February 26, 2016

THE

CityREVIEW NewRochelle February 26 & March 4, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 4 | www.cityreviewnr.com

Latest building survey draft drives 4 bond options

‘CENTER’ OF ATTENTION New Rochelle’s Kayla Correa drives to the hoop on Feb. 20 against Mahopac. Correa and the Huguenots topped the Indians 52-39 to advance to the Class AA semifinals at the Westchester County Center. For story, see page 15. Photo/Mike Smith

3-way race for Westchester district attorney job By ANGELA JORDAN Staff Writer With former Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore now a state judge, and her replacement choosing not to seek election this November, three candidates have entered the race to take over the spot as the county’s top prosecutor. The latest entry is Bruce

Bendish, a White Plains Republican, who announced his candidacy for Westchester DA on Feb. 18 at a press conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains. Bendish, 69, served as an assistant district attorney in Westchester County for 14 years before he opened a private practice for criminal defense with fellow attorney Peter Goodrich.

“I am not a career politician,” Bendish said when announcing his candidacy. “I’ve never run for office, and have no desire to hold any other position than the office of district attorney.” Bendish will receive a primary challenge from Mitch Benson, a New Rochelle Republican, who launched his campaign website race continued on page 9

By SARAH VARNEY Education Reporter New Rochelle residents will vote on the school budget for 2016-2017 on May 17, but for now it’s the buildings and not the budget that have taken center stage. At the Feb. 23 meeting of the New Rochelle Board of Education, administrators presented four possible bond options ranging from $38 million to $104 million to fund repairs and renovations to the district’s 16 schools. This comes on the heels of the defeat of a $49.5 million bond to correct many of the most egregious exterior building issues on Dec. 15, 2015. “Originally, the [$49.5 million] bond was to address the envelope of the buildings,” Assistant Superintendent for Business and Administration Jeffrey White said. “We needed to get the buildings to the ‘satisfactory level.’ We wanted to seal them up.” The majority of the repairs designated for that original bond targeted building facings, failing roofs, nonworking fire escapes and electrical upgrades. In the latest draft survey from CSArch, an architecture and engineering firm based in the Albany, New York area, all of the New Rochelle school buildings were rated “U” for unsatisfactory. An “unsatisfactory” rating

means that building systems are functioning unreliably or have exceeded their “useful lives.” Repair or replacement of some or all components is needed. At the New Rochelle schools, most of the individual items graded unsatisfactory are related to health and safety issues. New Rochelle High School shows $10 million in health and safety costs alone, while both the George M. Davis and William B. Ward elementary schools need $4 million in repairs to health and safety systems, according to the survey. White laid out four bond options to cover the cost of the work. A “mini-bond” would raise $38 million and go toward roof replacements at New Rochelle High School, Isaac E. Young Middle School and Webster, Barnard and Davis elementary schools. It would also pay for masonry repairs, window replacements or repairs at Webster and NRHS along with door replacements at nearly half of the schools, according to White. A second bond option for $49 million is virtually the same as the Dec. 15 proposal that was defeated. Option three calls for a $79 million bond that would include repair or replacement to building systems—heat, air quality control and ventilation, Bond continued on page 5

2 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016

February 26 & March 4, 2016 • The city review • 3

MTA, Metro-North ban hoverboards over fire risk

Hoverboards have been banned at all Metro-North train stations and onboard its trains. The popular gadgets use lithium-ion batteries, which have recently been found to pose fire risks. File photo

By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Editorial Assistant On Jan. 27, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that possessing hoverboards aboard trains or buses or at stations of the New York City transit system is banned, including the Metro-North Railroad, which has three lines running through Westchester County. Hoverboards—a self-balancing two-wheeled board or electric scooter—became a must-have gadget last year, especially during the holiday season. They are controlled by the user standing on sensored platforms. They operate on lithium-ion batteries, which have recently been scrutinized for posing potential fire risks under certain conditions, according to the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, with reports of the batteries getting too hot, short-circuiting or

simply being defective, causing some hoverboards to self-ignite. The administration regulates hoverboards because of the batteries they use. In a released statement, the MTA said that its safety rules have long banned the use of personal wheeled devices, like skateboards or scooters, in subway and train stations. Customers are also not allowed to have hazardous and flammable materials on public transport. The fire risk that lithium-ion batteries pose led the MTA to ban the devices. Hoverboards have already been banned on other transport systems, such as on most U.S. airlines and in other major cities. MTA Chief Safety Officer David Mayer said that riders’ and employees’ safety are always the MTA’s main concern. “For obvious reasons, it is not safe to use… personal wheeled vehicles

on station platforms. We’re equally concerned about the safety risk of bringing devices that pose fire hazards into the confined spaces inside trains and buses,” he said in a released statement. Peter Todd, of New Rochelle, works in Larchmont and sometimes takes the one-stop ride on the Metro-North New Haven line to get to work. He finds the outright ban a good thing, as he’s not a fan of hoverboards. He pointed out the fire risks, and added, “I think hoverboard users are worse than people walking and texting at the same time. They perpetuate a lazy lifestyle.” A representative from the Westchester County Department of Transportation, which operates the Bee-Line bus and ParaTransit systems, could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com

4 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016

What’s going on... New Rochelle Public Library

Visit nrpl.org for more information on these and other events and programs.

20th annual Bokandeye African performance On Saturday, Feb. 27 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ossie Davis Theater at the main library. Students who have been participating in the library’s African dance classes will be joined by members of the Bokandeye Troupe for a culminating performance. Free and suitable for all ages.

‘Extraordinary Women, A Film Series’ The New Rochelle Public Library and the Zonta Club of New Rochelle will present a five-part film series, “Extraordinary Women,” each Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. during the month of March. The free movies will be shown on the big screen of the Ossie Davis Theater and will be followed by discussions. On March 1, “He Named Me Malala” will be shown. This documentary tells the remark-

able story of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who was targeted by the Taliban and severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. The then 15-year-old as singled out, along with her father, for advocating for girls’ education, and the attack on her sparked an outcry from supporters around the world. She miraculously survived and is now a leading campaigner for girls’ education globally as co-founder of the Malala Fund. It was released in 2015 and runs for 90 minutes. It is rated PG 13. “Trials of Spring” will be viewed on March 8. When a young Egyptian woman travels from her village to Cairo to add her voice to the tens of thousands of Egyptians demanding an end to 60 years of military rule, she is arrested, beaten and tortured by security forces and later punished and imprisoned by her family for daring to speak out. Unbreakable, she sets out in a search for freedom and social justice in a country in the grips of a power struggle, where there is little tolerance for the likes of her. The film was released in 2015 and runs for 90 minutes.

Book sales Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the first floor lobby of the main library. The Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library have a bounty of wonderful and inexpensive, nearly new books, DVDs, games, puzzles and more to give as gifts or to keep for yourself. The Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library

will hold their monthly Big Book Sale on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the library’s lobby. A large array of quality used books—from popular novels and mysteries in hardcover and paperback, nonfiction in hardcover and paperback, to children’s books and DVDs— will be available for purchase at very affordable prices. The executive board of the friends of the library coordinates the book sales, with the assistance of other volunteers. Money realized from book sales are used to underwrite the library’s extensive public programs.

On Tuesday, March 2 in Spanish and Tuesday, March 9 in English, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the lower level Learning Lab. To register for this free class, call 632-7878 ext. 3737, or stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor. Language of instruction to Microsoft Word will alternate Tuesdays for the rest of March.

