Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Harrison REVIEW THE
PITCH COUNTS
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Harrison’s Dean McCarthy throws a pitch against Rye in 2016. This season, new pitch count rules have been introduced in New York state. For story, see page 15. Photo/Mike Smith
March 17, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 11 | www.harrisonreview.com
Town adds $1.3M from revenues to capital fund The town/village of Harrison has put more than $1 million in revenues collected through various fees last year into a capital projects fund. While that money is now reThe 2016 Harrison budget stricted to be used only for capiestimated $1.9M in buildtal projects, the board still must ing fee and permit revenue. decide whether to apply the fund The town actually collected to several small projects or a few $2.5M from building fees large ones. and permits At a Town Council meetMarch 17, 2017ing| Vol. 5, this Number 8 |town www.cityreviewnr.com earlier month the The 2016 budget estimated committed placing $1.3 million $1.4M in fines and forfeitof surplus into a reserve fund ed bail revenue. The town separate from the overall fund actually collected $2.1M balance to be used specifically from fines and forfeited bail for capital projects and improvements. The town estimated it Those conservative would collect $3.6 million in projections allowed Harrevenue from permits and fees in rison to collect a surplus 2016. But according to Maureen totaling more than $1.3M MacKenzie, the town comptroller, the town collected more than $700,000 over budget from fines and forfeited bail, and more than He suggested, for example, $600,000 from building and per- the town’s Department of Pubmit fees. lic Works, which may be due That money is now restricted for some infrastructural reto be used for future capital proj- pairs. “Those conditions [of the ects, although the town has not DPW’s garage] are, frankly, very yet specified which project or problematic,” Malfitano said. He projects it would finance. also suggested repair projects Councilman Steve Malfitano, to the community centers in the a Republican, said that he gener- downtown Harrison and West ally prefers using reserve funds Harrison districts. pointed Nelson Canter, a former to finance large capital projects “These are things that are gotown justice, as a new deputy rather than minor repairs or up- ing to need to be addressed in the town attorney to replace Fred grades. “When you place funds future,” the councilman told the Castiglia. The appointment into a reserve such as this for Review. “We’re trying to address came just after Castiglia had capital improvements, you po- them now.” passed away in April 2015; at tentially run the risk of a future MacKenzie said she could not the age of 76. board deciding that they want to release the amount of the town’s Today, the town is also dealuse this fund… for minor capital general fund balance, as she has ing with another current vacancy projects,” he said. not yet completed her annual auin its government. The councilman added that dit as of press time. Town officials are still considthere are several large-scale For fiscal year 2017, Harering whether or not to appoint projects the town could under- rison has a total budget of an interim judge to fill a vacancy take to take advantage of the $59.1 million. left by Town Justice Joseph Cancapital project reserve fund. -Reporting by Corey Stockton nella, who passed away last December at the age of 66. Town Attorney Frank Allegretti could not be reached for Trotta’s robbery suspect nabbed comment as of press time.
At a glance
Deputy village attorney resigns; replacement search begins In wake of Deputy Village Attorney Chris Cipolla’s resignation, the town/village of Harrison has begun a search to fill the position, according to the mayor. On March 2, Cipolla resigned from his position, which he had been serving in since 2012. Cipolla, 32, was first appointed by Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, to replace Bob Paladino. “This is monumental loss and he’s definitely going to be missed,” Belmont said. Belmont declined to comment about the time frame of the hiring process for Cipolla’s successor, and would not disclose any information about names or individuals that have expressed in-
terest in the job. It also remains unclear why Cipolla resigned, something Belmont declined to disclose to the Review. Councilman Stephen Malfitano, a Republican, said he is expecting the process to be completed “sooner rather than later.” He added that, as a result of the highly demanding nature of the Harrison Law Department, which is structured with four attorneys on staff, the town would have to be mindful in appointing a candidate “as soon as possible.” “We’re going to miss him very much,” Malfitano said of Cipolla. “He’s a good attorney, a bright young man that always
gives 1,000 percent effort.” Cipolla operates a private practice specializing in real estate law, and is a principal in Excalibur Sports Inc., where he handles salary arbitration for Major League Baseball. The Harrison native received his J.D. degree from New York Law School in 2009 and graduated from the University of Maryland in College Park with a Bachelor of Arts in 2006. Cipolla was paid an annual salary of $75,944 and earned a stipend of $10,000. His departure comes a little more than a year after the last shakeup in the department. In January 2016, the town ap-
INSIDE
-Reporting by Franco Fino
Story on page 9.
2 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
March 17, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 3
Kensico project faces opposition from lawmakers A $25 million project to transform Kensico Dam is facing stark opposition from Westchester’s Democratic lawmakers who categorize the plan as fiscally irresponsible. File photo
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Some lawmakers are standing firm in their opposition to fund Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino’s $25 million plan to transform Kensico Dam after further review crystalized its potential cost to taxpayers. County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-on-Hudson Democrat who chairs the Board of Legislators’ Infrastructure Committee, was among lawmakers to rail against the project which she characterized as fiscally irresponsible. “It’s an awful lot of money for us to spend in the current state of our finances,” Shimsky told the Review. “I don’t see how we can afford this given all the other priorities.” According to a consultant report from Dan Biederman, who was hired by Astorino, a Republican, to review the proposed project last year, according to Shimsky, the project—which would be funded through 15- to 25-year bonds—would face approximately $400,000 in annual operating losses. The administration’s sweeping renovations at Kensico Dam—located in Valhalla next to the Bronx River Parkway—were unveiled in October 2016 and would repurpose
a 92,000-square-foot reflecting pool that has sat barren since 2007, for two brand new skating rinks. In October, the Astorino administration cited historically low interest rates among the incentives in funding the project now. However, in a speech just last month, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen indicated interest rates on debt could see an increase this month, making any bonds issued by the county in the coming months potentially more expensive. Whatever political will exists amongst the Board of Legislators to fund a series of bond acts remains unclear, however. According to Shimsky, none of the 10 Democrats on the board have given their full support to the plan, to this point. Across the aisle, concerns are less adamant. “Of course there’s all these financial constraints that are important to manage,” said David Gelfarb, a Rye Brook Republican. “These are long-term projects that pay out over the long term; they’re not things you have to pay for—so to speak—upfront.” While lawmakers review four bond acts introduced in January to fund the project, Shimsky said legislators will also juggle a myriad other fiscal complica-
tions that portend lower than expected revenues for the county in 2017. Specifically, Shimsky said her board colleagues will have to contend with lower than projected sales tax revenue as well as $15 million in tentative revenue budgeted for a prospective deal to privatize the county-owned airport. In addition to the rink—which would be divided into one regulation-size hockey rink and one elliptical skating rink—current designs for an enhanced Kensico Dam would also feature a fountain and new concessions. As a means to offset the cost of the project and its operating costs, the Astorino administration has cited potential advertising sponsorship deals at the rink, similar to a business model in Bryant Park in New York City. That model, however, drew skepticism from Democratic lawmakers who cited the dam’s lower levels of foot traffic compared to Bryant Park, which would affect incentives—and therefore payment rates—for potential advertisers. After being further vetted in committee, the project will go forward to the legislative floor where lawmakers must vote on the bond acts. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
4 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
What’s going on... Harrison Public Library
Visit harrisonpl.org for more information on programs and library hours.
Bilingual Storytime and Craft On Saturday, March 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the West Harrison Branch. For toddlers to 6-year-olds. Stories and songs in English and Spanish with Miss Mariella. Sábado, 18 de marzo de 10:30 a.m. hasta 11 a.m. en West Harrison Branch. Desde infantes hasta niños de 6 años. Es la hora del cuento en inglés y español. Diviértete leyendo y cantando con Señorita Mariella.
Sing Along Sundays with Chloe On Sundays from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Building. Celebrate early childhood through music and movement. Children and parents are sure to love the captivating songs, live accordion music, and activities designed with specific cognitive milestones in mind. This class will feature a variety of child-sized instruments and props, and a wealth of both traditional and original songs to add to your singalong repertoire. Get ready for a fun, creative, and engaging experience.
Physics of Flight On Monday, March 20 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Building. For ages 6 and up. The Dirtmeister is back with the physics of flight. This show examines the physics of air and begins with a look at air as a state of matter. Participants then explore some of the ways that air pressure can be changed and used to do everything from unclog a drain to fly a plane. The program concludes with a look at what makes rockets fly and the launch of a rather unique space vehicle.
One-on-One e-Help On Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Building. Need help with downloading e-books, audiobooks, apps, or using Google Drive, email, or searching the Internet with your tablet, phone or laptop? Bring your device and questions and get one-on-one assistance. Please register online, by phone at 8350324, or in person at the library.
Crochet and Knitting On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the West Harrison Branch. Want to learn how to knit or crochet a simple scarf? Join this class. Drop in anytime and bring hooks, needles and yarn or practice with the library’s. No registration required. Call 948-2092 for more information.
Pajama Party with Chloe On Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the West Harrison Branch. For children up to age 4; sib-
lings are welcome. Participants can wear pajamas and sing with Chloe during this evening class with songs, music and more. No registration required.
