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RyeCity REVIEW THE

December 8, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 49 | www.ryecityreview.com

Fox pleads guilty in M’Ville student’s death By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer

Jessica Mullins, founder of Found Herbal Apothecary, an new alternative medicine store in Bronxville, is providing customers with natural, plantbased medicines and suggestions on how to improve their lifestyle and, in turn, their overall health. For story, see page 6. Photo/Taylor Brown

Dems say county budget leaves $100M in expense gap By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Ahead of a looming budget deadline, Westchester’s Democratic lawmakers are warning of monumental gaps in a 2018 tentative budget that could total more than $100 million. According to statements this week, among the top concerns are $30 million in budgeted revenue to privatize the county’s airport as well as $40 million in retroactive raises contingent on pending contract negotiations between the county and the Civil Service Employees Association, CSEA, Westchester’s biggest

labor union. Without those items budgeted for, county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, said that the county may be in rough financial shape for its upcoming budget, and as a result, portend large tax increases. “The Astorino administration’s final budget would leave us with a roughly 18 percent tax increase due to years of a fiscal shell game,” Parker said in a statement. “I’m not going to raise your taxes 18 percent, but I want you to understand what I have been saying for years—there was no real way to keep the tax levy flat over eight years, and still provide meaningful service.”

Since taking office in 2010, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, has never raised the tax levy; a fact often touted throughout his tenure. Democrats have criticized the budget for relying on $30 million in projected revenue included as a part of a prospective deal to privatize the county’s airport. A potential deal seeks to reclassify the airport under a Federal Aviation Administration-run program that allows participants to transition their publicly owned airports into the private sector and then use subsequent revenue toward an operating budget. Last year, after what was

shaping up to be a dead-end deal, lawmakers voted to include $15 million in projected revenue derived from the airport’s planned privatization. An original $130 million, 40-year agreement, which was sent down to legislators on Nov. 3 2016, would have given the investment firm Oaktree Management the exclusive bid for the project, but the plan was ultimately derailed by Democrats who accused the deal of skirting proper request for proposals process. Since then, the deal has gone through a formal bidding process that, on Nov. 9, resulted in the BUDGET continued on page 7

The Rye woman responsible for running over and killing a Manhattanville College student last year has pleaded guilty, and has been sentenced to six months in jail as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. According to the Westchester County District Attorney’s office, Emma Fox, 25, pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular manslaughter, a felony, and one count of driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, for the drunken-driving incident that killed Robby Schartner, 21. Fox originally faced up to seven years in state prison, but is now expected to be sentenced on Feb. 7, 2018, to serve six months in Westchester County jail in Valhalla and 4.5 years of probation. Fox has been out on bail since Nov. 10, 2016. Last year, Schartner, of Fishkill, was walking along Westchester Avenue, returning to campus from a night out in downtown White Plains, before Fox struck and killed him with her car, a 2012 Nissan Sentra. Fox was traveling eastbound at around 5 a.m. when the incident occurred. Court documents state that Fox told a White Plains police officer that she was returning to her home in Rye and then “took her eyes off the road to glance at her GPS for directions and felt her vehicle strike an unknown object.”

According to the county district attorney’s office, Fox drove approximately onehalf of a mile before stopping her car on the right shoulder of Westchester Avenue near Meadowbrook Road. A passing motorist notified police after witnessing Fox’s car had sustained substantial damage to her windshield. When police arrived, Schartner was found unconscious on the shoulder of Westchester Avenue near the entrance to eastbound Interstate 287, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Testing at the time of her arrest revealed that Fox’s blood alcohol content was 0.21; the legal limit in New York is 0.08. Her sentencing comes while Donna Juliette Ann Hall’s— Schartner’s mother—wrongful death lawsuit against Fox and The Pub, the bar in Rye where she allegedly consumed alcohol for hours, is still pending. As a result of Schartner’s death, Manhattanville College modified its shuttle bus service hours soon after to make its final return to campus around 3:30 a.m. after picking up students from downtown White Plains. Those hours were reinstated for Friday and Saturday late nights after being discontinued in the previous year. At the time of incident, late night shuttle bus hours from downtown White Plains to Manhattanville College were not available. CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com

