Harrison REVIEW THE
August 5, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 32 | www.harrisonreview.com
Opt-out proposal could punish school districts By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
The First Lady? Hillary Clinton accepted the nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, July 28, becoming the first female ever to be nominated for president by a major political party. For more, see page 6. Photo courtesy Twitter
Police plan to outfit entire department with Tasers By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer The Harrison Police Department is working to arm each of its 64 officers with Tasers, according to the police chief. Police Chief Anthony Marraccini said the device can help reduce the use of physical force and firearms by adding a non-lethal tool that can be used from both long and short ranges. During the July 21 town board meeting, Harrison officials approved an order for 16 Tasers, costing a total of $25,554, or nearly $1,600 each. The order includes 100 shock cartridges rated for 25 feet and 50 Taser targets. “It’s basically an added lay-
er of force which most departments don’t have,” Marraccini said. In the same meeting, the board approved a $500,000 bond resolution for the 2016 police capital budget, which had already been OK’d by the board. The Taser order amounts to about 5 percent of that budget. Taser is a brand of electroshock weapons or stun guns used by police to subdue a suspect. The device fires two nodes that hook into the skin and are attached to a battery via wires, potentially delivering up to 50,000 volts of electricity. A 2009 Police Executive Research Forum study said that officer injuries drop by 76 percent when a Taser is used.
“This is a device that protects not only the officer but also the suspect,” Marraccini said, explaining that when dealing with an aggressive suspect, police can use Tasers to subdue them without having to draw their baton or pistol. The chief said that currently, enough Tasers are distributed among the officers so each squad is equipped with at least one device, prioritizing possession to officers specialized in using them. The city of New Rochelle Police Department, which serves a population of roughly 80,000––more than double the population of Harrison––also tries to ensure that each of its 157 officers are protected by Tasers. Lt. Edward Hayes said
the department has at least one device per squad car at all times. In the neighboring city of Rye, which has a population of about 16,000 and employs 33 officers, not all police are equipped with Tasers. Police Commissioner Michael Corcoran said this would be an unreasonable cost for the department. According to a survey of FBI statistics compiled by Protection1 Security Systems, which measured violent crimes and property crimes, Harrison was ranked No. 44 among the 50 safest communities in the country. Rye ranked 19 in the same study. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
A proposed federal education regulation, which would strip Title I funding for public schools with excessive opt-out rates of standardized testing, has ignited opposition from parents, lawmakers and education professionals in Westchester County. Following an Aug. 1 deadline for public comments, the U.S. Department of Education began a final approval process to amend the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, ESSA, which was passed by Congress in December 2015. The Department of Education’s proposal to amend ESSA would label most Westchester public schools as “in need of improvement” and would cut federal funding for any school where 5 percent of students or more opt out of Common Core testing. The controversial Common Core State Standards Initiative, which highlights what students should know in English language arts and mathematics at the end of each grade from kindergarten through 12th grade, is currently authorized in New York state until 2022. “I find the regulations troubling,” said Dr. Brian Monahan, the interim superintendent of the Rye City School District. “Parents made individual decisions based on what was right for their children.” Despite the lack of notice for public comment, however, the Rye City School District will not directly get involved with the proposed legislation, according to Monahan, but will
keep a close watch on it. The federal act was drafted by U.S. Secretary of Education John King, the former New York state education commissioner, following the repeal of the No Child Left Behind Act on Dec. 10, 2015. The No Child Left Behind Act previously required all public schools receiving Title I funding to administer statewide standardized testing with the stipulation that students make “adequate yearly progress.” For example, each year’s fifth graders must score better than the previous year’s fifth graders, or the federal government would step in and set mandatory improvement plans. Parents and local school administrators have panned the Common Core testing, arguing that it takes the learning out of the classroom by setting unrealistic educational guidelines for success due to the high rate of failure on standardized tests. Linda Banta, a Larchmont resident with two children in public schools who joined a rally against the regulation on July 29 held by state Senate candidate Julie Killian and congressional candidate Phil Oliva, both Republicans, said, “It’s alarming that the federal government announced something in the middle of summer that could so adversely affect our schools and economy.” If the proposal is approved, Killian, a member of the Rye City Council, said that Westchester residents would ultimately be punished for exercising their right to withhold their SCHOOL continued on page 8
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2 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 5, 2016
August 5, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 3
Legislator: Standard breached contract By JAMES PERO Staff Writer According to one Westchester County lawmaker, less than three months into a 30-year deal transferring control of countyowned Rye Playland to management company Standard Amusements, the private group has already breached contract, failing to make its first payment to the county. “[Standard] missed their first contractual payment,” said county Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat. “We’re just giving away too much control.” According to Jenkins, who opposed the contract that turned control of the amusement park over to Standard, the company’s first payment of $1.75 million—$250,000 of which was already paid to the county upon the contract’s approval in March— was due on June 15. Specifically why the rest of the payment wasn’t made, Jenkins said, is still unbeknownst to him and his fellow lawmakers. “There has been no information as to why they did not make
the payment,” Jenkins said. “It’s possible that they didn’t know what we were going to do with [Playland’s] pool.” On July 21—more than a month after the initial payment was due—a letter from Deputy County Executive Kevin Plunkett to Standard granted the company an extension for its first payment until Sept. 30; a date that coincides with the county Board of Legislators’ revised deadline for deciding the fate of the Playland pool, a decision that was initially supposed to be finalized by July 31. Matt Richter, communications director for the board, who described Jenkins’ characterization of a “missed payment” as inaccurate, said that negotiations about the pool have played a central role in the decision to grant Standard an extension. “[Standard] was worried about the fate of the pool,” Richter said, adding that both parties had maintained communication over the issue prior to the June 15 payment deadline. “There was never any discrepancy; never an expectation that wasn’t met.”
