Harrison REVIEW THE
September 30, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 40 | www.harrisonreview.com
Despite Conservative primary victory, Stout won’t campaign By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer
MORE THAN A SCARE
Harrison’s Consigliere family will close down a section of Webster Avenue for their third annual haunted house to raise donations for a tragically wounded veteran. For story, see page 11. Photo courtesy Dan Consigliere
Police chief suspended pending town investigation By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The town/village of Harrison has remained unforthcoming in light of launching an internal investigation into police Chief Anthony Marraccini, who is currently suspended with pay, according to the mayor. Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, acknowledged the indefinite suspension but said he would not comment about what had prompted the decision for
the disciplinary action until the investigation, which currently has no timeline, is complete. On Sept. 15, the Harrison Town Council assembled for a closed-door executive meeting, and on the following day, Marraccini was suspended pending an internal investigation. The immediate suspension did not require a vote by the board because it was a paid suspension. Last month, the police chief turned over business records for Coastal Construction Associ-
ates that were requested as part of an ongoing federal investigation. While the suspension does not seem to be connected to the federal investigation concerning his construction business, it is unclear what Marraccini has been suspended for. Marraccini was not initially suspended when town council members learned of the federal investigation into his construction company. The police chief has been a licensed home improvement contractor in Westchester County
since starting a company called Coastal Construction Development in 1993. In 2005, Marraccini registered the construction company to New York state as Coastal Construction Associates. Marraccini has spent $3 million over the past eight years, according to Westchester County land records, to purchase four properties in the city of Rye. In February, he purchased his most recent home at Wards Park East CHIEF continued on page 9
After a lengthy review process, Harrison Town Councilman Joe Stout has been declared the winner in the primary for the Conservative Party line. The victory means that there will now be three candidates on the Election Day ballot. However, Stout told the Review he did not plan on actively campaigning for the general election. He said he was unlikely to win as a third-party candidate, adding, “At this point, campaigning would only take votes away from the other [candidates], which wouldn’t be fair to them.” Stout, a registered Democrat, lost the Democratic primary to Chris Rodier on Sept. 13, according to unofficial results from the Westchester County Board of Elections, BOE. But he also received 30 votes on the Conservative ballot after that party’s endorsement. Republican town board candidate Rich Dionisio, who also ran for the Conservative line, ran as a write-in and received 23 votes, which was not enough to beat Stout, according to the BOE’s unofficial count. Dionisio, who will run in the general election on the Republican, Independence and Working Families lines, said losing the Conservative line—and, therefore, gaining a second opponent on Election Day—does not change the way he will approach the remainder of his campaign. “I’m going to be forging ahead,” Dionisio said. “Every-
thing that I was going to do, I’m still doing. It really doesn’t change anything for me.” Dionisio told the Review he feels confident that he can get enough support from Conservative voters in the general election for it to bolster his chances. There are about 325 registered Conservatives in Harrison; at least 53 of them voted in the primary. By comparison, 406 of about 5,300 registered Harrison Democrats voted in that party’s primary. A Democrat has not been elected to the town board since 2009, when then-Mayor Joan Walsh was re-elected over then-police Chief David Hall. In the 2015 town board elections, all three Republican candidates swept their Democrat counterparts. All three of this year’s candidates will run to fulfill a one-year term remaining from Joe Canella’s unexpired term. Canella, a Republican, was elected to the town board in 2013, but vacated the seat in January 2016 to become a town judge. In January, the all-Republican town board appointed Stout to replace Canella until the Nov. 8 election. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
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2 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 30, 2016
Hounds are coming to the Long Island Sound It’s not every day that dogs are invited to enjoy the festivities at a local park, but that’s exactly what will happen on Sunday, Oct. 9 in Mamaroneck. Hundreds of walkers and their dogs will take a leisurely stroll around the perimeter of Harbor Island Park as part of the 8th annual Hounds on the Sound Dog Walk and Festival. Dog lovers are invited to register for the walk and get pledges of support from family and friends. You can also just show up to walk and pay the $25 registration fee; $40 for a family. The event is a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Westchester and Pet Rescue, with some of the proceeds going to the Friends of Mount Vernon
Shelter Animals. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the dog walk starting at 11:30 a.m. After the procession, browse the wares of numerous vendors (with lots of dog-related merchandise), listen to music, and enjoy refreshments such as pizza, burgers, hot dogs from Walter’s and home-baked treats. Get a take-home photo of you and your dog posing at the water’s edge, get a balloon shaped like a dog, buy raffle tickets, and enjoy face painting and crafts for the kids. You can also run your dog through an agility course with a professional trainer. New this year will be dog contests including Best Costume, Best Trick and Best Kisser.
The dog walk and festival also has fun activities for the human participants, like face painting and other crafts for kids.
Both dogs and cats will also be available for adoption. To register or for more information, visit houndsonthesound.org. The Humane Society of Westchester is located at 70 Portman Road in New Rochelle. For more information on the nonprofit, visit newrochellehumanesociety. org. Pet Rescue can be contacted by mailing PO Box 393, Larchmont, NY 10538. For more information on the nonprofit, visit NY-petrescue.org. (Submitted)
Bring along your beloved dog for the annual Hounds on the Sound Dog Walk and Festival.
The dog walk and festival also has fun activities for the human participants, like face painting and other crafts for kids. Contributed photos
September 30, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 3
County purchases another affordable housing unit
Westchester County officials have allotted funds to purchase a second unit at 70 West St. to be converted into affordable housing. The county needs to provide for about 103 more units by the end of the year to meet the requirements of the 2009 settlement. File photo
By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer The Westchester County Board of Legislators has signed off on the county executive’s plan to turn another Harrison condominium unit into affordable housing as it strives to meet a Dec. 31 deadline set in a 2009 settlement to provide hundreds of affordable units in Westchester’s most affluent communities. On Sept. 12, 15 county legislators voted unanimously to fund the purchase of six properties throughout Westchester—including units in North Castle, Harrison, Yorktown, Lewisboro and Somers—to convert them into 10 affordable housing units. According to Ned McCormack, spokesman for the county, Westchester needs building permits for about 103 more units by the end of December to meet terms of the settlement. “We’re on target to meet the goal,” he said. In Harrison, the county plans to buy a one-bedroom, 540-square-foot condo unit at 70 West St. in the Harrison House complex. The county board has appropriated $197,000 to purchase the unit and another $27,775 for settlement fees and other costs. The unit would then be sold for about $135,000 to a household eligible for affordable housing. The Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, AFFH, requires that the household’s income is less than 80 percent of the area median income; in Harrison, the area median income is just more than
$105,000. The unit would be required to “remain affordable for a minimum of 50 years,” according to the land acquisition funding request document. Last year, the county converted a similar unit in the same development into an affordable housing unit. That two-bedroom, 800-square-foot condo cost the county $296,355, and is available for approximately $175,000. County Legislator David Gelfarb, a Rye Brook Republican who represents a portion of Harrison, said the county is not singling out that complex for affordable housing; rather, it is acting opportunistically on a financially viable unit. In 2015, the county also bought a condo on 240 Halstead Ave. in Harrison, which it is selling as an affordable housing unit. That unit was acquired by the county for $294,000 and is available for about $160,000. The county is working to fulfill the terms of a settlement with the federal department of Housing and Urban Development, which mandated that Westchester provide 750 units of affordable housing in 31 of its wealthiest and least racially diverse communities, including Harrison. The settlement additionally limits how many affordable units can have special restrictions, such as units designated for rental or units designated for senior occupants. The county’s implementation of this settlement was being overseen by a monitor, James Johnson. Before he resigned
from the position in August, Johnson named Harrison as a community that was not doing enough to promote affordable housing. Earlier this month, the town board approved a special exception use permit to develop residential rental units on 103105 Corporate Park Drive, with the condition that the developer set aside 42 units for affordable housing, including 21 units for households with incomes less than 60 percent of the area median income. Harrison is also awaiting the construction of the 143-apartment AvalonBay Community Development in the MetroNorth parking lot. Seven units in that development would be designated for affordable housing for households making less than 60 percent of the area median income, according to the agreement between the town and the developer. The rental units set at 60 percent of the area median income would count towards the settlement, but only if building permits are issued before December. “Given the early stages of those projects, it’s unlikely that they would have building permits by the end of the year,” McCormack said. “They’ll count; but they’ll be over and above [the requirement].” Gelfarb added that going beyond the scope of the requirement ensures that the county won’t fall short. “We're on schedule, but obviously we don't want to leave anything to chance,” he said. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
4 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 30, 2016
What’s going on... Harrison Public Library
Visit harrisonpl.org for more information on programs and library hours.
