August 11, 2017

Eastchester REVIEW THE

August 11, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 32 | www.eastchesterreview.com

Immigration policy passes Legislature; Astorino to veto

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer

Lake Isle takes Counties Lake Isle’s Melissa Lomas fires off the block during the 92nd annual Westchester County Swim Championships on Aug. 2 at Rye Playland. Lake Isle won the combined team title for the eighth time in 10 years. For more, see page 15.

Photo/Mike Smith

Tuckahoe man sentenced in shotgun deli attack Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr. announced on Aug. 9 that Hengjun Chao, 50, of Tuckahoe, was sentenced by Judge Barry Warhit to 28 years in state prison after being found guilty by a jury of three Class B felonies in the shooting of Dr. Dennis Charney: one count of attempted murder in the second degree; one count of criminal use of a firearm in the first degree; and one count of assault in the first degree.

On Aug. 29, 2016 at approximately 7:56 a.m., Chao was parked in the Walgreen’s parking lot on King Street in Chappaqua.

He was waiting for the victim to exit Lange’s Deli. Video surveillance evidence showed the defendant had stalked the victim for several days prior to the shooting.

When the victim left the deli, Chao retrieved a loaded shotgun from the trunk of his car. He walked toward the victim, took aim and fired one shot, hitting him in the shoulder and chest area. Chao remained there and was subsequently arrested by New Castle Police officers.

The victim was removed by ambulance and was hospitalized for five days.

Subsequent to his arrest, Chao

Hengjun Chao, of Tuckahoe, was sentenced to 28 years in state prison. Photo courtesy Westchester County District Attorney’s Office

stated to police that he was the one who shot the victim.

Chao was a research assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He was fired in May 2009 by a committee that included Charney. The victim is the dean of the medical school.

Chao was remanded into the custody of the New York State Department of Corrections.

Assistant District Attorney Christine O’Connor and Assistant District Attorney Daniel Flecha of the Superior Court Trial Division prosecuted the case.

(Submitted)

Shortly after the Westchester County Legislature approved a bill to set forth a policy on immigration enforcement, the county executive pledged to veto the legislation with support from top public safety officials.

The bill passed through the county Board of Legislators in a 10-5 vote on Aug. 7 after mounting political pressure from the county’s Democratic Caucus.

Known as the Immigration Protection Act, it aims to prevent the county’s emergency services from aiding the federal government in investigations made on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and national origin. The act comes in response to Republican President Donald Trump’s effort to deport undocumented immigrants.

Despite approval from two Republicans lawmakers, David Gelfarb, of Rye Brook, and Jim Maisano, of New Rochelle, the bill failed to capture a supermajority vote, which would have prevented the legislation from being vetoed by County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican.

“I’m opposed to this act because it puts public safety at risk,” the county executive said, explaining the legislation would put the county at odds with the federal government, and would ultimately dub Westchester as a “sanctuary” county for undocumented immigrant; one that limits its cooperation with the national government’s effort to enforce immigration law.

Astorino said the policy would cost the county an estimated $13 million in federal funding. “It all adds up to be a dangerous idea,

and for those reasons I will veto this legislation,” he added.

The Immigration Protection Act was first pitched by county Majority Leader Catherine Borgia, an Ossining Democrat, in February after uncertainty over whether or not Astorino would repeal an existing executive order relating to immigration status that was signed by former County Executive Andy Spano, a Democrat, in 2006.

In Westchester government, the incumbent county executive can legally repeal any executive order made by one of his predecessors.

The new legislation, in addition to piggybacking the current policy, would also prevent law enforcement officials from honoring requests made by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Customs and Border Protection, which do not give rise to probable cause.

Additionally, it would protect Westchester from liability due to false arrests and imprisonments.

Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, said Astorino’s comments are “full of falsehoods” and “fear mongering” meant to justify vetoing the legislation.

“The purpose of the Immigration protection Act is to protect Westchester residents and keep us all safer,” she added. “We looked very closely at the U.S. Constitution when drafting this, and based on rights already in the Constitution, it abides by federal law.”

The Democratic Caucus, which is made up of nine lawmakers, submitted the legislation to codify the existing policies adopted under Spano, not knowing the stance of the county executive IMMIGRATION continued on page 9

Follow us on Twitter @eastchesterview Like us on facebook.com/eastchesterreview

2 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 11, 2017

August 11, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 3

Lawmakers take stab at slashing prescription drugs

Westchester lawmakers eye prescription drugs as costs continue to soar while bearing down on the county’s elderly. Photo courtesy Flickr.com

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer As prescription drug prices continue to soar across the country, Westchester lawmakers will search for ways to mitigate those impacts on county residents, including lobbying Congress to expedite federal legislation mired in a bureaucratic stasis.

“Companies are here to make profit, but also to help people,” said county Legislator David Tubiolo, a Yonkers Republican.

“And if people can’t afford it, it’s not helping.”