TASC prep class

New Rochelle Council on the Arts

New York state is no longer giving the GED test for students to receive a New York State High School Equivalency diploma, and has now transitioned to the TASC, Test for Assessing Secondary Completion, exam. TASC preparation classes will be offered on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. and Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room on the second floor of the main library.

SCORE: small business help Free business counseling sessions are offered by SCORE Westchester on Monday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. (excluding holidays) in the Handleman Business Opportunity Center on the second floor. The sessions are geared for those interested in starting their own small business or already running a business but in need of help or fresh ideas. SCORE volunteer counselors assist with informa-

tion and resources on financing options, business strategy, marketing tactics, product development, cash flow, management and more. By appointment only. To schedule a session, call 948-3907.

Microsoft Word introduction classes

Call for musical groups The New Rochelle Council on the Arts is seeking musical groups to perform in its Emil Paolucci Summer Sounds Concert Series, which will run Wednesday evenings from July 6 through Aug. 24. Interested artists should submit a DVD or CD of a recent performance, a photograph and written background materials, and payment expectations by Feb. 15. All materials should be sent to Emil Paolucci Summer Sounds Concert Series c/o Billie Tucker, P.O. Box 211 New Rochelle, NY 10804. For more information, email info@newrochellearts.org. Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.

February 26 & March 4, 2016 • The city review • 5 bond from page 1

Bond options for the New Rochelle school district Option 1

Dubbed the “mini-bond.” $38M targets critical roof replacements

Option 2

$49M includes mini-bond items plus ADA compliances and electrical upgrades

Option 3

$79M adds health and safety and structural options

Option 4

$104M includes all items identified in the building conditions survey

along with American Disabilities Act compliance renovations. The fourth option rolls up all of the repairs and replacements for

building envelopes and systems plus ADA compliance. How to pay for the repairs and the bond options are expected to

be discussed further at the March 8 Board of Education meeting. CONTACT: sarah@hometwn.com

Rye seeks to switch to LED lights, cut energy costs

The city of Rye may soon convert all its traditional streetlights to LED as an energy-saving measure. Pictured is Purchase Street in Rye on a recent Sunday night. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

The city of Rye is considering replacing all of the city’s streetlights with more energyefficient LED lights. The reasoning behind the idea is that an investment in LED lighting generally improves nighttime visibility, increases energy savings by 40 to 80 percent, and can cut street lighting maintenance costs by at least 50 to 75 percent. A representative for Lumen Light Solutions, a Yonkersbased company that specializes in municipal conversions to LED lighting, gave a presentation to the Rye City Council on

Wednesday, Jan. 27 about the company’s services. LED lights have become popular in many communities because they are significantly more cost-effective and more eco-friendly than other common kinds of streetlights, including mercury vapor lights, which Rye currently uses. According to City Manager Marcus Serrano, Rye has a little more than 1,700 streetlights. The upfront cost would be $624,000, with the city standing to save $163,000 per year by making the switch. He said the cost for the LED lights would break even in

less than four years. Serrano has previous experience facilitating a municipality’s transition to LED street lights from when he was working in Dobbs Ferry. In addition to New Rochelle and Dobbs Ferry, Yonkers, Bronxville, Eastchester, Elmsford, Hastings, Irvington, Ardsley, Tarrytown, Greenburgh and Ossining have already chosen to transition to LED lighting. If the city were to move forward on converting all of streetlights to LED, Serrano said it should realistically take about six or seven months, at most. -Reporting by Angela Jordan

6 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016 THE

CityREVIEW NewRochelle 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000

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wine red Painting the town

the finishing touches on her winter landscape and smiles. It’s a recent Wednesday night Georgina Meduri, balancing and a small group has gatha paintbrush in one hand and ered in White Plains’ Muse a wine glass in the other, puts Paintbar.

By SUZY BERKOWITZ Editorial Assistant

Education Reporter | Sarah Varney ext. 17, sarah@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Barbara Riehl ext. 16, barbara@hometwn.com Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lindsay@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers James Pero, Angela Jordan, Kiley Stevens Staff Photographer Bobby Begun Columnist Lenore Skenazy

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Muse Paintbar, located on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, has been open for five months. The chain currently has 14 businesses running in five different states. Photo/Suzy Berkowitz

“Years ago, doing ceramics was the fad,” Meduri said comparing that to the recent paint-drink craze. “I’ve probably been here about 10 times since this place has opened up. It’s just something creative, fun and different to do.” Although Muse has only been up and running in White Plains for five months, the chain has expanded to 14 businesses across New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Massachusetts since opening its first location in Manchester, New Hampshire, in late 2012. The manager of the White Plains location, Miesha, said working at Muse has made her professional life the happiest it’s ever been. “I just love seeing people get excited over what they’ve created,” she said. “I think people like coming here because it brings balance to their everyday lives, which are usually spent at a desk.” The paint-and-sip industry began a little more than 10 years ago when the first studio, Sips n Strokes, opened in Alabama in 2004. The craze has gained rapid momentum since then, as an estimated 1,000 different paint bars have opened throughout the United

Pinot’s Palette, a new paintbar in Tuckahoe, celebrated its grand opening last December. Photos/Bobby Begun

States and Canada. Paint bar clients can either rent a party room for a private event or register to paint during public classes offered throughout the week. One such studio franchise, Pinot’s Palette, recently opened in Tuckahoe, making that location its 90th in the country, and its first in Westchester County. Although the company is new to Tuckahoe—it has only been open since December 2015—it has grown exponentially since getting its start in Houston in 2009, and now has locations in 37 states and one in Toronto. Pat Cipollone, owner of Pi-

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The paint-and-sip industry began in 2004, and has since expanded to 1,000 paint bars across the United States and Canada. Studio franchises Muse Paintbar and Pinot’s Palette recently moved into Westchester County.

not’s Palette studio in Tuckahoe, said the appeal of paint bars comes from people’s desire to have an alternative night out and create their own artwork. “In the end, you’ve created something that’s genuinely yours,” Cipollone said. “Paint bars open the door for people to appreciate art, and it relaxes them in a way.” Cipollone said the popularity of paint bars makes publicizing his new location a challenge; he mainly depends on word of mouth to draw a crowd. He said his instructors do their best to keep the night light and fun for everyone, but in the end, it’s up to the client to make the best of it. Julie Alfonso, an instructor and assistant at Muse Paintbar, said one challenging aspect of the job is encouraging adult clientele not to take themselves or their work too seriously. She said there’s always an opportunity to come back and try it again. “We do our best to make everybody feel comfortable and not hold themselves to an unrealistic standard,” Alfonso said. “This gives people a chance to come out and do something new; to feel like a kid again.” CONTACT: suzy@hometwn.com

