Mamaroneck REVIEW THE
November 10, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 45 | www.mamaroneckreview.com
Latimer upends Astorino, wins county executive race Village GOP rolled over in Board of Trustees sweep By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
Photo/Andrew Dapolite
By CHRISTIAN FALCONE Editor-in-Chief Republicans in Westchester didn’t stand a chance on Tuesday night, as a Democratic voter surge culminated with the ushering in of state Sen. George Latimer to the highest elected office in the county. The failed re-election for incumbent County Executive Rob Astorino, a two-term Republican, was decisive and swift. As the results began to pour in shortly after 9 p.m. on Nov. 7, the numbers quickly shifted in Latimer’s favor, and what materialized into a double-digit margin early on never tightened. It was a sobering night at the
polls for Republicans throughout Westchester, who were left to regroup amid fears that the turnout was in direct response to President Donald Trump’s policies. Termed the “Trump effect,” it was too much to overcome even for Astorino, who had defied odds in his previous election victories despite a 2-to-1 voter registration disadvantage for Republicans. According to the unofficial county Board of Elections tallies, Latimer captured 116,767 votes, equating to 57 percent of the popular vote, compared to Astorino’s 89,463 votes, or 43 percent. The turnout shows a stark turnaround from when Astorino successfully won re-election in 2013. With his biggest win to date,
Latimer continues his unbeaten streak of 18 consecutive elections, which started off in 1987 in a run for the Rye City Council. He then successfully worked his way through the Westchester County Board of Legislators and into the New York state Legislature. Latimer has held some level of elected office for 30 years. Joined by a packed house of supporters at the Coliseum White Plains, Latimer offered victory remarks to raucous cheers from the audience. “We are going to run this county well,” he said. “We’re going to run it on progressive values; we’re going to keep your taxes in line, but it’s not going to be
just about taxes.” Latimer said his administration would be about jobs, housing, transportation, health care and also taxes. “We are going to show you in Westchester what we’re going to show you in the nation in three years,” he added, offering a prelude to the 2020 presidential race, “how to run America the right way.” The campaign was hard fought but also full of mudslinging from both sides. Astorino, with a significant war chest, outspent Latimer by a 3-to-1 margin. At the Crowne Plaza White Plains, Astorino awaited the results alongside his supporters. LATIMER continued on page 7
In a pivotal election for mayor, voters went decisively Democrat, opting to elect town of Mamaroneck Councilman Tom Murphy. Nora Lucas, a Democrat, also picked up a trustee seat to give village of Mamaroneck Democrats full control of the five-member Board of Trustees. Murphy, who previously served on the village board from 2004 to 2009, won a convincing victory against his Republican opponent George Mgrditchian, earning 60 percent of the vote to Mgrditchian’s 40 percent. Lucas, the former village Democratic Party chairwoman, won by similar margins, walking away with 57 percent of the vote, compared to her Republican opponent Maria DeRose, 43 percent. “You don’t get here on your own,” said Murphy, 56, thanking Democrats who worked on his campaign. “You get here on the shoulders of others.” Murphy’s comment, in front of a festive crowd at Bar’Lees Wine and Whiskey Bar on Mamaroneck Avenue, quickly turned to the national stage, marking his victory as one of many steps by Democrats nationwide toward “taking [the] country back.” “Tonight the sun comes out, tonight is a different day,” said Murphy, his voice in a crescendo. “Next year we will take back Congress… we’re going to take our goddamn country back.”
Murphy and Lucas’ victory will mark the end of any Republican representation on the village of Mamaroneck’s governing body. Popular village mayor, Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, backed out of a re-election campaign to run for Westchester County legislator, and Deputy Mayor Louis Santoro, also a Republican, did not seek re-election. In defeat, Mgrditchian, who was at Bar Harbor on Boston Post Road awaiting the returns on election night, wished Murphy and Lucas the best. “We hope our new leaders will bring what Maria and I had hoped to have brought to the village, “integrity, and civility,” Mgrditchian, 57, said. Unusually high Democratic voter turnout in an off-year election seems to have clearly pushed candidates to victory throughout the county. In the village of Mamaroneck, there were nearly 2,100 more overall votes cast in this election compared to the 2015 mayor and trustee race, according to county Board of Elections tallies. SWEEP continued on page 9
Follow us on Twitter @mamaroneckview Like us on facebook.com/mamaroneckreview
2 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 10, 2017
November 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 3
Parker bests Rosenblum in county race By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, joined the wave of big Democratic gains across Westchester County this week, securing a substantial win over challenger Norman Rosenblum. Amongst other legislative races, Parker, a two-term legislator, won by one of the largest margins, securing a formidable 66 percent of the vote compared to 34 percent for Rosenblum, the current mayor of the village of Mamaroneck. Like other Democrats across the county, higher-than-usual voter turnout seemed to clearly work in re-electing Parker to represent the 7th legislative district.
