Mamaroneck REVIEW THE
June 8, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 23 | www.mamaroneckreview.com
Federal committee OKs Army Corps project By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
In an effort to put more teeth into a Westchester animal cruelty law, officials are looking at amending a database that requires animal abusers to be registered within a countywide registry system. For story, see page 6.
Westchester Sandbox Theatre moves to ‘Maker Zone’ By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Westchester Sandbox Theatre will start fresh in the village of Mamaroneck after residential backlash, building violations and zoning laws forced them to move out of its East Boston Post Road home. The Sandbox Theatre at its new location, situated on Waverly Avenue in Mamaroneck, will get back to providing children ages 5 through 17 acting classes, voice lessons and more after foregoing some of its operations due to location issues last year. According to Brenda Ferrante, a spokesperson for Sandbox, the new space—which opened its doors on May 1—will feature larger rehearsal spaces, renovated fa-
cilities and more parking than the previous location on East Boston Post Road. Additionally, Sandbox has partnered with the White Plains Performing Arts Center where students will have their own rehearsals in a 410-seat theater. The Sandbox, then located at 931 E. Boston Post Road, came under scrutiny in 2017 after an inspection by the village Building Department determined that the business was both skirting the zoning district’s allowable use and was also in violation of multiple building code regulations, including a state code citation for lack of sprinklers. While the village Board of Trustees mulled a potential resolution that would have changed village code in C-1 districts to allow for the operation of dance, music
and acting schools, ultimately that idea was tabled and Sandbox owner Dan Ferrante opted to change locations in the village. “To say the least, it was challenging during the time we were trying to fight to keep the theater,” Ferrante said. “But in the course of that challenge we ended up in a really wonderful situation where we got this rehearsal space and to join in with the Westchester Performing Arts Center.” In Mamaroneck, public backlash over the Sandbox came at a time when residents were actively pushing back against businesses that they felt were unfit for their neighborhoods. Among the businesses under scrutiny was Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream which eventually
shut down after a zoning appeal launched by residents determined that the business had been misclassified by the Building Department. Later, Ralph’s was also found to be operating with an expired health permit. In the wake of follies by the Building Department, the Board of Trustees hired a consulting firm to evaluate processes and procedures by that department. That study was concluded this year and among other recommendations, called for immediate introduction of online submissions for applicants, the discontinuation of all submissions by mail, and increased oversight and training for employees. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
A long-considered flood mitigation project received another green light last week with the passage of a congressional funding bill that would foot the majority of the multimillion dollar cost. On Tuesday, May 28, a congressional House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed a large-scale flood mitigation bill, the Water Resources Development Act of 2018, which included funding for a plan to modify large swaths of the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake rivers in an effort to prevent flooding in the village of Mamaroneck. The authorization of the bill marks a pivotal step for the plan— which would be carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers— and will fund other flood mitigation projects for coastal-lying municipalities across the country. According to the bill, the funding breakdown would see the federal government foot 65 percent of the total $80 million cost with state, county and village responsible for the rest. In total, the estimated contribution from the federal government would be $53 million, while slightly less than $29 million would also come from the remaining parties. The village of Mamaroneck would
have to contribute between $8 and $10 million toward the project, as it currently stands. In January, a pivotal report was completed by a chief engineer for the Army Corps, but that document has yet to be signed off on for final approval by the federal agency’s Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite. Specifically, the flood mitigation plan, which has been in the works since 2007, would deepen and widen portions of the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake rivers in addition to constructing 7,500 feet of concrete retaining wall to reduce the effects of large scale floods— the likes of which have caused millions of dollars in storm damage over the past two decades. This iteration of a flood mitigation plan marks a second-coming of a previous flood mitigation effort dating back to the 1980s when a similar proposal from the Army Corps was sidelined due to lack of support from non-federal partners. According to the Army Corps the flood mitigation plan could decrease first-floor flooding in the village’s flood plain by 86 percent, and could significantly minimize the impact of storms like those seen in 2007, which caused a total of $50 million in damage to the village. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
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June 8, 2018 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 3
Is the food we consume safe to eat?
Rotten series creator Christine Haughney joins the Larchmont library for a free screening and discussion of an episode of her popular Netflix series “Rotten.” Photo courtesy Christine Haughney
In a world where huge global supply-chains are increasingly intertwined and consolidated, the documentary series “Rotten” starts on your dinner plate and follows the money to the shocking consequences—intended or not—of regulation, innovation and greed. Is the food we consume safe to eat? Join series creator Christine Haughney, for this screening of the episode “Garlic Breath” that delves into the global garlic industry. The screening will be followed by a discussion period. As more and more of the food industry become globalized, that question becomes more and more important. Haughney, who now writes for Politico, created the sixpart Netflix series “Rotten,” which began airing on Netflix
Connect with us on
in January 2018. “Rotten” explores global food safety and gives food the true crime treatment, diving deep into the food production underworld. Prior to her work in television, she was a staff reporter for The New York Times for eight years on the real estate, metro and media desks. She also reported on the real estate industry as a staff reporter at The Wall Street Journal and Crain’s New York Business. Her investigations in the real estate industry helped lead to the imprisonment of two real estate moguls. Earlier in her career, she worked as a junior reporter in The Washington Post’s New York bureau and was the first reporter sent in to report on the attacks at The World Trade Center on Sept. 11. Her reporting on air quality at Ground
Zero launched a federal investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency. She graduated from Wellesley College with a major in Political Science and minor in Economics. She also graduated from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. She serves on the board of the Anne O’Hare McCormick Scholarship Fund. (Submitted)
Screening of
Netflix series
“Rotten” Larchmont library Thursday, June 21 7 p.m.
