July 1, 2016

Harrison REVIEW THE

July 1, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 27 | www.harrisonreview.com

And away we go On Friday, June 24, 267 Harrison High School seniors graduated in a ceremony held in the SUNY Purchase College Performing Arts Center. For coverage, see page 6. Photo/Chris Courtney

2 • The hARRISON RevIew • July 1, 2016

July 1, 2016 • The hARRISON RevIew • 3

Harrison High School Class of 2016 Maya T. Abdul Samad Tyler M. Ader Elyssa Marie Alfieri Matthew David Allegretti Jarred Michael Altagracia Jocelyn Maia Altagracia Thomas Alvarado Samantha Liz Alvarez Michael Mauro Angarano Elisa A. Arcara Amanda Marie Archili Christian Arias Joana R. Ayala Michael Jacob Bajramoski Harris A. Baker Ryan J. Baker Eimantas Banevicius Jennifer Y. Bansah Peter J. Barbieri Vallon L. Barnes Daniel Austin Barnett Harrison James Barnwell Mohammed Inuwa Bashir Rebecca A. Bell Paul Bilotta Victoria Lynn Bilotta Dillon Bogart Bianca C. Bogdany Andrea A. Bolivar Matos Kelly Brabant Caitlyn Mae Brown Silvia Michelle Buonocore Evan Ryan Burger Cailyn Ranae Burgos Cara Rachael Cahn Shannon M. Callagy Isabella Caltabiano Ayleen A. Campos Martinez Brooke Taylor Canno Amanda J. Canter Natalie J. Caparelli Christine J. Cardascia Laura Cardona Yepes Stephanie A. Carpiniello Rachel Justine Carr-Repetti Andrew Irving Carton Zachary Carvajal Gabriela Natalie Casella Bosco Eugenio Castillo Jr. Alan Sebastian Castro Lucas Otton C. Chagas Alexander J. Corda Antonio Miguel Correia Jonathan Peter Wesley Crozier Katelyn Alexandra Daher Adriana Marie Darcy Esdros Dawit Caroline Frances DeCarlo Christina Marie DeCarlo Massimo deJesus Daniel H. Del Tufo Jessica Taylor Denet Daniel A. Denis Valenzuela Julia Di Lorenzo Shirley S. Diaz Jake B. DiFalco Bianca Piva Diniz

Brandon V. DiNota Thomas James DiNota Catherine Pascente DiRe Gina Maria DiRusso Emily B. Dugoff Ella C. Eisinger Amr A. El-Azizi Ana Laura Feijo Estephanio Frank Anthony Evangelista Paris Evans Zachary Calvin Evans Taylor N. Fabiani Jaclyn Lilly Feldman Justin P. Ferraro Frank John Fiorino Brandon Noel Flores-Lewis Rocco Anthony Forgione Carolina Mattos Franca James Symon D. Francisco Callie Nicole Fried Gabriella Garcia Marisa M. Gazzola Maisy Jewel Gellert Rebecca Julia Gerson Tyler J. Gersten Ryan Christopher Giglio Samantha D. Gilbert Loukas R. Glover Duane Everett Godbee II Alison W. Goldberg Lindsey P. Goldberg Julia Rose Goldstein Victoria Lynn Golino Micaela Soledad Gomez Maria Juanita Gomez Cano Taylor Anne Graustein Paul F. Guimaraes Christopher R. Gunderson Emily K. Gunther Andrew Gurgitano Richard Joseph Harris Jr. Douglas Anthony Harrison Jr. Erica Marie Hassett Alejandro J. M. Heinrich Michael A. Hernandez Christopher James Hicks Andrew D. Hirsh Paul E. Hirsh Emma Syretta Hochman Jack William Hochman Sebastian Holguin Ortiz Lauren Horner Giana Hubbard Kevin Joel Huyhua Derrick R. Infante Rinka Inkyo Tatsuki Iwasa Gabriel Edward Izurieta Lena B. Jacobson Jordan A. Jaffe John Carlo Jimenez Emily Somers Judge Allison K. Karantzis Josephine Mackenzie Kempsey Kathryn Clare Kenny Benjamin W. Kim Heeyeon Kim

Matthew F. Kissel Emily Christine Kohutnicki Matthew Alan Konigsberg Katie S. Kramer Cynthia Ann Lambertson Caroline B. Lauro Jada L. LaVar Giancarla LaVista Michael John Lendino Maxine Jade Lieblich Matteo Lo Schiavo Brenda Lopez Angelo Joseph Lovallo Deanna Antonia Macchia Alfred Joseph Magee Melanie Eve Maldonado Lena Kristina Malmstrom Gia Rose Mancini Matthew T. Mancini Ralph John Mancini Nicholas Marchese Michelle Anne Margiotti Elizabeth Diana Marino John A. Markowitz III Noah Garret Marks Cassidy K. Marriott Angie Sophia Martinetti Jun Alexander Mattison Dean M. McCarthy Taylor Eastman McDade Thomas Whitaker McDade Demetrious Roni Valenti McMullen Lauren M. Mehlman Matthew P. Mendelsohn Monica J. Menniti Allison Luisa Merino Fabrizzio F. Migone Aguilar Philip Taylor Milana Samantha Lynd Miles Danielle F. Misuriello Ryoji George Miyajima Amanda Elise Moreau Scott M. Moretzky Daniel James Morrone Joshua Israel Munoz Michelle Munoz Katherine Anne Murabito Alyssa Jade Muto Michael Nannariello Nicole Jean Nardozzi Sarah Rose Navarra Omar Afif Nesheiwat Frank Joseph Newman Kanto Obata Atsushi Okumura Matthew L. Oliva Joanna Marie Oppedisano Valerie O. Otoya Cory M. Pacicca Robert A. Palmieri Brianna Rose Pertak Steven Rudolph Pesce David Christopher Pierroz Stephanie Helen Pon Isabella Prado Christine M. Prezioso

