Harrison REVIEW THE
August 12, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 33 | www.harrisonreview.com
Harrison considers joining EMS consortium By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer
Joe
for
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino was joined by local officials, medical professionals and family of the late Joe Acocella at a press conference to call for more organ donors. Acocella lost his life in 2011 while waiting for a kidney transplant. For story, see page 5. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
DiNapoli: Mid-Hudson region economy shows strength By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Editorial Assistant The mid-Hudson region is showing economic strength following the recession, but its high cost of living and doing business could obstruct future growth, according to an economic profile released by the Office of the New York State Comptroller. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said in a released statement that while the region’s closeness to New York City has
helped the economy, it “needs to carefully manage its ongoing need for services and infrastructure improvements given the already high cost of living.” The mid-Hudson region is made up of the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Sullivan, with a total of 198 municipalities. The biggest highlight of the report is the annual regionwide unemployment rate dropping from 7.6 percent in 2012 to 4.7
percent in 2015. Further, according to the state Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for June 2016 has improved with the mid-Hudson region’s rate averaging out to just below 4 percent, which is lower than the state’s 4.7 percent for the same month. Major employers in the region include health care and social assistance, government, hospitality and retail. Attracting other industries, such as biotechnology, entertainment and tourism, is also
being encouraged as a way to take advantage of the region’s infrastructure and workforce. One way Westchester is attracting the biotechnology industry is with the construction of a $1.2 billion biotech and medical office complex on undeveloped land in Valhalla, which would also include a hotel and stores. The development is estimated to create 4,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent ECONOMY continued on page 10
The town/village of Harrison is considering merging its emergency medical services with those of the neighboring municipalities of Rye, Port Chester and Rye Brook. The three communities, which all border Harrison to the east, operate out of one station and use two ambulances, according to the corps’ website. The unit is comprised of 45 members, including 16 volunteers. Harrison EMS currently utilizes four ambulances and employs about 60 EMTs and paramedics, most of whom are employed on a parttime basis. Councilman Joe Stout, a Democrat, said although the communities involved are considering the move, no decisions have been made. He added that if Harrison’s EMS does join forces with the other communities, it is likely that the station in Harrison will remain open. “I think we need to look at all the options to keep a local ambulance service in town,” he said. The potential merger comes after a dispute between EMS and the town board earlier this year which largely concerned alleged poor management structure and misuse of funds by the EMS. On March 31, Harrison EMS announced that it would have to discontinue services after not receiving its usual quarterly stipend of $137,500 from the town. At the time, Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, claimed the town had stopped funding EMS due to mismanagement by the
EMS chief and board. The town has since dispersed several monthly payments of $45,833, and town officials said they would continue to operate the EMS program on a monthto-month basis until further notice. According to Al Mignone, chairman of the EMS, the town is currently up to date with its payments to the organization. Mignone said the EMS board has attempted to restructure its ranks and create better communication between the town and EMS since the fallout back in March. “We’re working on the corps and trying to downsize a little bit to try to streamline the process,” he said. But Mignone also stressed that the EMS would try not to cut operating staff, as the last quarter of the year is often the busiest season for medical emergencies. Rye City Manager Marcus Serrano said that Harrison would not incur any additional cost if it were to join the consortium; however, the department would be required to use its own equipment and staff, but would adopt the group’s management structure. Serrano added that before adopting Harrison into the group, the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS board must first ensure that the group will not see any additional costs of its own or weaken its level of service. Mignone said he supports joining forces with Rye-Port EMS continued on page 7
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Benson knocked off primary ballot in DA race Writer to direct Manhattanville’s MFA program By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Following a ruling by the Westchester County Board of Elections, Mitch Benson will not be able to challenge for the Republican nomination for district attorney, ending his plans of a primary battle against GOP frontrunner Bruce Bendish. The Board of Elections requires potential candidates for elections to submit petitions from registered voters within the party whose line they are seeking to run on. Both Benson and Bendish surpassed the 2,000-signature requirement, but on Aug. 3, the county Board of Elections found more than 1,000 of Benson’s 2,700 signatures to be invalid. Benson filed a lawsuit with the Westchester Supreme Court in attempt to validate his petition, and even though the court reinstated some of the grieved signatures, it wasn’t enough for him to meet the requirement to appear on the primary ballot. Doug Colety, commissioner of the county Board of Elections, said the Judge Bruce Tolbert— alongside attorneys for Benson, Bendish and the Board of Elections—went through Benson’s petition line by line for three days, by which time it became “mathematically impossible” for him to meet the requirement threshold. “The majority of [the challenges to Benson’s petition] pertained to people not registered to vote, people not enrolled in the Republican Party and defective witnesses’ petition statements,” Colety told the Review. Bendish submitted more than 4,000 signatures to the Board of
