Harrison REVIEW TAXES AT BAY THE
January 8, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 2 | www.harrisonreview.com
Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently vetoed legislation that would have imposed a 3 percent hotel occupancy tax on patrons of Harrison’s hotels, to the dismay of local officials. For story, see page 3. Photo courtesy whiteplains.house.hyatt.com
2 • The hARRISON RevIew • January 8, 2016
January 8, 2016 • The hARRISON RevIew • 3
Cuomo vetoes hotel tax, upsets local officials By ANGeLA JORDAN Staff Writer After finally passing through the New York State Legislature, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, on Dec. 28, vetoed legislation that would have imposed a 3 percent hotel occupancy tax on patrons of the two hotels in Harrison. In addition to the town/village of Harrison, Cuomo, a Democrat, vetoed requests for a hotel
occupancy tax, also known as a “bed tax,” from other Westchester towns and villages including the village of North Castle, Tuckahoe, Greenburgh, Mamaroneck and Port Chester. In his veto message, Cuomo said that so far, the state Legislature has only advanced hotel occupancy tax bills like this for counties and cities, the village of Rye Brook being a special circumstance in 2011.
The Renaissance Westchester, one of the two hotels in Harrison that would have been affected by a recently-nixed bed tax. Gov. Andrew Cuomo vetoed a bill that would have imposed the 3 percent hotel occupancy tax on patrons in some Westchester municipalities. Photo courtesy Marriott.com
In Westchester, cities such as Rye, New Rochelle, White Plains, Peekskill, and Yonkers have the authority from the state to implement the tax. “If there is to be policy change on this issue, it should be done pursuant to a comprehensive and determinate statewide policy as advanced by the legislature,” Cuomo wrote in the message. “If the legislature sets such a policy, I will commit to reconsidering this issue.” According to state Assemblyman David Buchwald, a White Plains Democrat, the veto was disappointing to many state and local elected officials, who were hoping that if this bill was passed, it could alleviate some of the property tax burdens felt by local residents. “The local [Harrison] town board was unanimous about seeking this legislation,” Buchwald said. “The state Assembly passed this bill for three straight years, and this time the Senate passed it, too.” He also said he didn’t see why Cuomo couldn’t have called for a comprehensive, statewide policy
to be established for bed taxes while allowing these municipalities to impose the tax right now. “Wanting to establish a more uniform framework is fine,” Buchwald said. “But that doesn’t explain why a community like Harrison shouldn’t be able to provide property tax relief by these means.” Harrison Councilman Steve Malfitano, a Republican and former mayor of Harrison, described the veto as “terrible and short sighted,” and feels that towns and villages in New York shouldn’t be treated any differently than cities and counties on this issue. “Why is it that Harrison residents should be given different treatment than residents of cities like New York or Rye?” Malfitano asked. “If you travel to many other cities and states, there will be a hotel occupancy tax.” The bill was strongly opposed by members of the Westchester Hotel Association. Dan Conte, the president of the trade group and manager of the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, penned a letter to Cuomo on Dec. 16 urging the governor not to pass the bill. Conte wrote that hotels in Westchester County already
face a 3 percent Room Occupancy Tax from the county, in addition to state and county sales taxes. He said that by allowing these bills to pass in Westchester, the total tax on hotel rooms would increase from 11 percent to 14 percent. “Our business relies heavily on annual bookings of large blocks of rooms by the businesses whose corporate travel planners could easily shift their hotel choices to adjacent markets in northern New Jersey and Fairfield County, Conn.,” he wrote in the letter. “All would be hurt as well as the local economy which benefits from the visitors they attract.” However, this now means that the impetus to provide tax revenue remains on property owners in Harrison. According to Malfitano, Harrison could have potentially gained anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000 in non-property tax revenue from the bed tax. The tax on hotel occupants is considered an attractive option by elected officials as a means of generating revenue outside of the property tax; further, that revenue comes largely from non-residents.
At a Glance Harrison hotels: The Renaissance Westchester, The Hyatt House $300K-$500K in lost revenue Tax would call for 3% fee on patrons Rye Brook is only village with tax Cuomo calls for statewide policy State Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat who sponsored the bill along with Buchwald, said, “All these governments are under a tax cap, and so these communities have no relief from pension costs, fire, police, sanitation. So far there’s no plan to give them more state aid, so eventually something’s got to give.” Conte could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: angela@hometwn.com
4 • The hARRISON RevIew • January 8, 2016
What’s going on... Harrison Public Library
Meet the Artist: Marcia Brandwein
Embrace the New Year with Meditation
Fitness center at Sollazzo Center
Visit harrisonpl.org/events/harrison for more information on events and programs at the Halperin building, and harrisonpl.org/events/westharrison for information on happenings at the West Harrison branch.