Julia Provino Alexis Teresa Puccio James Louis Puglise Sana Rahman Jessica Shannon Ribeiro Alina Maria Rinaldi Kaila Amber Rose Rodrigues Keysi M. Romero Melissa A. Rowan Christopher Edward Ruiz Lauren M. Ryan Sarah Ryan Lucca Saab Silveira Tank Anthony J. Saccomanno Nadia Saghei Mahiro Sakamoto Mihoko G. Sakanaka Jordan R. Salem Kenneth Roberto Salinas Daniel John Sanatar Akshat Sanghavi Julianne Sanscartier Julia Mary Scatenato Jessica Marie Scazzero Samantha B. Schmaier Valerie Serna Christos Siapanides Jared Samuel Silber Ayeena Madgel Simoy Emma T. Smolev Jeffrey T. Solomon Andrew Jin Soo Son Lilith Sonnenberg Jacob Sontag Celia R. Spana Alexander Joseph Spanos Jordan Elizabeth Specht Madeline Rose Specht Anthony John Spinner Leanna Spoto Valerie Rose Sprovieri Constantinos Staten Katherine M. Steins Benjamin Harris Struhl Zachary Samuel Struhl David Kan Sullivan Natalie Rose Suozzo Kent Takada Amanda A. Tamucci Sakura Tateiwa Anthony Tiso Julius Toplak Jasmine D. Tucker Jake Taylor Ullerick Brianna Maria Valentin Victoria Marie Vallaro John Owen VanTongeren Katherine Lak Vayo Paula Brianne Ventura Edgar Leonardo Villalba Cabello Christopher J. Viscogliosi Sabrina R. Winoski John S. Witte III Sydney McNeil Woolf Presley Jade Yarom Ayaka Yorihiro Andrew R. Zink

4 • The hARRISON RevIew • July 1, 2016

What’s going on...

Harrison Public Library

Super Strong, Super Fit Summer Reading Kickoff

Both the West Harrison branch and the Richard Halperin Memorial Building branch will be closed on Monday, July 4 for Independence Day.

Dawny Dew Infants to toddler-aged children are welcome to join Dawny Dew’s performance at the library on Tuesday, July 5 from 10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and again from 10:40 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the West Harrison branch. The program will include singing, puppets and music. The program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Tuesday Scrabble Club The library’s new Scrabble club will meet on Tuesdays from noon to 2 p.m. at the West Harrison 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.

Children ages 6 and up are welcome to kick off the summer reading program on Wednesday, July 6 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Richard Halperin Memorial Building with this musical celebration program of all the ways to be strong, featuring Lloyd H. Miller of the Deedle Deedle Dees. Participants will have the chance to sing about athletes, baseball greats, gold medal winners, mountain climbers and astronauts, dance, roll around and jump up and down. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

One-on-one help with phones, tables and laptops Anyone who needs help with a phone, tablet or laptop is welcome to stop by the library during the technology help session on Wednesday, July 6 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Participants are encouraged to bring their devices for one-on-one help. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is required. For more information or to register for this program, call 835-0324.

Chloe’s Sign & Play

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 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 917553-4618.

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.

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 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.

Summer Reading Game Kickoff

Citizenship and English classes

TGA Golf Camp

Children ages 5 and up are welcome to learn about, see and touch real animals as part of the library’s summer reading game kickoff on Wednesday, July 6 from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the West Harrison branch. Jason from Green Meadows Farms will show participants some very interesting small animals, bugs and reptiles. The summer reading game begins immediately after this kickoff program. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

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.

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.

Pretend play and dress up time

The Feeley Fund Make the Difference The E. J. Feeley Harrison High School Student

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.”

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.

Football Position Clinics

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.

Summer Swim Team 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.

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.

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

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.

New to the Review Franco Fino has joined the Review as a staff writer. Fino is a recent graduate of Manhattanville College, where he received a B.A. in Communications & Media Studies in May 2016. While attending Manhattanville, Fino served as the executive editor of the college’s independent student news publication, Touchstone. Prior to joining this

Franco Fino

company, he spent several months in 2015 working as a reporting intern at The Queens Tribune.

Fino currently resides in the Bronx, and enjoys spending much of his free time golfing in Westchester County, and leisure cooking his favorite Italian dishes. Reach Fino at 653-1000 ext. 18 or franco@hometwn.com.

July 1, 2016 • The hARRISON RevIew • 5

Save Harrison Inc. files zoning lawsuit

By COReY STOCKTON Staff Writer A group of Harrison residents have filed a lawsuit against the town/village of Harrison in the hopes of repealing a controversial zoning amendment passed in May. The suit is being filed in response to the Harrison Town Council and Planning Board’s approval of a zoning amendment that allows the building of senior living facilities on several residentially zoned parcels of land within the town. The amendment was requested by The Shelter Group LLC, and its subsidiary, Brightview Senior Living LLC, a company which intends to build a facility on one of the rezoned sites on Lake Street in West Harrison.

Save Harrison Inc., a 250-member nonprofit group established by area residents opposing the zoning amendment, is named the primary petitioner on the lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed by attorneys Albert Pirro and the firm Lippes & Lippes, lists the town/

village of Harrison, the town board, the Planning Board, Lake Street Granite Quarry Inc. and Brightview Senior Living LLC as respondents to the lawsuit.

In a 2014 stipulation agreement, the town forgave the owner of the site, Lawrence Barrego, president of Lake Street Granite Quarry Inc., of up to $825,000 in violations and agreed to consider an application by Brightview, to construct a 160-unit senior living development, if Barrego removed all quarry equipment and inventory from his property.

Save Harrison has accused the Planning Board of several violations, including illegally issuing a Negative Declaration, a document that allows a developer to bypass an environmental impact study.

The group also claims the town board has acted illegally in making changes to the amendment after a final public hearing as well as calling the zoning amendment an instance of spot zoning—an illegal practice which makes a special exception to a single property for the

benefit of a single developer.

Jennifer Spana, who is listed as a petitioner on the suit and is a member of Save Harrison, also pointed to the assisted living facility being considered

by Purchase College. “There is basically no need in our community if Purchase College is going to pursue or develop an assisted living facility,” Spana said.

The college plans to build 385 units for people 62 and older on the campus. Spana said that a clause relating to the college’s assisted living development has been added to the lawsuit as an addendum.

