Issuu

Happy halloween

Harrison REVIEW THE

October 28, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 44 | www.harrisonreview.com

Internal affairs Chris Rodier, the Democratic candidate running for Town Council, claims he is being harassed by the Harrison Police Department, alleging an officer asked to speak with him about a request for town information he made over the summer. For story, see page 9. File photo

Candidates debate budget, staffing in West Harrison

budget. Dionisio, a lifelong Harrison resident, focused on geographic and demographic In the first of two forums for figures—including the mileage Town Council, candidates Chris of town roads and the number Rodier and Rich Dionisio ad- of people that pass through the dressed questions about Harri- town in comparison to the resison’s expenses and its number of dential population—to challenge employees. Roider’s claims that budget and Rodier, a Democrat, and Di- staffing should be reduced. onisio, a Republican, met at the “These are facts that I think you Harrison Center on have to compare to budgets; and October 28, 2016 | Vol. 4, West Number 44Senior | www.eastchesterreview.com Oct. 13 to confront voters’ ques- it’s hard to compare Harrison tions less than one month before to other communities because Election Day. Rodier, a nine- I think our services are great,” year resident of Harrison and a Dionisio said, adding that he software engineer, attempted to wanted to save the town from paint himself as a technically unnecessary taxes, but not at the savvy outsider with a knack for expense of services. statistical analysis. “I’d like to Rodier also faced criticism bring new ideas and a fresh per- from the crowd based on a spective to Harrison,” he said. claim made on Taxual that 160 Since September, Rodier has employees was a “responsible” used Taxual.com—a website he number, more than 100 less than created which compares Har- the town’s current headcount of rison’s taxes to those of other 264. That figure has since been Westchester municipalities in- taken off the website. In recluding Rye, New Castle and sponse, Rodier pledged not to Yorktown—to showcase his data remove employees to bring staffanalyses and criticize the current ing down; instead, he said, he October 28, 2016 Vol. Using 4, Number 32 | www.cityreviewnr.com town |board. Taxual, Rodiwould try to stop the town from er has paid particular attention to hiring while staffing reduced senior at the college. “But, I’ve the number of people employed through natural attrition. Rodier also faced criticism had friends who have had to by the town. “I believe in using data and for suggesting that the Police walk back to campus at night, which is extremely unsafe. By using facts to analyze problems Department may be overstaffed. not having those hours, you’re because it’s very easy to say ‘I He was asked to comment on the waiting for an accident to hap- think it’s great that we have this number of interconnected freepen; and it may have already many people,’ or ‘we should ways in town and how that could happened with the recent loss have fewer people,’” he said. impact the demand for police of“But if you look at data and you ficers. the school took.” He said he would need to Prior to the service changes, do an actual analysis, that speaks the Valiant Express ran until volumes more than any individ- conduct an analysis on the impact that business and thru3:30 a.m. on Fridays and Satur- ual can say.” But Rodier’s analysis was traffic have on the police force days. Since the changes, the final bus on Fridays and Saturdays, refuted by Dionisio, who said to come up with an answer, but which transports students from he had met with several depart- added that he would not look to downtown White Plains back to ment heads during his campaign DEBATE continued on page 12 better understand the town campus, comes 1:30 a.m. October 28,at2016 | Vol. 4, toNumber 44 | www.mamaroneckreview.com According to J.J. Pryor, the college’s managing director of the office of communications, the Follow us on Twitter @harrisonreview college enacted the bus service

By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer

Happy halloween

Eastchester REVIEW THE

Happy halloween

THE

CityREVIEW NewRochelle Demand for increased Manhattanville bus service grows after death By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer With a considerable amount of attention centered on the recent death of Robby Schartner, a Manhattanville student who was killed by a drunk driver on Oct. 9, the college’s student body has reignited a debate about the school’s shuttle bus service. Schartner, a 21-year-old junior, was struck and killed by Emma Fox, of Rye, while walking along Westchester Avenue in White Plains in the early morning hours. It is believed that Schartner was walking back to campus after a night out on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains. According to police, Fox, 24, had been traveling eastbound on

Westchester Avenue at about 5 a.m. when she fatally hit Schartner with her car, a 2012 Nissan Sentra. White Plains police reported that Fox had been intoxicated at the time of the incident and was measured with a blood alcohol of 0.21; the legal limit in New York state is 0.08. In the aftermath of the tragic event, Manhattanville students are pointing to last year’s controversial change by the school administration to alter the bus service schedule. “What’s it going to take for the school to realize that having transportation provided is for our own safety?” asked Jess Cowle, a junior at the college, which is located in Purchase. On Aug. 21, 2015, Sharlise

Smith-Rodriguez, the college’s dean of students, sent a welcome letter to the student body alerting them of upcoming events and changes in policy for the 201516 academic year. According to the memo, which was delivered as a blast email, the school changed the schedule for the Valiant Express. The bus service changes included the addition of four early morning runs to transport students from the college to and from White Plains from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Additionally, the last two weekend runs would be eliminated. “I get why they changed the hours because they didn’t want to be seen as encouraging drinking,” said Gianni Mogrovejo, a

Happy halloween

Mamaroneck REVIEW THE

MANHATTANVILLE continued on page 13

Like us on facebook.com/harrisonreview

2 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • October 28, 2016

October 28, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 3

County capital budget wants $110M for parks

A recently proposed capital budget would see Westchester County invest $110 million into parks, including a transformative project at Kensico Dam, pictured. File photo

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer A $300 million capital budget sent down to the Westchester County Board of Legislators on Oct. 14 allocates nearly $110 million to recreation and parkland, and could inject millions of dollars at Kensico Dam and into the county’s affordable housing requirements. The capital budget serves as a guiding blueprint for major infrastructure and planning projects to be undertaken in the following five years and in tandem with the operating budget, which will be unveiled by County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, in November, and serves as the county’s overall budget. Among the major projects included in the 2017 capital budget’s ambitious parks plan are comprehensive improvements to Glen Island bridge—which would total nearly $10 million— as well as the restoration and transformation of Kensico Dam’s reflecting pool which has been barren since 2007. The Kensico Dam project, which could cost upwards of $21 million, was unveiled earlier this month by Astorino and would see the construction of a skating rink and regulation size hockey rink. According to county Legislator Sheila Marcotte, the chairwoman of the Board of Legislators’ Budget and Appropriations Committee and an Eastchester Republican who is currently reviewing the proposal with the committee, Astorino’s plan is an

ambitious one. “It’s an aggressive plan of action,” Marcotte said. “Infrastructure, as we know, in the county has aged; roads; bridges…. And I’m pleased that we are putting a fair amount of [the budget] into infrastructure.” Not grouped in with the budget’s list of recreation proposals are $33 million in improvements to one of the county’s most famed assets, Playland Park in the city of Rye. Those projects are a part of an ongoing agreement between the county and the management company Standard Amusements, which will also inject $30 million of its own funds into improvements at the park, according to a contract approved by the Board of Legislators in May. Among the major Playland projects included in the budget are a proposed $8.5 million for structural renovations, as well as $5.1 million for renovations to Playland’s Switchgear building, which houses important electrical equipment. Marcotte said that since these projects are mandated through a separate agreement with Standard Amusements, they were itemized as distinct from the rest of the county’s prospective recreation budget. Playland’s pool, which must also undergo significant rehab, was not listed in the projects, but is currently under review from the Board of Legislators, which aims to renovate and keep it after a proposal from Astorino’s administration to remove the structure was shot down.

