Harrison REVIEW THE
November 18, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 47 | www.harrisonreview.com
A living memory
On Friday, Nov. 11, Harrison residents gathered to honor our country’s fallen soldiers, including the late Joseph Lemm, a West Harrison resident killed by a suicide bombing in Afghanistan in December of last year. For coverage, see page 6. Photo/Bobby Begun
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November 18, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 3
Harrison budget proposes 1.5% tax increase At a glance By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer
The town/village of Harrison has released its preliminary budget for the 2017 fiscal year, which includes a 1.5 percent tax rate increase and a modest increase in the overall budget. In the proposal, which was presented after the Nov. 5 budget work session, the town is putting forward a $59.2 million budget, with about 77 percent of that funding coming from property taxes. With a 1.5 percent tax increase, the town remains under the state-mandated tax cap for the sixth consecutive year; it has not exceeded the cap since the legislation was introduced at the state level in 2012. Town Comptroller Maureen McKenzie said that while Harrison has remained under the tax cap, it has not increased fees or estimates elsewhere in the budget to make room for expenditures. “Budgeted, non-property tax revenue has remained flat,” she said. “We didn’t inflate revenue to stay under the cap, we cut spending.” The budget includes only a slight increase in year-to-year expenses—$369,000—most of which has been allotted for raising salaries and servicing debts. Councilman Steve Malfitano, a Republican, told the Review that with each year, it is getting increasingly difficult for the town to remain under the state’s tax cap limitations. “It doesn’t allow you the ability to address the capital needs that you really have,” he said. Although there are some exemptions attached to the tax cap legislation for municipalities, capital projects are not one of them. Malfitano accredited the modest increase in expenses to a controversial decision the town made in April. “One of the more significant contributors to the very small amount of growth [in expenses] was the elimination of our commercial garbage program,” he said. At the time, the town board estimated that the program was costing Harrison a net loss of $750,000. As a result of that decision, the town expects to save about
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2017 budget tax increase is expected to remain under cap for 6th-straight year Proposed expenditure is less than 1 percent increase from fiscal year 2016 4 position cuts in sanitation will save the town about $300K Allotted $164K to revive the police captain position Town expects to retire an expensive portion of its $47.4M debt by end of 2017
$300,000, as outlined in its 2017 budget proposal, in sanitation services. Those savings have come almost entirely from staffing reduction; the department cut two vacant $59,000 positions; and two $83,000 positions were cut after those employees retired. But Malfitano said that the savings in employee costs don’t paint the full picture. He told the Review that cutting commercial collection also saved the town from additional fuel costs and the expenses of a new truck, which he estimated at $350,000. The town has also appropriated for a $5,000 pay increase for the police chief, a position which has been vacant since Anthony Marraccini, the former chief, resigned on Oct. 6, and a $164,500 appropriation for a police captain, a position which has been kept vacant since 2010, when Marraccini was promoted from captain to chief. Malfitano said he could not guarantee that the captain position would be filled this year, but added that it was likely. He said the board would decide based on input from the new chief when one is appointed. According to Malfitano, a new chief will probably be appointed before January. Since the 2014 fiscal year, Marraccini had received a $12,000 yearly stipend to keep the captain position unstaffed. That stipend is not funded in the 2017 preliminary budget. In all, the Police Department is
expected to receive a $200,000 funding increase, most of which will pay for salaries. According to the budget, the department will remain at 66 employees, even with the reintroduction of the captain position. The town/village also expects to pay off one of its most expensive bonds. In 2017, Harrison plans to spend $4.8 million in village bond servicing, which includes paying the final $222,849 of a $6.4 million bond from 2007 that had a 4 percent interest rate—the second most expensive bond the town is currently servicing—mostly to pay for infrastructure projects and to build the current courthouse. However, Harrison also bonded for $5.5 million at 2.2 percent interest in 2016, mostly to repay tax certioraris and to fund infrastructure and capital projects. Repayments on that bond are scheduled to begin after 2017. The town’s total debt at the end of this year is estimated at $53 million, including the 2016 bond. Meanwhile, the town’s general reserve fund was nearly $19 million at the end of the 2015 fiscal year. McKenzie said she is anticipating that balance to increase at the end of 2016. Harrison will hold a public hearing on the budget proposal during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 16, after press time. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
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4 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 18, 2016
What’s going on... Harrison Public Library
by for a family storytime and a fun craft for all ages.
Film Movement On Sunday, Nov. 20 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. “Men Go to Battle” will be screened. Bracing for another winter on their struggling farm in rural Kentucky, brothers Henry and Francis have become suffocatingly close. When a rift forms between them, they are left to find out separately what the approaching Civil War will bring. Running time: 98 minutes. Visit harrisonpl.org for more information on programs and library hours. The library will be closed on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24.
West Harrison branch temporary closing The West Harrison branch, at 2 Madison St., will be temporarily closed for carpet replacement and other repairs until December. All books must be returned to other Westchester Library System locations. Holds will be available for pickup at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building, at 2 Bruce Ave.
Keio Academy art exhibit There is an ongoing art exhibit by the Keio Academy in the Community Room. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. The exhibit ends on Friday, Dec. 2.