@linkedin.com/company/hometown-media
4 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • June 8, 2018
What’s going on... Mamaroneck Public Library
mit photos for Facebook during the month of April, please email Jack Weiss at jweiss@wlsmail.org. If you have any questions about the process of submitting photos, please contact either Trish Byrne at tbyrne@wlsmail.org, Linda Bhandari at lbhandari@wlsmail.org, or call the Reference Desk at 630-5888.
Bilingual Storytime – Hora del cuento bilingüe For more information on hours and programs, visit mamaronecklibrary.org.
Call for Photographs Do you have any photographs of Mamaroneck from the late 1960s and would like them to be part of the library’s exhibit? The Mamaroneck and Larchmont public libraries have selected “1968: The Year That Rocked the World” by Mark Kurlansky for their third community read, and are inviting you to participate. Bring any relevant photographs of the town and village of Mamaroneck from the late 1960s to the Mamaroneck Public Library. Photos of Mamaroneck families and images of the town and/or village from this time period are acceptable. Please put your name and phone number on the back of each photo, and place your pictures in an envelope labeled with your name and phone number. Photographs need to be dropped off the first weekend of March at the Reference Desk, and will be available for pickup the second weekend of May. Please fill out and sign the disclaimer form when dropping off the photos. During the month of April, we are also accepting photos for posting on Facebook. To sub-
On Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. A drop-in Spanish/English storytime for children of all ages with caregivers. Join us every Monday for a Spanish-English storytime consisting of stories, songs and a craft. Los lunes de 10:30 a.m. a 11 a.m. en la sala de programas. Una hora de cuentos en español e inglés para niños de todas las edades con cuidadores/ as. Únase a nosotros todos los lunes para contar historias en español e inglés con historias, canciones y una artesanía.
Walk Your Way to Better Health On Tuesdays from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Community Room. Adults are invited to burn calories and get in shape in this 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. Registration is limited to 13 participants. In order to register, call the reference desk at 630-5887. All participants must sign waiver before participating, and should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.
Happy ‘Lappy’ Mommy & Me On Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. Stop by to bond, play, and sing with your baby with Marie. For caregivers with babies from ages 6 months to 12 months old.
Wiggle and Rhyme Storytime On Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Program Room. Rhymes, fun and more for toddlers and caregivers with Marie. For children 13 months to 24 months old. Registration required by calling 630-5894.
ABC Preschool Storytime: Create, Grow, Learn On Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the Program Room. This program consists of stories, songs, and science, art and math concept activities appropriate for children age 3 to 5 years old. Registration is required by calling 630-5894.
Read to Mr. Pickles On Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For school-aged children. Mr. Pickles is a registered therapy dog. He is a very patient listener and enjoys all kinds of stories. Your child can bring a favorite book or participants can select a title. Each child will have an opportunity to read for 10 to 15 minutes. Registration is required by calling 630-5894.
Two-rific Toddlers / Los Dos Magníficos On Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. A 30-minute program consisting of picture books, songs, and movement appropriate for children 24 to 36 months old. Caregivers are expected to attend and their participation is an important element of this program. Registration is required by calling the library at 630-5894. Los miércoles de 10:30 a.m. a 11 a.m. en Program Room. Un programa de 30 minutos que consiste en libros ilustrados, canciones y movimientos apropiados para niños de 24 a 36 meses de edad. Se espera que los cuidadores asistan y su participación es un elemento importante de este programa. Se requiere registrarse llamando a la biblioteca al 630-5894.
Jiggles & Giggles On Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. Jam at the library with songs and a stomping good time with Marie. For children ages 18months to 36 months old. Registration is required by calling 630-5894.
Larchmont Public Library For more information on hours and programs, visit larchmontlibrary.org.
Chair Yoga with Vincenza Madonia Join Certified Yoga Instructor Vincenza Madonia,
for these four sessions of Chair Yoga. Chair Yoga consists of arm, leg and head movements, as well as twisting your torso, which are done while seated in a chair. There are also standing movements that use a chair for support. Walk-ins are welcome. Tuesdays at 10 a.m. on June 5, 12, 19 and 26.