February 26 & March 4, 2016 • The city review • 7

City of Rye discusses new drone legislation By James Pero Staff Writer As the use of recreational and commercial drones expands, cutting-edge technology is facing cutting-edge regulation. Through an increasing array of federal and municipal laws, how and when people can use drones is being defined across the country. During a Jan. 27 Rye City Council meeting, councilmembers and City Attorney Kristen Wilson discussed the beginning of the city’s framework on how drones and their pilots can operate within city boundaries. Among the major facets guiding the proposed legislation over drone usage are privacy and safety, according to City Manager Marcus Serrano. “We have a lot of public parks… We want to make sure people are protected,” Serrano said; Playland Park sits within the city of Rye municipal boundaries. Equipped with cameras, modern drones—many of which are now affordable to the average

consumer—are capable of deftly flying through the air and capturing bird’s eye view photos and video footage in high definition. According to Wilson, there are at least a few other municipalities in the region with laws regulating the usage of drones, including one in Rockland County. The Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, has already begun regulating drone usage by implementing nationwide guidelines that require registration and strictly limiting how and where they can be flown. The penalties for failing to register a drone with the FAA—which will kick in on Feb. 19—are punishable up to $27,000 according to the agency’s website. Additionally, both New York state and New York City have begun looking at their own legal models for just how and where drones can be operated. Interest in using drones, however, isn’t just limited to recreational users. According to Wilson, the Rye City Police Department

and Rye TV have shown an affinity for the application of drone technology. New Rye Police Commissioner Michael Corcoran told the Review that, though he hasn’t officially considered the use of drones in Rye, they could have a valuable application in public surveillance. “You cannot use them too look into private homes. People have a right to privacy,” he said, adding that police work could still benefit from their usage. “It would be somewhat useful in the public eye, a lot like a surveillance camera.” Corcoran, whose first day on the job was Feb. 1, also acknowledged that the usage of drones for police purposes also brings up its own sticky set of legality regarding search warrants. “That’s something we’d want to explore very closely,” he said. Representatives from the FAA could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

The Rye City Council will begin to discuss what will become the framework for local legislation regarding the usage of drones in the city. According to City Attorney Kristen Wilson, a local law may eventually overlap with federal laws which she told The Review are already in the pipeline from the FAA. Photo/Andrew Dapolite

8 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016

Talking Business:

With Jennifer Graziano By IRA ELLENTHAL Meet Jennifer Graziano, who, with admirable gusto, has been helping to lead the Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home operation through its fourth generation. Notably, the company recently opened a state-of-the-art facility in Greenwich, Connecticut, as part of an expansion move. And, of course, it’s business as usual at its flagship in Mamaroneck where, in a separate, adjacent building, Zion Memorial Chapel, the only independent all-Jewish funeral home serving Westchester County, continues to flourish. We had gotten together to talk about Zion specifically, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and where, according to Jen, who’s also a non-practicing attorney, things are going swimmingly. “We’re right where we want to be at this point in time and we expect to keep growing at a fast clip,” she said with enthusiasm. Ten minutes into our conversation, I began to feel like a slacker as Jen ticked off what seemed like an endless list of charities, nonprofits and service organizations to which she willingly gives her time and energy. “It makes for a long, pressurefilled day, but I welcome the challenge,” she said.

An interior view of the Zion Memorial Chapel. Photos/Andrew Dapolite

Funeral Director Jennifer Graziano

With a wide smile, a longtime friend commented, “Color her a tornado or a cyclone if you want, but mostly color her smart because she’s building inestimable goodwill for her business, at the same time as distinguishing herself as an outstanding corporate citizen.” Another person who knows her well added, “Jen’s in perpetual motion, sort of a mobile public relations, advertising and market-

ing juggernaut rolled into one— and I admire her greatly for all that she’s accomplishing.” Jen said that several rabbis who knew her father, Vincent, appreciated him for his character and professionalism, and were instrumental in convincing him

The all-Jewish Zion Memorial Chapel sits adjacent to the Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home.

to open Zion to fill the void in the marketplace. “He showed his appreciation by creating an environment in which understanding and empathy for the families we serve is never in short supply. I think of him as my role model and I have tried to emulate him in every way possible. I still do, in fact, because he remains active in the business,” she said. Clearly comfortable in her own skin, Jen adds a woman’s touch to the business that, for obvious reasons, no man could

bring. “No doubt there’s truth to that, but my father has taught me so much, like never to rest on my laurels and the importance of staying current and relevant in order to grow.” And something else: “He told me that the first day it becomes a job for me is the day I should leave, but that’s not likely to happen. I mean it,” Jen said. By the time I got around to raising the question of what it’s like for an Italian woman to run a Jewish funeral home, she was more than prepared for it. “It’s absolutely no problem at all,” she said. “I grew up with as many Jewish friends as any other kind. Like my father, I have always had great respect for Jewish traditions. And, let’s face it, Jews and Italians have a lot in common, including their love for food, faith and family.” Slim bordering on sleek, Jen is an attractive divorcee and the mother of a 4-year-old daughter, Mia, whom she adores. “She’s a hoot, the most important person in my life,” she said. “I spend as much time with her as possible and I want her to grow up to believe that any goal is attainable if you love what you do.” Since she has been working for her father since her early teens, I wanted to know what she would do differently if she was afforded a “mulligan,” or a second chance, as they say in golf. “Absolutely nothing—except perhaps grabbing some more sleep and being

a little more trusting that things would turn out well,” she said. Detecting signs of micromanagement, I asked if she runs her business that way. “Over the top, guilty as charged,” she laughed. “But I’m working on it, although I’m the first to admit that I still have a way to go.” As our hour together wound down, I was determined to throw her my best fastball with my final question, a real spur-ofthe-moment toughie designed to make her think long and hard. “When the moment arrives for you to meet your maker, what words would you like inscribed on your tombstone?” I asked. After the briefest of pauses, she said, “She did it all and she did it well.” Foiled again. I was impressed and, as I packed to leave, I complimented her for being so interesting. Tongue-in-cheek, she quipped, “I want you to understand that it’s never dull when a Graziano is in the room.” That clinched it: I was on the verge of telling her that I would like her to handle my funeral arrangements when my time came. But, not wanting her to think that I was an easy mark, I figured I could hold off for a few days before giving her the order. Ira Ellenthal is the executive vice president of Home Town Media Group.

February 26 & March 4, 2016 • The city review • 9 race from page 1

and announced his candidacy a day earlier on Feb. 17. Before entering the race, Benson, 56, was a prosecutor in Nassau County for 10 years, and served as a prosecutor in Brooklyn for 20 years prior to that. “I have been involved in hiring and training hundreds of ADAs, and I have been a frontline prosecutor,” Benson said. Also, on the Democratic side, George Fufidio, of Eastchester, announced his candidacy last month. Fufidio, 58, has been a criminal defense lawyer since 1988, but served as a prosecutor in the Westchester County DA’s office prior to that. He described his time as a Westchester prosecutor as the best experience he’s had, and said he has a deep-rooted respect for the DA’s office. All three candidates cited the heroin epidemic throughout the county as a priority, but each attorney elaborated on different methods for tackling the issue. Bendish put an emphasis on youth outreach, and said he would specifically like to send ADAs to middle and high schools throughout Westches-

At a glance Two Republicans, Bruce Bendish and Mitch Benson, and one Democrat, George Fufifdio, are running for Westchester County DA All three candidates have more than 30 years of experience practicing law Benson is a career prosecutor, while Bendish and Fufifdio are both currently criminal defense attorneys All three candidates see the growing heroin epidemic as a top priority Other issues raised: gang violence, illegal handguns, cybercrimes and underutilized treatment courts Former Westchester DA Janet DiFiore left her position to be chief judge for the state Court of Appeals, and was replaced by acting District Attorney James McCarty, who does not plan to run for election

ter more often to discuss the serious nature of the issue and warn teenagers about the dangers of drug abuse. “Part of it is an educational factor, because the district attorney is not confined to the four walls of a courtroom,” Bendish said.