On Saturday, Jan. 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Halperin building. The Harrison Council for the Arts presents “Elements” by Marcia Brandwein, on view through Jan. 29 at the main library. Come by on Jan. 9 to meet the artist. Brandwein started drawing and painting at a very young age and was fortunate to know early on where her passion was. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in illustration. She spent many years as a creative director while designing and styling for the home textiles industry. She went on to design the sheet program for the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel in addition to consulting for the hospitality industry. After years of being the designer behind the brand, she has come into her own with her art.
On Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Halperin building. Registration at the library’s website or by calling 835-0324 is required, as space is limited. In this fast-paced world, inner peace can seem elusive. You are invited to join Renate Lanotte, longtime meditator, for an engaging workshop teaching you practical strategies to reduce stress, and create a more healthy and positive lifestyle. Lanotte will offer effective meditation techniques which can help you connect within to gain a real and profound sense of serenity and joy. Embrace the new year with meditation and join Lanotte as she takes you on this powerful journey.
Membership is available to all residents. The center is equipped with a cardiovascular area (treadmills, stair masters, lifecycles, rowing machines and EFX machines), and free and machine weight systems. Attendants are available to help set up a personalized program to fit your needs. A Harrison ID card is included with a membership fee. No tank tops, cut off shirts or cellphones will be allowed in the gym. Fee is $100 per year, January through December, plus the cost of an ID card, which is $30. Make checks payable to the Town/ Village of Harrison.
Digital Photography: Bring Your Own Device Participants are invited to this bring your own device program on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Using phones, still cameras and tablets, participants will learn the language of photography and how to capture special moments using their devices. They will also learn how to share those photos on different social media platforms. Participants can either bring their own devices or use the library’s. Registration for this program is recommended. For more information or to register, call 835-0324.
Sing-along Sundays with Chloe On Sundays from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Halperin building. Join in and come together as a community to celebrate early childhood through music and movement. In this class you will sing, shake and move. 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 childsized instruments and props, and a wealth of both traditional and original songs to add to your singalong repertoire.
Teen volunteer meeting for Harrison Remembers On Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Halperin building. Training for the Harrison Remembers project. Any teens interested in being an interviewer for this oral history project should come to this training session. Sign up online or email teen librarian Marilyn Horton at mhorton@wlsmail.org.
Book club On Thursday, Jan. 14 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the West Harrison branch. Come and join this monthly adult book club. New members are always welcome. No registration is required. January’s book selection is “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak.
Harrison Recreation Floor hockey This free, four-week-long activity will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 26 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and is appropriate for children in first through fifth grades. Children in first and second grades will play on Tuesdays at the Sollazzo Center; children in second and third grades will play on Tuesdays at the Leo Mintzer Center; children in third, fourth and fifth grades will play on Wednesdays at the Sollazzo Center; and children in fourth and fifth grades will play on Wednesdays at the Leo Mintzer Center. New teams will be formed each week and children will learn general floor hockey skills and the rules of the game. Registration is underway, ending on Wednesday, Jan. 20. For more information or to register, call 670-3035.
February mini day camp registration Sign your child up for a mini day camp that will be held Monday, Feb. 14 through Friday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sollazzo Center. It will be a fun-filled week of day camp including arts and crafts, sports, games and special events during the winter recess. For grades one through four. Fee is $185 payable to the Town/Village of Harrison. Registration is ongoing.
The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College
Miss New York U.S.A. preliminary and final competition The preliminary round of the Miss New York U.S.A. competition will take place on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. in Purchase College’s Performing Arts Center and the final round of the Miss New York U.S.A. competition will take place on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. in Purchase College’s Performing Arts Center. Tickets to both competitions will be priced based on location, with special ticket sales for seniors age 65 and older and children age 16 and younger. For more information, wheelchair and accessibility seating or to purchase tickets, call 251-6200.
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s second season of residency will continue with a concert on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. in Purchase College’s Performing Arts Center’s Recital Hall. The concert will feature four pianists playing classics from Arensky, Bartok, Lutoslawski and Rachmaninoff. Tickets to the concert are $45 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 251-6200.
‘Coriolanus’ A performance of “Coriolanus” from London’s National Theatre Live, will be brought to Purchase College’s Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets to see the recording of this performance, featuring Tom Hiddleston, are $20 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 251-6200. 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.
