Harrison REVIEW THE
August 25, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 34 | www.harrisonreview.com
Wegmans proposal granted final approval By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
DATING WITH DISABILITIES Andrew Kranichfeld, a Westchester native, is working on a dating app called Love is Blind, which he hopes will help alleviate some of the problems that disabled people face when trying to find love. For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy Pinterest.com
Giordano to bring his candidacy, case to appellate court By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Michael Giordano is not ready to concede his candidacy for the receiver of taxes position in Harrison, even with the New York state Supreme Court upholding a decision by the Westchester County Board of Elections to remove him from a potential Republican Party primary ballot. According to Giordano, who currently works in the Harrison tax receiver’s office, he will file another appeal, this time to the 2nd Department of the New York Supreme Court Appellate Division. “Frankly, this has left a very bad taste in my mouth after working in Harrison for 22 years,” Giordano told the Review. “But, as much as I don’t
like doing this, I have to keep fighting.” On Aug. 7, the state Supreme Court rejected Giordano’s appeal, validating the ruling of the county Board of Elections, BOE. Giordano said that, despite being removed from the primary ballot after more than half of the objections filed with the BOE by a Harrison resident were upheld, he will contend to the appellate court that the signatures he collected did not correctly list the proper municipality; one of the objections challenging his candidacy. “It doesn’t make any sense to me how the signatures are invalid,” Giordano said. “I feel pretty confident that [the appellate court] will overturn the [BOE] decision.” Based on the objections
raised, the BOE disqualified 200 of the 377 petition signatures Giordano obtained, leaving him short of the required 285 signatures needed to trigger a primary against Rosa Mastrogiacomo-Luongo, the Republican Party-backed candidate. Joe Angilletta, Mastrogiacomo-Luongo’s campaign manager and uncle, blasted Giordano’s decision to file another appeal, calling it a “shame” and an “embarrassment.” “This guy is misleading people about every part of his candidacy,” he said. “He’s free do what he wants but it’s clear that he doesn’t belong in this race on many levels.” Last month, Giordano’s candidacy was publicly called in question after the Review learned that he owns a home in the village of Brewster in Putnam County, while also owning
a home at 14 Woodside Ave. in West Harrison. Although Giordano has indicated on tax forms that his primary residence is his Blossom Lane property in Brewster, he claims to spend most of his time in West Harrison. Under his Brewster address, Giordano has been receiving a School Tax Relief Exemption, GIORDANO continued on page 8
A proposal to construct a Wegmans Food Market at an unoccupied office building has received its final approval from the Harrison Town Council. According to Councilwoman Marlane Amelio, a Republican, as a result, demolition of the vacated office complex at 106-110 Corporate Park Drive will begin in three months, bringing Harrison a step closer to introducing the private chain’s first location in the Lower Hudson Valley region. “It’s going to be a wonderful project that most people are going to enjoy shopping at the facility,” she said. Wegmans is headquartered in Gates, New York, near the city of Rochester, where it was founded in 1916. The privately owned regional supermarket chain, which owns 93 stores across the mid-Atlantic and New England regions, is known for selling locally sourced food. Introduced at the end of last year, the proposal calls for the demolition of an abandoned office complex in the town’s “Platinum Mile” area and constructing a 125,000-square-foot, 2-story grocery store, which includes a café area. The Town Council approved a necessary zoning amendment in May to allow for construction of the supermarket in its special business district. In April, the town Planning Board completed the environmental review of the proposal. The board determined the project wouldn’t pose any negative environmental risks, and issued a negative declaration, which completed the environmental review
without requiring a much lengthier environmental impact statement process. Kim Goergen, a representative for Wegmans, said building the supermarket will create 180 fulltime and 250 part-time positions with the company, which is planning to open a second location in the New York metropolitan area along Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Admiral’s Row, located along the East River, in 2018. According to Town Councilman Rich Dionisio, a Republican, the project’s approval comes with the addition of another development being built adjacent to the supermarket. “Wegmans will have nothing but a positive impact on Harrison. Right now, we’re concentrating on bringing the town forward and transforming the entire [Platinum Mile] area.” Last week, Toll Brothers, a publicly owned home development company, in partnership with Normandy Real Estate Partners, began construction of a 421unit rental complex known as Carraway at 103-105 Corporate Park Drive, which is located next to the site of the planned supermarket. Normandy Real Estate Partners, which is responsible for developing other properties along the Interstate 287 corridor in Harrison, has partnered with Wegmans to open its first location in Westchester County. Currently, town officials estimate the supermarket will open for business midway through 2019. Mayor Ron Belmont could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