Fufidio discussed the importance of rehabilitation in tackling the drug issue, and promoted the use of treatment courts during sentencing. “Too many people are in the system for addiction and mental illness,” he said. “More people need to be eligible for treatment courts. My

Bruce Bendish

experience with treatment courts is that they are effective.” When asked about treatment courts, Benson said it is important to “strike a balance.” He said there are treatment programs that are appropriate in some cases, but that “the focus is on creative techniques to pursue major distributors.” Benson also identified the heroin epidemic as a problem throughout all of New York, and said that statewide initiatives must be taken as well to tackle the issue. In addition to addressing problems such as heroin, illegal handguns and cybercrimes, Bendish also said that he wants to establish a veteran’s treatment court in Westchester. “They deserve a court that understands their problems, and a court that is connected to other

Mitch Benson

veterans’ administrations services,” he said. Benson cited gang violence as another major issue in Westchester that he would address as DA. He said that prosecuting gang violence can become difficult when witnesses are coerced into silence. “We need to facilitate a culture in which witnesses are encouraged to come forward,” Benson said. “You have to be aggressive and committed in tough prosecution against violent criminals, that way people don’t see dangerous felons back on the street.” Fufidio, who is currently a member of the New York State Permanent Commission on Sentencing, said he is passionate about increasing the age that a person can be tried as an adult from 16 to 18 years old. He

George Fufidio

said that minors are all too often treated as criminals before the court considers treatment or additional supervision for youthful offenders. All three candidates had positive things to say about DiFiore, and expressed desires to continue building on her legacy. DiFiore, a Democrat, appointed the chief judge of the state Court of Appeals last month. In her place is acting District Attorney James McCarty, who has no plans to run in November’s special election. DiFiore’s DA term doesn’t expire until the end of 2017. Primary elections for Westchester take place on Sept. 13, and the general election is Nov. 8. The Westchester DA is elected to serve a four-year term. CONTACT: angela@hometwn.com

10 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016

Business Briefs

March 2016

Planning ahead... Sunday

Monday

Tuesday National Women’s History Month

Wednesday

1

Thursday

2

Friday

3

Saturday

4

5

Worldwide Red Cross Month

Board of Education regular meeting 7 p.m., Columbus School

6

13

Daylight Savings Time begins

7

Professional Development Day, half day for all schools

14

NCAA Selection Sunday

Palm Sunday

20

8

International Women’s Day City Council COW meeting 3:45 p.m.

9

Historical and Landmark Review Board 7:30 p.m., City Hall

15

16

22

23

School budget and capital bond review session 7 p.m., NRHS Library

10

School budget and capital bond review session 7 p.m., NRHS Library

St. Patrick’s Day

17

21

World Down Syndrome Day

American Diabetes Alert Day

Purim

24

School budget and capital bond review session 7 p.m., NRHS Library Planning Board meeting 7:30 p.m., City Hall

27

11

ALMS Musical 7 p.m.

12

18

19

25

26

City Council regular meeting 7 p.m.

Spring Equinox

Easter Sunday

ALMS Musical 7 p.m.

28

29

Board of Education special meeting 7 p.m., ALMS

30

31

Good Friday

February 26 & March 4, 2016 • The city review • 11

Branding sex offenders’ passports: Why? RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

Two weeks ago, just one day after President Barack Obama signed legislation that will brand the passports of sex offenders, a federal court challenge was filed against it. The International Megan’s Law is supposedly a way to alert foreign countries of sex offenders who may be traveling there for sex tourism or trafficking purposes. Of course, who isn’t against sex trafficking? We all are! But branding people’s passports isn’t going to do any good. The U.S. Department of State itself found that the law’s rationale is “very misleading.” And after conducting a study, the General Accounting Office “found no evidence that the offenders used their passports to commit sex offenses abroad.” Got that? No. Evidence. But heck, what’s a complete lack of evidence compared to political grandstanding? The bill was sponsored by Republican Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey and passed both houses with only a single brave lawmaker, Democrat Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, speaking out against it. He said that while he endorsed the bill’s provisions to notify foreign countries about sex offenders’ travel plans, he was repulsed by the idea of the “unique passport identifier,” which is government-speak for passport branding. “It is simply bad policy to single out one category of offenses

for this type of treatment,” Scott told the House. “We do not subject those who murder, who defraud the government or our fellow citizens of millions and billions, or who commit acts of terrorism to these restrictions.” Terrorists? Pffft. It’s only sex offenders who must declare their past deeds this way. And that is what the court challenge is hinged upon. “We don’t want those ‘identifiers’ on anybody’s passport,” says lawyer Janice Bellucci, president of the group California Reform Sex Offender Laws, who is filing the federal challenge on behalf of four sex offenders. “Our strongest argument is that it violates the First Amendment, because that ‘unique identifier’ is compelled speech.” In other words, “The government is making you say something you don’t want to say.” Bellucci has been down this legal road before. Twice, she argued against California towns that forced sex offenders to put “No trick or treating” signs on their doors, and twice, she won. A third time, she sued the California Department of Corrections for the same thing. The department told registrants they had to put that sign on their doors on Halloween, and if they didn’t have a home and lived in a tent, well by golly, they had to put a “No trick or treating” sign on their tent flap. And if they were living in a sleeping bag at the side of the road, they had to put a “No trick or treating” sign on their sleeping bag, too. Presumably this would help fend off the hordes of children

seeking bite-sized Snickers from the homeless. Bellucci won that case, too. Like candy-doling by Halloween-activated predators in sleeping bags, the problem of registrants traveling abroad for sex tourism is also not a common one. Smith, the sponsor of the bill, wrote that “currently, tens of thousands of offenders could be traveling abroad as child sex tourists.” But they aren’t. The U.S. Department of Justice itself says that about 10 Americans a year are convicted of “sex crimes against minors in other countries.” In the meantime, there are more than 800,000 people on the Sex Offender Registry—about a quarter of whom are minors. This means that the vast majority of registrants—at least 790,990 of them—are not sex tourists. And yet we won’t give them the basic right of traveling this great earth. The United States has never branded anyone’s passport until now. Somehow, we have survived more than 200 years of giving all citizens the right to serve their time and then go on with their lives. Former drug dealers can travel south of the border. The Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13 crews can hop on a plane to Monaco. But sex offenders, including teens who sexted and former flashers now in their 80s, will be branded with the scarlet letter and kept in internal exile. It’s for the sake of the children, of course. It always is. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Yonkers Film Festival seeks material to screen “We’re looking for compelling stories that are well told,” said Patty Schumann, YoFiFest’s director and programmer. “We’re not overly hung up on when the movies were made or if they are premieres. We just want to share great films with an enthusiastic and supportive audience.” “It’s a great chance for filmmakers to screen their films in a warm, friendly and fun atmosphere,” added the festival’s executive director, Dave Steck. “We’ve worked hard to make it the kind of festival where we’d want to hang out and screen our own films.” Building on the success of its past festivals, YoFiFest, the Yonkers Film Festival, will be four action-packed days of watching and talking about movies. This year, YoFiFest plans to screen more than 100 films, including features, shorts, documentaries, animation, music videos and student work. The very popular “mini film school” will return, featuring discussions and workshops led by top industry

professionals on various aspects of filmmaking. Each day also has receptions and after-parties where filmmakers and attendees will get the chance to meet and talk about movies. “YoFi is one of the best film festivals that I have attended and I encourage other filmmakers to submit here. I look forward to attending again next year,” said Kal Toth, director of the feature documentary “Building Magic” that screened at last year’s festival. Alexzander Ellenbogen, whose short film “The Good Day” also screened at YoFiFest 2015, said, “It was an amazing experience from beginning to end. The workshops taught me valuable information about the industry.” Located on the Hudson River and adjacent to New York City, the festival draws its filmfriendly audiences from New York City, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley and the entire New York/New Jersey/Connecticut tri-state region. YoFiFest was awarded the