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December 8, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3

Birdwatching promotes camaraderie and friendship The holiday season provides a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to get together to share meals, stories and that special feeling of camaraderie. What we often overlook is the opportunity to use nature as a vehicle for bonding opportunities. According to a University of Illinois study, nature activities encourage positive group functioning more so than other types of leisure events. Whether your troupe is a nuclear family, an extended family, a grandparent and grandchild, or a group of friends, take advantage of the rewarding relationships that can develop through birding. Group interaction intensifies as the entire group participates in an activity together in a relaxed setting that differs from their daily world. Participants develop a strong “we” feeling in the group as they engage with the spontaneity of the natural

into a real-life STEM lesson. Nature can be enjoyed at any age or physical ability. Create a daily routine of going outside every day to observe changes in the flora and fauna, for a leisurely walk, or volunteer as a citizen scientist with the Christmas Bird Count or the Breeding Bird Census. Make new friends or strengthen old ones by joining the Central Westchester Audubon Society, CWAS, led weekend bird walks. You’ll be glad you did. The Audubon sponsored Christmas Bird Count is a citizen science project that involves the public in scientific

world. Communication is enhanced by communal tasks in natural settings, for example bird counting, as the group assists one another with the task at hand - sharing bird sightings. Families who participate in nature activities often experience more positive family interactions and less conflict as exhibited in a recent University of Pennsylvania study. Parents who participated in the study emphasized family harmony, inviting their children to participate in conversation and to share their knowledge of nature. As an added bonus, the intergenerational collaborative exchange of ideas made learning fun and increased the children’s curiosity and desire to learn more about nature. A bit of adult creativity can turn birding

Black-capped chickadee

Photo courtesy Action.audubon.org

research. The data collected provides a wealth of information to researchers studying winter bird populations across North America and is an invaluable resource for conservation. This year, CWAS will be stationed at Marshlands Sanctuary in Rye, on Dec. 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome to join this free event. For additional information, call Michael Bochnik, count compiler, at 237-9331 or visit Hras.org/bwcbc.html. For more information about CWAS led bird walks, email Info@CWASociety.org. (Submitted)

Belted kingfisher

Photo courtesy Action.audubon.org

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

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

Teacher-In-The-Library

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

Paper Quilling Holiday Ornaments On Saturday, Dec. 9 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Ogden Nash Room. For teens. Paper quilling is an art form that involves the use of strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create designs to decorate greetings cards, pictures, boxes and more. Participants will use this technique to create hanging ornaments to help decorate for the holidays. Registration is required. Visit ryelibrary. org, click on “Programs & Events,” the event date, and then “Register.”

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 Meeting Room. Recommended for infants and toddlers. Please choose one session to attend. Nursery rhymes, songs, and fingerplays. “Granny Jean” Klein, well-versed 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

On Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For grades K–5. Drop by the library where Rye teachers offer homework help to students attending local public and private elementary schools in the Rye and close surrounding areas. This is a free program sponsored by the Auxiliary Board of the Rye Free Reading Room, Woman’s Club of Rye/Children’s Philanthropy Section, and the PTO of the Rye Schools.

Marilyn’s Musical Maracas: A Bilingual Storytime On Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. Join Marilyn Castillo for a blast of culture, music, and language in Spanish. Have fun learning simple words, numbers, and colors en español through simple songs and rhymes, while moving to music fiesta style. Music helps children retain words and expressions much more effectively. The rhythm of the music, as well as the repetitive patterns within the song, helps kids memorize new words, making it an easy way to teach a second language.

Wiggle, Giggle Time On Wednesday, Dec. 13 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 enjoy the Children’s Room while waiting for the next session to begin. For more information, contact the Children’s Reference Desk at 231-3162.