According to unofficial county Board of Elections figures, 15,162 people cast ballots in the race compared to just 9,509 during Parker’s last re-election bid in 2015. Further, Parker alone managed to secure 10,000 votes—more than the total number of votes tallied in 2015, a non-presidential election year where she defeated Susan Watson, a Republican from Rye. Parker, while stationed at Bar’Lees Whiskey and Wine Bar on Mamaroneck Avenue, offered her remarks to constituents. “Thanks so much for re-electing me for a third term,” Parker said to an exuberant Mamaroneck crowd. “I also want to say thank you for recognizing that we are in this together.” Rosenblum, who had held his mayor’s seat since 2009, said he intends to make an exit from politics after opting to pursue higher office instead of running for re-election as village mayor this year. “As they say, the king is dead, long live the king,” he said. “It’s time for other people to step in.” Rosenblum said that while he has no gripes about his campaign, the so-called “Trump ef-
fect”—anti-Donald Trump sentiments influencing Democratic voters—was arguably the biggest factor facing Westchester Republicans. “The emphasis was that [Rob] Astorino is like [Donald] Trump, and in my own debate, Rosenblum is like Astorino,” he told the Review. Indeed, countywide, hoards of Democratic voters poured into voting stations and buoyed candidates in their districts. Mirroring Parker’s race, local races in the village of Mamaroneck and the city of Rye—prominent voting blocks in Parker’s district— saw thousands more voters flock to the polls than in previous elections. Democratic success on election night also helped secure a greater Democratic majority— previously 9-8—in the county Legislature. After at least three Republican incumbents were defeated, with a fourth incumbent’s race—Legislator David Tubiolo, of Yonkers—still too close to call, as of press time, county Democrats will enjoy a super majority come January. Westchester’s 7th District encompasses the city of
Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, is all smiles in White Plains after scoring a huge win over GOP challenger Norman Rosenblum, adding to wholesale Democratic gains across the county. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
Rye, the town and village of Mamaroneck, the village of Larchmont, and portions of the city of New Rochelle and the
town/village of Harrison. County legislators serve twoyear terms and earn an annual salary of $49,200.
Parker could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
4 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 10, 2017
What’s going on... Mamaroneck Public Library
School Age Kids Club: National Recycle Day
The American Dream (or Nightmare): How Novels Portray America
On Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For grades K–2. This is a program for kids at the Mamaroneck Public Library that promotes engineering, math and science while supporting creativity and literacy. Participants will create a Marble Run out of recycled tubes. Registration is required by calling 630-5894.
On Monday, Nov. 13 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Michael P. Coords Activity Room. This activity continues on Dec. 4 and 18. Online registration required for all sessions. What has the American Dream meant in the past, and what does it mean today? Does the dream still live? Has its meaning changed over the years? What happens to people who attain it and who fail to attain it? Join Catherine Wald and through the lens of these Pulitzer Prize fiction winners, participants will explore this rich and multilayered topic. The American Dream series is sponsored by Humanities NY. Books will be available in the library three weeks prior to each session. On Nov. 13, “The Sympathizer” by Viet Thanh Nguyen will be discussed; on Dec. 4, “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz; and on Dec. 18, “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri.
Girls Who Code For more information on hours and programs, visit mamaronecklibrary.org. The library will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
Bilingual Storytime – Hora Del Cuento Bilingüe On Monday, Nov. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. A Spanish and English storytime for all ages. Una hora del cuento bilingüe para todas las edades.
Tween Time: DIY Fidget Spinners On Monday, Nov. 13 from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. Make your own fidget spinner out of cardboard. This program is for children in grades 3–6, and requires no registration.
On Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Program Room. This program is open to girls in grades 6–12. Explore coding in a fun and friendly environment, two hours per week after school. Space is limited; registration is required. Please call 630-5875 to register. You must bring your own laptop—a limited number of laptops are available for in-program use.
Jiggles & Giggles On Thursday, Nov. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. Songs and a stomping good time with Marie.For children ages 18 months to 36 months old. Registration is required by calling 6305894.
Larchmont Public Library
Coloring for Grown-ups On Monday, Nov. 13 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Life got you stressed? Unwind at the library. Turn off your phone, unplug your computer. Experience the latest trend in relaxation: adult coloring. Coloring can have a calming effect on the adult mind and help promote overall wellness, and it’s fun. Join in for an afternoon of music, refreshments and relaxation. Drop in anytime between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Coloring sheets and tools will be provided. Please be over 18 to attend.
Walk Your Way to Better Health On Tuesdays from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the Community Room. Adults are invited to burn calories and get in shape in this new low-impact exercise class. Walking is a simple way to get exercise. The class will follow along with Leslie Sansone’s Walking series. These DVDs are low-impact and take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. All participants must sign a waiver beforehand, and should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. To register, call the Reference Desk at 630-5887.
Tech Tuesdays On Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Need help getting hooked up with e-books, etc.? Just curious about what the library has to offer? On Tuesdays, you can get help in the main floor Tutor Room from a librarian who will be there ready and willing to help you. While focusing on the library’s services, the librarian is willing to take a stab at any technological problem you may have. By appointment only. Register online or call the Information Desk at 834-2281 ext. 3.
Crazy for Comics?
For more information on hours and programs, visit larchmontlibrary.org. The library will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 in observance of Veterans Day.
Yoga for Kids On Saturday, Nov. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. For ages 3 to 5. Kids will learn poses, breathing exercises and an awareness of their body through stories and music. They will laugh, stretch, build up strength and learn invaluable tools to calm and energize their bodies and minds. Online registration required.