Best of Westchester’s “Best New Film Festival” and was recently named one of 2016’s “39 Most Notable Events” by Westchester Magazine. It was also cited as one of “The Top 10 Hippest Things About Yonkers” in 2015 when Yonkers was dubbed the Hudson Valley’s “Hippest Town” by The Journal News and LoHud.com. YoFiFest is an eco-friendly festival, so to reduce waste and environmental impact, films can be submitted digitally at YoFiFest.com through FilmFreeway or WithoutABox. For updates and the most current information, visit YoFiFest.com. (Submitted)

Westchester Library System updates board of trustees

Alex Payan

Julie Mills-Worthey

Sean Ryan

The Westchester Library System welcomes Julie Mills‑Worthey, of Mount Vernon, as the District XIII representative covering Mount Vernon, and Sean Ryan, of Armonk, as the District V representative covering Armonk, Bedford Village, Mount Pleasant and Pound Ridge. Alex Payan, of Port Chester, was re-elected as the District X representative covering Port Chester, Rye Brook, Rye City and Rye Town and began his five-year term along with the others as of Jan. 1. “We are pleased to have these talented and experienced individuals join our board and look forward to their active participation,” said Terry Kirchner, WLS executive director. “Their diverse

knowledge and extensive community engagement will bring new insight to the Westchester Library System.” In addition, the WLS board elected the following officers for 2016: Catherine Draper, of Pelham, as president; Mary Amato, of Yonkers, as vice president; Sean Ryan, of Armonk, as secretary; and Edris Scherer, of North Castle, will continue as treasurer. The Westchester Library System includes 38-member public libraries located throughout the county and is one of New York state’s 23 public library systems. WLS and its member libraries have a total collection of more than 5 million items, including 3.7 million books

and audio recordings, videocassettes, DVDs, print serials and other materials. The mission of the Westchester Library System is to ensure that all residents have seamless access to excellent library service throughout Westchester County. The Westchester Library System serves as a center of innovation for the Westchester County library community and provides model programs, affordable and easyto-use information technology, and support services that enable libraries to continuously improve service to their communities. WLS is located at 540 White Plains Road, Suite 200, in Tarrytown. For more information, visit westchesterlibraries.org. (Submitted)

12 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016

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SPORTS

February 26 & March 4, 2016 • The city review • 13

Voices in the crowd LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

You just have to love playoffs. It’s that time of the year when all the sweat and hard work start to pay off, when one false move can be the difference between victory and defeat, and when everyone needs to be on top of their games and sustain a fullthrottle effort for a full contest. I’m just talking about the fans, but I guess the players need to be ready for it, too. Regardless of the level of athletic endeavor, athletes are quick to point out that once the postseason rolls around, there is a perceptible shift in the intensity of a ballgame. Sure, some of it stems from the step up in competition, and some of it stems from the raised stakes of the situation, but I’d argue that, for better or worse, it’s the increased participation of fanbases that makes the sectionals such a special time.

And it’s certainly a doubleedged sword. In the eight or nine games I’ve covered over the first few rounds of the playoffs so far, I’ve certainly seen my fair share of terrific crowds. Last Friday, I took a swing up north to Nanuet and Tappan Zee high schools to see Rye and Harrison compete in the Class A quarterfinals, and I was absolutely blown away by the way those host schools were able to pack their gyms to the rafters. Rabid student-sections cheering on their classmates, throngs of younger children lining the court, these gyms were absolutely rocking. In the case of Harrison, which took topseeded Tappan Zee down to the wire, sure it was tough to watch them fall short in the final seconds, but I couldn’t help but watch the Dutchmen fans storm the court as time expired with a certain amount of admiration and excitement. Of course, not every fan “gets it.”

Last week, one of the Review’s girls basketball teams fell behind early, prompting a few parents to loudly call for the home players to remove their heads from their posteriors—albeit not in those exact terms. At a first-round hockey game, one father, who traditionally sits on the other side of the rink from the rest of his team’s fans, would launch into an expletiveladen tirade every time his son’s team turned the puck over in the neutral zone. The skater probably didn’t mean to “bleepin’” give it away, so cut the kid some slack. I understand that sometimes, emotions get the best of us. It happens to everyone. But when it comes to high school sports, sometimes the adults have to act like, well, adults. If you don’t have anything nice to say, people, maybe don’t buy a ticket next time. I don’t think anyone will miss you.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports

To COVER local sports, you need a

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

Dutchmen fans at Tappan Zee High School fill the bleachers for the team’s quarterfinal playoff matchup against Harrison on Feb. 21. In the last week, Sports Editor Mike Smith has seen both the best and worst of sports fandom. Photo/Mike Smith

14 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016

SPORTS

Crowley repeats at 170 pounds By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Eastchester senior Nunzio Crowley came into the 20152016 season as a reigning Section I champ with a reputation as one of the finest defensive wrestlers in the state. Over the weekend of Feb. 13, however, Crowley’s offense was on display as well, as the standout claimed his second-straight title at 170 pounds with a dominant showing at the section championships. Crowley scored three pinfall victories before earning an 8-0 major decision over Suffern’s Stephen Lauro in the finals to win Most Outstanding Wrestler honors at Clarkstown South High School on Sunday, Feb. 14. According to Eastchester coach Steve Crowley, Nunzio’s father, the Eagles grappler has shown flashes of offensive dominance late in the year, stemming

Jeyfer Chacon locks up with an opponent at Arlington High School.

from a lackluster performance at the prestigious Eastern States Tournament on Jan. 16. Nunzio Crowley, whose record currently sits at 40-2 on the year, finished fourth at the Sullivan Countybased event, but has been on a tear over the final few weeks of the season. “Ever since Eastern States,

[Nunzio] has become a much more offensive wrestler,” Steven Crowley said. “He had a couple of losses and I think he realized that the best way to do things is to go out and score points.” The results have been impressive, as Nunzio Crowley closed out the season with 15 wins coming by way of pinfall

Matt Occhicone tangles with a Scarsdale opponent on Feb. 13.

and another two—including the section final—coming by major decision. “I think he’s right where he should be, he’s starting to get the offense going and his defense is still great,’ Steve Crowley said. “He hasn’t had a point scored on him in about a month right now.” Nunzio Crowley and the rest of Section I’s champions will spend the next few days training for the state championships, which will take place on Feb. 26 in Albany. Other local wrestlers headed to states includes a pair of Huguenots, as Jake Shore, who beat John Jay’s Louie Cree 11-8 in the 126-pound finals and Jake Logan, who pinned Ketcham’s Aiden Folster to win the

170-pound champion Nunzio Crowley takes down an opponent on Feb. 13 at Arlington High School. Crowley’s dominant performance at the Section I Championships earned him Most Outstanding Wrestler honors.

