July 8, 2016

Harrison REVIEW THE

July 8, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 28 | www.harrisonreview.com

Independence Throughout the Fourth of July weekend, Rye Playland was one of several locations throughout Westchester County to host vivid firework displays in celebration of the national holiday.

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July 8, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 3

Police link heroin deaths to prominent Bronx dealer

Police arrested six suspects beginning on June 24 in connection to two Harrison residents that reportedly overdosed on heroin. Top row, from left, Rachael Brissett, Alexandra Derose and Diamond Samuels. Bottom row, from left, Jeffrey “Flee” McCaskill, Deshaun Hardaway and Justice Sabina. Photos courtesy Harrison Police Department

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Police made a mark in their ongoing battle against heroin in the town/village of Harrison, as six individuals have been arrested for selling and possessing the drug that contributed to the recent deaths of two unidentified Harrison residents, ages 26 and 29, at the end of June. In the aftermath of the drug-related fatalities, police began an investigation on June 24 that led to the arrests of Rachael Brissett, 17, of Harrison, and Alexandra Derose, 22, of Mamaroneck. Both Brissett and Derose were charged with third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony. Derose was additionally charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a misdemeanor. “We believe at least one of the [local suspects] has been dealing for some time, and we’re going to do whatever we can to bring them to justice,” said Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini. The investigation also developed a case that led to the arrest of a prominent Bronx dealer, Jeffrey “Flee” McCaskill, 27, who had been observed in a grey Dodge Caravan conducting a drug transaction on Halstead Avenue

on June 26. He was arrested alongside Diamond Samuels, 32, Deshaun Hardaway, 27, and Justice Sabina, 33, all Bronx residents. Investigators were able to connect drug packaging found in McCaskill’s van with exact markings of the drugs that were obtained from the Harrison residents who overdosed. Police would not disclose any additional details regarding the two deaths. Police also believe that the dealers were selling tainted drugs. “The heroin contributed to two deaths in our community [and] the dealer had a sense that the drug was no good and continued to supply it anyway,” Marraccini said. McCaskill and Hardaway have been charged with felony counts of third-degree sale of a controlled substance as of press time, but police say their investigation will likely result in additional charges. Samuels and Sabina have also been charged with felony counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. With collaboration from other law enforcement agencies, the Harrison Police Department executed a search warrant of McCaskill’s home in the Bronx and was able to find $10,000 in drugs, forged U.S. currency and

drug paraphernalia. All six suspects were taken to the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla. Brissett has been released on $15,000 bail. McCaskill and Hardaway each are currently being held on a $500,000 bail each; both Sabina and Samuels on a $75,000 bail; and Derose on a $40,000 bail. “We need more people to come forward with information about drug dealers,” Marraccini said. “Although it’s frustrating and disheartening, people [also] need to take any available means to get their loved ones help that suffer from addictions.” According to the Harrison police chief, the Police Department is hopeful to institute a program that will allow individuals to walk into police headquarters to seek addiction help. Harrison Councilwoman Marlene Amelio, a Republican, said, “Certainly any program that works toward eradicating and helping people with addiction is something beneficial.” As of press time, police will continue with the investigation, and anticipate further charges at a later date, as some suspects may be held responsible for the death of the two victims. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

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What’s going on... Harrison Public Library

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

Citizenship and English classes At the West Harrison branch on Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Through Thursday, Aug. 11. 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.

Summer Job Info 4 Teens On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. A representative from the Youth Employment Services of the Harrison Youth Council will be available to discuss job opportunities with students in the Teen Center.

Singalong with Chloe On Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the West Harrison branch. For newborns to age 2. No registration required. Participants come together as a community to celebrate early childhood through music and movement. In this class, 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.

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.

Pretend play and dress up time

seniors. For more information, call 813-7455.

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 super­ hero, or all three.

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.

Mommy and Me Yoga with Angela

Scarsdale Medical Group

Volunteers needed

On Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Bring your own mat for a relaxing yoga class with the littlest ones.

Chloe’s Sign & Play

Meditation for moms-to-be

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.

Scarsdale Medical Group, a multi-specialty practice serving Westchester and Fairfield counties and the surrounding Hudson Valley area, is offering a special meditation class for moms-to-be on Friday, July 15 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at its Harrison office, located at Suite 301, 600 Mamaroneck Ave. in Harrison. Pregnancy is an exciting yet stressful time. Join Scarsdale Medical Group mind-body specialist Dr. Catherine Isaac to learn various meditation techniques to help expecting moms find peace throughout their pregnancy. “Practicing meditation throughout your pregnancy is very beneficial,” Isaac said. “Pregnancy is an exhilarating process and meditation can assist in reducing fear and stress.” The cost of the class is $30 if paid online or $35 at the door, cash only. Registration can be completed at scarsdalemedical.com/meditation. To learn more about Scarsdale Medical Group, visit scarsdalemedical.com.