Storytime and Craft On Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Come
Sing Along Sundays with Chloe On Sundays from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Come together as a community to celebrate early childhood through music and movement. In this class, participants will sing, shake and move. Children and parents are sure to love the captivating songs, live accordion music, and activities designed with specific cognitive milestones in mind. This class will feature a variety of child-sized instruments and props, and a wealth of both traditional and original songs to add to your singalong repertoire. Get ready for a fun, creative and engaging experience. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Chapter Chats & Nora’s Ovenworks On Monday, Nov. 21 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. This activity will meet at Nora’s Ovenworks, located at 64 Halstead Ave. in Harrison, for hot chocolate and to continue the discussion of “Full
of Beans” by Jennifer Holm. For grades 3-5.
‘Newtown’ screening and discussion On Monday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. “Newtown” will be screened, and producer Maria Cuomo Cole will join for a post-screening discussion. There are no words of compassion or reassurance that can bring back the 20 children and six educators who lost their lives during the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. In Cuomo Cole’s searing new film “Newtown,” we are given exclusive access into the homes of those who lost loved ones. They speak candidly about their grief, anger, and disbelief over what occurred and how nothing has changed in regards to our legal response to gun violence.
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 at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. The class meets through Nov. 29. Registration for each class is required online or by calling 835-0324.
One-on-One e-Help On Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Need help with downloading e-books, audiobooks, apps, or using Google Drive, email, or searching the Internet with your tablet, phone or laptop? Bring your device and questions and get one-on-one assistance. Please register online, by phone at 8350324, or in person at the library.
Tinkercad 3-D Digital Design On Saturday, Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Richard Halperin Memorial Building. Learn how to design 3-D objects online in Tinkercad and send them to the library’s MakerBot 3-D Printer to make your creation real. Space is limited; please sign up online, by phone at 835-0324, or in-person at the Reference Desk. Kids under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All attendees may bring their own laptop or use the ones provided by the library. Parents please note that the 3-D prints will not be available the day of the program. Please provide contact information to be informed when your child’s print is available for pickup.
Harrison Recreation Please be aware that parents must have a current 2016 ID card to register children for all programs. Please be prepared to show proof of residency with
a current utility bill and driver’s license. A school report card or progress report is required for a child ID card. Visit harrison-ny.gov/recreation for more information on programs and the Recreation Department.
Wrestling Come learn the fundamentals of wrestling. Participants need to wear sweatpants or shorts, sneakers and a T-shirt. The tentative start date the week of Nov. 28 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., for grades 1–6, at Louis M. Klein Middle School Gym B. For more information, visit harrison-ny.gov/recreation.
Swim lessons Learn how to swim Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., from Dec. 10 through Feb. 4, 2017. There will be seven 50-minute sessions. Participants register according to their grade. During the first class, participants are tested and placed according to their ability. For kindergarten and first grade, from 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.; for second and third grades, from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.; and for fourth and fifth grades, from noon to 12:50 p.m. Location: Louis M. Klein Middle School Pool. Fee: $100 made payable to Town/Village of Harrison. Enrollment is limited to 20 kids per age group. Registration will end once the maximum number is reached.
The Feeley Fund Make the Difference The Eugene J. Feeley Harrison High School Student Aid Fund Inc. has awarded grants to four Harrison High School 2016 graduates. The Faculty Selection Committee chooses students who are accepted at accredited colleges and are financially eligible. Lola Geiger, executive director of the Feeley Fund who was ably assisted by Mary Riguzzi, thanks all Harrison residents, parents and faculty for providing the financial assistance for these worthy young people. Contributions may be sent to The Feeley Fund, Harrison High School, 255 Union Ave., Harrison, NY 10528. The Class of 2017 may obtain information about the Feeley Fund from the Guidance Department of the Harrison High School. Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.
Town/Village of Harrison’s
Official Newspaper
November 18, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 5
Letters to the Editor
Thanks to the voters for your support To the Editor, I want to thank the residents of the 93rd Assembly District for your support and votes last week. I am greatly honored to have been re-elected to serve as your state representative for another two years. I will continue to work to restore public trust, and promote ethical and responsible leadership in New York state government. I do not take for granted the fact that I did not have an opponent this year; it simply encourages me to continue representing all of my constituents, no matter their political party, through both my legislative and community initiatives. My job, though filled with occasional hurdles and frustrations in Albany, is a pleasure because I get to help people on a daily basis. So, I thank you all, once again, for giving me the privilege of representing you in the state Assembly. State Assemblyman David Buchwald, White Plains
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.
She’s not crazy, her name just rhymes with it. Read Lenore Skenazy’s column every week in the Review. A past contributor to the Daily News and the New York Sun, Skenazy has also appeared on “The Daily Show,” been profiled in the New Yorker and even had her own reality TV show, “World’s Worst Mom.”
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6 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 18, 2016
Harrison REVIEW
THE
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Town celebrates
veterans, Lemm with parade
A Wreath of Honor is placed by the town’s Fallen Soldiers Memorial.
This year’s annual Veterans Day ceremony and parade in West Harrison, on Friday, Nov. 11, drew added significance as the town honored the late New York Police Department Sgt. Joseph Lemm, of West Harrison. Lemm, 45, was one of six American service members killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan in December 2015.
Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com 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
-Review staff
Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com
Taps was played in memory of the veterans.
Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer James Pero Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite Columnists Ron Belmont, Lenore Skenazy
Christine Lemm, wife of the late Joseph Lemm, thanks the crowd for their support. Photos/Bobby Begun
Ben DeFonce, a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
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The traditional 21-gun salute.
