November 25, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 48 | www.harrisonreview.com
Manhattanville plans change in bus service schedule sured at 0.21, and the legal limit is 0.08. She is being charged with aggravated DUI and firstThe Manhattanville College degree vehicular manslaughter. administration is leaning toward “In regard to safety, this is adjusting its shuttle bus service, the best decision the school can following elevated outrage from make,” said Falon Kirby, a sethe student body about the safe- nior at the college. “Students ty of its current schedule. won’t feel stranded or lost [in On Nov. 10, Michael Geisler, White Plains], and will know the college’s president, con- that, no matter what the hour, firmed that the administration they will return to Manhattanhas begun discussing retracting ville College safely.” last year’s controversial deciAs part of a new school polsion to alter the bus service icy implemented last year, the schedule, according to Touch- college altered the schedule for stone, the school’s newspaper. the Valiant Express bus, addNovember 25, 2016 | Vol. 4,“I Number | www.mamaroneckreview.com think we’re48 willing to bring ing four early morning runs to back the bus starting in the transport students to and from spring term,” he said. White Plains Monday through The interest in altering the Friday in place of the last two school’s bus service comes in weekend runs. the wake of last month’s death “I love the [late] bus comof Robby Schartner, a 21-year- ing back to campus,” said Jess old junior at the college who Cowle, a junior at the college. was killed by Emma Fox, of “I think it’s a great way for stuRye, while returning to cam- dents to get home from a night pus after a night out in White out.” Plains. J.J. Pryor, a spokeswoman As of September 2015, the for the college, previously told college decided to cut the last the Review that the adminiscampus bus route on Fridays tration enacted the change in and Saturdays, which typical- the Valiant Express, which was ly returned to campus by 3:30 once dubbed as the “drunk bus,” a.m. As a result, the bus, the in order to comply with the Valiant Express, makes its final Drug Free Schools and Comreturn to campus at 1:30 a.m. munities Act of 1986. She said On Oct. 9, Schartner had that an institution could potenbeen walking along Westches- tially be penalized if the college ter Avenue in White Plains is aware of on- or off-campus November 25, 2016 when | Vol.he4,was Number struck by48 Fox,| www.ryecityreview.com 24, conduct that encourages drinkA post on Rodier’s campaign who was under the influence at ing and does nothing to prevent Facebook page said he was the time of the incident. At the such abuse. But while the school adminequally disappointed to lose the time, police reported that Fox race but heartened that it was so had a blood alcohol content of istration plans to reverse course three times the legal limit in closely contested. MANHATTANVILLE continued on page 11 New York state; Fox was mea-Reporting by Corey Stockton
By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
Have a TASTE On Nov. 7, Cerebral Palsy of Westchester sponsored a food and wine tasting event at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel in West Harrison. The event featured more than 25 of the area’s top restaurants and beverage providers. For more, see page 6. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
Hundreds of absentee ballots confirm Dionisio’s slim victory Almost two weeks after Election Day, the Westchester County Board of Elections has finished counting the nearly 800 absentee ballots in Harrison. Republican candidate Rich Dionisio will remain the winner of the race for town councilman, but the additional ballots brought an even tighter margin to an already close race. The county Board of Elections, BOE, counted 10,030 Election Day votes, ruling unofficially in favor of Dionisio over his Democratic opponent, Chris Rodier, by 136 votes.
According to BOE Commissioner Reginald Lafayette, the most recent unofficial vote count, which included the absentee ballots, makes Dionisio the winner by just 83 votes. By that count, the election was decided by less than 1 percent margin. Dionisio captured 5,203 votes—48 percent of the electorate—to Rodier’s 5,120—47.3 percent. Incumbent Councilman Joe Stout, a Democrat, whose seat was in play also ran in the general election on the Conserva-
tive line—although he did not actively campaign after losing a Democratic primary to Rodier— got 4.6 percent of the vote, about 500 votes overall, including absentee ballots. Dionisio said he was initially concerned that his victory could be at stake due to the quantity of absentee ballots. “It pretty much went the way of the whole election,” he told the Review on Tuesday. He added that he was relieved to have an answer, regardless of how close the margin was.