After recreation, which constitutes 36 percent of the budget’s proposed expenditures, building and improvements, renovations to county-owned roads and bridges comprise the next largest categories targeted; 24 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Projects enumerated in the both the buildings and infrastructure categories include the replacement of roofs for various government buildings across Westchester, totaling $4.5 million, as well as renovations to the Ashford Avenue Bridge in Greenburgh for another $4.5 million. The capital budget will also work toward reaching the required affordable housing mandated in a contentious settlement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development dating back to 2009. Since 2010, the county has spent nearly $60 million implementing affordable housing requirements. According to Ned McCormack, spokesman for the Astorino administration, the county doesn’t currently have a figure on how much more it will spend this year. As outlined in the settlement, the county is required to have secured building permits for 750 units of affordable housing by the end of 2016. Currently, it has finalized 658 of those permits, according to McCormack, who said that the county is on pace to meet the 750-unit threshold before the end of 2016. If the county fails to meet the PARKS continued on page 8

4 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • October 28, 2016

What’s going on... Harrison Public Library

board will be provided. Space is limited, so please sign up online, by phone at 835-0324, or in-person at the Reference Desk. Kids under age 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Sing Along Sundays with Chloe Visit harrisonpl.org for more information on programs and library hours.

West Harrison branch temporary closing The West Harrison branch, at 2 Madison St., will be temporarily closed for carpet replacement and other repairs. A reopening date will be announced when possible. All books must be returned to other Westchester Library System locations. Holds will be available for pickup at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building, at 2 Bruce Ave.

Storytime and Craft On Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Come by for a family storytime and a fun craft for all ages.

Google Cardboard On Saturday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Bring your smartphone and imagination. Learn how to use the Google Cardboard app to experience virtual reality, and create your own customized personal virtual reality viewer box from simple pieces easy for the whole family to assemble—which you’ll use to experience Halloween fun like never before. Card-

Tuesday and Thursday mornings through Nov. 29. Registration for each class is required online or by calling 835-0324.

Visual journal workshop

On Sundays from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Come together as a community to celebrate early childhood through music and movement. In this class, participants will sing, shake and move. Children and parents are sure to love the captivating songs, live accordion music, and activities designed with specific cognitive milestones in mind. This class will feature a variety of child-sized instruments and props, and a wealth of both traditional and original songs to add to your singalong repertoire. Get ready for a fun, creative and engaging experience. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

On select Wednesdays. This is a six-week art workshop at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building; the next classes are scheduled for Nov. 2, 16 and 30, and Dec. 14. A visual journal is a great place to grow ideas and foster creativity. Your journal can help improve drawing, capture a memory and help on stay present. A journal can be a portable studio you always have with you. Come and explore how and what to keep in your visual journal. Try out new techniques, use words and images, as well as collage and mixed media. Also look at sketch books of famous artists and designers for inspiration. Registration is recommended online or by calling 835-0324, as space is limited.

Spooky spider craft

Duck or Squid for President Storytime

On Monday, Oct. 31 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Join Miss Caroline for a celebration of Halloween by making a spooky spider craft to take home and eat later. For kids of all ages.

On Thursday, Nov. 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Join Miss Claudia and Miss Caroline for a storytime celebration in choosing the next president. “Duck for President” by Doreen Cronin and “President Squid” by Aaron Reynolds will be read, and participants will create a related craft and vote on who should be president—Duck or Squid. For ages 4 and up.

BOCES English and Citizenship Classes On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. For adults age 18 and up. Southern Westchester BOCES is offering free English and citizenship classes. In the fall, the class meets twice a week on

Mommy and Me Yoga On Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Bring your own mat for a relaxing yoga class with the littlest ones. For non-walkers and their caregivers.

Chloe’s Sign & Play On Fridays from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Give your child the gift of language. This is a fun class where families can learn to communicate with their preverbal children using real signs from American Sign Language. Based on the award-winning Baby Signing Time series, this class will give parents a window into the hearts and minds of their little ones. Through fun songs, stories and games, parents and children will learn many useful signs for everyday communication. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Yoga with Angela On Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. For grades 2–5. Bring your own mat and water to this lovely, mind and body relaxing yoga experience with Harrison resident Angela Brandt, a registered and certified yoga instructor. This is an opportunity to create self-esteem, physical coordination, breath relaxation and strength.

Create Your Own Games in Scratch On Saturday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Bring your laptop computer for this children’s program session to learn how to create animation and games in the MIT-developed Scratch programming language, a simple and colorful system aimed at computer users of all ages. Space is limited; please sign up online, by phone at 835-0324, or in-person at the Reference Desk. Kids under age 10 must be accompanied by

a parent or guardian. Patrons who wish to attend the intermediate or advanced classes must attend the previous sessions, including the intro class. Parents and guardians can visit scratch.mit.edu/ scratch2download to help their kids download the Scratch 2 Offline Editor for Windows or Mac.

Harrison Recreation Please be aware that parents must have a current 2016 ID card to register children for all programs. Please be prepared to show proof of residency with a current utility bill and driver’s license. A school report card or progress report is required for a child ID card. Visit harrison-ny.gov/recreation for more information on programs and the Recreation Department.

Youth Basketball League This is recreational basketball and all players are welcome. Open to boys and girls from third grade through high school. Games will be played on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Registration is ongoing with a deadline of Thursday, Nov. 10. All applications received after that date will be put on a wait list and there will be a $15 late fee applied. Fee: $65 made payable to Town/Village of Harrison.

Manhattanville College Panel and networking breakfast On Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., the Manhattanville College School of Business will hold a panel and networking breakfast. The topic is “Critical Talent Management in 2016.” Once an organization has found and hired the most qualified individuals, the next steps in talent management are just as important to an organization’s growth and development. Join the Manhattanville School of Business, Jackson Lewis and the Business Council of Westchester in a discussion of the proven methods for retaining employees, managing performance reviews and employee appreciation. Panelists include HR executives from Ethan Allen, PKF O’Connor Davies, Regeneron and Jackson Lewis. Admission is $25 for Business Council members and $35 for future members. For more information and to register, visit thebcw.org or mville.edu/business.

Election Day Casting your vote Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Apply for absentee ballot in person by Monday, Nov. 7 at the county Board of Elections, BOE, located at 25 Quarropas St. in White Plains. Phone number: 995-5700. Apply for absentee ballot by mail, postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 1 at the BOE. Deliver ballot in person by Tuesday, Nov. 8 at the BOE. Deliver ballot by mail, postmarked by Monday, Nov. 7 and received by Saturday, Nov. 12 by the BOE. Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.

