November 25, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 48 | www.mamaroneckreview.com
KEEP IT
CLEAN
A coalition of elected officials, conservationists and titans of industry is calling upon New York state to provide more funding to municipalities under the Clean Water grants program. Pictured is a view from the Hommocks Conservation area in the town of Mamaroneck, where the coalition held a news conference on Nov.16. For story, see page 5. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
Manhattanville plans change in bus service schedule By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The Manhattanville College administration is leaning toward adjusting its shuttle bus service, following elevated outrage from the student body about the safety of its current schedule. On Nov. 10, Michael Geisler, the college’s president, confirmed that the administration has begun discussing retracting last year’s controversial decision to alter the bus service schedule, according to Touchstone, the school’s newspaper.
“I think we’re willing to bring back the bus starting in the spring term,” he said. The interest in altering the school’s bus service comes in the wake of last month’s death of Robby Schartner, a 21-yearold junior at the college who was killed by Emma Fox, of Rye, while returning to campus after a night out in White Plains. As of September 2015, the college decided to cut the last campus bus route on Fridays and Saturdays, which typically returned to campus by 3:30 a.m. As a result, the bus, the
Valiant Express, makes its final return to campus at 1:30 a.m. On Oct. 9, Schartner had been walking along Westchester Avenue in White Plains when he was struck by Fox, 24, who was under the influence at the time of the incident. At the time, police reported that Fox had a blood alcohol content of three times the legal limit in New York state; Fox was measured at 0.21, and the legal limit is 0.08. She is being charged with aggravated DUI and firstdegree vehicular manslaughter. “In regard to safety, this is the best decision the school can
make,” said Falon Kirby, a senior at the college. “Students won’t feel stranded or lost [in White Plains], and will know that, no matter what the hour, they will return to Manhattanville College safely.” As part of a new school policy implemented last year, the college altered the schedule for the Valiant Express bus, adding four early morning runs to transport students to and from White Plains Monday through Friday in place of the last two weekend runs. MANHATTANVILLE continued on page 11
$55M Hampshire lawsuit thrown out on appeal By JAMES PERO Staff Writer An appeal of a lawsuit by Hampshire Country Club seeking $55 million in damages from the village of Mamaroneck was shot down last week in federal court, reaffirming a previous ruling rendered in March. The decision is the latest development in a long and contentious saga between the country club and the village which was initially sued in 2014 after ruling against the club’s proposal to build more than 100 condominiums on its 116-acre Orienta Point property. In the suit, Hampshire alleged that the village’s decision to deny a zoning change to allow for the construction of several residential units on the property was unduly influenced by backlash from residents in the surrounding area. However, Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, feels justified in the federal court’s decision to uphold the village’s denial of the zoning change. “The village is not required to rezone something or consider it just because someone disagrees,” he said. The $55 million figure named in the suit, the club said, represented revenue lost as a result of the club’s inability to construct those units. The court’s move to uphold
the decision comes after a number of amended proposals from Hampshire Country Club that sought to make the addition of dozens of residential units more zoning compliant. A separate lawsuit filed by the club against the village that alleges violations in New York state Open Meetings Law is still being reviewed by a state court. In 2015, the club was the victor of a separate lawsuit filed by Mamaroneck Coastal Environment Coalition, MCEC, a local nonprofit focused on village environmental issues. The suit centered on the club’s practice of holding events and fundraisers for “non-members,” which members of MCEC claimed violated local zoning laws. Thomas Nappi, a spokesman for Hampshire, said that the most recent decision comes as a major let down. “We’re disappointed by the court’s decision,” he said. “We believe that the village made an error in not allowing the zoning change.” While Nappi said another appeal is not likely forthcoming, he added that the club is still pursing a home development that would add 44 single-family homes and 66 townhouses. Currently, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement is being carried out by the country club. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
INSIDE Is Walter’s headed to Rye Town Park? Story on page 7.
