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June 3, 2016

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Mamaroneck REVIEW THE

June 3, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 23 | www.mamaroneckreview.com

Both the villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont held Memorial Day parades to honor their local fallen heroes. Area residents, elected officials, parents, students and members of the armed forces came together to show their respect and gratitude. For coverage, see pages 6-8. Photos/Chris Courtney


2 • The MAMARONeCK Review • June 3, 2016


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IAC plows forward with redevelopment plans Falcone named associate publisher of the Review

A new set of zoning rules will be necessary to help other forms of business move into the industrial area, and according to committee chairman Andy Spatz, a resolution do just that is already being drafted. Rendering courtesy RePLACE Urban Studio

By JAMeS PeRO Staff Writer Architects of an urban renewal project aimed at revitalizing the village of Mamaroneck’s industrial area will push forward with drafting a resolution to adopt a more inclusive set of zoning laws, considered the biggest hurdle for the grandiose plan. According to the chairman of the Industrial Area Advisory Committee, IAC, Andy Spatz, the committee, which has already developed initial renderings and proposals for the area, is currently drafting a resolution to change zoning limitations in the area, allowing for a greater swath of businesses to move in. “We’d like to open the door,” Spatz said, “add additional uses that would be permissible in the area.” Among the new businesses Spatz and the IAC would like to see enter the industrial area are restaurants, art galleries, offices, breweries and other entertainment-based establishments. The industrial area—which is located in Mamaroneck’s historic Washingtonville neighborhood—is currently zoned under the category M1, which only allows for manufacturing and industrial businesses and warehouses. In order to alter the zoning, Spatz said that the committee may look to its primary consultant, rePLACE Urban Studio—which was chosen in an RFP process to create the first proposal—to help draft a proposal for the zoning change that would be presented to the village Board of Trustees.

However, according to Village Manager Richard Slingerland, any resolutions altering zoning laws are usually drafted in-house using the village staff. Already, Spatz said, the committee is contemplating events in the industrial area to help introduce residents to the zone’s potential. Among the events, he told the Review, could be a food truck fair that showcases vendors from around Westchester County and the surrounding areas. Spatz described this type of event as “low hanging fruit,” adding that only a permit—not a zoning change—would be required to carry out a showcase of that nature. While the IAC’s crosshairs are firmly fixed toward the future, Spatz said there has also been special consideration to preserve the businesses that are currently there, like Chatsworth Antique and Consignment. According to Joan Meehan, who co-owns the longtime Mamaroneck antique warehouse on Ogden Avenue, while the announcement of the committee’s plans for the area gave her pause, she said that it might also benefit her business. “It may be a great thing,” she told the Review. “The more traffic you bring to a place, the better.” According to a report released by the IAC in January, the area currently boasts 700,000 square feet of property that could be redeveloped and repurposed for other uses. Among the benefits of the industrial area, according to the study, is its proximity to major forms of transit like Inter-

state 95 and the Mamaroneck Metro-North Railroad, which could help businesses looking to attract customers from other parts of the region. However, drawbacks of the area loom for businesses looking for stability. According to the study, Washingtonville is among the most affected areas in the event of severe flooding. Many of the buildings are located within a 100-year flood plain—floods that occur about once every century—meaning they run a much higher risk of incurring costly property damage. While a number of provisions in the committee’s proposal would look to mitigate the effects of flooding—such as implementing rain gardens and raising some structures—a proposed $75 million flood mitigation project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could prove a major victory. According to federal projections, which suggests largescale dredging of the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake rivers, as well as the construction of more than 7,500 feet of retaining wall, the plan could decrease main floor flooding of structures in the village by 86 percent. Whether or not the urban renewal project will come to fruition is a different story, however, according to Spatz. He told the Review that even after the resolution is drafted—which he hopes will happen in the fall— the zoning change proposal must be vetted by the Board of Trustees and proper land use boards. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

Christian Falcone, editor-inchief of the Review chain of weekly newspapers, has recently been named associate publisher of our White Plains-based parent company Home Town Media Group. With his new title, Falcone will now serve dual roles, still maintaining his position as editor-in-chief of the company’s five publications: The City Review New Rochelle, The Eastchester Review, The Harrison Review, The Mamaroneck Review and The Rye City Review. Howard Sturman, publisher of Home Town Media, offered his assessment of what Falcone’s new title will afford the company. “We’re excited about Chris’ promotion,” Sturman said. “After spending nine years with Home Town Media, he will en-

able us to raise our public profile to a new level.” Falcone first took over the position of editor-in-chief in April 2013. Since then, he successfully led a rebranding of Home Town Media and a redesign of all elements of its five newspapers, leading to the creation of the Review identity. Prior to that, he spent several years on the beat covering the city of Rye as a reporter for the company’s Rye newspaper, before transitioning into an associate editor role for that same paper. As a reporter, Falcone was awarded numerous distinctions for his writing, including seven New York Press Association awards, largely for in-depth and spot news reporting. His most notable work con-

Christian Falcone

sisted of weather-related disaster coverage of the 2007 floods, Tropical Storm Irene and Hurricane Sandy; uncovering the strife within a local political party; exposing the president of a local nonprofit for failing to pay property taxes; and helping to uncover financial theft by a golf club manager, who was later sentenced to state prison.

