Issuu

Harrison REVIEW THE

February 26, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 9 | www.harrisonreview.com

County to fund $58M in Rye Playland projects By JaMES pERo Staff Writer

Caring about

the Earth

Andrew Kranichfeld reads his book “Karen’s Garden” at a program for schoolchildren that focuses on gardening and the environment. Kranichfeld is an author from Rye who happens to be blind. For story, see page 9. Photo/Craig Douglas

Village of Mamaroneck passes unprecedented dog law By KIlEy STEVEnS Staff Writer The village of Mamaroneck is the first municipality in the state of New York to ban the sale of commercially bred animals in local pet stores. This unprecedented law was passed by a 4-0 vote, with one trustee abstaining, at a raucous Feb. 22 Board of Trustees meeting after weeks of discussion and public hearings. The law, dubbed “Public Local Law D-2016” was proposed by Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, and passed with the help of Susan Chana Lask, an attorney based in Manhattan. Lask said she became involved with the local legislation when a village resident emailed her ask-

ing for help. Although Lask is a litigator, she speaks to towns nationwide about animal protection. “I do that out of passion, pro bono,” she said. Though Lask and Rosenblum faced opposition from some members of the village board citing concerns over the constitutionality of the mayor’s proposal, Lask told the Review that she has worked on at least four federal cases that would upheld the legality of the law. “You’re not prohibiting the sale of all animals, you’re just regulating the source,” she said. The law, as written, states that pet stores within the village may only sell animals that come from animal shelters or humane societies within New York state. Under the law, no animal that

comes from a breeder or puppy mill is permissible to be sold in the village of Mamaroneck. The push for legislation began in August 2015 when residents began protesting a local pet store on Mamaroneck Avenue, then named Best Breeds Puppies and Kittens. The owner of the store at the time, Richard Doyle, of Mahopac, New York, has been in trouble with the law multiple times. He has been charged with three counts of misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, and one count of selling a diseased animal. One of his store fronts, located in Wappingers Falls, New York, has since closed. In December 2015, he was arrested at one of his other store fronts in Mohegan Lake on two felony counts of witness tampering.

The storefront in Mamaroneck was sold to a new owner in December, Kevin Casiraghi, who renamed the store National Breeders. However, Lask investigated the license number posted on a dog cage in the store, which was connected to a breeder in the Midwest who, according to Lask, was laden with violations. Some of the violations included shivering animals, the use of unapproved medications and animals who had not been examined by veterinarians. When reached by phone on Tuesday, an employee at National Breeders declined to comment. Part of the problem with regulating the source of animals, dog continued on page 5

In an effort to address a significant number of crucial renovations at Rye Playland, an agreement between Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and the park’s management company, Standard Amusements, was amended on Feb. 22 to include $58 million in county-funded capital projects. However, the amended contract still requires approval of the Westchester County Board of Legislators by a March 31 deadline, otherwise the agreement can be terminated by Standard. The amended contract also allows for the extension of the co-management period between the county and Standard into the fall of this year. The amendment comes after an extension of the co-management period that occurred last October, which prolonged the period until March 31. The projects included in the amended deal—which would see Standard Amusements increase its investment in the park by $5 million to about $30 million—would tackle 11 different capital projects, at a total cost of $58 million, to provide renovations to various rides and structures, in addition to the rehabilitation of the park’s shoreline, all of which would be paid for by the county. According to the amended agreement, the two parties will outline a date for when the capital projects will be carried out by the county, a timeline that the agreements states must be finalized before by Aug. 31. The original deal between

Standard Amusements and the county was finalized in June 2015 after lengthy deliberations between the county and multiple management companies. Under the terms of the amended agreement, after a lump sum of $2.75 million, the county will receive a $300,000 annual fee from Standard Amusements, which would increase by 2 percent every year, putting the county’s total amount of money received from the deal at about $13 million over the next 30 years. Yet, the county will now spend millions of dollars on capital infrastructure upgrades that were not part of the initial agreement. According to Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, this disparity of investment would put taxpayers on the line. “The entire idea was that in having the partnership it would reduce the burden to the taxpayer,” she said. “With the number as it stands, I don’t know that we [can] get to that place.” Parker said a more reasonable amount of money for the county to receive annually from the agreement would be about $1 million per year with a 2 percent increase; a figure that would bring the county to about $41 million during the lifetime of the agreement. Parker also said she doesn’t currently have a plan to fight the amended agreement, but will continue to review the terms until the March 31 deadline. “The entire Board of Legislators needs to take a look at what the changes are,” she said. playland continued on page 8

2 • The hARRISON RevIew • February 26, 2016

February 26, 2016 • ThE haRRISon REVIEw • 3

3-way race for county district attorney job

2016 By angEla JoRdan Staff Writer With former Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore now a state judge, and her replacement choosing not to seek election this November, three candidates have entered the race to take over the spot as the county’s top prosecutor. The latest entry is Bruce Bendish, a White Plains Republican, who announced his candidacy for Westchester DA on Feb. 18 at a press conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains. Bendish, 69, served as an assistant district attorney in Westchester County for 14 years before he opened a private practice for criminal defense with fellow attorney Peter Goodrich. “I am not a career politician,” Bendish said when announcing his candidacy. “I’ve never run for office, and have no desire to hold any other position than the office of district attorney.” Bendish will receive a primary challenge from Mitch Benson, a New Rochelle Republican, who launched his campaign website and announced his candidacy a day earlier on Feb. 17. Before entering the race, Benson, 56, was a prosecutor in Nassau County for 10 years, and served as a prosecutor in Brooklyn for 20 years prior to that. “I have been involved in hiring and training hundreds of ADAs, and I have been a frontline prosecutor,” Benson said.

