Mamaroneck REVIEW THE
August 4, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 31 | www.mamaroneckreview.com
Sandbox Theatre gets approval for new location By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
A new perspective Twenty-one SUNY Purchase College students meet with the Dalai Lama as part of their study abroad trip in India. For story, see page 7. Photo courtesy Carly Sorenson
Courts uphold non-member events at Hampshire By JAMES PERO Staff Writer A state appellate court upheld a decision to allow non-member events at Hampshire Country Club, punctuating years of litigation involving the club, a homeowners’ coalition and the village of Mamaroneck zoning board, dating back to 2014.
The decision by a state court will reaffirm a previous ruling made in 2015 when a judge dismissed a lawsuit from the Mamaroneck Coastal Environment Coalition alleging that the zoning board allowed Hampshire to step outside the boundaries of the local zoning code through issuing a special permit to host events for
non-club members. Non-member events that the club has hosted in the past include parties, fundraisers and bar mitzvahs. From the outset, the Mamaroneck Coastal Environment Coalition has alleged that the hosting of such events would only contribute to exacerbated noise
and traffic conditions in the surrounding neighborhood of Orienta Point, an affluent hamlet abutting the Long Island Sound. “It’s a shame but it’s not a surprise,” said Celia Felsher, a member of the coalition. “We know that the courts give deference to administrative bodies.” HAMPSHIRE continued on page 9
After scrutiny from residents and a slew of violations forced the Westchester Sandbox Theatre to abandon its East Boston Post Road outpost, the embattled business will now set up shop elsewhere in the village of Mamaroneck after receiving Planning Board approval. According to an application being reviewed by the Planning Board, the theater aims to conduct dance and music lessons out of a location at 300 Waverly Ave., and will shed a performance aspect of its operation that contributed to its eventual shutdown. Performances featuring the theater’s students, the application states, will be held at a separate location in White Plains. According to village Trustee Keith Waitt, a Democrat who also sits on the village Industrial Area Advisory Committee, the village will eye the surrounding area—dubbed the “Maker Zone”—of Sandbox’s new home as a target for similar businesses. “The word is starting to get around that we’re taking this seriously as a new area for business,” he said. “As most people know, Sandbox didn’t get reapproved for their site because they were in an area that wasn’t best suited for them. But after working with the village we found a better [location].”
In February of this year, the Sandbox Theatre—which educates children in the performing arts—emerged at the epicenter of a residential opposition movement after being cited by the Building Department for New York state fire violations and stepping outside of the village zoning code which forbids theaters in C-1 districts. Among the violations were failing to install a sprinkler system in the theater portion of the business’ building. Despite briefly mulling a proposal to alter all C-1 zoning districts to include theaters as an allowable use, the Board of Trustees dropped the idea and Sandbox was forced to cease its operations. Controversy over Sandbox and another Mamaroneck business, Ralph’s Italian Ices & Ice Cream, has helped spur increased scrutiny of the village Building Department’s protocol and procedures as well as a revamp to local zoning code. The village is currently undergoing a request for proposals seeking a consultant to help evaluate the department’s protocol. Members of the IAC, who are tasked with envisioning the Maker Zone as a future incubator for new business, are currently seeking a zoning overlay that would allow a large new swath of commercial ventures— SANDBOX continued on page 11
2 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • August 4, 2017
August 4, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 3
Astorino announces opioid task force
Sal’s Pizza manager dies at 49
Sal’s Pizza is located in the village of Mamaroneck and has been in business for 53 years. File photo
A new task force designed to galvanize the county’s resources and stem the tide of a rising opioid epidemic was announced last week by Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Photo courtesy Westchester County
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer On the heels of the recently formed initiative, Project WORTHY, designed to help combat a growing opioid epidemic in Westchester, the county has introduced a task force that aims to focalize police resources toward a crackdown on dealers. The task force will conjoin members of the county’s Public Safety Department, prosecutors, criminal investigators and local police chiefs in an effort to both assess and confront the problem of opioid abuse through the use of data and targeted enforcement. “It’s not enough to put our best resources into the fight against opioid addiction,” said County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican. “They must be coordinated, and that’s the idea behind the task force.” According to Astorino, who announced the coalition together with District Attorney Anthony Scarpino, a Democrat, and Public Safety Commissioner George Longworhth on July 27, the district attorney’s office will also dedicate three analysts to help the task force compile data and trends regarding the opioid crisis. Data presented through Proj-
