Harrison REVIEW THE
March 11, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 11 | www.harrisonreview.com
taxpayer ride? Westchester legislators continue to scrutinize a new management agreement between the county administration and Standard Amusements. The agreement would provide Standard will control of the amusement park. For story, see page 9. File photo
State Senate passes bills to tackle youth heroin problem Because of a spike in heroin use among adolescents throughout the entire state, the New York state Senate passed two bills on March 1 that increase penalties for anyone who sells controlled substances to anyone under the age of 14, and increased penalties for anyone who sells a controlled substance in a park or playground. One bill makes selling a controlled substance to anyone under the age of 14 a Class A-II felony, which carries a minimum sentence of three to eight years, and the other bill increases penalties for selling a controlled substance in a park or on a playground. The statewide heroin and opioid epidemic has not escaped attention in Westchester County.
Last month, all three candidates for the Westchester County’s district attorney’s office said that the distribution and abuse of heroin were a top priority for the county’s law enforcement, especially among Westchester’s teenagers. For state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat who voted for both bills, the drug issue is personal as well. “My next-door neighbor’s child died,” Latimer said. “I knew him when he was younger, and now he’s gone forever. It is a terrible loss.” Latimer also added that the bills were bipartisan “because it’s the right thing to do.” The bills will be sent to the
The New York state Senate passed two bills last week in an effort to address the growing heroin and opioid problem among the state’s minors. File photo
state Assembly next. Assemblyman Steve Otis, a Rye Democrat, said that the “premise of the bills make sense,” and that he would vote to pass them. At least 15 other pieces of legislation have passed within the
last two years as specific efforts to curb New York’s growing heroin and opioid problem, in addition to allocations of more than $47 million of funds into the 2014-2015 and the 2015-2016 state budgets toward various initiatives to treat and prevent substance abuse. Assemblyman David Buchwald, a White Plains Democrat, was not available as of press time to comment, but a representative from his office said, “When it comes to opioid and heroin abuse, the assemblyman is working on a host of fronts to see that law enforcement and health officials are empowered to tackle this crisis.” -Reporting by Angela Jordan
Rye councilwoman preps for state Senate run By CHRISTIAN FALCONE Editor-in-Chief Julie Killian, a city of Rye councilwoman, will try to do what no other Republican has been able to: beat George Latimer. Killian announced that she plans to seek the New York state Senate seat for the 37th District currently occupied by Latimer, a Democrat, at a Rye City Republican Committee meeting last month, the Review has learned. She is in her first full term on the Rye City Council and earlier this year was appointed deputy mayor. Killian, a mother of five, first joined the council in 2012 after being appointed to the seat following a vacancy. Tony Sayegh, a political analyst for Fox News and News12 Westchester, said the 37th District, which stretches from the city of Yonkers north to the town of Bedford, is one of the Senate’s very few true swing districts in the state, meaning that either political party could wrestle control in a given election cycle. “It really requires somebody who is independent in some respects,” he said, adding that it’s also a very diverse district. Sayegh, also a Republican strategist, has already been retained by the Killian camp as she prepares to officially launch her candidacy with an announcement expected on Friday, after press time. According to Sayegh, she has been listening to people’s issues and gaining a better understanding of the district. “Julie is trying to understand all of the concerns and slowly we’ll be rolling out some of the solutions to those problems,”
said Sayegh, adding that as far as a platform, it’s still too early for Killian to start talking specifics. But the analyst said, based on her record of service, Killian is viewed as a problem solver. “She knows how to build consensus, she’s worked across the aisle [and] she has been a thoughtful leader in the realm of public policy,” he said. Killian, 54, has been a member of the Westchester County Charter Revision Commission, a group established to recommend changes to the county charter, as well as New Yorkers for Growth, a PAC that promotes fiscally responsible policies in the state. In Rye, she has served on the city Finance Committee, been a volunteer in the Rye school district, and a supporter of the Rye library, Rye Historical Society and Rye Arts Center. Her latest project was helping to launch an anti-drug coalition in Rye in 2015. “Julie is a positive person, that is one thing that overwhelms you when you talk to her,” Sayegh said. “I imagine she will stand up for issues she believes are right and also draw a contrast where there is a difference of opinion.” Conversely, Sayegh criticized Latimer by calling his record of SENATE continued on page 10
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2 • The HARRISON review • March 11, 2016
March 11, 2016 • The HARRISON review • 3
Westchester names third female police chief
Anne FitzSimmons is sworn in as the White Plains Police Department’s new police chief on Monday, Feb. 22. Fitzsimmons, a resident of White Plains, has been working on the force since 1979. Photo courtesy Barry Rothman
By SUZY BERKOWITZ Editorial Assistant Westchester County recently gained its third female police chief when Anne FitzSimmons was sworn into the position on Monday, Feb. 22 in the city of White Plains’ Department of Public Safety. FitzSimmons, 61, who has worked on the force for 36 years, said she’s proud to have been given this opportunity and is excited to examine and improve the department’s everyday operations. White Plains Police Commissioner David Chong said although it’s nice for the department to have a female police chief, FitzSimmons’ gender played no part in her promotion from assistant chief; rather, he said, it was something she earned through her hard work and merit. “When you make a decision to go into a male-dominated field, you have to have tough skin and just keep going,” FitzSimmons said. “I’ve always worked hard and gave more than what I had to.” She is now the third appointed and second currently employed female police chief in the county. Betsy Gelardi was hired in Dobbs Ferry in 2007 and still serves on the force, and Barbara Duncan was hired in Mount Vernon in 2008, but moved on to a chief position in Salisbury, Maryland, in 2010. Gelardi, who recently attended a conference with FitzSimmons, said she always admired
her over the years and says she is well-deserving of this promotion. She said FitzSimmons’ strong leadership skills will help propel the department forward. After entering the force in 1985 and maintaining her position as police chief of the Dobbs Ferry Police Department for almost a decade, Gelardi said her gender has become less of a cause for commotion over time. “I never walk into this building thinking, ‘I’m a female police chief,’” she said. “Your job becomes a part of you; it becomes your life.” Gelardi said she didn’t understand the depth of making history as the first female police chief of Westchester County municipality until she saw the crowd that showed up to her swearingin ceremony back in 2007. She said people were more resistant to her success when she first broke into the force in 1985, but over time, she’s gained people’s respect and recognition. As a founding board member of the organization New York Women in Law Enforcement, FitzSimmons said being one of the first female police officers to have ascended the ranks has allowed her to help pave the way for younger women to be given the opportunities she’s had. FitzSimmons said all officers have to undergo a process in order to be promoted, but women are still rising to the top. “Women have been moving up since we’ve become police officers; there are just less of us so it’s not as noticeable,” she said.
