then proceeded to ask Cohen for a response several times following, but Cohen never committed.

He even tried reaching out to Cohen campaign staffers, but never heard back from them.

“Yes, I think he was avoiding [Latimer],” said Marrone about Cohen and his camp. “I invited him several times and he never agreed to a debate. I’m sticking to my story.”

O’Reilly said the Cohen camp views itself as the underdog in the race, is eager to talk about the issues and looks forward to debates in the future.

“We think it’s really important to get the information on George Latimer’s property tax record out, which is pretty bad,” he said.

Assemblyman Latimer has taken exception

with the way Cohen’s camp has negatively portrayed him throughout the race–in particular, pointing to robo-calls and mailings attacking the assemblyman prior to announcing his run for the Senate seat earlier this year. He even blasted Cohen for allowing his campaign spokesperson, O’Reilly, to do his talking.

“Bob Cohen is letting Bill O’Reilly do his thinking for him,” Latimer said. “Let Bob Cohen speak in his own voice. You’re not electing Bill O’Reilly to the state Senate. Bob Cohen should silence Bill O'Reilly and speak for himself."

Cohen spokesperson O’Reilly said he often speaks for Cohen while the candidate is out campaigning and talking with the voters, calling it pretty standard in campaigns.

Cohen lost out on a bid for the same Senate seat two years ago by mere percentage points to retiring Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer, a Democrat.

The two candidates are slated to debate before the League of Women Voters, News12 and the Westchester Business Council in October.

A phone call to Cohen seeking comment was not returned as of press time.

Westchester Chamber Symphony marks 16 seasons with concert Violinist Yevgeny Kutik, playing Max Bruch’s “Violin Concerto no.

1, op.26” in G minor, will open the Westchester Chamber Symphony’s 16th concert season Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. at Iona College’s Christopher J. Murphy Auditorium.

Kutik’s previous season featured several debuts, including with the Riverside Symphony at Alice Tully Hall, the Embassy Series in Washington, D.C. and the East Texas Symphony Orchestra.

Abroad, he performed in Germany and Prague. A native of Minsk, Belarus, Kutik immigrated to the United States at age five and in 2003 made his debut with the Boston Pops as first-prize recipient of the Boston Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition.

Kutik is active in the Jewish Federations of North America, performing throughout the United States to raise awareness and promote the assistance of refugees around the world. He is a graduate of Boston University and the New England Violinist Yevgeny Kutik will help the Westchester Conservatory.

All concerts are at Iona’s Christopher J. Chamber Symphony mark its 16th concert season with a performance at Iona College in November.

Murphy Auditorium, located at 715 North Contributed photo Ave. in New Rochelle. Individual concert tickets are $50 for general admission, $35 for For more information or tickets, call (914) seniors and $15 for students. Subscriptions for 654-4926, email info@westchesterchambersy the four-concert series are available at $175 for mphony.org or visit westchesterchambersymgeneral admission and $120 for seniors. phony.org. (Submitted)

Editor’s note Mark Lungariello is on vacation. His column, "Lungariello at large," will return next week.

12 • THE HARRISON REPORT • September 28, 2012

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Columbus Day events Harrison Citizen of the Year chosen Nick Galasso has been chosen the 2012 Harrison Citizen of the Year.

He will accept the award on Oct. 8, following the parade.

Galasso is a lifelong resident of Harrison and a role model for town residents. He has many years of service to the children of Harrison and a continuous commitment to the sports programs in town.

Columbus Day weekend event schedule Saturday, Oct. 6 Fireworks 7 p.m.

West Harrison Fire Department (Rain date Sunday, Oct. 7) Open house 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Harrison Police Headquarters Sunday, Oct. 7 P.B.A. Car Show 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

West Harrison Monday, Oct. 8 Parade 10 a.m. (line up at 9:30 a.m.)

Festival in Riis Park will proceed immediately following the parade (Submitted)

September 28, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 13

LEGAL NOTICE

14 • THE HARRISON REPORT • September 28, 2012 LEGAL NOTICE

R eal E state Home sales information obtained from the public records of the Office of Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni and compiled by The Harrison Report.