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New staff boosts Rye Y youth programs Rye YMCA programs for children, families and teens received a shot of adrenaline in 2015 with the addition of three new staff members who are bringing energy, passion and fresh ideas to the Y’s youth offerings. From the recentlyopened ExerZone to teen nights that are drawing up to 70 kids every month, the Y is giving families and children more options than ever. Much of the new programming and activities are being led by the Y’s Camp, Family and Teen Director John Rice; Child Care Director Kelly Lewin; and Sports Coordinator Brendan Smith. “We’re lucky to have this dream team of dedicated professionals working at the Y,” said Hillary Southard, a senior director who oversees youth programming at the Rye Y. “John, Kelly and Brendan all bring a wide range of talent and experience to their jobs. Most importantly, they embody the mission of the Y, the belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive.” Under Rice’s leadership, the
teen nights have become a popular monthly event, giving middle school students a safe, fun place to hang out with friends and enjoy games including Sumo wrestling, Capture the Medallion, Ultimate Skee Ball, Human Hungry Hippos and Life Size Angry Birds. Rice has also developed enrichment programs for kids who shy away from athletic activities, including chess, origami, LEGO and cooking classes. And for teens who want to develop leadership skills and serve their community, Rice runs a Teen Leaders’ Club for middle and high school students. So far this year, the teens have packed groceries at the Larchmont Food Pantry, run Y activities for families and participated in development workshops. After three months on the job, Lewin has already enhanced the after school experience for children and families. In addition to homework help, arts and visits to the new ExerZone, Lewin has incorporated STEAM—science, technology, engineering, art and math—into weekly activities, and has strengthened the bond
between parents, kids and staff by holding monthly potluck dinners. Understanding the importance of “spirit, mind and body,” Lewin is also giving the young students opportunities to build social and emotional skills. Looking ahead to summer, she is excited about the Y’s Kinder Camp, which introduces young children to the camp experience. Perhaps one of the best known of the Rye Y’s programs, the sports department involves hundreds of youth in team sports, trainings and vacation clubs. This fall, nearly 200 boys and girls are playing in the Saturday coed Youth Basketball League. On Sundays, girls take the court in a girls’ only league for basketball players aged 5 to 9. Young athletes will also have the opportunity to hone their skills during the Y’s Vacation Basketball Club for 5 to 11 yearold boys and girls. The club will be held from Dec. 28 to Dec. 31 with half and full day options. One of Smith’s favorite parts of his new job is interacting with the kids, which he gets to do most directly through the school
recess program. The Rye Y currently places recess coordinators in six local schools, where they keep students moving at recess through active recreation. The recess coordinators are also trained to recognize and prevent bullying. “I’m looking forward to summer camp,” Smith added. “I had a lot of positive experiences when I was a camper years ago so I’m hoping to provide our Y campers with an equally positive experience.” In a moment of reflection, Rice said, “The cool thing about working at the Y is being part of transformational moments in the lives of others. From my early experiences helping a child who was petrified of the water become comfortable, to recent experiences giving staff the opportunity to grow, I have been blessed to be a part of the mission of the YMCA.” For more information about the Rye YMCA’s youth programming, visit ryeymca.org for the Spring 2016 program guide, ryeycamp.org for the Summer 2016 Camp Guide, or contact Hillary Southard at 967-6363, ext. 103 or at hillary@ryeymca.org.
From left, John Rice, Kelly Lewin and Brendan Smith are the newest additions to the Rye Y family. Contributed photo
Registration for spring programs begins Jan. 13 for members and Jan. 15 for non-members. Camp registration starts on
Jan. 13 for all. Anyone interested in any of the Y’s programs and activities is welcome to stop by for a tour. (Submitted)
6 • The hARRISON RevIew • January 8, 2016
Harrison REVIEW
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Mamaroneck to draft local pet store law By KILeY STeveNS Staff Writer The village of Mamaroneck has begun drafting a local law to regulate pet stores, loosely based on the regulatory laws of Suffolk County. This recent push for legislation surfaced in August when residents began protesting a village pet store, Best Breeds Puppies and Kittens on Mamaroneck Avenue. Residents claimed that the animals at the shop were not properly cared for, and that their breeding origin was questionable, with some protestors believing the dogs came from puppy mills, establishments that breed puppies under inhumane conditions. The owner of the shop, Richard Doyle of Mahopac, N.Y., has had a series of run-ins with the law, including being charged with three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and one count of selling a diseased animal. One of the storefronts, located in Wappingers Falls, N.Y., has since closed. One of the counts for animal cruelty involved Doyle performing unlicensed eye surgery on a dog. In December 2015, he was arrested at one of his other storefronts, American Breeders in
Pet store owner Richard Doyle has been arrested for animal cruelty, selling a diseased animal, and, most recently, witness tampering. Doyle owns several stores including Best Breeds Puppies and Kittens in the village of Mamaroneck. Photo courtesy Danbury Police Department
Donna Dickerson organized two rallies which took place on Aug. 2 and Aug. 9, 2015 at the Best Breeds storefront on Mamaroneck Avenue.
Danbury, Conn., on two felony counts of witness tampering following an investigation conducted by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Animal Control Division and the Danbury Police Department, according to
Danbury Police Lt. Chris Carroccio. Carroccio said that while the Department of Agriculture was interviewing two witnesses in the animal cruelty case, they became suspicious when both witnesses gave identical written statements.