FitzSimmons’ responsibilities as police chief include overseeing patrol, communication, administration and personnel operations, and she said she will be working on new ways to implement technology within the department on a daily basis. Chong said FitzSimmons has been part of his executive staff for years and has risen up through the ranks during her time on the force, making her a highly recommended candidate for the position. “Her breadth of experience in all the different areas of this department speaks for itself,” Chong said. “I truly believe she’s the one to guide this department forward as we work diligently to keep crime down and keep our community safe.” He said FitzSimmons will also be a great asset to the department’s mission to work toward implementing technology and social media in an effort to maintain transparency and communication with the public. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Pace University and a master’s in public administration from Marist College, FitzSimmons joined the White Plains Police Department in 1979. FitzSimmons said her department’s administration has always been supportive and encouraging of her success, and although she has faced some resistance from colleagues, she said it comes with the territory of choosing this career to pursue. CONTACT: suzy@hometwn.com
4 • The HARRISON review • March 11, 2016
What’s going on... Harrison Public Library
morial Building. Edwin Cheun, an engineer and volunteer trainer, will be leading the class. Participants are encouraged to bring their own iPhone or iPad. Registration is required for this program. For more information or to register for the program, call 835-0324.
Make better home videos
Singalong 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.
iPhone and iPad basics Participants will learn how to use an iPhone and iPad to take pictures, browse the Internet, video conference and download apps during this class, which will be held on Saturday, March 12 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Richard Halperin Me-
All family filmmakers are encouraged to come to this workshop to learn how to make better home videos. This workshop, appropriate for ages 8 and up, is the last of the three-part workshop, and will be held on Saturday, March 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Participants are encouraged to bring their own video camera or smartphone, or can use the library’s devices. For more information or to register for the program, call 835-0324.
Opera in the Afternoon The library will be screening the opera “Il Trovator” by Verdi on Saturday, March 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. The thrilling drama stars Angela Meade as Leonora, the young noblewoman at the center of the story, and Marcello Giordani as Manrico, the troubadour of the title. Dolora Zajick is the mysterious Gypsy Azucena and Juan Jesús Rodríguez sings Count di Luna, Manrico’s rival. Marco Armiliato conducts Sir David McVicar’s Goya-inspired production. The opera will be sung in 2 Italian with English subtitles. Running time: two hours and 45 minutes. For more information, call 835-0324.
Toddler craft Toddlers are invited to the West Harrison branch on Monday, March 14 from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. to create a fun and easy St. Patrick’s Day craft using glue or stickers. This program is free and appropriate for children ages 1 to 6.
Starlab planetarium Starlab, the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum inflatable planetarium, will come to the library on Monday, March 14 for two sessions, one from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and one from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Children will learn how to find some of the most recognizable constellations throughout the seasons, and will learn stories of Greek mythology and Native American folklore. This program is appropriate for children in kindergarten through third grade. A ticket is required to enter this event. Tickets will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis beginning 30 minutes prior to the event. For more information, call 835-0324.
AARP Smart Driver Course Drivers of all ages are welcome to take the AARP Smart Driver Course, held on Saturday, March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. The course will help drivers earn points, which may help lower car insurance costs. Payment is $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers. Checks can be made payable to AARP. Space is limited so registration is required. For more information or to register for the class, call 835-0324.
Drop-in computer help for seniors Accomplished high school students will be offering computer help to senior citizens on Mondays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Halperin 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.
Manhattanville College Film screening Documentary filmmaker and 2010 Oscar nominee Josh Fox will be screening his new film “How to Let Go of the World and Love All Things Climate
Can’t Change” on Monday, March 14 at 6p.m. at Manhattanville College, located at 2900 Purchase St. in Purchase. This will be the film’sfirst screening in the 100-city wide grassroots tour. This film offers a sweeping global view of the impact of the fossil fuel industry on climate change, and portraying what some local communities are doing to protect themselves. The event is free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $10 per person. Event doors will open at 6 p.m. and the film screening will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event will be followed by a Q&A session with Fox. For more information, email provost@mvill.edu. Registration to this event is not required.
Lunch and Learn webinar The School of Business will be holding a Lunch and Learn webinar on Wednesday, March 16 from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar is called “Women and Money: Taking Charge of Your Financial Future,” and it will be presented by Kevin Ellman, the CEO of Wealth Preservation Solutions LLC. Ellman is a regular speaker at public and private events, and has appeared as a financial commentator on CNBC and ABC, and has been quoted in Businessweek, CBS Market Watch, Fortune Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. Learn how to avoid the seven biggest financial mistakes women make. The event costs $20 for participants. For more information or to register, visit community. mville.edu/msb.
Open house The Manhattanville School of Business spring open house will be held on Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Reid Castle. The open house offers an excellent opportunity to explore its several graduate business degrees, adult accelerated undergraduate degrees, dual degrees, professional certificates and post-baccalaureate course of study. Receive a $75 application fee waiver toward summer and fall 2016 classes. The open house is free and open to the public. For more information, email business@ mville.edu or call 323-5150. 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.
She’s not crazy, her name just rhymes with it. Read Lenore Skenazy’s column every week in the Review. A past contributor to the Daily News and the New York Sun, Skenazy has also appeared on “The Daily Show,” been profiled in the New Yorker and even had her own reality TV show, “World’s Worst Mom.”