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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.
Ryan Lemm, son of fallen hero Sgt. Joseph Lemm.
Capt. Gregory Davis addresses the audience.
Harrison’s Finest salute the flag.
November 18, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 7
Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont leads the parade of dignitaries in downtown West Harrison.
Harrison Police Color Guard was in step on Veterans Day.
The West Harrison air was filled with patriotic songs performed by the Harrison High School Marching Band.
Members of VFW 3047 participate in Harrison’s Veterans Day parade in West Harrison.
Soldiers of The Naval Operations Support Center in New York City join the parade. Photos/Bobby Begun
Silver Lake’s Bravest lead the parade of firetrucks.
8 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 18, 2016
Rye to add public safety commissioner By CHRISTIAN FALCONE Editor-in-Chief Voters in Rye approved an Election Day ballot proposition to create a public safety commissioner position. Doing so will also bring about a new Department of Public Safety in the city, just the third such department in Westchester County. With more than 6,100 ballots cast, the referendum easily passed with 68 percent of the vote. As a result, the city police and fire departments will be transformed into a Department of Public Safety unit with one centralized public safety commissioner providing oversight. Currently, the city of White Plains and the county are the only municipalities in Westchester with public safety departments. Rye City Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, said the new position makes sense from a cost savings and cost effectiveness perspective. The goal of the changeover is geared toward streamlining oversight of the two departments with an eye toward addressing outstanding issues within the
Rye City Police Commissioner Michael Corcoran is likely to be appointed to the new position of public safety commissioner after the passing of a citywide referendum. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
city Fire Department, particularly a lack of top-down leadership. Sack stressed to the Review that the departments themselves would not be combined, just the oversight. In doing so, the idea is to leverage the professional management currently in place in the Police Department. With that mind, the city is expected to turn to current Police Commissioner Michael Corcoran, who was hired by the city back in Febru-
ary, to now also oversee Fire Department operations. “[Corcoran] has not been offered the job nor has he accepted it,” the mayor said, “[but] we assumed he would be in line for it.” This isn’t the first time that the city has discussed the idea of a public safety commissioner. Talk of streamlining fire and police previously took place during the Republican administration of former Rye City Mayor Douglas French in 2012. But that discussion didn’t lead to any action. Issues within the city Fire Department have existed for some time. Calls for increased professional firefighter staffing have been ongoing coupled with the dichotomy between the professional firefighters and a dwindling volunteer base. Traditionally, the Fire Department has always been run by the Board of Fire Wardens, a committee of volunteer firefighters. But Sack said that based on the city’s analysis and discussion, that hierarchy may no longer be working effectively based on the challenges of the 21st century, for things such as recruiting and budgeting. CONTACT: chris@hometwn.com
Jerry is a handsome, large, brown tabby. He was brought to us with his brother, Tom, when his former owner lost her job and had to move to a home that would not allow cats. Jerry is more than ready for a new forever home. He is one fun loving cat with a quirky personality, and should do well in a family. Jerry is neutered, up-to-date with all vaccinations, in excellent health and microchipped. The donation for Jerry is $100. To meet this big, handsome boy, contact Pet Rescue at 835-3332 or 835-4133, or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
Holiday festivities and other notables HARRISON HAPPENINGS Mayor Ron Belmont
The holidays are a magical time with festive occasions and memorable traditions. This year, the town/village of Harrison is once again brightening the season with two fantastic holiday events. The West Harrison Neighborhood Association is holding its ninth annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration. This event will be held on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., and entertainment will be on hand on the Village Green. Refreshments will be served and I encourage all residents to attend. It’s a perfect way to share the excitement of the season with family and friends. The Holiday Happening will kick off in Ma Riis Park (across from Town Hall) at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, with a host of fun activities for the kids. Our elementary school choral groups will be regaling visitors with holiday music and songs. Children will be able to write a letter to Santa, play the dreidel game, and enjoy hot chocolate and baked goods. Santa will be making a special appearance and will visit with children, young and old alike. This wonderful affair will culminate with a Christmas tree and menorah lighting in the park. So, embrace the holidays by bringing your kids, your cameras, and your holiday spirit because the West Harrison Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday
Celebration and the Holiday Happening are the must-attend events of the season. Both are open to all and are free of charge. Thank you to all who participated for their generosity and hard work. As part of the Harrison Holiday Happening daylong activities, Cris Spinner, Harrison resident and chorus teacher at LMK, is producing and performing in “Voices Heard 8 - Home For The Holidays,” a concert to benefit The Center For Discovery, on Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. at the LMK Middle School Theater. Fourteen friends, six of whom are Harrison teachers, will be performing with Spinner. Visit voicesheard8.eventbrite.com to order tickets ($25 for adults, $10 for students ages 18 and under). Tickets may be purchased at the door as well. Come enjoy an afternoon of great music and kick off the holiday season by giving. The SafeWise Report has released its 2016 Safest Cities in New York list and Harrison is ranked No. 9 in New York state. I believe this high ranking stems from exceptional policing and common sense precautions on the part of our residents. Our community has always been responsive to advice from our law enforcement personnel, and I’m happy that we have been acknowledged in this way. I would like to recognize the Harrison High School Band for their recent performance at Yankee Stadium. It was an honor to accompany the band as they regaled football fans with energetic and beautifully executed musical selections. Congratulations
to all involved. Recently, I attended an event celebrating Fordham University and their many years of dedication to creating higher education opportunities not only in New York City, but here in West Harrison, too. To our benefit, Fordham saw the enormous potential for expanding the university to offer courses in the heart of Westchester. They have long enjoyed a reputation of being a leader in education by providing meaningful, unique and challenging opportunities for students from across the globe. I congratulate Fordham University on their success in providing a top-notch educational experience to so many, and I look forward to celebrating more milestones with them in the years to come. In closing, Thanksgiving is a time to get together with family and friends and give thanks for the blessings that many of us enjoy. I am not only grateful for my family and friends, but also appreciate the wonderful opportunities I have received serving as your mayor. As you celebrate the holiday season, please be sure to reach out to those who may need a helping hand. Here’s wishing all of you, and your families, a healthy and happy Thanksgiving holiday. The next Lunch with the Mayor is on Friday, Nov. 18 and I will be at Rattlesnake Jack’s, located at 110 Halstead Ave. in downtown Harrison. I will be at this location from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to talking about issues facing our community.