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Mom of slain M’ville student sues The Pub The mother of Robby Schartner, a Manhattanville College student who was struck and killed last year after returning to campus from White Plains, has filed a lawsuit against the driver and the bar where she allegedly consumed alcohol for hours. Donna Juliette Ann Hall, Schartner’s mother, is challenging that The Pub, a bar located on Elm Place in Rye, continued to serve the driver, Emma Fox, while she was “visibly intoxicated,” just before the incident. On Oct. 9 last year, Schartner, of Fishkill, was walking along Westchester Avenue, returning from a night out in downtown White Plains, before Fox, 24, struck and killed the 21-year-old with her car, a 2012 Nissan Sentra. Fox, who has been charged with an aggravated DWI and first-degree manslaughter for striking and killing the student, was traveling eastbound at around 5 a.m. when the incident occurred. At the time of her arrest, police measured Fox with a blood alcohol level of 0.21; the legal limit in
Donna Juliette Ann Hall, the mother of Manhattanville College student Robby Schartner, who was struck and killed last year by an allegedly intoxicated driver, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Emma Fox and the bar where she was served alcohol hours before the student’s death. File photo
New York state is 0.08. The lawsuit, filed on Aug. 11, states that the bar “carelessly and unlawfully” provided alcohol to Fox, who was “unable to walk properly, had slurred speech, had bloodshot eyes, and openly and obviously smelled from consumption of alcohol,” between approximately 12 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.
After Schartner’s death, the Manhattanville College administration decided to modify its shuttle bus service in response to criticism from the student body about the safety of its schedule, which made its final return to campus at 1:30 a.m. The college reinstated Friday and Saturday late night hours for the Valiant Express, which had been nixed in 2015. Typically, the shuttle bus returns to campus as late as 3:30 a.m. under that current schedule. Fox is due to reappear in White Plains City Court on Aug. 31, after a number of her previous court dates were adjourned. She was released from Westchester County Jail last November on a $100,000 bail. Stephen Lewis, an attorney representing Fox, did not respond to a request for comment. James Finneran, the owner of the bar, and Anthony Mamo, and attorney representing Hall, could not be reached for comment as of press time. -Reporting by Franco Fino
Empire Casino celebrates Labor Day weekend Looking for action over the Labor Day weekend while bidding adieu to the summer? Look no further than Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway! The raceway’s two signature stakes races for 3-year-old trotters and pacers—the Yonkers Tro and Messenger Stakes—will be contested on Saturday night, Sept. 2. A pair of promotions center around those Triple Crown events, the t-shirt giveaway and a free wager on the Yonkers Trot, which includes two-horse exacta box. Since there’s still plenty of barbecuing to do, the casino is giving away a nifty, three-piece BBQ set with the Empire City logo on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4. While at the casino, attendees can take a chance on the record-breaking $2 million jackpot currently available only at Empire City Casino on the IGT Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars slot machine in the Gotham Palace. The Yonkers Trot/Messenger Stakes t-shirt give away will be on Saturday, Sept. 2. The first 3,000 Empire Club Members to visit the promotions booth beginning at 4 p.m. will receive a free Yonkers Trot/Messengers Stakes t-Shirt, while supplies last. The Yonkers Trot free exacta wager will be on Saturday, Sept 2. The first 500 Empire Club Members to visit the promotions
On Saturday, Sept. 2, the Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway will be giving away Yonkers trot raceway tickets for the first 500 Empire Club members. Contributed photo
booth beginning at 4 p.m. will receive one two-horse exacta box for the Yonkers Trot. This is limited to the first 500 Empire Club Members, and one race ticket per Empire Club Member, while supplies last. The Labor Day BBQ set giveaway is on Monday, Sept. 4. The first 3,000 Empire Club
Members to visit the promotions booth beginning at 10 a.m. will receive a free gift, a three-piece BBQ Tool Set with the Empire City logo on each handle, while supplies last. For more information contact John Cirillo at 260-7436, or email JohnnyCigarpr@aol.com. (Submitted)
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What’s going on... Harrison Public Library
For ages 18 months old and up. This is a 30-minute movement-based class for parents or caregivers and toddlers. Library staff utilize fun, interactive movement songs and rhymes to encourage singing, dancing and playing, while emphasizing adult-child interaction and focusing on key early literacy skills.