Tubiolo, who sits on the Board of Legislators’ Seniors Committee, said that in the coming months he plans to bring a resolution to the county legislative floor urging federal lawmakers to act on legislation aimed at bringing greater transparency to erratic increases in drug costs.

Specifically, Tubiolo said, the resolution will focus on lobbying Congress to take action on the Fair Accountability and Innovative Research, FAIR, Drug Pricing Act; a measure introduced in part by U.S. Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican, that would require pharmaceutical companies to submit a justification to the Department of Health and Human Services for raising drug prices.

That legislation has been stalled in committee since its introduction in May. “We’re asking the federal government to act faster,” Tubiolo said. “We’re looking into what we have the jurisdiction over and what we have the authority over.”

Already, Tubiolo said, he has

attempted to bring awareness to programs offered through the county, including a card available through Westchester’s partnership with ProAct Inc. that gives residents significant discounts on drugs not covered through their insurance.

While the initiative has been in place since 2012, Tubiolo said awareness of the card’s availability has been underwhelming due in part to lack of proper advertising.

For lawmakers across the spectrum, however, regulating drug prices is often a tall order.

Drug prices sold through the private sector are set by pharmaceutical companies, and as a result, are subject mainly to the myriad market forces.

Such a dynamic has been highlighted in recent high-profile price hikes like those associated with the lifesaving drug Epipen, which administers epinephrine through injection to patients experiencing a severe allergic reaction, or Daraprim, a medicine popular amongst patients with autoimmune disorders which rose from $13.50 per pill to more than $750 overnight.

According to a 2016 report from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, drug prices are slated to keep rising over the next 10 years by an average of 6.3 percent annually. Between 2013 and 2016, the center recorded double digit drug price increases, including a 12 percent increase overall in 2015.

According to county Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hasting-on-Hudson Democrat, those increases can, and do, have ad-

verse effects on residents—especially seniors requiring medicine on fixed incomes—throughout the county.

“A lot of senior citizens, because of the cost of prescription drugs, are cutting doses on their own, which creates medical issues, or are not filling them at all,” Shimsky said. “A lot of people will say the private market is so efficient, and keeps cost down, but sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn’t.”

Tubiolo said that he’s spoken to some seniors who have gone as far as to cut costs in their diet, choosing to eat cat or dog food in order to help clear room in their budgets for medicine.

“Some people privately told me they have done that to pay for drugs,” he said. “No one should have to eat below standard to pay for drugs.”

On top of endangering people’s health, Shimsky said increased drug costs can also act as a drag on the local economy.

“In terms of the economy, if all the disposable income is being drained out by drug manufacturers, other sectors of the economy are going to get hurt,” she said. “If you can’t buy dinner, can’t go to the movies, can’t get out to drive, other people who rely on that business are going to suffer.”

Tubiolo said the introduction of the resolution will likely happen in the next several months, and Shimsky said while she’ll have to read the declaration first, she would be open to supporting the idea behind it.

CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

4 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 11, 2017

What’s going on...

Eastchester Public Library

of materials will be left in the crate in order for you to use your imagination and build whatever you’d like to take home. Don’t forget to sign up for the Tween & Teen Summer Reading Program, if you haven’t already.

Tuckahoe Public Library

and education about breastfeeding, please attend this Breastfeeding Preparation class. Instruction includes tips on how to prevent common problems and positioning techniques. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Cost: $35. To register, call 787-5044.

Mother Goose Time

Joint Replacement and Surgery Patient Education

On Mondays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Dancing, singing, puppets, music, and more for children age 2 and under.

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

World Landmarks Trivia Challenge Through Thursday, Aug. 31. For Summer Reading Game participants. Along with the library’s summer reading, it will be featuring trivia questions on the Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Taj Mahal, and the White House.

All players will receive a “passport” to “travel” to these destinations. Visit the library website or call the children’s librarians at 721-8105 for more information.

Bedtime Math’s Summer of Numbers Through Thursday, Aug. 31. Registration is ongoing, online or in person. For grades K–5. Bedtime Math’s Summer of Numbers is back again. Bedtime Math makes it super easy for caregivers and children to explore math together. Every night, you can solve one kid-friendly math problem and get prizes.

Visit the library website or call the children’s librarians at 721-8105 for more information.

Chat & Color Book Club On Monday, Aug. 14 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join the Chat & Color Book Club on Aug. 14 to discuss this month’s book, “See Me” by Nicholas Sparks.

Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk. Pictures and colored pencils are provided. Light refreshments will be served. Online registration suggested. Open to adults. For more information, contact Amelia Buccarelli at 721-8109 or abuccarelli@wlsmail.org.

Bronxville Public Library For more information on library hours and programs, visit bronxvillelibrary.org.

Tween/Teen Tinker Crate Through Thursday, Aug. 31. Head over to the Teen Room the whole month of August to take advantage of the “Tinker Crate.” Many different types

Adult Coloring Group On Mondays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Coloring has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety.

Come and be creative and meet new friends, all while listening to tranquil music. Coloring sheets and materials will be provided.

