Mamaroneck REVIEW THE
June 24, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 26 | www.mamaroneckreview.com
Ex-Dem chairman, village critic to seek primary By JamES PEro Staff Writer
Orlando Strong
Southern Westchester County recently honored the victims of the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida with two separate candlelight vigils. The LOFT LGBT Community Center in White Plains and the village of Mamaroneck both memorialized those lost in America’s deadliest mass shooting with songs, prayers and statements from elected officials. For coverage, see page 6. Photo/Chris Courtney
Larchmont looks to extend development moratorium By JamES PEro Staff Writer As the village of Larchmont’s temporary moratorium on residential development ticks down, the Board of Trustees will look to extend the ban for three more months in order to flesh out its new planning vision.
If extended, the moratorium would mark nine consecutive months without any residential development throughout the village. On Monday, June 20 at a Board of Trustees meeting, the village board voted unanimously in favor of initiating a round of public hearings that would
consider the benefits of a threemonth extension on the current moratorium, which expires on July 15. According to Mayor Lorraine Walsh, a Democrat, the board— which has been formulating the village’s new proposed site plan laws since January—is still in the midst of reviewing a num-
ber of facets of what those laws would entail. Among the topics of discussion, she told the Review, are specific floor-area ratio requirements, setback alterations, excavation regulation and storm water requirements. moratorium continued on page 10
Democratic candidates for the village of Mamaroneck Board of Trustees’ three open seats will contend with an unexpected challenger, as Stuart Tiekert, a critic of the current village government, has gathered the necessary number of signatures to primary for the Democratic line. Just last week, Democratic Party leaders chose Viktor Tafur, Keith Waitt and incumbent Trustee Leon Potok as their full slate for the upcoming November election. This week, Tiekert secured his spot in a Democratic primary, gathering the minimum of 228 signatures required to appear on the primary ballot. While Tiekert, 66, hopes to run for a seat on the board in the November general election as a Democrat, he has consistently been a vocal critic of the Democratic village board majority, which has held the board since 2011. “I’m choosing to run now because I have been disappointed with the majority leadership for the last several years,” he said. “There doesn’t seem to be a strong agenda about the things I’m interested in.” Among the items that Tiekert believes have gone unaddressed by the current majority are
what he describes as a flawed procurement policy; the system by which contracts are awarded by the village. “Contracts are awarded without competitive procurement that our policy requires,” Tiekert said. To quell what he views as a flawed process, Tiekert explained, he would attempt to bring change and oversight to the table. “I would urge my board members to make sure the village [manager] follows procedure,” he said. Tiekert said he’s unsure whether or not he would run for office as an candidate, but would consider the option if he fails to survive the Democratic primary. Having spent many of his active years in the village advocating for the environment— both on the recycling committee, now known as the Committee for the Environment, and on outings with Save the Sound— Tiekert said he plans to bring environmental causes to the forefront. “As a coastal community, our harbor and water quality is important,” he said. “We seem to be on a path that doesn’t improve it.” Tiekert—who is currently a district leader in the town of Primary continued on page 8
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Army Corps resubmits flood project to state By JamES PEro Staff Writer After a consistency review for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed $75 million flood mitigation project was rejected by the New York state Department of State, another version has been submitted; this time with a greater focus on state and local waterfront regulation. The project’s fate, however, still remains unclear as it awaits review from both village of Mamaroneck and state governing bodies. The new document, submitted to the New York Department of State, on June 6, addresses all 44 of the policies outlined in both the state and village of Mamaroneck’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, LWRP, a doctrine that dictates best practices for developing land near protected bodies of water. According to a representative from the department, in order for it to proceed, the project must be deemed consistent with local and state waterfront policy. While many village officials and representatives—including the chairman of the village’s Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee, Tony Gelber, the chairwoman of the village’s Harbor and Coastal Zone Man-
agement Commission Cindy Goldstein, and Trustee Leon Potok, a Democrat—have not thoroughly reviewed the resubmissions as of press time, an upcoming village meeting may shine more light on the newest document. According to Clark Neuringer, a member of the harbor commission, residents can expect representatives from the Army Corps to attend an upcoming meeting held by the commission on July 20. With the resubmission will come another 30-day public comment period which ends on July 29, Village Manager Richard Slingerland said, during which residents can submit their input regarding the newest consistency review. The Board of Trustees, he added, will also review the project on June 27. The harbor commission, according to Goldstein, will also be responsible for providing its own recommendation to the State Department about whether the project falls in line with the village’s LWRP. A previous negative determination by both the harbor commission and the department, which sent the project back to the Corps for another review, has already sparked a debate among village officials and volunteer boards over what Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republi-
can, called a “political agenda.” A plea that resulted in Rosenblum—who has supported the project since its inception—releasing the email addresses of commission members urged residents to petition commission members to reconsider their recommendation. The project, if approved, would be funded primarily by federal and state sources. According to a cost breakdown from the Army Corps, the $75 million project would receive the bulk of its funding from the federal government—$45 million in total—whereas according to Rosenblum, the village could pay upwards of $10 million. By channelizing—cementing—portions of both the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake rivers, as well as constructing more than 7,500 feet of concrete retaining wall, initial projections claim the project could reduce first-floor flooding in Mamaroneck’s flood plain by 86 percent and drastically reduce the likelihood of severe floods that have plagued the village for decades. The State Department now has 60 days from the submission date to review the project, with an optional 15-day extension. CoNtaCt: james@hometwn.com
A new verdict awaits following the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ resubmission of its flood mitigation project to the Department of State on June 6. Pictured is the Mamaroneck River, one of two waterways that would be altered by the proposed project. File photo
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What’s going on... Mamaroneck Public Library
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.
Visit mamaronecklibrary.org for more information on these and other events and programs.
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.
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 3:30 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 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.
English Conversation Group On Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Historical Society Room on the first floor. Make friends while you practice speaking English. Registration is suggested but not necessary. For more information, call 630-5887.
Larchmont Public Library 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.
Open-play mahjong On Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Michael P. Coords Activity Room. Join the library for a game of mahjong. Come join the fun and make some new friends, too. No instruction is provided and it’s recommended that participants bring their own mahjong pieces.
Project Linus Knitting and Crochet Group On Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon in the Village Center. Join this knitting/crochet group and use your talents for a good cause. The group has created and donated several blankets to Montifiore New Rochelle Hospital for the benefit of local children. No registration required. For all questions related to Project Linus, email Doris Patt Smith at momdsmith1@yahoo.com.
Minute to Win It On Monday, June 27 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for grades six and up, and on Wednesday, June 29 at 3:30pm for ages 8 to 11. Online registration is required for both sessions. Join the library’s version of the popular game show. For those of you who are unfamiliar with “Minute to Win It,” it’s a game show in which contestants must race against the clock to complete simple tasks (using household items) in 60 seconds. On Monday, kick off the summer with a series of mini challenges to complete in under a minute to test skills and speed. Prizes for the winner and runner up. On Wednesday, kids will form teams and compete in a series of one-minute challenge rounds. The team with the most wins takes home the trophy.
Fourth of July hats On Tuesday, June 30 at 11 a.m. For ages 5 to 7. Come to the library and create a totally wacky hat perfect for celebrating this country’s 240th birthday. A free ticket is required to attend this event. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the program.
At Home on the Sound
Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce
Volunteers needed
Sunset Cruise
At Home on the Sound is seeking additional summer volunteers to drive older neighbors in Mamaroneck and Larchmont to errands, shopping or appointments. The local nonprofit supports adults who want to remain in their own homes as they age. Rides will be provided on weekdays, and volunteers can determine when and how often they drive. For more information or to become a volunteer, call 899-3150 or email athomeinfo@athomeonthesound.org.
The Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce invites you on Friday, July 29 for the first Sunset Cruise aboard the Klondike IX. Participants will board at 6:30 p.m. at Harbor Island Park and enjoy five hours on the water listening to Sue & the Fun Ghouls play live. A delicious dinner by Andrea’s 25 North, wine, beer, soda and dessert are also included for $125 per person. The cruise is limited to 135 people. You must pay in advance online at mamaroneckchamberofcommerce.org or you can mail a check to the Mamaroneck Chamber office, 430 Center Ave., Mamaroneck, NY 10543. There is also the opportunity for your business to be a sponsor of this special evening. For only $400, your business name will be on the poster at Harbor Island Park as a generous sponsor and you will receive two tickets for the cruise, a $250 value. If you have any questions, please call 698-4400 or email chamber10543@optonline.net.