March 11, 2016 • The HARRISON review • 5
City of Rye awarded $1.55M over golf club fraud The city of Rye will walk away with $1.55 million as a result of a settlement with its insurance carrier, Travelers, regarding money stolen by former Rye Golf Club manager Scott Yandrasevich between 2007 and 2012. Though the city’s original insurance claim against Travelers, which was filed in August 2013, sought a sum of $2.1 million, according to Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, the city is more than pleased with the results of its efforts. “It took a good amount of fortitude to stick with it over time,” Sack said. “Our hard work was rewarded with a $1.55 million settlement. This is a big win for the city of Rye and the members of the Rye Golf Club.” After Traveler’s repeated failure to respond to the city’s claim for close to two years, in July 2015, the Rye City Council filed a formal suit against the insur-
An insurance agency, Travelers, has awarded the city of Rye $1.55 million in a settlement that sought to recover money stolen by its former golf manager, Scott Yandrasevich. File photo
ance carrier. The settlement comes as a result of Yandrasevich pleading guilty to stealing approximately $271,000 from the city-owned golf club by setting up shell companies in order to bill the city for services. However, city officials, including Sack, always felt the level of financial theft conduct-
ed through Yandrasevich’s shell companies exceeded the amount he was prosecuted for. Yandresevich was convicted of grand larceny and falsifying documents in August 2015 and is serving a one- to three-year sentence in state prison. He is currently serving out his sentence in Altona State Correctional Facility in upstate New York. According to City Attorney Kristen Wilson, the city can actively pursue the additional $271,000 that the Westchester County District Attorney’s office charged Yandrasevich with stealing. Whether the city will be successful in its pursuit of money stolen by Yandrasevich, however, remains unclear. As a part of his plea agreement, Yandresevich was required to pay restitution but was sentenced to extra time after failing to pay the sum. -Reporting by James Pero
legal notices Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: RFB #15/16-26c HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ROOFING REPLACEMENT AT HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL, SED: 66-05-01-06-0-011-036 CONTRACT G1 – GENERAL CONSTRUCTION HARRISON AVENUE ELEMENTAY SCHOOL, SED: 66-05-01-06-0-004-023 LOUIS M. KLEIN MIDDLE SCHOOL, SED: 66-05-01-06-0-003-033 CONTRACT G2 – GENERAL CONSTRUCTION will be received until 2:00 PM on March 31, 2016 at the District Offices of the Harrison Central School District. In the event that on this date 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. Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained online as a download for Forty Nine Dollars and 00 cents ($49.00) at the following website: www.usinglesspaper.com under ‘public projects’ beginning on March 10, 2016. Complete sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained from Rev, 330 Route 17A, Suite #2, Goshen, New York 10924 Tel: 1-877-2720216, upon depositing the sum of One Hundred Dollars and 00 cents ($100.00) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered bidders via email and will be available at www.usinglesspaper.com. Bidders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered bidders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. Bids must be made on the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the specifications that must be enclosed in sealed opaque envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to: “PURCHASING AGENT, HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT”, clearly marked on the outside, “RFB #15/16-26C: ROOFING
R E PLACE M E NT AT HAR R ISON H IG H SCHOOL, HARRISON AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND LMK MIDDLE SCHOOL”. 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 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 of improper hand delivery. Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the “HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT”, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract. Certification of bonding company is required for this bid, see Instructions for Bidders. Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for ninety (90) days after the formal bid opening. A pre-bid meeting and walk thru is scheduled for 3:30 PM on March 17, 2016 starting at Harrison Avenue Elementary School, 480 Union Avenue, Harrison, New York 10528. Potential bidders are asked to gather at the main entrance to the building. Although the pre-bid meeting and walkthru are not mandatory, it is highly recommended that all potential bidders attend. It is the Board’s intention to award the contract to the lowest qualified bidder in compliance with the specifications providing the required security who can meet the experience, technical and budget requirements. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informality and to accept such bid which, in the opinion of the Board, is in the best interests of the School District. This contract will not be awarded unless and until the voters of the Harrison Central School District approve the project at the May 17, 2016 Annual Meeting and School Budget Vote, and the District receives project approval by the New York State Education Department – Department of Facilities Planning. By Order of the Board of Education Harrison Central School District 50 Union Avenue Harrison, New York 10528 Gene George Purchasing Agent Dated: March 10, 2016
6 • The HARRISON review • March 11, 2016
Harrison REVIEW
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Business council visits Cuba
Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com
A peak into a room at Ernest Hemingway’s Cuban home named Finca Vigia, meaning “lookout house.” The home, which houses the Hemingway Museum, is located 10 miles outside of Havana.
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
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Twenty-eight members and guests of the Business Council of Westchester embarked on a six-day trip to Cuba in February. Photos courtesy Marsha Gordon
By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Editorial Assistant The Business Council of Westchester took advantage of improved relations between the U.S. and Cuba by sending a group of members and guests off to the country for a six-day culture trip in February. Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of the BCW, was one of 28 council members and guests who traveled to Cuba. “The purpose of a people-to-people exchange
is to really see what is going on in [a foreign] community,” Gordon told the Review, adding that it was not a business or trade trip, rather an opportunity for the BCW to see Cuba during such a unique time in its history. It had been more than 50 years since U.S. citizens were able to visit Cuba due to government and economic sanctions placed on the country. The six-day trip included tours of Havana and Old Havana, an American antique car ride and
visits to the Arte Corte Community Project, the Muraleando Community Project and a local tobacco farm and cigar plant. Gordon called the trip an eyeopener in terms of being exposed to Cuba’s culture and history and the community-oriented projects that the group visited. One such project they learned about was The Arte Corte project. The project is a hairdressing salon that also features a school for barbers run out of someone’s home, with tools and memora-
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Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, said one of her trip highlights was touring Old Havana ahead of Cuba modernizing, as tourism is expected to increase now that U.S. and Cuba ties have improved.