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Mrs. Green’s shuts down 5 stores citing new strategy By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Mrs. Green’s Neighborhood Market announced on Nov. 15 that it would be closing multiple stores in New York and Connecticut to shift focus to five of its “core” Westchester stores as part of a new strategy. Amid customer complaints of supply shortages in some of its Westchester locations, the Ir-
vington-based company released plans to close its Rye and Tarrytown stores, as well as two locations in western Connecticut and a location in the West Village in Manhattan. According to David Kiser, a Mrs. Green’s manager, the Rye location closed its doors on Nov. 19, following a close-out sale which featured 50 percent off on all items. A spokesperson for the com-
pany said that the store’s locations in Tarrytown and Fairfield, Connecticut, launched the same sale, and would also be closed by Nov. 19 based on the same criteria. The Stamford, Connecticut, and West Village locations were closed immediately. On Nov. 16, shoppers perused the almost vacant isles at the Rye store. “It wasn’t my No. 1 store that I visited frequently, but if I ever Mrs. Green’s Neighborhood Market in Rye will run a 50 percent off sale on what inventory is left before it closes. Four other locations will also close so the company can shift its focus onto its five most profitable Westchester County locations. Photos/Andrew Dapolite
The empty dairy shelves at Mrs. Green’s in Rye will not be restocked before the location closes. By Nov. 19, the store will be empty and boarded up.
need milk or fruit, I would try and stop in as often as I could,” said Colleen Scott, a Rye resident who was sifting through the remainder of the store’s sparse merchandise. “It always had nice alternatives, like green home products. It’s definitely sad for the town for sure. I wished it worked out.” In a released statement, Mrs. Green’s said that it planned to shift attention to its five flagship locations within the county: Eastchester, Yorktown, Briarcliff, Mount Kisco and Larchmont.
“While the closure of any location is difficult—especially because our customers and communities have supported us—they are also necessary as we focus on our core, profitable stores,” the company said. In 2014, the company announced plans to expand from 18 locations to 40 by the end of that year, and planned to have 100 stores open within the next few years. That plan included a store at the Rivertowns Square Shopping Center currently be-
ing developed in Dobbs Ferry. Plans for that store have been cancelled. Also, Mrs. Green’s CEO Pat Brown has resigned as a component of the company’s new direction. John Collins, a spokesman for the company, told the Review that existing management has taken over Brown’s responsibilities while the company conducts an internal and external search for a new CEO. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
4 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 25, 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 until December. 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.
Keio Academy art exhibit There is an ongoing art exhibit by the Keio Academy in the Community Room. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. The exhibit ends on Friday, Dec. 2.
Storytime and Craft On Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Come by for a family storytime and a fun craft for all ages.
Tinkercad 3-D Digital Design On Saturday, Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to noon at
the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Learn how to design 3-D objects online in Tinkercad and send them to the library’s MakerBot 3-D Printer to make your creation real. Space is limited, please sign up online, by phone at 9835-0324, or in-person at the Reference Desk. Kids under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All attendees may bring their own laptop or use the ones provided by the library. Parents please note that the 3-D prints will not be available the day of the program. Please provide contact information to be informed when your child’s print is available for pickup.
Sing Along Sundays with Chloe On Sundays from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Come together as a community to celebrate early childhood through music and movement. In this class, participants will 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. This class will feature a variety of child-sized instruments and props, and a wealth of both traditional and original songs to add to your singalong repertoire. Get ready for a fun, creative and engaging experience. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
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 Westches-
ter BOCES is offering free English and citizenship classes at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. The class meets through Nov. 29. Registration for each class is required online or by calling 8350324.
One-on-One e-Help On Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Need help with downloading e-books, audiobooks, apps, or using Google Drive, email, or searching the Internet with your tablet, phone or laptop? Bring your device and questions and get one-on-one assistance. Please register online, by phone at 8350324, or in person at the library.
Mommy and Me Yoga On Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Bring your own mat for a relaxing yoga class with the littlest ones. For non-walkers and their caregivers.
the first class, participants are tested and placed according to their ability. For kindergarten and first grade, from 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.; for second and third grades, from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.; and for fourth and fifth grades, from noon to 12:50 p.m. Location: Louis M. Klein Middle School Pool. Fee: $100 made payable to Town/Village of Harrison. Enrollment is limited to 20 kids per age group. Registration will end once the maximum number is reached.
Letters to the North Pole Write a letter to the North Pole. Please include your name and home address. The letters should be addressed to the North Pole. Drop letters off at the Sollazzo Center, Leo Mintzer Center, or Harrison Recreation Department in Town Hall from Thursday, Dec. 1 through Tuesday, Dec. 20.
Neuberger Museum at Purchase College
Chloe’s Sign & Play On Fridays from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Give your child the gift of language. This is a fun class where families can learn to communicate with their preverbal children using 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 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 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.
Harrison Recreation Please be aware that parents must have a current 2016 ID card to register children for all programs. Please be prepared to show proof of residency with a current utility bill and driver’s license. A school report card or progress report is required for a child ID card. Visit harrison-ny.gov/recreation for more information on programs and the Recreation Department.
Wrestling Come learn the fundamentals of wrestling. Participants need to wear sweatpants or shorts, sneakers and a T-shirt. The tentative start date the week of Nov. 28 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., for grades 1–6, at Louis M. Klein Middle School Gym B. For more information, visit harrison-ny.gov/recreation.