Moving and downsizing workshop Professional organizer Jocelyn Kenner will present a helpful workshop on Tuesday, June 28 at 4 p.m. at Russell Hall in Larchmont Avenue Church, located at 60 Forest Park Ave. in Larchmont. Refreshments will be served before the workshop beginning at 3:30 p.m. This workshop, called “Managing a Lifetime’s Worth of Possessions,” is appropriate for anyone considering moving or downsizing. Kenner has a master’s in education from Columbia University and taught for 14 years before moving to administrative posts in business. She blends warmth, humor and knowledge into the strategies and resources learned from her varied work experiences and in helping clients in Westchester organize their homes. Kenner is an active member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization.
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.
Mamaroneck Artists Guild ‘Summertime I’ and ‘Summertime II’ The Mamaroneck Artists Guild will be exhibiting work during two back-to-back shows that feature different types of media. The first exhibition, “Summertime I,” includes ceramics, jewelry, glass, photography and works on paper. The second exhibition, “Summertime II,” uses wood, fiber, sculpture and works on canvas, board or non-paper surfaces. “Summertime I” will run until July 9, with an opening reception on Saturday, June 25 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. “Summertime II” will run from July 13 through July 30 with an opening reception on Saturday, July 16 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The gallery, which is located at 126 Larchmont Ave. in Larchmont, will be open from Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The gallery is free and open to the public. The gallery will be closed for the month of August and will reopen on Sept. 1. For more information about the Mamaroneck Artists Guild, call 834-1117.
Community news Get a U.S. passport As new passport requirements go into effect, Westchester County staff will be visiting Harbor Island Park, located at Mamaroneck Avenue and Boston Post Road, on Thursday, July 21 to process passport applications from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Do not wait until the last minute; apply now. Routine passport applications generally take approximately six weeks. You will need a passport to enter the United States by air, by land or by sea, unless you are a child under the age of 16 entering by land or sea with proof of U.S. citizenship or an adult with another travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. You will need proof that you are a United States citizen, such as an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad or a naturalization certificate. You will also need proof of your identity such as a current valid driver’s license or a government-issued identification card. For minors under 16, both parents should appear together and sign the application of the child. However, if only one parent appears and signs, that parent must submit the other parent’s notarized Statement of Consent form (DS-3053) and a photocopy of their identification. The Statement of Consent form can be found at WestchesterClerk.com. The fee for an adult passport is $110 and for a child’s passport is $80. Fees can be paid by money order or check only. There is an additional $25 service fee that can be paid by money order, check or credit card. Applications will also be accepted for the U.S. Passport Card for land and sea border travel only. Be sure to bring original documents with raised seals to avoid having to make a second trip. If you have questions about whether you have what you need to apply, do not hesitate to call the Westchester County clerk office at 995-3082 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or visit westchesterclerk.com. Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.
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Habitat luncheon honors local contributors On June 8, Habitat for Humanity of Westchester honored local volunteers and public officials at its American Dream Luncheon held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains. Among those in attendance were County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein, a Republican, and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, a Democrat. Review Publisher Howard Sturman, who shared a close friendship with Andrew
O’Rourke, the late former Republican county executive, received an award named after the political heavyweight. Upon receiving the award, Sturman spoke of his memories of O’Rourke, a founding member of the Westchester Habitat chapter, who also provided the organization with its first piece of land in Larchmont nearly 30 years ago. Habitat of Westchester is currently based in New Rochelle and has worked on more than 2,000 new homes and rehabilitation
New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein, left, is presented with an award for his contributions to the organization by Jim Killoran, Habitat of Westchester CEO.
projects, including Hurricane Sandy and flood homes, with the help of more than 15,000 volunteers last year. According to Jim Killoran, Habitat of Westchester’s CEO, the nonprofit organization’s most recent initiatives are targeted toward the millennial population who can no longer afford to live in Westchester due to rising costs, as well as local veterans who settle in the area. “This luncheon, now more than ever, is a clarion call that we are in an affordable homeowner crisis,” Killoran told the Review. “Every town and city should have affordable home ownership with the help of Habitat in the upcoming years.” As the organization approaches its 30th anniversary in 2019, Killoran is actively seeking volunteers to help build and rebuild Westchester neighborhoods. “We believe the economic success of Westchester is contingent upon people’s ability to live here,” Killoran said. “To that end, we want everyone to pick up a hammer.” -Reporting by Andrew Dapolite
Jim Killoran, second from left, with student volunteers from Horace Mann School in the Bronx. Photos/Bobby Begun
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, left, with Review Publisher Howard Sturman. Sturman received the Andrew P. O’Rourke award in honor of the late county executive.
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Mamaroneck THE
REVIEW
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Westchester pays tribute to
Orlando victims By Suzy BErKowitz Editorial Assistant In Westchester County, the LOFT LGBT Community Center in White Plains and the village of Mamaroneck held two separate candlelight vigils to honor the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, June 12. The attack, which took place at Pulse, an LGBT nightclub in downtown Orlando, killed 49 people and injured 53, making it the deadliest mass shooting in American history. The gunman, 29-year-old Omar Mateen, entered the nightclub around 2 a.m., armed with both a semiautomatic AR-15 assault rifle and a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, and began firing shots. After identifying himself as the shooter to an Orlando news station over the phone, Mateen held hostages inside the club’s bathroom until SWAT officers, FBI agents and local law enforcement breached the building’s walls using an armored vehicle. Once officials entered
Vigil participants set their candles down near the veterans’ memorial in front of the courtroom in Mamaroneck on Mount Pleasant Avenue. Photo/Chris Courtney
Students from the Westchester Sandbox Theatre, located in Mamaroneck, sing to community members iin front of the veterans’ memorial by the courtroom in Mamaroneck during the candlelight vigil for the victims of the mass shooting. Photo/Chris Courtney
the premises, a gunfight ensued, killing Mateen. In the wake of this tragedy, community centers and organizations nationwide have been holding ceremonies and vigils in memory of those killed in the attack. The candlelight vigil held outside the LOFT LGBT Community Center, located on Bryant Avenue, brought out a
crowd of approximately 150 people. The ceremony included a reading of all 49 victims’ names and ages, along with statements made by elected officials and community clergy members, including city of White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach, a Democrat, and a spokesperson of U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, a New York Democrat. Other organizations repre-
From left, Harrison High School students Katelyn Daher, Angie Martinetti, Nadia Saghei and Cyle Rockoff attend the vigil in White Plains, holding signs in support of remembering the victims and protecting members of the queer Latinx community. Photo/Suzy Berkowitz
senting those affected by the attack also attended the vigil, including the Westchester Hispanic Coalition and the American Muslim Women’s Association. According to Scott Havelka, LOFT director of programs
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The names, ages and a brief biography of the 49 victims killed in the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida were displayed during a candlelight vigil at the LOFT LGBT Community Center in White Plains on Thursday, June 16. Photo/Suzy Berkowitz
and services, it was necessary to show alliances with other community organizations to display a sense of unity and solidarity in the wake of this tragedy. “We knew we needed to organize something here in White Plains, and we thought it was important to collaborate with these groups to show that no one person represents an entire community,” he said. “We hope this vigil will help spark a continuing conversation so these mass shootings and hate crimes are not commonplace anymore.” The candlelight vigil held by the village of Mamaroneck in front of the courtroom on Mount Pleasant Avenue yielded a turnout of approximately 150 community members, and featured songs and poems sung by students from the Westchester Sandbox Theatre. “[The vigil] was an opportunity for people to honor those that unfortunately lost their lives and bring to light that it is very important that while the apparent target seemed to be the LGBT community, the reality is, this is a target that affects everybody,” Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, said. “I do what I think is best for the village of Mamaroneck and offer a venue for people to express themselves.” -with reporting by Andrew Dapolite
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County labor union rallies for new deal A local chapter of the Civil Service Employees Association Inc. held two rallies in front of the Westchester County government’s Edwin G. Michaelian Office Building, located at 148 Martine Ave. in White Plains, on June 7. The union, which represents more than 3,000 employees across multiple county departments, was protesting the lack of
a new labor contract for nearly five years, the longest the union has ever gone without a new agreement in place. The last time the union and the county met to negotiate toward a new contract was in 2014, when CSEA 9200 walked away from the bargaining table following a fact-finder’s recommendations that, if accepted, would lead union members
CSEA 9200 President Kwabena Manu addresses union members at a rally held outside the Westchester County government building on June 7. The union, representing county employees, has been without a contract for more than 1,600 days.