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4 • The MAMARONeCK Review • June 3, 2016

What’s going on... Mamaroneck Public Library

All ages story and craft hour On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon in the Children’s Room. No registration required. There will be stories will appeal to all ages of kids and their caregivers, and a craft simple enough for the little kids and creative enough for the big kids.

should be prepared with their Social Security numbers, documents for legal immigrants, birth dates, employer and income information and insurance policy numbers. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Westchester County Department of Health at 813- 5192. Appointments are available in English and in Spanish.

Larchmont Public Library

Free math study help On Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. through June 15 in the Teen Room. Arithmetic got you down? Need some help with homework or maybe just a refresher ahead of finals? Former high school math teacher Lynne Prior will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about middle and high school math.

Information session: ‘Do You Need Health Insurance?’ Make an appointment for a one-on-one information session with a Westchester County health department navigator, who will be in the library’s Tech Room on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Representatives will answer questions about health insurance-related topics, including essential plans, Medicaid, Child Health Plus and health coverage for business owners’ employees. Clients

Although the main library is under renovation, the library is open and operating from the Larchmont Village Center, located directly behind the main library building. For information about the library’s renovation, call 834-2281 ext. 3 or visit larchmontlibrary.org. The library will be closed on Sundays through Labor Day weekend.

Saturday Sahaja Meditation Adults are welcome to attend a Sahaja meditation session on Saturday, June 4 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Village Center, located at 119 Larchmont Ave. in Larchmont. Sahaja meditation is unique because it can help participants achieve self-awareness and tranquility. This class is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Open-play chess Every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Michael P. Coords Activity Room unless the library is closed. No instruction is provided and it is recommended that you bring your own chess pieces. So, come join the fun and make some new friends, too.

Where We Live: Stories of Suburbia With Larchmont celebrating its 125th anniversary, participants will take a look at how the community has been portrayed by literary greats. This talk, led by Catherine Wald, will take place on Monday, June 6 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The session is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Chair Yoga Yoga instructor Vincenza Madonia will lead a chair yoga session on Tuesday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Village Center. Chair yoga consists of arm, leg and head movements, as well as torso twisting, while seated in a chair. This exercise will help participants maintain focus on their bodies through low-impact movement. This class is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Full Steam Ahead: Spectacular Explosions The Full Steam Ahead program will hold its final session on Tuesday, June 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in Ryder’s Garden, weather permitting. Children ages 3 and 4 are welcome to create artistic explosions during this program, and are encouraged to come dressed for a mess. Free tickets are required to attend this program, and will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis a half hour before the program begins.

Conquering the College Essay Students in grades 10 and up are welcome to come to the library on Tuesday, June 7 at 7 p.m. to learn how to write their college admissions essay. The workshop, led by Alan Gelb, author of “Conquering the College Admissions Essay in 10 Steps,” will teach students and their parents how to approach this daunting assignment, answer question and help get students started. This workshop is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Stories and Crafts: Fun in the Sun Children ages 5 to 7 are welcome to bask in the sun during this program held on Thursday, June 9 from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. This program will allow children to make their own stylish sunglasses and listen to summery stories and tales. Free tickets are required to attend this program, and will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis a half hour before the program begins.

Financial Planning workshop This workshop, called “What You Need to Know to Hire a Financial Planner,” will be held on Thursday, June 9 from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the Village Center. Led by Ron Pac, this workshop will focus on education and providing the necessary information for hiring a financial planner or financial planning team. Pac provides an unbiased opinion on questions all adults should ask their po-

tential financial planner to ensure they have hired the correct person for the job. This workshop is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Algebra I Regents review On Friday, June 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For grades eight and nine. Join local parent and certified New York state mathematics teacher Jean Marie Stein to review for the Algebra I Regents final exam. Come right from school. There’ll be refreshments and then the reviewing starts. Hommocks students, please feel free to come a little late.

DIY Kids: Duct Tape Pockets Children ages 8 to 11 are welcome to participate in this DIY craft project on Friday, June 10 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. This program will teach children how to make a cell phone case, a wallet, a change purse or a place for special things out of duct tape. Participants will be able to use different styles and colors of duct tape to make these pockets. This program is free and open to the public. Online registration is required.

The Westchester Chorale Bluegrass and jazz concert The Westchester Chorale will be performing a concert on Sunday, June 5 at 4 p.m. at Larchmont Avenue Church, located at 60 Forest Park Ave. in Larchmont. The concert’s repertoire includes two 21st-century masses: Carol Barnett’s “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass” and Bob Chilcott’s “A Little Jazz Mass.” Backup music will be provided by bluegrass and jazz ensembles, showcasing Larchmont’s own David Brandom Quartet. Tickets cost $25 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit WestchesterChorale. org or call 237-9546.