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Police investigate swastikas found at SUNY Purchase
The New York state University Police at SUNY Purchase College are investigating swastikas that were drawn on a bulletin board in one of the college’s dorms on Nov. 20. File photo
By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Police are investigating hateful images that were found in one of the dorm rooms at SUNY Purchase College on Nov. 20. According to Betsy Aldredge, a spokeswoman for the college, the New York state University Police, UPD, began investigating the vandalism after the college discovered three swastikas drawn on a bulletin board in one of the dormitories late last weekend. After the incident, Thomas Schwarz, the president of the college, sent a message to the campus community. “We continue to explore our options for protecting our most vulnerable on campus,” he said in the statement. “I urge you all to remain active, engaged and committed to ensuring that our campus is a model for what our nation
should be.” Schwarz also warned the community of the repercussions for violating the college’s policy on hate crimes. “I would like to add that hate crimes are considered felonies and are punishable by arrest and dismissal from the college,” he said. Aldredge said that as part of the college’s protocol, any incidents involving a hate crime are first reported to the university’s police, and are then referred to the “appropriate authorities,” including the Westchester County Intelligence Center, and the Evidence Collection and Bias Crime teams from the New York state police. On Nov. 13, Westchester County police discovered antiSemitic and anti-African-American imagery along the Bronx River bike path in the city of White Plains. County police said the footpath and bridge were defaced with spray-painted swas-
tikas, KKK initials, and various racial slurs. That investigation is currently ongoing. This also isn’t the first time that SUNY Purchase has been faced with hate crimes. In March 2015, campus authorities investigated a similar incident involving swastikas that were found spray-painted in a dorm room. According to Aldredge, a student was ultimately arrested and expelled from the college. Aldredge would not provide additional details on that incident. Around the same time, nooses were found spraypainted in another dorm, but that incident remains unsolved. The college’s police said the investigation into the recent discovery of swastikas is ongoing as well, but would not provide additional information, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
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4 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 25, 2016
What’s going on... Mamaroneck Public Library
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.
Bilingual Storytime/Hora del cuenta bilingüe
Visit mamaronecklibrary.org for more information on library hours and programs.
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 Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 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.
All ages story and craft hour On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon in the Children’s Room. No registration required. There will
On Mondays at 10:30 a.m. A drop-in Spanish/ English storytime for children ages 6 months to 7 years old with siblings and caregivers. Los lunes a las diez y media de la mañana, excluyendo el 14 de noviembre. Una hora del cuento en español y inglés para niños de los 6 meses a 7 años con hermanos y cuidadores/as.
chocolate chip cookies and Silly Putty were created by mistake. Author/illustrator Barney Saltzberg’s “Beautiful Oops!” will be read, and participants will create some oops art and eat an oops snack. Register by calling the Children’s Room at 630-5894.
Larchmont Public Library
Children’s Homework Help On Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For school-aged children. Drop in for homework help, lead by a certified teacher. Please note that homework help will not meet on days when school is closed.
‘Beautiful Oops!’ reading On Thursday, Dec. 1 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For grades K–3. Mistakes can turn into something wonderful. The Slinky,
At Home on the Sound Gentle Chair Yoga with Arlene On Mondays at 10 a.m. Yoga instructor Arlene Towers specializes in yoga for older adults. This class is appropriate for men and women at all fitness levels. Fee: $10 payable to the instructor. Open to At Home on the Sound members only. The class will be held at United Methodist Church, 546 E. Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck. Visit athomeonthesound.org for more information.
Volunteers needed
Artsy Architecture On Monday, Nov. 28 from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For grades 3–6. No registration required. Learn new architectural terms, designs and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) properties, and help construct a group architectural project.
will be dried and then placed in Ryder’s Garden.
Visit larchmontlibrary.org for more information on library hours and programs.
Saturday Sahaja Meditation On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon in the Michael P. Coords Activity Room. No registration required. Imagine being able to awaken your spiritual energy and to experience and enjoy the many benefits of meditation almost immediately. You will feel calmer, more relaxed and better focused every time you meditate. Try it for free and see.
Chair Yoga with Vincenza Madonia On Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Village Center. No registration required. Join certified yoga instructor, Vincenza Madonia, for these five sessions of chair yoga. Chair yoga consists of arm, leg and head movements, as well as twisting your torso, that are done while seated in a chair. There are also standing movements that use a chair for support. These sessions also include learning breathing exercises that are incorporated into each yoga position. Chair yoga is a terrific way to maintain fitness of your body and mind through very low-impact exercises.
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 Larchmont Mamaroneck Human Rights Committee Award nominations
On Thursday, Dec. 1 from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For ages 5 to 7. Online registration is required. Whooo is coming to Stories & Crafts? This week’s stories are for the birds. Join the library for owl stories and make your own snowy owl.
The Larchmont Mamaroneck Human Rights Committee seeks nominations from our entire Larchmont-Mamaroneck community for the person (or possibly, organization) who has done the most to support the cause of human rights here, exemplifying the values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This is a special year for the committee because it’s the 30th year it has celebrated the life and legacy of King with this award. The work of the honoree should be above and beyond the scope of his/her employment, and should be an ongoing model for us all. The presentation of the award will be at the committee’s Jan. 8, 2017 event. Please share your suggestions no later than Wednesday, Nov. 30 for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award. Contact Elizabeth Saenger at saengereb@aol.com, send your nomination to 702 Hall St., Mamaroneck, or call 698-7569.
