RyeCity REVIEW THE
April 7, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 14 | www.ryecityreview.com
Latimer: ‘County exec. race would be the toughest’ By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer
Andrew Kranichfeld, a local author and brain cancer survivor, plans to be the first blind participant ever to compete in the Rye Derby, a 5-mile foot race through the city of Rye, where he grew up. For story, see page 6. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
Corcoran considers more paid firefighters; dept. violations resolved By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The city’s public safety commissioner is considering adding more paid firefighter positions to address the Fire Department’s lack of professional personnel, while also attempting to rectify ongoing violations against
the department. Public Safety Commissioner Michael Corcoran said he would explore making the recommendation to add more paid personnel after completing his review of the Fire Department, which started when he was appointed as the city’s public safety commissioner in January. Corcoran
had previously been hired by the city in February 2016 to serve as its police commissioner. “That’s one area that concerns me,” said Corcoran, referring to the lack of staffing within the department. “We’re definitely looking to address that issue.” Last May, the city Fire Advisory Committee recommended
the addition of four paid positions to the department’s roster. That never came to fruition, however, after the City Council approved its 2017 budget that didn’t include any additional funding for the hires. While the department, which FIREFIGHTERS continued on page 8
New York state Sen. George Latimer will challenge for the top executive seat in Westchester County in November. “It probably wasn’t the best held secret,” Latimer, a Rye Democrat, said in confirming his plans to run for county executive this week. “It sort of evolved as certain people reached out to me in January and February and asked me to consider it.” Fresh off a 2016 re-election to the state Senate, Latimer will now set his sights on Westchester’s highest elected office, and incumbent Republican Rob Astorino. Having spent the last 30 years in some form of elected office, he will bank on having never lost an election in 17 tries, to date. Latimer, 63, refuted rumors that he was asked to run by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. Cuomo defeated Astorino in a gubernatorial race in 2014, but the two could lock horns again in 2018 with Cuomo up for reelection and Astorino said to be once again eyeing the seat. Latimer said he was approached about running by local officials such as Mamaroneck Town Councilman Tom Murphy and county Legislator Catherine Parker, both Democrats. If he receives the Democratic nomination to move forward in
the race for county executive, Latimer would face a tough challenge in Astorino, who has been elected twice, after first running unsuccessfully in 2005, and has held the line on property taxes, keeping them flat for the last six years. But the senator said the county budget tells a different story, pointing to the county’s increase in borrowing, depleted reserves and frequently overestimated sales tax under Astorino’s watch. He pointed to the Westchester County Airport privatization deal as a microcosm of what he said were short-sighted budgetary practices. The 40-year agreement would likely give the county a large payment up front, with diminishing returns each subsequent year. Latimer would also have to face Astorino’s financial war chest, which was measured at $2.5 million as of the last campaign filing in January. Latimer LATIMER continued on page 11
2 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • April 7, 2017
April 7, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 3
Negotiations further delay Crown Castle decision
Both the City Council and Crown Castle have agreed to a third extension as negotiations between the two parties drag on. File photo
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer After nearly a year of deliberation, yet another extension will prolong a decision on a controversial proposal from telecom contractor Crown Castle as council members continue to iron out details with its local code revamp as well as ongoing negotiations. According to Rye City Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein, a Democrat, while two key decisions on the application— which seeks to install additional wireless equipment citywide— were slated for an April 5 council meeting, that determination has been extended until April 19. Originally, the application was presented to the City Council in May 2016. Tagger-Epstein told the Review that the council is now slated to make a decision on the application’s determination under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, SEQR, on whether to accept or deny the application,
as well as a decision on amendments revamping Chapter 196, the section of city code governing telecommunications. Earlier this year, the city embarked on a revamp of its telecommunications law in hopes that the amendments may give the city greater control over Crown Castle and future applications; specifically, where equipment is installed and how. This extension will mark the third time a decision has been prolonged amidst ongoing negotiations with the city and Crown Castle. Often, the two parties have teetered on the edge of litigation as the city looks to diminish the impact of Crown Castle’s proposal to install nodes—wireless signal-emitting equipment—near many private properties in residential neighborhoods. Opponents of the plan fear the installation of the equipment will negatively affect property values, and have often voiced their concern over potential adverse health impacts from
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nodes’ emission of radio frequencies. In March, after months of negotiations, Crown Castle submitted a proposal that remained substantially similar to an original plan to install more than 60 nodes across the city, drawing reticence from council members. Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson told the Review last month that if the city rejects the proposal outright or requires that it go through a full-on environmental impact statement through SEQR, it would likely result in litigation from the company. Crown Castle is being contracted at the behest of Verizon Wireless in an attempt to bolster its wireless network in the area. A decision on the proposal would capitalize a year of negotiations between Crown Castle and the city which has resulted in an outburst of public involvement, culminating in some Rye residents hiring their own consultant to evaluate the project. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
JAMES PERO
james@hometwn.com
4 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • April 7, 2017
What’s going on... Rye Free Reading Room
test. Both the exams and the reports are free. Space is limited, so register at applerouth.com/signup. Call 371-8000 for more information. Test-takers should bring water, a snack, pencils and a calculator.
Rye Recreation Summer camp information For more information on hours and programs, visit ryelibrary.org.
Photo-Nature Scavenger Hunt On Friday, April 14 from noon to 3:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. For grades K–5. This is an outdoor activity, so children will need a caregiver or parent with them while they are looking for items. Children or caregivers will also need a digital camera or smartphone to take the photos. Drop by the Children’s Room (Reference Desk) anytime between noon and 3:30 p.m.; pick up a Photo-Scavenger Hunt List; go outside and begin your search; find as many items on the list as you can, and take a picture; when finished, bring the photos back to the library; and have fun.
Mock SAT On Saturday, April 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Take a full-length practice SAT under real test conditions. Detailed score reports highlighting personal strengths and weaknesses will be available at applerouth.com the Friday after the
Summer camps in Rye will run from Tuesday, June 27 to Friday, Aug. 4. Registration is online only. Kiddy Camp registration is ongoing; call 967-2535 for availability. Lower and Upper camps and Camp 78 registration is ongoing. Kiddy Camp is specifically for children ages 3 to 5 (must be 3 by April 30, 2017, or 5 but not entering kindergarten). The camp is a six-week, half-day, classroom-based program. Every day, the children will participate in free play, story time, songs, outdoor play, art, sports, and much more. Special events and entertainment are held weekly to enhance the program. Lower Camp offers an active, supervised camp program for children enrolled in grades K–2 as of September 2017. Camp groups are co-ed by grade. Sports, group games, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, field trips and special theme days are just part of the fun planned for these campers. Upper Camp is specifically for children enrolled in grades 3–6 as of September 2017. Campers are grouped by gender and grade. This program gives campers the opportunity to participate in a variety of trips and programs, including sports, games, arts and crafts, indoor rec, a
variety of special events and themed days. Camp 78 is for children entering seventh and eighth grade, and combines the best of sports, activities and cool trips. Have fun with old friends and make new ones while participating. Camp 78 starts on Monday, June 26. For specific camp information, fees, applications and other forms, visit ryeny.gov/recreation.cfm.