Tunes for Tots On Thursday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Room. Recommended for infants and toddlers. Nurture your toddler’s love of books through music, movement and instruments while helping to develop their language, motor and social skills. Join Miss Deborah as she incorporates stories, music, dancing, rhythm activities, puppets and more at this special music program for toddlers. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate.

3-D World Design with Alice On Thursday, Dec. 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in the Raho Technology Center. Alice is an innovative 3-D programming environment that makes it easy to create an animation for telling a story, playing an interactive game, or a video to share on the web. Created by Carnegie Mellon, it allows students to learn fundamental programming concepts in the context of creating animated movies and simple video games. Beginners are welcome. Presented by the Austin Olney. Registration is required. Visit ryelibrary.org, click on “Programs & Events,” the event date, and then “Register.”

Graham Clarke’s Musical Fridays On Friday, Dec. 15 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.

Gadgets Science Fun Club On Friday, Dec. 15 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Meeting Room. For grades 3–5. Gadgets Science Fun Club offers children a chance to engage in hands -on-inquiry-based experiments. In this one-hour science club, participants will focus on a different STEAM activity each month with hand-

outs 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.”

Virtual tour of the Met’s Egyptian Art On Saturday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Meeting Room. With Michael Norris. An introduction to the Egyptian galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that will guide you from the banks of the Nile to tombs and temples. Discover Ancient Egyptian culture and art through sculpture, jewelry, mummies, and actual Egyptian buildings.

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.

Member exhibit opening reception On Saturday, Dec. 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Explore the works of the Rye Arts Center’s members. The hundreds of members range from beginners to professionals. All members are encouraged to participate. Stop by to see the works of your creative community.

LEGOLAND Westchester Bricktacular Tis the season to be jolly at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester during Bricktacular. Join in on the festive holiday fun every weekend in December as you walk through a Winter Wonderland-themed MINILAND searching for LEGO presents in a bricktastic scavenger hunt. Help the LEGO delivery truck get all of the hidden presents delivered by the holiday for a chance to win a family four pack of annual passes. Snap a photo with our custom holiday themed builds created by Master Model Builder Anthony Maddoloni, and enjoy winter and holiday-themed mosaic builds in the Master Builder Academy. All visitors receive a limited edition Collector Holiday LEGO Brick. Annual pass members can keep warm with a free hot chocolate every weekend. On Christmas Day, the center will be open for Bricktacular’s last day. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is located at 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. Tickets start at $15.95; children under 2 are free. Opening hours for Bricktacular in December: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Monday, Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 866-243-0770 or visit legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester.

Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.

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December 8, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5

SLA issues emergency suspension for White Plains bar The New York State Liquor Authority, SLA, summarily suspended the license of Mamaroneck Smith LLC, doing business as Stadium/Avenue Social at 166 Mamaroneck Drive in White Plains on Dec. 6. The suspension was ordered by Chairman Vincent Bradley and Commissioner Greeley Ford

Contributed photo

at a meeting of the Full Board on Dec. 6. Effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises. On Dec. 2, the SLA conducted a joint inspection with the White Plains Police Department, Fire Department and Building Department at Stadium/Avenue Social. This investigation revealed that

this license, which was issued only three days prior on Nov. 29, was based on misrepresentations made in the application and before the Full Board. Before the licensing and opening of Stadium, the Black Bear Saloon was licensed at this location, with three owners on the license.

The Black Bear Saloon’s license was cancelled on May 4 for disorderly premises, failure to supervise, failure to conform to application and becoming a focal point for police attention, as well as a long disciplinary history of similar charges. The SLA also believed there was a fourth undisclosed interest in the location, however the cancellation was issued prior to the conclusion of the investigation. The current licensee of Stadium first appeared in front of the Full Board for a new liquor license on July 26. The application did not disclose any relationship with any of the previous disclosed or undisclosed owners of the Black Bear. Additionally, when asked by Bradley at the Full Board meeting if the applicant knew the previous owners, she claimed she met one of the owners when she negotiated the purchase of the bar. This initial application was denied on the basis that its proposed method of operation was undistinguishable to the Black Bear’s. The current licensee again applied for a license at this address and appeared in front of the Full Board on Nov. 21. The licensee again maintained she did not know any of the previous owners until she purchased the bar. At this meeting, the Full Board approved the license on the con-