160-pound division, both scored high for New Rochelle. The Huguenots’ 106 team points gave them a solid fourth place finish at the two-day event. Eastchester, which had Nunzio Crowley’s teammates Matt Occhicone, Phil Capriglione and Jeyfer Chacon in the mix, finished with 38 total points, good enough for 19th. “The Section I state team will get together for the next two weeks up at John Jay Cross River, where they will train as a group,” Steve Crowley said. “On the days that we’re not together, we will run some practices with a smaller group of other section winners.” Contact: sports@hometwn.com

Phil Capriglione tries for a reversal on Feb. 13 at the section championships. Photos/Mike Smith

SPORTS

February 26 & March 4, 2016 • The city review • 15

New Ro heads to semis By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Late into Saturday’s Class AA quarterfinal game against Mahopac, Kayla Correa stepped to the line to shoot a pair of free throws. With her team firmly in control of the game, the senior point guard allowed the quickest of smiles to flash across her face. Although the game wasn’t quite over, Correa—and her Huguenots teammates—had done enough to put some distance between themselves and their opponents, ultimately topping the Indians 52-39 to punch their ticket to the Westchester County Center. “This means so much to us,” Correa said after the game. “This team has worked so hard all season long, early morning practices, every day during break, and I feel like we really deserved this.” Correa and Nicole Ziogas both had 12 points to lead New Rochelle, but Correa started somewhat slowly, scoring just three points in the first half. Hu-

LaSandra Turner spots up for a 3-pointer on Feb. 20. Photos/Mike Smith

guenots’ coach Robert Bynum was impressed with the way his team played early on, however, as the Huguenots got points

Nicole Ziogas brings the ball up the floor in New Rochelle’s first-round game against Mount Vernon.

from seven different players in the first half to take a 24-14 lead. “That’s one of the things we’ve preached this last week or so; we know that when you get to this point of the season, it has to be a team effort,” Bynum said. “You can’t rely on one player and hope to beat some of these teams.” Amina Wiley came off the bench to give the Huguenots a huge lift, netting nine points in the first half and controlling the paint to help the Huguenots establish a threat in the post. She finished with 11 points on the afternoon. “When Amina gives that kind of effort, it’s huge for us,” Bynum said. “The last few games she’s been averaging 15 points and about 10 rebounds.” Mahopac made a spirited comeback in the second half, going on an 11-2 run against New Rochelle, to cut the lead to 3630 heading into the fourth quarter, but New Rochelle held on, thanks to some clutch 3-pointers from Ziogas and an increased effort on the defensive end. “We stopped them from shooting threes and we picked up our intensity,” Correa said. “We knew that the offense was going to come around eventually.” Bynum, who took over as head coach following the resignation of longtime coach Bruce

Kayla Correa drives to the hoop on Feb. 20 against Mahopac. Correa had 12 points in New Rochelle’s 5239 quarterfinal win over Mahopac.

Amina Wiley spins toward the basket against Mahopac. Wiley finished with 11 points.

Daniele last offseason, said that he’s been thrilled to guide this year’s team to a 15-7 regular season record and a County Center appearance, although he does find himself reflecting on the friendship he shared with Daniele as a member of his coaching staff. Daniele was in attendance

on Saturday to cheer on the Huguenots. “This means a lot to me, but it’s also bittersweet,” Bynum said. “I miss going back with Bruce, but I have a bunch of great assistants with me, too.” The No. 4 seed Huguenots will have their hands full on Thursday, after press time, when

they take on the top-seeded Ossining Pride, who have won the last five section titles. “We’re just going to keep up the hard work,” Correa said. “We know we have tough competition at the County Center, so we’ve got to be ready.” Contact: sports@hometwn.com

16 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016

INSIDE

February 26 & March 4, 2016 • The city review • 17

Lifestyles of Westchester County/FEBRUARY 2016 Vol.4 NO.2

2016 SUMMER CAMPS

INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY

Play Group Theatre’s magical summer Unplug and play at Rye Y Summer Camp Camp at the Rye Nature Center

18 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016

Why day camp? By Marla Coleman Children learn life skills that become habits of the heart. Another mother wrote that the family was on a ski trip. The son got to the top of a steep hill and started to panic. The mom said, “What would you do if you were at camp?” and he proceeded to engage himself in positive self-talk that was part of the camp culture: “It may take time, it may be hard; but stick with it, and you’ll be fine!” He skied down with a huge sense of accomplishment and perseverance. It’s tough to be a kid these days. It’s tough to be a parent. In a society where the nature of the family, the workplace and the community have changed dramatically, we can no longer assume that the natural process of growing up will provide children the experiences and the resources they need to become successful, contributing adults. In sharp contrast to the traditions of growing up in the ‘50s and

‘60s, today we live in the first moment when humans receive more of their information secondhand than first! We are in a climate where it is harder to know what we need to survive, so drawing on experiences that give children healthy alternatives and opportunities to instill capabilities, the hallmarks of thriving, is the greatest gift you can give a young child. Does it really matter if my child doesn’t go to day camp, especially since she will go to overnight camp in a few years? She is only 4 years old—why does she need day camp? Camp provides one of the very few links with a world larger than the consumer culture we inhabit—and day camp is one important choice in a quiver of options. The camp experience helps children and youth develop an appreciation of their place and their responsibility in a much larger universe. A preschooler—or even an older child who might be reluctant to go to overnight

camp—can join a community that is created especially for her to practice growing up. Why wait until age 10 when the benefits of feeling connected and being able to contribute and navigate at an earlier age can be reaped? Under the supervision of inspiring guides and passionate coaches, children can feel successful and make new friends while having the time of their lives; they can experience belonging and contribution; they can have a sense of consistency and predictability in times of turbulence and change. Day camp can begin as early as age 3, and is geared to children who get to experience camp and still return home each evening. They have the best of both worlds—the camp community which is built exclusively for kids, and their own home which provides the security they need at a tender age. One day camp parent said, “While my children and I are constantly bombarded by the news which is focused on what is

wrong with the world, camp is a living example of what is right.” Day camp is a terrific first experience. Reminiscent of less complicated days, when people connected with nature, thrived

on inter-generational relationships, and made new discoveries, everything is designed and scaled to ensure that children feel included, cared about, and capable. Beginning camp at an

early age provides important advantages. Camp is the best demonstration of moral and spiritual order—democracy is the core purpose. Children learn life skills and behaviors that become habits of the heart. While many then move on to overnight camp, others will be content to continue the day camp experience; after all, there is a camp for everyone—and that might well be day camp! To learn more about camp and child development, please visit the American Camp Association’s family-dedicated website, CampParents.org, or call the toll-free number 1-800-428CAMP (2267). Marla Coleman is the parent liaison at Camp Echo in Burlingham, New York. The immediate past president of the American Camp Association, she is a coowner of Coleman Family Camps, which includes Camp Echo and Coleman Country Day Camp. This article was originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association. © 2005 American Camping Association, Inc.

February 26 & March 4, 2016 • The city review • 19

Play Group Theatre’s magical summer Magic. We use that word a lot around The Play Group Theatre. And we really mean it, every single time we say it. It isn’t like we think that’s how theatre works…that it magically just happens. PGT actors know all about the work it takes to make each moment a moment, to make their show to come to life, to make all their effort appear effortless. And that is the real magic. Kids joyfully working hard, making friends, making art…together. From Little Theatre (ages 4 to 6) to PGT Kids (ages 7 to 10) to the Young Actors Ensemble (ages 11 to 13) to Teen Conservatory (ages 14 to 18), from our one-week Improv Workshop to our six-week MainStage cast, PGT Summer Theatre actors come together at a variety of stages in their creative journey. No matter what brings you through our doors, what you will find here is an artistic haven—a creative home where you are challenged to think outside the box, to strive toward a higher level of artistry, and to work within a group of dynamic,

exceptional, emerging young artists in a collaborative environment, and to do it all while making lifelong friends and having the summer of your life! At PGT Summer Theatre, we focus entirely on the love of the craft and the life lessons that are a natural result of a healthy and non-competitive creative process. We see the artists our students can become, while we celebrate the children they are. PGT Summer Theatre is a conservatory-style program, with half the day devoted to rehearsals, and the other half to classes, including acting, dance, voice, Shakespeare, Improv and more. A trip to Broadway

and a workshop with Chicago City Limits are just some of the special events that round out the PGT Summer experience. PGT is conveniently located in its own performing arts complex in downtown White Plains, which includes the MainStage Theatre, Studio Theatre, rehearsal studios, scenic and costume shops, and access to Tibbet’s Park for outdoor activities. The PGT staff are professionals in the field and dedicated to providing a warm, nurturing, creatively charged, artistically challenging environment for every student. Join us for a magical summer! For more information, please call 946-4433 or visit us at our website, playgroup.org.

