Mamaroneck REVIEW THE
June 30, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 26 | www.mamaroneckreview.com
It’s over A member of the Mamaroneck High School Class of 2017 is set to receive his diploma. For coverage of the Mamaroneck and Rye Neck’s high school commencement ceremonies, see pages 6-9. Photo/James Pero
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June 30, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 3
Building Department analysis goes to bid
The village of Mamaroneck Building Department will take center stage as the village moves forward with an RFP to scrutinize its processes and protocols in an effort to ramp up efficiency. File photo
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer With Mamaroneck’s Building Department coming under increasing scrutiny, the village will send out a request for proposals seeking a consultant to evaluate the department’s processes and protocols. According to Assistant Village Manager Dan Sarnoff, an RFP was sent out on June 26 and will conclude on July 27. The decision to bring the initiative out to an RFP process will mark the first major step in a revamp launched earlier this year that was spurred by several controversies related to the Building Department’s misclassification or mishandling of several local businesses. Among the most notable business-related controversies arose over the Westchester Sandbox Theatre and Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream, the latter of which is facing potential a potential shutdown because of a retroactive review from land use boards. According to Trustee Leon Potok, a Democrat, the village hopes to find a firm that can help retool the department to be more effective. “We want a consultant to tell us how [the Building Department] operates, and how it
can operate better,” he said. “We want to look at current processes and protocols and how they can be more effective.” Trustee Keith Waitt, a Democrat, said the review will help determine where exactly the problem lies. “When you have a problem, you look to see if it was people, policy, or procedure, that caused the hiccup,” he said. “Until we know which one, we can’t make a judgment.” While the department’s efficacy has come under fire throughout the past year—especially from disgruntled residents proximate to Ralph’s and Sandbox Theatre—Potok reiterated that the Building Department analysis isn’t a performance based assessment. Trustee Keith Waitt, a Democrat, said that despite claims that Building Inspector Dan Gray has been responsible for the failures of the department, it’s still too early to tell. “A lot of people have attacked [Gray] and blamed him for a lot of things,” he said. “Until we know [the circumstances] we can’t make those accusations.” Yet in May this year, Building Inspector Dan Gray, after declining a job offer from the village of Tarrytown, was the recipient of a
raise from $123,239 to $133,000 to stay with Mamaroneck. Gray’s near departure would have come in rapid succession with former Village Manager Richard Slingerland and former Village Attorney Charlie Goldberger, both of whom have already been replaced. In tandem with the move to reassess practices in the Building Department, the Board of Trustees has also pledged to analyze current zoning laws in an attempt to update and revamp sections of the land use code. Driving increased scrutiny on the Building Department has been fervor over Ralph’s, the popular ices shop which was found to be misclassified by Gray as a retail establishment. After a zoning appeal launched by residents, Ralph’s was processed as a fast food establishment, and now faces the likelihood of a shutdown as the zoning board positions itself to deny the business’ application for a special permit. Sandbox Theatre’s lease will expire this month after press time, following which they are expected to leave their current location at 931 E. Boston Post Road. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
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What’s going on... Mamaroneck Public Library
jamas, pillows and teddy bears welcome. No registration required.
Collage Crafters On Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For ages 5 to 10. Create collages from different recycled materials each session. No registration required.
Larchmont Public Library Visit mamaronecklibrary.org for more information on library hours and programs. The library will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
learn some butt-kicking moves from our friends at Westchester Martial Arts Academy. Online registration required.
Figure Drawing with Live Model On Saturday, July 8 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Village Center. Join art instructor Patricia Miner-Sutherland for this opportunity to draw the human figure. Drawing from live model is an essential discipline for an artist.The model will do several poses, so it is important that participants arrive on time as there can be no interruptions once the posing begins. Please bring a Wolff 2B pencil and a newsprint pad. Online registration required.
At Home on the Sound
All ages story and craft hour On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon in the Children’s Room. No registration required. There will be stories to appeal to all ages of kids and their caregivers, and a craft simple enough for the little kids and creative enough for the big kids.
Toddlertime On Wednesday, July 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. For ages 18 months to 3 years old. This is a 30-minute program consisting of picture books, songs, and movement. 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.
Bedtime Stories On Wednesdays from 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For children of all ages. Pa-
Visit larchmontlibrary.org for more information on library hours and programs. The library will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Fourth of July Fun On Monday, July 3 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. For ages 3 to 4. Come to the library for some stories that celebrate the Fourth, make a craft and make your own fireworks in a jar. No registration required.