Richter said that both parties agreed that if a payment extension was imminent, wiring the $1.5 million to the county wouldn’t be necessary. Currently, the future of Playland’s pool is under scrutiny by the Board of Legislators, which will consider several bond acts to either renovate the pool—which continues to leak significant amounts of water daily—or to remove it completely. According to Board of Legislators Chairman Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat who spoke about the pool last month during a committee meeting, Standard has little interest in keeping the pool. But for county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, the pool’s removal is a deal breaker for her. “If that was [Standard’s] intention to demolish the pool, the Board of Legislators should have been told that upfront,” Parker said. “A decision like that could’ve cost support for the agreement.” Currently, according to a Standard Amusements representative, the company envisions the site of
An agreement transferring control of Rye Playland struck between Westchester County and Standard Amusements in March is facing some scrutiny after the management company was granted an extension of its first significant payment to the county. The reason for the extension, according to county officials, is a looming decison over the fate of the Playland pool, pictured. Photo/Chris Courtney
the pool as a spot for “light refreshments” and an “open veranda.” A contract between Standard and the county, however, leaves the future of the site open to interpretation by the company. Projections put the cost of filling and removing the pool at approximately $2.7 million, while
estimates to rehabilitate the pool have come in at $9.5 million, according to a recent county Labor, Parks, Planning and Housing Committee meeting. Now, the Board of Legislators will have approximately 60 days to come to a decision over what it wants to do with Playland’s ail-
ing pool, otherwise Standard has the option to exit the agreement as per the contract. Representatives for Standard Amusements could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
4 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 5, 2016
What’s going on... Harrison Public Library
Visit harrisonpl.org for more information on programs and summer hours at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building and the West Harrison branch.
One-on-one technology help
Chloe’s Sign & Play On Fridays from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Give your child the gift of language. This is a fun class where families can learn to communicate with their preverbal 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.
West Harrison branch temporary closing
The library will be helping patrons with their phone, tablet or laptop on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. People are encouraged to bring their devices during this drop-in help session. 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.
Starting Aug. 15, the West Harrison branch will be temporarily closed for carpet replacement and other repairs, to be done by the end of September. A reopening date will be announced when possible. The book drop will remain open for return of library items until Aug. 15. After that date, all books must be returned to other Westchester Library System locations. Holds will be available for pickup at the Halperin building.
Citizenship and English classes
Neuberger Museum of Art
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 11 a.m. to 11:30 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.
The Feeley Fund Make the Difference The Eugene J. Feeley Harrison High School Student Aid Fund Inc. has awarded grants to four Harrison High School 2016 graduates. The Faculty Selection Committee chooses students who are accepted at accredited colleges and are financially eligible. Lola Geiger, executive director of the Feeley Fund who was ably assisted by Mary Riguzzi, thanks all Harrison residents, parents and faculty for providing the financial assistance for these worthy young people. Contributions may be sent to The Feeley Fund, Harrison High School, 255 Union Ave., Harrison, NY 10528. The Class of 2017 may obtain information about the Feeley Fund from the Guidance Department of the Harrison High School.
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
‘Destination: Latin America’ The Neuberger Museum of Art will be exhibiting “Destination: Latin America,” an showcasing that highlights the museum’s collection of Latin American art and discusses the key historical and artistic movements that influenced art. The exhibition will run until Jan. 22, 2017. The museum is located at 735 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase, and is open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m. Admission is $5 for the general public, $3 for seniors and free for museum members, children under 12 years old and Purchase College students, faculty and staff. For more information about the exhibition or the museum, call 251-6100 or visit neuberger.org.
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.
The Harrison Players Open auditions for comedy The Harrison Players Community Theatre Group presents open auditions for “The Women,” a 1930s comedy written by Clare Boothe Luce. It will be directed by Anthony J. Valbiro. The dates and times for the auditions will be Thursday, Sept. 8 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The location will be The Veterans’ Memorial Building, 210 Halstead Ave. in Harrison. Performances will take place on Friday, Oct. 21, Saturday, Oct. 22 and Sunday, Oct. 23. For the character breakdowns and more information, visit harrisonplayers.org. If you have any questions, call 630-1089 or email harrisonplayers@yahoo.com.
Manhattanville College School of Business open house On Wednesday, Aug. 17 from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Manhattanville College, 2900 Purchase St. in Purchase. The School of Business open house is a great opportunity to learn about the college’s graduate, adult undergraduate degree and professional programs. Meet with faculty, staff and hear first-hand about the unique offerings from a student panel. Receive an application fee waiver worth $75. Get to know the vibrant and career-focused School of Business community. Some of the programs that will be represented are: graduate business degrees; APPEAL adult B.S. accelerated degrees; APPEAL dual bachelor’s/master’s degrees;
post-baccalaureate pre-health; and nonprofit management certificate. For more information, call the School of Business at 323-5150, email business@mville.edu or visit mville.edu/academics/school-business.
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 All concerts start at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, Aug. 10, the Day Camp Show will perform at Ma Riis Park in downtown Harrison. On Thursday, Aug. 11, the Day Camp Show will perform again at the West Harrison Village Green, followed by Frank Trapani and a guest performing party tunes. Call the Harrison Recreation hotline at 670-3039 for more information.
Swim Camp Come and enjoy a fun-filled week of aquatics. Your child will have instructions, including stroke development, water safety skills, water games, aquatic-related art projects and free swim. This program is for children in grades one through three. The camp will run from Monday, Aug. 15 through Friday, Aug. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ron Belmont Pool Complex. Fee: $150 made payable to the Town/Village of Harrison.
