May 13, 2016

Harrison REVIEW THE

May 13, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 20 | www.harrisonreview.com

Harrison residents may sue over zoning amendment

More than a game

By cOREY STOcKTON Staff Writer

Dean McCarthy throws a pitch against Rye on May 7 during the Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Game at Silver Lake Park in West Harrison. McCarthy struck out 10 batters in 5.2 innings of work as the Huskies topped Rye 6-3. For story, see page 15. Photo/Mike Smith

PepsiCo completes ‘Project Renew’ after 3-plus years By ANGELA JORDAN Staff Writer More than three years after a public announcement that PepsiCo would be renovating its Purchase headquarters, a representative with the company told the Review that “virtually all of the renovation is complete.” In October 2012, PepsiCo announced that it was going to spend $240 million renovating its headquarters, and said that the plan, titled “Project Renew,” would preserve 1,100 local PepsiCo jobs in Purchase in addition to creating 1,250 construction jobs in order to complete the task. Construction began in early 2013. Robert Fitzsimmons, Harrison’s building and plumbing in-

spector, described the renovation as significant and said that PepsiCo stripped its 450,000-squarefoot corporate campus “back to steel, and then built [it] from the ground up.” The company’s goals, outlined in 2012, included the replacement of outdated technology and infrastructure, reducing energy usage by 22 percent, reducing water usage by 52 percent, providing better access within the buildings to daylight, and “[increasing] the capability of the facility by up to 15 percent.” The renovation of the now 45-year-old building, which is currently open for business, also included a 15-month-long process of asbestos abatement, according to Fitzsimmons. “They brought the building

into the 21st century and made it totally code complaint,” Fitzsimmons said. “It’s very modern inside now.” In 1970, PepsiCo moved its headquarters from a 13-story building at 500 Park Ave. in Manhattan to its current location at 700 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase. The corporate campus, which consists of seven 3-story buildings, was designed by Edward Durell Stone, who was also the architect behind Radio City Music Hall and the Museum of Modern Art. Project Renew was the complex’s first and only major renovation, and was meant to coincide with PepsiCo’s 50th anniversary in 2015. When the project was announced by PepsiCo in 2012,

it was heavily supported by the Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, who viewed the $270 billion company’s continued interest in keeping its headquarters in lower Westchester as vital to the county’s economy. In conjunction with that sentiment, the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency granted PepsiCo a 7.35 percent sales tax exemption on qualified purchases for the duration of construction. Although these renovations are nearly complete, the company might not be finished overhauling its headquarters just yet. Fitzsimmons said that PepsiCo has additional construction plans PEPSIcO continued on page 8

A group of Harrison residents is preparing to sue the town, if the town board approves a requested amendment to the zoning code which would allow senior living facilities to be built in nine residentially zoned areas. More than 60 Harrison residents met collectively on May 3 to plan their next move in order to try to prevent the amendment. The group discussed storming board meetings, continuing to send petitions to town officials and fundraising to hire a lawyer with the intent to file a lawsuit against the town if the amendment is approved. As of press time, the group has raised nearly $13,000 from 42 donors, via the crowdfunding site YouCaring. The group previously displayed its disdain for the proposed zoning amendment earlier this year, organizing en masse at townwide public hearings in January and February and submitting two petitions to stop the zoning amendment—an online petition with 555 names and a paper petition with more than 200 signatures. The proposed zoning amendment, requested via petition by Shelter Development LLC in October 2015, proposes a Special Exception Use in large residential zones on nine parcels of land that are 6 acres or larger and have 1,500 feet of frontage on arterial roadways. The special exception would allow as many as 25 senior living units per acre of land on properties such as SUNY Purchase, Manhattanville College, Harrison

Avenue School, Louis M. Klein Middle School, Pasidomo Veteran’s Memorial Park, Willow Ridge Country Club and Old Oaks Country Club. If approved, Shelter Development plans to use the zoning amendment to build a 4-story, 160-unit Brightview Senior Living Facility on one of the parcels in West Harrison, the former site of the defunct Lake Street Quarry at 600 Lake St. David Steinmetz, an attorney who represents Shelter Development, said his client requested the amendment on every piece of land that fit the criteria, but that they have no intention to put a senior living facility on any property other than the former quarry site. “Nobody is trying to put an assisted living on Old Oaks Country Club,” said Steinmetz during a Jan. 28 public hearing. “Nobody is trying to, realistically, put an assisted living on Veteran’s Park. Nobody wants to put an assisted living on any of your school properties.” Sam Hoisington, who helped to organize the resident group, said that the building, which would be one of the largest in West Harrison, “would change the character of our town forever.” His wife, Angela Damiano, raised concerns about what would happen to the building if the owner subsequently went out of business. The zoning proposal has also drawn accusations that Shelter Development or the town board is attempting to cover up an instance of spot zoning, changing ZONING continued on page 9

INSIDE Town facing possible housing lawsuit Story on page 5.

2 • The hARRISON RevIew • May 13, 2016

May 13, 2016 • ThE hARRISON REvIEw • 3

Harrison BOE, budget need-to-know budgeT TIdbITS ToTal budgeT: $110M

Tax levy increase: 0.90%

budgeT-To-budgeT increase: 0.69%

daTe and Time: Tuesday, May 17 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Polling locaTions Harrison Avenue School, 480 Harrison Ave., Harrison

Parsons Memorial School, 200 Halstead Ave., Harrison

Purchase School, 2995 Purchase St., Purchase

Samuel J. Preston School, 50 Taylor Ave., West Harrison

Rachel Estroff StAtuS: Incumbent Age: 44 FAmily: Husband and two children, ages 10 and 12 employment: Chief of staff for New York State Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer yeArS in HArriSon: 10 Community AFFiliAtionS: Parsons and Louis M. Klein schools PTAs; congregant at Rye Community Synagogue one tHing tHe AverAge voter doeSn’t know About you: I love running

Placido Dino Puccio StAtuS: New candidate Age: 48 FAmily: wife Luciano; kids Martino, Joseph, Alexis, Anthony and Sophia employment: Real estate yeArS in HArriSon: 23 Community AFFiliAtionS: Former board member of the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee one tHing tHe AverAge voter doeSn’t know About you: I studied at the American University in Rome

Q. Why are you running for re-election to the Board of Education? A. The Harrison Central School District and public education in general are at critical junctures. There are increased demands on districts while resources are being capped and, until recently, cut. I have two children in the district, and as a parent and resident, I am invested in the district and public education’s success. One of the largest challenges before our district is ensuring it continues to improve on the opportunities available to students in the context of a difficult and often uncertain financial climate. Unfortunately, much of this uncertainty is the result of external factors over which the district has little control. I am committed to the district and its mission. Q. What do you see as the primary challenge facing the school district over the next few years? A. One of the primary challenges before all school districts in New York state is to maintain and ideally enhance programming in the face of the property tax levy cap and increased demands and Q. Why are you running for a seat on the Board of Education? A: I have two kids currently in the school system and three who have graduated. I love the town and I’ve been very fortunate in life and I think it’s time to give back. The school buildings in Harrison are not up to speed and I think it’s a perfect time to put some work into the infrastructure. I’d like to see the school and the teachers be proactive instead of reactive. Q. What do you see as the primary challenge facing the school district over the next few years? A: I think the school board and the school itself has almost no control left. Everything is dictated from the state and the governor’s office through the budget, and that control has helped for a couple of years by keeping everyone on their toes, but after a couple of years, there are going to be some serious operational difficulties.

