Harrison REVIEW THE
August 18, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 33 | www.harrisonreview.com
County to choose among 3 airport operators By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
Lights, camera, action!
In 2016, Westchester County brought in $30 million in film and TV production revenue. The county airport has been one of the popular filming locations for TV shows, including CBS’ “Madam Secretary.” For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy westchestergov.com
Platinum Mile development construction underway By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Developers have started to break ground on the town’s first mixed-use development along the Platinum Mile, after securing approval for the project almost one year ago. Normandy Real Estate Partners and Toll Brothers, a publicly owned home development company, are constructing a 421-unit rental complex at 103-105 Corporate Park Drive, which is the
former site of a commercial office building. The mixed-use development, known as “Carraway,” will include a five-story rental apartment building that features studio, one- and two-bedroom units. Additionally, the development will feature 5,000 square feet of space for a restaurant and other commercial expansions, as well as 10,000 square feet of recreational amenity space such as courtyards, a gym, a bike lounge, a pet spa and a swimming pool.
There will also be 752 indoor and outdoor parking spaces on site. After efforts by former town Councilman Joe Stout, a Democrat, to include affordable housing at the site, Carraway will also offer 42 units at market-rate costs. That affordable housing plan will accommodate 21 units for households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income— about $52,000 for a family of two—and 21 units for couples earning up to 80 percent of the
area median income, approximately $69,000. In addition to Stout’s emphasis on affordable housing at the Corporate Park Drive location, the idea was met with support a year prior from several county housing organizations such as the Habitat for Humanity for Westchester and Community Housing Innovations Inc., which spoke before the Harrison Planning Board to advocate for affordable housing. PLATINUM continued on page 11
A search for a new private manager of the Westchester County Airport will be finalized between three potential operators being reviewed after a request for proposals was wrapped up last week. According to an announcement made by County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, on Aug. 10, the county will choose between three proposals submitted by the firms FerroStar Westchester Airport Partners, HPN Aviation Group LLC and MIC Airports LLC, with the goal of ironing out an agreement for a 40-year period. Not included in the list of potential operators is the airport’s current manager, AvPORTS, which had previously stated that it would submit a bid. “We’re pleased with the level of expertise, experience and professionalism that each of these respondents brings to the table,” Astorino said. “This is about smart government working to position a vital county asset for a strong future.” The conclusion of a request for proposals, RFP, which was sent out in April, will mark the first steps toward a move to privatize the county’s airport announced earlier this year during the county’s budgeting process. By processing the county’s plan through an FAA-run privatization program, county officials hope to utilize revenue from the airport for general fund budgeting purposes; a use not currently permitted under federal law without FAA approval. A task force consisting of
three county lawmakers and three administration officials will now review proposals from the three firms, and make a recommendation to the Board of Legislators before the end of the year. According to a statement from Astorino’s office, a lease agreement is expected to be drafted and voted on before the adoption of the county’s 2018 budget in December. While lawmakers eye the repurposing of revenue from the county airport to help the county’s constrained budget and waning sales tax revenue, the proposal has not gone without its critics. Last month, Legislator David Gelfarb, a Rye Brook Republican, denounced the plan citing concerns over the move’s potential to adversely affect surrounding neighborhoods as well as its lengthy timeline. “I recognize the possibility of many unforeseeable events during that long a period of time, which can make it difficult to prepare a lease that will fully protect the county,” he said in a statement. “I intend to continue to fight to protect my constituents and all county residents to ensure the airport remains a viable asset to our community without potentially disastrous results.” Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, also said last month that she would also oppose any move to privatize. Passage of any potential lease would require a supermajority vote—12 of the 17 members— of the Board of Legislators. AIRPORT continued on page 8
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August 18, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 3
Astorino vetoes immigration bill; to nix current policy
PROUD MEMBER of the
On Aug. 16, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino vetoed a bill known as the Immigration Protection Act, which passed the county Legislature. Astorino also plans to repeal an existing executive order put in place by his predecessor Andy Spano, which inspired the recent proposal. Photo/Franco Fino
By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Citing threats to public safety, Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino vetoed a bill to set forth a policy on immigration enforcement that had previously passed through the county Board of Legislators by a 10-5 vote earlier this month. According to Astorino, the bill would have put Westchester at odds with federal law enforcement agencies, ultimately leaving both legal and undocumented residents unprotected under the new law. “Unfortunately, it became a very political bill that jeopardizes public safety, and I don’t want to put people at risk,” he said. Known as the Immigration Protection Act, the legislation piggybacked a current executive order by former County Executive Andy Spano, a Democrat, which Astorino has now pledged to repeal, too. On Aug. 16, Astorino also said he will rescind the former county executive’s order relating to undocumented immigrants which has been in place since 2006. According to Astorino, after further research, it was discovered that the existing order also compromises the county’s relationship