‘Princess in Black’ Party On Wednesday, July 5 from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For ages 5 to 7. Put on your monster fighting gear and get ready to party. Join the library for “Princess in Black” crafts and snacks, and
Volunteers needed At Home on the Sound is seeking additional year-round volunteers to drive older neighbors in Mamaroneck and Larchmont to errands, shopping or appointments. The local nonprofit supports adults who want to remain in their own homes as they age. Rides will be provided on weekdays, and volunteers can determine when and how often they drive. For more information or to become a volunteer, call 899-3150 or email athomeinfo@athomeonthesound.org.
LMCTV
Teen summer filmmaking workshops Make a movie at LMCTV this summer. Geared for young people age 13 and up, LMCTV’s summer filmmaking workshops are a tremendous opportunity to learn hands-on video and filmmaking skills. In their first week, participants are trained in filmmaking skills including scriptwriting, cinematography, lighting, and audio. During the second week, these skills are put right to use in the filming of a short movie and behind-the-scenes documentary. The final week is dedicated to using LMCTV’s state-of-the-art editing systems to put the finishing touches on the newest local masterpiece. Last year, Workshop I’s film “The Lord of the Bus Stop,” examined a societal breakdown in a modern telling of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. Workshop II’s film “The 7th Day,” focused on three kids that have to survive a devastating annual storm without the help of adults. “The summer workshops are a wonderful opportunity for teenagers to obtain their ‘filmmaking chops,’” says LMCTV Chief Operating Officer Matt Sullivan. “It is amazing to see the thoughtful and skilled artistry of these young filmmakers and their ability to tell a complete story within the course of three weeks.” Every fall, LMCTV holds a screening of the finished films from the workshops at the Mamaroneck High School television studio. “This is one of our favorite events during the year,” Sullivan said.
Each workshop is held Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for three weeks at LMCTV’s studio in Mamaroneck. Workshop I runs from July 3 to July 21 (no class on July 4) and Workshop II from July 24 to Aug. 11. Led by independent filmmaker and LMCTV staff member Dena Schumacher, the workshop is in its 17th year. Open enrollment is ongoing. Space is limited, so visit lmctv.org or call Sullivan at 3812002 ext. 202 to sign up today.
Westchester County news Register for swim classes at county pools Online registration is now open for swimming and aquatic fitness classes at Saxon Woods pool in White Plains, Tibbetts Brook pool in Yonkers and Playland pool in Rye. For children and for adults just getting started with swimming, Learn-to-Swim lessons are offered for all ages and ability levels, from toddlers age 3 to senior citizens. Classes begin Wednesday, July 5, and run through Friday, Aug. 11. Lessons for adults ages 18 and older will be held only at Saxon Woods pool. The schedule for classes at Tibbetts Brook and Saxon Woods is as follows: Children ages 3–6: Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 7–10: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Children ages 11–17: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Adults (ages 18 and up): Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. (Saxon Woods only). Class schedule for Playland Pool is as follows: Children ages 3–6: Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Children ages 7–10: Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Children ages 11–17: Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Only online registration is accepted. The registration fee is $80, which includes pool admission fees for the participant. Adults and teens participating in the Learn-to-Swim program at Tibbetts Brook and Saxon Woods pools must present a valid Westchester County resident Park Pass on the first day of class; children under 12 registering for the lessons must be accompanied by a Park Pass-holding parent or adult guardian. A Park Pass is not required at Playland. For swimmers who want a high-power, cardiovascular fitness workout, a six-session Aqua Zumba class will also be offered this summer. Classes will be held on Friday nights from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Saxon Woods Pool from July 7 through July 26; and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Tibbetts Brook Pool from July 8 through July 27. Fee is $75. A Park Pass is not required but participants must be Westchester County residents. Only online registration is accepted. For more information or to register for the programs, visit parks.westchestergov.com/activities/ swimming. 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 30, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 5
Uber, Lyft become legal in Westchester County By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Westchester County won’t be able to regulate ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft beyond the state law, which goes into effect this week. But that won’t stop county lawmakers from trying. The county has decided not to opt-out of the New York state law regulating ride-hailing companies outside of New York City. Although Uber and Lyft drivers have frequently taken fares within Westchester over the last few years, they have done so illegally, as neither state nor county law has permitted it. That is set to change on Thursday, June 29, after press time, when a new state law overseeing ride-hailing becomes official. But some, including County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, have criticized the state law for not having the same safety regulations as are required by the law which has allowed ride-hailing in New York City since 2011. “When the new state regulations came out a few weeks ago under the Department of Motor Vehicles, that failed to give
