Harrison REVIEW THE
June 24, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 26 | www.harrisonreview.com
2 Dems to lock horns in town board primary By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer
Orlando Strong
Southern Westchester County recently honored the victims of the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida with two separate candlelight vigils. The LOFT LGBT Community Center in White Plains and the village of Mamaroneck both memorialized those lost in America’s deadliest mass shooting with songs, prayers and statements from elected officials. For coverage, see page 6. Photo/Chris Courtney
Harrison police arrest 3 suspects for fraud, grand larceny By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Harrison police arrested three suspects in connection with a June 12 theft of a Louis Vuitton tote bag stolen from a locked car parked outside a Purchase-area recreation center. The victim told police that she parked and locked her car outside the recreation center and returned to find the windows down, her driver’s-side door lock damaged, and her designer bag, which she left on the floor of the passenger’s seat, missing. Jonathan Nievees Marrero, Braulio Alejandro Besoain Ortiz and Balentina Naomi Vilches Ledezma were arrested on Thursday, June 16 outside Corona Hotel in Queens, New York
by the Harrison police. Police used video from the site of the crime and sophisticated tracking technology to locate the three suspects, who are reportedly from Chile. But the police were not the only ones using advanced technology. The three suspects had allegedly created fake identities and credit cards, collecting nearly $40,000 of stolen goods and cash in the process. Harrison police seized $15,000 in cash, $4,000 in iTunes gift cards, thousands of dollars in stolen Louis Vuitton wallets, belts, sunglasses, shoes and bags, fake identifications, a social security card and debit cards disguised as Starbucks gift cards. Harrison Police Chief Antho-
ny Marraccini said with the technology available today, even the most seemingly straightforward crimes such as grand larceny can turn into cases of identity theft. Marraccini said the department is collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, including police from Suffolk County on Long Island and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to investigate the extent of their case against the suspects. According to the Harrison Police Department, the suspects are believed to be involved in similar theft and fraud-related crimes across the country. Marraccini speculated that the suspects may be involved in a larger criminal conspiracy due to the advanced technology which they appear to have used.
“I think they must be part of some bigger operation,” he said, “because when we took them down, we didn’t find any machines that could make that type of identification.” The police chief noted that the photo IDs used by the suspects were from Florida, California and Mexico, and carried alleged alias names. One suspect’s identification from Florida did not contain any wording printed on it; Marraccini said the suspect used an ink stamp to forge the blank document. The California identification card had a piece of white tape covering the words “nondriver license.” The suspects are being held without bail at the Westchester ARREST continued on page 5
Two Democrats have announced their candidacies for the town board seat first vacated in January by Joe Canella. Canella abdicated his seat after being elected town justice in November 2015. Councilman Joe Stout, 60, was appointed to the seat by the all-Republican town board in January following Canella’s resignation. Now, Stout is looking to win in November’s special election for the right to fill out the remainder of Cannella’s term, which expires in 2017. But in order to do so, Stout, a registered Democrat, will first face a challenge from within his own party in endorsed candidate Chris Rodier, a political newcomer from West Harrison. Before a Sept. 13 primary becomes official, each candidate will have to gather 260 signatures from registered Democrats in Harrison by July 14. Stout sought the endorsement of the Harrison Democratic Committee, but according to Elizabeth Pritchard, the committee chairwoman, they preferred a political outsider with no relationship with town Republicans like Mayor Ron Belmont. “We thought, ‘Maybe it’s time to bring some new blood here,’” Pritchard said. According to Pritchard, a four-person nominating committee tapped four potential candidates before deciding on Rodier, a self-employed software engineer who develops software for a hedge fund. She said the committee felt their nominee, Rodier, 40,
was “intense and compassionate about what [the committee] cares about.” One such issue Pritchard and other Harrison Democrats have been vocal about is preventing the zoning text amendment that the town board passed in May, which allows for the building of large senior living facilities in residentially zoned areas, and has drawn petitions and protests from some Harrison residents. Rodier said he was inspired to enter the race after a discussion with members of Save Harrison Inc., a group of residents that is suing the town over its decision to pass the zoning amendment. Months earlier, Rodier helped to set up a fundraiser for the group to hire an attorney. He said his campaign consists of three pillars: open government, preventing the “mis-development” trend in Harrison and fiscal responsibility. To illuminate these issues, Rodier said he plans to produce a software that will allow residents to see how their tax dollars are spent proportionally and how that compares to neighboring towns, adding, “I will produce that software whether I get elected or not.” Rodier also harped on the lack of parking in Harrison, which he said has stifled the development of businesses in the community. Stout similarly pointed to downtown parking as an issue he hopes to address. Stout worked for more than 35 years in various parks and recreation departments throughout Westchester County, including Harrison Parks and Recreation, DEMS continued on page 7
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2 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • June 24, 2016
THORNTON DONOVAN
June 24, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 3
Carver Center has great year, new tech lab The gym of the Carver Center was recently transformed into a celebration of partnership and good cheer as community leaders and supporters gathered to celebrate another successful year for the Port Chester-based community center. Executive Director Joe Kwas-
niewski kicked off the evening by recognizing more than 60 partners who provide Carver with the resources needed to carry out its mission to Build Brighter Futures. In attendance were representatives from the Clay Arts Center, the Port Chester school district, Rye Country Day School,
RCDS, Boy Scouts and Head Start. Alison Doernberg, director of Public Purpose at RCDS, provided remarks that encourage organizations to develop mutually beneficial partnerships, rather than one-directional offering of resources. The evening also celebrated
From left, Carver board President Maureen Gomez, board Vice President Tom Murphy, Executive Director Joe Kwasniewski, Port Chester Trustee Gene Ceccarelli and Annual Appeal Co-chair Stephanie Barrett at the Carver Center’s community partners celebration on June 8.
From left, Port Chester school district students Ryan Stackpole, Colin Taylor, Carlyle Taylor, Steven Hightower, Isabella Rios and Julia Rios. The students were the inaugural users of the Carver Center’s Tech Lab, and received a certificate in the computer building class taught by Stackpole, a rising senior at Rye Country Day School. Photos courtesy Helen Yuu
the launch of the Carver Center’s new Tech Lab, an initiative borne out of a TechCorps project with students from Rye Country Day. With the buzz-worthy name “Geeks 4 Good” as his website, Ryan Stackpole, a recipient of a Ford Foundation grant, approached Carver Center in March with a proposal to pilot a class teaching middle schoolers how to build their own computers and learn basic programming skills. The pilot program was so successful that Carver, along with
support from donors, renovated a former class room to create a Tech Lab complete with computers, a Smartboard and mobile furnishings. Carver will soon offer science, technology, engineering and math, STEM, classes such as coding, digital music production and robotics. The Tech Lab will also be used by adult community members to learn basic computer skills. “Our partnership with students from Rye Country Day School is a model partnership, where we
both learn from each other for the sole purpose of strengthening our mission of building brighter futures,” Kwasniewski said. “We are incredibly grateful to all of our community partners.” At the end of the evening, board member and Annual Appeal co-chair Tom Murphy announced that Carver has raised $475,000 for its annual campaign. All proceeds directly support the organization’s youth and family based programs and activities. (Submitted)
4 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • June 24, 2016
What’s going on... Harrison Public Library
branch. Adults are welcome to join the club, which is free and open to the public. Registration is required. For more information or to register to join the club, call 948-2092.
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.
Football Position Clinics
Diet and exercise talk
Citizenship and English classes Starting on Tuesday, July 5 through Thursday, Aug. 11, on Mondays through Thursdays at the West Harrison branch. These are free citizenship and English classes for adults 18 and older, run by Southern BOCES. Space is limited. Call 524-9214 for more information.
Visit harrisonpl.org for more information on events and programs at the Halperin building and the West Harrison branch.
On Tuesday, June 28 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Learn the fundamentals of a healthy diet, good nutrition, and how regular exercise can provide vast health benefits. Talk presented by Dr. Roger Madris, a board-certified internist and geriatrician who also specializes in weight management. Participants in the Adult Summer Reading program will gain 10,000 bonus points.