ect WORTHY, which stands for Westchester Opioid Response Team Helping You, shows that Westchester has been anything but immune to the growing crisis of drug abuse. According to statistics collected between 2010 and 2015, the number of fatal opioid overdoses in the county has risen dramatically, jumping 200 percent in five years from 27 to 83. That trend is mirrored on the national level where in 2015, the National Institute on Drug Abuse recorded more than 52,000 opioid related fatalities across the country. Contributing to the rise in both heroin and opioid related overdoses has been the rise of the often fatal drug fentanyl; its potency has been known to cause overdoses just by coming into contact with one’s skin. Scarpino said, in addition to tracking and understanding the problem through statistics, increased coordination through the task force will also result in more arrests and ultimately the removal of heroin through the prosecution of dealers. “The task force is dedicated to going after dealers, not users,” he said. One way the task force hopes to
accomplish a crackdown on dealers, Scarpino said, is by assisting local police departments—outfits which may otherwise lack the necessary resources—in their investigations of illegal drug distribution and enforcement. “Individual police departments that determine that heroin and opioid dealers are operating in their communities will be able to call upon these dedicated resources to assist them in their investigation,” he said. “Note that I said ‘assist them.’ We are not going to take over their investigation.” Scarpino said that while the task force is ready to move forward, its role in helping mitigate a growing drug crisis is fluid, and will likely be a “learning process.” In addition to the assembling of a task force, the county also formalized an Overdose Response Initiative, ORI, last year, which is meant to track and investigate any suspected overdose in the county with the goal of ultimately identifying suppliers. Through the ORI, overdoses are treated as crime scenes and warrant a full-on investigation as opposed to their prior classifications as accidents. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
On Saturday, July 22, Salvatore DeRose Jr., manager at Sal’s Pizza, died at the age of 49. He had worked for the family business, which had gained a loyal following after 53 years, since he was 13 years old. “I think that [Salvatore DeRose Jr.] brought a sense of family to Sal’s [Pizza],” said Anna Maffucci, of Mamaroneck. Mayor Norman Rosenblum described the pizzeria as “an integral part” of the village community. “It’s also a great place for people to meet, eat and have a good
time,” he said. DeRose Jr. was born on July 21, 1968, to Salvatore Sr. and Teresa DeRose. DeRose Jr. leaves behind his wife Maria DeRose and four children, Alexandra, Nicole, Salvatore III, and Cristina DeRose. “[Salvatore DeRose Jr.] always went out of his way to provide the best customer service, and made sure everyone was happy,” said Stephen DeRose, DeRose Jr.’s brother. The pizzeria, located at 316 Mamaroneck Ave., is most
known for dishes including its Sicilian and salad slices, a slice of pizza topped with lettuce, Italian dressing and tomatoes. “It’s like the best pizza around…. I enjoy eating there on my lunch hour, or later after work with friends,” said Patrick McEvily, of Yonkers. “It’s a really nice place.” On July 28, The Church of the Resurrection in Rye held a mass for Salvatore DeRose Jr. The pizzeria was also closed that day in observance of his passing. -Reporting by Taylor Brown
4 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • August 4, 2017
What’s going on... Mamaroneck Public Library
Adult Team has created a schedule of eight wonderful programs to engage those who are age 18 and beyond. On Aug. 7, an introduction to 3-D printing will be held. On Aug. 14, make a wet clay pot with MADE. Because supplies are limited, Mamaroneck Public Library cardholders will be given priority. Please call 630-5888 to register for both programs, or stop by the Reference Desk.
Picnic Stories Visit mamaronecklibrary.org for more information on library hours and programs.
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.
Tween Time On Mondays through Aug. 7 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For grades 3–6. Tweens will be given an opportunity to take part in an Engineering Building Challenge. No registration required.
On Tuesdays through Aug. 8 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For children of all ages. No registration required; pack a picnic lunch and meet in the Children’s Room. The library will provide the cold drinks.
Weird Contest Day On Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Program Room Celebrate Weird Contest Day at the library with Iron Chef Super Snack Style. Tap into your inner chef to create your best super snack. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 630-5894 to register.
Bedtime Stories
Adult Summer Camp
On Wednesdays from 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For children of all ages. Pajamas, pillows and teddy bears welcome. No registration required.
On Mondays through Aug. 28. Summer is a time when kids look forward to going to camp where they can relax and engage in really fun (and educational) programs. For this summer, the library’s
On Friday, Aug. 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For ages 5 to 10. Create
Collage Crafters
collages from different recycled materials. No registration required.
Larchmont Public Library Visit larchmontlibrary.org for more information on library hours and programs.
Summer Mondays: Fun for Four-Legged Friends On Monday, Aug. 7 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Michael P. Coords Activity Room. For teens. Participants will make cat and dog toys for the Humane Society of Westchester while watching “The Secret Life of Pets.” Online registration required.
