Harrison REVIEW THE
August 31, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 36 | www.harrisonreview.com
Save the Sound: Beaver Swamp Brook impaired By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
For the first time in more than a decade, Westchester Broadway Theatre will be showing “Phantom” beginning in September. For more, see page 6. Photo courtesy PhantomoftheOpera.com
First positive West Nile Virus case in Westchester Westchester County has learned of its first human case of West Nile Virus this year, which was confirmed in a 72-year-old Irvington resident who had been hospitalized, and is now recovering at home. The county Department of Health found no signs of mosquito breeding activity around the resident’s home but treated surrounding catch basins with larvicide. “This first case of West Nile Virus serves to remind all of us to take precautions against mosquito bites by removing standing water from our property after it rains and using repellents when we spend time outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Sherlita Amler. The Health Department prepared for the mosquito season by educating the public through news releases, flyers, social media and its website, where a new
report on mosquito control and surveillance can be found on the West Nile Virus page. The Health Department also gave 400 pounds of free fathead minnows to residents with ponds to reduce the mosquito population. The minnows reduce the mosquito population by feeding on larvae and pupae before they emerge into adult mosquitoes. Throughout the season, the Health Department also traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of mosquito-borne viruses in the county. So far this year, West Nile Virus was identified in three batches of local mosquitoes out of 199 batches tested so far. Last year, West Nile Virus was identified in five local mosquito batches out of 380 submitted for testing and three people were diagnosed with the virus. West Nile Virus infection most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness, but can be more serious particularly for people 60
and older, and those with other health complications. To learn how to reduce the chances for mosquitoes to breed and bite around your home, watch this short video at health. westchestergov.com/west-nilevirus and follow these tips: • Avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding, and use insect repellents when outdoors during these times. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. - Adults can apply insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET on infants more than two months of age by applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing their hands on their children. Products containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under two months of age. • Wear protective clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks, when outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes
are active and feeding. • Turn over or discard cans, buckets, ceramic pots or water-holding containers. • Check and remove standing water from children’s toys and play houses left outside. • Remove discarded tires. • Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are left outdoors. • Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not in use. • Change the water in birdbaths at least twice weekly. • Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris. • Chlorinate pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs until properly winterized or drained for the season. Also, if not chlorinated, drain any water that collects on their covers. • Report large areas of standing water on public property to the county Department of Health at 813-5000. (Submitted)
The environmental group Save the Sound has recommended that Beaver Swamp Brook—a tributary that runs through Harrison, Rye and Mamaroneck—be added to the state’s list of impaired water bodies. On Aug. 7, Save the Sound announced that it has submitted formal comments to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, DEC, recommending that Beaver Swamp Brook be added to the list of impaired waters due to consistent bacterial contamination. “Over four years of testing by our water quality team have confirmed that these sections of Beaver Swamp Brook consistently have elevated levels of fecal bacteria,” said Bill Lucey the Long Island Soundkeeper for Save the Sound. “The Brook clearly needs more attention to help restore it to a condition where it’s safe to swim in and fish from, as the Clean Water Act requires.” Waterways that are designated impaired by the DEC have increased priority and resources for remediation. The list—which is mandated by the federal Clean Water Act—is updated every two years. According to routine measurements of Beaver Swamp Brook’s bacterial levels, elevated levels of fecal coliforms—harmful bacteria found in human and animal waste—have plagued areas of the waterway since the start of testing back in 2014. According to Save the Sound, some samplings of Beaver Swamp’s bacteria level exceed the threshold set by the Environmental Protection Agency, by as much as 50 times the allowable amount of bacteria per sample. Earlier this month, Save the Sound analyst Elena Colon told the Review that in recent samples a Beaver Swamp site behind Rye Neck High School, showed levels
Save the Sound has recommended that Beaver Swamp Brook be added to the list of New York’s impaired waterways after consistent contamination. File photo
of enterococcus that ranged from 700 to as high as 9,000 bacteria per sample. The safe swimming standard dictates that anything above 104 per sample is considered unsafe. The source of the contamination, according to a lawsuit filed by Save the Sound in 2015, is miles of neglected and porous sewer lines running throughout Westchester County that have been leeching raw sewage waste into tributaries and endangering human safety and wetlands across the county. Last year, 11 municipalities named in that lawsuit, have agreed to a court-ordered timeline for studying the extent of future repairs for sewer lines as part of a settlement, in what Save the Sound considers a major win for its cause. In a 2017 bacteria report conducted by the environmental group, Beaver Swamp Brook clocked in as the third worst sample area across all of Westchester, marking the fourth consecutive year that the area has been among the most contaminated sample locations. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
2 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 31, 2018
August 31, 2018 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 3
County strikes Bee-Line bus contract
A new contract with bus operators Liberty Lines will continue Bee-Line service in Westchester for less taxpayer money. Photo courtesy Flickr.com
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Westchester County has come to terms with transit company Liberty Lines for a new five-year deal that will come with lower costs to taxpayers. At a press conference on Aug. 27, County Executive George Latimer, a Democrat, announced that the county will enter into a new agreement with the Liberty Lines—operators of the Bee-Line bus service—that will save taxpayers $20 million. “When my administration took office on January 1, we had on the table the willingness to negotiate a new contract,” Latimer said in a statement. “We talk a lot about the deficit we are facing in Westchester County, and the government and taxpayers owe a debt of gratitude to Liberty Lines for their flexibility in being willing to help close that gap.”