November 18, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 9
Officials scramble to salvage restaurant for 2017
The Rye Town Park Commission is now faced with no food and beverage to offer patrons of the park for the 2017 season, after the current owners and operators of Seaside Johnnies, John Ambrose and Sam Chernin, announced that they would not accept a one-year extension for next year. File photo
By FRANO FINO Staff Writer The Rye Town Park Commission is now scrambling to address a looming restaurant vacancy, following the unofficial departure of John Ambrose and Sam Chernin, the current owners and operators of Rye Town Park’s Seaside Johnnies. During a park commission meeting on Oct. 18, the commission unanimously voted to extend Seaside Johnnies’ current deal, which expires at the end of 2016, for a year in fear of the potential of a vacant restaurant next season. But, on Nov. 4, Ambrose told the Review that he plans on rejecting the one-year offer. “I won’t accept a one-year deal,” Ambrose said. “After running the business for 17 years, it just doesn’t make any sense for me at this point.” In September, after receiving a number of alarming emails from residents who felt that they were not thoroughly involved in choosing a new operator, the park commission rejected a 10-year proposal from Ambrose, which came in response to a June request for proposals, RFP, the commission sent out seeking solicitors interested in operating a restaurant at the park.Initially, two restaurant proposals were submitted to the park commission in response to a request for proposals. Ambrose was proposing to
expand on his current restaurant theme while adding a tropical twist. Seaside Johnnies, which overlooks Oakland Beach and the Long Island Sound—it opens seasonally from April until September—was first opened in Rye Town Park in 2000. Angelo Liberatore, an operating partner of the Fort Pond Bay Company—which operates Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry, Harvest on Hudson in HastingOn-Hudson, and East by Northeast and The Stone Lion Inn in Montauk—proposed to operate a full-service, seafood-focused concept restaurant. However, the restaurateur withdrew his plan from consideration sensing he would not have enough time to prepare for the 2017 season. Despite the risk of losing approximately $100,000 as a result Ambrose walking away with no alternative in place for the 2017 season, some members of the commission are still hopeful.“It’s not certain that he’s not going to accept the one-year license extension,” said Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, a Democrat and president of the commission. “I hope to be able to discuss the situation face-to-face with Mr. Ambrose.” However, Ambrose told the Review that unless the commission is willing to offer a longer deal, he will step aside and just submit a new proposal
when the commission is forced to send out a new RFP. “I think the door is still open for a longer term, or at least I hope so,” he said. Prior to Ambrose rejecting the one-year extension, last month the commission voted to hire a restaurant consultant and reopen a new request for proposals geared toward 2018 for the restaurant space. In light of that, Liberatore told the Review that he plans on submitting a proposal to operate a restaurant at Rye Town Park beginning in 2018. “I would love to do something with [Rye Town Park],” Liberatore said when reached on Monday by the Review. “I would have to look at the request for proposals, first, but I would most likely resubmit a proposal.” The Rye Town Park Commission—which consists of representatives from the city and town of Rye, the villages of Port Chester and Rye Brook, and the Rye Neck section of the village of Mamaroneck—is responsible for setting policy at the park and governing its operations. The commission conducted a special closed-door meeting on Nov. 9 to discuss the situation with the restaurant space, according to Zuckerman. Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican and a member of the commission, declined to comment when reached by phone. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
10 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 18, 2016
November 18, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 11
Revenue shortfalls re-spark county budget concerns Fox manslaughter case adjourned to Dec. 6 By JAMES PERO Staff Writer When Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino presented his countywide budget for 2017 on Nov. 10, he once again put forward a plan that promises to keep taxes flat; something the Republican county executive has done every year since taking office in 2010. Now, approval of the budget falls into the hands of the county’s legislative branch, which is faced with mending a substantial revenue shortfall and taming ballooning health care costs. The operating budget, which will be vetted in tandem with the recently released capital budget over the next month, will cost Westchester taxpayers $1.8 billion—a 0.4 percent spending increase over 2016— and will not raise the county’s tax levy for the seventh consecutive year. “Not increasing taxes is not an abstract slogan,” Astorino said at a press conference to unveil his budget. “It’s real money in the pockets of real people—young people, families, seniors on fixed incomes and entrepreneurs trying to scrape together enough money to start a business or stay in business.” Broad cuts to nonprofits dominated talks during last year’s budget cycle; however, the 2017 budget, as proposed, has shown no reduction to services and nonprofits, or layoffs to county employees. Joanna Straub, executive director of Nonprofit Westchester, a coalition of nonprofits countywide, said that while there are currently no proposed cuts, if budgeted revenue were to decrease, nonprofit funding could be among the first funding to be sequestered. Despite the Astorino administration’s commitment to maintaining the same level of services and staff, the county continues to grapple with increasingly stark revenue shortfalls, which it attributes to underperforming sales tax revenues and lower gas and energy prices. The administration has estimated that between sales tax shortfalls and rising health care costs, it will see in total a $30 million revenue shortfall. Such gaps have sparked con-
