July 8, 2016

THE

CityREVIEW NewRochelle July 8, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 17 | www.cityreviewnr.com

Independence Throughout the Fourth of July weekend, Rye Playland was one of several locations throughout Westchester County to host vivid firework displays in celebration of the national holiday.

2 • THE CITY REVIEW • July 8, 2016

July 8, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 3

Carnegie library designated as historic landmark

The former location of the New Rochelle Public Library, the Carnegie library building at 662 Main St., was recently designated as a local historic landmark by the City Council. Photo/Sibylla Chipaziwa

By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Editorial Assistant The former public library of New Rochelle, located at 662 Main St., has been designated a city historic landmark upon a local resident’s request earlier this year.

The building, formerly known as the Carnegie Library, now houses Hagedorn Communications, a publishing company.

The city Historic and Landmarks Review Board, HLRB, received a request from a New Rochelle resident in January nominating the building as a local landmark. Following a public hearing on March 6, the board voted unanimously in favor of this recognition. At the City Council committee meeting on June 14, the council also unanimously decided to designate the former library building as a historic landmark, a vote followed by applause from residents in attendance.

Designating the library building a historic landmark will prevent the site from being altered or demolished, and will require any team seeking to alter the building to appear before the HLRB with a request, according to City Development Department Commissioner Luiz Ara-

gon. Councilman Barry Fertel, Democrat-District 5, recently mentioned the rezoning of the area in which the Carnegie building is located, which may have prompted some residents to request this recognition to maintain the site’s original aesthetic and prevent development from beginning.

This designation comes at a time when New Rochelle’s downtown area is undergoing development to maintain itself as a desirable location in the New York metropolitan area.

“This building does have very serious historic value,” Fertel said prior to voting in favor of the designation. “Hopefully the owner—after this has been designated—will make improvements and make it even more beautiful than it is…. I just wanted to express my reservation about the process that triggered this. ” During the public portion of the City Council meeting on June 14, New Rochelle resident Bill Mullen said the library was his favorite place to go to as a child. “This is our history,” he said. “We’re going to be doing a lot of development all over [the downtown area].

We can preserve our history in these places.”

Another resident, Peggy Godfrey, said there aren’t enough historical sites in New Rochelle, and argued that children and new residents need these landmarks to understand the history and future of their home.

The former Carnegie Library, a Neoclassical Revival institutional building, served as the New Rochelle library from 1914 to 1979, designed by Albert Randolph Ross and built by noted New Rochelle resident Michael Barnett. Steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, who was nicknamed “The Patron Saint of Libraries,” funded the construction of more than 2,000 libraries worldwide—more than 1,700 of which were in the U.S. and most of which were free to the public—between 1883 and 1929, according to the Digital Public Library of America.

The century-old building is one of two Carnegie library buildings still standing in Westchester County; the other is the city of Mount Vernon’s public library.

Chris Hagedorn, who owns the Carnegie building and has had renovations done over the years, could not be reached for comment as of press time.

CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com

4 • THE CITY REVIEW • July 8, 2016

What’s going on...

New Rochelle Public Library

Summer hours at the children’s library are: Mondays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tues­ days, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays: Closed.

Library survey The New Rochelle Public Library board of trustees invites residents to take a few minutes of your time to provide some information about yourself and your use of the library. Please fill out the brief, 14-question survey, available in English and Spanish, through links on the library’s home page at nrpl.org. The closing date for submissions is Sunday, July 17.

The New Rochelle Public Library has reopened the Memorial Highway entrance, but the Lawton Street entrance is scheduled to be closed for con­ struction and is expected to be completed by fall 2016. While construction is underway, the only handicapped-accessible entrance will be the re­ opened Memorial Highway doors, which have a ramp leading down from street level. There will be additional handicapped-designated parking spaces on Memorial Highway. The only book drop at the main library will also be located by this doorway.

Patrons may also return books by using the book drop at the Hugh Doyle Center located at 94 Davis Ave., or in front of the Huguenot Children’s Li­brary, located on North Avenue in front of New Rochelle High School.

Visit nrpl.org for information on these and other events and programs.

Summer hours at libraries The main New Rochelle Public Library will be closed on Sundays through Sept. 4. The Hugue­ not Children’s Library will be closed on Saturdays through Sept. 4. The main library will be open on Saturdays through Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Both libraries will be closed Saturday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor Day weekend.

Regular Saturday hours will resume at both li­ braries on Sept. 10. The main library will resume its regular Sunday hours, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Sept.

11. The Huguenot Children’s Library will remain closed on Sundays.

Summer hours at the main library are: Mon­days, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sundays: Closed.

Yoga Kids Kids ages 4 to 6 are welcome to join the library’s yoga class on Monday, July 11 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Huguenot Children’s Library on the Second Floor. Using games and movement, a certified yoga instructor from Budding Buddhas will lead children through yoga basics that help with relaxation, concentration and agility. This program will operate on a drop-in basis.

It is free and open to the public and registration is not required.

Preschool Fun and Fitness Children and their caregivers are invited to the health and fitness team on Monday, July 11 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Main Library Meeting Room for a fun and fit program. Meet women from Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital’s Women, Infants and Children Services, WIC, for an hour of movement, games and healthy eating and lifestyle tips.

This program is free and open to the public, and registration is required. For more information or to register for this program, call Ruben at the WIC office at 637-1677.

