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RyeCity REVIEW THE

January 26, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 4 | www.ryecityreview.com

Crown Castle files another suit in state court By JAMES PERO Staff Writer

OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME

In February 2017, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” gave 41 students four-year scholarships to college. One of those students is Quincy Phillips, who now attends SUNY Purchase College where he is pursuing a degree in visual arts. For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy Michael Rozman

Dems look to revive gun, immigration bills By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Under a new Democratic regime, legislators will reincarnate two vetoed bills, including a piece of controversial gun legislation, that were nixed under former County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican. The legislative agenda on Jan. 22 will feature the reintroduction of a bill to ban gun shows on county owned property that was vetoed by Astorino last year, after being passed by Democrats on the Board of Legislators. Specifically, the bill seeks to eliminate the possibility of

hosting gun shows at the Westchester County Center, which Democrats say promotes a toxic gun culture in the county. While current County Executive George Latimer, a Democrat, has already signed an executive order banning the gun shows—a reinstatement of a previous ban that lapsed under Astorino—unlike the order, the passage of a more formal piece of legislation would permanently ban the shows in the future. In tandem with a bill to ban gun shows, Democrats will also reintroduce a county immigration bill that would limit the amount of information that the county shares with the federal

government. This bill was also introduced and passed last year, but was eventually vetoed by Astorino who said it would hamper the efforts of county law enforcement. Both bills are being revisited by a new Democratic majority with an extra advantage of three seats over last year’s Board of Legislators makeup. Currently, Democrats outnumber Republicans 12-5, giving them a supermajority, in addition to the support of Latimer, who unseated Astorino in November last year. In addition to both bills, Democrats will also push two bills that expand paid sick leave countywide—companies with five

or more employees would be required to provide at least 40 hours of paid sick leave—as well as a bill that would ban employers in the county from asking how much prospective employees made at a previous job. These bills will mark the start of a reinvigorated progressive agenda from Latimer and the Board of Legislators, who recently elected a new majority leader, Ben Boykin, a White Plains Democrat, to replace the previous chair, Michael Kaplowitz, a Yorktown Democrat, in a divisive nomination process. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

The telecom contractor Crown Castle has reignited a lawsuit with the city of Rye, claiming that a city-run environmental review process of a proposal to install wireless infrastructure across the city has violated an agreement signed in 2011, in addition to a state law. “Despite that the city consented back in 2011 to [Crown Castle’s] right to deploy its infrastructure in the Rye [right of way], and allowed [Crown Castle] to do so in other areas of the city… [Rye] has disregarded that consent and blocked [Crown Castle’s] efforts to install this important utility infrastructure,” reads Crown Castle’s lawsuit, which was filed in a state court on Jan. 8. Specifically, the lawsuit contends that an agreement signed between Crown Castle and Rye in 2011 gives the right to alter infrastructure that falls within the “right of way”—a term that encompasses the areas containing city telephone poles, many of which are located just outside of residences—in addition to areas outside this designation, subject to a permit review process. Additionally, Crown Castle claims that the city has “weaponized” a State Environmental Quality Review Act, SEQR—the statute by which the city is currently reviewing the proposal— against the telecom contractor. A previous federal ruling sent down in December, however, sided in favor of the city over its decision

to review the proposal under the lens of SEQR. Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson said that while the most recent lawsuit is fairly similar to one filed in federal court, there are a few differences. “It’s longer and more detailed… and it is more focused on the [2011] agreement, but the causes of action are similar,” she said. In April 2017, the city voted to undergo an environmental review of the project—which aims to install more than 70 wireless nodes citywide—under the lens of SEQR after issuing a positive determination for the project. Among other things, the review will look at the pending applications’ effects on neighborhood aesthetics, noise, and the environment. Specifically, residents opposed to Crown Castle’s installation of dozens of nodes—wireless signal-emitters that would be primarily attached to telephone poles—have shown concern for what impact they may have on property values. Opponents contend that large equipment attached to telephone poles, many of which abutt residential neighborhoods, would disturb the character of the neighborhood. Conversely, Crown Castle claims that by not bolstering its wireless infrastructure—the company is being contracted to do so by Verizon Wireless—it is harming residents’ access to current and future networks. According to Wilson, while a SUIT continued on page 8

2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 26, 2018

January 26, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3

Assistant city manager placed on administrative leave Daniel Warren students deepen reading skills

Assistant City Manager Eleanor Militana with former city of Rye Mayor Joe Sack. Photo/Jen Parente

Assistant City Manager Eleanor Militana was placed on administrative leave on Jan. 17, the Review has learned. City Manager Marcus Serrano told the Review that he placed Militana on administrative leave until further notice due to a “personal issue,” which he would not disclose. Militana has been serving as the assistant city manager since 2014 when she was appointed to the position by City Manager Frank Culross. She had previously served as assistant to the

city manager. After Culross retired in late April 2015, she served briefly as the interim city manager until Serrano was hired by the Rye City Council in August 2015. In 2017, Militana earned a salary of $128,620. It is currently unclear how long the move will last for or if she will ever return to work for the city of Rye. According to the city charter, the City Council is responsible for overseeing the city manager position, including its hiring and

firing. The assistant city manager position, however, lies under the purview of only the city manager. Democratic Councilwoman Emily Hurd, when reached by phone on Thursday, Jan. 18, confirmed that Militana was placed on administrative leave. Hurd would not provide any additional comments, however. New Mayor Josh Cohn and Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein, both Democrats, could not be reached for comment. -Reporting by Franco Fino