bilia collected over the years. The money the salon raises goes toward helping to build a playground for children and to help a local senior citizen center. “They are training people to become barbers, including four deaf people, which I though was amazing,” Gordon said. The Muraleando Community Project, started by two Cuban artists in a Havana barrio, centers on painting murals in local streets and holding classes on site. Gordon called the murals works of art, adding that one of the artists sells prints of the murals to support various community projects. In order for the trip to materialize, the BCW teamed up with Chamber Discoveries, a Fresno, California-based travel company that caters to chambers of commerce nationwide. Chamber Discoveries provided a guide and organized fun activities for the council, like a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s home 10 miles east of Havana, which is perhaps Gordon’s favorite highlight of the trip. The program that allowed BCW members to visit Cuba was organized under the peopleto-people license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The license came to be in 1999, following policy changes that allowed Americans to travel to Cuba with the goal of enhancing cultural relations between the two countries. Although travel restrictions were enforced in 2003, the license was revived again in 2011, with one company legally allowed to bring American tourists to Cuba. Differences between the two countries began in 1959, when Fidel Castro came to power. Castro’s regime started to develop ties with the Soviet Union, and he nationalized property owned by the U.S. and increased taxes
on American imports. The U.S. retaliated by imposing a full economic embargo, which included tough travel constraints, and ending diplomatic ties. Isolation became the policy of the U.S. toward Cuba over the years, and the embargo was strengthened in the 1990s. But in December 2014, with Castro’s health failing, President Barack Obama and Raul Castro, Fidel’s younger brother, announced that the two countries would restore full diplomatic ties. Despite the stark differences between the two countries over the years, some similarities are evident today. While there, Gordon took notice of Cuba’s booming farm-to-table industry, a food movement that focuses on locally producing and delivering food to consumers. “There were some really fine restaurants,” she said. “The farmto-table [trend] is [as much] a phenomenon there as it is here.” And yet, according to Gordon, most people work for the government and doctors make less than taxi drivers. “While it was very interesting, boy, did we all come home proud to be Americans and thankful to have been born in America,” she said. Gordon said looking at Cuba’s history and seeing its remnants made her think about the country’s future, such as upgrades to tourism facilities now that more Americans are able to visit. “I think when there are more opportunities and the rules are less stringent, [Cuba] will probably—just by the nature of the market—have to modernize,” she added. “Just being there and having the opportunity to see Cuba at this moment [in time] was fascinating.” CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
March 11, 2016 • The HARRISON review • 7
Flood project could cost village of Mamaroneck $10M By JAMES PERO Staff Writer After nearly a decade of anticipation, the second iteration of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ wholesale flood mitigation plan for the village of Mamaroneck—which was released in January—has made its way to public comment. However, this time around, officials warn, it may be the last opportunity to see the plan to fruition. On Thursday, Feb. 25 at the Emelin Theatre, representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as officials from the village, New York state and federal governments, held the first of several public forums on a $72 million proposal to mitigate flooding in the village and surrounding area. According to village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, though the federal government is proposing to foot 65 percent of the project’s bill—with the state and Westchester County also chipping in—the village could pay anywhere from $7 million to $10
million of its own money. This sum would be covered by bonds that would last over a 30-year period, Rosenblum said. Severe flooding has been a major issue in both Mamaroneck and surrounding areas of the Sound Shore, with flood events that have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in damage. One of the worst storms on record, which occurred in April 2007, resulted in approximately $50 million in total damage to the village and dumped 7.5 inches of rain in just 45 hours. To mitigate against such future occurrences, the plan aims to reduce the severity of flooding by a combination of deepening and widening large swaths of the Sheldrake and Mamaroneck rivers, in addition to adding approximately 4,300 feet of retaining wall, a 350-footlong culvert and multiple levees along the water. In doing so, engineers speculate they could drastically shrink the size of the village’s current severe flood zones and save millions of dollars in flood damage
each year. According to the Army Corps timeline, the draft of the project will be submitted in September 2016 and then be altered accordingly. The timeline projects that a final draft will be reviewed by Congress in early 2017. Similar plans have been deliberated since the 1970s when major flooding led to the formulation of the first Army Corps study in 1986. The 1986 plan, according to the Army Corps report, was eventually rejected due to major funding concerns. The most recent report shows that this plan came in at an estimated cost of $156 million, based on 2015 inflation-adjusted dollars. Interest in the project was renewed after the 2007 floods, which necessitated the assistance of FEMA operations. The current report indicates that the project could reduce both the flooding risk of structures in Mamaroneck by 86 percent and the annual damage incurred from flooding by approximately $3.2 million. Rosenblum views this itera-
Elected and appointed officials along with engineers from the U.S. Army Corps provided details on a more than $70 million flood mitigation project that has been decades in the making for the village of Mamaroneck at a recent public form at the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck. File photo
tion of the project as a critical juncture for helping prevent future floods in the region. “The
village could never afford this on its own,” he said. “I see no reason why we wouldn’t want
to go forward with this.” CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
8 • The HARRISON review • March 11, 2016
Ways to take pride in Harrison’s appearance WESTMED announces new weight loss center HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
On Sunday, March 6, I had the pleasure of attending the opening reception in Town Hall for Youth Art Month. This year, Harrison’s talented students have displayed works of art that include mixed media, paint, watercolors and photography. Student-musicians gave a wonderful performance as well. Congratulations to all who participated. This wonderful event could not be possible without the commitment of the Harrison Council for the Arts and the dedication of devoted teachers. The next time you are in Town Hall, take a moment to see the brilliant exhibits placed in the display case and hanging on the walls throughout the building. In looking ahead, and thinking about spring with great anticipation, I would like to bring your attention to this year’s annual Spring Spruce Up event. Please join the town/village of Harrison by coming out to show your support on Sunday, April 10. We will be tidying up our roadways, parks, wooded areas and streams. Target areas in downtown Harrison include Ma Riis Park, Veteran’s Park, the stream behind LMK Middle School, Beaver Swamp Brook
Corridor and West Street (in the vicinity of the I-95 bridge). Target areas in West Harrison include the Boulevard, various locations around Silver Lake and Underhill Avenue, and the Village Green. Feel free to contact the mayor’s office with additional areas that may need attention. Cleanup crew leaders will be at all locations and will provide lawn bags and instructions for sprucing up. Come full of energy and prepared to make a difference. For more information or to volunteer, please call my office at 6703009 or visit me at Town Hall. Take pride in Harrison’s appearance and pitch in. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Pet Rescue Gala. This organization, located in Harrison, serves the needs of abandoned and neglected dogs and cats. The animals are fostered by volunteers, provided with veterinary care and placed in permanent homes. Pet Rescue also has a spay/neuter program. The gala was a lovely event with wonderful food and warm conversation. Congratulations to the volunteers and staff for creating a top-shelf event for this very worthwhile establishment. Consumer Reports Online is now available through the Harrison Public Library. With your Harrison Public Library card, you can gain access to all the ratings, reviews and buying advice
that Consumer Reports has to offer. Find all the latest consumer news and unbiased information from experts on thousands of products and services, from new cars to new gadgets to health care. Access Consumer Reports Online from the public computers at the library or login with your library card number on your personal computer or mobile device (enter your library card number where it says “Patron ID”). In closing, I would like to bring your attention to an issue that comes up each year. Spring is almost upon us and dog owners may be walking their pets more frequently in and around our neighborhoods. In an effort to be courteous, dog walkers should carry disposable waste bags and clean up after their pets. Used dog waste bags should not be left in neighbor’s trash cans or recycling bins and should not be thrown into the storm drains on our streets and roadways. Proper disposal of dog waste is a must and every dog owner should participate. The next “Lunch with the Mayor” is on Friday, March 11 and I will be at Uncle Henry’s, located at 309 Halstead Ave. in downtown Harrison. I will be at this location from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.