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

Harrison 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

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.

Summer Concert Series The summertime concert series is back. All concerts start at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, July 13, Jackie DiMaggio and a guest will perform in downtown Harrison. On Thursday, July 14, Rat Race Choir will perform in West Harrison. Call the Harrison Recreation hotline at 670-3039 for more information.

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 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.

Football Position Clinics 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.

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. Pro­ gram 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.

Harrison Track and Field Club This seven-week summer series will provide professional instruction and training for athletes of all ages to develop better running mechanics and introduce the lifelong sport of track and field. The program will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fee is $85. For more information, contact Dominic Zanot at 552-6167 or harrisontrack@gmail.com. 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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New design concept puts the ‘bar’ in Barnes & Noble By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer The former site of the Borders bookstore at the Vernon Hills Shopping Center in Eastchester is expected to remain a hub for book and music sales with the building of a new Barnes & Noble. The chain will update the location by being the first of its kind to also offer a restaurant and lounge along with its usual

conveniences. The new White Plains Road location is one of four new concept stores planned to launch this year, offering dining and drinking services beyond the usual café. The other three stores are set to be constructed in Edina, Minnesota, Folsom, California, and Loudon, Virginia.

The Eastchester location is scheduled to open in October, with a full-service restaurant serving beer and wine, as well

as a bocce court, an outdoor fire pit and patio seating. Along with the new design, Barnes & Noble will be launching a new mobile app to help customers navigate the store. Jamie Carey, Barnes & Noble president of development, said the app will provide users with a store layout and help them find books and other media they’re searching for. In a released investors meeting, Barnes & Noble CEO

The café in the new Barnes & Noble at the Vernon Hills Shopping Center will serve beer and wine; the bookstore will also have a large outdoor seating area with a fire pit and bocce court.

The rear section of the new Barnes & Noble store in Eastchester is expected to have large seating areas and offer table-side service. Renderings courtesy AvroKO

Ron Boire said that people are increasingly looking for a place to gather and be part of a community, adding that he hopes the new store concepts will be central to the locations they inhabit. Carey added that the new design would reinforce the community feel. “When customers come to our new stores, they’ll know it is a Barnes & Noble, but it will be through a new experience,” he said. The new location will be the fourth Barnes & Noble in Westchester; the other locations are in White Plains,

Yonkers and Mohegan Lake. The company has been closing locations throughout the country for several years, but only closed eight locations last year, which is the fewest number of store closings it has reported in 16 years. The Borders, which had previously rented the Eastchester space, closed in 2011, after the corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The storefront has been vacant ever since. Paul Okura, president of the Eastchester-Tuckahoe Chamber of Commerce, said the new Barnes & Noble will be an at-

tractive addition to the White Plains Road storefronts. He said the free parking in the Vernon Hills Shopping Center lot would likely be more convenient for Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Scarsdale residents who would otherwise have to pay for parking in White Plains to shop at the bookstore chain. The Barnes & Noble café will not be the only one in the Eastchester plaza to serve alcohol. The Starbucks in the Vernon Hills Shopping Center also serves beer and wine. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

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Harrison REVIEW

THE

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First business of its kind in Westchester

of the various cryotherapies her business offers can reduce pain, increase metabolism, repair tissue damage, tighten skin, increase collagen production, reduce stress, help circulation, and burn up to 800 calories in a single session. Some of the claims touting the benefits of cryotherapy have not yet been adequately proven by scientific studies, but clients have traveled from across the county to experience this alterNordic Cryotherapy, owned by Dr. Marie O’Connor, opened last month native medicine. as Westchester County’s first cryothereapy facility. Cryotherapy has gained popas cold as that because clients’ ularity and recognition from its By COREY STOCKTON bodies are being sprayed with usage by athletes and celebriStaff Writer gas, rather than soaked in liquid. ties. Boxing greats Floyd May“It’s a very dry cold,” she weather Jr. and Manny PacIt may be summer in Eastchester, but one facility on Mill said. “There’s absolutely no quiao, and basketball star LeBmoisture in the air so it’s differ- ron James have all entered cryoRoad is freezing. saunas reportedly for its perNordic Cryotherapy, a com- ent than… an ice bath.” O’Connor offers three types formance benefits. And while pany that opened in June, uses extremely cold liquid nitrogen of cold therapy: facial, localized O’Connor said she originally became interested in cryotheragasses to relieve pain, increase and whole body procedures. Nordic Cryotherapy uses py to help people with aches and athletic performance and ima liquid nitrogen mask to tar- chronic soreness, she said the prove aesthetics. The various machines at get the face, and a vacuum-like majority of her clients are interNordic Cryotherapy apply gas- hose for a specific muscle or ested in the service for aesthetic ses—ranging from negative 180 joint. O’Connor said the local- benefits like skin tightening, indegrees Fahrenheit to negative ized therapy sessions can last creased collagen production and 250 degrees—to clients’ skin between three and six minutes, weight loss. Many stars of the Bravo for as long as three minutes per depending on how much fat or channel reality series “The Real muscle is in the targeted area. session. Clients can also enter a large Housewives of Beverly Hills” Dr. Marie O’Connor, CEO and founder of Nordic Cryo- tank—called a cryosauna—to have undergone cryotherapy therapy, the first liquid nitrogen receive a full-body treatment. on the show, which O’Connor cryotherapy facility in West- Specialists at Nordic Cryother- said has contributed to the serchester County, compared cryo- apy require that patients wear vice’s increased notoriety. She therapy to taking an ice bath. gloves, slippers and underwear, said cryotherapy facilities have Although ice baths only get as and their heads be entirely out- even become a trendy first stop cold as about 40 degrees Fahr- side of the open top of the tank. for bachelorette parties, treatO’Connor claims that any ing groups for three-minute sesenheit, cryotherapy doesn’t feel