First- and second-graders at Daniel Warren Elementary School are growing as readers and expanding their skills and development in the English language arts thanks to flexible, small-group learning experiences. During I-Block, teachers are offering guided reading for all students across all grade levels. “It is always my intention in my work with readers in I-Block to help them become aware of themselves as readers and have a better understanding of the kind of work they do as readers and the importance and significance of that work,” said Leigh Ann Kowalchick-Porphy, library media teacher. “I also like to offer a wide range of activities in connection to their reading to help them expand not only as readers, but as writers, thinkers, designers, communicators and innovators.” Students have been able to reflect on their past work and share their insights, understandings and perceptions as readers. Throughout the instruction, they will further enhance their understanding and work as readers with a variety of book-based projects they design themselves. One group of first-graders in

Daniel Warren Elementary School students in Leigh Ann KowalchickPorphy’s library media class deepen their reading skills thanks to flexible, small-group learning experiences. Photo courtesy Rye Neck schoold district

Kowalchick-Porphy’s class is participating in an in-depth study of Kate DiCamillo’s “Because of Winn Dixie” book. Meanwhile, a group of second-graders is working in two-reader teams to explore the works of Roald Dahl. As part of their project, the students will be challenged to identify a critical moment from the story and bring that moment to life by creating a diorama, piece of art, play, poem, an illustrated song or a puppet show. To proceed with their work, the students are tasked with writing a proposal that demonstrates their critical analysis of the story. They

also prepare and make a presentation before their peers and complete a written reflection on their project and work as readers. “At the heart of the work I do with the students in I-Block is centered the question: ‘What does it mean to be a good reader?’” Kowalchick-Porphy said. “As part of this, it is important for students to be aware of themselves as readers, what has interested them as readers, and what literary works and aspects of particular literary works have sparked their imaginations and engaged them as readers.” (Submitted)

4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 26, 2018

What’s going on... Rye Free Reading Room

more information, call the Children’s Reference Desk at 231-3162.

Teacher-In-The-Library

For more information on hours and programs, visit ryelibrary.org.

‘Not OK’: A Conversation with Four New Yorker Cartoonists On Saturday, Jan. 27 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Illustrator and cartoonist David Ostow moderates a discussion with fellow artists Jason Adam Katzenstein, Amy Kurzwuil, Maggie Larson and Ellis Rosen on their experience drawing, submitting and refining works for The New Yorker and elsewhere. The exhibit of “Not OK” cartoons runs through Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Mother Goose Monday On Mondays from 10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. in the Children’s Room. Recommended for infants and toddlers. Nursery rhymes, songs, and finger plays. “Granny Jean” Klein, wellversed in early childhood development, introduces babies and toddlers to playful rhymes, songs, and puppetry. Parents and caregivers participate with the children at the library and are encouraged to continue the activities at home. Because the program is often a child’s first experience in an audience setting, it is important that adults strive to arrive on time and actively help children focus on the presentation. For

On Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Rye teachers offer after school homework assistance to students attending local public or private elementary schools in the Rye area. This is a free program. This event is sponsored by the Auxiliary Board of the Rye Free Reading Room, Woman’s Club of Rye/Children’s Philanthrophy Section and the PTO of the Rye schools.

Spin-A-Yarn On Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ogden Nash Room. Open to the public. Information needlework, fabric arts get-together. Bring your own project and supplies and work and chat.

joy the Children’s Room while waiting for the next session to begin. For more information, contact the Children’s Reference Desk at 231-3162.

Tales for Tots On Thursday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Room. Recommended for infants and toddlers. Simple picture books, finger plays, puppets, and rhymes encourage language development and instill a love of stories in children who are learning to talk.

Thursday Afternoon Book Group On Thursday, Feb. 1 from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Meet with a friendly group of people who read and discuss interesting fiction titles (mostly) as suggested by fellow book group members.

Wiggle, Giggle Time

Friday Book Café

On Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m. or 11 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. Please choose one session to attend. Children will wiggle to music, giggle to funny rhymes, and pretend to be wild and wonderful animals in this lively interactive program with “Dawny Dew” Halasz. Music is a natural connection tool. It brings people together and helps them interact with one another. Children are engaged with the use of puppets, felt board activities, nursery rhymes, and songs. This activity encourages active participation by parents and other caregivers. This 20-minute weekly musical program promotes early language skills and socialization. Please note that doors close five minutes after the program begins to prevent interruptions and help focus audience attention on the presenter. Please be prepared to en-

On Friday, Feb. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Gather with interesting, thoughtful people to discuss a book with coffee and a snack. “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman will be discussed. Smart, warm, uplifting, “Eleanor Oliphant” is the story of an out-of-the-ordinary heroine.

Graham Clarke’s Musical Fridays On Fridays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. Families are always welcome. Rock out at the Rye Free Reading Room on Friday mornings when popular children’s musician Graham Clarke performs. Kids love Graham’s silly humor and fun songs and will enjoy moving and grooving to the beat with this energetic performer. Please arrive early to find parking; doors will be closed 10 minutes after show begins or when room is at “fire code” capacity, and no one will be admitted after that. Weather permitting, Graham’s performance will be outside on the Village Green where a larger audience can be accommodated.