to contribute toward their health care, along with accepting a twoyear wage freeze. “We walked away from the last contract because if we had taken it, it means we’d be taking money out of the pockets of our members,” said Kwabena Manu, president of CSEA 9200. Currently, the union continues to operate under the parameters of the previous contract, which expired on Dec. 31, 2011. The first rally took place from noon to 2 p.m., and another took place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. At the noon gathering, Manu spoke to around 200 union members gathering with custom T-shirts and placards. “We are not here to insult anyone in the county [government],” Manu said. “We are just demanding what we deserve…. Just come to the table with a fair and equitable contract.” However, Manu told members present at the rally that the time has come for the union to pay into their health benefits. “The county is not going to give us any raises if we don’t pay into [them],” he said. “But
CSEA 9200 union members shout, “What do we want? Contract! When do we want it? Now!” during a rally on Martine Avenue in White Plains. The last time the union held negotiations with county officials was in 2014. Photos/Sibylla Chipaziwa
I can promise you that by the end of this year, we will have a contract. If we don’t, vote me out.” Tracey Gamble, a Connecticut resident that has worked in
the county Department of Environmental Facilities for 30 years, said the cost of living is always going up, and that five years without a contract is too long.
“I have three kids in college…. We’re not getting nothing,” he said. “When we speak on it, they [the county government] get mad. It’s crazy.” -Reporting by Sibylla Chipaziwa
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Mother, daughter bake pies to fight cancer Rye grad nets $44K in ‘Jeopardy!’ appearance By LiNNEt tSE Contributor
By aNDrEw DaPoLitE Contributor
One year after being diagnosed with breast cancer, Larchmont resident Cindy Habig decided to do something about the disease she’d come to hate. Ten pairs of sneakers and four Avon 39 Walks to End Breast Cancer later, she, along with her daughter Katie, are on to something therapeutic: apple pies. In 2013, still recovering from her own mastectomy and reconstruction, Cindy Habig signed up for her first Avon Walk, a two-day, 39-mile walk. She joined Team 4ever in San Francisco, a team started by her sister-in-law, Lis Fuchs, who had become a tremendous advocate for breast cancer awareness and research after her own initial diagnosis at age 37. Avon Walk 39 began in 2003 to fund research to aid in the prevention, understanding and treatment of breast cancer and now is held in seven cities nationwide. Hooked after her 2013 walk, Cindy Habig signed up for the walk again in 2014, this time joined by her older son, Robbie. When her entire family—husband Bruce, sons Robbie and Matt, and daughter Katie—decided to join her for the walk in 2015, Cindy Habig realized they had to get creative to raise the funds needed to meet Team 4ever’s fundraising goals. According to Cindy Habig, she and Katie Habig came up with the idea while out training for a walk. They’d always
For Stew Latwin, the hardest part was keeping a secret. After filming multiple episodes of the popular television quiz show in March, Latwin, a former Rye resident, was contractually obligated to keep the outcome of his “Jeopardy!” debut to himself until its national broadcast more than two months later. “It was kind of weird sitting on the secret that I won at all,” Latwin told the Review prior to the airing of the final episode on June 8. “My friends said they either wanted to see me win and do well, or they wanted to see me do so bad I ended with a negative score.” On June 6, friends and family across the country finally got to watch Latwin appear as a contestant on the nationally syndicated show and capture a total of $44,601 in winnings across three episodes, two of which he reigned as champion. One of the longest running game shows in television history, “Jeopardy!” is comprised of general knowledge clues in the form of answers, to which contestants phrase their responses in the form of questions. The clues cross a wide variety of topics, including history, current events, science, popular culture, literature and languages, and are categorized by topic or theme. Each category contains five clues, valued incrementally between $200 and $1,000. The contestant who rings in their answer using a hand-held signaling device the fastest gets the first chance to answer the clue. However, unlike most television game shows where contestants are selected at random, “Jeopardy!” has an extremely difficult and competitive application process. “I’ve been applying for years and finally, everything just came together,” Latwin said. Latwin, 30, first took an online test in January 2014; a 50-question exam where applicants have
From left, Cindy and Katie Habig baking their apple pies. Photo/Linnet Tse
enjoyed baking together, and “Katie could whip out a fruit pie without a recipe,” she said. They emailed a handful of friends, inviting them to order Memorial Day pies. The 150 apple pies they baked and sold as a result helped propel Cindy Habig to the secondhighest fundraiser in the 2015 San Francisco Avon Walk, behind her sister-in-law, Fuchs. Sadly, this year, the Avon 39 Walk has a special meaning for Team 4ever, as Fuchs, the team founder, passed away in November 2015 at age 51 from breast cancer. “Our feet are heavy, but there is much more to be done,” Cindy Habig said. “So we
The Habig family at the finish of the 2015 Avon Walk. From left, Matt, Robbie, Cindy, Bruce and Katie. Photo courtesy Cindy Habig
keep walking Everyone who buys a pie becomes a part of our team. It really helps know how much support we have in Larchmont.” “Cancer won’t stop with Lis, so neither will we,” Katie Habig added. Team 4ever hopes to push their cumulative team total to $500,000 and they are counting on their delicious, home-baked apple pies to help. Cindy and Katie Habig, a recent Villanova University graduate, expect to bake 200 pies for the Fourth of July weekend. Having baked almost 100 pies for Memorial Day weekend, they anticipate using 1,000 pounds of apples this season. “Thankfully,” Cindy Habig says, “the pie sale helps us turn a very serious and painful topic into a way to spread happiness. Friends share our pies, our story and our mission for us. We truly enjoy baking, but talking to each friend or neighbor as they pick up their pies is my favorite part … and our house smells really good.” To order a pie, contact Cindy Habig at chabig4ever@gmail. com or 834-1174. A 10-inch pie sells for $25; a 6-inch pie $15. For donations more than $100, donors also receive a free pie. To donate online, visit bit.ly/KHabigAvon39 and bit.ly/CHabigAvon39. Pickup dates begin June 30.
Primary from page 1
Rye—also briefly held a position as the Democratic Party’s chairman in 2012 and was nominated to run for trustee that year, but said he stepped aside for current Democratic Trustee Potok.
Stew Latwin, a 2004 graduate of Rye High School, serves as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy and has flown missions in the Persian Gulf on the U.S.N.S. Arctic and the U.S.S. Iwo Jima. Latwin recently appeared on the TV show “Jeopardy!” for three consecutive nights, coming away with more than $44,000 in winnings. Contributed photo
only 15 seconds to type in the answer. After achieving a high score, Latwin was called to audition in June of that same year in Washington, District of Columbia, however he didn’t receive that long-awaited phone call until February 2016 when a show producer asked him to appear as a contestant the following month at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. Latwin explained that with only a month’s notice, it was nearly impossible to prepare for the show’s wide range and depth of topics, which forced him to draw upon his years of experience as an avid “Jeopardy!” fan and frequent trivia competitor. “Back in high school, or probably even earlier, I watched ‘Jeopardy!’ at home and kept watching as much as I could,” he said. “I also just like trivia and like challenging myself mentally in different ways, whether it’s trivia, crossword puzzles, things like that.” Latwin graduated from Rye High School in the top 10 percentile of his class in 2004 before moving on to earn an honors degree in systems engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He currently serves as a helicopter pilot in the Navy, and has flown missions in the Persian Gulf on the
U.S.N.S. Arctic and the U.S.S. Iwo Jima. That experience proved invaluable to Latwin on the show as he clinched his second victory, winning $29,201 on June 7, by providing the correct question to a clue regarding the helicopter used in the opening credits of the television series “M*A*S*H.” “We had no idea going in what the questions were going to be,” Latwin said. “Some of it was just luck that the helicopter question was selected for me.” Looking back on his time on set, Latwin described a nervous energy around the studio, while also noting that despite the intense competition, everyone was friendly toward each other, even the more intense competitors. “It was a great experience,” he said. “It was mentally and physically exhausting by the end of the day, but it was a lot of fun. Everyone I met out there was incredibly nice, even the contestants you see vilified [on the Internet].” With his winnings, Latwin intends to help pay for his upcoming wedding later this year and pay off graduate school, as well as take a few vacations. “It was very exciting and cool to see the filming and be part of a show I’ve grown up loving,” he said.