Reading Buddies On Saturday, Nov. 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. For ages 4 and up. Come to the library, enjoy stories and games with local teenagers and make a cool craft. Online registration required.
On Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Michael P. Coords Activity Room. For grades six and up. Like manga? Anime? Join artist Alex Conte to chat about comics and their screen adaptations while learning tips for drawing graphics. Over the three sessions, Alex will teach things like drawing covers, splash pages, perspective, anatomy, and more. Materials provided. Online registration required.
Wonderfully Weird Holiday Storytime On Thursday, Nov. 16 from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For ages 5 to 7. Did you know Nov. 16 was Party with Your Bear Day? Bring your bear for a very beary celebration with food, games, and stories. Online registration required.
Picasso’s Pyrenees On Thursday, Nov. 16 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Village Center. About 100 years ago, a charming little town in the foothills of the French Pyrenees called Céret became a center of modern art. Up-andcoming artists such as Picasso, Braque, Matisse and Gris spent time in the area. It was here that Picasso and Braque developed analytical cubism. Liz Kemble, the founder of Travellati Tours, will show the places these masters lived and worked, who they hung out with, where they traveled, and the work that was inspired by their surroundings and community. No registration required.
At Home on the Sound A Doctor’s Perspective on Medicare for All With enrollment period at hand for personal health insurance, At Home on the Sound has invited Dr. Elizabeth Rosenthal on Tuesday, Nov. 14 to discuss the three bills currently under consideration: the New York Health Care bill, Bernie Sanders bill in the Senate, and John Conyers bill in the House. The aim of each is “Expanded and Improved Medicare for All” on both federal and state levels. Comparing the bills, she will also discuss why she thinks such an act would be the right thing to do, why we need to do it, and which of our current health care system’s problems each bill addresses. She will bring a physician’s perspective to the discussion as well as that of a patient and a parent. This program on Nov. 14 at the Larchmont Avenue Church, located at 60 Forest Park Ave. in Larchmont, is free and open to the entire community. Refreshments are served at 3:30 p.m.; program begins at 4 p.m. For more information, visit AtHomeontheSound.org.
LEGOLAND Westchester LEGO Star Wars Days From Friday, Nov. 17 through Sunday, Nov. 19. May the Force be with you as Jedi Knights, Droids and Clone Troopers invade LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester during the LEGO Star Wars Days. The weekend features fun-filled activities for all ages including a themed mosaic build in the Master Builder Academy, a Star Wars MINILAND scavenger hunt, and photo opportunities with LEGO Star Wars creations built by the center’s Master Model Builder. Star Wars fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite character while exploring the ultimate LEGO Star Wars galaxy of fun. Costumed fan groups will also make appearances to meet and greet fans of all ages. Annual Pass holders are encouraged to attend the LEGO Star Wars Days kickoff at 4 p.m. on Nov. 17. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is located at 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. Tickets start at $15.95; children under 2 are free. Opening hours: Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 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.
Follow us on Twitter
@ mamaroneckview
November 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 5
County announces drug takeback program
The Household Material Recovery facility will remain open on Nov. 14 and the first Tuesday of every month thereafter. Photo courtesy Westchestergov.com
As part of National Prescription Take Back Day, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino has made it easier for residents to safely dispose of their old and excess drugs and medications. On Nov. 4, Westchester County opened its Household Material Recovery Facility, H-MRF at 15 Woods Road in Valhalla for the second Saturday in a row. The goal of Prescription Take Back Day is to provide safe, convenient, and responsible ways of disposing potentially lethal and addictive prescription drugs, while simultaneously educating the public about the potential for abuse and medications. “People often ask, ‘what can I do in this opioid crisis?’” Astorino said. “The best way to keep these prescriptions drugs out of reach is to get rid of them and to properly dispose of them. All too often, addiction starts with the medicine cabinet and ends in tragedy.” For people who missed gthe Saturday drop-offs, the facility will be open on Nov. 14 and the first Tuesday of every month
thereafter. The added drop-off days coincide with a national movement highlighting the dangers of prescription drugs and opioids. Additionally, residents can drop off medications at select local police departments at any time, or at two pharmacies that currently have lockboxes: CircleRx Pharmacy on Gramatan Avenue in Mount Vernon and Walgreens Pharmacy on Nepperhan Avenue in Yonkers. “I provide this service as a way of helping people,” said Mark Rauchwerger, president and pharmacist at CircleRx Pharmacy. “It’s quick, easy and safe. If I can prevent even one person from overdosing on opioids, it’s well worth the effort.” Sherlita Amler, commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Health, noted that it’s important that people properly dispose of their mixed medications, and that medications should never be thrown in the trash, flushed down the toilet or washed down the sink because they could taint ground and surface waters and harm those ecosystems.