cern from opponents of the county executive’s over the course of his two terms in office. County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-on-Hudson Democrat who also chairs the county Infrastructure Committee, has been a consistent critic of what she has characterized as fiscal irresponsibility on the administration’s behalf. “If you’re predicting revenues in your budget, you need to have a level of certainty that you’re going to obtain those revenues in the near future,” Shimsky said. Among major complaints from lawmakers following the budget’s release was the administration’s inclusion of $15 million in projected revenue from a tenuous agreement between the county and Oaktree Capital regarding management of Westchester Airport. The proposal, which was only announced on Nov. 3, looks to tap into additional revenue by privatizing the county-owned commercial airport, which sees in excess of 1.75 million passengers annually. Although the administration has lauded the deal as a potential source of $140 million in additional tax revenue over the course of 40 years, lawmakers have approached the plan with caution, criticizing Astorino’s attempt to fast-track its approval by tying a Board of Legislators’ decision to a required Dec. 27 budget deadline, and for not sending out a formal request for proposals. “The Astorino administration negotiated with an airport management vendor behind closed doors, likely to avoid scrutiny for the newest accounting gimmick,” said county Legislator Ken Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat who has already announced his plans to run for county executive in 2017. According to Shimsky, the chances of the Board of Legislators signing off on a budget containing the administration’s airport agreement are increasingly slim. “It is extremely, extremely unlikely that we’re going to book those revenues by the [Dec. 27] deadline,” she said, regarding the legislative chamber’s required review of the Astorino budget. Among the major obsta-
cles, Shimsky explained, are a lengthy application timeline regarding the FAA’s privatization program through which the administration would process its proposal. Since the program’s inception in 1997, only two of the 10 airports that applied have gone through the entire process; Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico and Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, New York. Stewart International has since reverted back to public management. And a similar public-private partnership transferring the management of Rye Playland— a county-owned amusement park whose footprints sit within the city of Rye—was vetted by the county for nearly six years before it was finally approved earlier this year. Further adding to fears of uncertain revenue streams in the county budget are the increasingly high costs of health care, which according to administration officials have exceeded budget expectations by $10 million. Budget numbers show that in 2016 the county appropriated more than $135 million to cover health insurance costs for current employees. For the proposed budget, Astorino has requested $152 million. Health care of retired employees alone cost the county $65 million in 2016, according to budget numbers. Fights over to what extent the county is responsible for paying the full cost of employees’ health care have sprung up recently after heated negotiations between the Astorino administration and the Civil Service Employees Association, CSEA—a union representing the county’s public sector workers—failed to produce a compromise, including a contract offer that the union rejected earlier this month. “The contract rejection by the CSEA is just more evidence that the union is not dealing with reality,” Astorino said. “Apparently, the CSEA thinks it is entitled to free health care forever, paid for by taxpayers.” Contract negotiations between the two parties are still ongoing. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Emma Fox’s Nov. 15 court date was adjourned, and the Rye resident is due to reappear in White Plains City Court on Dec. 6. Fox is being charged with the death of a 21-year-old Manhattanville College student in October. According to Robert Wolf, the deputy communications director for the Westchester County District Attorney’s office, no reason was given for the adjournment. On Oct. 9, Fox struck and killed Robby Schartner, of Fishkill, while he was walking along Westchester Avenue during the early morning hours on his way back to the college after a night out on Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains. Fox,
Emma Fox was due to reappear in White Plains City Court on Nov. 15, but the case was adjourned to Dec. 6. Photo courtesy White Plains police
24, has been charged with an aggravated DWI and first-degree vehicular manslaughter. White Plains police reported that Fox had been intoxicated at the time
of the incident with a blood alcohol content of 0.21; the legal limit in New York state is 0.08. According to police, Fox had been travelling eastbound on Westchester Avenue at about 5 a.m. when she fatally struck Schartner with her car, a 2012 Nissan Sentra. Fox, who had been held at the Westchester County Jail on $100,000 bail, was released on Nov. 10, according to Justin Pruyne, the deputy commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Correction. Stephen Lewis, Fox’s attorney, could not be reached for comment, as of press time. -Reporting by Franco Fino
Rye forms committee in wake of Harrison gun store By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer With much attention centered on a new gun store now open in Harrison, the city of Rye has formed an “open-ended” committee to investigate gun-related issues and potentially the creation of a gun ordinance. On Nov. 2, during a Rye City Council meeting, Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, requested help from his colleagues in analyzing any potential action the city could take to better accommodate the existing laws in Rye related to gun issues. “There may or may not be anything that individual residents or the city of Rye can do with regard to something that happens outside our jurisdiction,” Sack said. “But, I think that it raises the issue of what, if anything, can we do within our own city.” The formation of the city committee, which will be cochaired by Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein, a Democrat, and Councilman Terry McCart-
ney, a Republican, comes in response to the controversial opening of L&L Sports at 261 Halstead Ave. in the town/village of Harrison. The gun store is located less than 1,000 feet from Parsons Memorial Elementary School and near St. Gregory the Great’s Church. While the Rye committee is in its preliminary stages of organizing, the city has not waited to contact officials in Harrison. Rye City Manager Marcus Serrano said he spoke to Harrison Building Inspector Robert FitzSimmons about the department’s decision to grant Louis Zacchio, the L&L storeowner, permission to open his storefront. “The building inspector said it conducted all the necessary protocol, and felt that it complied with federal laws in granting a building permit to the gun storeowner,” Serrano said. In Harrison, petitioners against the gun store have advocated for exploring town ordinances which could have placed tighter restrictions on the Gun