Bilingual Storytime On Thursday, March 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the West Harrison Branch. For toddlers to 5-year-olds. Stories and songs in English and Spanish with Miss Bonnie and Miss Mariella. Jueves, 23 de marzo de 10:30 a.m. hasta 11 a.m. en West Harrison Branch. Desde infants hasta niños de 5 años. Es la hora del cuento en inglés y español. Diviértete leyendo y cantando con Señorita Bonnie y Señorita Mariella.
English for Japanese Speakers On Fridays from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Building. This class is for Japanese speakers learning English. Practical everyday conversational English is taught, and always tailored to the students’ needs. This class is taught by Julie Jacobs. Class is held once a week on Friday mornings and follows the Harrison school district calendar.
child ID card. 2017 resident IDs and pool passes are now available for purchase. Visit harrison-ny.gov/recreation for more information on programs and the Recreation Department.
Little League Little League registration is currently underway. Applications are available at all recreation centers and on the Harrison Recreation website, harrison-ny.gov/recreation.
Youth Flag Football League For children in grades K–6. This program is mostly focused on the fundamentals of the game. Players will learn the basics of football as well as practicing speed and agility drill. Teams will be formed and games begin during the third week of the program. The tentative spring season starts in April and will run on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. at LMK or Feeley Fields. Please contact Joe Gallace with any questions at 9248380 or harrisonyouthflagfootball@yahoo.com. Fee: $180; late fee will be $200 after March 11.
Manhattanville College
Conversational Spanish
School of Business Open House
On Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Harrison Branch. Do you want to learn or improve your Spanish skills? Learn to speak Spanish with these basic lessons with Mariella. ¡Aprende un nuevo idioma!
On Tuesday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Reid Castle. The Manhattanville College School of Business open house provides a great opportunity to learn about all the graduate, adult undergraduate, dual bachelor’s/master’s and professional program options. Meet with faculty, staff and hear first-hand from the student panel. All programs will be represented. Bring your family and colleagues for an inspirational evening of information. Give your career a boost this year by earning a new credential. To RSVP, visit mville.edu. Manhattanville College is located at 2900 Purchase St. in Purchase. For more information, visit mville.edu or call 323-5150.
Chloe’s Sign & Play On Fridays from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Building. Give your child the gift of language. Sign & Play is a fun class where families can learn to communicate with their pre-verbal children using real signs from American Sign Language. Based on the awardwinning Baby Signing Time series, this class will give parents a window into the hearts and minds of their little ones. Through fun songs, stories and games, parents and children will learn many useful signs for everyday communication.
Yoga with Angela On Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Building. For grades 2–5. Bring your own mat and water to this lovely, mind and body relaxing yoga experience with Harrison resident Angela Brandt, a registered and certified yoga instructor. This is an opportunity to create self-esteem, physical coordination, breath relaxation and strength.
Paint Like a Master: Georgia O’Keeffe On Saturday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Building. For adults. Celebrate Women’s History Month. Learn how to paint like a master artist. In honor of Women’s History Month, the featured artist is American modernist Georgia O’Keeffe. No registration. Limited to 15 participants—first come, first served.
Harrison Recreation Please be aware that parents must have a current 2017 ID card to register children for all programs. Please be prepared to show proof of residency with a current utility bill and driver’s license. A school report card or progress report is required for a
Jewish Community Center of Harrison Balancing Play and Technology On Thursday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m., the Jewish Community Center of Harrison will present Robbie Levy, a child development specialist with over 35 years’ experience, who will present practical solutions and guidelines for tackling the important issue of balancing play and technology. How much technology is too much? Every parent has to face this question, and it poses a big dilemma from babies to teens. But in early childhood, the balance is critical. When sensory input is not sufficient, it can have negative ramifications in many areas of development such as increased fidgeting, decreased attention span, diminished social and language skills, increased impulsivity and more. It is essential that children reclaim their early childhood by infusing sensory and motor activities into their daily lives. This program is free and open to the entire community. For more information, contact the Jewish Community Center of Harrison at 8352850 or visit jcch.org. 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.
March 17, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 5
Bill would strengthen DEC in wetlands protection By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer In an attempt to combat proposed changes in federal law that will weaken protection of wetlands nationwide, New York state officials have introduced legislation that would expand their authority in identifying and protecting wetland areas. State Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat, has proposed legislation to provide the Department of Environmental Conservation, DEC, with more regulatory authority over freshwater wetlands statewide. The act would amend the state’s current environmental conservation law, which established the DEC and authorizes its programs. The state agency is responsible for regulating the conservation, improvement and protection of New York’s natural resources and forest lands. The proposal would give the DEC the power over wetlands of 1 acre or more in size and others significant to local municipalities. As of press time, the environmental conservation
law only protects wetlands that are 12.4 acres or larger in size. “This legislation will allow New York to play a greater role in identifying wetland areas, an important part of watershed and habitats, and give state authorities the protection role that we anticipate the federal government is about to abdicate,” Latimer said. On March 1, President Donald Trump, a Republican, issued an executive order directing the federal Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review and rescind the 2015 Waters of the United States rule, a document that defines which rivers, streams, lakes and marshes fall under the jurisdiction of the two federal agencies. The EPA is responsible for protecting human health and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by the federal government. Following the executive order, EPA Administrator Scott
Pruitt, who was nominated by Trump as the head of the agency last December, said the new federal regulations would restore the states’ role in the regulation of water. As a result, several New York-based advocates have led the charge in criticizing the Trump administration for the impending environmental changes. “We’re less than two months into the Trump administration and it’s already clear that, to protect our waters, states have to lead,” said Liz Moran, the water and natural resources associate at Environmental Advocates of New York, an Albany-based organization that monitors state government and evaluates proposed environmental laws. “Wetlands are a natural filter for pollutants, and for many communities, the only natural barrier in times of flood.” Latimer’s bill, which is sponsored in the state Assembly by Steve Englebright, a Suffolk County Democrat and chairman of the Environmen-
State Sen. George Latimer has proposed legislation that would provide the state Department of Environmental Conservation more power in regulating freshwater wetlands statewide. Pictured is a small wetland area in the town/village of Harrison on Pilgrim Road that sustained an oil spill from an adjacent home in January. File photo
tal Conservation Committee, would also update the state’s wetlands maps, most of which are more than 20 years old and do not reflect how development has affected wetlands statewide.
Additionally, the proposed changes would provide further language for the protection and preservation of plant and animal species that are rare, endangered or vulnerable.
As of press time, the bill is awaiting approval by the Environmental Conservation Committee. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
6 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
Harrison REVIEW
THE
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7Sisters Project gives young women a voice
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By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter The 7Sisters Project hosted its third LIVE Summit, bringing women from around the Manhattanville College campus together to discuss problems they see in society and ways we can empower women. “Everyone is talking about female empowerment, but no one’s actually doing anything,” said Marilyn Fezza, co-founder and CEO of the 7Sisters Project. On March 2, the Berman Center Theater of the Purchase-area college was filled with students and alumnae eagerly waiting to discuss topics like gender inequality, sexism and racism. Music pumped through the
speakers playing female-empowering songs like “Run the World (Girls),” by Beyoncé and “Independent Women,” by Destiny’s Child. The open-forum style summit encouraged the audience to shout out their answers to questions prompted by Fezza. “I want to hear from girls from different parts of the country who have had different experiences and different things to contribute,” Fezza said. The 7Sisters Project, which was started in 2010 by Marilyn Fezza and her daughter, Marisa Fezza, co-founder and associate producer, was inspired when Marilyn Fezza realized that young women weren’t being exposed to important issues in the news, and instead were more concerned with celebrity culture. Marisa Fezza made this realization after filming a documentary in her broadcast journalism class about the way pop culture consumes young girls’ lives.