For grades three to eight. These clinics will present the non-contact skills and drills for future Husky football players. Drills will be led by the Harrison football coaching staff and modeled by the varsity football team. The focus of each drill will be movement and technique that will become the foundation of football development within the youth program. Clinics will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays on July 12, 14, 19 and 21 and Aug. 2, 4 and 9 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Harrison High School field.
The Feeley Fund
Summer Swim Team
Make the Difference
Art exhibit: Musart
Sing-Along with Chloe
Joan Lengel’s art exhibition “Musart” is open in the in the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Lengel uses music as an inspiration for her mixed media artwork, and many of her pieces pay homage to great artists of the past. Her work will be on display through Thursday, June 30. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, call 835- 0324 or visit harrisonpl.org.
On Tuesday, June 28 from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the West Harrison branch. Join the library as participants come together as a community to celebrate early childhood through music and movement. In this class, participants 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.
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.
Children ages 5 to 17 can join the Harrison Summer Swim Team and compete in the Westchester County Swim Conference. Registration is ongoing. For more information, call 949-5265. Fee: $275 made payable to Town/Village of Harrison.
Healthy Habits for a Healthier You On Monday, June 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the West Harrison branch. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, this workshop for adults covers four areas of lifestyle habits that are associated with healthy aging: cognitive activity, exercise, diet and nutrition, and social engagement. The association will discuss what they know, drawing on current research, as well as what participants can do now to improve or maintain their overall health. Participants will receive points towards their One Million Step Adult Summer Reading Program challenge. The cost for attending is free and seating is limited. Please register online, at the Reference Desk or by calling 948-2092.
LEGO Club On Monday, June 27 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Design, build and create with LEGOs.
Tuesday Scrabble Club The library’s new Scrabble club will meet on Tuesdays from noon to 2 p.m. at the West Harrison
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 and fun costumes to be anywhere and anyone: a cowboy, a princess, a superhero, or all three.
Crochet and knitting On Wednesday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the West Harrison branch. Want to learn how to knit or crochet a simple scarf? Join this class and drop in anytime. Bring hooks, needles and yarn or practice with those provided by the library. No registration needed. Call 948-2092 for more information.
Chloe’s Sign & Play On Fridays from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial 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
Harrison news Burglar alarm systems If you have a burglar alarm system installed in your home or business, you must be registered. An application must be filed with the Harrison Police Department Alarm Bureau. There is a $75 annual fee for residents, $150 for businesses and $25 for seniors. For more information, call 813-7455.
Volunteers needed Meals on Wheels is a volunteer organization in the community of Harrison. Please consider volunteering to deliver meals to Harrison’s homebound citizens. For more information, call 917-553-4618.
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, unless stated otherwise, where you can also view the summer recreation brochure.
TGA Golf Camp Come out after the Harrison Recreation Day Comps and learn how to play golf with Coach Paul over the summer. All equipment is provided. Program is on Thursdays starting July 7 through Aug. 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Park, located at 182 Crystal St. in Harrison. Price is $329. Registration is done online at playtga.com/southernwestchester. For questions, call Sean at 917-685-1961.
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Summer swim lessons Registration is ongoing for all summer swim programs. All swim lessons are held at the Ron Belmont Pool Complex, located at 9 Casarella Way in West Harrison, unless stated otherwise. For more information, call the Harrison Recreation hotline at 670-3039. Guppies: For 3-year-olds who are ready for swimming. Program runs on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from July 5 to Aug. 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. No rain dates. Class sizes are limited. Fee: $90 made payable to Town/Village of Harrison. Tadpoles: For 4- and 5-year-olds. Swim lessons starting the week of July 5 through Aug. 4. Program runs on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 12:30 p.m. Class size is limited. No rain dates. Fee: $90 for 10 lessons payable to the Town/Village of Harrison. Pre-Team: For ages 7 and up. Come and develop your child’s swimming skills. Children must be able to swim 10 yards unassisted. Program runs from July 5 to Aug. 4 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. No rain dates. Fee: $150 made payable to Town/Village of Harrison. Summer, Strength, Speed and Power: This camp uses a progressive curriculum that is designed using physiological truths to properly prepare the athlete for his or her sport. The training is done in an authentic manner that incorporates 3-D motions enabling our athletes to translate the newly acquired function for improved performance. Program runs from July 6 through Aug. 15 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at Harrison High School for ages 13 to 18. Fee: $360. Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.
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June 24, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 5
Habitat luncheon honors local contributors On June 8, Habitat for Humanity of Westchester honored local volunteers and public officials at its American Dream Luncheon held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains. Among those in attendance were County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein, a Republican, and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, a Democrat. Review Publisher Howard Sturman, who shared a close friendship with Andrew
O’Rourke, the late former Republican county executive, received an award named after the political heavyweight. Upon receiving the award, Sturman spoke of his memories of O’Rourke, a founding member of the Westchester Habitat chapter, who also provided the organization with its first piece of land in Larchmont nearly 30 years ago. Habitat of Westchester is currently based in New Rochelle and has worked on more than 2,000 new homes and rehabilitation
New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein, left, is presented with an award for his contributions to the organization by Jim Killoran, Habitat of Westchester CEO.
projects, including Hurricane Sandy and flood homes, with the help of more than 15,000 volunteers last year. According to Jim Killoran, Habitat of Westchester’s CEO, the nonprofit organization’s most recent initiatives are targeted toward the millennial population who can no longer afford to live in Westchester due to rising costs, as well as local veterans who settle in the area. “This luncheon, now more than ever, is a clarion call that we are in an affordable homeowner crisis,” Killoran told the Review. “Every town and city should have affordable home ownership with the help of Habitat in the upcoming years.” As the organization approaches its 30th anniversary in 2019, Killoran is actively seeking volunteers to help build and rebuild Westchester neighborhoods. “We believe the economic success of Westchester is contingent upon people’s ability to live here,” Killoran said. “To that end, we want everyone to pick up a hammer.” -Reporting by Andrew Dapolite
ARREST from page 1
The Harrison Police Department conference room table was covered in labeled evidence, including fake IDs, $4,000 in iTunes gift cards, $15,000 in cash, and dozens of stolen designer accessories including belts, shoes, bags and wallets seized from three arrests connected to a bag stolen from a car parked in Purchase. Photo/Corey Stockton
County Jail on a total of seven counts: one class A felony which carries a sentence of up to seven years, two class B felo-
nies which carry a maximum of four years each, and four class A misdemeanors, which each carry up to one year with additional
monetary fines. -with reporting by Franco Fino
CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
Jim Killoran, second from left, with student volunteers from Horace Mann School in the Bronx. Photos/Bobby Begun
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, left, with Review Publisher Howard Sturman. Sturman received the Andrew P. O’Rourke award in honor of the late county executive.