Gizmos Science Fun Club On Friday, Feb. 2 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Gizmos Science Fun Club offers children in grades K–2 a chance to engage in handson, inquiry-based experiments. In this one-hour science club, participants will focus on a different STEAM activity each month with handouts to follow up at home. Through this program, children will begin to see that science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts can be fun. Space is limited. Registration is required. Visit ryelibrary.org, click on “Programs & Events,” “Kids,” the event date, and then “Register.”

Rye Library Writers On Saturday, Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Ogden Nash Room. Share work and brainstorm with fellow writers and be encouraged in a welcoming and supportive environment. Discuss works in progress, writing topics, the writing process and individual writing joys and challenges. Open to novice and experienced writers.

The Rye Arts Center The Rye Arts Center is located at 51 Milton Road in Rye. For more information, call 967-0700 or visit ryeartscenter.org.

Encaustic Painting On Thursday, Feb. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at

The Rye Arts Center. Learn about the ancient medium of encaustic painting with artist, curator, and RAC instructor Katharine Dufault in this free adult workshop. Basic techniques will be discussed and demonstrated. Participants will learn the fundamentals of working in this medium and will have a chance to explore painting with molten, pigmented beeswax. Registration is required. Call 967-0700 to register for free.

Gallery Exhibit: Works in Encaustic Through Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Rye Arts Center. There will be a reception on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Encaustic painting dates as far back as the 5th century B.C. The process involves heating a mixture of beeswax, resin and pigments, which are applied while hot to a rigid surface such as a wood panel, and further manipulated. Curated by Katharine Dufault, the “Some Like It Hot” exhibit will introduce the community to a brief history of the medium, and show the wide variety of techniques possible using hot wax. Participating artists include Christine Aaron, Anne Bedrick, Binnie Birstein, Kathy Cantwell, Katharine Dufault, Roxanne Faber Savage, David Fox, Lorraine Glessner, Leslie Giuliani, Laura Moriarty, Lisa Pressman, Pat Spainhour, Priya Tambe, Dietlind Vander Schaff, as well as students from both the Rye and Pelham art centers.

Marshlands Conservancy Artwork sought for exhibit Paintings, sculpture, drawings and other artwork that was inspired by Marshlands Conservancy or created at the preserve can be submitted for entry on Saturday, Feb. 3 and Sunday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the conservancy in Rye. All paintings and drawings must be framed and ready for hanging. There is a maximum of three submissions per person. All age groups are welcome. Please note that photography is not included in this exhibit. The exhibit, titled “A Different Point of View,” will open Sunday, Feb. 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with a reception for the artists and public. It will remain on view weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of March. The exhibit is part of the Westchester County Art in Parks program. The reception is sponsored by the Friends of Marshlands Conservancy. Marshlands Conservancy is a Westchester County park, and is located on Route 1 (Boston Post Road) in Rye, just south of the Rye Golf Club. For more information, call the Marshlands Conservancy at 835-4466.

County News Golf course closings The six county-owned golf courses closed for the season after play on Sunday, Dec. 31. The courses are Dunwoodie, 231-3490, and Sprain Lake, 2313481, 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. 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.

January 26, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5

F.E. Bellows fifth-graders discover power of the arts F.E. Bellows Elementary School fifth-graders in Sara McElroy’s Seekers and Solvers STEAM workshop have been exploring various elements of the artistic process. They

recently completed original tape-resistant paintings to express their creativity and understanding of the concepts. Drawing from their own experiences and discussions about

Elementary school fifth-grader Kylie Bourke completed an original tape-resistant painting as her teacher Sara McElroy provides her with feedback. Photos courtesy Rye Neck school district

an artist’s influences, the students used adhesive tape and watercolor paint to create their images, which varied from abstract to realistic portraits. Several students used emboldened text that was particularly meaningful to them to share inspirational messages, such as “dream big.” Throughout the process, the fifth-graders were able to self-reflect and uncover what inspires them through the power of the arts. “As a result, the students shared a little piece of themselves and their experience, while acquiring many skills,” McElroy said. “They learned how to be mindful, maintain focus, persevere, problem-solve effectively and express themselves using nonverbal communication skills. I find that art helps build confidence, as well.” Willow Edwards, a fifth-grader who incorporated bright colors in her painting to evoke happiness, said she enjoyed working on her project. “I really like to express the creativity, and it’s fun,” Edwards said. “One of my favorite things to live by is ‘Creativity takes courage.’ It’s [a quote]