Stranger than fiction book group: ‘Meditations,’ by Marcus Aurelius One of the world’s most famous and influential books, “Meditations”, by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 121–180), incorporates the stoic precepts he used to cope with his life as a warrior and administrator of an empire. Ascending to the imperial throne in A.D. 161, Aurelius found his reign beset by natural disasters and war. In the wake of these challenges, he set down a series of private reflections, outlining a philosophy of commitment to virtue above pleasure and tranquility above happiness. It not only provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind and personality of a highly principled Roman of the second century but also offers today’s readers a practical and inspirationa guide to the challenges of everyday life. Books are available in the library now. Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester LEGO City Builder Enjoy building city scenes with LEGO bricks at home? Let your creativity loose with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester’s newest play space: LEGO City Builder. This is an interactive city that visitors can add their own elements and designs right into the display. The new play area includes skyscrapers, police and fire stations, cafes, suburban streets, beaches, a LEGO Friends section and more. Celebrate the grand opening of this exciting new space with photo opportunities and custom builds created by Master Model Builder Anthony Maddaloni. Admission starts at $16.95; children under age 2 are free. Opening hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is located at 39 Fitzgerald St. in Yonkers. For more information, call 844-740-9223 or visit westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.
Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.
June 8, 2018 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 5
Letters to the Editor
Domestic gag rule would cripple health care To the Editor, I am shocked to find myself needing to fight for the care of my neighbors. The Trump-Pence administration has issued notice of a proposed rule change that would strip affordable health care from millions of Americans. It is a domestic gag rule, one that would limit available information and options necessary for the health of an individual. I will not stand for this attempt to take away women’s basic rights. Title X is our nation’s program for affordable reproductive health care, and more than four million people depend on it. The proposed gag rule would make it near impossible for patients to receive birth control or preventive care from reproductive health centers like Planned Parenthood. Under this rule, health professionals could no longer refer their patients for safe, legal abortion. Most importantly, this change removes the guarantee that you’re getting full and accurate information from your doctor. For nearly two decades, Title X law has been clear: Health care providers cannot withhold information from you about your pregnancy options. This rule means they can. All women deserve access to vital health services such as STI testing and treatment, affordable contraception and routine women’s health exams. I am lucky to be interning with Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, as it has shown me all the good that we can do when we advocate for our health and the health of our neighbors. This is not a popular rule, and by no means should it pass by us silently. I am asking you to stand together. Speak loudly, for your children, your spouses, your friends and all those who deserve proper care.
Becca Marcus, Larchmont
About Letters to the Editor Publication is not guaranteed. We reserve the right to edit letters for content or space, at our discretion, without notification from the company. We reserve the right to reject submissions at our discretion without notice to the author. Sorry, but we are unable to notify authors in advance if and when a letter will be printed. Deadline for submission is Friday before publication. The maximum length of letters that appear in our pages is 625 words, but letters are usually significantly shorter to accommodate space needs. The letter should be signed and include the
writer’s address and phone number for verification purposes. We will not publish letters that cannot be verified. Publication by frequent letter writers will be limited to one per month. The opinions of letter writers do not reflect those of this newspaper. Please submit via fax to (914) 653-5000 or email to chris@hometwn.com or via post to Home Town Media Group, C/O Letters to the Editor, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601. We do not accept unsolicited Op-Ed submissions, film reviews, or food reviews.
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Mamaroneck THE
REVIEW P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Editor-in-Chief | Christian Falcone ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Reporter | James Pero ext. 20, james@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Sales Director | Jim Scova ext. 10, jscova@hometwn.com Advertising | Mike Scova ext. 14, mike@hometwn.com Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Nancy Kaplan ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer Franco Fino
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.
Lawmakers look at strengthening
animal abuse registry By JAMES PERO Staff Writer The Westchester County Animal Abuser Registry may see the addition of new names as lawmakers move to rethink the threshold for how they qualify county residents. At two Board of Legislators subcommittee meetings on Monday June 4, legislators Virginia Perez, a Yonkers Democrat, and Margaret Cunzio, a Pleasantville Conservative, raised concerns over the threshold necessary to be added to the registry. Currently, though the local law creating the registry was adopted in 2012, only two names have been added to the list despite the adjudication of many other animal abuse crimes across Westchester. “I want to see mandatory inclusion on the animal abuser registry for anyone charged with animal cruelty,” said Perez said in a statement. “It has been said that the greatness of a society can be judged on how they care for their most vulnerable. We have the tools to help protect these animals and it is time to make sure this registry is being used properly.” Currently, as the local law
is written, a judge must place an offender on the registry, but according to an investigation by The Journal News that helped to spur the discussion of rethinking the law, many names were never added due to lack of awareness of the requirement by both police departments and sometimes offenders themselves. Offenders who accept plea bargains under the current iteration of the law are not added to the list. According to a statement by county lawmakers, one case in 2013 of an offender skirting the registry includes a man who was convicted of raping a Golden Retriever and subsequently sentenced to six years in prison. In addition to leaving animals vulnerable to abuse—the registry is a searchable database meant to be used as a vetting tool for people selling animals—the list may also act as a tool to flag violent offenders before they commit crimes against other people, given animal abuse in many cases can be a sign of sociopathic behavior. “Research shows us that behaviors like animal cruelty are often an indicator of sociopathic tendencies that could just as easily be directed toward children, the
The former location of Best Breeds in the village of Mamaroneck, pictured, where owner Richard Doyle was charged with mistreating animals. The storefront has since been shut down, but the backlash over the location led Mamroneck to approve the first anti-puppy mill law in the state. File photo
elderly, a spouse or others,” Cunzio said in a statement. “It is time to give the animal abuser registry
the power it was intended to have in order to keep pets out of the hands of known animal abusers.”