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Protesters stand on Mamaroneck Avenue to rally against the owner of a local pet store last August. File photos
Danbury police were able to determine that Doyle had instructed both witnesses how to write their statements, Carrocio said. Now that New York state allows local governments to enact a local code, village Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, believes it is up to Mamaroneck to ensure that pet stores are operating ethically, which will be a major part of the proposed legislation. Another part of the proposed law will include protecting the consumer in the event that a diseased or unhealthy animal is purchased. “I think it is the business of this village to protect the animals that are here,” the mayor said at a recent Board of Trustees work session. Local municipalities were
previously not allowed to enact local laws regarding pet stores and puppy mills. Rosenblum said the proposed law would be used to open a public hearing for residents to make suggestions, and that the village’s Board of Trustees would amend the law as they saw fit. Rosenblum added that the draft of the law should be ready to be discussed at the village board’s next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan. 11. Rosenblum also wants to ensure that part of the law states that under no circumstance may someone who has been convicted of animal cruelty or anything of the like open a pet shop in the village of Mamaroneck. CONTACT: kiley@hometwn.com
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8 • The hARRISON RevIew • January 8, 2016
Honoring Sgt. Lemm and My Community Alert UJA-Federation hosts community service breakfast HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
As many of you know, our community suffered a loss with the tragic death of West Harrison resident Staff Sgt. Joseph Lemm, who was recently killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. Sgt. Lemm was cherished by his family and was greatly admired by our community. Through these dark days, I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love, friendship and faith I’ve witnessed, especially by our residents. I hope that this show of support will encourage those who knew and loved Sgt. Lemm to draw strength from the sense of community we have in Harrison. Thank you to those involved in honoring his memory. I hope we can all find solace in celebrating Sgt. Lemm’s short but meaningful life and remembering better times. I would like to extend my warmest wishes for a prosperous and healthy new year. I hope you and your family had a happy and festive holiday. I want to thank you for all your support over the
last year. The town board has achieved incredible things so far, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in 2016. As we begin the new year, I am happy to report that Harrison continues to build on the success of the last few years while keeping tax increases in check, sustaining a healthy reserve and maintaining all our basic municipal services. In addition to our improved bond rating from Moody’s, Harrison’s 2016 budget was adopted and remains under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s mandated tax cap. Advancing this positive trend is a priority and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities in the year ahead. I would like to bring your attention to My Community Alert. This valuable system allows Harrison police officers and other town officials to notify residents in the event of an ongoing emergency. Text messages and emails are sent to registered residents if the Harrison Police Department believes that the community should be informed of a local incident or event. Recently, our Police Department has sent out alerts pertaining to road clo-
sures and weather updates, and has warned our community that fraudulent phone solicitations had been reported in our area. Residents can register with My Community Alert at mycommunityalert.net. I encourage all to take advantage of this very useful tool. Please be aware of the following sanitation notice: Christmas trees may be placed curbside for pickup through Sunday, Jan. 31. Please do not place trees in plastic bags. No holiday wreaths or roping will be collected. Visit harrison-ny.gov for more information. The library is continuing to offer great programs. I encourage all interested movie buffs to attend our library’s Brown Bag Cinema. Enjoy the new large screen at the recently-renovated Halperin building of the Harrison Public Library. This event is free of charge and is held on one Thursday each month at 1 p.m. Bring your lunch, sit back and enjoy a screening of a film newly released on DVD. Upcoming films include “The Walk” on Jan. 21 and “The Intern” on Feb. 18. Refreshments are provided by The Friends of the Harrison Library.
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Guest speaker Lee Perlman, of Larchmont, center, with, from left, event chairs Jason Friedland, of Scarsdale, and Bonnie Hagen, of White Plains, and division chairs Susan Taxin Baer, of Scarsdale, and Ben Blumberg, of Larchmont. Contributed photo
To kick off its annual campaign year, UJA-Federation of New York’s Westchester Business and Professional Division hosted speaker Lee H. Perlman, president of Greater New York Hospital Association Ventures and CFO and executive vice president of GNYHA, at its recentlyheld fall breakfast. The event, the division’s largest to date, brought 175 guests to Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison to hear from Perlman, a Larchmont resident and dedicated volunteer and philanthropist with strong ties to UJA-Federation. Guests were asked to bring new toiletries to the breakfast
for donation to families in the Fresh Start program, which aims to provide those families with much-needed personal items not covered by federal government SNAP benefits. Board members and guests brought these toiletries to the Mary J. Blige Center for Women in Yonkers, which is run by Westchester Jewish Community Services, a UJA-Federation beneficiary agency. The center provides women and girls in Yonkers with skills, resources and support to help them pursue their goals and become self-sufficient, confident women. “The fact that my gift makes a difference in Israel, around the