Property Address: Four Quaker Lane Buyer: Four Quaker Lane, LLC Contract Date: 7-27-2012 Sale Date: 7-27-2012 Price: $ 751,000

Property Address: 9 Daniel St., 6A Buyer: Michael and Lindsay Cascione Seller: 9 Daniel Street LLC Contract Date: 7-6-12 Sale Date: 8-29-12 Price: $560,000 Property Address: 60 Oak St. Buyer: Larry and Laura Sprovieri Seller: Nicola and Joy Prignano Contract Date: 7-30-12 Sale Date: 8-27-12 Price: $500,000

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SPORTS

September 28, 2012 • THE HARRISON REPORT • 15

ess–would be able to show the same sort of dominance in 2012. On Sept. 22, the team may have answered with a resounding ‘yes,’ blanking a tough Arlington team to come away with a 14-0 win.

The Huguenots, who have surrendered just seven points this year, have put together two consecutive shutouts amid a string of 10 straight quarters in which the team has not allowed a single point. The Huguenots will face a similar team on Sept. 28, when it hosts a powerful North Rockland squad that is coming off a 14-3 win over Clarkstown South. Both teams share a ‘defense-first’ mindset, so fans looking for fireworks may be disappointed, as this game should be a good, old-fashioned grind-fest.

Harrison football If the first two weeks of the season showed fans that the Huskies are a team that has never been out of any game and a team with the mental toughness to climb out of early holes, the squad’s Sept. 21 win over Sleepy Hollow was indicative of just what this team is capable when it is firing on all cylinders.

After rousing comebacks to beat White Plains and John Jay, Harrison cruised on Friday night, hanging 31 points on the Horsemen before Sleepy Hollow was able to get on the board. Husky offense has shown great balance, as the team has won games on the strength of players’ running ability as well as areal attack. Against the Horsemen, quarterback Vinnie Nicita threw for three touchdowns.

Mamaroneck boys soccer Over the first few weeks of the season, Mamaroneck’s soccer team has established itself not only as one of the favorites in Class AA, but also as a dominant squad in all of New York State. On Sept. 23, the first New York State Soccer Poll was released, listing the Tigers as the 14th best team in all of Class AA. At 6-0 at the time of the announcement, the Tigers share a record with the only other Section I team to grace the AA poll, as the Arlington Admirals took home the sixth spot.

Mamaroneck has been solid against stiff league competition thus far, but will need to make another run through the opposition again in order to hold on to–or even improve–its state ranking. One of the bigNew Rochelle High School senior Khalil Edney throws a pass gest games the Tigers have left on the schedule is an Oct. 4 rematch against White Plains in his team’s Sept. 14 game with the against Scarsdale. In the first meeting between these two teams this Tigers. The Huguenots are unbeaten on the season and have season, Mamaroneck escaped with a 1-0 overtime win. allowed just seven points on the year. Photo/Bobby Begun

Teams poised for dominance this season Mamaroneck field hockey It’s never a surprise to see Mamaroneck’s field hockey team among the top squads in Section I, and this year is no different. Though the team just suffered its first loss of the season–a 1-0 nail biter against Connecticut powerhouse Darien High School–the team still remains unbeaten in Section I competition, with a 7-1 overall record.

Leading up to the Darien contest, the Tigers had simply been rolling through the opposition, winning games against White Plains and Hastings by a combined score of 18-0. More important, the team has gotten contributions from a number of players on the offensive end–including Rachel Brissette, who scored twice against Hastings on Sept. 21, and Karen Seid, who scored three times against White Plains on Sept. 18.

New Rochelle football In last week’s “Throwdown,” I pondered if New Rochelle–a team long known for its defensive prow-

Harrison swimmers drop close one to Scarsdale

Harrison Huskies

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK KATE FAXON

By MIKE SMITH ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR sports@hometwn.com

Harrison’s Sarah Hodes competes in the 100-yard butterfly event against Scarsdale on Sept. 20.

She went on to win the race with a time of 1:02.81, but despite her good day, Harrison would lose the meet 50-44. Photo/Mike Smith

On Sept. 20, Harrison hosted a tough Scarsdale swim squad at Louis M. Klein Middle School in a hotly contested dual meet that came down to the wire. When the wake had cleared, however, the Raiders edged the Huskies by six points, winning 50-44.