dition that the licensee submit an affidavit stating that she had no relationship with prior licensed principals. That day, the licensee executed the affidavit and her license was issued on Nov. 29. On Nov. 28, an SLA investigator conducted a social media investigation into Stadium and the licensee. During his investigation, he discovered a Facebook photograph of the current licensee, one of the prior licensed principals of Black Bear and a man believed by the Authority to be an undisclosed owner of the Black Bear. The photo was posted in February 2015, more than two years before the licensee claimed to have met the prior owner. During the joint investigation on Dec. 2, an SLA investigator discovered that the current licensee had a child with the man who is believed to be an undisclosed owner of Black Bear, and that this man was linked with one of the prior principals on social media. The investigator also discovered that the basement was filled with liquor from the previous owner, further indicating that the previous ownership is involved in the business. The licensee claimed to have purchased the liquor from the previous owner as part of her purchase without a liquidator’s permit, a violation of the ABC Law. Additionally,

several liquor bottles did not have a federal warning label, indicating the liquors were purchased illegally. Additionally, the licensee stated that the premises would be operated as a restaurant, however, the investigation revealed that the kitchen was closed and unsanitary and there was no food service, no chef, no plates or utensils, no food protection certificate and no menu. The Fire and Buildings Department also observed dozens of violations, including a failed fire alarm system and locked exits, and the Fire Department ordered the premises closed. “This licensee has absolutely no respect for this agency or the ABC Law, and blatantly lied on her application and to the Board about her relationships with the previous owners and her intentions,” said Assistant General Counsel to the Authority Alexandra Obremski. “Let this be a warning to all applicants who attempt to deceive Authority, we will find the truth and you will be shut down.” The State Administrative Procedure Act authorizes a State agency to summarily suspend a license when the agency finds that public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action. (Submitted)

6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • December 8, 2017

RyeCity REVIEW THE

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 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.

Some of Found Herbal Apothecary’s ingredients in the products include willow bark, barberry root and alfalfa leaf.

By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter Found Herbal Apothecary, one of the latest additions to Bronxville’s shopping scene, is taking a natural approach to alleviating health concerns. Found Herbal Apothecary, FHA, was founded by local resident Jessica Mullins. Located at 118 Kraft Ave., the shop sells specialized oils, honeys, teas, cleansers and herbal vinegar blends created to help customers with health concerns like digestion issues, colds and hangovers. Mullins explained she first turned to alternative medicine after left feeling let down by conventional medicine and doctors when in her early 20s. “The doctors I visited were quick to prescribe medications to address [my] symptoms instead of spending the time to find the cause,” she said. “I had so many tests run, but no one ever asked

me what my diet was like, or sleep patterns, or stress levels.” Mullins, now 33, said it wasn’t until she began visiting an alternative health practitioner that she found out she had multiple food sensitivities, including undiagnosed celiac disease. “I found a lot of answers [in alternative medicine], I knew there were other solutions and remedies and lifestyle things that could be done,” she said. In 2012, Mullins began studying traditional Chinese medicine, a practice that uses natural remedies such as herbal medicines and holistic methods to heal people. “I felt like this is it, this is what I want to do,” she said. “I felt so much relief and I got so much benefit from planet medicine.” In 2013, she explained, Mullins began studying traditional western medicine, which typically calls for the patient to make lifestyle changes to improve their health. This led her to begin