world and right in my own backyard is one of the reasons I got involved with UJA,” said Susan Taxin Baer of Scarsdale, who cochairs the Westchester Business and Professional Division with Ben Blumberg of Larchmont. The Westchester Business and Professional Division is committed to sustaining UJAFederation’s network of lifeenriching agencies by bringing together like-minded individuals with shared interests, values, and purpose. Through its work, the division works to help its neighbors in need in Westchester, New York, Israel and 70 other countries. (Submitted)
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10 • The hARRISON RevIew • January 8, 2016
Food Bank, Whole Foods to give back The Food Bank for Westchester, which operates the county’s largest food collection and emergency distribution network, recently announced a new partnership with Whole Foods Market that will help feed the county’s food insecure population. On Wednesday, Jan. 13, 5 percent of net sales from purchases at Whole Foods Market’s Westchester County locations—which include Port Chester, White Plains and Yonkers—will go to The Food Bank for Westchester to help provide food to hungry families in the county. “We are grateful that Whole Foods Market has partnered with us for this wonderful initiative,” said Ellen Lynch, president and CEO of Food Bank for Westchester. “We encourage people to shop at Whole Foods locations in Westchester County on Jan. 13 to help us continue
our efforts to feed the hungry in our neighborhoods. Every penny counts.” There are 200,000 hungry individuals in Westchester County; that is 1 in 5 people. More than 33 percent are children and more than 22 percent are seniors. The Food Bank for Westchester provides 95 percent of all emergency food distributed in Westchester, sourcing and supplying food to more than 265 local hunger-relief programs, including food pantries, soup kitchens, child and adult-care centers, and shelters. “At Whole Foods Market, we’re proud to offer support for organizations whose goals most closely reflect our mission and core values,” said Elisa Mondragon, marketing team leader at Whole Foods Market Yonkers. “We’re excited to partner up and provide financial support for The Food Bank for Westchester,
honoring the hard work they do each and every day to fight food insecurity throughout Westchester County.” For more than 25 years, The Food Bank for Westchester has led the fight against hunger in Westchester County, delivering more than 6.3 million meals to people in need just last year. The Food Bank for Westchester’s collaborations with major retailers and corporations, and its expertise in food procurement, storage, and distribution, turns every $1 donated into $4 worth of fresh food provided for our hungry neighbors in Westchester County. For information on the Food Bank for Westchester, visit foodbankforwestchester.org. For more information about Whole Foods Market, visit wfm.com or check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. (Submitted)
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A Food Bank for Westchester volunteer helps organize food at a warehouse. The food bank is partnering with Whole Foods Market to provide food to the county’s hungry and food-insecure. Contributed photo
January 8, 2016 • The hARRISON RevIew • 11
Resolutions for slackers who already blew it ‘Show Boat’ at the Westchester Broadway Theatre RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
Readers: Right about now, you may be feeling bad about the resolutions you’ve already broken, crushed into a million pieces and washed down with a pint of banana chocolate swirl Talenti ice cream. But there’s no need to hate your sweets-addicted, never-getahead, willpower-of-a-gnat (who doesn’t exercise) self. No need, indeed. A yearlong resolution is simply too hard. The trick is to clear your mind and resolve to spend just two hours as the new you during a post-New Year’s, twohours-only resolution. It’s easy! Here’s how I did it. As of Monday, Jan. 4 at 9:30 a.m., I re-resolved that: • I will not eat a second breakfast, right down to the extra buttery toast, with the excuse that I get my best work done right after a satisfying breakfast! But...buttery toast. Mmm... • No, wait: Diet! I will eat better! I will welcome kale! “Hi Kale! This is the garbage can.” • No, no, no. They say that after you do something for 30 days, it becomes a habit. So if I can just spend the next two hours being good, that’s like 30 days on Mercury, right? And then I’ll be trim and healthy and positive— positive I need more butter-slathered toast. • No! Positive about life and health and exercise! Like, I am positively glad I just joined the gym for a full year starting, um, let me check—it started Satur-
day? I’ve already wasted almost a week of this ridiculous overpriced gym filled with torture equipment and people who look like they should be doing Dasani ads? They lift up their water bottles literally perpendicular to the ground and gulp with such enjoyment, it’s like they think there’s a hidden camera, when all there really was was me, walking around the exercise room right before New Year’s, checking it out. And then I decided, “Yes! I’ll join for the free January and THEN BE STUCK PAYING THROUGH THE NOSE FOR THE NEXT 11 MONTHS.” • OK, reset. The joyous exercisers are not “them,” they are me. I will become one of them. Hello, yoga for beginners! • But wait, are there actually any yoga beginners left, besides me? I remember trying yoga once so long ago, it was before some cynical yogi came up with the idea of yoga mats—something you have to buy to do something that about a billion people do every day who live on lentils. Do you suppose they scrimp and save so that one glorious day, God willing, forget about replacing the dead goat, they can buy a yoga mat? Or yoga PANTS? • Can you believe that stupid gym? Filled with sweaty hypocrites who can’t stop gulping water, wearing pants that cost more than a micro-loan that could give children fresh goat milk every day and lift an entire family out of poverty? No way am I going there! For exercise, I’ll just start getting off the subway one stop earlier. • I will also quit reading my emails when I should be—wow,