pressures on schools. Especially in this context, it is essential that we maintain communication and inform the public about all the programs we have, the importance of maintaining them, and the external challenges to their maintenance. Effective long-term financial planning has protected much of Harrison’s programming, and as we move forward it places the district in a strong position to prioritize the needs of its students. Q. Name one way in which you think the school district can be improved. A. While the district has beautiful buildings and the administration and staff work tirelessly and frugally to maintain infrastructure, we have aging buildings and infrastructure that need substantial repair and in some cases are no longer ideally suited for 21stcentury learning environments. As we continue to be responsible with taxpayers’ money, we will have to work to maintain and improve the infrastructure of our schools. -Reporting by Christian Falcone

Q. Name one way in which you think the school district can be improved. A: A nice, clean, new environment makes people happy, and a dreary environment doesn’t make them happy. We have to bring everything up to date, especially now since we don’t owe any money. Regardless of the cost, we have to make those improvements. We’re very lucky to have the board members we currently have. They’re veterans who care, and you need that kind of longevity, you need people who want to be there. Harrison is one of the safest communities, and now the school system has to be brought up to speed. People come to a community for schools and safety. If you have both, people come to a community, demand to live there increases, housing prices increase, and that translates to higher revenue for the school system and the community. -Reporting by Suzy Berkowitz

4 • The hARRISON RevIew • May 13, 2016

What’s going on... Harrison Public Library

Visit harrisonpl.org for more information on events and programs at the Halperin building and the West Harrison branch.

Keep calm and study on The Halperin building will be open for later for AP and IB students through May 19. On Monday and Wednesday, the library hours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with student-only hours starting at 5:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A Taste of Harrison A food festival hosted by the Friends of the Harrison Public Library will be held on Sunday, May 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Halperin building. Participants will receive a wristband that will allow them to visit all participating restaurants to

sample all featured food and drinks and be entered into a raffle. Free parking will be available and the Senior Minivan will accommodate those who choose not to walk. Wristband prices are $20 in advance for adults and $25 the day of the event and $10 for children ages 5 to 12 in advance and $15 on the day of the event. For more information or to order a wristband, visit harrisonpl.org. To order a wristband via mail, make out and send a check payable to Friends of the Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Ave., Harrison, NY 10528. Please include name, address, phone and number of tickets. Wristbands will either be mailed or participants can pick them up either at the main library or at the West Harrison branch on the day of the event. For more information, contact Albina Hicks at 835-4575, Angela Kaufman at 835-2429 or Connie Perrotta at 3151922.

Singalong with Chloe On Sundays from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Halperin building, and on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the West Harrison branch. 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 child-sized instruments and props, and a wealth of both traditional and original songs to add to your singalong repertoire.

Drop-in computer help for seniors

The Feeley Fund

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.

Make the Difference

Yoga with Angela On Monday, May 16 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Halperin building. For grades two to five. Bringyour own mat and water to this lovely, mind and body relaxing yoga experience with Harrison resident Angela Brandt, a registered and certified yoga instructor. This is an opportunity for children to create self-esteem, physical coordination, breath relaxation and strength.

Pretend play and dress up time On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at the West Harrison branch. For ages 1 to 6. This free dress up playtime allows children to run wild with their imagination to be anywhere and anyone: a cowboy, a princess, a superhero or all three. Come in to the warmth of the library and let the kids play dress up with fun costumes.

Adventures in Architecture and Engineering STEM Series On Thursdays, May 19 and 26 with a reception on June 2 at the West Harrison branch. A free STEM series for children ages 5 to 14. Design and build your own structures: a roller coaster, skyscraper or castle. A reception will follow where all participants will display their creations to friends, family and the community. ArchForKids will teach and assist, but the children will be the real architects. Come to one or all of the sessions. The program series is made available through a grant from Westchester Library System. Call Bonnie at 948-2092 for more information. No registration required.

Foodie Fridays On Friday, May 20 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join the library once a month to talk food and prepare seasonal dishes from the market with Chef Melanie Underwood. This month, make garlic scape pesto. This program allows participants to learn new kitchen skills, get questions answered and share tips and recipes. Pick up the pesto recipe at the Information Desk. Sign up for email updates and please sing up for the event at the library’s website or call 835-0324.

Chloe’s Sign & Play On Fridays from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Halperin building. Give your child the gift of language. This is a fun class where families can learn to communicate with their pre-verbal children using American Sign Language. Based on the award-winning Baby Signing Time series, this class will give parents a window into the hearts and minds of their little ones. Through fun songs, stories and games, parents and children will learn many useful signs for everyday communication.

The E. J. Feeley Harrison High School Student Aid Fund awards monies to those graduates who are accepted in accredited colleges. The Feeley Fund is short of its goal to meet the financial needs of their eligible youth. The Feeley Fund, established in 1967, is a continuation of the Harrison High School Scholarship Fund begun in 1947. Since then, more than 1,000 students have received over $550,000 in financial aid. Checks made payable to the Feeley Fund and sent to Feeley Fund, Harrison High School, 255 Union Ave., Harrison, NY 10528 will “Make the Difference.” For more information, call Lola Geiger at 939-7066.

Harrison Recreation For further information, call the Leo Mintzer Center at 949-5265 or the Sollazzo Center at 6703179. You may also call the Harrison Recreation hotline at 670-3039. Most applications are available on harrison-ny.gov.

Summer day camp registration The are four day camps that offer numerous sports, arts and crafts, swimming, music and other weekly special events for your children. Children in grades one through eight as of September 2015 are eligible to apply. Camp starts Tuesday, July 5 and runs through Friday, August 12. Registration fees: $475, $250 for the second child, $175 for the third and subsequent children; check payable to Town/Village of Harrison. The deadline for registration is Thursday, May 12, at which time campers will be placed on a waiting list with no guarantee of a spot. The late registration fee after May 12 will be $50 per child; after Thursday, June 16, the fee will increase to $100 per child.

Summer swim team For boys and girls ages 5 to 17. The program will run from Tuesday, May 31 through the second week in August. Tryouts are on May 31 at 5 p.m., with practices beginning June 1 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Louis M. Klein Middle School. In late June, practice times and location will move to the Ron Belmont Pool Complex in West Harrison on Mondays Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and Tuesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Swim team fee is $275. Checks made payable to the Town/Village of Harrison. Questions can be directed to Dot Klein at 949-5265.

Junior soccer league registration Open to boys and girls in grades two through eight. Registration is ongoing with training starting on Sept. 12 through Nov. 2. Applications will be available online and at the recreation centers. Kindergarten and first grade information to follow. 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.

May 13, 2016 • ThE hARRISON REvIEw • 5

HUD monitor recommends suing Harrison By cOREY STOcKTON Staff Writer In his third biennial report, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development monitor James Johnson suggested that the U.S. Department of Justice take legal action against seven municipalities, including the town/village of Harrison. As a result of a 2009 settlement with HUD, Westchester County must develop 750 affordable housing units in 31 predominantly white communities, including Harrison, by the end of 2016. Johnson’s report, released on April 29, concluded that the county had reached all of its annual benchmarks and is in compliance with the settlement, but listed seven municipalities whose zonings were considered exclusionary. Johnson reported that these municipalities had zoning restrictions, lack of development incentives and an overall lack of progress in meeting the region’s affordable housing needs. In turn, the monitor suggested

that the Justice Department pursue litigation against these communities. The Justice Department declined to comment when asked by the Review if a lawsuit against the communities in question was forthcoming. In a released statement, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, said that the level of overreach by the monitor is breathtaking, which is a refrain from his State of the County address last month when he accused the HUD monitor of making egregious claims to incite “a settlement that never ends.” Westchester County Legislator David Gelfarb, a Rye Brook Republican who represents Harrison, said the monitor’s recommendation to file charges against a municipality was without legal merit. “The settlement, in the first place, never contemplated the [Department of Justice] suing individual towns,” he said. “Harrison has no obligations under the settlement because Harrison never signed the settlement.” Gelfarb added that while the