Gingerbread Houses
Emelin Theatre
Stories & Crafts: Owls
On Thursday, Dec. 1 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Michael P. Coords Activity Room. For grades six and up. Online registration is required. No matter which holiday you celebrate, decorating a gingerbread house is tons of fun. Sign up now for this messy, sugary extravaganza.
Sci-Fri Marshmallow Shooter On Friday, Dec. 2 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. For grades 3–5. Online registration is required. Use ordinary office supplies to create your own marshmallow slingshot shooter. Then, practice your aim with some target games.
Flatt Lonesome performance The Emelin Theatre will present the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year, Flatt Lonesome, for an intimate concert on Friday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. Flatt Lonesome is fronted by siblings Kelsi Robertson Harrigill and twins Buddy and Charli Robertson. In addition to being named the IBMA’s Vocal Group of the Year this past September, Flatt Lonesome also won Album of the Year for “Runaway Train” (Mountain Home Records) and Song of the Year for “You’re The One.” For tickets and more information, visit emelin.org.
Kindness Garden Project On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. For all ages. No registration required. A caregiver must attend. Help spread a little kindness in the library. Design a rock with paint and then include a message to brighten someone’s day. The rocks made
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.
November 25, 2016 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 5
Coalition calls for $800M in public works grants By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Assistant Editor On a recent fall morning, elected officials, titans of industry and some concerned residents gathered at the littleknown Hommocks Conservation area in the town of Mamaroneck to call upon New York state to extend its Clean Water grants program for crucial water infrastructure projects. Also announced on Nov. 16 was the formation of a coalition, which includes elected officials, worker union officials, conservationists and members of the construction industry, to lobby for crucial water repairs, and how the high costs of such projects cannot be funded by individual communities alone, without state intervention. The projects are ways to ensure that wastewater is properly treated and managed to protect the environment for years to come. On the wooden viewing platform of the conservation area, Mamaroneck Town Supervisor Nancy Seligson, a Democrat,
said that the site could be affected by polluted runoff, especially after heavy rains and when sewer pipes aren’t repaired. “I worry about how to repair sewer infrastructure and how to pay for it,” she said. “The costs are too high for each municipality to do it on their own.” One necessary clean water project that Seligson pointed to is the installation of ultraviolet light treatment to the town of Mamaroneck’s entire water system, a part of the Westchester Joint Water Works, which could cost $80 million. This does not include repairs to water mains which are a century old, according to Seligson. Seligson added that the town has been working with the villages of Mamaroneck, Larchmont and Pelham Manor, and the city of New Rochelle; all part of New Rochelle’s sewer district. Democratic state Assemblyman Steve Otis, also a former mayor of the city of Rye, was credited for recognizing and helping to initiate the Clean Water program at the state level in
2014, garnering support from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, both Democrats. The program has now provided more than $400 million in grants toward municipal projects. All who spoke at the conference praised Otis’ efforts. “We have, statewide, over $70 billion in water infrastructure projects that need to be done,” Otis said. “Even with low-interest loans from the state, it’s too much debt [for municipalities].” Seligson added that these clean water initiatives are crucial not just for drinking water and the environment, but also to provide jobs in the region; one reason why construction and union leaders are participating in the coalition. Otis said that every $10 million granted creates 160 new jobs. “This is pure water, pure jobs; it’s good for property tax payers,” he added. “We need to grow this program and put more projects [in motion].” New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, a Democrat, said that
Town of Mamaroneck Supervisor Nancy Seligson speaks at a news conference at the Hommocks Conservation area on Nov. 16 calling for the state to provide up to $800 million in public works grants for much-needed water infrastructure projects. Also pictured is city of New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
many of the things needed to be done to protect the water quality in the Long Island Sound “are falling to our little old municipality.” He also pointed out that more needs to be done with investing in infrastructure.
“There’s this mismatch between the scale of the need and the importance of the priority, and the resources that are available to us,” he said. “Unless those two things are equalized, the financial condition of our
municipality is going to suffer terribly, and eventually the quality of the Long Island Sound will suffer as well…. All of us will pay the price.” CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
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Mamaroneck THE
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In an attempt to garner community support for a proposed rezoning in the village of Mamaroneck’s industrial district, a local committee hosted a Food Truck and Makers Market. On Nov. 6, hundreds of local residents, arriving by foot, bicycle and car, flooded Fayette Avenue, where several food trucks and craft tables were set up; it was an unusual sight in an area not accustomed to this type of retail. Some of the local vendors partaking in the market included Walter’s Hot Dog Stand in Mamaroneck, POW! Burger from New Rochelle, and The Bott Shoppe, a Mamaroneck Avenue art gallery. According to Andy Spatz, cochairman of the village Industrial
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From left, village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum; Andrew Spatz, co-chairman of the village Industrial Area Committee; Laura Bott, event organizer; and John Verni, fellow co-chairman of the industrial committee.