working with clients to help them with their health concerns. She explained that her recommendations for patients include lifestyle and dietary changes, along with herbal remedies from her shop. Mullins has received a professional certification in Clinical Western Herbalism and Classical Chinese Herbology & the Art of Healing with food. Her products are handcrafted using organic and ethically wild-crafted herbs in an offsite kitchen. “I often am creating very custom things,” Mullins said. “It’s not one herb for one ailment or one condition. We have to look at the person, [and] everything about them.” Mullins began selling her products at farmers markets around Westchester County three years ago, and saw that there was a growing interest amongst shoppers for alternative medicine. “People kind of want to dip their toe a little bit into the natural medicine world,” she said. After receiving positive feedback from customers, she opened her first shop in Chappaqua in fall 2016, but moved the location to Bronxville in October because she was finding a larger demand for her services in the lower Westchester area. By launching her business, she said she’s been able to create a space for customers to come in and discuss their health concerns. Ayiesha Alizai Sadik, of Chappaqua, said the first time she visited FHA’s previous location, she felt like she was home. “I’ve bought so many of [Mul-

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The Bronxville store sells themed kits to promote a natural lifestyle. Photos/Taylor Brown

Found Herbal Apothecary has a line of all-natural cleansing bars.

The herbal tea blends contain ingredients to help detox, relieve stomach pain and promote weight loss.

lins’] products, I’ve given her products as gifts to people, everyone loves them,” Sadik said, adding that her family prefers using natural products, so shopping at FHA just made sense. “I now don’t know what I would use if it wasn’t [FHA],” Sadik said. “I don’t have something I would replace it with because I would just be too devastated.” Along with her line of natural products, Mullins offers herbal consultations where she discusses her patients’ lifestyles and health histories to create the best course of healing for them. “Everything requires a conversation, and it’s not a one size fits all [solution],” she said. She explained the recipes are based on things she’s learned in her studies, as well as traditional recipes she’s put her own twist on. “The quality of the product is excellent, it’s all organic, and [Mullins] is really knowledgeable,” said Allise Dickson, of Bronxville. Dickson said she started shopping at FHA when it was up in

Chappaqua, and that similarly to Sadik, her whole family uses Mullins’ products. Dickson said she first went to Mullins while suffering from a chest cold. “[Mullins] just struck me as… very knowledgeable,” Dickson said. “She had a real command of what herbs supported what body functions and also was just helpful in suggesting things that I didn’t necessarily think about.” Dickson said after purchasing some of FHA’s products, she found herself feeling better within 12 hours. FHA is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays during the holiday season from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. FHA also offers Reiki sessions, a style of treatment that helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation, and consultation services can be made upon request, typically lasting up to two hours; the cost of session will vary by a person’s needs. For more information, visit foundherbal.com. CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com

December 8, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7 BUDGET from page 1

selection of Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation, which agreed to a $1 billion deal that would extend for 40 years and throughout its lifespan pay the county $595 million on top of $550 million in capital improvements at the airport. Although announced by Astorino, the deal still requires the approval of a supermajority of the 17-member county Board of Legislators, 12 votes. The Citizen’s Budget Advisory Committee—a nonpartisan citizen group consisting of mostly former finance professionals—also reviewed the

budget last week and reiterated concerns expressed by lawmakers, including those on unbudgeted back-pay for a looming CSEA contract. “There is no money for the current 2018 year and nothing for retroactive payments, which could be tens of millions of dollars,” said committee member Lawrence Fasnacht. “We have identified this for three years... and when this settlement may come, it can again have a negative impact on the fund balance.” In the case of unbudgeted expenses, lawmakers would be required to dip into the county’s fund balance; an option that

could have substantial effects on its bond rating and ability to borrow money. Currently, Westchester has a Moody’s bond rating of AAA, the highest possible score. Legislators will continue to review Astorino’s budget throughout the rest of the month, according to Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-On-Hudson Democrat. By law the budget must be finalized on Dec. 27. “Suffice it to say, the budget we were sent is untenable,” Shimsky said. “We’ll do our best to make it better.” CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

Westchester County Democrats claim that a tentative budget sent down by outgoing County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, fails to account for more than $100 million in unbudgeted expenses. File photo