The Refugee Project at Mamaroneck High School Songs for Syria concert The Refugee Project at Mamaroneck High School is hosting a benefit rock concert, Songs for Syria, on Thursday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m. Weather permitting, the concert will be held outdoors on the baseball field, so bring a blanket, some friends and have a picnic. Food will also be available. If it rains, the concert will be held in the McLain Auditorium. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets to the concert, visit WestchesterChorale. org or call 237-9546.

Larchmont Newcomers’ Club Community softball games All players ages 18 to 70 are welcome to join the Larchmont Newcomers’ Club softball team for a community softball game every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Flint baseball field next to Hommocks Ice Rink. Participants should bring a baseball glove. For more information, email the organizer at rjhellman@verizon.net. Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.


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Mamaroneck Mama Ma marone maro roneck THE

REVIEW RE REVI EW

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Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Executive Vice President | Ira Ellenthal ext. 31, irathal@hometwn.com Editor-in-Chief | Christian Falcone ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Editorial Assistant | Suzy Berkowitz ext. 30, suzy@hometwn.com Reporter | James Pero ext. 20, james@hometwn.com Education Reporter | Sarah Varney ext. 17, sarah@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 Writers Angela Jordan, Corey Stockton

Mamaroneck marches in

memory of fallen On Monday, May 30, under gloomy skies, attendees of the village of Mamaroneck’s annual Memorial Day parade faced a looming downpour while showing their support for soldiers and service members who died serving the country. From the Army to the Marines, both former and current members of all military branches and sects were also out in full force to show respect to their fellow servicemen and women. Marching down Mamaroneck

Avenue, participants in the parade showed their support, not just for those in the military, but for other causes closer to home as well. Among the community organizations represented were the village of Mamaroneck Historical Society, which plugged its efforts to save Mamaroneck’s historic Delancey-Cooper house, as well as a local chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Onlookers lined the streets to watch the village of Larchmont’s Historic Fire Company march in their traditional garb—com-

plete with historically accurate helmets and equipment—and catch a glimpse of the company’s antique gold and crimson firetrucks. Mayor Norman Rosenblum, who also marched in the parade, said that the tradition of the event—which he’s attended more times than he can count— is one near to his and the village residents’ heart. “Memorial Day is important to the village for the very same reason it’s important to the country,” he said. “You appreciate the ultimate sacrifice that people make for freedom.”

One of several vintage fire trucks driven by a member of Larchmont’s Historical Fire Company demands attention from onlookers at the parade. Photos/Chris Courtney

-Reporting by James Pero A man dressed in traditional Irish garb from the NYPD Emerald Society proceeds down the parade route playing a drum.

CONTiNued on next page

Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite

Village of Mamaroneck resident Robert Katen strolls down Mamaroneck Avenue during the parade.

Columnist Lenore Skenazy

Richard Cantor, organizer for the Kemper Memorial in Mamaroneck, waves at onlookers in the crowd.

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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.

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Follow us on Twitter, @mamaroneckview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/mamaroneckreview The Mamaroneck Review (permit #16661) 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.

Members of the Historical Fire Company are wearing their traditional gear and crimson red during the day’s event.

The American Legion Post 90 Honor Guard waves their flags in support for their fellow soldiers.


June 3, 2016 • The MAMARONeCK Review • 7

Residents of all ages carry signs to show their support for armed service members.

The day’s events were also accompanied by an array of music. Photos/Chris Courtney

Residents walk down the parade route, carrying a sign that shows support for fallen World War II veterans.

Navy members along the parade procession route on Mamaroneck Avenue in uniform for Memorial Day. Naval officers were also being celebrated during the week for the nation’s 28th annual Fleet Week.


8 • The MAMARONeCK Review • June 3, 2016

Larchmont lines up for Memorial Day parade The American Legion Post No. 347 hosted the annual Larchmont Memorial Day parade on Thursday, May 26. Parade participants gathered near the train station in the early evening hours

A member of the Larchmont Historical Fire Company carries flowers.

for a procession that began at Chatsworth and Palmer avenues and concluded at the Larchmont Fire House on Larchmont Avenue. Local Boy and Girl Scout troops, students from Mamaroneck High School and Hommocks Middle School,

professional bagpipe players, police and fire department members, local leaders and veterans all took part in the march. Larchmont and area residents lined the streets in the village’s business district in anticipation of the various groups passing by. Active service members who returned home for the long holiday weekend and others who traveled to the area for Fleet Week in New York City mingled with the crowd. Fleet Week is a United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard tradition in which active military ships recently deployed overseas dock in major cities for the week. The Larchmont parade provided an opportunity for service members to share their experiences serving in the United States armed forces with residents, as all reflected on those who were lost while serving their country. -Reporting by Andrew Dapolite

A young boy waves an American flag along the parade route. Photos/Chris Courtney

Larchmont Police Department members stand at attention during a ceremony honoring fallen soldiers.