But David Steinmetz, the attorney for Brightview, said he thinks the case will be dismissed. “We believe the town board and Planning Board have acted lawfully and courageously in the face of strong, often misguided, opposition,” he said. “Brightview Senior Living remains confident that the challenge to this rezoning will be rejected by the court.”

The lawsuit is being supported by funds from YouCaring, a

Brightview Senior Living, which plans to build a facility on Lake Street in West Harrison, is now attached to a lawsuit against the Harrison town/village board and the Planning board for the alleged improper rezoning of the Lake Street property. Rendering courtesy Stopzoningamendment.com

crowdsourcing website. Save Harrison’s page, which was created on April 22, has garnered nearly $60,000 and has a goal of $75,000. Their page was created by Chris Rodier, the Democratic-backed candidate for the town board who will run against Councilman Joe Stout

in a Sept. 13 Democratic primary. Stout, who joined the town board in January, voted along with board Republicans in support of the zoning amendment.

The efforts of the Save Harrison group have also gained the support of Harrison Republican Town Committee vice

chairman and town board candidate Rich Dionisio.

Neither Frank Allegretti nor Nelson Cantor, attorneys for the town of Harrison; nor Pirro, could be reached for comment as of press time.

CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

6 • The hARRISON RevIew • July 1, 2016

Harrison REVIEW

THE

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

Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Executive Vice President | Ira Ellenthal ext. 31, irathal@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Suzy Berkowitz ext. 30, suzy@hometwn.com

Harrison High School

graduates 267

On Friday, June 24, Harrison High School graduated 267 seniors in a ceremony held in the SUNY Purchase College Performing Arts Center.

Among this year’s graduating class, 96 percent are destined to continue their education at a college or through continuing education classes in the fall. Ninety-nine of the students were recently inducted in the National Honor Society

and 94 students completed the requirements of summa, magna and cum laude honors.

During the ceremony, Board of Education Trustee Dennis Di Lorenzo and Superintendent of Schools Louis Wool offered words of encouragement, congratulations and advice for the next chapter of the graduates’ lives.

But amid the typical joy and celebration of the annual high

school commencement ceremony, those in attendance also experienced a somber moment as the school district paid special recognition to two of their seniors who unexpectedly passed away within the last year.

Andrew Gurgitano and Jacob Sontag, both of whom would have graduated this year, had their parents accept their diplomas on stage on their behalf.

-Review staff

Christopher Hicks proudly walks across the stage to receive his diploma. Photos/Chris Courtney

Reporter | Corey Stockton ext. 16, corey@hometwn.com Education Reporter | Sarah Varney ext. 17, sarah@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer James Pero Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite Intern Justin Grant Columnists Ron Belmont, Lenore Skenazy Letters

Senior Class President Gina Di Russo, who is attending Georgetown University, gives her final speech of her high school tenure.

Photo courtesy Monica Miles

The Husky Harmonics, Harrison High School’s a cappella group, perform.

The community’s opinion matters.

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

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Postmaster

Superintendent of Schools Louis Wool offers words of encouragement to the graduating seniors.

Send address changes to: The Harrison Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601

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Periodicals postage paid at Port Chester and additional mailing offices.

Hundreds of family and friends packed the SUNY Purchase College Performing Arts Center to watch the commencement of Harrison’s Class of 2016.

Amr El-Aziz, who will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, offers some words of advice to his fellow classmates.

Photo courtesy Monica Miles

July 1, 2016 • The hARRISON RevIew • 7

Fourth of July happenings in Westchester Place

White Plains White Plains High School 550 North St.

Yonkers Cross Country Shopping Center 8000 Malk Walk

Rye Playland 1 Playland Parkway

Valhalla Kensico Dam 1 Bronx River Parkway

Larchmont Manor Park Park Avenue

Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Best view from Pierson Park in Tarrytown and Kingsland Park in Sleepy Hollow

New Rochelle

Event

Date & Time

Entertainment, food and fireworks

Friday, July 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Rain date: Wednesday, July 6

Music and fireworks

Friday, July 1 Music at 7 p.m.

Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Fireworks

Friday, July 1 at 9:15 p.m.

Sunday, July 3 at 9:15 p.m.

Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m.

Music and fireworks

Sunday, July 3 Music at 8 p.m.

Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Races, music and fireworks

Monday, July 4 Music and races at 7 p.m. and fireworks will follow

Fireworks

Monday, July 4 at 9 p.m.

Fireworks

Monday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m

( New Rochelle waterfront )

Best view from Hudson Park, Five Islands Park and waterfront restaurants

8 • The hARRISON RevIew • July 1, 2016

Harrison GOP vice chair to run for town board The Harrison Republican Town Committee has nominated its vice chairman, Rich Dionosio, to run for the town board seat that is currently being filled

by Councilman Joe Stout.

Dionisio has been the committee’s vice chairman for three years, a district leader in Harrison for 12 years, and has served on the now-defunct electrical review board in Harrison.

Dionisio, 64, is an electrical contractor and real estate investor who owns Dionisio Services Inc. in Harrison. He told the Review that his involvement in the community is an important part of his campaign. “I feel I’m in close contact with the public on all different levels,” he said, “and I believe I can represent them better than anyone else because of that reason.”

Dionisio’s candidacy is somewhat unusual, considering much of his platform is not aligned with the stance of the current Republican-majority town board. He said one of the central issues for which he hopes to represent the community is repealing a recent zoning amendment passed unanimously by the Harrison Town Council in May. The amendment, which sparked controversy, allows for the building of large senior living facilities in residentially zoned areas— including a facility planned by Brightview Senior Living at the former Lake Street Quarry— and has drawn petitions and

Rich Dionisio, vice chairman of the Harrison Republican Town Committee, has been nominated by town Republicans and endorsed by the Independence Party to run for a town board seat in November. Contributed photo

protests from a slew of Harrison residents.

Dionisio spoke out against the amendment at a community meeting on May 3 at the Leo Mintzer Center in West Harrison. “I think it’s horrible; I think the location of it is horrible,” he told the Review. “I have to go with what I believe in and I believe the project is not in the right place. I’m not against senior living, but not on Lake Street.”