Mad Science This activity features fun experiments, games, and activities at the Leo Mintzer Center. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday for kids entering grades K–4 this September. There are two separate camps: Aug. 15 through Aug. 19 will be “Bugs, Birds & Beasts. Aug. 29 through Sept. 2 will be “Red Hot Robots.” To register, visit westchester.madscience.org or call toll free at 888-MADD-SCI (6233-724).
Basketball Camp Instruction in ball handling, shooting, dribbling and passing, with demonstrations on how to make yourself a better basketball player. For boys and girls in grades three through eight. From Monday through Friday, on Aug. 22 to Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fee: $220 made payable to the Town/ Village of Harrison. Call the Harrison Recreation hotline at 670-3039 for more information.
Engineering using LEGO There are morning sessions from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 5 to 7, and afternoon sessions from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 8 to 11. From Monday through Friday, on Aug. 22 to Aug, 26 at the Leo Mintzer Center and Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 at the Sollazzo Center. For more information and to register, visit play-well.org. 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.
August 5, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 5
Local firefighter to compete on Food Network By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer One Harrison firefighter may extinguish heat for a living, but he will soon be bringing it to the kitchen for a national audience. Professional firefighter A.J. Fusco will appear on the Food Network’s reality-based cooking television show “Guy’s Grocery Games” on Aug. 14 to compete against three other home cooks in a three-round elimination contest for a chance to win a $20,000 shopping spree. “You can’t put the feeling into words,” said Fusco, a lifelong resident of Harrison. “I’m excited to represent the Harrison [community] and Westchester County.” Guy Fieri’s “Guy’s Grocery Games,” which first aired in October 2013, features a number of culinary-themed challenges— such as preparing meals only using frozen food items or using ingredients only cartable in one trip—and is judged by a rotating panel of celebrity judges. Fieri, an American restaurateur, owns six restaurants in California and is widely known for his outgoing personality and other television series on the Food Network, including “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and “Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off.” Fusco, 33, said he believed the call from the game show’s representatives was a prank at first, as individuals do not often get the opportunity to appear on national television. A.J.’s father Art said, “It’s terrific as a parent to see your child do something this indescribable. If you give him a task, he’ll do it to the end.” While serving food for the Harrison Fire Department over the past 11 years, Fusco has built a reputation for being one of the most passionate culinary enthusiasts in the firehouse community by creating a healthyeating style website, ForkandHoseCo.com. The website, which Fusco started four years ago to share his recipes with family and friends,
A.J. Fusco, a Harrison firefighter, will compete on the Food Network’s popular television show, “Guy’s Grocery Games,” hosted by Guy Fieri, airing on Aug. 14. Photo courtesy ForkandHoseCO.com
emerged through social media and has reached firehouse communities both nationwide and on a global scale. “[Cooking] is part of the firehouse culture,” Fusco said. “Firefighters would rather have a home-cooked meal than order out.” He stressed the importance of a healthy-eating lifestyle, citing cardiac-related issues among firefighters as the primary reason for his cooking style. For example, instead of serving traditional french fries, Fusco often prepares sweet potato fries as a healthier option. “We try to focus on healthy eating as much as we can,” he told the Review. Fusco, however, is not the only New York firefighter to recently appear on a reality-based cooking television show. New York City native Eric Howard, a midtown Manhattan firefighter, is currently competing on Fox’s “MasterChef.” According to Fusco, the two
are actually friends and have shared recipes on multiple occasions. “Being a firefighter is a brotherhood,” he said of his friendship with Howard. “[Fusco is] an asset to the firehouse in every way possible,” Harrison fire Chief John Masciola said. “It’s great for him to represent the department as well as the Harrison community.” After appearing on “Guy’s Grocery Games,” the Harrison firefighter intends to continue his pursuit in the culinary industry. Fusco currently attends the acclaimed International Culinary Center in Manhattan, which was formerly known as the French Culinary Institute. “It’s worked out amazingly,” Fusco said of balancing out his time as a firefighter and a chef. “The two transcend each other, [and] luckily, I have the ability to cook at the firehouse as much as possible.” CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
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Luna is an adorable 2-year-old, 50-pound, Labrador/border collie mix. She is super sweet, affectionate and a love bug, greeting her foster mom with lots of kisses. Luna loves to sit and watch TV with you. She is friendly with other dogs and cats, loves swimming, is playful but not pushy and is housebroken, too. She is happy to meet new people, but would prefer to live in an all-female household as she is uneasy with men. Luna is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Why not donate $300 to Larchmont Pet Rescue and make Luna part of your home? To learn more, call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
6 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 5, 2016
Harrison REVIEW
THE
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Clinton accepts historic nomination
Democrats from across the country came together for the Democratic National Convention from July 25 through July 28 to nominate Hillary Clinton’s candidacy for president. The convention marked a historic moment, as Clinton became the first woman to accept a presidential nomination from a major political party. She recognized this pivotal moment when addressing the crowd on the final night of the conven-
tion. “When any barrier falls in America, it clears the way for everyone. After all, when there are no ceilings, the sky’s the limit.” Before accepting her nomination, Clinton was spoken highly of by a multitude of elected officials from various political affiliations. President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe CONTINUED on next page
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Bill Clinton, who served as the 42nd president, takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention on July 28. Photo courtesy Alex Hoffman
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Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton embrace after Bill speaks on the final night of the convention.