Area Advisory Committee along with fellow resident John Verni, the event was intended to help introduce residents to the area’s potential. “We were very pleased by the results,” Spatz said. “This reflects our effort to preserve the area’s existing use, while also incentivizing the growth of the local economy.” Earlier this year, the committee, in conjunction with RePlace, a planning consulting firm, presented a redevelopment plan to POW! Burger, a New Rochelle burger joint, drew long lines at the Mamaroneck Food and Truck Makers Market. reimagine the industrial area as a However, due to the village’s with various stakeholders, feels seats on the village board, Spatz hub for artistic and entertainmentsaid there seems to be broad supbased businesses in addition to its current zoning laws, retail busi- that a zoning overlay rather than existing center for manufacturing. nesses cannot legally operate an overhaul of the current zoning port for the committee’s proposal—which was a topic of interest According to the plan, there within the industrial zone, leaving will yield the best outcome. is currently 700,000 square the area home to mainly manu“We are not looking to change during the campaign—from both feet of potential development facturing warehouses. Any ad- the substance of the existing political parties. “We’ve been very fortunate to space, which could be used for ditional uses for the area would zoning,” he said. “We are looka variety of businesses, ranging require a zoning change approved ing merely to overlay that with have bipartisan support in this,” from restaurants and art galler- by the village Board of Trustees. more retail so it expands upon Spatz said. “I believe that the ies, to office and living space The committee currently antici- the opportunities businesses Board of Trustees recognizes the significant potential that the infor cutting-edge information pates submitting a resolution for would have.” a zoning amendment for the area and technology startups. According to Spatz, the im- dustrial area presents both ecoto the village board for approval pacts of such a change would be nomically and environmentally.” early next year. Verni is also optimistic about felt throughout the village, rangA guitarist from School of Spatz, who has helped spearing from new jobs, an increase in the opportunities a revitalized Rock Mamaroneck plays for the revelers enjoying food and head a lengthy review process local tax revenue, neighborhood industrial area could bring to the crafts at the first Mamaroneck of the industrial area and and eco-friendly buffering, flood village. Food Truck and Makers its potential, consist“Why should all the businesses mitigation as well as new recMarket on Nov. 6. ing of numerous go to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, reational activities. studies and And while the village just Queens, and Long Island City?” meetings saw a recent election where he asked. “Why not the village of Democrats swept three open Mamaroneck?”
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Modern art meets antique with New Rochelle resident Dennis Dempsey’s wooden American flags. Dempsey, a graduate of SUNY Purchase College, reconstructed old wooden pallets and finished them to look old and worn. Photos/Andrew Dapolite
November 25, 2016 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 7
Walter’s expresses interest in Rye Town Park
With news that Seaside Johnnies has decided to pull out of Rye Town Park, the ownership at Mamaroneck’s historic Walter’s Hot Dog Stand has expressed interest in operating a food truck at the park and Oakland Beach area next season. Photo courtesy Walter’s Hot Dogs
By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Westchester’s famed food stand, Walter’s Hot Dogs, is interested in operating a food truck out of Rye Town Park to fill the opening left by Seaside Johnnies’ exit. Katharine Warrington Woodward, the public relations and events manager of Walter’s, told the Review this week that the family-owned company is anticipating a discussion with the Rye Town Park Commission about an opportunity to operate at the beginning of 2017. “We’re definitely interested in bringing a food truck to [Rye Town Park],” she said. Walter’s interest comes on the heels of the owners of Seaside Johnnies, John Ambrose and Sam Chernin, the park’s current restaurant tenants, rejecting a new deal to continue operating the restaurant for one year with an option for a second year. On Nov. 15, the park commission offered Ambrose the new deal by adjusting its previous offer of just a one-year extension. That latest proposal also offered a refund of 25 percent of the fees in rent charged—approximately $25,000—to Ambrose if he was not brought back for
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a second year. Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, a Democrat and president of the park commission, said that despite Walter’s interest, there are a number of questions remaining before the commission determines its next plan of action. “There might be community opposition to a food-truck operation at the beach,” he said. “I don’t know yet for certain if the other [park] commissioners would be in favor of that.” Even with Walter’s now a possibility at the Oakland Beach area, Ambrose, who has operated Seaside Johnnies at the park since 2000, told the Review there is still hope to work out a deal with the commission before year-end. “The door is ajar at this particular time,” he said. Ambrose, who has rejected two proposals to date, added that there’s enough time to salvage his relationship with the commission, and certainly an adequate amount of time to submit a counteroffer, which he plans to do urgently. Ambrose would not reveal any details about his potential proposal. However, according to Zuckerman, it seems unlikely that the two parties will reach a conclusion before Seaside Johnnies’ license agreement expires at the end of December. “When one door closes, another always
