Mamaroneck REVIEW THE
December 22 & 29, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 51 | www.mamaroneckreview.com
Astorino vetoes budget; legislators ready for override cized since last year when the initiative was announced by Astorino. The deal seeks to reclassify the After the inclusion of a tax rate airport under a Federal Aviation increase and restoration of sev- Administration-run program that eral cuts by county lawmakers, allows participants to transition County Executive Rob Astorino, their publicly owned airports into a Republican, officially vetoed a the private sector and then use revised budget. subsequent revenue towards an “Such an action by the legis- operating budget. lature was unnecessary and unIn November, Macquarie Infraacceptable to county taxpayers, structure Corporation agreed to a already burdened with the high- $1 billion deal that would extend est combined property taxes in for 40 years and throughout its the nation,” Astorino said in his a lifespan pay the county $595 milmessage to the county Board of lion on top of $550 million in capLegislators. ital improvements at the airport. How long Astorino’s veto will That deal will be subject to the hold, however, remains to be seen, approval of an incoming adminisas county lawmakers say they tration of County Executive-elect have enough votes for an over- George Latimer, a Democrat, who ride. Originally legislators voted has so far been critical of the priby a margin of 12-5 to pass the vatization. Latimer will be sworn budget—enough votes for a su- into office in January. permajority, which would trigger Without revenue from the airan override. port deal, however, lawmakers In addition to raising the tax worry that the county would be levy by 2 percent, the lawmakers’ required to draw money from its proposed budget restored posi- reserve fund to cover expenses. tions to the county Parks DepartWithout a certain total in its rement, the county’s Planning and serve fund, Westchester County Engineering departments, as well lawmakers risk taking a hit on their as support staff for the county credit rating—particularly a rating executive’s office. by credit agency Moody’s—which If the revised budget were to dictates how easily the county can pass, it would mark the first time borrow money. Currently, Westsince Astorino took office in 2010 chester has the second highest ratthat county residents would see an ing from Moody’s of AA1. increase in their tax levy. Legislators will hold a vote Lawmakers say the tax levy to override the county execuincrease is being included to help tive’s veto on Thursday, Dec. 22, offset $30 million in revenue from after press time. a deal privatizing the county’s airport; a deal Democrats have criti- CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
Nora’s Ovenworks crowned three winners at its second annual baking competition, where kids in first through seventh grades were given an hour to complete their dishes, which were then presented to three judges from the Harrison community. For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy Nora Brunnett
Spano, Jaffe jump into mix for Latimer’s vacated Senate seat By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Harrison resident Mark Jaffe are the latest candidates to announce their bid for the senate seat that will be vacated when George Latimer becomes Westchester County executive. The Yonkers mayor, a Dem-
ocrat, stated his interest in the position officially in a video announcement on Dec. 13. Spano is currently serving a second fouryear term that is set to expire in 2019. Jaffe, who is currently the chief executive of a business advocacy nonprofit based in New York City called the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce,
announced his candidacy on Dec. 12. “In these tumultuous times we need to be unified,” Jaffe said in a statement. “I pledge to fight every day to deliver necessary services and maintain core Democratic values. If elected, I will fight for greater transparency in government, more affordable higher education, improved public health
and safety, mass transit improvements and use my skills to help create good paying jobs.” Jaffe has unsuccessfully ran for office five times, losing a race for Harrison Town Council in 2009 and a Democratic primary for a state Assembly seat the following year. SENATE continued on page 9
2 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 3
State threatens suit over Hudson River dredging By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Ahead of a determination by the Environmental Protection Agency, Westchester County lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, are mak-
ing a stand, threatening to sue the agency if it rules that General Electric’s dredging on the Hudson River is complete. According to a statement from county legislators last week, Cuomo and New York state Attorney General Eric
Schneiderman are ready to sue the federal government if the EPA decides to wrap up its dredging of the upper Hudson River; a section of the waterway long-polluted by the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs.
“For nearly forty years, General Electric manufacturing facilities dumped millions of pounds of hazardous PCBs directly into the Hudson,” reads the joint statement by legislators. “This contamination has impacted the health and livelihood of communities along the Hudson River ever since. Gov. Cuomo and
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, is ready to take legal action fi the EPA deems a dredging project undertaken by General Electric as complete. Photo courtesy Hudson Riverkeeper
New York state have urged the EPA to conduct a complete and thorough review to ensure our communities are protected.” According to environmental advocacy group Hudson Riverkeeper, between 1947 to 1977 General Electric, GE, dumped more than 1.3 million pounds of cancer-causing PCBs into the Hudson River which has contaminated the waterway, wildlife, and has since been found in humans. After decades of debate, GE was required to undergo an extensive dredging project aimed at removing the PCBs from the river which was set to be carried out in two phases and subject to two five-year reviews, the first of which was conducted in 2012. Now, with the second fiveyear review set to be completed in the spring 2018, according to the EPA, calls to continue dredging are heating back up. “The Hudson River is a critical economic engine and environmental treasure and New York will not allow PCB contamination to continue wreaking havoc on this vital resource,” said Cuomo in a statement. “The data is clear: the job is not done and the EPA cannot declare that this
remediation is complete. If they do, New York will take any action necessary to hold them accountable for ensuring our waterways are protected and properly restored.” According to a letter sent by New York state Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner, Basil Seggos, to EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, in November, despite claims by GE that 70 percent of the PCBs have been removed from the upper Hudson, samples taken by the state show that the contamination could be three times worse than the EPA expected. In September, GE responded to calls to continue dredging, alleging that it’s work has been completed. “New York state played an instrumental role in every major decision related to the dredging project and approved and oversaw the work and does not dispute that GE met all of its commitments,” reads the GE statement. In December of last year, GE filed a request for certificate of completion and the EPA will be required to respond to that request by Saturday, Dec. 23. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
4 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
What’s going on... Mamaroneck Public Library
munity Room at 3 p.m. to watch “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Registration required by calling 630-5894.