Intern Josh Stabile Columnists Ron Belmont, Lenore Skenazy Letters
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Hillary Clinton while accepting the nomination for president on the final night of the Democratic National Convention. Now, she and running mate Tim Kaine hit the campaign trail ahead of the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Photos courtesy Twitter
August 5, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 7 Biden took the stage toward the end of the convention, expressing both gratitude to the nation and trust in Clinton to lead the country toward greatness. Former presidential candidate and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders also took the stage, urging his supporters—some of whom took to the convention in protest over what they considered an unfair election after controversial emails were leaked, documenting an orchestrated effort
to tilt the Democratic primary in Clinton’s favor—to turn their support toward her, adopting the phrase “stronger together.” A multitude of other advocates and high-profile speakers filed in throughout the fourday-long event, concluding with Clinton urging the nation to join the movement. Now, she and running mate Tim Kaine hit the campaign trail ahead of the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election. -Reporting by Suzy Berkowitz
Former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders takes the stage, urging his supporters to vote in favor of Hillary Clinton. Photo courtesy Alex Hoffman
Hillary Clinton embraces daughter Chelsea after she speaks on the final night of the Democratic National Convention, held in Philadelphia. Photos courtesy Twitter
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, of New York, and New York state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Stewart-Cousins represents the 35th Senate District, which encompasses Tarrytown, Scarsdale and parts of Yonkers, White Plains and New Rochelle. Photo/Jonaliza Misa
Hillary Clinton makes a surprise entrance after President Obama’s speech on July 27. The president embraced his former secretary of state after stating that there is no one more qualified to be president than Clinton.
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Fire sprinklers, bats and sports updates HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
Congratulations to the Harrison 13-15U Babe Ruth team. Recently, the group represented Harrison, and our district, in the State Championship Tournament in South Colonie, New York. The team made it into the tournament after taking the District 5 title on June 26 with challenging wins against two very talented teams, Eastchester and Beacon. Congratulations to the team and to coaches Marc Rosenthal, John McGurk and Brian Gibbons for their hard work and dedication. To follow Harrison Babe Ruth, please visit facebook.com/HarrisonBabeRuth. Recently, our municipal Fire Department has received calls concerning fire sprinkler discharges from devices that were listed in a recall issued by the Consumer Protection Agency from 2001 to 2007. If your home was built or renovated between 1992 and 2007, and has a fire sprinkler system, it is possible that these devices may have been installed in your home. We recommend that you have your system checked by a qualified fire sprinkler service company, so
that, if necessary, replacements can be made. I would like to recognize the Harrison Historical Society and the recently installed display in our Town Hall community cabinet. Currently, the display case contains a collection of historical photographs and memorabilia highlighting the history of all three of our municipal fire departments. This temporary exhibit does a wonderful job of bringing attention to unique parts of Harrison’s history and I’m sure it will be of special interest to all residents, young and old. Thank you to the historical society volunteers for presenting such an informative public exhibit. I encourage all residents to stop in the lobby of Town Hall and take a step back in time. You might even see some familiar faces. In the past, my office has been contacted by the Westchester County Department of Health to inform us that August is the month when there is an increase in the number of county residents reporting that bats have infiltrated their homes. Several years ago, a few Westchester residents were given a routine preventative rabies treatment because they did not keep the bat for testing purposes after being exposed. According to the
health commissioner, the bats that are tested are usually not rabid, therefore, the treatment protocol is avoided. Rabies is often fatal so, if the bat is unavailable for testing, the rabies shots will, in all likelihood, be administered to those who have been exposed. It’s critical to understand the importance of bat containment and treatment. If there’s a chance that a person or pet in your home has been in contact with a bat, contain the bat and call the county health department at 8135000 to arrange for the bat to be tested for rabies. In closing, there is still time to sign up for two very popular programs in the Recreation Department. Harrison Basketball Camp will be held at the Sollazzo Center and is open to boys and girls entering third through fifth grades. The program runs from Monday, Aug. 22 through Friday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This clinic is designed to help children learn the basics of basketball through drills and intramural play. The kindergarten soccer program, Kinder Kickers, will be held in West Harrison Park on the following dates: Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5. Times are to be determined. Please contact the Harrison Recreation Department for additional information.
SCHOOL from page 1
On July 29, state Senate candidate Julie Killian, of Rye, and Phil Oliva, a candidate for Congress, urged Westchester parents to voice their opinions against a federal education regulation. Photo/Franco Fino
children from the Common Core tests. “This proposal could singlehandedly damage all that our students, teachers and families have worked for,” she said. While the final approval process for the proposed amendment began on Monday, Aug. 1, there is currently no set timetable for when a decision will be reached. According to Oliva, who currently serves as senior advisor to Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, the Department of Education has kept the
amendment in total secrecy. “I guarantee 99 percent of parents in Westchester County don’t know about this,” he said. “We only found out about it by luck.” Oliva also stressed that the proposal, which would go into effect at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year, if approved, would also result in property depreciation. Meanwhile, state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat, has long been a vocal critic of the practice of standardized testing. “The opt-out rights of parents to do what’s in the best interest
for their child should absolutely not be manipulated by the federal government,” he said. Following the 2012 rollout of Common Core, Latimer made an effort to explain his opposition to the initiative to King, the state education commissioner at the time, saying that he was “convinced we’re heading down the wrong path [for education].” Latimer is running for reelection to the state Senate this fall and facing off against Killian. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
She’s not crazy, her name just rhymes with it. Read Lenore Skenazy’s column every week in the Review. A past contributor to the Daily News and the New York Sun, Skenazy has also appeared on “The Daily Show,” been profiled in the New Yorker and even had her own reality TV show, “World’s Worst Mom.”
Best of Westchester shows off its finest
DeCicco & Sons Events and Cuisine provides catering services from its stores in Larchmont and Harrison.
Hal Prince Entertainment provided the music during Westchester Magazine’s Best of Westchester party at Glen Island Harbour Club on July 27.
Patrons are all smiles after a night of drinking, eating and dancing.