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. Postmaster Send address changes to: The Mamaroneck Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 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.
Westchester lawmakers will mull lowering the threshold necessary to make the county’s Animal Abuser Registry after only two additions in the first six years of the law. Photo courtesy Flickr.com
Amending the law will be discussed by the board at its Public Safety and Legislation subcommittees in the months to follow. Previous discussions of adopting a countywide law that would ban the sale of dogs from so-called “puppy mills” were sparked in 2016 after several local municipalities adopted their own regulations, but never made its way to the Board of Legislators for a vote. The impetus for that law stemmed from a movement in the village of Mamaroneck, which in 2016 became the first municipality in the state to prohibit the sale of for-profit pets through what was dubbed by local activists as a “puppy mill law.” The ban was in response to a now-shuttered local business called Best Breeds, owned by Richard Doyle, who has since been barred from selling animals in New York after falsifying records and mistreating animals at his storefront. A similar statewide law was introduced this year but has not gone up for a vote by the state Legislature. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
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Experts inspire MHS students about career paths More than 60 experts in everything from science and medicine to law and advocacy shared their experiences and wisdom with hundreds of juniors at Mamaroneck High School on Friday, May 18 at the STEM Alliance’s 4th annual “MHS Talks.” The highlight of the afternoon was a keynote address by Kate Snow, an anchor on “NBC Nightly News” and senior national correspondent for NBC, who emphasized the importance of being curious, taking risks and being a lifelong learner. Retelling her early career choice to leave a “behind the scenes” job at NBC for an onscreen job at a small local news station in New Mexico, Snow said, “You have to be willing to take risks to go places with your career.” Students then selected from among 21 diverse panels of experts in fields of interest to them. Each panelist shared their passions and career paths, and fielded questions from the students who were struck by the experience in different ways. “It was really comforting to hear that I do not need to know exactly what I want to be right
now,” said junior Grayson Liptack. However, her classmate, Simi Nambiar, felt completely inspired about her future career. “I texted my parents afterwards to tell them I know exactly what I want to do,” she said. “Cybersecurity.” During a panel on “The Art of Multimedia Communication,” executive producer and director Brad Garfield, cinematographer Emily Dombroff and radio host Chris Bro compared notes about their career trajectories and shared advice on how to go about launching a career. All three stressed the importance of having a wide breadth of knowledge and not specializing in one thing too soon. “Always say yes to any opportunity that sounds good to you, and then work as hard as you can at it,” said Garfield, a two-time Emmy Award-winning director. “Don’t hesitate, just dive in, work hard and be willing to figure things out as you go.” Garfield also stressed the importance of arriving early for job interviews, making eye contact— and not looking at your iPhone— and always following up with a thank you note. All three empha-
sized the value of studying foreign languages and traveling as much as possible to gain a better sense of the world. And Bro reminded the students that the going would not always be easy, but that the difficult times were part of the journey. “It’s important to embrace the hard parts, too, because you can learn a lot from them. Career paths rarely go in a straight line,” Bro said. These same themes came up at other roundtables. Employment lawyer Rod Biermann related how he started as an actor before eventually going to law school. On a panel of consultants, Sheila Narayanan explained how certain core skills connect her wide-ranging work, from aircraft engineer to Mastercard executive to digital consulting. The event was funded and implemented by the STEM Alliance of Larchmont-Mamaroneck, a local non-profit dedicated to creating a network of STEM learning opportunities to our community. The group formed “MHS Talks” as a micro-mentoring experience that allows students to meet and engage with experts from diverse disciplines in small roundtable
NBC News Anchor Kate Snow shares work and life experiences with students at Mamaroneck High School during MHS Talks, a STEM Alliance Program. Photo/Jill Bock
discussions in order to consider how personal interests and aca-
demic learning can intersect to become a career path. To learn
more, visit http://lmstemalliance. org. (Submitted)
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County, state to meet over Hutch strikes Westchester County Executive George Latimer has called for a meeting with the New York State Department of Transportation after another incident involving a truck hitting an overpass above the Hutchinson River Parkway. According to Catherine Cioffi, the county executive’s communications director, Latimer has called for a meeting to take place in the county government office to develop an “enhanced and more aggressive” plan to prevent truckers from entering the parkway. As of press time, commercial vehicles are prohibited from traveling on the parkway, which is maintained by the state Department of Transportation. The call for a meeting comes after a truck carrying frozen chicken entered the parkway and crashed into the King Street bridge in Rye Brook on May 31. According to Westchester County police, debris from the truck had to be cleared from the parkway, causing delays during the morning. “We have had enough,” Latimer, a Democrat, said in a state-