October 28, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 5

Letters to the Editor

Latimer: Strong on the environment

Julie Killian gets my vote

To the Editor, I’m proud to call George Latimer my friend, and to support his re-election to the state Senate. He has been a terrific senator on environmental issues: endorsed by The Sierra Club, the New York League of Conservation Voters, and he scored a 92—tied for highest in the Senate—in the legislative environmental scorecard of Environmental Advocates of New York. George has been a leader on renewable energy, wetland protection and climate change efforts. He takes the time to visit our Eastchester Environmental Committee, generally unheard of among elected officials (and I hear he does the same in other towns). He shows his interest in these issues every day and is there for anyone or any organization when he is needed. Finally, he is as regular and down-to-earth as you will ever find in someone who is a senator; we truly enjoy being with him. It is a rare quality, one that we should not take for granted on Election Day. Please join me and vote for George.

To the Editor, As a lifelong resident of Mamaroneck and an active member of the community, I urge you to make the right choice and vote for Julie Killian. I have known Julie and her entire family for more than 20 years and have watched her raise her five children as their coach and counselor for many summers. She has worked tirelessly in Larchmont/Mamaroneck for your vote, and I know she is committed to fight for the reforms we need to get New York back on track for our families, schools and businesses. Believe me, I know a winner when I see one, and without a doubt, it’s Julie Killian.

Peter McCartt, director of Sustainable Westchester and chairman of the Eastchester Environmental Committee, Eastchester

Mike Chiapparelli, Mamaroneck

About Letters to the Editor Publication is not guaranteed. We reserve the right to edit letters for content or space, at our discretion, without notification from the company. We reserve the right to reject submissions at our discretion without notice to the author. The letter should be signed and include the writer’s address and phone number for verification purposes. We will not publish letters

that cannot be verified. The opinions of letter writers do not reflect those of this newspaper. Please submit via fax to (914) 653-5000 or email to chris@hometwn.com or via post to Home Town Media Group, C/O Letters to the Editor, 170 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601. We do not accept unsolicited Op-Ed submissions, film reviews, or food reviews.

CONTINUED on page 7

6 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • October 28, 2016

Harrison REVIEW

THE

170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000

Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Executive Vice President | Ira Ellenthal ext. 31, irathal@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com

‘Saturday Night Fever’: A review

Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Reporter | Corey Stockton ext. 16, corey@hometwn.com Reporter | Franco Fino ext. 18, franco@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer James Pero Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite Columnists Ron Belmont, Lenore Skenazy Letters

The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes.

By MICHELLE JACOBY Contributor The iconic 1977 film “Saturday Night Fever,” starring John Travolta, created a national phenomenon, catapulting the era of disco dancing into mainstream America. Platform shoes, white suits and sounds from the ‘70s are happening at Westchester Broadway Theatre, WBT, with its production of “Saturday Night Fever.” Jacob Tischler takes on Travolta’s role as Tony Manero. Tony and his friends from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, are all living off dead-end jobs with limited hopes and dreams—except for taking to the streets for fun and dancing till dawn at 2001 Odyssey.

When Tony meets Stephanie Mangano, a sophisticated dancer played perfectly by Alexandra Matteo, Tony’s passion ignites. Both Tischler and Matteo have the confidence and dialect to play the strong, Brooklyn characters, yet are versatile enough to express their vulnerable side. They share their strong feelings with “100 Reasons” and Matteo shows off her vocal range with “What Kind of Fool.” The disco dancers groove to the sounds of The Bee Gees. In 1978, the group won a Grammy Award for the song “How Deep is Your Love.” The group won four more Grammys in 1979 for their contributions to the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack. Director and choreographer

Richard Stafford and assistant choreographer Sarah Buscaino, along with the talented ensemble, take us back to the days of “The Hustle,” “The Bump” and more amazing dance moves from the ‘70s. Tony’s friends are played by Chris Collins-Pisano as Bobby; Christopher Hlinka as Joey; Joe Moeller as Double J; and Raynor Rubel as Gus. This crew shows us what Brooklyn boys are made of. The typical teasing and youthful pranks are nonstop! They are truly a treat to watch, especially during “Boogie Shoes.” Gianna Yanelli plays Annette, a girl from the neighborhood hopelessly in love with Tony. She takes a lot of heat from the boys but gives it her all and more

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.

Classifieds & Legals

To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27.

Postmaster

Send address changes to: The Harrison Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601

Alexandra Matteo, as Stephanie, and Jacob Tischler, as Tony.

with “If I Can’t Have You.” Ray DeMattis as Frank Manero and Sandy Rosenberg as Flo Manero are the perfect parents of their time, set in the era of the ‘70s economic depression, gas crisis and unemployment, which doesn’t make for fun family dinners. Michelle Dawson, a veteran of WBT, plays Candy, a club singer. Her sidekick, Monty, is played humorously by Pat McRoberts. The over-the-top duo provides the iconic songs “More Than A Woman” and “Disco Inferno.” Dawson takes the house down with “Nights On Broadway.” This incredible night of singing and dancing includes a talented ensemble: Anthony Avino; Josh Bates; Lauren Dalal; Christopher DeAngelis; Walter Filmore IV; Brian Lego; Frankie Paparone as dance captain; Natalie

Perez-Duel; Kristyn Pope; Audrey Tesserot; Charity Van Tassel; and Isabella D’erasmo and Hannah Moore sharing the role of Linda Manero. The ‘70s are a time to remember, reflect and enjoy a few laughs. Young and old will enjoy this show as the universal themes will always stay relevant throughout our times. Backstage talent includes: Ryan Edward Wise, musical director; Michael Bottari and Ronald Case, both set and costume designers; and Andrew Gmoser, lighting design. This Bill Stutler and Bob Funking production of “Saturday Night Fever” is playing at Westchester Broadway Theatre now through Nov. 27, and will return Dec. 29 through Jan. 29, 2017. For more information, call 592-2222 or visit broadwaytheatre.com.

Visit us online www.harrisonreview.com Follow us on Twitter, @harrisonview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/harrisonreview The Harrison Review (permit #106661) is published by Home Town Media Group weekly for an annual subscription of $32. Application to mail at the peridcals postage rate is approved at Port Chester, N.Y., 10573. Periodicals postage paid at Port Chester and additional mailing offices.

The cast of “Saturday Night Fever” perform a hit by The Bee Gees at the 2001 Odyssey nightclub. The musical is now on the Westchester Broadway Theatre mainstage. Photos/John Vecchiolla

“Saturday Night Fever” star Tony Manero, played by Jacob Tischler, center, and The Gang. From left, Chris Collins-Pisano, Raynor Rubel, and fourth from left, Christopher Hlinka and Joe Moeller.