For the last 15 years, restaurateurs, residents, guests and vendors alike have looked forward to Westchester Magazine’s annual Best of Westchester party, which celebrates the culmination of an online survey collecting readers’ and editors’ highlights of the county, encompassing food, drink, shopping and leisure. From December 2015 through February 2016, more than 12,000 readers across the county cast their votes on what they thought were the crowning jewels of the lower Hudson Valley. Editors of Westchester Magazine selected favorite spots from 147 categories, including food and drink, fun and leisure, health and beauty, while readers selected winners from another 224 categories. Readers crowned Yonkers eatery X20 Xaviar’s on the Hudson best American restaurant, and Mamaroneck distributor Half Time best in beer selection. Best burger was awarded to Eastchester eatery Piper’s Kilt, the Rye Roadhouse took home the gold for best fried chicken, and Mamaroneck’s Sal’s Pizza won best slice. Larchmont’s Acura of Westchester was crowned best auto dealership, Mamaroneck’s Salon POSH took home best beauty salon, and Larchmont’s The Voracious Reader won best bookstore. The Best of Westchester party was hosted at New Rochelle’s Glen Island Harbour Club on July 27. The event brought out businesses from across the county, allowing them to display the goods and services they provide. Residents and guests enjoyed a night of eating, drinking, dancing and entertainment. -Reporting by Suzy Berkowitz
August 5, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 9
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino spends some time with Miss Westchester and Miss Hudson Valley. Photos/Bobby Begun
A beautiful outdoor setting at Best of Westchester’s 2016 extravaganza last Wednesday evening at New Rochelle’s Glen Island Harbour Club.
David Spencer, of The Brazen Angel Entertainment Corporation, delights the crowd with his flair.
10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 5, 2016
August 5, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11
Town progressing in replacing lighting with LEDs 2 Republicans square off in county DA primary By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Following an agreement two years ago with the state’s top power and energy organization to replace lighting throughout the town with more efficient LED light bulbs, Harrison has replaced 700 of roughly 2,400 fixtures in a project that began last month, according to the New York Power Authority. In 2014, the town entered into an agreement with the New York Power Authority, NYPA, in an effort to reduce electrical costs and limit the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, said he’s happy with the progress the town has made to this point. “I’m looking forward to [Harrison] saving on electrical costs and entering into the 21st, century,” he said. NYPA, the country’s largest public power organization, currently has 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines that produce and distribute power statewide. The White Plains-based organiza-
tion is known for its equipment that supports municipalities throughout the state, and its strong sense of promoting energy efficiency. The LED replacement project comes at no cost to the town, as its electrical savings from the new lighting generates enough money to pay the organization, according to Belmont, who said the town would have had to spend as much as $2 million to fund the project through a private company. The desirability of LED lighting is that it provides a longer lifespan and more electrical efficiency than most fluorescent lamps. According to Belmont, the clear light emitted and the small size of the bulbs also make LEDs more attractive. “It’s much better than the orange lighting,” said Belmont, referencing traditional street lighting. The mayor also said that the new lighting should last at least 20 years. According to Paul DiMichele, a NYPA representative, the project will reduce energy demand and lower costs by more than $160,000 annually.
However, despite the convenience of the new lighting, some residents have cited issues with the LEDs. “I warned the mayor several times about the technology being too bright,” said Rob Porto, a Harrison resident, who voiced his complaints to the mayor in an email. “I’m totally upset. The light is coming through my bedroom window at night.” Since LED lights are a directional light source, light is emitted into a specific direction, making them brighter than incandescent and fluorescent lights that aim in all directions. “It’s more of an issue with fixtures being placed in the wrong angle,” Belmont said. Belmont said the town is likely to locate and adjust the incorrectly angled light fixtures, but there is no timetable for when that will begin. There are currently two individuals working to replace the bulbs daily. According to DiMichele, the project should be complete as early as fall. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Two Westchester County Republicans will run for their party’s nomination in a Sept. 13 primary before the winner goes on to face Democratic nominee Anthony Scarpino for the county’s district attorney seat. Bruce Bendish, 69, the candidate who is being backed by the county Republican Party, will face Mitch Benson, 56, in a primary as a result of Benson securing enough petition signatures for the county’s top prosecutor seat. According to information from the Westchester County Board of Elections, Benson earned approximately 2,700 signatures to trigger the primary. The minimum number of signatures required for a Republican candidate seeking a countywide position is 2,000. Bendish amassed more than 4,000 signatures of support. And during the Westchester County Republican Convention in April, Bendish received support from about 75 percent of the more than 1,000 Republican delegates. Bendish, a White Plains attorney who has served as assistant district attorney in Westchester for 14 years—which included a stint as the head of the homicide bureau—said the motto of his campaign is “experience matters.” Bendish said he has tried cases in each of the county’s courts, and hundreds of cases as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. His experience as a prosecutor included working with the county’s judges, making decisions about the viability of cases, requesting wire taps, and working with each of the county’s police departments. “I have familiarity with all of them,” Bendish said. “I’ve dealt with all of them and I will easily have a working relationship with all of them.” Benson, of New Rochelle, was a prosecutor for two decades
Mitch Benson, left, and Bruce Bendish will face off in a Sept. 13 primary to represent the Republican Party in the race for Westchester County district attorney, with the winner then going on to face Democratic nominee Anthony Scarpino on Election Day. File photos