6 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • June 24, 2016
Harrison REVIEW
THE
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Westchester pays tribute to
Orlando victims By SUZY BERKOWITZ Editorial Assistant In Westchester County, the LOFT LGBT Community Center in White Plains and the village of Mamaroneck held two separate candlelight vigils to honor the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, June 12. The attack, which took place at Pulse, an LGBT nightclub in downtown Orlando, killed 49 people and injured 53, making it the deadliest mass shooting in American history. The gunman, 29-year-old Omar Mateen, entered the nightclub around 2 a.m., armed with both a semiautomatic AR-15 assault rifle and a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, and began firing shots. After identifying himself as the shooter to an Orlando news station over the phone, Mateen held hostages inside the club’s bathroom until SWAT officers, FBI agents and local law enforcement breached the building’s walls using an armored vehicle. Once officials entered
Vigil participants set their candles down near the veterans’ memorial in front of the courtroom in Mamaroneck on Mount Pleasant Avenue. Photo/Chris Courtney
Students from the Westchester Sandbox Theatre, located in Mamaroneck, sing to community members iin front of the veterans’ memorial by the courtroom in Mamaroneck during the candlelight vigil for the victims of the mass shooting. Photo/Chris Courtney
the premises, a gunfight ensued, killing Mateen. In the wake of this tragedy, community centers and organizations nationwide have been holding ceremonies and vigils in memory of those killed in the attack. The candlelight vigil held outside the LOFT LGBT Community Center, located on Bryant Avenue, brought out a
crowd of approximately 150 people. The ceremony included a reading of all 49 victims’ names and ages, along with statements made by elected officials and community clergy members, including city of White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach, a Democrat, and a spokesperson of U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, a New York Democrat. Other organizations repre-
From left, Harrison High School students Katelyn Daher, Angie Martinetti, Nadia Saghei and Cyle Rockoff attend the vigil in White Plains, holding signs in support of remembering the victims and protecting members of the queer Latinx community. Photo/Suzy Berkowitz
senting those affected by the attack also attended the vigil, including the Westchester Hispanic Coalition and the American Muslim Women’s Association. According to Scott Havelka, LOFT director of programs
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The names, ages and a brief biography of the 49 victims killed in the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida were displayed during a candlelight vigil at the LOFT LGBT Community Center in White Plains on Thursday, June 16. Photo/Suzy Berkowitz
and services, it was necessary to show alliances with other community organizations to display a sense of unity and solidarity in the wake of this tragedy. “We knew we needed to organize something here in White Plains, and we thought it was important to collaborate with these groups to show that no one person represents an entire community,” he said. “We hope this vigil will help spark a continuing conversation so these mass shootings and hate crimes are not commonplace anymore.” The candlelight vigil held by the village of Mamaroneck in front of the courtroom on Mount Pleasant Avenue yielded a turnout of approximately 150 community members, and featured songs and poems sung by students from the Westchester Sandbox Theatre. “[The vigil] was an opportunity for people to honor those that unfortunately lost their lives and bring to light that it is very important that while the apparent target seemed to be the LGBT community, the reality is, this is a target that affects everybody,” Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, said. “I do what I think is best for the village of Mamaroneck and offer a venue for people to express themselves.” -with reporting by Andrew Dapolite
June 24, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 7
Rye considers archers for deer control
Hank Birdsall, a Rye-based biologist with deer management expertise, has recommended that the city use volunteer archers to control the growing white-tailed deer population. Pictured is a section of the Marshlands Conservancy in Rye with almost no understory, lacking smaller trees and shrubs on the ground which have been eaten away by deer in the area. Photo/Hank Birdsall
By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Editorial Assistant Wildlife biologist Hank Birdsall believes there are 159 deer in the small city of Rye and is recommending using volunteer archers to control the population. Birdsall, who lives in Rye and has experience in deer management, conducted a deer study for the city and recently presented his results. At both dawn and dusk between December 2015 and March 2016, Birdsall and volunteers collected data for his report by tracking white-tailed deer in and around the Rye Golf Club, the Marshlands Conservancy, the Jay Heritage Center, the Greenhaven section of the city, the Edith Read Sanctuary, the Rye Nature Center and Greenwood Union Cemetery. A deer pellet count was also conducted between April 5 and April 11 of this year. “Deer are ‘eco-engineers’; what they do really affects a forest,” Birdsall said, adding that high numbers of deer are a concern because of the effects they have on forest health. A healthy forest or wooded area would have an understory, smaller trees and shrubs that grow on the ground that other animals rely on. Young trees’ inability to grow and replace older trees due to deer eating them will drastically affect the parks and greenery of Rye and surrounding ar-
eas in 100 years, he said. “Clearly, [doing] nothing is not an option,” Birdsall said. Birdsall then offered three options for the city to take. The first two options included using non-lethal immunocontraception with medicated darts every two to three years, which uses an animal’s immune system to prevent fertilizing offspring, and hiring sharpshooters with firearms from organizations such as USDA Wildlife and White Buffalo Inc. on an annual basis. The third option, and Birdsall’s recommendation, is “Hosta-Hunter,” a network connecting skilled, local volunteer archers with property owners in Rye. The hired hunters would use compound bows from removable, elevated tree stands 150 feet from the nearest resident’s house—a state law—unless the resident allows bowhunting from a closer distance. “We don’t just want good archers, we want the best of the best,” Birdsall said, adding that hunters will have to sign an injury waiver and residents could have a say on how hunters will behave on their private property. Bowhunting season in Westchester begins on Oct. 1 and runs through Dec. 31. Under this scenario, effects of dead deer on the environment were also considered, as Birdsall suggested that 25 percent of local venison be donated to the Food Bank of
Westchester to help cut down on Rye’s carbon footprint, with hunters keeping the rest as an incentive. According to Rye Police Department data, there were 16 reported accidents involving cars and deer per year on average between 2008 and 2015; there have been eight collisions reported so far this year. Affected Rye drivers can pay more than $50,000 per year in damages, excluding medical costs, Birdsall said in his report. He also noticed that more than one-third of deer-car collisions occurred on Boston Post Road, between Oakland Beach Avenue and Rye’s border with Mamaroneck. Almost all collisions happened when there was low visibility, between dusk and dawn, when deer are most active. Republican Rye City Mayor Joe Sack said that he and village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, have not spoken about Birdsall’s report. The two mayors tried to get Westchester County to help the two municipalities with a deer culling program, but the county declined. “[Rosenblum] has been a great partner,” Sack said. “If Mamaroneck wants to use whatever information that Birdsall collected, they’re more than welcome to; it’s public information.” CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
DEMS from page 1
where he served as superintendent, and Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, where he served as commissioner, before retiring in 2010. Stout said the main focus of his candidacy would be to push to increase the quality of government services for taxpayers. He said his main concerns were public safety and fiscal responsibility. Stout said he doesn’t think partisan politics are as pertinent in local government as they are at the state and federal level. “I don’t really think, at this level of government, that there’s a Democratic or Republican way to make sure that the streets are clean or the garbage is picked up or the parks look attractive,” he said. He added that in a state and
Councilman Joe Stout, left, and Democratic Committee nominee Chris Rodier plan to face off in a September primary for the right to carry the Democratic line in this year’s special election, which is being held to fill out the remainder of ex-Councilman Joe Canella’s unexpired term. File photo; contributed photo
county that is predominately Democrat, it may be helpful to have one on the local level when negotiating with larger governments. Bipartisanship has been ubiquitous at board meetings since Stout’s appointment. With more than 190 votes, the councilman has voted in conjunction with the majority every time. Stout said although he has asked the Harrison Republicans to nominate him as their candi-
date, he does not believe he will receive the nomination. Councilwoman Marlene Amelio, a Republican, told the Review, “We have very high regards for Mr. Stout and his experience, obviously; otherwise we wouldn’t have appointed him in the first place.” The Harrison Republicans have not yet announced a candidate, as of press time. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
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8 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • June 24, 2016
The hotel occupancy tax and more recognition Rye grad nets $44K in ‘Jeopardy!’ appearance HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
The New York Senate and Assembly have once again approved legislation authorizing the town/village of Harrison, and other municipalities that have hotels, to impose a 3 percent hotel/motel occupancy tax on guests. Other municipalities around New York state and in Westchester County have had a hotel tax for years. The expectation is that this tax will generate a substantial amount in new revenue and will assist the town in maintaining municipal services while, at the same time, approving budgets that remain under the mandated New York state tax cap. The next step is for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to sign this legislation in to law. I remain hopeful and will do my best to keep our community informed on the status of this very important bill. The town board recently announced the winners of the 2016 Mayor’s Choice Award, a long-running and most prestigious recognition for talented students. More than 100 works of art were submitted for review,
and seven students received this notable distinction. Additionally, all the award-winning selections will become part of the permanent collection exhibited in Town Hall. This award represents the diverse talents of our local student body and the varied curricula offered by individual art departments. Each year, incredibly beautiful pieces of art are entered and it is a privilege to recognize the hard work and dedication of each student. I look forward to evaluating the submissions and am always impressed with the creativity of our youngest residents. I would like to take this time to recognize and thank our local Girl Scouts. For the third consecutive year, Veronika Frohlich, secretary/recruiter of the Harrison Girl Scouts community, guided the scouts as they installed new plantings at our Veteran’s Monuments in downtown Harrison and in West Harrison. The girls look forward to helping the Harrison Beautification Foundation Inc., HBF, with the annual planting and they know the importance of our Veteran’s Monuments. In downtown Harrison, the Girl Scouts refurbished the little garden at the Monument Wall,
as well as the garden at the Ma Riis Monument. In West Harrison, they attended to the Veterans Garden at the Monument Wall and the 9/11 Monument. The HBF is grateful to Veronika for taking on this task, and are very proud of the work the Girl Scouts have done. Each year, the HBF generously supplies flowers and I would like to thank foundation member, Denise DiBiasi, for her dedication and commitment to beautifying our community. Additional gardens are ready to be planted and the foundation is always looking for landscapers or individuals to sponsor gardens. Landscapers, businesses or residents who would like to sponsor a garden are urged to contact the HBF in a private message on Facebook (Harrison Beautification Foundation, Inc.), or send an email to info@harrisonbeautification.org. The next “Lunch with the Mayor” is on Friday, June 24 and I will be at Hajime Japanese Restaurant, located at 267 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.