Teen New Year’s Craft On Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Teen Library. Create your very own New Year’s countdown box.
Winter Sing Along / Cantamos Juntos For more information on hours and programs, visit mamaronecklibrary.org. The library will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 24 and Monday, Dec. 25 for Christmas, and also on Sunday, Dec. 31 and Monday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.
Library budget passed The Mamaroneck Public Library’s 2018-2019 budget vote has passed overwhelmingly in the amount of $2,765,105. The total count of votes was 178 “yes” votes and 33 “no” votes. The budget, which will rise 1 percent from the current budget, allows for modest increases in books and media, as well as updated maintenance contracts for the facility’s mechanical systems, such as HVAC. Congratulations to Nancy Tucci, Paul Ryan, Leonard Tallevi and Janice Goldklang who were elected for three-year terms to begin on June 1, 2018. Congratulations to Clayton Otto, who will fill the unexpired term of a former trustee.
All Ages Storyhour & Craft On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Stories that will appeal to kids of all ages and their caregivers, followed by a craft simple enough for the little kids and creative enough for the big kids. This program is ongoing and requires no registration.
On Thursday, Dec. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Children’s Room. Join the library for an all-ages winter sing along. El jueves 28 de diciembre de 10:30 a.m. a 11 a.m.Únete a la biblioteca por cantar canciones del invierno para todas las edades en la Sala de Niños.
Larchmont Public Library For more information on hours and programs, visit larchmontlibrary.org. The library will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 24 and Monday, Dec. 25 for Christmas, and also on Sunday, Dec. 31 and Monday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.
Saturday Yoga On Saturday, Dec. 23 from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Village Center. With Damien Germino. No registration required.
Yoga for Kids On Saturday, Dec. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. For ages 3 to 5. Kids will learn poses, breathing exercises and an awareness of their body through stories and music. They will laugh, stretch, build up strength and learn invaluable tools to calm and energize their bodies and minds. Online registration is required.
Harry Potter Hogwarts Owl Craft
Tech Tuesdays
On Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the Program Room. Make a Hogwarts owl in the Program Room, and then move upstairs to the Com-
On Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Need help getting hooked up with e-books, etc.? Just curious about what the library has to offer? On Tuesdays,
you can get help in the main floor Tutor Room from a librarian who will be there ready and willing to help you. While focusing on the library’s services, the librarian is willing to take a stab at any technological problem you may have. By appointment only. Register online or call the Information Desk at 834-2281 ext. 3.
Jester Jim’s Juggling, Beatbox & Comedy Show On Tuesday, Dec. 26 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Village Center. For ages 5 to 10. “This is not your ordinary juggling show!” With a trunk full of props and a looping machine, Jester Jim takes the stage and starts his show. Young and old will be glued to his every sound as he performs his amazing beatbox intro. Kids and adults alike will be talking about Jester Jim’s wild antics for weeks. Libraries, schools and festivals can’t seem to get enough of Jim and his plungers.
Winter Wonderland Music & Comedy Show On Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Village Center. For ages 3 and up. With Turtle Dance Music. The sensory-friendly show is a “turtle-riffic” musical experience that is designed to engage children through song, movement, stories, projections and interactive music technology. The show is crafted to be inclusive for all children, including children on the autism spectrum, and a great time for all. A ticket is required to attend this event, and will be available beforehand.
Third Annual Chocolate Olympics On Friday, Dec. 29 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. For grades 3–5. Get ready for the library’s third annual Chocolate Olympics. Compete in crazy games and challenges. It’s all about chocolate. Online registration is required.
Town of Mamaroneck news Prepayment of 2018 property taxes Due to the possible changes in the federal tax law, the town has received calls from residents regarding the prepayment of the 2018 property taxes. Under New York state tax law, the town is permitted to collect a prepayment of the second installment of the 2017-2018 school taxes without a tax warrant. We are not permitted to collect any prepayment of the town tax bill which would be due by April 30 (the town cannot generate tax bills without the tax warrant). If you wish to prepay the second half of the 2017-2018 school taxes in 2017, be sure the town of Mamaroneck tax receiver receives payment on or before Dec. 31, 2017, or the transmittal of payment is postmarked on or before Dec. 31, 2017. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact the town’s tax receiver’s office at 381-7860.