Also, on the Democratic side, George Fufidio, of Eastchester, announced his candidacy last month. Fufidio, 58, has been a criminal defense lawyer since 1988, but served as a prosecutor in the Westchester County DA’s office prior to that. He described his time as a Westchester prosecutor as the best experience he’s had, and said he has a deep-rooted respect for the DA’s office. All three candidates cited the heroin epidemic throughout the county as a priority, but each attorney elaborated on different methods for tackling the issue. Bendish put an emphasis on youth outreach, and said he would specifically like to send ADAs to middle and high schools throughout Westchester more often to discuss the serious nature of the issue and warn teenagers about the dangers of drug abuse.

SCHOOL NEWS?

“Part of it is an educational factor, because the district attorney is not confined to the four walls of a courtroom,” Bendish said. Fufidio discussed the importance of rehabilitation in tackling the drug issue, and promoted the use of treatment courts during sentencing. “Too many people are in the system for addiction and mental illness,” he said. “More people need to be eligible for treatment courts. My experience with treatment courts is that they are effective.” When asked about treatment courts, Benson said it is important to “strike a balance.” He said there are treatment programs that are appropriate in some cases, but that “the focus is on creative techniques to pursue major distributors.” Benson also identified the heroin epidemic as a problem

At a glance Two Republicans, Bruce Bendish and Mitch Benson, and one Democrat, George Fufifdio, are running for Westchester County DA All three candidates have more than 30 years of experience practicing law Benson is a career prosecutor, while Bendish and Fufifdio are both currently criminal defense attorneys All three candidates see the growing heroin epidemic as a top priority Other issues raised: gang violence, illegal handguns, cybercrimes and underutilized treatment courts Former Westchester DA Janet DiFiore left her position to be chief judge for the state Court of Appeals, and was replaced by acting District Attorney James McCarty, who does not plan to run for election

ContaCt oUR EDUCatIon REpoRtER

sarah varney

sarah@hometwn.com

Bruce Bendish

throughout all of New York, and said that statewide initiatives must be taken as well to tackle the issue. In addition to addressing problems such as heroin, illegal handguns and cybercrimes, Bendish also said that he wants to establish a veteran’s treatment court in Westchester. “They deserve a court that understands their problems, and a court that is connected to other veterans’ administrations services,” he said. Benson cited gang violence as another major issue in Westchester that he would address as DA. He said that prosecuting gang violence can become difficult when witnesses are coerced

Mitch Benson

into silence. “We need to facilitate a culture in which witnesses are encouraged to come forward,” Benson said. “You have to be aggressive and committed in tough prosecution against violent criminals, that way people don’t see dangerous felons back on the street.” Fufidio, who is currently a member of the New York State Permanent Commission on Sentencing, said he is passionate about increasing the age that a person can be tried as an adult from 16 to 18 years old. He said that minors are all too often treated as criminals before the court considers treatment or additional supervision for

George Fufidio

youthful offenders. All three candidates had positive things to say about DiFiore, and expressed desires to continue building on her legacy. DiFiore, a Democrat, appointed the chief judge of the state Court of Appeals last month. In her place is acting District Attorney James McCarty, who has no plans to run in November’s special election. DiFiore’s DA term doesn’t expire until the end of 2017. Primary elections for Westchester take place on Sept. 13, and the general election is Nov. 8. The Westchester DA is elected to serve a four-year term. ConTaCT: angela@hometwn.com

4 • The hARRISON RevIew • February 26, 2016

What’s going on... Harrison Public Library

ily videos. Participants are welcome to bring their own video cameras or smartphones or use the ones the library will provide. This workshop is appropriate for children ages 8 and up. Space is limited so advanced registration is recommended. For more information or to register for this program, call 835-0324.

Film Movement: ‘Breathe’

School Break Storytime and Crafts On Saturday, Feb. 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the West Harrison branch. Come listen to stories and make terrific crafts to take home. Manhattanville student volunteers are back to have fun with kids ages 2 to 10. No registration is required. This activity is open to all, and siblings are welcome.

The library will be screening Melanie Laurent’s French film “Breathe” on Sunday, Feb. 28 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Halperin Memorial Building. The film, which is accompanied by English subtitles, is a teen psychological drama that stars Josephine Japy as Charlie, a 17-yearold who does well in school and seems to have everything going for her. When the much more sophisticated Sarah moves to town, however, she and Charlie become fast friends, but soon Sarah makes Charlie uncomfortable with her wilder ways. When Sarah Charlie learns a secret about Sarah, their relationship takes a sinister turn. “Breathe” screened at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. Running time: 91 minutes.

Make better home videos

Drop-in computer help for seniors

All family filmmakers are welcome to attend this event on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Halperin Memorial Building. This family workshop series will be held on three Saturdays, and this will be the first session. Participants will study and practice simple strategies for planning, shooting, editing and sharing their fam-

Accomplished high school students will be offering computer help to senior citizens on Monday, Feb. 29 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Halperin Memorial Building on a drop-in basis. Participants will be able to learn the basics, including the internet, email, Microsoft Word and how to save photos. This program is free and open to the

public. Registration is not required. For more information, call 835-0324.

Dr. Seuss’ birthday party Come celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday on Wednesday, March 2 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the West Harrison branch. The library will honor him by making candy hats and green eggs. Gifts are not necessary. This program is free and open to the public, and is appropriate for children from birth to age 10. Registration is not required.

Harrison Recreation For further information, call the Leo Mintzer Center at 949-5265 or the Sollazzo Center at 670-3179. You may also call the Harrison Recreation Hotline at 670-3039. Most applications are available on harrison-ny.gov.

Harrison Youth Flag Football League For pre-K to sixth grade. 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 drills. Teams will be formed and games begin the third week of the program. Tentative spring season starts on April 3 and will run on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. at the LMK or Feeley fields. Please contact Joe Gallace with any questions 924-8380 or harrisonyouthflagfootball@yahoo.com. Fee is $180, with a late fee of $200 after March 11.

Harrison Little League Harrison’s Little League registration is currently under way. Applications are available at all recreation centers and on the Harrison website, harrison-ny.gov.