ShopRite helps replenish food pantries in Westchester ShopRite Supermarkets Inc., owner and operator of 35 stores throughout New York and New Jersey, announced it has partnered with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York for its annual Feeding Our Neighbors campaign and Cornell Cooperative Extension and Eat Smart New York Hudson Valley’s Nourish Your Neighbor healthy food drive initiative. The partnerships are part of a joint effort to replenish food pantries throughout the Hudson Valley region. Specifically, from Sunday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Feb. 3, 27 ShopRite stores throughout Westchester County and the mid-Hudson region will collect donations at checkout for Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New York. Shoppers can make monetary donations, or donate non-perishable food to support the archdiocesan-wide effort to raise food and funds to replenish food pantries and soup kitchens that feed hungry neighbors during the most critical time of the year. In addition, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Eat Smart New York will lend support via Nourish Your Neighbor, an educational

food drive initiative designed to encourage healthier food donations to food pantries throughout the year, by providing shoppers with food donation bags and healthy shopping lists designed to provide donors with assistance in selecting nutritious options while they shop. Eat Smart New York will also put together pre-packaged shopping bags filled with healthy foods that customers can purchase to support the food drive, taking the guess work out of giving. “We are honored to partner with Catholic Charites, Eat Smart New York Hudson Valley and Cornell Cooperative Extension on several healthy food drive events,” said Tom Urtz, vice president of operations for ShopRite Supermarkets Inc. “Food insecurity continues to be a major issue within the communities we serve, and our ShopRite family is proud to do our part to help our neighbors in need. Thanks to the support of our generous employees, customers and partners, we hope we can continue to make a difference in the fight against hunger.” “We are grateful to ShopRite

and their customers for their continued generosity in support of the Feeding Our Neighbors food drive,” said Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. “The donations come at a time when food pantries are struggling to keep their shelves stocked and clients fed. Both the food collected and the funds raised will go a long way in helping local food pantries and soup kitchens replenish their inventory and feed our hungry neighbors. Working together, we’re able to make a much-needed difference in our communities.” In 2017, Feeding Our Neighbors raised the equivalent of more than 1.5 million meals, supported in large part by $92,000 in cash donations and nearly 23,000 pounds of food collected at ShopRite locations throughout the Hudson Valley. Catholic Charities, in partnership with ShopRite, aims to surpass those results in 2018 to feed the hungry across New York. “There is a definite gap in food pantry inventory, creating a system-wide change for food donations is a tall order,”

From left, F.E. Bellows Elementary School fifth-graders Boden Sivere, Willow Edwards, Nicky Apicella, Shelby Preisser and Robert Pecchia created original tape-resistant paintings.

by Henry Matisse. He is one of my big influencers, and I really like his artwork.” Fellow fifth-grader Samina Quli, who used clear tape to outline a dragon against a green background, said she wanted to inspire others to use their imag-

ination when looking at her painting. “I’ve always liked drawing, especially dragons,” she said. “I had this idea of making a dragon that’s almost invisible to the world, but near color it shows. I’m making the outline of it, so

you have to use your imagination to see what it is.” The students’ paintings will be displayed in the classroom, photographed for their digital portfolios and eventually sent home for them to keep somewhere special. (Submitted)

stated Stefanie Hubert, project director of Eat Smart New York Hudson Valley. “However, with the support and collaboration of ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc., our neighbors will have the ability to obtain healthier foods that otherwise may not be available to them. This is just one spoke in the wheel of Eat Smart New

York’s multifaceted approach to obesity prevention.” The Nourish Your Neighbor campaign is part of a wider effort by Cornell Cooperative Extension and Eat Smart New York to effect positive change – such as more nutritious offerings – at local food pantries. The stores participating in the

campaign in Westchester County include ShopRite of Bedford, ShopRite of Cortlandt, ShopRite of Croton, ShopRite of New Rochelle, ShopRite of Scarsdale, ShopRite of Thornwood, ShopRite of Greenway Plaza and ShopRite of Tuckahoe Road in Yonkers, and ShopRite of White Plains. (Submitted)

6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 26, 2018

RyeCity REVIEW THE

P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000

SUNY Purchase student receives

scholarship of a lifetime

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 Reporter | Franco Fino ext. 18, franco@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 Photographer Jen Parente Columnists John Carey, Rye City Council, Joe Murphy

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 Rye City Review c/o HomeTown Media Group, P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Visit us online www.ryecityreview.com

The Rye City Review (permit #438660) 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.

Quincy Phillips with his grandmother. Photo courtesy purchase.edu

By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter Quincy Phillips, a freshman at SUNY Purchase College, is pursuing his bachelor’s degree debt-free thanks to a full-tuition four-year scholarship he received from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and Walmart. Now in the second semester of his freshman year, Phillips said he loves the environment of SUNY Purchase, and the passion students demonstrate for the arts. Prior to SUNY Purchase, Phillips attended Summit Academy Charter School in Red Hook, Brooklyn, where he was one of 41 students to receive a fouryear scholarship to any college in New York state through DeGeneres’ show and Walmart. Natasha Campbell, executive director and founder of Summit Academy, said the scholarships have changed her students’ lives. Campbell first made DeGeneres aware of the students in Red Hook in November 2016. “I had sent an email to the show talking about the extraordinary staff and children we had,” Campbell said. “[I talked] about how much we had done despite the challenges the kids face.” According to the 2014 Existing Conditions and Brownfields Analysis, a document that helps community organizations plan revitalization projects, Red Hook has a poverty rate of more than 40 percent. In the email, Campbell also mentioned how the students at Summit Academy exemplified what it meant to persevere.