Crochet and Knitting
Visit harrisonpl.org for more information on programs and library hours.
On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the West Harrison Branch. Want to learn how to knit or crochet a simple scarf? Join this class. Drop in anytime and bring hooks, needles and yarn or practice with the library’s. No registration required. Call 948-2092 for more information.
Train Time
Preschool LEGO Play
On Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. For all ages. Play trains. Instructions not included. Creativity required. Play is important work. It requires concentration, problem-solving, cooperation, and creativity. It promotes movement, persistence, and self-expression. The library invites you and your child to join in this meaningful and fun pursuit.
On Wednesdays from 10:15 a.m. to noon at the West Harrison Branch. For ages 1 to 5. Come to the library and play with LEGO pieces. Both DUPLO and preschool sets will be available for play.
Canasta Club On Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the West Harrison Branch. For adults. Experienced players only for Canasta; no experience necessary for Mexican Train (dominos). For more information, call the library at 948-2092.
Movers and Shakers On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building.
Bouncing Babies On Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. For non-walkers. Join Miss Claudia in a lapsit program including songs, rhymes and finger-plays. This program cultivates phonological abilities such as sound and word recognition through repeated interaction.
Pajama Party with Chloe On Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the West Harrison Branch. For children up to age 4; siblings are welcome. Participants can wear pajamas and sing with Chloe during this evening class with
songs, music and more. No registration required.
Summer Book Club On Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. This book club meets the last Wednesday of the month for the summer of 2017, and new members always welcomed. This month’s book is “Summer Reading” by Hilma Wolitzer.
Storytime for Toddlers On Thursday, Aug. 31 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. For ages 1 to 4. This program encourages pre-reading skills and develops listening skills through stories and songs.
Arts & Crafts for Preschoolers On Thursday, Aug. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. For ages 18 months to 4 years old. This is a fun and simple craft for the little ones to make and bring home.
Make Music Together with Karen On Thursday, Aug. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the West Harrison Branch. For babies up to age 4. Join the library as we sing, dance and play instruments with babies, toddlers, preschoolers and the grown-ups who love them. Build a special bond with your child through music. Participants will be singing together with Karen Hamlin of Sounds Good Westchester. Music Together, a family music program based on 29 years of research, believes that all children can learn to be musical. Not only will you have a great time, but Karen will give you ideas how to enhance your child’s musicality at home.
The Buzz on Honeybees On Thursday, Aug. 31 from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. For ages 6 and up. No registration required. This is a Harrison-based program founded by backyard beekeeper and rising Harrison High School senior Anne-Marie Dillon alongside her mother Victoria Dillon. “The Buzz on Honeybees” aims to educate children and adults alike on how the various ecological roles of the honeybee shape important parts of our everyday lives. Additionally, the interactive presentation seeks to dispel any fears or misconceptions one may have about honeybees.
Harrison Recreation Please be aware that parents must have a current 2017 ID card to register children for all programs. Visit harrison-ny.gov/recreation for more information on programs and the Recreation Department.
Ma Riis Park playground closure Effective Monday, Aug. 21, the playground area at Ma Riis Park (across from Town Hall) will be closed for renovations. It is anticipated that work will be completed by Oct. 9, 2017 in time for the Great to Live in Harrison Day festivities. If you have any questions, please contact the Engineering Department at 670-3012.
Harrison Flag Football League focuses on the fundamentals of the game. For children in grades K–8. Fee: $180; after Sept. 7, $200. For more information, please visit harrisonyouthflagfootball.com or call Joe Gallace at 924-8380.
KinderKickers – Soccer For boys and girls who will be entering kindergarten in September. The program starts on Sept. 23 through Nov. 4. Fee: $55; after Sept. 13, $75. Visit harrison-ny.gov/recreation for more information and to register.