Part-time positions available The Recreation Department hires staff for various part-time positions. Adults and young adults who are at least 16 years of age are invited to apply. Positions are open for instructors, lifeguards, camp counselors, camp specialists and day camp directors. Applications are at all recreation centers.

Learn golf this spring Premier Junior Golf is offering professional instruction classes from April 14 through June 2 for grades K-3 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and for grades four to six from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Veterans Park on Crystal Street. All equipment will be provided with a low student-to-coach ratio. Advance through TGA’s five-level program. Fee is $200 for eight weeks. Make checks payable to TGA of Southern Westchester, or register online at PLAYTGA.com/southernwestchester. 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.

February 26, 2016 • ThE haRRISon REVIEw • 5

Obituary

Phyllis L. Canter Phyllis L. Canter, mother of Mindy, Robin, Richard and Nelson Canter; mother-in-law of Nancy, Lynn, and Meredith Canter; grandmother of Andrew and Amy Blower, Matt Konowe, Alexander, Kyle, Kevin and Amanda Canter; and greatgrandmother of Lana Blower; passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 23 in Rye Brook, New York, after a long battle with cancer. Phyllis Canter was a former president of the American Psychiatric Association, former president of the Ranachqua Foundation, which was started by her late husband Arnold Canter, and former board member of the Silliman Fund and Purchase Community Chest. Phyllis was dog from page 1

according to Lask, is the 120 U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors that inspect breeders nationwide “do not have the resources to police these puppy mills.” She told the Review that their job is to simply give breeders in violation a notice—not to fine them or shut them down. Trustee David Finch, a Democrat, expressed concerns that the business model that would come with passage of the law would not be viable for business owners. Brian Shapiro, the state director of the Humane Society, told the Review in a previous interview that more and more pet stores have been adopting what he referred to as a “humane

Phyllis L. Canter

a proud supporter of the Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase College and the Greenwich Thrift Shop, which supported programs at Greenwich Hospital. Phyllis was a world model,” by sourcing their animals from shelters and humane societies. Although Finch was concerned about engaging the village in protracted litigation, he did vote for the law. “If I had voted against it, I would be labeled as anti-puppy for the rest of my life,” he said. Finch added that he voted yes partially because Lask agreed to defend the village pro bono should they be hit with a lawsuit in the coming weeks. Trustee Leon Potok, a Democrat, abstained from the vote out of fear of a potential lawsuit. Lask told the Review she is very happy that the law passed in spite of the opposition it faced initially. “What we showed is

traveler and enjoyed taking large groups to countries near and far, as well as on a short trip to a concert or a museum. She enjoyed lunch and bridge with her friends and most of all enjoyed time with her family. The funeral was held on Friday, Feb. 26 at 9:15 a.m. at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, located at 2125 E. Westchester Ave. in Rye. The family sat shiva at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester on Feb. 26 from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Donations in Phyllis’ honor may be made to Ranachqua Foundation Inc., Canter Family Memorial Fund, 1732 Astor Ave., Bronx, NY 10469. May her memory be a blessing. that you shouldn’t cower in the face of adversity, which we had a lot of,” she said. As for Rosenblum, the vote proved to be a victory he was eager to celebrate. “I could not be prouder to be part of any community, anywhere in the United States,” the mayor said. An initial proposed law concerning the health care and treatment of pet store animals, proposed in January, is still being discussed by the village board. That conversation will continue at the board’s March 7 meeting after some board members expressed the desire to go over its legislation with the state attorney general. ConTaCT: kiley@hometwn.com

The village of Mamaroneck Board of Trustees passed Public Local Law D-2016 on Feb. 22. The law prohibits the sale of commercially bred animals in pet stores, the first of its kind in New York state. It is unclear how the law will affect National Breeders, pictured at 154 Mamaroneck Ave., since the pet store does not currently source its collections of dogs for sale from shelters. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

6 • The hARRISON RevIew • February 26, 2016

Harrison REVIEW

THE

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

Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com

New LGBT-friendly bar lights up Westchester

Executive Vice President | Ira Ellenthal ext. 31, irathal@hometwn.com Editor-in-Chief | Christian Falcone ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Suzy Berkowitz ext. 30, suzy@hometwn.com Education Reporter | Sarah Varney ext. 17, sarah@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lindsay@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers James Pero, Angela Jordan, Kiley Stevens Staff Photographer Bobby Begun Columnists Ron Belmont, Lenore Skenazy

Letters

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

Community Events

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

Ignite Bar and Bistro opened in November 2015 and serves as one of Westchester County’s first LGBTfriendly dining and drinking locations. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

By SUZy BERKowITZ Editorial Assistant Among the various bars and restaurants that line Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains, one stands out from the crowd: Ignite Bar and Bistro. Open since November 2015, Ignite is one of Westchester County’s first LGBT-friendly dining establishments—welcome to all, but built to serve as a safe

haven for those who identify as part of the LGBT community. “Ignite adds a bit of color and culture to the community, and it’s something completely different from anything else around here,” Ignite owner, Kevin Burke, said. “In Manhattan, there’s a gay bar on every street. As people become more progressive, they realize that this is something they want in their neighborhood.” Burke, 33, who has vast ex-

perience hosting parties in the downtown White Plains area, said that after producing events in various venues for several years, he was looking for a spot to call his own, and after scoping out a space, he decided to make his goal of opening an LGBT-friendly bar with a New York City vibe in the Westchester area a reality. Although owing a bar and restaurant comes with a lot of responsibilities, Burke, of Yonkers, said everything is com-

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Visit us online www.harrisonreview.com Follow us on Twitter, @harrisonview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/harrisonreview The Harrison Review (permit #106661) is published by Home Town Media Group weekly for an annual subscription of $32. Application to mail at the peridcals postage rate is approved at Port Chester, N.Y., 10573. Periodicals postage paid at Port Chester and additional mailing offices.

Owner Kevin Burke said he wanted to give Westchester County a glimpse into New York City’s bar scene with Ignite’s bar and lounge atmosphere.