settlement mandates details such as how many units may be considered rentals or may be designated for seniors by age restriction, it does not specify how many units must be developed in each of the 31 municipalities. While the settlement does not mandate the compliance of individual municipalities, it does compel the county to take the necessary measures to remove affordable housing impediments within them. Holly Leicht, HUD regional administrator for New York and New Jersey, told the Review that HUD cannot take action against a municipality for violation of its settlement with the county. According to the parameters of the settlement, if a town is not compliant, the county has an obligation to sue. Yet, throughout the seven-year settlement term, the county has never filed charges against a municipality for allegedly failing to fulfill the requirements of the housing settlement. However, since Harrison is yet to make any inroads on the affordable housing front, the

county recently stepped in. In September 2015, the county purchased a two-bedroom condo unit on West Street in Harrison to convert into an affordable housing unit. The county bought the unit for $296,355, and is listing it for $175,000. Harrison officials contend that The Avalon development planned near the Harrison Metro-North station is expected to deem 20 percent of its 143 units as affordable housing upon completion of the project. And Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, has previously questioned the monitor’s understanding of the town’s compliance. In a September 2014 letter to Johnson, he refuted allegations of discriminatory zoning restrictions, claiming that a study commissioned by the monitor “[failed] to recognize some of the more discreet ways in which housing diversity, and therefore affordability, [have] been addressed in Harrison.” Belmont argued that Harrison’s racial and socio-economic demographics were more diverse than much of the county, most of the town was zoned for non-residential use, multi-family zoned areas had mostly been

James Johnson, monitor for the 2009 settlement between HUD and Westchester County, recommended that the Department of Justice consider suing Harrison and six other municipalities for discriminatory zoning. Westchester County recently purchased one unit at 70 West St. in Harrison, pictured, to repurpose it as an affordable housing unit. File photo

built out and that those zones were not isolated from the larger community. The monitor replied that zoning was a more important factor than demographic data, and added, “When one analyzes the demographic data across Harrison’s zoning districts, it becomes clear that less affluent residents and racial and ethnic

minorities live in geographically separate enclaves that are the result of Harrison’s zoning.” Belmont could not be reached for comment as of press time on Johnson’s most recent report, and Councilman Steve Malfitano, a Republican, declined to comment. cONTAcT: corey@hometwn.com

6 • The hARRISON RevIew • May 13, 2016

Harrison REVIEW

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Larchmont beefs up with

MOOYAH Burgers

MOOYAH’s menu includes a signature burger, double burger, turkey burger and black bean burger assembled on in-store baked buns, along with salad options, fries, milkshakes and a kids’ menu. Photos/Suzy Berkowitz

By SUZY BERKOwITZ Editorial Assistant Larchmont residents will have their fill of burgers until the cows come home with the opening of the village’s newest fast food establishment, MOOYAH Burgers, Fries and Shakes. Although MOOYAH’s Larchmont location on Palmer Avenue is one of only two in New York, the chain, which opened its first shop in Plano, Texas in 2007, now has 93 operating locations around the globe, including sites in Canada, Mexico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Franchisee Anthony Grippo opened New York’s first MOOYAH location in Briarcliff Manor in November 2015, and is excited for Larchmont’s site to finally be up and running. “This has been a long process, but I’m excited that we’re finally here,” Grippo said. “Hopefully we’ll be embedded in the community as a go-to place for Larchmont families.” Grippo signed on with MOOYAH to open six locations in either Westchester or FairFair field County, and de-

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries and Shakes opened on Palmer Avenue in Larchmont on Monday, April 18. The franchise currently has 93 operating locations around the world. Photo/James Pero

cided to launch his second site in Larchmont because of the village’s family-oriented atmosphere and lack of competing franchises. He said although the location has only been open since Monday, April 18, some customers have frequented the store several times, all with positive feedback. Michael and Nancy Frugis of New Rochelle stopped into the shop for the first time on Monday, April 25 at the height of

MOOYAH’s dinner rush, and said they were excited to try their first burger. The restaurant buzzed with kids, teens and parents grabbing a bite or splitting a shake, and with each entering customer came a warm welcome from the staff behind the counter.

The store’s register and food pick-up station for guests who choose to take their meal on the go is separated from its dining area, but employees serve and interact with guests who opt to eat onsite, giving the restaurant both a fast food and dine-in feel. A large chalkboard mounted near the register labeled “Moodle Doodle” encourages kids to showcase their artistic skills, and the shop’s inviting red, black and white color scheme, paired with the exposed kitchen and burger station, offers a sense of transparency that fast food establishments are often criticized for lacking. MOOYAH’s menu includes a signature burger, double burger, turkey burger and black bean burger assembled on in-store baked buns, along with salad options, fries, milkshakes and a kids’ menu. Heather Tabachnick, manager of the Larchmont location, said MOOYAH strives to provide

an exceptional product and customer service experience, and encourages guests to fill out a satisfaction survey so employees can determine the areas they can improve upon. “We’re not just another place to eat; we’re here to be a community partner,” she said. “Our staff is a team and you can teach anyone how to learn the register and create a burger, but you can’t teach someone how to be personable and have a commitment to customer service.” Tabachnick said that within the short time MOOYAH’s Larchmont location has been open, members of the community have commended her team on their hospitality and service. She said now that the location is established, MOOYAH is excited to make itself known throughout the community. cONTAcT: suzy@hometwn.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.

MOOYAH prides itself on providing an exceptional customer service and food service experience, offering guests both takeout and eat-in dining options.

MOOYAH currently has two operating locations in New York state, both owned by franchisee Anthony Grippo. The other site, which opened in November 2015, is located in Briarcliff Manor.

May 13, 2016 • ThE hARRISON REvIEw • 7

Students attend Signing Day with the first lady Senior earns outstanding student in French award Harrison High School students attended the third annual National Signing Day with the first lady of the United States Michelle Obama at the Harlem Armory in New York City on Tuesday, April 26. National Signing Day is a part of the White House’s Reach Higher Initiative that was established in May 2014. The primary goal of the president’s initiative is to “encourage every student in America to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university.” “First lady Michelle Obama’s speech offered practical and thoughtful advice for a successful post-secondary experience,” said Kelly Malczewski, Harrison’s director of guidance. “The students left inspired by the first lady’s guidance including how to self-advocate and how to get involved on campus.” Harrison High School’s involvement was a direct result of an alumnus helping others. For-

Harrison High School students attended the annual National Signing Day in Harlem, which featured the first lady of the United States Michelle Obama. Photo courtesy Harrison school district

mer HHS student Josh Thomas reached out to his former high school guidance counselor Carolyn Chieco to tell her about this inspiring event and persuade her to have Harrison High School send a diverse group of students who are committed to securing a post-secondary education. This year’s event was attended by more than 4,000 New York area high school students and over 500 College Signing Day events were planned across the country by communities, students and organizations committed to helping

students pursue higher education. The New York City event was live-streamed on MTV in conjunction with Viacom’s Get Schooled Initiative. “We are honored to have been part of the National Signing Day event and hope to continue holding our own signing day events each school year,” Malczewski said. “National Signing Day sends the powerful message to celebrate the diverse post-high school plans of all students, which aligns directly to our district’s core values and mission.” (Submitted)

Congratulations to Harrison High School senior Samantha Miles who has earned the 2016 Outstanding Senior in French award for Harrison High School from the American Association of Teachers of French, AATF. Founded in 1927, AATF has as its mission the promotion of the study of French language and French-speaking literatures and cultures at all levels. To qualify for the award, a student must have maintained an “A” average in French and a “B” average overall, and have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the study of French both in and out of class. “All throughout her French career here in HHS, Sammie has shown serious commitment, passion and unbending talent in her learning of the French language and Francophone cultures,” said HHS French teacher Susie Michel. “This award absolutely has her name on it because, besides being co-president of the French Club and spending a summer studying in France, Sammie