The previous contract was set to expire on Dec. 31 of this year. The new deal will run through 2023 and cuts cost in contractual payments to Liberty Lines —$13 million—as well as $7 million in insurance savings. The company operates 58 routes throughout Westchester and provides 27 million rides ever year. “We would like to thank County Executive George Latimer and his staff for working with us through this negotiation,” said Bruce Bernacchia, Liberty Lines board of directors’ representative. “Liberty Lines is excited to build on its 53-year legacy of providing high quality and reliable bus service to Westchester residents.” Relations with the county and the Liberty Lines contract were once strained back in 2013 when the federal government threatened to withhold grant funding for bus services unless the bidding process for the county’s con-
tract was opened up to other companies. Further, Liberty Lines threatened to sue the county if it did not win claiming it owned the bus routes. Eventually, former County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, stipulated that any bidder would have to provide a $20 million bond to shield from a potential lawsuit and Liberty Lines—a frequent donor to Astorino’s campaigns—was the only respondent. The county will hope to use the savings from this contract to help close a $32 million budget gap that still looms large for 2018. An outstanding contract with the county’s largest union, the Civil Service Employees Association, CSEA, also threatens to widen the budget gap as negotiations continue forward since the expiration of the current contract back in 2010. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Connect with us on @linkedin.com/company/hometown-media
4 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 31, 2018
What’s going on... Harrison Public Library
Computer Tutors On Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. Accomplished high school students in grades 10–12 will help senior citizens acquire computer skills. Senior citizens (beginners or intermediates) are invited to sign up for computer instruction. Please register online, at the Reference Desk, or by calling the library at 835-0324.
Pajama Party with Chloe For more information on hours and programs, visit harrisonpl.org.
Saturday Stories (& a Craft, too!) On Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. Ease into Saturday at the Library’s Children’s Discovery Center. Manhattanville College student volunteers will informally read favorite picture books and do a craft. Suggested for ages 2 to 4 years old.
Sing-Along Sundays with Chloe On Sundays from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. Celebrate early childhood through music and movement. 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 sing-along repertoire. Get ready for a fun, creative and engaging experience.
On Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the West Harrison Branch. Wear your pajamas and hang out with Chloe during this evening class, which features songs, music and more. For ages up to 4 years old, siblings welcome. No registration required.
SCORE: One-On-One Mentoring On Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. SCORE Westchester matches you with experienced small business advisors who work with you on your specific business needs. These are just some of the items for which business owners often seek guidance from SCORE advisors: starting a small business in Westchester; writing or updating a business plan; identifying sources of funding and preparing documents for financing; creating a marketing plan; launching an additional location; and adjusting to growth. Registration is recommended. Call SCORE to schedule an appointment at 948-3907.
Chloe’s Sign and Play On Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the
Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. Give your child the gift of language. Chloe’s Sign & Play is a fun class where families can learn to communicate with their pre-verbal 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.
Conversational English On Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the West Harrison Branch. This is an informal program of conversation and practice of the English language. Join in and make new friends.
Yoga with Angela On Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. Join popular local yoga instructor Angela Brandt for yoga with reading, crafts and hints woven in. The perfect start to a calm and fun weekend. For ages 6 to 12. Bring a mat, if you can, or use one of the library’s.
Recreation The spring/summer brochure is available at harrison-ny.gov/recreation. Please be aware that parents must have a current Recreation ID card to register a child for all programs. Please be prepared to show proof of residency with a current utility bill and a driver’s license. A school report card or progress report is required for a child ID card. The 2018 Recreation ID cards are currently available. Applications for activities can be found at the recreation centers and the Recreation Department website. For the Leo Mintzer Center in West Harrison, call 949-5265; the Sollazzo Center in downtown Harrison, 670-3179. The Recreation Hotline can be reached at 670-3039. For more information, visit harrison-ny.gov/recreation.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester LEGO City Builder Enjoy building city scenes with LEGO bricks at home? Let your creativity loose with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester’s newest play space: LEGO City Builder. This is an interactive city that visitors can add their own elements and designs right into the display. The new play area includes skyscrapers, police and fire stations, cafes, suburban streets, beaches, a LEGO Friends section and more. Celebrate the grand opening of this exciting new space with photo opportunities and custom builds created by Master Model Builder Anthony Maddaloni. Admission starts at $16.95; children under age 2 are free. Opening hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is located at 39 Fitzgerald St. in Yonkers. For more information, call 844-7409223 or visit westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter. com.