Food waste reminder The town’s collection crews have noticed food
waste containers set out with regular garbage. Those participating in the food waste recycling program are reminded that all separated food waste must be taken to the Larchmont Mamaroneck Sanitation Commission Recycling Center at 40 Maxwell Ave. for disposal. The commission will not be collecting food waste at the home. Thank you for cooperation and participation in the Food Waste Program.
County news Golf course closings The six county-owned golf courses will close for the season after play on Sunday, Dec. 31. They will remain open until that date, weather and conditions permitting; check with the individual course. The courses are Dunwoodie, 231-3490, and Sprain Lake, 231-3481, both in Yonkers; Maple Moor, 995-9200, in White Plains; Mohansic, 862-5283, in Yorktown Heights; Saxon Woods, 231-3461, in Scarsdale; and Hudson Hills, 864-3000, in Ossining. The courses are expected to reopen in March, weather and conditions permitting. The exact date will be announced.
LEGOLAND Westchester Bricktacular Tis the season to be jolly at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester during Bricktacular. Join in on the festive holiday fun every weekend in December as you walk through a Winter Wonderland-themed MINILAND searching for LEGO presents in a bricktastic scavenger hunt. Help the LEGO delivery truck get all of the hidden presents delivered by the holiday for a chance to win a family four pack of annual passes. Snap a photo with our custom holiday themed builds created by Master Model Builder Anthony Maddoloni, and enjoy winter and holiday-themed mosaic builds in the Master Builder Academy. All visitors receive a limited edition Collector Holiday LEGO Brick. Annual pass members can keep warm with a free hot chocolate every weekend. On Christmas Day, the center will be open for Bricktacular’s last day. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is located at 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. Tickets start at $15.95; children under 2 are free. Opening hours for Bricktacular in December: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Monday, Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 866-243-0770 or visit legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester. Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.
December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 5
Code Creators builds on students’ programming knowledge Students at F.E. Bellows Elementary School—who have been learning basic computer programming—recently participated in a hands-on activity that helped them understand the connection between coding and an algorithm, which is the sequence of commands that instruct a computer.
Through the Code Creators workshop, which is part of the school’s expanded Seekers and Solvers science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics, STEAM, curriculum, the students engaged in collaborative teamwork to solve a problem. Paired in groups, one student
was assigned to be the robot while the other student took on the role of a programmer. Equipped with cups and a variety of instructions, labeled “go up,” “move down,” “turn left,” “turn right,” and other actions, the programmer was assigned to build a precise set of steps for the robot to follow.
The hands-on activity help students learn the connection between coding and algorithms.
“Each group decided which structure they wanted to create out of the cups and it was the robot’s job to create that structure,” said teacher Jessica Finney-Trotta. “However, the students could only do so by following the algorithm created by the coder. If they were unsuccessful in creating the structure, the group had to debug or find the error in their algorithm and try again.”
The activity also encouraged the students to collaborate with their peers and understand the importance of following directions. Code Creators was designed to have student-coders build on their knowledge of programming by viewing themselves as devel-
opers of programs, as well as by collaborating, researching and designing a program that solves a real-life problem for users. Finney-Trotta said the students will present their ideas through a variety of resources throughout the year. (Submitted)
F.E. Bellows Elementary School students work in groups to create a tower out of cups and test their computer programming knowledge. Photos courtesy Rye Neck school district
6 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
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 Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com Reporter | James Pero ext. 20, james@hometwn.com General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Nancy Kaplan ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer Franco Fino Staff Photographer Jen Parente
Letters The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes. Community Events If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com.
Nora’s Ovenworks hosts annual children’s baking competition
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter Nora’s Ovenworks held its second annual kids baking competition, giving children from around Westchester County a chance to show off their skills in a contest amongst their peers. The competition took place on Dec. 9 at Nora’s Ovenworks, a bakery that specializes in customized cakes, located at 64 Halstead Ave. in Harrison. Nora Brunnett, owner of Nora’s Ovenworks, said she was inspired to start the competition after seeing her sister participate in a baking competition, and receiving the suggestion from her students. “I work with a lot of kids, and everyone [was] coming in and saying, ‘You should do a baking competition,’” Brunnett told the Review. The contestants ranged from first-graders to seventh-graders, and included students from the kids baking classes held at Nora’s Ovenworks, as well as students from outside the community.
Nora Brunnett, owner of Nora’s Ovenworks, encourages her younger students to handle baking ingredients on their own. Photos courtesy Facebook.com/theovenworks
“I thought that it would be nice [for the] kids to kind of showcase what they are able to do all by themselves, because oftentimes we as adults and parents tend to take over,” Brunnett said. The children were instructed to turn in their recipes a week prior to the competition, and on the day of, they were given an hour to create their submissions.
Brunnett said that the first baker began at 9 a.m., and that children were coming throughout the entire day. “At one point, we had six kids in the kitchen baking,” she said. “It was kind of a continuous flow.” Some of the entries included chocolate chip cookies, a lemon sour cream cake, shortbread cookies, and chocolate cupcakes.