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

Owner Dr. Marie O’Connor receives a cryo-facial, a targeted form of cryotherapy claimed to help reduce acne, wrinkles and dark spots and increase collagen production. Photo courtesy Facebook.com

The cryosauna at Nordic Cryotherapy in Eastchester blasts clients with liquid nitrogen for up to three minutes, chilling their bodies at temperatures below negative 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Photos/Corey Stockton

sions, with champagne waiting for them once they’ve warmed up. However popular the service has become, some cryotherapy practices can be dangerous if administered improperly. Last October, Chelsea AkeSalvacion, 24, died in a cryosauna in Las Vegas after entering a machine after business hours, getting locked inside and suffocating from the machine’s liquid nitrogen forcing the oxygen out of the air. O’Connor said her business administers strict protocol to ensure a similar accident does not occur, including using a brand of machine that does not lock. The machine’s door can be pushed open from the inside, and when open, all gasses stop flowing. O’Connor also stressed that nobody is allowed in the cryosauna alone, and that she always monitors her clients’ blood pressure before they enter the machine. Paul Okura, president of the Eastchester-Tuckahoe Chamber of Commerce, attended the June grand opening and entered the cryosauna for a three-minute session. He said he felt refreshed afterward. “Even after you get out of this device you feel rejuvenated for the entire day,” Okura said.

O’Connor said although most of her clients are not from the Eastchester area, she felt the town was the best location for this type of service because of its central location. Most of her clientele have traveled two hours for a session at Nordic Cryotherapy, as the two closest facilities are Elite Total Body Cryotherapy in Wayne, New Jersey, and KryoLife near Central Park in Manhattan. Although owners of cryotherapy facilities do not have to be licensed medical professionals, O’Connor, a registered nurse who has a doctorate in nursing practice, said it is helpful to have a medical background. “There is a medical component to it,” she said. “Your blood pressure does rise when you’re in there.” She explained that during the treatment, blood rushes from clients’ extremities to their most vital organs: the heart, lungs and brain. When the session ends, hyper-oxygenated blood rushes back to the extremities with better circulation. To enhance this effect, O’Connor recommends that clients use the facility’s stationary bike or treadmill for a few minutes to rewarm the body. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

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Kayaking open on Silver Lake in Liberty Park By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer The city of White Plains is now allowing kayakers to launch from the docks of Liberty Park on Silver Lake. “We looked at the waterfront as the only waterfront park in White Plains,” said Wayne Bass, commissioner of White Plains Recreation and Parks Department, “and we thought, ‘What else could bring more excitement to the park?’” Residents and visitors of White Plains are equally welcome to kayak on the lake— which is on the border of West Harrison and White Plains— after purchasing a permit from the White Plains parks department. Permits cost $10 for a one-day pass or $50 for the entire season, which lasts from May 15 through Oct. 31. But you don’t have to be an experienced paddler to travel on the lake. White Plains has contracted Mountain Valley Guides, a kayak tour and rental company that

offers trips along the Hudson Valley in Hastings-on-Hudson and Cornwall, and is scheduled to provide lessons and rental services at Liberty Park on select weekends until July 17, although Bill Garrison, owner of Mountain Valley Guides, said he may look to extend rental and lessons services. Garrison said interested participants should refer to the website to see if the schedule has been extended. Garrison said Silver Lake is an easier body of water to learn to kayak on than the Hudson River because it’s calmer. “The people who’ve done it have really liked it,” he said. “It’s been great for people who’ve said that they have always wanted to try kayaking but they were too afraid to try it on the Hudson River.” Ninety-minute kayak lessons are available to everyone age 8 or older and are available in different varieties: families can take lessons together, or students can learn in individual child or adult groups. Rentals are also available at 90-minute intervals.

