THE
CityREVIEW NewRochelle June 17 & 24, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 15 | www.cityreviewnr.com
HUD administrator talks life after settlement
Various factions move to ‘Raise the Age’ on convictions By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Statewide pleas to raise New York’s adult conviction age have begun to ruminate in Westchester County, attracting the voices of faith leaders, government officials and advocacy groups alike. And while the campaign— dubbed “Raise the Age,” which aims to increase the adult conviction age of New York state from 16 to 18 years old—has raised eyebrows, New York state still remains one of only two states in the U.S. with a 16-yearold threshold; the other being
North Carolina. Though talks of reforming the age limitation may be somewhat new, the 16-year-old age threshold is anything but. As a part of the Family Court Act, authorized in 1962 along with the creation of a New York state Family Court, children as young as 16 years old have been viewed as adults in the eyes of the state’s criminal justice system. But now, according to Allison Lake, the deputy director of the nonprofit Westchester Children’s Association, which joined the campaign to raise New York’s conviction age four
years ago, that 54-year statute is closer than ever to being overturned, and for youths statewide, the implications, she explained, could be significant. “The research shows us that young people who are involved in the adult criminal justice system are likely to reoffend,” Lake said. “They are also likely to commit another crime, and at a higher level.” In fact, data from the National Juvenile Justice Network— which consists of juvenile justice reform organizations in 41 states nationwide—suggests that a young offender admitted into
is on building a future with the individual municipalities after the settlement. Leicht said she As Westchester County nears hopes her department can help the end of its seven-year com- Westchester communities set mitment to identify and con- ordinances to require developstruct affordable housing, two ers to build specific numbers of representatives from the U.S. affordable units per overall unit Department of Housing and built. She added that, moving Urban Development’s region- forward, much of the departal office are already working ment’s aim would be education toward building a relationship and outreach, with the goal of informing the public about the for the future. The county is amid the final benefits of affordable housing. six months of a controversial Leicht’s strategy would keep a legal settlement with HUD, dialogue open between county in which the county agreed to communities and HUD, even create 750 units of affordable if Westchester decides to sever housing in 31 of its more af- ties with the department affluent and Caucasian commu- ter the terms of the settlement nities and meet specific guide- have been fulfilled. But several of the legislators lines that restrict how many of those buildings can be rental were fixed on HUD’s requireor senior-living, and where they ment for an analysis of impediments, AI, a report submitted can be built. But in a meeting with some by the county and its municimembers of the Board of Legis- palities determining the laws, lators on Monday, June 6, HUD zonings and restrictions that Regional Administrator Holly deter the fair building of affordLeicht focused on building a able housing units. Legislator David Gelfarb, relationship between HUD and the county after the settlement a Rye Brook Republican, said what troubled him most about requirements are completed. “If we get to the end of the the county’s settlement with settlement and 750 units have HUD was the reading of the been built but everybody’s say- analysis of impediments, which ing ‘I never want to deal with he called “Kafkaesque.” As part the federal government or the of the settlement, the county federal government’s money must submit an AI that HUD or affordable housing again,’ finds acceptable before the end we have not really met our of this year. The administration goal here,” Leicht told county of County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, has filed lawmakers. Leicht and Valerie Daniele, at least eight separate AIs since special assistant to the regional HUD continued on page 3 administrator, said their focus
By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer
After the passing of a nationwide FDA regulation classifying all vapor products as tobacco products, vape manufacturers, retailers and consumers of the growing industry may be forced to find an alternative to their alternative. For story, see page 6. Photo/Suzy Berkowitz
an adult correctional facility is 34 percent more likely to be arrested for a violent crime following their initial incident, compared to their peers who are put through a juvenile facility. This statistic, according to Lake, bears an even greater significance for the county and state’s African-American youth population, whose arrests more frequently result in jail time compared to their Caucasian counterparts. “All young people get in trouble, regardless of race,” Lake said. “But those that go through AGE continued on page 10
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2 • THE CITY REVIEW • June 17 & 24, 2016
June 17 & 24, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 3
County, state officials push for Esplanade bill
HUD from page 1
HUD regional administrator Holly Leicht told Westchester County legislators she plans on working with individual municipalities to promote affordable housing development during and after the final six months of the county’s settlement with HUD. Photo courtesy aafe.org
The Esplanade senior living facility on Lyon Place in White Plains recently forced its residents out to make room for a new luxury hotel, a move which drew the attention of state legislators who drafted a bill to prevent other assisted living centers from similar moves. Photo/Corey Stockton
By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Westchester County legislators are leaning state representatives to approve a bill drafted in March that would establish restrictions on landlords of mostly senior tenants. The so-called Esplanade bill, named for the White Plains senior living facility which forced out its residents last November to convert the property into a luxury apartment complex, was sponsored in March by state Assemblyman David Buchwald, a White Plains Democrat, and state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Yonkers Democrat. The Assembly version of the bill has 25 co-sponsors; StewartCousins is the sole sponsor of the draft in the Senate. The current draft of the bill proposes to outlaw the termination or non-renewal of leases for tenants who are disabled or older than 65 without court approval. The bill also regulates the rate and frequency at which a landlord may increase rent. The law would further require that land-
lords notify applicable tenants of this law in print on the rental application. However, the bill does not protect seniors from eviction due to justifiable causes including non-payment of rent. “If there’s a legitimate reason to remove a tenant, that’s allowed,” Buchwald told the Review. Buchwald said many of the seniors who lived in the Esplanade expected that facility to be their last home, and they were displaced and burdened by the necessity to move when they were ousted. The Westchester County Seniors and Constituencies Committee met with representatives for three state legislators last month to discuss the status of the bill. During that meeting, Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-onHudson Democrat, said that oftentimes seniors and people who are disabled have the most difficulty in relocating, either due to physical or psychological issues, or a combination of both. Former county Legislator Bernice Spreckman, a Yonkers Re-
publican who chaired the committee, urged state legislators to move the bill onto the voting floor quickly, claiming that the Esplanade bill could help draw attention to other senior issues. “We need a start, not only so that doesn’t happen—what happened [at the Esplanade]—but also other things that I see going on in independent living that have to be watched carefully,” Spreckman said. Rachel Estroff, chief of staff for Assemblywoman Shelly Mayer, a Yonkers Democrat, said the bill has not moved forward yet in either state house because state legislators want to protect landlords and tenants from unintended consequences. One such consequence Buchwald said he hopes to prevent is discouraging developers from building senior housing for fear of legal restrictions. “It’s a slightly heightened level of responsibility when you’re renting out your building all to seniors because you know that they’re a slightly more vulnerable population,” he added. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
2010, but HUD has disagreed with each submission’s finding that zoning laws in the county were not exclusionary. “Everyone sort of agreed what the data was,” Leicht said, “But the county’s understanding that there were no impediments, we don’t necessarily agree with.” The HUD administrator stressed that an impediment does not only result from intentional discrimination or negligence; sometimes municipal or state codes can stifle efforts to create affordable housing.