WESTMED announces the rollout of its new Comprehensive Weight Loss Center, looking at weight from a scientific standpoint, not simply as a behavioral issue, and providing a full range of services for patients. Since there a number of factors that lead to weight gain, WESTMED has assembled a comprehensive team to design a tailored approach to help each patient meet his or her weight loss goal. “We have brought together specialists in obesity medicine, nutrition, weight management, bariatric surgery, sleep medicine, gynecology, behavioral health and physical therapy,” said Dr. Nitya Sharma, the center’s director, who is board-certified in both internal medicine and obesity medicine. “By consolidating the services in one location—at the office at 3030 Westchester Ave. in Purchase— patients seeking to lose weight can more easily get the care they need.” Patients have full access to the services necessary to achieve the best results. The major component of the program is called “Healthy Measures,” and patients begin with an initial consult during which experienced members of the team take a thorough medical and nutritional history and baseline measurements. The next step is to de-
velop a personalized treatment plan that may include structured meal plans, high protein meal replacements to jump-start the program, or prescription weight loss medications, as appropriate, to safely help with weight loss. Patients have regular follow-up visits to review their progress, and they learn to build a “toolbox” of skills to support their healthy weight goals. A dietitian is available to work with them to create the right diet and also serves as a key pillar of support and motivation. In addition, the weight loss center has an “In-Balance: Women’s Focused Weight Loss” component because women face unique issues in losing weight and achieving a healthy weight. Dr. Julianne Dunne, who is board-certified in both obesity medicine and OB/GYN, will provide guidance to help the patient make dietary and lifestyle changes to balance her hormones. For the morbidly obese, who are also likely challenged by multiple chronic conditions (called comorbidities), such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea, bariatric surgery can be an effective treatment to improve these conditions. WESTMED’s bariatric surgeons have extensive experience with all the minimally in-
vasive weight loss procedures— such as sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding— which are done laparoscopically. WESTMED Behavioral Health provides support as part of a patient’s overall weight management program, including an eight-week psychotherapy group for people suffering from emotional eating, depression and weight management issues. To achieve fitness goals that go hand-in-hand with goals for healthier eating, WESTMED’s doctors of physical therapy will design an individually tailored exercise program for each patient. Patients are able to follow their exercise program in the Purchase office, where the weight management team can monitor progress and provide support. Dr. Sharma said, “Our program is not judgmental, and we encourage people with weight challenges not to judge themselves either. Biology, not willpower, controls body weight in the long term. We know that weight regulation involves a complex interaction between the hormones in our body. Therefore, our cutting-edge approach is rooted in biology.” For more information about the new WESTMED weight loss center, call 831-4121 or visit westmedgroup.com. (Submitted)
Muffie is a handsome, 7-month-old male with distinctive coloring who is very friendly and full of energy. He likes to play fetch with a crumpled up piece of paper or whatever else you toss his way. Though fearful of dogs, Muffie loves spending time with cats and would do best in a home with other kitties. You’ll simply love this wonderful boy. Muffie is neutered, up to date with all vaccinations and in great health. The adoption donation for Muffie is $80. To meet this charmer, contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at 740-4072/835-3332 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
March 11, 2016 • The HARRISON review • 9
Legislators concerned with Playland funding By JAMES PERO Staff Writer An amended agreement between Westchester County and the management company Standard Amusements, designed to eventually transfer ownership of county-owned Rye Playland, is drawing scrutiny after what some county legislators have deemed an undue burden on taxpayers. The newest agreement, which was introduced to the county Board of Legislators in February, marks nearly a threefold increase of the approximately $20 million in capital projects outlined in the original agreement signed between Standard and the county. County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, agreed to the deal that would call for the county to foot the bill for the $58 million. Additionally, it will see an increase of $5 million invested on the part of Standard, putting their overall investment at $30 million. “The idea of a public-private partnership for Playland was to
revitalize the park,” said county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, regarding the new agreement that entails $58 million in taxpayer-funded capital projects, “not to further burden the taxpayer with massive new debt without a chance to reap the rewards.” Despite such unanticipated increases, on March 7, during a joint meeting between the legislators’ infrastructure, budget and parks subcommittees, Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett, a Republican, painted the newest agreement as a win for taxpayers. “This park needs an injection of capital,” said Plunkett during Monday’s meeting. Although the current agreement ironed out by the administration would put the county on the line for $58 million, Ned McCormack, the communications director for the county executive’s office, said that the final deal—which the full county Board of Legislators must approve by March 31—may include a different figure.
“What are the projects on the critical path to completion?” McCormack said. “Does the whole $58 million need to be done?” It’s possible, the communications director said, that some projects in the current agreement may be nixed before the deal is finalized. Among the 11 capital projects included in the amended agreement are various renovations to rides, structures and areas of the park, including a plan to repurpose the park’s iconic swimming pool, the latter of which was not part of the original plan between Standard and the county administration. According to McCormack, one project, which plans to rehabilitate the park’s colonnade, could cost $20 million alone. The amount that the county will spend on capital projects wasn’t the only area of the agreement that drew attention from legislators. An aggressive timeline for just when the county would expend the money for such projects also garnered concern,
Girl Scouts place first at annual survival derby On Feb. 27, Harrison Girl Scout Troop 1885 placed first among sixth-grade girls at the Klondike Winter Survival Skills Derby. The derby was held at Rock Hill Camp in Mahopac, New York, by Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson and was open to Girl Scouts from Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties, with the participation of 117 girls. The girls in Troop 1885 prepared for the event for months by practicing survival skills such as shelter building, fire making, knot tying and outdoor first aid. The girls were not permitted any assistance from their troop leaders during the derby. Teams were judged on skill, mastery and teamwork. The absence of snow presented some challenges, since teams were required to transport their required gear from station to station by sled. The girls improvised and completed the event on time with smiles on their faces despite the chill in the air. The troop’s co-leaders Morela Paris and Patti Rube were proud of the girls’ accomplishment.
Harrison Girl Scout Troop 1885 placed first at the Klondike Winter Survival Skills Derby in late February. The girls proved they were skilled in completing outdoor challenges and relying on teamwork. Photo courtesy Patti Rube
“The girls amazed us with their team spirit. They shared problem-solving ideas and helped each other during challenges, proudly representing our town,” Paris said. “Months ago when we proposed participating, all 10 of our girls responded immediately that they wanted to sign up. This event captured the essence of Girl Scouting, featuring skillbuilding in leadership, perseverance and cooperation, all while encouraging a love of the outdoors,” Rube said.