Chair Yoga with Vincenza Madonia On Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Village Center. Join certified yoga instructor Vincenza Madonia for these sessions of chair yoga. Chair yoga consists of arm, leg and head movements, as well as twisting your torso, that are done while seated in a chair. There are also standing movements that use a chair for support. Chair yoga is a terrific way to maintain fitness of your body and mind through very low-impact exercises. No registration required.
Build a Construction Site On Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. For ages 3 and 4. Hear the best building stories while making a group construction site. No registration required.
Garden Helpers: Bees On Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. for ages 8 to 11, and from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for ages 5 to 7. Participating children must attend for the entire hour. For the older kids, build a better community by helping others to learn and grow. Meet with children’s librarian Linnea Moosmann, and learn about how you can help with the day’s Garden Buddies program for younger children. Then, pair up with a garden buddy and join in the fun by helping them read, play and create. For the younger kids, learn about the jungle of plants and animals that grow in Ryder’s Garden along with the garden helpers. Online registration required for both programs.
Great Courses: Turning Points in American History On Thursday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Village Center. Led by Professor Edward T. O’Donnell of College of the Holy Cross, these DVD lectures begin with the arrival of the first English colonists and continue to the chaos of the Civil War, to the birth of the computer age and beyond. After each DVD lecture, there will be a brief discussion period. Aug. 10’s lectures will be “1903: The Second Transporation Revolution” and “1909: The Scourge of the South: Hookworm.”
Construction Zone On Thursdays in July at 10:30 a.m. For ages 3 and 4. Calling all construction lovers. Come to the library for some structured building and unstructured play time with LEGO Bricks, ramps, and more. A free ticket is required to attend this event. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the program.
Summer Camp Afternoon Games On Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Village
Center. Spend an air-conditioned afternoon with friends and play classic games like mahjong, chess or Scrabble. Or you can enjoy some adult coloring. Ice cream will be served at 3 p.m. No registration required.
Crochet Afternoons On Thursdays through Aug. 10 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Village Center. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, join library staff member Emily Zenner and explore the art of crochet. Experience not necessary, but you will need to provide your own crochet hooks and yarn. No registration required; walk-ins welcome.
Mini-Masterpieces On Thursday, Aug. 10 from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. With the Westchester Children’s Museum. For ages 8 to 11. Add a little art to your STEM. Participants will explore color, shapes, style, perspective, and use a variety of creative mediums while looking at various works of art by Van Gogh, DaVinci, Mondrian and more. Online registration required.
The Culture of Dueling On Friday, Aug. 11 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Village Center. Join National Parks Service Ranger Jennifer Ladd for this talk about the history of dueling and the role it played in 18th century American society. She will discuss the origins of dueling, why it became so prominent in the colonies, and what conditions may have caused two of our political heavyweights, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, to engage in their fatal errand. No registration required.
At Home on the Sound Volunteers needed At Home on the Sound is seeking additional yearround 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.
Why Beethoven’s Fifth Never Loses Its Appeal At Home on the Sound’s afternoon on Sunday, Aug. 6 will end with the strains of Beethoven’s incomparable “Fifth Symphony,” one of the best known compositions in classical music. At the organization’s bimonthly gathering, its featured speaker Edward Pressman will help listeners understand what makes Beethoven’s music so passionate and unique, as well as why it is one of the most popular of all classical symphonies. Pressman will explain how its forceful, four-note, da-da-da-DUM theme is more complex and multi-layered than it seems. Pressman’s talk on Aug. 6 is free and open to the entire community at the Russell Hall of Larchmont Avenue Church, 60 Forest Park Ave. in Larchmont. Coffee and refreshments are served at 3:30 p.m.; program begins at 4 p.m. For more information, visit AtHomeontheSound.org. 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.
August 4, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 5
Letters to the Editor
Medicaid and mental illness To the Editor, As one who suffers from chronic illness and receives Medicaid, I have little faith in those who make the laws and are out of touch with the problems of their citizens. I am both an employee and patient at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Harrison. (Yes, I have a mental illness, and be damned the stigma that comes with the many disorders that are mental illness.) There are so many that have so little in everything—monetary resources, caring families, quality housing (if any), true friends, proper general health care, etc., and even faith. I very lucky and very scared. Very scared of a relapse, the next trigger, that bad day most people could, would just shrug off, bringing upon the onset of any of my four diagnoses. I am very scared for my fellow patients, my fellow sufferers who barely live a full, quality life and for those we may never know, barely surviving the innumerable torments these inflictions bring. Without quality Medicaid coverage, the stress and pain this would bring upon the individual, the family, is immeasurable. How many families can emotionally survive such stress and not fall apart? How many children will suffer directly as their care degrades, or indirectly as marriages may fail, as they see parents’ struggle, fighting unwinnable battles. There is no cure for mental illness, only management of many of these disorders. How will we/they manage with less resources? How many will lose homes? How many will be forced to lower-grade housing? Pain that is preventable—now! The moral and ethical issues here, applying to the great American culture, will affect generations. All our neighbors and brothers. There is so much more I would or could say. But arrogance in our capital rules, and our words and prayers will be dust in the wind, falling on the deaf ears of those living in a separate world. Having our own country fighting against us is deplorable.