Adventures in Architecture Children ages 6 to 12 are welcome to the library on Tuesday, July 12 from 10:30 a.m. to noon to explore the world of design through fun building projects and neighborhood investigations that reveal New Rochelle’s amazing architecture. Design a fantasy dream house, build a soaring skyscraper, construct working models of bridges and propose improvements to the city’s downtown. This program operates on a drop-in basis, is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Summer programs Middle School Drop-In Program The Middle School Drop-In Program offers a variety of activities for youth in grades five through seven, completed as of June 2016. It runs through Aug. 5 (no program on July 4) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program takes place at both Isaac E. Young and Albert Leonard middle schools. Activities in­clude, but are not limited to: arts and crafts, sports (tennis, basketball, volleyball and soccer) and board games. A peanut-free lunch is also included. This year, due to cutbacks, there is a $60 supply fee in order to register. Applications are available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday in the Youth Bureau Office, 515 North Ave. in New Rochelle, and online at newrochelleny.com/youth.

For more information, contact the Youth Bureau at 654-2045.

Summer programs at Ward Elementary

Experiments in Cooking and Science Children ages 6 to 12 years old are welcome to the library to concoct cool science experiments on Monday, July 11 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Main Library’s First Floor Meeting Room.

Children will then sample their tasty results. Jeremy Miransky, who has been conducting these fun-filled sessions at Daniel Webster Elementary School, will be sharing her culinary talents and science skills. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

The College of New Rochelle Graduate School provides summer programs at William B. Ward Elementary School in New Rochelle for children ages 3 to 10. The program runs through July 29, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Young Explorers, for children ages 3 to 5, will participate in group activities involving small group instruction for literacy and early number sense, music and movement, dramatic play, cre­ ative arts and block building.

Children ages 6 to 8 in the Explorers program will engage in group activities including social studies, STEM programs, literacy and math, na­ ture, dramatic play, outdoor play and movement.

The oldest campers, ages 8 to 10, will be part of the Discovery program which features hands-on STEM projects in LEGO robotics and 3-D print­ ing, literacy and mathematics enrichment, social studies and science, outdoor experiences, creative arts, and music and movement.

City news Community youth fishing trips The New Rochelle Police Department and the

New Rochelle Police Foundation announce the 2016 Community Youth Fishing Program for boys and girls ages 10 to 15. There are four Wednes­ day trips scheduled for this summer: July 6, July 13, Aug. 3 and Aug. 10. Participants must arrive at the Fort Slocum Road Dock by 9 a.m. The boat returns at approximately 2 p.m. Lunch, soft drinks and equipment will be provided.

The trip is open to New Rochelle residents only and pre-registration is required. Forms can be downloaded online at newrochelleny.com or are available at NRPD headquarters front desk, locat­ ed at 475 North Ave. For more information, call Det. Fudge at 654-2080.

Parks and beach are open The beach season officially began during Me­ morial Day weekend. Hudson Park Beach is open every day, conditions permitting, through Monday, Sept. 5. Beach hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hudson Park Beach includes a tented food court area, playground and picnic area. For the best val­ ue, frequent visitors are encouraged to purchase an Omnicard, New Rochelle’s Parks and Recreation’s identification card. As an added plus, the Omniplus plan or Family Pass covers all beach access fees. The Omnicard is also your pass to enter Five Islands Park, Davenport Park, Cameron Dock, Shar­key Park and Neptune Park.

Omnicard fees: • Adult Resident (ages 14 to 61): $40.

• Adult Resident Plus (Omincard + Hudson Park Beach pass): $75.

• Non-resident: $65.

• Non-resident Plus: $125.

• Senior Resident (ages 62 and up) Lifetime card: $40.

• Senior Resident Plus (Omnicard + Hudson Park Beach pass): $35 per season.

• Family – New Rochelle Residents only: $125.

• Family – Non-residents: $250.

Hudson Park Beach fees: • Adult Resident with Omnicard: $5.

• Resident Guest: $5.

• Resident Senior: $5.

• Resident Senior Plus: Free.

• Family Omnicard: Free.

• Non-resident with Omnicard: $5.

• Non-resident Guest: $10.

• One-Day Pass: $10.

Weekend valet parking The city of New Rochelle reactivated valet parking services in the downtown area. This whiteglove valet service allows downtown restaurant patrons to drop off their cars at the New Rochelle Public Library’s south parking lot, between Law­ ton Avenue and Memorial Highway, and pay a flat $5 fee to park until midnight, eliminating the need to circle for a space or worry about expired me­ ters. The city is working jointly with the New Ro­ chelle Downtown Business Improvement District to provide this service. Valet parking services will be overseen by LAZ Parking, and will be avail­ able from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday, through Labor Day weekend.

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.

July 8, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 5

Westchester scrambles to reach housing threshold

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer A vote by some Democrats on the Westchester County Board of Legislators which blocked funding for affordable housing has left county administration officials struggling to find a Plan B. The county anticipated reaching the number of required affordable housing units six months ahead of schedule, but Westchester lawmakers, in a 9-5 vote on June 13, failed to pass spending funds on 10 affordable housing units in the Cambium development located in the village of Larchmont.

Now, the county must find an alternate site to construct additional affordable housing in an effort to comply with the stipulations of a 2009 settlement. The county is mandated to fund 750 units of affordable housing in 31 municipalities by Dec. 31, 2016.

And, to date, county officials have been unable to provide specifics as to its next course of action.