with federal law enforcement agencies. In Westchester government, the incumbent county executive can legally repeal any executive order made by one of his predecessors. The latest immigration bill, which was sponsored in February by Majority Leader Catherine Borgia, an Ossining Democrat, came in response to Republican President Donald Trump’s nationwide initiative to deport undocumented immigrants, and would have prevented the county’s emergency services from aiding the federal government in investigations made on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and national origin. Borgia said the Democratic Caucus still plans to hold a vote to override Astorino’s veto, which came as a way to prevent Westchester from becoming a “sanctuary” county; one that limits its cooperation with the national government’s effort to enforce immigration law. “While the veto today was expected, it is disappointing nonetheless,” she said. “The county executive’s words and actions, in line with his friend President Trump, will not stop our efforts.” Astorino also came under fire from Board of Legislators Chair-
man Mike Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat, who called the veto “ill-advised, wrong and insensitive to the most vulnerable in our society.” But in order to override Astorino’s veto, lawmakers will need a supermajority vote, which seems unlikely at the moment. As of press time, two Republicans lawmakers, David Gelfarb, of Rye Brook, and Jim Maisano, of New Rochelle, support the legislation, which would prohibit law enforcement officials from honoring requests made by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents, which do not give rise to reasonable grounds for detaining individuals. Legislator Lyndon Williams, a Mount Vernon Democrat, was absent from the last vote. According to Joe Sgammato, the press secretary for the Democratic Caucus, constituents in Republican districts are pressing their elected officials to change their minds on the bill; however, there is currently no indication from Republican leadership that there will be any further support for the bill, leaving the proposal one vote short of a supermajority. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
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4 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 18, 2017
What’s going on... Harrison Public Library
fore camp starts. Light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited; please sign up online, by phone by calling 835-0324, or in person at the library.
Eclipse viewing
Visit harrisonpl.org for more information on programs and library hours.
Petite Concerts On Monday, Aug. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. For children up to age 5. Children will dance and move to a wide range of songs and classical music, from Bach to “Do Re Mi” and “ABC.” With Chi-Chi Lin Bestmann, a violinist who has performed at Carnegie Hall. She is also a young mother who knows how the beauty of music can develop a child’s learning and education.
Make Your Own Podcast: ‘Make A Better World’ From Monday, Aug. 21 through Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. For middle school students age 10 and up. Create fun podcasts based on one of these three Summer Reading books: “Smiles to Go” by Jerry Spinelli for sixth-graders; “Stand Tall” by Joan Bauer for seventh-graders;” or “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck for eighth-graders. Participants need to read at least one of the three books listed above be-
On Monday, Aug. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. View the rare total solar eclipse will occur across North America with the path of totality traversing the continental United States from Oregon to South Carolina with Claudia Parrinton, assistant vice president of Westchester Amateur Astronomers. Glasses will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. While it may appear dark, watching the solar eclipse without the right eyewear can severely damage your vision. Please visit nasa.gov for eye safety warnings.
Hadassah Film Festival On Monday, Aug. 21 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. “Gett: The Trial of Viviane Anselm” will be screened. This riveting court drama follows the culmination of Viviane’s five-year struggle to break from her loveless marriage. In Hebrew, French and Arabic with subtitles. Running time: 115 minutes.
Canasta & Mexican Train Games 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.
Crochet and Knitting 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.
Preschool LEGO Play 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.
Learning to Look with Lauren On Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Library Building. For ages 6 to 12. Spend an afternoon exploring and creating art with Lauren Eames. The most radical breaks in tradition often challenge the most common materials in art. Throw your oil paints and canvases out the window and join Lauren in exploring two different movements: art informel and arte povera, and their approaches to the materials of art production. No registration required.
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.
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.
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.
Summer Concert Series All concerts start at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, Aug. 23, Reunion will perform at Halstead and Thatcher avenues in downtown Harrison. On Thursday, Aug. 24, Alive N Kickin’ will perform at the West Harrison Village Green.
Basketball Camp From Monday, Aug. 21 through Friday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For boys and girls grades 3–8. Instruction in ball handling, shooting, dribbling, passing with demonstration on how to make yourself a better basketball player. Fee: $220, made payable to the Town/Village of Harrison.