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Marilyn Fezza and Daniel Ryan discuss his work with the Covenant House International. Photo/Taylor Brown
The “7Sisters” in the name, Marilyn Fezza explained, is for the seven continents, which she hopes to reach with the project’s effort. Marilyn Fezza said that she wants to help create a sisterhood that “[takes] back the conversation from the media, [and] factions in society that are trying to oppress women.” As the event went on, women from the audience were encouraged to sit in one of the five seats in the front of the theater to discuss their own experiences on topics suggested by the audience. Chanda Pen Sar, senior class president at Manhattanville College, spoke on the women in leadership panel and discussed her own struggles with seeing herself in a position of power. Pen Sar told the audience how when she first came to the school, she had dreams of becoming the student body president, but instead ran for a lower position, senior class president. She explained that she realized women minimize their goals all the time. Daneil Chambers, a freshman at Manhattanville College, told the Review she was interested in speaking on the panel about oppression. Chambers said that she came to the event to hear other people’s opinions, and hopefully form new ideas based on the conversations around her. “I just want to make sure that the voices
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From left, Julia Furlipa, Marilyn Fezza, Opal Vadhan, Chanda Pen Sar and Fallon Kirby discuss women in leadership. Photos courtesy Judy Klym
Marilyn Fezza, co-founder and CEO of the 7Sisters Project, gives her LIVE Summit opening speech on the project and what it means to her.
of those people who are usually oppressed are heard,” she said. Each panel provided a chance for women to connect to one another. During a panel on diversity, where students were encouraged to share their family traditions and values, students found themselves being able to relate to one another’s upbringing. Beyond the student-based panel, there were also five guest speakers who were invited by Marilyn Fezza. This included Opal Vadhan, who was on the original 7Sisters Project panel seven years ago; Daniel Ryan, development manager at Covenant House International, a nonprofit that works with homeless youth, Lauren Frazza, a career coach; Susan Lachs, an advance practice registered nurse; and Helen Rothlein, senior vice president financial advisor at The Compass Group at Morgan Stanley. Each speaker brought something unique to the conversation. Vadhan discussed her work with the 7Sisters project, as well as her own upbringing. Vadhan is a first-generation IndianAmerican and said growing up she didn’t feel represented in the media, and had wanted to change the way she looked to match what she saw around her. Vadhan explained that the work that the 7Sisters Project does is important “because I believe that girls and women should have a space where they can talk about issues that are
important to them.” Lachs provided the audience with tips on how to live healthier, less stressed lives. This included things like getting more sleep and exercise. Rothlein discussed her own work on Wall Street and how important it is for young women to understand and control their own finances. “Women are a financial force to be reckoned with,” she said. Marilyn Fezza said that within the past few months, “the 7Sisters Project has taken on a whole new meaning, because we’re now the only voice we know of that is talking to young women, who are pre-adult, who are saying ‘you matter.’” When asked about plans for future LIVE Summits, Marilyn Fezza said she wants to get enough people on board to “help us build this so that we can create a nationwide and eventually [a] global tour.” Marilyn Fezza explained that this would include going to more local community centers and schools, and to help girls from around the world share their experiences and contribute new things to the conversation. “The 7Sisters movement is one where the collective, all of you here today, transform the narrative,” Marilyn Fezza told the audience. “You right here and right now are creating the world you think we should be living in.” CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
March 17, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 7
Rye Town Park settles contract with new restaurant
Dem Committee honors Lucille Held Lucille Held, one of the town/ village of Harrison’s Democratic stalwarts, was honored for her efforts in the community. On Sunday, March 12 at a brunch at the Harrison Tavern, Held was awarded with the Community Activist Award. She was presented with the award by the Harrison Democratic Committee and Frank Corvino, the committee chairman. Also on hand were state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat; state Assemblyman David Buchwald, a White Plains Democrat; as well as other highranking Democratic elected officials from throughout Westchester County. (Submitted)
The Rye Town Park Commission has solidified a deal with Homestyle Caterers to operate a restaurant named the Ocean Grill at the park in 2017. File photo
By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The Rye Town Park Commission has agreed to terms with its new food services operator, paving the way for the launch of the Ocean Grill restaurant. According to Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, the president of the park commission, the commission has accepted a deal from Homestyle Caterers to be paid $92,000 in rent for a steak, seafood and grill outlet in the old Seaside Johnnies restaurant space and a Nathan’s Famous fast food chain in the park’s concession areas for 2017. Homestyle Caterers, which has two Nathan’s franchises located at the Westchester County Center in White Plains and at the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Park in Yorktown Heights, has also agreed to pay the park commission 10 percent of all revenue generated that exceeds $750,000. John Ambrose and Sam Chernin, who owned and operated Seaside Johnnies, the park’s former beachfront restaurant that discontinued operations last year after a 17-year relationship, paid the commission $103,000 annually to operate their restaurant. “We are thrilled to have signed
a license agreement [and] we are excited to have them begin their work so they can open by the start of the season,” Zuckerman said. As part of the one-year agreement, the catering company will conduct more than $58,000 in capital improvements to the food spaces. Homestyle Caterers has been in business for more than 25 years in the food services industry. Currently, the company manages food services in a number of golf courses throughout Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties, including the Dunwoodie Golf Course in Yonkers, the Blue Hill Golf Course in Pearl River, and the Putnam National Golf Course in Mahopac. The catering company was recommended by Tracy Lawler from JGL Food Service Consultants, which has already begun planning an extensive search for a long-term licensee for Rye Town Park beginning in 2018, according to Zuckerman. According to Al Ciuffetelli, the president of Homestyle Caterers, he plans on submitting another offer to the park commission once it releases a formal request for proposals. “The only reason we did the short-term [deal] is to prepare for that,” he
said. “We’re hoping everyone gives us a chance and enjoys our food, which speaks for itself.” On Feb. 16, Homestyle Caterers, which has a net worth of $5 million annually, was selected as the next vendor to succeed Seaside Johnnies. The company was picked out of a pool of at least 11 candidates that submitted offers to operate one, some or all of the food facilities at the park. The owners of Walter’s Hot Dogs, of Mamaroneck; Longford’s Ice Cream, of Rye; and the Spillane’s Restaurant Group, which owns Molly Spillane’s in Mamaroneck and Mickey Spillane’s in Eastchester, were among those that submitted offers. Ciuffetelli said the company is planning to begin operations on May 1, and is also expecting a preopening party in April. Zuckerman said the park is expected to open for the season on or around April 15. Port Chester Mayor Dennis Pilla, a Democrat, and Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican, both members of the park commission, could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
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Lucille Held, a longtime Harrison resident and Democratic activist, was honored recently with a community activist award. Photo/David Buchwald
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8 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
Cleaning up after Stella HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
Given the storm we recently experienced, I would like to remind residents to check the town website for snow emergency updates. Six inches or more will allow for a snow emergency to be issued. Any snow emergency status will be listed on our town scroll. Please remember to put cars into driveways to help with street plowing efforts. In addition, please be mindful that when clearing driveways and walkways, shovelers must refrain from depositing snow into streets and neighboring driveways. It’s important to the entire Harrison community that we have clean neighborhoods and roadways. This year’s Harrison Spring Spruce Up Weekend will take place on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. If you see a location that might be in need of a little tidying up, please notify my office so I can assign volunteers to that area. This is a won-
derful opportunity for participating in a community service project, and demonstrates a concern for our town and our environment. Everyone’s assistance is needed, so please contact my office at 670-3009 if you can pitch in. I look forward to collaborating with community organizations and volunteers as we elevate our town’s appearance. The town/village of Harrison continues to grow and prosper. It was an honor to attend the grand opening of Westchester Therapy Solutions and welcome the clinic to our municipality. This multi-service provider recently expanded and moved to Harrison. The clinic, located at 450 Mamaroneck Ave., provides physical, occupational, speech, language and feeding services to children from birth through adolescence, and has been doing so in Westchester since 1990. I wish them all the best as they bring their advanced approach to health care to our community and I look forward to a long and lasting relationship. The Harrison Public Library
is offering a STEM program for students 10 years old and older. “Simply Scarves: Femininity in Flight” will take place Monday through Thursday, April 10 to April 13, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the library. Participants will learn about Amelia Earhart’s involvement with fashion in the 1930s, master basic machine sewing skills, and create scarves—one to keep and one for charity. Registration is required. It was great to celebrate with the Harrison seniors at their annual St. Patrick’s Day luncheon. It was an honor to be included, and I liked catching up with residents as we enjoyed a traditional boiled dinner of corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, carrots, Irish soda bread and sweets. The next Lunch with the Mayor is on Friday, March 24. I will be at Harrison Pizza, located at 248 Halstead Ave. in Harrison. I will be at this location from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.