Lori Soderlind
Bruce Bendish, left, will no longer have to run in a Republican primary for Westchester County district attorney against Mitch Benson, as Benson’s petitions have been invalidated by the county Board of Elections. Bendish, the GOP candidate, will now face Democratic nominee Anthony Scarpino, right, in the general election. File photo; photo courtesy law.pace.edu
Elections following his endorsement by the county GOP at the party’s nominating convention in April. At the convention, Bendish also received nearly 75 percent of votes from Republican delegates. Following the court’s decision, Benson said, “While I disagree with certain discretionary and technical determinations which invalidated hundreds of signatures, I recognize it is part of the political process and within the authority of the Board of Elections and the court to make the decisions they did.” Now, Bendish, 69, will begin his general election campaign against Democratic candidate Anthony Scarpino. “We’re comfortable that we put this primary question behind us,” Bendish told the Review. “We’re all gearing up for the
November election. We’re prepared for it.” Bendish, who is running with the slogan “Experience Matters,” has served as assistant district attorney in Westchester for 14 years. During that time, he also served as the head of the county’s homicide bureau. Scarpino, 64, is a former Westchester County Court judge and a New York state Supreme Court justice. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
Manhattanville College has appointed Professor Lori Soderlind, an award-winning writer, journalist and professor, as director of the college’s nationally known Masters of Fine Arts, MFA, in creative writing program. Over the past decade, Soderlind has been teaching courses in journalism, fiction, nonfiction and memoir writing in higher education institutions such as Columbia University, State University of New York Albany, and Norwalk Community College, where she also served in an ad-
ministrative capacity as chair of the Humanities Department. “We are extremely excited about Soderlind joining the college to oversee the development and continued growth of our successful writing program,” said Lisa Dolling, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Manhattanville. “She has an extraordinary wealth of knowledge and experience in creative writing, journalism, teaching, as well as program building and administration.” Soderlind has written literary reviews for The New York Times Book Review and has contributed articles to The Boston Globe and numerous national magazines such as Women’s World and Mamm. She is the founder and workshop instructor for the “Uptown Writers” in New York City. She holds an MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia University and a B.A. in English and journalism from Lehigh University. Soderlind is the author of 2006 memoir “Chasing Montana: A Love Story” and literary essays such as “66 Signs,” which
is included in Norton’s Anthology of creative nonfiction, and “Hot Springs Montana,” published in the anthology “Something to Declare.” Manhattanville’s MFA program is recognized across the country for its productive workshops in fiction, poetry, screenwriting, creative nonfiction, and children and young adults’ literature. Courses are scheduled in the evenings to meet the needs of working adults. The master’s program can be completed in two years, though students may work at their own pace. Summer and fall Writer’s Weekends provide students with the opportunity to participate in writing intensives. Soderlind, who started her new position in mid-July, succeeds Professor Mark Nowak, who built the MFA program and brought to campus some of the world’s most renowned writers and poets. Nowak will return to his full-time faculty position in the English department. For more information on Manhattanville and its programs, visit mville.edu. (Submitted)
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What’s going on... Harrison Public Library
West Harrison branch temporary closing 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.
One-on-one technology help 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.
to learn basic code on Monday, Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and students in grades four and five will be able to learn basic code on the same day from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Participants will explore the Classic Maze with fun tutorials starring games including Angry Birds and Plants vs. Zombies. Participants will also create a story or game using Playlab, learn about repeat-loops, conditionals and basic algorithms. Participants should bring their own pair of headphones for the workshop. This workshop is free and open to the public, and registration is required. For more information or to register for this workshop, call 835-0324.
Capoeira performance Experience the Afro-Brazilian culture through the eye of a Capoeirista on Monday, Aug. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. This performance is open to all ages and will celebrate Brazil and Capoeira, a martial art that is rich in tradition and combines dance, music and acrobatics. Learn about the history and culture of Brazil through this performance, which will consist of live music, discussion, instruction and a Q&A session. This performance is free and open to the public, and registration is required. For more information or to register to attend the performance, call 835-0324.
Summer Job Info 4 Teens
Chloe’s Sign & Play
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.
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.
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.
Hour of Code Students in grades two and three will be able
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 bachelors/masters 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.