Engineering Using LEGO From Monday, Aug. 21 through Friday, Aug. 25 at the Leo Mintzer Center and Monday, Aug. 28 through Friday, Sept. 1 at the Sollazzo Center. There are morning sessions from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 5 to 7, and afternoon sessions from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 8 to 12. For more information and to register, visit play-well.org.
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. 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.
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. 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
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Westchester becomes popular home to
Hollywood films By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter
Over the last year, Westchester County has become the backdrop for popular television shows and films for networks like ABC, HBO and FX. But besides the Hollywood appeal, that influx has also helped create jobs and provide tax credits in the film industry, while driving traffic to local businesses in the county. A recent economic impact study by the Westchester County Tourism & Film Office revealed that in 2016, Westchester generated $30 million in film and TV production revenue. This amount included filming permits, and money generated by local businesses, hotels and restaurants. “The film industry [has] a great economic impact,” said Ernie Karpeles, a location and scout manager in Larchmont. Natasha Caputo, director of Westchester County Tourism & Film, a division of county government that works with productions interested in filming in Westchester, called the revenue that film activity generates a “win-win” for the county. Caputo explained that she expects to continue to see an upward trend in revenue obtained from productions in the county throughout 2017. The financial incentive of filming in New York doesn’t stop at the local business level, however, as the film productions are also seeing a financial gain. The New York State Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television offers a tax credit program that incentivizes productions to film in the state because they receive a tax credit on their qualifying expenses. The eligibility and percent of tax credit received varies by type of production. According to Madeline Belloff, a spokeswoman for Empire State Development, an economic development agency for New York state, there are 125 projects that have already applied for the film tax credit program this
A behind the scenes shot shows the filming of HISTORY channel’s “Hamilton: Building America,” being filmed at the Jay Heritage Center in Rye.
Actors Dominic West and Jennifer Esposito portray Noah and Nina in Showtime’s “The Affair” in Yonkers. Photos courtesy Facebook.com/WestchesterCountyFilm
year. Those projects are projected to spend more than $2 billion with 138,102 hires across the state, she added. What has made Westchester so popular for productions, Karpeles said, is that out of all of New York, Westchester is the easiest to get to. He added that between Long Island and the five boroughs in New York City, the bridges and
traffic required to get around creates a lot of expenses and makes travel difficult for film crews. Karpeles also said that another reason people are choosing Westchester is that it’s full of diverse scenery, which can be necessary for a production. Belloff shared that sentiment adding, “Westchester County features a wide
variety of locations, from major cities like Yonkers and White Plains, to manicured suburban neighborhoods, [and] picturesque villages.” Some of the most popular locations to shoot in Westchester have included Playland Park, the county airport and jail, and the Jay Heritage Center in Rye, according to Caputo. In 2016 alone, productions like DreamWorks Pictures/Universal’s “The Girl on the Train,” USA Network’s “Mr. Robot,” and Showtime’s “The Affair,” filmed scenes in Westchester. This influx of film production doesn’t come without some interference with residents in the community though. “I never like to sugarcoat it; the film industry can be disruptive,” Karpeles said. He explained that the productions can be hard on the tenants when streets are blocked off and parking is taken up by crews. While Karpeles acknowledged that film crews can get in the way, he said their “goal is to be invited back.”
One city that film crews have been seeking out is White Plains. White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach said that the city government tries to alleviate the impact of filming on residents by working with the local police and keeping in close contact with the production crews. Roach said that overall, they don’t receive many complaints and that most of the calls involving filming are people wanting to know what movie is being shot where, and what movie stars are in it. Most recently, White Plains was home to Amazon’s “Sneaky Pete” created by Bryan Cranston and David Shore, and the Steven Spielberg film, “The Papers,” which is slated to be released in theaters this December. “With all of the filming that’s happening this year, and all of the scouting requests we’re receiving, we expect 2017 to be a great year for film in Westchester County,” Caputo said. CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
CBS’ “Madam Secretary” uses the Westchester County Airport as a replacement for the Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers, Algeria. Photo courtesy Westchestergov.com
August 18, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 7
Sponsored by
The Review in collaboration with ArtsWestchester offers a rundown of art-related events throughout Westchester County. Find our Arts in the Area page featured once a month.