Swim lessons Learn how to swim Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., from Dec. 10 through Feb. 4, 2017. There will be seven 50-minute sessions. Participants register according to their grade. During
Camerata: The ‘Other’ Four Seasons On Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Vivaldi’s set of four violin concertos known as “The Four Seasons” has achieved a lasting place in the repertoire; but there are other, less well-known concertos for strings that give those concertos some competition. The Purchase College Camerata presents four of its leading string players in a group of equally stellar, but lesser performed, concertos by Bach, Vivaldi and their contemporaries that rival Vivaldi’s famous Seasons. General admission: $10; free to Purchase College students, staff and faculty, and Neuberger Museum of Art Members. The museum is located at 735 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase. For more information, call 521-6100 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. 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.
November 25, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 5
Tasting
6 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 25, 2016
Harrison REVIEW
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A chef from Hive Living Room + Bar at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel hosts a cooking demonstration for attendees with his son acting as sous chef.
Letters
The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes.
Cerebral Palsy of Westchester sponsored a food and wine tasting event on Nov. 7, featuring more than 25 of the area’s finest restaurants and beverage establishments. The event took place at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel in West Harrison, where attendees purchased tickets to benefit the nonprofit organization. In addition to tastings from throughout the county and Connecticut, Marty’s Jazz Trio provided a relaxing musical accompaniment, as chefs from Hive Living Room + Bar as well as Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant and Inn performed cooking demonstrations. Cerebral Palsy of Westchester’s mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. The organization provides essential services, vocational training, recreation, rehabilitation and advocacy to thousands of children
Family members from family-owned Walter’s Hot Dog Stand in Mamaroneck serve hot dogs from their Palmer Avenue restaurant, a registered historical landmark.
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, a local microbrewery based in Elmsford, taste-tested some of its most famous craft beers.
and adults in Westchester and Fairfield counties. All proceeds from the event will be put towards efforts to aide children and adults suffer-
ing from cerebral palsy who require need services in order to better enjoy activities regardless of the level of their abilities. -Reporting by Andrew Dapolite
Community Events
If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com.
A fondue fountain coats fruits and sweets with chocolate.
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From left, CPW board President Richard Osterer; Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont; Linda Kuck, executive director; Kiyoko Brown, board secretary; and Venita Osterer, board member.
Send address changes to: The Harrison Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601
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.
Fairfield Cheese Company, based in Fairfield, Connecticut, provides all sorts of artisanal cheeses. Photos/Andrew Dapolite
November 25, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 7
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The 2017 budget and other Harrison news HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
I am happy to report that the town board recently held a public hearing on the 2017 preliminary budget. This budget maintains the high quality services and facilities our community values and has come to expect. The budget will keep the town under the state-mandated property tax cap for the fourth consecutive year, and represents a slight percentage increase in spending over 2016. The bulk of that increase will go toward capital improvement projects. Harrison is rated Aa1 by Moody’s, as of our last bond issue in 2015. Within that rating, Moody’s cited our strengths as having a healthy financial position, conservative budgeting, and sizable and affluent tax base benefiting from ongoing commercial and residential development. They also cited our average, manageable debt burden and our rapid amortization of principal. I am very happy with the budget we came up with. It does not rely on fund balance reserves
and it is, again, within the mandated tax cap. I am completely confident that the town/village of Harrison is in a financial position to successfully face the years ahead. The road restoration project on Halstead Avenue is nearing the finish line. I know it’s been a long ordeal, as the project began in early August. As the construction work continues, I would greatly appreciate your patience while this important infrastructure project moves toward completion. There may be some slight travel delays, and added caution is advised as you operate vehicles through our commercial district. Congratulations to the Harrison Fire Department for the successful blood drive recently held at their firehouse. Thirty-two donors participated and 28 pints of blood were collected for donation to the American Red Cross. The blood drive volunteers are always very accommodating and strive to make each drive better than the last. The volunteer firefighters and several local Girl Scouts were very helpful in attending to the donors, making sure they were comfortable and relaxed. A special kudos goes to
Christina Frohlich for coordinating the event. Be sure to keep and eye out for the next drive, scheduled for sometime in May 2017. I would like to take this time to recognize the Interfaith Congregational Laymen’s Committee, ICLC, of Harrison. Every year, the committee extends a townwide invitation to an important celebration. This year, St. Gregory the Great Church hosted an assembly that underscored the theme, “One Nation Under God.” It was a wonderful event, and it provided an opportunity for all attendees to recognize the richness and value in each other’s faiths. The ICLC is an interfaith fellowship, of lay representatives, from local congregations. For more information on ICLC, please call Lola Geiger at 939-7066. In closing, I would like to wish each one of you a very happy Thanksgiving. The next Lunch with the Mayor is on Friday, Dec. 2 and I will be at NY Pizza Station, located at 370 Halstead Ave. in Harrison. I will be at this location from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to talking about issues facing our community.