County news Golf course openings The six county-owned golf courses are now open, with the last of the snow melting. The courses are: Dunwoodie, 231-3490, and Sprain Lake, 231-3481, both in Yonkers; Maple Moor, 995-9200, in White Plains; Mohansic, 8625283, in Yorktown Heights; Saxon Woods, 231-3461, in Scarsdale; and Hudson Hills, 8643000, in Ossining. For more information, visit golf.westchestergov.com. Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.
August 31, 2018 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 5
County parks receive awards for excellence Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced that county parks has won several prestigious state and national
awards for its innovative programs in the parks system during 2017. “With 50 parks and recreational areas on over 18,000 acres of
parkland, county parks serves more than three million visitors annually,” Latimer said. “I congratulate the Parks Department
staff for developing creative and innovative recreational opportunities for our residents of all ages. These types of facilities and programs contribute to our wonderful quality of life and make Westchester a great place in which to live.”
The awards are as follows: “Opening of the Final Connection between North and South County Trailway” Awarded by the New York State Recreation and Park Society for Exceptional Park Design 2017. This long-awaited completion of the “missing link” of the South and North County trailways now provides users of this popular facility a continuous, 36-mile trail experience from the south end of the county to the northern end and beyond into Bronx County to the south and Putnam County to the north. “Gossip Tour of Merestead” Winner of the Historical/Cultural Award 2017 from the National Association of Parks and Recreation Officials. This curator-led tour of Westchester’s historic mansion cleverly presents a history of the family who lived on the estate during the early 1900s via newspaper clippings and gossip column items, along with “newsy” anecdotal items culled from interviews with former em-
ployees of the private estate and additional research. “Glass House Conservatory at Lasdon Park” Westchester Recreation and Parks Society Austin Welch Pierre Award for “Public Interpretation of Excellence and Recognition of Recreation and Parks Effort.” This 2,400-square-foot conservatory debuted in June with a magnificent tropical rain forest exhibit and wows visitors with exotic plants and all-enveloping ecosystem. Patterned on the conservatory at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, the Lasdon conservatory is the only one of its kind in Westchester. In addition, two county parks were recognized by the readers of Westchester Magazine for prestigious “Best of Westchester” awards this year: • Twin Lakes Farm, “Best Riding Stable” • Playland Park, “Best Place to Bring the Kids” (Submitted)
Like us on facebook The Glass House Conservatory at Lasdon Park won the Westchester Recreation and Parks Society Austin Welch Pierre Award for “Public Interpretation of Excellence and Recognition of Recreation and Parks Effort.” It was one of several national and state distinctions the Westchester County Parks system won for 2017. Photo courtesy westchester.gov
facebook.com/harrisonreview
6 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 31, 2018
Harrison REVIEW
THE
WBT to bring back
P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Editor-in-Chief | Christian Falcone ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Reporter | Franco Fino ext. 18, franco@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Sales Director | Jim Scova ext. 10, jscova@hometwn.com Advertising | Mike Scova ext. 14, mike@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Nancy Kaplan ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer James Pero Columnist Ron Belmont
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.