Westchester County residents the same protections as New York City, we had to take action to try to fix this kind of problem,” Astorino said at a press conference with Uber and Lyft representatives on Tuesday. Ride-hailing in New York City is overseen by the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission, TLC, which requires all drivers to be fingerprinted. But the law in the rest of New York state puts those regulations in the hands of the state DMV, which will not require drivers to be fingerprinted. “But in Westchester, because we border New York City… we of course wanted to go a step further and create a system that included fingerprinting for drivers in Westchester County,” Astorino said. With that in mind, county and ride-hailing officials created “Thumbs Up,” a voluntary program in which interested drivers would get fingerprinted by the county and then be added to a pool of approved drivers for ride-hailing, taxi or limousine services. Drivers whose fingerprints are clean would also be awarded a decal from the county, verifying that those drivers
have been vetted by Westchester. The process would cost $90 to drivers and, according to the county executive, would be completed in three days or less. Astorino asked the ride-hailing companies to integrate the Thumbs Up program into their apps, allowing users to see beforehand whether their driver has been fingerprinted before ordering the car. Neither company committed to that policy in the short term, adding that the deal was new and they were considering their options. In the meantime, Astorino said, users will have to decide when their car arrives whether they feel safe entering a car based on the presence of a Thumbs Up decal or lack thereof. But those companies will have to address the question of cancellation fees, which are normally charged to users who solicit a ride through the app and then turn a driver away. When asked if Uber would charge a cancellation fee to those who turned down a ride because a driver did not have a Thumbs Up decal, Josh Gold, Uber policy director, said, “That’s something we’ve already started looking
into and that’s something we’d probably not want to happen.” Astorino said that the Thumbs Up program is the first in the nation, and that he hoped the county would set an example for the state, influencing a rewrite of the new ride-hailing law. “We also hope that this will spark a conversation around the state, and ultimately will lead to the state amending the law again that would permit and require fingerprinting across the state,” he said. In the meantime, county Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat and chairman of the Board of Legislators, lambasted the state for forcing the county to either opt out or participate under the state’s rules. “Because of New York state, we are now in a shotgun marriage,” he said. “And I’m disappointed in Uber and Lyft for not wanting to start off this marriage in a better place, but I’m hoping in fact that we can make the best of a situation that is potentially starting out with difficulty.” He added that he would not hesitate to initiate an opt-out process if ride-hailing companies did not continue to work to promote safety in the county. Ride-hailing companies were legalized across the state as part
Westchester County’s Thumbs Up program will give decals to drivers who choose to get fingerprinted and enter them into a pool of approved drivers for ride-hailing, taxi or limousine companies. Photo/Corey Stockton
of New York state’s 2017 budget, which was passed in early April. As part of that law, municipalities with 100,000 residents or more had the option to participate in the state’s program or to opt out of it, but not to draft
a separate law regulating those companies. The state DMV released its regulations on June 6, which did not include a fingerprinting requirement. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
MHS seniors
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Mamaroneck THE
REVIEW
170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com 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 | Lynne Starr ext. 29, lynne@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers Corey Stockton, Franco Fino
stride toward new chapter ast week, seniors of Mamaroneck High School turned the page as Tigers, graduating to new chapters with diplomas in-hand. Addressing the class, dawned in their gowns and caps and bathed in the day’s evening sun, faculty member Peter Green put the day’s significance in perspective. “My path is largely mapped out for me, but yours isn’t,” extoled Green from the podium. “High school graduations are mostly about looking back at the past and anticipating the future. But that anticipation for many
of the students in front of me is likely tinged with a healthy dose of anxiety.” Green went on to discuss the pressure of student debt, the stress of transitioning to new places with new people, and the competition of attaining professional success in today’s increasingly specialized job market. “The norms and habits that have governed our leaders for decades are starting to fray and collapse, making many fearful about the future of liberal democratic tradition,” he said. Transitioning, Green told
the crowd of proud parents and prospective college-goers and professionals, “Hey, Mr. Green, thanks for reminding me about all this…. You’re supposed to tell jokes and do catch phrases, what happened to all that?” he said poking fun at his speech. “Okay I have a catch phrase for you, I just made this one up on the spot: the only thing you have to fear is fear itself.” Continuing on, Green told his students, despite challenges the world has to offer, obstacles should be confronted head on. “Look at the problems that cause you anxiety and solve them,” he said. “Don’t cower in fear or lament the future. I also suffer from anxiety. My solution is to take it on; to do something to make a difference. That gives me relief.” -Reporting by James Pero
Staff Photographers Andrew Dapolite, Jen Parente Columnist Lenore Skenazy
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Students escape the rain and waltz toward a new future.