Edible Architecture On Monday, Aug. 14 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For ages 3 and up. Make yummy buildings using all edible materials. Online registration required.

Please include child’s name, age and if they have a food allergy in the comment box provided.

Social Needlers On Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon. This is a weekly knitting and crochet hour. Socialize while making beautiful items which we donate to the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.

Bucket Race Construction On Wednesday, Aug. 16 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For ages 5 and up. Pass pieces down the line in a fun game that ends with a crazy construction.

Online registration required. Please include child’s name and age in the comment box provided.

Learning with LEGO: Zip Lines On Friday, Aug. 18 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For ages 7 and up. Complete group activities and challenges—all using LEGOs. Online registration required. Please include child’s name and age in the comment box provided.

Introduction to Yoga On Saturday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Start your day off right by getting in shape. Damien Germino will guide participants through a basic yoga session, which will demonstrate how yoga can have profound positive effect, both physically and mentally, when practiced regularly. Registration required. Call 337-7680 ext. 24 or email bronxvillelibrary@gmail.com.

For more information on library hours and programs, visit tuckahoe.com/library.

Children’s Summer Craft On Tuesdays at 4 p.m. For ages 5 to 10. Come and make a special craft with Ms. Jayne. Registration is required as space is limited by calling the library at 961-2121.

Adult Summer Reading Finale On Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Fun, bingo and raffles to celebrate the end of the summer reading program. Refreshments will be served. Registration is required as space is limited by calling the library at 961-2121.

Kids’ Summer Reading Finale On Thursday, Aug. 17 at 4:30 p.m. For children up to 10 years old with an adult. This is a live animal show. Jason is back from Green Meadows Farms.

Play with and learn about each of the animals that will be visiting the library. Registration is required as space is limited by calling the library at 9612121.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital The NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital is located at 55 Palmer Road in Bronxville. For more information, visit nyp.org.

Childbirth Class On Saturday, Aug. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the NYP Lawrence lobby Conference Room.

Childbirth classes are taught by certified Lamaze instructors who are experts trained to help expectant mothers prepare for giving birth. A tour of the Center for Maternal-Child Health is also included.

Cost: $200.

Breastfeeding Support Group On Monday, Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon in the NYP Lawrence lobby Conference Room. The Breastfeeding Support Group offers new mothers the opportunity to learn from one another and receive professional guidance from Judy McArdle, a registered nurse and NYP Lawrence’s lactation counselor. Meetings are free and open to all, regardless of where you gave birth. To learn more about the group or the Center for Maternal-Child Health, call 787-2141.

Breastfeeding Preparation Class On Monday, Aug. 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at NYP Lawrence Palmer Hall, in the Conference Room on the third floor. If you need extra support

Like us on

Every Wednesday from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in the NYP Lawrence lobby Conference Room. Are you tired of knee, hip or shoulder pain? Have you scheduled joint replacement surgery? All are welcome to attend this pre-operative joint replacement patient education class to learn about the surgical and rehabilitative experience, and meet the hospital’s multidisciplinary team who can answer your questions. To register, call 787-2119.

Aphasia Support Group Meeting On Wednesday, Aug. 16 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at NYP Lawrence Palmer Hall, on the first floor of the Rehabilitation Department (Speech Office).

Aphasia is a communication disorder that often results from damage to the brain—usually caused by stroke. It can affect the ability to speak and understand, read and write. This free meeting is for anyone who has the condition, and is led by an NYP Lawrence speech therapist. The gathering offers information on how to improve communication, the latest in aphasia research, language games, and a place to make friends in a supportive environment. Family members and caregivers are welcome. For more information, call Dahna Stadtmauer or Meagan Moscaritolo at 787-3373.

Breast Cancer Support Group On Thursday, Aug. 17 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the NYP Lawrence lobby Conference Room. This is an interactive and educational meeting for breast cancer patients and their loved ones. Meetings are led by Kate Gutekunst, oncology nurse navigator.

The gatherings feature guest speakers and give participants an opportunity to share and learn from one another. To register, call 787-5997.

Recreation news Summer Sounds 2017 Concert Series Summer concerts will be held at the Lake Isle Country driving range, and are free and begin at 8 p.m. On Wednesday, Aug. 16, Celtic Cross will perform. Products of Irsih parents, traditional Irish music roots and American pop radio. This band puts it all together in a very different way than you will hear from most Celtic acts. The band’s music tells great stories using the traditional top of sassy pop, alt-country and funk playing. Sponsored by Hendry School of Dance and the Eastchester Irish American Social Club.

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.

facebook.com/eastchesterreview

August 11, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 5

Westchester holds annual Jewish music and arts festival The 43rd annual Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival will be held on Sunday, Aug. 20, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. The festival is presented by the Westchester Jewish Council and the Westchester Klezmer Program in cooperation with Westchester County Parks.