Lessons and rentals each cost $25. Those interested in renting kayaks or taking lessons can register on mountainvalleyguide. com. Garrison said that if his company is invited to operate at Silver Lake again next year, he hopes they will have a more consistent schedule to make planning easier for kayakers. Registered kayakers who have their own equipment can launch between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays; weekend hours start at 8 a.m. The White Plains park rules restrict children younger than 17 from kayaking without an accompanying adult. Bass said participants can use open-top or closed-top kayaks, but no other watercrafts are permitted. The rules also stress that kayaks must be brought into and out of the park mounted on a vehicle. Trailers cannot be used, nor can crafts be stored on city property. Currently, there is a 20-kayak maximum limit on the lake. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

Party on the Pier to be held at Playland The Westchester Parks Foundation, formerly known as Friends of Westchester County Parks, has announced that it will host an evening “Summer Party on the Pier” fundraising event on Friday, July 15 at 7 p.m. at Rye Playland. This event comes after the 40-year-old organization changed its name earlier last month to better reflect its mission and reach a wider audience. According to Joanne Fernandez, board chairperson for the Westchester Parks Foundation, the summer gathering is a way for the organization to greet the community and enjoy the summer season. “We are thrilled to host this new summer celebration at one of Westchester’s County’s most iconic parks,” Fernandez said. “We want to bring back amazing memories at Playland and invite everyone to come experience the park while supporting an organization that helps preserve the more than 18,000 acres of parkland throughout the county.” With admission, guests will

Rye Playland

receive wristbands to enjoy all of the rides at the amusement park, as well as food and an open bar at Playland’s Tiki Bar with live music, followed by fireworks. The event will be on July 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Playland Park, located at 1 Playland Parkway in

Rye. Live music will begin at 8 p.m. and fireworks will start at 9 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and all proceeds will go to the Westchester Parks Foundation. For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, visit theWPF.org or call 231-4600. (Submitted)

Liberty Park is now a launch point for kayaks, as the city of White Plains is allowing residents and non-residents to board kayaks on Silver Lake from the docks in the park until Oct. 31. Photo courtesy Facebook.com

8 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • July 8, 2016

Westchester scrambles to reach housing threshold By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer A vote by some Democrats on the Westchester County Board of Legislators which blocked funding for affordable housing has left county administration officials struggling to find a Plan B. The county anticipated reaching the number of required affordable housing units six months ahead of schedule, but Westchester lawmakers, in a 9-5 vote last month, failed to pass spending funds on 10 affordable housing units in the Cambium development located in the village of Larchmont. Now, the county must find an alternate site to construct additional affordable housing in an effort to comply with the stipulations of a 2009 settlement. The county is mandated to fund 750 units of affordable housing in 31 municipalities by Dec. 31, 2016. And, to date, county officials have been unable to provide specifics as to its next course of action. There are currently 54 affordable housing units in the pipeline pending approval by the Westchester County Planning Department, according to Ned McCormack, communications director for County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican. But McCormack did not specify where the

developments would be located, noting that Yorktown, Lewisboro, Lincolndale and Cortlandt were all being considered. “If the county fails to meet its 750-unit obligation at the end of the year, responsibility for the fines of up to $60,000 a month will be on these legislators who said ‘no’ to affordable housing,” McCormack said. Funding for the Larchmont development, located at 10 Byron Place in the town of Mamaroneck, required a supermajority of 12 votes to approve a $3 million purchase of those 10 affordable housing units. “It was a disappointing vote,” said county Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat. “These units probably would have counted, but unfortunately we will now have to look elsewhere.” But according to county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, all 17 legislators received written communication from the court-appointed housing monitor’s office on the same day as the vote to acknowledge that the units the county desired to purchase would not count, ultimately because the town of Mamaroneck had previously created these 10 units of affordable housing prior to the settlement. “For any legislator who had bothered to ask Carolyn Stevens,

community liaison who works with Jim Johnson, the monitor, they would have heard significant doubt that the units would be counted,” Parker said. According to the housing settlement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, the county Board of Legislators is not permitted to fund more than 25 percent of the total number of 750 affordable housing units through the acquisition of pre-existing housing units. But McCormack even questioned whether or not the county had reached that threshold for pre-existing units. “The argument that we’ve reached that cap is completely erroneous,” McCormack said. “Even with the approval of these 10 units, the county would still have been 77 units below the cap.” In May, the county found itself in hot water regarding the Conifer project, which is a 28-unit development located at the Chappaqua station in New Castle. Had the federal court not overruled the monitor, Westchester County would have faced $60,000 a month in fines and a potential penalty of having to fund additional affordable housing units for not reaching its benchmark.