First-Grade Strikers – Soccer For boys and girls entering first grade in September. The program starts on Sept. 23 through Nov. 4. Fee: $55; after Sept. 13, $75. Visit harrison-ny.gov/recreation for more information and to register.
The Harrison Players Library Out Loud: Open Mic Night The Harrison Players and the Harrison Public Library present: “Library Out Loud: Open Mic Night.” Got a dance routine you’re dying to try out? Wrote a poem, or did you read one you want to share? Do you love to sing, and want to do it on stage? Got a guitar or other instrument solo to test out? Read it, speak it, sing it, play it, and own it. Come with a short piece (eight minutes max) to share with a general audience, or simply join in to listen. Bring your family and friends. To be held at the Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Ave. in Harrison, on Thursdays, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14. Performers must arrive at 7 p.m. to register; the show runs from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Singers, please bring your own CD or your own accompanist (a piano is available). This event is free and open to everyone. For more information, visit harrisonplayers.org or harrisonpl. org, or call the library at 835-0324.
Harrison school news The Feeley Fund The Eugene J. Feeley Harrison High School, Student Aid Fund Inc. has awarded grants to four Harrison High School 2017 graduates. Headed by Dr. Christopher Tyler, the Faculty Selection Committee chooses students who are accepted at accredited colleges and are financially eligible. The Feeley Fund, established in 1967, is a continuation of the Harrison High School Scholarship Fund begun in 1947. Since then, more than 1000 students have received more than $550,000 in financial aid. Lola Geiger, executive director of the Feeley Fund, 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, 255 Union Ave., Harrison, NY 10528. The Class of 2018 may obtain information about the Feeley Fund from the Guidance Department of the Harrison High School.
Fall cheerleading Open to girls entering grades 3–6 in September. Registration is ongoing. Visit harrison-ny.gov/recreation for more information and to register.
Flag Football League The fall season’s tentative start date is Sept. 10.
Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.
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Harrison REVIEW
THE
170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
New app hopes to make dating accessible for all
Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter
Reporter | Corey Stockton ext. 16, corey@hometwn.com Reporter | Franco Fino ext. 18, franco@hometwn.com General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer James Pero Staff Photographers Andrew Dapolite, Jen Parente Columnists Ron Belmont, Lenore Skenazy 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. Community Events If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com. Delivery For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27.
The Love is Blind app will provide extensive dating profiles, video clips and captions to make the dating app accessible to everyone. Photos courtesy Facebook.com/LoveisBlind
Classifieds & Legals To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Postmaster 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 is published weekly by Home Town Media Group for an annual subscription of $45. Application to mail at the periodicals postage rate is approved at White Plains, N.Y., 10601. Periodicals postage paid at White Plains and additional mailing offices.
Andrew Kranichfeld, creator of Love is Blind, was interested in creating the app after experiencing discrimination on other dating apps because he is blind. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
After experiencing discrimination for being blind while using online dating services, Andrew Kranichfeld decided to create his own dating app in hopes of making dating more accessible for disabled people. Kranichfeld’s brainchild is Love is Blind, LIB, a dating app with a goal of creating a safe space for disabled people to make meaningful connections. A Westchester native who lost his eyesight from cancer in 2010, Kranichfeld said that since going blind he’s found online dating to be Love is Blind is an app that wants difficult, between meeting his ideal match, and finding apps that are acto help disabled people find their cessible for people who are blind. perfect match without worrying For an app to be accessible to people with disabilities, it must meet about being discriminated against. the standards set under the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, a civil rights law that prevents discrimination of people with disabilities in public and private places. The ADA says that an app must follow the guidelines under the World Wide Web Consortium, W3C. The W3C is a community that works to create standards for the web to make it accessible for everyone. In 2008, the W3C released its updated version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which said that web developers should include alternatives to text by offering things like content in video form, video captions and sign language interpretations. Yet, most of the dating sites out there offer any of the above. “A lot of [dating apps] out there are not fully accessible for blind people,” Kranichfeld said.. “There are certain things that aren’t labeled correctly for screen reader [software].” He noted Bumble specifically, saying, “I couldn’t use it at all.” The other issue that he found with apps like Tinder was even though he put that he was blind in his profile, he would still receive negative reactions from matches. Kranichfeld said that when