February 10, 2017

Mamaroneck REVIEW THE

February 10, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 6 | www.mamaroneckreview.com

Sandbox Theatre cited for various violations

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Mamaroneck 126-pounder Guy Santee works against an opponent from Tappan Zee on Feb. 4 at the Division II qualifiers at New Rochelle High School. Santee and teammate Crew Fullerton (132 pounds) both won their weight divisions on Saturday and earned berths in the Section I tournament.

For story, see page 15.

Photo/Mike Smith

Village of Larchmont elections uncontested again

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer In a so-far uncontested election, the village of Larchmont will see two familiar faces up for re-election and one newcomer.

Last week, village Democrats announced their full slate for the upcoming March elections, which will consist of re-election hopefuls Malcolm Frouman, Village Judge Thea Beaver—seeking her sixth term as judge—and newcomer Carol Herman, looking to fill a seat currently occupied by three-term Trustee John Komar.

Komar, who has spent the last

six years serving on the village board, said after three terms, he feels he’s played his part. “It’s important to get fresh and new blood in,” he said.

Frouman, who most recently served one year on the Board of Trustees after being appointed to fill a vacated seat by current Mayor Lorraine Walsh, who left her role as trustee to replace former Mayor Anne McAndrews, said the impetus behind his reelection was simple.

“For one thing, I’ve found it very enjoyable and interesting,” Frouman, 70, said. “I’ve been a Larchmont resident for 23 years.

When the opportunity came along to contribute in some way, I jumped at it.”

If re-elected, Frouman— who continues to spearhead the Larchmont Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force—told the Review he would continue to pursue several key items as a trustee; among them, he explained, is the implementation of a slew of new local development-related regulations.

“We need to continue the effort we’ve made in drafting the 17 new zoning laws,” Frouman, a retired magazine designer, said in reference to a yearlong

process to rework the village’s development regulations. “We worked on them for a very long time to get them right, and now that they’re implemented, we ELECTIONS continued on page 11

A popular village theater is facing scrutiny after it was found to be operating in violation of current zoning regulations. In addition, the business has also been cited with numerous building violations, the Review has learned.

According to Village Manager Richard Slingerland, after Sandbox Theatre’s executive director, Dan Ferrante, launched a process to purchase the East Boston Post Road building that houses Sandbox, triggering a walk-through in mid-October with the village building inspector, the business was found to be skirting its allowable use by operating a theater in a C-1 district; a general commercial district.

While the theater has recently been found to be operating in opposition of village zoning code, Building Department records show the business wasn’t always non-compliant.

Minutes from a zoning board meeting in 2008—when the theater initially opened its doors— show Ferrante applied for, and received, a three-year special permit to operate a “theater and dance school for children,” with the stipulation that only 20 students could occupy the building at one time, between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

That permit, however, expired in 2011, and according to Building Department records, was never renewed.

Ferrante told the Review that he was unaware that the permit had expired.

According to Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican—who has been a staunch proponent of tailoring zoning laws to help suit the theater—throughout the course of the business’ tenure in Mamaroneck, the theater has also expanded its operations, and a result, is now operating outside of the bounds of its allowable use.

Building Department files show that approved site plans include a stage and multiple platforms for non-fixed seats.

That expansion, according to Ferrante, took place about two years ago in the summer of 2015 and was done unwittingly in violation of zoning code.

As a result of the zoning violations, according to Rosenblum, Sandbox has been allowed to continue its acting classes, but has been forced to halt any performances while it awaits a decision from the village Board of Trustees.

Sandbox’s potential subversion of zoning code isn’t the only obstacle facing the theater, however. According to Slingerland, the inspection in October 2016 by the Building Department has also uncovered a “large number of violations.”

Among them, said Slingerland, who added that he’s unsure of just how many violations the business is facing, are citations related to a lack of a sprinkler SANDBOX continued on page 8

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2 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • February 10, 2017

Jefferson hosts Latimer’s inauguration New Rochelle Jefferson Elementary School fifth-graders got to see an inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 25 when state Sen. George Latimer came to visit. Latimer was re-elected to a third term in the New York state Senate in the fall election.

Principal Kimmerly Nieves

started the ceremonies by explaining to the students how a state senator helps make laws that govern the state and a senator’s role in the community. She said Latimer has always been an advocate for the school and the City School District of New Rochelle. The 37th District is com-

prised of Bedford, Bronxville, Eastchester, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Rye, Rye Brook, Tuckahoe, White Plains and Yonkers.

Fifth-grade students Ember Stevens and Elijah Brown also spoke before the crowd.

State Sen. George Latimer, center, takes his oath of office for his third term by New Rochelle City Judge Susan Kettner as students Eliljah Brown and Ember Stevens hold the Bible for him. Photo/Aaron Kershaw

“Your dedication to Westchester County has made this community a wonderful place to live and work,” Stevens said.

“Your accessibility as a representative of our community is well-known.”

“As Jefferson students, we have enjoyed having your presence at our school,” Brown said.

He commended Latimer for coming to his classroom last year to answer questions and for taking part in the school’s summer reading challenge.

New York state Assemblyman

Steven Otis, of the 91st Assembly District, and New Rochelle Councilman Jared Rice also attended the inauguration and spoke. After the oath of office was administered, Latimer made a couple of points—to both the students and to the adults.

“You have certain responsibilities as kids, right? Later in life, you will have responsibilities too,” Latimer told the students.

“What I just did by putting my hand on the Bible is I just agreed to do certain things. I am committing myself that I will do my

very best to do those things.”

To the adults, Latimer said, “We’ve just seen in Washington the inauguration.... No matter how we voted on Election Day, we are one nation. That doesn’t mean we have to agree with things we don’t agree with. But it does mean we have to remember we are Americans. We have more in common than what separates us.”