“We must attack this national health crisis from every front,” Amler said, “and opening up the county’s recovery facility is a safe, easy and inexpensive way to properly dispose of unused and expired medications.” When it began in 2008, Westchester’s medication take back program was the first of its kind in New York State. It has since grown, and been replicated, and continues to be available at the Household Material Recovery Facility, by appointment and select days. When delivering medications to the H-MRF, keep all items in the original container or, if unavailable, put them in a sealable plastic bag. Liquid medications should be in their containers in sealable plastic bags. County staff will be on hand to accept expired and unused medications for disposal. For more information or to learn how to drop off medications at your local police department, refer to the Safe Medication Disposal brochure or call the Recycling HelpLine at 813-5425. (Submitted)
Connect with us on @linkedin.com/company/hometown-media
6 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 10, 2017
Mamaroneck THE
REVIEW
170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
SeniorU gives elderly chance at college degree
Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com 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 | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Nancy Kaplan ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer Franco Fino Staff Photographer Jen Parente
Letters The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes. Community Events If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com. Delivery For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Classifieds & Legals To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27.
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter Beginning January 2018, residents over the age of 65 at Wartburg, a senior living, health care, and rehabilitation center in Mount Vernon, will be able to acquire a college degree through the facility’s SeniorU program. Wartburg has partnered with Concordia College, a Christian institute in Bronxville, to create SeniorU, a program that gives residents the opportunity to receive either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, a liberal arts degree that allows students to focus on a wide range of interests. “In our pursuit to become even more collaborative with the community, this gave us a location in Mount Vernon that fit the profile of senior youth,” said Jim Bunn, special assistant to the president at Concordia College. “It was natural to be partners with Wartburg.” David Gentner, CEO and president of Wartburg, said the collaboration intends to “benefit both of our organizations in a way that serves the community in a new and unique way that’s not happening now.” According to the 2016 U.S. Census Bureau, which provides information on topics including the amount of education obtained by U.S. citizens, 17.4 percent of
people 55 years and older have a bachelor’s degree, compared to 25.4 percent of people ages 25 to 34 years old. “We have a built in senior care and service organization and that includes seniors that are independent, and active… and in many cases underserved.” Gentner said. Bunn said program intends to exercise and expand the minds of the older residents. “Try to imagine how cool it is to be able to help someone get a college degree, who for a variety of reasons, may have never had the opportunity,” Gentner said. Bunn explained that the classes won’t be like “your typical classroom,” and that they will be specifically geared toward senior learning. “It’s experiential,” he said. Bunn gave the example of a computer class, which would involve teaching seniors how to use social media to communicate with their families. “Now’s the time the seniors can really put their good life experiences to work, by getting people to think and talk,” he said. “Expanding one’s mind is what the seniors are really excited about.” Holly Magnani, director of marketing and web master at Concordia, said that the classes will be held at Wartburg in Mount Vernon, and for now will only be available to residents at Wartburg.
In fall 2018, Magnani said that they plan to open the classes up seniors 65 and older from the surrounding communities. The classes will be taught by faculty from Concordia. Bunn explained that the professors will be in a similar age range of 65 years old and up. “By seniors, for seniors; that’s our goal,” Bunn said. The partnership is still in the beginning stages, and Bunn explained that they are working on having informational sessions and focus groups to gage community interest in the program. “We’re on a good trajectory,” Bunn said. Enrollment for SeniorU’s January 2018 semester is open, and more information on how to sign up can be found at Concordia-NY.edu. “Like all people, [seniors] deserve the opportunity to live their best life,” Gentner said. CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
One of the classes offered under SeniorU will teach seniors social media literacy. Photo courtesy CARP.ca
Residents of Wartburg over the age of 65 will be able to get either their associates or bachelor’s degree through SeniorU, in collaboration with Concordia College. Photo courtesy SeniorCitizensInc.org
From left, David Gentner, president and CEO at Wartburg; Joan Parks, a Wartburg resident; Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas; and the Rev. Dr. John Nunes, president at Concordia College. Photo courtesy Wartburg.org
Postmaster Send address changes to: The Mamaroneck Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Visit us online www.mamaroneckreview.com
Follow us on Twitter, @mamaroneckview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/mamaroneckreview The Mamaroneck Review (permit #16661) is published weekly by Home Town Media Group for an annual subscription of $45. Application to mail at the periodicals postage rate is approved at White Plains, N.Y., 10601. Periodicals postage paid at White Plains and additional mailing offices.