Police investigate swastikas at SUNY Purchase
The New York state University Police at SUNY Purchase College are investigating swastikas that were drawn on a bulletin board in one of the college’s dorms on Nov. 20. File photo
By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Police are investigating hateful images that were found in one of the dorm rooms at SUNY Purchase College on Nov. 20. According to Betsy Aldredge, a spokeswoman for the college, the New York state University Police, UPD, began investigating the vandalism after the college discovered three swastikas drawn on a bulletin board in one of the dormitories late last weekend. After the incident, Thomas Schwarz, the president of the college, sent a message to the campus community. “We continue to explore our options for protecting our most vulnerable on campus,” he said in the statement. “I urge you all to remain active, engaged and committed to ensuring that our campus is a model for what our nation
should be.” Schwarz also warned the community of the repercussions for violating the college’s policy on hate crimes. “I would like to add that hate crimes are considered felonies and are punishable by arrest and dismissal from the college,” he said. Aldredge said that as part of the college’s protocol, any incidents involving a hate crime are first reported to the university’s police, and are then referred to the “appropriate authorities,” including the Westchester County Intelligence Center, and the Evidence Collection and Bias Crime teams from the New York state police. On Nov. 13, Westchester County police discovered antiSemitic and anti-African-American imagery along the Bronx River bike path in the city of White Plains. County police said the footpath and bridge were defaced with spray-painted swas-
tikas, KKK initials, and various racial slurs. That investigation is currently ongoing. This also isn’t the first time that SUNY Purchase has been faced with hate crimes. In March 2015, campus authorities investigated a similar incident involving swastikas that were found spray-painted in a dorm room. According to Aldredge, a student was ultimately arrested and expelled from the college. Aldredge would not provide additional details on that incident. Around the same time, nooses were found spraypainted in another dorm, but that incident remains unsolved. The college’s police said the investigation into the recent discovery of swastikas is ongoing as well, but would not provide additional information, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
November 25, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 9
No backup plan for Seaside Johnnies’ exit
On Nov. 16, John Ambrose, co-owner of Rye Town Park’s Seaside Johnnies restaurant, formally declined a counteroffer by the park’s commission to operate the restaurant in 2017. There is currently no solution to the expected vacancy next season, according to Gary Zuckerman, the commission president, pictured. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer With a vacant beachfront restaurant more than likely next summer, the Rye Town Park Commission does not have an alternative to the park’s exiting tenant, Seaside Johnnies, the commission president said. According to Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, a Democrat and president of the park commission, while commissioners have floated the idea of hiring concessioners to operate the park’s snack and beverage stands, or filling the park with food trucks, the commission currently does not have a solution to fill the hole left by Seaside Johnnies’ departure, which was finalized on Wednesday, Nov. 16, when John Ambrose, co-owner of the restaurant, rejected the latest, and final, offer from the commission. “We will obviously do our due diligence and see what alternatives are available, but [at the moment], we have no backup plan,” Zuckerman told the Review on Wednesday. During a park commission meeting on Nov. 15, commissioners again offered to extend Seaside Johnnies’ current deal, which expires at the end of 2016, for one year with a new option to re-sign the restaurant for a second year. As part of that deal, if the park commission could not formally agree to extend the license agreement for a second year, Ambrose and Sam Chernin, also a co-owner of Seaside Johnnies, would be refund-
ed 25 percent of the fees in rent charged by the commission for the second year; approximately $25,000. The new deal came on the heels of Ambrose’s displeasure with the commission’s previous one-year extension offer. Ambrose, who has operated the restaurant since 2000, told the Review that he plans on rejecting any offer by the park commission unless it assures him two years in the location. “I would never in a million years take a one-year deal with an option,” he said. “The grey area that comes along with the option is something we don’t want to touch because it’s not guaranteed.” According to Rye Brook Mayor Paul Rosenberg, a Democrat and member of the park commission who drafted the new proposal with the option year, the split between commissioners about offering either a one- or two-year deal ultimately led to the new offer. “My thought is that it would have turned into a two-year deal,” he said. “The commission did not intend on insulting Ambrose’s pride.” Rosenberg said he is hopeful the commission will learn from the experience. “I don’t think there is anyone to blame,” he said. “It was a group effort, and the [commission] felt there was an ample amount of time for the [request for proposals] to generate a certain amount of responses, but unfortunately that didn’t happen.” In June, the park commission sent out a request for proposals, RFP, soliciting restaurateurs in-