Legislator John Testa, a Peekskill Republican, said of the analyses, “Maybe the results are what they are and maybe HUD needs to accept what they are.” Daniele said that although the AI has been a point of contention between HUD and the county in the past, the intention of the AI was to help the county to recognize potential weaknesses and move forward in creating affordable housing opportunities. Leicht added, “It’s really meant to be kind of a starting point for a discussion where a town has data to be able to think
about ‘what are our goals.’” Gelfarb told the Review he was troubled with the way the HUD representatives addressed his concerns about the AI. “It didn’t really provide much of a roadmap for an ending of litigation,” he said. He said he is not entirely averse to the idea of working with HUD in the future but added, “We’re skeptical of our relations with HUD for obvious reasons and we want to bring an end to this.” CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
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4 • THE CITY REVIEW • June 17 & 24, 2016
What’s going on... The New Rochelle Public Library
Mondays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays: Closed from June 25; Sundays: Closed.
Needlework Workshop
The New Rochelle Public Library has reopened the Memorial Highway entrance, but the Lawton Street entrance is scheduled to be closed for con struction and is expected to be completed by fall 2016. While construction is underway, the only handicapped-accessible entrance will be the re opened Memorial Highway doors, which have a ramp leading down from street level. There will be additional handicapped-designated parking spaces on Memorial Highway. The only book drop at the main library will also be located by this doorway. Patrons may also return books by using the book drop at the Hugh Doyle Center located at 94 Davis Ave., or in front of the Huguenot Children’s Li brary, located on North Avenue in front of New Rochelle High School. Visit nrpl.org for information on these and other events and programs.
Expert craftswomen Rosalie Hollingsworth and Minnie Speciale volunteer their time and talent to help with crocheting, knitting, needlework, and embroidery projects on Saturday, June 18 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the first floor Community Gallery. Interested participants, from beginners to experts, are invited to bring their own yarn and materials, although some complementary supplies are also available. This program will operate on a drop-on basis and is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.
BID Family Market Day Performance Louie returns to the Market with a rousing performance filled with live music, games, and movement on Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to noon on the Library Green. His Latin beat is a treat for all ages. The performance is free and open to the public.
Library survey
The New Rochelle Public Library board of trustees invites residents to take a few minutes Summer hours at libraries of their time to provide some information about The main New Rochelle Public Library will be themselves and their use of the library. Please fill closed on Sundays through Sept. 4. The Hugue out the brief, 14-question survey, available in Engnot Children’s Library will be closed on Saturdays lish and Spanish, through links on the library’s from June 25 through Sept. 4. The main library home page at nrpl.org. The closing date for subwill be open on Saturdays, June 25 through Aug. missions is Sunday, July 17. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jules Bauer Award Show Both libraries will be closed for Independence The 33rd annual Jules Bauer Award Show, sponDay weekend, Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4. Both libraries will be closed Saturday, Sept. sored by the New Rochelle Art Association, will be featured in the Lumen Winter Gallery of the New 3 through Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor Day. Regular Saturday hours will resume at both li Rochelle Public Library through Thursday, June 23 braries on Sept. 10. The main library will resume during regular library hours. The show is open to its regular Sunday hours, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Sept. all exhibiting members of the association, with a 11. The Huguenot Children’s Library will remain cash prize in Jules Bauer’s name to be awarded for best watercolor. Ribbons will also be awarded for closed on Sundays. Summer hours at the main library are: Mon- outstanding entries in all media. The New Rochelle Art Association, founded in days, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays: 9 a.m. to 1912, has a long tradition of promoting and sup 5 p.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from June 25; porting artists and the visual arts. By promoting and broadening the awareness of the arts in the Sundays: Closed. Summer hours at the children’s library are: community, the New Rochelle Art Association
continues its original goal to “set an educational standard in the fine arts and promote interest in art in the community.”
Summer programs Middle School Drop-In Program The Middle School Drop-In Program offers a variety of activities for youth in grades five through seven, completed as of June 2016. It runs from June 27 to Aug. 5 (no program on July 4) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program takes place at both Isaac E. Young and Albert Leonard middle schools. Activities include, but are not limited to: arts and crafts, sports (tennis, basketball, volleyball and soccer) and board games. A peanut-free lunch is also included. This year, due to cutbacks, there is a $60 supply fee in order to register. Applications are available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday in the Youth Bureau Office, 515 North Ave. in New Rochelle, and online at newrochelleny.com/youth. For more information, contact the Youth Bureau at 654-2045.
Summer programs at Ward Elementary The College of New Rochelle Graduate School provides summer programs at William B. Ward Elementary School in New Rochelle for children ages 3 to 10. The program runs from June 30 through July 29, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Young Explorers, for children ages 3 to 5, will participate in group activities involving small group instruction for literacy and early number sense, music and movement, dramatic play, creative arts and block building. Children ages 6 to 8 in the Explorers program will engage in group activities including social studies, STEM programs, literacy and math, nature, dramatic play, outdoor play and movement. The oldest campers, ages 8 to 10, will be part of the Discovery program which features hands-on STEM projects in LEGO robotics and 3-D printing, literacy and mathematics enrichment, social studies and science, outdoor experiences, creative arts, and music and movement.