County police still short-staffed despite new hires
On March 13, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety will add five new officers to its ranks, but union officials are worried it will not be enough for the department’s needs. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Westchester County police are set to add five officers, but it won’t be enough to meet the needs of the department, according to the union president. This year’s $1.8 billion county budget calls for funding for 292 police officers in the Department of Public Safety, but the department will still be 10 positions short of their budgeted staff size even with the addition of five new officers. The news comes with added significance, as County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, originally agreed to increase funding for hiring more officers during budget negotiations in December. Despite that agreement, there is currently no indication whether or not there will be any immediate action to hire more officers in the near future. And, as a result, Astorino’s political opponents have used the opportunity to criticize his leadership. “Spots for county police are not budgeted as a suggestion,” said county Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat who is hoping to receive the Democratic nod in the upcoming county executive race. “Five new of-
ficers [are] far from what Westchester needs.” The new officers, who come from the Mamaroneck, North Castle, Scarsdale and Mount Vernon police departments, are expected to begin on March 13. But, according to Micahel Hagan, the president of the county Police Benevolent Association, PBA, the additional positions will not fill the needs of the department, which has seen a number of departures in recent months. “I think this shows a complete lack of commitment to the department,” he said. “During the budget process, the department commissioner requested 292 police officers in order to complete our core mission, and the county executive agreed and funded that. Now they’re saying we’re fine running short. It’s very disingenuous.” The union president, who told the Review that 10 officers retire on average each year, said that four police officers retired in January, and the department is expecting more to come soon. “Several officers are already in the process of retiring,” Hagan said. “It’s very possible that some of them will be gone before the [new] officers are even trained, and then we’ll be stuck in the same void as we’re
in now.” Hagan also said the lack of staffing is likely to affect how the department will patrol county-owned parks, which currently have no oversight. He added that officers will patrol parks in the summer months as usual, but it’s probable that there will be less patrols and less hours during the day dedicated to that task. Westchester County police are responsible for watching over county-owned parks, local parkways, key county facilities such as the Westchester County Airport in Harrison, and the county office building in White Plains. The department is also known for aiding local municipal police departments. Last November, there weren’t any county police officers patrolling the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation when a female jogger was attacked by an unidentified man. As of press time, there have been no arrests related to that case. County Legislator David Gelfarb, a Rye Brook Republican, and Phil Oliva, the chief of staff for the county administration, could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
March 17, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 9
Armed robbery suspect arrested at Trotta’s Metro-North OKs $7.8M security camera contract The Harrison Police Department arrested a suspect in an armed robbery at Trotta’s Pharmacy on Halstead Avenue on March 12. Police were called around 8:30 a.m. to the scene where a man had allegedly revealed a handgun before taking off with 1,600 prescription pills. Following the robbery, Harrison police took Christopher Johnson, 28, of Queens, into custody at a residence at 407 Carroll Ave. in Mamaroneck. During the arrest, officers managed to recover the weapon used in the incident. Police said there were no in-
The Harrison Police Department arrested a 28-year-old Queens native in an armed robbery at Trotta’s Pharmacy on Halstead Avenue. Photo/Harrison PD
juries sustained. Johnson has been charged with second-degree robbery, a
felony. As of press time, Johnson is being held at Westchester County Jail in Valhalla; he was unable to post cash bail, which has been set $10,000. Johnson’s bond has been set at $25,000. He is due to reappear in Harrison Town Court on Tuesday, March 21. A representative from Trotta’s declined to comment on the matter because of the “ongoing investigation.” There is currently no more additional information regarding the case, as of press time. -Reporting by Franco Fino and Taylor Brown
Bee-Line fare, service changes Effective Sunday, March 19 at 12:01 a.m., the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, MTA, fare increase for the New York City Transit System will go in effect for all Bee-Line bus routes except the BxM4C WestchesterManhattan Express. The BeeLine buses use the MTA’s MetroCard system. However, the $58 fee for monthly student MetroCards will not be increased by Westchester County. The new fares are as follows: • The 30-day unlimited-ride MetroCard (useable on BeeLine buses and New York City buses and subways) will increase to $121 from the current $116.50. For seniors and the disabled, the 30-day unlimited-ride
Reduced-Fare MetroCard will cost $60.50, up from $58.25. • The seven-day unlimitedride cards will increase to $32, from $31. For seniors and the disabled, the fare will increase to $16, up from $15.50. • Single-ride bus fares will stay the same at $2.75. For seniors and the disabled with proper IDs, single-ride fares will also stay the same at $1.35. • A bonus discount will be available on pay-per-ride MetroCards with a value of at least $5.50. The amount of the discount will decrease from 11 percent to 5 percent. • The fare for the Bee-Line Route BxM4C, the Westchester-Manhattan Express, will not change.
Westchester County will be adjusting service on five BeeLine bus routes to meet ridership demand and improve system performance, as part of its ongoing efforts to provide reliable service that meets the needs of its customers. Beginning Monday, March 20, 2017, service changes will go into effect on the following Bee-Line bus routes: 2, 4, 20, 60, and BxM4C. For more information on fares and new bus schedules, visit westchestergov.com/beelinebus or call the Bee-Line at 813-7777, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Automated information is available 24 hours a day. (Submitted)
Last month, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved a $7.8 million project to equip 334 of Metro-North’s trains with on-board cameras to improve safety and security. File photo
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, MTA, board has given the nod of approval on a $7.8 million project to outfit trains on the Metro-North Hudson and Harlem lines with onboard cameras to improve security and safety. The on-board cameras will monitor the engineer’s control area, the track and wayside areas, and passenger areas to aid in investigations and deter crime, according to MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan. On Feb. 23, the contract was awarded to Bombardier Transportation Inc., a Canadian company, to outfit 334 of MTA’s M-7 railcars. The Metro-North has a total of 1,256 pieces of rolling stock, engines and passenger cars, which need the security cameras. As of press time, the MTA has not yet approved spending for the
rest of Metro-North’s fleet. The project’s approval was made by the MTA to help MetroNorth comply with recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB, which were made following a deadly derailment in the Bronx that left four dead and 61 injured. In 2013, William Rockefeller, the engineer of the Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line passenger train, fell asleep while controlling the vehicle. The Hudson Line passenger train derailed near the Spuyten Duyvil station in the Bronx, causing $9 million in damages. It was the first accident in Metro-North history with passenger fatalities. The Metro-North began testing the security cameras on some of its Harlem and Hudson line trains last year, after announcing its plans to install the cameras in
February 2014, just months after the deadly derailment in New York City. In 2014, the NTSB released a final report that concluded that the incident could have been prevented, and was caused primarily by Rockefeller’s negligence. The engineer, who is currently receiving a $3,200-a-month disability pension, was later diagnosed with a sleep disorder. Last year, Rockefeller filed a $10 million lawsuit against the Metro-North, blaming the railroad for not equipping the train with an automatic braking system. The Spuyten Duyvil train crash was followed by an even deadlier Metro-North crash in Valhalla. In 2015, six individuals were killed as a result of the Harlem Line train’s collision with an SUV. -Reporting by Franco Fino
Harrison Central School District’s
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10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
11 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
Arts in the area
Sponsored by
The Review in collaboration with ArtsWestchester offers our readers a rundown of art-related events throughout Westchester County. You will be able to find our Arts in the Area page featured in our newspapers once a month.
50 artists record acts of love For more than a century, photography has given viewers a fresh perspective of the subjects and themes captured by its lens. From March 19 through June 25, Katonah Museum of Art will delve into one of photography’s most common themes—love. “Picturing Love: Photography’s Pursuit of Intimacy” looks at the central role that photography has played in the documentation of private life. The exhibition, which will be divided into sections such as “kissing,” “holding” and “mothering,” will represent the ways in which its 50 exhibiting artists record acts of love—whether through familial affection or romantic engagements. Facilitated by this theme is also an exploration of how changes in photographic technology, and in social norms, affect how love looks today. For instance, in contrast to our ability to instantly record and distribute our sentiments in today’s society, posed 19th century photographs added an element of formality. Activities related to the exhibition, such as building a pinhole camera and designing a scrapbook, are planned for children and families throughout the run of the show. A discussion with art dealers about the photography market will also take place on March 23. For more information, visit katonahmuseum.org.
for the stage and to bring new live theater to Westchester audiences, aims to amp up its commitment to the community. Now in its seventh year, the company is moving into a home of its own, at 23 Water St. in Ossining, and is dedicated to turning the location into a cultural home for area artists. “We hope that it will play into the revitalization of Ossining and will become a space for the whole community,” says WCT Executive Director Alan Lutwin, who plans to partner with local businesses, artists and organizations. The space provides new possibilities for set design and lighting; will allow the opportunity for WCT to offer classes and small-scale musical productions; and will also act as an intimate performing arts space. The new space’s inaugural production will be “Lot’s Wife,” on show through March 25. The play, written by WCT member Albi Gorn, is a modern response to the biblical story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Taking place during biblical times, the play tells the story of Lot’s wife in a way that relates to a 20th century audience: using contemporary dialogue and universal themes of family and survival. The play was developed through WCT’s successful “lab approach,” which allows for new works to be nurtured through a process of readings, critiques, rewrites and, when the work is ready, a live production. Talkbacks with playwrights and cast members will take place after performances on March 25. For more information, visit wctheater.org. -Mary Alice Franklin
-Mary Alice Franklin
WCT moves into new space, announces March production
M&M Performing Arts Company brings mystery to Lyndhurst Mansion
Westchester Collaborative Theater, WCT, whose mission is to develop new theatrical works
Beginning March 16, M&M Performing Arts Company Inc. will bring Agatha Christie’s murder
mystery play “Mousetrap” to Lyndhurst Mansion. “Mousetrap,” the longest running play in London’s West End, follows an eclectic group of strangers who are stranded in a remote mansion during a terrible snowstorm. Sgt. Trotter arrives to investigate a recent murder that appears to be connected to someone in the mansion. The mystery will keep audiences guessing who among the suspicious guests is the murderer—all before a twist ending that turns the traditional “whodunit” formula of murder mysteries on its head. The cast includes Jonathan Kruk, Michael Muldoon, Frank Panzer, Jim Petrillo, Karen Quinn-Panzer, Andrea Sadler, and Gregg Shults, and is directed by Melinda O’Brien. Performances will run through April 2 and take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. Matinees run on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. For more information, visit lyndhurst.org.
later be glazed and fired and will be ready for pickup approximately two weeks after the class. The intimate class setting lends itself to a date night or an outing with a small group of friends. These workshops take place every Friday night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the center’s studio in Port Chester. For more information, visit clayartcenter.org. -Mary Alice Franklin
-Rocío De La Roca
Join the conversation about #WhyTheArtsMatter
‘Cladies Night’: Learning to create pottery in one evening Adult men and women who are looking to spend an upcoming Friday night exploring their artistic side will be at home at Clay Art Center’s “Cladies Night” workshops. Participants will get their creative juices flowing as they learn to use the potter’s wheel with the help of an award-winning ceramic artist. The B.Y.O.B (bring your own bottle) event is a one-night class during which students will create two clay pieces—a bowl, mug, plate or whatever else they choose. The works will
The arts matter; however, as the discussion about arts funding heats up nationally, ArtsWestchester aims to nurture a conversation among Westchester communities about why the arts matter. The organization encourages community members to join this conversation, and express how the arts have affected their lives, by participating in its #WhyTheArtsMatter social media hashtag campaign. Participants can post on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by including @ArtsWestchester, the #WhyTheArtsMatter hashtag, and their response.