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. Postmaster Send address changes to: The Mamaroneck Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601
President of the Student Council Steven Rothman offers his remarks to his fellow Class of 2017 graduates.
Melany Gray, president of the Mamaroneck Board of Education, gives students her seal of approval to walk the stage and receive their diplomas. Photos/James Pero
Valedictorian Rebecca Novick talks to the graduating class about her experiences abroad.
Students wait pensively for the evening’s speakers to give way to the handing out of their diplomas.
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While rain threatened just minutes before the start of the graduation, the sun came out in full force just in time.
Class of 2017
June 30, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 7
*Member of the National Honor Society
Rachel Abraham Mark Adamo* Cristian Alberdi Griffin Alcott* Christina Alfano Henry Alimanestianu Jeffrey Allen* Benjamin Alliger Alexander Alma* Gabriela Alvarez Madelin Alvarez Alyssa Amoils Kristian Andres Frank Anile-Santiago Albert Arana Araceli Arias Dulce Arias Vazquez Alberto Asia Jesse Autieri Eduardo Avila Brian Azevedo Danielle Azuolay* Lydia Baer Michayla Baigel* Jayleen Barbosa Francesca Barchetti Lauren Barragan* Anthony Barrios Claire Barrios Margot Belan Peter Bergamini Jared Berger* Kelsey Bialo* Andy Blanco Ashley Bonilla Eric Brown Nicholas Brown Henry Bruce Anna Bujas Crisostomo Natalie Bunta Celeste Burrell Alexis Byrd Nicholas Campbell Ulises Campeche Benjamin Canter Alison Capaldi* Carolina Carmelitano Julio Cartagena Marc Anthony Carvajal Olivia Casey Cierra Casher Lea Casher Ciara Cattano* Emily Cerna Alexa Cestaro* James Chmelecki Jarrod Chun Emmeline Chuy
William Chuy Edward Ciraco Brett Corrigan Jason Couch Noa Covell Harrison Crandall Matthew Croly Robert Cruz Jr. Fey Cuateco Angel Culqui Clarissa Cuni Caleb Cwikowski Caden Daley Paige Danehy Travis Danoski Sophia Danziger* Kevin Dega Heidy Delcid Jack Demasi Jack Dente Elizabeth Derby Truman Devitt Jacqueline Devore Lindsey Devore Victor Diaz Matthew DiCicco Khoudia Diop Papa Diop Zoe Dunford Grace Dunleavy* Emily Engel Shane Engel David Estrada Jessica Faicco Emmett Fay Jake Firestein William Fishell Peter Flores Andrew Francella Edward Franzetti George Fuss* Rashell Garay Hector Gatica Marcoantoni Gatica Stephanie Gensburg David Gerena Jaina Gibbons Emma Gibson Ronald Giraldo Emma Goldstein* Thamara Gomez Emma Gottsegen* Helene Graham Brandon Gramajo Joshua Green* Matthew Gropper* Reilee Gunsher* Brendan Harrigan
Henry Harwood* Yfke Havinga* Zoe Heiderstadt Elizabeth Herbst Abigail Hernandez Cindy Hernandez Jennifer Hernandez Matthew Hillman* Peter Hofstedt Fiona Hogan* Zachary Hollander Sophia Howard* Thomas Howse Cecilia Hunter Lauren Hurwitz* Nikole Joie Inocencio Jack Jamieson* Ties Jansen* Olivia Jarrett* Colin Johanson* John Jumpa Elias Kalish Andrew Katz* Dalia Kaufman* Curtis Keane Ana Kecman Alison Kempf-Haxton Anna Kiernan Allison Klaber Ethan Kliegerman Ryan Kliegerman Theodore Knowles* Paul Ko Karolina Kositorny* Evan Kreinces* Caroline Kushel* Julia Kwait Madeline Land Andrew Lanni Aidan Larned* Joseph LaTorre Lilliana Laughlin Tatiana Lawrence Jacquelyn Laymon Lucie Le Blanc* Connor LeBlanc* Daniel Lechuga Jason Lee Patrick Lee Kyle Lefler* David Lehman* Julia Lehman* Nicole Lekagul Beatrice Letondot Jesse Leveron Michael Levinson Ethan Libo* Jennie Reich Litzky
Emanuel Livne Matthew Loebel* Davidson Lopez Lia Lopez Alex Lopez-Barrios Jessica Lorusso Katherine Lukas* Charlotte Mackie Anthony Madalone* Chloe Malushaga Margarete Maneker Alison Mann Sean Manning Max Margiotta Danielle Markey* Jonah Marsh Ray Marszalek Kathryn Martello Louisa Martin* Pablo Martinez Edward McGaley Jack McGrath Mary McMillan Elijah Meyers Joseph Migliozzi Sophie Miller* Samantha Miyashita* Jack Mollin* Samuel Mollin* Kristin Montane Leslie Morales Marie-Amelie Morange Tyler Morgan Matthew Morgan-Mithout Emily Morris Samuel Morton* Jarret Nachtigal Sydney Naftolin Nicholas Nahr Kristian Najdoski Jalen Nash Michael Nask Tustin Neilson Alexander Neumann Lindsay Nissinoff* Molly Nodiff Rebecca Novick* Joseph Obalde Seamus O’Brien Jake Odierna Max Oliansky Balthazar Olivier Daniel O’Rourke* Kevin Ortiz Thomas Ortiz* Davis Owen Zachary Owen* Emma Oxton