Glenn Slaby, New Rochelle
About Letters to the Editor Publication is not guaranteed. We reserve the right to edit letters for content or space, at our discretion, without notification from the company. We reserve the right to reject submissions at our discretion without notice to the author. The letter should be signed and include the writer’s address and phone number for verification purposes. We will not publish letters that cannot be verified. The opinions of letter writers do not reflect
those of this newspaper. Please submit via fax to (914) 653-5000 or email to chris@hometwn.com or via post to Home Town Media Group, C/O Letters to the Editor, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601. We do not accept unsolicited Op-Ed submissions, film reviews, or food reviews.
6 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • August 4, 2017
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
Port Chester adds Dolby Cinema experience
General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com
By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Assistant Editor
Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin
AMC Theatres’ Port Chester location has opened a Dolby Cinema in June, providing a unique experience for moviegoers. Dolby Cinemas at AMC is a premium service that combines
Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lynne Starr ext. 29, lynne@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com
superior sound and image technology with comfortable and innovative seating—it’s almost as if the movie comes to life, with surround sound and seats that pulsate along with the action. The Dolby experience has three components: dramatic imaging, moving audio and inno-
vative seating. Surprisingly crisp pictures with brightness, contrast and color that look as close to real-life images as possible is expected; a black screen will indeed look black. Sound comes from all over the cinema, including above you. The reclining seats are not only comfortable and spacious;
they are motorized, pulsating with every sound, from an expensive engine revving to the bass of a great score. Stuart Bowling, director of Content and Creative Relations at Dolby, said its partnership with AMC has been about two years in the making. AMC had originally been developing its own luxury cinema concept before Dolby Cinema entered the market. “[AMC] was very interested in the elements of Dolby Cinema and how that could elevate the entertainment experience for customers, and how we could work together,” Bowling said. Bowling added that this program was a 10-year plan, but it is now rapidly ahead of schedule due to the overwhelming response AMC has had every time a Dolby Cinema has opened. “Moviegoers are very intrigued about what it is,” he said, adding that reviews and in particular social media have contributed to the hype and growth. What sets Dolby Cinema apart from other luxury movie offerings is the elevation of the movie on screen, especially the focus
Staff Writers Corey Stockton, Franco Fino
CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
Staff Photographers Andrew Dapolite, Jen Parente Columnist Lenore Skenazy 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 Visit us online www.mamaroneckreview.com
Follow us on Twitter, @mamaroneckview Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/mamaroneckreview The Mamaroneck Review (permit #16661) is published weekly by Home Town Media Group for an annual subscription of $45. Application to mail at the periodicals postage rate is approved at White Plains, N.Y., 10601. Periodicals postage paid at White Plains and additional mailing offices.
on the “immersive audio system.” Dolby works with AMC to design the layout of the theater so that no matter where you are seated, you still have a great view. Screens are wall to wall, and floor to ceiling. Walls are matte black to help control ambient lighting so there are no distractions. Images are screened using Dolby Vision’s state-of-the-art laser projection, enabling viewers to see more details, making it engaging. “Your standard movie theater produces an image with a contrast ratio—the difference between light and dark—of around 2,000-to-1,” Bowling said. “On a Dolby Vision projector, it’s an excess of a million-to-1; that’s why filmmakers love it.” Bowling said that all these elements make for a stronger connection between the audience and the film. To date, there is only one other movie theater in New York state that uses Dolby’s technology— AMC Empire 25 in New York City. There are more than 70 locations worldwide. For more information on tickets and movies that have been adapted for this unique experience, visit amctheatres.com/dolby.