Senior Samantha Miles, right, received the 2016 Outstanding Senior in French award for Harrison High School from the American Association of Teachers of French, AATF. Photo courtesy Harrison school district

simply embodies a French persona all her own.” Miles will be attending the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University in the fall, where she is planning to continue her studies in French and looks forward to adding an additional language to her studies. “She has always been so

graceful and unassuming about her giftedness in French, yet I have had the great fortune of being able to watch her blossom from year to year into a perfectly genuine Francophile,” Michel said. Adieu, meilleurs voeux et mille mercis à la belle Sammie pour son exemple positif en français! (Submitted)

8 • The hARRISON RevIew • May 13, 2016

Manhattanville to source 20% of power from solar In a major milestone in its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality, Manhattanville College has entered into an agreement to source 20 percent of its electricity from renewable power. Manhattanville College announced a 25-year solar energy purchase with partners Energy In the Bank, RBI Solar, Cenergy Power and General Energy Solutions. The total project will supply approximately 1.1 megawatts of emissions-free electricity per year drawn from approximately 3,600 solar panels. The project was approved on April 26 by the Harrison Planning Board who recognized the college for being the first in the town to have a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LEED, Gold rated building and will be the first in town to install solar carports. The project will start this summer and take approximately four months to complete. College President Jon Strauss said, “Manhattanville College is firmly on its way to achieving carbon neutrality by 2025. Solar power is a reliable renewable energy resource for the college to tap into. The project realizes

environmental benefits and is cost-competitive with conventional energy sources, which are projected to increase over the next 25 years. The agreement provides fixed pricing for solar energy at a lower total price than current power solutions.” Addressing climate change has been a priority since the college signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2009, and set an ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. Manhattanville’s climate plan has four strategies to achieve neutrality: reduce consumption, produce renewable energy, buy offsets for travel and other unavoidable emissions, and buy green power. Directly sourcing solar power for 20 percent of the campus electricity needs eliminates approximately 800 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, which is the equivalent to removing 160 cars off the road annually. That represents a significant reduction in the college’s carbon footprint. A number of other methods are underway to reduce energy use on campus, including LED

replacement lighting, building temperature monitoring using better controls on boilers and AC units, replacement windows, and variable speed pumps. To cut down on transportation emissions, Manhattanville offers the community shuttle buses for local trips and trips to NYC on weekends. The college also has plans to install electric vehicle charging stations. Efforts to conserve water are seen in tray-less dining, more efficient toilets, showers and sinks, and in more than a dozen campus water fountains retrofitted with bottle filler spigots. The college used 27 million fewer gallons of water over the past year compared to 2003. Manhattanville also offers courses that incorporate or concentrate on sustainability. Faculty members research sustainability on and off campus, and students lead efforts through programs, clubs and an organic garden. The college recently joined the Westchester Green Business Certified program which is a collaborative group of Westchester County organizations from diverse industry sectors, recognized as Green Business Leaders. (Submitted)

Meet Chloe, a beautiful 3- to 4-year-old Australian shepherd/ cattle dog mix. Her unique blue and brown eyes will melt your heart. Chloe came to Pet Rescue with nine pups that have all since been adopted. It’s now her turn! Chloe loves to be near her foster mom and follows her around the house. She is very quiet in her foster home and doing well on her housebreaking. She will make someone a very happy, as she is a loyal companion. Chloe is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Why not donate $300 to Larchmont Pet Rescue to make Chloe part of your home? To learn more, call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)

PEPSIcO from page 1

After undergoing drastic renovations for over three years, PepsiCo has nearly completed all of its construction, labeled “Project Renew.” The 45-year-old building had never been renovated prior to this project. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

for the facility, with five- and 10-year timetables, respectively. “One was to build a new visitor’s center for the public and conference structure that are separate from the seven-building campus, where [the public] could access the grounds and

walking paths,” Fitzsimmons said. “Other anticipated phases were for additional buildings to be constructed.” The PepsiCo campus is also home to the publicly accessible Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens, which features a

collection of 45 outdoor sculptures from the 20th century by a variety of artists. The gardens have been closed since Dec. 1, 2012 because of the renovations, but are expected to reopen soon. cONTAcT: angela@hometwn.com

Scarsdale Medical offers smoking cessation workshop Scarsdale Medical Group, SMG, a multispecialty practice serving Westchester County and the surrounding Hudson Valley area, has partnered with Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester to offer a smoking cessation workshop to the community. The workshop consists of four weekly 1.5-hour sessions beginning on Monday, June 6 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The goal of the workshop is to teach participants skills to deal with becoming smoke free, while also addressing other issues such as physical addiction and psychological dependency. All aspects of smoking and tobacco use are discussed through group support and behavior modification. The program also examines the various stages of quitting, which

include thinking about quitting, preparing to quit, finally quitting and preventing relapse. “We are excited to partner with Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester to offer this program,” said Dr. Kenneth Croen, SMG’s managing partner. “There are many immediate and long-term benefits to giving up the smoking habit. At SMG, we are committed to enhancing the health of the community.”

SCHOOL NEWS?

ContaCt oUR EDUCatIon REpoRtER

The workshop is facilitated by Sara Somerville, tobacco cessation specialist for Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester. All classes will be held at Scarsdale Medical Group, Suite 302, 550 Mamaroneck Ave. in Harrison. The fee for the workshop is $150 and pre-registration is required. To register, please visit scarsdalemedical. com/smokingcessation. Registration must be completed by Wednesday, June 1. (Submitted)

sarah varney

sarah@hometwn.com

May 13, 2016 • ThE hARRISON REvIEw • 9

HHS juniors create TEDx event featuring peers

Two Harrison High School juniors in the IB diploma program organized the first TEDx event at the school. The event featured presentations from eight other students as well as screenings of two official TED talks. Photo courtesy Harrison school district

Harrison High School juniors Valerie Hesse and Madeline Rawson created an inaugural TEDx event at Harrison High School, showcasing thoughtprovoking presentations from their peers. A TEDx event is a local gathering where the content and design are unique and developed independently, but all have features in common with large TED events—such as videos and the diversity of topics—but are community-driven and content is bias free. Hesse and Rawson were looking for a unique creativity, action and service, CAS, project, a part the IB diploma requirements, when one of their fathers suggested a TED event. The girls realized that TED talks are a natural extension of a component of the IB diploma’s The-

The HHS TEDx event consisted of talks by eight students and the viewing of two official TED talks. The student presentations were:

Miwa Goble Emma Abramson Mihoko Sakanaka Tasha Garayo Maxine Lieblich Amr El-Azizi Sammie O’Reilly Connor Kelly

“The Future is Female” “Potential Therapeutic Treatment for Alzheimer’s” “Music for the Deaf” “Vitamin B: Cognition and Academic Performance” “The Gender Gap in STEM” “Fundamentalism in the Modern Age” “Autonomous Medical Choices and Adolescents” “The Changing Hetero-Normative Sphere”

ory of Knowledge course, which challenges student to explore why they know what they know. The two researched the process to hold a TEDx event, applied for the license, worked with HHS administration, and held bake sales to support their idea. Hesse and Rawson were pleased with the positive feedback they received from the presenters and those in attendance. The two will look to

continue the event next year and hope future classes with pick up the baton. “Young people have a deep interest in many things and it is such a great opportunity for students to explore their interests and have a forum to present their findings,” Rawson said. “The more kids can communicate with others, the closer we can become as a community.” (Submitted)