Alessandra Palermiti William Payne Claudia Paz Jessica Perez Loria Perri Emma Pettinelli* Stephanie Philo Christian Pincon Alic Pizzimenti Maxwell Plonsker* Lauren Pogostin* Gabrielle Pompi Samuel Popoli Lindsay Porter Max Posner Zion Powell Sophia Pressman* Isaiah Ptaszynska-Simpson Richard Puleo Erendira Pulido Ravid Rahman Diego Ramirez Lillian Ransom Laurence Rauschnabel Tyler Reck Brian Regan Michael Regan* Ariana Reif Emily Renner* Victoria Revich* Irvin Reyes Dante Rhodes* Leon Ribotta Cameron Richards Marcus Rijos David Roach Myson Robinson Jennifer Rodas Olivia Rodrigues* Max Rosenbaum Sophie Roth Alex Rothman Stephen Rothman* Matthew Rozansky* Madeleine Sach* Evan Sacks Charles Saez Gerardo Sandoval Sebastian Santamaria* Faith Saporito Samuel Sarkozi Jesse Sattler Courtney Sawyer Christopher Scarpa Adelaide Scenti Lilian Schwendener Jose Segura Kevin Sejdiu
Andrew Selius* Annabelle Sharenow Annabel Shein* Emily Shen* Julia Shen* Kevin Shen* Rebecca Shinkar Amelia Showers* Wynn Simmons Samuel Skinner Zoe Skutaris Nina Smoor Peter Solimine David Sollod* Thomas Spero John Spiridellis* Natalie Staropoli Julia Steinberg* Mia Steinberg* Spencer Stendig* Leigh Stephenson Casey Stern* Matthew Stingone Charles Storck Alyssa Strickland Juan Suarez Gregory Sullivan Nikyta Taitte Max Templer Arthur Thery James Torre John Torre Diana Tribuzio William Tuck Jack Tunguz* Christina Tyner Rena Ukon Daniel Valencia Ksenia VanNess Ivan Vasquez Erwin Veliz Noel Vidal Isabella Vigil Eric Wahl Dana Ward* Mallory Warner* Hayley Weisstuch* Andrew Weizer Stuart Williamson* Timothy Wilson Liam Winn Gregory Wurpel Danny Xu William Young* Marc Zacarias Zachary Zeichner Eric Zucker Owen Zucker
Rye Neck 8 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • June 30, 2017
graduates 127 students
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Rye Neck High School’s Class of 2017 celebrates the completion of their high school experience taking hold of their diplomas during the commencement ceremony on June 22.
n Thursday, June 22, family and friends of the graduates filed into the bleachers of Rye Neck High School’s football stadium to celebrate 127 students marking the end of their tenure in the school district. Scott Mosenthal, who served as Rye Neck High School’s interim principal for the past six months, provided opening remarks for the 122nd annual commencement ceremony by reflecting on the students’ high level of performance in all areas of academics. “This group is impressive by any possible measure, scholastically, artistically, athletically and service-wise,” Mosenthal said. Emily Crook, the class salutatorian delivered a speech, encouraging her classmates to challenge themselves in the years ahead and reach beyond their “comfort zone.” “I don’t think any of us are going to feel obligated to do the conventional thing because it’s comfortable, or limit ourselves to being successful on someone else’s terms,” she said. “I think and hope that we are going to define what success is for ourselves.” Valedictorian Fraser Shaw also had poignant words of praise, crediting the strong work ethic of his classmates for many of their accomplishments. “You don’t have to be the best to win the game, you don’t have to be the fastest to win the race, you don’t even have to be the strongest to win the tackle,” Shaw said.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro pays tribute to the students’ impressive accomplishments during the commencement ceremony on June 22.