In regard to Tiekert’s relationship with both the Democratic Party and the current village board majority, Potok, who declined to comment on his relationship with Tiekert, told the Review, “The nominating committee picked the three best
candidates. The three best candidates were the ones they selected; he was not one of them.” The village of Mamaroneck Democratic primary is set for Sept. 13. CoNtaCt: james@hometwn.com
June 24, 2016 • thE mamaroNECK rEviEw • 9
10 • the MAMARONeCK Review • June 24, 2016
Rye considers archers for deer control
Con Edison plans gas, electric increases By CorEy StoCKtoN Staff Writer
Hank Birdsall, a Rye-based biologist with deer management expertise, has recommended that the city use volunteer archers to control the growing white-tailed deer population. Pictured is a section of the Marshlands Conservancy in Rye with almost no understory, lacking smaller trees and shrubs on the ground which have been eaten away by deer in the area. Photo/Hank Birdsall
By SiByLLa ChiPaziwa Editorial Assistant Wildlife biologist Hank Birdsall believes there are 159 deer in the small city of Rye and is recommending using volunteer archers to control the population. Birdsall, who lives in Rye and has experience in deer management, conducted a deer study for the city and recently presented his results. At both dawn and dusk between December 2015 and March 2016, Birdsall and volunteers collected data for his report by tracking white-tailed deer in and around the Rye Golf Club, the Marshlands Conservancy, the Jay Heritage Center, the Greenhaven section of the city, the Edith Read Sanctuary, the Rye Nature Center and Greenwood Union Cemetery. A deer pellet count was also conducted between April 5 and April 11 of this year. “Deer are ‘eco-engineers’; what they do really affects a forest,” Birdsall said, adding that high numbers of deer are a concern because of the effects they have on forest health. A healthy forest or wooded area would have an understory, smaller trees and shrubs that grow on the ground that other animals rely on. Young trees’ inability to grow and replace older trees due to deer eating them will drastically affect the parks and greenery of Rye and surrounding ar-
eas in 100 years, he said. “Clearly, [doing] nothing is not an option,” Birdsall said. Birdsall then offered three options for the city to take. The first two options included using non-lethal immunocontraception with medicated darts every two to three years, which uses an animal’s immune system to prevent fertilizing offspring, and hiring sharpshooters with firearms from organizations such as USDA Wildlife and White Buffalo Inc. on an annual basis. The third option, and Birdsall’s recommendation, is “Hosta-Hunter,” a network connecting skilled, local volunteer archers with property owners in Rye. The hired hunters would use compound bows from removable, elevated tree stands 150 feet from the nearest resident’s house—a state law—unless the resident allows bowhunting from a closer distance. “We don’t just want good archers, we want the best of the best,” Birdsall said, adding that hunters will have to sign an injury waiver and residents could have a say on how hunters will behave on their private property. Bowhunting season in Westchester begins on Oct. 1 and runs through Dec. 31. Under this scenario, effects of dead deer on the environment were also considered, as Birdsall suggested that 25 percent of local venison be donated to the Food Bank of
Westchester to help cut down on Rye’s carbon footprint, with hunters keeping the rest as an incentive. According to Rye Police Department data, there were 16 reported accidents involving cars and deer per year on average between 2008 and 2015; there have been eight collisions reported so far this year. Affected Rye drivers can pay more than $50,000 per year in damages, excluding medical costs, Birdsall said in his report. He also noticed that more than one-third of deer-car collisions occurred on Boston Post Road, between Oakland Beach Avenue and Rye’s border with Mamaroneck. Almost all collisions happened when there was low visibility, between dusk and dawn, when deer are most active. Republican Rye City Mayor Joe Sack said that he and village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, have not spoken about Birdsall’s report. The two mayors tried to get Westchester County to help the two municipalities with a deer culling program, but the county declined. “[Rosenblum] has been a great partner,” Sack said. “If Mamaroneck wants to use whatever information that Birdsall collected, they’re more than welcome to; it’s public information.” CoNtaCt: sibylla@hometwn.com
The New York State Department of Public Service held two public hearings this month to consider allowing Con Edison to increase rates on gas and electric delivery. The proposed increases would raise the cost of gas services by an average of 8.4 percent and would increase the cost of electricity services by about 5.7 percent. Con Edison, an energy company, has requested a rate increase that would aim to bolster its annual delivery revenues on gas and electric by about $640 million from the approximately 3 million customers they serve across Westchester County and New York City. The state Public Service Commission would have to approve the power company’s request for the rate increase in order for it to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2017. Bills issued by energy companies consist of charges for supply—the cost of electricity
or gas—and charges for delivery—the cost to transport the supply through the company’s utility network. A company is not responsible for setting the supply rates, and must receive approval from the Department of Public Service, DPS, which ensures affordable, safe and reliable access to utilities, before altering delivery rates. The DPS has 11 months to review a rate case from when a company submits a request before they must approve or deny it. During that time, the commission organizes a team to analyze the company’s reasons for the proposed rate increase and negotiate a counteroffer. Con Edison representatives said the company plans to use the increased revenue for several capital projects that would benefit its customers and increase employee safety. Con Edison President Craig Ivey said in a released statement, “We plan to implement a fiveyear smart meter modernization program that will reduce operating costs while significantly improving customer ser-
vice and outage response.” These smart meters would be part of what the company is calling Advanced Metering Infrastructure, which would allow Con Edison to operate certain procedures—including assessing outages and turning on power for new customers—remotely. Last year, Con Edison applied to raise rates on electric delivery in 2016, but the DPS denied the request. Con Edison has not increased delivery rates since 2012. Con Edison estimates that the average residential consumer in Westchester uses about 450 kWh of electricity per month, a usage that would see a rate increase of $6.25. Residential gas usage, averaging about 100 therms per month in the county, would increase by nearly $11 monthly. The Public Service Commission and Con Edison arranged an initial meeting to begin settlement negotiations for the morning of June 23, after press time. CoNtaCt: corey@hometwn.com
moratorium from page 1
“There’s more study to be done,” the mayor said. Since the start of 2016, the topic of residential development has become a contentious issue in both the village of Larchmont and town of Mamaroneck, which passed its own—now expired— three-month moratorium in December 2015. Currently, the town is still hashing out its site plan law, sans moratorium. The passage of Larchmont’s development moratorium, however, has not come without its hitches. The village has faced the threat of multiple lawsuits from developers, since a series of heated municipal meetings led to the establishment of the moratorium. Among the two developers who have filed—and were denied—appeals to skirt the terms of the moratorium is KOSL Building Group, which currently owns the iconic centuryold home located on 40 Ocean Ave.; the proposed demolition of which sparked the village’s initial debate over teardowns. According to Village Administrator Justin Datino, Cuddy and
The village of Larchmont Board of Trustees will look to extend the moratorium on residential development for an additional three months to iron out any kinks in the village’s site plan law. File photo
Feder, the law firm representing the property owners of 40 Ocean Ave., has not yet filed a formal lawsuit against the village, as of press time, despite notification that they may do so. The first round of public hearings to extend the moratorium will be held at 7:30 p.m. on July 6 in Village Hall. Walsh said that if the exten-
sion is passed, different facets of the proposed changes to the village’s site plan law could be passed intermittently over the following three months. “We don’t necessarily have to pass everything at once,” she said. “It can come out in bits and pieces.” CoNtaCt: james@hometwn.com
11 • the MAMARONeCK Review • June 24, 2016
Business Briefs Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester welcomes new board members Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester voted in new officers and three new members for its 2016-17 board of directors. Susan Yubas, of Rye, will serve as board chair; Kathleen McArdle, of Port Chester, will serve as vice chair; Joanne Ciaramella, Esq., of White Plains, will serve as secretary; and Charles Trainor, of Briarcliff Manor, will serve as treasurer. Mary Gibbons Gardiner, Jean LePere and George Whitehead have been named the newest members of the board. Larchmont resident Gardiner is a vice president, financial advisor and senior partner of the Gardiner Epstein Group at Morgan Stanley. She focuses on wealth management for families, executives and business owners. As a certified divorce financial analyst, Gibbons’ team specializes in helping women in transition, especially during divorce and widowhood. Gardiner is a member of Westchester Community College’s Salon Series and has co-chaired the YWCA’s Women’s Marketplace on several occasions. Brewster resident LePere is the regional corporate and community engagement manager for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Dedicated to health, wellness and finding a cure for cancer, she is an involved board member of Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester; a member of Putnam County Medical Reserve Corps, New York State Collaborative for Palliative Care and New York State Cancer Consortium; a professional advisory board member of Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey; and a grants reviewer for the New York City affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Hopewell Junction resident Whitehead is a partner at PKF O’Connor Davies LLP, specializing in the commercial audit practice focusing on the manufacturing, retail, distribution, construction and technology industries. He has be an active volunteer with HPCW, serving on the development advisory board since 2014. He is a certified public accountant. Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester is located at 1025 Westchester Ave., Suite 200, in White Plains. For additional information, visit hospiceofwestchester.com or call 682-1484.