rthur Kopit and Maury Yeston’s «Phantom” made its New York premiere at Westchester Broadway Theatre in 1992. During its record-breaking, nine-month run, more than 120,000 people attended. Night after night, audiences rose to their feet for the stunning musical thriller. The original production was directed by William Pullinsi and starred Robert Cuccioli as the Phantom and Glory Crampton as Christine Daee. “Phantom” returned to the stage in 1996 and 2007 directed and choreographed by Tom Polum, who had been in the original production. William Stutler, Robert Funking and the entire staff of the Westchester Broadway Theatre are very excited that this extraordinary piece, once again directed and choreographed by Polum, will once again grace the stage. “Phantom” was written by Kopit, with music and lyrics by Yeston who were the Tony Award-winning collaborators for the Broadway Musical “Nine.” “Phantom” is not to be confused with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera,” which is currently running on Broadway. Both shows are based on the same Gaston LeRoux novel, with the Webber extravaganza being more like an opera, completely sung. The Yeston/ Kopit “Phantom” is more of a traditional Broadway musical with dialogue and songs throughout. The show opened here at Westchester Broadway Theatre, WBT, on July 16, 1992 to rave reviews. Jacques LeSourd, a critic from Gannett newspapers, stated then, “There is also a gripping story, richly drawn characters, and music that can break your heart with its beauty... You’ll find none of that in the Broadway ‘Phantom’.... The rich orchestrations bring to mind ‘Sweeney
Todd’ and even the propulsive sounds of Philip Glass. This is a score in the grand manner.” The story revolves around the central character of a man named Erik, (also known as the Phantom) who was born and raised in the catacombs under the Paris Opera House. Through a series of circumstances, he takes on as a pupil a young woman named Christine, who has been a street singer. She has a natural talent and a beautiful voice, but she lacks the special training to perform in an Opera company. He agrees to take her on as a student with certain conditions, the main one being that she will never see his face. After a lot of hard work she eventually auditions for the company and is not only accepted but is given the opportunity to play a principal part in an Opera. Without realizing it, they fall in love with each other. The relationship becomes obsessive and impossible, leading to a stunning conclusion which can only be experienced by attending a performance at WBT. The music and the drama of this piece are extraordinary and should not be missed. From our show that was seen by many members of The Alliance for Musical Theatre Producers, came scores of productions around the country. After seeing our production of “Phantom”, RCA Victor produced a CD recording of the show, including WBT cast members Glory Crampton who played Christine, Meg Bussert who played Carlotta, and most of our ensemble. For those of you who have already seen “Phantom” we will be adding a few surprises, and if you have only seen it once, it is definitely worth a second time For reservations call 592-2222 or visit BroadwayTheatre.com. (Submitted)
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, P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Visit us online www.harrisonreview.com
Robert Cuccioli starred in the original production of “Phantom” which first opened at the Westchester Broadway Theatre on July 16, 1992.
Follow us on Twitter, @harrisonview
“PHANTOM”
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.
Sept. 13 to Nov. 25 & Dec. 27 to Jan. 27, 2019 Westchester Broadway Theatre Book by Arthur Kopit Music/lyrics by Maury Yeston Based on the novel “Phantom of the Opera” by Gaston Leroux Directed/choreographed by Tom Polum Music direction by Bob Bray “Phantom” returns to the Westchester Broadway Theatre for the first time since 2007. Photos courtesy Pia Haas
August 31, 2018 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 7
8 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 31, 2018
Sanitation, Labor Day and pool puppies HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
Please be advised of the following sanitation schedule change: Monday, Sept. 3 is Labor Day and town offices will be closed. During the week of Sept. 3 garbage and/ or recycling normally collected on Monday, Sept. 3 will be picked-up on Tuesday, Sept. 4. Garbage and/ or recycling normally collected on Tuesday, September 4th will be picked-up on Wednesday, Sept. 5. There will be no Bulk Trash pickup on Wednesday, Sept. 5. Once again, the Harrison Public Library will be hosting the Play 2 Learn Festival. Residents and their families are invited to a spectacular event on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Riis Park, across from Town Hall. The Play 2 Learn Festival is a free event celebrating the importance of play in the formative years. There will be several different play zones with more than 20 hands on activities. The festival will include games, arts and crafts, live music, food truck vendors, raffles and funfilled play stations for children. There will also be highly informative parenting workshops for the adults. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this
wonderful program. As the summer winds down, I would like to bring your attention to a highly anticipated end of the season event. Back by popular demand, the Brentwood Pool Puppy Plunge will take place Wednesday, Sept. 5 through Friday, Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, Sept. 9 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. 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 Sept. 8. The Youth Football Program (boys in grades 3&4 and 5&6) is holding its first practice on Sept. 5 in West Harrison Park. Games begin in late September and are played at the West Harrison Park. All Youth Football information (practice times, scrimmages, games, etc.) will be on the Youth Football website LeagueLineup.com/HarrisonYouth Foot-
ball. 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. In closing, I would like to wish all of you a joyful Labor Day weekend. At this time, I urge you to honor our country’s men and women who contribute to our national workforce. I would especially like to recognize our teachers, municipal staff, police, firefighters and emergency personnel who dedicate themselves to improving and protecting our community. Again, I hope you and your family have a happy and safe holiday weekend. The next “Lunch with the Mayor” will be on Friday, Sept. 7 and I will be at Harrison Pizza and Pasta located at 248 Halstead Ave., in downtown Harrison. On Friday, Sept. 14 I will be at Cobble Stone, located at 620 Anderson Hill Road in Purchase. I will be at these locations from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.