Schoolhouse Theater remembers Mathiesen with exhibit When Danish painter, printmaker and ceramicist Gert Mathiesen unexpectedly passed away four years ago, what remained in his wake are more than 1,000 works from his life as an artist. Twenty-five of these works have been travelling, much as Mathiesen did in life, as his wife and fellow artist Pamela Smilow organized a touring exhibition. After being exhibited at the Museum of Danish America in Iowa and Nordia House in Oregon, the pieces return to their rightful home at the Schoolhouse Theater, where the artist met Smilow, had an art studio and created a great deal of his pieces. Prints, paintings, woodcut pieces and more now line the walls of the theater’s gallery throughout the summer. His use of linoleum as a canvas, as opposed to a means by which to transfer work onto a separate surface, leads as an example of the innovative approaches that Mathiesen took in the creation of his work. Bursting with vibrant colors and bold, expressionistic shapes, many of these works reflect Mathiesen’s life story, referencing his Danish heritage and Viking roots, but also incorporating other cultures into the mix. Schoolhouse Theater is devoted to presenting professional theater to its community in a space where new work is explored. Additionally, it exhibits the work of local artists in an art gallery that is housed in its Croton Falls location. Matheisen’s work is on display Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and by calling 2778477 for an appointment. For more information, visit schoolhousetheater.org. - Mary Alice Franklin
Hudson River Museum presents Zakanitch’s gardens
Through Sept. 17, “Garden of Ornament” will adorn the Hudson River Museum with whimsical
painted gardens, carefully inhabited by creatures that weave in and out of its floral arrangements. This solo exhibition will feature the large-scale paintings of Robert Zakanitch, one of the founders of the Pattern and Decoration (P&D) movement of the mid-20th century, which was inspired by patterns of home furnishings. The vibrant works on display highlight the artist’s stylistic expansion, from his work with abstract patternmaking to his focus on nature. In the 1970s, Zakanitch began to experiment with pattern and ornamentation, which directly challenged dominant art movements of the time, including Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism. Zakanitch explained: “I started doing paintings that were influenced by the linoleum floors we had as kids—these big roses, mostly flowers, and all these curlicues. I wanted to go in just the opposite direction of ‘less is more.’” “Garden of Ornament” will display Zakanitch’s recent monumental 8-foot gouache paintings. In these extravagant works, Zakanitch breaks the rhythm of floral patterns with delicate birds, butterflies and hummingbirds for the viewer to contemplate. In “Tureens,” his 2007 series of oil paintings, Zakanitch demonstrates his desire to convey compassion through the decoration of objects that are associated with the home. For more information, visit hrm.org. - Rocio de la Roca
Artwork by mental health community at ArtsWestchester
and established headliners, has recently opened in Tarrytown. Jazz Forum is a community-based performance and exhibition space that will present the programs of Jazz Forum Arts. The robust summer lineup includes headlining artists on Friday and Saturday nights, like trumpeter Marvin Stamm (Aug. 18 and 19), pictured above, and Brazilian Music Sundays, like the don’t-miss Brazilian beats of Joyce Moreno (Aug. 27). Once monthly, on Saturday afternoons, Jazz Forum offers workshops for music lovers of all ages that explore various forms of jazz. In addition to musical performances, the club has a full bar and light fare cuisine, as well as a rotating exhibit of artworks by local and regional artists. For more information, visit jazzforumarts.org. - Mary Alice Franklin
Beginning Sept. 7, Westchester County’s DeArts Alive Grants available partment of Community Mental Health, Rockland for local artists, groups Psychiatric Center and ArtsWestchester will present “Visions 2017: Art Odyssey,” an exhibition that feaArtsWestchester is accepting applications from tures more than 125 original artworks by more than nonprofit arts organizations and individual artists 60 artists who are recipients of mental health ser- in Westchester for 2018 Arts Alive Grants. These vices in Westchester County. “The exhibition, which coincides with ‘Recovery Month,’ demonstrates that recipients of mental health services have embraced the concept of hope and are willing to share their view of recovery,” says Dr. Mark Herceg, commissioner of Community Mental Health. “Visions 2017: Art Odyssey” is free and open to the public, and will be held in ArtsWestchester’s gallery at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in downtown White Plains. The exhibit will be on view from Sept. 8–14. Gallery hours: Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. An opening reception will take place on Sept. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, please call 428-4220 or visit artswestchester.org.