West Harrison branch temporary closing The West Harrison branch, at 2 Madison St., will be temporarily closed for carpet replacement and other repairs. A reopening date will be announced when possible. All books must be returned to other Westchester Library System locations. Holds will be available for pickup at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building, at 2 Bruce Ave.
Taste of Peru On Monday, Oct. 3 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15. Come celebrate the flavors of Peru in this tasting and demo with music. Taste some of Peru’s national cuisine while learning about the flavors and culture. Take home new recipes to add to your collection. Presented by Mariella Diaz-Male. Registration is recommended online or by calling 8350324, as space is limited.
BOCES English and Citizenship Classes On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:45 a.m. to
1 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. For adults age 18 and up. Southern Westchester BOCES is offering free English and citizenship classes at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. In the fall, the class meets twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings through Nov. 29. Registration for each class is required online or by calling 835-0324.
Visual journal workshop On select Wednesdays starting Oct. 5. This is a six-week art workshop, also scheduled for Oct. 19, Nov. 2, 16 and 30, and Dec. 14. A visual journal is a great place to grow ideas and foster creativity. Your journal can help improve drawing, capture a memory and help on stay present. A journal can be a portable studio you always have with you. Come and explore how and what to keep in your visual journal. Try out new techniques, use words and images, as well as collage and mixed media. Also look at sketch books of famous artists and designers for inspiration. Registration is recommended online or by calling 835-0324, as space is limited.
fun songs, stories and games, parents and children will learn many useful signs for everyday communication. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Yoga with Angela On Fridays starting Oct. 7 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. For grades 2–5. Bring your own mat and water to this lovely, mind and body relaxing yoga experience with Harrison resident Angela Brandt, a registered and certified yoga instructor. This is an opportunity to create self-esteem, physical coordination, breath relaxation and strength.
One-on-one technology help On Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Need help with your tablet, phone or laptop? Bring your device and technology questions and get oneon-one assistance. You must register by 4 p.m. the day before the session starts. No walk-ins please. Registration is recommended online or by calling 835-0324, as space is limited.
Chloe’s Sign & Play
Python for beginners
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 real signs from 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
Starting Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. For ages 14 and up. Python programming language is really powerful, friendly and easy to learn. It has become the scripting language of choice for many large organizations, including Google, Yahoo and IBM due to its power, simplicity and complete object model. This seven-week course is for beginners. No prior experience in computer programing is required. The class will be taught by Aarti Kumthkar. She holds a master’s in Computer and Information Systems and has extensive experience in computer programming and business development technology. Limited spaces are available. Register online, by phone at 835-0324, or at the library. Bring your own laptop or use the ones provided.
Neuberger Museum of Art Neuberger Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., and is closed on Monday. The museum is located at 735 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase. For more information, call 251-6100 or visit neuberger.org.
Fall Family Festival On Saturday, Oct. 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Seasonal family festivals offer creative afternoons of exploration and experimentation inspired by the museum’s artists and exhibitions. Generously sponsored by Neuberger Berman. Free for Family Circle Members and above. General admission: $10 per child 18 and under; adults free.
‘Destination: Latin America’ gallery talk In conjunction with the exhibition “Destination: Latin America,” the Neuberger Museum will be holding a gallery talk with curator Patrice Giasson on Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Giasson examines key works from the exhibition, tracing the impact of the Mexican Revolution on contemporary Latin American artists and their responses to history, globalization, migration and social criticism. During the talk, she will explain the exhibition. Tickets to the gallery talk are free for Purchase College students, staff, faculty and Neu-
berger Museum of Art Circle Level Members, and are $10 for the general public. “Destination: Latin America” will be on display until Jan. 22, 2017.
Harrison Recreation Mad Science: Crazy Chemworks On Fridays starting Oct. 14 through Dec. 16. No sessions on Nov. 11 and Nov. 25. The registration deadline is Saturday, Oct. 1. This is an after-school club for children in grades K-3 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fee: $200. The sessions will be held at either the Veterans Memorial Building, 210 Halstead Ave., or the Leo Mintzer Center, 251 Underhill Ave. For more information or to register, visit Westchester.madscience.org. Come and spark imaginative learning with some Mad chemistry. Watch as we combine elements and make them fizz, crackle and change color. We’ll delve into molecules and chemical reactions that produce light, gas and even slime. Some of the weekly topics in this session include Lab Works, Junior Reactors, p.H. Phactor, Slime Time, The Glow Show, Dry Ice Capades, Icky Sticky Stuff, Chemistry Corner, The Mystery of Chem and Kitchen Chemistry.
Halloween window painting contest On Sunday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Harrison business districts. The rain date will be Sunday, Oct. 23. Registration applications are available at recreation centers, and the deadline is Friday, Oct. 7. This annual activity is for children in grades K–8 and Harrison residents only. Fee: $10. There will be three categories: individual, family and team.
Election Day Register to vote Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Qualifications to register to vote: • be a United States citizen; • be 18 years old by December 31 of the year in which you file this form (note: you must be 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote); • live at your present address at least 30 days before an election; • not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction and; • not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; • not claim the right to vote elsewhere. Register in person by Friday, Oct. 14 at the county Board of Elections, BOE, located at 25 Quarropas St. in White Plains. Phone number: 995-5700. Register by mail, postmarked by Friday, Oct. 14 and received by Wednesday, Oct. 19 by the BOE. Apply for absentee ballot in person by Monday, Nov. 7 at the BOE. Apply for absentee ballot by mail, postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 1 at the BOE. Deliver ballot in person by Tuesday, Nov. 8 at the BOE. Deliver ballot by mail, postmarked by Monday, Nov. 7 and received by Saturday, Nov. 12 by the BOE. 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.