opens,” Zuckerman said. “If our time with Seaside Johnnies is in fact over, we must move ahead and look forward to other opportunities; [Walter’s] can be one of several opportunities.” Walter’s Hot Dog Stand, which is located on Palmer Avenue in the town of Mamaroneck, was founded by Walter Warrington in 1919. The family business, which can easily be identified by its pagoda-style copper roof with dragon lanterns, is a nationally registered historical landmark. A food truck operation at the park could help minimize the economic loss of as much as an estimated $200,000 as a result of the absence of Seaside Johnnies and no substitute able to step in to fill the restaurant on such short notice. “We’re in a good place right now; I love Walter’s as an idea for a food truck,” said Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican and member of the park commission. “But before negotiating with anyone, there’s still some stuff to work out.” Rye Brook Mayor Paul Rosenberg, a Democrat and member of the park commission, could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
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8 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 25, 2016
Town proposes 4.8% tax rate increase By JAMES PERO Staff Writer The Mamaroneck Town Council will work toward finalizing a tentative budget that proposes a 4.8 percent property tax rate increase and exceeds the state’s allowable taxing limit. If adopted, the 2017 tentative budget, submitted on Oct. 16, would mark the third time in six years the town has adopted a budget requiring an override of the New York state tax cap—state legislation setting a flexible threshold for property tax increases—since the cap’s inception in 2011 According to a budget memo from Town Administrator Steve Altieri and Comptroller Anthony Siligato, among the major factors contributing to the nearly 5 percent increase are rising costs of benefits for town employees, as well as significant debt issued for infrastructure projects. Across budgets of both Westchester County and neighboring municipalities, the town will also see heavy increases in expenditures on health care costs, as well as workers’ compensation insurance; an increase mandated statewide. With the need for major capital improvements, the rising cost of benefits—some of them mandated by New York state— and a reluctance to decrease services, Altieri said the cap will be consistently difficult to meet in the future. “The tax cap is not sustainable in an environment where you’re going to have to address infrastructure that’s very, very, old, and there’s an expectation to maintain a certain service level,” Altieri said. “It’s going to be very difficult to [meet].” Major capital projects funded by debt over the past several years include $3.95 million for the renovation of the Hommocks Ice Rink, $1.84 million
for the conversion of the town’s streetlights to LEDs, and spending on the Fire Department. Capital infrastructure, however, are not exempt from the tax cap. For the 2017 tentative budget, capital projects, a list of which were sent for review by the Town Council last week, include $3.2 million in infrastructure projects, $1.3 million in building improvements, a little more than $1 million for town vehicles and Information Technology improvements, for a total sum of $5.56 million. All together, increases in debt issuance would account for a 31 percent rise from the 2016 budget in terms of debt expenses. Employee benefits, the second-largest factor in increased expenses for the town, would rise by 12 percent from $8.4 million to $9.47 million if the current budget were adopted by the council as is. While expenditures are on the rise for the town, offsetting those increases would be a projected 8.6 percent increase in town revenues spurred by the collection of back taxes and a modest increase in sales tax. Aiding the town in any future debt increases will be the reinstatement of an AAA bond rating from the credit rating agency Moody’s after being downgraded to an AA1 rating last year due to what Moody described as less than desirable surplus levels. According to the budget, among the factors for the agency’s reinstatement are the conservative revenue estimates and strong oversight of the town’s finances. This rating, Altieri said, will allow the town to issue debt with the lowest possible interest rate, and therefore the lowest possible expense to the town. Also in the town’s tentative budget is the introduction of
At a glance The town would see a tax rate increase of 4.8% in the tentative 2017 budget Behind the tax rate increase are the rising costs of employee benefits, which are budgeted to increase from $8.4M to $9.7M Helping the town to find low-interest debt will be the reinstatement of the town’s AAA bond rating by the credit agency, Moody’s