The Jefferson Chorus concluded the program by singing the Beatles’ song, “All You Need is Love.” (Submitted)

February 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 3

Local Summit discusses housing realities

By JANET BEAR Contributor What does a low-income family do when they are told that they must temporarily relocate so that the lead paint in their apartment can be removed?

What happens to the family who is displaced by fire or building code violations? Where can they go? At the last monthly breakfast presentation of the Local Summit of Larchmont-Mamaroneck, held on Jan. 17, four panelists spoke about the issues many residents face finding safe, affordable housing in the LarchmontMamaroneck community.

What is “affordable housing?” Anna Danoy, the director of community services for the town of Mamaroneck, explained that that the federal government assumes that housing expenses (including utilities) should represent 30 percent of your earned income. Danoy stated that locally, the average monthly rent for a onebedroom apartment is $1,690. To meet the 30 percent recommendation, a family should earn $67,600 to rent that apartment.

Many local families earnings are much lower. Currently, 242 local families are receiving assistance from the Housing Choice Program in the form of vouchers that subsidize the difference between the tenants’ income and the apartment’s cost. The average income for these families is $17,800 per year and their average subsidy is about $1,000 per month. This federal voucher program provides opportunities for people to live in safe communities and provides a safety net for landlords. However, as Danoy states, “the needs are far, far greater than what is available.”

Theresa Tilson, community service coordinator for Washingtonville Housing Alliance, WHA, spoke about the supportive services it provides to low- and moderate-income residents to aid in finding decent local housing. WHA has invested in low- and moderate-income housing for more than 35 years and currently owns and manages 40 rental units in Mamaroneck.

Three-quarters of their calls are housing-related; how to find safe, decent, affordable housing.

“Forty units nowhere near meets the current need,” Tilson said. “There is a crisis in availability of units.” WHA has funding and is looking to build affordable housing in the community.

Jirandy Martinez, co-executive director of the Community Resource Center, CRC, and Janet Rolon, the CRC’s deputy executive director, presented two examples of local immigrant families who lost their housing and turned to the center for help. Because of extremely limited housing stock, families often must leave the community, disrupting schooling for their children and child care arrangements, and exacerbating transportation needs.

Rolon explained that some of the CRC’s clients are undocumented. They face additional hardships because often landlords require credit reports and employment letters, which undocumented individuals can’t produce. She also spoke of the overcrowded conditions caused by the lack of safe, affordable housing. Lead paint and mold problems are often not corrected

The Local Summit of Larchmont-Mamaroneck held its latest breakfast panel on affordable housing in the community. From left, Jirandy Martinez, co-executive director of the Community Resource Center, CRC; Janet Rolon, deputy executive director of the CRC; Anna Danoy, director of community services for the town of Mamaroneck; and Theresa Tilson, community service coordinator for Washingtonville Housing Alliance.

Photo/Malcolm Frouman

by landlords who abuse undocumented tenants because they are afraid to speak out.

Danoy suggested that Larchmont-Mamaroneck communities might address regulations to allow multi-family housing in some of the larger older homes.

This could increase the housing stock without changing the area’s footprint. Catherine Parker, a Westchester County legislator, shared the story of a local Mamaroneck senior resident who was housing two other senior residents in her large home.

Insufficient supply, high cost and unscrupulous landlords are

impediments facing the community. How might one respond?

To address these issues, Martinez stated that the CRC is hoping to form a housing coalition with members of the community who are concerned about the housing needs of the low- and moderate-income members of our community. They would like to reach out to realtors who have data about apartments. Tilson mentioned the need for a marketing effort aimed at landlords to educate them about the federal voucher program and how it can work for them.

The breakfast forum was

hosted by the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit, an informal community council that seeks to make life better for all in the tri-municipal area. Its monthly meetings are held at the Nautilus Diner in Mamaroneck at 7:45 a.m., usually on the third Tuesday of the month. However, the next meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 14 when the council will host Noah Bramson, mayor of New Rochelle, and Luiz Aragon, commissioner of development, to discuss development plans in New Rochelle.

For more information, visit localsummitlm.org.

4 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • February 10, 2017

What’s going on...

Mamaroneck Public Library

ages 6 months to 7 years old with siblings and caregivers.

Lunes de 10:30 a.m. hasta 11 a.m. Una hora del cuento en español y inglés para niños de los 6 meses a 7 años con hermanos y cuidadores/as.

Teacher in the Library Visit mamaronecklibrary.org for more information on library hours and programs.

AARP income tax assistance On Fridays through April 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Room. AARP tax aide volunteers will offer free tax preparation and assistance at the Mamaroneck Public Library. Assistance is available on a drop-in basis for seniors and low- and moderate-income taxpayers.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Archie & Friends On Sunday, Feb. 12 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Teen Library. Join Archie & Friends in a Valentine’s celebration. Make a pop-up Valentine card; have a root beer float; meet Archie Comics coCEO Nancy Silberkleit; and enter a raffle to win an Archie comic.

Bilingual Storytime / Hora del cuento bilingüe On Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. A drop-in Spanish and English storytime for children

On Mondays from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Children’s Room. Free homework help for children in grades K–5 when school is in session. This program follows the Mamaroneck school district schedule.

Relay for Life Mamaroneck Relay for Life of Mamaroneck will be hosting a kickoff event at the library Community Room on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. The purpose of a Relay for Life kickoff is to provide an official start to the second annual relay season in the Mamaroneck community. Participants are welcome to come to the event to learn more about Relay for Life programs, how to form or join a team, become a sponsor and how to make a donation. Volunteers are needed to help make 2017 a successful event.

For more information or to register for the kickoff event, email kaitlin.chieco@cancer.org. The actual Relay for Life event will take place on Saturday, May 20 at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck. For more information about Relay for Life, visit relayforlife.org/ mamaroneck or contact the leadership team at mamaroneckrelayforlife@gmail.com.

Larchmont Public Library

Forest Park Ave. in Larchmont. For more information, visit athomeonthesound.org.