terested in operating the park for a 10-year period. But with a late August submission deadline, the commission left itself little time to review any proposals and make a decision. That became further problematic when one of only two RFP respondents, Angelo Liberatore, an operating partner of the Fort Pond Bay Company— which operates Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry, Harvest on Hudson in Hastings-On-Hudson, and East by Northeast and the Stone Lion Inn in Montauk— pulled his proposal citing a lack of sufficient time to get a restaurant up and running for the 2017 season. After Liberatore took himself out of the running, the commission received a multitude of alarming emails from residents aggravated over their minimal involvement in choosing a new operator. Faced with the possibility of a vacant restaurant and snack bar for the 2017 season, while also balancing a desire to revamp the RFP process to attract more respondents for the long term, the commission only offered Seaside Johnnies a one-year extension on its current lease. Even with the risk of an economic loss of as much as $200,000 as a result of Ambrose closing his doors, and no viable alternative for 2017, Zuckerman said the commission will not initiate a new offer. “At this point, I would rule it out,” he said. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 25, 2016
‘Newtown’ film screens at Harrison library
The “Newtown” film, released on Jan. 24, 2016, documents the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and the emotional fallout of the parents, teachers and rescue workers that resulted. Photo courtesy wookdstockfilmfestival.com
By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer More than 60 Harrison residents gathered in the public library on Monday to watch a screening of the 2016 film “Newtown” and to speak with one of the film’s producers, Marie Cuomo Cole. The film, which documents the shooting of 20 children, ages 6 and 7, and six staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and the emotional trauma that ensued, was featured in the Sundance Film Festival and the South by Southwest Film Festival. The film was directed and co-produced by Kim Snyder and released in January 2016, three years after the shooting in December 2012. “It’s a film about grief and about trauma and coping as a community,” Cuomo Cole told the crowd, adding that besides the issue of gun control, community resilience was one of the biggest themes which she hoped to address in producing the documentary. According to Galina Chernykh, the library’s executive director, the screening was set up several months ago; but the timing of the event is appropriate, as an ongoing discussion about L&L Sports, a gun store that opened on Halstead Avenue in early November, continues to draw attention. An online peti-
tion on Change.org protesting the location of the store, which is less than 1,000 feet from Parsons Memorial Elementary School, has nearly 3,500 signatures as of press time. “I think the response has been, at the onset, prudent,” Cuomo Cole said. “It’s important to check out the sellers. There are many bona fide, acceptable sellers and there are those that are not, so I think that the caution is well-supported.” Whether because of the local gun store issue or because of the degree of emotional suffering the film depicts, the screening drew tears among the crowd. “I feel like Newtown could have been Harrison; it could have been Rye,” Cuomo Cole said. “It could have been any-and-everytown, U.S.A. I think that’s what really struck so many people about the tragedy.” Cuomo Cole is no stranger to school shootings having previously produced a documentary on the mass shootings at Virginia Tech. In 2010, she was a producer on the film “Living for 32,” a documentary about the push for gun control legislation after the 2007 shooting of 32 students at the university. A similar surge in gun control laws also occurred after the Newtown shooting. Just a month after the Sandy Hook tragedy, Cuomo Cole’s brother, New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat,
signed the Safe Act into law. That law widened the definition of assault rifles, put stricter limits on magazine capacities, and put tighter restrictions on the background check system in the state. The Safe Act also included an amendment to the Mental Hygiene Law, requiring mental health professionals to report patients who they considered could be hazardous to themselves or others if they possessed a gun. Adam Lanza, the 20 year-old Sandy Hook shooter who also killed himself, had been diagnosed with several behavioral and cognitive disorders, including Asperger’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sensory-integration disorder, according to his father, Peter Lanza. The owner of L&L Sports, Louis Zacchio, has maintained that he abides by each of the state and federal gun regulations as they apply to his store, and therefore should not be under scrutiny. Harrison’s Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, has said that the town does not have the authority to put any additional restrictions on the storefront, as gun laws are regulated at the state and federal levels. Belmont attended the Monday night screening of “Newtown,” as did Republican council members Fred Sciliano and Marlane Amelio. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
Meet Mikey, a handsome 1-year-old Lab/Pittie mix who always seems to be smiling. He has a wonderful and playful personality, enjoys playing with most dogs, loves all people, and seems to get along with cats, too. He makes the most of any situation, whether playing with another dog or by himself—or just hanging out near his people. He is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Mikey will make a lucky family very happy. Make him part of yours for an adoption donation of $300 to Pet Rescue. To meet Mikey, call 834-6955or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
November 25, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11
Mamaroneck to conduct deer study with drone
MANHATTANVILLE from page 1
Manhattanville College’s administration is contemplating reintroducing its former bus schedule, which included later pickups on weekends, following the death of junior Robby Schartner on Oct. 9. Photo courtesy Karina Cordova
back to its former bus schedule, it’s currently unclear how the college will balance complying with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, and protecting the
safety of students returning from downtown White Plains under the influence after a night out. Pryor could not be reached for comment, as of press time.