New jazz club opens in Tarrytown A new jazz club, featuring emerging jazz artists
grants are designed to help make arts and cultural activities easily accessible to a wide community audience, especially in areas where access is limited. Funds are available in three categories: Project Grants provide financial support for projects that demonstrate a strong community benefit; Artist Grants provide direct support for the creation of new work related to the community; and Education Grants support in-school and afterschool learning projects. The application deadline is Oct. 4, and applications are currently live. Several pre-application workshops will take place leading up to the deadline. Upcoming workshops include: Aug. 29 at Clay Art Center in Port Chester at 6 p.m.; Aug. 30 at ArtsWestchester in White Plains at 5:30 p.m.; Sept. 5 at New Rochelle Public Library at 5:30 p.m.; Sept. 6 at Ossining Public Library at 5:30 p.m.; Sept. 7 at Lincoln Depot Museum in Peekskill at 6 p.m.); Sept. 11 at Tarrytown Music Hall at 6 p.m.; and Sept. 12 at PC4 Purchase College Center for Community and Culture in Yonkers at 5:30 p.m. For guidelines and workshop details, visit artsw.org/artsalive. - Mary Alice Franklin
Magic Box Productions brings digital literacy to NYC schools
Magic Box Productions, a Pleasantville-based nonprofit that helps students to develop visual and digital literacy, will support media arts residencies in 25 schools within New York City. Teaching artists will work with 3,000 students from low-income communities throughout the five boroughs, who will participate in hands-on workshops in photography, video documentary and animation, and audio production. This program also enables teachers in these schools to supplement and enhance their teaching with media projects. The program is made possible with funds from an “Art Works” grant from National Endowment for the Arts. Student projects will be shared at community screenings and exhibits.
These articles appear in the August 2017 issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy of the full issue is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
8 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 18, 2017
A solar eclipse, Carraway and the swim team County accepting ‘Backpacks to School’ donations HARRISON HAPPENINGS
Mayor Ron Belmont
It’s been quite some time since a total solar eclipse occurred in mainland America. Now, this event is happening again this Monday, Aug. 21! The partial eclipse will begin at 1:23 p.m. in Westchester, reaching maximum eclipse at 2:44 p.m., and ending at 4 p.m. In preparation for this event, the Harrison Public Library obtained 40 “eclipse glasses.” It has been widely stressed that you must not look directly at the eclipse without proper protection or you could damage or even lose your eyesight. Happily, there are alternate ways of experiencing the eclipse. The library will provide printouts about less direct ways to “see” the eclipse and have samples and materials on hand. On the day of the eclipse, the library’s program will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., both on the lawn and in the library’s community room via a NASA livestream. Those who would like glasses will be asked to line up for a number in order to ensure fair distribution. All are welcome to partake in the day’s activities. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a ground breaking ceremony for the new Toll Brothers development located at 103-105 Corporate Park Drive in Harrison. Carraway, a 421unit luxury rental building, will be erected on the site of two former corporate office buildings. Leasing and first move-ins are AIRPORT from page 1
Astorino has touted the move as a means to help balance the county’s budget, choosing to include $15 million in projected revenue within the first year of the deal in last year’s approved operating budget. A more extensive RFP process marks a departure from a previous effort by Astorino that would have given the investment firm, Oaktree Capital, sole rights to the airport’s management. After backlash from lawmakers, that plan was abandoned for a more formal bidding process. Oaktree Capital did not respond to the current RFP. Before any revenue is redirected from the airport, a deal must be approved by not only
projected for fall 2019 with the project expected to be completed by summer 2020. Carraway is another example of an ongoing trend of repurposing vacant office buildings, along Westchester’s Platinum Mile, into residential and retail uses. The features of this luxury rental building are impressive, and I’m sure that this facility will be regarded as a premier property in our community. I look forward to working with Toll Brothers as the project becomes a reality. Congratulations are in order for the Harrison Recreation Swim Team. The team recently competed in the Westchester County Swim Conference Championship Meet and came in 18th place, beating out some very impressive teams in the conference. During the season, the Harrison team achieved Division 5 Champion status (record 5-0) and, as a result, is moving up to Division 4 next season. Congrats to all the swimmers for a great season and to Coach Dottie Klein for being named this year’s Coach of the Year. The Harrison Recreation Day Camp finished this year’s summer session with a wonderful production of favorite songs and clever dance numbers. The camp meets for six weeks during the summer months, and offers daily field trips, swimming, sports, musical enrichment, and arts and crafts. The stage production is held at the end of the season and is always entertaining. I really enjoyed seeing the talented performers. Congratulations to the campers, counselors and mentors for providing the audience with a truly