After the derby, the girls celebrated by spending the night in a Girl Scout cabin where, among other activities, they practiced their fire-making skills once again and earned some well-deserved cozy relaxation. Troop 1885 was awarded a large blue ribbon for its first place finish. The troop intends to display the ribbon in the Harrison Girl Scout House to share enthusiasm for the event and to encourage other Harrison Girl Scouts to participate in future years. (Submitted)
An amended agreement between Westchester County and the management company Standard Amusements is drawing heat from members of the Board of Legislators after what has been dubbed an undue burden on taxpayers. File photo
and according to the agreement, the transfer of the park to Standard Amusements may rest in the balance. According to the amended agreement, the county will not completely transfer control of the park to Standard until 50 percent of the money needed for the capital projects is expended. Therefore, the two parties will maintain a co-management period until that time. While the agreement sets a tentative Oct. 31 deadline for the final expenditure of those funds,
county Legislator Ben Boykin, a White Plains Democrat, said that such a date may be overly optimistic. “We’re talking about 2017 or 2018,” he said in regard to a more realistic date for when those funds might be delivered. According to Boykin, specifically of concern is the fact that Standard doesn’t expect to bring in any profit for at least the first five years, according to information provided by Plunkett to legislators. Concerns had already been
voiced by board Democrats upon the initial agreement over numbers that project a net loss for the county over the 30-year period with Standard. Initial projections show the county only bringing in $13.9 million by 2045 without factoring in the $58 million in proposed capital projects. Nicholas Singer, who runs Standard Amusements, could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
10 • The HARRISON review • March 11, 2016
Mamaroneck looks to revive industrial zone
After 18 months, the industrial area committee presented its vision, pictured, for the redevelopment of Mamaroneck’s industrial area. Art galleries, restaurants and startups abound, but not everyone is as excited as committee members. Rendering courtesy RePLACE
The village of Mamaroneck is considering revamping its old industrial area. After more than a year of deliberation, the redevelopment plan—which was prepared by both the village’s Industrial Area Advisory Committee and RePLACE, a planning consultant firm based out of New York City—reimagines the industrial areas bordering Washingtonville in Mamaroneck as a hub for artistic and entertainment-based businesses and a beacon of economic activity. According to Andy Spatz, chairman of the committee, the goal of the study is not just to provide the village with a new vision, but a standard for the entire region as well. “We want to raise the bar for the whole Sound Shore area,” he said. According to the plan, what
makes the industrial area— which borders Interstate 95, the town of Mamaroneck and the village’s residential area of Washingtonville—particularly enticing for redevelopment is its location along the Metro-North railroad as well as the potential of what the study estimates as 700,000 square feet of unused development space. Currently, the area consists mainly of warehouses and manufacturers and experiences a roughly 5 percent vacancy rate as of 2015, according to the study. This untapped space, the study indicates, could be used for a diverse number of businesses; from restaurants and art galleries to office and living spaces for cutting edge information technology companies and startups. And while the potential is
clear, the plan comes with its share of obstacles, according to Spatz. Among them, he said, are the area’s current zoning laws—it is currently zoned as a manufacturing district—that prohibit many of the study’s new businesses from operating in the area. Spatz, who calls the current zoning laws “archaic,” said that if any of the study’s plans are to come to fruition, altering the zoning laws must be the first step. “The laws need to adapt to today’s environment,” he said. “Right now, they impede.” Zoning laws, however, aren’t the only things holding the industrial area from bringing in new businesses. Other factors, like the location’s risk of severe floods, also act as an impediment. -Reporting by James Pero
St. Patrick’s Day parades around Westchester No matter where you reside in Westchester, there are numerous events throughout the county for you to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Eastchester/Bronxville/ Tuckahoe Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m. Steps off from Immaculate Conception School on North Main Street, ends at Lake Isle Country Club
White Plains Saturday, March 12 at noon Steps off from Livingston and Mamaroneck avenues, ends at City Hall Info: whiteplainssaintpatricksday.com
Info: eastchesterirish.org/st-patrick-s-day-parade
Mahopac Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m. Steps off from Route 6 and Mount Hope Road, ends at Knights of Columbus Info: saintpatricksdayparade.net
Mamaroneck Sunday, March 20 at 1:30 p.m. Info: soundshoreparade.com
Yonkers Saturday, March 19 at 1 p.m. Steps off from Hyatt and McLean Avenue, ends at McLean Avenue and McCollum Place Info: yonkersstpatricksparade.org
SENATE from page 1
bipartisanship hollow, adding that he has voted with the Democratic leadership more than 98 percent of the time. “He has aligned himself with the Bill DiBlasio New York City agenda,” he said, referring to the liberal mayor of New York City. For Latimer, 62, the criticism is nothing new, as he seems to always be the target of state Republicans, who want to maintain control of the Senate. The senator told the Review that he has a bull’s-eye on his back. “It’s because I don’t have personal wealth,” he said. “I have lived within my means. Given the fact that my salary as an elected official is all the income I have, that is not a lot of money in a place like Rye. It’s probably laughable to people [with] successful business careers. [Republicans] know they can always outspend me.” But Latimer, who is seeking his third term in the Senate, said there is a reason why he has been consistently re-elected. “I don’t think anyone has proven they care more about the people they represent than I do, day after day,” he said.