Ignite is open seven days a week and is known for its Tuesday night karaoke and Sunday brunch featuring neighborhood drag queens. Photos/Suzy Berkowitz

ing together fairly quickly, and he hopes his business will give him a chance to become more involved in the community. One such community member that Ignite has already positively impacted is Judy Troilo, executive director of The LOFT: LGBT Community Center. Based in downtown White Plains, The LOFT provides legal, medical and psychological support to LGBT individuals within Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley area. “The LOFT supports any organization that serves or provides a space for the LGBT community,” Troilo said. “Ignite is a beautiful, charming place, and we will most certainly help to promote Kevin’s vision.” Troilo said that it is important for members of the LGBT community to have access to a place like Ignite because it is a venue where people feel safe to be themselves. Troilo said the fact that Ignite is both a restaurant and a bar is also important because it accommodates people who want to have a night out in any capacity. She said she is excited to collaborate with Ignite to host events in the future. “We’ve come a long way, but we’ve still got a long way to go,” she said. “Everybody’s welcome there, and that’s im-

portant to know. If you embrace us, we’ll embrace you.” Although Valhalla’s The B Lounge was the first full-service gay bar to open in Westchester in 2011, Troilo said Ignite is different from any other location in the county. Burke said he could see his location quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite. Besides serving as a regular restaurant and bar seven nights a week, Ignite, which is known for its extensive wine list, also uses its space to host Sunday brunch with a drag show and Tuesday night karaoke. Although Burke has received an outpouring of positive feedback since Ignite has opened, he has also been hit with some online negativity as well. He said those who are against having this kind of establishment in their community weed themselves out from becoming involved in it, and that although it’s unfortunate that not everyone can enjoy, understand or agree with Ignite’s culture, there are plenty of other bars in the area. “I look beyond the negative reviews because there’s so much more to do,” Burke said. “Every time I step back for a second and observe the interactions and the smiles and the laughter, it makes my heart swell.” ConaCT: suzy@hometwn.com

February 26, 2016 • ThE haRRISon REVIEw • 7

8 • The hARRISON RevIew • February 26, 2016

Celebrity Chef Jet Tila lands at Purchase

On the Lake Street Quarry site

extravaganza. And, as if that weren’t enough, he’s a gastro-diplomat. In 2013, the Royal Thai Consulate in Los Angeles named him the first Culinary Ambassador of Thai Cuisine. “I didn’t get into the business to be a celebrity,” Tila, 41, said. “I got in because it was necessity-based.” But, he added, “Luckily, in the last decade or two, it’s been cool to be a celebrity chef.” While at Purchase, students chowed down on Tila’s Mongolian beef, miso sweet potatoes, sweet chili tofu and other Asian specialties. “So delicious,” said freshman Nina Rodriguez, digging into a bowl of tofu and rice. “Can he come back?” another student chimed in as her schoolmates posed for selfies with the chef, who is perhaps best known as a regular judge on Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen,” a cooking competition. Tila is not scheduled to visit the school again anytime soon, nonetheless, he said he’s determined to improve students’ diets. Like most diners, he said,

the quarry operation. The property owner defended the charges in court and challenged the town’s stop work orders. The owner’s representative reached out to town officials to resolve the outstanding legal issues and to strike a compromise for the use of the site, proposing plans that include a bank, gas station, strip mall and/or big-box store market. The town board would not consider such intense uses, as they would negatively impact West Harrison’s business district. The use of a mixed-use senior and assisted living facility was also proposed. The town board decided that such use could potentially be appropriate for the site and permitted the owner to apply for such use. In exchange, the owner agreed, in a court stipulation with the town, to cease all quarrying operations and to withdraw all their court claims pending this process of repurposing the site. The owner agreed to process site plan and zoning text amendment applications, for a mixed-use senior and assisted living facility, with diligence and if the owner violates the stipulation, they consented to the entry of a large money judgment against the corporate owner, individually. The stipulation outlined the proposal the applicant planned on bringing, including that the development would include 150 to 185 units. The rezoning/development ap-

By aMBaR I. lopEZ Contributor Food Network star Jet Tila didn’t set out to become a celebrity chef. It’s in his blood. “My family has been cooking for three generations,” he said during a visit to Purchase College on Feb. 11, where he whipped up wok-loads of healthy Asian fusion specialties for hungry students. “I am still cooking what my grandma made.” For the past five years, Tila has partnered with Compass Group, the parent company of Chartwells, Purchase College’s food service provider. Tila, whose offerings at Purchase were part of Compass’ Modern Asian Kitchen grab-and-go cafeteria program, has run the kitchens of major restaurants in Dallas, Charleston, South Carolina, and Las Vegas and has appeared on numerous TV shows, including “The Today Show,” “The Talk,” “Food Fighters,” “Beat Bobby Flay” and “Chopped.” He holds six Guinness World Records, including one for the largest stir fry, a 4,010-pound culinary

“They want fries and they want chicken strips.” However, Tila added, “We can all strive to want to eat clean and organic and healthy.” Most Asian food is “pre-fried nuggets with very sweet and lots of MSG-laden instant sauces,” Tila explained. But, he said, motioning toward a wok full of veggies, “You can see that all our stuff is cooked fresh. There’s always a vegan and there’s always a gluten-free option.” The American-born chef, of Chinese and Thai ancestry, is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and the California Sushi Academy. But, Tila said, he learned the basics from his family. “My grandmother was my first culinary instructor,” he said. As a boy, he worked at his family’s Bangkok Market in Los Angeles, the city’s first Thai grocery, and his parents’ Royal Thai restaurant. “Before that, we had restaurants in Asia… So, yeah, to be able to be part of the first Thai food family in America and to go on to work for some of the best chefs, and do journalism and stuff, it’s been amazing. I’m really lucky,” Tila said.

HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont

Recently, the town board conducted a public hearing on the potential development of a senior living facility at the Lake Street Granite Quarry site in West Harrison. The developer, Brightview Senior Living, presented information. All comments, both oral and written, will be reviewed and the board will commence an in depth analysis. All interested residents were encouraged to take part. In order to fully understand the proposal and how we have reached this juncture, I believe an overview of the site’s history is necessary. As there has been a lot of misinformation, I would like to offer an outline of the issues as they exist today. Prior to 2010 and before our zoning code even existed, this site has operated as a quarry. The owners mined the property, using heavy machinery that generated noise and pollution. Trucks entered and exited the site to pick up/drop off materials. Residents voiced concern to the town board and asked the town/village to take action against the owner. The Building Department brought charges, under our zoning code, against the owner and issued stop work orders, forcing the shutdown of

plication is subject to a full review under SEQRA. A considerable benefit of repurposing the quarry site is that an ongoing use that has been a nuisance to residents will cease to exist. Should this proposal not be processed— which is a possibility—the town/village of Harrison and the property owner will most likely go back to court and there is the possibility that the court permits the owner to continue his quarry operation, resulting in the troublesome issues previously mentioned. Many of the public comments the board has received have been helpful as we examine the proposed zoning text amendment. Our No. 1 concern is the welfare and safety of all Harrison residents. As fiduciaries, the town board must weigh the impacts of the proposal against the risk and cost of continuing to fight with the landowner to an uncertain end. I strongly believe that no resident is in favor of any quarrying activities resuming at the site. The next “Lunch with the Mayor” is on Friday, Feb. 27 and I will be at Harrison Pizza, located at 248 Halstead Ave. in downtown Harrison. On March 4, I will be at Asian Fusion, located at 385 Halstead Ave. I will be at these locations from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.

playland from page 1

Celebrity Chef Jet Tila, right, during a visit to Purchase College. Tila whipped up healthy Asian fusion foods for students as part of a cafeteria program. Photo courtesy Ambar I. Lopez

According to Ned McCormack, communications director for the county executive, however, there are other aspects of the deal that work in the county’s favor. While the original agreement had the county bringing in about 7.5 percent of the park’s profits, the amended agreement will see that rate rise in 10-year increments, with the county earning 8 percent for the first decade, 10 percent for the next, and finally 12 percent for the last. The amendment does add another $18 million to the $40 million in known capital projects to the park, which the county outlined in a five-year list of capital projects, he said. According to McCormack, he’s hopeful that the new agreement—which is currently being reviewed by the county Board of

County Executive Rob Astorino has amended his Playland agreement with Standard Amusements that includes the addition of 11 capital projects totaling $58 million, which will come at the county’s expense. File photo

Legislators and three board subcommittees—will be approved before the March 31 deadline. “This agreement provides a very serious path to save Playland,” he said.

Nick Singer, of Standard Amusements, could not be reached for comment as of press time. ConTaCT: james@hometwn.com

February 26, 2016 • ThE haRRISon REVIEw • 9

Blind author guides kids in caring for the environment By SIBylla ChIpaZIwa Editorial Assistant When Andrew Kranichfeld started holding programs for schoolchildren based on his first book, “Karen’s Garden,” he would first show them fresh produce. Then he’d pull out a bag of Doritos and tell them to look at the nutrition facts. “On the back, it would have many ingredients. You don’t even know what half the stuff is,” he chuckled. “I could usually sound them out when I could see, but it wasn’t easy.” See, Kranichfeld is blind, but he doesn’t let that get in the way of doing what he loves, like running, cooking, going out to eat, enjoying live music and writing. At age 32, he is a children’s book author with a focus on the environment and gardening. His latest book, “Oliver Saves the Nature Center,” came out in December 2015 and has themes of Earth science, ecology, community and environmentalism— all topics he feels children should be more aware of during what he feels is an important time in human history. The book stars a character based on Kranichfeld’s older brother, Oliver, who worked at the Rye Nature Center as an environmental educator for five years. Kranichfeld himself used to volunteer there as a summer

Andrew Kranichfeld reads his book, “Karen’s Garden,” to students at the Rye Country Day School. Kranichfeld is blind. Photo courtesy Andrew Kranichfeld

camp counselor while at Rye High School. A month or two after turning 26, Kranichfeld learned that he had a brain tumor, which was misdiagnosed twice. His first medical opinion resulted in chemotherapy that made the tumor grow a little bigger. His vision went from being a little blurry, “like wearing glasses with Vaseline on them,” to getting much worse. When his doctors realized their first mistake, Kranichfeld was then given steroids intravenously, and he lost his sight and gained a lot of weight soon after. “After I went blind, and getting the brain tumor, I was looking for an outlet for not just creativity, but a way to [produce] something that people would enjoy and learn

“Karen’s Garden,” published in September 2012, is Andrew Kranichfeld’s first book. It is dedicated to his mother, who passed away two years prior to its release.

from, and writing a book seemed like the right way,” he said. When he holds programs for children, Kranichfeld tells them to be mindful of what they’re putting into their bodies and that being in touch with nature—by gardening, for example—is important. “When you grow the plants yourself, you know they’re fresh; they’re nutritious,” Kranichfeld said. “If you buy them at the store, they might be covered in pesticides, they might have wax on them, they might be old—you don’t really know.” He stresses the importance of growing food locally, and tells the children he talks to that gardening is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. “You’re outside, digging in the earth, connecting with Mother Nature. Everyone these days— young and old people—is always on their cellphones, computers or iPads, so it’s a very important message for little kids that you shouldn’t be on these gadgets all day,” he said. He ends his visits by showing children the adaptive technology he uses every day, including Facebook, Google, texting and using various iPhone apps. He shows students apps that can tell him money denominations and help him get dressed by identifying the colors of the clothing he picks out. “Getting to spend time with a disabled person, students learn that they’re just a normal person. I’m just different in that I can’t see,” he said. Kranichfeld grew up in Rye, in a household that he called “a unique place,” located in a large