Fox was released from Westchester County Jail on Nov. 10, and is due back in court on Dec. 6. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
HHS seniors are National Merit semifinalists
Harrison High School seniors were named 2016 National Merit semifinalists and commended students. Photo courtesy Harrison school district
Congratulations to the Harrison High School seniors who were recognized by the National Merit Scholar Program as 2016 semifinalists and commended students. The semifinalists are Madeline Rawson and Matthew Zinman. The commended students are Spencer Korek, Richa Mehra, Grant Muller, Romy Pein and Andrew Rocchi.
In October 2015, more than 1.5 million U.S. high school students, who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and met other program participation requirements, entered the 2016 competition for National Merit Scholarship Program recognition and scholarships. NSMC uses PSAT/NMSQT Selection In-
dex scores—the sum of critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills scores—to determine 50,000 high scoring participants who qualify for program recognition. Nearly two-thirds of those high scorers received National Merit Scholar Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. (Submitted)
Efforts to accurately assess deer populations in Mamaroneck will move forward as a hired consultant gears up to survey the village using a drone. According to Village Manager Richard Slingerland, it has been confirmed that the study will start on Dec. 31, 2016, and will survey several areas of the village particularly affected by the presence of deer such as Shore Acres, Orienta, Green Haven and Harbor Heights. The study, Slingerland said, will take approximately three days and will cost $3,220. According to Taffy Williams, the consultant hired to conduct the survey, the drone will use thermal and visible light imaging to provide the village with a sampling of various locations. These images, Williams—who
is a wildlife rehabilitator with the state DEC and an FAA-licensed drone operator—said will be sourced over at least three different excursions that could take as long as three hours each, and will then be analyzed for several weeks after they’re collected. According to Williams, while there are other methods used to track deer, the use of drones will give the village the most accurate picture. “There really is no other way to accurately assess numbers of deer,” she said. “Some people would swear by the pellet method, but it’s been widely discredited.” A pellet based method of tracking deer—which counts the number of deer pellets within a given area and then extrapolates that data—presents too many
variables, according to Williams. “One deer can produce a wealth of pellets,” she said. “Or there could be [an] opposite, if a deer is malnourished, they may put out just a few droppings.” A study to track the deer was spawned in March from an Ad Hoc Deer Committee that was formed by the village Board of Trustees in November 2015 after Mamaroneck residents complained of an overabundant deer population exacerbating deer-related auto accidents, damage to landscaping, and the potential of contracting Lyme disease. After Westchester County rejected pleas from both the city of Rye and the village last year for help culling their deer population, the village will now foot the bill for its own survey. -Reporting by James Pero
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12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 25, 2016
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November 25, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13
Old jokes to die laughing at RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
An elderly man comes into a bar and notices a lovely lady about his age having a drink by herself. He pulls up a stool, leans over and asks, “So... do I come here often?” Sure, laugh. Or cry. Fact is, we’ll all be the lady or the man some day—God willing. In the meantime, we can tremble, or simply grab a copy of “Die Laughing: Killer Jokes for Newly Old Folks,” the new book by William Novak. The cover shows a cane slipping on a banana peel. But the real joke is on the rest of us who didn’t think of this great idea first. Novak, 68, is the author of 25 other books, and, by the way, father of BJ Novak, writer, actor and executive producer of “The Office” (he played Ryan Howard). Papa Novak is probably best known as co-author of “The Big Book of Jewish Humor.” But he says he was between books— “which is a ‘writerly’ way of saying unemployed”—when he hurt his shoulder and had to go to physical therapy for the first time in his life. So he’s stretching, aching, and dealing with doctors when he realizes: This is not a unique experience. What the world needs is a joke book about exactly this—the changes that eventually come to your body, your routine, your love life (!), and especially, your short-term memory: Mr. Jackson, your test results have come back, and I’m afraid I have a double dose of bad news. Just tell me. I can handle it. Okay. You have cancer, and you also have Alzheimer’s. That’s terrible. But at least I
don’t have cancer! Eleven publishers told Novak no. One (obviously) said yes, so Novak started collecting jokes. As he did, he realized two things: First: “No joke is ever told for the first time.” Proof? Two older men, acquaintances but not really friends, are sitting on a park bench. One turns to the other and says, “Remind me, was it you or your brother who died last winter?” Novak says that when his friend told him that joke, he loved it and immediately decided to include it. Then, a few weeks later he was in Vermont and found “The World’s Oldest Joke Book.” It was literally a book of thigh-slappers from 4th century Greece—including the joke, “Was it you or your brother...?” But if there are no new jokes, what is eternally new is the strange sensation of having been a young person but now gradually experiencing all the things you associate with old people. To make some sense of this, Novak arranged the jokes into chapters on things like “Long marriages,” “New partners,” “Sex” (yes, I will get to some of these), “Death,” and then its funnier counterpart, “The afterlife.” So, sex? A man goes into the confession booth. “Father,” he says. “I’m 82 years old. I have children and grandchildren, but last night I made love to a girl who’s 24. And not just once but twice!” “Tell me,” says the priest, “when was the last time you came to confession?” “This is my first time. I’m Jewish.” “So why are you telling me?” “Telling you? I’m telling everybody!” For sexier ones, buy the book. Or, heck, here’s one... sort of: Mrs. Silver, a former seam-