“They were the complete opposite of what [you] think of when you hear about children in urban communities,” she said. “They were college bound, and that wasn’t the norm for this community.” In February 2017, DeGeneres invited Cheryl Swift, principal at Summit Academy, and Campbell to come on the show, where DeGeneres and Walmart gifted the school a check for $25,000. Campbell said the donation went towards supporting Summit Academy’s College & Career Readiness Program, a program that works to better prepare students for the future. “It helped with all of the preparatory programs that would ensure that our seniors graduated and enrolled into college,” Campbell said. Campbell said that the Summit Academy Class of 2016 had a 90 percent rate of college enrollment, and the Class of 2017 had

92 percent of students enrolled in college, with another 5 percent attending college in January. Two weeks after Swift and Campbell’s appearance on DeGeneres’ show, the senior Class of 2017 at Summit Academy’s were flown out to Los Angeles to come on the show. “I remember going on the show and one of the Ellen producers was like, ‘We really want you to be on stage for Ellen to interview you,’” Phillips said. “I was like, ‘No, this can’t be happening.’” After being interviewed with a few other of his classmates, the students gathered for a group photo, where DeGeneres announced the scholarships. “We’ve never done anything this big before, “DeGeneres said. DeGeneres said she had reached out to Walmart, who agreed to partner with the show to give scholarships to the students. The gift totaled $1.6 million. Campbell said this opportunity has made it so the students don’t have to carry the burden of financial debt. According to studentloanhero.com, a website dedicated to helping students manage and repay their student loans, “the average Class of 2016 graduate has $37,172 in student loan debt.” Campbell said this gift also showed the students that people believe in their potential and are willing to invest in their futures. While Phillips is studying for his degree in visual arts, he says that the scholarship has made him more appreciative of the things he has. “I count my blessing and my opportunities, and I take advantage of them,” he said. CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com

Quincy Phillips, a freshman at SUNY Purchase College, who is a recipient of a full scholarship through “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and Walmart.

The 41 students from the Class of 2017 at Summit Academy Charter School receive full scholarships to any college in New York state through “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and Walmart. Photos courtesy Michael Rozman

January 26, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7

Boykin announces BOL committee chairmanships By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Newly elected Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ben Boykin has assigned committee chairmanship positions to members on board. On Jan. 17, Boykin, a White Plains Democrat, announced the leadership positions for each committee for the 2018-2019 legislative term. “In order for a legislative body to be robust and effective, all legislators must be engaged and accountable,” Boykin said in a release. “In determining the membership of each of these committees, my aim was to match the experience and skill sets of individual legislators with the mission and objective of their committee assignments.” According to the Westchester County Charter, the Board of Legislators, BOL, must maintain two specific committees, the Budget and Appropriations and the Legislation committees. The BOL’s chairperson determines other additional committees and

Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ben Boykin has assigned legislators to a number of county committees for the 2018-2019 legislative term. File photo

their chairmanships. Boykin has assigned legislators Catherine Borgia to the Budget and Appropriations Committee, Virginia Perez to the Legislation Committee, Lyndon Williams to the Law and Major

Contracts Committee, and newly elected Legislator Christopher Johnson to the Appointments Committee. Other newly elected legislators Damon Maher, Kitley Covill and Nancy Barr have been assigned to chair the Labor and Housing Committee, Social Services Committee and the Environment, Health and Energy Committee, respectively. Republicans David Tubiolo has been assigned to the Seniors and Constituents Committee, Margaret Cunzio to the Public Safety Committee, and Jim Maisano to Intergovernmental Services Committee. Lastly, Legislator Mike Kaplowitz has been designated to the Parks, Planning and Economic Development Committee, and Majority Whip MaryJane Shimsky will chair the Public Works Committee. For the 2018-2019 legislative term, committee meetings will he held at various times on Mondays and Tuesdays. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

County DA ends bail for misdemeanor cases By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Westchester County prosecutors will stop requesting bail for most misdemeanor cases in order to end unnecessary incarceration for those that are financially poor. On Jan. 22, Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino Jr. announced that the county would end the practice, which is already in effect, because it’s “outdated” and “discriminatory” to those that don’t have the financial means to post bail. “No one should languish in jail for a minor offense because of his or her inability to post bail,” Scarpino said in a release. “In most cases, these defendants are not dangerous and have not even been found guilty of a crime. It is unjust and a tremendous waste of taxpayer dollars.”

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony Scarpino Jr. announced earlier this week that county prosecutors will stop seeking bail in non-violent misdemeanor cases in order avoid incarcerating those that don’t have the financial means to post bail. Photo courtesy westchesterda.net

According to the DA’s office, the new policy will prevent

prosecutors from requesting bail from defendants that have committed non-violent misdemeanors. It will not, however, prevent county prosecutors from seeking bail in cases involving a victim, cases in which the defendant injures a first responder or resists arrest, and cases in which the individual has had prior felony convictions. Additionally, prosecutors can seek bail in cases where the defendant is on parole or probation, or if the individual has a history of warrants or prior bail jumping charges. Scarpino’s new guidelines were praised by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, who said the policy change is “another step forward in our efforts to build a fairer and more equal criminal justice system.” CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

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Look at this cool, little fellow! Tom is super snuggly, sometimes playful and mischievous. When he is sitting there gazing at you, he is hoping you will follow him and give him some attention—which he likes very much. Black and white with super soft short hair, Tom has beautiful, unique markings. He has been around other cats and dogs, and has gotten along well. You will be a good match for Tom if you are looking for an easy-going, adaptable, snuggly buddy. He will enjoy a house with other cats, kids, dogs where he can go with the flow. Tom is in excellent health, up-to-date with all vaccinations and microchipped. His adoption donation is $100. To meet Tom, contact Pet Rescue at nypetrescue@gmail.com or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)