Stew Latwin, a 2004 graduate of Rye High School, serves as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy and has flown missions in the Persian Gulf on the U.S.N.S. Arctic and the U.S.S. Iwo Jima. Latwin recently appeared on the TV show “Jeopardy!” for three consecutive nights, coming away with more than $44,000 in winnings. Contributed photo
By ANDREW DAPOLITE Contributor For Stew Latwin, the hardest part was keeping a secret. After filming multiple episodes of the popular television quiz show in March, Latwin, a former Rye resident, was contractually obligated to keep the outcome of his “Jeopardy!” debut to himself until its national broadcast more than two months later. “It was kind of weird sitting on the secret that I won at all,” Latwin told the Review prior to the airing of the final episode on June 8. “My friends said they either wanted to see me win and do well, or they wanted to see me do so bad I ended with a negative score.” On June 6, friends and family across the country finally got to watch Latwin appear as a contestant on the nationally syndicated show and capture a total of $44,601 in winnings across three episodes, two of which he reigned as champion. One of the longest running game shows in television history, “Jeopardy!” is comprised of general knowledge clues in the form of answers, to which contestants phrase their responses in the form of questions. The clues cross a wide variety of topics, including history, current events, science, popular culture, literature and languages, and are categorized by topic or theme. Each category contains five clues, valued incrementally between $200 and $1,000. The contestant who rings in their answer using a hand-
held signaling device the fastest gets the first chance to answer the clue. However, unlike most television game shows where contestants are selected at random, “Jeopardy!” has an extremely difficult and competitive application process. “I’ve been applying for years and finally, everything just came together,” Latwin said. Latwin, 30, first took an online test in January 2014; a 50-question exam where applicants have only 15 seconds to type in the answer. After achieving a high score, Latwin was called to audition in June of that same year in Washington, District of Columbia, however he didn’t receive that long-awaited phone call until February 2016 when a show producer asked him to appear as a contestant the following month at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. Latwin explained that with only a month’s notice, it was nearly impossible to prepare for the show’s wide range and depth of topics, which forced him to draw upon his years of experience as an avid “Jeopardy!” fan and frequent trivia competitor. “Back in high school, or probably even earlier, I watched ‘Jeopardy!’ at home and kept watching as much as I could,” he said. “I also just like trivia and like challenging myself mentally in different ways, whether it’s trivia, crossword puzzles, things like that.” Latwin graduated from Rye High School in the top 10
percentile of his class in 2004 before moving on to earn an honors degree in systems engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He currently serves as a helicopter pilot in the Navy, and has flown missions in the Persian Gulf on the U.S.N.S. Arctic and the U.S.S. Iwo Jima. That experience proved invaluable to Latwin on the show as he clinched his second victory, winning $29,201 on June 7, by providing the correct question to a clue regarding the helicopter used in the opening credits of the television series “M*A*S*H.” “We had no idea going in what the questions were going to be,” Latwin said. “Some of it was just luck that the helicopter question was selected for me.” Looking back on his time on set, Latwin described a nervous energy around the studio, while also noting that despite the intense competition, everyone was friendly toward each other, even the more intense competitors. “It was a great experience,” he said. “It was mentally and physically exhausting by the end of the day, but it was a lot of fun. Everyone I met out there was incredibly nice, even the contestants you see vilified [on the Internet].” With his winnings, Latwin intends to help pay for his upcoming wedding later this year and pay off graduate school, as well as take a few vacations. “It was very exciting and cool to see the filming and be part of a show I’ve grown up loving,” he said.
June 24, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 9
10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • June 24, 2016
Business Briefs Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester welcomes new board members Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester voted in new officers and three new members for its 2016-17 board of directors. Susan Yubas, of Rye, will serve as board chair; Kathleen McArdle, of Port Chester, will serve as vice chair; Joanne Ciaramella, Esq., of White Plains, will serve as secretary; and Charles Trainor, of Briarcliff Manor, will serve as treasurer. Mary Gibbons Gardiner, Jean LePere and George Whitehead have been named the newest members of the board. Larchmont resident Gardiner is a vice president, financial advisor and senior partner of the Gardiner Epstein Group at Morgan Stanley. She focuses on wealth management for families, executives and business owners. As a certified divorce financial analyst, Gibbons’ team specializes in helping women in transition, especially during divorce and widowhood. Gardiner is a member of Westchester Community College’s Salon Series and has co-chaired the YWCA’s Women’s Marketplace on several occasions. Brewster resident LePere is the regional corporate and community engagement manager for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Dedicated to health, wellness and finding a cure for cancer, she is an involved board member of Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester; a member of Putnam County Medical Reserve Corps, New York State Collaborative for Palliative Care and New York State Cancer Consortium; a professional advisory board member of Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey; and a grants reviewer for the New York City affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Hopewell Junction resident Whitehead is a partner at PKF O’Connor Davies LLP, specializing in the commercial audit practice focusing on the manufacturing, retail, distribution, construction and technology industries. He has be an active volunteer with HPCW, serving on the development advisory board since 2014. He is a certified public accountant. Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester is located at 1025 Westchester Ave., Suite 200, in White Plains. For additional information, visit hospiceofwestchester.com or call 682-1484.
New senior vice president of operations joins Westchester Medical Center Westchester Medical Center is proud to welcome James Y. Lee as senior vice president of operations. In his new role, Lee will oversee all ancillary services and clinical support areas on the Valhalla and Poughkeepsie James Y. Lee campuses, including pharmacy, radiology, laboratory and respiratory care and clinical service lines. Lee’s goal in his new position is to guide the organization’s ancillary services and service lines in continued quality improvement and growth. Lee brings extensive experience in community hospital, academic medical center operations, leadership, management consulting and a passion for service excellence to Westchester Medi-
cal Center. Prior to his appointment at Westchester Medical Center, Lee served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at NewYorkPresbyterian/Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville. Lee earned an MBA from Cornell University, completed his administrative residency at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, and earned a B.A. in economics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He lives in Greenwich, Connecticut, with his wife and two daughters and enjoys traveling and cooking in his free time.
Scarsdale Medical Group welcomes new OB/GYN Scarsdale Medical Group, a multi-specialty practice serving Westchester and Fairfield counties and the surrounding Hudson Valley area, is pleased to announce that Dr. Elizabeth Hung is joining these areas in the practice of gynecology. Hung earned her undergrad- Dr. Elizabeth Hung uate degree and master’s degree in public health from Yale University where she was also a teaching fellow. She received her medical degree from the University of Vermont, College of Medicine and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at North Shore University Hospital on Long Island and served as administrative chief resident. Hung has authored a number of publications and has been the recipient of various awards, including the Berlex Resident Teaching award and the Cancer Research Training Award from the National Institutes of Health. She also served as research fellow at the National Cancer Institute from 2002 to 2004. Hung is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has been providing obstetrical and gynecologic care to women of lower Connecticut and Westchester County since 2008. “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Dr. Hung to Scarsdale Medical Group,” managing partner Dr. Kenneth Croen said. “Her experience and commitment to women’s health is an asset to our team and to the women in our community.” Hung joins OB/GYNs Drs. Ronald Reiss, Beth Simon and Claudia Useda. For more information on Scarsdale Medical Group, visit scarsdalemedical.com or to make an appointment call 723-8100.