his disability would come up over private messages, he would get “all kinds of reactions from anger to confusion.” These reactions are something that people with disabilities often face when participating in online dating. “Disability and sexuality [are] still so taboo,” said Andrew Gurza, a Canadian-based disability awareness consultant and a wheelchair user living with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects motor functions. “It’s still so taboo that nobody wants to talk about it.” Gurza explained that he attributes the negative reactions he receives while using dating apps to people being scared of disability. “The things [disabled people] face online is just blatant ableism,” he said. “[Users who’re] behind a keyboard, or behind a screen, feel a lot more comfortable to say inappropriate things.” Gurza discusses some of these issues on his weekly podcast “Disability After Dark.” In the episode “Gimps on Grindr,” Gurza opens up about his experiences with being gay and disabled on Grindr, a social networking app for LGBTQ men, where he found users would immediately turn him down because of their own assumptions on how he was able to perform sexually while being wheelchair-bound. “When people say [hurtful] stuff to me and type those things online, when I’m simply trying to connect with somebody, it’s one of the most painful things I’ve experienced,” he told the Review. With LIB, Kranichfeld intends for disabled and nondisabled to be open about their dating preferences without judgment. “I want [users] to pre-select who [they’re] willing to date,” he said. “Then [they] wouldn’t match with anyone outside of those subcategories of people.” Kranichfeld plans to go beyond these specifications, by requiring users to make more detailed profiles that include things like video clips and photo captions. “I’m trying to get a lot of feedback from the disabled community,” he said. Working with Kranichfeld on the dating app is Jaime Urteaga, founder and CEO of Digital Chair, a marketing, web design and video production company based in White Plains. “There’s a definite need, a definite problem to solve. [Kranichfeld’s] experienced it, I think a lot of other people have experienced it, too,” Urteaga said. “The more people hear about it, the more they become aware this is an issue.” Urteaga said that the app is only in its first phase, which has involved creating a landing page at LoveisBlindapp. com, and encouraging people to sign up for the app’s newsletter. The app doesn’t have a set release date, but Kranichfeld hopes to launch it by April 2018. For more information and updates on the app, visit LoveisBlindapp.com. CONTACT: taylor@homtewn.com
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Recreation activities, speeding and puppies HARRISON HAPPENINGS
Mayor Ron Belmont
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending this year’s annual Senior Picnic in West Harrison. The weather could not have been better and hundreds of seniors enjoyed a day of fun and friendship. The appetizing menu included hamburgers and hot dogs as well as chicken cutlets, sausage and peppers, salads and more. Our Recreation Department really outdid themselves this year and should be commended for their efforts. It was a great success and I enjoyed seeing many familiar friends and new faces. The annual Senior Picnic is a wonderful event and many of our senior residents look forward to it each year. I know I do! Once again, Harrison has been named one of the safest cities in America by SafeWise, a leading online resource that highlights safety and security related topics. FBI statistics were analyzed and each city was evaluated on public health and safety. When
compiling research on Harrison, SafeWise included Harrison’s dark house program, which allows residents to alert the police if they’re going out of town so police can keep an eye on the property. I would like to thank the Harrison Police Department for remaining vigilant in keeping our community safe. The Harrison Recreation Department is in the process of accepting applications for several popular fall athletic programs. Registration for the Boys and Girls Junior Soccer League (grades 2–8) is ongoing and mandatory practice begins on Saturday, Sept. 16. The Youth Football Program (boys in grades 3–6) is holding its first practice on Wednesday, Sept. 6 in West Harrison Park. Games begin in late September and are played at the West Harrison Park. Both programs provide a great opportunity for youngsters to learn the fundamentals of the sport. As a reminder, you must have a current Harrison Recreation ID Card to participate in all programs and use town facilities. Applications for programs are available at the recreation centers and
at harrison-ny.gov/recreation. For additional information, please call 670-3039. As the summer winds down, I would like to bring your attention to a highly anticipated endof-the-season event. Back by popular demand, the Brentwood Pool Puppy Plunge will take place Wednesday, Sept. 6 through Friday, Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The lucky dogs of Harrison are invited to swim at the Brentwood Pool before it’s drained for the season. Due to health regulations, only dogs will be allowed in the pool during this special event. No registration is necessary and this event is free of charge for all Harrison residents. In closing, the Harrison Police Department utilizes all means to crack down on speeding in our town. Please drive carefully. In many areas, the speed limit is 30 or 40 miles per hour. Children are riding bikes, and people are jogging and walking their dogs on many of our municipal roadways. Please pay close attention to the speed limits and obey all traffic signs.