Rye Historical Society Spring vacation workshop Children ages 6 and up are invited to the Square House Museum in Rye on Wednesday, April 12 from noon to 2 p.m. to commemorate all who served at home and abroad during World War I. Participants will see a collection of vintage WWI posters from the Rye Historical Society’s collection. They will also learn how gardens supported the war effort and will plant their own “victory garden” as many Rye children did back in 1917. The cost of the program is $10 per child. Reservations are suggested as space is limited and can be made by calling the Rye Historical Society at 967-7588. The Square House Museum, located at 1 Purchase St., Rye, is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit ryehistory.org or call 967-7588.
Wainwright House
The Wainwright House is located at 260 Stuyvesant Ave. in Rye. For more information, call 967-6080 or visit wainwright.org.
Drawing Out Your Soul: A Creative Day of Touch Drawing On Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. With Deborah Koff-Chapin. Touch draw-
ing provides a way for inner sensations to flow through your hands and take form on paper. If you lack artistic confidence, touch drawing can catalyze your creativity. If you have artistic experience, it can deepen your source of inspiration. Registration is required and will close on Saturday, April 15. To register and for more information, visit wainwright.org or call 967-6080.
A Sacred Soulful Soundbath On Saturday, April 22 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. With Deborah Koff-Chapin. Come bathe in the beautiful healing sounds of gemstone crystal bowls and Deborah’s deeply evocative voice. Relax the mind, open deeper awareness and set your personal intentions for the session. Registration is required and will close on Saturday, April 15. To register and for more information, visit wainwright.org or call 967-6080.
Rotary Club of Rye Annual Crazy Legs Fundraiser The Rotary Club of Rye presents the second annual Crazy Legs Fundraiser supporting the scholarship fund and community grants program on Wednesday, April 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Whitby Castle, located at 330 Boston Post Road in Rye. Join neighbors and friends to help raise funds for the high school senior scholarship and community grants programs. This fun evening includes a buffet reception, unlimited beer, wine and soda, and the highlight—judging The Crazy Legs Contest as gentlemen contestants walk the walk and vie for the title of Best Legs and Best Costume. For event tickets and information about becoming a contestant, visit ryerotary.org or contact Pam Dwyer at 967-1679 or Angela Sculti at 671-1764. 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.
New to the Review Jen Parente joined the Review veterans, service members and earlier this month as our new first responders. staff photographer. She currently resides in New Parente is a local business owner Rochelle with her husband Peter. and Westchester-based freelance Together they have two children, professional, specializing in porPeter and Amelia, who attend traits, photojournalism, and lifeNew Rochelle public schools. style and real estate photography. According to Parente, she Her industry experience inlooks forward to bringing her excludes press events and feature pertise and local knowledge base stories printed in national pubto the Review’s editorial team. lications, including coverage of “I am thrilled to be part of the the NCAA March Madness basReview team,” Parente said. “I ketball tournament and the Con look forward to providing cuttingEdison Yankees Kids sportsedge coverage of events and issues manship event held each year at throughout the communities.” Jen Parente Yankee Stadium. To view Parente’s work, visit Parente can often be found volunteering her jenparentephoto.com. You can reach Parente at talent at nonprofit events in support of military jenparentephoto@gmail.com.
April 7, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 5
Rye considers local immigration policy By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer The Rye City Council is considering establishing a policy that would prevent Rye police from questioning and arresting individuals on the basis of their citizenship status amidst a nationwide debate on immigration enforcement. Rye City Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein, a Democrat and member of the city Human Rights Commission, is sponsoring the proposal in an effort to encourage nondiscriminatory practices within the Police Department and to reassure people that it’s safe to call emergency services. The immigration proposal comes in response to a recent initiative by President Donald Trump, a Republican, to deport undocumented immigrants nationwide. “There is clearly unease with what is going on at the federal level and we too are seeing the effects of it here in Westchester,” Tagger-Epstein said. “There is a concern that fear will keep
people from calling emergency services or reporting crimes which endangers the whole community.” In addition to preventing police from interrogating and arresting people because of their immigration status, the policy would prevent Rye law enforcement officials from incarcerating individuals that have an immigration detainer request in their name. The policy would also prohibit city police from inquiring about a person’s immigration status for those seeking assistance from the department, including crime victims and witnesses. Rye Councilman Richard Mecca, a Republican who endorsed the proposal, said, “No police officer should ask someone a question based on the perception that they might be an immigrant; not even in traffic stops.” If the resolution is passed, the city of Rye would join other municipalities that already have a policy on immigration or are seeking to implement one. In
March, the village of Irvington approved a law that prevents local police from cooperating with federal immigration authorities solely for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws. A similar proposal from the Westchester County Legislature’s Democratic caucus, known as the Immigration Protection Act, is pending approval from the committees on Budget and Appropriations, Legislation, and Public Safety and Social Services. The towns of North Salem and Bedford have also vowed that their police departments will not enforce federal immigration laws. In February, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, agents arrested 41 people in the New York metropolitan area, according to the federal department’s most recent report. On March 24, Rye police arrested 36-year-old Anthony Haripersaud, of Maryland, who is also facing immigration charges with ICE, after chasing him down the Interstate 95 for blowing traffic lights and stop
The city of Rye is considering a proposal to establish a policy that prohibits its Police Department from arresting and interrogating individuals on the basis of their citizenship status. The proposed legislation was brought forward by Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein, a Democrat. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org
signs and for speeding. After the incident, ICE issued a detainer request for Haripersaud, who is being held in Westchester County jail on a $15,000 bail. Haripersaud is charged with aggravated assault on a police
officer, second-degree obstruction of government administration, third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer, and firstdegree reckless endangerment, all felonies. Under the proposed law, Rye
police would be able to respond to ICE detainer requests in cases such as Haripersaud’s, TaggerEpstein said, who explained that he was charged with a felony IMMIGRATION continued on page 11
6 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • April 7, 2017
RyeCity REVIEW THE
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Blind author runs for
cancer cure
Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter
Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com
Andrew Kranichfeld, a local author and brain cancer survivor, plans to be the first blind person to ever compete in the Rye Derby, a 5-mile foot race through the city of Rye, where he was born and raised. Kranichfeld is participating in the race in order to raise money
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
and awareness for mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. His father, Henry “Hank” Charles Kranichfeld III, died of mesothelioma in November 2016. Kranichfeld has been fundraising in the weeks leading up to the derby with a goal of raising $5,000 for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a New York City-based
Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writer Corey Stockton Staff Photographers Andrew Dapolite, Aaron Kershaw, Charlie McLaughlin Columnists John Carey, Rye City Council, Lenore Skenazy, 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, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Visit us online www.ryecityreview.com
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Andrew Kranichfeld, a blind author, runs with his training partner Kristen Tracey at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Kranichfeld is planning to run in the Rye Derby on April 30, to raise money for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
cancer hospital. Kranichfeld explained he chose Sloan Kettering because it was where he fought his own cancer battle beginning in 2010. “They saved my life twice,” Kranichfeld told the Review. In August 2010, after caring for his mother who lost her own fight with the disease, Kranichfeld was diagnosed with germinoma, a type of germ cell tumor which was found on his brain. A misdiagnosis left him without sight. Six years later, Kranichfeld was again admitted to the intensive care unit at Sloan Kettering in November 2016 with a lung virus, while his father was in the same hospital battling mesothelioma. While Kranichfeld recovered, his father did not. But the experience inspired him to begin a fundraiser while taking on the physical challenge of training and competing despite being blind. Kranichfeld wrote on his Go-