Weichert, Realtors recognized for outstanding performance Nicholas Germak, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, recently announced that the Larchmont office was recognized for outstanding performance in May. The office led its sales region, which is comprised of offices throughout Orange, Mindy Krause Dutchess, Westchester and Rockland counties in New York and Fairfield County in Connecticut, for new home dollar volume. Additionally, Mindy Krause and Frank Sanchez
of the Larchmont office were individually recognized for their success. Krause was the top associate in the sales region for resales and resale revenue units, while Sanchez led for new home dollar volume. Invite these talented neighborhood specialists in to learn Seth Sullivan about the real estate services that Weichert, Realtors has to offer. They can be reached in Weichert’s Larchmont office, located at 2090 Boston Post Road, or by phone at 833-0800. Since 1969, Weichert, Realtors has grown from a single office into one of the nation’s leading providers of homeownership services by putting its customers first. A family of full-service real estate and financial services companies, Weichert helps customers buy and sell both residential and commercial real estate, and streamlines the delivery of mortgages and home and title insurance. Weichert leverages its customer website, weichert.com, one of the most visited real estate websites in the nation, to help families and individuals realize the dream of homeownership through quick and easy access to listing information and the services of its real estate professionals nationwide. For more information, Weichert’s customer service center can be reached at 1-800-USA-SOLD (878-7653).
Bronxville native receives RED Award
David Tait, left, nominated Dr. Seth Sullivan for the Vasculitis Foundation RED Award.
Bronxville native Dr. Seth Sullivan, clinical educator and hospitalist at Norwalk Hospital, recently received the 2016 Vasculitis Foundation Recognizing Excellence in Diagnostics, RED, Award. Sullivan was nominated for this prestigious award by New Canaan, Connecticut, resident and former patient David Tait. Tait nominated Sullivan for the award after being under his close care. Sullivan identified and diagnosed Tait’s medical condition as Churg-Strauss Syndrome, an extremely rare form of vasculitis that was the singular cause of all Tait’s seemingly unconnected ailments. “In researching David’s medical history and taking into consideration all his late-onset medical problems, we were able to look at the big picture,” Sullivan said. Dr. Jason R. Orlinick, chairman of the Norwalk Hospital Department of Medicine, said, “I have had the good fortune to work with Dr. Sullivan for many years and cannot think of a better recipient of this award. He is among the most thoughtful and caring physicians I have met and am fortunate to have him as a colleague.” Western Connecticut Health Network is the region’s premier, patient-centered health care organization serving residents of Western Connecticut and adjacent New York. With this recent affiliation, the organization is anchored by three nationally recognized hospitals, Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital and Norwalk Hospital, as well as their affiliated organizations. In addition to the three hospitals, the continuum of care offered includes numerous medical practices and sub-specialties across the region, home health care services, a nationally renowned biomedical research institute, the Western Connecticut Health Network Foundation, the Norwalk Hospital Foundation and other affiliates. For more information, visit wchn.org. The next Business Briefs section will run in July. Please send any submission for our July edition to news@hometwn. com, with “Business” in the subject line of your email. Each submission may include one picture. If you have any questions, email us at news@hometwn.com.
June 24, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11
12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • June 24, 2016
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June 24, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13
Armchair blaming: Of haters and gators RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
There was an outpouring of online sympathy for the parents of the little boy killed by an alligator at a Disney resort in Orlando, Florida last week, which just goes to show that sometimes the Internet has a heart, and sometimes it calls for blood. The question is why. In contrast to the half a million people who signed a petition against Michelle Gregg, the mom whose 3-year-old son got into the gorilla exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo, leading zookeepers to kill the 400-pound gorilla named Harambe, commenters did not go nearly as insane over the fact that officials “put down” several Disney-area alligators without being positive which of them, if any, dragged 2-year-old Lane Graves to his death. It was with relief that I found far more comments castigating those who would blame the gator parents than actual parental castigation. It’s like the high road was the cool place to be this time. “It’s ridiculous to blame the parents who were sitting a few feet away and did all they could to save him,” read a typical online comment. And, on Twitter, “Pray for his family. Don’t judge.” Compare to: “#GorillaIncident MOM IS TOTALLY AT FAULT SHOOT HER.”
So, what accounts for the vast difference in response to these two incredibly rare toddler/animal tragedies that took place at family-friendly places? Well first of all, of course, the 2-year-old died. There’s no way to say that the Graves haven’t suffered enough. (And what an eerily sad last name.) Also, even as the story broke, we heard that the father desperately tried to open the alligator’s jaws and couldn’t. No one could dare accuse that dad of not doing enough. Then, too, there’s the question of racism—although I think many people were jumping on the Cincinnati mom before they knew she was African-American. Graves was white. And there’s even the question of species-ism: Gorillas look like us; alligators don’t. (At least, not like most of us.) But even more than all that, I think that so many people were eager to flog the Cincinnati mom because the mob needed someone to blame (that’s what mobs do), and moms are a favorite target these days. This is the era when we have come to believe that mothers can and must be in control of their kids at all times. Any mom who takes her eyes off her kids—and we hear about it—is automatically a public enemy. (Think of all those moms berated for letting their kids wait in the car a few minutes or play at the park
unsupervised.) So if anything bad happens to an unsupervised kid, it’s the mom’s fault. But with the alligator incident, the mob seems to be aiming not at the mom, but Disney. “I say the Grand Floridian is responsible for not having signs posted about the gators!!” read one typical comment. The similarity here is that if there’s any entity we love to blame more than moms, it’s corporate America. So if we truly believe a mom should be thinking, “Well, I know this has never happened once in 38 years of the gorilla exhibit, but what if today my kid tries to get in—and does? I better be preparing for that!” then we are also quite capable of thinking, “Well, just because we are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and not once has a guest ever been killed by an alligator, nonetheless we should be constantly warning vacationers about that gruesome possibility.” In both cases, the crowd has found someone it can secondguess after a once-in-a-generation (or two) tragedy. That way it doesn’t have to contemplate the unpredictability of life, or the fact that there is no such thing as perfect safety, or perfect parents. It can simply sit back and blame. Armchair blaming has become America’s favorite coping mechanism. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
Swim Across America starts summer fundraising Intent on making another big splash for cancer-related causes, Swim Across America, Long Island Sound Chapter, SAA-LIS, has kicked off its 24th season. SAA-LIS, which last year raised more than $1 million for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming events, will offer nine opportunities to swim and volunteer in Westchester and Rockland counties this season, states chapter President Tony Sibio. The nonprofit will have its first swim at the New York Athletic Club in Pelham on July 8. Seven more participation opportunities are scheduled in the four-week period ending Aug. 6. “This will be the 24th summer that SAA-LIS swimmers are taking the plunge to raise crucial funds that help in the fight against cancer,” Sibio said. “Over the years, we have had many devoted individuals and teams swim in support of, or in memory of, those affected by cancer. This year in particular we are encouraging teams that have participated in the past to reunite and participate once again, whether they are swimming, kayaking, proactively seeking donations or cheering on swim participants. These teams, no matter their size, play a big role in our fundraising success.” All proceeds raised stay local, supporting cutting-edge cancer research, as well as patient care and support in New York. Beneficiaries include The Cancer Support Team, The
Tommy Palazzo Fellowship for Columbia University and Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at Presbyterian Medical Center, United Hospice of Rockland, and The Swim Across America and DeMatteo Research Laboratories at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The summer program will encompass eight pool swims (with the option of half-mile and 1-mile efforts) plus an open-water swim course on Long Island Sound that will offer participants the option of swimming 2K, 5K or 10K. The open-water swim, which starts at Larchmont Yacht Club and ends at Larchmont Shore Club, has been recognized by the World Open Water Swimming Association as one of America’s Top 100 Open Water Swims. Those interested in participating in 2016 Swim Across America-LIS events can regis-
ter to swim, kayak, volunteer to help, or sponsor a swimmer at swimacrossamerica.org/long_ island. Donations can be sent to SAA-Long Island Sound, P.O. Box 217, Larchmont, NY 10538. Swim Across America Inc. was founded in 1987 and currently offers nearly 30 swims in 15 states. The organization has raised more than $60 million for cancer research and prevention programs at the country’s finest hospitals and managed-care facilities. The Long Island Sound chapter was started in 1992, and has grown to be the largest in the organization, having raised more than $15 million since its inception and more than $1 million in 2015 alone. For more information about Swim Across America Long Island Chapter, call 769-8411 or visit swimacrossamerica.org. (Submitted)
The full roster of participating locations, dates and times NYAC Travers Island, Pelham, NY July 8, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. [night swim and barbecue to follow] Westchester Country Club, Rye, NY July 9, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Chappaqua Swim & Tennis Club, Chappaqua, NY July 10, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Germonds Pool, Clarkstown, NY July 10, 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Coveleigh Club, Rye, NY July 20, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Orienta Beach Club, Mamaroneck, NY July 23, 6:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lakeside Field Club, North Salem, NY July 24, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. [night swim and barbecue to follow] Long Island Sound Open Water, Larchmont, NY July 30, 6 a.m. to noon Lake Isle Country Club, Eastchester, NY Aug. 6, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Willa is a mix of a mix, maybe Labrador/ coonhound—we’re not really sure, but whatever she is, she is so darn cute! Willa is about 2 years old and 50 pounds; a very sweet girl who just wants to crawl into your lap. She gets along with other dogs and seems to be housebroken, as she keeps her kennel clean. One look into those eyes and you can’t help but fall in love! Willa is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Why not donate $300 to Larchmont Pet Rescue and make Willa part of your home? To learn more, please call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
SPORTS
14 • THE THE HARRISON REVIEW • June 24, 2016
Game (7) of Thrones LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
On Sunday night, television viewers were treated to an epic battle between two warring factions, as a prodigal son returned home to claim his birthright after a knock-out, drag-out fight that was years in the making. And “Game of Thrones” was pretty good, too. For all of the intrigue, drama and ink that HBO’s flagship television program has provided this year, on Sunday, June 19, it took a backseat to the equally engaging Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s pretty rare that come Sunday night at 9 p.m., I’m doing anything other than tuning into “Game of Thrones,” but even as a fan with no rooting interest in this year’s NBA Finals, I felt like I had to change the channel.