City news Parks and beach are open The beach season officially began during Me morial Day weekend, with the opening of Hudson Park Beach on Saturday, May 28. The beach is open weekends only in June and then every day, conditions permitting, from Monday, June 27 to
Monday, Sept. 5. Beach hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hudson Park Beach includes a tented food court area, playground and picnic area. For the best val ue, frequent visitors are encouraged to purchase an Omnicard, New Rochelle’s Parks and Recreation’s identification card. As an added plus, the Omniplus plan or Family Pass covers all beach access fees. The Omnicard is also your pass to enter Five Is lands Park, Davenport Park, Cameron Dock, Shar key Park and Neptune Park. Omnicard fees: • Adult Resident (ages 14 to 61): $40. • Adult Resident Plus (Omincard + Hudson Park Beach pass): $75. • Non-resident: $65. • Non-resident Plus: $125. • Senior Resident (ages 62 and up) Lifetime card: $40. • Senior Resident Plus (Omnicard + Hudson Park Beach pass): $35/season. • Family – New Rochelle Residents only: $125. • Family – Non-residents: $250. Hudson Park Beach fees: • Adult Resident with Omnicard: $5. • Resident Guest: $5. • Resident Senior: $5. • Resident Senior Plus: Free. • Family Omnicard: Free. • Non-resident with Omnicard: $5. • Non-resident Guest: $10. • One-Day Pass: $10.
Weekend valet parking The city of New Rochelle reactivated valet park ing services in the downtown area, beginning Me morial Day weekend. This white-glove valet ser vice allows downtown restaurant patrons to drop off their cars at the New Rochelle Public Library’s south parking lot, between Lawton Avenue and Memorial Highway, and pay a flat $5 fee to park until midnight, eliminating the need to circle for a space or worry about expired meters. The city is working jointly with the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District to provide this service. Valet parking services will be overseen by LAZ Parking, and will be available from 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday, through Labor Day weekend. 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.
Correcting the record In the May 27 and June 3 issue of The City Review New Rochelle, the submitted content “New Rochelle Opera to perform ‘Il Trovatore’” was mistakenly referred to as “Il Travatore” in the headline and throughout the release.
City of New Rochelle’s
Official Newspaper
June 17 & 24, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 5
County labor union rallies for new deal A local chapter of the Civil Service Employees Association Inc. held two rallies in front of the Westchester County government’s Edwin G. Michaelian Office Building, located at 148 Martine Ave. in White Plains, on June 7. The union, which represents more than 3,000 employees across multiple county departments, was protesting the lack of
a new labor contract for nearly five years, the longest the union has ever gone without a new agreement in place. The last time the union and the county met to negotiate toward a new contract was in 2014, when CSEA 9200 walked away from the bargaining table following a fact-finder’s recommendations that, if accepted, would lead union members
CSEA 9200 President Kwabena Manu addresses union members at a rally held outside the Westchester County government building on June 7. The union, representing county employees, has been without a contract for more than 1,600 days.
to contribute toward their health care, along with accepting a twoyear wage freeze. “We walked away from the last contract because if we had taken it, it means we’d be taking money out of the pockets of our members,” said Kwabena Manu, president of CSEA 9200. Currently, the union continues to operate under the parameters of the previous contract, which expired on Dec. 31, 2011. The first rally took place from noon to 2 p.m., and another took place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. At the noon gathering, Manu spoke to around 200 union members gathering with custom T-shirts and placards. “We are not here to insult anyone in the county [government],” Manu said. “We are just demanding what we deserve…. Just come to the table with a fair and equitable contract.” However, Manu told members present at the rally that the time has come for the union to pay into their health benefits. “The county is not going to give us any raises if we don’t pay into [them],” he said. “But
CSEA 9200 union members shout, “What do we want? Contract! When do we want it? Now!” during a rally on Martine Avenue in White Plains. The last time the union held negotiations with county officials was in 2014. Photos/Sibylla Chipaziwa
I can promise you that by the end of this year, we will have a contract. If we don’t, vote me out.” Tracey Gamble, a Connecticut resident that has worked in
the county Department of Environmental Facilities for 30 years, said the cost of living is always going up, and that five years without a contract is too long.
“I have three kids in college…. We’re not getting nothing,” he said. “When we speak on it, they [the county government] get mad. It’s crazy.” -Reporting by Sibylla Chipaziwa
6 • THE CITY REVIEW • June 17 & 24, 2016 THE
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FDA ban puts vape shops in danger
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As part of the FDA’s new regulation, each e-liquid sold at White Plains Vapors on Mamaroneck Avenue would need to be registered for federal approval, costing retailers a steep fee for each product. Photos/Suzy Berkowitz
By SUZY BERKOWITZ Editorial Assistant A federal regulation published by the FDA on May 10 classifying all vapor products as tobacco products may soon have a large impact on so-called vape shops acrossthe country. The regulation, which is now included in the FDA’s Federal Register, deems all tobacco products—which now include vapor products—subject to the Tobacco Control Act, a law that gives the FDA the authority to regulate these products as it sees fit. All components of a vaporizer or e-cigarette—including eliquids, atomizers, batteries, cartridges, accessories, digital settings, tank systems, flavoring and programmable software—will be classified as tobacco products, subjecting them to individual regulation. The regulation also classifies hookah products and cigars as tobacco products, and subjects them to the Tobacco Control Act as well. The regulation goes into effect on Aug. 8, 2016, and will require all components of tobacco products manufactured after Feb. 15, 2007 to be registered on an individual basis for federal approval within two years. According to Jeff Stier, a senior fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research, the application process—which requires the submission of all product ingredients, product listings and manufacturing establishments—would cost an estimated $1 million per application. According to Cheryl Richter, owner of the CV Vape Den by Cherry Vape in Port Chester, the new FDA regulation puts her business, among many others, in danger of closing.