8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 26, 2018

Latimer sets collegial tone, stresses bipartisanship

SUIT from page 1

Westchester County Executive George Latimer speaks at the latest Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit breakfast program on Jan. 16. Photo/John Gitlitz

By LINNET TSE Contributor Addressing a packed audience at the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit’s Jan. 16 breakfast program, new Westchester County Executive George Latimer spoke of “setting a different tone with a different set of philosophies.” His early actions fulfilled campaign promises and were symbolic of the collegial tone he wants to achieve. In his first day in office, Latimer, a Democrat, issued an executive order that will keep his and his predecessor’s names off county signs, sending the message that county assets belong to the people of Westchester, and not to the county executive. A second executive order, a “good neighbor” policy, will guarantee that local municipalities are consulted on significant projects involving county land. His third executive order banned gun shows from county-owned property. Latimer’s six issue-based transition committees—health, social services, criminal justice, economic development, operations services, and administrative services—also demonstrates his commitment to listen and work collaboratively. Committees have solicited input from county residents, giving them the opportunity to help shape public policy and identify the new administration’s priorities. He anticipates that the committees’ recommendations will be released by the end of the month. Contrasting his philosophy

with that of his predecessor, Latimer said he strongly believes that “government has a valid role to play in our everyday lives.” Latimer acknowledged the county’s high property taxes, but challenged the audience to consider the value of services we receive: “What is the value of public schools in society? What is the value of local services?” Latimer anticipates that the tax changes that eliminate the deductibility of state and local taxes will put tremendous pressure on county and local governments and school districts, and will require a serious dialogue about the level of the services provided by these entities. After seven years of flat tax levies under his predecessor, Latimer also questions the financial health of the county. He has asked New York State Controller Thomas DiNapoli to send a team to conduct a review of the policies and practices employed in Westchester County finances. Latimer firmly holds the belief that problems can be solved by working together, across the aisle, and looks forward to a collaborative relationship with the county Legislature. In response to questions from the audience, Latimer noted that he will be making some staffing changes over the next few months in the county boards and commissions, including the Human Rights Commission. Latimer reported that the Board of Legislators will be revisiting plans for the privatization of Westchester County Airport, which he believes merits

a public policy discussion. Latimer openly questions whether the county should be giving up the decision-making authority for the airport in exchange for financial compensation. Latimer also noted that the Board of Legislators will be revisiting the immigration protection law they enacted last year. Latimer anticipates that they will come up with a plan that “passes muster with the advocacy community as well as with the law enforcement community.” Asked about county support of the Army Corp of Engineers’ flood mitigation plan for the village of Mamaroneck, Latimer expressed his view that the county should commit to its piece of the cost in the budget; county commitment is necessary for the state to budget their share. Latimer pledged “110 percent” effort on behalf of the residents of Westchester County, citing a sense of urgency to use the opportunity he’s been given and to use it well. This breakfast forum was hosted by the LarchmontMamaroneck Local Summit, an informal community council that seeks to make life better for all in the tri-municipal area. Its monthly meetings are held at the Nautilus Diner in Mamaroneck at 7:45 a.m, on the third Tuesday of the month. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 13, when the latest plans for Hampshire Country Club will be presented.

A new state lawsuit will reignite a feud between the city of Rye and telecom contractor Crown Castle, after a judge decided in the city’s favor in December. File photo

previous ruling in federal court will help the city’s chances in winning the second round of litigation with Crown Castle, it’s too

early to predict an outcome. “It’s hard to predict exactly what the judge will do,” she said. “We will be hopeful that the state

judge will follow in the previous judge’s footsteps.” CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

January 26, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9

Westchester food bank receives grant from Wells Fargo

PROUD MEMBER of the From left, Yonathan Whitehouse, Wells Fargo Greater NY regional commercial banker officer; Jean Julien, Yonkers Community Bank branch manager; John Mulvey, Wells Fargo Greater New York regional commercial banker officer; Peg Nolan, Wells Fargo Greater New York regional cmmercial banker officer; Annette Herber, Wells Fargo Greater New York regional commercial banker officer; Leslie Gordon, president and CEO of Food Bank for Westchester; Catherine Strother, Wells Fargo Greater New York regional commercial banker officer; Charlene Carlino, Wells Fargo Greater New York regional commercial banker officer; Deborah Smith, Head of Wells Fargo Foundation for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut; and Melinda White, Greater New York regional commercial banking officer. Contributed photo

Food Bank for Westchester recently received a first-time grant of $10,000 from the Wells Fargo Foundation. These funds will support the Food Bank’s Food Assistance Distribution programs, and will provide more than 23,800 meals to Westchester children and families in need. Additionally, Wells Fargo recently donated 1,296 pounds of food collected through the Wells Fargo nationwide Holiday Food Bank drive. “It is because of our great supporters like the Wells Fargo Foundation that we can continue to address the issue of hunger in our county and help our neighbors who need it the most,” said Leslie Gordon, president & CEO of