Sure, Jon Snow and his army of wildlings and rebels were preparing to storm the Stark’s ancestral home of Winterfell to wrest control of the North from noted sadist Ramsay Bolton in the highly anticipated “Battle of the Bastards,” but I felt like the most compelling story of the weekend was still LeBron James making a bid for—and capturing—his third NBA title, which just so happened to be the city of Cleveland’s first major sports title since 1964. Sure, the Starks have been beheaded, robbed, and otherwise mistreated for the last six years, but for the sports fans living along the banks of the Cuyahoga River? That’s what I call a Brotherhood Without Banners. Despite going seven games, this year’s finals had been a bit lackluster. Sure, there was drama off the court, with the NBA’s decision to suspend Warriors’ forward Draymond Green, Cavs’ guard JR Smith announc-
ing his plans to pursue free agency in the middle of the series, and countless words spilled about the respective legacies of James and Dubs’ star Stephen Curry. But the on-court product had been lacking. Until Game 7, that is. Although none of the previous six games had been particularly close, the deciding game was an absolute thriller. The Cavs, of course, won a 9389 defensive struggle. LeBron played like a man possessed on both ends of the floor, racking up a triple-double, and Curry—whose ability from beyond the arc made him the first-ever unanimous MVP this year— seemingly wilted under pressure, going a pedestrian 6-19 from the field. Just like Jon Snow thrilled “Thrones” fans by besting the odds and victoriously reclaiming his family’s home, King James faced similarly fearsome odds to return to Cleveland as the conquering hero.
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
On Sunday night, Sports Editor Mike Smith was certainly thankful for DVR. Between the NBA Finals and the penultimate episode of “Game of Thrones,” there was a glut of must-see TV. File photo
I may not be as invested in the Cavs or the Warriors as I am in any particular noble houses’ claim to the Seven Kingdoms, and I may not care about LeBron’s place among the rest of the NBA’s all-
time stars as much as I do about Jon Snow’s parentage, but for at least a few hours this weekend, the quest for the Iron Throne took a backseat to the one for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Winter may be coming, but it’s gonna be a heck of a summer in Cleveland.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
SPORTS
June 24, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15
Newman helps set world record By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor A local swimmer continued to make waves on Saturday, June 11, as Mamaroneck resident Steve Newman helped break a Masters’ swimming world record at the annual Bumpy Jones Classic in Sarasota, Florida. Along with three other members of the Sarasota Sharks swim team, Newman, 54, helped set a new benchmark in the 400-meter long-course medley relay event, as the Sharks finished with a time of 4:44.34, which bested the previous world record by 0.24 seconds. Newman, a math teacher at New Rochelle High School, led off the record-breaking race with a blistering backstroke split
that was roughly a half-second faster than his time a year ago, which helped to spur the Sharks to a historic win. “I knew that if I swam a good race, we would have a chance,” Newman said. “And I think that the fact that I swam as fast as I did gave [my teammates] a little more incentive, and help boost their adrenaline a bit.” Two of Newman’s teammates on Saturday, Rick Walker and Jack Groselle, were part of the Sharks’ team that broke the Masters’ world record in the 800-meter short-course freestyle race last November, and Newman said it didn’t take long for the group to set their sights on another recordbreaking run this spring. “Just looking at everyone’s performances over the last year or
so, we thought we had a shot to break the record,” Newman said. “But it just depended on each individual performing well.” Because the Sharks are based in Florida, Newman had to prepare for last weekend’s race on his own, training at the YMCA in Rye. According to Newman, a combination of dry-land and in-pool workouts helped him to shave precious time off the backstroke heading into the Bumpy Jones Classic. “I really upped my training,” he said. “I generally spent about three days a week doing dry-land training and got in the pool at least five times a week. “The support that I got from my wife and the guys that I trained with at the Rye Y really
Steve Newman, far right, and his Sharks’ teammates cool off in the pool over the weekend.
helped me to get in condition for this.” With the long-course meter season over, Newman and the Sharks will look ahead to the fall, where they hope to take an-
From left, Steve Newman, Rick Walker, Bill Brenner and Jack Groselle pose at the Bumpy Jones Classic in Sarasota, Florida, on June 11. The foursome set a Masters’ world record in the 400-meter long-course medley relay. Contributed photos
other shot at the 800-meter shortcourse freestyle world record. “Unfortunately, I’m not traveling to Oregon this summer for the long-course nationals so we are going to set our sights on
the fall,” he said. “We are going to try to recapture that world record, so that’s we’re looking forward to.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
INSIDE
16 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • June 24, 2016
Lifestyles of Westchester County/JUNE 2016 VOL. 4 NO.6
INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY
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June 24, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 17
The best (and worst) foods for heart health
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o one wants to hear from their doctors that they have joined the millions of people across the globe to be diagnosed with heart disease. The Heart Foundation reports that heart disease, which includes diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system and stroke, is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, affecting both men and women and most racial/ethnic groups. Heart disease also is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, claiming more than 33,000 lives per year. Many factors contribute to the development of heart disease, including smoking, lack of exercise and stress. Diet and whether a person is overweight or obese also can have a direct link to heart health. Diet, particularly for those with diabetes and poorly controlled blood sugar levels, is a major concern. A variety of foods are considered helpful for maintaining a strong and healthy heart and cardiovascular system, while others can contribute to conditions that may eventually lead to cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest. Moderation enables a person to sample a little of everything, but not to make any one food a habit. The following are some foods to promote heart health and some foods you might want to avoid.
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Good • Tree nuts: Tree nuts contain unsaturated fats that can help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff) and improve HDL (the good stuff). Nuts also are a filling source of protein and other healthy nutrients. • Whole grains: Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates for energy, as well as protein and fiber. Fiber can help scrub cholesterol from the blood, lowering bad cholesterol levels. • Fatty fish: Many cold-water, fatty fish, such as halibut, herring and salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are heart-healthy. Omega-3s also can be found in walnuts, flaxseed and some soy products. • Beans: Beans and other legumes are an excellent source of protein and can be a stand-in for meats that are high
in saturated fat. Beans also contain cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber and folate, which can reduce blood homocystein levels. The Bean Institute reports that consuming beans may reduce cholesterol levels by roughly six to 10 percent. • Yogurt: Researchers in Japan found yogurt may protect against gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease may elevate a person’s risk for heart disease. Yogurt contains good bacteria that can counteract bad bacteria and boost immunity. • Raisins: Raisins contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is often linked to heart disease and other debilitating conditions. Fresh produce also is a good source of antioxidants.