September 30, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 5
Payment for Playland likely extended again By JAMES PERO Staff Writer An imminent extension by the Westchester County Board of Legislators on the fate of Playland’s pool casts a shadow of uncertainty over a $1.5 million payment from new park manager Standard Amusements. According to county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, while the deadline for legislators to make a decision on the pool ends on Sept. 30, after press time, there is a possibility the date could be extended further. “We don’t want to demolish the pool, but we have some details to figure out if we’re going to rehabilitate it,” Parker told the Review. According to Ned McCormack, spokesman for Republican County Executive Rob Astorinio’s administration, with that potential extension for the pool could come yet another extension on an initial payment from Standard Amusements—the management company put in charge of operating the park—which is set to coincide with the county Leg-
islature’s pool deadline. “All the parties are talking,” said McCormack regarding the prospect of another payment extension for Standard. “It’s likely that there will be another extension.” The extended payment— which is the second contractual payment to the county as part of Standard’s deal to manage Playland, struck in May—was originally due on June 15, but was granted an extension to Sept. 30 from the county executive’s office on July 21, more than a month after the initial due date. Questions surrounding when Standard may make its initial payment have boiled to the surface over the past several months after county Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat, accused Standard of missing the $1.5 million transfer and breaching the contract. “That payment was not made,” Jenkins said. “I would question whether or not Standard is living up to their end of the bargain.” Both representatives of Standard and representatives with
the county executive’s office have repeatedly refuted such claims. “There was no late payment,” McCormack said, adding that both parties have been in constant negotiations. “An extension was granted in a timely manner.” However, emails obtained by the Review through a Freedom of Information Law, FOIL, request, show correspondence between Associate County Attorney Tami Altschiller dated June 27—nearly two weeks after the payment’s due date—prodding the co-founder of Standard Amusements, Nick Singer, on when the payment will be received. “I have checked with the finance commissioner for the county and she does not have any record showing a payment from Standard Amusements,” reads the email. “As you will recall the payment was due June 15, 2016. Please advise when the county can expect this payment to be made.” An email response from Singer, reads, “Let me speak to my CFO tomorrow and can
Initially due in June, a $1.5 million payment to Westchester County from Standard Amusements, the management company overseeing Playland, is likely to be extended yet again as a decision on the future status of Playland pool will also likely be extended past Friday, Sept. 30. File photo
come back to you…. Do we have wire instructions on the special reserve account?” A representative from Standard Amusements told the Review that those correspondences failed to reflect ongoing discussions between the company and the county executive’s office; discussions which Altschiller was allegedly not privy to, according to a Standard spokesperson. Altschiller declined to comment on whether or not her email
was sent to Singer without such knowledge. When reached by phone on Wednesday, Singer would not tell the Review whether Standard planned to make its $1.5 million payment to the county by the previously agreed upon Sept. 30 deadline. A representative from Standard emailed a statement to the Review, which said, “Standard Amusements is committed to one thing: making Playland a crown jewel of Westchester
County, once again. Any suggestion we have done anything to disrupt that goal is just silly.” County administration officials have repeatedly tied Standard’s reluctance to send its initial payment to uncertainty over Playland’s pool. “[Standard said] it doesn’t make sense for us to make a payment before [issues with the pool] get resolved,” McCormack said. PLAYLAND continued on page 8
6 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 30, 2016
Harrison REVIEW
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Breast cancer support group to decorate Rye in pink
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By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
Reporter | Corey Stockton ext. 16, corey@hometwn.com
The Soul Ryeders charity organization will adorn the city of Rye, and the village of Rye Brook and the Rye Neck area, with symbolic pink ribbons throughout the month of October to show support for community members fighting breast cancer. The Rye-based cancer support organization will begin decorating the community with pink ribbons the morning of Oct. 1 to kick off its third annual breast cancer awareness campaign, “TieTheTownPink,” following approval by the Rye City Council on Sept. 14 and the Rye Town Park Commission on Sept. 20. Last year, volunteers tied more than 750 pink ribbons throughout the community, with help from city merchants that
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displayed ribbons in their stores. Soul Ryeder volunteers also delivered and tied more than 360 ribbons in private homes in and near Rye. “We are hoping to increase those numbers this year, because this is a fundraising campaign and it’s a way for Soul Ryeders to increase funding for current programs and to expand on new ones,” said Lisa Dominici Faries, co-founder and co-chairwoman of the initiative. “Volunteer efforts like TieTheTownPink allows Soul Ryeders to expand cancer support services in the community.” According to Faries, what makes the initiative so successful are the amount of volunteers that deliver the ribbons; more than 100 of them. “In a community like ours, people are going to see the ribbons and are going
to want to participate,” she said. The breast cancer awareness group started as a small team of women that participated in the annual Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, according to Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican. Sandy Samberg, a co-founder and member of the organization’s board of directors, started the group after experiencing her first Avon walk in 2006, in which she walked in memory of a friend, Clayton Byrne, who had recently succumbed to breast cancer, and in honor of another, Dawn Ewing, who had just been diagnosed. “Soul Ryeders is just an amazing organization and I think that what they’ve managed to accomplish since they’ve been in Rye is unbelievable, not only from the awareness that they bring to [the] community, but the spirit
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Local breast cancer awareness organization, Soul Ryeders, will decorate the city of Rye with pink ribbons beginning on Oct. 1 for its annual awareness campaign, “TieTheTownPink.”
they bring as well,” said Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein, a Democrat. “Their work really speaks to this community, as everyone has been touched or will be touched by breast cancer in some way.” TieTheTownPink, which was founded by Faries and Susan Janart four years ago, is sponsored by more than 50 local organizations including Wine at Five, Hudson Paul Salon, Citibank, RowAmerica Rye, Women’s Association of Rye Presbyterian and the city of Rye Fire Department. Soul Ryeders has raised as much as $2 million for cancer support and services since the
group started in 2007. Ribbons can be purchased for $25 at soulriders.org/pink or directly by emailing tiethetownpink@gmail.com, and can be tied around trees, mailboxes, benches and front doors. Ribbons can also be purchased directly at the Oct. 7 Rye High School Garnets football game, as the volunteer efforts are supported by the school’s breast cancer awareness club, and at all Rye elementary schools from Sept. 26 to Sept. 30. All proceeds will benefit Soul Ryeders’ local cancer related programs and services. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
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Visit us online www.harrisonreview.com Follow us on Twitter, @harrisonview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/harrisonreview The Harrison Review (permit #106661) is published by Home Town Media Group weekly for an annual subscription of $32. Application to mail at the peridcals postage rate is approved at Port Chester, N.Y., 10573. Periodicals postage paid at Port Chester and additional mailing offices.
The TieTheTownPink campaign was formed four years ago by Rye residents Susan Janart and Lisa Dominici Faries. Photos courtesy Soul Ryeders
Last year, Soul Ryeder volunteers tied more than 1,100 ribbons throughout Rye.