After a truck crashed into the King Street bridge above the Hutchinson River Parkway on May 31, County Executive George Latimer has called for a meeting with the state Department of Transportation to find a solution to the reoccurring issue. Photo courtesy pennycolman.com
ment. “Thursday’s incident tells us that what has been done so far is not enough and we have to treat this like the serious problem that it is. The strikes are dangerous to motorists, pedestrians and those who live near the Parkway.” The incident is not the first of its kind on the Hutchinson River Parkway. For years, trucks have accidentally ventured onto the parkway and have crashed into bridges running above the road. County police encountered
another truck on the parkway on June 1 near Lincoln Avenue in Mount Vernon, in which the driver had to be escorted off the road, causing delays during the morning commute. The truck made it off the parkway without damaging anything, police said. Latimer has also called officials from the Trucking Association of New York to attend the meeting, which has no set date, as of press time. -Reporting by Franco Fino
Houlihan Lawrence open houses to appear on Waze In its latest effort to maximize exposure for its listings, Houlihan Lawrence, the leading real estate brokerage serving New York City’s northern suburbs, will begin feeding its open houses to Waze, the world’s largest commuity based traffic and navigation app. Each open house will receive a branded pin on the map at its location, along with a separate takeover ad that a user would see when at a complete stop within three miles of the home. “We’re proud to add this service to our mobile arsenal, which already includes our highly-rated?] iOS and Android app,” said Stephanie Williams, head of digital for Houlihan Lawrence. “It’s just the latest way we’re putting our client’s homes in potential buyer’s pockets.” In order to easily advertise each open house on Waze, Houlihan Lawrence partnered with HomeSpotter, whose Boost platform helps real estate brokers to advertise their listings on social media and online. The ability to also advertise on Waze was recently added and Houlihan Lawrence is one of the very first companies in the country to take advantage. The program will launch for the companywide June 3 Week-
Beginning on June 3, Houlihan Lawrence will use the Waze app to advertise the company’s open houses in Westchester, Fairfield, Putnam and Dutchess counties. Photo courtesy houlihanlawrence.com
end Escapes Open House event, built around an integrated print and digital campaign promoting the area as an alternative to traditional summer destinations like the Hamptons. More than 350 properties are scheduled to be featured across Westchester,
Fairfield, Putnam and Dutchess counties, and agents will give out beach balls and frisbees to help build excitement. Houlihan Lawrence, which this year celebrates its 130th anniversary, is well-known for its innovation throughout the real estate industry. (Submitted)
Westchester raises smoking age to 21 In a 16-1 vote, Westchester lawmakers approved a bill that increases the age to purchase tobacco products. On June 4, the county Board of Legislators officially raised the age to buy cigarettes and vaping products from 18 to 21 in an effort to reduce the amount people that become addicted to smoking. “I am so glad that Westchester County has joined the many jurisdictions in New York State and in neighboring states which have decided to put the public’s health and safety first,” said county Legislator MaryJane Shimsky, a Hastings-on-Hudson Democrat. “[This] will do much to protect our young people from the dangers of nicotine addiction.” Proposed in February by the county’s Democratic caucus, the bill follows suit with what other local communities have passed for their respective municipalities. In April, Rockland County passed a measure raising the age to buy tobacco or related products, while the town of New Castle passed similar legislation earlier last month. In 2013, New York City banned the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the
After a truck crashed into the King Street bridge above the Hutchinson River Parkway on May 31, County Executive George Latimer has called for a meeting with the state Department of Transportation to find a solution to the reoccurring issue. Photo courtesy pennycolman.com
age of 21. Additionally, 10 other counties across the state, including Suffolk, have outlawed selling tobacco products to people under that threshold. Nassau County enforces similar legislation, but restricts the sale of tobacco products to those under the age of 19. As of press time, the statewide age for purchasing tobacco products is 18. State lawmakers have long debated whether legislation should be introduced to increase the smoking age. “This is an important step in keeping our kids safe and healthy, particularly with the research showing the negative impacts of nicotine on the adolescent brain,” said Majority Leader Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, on West-
chester’s policy change. “Whatever we do to prevent kids from smoking or becoming addicted to nicotine today, pays dividends for a lifetime.” Democrats proposed to change the smoking age last year, but the legislation wasn’t popular with Republicans, who, through a bipartisan coalition, held a majority on the 17-member Board of Legislators at the time. With approval by the county Legislature, the measure will now move to County Executive George Latimer’s office for his signature. According to Catherine Cioffi, Latimer’s communications director, the county executive is expected to sign the bill on June 6, after press time. -Reporting by Franco Fino