Neuberger Museum of Art ‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Activists push for organ donation awareness By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Elected officials and medical activists gathered for an emotional press conference at Harrison Town Hall on Monday, Aug. 8 to raise awareness for organ donation and to remember the life of former two-term Harrison Town Clerk Joe Acocella. Five years ago during his campaign for a third term as town clerk, Acocella passed away at the age of 30 while waiting for a kidney transplant. “[Joe] accomplished so much more than anyone could have imagined,” said Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. “His disability never got in his way, and he had such an ability to do everything he put his mind to.” Despite suffering from lumbar sacral agenesis, a disease that led to the amputation of both of his legs at age 3, Acocella established himself as a prominent member of the community in his years as a public servant. He graduated from Fordham University in 2004, and went on to become the youngest member elected to the Harrison Board of Education in 2005. Following his tenure as
a board member, he was elected the youngest town clerk ever in the state of New York in 2007. The press conference held in his honor addressed the urgency and importance of organ donation. “Understand that organ donation saves lives,” said Acocella’s sister Laura AcocellaMcCorry, reflecting on the troubling number of individuals waiting for an organ transplant. According to Dr. Thomas Diflo, the acting chief of Intra-Abdominal Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery at Westchester Medical Center who attended the press conference, a record breaking number of 120,000 people were awaiting organs for the first time, as of Friday, Aug. 5. “Signing up [to be an organ donor] is the only way to help those desperately in need,” he said. According to Lauren Shields, 16, the recipient of a heart donation, there are currently 10,000 individuals in New York awaiting a donor for an organ transplant. Shields, who attended the press conference, explained that it is important for as many people as possible to sign up to be organ donors. She also
urged people to press Gov. Andrew Cuomo to pass legislation that would allow minors ages 16 and 17 to register as organ donors. Diflo pointed out that age is not a factor when registering as an organ donor. He said the oldest individual in the county to donate his liver was 92 years old. Also in attendance was Helen Irving, president and CEO of LiveOn NY, an organization dedicated to presenting the positivity of organ and tissue donation. She announced Oct. 6 as the date of Organ Donor Enrollment Day. The day not only serves to educate people about organ donation but seeks to enroll as many willing New Yorkers as possible in the lifesaving practice. According to Irving, LiveOn NY broke a Guinness world record last year when they registered 3,100 people as organ donors in one day. According to Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, New York state is ranked 50th in registered organ donors. Irving said, “The harsh reality is that if everyone said yes to organ donation, no one would need to die.” CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
Following the death of Town Clerk Joe Acocella in 2011, elected officials, including Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, pictured, joined medical activists and the Acocella family on Aug. 8 to remember his life and to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
6 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 12, 2016
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From left, U.S. veteran Robert Bisaccia holding therapy dog Buddy Boy, Debbie Bisaccia and Westchester County Veterans Service Agency Commissioner Ron Tocci. Photos courtesy Debbie Bisaccia
By SUZY BERKOWITZ Editorial Assistant While some complete 22 pushups a day for 22 days to honor and raise awareness for the 22 veterans who commit suicide on a daily basis, others help to combat this issue through more unconventional means of therapy: yoga on stand-up paddleboards. Debbie Bisaccia, a physical therapist, certified yoga instructor and owner of SUP OM Yoga—Westchester County’s first and only certified and accredited stand-up paddleboarding school—was inspired by the 22 Pushup Challenge to bring her instruction on water to those in need of it most: veterans. Her father, Robert Bisaccia, a U.S. Army veteran and longtime volunteer for the Fischer House Foundation—an organization that provides nationwide temporary housing to families of veterans at no cost—helped Debbie Bisaccia piece together her plan of action. After being introduced to U.S. Army veteran Nate Waldera, founder of Proudly We Stand—a nonprofit organization that brings standup paddleboarding to veterans in need—Debbie Bisaccia brought community leaders and local organizations on board to help contribute to her first stand-up paddleboarding yoga event to benefit veterans. All proceeds from the event,
which was held on Thursday, June 16, benefitted Proudly We Stand. Beginning with a twohour-long stand-up paddleboarding lesson which launched from the Wainwright House in Rye and ending with a reception featuring music from the Rye High School band and speeches from veterans, elected officials, and local organizations, Debbie Bisaccia said the day’s events brought out approximately 35 people of varying ages and two therapy dogs who paddled alongside their owners. “I thought if I could bring this sport to veterans suffering from mental challenges, I could improve their quality of life,” Debbie Bisaccia said. “This activity has the potential to make a profound impact on the community and implement change.” Debbie Bisaccia, who has been stand-up paddleboard-
ing for 18 years and practicing yoga for 15, opened SUP OM Yoga on Stuyvesant Avenue in Rye five years ago in an effort to share her two passions with the community. She said standup paddleboarding is not only relaxing, but beneficial as well, as it engages multiple muscular groups and promotes flexibility, strength and range of motion. The school provides basic standup paddleboarding lessons, followed by more advanced lessons involving yoga and fitness on the boards. Those involved in her June event included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, local pet rescues and animal shelters, Rye City Mayor Joe Sack and village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum. “I think Debbie is really a force of nature, and it was through her personal efforts that this event got off the ground,” Sack said. “This event was not only fun and healthy, but also something informative that raised awareness about this important issue. I think it’s a creative and out-of-the-box way to get people the help they need.” Sack said his favorite part of the day’s activities was seeing a room full of energized people who were made happier from the therapeutic benefits of both stand-up paddleboarding and yoga. As for Debbie Bisaccia, one standout moment during the event involved veteran Sam Riti, 69, standing up on the paddleboard
Debbie Bisaccia’s stand-up paddleboarding event to benefit Proudly We Stand brought out approximately 35 people of all ages.