September 30, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 7
Future of Seaside Johnnies restaurant now uncertain By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The Rye Town Park Commission is considering reopening a new request for proposals to oversee and manage the park’s restaurant and snack and concession stands, according to commission members. During the latest park commission meeting on Sept. 20, park commission officials were set to accept a proposal from Seaside Johnnies, the current restaurant tenant at the park, to contiunue to manage the park’s restaurant; however, after receiving a number of concerning emails from residents who felt that they were not thoroughly involved in choosing a new operator, the commission did not reach a conclusion and tabled the resolution. “We shouldn’t do anything too quickly,” said Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican and member of the commission. “We may end up in the same situation that we are in today, but at least we would have gone through the process
more efficiently.” Initially, two restaurant proposals were submitted to the park commission following a request for proposals, RFP, sent out in late June; but Angelo Liberatore, an operating partner of the Fort Pond Bay Company— which operates Half Moon and Harvest on Hudson in Westchester County, and East by Northeast and The Stone Lion Inn in Montauk—announced his withdrawal to the park commission on Aug. 15, citing the proposal’s time frame as too short to prepare for the 2017 season. While the current license agreement with John Ambrose and Sam Chernin, the owners of Seaside Johnnies, which overlooks Oakland Beach and the Long Island Sound—it is open seasonally from April until September—expires at the end of 2016, the park commission is facing a possible restaurant vacancy, as it has not yet reached a deal with Ambrose to either extend its current agreement, or enter into a new one. According to Rye Town Attorney Paul Noto, the park com-
mission rejected a Seaside Johnnies license extension once in 2014 and again in 2015. The operators of Seaside Johnnies, who first opened the restaurant in Rye Town Park in 2000, are seeking a 10-year license to continue managing the restaurant, and are proposing to expand on their current restaurant theme, while adding a tropical twist. With proposed refurnishing for the beachfront snack bar and main restaurant, the proposal also includes updates to equipment. In total, the construction cost is estimated at $1 million, according to the proposal. Despite the risk of the restaurant going vacant in 2017, Killian said that the commission is not certain that it will reach a deal with Ambrose. “I feel strongly that we should hire a restaurant consultant to help us generate more options,” she said. According to Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, a Democrat and president of the commission, the park, which already struggles to break even financially each year, will lose
Members of the Rye Town Park Commission are uncertain if they will accept a proposal from Seaside Johnnies owner John Ambrose, pictured, to manage the park’s restaurant space, following a number of complaints from area residents. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
approximately $100,000 if the restaurant does not reopen next year. “The commission apparently desires that a new [RFP] be issued and that a consultant be retained for that purpose, but there is just no resolution for that at the present time,” he said. Killian and Zuckerman both said that if a restaurant vacancy occurs, the commission would possibly entertain temporary food trucks; however, Zuckerman said that food trucks could present a number of issues, including the location of the trucks. “People won’t leave the beach to
walk to the parking lot,” he said. The Rye Town Park Commission—which consists of representatives from the city and town of Rye, and the villages of Port Chester, Rye Brook and the Rye Neck section of the village of Mamaroneck—is responsible for setting policy at the park and governing it’s operations. The park has been around since the early 1900s and includes pavilions, a beach, a duck pond and service facilities; it’s located at 95 Dearborn Ave., off of Forest Avenue in the city of Rye.
Rye City Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican and member of the park commission, declined to comment about the future of Seaside Johnnies, but noted that he and Killian are “on the same page.” The park commission will have until Oct. 7 to make a decision on whether or not to accept Ambrose’s proposal. Port Chester Mayor Dennis Pilla and Ambrose could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
8 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 30, 2016
Local entrepreneur to launch ‘insider’ directory A fall carnival and safeguarding from theft
Sabrina Kucevik, creator of 914 Insider, a service that will allow patrons to follow local businesses and their promotions. Contributed photo
We live in a world of bombardment. Anytime we open a newspaper—yes some of us still do that—a flock of circulars fly out before we even turn a page. Similarly, our online inbox is often flooded with offers from stores we have no interest in shopping at. Sabrina Kucevik knows all too well about this problem, and is trying to correct it. The Bronxville-based entrepreneur will launch 914 Insider on Sept. 30, which will cut through the fat if you will. The service will allow users to follow stores and their respective deals with a simple click and specialized eblast. It will be a new platform that brings free advertising to all Westchester small businesses. “I started this because I encountered the problem of not being able to find local small businesses for soccer gear for my son,” explains the Bronx native. “When I Googled the gear, PLAYLAND from page 5
In a county Budget and Appropriations Committee meeting on Aug. 15, Lawrence Soule, the county budget director, reiterated similar sentiments about the payment, explaining during discussions with committee members that Standard’s payment was “delayed” and is “pending the outcome” of a decision on the future of the pool. Parker, who was among county Democrats deriding Astorino’s agreement with Standard before its authorization in May, said that the last payment extension as well as a potential extension in the near future is just one example of a flawed agreement
only three or four showed up and I ended up traveling to Connecticut to get what I needed.” After traveling to get what she needed, Kucevik said she realized there was a small soccer shop in nearby New Rochelle, which had exactly what she wanted. On top of that, she also found out—after the fact— a nearby home décor shop she frequents had a sale she missed because she couldn’t find the information within her overflowing inbox. It was at that point that Kucevik knew she needed to do something. “I envision 914 Insider to be the directory for everything Westchester. My goal is to create the largest directory of small businesses for users to find anything and everything they are searching for in Westchester, and for users to stay connected to the shops they love,” she explained. Kucevik’s service will essentially make sure those living in the 914 won’t have to go through what she did. “They’ll be able to stay up-to-date with sales and specials. I’m essential-
between the two parties. “My discomfort with the agreement started right from the beginning,” Parker said. “The structure gives Standard the right to pull out and it gives little power to the county.” According to the finalized version of the agreement, Standard may exercise its right to contractually exit the agreement if the county Board of Legislators fails to reach a decision on the pool before a predetermined deadline. That deadline was originally slated for July 31 but was extended until Sept. 30. To date, Standard has given no indication that it intends to exercise its right to opt out.