Free Schools Act, a federal law which regulates the possession of guns on school grounds or within 1,000 feet of a school. Gun stores, however, are specifically exempt from that law. According to Tagger-Epstein, although the committee has not yet established a list of goals, the lack of a gun ordinance in Rye is definitely on her radar. “I want to make sure that we have something on the books that protects all of our residents,” she said. “I understand gun ownership, and I respect the responsibility of owning a gun, but this is not a Second Amendment issue.” Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson said that the city will not attempt to prohibit the sale and purchase of guns. “The committee will look at ways to see where these businesses could open up and where specifically we would prefer them to be,” she said. There is currently no time table for when the committee is expected to meet. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
12 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 18, 2016
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LEGAL NOTICES 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. Notice of formation of Two Tech Motors, LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/30/16. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process served to: P. Reed 39 Davenport Avenue. New Rochelle, N.Y. 10805. Purpose: any lawful act. NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Harrison Central School District hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: RFB #16/17-24 — Food Service Equipment Bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “RFB #16/17-24: Food Service Equipment” on the outside. Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m, Thursday, December 1, 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) 8352715, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www.bidnetdirect.com/new-york or from the district Business Office beginning Thursday, November 17, 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: November 17, 2016
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November 18, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 13
About that Yale interview RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
One recent Sunday I went to my local Queens bakery at 9, 11 and 2, and each time sat across from a friendly, open 18-year-old. These New York City students shared their hopes, dreams, and what they do in their free time. One researches drone strikes in Somalia. Another teaches the disabled to ski. A third measures the size and shape of snake skulls. Typical... for this group. These are applicants for early admission to Yale. Me, I’m an alumni interviewer. That means I help lighten the Yale Admissions Department’s load by volunteering to assess half a dozen candidates each year. This is my 15th or 16th goround, and it always gives me great delight. But this year, it also gave me pause. That’s because another alum, Ben Orlin, just wrote a piece in The Los Angeles Times titled, “Why I Won’t Re-enlist as a Yale Alumni Interviewer.” His beef is that “the whole process is so spectacularly insane that participating in it— even in such a peripheral role— feels like watching spiders crawl out of my tear ducts.” The insanity is not the kids— they’re great. Nor is it Yale—it can’t take everyone. The insanity is the giant disparity between the number of stunning applicants and the number that get in: “For every bed in the freshman dorms, 20 kids are lining up, at least five of whom are high school rock stars,” Orlin wrote. “From that murderer’s row, ad-
missions officers face the impossible task of picking just one. There’s no right answer.” He feels for all the students who have done so much, and are likely to take their rejection personally. (Don’t we all?) What these kids can’t know is that they are just as amazing as the ones who get the thick envelopes, but they may be the 15th top debater who also spent a year teaching calculus in Kenya. No school needs 15 of the same thing. Thus, some get in, but others get bumped for a dancer/sculptor/beekeeper from Utah, or spear fisher (with perfect SATs) from Spain. So, that day as I spoke with the hopefuls, I felt compelled to also mention The Ghosts of Applicants Past. There was the girl so fascinated by rhetoric that she learned Ancient Greek. She wanted to read the first philosophers to describe speaking techniques like, “I won’t mention the defendant’s past as a thief, because that is not relevant to this case.” She loved the way information got sneakily embedded. But she also loved neuroscience, so she was doing lab research on Alzheimer’s. Her modest little goal was to figure out whether how information gets into our brains has any relation to how it leaks out. She did not get in. Another year I met a young man from a Manhattan public high school who admitted that during middle school computer class, he would hack a friend’s screen to suddenly show cartoons when the teacher was walking past. By the time he was in high school, he put his computer skills to more serious
work by starting a web design company for local businesses. If some of the coding got too hard, he’d farm it out to Russian programmers and pay them part of his fee. By senior year he’d turned his attention to the medical field and got an internship at a local teaching hospital. He discovered something (I couldn’t understand what) about how plaque builds up in arteries, and had come up with a new, cheap way to dissolve it. Ten medical school professors came to hear his lecture. When one objected that his idea wouldn’t work, he showed him how it would. This kid applied to Yale and MIT. I hope he got into the latter, because he did not get into Yale. Then there was the young woman who was producing a documentary on a French fashion muse from the ‘70s. No dice. And another student so fascinated by the French Revolution that she did original research on the guillotine jewelry of that time. She didn’t make the cut. Meantime, a young man I had a hard time interviewing because he had so little to say, did make it in. I gather that he was spectacular at math. But he got lost navigating from Union Square to our interview at a Starbucks on First Avenue and 17th and arrived late. Which is not to say Yale gets it wrong. Many of the students I’ve recommended, it took. But Orlin got it right, too: Ivy admissions are an opaque process, not to be taken personally. The good news is that by the time students think they’re Yale material, they usually are. Even if they don’t get in. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