for the first time in his life after struggling to find his balance. Riti, commander of AMVETS Post 38 in Yonkers, said the event was unbelievable, and could help veterans returning home with psychological issues. “When you’re out there and concentrating on what you’re doing, you really take your mind off of everything,” Riti said. “Just being out on the water is something else.” Debbie Bisaccia’s long-term goal is to work with Proudly We Stand to bring stand-up paddleboarding to as many veterans as possible, especially younger vets who have recently returned home from active duty. She would like to establish a stronger collaboration with community pet rescues and animal shelters
for more rescue dogs to enhance the experience. After the success of her first event, Debbie Bisaccia plans to launch this therapeutic practice throughout the immediate community and beyond, including a VA hospital in Montrose, New York, where she plans to host a similar event in the fall. “Being on these stand-up paddleboards is so symbolic to life,” she said. “You start crawling and you stand, and what defines us is not how we fall, but how we are able to rise up. If I can bring this sport, one paddle stroke, wave and breath at a time, to veterans, we can create a stigma-free environment. Where there is help, there will be hope.” CONTACT: suzy@hometwn.com
U.S. veteran Sam Riti, 69, salutes the flag. The event marked his first time on a stand-up paddleboard.
Dark clouds overhead didn’t stop a group from enjoying the flow of the water on their stand-up paddleboards.
August 12, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 7 EMS from page 1
The Harrison EMS station may soon become part of a larger unit, as the Harrison town board and the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS are each mulling the possibility of merging Harrison’s ambulances services into the larger consortium. File photo
Chester-Rye Brook EMS, but said he also asked the town board to consider joining the Mamaroneck Ambulance District. The village of Mamaroneck’s EMS service operates a 24-hour ambulance specified for advanced life support, offering the highest service available
outside of a hospital. While Harrison EMS may soon undergo a restructuring process if it enters a larger consortium, Mignone said the department is happy to be given a chance to improve its operations. “They’re giving us the opportunity,” he said. “That’s all
we asked for, really.” Scott Moore, administrator of the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS, could not be reached for comment as of press time. Belmont could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
RM Staffing lawsuit granted class action status Former waitstaff of Rye Golf Club scored a major victory on Thursday, July 28 after a judge granted a motion for class action status in a lawsuit seeking uncompensated overtime and tips. According to attorney Brent Pelton, of Pelton and Associates—the firm representing more than 50 former Rye Golf Club staff members in the suit—the judge’s decision is a major affirmation for the group’s claim. “The judge accepted our view,” Pelton told the Review. “Essentially, he gave the workers everything they were asking for.” The lawsuit, which is seeking more than $4 million in damages, uncompensated overtime and gratuities, stems from a financial scandal at the city-owned golf
club dating back to 2012. At that time, Scott Yandrasevich, then the club’s general manager, was caught embezzling approximately $270,000, according to the Westchester County district attorney’s office, through a series of shell companies he created. Yandrasevich was sentenced to one to three years in state prison and has since been released on parole. The biggest of the shell companies, RM Staffing, used by Yandrasevich to funnel funds, staffed many of the plaintiffs who have joined the class action suit. And according to Pelton, the former staff members are eager to receive the money they believe they’re owed.
“The workers who were having their tips misappropriated haven’t received a dime,” Pelton said. “The delay causes financial damage every week.” The decision to grant a class action status comes several months after a successful claim won by the city against its insurance carrier Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, which awarded the city $1.55 million in February, vindicating the city’s belief that Yandrasevich had stolen much more than he was convicted of. According to the decision rendered on July 28, the two parties’ next meeting will be in November for a pretrial conference. -Reporting by James Pero
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Astorino visits Camp Morty with a surprise Located at Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, the county’s northernmost park in North Salem, Camp Morty is designed and open specifically for children ages 8 to 15 who either are in foster care or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. For Christion and Angelica Lavandier, a brother and sister from Mount Vernon, Camp Morty is not only a lot of fun, but also eye-opening. “I learned how to be kind to everybody,” Christion, 14, said. And despite being in the woods far from home, the experience couldn’t have been more welcoming. “When I first got here, I felt really loved,” Christion added. During a hot summer day in July, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino surprised the campers with ice cream, joined by Westchester County Department of Social Services Commissioner Kevin M. McGuire; Deputy Westchester Parks Commissioner Peter Tartaglia; and Westchester Parks Foundation Board Chairwom-
an Joanne Fernandez. Campers created and hung welcome banners for the visitors, shook hands with the county executive, and posed for photos during the festive lunch. “Camp Morty is a special place for special children,” Astorino said. “It’s here that they get to experience the great outdoors, develop valuable life skills and enjoy all the traditional activities of summer camp while making new friends. But most importantly, Camp Morty is a place where these kids can just be kids. I want to thank the Westchester Parks Foundation for its tremendous partnership, as well as our departments of Social Services and Parks for making this possible.” This year, the Westchester Parks Foundation took the lead over recruitment and enrollment efforts, which resulted in a significant increase in enrollment compared to last year. Children who receive services through the Department of Social Services are eligible to be enrolled