Wartburg, a senior living facility, is in the city of Mount Vernon. Photo courtesy LecesseConstruction.com
November 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 7
Opinion-Editorial
LATIMER from page 1
The racist history of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ By CLIFFORD JACKSON
County Executive Rob Astorino concedes the race to state Sen. George Latimer on Nov. 7. “I am truly blessed in life. In this room and throughout Westchester, I can never thank you enough,” he said. Photo/Jen Parente
He held out for most of the night hoping the numbers would eventually swing in his favor. But it wasn’t meant to be. At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Astorino called Latimer to concede the race and
offer his congratulations. “George and I have been friends for quite a long time and served together as well,” he said. “And in the heat of an election… we’re glad we’re at this point so we can go back to being friends…. I look forward to working with him and his team to ensure a very smooth transition in January.” The county executive then addressed his friends, family and supporters. “We’ve come up short and that’s OK,” said Astorino, who was seeking a final third term in office. “We are blessed to live in a democracy and we respect the will of the delegates. Serving the
people of Westchester County has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.” But this loss may close the book on his political career as any future ambitions such as a 2018 run for governor now seem over. When Latimer is sworn into office in January, he will have a supermajority of support from the county’s 17-member legislative branch after Democrats captured additional seats this election. The county executive is elected to a four-year term with an annual salary of approximately $160,000. CONTACT: chris@hometwn.com
Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the playing of the national anthem, along with other demonstrations against racial injustice in this country by NFL players and many other professional athletes, has incurred the onslaught of hatred and ignorance by many. Many of these people, as well as the public at large, do not know the racist history of the national anthem and its author. Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the War of 1812. He was a white supremacist like many others, and felt that blacks were morally and psychologically inferior in every way. Like Chief Justice Tawney, he said blacks were reduced to slavery for their own benefit. Now, American history has
Like us on
always been a perverse lie as far as its so-called greatness. “The Star-Spangled Banner” is just another example of that egregious lie. There were 6,000 African-American slaves that fought on the side of the British during the War of 1812. Lord Liverpool along with other senior British officials had promised the slaves that if they fought for the British, they would receive their emancipation and would not be returned to their masters. The same process happened during the Revolutionary War, where more than 5,000 African-American slaves fought on the side of the British to receive their freedom from the enslaving and brutal American colonialists. Francis Scott Key specifically writes about his disdain for the slaves in the national anthem with the lyrics, “No refuge could save the hireling and slave
/ From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave / And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave / O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” The song categorically was a pro-slavery song and no African-American or any person for that matter with a modicum of decency and education should pay homage to “The Star-Spangled Banner.” As Fannie Lou Hamer said, “The blood and sweat of African-Americans are wrapped up in the American flag.” American history is criminal and predicated on many crimes against humanity. “The Star-Spangled Banner,” like the confederate monuments, is an expression of that racist and criminal history. Clifford Jackson is a resident of Larchmont. The views expressed are his own.
facebook.com/mamaroneckreview
8 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 10, 2017
County outlines terrorism preparedness plan In the aftermath of the deadly domestic terrorist attack in lower Manhattan, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino outlined a series of anti-terrorism initiatives in place to ensure the public’s safety and said that police patrols have been increased at parkways, parks and other popular gathering places. Joined by George N. Longworth, commissioner of Westchester County’s Department of Public Safety, and members of law enforcement, Astorino discussed Westchester’s preparedness, which includes measures already in place to safeguard against any potential copycat crimes, lone-wolf attacks or terrorist activities that could potentially prey on innocent civilians. “We are always assessing real-world threats, and working closely with our partners on the federal, state and local levels,” Astorino said. “In these times we live in, we must always be vigilant. The public can be rest-assured that we are as prepared as we can be for an attack like the horrific and cowardly one that occurred yesterday. Our intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism efforts and stepped-up patrols are in place to protect residents,
businesses and critical infrastructure in Westchester from potential terrorist activity.” Astorino also offered condolences to the victims of the attack and their families. “The people of Westchester share the sorrow and anger being felt by those most impacted by this awful event,” Astorino said. “We have also offered our assistance to New York City and stand ready to help in any way that we can.” Both Astorino and Longworth noted that county police detectives are assigned to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force – made up of federal, state and local law enforcement to ensure proper coordination – and were on scene in lower Manhattan immediately following yesterday’s attack, gathering information in real-time to assess any further threats from the incident, including the potential in Westchester. Members of the Westchester County Police are also regularly engaged in a wide variety of counter-terrorism efforts every day, Astorino said. Among safeguards in place and actions taken include: Increased police patrols along county parkways, parks and other
popular gathering places. All patrol officers carry radiation detection pagers that enable law enforcement to identify and interdict a dirty bomb if it passed through Westchester. The county’s Aviation Unit helicopter and Marine Unit patrol boats regularly conduct patrols around critical infrastructure locations, including the Tappan Zee Bridge and Indian Point power plant, to name just a few. The members of the county Bomb Squad have the sophisticated training needed to respond to any incident involving a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. The squad is capable of dealing with incidents involving chemical, biological or radiological devices. County police have a canine unit with dogs that specialize in identifying bombs and electronic devices used in cyber-crime. The county police are part of the Westchester Intelligence Center, located in White Plains, which includes investigators from Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Department of Public Safety and multiple local law enforcement agencies, along with civilian crime analysts. (Submitted)
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino has announced that the county is stepping up patrols and that anti-terrorism units have been put in place. Contributed photo
November 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 9
High school hosts annual a cappella festival
SWEEP from page 1
The Westchester Chordsmen Chorus are pleased to announce our 4th Annual A Cappella Festival on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s festival is once again co-sponsored by and located at Mamaroneck High School. There is no admission fee. This is a joint community service project of the Westchester Chordsmen and Mamaroneck High School’s Music Department. Eight A Cappella groups from five Westchester County towns are scheduled to perform, along with a brief appearance by the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus.