Having been manufacturing e-cigarettes and vaporizers for the past eight years, Richter has approximately 75 separate e-liquids on the market, a registration process that would cost her an estimated $9 billion in total. “A lot of these vape shops were created by entrepreneurs who became businesspeople, so this regulation would really be wiping out the entire market,” she said. Vapors, which gained their first patent in China in 2004 and were introduced to the United States in 2007, have since brought in $1.7 billion in revenue nationwide, according to the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association, with approximately 7,000 stores dedicated to the smoking alternative industry throughout the country. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2014, nearly 9 million adults across the country use e-cigarettes as an alternative to traditional smoking. Because e-cigarettes and vapor products are available in varying amounts of nicotine, including none at all, users are able to customize and regulate their nicotine intake, which helps them wean off of it. Spike Babaian, another veteran of the business, opened New York City’s first vape store, Vape NY, in 2011, and currently maintains three locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan. A former smoker, Babaian told the Review she turned to e-cigarettes in 2008 as a healthier alternative. Founder of the annual convention Vapefest and the National Vapers Club, a consumer-based organization about the vaping industry, Babaian said the stipulations of the FDA’s new regulation make it impossible for small business owners, who can’t afford to register each in-
dividual product for approval, to comply. She said even if vapor manufacturers and retailers could pay the registration fee, they are not guaranteed approval by the FDA. “This ban would hand over the market to big tobacco companies because they’re the only ones that can afford to register their products,” Babaian said. The regulation has been eliciting feedback from outside the industry as well. Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican, sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf on
products,” Johnson asks. While Johnson criticizes the regulation, U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, a New York Democrat, applauds it, saying that nicotine and tobacco exposure is a threat to public health. “An estimated 2 million American high school students have now used e-cigarettes,” Lowey said in a released statement. “Children should not have access to these dangerous products, and adults should be aware of health risks associated with their use via new warning labels.” Although the national age to legally purchase a vapor product is 18, some lawmakers across the country have already tried to steer youth away
[This] was obviously an effort to “ wipe us out completely, and now we’re in the fight of our lives. They would basically be putting e-liquid manufacturers in the position of committing a federal offense within the next two years.
”
– CHERYL RICHTER, owner of CV Vape Den behalf of the Committee of Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs questioning the reasoning behind the FDA’s decision to implement a screening process on e-liquids. Johnson mentioned the negative affect that the regulation will have on small businesses, and the reliance on traditional cigarettes that the regulation may force vapor users to return to. “Has the FDA considered the unintended consequences if decreased access to e-cigarettes leads to increased consumption of traditional cigarette and tobacco
from traditional cigarettes by raising the age limit. In 2013, former New York City Mayor Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a Republican, passed legislation banning the sale of cigarettes to anyone under the age of 21; in 2016, California Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat, did the same. With concern over the growing popularity of vapor products among young people, Richter and Babaian agree teenagers aren’t their target audience. They also suspect there to be ulterior motives behind the FDA’s decision to
enact this regulation, considering its financial favorability toward big tobacco companies. Since the formation of the Master Settlement Agreement in November 1998—a deal struck between the five largest tobacco companies and 46 state attorney generals—the tobacco industry has been required to pay the participating states an annual sum of $10 billion indefinitely. According to Richter and Babaian, the rising popularity of vapor products has negatively impacted the revenue of big tobacco companies, putting states’ annual payout in jeopardy. “[This] was obviously an effort to wipe us out completely, and now we’re in the fight of our lives,” Richter said. “They would basically be putting e-liquid manufacturers in the position of committing a federal offense within the next two years. We’re not calling it a regulation; we’re calling it a de facto ban.” With the regulation in place, a growing community of vapers may be forced to find an alternative to their alternative. Richter said vapor products are so successful because they work effectively. She said e-cigarettes’ ability to mimic the physical and psychological habits of traditional smoking and allow the user to regulate their nicotine intake eventually helps them kick the habit completely. “I was a smoker for 32 years and I tried the patch, the gum and giving it up cold turkey,” Richter said, “and this was the only thing that worked. We’ve had so many stories of people who had been smokers for 50 years and quit because they started vaping. It’s life-changing.” CONTACT: suzy@hometwn.com
Vaporizers and e-cigarettes have become one of the most popular alternatives to traditional smoking because it mimics the physical and psychological habits of smoking. Vape retailers say their target audience consist of longtime smokers who want to quit but don’t know how.
June 17 & 24, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 7
Habitat luncheon honors local contributors On June 8, Habitat for Humanity of Westchester honored local volunteers and public officials at its American Dream Luncheon held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains. Among those in attendance were County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein, a Republican, and Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, a Democrat. Review Publisher Howard Sturman, who shared a close friendship with Andrew
O’Rourke, the late former Republican county executive, received an award named after the political heavyweight. Upon receiving the award, Sturman spoke of his memories of O’Rourke, a founding member of the Westchester Habitat chapter, who also provided the organization with its first piece of land in Larchmont nearly 30 years ago. Habitat of Westchester is currently based in New Rochelle and has worked on more than 2,000 new homes and rehabilitation
New Castle Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein, left, is presented with an award for his contributions to the organization by Jim Killoran, Habitat of Westchester CEO.
projects, including Hurricane Sandy and flood homes, with the help of more than 15,000 volunteers last year. According to Jim Killoran, Habitat of Westchester’s CEO, the nonprofit organization’s most recent initiatives are targeted toward the millennial population who can no longer afford to live in Westchester due to rising costs, as well as local veterans who settle in the area. “This luncheon, now more than ever, is a clarion call that we are in an affordable homeowner crisis,” Killoran told the Review. “Every town and city should have affordable home ownership with the help of Habitat in the upcoming years.” As the organization approaches its 30th anniversary in 2019, Killoran is actively seeking volunteers to help build and rebuild Westchester neighborhoods. “We believe the economic success of Westchester is contingent upon people’s ability to live here,” Killoran said. “To that end, we want everyone to pick up a hammer.” -Reporting by Andrew Dapolite
Jim Killoran with student volunteers from Horace Mann School in the Bronx. From left, Ike Kilinc, Nikolas Elrifi and Ben Alexander. Photos/Bobby Begun
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, left, with Review Publisher Howard Sturman. Sturman received the Andrew P. O’Rourke award in honor of the late county executive.