at Camp Morty, which is funded by DSS and supported in kind by the Department of Parks. Camp Morty provides six weekly sessions that run from Sunday to Friday, and activities including swimming, sports, arts and crafts, ropes course, outdoor adventure, drama, dance and boating. Evenings at camp include exciting campfires, talent shows and a campwide game of capture the flag. Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “I am so happy that we can provide this outstanding park as a setting for Camp Morty, and it is wonderful to team with the Westchester Parks Foundation and the Department of Social Services to give these children a week of fun, friendship and fresh air.” To increase awareness of Camp Morty, the parks foundation led a variety of recruitment efforts, including presenting to 10 different housing authorities, community centers and homeless shelters throughout the county, with a focus on Yonkers, White Plains, Mount
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, far right, surprises campers with ice cream at Camp Morty on July 27. From left, Dustin Hunter, camp director; Joanne Fernandez, chairperson of the Westchester Parks Foundation and Government Affairs Manager at Entergy; James Washington Jr., 14, of New Rochelle; Angelica Lavandier, 15, of Mount Vernon; Christion Lavandier, 14, of Mount Vernon; Charai Bradberry, counselor-in-training, 16, of Mount Vernon; and Ta’tiauna Bradberry, counselor, 19, of Mount Vernon. Photo courtesy Westchester County
Vernon, New Rochelle and Peekskill. Information about Camp Morty was also distributed across school districts and nonprofits focused on family and children services. The parks foundation also worked directly with caseworkers from the Department of Social Services and welcomed families to
open enrollment sessions. “We made a concerted effort with our new role this year to really expand the awareness of Camp Morty to children and families who may not have been aware of the camp before. To date, we have received nearly 500 applications,” Fernandez said. “Last year, 397 slots were
filled with 217 unique campers, some of which attend more than one session. So, we are on track to really bringing this experience to more children in Westchester for years to come.” Sessions at Camp Morty continue through Aug. 12. For more information, visit campmorty.com. (Submitted)
10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 12, 2016 ECONOMY from page 1
jobs to take advantage of the county’s educated workforce, and could generate $9 million a year in property tax revenue. With the region’s unemployment rate being low and more jobs expected in the near future, the mid-Hudson population is bound to increase—the total population of the region as of 2015 is just over 2.5 million, with 43 percent of those residents living in Westchester” according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Most of the population growth in the past five years has taken place in Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties. The senior population has been growing regionwide; according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, residents over 65 made up around 15 percent of Westchester’s population in 2014. Ulster, Sullivan and Dutchess counties all have the highest numbers of seniors, possibly due to the lower costs of living, according to DiNapoli’s report. Westchester’s Hispanic population has been increasing as well, making up about 23 percent of the total county population in 2014. The county has had the highest number of Hispanic residents in the region since as early as 2000. “Given the changing demographics, there seems to be an increased preference for urban living among younger people,” said William C. Perkins, professor and chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Management at Manhattanville College, referring to the region’s growing elder and Hispanic populations.
At a glance The mid-Hudson region consists of seven counties: Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster and Sullivan Although it is showing signs of strong economic recovery following the recession, the region’s high costs of living and doing business could affect future growth Region’s unemployment rate as of June 2016 is just below 4%, lower than the state’s 4.7% rate With 2.5 million residents, the region’s population over age 65 is increasing, as well as the Hispanic population Westchester has had the highest median home sale price of the region for the past decade
Westchester seems to be at the forefront of developing urban living, with its proximity to New York City, the highest median home value of more than $509,000 and the third highest household income at more than $83,000 in the region. The county has seen significant investment into transit-oriented developments, taking advantage of mass transit options and suburban space, offering a cheaper alternative to New York City’s real estate, especially for businesses. William Mooney, director of Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development, said that DiNapoli’s report confirms the county’s “exciting growth.” “Promoting economic growth has always been a pillar of County Executive Rob Astorino’s administration,” Mooney said.
“The market is clearly responding to Westchester’s strengths, including a highly skilled and talented workforce; accessibility with trains, infrastructure and proximity to New York City; and an unparalleled quality of life with schools, arts and open space that employers and employees are looking for.” The mid-Hudson region’s high cost of living and doing business, seen as possible obstacles to future growth, is attributed to high homeowner costs, having some of the highest property taxes in the state, or in the case of Westchester County, the entire country. Foreclosures in Westchester have increased by 18 percent since 2014, a lingering effect of the recession.