Andrew Kranichfeld’s father, Henry, pictured, lost his battle with mesothelioma last November. Kranichfeld is running to raise money and awareness for mesothelioma. Photo courtesy Andrew Kranichfeld
FundMe page, “5 Miles to Fight Mesothelioma,” that by running in this derby he hopes “to inspire others that they can do anything despite disabilities or other limitations.” Despite currently living in the Bronx, Rye has always been a special place for Kranichfeld, which is why he chose to participate in the Rye Derby. He said that he has a lot of support from the Rye community, which includes his friends and three local businesses that are sponsoring him: Carpet Trends, Jerry’s Post Road Market and Kelly’s Sea Level. “Rye is sort of my home away from home,” he said. The annual Rye Derby & Healthy Kids Day event begins on Sunday, April 30 at 10:15 a.m. This is the 29th year of the event. The derby raises money for Y Cares Financial Aid Program, which provides financial support to help cover people’s membership and programs at the YMCA. The Rye Derby has three runs: a 1-mile fun run, a 5K, and a 5-mile run. Kranichfeld has been running for exercise the past two years, but consistently training for the 5-mile run since January 2017. He said that he is able to run without sight because of his running guides, Erika Torres and Kristen Tracey. He and his running guide stand side by side, holding a 3-foot piece of rope between the two
of them, and run. Part of the training process for Kranichfeld includes running two to three times a week with other forms of exercise mixed in. He said that one of the challenges he faces being blind is that when running, it makes it more difficult to tell how much progress he has made. “Since I’m blind, I’m not getting that feeling of making progress,” he said. Kranichfeld went on to say how a good running guide will give him updates as to where he is, and how much he has run. He says that helps him feel like he’s actually going somewhere. Tracey said that this is her first time as a running guide. For her, the most challenging part of doing this has been “learning what kind of cueing Andrew responds best to, and being more alert to let him know any obstacles in the way.” Kranichfeld explained that he’s run in races before, but none were as long as the Rye Derby, which is 5 miles. He has plans to do a warm-up 5K run that helps raise money for colon cancer in early April. “Either way I’m gonna get the 5 miles done; if I have to walk [the derby], I’ll walk,” he said. As of press time, Kranichfeld has raised more than $2,800 toward his goal. To donate, you can visit mskcc.convio.net/ goto/5milesformeso. CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
April 7, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 7
Rye mom breaks mental health stigma Rye’s Caitlin Verdier believes the only shameful thing about mental illness is the stigma attached to it, and she knows firsthand that too many children and families are suffering in silence. Willing to bare her soul and break the taboo, Verdier will share her family’s experience and learnings during a candid and open parent-to-parent information session on how to get support and navigate day to day with a child or young adult with mental health, emotional or behavioral challenges. The presentation, which will cover topics including how to find an appropriate educational environment as well as basic neurology, is free and will be held on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rye Free Reading Room in Rye. To sign up for this free information session, visit family-advocate-ny.com. The statistics around youth and mental health illnesses demonstrate the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Twenty percent of youth ages 13 to 18 live with a mental health condition, and 50 percent of all
lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, with 75 percent beginning by age 24. “My goal is to encourage the transparent and open discussion of mental health illness so that local support groups can be formed and information can be shared between families. When we don’t talk we reinforce the stigma, and the longer a child is left without help, the more it is likely to cast a shadow over their entire life,” Verdier said. Over the last 15 years, the Verdiers have been through one revolving door after another in the hope of helping their son, Antoine, whose 10 different diagnoses ranged from early-onset bipolar disorder to non-verbal learning disorder, and who has been placed on 17 different medications. They’ve learned that “a fix” doesn’t exist, but what does is education, understanding and learning with an open mind. “Each of these revolving doors is a breeding ground for education and learning, sadness and guilt, desperation and hope,” Verdier said. “My goal is to make any one of these stages
just a little shorter or easier for anyone else by passing on my experience and knowledge,” she adds. “I want us as a community to raise awareness and make effective help more accessible, more proactive and more responsive. “I know that children’s mental health is just as important as their physical health, and over the years I’ve worked hard to leave my own guilt and shame at the front door,” she adds. Her information session will show others how to do the same. “No judgment or patronizing, just good humored empathy and what seems like a lifetime of information and education that I want to share,” she said. Over the last 15 years, Verdier has unwittingly become an advocate and expert in neurological, behavioral and academic issues for children who do not fit into a traditional academic setting. As a family advocate, she works with families who have elementary, middle and high school children with special needs, as well as families with young adults dealing
Caitlin Verdier. Contributed photo
with mental health illness, and focuses on the need to treat the symptoms and not the diagnostic label. As a parent and advocate, she is highly skilled and experienced in dealing with the school district, a range of diagnoses and their symptoms, therapeutic day
and boarding schools, therapeutic wilderness programs, educational consultants, educational lawyers and family therapists. She is passionate about integrating behavior, neurology, academics and social pragmatics for any child who needs just that
little bit of extra help. This event is free and open to the public—whether you are friend, parent, neighbor, educator or clinician. To register, visit family-advocate-ny.com or email caitlinverdier@gmail. com. (Submitted)
8 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • April 7, 2017
JCC bomb threat suspect arrested in Israel By ANDREW DAPOLITE Contributor Half a world away, a 19-yearold man was arrested at his home in Israel for allegedly leveling bomb threats against Jewish community centers throughout the U.S., which forced the evacuation of local centers in New Rochelle and Tarrytown late last month. The arrest was made by Israeli police on March 23, and the name of the teen has not been released. According to Israeli police, his motive remains unclear. The teen is the second individual arrested in a case involving more than 100 phone threats. On March 3, Juan Thompson, a former journalist from Missouri, was charged with one count of cyber stalking and is believed to be responsible for at least eight of the threats. Authorities do not believe Thompson and the teen are connected. According to Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld, the teen used satellite equipment and advanced computer technology to obscure his identity and location. The FBI investigated more than 100 calls made as part
of an ongoing hoax within the last two months, concluding in the arrest of the teen on March 23 at his home in the city of Ashkelon, located along the southern coast of Israel. “It should be noted that a large number of law and order organizations throughout the world collaborated professionally with the Israeli police, which enabled a coordinated, cross-border investigation integrating the technological know-how of multiple enforcement bodies,” Rosenfeld said in a statement. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions echoed Rosenfeld’s comments, citing the cooperation among each country’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies. “Today’s arrest in Israel is the culmination of a large-scale investigation spanning multiple continents for hate crimes against Jewish communities across our country,” Sessions said. “I commend the FBI and Israeli National Police for their outstanding work on this case.” While all of the threats across the country proved to be hoaxes, the scare made national news
headlines, with “#IStandWiththeJCC” trending across social media platforms. Growing anxiety prompted President Donald Trump to address the issue in his first address to Congress on Feb. 28. At the 999 Wilmot Road location in New Rochelle, Karen Kolodny, the executive director of JCC of Mid-Westchester, said that about 200 people were evacuated from the building on Feb. 27, including 100 staff members and adult patrons and roughly 100 children, only two hours after the Tarrytown center was evacuated after receiving similar threats. No injuries were reported during either evacuation. In a recent statement released by JCC of Mid-Westchester, Kolodny remarked on the recent outpour of community support. “We are grateful for the remarkable support we have received from local civic, political and faith-based community leaders, and extend once again our appreciation for their commitment to helping make the JCC of Mid-Westchester, a welcoming community convener,” Kolodny said.