There are currently 54 affordable housing units in the pipeline

pending approval by the Westchester County Planning Department, according to Ned McCormack, communications director for County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican. But McCormack did not specify where the developments would be located, noting that Yorktown, Lewisboro, Lincolndale and Cortlandt were all being considered.

“If the county fails to meet its 750-unit obligation at the end of the year, responsibility for the fines of up to $60,000 a month will be on these legislators who said ‘no’ to affordable housing,” McCormack said.

Funding for the Larchmont development, located at 10 Byron Place in the town of Mamaroneck, required a supermajority of 12 votes to approve a $3 million purchase of those 10 affordable housing units.

“It was a disappointing vote,” said county Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat. “These units probably would have counted, but unfortunately we will now have to look elsewhere.”

But according to county Leg-

islator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, all 17 legislators received written communication from the court-appointed housing monitor’s office on the same day as the vote to acknowledge that the units the county desired to purchase would not count, ultimately because the town of Mamaroneck had previously created these 10 units of affordable housing prior to the settlement.

“For any legislator who had bothered to ask Carolyn Stevens, community liaison who works with Jim Johnson, the monitor, they would have heard significant doubt that the units would be counted,” Parker said.

According to the housing settlement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, the county Board of Legislators is not permitted to fund more than 25 percent of the total number of 750 affordable housing units through the acquisition of pre-existing housing units.

But McCormack even questioned whether or not the county had reached that threshold for pre-existing units. “The argument

A 28-unit affordable housing development in North Castle, pictured, was at the center of a controversy in between Westchester County and Jim Johnson, the federal housing monitor who claimed the county failed to meet deadlines. The county is again in hot water after learning that it would be required to build an additional 10 units of affordable housing when the plug was pulled on a housing project in the village of Larchmont.

Rendering courtesy Warshauer Architect

that we’ve reached that cap is completely erroneous,” McCormack said. “Even with the approval of these 10 units, the county would still have been 77 units below the cap.”

Earlier this year, the county

found itself in hot water regarding the Conifer project, which is a 28-unit development located at the Chappaqua station in New Castle. Had the federal court not overruled the monitor, Westchester County would have

faced $60,000 a month in fines and a potential penalty of having to fund additional affordable housing units for not reaching its benchmark.

CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

6 • THE CITY REVIEW • July 8, 2016

Chamber launches

THE

CityREVIEW NewRochelle 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000

Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Executive Vice President | Ira Ellenthal ext. 31, irathal@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Suzy Berkowitz ext. 30, suzy@hometwn.com Education Reporter | Sarah Varney ext. 17, sarah@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 Writers James Pero, Corey Stockton Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite Intern Justin Grant Columnist Lenore Skenazy

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citywide restaurant week

By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Editorial Assistant The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Week is nigh, and this time all corners of the city are involved.

Considered New Rochelle’s first citywide restaurant week, the event also marks the first time the city has held a restaurant week of this magnitude since 2013, when New Rochelle celebrated its 325th anniversary.

The chamber’s restaurant week will run from Monday to Friday, July 11 to July 15, with 14 restaurants participating, as of press time, although more are likely to be added before the week of gluttony begins. Patrons can print out an ad on the chamber’s Facebook page for a 15 percent discount to each participating restaurant, with some businesses giving added value or extra goodies as well. Reservations are highly recommended.

Bob Marrone, the executive director of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, said that the chamber and city officials have not always seen eyeto-eye, particularly when it came to deciding which restaurants to involve in previous iterations of restaurant week. The city usually focuses its attention on the Business Improvement District, BID, downtown area, according to Marrone. However, the city and the chamber now have a better relationship. “[The city] tended to support the BID restaurant week,” Marrone said. “[The chamber has] literally been disinvited to their

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS POP’S ESPRESSO BAR

7 Huguenot St. • 278-9533 popsespresso.com

FRATELLI RISTORONTE AND WINE BAR

237 E. Main St. • 633-1990 fratellinewroc.com

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

181 Huguenot St. • 632-7427 texasroadhouse.com

DUBROVNIK RESTAURANT 721 Main St. • 637-3777 dubrovnikny.com

MANGOVILLE

134 North Ave. • 365-1032 mangovillenewrochelle.com

THE BEECHMONT TAVERN Modern on Huguenot is a popular Italian lounge and restaurant with a menu sure to please everyone.

restaurant week because it’s only the downtown.”

Marrone added that merchants affiliated with the chamber who are not located in downtown New Rochelle have complained upon being rejected in the past from participating in the BID’s restaurant week.

“I understand [the BID has] a need to be very specific to its members, but my [area] is the whole city,” Marrone said.

The city Chamber of Commerce then decided to start its own all-inclusive restaurant week, leaving no corner of New Rochelle out of the mix. “It’s not with any bad humor or malice; it’s just something to assert that the chamber is for the whole city and people were being left out, that’s the biggest reason,” said Marrone

750 North Ave. • 636-9533 beechmonttavern.com

MAMMA FRANCESCA

414 Pelham Road • 636-1229 mammafrancesca.com

GOT THYME

1282 North Ave. • 355-4700 gotthymewestchester.com

THE WOODEN SPOON

16 Division St. • 278-9432 woodenspoonnewro.com Texas Roadhouse serves up American fare like juicy steaks and classic sides in a Texas-themed atmosphere.