this prince in Nigeria needs help securing his insurance windfall—concentrating. • What’s more, I will spend at least part of my day at my desk standing, since sitting is the new smoking. • Or maybe I just won’t start smoking, or even vaping. Because vaping is the new smoking, too, except no one can agree if it’s going to kill you or just make someone want to kill you because you’re such a poser. Question: How hip is it to smell like a grape Tootsie Pop? • Resolution: I will not keep drifting off topic! I will concentrate on eating better, exercising more and focusing on my toast— work, I mean! Focusing on my work! I will also read more books, call my relatives, write “thank you” notes and—OMG! NOTES! • I will mail out my holiday cards! • OK, yes, yes, I will also write them first, and put them in envelopes. What am I, Superman? I suppose you think I should find a bunch of stamps, too? Which would mean digging through the stationery drawer, which no one has successfully dug through since stamps came in a roll and you had to lick them. They had prices on them, too. Speaking of which, how many 37-cent stamps does it take to mail a holiday card around mid-January? • Presidents Day is a holiday too, you know. I’ll just say, “Happy Presidents Day” on them. It’s my personal toast to our presidents. • TOAST!!! CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
The musical “Show Boat” will be running in the Westchester Broadway Theatre through Jan. 31. Written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, the story follows the lives, loves, and losses of a troupe of riverboat performers aboard the Cotton Blossom floating theater on the mighty Mississippi. Its timeless score contains beautiful and emotionally-charged songs, including “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man,” “Make Believe” and “Ol’ Man River.” “Show Boat,” departed from typical musical comedy material, is based on a best-selling novel by Edna Ferber, and is a melodrama with musical numbers that actually reveal character and further the plot. The musical illuminates the racial and social changes that were shaping the country from 1890 to 1927. It features a multiracial cast and a plot that deals with the plight of an interracial couple for whom it’s illegal to perform together in certain
southern states. Richard Stafford, a Westchester Broadway Theatre favorite, will direct and choreograph the show, with musical direction by Ryan Wise. The production stars Sarah Hanlon as Julie Laverne; Lee Harrington as Magnolia Hawks; John Preator as Gaylord Ravenal; Jamie Ross as Cap’n Andy; Karen Murphy as Parthy Hawks; Amanda Pulcini as Ellie May Shipley; Michael James Leslie as Joe; Daniel Scott Walton as Frank Schultz; and Inga Ballard as Queenie. The production will also feature the talents of Malcom Armwood; Eric Briarley; Erin Chupinsky; Michael Dauer; Jonathan Freeland; Alia Hodge; Justin R.G. Holcomb; Celeste Hudson; Paul-Jordan Jansen; Leisa Mather; Zoie Morris; Gabriella Perez; Kristyn Pope; Adam Richardson; Roger Preston Smith; and Karen Webb. Set and costume design is by Michael Bottari and Ronald Case; lighting design is by
Andrew Gmoser; sound design is by Jonathan Hatton and Mark Zuckerman; and hair/wig design is by Gerard Kelly. Steve Loftus is the technical director; the production stage manager is Victor Lukas; and properties are by Grumpy Props. Lisa Tiso is the associate producer. Ticket prices for dinner and a show range between $56 and $84 depending on the performance chosen. Beverage service, gratuities and tax are not included. Discounts are available for children, students and seniors during selected performances. To make reservations, call 592-2222 or visit BroadwayTheatre.com. For discounts on group reservations of 20 people or more, call 592-2225. For luxury boxes for private parties of 6 to 22 people, call 592-8730. Enjoy dining and theater in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres a private powder room and luxury box reserved parking. (Submitted)
This adorable girl is about 1 and a half years old and 40 lbs. Ashley is a collie mix with a very sweet personality. She is totally housebroken and great in the home. Ashley doesn’t do well with other dogs on a leash and needs a fenced-in yard. She is a wonderful girl that loves life and makes you smile. Ashley loves getting belly rubs and will crawl into your lap and hang out with you. She loves to play fetch and will always bring her toy back to you. Ashley is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and micro-chipped. Why not donate $300 to Larchmont Pet Rescue and make Ashley part of your home. To learn more, call 834-6955 or visit NYPetRescue.org. (Submitted)
12 • The hARRISON RevIew • January 8, 2016
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lEGAl NOTICES Notice of Formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC). Name: Strictly Entertainment, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 8/26/15. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 19 Robbins Avenue, Elmsford, New York
lEGAl NOTICES NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Harrison Central School District hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: RFB #15/16-24: Asset Recovery Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “ RFB #15/16-24: Asset Recovery “ on the outside. Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 15, 2016 by the Purchasing Agent (or his duly designated representative), Harrison Central School District, Business Office, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528; (914) 630-3011; Fax: (914) 835-2715, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. In the event that on Friday, January 15, 2016 the Harrison Central School District is closed or has an early dismissal due to weather or any other emergency, bids will be due at 2:00 p.m. on the next day that the school district is in session. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www.empirestatebidsystem. com or from the district Business Office beginning Monday, January 4, 2016. 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: January 4, 2016