FIREFIGHTERS from page 1
After completing his review of the Rye City Fire Department, Public Safety Commissioner Michael Corcoran will consider adding more paid firefighters to the roster. File photo
is comprised of both paid and volunteer firefighters, currently employs just 17 paid firefighters, Corcoran said he is also seeking to bolster the volunteer front. With as little as 30 active volunteers, 12 of whom are able to fight indoor fires, the Fire Department is currently wrestling to keep up with industry standards, which calls for 15 trained firefighters to respond to an emergency. “Getting volunteers is often very difficult, especially considering it’s a big commitment and there’s a lot of training,” Corcoran said. “In light of the current climate, it’s very difficult to get volunteers in any profession, but we’ll be looking into ways to bolster the volunteer force.” The Fire Department is managed by a volunteer staff, which consists of one chief and two assistant chiefs. John Castelhano, the president of the local firefighters’ union, said he supports Corcoran’s idea to beef up paid staffing. “It’s a step in the right direction,” he said. “We all want what’s best for the community, and if they are going to add staffing to the department, we’re happy about that.” Councilman Richard Mecca, a Republican and member of the city Fire Advisory Committee, also said he favors a plan to add
more paid firefighters. “It’s good to have someone that’s not so close to the department to make that recommendation,” he said of Corcoran. The councilman was a member of the city committee last May when it also recommended adding more professional positions. The news of Corcoran’s looming recommendation to add paid positions comes with added significance, as the city is awaiting approval from an inspector from the state Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau, PESH, on resolving several violations of the Public Employee Safety and Health Act, according to Rye City Manager Marcus Serrano. In January, PESH determined that the city Fire Department was is in violation of 20 procedural policy and operational standards. PESH, which covers all state and local government workplaces, including government authorities, school districts, and paid and volunteer fire departments, provides policy guidance and conducts unannounced mandatory inspections for violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Public Employee Safety and Health Act of 1980 set forth policy to establish a safe and
healthy working environment for municipal employees. According to Corcoran, the city will be able to rectify 19 of the violations it was ordered to comply with, relating to employee training, inspections of equipment, and establishing workplace policies among several other items. Despite that, the commissioner said the city is still struggling to resolve one of the violations relating to the training of the department’s volunteer fire chief. “That’s a work in progress and will probably take a bit more time,” Corcoran said. The violation shows that fire Chief Mike Billington did not receive more training and education than the general membership of the Fire Department. And as of press time, there is no immediate solution to resolve that matter, according to Corcoran. There is also currently no timeframe for when Corcoran will complete his review of the Fire Department. But whenever the time comes, the commissioner will have the backing of the mayor. “[Corcoran’s] assessment is what we are going to rely upon,” said Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, told the Review. “If that means hiring additional firefighters, then so be it.” CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
April 7, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 9
Harrison makes headway on Wegmans market Harrison is seeking to break the ice on a developer’s plan to replace an old office complex with a Wegmans Food Market. According to Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, the Harrison Town Council is planning to approve a change that will allow the company to operate in
the special business district of the town. “It’s going to be a great thing for our town, and it’s a nobrainer for that area,” he said. The supermarket would be the first of its kind in Westchester County. Wegmans is a privately owned regional supermarket chain
headquartered in Gates, New York, which is located near the city of Rochester. The company, which owns 92 stores across the mid-Atlantic and New England regions, is known for selling locally sourced food and has operated since its founding in Rochester in 1916. The land planned for construction
Westchester may soon see a Wegmans as the town/village of Harrison vets a proposal to construct the family supermarket chain on its Platinum Mile. Photos courtesy wegmans.com
The upstate New York food chain would be the first of its kind in the area if it receives all the necessary approvals.
is located in an SB-O district, which requires special approval from the Town Council. That zoning code restricts buildings to be constructed up to 4 stories high. “I would support [the zoning change] if it meets all the criteria,” said Councilman Rich Dionisio, a Republican. “I can’t see anything but a positive for Harrison with this.”
The zoning change would pave the way for Normandy Real Estate Partners, which owns an abundance of property on the “Platinum Mile” along the Interstate 287 corridor, to construct the family-owned supermarket, approximately a 125,000 square-foot, 2-story grocery store, which will also include a café area, at the Corporate Park Drive location.
The proposal would include the replacement of three existing underutilized office buildings. Wegmans, in partnership with developer Steiner NYC, a Brooklyn-based firm, is planning to open a second location in the New York metropolitan area along Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Admiral’s Row, which is located along the east River, in 2018. -Reporting by Franco Fino
10 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • April 7, 2017
Business Briefs Local real estate agent affiliates with Coldwell Banker
New Rochelle resident Melba Herrera Kelly has affiliated with the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Larchmont. As a real estate salesperson, Kelly will provide residential real estate services in Larchmont and New Rochelle, as well as the surrounding communities of Mamaroneck, Rye Neck, Rye, Pelham and White Plains. Kelly has extensive experience in residential real estate sales. She has been a sales associate since 2008 achieving silver award status at her previous brokerage. “We are greatly pleased to welcome Melba to the Larchmont office. As a successful real estate professional, she brings with her a breadth of experience and a strong understanding of the local market,” said Alice Horowitz, senior managing director of the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Larchmont. “I look forward to watching Melba continue to grow her business in the months and years to come.” As a member of the New Rochelle community, Kelly has been an active volunteer in the school system, including co-chairing the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence Gala Auction Committee. Kelly can be reached at the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Larchmont at 8347100. For more information, visit coldwellbankerhomes.com/tri-states.