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Real Men Wear Pink campaign raises money for ACS In its second year in Westchester County, the Real Men Wear Pink campaign has raised more than $60,000 to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives from breast cancer. Throughout the month of October, 22 prominent men from across the county participated in the activity, raising funds and encouraging the women in their lives and in the community to take action in the fight to end breast cancer. Kevin Murphy, a healthcare executive, was the campaign’s top fundraiser, gathering $17,420 to support the American Cancer Society and those impacted by breast cancer. A very close second place candidate was Nick Siciliano, business owner of Crafted By Nick and Nationwide Maintenance & General Contracting. Siciliano raised $17,225 to lead the fight for a world without breast cancer. “We are grateful to Kevin, Nick and all our Real Men Wear Pink candidates for lending their voices to our cause,” said Monica

Garrigan for the American Cancer Society. “Not only did they wear pink throughout the month of October, but they raised awareness about breast cancer and made a huge commitment to raise funds to help save more lives. Those donations allow the Society to help save lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research, and patient support.” “No one should have to face a breast cancer diagnosis alone,” said Murphy. “I joined the American Cancer Society in support of their lifesaving work by becoming a candidate in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. I have known many people that have been affected by cancer and it was the least I could do. My mother was diagnosed with Leukemia last year and unfortunately on Sept. 26 she passed. This gave me the inner spirit to reach out and contact my friends and business associates, I really have to thank them for their generosity.” According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2017, an estimated 252,710 women and 2,470 men

in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,610 women and 460 men will die from the disease this year. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer. For more information about breast cancer or the Real Men Wear Pink campaign in Westchester County call 800-227-2345. The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of two million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 25 percent decline in the cancer death rate in the U.S. since 1991, driven by less smoking, better treatments, and earlier detection. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call anytime, day or night, at 800-227-2345 or visit Cancer.org. (Submitted)

Students to determine molar mass of lighter fluid Rye Neck High School students in Kelly Cappa’s Advanced Placement Chemistry class recently conducted a laboratory experiment to determine

the molar mass of lighter fluid. The hands-on learning experience served as a review for gas stoichiometry, the quantitative relationship between reactants

Rye Neck High School students Olivia King and Melissa Valqui test different approaches to conducting their experiment.

and products in a chemical reaction, which the students studied earlier in the school year. The inquiry-based project challenged the students to apply the knowledge they learned in class and create their own lab without any direction from their teacher. Having access to all of the equipment in the classroom, they made observations and tested out different ideas before constructing their procedure. One group of students used graduated cylinders and pneumatic troughs to collect gas through the displacement o water. “At first students were uncomfortable with the ambiguity or lack of direction as they were much more accustomed to being told what to do,” said science teacher Kelly Cappa. “Ultimately, they figured out what data points they needed to measure, which led them to the procedure. Having ownership of the process gives the students a greater understanding.” The experience allowed students to take ownership of their own learning and encouraged them to collaborate with their peers and think critically to solve a problem. (Submitted)

Rye Neck High School students Cole Hodys and Richard Wang conduct a laboratory experiment to determine the molar mass of lighter fluid. Photos courtesy Rye Neck school district

10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • December 8, 2017

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Rye City & Harrison 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 Woodside Lane, Harrison 8/31/17 $1,135,000

2 Captain’s Lane, Rye 10/12/17 $1,200,000

3 Dawson Court, Harrison 10/17/17 $1,500,000

12 Roosevelt Avenue, Rye 10/18/17 $818,000

31 Highfield Road, Harrison 10/2/17 $1,055,000

33 Temple Street, Harrison 10/6/17 $675,000

45 Center Street, Rye 9/28/17 $2,225,000

48 Brookdale Place, Rye 9/28/17 $916,830

135 Highland Road, Rye 9/28/17 $5,400,000

219 Lincoln Avenue, Harrison 9/29/17 $626,000

391 Park Avenue, Rye 10/4/17 $4,050,000

12219 Henry Avenue, Rye 10/18/17 $450,000

1498 Old Orchard Street, Harrison 10/17/17 $685,000

15-17 Park Avenue, Harrison 10/24/17 $730,000

166 Underhill Ave., Harrison 9/29/17 $715,000

18 Valley Terrace, Rye 10/5/17 $420,000

12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • December 8, 2017

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December 8, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13