Brownie Troop 2586 march in the May 26 parade procession.

Active service members and members of the Young Marines of Westchester, a program founded in 1958, share a moment of reflection.

Two members of the Larchmont Historical Fire Company ride down Larchmont Avenue in a classic 1928 firetruck.


June 3, 2016 • The MAMARONeCK Review • 9

Talking Business: With

Lenny Balidemaj By iRA eLLeNThAL Executive Vice President It was early, before the dinner rush, on a recent rainy evening when I sat down to interview Lenny Balidemaj, a 42-yearold Albanian from Montenegro, who came to the U.S. in 1994 and, after prepping in other restaurants, set out to dramatically improve the fine dining landscape of lower Westchester County by opening Il Castello, a Mamaroneck institution featuring fine northern Italian cuisine. “Check out its reviews on the Internet and you’ll see how highly patrons rank us,” Lenny said with justifiable pride. “Better still, come in and taste for yourself just how special we are.” In 2002, The New York Times provided a big boost for Il Castello with a highly favorable review and, to hear Lenny tell it, things have only gotten better since. The venue for our interview was Lenny’s, which features ocean-fresh seafood, including mouthwatering, buttery lobster, combined with classic Italian fare and the finest USDA prime steak. Its owner liked describing it as “a steakhouse with an Ital-

ian flair,” which, after extensive renovations, opened last August at the former home of La Scala on Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck. Wisely, Lenny didn’t rush into expansion, a fatal mistake of so many entrepreneurs in the high-mortality restaurant field. “I was confident that I’d know when the right opportunity presented itself,” he said in typical understated fashion. “And, I think I’ll be able to spot the next winner, whenever and wherever that might be.” An Il Castello loyalist and pasta lover agreed with this estimate and added, “Lenny knows what he’s doing at all times and he prides himself on creating wonderful sauces for his wide selection of pasta dishes. I eat there regularly and I love the cozy atmosphere.” Another fan, this one a transplanted Brooklynite, paid Lenny’s the ultimate compliment when he said, “I’ve been there twice since it opened and I love the steaks, which were the equal of Peter Luger’s. What’s more, the ser-

vice was warm and friendly.” One of 10 children, Lenny came to the States without speaking a word of English, but the language barrier was offset by an all-out determination to become successful. “I can’t say I’m surprised by our success because we’ve worked our butts off and we’ll continue to do so,” he said, his words sounding more like a promise than a statement. Somehow, some way, he manages to find time for his family, including his wife and three sons, ages 16, 15 and 12. “I love spending time with them, getting away as a family whenever possible, mostly for two or three days at time.” Going where? “Especially to historic spots like Williamsburg, Virginia,” Lenny said. “Museums are also a favorite venue, as are places like Bear Mountain and the Jersey Shore. And this summer, we’re going back to Montenegro, which will be exciting for all of us.” He attributes his ability to escape from a grueling work schedule for more than a few days to Marcello Rugova, his

Friends since childhood, Lenny Balidemaj, left, owner of Lenny’s, and Marcello Rugova, his manager, enjoy working together. Photos/Bobby Begun

childhood friend in Montenegro who came to the U.S. a year after Lenny and, like his pal, went into the restaurant business. A great, big bear of a man who manages the new restaurant wearing a perpetual smile, Marcello prides himself on getting to know every patron on a first-name basis. As for Lenny, Marcello said this: “He makes it a pleasure to come to work and, believe it or not, we’ve actually gotten closer since I joined him in his business,” a statement he capped off by stating, “I trust him with my life.” A sense of good will seems to envelop the wait staff, in part because they are well paid, respected by management, and valued for their input on how to run the businesses more effectively. “We meet weekly to talk about what went wrong during the previous week and how we’re going to fix it,” Lenny says. A case in point: making sure every patron has been fed in a timely manner, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when all of the tables in both restau-

rants are filled. Noting that the pressure is enormous, Lenny asserts, “I don’t want anyone going away hungry and I won’t serve food that isn’t cooked properly, so we do our very best to do the impossible.” And as he made this assertion,

I looked around, an hour after we began the interview, and noticed that every table in Lenny’s, the less-than-a-year-old restaurant, was full. And it wasn’t even the weekend. CONTACT: irathal@hometwn.com

After extensive renovations to the former home of LaScala on Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck, Lenny’s opened amid much fanfare last August.