JCC names new director of development, donor engagement The Jewish Community Center of Mid-Westchester recently announced that Beth Grafman is its new director of development and donor engagement. Grafman, who has more than two decades of experience in community and nonprofit development and programming, joins the JCC of Mid-Westchester senior management team. “We are excited to have Beth join our team,” said Karen Kolodny, executive director. “Her deep experience building and funding community collaboration will inspire support for the important role we play in Westchester. Beth’s civic involvement and deep commitment to the Jewish community will help us continue our tradition of connecting with and serving the JCC’s diverse constituencies.” Roger Kahn and Helen Samuels, co-presidents of the JCC of Mid-Westchester’s board of directors, agree. “Beth Grafman is a wonderful addition to the dedicated team of professionals in place here at the JCC. Her experience at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and ability to manage a
portfolio of philanthropic investments in over 80 communities throughout North America has certainly prepared her well to quickly build strategic relationships and support,” they said. Grafman lives in White Plains with her husband Allan and four children, where they have been active members of Temple Israel Center synagogue for nearly 20 years. A five-term Sisterhood president, she currently serves on the synagogue’s board of directors and is a former board secretary for Camp Young Judaea Sprout Lake. Born and raised in Chicago, Grafman earned her MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She began her professional career at GE Capital in sales and marketing, and served for nine years on the faculty of Schechter Westchester in White Plains. “Westchester is a world-class community. It deserves to have a world-class JCC with broad-based support,” Grafman said. “Having spent more than five years helping to grow the PJ Library program throughout the country, I understand the incredible power of stories. Now I’m looking forward to sharing stories of the JCC’s impact as a true community convener. I’m confident these stories will inspire even greater participation in the JCC’s bright future.”
The Westchester names new general manager The Westchester has named a new general manager to oversee operations at Westchester County’s premiere shopping destination. Steven Sayers comes to Westchester from Brea, California, where he was the general manager of the Brea Mall, a super-regional shopping center in Orange County, California, that recently completed a multimillion dollar renovation. Sayers attended college at the State University of New York at Albany where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. “I am thrilled to return to the New York area and to be leading our team at a time when The Westchester has recently undergone a total transformation,” he said. “With the opening in April of Savor Westchester, our new dining destination, the transformation will be complete and The Westchester will have the most ambitious redesign of any mall in the region. I am very proud to be taking the helm during this exciting time.” Sayers joined Simon Property Group in 2010 as the assistant mall manager at Knoxville Center and West Town Mall in Knoxville, Tennessee. In 2011, he joined the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, California, where he was involved in planning a major redevelopment of the property. Sayers moved to Paddock Mall in Ocala, Florida, in 2012 to lead the newly renovated asset and management team through a period of transition. The following year, Sayers was promoted to Square One Mall near Boston. Robert T. Guerra, regional vice president of Simon Property Group, said that Sayers’ experience with the renovation at Brea Mall will be a tremen-
dous asset to The Westchester as it completes its transformation. “Steven brings energy and highly relevant experience to us at The Westchester,’’ Guerra said. “We are most fortunate to have someone who understands today’s retail environment and who has recently been through a major renovation at his previous property.” The Westchester in downtown White Plains has recently completed a multi-million dollar enhancement with modernized elevators and lobbies; new facades at major mall entrances; new landscaping and store flooring with grey and beige Italian limestone tile; new carpeting, as well as soft seating areas with complimentary charging stations. In December, it opened two entertainment areas: PLAY, a 2,300-square-foot interactive, educational play area; and CONNECT, a technology lounge featuring nine flat screen televisions, complimentary iPads and phone charging stations.
The final piece of the renovation is a brand new 350-seat dining venue featuring seven eclectic eateries, including some of Manhattan and Connecticut’s most popular and notable casual dining hot spots, and an outdoor dining terrace overlooking downtown White Plains, scheduled to open in April. Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom have also recently completed major remodeling projects to their stores at The Westchester. “We look forward to having a fresh perspective as we begin this new chapter,” said Paula Kelliher, director of marketing for The Westchester. The next Business Briefs section will run again in April. Please send any submission to news@hometwn.com, with “Business” in the subject line of your email. Each submission may include one picture. If you have any questions, email us at news@hometwn.com.
April 7, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 11
Dealing with competing interests THE COUNCIL CORNER Councilwoman Emily Hurd
Over the course of the past year, the City Council has been reviewing an application by a wireless facilities infrastructure provider, Crown Castle, to install over 60 wireless facilities throughout Rye. Almost all of these facilities are proposed for telephone poles on residents’ lawns. At the multiple public hearings on this issue, residents have responded with opposition. They have presented evidence that these mini-cell towers on their front lawns will reduce property values. The towers’ visual clutter and the hum they emit, which is sometimes audible in people’s homes, will diminish the charm of our suburban tree-lined streets. There has been no public resident support for the Crown Castle plan. True, residents may want good wireless infrastructure, but they do not want it on their lawns. And so the City Council conIMMIGRATION from page 5
and the newly proposed law would require city police officers to inquire about immigration status after arresting individuals for a felony or drunk driving charges. But the proposal would not allow the Police Department to honor detainer request from ICE or Customs and Border Protections without a judicial warrant. Tagger-Epstein told the Review the proposal has been vetted by members of the city
tinues to evaluate the application, weighing the competing voices against a backdrop of federal, state and local rules that all claim control over the issue. At the local level, the city of Rye has a longstanding policy against wireless equipment in residential neighborhoods. The city’s wireless equipment siting law, Chapter 196 of the City Code, was enacted almost 20 years ago. The code directs applicants to avoid siting of wireless equipment in residential neighborhoods. While exceptions are allowed, the policy of the city is that the spreading of equipment throughout residential neighborhoods is in violation of the city law. The legal issues are too complex to detail here, but they include federal law that may pre-empt our local law, and Crown Castle’s threat of a costly lawsuit that we may well lose. These issues are pushing us one way. The strong and legitimate feelings of residents are pushing us the other. To deal with these competing interests, the council is simultaneously undertaking a
review of the local law governing the issue. I am not opposed to updating our code to reflect current realities. However, a revised code must do a better job than the existing one, and the current proposed revisions do too little to protect our community. Furthermore, I understand that we must negotiate with Crown Castle, rather than tell them to go away and then face a lawsuit. However, in our negotiations, as in our code updates, we must not surrender the interests of Rye residents to those of the wireless industry. These are complicated issues. But for me, the interest of protecting residential Rye against successive tidal waves of technology infrastructure outweighs any fear of retaliation by Crown Castle. In fact, by standing our ground, the city of Rye can push Crown Castle to come up with acceptable alternatives that can be a win for residents and future applicants.
Human Rights Commission, City Attorney Kristen Wilson, and Public Safety Commissioner Michael Corcoran, who oversees operations for both city police and fire, to confirm its enforceability. “This is definitely a complicated issue,” Corcoran said. “However, what’s important is that we’re not making inquiries [on immigration] for victims and witnesses because we want people to come forward to us to report crimes.” The commissioner further
explained that it would be problematic to make unreasonable immigration status inquiries on those trying to help police. Corcoran added that he favors the provision that allows the department to respond to ICE detainer requests for those charged with felonies. “In instances of public safety, we should be inquiring about immigration status,” he said. The city will discuss establishing the resolution on April 5, after press time.