Veteran honor flights and U.S. passports HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont

I hope you all had a safe and happy holiday weekend. When it comes to summer in Harrison, the annual Fourth of July celebration is certainly one of the season’s biggest highlights. Hundreds of spectators gathered in downtown Harrison to watch this time-honored tradition. The stunning fireworks display lit up the sky, inspiring a deep sense of hometown pride and national patriotism. Thank you to all who generously supported this wonderful event. I would like to take this time to recognize Harrison High School alumnus Austin Pollack. Austin was recently voted AllAmerican by the National Junior College Athletic Association, second team, following a recordsetting year in baseball at Westchester Community College. Last season, Austin was WCC’s starting center fielder, batting .460 (seventh in the U.S.) with an on-base percentage of .571 (second in the U.S.). He received

his associate degree and will continue to play ball for Hofstra University in the fall. Congratulations to Austin for this very impressive achievement. Getting a U.S. passport just became easier. On Monday, July 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Ma Riis Park, Westchester County Clerk Timothy Idoni’s community outreach staff will be on hand to take photos and process passport applications. The fee for an adult passport is $110. The fee for a child’s passport is $88. Fees can be paid by money order or by check. There is an additional $25 service fee that can also be paid by money order or check. For additional questions, please call the County Clerk’s Office at 995-3082 or visit westchesterclerk.com. Hudson Valley Honor Flight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which honors American veterans for all they have sacrificed for our country. The organization transports these heroes to Washington, District of Columbia, to visit memorials at no cost to them. Dates for the fall flights have recently been released and they are looking for World War II veterans. Mission

No. 1,000 will leave Stewart International Airport on Sept. 10 and Mission No. 14 will leave Westchester County Airport on Oct. 29. If you know a World War II veteran who has not participated in the honor flight, please call 845-391-0076. Recently, my office has been notified by Con Ed’s Office of Government Relations. As summer temperatures are on the rise, Con Ed has provided the following energy and cost saving tips: turn off air conditioners, lights and other appliances when not at home; keep air conditioner filters clean; close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out; set units to 72 degrees and use fans when possible. For additional information, visit coned.com. The next Lunch with the Mayor is on Friday, July 8 and I will be at Delfino’s, located at 60 Halstead Ave. in downtown Harrison. On Friday, July 15, I will be at Tredici North, located at 578 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase. I will be at these locations from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.

CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

Skip is a very happy and energetic dog. He and some other fellow Pet Rescue residents are best buds. Since we are working on his excitable behavior, we recommend no children and someone who will follow through with his training. He especially loves long walks or hikes and would thrive with another dog as a companion. The best person for Skip would be a patient individual who could teach him that humans are all good and caring. Skip is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, heartwormtested and microchipped. Why not donate $300 to Larchmont Pet Rescue and make Skip part of your home? To learn more, call 834-6955 or visit NYPetRescue.org. (Submitted)

July 8, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 9

Astorino pushes to remove Playland pool P U B LI S H ES

Mamaroneck THE

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CityREVIEW T Harrison NewRochelle REVIEW THE

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By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Support for costly renovations to Rye Playland’s historic swimming pool may be running dry after a proposed capital project from Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino’s Republican administration looks to remove the site completely. On Monday, June 20, a proposed $2.7 million bond act to remove and fill the park’s pool was sent to lawmakers by Astorino. The bond act was then referred to the committees on Budget and Appropriations, Labor, Parks, Planning and Housing and Infrastructure, where it will be reviewed by various members of the county Board of Legislators. The murky future of the pool is the latest development at the county-owned amusement park, and comes after years of negotiations between the county and various private entities interested in taking over operations there. In March, the management company Standard Amusements finalized a 30-year agreement with the county. According to the terms of the agreement—which also committed the county to $32 million in capital projects—the county is required to make a decision on the pool’s fate by July 31 or Standard may contractually exit the agreement. A Standard representative

declined to answer whether or not the company would invoke that clause if the bond is stalled. Additionally, if the bond fails to pass and Standard chooses to exit the agreement with the county, the management company would be fully refunded for its $1.5 million initial payment to the county. If passed, the bond act would authorize Standard to repurpose the covered space formerly occupied by the pool however it sees fit. According to Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat, while legislators proposed a compromised option that would provide repairs to the pool and keep it running in the interim, Nicholas Singer, cofounder of Standard Amusements, has shown little interest in that option. A spokesperson for Standard Amusements told the Review if the pool is filled—an outcome preferred by Standard—the new layout would include what the company envisions as an “open veranda” with light refreshments. According to county Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-on-Hudson Democrat, it’s too early to know exactly how the board will vote on the issue. “At this point, we need more specific information on the exact current condition of the pool and what the repair