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Competitors from the first annual baking competition pose with Mrs. New York City.
Some of the students participating in the bake-off come from Nora’s Ovenworks’ baking summer camp classes.
After the participants were finished, their dishes were presented to a panel of three judges: Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont; Alex DeBourcy, Mrs. New York City; and Chef Stella Caruso, who teaches baking classes at Nora’s Ovenworks. “I chose Mr. Belmont because… he’s really great with kids,” Brunnett said. “He’s kind of a feel-good mayor, he’s very community-oriented, so I really liked that piece and wanted to bring it back to the bakery.” Brunnett explained she invited Debourcy back to be a judge for similar reasons. “[Debourcy’s] local, and I know that she works with the community a lot,” Brunnett said. Caruso said when judging the competition, she looked at presentation, execution, texture, and flavor of the baked goods. The grand prize winner of the competition was sixth-grader Revha Menon, a resident of White Plains, who created a lemon blueberry bundt crumb cake. Second place went to Aidan Grant, a fourth-grader who made a chocolate cherry muffin. Grant is one of Brunnett’s regular students. “[Grant’s] pretty proud of himself, and I was pretty impressed too,” Brunnett said. Brunnett said his recipe was
“quite intense,” and that although she didn’t get a chance to try it, it smelled amazing. Another participant who placed high in the competition was Greta Friedman, of Scarsdale. Lana Friedman, Greta Friedman’s mother, had brought her to participate in the competition for the second year. “[Greta’s] favorite part was to be alone in the competition and do everything by herself,” Lana Friedman said. “To be here by herself, and be able to create what she created was great. She really enjoyed every moment of it.” Caruso explained that for her, the most rewarding part of the competition was being able to engage with the community. “It was just a really wonderful community thing, where we saw these kids really light up,” she said. This year’s competition saw 16 contestants, compared to nine from last year, and because of the growing response, Brunnett intends to hold the competition next year. “This event is one of my favorite events, it really gives me a chance to see what the kids have learned and how they put it into action,” Brunnett said. “It was a proud moment for me.” CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 7
8 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
Westchester announces $6M for youth programs
Opinion-Editorial
The immortal James Baldwin By CLIFFORD JACKSON
Westchester County awards more than $6 million in grants for 2018, 2019, and 2020 for programs under Westchester’s Invest-In-Kids. Photo courtesy Westchester.gov
County Executive Rob Astorino today announced that grants totaling more than $6 million—$2,123,000 annually for 2018, 2019 and 2020—will be awarded to 34 agencies for 56 atrisk youth programs under Westchester’s Invest-In-Kids program. “Invest-In-Kids is a vital partnership between Westchester County and our non-profits that responds to the needs of Westchester’s youth,” Astorino said. “I am excited to partner with these 34 agencies to provide essential services with far-reaching, positive results for our at-risk youth population.” Established in 1993, InvestIn-Kids addresses the needs of at-risk youth in 11 urban communities: Elmsford, Greenburgh, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, Port Chester, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, White Plains and Yonkers.
Dr. Iris Pagan, executive director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, said the grants are being awarded to 56 programs as part of a three-year request for proposals, RFP, process. The annual grants include $1,755,000 provided through Westchester County’s Invest-in-Kids program and $368,000 in anticipated grants provided to the Westchester County Youth Bureau by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Under Invest-In-Kids, programs provide academic support, experiences in the arts, positive relationships with peers and adults, career exploration, and many other activities to support positive youth development. Grants will fund approximately 65 percent of each program for calendar years 2018–2020 with the agency matching 35 percent of costs. Under the terms of the
grant, all programs will be provided free of charge and must operate year-round. To help ensure the best possible outcomes for Westchester’s youth, Astorino and the Westchester Children’s Association created a public-private task force to review the RFP process. The task force designed a transparent and accountable award process for Invest-In-Kids, including a revised grant application and a community review board of youth service providers and child advocates to promote the grant, administer informational sessions for prospective applicants, and offer an objective review of the pool of applicants. Under Westchester County’s procurement process, contracts to award the grants will be submitted to the Board of Acquisition and Contract for approval. (Submitted)
Dec. 1, 2017 was the 30th anniversary of the death of the immortal James Baldwin. He was a writer, essayist, human rights activist and impeccable debater and speaker. He debated his friend Malcolm X, as well as his foe James Buckley at Cambridge in England in 1965. He was a part of the Harlem Renaissance during its later period of the 1950s. He wrote some of my favorite books: “ Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “Giovanni’s Room” and “Notes of a Native Son.” These books were written during the 1950s about the black experience in America, along with other great writers of that time such as Richard Wright and Ralph Ellison. He articulated that “American history was synonymous with black history and that history was not a pretty one.” Like Malcolm X, he wrote and said that blacks were defined as a cipher in America throughout its history and that what we see on television and in cinema every day reinforces that state of “nothingness” as far as the character and the being of black people in this country. Baldwin said when he watched movies back in the 1940s of Gary Cooper fighting the Indians, he realized that he and black people were the Indians, and that