Tips for a healthier holiday season As we prepare to gather with family and friends this holiday season, the American Heart Association, AHA, reminds us that we can make smart recipe substitutions to keep our holiday meals—and the people we love—healthier. Over-indulging in traditional holiday foods can add extra pounds to our waistlines, and increase our risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. More than 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese, according to the AHA, so getting to and maintaining a healthy weight is important during the holidays and year-round. The AHA recommends making small but impactful lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. Studies show that more than 80 percent of heart disease can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising 30 minutes most days of the week and eating healthier. The AHA says the first step is to determine your daily calorie intake with an app or online calculator, then adjust your daily calories into the healthy range. A good place to start is by eating more fruits and vegetables which are low in calories and high in nutrition. “Many of the traditional foods served during the holidays can be healthy—the trick is to not load on the butter, sodium and sugar,” said Roufia Payman, supervisor of Outpatient Nutrition Counseling, and diabetes lifestyle coach at Northern Dutchess Hospital. “Add color and nutrition to your plate with seasonal squash, roasted vegetables and fruit-based desserts.” All of the holiday parties and dinners can throw off your healthy lifestyle goals. The AHA is offering its annual Holiday Healthy Eating Guide to help people navigate the holiday season in a healthy way. The 13page free guide has tips, recipes and resources to help maintain a healthy lifestyle during the busy holiday season. The guide is available free online at bit.ly/ AHAHolidayGuide. Party with a healthy plan in place. The AHA recommends healthy portions, limiting the empty calories in alcohol drinks, and filling up on healthier fruits and vegeta-
bles first, before the less healthy options. Keep dessert temptations to small samples of your favorites instead of full servings, and eat mindfully to enjoy every morsel. Don’t stand near the party buffet and avoid mindless nibbling. Plate-up health first. Be sure to pack your holiday meals with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, fish, skinless poultry, and plant-based side dishes and main courses. Swap-in healthier choices. Substitute fat-free and low-fat dairy products for the higher fat versions, like Greek yogurt for sour cream. Use lower sodium versions of foods like broth, canned vegetables and sauces. Use whole grain breads and pastas instead of white flour ones. Cook with unsaturated, healthier fats, and non-tropical oils. Eliminate trans fats and partially hydrogenated oils. If you choose red meats, select the leanest cuts. When it comes to poultry, light meat is leaner than dark. A serving size of meat is 3 oz., about the size of a deck of cards. Avoid the empty calories of sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly if you are going to indulge in small samples of desserts. Here are some more tips. More cooking tips: • Use vegetable oils such as olive oil instead of butter. • Use herbs and spices, like rosemary and cloves, to flavor dishes instead of butter and salt. • Bake, grill or steam vegetables instead of frying. • Instead of whole milk or
heavy cream, substitute low-fat or fat-free/skim milk. Baking swaps: • Instead of butter, substitute equal parts cinnamon-flavored, no-sugar-added applesauce. • Instead of sugar, use a lowercalorie sugar substitute. • Instead of whole or heavy cream, substitute low-fat or skim milk. • Instead of using only white flour, use half white and half whole-wheat flour. • Instead of adding chocolate chips or candies, use dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries. • Use extracts like vanilla, almond and peppermint to add flavor, instead of sugar or butter. Healthier beverages: • Instead of alcohol in mixed drinks, use club soda. • Instead of adding sugar to mixed drinks, mix 100 percent juice with water or use freshly squeezed juice. • Instead of using heavy cream or whole milk in dairy-based drinks, use low-fat or skim milk. • Instead of using sugar to sweeten cider, use spices and fruit, like cinnamon, cloves and cranberries. Of course, exercise is critical to weight management and overall health. The AHA recommends getting 30 minutes of vigorous exercise on most days of the week. Eating more? Walk more. A brisk walk before or after meals can help burn those extra calories. To find more simple ways you and your family can eat healthy, visit heart.org/healthyeating. (Submitted)
14 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 18, 2016
Fantasy flop LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
If I get kicked out of my fantasy football league this year, I’m placing at least 85 percent of the blame on the New Rochelle soccer team. I spent this past weekend making the rounds upstate; on Saturday, I drove up to Endwell to see the Bronxville field hockey team take on Cazenovia in the state semifinals. The following day, I drove down to Middletown to see the Huguenots win the Class AA crown against Fairport with a 2-1 win. The one thing I did not do, however, was set my fantasy lineup. With three defensive players on bye, and the majority of my top draft picks like Lamar Miller, LeGarrette Blount and Kirk Cousins on the bench since they had byes the week before, I trotted out an anemic, incom-
plete squad and handed a win to my opponent who, like me, was in the midst of a heated playoff race. If you judged solely by my friends’ reactions, you would have thought I killed somebody. Now, I understand it. We play for quite a bit of money, and the fact that I made no effort to put a team together this week may have really hurt the chances of a few of our other “owners” to recoup their league fees. I apologized to them sincerely, but in my heart, I still blame New Rochelle. Sure, maybe more of it has to do with my technological ineptitude. For the life of me, I just couldn’t figure out how to adjust my roster from my phone because I haven’t used Yahoo’s app all year. As I waited on the sidelines for the game to start, I tried frantically to manipulate my roster, to no avail. But then 1 p.m. hit, and the fantasy week—and the cham-
SPORTS
pionship game—were off and running. For the next two hours, I watched the Huguenots play a beautiful game. Their crisp passes and strong defensive challenges were interrupted only by the occasional email from one of my friends to call me horrible names that can’t, for sake of decorum, be listed here. By the time they were done celebrating their championship win, and I was done conducting my postgame interviews, it was after 4 p.m. and any chance I had to put a competitive team together was just about gone. I lost an easily winnable game, dropped out of the playoff race, and all week long, I’ve been defending myself against allegations of collusion and tanking. Maybe some of it was my fault, maybe some people in my fantasy league take things a tad too seriously, but I remain steadfast in my belief that it’s mostly New Rochelle’s fault.