October 28, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 7

Letters to the Editor

Julie Killian for state Senate

George Latimer needs to be re-elected

To the Editor, Now is finally the time for real change in Albany and there is no better person to lead that fight than Julie Killian. As a longtime Larchmont resident, I have known Julie as one of my dearest friends for more than 30 years. I can tell you she is “the real deal”; honest, smart, and the fresh face we need in Albany. Julie, Rye City councilwoman, deputy mayor and mother of five, has been committed to our community for more than 25 years. Like many of us, she is disgusted by the corrupt “old boys network” in Albany that has led us to be the highest taxed state and one of the worst places to do business. Thankfully for us, feeling she could not stand the criminal behavior and inertia anymore, she decided to take action and run for state Senate. Julie is a social moderate, fiscal conservative who knows how to lead. Realizing Rye was having serious issues with teen drug and alcohol abuse, she co-founded Rye-ACT, a substance abuse prevention and education coalition that just received federal funding for the next five years. Sen. George Latimer has recently smeared her as a “snake oil salesman,” a ludicrous accusation coming from a 29-year career politician who complains the reason he can’t get anything done is because of the leadership he has been working with all this time. He is also a man who stood by as scandal after scandal of sexual abuse and “pay for play” continued to permeate the halls and elevators of Albany. We do not need a bystander like George in Albany. What we need is a person who will stand up and speak out against any criminal activity; someone who will finally do something about the unfair proportion of educational dollars we pay that subsidizes upstate, someone who will streamline and get rid of the exorbitant regulations that make it so difficult and expensive to do business here, and someone with fresh ideas and a new approach. That someone is definitely Julie Killian and I urge you to support her on Nov. 8.

To the Editor, George Latimer is one of our best advocates in Albany. I saw this firsthand when I was president of the Rye City Board of Education. Today, I continue to see Latimer listening to the communities he serves and standing up for our children, our schools and our local taxpayers: • Latimer has been a leader in the fight against GEA, a program that hurts our children and drives up local property taxes by allowing Albany to rob school aid coffers and use the money for other things; he has been hard at work to restore and protect state aid for our schools. • He is tireless and fearless in his fight to stop Albany from imposing unfunded mandates on our schools; state mandates that drive up local taxes and divert funding away from our core educational programs. • He remains an ardent defender against Albany and Washington, D.C., micromanaging our classrooms; Latimer supports having statewide goals and standards that give local schools and teachers the flexibility and control they need to best serve our students, making sure our children taught by educators, not legislators. I’m voting for George Latimer because he is fighting in the best interest of our children, our schools and our local taxpayers.

Linda White Banta, Larchmont

Please vote on Nov. 8 for George Latimer for New York state Senate. Josh Nathan, Rye

8 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • October 28, 2016

Kenilworth Bridge reopens

Halloween, town planning and recognition HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont

The Kenilworth Bridge, located off of the Hutchinson River Parkway and an overpass crossing Interstate 287, reopened on Oct. 21. The bridge initially closed on Aug. 1 for New York State Department of Transportation crews to replace its deck, curbing and sidewalks. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Pace University student, Ricky Harris. Ricky, a former Harrison High School student, was recently named the Northeast 10s male freshman runner of the week. At the St. Joseph’s College Invitational, he finished 40th out of 168 runners with an 8K course time of 30:05.2. Congratulations on this wonderful recognition. Recently, the annual Purchase Fire Department Inspection and Dinner was held, and I am happy to report that the condition of all fire department apparatus is outstanding. The department should be commended for their commitment to excellence. The dinner, following the inspection, was wonderful and I would like to congratulate the following award winners: Chief’s Award: Ray Zimlin; Captain’s Award: Charlie Nielsen Jr.; Firefighter of the Year: Ira Bornstein; Performance Awards: Nick Pennella, Rick Redlon and Matt Mancini; Peter Dott Award: Bob Makowski; Unit Citations for the SUNY Purchase dorm fire on Sept. 4: Lt. Sam Bornstein, Mike Zeffiro, Bob Makowski, Dylan Symonette, Matt Mancini, Rex Rohde and Evan Sundquist. It was a memorable evening and an honor to be included. PARKS from page 3

benchmark, it could be subject to extensive federal fines. County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-on-Hudson Democrat, said that while most of the projects included in the capital budget are “sorely needed,” in particular those projects dealing with roads, any trepidation towards the aggressive plan is centered on seeing the work to fruition. “We need to make sure that the work actually gets done or

I’m happy to report that in September, Avalon Developers began the planning process for the downtown MTA development by offering a presubmission of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, DEIS, to the town planning staff for completeness review. The town planner has reviewed the preliminary document and has responded with comments that will be incorporated into the DEIS for submission in the near future. The document will be posted on the town/village’s website and a hard copy will be available at the Harrison libraries and the town clerk’s office. After the upcoming submission of the DEIS, the Planning Board will vote on whether to accept the DEIS as complete. At a future date, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing to entertain comments from the community, which all residents and members of the public are invited to attend. Comments and suggestions are encouraged to assist the Planning Board in their review of the application. Once the public hearing is closed, Avalon will begin work on the Final Environmental Impact Statement, FEIS, which will incorporate responses to all comments raised in review of the DEIS. I’m encouraged that the process is moving ahead and I look forward to seeing progress once the aforementioned steps are met. In other news from our Planning Department, the plans for

a new rental apartment complex on Halstead Avenue (at the lumberyard site) have been approved and the project is under construction. There will be approximately 30 residential apartment units, offered at market rate, and a parking garage below. On Harrison Avenue (at the old Balmoral Kennel site), a subdivision for six homes has been approved and is underway. I am excited to see this continued interest in development taking place and am pleased to see that developers are committed to investing in our municipality. With the momentum we are currently experiencing, I am confident that qualified developers will continue to be part of the future vision for Harrison. In closing, I would like to once again remind all residents that as Halloween approaches, please be mindful of the following safety tips: Attach reflective strips to all costumes. Don’t allow young children to trick-ortreat alone, have them go with a parent or trusted adult. Parents or accompanying adults should carry flashlights or lanterns. Make sure costumes and masks fit properly to avoid obstruction of vision and trip hazards. Be aware of traffic, use sidewalks when possible, and look both ways before crossing streets. Avoid walking near lit candles or luminaries. Whenever possible, costumes should be made out of flame-resistant materials. Parents should inspect all candy and treats.

it’s all just window dressing,” Shimsky said. “And to do that we need to make sure we have the boots on the ground.” According to Shimsky, the county has cut its engineering staff significantly over the past several years, making extensive capital projects much harder to execute. The result, she said, is a $1.5 billion backlog in capital spending. “We simply don’t have enough [staff] to operate on a $330 million-a-year clip,” she said.