in Brooklyn and then a prosecutor for another 10 years in Nassau County. Like Bendish, Benson also addressed his experience as a key to his success. “When the voters have a choice either in the primary or in the general election, they will realize the importance of having a career prosecutor in the office of the district attorney,” he said. However, unlike Bendish, who has served as a defense attorney for years, Benson has minimal experience as a defense attorney. Both candidates plan to focus their time in office, if elected, on the county’s growing heroin epidemic. “The most immediate and pressing concern is to ensure that we bring all of the most important resources to the heroin epidemic, which means bringing aggressive prosecution to dealers, making alternative sentencing available to appropriate candidates and then partnering with community groups such as schools to ensure that we educate the public,” Benson said. Bendish told the Review that his plan is to establish local drug courts, claiming that a drug court in each individual jurisdiction
would minimize recidivism, or the rate at which one relapses into criminal behavior. In addition to establishing drug courts across the county, Bendish said he wants to establish a veteran’s court in Westchester. There are 18 veteran’s courts across New York state, but none yet in Westchester, although one has been proposed in Yonkers. Harrison native James McCarty, a Republican, has occupied the county seat since January, when former District Attorney Janet DiFiore, a Democrat, was appointed as chief judge of the New York State Court of Appeals by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The elected district attorney will serve until 2017, filling out DiFiore’s unexpired term, but would have to run again in 2017 to earn a full four-year term. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
Town/Village of Harrison
Official Newspaper Harrison has accomplished replacing half of the amount of total light fixtures throughout the town with LED lighting, following a 2014 agreement with the New York Power Authority. File photo
Harrison Schools
12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 5, 2016
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August 5, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13
Maybe we can’t take a joke RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
Just a few weeks after the terror attacks of 9/11, Gilbert Gottfried took to the stage of the Friar’s Club and explained he had to leave early to catch a plane to California. “I couldn’t get a direct flight. We have to make a stop at the Empire State Building.” The crowd booed and someone yelled, “Too soon!” But in fact, Gottfried’s timing was impeccable. He told the joke before the invention of Twitter, and before outrage became America’s consuming passion. The rollicking new documentary, “Can We Take a Joke?” brings our lust for umbrage into sharp focus. Audiences, it points out, have become hypersensitive—especially on campus. Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld have both sworn off college gigs, because, as Rock put it, “You can’t even be offensive on your way to being inoffensive.” And so the film, by documentarian Ted Balaker, with support from the free-speech advocacy group FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education), interviews comedians, both famous and up-and-coming, about how they’re dealing with the onslaught of offendedness. One interviewee, stand-up Jim Norton, has worked his frustration into his routine. “Why is comedy the only form of the arts where people think they have to agree with, or approve the content?” he asks. “You don’t walk through a museum with a towel and throw it over paintings you don’t like [saying], ‘I don’t want anybody else seeing this because
I don’t enjoy it.’” Comedy’s job is, as George Carlin once said, “to find where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately.” That’s been the comedian’s job ever since the first jester joked about the king’s much younger wife. “If we steered clear of every topic that could offend someone, we couldn’t open our mouths,” says Lisa Lampanelli, whose entire act is making fun of absolutely everyone. That might not be your thing. But if it’s not, stay home. Instead, audiences are coming in, sitting down, and demanding that comics not say anything crude or cruel. But when my idea of cruel is your idea of hilarious, my super-sensitivity automatically wins. I get to declare not just that the comic isn’t funny, but that he is a bad person and needs to be punished. Consider what happened at Washington State University, where a student named Chris Lee wrote a musical designed to offend absolutely everyone. In fact, he billed it as such. But one night, the university itself requested 40 tickets. Those ticketholders came in and started shouting, “I’m offended!” They stood up and shook their fists. The shouts grew into threats. And guess what? Turns out the university had paid them to attend and disrupt the show. When Lee asked the cops for protection, they wouldn’t promise it. He had become someone not worth saving, because he was politically incorrect. Then there’s Justine Sacco. The young publicist was on her way to South Africa. As she boarded the plane, she tweeted, “Going to Africa. Hope I don’t get AIDS.
Just kidding. I’m white.” She was making a lame joke about the way whites see Africa, the continent where her parents had worked as anti-racism activists. But one of her handful of Twitter followers assumed this was actually a racist remark and retweeted it. It got picked up by more and more people, and by the time Sacco got off her 12-hour flight, she found herself the No. 1 trending item worldwide on Twitter, with people calling for her to be raped or killed. Because of a bad joke. Jon Ronson wrote about her story in his book, “So You’ve Been Publically Shamed.” As he notes in the film: The mob that took her down wasn’t actually making the world a better place; it was just getting off on outrage. The same thing happened to Gottfried when he joked after the tsunami. “I was talking to my Japanese real estate agent. I said, ‘Is there a school in this area?’ She said, ‘Not now. But just wait.’” He lost his job as the Aflac duck, and became officially a terrible person—moreso than after 9/11, when we were still able to be shocked but move on. Now, maybe that wasn’t a tasteful joke. But comedy does not have to be tasteful. It has to be allowed. It is free speech. It is the way a society copes with its fears and stands up to tyranny. I’m guessing Vladimir Putin doesn’t tolerate a lot of anti-Putin punchlines. “Do you really want to live in a world where everyone has to think twice before they tell any kind of a joke?” asks Greg Lukianoff, the president of FIRE. America, lighten up—or be prepared for dark times. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