Visit larchmontlibrary.org for more information on library hours and programs.

Village of Mamaroneck news

‘Aging in Place’ webinar

Call for summer concert series bands

On Monday, Feb. 13 from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at the Village Center. No registration required. Most adults would prefer to age in place—that is, remain in their home of choice as long as possible.

In fact, 90 percent of adults over the age of 65 report that they would prefer to stay in their current residence as they age. One-third of American households are home to one or more residents 60 years of age or older. Join the library for this important webinar featuring Dr. Atul Gawande, author of “Being Mortal,” and join the discussion about how the goal is not a good death but a good life—all the way to the very end. Co-sponsored

by At Home on the Sound. Please note: this is a live webinar; Gawande will not be in person at the library.

The Village of Mamaroneck Arts Council is seeking bands to play in our Summer Nights on the Sound Concert Series, on Sundays, July 16, 23 and 30 in Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck. Please send an email to vomartscouncil@gmail.com with your interest, which dates you are available, and a sample of your music. Decisions are made in late February.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans On Thursday, Feb. 16 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Michael P. Coords Activity Room. No registration required. Every five years, the United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, publishes new guidelines in an attempt to keep pace with the latest scientific research into food. But what do these guidelines mean for you? Join Bob Blaufarb and learn the history of these USDA policies and take a look at the pros and cons of the government’s policies. Comparisons will be made between gender and age groups to assure that the most relevant scientific facts about the food we eat are presented and how they either compliment or compromise our health. Blaufarb is captain and director of health, wellness and fitness for the Mamaroneck Fire Department, and is also a New York state-accredited health coach.

At Home on the Sound How to Stay on Your Feet The local service organization for seniors, At Home on the Sound, has a valentine program for the community. This organization for residents ages 60 and up offers bimonthly programs and a variety of personalized services such as transportation to doctors and grocery stores as well as to local and cultural events.

On Tuesday, Feb. 14, physical therapist Erik Hofmann will impart tips and exercises to keep seniors from loosing their balance and falling.

Hofmann serves as director of the Larchmont branch of Recovery Physical Therapy. After receiving his physical therapy degree in 1998 from SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, he practiced at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for three years before serving in orthopedic private practices in Manhattan and Westchester. To enhance his clinical skill, in 2003 he received an advanced master’s in musculoskeletal physiotherapy from the University of Queensland in Australia. He is one of a handful of therapists in New York with this degree.

Hofmann’s talk is free and open to the entire community. On Feb. 14, refreshments will be served at 3:30 p.m.; the program starts at 4 p.m. at Russell Hall in Larchmont Avenue Church, 60

Woman’s Club of Larchmont Luncheon and socializing event The Woman’s Club of Larchmont will host its American Home Luncheon on Friday, Feb. 17 at noon. Following a 1:30 p.m. business meeting, there will be an informal afternoon of games.

Starting off the game portion of the afternoon will be Jeff Meighan, a local attorney, community activist, president of LMCTV and Larchmont/Mamaroneck history expert, who will lead off with his signature question and answer game called TIDBITS. Put on your thinking caps and join in as we try to answer his questions about the history and evolution of the community.

Following this activity will be games such as bridge, mahjong, Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, and Pictionary. All are encouraged to make up bridge foursomes or bring Scrabble partners. Feel free to also bring knitting, or crocheting projects and relax and socialize with other women.

The event will be held at the Larchmont Avenue Church, 60 Forest Park Ave. in Larchmont, and is open to the public. The luncheon is $20, so please make reservations by Monday, Feb. 13, otherwise the fee will be $25 at the door. Checks can be mailed to Sheelah Mohan, 21 N. Chatsworth Ave., #1L, Larchmont, NY 10538.

For information, contact Debbie Campbell, American Home department chair, at debcampbell57@gmail.com or 314-6492.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester ‘LEGO Batman’ Movie Days From Saturday, Feb. 11 to Sunday, Feb. 19 at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St. in Yonkers. Super Hero. Crimefighter. Master Builder. “LEGO Batman” is all of those and so much more. Come meet Gotham City’s Caped Crusader during this celebration of the Warner Bros. Pictures’ feature film, which will include photo ops with the scene-stealing star, a themed scavenger hunt and LEGO Batman-inspired build activities. Starting at $15.95; children under age 2 are free. Hours: Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 866-243-0770 or visit legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester.

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.

February 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 5

Rye Neck High School students celebrate kindness Rye Neck High School students and staff members participated in No Name Calling Week from Jan. 16–20, which was created by the Gay-Lesbian Student Education Network, GLSEN. Throughout the week, members of the high school’s Gay Straight Alliance, GSA, club encouraged their peers to sign a pledge

to support each other within the school community and prevent bullying.

“No Name Calling Week is an annual event of educational activities aimed at ending namecalling of all kinds, and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an ongoing dialogue about ways to elimi-

Members of Rye Neck High School’s Gay Straight Alliance put up their peers’ pledges to prevent bullying and raise awareness.

nate bullying in their communities,” school psychologist Jayme Harjes said.

The week began with homeroom teachers playing a video clip describing the background, purpose and importance of No Name Calling Week. Throughout the remainder of the week, GSA club members asked students to sign a pledge to celebrate kindness and reflect on names they have been called.

They also handed out candy canes with facts about bullying attached to them. On the final day, GSA officers displayed the signed pledges to raise awareness about the issue.

“The GSA looks forward to leading the high school in participating in the No Name Calling Week annually,” Harjes said.

Adopted by schools nationwide, No Name Calling Week has grown into one of the largest bullying prevention initiatives in the country. GLSEN strives to end discrimination, harassment and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in schools.