14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • December 8, 2017

The Giant way LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

What a long, strange week it has been for Giants fans like me. For an organization that has long prided itself as being professional, steady and above the usual tumult and turmoil displayed by other NFL franchises, the past 10 days or so have seemed downright “Jetsian.” First came the news that Eli Manning—a two-time Super Bowl MVP who had started 210 consecutive games under center for Big Blue— would be benched for Gang Green re-tread Geno Smith. It was a curious move to say the least, considering that most Giants fans, myself included, believed that if Eli were to be benched, it should be for someone with the potential to be the organization’s quarterback of the future, or at the very least, someone like thirdround draft pick Davis Webb. But it wasn’t just the Manning benching that roiled the fan base up; it was the way it was done. Head coach Ben McAdoo—nev-

er the biggest Eli supporter—initially announced the decision, claiming that Manning had refused to start the game with the understanding that Smith would be brought in as relief sometime in the second half. Then, Giants’ owner John Mara weighed in, insinuating the decision was made after internal discussions with both McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese, hinting that he was surprised why his franchise quarterback seemed shocked at the demotion. Smith played on Sunday, the Giants predictably lost, and less than 24 hours later, both McAdoo and Reese were fired, marking the first time the Giants parted ways with a head coach in the middle of a season in 41 years. With Reese and McAdoo out, and interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo in charge, Eli will once again be taking first team snaps as the Giants prepare for their division rivals from Dallas this week. This kind of stuff really makes you scratch your head. I’ve seen plenty of bad Giants seasons over the years. You’ve

SPORTS

had the dog days of the early 2000s following the team’s Super Bowl loss to the Ravens, the team’s unremarkable stretch from 2012 to 2015 that saw the club compile an uninspiring 28-36 record, but this year feels different. Instead of just being a “bad” team—and at 2-10, the Giants are most certainly that—they seem positively dysfunctional. From the team’s ownership to the players on the field, what has happened this season kind of strips away at the possibly apocryphal idea that the Giants, regardless of their performance on the field, at least had a level of class, blandness and stability that fans came to count on. Now, they seem more like the gang who couldn’t shoot straight. Maybe it’s going to be a blip on the radar, maybe things will turn around next year, and maybe the Giants were never really all that different from other franchises in the first place. I really don’t know. At this point, I’ll just settle for a “W.”

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

Last week, two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning was benched for Geno Smith in what has been one of the weirder Giants seasons in recent memory. Sports Editor Mike Smith hopes that Big Blue can find its way back. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org

Teams compete at Rye dual meet By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Area wrestling teams officially kicked off the 2017-2018 season on Dec. 2, as they hit the mat at Rye High School for the annual Bernie Miller Invitational Dual Meet. Although first-year entrant Fordham Prep took home top honors, going 5-0 on the day and topping Port Chester in the finals, the Harrison Huskies also had a strong showing with a 4-1 record and placing third. Harrison bounced back from a first-round loss to Fordham Prep to win four straight matches, earning wins over Westlake, Beacon, Stepinac and Lakeland/Panas to lock up the third spot. The Huskies were led by terrific performances from Tyler Joseph (120 pounds), Dennis Brecani (152), Zach Finn (182), and Mike Rozell (220), who all finished a perfect 5-0 on the day. Also, Vito DeFonce, who wrestles at 99 pounds, won five straight matches via forfeit as there were no other wrestlers in

his weight class at the tourney. Harrison head coach Vin Nicita said that he was impressed with his young squad’s resilience on the day, especially given the 42-30 loss to the Rams that kicked off the tournament. “Our kids came out and we were a little inexperienced, but I was so proud of the way the kids rebounded and reeled off four straight wins,” Nicita said. “You could see they weren’t afraid and were gaining confidence as the day went on.” Val McCoy (113 pounds) exemplified that; after being pinned in the day’s first match, he showed tremendous mettle and came back to score four wins to close out the day. “That tells me a lot,” the coach said. “I was very proud of our new kids; they weren’t afraid.” Due to a last-minute dropout, Harrison was also able to field a second team of wrestlers to compete in the tournament. Nicita said that the chance for his less experienced charges to tangle with bona