Ideally, Shimsky said she would like to see the county bolster the public works and engineering staff in the coming operating budget. Last year, $234 million in capital projects was eventually adopted in the final operating budget after being vetted by the Board of Legislators. According to Marcotte, legislators will mull over the budget and the final capital budget will be voted on in mid-December. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

@ harrisonreview

October 28, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 9

Town Council candidate: Police harassing me By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer The Democratic nominee for Town Council claims he is being harassed by current members of the town board and the Harrison Police Department, alleging he has been asked to speak to police regarding a request he made through the Freedom of Information Law, FOIL. Chris Rodier, who is running for election in November, told the Review he was contacted by a police detective on Oct. 12, who allegedly asked him to meet at the Police Department for questioning regarding a FOIL request. During an Oct. 17 League of Women Voters forum, the second of two debates between the Democrat and his Republican opponent Richard Dionisio, Rodier repeated his claims that he had been contacted by police regarding a FOIL request he made on Aug. 18 for information related to the 2015 Harrison budget, including a detailed list of the town’s expenses. He said his FOIL request was fulfilled

on Aug. 26, more than a month before he was purportedly contacted by police. Rodier also accused the current Republican majority town board of commissioning the Police Department to harass him. “These are the tactics that are being used by the current town board,” he said. “The police are being brought in to this election by the existing town government.” Town board members responded from the audience during the debate, refuting the claims; Councilwoman Marlane Amelio, a Republican, called Rodier’s accusations inflammatory, and Republican Mayor Ron Belmont, told Rodier, “You insulted me and you insulted other town board members.” Some town board members also urged Rodier, who has been running his campaign on a platform of transparency in government, to further detail why he had been contacted by police. Rodier maintained that he does not know why he is being investigated. “When this is all said and

done, please tell your audience what transpired,” Belmont said. According to several sources, police are investigating whether Rodier impersonated a town employee in order to get access to information. When asked by the Review, Rodier said he did not misrepresent himself. Lt. Michael Olsey, acting chief of the Police Department, confirmed that the matter was under review, but declined to comment further. Bob Freeman, executive director of the New York State Committee on Open Government, said, “I’ve never heard of a situation in which a request made of the FOIL law could be equated to a crime.” He added that it would be “highly irregular” and “ridiculous” for a law enforcement agency to contact a person based on FOIL requests. Rodier has also claimed that he has met with representatives from the Westchester County district attorney’s office, which he said is investigating the matter. The DA’s office declined to comment. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

Chris Rodier discusses his alleged interaction with Harrison police during a League of Women Voters forum on Oct. 17. The candidate for Town Council says the police called him to question a FOIL request he made in August. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • October 28, 2016

November 2016

Planning ahead... SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Native American Heritage Month

Board of Education meeting 7:15 p.m., LMK

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SAT registration deadline

SAT testing

PT Council 9:30 a.m., LMK Multicultural Night 6:30 p.m., HAS Town board meeting 7:30 p.m., Municipal building

Daylight Savings Time ends

Election Day, schools and government offices closed

PTA meeting 7:30 p.m., HHS

PTA meeting 7 p.m., PRE

Zoning board meeting 8 p.m., Municipal building

Veterans Day, schools and government offices closed

New York City Marathon Architectural Review Board meeting 7:30 p.m., Municipal building

PTA meeting 9:15 a.m., PUR

PTA meeting 7:30 p.m., LMK

Board of Education meeting 7:15 p.m., LMK

Planning Board meeting 7:30 p.m., Municipal building

Schools reopen

Cyber Monday Renaissance Festival 7 p.m., HHS

SAT late registration deadline

SEPTA meeting 7:30 p.m., PUR

Gr. 8 Winter Concert 7:15 p.m., LMK

PTA meeting 9 a.m., HAS

ACT late registration deadline

PTA meeting 9:15 a.m., PAR

Town board meeting 7:30 p.m., Municipal building

Harrison Alumni Day 10 a.m., HHS

Thanksgiving, schools and government offices closed

Black Friday

Thanksgiving recess, schools and government offices closed

October 28, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11

Rye mulls moving historic milestone By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The Rye City Council is considering a proposal to relocate one of the city’s Benjamin Franklin milestones, in an effort to maintain its historical importance and to preserve its structural condition, which has suffered significantly through years of weathering and vandalism. The Landmarks Advisory Committee is proposing to relocate the 25th milestone, which is currently embedded in a low stone wall running along Boston Post Road across the street from Parkway Drive, to its original location on Old Post Road near the Osborn retirement community property. In 1763, the milestones were created to help establish postal rates. Franklin, then deputy postmaster general, constructed 230 milestones at 1-mile intervals for regulating postal rates and aiding mail delivery between New York City and Boston. At the time, postal rates were charged by the mile. According to Maurio Sax, a

member of the committee, the group is seeking to relocate the milestone and mount it in protective glass to avoid further deterioration and what it considers to be severe water damage over time. Sax told the Review that the milestone is currently located in a field of ivy and is virtually unnoticeable. “I don’t know if 10 people in Rye know where it’s located,” he said. He also added that anyone attempting to view the mile marker risks being seriously injured crossing the Post Road. “It’s a liability for residents and conservators,” he said. To date, the city of Rye is the only community in Westchester County to possess a full set of original milestones that are either located near or at their original designated site. There are currently three mile markers located in the city of Rye, and another located on the Rye-Port Chester border. The 24th milestone is mounted on the wall in front of the Jay Heritage Center on the east side of Boston Post Road, and the 26th milestone,

which was originally located outside the Christ’s Church on Boston Post Road, is now located inside City Hall. In 2013, it was relocated to City Hall to avoid further deterioration after it had just been restored. The proposed project would be conducted by the A.M. Art Conversation Company and is estimated to cost as much as $14,600. The proposal includes removal and transportation of the milestone to the conservator’s studio, stabilization through a wet cleaning method, and design and planning for a new mount. In 2012, the art conservation company restored a mile marker in the town/village of Scarsdale. According to Rye City Councilwoman Emily Hurd, a Democrat and liaison to the landmarks committee, despite the committee’s efforts to preserve the monument, many residents have expressed different perspectives about what the appropriate treatment of the milestone should be. Hurd told the Review that some residents are concerned about potential damage the monument

Rye’s Landmarks Advisory Committee is seeking to relocate and stabilize one of the city’s historic monuments to avoid further deterioration. Photo/Franco Fino

may sustain while being removed from the stone wall, and others are worried that more deterioration will occur over time if the milestone is not removed as soon as possible. “I think both perspectives are well-informed, [but] the committee has done their research and their goal is to preserve the historical significance of the

monuments in Rye as much as they can,” she said. According to Jack Zahringer, the chairman of the landmarks committee, it is also seeking approval from the City Council to designate all of the Rye milestones as official city landmarks. He said a landmark status would give the milestones legal protection, which is something they

currently do not have, and will include them in the permanent historical infrastructure of the city. According to Rye City Manager Marcus Serrano, the city has scheduled a public hearing for Nov. 2 to discuss the relocation of the 25th milestone. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • October 28, 2016 DEBATE from page 1

P U B LI S H ES

Mamaroneck THE

REVIEW CityREVIEW Harrison NewRochelle REVIEW THE

THE

Republican nominee for Town Council Rich Dionisio answers questions from the audience at an Oct. 17 League of Women Voters forum four days after a smaller forum at the West Harrison Senior Center.