John Fotia, president of the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus, said, “We are very excited about this year’s festival. With Mamaroneck High School, we are supporting and encouraging a cappella singing in Westchester. This a repeating annual event, with more and different groups each year, as is demonstrated by the number of groups scheduled to perform, a total of nearly 100 singers. Other schools and groups have already expressing interest in next year’s festival. The finale, as in years-past and seen in the attached poster, will feature all the groups and the Chordsmen singing an original composition by
Schools participating: Mamaroneck High School Pleasantville High School Edgemont High School Westlake High School Port Chester Middle School
Chordsmen Director Keith Harris, ‘Give Me Your Tired.’” The festival will again be video recorded by LMC-TV and aired on most Westchester’s and Rockland Cable Systems. The event will take place at Mamaroneck High School located at 1000 W. Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck. (Submitted)
In a decisive victory, Mamaroneck Democrats have swept the village Board of Trustees, taking over the mayors seat- for the first time since 2009. Pictured is Tom Murphy, who won the village mayoral seat. Photo/Mike Smith
Among the biggest issues debated throughout the campaign was the handling of the controversial Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream, a now-shuttered business that was forced to close after a zoning appeal determined it has been misclassified as a retail establishment and was the impetus of exacerbated noise and traffic
conditions for the surrounding residential neighborhood. In addition to Ralph’s, campaigning was also placed on restoring relations between Board of Trustees members, which have flared at times throughout the past several years. In 2016, Board of Trustees candidates Keith Waitt and Vic-
tor Tafur, both Democrats, were elected on a message of restoring “civility” to intra-board relations. Both mayor and trustee in the village are elected to serve twoyear terms and earn an annual stipend of $8,427 and 6,000, respectively.
MAC, an a capella group from Mamaroneck High School.
CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Swing Choir, one of Mamaroneck High School’s three a capella groups.
In Treble, an all-female a capella group at the high school. Contributed photos
10 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 10, 2017
Westchester County jail wins national award Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino announced on Nov. 3 that the county jail has received national recognition for its Community Oriented Re-Entry, CORE, program, which provides mental
health services to inmates. Selected from more 500 jails, prisons and other correctional facilities nationwide, Westchester’s efforts won “Program of the Year” honors from the National Com-
mission on Correctional Health Care, a top accreditation group. The award was presented on Nov. 6, in Chicago. “A lot of people talk about the importance of providing mental
The Westchester County jail has received a national award for inmate mental health services. Contributed photo
health services to people in jail,” said Astorino. “This award recognizes that Westchester is delivering services with positive results.” The CORE program follows the key principles of Astorino’s ‘Safer Communities’ initiative: address root causes and then marshal a coordinated response. Launched
in November 2014, CORE is a partnership among the county’s Department of Correction, Department of Community Mental Health, and New York Correct Care Solutions, the inmate health services provider at the jail. The program also relies upon several community partners who specialize in the needs of inmates with mental health issues, as well as from volunteers, such as clergy, musicians, artists and former prisoners committed to recovery. Housed on the fourth floor of the jail, CORE provides intensive daily programs for inmate-patients who have been diagnosed with serious mental illnesses. CORE participants, which include men, women and minors, are screened by qualified mental health professionals and the jail’s administrative team. Emphasizing the principle that “discharge planning begins at intake,” a key goal of CORE is to link inmate-patients with critical services in their home communities. CORE offers both individual and group-based therapy and focuses on improving participants’ life skills, job readiness, family reintegration, spirituality and substance abuse recovery. Through the use of art and music therapy, guest speakers and other workshops, participants are able to discuss their fears, anxieties and other struggles in an interactive and productive manner not custom-
arily seen in jail settings. Several participants and facilitators spoke about the program, citing its honest and straight-forward approach, and how it deals with the mental, psychological and spiritual aspects of treatment and recovery. “They don’t treat me like a number,” said Joe, an inmate who is participating in the program. “They treat me like an individual.” The benefits of the program have been two-fold: Fewer incidents inside the jail, such as fights and assaults on staff, and reduced recidivism outside. “The reasons for CORE’s success are easy to see,” Astorino said. “Issues are addressed rather than ignored and relationships are created so that individuals leave the county jail with a network of experiences and services that will help them.” Astorino added: “For too long, far too many of our nation’s jails and prisons have been filled with the people struggling with mental illness. The feedback we have received on CORE from everyone – from correction officers to inmates to mental health clinicians – has been truly remarkable. Ensuring that this population receives critically needed services while in jail directly enhances public safety when they return to their home communities, both in Westchester and beyond.” (Submitted)
November 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 11
Coldwell Banker residential Brokerage
60 Park Ave, Mamaroneck | $2,950,000 Open House, Sunday 12pm-2pm Stunning and Historic 1906 Mediterranean with 7 bedrooms/3.5 baths features lovely views of Long Island Sound, Horseshoe Harbor and Manor Park. Classic design, high ceilings, original doors, moldings and craftsmanship abound in this elegant home. The porches patios and verandas make this a fantastic home for entertaining by the water! Just unpack and enjoy!
937 Greacen Point Road, Mamaroneck $2,399,000
401 Carroll Avenue, Mamaroneck | $1,250,000 Open House, Sunday 3pm-5pm
Secluded historic estate combines a crisp modern interior featuring today’s amenities with luxury and superior craftsmanship throughout. Recently redesigned and renovated, slate roof, vaulted ceilings, large rooms, expansive windows and French doors, define this welcoming 5 bedrooms/4.5 baths home. Beautifully sited on 1.2 acres on one of the premier streets in the coveted neighborhood of Orient Point and water views of Larchmont Harbor.