(Submitted)

Some members of Rye Neck High School’s Gay Straight Alliance pose in front of pledges for No Name Calling Week, created by the Gay-Lesbian Student Education Network. Photos courtesy Rye Neck school district

6 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • February 10, 2017

Mamaroneck THE

REVIEW

170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 1060 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000

Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com

Rye Playland

construction stalled by city lawsuit

Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer

Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com

Progress on a slew of multimillion dollar renovations at Rye Playland continue to be hampered by litigation between Westchester County and the city of Rye, as construction at the park gets pushed back.

According to documents obtained by the Review, the county administration has attributed a lawsuit filed by the city in July for spurring multiple contract delays, including an extended March 31 deadline for a county lawmakers’ decision on the fate of Playland’s pool, in addition to a construction schedule for $30 million in county-funded capital projects by March 1.

According to Dan Branda, a spokesman for the Republican County Executive Rob Astorino’s administration, the county is expecting to meet its March

Reporter | James Pero ext. 20, james@hometwn.com General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lynne Starr ext. 29, lynne@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers Corey Stockton, Franco Fino Staff Photographers Andrew Dapolite, Aaron Kershaw, Charlie McLaughlin Columnist Lenore Skenazy Letters

If Rye wins its lawsuit, and overturns the county’s declaration of lead agency, the city could call for a longer and more extensive review of dozens of potential projects at the park.

An extension on a decision regarding Playland’s pool is set to expire on March 31. A recent capital budget from the county includes $10 million to renovate the structure, but lawmakers will be tasked with determining just how those improvements are done.

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Multi-million dollar renovations at Rye Playland have stalled amidst litigation from the city of Rye, which is seeking to assert its authority over the projects’ environmental review. File photos

1 deadline for the schedule, but until a lawsuit with the city has been decided, “there will be no shovels in the ground.”

According to Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson, the city will still continue to mull over an injunction halting projects at the park, but will hold off on pursing any embargo until the judge’s decision on the city’s lawsuit.

Wilson said there is currently no timeline for a decision on whether the city’s claims that an environmental review process, carried out as part of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, SEQR, was mishandled by the county.

Under a contract between the county and Playland’s new management, Standard Amusements, an investment firm coowned by Harrison native Nick Singer, the county could still exercise one additional 60-day extension.

As for the fate of the Playland pool, according to county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, things remain uncertain.

While $10 million has been allocated in a $300 million county capital budget for renovations, the county Board of Legislators must still determine just what type of improvement the pool will undergo.

Parker said that if the details aren’t solidified by the March 31 deadline, it’s currently too early to determine whether or not the county would negotiate an additional extension.

A deadline on the pool was

previously extended twice; once in September 2016 and again last December.

Ongoing litigation between the county and Rye dates back to August, when the city sued the county over alleged violations of the SEQR; specifically, the city claims, that the county had subverted due process by covertly declaring itself lead agency in April 2016 on a slew of upcoming capital projects at the amusement park.

The lawsuit seeks to overturn the county’s declaration of lead agency, giving the city a greater say in the environmental review process of projects at Playland, which abuts some of Rye’s residential neighborhoods.

Playland is owned by Westchester County but is located within the city of Rye. A legal dispute between the two entities harkens back to a previous management agreement between the county and Sustainable Playland Inc.; a deal that eventually dissolved after residential backlash over the proposal of an 87,000-squarefoot field house and the threat of litigation from the city of Rye. The newest management agreement between the county and Standard Amusements will split various critical capital projects at the ailing park in half, with $30 million being paid for by the county and another $30 million from Standard.

CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

February 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 7

Zoning board nixes Ralph’s outdoor counter

By JAMES PERO Staff Writer While a zoning board decision on Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream shop, one of Mamaroneck’s most controversial businesses, has left some disgruntled residents tentatively optimistic, the fate of the popular stop remains unclear.

On Feb. 3, the village of Mamaroneck Zoning Board of Appeals, after months of deliberation, voted to disallow Ralph’s use of an outdoor counter service; an area of particular concern amongst residents rallying against the shop’s impact on neighboring streets.

In addition to the board’s decision to discontinue the businesses use of an outdoor counter, the shop will also be required to submit a revised site plan by April 6, otherwise it may have its certificate of occupancy revoked.

While residents like Meg Yergin, who has been outspoken about the impacts of Ralph’s from the saga’s initial explosion this past July, are pleased with the board’s latest decision, pro-

ponents of greater scrutiny over the business say they aren’t done lobbying yet.

Last week, Yergin said residents officially filed an appeal to the zoning board that seeks to hear several additional variances before the board, including the business’ use of a lighted sign, its second driveway, and parking setback from the curb. This appeal marks the second one filed by residents who initially brought their concerns to the zoning board in July.

According to Yergin, the second appeal will challenge a decision by the village Building Inspector Dan Gray, who advised the zoning board that Ralph’s would not be required to seek any more variances in an email last month.

Ralph’s owner Scott Rosenberg will also continue to work to rectify parking issues which were required by the zoning board in August after a zoning appeal from residents called attention to the business’ ample patrons forming lengthy lines and crowding its Boston Post Road-adjacent parking lot.

Concerns over Ralph’s impact escalated this past summer when hordes of customers flocking to the chain’s first-ever Westchester location sparked concerns from residents over parking, safety and noise, after the shop opened for business in May 2016.

After the business was found to have been mistakenly classified as a retail establishment by the Building Department— a classification that was later found to be incorrect by the zoning board—residents launched an appeal, sending Ralph’s, and Rosenberg, through its ongoing special permit process, where the business’ application will be processed as a restaurant.

Yergin said residents, at an upcoming zoning board meeting in March, will challenge the board’s decision to process Ralph’s as a restaurant, claiming that the business currently qualifies as a fast food establishment.

According to village zoning code, a fast food establishment is not a permitted use in a C-1 district.

Already, as a result of deliberations by the zoning board in

A zoning board decision on Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream will do away with the establishment’s controversial outdoor counterspace. A greater decision on the store’s zoning classification, however, still looms large. File photo

July, Ralph’s was required not only to reconfigure its parking lot and study traffic conditions at its site—a process which is currently underway—but also had its hours regulated to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 p.m. on

weekends. Previously, the store would operate to as late as 1 a.m. on weekends.