Imogen Caird and Sarah Hodes led the way for Harrison, with Caird winning both the 500m freestyle and the 100-yard breaststroke. Hodes won the 200-yard individual

medley and the 100-yard butterfly. Hodes and Caird were also on the first place 200-yard medley relay squad–along with Stephanie Pon and Sakura Tateiwa that took first place.

Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be enough to give Harrison–which currently sits at 0-3 on the season–its first win on the year. Harrison will be in action on Sept. 28 when the team travels to Ossining High School.

-Reporting by MIKE SMITH

With 12 seniors graduating from last year’s soccer team, senior Kate Faxon entered into the 2012 season knowing that it would be dependent upon her and the other returning players to be leaders for the incoming crop of Huskies. Now, as the Huskies look to get over the .500 mark this season, it will be up to Faxon and the other veterans to help pull them along.

Faxon, a four-year varsity player, has had leadership experience, serving as a junior captain last season. However, she admitted that squad is a bit different this season, with all the seniors from last year’s team gone.

“I got a taste of what it was like to be a team leader last year,” she said. “But this year, it’s weird seeing being one of the older

girls. But hopefully, I’ve filled the role pretty well.”

As far as her on-field game is considered, Faxon has improved tremendously, playing nearly both for Harrison and the Bronxville-based FC Patriots in the offseason.

“I’ve never had to change positions, but I think when I was a sophomore I was only thinking about the ball, running around all over the place,” she said. “But now, I’ve relaxed my game a bit and can focus more on passing.”

Faxon is looking into playing college soccer next year, though she hasn’t officially decided where she will enroll.

“I’ve been talking to coaches; I’ve done the whole recruiting thing with tournaments and I’m looking at a couple of schools,” she said. “I hope it works out because [soccer’s] been a big part of my life.”

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16 • THE HARRISON REPORT • September 28, 2012

SPORTS

Huskies top Dutchmen, still seek offensive breakout

By MIKE SMITH ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR sports@hometwn.com

Sometimes, even a winning effort can highlight an area in which a team needs improvement. On Sept. 24, the Huskies hosted Tappan Zee and downed the Dutchmen 1-0 in a tight game. But while the win was a much needed one for Harrison, head coach Jon-Erik Zappala felt that the final score reflects something he’s been seeing all year: the Huskies need to find the net more.

With his squad at 2-3-2 on the year, Zappala has been largely impressed with the way the team has played this year–especially given the fact that the Huskies lost so many players from the 2011 squad to graduation last May. But Monday’s game, which was won by a lone goal from Paige Brabant, also showcased Harrison’s inability to make the most of the squad’s chances offensively.

“We won 1-0 but I felt like we could have scored more,” said Zappala. “We’re just having trouble finishing, and I think that is just a different form of chemistry.”

Zappala said that while there is no clear-cut way to begin improving his team’s results in the box, he believes that practice time and ingame experience will be key to turning things around.

“Our [Sept. 21] loss to Rye was a good loss. We played hard and aggressive, but those other two games we could have won,”

Paige Brabant looks for a throw-in against the Dutchmen on Sept. 24. Brabant’s goal would be the lone score of the game. Photos/Bobby Begun

Senior Katie Rian pushes the ball upfield against Tappan Zee on Sept. 24. Rian and the Huskies beat the Dutchmen 1-0.

Erica LaManna jockeys for position against Tappan Zee. LaManna is one of the younger players stepping up for Harrison this fall.

he said. “We’re just going to keep on practicing those situations, because if you don’t practice something like PKs, you’re not going to be confident during the game.”

Despite the team’s relative dearth of scoring, however, Zappala has been pleased with the way the players are meshing together otherwise, with the relatively new group playing together as a unit. With players such as Brabant and sophomore Erica LaManna, the team is certainly taking strides in the right direction, and with senior captain Kate Faxon continuing to play at a high level, there’s

still a chance the team can turn things around this season.

“Kate has been very instrumental as a leader on the team,” he said. “But it’s also great to see that we’re able to put people in for her and they’re starting to understand the roles and what they have to do.”

“So far, despite losing all those seniors and having a new group, I think we’re working together really well,” added Faxon.

Harrison will take on a tough Port Chester team on Sept. 27 (after press time) and will go up against league foe Horace Greeley on Sept. 29.