everyone watching including the people being assailed and dehumanized as far as the indigenous people and the people they represent were conditioned and trained to hate the Indians and in essence to hate themselves. He also said that those who engaged in the hate, racism and oppression in many ways were “also debasing themselves.” This is key because America’s ugly and brutal history demonstrated categorically that it was indeed a lie. Baldwin said America daily destroys the sense of self politically, economically and socially of black people and people of color. He said, “I am not a n-----, regardless if the moral monsters of white society try to define me as such.” He was good friends with Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. When Malcolm X was railing against the violence, hypocrisy and criminal history of America, James Baldwin said, “What Malcolm is saying is something that has been denied in this society for far too long as far as our dehumanization, oppression and denial of our humanity. People cheer Malcolm because he corroborates their reality as far as how evil America has treated its black citizens.” Baldwin also said the “American idea of racial progress is how fast I become white.” This
statement sums up for me and many others that white America has been committing a crime since its inception in denying the humanity of African-Americans and only accepting them by their shedding of their racial identity in order to be more like those who have had a tradition of disdain for it. This continues today. He met with Robert F. Kennedy in May of 1963 along with others to try to discuss the problem of “race” in this country. Kennedy could not understand what Baldwin and others were saying about how criminal America was and the meeting ended without any resolve. RFK did come away with an understanding from Baldwin that he would come to realize later. Baldwin was also homosexual and he liberated the thinking of black Americans and those who were gay by affirming the humanity of each with his words that were spoken publicly as well as his writings and everyday actions. James is as much a hero to the human rights movement as Malcolm X, Dr. King, Medgar Evers and others. He confronted white America and the white Western world and said, “I am not your Negro.” Clifford Jackson is a resident of Larchmont. The views expressed are his own.
Larchmont woman awarded New York Guard medal Maj. Gen. Anthony P. German, the adjutant general for the State of New York, announced recent awards and individual recognitions for members of the New York Guard state defense force for their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of New York State’s Military Forces. Sgt. Maria Phillips from Larchmont, serving with the New York Guard Headquarters, received the New York Guard Achievement Medal. The New York Guard is a force of 500 uniformed volunteers, organized as a military unit, who augment the New York National Guard during state emergencies. They provide administrative and logistics support to the National Guard. Members of the New York Guard have been involved in flood control efforts along the Lake Ontario shoreline this summer. Unlike members of the New York National Guard, New
York Guard members do not have a federal military role and do not deploy outside the state. New York Guard members usually train in a volunteer status and are only paid when they are placed on state duty during emergencies. “Our New York Guard volunteers bring skills and experiences from civilian life with the knowledge that they will apply themselves and be put to work for the people of New York,” German said. “New York Guard members, with their various backgrounds and experiences, are an important part for the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs planning our state emergency and natural disaster response,” German said. The New York Guard, which is one of 23 state defense forces around the country, is authorized to recruit more than 1,000 volunteers organized into units located across New York. Cur-
rently there are 600 New York Guard members. About half of the New York Guard volunteers are former members of the active duty military or National Guard who bring a wealth of experience to the force while the other half have never served in the military. Previous military membership is not a requirement for New York Guard service. People who have served in the military can serve in the New York Guard up until age 68. Those who have never served in the military must be between age 18 and age 55 to join. The New York National Guard is the state’s executive agency responsible to the governor for managing New York’s Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard. (Submitted)
December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 9
Rye Neck students receive colorful lessons in chemistry Seventh-graders—who have been studying about acids and bases and the pH levels of different common solutions in Lauren Zeoli’s science classes—recently completed a lab experiment to further test their knowledge. Equipped with pH paper, which is used as an indicator to test the acidity of water-based liquids, the students worked in groups to determine the specific pH levels of different solutions. After comparing their findings to a colored chart, they determined whether their solutions were acids or bases. “By observing the changing
pH paper and comparing it to a colored chart, they were able to develop clear results and conclusions,” Zeoli said. “It is important for them to use evidence to support their claims. This lab was also important in helping them make connections between concepts learned in class and substances that they see on a regular basis.” After identifying the different solutions, the students were challenged to mix some of the solutions and observe the pH of a neutralization reaction. The hands-on learning experience allowed them to take control of their own learn-
ing, collaborate with their peers and make discoveries on their own. As a result, the students made conclusions based on evidence and reasoning, which are skills they will utilize throughout the rest of their science studies. “The lab helped students make connections amongst the concepts of pH, acids and bases, ions and neutralization,” Zeoli said. “They were also able to have a little fun with this and keep engaged while still reinforcing important concepts.” Throughout the next unit, the students will study atoms and ions in depth. (Submitted)
Seventh-graders Sophia Belvedere and Brie Murphy complete a lab experiment to determine the specific pH levels of different solutions. Photo courtesy Rye Neck school district
SENATE from page 1