GIORDANO from page 1
known as the STAR exemption, since 2001. According to the New York state Department of Taxation and Finance, multiple-property owners in the state must collect a STAR exemption only on the property they consider their primary residence, defined as the location where they spend the majority of their time. However, according to Giordano, the deed of the property is listed under his wife’s name. Now, with Giordano likely out of the running, three candidates remain in the race for receiver of taxes. Mastrogiacomo-Luongo will to oppose Maria Mioli Pennella, a registered Republican running on the Democratic line, and Helen Pesce, who has
At a glance The Westchester County Board of Elections disqualified 200 of 377 petitions signatures submitted by candidate Michael Giordano The objections contend that Giordano did not state which political party he filed his petitions under and that he is not a resident of the address he listed on the petitions The objections also argue that several petitioners improperly listed their address as being located in the town of West Harrison, which is a neighborhood of the town/village of Harrison
launched a run for the seat as an independent candidate. The position of receiver of taxes is elected to a four-year
term and pays an annual salary of $101,050. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
Lester’s has got you covered for school
Contributed photo
Lester’s and Lester’s Boys & Men’s are ready for back-toschool with the most stylish selection of clothing, shoes and accessories—all in the ultimate full-service shopping destination. You’ll find the coolest backpacks and bags, the hottest trends from bomber and varsity jackets to destructed jeans, oversized
sweatshirts, statement leggings, mock choker necklines, and so much more. You’ll love all the latest looks from Chaser, Blank NYC, Vintage Havana, So Nikki, Lester’s exclusive Rock Candy, Flowers By Zoe, T2Love, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Vineyard Vines, Retrobrand, Steve Madden, Sam Edelman, Vince
Camuto and many more. Lester’s dressy collections for every age feature something truly special for every occasion. Follow @lesterskids on Instagram for daily new arrivals. Lester’s Westchester location is 18 Rye Ridge Plaza in Rye Brook. For more information, visit lesters.com. (Submitted)
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Soundlink tunnel being studied; details sparse
Despite confirmation that a study regarding a tunnel between Long Island and potentially Westchester County is underway, little detail regarding its completion has emerged. File photo
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Despite affirmation from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration that a study regarding the construction of a potential tunnel from Long Island to Westchester has begun, little has been offered in the way of detail. Though $5 million was included in the 2017 state budget to carry out the study, state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat, said he has yet to be informed on further details after a New York state Department of Transportation official confirmed that the study was underway last month. “I assume what we’re seeing now is that they’re going to start doing the study they talked about,” Latimer said. Despite little information on the tunnel proposal, which was revived in January 2016 by the governor and is being eyed to link either Connecticut, Westchester or the Bronx to Long Island, its prospect has generated a great deal of controversy. Latimer, who is currently running in a Democratic primary for county executive against county Legislator Ken Jenkins, of Yonkers, said he still opposes any plan to link Westchester to Long Island.