County Historical Society publishes history of county The Westchester County Historical Society has published the first comprehensive history of Westchester County in more than 35 years. Written by Field Horne, printed by Rose Press in Mount Vernon, designed by Christina Wong and edited by Elizabeth G. Fuller, Katherine M. Hite, Patrick Raftery and Gray Williams, the 257-page publication entitled “Westchester County: A History” includes more than 225 illustrations, 110 of which are in full color. The 13 chapters guide the reader through the major influences and developments that formed the character of the county: Native American settlements; English and Dutch control; origins of county government; the Revolutionary War and subsequent rebuilding; county expansion during the railroad era; volunteerism, relief efforts and political life during the Civil War; growth of estates, communities and industrialization during the Gilded Age; suburban growth, public works and public education throughout the Progressive Era; the impact of two World Wars and the Woman’s Suffrage Movement; creation of the county parks system; and the development of suburban life as well as demographic changes. “Because of the complexity of the county, the vast amount of material available, and the relatively limited time, I did most of the research in the best and most reliable secondary sources,” Horne said. “However, wherever necessary I went into primary sources.
This was particularly critical in such areas as population growth and ethnicity, agricultural change and manufacturing, none of which had been treated successfully by earlier historians.” When asked what was the biggest surprise in conducting research for this four-year project, Horne said, “The greatest surprise was the existence of the Chappaqua Spring and Sing Sing Retreat, a mineral water resort hotel at the present Millwood. It is known only from some newspaper stories and a very brief mention in a gazetteer. I found it only because I was searching a weekly paper published in Sing Sing for any mention of African-American celebrations in the county following full emancipation on July 4, 1827, and spotted the advertisement for the hotel.” Horne added that the biggest challenge, he encountered, “was keeping the book to a reasonable length for readability while covering the full scope of Westchester’s history.” Designer Christina Wong added, “We selected Goudy as our typeface in 12-point with 14-point leading and just about every page has an accompanying photograph, illustration, map or document reproduction in order to create the most inviting and reader-friendly experience throughout the entire publication.” Horne holds a B.A from Williams College and an M.A. in Museum Management from Cooperstown. He has authored numerous works as well as consulted for history museums, government agencies, businesses and not-for-
profit organizations. He was the editor and co-owner of “Saratoga Life” magazine, the community history editor of “The Encyclopedia of New York State,” an adjunct professor at Russell Sage College, executive director of the Saratoga County Historical Society, was selected as a Founding Fellow of the New York Academy of History, and is a member of many educational and historical organizations such as the New York State Department of Education’s Advisory Council on State and Local History. “Westchester County: A History” is available in soft cover for $40 or in hardcover (limited quantities) for $58. Copies can be purchased through the Westchester County Historical Society, WCHS, website, or by mail, or in person at WCHS offices at 2199 Saw Mill River Road in Elmsford, Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; you can contact the offices at 592-4323. The public is invited to the official book launch and reception on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Scarsdale Golf Club on Club Way in Hartsdale where the author will be signing books and describing his discoveries and challenges while researching and writing the book. An RSVP is required and the reception is $15. Reservations may be made by calling WCHS at 592-4323. Established in 1874, the Westchester County Historical Society is one of the oldest historical societies in the U. S. and the only organization that collects and promotes the countywide history of Westchester. (Submitted)
August 31, 2018 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 9
5 reasons young families need life insurance now Hoff-Barthelson readies for the fall semester
When it comes to money matters, young parents who are just starting out have a lot to juggle; they may be paying off student debt and saving for their first home, all while raising kids. But it’s also a time when young families may be the most financially vulnerable should the unexpected strike. To ensure that they have financial protection when they need it most, purchasing a life insurance policy should be top of mind. Here are five reasons why young families need life insurance: 1. You just never know. While it’s not the most pleasant thing to ponder, an emergency situation could quickly put your family’s finances under water. In fact, nearly half of Americans don’t have enough savings to take care of a $400 emergency response. And when you’re starting out, not having protection in case something happens to a family’s
breadwinner is even scarier. 2. The earlier you opt in, the more affordable it is. Because age is one of the factors that affects the cost of your premium, the younger you are when you purchase a policy, the less you’ll be paying each year. 3. It’s not as expensive as you think. If you’re on a budget and are convinced you can’t afford life insurance, consider term life insurance. It guarantees protection for a set amount of time. Since it’s not designed to last a lifetime, the annual premiums are considerably lower. 4. It lets you concentrate on other goals. Once you have the peace of mind and financial protection that life insurance grants you, you may feel secure enough to fund long-term goals, like buying a home, saving for your nest egg or going back to school. 5. You can always upgrade at a later date. Don’t let the fear of
making the wrong decision deter you from purchasing a policy now. The policy you purchase today isn’t intended to be set in stone. As your family’s needs change, you have the option of making upgrades. We know it’s not easy for young families to make their life insurance needs a priority, given all their competing financial obligations. However, life insurance is a vehicle for protection that is not only affordable, but can also help families save money and can ultimately propel them toward reaching both their immediate and far-reaching goals. This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Andy Ball, agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Andy at aball02@ft.newyorklife.com.