Scrutiny over Ralph’s business has at times escalated to the point of litigation. In August, Rosenberg attempted to file a

lawsuit against the village after being required to undergo a special permit process. The suit was thrown out a little more than a week after being filed.

CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

8 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • February 10, 2017 SANDBOX from page 1

system in the room housing the building’s theater, which is required by state law.

Building records show that in October 2016, the Building Department issued a citation, stating that the theater must “remove violations” in addition to installing necessary emergency and exit lights. A permit to install a new fire alarm system was granted by the Building Department in November 2016, and Ferrante told the Review that said violations have since been remedied.

According to Slingerland, however, the theater still has multiple open violations remaining in regard to the theater section of Sandbox’s operation.

Now, with the village’s governing board’s attention turned firmly toward the business, the Board of Trustees will consider a zoning change that would alter permitted uses in a C-1 district, allowing the theater to continue operating.

While a resolution, which was heard before the village board on Jan. 23, would have changed wording in zoning code to allow “theaters and other places of public enjoyment” to operate in C-1 zones across the village

of Mamaroneck, a public hearing on the item was left open for further discussion after reticence from village Democrats.

Currently, as stands, the law would define theaters as spaces that accommodate less than 125 persons, but that definition may be altered.

If the board makes substantial changes to the law, according to Slingerlnad, it would then be required to go before the village’s land use boards to be reviewed.

Trustee Keith Waitt, a Democrat, has already expressed that he intends to vote against the zoning change.

Rosenblum, a proponent of the zoning change, said that Democrats’ hesitance to alter the zoning laws has been “a shame.”

“It’s a shame because [the theater] is an extremely valuable asset to the village,” he said.

Compounding pressure on a final decision from the Board of Trustees will be a growing constituency of residential opponents, claiming that the theater has adversely affected their neighborhoods, and further expansion of theaters in C-1 districts would only exacerbate conditions.

The board has already re-

ceived letters from both the Stuart Avenue Association, and the Hawthorne Gardens board of directors; two homeowner collectives that consist of residents from properties in proximity to the theater.

“There are existing issues with parking for the Sandbox Theatre and it seats small audiences today,” reads a letter from the Stuart Avenue Association. “[W]e have serious concerns about the safety issues that exist today and will only be exacerbated.”

Among the concerns from those residents are issues relating to parking problems—which they claim have been exacerbated by the theater’s turnover— noise and safety.

Many of those homeowners also remain vocal over controversy surrounding an adjacent business—Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream—which has become the subject of public backlash and land use scrutiny after numerous noise and traffic complaints.

Trustee Victor Tafur, a Democrat, could not be reached for comment, as of press time.

CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

After inspection from the village Building Department, a popular Mamaroneck business—The Sandbox Theatre—was cited with multiple building violations in addition to operating a non-conforming structure within the village’s existing zoning class. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

February 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 9

10 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • February 10, 2017

Balducci’s comes to Rye Brook

A cake celebrating the opening of Balducci’s in Rye Brook gives an idea of what the finished exterior will look like.

By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Assistant Editor

Richard Durante, Balducci’s president and COO, shows off just one reason why the franchise is unique. Jackfruit, this one imported from Australia, is becoming a popular substitute for meat in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Photos/Sibylla Chipaziwa

Fresh, organic produce is one thing Balducci’s prides itself on, knowing that is what its ideal customers want.

Balducci’s, the “food lover’s market,” held its grand opening at Rye Ridge Shopping Center, located in the village of Rye Brook, on Jan. 27. Local elected officials and business owners were just some in attendance who toured the 11,500-squarefoot store in the early morning, along with a few lucky customers, before its official 10 a.m. opening.

Balducci’s focuses on providing fresh, gourmet goods, with the help of associates who know the products well.

The store has an open feel, just like a marketplace; as if patrons are going on a treasure hunt, encountering displays to spark inspiration for when the bounty is taken home.

There is seafood that is always fresh and never frozen, and dry-aged beef on hand. There are products that are locally sourced, including pork and lamb, and goods that come from as far away as Italy, Israel and Australia.

“When you walk in, you feel the energy,” said Richard Durante, Balducci’s president and COO, of the atmosphere the company hopes to convey to its consumer base with their Rye Brook location. “We want our customers engaging with our associates.”

The Rye Brook store is the seventh Balducci’s nationwide; there are two in Connecticut, one in Maryland, another in Scarsdale, and two in Virginia.

There are “gourmet on the go” locations in Baltimore and New York City, and express locations at John F. Kennedy and Philadelphia international airports.

There is cooked food that is prepared fresh daily, and regulars will never be bored as Balducci’s is always changing its

recipes and offerings. According to Judy Spires, Balducci’s chairman and CEO, the company was the first store ever to come up with the idea of takeout. “When customers come in, you can see for yourself, there’s a fabulous open kitchen where chefs are preparing food to eat here or take home or [to] work,” she said. “We’ve got such great, passionate culinary-trained peo-

ple in every single department; that really sets us apart.”

On opening day, the store was offering 191 organic products; something the location prides itself on. There is also a florist and catering, for all occasions. There is even a cheesemonger that has “a Ph.D. in cheese,” and you may recognize a familiar face or two from Balducci’s Scarsdale location.

Rye Brook store manager Angel Caban, a Scarsdale transfer, said that he feels that Rye Brook and the surrounding communities are Balducci customers.

“We’re excited to be a part of the community,” he said. “I think it’s going to be an awesome experience for all of us.”

CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com

Balducci’s offers a myriad of cooked foods for customers to eat at the small in-store café or take home or to work. Recipes are always changing.

February 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 11

Legislature approves anti-corruption bill

By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer State officials have taken a big step in the fight against public corruption, as the Legislature has approved a proposal to enact a constitutional amendment that would strip taxpayer-funded pensions from state and local leaders who commit felonies in connection with their office.