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SPORTS
Misery loves company lIVE MIKE Mike Smith
I swear that I’m not a spiteful person, but when it comes to sports, it seems like a healthy dose of “schadenfreude” is sometimes unavoidable. Last Sunday, while watching my New York Giants put the finishing touches on a dreadful 6-10 season—and Tom Coughlin’s coaching career—the only thing that gave me any sort of comfort was seeing the Jets’ season come to an equally disastrous end. I know. I’m a bad person. The truth is, even for a Giants fan, this wasn’t a hard Jets team to root for. After jettisoning swagger-y blowhard Rex Ryan in the offseason, Gang Green was under new management in the form of Todd Bowles, a coach cut from the same cloth as the no-nonsense Coughlin. They
played hard-nosed defense, had the franchise’s most explosive offense in more than a decade and had a likeable—if not imperfect—signal caller under center in Ryan Fitzpatrick. What’s not to like? But jealousy is a strange emotion. I came into Week 17 with every intention of rooting for the Jets to beat the Bills—now helmed by Ryan—and clinch a playoff spot. But as the two 1 p.m. games unfolded, I found myself almost subconsciously cheering each Buffalo thirddown conversion, delighting in the growing despair of the Jets fans around me. I guess part of it is the residual resentment built up from the Rex Ryan regime. I never had strong feelings one way or the other about the franchise before Rex took over, but his tenure was marked by the kind of bravado and boastfulness that doesn’t engender a lot of goodwill from opposing fan bases.
Giants’ coach Tom Coughlin lost his job after another bad season for Big Blue. For Sports Editor Mike Smith, the only silver lining is that the Jets aren’t in the playoffs either.
But mostly, it had to do with the Giants’ failures. If I had to watch my team blow chance after chance and miss yet another postseason, why should anyone else—let alone people I have to
To CoVER loCal spoRTs, you nEEd a
LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow Mike Smith @harrisonreview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates
see every day—have the right to be happy? Am I being juvenile? You bet. But at least I’m not alone. Throughout the course of the game, I was communicating with some friends in a group chat, the majority of whom were Giants or Eagles fans, and had no real stakes in the Bills-Jets game. Only my friend Mike, a season ticket-holder for years, swears allegiance to New York’s other team. But as Fitzpatrick’s interceptions doomed the Jets, you would have thought the rest of us were members of the so-called “Bills Mafia.” GIFS of plane crashes, buttfumbles and jubilant Rex Ryan celebrations flooded the chain, as we did our best to pile on to our buddy’s already crummy day. I may not be proud of myself, but if I can’t be proud of the Giants, watching someone else suffer might just be the next best thing. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a Tyrod Taylor jersey to order.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
January 8, 2016 • The hARRISON RevIew • 13
On Jan. 3, Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills dashed the Jets’ playoff hopes with a 22-17 win over Gang Green. For a Giants fan like Sports Editor Mike Smith, the Jets’ loss was a bright spot in an otherwise terrible NFL season. Photos courtesy Wikipedia.com
14 • The The hARRISON RevIew • January 8, 2016
SPORTS
Westchester Knicks win 2016 opener The Westchester Knicks, the official NBA Development League affiliate of the New York Knickerbockers, rang in the new year on Jan. 2 in front of soldout crowd at home with a 106-97 win over the Delaware 87ers, the Philadelphia 76ers’ affiliate. With the win, the Knicks improved to 13-5, while the 87ers fell to 11-9 on the year. Westchester’s Jimmer Fredette started off perfect, going 4-for-4 with two from downtown. The Knicks held a healthy lead for the majority of the first quarter, going on an 8-0 run to take an 11-point advantage. But a 13-2 run of their own in the final four minutes allowed the 87ers to tie it up 27-27, before a Westchester foul with 0.6 seconds on the clock put Rick Jackson at the line for Delaware. Sinking 1-of-2, the 87ers managed to squeak out of the first quarter with a 28-27 lead. The second quarter contrasted the first, with Delaware maintaining the lead for the majority of the quarter before a Fredette jumper at the buzzer nudged the Knicks back into the lead. The
score was 47-46 at the half, and two Knicks and two 87ers held the bulk of the points as Fredette led with 14 and Darion Atkins following with 10, while Delaware’s Jordan McRae had 13 and Rodney Carney had 10. A balanced scoring effort from the Knicks in the third quarter lifted Westchester’s lead by as many as 11 points. Delaware struggled to find its shots, going 0-for-5 from beyond the arc and nabbing just nine rebounds as a team. In comparison, Westchester had 16 rebounds in the quarter but gave up nine points to fouls. Still, the home team headed into the final 12 minutes with a 75-67 lead. Delaware made it interesting in the fourth, coming within three points early in the quarter off a David Laury II jumper. That was as close as they’d come though, as the Knicks went on a 9-2 run to rack up a 15-point lead over the visitors with just over two minutes to go. Ten points in the quarter from Knicks guard Travis Trice II helped to solidify a win for Westchester, the final score 106-97.