costs would be before we make a properly considered judgment,” she said. According to a 2003 report by the Westchester County parks department, the pool was hemorrhaging up to 35,000 gallons of water per day at one point, which has led to other peripheral structural damage and the need for costly repairs. Former cost estimates for refurbishing the pool, according to projections, total approximately $8 million to $10 million. On the local level, according to Rye City Councilwoman Emily Hurd, a Democrat, sentiments on the proposal are clear. “I’ve been in touch with neighbors over there that are concerned with what’s going to happen,” she said. According to Hurd, preliminary renderings from Standard showed what appeared to be a cafeteria or dining area; a proposal which she and other area residents are concerned may disturb the peace. “The raucous bar environment would be way closer to Rye neighborhoods,” she said. Although Hurd attempted to rally other members of the Rye City Council to draft a resolution that showed support for renovating the pool, she said tepid response from her colleagues derailed the initiative before it had a chance to come to fruition. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

Eastchester REVIEW THE

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A new bond act introduced to the Westchester County Board of Legislators would pay for the removal of the pool at Playland in favor of what Standard Amusements envisions as an open veranda. File photo

INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY

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10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • July 8, 2016

July 8, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11

The other July holidays RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

Feeling a little down because the big July holiday is already behind us, with nothing to show for it but leftover red, white and blue frosted cupcakes? (Isn’t blue frosting repulsive? And isn’t that why the cupcakes are left over?) Take heart, die-hard celebrants. It turns out July is chock full of holidays that you just may not be aware of. Here are a few I found by doing arduous summer research (going online, looking up “Weird Holidays, July,” with an ice coffee at my side and endless mocha-chip ice cream in the freezer): July 6 was National Kissing Day. This holiday was first celebrated in the United Kingdom, which seems to have ceased kissing Europe just a few weeks ago to disastrous effect. Better to kiss than not to kiss. July 6 was also National Fried Chicken Day, which seems like a terrible day to coincide with Kissing Day. And this year, July 6 was also Eid al-Fitr. That’s the feast celebrating the end of Ramadan, the month-long holiday when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. If I’d been celebrating Ramadan and was suddenly free to eat all day long, no fried chicken would be safe to cross the road. And I’d kiss the cook. In other good food news, July 9 is National Sugar Cookie Day. You can probably guess how people are encouraged to celebrate, no doubt by the National Sugar Cookie Association. But here’s a fact you might not

know: Sugar cookies were first brought to America by German settlers—the same folks who gave us the Christmas tree. Maybe they got sick of waiting till December for us to give them a shout-out. What’s more, as comedian Gary Gulman has noted: ALL cookies are sugar cookies. “A cookie without sugar is a cracker.” July 11 is Cheer Up the Lonely Day. So go tell them that Gary Gulman joke. July 14 is France’s Fourth of July, as it were. It’s Bastille Day, commemorating the day in 1789 when common folks stormed the Bastille to free the political prisoners. As it turned out, on that particular day, there were actually only seven prisoners being held. Meanwhile, more than 200 people died liberating them. These are the kind of grim ironies you probably don’t see in kids’ coloring books about the holiday. So for a less conflicted fete, maybe you’d be better off celebrating the other July 14 holiday: National Nude Day. Although that day, too, is not without issues. For most of us, this would be an awkward holiday to celebrate at work. But for those with a guitar, a cowboy hat and a high tolerance for Times Square tourists, it’s just another day at the office. Next up? The third Sunday in July is designated National Ice Cream Day—a holiday first officially recognized by President Ronald Regan—and this year, it falls on July 17. Plenty of ice cream stores give out free cones, or free-with-some-caveat cones, like you have to buy one to get one free. Frankly, if you have

a home freezer and any sort of spoon, just get a gallon of cheap ice cream for the cost of a single cone and invite friends over! (Unless somehow the ice cream has sort of... disappeared while you were writing a column about holidays.) Never mind! By July 18, we are at National Caviar Day. Please make sure you have finished your National Ice Cream Day celebrations before commencing this one. You will thank me later. So will anyone sharing your bathroom. According to everyone’s favorite news source, NationalCaviarDay.com, caviar was once so cheap and plentiful in America, it was sometimes served for free at bars, like peanuts. Slimy, fishy peanuts. What could be less savory than National Caviar Day, except Rat-Catcher’s Day on July 22! Celebrate it in the subway. No, really, you’ll love what Wikipedia says about this day, which was inspired by the Pied Piper leading the rats out of Hamelin: “It is a holiday remembering ratcatchers, similar to Secretary’s Day.” Maybe don’t say that to your secretary. July 27 is Take Your Plants for a Walk Day—self-explanatory. And then come three days you don’t want to miss: July 28 is Milk Chocolate Day; the 29th is Lasagna Day; and then the 30th is Cheesecake Day. Cynics may assume that the dairy industry just churns out (ha ha) holiday after holiday, but in truth, sometimes it takes a national celebration for us to pause and reflect upon our history, our country, our freedom, and our rat-catchers. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Class of 2016 first to graduate with CPR skills