one full-time additional staff position that would help oversee the town’s implementation of affordable housing. One other position—a fulltime position in the town comptroller’s office—will also be altered, but will not result in any additional expenses to the town’s salary budget, according to a budget overview. This altered position, which will split time between the town administrator’s office and the comptroller’s office, will be tasked with administering the employee benefits. According to Altieri, the position was altered because of the increasingly complex nature of navigating employee benefits. “It’s gotten more and more complicated,” he said. “There’s compliance with Affordable Care Act, workers’ compensation…. It’s a realization of the extensive work that’s needed.” The Town Council will have until Dec. 20 to approve a final version of the budget. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
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November 25, 2016 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 9
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CPW takes part in #GivingTuesday on Nov. 29
MANHATTANVILLE from page 1
Manhattanville College’s administration is contemplating reintroducing its former bus schedule, which included later pickups on weekends, following the death of junior Robby Schartner on Oct. 9. Photo courtesy Karina Cordova
“I love the [late] bus coming back to campus,” said Jess Cowle, a junior at the college. “I think it’s a great way for students to get home from a night out.” J.J. Pryor, a spokeswoman for the college, previously told the Review that the administration enacted the change in the Valiant Express, which was once dubbed as the “drunk bus,” in order to comply with the Drug
Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986. She said that an institution could potentially be penalized if the college is aware of on- or off-campus conduct that encourages drinking and does nothing to prevent such abuse. But while the school administration plans to reverse course back to its former bus schedule, it’s currently unclear how the college will balance complying with the Drug Free Schools and
Communities Act, and protecting the safety of students returning from downtown White Plains under the influence after a night out. Pryor could not be reached for comment, as of press time. Fox was released from Westchester County Jail on Nov. 10, and is due back in court on Dec. 6. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
Meet Mikey, a handsome 1-year-old Lab/Pittie mix who always seems to be smiling. He has a wonderful and playful personality, enjoys playing with most dogs, loves all people, and seems to get along with cats, too. He makes the most of any situation, whether playing with another dog or by himself—or just hanging out near his people. He is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Mikey will make a lucky family very happy. Make him part of yours for an adoption donation of $300 to Pet Rescue. To meet Mikey, call 834-6955or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
Members of Cerebral Palsy of Westchester hold up signs for the nonprofit’s #GivingTuesday on Nov. 29. Contributed photo
Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, CPW, is planning to raise money toward its programs and services provided for #GivingTuesday, a global giving movement that has been driven by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. Since its founding in 2012, millions of people have come together to support and champion the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live. CPW’s mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with cerebral palsy and other
developmental disabilities. It is a nonprofit organization that provides essential educational services, vocational training, recreation, rehabilitation, and advocacy to thousands of children and adults in Westchester and Fairfield counties. It is an organization proud to say that it aims to “Realize Tomorrow’s Potential… Today!” #GivingTuesday is a movement, built by people around the world, to celebrate giving of all kinds. It is celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This movement is the result of the collective power of a unique blend of partners—non-
profits; businesses and corporations; schools and universities; and families and individuals—to inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities and contribute in countless ways to the causes they believe in. Everyone has something to give. Those who are interested in joining CPW’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit cpwestchester. org/donations. For more information or to participate in the event, contact Joan Colangelo, CPW’s director of Development, at 937-3800 ext. 215 or Joan. Colangelo@cpwestchester.org. (Submitted)
12 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 25, 2016
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November 25, 2016 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 13
Old jokes to die laughing at RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