Chris Rodier, Democratic nominee for Town Council, accuses the town board and police of harassing him during the League of Women Voters forum. Photos/Andrew Dapolite

in Harrison, but argued that the Lake Street property was not the best place for that development. Rodier agreed, adding that the development could have a negative impact on the value of surrounding homes, and therefore instill a tax burden on Harrison. The two candidates are running to fulfill the unexpired term of Joe Canella, who was re-elected in 2013 and left the town board last year when he was elected town judge. Canella attended the forum, as did three Republican members of the current town board, Councilwoman Marlane Amelio, Councilman Fred Sciliano, and Mayor

Ron Belmont. Councilman Joe Stout, a Democrat who had been appointed by the town board to fill Canella’s seat on an interim basis lost the Democratic primary to Rodier, but won the Conservative Party nomination affording him the opportunity to run against Rodier and Dionisio in the general election. Stout, who has said he will not campaign as a third party candidate, was invited to participate in the forum, but did not attend. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

Eastchester REVIEW THE

INSIDE

reduce the number of officers in town, but instead would call for a hiring freeze until his research was completed. “I want it to be based on data and not just people’s opinions whether we should have more [police]. How many more? What is the correct size?” But Dionisio said he thought safety was paramount, adding that Harrison’s court is one of the busiest in the New York state. According to the state comptroller’s office, Harrison’s court generates the fifth highest revenue of any municipality in the state. “I don’t think that we should be reducing police force at this point given all the problems, the terrorism,” Dionisio added. “This isn’t the time to relax ourselves; it’s the time to be more vigilant, especially when it comes to the safety of our children.” Amid their disagreement over town staffing, both candidates agreed in their disdain for the Brightview Senior Living Center development, a five-story, 160-unit complex, which is awaiting site plan approval on the former property of the Lake Street quarry. To the applause of many in the crowd, including Rodier, Dionisio said that he was not against a senior living center

INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY

www.hometwn.com | 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601 | (914) 653-1000

October 28, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13 MANHATTANVILLE from page 1

changes in order to follow the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986. Pryor told the Review that if an institution is aware of on-campus or offcampus conduct that encourages the use of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and does not take active steps to implement programs to prevent such abuse, it could lose federal financial assistance as a result of the law. However, according to Mogrovejo, despite its reputation for transporting students under the influence, the late night weekend shuttle service, which was once deemed as the “drunk bus,” serves much more of purpose than escorting drunk students back to campus. He said many students utilized the late night service to travel back to campus after returning to White Plains from their afternoon internships in New York City. Mogrovejo added that some students just enjoy hanging out in the downtown area to see a late night movie at the City Center 15: Cinema de Lux, or to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings, both located on Mamaroneck Avenue.

Students at Manhattanville College are demanding a change in the school’s shuttle bus service schedule, following the death of Robby Schartner on Oct. 9. The bus schedule was previously adjusted on Aug. 21, 2015. Photo courtesy Karina Cordova

While students have continuously voiced their frustration about the school’s new bus schedule, it is currently unclear whether or not the college will take immediate action to resolve the students’ demands. According to Pryor, during an “extensive discussion” on Oct. 19, senior school administration officials deliberated on possible modifications to the Valiant Express.

Smith-Rodriguez, who is also the chairwoman of the Manhattanville At Risk Committee, a group responsible for recommending actions in accord with existing college policies, declined comment. Fox is currently being held on $100,000 bail in the Westchester County jail and is due back in court on Nov. 1. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

14 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • October 28, 2016

Mamaroneck mayor sues 3 trustees in power struggle

Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, will take legal action against some of his Democratic colleagues on the Board of Trustees in an attempt to buck an upcoming referendum aimed at altering his powers. File photo

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Amidst boiling tensions over an upcoming public referendum that, if successful, would alter the mayor’s powers, Norman Rosenblum, the village of Mamaroneck’s Republican mayor, will sue three Democrats on the Board of Trustees over alleged breaches in the New York state Open Meetings Law. According to an order for declaratory judgment which was sent by Rosenblum to a New York state Supreme Court judge on Oct. 17, the mayor will seek to nullify a decision by the Democratic majority of Leon Potok, David Finch and Ilissa Miller on the village board to authorize a ballot referendum that—if passed by public vote on Election Day—would restrict Rosenblum’s ability to appoint a village attorney as well as certain land use board members. “I will not bow down,” Rosenblum said. “This is a continued attack on the office of mayor.” In his lawsuit, the mayor claims that the village board

meeting held on Sept. 6, which authorized two public referendums for the Nov. 8 ballot, failed to be properly noticed and broke New York state Open Meetings Law. The state law stipulates that agenda items during meetings of municipal governing boards must be properly noticed—both in local media as well as municipal websites—in advance. Specifically, the law is meant to provide community members ample notice beforehand and insight into important legislative decisions. Board Democrats, however, have characterized Rosenblum’s lawsuit as an attempt to retain power. “Rather than demonizing the Democratic trustees, the mayor should focus on the substance of the issue,” Potok said. “His lawsuit is without merit and would deny residents the opportunity to vote their views.” The debate over what the mayor’s powers of appointments was spurred in August by village board Democrats when they introduced a proposed public law that would become the precursor

to the November referendum. Board Democrats argued that the mayor has enjoyed unilateral powers of appointment by abusing what is known as the “holdover” rule. According to this village rule, the mayor is able to appoint members to land use boards— the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals—if there is an immediate vacancy, such as a resignation or when someone is removed from their position. Once that interim appointee serves out the rest of his or her predecessor’s term, a vote must go before the Board of Trustees to decide if the interim appointee should stay on for another term. However, if the vote is not unanimous, the interim appointment automatically remains on for that term. Therefore, Rosenblum has the power with a simple no-vote to dictate if his appointees remain. Rosenblum has called upon this rule to appoint members to land use boards several times throughout his six-year tenure as village mayor. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

@ harrisonreview

SPORTS

October 28, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15

16 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • October 28, 2016

The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:

UP TO 4 LINES $42.50 for 2 weeks minimum. Each Additional Line $2.00

HOW TO REACH US:

(914) 653-1000 x27 Fax: 653-5000 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601

ADOPTION

LEGAL NOTICES

ADOPT: Caring married couple looking to adopt. Stable employment and a loving and happy home awaits your child. Please call Blair and John at 1-888-753-9328

Notice of formation of The Zone: Strength and Fitness, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY secy of state (SSNY) on 5/27/16. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 188 East Post Road, White Plains, NY 10601 Basement Level. Purpose: any lawful activity.

AUTO DONATIONS

Notice of Formation of Realmline Publishing, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 06/27/16. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 11 Broadway suite 615 New York. NY 10004. Purpose: any lawful activity.

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! 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!

ESTATE SALE Estate Sale by Buckingham Estate Liquidators. Something for everyone! 103 Worthington Road, White Plains, 10607. Furniture, tools, many collectibles, household items and much more! Friday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Sunday Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Check or cash only.