ZONING from page 1

A group of Harrison residents has raised nearly $13,000 through a crowdfunding website, which they plan on using to hire a lawyer if the town board passes a zoning amendment that would allow a senior living facility to be constructed on the Lake Street Quarry. File photo

the zoning of one piece of land for the benefit of a single owner, which is illegal. In a letter to the board dated Feb. 22, Albert Pirro, the former attorney for the group of residents opposing the zoning efforts of the developer, said that if the amendment—which pertains to all nine properties—were written with the intention of developing one site, that would constitute spot zoning. The potential site of the senior living facility has already been the focus of several legal battles in the Westchester County Supreme Court between the town and the property owner Law-

rence Barrego from 2009 until 2014. Barrego accrued nearly $825,000 in fines for 37 separate town code violations. In 2014, both parties signed a stipulation agreement detailing that Barrego would stop all work and remove all machinery and inventory from his quarry site. In return, the town agreed to consider his proposition to turn the site into a senior living facility, and to waive the fines levied against him. Hoisington believes that money should belong to the town and its residents in the form of fines. He added that a senior

living facility would be a tax burden, increasing traffic and demand for emergency services. Malfitano said that the board recognizes the clamor the amendment has caused. He said some of it was the result of rabblerousing by residents with a political agenda. “Clearly there is a loud voice on this,” the councilman added. “It’s not out of the ordinary, and we’re listening to it.” Due to a separate petition filed by the group, a supermajority is needed for the town board to approve the amendment. cONTAcT: corey@hometwn.com

Rye Town Park Commission appoints park director After reviewing 16 applications and conducting multiple interviews, the Rye Town Park Commission announced its selection of a new director for the park, Teresa “Terry” Fanelli. She was the unanimous choice of the commissioners. Gary Zuckerman, Rye Town supervisor and president of the Rye Town Park Commission, said, “After an extensive search of four months, I am pleased that the commission has unanimously selected Terry Fanelli as our new park director. Her knowledge and commitment to Rye Town Park is exemplary, and we are thrilled that she has accepted the position. I am sure that she will do a terrific job for Rye Town Park and all its visitors.” A longtime resident of Port Chester, Fanelli has worked at the park since the spring of 2009—first as cashier supervisor, and starting in 2012 as as-

sistant park director for finance. Since 2008, Fanelli has worked concurrently as an after-school administrator for the Port Chester Council of the Arts. She has been serving as acting park director since the spring of this year. Fanelli is the park’s first woman director. Prior to joining Rye Town Park, Fanelli had a long career as a senior operations executive in banking, working with firms such as Fieldpoint Private Bank and Trust, USA Bank and the US Trust Company. When accepting her new position, Fanelli said, “I am delighted to be given this opportunity to make the park the best that it can be.” She noted that one of her priorities will be to make the park’s operations run as efficiently as possible. “We want visitors to feel that the park is being managed with the quality of their experience in mind. “I look forward to getting out

into the park to see that all the park employees are working effectively to achieve the park’s goals,” Fanelli added. “We want to make people welcome when they come to Rye Town Park.” Rye Town Park is a 62-acre preserve located at 95 Dearborn Ave., off Forest Avenue, in the city of Rye. It was established in 1907 by an act of the state Legislature. The main buildings were completed in 1909. Generations of families have made happy memories at the park and beach over the more than 100 years of its operation. The entire park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 18, 2003. The preserve has 28 acres of lawns, paths and a pond, as well as an expansive beachfront of 34 acres. The park is a wonderful facility for public recreation and relaxation. Visit the park’s website at ryetownpark.org. (Submitted)

10 • The hARRISON RevIew • May 13, 2016

legal noTices

legal noTices

NOTICE OF ANNUAL PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING, ELECTION OF SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS AND VOTE ON BUDGET OF HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT HARRISON, NEW YORK

Notice of Formation of Jivotovski LLC. Research Company filed with NY Secretary of State on 03/22/2016. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 7 Parade Lane, Rye Brook, NY 10573. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing on the Budget of the qualified voters of the Harrison Central School District, Harrison, New York, will be held at the Louis M. Klein Middle School on May 4, 2016 at 7:15 P.M. for the purpose of presenting the Budget for the 2016-17 school year. FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the money which will be required for the ensuing school year for school purposes may be obtained by any taxpayer in the District during the fourteen days immediately preceding the Annual School District Meeting, May 17, 2016, except Saturday, Sunday or Holiday, at each of the following schoolhouses in which school is maintained during the hours designated, and at any public or free association library in the District, and on the District website. Harrison High School - 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Louis M. Klein Middle School - 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Elementary Schools - 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.: Harrison Avenue School, Parsons Memorial School, Purchase School & Samuel J. Preston School Office of the District Clerk - 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Real Property Tax Exemption Report prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law will be annexed to any tentative/preliminary budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part, and shall be posted on District bulletin board(s) maintained for public notices, as well as on the District’s website. FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual School District Meeting of the inhabitants of the Harrison Central School District, Harrison, NY, qualified to vote at School District Meetings and/or Elections of said District will be held at the places hereafter set forth on May 17, 2016 between the hours of 7:00 A.M and 9:00 P.M., prevailing time, for the purpose of voting on voting machines for the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures for the school year 2016-2017, on all propositions duly filed with the Board of Education, and to fill two (2) vacancies on the Board of Education. The qualified voters will fill the following vacancies: • The office of Rachel Estroff, a member of the Board of Education, which term expires on June 30, 2016, for a new term commencing July 1, 2016 and expiring on June 30, 2019. • The office of Abby Mendelsohn, a member of the Board of Education, which term expires on June 30, 2016, for a new term commencing July 1, 2016 and expiring on June 30, 2019. Each vacancy shall be considered a separate and specific office and a separate petition is required to nominate a candidate for each office. The petition shall be directed to the District Clerk, shall be signed by at least 36 qualified voters of the District, shall state the residence address of each signer, the name and residence address of the candidate, and shall describe the specific vacancy on the Board of Education for which the candidate is nominated which description shall include at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent, if any. Forms complying with these requirements may be obtained from the Office of the District Clerk, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 3:30 P.M., prevailing time, Monday through Friday. Petitions are due not later than on April 18, 2016 at 5:00 P.M. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for Absentee Ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, New York. Written requests for absentee ballots must be made at least 7 days and not more than 30 days prior to the Annual School District Meeting, May 17, 2016. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than 3:45 P.M. (Prevailing Time) on May 10, 2016. If the Ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter, the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than 3:45 P.M. (Prevailing Time) on May 16, 2016. No absentee ballot shall be counted unless it shall have been received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M. on May 17, 2016. A list of all persons to whom Absentee Ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District at the Office of the District Clerk, on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. (Prevailing Time) and 3:30 P.M. (Prevailing Time). Any qualified voter may file a written challenge of the qualification of a voter whose name appears on such list, stating the reasons for the challenge. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that for the purposes of voting, the School District has been divided into four (4) election districts and that an accurate description of the boundaries of these school election districts is on file and may be inspected at the Office of the District Clerk on weekdays when school is in session, during regular work hours, 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., at the Administrative Offices, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the 2016 School District Election and Budget Vote will be held at the following polling places in the School Election Districts hereinafter set forth: Election District A: At the Harrison Avenue School in Harrison, New York. Said Election District A comprises a portion of the area formerly constituting the area of Union Free School District No. 6 of the Town of Harrison, Westchester County, New York, which encompasses the area designated as the boundary line for attendance at Harrison Avenue School. Election District B - at the Samuel J. Preston School in West Harrison, New York. Said Election District B comprises the area formerly constituting the area of Union Free School District No. 7 of the Town of Harrison, Westchester County, New York, which encompasses the area designated as the boundary line for attendance at Samuel J. Preston School. Election District C - at the Purchase Elementary School on Purchase Street, in Purchase, New York. Said Election District C comprises the area formerly constituting the areas of Union Free School District No. 2 of the Town of Harrison and Rye, Westchester County, New York, and Common School District No. 5 of the Towns of Harrison and North Castle, Westchester County, New York, which encompasses the area designated as the boundary line for attendance at Purchase Elementary School. Election District D - at the Parsons Memorial School in Harrison, New York. Said Election District D comprises a portion of the area formerly constituting the area of Union Free School District No. 6 of the Town of Harrison, Westchester County, New York, which encompasses the area designated as the boundary line for attendance at the Parsons Memorial School. FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law, Section 2035, Subdivision 2, the Board of Education has adopted a rule with respect to the submission of questions or propositions to be voted upon by voting machines at school district meetings or elections requiring any petition or request from qualified voters for the submission of questions or propositions to be voted upon at any such meeting or election, and reserving to the Board of Education the right to edit such questions or propositions without changing the substance thereof for the purpose of preparing ballots for voting machines. FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that although voting machines will be used to record the votes on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, there will be no registration of voters in advance of said meeting. Accordingly, all persons shall be entitled to vote as aforesaid who present themselves at the polls, who are not challenged while in the polling place, and who execute a statement, to be provided by the Board of Education, indicating that they possess the following qualifications: 1. A citizen of the United States; 2. Eighteen years of age; and 3. A resident of the district for a period of 30 days next preceding May 17, 2016. Pursuant to Education Law Section 2018-c, all new persons offering to vote at any school district meeting or election for which registration is not required, shall provide one form of proof of residency. Acceptable proof of residency shall be a driver’s license, a non-driver identification card, a utility bill, or a voter registration card. By order of the Board of Education, Harrison Central School District. Dated: April 1, 2016 Harrison, New York Christine Beitler, District Clerk