8 • THE CITY REVIEW • June 17 & 24, 2016
Tech. Sgt. Lemm honored at Kensico Dam By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer Police officers, veterans and servicemen joined Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and the family of Tech. Sgt. Joseph Lemm on Monday, June 6 beside the 9/11 Rising memorial at the Kensico Dam in Valhalla to honor the fallen “superman.” Astorino accompanied Lemm’s family, including his wife, Christine, his stepdaughter, Brooke Chaco, and his son, Ryan, down the Westchester Fallen Heroes Memorial Walkway to the tune of “God Bless America,” performed by The Pipes and Drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester, to Lemm’s newly unveiled plaque which lies between an American flag and a U.S. Air Force flag. The county executive called Lemm, a 15-year veteran of the NYPD and sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, selfless, brave and courageous, a family man, a hero and Superman. Moreover, Astorino said
Lemm was a throwback to the heroic soldiers who, exactly 72 years ago, were storming the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. “Not only was Joseph Lemm a throwback to the greatest generation,” the county executive said, “he was the greatest of our generation today.” Lemm, a West Harrison resident, was killed in action on Dec. 21, 2015 in Afghanistan when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive near Lemm’s team outside Bagram Air Field. Lemm sacrificed his life to shield his team from the blast, which killed the sergeant and five other Americans. The Lemm family remained solemn during Father Chris Monturo’s closing prayer and the nine-shot rifle salute, which was followed by a bugle performance of taps. Astorino shook hands with 5-year-old Ryan Lemm, who was wearing dog tags etched with his father’s face, before departing from the family. Lemm is one of 18 heroes recognized in the walkway at
Kensico Dam and the first to represent the Air Force. His plaque is directly across the walkway from the only other Harrison honoree, Sgt. Anthony Kallideen of Purchase, a veteran of both the Army and the Marine Corps. Lemm was also honored in May during Harrison’s Memorial Day parade on May 30, when his stepdaughter Brooke, 17, sang the national anthem and “God Bless America” for the opening and closing ceremonies. Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, who attended the ceremony in Valhalla, told the Review that a service to recognize Lemm’s addition to the Honor Roll Memorial in Ma Riis Park is pending. Belmont noted that the weather and the energy of the Lemm commemoration were reminiscent of the annual 9/11 ceremony beside the Rising memorial. Just like the men and women recognized by the towering steel memorial, Lemm will be remembered in Kensico Dam West Harrison resident Tech. Sgt. Joseph Lemm of the U.S. Air Force is honored with a plaque and wreath at the Kensico Dam in Valhalla.
for decades to come. “Seventy-two years from now, when many of us are long gone, people will come here and read about a great
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, third from right, joins the family of fallen Tech. Sgt. Joseph Lemm in honoring the “real-life superman” at the Westchester Fallen Heroes Memorial Walkway.
man of courage and character, who fought for us as a soldier and served us as a police officer,” Astorino said, “but above all else, to those
who loved him most, was a wonderful son, a husband and father to his family.” CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, second from right, accompanies the family of fallen Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joseph Lemm. Photos/Bobby Begun
June 17 & 24, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 9
Full STEAM ahead for city middle schools
Amanda, 12, stands in front of her Kandinsky-inspired pencil drawings, which demonstrate the Arts element of the science, technology, engineering, arts and math, STEAM, learning. Photos/Sarah Varney
On June 9, middle school students, parents, teachers and administrators gathered to celebrate the first annual “Full STEAM Ahead” program. More than 100 sixth- and seventhgraders from Albert Leonard Middle School and Isaac E. Young Middle School took part in the interdisciplinary presentation that included songs, poems, a puppet show, artwork and research abstracts displayed on posters. The program was overseen by Associate Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dianne Massimo and funded in part by the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence. Joyce Kent, retired chairperson of the City School District of New Rochelle Science Department, served as the project leader. Teachers from both middle schools were part of the effort as well. “It exceeded all of our expectations,” Massimo said. “The crowd was amazing.” Students had from mid-April to the end of May to create their projects. Massimo stressed the interdisciplinary aspect of the students’ efforts. “There were English teachers, math and science teachers at both schools who got really involved with this,” she added.
Aidan, 13, shows his display detailing the science of veterinary medicine. Aidan plans to be a veterinarian.
Isaiah, 13, shows his display on dermatomyositis, a rare skin disease that affects fewer than 200,000 people each year. Isaiah said he wants to raise awareness about the disease because his mother suffers from it.
The overall quality of the projects was a bit of a surprise, considering the students’ tight timeframe, Massimo said.
The dangers of texting while driving were the focus of sixth-grader Sabina’s project.
Alex, 11, uses the subject of “Text Neck” Syndrome and the role of chiropractic medicine in relieving symptoms. He also puts together an original research project in which he tracked the number of his own texts per day and per week to show how craning the neck puts undue strain on it.
“The exhibits were so high quality, so outstanding. We were amazed by the outstanding quality. There was a real buzz
in the air. It was incredible. The students were so excited,” she said. -Reporting by Sarah Varney
Jordan, 17, is in his third year as a teaching intern for the YES!, Young Engineering School, Program. The program targets students interested in engineering careers. Jordan plans to major in bioengineering in college.