City of Rye Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican, plans on launching a campaign for state Senate. Killian will try to upend popular Democrat George Latimer. Both candidates live in the city of Rye. File photo
Latimer has never lost an election, winning 14 consecutive races dating back to his one term on the Rye City Council in 1987. Killian’s campaign is likely to be well-financed with a high level of organization and full of support from some of the top Republicans throughout the state. However, the last time the GOP put an all-out assault on Latimer, it backfired. In 2012, with Latimer seeking the Senate seat following
the retirement of longtime Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer, a Democrat, the state Republicans ran Bob Cohen, who nearly defeated Oppenheimer just two years prior. Many pundits predicted 2012 was Cohen’s time. Cohen and Latimer battled it out before a statewide audience. The duo set the record for campaign expenditures in a state race at the time; the Cohen campaign spent more than $4 million on attack ads, including radio spots and TV commercials. But Latimer won the seat in surprisingly easy fashion, with 54 percent of the vote, and celebrated his hardest fought victory to date. In 2014, Latimer defeated Republican Joe Dillon, a late entry who didn’t launch his campaign until July. The district encompasses the cities of Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle and Rye; and the towns of Eastchester, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Rye, Bedford and North Castle. Candidates are elected to the Senate for two-year terms with an annual base salary of $79,500. Killian could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: chris@hometwn.com
Manhattanville program selected as ‘Bright Spot’ Manhattanville College School of Education’s Changing Suburbs Institute, CSI, program has been selected as a Bright Spot in Hispanic Education by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. In addition, CSI was one of only eight Bright Spot programs out of 230 nationally to participate in a special interactive conference on the topic of family engagement on Feb. 17 via Google+ Hangout. “We are very proud that three members of CSI’s Hispanic Parent Leadership Committee spoke at the conference about ‘family engagement’ relating how, as non-English speaking parents living in Westchester, they became advocates for their own children’s education and academic success,” said Shelley Wepner, dean of the School of Education at Manhattanville. “It is a powerful message to share
with others,” she said. Bright Spots in Hispanic Education are programs, models, organizations or initiatives that are involved in the ongoing efforts that are taking place across the country to support Latino educational attainment and excellence and help close the achievement gap. The eight organizations chosen for the conference shared experiences directly with each other, while the public at large watched via live streaming on Google, YouTube and asked questions through social media. The Google+ Hangout conference was broadcast live from Washington, District of Columbia. For those who are interested but could not watch live, a video of the conference is available on the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics’ YouTube page. For more information about the Google+ Hangouts or the Bright
Spots, please visit www.ed.gov/ HispanicInitiative or send an email to WHIEEH@ed.gov with “Bright Spot” in the subject line. Manhattanville College is an independent, coeducational liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence and social and civic action. Manhattanville prepares students to be ethical and socially responsible leaders in a global community. Located just 30 minutes from New York City, Manhattanville serves 1,700 undergraduate students and 1,000 graduate students from more than 50 countries and 30 states. Founded in 1841, the college offers more than 50 undergraduate areas of study in the arts and sciences, and offers graduate programs in education, business and creative writing, as well as continuing and executive education programs. For more information, visit manhattanville.edu. (Submitted)
March 11, 2016 • The HARRISON review • 11
12 • The HARRISON review • March 11, 2016
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legal notices Notice of Formation of Fletcher Thompson Building Group LLC. Arts of Org. filed with DE Secretary of State (SSDE) on 1/11/16. Office location: Westchester County. SSDE is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSDE or SSNY shall mail process to: C/O DelBello, Donnellan, Weingarten, Wise & Wiederkehr, One North Lexington Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601. Purpose: any lawful activity. FP Werke, LLC FP Werke LLC filed with the SSNY on 02/12/16. Office: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 679 Ely Avenue Pelham Manor, NY 10803. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. PUBLIC NOTICE Private/Parochial School Transportation The Harrison Central School District is accepting applications for Private & Parochial School Transportation for the 2016-2017 school year from all eligible residents. Applications may be obtained at the Transportation Office, Harrison Central School District, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528, or may be downloaded at http://www.harrisoncsd.org/docs/general/reqfortransp1617.pdf. Completed applications, with all necessary documentation, must be received at the Transportation Office, no later than April 1, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. Gene George, Purchasing/Transportation Agent Dated: Monday, February 22, 2016 NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Harrison Central School District hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: RFB #15/16-27 Lumber and Building Supplies Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “RFB #15/16-27: Lumber and Building Supplies” on the outside. Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 23, 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) 8352715, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www.empirestatebidsystem.com or from the district Business Office beginning Wednesday, March 9, 2015. The Harrison Central School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if bid number and opening date do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to the date and time indicated are invalid. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail, or in the handling of the mail by employees of the Harrison Central School District, as well as improper hand delivery. The Harrison Central School District reserves the right to waive any informalities in the bids, or to reject all bids, or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the Board will be to their best interest. By order of the Board of Education Gene George / Purchasing Agent Dated: March 9, 2015
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March 11, 2016 • The HARRISON review • 13
King Tut’s treasures on display on Fifth Avenue Legislators join ArtsWestchester to present grants RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
On Nov. 26, 1922, Howard Carter took out the little chisel his grandmother gave him on his 17th birthday when he, an English lad, was already obsessed with ancient Egypt. Now pushing 50, a middle-aged archeologist who’d seemed promising, then washed up, then possibly promising again, Carter was standing in a hole in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, sweating. Hoping against hope, he tapped his childhood chisel on the underground doorway of what looked like a tomb, or at least some kind of repository. Once he finally made a hole, he poked a candle through. “Can you see anything?” asked his companion and benefactor, George Herbert. “Yes,” Carter replied. “Wonderful things.” And I just saw them, too: The gold and glories—and tchachkes—of King Tut’s tomb. At The Discovery of King Tut, a midtown exhibit that faithfully recreates exactly what Carter saw when he became the first human to lay eyes on Tut’s tomb in 3,000 years, you wander through room after room of amazing artifacts, with the special excitement of seeing them just the way they were when first discovered. Which is to say, in a jumble. The room full of “amazing things” that Carter saw looks exactly like the attic of an eccentric aunt. There are beds shaped like animals, wheels leaning against each other like a bunch of ancient bike tires, and trunks, stools, vases and—oh yes—a baby throne made out of gold. It’s sitting in the back, abandoned as any highchair you’d
put in your own attic once your child—or child king—outgrew it. Weirdest of all are the dozens of egg-shaped containers slightly larger than footballs. These held food for the afterlife—the sacred lunchboxes of their day. As you wind your way through the exhibit, chock-ablock with dazzling golden coffins and surprising hieroglyphics (including a whole wall done in a baboon motif), your audio guide informs you that Carter had been searching for King Tut’s tomb ever since he learned that the statue of a later pharaoh once actually had another name on it: “Tutankhamun.” The later pharaoh had chiseled Tut’s name off the front and replaced it with his own. But, like lazy criminals in any era, he forgot to remove Tut’s name from the back. An ancient cup also inscribed with Tut’s name made Carter increasingly certain that history had not accounted for King Tut, and neither had archeologists. But who was Tut? There was no other trace of him. If he had ruled, where was he buried? Why had no one found him yet? Carter convinced Herbert, the fifth Earl of Carnarvon, to fund his search, and spent years digging fruitlessly—well, directing a lot of Egyptian workers to dig fruitlessly—searching for Tut’s tomb. Carnarvon was about to call it quits when Carter begged him for one more season of funding. Reportedly worried that Carter would finally find the tomb just when he pulled out, the earl signed another check. (And, weirdly enough, you can see how the earl could have afforded this hobby if you watch PBS Masterpiece: “Downton Abbey” was filmed in his modest little home.) Around the time of this final, funded season, one of Carter’s minions—a boy who brought
jars of water to the workers— dug into the sand to make a little hole to hold one of the jars. He always did this, to make them stand upright. But this time, his hand hit a smooth, flat surface. It was the top of a long-buried staircase. The rest is history—ancient history. But the exhibit is so vibrant, this history doesn’t feel that far removed. In an era when ISIS is blowing up monuments because it wants to erase the past, Tut’s successor chiseling his name off of statues seems familiar. And once you learn the soap opera of Tut’s family—his grandfather was a great and beloved ruler; his dad reversed everything the grandpa had done, even changing the country’s religion and capital, then Tut changed all it back— the young king doesn’t seem so unreachable. You see the tiny coffin that contained his stillborn daughter. You learn there were flowers still on his casket when Carter uncovered it. It’s as if you could reach out and (sorry) Tut him. Then you exit back to the modern kingdom of New York City: dazzling, magnificent, invincible; and you wonder who will wander an exhibit about us? Information on admission and hours is available at tutnyc.com/ visit/#tickets. The exhibition is located at 417 Fifth Ave. on 38th Street. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $27 for adults; $17 for children ages 5 to 16; $22 for seniors, college students, AAA and the military; $15 on Museum Mondays; and $65 for a “Family 4 Pack” (two-child minimum).