In 2011, Jaffe ran for county legislator, but lost that Democratic primary as well. In 2013, he was nominated by the party for the same seat, but ultimately lost in the general election to incumbent Legislator David Gelfarb, a Republican. Jaffe ran another unsuccessful campaign for Harrison Town Council in 2015, when Republicans won every seat on the board. The candidates’ announcements come after state Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer, of Yonkers; Bedford Town Super-
visor Chris Burdick; and White Plains’ Kat Brezler, a teacher and former campaign organizer for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders during his presidential bid, have already said that they are interested in the Senate seat. The Senate’s 37th District covers Rye, White Plains, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Yonkers, North Castle, Bedford, and Eastchester. Since a primary will not be held for the vacated seat, county Democratic leaders will be tasked with choosing a candidate to run in a special election. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Dem-
ocrat, has not yet announced whether there will be a special election to fill the final year of Latimer’s vacated seat. The governor is not required to call for a special election, and has the option to let the seat remain unfilled until the November 2018 election. The election may be important for Democrats to regain more ground on Republicans that will hold a 31-30 majority in January. The 37th District seat is one of two vacated positions in the New York state Senate. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
10 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 11
Business Briefs Orthopedics at NYP Lawrence is transforming NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital Orthopedics is undergoing an exciting transformation, ushered in by nationally renowned sports medicine and orthopedic physicians from Columbia University Medical Center. Doctors will be seeing patients in Bronxville and Tarrytown, with surgical procedures performed at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Dr. Jeffrey A. Geller Hospital. The collaboration with Columbia will result in a significant expansion of services offered, including the addition of fellowship trained experts in the following orthopedic specialties: hip and knee reconstruction, sports medicine, foot and ankle, hand, elbow, shoulder, spine, and trauma. These services are complemented by the hospital’s Joint Replacement Program and extensive outpatient physical therapy services. The new team will be led by Dr. Jeffrey A. Geller, chief of orthopedic surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital. He serves as chief and director of Research, Division of Hip & Knee Reconstruction at Columbia University Medical Center’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and as the Nas S. Eftekhar professor of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University Medical Center. Geller is a nationally recognized leader in the non-operative and operative treatment of arthritic disorders of the hip and knee. “We are delighted to bring these new specialized services to NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital and provide access to world-class Columbia physicians,” said Michael J. Fosina, president of NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital. “Our patients will have access to a wider array of orthopedic services using the most advanced surgical and non-operative techniques.” “Columbia Orthopedics is thrilled to expand our services to patients in Westchester County and local communities throughout the region,” said Dr. William Levine, orthopedic surgeon-in-chief of NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, and Frank E. Stinchfield, professor and chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center. “Through our collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, patients will benefit from an academic medical practice that leverages the latest research and technology to deliver advanced orthopedic specialty care close to where they want and need it most—home.” The Joint Commission awarded NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital’s Joint Replacement Program its Gold Seal of Approval again in 2016, which demonstrates the hospital’s continuous compliance with national standards for health care quality and safety in disease-specific care. The certification award recognizes the hospital’s dedication with these state-of-the-art standards. New patients are welcome. Appointments can be made by calling 750-4650. For more information, visit nyp.org/lawrence-ortho. Founded in 1909, NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital has a long and well-established history of providing superior healthcare to the residents of southern Westchester County and its sur-
rounding communities. The 288-bed hospital joined TAVR, procedure. The cardiac teams also perform the NewYork-Presbyterian Regional Hospital Net- hybrid catheter ablations, laser lead extractions, and work in 2014 and offers a cardiac catheterization transcatheter mitral valve and tricuspid valve repair laboratory, a maternity department and an emer- using the MitraClip device, patent foramen ovale, gency department providing emergency care to ap- PFO, closures, and alcohol septal ablations (for hyproximately 46,000 people annually. A new, state- pertrophic cardiomyopathy). of-the-art comprehensive Cancer Center, accredited To learn more about Westchester Medical Center by the American College of Surgeons with Multiple and the vital services it provides to residents of the Commendations, offers infusion, radiation therapy, Hudson Valley and beyond, visit WestchesterMedsurgical and support services. NewYork-Presbyteri- icalCenter.org. For more information about WMan Lawrence Hospital provides additional support CHealth, visit WMCHealth.org. and care to area residents through NewYork-PresbyBusiness Council of Westchester terian Medical Group Westchester, a multispecialty launches data exchange physician practice, as well as ColumbiaDoctors, the faculty practice of Columbia University Medical The Business Council of Westchester recentCenter. For more information, visit nyp.org/lawly announced the creation of the BCW Data Exrence or call 787-1000. change, a comprehensive online data center providing current and prospective Westchester businesses, New treatment alternative nonprofit organizations and governments with a available to prevent stroke multi-platform, user-friendly source for up-to-date demographic information, statistical analysis and trend data about Westchester County. The research will be conducted by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, a nonprofit