THE ROOSTER BAR AND GRILL

108 Center Ave. • 636-3300 theroosterbar.com

ROCHELLE COFFEE SHOP 8 Quaker Ridge Road 336-2727 rochellecoffeeshop.net

Visit us online www.cityreviewnr.com

PATSY’S PIZZERIA

2 Pelham Road • 365-2255 patsyspizzanewrochelle.com

Follow us on Twitter, @cityreviewnr

Mangoville is a bar and grill, with jerk meats and other favorites from the Caribbean. Photos/Sibylla Chipaziwa

Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/cityreviewnr The City Review New Rochelle (permit #16661) is published by Home Town Media Group weekly for an annual subscription of $32. Application to mail at the peridcals postage rate is approved at Port Chester, N.Y., 10573. Periodicals postage paid at Port Chester and additional mailing offices.

The Wooden Spoon offers beer, burgers and more, having opened a year ago on Division Street.

about the decision to move forward with a citywide endeavor.

Marrone said that the chamber’s restaurant week will be done annually, for now. “This is an icebreaker,” he added. “It was done with no money.”

The participating restaurants

that are members of the Chamber of Commerce are receiving free advertising through restaurant week. Visit newrochellechamber.org for more information.

CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com

MODERN RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

310 Huguenot St. • 633-9479 modernrestaurant.com

CARLO’S RESTAURANT 179 Main St. • 336-2458 carlosrestaurant.net

July 8, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 7

Astorino pushes to remove Playland pool

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Support for costly renovations to Rye Playland’s historic swimming pool may be running dry after a proposed capital project from Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino’s Republican administration looks to remove the site completely.

On Monday, June 20, a proposed $2.7 million bond act to remove and fill the park’s pool was sent to lawmakers by Astorino. The bond act was then referred to the committees on Budget and Appropriations, Labor, Parks, Planning and Housing and Infrastructure, where it will be reviewed by various members of the county Board of Legislators.

The murky future of the pool is the latest development at the county-owned amusement park, and comes after years of negotiations between the county and various private entities interested in taking over operations there.

In March, the management company Standard Amusements finalized a 30-year agreement with the county.

According to the terms of the agreement—which also committed the county to $32 million in capital projects—the county is required to make a decision on the pool’s fate by July 31 or Standard may contractually exit the agreement.

A Standard representative declined to answer whether or not the company would invoke that clause if the bond is stalled.

Additionally, if the bond fails to pass and Standard chooses to exit the agreement with the county, the management company would be fully refunded for its $1.5 million initial payment to the county.

If passed, the bond act would authorize Standard to repurpose the covered space formerly occupied by the pool however it sees fit.

According to Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat, while legislators proposed a compromised option that would provide repairs to the pool and keep it running in the interim, Nicholas Singer, co-founder of Standard Amusements, has

shown little interest in that option.

A spokesperson for Standard Amusements told the Review if the pool is filled—an outcome preferred by Standard—the new layout would include what the company envisions as an “open veranda” with light refreshments.

According to county Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-on-Hudson Democrat, it’s too early to know exactly how the board will vote on the issue.

“At this point, we need more specific information on the exact current condition of the pool and what the repair costs would be before we make a properly considered judgment,” she said.

According to a 2003 report by the Westchester County parks A new bond act introduced to the Westchester County Board of Legislators would pay for the removal of the department, the pool was hemor- pool at Playland in favor of what Standard Amusements envisions as an open veranda. File photo rhaging up to 35,000 gallons of water per day at one point, which to Rye City Councilwoman Em- showed what appeared to be a rally other members of the Rye has led to other peripheral struc- ily Hurd, a Democrat, sentiments cafeteria or dining area; a pro- City Council to draft a resolution posal which she and other area that showed support for renovattural damage and the need for on the proposal are clear.

“I’ve been in touch with residents are concerned may dis- ing the pool, she said tepid recostly repairs. sponse from her colleagues deFormer cost estimates for re- neighbors over there that are con- turb the peace.

“The raucous bar environ- railed the initiative before it had furbishing the pool, according to cerned with what’s going to hapment would be way closer to Rye a chance to come to fruition. projections, total approximately pen,” she said.

According to Hurd, prelimi- neighborhoods,” she said. $8 million to $10 million.

Although Hurd attempted to CONTACT: james@hometwn.com On the local level, according nary renderings from Standard

8 • THE CITY REVIEW • July 8, 2016

The other July holidays RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

Feeling a little down because the big July holiday is already behind us, with nothing to show for it but leftover red, white and blue frosted cupcakes? (Isn’t blue frosting repulsive? And isn’t that why the cupcakes are left over?)

Take heart, die-hard celebrants. It turns out July is chock full of holidays that you just may not be aware of. Here are a few I found by doing arduous summer research (going online, looking up “Weird Holidays, July,” with an ice coffee at my side and endless mocha-chip ice cream in the freezer): July 6 was National Kissing Day. This holiday was first celebrated in the United Kingdom, which seems to have ceased kissing Europe just a few weeks ago to disastrous effect. Better to kiss than not to kiss.

July 6 was also National Fried Chicken Day, which seems like a terrible day to coincide with Kissing Day. And this year, July 6 was also Eid al-Fitr. That’s the feast celebrating the end of Ramadan, the month-long holiday when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

If I’d been celebrating Ramadan and was suddenly free to eat all day long, no fried chicken would be safe to cross the road. And I’d kiss the cook.

In other good food news, July 9 is National Sugar Cookie Day. You can probably guess how people are encouraged to celebrate, no doubt by the National Sugar Cookie Association.

But here’s a fact you might not

know: Sugar cookies were first brought to America by German settlers—the same folks who gave us the Christmas tree. Maybe they got sick of waiting till December for us to give them a shout-out.