New senior vice president of operations joins Westchester Medical Center Westchester Medical Center is proud to welcome James Y. Lee as senior vice president of operations. In his new role, Lee will oversee all ancillary services and clinical support areas on the Valhalla and Poughkeepsie James Y. Lee campuses, including pharmacy, radiology, laboratory and respiratory care and clinical service lines. Lee’s goal in his new position is to guide the organization’s ancillary services and service lines in continued quality improvement and growth. Lee brings extensive experience in community hospital, academic medical center operations, leadership, management consulting and a passion for service excellence to Westchester Medi-
cal Center. Prior to his appointment at Westchester Medical Center, Lee served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at NewYorkPresbyterian/Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville. Lee earned an MBA from Cornell University, completed his administrative residency at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, and earned a B.A. in economics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He lives in Greenwich, Connecticut, with his wife and two daughters and enjoys traveling and cooking in his free time.
Scarsdale Medical Group welcomes new OB/GYN Scarsdale Medical Group, a multi-specialty practice serving Westchester and Fairfield counties and the surrounding Hudson Valley area, is pleased to announce that Dr. Elizabeth Hung is joining these areas in the practice of gynecology. Hung earned her undergrad- Dr. Elizabeth Hung uate degree and master’s degree in public health from Yale University where she was also a teaching fellow. She received her medical degree from the University of Vermont, College of Medicine and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at North Shore University Hospital on Long Island and served as administrative chief resident. Hung has authored a number of publications and has been the recipient of various awards, including the Berlex Resident Teaching award and the Cancer Research Training Award from the National Institutes of Health. She also served as research fellow at the National Cancer Institute from 2002 to 2004. Hung is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has been providing obstetrical and gynecologic care to women of lower Connecticut and Westchester County since 2008. “It is with great pleasure that we welcome Dr. Hung to Scarsdale Medical Group,” managing partner Dr. Kenneth Croen said. “Her experience and commitment to women’s health is an asset to our team and to the women in our community.” Hung joins OB/GYNs Drs. Ronald Reiss, Beth Simon and Claudia Useda. For more information on Scarsdale Medical Group, visit scarsdalemedical.com or to make an appointment call 723-8100.
Weichert, Realtors recognized for outstanding performance Nicholas Germak, regional vice president of Weichert, Realtors, recently announced that the Larchmont office was recognized for outstanding performance in May. The office led its sales region, which is comprised of offices throughout Orange, Mindy Krause Dutchess, Westchester and Rockland counties in New York and Fairfield County in Connecticut, for new home dollar volume. Additionally, Mindy Krause and Frank Sanchez
of the Larchmont office were individually recognized for their success. Krause was the top associate in the sales region for resales and resale revenue units, while Sanchez led for new home dollar volume. Invite these talented neighborhood specialists in to learn Seth Sullivan about the real estate services that Weichert, Realtors has to offer. They can be reached in Weichert’s Larchmont office, located at 2090 Boston Post Road, or by phone at 833-0800. Since 1969, Weichert, Realtors has grown from a single office into one of the nation’s leading providers of homeownership services by putting its customers first. A family of full-service real estate and financial services companies, Weichert helps customers buy and sell both residential and commercial real estate, and streamlines the delivery of mortgages and home and title insurance. Weichert leverages its customer website, weichert.com, one of the most visited real estate websites in the nation, to help families and individuals realize the dream of homeownership through quick and easy access to listing information and the services of its real estate professionals nationwide. For more information, Weichert’s customer service center can be reached at 1-800-USA-SOLD (878-7653).
Bronxville native receives RED Award
David Tait, left, nominated Dr. Seth Sullivan for the Vasculitis Foundation RED Award.
Bronxville native Dr. Seth Sullivan, clinical educator and hospitalist at Norwalk Hospital, recently received the 2016 Vasculitis Foundation Recognizing Excellence in Diagnostics, RED, Award. Sullivan was nominated for this prestigious award by New Canaan, Connecticut, resident and former patient David Tait. Tait nominated Sullivan for the award after being under his close care. Sullivan identified and diagnosed Tait’s medical condition as Churg-Strauss Syndrome, an extremely rare form of vasculitis that was the singular cause of all Tait’s seemingly unconnected ailments. “In researching David’s medical history and taking into consideration all his late-onset medical problems, we were able to look at the big picture,” Sullivan said. Dr. Jason R. Orlinick, chairman of the Norwalk Hospital Department of Medicine, said, “I have had the good fortune to work with Dr. Sullivan for many years and cannot think of a better recipient of this award. He is among the most thoughtful and caring physicians I have met and am fortunate to have him as a colleague.” Western Connecticut Health Network is the region’s premier, patient-centered health care organization serving residents of Western Connecticut and adjacent New York. With this recent affiliation, the organization is anchored by three nationally recognized hospitals, Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital and Norwalk Hospital, as well as their affiliated organizations. In addition to the three hospitals, the continuum of care offered includes numerous medical practices and sub-specialties across the region, home health care services, a nationally renowned biomedical research institute, the Western Connecticut Health Network Foundation, the Norwalk Hospital Foundation and other affiliates. For more information, visit wchn.org. The next Business Briefs section will run in July. Please send any submission for our July edition to news@hometwn. com, with “Business” in the subject line of your email. Each submission may include one picture. If you have any questions, email us at news@hometwn.com.
12 • the MAMARONeCK Review • June 24, 2016
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June 24, 2016 • thE mamaroNECK rEviEw • 13
Armchair blaming: Of haters and gators rHymes ymes WitH CrAZy AZy Lenore Skenazy
There was an outpouring of online sympathy for the parents of the little boy killed by an alligator at a Disney resort in Orlando, Florida last week, which just goes to show that sometimes the Internet has a heart, and sometimes it calls for blood. The question is why. In contrast to the half a million people who signed a petition against Michelle Gregg, the mom whose 3-year-old son got into the gorilla exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo, leading zookeepers to kill the 400-pound gorilla named Harambe, commenters did not go nearly as insane over the fact that officials “put down” several Disney-area alligators without being positive which of them, if any, dragged 2-year-old Lane Graves to his death. It was with relief that I found far more comments castigating those who would blame the gator parents than actual parental castigation. It’s like the high road was the cool place to be this time. “It’s ridiculous to blame the parents who were sitting a few feet away and did all they could to save him,” read a typical online comment. And, on Twitter, “Pray for his family. Don’t judge.” Compare to: “#GorillaIncident MOM IS TOTALLY AT FAULT SHOOT HER.”