policy, planning, advocacy and research organization. It will go live Patients who have an increased risk of stroke due on the BCW website in the first quarter of 2018. The BCW Data Exchange will have the most to an irregular heart beat called atrial fibrillation and who cannot use blood thinners can now take advan- up-to-date information on a wide variety of topics tage of a lifesaving alternative offered at Westches- and issues impacting business in the county. Strater Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester tegic areas will focus upon: demographics, snapshots of workforce data, housing, education, local Medical Center Health Network, WMCHealth. As a regional leader in cardiac care, Westchester government, transportation, infrastructure, real esMedical Center has begun offering a new technolo- tate trends, municipal services, and other vital data gy called the WATCHMAN, which offers a cathe- relevant to the attraction and retention of businesses ter-based alternative to blood thinners for prevent- in Westchester. Customized reports will be available ing stroke in patients suffering from atrial fibrilla- for those looking for a deeper dive into the data. “As the largest business organization in Westchestion, a condition characterized by a fast, irregular ter, we already serve as a resource for businesses heartbeat. “Because of our expertise in performing deli- and government officials seeking to understand the cate cardiac procedures, Westchester Medical Cen- opportunities available in the county and how Westter is among a select group of hospitals nationwide chester compares to other counties. We’re pleased to offer this treatment to atrial fibrillation patients to be adding this valuable tool that will also offer who previously had no other alternative,’’ said Dr. an unparalleled resource for our urban centers and Sei Iwai, director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at communities across the county that are undergoing a Westchester Medical Center. “We are excited to of- major revitalization,” said Marsha Gordon, president fer a life-saving alternative for our patients whose and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “We are fortunate to be working with Hudson risk for stroke makes them ineligible for traditional Valley Pattern for Progress on this important initiatreatments.” The Westchester Medical Center cardiology tive. They are uniquely positioned to step beyond team, including Iwai, Dr. Ryan Kaple, and Mala the limits of analyzing data from a single perspecSharma, MBBS, has already performed the first tive and take a 360-degree examination of the chalWATCHMAN procedures with excellent outcomes. lenges and issues that impact and shape the commuBecause the upper chambers (atria) of the heart nities of Westchester,” Gordon added. “The mission of this initiative is to provide the don’t squeeze normally in atrial fibrillation, an outframework and foundation to build and, in some pouching, called the left atrial appendage, can collect blood that can then clot and travel in the blood- cases, rebuild a prosperous economy and sustainstream to the brain, causing a stroke. The standard able communities within Westchester County by treatment is using blood thinners to eliminate the risk of clotting and stroke, but some patients are prohibited from using these treatments long-term. The WATCHMAN technology enables interventional cardiologists to cap off the appendage using a procedure that involves threading a catheter through the groin area and into the left atrium where the WATCHMAN device is inserted to seal the opening. The technology is approved by the FDA. WMCHealth’s Heart and Vascular Institute remains at the forefront of advanced cardiac technology in the Hudson Valley and beyond. For example, the WMCHealth Heart and Vascular Institute’s cardiac electrophysiologists have performed approximately 500 atrial fibrillation ablation procedures. In April, cardiac interventionists performed their 300th transcatheter aortic valve replacement,
making informed decisions through data research and analysis,” said Jonathan Drapkin, president and CEO of the Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. “As we like to say, ‘Data tells a story,’ and we are particularly pleased to be working with the Business Council in developing that story that will provide a baseline source of information to assist in the promotion, attraction and marketing of Westchester County for new economic development opportunities and to expand existing businesses,” Drapkin added. The idea of a comprehensive online data resource to help promote economic development in Westchester is the result of several years of strategic planning by the BCW board of directors. Board member Heidi Davidson, who chairs the BCW’s data committee, said that the new service would fill a real need in the business community. “We live in a world where having and understanding data is everything,’’ Davidson said. “The availability of current data has long been a challenge for Westchester as there has never been a single repository of data for Westchester County. The comprehensive data available through the BCW Data Exchange will fuel the BCW and Westchester’s economic development efforts.” Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress is a nonprofit policy and planning organization that promotes regional, balanced and sustainable solutions to enhance the growth and vitality of the Hudson Valley. Founded in 1965 by business, academic and civic leaders, and based in Newburgh, N.Y., Pattern works within the nine-county area that includes Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. For more information, visit pattern-for-progress.org. The county’s largest and most influential business membership organization, The Business Council of Westchester is committed to helping businesses market, learn, advocate and grow. In addition, The Business Council of Westchester is actively involved in reviewing federal, state and county legislation and regulations in order to assess the potential impact on the business community and to influence the outcomes through advocacy when the business community’s interests may be affected. It also acts as an information resource for the business community and government leaders at all levels. For more information, visit thebcw.org. The next Business Briefs section will run in January. Please send any submission for our January edition to news@hometwn.com, with “Business” in the subject line of your email. Each submission may include one picture. If you have any questions, email us at news@hometwn.com.