What’s more, as comedian Gary Gulman has noted: ALL cookies are sugar cookies.

“A cookie without sugar is a cracker.”

July 11 is Cheer Up the Lonely Day. So go tell them that Gary Gulman joke.

July 14 is France’s Fourth of July, as it were. It’s Bastille Day, commemorating the day in 1789 when common folks stormed the Bastille to free the political prisoners. As it turned out, on that particular day, there were actually only seven prisoners being held. Meanwhile, more than 200 people died liberating them.

These are the kind of grim ironies you probably don’t see in kids’ coloring books about the holiday.

So for a less conflicted fete, maybe you’d be better off celebrating the other July 14 holiday: National Nude Day. Although that day, too, is not without issues. For most of us, this would be an awkward holiday to celebrate at work. But for those with a guitar, a cowboy hat and a high tolerance for Times Square tourists, it’s just another day at the office.

Next up? The third Sunday in July is designated National Ice Cream Day—a holiday first officially recognized by President Ronald Regan—and this year, it falls on July 17. Plenty of ice cream stores give out free cones, or free-with-some-caveat cones, like you have to buy one to get one free. Frankly, if you have

a home freezer and any sort of spoon, just get a gallon of cheap ice cream for the cost of a single cone and invite friends over!

(Unless somehow the ice cream has sort of... disappeared while you were writing a column about holidays.)

Never mind! By July 18, we are at National Caviar Day. Please make sure you have finished your National Ice Cream Day celebrations before commencing this one. You will thank me later. So will anyone sharing your bathroom. According to everyone’s favorite news source, NationalCaviarDay.com, caviar was once so cheap and plentiful in America, it was sometimes served for free at bars, like peanuts. Slimy, fishy peanuts.

What could be less savory than National Caviar Day, except Rat-Catcher’s Day on July 22! Celebrate it in the subway.

No, really, you’ll love what Wikipedia says about this day, which was inspired by the Pied Piper leading the rats out of Hamelin: “It is a holiday remembering ratcatchers, similar to Secretary’s Day.” Maybe don’t say that to your secretary.

July 27 is Take Your Plants for a Walk Day—self-explanatory.

And then come three days you don’t want to miss: July 28 is Milk Chocolate Day; the 29th is Lasagna Day; and then the 30th is Cheesecake Day. Cynics may assume that the dairy industry just churns out (ha ha) holiday after holiday, but in truth, sometimes it takes a national celebration for us to pause and reflect upon our history, our country, our freedom, and our rat-catchers.

CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Class of 2016 first to graduate with CPR skills

A soon-to-be graduate of Arlington High School in Dutchess County, New York, practices hands-only CPR. New York state classes of 2016 are the first to graduate with CPR skills due to the CPR in Schools Law, which went into effect this year. Photo courtesy American Heart Association

High school seniors all across New York state donned their caps and gowns, adjusted their tassels to the fore, and snapped smiling selfies with family and friends.

After marching down the aisle to receive their diplomas, they’ll march off into the world well prepared, a new generation of college students, workers, leaders—and lifesavers.

This year’s Class of 2016 is the first high school student class in New York state to have received hands-only CPR training as a result of the CPR in Schools Law, which went into effect this school year. The American Heart Association’s, AHA, You’re the Cure grassroots volunteers helped make New York the 26th out of 34 states in the U.S. to pass this lifesaving legislation.

On June 19, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed Senate Bill 711, making Missouri the 34th state to add CPR training to its high school curriculum. Now, including Missouri, more than 2 million students will be trained every year, including more than 190,000 high school graduates here in New York state.

“Think about next year and every year after, how many more students will learn this lifesaving skill, which is imperative to save a life from sudden cardiac arrest—when the heart rhythm suddenly stops or becomes irregular, causing death within minutes. Over the years, the impact on survival from this leading cause of death in our community will be dramatic,” said

Brendan Lyons, Hudson Valley AHA board member and superintendent of Arlington Central School District.

“When you think about all the things a student can learn throughout their education, CPR skills are certainly one of the most important—and one of the easiest to learn. It’s a skill that will stay with them wherever they go. If an emergency arises, they’ll have the knowledge and skills to help save a life,” he added.

“Thanks to all the volunteer advocates who, for over 15 years, committed time and effort, making phone calls, sending emails, and visiting Albany for Lobby Day events to help pass this law. Thanks to the legislators for their leadership.

Thanks to all the school leaders who provided resources to make this education possible. And thanks to the teachers who taught and to the students who learned hands-only CPR,” said Bob Elling, chair of the AHA’s New York state advocacy committee.

“They started with ABC’s and finished with CPR. Three little letters can make all the difference. Congratulations, Class of 2016.”

Why learn CPR? Cardiac arrest—an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs— is a leading cause of death. Each year, more than 350,000 out-ofhospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States.

When a person goes into cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby. Almost 90 percent of people who suffer outof-hospital cardiac arrests die.

CPR, especially if performed in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

There are two simple steps to hands-only CPR: If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive.” CPR can more than double a person’s chances of survival, and “Stayin’ Alive” has the right beat for hands-only CPR, 100 beats per minute.

Learn more about hands-only CPR at handsonlycpr.org. To join the AHA’s You’re the Cure volunteer grassroots network, register online at yourethecure. org.

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke— America’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers. AHA teams up with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHAUSA1, visit heart.org or call any of its offices around the country.