Hoff-Barthelson Music School faculty member Glen Kirchoff teaches a piano lesson. Photo/Steven Schnur
Registration is open for the 2018 fall semester at Hoff-Barthelson, Westchester’s premier community music school. Hoff-Barthelson Music School was founded in 1944 by Virginia Hoff and Joyce Barthelson, two gifted musicians who believed that the joy of music and the skills to perform it should be available to everyone. They left a legacy that has touched the lives of many: a warm, friendly music school dedicated to the highest standards of music education, performance and community service for students of all ages. A commitment to creativity, collaboration and community animates Hoff-Barthelson’s holistic approach to music education, which is characterized by: A supportive musical environment. We inspire our students to develop their musical and human potential as part of a community of peers, teachers and parents. Adults find a musical home at Hoff-Barthelson, too—pursuing their love of music with others who share their passion. A focus on the whole student. Teaching understanding, appreciation and musical skills goes hand in hand with nurturing critical thinking, creative, social and other valuable learning and life skills. Customized learning. We work
with all students—whether their interests are casual or pre-professional—to design individual goals and pathways and connect them with the best possible teachers. Exceptional teaching. Our faculty—drawn from the region’s most talented teachers and performers—excels at matching the teaching approach to the individual, catalyzing each student’s progress from beginner to advanced. A multifaceted curriculum. Our comprehensive approach combines individual instruction, musicianship courses, ensembles and frequent performance opportunities offered year-round. Once enrolled for music lessons, all students gain complimentary access to a comprehensive program that includes musicianship classes in theory, ear training and composition; ensemble opportunities for students at all levels, including wind, vocal and jazz ensembles, a multi-tiered orchestra program, and chamber music; and myriad performance opportunities throughout the year. Students also benefit from master classes, workshops and coachings with world renowned guest artists and members of the New York Philharmonic, with which Hoff-Barthelson has partnered for more
than 20 years. The 2018-19 school year begins on Wednesday, Sept. 12. While enrollment is open throughout the school year, families wanting to place students in one of the Hoff-Barthelson’s many musicianship classes should try to register before the end of October. Those interested in ensembles should be in touch by Sept. 12. Families wishing to learn about early childhood classes offered for children ages 9 months through kindergarten, which include Dalcroze-Eurythmics, ukulele, recorder and the most comprehensive pre-Suzuki program in Westchester, are invited to attend the open houses and class demonstrations taking place Friday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a demo class at 10:30 a.m., and Saturday, Sept. 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., with a demo class at 2 p.m. the open houses will take place at the Hoff-Barthelson Music School, located at 25 School Lane in Scarsdale. To RSVP for either open house please contact Kathryn Kitt at 723-1169 or email kkitt@hbms.org. For more information on Hoff-Barthelson, its fall enrollment and to register, call 7231169, email hb@hbms.org or visit hbms.org. (Submitted)
Follow us on Twitter
@ harrisonreview
10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 31, 2018
August 31, 2018 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11
Shared services hearings close; county looks for savings By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Westchester County has concluded its final round of public hearings on a shared services
plan, prior to submitting its proposal to the state. The hearings mark the second year of discussions with the county’s 41 municipalities, after last year’s outcome produced a savings
plan of $1.2 million under former County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican. As a result, those meetings were reconvened by current County Executive George Latimer, a Demo-
crat, this year in search of additional savings. The meetings looked to provide input on a plan to cut government spending by sharing services, facilities and municipal equipment, if possible. “We are not approaching this as ‘us’ and ‘you,’ we are approaching this as ‘we,” Latimer
Hearings geared toward developing an action plan for shared services hopes to squeeze out more savings—after finding $1.2 million in cost-cutting measures last year—by consolidating services across Westchester’s municipalities. Photo courtesy Flickr.com
said back in June. “And we are trying many things with that mindset, sitting down with our fellow local governments to find out what is the best way to do this.” The shared services plan would build on legislation signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, in May 2017 that creates a blueprint for counties to consolidate services in an effort to save on cost and efficiency. A subsequent piece of legislation passed this year was designed to assist the 23 remaining counties in the state who had not submitted a plan—last year 34 submitted ones—as well as allowing those who wished to revisit their 2017 proposed plans to do so. Additionally, the 2018 legislation calls for a three-year timeline for counties to demonstrate implementation and proof of savings. “The shared services initiative empowers citizens to directly engage their local elected officials in finding ways to cut property taxes by reducing the cost of local government,” Cuomo said in May. The statewide legislation requires every county executive across the state to convene a panel made up of every chief elected official from every municipality and submit a plan to reduce the
costs of services like sanitation, emergency medical care and police. As incentive, the state Legislature has set aside $225 million in matching funds for money that each county saves through consolidation plans. In Long Island, both Suffolk and Nassau counties have already passed their own shares services plans with the former saving an estimated $130 million in the first year due almost entirely to the decision to convert a sewage treatment plan into a pump station. The savings is derived from the disparity in cost between updating the sewage treatment plant—an estimate of $178 million—compared to diverting waste to a different treatment center which would cost $50 million. The Westchester panel will look to finalize a plan before a Sep. 15 deadline in which a proposal must be submitted to the state. If approved, the plan would be presented to the public in mid-October. Westchester faces its own set of financial woes with projections of a $32 million budget shortfall for 2018. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 31, 2018
The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:
$42.50 for up to 4 lines. Each additional line $2.00. Classifieds ads appear in all five of our publications.