ArtsWestchester has announced a 20 percent increase in funding from the New York State Council on the Arts’ Decentralization Grants Program for the allocation of grants totaling $55,000 to local arts organizations and artists. ArtsWestchester distributes these funds through its competitive Arts Alive grants, supporting community-based cultural activities throughout the county, as well as the creation of new work by Westchester artists. “On behalf of ArtsWestchester, we would like to thank Gov. Cuomo for increasing the state allocation to NYSCA last year by $5 million, making it possible for the 20 percent increase to all decentralization sites throughout New York state,” said CEO Janet T. Langsam. On Jan. 29, members of the New York state Legislature joined ArtsWestchester’s board of trustees for a private breakfast to present Arts Alive grants to 25 organizations. The breakfast took place at ArtsWestchester, located at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains. This year’s grant recipients represent artistic expression from cultures from around the world in an array of genres that include dance, writing, visual art, music and theater. The variety of projects range from public art installations and African drum workshops to affordable jazz performances and a dance with an anti-bully-
From left, Angela Belsole and Sr. Beth Dowd, representing Arts Alive grantee Songcatchers, and New York state Sen. Andrea StewartCousins. Songcatchers of New Rochelle will use the Arts Alive grant for intergenerational community music programs.
From left, New York state Assemblyman David Buchwald, Westchester County Legislator Benjamin Boykin, Bernard Tamosaitis, Solange De Santis and William Eckfeld, representing Arts Alive grantee St. Thomas Orchestra, and New York state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins. St. Thomas Orchestra in Mamaroneck will use the Arts Alive grant for a fall 2016 concert. Photos/John Vecchiolla
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From left, Billie Tucker and Karen Allen, representing Arts Alive grantee Tutti Bravi Productions Inc., with New York state Sen. Andrea StewartCousins. Tutti Bravi Productions of New Rochelle will use the Arts Alive grant for “Spirits and Souls—Huguenot Voices from the Trinity Burial Grounds.” New monologues will be written and original music composed from the perspective of Huguenot settlers buried in Trinity Burial Grounds for a new historical production.
ing message. Additionally, these grants represent 17 municipalities throughout the county, including Yonkers, Ossining, Peekskill and Mount Vernon. Arts Alive grants are awarded in two categories: Arts Alive Project Grants, which provide Westchester-based organizations and artists with financial and technical support for projects at the grassroots level; and Arts Alive Artist Grants, which support works that relate to the community in a significant way. The grants are chosen through a competitive process that includes a panel of community members and arts professionals. Arts Alive Project Grants are made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature, and administered by ArtsWestchester. (Submitted)
14 • The The HARRISON review • March 11, 2016
SPORTS
SPORTS
March 11, 2016 • The HARRISON review • 15
First signs of spring LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
You know you’ve been missing baseball when hearing the voice of John Sterling comes as a relief. As a die-hard Red Sox fan— and, more importantly, someone with ears—I have no great love for the bombastic Yankees radio man, but even I was happy to hear John and Suzyn Waldman on the airwaves last week. Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age, or maybe I’m just pumped that spring is finally here. Spring Training games kicked off last week, marking the beginning of a wonderful time for fans of our national pastime. I, for one, couldn’t get enough. Sure, I love Opening Day. More often than not, I’ll fire up the MLB.tv app and veg out on baseball for the better part of two days until I lapse into the sort of
couch coma usually reserved for post-Thanksgiving lounging. But those first couple of days of spring training? Those are special. All winter long, I’ve got to scratch and claw just to get my baseball fix. I mean, on Feb. 11, I spent an hour-and-a-half watching a World Baseball Classic Qualifying Game between South Africa and New Zealand. Yankees-Red Sox it was most certainly not, but getting the chance to watch actual baseball on my television in the dead of winter? It’s like Christmas came early for a baseball nut like me. Of course, Major League Baseball doesn’t make it easy— at least early on in the spring. Only a few games last week were televised and a few more had radio broadcasts. As a result, I spent an inordinate amount of time glued to MLB GameCast, watching little colored dots that (probably) correspond to MLB players circle around the diamond.
It may not be a box seat at Citi Field, but it is certainly better than watching the New York Knicks. Do I plan on tuning in to each and every game for the remainder of Spring Training? Of course not. I’ve got a life, a job and plenty of other things to do with my time. March Madness is starting up soon, which provides a muchneeded respite from the doldrums of winter, but the knowledge that baseball is back still warms my heart. Right now, everything is perfect. The Yankees haven’t won the division, my Red Sox haven’t begun to underachieve, and, for the Mets, the sky is still the limit with the heaps of young, talented pitching they have locked up. That might all change by midMay, so right now, I’m simply enjoying the moment, and dreaming of a pennant race.
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For the first week of MLB Spring Training, following teams on MLB Gameday has been trying—and rewarding—for Sports Editor Mike Smith. Photo courtesy MLB.com
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16 • The HARRISON review • March 11, 2016