“We as a [state] Legislature can’t stop them from studying the tunnel,” he said. “The only reasonable thing to do is to express that the tunnel is not a good idea.” Likewise, Jenkins said he feels the project would be a foolish investment. “We do have a plethora of other things to utilize infrastructure dollars on,” he said, “instead of trying to get people out to the Hampton’s faster.” Worries over adverse impacts from a tunnel connecting the county to Long Island have been at the forefront of concern. Specifically, lawmakers have called attention to the potential for exacerbated traffic conditions on interstates 95 and 287. Various iterations of a bridge connecting Long Island to Westchester have cropped up throughout the past half-century, including a now-infamous proposal conjoining Long Island’s Oyster Bay with the city of Rye. That plan—championed by then-Gov. Nelson Rockerfeller and famed builder Robert Moses—was eventually nixed due to local opposition and lack of funding. And more recently, in 2007, a plan to build an underground tunnel spanning 16 miles and costing $10 billion was side-
lined following continued public and political backlash, and ramifications of the economic downturn. Another strong opponent of the Cuomo plan has been County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican who is running for re-election this year and is also a political rival of the governor’s. Bill O’Reilly, Astorino’s campaign manager, derided the most recent proposal from Cuomo, calling it a “pie-in-the-sky scheme.” “This is what we’re discussing while trains and subways derail and the funding and toll pricing remains unclear for the new Tappan Zee Bridge,” he said. “Only in New York.” Cuomo has consistently touted the proposal as a means to cut down commute times and free up traffic for motorists taking the Long Island Expressway or Northern State Parkway. “Don’t tell me [building a Soundlink bridge] is not economic; cars and trucks would save hours, literally, with that one modification,” Cuomo said last April. “It’s only 12 miles, it can be done.” A call to a state Department of Transportation representative was not immediately returned. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
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Poor Christian was hit by a car over a year ago. We took him in, he received oral surgery and has healed amazingly well and will live a full life. This sweet tabby was adopted by a wonderful family with children who loved him dearly, but unfortunately, a loss of a job cost the family their home and they had to return him to Pet Rescue in late July 2017. He is a big, strong cat who relates well with easy going cats, and we believe may also do well with cat-friendly dogs. To meet Christian is to fall in love with this sociable and engaging cat. He deserves another forever home where he can live a full life. Christian is neutered, up to date with all vaccinations, in good health and microchipped. The adoption donation for Christian is $100. To meet him, contact Pet Rescue at 835-3332 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 25, 2017
Free talk to focus on African American Cemetery
PROUD MEMBER of the
David Thomas, founder of the Friends of the African American Cemetery. Contributed photo
On Sunday, Sept. 10, at 5:30 p.m., David Thomas, founder of the Friends of the African American Cemetery, will give a talk about the current state of the efforts to preserve this National Historic Register site. The event takes place at and is co-sponsored by the Jay Heritage Center, located at 210 Boston Post Road in Rye. It is free to the public. Seating is limited. The event will discuss how ongoing genealogical research is expanding an understanding of the families that are buried there and their place in the narrative of Westchester’s history. Follow a journey to trace and link the Purdy family of Harrison and Rye to two generations of an emancipated family at the Jay Estate. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. The cemetery is adjacent to the Greenwood Union Cemetery, located at 215 North St. in Rye. The one acre parcel was donated by the Halsted family 150
years ago with the condition that it “shall forever hereafter kept, held and used for the purpose of a cemetery or burial place for the colored inhabitants of the said town of Rye, and its vicinity free and clear of any charge therefor….” Over the years the importance of this special cemetery in the history of the community and nation has been recognized as it is listed on the National, New York State and Westchester County Registers of Historic Places. After years of neglect the cemetery had run into disrepair. Some of the stones had toppled over while others were simply worn away. In 2010, the Port Chester/Rye branch of the NAACP, Building Community Bridges, BCB, and the American Legion Post #93 formed an ad hoc committee to help raise awareness of the cemetery and restore the stones and clean away the overgrowth. In 2016, vandals stripped the cloth portion of the American flags
from the sticks supporting the flags that had been placed at the headstones of veterans. The community came together there for Memorial Day services that year in a show of support. No one was held accountable for committing the desecration. A Go Fund Me page has been established for anyone wishing to make a donation to the Friends of the African American Cemetery. Proceeds will be used to improve access to the cemetery, conduct research, clean headstones, and to essentially make the cemetery a place for learning and contemplation. Friends of the African American Cemetery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may also be mailed to, Friends of the African American Cemetery, 420 Elm St., Port Chester, NY 10573. Make checks payable to Friends of the African American Cemetery. For more information call 6989275. (Submitted)
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August 25, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11
12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 25, 2017
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August 25, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13
14 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 25, 2017
SPORTS
Adding insult to injury LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
You would figure, that with the team standing 20.5 games behind the Nationals in the NL East, we simply wouldn’t have to talk about the Mets anymore. But for some reason, the Amazin’s seem determined to generate headlines—albeit not the ones they’d hope for. On Monday night, the Mets announced that struggling starting pitcher Steven Matz would undergo season-ending surgery to repair a damaged nerve in his arm. The news, on the surface, is fairly commonplace. Pitchers— especially those who don the blue and orange—routinely suffer debilitating injuries that can cut a season short. But in true Mets’ fashion, there was more to the story. Just hours before the announcement, manager Terry Collins announced that the team was shutting Matz down indefinitely despite the fact that he
wasn’t injured. Then came the reports from organizational higher-ups about the hurler’s irritated ulnar nerve. Again, this seems pretty standard, especially for the Mets. Managers have some leeway in revealing the ailments suffered by their players and maybe some signals got crossed prior to Collins’ press conference. But then, sources within the team confided that Matz had been injured all year long, his pitching arm, at times swelling up to the size of a grapefruit, and that Mets’ staffers had been giving him game-day pain-killing injections to keep him in the lineup. Their reasoning? They wanted to help the young southpaw get over the “mental hurdle” of pitching with pain. Even for a team like the Mets, this is a new low. Pitching—especially young pitching—is the most important commodity in the major leagues today. And at every turn, the Mets have done everything within their power to mishandle its promising staff.