“Oliver Saves the Nature Center” is Andrew Kranichfeld’s latest book. The main character is based off of his older brother who used to work at the Rye Nature Center.

field, surrounded by hedges on 4 acres of land near a brook in the backyard. The property also had three greenhouses, only one of which was used for growing food. There was an outdoor garden, too, where his mother had friends and some coworkers use part of, like a coop. “People would have their own sections where they’d grow their own fruits and vegetables and they’d share them with each other,” he said. His mother, Karen, passed away in March 2010 after battling leukemia—just days before Kranichfeld learned of his brain tumor. “I really loved my mom; we were very close,” he said, adding that “Karen’s Garden” is a tribute to her. The book is also important to him because his mother was only 59 when she died. “This was a way that I could not only tell her story, but maybe get some really young kids into

gardening—in a way, passing on her legacy of gardening to other people,” he said. His family also travelled to some interesting places when he was younger, like camping at a game reserve in Botswana and visiting the J.N. Ding Darling wildlife refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida. He credits his childhood experiences, especially visiting these places he saw as “untouched nature,” as one reason why he cares for the environment. He also played hockey at Rye High School for three years. He dabbled in other sports, like soccer and softball, but hockey is the one that stuck. Although he lives in the Bronx, Kranichfeld still has many fond memories of Rye. “As a community, Rye has really stood behind me,” he said. He mentions an event called the Chowder Cup, a fundraiser on ice, when he was given the nickname “Chowder” after

skating for the first time in five years since losing his sight. With his latest book, Kranichfeld tried to think of a subject that would be relevant to current events and would engage both children and their parents, since they buy the books. His audience—at least for now—is children because of the books he read when he was young, like Dr. Seuss. He said that although the books were fun, their messages left a huge impression on him. “We are sort of at a turning point in history where we really need to start doing something about climate change. That’s what I try to put into my books,” Kranichfeld said. “If everyone starts to make little changes in their lives, it does make a difference.” ConTaCT: sibylla@hometwn.com

10 • The hARRISON RevIew • February 26, 2016

March 2016

Planning ahead... Sunday

Monday

TueSday National Women’s History Month

WedneSday

PTA meeting 9:30 a.m., HHS

Worldwide Red Cross Month

Superintendent’s Conference Day, schools closed for students

Board of Education meeting 8:15 p.m., LMK

Architectural Review Board meeting 7:30 p.m., Municipal building

Daylight Savings Time begins

PTA meeting 9:15 a.m., PUR

ThurSday

Friday

Town/village board meeting 7:30 p.m., Municipal building

PTA meeting 7 p.m., PRE

SaTurday

PTA meeting 9 p.m., HAS

SAT testing

Zoning Board meeting 8 p.m., Municipal building

St. Patrick’s Day

ACT registration deadline

NCAA Selection Sunday

Town/village board meeting 7:30 p.m., Municipal building

Palm Sunday

Spring Equinox

World Down Syndrome Day Spring recess begins, schools closed

American Diabetes Alert Day

Purim

Planning Board meeting 7:30 p.m., Municipal building

Easter Sunday

Spring recess ends, schools reopen Possible unused snow day

Possible unused snow day

Board of Education meeting 8:15 p.m., LMK

Good Friday

February 26, 2016 • ThE haRRISon REVIEw • 11

Branding sex offenders’ passports: Why? RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

Two weeks ago, just one day after President Barack Obama signed legislation that will brand the passports of sex offenders, a federal court challenge was filed against it. The International Megan’s Law is supposedly a way to alert foreign countries of sex offenders who may be traveling there for sex tourism or trafficking purposes. Of course, who isn’t against sex trafficking? We all are! But branding people’s passports isn’t going to do any good. The U.S. Department of State itself found that the law’s rationale is “very misleading.” And after conducting a study, the General Accounting Office “found no evidence that the offenders used their passports to commit sex offenses abroad.” Got that? No. Evidence. But heck, what’s a complete lack of evidence compared to political grandstanding? The bill was sponsored by Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey and passed both houses with only a single brave lawmaker, Democrat Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, speaking out against it. He said that while he endorsed the bill’s provisions to notify foreign countries about sex offenders’ travel plans, he was repulsed by the idea of the “unique passport identifier,” which is government-speak for passport branding. “It is simply bad policy to single out one category of offenses

for this type of treatment,” Scott told the House. “We do not subject those who murder, who defraud the government or our fellow citizens of millions and billions, or who commit acts of terrorism to these restrictions.” Terrorists? Pffft. It’s only sex offenders who must declare their past deeds this way. And that is what the court challenge is hinged upon. “We don’t want those ‘identifiers’ on anybody’s passport,” says lawyer Janice Bellucci, president of the group California Reform Sex Offender Laws, who is filing the federal challenge on behalf of four sex offenders. “Our strongest argument is that it violates the First Amendment, because that ‘unique identifier’ is compelled speech.” In other words, “The government is making you say something you don’t want to say.” Bellucci has been down this legal road before. Twice, she argued against California towns that forced sex offenders to put “No trick or treating” signs on their doors, and twice, she won. A third time, she sued the California Department of Corrections for the same thing. The department told registrants they had to put that sign on their doors on Halloween, and if they didn’t have a home and lived in a tent, well by golly, they had to put a “No trick or treating” sign on their tent flap. And if they were living in a sleeping bag at the side of the road, they had to put a “No trick or treating” sign on their sleeping bag, too. Presumably this would help fend off the hordes of children