A soon-to-be graduate of Arlington High School in Dutchess County, New York, practices hands-only CPR. New York state classes of 2016 are the first to graduate with CPR skills due to the CPR in Schools Law, which went into effect this year. Photo courtesy American Heart Association

High school seniors all across New York state donned their caps and gowns, adjusted their tassels to the fore, and snapped smiling selfies with family and friends. After marching down the aisle to receive their diplomas, they’ll march off into the world well prepared, a new generation of college students, workers, leaders—and lifesavers. This year’s Class of 2016 is the first high school student class in New York state to have received hands-only CPR training as a result of the CPR in Schools Law, which went into effect this school year. The American Heart Association’s, AHA, You’re the Cure grassroots volunteers helped make New York the 26th out of 34 states in the U.S. to pass this lifesaving legislation. On June 19, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed Senate Bill 711, making Missouri the 34th state to add CPR training to its high school curriculum. Now, including Missouri, more than 2 million students will be trained every year, including more than 190,000 high school graduates here in New York state. “Think about next year and every year after, how many more students will learn this lifesaving skill, which is imperative to save a life from sudden cardiac arrest—when the heart rhythm suddenly stops or becomes irregular, causing death within minutes. Over the years, the impact on survival from this leading cause of death in our community will be dramatic,” said

Brendan Lyons, Hudson Valley AHA board member and superintendent of Arlington Central School District. “When you think about all the things a student can learn throughout their education, CPR skills are certainly one of the most important—and one of the easiest to learn. It’s a skill that will stay with them wherever they go. If an emergency arises, they’ll have the knowledge and skills to help save a life,” he added. “Thanks to all the volunteer advocates who, for over 15 years, committed time and effort, making phone calls, sending emails, and visiting Albany for Lobby Day events to help pass this law. Thanks to the legislators for their leadership. Thanks to all the school leaders who provided resources to make this education possible. And thanks to the teachers who taught and to the students who learned hands-only CPR,” said Bob Elling, chair of the AHA’s New York state advocacy committee. “They started with ABC’s and finished with CPR. Three little letters can make all the difference. Congratulations, Class of 2016.” Why learn CPR? Cardiac arrest—an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and disrupts the flow of blood to the brain, lungs and other organs— is a leading cause of death. Each year, more than 350,000 out-ofhospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States.

When a person goes into cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby. Almost 90 percent of people who suffer outof-hospital cardiac arrests die. CPR, especially if performed in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. There are two simple steps to hands-only CPR: If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive.” CPR can more than double a person’s chances of survival, and “Stayin’ Alive” has the right beat for hands-only CPR, 100 beats per minute. Learn more about hands-only CPR at handsonlycpr.org. To join the AHA’s You’re the Cure volunteer grassroots network, register online at yourethecure. org. The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke— America’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers. AHA teams up with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHAUSA1, visit heart.org or call any of its offices around the country. (Submitted)

12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • July 8, 2016

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Building a villain gue, is threatening to upset the competitive balance of the NBA LIVE MIKE landscape. Mike Smith And I love it. Sports are always more fun On July 4, the sporting world with a villain. Whether it’s the woke to some blockbuster news; Dallas Cowboys or the New York Kevin Durant, one of the five Yankees (back when the Yankees best basketball players on the were relevant and good), having planet, was leaving the Okla- that one team that is willing to homa City Thunder and joining embrace the dark side—either forces with the Golden State by overpaying free agents, carWarriors to help bring about the rying itself an entitled, arrogant downfall of the NBA and spit on air, or both—just makes for a the legacy of Bill Russell. great spectacle. Or so the “hot takes” would Did Golden State really have you believe. do anything wrong here? All Look, I understand why this they’ve done is create a fun, move is freaking people out. player-positive environment that You’re taking the most highly is enticing stars like Durant (and sought-after free agent and put- retired sharpshooter Ray Allen, ting him on a team that is com- if rumors are to be believed) to ing off a season in which they put their egos aside to become a set the NBA’s all-time mark for piece of a winning puzzle. regular season victories. More That just sounds like great than that, Durant’s old team, the management to me! Thunder, has been the Warriors’ And as for Durant, who is bechief competition in the West for ing lambasted in the press and the last few years. on social media for “taking the This move, people would ar- easy way out,” instead of stick-