CPW takes part in #GivingTuesday on Nov. 29
stress, was walking through town when a flasher stepped forward and opened his raincoat right in front of her. She looked at him and asked, “You call that a lining?” When I was reading these jokes, a strange thing happened to me that might happen to you, too. I heard them in my father’s voice. That’s not just because my dad loved to tell jokes—toward the end of his life that’s what he asked me for most: “Got any new ones?” It’s because jokes themselves are almost an artifact of another era, one that’s dying off. “Funny people these days, they do routines and many are terrific. But they’re not jokes in the form we know them, the ‘Two guys walk into a bar,’” Novak said. Today’s comics “tell stories, or riff, but what I’m interested in—one of my goals— is to preserve the art of the joke, Members of Cerebral Palsy of Westchester hold up signs for the nonprofit’s #GivingTuesday on Nov. 29. which I fear is leaving us.” The guys who’d grab a mic Contributed photo and rat-a-tat-tat, “My wife drove Cerebral Palsy of Westches- developmental disabilities. It is a profits; businesses and corporaher car into the living room”type of gags aren’t here any- ter, CPW, is planning to raise nonprofit organization that pro- tions; schools and universities; more. Where’d they go? Here’s money toward its programs vides essential educational servic- and families and individuals—to and services provided for #Giv- es, vocational training, recreation, inspire people to take collaboraa clue: Two old friends made a pact ingTuesday, a global giving rehabilitation, and advocacy to tive action to improve their local that whoever dies first would movement that has been driven thousands of children and adults communities and contribute in come back and tell the other what by individuals, families, organi- in Westchester and Fairfield coun- countless ways to the causes they it’s like. So one day Pete gets a zations, businesses and commu- ties. It is an organization proud to believe in. Everyone has somecall from Richard, who died of a nities in all 50 states and in coun- say that it aims to “Realize To- thing to give. Those who are interested in heart attack. Pete says, “What’s tries around the world. Since its morrow’s Potential… Today!” founding in 2012, millions of #GivingTuesday is a move- joining CPW’s #GivingTuesday it like?” Richard tells him: “I start off with a big break- people have come together to sup- ment, built by people around initiative can visit cpwestchester. fast. Then I have sex, and after port and champion the causes they the world, to celebrate giving org/donations. For more inforthat I lie in the sun. Then it’s believe in and the communities in of all kinds. It is celebrated on mation or to participate in the the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, event, contact Joan Colangelo, time for lunch, followed by a nap which they live. CPW’s mission is to advance Black Friday and Cyber Mon- CPW’s director of Development, and more sex until it’s time for the independence, productivity, day. This movement is the re- at 937-3800 ext. 215 or Joan. dinner....” Pete is thrilled. “I had no idea and full citizenship of people sult of the collective power of a Colangelo@cpwestchester.org. with cerebral palsy and other unique blend of partners—non- (Submitted) heaven would be like that!” “Who said anything about heaven? I’m a bull in Wisconsin.” We should all be so lucky. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
14 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 25, 2016
Giving thanks LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
It’s no big secret; 2016 has been a pretty dismal year. An interminable, contentious presidential election; heaps of celebrity deaths; the theatrical release of the massively overhyped “Suicide Squad”; I’d imagine that the majority of Americans are looking forward to putting the last 12 months in our rearview mirrors. But with Thanksgiving this week, this just isn’t a time for people to dwell on the black cloud of bad news that seemed to hang over our heads all year; it’s a time to count our blessings. And if you’re a sports fan, those blessings were plentiful, indeed. 2016 has been a phenomenal year for sports on just about every level. The first honest-to-goodness great moment that comes to
mind is the NCAA basketball finals between Villanova and North Carolina, a game that my Wildcats won on a last-second buzzer beater by Kris Jenkins, back in April. Sure, it was a fantastic game from my standpoint—a lifelong Wildcats fan who was too young to remember Nova’s last title in 1985—but for the average sports fan, it was nearly just as thrilling; an alltime great finish to an all-time great game. And that just seemed to set the stage for a number of wonderful championship scenarios. In May, Leicester City captured the English Premier League Crown after starting the season as 5,000-1 underdogs. In June, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off an amazing three-game comeback to topple the Golden State Warriors (who had just laid claim to being the best regular season NBA team of all time) and bring a major title to Cleveland for the first time in 68 years.