Food Bank for Westchester. “We are so thankful to the Wells Fargo Foundation for this first-time grant and we look forward to continuing a great partnership with them in the future.” Food Bank for Westchester collaborates with a network of member agencies to provide food directly to the men, women and children facing hunger. Food donations are sourced, sorted, inspected, and stored at The Food Bank, and prepared for distribution to its frontline food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. The Food Bank also provides food directly to the people we serve through a farmers market style distribution called Mobile

Food Pantry. “The reality is that there are many hungry residents who depend on meal programs and food pantries,” said Deborah Smith, head of the Wells Fargo Foundation for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. “Thanks to the dedication of Food Bank of Westchester and its volunteer network, more than 200,000 County residents are receiving the help and nourishment they deserve. We are thrilled to partner with the team in addressing ongoing local needs in Westchester County area.” For more information about the Food Bank for Westchester, visit foodbankforwestchester. org. (Submitted)

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10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 26, 2018

Rejected cartoons get a second chance By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Assistant Editor Choosing a cartoon for The New Yorker is a tough job, and someone has to submit quite a few with the hopes of being the chosen one. So, what happens to those that don’t make the cut? David Ostow, a cartoonist and the curator of the “Not OK” exhibit now on display at the Rye Free Reading Room, decided to gather some friends and do something with the rejections. “Most of the people I reached out to were very enthusiastic about being in the show,” Ostow said. “You produce so much to be published, and you’re left with so many you haven’t sold.” A trained architect, Ostow, 38, got into cartooning after helping his sister with illustrations for a novel loosely based on their childhood. He continued to draw, and eventually built a community of fellow cartoonists. Some artists Ostow knew had started to submit to the magazine, and he followed suit. The New Yorker is known for its tonguein-cheek observational cartoons, and cracking the magazine is “an arduous process,” according to Ostow. He has yet to have his work printed in the publication, though some of his work can be seen online. Around two years ago, Ostow ran an exhibit in Bushwick, Brooklyn where he and some of his cartoonist friends displayed their work. Last year was the first time “Not OK” was on show, focusing on rejected The New Yorker cartoons that the artists still wanted people to see. Maggie Larson, 30, is one of the cartoonists in the exhibit and has had around eight works published in the magazine so far. “Part of handling rejection is getting used to it, and recognizing that it’s part of the process,” she said. “It’s also a chance to rise to the challenge…. Not getting attached definitely helps.”

Chris Shoemaker, the director at the Rye library, knew about the first “Not OK” exhibit through his brother-in-law, Ellis Rosen, who is another cartoonist on show. “Thinking of the Rye community, I thought that residents would enjoy getting to see pieces of art that were pitched and didn’t quite make it,” Shoemaker said. “People have had a good chuckle.” Rosen, 32, became a cartoonist after seeing a fellow illustrator begin to submit work to the magazine. “It looked like so much fun,” he said, adding that anyone who is interested should give it a try. “[Rejection] is a given; I do feel bad about it on Friday nights. You just move on to the

next batch and get excited about that possibility of selling one of those.” “Not OK” will be on display at the Rye Free Reading Room through Wednesday, Jan. 31, and works are for sale. There will be a panel with Ostow, Larson, Rosen and two other cartoonists on Saturday, Jan. 27 to see the faces behind work. For more information, visit ryelibrary.org.

Ellis Rosen’s “Rabbit Revenge,” one of the pieces in the “Not OK” exhibit at the Rye Free Reading Room. Photo courtesy David Ostow

CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com

One of Maggie Larson’s works in the “Not OK” exhibit. Photo courtesy Chris Shoemaker

January 26, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11

Rye & Harrison City Home Sales Listings provided by the office of Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni Photos courtesy Zillow.com, Trulia.com, Hotpads.com, Spotproperty.com & Maps.google.com

1 Adelphi Ave., Harrison 11/29/17 $715,000

1 Johnson Place, Rye 12/15/17 $1,950,000

2 Guelisten Place, Rye 12/15/17 $970,000

4 Sackett Landing, Rye 12/20/17 $6,000,000

10 Pebble Drive, Harrison 12/4/17 $1,230,000

14 Freemont St., Harrison 11/17/17 $660,000

15 Harrow’s Lane, Harrison 12/5/17 $1,275,000

17 Broadway, Harrison 12/1/17 $250,000

17 Quaker Lane, Harrison 11/28/17 $1,410,000

20 Vale Place, Rye 11/30/17 $1,060,000

27 Brookside Lane, Harrison 12/1/17 $935,000

31 Garden Road, Harrison 11/29/17 $1,630,000

50 Sanford St., Rye 6/28/17 $350,000

254 Union Ave., Harrison 12/20/17 $645,000

418 Columbus Ave., Harrison 12/28/17 $530,000

440 Sterling Road, Harrison 11/30/17 $2,300,000

12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 26, 2018

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14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 26, 2018