Taking camp on the road Zeal Adventure & Travel is the ideal travel program for teenagers who have graduated from their summer camp, but still seek to enjoy all the attributes of camp for more summers. Zeal is a slightly more grown-up version of sleep away camp, a teenage sleep away camp, that still incorporates the best parts of camp—the friendships, sense of community, personal growth, excitement and the opportunity to give back to others. Zeal was designed and developed by longtime summer camp professionals, with the idea of creating a travel program that provides the hiring, training, supervision, intentionality and attention to detail and safety of a sleep away camp. Each trip combines outdoor adventure, sightseeing, community interaction and 25 to 30 hours of community service. Adventure At the heart of each Zeal trip is adventure. With safety always in mind, our trip leaders guide Zeal participants from place to place,

activity to activity, experience to experience. Participants gain new perspectives, skills and understandings about the world as they enjoy their best summer yet. Community Service At Zeal Adventure & Travel, we’ve built global relationships. Our campers aren’t just doing trail maintenance, teaching kids English or planting native grasses. They’re learning about local cultures and customs through friendships. They’re eating home cooked meals together, and sharing stories. Friendships While Zeal trips are a chance to deepen your friendships, they’re also an opportunity to gain new ones. On any given trip, you’ll find yourself in a mixed group of people you know (if requested) and others you don’t. Despite the normal tendency to stick with your friends, the groups quickly melt into a single team. This blending of the group comes from the nature of Zeal trips and the skilled facilitation

of our trip leaders. Our Leaders Our trip leaders are the best counselors from the best camps, hired for their deep knowledge of the locations we travel to, experience in our camps and direct recommendation from camp directors. Simply said, they’re the best of the best. College Admissions College admissions teams look for well-rounded students with standout life experiences. With this high bar and overflowing competition, it’s easy to understand the stress of college admissions. Zeal is a perfect pairing to this challenge. On every trip, our participants learn new skills, provide meaningful community service, and have transformative experiences that are no brainers to write about. Armed with amazing experiences of adventure, adversity, and service, those college essays will almost write themselves. For more information, visit travelwithzeal.com.

20 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016

Camp builds selfesteem, independence One of the many joys of parenthood is helping children navigate new waters. And although these situations are met with hesitation, slight anxiety— or in the case of some first-time campers, homesickness—it is these moments that develop the 21st century skills needed in adulthood. New situations, such as going away to camp, serve as teachers in life’s classroom— developing leadership, self-esteem, teamwork, independence and problem-solving. It’s important, even critical, for parents to help children overcome any feelings of hesitation in order to help them grow. Take camp, for example. From a child’s perspective, camp is fun, fun, fun! Parents know that camp provides immeasurable growth opportunities, and is a vital part of childhood. As the day approaches, even the most excited campers sometimes get nervous about being away from home. “Homesickness is completely

normal,” said Michael Thompson, consultant, author and psychologist in a recent PBS Parents article, “Helping Kids Beat Homesickness at Sleep-Away Camp.” “If a child loves his or her parents and has a good home, why wouldn’t he or she feel some longing for mom, for dad, for the dog, or for home cooking?” It is up to parents to help ease the transition to camp, and to help their children grow from the experience. The American Camp Association, ACA, suggests the following advice to help alleviate anxiety and get a jump start on life’s lessons. Encourage independence throughout the year. Practice separations, such as sleepovers at a friend’s house, can simulate the camp environment. Involve children in the process of preparing for camp. The more they own the decision, the more comfortable they will feel being at camp. • Make sure to understand the camp’s philosophy on how is-

sues, such as homesickness, are addressed. Talk candidly with the camp director to understand his/her perspective on the adjustment to camp life. • Discuss what to expect at camp before leaving for camp. Consider role-playing anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom. • Reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each other, but make sure to honor the camp’s policy on phone calls. Send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp. Acknowledge missing the child in a positive way. For example, saying “I am going to miss you, but I know that you will have a good time at camp,” lets the camper know that families are thinking about them, but confident in their ability to adapt to camp. • Pack a personal item or two from home, such as a stuffed animal. • Avoid bribing behaviors. Families send the wrong mes-

sage when they link a successful stay at camp to a material object. Families should focus on the real reward, like newfound confidence and independence. • Don’t plan an exit strategy. If a “rescue call” comes from the child, offer calm reassur-

ance and put the time frame into perspective. • While most incidents of homesickness pass quickly, parents know their child best. If parents have concerns (for example, the child is not eating or sleeping, or appears overly anxious), they should immedi-

ately talk to their camp director. Camp staff are trained to identify and ease homesickness, and are a valuable resource for parents as well as campers. For more information on preparing your child for an independent, fun-filled summer, visit ACA’s family resource page at CampParents.org. Or, follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information. Contact public relations at 765349-3317 or pr@ACAcamps.org to interview an ACA spokesperson, or for more information about preparing for camp. For customizable public service announcements or article reprints, visit the media center at ACAcamps. org/media. The American Camp Association, ACA, works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-accredited camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are more than 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit ACAcamps.org.

February 26 & March 4, 2016 • The city review • 21

Unplug and play at Rye Y Summer Camp

Rye Y camps, for youth ages 3 to 14, are led by a team of full-time professional directors and are committed summer staff who serve as professional role models to campers. The camps are accredited by the American Camp Association with low counselor-to-camper ratios. Campers choose from a variety of camps and can attend from one week to eight weeks. Camps are held at the Rye Y and the Osborn School in Rye. Kinder Camp, for children ages 3 to 6, introduces young ones to the camp experience in a warm, supportive environment. Activities include swim lessons, crafts, music, sports and more. Half or full day options are available. Discovery Camp, for ages 4 to 11, is a full day camp packed with swim lessons, STEM, crafts, music, performing arts, sports, field trips and special guests to keep our campers en-

gaged and excited every day. Campers gain new abilities, challenge themselves with the unexplored and learn to work with others as a team! Sports Camp, for ages 5 to 12, has both full and half day options and is designed for sports enthusiasts who want to develop both their individual and team skills. STEAM Camp, for children in grades two to five, is new this year. Campers will be challenged to question, explore, plan, discover, analyze and understand the world through the lenses of science, technology, engineering, art and math. Gymnastics Camp, for ages 6 to 14. Beginner and advanced gymnasts are welcome. Drills, games and teamwork are utilized to build gymnastics skills. Full and half day options are available. Adventure Camp, for teens completing grades six to nine, is

designed for campers who like to be on the go. Campers travel to a different great summer destination every day, including water parks, camp outs, amusement parks, baseball games and more. Teen Fitness Camp, for ages 11 to 14, is a fun way to get fit over the summer. Participants work indoors and outdoors with certified personal trainers to achieve individual goals. Activities include swimming, sports, games, strength training, spinning, Pilates, agility training and more. C.I.T Program, for teens who have completed grades nine and 10, is designed to challenge participants to grow as leaders both at camp and within the community. For more information, or to register for any of the above camps, visit ryeycamps.org or call 967-6363. The Rye Y offers financial assistance for families who qualify.