AMC Loews Port Chester 14 is one of few locations fitted with a Dolby Cinema, which offers moviegoers a unique experience using some of the best sound and image technology. Rendering courtesy Dolby/AMC Theatres
August 4, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 7
SUNY Purchase students meet
Dalai Lama By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter During a five-week study abroad trip in Himachal Pradesh, India, 21 students from SUNY Purchase College were able to meet and listen to the teachings of the Dalai Lama. The summer semester trip went from May 27 to June 2, where students stayed in the Norbulingka Institute, an institution that works to preserve Tibetan culture and serves as the Dalai Lama’s summer home in Dharamsala, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader for the Tibetan people. While at the institution, the students learned about the social and cultural studies of food in India, a class taught by Dr. Lisa Jean Moore, a sociology and gender studies professor at SUNY Purchase, and Tibetan art taught by Dr. Suzanne Ironbiter, a lecturer emerita in liberal studies at Purchase.
Carly Sorenson, a sophomore and creative writing major, said she wanted to go on the trip because “I just find Tibetan Buddhism fascinating.” Brian Peterkin, a senior and new media major, said he’s “always been big on expanding consciousness and learning, and [am] curious if there is such a thing as enlightenment.” His research in Buddhist philosophy led him to realize that it had ties to India, prompting his interest in the trip. The meeting with the Dalai Lama was set up by Ironbiter, who has a professional relationship with Philippa Russell, whose husband, Jeremy Russell, is an English translator for the Dalai Lama. This relationship has made meetings with the Dalai Lama possible on two other study abroad trips. “It was amazing,” Sorenson said. “I’m lucky I got to meet [the Dalai Lama].” Sorenson said after she shook hands with the Dalai Lama, the two discussed the connection between quantum mechanics and
SUNY Purchase College students study Tibetan art in the Norbulingka Institute, an institution that preserves Tibetan culture and the summer home of the Dalai Lama.
how it connected to Buddhism. “[The meeting was] very overwhelming,” she said. Peterkin explained he was nervous prior to meeting with the Dalai Lama, but came away from the encounter with a new perspective. He described the Dalai Lama as “so humble and appreciative, despite being aware of his standing amongst his people and in the world.” Peterkin explained that this meeting has left him with a lot of respect for the Dalai Lama. Beyond the initial meeting, the students attended three days of teachings taught by the Dalai Lama during Saga Dawa, a Tibetan Buddhist holiday that honors the birth, wisdom and death of Buddha. “The talks were directed towards the younger scholastic audience but there were broad enough topics that they were able to appeal to everyone present,” Peterkin said. Beyond the teachings, the students were also able to learn from the locals who lived in Dharamsala. “A lot of the students were able to see what it’s like to have a refugee population and how they’re integrated and accepted [into a new society],” Moore said. This included experiencing firsthand the ways in which the Tibetan people have integrated into Dharamsala after being exiled from China in the 1960s. “The whole struggle of the conflict between China and Tibet [is] very interesting,” Sorenson said. According to OfficeOfTibet. com, India is currently home to more than 10,000 exiled Tibetan people. “It’s really good for our students to be able to see the ways in which cultures can be integrated into
homes that aren’t their home and [how they’re] able to thrive and continue their religious practices,” Moore said. Both Sorenson and Peterkin expressed how welcoming the locals were to the group of students. These connections helped the students form a better understanding of the culture. “Spiritually was at the heart of everyday life and improving balancing oneself,” Peterkin said. “This took precedence to attaining financial security and I found this quite refreshing.” Peterkin explained that one of the fascinating parts of the trip was learning the way in which the lives of people in Dharamsala differed from American culture. “I think the study abroad trip provides students with the opportunity to get a global perspective that’s a very different culture from what they experience in New York City,” Moore said.
SUNY Purchase College students meet with the Dalai Lama as part of their study abroad trip in India.
CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
Brian Peterkin, a senior and creative writing major at SUNY Purchase College, makes friends with the locals in Dharamsala, India. Photos courtesy Brian Peterkin
Twenty-one SUNY Purchase college students stayed in Dharamsala, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, India for five weeks. Photo courtesy Carly Sorenson
8 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • August 4, 2017
August 4, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 9
Town announces 2017 Democratic candidates
HAMPSHIRE from page 1
Non-member events are fair game at Mamaroneck’s Hampshire Country Club, according to a ruling from a state appellate court. File photo
Mayor Norman Rosenblum, a Republican, said the decision reaffirms the ruling by the village’s land use board more than three years ago. “Unfortunately, it once again illustrates that while I agree with the right to take action against the village of Mamaroneck, certain groups do it over and over again to great cost to the village,” he said. Hampshire has been mired in various legal spats with the village of Mamaroneck over the past several years, including a failed $55 million lawsuit in which the club sued the village for damages which it claimed were a result of its land use boards denying the club’s plan to build condominiums.