The pension forfeiture proposal will be on the ballot for a referendum held on Election Day, Nov. 7.

Enacting a constitutional amendment in New York state requires both the Senate and Assembly to pass the proposal in two consecutive sessions. Afterward, the proposal goes to voters to make the final decision.

“Overall, this has had great bipartisan support, and I think it will send an overwhelming message against corruption in government,” said state Assemblyman David Buchwald, a White Plains Democrat, who first proposed the legislation in May 2013. “This measure will cause high level public officials to think twice before they decide to do something corrupt.”

Elected officials, gubernatorial appointees, municipal managers, department heads, chief fiscal officers, judges, and several other policy-makers convicted of a felony, involving the breach of public trust, would all be subject to forfeiture of pension benefits.

If it were passed in November, the provision would only apply to officials who committed crimes on or after Jan. 1, 2018, succeeding the date of the constitutional amendment.

Currently, a public officer

The New York state Legislature has approved Assemblyman David Buchwald’s legislation that would require convicted public officers to forfeit their taxpayer-funded pensions. The bill will go to referendum on Nov. 7. File photo

in New York state can accept bribes, steal public funds or engage in numerous other forms of public corruption without the threat of pension forfeiture, even if convicted.

Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, which is a statewide coalition that champions open, honest and accountable government, said, “Public officials who break the law shouldn’t get a taxpayer pension, period.”

In 2015, after then-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, was arrested and later convicted of public corruption charges, he applied and was successfully granted his pension, which comes to $79,224 a year, according to the state comptroller’s office.

Silver was convicted on Nov. 30, 2015 of charges that included honest services fraud, money laundering and extortion, after serving as the head of the state Assembly since 1994. He is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence.

Former majority leader of the state Senate, Dean Skelos,

a Long Island Republican, was also convicted on federal corruption charges, and was sentenced to five years in prison in December 2015. Skelos had served as the majority leader since 2011.

As many as 34 state and local officials have been convicted in New York since 2002 on charges including bribery, conspiracy, falsifying records, racketeering, fraud, extortion, federal corruption and perjury, among a mix of several other felonies and misdemeanors.

The only other state to exceed that number is Pennsylvania, which has seen 41 state and local officials imprisoned on similar charges since 2002.

“You would think that the threat of losing your job and paycheck, and the immense embarrassment from your community would be enough of a deterrent for these guys,” said state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat. “Hopefully now we’ll see better behavior. People just won’t tolerate corruption anymore; everybody’s on notice.”

With a tremendous amount of support for the bill, and with expectations that the legislation will pass with an overwhelming majority vote of the public, there are still a handful of individuals who oppose it, Buchwald said.

Only four officials voted against the bill, including state Sens. Ruben Diaz, Kevin Parker, Diane Savino and Velmanette Montgomery, all Democrats representing areas in New York City.

“Some folks are still in total denial on how seriously corruption erodes public trust in government,” Buchwald said.

CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

ELECTIONS from page 1

need to make sure they’re having the impact that we hoped.”

Over the past year, the village Board of Trustees has worked to retool village zoning and planning regulations as a result of widespread backlash regarding tear downs and subdivisions in Larchmont; most notably the prospective demolition of the historic home at 40 Ocean Ave. Casazza Herman, 59, who boasts an extensive career as both a lawyer—she worked previously as assistant general counsel for Pfizer Inc., and a scientist for the Environmental Protection Agency, said she was inspired by the village’s development issues.

“Larchmont faces significant infrastructure and development issues that will require a sustained effort to address,” Her-

For the 10th consecutive year, village of Larchmont elections will run uncontested, paving the way for a continual all-Democratic Board of Trustees. Photos courtesy Village of Larchmont Democrats

man said in a statement. “Given that Larchmont government relies heavily on volunteer participation, I hope that the skills and experience I bring will be of added value to the board and volunteer committees.”

Village elections will take

place on March 21. Trustees serve two-year terms and earn no salary, serving strictly on a volunteer basis.

Beaver could not be reached for comment, as of press time.

CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

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12 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • February 10, 2017

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February 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 13

Stop hating everyone who didn’t vote like you Astorino discusses tips to combat winter flu RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

Want to start an argument?

No? Well, that’s strange.

Seems like arguing—screaming, shouting, or at the very least, extreme eye-rolling—is right up there with eating breakfast these days. Wake up, brush your teeth, glance at the latest news and...

EXPLODE! Jeanne Johnson was sick of it.

Johnson is a mom of two in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and a local activist. A few years back, she got the village to make its crosswalks more obvious, to encourage kids to walk—and cars to stop. Last week, she wanted to encourage something else to stop: The demonization of everyone who voted for someone other than the someone YOU voted for. So, to a local social hall she invited Guy Benson, a conservative author; Julie Roginsky, a Democratic strategist; and Lisa “Kennedy” Montgomery, the mordantly hilarious libertarian who has a show on Fox Business. In fact, all three are on Fox all the time, often sparring, but also always happy to see each other.

That’s what Johnson wanted her fellow citizens to witness with their own eyes: You can disagree with someone’s politics, even vehemently, and not despise them as humans. As crazy as that sounds.

Kennedy moderated the chat by asking the kind of questions that can stop a “You crazy s--head!” in mid-air. For instance, she wondered, was there ever a time when either of her guests realized the other side was not evil incarnate?

Roginsky recalled a time back in college when she and her fel-

low feminists took a bus to a Rhode Island abortion clinic, where nuns and priests were protesting outside. As Roginsky and her retinue shouted, “Keep your rosaries off our ovaries!” she looked at the clergy, fervently praying, and suddenly it hit her: These clergy folk weren’t there to be judgmental jerks. They had come because they truly believe that a fetus is a life that must be saved. For them, blocking the clinic was no different from grabbing the gun from some nut holding a hostage. To this day, Roginsky remains adamantly pro-choice.