(Submitted)

Building a villain LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

On July 4, the sporting world woke to some blockbuster news; Kevin Durant, one of the five best basketball players on the planet, was leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder and joining forces with the Golden State Warriors to help bring about the downfall of the NBA and spit on the legacy of Bill Russell.

Or so the “hot takes” would have you believe.

Look, I understand why this move is freaking people out.

You’re taking the most highly sought-after free agent and putting him on a team that is coming off a season in which they set the NBA’s all-time mark for regular season victories. More than that, Durant’s old team, the Thunder, has been the Warriors’ chief competition in the West for the last few years.

This move, people would ar-

gue, is threatening to upset the competitive balance of the NBA landscape.

And I love it.

Sports are always more fun with a villain. Whether it’s the Dallas Cowboys or the New York Yankees (back when the Yankees were relevant and good), having that one team that is willing to embrace the dark side—either by overpaying free agents, carrying itself an entitled, arrogant air, or both—just makes for a great spectacle.

Did Golden State really do anything wrong here? All they’ve done is create a fun, player-positive environment that is enticing stars like Durant (and retired sharpshooter Ray Allen, if rumors are to be believed) to put their egos aside to become a piece of a winning puzzle.

That just sounds like great management to me!

And as for Durant, who is being lambasted in the press and on social media for “taking the easy way out,” instead of sticking

SPORTS

with the Thunder and doing his best to battle against this basketball juggernaut, I fail to see what he did wrong.

He was a free agent, and made a professional decision to leave the team that drafted him. The horror! I’d feel bad for Oklahoma City’s management if they didn’t, you know, pull up stakes and leave Seattle in 2008.

But yeah, I guess it’s Durant who needs a lesson in loyalty.

I, for one, can’t wait to see what this Warriors’ team looks like next year. They were already an historically explosive offensive team. In Durant, they’ve added a near-7foot scoring savant who is known as much for his ability to put the ball in the hoop as his ability to put the ball in the hands of his teammates. This could be an absolutely wild ride.

Does that mean I’m going to root for the Dubs, however? Not a chance.

I’m going to be pulling for the “little guys” to blow up the Death Star every single game.

July 8, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 9

The Golden State Warriors recently added 2014 MVP Kevin Durant to a team coming off of a 73-win regular season and an appearance in the NBA Finals. While others are clutching their pearls about the move, Sports Editor Mike Smith think’s is a great day for the NBA. Photo courtesy Warriors.com

I don’t begrudge the Warriors, I don’t begrudge Durant’s decision; but like it or not, the

Warriors are now the villains.

And I’m ready for the rest of the league to take aim.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

10 • THE CITY REVIEW • July 8, 2016

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INSIDE

July 8, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 11

Lifestyles of Westchester County/JULY 2016 VOL. 4 NO.6

INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY

Living

60-Plus Fit and flexible at 60 Trapp Opticians is here for you Healthy habits to combat stress

12 • THE CITY REVIEW • July 8, 2016

Senior dating trends and tips T

he first Baby Boomers will be turning 70 in 2016, and this generation remains one of the most influential in the country and around the world. Scores of products and services are now marketed to seniors, many of whom remain as active and socially aware as they were in their youth.

One aspect of senior marketing that is booming is dating and relationship products.

Singles age 50 and older are increasingly relying on online dating sites and other methods to find love and companionship. Dating is no longer kids’ play, and those who have been away from dating for some time may have to get reacquainted with the process in the modern age.

Consider online dating Data from Pew Research found one in two divorced or widowed seniors had remarried in 2013, and that trend figures to continue. Many seniors are using online dating sites to find their new matches. While websites geared to dating make it easier to get in touch with fellow singles, the relative anonymity of the process can make it challenging to separate the truth from some self-promoting hype on dating profiles.

Begin by relying on dating sites that have been tested and recommended. One to try is the AARP dating site partnered with How About We. In addition to its simplicity and small financial commitment, the site caters to the over-50 crowd and is backed by the AARP name. It’s good for those looking for an activity

partner as well as casual dating. Popular sites Match.com and eHarmony.com also boast high percentages of users age 50 and up.

Even after thorough consideration and conversation, online daters should exercise caution when meeting someone online and then in person. Profiles aren’t always what they seem, and it’s easier to fudge the facts when initiating contact over the Internet.

Keep an open mind It’s easy to be preoccupied with the rigors of being an older adult and the responsibilities that still may rest on your shoulders. Part of the fun of dating when you were young likely had to do with throwing caution to the wind.

But some of those same carefree aspects remain true whether you’re dating at 17 or at 57. Laughter, fun, spontaneity, and the chance for some adventure are still the keys to making memorable dates.

Sometimes it’s who you know The old adage of it’s “who you know” and not “what you know” is applicable to dating. If you are ready to jump into the dating world again, ask your close friends or family members if they know anyone who might be in a similar situation.

Taking another stab at dating later in life can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but no matter how long it’s been since your last first date, some aspects of dating are the same as ever. Just remember to have fun and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Finding love again is possible for seniors who get back into the dating scene.

July 8, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 13

Eating right can improve quality of life

Berries and whole grains are nutritious foods that can help men and women live longer, healthier lives.

L

egend states that on April 2, 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León was the first European to discover modern-day Florida when he traveled on a quest for the mythical “Fountain of Youth.” While modern science has proven that there is no mystical fountain or body of water that can reverse or slow down the aging process, there are many steps people can take to age well and prolong their lives.