Noah Syndergaard spent the offseason bulking up—against the recommendation of the team’s trainers—and then refused the organization’s “suggestion” that he get an MRI. He made a grand total of five starts this year. Matt Harvey, once the shining star of the staff, hasn’t pitched since June. Zack Wheeler? He’s part of the walking wounded, too, which isn’t really a surprise considering he hadn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2015. Sure, some of it is dumb luck, but how much does the Mets’ general ineptitude factor into the team’s inability to keep its player’s healthy? This had the potential to be a big year for the Mets. Coming off two straight trips to the postseason, with a wealth of young stars on the mound, the team seemed poised to wrest control of the city’s attention from the big-brother Yanks. Instead, Mets fans were treated to a season filled with heartbreak, confusion and anger.
New York Mets’ lefthander Steven Matz will miss the rest of the season after undergoing elbow surgery this week. The team’s mishandling of the young hurler is just one of many missteps this year. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org
And with a front office seemingly incapable of doing the right thing by its players, there sure doesn’t seem like an easy fix.
But even if there was one, I sure wouldn’t trust the Mets to make the repairs. They’d probably amputate
the wrong arm anyway.
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SPORTS
August 25, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15
Young Huskies gear up for season By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor
Head coach Jon-Erik Zappala directs his players during practice. Zappala is confident that his young team will be successful this year.
For the Harrison girls’ soccer team, 2017 brings with it a lot of uncertainty. But according to head coach Jon-Erik Zappala, there is also a lot of promise. Despite having just five returning starters and a host of underclassmen in the mix, the Huskies have hit the ground running this week, gaining valuable experience as the coaching staff looks for a winning combination that will translate into success—both this year and for the future of the program. “This is going to be a rebuilding year, but a fun year,” Zappala said. “We have a lot of underclassmen who have done a really good job assimilating, and the juniors and seniors who are returning have really stepped up and showed leadership, setting the tone for what should be going on.” With only five seniors and three juniors on the roster, there will be a ton of new faces on the varsity level this season. But among the Huskies’ returners, junior midfielder Cara Traficante and defender Shannon Nelson should play a big role in leading the way. Last year, the duo played big minutes for a Huskies team that battled through key injuries to earn a postseason berth and should continue their development
as two of the elite players in the section. And although several players will be making their varsity debuts this season, Zappala is already heartened by what he has seen early on in the tryout process. “One thing that I have noticed is that with all the underclassmen, their technical skill and field vision is very well-developed,” he said. “Now it’s just a question of picking a team and looking at the different types of formations that will work for us.” Zappala said that he will need a bit more time to assess the strengths and weaknesses of his roster before he can start to formulate a game plan that will make the most of his players’ skillsets. “I’m not the kind of coach who tries to force one formation,” he said. “We will see what we have and make adjustments.” Once the roster and formation are in place, he added, it just comes down to the team’s desire to work hard at executing. “By the time we have our first scrimmage, we’re going to have a game plan in place,” Zappala said. “And by the fourth game, even if the girls have never played a particular formation before in travel club or premier teams, they’re going to be bonding and gelling; and with the talent level of this club, I think we can do that.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Cara Traficante makes a move on a defender during a preseason drill on Aug. 23. Traficante is one of Harrison’s top returners this season.
Harrison players battle for possession during a preseason drill. Photos/Mike Smith
A Harrison player sends a pass to a teammate on Aug. 23.
16 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 25, 2017