Another issue Dionisio said he is also concerned with is addressing the town’s garbage collection services, which were recently substituted for commercial collection for many businesses and apartment complexes. He also pointed to the scarcity of parking in downtown

Harrison, an issue which both of his potential Democrat opponents have also addressed.

Dionisio, who has also been endorsed by the Independence Party, will run against the winner of a Democratic primary between Chris Rodier, the town Democratic Party-endorsed candidate, and Stout, who was appointed by an all-Republican council in January following former Councilman Joe Canella’s resignation to become a town justice.

Stout told the Review that he contacted the Republican committee officials, seeking their endorsement, but was turned down.

Bob Amelio, chairman of the Harrison Republican Town Committee, declined to comment on how many potential candidates the committee considered, or if Stout was included on the list.

According to Amelio, Dionisio was officially nominated by a vote of the party’s district leaders on May 31. However, Amelio initially declined to confirm Dionisio’s nomination when asked by the Review on June 10.

Dionisio said he has lived in Harrison for 62 years, and that he has pride in his community.

“I still believe this is a great town with great people,” he said.

“I still just think we need to make some improvements.”

The town election will be held on Election Day, Nov. 8. The Democratic primary will take place on Sept. 13.

HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont

I am happy to report that the Harrison Police Department recently added five new police officers. The swearing-in ceremony took place in Town Hall on June 24 and was attended by fellow officers, family members, town personnel and members of the greater Harrison community.

Congratulations to newly appointed officers Matias Alves, Nicholas Gazzola, Richard Light, Christopher Pascale and Joseph DeFonce. I am completely confident that they will carry out their duties in a professional manner and will be an asset to the town/village of Harrison.

It’s time, once again, to get ready for Harrison’s summer concert series. This annual event is always enjoyed by many Harrison residents and guests. On July 3, in downtown Harrison, The Wanderers, a ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s rock and roll and rhythm and blues band, will be the entertainment for the evening’s festivities. Fireworks will begin promptly at 9 p.m. at the shopping center on Halstead Avenue.

Future July events include musical entertainment by Back to the Garden 1969, Rat Race Choir, Jackie DiMaggio, Alive N Kickin, The Hindenberg and the Tracy Delucia Band. All con-

certs begin at 7 p.m. Please visit harrison-ny.gov or call the Recreation Department hotline at 670-3039 for event locations and additional information. I look forward to seeing you all there.

In anticipation of increased water usage due to seasonal lawn irrigation systems, it is advisable that residents locate and repair leaks in homes, offices, buildings and irrigation systems.

Leaks account for a vast amount of wasted water each year. Leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets and leaky valves are very common, but are easy to correct. In addition to conserving water, these repairs can substantially reduce a homeowner’s water bills.

On a related note, automatic lawn sprinklers are a significant part of the town’s peak water usage. By setting your automatic lawn sprinkler system to operate between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., you can reduce the town’s demand for water during early to mid-morning peak times. I am asking all residents to please do their best to maintain efficiency and to use water wisely.

The town/village of Harrison recently appointed a constable in an effort to enforce the Town Code as it relates to sanitation and buildings. Compliance with our code helps to preserve and maintain an attractive appearance. The town’s objective is to clean up our neighborhoods, el-

evate the surrounding areas and otherwise keep Harrison looking its best.

Please make note of the following sanitation schedule change: Monday, July 4 is a holiday and offices will be closed for Independence Day. Garbage and recycling normally collected on Monday will be picked up on Tuesday, July 5. Garbage and recycling normally collected on Tuesday will be picked up on Wednesday, July 6. There will be no bulk trash pickup on Wednesday.

In closing, I would like to take this time to recognize our local high school graduates. It was wonderful to see excited students and their proud parents at this very moving event. The strong educational foundation that the students have received will undoubtedly set them on the path to success. The skills they have learned from teachers, coaches, administrators and parents will be essential to them as they take their next step. I’m confident that they have been prepared, in the best possible way, to succeed. Congratulations to the Class of 2016!

The next Lunch with the Mayor is on Friday, July 1 and I will be at Retro Cafe, located at 267 Halstead Ave. 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.

CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

P u B LI S H ES

Mamaroneck THE

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CityREVIEW T Harrison NewRochelle REVIEW THE

HE

Eastchester REVIEW THE

INSIDE

By COReY STOCKTON Staff Writer

Summer concerts and using water wisely

INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY

www.hometwn.com | 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601 | (914) 653-1000

July 1, 2016 • The hARRISON RevIew • 9

10 • The hARRISON RevIew • July 1, 2016

State officials hopeful for hotel tax authorization Citigroup executive debut TAMI Talks speaker

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer State and local officials are once again seeking to authorize a bill that would levy a hotel occupancy tax for the town/village of Harrison, despite the bill’s failure in the past.

The bill, which would enact a 3 percent charge on hotel occupants in Harrison, has lacked approval from both Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, and the state Senate for the past two years.

“I think it’s going to pass this year,” said state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat. “It doesn’t pose any negatives for the county of Westchester, and local governments will get the revenue they need not to raise property taxes.”

The Renaissance Westchester Hotel, which is located on West Red Oak Lane, and the Hyatt House, located on Corporate Park Drive, are the only two hotels in Harrison.

The neighboring village of Rye Brook—the first municipality in the entire state other than a city or county that was given the authority to levy the tax back in 2010—generates approximately $600,000 in annual revenue through the occupancy

tax, and Harrison is roughly estimated to generate up to $500,000, according to state and local officials.

Because of its economic benefits to the community, Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, has spent his tenure in office consistently championing the legislation, despite Cuomo’s reluctance to support the bill.

“I’ve been trying to get the bill passed since I got here,” Belmont said. “There’s been a lot of cooperation from [state officials].”

State Assemblyman David Buchwald, a White Plains Democrat, added that local officials’ determination to see the bill pass over the last five years displays the long-term interest the people of Harrison have in the legislation.

The attraction of the hotel tax for local governments is that it provides municipalities the ability to generate revenue outside of increasing property taxes on local residents.