Eating the right foods is one way to age well. According to Ralph Felder, M.D., Ph.D., coauthor of “The Bonus Years Diet,” reversing the aging process internally is more difficult than outward cosmetic changes. But the right foods can go a long way toward increasing both life expectancy and quality of life. Those who want to employ diet to increase their life expectancy may want to start adding more of the following foods to their breakfast, lunch and dinner plates.

Broccoli, grapes and salad: According to Health magazine, researchers have found that compounds in these three foods boast extra life-extending benefits.

Berries: In addition to their abundance of antioxidants, berries have other benefits. A 2012 study from Harvard University found that at least one serving of blueberries or two servings of strawberries each week may reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.

Fruits and vegetables: Produce is good for the body because it’s low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients.

Numerous studies have indicated that diets plentiful in fruits and vegetables help people maintain a healthy weight and protect against cardiovascular disease.

Whole grains: Whole grains pack a lot of

nutrition into a low-calorie food. Whole grains help protect against type 2 diabetes, and researchers at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center found study participants whose diets included plenty of whole grains and fruit cut their heart disease risk by almost half compared to those whose diets favored meat and fatty foods.

Red wine: A glass a day for women and no more than two glasses daily for men can be beneficial. Moderate consumption of red wine has been shown to slow age-related declines in cardiovascular function, according to the American Heart Association.

Fiber: Increase your fiber intake for a longer life. Research from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that the more fiber you include in your diet, the lower your risk of coronary heart disease. The daily recommendation is 25 to 35 grams.

While there may be no such thing as the fountain of youth, a healthy diet can help men and women prolong their lives.

14 • THE CITY REVIEW • July 8, 2016

Caring for grandchildren

I

n the not-so-distant past, it was quite common for various generations of a single family to live under one roof and for many different members of the family to play a role in raising the children.

But that dynamic slowly changed as families spread out geographically. However, when the economy faltered and parents of young children realized they needed help, many returned to the old way of doing things.

Grandparents stepped up to look after their grandkids, and adults moved back home with their aging parents. Some seniors needed to move in with their children to make ends meet.

A study of data from the Rand Corporation found that, of the four million children living with their grandparents in the United States, 2.5 million live in three-generation households.

Nearly 1.5 million live in split-generation households or ones in which grandparents are raising their grandchildren. The proportion of all grandchildren living in three-generation households, 3.6 percent, has been steady in recent years.

Research suggests that split-generation households are usually formed when parents are no longer able to take care of their children because of physical or mental illness, substance abuse, or economic problems. Three-generation households, on the other hand, are generally formed because of problems parents encounter living independently, such as through separation or divorce or due to unemployment or economic need.

Caring for their grandchildren can elicit many feelings in grandparents, from nervousness to excitement about a fresh face around the house. Raising grandkids can be overwhelming for elderly men and women, but the following are a few tips that can make the process easier.

Explore your feelings. When you acknowledge your feelings, you are on the right path to making things work and recognizing possible obstacles.

Expect mixed feelings from others.

Grandchildren and your own children also may be apprehensive about this new living situation.

Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and come to a consensus on how things will be done. Expect it to take some time to establish

a schedule, and don’t be discouraged by any initial behavioral problems.

Take care of yourself. Grandchildren, particularly young ones, can have a lot of energy and may require constant attention.

Caring for such lively youngsters can be taxing on grandparents, who must make their own health and nutrition a priority. Give yourself some time for recreation and rest.

Have grandchildren help out where they can.

Don’t feel you have to spend every moment entertaining them.

Ask for help when needed. Reach out to friends or community members if you are feeling overwhelmed. There are a number of resources available to you, and many organizations, including AARP, have their own tips for assisting three-generation households.

Multi-generational households are common once again. Families who work together can make the most of such living arrangements.

July 8, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 15

Fit and flexible at 60 Pilates can be the secret to aging gracefully. As our bodies change and we experience more limitations, it is essential to keep moving. The challenge is finding the right movements.

At Fiore Pilates, our senior citizens will tell you that Pilates has changed their lives.

The benefits are endless: muscle strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, better sleeping

habits, improved alignment, relief from arthritis, relief from mental challenges, bone strength, weight loss and much more. This low-impact exercise routine is tailored to each age group.

With more than 600 exercises and specially designed equipment, every workout is unique and addresses your specific needs. The machines provide weight-bearing resistance through springs, which avoids the risks of weight lifting.

As we age, we stop exercising due to injuries or pain. This becomes the beginning of more and more health issues. Living a sedentary lifestyle is the quickest way to old age. In Pilates, the exercises can be modified to accommodate and improve injuries. Core strengthening will provide back support, balance and alignment. Stretching will make your body more agile and flexible. This combination of strength and flexibility can prevent serious falls, bone loss, shrinking, muscle cramping and poor circulation.

The mental benefits are just as important as the physical ones. Pilates addresses your mind, mood and memory. The movements challenge your brain to control your muscles.

You will experience more self-esteem and confidence to do activities that you love, such as golf, tennis and long walks. It will take less effort getting up from a chair, standing on a step stool, walking without assistance, climbing stairs, carrying a bag, or keeping up with your grandchildren. Believing and trusting

Trapp Opticians is here for you Trapp Opticians has been open in Westchester since 1945. We have grown up with you, and we know how to stay young, too.

Our fashion sense is both modern and practical. We have the finest collection of eyeglass frames to show you at our locations. We stay up to date with our equipment and facility to provide accurate and excellent service.