CONTACT: ehurd@ryeny.gov
CONTACT: franco@hometwn.com
What a face! Buddy is a handsome beagle/basset hound mix, about 4 years old and 41 pounds. He is all-around great dog who is friendly with all people and other dogs, too. Typical of the breed, he loves following his nose wherever it may take him and enjoys long walks to explore all the wonderful sights and smells. Buddy is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped. Make him part of your family for an adoption donation of $300 to Pet Rescue. To meet Buddy, call 834-6955 or visit NYPetRescue.org. (Submitted)
LATIMER from page 1
said he estimated that Astorino would outpace him and have $4 million in the bank by November, but said he has faced that challenge before. In his first race for Senate in 2012, Latimer successfully battled Republican Bob Cohen, of New Rochelle, in a race that set the mark, at the time, in New York state politics for campaign expenditures eclipsing the $4.5 million mark. In that race, Latimer was outspent by Cohen 4-to-1. Still, Latimer concedes that a race against Astorino would be the most difficult race of his political career. “Every time you move up in weight class, you have a tougher race than before,” he said. In November, Latimer was reelected to a third two-year state Senate term. Prior to his Senate stint, he had served for eight years in the state Assembly, 13 years on the Westchester County Board of Legislators including four as chairman, and four years on the Rye City Council. But in that time he has never held an executive position. But he added that his experience at various legislative levels has given him experience in cooperating with lawmakers at all levels and across party lines. “If you’re going to do things that have long-term impacts, you need to have cooperation to do it,” he said, adding that he doesn’t see that degree of bipartisan cooperation from the current county executive. Latimer added that he would bring that level of cooperation to intermunicpal agreements, pointing to the county-owned Playland—an amusement park adjacent to his Rye home—as an example. “If I’m county executive, Rye has a seat at the table,” he said.
New York State Sen. George Latimer celebrates his November 2016 reelection. This year, he’ll look to keep his 17-election winning streak alive, challenging Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Photo/Andrew Dappolite
The senator added that while he represents about one-third of Westchester as a state legislator covering the 37th Senate District, he’s been working over the last few months to expand his understanding of issues concerning the rest of the county, including the approaching shutdown of the Indian Point power plant in Buchanan and the financial strain on his hometown of Mount Vernon. Before Latimer gets to Astorino, he’ll have to receive his party’s nomination over at least one other Democrat who has already announced his candidacy, county Legislator Ken Jenkins, of Yonkers. Latimer told the Review that if he doesn’t receive the nomination at the convention on May 10, he will endorse whoever is nominated. “If there’s a primary, it’s not going to be because I’ve created it,” he said. Bill O’Reilly, a spokesman for Astorino’s campaign, said the county executive is prepared to take on whichever Demo-
crat is picked to run against him. “The county executive looks forward to robust debate with whomever emerges from the Democratic primary in the fall,” he said. Astorino has held the county’s top office despite a decided voter registration disadvantage, with Democrats outweighing Republicans in the county by nearly a 2-to-1 margin. Given the national attention to politics following the 2016 presidential election, however, Latimer said, voters this year will pay more attention to policy than to personality. In 2009, then-County Executive Andy Spano, a Democrat, was the first county executive to lose re-election while still in office. He lost that race handily to Astorino. The county executive is elected to serve a four-year term with a $160,760 annual salary. Jenkins could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
12 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • April 7, 2017
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April 7, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 13
It’s an even smaller world, after all RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
A new airport is about to open on 44th Street, just west of Times Square. It has 17 gates, plenty of parking, 34 gift stores, and, of course, planes taking off and landing day and night. Best of all, a ticket only costs $25. That’s because this airport is the jewel in the crown of Gulliver’s Gate, a mind-boggling scale model of the world, unlike anything I’d ever seen (including that cool panorama of New York City at the Queens Museum). Buildings the size of luggage, paperclip-high people, dogs no bigger than jellybeans and hats the size of cake crumbs—the place is a riot of minutiae. But equally thrilling is the fact that as you walk though this world in miniature, you take a couple of steps to tour Grand Central Station (peering at the 4, 5 and 6 subways underneath), then a few feet later you’re in Paris, with a stopover in Rome. Then it’s on to Beijing, Buenos Aires, Stonehenge, and Angkor Wat. Can the Pyramids be far behind? Of course not. They’re right across from The Red Square. And all along the way, jokes and juxtapositions await anyone who looks a little closer: Who’s crossing London’s Abby Road? Four mini mop-topped musicians. And look over there, below sea level: a yellow submarine! The exhibit, the size of a city block, opened April 6 and represents the work of 600 artists. It is expected to welcome up to 4,000 people—real ones, life
size—daily, and take 90 minutes to walk around. The adult ticket price becomes $36 after about a month of previews, with the place poised to become a Times Square attraction every bit as quintessential as a Broadway show, or hug from a slightly drunk Elmo. “And all the while, things are happening,” said Gulliver’s marketing director, Jason Hackett, as he toured me around the world, still being assembled. “Lights and bells—constant motion—it’s an amazing symphony of interaction.” Cars honk and trains toot above the hum of ambient sound recorded in whatever country you’re looking at. And then there are 137 different keyholes you can put your key in to make something else happen: Your face appears in the pounding water of Niagara Falls, or a volcano erupts. What’s more, if you want to add yourself as a citizen of the world, you can have an itsy-bitsy 3-D print of yourself placed in one of 15 crowd scenes—for instance, in front of the Louvre. The day I visited, two sculptors were busy carving a mountain for Guangzhou, China, while boxes of parsley-sized trees were being unloaded into Europe. South America had been held up at customs—all the overseas countries were actually made overseas. And Melanie Jelacic, a model maker, was working on the airport. “We want it to look very modern,” said Jelacic, who’d previously created window displays at stores including Macy’s and Tiffany’s. The Gulliver airport is hyper-realistic. That
means that in the shops you can see—if you squint—candy, cosmetics, souvenirs, even a rack of neck pillows. “Each pillow is so tiny, smaller than a sequin,” Jelacic said. And then there are the Gulliver’s Gate mugs. “They’re smaller than an ant—they’re like the back end of an ant. A lot of the times, if you drop them on the floor, they just disappear. I’ve dropped chairs, which are a little easier to find, but I also dropped a tray of vases that just rolled onto the floor and I lost them.” Although we’re talking about a scale model airport, it’s still bigger than most Manhattan apartments—2,000 square feet, with 11 workers weaving around each other. “Our team has to climb under and over the table,” Jelacic said. “That’s a knee-killer. It’s a big dance trying to stay out of engineering and electrical’s way.” Inside the airport, there will be mini people sleeping in chairs, recharging their phones and of course racing to catch their planes. To add to the real-feel, the model makers even built an Art Deco abandoned terminal, surrounded by a pockmarked roadway and dead grass. Meantime, the “in use” tarmac will be buzzing with luggage trucks, and littered with tire rubber from the planes constantly taking to the sky. Even after the exhibit opens, Jelanic and crew will be adding, tweaking, fixing, perhaps forever. Visitors will be able to watch it change. Which is pretty much how it works in the actual size world, too. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