“For the most part, residents of Harrison don’t tend to stay at local hotels, so it should be of minimal impact to them,” Buchwald said.

The tax will actually impact non-residents, according to Lat-

imer, who mentioned that individuals on business trips will most likely pay the tax with their business expense accounts.

“An occupancy tax will not discourage business and is not based on income,” he said.

Other local municipalities that already impose a similar occupancy tax on hotel patrons include the cities of New Rochelle, Rye, Yonkers and White Plains.

Westchester County also implements its own 3 percent hotel tax on patrons.

“So many Westchester [County] municipalities are allowed to have an occupancy tax that it’s only proper that a town like Harrison be included as well,” Buchwald said.

Although the bill would be effective immediately if authorized by Cuomo, Harrison’s elected officials would have to adopt a local law to initiate the tax.

According to state law, the hotel tax has a three-year sunset clause attached to it, meaning that it must be renewed by the state on an ongoing basis. According to Latimer, Cuomo has verbally agreed to sign the bill this time around, as of press time.

CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

In his role as head of Global Operations & Technology at Citigroup, Don Callahan understands that advancements in the way business is conducted are being developed more rapidly than ever. And he realizes that Citi and other companies need to embrace technology and make better use of information to avoid being left behind.

“I no longer need to carry my credit card—my credit card is right here,” said Callahan, holding up his phone, as he addressed a packed room of Westchester business leaders during The Business Council of Westchester’s inaugural edition of TAMI Talks at Manhattanville College. “Nobody wants to be tethered; companies and individuals want to be untethered.

We need to think about, how can we digitize absolutely everything so that we can give a level of service that’s available 24/7?”

Callahan’s engaging presentation on Monday, June 20 at Manhattanville’s Reid Castle, provided a robust beginning for TAMI Talks. The series was established by The Business Council of Westchester to explore the latest trends in Technology, Advertising, Media and Information, TAMI, which make up one of the fastest-growing sectors of the area economy. BCW members Simone Development Companies, Empire City Casino and Stroz Friedberg are sponsoring the series.

“What a fascinating, informative way for The Business Council of Westchester to introduce this exciting initiative,” BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon said. “TAMI is becoming a vital segment

From left, Michael Sugrue, managing director and client development leader of Electronic Discovery and Disclosure Practice Group at Stroz Friedberg; Jon Strauss, president at Manhattanville College; Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester; Don Callahan, head of Global Operations and Technology at Citigroup; Patricia Simone, president of Simone Management Group and Simone Development Companies; and John Ravitz, executive vice president and COO of The Business Council of Westchester.

Photo courtesy Sean Mayer

of the economy in our region, and we’re so grateful that Don Callahan, a trusted, passionate industry leader, was willing to share his vast knowledge of technology trends and information systems.”

Callahan, who held executive positions at IBM, Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse before joining Citi in 2007, has helped position Citi as a worldwide banking titan through his constant push for technological advancement and data interpretation. Callahan noted that it’s wonderful to be able to collect as much data as possible, but the most successful businesses put a premium on constantly honing their ability to analyze and act effectively upon the information they receive.

“We are not just in the information business; we’re in the insight business,” Callahan said. “The more data you have, the more insight you can get.

That’s why Citi has built its own data centers, and why we have more programmers than Google and Microsoft. The information

about how and where consumers are spending their money is as important as the money itself.”

Callahan cautioned that the brisk pace of innovation comes with concerns. He said cybersecurity is a burgeoning issue, citing volatile nation states such as North Korea and terrorist groups like ISIS among the greatest threats. And with technology driving automation, employees in service industries may soon find their jobs eliminated.

“With robotics, we’re going to see jobs disappearing like crazy,” Callahan said. “I think it’s going to be a good topic for all of us to figure out: Can we make sure that people we are educating—like at Manhattanville—are in the thought leadership positions?”

The next installment of TAMI Talks will be held on Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Manhattanville College. Michael Dunn, senior vice president of Innovation Development at Georgia Pacific, will be the featured speaker.

(Submitted)

Scarsdale Medical Group hosts open house Occupants staying at the Hyatt House Hotel on Corporate Park Drive may be required to pay an additional 3 percent in taxes if the town’s request for a hotel tax is granted by the governor.

Photo/whiteplains.hyatt.house.com

Connect with us on @linkedin.com/company/hometown-media

Scarsdale Medical Group, a multi-specialty practice serving Westchester and Fairfield counties and the surrounding Hudson Valley area, is hosting an open house for expectant parents on Wednesday, July 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at its Harrison office, located at 600 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 301 in

Harrison. Dr. Amy Lief will be in attendance for this session.

This event is the perfect opportunity to tour the office, speak with the medical center’s pediatricians and ask questions. Attendees can also discuss important issues such as newborn care at the hospital—Scarsdale Medical Group’s physicians deliver at Greenwich Hospital—routine infant care, immunizations, as well as practice information and office policies.

“Choosing a pediatrician is

one of the first decisions parents make for their children,” says pediatrician Amy Lief. “I am happy to answer any questions and review any concerns new parents might have or discuss our office practices with parents that are in the process of selecting a new pediatrician for their family.”

Space is limited and pre-registration is advised. Reservations must be received by Tuesday, July 5. For more information or to register, email seminars@scarsdalemedical.com. (Submitted)

July 1, 2016 • The hARRISON RevIew • 11

July 2016

Planning ahead...

Sunday

Monday

TueSday

WedneSday

ThurSday

Friday

SaTurday

1

3

10

Wimbledon ends

4

Independence Day, government offices closed

11

Board of Education executive meeting 7:15 p.m., LMK

5

6

12

13

19

20

26

27

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

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

Ramadan ends

2

Tour de France begins

7

8

9

14

15

16

21

22

23

28

29

30

Zoning Board meeting 8 p.m., Municipal building

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

17

18

24

25

Humane Society of Westchester Dog Wash 10 a.m., 70 Portman Road, New Rochelle

31

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

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

12 • The hARRISON RevIew • July 1, 2016

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RFP #2017i Notice to Architectural and Engineering Firms The Harrison Central School District (School District) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the selection of an architect for a capital improvement project involving construction of improvements to all School District buildings, the cost thereof anticipated to be between $40 million and $47 million. The proposed project includes improvements to all properties owned by the school district, including all site improvements, original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related work required in connection therewith. You are invited to submit proposals in accordance with this RFP. Proposals will be received until 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at the office of the Purchasing Agent, Harrison Central School District, 50 union Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528; (914) 630-3011. Specifications for proposal format may be obtained at www.empirestatebidsystem.com or from the Purchasing Office beginning Monday, June 27, 2016. The School District assumes no liability for any mail or delivery delays by any mail or postal carrier or delivery service. The Proposer assumes sole responsibility for ensuring the proposal arrives at the appropriate place on or before the date and time set forth above.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any proposal or all proposals, or to accept part of any proposal.