• Fried foods: Many fried foods have little nutritional value, as they tend to be high in saturated and trans fats. French fries are particularly bad because they are carbohydrates fried and then doused in salt. • Sausage: Processed meats have frequently earned a bad reputation among cardiologists, but sausage can be a big offender, due in large part to its high saturated fat content. • Red meats: Enjoying a steak is probably not as bad as eating a deepfried brownie, but it’s best to limit red meat consumption to about 10 percent or less of your diet. Red meats can have a considerable amount of cholesterol, saturated fat and calories. • Added sugars: Sugar can increase
blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Sugar often hides out in foods that you would not associate with the sweetener. Plus, many people unwittingly consume too much sugar simply through sugarsweetened beverages and ready-to-eat cereals. • Salty foods: Leave the salt shaker in the spice cabinet and opt for herbs for flavoring, advises the American Heart Association. High-sodium diets often are to blame for hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease. • Dairy: Artery-clogging saturated fat also can be found in dairy products, particularly the full-fat versions. Butter, sour cream and milk can be problematic when people overindulge. Opt for lowfat dairy when possible.
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Eating right can improve quality of life
Berries and whole grains are nutritious foods that can help men and women live longer, healthier lives.
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egend states that on April 2, 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León was the first European to discover modern-day Florida when he traveled on a quest for the mythical “Fountain of Youth.” While modern science has proven that there is no mystical fountain or body of water that can reverse or slow down the aging process, there are many steps people can take to age well and prolong their lives. Eating the right foods is one way to age well. According to Ralph Felder, M.D., Ph.D., coauthor of “The Bonus Years Diet,” reversing the aging process internally is more difficult than outward cosmetic changes. But the right foods can go a long way toward increasing both life expectancy and quality of life. Those who want to employ diet to increase their life expectancy may want to start adding more of the following foods to their breakfast, lunch and dinner plates. Broccoli, grapes and salad: According to Health magazine, researchers have found that compounds in these three foods boast extra life-extending benefits. Berries: In addition to their abundance of antioxidants, berries have other benefits. A 2012 study from Harvard University found that at least one serving of blueberries or two servings of strawberries each week may reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Fruits and vegetables: Produce is good for the body because it’s low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. Numerous studies have indicated that diets plentiful in fruits and vegetables help people maintain a healthy weight and protect against cardiovascular disease. Whole grains: Whole grains pack a lot of
nutrition into a low-calorie food. Whole grains help protect against type 2 diabetes, and researchers at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center found study participants whose diets included plenty of whole grains and fruit cut their heart disease risk by almost half compared to those whose diets favored meat and fatty foods. Red wine: A glass a day for women and no more than two glasses daily for men can be beneficial. Moderate consumption of red wine has been shown to slow age-related declines in cardiovascular function, according to the American Heart Association. Fiber: Increase your fiber intake for a longer life. Research from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that the more fiber you include in your diet, the lower your risk of coronary heart disease. The daily recommendation is 25 to 35 grams. While there may be no such thing as the fountain of youth, a healthy diet can help men and women prolong their lives.
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Fit and flexible at 60 Pilates can be the secret to aging gracefully. As our bodies change and we experience more limitations, it is essential to keep moving. The challenge is finding the right movements. At Fiore Pilates, our senior citizens will tell you that Pilates has changed their lives. The benefits are endless: muscle strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, better sleeping
habits, improved alignment, relief from arthritis, relief from mental challenges, bone strength, weight loss and much more. This low-impact exercise routine is tailored to each age group. With more than 600 exercises and specially designed equipment, every workout is unique and addresses your specific needs. The machines provide weight-bearing resistance through springs, which avoids the risks of weight lifting. As we age, we stop exercising due to injuries or pain. This becomes the beginning of more and more health issues. Living a sedentary lifestyle is the quickest way to old age. In Pilates, the exercises can be modified to accommodate and improve injuries. Core strengthening will provide back support, balance and alignment. Stretching will make your body more agile and flexible. This combination of strength and flexibility can prevent serious falls, bone loss, shrinking, muscle cramping and poor circulation. The mental benefits are just as important as the physical ones. Pilates addresses your mind, mood and memory. The movements challenge your brain to control your muscles. You will experience more self-esteem and confidence to do activities that you love, such as golf, tennis and long walks. It will take less effort getting up from a chair, standing on a step stool, walking without assistance, climbing stairs, carrying a bag, or keeping up with your grandchildren. Believing and trusting
Trapp Opticians is here for you Trapp Opticians has been open in Westchester since 1945. We have grown up with you, and we know how to stay young, too. Our fashion sense is both modern and practical. We have the finest collection of eyeglass frames to show you at our locations. We stay up to date with our equipment and facility to provide accurate and excellent service. If you are over 60 with many needs for glasses that are special for you, like night driving, glare and difficulty in low-light situations, glarefree lenses, blue blockers, digital and free-form designs in your lenses can help. Sports like golf, boating or tennis are made much more comfortable with lenses designed for these uses. The medical lenses we provide for post-cataract prescriptions or for glare disability and ARMD can also make a world of difference. So, it’s not just knowing how to use this technology, and the newest and best types of lenses, but making your choice for the finest looking glasses to be worn on your face, too. Our shops are staffed by our owners and licensed ophthalmic dispensers. We respect your time, your own experiences and your personal comfort when you visit Trapp Opticians. We hope to gain your trust and your treasured business. Here are some answers to common questions:
Q: What are my options after cataract surgery? A: After cataract surgery, you will see images with better color contrast and sharpness. It’s the most important result. Your eyeglasses after surgery might include a slight correction for nighttime driving or distance use, as well as a reading prescription. This can be addressed with new digital progressive lenses and nonglare finishes. The nice news is that Medicare Part B will usually reimburse you for these glasses. Q: How often should I be examined? A: Our doctors of optometry are skilled and licensed to thoroughly examine and care for your eyes. They recommend that after age 60, an annual exam for the health of your eyes should be scheduled. Q: I’m bothered by excessive glare, especially at night. Why? A: Glare disability is a common complaint in mature adults. A thorough eye exam can answer your concern. The problem might be in your glasses, so bring them along, too. Trapp Opticians is located at 42 Pondfield Road in Bronxville and at 14 Purchase St. in Rye.
in your body will change the way you feel, move and act. Understanding the importance of exercise is easy. Getting started can be a huge struggle. Fiore Pilates provides the support you need. The instructors use their years of experience to design a unique workout program for each client. A private session is easy to schedule any day of the week. This session will give you one-on-one attention from the instructor. Together, you will discuss your goals and how to accomplish them. A successful Pilates workout will not leave you exhausted but instead, will leave you feeling great and energized. It’s never too late to start Pilates. Fiore Pilates provides a safe and comfortable environment. Clients and staff support and celebrate each other’s achievements. You are only as old as your body, so do something for yourself, and take a Pilates session today! Fiore Pilates, 132 Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. Tel: 381-3201. Gloria Aronson-Weinberg (pictured): “Eleven years ago, at the age of 65, I thought I would begin slowing down and having trouble with various aches and pains associated with aging, but instead I discovered Pilates. Since then my energy level, strength, flexibility and overall fitness is much better than I had ever expected at my current age. I have been able to continue working, gardening for five to six hours at a time, and completing family caregiver tasks. I learned to
become much more body-aware and thus am able to use my body in a more efficient and strong manner. My last exam even showed that I gained spinal bone density. In addition, at a time in life when many people feel a loss of control, Pilates has given me a feeling of empowerment. I recommend this form of exercise to all and consider it health insurance for the aging process.”