HOW TO REACH US:
ATTORNEY/LEGAL
HELP WANTED
Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. Call 866-951-9073 for Information. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket.
AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here! Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7094
AUCTIONS ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY TAX FORECLOSED R EAL ESTATE AUCTION. 150+ Parcels! Saturday, September 8, 2018. Registration: 8AM- Start: 10AM. Lockwood Arena141 W. River St. Ogdensburg, NY 13669 www. auctionsinternational.com; Call: 800-536-1401
AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 914-468-4999 Today!
Have a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? Get replacement FDA approved CPAP machine parts and supplies at little or no cost! Free sleep guide included! Call 866-430-6489!
SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 800 5670404 Ext.300
REAL ESTATE
CABLE & SATELLITE TV
LEGAL NOTICES
FINANCIAL REVERSE MORTGAGE: Homeowners age 62+ turn your home equity into tax-free cash! Speak with an expert today and receive a free booklet. 1-877-580-3720
FOR SALE Privacy Hedges-FALL BLOWOUT SALE 6 ft Arborvitae (Evergreen) Reg $149 Now $75. Beautiful, Nursery Grown. FREE Installation/ FREE delivery, Limited Supply!ORDER NOW: 518-536-1367. www.lowcosttreefarm.com
HEALTH Struggling with DRUGS or ALCHOHOL? Addicted to PILLS? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 1-855-995-2069
HEALTH VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! Call Today: 800-404-0244
* Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. To learn more about our programs or financial information, visit www.wheelsforwishes.org.
DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve!
MISCELLANEOUS A PLACE FOR MOM has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call: 1-800-404-8852
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Harrison Central School District shall hold a public hearing on the 12th day of September, 2018, at 8:15 P.M., at the Louis M. Klein Middle School, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, New York, for the purpose of reviewing the proposed changes to the District Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct, with the proposed changes, is posted on the District website at www.harrisoncsd.org. Barbara Teevan/District Clerk Dated: August 31, 2018
NOW HIRING CERTIFIED
PCAs / HHAs / RNs — Immediate Placements!
CALL NOW!
Hudson...................518-828-7001 Kingston..................845-331-0114 Middletown..............845-342-2220 Newburgh................845-562-5157 Peekskill.................914-737-8800 Poughkeepsie...........845-473-5900 Rhinebeck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .845-876-1976 Email us at. . . . .myjob@ucicare.com
FREE Information Kit
1-855-225-1434
Get help paying dental bills and keep more money in your pocket This is real dental insurance — NOT just a discount plan
1-855-225-1434
You can get coverage before your next checkup
Visit us online at
Don’t wait! Call now and we’ll rush you a FREE Information Kit with all the details.
www.dental50plus.com/nypress
Insurance Policy P150NY 6129
MB17-NM003Ec
Saving a Life EVERY 11 MINUTES
alone I’m never
Life Alert® is always here for me. One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7. with
GPS !
We have hours you will love from Part-Time to Full-Time… and even some Live-In Assignments!
Call or email an employment coordinator today to interview for openings near these locations:
*Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *Fully Tax Deductible
WheelsForWishes.org Call: (914) 468-4999
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
NY LAND BARGAINS 15 Acres Southern Tier Borders State: $29,995- 43 Acres Adirondacks: $69,996 6.9-Acres Cabin, Pond: $69,995-Financing. 800-229-7843. www.landandcamps.com. CHRISTMAS & ASSOCIATES
ANTIQUE LOVERS TAKE NOTEñ BRIMFIELDíS Famous Outdoor Antique/Collectibles Show, 4,000 Dealers runs Tuesday, September 4th & Sunday, September 9th, 2018. Info on 20 individual show openings. www.brimfield.com.
Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley
BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 888-657-9488.
Buying Diamonds, gold, silver, antique and modern jewelry, better furs, U.S. and foreign coins, paintings, bronzes, complete estates. Highest prices paid. Call 914-260-8783 for appointment.
EVENTS
Benefiting
SAFE BATHROOM Renovations in just one day! Update to safety now. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 844-782-7096
SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill-Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 800 567-0404 Ext.300
Earthlink High Speed Internet. As Low As $14.95/month (for the first 3 months.) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology. Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1-855-970-1623
Wheels For Wishes
Stay in your home longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-844-286-6771
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Spectrum Triple Play! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-855-977-7198
DONATE YOUR CAR
HOME IMPROVEMENT
OXYGEN- Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 866-971-2603
BUYING/SELLLING
Placement, correction or cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication
JOB OPPORTUNITY: $17 P/H NYC-$14.50 P/H LI If you currently care for your relatives or friends who have Medicaid or Medicare, you may be eligible to start working for them as a personal assistant. No Certificates needed. (347)462-2610 (347)565-6200
Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315-400-0797 Today!
Have an idea for an invention/new product? We help everyday inventors try to patent and submit their ideas to companies! Call InventHelp®, FREE INFORMATION! 888-487-7074
DEADLINE:
Email: ads@hometwn.com Phone: (914) 653-1000 x27 P.O. Box 485, White Plains N.Y. 10602
Help at Home Help On-the-Go ®
I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!
Batteries Never Need Charging.
For a FREE brochure call:
Great Benefits Including Medical and 401(k) Plan
Learn more at www.unlimitedcare.com
Follow us on Twitter
@harrisonreview
1-800-404-9776 REMEMBER A LOVED ONE send an obituary to: news@hometwn.com
August 31, 2018 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13
14 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 31, 2018
SPORTS
Wasted on the young? LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
I’m always amazed how some of the simplest interactions I have can end up affecting me in odd ways. On Tuesday, I was speaking with Mamaroneck Field Hockey Coach John Savage about his team’s upcoming season. Savage talking to me about one of his senior stars, Brigid Knowles, who—as a freshman—scored the game-winning, double-overtime goal to help Mamaroneck win the 2015 state title. It was a tremendous moment for the budding star and for the program. The catch, Savage said, was that Knowles and the Tigers have been fighting to win another state title ever since. I then began to ponder the question: is it better to have success early in one’s career or is it better go reach the mountain top after you’ve experienced the pain of defeat? On Aug. 26, my men’s baseball team, the New York City Mud
Hens, put the finishing touches on our first-ever championship season, sweeping our finals opponents handily to hoist the league trophy. The ensuing celebration, of course, was a wild one, as family, friends and even other players from around the league were on hand to congratulate us on a job well done. But looking back on the celebration, which included a lengthy trip to a local watering hole, I couldn’t help but wonder; did the title mean as much to the younger guys as it did to the veterans? For older guys like me—some of whom have been playing on the team for more than a decade—the win was as much about relief as pure jubilation. Throughout the years, we suffered no shortage of heart-breaking losses in title games and Sunday’s game represented an exorcism of everything that had happened in the past. There was a twinge of melancholy too, as we remembered all the friends we had played with, many of them retiring or moving away, who wouldn’t be able to truly join in on the festivities.
It helped too, that each longtime player had their own moment of personal glory on Sunday, none more magnificent than a pinch-hit home run by one of our bench players who was getting his first at-bat of the postseason. If he, indeed, retires before the start of next season, his final moment on the baseball field will be sprinting around the bases, right arm raised, as the rest of the team howled in support. By contrast, the team’s younger players, guys who joined either this year or the year prior didn’t bring that baggage with them into the playoffs. And maybe it helped, having those fresh faces unencumbered by our past failures. It might have been what we needed to push us over the top. But I wondered if they could possibly cherish this win as much as those who had suffered to get to this point. And moving for- On Aug. 26, Sports Editor Mike Smith’s baseball team captured its first-ever league title. But did the win mean ward, would they be spoiled by more to the veterans than to the team’s younger players? Photo/Mike Smith their early success? before he gets to celebrate again. I think I got my answer late on who managed to record the final ers right next to him. Of course it meant a lot. Sunday night when our 24-year- out. He was lying asleep in bed— I just hope he doesn’t have to Follow Mike Smith on Twitter @ old centerfielder texted us a picture of his roommate, our closer, the league trophy under the cov- suffer through another 12 years LiveMike_Sports
TO COVER LOCAL SPORTS, YOU NEED A
LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow @harrisonreview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates
August 31, 2018 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15
16 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 31, 2018