Notice of Formation of AGN Advisory, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 4/1/2016. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 611 Webster Avenue, New Rochelle N.Y. 10801. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of Stonewall Consulting LLC. Articles of Organization filed 03/08/16 with Secy of State (SSNY). Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o LLC, 104 Stonewall Circle, West Harrison, NY 10604. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Harrison Central School District hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: RFB #16/17-06: Trash Removal/Recycling Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “RFB #16/17-06: Trash Removal/Recycling” on the outside. Bids will be received until 2:15 p.m., Wednesday, May 25, 2016 by the Purchasing Agent (or his duly designated representative), Harrison Central School District, Business Office, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528; (914) 630-3011; Fax: (914) 835-2715, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www.empirestatebidsystem.com or from the district Business Office beginning Wednesday, May 11, 2016. The Harrison Central School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if bid number and opening date do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to the date and time indicated are invalid. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail, or in the handling of the mail by employees of the Harrison Central School District, as well as improper hand delivery. The Harrison Central School District reserves the right to waive any informalities in the bids, or to reject all bids, or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the Board will be to their best interest. By order of the Board of Education Gene George, Purchasing Agent. Dated: May 11, 2016 NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Harrison Central School District hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: RFB #16/17-07: Refuse Removal Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “RFB #16/17-07: Refuse Removal” on the outside. Bids will be received until 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 25, 2016 by the Purchasing Agent (or his duly designated representative), Harrison Central School District, Business Office, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528; (914) 630-3011; Fax: (914) 835-2715, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www. empirestatebidsystem.com or from the district Business Office beginning Wednesday, May 11, 2016. The Harrison Central School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if bid number and opening date do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to the date and time indicated are invalid. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail, or in the handling of the mail by employees of the Harrison Central School District, as well as improper hand delivery. The Harrison Central School District reserves the right to waive any informalities in the bids, or to reject all bids, or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the Board will be to their best interest. By order of the Board of Education Gene George, Purchasing Agent. Dated: May 11, 2016 NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Harrison Central School District hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: RFB #16/17-09: Carpentry Services Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “RFB #16/17-09: Carpentry Services” on the outside. Bids will be received until 2:15 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2016 by the Purchasing Agent (or his duly designated representative), Harrison Central School District, Business Office, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528; (914) 630-3011; Fax: (914) 835-2715, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www. empirestatebidsystem.com or from the district Business Office beginning Wednesday, May 11, 2016. The Harrison Central School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if bid number and opening date do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to the date and time indicated are invalid. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail, or in the handling of the mail by employees of the Harrison Central School District, as well as improper hand delivery. The Harrison Central School District reserves the right to waive any informalities in the bids, or to reject all bids, or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the Board will be to their best interest. By order of the Board of Education Gene George, Purchasing Agent. Dated: May 11, 2016 NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Harrison Central School District hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: RFB #16/17-05: Repair and Service of PA Systems, Clocks and Audio Systems Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “RFB #16/17-05: Repair and Service of PA Systems, Clocks and Audio Systems” on the outside. Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 25, 2016 by the Purchasing Agent (or his duly designated representative), Harrison Central School District, Business Office, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528; (914) 630-3011; Fax: (914) 835-2715, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www.empirestatebidsystem.com or from the district Business Office beginning Wednesday, May 11, 2016. The Harrison Central School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if bid number and opening date do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to the date and time indicated are invalid. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail, or in the handling of the mail by employees of the Harrison Central School District, as well as improper hand delivery. The Harrison Central School District reserves the right to waive any informalities in the bids, or to reject all bids, or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the Board will be to their best interest. By order of the Board of Education Gene George, Purchasing Agent. Dated: May 11, 2016 NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Harrison Central School District hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: RFB #16/17-08: Window Repair Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “RFB #16/17-08: Window Repair” on the outside. Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2016 by the Purchasing Agent (or his duly designated representative), Harrison Central School District, Business Office, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528; (914) 630-3011; Fax: (914) 835-2715, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www.empirestatebidsystem.com or from the district Business Office beginning Wednesday, May 11, 2016. The Harrison Central School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if bid number and opening date do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to the date and time indicated are invalid. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail, or in the handling of the mail by employees of the Harrison Central School District, as well as improper hand delivery. The Harrison Central School District reserves the right to waive any informalities in the bids, or to reject all bids, or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the Board will be to their best interest. By order of the Board of Education Gene George, Purchasing Agent Dated: May 11, 2016

May 13, 2016 • ThE hARRISON REvIEw • 11

Rye to use $3M in state funds on flood projects Verizon customers may see improved cell service

Flooding caused by Blind Brook after Hurricane Irene in 2011. The city of Rye has accepted $3 million in funds from the NY Rising program to spend on flood mitigation efforts to aid in preventing similar incidents. File photo

By ANGELA JORDAN Staff Writer After accepting the $3 million granted by the NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan, the city of Rye is looking into its first potential flood mitigation project. The first priority project proposed by a temporary local committee to move forward is the modification of the sluice gate, which is a movable barrier that controls how much upstream water can pass under the Bowman Avenue Dam and was installed in 2013 to help mitigate flooding caused by Blind Brook. Offsite gauges take readings of water levels from the brook, and then send signals back to the sluice gate which then lowers or rises depending on the water levels. The proposal is to relocate the offsite gauges downstream to provide better water level

readings, and the predicted cost for the modification ranges anywhere from $150,000 to $250,000. A list of potential projects came as a result of the city of Rye being awarded $3 million in state funds through the NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan, a $700 million state program that was formed in April 2013 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, in response to the needs of various communities throughout New York who required assistance and resources for reconstruction after Tropical Storms Irene and Lee in 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012. According to one of the cochairs of the Rye committee, Bernie Althoff, flooding has been an issue in Rye for much longer than that. “Since I’ve moved here in 1973, floods have been a serious problem,” he said. The Bowman Avenue Dam

recently made national headlines when it was publicly revealed that in late August through September of 2013, an Iranian national was able to hack into and access information from the sluice gate. However, Althoff said that as far as he is aware, none of the committee’s proposed modifications to the sluice gate is related to the hacking or any kind of security concerns. A proposed retention basin at SUNY Purchase College, another of the five projects the city has proposed, was projected to cost between $750,000 and $1 million. However, Rye’s Assistant City Manager Eleanor Militana said that the school won’t allow the land proposed for the project to be developed, and therefore those funds could potentially be put to other projects on the committee’s list. cONTAcT: angela@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.”