The event is a celebration for the whole family and will fea-

ture a wide variety of musical performances including headliner Golem, a Klezmer rock band based in New York City. Golem is known for its virtuosic musicianship, theatricality, humor and fearless wild energy, combined with a boundless love of tradition. Golem is clearly “not your grandparents’ klezmer.” Also performing will be Rockmitzvah, a full service live musical ensemble

Face painting, juggling performances and sing-a-longs are just a few of the activities the 43rd annual Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival has to offer. Contributed photos

of real rock and roll musicians.

They will play a mix of child and adult friendly tunes. Israeli singer and composer Sandy Shmuely will lead a sing-a-long. His high spirits and incredible energy invites audience participation. In addition, Israeli dancing with Camp Zeke for all ages will take place throughout the day. Face painting by Maria, as well as juggler Ned Gelfars, whose show is full of juggling, magic, and an incredible amount of hilarious, good-natured audience participation, will also be on hand to provide additional family activities and fun throughout the day.

The event is free, including parking, and is open to the public, and will be held rain or shine.

Attendees are welcome to bring The 43rd annual Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival is headlined by Golem, a Klezmer rock band from New York City. chairs, blankets, and picnics.

Food, including ice cream and members of the community, re- event is sponsored in part by the ish communities and strengthens ices trucks and snacks (pizza, gardless of faith, will join us for Morris & Sylvia Trachten Family relationships among Jewish orand more) will be available for this very festive day”, said Elliot Foundation. For more informa- ganizations and other ethnic and purchase. A vendor exhibition Forchheimer, Executive Director tion about the event, including in- faith based groups, elected offiarea including Jewish Art/Judai- of The Westchester Jewish Coun- formation on becoming a vendor, cials, Israel and the community ca, jewelry and more will be open cil. visit WJCouncil.org or contact at large. The Westchester Jewish throughout the festival. “There Pre-registration is requested Westchester Jewish Council As- Council is a proud Core partner is something for everyone, from at WJCouncil.org. All registrants sistant Executive Director Pam of UJA-Federation of New York. children to adults, at this festival. will be entered into a raffle to win Goldstein at Pam@wjcouncil. For more information about the We have lined up amazing mu- a $50 gift card. The winner will org or call 328-7001.

Westchester Jewish Council, vissical performers, as well as fun be contacted via email the TuesThe Westchester Jewish Coun- it us online at WJCouncil.org. activities for kids. We hope all day following the festival. This cil connects Westchester’s Jew- (Submitted)

6 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 11, 2017

Eastchester REVIEW THE

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 Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Reporter | Corey Stockton ext. 16, corey@hometwn.com Reporter | Franco Fino ext. 18, franco@hometwn.com General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lynne Starr ext. 29, lynne@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers James Pero, Franco Fino Staff Photographers Andrew Dapolite, Aaron Kershaw, Charlie McLaughlin Columnists Mary Marvin, Richard Forliano, Lenore Skenazy

Letters

The community’s opinion matters.

If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes.

Community Events

If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com.

Delivery

For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27.

Classifieds & Legals

To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27.

Postmaster

Send address changes to The Eastchester Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601

Visit us online www.eastchesterreview.com

Follow us on Twitter, @eastchesterview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/eastchesterreview The Eastchester Review is published weekly by Home Town Media Group for an annual subscription of $45.

Application to mail at the periodicals postage rate is approved at White Plains, N.Y., 10601.

Periodicals postage paid at White Plains and additional mailing offices.

Personal trainer

lifts clients’ spirits through inspiring journey

By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter After years of going through physical therapy and numerous surgeries, Sophia Gigante, 19, has managed to overcome her own physical limitations and wants to help others do the same.

Gigante, a personal trainer from the Fleetwood section of Mount Vernon, received her National Council on Strength and Fitness certification in April 2017. Up until five years ago, when she began going to the gym, Gigante didn’t realize the things her body was capable of doing.

She was born with hypotonia, or low muscle tone, which affected her strength and endurance, and required leg braces to help her walk. This, coupled with an additional diagnosis of hydrocephalus, a condition that makes fluid collect in the brain and can cause seizures, made physical activity extremely difficult.

Gigante explained that growing up with such a diagnosis, she had to have four surgeries to help relieve pressure the excess fluid was causing on her brain.

“That was a big part of my life, and the reason I couldn’t do a lot of things,” Gigante told the Review. “It just slowed me down.”

After the seizures had finally subsided during her freshman year of high school, Gigante started exercising and visiting the gym as an overall means of improving her health. “I just [wanted] to go to the gym like any other freshman in high school,” she said. “I just wanted to go on the treadmill [and] lose some weight.”

Gigante said that she initially didn’t think working out was going to be something she liked.

But once she started, she was hooked, and saw herself growing stronger as she continued to exercise.

“I started building up all this strength I didn’t know I had,” she said.