If you are over 60 with many needs for glasses that are special for you, like night driving, glare and difficulty in low-light situations, glarefree lenses, blue blockers, digital and free-form designs in your lenses can help.

Sports like golf, boating or tennis are made much more comfortable with lenses designed for these uses. The medical lenses we provide for post-cataract prescriptions or for glare disability and ARMD can also make a world of difference.

So, it’s not just knowing how to use this technology, and the newest and best types of lenses, but making your choice for the finest looking glasses to be worn on your face, too.

Our shops are staffed by our owners and licensed ophthalmic dispensers. We respect your time, your own experiences and your personal comfort when you visit Trapp Opticians. We hope to gain your trust and your treasured business.

Here are some answers to common questions:

Q: What are my options after cataract surgery?

A: After cataract surgery, you will see images with better color contrast and sharpness. It’s the most important result.

Your eyeglasses after surgery might include a slight correction for nighttime driving or distance use, as well as a reading prescription. This can be addressed with new digital progressive lenses and nonglare finishes. The nice news is that Medicare Part B will usually reimburse you for these glasses.

Q: How often should I be examined?

A: Our doctors of optometry are skilled and licensed to thoroughly examine and care for your eyes. They recommend that after age 60, an annual exam for the health of your eyes should be scheduled.

Q: I’m bothered by excessive glare, especially at night. Why? A: Glare disability is a common complaint in mature adults. A thorough eye exam can answer your concern. The problem might be in your glasses, so bring them along, too.

Trapp Opticians is located at 42 Pondfield Road in Bronxville and at 14 Purchase St. in Rye.

in your body will change the way you feel, move and act.

Understanding the importance of exercise is easy. Getting started can be a huge struggle. Fiore Pilates provides the support you need. The instructors use their years of experience to design a unique workout program for each client. A private session is easy to schedule any day of the week. This session will give you one-on-one attention from the instructor. Together, you will discuss your goals and how to accomplish them. A successful Pilates workout will not leave you exhausted but instead, will leave you feeling great and energized. It’s never too late to start Pilates.

Fiore Pilates provides a safe and comfortable environment. Clients and staff support and celebrate each other’s achievements. You are only as old as your body, so do something for yourself, and take a Pilates session today!

Fiore Pilates, 132 Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. Tel: 381-3201.

Gloria Aronson-Weinberg (pictured): “Eleven years ago, at the age of 65, I thought I would begin slowing down and having trouble with various aches and pains associated with aging, but instead I discovered Pilates. Since then my energy level, strength, flexibility and overall fitness is much better than I had ever expected at my current age. I have been able to continue working, gardening for five to six hours at a time, and completing family caregiver tasks. I learned to

become much more body-aware and thus am able to use my body in a more efficient and strong manner. My last exam even showed that I gained spinal bone density. In addition, at a time in life when many people feel a loss of control, Pilates has given me a feeling of empowerment. I recommend this form of exercise to all and consider it health insurance for the aging process.”

16 • THE CITY REVIEW • July 8, 2016

S

Healthy habits to combat stress

tress has an immediate and potentially long-term effect on the human body. Though it’s a natural response to both good and bad experiences, stress, when chronic, can produce a host of negative consequences that greatly diminish one’s quality of life.

Combatting stress can sometimes be difficult, as the causes of stress are never too far away for many adults. In its 2015 “Stress in AmericaTM: Paying With Our Health” survey, the American Psychological Association found that money is the top cause of stress for Americans. The survey was conducted on behalf of the APA by Harris Poll, which asked more than 3,000 participants about their issues with stress. Sixty-four percent said money was a somewhat or very significant source of stress, and that number was even higher for parents (77 percent).

Survey respondents also noted that work is a significant source of stress.

Few adults can imagine a life that does not include financial- or work-related stress.

But there are ways to combat stress that can benefit people’s long-term health and improve their present-day quality of life.

Develop a support network. Speaking about problems with trusted friends and family members can be an effective way to combat stress. The APA study found that participants

who reported having an emotional support network reported lower stress levels than those who had no such networks to rely on.

Try to overcome any reticence you might have about speaking about your stress to a close friend or trusted relative on those days when stress seems overwhelming.

Get more exercise. Routine exercise is another healthy way to combat stress.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, studies have shown that exercise can reduce fatigue, improve alertness and concentration and enhance overall cognitive function. Those are considerable benefits to people dealing with elevated levels of stress, which can contribute to both physical and mental fatigue and negatively impact one’s ability to concentrate.

Studies also have shown that regular exercise can decrease tension, which tends to increase as stress levels rise, and elevate and help to stabilize mood, which often decreases as stress levels increase.

Don’t lean on alcohol after stressful days. Many people respond to stressful days by consuming alcohol. While alcohol helps some people forget a stressful day, it also produces psychological and physiological side effects that can compound the effects of the very stress drinkers are looking to relieve.

People who drink to alleviate stress may only

Daily exercise is an effective way to combat stress. be doing more harm with each drink, so find a way to cope with stress that has a more positive impact on both your body and mind than that produced by alcohol.

Breathe deeply. The American Institute of Stress notes that focused breathing is a relaxation response that stimulates the nervous system and promotes a sense of calmness.

Deep breathing can combat stress, lower blood pressure and draw your attention away from those things that are causing your stress. Visit www.stress.org to learn about deep breathing exercises.

Stress if a fact of life for many people.

But while stress may be inevitable, it can be overcome.