10 • The MAMARONeCK Review • June 3, 2016

June 2016

Planning ahead... Sunday

Monday

TueSday

WedneSday LGBT Pride Month

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ThurSday NBA Finals begin

Friday

2

SaTurday

3

SAT testing

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Town board meeting 5 p.m., Town Center Rye Neck Varsity Sports Awards Ceremony 6 p.m., Rye Neck HS VOM Zoning Board of Appeals meeting 7:30 p.m., Courtroom

5

National Cancer Survivors Day

Ramadan begins

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VOM Board of Trustees work session 5:30 p.m., Courtroom Larchmont Board of Trustees work session 7 p.m., Village Hall

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Mamaroneck school board study session 7 p.m., MHS Library Classroom VOM Tree Committee meeting 7:30 p.m., Regatta Conference Room VOM Traffic Commission meeting 8 p.m., Village Hall

Shavuot

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13

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VOM Board of Trustees regular meeting 7:30 p.m., Courtroom

Flag Day

Larchmont Planning Board meeting 8 p.m., Village Center

Mamaroneck school board study session 7 p.m., MHS Tiered Classroom VOM Deer Ad Hoc Committee 7:30 p.m., Courtroom VOM Ethics Board meeting 7:30 p.m., Regatta Conference Room

Father’s Day

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20

Summer Solstice

VOM Board of Trustees work session 5:30 p.m., Courtroom Larchmont Board of Trustees meeting 7 p.m., Village Hall

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VOM Committee for the Environment 7:30 p.m., Courtroom

VOM Budget Committee meeting 7:30 p.m., Regatta Conference Room

VOM Planning Board meeting 7 p.m., Courtroom

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VOM Board of Trustees regular meeting 7:30 p.m., Courtroom

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Fireman’s Carnival All day, Harbor Island Park Regatta board meeting 7 p.m., Courtroom VOM Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee 7:30 p.m., Regatta

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10

11

17

18

24

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Rye Neck Middle School theater production 6:30 p.m., PAC

TOM Planning Board meeting 7:30 p.m., Town Center Larchmont Zoning Board of Appeals meeting 8:15 p.m., Village Hall

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Town board meeting 5 p.m., Town Center

US Open

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Rye Neck school board meeting 7 p.m., MS/HS library VOM Harbor & Coastal Zone Management Commission 7:30 p.m., Courtroom

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VOM Board of Architectural Review 7:30 p.m., Courtroom

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MHS Graduation 6 p.m.

Rye Neck last day of school for students

TOM Planning Board 7:30 p.m., Town Center

Rye Neck HS Graduation Ceremony 5:30 p.m.

TOM Zoning Board of Appeals meeting 7:45 p.m., Town Center Larchmont Board of Architectural Review 8 p.m., Village Center

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VOM Board of Traffic Commissioners 7:30 p.m., Courtroom

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Fireman’s Carnival All day, Harbor Island Park

TOM Recreation and Parks Commission meeting 7 p.m., Harbor Island Park

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Fireman’s Carnival All day, Harbor Island Park County taxes due

Mamamroneck last day of school for students


June 3, 2016 • The MAMARONeCK Review • 11

Getting ready for summer to-do list: RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

• Get new bathing suit. Come on, who am I kidding? Get out old bathing suit, and ignore the fact that it predates the Bush era. (The W. Bush era, that is. It’s not like I never get a new bathing suit. It would just be nice if someday they invented an elastic that stayed elastic instead of getting crunchy after a decade or two. Also, if someone made bathing suits that don’t go out of style every two seconds.) • Quit obsessing about age of bathing suit! • Quit obsessing about age! You are only as old as you feel. Or are you only as young as you feel? • Positive affirmation: I feel younger than springtime! (Of course, springtime has been with us for a while. Ever since the Earth started spinning on its axis, right? Or at least since the evolution of plants? I do feel younger than that, just not in my bathing suit.) • Anyway: Buy sunscreen, and choose between the white glop

no one in the family ever will use because it’s like slathering on blue cheese dressing or the clear spray-on stuff that costs more per ounce than Chanel No. 5? • Buy both. The mere presence of the gloppy white stuff in the medicine cabinet will protect the family from skin cancer by appeasing the angry Coppertone god, and it can stay there for years—in fact, it has. • Ignore the entire article you read yesterday that said a responsible family would go through a whole bottle of sunscreen in a day at the beach if they reapply after each swim. I suppose this is the same family that cleans the coils behind their refrigerator on a monthly basis, as the manufacturer suggests, to “boost cooling efficiency,” as if it is so easy to move a fridge every month—or ever, which could explain our electricity bills. • Quit thinking about things you didn’t do in the middle of writing a “to do” list! • To do: Get son’s health form. • Also to do: Stay on hold for 45 minutes, waiting for the pediatrician’s office to remember