Spacious 5 bedrooms/3 baths Mediterranean home in Rye Neck School District. With nearly 2900 sq. ft. of living space this home is ideal for entertaining. Featuring a living room, fireplace, sun room, large kitchen, formal dining, 2-car tandem garage, expansive yard with in-ground pool. Potential subdivision lot. A short walk to downtown Mamaroneck, & train station. Arrive at Grand Central in 36mins.
Larchmont Office | 140 Larchmont Avenue | Larchmont, NY 10538 | 914.834.7100
ColdwellBankerHomes.com © 2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
12 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 10, 2017
The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:
$42.50 for up to 4 lines. Each additional line $2.00. Classifieds ads appear in all five of our publications.
HOW TO REACH US:
Email: ads@hometwn.com Phone: (914) 653-1000 x27 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601
ADOPTION
LEGAL NOTICES
Loving family from Europe, looking to adopt a baby into home filled with happiness, security, unconditional love. We whole-heartedly welcome a child of any race/ethnicity. Please contact Chantal, Geoffrey and big brother Noah, through our NY adoption agency! 1-914-939-1180 adopt@foreverfamiliesthroughadoption.org
Notice of Formation of Laurie Scovotti Studio, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 09/06/17. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 7 Lundy Lane, Larchmont, NY 10538. Purpose: any lawful activity.
AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315-400-0797 Today! Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 914-468-4999 Today!
COLLECTABLES T O P C A S H PA I D I N S TA N T LY F O R COLLECTIBLES! -WE BUY Baseball Cards, Autographs, Records, Silver Coins, Golf Items, Art, Jewelry, Comics Etc., Call Jim Today @ 914-310-5153
HELP WANTED AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here ñGet trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7094 Clerical Assistant (p/t) at the Mamaroneck Village Court. Approximately 18 hours per week assisting with clerical/general office work English fluency required/Spanish fluency a plus. Pay commensurate with experience, with a minimum $13/hour. Resumes (with e-mail contact addresses) should be sent to: Chief Clerk, Mamaroneck Village Court, 169 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Mamaroneck, NY 10543.
DEADLINE:
Placement, correction or cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication
Notice of Formation of Beauty By Linda, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 10/4/17. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to:118 Villa Ave, Mamaroneck NY 10543. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of Cholerton-Brown Consulting, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 10/12/11. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 68 Park Ridge Ave., New Rochelle. NY 10805. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of Front Right Strategies LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 10/16/17. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as the agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 930 Fairway Ln, Mamaroneck. NY 10543. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of 430 Center Avenue, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 6/1/17. Office location: Westchester County. NY Sec. of State designated agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and shall mail process to 430 Center Ave, Mamaroneck, NY 10543-2299, the principal business location. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of K Nicole Collective, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 10/17/17. Office location: Westchester County. Legal Zoom is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, New York 11228. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of filing of certificate of authority of a limited liabitity company(LLC): filed by Money Pit LLC with the secretary of state of New York(SSNY) on 4/19/2017.Office Location:Westchester County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC. PO Box 87 Montrose NY 10548 Purpose:A ny lawful purpose. Duration:Perpetual
Follow us on Twitter
@mamaroneckview
MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $4397.00-MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill-Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/ DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-5781363 Ext.300N
REAL ESTATE By Order of the Bankruptcy Court—3BR Home w/Apartment Auction: 11/15 @11AM 10+ Acres, 2-Car Garage, Beautiful Views & Pond, Fayston, VT THCAuction.com. 800-634-7653 Vermont Lake Home Foreclosure Auction November 30 @ 11AM. 3B R, 1± Acre, Dock, 420± Lake Frontage. Eden, Vermont THCAuction.com ? 800-634-7653 Wooded upstate NY land with LAKES, PONDS & STREAMS being liquidated NOW! 20 tracts! 2 to 41 acres! 50-60% below market! No closing costs! Owner terms! 888-905-8847 NewYorkLandandLakes.com
Let’s Get Everyone Covered.
Questions About Health Insurance?
Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable health insurance for qualifying children and adults of all ages through Qualified Health Plans and the New York State-sponsored Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Medicaid programs. We want everyone to know that learning about quality, affordable health insurance is just a call, click, or visit away.
WANTED TO BUY Buying Diamonds, gold, silver, antique and modern jewelry, better furs, U.S. and foreign coins, paintings, bronzes, complete estates. Highest prices paid. Call 914-260-8783 for appointment.
SOONER OR LATER... SOMEONE’S GOING TO BLAB IT ON
To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www. nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.