June 8, 2018 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 9
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Taste of Harrison readies menu to support library County proposes to keep executive’s name off signs County lawmakers have proposed legislation that would prevent the county executive from putting his or her name on signs across Westchester, piggybacking an order placed by County Executive George Latimer earlier this year. Proposed by recently elected county Legislator Terry Clements, a New Rochelle Democrat, the bill mirrors one of Latimer’s first executive orders, which he signed when he took office in January. As part of the executive order, Latimer, a Democrat, ordered the removal of the executive’s name from all Westchester-owned parks, golf courses and other properties. In a memo written by the county Board of Legislators, lawmakers said the policy of having the county executive’s name on Westchester property provides “free political advertising” to the incumbent and is “a complete waste of taxpayer money.” If the bill is approved, current and future county executives cannot lift the ban without the county Legislature’s approval. During his 2017 campaign for county executive against then-County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, Latimer promised to remove the executive’s face and name from Westchester-owned property. Prior to Latimer’s executive order, Astorino’s name was advertised across a number of counDozens of Harrison restaurants and merchants are preparing their offerings for A Taste of Harrison scheduled for Sunday, June 10. Library supporters who make a modest donation to the library will receive wristbands enabling them to sample the delectable fare offered by restaurants in downtown Harrison. “A Taste of Harrison is a great event for the town,” Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont said. “It showcases the downtown restaurants and merchants and raises money for the library. Plus, you get to enjoy some excellent food. It’s a win-win-win for everyone.” Restaurants, merchants who donate raffle prizes, and other contributing sponsors including Willow Ridge Country Club underwrite the costs of the event so that all proceeds go to support the library through the Harrison Public Library Foundation, HPLF. A cadre of HPLF volunteers makes it all possible. “I’m very excited that the Taste of Harrison has returned for 2018,” Westchester County Leg-
islator Nancy Barr added. “It’s a fun way to raise money for the Harrison library. Many thanks to the restaurants, volunteers and residents who come together to make the day a success.” A Taste of Harrison is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 10. To join the fun, library supporters purchase wristbands that identify them to the participating restaurants. Wristbands
are $25 in advance or $30 the day of event for adults; $15 for children and free for those 4 and under. Wristbands can also be ordered online at harrisonpl.org/ taste-of-harrison or at the downtown Halperin Library and West Harrison Branch Library. Wristbands can be picked up at the downtown library on June 9 or at the HPLF information table the day of the event. (Submitted)
The Westchester County Board of Legislators has proposed legislation to ban the county executive from putting his or her name on signs and buildings owned by the county. The bill mirrors an executive order placed by current County Executive George Latimer earlier this year. File photo
ty parks and buildings, as was the case for previous county executives. Since he took county office, Latimer has made it a habit of sending his executive orders to the Board of Legislators so that they could be adopted into law permanently, if desired. Without the approval of the board, any future county executive could veto executive orders from a previous lawmaker. So far, county lawmakers have
approved several of Latimer’s executive orders, including a ban on gun shows on county-owned property, as well as an order to establish a policy on how law enforcement addresses immigrants. As of press time, the county’s bill sits in legislative committee, waiting to be approved so that it could be voted on by the full Board of Legislators. Democrats hold a 13-4 supermajority on the board. -Reporting by Franco Fino
June 8, 2018 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 11
Iona Prep graduates 196 during 99th commencement Iona Preparatory School held its 99th Commencement exercises on Thursday, May 24, at Iona College in New Rochelle. A total of 196 seniors graduated, having earned more than $29 million in merit scholarships, with an average award of $60,300. Of note, 7,500 service hours were amassed in their senior year alone.
Visa CEO Alfred F. Kelly Jr., of Rye, received the Alumni Award and spoke to the graduates about choices and consequences; specifically, the choice to take Iona Prep with them as they enter the next phases of their lives. “I would strongly suggest that Iona Prep has gifted to you a number of great treasures:
friends, values, study habits and Christ,” Kelly said. “All four of these gifts, sounds like to me, are gifts that keep on giving…and can be with you the rest of your life.” This year’s valedictorian was Peter Calicchia, 18, from Tuckahoe. The salutatorian was Charlie Flanagan, 17, of Rye Brook. (Submitted)
Bro. Thomas Leto, Iona Prep president, reminds the graduates that they will always be loved, and are always welcome back home.
Alfred F. Kelly Jr., VISA CEO and recipient of the 2018 Alumni Award, speaks to the Class of 2018 about choices and consequences.