you are alive, on the phone, and had cheerfully responded, “Sure!” to “Can you please hold?” hoping that your chipper sympathy for their “crazy day!” would get you better service. So much for that. You want a crazy day? Try calling the doctor and, after the first 10 minutes on hold, realizing you really have to go to the bathroom. • Quit drifting off topic! Summer! Coming! Soon! Start exercising! • Start exercising your Godgiven right to enjoy life without jogging, stretching, crunching. If I want crunch, I’ve got the elastic in my bathing suit. • Get ready for guests: paper plates, napkins, tablecloths. • Feel guilty about using too much paper. • Feel guilty about not inviting people who are not invited. (But at least you’ll be using less paper.) • Make guest list for festive (if small) barbecue and swim party! • Swim? (In what?) • Buy bathing suit. Or not. Happy summer! CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Abandoned by his human, Joey was lucky to have found a colony that one of our volunteers feeds daily. Not being able to trust humans, he kept his distance from the feeder for more than a year. Recently while trapping an injured cat, Joey’s foster mom noticed he was flirting and blinking at her and decided to give him a chance. She discovered quickly that Joey is a lover boy! Craving human contact and attention, he climbs up on his foster mom, places his paws on her shoulders and gives lots of hugs. This loving, gentle-natured boy also loves kittens. He’s an amazing beautiful soul and deserves to find a home where he’ll be king of the castle. Joey is neutered, up to date with all vaccinations and in good health. Why not donate $80 to Larchmont Pet Rescue and make Joey part of your home? To meet Joey, call 835-3332 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)

Sprain Brook Academy welcomes students after jail

Photo courtesy Westchester County

The Westchester County Jail in Valhalla recently opened its doors to parents, school officials and others for a rare open house highlighting the high school education program operated there by Southern Westchester BOCES. Some 18 or so students of the Sprain Brook Academy were joined by family members for the event, which featured presentations by teachers and outside agencies that offer transition assistance to inmates after their release. Speakers included past and prospective graduates, as well as officials with the Westchester County Department of Correction and Southern Westchester BOCES. Westhab, OneStop and the Strive Program presented information to families about available services. Michael Lopez, an academy graduate and the keynote speaker, encouraged students not to give up on themselves. Lopez manages an automobile repair shop and said he counts correction officers he knew from his time in Valhalla among his customers. “Just because you messed up doesn’t mean you can’t stand up and keep going,” he said. “Just do it for yourself. Nobody can do it for you.” Assistant Warden Randy Watkins said an open house inside a jail is a new idea. He said that it shows families that their loved ones can receive the education they need. “We can only offer it,” he said. “They have to come.”

The academy serves students ages 16 to 21. Entitled to a high school education, they receive a curriculum centered on transition and transformation in their lives. The curriculum is aligned with state standards and Regents requirements and extends to English language literacy for nonreaders, high school academics, Equivalency Exam preparation, life skills and career development. Transition assistance upon release is also provided in relation to housing, employment, training and higher education. Durrell Glover, of Mount Vernon, has seen his sister, T., a prospective graduate, transformed during her time in the academy. He watched with their grandmother as T. stood at a podium and addressed the crowd of 60 or so students, family members and school and correction officials and staff. “I learned a lot in here about myself and not to give up,” T. said. “I learned that every day is the first day of the rest of your life.” “It just goes to show you,” her brother observed, “if that person wants to change they have to go out and get it.” The open house offered families a rare visit to the jail in an educational rather than strictly correctional setting. Westhab’s Strive Program provides job and life skills and other assistance to students after their release from the jail. “It’s not like they’re just cut

loose,” said Strive case manager Kyle James. “We provide a stable environment.” One mother in attendance said she was gratified to see that her son, B., would be able to continue his education and earn his high school diploma while here. “It makes me feel good,” she said. “He’s going to take this as a learning experience, and he’s looking forward. Life isn’t over for him.” Students have been working on their writing under the direction of English teachers Joe Perez and Joan Edwards Acuña. For the occasion, each student received a bound volume of their collective essays, reflections, poems and short stories. The open house is a good opportunity to “remember why we do what we do,” Perez said. He and Edwards Acuña, along with science teacher Keith Mattos and counselor Kevin McAllister, chatted with students and parents throughout the evening. Also on hand were Southern Westchester BOCES District Superintendent Harold Coles, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services James Gratto and BOCES board members Catherine Draper and Lynn Frazer-McBride. “This is a celebration of student achievement,” said Claudia Murphy, director of Adult and Community Services at Southern Westchester BOCES. “You are not defined by where you are but by the choices you make while you are here.” (Submitted)

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12 • The MAMARONeCK Review • June 3, 2016