SPORTS

ing with the Thunder and doing his best to battle against this basketball juggernaut, I fail to see what he did wrong. He was a free agent, and made a professional decision to leave the team that drafted him. The horror! I’d feel bad for Oklahoma City’s management if they didn’t, you know, pull up stakes and leave Seattle in 2008. But yeah, I guess it’s Durant who needs a lesson in loyalty. I, for one, can’t wait to see what this Warriors’ team looks like next year. They were already an historically explosive offensive team. In Durant, they’ve added a near-7-foot scoring savant who is known as much for his ability to put the ball in the hoop as his ability to put the ball in the hands of his teammates. This could be an absolutely wild ride. Does that mean I’m going to root for the Dubs, however? Not a chance. I’m going to be pulling for the “little guys” to blow up the Death Star every single game.

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

July 8, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13

The Golden State Warriors recently added 2014 MVP Kevin Durant to a team coming off of a 73-win regular season and an appearance in the NBA Finals. While others are clutching their pearls about the move, Sports Editor Mike Smith think’s is a great day for the NBA. Photo courtesy Warriors.com

I don’t begrudge the Warriors, I don’t begrudge Durant’s decision; but like it or not, the

Warriors are now the villains. And I’m ready for the rest of the league to take aim.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

14 • THE THE HARRISON REVIEW • July 8, 2016

SPORTS

A solid year for the Huskies By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor As the calendar turns to July and the dog days of summer approach, it has given me a little bit of time to look back and reflect on the 2015-2016 athletic year. And my, what a year it was. I’ve been doing this job a long time now, and you sort of lose the ability to be surprised after a while. I’ve seen massive turnarounds, state and section titles, great individual achievements, and they all seem to mesh together. But this year, something felt different. More than anything, following our local teams was plain old fun. I think I first realized something special was going on early into the winter sports season. I knew coming into December that both Harrison girls’ and boys’ basketball teams would be primed for great seasons, with talented players like Jack Hochman, Zach Evans and Avery Labarbera taking the court. But what stood out, as the season went on, was just how hard both teams had to work, given the comparative strength of their in-league rivals. Each contest against Pelham, Eastchester and Rye turned into a knockdown drag-out fight— the good kind—that made for prime theater. And that sort of drama only ratcheted up once the playoffs rolled around. Unfortunately, the Huskies’ girls drew a familiar first-round foe in Eastchester, which Harrison topped twice during the year, but the third time proved a charm for the Eagles, who topped their hosts 53-51 when a potential buzzer-beater from Harrison’s Gia Mancini clanged off the backboard to send the Eagles to the second round. It was a tough break for the Huskies, but easily the best game of the year I saw— at least so far. A few days later, not to be outdone, the boys’ team traveled up to Tappan Zee for their second round playoff game, and fell in a heartbreaker to the Dutchmen, 43-42. In my eight years with the company, that may have been the most raucous non-County Center

basketball crowd I’ve seen. But the basketball teams weren’t the only ones heating things up during the winter. Rye Town/Harrison’s hockey team, which has made great strides over the last few years, once again skated to the Section I final game. Although they fell short in their bid to bring home a title, the turnaround has been fun to watch—and with just three seniors on the roster, they should be in the conversation again next year. And then spring season followed suit. Harrison’s baseball team, led by senior aces Steve Pesce and Dean McCarthy, fought through slow starts and a gru-

eling league schedule that included the previous two section champs in Byram Hills and Rye, and made it further than any of them in the postseason, reaching the Class A semifinals. The Huskies’ softballers also featured talented underclassmen hurlers in Sydney Braiotta and Tamara Day, but unlike Pesce and McCarthy, those two will be in the mix for the next two to three years. So yeah, it’s a pretty good time to root for Harrison. And with the 2016 fall season set to start on Aug. 15, I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Huskies. CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

A Harrison lacrosse player blows past a Mamaroneck defender.

Rye Town/Harrison’s Joey Livornese makes a save in the playoffs. The Titans’ hockey season ended just shy of a Section I crown.

Harrison’s field hockey team competes in a first-round playoff matchup in November. File photos

SPORTS

July 8, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15

Eastchester and Harrison compete against each other on the pitch last fall. File photos

Dean McCarthy throws a pitch during the second annual Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Game against Rye.

Harrison’s boys try to keep Eastchester’s Benny DiMirco out of the paint.

Avery LaBarbera brings the ball up the floor against Eastchester.

16 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • July 8, 2016