seeking bite-sized Snickers from the homeless. Bellucci won that case, too. Like candy-doling by Halloween-activated predators in sleeping bags, the problem of registrants traveling abroad for sex tourism is also not a common one. Smith, the sponsor of the bill, wrote that “currently, tens of thousands of offenders could be traveling abroad as child sex tourists.” But they aren’t. The U.S. Department of Justice itself says that about 10 Americans a year are convicted of “sex crimes against minors in other countries.” In the meantime, there are more than 800,000 people on the Sex Offender Registry—about a quarter of whom are minors. This means that the vast majority of registrants—at least 790,990 of them—are not sex tourists. And yet we won’t give them the basic right of traveling this great earth. The United States has never branded anyone’s passport until now. Somehow, we have survived more than 200 years of giving all citizens the right to serve their time and then go on with their lives. Former drug dealers can travel south of the border. The Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13 crews can hop on a plane to Monaco. But sex offenders, including teens who sexted and former flashers now in their 80s, will be branded with the scarlet letter and kept in internal exile. It’s for the sake of the children, of course. It always is. ConTaCT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Yonkers Film Festival seeks material to screen “We’re looking for compelling stories that are well told,” said Patty Schumann, YoFiFest’s director and programmer. “We’re not overly hung up on when the movies were made or if they are premieres. We just want to share great films with an enthusiastic and supportive audience.” “It’s a great chance for filmmakers to screen their films in a warm, friendly and fun atmosphere,” added the festival’s executive director, Dave Steck. “We’ve worked hard to make it the kind of festival where we’d want to hang out and screen our own films.” Building on the success of its past festivals, YoFiFest, the Yonkers Film Festival, will be four action-packed days of watching and talking about movies. This year, YoFiFest plans to screen more than 100 films, including features, shorts, documentaries, animation, music videos and student work. The very popular “mini film school” will return, featuring discussions and workshops led by top industry

professionals on various aspects of filmmaking. Each day also has receptions and after-parties where filmmakers and attendees will get the chance to meet and talk about movies. “YoFi is one of the best film festivals that I have attended and I encourage other filmmakers to submit here. I look forward to attending again next year,” said Kal Toth, director of the feature documentary “Building Magic” that screened at last year’s festival. Alexzander Ellenbogen, whose short film “The Good Day” also screened at YoFiFest 2015, said, “It was an amazing experience from beginning to end. The workshops taught me valuable information about the industry.” Located on the Hudson River and adjacent to New York City, the festival draws its filmfriendly audiences from New York City, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley and the entire New York/New Jersey/Connecticut tri-state region. YoFiFest was awarded the

Best of Westchester’s “Best New Film Festival” and was recently named one of 2016’s “39 Most Notable Events” by Westchester Magazine. It was also cited as one of “The Top 10 Hippest Things About Yonkers” in 2015 when Yonkers was dubbed the Hudson Valley’s “Hippest Town” by The Journal News and LoHud.com. YoFiFest is an eco-friendly festival, so to reduce waste and environmental impact, films can be submitted digitally at YoFiFest.com through FilmFreeway or WithoutABox. For updates and the most current information, visit YoFiFest.com. (Submitted)

Westchester Library System updates board of trustees

Alex Payan

Julie Mills-Worthey

Sean Ryan

The Westchester Library System welcomes Julie Mills-Worthey, of Mount Vernon, as the District XIII representative covering Mount Vernon, and Sean Ryan, of Armonk, as the District V representative covering Armonk, Bedford Village, Mount Pleasant and Pound Ridge. Alex Payan, of Port Chester, was reelected as the District X representative covering Port Chester, Rye Brook, Rye City and Rye Town and began his five-year term along with the others as of Jan. 1. “We are pleased to have these talented and experienced individuals join our board and look forward to their active participation,” said Terry Kirchner, WLS executive director. “Their diverse

knowledge and extensive community engagement will bring new insight to the Westchester Library System.” In addition, the WLS board elected the following officers for 2016: Catherine Draper, of Pelham, as president; Mary Amato, of Yonkers, as vice president; Sean Ryan, of Armonk, as secretary; and Edris Scherer, of North Castle, will continue as treasurer. The Westchester Library System includes 38-member public libraries located throughout the county and is one of New York state’s 23 public library systems. WLS and its member libraries have a total collection of more than 5 million items, including 3.7 million books

and audio recordings, videocassettes, DVDs, print serials and other materials. The mission of the Westchester Library System is to ensure that all residents have seamless access to excellent library service throughout Westchester County. The Westchester Library System serves as a center of innovation for the Westchester County library community and provides model programs, affordable and easyto-use information technology, and support services that enable libraries to continuously improve service to their communities. WLS is located at 540 White Plains Road, Suite 200, in Tarrytown. For more information, visit westchesterlibraries.org. (Submitted)

12 • The hARRISON RevIew • February 26, 2016

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SPORTS

February 26, 2016 • ThE haRRISon REVIEw • 13

Voices in the crowd lIVE MIKE Mike Smith

You just have to love playoffs. It’s that time of the year when all the sweat and hard work start to pay off, when one false move can be the difference between victory and defeat, and when everyone needs to be on top of their games and sustain a fullthrottle effort for a full contest. I’m just talking about the fans, but I guess the players need to be ready for it, too. Regardless of the level of athletic endeavor, athletes are quick to point out that once the postseason rolls around, there is a perceptible shift in the intensity of a ballgame. Sure, some of it stems from the step up in competition, and some of it stems from the raised stakes of the situation, but I’d argue that, for better or worse, it’s the increased participation of fanbases that makes the sectionals such a special time.

And it’s certainly a doubleedged sword. In the eight or nine games I’ve covered over the first few rounds of the playoffs so far, I’ve certainly seen my fair share of terrific crowds. Last Friday, I took a swing up north to Nanuet and Tappan Zee high schools to see Rye and Harrison compete in the Class A quarterfinals, and I was absolutely blown away by the way those host schools were able to pack their gyms to the rafters. Rabid student-sections cheering on their classmates, throngs of younger children lining the court, these gyms were absolutely rocking. In the case of Harrison, which took topseeded Tappan Zee down to the wire, sure it was tough to watch them fall short in the final seconds, but I couldn’t help but watch the Dutchmen fans storm the court as time expired with a certain amount of admiration and excitement. Of course, not every fan “gets it.”