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SPORTS

June 3, 2016 • The MAMARONeCK Review • 13

Battle of the superstars lIVE MIKE Mike Smith

I think I’ve made it clear in my column that when it comes to my love for professional sports leagues, basketball places a distant fourth behind baseball, football and hockey. Whether it’s the Knicks’ alarming lack of success, the huge disparity between the way the game is played in the pros as opposed to in college, or the fact that, even in the most anticipated matchups of the year, you can simply tune in to the last 10 minutes of a game to get your fill of basketball drama, this sport isn’t exactly my number one pick. But man, am I excited for these NBA finals. On Monday, May 30, the Golden State Warriors put the finishing touches on a 3-1 series comeback, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals to advance to their

second straight Finals appearance against the Cleveland Cavaliers. And even for the most ambivalent of NBA fans, this is a championship series with tons of intrigue. For one thing, whenever you have two teams squaring off for the second year in a row with a championship trophy on the line, it makes for must-see television. The Warriors and Cavs have history now—albeit not a long one—and that’s not something that can be overlooked. That history comes with built-in storylines, which ups the ante tenfold. Can Cleveland, which was decimated by injuries to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love last year, have a better showing against Golden State? With new Cavs’ coach Tyronn Lue, take note of how OKC’s bigger lineup fared against the Warriors in the conference finals. How much of a difference will Cleveland’s improved depth make this time around against a team that just set a new NBA record for regular season wins?

But the most compelling question that this series will answer— and of course, Andre Iguodala’s 2015 finals MVP proves that these storylines don’t always play out perfectly—is the one about which of these two team’s stars, LeBron James or Steph Curry, will emerge victorious? Over the last two years, there have been few sports debates as hotly contested—both in real media and on social media—as which player, LeBron, a two-time champ and four-time league MVP, or Curry, who is coming off two MVP awards of his own, is better. These sorts of debates have long been the lifeblood of professional sports. Bird vs. Magic, Brady vs. Manning, these seemingly singular conversations can dominate the landscape of a professional league for years, and we seem to be reaching a fever pitch with LeBron vs. Curry. One player, LeBron, was anointed the spiritual successor to Michael Jordan when he was about 15 years old and has gone

To CoVER loCal spoRTs, you nEEd a

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

On Thursday, June 2, after press time, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors took the floor in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. As talented as both these teams are, the series might well be remembered as the ultimate showdown between LeBron James and Steph Curry. Photo courtesy aiziku.deviantart.com

on to physically dominate the NBA for 13 seasons. Curry, on the other hand, is an absolute marvel on the court, possibly the best pure shooter ever, and by virtue of his squeaky image—and LeBron’s ill-fated “Decision”—has quickly become the most popular player in today’s game. Will Curry-mania continue as Steph shoots his way to another championship? Will LeBron fi-

nally bring a title to Cleveland? What will the next two weeks mean for the legacies of these two superstars? That’s why the majority of us will be watching the finals. Sure basketball is a team sport, and the championship will likely be decided by which team’s supporting cast comes up bigger in the clutch spots (Matthew Dellavedova for finals MVP?),

but years from now, this series will likely be remembered as a pitched battle between the sports’ two biggest stars. Who will win? I’ve got no idea, and honestly, I don’t really care. I’m just looking forward to the ride.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports


14 • The MAMARONeCK Review • June 3, 2016

SPORTS

Tigers lose finals heartbreaker BOYS LACROSSE

class a

FINALS

LAKELAND/PANAS MAMARONECK WHITE PLAINS HS

11 10

5/25/16

Game Notes: • Gary Shiland scored the game-winning goal for the Rebels with just 6.2 seconds left to play • Emmett Fay had four goals, including a game-tying goal with 28 seconds left • Lakeland’s Nick Vazquez won 15 faceoffs By MiKe SMiTh Sports Editor Over the last few years, Mamaroneck’s lacrosse program has established itself as one of the flagships of Section I, and the Tigers entered 2016 looking to defend their Section I crown. Unfortunately for Mamaroneck, those hopes were dashed on May 25, when a last-second goal by Lakeland/Panas downed the reigning champs in the Class A finals at White Plains High School. With 6.2 seconds to play, Lakeland attacker Gary Shiland collected a rebound and buried a shot to give his team an 11-10

win and send the Tigers home disappointed. The game-winning goal came just 22 seconds after Mamaroneck’s Emmett Fay netted his fourth goal of the game to tie the score at 10 and give the Tigers a shot to send the game into overtime. But Lakeland’s Nick Vasquez won the faceoff, sending the ball back down to the other end, leading to the wild finish. According to Mamaroneck coach Jeff Barnard, Vasquez’s work on faceoffs—he won 15 on the night—was the difference-maker in a game that saw the Rebels dominate the time of possession. “What really killed us was the faceoffs and the possessions,” he said. “[Vasquez] is an outstanding faceoff kid, they did a tremendous job in the groundball war and I think if we won even 50 percent of those, we would have won the game.” Barnard noted that the Rebels, despite controlling the pace for much of the game, were unable to stop Mamaroneck on the defensive end. In addition to Fay’s four goals, Alex Ewald scored three times, and senior standout Eric Greenberg found the net twice despite being hounded by Shiland, who drew the unenviable task of shadowing the All-American. “Without possessing the ball a lot, we still scored 10 goals,” Bar-