10 • THE CITY REVIEW • June 17 & 24, 2016
Youth Council boogies at throwback party
The New Rochelle Youth Council turned the Hugh Doyle Center into a disco afternoon for seniors on Saturday, April 16. About 65 senior citizens attended the Throwbabck ‘70s Partyhosted by The Youth Council of the New Rochelle Youth Bureau, New Rochelle Office for the Ag-
ing, and New Rochelle Parks & Recreation. Lunch and drinks were also served by the Youth Council. Formed in 1993, the New Rochelle Youth Council has sponsored numerous community service events and projects. The NRYB has represented the
city of New Rochelle at various state, county and local youth conferences. Their goal is to empower their members while also producing positive working relationships with caring adults to improve the quality of life for youth residents of New Rochelle. (Submitted)
AGE from page 1
the public system are usually browner, blacker.” According to a 2013 study by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Service’s Office of Justice Research and Performance, while 33.2 percent of Caucasian arrests in New York state resulted in incarceration, that number jumped to about 52 percent for African-Americans, despite the latter constituting a lower portion of overall arrests. Lake said that despite strong supporting evidence that an emphasis on alternative rehabilitative programs outside of the traditional adult correctional facilities usually leads to lower rates of recidivism and crime, chief opposition among state senators has prevented the law from being reformed. “As advocates, we show [government officials] the research that [raising the age] is better for community safety,” Lake said. “It doesn’t seem to resonate with the conservative members of the Senate.” Last year, despite the alloca-
tion of funds in Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget for legislation changing the conviction age and bolstering the family court system, the move was eventually taken out of the final budget after a tepid response from Republican leadership in the Senate. Although the 2016-2017 fiscal year budget allocates $110 million for the legislation, no law is currently in place. As a result of the lack of political will, various religious leaders across Westchester have now joined the cause. “I’ve spent 16 years working with adolescents in youth groups,” said Pastor John Geary of White Plains Presbyterian Church. “[Raise the age] is an opportunity; a brighter future to chart a different course; one that wouldn’t be determined by incarceration.” Recently Geary—who is involved in various issues pertaining to criminal justice reform—was one of 35 clergy members representing various sects, who petitioned the governor’s office to pass legislation in their upcoming budget,
which must be adopted before June 16; the end of the legislative session. Additionally, Julie Killian, city of Rye councilwoman and Republican candidate for state Senate, has shown her support for a form of legislation raising the conviction age. “Sixteen-year-old kids should not be in adult prisons, period,” she said, acknowledging that there are details of the currently proposed legislation that still need to be worked out. “I am confident that progress can be made on this issue.” Already, Cuomo promised to pardon thousands of youth offenders who were cycled into the correctional system for misdemeanors in December 2015, which was heralded by reformers as a significant step forward. Lake, however, maintains some skepticism when postulating about the future. “There’s a lot of work to do,” she said, adding that the conversation surrounding the subject has increased. “But it puts us in a great position for next year.” CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Man sentenced in sexual assault of child Acting Westchester County District Attorney James A. McCarty recently announced that Yordy Lopez, 24, of New Rochelle, was sentenced on June 7 to nine years in state prison after pleading guilty to one count of course of sexual conduct against a child in the first degree, a class B violent felony. Over the time period between
Sept. 1, 2010 and Nov. 30, 2011, the defendant did sexually assault a female child who was 8 to 9 years of age at the time, involving multiple acts of sexual abuse and rape. After an investigation by the New Rochelle Police Department and Special Prosecutions Division of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Of-
fice, the defendant was placed under arrest on April 15, 2015. Along with the prison sentence, the defendant will be required to go through 15 years’ post-release supervision. Assistant District Attorney Christine Hatfield, deputy bureau chief of the Child Abuse Division, prosecuted the case. (Submitted)
Factions across Westchester County and the state are campaigning to raise New York’s conviction age from 16 to 18 years old. Currently, New York is one of only two states in the entire country with such a low threshold. Allison Lake, deputy director of Westchester’s Children’s Association, said the consequences for entering our youth into the correctional system can be dire. Map courtesy raisetheageny.gov
City of New Rochelle’s
Official Newspaper
BURGER BLAST
June 17 & 24, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 11
Pow Burger, on Main Street in New Rochelle, serves up a Mexican BLT burger with tomatoes, mayonnaise, a Mexican-style chimichurri and agaveglazed bacon. Photo/Suzy Berkowitz
More than meats the eye By SUZY BERKOWITZ Editorial Assistant Attendees at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla ate and drank until the cows came home. On Thursday, June 9, Westchester Magazine’s fifth annual Burger and Beer Blast event, which was part of the monthly magazine’s sixth annual weeklong Wine and Food Festival, brought out a record number of almost 3,000 visitors to sample slider-sized patties from vendors across the county and cast their vote for Westchester’s best burger. After a warm welcoming from Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who referred to the
event as the reason why “Westchester has become a destination for foodies,” 32 participating restaurants, four food trucks and two bakeries served the masses, all hoping to boost their clientele, gain exposure and place in this year’s competition. “This is a great event, and some restaurants have been coming back year after year,” said Jennifer D’Ambrosio, Westchester Magazine’s director of marketing. “My favorite part is the friendly competition.” Barbara Glus, manager of Piper’s Kilt on White Plains Road in Eastchester, said the restaurant has been participating in the event for the past four years. She
Attendees at the blast gamble at the Empire City Yonkers Raceway tent, which offered games of blackjack and Russian roulette. This was Empire City’s first year at the event.
said they continue to return to the blast in an effort to reach a consumer base they wouldn’t otherwise have. Showcasing a classic cheeseburger with sauteed onions, Piper’s Kilt snagged third place in this year’s best burger competition, an honor Glus said the 37-year-old restaurant is used to receiving. Having placed within the top three since they started participating in the event, Piper’s Kilt was also awarded Westchester Magazine’s Best of Westchester burger recognition in 2015, an online readers’ choice contest created by the magazine. Another contender at this year’s blast was the Rye Roadhouse on High Street in Rye, which has been participating in the event since its inception. No stranger to acknowledgement,
More than 30 chefs and restaurateurs from across Westchester gather at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla to show off their skills and broaden their client base.