Gigante explained that for her, it’s not just about getting a “good body,” but since she was once

Sophia Gigante, a personal trainer from the Fleetwood section of Mount Vernon, holds training classes at the Tuckahoe Community Center and at her gym in Yonkers. Photo courtesy Facebook.com/PTSophia Students at Sophia Gigante’s boot camp class work together to complete a 45-second circuit workout. Photos/Taylor Brown

physically incapable of working out, now, she doesn’t want to stop.

As she continued to exercise, she became the person other people at the gym would go to for advice.

“I was always helping people,” she said.

Gigante now works as a personal trainer at her gym in Yonkers and at the Tuckahoe Community Center. The NCSF certificate also qualified her to teach boot camp classes, which she holds both at her gym and in Tuckahoe.

“I like teaching because I was once somebody that didn’t know what to do [at the gym],” she said.

Her boot camp classes involve 45-second circuits of different activities based on each person’s physical abilities. “[Sophia is] just an unbelievable trainer,” said Irene Gizzo, of Fleetwood. “I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

Gigante talks about expanding her business, and eventually wants to open up her own gym,

and also obtain a degree in physical therapy.

“I’ve been starting to work with people with special needs and I really like it because I feel like I can sympathize with them,” she said.

Gigante hopes to be able to help people realize that while the gym can be intimidating, it’s also quite rewarding.

Karen Degouveia, of Fleetwood, explained that before she started going to Gigante’s boot camp classes in Tuckahoe, she had never worked out before. “[Sophia] is aware of individual limitations and works with [them],” she said. “She’s amazing.”

While teaching is a big part of her life, Gigante is also in her sophomore year at Manhattan College where she studies biological and allied health sciences. “I just want to show people that no matter what, you can work out,” she said.

CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com

Sophia Gigante teaches a boot camp class at the Tuckahoe Community Center.

Sophia Gigante demonstrates a workout for one of her students during her boot camp class.

Sophia Gigante has been working out for five years, and in April 2017 became a certified personal trainer. Photo courtesy Facebook.com/PTSophia

August 11, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 7

8 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 11, 2017

August 11, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 9

Westchester named a top 10 digital county

IMMIGRATION from page 1

County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, plans to veto a bill known as the Immigration Protection Act, which passed the county Legislature in a 10-5 vote on Aug. 7. The bill aims to set a countywide policy on immigration enforcement for law enforcement officials. Photo courtesy Jerry McKinstry

and some top county public safety officials on the matter.

In a statement, George Longworth, the commissioner of the county Public Safety Department, called it a “bad and reckless idea.”

“This bill is being passed over the objections of the [county] law enforcement authorities,” he said. “It will make Westchester families and police officers less safe.”

The bill was also denounced

by Hector Lopez, the president of the Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association, the county’s largest law enforcement group representing Hispanic offi-

cers, and County Attorney Robert Meehan, who first raised concerns about the law establishing a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants living in the county.

According to Joe Sgammato, the press secretary for the Democratic Caucus, the caucus plans to hold a vote to override a veto by the county executive.

However, in order to override Astorino, the Board of Legislators will need a supermajority vote. And with the need for one more lawmaker to pledge his or her support for bill, that supermajority remains in the hands of the

Republican Caucus.

In a joint statement from the Republican Caucus, lawmakers echoed sentiments expressed by the county executive, saying the proposal is “well intentioned” but barely adds any “new protections” for the county’s immigrant community.

“The immigrant community should know that law enforcement is there to serve them and protect them regardless of their immigration status,” the statement read.

CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

The Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties named Westchester County one of the top 10 digital counties. Photo courtesy Westchestergov.com

For the fifth consecutive year, Westchester County has been named one of the top 10 digital counties in the U.S. by the Center for Digital Government, CDG, and the National Association of Counties, NACO. “This award recognizes how the hardworking employees in our Information Technology department are leveraging technology every day to deliver critical services and improve the lives of our residents,” said County Executive Rob Astorino. “I’m very glad to hear that Westchester County is once again a leader in its field, from cyber security to social media.”

Westchester has been named a top 10 digital county for 12 of the past 15 years thanks to the county’s focus on cost-saving initiatives, efficiencies, and shared services.

“For Westchester, this means strategic investments in a worldclass telecommunications network, advanced applications and solutions to streamline the delivery of government services, and collaboration with local municipalities,” said John McCaffrey, Westchester’s chief information

officer. In addition to the county receiving the prestigious honor, McCaffrey himself has been named one of Government Technology’s Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers for 2017. Each year, the magazine selects 25 individuals or teams who move government forward, using innovative technology to solve public-sector challenges and improve the performance of critical programs.

“It’s a tremendous honor, and I certainly owe a great deal of gratitude to the vision of county leaders who understand that innovation is central to running an effective 21st century local government,” McCaffrey said.

Successful initiatives over the last year include: • Redesigning an entirely mobile-responsive county website that receives more than 2 million hits (on average) per month.

• First-of-its-kind video conferencing solution that provides the county jail with a virtual visitation system, which was recognized with the prestigious “CIO100 Award” in 2016.

• Implementation of additional shared services to benefit municipalities, including 3-D spatial

modeling and access to cyber security products.