Bro. Thomas Leto with Iona Prep’s 2018 St. Columba Award-winners for exemplifying the ideals and traditions of Iona Prep, during commencement exercises at Iona College. Photos courtesy Diana Costello
12 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • June 8, 2018
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June 8, 2018 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 13
Latimer calls for ban on conversion therapy County lawmakers will begin discussing a law banning minors from undergoing gay conversion therapy in Westchester at the behest of the county executive. The law, according to a May 30 letter sent by County Executive George Latimer, a Democrat, to lawmakers would ban anyone under the age of 18 from undergoing so-called gay conversion therapy—a pseudoscientific treatment aimed at changing the sexuality of a subject. “Conversion therapy is a dangerous practice aimed at altering the sexual orientation or gender identity of an individual,” reads Latimer’s letter. “Enactment of this legislation will protect minors from this practice and the long-term psychological and physiological harm that can come as a result of it.” Conversion therapy has been denounced by nearly all of the country’s leading health agencies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization, who say that in addition to being ineffective and lacking scientific basis, can actually do psychological harm. Among the most harrowing iterations are conversion therapies that have been known to torture their enlistees through electrocution which has, in extreme cases, led to suicide. Already, 11 states and almost
Westchester County Executive George Latimer is calling for a ban on gay conversion therapy which experts say is dangerous and ineffective. Photo courtesy Flickr.com
40 municipalities have passed their own bans on conversion therapy including New York City, Albany and Erie County in Western New York. Though the practice is limited by state regulations on providers—under law, any provider governed by the state Office of Mental Health is not permitted to conduct conversion therapy—it still exists through private entities not associated with those mental health facilities. If the law were to pass in West-
chester, anyone found to be providing conversion therapy would be fined up to $1,000 and potentially face up to one year in jail. The discussion will coincide with national Pride Month which celebrates members of the LGBTQ, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer, community across the country. According to a county Board of Legislators agenda, lawmakers will discuss the potential law in committee during June. -Reporting by James Pero
Film screening, discussion series announced The Larchmont Public Library announces a new film and discussion series to be moderated by reference librarian, Paul Doherty. In a library world dominated by book discussion groups, Doherty is creating something fresh. Each month the series will feature a film that has become a modern classic, personally selected by Doherty. The film will be screened and a discussion period will follow. The first film featured in the series will be “Forrest Gump.” Released in July 1994, the film is based on the 1986 novel by Winston Groom. The novel—one of the funniest of all-time—was published to good reviews but modest sales. Only after the film was released did the book become a national bestseller. “Stupid is as stupid does,” says Forrest Gump (played by Tom Hanks in an Oscar-winning performance) as he discusses his relative level of intelligence with a stranger while waiting for a bus. Despite his sub-normal IQ, Gump leads a truly charmed life, with a ringside seat for many of the most memorable events of the second half of the 20th century. Entirely without trying, Forrest teaches Elvis Presley to dance, becomes a football star, meets John F. Kennedy, serves with
honor in Vietnam, meets Lyndon Johnson, speaks at an anti-war rally at the Washington Monument, hangs out with the Yippies, defeats the Chinese national team in table tennis, meets Richard Nixon, discovers the break-in at the Watergate, opens a profitable shrimping business, becomes an original investor in Apple Computers, and decides to run back and forth across the country for several years. Meanwhile, as the remarkable parade of his life goes by, Gump never forgets Jenny (Robin Wright Penn), the girl he loved as a boy, who makes her own journey through the turbulence of the 1960s and 1970s that is far more troubled than the path Gump happens upon. Featured alongside Hanks are Sally Field as his mother; Gary Sinise as his commanding officer in Vietnam; Mykelti Williamson as his ill-fated Army buddy who is familiar with every recipe that involves shrimp; and the special effects artists whose digital magic place Gump amidst a remarkable array of historical events and people. Films scheduled in the series include “Last of the Mohicans,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis and “All the President’s Men,” starring Robert Redford and Dustin
Paul Doherty, of the Larchmont Public Library, will lead a film discussion group beginning on June 29 with “Forrest Gump.” Photo courtesy Sandra Jerome
Hoffman. For dates and times, visit the Larchmont Public Library online. (Submitted)
Larchmont library Film & discussion series
“Forrest Gump” Friday, June 29 10 a.m.
14 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • June 8, 2018
Memory lane
SPORTS
LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
When you cover high school sports as long as I have, some games just seem memorable. Whether it’s because of a thrilling finish, an impressive milestone or historical context, there are some contests that simply stand out. I was reminded of one such game on Monday, when the Cincinnati Reds selected New Rochelle High School alum JoJo Gray with the 72nd pick in the MLB Draft. Gray, along with Beacon’s Lenny Torres, was one of two local hurlers selected on the first day of the draft, but his selection—and his status as a former Huguenot ace—certainly piqued my interest. After all, I have covered several of Gray’s high school games, seen him toss countless Kumar Nambiar fires a pitch for Mamaroneck in a 2015 game against gems and pick up more than his New Rochelle. Nambiar would go on to pitch for the Yale Bulldogs.