The importance of organ donation and roadwork HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
This week, I held a press conference in Town Hall in remembrance of former Harrison Town Clerk Joe Acocella. It is the fifth anniversary of his passing, and the press conference brought attention to the importance of organ donation. Joe was serving a second term as our town clerk when he passed away while waiting for a second kidney transplant. At the press conference, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino joined the Acocella family, and organ donor advocates, to pay their respects and to advocate for organ donor registration. If you are 18 years old or older, you can register to become an organ donor when you visit the DMV, register to vote, apply for an idNYC card or visit LongLiveNY.org. If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian will make the decision regarding organ donation, but let them know your intentions so that they can carry them out. There are thousands of people currently waiting for organs in
New York state. One donor can save up to eight lives. Please take note of the following traffic advisory: There will be an alternating single lane closure, controlled by flag persons, on Union Avenue between Mamaroneck Avenue and Harrison High School for milling and paving operations and related roadway improvements. The work will take place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and will continue daily from Monday through Friday until Sept. 30. On a related note, Con Edison will be working on Halstead Avenue, between West and Oak streets, for a gas construction project. The work began on Monday, Aug. 8 and is anticipated to be completed on Thursday, Sept. 8. During this time, Con Ed may need to store supplies and equipment along the road and may also need to excavate parts of the sidewalks, driveways or lawn area. If your property is affected, Con Ed will restore it. It will also make every effort to expedite the completion of work and minimize the disruption. During the work, the company may need to temporarily interrupt gas service. Con Ed will notify you in advance if your ser-
vice will be affected. It will need access to your home to restore your gas service, and will work with you to accommodate your schedule. If you are not home when work is completed and need your service restored, or have questions about landscaping or paving restoration after the work is completed, please call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-7526633) referencing the job identification number WG16007422WTH-P1 thru P4. Please note that there is usually a delay between the end of the project and the final landscaping or paving restoration, which is completed by different contractors. If you have any questions, please contact Westchester Public Affairs at 925-6361 or WestchesterPA@Coned.com. In closing, I would like to remind residents that the town/ village of Harrison has an agreement with the New York State Thruway Authority to sell E-Z Pass “On-the-Go” tags in our town clerk’s office. Residents can purchase a prepackaged account kit, mount the tag in the vehicle and register the tag within 48 hours. For more information on this simple process, call the town clerk’s office at 670-3030.
CONTACT: sibylla@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.”
Now presenting for your delight and amazement: Silverado’s kittens, about 10 to 11 weeks old. From left, Tigger: beauteous, light gray glamour puss, melt-in-your-arms sweetness; Blanche: dark and sultry, mysterious and playful; Thistle: king of the house, knows how handsome he is and plays it up to the hilt; and Oakey-Smokie: clever, keeps the group hopping with his playful antics. These young kitties must be adopted with a sibling or other kitten or young cat in the home. The kittens are up to date with shots for their young age and are in excellent health. The adoption fee for each kitten is $80 plus a refundable $60 spay/neuter deposit required by New York state. To meet these kitties, please contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at 835-3332/4133 or visit NYPetRescue.org. (Submitted)
August 12, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11
12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 12, 2016
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August 12, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13
Cuomo votes for Poké-hystseria RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
Our governor wants us to panic about a problem that does not exist: Sex offenders preying on kids playing Pokémon Go. About a week ago, state Democratic Sens. Jeff Klein, of the Bronx and Westchester counties, and Diane Savino, of Staten Island, proposed legislation banning Level 2 and 3 sex offenders from playing the popular new phone game. The senators also demanded that the game’s developers eliminate any Pokémon within 100 feet of the home of a registered sex offender. Not to be outdone, Gov. Andrew Cuomo jumped on the Poké-wagon 48 hours later to make an even tougher, first-inthe-nation law: From now on, even a Tier 1 sex offender found playing Pokémon while on parole could end up in prison. That means, if you happened to be an 18-year-old who got a sext from your 16-year-old girlfriend, and this got you labeled a low-level sex offender (which is already crazy), you could play a game on your phone and end up in prison. It should be noted here that Pokémon is more like solitaire than poker. As you walk around, cartoon creatures suddenly appear on your phone. You “catch” them by tapping the screen. Now, I realize that anytime a politician mentions new and harsher sex offender restrictions, many voters cheer. That’s why politicians keep proposing them. But these laws will not make our children safer, because they
are based on the incorrect idea that registered sex offenders pose a big threat to kids. Sex offenders pose a big threat to kids on “Law & Order” because that makes for an exciting plotline: The creep outside the playground, preparing to pounce, or the criminal mastermind online, stalking children by decoding their posts. But in real life, which is as horrifying as it is mundane, the vast majority of sexual abuse occurs at the hands of someone in the child’s life: a relative, family friend or another trusted adult. “Stranger danger” sounds like a huge threat, but the FBI stats on children abducted for nefarious purposes show exactly what percent were snatched by registered sex offenders? In 2009: Zero. And in 2010, it was less than 1 percent. Even the group that put the missing kids’ pictures on the milk cartons, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, has labeled stranger danger a “myth we have been trying to debunk.” What’s hard to believe or even understand is that registered sex offenders pose very little threat to children. A study of Washington, District of Columbia, neighborhoods compared blocks with registrants on them to those without and found no difference in the number of sex crimes committed. That’s because even though we have heard that people on the registry are insatiable child molesters, the surprising truth is that they have a very low level of recidivism. It’s about 5 percent. That’s lower than other criminals, except murderers.