• Launch of an expanded version of the Westchester County Vendor Portal, a web-based software system that supports and streamlines the activities related to vendor contract processing.

• Improvement of REACH Westchester, an award-winning application that transformed the time-consuming paper process used to recertify the eligibility of people applying for Temporary Assistance into an automated system that collects more information and provides better customer service.

• Mobile Application Development Bowl in partnership with Pace University to show how mobile applications can be used to address real world challenges within the community. In April 2017 more than 350 students from more than 40 high schools and colleges competed in the competition.

• Development and implementation of numerous customized applications in support of business continuity and disaster recovery efforts in the Departments of Emergency Services and Public Safety. (Submitted)

10 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 11, 2017

August 11, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 11

Former Yankees player heads to Empire Casino

Concordia to offer new master’s program Beginning in the Fall 2017, Concordia College’s robust teacher education programs will expand to include a graduate degree with a distinctly global perspective: a new master’s program in International Education.

The new program’s rich and multidisciplinary curriculum is informed by Concordia’s core values and infused with what makes the school so unique: preparing students to make a positive global impact, fostering cultural sensitivity and appreciation of diversity, and emphasizing practical competencies and a real understanding around issues of equity and social justice.

Students who complete the 33-credit degree will be well-positioned to enter a diverse range of careers in today’s globally-focused job market. These include: • Teachers and school leaders working with multicultural and

diverse populations • Teachers and school leaders working overseas • Representatives of NGOs and IGOs that focus on child and family well-being and children’s rights • School curriculum developers seeking a global perspective • Educational policy makers • Researchers interested in education, children’s rights and global perspectives • Social justice organizations The program’s core curriculum guides students to understand and evaluate the histories and roles of education within and across societies, while also taking an introspective look at their own cultural framework. Concentration options include Curriculum and Instruction, The Christian Educator and Leadership to allow for optimal growth and specializa-

tion. Each student will also complete a capstone research seminar.

Heading up the program is Dr. Joanna Maulbeck, assistant professor of education, who said, “The [master’s program] in International Education fosters an interdisciplinary and culturally sensitive approach to education, positioning students to learn about international philosophies and practices while evaluating their own. Through this, students are empowered—and prepared to empower others—as agents of social justice in a complex, interdependent global landscape.”

To learn more about the program, please contact: Dr. Joanna Maulbeck, assistantprofessor of education, at Joanna.

Maulbeck@concordia-ny.edu, or Kelly A. McDonnell, senior admissions recruiter for graduate students, at Kelly.McDonnell@ concordia-ny.edu. (Submitted)

Tino Martinez, a former New York Yankees first baseman, will attend Empire City Casino on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Contributed photo

Empire City Casino continues to bring New York baseball’s most popular players to the largest entertainment destination in the northeast. Former New York Yankees first baseman Tino Martinez, a key player on four “Bronx Bombers” World Series championship teams, will appear at Dan Rooney’s Sports Bar at the casino on Wednesday, Aug. 16, when the Yankees play their crosstown rival Mets in a “Subway Series” game at Citi Field.

Martinez will meet and greet fans to sign autographs and take photographs beginning at 6:10 p.m.

The first 75 attendees will receive an exclusive Empire City Casino baseball for Martinez to sign.

Martinez will watch the game

with baseball devotees inside Dan Rooney’s, a sports pub featuring over 40 large screen TVs and upscale pub food and cold brews available for purchase. Hungry visitors can enjoy the signature half rotisserie chicken with roasted potatoes, or dive into a mouthwatering award-winning Dan Rooney’s burger topped with brie cheese, marinated onions, and honey mustard.

During his 16-year career with the Yankees, Mariners, Cardinals, and Devil Rays, Martinez drove in 1,271 runs as a two-time All-Star. He enjoyed six seasons with 100 or more RBI, while slugging 339 home runs. A first-round draft pick out of the University of Tampa,

his clutch hitting helped to lead the Yankees to world championships in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000. He was also an Olympic gold medalist in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea.

Attendees can come early and take a chance on the record-breaking $2 million jackpot currently available only at Empire City Casino on the IGT Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars slot machine. Or check out Empire City’s newest games, including Titanic-Heart of the Ocean and Wan Shi Ru Progressive. Empire Club members 55 and over who earn at least 10 Empire Points on Wednesdays in August can receive $10 free play & free valet. Visit Empirecitycasino.com for details. (Submitted)

Looking for a happy, friendly, outgoing and beautiful dog? Look no further—Serena is the one for you! This beautiful hound/Lab mix is about a year old and 37 pounds. She is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped. Make her part of your family for an adoption donation of $300.

Come meet Serena! Call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)

P U B LI S H ES THE

REVIEW Eastchester REVIEW THE

THE

CityREVIEW NewRochelle

Harrison REVIEW

THE

INSIDE

Mamaroneck

Connect with us on

INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY

www.hometwn.com | 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601 | (914) 653-1000

@linkedin.com/company/hometown-media

12 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 11, 2017

The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:

$42.50 for up to 4 lines. Each additional line $2.00.