12 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
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December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 13
14 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
Hall of Lame LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
It’s that time of year again, the time of year when good deeds are weighed against bad ones, and the arbiter of who has been nice—and who has been naughty—rewards a select few for their actions. But I’m not waxing poetic about the jolly fat man up at the North Pole; I’m talking about the selection process for the 2018 inductees to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Although voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America have until Jan. 24 to officially send in their ballots, over the last few years, several intrepid writers have made their voting results public in order to give baseball fans some sense of the early returns. And while I certainly enjoy the growing transparency in the process, as well as the opportunity to drag out conversations about who, in fact, is worth of enshrinement out for over a month, a quick look at the results
so far leave me as perplexed as ever about what exactly the writers are thinking. On Dec. 18, Hall of Fame voting tracker and Twitter personality Ryan Thibodaux released a first glance at this year’s vote, and while there are some no-brainers on there—Jim Thome, Vladimir Guerrero and Chipper Jones all look like locks—the steroid question seems to once again be a divisive issue among voters. Most curiously, perhaps, are the questions surrounding two of the game’s all-time greats who may have irrevocably tarnished their reputation with their ties to performance enhancing drugs: Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds. With 17.5 percent of voters having responded, both Clemens and Bonds seem to be on the cusp of the 75 percent mark for enshrinement enshrinement, with Clemens taking in 72.6 percent of the votes and Bonds taking in 71.2 percent. But as we found out in the 2016 presidential election, sometimes early numbers can be misleading. Most experts expect those
SPORTS
numbers to drop precipitously, as the writers who are most likely to release their ballots to the public ahead of time skew to a younger demographic and are thus less likely to penalize a player for PED allegations. But beyond the “will they get in” question, these early numbers piqued a different question in my mind: how can someone have possibly voted for Clemens and not Bonds, and vice versa? As of right now, two writers who made a case for Clemens left Bonds off the ballot, while Jon Heyman chose the slugger, but not the hurler. And that’s pretty tough to reconcile, at least in my mind. Clemens and Bonds are so intertwined at this point it seems ludicrous that a writer could make a case for one but not the other. Both players were inarguably Hall of Famers early on before late-career surges—inexorably linked to some shady pharmaceutical dabbling—turned them, numbers-wise, into absolutely otherworldly talents. If you want to keep them both out of the Hall, I would understand it, but how
Early vote results for the 2018 Baseball Hall of Fame class were released this week, and Sports Editor Mike Smith has a few questions. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org
could you vote for one and not the other? The Hall of Fame voting process is a flawed one, for sure. Because it’s essentially a human process, and because writers come into each balloting sea-
son with their own biases about a player’s contribution to the game—and the way he treated writers during his career—you’re never going to have a perfect Hall of Fame where every player in it deserves it or every deserving
player gets his plaque on the wall. But let’s at least have a little consistency, fellas. That’s all I’m asking for.
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LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow @mamaroneckview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates
Tigers top Titans WRESTLING
non-league
MAMARONECK 44 EAST RAMAPO 28 MAMARONECK HS
12/19/17
Game Notes: • 160-pounder Trent Wechsler set the tone with a 4-2 win in the opening match • Mamaroneck is 5-3 on the season • The Tigers will compete at the Mid-Hudson Tournament on Dec. 27-28 By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Dec. 19, the Mamaroneck wrestling team picked up its fifth win of the season, a 44-28 victory over visiting East Ramapo. As the Tigers begin to eye the second half of their season, they are hoping that the lessons they have learned early on—as well as the continued maturation of some of
the team’s younger stars—will lead the program to new heights. Captain 160-pounder Trent Wechsler set the tone for the Tigers, topping the Titans’ Coby Simexian with a 4-2 decision in the opening match of the afternoon, but the Tigers got contributions from younger grapplers as well, including Andrew Rosenfeld at 113 pounds, that helped Mamaroneck carry the day. According to co-head coach Scott Gilberti, the communication between the team’s younger and older wrestlers has been a major bonus for the Tigers this season. “We have that core group of upperclassmen, and we have younger guys, not really first-timers who are also contributing,” Gilberti said. “Because we have such a strong youth program, we’ve been gaining momentum for a couple of years now, and that definitely helps, especially when guys get injured and we need people to fill in.” With so many youngsters on a roster that boasts nearly 40 athletes, Gilberti said it’s incumbent upon the team’s four captains, Wechsler, Jon Suarez, Crew Ful-
182-pounder Tony Collazo tangles with Youri Guillaume.
SPORTS
lerton and Mike McGowan, to set the tone. “The thing that makes them special is that each guy brings something different to the table,” Gilberti said. “And we want the younger guys to be cognizant of what they’re doing each day so that when they step into those roles, we aren’t going to have a lack of leadership; we want them to pass things forward regardless of their individual records on the mat.” At 5-3 on the season, the Tigers are eyeing a tough end to 2017 with a meet against Clarkstown South on Dec. 21, after press time, followed by a trip to the Mid-Hudson Tournament that will be held at Arlington High School on Dec. 27-28. The 24-team tourney could see the Tigers wrestle as many as nine matches over the course of two days and should be a
December 22 & 29, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 15
Ben Robbins gets the upper hand against Jon LaFortune at Mamaroneck High School. Robbins scored a pin fall victory.
steppingstone, especially for the team’s newer wrestlers. “It’s tremendous when you look at the amount of mat time
and experience they have the chance to pick up,” Gilberti said. “We are guaranteed at least five matches there, and it was really a
Trent Wechsler ties up Coby Simexian on Dec. 19. Wechsler won a 4-2 decision. Photos/Mike Smith
great pickup to be asked to take part in it.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
16 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • December 22 & 29, 2017
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