Rye Neck High School Valedictorian Fraser Shaw reflects on his classmates’ accomplishments and experiences throughout high school.
Rye Neck High School’s commencement ceremony ends with the traditional tossing of the students’ graduation caps on June 22. Photos courtesy Rye Neck school district
“In order to succeed, you have to work the hardest.” Along with the traditional graduating diploma, numerous academic, athletic, community service and scholarship achievement awards were handed out to numerous members of the Class of 2017. Rye Neck High School also continued their keynote speaker series, “Ten Years After,” which allows for a school alumni to speak about his or her life experiences in the decade since graduation. This year’s speaker was Isabel Richardson, Class of 2007, who went on to graduate cum laude from Northwestern University and appear in several television commercials and Off-Broadway productions. More recently, Richardson has worked as an associate producer on the National Geographic documentary series, “Uncensored with Michael Ware.” She currently works at Bravo, a television network based in New York City. In closing, Mosenthal imparted some final words of advice for the students who were born during the digital age at the turn of the new millennium. “In a world too often characterized as negative, pessimistic and cynical, it is my hope and wish that you young people will use your voices to raise others up instead of knocking them down, and to inspire instead of dishearten and to care instead of hate,” he said. -Reporting by Andrew Dapolite
June 30, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 9
Class of 2017 Fraser Shaw | Valedictorian, Senior Class President Emily Crook | Salutatorian Matthew Nathaniel Ponticiello | Senior Class Vice President Haley Bruno | Senior Class Treasurer Corey Alexander Parker | Senior Class Secretary Michael Raymond Quartararo | Senior Class Event Coordinator Alyson Miller Abbatantono Adrian David Aguilar Gabriel Ajram Robert Norman Alter Marco Andreoli Benjamin Abraham Banker Jesse M. Barreto Philip Thomas Beebe Oliver Sam Beecham Jack Bharucha Lisa Jane Bianco Maria Bianco Julia Blondel Gabriela Cajas Jacqueline Capossela Gabriela R. Carducci Jack Carducci Luigi Carolini Nicolas Carucci Russell Thomas Caster Christian Cefaloni Nicole Lee Chmelecki Mary Rose Cintron Alison Cohen Benjamin Colantonio Matthew Collado Jahliv David Rhone Cornelius Grace Cozine Pedro Augusto Cueto Alex Dean DeLitta Anthony Michael DeRose Cristina Michelle DeRose
Nicholas John D’Errico Erin Rose Drace Agustin Duarte Emma Dufault Mia Dunn Jack Anthony Michael Evans Jake Fagen Cristal Finkenberg Kyle Fox Ian R. Gabriele Luis Galeano Peter Gallagher Lizbeth Garcia 0Daniel John Garofalo Jessica Michelle Giordano Aliya Glattstein Amoré Santese Gordon Hunter Judd Greenhill McNeil Theodore Guzzetta Adrian Henry Dawkins Jillian B. Hurlbut Helena Elizabeth Jones Claire Elizabeth Julian Hana Kawano Alexander John Pierce Kebbe Timothy Kelley Noah Klur Pierre Klur Matthew Wynne Lawhon Madeline Sue Leeds Kol Arthur Xavier Lewis Kathryn Lia Loffredo
Jacquilyn C. Longbucco Alissa Luceno Gabriella Maffei Giovanni Gustavo Maffei Kelly Maitland Viktoriya M. Manolova Nicole Adelina Manzella Bria Rose McClain Davidson Sonny Mede Isaak Meier Nadia Naeem Owen Riley Nashelsky Alexandra Mendes Oaks Kiara Veronica O’Day Andrew R. O’Hanlon Cosimo Panetta Jr. Maxwell Pasquina Reed Ernest Peterson Jaycie K. Pillig Alexsander Preldakaj Samantha Madeline Pulcino Cole Redding Kevin Joseph George Reimers Brian Reyes Jose Reynoso Franklin D. Rios Neffin Sanchez Steven Christopher Saputo Henry Shiffer Christina Anne Shin Sharleen Simo Carly Rose Sonenclar
Bruna Souto Logan Richard Spencer Emma Port Stainkamp Justin T. Sturgis Benjamin S. Styler Camryn Eliza Sullivan Kaitlene Liv Tan Luisa Tito Nicolas Toutoungis Jack Robert Van Buren Ogla Yanira Vasquez Amberly A. Velasquez Elizabeth M. Violi Victoria A. Violi Henri Wang Taleeya J. Ward Molly Lucas Weiner Ellie Williams Rachel Marie Wurzburger Amber G. Yang Nikolas Alexander Yergo Catherine Yoo Gabriel Zangiacomi
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Rye Neck High School Interim Principal Scott Mosenthal thanks the graduates for their generosity and friendliness while serving as interim principal for the last six months.