CPW celebrates Autism Awareness Month
Photo courtesy Cerebral Palsy of Westchester
Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, CPW, will celebrate April being National Autism Awareness Month. Autism currently affects 1 in 68 children, making it the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. Boys are four times more likely to have autism than girls. New findings are discovered monthly through research in the field of autism spectrum disorders, studies in early symptoms of autism, the link between autism and vaccines, as well as diagnosis of autism. CPW serves many children and young adults with autism and offers special programming for them and their families. Its Saturday Explorers Program provides many opportunities that benefit attendees such as increased socialization through
structured play, helping increase learning through one-on-one interaction with a staff person, and increasing attention spans by changing activities often to keep the attendees interested and learning. The program also incorporates CPW’s Lekotek Program which provides a way to learn during play sessions that are facilitated in an environment that promotes interactive play among family members. CPW’s fifth annual Autism Awareness Walk will be on Friday, April 28, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the United Preschool located in White Plains. A Pieces of Hope Tree will also be created piece by piece based on the pieces people purchase. Custom designed by CPW’s students, this tree will raise awareness for all
children and young adults who benefit from CPW’s autism services. For over 65 years, CPW has been the leading nonprofit organization in Westchester County, providing essential services to children and adults with all developmental disabilities including autism, neurological impairments, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. It has always been its purpose to help people realize their goals, build brighter futures, and lead more independent lives as members of their community. For more information about our programs please contact Joan Colangelo, director of development, at 937-3800 ext. 215 or Joan.Colangelo@cpwestchester.org. (Submitted)
Rye City’s
Official Newspaper
14 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • April 7, 2017
SPORTS
Town celebrates Cecere’s life LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
There are an awful lot of people who have stories about Dom Cecere. That part is hardly surprising; when you’ve been a fixture in the community for over half a century, the tales begin to pile up. But as hundreds of people gathered on Eastchester High School’s baseball field on Monday night to hold a candlelight vigil for the longtime baseball coach, who died on April 1 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, one thing was evident. As great of a coach as Cecere was, he was an even better teacher. And the lessons he imparted went far beyond the scope of the diamond. Cecere took the helm of Eastchester’s baseball program in 1964, and, over the course of 52
years, established himself both as New York state’s winningest coach—his 737 career victories rank first in state history—and maybe one of the finest men to ever be tasked with leading the area’s young men. If you didn’t know Cecere, that might sound hyperbolic, but if you did—or if you heard the way his former charges spoke about him—it begins to make a lot more sense. MSG Varsity’s Kevin Devaney, who played on Cecere’s baseball teams in the 1990s, told the crowd about how he once sought the coach’s opinion when he was contemplating quitting football. He didn’t fit in, he said. He didn’t love football, and he wanted out. Cecere listened carefully to what Devaney had to say, mulled it over and then spoke to him about personal responsibility and what it meant to honor a commitment. Devaney took his coach’s
Dom Cecere coaches third base during a game in 2008. On April 1, Cecere, 75, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. File photo
advice and stayed on the team. Twenty years later, he’s made his mark as the pre-eminent high school football writer in the tri-state area. That, he said, was Coach Cecere in a nutshell; a stern but loving voice of reason who always saw the big picture. Cecere’s current players echoed those sentiments. In their words, the legendary skipper loved teaching the intricacies of the game of baseball, sure. But his true mark was in teaching his players how to be men. “A firm handshake,” they said. “Look people in the eye, and always do the right thing.” And it wasn’t just Cecere’s own players who benefitted, either. Current Eastchester football coach Fred DiCarlo recalled watching the Eagles’ coach working with a Pelham player on his swing in a middle of a game between the two rival schools. For Cecere, the idea of passing up a teachable moment was simply unheard of. The first time I met Coach Cecere, I knew him only by reputation. I was a high school senior one town over, looking for any avenue I could to establish myself as one of the best pitchers in a league that also featured a few standouts in New Rochelle’s Tom Koehler and Mamaroneck’s Chris Vasami that would go on to play professional baseball. For some reason, still unknown to me this day, Cecere invited me to come into Eastchester’s gymnasium over Thanksgiving break, where I spent an hour working with him and one of his underclassmen catchers on my mechanics and my changeup. In nine years of covering his Eastchester teams for the Review, I never brought this up to him, but it had a profound effect on me, knowing that there was someone out there who was willing to put time and effort into teaching the finer points of the sport to someone who was never going to play for his team. I regret that I didn’t thank him more for what he did that night, but in speaking to those who
Hundreds of Eastchester residents showed up to the high school on April 3 to pay their respects to Dom Cecere, who died over the weekend.
knew him best, the only thing he would have asked is that when I got the chance to mentor someone, I would do my duty and pay it forward. Cecere was laid to rest on Wednesday morning at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, and will share a final
resting place with other baseball greats like Babe Ruth, Billy Martin, Bobby Thompson and Ralph Branca. And while Cecere may not have the national recognition of those former major league stars, one thing is certain: there might not be anyone who’s had a bigger impact
locally, both on and off the field. Not that he would want us to make a big deal about it, or anything. He’d be happy simply knowing we were living our lives the right way. Thanks for everything, coach. CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Benny Salanitro reflects during a candlelight vigil for Dom Cecere on April 3. Photos/Jen Parente
SPORTS
April 7, 2017 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • 15
Panthers drop opener BASEBALL
non-league
CROTONHARMON RYE NECK RYE NECK HS
4 3 4/3/17
Game Notes: • Conor Liguori threw four innings for the Panthers in 00/00/16 their season-opener • Chris Colombo drove in three runs for the Tigers • The Panthers will host Pleasantville on April 6, after press time By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor After a rain-soaked preseason, the Rye Neck baseball team finally got on the field on Monday, April 3, to play in their first regular season contest. Although head coach Joe Carlucci admitted that a few Panthers miscues doomed the team to a 4-3 loss to Croton-Harmon, he is confident that as the squad logs more time outdoors, they have the potential for big things in 2017. Leadoff hitter Corey Parker
Conor Liguori throws a pitch against Croton-Harmon on April 3. Liguori will be one of the Panthers’ top pitchers this season.