An elderly man comes into a bar and notices a lovely lady about his age having a drink by herself. He pulls up a stool, leans over and asks, “So... do I come here often?” Sure, laugh. Or cry. Fact is, we’ll all be the lady or the man some day—God willing. In the meantime, we can tremble, or simply grab a copy of “Die Laughing: Killer Jokes for Newly Old Folks,” the new book by William Novak. The cover shows a cane slipping on a banana peel. But the real joke is on the rest of us who didn’t think of this great idea first. Novak, 68, is the author of 25 other books, and, by the way, father of BJ Novak, writer, actor and executive producer of “The Office” (he played Ryan Howard). Papa Novak is probably best known as co-author of “The Big Book of Jewish Humor.” But he says he was between books— “which is a ‘writerly’ way of saying unemployed”—when he hurt his shoulder and had to go to physical therapy for the first time in his life. So he’s stretching, aching, and dealing with doctors when he realizes: This is not a unique experience. What the world needs is a joke book about exactly this—the changes that eventually come to your body, your routine, your love life (!), and especially, your short-term memory: Mr. Jackson, your test results have come back, and I’m afraid I have a double dose of bad news. Just tell me. I can handle it. Okay. You have cancer, and you also have Alzheimer’s. That’s terrible. But at least I
don’t have cancer! Eleven publishers told Novak no. One (obviously) said yes, so Novak started collecting jokes. As he did, he realized two things: First: “No joke is ever told for the first time.” Proof? Two older men, acquaintances but not really friends, are sitting on a park bench. One turns to the other and says, “Remind me, was it you or your brother who died last winter?” Novak says that when his friend told him that joke, he loved it and immediately decided to include it. Then, a few weeks later he was in Vermont and found “The World’s Oldest Joke Book.” It was literally a book of thigh-slappers from 4th century Greece—including the joke, “Was it you or your brother...?” But if there are no new jokes, what is eternally new is the strange sensation of having been a young person but now gradually experiencing all the things you associate with old people. To make some sense of this, Novak arranged the jokes into chapters on things like “Long marriages,” “New partners,” “Sex” (yes, I will get to some of these), “Death,” and then its funnier counterpart, “The afterlife.” So, sex? A man goes into the confession booth. “Father,” he says. “I’m 82 years old. I have children and grandchildren, but last night I made love to a girl who’s 24. And not just once but twice!” “Tell me,” says the priest, “when was the last time you came to confession?” “This is my first time. I’m Jewish.” “So why are you telling me?” “Telling you? I’m telling everybody!” For sexier ones, buy the book. Or, heck, here’s one... sort of: Mrs. Silver, a former seam-
stress, was walking through town when a flasher stepped forward and opened his raincoat right in front of her. She looked at him and asked, “You call that a lining?” When I was reading these jokes, a strange thing happened to me that might happen to you, too. I heard them in my father’s voice. That’s not just because my dad loved to tell jokes—toward the end of his life that’s what he asked me for most: “Got any new ones?” It’s because jokes themselves are almost an artifact of another era, one that’s dying off. “Funny people these days, they do routines and many are terrific. But they’re not jokes in the form we know them, the ‘Two guys walk into a bar,’” Novak said. Today’s comics “tell stories, or riff, but what I’m interested in—one of my goals— is to preserve the art of the joke, which I fear is leaving us.” The guys who’d grab a mic and rat-a-tat-tat, “My wife drove her car into the living room”type of gags aren’t here anymore. Where’d they go? Here’s a clue: Two old friends made a pact that whoever dies first would come back and tell the other what it’s like. So one day Pete gets a call from Richard, who died of a heart attack. Pete says, “What’s it like?” Richard tells him: “I start off with a big breakfast. Then I have sex, and after that I lie in the sun. Then it’s time for lunch, followed by a nap and more sex until it’s time for dinner....” Pete is thrilled. “I had no idea heaven would be like that!” “Who said anything about heaven? I’m a bull in Wisconsin.” We should all be so lucky. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
14 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 25, 2016
Giving thanks LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
It’s no big secret; 2016 has been a pretty dismal year. An interminable, contentious presidential election; heaps of celebrity deaths; the theatrical release of the massively overhyped “Suicide Squad”; I’d imagine that the majority of Americans are looking forward to putting the last 12 months in our rearview mirrors. But with Thanksgiving this week, this just isn’t a time for people to dwell on the black cloud of bad news that seemed to hang over our heads all year; it’s a time to count our blessings. And if you’re a sports fan, those blessings were plentiful, indeed. 2016 has been a phenomenal year for sports on just about every level. The first honest-to-goodness great moment that comes to
mind is the NCAA basketball finals between Villanova and North Carolina, a game that my Wildcats won on a last-second buzzer beater by Kris Jenkins, back in April. Sure, it was a fantastic game from my standpoint—a lifelong Wildcats fan who was too young to remember Nova’s last title in 1985—but for the average sports fan, it was nearly just as thrilling; an alltime great finish to an all-time great game. And that just seemed to set the stage for a number of wonderful championship scenarios. In May, Leicester City captured the English Premier League Crown after starting the season as 5,000-1 underdogs. In June, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off an amazing three-game comeback to topple the Golden State Warriors (who had just laid claim to being the best regular season NBA team of all time) and bring a major title to Cleveland for the first time in 68 years.