Camp at the Rye Nature Center Summer Camp Explore the outdoors with Rye Nature Center’s Summer Camp. Each day is filled with science experiments, gardening, hiking, natural history lessons, and art and media projects. Built-in free time allows kids to get wet on the slip-and-slide or play our favorite game of hide and seek, “Deer and Wolf.” Our middle school campers will enjoy weekly field trips and a cookout with twilight explorations. Each week has a different theme guiding the daily activities. From dinosaurs, survival skills and forensics to garden-

ing, creepy crawlies and weather storms, this camp has something to offer for everyone. This camp is appropriate for campers entering preschool to seventh grade in the fall. Paddle Adventure Camp The Rye Nature Center’s Paddle Adventure Camp is an incredible and unforgettable experience. Open to all levels, this camp is designed to introduce campers to the joys of kayaking. Splitting their days between kayaking and hiking, campers will build paddling skills, confidence, and an appreciation for the beautiful area where we live. Trips range from our very own

Long Island Sound to the Hudson River or Cold Spring. This one-of-a-kind experience will allow teenagers to experience nature from a whole new angle and foster a deep connection with and appreciation for the environment. In addition to honing their kayaking skills, campers are given opportunities to develop leadership skills, team building, self-confidence, and friends and memories. This camp is appropriate for campers entering eighth, ninth, or 10th grade in the fall. For more information on these programs, visit ryenaturecenter.org or call 967-5150.

22 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016

Top 10 things you never knew about camp Camp has become a staple of the summer season. Each year, millions of children, youth and adults head to the hills, lakes, valleys and parks to participate in the time-honored tradition of camp. And, while most people easily conjure up images of campfires and canoes, there is a lot more to the camp experience. Here are 10 of the things you may not have known about the camp experience. 1. Camp is older than dirt. Started in 1861, the camp experience turned an impressive 150 years young in 2011. The secret behind the longevity? “Camps are constantly adapting to meet the changing needs of today’s families,” said Peg Smith, CEO for the American Camp Association, ACA. “And yet, in essentials, camp is very much the same as it was 150 years ago—kids still have authentic, life-changing experiences.” 2. Camp is worth its weight in gold, and then some! The camp experience is life-chang-

ing, developing friendships and memories that last well beyond the final campfire. And, there is a camp for literally every budget. Often camps offer special pricing or financial assistance, and some camp experiences qualify for tax credits or for payment with pre-tax dollars. Visit CampParents. org/affording-camp for more information. 3. Green is “zen.” Research shows that firsthand experience with nature, like those at camp, reduce stress in children and help them better handle stress in the future. In addition to teaching children how to be good stewards of the environment, camps are teaching children how to enjoy the world around them and take a minute to breathe deep and feel the nature, which ultimately teaches them how to de-stress the natural way. 4. Mommies and daddies do it, too. Camp is not just for children and youth. There are

family camp experiences, and camps for single adults, senior adults, and any adult that wants to relax and enjoy all camp has to offer. Adults benefit from the same sense of community, authentic relationships, and self-discovery that children do. Camp is an excellent vacation option, allowing adults to try a variety of new activities in a safe and fun environment. 5. Try this on for size! Camp is a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls? According to ACA research, 74 percent of campers reported that they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave lasting impressions. In the same survey, 63 percent of parents reported that their child continued new activities from camp after returning home. 6. Manners matter, and often linger. The camp experience teaches more than just archery or lanyard making. The

entire experience is made of teachable moments, perhaps one of the biggest is how to live with a group of people. Campers learn to pick up after themselves, respect each other’s property, and to say “please” and “thank you.” 7. Veggies taste better with friends. Hollywood and fictional novels may have given camp food a bad reputation, but in truth, camps are constantly exploring healthy food options, and often are at the forefront of things like allergy specific diets, healthy snack options, and vegetarian meals. According to ACA’s 2011 Emerging Issues survey, 90.7 percent of responding camps indicated that healthy eating and physical activity was an important or very important issue. 8. If everyone else went to camp, maybe there’s something to it! Camp has played an important role in the lives of some of the most talented people in history. ACA’s family resource site offers a list of notable campers, including business professionals, celebrities, artists and great thinkers. 9. Camp gets those neurons pumping! Education reform

debate and concern over summer learning loss have pushed academic achievement into the spotlight. Research shows that participation in intentional programs, like camp, during summer months helps stem summer learning loss. In addition, camp provides ample opportunity for developmental growth, which is a precursor to academic achievement. And, because of the “hands-on” nature of camp, often children who struggle in traditional education settings do well at camp. 10. Camp builds leaders for the 21st century and beyond! Independence, resiliency, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and the ability to relate to other people—these are the skills that tomorrow’s leaders will need, and the skills camp has been adept at building for 150 years. “Tomorrow’s leaders will not be those who can type or text with lightning speed; they will be those who can have a face-to-face conversation and articulate their thoughts, ideas and values,” Smith said. “Tomorrow’s leaders will be able to relate globally and find common ground with people who are vastly dif-

ferent from themselves—people from different backgrounds and cultures. Tomorrow’s leaders will be made and educated by experiences like camp.” For more information on preparing your child for an independent, fun-filled summer, visit ACA’s family resource page at CampParents.org. Or, follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information. Contact public relations at 765349-3317 or pr@ACAcamps.org to interview an ACA spokesperson or for more information about preparing for camp. For customizable public service announcements or article reprints, visit the media center at ACAcamps.org/media. The American Camp Association, ACA, works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-accredited camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are more than 2,400 ACAaccredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit ACAcamps.org.

February 26 & March 4, 2016 • The city review • 23

Taking camp skills back to school Millions of parents chose camp for their child or teen because of the immense benefits of the experience. Not only does camp foster making new friends and learning 21st century life skills like independence, problem-solving, and teamwork, but it’s also fun! As the summer fades and children return to school, former ACA Chief Executive Officer Peg Smith reminds parents to pack a few extra items from camp in the school backpack: • Confidence: During the camp experience, children and youth have tried new activities and been successful; they feel empowered. • Curiosity: Camp has given children and youth the chance to explore, study and observe in an experiential learning environment. • Character: Camp has challenged children and youth to develop character through fostering respect for each other, a sense of community and the ability to solve problems. • How can parents help transfer these skills into the classroom? ACA suggests the following tips: • Remember to Remind: When campers come home, they often keep the spirit of camp alive for a week or two, and then things trail off. Use positive reinforcement to remind campers that you appreciate the positive attitude and willingness to help that they developed at camp. • Become Camp-Like: Families can set the example by demonstrating a willingness to

change something at home in order to sustain some of the changes campers have made. Bob Ditter, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, suggests, “Parents have to make a decision. Are they willing to change something in their practice at home in order to sustain some of the changes their kids have made, such as having a job wheel that you put up on the wall outlining chores?” • Everyone Gets a Say: At camp, children help determine how their day is spent. Their advice is actively sought, and they feel like equal players. Emulating this environment at home allows them to continue to stand up for themselves and feel like a contributing member of the household. • Avoid the Negative Compliment: Don’t inadvertently sabotage efforts by pointing out differences in behavior. Instead of saying, “You never did this before,” praise the behaviors in a genuine way. For example, “I

noticed how patient you were with your little brother.” “Above all else, let your child know that what they learned at camp is going to serve them well when they go to school this fall,” Smith said. Contact public relations at 765349-3317 or pr@ACAcamps. org to interview an ACA spokesperson or for more information about converting camp into real life. For customizable or article reprints, visit the media center at ACAcamps.org/media. The American Camp Association, ACA, works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-accredited camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are more than 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit ACAcamps.org.

HOFF BARTHELSON

24 • The city review • February 26 & March 4, 2016