These articles first appeared in the Feburary 2017 issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy of the full issue is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
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March 17, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13
Hard times for Playboy RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
Playboy magazine used to be the illicit thrill that men of all ages hid in their sock drawers. Now it’s more like the socks. Even though the magazine recently decided to add naked ladies back into the mix (no nudes was apparently bad nudes), it’s still hard to get excited by Playboy anymore. But to give props where props are due: It’s also hard to imagine we would ever be as blasé as we are today about sex, and even women’s lib, if it weren’t for Hugh Hefner and his crazy 1953 creation. Hef was a frustrated cartoonist at the time, working in the Esquire subscription department. When his request for a $5-aweek raise got turned down, he decided to strike out on his own. Somehow he pulled together $10,000 and prepared to launch a racy new magazine: Stag. Fortunately for him, the name “Stag” was already taken. So instead he called it Playboy. The first edition featured a centerfold (a word we wouldn’t even have without Hef!) dubbed, “Sweetheart of the Month.” By the very next issue, the centerfold was rechristened “Playmate.” And as author Julie Keller has mused, “There is a vast ideological gap between the words.” There sure is. “Sweetheart” harkened back to courtship. But a playmate is someone you play with. It’s fun, but it’s not forever. Thus began the smashing of taboos. The genius of Playboy was not that it published naked young flesh. You could buy dirty pictures even then. As Time Magazine noted in a cover story on Hefner at the height of
his career—1972, when Playboy was selling 7 million copies a month—“He took the oldfashioned, shame-thumbed girlie magazine, stripped off the plain wrapper, added gloss, class and culture.” And how! As its subscriber base grew, so did Playboy’s reputation as a purveyor of taste, showcasing some of the best writers around. So, yes, obligatory joke here: You really could read Playboy just for the articles. Then again, you could read The New York Review of Books for the same thing. Did you? Enough said. The lofty writing not only provided gentlemen with an excuse for their subscriptions, it helped change the entire perception of non-marital sex, from dark, dirty doings with prostitutes to a sophisticated pastime men pursued with willing women of their own class. This, of course, required willing women. And that required a revolution. Hefner himself has said he was a feminist before it was cool. Exactly how feminist remains one for the gender studies classes. Sure he “objectified” women’s bodies. But he also supported birth control (he had to), pre-marital sex (ditto), and sexual pleasure for both partners (why not?). Ironically, one thing he did not seem to believe in was actual, earthy sexiness. Peter Bloch, a former editor at Penthouse, recalls being disappointed by his Playboy subscription every month. “The girls were very cute, but they were Photoshopped and in weird poses. Any woman I saw walking down the street seemed more sexy.” It’s possible that’s because Hefner wasn’t really selling sex. He was selling a lifestyle. The women were simply part of a modern man’s lair, along with a wet bar and hi-fi. That’s why
Hef made sure all the advertising was aspirational. Howard Lederer, the magazine’s ad director, told Time in 1972: “We don’t want a reader to suddenly come on an ad that says he has bad breath.” Martin Pazzani was brand manager at Smirnoff Vodka back in Playboy’s heyday. “We spent tens of millions” on Playboy ads, he recalls. Today, he is CEO of a premium tequila, Tears of Llorona, and he does not advertise in Playboy—or any magazine. That’s part one of the one-two punch that knocked the wind out of Playboy. “The Internet was a problem for just about every existing media enterprise,” says Nat Ives, executive director of Advertising Age. But of course the Internet provided more than just a new ad medium. It provided more porn than all the Playmates of all time. “Playboy changed the landscape, and then vice versa,” pop culture historian Robert Thompson sums it up. Today the bunny logo, once so titillating, looks like something from a ‘70s time capsule. But because it is still one of the most recognizable brands on earth, publicist Richard Laermer came up with a great idea for it: Open a Playboy Museum. Do it in Vegas. Showcase the man, the mansion, the magazine. Trace their trajectory across the times they changed. Fill the gift shop with Playboy overstock— mugs, sunglasses, keychains. And in the cafe, serving Heffacino? Bunnies! Male, female, and gender fluid, wiggling their tails. Just like that, Playboy goes from creaky to cheeky again, and is celebrated for its amazing place in American history. Not just its place in the sock drawer. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
March is Nutrition Month: Build healthy habits In honor of National Nutrition Month in March, the American Heart Association, AHA, wants to remind families of the many tools available to build healthy lifestyle habits. Through the AHA’s Healthy For Good initiative, individuals can use online tools to choose heart-healthy recipes, build grocery lists, and learn tips on choosing the foods that pack the most nutrition, and how to avoid those that don’t. According to studies funded by the AHA, 37 percent of Americans think they are in optimal health, but less than 1 percent actually are. The AHA created Healthy For Good to educate and motivate Americans to eat healthier and get active. A healthy diet and lifestyle are your most powerful weapons when fighting the risk factors of heart disease, according to the AHA. Eating smarter, adding more healthy foods like colorful vegetables and fruits, and moving more can mean you’re on the path to living well. Here are some nutrition and healthy lifestyle tips from the AHA: 1. First, use up at least as many calories as you take in. Start by knowing how many calories you should be eating and drinking to maintain your weight. Go to heart.org/myfatstranslator to calculate the number of calories you need to maintain your weight. Increase the amount and intensity of your physical activity to match the number of calories you take in. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. Regular physical activity can help you maintain your weight, keep off weight that you lose, and help you
reach physical and cardiovascular fitness. 2. Next, eat a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups. You may be eating plenty of food, but your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to be healthy. Nutrient-rich foods have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients, but are lower in calories. To get the nutrients you need, choose foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grain products and fat-free or low-fat dairy products most often. Unrefined whole grain foods contain fiber that can help lower your blood cholesterol and help you feel full, which may help you manage your weight. Eat fish at least twice a week. Recent research shows that eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (for example, salmon, trout, and herring) may help lower your risk of death from coronary artery disease. Pack up your fruits and veggies on the weekend to make sure you have healthier snacks all week long. Cut up celery, peppers, broccoli and carrots to enjoy as a crunchy snack with fat-free ranch dressing. Round up your favorite fruits and leave them in a bowl on the refrigerator shelf so they’re ready to grab when you’re making your lunch. Top sandwiches with lots of veggies like lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts, red peppers or avocado slices. Make veggies the star of the plate, and meat and whole grain carbs the supporting actors. 3. Eat less of the nutrientpoor foods. The right number of calories to eat each day is based on your age and physical activity level and whether you’re trying to gain, lose or maintain your weight. You could use your daily
allotment of calories on a few high-calorie foods and beverages, but you probably wouldn’t get the nutrients your body needs to be healthy. Limit foods and beverages high in calories but low in nutrients, and limit saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium. Read labels carefully—the “Nutrition Facts” panel will tell you how much of those nutrients each food or beverage contains. Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat. Select fat-free, 1 percent fat and low-fat dairy products. Swapping out high-fat sour cream for fat-free Greek yogurt is a great way to cut fat without cutting taste. Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet, including storebought baked goods and crackers. Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day. Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars. Aim to eat less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt, and use lowsodium versions of canned goods, and choose the healthy versions of frozen prepared meals that say “low-sodium.” If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means one drink per day if you’re a woman and two drinks per day if you’re a man. Follow the American Heart Association recommendations when you eat out, and keep an eye on your portion sizes. For more information on healthy lifestyle habits, visit heart.org/ gettinghealthy. (Submitted)
LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO BIDDERS HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: RFB # 16/17-29 Commercial Mower will be received until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2017 at the Business Office of the Harrison Central School District, located at 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528; (914) 630-3011. All bids will be publicly opened and read at said time and place. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www.bidnetdirect.com/new-york or from the district Business Office beginning Thursday, March 16, 2017. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered bid holders and posted to www.bidnetdirect.com/new-york. Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes bearing the name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to: PURCHASING AGENT, HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT and clearly marked on the outside with the bid opening date and “ RFB # 16/17-29: Commercial Mower”. The Harrison Central School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if bid number and opening date do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to the date and time indicated are invalid. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail, or in the handling of the mail by employees of the Harrison Central School District, as well as improper hand delivery. The Harrison Central School District reserves the right to waive any informalities in the bids, or to reject all bids, or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the Board will be to their best interest. By order of the Board of Education Gene George Purchasing Agent Dated: March 16, 2017
SPORTS
14 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
A different kind of bracket Round of 64
LIVE MIKE Mike Smith 1
Round of 32
Round of 16
Round of 8
Nat. Semis
Championship
Nat. Semis
Round of 8
Round of 16
Villanova
16 NCCENT/UCD
Kansas
Wisconsin Wisconsin
9
Virginia Tech
5
Virginia
Abed's Uncontrollable Bracket Florida
Iowa St. 4
13 Vermont
EAST
SMU
Duke
Oregon
MIDWEST
SMU Prov/USC
3
Baylor
Oregon
Duke
South Carolina
7
10 Oklahoma
Duke
2
Duke
15 Jacksonville
Duke
Gonzaga
1
Gonzaga
16 Texas
Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt
Notre Dame Notre Dame
4
West Virginia
3
Florida St.