But instead of seeing pro-life supporters as bad people, she seems them simply as... people.

For his part, Benson flashed back to 2009, when Obama was sworn into office on a wave of Democratic euphoria. Conservatives were beside themselves: Here was a president who would pass every piece of liberal legislation this side of Sweden. The Republicans were on the outs, perhaps never to rise again.

So Benson said, smirk-free, he truly empathizes with what Democrats are feeling now. He obviously doesn’t share their dismay (although he didn’t sound very happy about Trump). But he gave a knowing nod to the people who... well, that’s just the thing.

The room was filled with ardent Democrats and Republicans, and probably some Libertarians besides just Kennedy. And you couldn’t tell who’s who.

For Johnson, that was the whole point. “Because of space constraints, those [feuding] people ended up having to sit at the same tables together,” she said.

She’d deliberately chosen round tables, so everyone would be looking at everyone else, and purple tablecloths. Not red. Not blue. Purple. The cookies for the event were iced in purple frost-

ing, “Together.” Cookies are always an icebreaker.

And so was this event. Up on stage, Roginsky and Benson were discussing free speech. They’d just gotten word about the unrest—riots?—at the University of California at Berkeley, where masked agitators had caused $100,000 in damage as they protested a speech to be given by the right-wing agitator Milo Yiannopoulos. Roginsky was appalled. She is hardly a fan of Yiannopoulos, but “free speech wins,” she said. “Always.”

For his part, Benson was ready with some good advice for the Democrats. “If everything is an outrage, nothing is.” In other words, if the left rejects absolutely everyone and everything Trump proposes, their message will get tuned out. Pick your battles, he advised, to get more traction.

How did the two opposites manage to stay friends through this election and post-election season? The same way they handle the Twitter taunts that come their way. The trick is to “listen generously,” said Benson. Don’t assume the person who didn’t vote your way chose the other candidate out of bigotry, stupidity, or calumny. Assume they had their varied reasons, just like you had yours. Give folks the benefit of the doubt.

By the end of the night, Johnson said she thought she saw that happening. “I know how contentious things were, or are, in our community—horrible. Just like we’re seeing on the national stage.” But after the event, the audience hung around for almost an hour, talking, laughing and eating those cookies. “Let’s do this again!” they said.

That’s an idea no one could argue with.

CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Village of Mamaroneck

Official Newspaper Mamaroneck Schools

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Dr. Sherlita Amler, county health commissioner, speak at a news conference on how residents can keep the flu at bay this season. Photo courtesy Westchester County

With Westchester entering the high flu season, County Executive Rob Astorino urged residents on Feb. 1 to do four things to protect themselves, their families and the people around them from the flu and other seasonal viruses like Norovirus.

“Get a flu shot if you haven’t already,” Astorino said. “It’s not too late. A flu vaccine is your best defense against the flu, and flu shots are readily available at pharmacies, supermarkets, doctors’ offices and by appointment at our health department clinics in White Plains and Yonkers.

Follow mom’s advice to wash your hands thoroughly and often. When you have a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others. And finally, clean household surfaces with a bleach solution if anyone in your home is sick.”

In a typical year, Westchester County experiences roughly 90,000 cases of influenza and 60,000 cases of the Norovirus during the flu season, which runs from October to as late as May. Last Tuesday, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, said New York state is experiencing epidemic flu activity. The latest figures nationally show influenza levels, entering the “significant” level with 3 percent of doctors’ visits being attributed to the flu. A 2 percent level of doctors’ visits is considered normal; 7 to 8 percent is considered a “bad” season.

At a news conference in White Plains, Astorino and county health commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said they were calling attention to disease prevention now because viruses flourish in the winter, when people spend

more time indoors together, and because February and March are the height of the flu season, according to the CDC. Amler said flu symptoms include fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills and fatigue, while norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

“Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot each year to protect not only yourself, but the youngest and oldest residents around us,” she said. “You can have the flu and not know it and pass it along to infants, young children and seniors, who are much more vulnerable to flu complications. Right now, Westchester is tracking for a normal flu season, but we still have a few months to go.”

To avoid spreading and catching viruses, hand hygiene is critically important, Amler said.

“Viruses spread more easily in the winter, and handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid viruses,” she said. “Wash your hands thoroughly for about 20 seconds—the amount of time it takes to sing the ABCs or to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice.”

To avoid spreading germs, other tips include coughing into your sleeve—not your hands— and reminding children to wash their hands thoroughly after they sneeze. Also, wash your hands before and after using the toilet, blowing your nose or preparing food, and teach your children the right way to wash hands. Wet your hands, work up a lather, scrub the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails, rinse and dry.

Until they are well, people who are ill should stay home and avoid visits to newborns or family members in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices or assisted living facilities, Amler said. People there are often at increased risk for complications from flu or other viruses, and viruses spread easily in these settings.

If you have a family member at home sick with the flu or another virus, hand hygiene and frequent cleaning are critical for everyone in your household.

Environmentally friendly cleaning products often aren’t strong enough to kill germs, Amler said. Instead, clean high-touch hard surfaces with a bleach solution. Add a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water. Pour this into a labeled spray bottle and use it to clean countertops and tables, railings and door knobs, but don’t use on upholstered furniture. When you are sick, try to avoid preparing food for others and don’t share utensils.

Free flu shots will be given by appointment at the White Plains district office, located at 134 Court St., on Feb. 17; March 3 and 17; and April 7 and 21. Free flu shots will also be available at the Yonkers district office, located at 20 S. Broadway, 2nd floor, on Feb. 24; March 10 and 24; and April 14 and 28. Call 9955800 to schedule a visit.