ly making it easier for customers to find specifically what they want. They can literally type in the keyword they’re interested in, and only receive emails from those particular businesses. There’s no overload in the inbox,” she said. With an emphasis on “momand-pop” shops, which she notes often can’t compete with larger chains, Kucevik, who is a former employee at a small business, said the directory will be free for local businesses who will be able to target their customers by creating their own pages, which includes areas to upload their latest deals. “Advertising today is difficult for small businesses. Many cannot afford to list everywhere and many stick to advertising in their local cities, repeating the same ads to the same customer base,” she explained. “Businesses will be able to target specifically those cliental they want.” And best of all, she notes. It’s free for all. “We’ve need to support our local businesses, and stay connected,” Kucevik said. (Submitted)
A 30-year agreement between the county and Standard commits both parties to $30 million in critical capital improvements at the ailing amusement park and is the culmination of several years of negotiations with various public and private entities. Now, legislators seem in favor of providing renovations to the pool amidst tepid support for a bond act introduced by Astorino’s administration that would have seen its complete removal. Legislator Ben Boykin, a White Plains Democrat, could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
The Harrison Fire Department inspection and dinner was held last weekend, and I am happy to report that the condition of the department’s apparatus is first-rate. The entire department should be commended for their hard work and commitment. I would like to take this time to congratulate Billy Sinclair. This year, the Fire Department and the town recognized Billy, a former captain of the Hook and Ladder, for his 50 years of unwavering service and dedication to our community. It was truly a memorable evening and an honor to be included. The second annual Elementary Enrichment Committee’s Fall Carnival will be held this weekend, at Louis M. Klein Middle School, on Friday, Sept. 30 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Proceeds from the
carnival will support enrichment programs that focus on visiting authors, theater arts and cultural arts at all four of our elementary schools. I encourage all residents to attend. We are very fortunate that Harrison remains a safe and secure community. As a precaution, and in an effort to safeguard against theft and vandalism, I would like to remind all residents to close car windows and lock doors when leaving vehicles on the street, driveway or parking lots. Although infrequent, it’s unfortunate that these events do occur. Being extra vigilant may prevent these types of crimes from happening with greater frequency. Recently, the Harrison Education Foundation celebrated its 22nd anniversary. I enjoyed stopping by at their golf outing to extend my congratulations and to wish them many more years of success in providing educational opportunities to the students in the Harrison Central School District. It was a great turn out and I applaud all who
were involved in this wonderful, annual outing. Last week, I had the privilege of attending an event hosted by the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust and the Red Bandanna Project. The charitable trust was established in 2001 by the Crowther family in memory of their son, Welles, who lost his life at age 24 while aiding others during the attack on 9/11. He was an equities trader and also a volunteer firefighter with the Empire Hook and Ladder Company in Upper Nyack, New York. He was identified by those he saved as “the man wearing a red bandanna.” It was an honor to attend this very important and moving event. The next Lunch with the Mayor is on Friday, Oct. 7 and I will be at Porta Napoli Restaurant, located at 261 Halstead Ave. in downtown Harrison. I will be at this location from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.
Larz is a handsome Lab/Great Dane mix with beautiful bovine markings. His favorite pastime is playing with toys and exploring on long walks. But more than anything, Larz would love to find his forever home and spend quality time hanging out with his new family. Larz is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Make him part of your family for an adoption donation of $300 to Pet Rescue. To learn more, call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
September 30, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 9 CHIEF from page 1
in Rye, located near the Long Island Sound, for $860,000. Five months after the purchase, Marraccini sold the home for $1.2 million. A week after Marraccini’s suspension, the Town Council again gathered on Sept. 22 behind closed doors to discuss a “personnel matter,” but formal charges and a disciplinary hearing have not yet been scheduled. Police Lt. Michael Olsey is currently responsible for the chief’s duties while Marraccini is suspended. The department does not have a captain in its ranks to fill the interim position, as Marraccini collects a $12,000 stipend for leaving the position vacant on top of his $185,000 chief salary. Marraccini joined the department in 1984 and has served as the police chief since 2010. Town Attorney Frank Alle-
Harrison police Chief Anthony Marraccini has been suspended indefinitely with pay, following the launch of an internal town investigation. File photo
gretti and Councilwoman Marlane Amelio, a Republican, could not be reached for comment, as of press time. Andrew Quinn, a defense attorney rep-
resenting Marraccini, also could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
Opinion-Editorial
On Colin Kaepernick’s dignified silent protest By JOSEPH LANNI I admire Colin Kaepernick’s dignified silent protest. It is very courageous and I applaud his actions. The ensuing controversy evoked memories of John Carlos and Tommie Smith at the Olympics in 1968. Similar to the criticism that erupted against Kaepernick’s protest, Carlos and Smith were vilified at the time. Many people castigated them when all they did was firmly express their principles, state an undeniable universal truth, and protest the overt racism of American society. In retrospect, they were heroic. Critics said that “no one should inject politics into sport” in 1968. They say the same now. Yet many of the same people rightfully cheered the USA hockey team’s defeat of the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics, or the Hungarians’ defeat of the Soviets in water polo in the 1956 Olympics as “political statements” in “protest” of the Soviet’s violence directed at other peoples. The double standard exists even when it comes to protest in sports. It eludes logic and common sense for the mostly white sportswriters, coaches and athletes to incongruously attack Kaepernick’s brave stand by essentially claiming that he is
somehow disqualified from protesting due to his proven ability to compel a good paycheck for his labors. They conflate two unrelated issues. On one hand, Kaepernick was savvy enough to extract market based wages from the overwhelmingly white ownership that lucratively benefits from his services and those of his teammates. On the other hand, Kaepernick is rightfully exercising his First Amendment rights as an American citizen. Either way, Colin Kaepernick can only be accused of being smart and aware. Regardless of the paycheck size, Kaepernick and other players know full well that, despite the status, fame and income that comes with a professional athletic career, they remain potential targets of unjustifiable police violence and so do their families, friends, teammates, childhood acquaintances and others in minority communities. Kudos to Kaepernick and other players for being engaged in the real world and caring about what happens in our society. Good for them that they care enough to speak out against injustice and in favor of young lives. They aren’t willing to stay mute about the issues, injustices and shames swirling around them in our perilous times. They are inarguably good American
citizens who want our practices to live up to our principles. More people, famous and anonymous alike, need to speak up against injustice and for the aggrieved. Finally, I’ve never understood how the NFL could “wrap itself up in the flag” as if it has a priority claim to patriotism. Rather, the history of the NFL’s abusive treatment of its labor force— disproportionately composed of players from minority communities—and its evasion of responsibility for the occupational injuries, illnesses, diseases, disabilities and untimely deaths suffered by its employees is anything but patriotic. Aside from Kaepernick’s unassuming quiet protest, if there is anyone who should engage in raucous protest at an NFL event, it should be the poor taxpayers for the injustices of publicly financed new stadiums that merely subsidize the huge profits of already wealthy team owners and the practice of flying a formation of fighter jets over a stadium! Imagine the cost of running five of those things for a few hours just to appear for three seconds over a stadium and deafen the crowd! Who’s paying for all that stuff? Joseph Lanni is a resident of Mamaroneck. The views expressed are his own.