this New Orleans-influenced eatery was also recognized in Westchester Magazine’s 2015 Best of Westchester contest for their fried chicken. Giving customers a taste of their blackened beignet burger topped with smoked Gouda cheese and a Creole rémoulade, Kevin Campbell, co-owner and manager, said he made sure to keep the sliders simple to appeal to the masses. “The event was excellent; it was by far the largest crowd we’ve ever seen,” he said. “We go to build our business and bring in new customers. We got some good feedback.” Campbell said the weekends following the event often bring in new diners who sampled a bite at the festival and are interested in trying the rest of the menu. Although the Rye Roadhouse didn’t place within the top three in this year’s burger competition, they’re confident they did well. Also trying to take home a piece of the pie was Polpettina, an Italian eatery with locations on Larchmont Avenue in Larchmont and Fisher Avenue in Eastchester. Although Polpettina is known for their pizza, co-owner Kyle Inserra said the restaurant participates in the event to show clients that they don’t have any beef with the idea of cooking burgers. Grilling up a classic patty topped with cheddar cheese and
house-made tomato jam on a potato bun, Inserra said although the restaurant has been open for the past six years, gaining more exposure and expanding a client base is always helpful. He also said the event gives restaurateurs the chance to get to know each other. “There are so many of these events in the city, but they’re so rare in Westchester,” he said. “I love spending time with other chefs and getting to taste their food.” Inserra said Polpettina has only attended the blast twice, taking a break in between their last showing, and returning this year to find the event’s consumer base exponentially larger than before. D’Ambrosio said the blast has grown so quickly because Westchester Magazine makes sure to keep the event new and exciting
year after year. This year, Empire City Yonkers Raceway attended for the first time, occupying a tent full of blackjack and Russian roulette tables for guests to enjoy. From gambling to the grill, there was something for everyone at this year’s blast. Taking home the crown for best burger was renowned chef Peter Kelly’s rib-eye-brisket patty, topped with a melted pepper jack and cheddar sauce, spicy cherry peppers and lardoons on a delicate pretzel bun. Kelly, of X20 Xavier’s on the Hudson in Yonkers, has won the competition four out of five years. Coming in second was a burger made by Coals Pizza, which has one location in Port Chester and one in Bronxville. D’Ambrosio said although there was a competitive tone to the day’s events, she hopes the blast was just that for customers and restaurateurs alike. CONTACT: suzy@hometwn.com
Chef Peter Kelly, of X20 Xavier’s on the Hudson in Yonkers, serves customers at Westchester Magazine’s Beer and Burger Blast. Kelly’s burger has been voted best at the blast four out of the last five years. Photos courtesy Facebook
12 • THE CITY REVIEW • June 17 & 24, 2016
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June 17 & 24, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 13
Goodbye to my neighbor RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
When your grandmother dies, everyone knows what to do. Send a note, or at least express condolences. But when a neighbor in your apartment building dies, there isn’t really any protocol, maybe because there are so many different kinds of neighbors: The ones who live to clomp, the ones who put their garbage in the recycling, the “Hi, how are you?” buddies who chat for the length of an elevator ride. But as I walk past the door of my neighbor who died last week, my heart does a weird little plop, and my eyes sting. She was 95, so you couldn’t call it an untimely death. But with her went a piece of joy wrapped in our neighborly obligations. Lolita Llora Walters was born in 1921 to immigrants from Spain. I can tell you her whole life story because every other day or so, I would try to stop by her home, in part for fun and in part because the thought of her sitting there watching TV by herself made me queasy. Most of the times when I’d knock on the door, I was greeted by a cheery but exasperated “Where have you been?” Into the armchair next to hers I’d sink, in an apartment decorated in Old Lady Classics: China plates in the breakfront, a cuckoo clock on the wall, figurines of birds, dogs and saints sat on the shelves under seascapes and city scenes. These shared the wall with a few animal paintings by a
family friend named Mr. Levine, long dead, who used to be an illustrator for the World Wildlife Fund. Many days, Lolita would point to a Levine of meticulously rendered antelopes grazing against a stark white background and explain, “Mr. Levine did not like to paint sky.” For my part, especially as Lolita grew more and more housebound, I’d try to give a taste of the outside world. “Work was insane today,” I’d say. Or, “I’ve just been making soup,” and I’d give her a little overview of the shopping I’d done in the neighborhood. Then we’d share everything from gossip to history. Here’s a bit of the latter: When Lolita was 7—that’s 1928—her older cousins were being taken by their parents to study at a convent in Quebec. Lolita joined them for the journey, but when they got there, the cousins hated it. Not Lolita! She begged to stay. Although she was an only child and the cousins were heading home, her parents acquiesced. Thus, Lolita was educated by French-speaking nuns until she was 17. Summers and holidays, she’d come back home to Queens, and so she remembers going to the movies with her parents. She saw “On the Good Ship, Lollipop” when it was a brand new hit, and so was its star, Shirley Temple. She attended the opening of Radio City Music Hall. When my family watched old movies on Netflix, Lolita would sometimes join us, because for her, Charlie Chaplin wasn’t film history. He was the guy she grew
up watching. “They don’t make movies like that anymore,” she’d say, and she was right. Now the movies talk. When Lolita graduated high school, she moved out to California and quickly got married. By age 20, she had her daughter, Linda—a little girl so pretty that Lolita’s friend told her, “You should put her in the movies.” That friend was Betty White. Everything changed when Lolita’s husband, a pilot, died in a car crash when Lolita was about 22. She moved back to Queens to be near family and raised her daughter here. I heard a lot about the daughter, including the fact, revealed to me very early on after we moved into the building in 2010, that she had died from rheumatoid arthritis about 20 years ago. That meant Lolita had no immediate family, which made being able to tell stories about Linda in her high school years (bullied) or Linda at college (brilliant) or Linda’s nursing career (a true calling, she worked with kids with cancer) even more urgent. Other moms could talk about what their kids or grandkids were up to. Lolita didn’t have that luxury. I couldn’t take the place of her beloved daughter. I wasn’t related. I wasn’t always around. I didn’t stay that long, most visits. But my mom is gone, and so was her child. A neighbor dies and it’s not like losing a grandmother, but sometimes, it sort of is. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
Westchester honored with CIO 100 award Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino recently announced that the Department of Information Technology will be among the 100 organizations honored by CIO Magazine for the development of the TeleCorrections Inmate Kiosk and Video Visitation System. “Our technology team does a terrific job of expanding services, maximizing efficiencies and saving taxpayer money,” Astorino said. “I am proud that Westchester County’s IT has received national recognition for its efforts.” The county’s IT department is responsible for a variety of services that range from maintaining the Westchester Telecom Network to enhancing public safety. Specifically, the department was cited for its custombuilt TeleCorrections Inmate Kiosk and Video Visitation System, which allows inmates to