fantastic show. Con Edison has begun performing emergency work on an electrical distribution system. Work is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 24 on Pebble Beach Drive. There will be an electric outage associated with this work that will impact service. The electric outage will occur on Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. Con Ed anticipates repairs to be completed and power restored by 3:00 p.m. They apologize for any inconvenience this work may cause, and thank you for your patience. For more information or to request e-mail updates on this project, contact Public Affairs at 925-6361 or WestchesterRCA@conEd.com. In late summer, many residents continue to experience increased water usage due to seasonal lawn irrigation systems. As a result, it is advisable that residents locate and repair leaks in homes, offices, buildings and irrigation systems. Leaks account for a vast amount of wasted water each year. Leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets and leaky valves are very common but are easy to correct. In addition to conserving water, these repairs can substantially reduce homeowner’s water bills. On a related note, automatic Westchester County is teaming up with The Sharing Shelf again to put together backpacks full of supplies for lawn sprinklers are a significant children in need. Photo courtesy Westchestergov.com part of the town’s peak water County Executive Rob Astori- at Fsw.org/backpacks or brought rive at school ready to learn.” usage. By setting your autoFor more information about matic lawn sprinkler system to no announced that Westchester to the Family Services of Westoperate between the hours of 11 County is once again teaming up chester’s warehouse on 47 Purdy Backpacks to School, contact p.m. and 5 a.m., you can reduce with The Sharing Shelf, a pro- Ave., Port Chester. Volunteers Blatt at 305-5950 or Thesharthe town’s demand for water gram of the Family Services of can also help pack the backpacks ingshelf@fsw.org; or Joseph D. during early to mid-morning Westchester, to collect and dis- and deliver them to the schools on Kenner of the Department of Social Services at 995-3287 or peak times. I am asking all res- tribute school supplies so that the following days: • Packing on Saturday, Aug. 12, JKenner@westchestergov.com. idents to please do their best to children in need can start the 2 to 5 p.m. at the Broken Bow Astorino also encouraged famaintain efficiency and to use school year ready to learn. “Since launching our back- Brewery in Tuckahoe thers and school leaders to save water wisely. pack partnership, we have helped • Packing on Tuesday, Aug. 22, the date for this year’s Dads give vital school supplies to thou- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Sharing Take Your Child to School Day, sands of children in Westchester Shelf in Port Chester taking place Sept. 17. The event County,” Astorino said. “As al• Distribution on Thursday, Aug. 24, serves as a kickoff for fathers to ways, our goal is to help as many Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Wednes- be more involved in their chilchildren as we can.” day, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 dren’s schooling all throughout Backpacks to School is a col- p.m., at the Family Services of the year, offering opportunities laboration between The Sharing Westchester’s warehouse, 47 for dads to sign up to volunteer, Shelf and the county’s Depart- Purdy Ave. in Port Chester. Vol- serve on PTAs, receive informament of Social Services. Local unteers should sign-up by email- tional mailings and more. Ask businesses have also opened their ing Thesharingshelf@fsw.org. All your school about any special doors and will serve as drop-off Volunteers must be at least 14 activities planned for the day. sites for donations. years old. The countywide coordination is “The Sharing Shelf is proud to “Each year we have been able part of Astorino’s #DadBeThere offer this program for the sixth to serve more and more stu- fatherhood initiative, which year,” said Deborah Blatt, of the dents in need,” said Susan B. aims to actively engage fathers Sharing Shelf. “We are incredibly Wayne, president and CEO of in all aspects of their children’s grateful for the outpouring of sup- Family Services of Westches- lives. port from so many individuals, ter. “Thanks to the support of “It’s a fact: kids do better in As a request for proposals process concludes, Westchester County will community groups and business- the individuals who donate their school when dads are involved,” now choose between three potential managers for the county’s airport, a es in Westchester, all committed time, the corporations that make Astorino said. “Show your kids deal touted for its potential to add extra revenue for the county. File photo to providing low-income children financial contributions, and the you care. Be there. And keep that with the tools they need to start County Executive office’s lo- momentum going all throughout the county’s Legislature, but from the county’s terminals. the school year on the right foot.” gistical expertise, we can ensure the school year to help them sucalso the federal government and Donations can be made online that all Westchester children ar- ceed.” (Submitted) a majority of airlines operating CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