Last year, the club was victorious in a separate legal proceeding when it was awarded more than $350,000 in a tax certiorari case after challenging its tax assessments between 2013 and 2016. The club also remains embroiled in a separate piece of ongoing litigation on the state level that contends the village violated Open Meetings Law when it decided to deny the club’s original proposal—which was at the center of the previously failed lawsuit—to build more than 105 condominiums on its property. That lawsuit will be heard in state court after a judge denied the village’s motion to dismiss the case in April. A schedule on that case will be finalized this month. Hampshire has billed its pro-
posed expansion into housing as a means of counteracting a waning demand for its golf course. The club is also currently in the midst of securing land use approval for an altered version of its embattled plan to retool portions of the 116-acre property for housing. A new iteration of the proposal that would divide 100 units into 44 single-family homes and 66 townhouses is undergoing further review after its preliminary draft environmental statement was sent back for revisions earlier this year. Thomas Nappi, a Hampshire representative, could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
The town of Mamaroneck Democratic Party Committee is pleased to announce its 2017 slate of candidates, including incumbents Supervisor Nancy Seligson, Town Council member Jaine Elkind Eney, Town Justice Ron Meister, and first-time candidate Sabrina Fiddelman for Town Council. Mamaroneck Town Democratic Party Chair Richard Marsico said, “We have an excellent slate of proven elected officials and one new candidate with an extensive record of service to the community. Together they will continue to run the Town efficiently and progressively.” Seligson has been town supervisor since 2012 after serving on the Town Council for 12 years. She has continued the good governance of the town and implemented cost-saving environmental initiatives. Under her watch, the town accomplished a reassessment for the first time in 40 that re-established fair assessments in the town, the zoning code was amended to allow for mixed-use development, and the town was designated a Climate Smart Community by New York State.
Elkind Eney, an attorney practicing locally, has served on the Town Council since 2012 and is currently deputy town supervisor. She is liaison to the Fire Department, Planning Board, Recreation Commission and Housing Authority. Eney was instrumental in the Hommocks Ice Rink renovation and worked on a town effort to improve communication with the residents. Prior to serving on the town board, Eney was deputy mayor and trustee in the village of Larchmont and chaired the Town’s Board of Assessment Review for 14 years. Meister currently serves as town justice, after service on the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Traffic Committee. A U.S. Navy JAG Corps veteran and judge, he is an officer of the Westchester County Magistrates Association, a life member of the American Law Institute, and recipient of human rights awards from the New York City Bar Association and the Southern Center for Human Rights. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Yale College, and a graduate of Yale Law School, where he was an editor of the Yale Law Journal.
Fiddelman has been a volunteer in the community for more than 25 years, lending her talents and leadership skills to the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit, The Center for Continuing Education, Cancer Support Team, Larchmont Mamaroneck Hunger Task Force, and as president of the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation, among others. She began her volunteer work in the late 1980’s for the League of Women Voters. She has an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business. Ernie Odierna, who has been a member of the Town Council since 1999, announced that he will not be seeking re-election. Odierna has been a dedicated town board member as he served as deputy supervisor for five years, and was the liaison to almost all of the various town boards and commissions throughout his tenure. Seligson said, “Ernie [Odierna] played a key role in improving government communications and has been a devoted member of the town board. We are lucky to have him.” Election Day is Nov. 7, 2017. (Submitted)
10 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • August 4, 2017
August 4, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 11
Opinion-Editorial
SANDBOX from page 1
Being on the wrong side of history By CLIFFORD JACKSON
After being expelled from its East Boston Post Road operation, the Westchester Sandbox Theatre will move to Waverly Avenue, located in the village’s so-called “Maker Zone.” Photo courtesy Sandbox Theatre
including theaters, microbreweries and boutique hotels—to inhabit the waning manufacturing district. The village will soon begin a Generic Environmental Impact
Statement to assess the new overlays’ impact on traffic, flooding, noise and overall environmental footprint. Once underway, that process will likely continue for more
than a year. John Verni, a member of the IAC, could not be reached for comment as of press time.
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement is on the right side of history in its fight against the illegal occupation of Palestine, which has been going on for the last 70 years. The Westchester County Board of Legislators showed cowardice in its condemnation of the BDS movement. Legislator Alfreda Williams of Elmsford displayed extraordinary courage in her opposition to the attack on the BDS movement. They are just as criminal as Gov. Andrew Cuomo is in his campaign of, “If you boycott Israel we will boycott you”. It is appropriate that this year
is the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, which sanctioned and justified the illegal occupation of Palestine, displacing millions of Sunni Palestinians that had been living there for more than a century under the Ottoman Empire. This evil, racist and systemic human rights crime has had an economic and political use of force by the white Western world—namely the U.K., U.S. and Russia—that used money and military force to authorize the British mandate on Palestine in 1923 and its partitioning in 1947. The same religious rationale that has been used to justify this illegal occupation is analogous to “Manifest Destiny” and how that
was provided justification as an example of divine providence to countenanced the slaughter, rape and murder of indigenous people on this continent by the so-called superior “Anglo-Saxon” race. Betty and David Berenson should be reminded that the establishment of Israel was an illegal act based upon the 1947 U.N. Charter which specifically said that you cannot assign land without the consent of the majority of the population. That consent was never authorized by the Palestinians. Clifford Jackson is a resident of Larchmont. The views are expressed are his.
CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Mosquitoes with West Nile virus in Westchester This season’s first batch of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in Westchester has been confirmed by the Westchester County Department of Health. The area surrounding the positive mosquito batch in Mount Vernon has been inspected by the health department, which has treated nearby catch basins that to protect against further mosquito breeding nearby. “West Nile virus has been present in the Hudson Valley for many years, so this season’s first positive should remind residents to protect themselves and their families by removing standing water around their homes every week and by using repellents daily when spending significant time outdoors,” said County Executive Rob Astorino. “As a county, our proactive and comprehensive strategy to combat mosquito-borne illnesses has proven effective, and includes advice and resources for our residents.” As of July 20, when the first positive batch was confirmed in Westchester, 163 batches of mosquitoes from Westchester were tested for West Nile virus by the New York State Department of Health. The state health department has identified 99 positive mosquito pools throughout New York so far this year. Symptoms of West Nile encephalitis, a severe infection, usually occur from three to 14 days following the bite and include high fever, headache, confusion, muscle aches and weak-
As of July, 163 batches of mosquitoes in Westchester County have tested positive for the West Nile virus. Photo courtesy Westchester County
ness, seizures, or paralysis. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. People over the age of 50 are at the highest risk for a severe disease. West Nile virus is not to be confused with Zika. To date, no mosquitoes in New York State have tested positive for Zika and there have been no locally-acquired cases. “We will continue to monitor mosquito activity,” said Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler. “We recommend that residents take personal protection measures and remain vigilant in removing standing water on their property where mosquitoes can breed.” Amler said that favorite mosquito breeding sites include buckets, plant pot saucers, clogged gutters, pet bowls, old tires, as well as children’s pools and toys. Residents should also minimize spending time outdoors at dawn and dusk, and apply insect repellents according to
the label directions when enjoying activities outside. In addition to larviciding, the county also gave away free fathead minnows and mosquito dunks to residents this spring. The minnows help to curtail the mosquito population in ponds and water by feeding on mosquito larvae and pupae before they develop into adult mosquitoes. The mosquito dunks serve the same purpose in birdbaths, rain barrels and unused pools. Free mosquito dunks are still available, and residents can make arrangements to pick them up by calling 813-5000. Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property that could serve as potential mosquito breeding grounds should report it to the health department by calling 813-5000 or emailing hweb@ westchestergov.com. For more information about preventing West Nile virus, visit health. westchestergov.com/west-nilevirus. (Submitted)
Looking for a happy, friendly, outgoing and beautiful dog? Look no further—Serena is the one for you! This beautiful hound/Lab mix is about a year old and 37 pounds. She is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped. Make her part of your family for an adoption donation of $300. Come meet Serena! Call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)
12 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • August 4, 2017
The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:
$42.50 for up to 4 lines. Each additional line $2.00. Classifieds ads appear in all five of our publications.
HOW TO REACH US:
Email: ads@hometwn.com Phone: (914) 653-1000 x27 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601
DONATE YOUR CAR
AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 914-468-4999 Today!
Wheels For Wishes Benefiting
Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315-400-0797 Today!
Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley
HELP WANTED
* Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. To learn more about our programs or financial information, visit www.wheelsforwishes.org.
MISC FOR SALE
MISC FOR SALE KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/ KIT Complete Treatment System. Available: Hardware Stores. The Home Depot, homedepot. com. Try Harris Guaranteed Roach Killers Too! SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill-Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N
REAL ESTATE Vermont Log Home on 147 Acres 4BR/5BA Log Home, Detached 2-Car Garage w/Apt., Wrap-Around Decks, Walk-Out Basement, Generator, Pond. Brookfield, VT. Exclusive: $695,000. THCAuction.com.1-800-634-7653 GREENE COUNTY LAND SALE! AUG 12TH! 7 ac-$39,900. 10 ac-$49,900. 34 ac-$79,900. 8 wooded homesites, 20 mins So. of Albany. Stonewalls, private setting. Twn rd, utils! Terms avail. Call 888-905-8847 to register. OTSEGO COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX FORECLOSURE AUCTION. 70+/- Properties August 16 @11AM. Held at: Holiday InnOneonta. 800-243-0061 AAR, Inc. & HAR, Inc. Free brochure: www.NYSAuctions.com
WANTED TO BUY Buying Diamonds, gold, silver, antique and modern jewelry, better furs, U.S. and foreign coins, paintings, bronzes, complete estates. Highest prices paid. Call 914-260-8783 for appointment..
LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Formation of JOYS PARENTS LLC. Arts of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 05/04/2017. Office location: Westchester. SSNY design. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy to 2179 Boston Post Rd, Larchmont, NY 10538. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of Salas Accounting, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 11/17/16. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 136 Palmer Avenue, STE 101, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. Purpose: any lawful activity.
SOONER OR LATER... SOMEONE’S GOING TO BLAB IT ON
*Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *Fully Tax Deductible
WheelsForWishes.org Call: (914) 468-4999
AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here! Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7094
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH-FOOD G RADE 100% Use to Protect Garden Plants. Use in Animal Feed & More. OMRI Listed-Meets Organic Use Standards. BUY ONLINE ONLY: homedepot.com
DEADLINE:
Placement, correction or cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication
Publish your LLC notice in our newpapers! New York State law requires that all LLC companies publish a Notice of Formation within 120 days of forming or else your LLC will be suspended. All five of our newspapers are designated by the Westchester County Clerk for this urpose. Allow us to guide you through what can be an unnecessarily complicated process. We provide the template for your publication along with the notarized affidavit signed by the publisher. For more information email us at
ads@hometwn.com.
Donate A Boat or Car Today! “2-Night Free Vacation!”
1- 800 - CAR - ANGE L
w w w.boatangel.com
sponsored by boat angel outreach centers
STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
August 4, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 13
SPORTS
14 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • August 4, 2017
WCC announces return of basketball Westchester Community College, WCC, has announced the return of its men’s and women’s basketball teams
with the new seasons beginning later this year. New coaches have been hired and were introduced at a press confer-
ence on Wednesday, July 26, at 10 a.m. in the Hartford Hall Boardroom on the college’s Valhalla campus.
Nesta Felix, Westchester Community College’s new women’s basketball coach, and Sean Kelly, the men’s basketball coach. Photo courtesy GoWccVikings.com
A national search attracted more than two hundred highly qualified applicants including former professional basketball players and highly touted coaches from a variety of competitive levels. Sean Kelly has been named the men’s coach and Nesta Felix has been tabbed as the women’s coach. “This promises to be an enriching experience for many of our students, not only those who will field the teams,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, president of WCC. “The student athletes will have an opportunity to showcase their skills on the court, while their fellow students will be able to show their enthusiasm and exhibit school spirit during the upcoming season. This will truly enhance the overall college experience for all.” “I am pleased to be able to announce that basketball is returning to Westchester Community College,” said Mike Belfiore, WCC athletic director. “We have begun to recruit players for both teams and look forward to the fall when our student-athletes will again be able to compete against other institutions in the region.” Kelly, whose Bronx Community College teams posted a 74-43 record over five seasons, advancing to an NJCAA regional title game and two regional Final Fours, also coached at Bergen Community College. At that New Jersey institution, he led the team to an undefeated 30-0 regular
season campaign in 2009. Prior to Bergen, he was an assistant coach at Mercy College. Kelly earned his B.A. at the University of Scranton and his M.A. at Teachers College, Columbia University. Felix was the women’s basketball coach at Yeshiva University from 2012 to 2015 and was named the Hudson Valley Athletic Conference Co-Coach of the Year in 2014. She also has coached at Woodlands High School in Hartsdale, New York with a 15-5 record, currently coaches a Scarsdale, eighth-grade tri-county girls basketball team, and was assistant women’s basketball coach at Monroe College from 2002 to 2008. She received her B.A. from Iona College and her M.A.at Monroe College. This fall marks the return of the men’s and women’s basketball after a two-year hiatus. Both teams will compete at the Division II level. Practices for the new teams begin in October with the regular season games commencing in November 2017. Members of the press were invited to a press conference at the college on Wednesday, July 26 at which time the details of the new coaches and dates for upcoming games were announced. Meanwhile, prospective college students interested in trying out for the teams should contact Westchester Community College’s new athletic director at Michael.Belfiore@sunywcc. edu. (Submitted)
TO COVER LOCAL SPORTS, YOU NEED A
LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow @mamaroneckview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates
August 4, 2017 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • 15
16 • THE MAMARONECK REVIEW • August 4, 2017