All questions regarding this RFP should be directed to: Gene George, Purchasing Agent, georgeg@harrisoncsd.org.

By order of the Board of Education Gene George Purchasing Agent Dated: June 27, 2016

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Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: RFB #16/17-17c HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEW RAMP AT PARSONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 200 HALSTEAD AVE, HARRISON, NY PROJECT NO. HCSD 1606 - CONTRACT G – GENERAL CONSTRuCTION will be received until 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 11, 2016 at the District Offices of the Harrison Central School District.

Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained online as a download for Forty Nine Dollars and 00 cents ($49.00) at the following website: www. usinglesspaper.com under ‘public projects’ beginning on June 30, 2016.

Complete sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained from Rev, 330 Route 17A, Suite #2, Goshen, New York 10924 Tel: 1-877-272-0216, upon depositing the sum of One Hundred Dollars and 00 cents ($100.00) for each combined set of documents.

Checks or money orders shall be made payable to HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs.

All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered bidders via email and will be available at www.usinglesspaper.com. Bidders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered bidders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.

Bids must be made on the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the specifications that must be enclosed in sealed opaque envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to: “PuRCHASING AGENT, HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, 50 uNION AVENuE, HARRISON, NY 10528” and clearly marked on the outside, “RFB #16/17-17c: NEW RAMP AT PARSONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL”. The Harrison Central School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if bid number and opening date do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to date and time indicated are invalid. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail, or in the handling of the mail by employees of the Harrison Central School District, as well as of improper hand delivery.

Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for ninety (90) days after the formal bid opening.

There is no scheduled walk-through or pre-bid conference. Bidders may survey the site by appointment with the District Facilities Department, 914-630-3020. The site is located at the Broadway building entrance.

It is the Board’s intention to award the contract to the lowest qualified bidder in compliance with the specifications providing the required security who can meet the experience, technical and budget requirements. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any informality and to accept such bid which, in the opinion of the Board, is in the best interests of the School District.

By Order of the Board of Education Harrison Central School District 50 union Avenue Harrison, New York 10528 Gene George, Purchasing Agent - Dated: June 30, 2016

DEADLINE:

Placement, correction or cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication

July 1, 2016 • The hARRISON RevIew • 13

Taking in a teen (or two) for a year RHyMES MES WItH H CRAZy Lenore Skenazy

What’s it like to have two teenage boys you never met before move in and stay for the whole school year?

Funny you should ask, as the two boys we’ve had living with us for the past 10 months are leaving today. I am hoping the goodbye will not be as hard as I worry it will be.

The young men were our exchange students, one from Germany, one from China. Or, as I liked to say: If your country has been at war with America—or may be some day—our home is your home!

Why? Well, two years ago, when our older son was heading off to college, I jokingly/not-jokingly told my husband that we should replace him with another kid about his age.

Then I started Googling around and found out that AFS, the same exchange student program that had been around when I was growing up, is still going strong. In fact, it’s been around for more than 70 years, sending kids to and from more than 40 countries. Back in my day, four international kids attended my high school and it was like they were from Planet Maturity. Simply by braving life in a foreign country, they were so much more sophisticated (read: cool) than the rest of us.

So I called the AFS New York office, and immediately an outreach coordinator was telling me how much I’d love being a host.

It’s a volunteer position. All we really needed to qualify was an empty bed and a desk. Bingo!

Since it was already late in the application process, we had just two kids for us to choose from: A “German boy who loves movies” or an “Italian boy who loves basketball.” “Get the Italian,” said my husband. Thus, Giovanni came to live with us for a year.

He moved right into our older son’s now-empty bedroom, and went right off to public high school with our younger son.

They were both juniors. They were both everything: They both played basketball, watched basketball, talked basketball.... But they also explored the city—my son said he’d never seen half as many neighborhoods as he did once Gio arrived—and cracked up at in-jokes and remained Snapchat friends when Gio went home last June.

But once your AFS kid leaves, you’re back at square one, if you don’t like being lonely. (Did I mention I work from home? Just me and my computer.) So this year, we decided to plunge in again and chose Eric from China and Matteo from Germany.

Why two? Why not?

The exchange kids shared a room and dinners were lively.

Did you know that in China, the number 13 is bad luck, but so is 14, so some Chinese buildings have three 12th floors? Or how about this German fact: Instead of “Happy Birthday” when the cake comes out, they blast some obscure ‘80s American pop song. Our German kid was shocked to find this was not also the practice in America when we celebrated my husband’s birthday. Meantime, the boys made him a cake and wrote “Happy Birthday” in Chinese characters along with, “Alles Gute zum Geburtstag.” That’s a lot to write in

blue icing.

But of course, there were some downsides, starting with the fact that neither of the boys loved my cooking, except for barbecue chicken.

So I made a lot of chicken. I also bought truckloads of Chips Ahoy! There was also extra laundry, of course. And at school, one of them slacked off and we had to deal with the teachers and the principal and a bit of hookey.

But the upside?

Hearing German and Chinese music around the apartment. Talking to them about everything from Donald Trump to Chairman Mao. Listening to the changes in their vocabulary, from, “We are seldom winning this game,” to, “Our team sucks.” Feeling a swell of pride as they got to know the city, deal with the subway, discover “South Park” and grow—literally. Yes, they are going home skinny, but taller.