Classifieds ads appear in all five of our publications.

HOW TO REACH US:

Email: ads@hometwn.com Phone: (914) 653-1000 x27 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601

ADOPTION

LEGAL NOTICES

Happily married couple want to provide a secure future to newborn. Unconditional love, Top notch education. Expenses paid. Contact Sarah & Roly-(646) 342-4539. Se Habla Español!adoptivefamilyNYC@gmail.com

Notice of Formation of Black Wolf Rising Entertainment, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 7/11/17. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1767 Central Park Ave #524 Yonkers NY 10710. Purpose: any lawful activity.

AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible.

Call 914-468-4999 Today!

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

Call 315-400-0797 Today!

FARMING GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a Free info packet & Quote.

1-866-309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com

MISC FOR SALE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH-FOOD G RADE 100% Use to Protect Garden Plants. Use in Animal Feed & More. OMRI Listed-Meets Organic Use Standards. BUY ONLINE ONLY: homedepot.com

MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info DVD:† www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

REAL ESTATE A U C T I O N R E A L P R O P E R T Y TA X FORECLOSURES ESSEX COUNTY. Selling properties August 30 @ 11AM. Held at Best Western Plus, Ticonderoga Inn & Suites, Ticonderoga. 800-243-0061 AAR, Inc. Free brochure: www.NYSAuctions.com Land Bargains SCHENECTADY COUNTY TOWN O F D UAN ES B U R G 14.7 acres views $41,000. 7.1 acres views $29,000.

2.9 acres views $24,000. Owner Financing www.helderbergrealty.com (518) 861-6541 or (518) 256-6344 GREENE COUNTY LAND SALE! AUG 12TH! 7 ac- $39,900 10 ac-$49,900 34 ac-$79,900 8 wooded homesites, 20 mins So of Albany.

Stonewalls, private setting. Twn rd, utils! Terms avail. Call 888-905-8847 to register.

VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com. 5% base rent discount.

Use code NYPS17-2. Ends Oct-01-2017

WANTED TO BUY Buying Diamonds, gold, silver, antique and modern jewelry, better furs, U.S. and foreign coins, paintings, bronzes, complete estates. Highest prices paid. Call 914-260-8783 for appointment

SOONER OR LATER...

SOMEONE’S GOING TO BLAB IT ON

Notice of Formation of Ellen Del Colle Consulting Services LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 04/27/17. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 10 Field End Lane, Eastchester, NY 10709. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Katz Capital Advisory, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 07/26/2017. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 93 Stuyvesant Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Publish your LLC notice in our newpapers!

DEADLINE:

Placement, correction or cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication

DONATE YOUR CAR

Wheels For Wishes Benefiting

Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley

WheelsForWishes.org Call: (914) 468-4999 * Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. To learn more about our programs or financial information, visit www.wheelsforwishes.org.

Donate A Boat or Car Today!

New York State law requires that all LLC companies publish a Notice of Formation within 120 days of forming or else your LLC will be suspended.

All five of our newspapers are designated by the Westchester County Clerk for this urpose.

Allow us to guide you through what can be an unnecessarily complicated process. We provide the template for your publication along with the notarized affidavit signed by the publisher.

For more information email us at

ads@hometwn.com.

*Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *Fully Tax Deductible

“2-Night Free Vacation!”

1- 800 - CAR - ANGE L

w w w.boatangel.com

sponsored by boat angel outreach centers

STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

August 11, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 13

14 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 11, 2017

Head games LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

As much as I loved playing football, I’m starting to wonder; if I could do it all over again, would I still suit up?

On July 25, a study released

by Boston University revealed that of 202 donated brains from deceased former football players across all levels of the sport, 177—or 87 percent—tested positive for signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, CTE, a degenerative brain disease that has been tied to repeated blows to the head.

The numbers are alarming, sure, but they don’t exactly tell the whole story, especially when it comes to youth football. Of those 202 brains, 111 came from former NFL players—people who played football at the highest level for years. Furthermore, even the brains of those who never made it to the NFL were donated by families who had an inkling that something wasn’t right.

So yes, the results of the study paint a dark picture of football’s effects on the brain, but it’s a selective grouping, and not something that really speaks to the general experience of someone deciding to play high school football.

And really, that’s the problem facing youth football now; there’s so much uncertainty about the long-term effects of playing the sport, it’s enough to give parents— and potential athletes—pause.

I’m getting older now, but

I’m not so old that I played the sport before people realized that concussions were a growing problem. In my senior year, all the way back in 2001, I suffered the only concussion of my varsity career. In our second game of the season, up at Suffern, I was coming on a weakside blitz as the opposing QB rolled out to his left. Our defensive end got off his blocker and was going to wrap him up low; a step too late, I decided to dive high in an attempt to swat the ball away.