Siblings and other family members have much to look forward to as they work toward their own graduation in the years to come. Photo/Chris Courtney
Diplomas are handed out to the 127 students graduating from the district on June 22 at the 122nd annual commencement ceremony. Photo/Chris Courtney
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Rye Neck High School’s salutatorian Emily Crook addresses her peers, urging them to follow their passions and not to let anyone else define success for them. Photos courtesy Rye Neck school district
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Students celebrate middle school graduation Eighth-graders at Rye Neck Middle School celebrated the culmination of their hard work over the last three years during a special moving up ceremony, held at the Performing Arts Center on June 22. They will embark on the
next phase of their educational journey as Rye Neck High School freshmen in the fall. The celebration featured music provided by band director John Mattera and the middle school band, as well as inspiring words
from students and administrators. Student representatives Eulasha Tisnovsky and Anna Murphy addressed their classmates and reflected on their middle school experience. In his remarks, Principal Eric Lutinski encouraged
Rye Neck Middle School eighth-graders celebrated moving up to Rye Neck High School on June 22. Photos courtesy of the Rye Neck school district
the students to persevere through any challenge and strive to reach their fullest potential. “What successful people have left when we put ability aside is ‘desire to reach one’s potential,’” he told the graduates. “To me, that sounds like motivation, drive, courage or ‘heart.’ The only thing that can ever hold you back is heart. You will have everything you need to succeed at each level – use it. The next time you shake your fist and rage against adults controlling your lives, remember that no one has more control than you. Success can be had with some determination and attitude.” During the ceremony, several students received awards for excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro offered advice to the students, reflected on their contributions to the middle school and praised them for their accomplishments. She also encouraged them to thank their parents for their love and support, and to take the time to reflect on their experiences, take advantage of the knowledge they’ve gained and cherish the friendships they’ve made. “You will be encountering even greater opportunities and be challenged with numerous
Daniel Warren Elementary School second-graders wore togas in honor of Greek Festival celebration.
choices – choices that will help you to direct your future and realize your dreams,” Ferraro said. “Remember – success comes from those who believe in their dreams, so reach for the stars and
make your dreams come true.” Signifying the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another, the students were called one by one to accept their certificates. (Submitted
12 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • June 30, 2017
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June 30, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 13
14 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • June 30, 2017
SPORTS
And Zen there were none LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
On Wednesday morning, New York basketball fans awoke to the news that the Knicks were parting ways with team president Phil Jackson, putting an end to the Zen Master’s tumultuous tenure in the Big Apple. But even if we admit Jackson’s three-year stint in New York was an unmitigated disaster, I have to give him this; at least it was entertaining. I may have had high hopes when the Knicks announced their partnership with the basketball guru back in 2014. I, like many Knicks fans, thought that bringing in a proven winner like Jackson—even if he wouldn’t be handling the day-to-day coaching responsibilities—would be a boon for a franchise that really couldn’t claim too many victories over the last 20-some-odd years. At the very least, I figured, the man with 11 NBA championship rings would bring a little bit of professionalism to the Garden.
Boy, was I wrong. Two solid draft picks (Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez) aside, there wasn’t a whole lot that Jackson got right. But at least his mistakes were anything but boring. And when you have a team such as the Knicks, who wouldn’t have sniffed a conference title even if everything had broken their way, if you’re not going to be good, you might as well be interesting. I’m not talking about Phil handing out bad contracts to injury-prone veterans like Joakim Noah. That’s just garden-variety mismanagement. Where Phil really made his mark on the back pages of New York papers was with his stubbornness to let go of the triangle offense and a seemingly endless string of beefs with everyone from the best player in the NBA to the Knicks’ own stars. Of course, there were his comments about LeBron James’ “posse,” which led to swift rebukes from those accusing the Knicks president of using racially coded language. There was Jackson, publicly sniping at his two biggest stars in Carmelo Anthony and Porzingis, leading to
the latter completely skipping his end-of-the-year exit meeting with the front office. There were reports of Jackson hijacking head coach Jeff Hornacek’s practices to teach the tenets of his outdated offensive system. Heck, the guy even fell asleep during a pre-draft workout for a top NBA prospect! In a way, I think it’s exactly what Knicks fans needed. Sure, the franchise has been bad over the last 20 years, but they haven’t been bad in the same manner as the Nets, who are just a run-of-the-mill bad basketball team. It’s these constant crises, initiated by Jackson and, before him, Isiah Thomas, that have kept the Knicks relevant through their on-court mediocrity—albeit for all the wrong reasons. I don’t know where the Knicks go from here, but it would be tough to see how it could possibly get any worse. But then again, if the Knicks have taught me anything during my 32 years on this earth, it’s that it can always get worse. And it probably will.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
On June 28, the New York Knicks fired team president Phil Jackson, right. Even if the Zen Master’s stay in the Big Apple wasn’t a success, at least it was entertaining. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org
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SPORTS
June 30, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 15
Local sailors reach Bermuda
Eli Lapkin and father Drew, center, stand with Eli’s grandfather Barry Feldman, second from left, after finishing the 2017 Marion-Bermuda Race on June 14. The boat, Scarlet, finished the course in four days, 17 hours, eight minutes and 31 seconds.