August 18, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 9
‘Annie’: A review By MICHELLE JACOBY Contributor Westchester Broadway Theatre proudly presents its 201st production with “Annie”; what a celebration! Opening night started with the Bob Fitzsimmons Scholarship awarded to Nicolas Tabio, a senior from Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains. The scholarship was awarded to the valedictorian who is a member of the National Honor Society. Well-deserved by this student, he has been involved with the dramatic arts as an actor, director and co-founder of Crusader Productions, an independent student-run theatre company. The scholarship is given annually to a Stepinac High School senior that has excelled in the theater arts programs. Fitzsimmons was a graduate of the high school who died suddenly at the age of 37 in March 1992. He was the public relations director of
the Westchester Broadway Theatre, WBT, as well as a performer, producer, writer and director. The celebration continued with the announcement of a special guest in the audience; Margaret Hosier, who played Annie in the first production of the show in 1983 at WBT. Most people know of the American classic comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” that debuted in 1924, the true inspiration for “Annie.” Sometimes the story behind the scenes is just as exciting as the tale on stage. Martin Charnin bought a coffee table book based on the comic strip and fell in love with the character. He shared his idea
Michael DeVries as Oliver Warbucks, and Kaylin Hedges as Annie perform “Together At Last.” Photos/John Vecchiolla
with Charles Strouse, a composer, and Thomas Meehan, a writer, both successful in their own right. It took some convincing but all came together to create the musical. The musical was set in New York during the FDR presidency and set the stage in the Great Depression. New York City was facing a financial crisis, and the writers wanted to create a musical that is based on love and family. Annie’s quest to find her missing father and mother during these hard times seemed like the perfect setting to create a story of hope, promise and optimism, especially coming from a child. Peyton Ella plays spunky Annie with the acting chops and voice that leads you to truly believe the sun will come out tomorrow! Her ray of sunshine is Daddy Warbucks, played by Michael DeVries. Grace Farrell is the beautiful soul in the triangle of hope, played by Celeste Hudson. A story always needs a good villain, and no one does it better than Susann Fletcher as Miss Hannigan, the head of the orphanage. She’s loud and mean, drinks a lot, slurs her words and attempts to be nice when the right people come around. Her accomplices Rooster, Miss Hannigan’s brother, and his partner, Lily St. Regis, are played effortlessly by Adam Roberts and Aubrey Sinn. The smooth talking Roberts has a
Meet the Orphans of “Annie”: from left, Ruby Griffin as July; Anika Bobra as Tessie; Peyton Ella as Annie; Gabriella Uhl as Kate; Nora Kennedy as Pepper; and Maureen Henshaw as Duffy. In basket, Haylie Shea Christiano as Molly.
comical, animated way of moving on stage as he tries to con his way into a big reward. The chemistry between the three is devilishly fun to watch! John-Charles Kelly as Franklin D. Roosevelt is as presidential as you get. He handles worldly issue, his cabinet and still has time to sing with Annie. Let’s not forget the other feisty orphans that come equipped with dirty knees, messy hair and big attitudes: Anika Bobra, Haylie Shea Christiano, Tahilia Ellie, Ruby Griffin, Maureen Henshaw, Nora Kennedy, Molly Lyons, Sasha Murray, Lucy Neureuther, Ella Stanley, Lauren Sun, Gabriella Uhl, and alternating as Annie is Kaylin Hedges. Sandy, Annie’s dog, is smartly played by Sunny, a terrier mix. Sunny was rescued in 2012 and trained by Bill Berloni. Sunny stayed with the show on Broadway until 2014 and has been out with the national tour ever since. It takes a big cast to create a show with personality and heart, other talents include: Robert Abdoo as associate director/choreographer; Kelly Black; Laura Cable; Joseph Cullinane; Jesse Lynn Harte; Carl Hulden; Ryan Alexander Jacobs; Kelsey Self; Rochelle Smith; Roger Preston
Smith; and Billy Clark Taylor. Director/choreographer by Mary Jane Houdina; musical director by William Stanley; set design by Andrew Gmoser; and sound design by Mark Zuckerman. An idea that started from a comic strip about a red-headed girl lead to a Broadway musical, winning seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, and eventually became a motion picture in
1982, “Annie” has stood the test of time. The story of hope, promise, optimism, and of course, the sun, “Annie” is a show for everyone! This Bill Stutler and Bob Funking production of “Annie” is playing now through Sept. 10 at the Westchester Broadway Theatre. For additional information, please call 592-2222 or visit broadwaytheatre.com.
From left, Aubrey Sinn as Lily St. Regis, Adam Roberts as Rooster, and Susann Fletcher as Miss Hannigan perform “Easy Street” in the Westchester Broadway Theatre’s production of “Annie.”