Last week, one of the Review’s girls basketball teams fell behind early, prompting a few parents to loudly call for the home players to remove their heads from their posteriors—albeit not in those exact terms. At a first-round hockey game, one father, who traditionally sits on the other side of the rink from the rest of his team’s fans, would launch into an expletiveladen tirade every time his son’s team turned the puck over in the neutral zone. The skater probably didn’t mean to “bleepin’” give it away, so cut the kid some slack. I understand that sometimes, emotions get the best of us. It happens to everyone. But when it comes to high school sports, sometimes the adults have to act like, well, adults. If you don’t have anything nice to say, people, maybe don’t buy a ticket next time. I don’t think anyone will miss you.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

Dutchmen fans at Tappan Zee High School fill the bleachers for the team’s quarterfinal playoff matchup against Harrison on Feb. 21. In the last week, Sports Editor Mike Smith has seen both the best and worst of sports fandom. Photo/Mike Smith

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

14 • ThE The hARRISON RevIew • February 26, 2016

SPORTS

Huskies fall by 1 in quarterfinals By MIKE SMITh Sports Editor On Feb. 19, Harrison’s basketball season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion, as the Huskies fell to top-seeded Tappan Zee 43-42 in the Class A quarterfinals. Despite leading for much of the game, Harrison lost the lead late, the last lead-change coming with just 30.6 seconds to play, when Tappan Zee junior Kevin Lynch hit a free throw to put the Dutchmen up by one point. Harrison had two chances to hit the game-winner, but 3-point attempts from Michael Nannariello and Zach Evans both rimmed out in the final seconds of play, prompting the Tappan Zee fans to storm the court in celebration of yet another trip to the Westchester County Center. Harrison led by as many as nine points in the first half, and did a tremendous job keeping the larger Dutchmen off the boards, winning the rebounding battle 3025 for the game. “It’s been our model all year,” said Harrison coach Gary Chiarella. “We play tough hard-nosed defense and rebound no matter who we’re playing.” Evans was key to the Huskies’ success, finishing with 15 points, nine rebounds and six steals on the evening, but the Dutchmen were able to utilize their size advantage in the second half, chipping away at the score behind the low-post scoring of both Lynch and Victor Clervil, who finished with 16 points. Having just missed out on a run to the Final Four, the Huskies will have to retool in the offseason, as they will lose several key players, including Evans, Nannariello, Jeff Solomon, Omar Nesheiwat and Jack Hochman, to graduation. According to Chiarella, this senior group has paved the way for future teams by going about their business the right way. “They’ve been outstanding, they’ve played extremely hard,” said the head coach. “It’s been great watching them for the last couple of years.” At 20-2 on the year, Tappan Zee’s win on Friday propelled the Dutchmen to their sixth trip to the Class A semifinals in the past seven years. They made the most of that opportunity as

Jeff Solomon takes a shot in a tough loss to the Dutchmen.

Zach Evans drives to the hoop against Tappan Zee on Feb. 19. Despite Evans’ solid game, Harrison fell 4342 in the Class A quarterfinals. Photos/Mike Smith

Tappan Zee’s Victor Clervil goes up for a layup while being guarded by AJ Magee. Clervil finished with 16 points.

of press time, topping Nanuet 53-40 on Feb. 22. They will now play for the Class A title against Byram Hills on Feb. 28. Byram Hills advanced to the championship game thanks to a 47-39 win

over Lourdes earlier this week. Harrison coach Gary Chiarella could not be reached for comment as of press time. ConTaCT: sports@hometwn.com

Jack Hochman looks for an open teammate at Tappan Zee High School.

SPORTS

February 26, 2016 • ThE haRRISon REVIEw • 15

Titans blast Pirates in first round By MIKE SMITh Sports Editor Over the course of the regular season, Rye Town/Harrison has made a habit of starting slow. In their first-round playoff matchup on Feb. 21, however, they didn’t let a few bad shifts submarine their playoff push, taking control of the game late to earn a 7-2 win over Pearl River. The Titans scored an 11-3 victory over Pearl River during the regular season, but on Sunday, it was the Pirates who struck first, getting the game’s first goal with 8:43 to play in the first period.

“I think we were a little complacent going in, but [Pearl River] is better now than when we beat them [on Dec. 24],” Titans’ coach Jason Head said. “We try to drill it into them that it’s different in the playoffs.” The early goal served to put a charge into the Titans, who scored the next three goals and headed into the third period with a 4-2 lead. The No. 6 seed didn’t stop there, adding three more goals for good measure. Doug Harrison and Sam Adler both finished with two goals on the night, while Max Picker and Jackson Schultz each

Doug Harrison controls the puck against New Rochelle.

added a goal and an assist. According to Head, the Titans’ tough regular season schedule, combined with a deep playoff push last winter, means that Rye Town/Harrison’s veterans have been through the ringer before and know what to expect from postseason hockey. “It definitely helps, especially in being able to manage a big spot,” he said. “We’ve had a couple of games that we’ve looked at like playoff games, like [games against] Suffern and Clarkstown, so we know how to get up and play in these big spots.” With the win, the Titans advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will take on John Jay at the Brewster Ice Arena. The No. 2 seed topped No. 13 Pawling 5-0 in first round action, thanks in part to a 22-save effort from netminder George McMichael. Although the Indians and Titans did not meet during the regular season, they squared off in a preseason scrimmage. The quarterfinal game, which was initially scheduled for Feb. 23, was pushed back until Feb. 24, after press time, due to inclement weather. “We know [John Jay] is a good team, they’ve got a very good goalie in between the pipes,” Head said. “They’re young too, we don’t know how much experience they have, but we know it’s going to be a good test.”

Max Picker celebrates after a regular season goal. Picker had a goal and an assist in the Titans’ first-round win.

ConTaCT: sports@hometwn.com

Joey Livornese makes a save during a Nov. 26 game. Livornese had 15 saves in the Titans’ 7-2 win over Pearl River on Sunday, Feb. 21.

Jackson Schultz fires a slapshot. Photos/Mike Smith

16 • The hARRISON RevIew • February 26, 2016