SPORTS

The pre-playoff picture LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

Most area fans might tell you that the most exciting time of any sports season comes between the time that playoff seeds are announced and the day when a Section I champion is finally crowned. To be honest, it’s not hard to understand why; simply earning a postseason berth is a big deal for a lot of programs, and every team—even those with lower seeds—comes into the playoffs confident that they can put together an inspired stretch that will see them emerge as champions. But as someone who covers the day-to-day happenings on the local sports scene, I’d have to disagree. For me, there’s no time quite as exciting—or as important—as the last couple of weeks before the playoffs in the winter season; specifically, right now. Regardless of the sport in question, these few weeks set the

stage for the postseason, both in terms of driving narrative and seeding implications. With a few months under their belt, teams are finally beginning to define themselves establish their programs as contenders or also-rans in the upcoming tournaments. And what better way to find out who you are as a squad than to test yourself against the rest of your league opponents. On Tuesday, there was certainly no shortage of thrilling league contests: Rye’s boys needed a three-point play with 0.4 seconds left on the clock to top rival Pelham; New Rochelle needed a late surge to put White Plains away; and the Huguenots’ next two league opponents, Mount Vernon and Scarsdale, were locked in an epic struggle that saw the perennial Class AA favorite Knights escape with a 72-68 victory. And it’s not just games on the boys’ end, or basketball at all for that matter. On Jan. 19, girls’ hoopsters from Eastchester and Harrison added another chapter to their recent rivalry, with the Eagles edging the visiting Hus-

kies in a nail biter. Harrison won’t have to wait too long for a shot at redemption, however, as the two clubs will lock horns again on Feb. 6 in a potential playoff preview. And that’s what I love about this stretch of the regular season; how a team fares over the final few weeks of the schedule can be telling. Does a particular squad have a knack for late game heroics? Is a program’s young nucleus starting to gel just in time for a deep tournament run? Does a coach need to look to the bench to find some sort of spark? Those are the questions we start to ask right now, and even though it might be a few weeks before we get a definitive answer, this is the time when the puzzle pieces are starting to fit together and the bigger picture is starting to come into focus. So don’t wait until the first round of the playoffs to start cheering on your teams; this is where the magic starts.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

New Rochelle’s Jaylen Mention beats Pat Wynne to the hoop on Jan. 23. New Rochelle topped White Plains 77-59 in an important league contest. Photo/Mike Smith

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LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow Mike Smith @ryecityreview for Mike’s live, in-game action updates

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January 26, 2018 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15

New Ro takes 2nd at Counties

A Mamaroneck wrestler sizes up a White Plains opponent on Jan. 20. Photos/Mike Smith

By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor The area’s top high school wrestlers descended on Yonkers Middle High School on Jan. 20 to compete in the annual Westchester County Championships, and while Fox Lane may have taken top team honors, a number of local teams—and athletes—also shined on the county’s biggest

stage. As teams look ahead to the upcoming postseason schedule, last weekend’s event should serve as a good measuring stick for the road ahead. With three champions and five finalists, the Foxes amassed 196 points on the day, creating some separation between themselves and second-place finisher New Rochelle, which tallied 140 points. But despite falling short of a

county title, Huguenot head coach Eddie Ortiz was enthusiastic about his charges’ performances. “I was very pleased with the way we wrestled, this may have been our best tournament of the year,” he said. “Especially because we ran into a few losses early on and guys had to battle through wrestle-backs and they did a great job.” The Huguenots’ lone champion

Harrison’s Zach Finn competes at the Westchester County Championships. Finn placed third in the 182-pound bracket.

New Rochelle’s Jake Logan tangles with a wrestler from John Jay at the Westchester County Championships on Jan. 20. Logan won the 182-pound title.

on the day was junior Jake Logan, the top-ranked 182-pounder in Section I. For the second time in two weeks, Logan earned a victory over second-ranked Jacob Ferreira from Horace Greeley, topping him 3-1 in the finals. At the Eastern States meet on Jan. 13, Logan edged Ferreira with a 5-4 victory. “[Jake] has been winning so many matches with pinfalls this year, that match at the Eastern States was really the first time he had to go a full six minutes,” Ortiz said. “But he looked more dominant [on Saturday]; you could tell that his stamina had increased and he was wrestling with a lot more confidence.” Logan was the only Huguenot wrestler to reach the finals, although Kobe Simpson (126 pounds) and Aidan Lilly (220) both advanced to the semis. Other area schools in attendance included Mamaroneck, led by 145-pound runner-up Crew Fullerton, which finished in eighth place; 14th place Eastchester, who saw Steven Bilali claim the 170-pound championship; and Harrison, led by 113-pound champ Tyler Joseph, which placed 17th. Rye finished 22nd and was led by Chase Bekkerus, who fell to Bilali in the 170-pound semis. But New Rochelle’s second place finish might be even more impressive given the tumultuous

An Eastchester wrestler locks up with a Yorktown grappler on Jan. 20.

week in the school district leading up to the county meet. On Jan. 10, a New Rochelle High School student was stabbed to death at the North Avenue Dunkin Donuts, and an escalation after another off-campus assault on Jan. 17 led to an in-school stabbing the following day. Ortiz said that he is happy that athletics can provide New Rochelle students with some level of routine in a trying time and was proud of the mental toughness displayed by his athletes

over the last few days. “It has been a tough week for everyone, and I think the kids just tried to go to practice, work hard, because for those two hours a day, they can forget about the other stuff that’s happening, be it problems in school or problems at home,” he said. “I know the New Rochelle community is going to come together, and for the athletes, this is the best thing they can be doing in a challenging time.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • January 26, 2018

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