13 Winthrop
WEST
N. Carolina
SOUTH
67
Gulf Coast Arizona
-
Kansas St.
3
UCLA
UCLA
64
14 Kent
St.
Cincinnati
Final Score
St. Mary's
7
St. Mary's
Dayton
Wichita St.
10 VCU
10 Wichita
Arizona
St.
Kentucky
Arizona
2
Arizona 15 North
Cincinnati
11
Cincinnati
Tie Breaker
Florida St.
2
6
Cincinnati Florida St.
7
Tenn. St.
Butler
Butler Arizona
Xavier
14 Fla
Minnesota
Butler
13 Bucknell
Xavier
Seton Hall
5
12 Middle
West Virginia
11
9
Minnesota
12 Princeton
Maryland
Arkansas
N. Carolina
Notre Dame
6
8
Seton Hall N. Carolina
Notre Dame
4
Southern
N. Carolina
Vanderbilt
5
St.
N. Carolina
N. Carolina
Champion
Dakota St.
9
Louisville
Louisville
15 Troy
Northwestern
St.
Louisville
Duke
8
Michigan
Michigan
10 Marquette
16 S.
Oregon
14 Iona
Duke
1
Rhode Island
3
Oregon
Mex. St.
Marquette
2
Creighton
11
Oregon
Baylor
7
6
Rhode Island SMU
14 N.
Purdue
Purdue
Tennessee St.
11
Iowa St.
12 Nevada
Florida
6
Michigan St.
5
Iowa St.
Wilmington
Florida
13 E.
Miami (FL)
9
Kansas
N.C. Wilmington
4
8
Miami (FL) Villanova
12 N.C.
Kansas
Kansas
St. Mary's Villanova
8
Round of 64
1
Villanova 16 Mount
Anyone who knows me can tell you that I love a good sports wager. I mean, I don’t always pay up—I still haven’t performed stand-up at an open mic night after the Red Sox’s disastrous 2015 season—but simply having a little extra skin in the game makes watching sports more enjoyable for a lot of people, myself included. Which is why the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, which kicked off on March 16, is appointment viewing for so many sports fans. With the number of office pools and online brackets available to fill out, even people with no interest in college basketball have some reason to pay attention; namely, money. But recently, I became involved in a March Madness pool that is, well, a little bit different. In addition to taking part in our annual inter-office competition, not to mention the Review Championship Bracket which will be gracing the pages of our Rye paper in the coming weeks, I have also been entered into an NCAA tourney challenge started by a friend of a friend known simply as The Mystery Prize Extravaganza. The ultimate prize, as you may have guessed, isn’t cold, hard cash, but a mystery prize. Here’s how it works: it costs $20 to enter, but instead of pooling the money and paying out to the top finishers, contestants are also asked to submit a potential gift in the amount of the final pot. The bracket winner
Round of 32
Kentucky
Kentucky
Dakota
15 North.
Kentucky
Sports Editor Mike Smith is looking forward to seeing how his brackets do during this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament. But this year, his prize may be something of a surprise. Photo courtesy Yahoo
then gets a randomly selected prize from the list. Past payouts have included a personalized goldplated razor, a vintage Street Fighter II arcade cabinet, an above-ground swimming pool and, my personal favorite, a “Point Break”-themed oil painting depicting the iconic
characters played by Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze in said film. With roughly 40 brackets entered as of press time, the budget is at $800 and still rising, meaning that the sky is truly the limit when it comes to picking the most insane, imaginative prizes. People
have already thrown out ideas such as weekend getaways to Vermont, state-ofthe art karaoke machines, and monthly meat deliveries from Kansas City Steaks. I’m not sure I could use everything that has been proposed, or if some of the prizes would even fit in my apartment,
but that’s just part of the allure of the whole competition. So I, for one, am extremely pumped for this year’s tournament. Sure, I’m going to be rooting for my Villanova Wildcats to repeat as NCAA champs, but even if they get bounced in the Sweet 16, I know I’m going to have a reason to
keep tuning in. But if I win, I just hope I don’t get the above-ground pool. Otherwise, I’d better hope there’s enough cash left over for some swimming lessons.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
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SPORTS
Pitch count rules in place
Rye’s George Kirby throws a pitch against Eastchester in 2016. This year, the NYSPHSAA has instituted pitch counts and mandatory rest days for high school pitchers. Photo/Mike Smith
By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor As local baseball teams officially kicked off their first day of spring practice on March 13, high school coaches around the section began the annual process of team building and player evaluation that has become synonymous with their job. But this year, coaches will have an added responsibility as they look to run their squads in accordance with new pitch count rules handed down by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, NYSPHSAA. In January, the NYSPHSAA announced plans to institute pitch limits and mandated rest days for high school hurlers that will go into effect this spring. The rules set forth under the new guidelines are aimed at preventing arm injuries among the state’s developing ballplayers and are part of a nationwide effort to protect pitchers. Only two states—Connecticut and Massachusetts—do not currently have usage rules on the books. Under the newly adopted rules, varsity hurlers can now throw a maximum of 105 pitches in a regular season contest, and those who throw between 96 and 105 must have four nights of rest before taking the mound again. Pitchers who throw between 66 and 95 are entitled to three days off; 31-65 entitles pitchers to two days off; and players who throw between one and 30 pitchers are eligible to pitch the following day.
Those pitch counts will increase for the playoffs, as pitchers will be allowed to throw up to 125 pitches in the postseason. Any team found to be in violation of the new rules will be handed a forfeit loss. For some programs, the new rules are simply affirmations of previous coaching policies and shouldn’t affect much in the day-to-day running of the team. Mamaroneck head coach Mike Chiapparelli, whose Class AA Tigers have become one of the flagship ballclubs of Section I, said that tracking pitch counts has been a part of his philosophy for years. Chiapparelli also points out that the wording of the rule—specifically its mention of “rest nights”—means that coaches will only have to keep pitchers out of action for three days if they reach the 105 pitch mark.
March 17, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15 “I don’t think it’s really going to change anything for us; we always tried to keep the kids under 100 anyway, and we generally have three or four pitchers,” he said. “We’ve kept pitch counts for the last 15 years, and unless it’s a special circumstance, we don’t bring pitchers back on three-day’s rest.” Smaller schools, however, may be forced to work in the preseason to bolster the pitching staff by taking a look at position players on the mound. Jerry DeFabbia, the thirdyear head coach of Class C contender Tuckahoe, said that he made it clear to his team on the first day of the preseason that even those players without a wealth of experience on the mound would be asked to pitch in this year. “We made it a point of emphasis to let them know that we would have a lot of different guys throwing bullpens before the start of the season,” DeFabbia said. “Even if it just means coming in for small bites, getting three outs, it is going to be all hands on deck for us.” According to Chiapparelli, the new rule is most likely to affect teams that have historically relied on the performance of two pitchers and are used to setting their schedule up in such a way as to minimize the need for additional starters. Because area teams are starting their season one week later than most of the other sections in the state, teams will be forced to play condensed schedules, which could necessitate the development of new pitchers. “What’s going to happen this year is basically that Section I has 43 days to play 20 games,” he said. “So teams that have generally scheduled two games a week and relied on two pitchers, they’re going to be in trouble.”