SPORTS
Earlier this month, the Chicago Cubs erased a similar 3-1 hole (against Cleveland) to win their first World Series title since 1908, setting off a massive victory celebration in the Windy City that drew some 5 million fans. And as far as amazing individual accomplishments go, there were plenty to go around. American swimmer Katie Ledecky caught the nation’s eye with her record-setting performance at the Rio Olympics, and Yankees rookie Gary Sanchez launched homers at an unheardof rate following his August callup to the big leagues. Sure, we said goodbye to a few giants of sport this year, too. But even the swan songs for some of our most accomplished pro athletes were amazing to watch. Red Sox slugger David Ortiz clubbed the most homers (38) in major league history for a player over 40. Longtime Dodger announcer Vin Scully retired as well, but after only a long—and well-deserved—fare-
On Thursday, Nov. 24, people all over America will gather together to break bread and give thanks. Here’s what Sports Editor Mike Smith has to give thanks about this year. Photo courtesy metrocreativeconnection.com
well tour that allowed fans all over the country to reflect on his unparalleled career. Even Peyton Manning said goodbye after “leading” his team to a win in Super Bowl 50.
But don’t worry, Peyton fans, you can still see him 200 times on Sundays, shilling for Nationwide Insurance. So yeah, we may have had a few rough spots this year. But
there’s also been a lot to cheer about. And for that, we give thanks.
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SPORTS
November 25, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15
Huskies get ready for season
Kendall Lefkowitz goes up for a layup in 2016. Lefkowitz’s versatility will be a major plus for the Huskies this year.
By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Over the last week, basketball teams across Section I have been hitting the gymnasium to prepare for the upcoming season. In Harrison, a ton of returning talent, and some unfinished business, has combined to make the Huskies a program to watch this winter.
After a terrific regular season campaign last year, the Huskies suffered an early postseason exit, falling to league foe Eastchester in the first round of the Class A playoffs. According to head coach Louis Kail however, that loss has served to motivate each of Harrison’s eight returning players this preseason. “We’ve had great senior leadership so far, especially
2016-17 Harrison Schedule DATE
TIME
OPPONENT
12/03 12/07 12/09 12/15 12/16 12/21 01/04 01/06 01/09 01/10 01/12 01/18 01/20 01/26 02/01 02/03
3 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 6 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 6 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m.
@CARMEL HS* @SAUNDERS HS @BREWSTER NYACK @HARRISON* vs. PEEKSKILL @PELHAM vs. ARDSLEY @ARDSLEY vs. RYE @BYRAM HILLS @EASTCHESTER vs. PELHAM @RYE @BYRAM HILLS vs. EASTCHESTER
*Denotes beginning of tournament
playing a big role in the fall,” the six-year head coach said. “It has really made the transition even easier coming into the first week of practice.” Chief among Harrison’s returnees this year will be junior point guard Avery LaBarbera, who has established herself as a true force over the last several seasons. Last year, LaBarbera was awarded all-state honors, and will once again be tasked with running the Huskies’ offense. “She just continues to improve and mature,” said Kail of his point guard. “She eats, lives and breathes basketball, so that’s really just a tribute to her.” LaBarbera will be joined by fellow returning starters Gina Nuvoloni, who played a big role for the Huskies last season, and senior Kendall Lefkowitz, whose versatility should give Kail options when constructing the lineup. “[Lefkowitz] can do a little bit of everything, she’s one of those kids who plays all summer,” Kail said. “We can put her in an offensive set anywhere from the 1 to the 5 [positions], and that could be challenging for a lot of kids, but she can do it.” Kail is also expecting a breakout year from 5’9’’ senior Megan Clow, who will give the Huskies some much-needed length in the front court and should see an increased role this year. “She was our first big off the bench last year, and she’s coming off a terrific volleyball season,” Kail said. “What she can bring, athletically, we are very excited for.” Harrison’s season kicks off on Dec. 3, when they travel to Carmel to take on New Rochelle in a season kickoff tournament, but the Huskies won’t begin their league schedule until Jan. 4 when they take on Pelham. Harrison’s league tests will include Eastchester, newcomer Ardsley, and Rye, which made a state semifinal appearance last year. “When you look from top to bottom, I think our league is one of the most balanced leagues in Section I,” Kail said. “We know that there’s not one easy game.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Avery LaBarbera makes a move toward the hoop during a 2016 game at Eastchester High School. LaBarbera was named to the all-state team as a sophomore.
Gina Nuvoloni dribbles past an Eastchester defender last season. Photos/Mike Smith
16 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 25, 2016