For a visual reminder of these seasonal health tips, watch the county Department of Health’s video at westchestergov.com/ health. For more information, you can also call the Department of Health at 813-5000, follow on Twitter @wchealthdept, or like on Facebook at facebook.com/ wchealthdept. (Submitted)

14 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • February 10, 2017

SPORTS

Cheaters never prosper LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

Sometime around halftime on Sunday night, I sent my friend Derek an email. Derek, a Massachusetts native, is a wonderful human being, but also exemplifies the absolute worst of Patriots’ fandom—i.e., the smugness and sense of entitlement that comes with claiming the successes of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick as his own. So, seeing as his Pats were headed into the second half of Super Bowl LI trailing the Atlanta Falcons 213, I—being the good friend that I am—just wanted to know how he was doing.

He didn’t respond.

When the Falcons extended that lead to 25 points in the third quarter, I started to feel bad, so I reached out again.

I told Derek that I was sincerely sorry to be witnessing Brady’s demise in real time and

that, although his Pats had put together a historic run over the last 15 years, maybe it was time to look to the future of the organization with someone like second-year player Jimmy Garoppolo under center.

Despite my best efforts to let my friend know that I was there for him, Derek refused to answer.

My other friends also sent Derek their condolences. My buddy Matt reminded him that, in some ways, it was good that the Pats would lose to someone other than the Giants this time.

Justen let Derek know that if it were up to him, he would personally deliver a ball pump to NRG Stadium to help facilitate a New England comeback. Alex wanted to know if Derek would be driving up to Foxboro next fall for Brady’s inevitable retirement ceremony.

We’re good friends, and we were just looking out for one of our own in his time of mourning.

Of course, we all know what happened next.

Brady and the Pats scored 25 unanswered points in regulation and beat the Falcons in overtime in the most thrilling game in Super Bowl history.

As the confetti rained down in Houston and Roger Goodell took the stage to a chorus of lusty boos, Derek finally broke his silence with just three words.

“You were saying?” he responded.

If you, like most of America, root against the Patriots, you shouldn’t be surprised by what happened on Sunday night. The Pats have exceeded expectations for nearly two decades now, winning five Super Bowls in that time and establishing themselves as one of the best dynasties in the history of American professional sports—particularly in today’s age of parity.

Back in the heyday of the New York Yankees, it was often said that rooting for the Bombers was akin to rooting for U.S. Steel. If that’s the case, then cheering for Brady and the Patriots has to be

On Feb. 4, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots won their fifth Super Bowl with a 34-28 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons. Sports Editor Mike Smith now regrets trolling his Pats fan friend early on in the game. Photo courtesy Wikipedia

like rooting for Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire; you may blow up a Death Star or two, or catch Belichick videotaping an opponents’ practice, but ultimately, they will always strike back.

Derek hasn’t reached out to us since the night of the Pats’ latest win, but we don’t expect him to

be quiet for long. I’m sure that right now, he’s crafting a long, heartfelt email about how he understands how tough it must be for us to root for teams that aren’t a lock for the conference championship game each year, and that all we can do is keep our chins up.

But even though I know he’s a good friend, and that he’ll mean to cheer us up with his message, I can’t help but think that hearing from him will simply be deflating.

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

February 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 15

Tigers head to Sectionals

By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor When the Section I wrestling tournament kicks off at Arlington High School this weekend, there will be a number of Mamaroneck athletes hitting the mat with titles on their minds.

On Feb. 4, five Tigers punched their tickets to the big dance with impressive performances at New Rochelle High School, setting the stage for the most important weekend of the season.

Facing off against wrestlers from Eastchester, Lakeland/ Panas, New Rochelle, Ossining, Port Chester, Suffern, and Tappan Zee, two Tigers took top honors at the Division II qualifiers, as both Guy Santee (126 pounds) and Crew Fullerton (132) both won their divisions on the afternoon. Santee topped Lakeland/Panas’ Justin Rosario with a 6-1 decision in the finals, while Fullerton edged Suffern’s Pat Canty 9-5, as the duo emerged as Mamaroneck’s top finishers. Micky O’Brien (99 pounds) Mike McGowan (138), and Trent Weschler (152) all came away with top-four finishes to secure a berth in the upcoming sectional tourney.

Guy Santee has his arm raised after a win in the 126-pound semifinal round at New Rochelle High School. Santee topped Justin Rosario from Lakeland/Panas in the finals.

Suffern led all schools at the Division II qualifiers, sending 13 wrestlers through to next weekend’s sectional tournament.

According to Mamaroneck coach Sean Gilberti, the Tigers’ challenging regular season schedule served to ready his charges for postseason competition, but made for a tough road in the qualifiers.

“We were hoping to maybe

get six or seven wrestlers qualified, but we knew we were better than our seeds suggested coming in,” the head coach said.

“If you look at someone like [Fullerton], who came in as a three seed, we knew he had a really good shot to take it all on Saturday.”

Those lower seeds, Gilberti added, made it more difficult for his wrestlers to qualify

Crew Fullerton locks in a hold against an opponent from Tappan Zee on Feb. 4. Fullerton took first place in the 132-pound bracket at the Division II qualifiers.

Crew Fullerton takes down an opponent at the Division II qualifiers. Photos/Mike Smith

for sectionals.

“We didn’t wrestle as many matches as some other schools and we faced top competition,” he said. “So we knew that on Saturday, everybody was going to have to get past that one really tough match in order to qualify.”

The Section I tournament

will officially start on Saturday morning at Arlington High School, but the Tigers’ wrestlers will spend the week preparing for the upcoming competition and getting healthy for the grueling two-day tournament.

“This week is really going to be all about fine-tuning; they have the tools they need, we

just need to work on the mental aspect,” Gilberti said. “It’s not about who has the top seed, it’s about how well you wrestle, and a lot of times, you will see four and five seeds knock off a top guy just because they were better prepared.”

CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

Micky O’Brien looks for a pin on Feb. 4. O’Brien placed fourth in the 99-pound division.

16 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • February 10, 2017