HELP WANTED

DEADLINE:

Placement, correction or cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication

NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Harrison Central School District hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: RFB #16/17-23 Pneumatic Controls/HVAC Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “RFB #16/17-23: Pneumatic Controls/ HVAC” on the outside. Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 14, 2016 by the Purchasing Agent (or his duly designated representative), Harrison Central School District, Business Office, 50 Union Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528; (914) 630-3011; Fax: (914) 835-2715, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www.empirestatebidsystem.com or from the district Business Office beginning Friday, October 28, 2016. The Harrison Central School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if bid number and opening date do not appear on the envelope. Bids opened prior to the date and time indicated are invalid. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail, or in the handling of the mail by employees of the Harrison Central School District, as well as improper hand delivery. The Harrison Central School District reserves the right to waive any informalities in the bids, or to reject all bids, or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the Board will be to their best interest. By order of the Board of Education Gene George, Purchasing Agent Dated: October 28, 2016

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus. Class A CDL Delivery Contract Carriers Needed Immediately! Flat Bed and moffett experience a plus! Call Today! Donna 203-676-6967 Victor 315-857-6102 AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here! Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7093

MISCELLANEOUS

We make homeownership a dream come true!

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 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

REAL ESTATE WATERFRONT LAND! 5 acres -$99,900 Unspoiled lake, next to State Land, just 3 hrs NY City! Private wooded setting! Build, camp or invest! EZ terms. 888-905-8847 NewYorkLandandLakes.com

SERVICES Original illustration art done for magazine, book, pulp, paperback and comic covers and interiors, ads, calendars, posters, pinups, sci fi, westerns, etc. Also antique paper: maps, posters collections of photos, postcards, autographs, etc. Finder’s fees paid. Mwi0729@aol.com, 914-588-9359.

WANTED TO BUY CAS H FO R D IAB ETI C TEST STR I PS Up to $4 0 Box! Sealed & Unexpired. Payment Made SAME DAY. Highest Prices Paid!! Call Kerri Today! 800-413-3479 www.CashForYourTestStrips.com

The State of New York Mortgage Agency offers: • Competitive, fixed-rate mortgages for first-time homebuyers • Downpayment assistance available up to $15,000 • Special program for veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reservists • Funds available for renovation

1-800-382-HOME(4663)

www.sonyma.org

October 28, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 17

The riddle of the shrinks RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

“In 20 years, they can tell it to their therapist.” That’s a line parents hear—and say—a lot. (Especially in New York.) Most of us somewhat jokingly/ somewhat earnestly believe that our kids are keeping track of all the little things we’ve said and done wrong, and will someday divulge these while free-associating on a couch. If only we could be raising our kids with the expert wisdom of the real child experts: Psychiatrists. Well, a new book should make us all breathe a little easier. “Great Psychologists as Parents” by David Cohen looks at 10 towering shrinks and child development experts, from Freud to Dr. Spock, and finds that their track record is… mixed. In fact, the British Cohen told me in a phone interview that the shrinks’ odds of raising happy, well-adjusted offspring were “not very different” from the rest of ours. “The idea that if you study child psychology you become a better parent? Historically, there’s no evidence for it,” Cohen said. To illustrate, he added, “I went to a funeral not long ago and met the son of a very famous British psychologist and I said to him, ‘You must miss your dad.’ And he said to me, ‘You must be joking!’” Which makes me feel kind of good. Not that I want any child to suffer a traumatic upbringing! I just like knowing that there isn’t necessarily a cheat sheet that the experts get that the rest of us don’t. And I say this as someone

sometimes described as a parenting expert myself, since I write the blog Free-Range Kids. (I always say I’m not an expert on how to parent; I’m an expert on how we got so afraid for our kids.) So anyway: How did Freud fare as a papa? He was very close with his daughter Anna—“perhaps too close,” writes Cohen. He actually analyzed her. And since Freudian analysis deals a lot with childhood sexuality and fantasies, you have to assume this was awkward at best. These days, there’s no way a father could ethically analyze his own child. But back then it was all new—Freud basically founded the field—so you can’t hold it against him. And rather than castigate her dad, Anna followed right in his footsteps and became another distinguished psychoanalyst. The same dynamics are not found in the Klein family. Melanie Klein was a student of Freud’s who became famous for her work on play therapy—the idea that children express their fears and frustrations through play. (For instance: a toddler angrily punishing her doll for being a “bad girl.”) Like the Freud family, Klein’s daughter also went into the family business. That meant that mother and daughter were sometimes at the same psychoanalytic conferences, where they’d be shrieking at each other. “It was a soap opera,” Cohen says. Then came 20 years when they didn’t speak to each other at all. When the mom died, daughter Melanie not only refused to go to her funeral; she wore special red shoes to celebrate. So let’s put that family relationship on the “not so great” side.

Darwin and his children go on the other. Though Darwin was not really a psychologist, since the field had not yet been invented when his kids were born in the mid-1800s, he was a keen observer of species, including his own. He lost three children—a terrible fate that was painfully common until recently—but those who survived felt very warmly toward him, and were at his bedside when he died. Not so the kids of John B. Watson, one of the first scientific psychologists, as well as one of the founders of modern advertising (he took his insights and went to work for J. Walter Thompson). Watson wrote a book on the psychological care of the infant that was hugely influential in the first half of the 20th century. And yet, he was a harsh disciplinarian who only shook hands with his kids. In fact, says Cohen, “He accused American mothers of hugging their children and making them homosexual”—a good reminder that accepted truths in one generation do not always last into the next. Nor do parenting books. When Dr. Spock’s “Common Sense Book of Baby and Childcare” came out 1946, it quickly supplanted Watson’s as the most popular guide around. That’s in part because it sounded so much gentler—even though Spock, too, was a “quite severe father.” Whether he practiced what he preached, Spock’s book famously begins: “Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” Maybe he should have added, “And we don’t really know what we’re doing either.” CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

‘FAST’ response urged for World Stroke Day When punch dribbled out of the side of Dan Merritt’s mouth during a Halloween celebration at his daughter’s house, his wife quickly recognized stroke signs and drove him to the hospital. “In hindsight, we did the right thing, the wrong way,” Barbara Merritt said. “We should have called 911 right away. Fortunately, Dan’s story turned out okay, but we know we got incredibly lucky.” Lucky, because people who don’t go to the hospital via EMS reduce the odds of getting the best treatment for stroke, according to recent American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Get With The Guidelines—Stroke” data. For World Stroke Day on Oct. 29, the American Stroke Association will join others across the world to encourage people to save lives by responding quickly to a stroke emergency. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. “As a health care professional and as a stroke survivor myself, I can tell you that getting help quickly for stroke is more important than anything else you may be doing or have planned,” said Teri Ackerson, neuroscience program coordinator at Saint Luke’s Health System in Kansas City, Missouri, and American Heart