fide varsity grapplers should help his younger athletes’ maturation process. “There’s nothing that helps that more than mat-time and experience, and otherwise these kids would have just been there watching,” he said. “I was very happy with the way they competed, it’s a great tournament and all the teams there are very competitive.” Local teams will be back in action this week as the Section I Dual Meet Championship kicks off at high schools throughout Westchester and Rockland. On Dec. 6, after press time, Rye will travel to North Rockland to compete against the Red Raiders, while the Huskies will head to Horace Greeley to take on Brewster in first-round action. “We’re looking to go up there, take it one match at a time, and move on from,” Nicita said. “We know it’s going to get tougher so we are just going to have to keep on improving.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

A Rye wrestler tangles with a Stepinac opponent on Dec. 2 at the Bernie Miller Dual Meet. Photo/Mike Smith

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December 8, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15

Garnets off to fast start ICE HOCKEY

non-league

RYE 7 WEST SENECA 3 ICE HUTCH ARENA

12/3/17

Game Notes: • Alex Noga had 2 goals and Davis Ross had 2 assists in the win • The Garnets scored 4 goals in the final 6 minutes of the first period • Rye is currently 2-1 on the season

By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor After a somewhat disappointing 10-12 campaign last year, Rye has wasted little time this winter re-establishing itself as one of the top teams around. Led by a talented crop of younger players, the Garnets have gotten off to a 2-1 start, earning wins against both local and out-ofsection competition.

On Sunday, Dec. 3, the Garnets earned their latest win, an impressive 7-3 victory over Section IV’s West Seneca West at Pelham High School’s Fab 15 Tourney, utilizing a four-goal first period explosion to bury the Indians. According to head coach Pete Thomas, Rye’s ability to sustain offensive possession that leads to scores has been a bright spot early on, especially given the team’s relative lack of explosiveness last season. “I think it’s hugely important for our confidence in believing in our ability to compete,” Thomas said. “Last year, we lost a lot of one or two-goal games because we struggled to put the puck in the net.” Alex Noga led the Garnets with two goals, while five other players chipped in a goal a piece, something that Thomas believes bodes well for the squad this year. With three capable forward lines, Thomas predicts that depth will be a major advantage for Rye. “That’s the exciting thing for us, even though the first line has kicked in most of our goals so

far,” he said. “As the year goes on, I think we are going to get more from the other lines, and I think we have confidence in our third lines against a lot of other team’s first lines.” The Garnets also showed tremendous resilience against West Seneca, bouncing back from Saturday’s 6-0 loss to Lancaster to put together a better defensive effort. Although much will be asked of upperclassmen blue-liners like Seamus Carroll and Davis Ross this year, Rye will also be relying on the continued maturation of its younger defensive players. “Obviously there are some things we’d like to tighten up, there were a few lapses defensively,” Thomas said. “Coming into the year, a lot of [younger] guys didn’t have a real knowledge of the defensive system, which they are going to have to learn as the games go along.” Despite a fast start, Rye won’t have much time to rest on its laurels. This week, the Garnets will square off against defending state champion Pelham before hosting rival Rye Country Day in the annual Hockey Fights Cancer charity game at Rye Playland on Friday, Dec. 8. According to Thomas, the team’s early schedule is designed to be as challenging as possible in order to help push the team toward reaching its full potential. “We’d always rather test ourselves against good competition than ease our way into the season,” he said. “It’s the only way we can raise our compete level, by playing against those types of teams.”

Sasha Vasyuta skates with the puck against West Seneca West on Dec. 3. Vasyuta had a goal in Rye’s 7-3 win.

CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com

Declan Lavelle celebrates a first period goal against the Indians. Photos/Mike Smith

A Rye player fires a shot on net at the Ice Hutch on Dec. 3. Rye is currently 2-1 on the year.

16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • December 8, 2017

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