Donations to county’s Backpacks to School needed Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino recently announced that the county is once again teaming up with The Sharing Shelf, a program of Family Services of Westchester, FSW, to collect and distribute school supplies so that children in need can start the school year ready to learn. This year people can donate online at fsw.org/backpacks, or see the list below for the nearest drop-off location. “Since launching our backpack partnership, we have helped give vital school supplies to thousands of children in Westchester County,” Astorino said. “As always, our goal is to help as many children as we can.” Backpacks to School is a collaboration between The Sharing Shelf and the county’s Department of Social Services. Local businesses have also opened their doors and will serve as drop-off sites for donations. “We can buy and fill a backpack for $25,” said Deborah Blatt, of The Sharing Shelf. “This year, we’ve made it easy and created a special link that allows people to help us purchase everything at fsw.org/ backpacks. We’ve seen an increase in demand each summer for new school supplies and backpacks. We need the community’s support to make a positive difference in the lives of local children, many of whom would otherwise start school without the basics.” Susan B. Wayne, president and CEO of Family Services of Westchester, said, “Being able to provide children with these much needed supplies cannot be overstated. Family Services of Westchester is proud to be working with County Executive Astorino and the many other community partners who are all working toward the shared goal of helping our children.” For more information about Backpacks to School, contact Blatt of The Sharing Shelf at 305-5950 or thesharingshelf@ fsw.org; or Joseph D. Kenner or Bryan Paler of the Department of Social Services at 995-3287, 995-3987 or JKenner@westchestergov.com. Astorino also encouraged fathers and school leaders to save the date for this year’s Dads Take Your Child to School Day, taking place on Sept. 20. The event serves as a kickoff for fathers to
be more involved in their children’s schooling all throughout the year, offering opportunities for dads to sign up to volunteer, serve on PTAs, receive informational mailings and more. Ask your school about any special activities planned for the day. The countywide coordination is part of Astorino’s #DadBeThere
fatherhood initiative, which aims to actively engage fathers in all aspects of their children’s lives. “It’s a fact: kids do better in school when dads are involved,” Astorino said. “Show your kids you care. Be there. And keep that momentum going all throughout the school year to help them succeed.” (Submitted)
OPERATION BACKPACK COLLECTION BIN LOCATIONS GOVERNMENT OFFICES Westchester County Michaelian Office Building 148 Martine Ave., White Plains 995-2100 Department of Social Services (DSS) central office 112 E. Post Road, White Plains 995-5000 Mount Vernon District Office (DSS) 100 E. First St., Mount Vernon 813-6164 Peekskill District Office (DSS) 750 Washington St., Peekskill 862-5078 White Plains District Office (DSS) 85 Court St., White Plains 995-5889 Yonkers District Office (DSS) 31 Warburton Ave., Yonkers 231-2653
NONPROFITS Family Services of Westchester main office One Gateway Plaza, fourth floor, Port Chester 305-6825 Family Services of Westchester, Pelham 507 Fifth Ave., Pelham 738-1728 Family Services of Westchester Lanza Center for All Ages 106 North Broadway, White Plains 305-6875
BUSINESSES Broken Bow Brewery 173 Marbledale Road, Tuckahoe 268-0900 Miller’s Toys 335 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 698-5070 Sportech 124 S. Ridge St., Rye Brook 934-0001 PM Pediatrics, Mamaroneck 620 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 777-5437 PM Pediatrics, Yonkers 2290 Central Park Ave., Yonkers 337-5437 Vision of Tomorrow 132 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont 834-4052 Voracious Reader 1997 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 630-4581
14 • THE THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 5, 2016
SPORTS
The glory of the trade deadline LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
Over the course of an average Major League Baseball season, I generally watch a lot of baseball. More baseball than is probably healthy, if I really had to think about it. If there’s nothing else airing on a given night, I’ll probably flip back and forth between the Mets and the Yankees on my TV while also tuning in to watch my Red Sox on the MLB.TV package on my laptop. After those games wrap up, I’ll generally click on some West Coast game and fall asleep, at least for a few more months, with the soothing voice of Vin Scully emanating from my MacBook. But of the thousands of innings I watch each year, there is rarely a time when I’m following baseball with the same intensity as I do when the trade deadline
looms. As fun as following in-game action can be, following the frenzied action as teams struggle to get the final piece for a playoff run can be positively exhilarating. In the “old” days, it was a lot tougher. Without Twitter providing constant updates about potential moves, possible hang-ups due to medical issues, and stories—sometimes apocryphal—about players on the block storming out on the current teams, fans were beholden to major media outlets for the news. In 2004, I was working at a baseball training center in White Plains, and on deadline day, I was on our old dialup computer, frantically clicking refresh on ESPN.com to find out if the Red Sox were, in fact, going to trade my favorite player, Nomar Garciaparra. When the deadline hit, there was no news yet, and I went to give a lesson, only to come back an hour later to find
that Nomar had indeed been shipped off to the Cubs. Of course, the fast-paced world of Twitter has its drawbacks. Last year, as the deadline loomed, a Mets beat writer announced that infielder Wilmer Flores, who had spent the entirety of his professional career with the organization, had been traded in the middle of a game. Word reached Flores, and fans were left with the unforgettable shot of him crying on the field while being showered with applause from the Amazin’s faithful. The trade, however, fell through, and Flores still plays in Flushing today, but moments like that highlight the emotional impact that the trade deadline can have on the players we all watch. This year, while there were a few blockbuster moves—Texas made out like bandits, nabbing catcher Jonathan Lucroy, outfielder Carlos Beltran and reliever Jeremy Jeffers without giving
At 4 p.m. on Aug. 1, the MLB trade deadline passed, finding one New York team as buyers, and the other as sellers. Sports Editor Mike Smith thinks the days leading up to the annual deadline are among the most exciting of the entire season. Photos courtesy Wikipedia.com
up any of their highly-touted young players—the moves made by our local clubs weren’t quite as splashy. The Yankees traded off a good number of players from this year’s team, including Carlos Beltran, to come away with a haul of prospects that provide a much-needed youth infusion in their farm system. The Mets, after an initial deal for Reds’ slugger Jay Bruce fell through, were able to rework the offer to bring the power-hitting lefty to Citi