Association/American Stroke Association volunteer. “Whether you are the one experiencing symptoms or you see them in someone else, remember that stroke won’t wait, and neither should you.” People reported varying reasons for delaying stroke treatment in an informal survey of American Stroke Association website visitors: • Several hoped symptoms would resolve on their own. • Many had other priorities, including finishing work, meeting up with family or even a scheduled hair appointment. • Some expressed an outdated, fatalistic view of the disease. “Looking back, the right response is clear, but in the moment, doubt and denial are natural responses to stroke signs and can lead to bad decisions,” Ackerson said. “The heartbreaking thing is that for many of these patients, we might have been able to decrease disability if they would have gotten to us sooner and by ambulance.” Many ischemic strokes, which account for 87 percent of all strokes and are caused by an obstruction of blood flow to the brain, can be treated with the clot-busting medication tissue plasminogen activator (IV r-tPA/

alteplase) and a stent retriever device that removes the clot. Research has shown that 91 percent of eligible stroke patients treated with IV r-tPA and a stent retriever in two and a half hours or less had minimal or no disability. “The same person who would have suffered a severely disabling or fatal stroke a few years ago now commonly walks out of the hospital a few days later,” said Dr. Alexander Khalessi, director of neurovascular surgery at the University of California, San Diego, and national spokesperson for the American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative. “Decades ago there were no treatments for stroke. Now we have therapies that may interrupt even the most severe and disabling stroke if we can get to it in time.” Through Together to End Stroke, nationally sponsored by Medtronic, the American Stroke Association teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. as an easy way to remember the most common stroke warning signs and how to respond: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911. For more information on stroke treatment and World Stroke Day resources, visit StrokeAssociation.org. (Submitted)

Migual is an adorable Chihuahua/terrier mix, about a year old. This little guy is super sweet and friendly with everyone, human and furry alike, but his favorite place to be is with his human. Migual is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Make him part of your family for an adoption donation of $300 to Pet Rescue. To learn more, call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)

18 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • October 28, 2016

An objective lens LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

It’s an age-old adage in the world of sports journalism: There’s no cheering in the press box. But although it may be embarrassing to admit, I—and other sportswriters—often fall short in that regard. Sometimes, when you’re a beat writer for a particular team, you can develop personal connections with players and coaches, often making it tough to abide by journalism’s golden rule of remaining objective. It’s only natural. Sometimes, however, our intentions are a bit more selfish. On Monday night, two of our local teams, New Rochelle and Mamaroneck, squared off in the Class AA boys soccer quarterfinals for what might have been the best game—regardless of the sport—of the fall season. No matter what the final score

read, it would mean that one of the Review’s teams would be moving on to the semifinals and another would be going home, but that didn’t mean that I was exactly neutral. I was rooting for the Tigers; not because of any particular allegiance to the top-ranked team in New York state, but because of a photograph. Yes, a photograph. With 11 minutes to play, Mamaroneck was trailing 1-0 when Alex Alma tied the game on a flawlessly executed header. The crowd went nuts and Alma, flanked by two of his teammates, roared up the sidelines with his arms outstretched to egg on the Tiger faithful. I’m not going to lie, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, but as Alma ran towards me, I snapped a few quick shots, then looked at the results; this was going to be one heck of a front page photo, for sure. All I needed was Mama-

SPORTS

roneck to hang on for the win. In that moment, I stopped being an objective viewer and started imagining clever headlines for our Mamaroneck paper; I had something about “Tigers roaring” lined up and ready to go—admittedly, the front page tease is not a strength of mine. In 2014, I won a New York Press Association award for a similar photograph, a full-page image of Rye Neck shortstop Chris Cascione raising his hands in victory following the final out of the section championship game. I’m not going to say that my shot of Alma was a shoe-in to get me some more hardware from the NYPA, but it’s only human nature to wonder “what if?” As it turned out, however, it wasn’t meant to be. Regulation and two overtime periods ended with the teams locked at 1-1, moving the game into penalty kicks. The Huguenots scored the huge upset on

Alex Alma celebrates a goal in the 69th minute of a Oct. 24 Class AA quarterfinal game against New Rochelle. Sports Editor Mike Smith was hoping to make the shot a front page teaser, but New Rochelle had other ideas. Photo/Mike Smith

the strength of a Felipe Tobon goal, and while I was disappointed to see my hopes of a huge front page photo vanish, I couldn’t help but think that from a narrative standpoint, a New Rochelle victory made for a better story; namely, the plucky underdogs shocking the

overwhelming Class AA favorites for a thrilling, emotional win. Now, with the Huguenots set to take on Scarsdale in the semis, I can root, without trepidation, for the purple and white to continue to win and make a bid for a sectional title.

I just hope that when the Huguenots score a big goal, they don’t forget to run right to the cameras. I’m still trying to get that front page spot.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike _Sports

TO COVER LOCAL SPORTS, YOU NEED A

LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow Mike Smith @harrisonreview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates

SPORTS

October 28, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 19

THE ROUNDUP Girls Soccer

Pearl River 5 Harrison 0 AT PEARL RIVER

10/22/16

Despite a solid regular season campaign that saw the Huskies lay claim to a league title— along with rival Rye—the Huskies’ year came to an end on Saturday when they fell to No. 6 seed Pearl River in the first round of the Class A sectional playoffs. On a windy and rainy afternoon, the Huskies struggled to get going offensively, while the Pirates made the most of their chances, especially early on. Pearl River headed into halftime with a 3-0 lead over the Huskies and added two more after the break to escape with a convincing 5-0 win. Shaelynn Guifoyle found the net twice on the afternoon, while Sarah Donovan, Emily Andriello and Alyssa Portington also scored goals for the Pirates. Cate Feerick led the squad with two assists. Pearl River managed 16 shots on goal, 11 of which were

Fujiko Kashimada sends the ball upfield against Pearl River. Harrison fell 5-0 to the Pirates.

stopped by Harrison keeper Katie Ryan. The Pirates continued their strong play though the Class A quarterfinal round, beating No. 19 Lourdes 6-0 to advance to the semis, where they will meet Eastchester.

Although the Huskies will lose several key players to graduation, including Erin Nelson, who became the program’s alltime goals leader this year, the squad has a few underclassmen who will look to emerge as leaders in 2017.

Roger McFadden dribbles up the field against Keio on Oct. 20. Photos/Mike Smith

Boys Soccer

Keio 4 Harrison 0 AT HARRISON

Erin Nelson battles for position with a Pearl River defender on Oct. 22. Nelson will graduate as Harrison’s all-time goals leader.

10/20/16

Crisp passing and an uptempo attack helped Keio upset the No. 6-seeded Huskies on the road, as Keio exploded for three goals in the second half last Thursday to end Harrison’s season. The No. 14 Unicorns controlled the action for most of the game and peppered Harrison’s Noah Bender throughout regulation, but Harrison managed to head into the half trailing just 1-0. Unfortunately for the Huskies, however, they were unable to stem the tide after the break, as Keio began to find the net with more regularity. Keio would go on to the Class A quarterfinals on Oct. 24, where it fell 2-1 to No. 3 Somers. The Tuskers will play in the semis against second-seeded Byram Hills on Oct. 27, after press time.

Noah Bender dives to attempt a save against Keio. Harrison fell 4-0 to the Unicorns.

Field Hockey

Pelham 3 Harrison 0 AT PELHAM

10/22/16

Harrison fell to host Pelham in the Class B outbracket game

on Saturday night, thanks in part to a tremendous performance by Pelican goalie Lindsay McNamara, who stopped 13 shots to preserve the shutout. Sam Cucciniello had a goal and an assist to lead Pelham to its first-round win. -Reporting by Mike Smith

20 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • October 28, 2016