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Senior dating trends and tips T
he first Baby Boomers will be turning 70 in 2016, and this generation remains one of the most influential in the country and around the world. Scores of products and services are now marketed to seniors, many of whom remain as active and socially aware as they were in their youth. One aspect of senior marketing that is booming is dating and relationship products. Singles age 50 and older are increasingly relying on online dating sites and other methods to find love and companionship. Dating is no longer kids’ play, and those who have been away from dating for some time may have to get reacquainted with the process in the modern age. Consider online dating Data from Pew Research found one in two divorced or widowed seniors had remarried in 2013, and that trend figures to continue. Many seniors are using online dating sites to find their new matches. While websites geared to dating make it easier to get in touch with fellow singles, the relative anonymity of the process can make it challenging to separate the truth from some self-promoting hype on dating profiles. Begin by relying on dating sites that have been tested and recommended. One to try is the AARP dating site partnered with How About We. In addition to its simplicity and small financial commitment, the site caters to the over-50 crowd and is backed by the AARP name. It’s good for those looking for an activity
partner as well as casual dating. Popular sites Match.com and eHarmony.com also boast high percentages of users age 50 and up. Even after thorough consideration and conversation, online daters should exercise caution when meeting someone online and then in person. Profiles aren’t always what they seem, and it’s easier to fudge the facts when initiating contact over the Internet. Keep an open mind It’s easy to be preoccupied with the rigors of being an older adult and the responsibilities that still may rest on your shoulders. Part of the fun of dating when you were young likely had to do with throwing caution to the wind. But some of those same carefree aspects remain true whether you’re dating at 17 or at 57. Laughter, fun, spontaneity, and the chance for some adventure are still the keys to making memorable dates. Sometimes it’s who you know The old adage of it’s “who you know” and not “what you know” is applicable to dating. If you are ready to jump into the dating world again, ask your close friends or family members if they know anyone who might be in a similar situation. Taking another stab at dating later in life can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but no matter how long it’s been since your last first date, some aspects of dating are the same as ever. Just remember to have fun and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Finding love again is possible for seniors who get back into the dating scene.
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Healthy habits to combat stress
tress has an immediate and potentially long-term effect on the human body. Though it’s a natural response to both good and bad experiences, stress, when chronic, can produce a host of negative consequences that greatly diminish one’s quality of life. Combatting stress can sometimes be difficult, as the causes of stress are never too far away for many adults. In its 2015 “Stress in AmericaTM: Paying With Our Health” survey, the American Psychological Association found that money is the top cause of stress for Americans. The survey was conducted on behalf of the APA by Harris Poll, which asked more than 3,000 participants about their issues with stress. Sixty-four percent said money was a somewhat or very significant source of stress, and that number was even higher for parents (77 percent). Survey respondents also noted that work is a significant source of stress. Few adults can imagine a life that does not include financial- or work-related stress. But there are ways to combat stress that can benefit people’s long-term health and improve their present-day quality of life. Develop a support network. Speaking about problems with trusted friends and family members can be an effective way to combat stress. The APA study found that participants
who reported having an emotional support network reported lower stress levels than those who had no such networks to rely on. Try to overcome any reticence you might have about speaking about your stress to a close friend or trusted relative on those days when stress seems overwhelming. Get more exercise. Routine exercise is another healthy way to combat stress. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, studies have shown that exercise can reduce fatigue, improve alertness and concentration and enhance overall cognitive function. Those are considerable benefits to people dealing with elevated levels of stress, which can contribute to both physical and mental fatigue and negatively impact one’s ability to concentrate. Studies also have shown that regular exercise can decrease tension, which tends to increase as stress levels rise, and elevate and help to stabilize mood, which often decreases as stress levels increase. Don’t lean on alcohol after stressful days. Many people respond to stressful days by consuming alcohol. While alcohol helps some people forget a stressful day, it also produces psychological and physiological side effects that can compound the effects of the very stress drinkers are looking to relieve. People who drink to alleviate stress may only
Daily exercise is an effective way to combat stress. be doing more harm with each drink, so find a way to cope with stress that has a more positive impact on both your body and mind than that produced by alcohol. Breathe deeply. The American Institute of Stress notes that focused breathing is a relaxation response that stimulates the nervous system and promotes a sense of calmness.
Deep breathing can combat stress, lower blood pressure and draw your attention away from those things that are causing your stress. Visit www.stress.org to learn about deep breathing exercises. Stress if a fact of life for many people. But while stress may be inevitable, it can be overcome.
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Caring for grandchildren
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n the not-so-distant past, it was quite common for various generations of a single family to live under one roof and for many different members of the family to play a role in raising the children. But that dynamic slowly changed as families spread out geographically. However, when the economy faltered and parents of young children realized they needed help, many returned to the old way of doing things. Grandparents stepped up to look after their grandkids, and adults moved back home with their aging parents. Some seniors needed to move in with their children to make ends meet. A study of data from the Rand Corporation found that, of the four million children living with their grandparents in the United States, 2.5 million live in three-generation households. Nearly 1.5 million live in split-generation households or ones in which grandparents are raising their grandchildren. The proportion of all grandchildren living in three-generation households, 3.6 percent, has been steady in recent years. Research suggests that split-generation households are usually formed when parents are no longer able to take care of their children because of physical or mental illness, substance abuse, or economic problems. Three-generation households, on the other hand, are generally formed because of problems parents encounter living independently, such as through separation or divorce or due to unemployment or economic need. Caring for their grandchildren can elicit many feelings in grandparents, from nervousness to excitement about a fresh face around the house. Raising grandkids can be overwhelming for elderly men and women, but the following are a few tips that can make the process easier. Explore your feelings. When you acknowledge your feelings, you are on the right path to making things work and recognizing possible obstacles. Expect mixed feelings from others. Grandchildren and your own children also may be apprehensive about this new living situation. Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and come to a consensus on how things will be done. Expect it to take some time to establish
a schedule, and don’t be discouraged by any initial behavioral problems. Take care of yourself. Grandchildren, particularly young ones, can have a lot of energy and may require constant attention. Caring for such lively youngsters can be taxing on grandparents, who must make their own health and nutrition a priority. Give yourself some time for recreation and rest. Have grandchildren help out where they can. Don’t feel you have to spend every moment entertaining them. Ask for help when needed. Reach out to friends or community members if you are feeling overwhelmed. There are a number of resources available to you, and many organizations, including AARP, have their own tips for assisting three-generation households. Multi-generational households are common once again. Families who work together can make the most of such living arrangements.
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Interesting ways to enjoy travel
Research indicates that traveling is at the top of the list of interests motivating today’s men and women over the age of 50. Seniors are perhaps the most likely demographic to indulge their love of traveling. Retirement leaves lots of time for recreation, and many choose to spend that time on the road. Travel also can be improve adult longevity, says geriatricians at the University of Arkansas.
Those in the travel industry understand that men and women over 50 comprise a large percentage of their customers and have catered many travel packages toward this influential demographic. The following is a look at some of the more popular travel opportunities for men and women over 50. Genealogical tourism: This is one of the fastest-growing markets in vacation travel. Genealogical tourism involves individuals traveling to areas of historical significance for their families, such as churches where past relatives may have married and villages where grandparents or cousins once resided or were employed. This can create a tangible link to one’s past and open up more opportunities to learn the varied genealogical history that has shaped a family, and even one’s personal identity.
Extended vacations: Seniors may have the capacity to devote more time to travel and not be caged in by strict time constraints. That makes them eligible for extended vacations. These can include long-term rentals in tropical locales, several-week sightseeing cruises or guided tours overseas that touch on several different countries or cities during the trip. Off the beaten path: Adventurous travelers may not be content to stick to the resort lifestyle or standard vacation options. Active men and women over 50 are charting their own vacation courses with bucket liststyle vacations that may be off the beaten path. Travelers who have always aspired to climb a mountain or see a rain forest may be inclined to realize these goals as they get older. Nontraditional tours can include living like indigenous peoples or following the footsteps of early explorers.
All-inclusive tours: All-inclusive packages remain a popular option for travelers of all ages. These vacation packages charge one price for accommodations, entertainment, sightseeing, food, and many other amenities. All-inclusive vacations remove some of the headaches associated with organizing various components of travel so that a person can focus on relaxation and having fun. Singles meets: Single vacationers over 50 may want to meet other men or women in their age bracket in the hopes of finding romance. These vacations double as relationship mixers and give men and women the opportunity to mingle with others in similar situations without the pressure of traditional dating. Travel is a way to see the world, meet new people and experience various cultures. Seniors increasingly embrace travel because they have both the time and the means to take vacations.
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