nard said. “They had a hard time defending us.” Despite falling short of their goal to repeat as Class A champs, the Tigers showed great resilience this season, the head coach added. After a tough start that saw Mamaroneck win just two of its first five games, the Tigers began to click and won their last six regular season games before the playoffs and finished the year with a 13-5 record. According to Barnard, the turnaround was largely due to the team’s maturity and unselfishness. “We made a lot of changes over the course of the season, changing where kids were playing, changing our plays,” he said. “And I think a good team is always open to changing things up for the success of the team.” Mamaroneck will lose a number of starters to graduation, but should bring back enough talent in 2017 to once again make waves within Class A. Players like Emmett Fay and goalie Jack Dente, who was stellar in his second year in net for the Tigers, should help Mamaroneck continue its ascent. “Emmett put up some big numbers for us, and Jack is getting better all the time in net,” Barnard said. “We’ve got a bunch of guys ready to step up into starting roles next year.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

Alex Ewald brings the ball up the field against Lakeland/Panas. Ewald notched a hat trick against the Rebels.

Chris Conley fires a shot against the Rebels. Photos/Mike Smith

Alex Ewald celebrates a goal in the first half of Mamaroneck’s May 25 Class A championship game.

Eric Greenberg drives past a Lakeland/Panas defender on May 25 at White Plains High School. Greenberg had two goals in the Tigers’ Class A finals loss.


SPORTS

Tigers fall in AA finals BASEBALL

class a a

FINALS

KETCHAM MAMARONECK PALISADES CREDIT UNION PARK

4 3 5/28/16

Game Notes: • Mamaroneck made three errors to stake the Indians to an early 3-0 lead • Tiger hurler Bill Flatow struck out five batters on the night • Mamaroneck ends the season with a record of 21-3

By MiKe SMiTh Sports Editor For a team that has been as solid defensively as Mamaroneck has been all year, the defensive miscues in Saturday’s game were something of an outlier. Unfortunately for the Tigers, it came at the worst possible time, dooming Mamaroneck to a 4-3 loss to RC Ketcham in the Class A finals at Palisades Credit Union Park. Mamaroneck made three errors, which led to four unearned runs behind starter Bill Flatow on Saturday night, something that Tiger coach Mike Chiapparelli knew could bite the Tigers against an aggressive team like the Indians. “The game plan was that they are a team you can’t let get on base by making errors and walks,” Chiapparelli said. “It was all about getting those 21 outs.” The Indians drew first

in the bottom of the second inning, taking a 2-0 lead after both a wild pitch and an error led to runs. Ketcham added another run to their lead in the third on a Mamaroneck throwing error, before the Tigers battled back to tie the game scoring three runs in the top of the fourth inning, thanks in part to a two-out, two-run double by Brian Knapp. In the bottom half of the fifth inning, however, Ketcham went on top for good

when an RBI ground-out from Steve Merrill plated the winning run. Flatow struck out five batters in six innings of work, but was tagged with the loss, despite pitching effectively. “[Flatow] pitched well, he walked the first batter of the game and then he settled down,” said Chiapparelli of his senior hurler. “He did a really good job, but we just didn’t make the plays behind him. If we played better defense, we win the game 3-0.” With the loss to Ketcham, Mamaroneck’s hopes of repeating as Class AA state champs were dashed, but Chiapparelli was still proud of the way his team battled this

year, despite losing several big names that helped guide the program to a state title a year ago. “[In the last two years] this group has gone 45-7, they’ve won a state title and they’ve really played great baseball against a really grueling schedule,” Chiapparelli said. “Not too many teams could answer the challenges we’ve put in front of them.” Despite falling short of the sectional title this year, the head coach believes his team is poised to remain in the conversation in 2017. Although the squad will graduate standouts like Flatow, third baseman Peter Matt and first baseman Brian Knapp, they bring back a number of capable players next year that will likely carry on Mamaroneck’s winning ways. Second baseman Mark Adamo showed great improvement as the season went on as did catcher Jarret Nachtigal, who got the start behind the plate for Mamaroneck in Saturday’s championship game. But as always, Mamaroneck will go as far as its pitching takes them. In Truman Devitt, who posted a 0.82 ERA in 59 innings of work this year, the Tigers have a reliable ace once again. “Truman had an unbelievable season this year,” Chiapparelli said. “And we have Sachin Nambiar, Andrew Francella, a few kids coming up, so we are going to have some good arms.”

June 3, 2016 • The MAMARONeCK Review • 15

Brian Knapp clubs a two-out double against the Indians. Knapp’s twoRBI hit tied the game at 3-3. Photos/Mike Smith

Bill Flatow throws a pitch against RC Ketcham at Palisades Credit Union Park on May 28. Flatow struck out five batters in six innings of work.

CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

Miles Haughton looks to turn a double play.

Mark Adamo fields the ball after a throw gets away in the infield.


16 • The MAMARONeCK Review • June 3, 2016


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