1-888-FIDELIS • fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547)
TTY: 1-800-421-1220
November 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 13
s e h s i l b u P Eastchester REVIEW THE
Harrison REVIEW THE
Mamaroneck REVIEW THE
THE
CityREVIEW NewRochelle
RyeCity REVIEW INSIDE
THE
INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY
170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains N.Y. 10601 (914) 653-1000
www.hometwn.com
14 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 10, 2017
Goodbye, Doc LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
On Tuesday afternoon, I was mulling possible column topics for the week, when I heard the news about Roy Halladay. The retired MLB great, just 40 years old, had died in a single-casualty plane crash off the coast of Florida. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. Baseball has lost its fair share of stars over the last few years, guys like Oscar Taveras, Yordano Ventura and Jose Fernandez—all players whose best years were ahead of them before their lives were tragically cut short—but it was undoubtedly the loss of Halladay, and what he meant to my formative baseball years, that impacted me the most. Although he never reached the heights of fame like some of his contemporaries, like Randy Johnson or Pedro Martinez, Halladay undoubtedly holds a special place in the hearts of die-hard baseball fans. He was never the flashiest guy
on the field, but he was a consummate professional, a throwback, guy who went out every five days and gave his team a chance to win and would have been just as at home pitching in the 1960s as he was pitching in the juiced-ball era of the early-aughts. There was just so much to admire about his game; he wasn’t a flame-thrower, with his two-seamer sitting most days at around 92 miles per hour, but he didn’t need to be, because I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy command that pitch better. He worked faster than most, too, once combining with Mark Buehrle to throw dueling complete games in a contest between the Blue Jays and White Sox that took less than two hours to complete. But if his attitude and prowess made him a favorite among the baseball cognoscenti, his reputation among his fellow players was even greater. That was certainly evident in the outpouring of support for his family on Tuesday night. Former teammates, opponents, even guys who never shared the field with him all took
SPORTS
the time to share their own memories of “Doc”. By all accounts, Halladay seemed to be one of the good ones—a fierce competitor on the field who understood the importance of serving as a mentor to younger players and giving back to the community. He had two Cy Youngs to his name, sure. But he also earned his colleagues’ respect through his work with disadvantaged children and animal rescue programs. He didn’t get a lot of media attention for his charity work, though, because that simply wasn’t Doc’s way. Nobody put it better than Dodgers’ right-hander Brandon McCarthy, who simply said “Roy Halladay was your favorite player’s favorite player.” Over the next few weeks, as Halladay’s life and career are reviewed, many will wonder if he will someday be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It’s going to be an interesting debate; Halladay only won 203 games in his 16-year career, never raised the World Series trophy,
Former MLB pitcher Roy Halladay died in a plane crash on Nov. 7. Sports Editor Mike Smith remembers the righty as one of the all-time greats. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org
and only played on a handful of contending teams during his time in the Bigs. At the end of the day, I don’t
know if he’s going to Cooperstown; but I know that I’m lucky enough to have seen him pitched. And baseball was lucky for hav-
ing him out there on the mound.
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 10, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 15
Tigers regain Class A crown FIELD HOCKEY
class a
QUARTERFINALS
MAMARONECK 5
HORACE GREELEY 0 PACE UNIVERSITY
11/1/17
Game Notes: • Elizabeth Brissette’s goal with 52 seconds left in the first half broke a scoreless tie • The Tigers amassed four goals in the second half • Mamaroneck fell to Ward-Melville on Nov. 4 By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Nearly 30 minutes into their Nov. 1 Class A championship game against Horace Greeley, and Mamaroneck was clearly on the ropes. The Quakers were outshooting the Tigers 6-0, had already amassed three penalty corners, and seemed poised to wrest control of the section from the perennial powerhouse.
But with under a minute to go in the half, Mamaroneck’s Elizabeth Brissette flipped the script, forcing a turnover in the defensive zone, initiating contact in the circle and finding an unlikely angle to sneak a shot through Greeley goalie Willa Kuhn for the game’s first score. It was Brissette’s goal that would turn things around, as the Tigers went on to dominate in the second half, topping the Quakers 5-0 to win a sectional title. “A lot happened on that one,” Brissette said. “I was just trying to get a corner, so I just sent it towards the goal and I got a lucky bounce.” Brissette would finish with three goals on the afternoon, but it was the first one that helped reset the tone for the Tigers. “I think we were just really hectic and crazy in the beginning and that’s why we were on the defensive,” she said. “But after we scored, we just took halftime to calm down, regain our composure, and that’s how we were able to come out and win.” Ten minutes into the second half, Emily Mahland extended the Tiger lead, opening the
floodgates for a Mamaroneck salvo that would see them score three more times in the ensuing 10 minutes. “I think we were just thinking about how much we wanted to win the game,” Brissette said. “We had the intensity, but in the beginning, we were just kind of all over the place.” Freshman goalie Sam Maresca, who finished with 10 saves, stood out on the defensive end, preserving the shutout against an aggressive Greeley attack to contribute to her first sectional title victory. “It felt amazing, we came to play today and it really showed on the field,” Maresca said. “We expected them to come out ready to play today, and we knew we had to be on top of our game if we wanted to win it.” With the win, the Tigers advanced to the state regional final, where they fell to another New York powerhouse, Section XI champion Ward-Melville on Nov. 4. Ward-Melville rode a strong second half to a 3-1 victory over Mamaroneck.
Mamaroneck celebrates Emily Mahland’s goal in the Tigers’ 5-0 win over Horace Greeley.
CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Mamaroneck celebrates its 2017 Class A championship with a win over Horace Greeley. The Tigers fell to Scarsdale in last year’s finals. Photos/Mike Smith
Emily Mahland connects on a penalty stroke to score a goal for Mamaroneck on Nov. 1.
Elizabeth Brissette sends a ball through Willa Kuhn’s legs to score the first goal of the Class A championship game on Nov. 1. Brissette’s goal helped turn the tide for the Tigers.
16 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • November 10, 2017