SPORTS
Earlier this month, the Chicago Cubs erased a similar 3-1 hole (against Cleveland) to win their first World Series title since 1908, setting off a massive victory celebration in the Windy City that drew some 5 million fans. And as far as amazing individual accomplishments go, there were plenty to go around. American swimmer Katie Ledecky caught the nation’s eye with her record-setting performance at the Rio Olympics, and Yankees rookie Gary Sanchez launched homers at an unheardof rate following his August callup to the big leagues. Sure, we said goodbye to a few giants of sport this year, too. But even the swan songs for some of our most accomplished pro athletes were amazing to watch. Red Sox slugger David Ortiz clubbed the most homers (38) in major league history for a player over 40. Longtime Dodger announcer Vin Scully retired as well, but after only a long—and well-deserved—fare-
On Thursday, Nov. 24, people all over America will gather together to break bread and give thanks. Here’s what Sports Editor Mike Smith has to give thanks about this year. Photo courtesy metrocreativeconnection.com
well tour that allowed fans all over the country to reflect on his unparalleled career. Even Peyton Manning said goodbye after “leading” his team to a win in Super Bowl 50.
But don’t worry, Peyton fans, you can still see him 200 times on Sundays, shilling for Nationwide Insurance. So yeah, we may have had a few rough spots this year. But
there’s also been a lot to cheer about. And for that, we give thanks.
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
SPORTS
November 25, 2016 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 15
Tigers set to defend title By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Mamaroneck may be coming into the 2016-17 season with a huge target on its back, but with a healthy host of returning players—and one of the top netminders in the state—the Tigers’ prospects are bright. But as the group gets set to defend their state title on the ice, they will need some contributions from a number of players eager to step up and compete on the varsity level.
Last March, the Tigers brought home Westchester County’s first-ever state title with a 1-0 win over West Genesee in the NYPHSAA ice hockey finals. This year, they enter their regular season campaign with a strong group of players who helped secure that championship, including goalie Tommy Spero, who made 27 saves against West Genesee to cap off a tremendous run that earned him both tournament MVP and All-State honors. “Obviously we graduated a
Tommy Spero stops a shot against the Mounties last year. Spero is coming off an All-State campaign in 2015-16.
2016-17 Mamaroneck Hockey Schedule Date
Time Opponent
11/25 11/26 12/02 12/09 12/10 12/15 12/16 12/19 12/22 01/03 01/06 01/11 01/17 01/20 01/27 02/03 02/06 02/10
7:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 5:25 p.m. 8 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 5:25 p.m. 6:50 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:25 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 7:45 p.m. 5:25 p.m. 5:25 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 5:50 p.m. 5:25 p.m.
@ @ vs. @ @ vs. vs. @ @ vs. vs. @ vs. vs. vs. @ @ vs.
BETHLEHEM CENTRAL SHAKER/COLONIE RYE SHENENDEHOWA SARATOGA SCARSDALE TBA SCARSDALE WHITE PLAINS FORDHAM PREP SUFFERN CLARKSTOWN WHITE PLAINS CLARKSTOWN CARMEL SUFFERN PELHAM NORTH ROCKLAND
good group of kids, but we have a nice core back this year,” head coach Mike Chiapparelli said. “And of course, we bring back Tommy who could be the best player in the state.” In front of Spero will be Nick Campbell, who enters the season as the team’s only returning defenseman, but Chiapparelli is confident that a handful of players who got time on Mamaroneck’s varsity B team last year will be able to step up and make immediate contributions. Mamaroneck established its second varsity team last season, and the head coach believes that it will pay dividends in terms of providing players with valuable experience. “Every other program in the state, they’re retooling their team with modified players,” he said. “But I think our guys got that varsity experience last year and will be able to step right in.” Offensively, the Tigers will rely on players like James Torre, Matt DiCicco, Harrison Schreiber, Will Payne and Michael Carducci, who all played major roles in last year’s state title run. Although the Tigers went four lines deep last year, Chiapparelli said they will initially start out with a three-line rotation, but that might change as the season progresses. “We have a fourth line that is pretty good,” the head coach said. “We definitely have depth.” The Tigers will open the season on Nov. 25, when they travel to Albany for a game against Bethlehem Central. The Tigers will play a number of tough non-Section I teams in order to prepare them for stiff tests within their conference, which has been designated as the section’s power league this year. Their first league game will take place on Dec. 2, when they host league rival Rye at Hommocks. “For us, it doesn’t make much of a difference because we were in a power league last year,” Chiapparelli said. “We still play against teams like Rye, Scarsdale and Pelham; the only new team is Suffern, and we played them twice last year anyway.” Prior to their home-opener against the Garnets, Mamaroneck will raise its 2016 state championship banner. CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Harrison Schreiber sends a pass to a teammate in last year’s Section I semifinals. Photos/Mike Smith
James Torre skates up ice in last year’s section title game against Suffern. Torre will be an integral part of the Tigers’ offense this year.
16 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 25, 2016