So, what accounts for the vast difference in response to these two incredibly rare toddler/animal tragedies that took place at family-friendly places? Well first of all, of course, the 2-year-old died. There’s no way to say that the Graves haven’t suffered enough. (And what an eerily sad last name.) Also, even as the story broke, we heard that the father desperately tried to open the alligator’s jaws and couldn’t. No one could dare accuse that dad of not doing enough. Then, too, there’s the question of racism—although I think many people were jumping on the Cincinnati mom before they knew she was African-American. Graves was white. And there’s even the question of species-ism: Gorillas look like us; alligators don’t. (At least, not like most of us.) But even more than all that, I think that so many people were eager to flog the Cincinnati mom because the mob needed someone to blame (that’s what mobs do), and moms are a favorite target these days. This is the era when we have come to believe that mothers can and must be in control of their kids at all times. Any mom who takes her eyes off her kids—and we hear about it—is automatically a public enemy. (Think of all those moms berated for letting their kids wait in the car a few minutes or play at the park
unsupervised.) So if anything bad happens to an unsupervised kid, it’s the mom’s fault. But with the alligator incident, the mob seems to be aiming not at the mom, but Disney. “I say the Grand Floridian is responsible for not having signs posted about the gators!!” read one typical comment. The similarity here is that if there’s any entity we love to blame more than moms, it’s corporate America. So if we truly believe a mom should be thinking, “Well, I know this has never happened once in 38 years of the gorilla exhibit, but what if today my kid tries to get in—and does? I better be preparing for that!” then we are also quite capable of thinking, “Well, just because we are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and not once has a guest ever been killed by an alligator, nonetheless we should be constantly warning vacationers about that gruesome possibility.” In both cases, the crowd has found someone it can secondguess after a once-in-a-generation (or two) tragedy. That way it doesn’t have to contemplate the unpredictability of life, or the fact that there is no such thing as perfect safety, or perfect parents. It can simply sit back and blame. Armchair blaming has become America’s favorite coping mechanism. CoNtaCt: lskenazy@yahoo.com
Swim Across America starts summer fundraising Intent on making another big splash for cancer-related causes, Swim Across America, Long Island Sound Chapter, SAA-LIS, has kicked off its 24th season. SAA-LIS, which last year raised more than $1 million for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming events, will offer nine opportunities to swim and volunteer in Westchester and Rockland counties this season, states chapter President Tony Sibio. The nonprofit will have its first swim at the New York Athletic Club in Pelham on July 8. Seven more participation opportunities are scheduled in the four-week period ending Aug. 6. “This will be the 24th summer that SAA-LIS swimmers are taking the plunge to raise crucial funds that help in the fight against cancer,” Sibio said. “Over the years, we have had many devoted individuals and teams swim in support of, or in memory of, those affected by cancer. This year in particular we are encouraging teams that have participated in the past to reunite and participate once again, whether they are swimming, kayaking, proactively seeking donations or cheering on swim participants. These teams, no matter their size, play a big role in our fundraising success.” All proceeds raised stay local, supporting cutting-edge cancer research, as well as patient care and support in New York. Beneficiaries include The Cancer Support Team, The
Tommy Palazzo Fellowship for Columbia University and Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at Presbyterian Medical Center, United Hospice of Rockland, and The Swim Across America and DeMatteo Research Laboratories at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The summer program will encompass eight pool swims (with the option of half-mile and 1-mile efforts) plus an open-water swim course on Long Island Sound that will offer participants the option of swimming 2K, 5K or 10K. The open-water swim, which starts at Larchmont Yacht Club and ends at Larchmont Shore Club, has been recognized by the World Open Water Swimming Association as one of America’s Top 100 Open Water Swims. Those interested in participating in 2016 Swim Across America-LIS events can regis-
ter to swim, kayak, volunteer to help, or sponsor a swimmer at swimacrossamerica.org/long_ island. Donations can be sent to SAA-Long Island Sound, P.O. Box 217, Larchmont, NY 10538. Swim Across America Inc. was founded in 1987 and currently offers nearly 30 swims in 15 states. The organization has raised more than $60 million for cancer research and prevention programs at the country’s finest hospitals and managed-care facilities. The Long Island Sound chapter was started in 1992, and has grown to be the largest in the organization, having raised more than $15 million since its inception and more than $1 million in 2015 alone. For more information about Swim Across America Long Island Chapter, call 769-8411 or visit swimacrossamerica.org. (Submitted)
The full roster of participating locations, dates and times nyAC travers island, pelham, ny July 8, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. [night swim and barbecue to follow] Westchester Country Club, rye, ny July 9, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Chappaqua swim & tennis Club, Chappaqua, ny July 10, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. germonds pool, Clarkstown, ny July 10, 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Coveleigh Club, rye, ny July 20, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
orienta beach Club, mamaroneck, ny July 23, 6:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lakeside Field Club, North Salem, NY July 24, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. [night swim and barbecue to follow] long island sound open Water, larchmont, ny July 30, 6 a.m. to noon lake isle Country Club, eastchester, ny aug. 6, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Willa is a mix of a mix, maybe Labrador/ coonhound—we’re not really sure, but whatever she is, she is so darn cute! Willa is about 2 years old and 50 pounds; a very sweet girl who just wants to crawl into your lap. She gets along with other dogs and seems to be housebroken, as she keeps her kennel clean. One look into those eyes and you can’t help but fall in love! Willa is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Why not donate $300 to Larchmont Pet Rescue and make Willa part of your home? To learn more, please call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
14 • the MAMARONeCK Review • June 24, 2016
SPORTS
Game (7) of Thrones liVe miKe Mike Smith
On Sunday night, television viewers were treated to an epic battle between two warring factions, as a prodigal son returned home to claim his birthright after a knock-out, drag-out fight that was years in the making. And “Game of Thrones” was pretty good, too. For all of the intrigue, drama and ink that HBO’s flagship television program has provided this year, on Sunday, June 19, it took a backseat to the equally engaging Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s pretty rare that come Sunday night at 9 p.m., I’m doing anything other than tuning into “Game of Thrones,” but even as a fan with no rooting interest in this year’s NBA Finals, I felt like I had to change the channel.
Sure, Jon Snow and his army of wildlings and rebels were preparing to storm the Stark’s ancestral home of Winterfell to wrest control of the North from noted sadist Ramsay Bolton in the highly anticipated “Battle of the Bastards,” but I felt like the most compelling story of the weekend was still LeBron James making a bid for—and capturing—his third NBA title, which just so happened to be the city of Cleveland’s first major sports title since 1964. Sure, the Starks have been beheaded, robbed, and otherwise mistreated for the last six years, but for the sports fans living along the banks of the Cuyahoga River? That’s what I call a Brotherhood Without Banners. Despite going seven games, this year’s finals had been a bit lackluster. Sure, there was drama off the court, with the NBA’s decision to suspend Warriors’ forward Draymond Green, Cavs’ guard JR Smith announc-
ing his plans to pursue free agency in the middle of the series, and countless words spilled about the respective legacies of James and Dubs’ star Stephen Curry. But the on-court product had been lacking. Until Game 7, that is. Although none of the previous six games had been particularly close, the deciding game was an absolute thriller. The Cavs, of course, won a 9389 defensive struggle. LeBron played like a man possessed on both ends of the floor, racking up a triple-double, and Curry—whose ability from beyond the arc made him the first-ever unanimous MVP this year— seemingly wilted under pressure, going a pedestrian 6-19 from the field. Just like Jon Snow thrilled “Thrones” fans by besting the odds and victoriously reclaiming his family’s home, King James faced similarly fearsome odds to return to Cleveland as the conquering hero.
On Sunday night, Sports Editor Mike Smith was certainly thankful for DVR. Between the NBA Finals and the penultimate episode of “Game of Thrones,” there was a glut of must-see TV. File photo
I may not be as invested in the Cavs or the Warriors as I am in any particular noble houses’ claim to the Seven Kingdoms, and I may not care about LeBron’s place among the rest of the NBA’s all-
time stars as much as I do about Jon Snow’s parentage, but for at least a few hours this weekend, the quest for the Iron Throne took a backseat to the one for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Winter may be coming, but it’s gonna be a heck of a summer in Cleveland.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
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
June 24, 2016 • thE mamaroNECK rEviEw • 15
INSIDE
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Lifestyles of Westchester County/JUNE 2016 VOL. 4 NO.6
INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY
Living
60-Plus Fit and flexible at 60 Trapp Opticians is here for you Healthy habits to combat stress
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The best (and worst) foods for heart health
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o one wants to hear from their doctors that they have joined the millions of people across the globe to be diagnosed with heart disease. The Heart Foundation reports that heart disease, which includes diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system and stroke, is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States, affecting both men and women and most racial/ethnic groups. Heart disease also is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, claiming more than 33,000 lives per year. Many factors contribute to the development of heart disease, including smoking, lack of exercise and stress. Diet and whether a person is overweight or obese also can have a direct link to heart health. Diet, particularly for those with diabetes and poorly controlled blood sugar levels, is a major concern. A variety of foods are considered helpful for maintaining a strong and healthy heart and cardiovascular system, while others can contribute to conditions that may eventually lead to cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest. Moderation enables a person to sample a little of everything, but not to make any one food a habit. The following are some foods to promote heart health and some foods you might want to avoid.