2017 NYSPHSAA VARSITY PITCH COUNT RULES NUMBER OF PITCHES
NIGHTS OF REST REQUIRED
96-105 66-95 31-56 1-30
4 3 2 1
ADDITIONAL NOTES: • Pitchers can throw a maximum of 105 pitches in a regular season game • First night of rest begins the evening of a scheduled game • Pitch counts increase to a maximum of 125 during playoffs
Harrison coach Marco DiRuocco, whose Huskies will contend with a stretch that will see them play four games in five days from April 28 to May 2, agreed that pitching depth will be increasingly important this year, even if he doesn’t know how much of an effect that the new rule will have on his lineups. “Anytime there’s a change like this, you have to adapt and adjust,” he said. “And we play a lot of games in a small amount of time, so you have to imagine that having capable relievers is going to be extremely important.” With additional rules being placed on players on the modified and JV levels, DiRuocco said the result could be added pitching depth across the section in the coming years. “If you look at it in a positive way, you’re going to need more pitchers down on the lower levels,” he said. “So you’re going to be having more guys who are throwing from the mound on modified, freshman and JV, and that means more pitchers are going to be developed.” As far as the short-term effects go, he added, pitchers will be expected to work more economically and throw fewer pitches than in years past. “Guys are going to need to be sharp, have clean innings, and practice good mechanics,” DiRuocco said. ”It’s all going to come down to having good fundamentals and being efficient on the mound.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
16 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
INSIDE
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Harrison REVIEW THE
Lifestyles of Westchester County/MARCH 2017 VOL.6 NO.2
INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY
March 17, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 11 | www.harrisonreview.com
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
March 17, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 8 | www.cityreviewnr.com
CAMPS
SUMMER PROGRAMS
LMCTV offers teen filmmaking workshops
Summer activities at Beth El Day Camp
Future Stars and their specialty camps
College Racquet for all levels
18 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
Techniques to help a child learn to swim Teaching a child to swim can enable he or she to enjoy a life filled with fun in and around the water. It is also one of the ways to prevent water-related injuries or death. Water safety is nothing to take lightly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that in 2007 there were 3,443 fatal unintentional drownings in the United States, averaging 10 deaths per day. An additional 496 people died from drowning and other causes in boating-related incidents. Also, more than one in five fatal drowning victims are children ages 14 and younger. Although teaching a child to swim does not negate the necessity to carefully watch young children whenever they are around water, it does offer a measure of safety. A boy or girl who knows how to swim may be able to prevent an injury or get out of harm’s way better than one who is floundering in the water. In fact, the CDC
recommends it as one method of preventing water-related injuries. Teaching kids to swim requires some patience and general knowledge of swimming techniques. Parents or caregivers unsure about their teaching abilities can enroll their children in swimming courses offered in their towns and cities. Adults choosing to teach swimming on their own can try these techniques. 1. Start with teaching the child to blow bubbles out of his mouth and nose. This teaches the youngster how to prevent water from being inhaled. With only his or her mouth and nose under the water, the child can blow out and create bubbles. Once this technique is mastered, he or she may be less frightened about water going up the nose. 2. Have the child hold onto the side of the pool or a floata-
tion device if out on a lake or in the ocean. The child should extend his or her legs outward and practice floating and kicking. Begin by kicking any which way, eventually evolving to a control kick once he or she is more comfortable. 3. The next step is to practice a few strokes. A breast stroke may offer more propulsion and buoyancy than a simple doggy paddle. Have the child stand in the water and practice pushing water out of the way in the desired stroke. Then he or she can practice doing it while floating with an adult providing some added support under the belly. With time he can learn to float and stroke at the same time. 4. Once the separate elements are mastered, it’s time to put them all together. He can choose to simply launch off of the pool bottom or kick off of the side. It’s important to stress that the kicking motion is like
the accelerator of the car; it will keep him moving and also keep him afloat. Swim strokes will simply steer him and provide propulsion assistance. Knowing that each motion has its own importance will help the child remember that all are needed to swim and stay afloat. Once the child has become comfortable swimming above the water, he or she may eventually want to learn to swim below the water, which many people find to be less tiresome and allows one to cover more ground faster. Swimming underwater employs the same techniques as above, but the child will need to be comfortable holding his or her breath for a long period of time. This can be practiced standing in the water and dunking the face or body (with supervision nearby) underwater. Don’t encourage kids to hold their nose because both hands will be needed to swim underwater. After the child has grown accustomed to holding his her breath stationary, he or she can try doing it underwater and swimming. Reprinted from ACAcamps. org by permission of the American Camp Association.
March 17, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 19
Destination Science: The fun science day camp Destination Science is designed to excite kids ages 5 to 11 about science and to build great life skills in campers. Weekly themes combine science and engineering with unique projects, outdoor games, problem solving and many great take-homes. The day camp’s top notch, enthusiastic educators and leaders make STEM learn-
ing an adventure! 2017 Themes Robotic Mystery Camp: Robots rule! Build your own Rescue Bot to save EG and the power crystal. Become a forensic science detective and solve the MicroBot mystery. Engineer with magnetic benders, a super sound amplifier, an electronic catapult game, and construct
your own working VR goggles. Journey into Space & Movie Making Camp: Build your own motorized Mars Rover, use solar power to collect Martian samples, and join the Mars rover race. Explore the moon telescopically, golf to our inner and outer planets, dig into earth science, and prepare for the solar eclipse. Produce your own “Out of this World” stop motion movie. Crazy Contraption & Demolition Camp: Enter the Contraption - Demolition Think Tank to create and build electronic contraptions that spin and race. Engineer space forts and pods to withstand meteorite impacts, high winds and to sustain life in space. Explore Newton’s Laws, forces of flight, game inventing and more. Coaster Science & Mad Chemistry Camp: Create a wacky wall coaster and three mini electronic rides to take home. Burst into the world of chemistry with the Destination Science mad lab complete with
experiments that will blow your mind. Race your way into physics with the all new race car catapulting speedway. Locations: Larchmont - Larchmont Temple, 75 Larchmont Ave. Mount Kisco - The Saw
Mill Club, 77 Kensico Drive New Rochelle - The College of New Rochelle, 29 Castle Place Scarsdale - Scarsdale Congregational Church, UCC, 1 Heathcote Road Tarrytown - Temple Beth
Abraham, 25 Leroy Ave. White Plains - The Presbyterian Church, 39 N. Broadway Early Bird Savings: Save $30 per week; ends March 31. For more information, call 888909-2822 or visit destinationscience.org. (Submitted)
20 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
A summer camp challenge Nearly 25 years ago, an energetic little boy found the camp of his dreams—a camp where you could develop friendships, learn a sport, develop your mind through creative games and interactions, and see the world around you in a new light. Twenty-five years ago, that little boy was I, Steven H. Schlitten, and that magical camp was the Summer Challenge Camp at Thornton-Donovan School in New Rochelle. While that boy might have changed into an adult, the camp has remained and still thrills each new camper as it has for the past 40 summers. Located on the 6-acre Thornton-Donovan campus, the Summer Challenge Camp offers two distinct camp programs along with an additional academic enrichment program. Campers ages 3 to 7 are members of the Play School program, while ages 8 to 14 are athletes in the Sports Fitness program. Campers ages 3 to 7 have the opportunity to participate in daily arts and crafts, athletics, dance, karate, music, free play, swim instruction, and free swim. Every week, special activities are provided to the campers including pirate treasure hunts, pajama days, crazy hat days, petting zoos, and themed science programs. Groups are kept small, with roughly 12 to 14 campers per group with two supervising counselors. The staff is all welltrained and are either current elementary school teachers or college students majoring in education. All staff members undergo a through background check and training. The Sports Fitness program focuses on developing sportsspecific skills while still allowing
campers time to participate in activities, such as arts and crafts, bowling, and treasure hunts. The sports covered by the Sports Fitness program include soccer, tennis, basketball, football, volleyball, golf, street hockey, and swimming. Counselors overseeing each athletic station and instructing skill development are all current or former athletes in that specific sport. As a father of a little girl, I appreciate that the camp also offers door-to-door busing and daily lunches that are included in the enrollment price. Even more important than busing, food service, athletics, and fun is the fact that parents can have peace of mind while their children are at camp. Parents can rest assured knowing that their children are in a safe environment and being supervised by adult counselors, who have backgrounds in education. In fact, this is the opposite of the current trend in Westchester, where camps are populated predominantly with
counselors-in-training and other extremely young, inexperienced counselors. The summer at ThorntonDonovan concludes with a beautiful award ceremony highlighting every camper’s achievements. Awards, certificates, and trophies are handed out with the grand finale centering around the Camper of the Year Award, which is earned through exhibiting excellent sportsmanship. Unfortunately, I was beat out for the award by my older sister, but thankfully I won an even greater prize; that is, becoming the director of admissions for Thornton-Donovan School and also the aquatics director at the Summer Challenge Camp. Any families looking to learn more about the school or camp are welcome to meet me at Thornton-Donovan’s upcoming open house on March 26 and April 23. If you would like to speak sooner, please feel free to contact the school at 632-8836. (Submitted)
March 17, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 21
College Racquet Club for all levels College Racquet Club, CRC, is located in Bronxville on the campus of Concordia College. The facility includes three indoor hard courts, three outdoor hard courts, two clay courts and a squash court. The original mission of the CRC was to provide tennis and instruction to all levels of players, from the weekend warrior to the nationally ranked player. The CRC offers comprehensive junior programs from beginner, age 10 and under, to intermediate, advanced and elite high performance programs. CRC also offers adult instruction from beginner, intermediate, drill classes and USTA league competition for men and women. The goal is to help people have fun with tennis while they improve their skills and compete. The staff is directed by Concordia men’s and women’s tennis coach Neil Tarangioli, who is nationally recognized and has won more than 20 Coach of the Year awards. The staff
includes head pro Brian Simunyola, a renowned pro in the area; Vito Galatioto, a former college player; Addie Brennan, a former college player; Penny Phiri, USPTA certified pro; and Andrey Boldarev, a former four-time NCAA All-American player. CRC refers to everything it does as a team and takes a holistic approach to coaching. The staff integrates fitness, footwork, strokes, focus, and relaxation techniques, as well as strategy/tactics and fun.