Corey Parker swings at a pitch on April 3. Parker had an RBI for the Panthers.
had an RBI for the Panthers, but the team struggled somewhat at the plate, tallying 12 strikeouts in the season opener. According to Carlucci, inclement weather
As a result of the new pitch count rules instituted by New York state this year, Carlucci said that the team’s success will be predicated on more than its top two pitchers, however. “One thing we used to do is if you threw 100 pitches on a Monday and Thursday was going to be your bullpen day and
Kevin Tamucci heads to third base in Rye Neck’s season opener.
in the preseason prevented the team from training outside, something that was apparent on Monday afternoon. “We were only outside on our field for one and a half days, we had one scrimmage with Harrison on turf, and because of that, I feel like we’re way behind,” Carlucci said. “There were a lot of things we weren’t able to do, but we just have to make the best of the situation.” Overall, Carlucci said he was pleased with the team’s performance against the Tigers, even if there are some kinks to iron out. “I was happy with the effort, we played hard and we didn’t give up,” he said. “We made some mistakes running the bases, we missed a few signs, and some of that definitely has to do with the preseason.” Conor Liguori took the mound for the Panthers and managed four strong innings. Carlucci feels that the junior, along with fellow hurler Christian Cefaloni, are poised for big things this year. “We have two excellent pitchers,” he said. “And we think that, anytime they’re on the mound this year, we have a chance to win the game.”
we had a game, we would let guys throw an inning,” he said. “We can’t do that anymore, and we’ve been looking at more guys to contribute on the mound as a result.” Offensively, the team will be relying on starting catcher Jack Sheldon, Parker, Kevin Tamucci and newcomer Brian Scott to
lead the way. “We don’t want to put a number on wins; we want to be better than a .500 team and possibly win a sectional game,” Carlucci said. “But we also don’t want to set limitations on how successful we can be.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Michael Colasanti makes a play at second base against Croton-Harmon. Photos/Mike Smith
2017 RYE CITY REVIEW NCAA TOURNAMENT CHALLENGE
16 • THE RYE CITY REVIEW • April 7, 2017
ROUND 2
ROUND 3
REGIONAL SEMIFINALS
March 16-17
March 18-19
March 23-24
1 Villanova 16 Mount St. Mary’s 8 Wisconsin
12 N.C Wilmington 4 Florida 13 E. Tennessee St.
3 Baylor 14 N. Mex. St. 7 South Carolina 10 Marquette 2 Duke
1 Gonzaga 16 S. Dakota St. 8 Northwestern 9 Vanderbilt 5 Notre Dame 12 Princeton 4 West Virginia 13 Bucknell 6 Maryland 11 Xavier 3 Florida St. 14 Fla Gulf Coast 7 St. Mary’s 10 VCU 15 North Dakota
87 PTS.
Councilman Terry McCartney
7TH
60 PTS.
Editor-in-Chief Christian Falcone
March 18-19
March 16-17
Virginia
South Carolina Marquette
Gonzaga
FINAL FOUR
Florida Virginia
April 1
South Carolina Villanova
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Michigan Louisville
N. Carolina
Michigan 7
Michigan
Oklahoma St. 10 Louisville 2 Jacksonville St. 15 N. Carolina 1
N. Carolina
Texas Southern 16 Arkansas 8 Seton Hall 9
N. Carolina Butler Middle Tenn St.
West Virginia Notre Damel
Minnesota 5
Middle Tenn St.
Middle Tenn St. 12 Butler 4
Butler
SAN JOSE
Xavier
Xavier
1ST
MEMPHIS
Villanova Arizona Kansas N. Carolina
84 PTS.
Sports Editor MIke Smith
8TH
59 PTS.
Mayor Joe Sack
FINAL FOUR Duke Xavier Oregon Seton Hall CHAMPIONSHIP Duke Oregon NATIONAL CHAMPION Duke
4TH
80 PTS.
Councilwoman Julie Killian
9TH
57 PTS.
Councilwoman Emily Hurd
Dayton 7
Wichita St.
Wichita St. 10
Kentucky
CHAMPIONSHIP
FINAL FOUR Duke Arizona Oregon N. Carolina CHAMPIONSHIP Duke Oregon NATIONAL CHAMPION Duke
UCLA 3 Kent St. 14
Kentucky
Kentucky 2
Kentucky
Villanova N. Carolina
3RD
Kansas St. 11
UCLA
FINAL FOUR
Arizona
Cincinnati 6
Cincinnati
UCLA
111 PTS.
Xavier Arizona
Winthrop 13
SOUTH
N. Carolina
Gonzaga Arizona
St. Mary’s
FINAL FOUR Florida Maryland Louisville N. Carolina CHAMPIONSHIP Florida Louisville NATIONAL CHAMPION Louisville
Iona 14
Arkansas
Gonzaga Notre Damel
WEST
FINAL FOUR Villanova Gonzaga Kansas Kentucky CHAMPIONSHIP Gonzaga Kentucky NATIONAL CHAMPION Gonzaga
Oregon 3
Louisville
West Virginia
Florida St. Fla Gulf Coast
Rhode Island 11
N. Carolina
Northwestern
Notre Dame
Creighton 6
Rhode Island Oregon
Oregon Louisville
North Carolina
Vermont 13
MIDWEST Oregon Rhode Island
South Carolina Duke
Purdue 4
Purdue
Oregon Kansas
KANSAS CITY
Gonzaga Villanova
Nevada 12
Purdue.
Baylor N. Mex. St.
South Carolina Duke
Iowa St. 5
Iowa St.
NEW YORK
Gonzaga Northwestern
Michigan St. 9
Kansas
EAST
Baylor N. Mex. St.
Miami (FL) 8
Michigan St.
Florida
Prov/USC
Kansas 1 NCCENT/UCD 16
Kansas
Councilman Terry McCartney
2ND
March 23-24
Kansas
Arizona
2 Arizona
ROUND 2
Wisconsin Villanova
Duke
15 Troy
ROUND 3
March 25-26
Florida Villanova
5 Virginia
11 Prov/USC
BRACKET
March 25-26
REGIONAL SEMIFINALS
Wisconsin
9 Virginia Tech
6 SMU
Villanova
REGIONAL REGIONAL THE FINALS COUNCILMAN’S FINALS
North Kentucky 15
NATIONAL CHAMPION N. Carolina
FINAL FOUR Villanova Gonzaga Louisville Kentucky CHAMPIONSHIP Gonzaga Kentucky NATIONAL CHAMPION Gonzaga
FINAL FOUR Marquette Northwestern Michigan N. Carolina CHAMPIONSHIP Northwestern N. Carolina NATIONAL CHAMPION Northwestern
5TH
69 PTS.
Reporter James Pero
10TH
53 PTS.
Reporter Franco Fino
FINAL FOUR Villanova West Virginia Kansas N. Carolina CHAMPIONSHIP West Virginia Kansas NATIONAL CHAMPION West Virginia
FINAL FOUR Duke Arizona Kansas UCLA CHAMPIONSHIP Duke Kansas NATIONAL CHAMPION Kansas
6TH
67 PTS.
Publisher Howard Sturman
11TH
48 PTS.
Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein
FINAL FOUR Villanova Arizona Kansas N. Carolina CHAMPIONSHIP Villanova Kansas NATIONAL CHAMPION Villanova
FINAL FOUR Duke Arizona Kansas UCLA CHAMPIONSHIP Duke UCLA NATIONAL CHAMPION UCLA