10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 18, 2017
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August 18, 2017 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11
Ralph’s injunction dismissed by state judge
A lawsuit filed by Scott Rosenberg, owner of the now-shuttered Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream in Mamaroneck, was thrown out this week after a judge ruled that the disgruntled owner had no grounds for a suit. File photo
A lawsuit stemming from the forced closure of Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream in Mamaroneck was thrown out by a judge on Aug. 9, after the court ruled the owner had no grounds for a suit. Owner Scott Rosenberg’s lawsuit, filed on Aug. 3, which sought an injunction on a zoning board decision to revoke his certificate of occupancy, and $75,000 in damages, was found meritless by a judge who deemed the request too “drastic” and lacking basis. Rosenberg, when reached by phone, declined the Review’s request for comment. Last month Ralph’s, located on 946 E. Boston Post Road, was forced to close after the village of Mamaroneck’s Zoning Board of
Appeals determined the business was unsuited for the location and was the root of exacerbated traffic, safety and noise conditions in the surrounding neighborhood. The business was also found to be operating without a Westchester County Department of Health permit for several months and has yet to renew the documentation, which lapsed in April. Village Trustee Keith Waitt, a Democrat, lauded the court’s decision and said it should be the impetus for Rosenberg to start looking for a base of operations elsewhere. “Contrary to what has been said, the village [of Mamaroneck] welcomes Ralph’s,” he said. “But now, maybe it’s time for them to consider where they
should be located.” Waitt added that it’s likely Rosenberg will now sue the village for damages. A decision to revoke Ralph’s certificate of occupancy last month punctuated more than a year of tumult as well as a zoning appeal which discovered the business had been misclassified by the village Building Department as a retail establishment, allowing it to skirt the confines of its encompassing zoning district and requirements for public notice. After being forced to undergo a special permitting process, Ralph’s was unanimously determined to be unsuited for its East Boston Post Road location and was forced to close.
PLATINUM from page 1
The push for market-rate housing at the location came amidst a controversial county affordable housing debate, in which former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development monitor James Johnson, who is running for governor of New Jersey this year, included the town/village of Harrison amongst six other Westchester municipalities that weren’t complying with a 2009 affordable housing settlement that required 31 communities to create 750 units of market-rate housing within a seven-year time frame. Harrison had gone nearly a quarter of a century without approving any units of affordable housing in the area. Last year, Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, told the Review the development would help reverse a trend of corporate departures from the “teardrop” area
Normandy Real Estate Partners and Toll Brothers have begun breaking ground on Harrison’s first mixed-use development at 103-105 Corporate Park Drive, which is situated along the Platinum Mile. Photo courtesy Normandy Real Estate Partners
off of the Hutchinson River Parkway and Interstate 287. He said, during the late 1970s and ‘80s, Harrison generated as much as 68 percent of its annual tax revenue from companies such as General Foods, Texaco and IBM. Today, Harrison generates approximately 18 percent of its tax revenue from businesses along the Platinum Mile. “All the ingredients [for suc-
cess] are there and it gives us the opportunity to offer new housing choices to our residents and employees,” Belmont said previously about the land designated for construction, which has been abandoned for nearly 15 years. Belmont could not be reached for additional comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
WESTMED opens Purchase location
-Reporting by James Pero
Weston is an adorable hound/terrier mix, about a year old and 45 pounds. He is full of energy and pep; he loves to play with every dog he meets and would love an active family, maybe with another dog. Weston has a scruffy face with beautiful markings and he is a real beauty inside and out! He is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped. Make him part of your family for an adoption donation of $300. Come meet Weston! Call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue. org. (Submitted)
From left, Dr. Michael Silver, WESTMED Medical Group interim president, Anthony Viceroy, WESTMED CEO, Renee Segarra, WESTMED radiology director, and Brad Ditmar, Siemens Northeast zone vice president. Contributed photo
WESTMED Medical Group, a Purchase-based multi-specialty medical group, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 9, to officially open its new, fully automated clinical laboratory at 2700 Westchester Ave. in Purchase. “We are very pleased to announce the opening of our new laboratory using the Siemens Aptio Automation System,” said Anthony Viceroy, WESTMED’s CEO. This next-generation, opensystems technology, is one of the first of its kind in the Northeast. With its highly innovative instrumentation, the Aptio streamlines workflow, simplifies testing and delivers consistent, high-quality results.
“At WESTMED, we take pride in working as a team with our healthcare providers, nurses, and technologists, to deliver the best patient care possible. Every day, our physicians and clinical staff depend on our lab to perform and analyze critical laboratory tests in a consistent and timely manner, in order to help us understand the complete picture of a patient’s health.” Viceroy continued, “We are grateful to our partner Siemens for enabling us to integrate this new automation to improve the efficiency and quality of our clinical lab operations that produce essential, often life-saving, diagnostic test results for our patients.”
WESTMED is an award-winning multi-specialty medical practice. It is staffed by a team of more than 350 physicians dedicated to providing coordinated, efficient and the highest quality of patient care at its 14 locations in Westchester County and Fairfield County, Connecticut. The practice, known for its one-stopshopping medical experience for patients, uses state-of-theart systems and has a national reputation for measured health care excellence. WESTMED has New York medical offices in White Plains, Rye, Yonkers, Purchase, Scarsdale and New Rochelle, with Connecticut offices in Greenwich, Darien and Stamford. (Submitted)
12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • August 18, 2017