10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 30, 2016
Harrison & Rye Home Sales Listings provided by the office of Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni Photos courtesy Zillow.com, Trulia.com, Hotpads.com, Spotproperty.com, Randrealty.com, Redfin.com & Maps.google.com
1 Beaty Court, Rye $1,495,000 Sale Date: 7/22/16
1 Rye Road, Rye $1,370,000 Sale Date: 7/29/16
3 Beaty Court, Rye $1,500,000 Sale Date: 7/11/16
3 George Langeloh Court, Rye $2,300,000 Sale Date: 7/11/16
4 Augusta Court, Purchase $1,725,000 Sale Date: 7/6/16
5 Hammond Road, Rye $1,150,000 Sale Date: 7/14/16
5 Valley Place, Harrison $1,887,500 Sale Date: 7/14/16
6 Overdale Road, Rye $2,300,000 Sale Date: 7/26/16
6 Tam O’Shanter Drive, Purchase $1,125,000 Sale Date: 7/20/16
9 Dearborn Avenue, Rye $1,127,000 Sale Date: 7/14/16
12 Adelphi Avenue, Harrison $980,900 Sale Date: 7/29/16
16 Indian Trail, Harrison $1,441,000 Sale Date: 7/11/16
18 The Crossing, Harrison $1,350,000 Sale Date: 7/13/16
19 Hix Avenue, Rye $2,940,000 Sale Date: 8/4/16
20 Claremont Avenue, Rye $2,425,000 Sale Date: 7/26/16
26 Valleyview Avenue, Rye $2,210,000 Sale Date: 7/15/16
September 30, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11
Annual haunted house supports wounded veteran By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The Consigliere family will commence their annual haunted house on Halloween, Oct. 31 to seek donations to support a wounded war veteran that suffered traumatic injuries in Afghanistan. Following approval by the Town Council on Sept. 15, the
Harrison-based family was granted permission to temporarily close down a partial section of Webster Avenue, between the corners of Ellsworth Avenue and Post Place, for their third annual haunted house. Three years ago, the Consigliere family started the event as a way to support veteran, Cpl. Joshua Hotaling, 29, who on May 13, 2011, while serving as
After suffering tragic injuries as a marine in Afghanistan, California native Joshua Hotaling has received continued support from his close friend, a former marine and Harrison police officer, Rocky Consigliere, and the entire Consigliere family with an annual haunted house that raises money for Hotaling.
a Marine in Sangin, Afghanistan, was injured by an improvised explosive device, IED, bomb, which left him with traumatic amputations of his legs and several hand-related injuries. Hotaling served alongside close friend and Harrison police officer, Rocky Consigliere, one of the founding members of the family’s haunted house. “The most rewarding thing for me is to be able to tell Josh’s story,” said Rocky Consigliere. “He made such a sacrifice at a young age, and unfortunately his life was changed forever. For me, it’s important to do this every year to raise money so he can have a bit of a decent lifestyle.” The haunted house, which is currently being built by several members of the Consigliere family, will feature six volunteer actors from the Rye Neck High School drama program, a number of individuals from the Consigliere family and friends of the family. Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, said, “People are always giving back to the commu-
Volunteers from the Rye Neck High School drama program, the Consiglieres and friends of the family will serve as actors in the haunted house. Photos courtesy Dan Consigliere
nity and it’s what makes Harrison a great place to live.” According to Dan Consigliere, a cousin of Rocky Consigliere who also organizes the event, the family raised $6,000
for Hotaling during last year’s event. “Last year, it got bigger and more people started paying attention, so we decided to advertise it,” he said. “This year, we’re making it even bigger with
more costumes and actors.” While the event currently does not have any local sponsorship from organizations within the community, Dan Consigliere mentioned that the family, which does not charge individuals to enjoy the haunted house, hopes that members of the community donate whatever they can to support the wounded veteran. “We strongly recommend donations for the cause,” he said. “We don’t want any credit either. We just want to show veterans that we care.” Dan Consigliere also mentioned that he hopes this year’s outcome will lead to a possible expansion of the event for next year, in which they can raise money for more veterans. “As the years go on, we’d like to expand support not just to one single veteran, but for many other veterans too, as a little way of thanking them for putting their lives on the line year in and year out.” The haunted house will be open between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31 at 86 Webster Ave., as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 30, 2016
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ESTATE SALE Estate Sale by Buckingham Estate Liquidators. Something for everyone! 215 Rocky Rapids Road Stamford CT (entrance is on Pinnacle Rock Road) Clocks, tools, many collectibles, house hold items and furniture. Friday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Sunday Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Check or cash only.
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LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Formation of Z Marine Transport, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 06/08/16. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 480 Halstead Ave., Apt. 3U. Harrison, NY 10528. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of formation of The Zone: Strength and Fitness, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY secy of state (SSNY) on 5/27/16. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 188 East Post Road, White Plains, NY 10601 Basement Level. Purpose: any lawful activity.
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September 30, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13
Uncovering why some women cover up RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
Religiously observant Muslims and Jews convened in lower Manhattan recently to discuss an item of vital interest to both: Headscarves. Also long skirts, high collars and how much arm one can expose. Whatever tension may or may not exist between the faiths on a political level vanished at a symposium on dressing modestly yet fashionably, organized by Daniel Cole of the NYU Costume Studies Department, and opened by Nancy Deihl, the director of the program. To give you an idea of how this topic cuts across religious lines, try to guess which of these statements was made by a Jewish woman, and which by a Muslim: “I dress modestly because God commanded me to, as a way to focus on my value as a person.” “Why do women cover? Sexuality is something that belongs in the home.” Answer: Jew, Muslim, respectively. But they were both nodding along with each other. The Jewish woman here is Michelle Honig, a fashion journalist who often writes about the intersection of fashion and modesty. She was wearing a green striped sweater with a white long-sleeved shirt underneath, a slim dark skirt, and long blonde hair—a wig that mostly, but not totally (she admitted) covers her hair. Her shoes looked straight out of Vogue. Admittedly, Honig said, the idea of a religiously observant Muslim, Jewish or even Christian woman “doesn’t bring to mind very fashionable women.”