Crown Castle, a wireless infrastructure company partnered with Verizon, was given approval by the Harrison town board on April 28 to enter a right-ofway use agreement to put up 20 cellular nodes throughout Harrison. The purpose of the nodes, which would be installed over existing nodes on telephone poles throughout town, would help increase data capacity and would help prevent both dropout calls and “bottlenecking” in high-density areas where a lot of users are making calls and using data, according to Crown Castle representatives Esme Lombard and Joseph Klem, who presented the proposal to the town board. However, because Crown Castle is partnered with Verizon, cellphone users with any other carrier will remain unaffected. The nodes will be paid for by Verizon, who entered into a contract with Crown Castle to build the nodes and maintain them.

Furthermore, as part of the agreement, Crown Castle will share 5 percent of its adjusted gross revenue with the town for use of the public right of way. Not everyone at the meeting was impressed, however. Harrison resident Robert Porto said the nodes “look terrible,” and that he planned to share photos of them provided by Crown Castle on Facebook with other Harrison residents. However, Town Councilman Steve Malfitano, a Republican, described the agreement to the Review as “innocuous,” and cited the increased coverage and bandwidth and the potential for the town to collect some revenue from the nodes as reasons for approving the agreement. Crown Castle also has nine nodes installed in the city of Rye and recently requested permission from the Rye City Council to install an additional 73; they have “a number of installations” throughout other municipalities in Westchester County, in addi-

At a glance Crown Castle, a wireless infrastructure company, will place 20 cellular nodes throughout Harrison The nodes will improve cell and data service for Verizon Wireless users The installation will be paid for and maintained by Verizon Harrison will receive 5 percent of the adjusted gross revenue from the nodes

tion to Rockland County, Long Island, New York City and parts of New Jersey. -Reporting by Angela Jordan

Mamaroneck could see meter increases, more hours

The village of Mamaroneck Board of Trustees is discussing the possibility of increasing parking meter rates and expanding hours of operation on Mamaroneck Avenue. File photo

The village of Mamaroneck Board of Trustees recently began discussing the possibility of increasing both parking meter rates and expanding meter times on Mamaroneck Avenue. The discussion comes from a recommendation made by a parking village committee, which is based on a 2014 study done by Walker Parking Consultants. According to Village Manager Richard Slingerland, the committee suggested that the board increase the hours meters run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and that the rates increase from 75

cents per hour to $1 per hour. A memo written by the committee indicates that other streets and parking lot rates would remain the same. Maria DeRose, chairwoman of the committee, told the Review that the main purpose of increasing the meter time is to promote turnover on Mamaroneck Avenue. “We want people to come to the avenue and to stay as long as they want,” she said. “But we want everyone to have a fair chance at doing this.” DeRose added that because meter rates and times would remain

the same in parking lots and other village streets, patrons of the avenue could park in those lots, only pay until 6 p.m., and park for as long as they’d like, while simultaneously freeing up parking spaces on the avenue for more restaurant patrons and shoppers. As far as the increase in meter rates goes, DeRose said that $1 per hour is pretty standard in most municipalities. Currently, the village charges 25 cents for 20 minutes of parking. DeRose called the increase in time and rate “a fair compromise.” -Reporting by Kiley Stevens

12 • The hARRISON RevIew • May 13, 2016

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May 13, 2016 • ThE hARRISON REvIEw • 13

Alternate side of the street parking holidays County health dept. combats mosquito growth, disease rHymes ymes WiTH craZy Zy lenore enore Skenazy

There are now 34 holidays on which New York City suspends its parking rules, ranging from Ash Wednesday to Chinese New Year to Eid al-Adha to Diwali. That’s quite the holiday buffet. Which is not to mention Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, Washington’s birthday and Veterans Day. There are a bunch of standard-issue holidays, too, like Labor Day and Thanksgiving, and a bunch of Jewish holidays beyond those. Since I’m Jewish, I can confide in you: Many of us don’t even know what these holidays are. Shemini Atzereth? I’ve got to ask Rabbi Google. (Then again, what percentage of Christians are familiar with the Solemnity of the Ascension, which was on this year’s Mother’s Day? That solemn day was cause for auto-owner awe as alternate side of the street parking requirements miraculously disappeared!) Since this list seems to be growing faster than the Monday morning line for MetroCards, I couldn’t help but add a few more suggestions for holiday parking consideration: Thigh-Knees New Year: A holiday celebrating the first sunny day of spring, when New Yorkers suddenly realize their knees and even thighs will soon be visible in shorts. The day is devoted to doing squats.

Howard Stern’s birthday: Jan. 12. Any car parked at a meter may remain there for 24 hours, but any person walking by the meter must dance around it, one leg up, and lean backwards. Lumpy Rug Day: An actual holiday—look it up, it’s May 3. The website Holiday Insights reports: “Lumpy Rug Day is intended to appreciate a good rug. A rug should be smooth, even, and definitely not lumpy. Many of us stretch out on a rug to watch TV, play games and even catch 40 winks. If the rug is lumpy, you’ll know it. There are a number of ways to enjoy Lumpy Rug Day: “If you have a lumpy rug, toss it out and get a nice, lump-less rug; If you once had a lumpy rug, take a minute to remember the soft, comfortable feel of the new rug when it arrived; If you never had a lumpy rug, count your blessings. You don’t know what you’re missing.” I’m counting! But since that exciting day won’t come around for almost another year, let’s move on to: Sick Passenger Monday: The first Monday after Labor Day, when everyone has slept a little late and is rushing to get to school or work on time, shall be dedicated to the mysterious Sick Passenger who is always on the train ahead of us. Not that car drivers care, but they get the free parking day anyway, just like the rich get richer. Pranksgiving: A day we give thanks for practical jokes. NOTE: Although this will appear as a holiday on city-issued alternate side of the street suspension cal-

endars, it really ISN’T and you will be TOWED. Kwanzadanukkah: A day that falls on both Hanukkah and Kwanza, when everyone is so busy lighting candles that they can’t get to their cars. Happy Halaladays: Day dedicated to the halal carts around the city, which have made lamb over rice as New York as a Sabrett’s dog. Celebrated the Thursday after Thanksgiving, when people are willing to start thinking about food again. Too Heavy Purse Tuesday: A day we pause to reflect on the fact we are carrying around WAY too much junk, including candy bars, letters we keep forgetting to mail, receipts in cuneiform, and two dozen pens (one leaking). Why do we celebrate this by suspending parking regulations? How ELSE would you propose we celebrate? What says “Too heavy purse” to YOU? Do you even HAVE a purse? If you did, you’d know. All Saints Weekend: Expansion of popular day. Mayor’s Wild Card: A day chosen by the mayor on which all parking tickets are torn up as soon as they are issued. Wildly popular. Often celebrated after the indictment of a crony, dis by a sitting governor or disconcerting New York Post cover. Trump Day: Nov. 8. You wouldn’t cast your vote for someone just because they’re promising to give you an extra day of parking freedom, would you? WOULD YOU? cONTAcT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

To eliminate mosquito breeding sites and prevent the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, the Westchester County Department of Health will offer free minnows, mosquito dunks and “Keep Healthy and Bug Off” brochures to residents on six Mosquito Control Days this month. Residents with ornamental ponds should add the fathead minnows to the water to keep it from becoming a mosquito breeding site. The dunks serve the same purpose in birdbaths, rain barrels and unused pools. Health department staff will be available to answer questions and give out “Keep Healthy and Bug Off” brochures, which offer advice on how residents can prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes to keep mosquitoes from breeding nearby. “We’ll show residents things they can do to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes,” said Peter DeLucia, assistant commissioner for Public Health Protection. “We’ll also give them minnows and dunks to prevent mosquitoes from breeding on their property. Minnows are our natural ally in the battle against West Nile virus and they’re very popular with residents. They eat many times their weight in mosquito larvae.” Residents with ponds who want the minnows should bring a bucket or pail to 2 Loop Road at the Westchester County Airport. The building is the first right from the airport access road.