JoJo Gray steps in the box against Mamaroneck in 2015. Gray was a splendid two-way player for the Huguenots but made his bones as a college pitcher. Photos/Mike Smith
On June 4, New Rochelle graduate JoJo Gray was selected in the 2nd round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. On hearing the news, Sports Editor Mike Smith began to think about one of Gray’s most memorable high school games.
fair share of wins. So why is the game that I remember most vividly one that he lost? On April 21, 2015, Gray and the Huguenots hosted their league rivals from Mamaroneck in a game that local sports writers assuredly had circled on their calendars. The Huguenots may have been struggling coming into the meeting with a record of 2-5, while the Tigers were on their way to an eventual state title, but the pitching matchup alone made this one a potential instant classic. Gray was toeing the rubber for New Ro, squaring off against Tiger ace Kumar Nambiar in what was a hotly anticipated pitching matchup, perhaps the best that Section I would feature all season.
And boy, did it live up to the hype. Nambiar tossed eight innings of two hit, shutout baseball, while Gray went 8.1 with 10 strikeouts. The Tigers scored twice in the top of the ninth, and even though the Huguenots got one back in the bottom half of the inning, it wouldn’t be enough as the Tigers would escape with the win. Regardless of the score, one thing was certain; both Gray and Nambiar were the real deal. And even though you never know what the future holds for our local athletes, both hurlers eventually confirmed my suspicions. Nambiar would go on to star at Yale, where he started 11 games this past year, while Gray—whose fastball now sits
in the low-to-mid 90’s—became a standout at LeMoyne where he went 11-0 with a 1.25 ERA this year on his way to being drafted in the second round. But no matter what the future holds for Gray or Nambiar, that April game three years ago will always be one of my most vivid memories of this job. Getting to see two top-flight pitchers, their stories yet untold, battling against one another into extra innings? There’s a reason I love what I do. And as much as I enjoyed watching Gray pitch all those years ago, I’m just as excited to see what he’s going to do next.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
SPORTS
June 8, 2018 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 15
Late rally does Tigers in BOYS LACROSSE
class a
REGIONAL FINALS
NISKAYUNA 14 MAMARONECK 13 LAKELAND HS
6/2/18
Game Notes: • Niskayuna closed the game with a 10-3 run • J.B. Conner led Mamaroneck with 4 goals • The Silver Warriors will play Ward-Melville in the state semifinals
By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor For nearly three quarters, it seemed almost certain that Mamaroneck would live to see another day. After jumping out to a big lead in the second half against Niskayuna in the Class A boys lacrosse regional semifinals on June 2, the Tigers needed to hold on for just 11 more minutes in order to punch their ticket to the state semifinal. Unfortunately for the Section I champions, the Silver Warriors had other plans, orchestrating a stunning fourth quarter comeback to come away with a 14-13 win. With 57 seconds left in the third quarter, Mamaroneck’s Tom Conley found the net to give the Tigers a commanding 10-4 advantage, but that goal seemed to spark the Silver Warriors who closed the third quarter with two
quick goals and went on to outscore Mamaroneck 9-3 in the final stanza. The game-winner came off the stick of Niskayuna’s Drew Collins, who scored with just two minutes left to play. According to Mamaroneck coach Jeff Barnard, although the Tigers did an admirable job keeping Niskayuna contained for much of the game, the Silver Warriors’ late-game explosion did not come as a surprise. “In terms of a scouting report, they’re notorious for pushing the pace and they’re relentless in transition,” Barnard said. “It’s kind of a ‘make it and take it’ attitude and late in the game, they were just able to push it to the goal immediately.” J.B. Conner led Mamaroneck with four goals and an assist while Conley notched a hat-trick in the losing effort. With the win, Section II’s Niskayuna (19-1) moved on to the state semifinal round, where they will play Section XI Ward-Melville on June 6, after press time. And even though Mamaroneck (15-4) fell short of its ultimate goal of contending for a state title, Barnard was impressed with the effort his team put forth this year. “It’s not easy to win a sectional championship but we’ve played in six of the last seven title games,” he said. “At this point, while it’s still one of our main goals, we’d like to go beyond that and shoot for a state championship.”
With a host of players returning in 2019, the Tigers could once again be poised for success. Mamaroneck will get back three of the top offensive players in the section in Conner, Conley and Will Martin, and will also bring back the majority of a defensive unit that helped lead the program to a Section I title this year. “We return some serious goal scorers and we are going to have a tremendous amount of firepower next year,” Barnard said. “But we know how hard it is to repeat as section champs, so we’re just going to have to take it next play, next game.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Ajed Zimet lays out a New Rochelle ballcarrier in the first round of the Class A playoffs.
Thomas Conley, who will be one of the Tigers’ top returning goal scorers next season, spins around a defender. Against Niskayuna, Conley played well finishing the game with a hat trick.
Will Martin looks for an open teammate on May 11. Martin will return next season as the Tigers look to repeat as Section I champs. Photos/Mike Smith
J.B. Conner fires a shot against New Rochelle. Conner led Mamaroneck with four goals in a regional final loss to 19-1 Niskayuna.
16 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • June 8, 2018