But just because they are covering more of themselves than your average secular lass, doesn’t mean they have to be dowdy. Honig goes shopping at popular stores, “browsing through the racks, each piece going through some mental calculation of how to modest-ify it.” To do that, she usually adds layers, or maybe she’ll sew up the slit of a slinky skirt. Voila: a fashionable young woman in “normal” clothes that just happen to cover the knees and elbows. Dian Pelangi, head designer of the Indonesian fashion company that bears her name, took the podium next, looking regal in a stunning floor-length green cape with a black hood. “Hijab means ‘to cover,’” she explained to half the audience that wasn’t already wearing one of these Muslim head coverings. “There was a time when the hijab was considered weird, backwards and old-fashioned,” Pelangi said. But now it is “huge trend.” Witness the fact that a Jakarta designer showed the first “modest” fashion line at New York Fashion Week this year. And the fact both Tommy Hilfiger and DKNY brought out a Ramadan collection. Or even the fact that Pelangi herself has 4.3 million Twitter followers who look to her for advice on modest styles. With 23 percent of the world’s population being followers of Islam, catering to Muslim women’s fashion needs makes business sense. “For me,” said Pelangi, “modest fashion is the next emerging market.” And yet, for the women at this symposium, fashion meant more than just looking good. “The fashion world as it exists today is about very public sexuality,” said Ann Shafer, an art historian and architect specializing
in Islamic culture who teaches at FIT. “So I’m trying to provide another world view”—the view that “sexuality is not a sort of public phenomenon.” Shafer herself converted to Islam and was covered except for her face. But don’t think this made her—or any of the women on the panel—feel second class. On the contrary, they spoke of the freedom and joy of dressing this way. In countries like America, where women have the choice to dress any way they please, “If women still choose to cover their bodies,” said Honig, they are not “victims” who need to be saved, they’re making a statement. “They take pride in their modesty because it’s part of who they are.” Added Shafer, “It is often assumed that Muslim women who wear conservative dress don’t have a relationship to their bodies.” On the contrary, “Islam is very open about sort of how to treat your body as a sexual phenomenon”—just not in public. The other speakers concurred. They don’t want to be thought of as sexless, just maybe excessless; rejecting a culture that reveals too much. “Modest dress should not be the ‘other’ choice, just an equal choice,” said Malky Weichbrod, the observant Jew behind the website, “My Therapist Told Me to Write a Fashion Blog.” And if ladies kick it up a notch by making it look great, they’ve got the best of both worlds. As Lyn Bakri, founder of the fashion line Aneeqa, said, “You don’t have to show much skin to look beautiful and be confident.” The women at NYU, in their robes, scarves, wigs and heels, were evidence of that. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Education of Harrison Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York, adopted on August 10, 2016, a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of said School District will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 from 7:00 o’clock A.M. to 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) for the purpose of the voting on the following Bond Proposition: BOND PROPOSITION RESOLVED: (a) That the Board of Education of the Harrison Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct additions and infrastructure and other improvements and alterations to District school buildings and sites (the “Project”) substantially as described in a budget summary ( the “Budget Summary”), dated August 8, 2016, prepared with the assistance of H2M architects + engineers and Arris Contracting Company, Inc., which Budget Summary is on file and available for public inspection at the office of the District Clerk, consisting (as and where necessary) of the partial reconstruction of, and construction of additions and improvements to, District school buildings and the sites thereof, including construction of building additions to provide new classroom, cafeteria, music, guidance and other space; interior reconfiguration and renovation of classroom and other space; and infrastructure improvements including roofs, masonry, exterior cladding, chimneys, windows and doors, gas and electrical utilities, lighting, air-conditioning , entrances, walks, and track and fielding; improvements to enhance accessibility and safety for the physically challenged and asbestos abatement; all of the foregoing to include the original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related demolition, site and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated maximum cost of $46,500,000; provided that the detailed costs of the components of the Project as set forth in the Budget Summary may be reallocated among such components if the Board of Education shall determine that such reallocation is in the best interests of the District; (b) that a tax is hereby voted in the amount of not to exceed $46,500,000 to finance such cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and (c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $46,500,000 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable. Such Bond Proposition shall appear on the ballots to be inserted in the voting machines used for voting at said Special District Meeting in substantially the following condensed form: BOND PROPOSITION YES NO RESOLVED: (a) That the Board of Education of the Harrison Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct additions and infrastructure and other improvements and alterations to District school buildings and sites substantially as described in a budget summary prepared with the assistance of H2M architects + engineers and Arris Contracting Company, Inc., and to expend therefor not to exceed $46,500,000; (b) that a tax is hereby voted in the amount of not to exceed $46,500,000 to finance such cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and (c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $46,500,000 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable. The voting will be conducted by ballot on voting machines as provided in the Education Law and the polls will remain open from 7:00 o’clock A.M. to 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that for the purposes of voting, the School District has been divided into four (4) election districts and that an accurate description of the boundaries of the School Election Districts is on file and may be inspected at the Office of the District Clerk on weekdays when school is in session, during regular work hours, 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., at the Administrative Offices, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, New York. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the vote will be held at the following polling places in the School Election Districts hereinafter set forth: Election District A: At the Harrison Avenue School in Harrison, New York. Said Election District A comprises a portion of the area formerly constituting the area of Union Free School District No. 6 of the Town of Harrison, Westchester County, New York, which encompasses the area designated as the boundary line for attendance at Harrison Avenue School. Election District B: At the Samuel J. Preston School in West Harrison, New York. Said Election District B comprises the area formerly constituting the area of Union Free School District No. 7 of the Town of Harrison, Westchester County, New York, which encompasses the area designated as the boundary line for attendance at Samuel J. Preston School. Election District C: At the Purchase Elementary School on Purchase Street, in Purchase, New York. Said Election District C comprises the area formerly constituting the areas of Union Free School District No. 2 of the Towns of Harrison and Rye, Westchester County, New York, and Common School District No. 5 of the Towns of Harrison and North Castle, Westchester County, New York, which encompasses the area designated as the boundary line for attendance at Purchase Elementary School. Election District D: At the Parsons Memorial School in Harrison, New York. Said Election District D comprises a portion of the area formerly constituting the area of Union Free School District No. 6 of the Town of Harrison, Westchester County, New York, which encompasses the area designated as the boundary line for attendance at the Parsons Memorial School. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for Absentee Ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, New York. Written requests for absentee ballots must be made at least 7 days and not more than 30 days prior to the Special District Meeting, October 18, 2016. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than 3:45 P.M. (Prevailing Time) on October 11, 2016. If the Ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter, the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than 3:45 P.M. (Prevailing Time) on October 17, 2016. No absentee ballot shall be counted unless it shall have been received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M. on October 18, 2016. A list of all persons to whom Absentee Ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District at the Office of the District Clerk, on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, between the hours of 8:30 o’clock A.M. (Prevailing Time) and 3:30 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time). Any qualified voter may file a written challenge of the qualification of a voter whose name appears on such list, stating the reasons for the challenge. FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that although voting machines will be used to record the votes on Tuesday, October 18, 2016, there will be no registration of voters in advance of said vote. Accordingly, all persons shall be entitled to vote as aforesaid who present themselves at the polls, who are not challenged while in the polling place, and who execute a statement, to be provided by the Board of Education, indicating that they possess the following qualifications: 1. A citizen of the United States; 2. Eighteen years of age; and 3. A resident of the School District for a period of 30 days next preceding October 18, 2016. Pursuant to Education Law Section 2018-c, all new persons offering to vote at any school district meeting or election for which registration is not required, shall provide one form of proof of residency. Acceptable proof of residency shall be a driver’s license, a non-driver identification card, a utility bill, or a voter registration card. Only qualified voters will be permitted to vote. BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, HARRISON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Dated: August 10, 2016 Christine Beitler District Clerk
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14 • THE THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 30, 2016
SPORTS
Remembering No. 16 LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
As an avid baseball fan for much of my 31 years on this planet, I’ve seen my fair share of dramatic home runs. From Joe Carter’s World Series-winner in 1992 to Mike Piazza’s post-9/11 shot at Shea Stadium, there are a lot that were in the conversation for “most memorable.” At least, they were in the conversation until Monday night. In the Miami Marlins’ first game following the tragic boating death of 24-year-old phenom Jose Fernandez, Miami leadoff hitter Dee Gordon—a close friend of Fernandez—stepped into the right-handed batters box (he’s a lefty) as a tribute to his late teammate, took a pitch from the Mets’ Bartolo Colon, then dug in from the left side and cranked Colon’s next offering over the fence for his first home run of the season.