Fredette nearly finished with a triple-double with a game-high 27 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Trice also neared tripledouble territory with 18 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Atkins added 15 points and seven rebounds, while Jordon Crawford supplied 12 points off the bench. McRae paced Delaware with 25 points, also supplying six assists. White Plains native Sean Kilpatrick finished right behind with 23 points, adding six rebounds and five assists while Laury came off the bench for a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Tickets for the Westchester Knicks are on sale now at Ticketmaster outlets and the Westchester County Center Box Office. For information on season tickets, partial plans and group tickets, visit WestchesterKnicks. com or call 559-6889. Fans can stay up-to-date on team news by following the team at @wcknicks on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, and on Facebook at facebook.com/wcknicks. (Submitted)
Jimmer Fredette drives to the hole against the Delaware 87ers on Jan. 2. Fredette scored 27 points in the Westchester Knicks’ 106-97 win.
Harrison falls to Tigers
Zach Evans pushes the ball upcourt against Putnam Valley on Jan. 3. Evans had 10 points and 13 rebounds in Harrison’s 45-39 loss. Photo/Mike Smith
Travis Trice II sets up the offense against the 87ers. Contributed photos
In their first game of 2016, the Huskies dropped a close one to 9-1 Putnam Valley at Manhattanville College. The two teams traded leads throughout the second half before the Tigers were able to pull away late and win
by a six-point margin. Harrison Deegan led the way for Putnam Valley, pacing all scorers with 19 points, while teammate Anders Spittal contributed 12 in the winning effort. Harrison’s Zach Evans had
10 points and 13 rebounds to set the tone for Harrison. The Huskies look to bounce back with a home game against league foe Byram Hills on Jan. 6, after press time. -Reporting by Mike Smith
SPORTS
January 8, 2016 • The hARRISON RevIew • 15
Titans ice Sabers 8-2
By MIKe SMITh Sports Editor
Joey Livornese makes a stop against Somers/North Salem on Dec. 28. Livornese and the Titans topped the Sabers 8-2.
Max Picker takes a shot against the Sabers. Picker had a hat trick in the Titans’ win. Photos/Mike Smith
On Dec. 28, Rye Town/Harrison turned a fast start against Somers/North Salem into a solid finish to the calendar year. With an 8-2 win over the Sabers at the Rye Playland Ice Rink on Monday, the Titans head into January as the owners of a 9-1 record and seem to be picking up steam as the playoffs approach. Max Picker scored the game’s first goal just six seconds into the contest, taking the opening faceoff down the length of the ice and beating Sabers’ netminder Ben Winter to put the Titans on the board. Picker finished with a hat trick on the night, while Doug Harrison added two goals and junior Jackson Schultz tallied a goal and four assists to lead the Titans to a one-sided win. The Sabers found the net twice late in the game, but tallied only 11 shots to RTH’s 25 as the Titans’ depth propelled them to a late game surge. “I noticed their bench was short and that certainly plays to the end of the game,” Titans’ coach Jason Head said. “But we wanted to start strong, which we did with that goal by Max, and finish strong.” The Titans have currently won four games in a row, and after victories over Mamaroneck Black and Byram Hills, Head is beginning to like what he sees. “This was the most complete game I think we played all year,” he said. “From start to finish, there was nothing for me to pick apart after this game.” In fact, the Titans have seemed like a whole new team after suffering their first loss of the season on Dec. 12 against Mount Pleasant. According to senior Doug Harrison, overconfidence may have played a role in the Titans’ 8-2 loss to the Ice Cats that day. “Losing that game, it changed the way we looked at everything, changed the way we prepared,” he said. “Everyone was too jolly before that game, now we’re quiet in the locker room, getting focused, and we’re a better team that way.” Head concurred with Harrison’s assessment. “I think it taught them some
Jack Shapiro challenges a Sabers’ defenseman on Dec. 28. Shapiro found the net in the second quarter to give the Titans a 4-0 lead.
humility,” he said. “They learned that they’re not unbeatable.” Of course, having reeled off four straight wins, the Titans are not lacking any confidence at the moment. Despite having more victories than all but one other in-section team, undefeated Mamaroneck, several RTH players believe the team is still being overlooked. They aim to use that as motivation when they return from break to a game against Rivertown on Jan. 4. The Titans will have a grueling stretch to start 2016, including games against the ETBE Eagles and the reigning Division I champion Scarsdale Raiders. On Jan. 18, they will get another shot at Mount Pleasant. “We still feel like we’re underrated based on the teams we’ve played,” Harrison said. “Each game, we love to come out and win and get higher up in the rankings.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Jackson Schultz carries the puck along the boards at Rye Playland. Schultz had a goal and four assists in the Titans’ win over Somers/ North Salem.
16 • The hARRISON RevIew • January 8, 2016