Field in a move that addresses the offensive woes the club has suffered through all season long. I doubt he’ll have the same kind of impact that Yoenis Cespedes had when he came over from Detroit last year, but the Mets need to start scoring runs, so this one was a no-brainer. But that’s the wonderful thing about the trade deadline; we just don’t know. Will these new Yankee prospects ever make their mark in the MLB? Will Bruce’s numbers suffer now that he’s left
the bandbox in Cincinnati? Only time will tell. But at least for one day, the teams that managed to bolster their roster for one last playoff push and the teams, like the Yankees, who are resigned to build for the future, are both feeling optimistic. It’s a long season, filled with ups and downs. So occasionally, fans need a touch of optimism.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
Frampton dazzles at Barclays By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Saturday, July 30, Carl Frampton, a 29-year-old professional boxer from Northern Ireland, won the WBA featherweight title with an impressive showing against Leo Santa Cruz at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn. And even though Frampton might not yet be a household name among American fight fans, he is gathering a devoted following in Westchester, where he chose to train for the title fight. Frampton (23-0) spent the last month preparing for the bout at Champs Boxing Club in New Rochelle, which helped him to forge inroads with area boxing fans. His arrival was noted by elected officials, as Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino made a proclamation to celebrate the fighter on July 12, and the Westchester County Board of Legislators followed suit, recognizing July 30 as “Carl
‘The Jackal’ Frampton Day.” Last Saturday night, in front of a supportive New York crowd, he was able to outpoint the previously undefeated Santa Cruz in a majority decision, 116-112, 117-111, 114-114, laying claim to his first world title in the featherweight division. Frampton began his assault in the second round, rocking Santa Cruz with a flurry of hard punches to send the champion into the ropes and take control of the fight. Ryan O’Leary, the owner of Champs Boxing Club, was on hand to witness Frampton’s upset win. “He was the underdog, he wasn’t supposed to do that, but he fought a masterful fight,” O’Leary said. “He was standing and trading, he wasn’t running, and it worked.” According to O’Leary, Frampton’s stay at the gym meant that he—and the rest of the Champs organization—were pulling hard for the Irish fighter. “We had about 60 members
there at the fight,” he said. “And he got hit with a few good shots, and I have to say my heart kind of stopped.” O’Leary, who trains both amateur and professional fighters out of his Division Street gym, acknowledged that having an international star like Frampton train there was a blessing. “You can’t put it into perspective, you don’t realize how big this guy is, he’s massive in Europe,” O’Leary said. “But we didn’t even realize it, he was so fan-friendly, and you don’t think of it at the time.” Frampton’s presence, he added, had a profound impact on several of the local fighters. “Everybody raised their game, even I was training people differently,” O’Leary said. “Just seeing the way a guy like him trained, seeing the hard work that he put in, seeing a guy at the highest level, it was really overwhelming.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
From left, Carl Frampton poses for a picture with Champs Boxing Club owner Ryan O’Leary and Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in New Rochelle on July 12. Frampton trained at the New Rochelle gym in preparation for his July 30 fight against Leo Santa Cruz, in which the Irish fighter won the WBA featherweight title. Photo/Bobby Begun
SPORTS
August 5, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15
2007 mark falls at Counties By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Westchester’s 14- to-17-yearold female divers had a recordsetting day on July 26, as Kelly McCauley’s 9-year-old scoring record was broken three different times on Tuesday afternoon
at the County Championships. In an intense battle between a trio of evenly matched opponents at Lake Isle Country Club, however, it was 15-year-old Chloe Best—who, like McCauley before her, dives for the Larchmont Yacht Cub—who took top honors.
Rye’s Katie Laverty spins through the air on July 26. Laverty placed third, but also broke a 9-year-old county record on Tuesday.
Charlotte Cagliostro from the Bronxville Field Club performs a dive at the Westchester County Championships.
With a score of 236.35, Best edged Pelham Country Club’s Jennifer Bell (233.20) and Rye’s Katie Laverty (229.40) to win the County Championship on Tuesday afternoon. The top five were rounded out by Pocantico Hills’ Jessica Cowles (189.35) and Westchester Country Club’s Keelin Sibley (185.35). “I think I dove pretty well,” Best said. “But so did Jen and Katie, which was great to see.” In a field of 18 divers, Best drew the first lineup spot; something she believes helped her, especially late in the tight competition. According to the rising sophomore at the Ursuline School, the ability to set the tone for a round can be a bonus in meets such as this one. “I kind of like to be first because you don’t have to see anyone else in the competition and you’re just focusing on yourself,” she said. “I kind of like that, and I feel like it’s less pressure.” Laverty, 14, who dove right after Best, admits that her mindset is a little different than her opponent’s. Especially in hotly contested events, the Rye native prefers to ignore scores all together and simply focus on her next dive. “I didn’t know [how close it was], because I have this superstition where I can’t look at my scores until after the last dive,” she said. “Otherwise, I feel like if I’m doing well, I’m going to mess up.” Laverty, Best and secondplace Bell all surpassed McCauley’s previous benchmark of 218.85, which was set in 2007. According to both Laverty and Best, the trio, who compete both alongside and against each other in the wintertime, all relished the opportunity to square off at the 91st annual County Championships this year. “They’re great to dive with,” Laverty said. “We are on a bunch of teams and dive against each other a lot in the winter.” “I think it makes it more [exciting] to see each other in the offseason,” Best added. “We just went out and had a really good time.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Ranier Hibler extends her body prior to entering the water. Photos/Mike Smith
Chloe Best glides into the water on July 26 at the Westchester County Championships at Lake Isle Country Club. Best took first place in the 14 to 17 age group with a record-breaking score of 236.35.
16 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 5, 2016