By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor A local sailor got his first taste of open-water competition last week, as Harrison resident Eli Lapkin completed the biannual Marion-Bermuda Race aboard a 47-foot yacht named Scarlet. The five-day journey, which saw Lapkin chart a course from Massachusetts to Bermuda, was a true family affair, as the rising Harrison High School junior sailed alongside his father, Drew Lapkin, and
maternal grandfather Barry Feldman in what he believes will be the start of a long life on the high seas. Scarlet set out from Marion, Massachusetts, on June 9 and docked in St. David’s Head, Bermuda five days later, earning the local seamen a third-place finish in the 40th iteration of the famed yachting race. But for Eli Lapkin, the finish wasn’t nearly as important as the journey itself. Eli Lapkin, who began his love affair with boating at an early age, said that he
Scarlet, second from right, begins the Marion-Bermuda Race on June 9.
had set his sights on competing in the Marion-Bermuda Race for quite some time. “I’ve been interested in this for a while, my grandfather has had a boat for as long as I have been alive,” he said. “He had done the race six or seven times, my uncle did it, my father had done three or four races, so it was something I wanted to do.” Although his own experience was limited, in large part, to sailing on smaller boats closer to shore, Eli Lapkin’s
Scarlet navigates the water following the start of the Marion-Bermuda Race. The boat was crewed by three generations of local sailors. Contributed photos
enthusiasm for this undertaking was apparent from the outset, according to his father, Drew Lapkin. In the lead-up to the race, which was marked by hours of sailing courses and safety preparation, Drew Lapkin noted that his 15-year-old son seemed to grasp the importance of the pre-race preparation, assuaging any fears he might have had about undertaking the grueling course. “I think he understood the seriousness of it,” Drew Lapkin said. “In the safety-at-sea courses, [Eli] was putting as much energy and attention into that as he would into his schoolwork, so I knew he would be ready.” But despite all of his preparation, Eli Lapkin admits that he was a bit awestruck when the race kicked off and he found his boat in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with no land in sight. “Once we couldn’t see any other boats, with no land on the horizon, it’s different,” he said. “It really feels like you are all alone, in the middle of nowhere, just going across the ocean.” With a crew of six working in shifts around the clock, Scarlet finished the race in four days, 17 hours, eight minutes and 31 seconds, covering a distance of more than 740 miles. But the trip was an eventful one, as bad weather at the start of the race, a faulty rudder and some calm seas toward the finish line made for a complicated voyage. “It was definitely a tale of two races; the first 2 1/2 days we had big swells, rough seas and about three of our six crewmembers got seasick,” Drew Lapkin said. “We were making great time,
but it was exhausting, and Eli did quite well in those conditions.” The winds quieted down the homestretch, leading some on the boat to wonder if they would be able to reach their destination without turning on the boat’s motor and risking a disqualification. But on the fifth day, the finish line came into sight. “It was so exciting, the wind picked up a bit in the morning and we could see Bermuda on the horizon,” Eli Lapkin said. “It was so close and we almost thought we weren’t going to make it.” “It’s a great feeling,” Drew Lapkin added. “You can think back to what the early explorers went through as you are crossing that finish line; you know that your hard work and cooperation is what got you there because ocean sailing is all about adapting to any crises that are thrown your way.” As for the quieter moments, Drew Lapkin said, it gave him, his son and his father-in-law a great chance to bond. “It was special, especially considering the fact that it was three generations,” he said. “You’re completely detached from the real world, your cellphones aren’t working, and it just gives you a chance to get away from the dayto-day of life and have meaningful conversations.” “Some people say that the longer you are on a boat, the smaller it gets,” Eli Lapkin said. “And I think I definitely grew closer to my dad and grandpa; it was so much fun to be able to do it with them.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
16 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • June 30, 2017