Poor
Good • Tree nuts: Tree nuts contain unsaturated fats that can help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff) and improve HDL (the good stuff). Nuts also are a filling source of protein and other healthy nutrients. • Whole grains: Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates for energy, as well as protein and fiber. Fiber can help scrub cholesterol from the blood, lowering bad cholesterol levels. • Fatty fish: Many cold-water, fatty fish, such as halibut, herring and salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are heart-healthy. Omega-3s also can be found in walnuts, flaxseed and some soy products. • Beans: Beans and other legumes are an excellent source of protein and can be a stand-in for meats that are high
in saturated fat. Beans also contain cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber and folate, which can reduce blood homocystein levels. The Bean Institute reports that consuming beans may reduce cholesterol levels by roughly six to 10 percent. • Yogurt: Researchers in Japan found yogurt may protect against gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease may elevate a person’s risk for heart disease. Yogurt contains good bacteria that can counteract bad bacteria and boost immunity. • Raisins: Raisins contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is often linked to heart disease and other debilitating conditions. Fresh produce also is a good source of antioxidants.
• Fried foods: Many fried foods have little nutritional value, as they tend to be high in saturated and trans fats. French fries are particularly bad because they are carbohydrates fried and then doused in salt. • Sausage: Processed meats have frequently earned a bad reputation among cardiologists, but sausage can be a big offender, due in large part to its high saturated fat content. • Red meats: Enjoying a steak is probably not as bad as eating a deepfried brownie, but it’s best to limit red meat consumption to about 10 percent or less of your diet. Red meats can have a considerable amount of cholesterol, saturated fat and calories. • Added sugars: Sugar can increase
blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Sugar often hides out in foods that you would not associate with the sweetener. Plus, many people unwittingly consume too much sugar simply through sugarsweetened beverages and ready-to-eat cereals. • Salty foods: Leave the salt shaker in the spice cabinet and opt for herbs for flavoring, advises the American Heart Association. High-sodium diets often are to blame for hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease. • Dairy: Artery-clogging saturated fat also can be found in dairy products, particularly the full-fat versions. Butter, sour cream and milk can be problematic when people overindulge. Opt for lowfat dairy when possible.
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Eating right can improve quality of life
Berries and whole grains are nutritious foods that can help men and women live longer, healthier lives.
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egend states that on April 2, 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León was the first European to discover modern-day Florida when he traveled on a quest for the mythical “Fountain of Youth.” While modern science has proven that there is no mystical fountain or body of water that can reverse or slow down the aging process, there are many steps people can take to age well and prolong their lives. Eating the right foods is one way to age well. According to Ralph Felder, M.D., Ph.D., coauthor of “The Bonus Years Diet,” reversing the aging process internally is more difficult than outward cosmetic changes. But the right foods can go a long way toward increasing both life expectancy and quality of life. Those who want to employ diet to increase their life expectancy may want to start adding more of the following foods to their breakfast, lunch and dinner plates. Broccoli, grapes and salad: According to Health magazine, researchers have found that compounds in these three foods boast extra life-extending benefits. Berries: In addition to their abundance of antioxidants, berries have other benefits. A 2012 study from Harvard University found that at least one serving of blueberries or two servings of strawberries each week may reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Fruits and vegetables: Produce is good for the body because it’s low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. Numerous studies have indicated that diets plentiful in fruits and vegetables help people maintain a healthy weight and protect against cardiovascular disease. Whole grains: Whole grains pack a lot of
nutrition into a low-calorie food. Whole grains help protect against type 2 diabetes, and researchers at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center found study participants whose diets included plenty of whole grains and fruit cut their heart disease risk by almost half compared to those whose diets favored meat and fatty foods. Red wine: A glass a day for women and no more than two glasses daily for men can be beneficial. Moderate consumption of red wine has been shown to slow age-related declines in cardiovascular function, according to the American Heart Association. Fiber: Increase your fiber intake for a longer life. Research from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that the more fiber you include in your diet, the lower your risk of coronary heart disease. The daily recommendation is 25 to 35 grams. While there may be no such thing as the fountain of youth, a healthy diet can help men and women prolong their lives.
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Fit and flexible at 60 Pilates can be the secret to aging gracefully. As our bodies change and we experience more limitations, it is essential to keep moving. The challenge is finding the right movements. At Fiore Pilates, our senior citizens will tell you that Pilates has changed their lives. The benefits are endless: muscle strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, better sleeping
habits, improved alignment, relief from arthritis, relief from mental challenges, bone strength, weight loss and much more. This low-impact exercise routine is tailored to each age group. With more than 600 exercises and specially designed equipment, every workout is unique and addresses your specific needs. The machines provide weight-bearing resistance through springs, which avoids the risks of weight lifting. As we age, we stop exercising due to injuries or pain. This becomes the beginning of more and more health issues. Living a sedentary lifestyle is the quickest way to old age. In Pilates, the exercises can be modified to accommodate and improve injuries. Core strengthening will provide back support, balance and alignment. Stretching will make your body more agile and flexible. This combination of strength and flexibility can prevent serious falls, bone loss, shrinking, muscle cramping and poor circulation. The mental benefits are just as important as the physical ones. Pilates addresses your mind, mood and memory. The movements challenge your brain to control your muscles. You will experience more self-esteem and confidence to do activities that you love, such as golf, tennis and long walks. It will take less effort getting up from a chair, standing on a step stool, walking without assistance, climbing stairs, carrying a bag, or keeping up with your grandchildren. Believing and trusting
Trapp Opticians is here for you Trapp Opticians has been open in Westchester since 1945. We have grown up with you, and we know how to stay young, too. Our fashion sense is both modern and practical. We have the finest collection of eyeglass frames to show you at our locations. We stay up to date with our equipment and facility to provide accurate and excellent service. If you are over 60 with many needs for glasses that are special for you, like night driving, glare and difficulty in low-light situations, glarefree lenses, blue blockers, digital and free-form designs in your lenses can help. Sports like golf, boating or tennis are made much more comfortable with lenses designed for these uses. The medical lenses we provide for post-cataract prescriptions or for glare disability and ARMD can also make a world of difference. So, it’s not just knowing how to use this technology, and the newest and best types of lenses, but making your choice for the finest looking glasses to be worn on your face, too. Our shops are staffed by our owners and licensed ophthalmic dispensers. We respect your time, your own experiences and your personal comfort when you visit Trapp Opticians. We hope to gain your trust and your treasured business. Here are some answers to common questions:
Q: What are my options after cataract surgery? A: After cataract surgery, you will see images with better color contrast and sharpness. It’s the most important result. Your eyeglasses after surgery might include a slight correction for nighttime driving or distance use, as well as a reading prescription. This can be addressed with new digital progressive lenses and nonglare finishes. The nice news is that Medicare Part B will usually reimburse you for these glasses. Q: How often should I be examined? A: Our doctors of optometry are skilled and licensed to thoroughly examine and care for your eyes. They recommend that after age 60, an annual exam for the health of your eyes should be scheduled. Q: I’m bothered by excessive glare, especially at night. Why? A: Glare disability is a common complaint in mature adults. A thorough eye exam can answer your concern. The problem might be in your glasses, so bring them along, too. Trapp Opticians is located at 42 Pondfield Road in Bronxville and at 14 Purchase St. in Rye.
in your body will change the way you feel, move and act. Understanding the importance of exercise is easy. Getting started can be a huge struggle. Fiore Pilates provides the support you need. The instructors use their years of experience to design a unique workout program for each client. A private session is easy to schedule any day of the week. This session will give you one-on-one attention from the instructor. Together, you will discuss your goals and how to accomplish them. A successful Pilates workout will not leave you exhausted but instead, will leave you feeling great and energized. It’s never too late to start Pilates. Fiore Pilates provides a safe and comfortable environment. Clients and staff support and celebrate each other’s achievements. You are only as old as your body, so do something for yourself, and take a Pilates session today! Fiore Pilates, 132 Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. Tel: 381-3201. Gloria Aronson-Weinberg (pictured): “Eleven years ago, at the age of 65, I thought I would begin slowing down and having trouble with various aches and pains associated with aging, but instead I discovered Pilates. Since then my energy level, strength, flexibility and overall fitness is much better than I had ever expected at my current age. I have been able to continue working, gardening for five to six hours at a time, and completing family caregiver tasks. I learned to
become much more body-aware and thus am able to use my body in a more efficient and strong manner. My last exam even showed that I gained spinal bone density. In addition, at a time in life when many people feel a loss of control, Pilates has given me a feeling of empowerment. I recommend this form of exercise to all and consider it health insurance for the aging process.”