Just a few days ago, I got up very early and was sitting in our living room at 5 a.m. when the front door opened and our German student walked in. He had been unable to sleep as thoughts swirled about going home, and how changed he felt. So he had taken a long walk through our Queens neighborhood, which is now his Queens neighborhood.

By tomorrow, he will be back home with his real parents. But for a year, he was our boy—they both were—in homesickness and in health, school work and skateboarding, and the daily doings that turn a stranger into a son.

I hope I can hold it together when we say goodbye.

CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Bass-A-Palooza raises $15K for Save the Sound Saturday, June 4 marked the ninth annual Bass-A-Palooza Charity Fishing Tournament, which this year benefited Save the Sound, a bi-state program of Connecticut Fund for the Environment.

Early risers by nature, around 100 tournament fishers began casting their lines at 5 a.m. After a full day on the water, the fishers were joined by family, friends, and supporters alike for the weigh-in. Cliff Blaze of Darien took first place for a monstrous 41.5-inch bass.

The afterparty at Rowayton Seafood, sponsored by Titos Handmade Vodka, consisted of dinner, drinks, music and an auction. Attendees bid on a variety of items, including a boat motor, rod and reel, guided fishing charters, a golf outing, and tickets to major sporting events. One of the most memorable items, a tour of the Kennedy Compound and Nantucket Sound sail aboard the schooner Mya, was donated

by CFE/Save the Sound board member Kiki Kennedy.

Even among the awe of the fish and excitement of the auction, the true reason for the gathering was never lost. For the last

nine years, Clay Persinger, host of the tournament, has chosen to support a cause or project with the donations and auction proceeds raised. Past beneficiaries have included the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Wounded Warriors. This year, Persinger chose a local project, to help Save the Sound restore the fish passage on the Noroton River between Darien and Stamford.

“We were thrilled that Clay and his team of avid recreational fisher-folk were excited about raising money to bring thousands of fish back to the Noroton River,” said Curt Johnson, executive director of CFE’s Save the Sound program. “Right now, our river herring are trying to migrate upstream to lay their eggs but are stopped dead by a wall of concrete at the Interstate 95 box culvert. With community support, we will build a fish ramp so pregnant mother herring can once again swim upstream to quiet protected ponds, allowing them to be fruitful and multiply.

We are thankful that Clay and the entire Bass-A-Palooza team totally get it: more little fish means more big fish for the Sound.

“Together we can restore a

miraculous migration—where river herring, sea lamprey and eel can swim freely between the Sound and the Noroton River ponds allowing them to complete their breeding cycle,” Johnson added. “More small fish not only feed more sport fish but egrets, osprey, porpoise and other wildlife in Long Island Sound.

“While my passion for fishing inspired me to begin BassA-Palooza, the goal of the tournament has always been to raise money to support a cause in need,” Persinger said. “That is what inspires me to continue year after year.”

Persinger continued, “When I heard that Save the Sound was working to restore a fish migration route right in my own backyard, I knew I’d found the perfect cause. This is a message that resonates with saltwater anglers: when migratory baitfish struggle to survive, larger species, like our bass population, also suffer.”

Although the tournament has ended, support for the Noroton fish passage is still needed. Donations can be made by contacting Save the Sound at 203-7870646 or the Darien Land Trust at 203-655-4148. (Submitted)

Summer at Playland: Fireworks, discounts and more Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino invites everyone to enjoy a summer full of free entertainment, fireworks and discount pricing at everyone’s favorite amusement park, Rye Playland.

“A visit to Playland is always fun and these upcoming pricing specials, along with great entertainment for children and families, provide even more incentives to come out to the park,” Astorino said.

Playland’s summer daily entertainment schedule is now in full swing, with the Kiddyland DJ, Katy the Great and Friends, Coaster’s International Dance Party and “Funky Fairytales: Princess and the Pea” all taking place in the Kiddyland. Grab a seat in front of the Music Tower Theater stage to watch a lively song-and-dance performance called “American Beat!” Show times are posted in the park.

There will be special $15 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights for those entering the

park after 5 p.m. and includes unlimited rides until closing at 10 p.m. This special runs through Sept. 1.

Friday Night Fireworks are back, comprising a spectacular show choreographed to music.

The shows begin at 9:15 p.m. and run every Friday from July 1 through Sept. 2. Special holiday displays take place at the Playland pier on Sunday and Monday, July 3 and July 4 at 9:30 p.m.

Celebrate International Friendship Day on Sunday, Aug. 7, when all ride admissions (including juniors) are $15 from noon until the park closes at 10 p.m. Parking is $15.

Playland Park is Westchester’s premier amusement park.

Guests can enjoy rides, catch a show, have a snack or a meal, play mini golf and take a stroll on the boardwalk.

Regular admission prices: $30 unlimited rides; $20 junior (under 48”). Westchester residents with acceptable proof of

residency are eligible for a $5 discount on these prices. Spectator admission (no rides) is free for Westchester County residents and $10 for non-residents.

Season passes: $95 for unlimited rides all season, with a $15 discount for Westchester residents. Purchase four or more and save 10 percent. $35 for spectator admission all season (no rides), for non-residents of Westchester County. Parking is $10 and $15 on holidays, special events and concert days.

Acceptable proof of Westchester residency is a Westchester County Park Pass, a New York state driver’s license or non-driver I.D., or a photo I.D. or report card from a Westchester County school.

For the season’s schedule, visit RyePlayland.org or call the park at 813-7010. Playland is located at the end of Playland Parkway in Rye. For public bus transportation information, visit westchestergov.com/beelinebus.

(Submitted)

14 • The The hARRISON RevIew • July 1, 2016

SPORTS

Perception versus Reality lIVE MIKE Mike Smith

In today’s sports landscape, professional franchises must often wage wars on two distinct fronts: on the field and in the court of public opinion. Last week, two of our local teams made high-profile signings that represent how tricky it can be to navigate the rocky terrain of winning ballgames while sating their fans’ desire to root for a likeable team.

The first of these moves came on June 23, when the New York Knicks made a big splash by pulling off a trade for former NBA MVP Derrick Rose. Although he is still just 27 years old, Rose has been hampered by injuries over the last four years and hasn’t been a viable NBA star since 2012. But with just one year left until he hits free agency, it would appear as though the Knicks’ newest acquisition may be less about what Rose can do

on the court and more about the optics of the situation.