Unfortunately, the quarterback curled up and went down as soon as he felt the pressure. As I flew over him, my legs clipped him in the back and I drove myself headfirst into the turf at an awkward angle. The play, which was immortalized on our end of the year highlight tape—though not for my efforts—shows the back judge visibly concerned as I landed, then peeled myself off the turf and unsteadily attempted to make my way to the wrong sideline.

I was still in a fog when I made my way over to the bench, where our athletic trainer—the kind of guy who generally adhered to the old school “play through it” mentality—told me that I was done for the game. I nodded in agreement, waited till he walked down to check out a cramping teammate, cleared the cobwebs out of my head and promptly inserted myself back into the game.

I knew back then that it wasn’t the smartest move, but when you are 17 years old and football is

SPORTS

your life, it seemed like the only option.

The next few days were the first time I really experienced the aftereffects of a concussion. I was in a general daze, couldn’t concentrate in my classes, and even passed out a time or two, once in the middle of a conversation I was having with my father in the kitchen.

I sat out a few practices, sure.

But the next Saturday we played Spring Valley, so you can be sure I was back out there on the field.

It was a dumb move by a dumb kid, but back then, we—or at least I—just didn’t understand the repercussions of my actions. Football, even more than most sports, is the kind of endeavor that celebrates an individual’s ability to play through injuries. But over the last decade or more, we’ve learned enough about head injuries to know that playing through them simply isn’t an option.

During my tenure at the Review, I have had discussions with coaches, players and administrators alike that makes me realize Players from Rye and Beacon collide in a 2016 football game. Sports Editor Mike Smith believes that increased that, these days, concussion pro- research about head injuries can help today’s players protect themselves better, on and off the field. File photo tocol is as important a facet of the game as the X’s and O’s.

There’s still a risk for concussions, sure, but everyone, at least, is armed with knowledge that trying to play through one can have a disastrous outcome, both in the immediate and distant future.

So yeah, I would probably still play. I’d probably just learn to use my head. Or not.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

TO COVER LOCAL SPORTS, YOU NEED A

LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow @eastchesterview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates

SPORTS

August 11, 2017 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • 15

Lake Isle claims county title

By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Over the last decade, the Lake Isle Swim and Dive team has established itself as the premier powerhouse in the area, turning in a host of winning performances at the annual Westchester County Swim Association Championships. On Aug. 2, the Eastchester-based club added even more hardware to the trophy case, winning its fourth-straight combined team title at Rye Playland to cap off another successful summer season.

Thanks to some dominant performances by their female competitors, Lake Isle was able to capture gold at the 92nd annual WCSA championships, scoring 307.5 points overall to edge second-place Wykagyl, which finished with 279 points. The final tally was much closer than last year, when Lake Isle topped Wykagyl by 84 points.

“We knew it was going to be tough this year; every year is different with kids who go away or become the youngest in their age group,” Lake Isle coach Kevin Lavelle said. “And we knew Wykagyl was a very strong team this year, so we expected it to be close.”

Lavelle, who has coached the Lake Isle squad to eight titles in the last 10 years, said that while oftentimes, the team is reliant on its male competitors to create distance from the opposition, this year, the standout performances were mostly on the girls end. Lake Isle’s girls outscored second-place Rye Golf Club by 101 points, while the boys placed fourth behind Wykagyl, Willowbrook and the Greenburgh Swim Team.

Ten-year-old Claire Weinstein was the high-point champion on the girls’ side, picking up 34 points in both individual and relay events, while a number of her teammates, including Lauren Maierle, 10, Daniella Condon, 12, and Emily Gjertsen, 15, all garnered top-five finishes in their respective age divisions.

Ten-year-old Noah Barrett finished second in the boys’ 10U age group with 24 total points during the event.

Only three WCSA records fell during this year’s event, but Lake Isle got in on the action, as Maierle, Weinstein, Gianna Martorello and Lucianna Guitierrez were able to set a new mark of

2.22:79 in the girls 10U 200meter medley relay.

“We knew heading into that final day, it was going to be close, but we had built up enough of a lead,” Lavelle said. “Our relay teams, in particular, did a really great job for us.”

With another title in the books, Lavelle said that his team will enjoy the moment, and will turn their attention to repeating as champions when the 2018 season kicks off next July.

“We’ve been very fortunate but you never know what is going to happen in the future,” he said. “You might have kids who decide to swim with their club teams or sit out a summer season, so you really don’t know what the team is going to look like from year to year.”

Area swimmers kick off to start the backstroke leg of the medley relay at Rye Playland.

CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

Jason Amato from the Wykagyl Country Club swims on Aug. 2. Wykagyl won the boys’ title and placed second in combined team scores.

Lake Isle’s Caroline Coughlin performs the breaststroke on Aug. 2 at Rye Playland. Lake Isle’s girls 200-meter medley relay team finished second.

Steven Kwon from Harrison Recreation gets off the block on Aug. 2. Photos/Mike Smith

16 • THE EASTCHESTER REVIEW • August 11, 2017