Tears flowed down Gordon’s cheeks as he rounded the bases, and he was mobbed by his teammates in the dugout, an unusual occurrence for a home run in the first inning of a game. It was an incredible sight, but given the passion and exuberance that their fallen teammate played with in his brief Major League Baseball career, it was a perfectly fitting tribute to Fernandez. In just three years as a major leaguer, Fernandez had become one of the most recognizable and popular stars in the game. A right-handed hurler with electric stuff, his starts were appointment viewing for baseball fans. But it wasn’t just his prodigious ability to rack up strikeouts that made Fernandez outings mustwatch TV; it was his on-field exuberance and passion for the game that set him apart. Sure, Fernandez’s celebrations may have rankled some of baseball’s elder statesmen; his first career homer led to a bench-
clearing fracas when Braves’ catcher Brian McCann felt he had admired his handiwork for a bit too long—but it didn’t take a genius to see that Fernandez wasn’t out there to show people up, he just simply loved the game of baseball. Earlier this season, Fernandez was hitting against Dodger rookie Kenta Maeda when Maeda fooled him on a letter-high, Frisbee slider. While no big-leaguer likes getting fooled, Fernandez’s reaction was unique; he flashed Maeda a huge grin, and when he got back to the dugout, he—still chuckling—demonstrated to his teammates just how much that pitch had moved, as if to say, “How the heck was I supposed to hit that?” No ballplayer likes to look bad, but Fernandez laughed it off, like he was a beer-league softball player razzing himself for swinging and missing in a slow pitch league. Fernandez was one of the game’s brightest stars, a Cuban-
On Sept. 25, Marlins’ pitcher Jose Fernandez died in a boating accident in Miami. The loss was a huge one for the baseball world. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.com
born immigrant to this country who risked his life to seek opportunity in America. He had a world of talent and could have been a perennial all-star, one of the sport’s great young players. But what I—and many others—will remember him most for is the emotion with which he played the game of baseball.
He made baseball fun, because he was clearly having fun. Sometimes, moments in sports feel so perfect, it’s almost as though they’re scripted. Gordon’s homer on Monday was one of those. Watching him and the rest of the Marlins fight back tears as they celebrated in the dugout was proof that although
Fernandez might be gone, his impact on the game and the lives he touched live on. We might not see another player like No. 16 for a while, but I’m just glad I got to see him at all.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
Rye spikes Huskies VOLLEYBALL
class a
RYE 3 HARRISON 0 HARRISON HS
9/26/16
Game Notes: • Rye topped Harrison 25-16, 25-17, 25-10 • Rye’s Jade Iadarola had 10 kills, 10 digs and seven aces • Rye improved to 3-0 within the league By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor With all of nearly 10 months to mull over last season’s loss to Harrison, Rye’s volleyball team came into Monday’s meeting with the Huskies looking for some measure of revenge, and a win over their rivals. They would get both, downing the Huskies in straight sets to improve their league record to 3-0. Last year, Harrison edged
Rye in a five-set nail-biter, but this year, thanks to a quick start, the Garnets were able to turn the tables and top the Huskies 2516, 25-17, 25-10. According to Rye’s second-year head coach, Geri Jones, last season’s loss to the Huskies didn’t sit well with the four returning Garnets. “We almost beat Harrison last year and we graduated nine seniors,” Jones said. “But the girls that returned remembered what that loss felt like.” On Monday, Rye was led by a terrific performance by junior Jade Iadarola, who tallied 10 kills, 10 digs and seven aces to help her squad bury the Huskies. But it has been Rye’s ability to embrace a team concept, especially defensively, that has helped the Garnets get off to a perfect league record. “There is a lot that we do well, and we’re not only a good offensive team, we train very hard on defense,” Jones said. “We work really well together on the court and the girls have had great chemistry so far.”
More importantly, added the head coach, the squad is simply finding ways to win. With only three seniors on the roster, the young Garnets team has shown great adaptability thus far, and parlayed that into a successful start to the season. “They’re learning how to win, which is something we weren’t able to do last year,” she said. “They love to win, and winning is contagious.” Harrison will look to bounce back from the loss to the Garnets on Sept. 28, after press time, when they travel to Pelham to take on a solid Pelicans squad. The Garnets will look to continue their unbeaten streak in the league on Wednesday when they take on a surging Eastchester club. “I think we can always improve,” Jones said. “We need to be able to adjust to the other team’s hitters a little quicker and continue to be able to find a weakness, and we’re just going to have to take each team as they come.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Christine Coleman blocks a shot at the net against the Huskies. Photo/Mike Smith
SPORTS
September 30, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15
Eagles halt Huskies GIRLS SOCCER
class a
EASTCHESTER 1 HARRISON 0 EASTCHESTER HS
9/23/16
Game Notes: • Erin McGahren scored the game’s lone goal off an assist from Allish Fay in the second half • Eastchester goalkeeper Danielle Mejia made eight saves • Eastchester’s record improved to 2-4
By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Eastchester’s soccer team has had a tough road to hoe this year, but they may have finally found their footing on Sept. 23, when they took on—and beat—a solid Harrison team to earn their second win of the season. As the Eagles look ahead to the remainder of a grueling fall schedule, head coach Frank Fiore is hopeful that the 1-0 win over the Huskies could fuel a determined run in the second half. At Eastchester High School, the Eagles and Huskies found
Fujiko Kashimada dribbles away from Eagles’ captain Julie Murtagh at Eastchester High School.
themselves deadlocked at intermission, but a second half goal by Erin McGahren off an assist from Allish Fay proved the difference-maker as the home team was able to pitch a shutout, thanks in part to a terrific perfor-
Eastchester’s Keeva Fay and Harrison’s Nasia Meimeteas battle for the ball on Sept. 23. Eastchester topped Harrison 1-0.
mance by the Eagle defense and goalkeeper Danielle Mejia. Mejia, subbing in for injured starter Brianna Williams, notched eight saves in the Eastchester win. “The defense and goalkeeping have been very strong,” Fiore said. “We are getting [Williams] back this week, but Danielle has played well and it’s great to have it in the back of our minds that we have a very capable backup goalie to go along with our defense.” At 2-4 on the season, the Eagles have battled the injury bug and have seen several starters miss time this year. According to Fiore, however, the play of the team’s backups has been a source of pride for the Eastchester coach. “With injuries and having girls sick early in the year, we’ve had a lot of players step up and get game experience,” he said. “I think that’s going to be big for us.” On Friday, the Eagles tallied seven shots on goal, six of which were stopped by Huskies keeper Katie Ryan. Fiore is hoping that his squad’s performance against Harrison signals that the Eagle attack is beginning to turn the corner. “We are stressing keeping
Allison DeMarco finds some open space against Harrison.
Two players fight for control on Sept. 23. Photos/Bobby Begun
possessions and stepping up as a team,” Fiore said. “We want to be a team on the verge of scoring instead of relying on individual play.” The Huskies will look to bounce back from the loss on Sept. 29, after press time, when they host Ardsley, while the Ea-
gles are gearing up for a loaded week that will see them play Rye, Pelham and Bronxville. Eastchester’s game against Bronxville, scheduled for Sept. 30, will be the third installment of the annual Eastchester Cup rivalry game. In the past two years, the Eagles and Broncos
have traded wins. “It’s going to be a highly competitive game, and every time we play them we have that date circled,” Fiore said. “There are friends on both sides, and it’s a great rivalry.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
16 • THE THE HARRISON REVIEW • September 30, 2016
SPORTS