securely communicate face-toface with people outside the jail, such as a family member or probation officer. The system also provides inmates with controlled access to their commissary balances, court dates, bail amount and visitation schedule. The system was deployed at the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla in November 2011. The Department of Correction estimates that the TeleCorrections system saved the county $400,000 in 2015 by reducing travel and time for probation officers, as well as the wait for bail expediters to meet with inmates, thus reducing the cost of incarceration. By expanding the program across all housing units and allowing visitor access from mobile and tablet devices, usage grew from 1,000 visits in the first year of the program to 1,100 visits each month. Westchester was one of four
municipalities to be honored among the CIO 100, including the city of Long Beach, MiamiDade County and Michigan. In addition to the CIO award, Westchester has been named one of the top 10 digital counties in the United States for the past three years, and 10 times since 2005. CIO Magazine’s 29th annual award ceremony will be held on Aug. 16 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Recipients of this year’s CIO 100 Award were selected through a threestep process. First, companies filled out an online application form detailing their innovative IT and business initiatives. Next, a team of external judges (many of them former CIOs) reviewed the applications in depth, looking for leading-edge IT practices and measurable results. Finally, CIO editors reviewed the judges’ evaluations and selected the final 100. (Submitted)
14 • THE CITY REVIEW • June 17 & 24, 2016
SPORTS
The fun in NBA conspiracies LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
I don’t mind saying it: I love conspiracy theories. Chemtrails, CIA mind control, the Illuminati “relocating” recently deceased celebrities to private, tropical islands. It’s not that I necessarily believe the tin-foil hat folks, I just love hearing their takes. But somewhere mixed in with the crowd that vigilantly dissected the Zapruder film to “prove” that the JFK assassination was actually perpetrated by a nefarious cabal of black hole-worshipping space men, is the group that turned their trained eye toward Left Shark’s freemason symbolism during Katy Perry’s Super Bowl XLIX halftime performance. Of course, I’m talking about sports-truthers. On Sunday, prior to Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it was announced that Golden State
Warriors’ forward Draymond Green would serve a one-game suspension after being retroactively assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for attempting a low-blow on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James in the waning moments of Game 4. Without Green in the lineup on Monday, the Cavaliers avoided elimination with a decisive 112-97 win, sending the series back to Cleveland for a Game 6. To the untrained observer, it seemed like the NBA had made an objective, fair and rational decision. Green is a well-documented agitator on the court, and over the course of the playoffs, has demonstrated a propensity for targeting opponents’ groins, either with his fists or his feet. But to those who are really in the know, what had happened was clear: the NBA was just looking for a way to extend the series. The avalanche of takes started soon after Green’s suspension was announced on Sunday. “The NBA is just looking for
more advertising dollars,” some fans screamed. “A LeBron win is better for the league’s brand!” others opined. Even if the conspiracy theorists can’t agree on exactly why the NBA chose to suspend Green, it’s clear that there is some sort of pro-Cavaliers agenda being passed down from the league office. Of course, when it comes to sports conspiracies, the NBA has always been fertile ground. There is the famed “frozen draft lottery envelope” theory that posits the league maneuvered to ensure that Patrick Ewing ended up on the Knicks in 1985. There are those who believe that Michael Jordan’s first retirement and subsequent baseball career was the result of him being caught by the league for betting on games. Heck, any time a team loses a hard-fought playoff series, there are countless fans who point to unbalanced officiating as part
On Sunday, June 13, the NBA suspended Golden State Warriors’ star Draymond Green for Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Unsurprisingly, the announcement gave rise to more NBA conspiracy theories. File photo
of a league mandate to help one team advance for some reason or another. Now, the Warriors-Cavs series is a little bit closer at 3-2, at press time, but just because Cleveland gets to head back to its home court doesn’t mean that
when everything is settled, the long-suffering city of Cleveland is going to be celebrating its first major sports title since 1946. More than likely, the Green suspension and the Warriors’ Game 5 loss is just a small speed bump on the road to a second-straight
championship for Golden State. But let’s face it: when you’ve had a series as devoid of drama as this one, maybe a little controversy is what’s best for business.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
SPORTS
June 17 & 24, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 15
Newman helps set world record By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor A local swimmer continued to make waves on Saturday, June 11, as Mamaroneck resident Steve Newman helped break a Masters’ swimming world record at the annual Bumpy Jones Classic in Sarasota, Florida. Along with three other members of the Sarasota Sharks swim team, Newman, 54, helped set a new benchmark in the 400-meter long-course medley relay event, as the Sharks finished with a time of 4:44.34, which bested the previous world record by 0.24 seconds. Newman, a math teacher at New Rochelle High School, led off the record-breaking race with a blistering backstroke split
that was roughly a half-second faster than his time a year ago, which helped to spur the Sharks to a historic win. “I knew that if I swam a good race, we would have a chance,” Newman said. “And I think that the fact that I swam as fast as I did gave [my teammates] a little more incentive, and help boost their adrenaline a bit.” Two of Newman’s teammates on Saturday, Rick Walker and Jack Groselle, were part of the Sharks’ team that broke the Masters’ world record in the 800-meter short-course freestyle race last November, and Newman said it didn’t take long for the group to set their sights on another recordbreaking run this spring. “Just looking at everyone’s performances over the last year or
so, we thought we had a shot to break the record,” Newman said. “But it just depended on each individual performing well.” Because the Sharks are based in Florida, Newman had to prepare for last weekend’s race on his own, training at the YMCA in Rye. According to Newman, a combination of dry-land and in-pool workouts helped him to shave precious time off the backstroke heading into the Bumpy Jones Classic. “I really upped my training,” he said. “I generally spent about three days a week doing dry-land training and got in the pool at least five times a week. “The support that I got from my wife and the guys that I trained with at the Rye Y really
Steve Newman, far right, and his Sharks’ teammates cool off in the pool over the weekend.
helped me to get in condition for this.” With the long-course meter season over, Newman and the Sharks will look ahead to the fall, where they hope to take an-
From left, Steve Newman, Rick Walker, Bill Brenner and Jack Groselle pose at the Bumpy Jones Classic in Sarasota, Florida, on June 11. The foursome set a Masters’ world record in the 400-meter long-course medley relay. Contributed photo
other shot at the 800-meter shortcourse freestyle world record. “Unfortunately, I’m not traveling to Oregon this summer for the long-course nationals so we are going to set our sights on
the fall,” he said. “We are going to try to recapture that world record, so that’s we’re looking forward to.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
16 • THE CITY REVIEW • June 17 & 24, 2016