Felipe Tobon embraces a young fan following New Rochelle’s 2-1 win over Fairport in the Class AA state championship game on Nov. 13. Photo/Mike Smith
But watching them celebrate that title, tears streaming down their faces as they embraced a
wild, adoring fan base? Something tells me that those guys are going to be able to live with that.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
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LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow Mike Smith @harrisonreview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates
SPORTS
November 18, 2016 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • 15
Titans eye upcoming season
Ike Murov chases down a puck against the Pelicans.
By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor After two deep postseason runs, Rye Town/Harrison is coming into the 2016-17 season with a wealth of talent, experience and depth. Although head coach Jason Head knows that new challenges await the Titans this season, he is confident that a strong core of returning players will continue to push the program to new heights. Last season, the Titans fin-
ished 18-6, won the League II-C championship and made a second-straight appearance in the Division II title game, where they fell to perennial powerhouse Pelham. This year, despite moving up to Division I, Head expects his players to build on last year’s momentum. “They’re very focused, they came in ready to go,” Head said. “That loss to Pelham stuck with a lot of the guys last year, and even though we’re in Division I now and we’re not going to get
2016-17 Rye Town/Harrison Titans Hockey Schedule DATE 11/19 11/25 12/03 12/12 12/17 12/19 12/29 01/07 01/09 01/16 01/20 01/21 01/23 01/28 02/04 02/11
TIME 8:55 p.m. 11 a.m. 10 a.m. 8:50 p.m. 7:25 p.m. 8:50 p.m. 2:15 p.m. 7:25 p.m. 8:50 p.m. 8:50 p.m. 8:40 p.m. 7:25 p.m. 8:50 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:20 p.m. 7:40 p.m.
OPPONENT vs. BYRAM HILLS @WHITE PLAINS* @PAWLING SOMERS vs. CLARKSTOWN vs. HENDRICK HUDSON vs. NON-REGION OPPONENT* vs. NEW ROCHELLE vs. HORACE GREELEY vs. SOMERS @BREWSTER vs. WHITE PLAINS vs. JOHN JAY @NORTH ROCKLAND @CARMEL @MAHOPAC
*Denotes first game of tournament
a chance to see them in the playoffs, they’ve been motivated.” The Titans lost just three seniors from last year’s team, and although each player played an integral role on the ice, Head said that his returning players are more than capable of picking up the slack. Offensively, the Titans will feel the loss of Doug Harrison and Max Picker, who combined for 69 goals last season. But the Titans will return last year’s alternate captain Jackson Schultz, who had 18 goals and 18 assists on the season. “We expect Jackson to be taking more of a commanding role this year,” Head said. “And we’ll also be relying on players like William Pizzutello who had a ton of chances last year and Max Chalfin who logged a lot of minutes.” The Titans’ returners will be joined by a potential breakout star in freshman Anthony Cippolone, who could be a catalyst for the Titans’ offense. “He’s a very strong player, he’s got a lot of offensive power,” Head said. “We’re looking to plug him in on a line with two upperclassmen and watch him develop.” The Titans will also have something of a new look on the defensive end, with junior Sam Smith taking over netminding duties from standout Joey Livornese. Smith was stellar in limited time last year, posting a 1.01 goals against average, and could be poised to be the latest in a growing line of solid Rye Town goalies. “He’s improved tremendously, he’s been going to a lot of goalie camps, and I think most guys would tell you that [Smith] is the hardest worker on the team,” the head coach said. “Hopefully we are going to be in the same situation we were in a few years ago when Joey [Livornese] came in and took over the role.” The Titans will open the season on Nov. 19 against Byram Hills at Rye Playland, as they become one of the first Section I teams to begin the regular season this year. According to Head, with so many returning players, the brief offsea-
Jackson Schultz takes the puck behind the net against Pelham in last year’s Division II championship game. Schultz will again be a key contributor for the Titans this year.
Max Chalfin battles with a Pelham defender last season. Chalfin is expected to take more of a lead role in the Rye Town/Harrison offense this year. Photos/Mike Smith
son shouldn’t pose much of a problem. “Aside from a few new systems we’re implementing, I think it’s going to be our ability
to make in-game adjustments that is going to be a game-changer this year,” he said. “We’re going to be up in Division I, so we’re not going to see Pelham,
but we know we’re going to have a lot of difficult teams when we start trying to make our run.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
16 • THE HARRISON REVIEW • November 18, 2016