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Senior dating trends and tips T
he first Baby Boomers will be turning 70 in 2016, and this generation remains one of the most influential in the country and around the world. Scores of products and services are now marketed to seniors, many of whom remain as active and socially aware as they were in their youth. One aspect of senior marketing that is booming is dating and relationship products. Singles age 50 and older are increasingly relying on online dating sites and other methods to find love and companionship. Dating is no longer kids’ play, and those who have been away from dating for some time may have to get reacquainted with the process in the modern age. Consider online dating Data from Pew Research found one in two divorced or widowed seniors had remarried in 2013, and that trend figures to continue. Many seniors are using online dating sites to find their new matches. While websites geared to dating make it easier to get in touch with fellow singles, the relative anonymity of the process can make it challenging to separate the truth from some self-promoting hype on dating profiles. Begin by relying on dating sites that have been tested and recommended. One to try is the AARP dating site partnered with How About We. In addition to its simplicity and small financial commitment, the site caters to the over-50 crowd and is backed by the AARP name. It’s good for those looking for an activity
partner as well as casual dating. Popular sites Match.com and eHarmony.com also boast high percentages of users age 50 and up. Even after thorough consideration and conversation, online daters should exercise caution when meeting someone online and then in person. Profiles aren’t always what they seem, and it’s easier to fudge the facts when initiating contact over the Internet. Keep an open mind It’s easy to be preoccupied with the rigors of being an older adult and the responsibilities that still may rest on your shoulders. Part of the fun of dating when you were young likely had to do with throwing caution to the wind. But some of those same carefree aspects remain true whether you’re dating at 17 or at 57. Laughter, fun, spontaneity, and the chance for some adventure are still the keys to making memorable dates. Sometimes it’s who you know The old adage of it’s “who you know” and not “what you know” is applicable to dating. If you are ready to jump into the dating world again, ask your close friends or family members if they know anyone who might be in a similar situation. Taking another stab at dating later in life can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but no matter how long it’s been since your last first date, some aspects of dating are the same as ever. Just remember to have fun and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Finding love again is possible for seniors who get back into the dating scene.
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Healthy habits to combat stress
tress has an immediate and potentially long-term effect on the human body. Though it’s a natural response to both good and bad experiences, stress, when chronic, can produce a host of negative consequences that greatly diminish one’s quality of life. Combatting stress can sometimes be difficult, as the causes of stress are never too far away for many adults. In its 2015 “Stress in AmericaTM: Paying With Our Health” survey, the American Psychological Association found that money is the top cause of stress for Americans. The survey was conducted on behalf of the APA by Harris Poll, which asked more than 3,000 participants about their issues with stress. Sixty-four percent said money was a somewhat or very significant source of stress, and that number was even higher for parents (77 percent). Survey respondents also noted that work is a significant source of stress. Few adults can imagine a life that does not include financial- or work-related stress. But there are ways to combat stress that can benefit people’s long-term health and improve their present-day quality of life. Develop a support network. Speaking about problems with trusted friends and family members can be an effective way to combat stress. The APA study found that participants
who reported having an emotional support network reported lower stress levels than those who had no such networks to rely on. Try to overcome any reticence you might have about speaking about your stress to a close friend or trusted relative on those days when stress seems overwhelming. Get more exercise. Routine exercise is another healthy way to combat stress. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, studies have shown that exercise can reduce fatigue, improve alertness and concentration and enhance overall cognitive function. Those are considerable benefits to people dealing with elevated levels of stress, which can contribute to both physical and mental fatigue and negatively impact one’s ability to concentrate. Studies also have shown that regular exercise can decrease tension, which tends to increase as stress levels rise, and elevate and help to stabilize mood, which often decreases as stress levels increase. Don’t lean on alcohol after stressful days. Many people respond to stressful days by consuming alcohol. While alcohol helps some people forget a stressful day, it also produces psychological and physiological side effects that can compound the effects of the very stress drinkers are looking to relieve. People who drink to alleviate stress may only
Daily exercise is an effective way to combat stress. be doing more harm with each drink, so find a way to cope with stress that has a more positive impact on both your body and mind than that produced by alcohol. Breathe deeply. The American Institute of Stress notes that focused breathing is a relaxation response that stimulates the nervous system and promotes a sense of calmness.
Deep breathing can combat stress, lower blood pressure and draw your attention away from those things that are causing your stress. Visit www.stress.org to learn about deep breathing exercises. Stress if a fact of life for many people. But while stress may be inevitable, it can be overcome.
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Caring for grandchildren
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n the not-so-distant past, it was quite common for various generations of a single family to live under one roof and for many different members of the family to play a role in raising the children. But that dynamic slowly changed as families spread out geographically. However, when the economy faltered and parents of young children realized they needed help, many returned to the old way of doing things. Grandparents stepped up to look after their grandkids, and adults moved back home with their aging parents. Some seniors needed to move in with their children to make ends meet. A study of data from the Rand Corporation found that, of the four million children living with their grandparents in the United States, 2.5 million live in three-generation households. Nearly 1.5 million live in split-generation households or ones in which grandparents are raising their grandchildren. The proportion of all grandchildren living in three-generation households, 3.6 percent, has been steady in recent years. Research suggests that split-generation households are usually formed when parents are no longer able to take care of their children because of physical or mental illness, substance abuse, or economic problems. Three-generation households, on the other hand, are generally formed because of problems parents encounter living independently, such as through separation or divorce or due to unemployment or economic need. Caring for their grandchildren can elicit many feelings in grandparents, from nervousness to excitement about a fresh face around the house. Raising grandkids can be overwhelming for elderly men and women, but the following are a few tips that can make the process easier. Explore your feelings. When you acknowledge your feelings, you are on the right path to making things work and recognizing possible obstacles. Expect mixed feelings from others. Grandchildren and your own children also may be apprehensive about this new living situation. Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and come to a consensus on how things will be done. Expect it to take some time to establish
a schedule, and don’t be discouraged by any initial behavioral problems. Take care of yourself. Grandchildren, particularly young ones, can have a lot of energy and may require constant attention. Caring for such lively youngsters can be taxing on grandparents, who must make their own health and nutrition a priority. Give yourself some time for recreation and rest. Have grandchildren help out where they can. Don’t feel you have to spend every moment entertaining them. Ask for help when needed. Reach out to friends or community members if you are feeling overwhelmed. There are a number of resources available to you, and many organizations, including AARP, have their own tips for assisting three-generation households. Multi-generational households are common once again. Families who work together can make the most of such living arrangements.
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Interesting ways to enjoy travel
Research indicates that traveling is at the top of the list of interests motivating today’s men and women over the age of 50. Seniors are perhaps the most likely demographic to indulge their love of traveling. Retirement leaves lots of time for recreation, and many choose to spend that time on the road. Travel also can be improve adult longevity, says geriatricians at the University of Arkansas.
Those in the travel industry understand that men and women over 50 comprise a large percentage of their customers and have catered many travel packages toward this influential demographic. The following is a look at some of the more popular travel opportunities for men and women over 50. Genealogical tourism: This is one of the fastest-growing markets in vacation travel. Genealogical tourism involves individuals traveling to areas of historical significance for their families, such as churches where past relatives may have married and villages where grandparents or cousins once resided or were employed. This can create a tangible link to one’s past and open up more opportunities to learn the varied genealogical history that has shaped a family, and even one’s personal identity.
Extended vacations: Seniors may have the capacity to devote more time to travel and not be caged in by strict time constraints. That makes them eligible for extended vacations. These can include long-term rentals in tropical locales, several-week sightseeing cruises or guided tours overseas that touch on several different countries or cities during the trip. Off the beaten path: Adventurous travelers may not be content to stick to the resort lifestyle or standard vacation options. Active men and women over 50 are charting their own vacation courses with bucket liststyle vacations that may be off the beaten path. Travelers who have always aspired to climb a mountain or see a rain forest may be inclined to realize these goals as they get older. Nontraditional tours can include living like indigenous peoples or following the footsteps of early explorers.
All-inclusive tours: All-inclusive packages remain a popular option for travelers of all ages. These vacation packages charge one price for accommodations, entertainment, sightseeing, food, and many other amenities. All-inclusive vacations remove some of the headaches associated with organizing various components of travel so that a person can focus on relaxation and having fun. Singles meets: Single vacationers over 50 may want to meet other men or women in their age bracket in the hopes of finding romance. These vacations double as relationship mixers and give men and women the opportunity to mingle with others in similar situations without the pressure of traditional dating. Travel is a way to see the world, meet new people and experience various cultures. Seniors increasingly embrace travel because they have both the time and the means to take vacations.
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