So the sex offender registry itself is a failed idea, a way of labeling hundreds of thousands of people who are, for the most part, not going to hurt anyone, much less a stranger. In fact, my guess is that you probably know someone—a friend, or a friend of a friend—who is on the registry, even though you know they’re not a threat to anyone. Add to this the idea that registrants are going to use Pokémon as Predator Helper and you have created a fantastical scenario that would be a great plot point for a Liam Neeson movie—or maybe on “The Simpsons.” But making legislation based on that fantasy is worse than mere grandstanding. Far from reassuring parents, it scares them even more by making it sound as if our kids are in constant danger the second they step outside. These laws ignore the wonderful fact that it’s actually the opposite: Kids today are safer now than they’ve been in 50 years. (And it’s not just because they’re “helicoptered.” Adults are safer today, too, and we don’t helicopter them.) Crime is back to the level it was in 1963. The real danger kids face is in NOT going outside. Obesity and diabetes are on the rise, not child rape. Making it seem as if registered sex offenders are constantly on the prowl for tots and only harsh new laws can prevent them from doing damage is a lie. The new legislation is pointless. Gov. Cuomo and Sens. Klein and Savino are guilty of a new political crime: Fear-Pokémongering. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
Precautions to avoid mosquito-borne diseases
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and the county Department of Health continue to advise residents on how to protect themselves from mosquito bites this season. “The county is working diligently to address the Zika virus through education, surveillance and mosquito control,” Astorino said. “Although there are currently no locally acquired cases of Zika or West Nile virus in Westchester County, we encourage our residents to do their best to avoid mosquito bites.” The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises pregnant women to avoid travel to Zika-affected areas, including the Wynwood neighborhood in Miami. Couples planning a pregnancy are advised to avoid pregnancy for eight weeks after they travel to regions where Zika is spreading. Residents who return from these areas are also urged to use repellents daily for three weeks after their return to protect their families and communities. County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said that additional advice to help residents avoid Zika can also help them steer clear of the West Nile virus, which typically appears in the region at this time of year. Both Rockland County and New York City have reported several batches of mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected in Orangetown the week of July 10 and on Staten Island, Queens and in the north Bronx in June and July. While no mosquitoes found in Westchester County have tested positive for the virus to date, this is the time of year when the health department expects to find them. “Given the fact that our neighbors have reported positive mos-
quitoes, it is safe to assume that mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus are also present here in Westchester County,” Amler said. “The recent rain provides optimal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that can carry viruses. I urge all residents to remove standing water from their property, ensure their window screens are tight-fitting and free of tears, and to use repellents appropriately to avoid mosquito bites when spending time outdoors here or when they travel.” Last year, 17 positive mosquito batches of West Nile were found in Westchester County and two human cases were reported. This year, the health department has sent 168 batches of mosquitoes for testing since it began collecting them in early June, and will continue collecting batches of mosquitoes throughout the season. As part of its integrated pest management strategy, the health department evaluated 59,530 catch basins. Of those, nearly 42,534 were treated with larvicide. The department also gave away 400 pounds of free minnows to property owners with ponds. The minnows reduce the mosquito population by feeding on larvae and pupae before they become adult mosquitoes. Once positive pools are identified, the department will also send out inspectors to locate and eradicate standing water. If needed, storm drains in the area will be re-treated with larvicide. To help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: • Remove standing water around your home. After it rains, walk around and look for toys, flower pots or similar waterholding containers that should be overturned or put away to avoid collecting water. • Cover outdoor trash contain-
ers and drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers left outdoors. • Clean roof gutters and remove standing water from flat roofs. • Drain water in bird baths, plant pots and drip trays twice a week. • Sweep driveways of puddles after it rains. • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use and drain water that collects in pool covers. • To reduce your risk of mosquito bites: • Use insect repellent or avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding. • Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Adults can apply insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET on infants over 2 months of age by applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing their hands on their children. Products containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under 2 months of age. • Wash treated skin when mosquito exposure has ended. • Wear protective clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors and at times when mosquitoes are active. • Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report this to the Westchester County Department of Health at 813-5000 or by email at hweb@westchestergov. com. For more health information, visit westchestergov.com/ health. (Submitted)
14 • THE THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 12, 2016
SPORTS
Torching the Olympics LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