The summer program starts on June 26, right after the CRC spring classes. Spots are still available for the spring classes. CRC offers classes for beginners through advanced players. There will be two-, four- or eight-week sessions. Some classes will require a tryout. Registration begins Feb. 21 and closes April 15. Information and brochures can be obtained by calling the CRC at 961-3955 or visiting collegeracquet.com. Typical classes consist of instruction, drilling, point play, games, and conditioning. Every Friday is “Fun Friday,” and CRC has special events such as soccer against the pros, tennis, baseball, relay races, and, on really hot days, water balloon fights. CRC uses the indoor courts for the programs, so there is class rain or shine. The staff is top quality, the kids are well-behaved, and the facility is great, so the CRC hopes to see you on the courts “summer and beyond!” (Submitted)
Live at Play Group Theatre At Play Group Theatre, PGT, Summer Theatre, you don’t just study theatre, you live it. Walk through the front door and you are immersed in a community of young artists eager to support each other and challenge each other to new heights. Every inch of the colorful building is brimming with sparks of creativity. Make your way into the black box theatre and you’ll see middle school students determined to master three-part harmonies for a musical number around the piano. Head upstairs on your tip-toes or you’ll distract the teens hard at work writing original material for their upcoming show. Sneak next door into PGT’s brand new dance studio where a group of kids are filming a music video. Get a good laugh in the lobby as you pass through an improv class. And don’t leave without peaking into The Play Group Theatre’s state-of-the-art MainStage theatre where students are bring-
ing a fully produced musical to life. “My favorite part of camp is seeing how playfully the staff and students collaborate on such intensive and disciplined work,” says camp director Rachel Berger. “The joyful process feeds into a polished final product, and students transform over the course of a few short weeks.” Whether rehearsing a show tailor-made to fit each student, taking a class in Shakespeare, or gallivanting through the building for a surprise scavenger hunt, PGT offers students a multifaceted means to explore the world of theatre. At PGT, students not only learn about theatre, they are given an environment where experimentation is encouraged, every voice is heard, and students are rewarded for their individuality. Teen Co. student Elliot Huh recalls his favorite camp memory. “I loved seeing our script all put together for the first time and seeing
how all of our weird and funny ideas had made their way in. Somehow, it all became one story,” he said. Young Actor’s ensemble member Eesha’s favorite camp moment was singing songs from their show at a senior living home and using their skills as artists to brighten someone’s day. Jada’s favorite part of camp was getting an award for her work in dance class. PGT’s artistic director Jill Abusch said, “Students today spend hours staring at screens and preparing for standardized tests. At PGT, students learn with their full bodies. Staff members don’t teach to one type of student, but allow all students to take a step forward.” From a trip to Broadway, to rigorous classes with New York professionals, to spontaneous dance parties, PGT Summer Theatre cultivates a wellrounded young artist. Don’t miss out... get in on the act! For more information, visit playgroup.org. (Submitted)
22 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
Sign up today for LMCTV’s teen filmmaking workshops Make a movie at LMCTV this summer. Geared for young people age 13 and up, LMCTV’s summer filmmaking workshops are a tremendous opportunity to learn hands-on video and filmmaking skills. In their first week, participants are trained in filmmaking skills including scriptwriting, cinematography, lighting, and audio. During the second week, these skills are put right to use in the filming of a short movie and behind-the-scenes documentary. The final week is dedicated to using LMCTV’s state-of-the-art editing systems to put the finishing touches on the newest local masterpiece. Last year, Workshop I’s film, “The Lord of the Bus Stop,” examined a societal breakdown in a modern telling of William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies.” Workshop II’s film, “The 7th Day,” focused on three kids that have to survive a devastating annual storm without the help of adults. “The summer workshops are
a wonderful opportunity for teenagers to obtain their ‘filmmaking chops,” said Matt Sullivan, LMCTV’s chief operating officer. “It is amazing to see the thoughtful and skilled artistry of these young filmmakers and their ability to tell a complete story within the course of three weeks.” Every fall, LMCTV holds a screening of the finished films from the workshops at the Mamaroneck High School Television Studio. “This is one of our favorite events during the year,” Sullivan said.
Each workshop is held Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for three weeks at LMCTV’s studio in Mamaroneck. Workshop I runs from July 3 to July 21 (no class on July 4), and Workshop II from July 24 to Aug. 11. Led by independent filmmaker and LMCTV staff member Dena Schumacher, the workshop is in its 17th year. Open enrollment starts now. Space is limited, so please visit lmctv.org or call Sullivan at 381-2002 ext. 202 to sign up today. (Submitted)
Future Stars offers specialty camps For more than 36 years, Future Stars has been providing families in Westchester, Manhattan and Long Island with the finest specialty camp programs. The lineup of its specialized sports camps, STEAM education programs, and arts and entertainment opportunities, is unrivaled. Programs and curricula are individually designed to provide stimulating and challenging syllabi that is both ageand level-appropriate. Future Stars’ directors and coaches are mature, experienced educators who are passionate about their craft and highly motivated to share their enthusiasm with all of the eager campers. Future Stars’ SUNY Purchase College location is a sprawling 500-acre campus located in the heart of beautiful Westchester County. It offers weekly day sessions for ages 4 to 16, from June 19 to Aug. 25. Endless acres of playing fields, training areas and two new lighted turf, football and baseball fields. As many as six full soccer fields, 12 short-sided fields and NCAA regulation baseball and softball diamonds are expertly maintained for daily use. Facilities also include 14 newly surfaced deco tennis courts (six lighted), three full indoor and four outdoor basketball courts. Campers will also utilize three indoor gymnasiums, racquetball and squash courts, training rooms, an Olympic-size indoor swimming pool, a videotape analysis room and cafeteria. Campers can choose and combine weeks from 19 individualized specialty programs:
tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, football, multisports, field hockey, cheerleading, volleyball, circus arts, magic, softball, diving, horseback riding, swim, academic, STEAM education, and Rising Stars (our youngest campers). Supervised swimming is included, as is instructional swim for Rising Stars. Lunch options and door-to-door transportation from most of Westchester is also available. Future Stars is a very special place for children to spend a fun filled, exciting summer. Thousands of campers over the years have enhanced their skills, tucked away lifelong memories, and made lasting friendships at Future Stars Camps. The camp philoso-
phy is to provide every camper a fun, safe and encouraging environment in which they feel comfortable and secure. Future Stars’ goal is to create the perfect atmosphere so that each camper may maximize his or her potential. Through its limited enrollment policy, Future Stars gets to know each camper and recognize their individual needs. Everyone is encouraged to play with confidence, enthusiasm, and a genuine love of the game. Please visit fscamps.com for more information and a tour of the beautiful camp sites. Future Stars looks forward to working with you for many years to come and is certain you will “Hit a Winner This Summer with Future Stars.” (Submitted)
March 17, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 23
Beth El Day Camp offers wide range of activities
Beth El Day Camp is not your ordinary run-of-the-mill summer camp. Its programs span a wide range of guided activities to help young chil-
dren develop new skills, make friends, build self-esteem, and develop a love for creativity and self-expression. Children participate in a multitude of
sports and games, including soccer, softball and basketball. Music, dancing, karate concepts, magic, cooking and crafts are also offered, in ad-
dition to the camp’s creative nature program. Children swim twice a day in the large solar-heated pool as part of the American Red Cross Swim program. And theme days like Truck Day, the Olympics and the famous Carnival Day are just some of the summer highlights at Camp Beth El. Camp is in session on July 3 and July 4. The kids are sure to work up an appetite, and Camp Beth El does not fall short when it comes to food! Nutritious (kosher) lunches are served every day, including barbecues and snacks in the air-conditioned lunchroom. There is something for even the pickiest
palate, and the entire camp is nut-free. There is even a gluten-free (worry-free!) menu available. Every Friday, campers are treated to grape juice and freshly baked challah to celebrate Shabbat. There are customized half-day, extended-day and full-day programs available by age groups. The 2-year-old program meets three mornings a week from 9 a.m. to noon. The 3-year-old programs run Monday to Friday, from 8:40 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 8:40 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., and includes lunch. The 4-year-old program runs Monday to Friday from 8:40 a.m. to either 2:15 p.m. or 4 p.m. And children ages 5 to 8
will enjoy a full day of fun! Early drop-off and late pickup options are available. For more information, please contact camp director Julie Rockowitz at 235-2700 ext. 256 or jrockowitz@ bethelnr.org. Beth El Day Camp is located at 1324 North Ave. in New Rochelle. Visit bethelnr.org. (Submitted)
24 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • March 17, 2017
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