A local resident picks up free minnows distributed by the Westchester County Department of Health to help prevent the spread of mosquitoborne diseases. Photo courtesy Westchester County

Minnows will be distributed in watertight plastic bags, and residents should plan to bring them straight home and release them into ponds with at least 8 inches of water. The minnows will be distributed on: • Thursday and Friday, May 19 and 20, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To eliminate breeding sites, the health department began to apply larvicide to catch basins that hold standing water but are clear of debris starting Monday, May 9. Larvaciding teams will evaluate and treat, as needed, all catch basins on county and municipal roads throughout Westchester over the next few months. To help prevent mosquitoes from breeding, residents should eliminate standing water from around their properties, especial-

ly after it rains. Large areas of standing water on public property that cannot easily be removed should be reported to the health department by calling 813-5000. “If we use all the available strategies, we can minimize our exposure to mosquito bites and reduce the mosquito population in Westchester, but we need residents to help,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler. “Please remove from your yard or turn over anything that could hold standing water and make use of the dunks and minnows we are offering.” To learn more about mosquito prevention, visit the health department’s website at westchestergov.com/health, like the department on Facebook at facebook.com/wchealthdept or follow it on Twitter @wchealthdept. (Submitted)

14 • ThE The hARRISON RevIew • May 13, 2016

ode to joy live miKe mike Smith

There’s something about high school sports that makes a big moment hard to shake. On Saturday morning, I was sitting in the dugout with some of my men’s baseball teammates in between games and, as we often do, we started talking about some of our best sports memories. We’re not young men anymore, and the majority of us have played baseball from the time we were 5 years old all the way through college and beyond. So why was every single great moment we mentioned from our high school days? Our centerfielder recalled getting a hit off of current Mets’ hurler Stephen Matz as a junior. Our ace remembered squaring off against—and ultimately losing to—Rick Porcello, who currently plies his trade

as a member of the Boston Red Sox. Our closer and I, both Scarsdale products, mentioned beating archrival Mamaroneck on the mound in our respective senior seasons. What makes these memories much fonder than any others in our long—perhaps too long— time of competitive athletics? On Tuesday, I witnessed a moment that is sure to live on for a long time in the minds of some of our local athletes, as Mamaroneck celebrated yet another league title after a stunning walk-off hit by senior centerfielder Emerson Genovese. In the grand scheme of things, a league title may not appear to be a huge deal for the Tigers, who came into the year as the reigning Class AA state champions and seem to be on the hunt for a Section I championship every single season. But watching Mamaroneck stream out of the dugout to mob Genovese, it struck me that no matter what else the Tigers go

SPORTS

on to achieve this year, this could very well be the game that comes up again and again, years from now, when they talk about their greatest athletic accomplishments. I can attest, firsthand, that big wins—or losses—in college just don’t carry the same weight. Players are older, more mature, their interests are more diverse, and no matter how much work they put in to becoming better ballplayers over the years, few things compare to celebrating with a group of teammates and friends who have been by your side since elementary school. A great high school sports moment comes at a time when both the stakes and the youthful enthusiasm that every player continues to bring to the field are high. That unbridled joy can sometimes be worn down by the grind of collegiate athletics, where playing sports can often feel more like work than pleasure.

Mamaroneck streams out of the dugout as Peter Matt crosses the plate in a 6-5 victory against White Plains on May 10. Watching the Tigers clinch another league title reminded Sports Editor Mike Smith that high school sports memories only get better with time. Photo/Mike Smith

So to Mamaroneck—and all the other schools that have something to celebrate this season—congratulations, and enjoy

the time you have left. As you get older, these great moments might be few and far between.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

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

SPORTS

May 13, 2016 • ThE hARRISON REvIEw • 15

Huskies top rival in memorial game By MIKE SMITh Sports Editor On Saturday, May 7, Harrison and Rye briefly put aside their bitter on-field rivalry to honor the memory of a former Huskies pitcher as the two clubs took part in the second annual Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Game at Silver Lake Park in West Harrison. Prior to the game, both teams came together to celebrate the life of Gurgitano, who died suddenly in 2014, before Harrison won the emotionallycharged contest 6-3, thanks in

large part to the contributions of Gurgiatano’s senior classmates. “It’s tough, it’s obviously a very emotional time and before the game I just tried to talk to the players about how this is a time to celebrate this young man’s beautiful life,” Harrison coach Marco DiRuocco said. “He was such a special person and we just wanted to honor his life.” Three seniors were singled out during a pregame ceremony as the recipients of the Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Scholarship award for demonstrating the passion and sportsmanship embodied by the late hurler. Rye pitcher George Kirby picked up the honor for the Garnets, and Harrison selected two seniors, Dean McCarthy

Rye shortstop Ryan Ciardello applies a tag at third base. The Huskies would go on to beat the Garnets by a 6-3 margin. Photos/Mike Smith

and Andrew Zink, as this year’s winners. According to DiRuocco, it was simply impossible to decide between the two worthy seniors, so honoring both McCarthy and Zink seemed like the logical choice. “We just couldn’t separate the two of them,” DiRuocco said. “Both Andrew and Dean really resemble Andrew [Gurgitano] with their work ethic and dedication, and this was really a special year, with so many of Andrew’s best friends on the team.” Both McCarthy and Zink played big roles in Harrison’s win over their rival, as McCarthy struck out 10 batters over 5.2 innings of work to pick up the victory and Zink went 3-for-3 to lead the Huskies’ offense. “It was definitely special to see these guys step up in a big game,” the Huskies’ head coach said. “It’s a big part of the season for us and to see them step up in a big way on such a beautiful day, it really meant a lot and I know [Gurgitano] was smiling down on them.” Harrison hopes that their success against Rye will help them this week, as they gear up for five games in the next seven days. The Huskies will take on Port Chester on May 12, after press time, before gearing up for their Dave Basso Memorial tournament over the weekend. “I believe the momentum from this weekend will carry

Rye coach Mike Bruno, left, and Harrison coach Marco DiRuocco meet during a pregame ceremony to honor the life of Andrew Gurgitano, a Harrison pitcher who died suddenly in 2014.

over, definitely,” DiRuocco said. “We have to continue to be productive at the plate and rely on our pitching and our defense. “We’re going to have to have everyone chip in,” he added. “Everyone is going to have to help out and we’re going to need a true team effort this week.” cONTAcT: sports@hometwn.com

Harrison fielders meet on the mound prior to a May 7 game against rival Rye.

Dean McCarthy throws a pitch against Rye on May 7 at Silver Lake Park. The Harrison senior was singled out before the game as one of two Harrison recipients of the Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Scholarship awards and picked up the win with 5.2 innings of work.

16 • The hARRISON RevIew • May 13, 2016