I don’t think it comes as a huge surprise that, despite the myriad of problems facing the 2016 Summer Olympics, the instant that the torch was lit last week, sports fans—both diehard and casual alike—seemed to immediately forget all about the issues preceding the Rio games, and instead focused on the actual athletic competitions. I mean, let’s face it; our collective attention spans are only slightly longer than a fruit fly’s. In the months leading up to the Summer Games, there was certainly no shortage of good, hard-hitting reporting done about the ugly downside of the Olympic process. From the undeniable corruption of the International Olympic Committee and its selection of host cities, to the harm that hosting these games has done to the already
bankrupt nation of Brazil, to concerns about the Zika virus and the unsafe conditions that face Olympic athletes who will have to compete in the polluted Rio de Janeiro water, it seemed as though no stone was left unturned in exposing the underbelly of this year’s summer spectacle. And then the games started, and nobody cared anymore. Before the games, any discussion you had with anyone who even had a passing familiarity with the Olympics was likely centered on the controversy surrounding it. But for the last week, all people are talking about are the tremendous performances by competitors like American swimmer Katie Ledecky, who won the women’s 400-meter freestyle event by roughly four months. But really, this is par for the course in terms of sports fandom. Just look at the NFL. For the last few years, pro
football has had its share of bad press in the offseason. From growing concerns over head injuries and the shady off-field behavior of players, particularly those accused of domestic violence, there has been much talk, from pundits, former players and fans, about cleaning up the sport and making it safer. But when the 2016 season kicks off on Sept. 8 with a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl, the ills of the sport won’t be the conversation of choice among area fans. They’ll be much more concerned with whether the Giants did enough in the offseason to address their defensive woes. Sports—and the spectacle that comes with it—has always been a prime source of escapism. Just look at Ancient Roman history, when rulers used gladiatorial games and chariot races were used to distract the populace to great effect. But what’s amazing about these games is that they’re a distraction from problems with the
In the months leading up to the 2016 Summer Olympics, there was much talk about the problems facing the games in Rio de Janeiro. Now that the games have started, however, most people seem to have forgotten those concerns. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.com
Olympics themselves. I’m not telling you to stop watching. The Olympics are insanely entertaining, a global phenomenon, and a terrific chance to learn about new sports that may not get much coverage here in the states.
I’m just saying that, while you watch, you should keep in mind that there are a lot of things wrong with the way the Olympics are currently set up, and a lot of people, including the people of Brazil, who stand to suffer so we can enjoy them.
But that’s a discussion for another day: Andora is getting set to take on Fiji in the men’s handball prelims, so I have to go set my DVR.
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SPORTS
August 12, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15
Lake Isle takes counties By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Thursday, Aug. 4, the Lake Isle Swim Team put the finishing touches on its successful defense of its 2015 title at the Westchester County Swim Championships, beating the rest of the county’s top swim teams at the Rye Playland Pool. Scoring 361 combined points, Lake Isle ran away with the competition, besting second-place finisher Wykagyl Country Club by 85 points. Coming into last week’s event, Lake Isle had enjoyed more than a decade of dominance at the county meet. With 10 Lake Isle wins since 2005, head coach Kevin Lavelle said he expected his swimmers to once again be in the hunt for another title. “We knew it was a possibility, but we had a lot of stiff competition with Wykagyl and the Chappaqua Swim Team,” he said. “They were very strong this year, but we knew we had the ability to compete with them.”
Lake Isle’s performance in the girls’ events proved the difference-maker, Lavelle added. While the boys’ team managed to outpoint Wykagyl 154-153, the girls were able to put some separation between themselves and the second-place finishers, scoring 207 points to top their opponents by 83. The 10U girls 200-meter freestyle and medley relay teams, comprised of Kait Sweeney, Claire Weinstein, Malaya Lathan and Sophia Colasacco, shined the brightest, setting new county records in the two events. The squad posted a time of 2:23.47 in the medley relay and turned in a blistering 2:05.61 in the freestyle event. Weinstein, Sweeney and Lathan were the top-three point scorers in the division, respectively. “The girls were really amazing,” Lavelle said. “In most years, it’s our boys who are the stronger side, but they really did a great job this year.” On the boys’ end, Lake Isle’s Nick Torres managed to set two county records and become the second-place over-
all scorer in the 14U division, despite participating on just two of the four days of the event. Torres, 14, has been swimming with Lake Isle for years, and has continually impressed the coaching staff with his ability in the water. “He was setting records when he was 9 years old and he’s still setting records,” Lavelle said. “We even put him in some of the 17-and-under races.” With its latest win at Counties, the Lake Isle team looked to replicate that success at the Conference Championships this past week. The event kicked off on Monday, Aug. 8, and will conclude on Thursday, Aug. 11 at the Westchester Country Club, after press time. According to Lavelle, Lake Isle’s competition is going to come from a familiar foe. “We hope to do well, but it’s going to be difficult,” the head coach said. “Wykagyl is tough, and it’s going to be a tough competition.”
Aidan Lee from the Wykagyl Country Club competes in the 50-meter butterfly event. Lee’s 36 points were tops in the boys’ 10U division.
Sophia Lord from the Rye Golf Club competes at the County Championships on Aug. 5.
CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Lake Isle’s Claire Weinstein competes in the 50-meter butterfly event at the Westchester County Swim Championships on Aug. 4. Weinstein was the top point scorer in the girls’ 10U division.
Klara Sweeney competes in the 200-meter freestyle relay on Aug. 5 at the Westchester County Swim Championships. Photos/Mike Smith
16 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 12, 2016