Rose may never be the player he once seemed destined to become, but he’s still a name. He’s the kind of player whose resume is sure to elicit a positive response in a fan base that has had little to cheer about over the last few seasons.

But more than that, it seems, the play for Rose might be a calculated move by Knicks’ President Phil Jackson to announce to other NBA stars that New York is ready to win now. Despite his diminished production, Rose is still the kind of player that carries a lot of cache within NBA circles. Will bringing him aboard make the Knicks a more viable landing spot for another bigname free agent, be it Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard or Joakim Noah? It’s certainly possible.

It remains to be seen what Rose has left in the tank, and he most likely won’t be a long-term solution at the point guard position. But if bringing him in can

help reestablish a culture of winning in Madison Square Garden, at least in theory, then perhaps this could be considered a coup for Jackson and the Knicks.

On the other side of the spectrum, however, was the New York Mets’ decision to bring back Jose Reyes on June 25.

As far as pure baseball moves go, this one makes sense.

Reyes—who was recently given his outright release by the Colorado Rockies after the emergence of potential Rookie of the Year candidate Trevor Story—is costing the Mets the league minimum, salarywise, and could potentially serve as a valuable fill-in at third base, with David Wright likely done for the season.

It’s a low-risk, high-reward move for a team that, right now, is in desperate need of an offensive spark.

But that, of course, is only half the story.

Reyes may have been one of the most popular Mets during his

Last week, the Knicks and Mets both made moves that grabbed the back pages. But it will take some time to parse out just what these moves mean for New York sports. Photo courtesy wikipedia.com

first go-around with the team, but is also coming off a two-month suspension after a domestic violence incident. To that end, all the statements released by both the Mets and Reyes since the signing have been carefully worded to address—and downplay—his scandal away from the field. The Mets’ organization seems to know that a large section of their fan base could be turned off by Reyes’ actions and are eager to mitigate the fallout over bringing him back.

Will Mets fans welcome his

return with open arms? General Manager Sandy Alderson certainly seems to believe that if Reyes can inject some life into the lineup, the talented infielder’s past transgressions will simply seem like a blip on the radar.

So what’s more important: Winning the public relations battle, or winning on the field?

Nowadays, with the amount of scrutiny faced by those in front-office positions, it feels like the two are so intertwined.

Will the goodwill engendered by the Rose move lead to big

things on the court? Will Reyes lead to “bad karma” for the Metropolitans?

For better or worse, the one thing that the majority of fans care about is the final result.

And while both the Rose and Reyes moves might make for interesting stories right now, it’s unlikely that we will know which direction the narrative will take until we see the teams’ final records.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

To CoVER loCal spoRTs, you nEEd a

LIVE MIKE! Audi and Bentley, 4 months old, were found in an auto body shop covered with dirt and grime. They clean up nicely, don’t they? This delightful duo are purr machines and once they get their motors running, they will race right into your heart.

Audi and Bentley are microchipped, neutered, in excellent health and up to date with all vaccinations. The donation for these two light red tabby boys is $80 each. To meet Audi and Bentley, please call Pet Rescue at 835-3332 or 835-4133 or visit NY-Petrescue.org. (Submitted)

Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow Mike Smith @harrisonreview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates

SPORTS

July 1, 2016 • The hARRISON RevIew • 15

Footballers hit the gridiron

By MIKe SMITh Sports Editor Although the high school football season doesn’t officially kick off until August, local teams have been working tirelessly over the last few weeks to prepare for the upcoming campaign. With several programs participating in passing challenges and preseason camps this month, it looks as though area squads are champing at the bit to hit the gridiron this fall.

According to Mamaroneck head coach Anthony Vitti, whose squad hosted Rye Neck, Rye, Saunders and Truman at the annual Tiger Football Camp this past week, summer practices are an integral part of the process for high school players.

“Every year, you have a different group of kids, so you want to use this to build a bit of collegiality and put in some of the concepts you’re going to be working on during the year,” Vitti said. “You want to get a feel for the different personnel and the personality of the team.”

At the Tiger Camp, teams split time between running position-based drills and light scrimmaging, and Vitti believes that flexibility gives teams a chance to test themselves against new competition while laying some of the groundwork and philosophy the team will be employing once the preseason officially starts in August.

“It’s pretty fluid. You get to see a lot of teams and we’re kind of mixing and matching

A Rye lineman participates in a drill at the Tiger Football Camp on June 26. Five schools took part in the annual football camp at Mamaroneck High School last week.

as the week goes on,” he said.

“As it moves along, the smaller drills become bigger drills, and because kids haven’t been tackling or blocking live in about six or seven months, it’s a good opportunity to get ready within ourselves.”

But the Tiger Camp hasn’t been the only game in town.

On June 11, Mamaroneck was one of a handful of schools to participate in the Big Apple 7 on 7 Shootout, which was held at Harrison High School. Unlike their

Mamaroneck head coach Anthony Vitti oversees a drill at the Tiger Camp on June 26.

A Rye Neck player chases down an opposing ball carrier on June 26. Photos/Mike Smith

work this week, which featured focus on line play, the Big Apple event focused on teams’ backs and receivers and allowed squads to brush up on their passing game. “[The Big Apple] gives kids a chance just to go out and compete,” Vitti said. “And we had some great performances from some of the younger guys.”

In addition to team-oriented endeavors, there have also been events geared to individual players. On June 25, New Rochelle hosted a two-day college prep camp that offered position-specific instruction from college coaches. Although the schedule begins to relax as the season approaches, most teams will run near-daily strength and conditioning sessions, and some will even send groups of linemen to compete at skills-based challenges at the Carmel and Spring Valley high schools in late July.

“I know we’re going to be working out four days a week,” Vitti said, “but it’s really multisport training, open to anyone who wants to get bigger, faster and stronger.”

The Section I football season will officially open on Aug. 15.

CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

A Mamaroneck receiver competes against a defensive back.

16 • The hARRISON RevIew • July 1, 2016