September 2, 2016 by The City Review New Rochelle

THE

CityREVIEW NewRochelle September 2, 2016 | Vol. 4, Number 24 | www.cityreviewnr.com

Resident looks to provide free Wi-Fi in city parks

The Westchester Knicks, the official NBA Development League affiliate of the New York Knicks, will tip off its third season at the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Saturday, Nov. 19. The team’s scheduled has just been released. For info, see page 15. Photo courtesy The Westchester Knicks

By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Editorial Assistant

Legislators condemn Rye’s Playland Article 78 By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Amidst a mounting legal battle between the city of Rye and Westchester County over proposed capital improvements to Playland, many county lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle have continued to assert the county’s authority over the park’s future. The county Board of Legislators’ Litigation Committee, which convened on Aug. 25, has already rejected Rye’s claims that the county had mishandled SEQRA procedure, as well as claims

that the county failed to inform the city of developments at the amusement park. “If the county were to cede that responsibility to the city of Rye, it would establish an improper and likely deleterious precedent for all the other county park properties throughout Westchester,” said Legislator Lyndon Williams, a Mount Vernon Democrat. “This precedent could greatly increase the timeline for all county renovations and repairs.” Rye Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, as well as Michael Gerrard, an attorney retained by the

city who drafted the city’s initial notification of its intent to file an Article 78, have repeatedly claimed that the city has been kept in the dark throughout the process of formalizing projects at the park. “People have differing opinions of what’s been offered and what’s on the table,” said Rye City Councilwoman Julie Killian, a Republican. “The whole thing could benefit from sitting in a room to talk, as opposed to corresponding by email, so that there’s no misrepresentation of what a ‘seat at the table’ actually means.”

According to Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson, now that both sides have firmly taken stances, the county will have until Sept. 23 to submit its arguments to a New York State Supreme Court judge. She told the Review there is no current estimate on when the judge will render a decision. If Rye wins its Article 78, the county would be forced to return back to the drawing board and undergo an entire environmental review process for projects at the park once again. PLAYLAND continued on page 8

A New Rochelle resident is looking to help city youth become more technologically sound by setting up free Wi-Fi in at least two parks starting in the spring. Terrance Jackson, a four-year resident of the city, wants to give back by helping to promote tech skills to youths. He founded a nonprofit organization called StartUpTown to help small businesses and startups, which are new business ventures. The nonprofit also aims to develop entrepreneurial businesses, teach people to get jobs in such ventures, and to encourage the support of local businesses in places like the Bronx and lower Westchester County. StartUpTown also aims to promote technology in various communities. “Research shows that communities that have a vibrant, small business [aspect] are healthier, and home values are higher,” Jackson said. Jackson, along with fellow New Rochelle resident Clayton Banks—the co-founder of Silicon Harlem, a social venture that aims to transform Harlem into a “tech and innovation hub”—decided to help bridge the gap between poor and rich students in New Rochelle by providing one thing that has become a necessity today: the ability to access the Internet, and for free. Two city parks are in Jackson’s sights: Lincoln Park and

Ruby Dee Park, located near the New Rochelle Public Library. Both are open from dawn to dusk. There are already various locations downtown with Wi-Fi access; however, such hotspots may require a cable subscription and/or a password. Other places, including the library, have limited operating hours, an issue for some schoolchildren who may not have Internet access at or close to home. New Rochelle has a child poverty rate of 14.5 percent, according to U.S. Census Bureau 2015 data. “[The parks] are just a starting point to promote an idea, as they are community places,” Jackson said, since many residents and visitors meet to socialize in these spaces. Jackson was inspired by the Red Hook Initiative, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization that provides programs and long-term services for youth development in the Red Hook neighborhood. The nonprofit has a community program called Red Hook WIFI that provides free Internet access in the neighborhood. The Red Hook program also trains young adults, called Digital Stewards, to use technology to improve their and other lives in the community. Jackson said that he hopes to develop a similar program in New Rochelle and throughout Westchester, and is looking to contact the nonprofit should the Wi-Fi in parks WI-FI continued on page 8

2 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

September 2016

Planning ahead... SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Hispanic Heritage Month Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Labor Day, government offices closed

Superintendent’s Conference Day

Board of Education meeting 6 p.m., NRHS Board of Appeals on Zoning 7 p.m., 90 Beaufort Place

National Grandparents Day 9/11 memorial ceremony 11 a.m., Barnard School

Kids Snapper Fishing Derby 8 a.m. to noon, Hudson Park & Beach New Rochelle Street Fair 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Main St. between North & Centre Aves.

City Council public hearing 7 p.m., City Hall

City Council regular meeting 7 p.m., City Hall

Eid Al Adha

SEPTA general meeting 7:30 p.m.

All schools early dismissal

Board of Education special meeting 6 p.m., NRHS

Schools open

Elementary early dismissal

PTSA welcome 7 p.m., NRHS

Municipal Arts Commission 6 p.m., 90 Beaufort Place

Historical Landmark & Review Board 7:30 p.m., 90 Beaufort Place

Civil Service Commission meeting 3 p.m., City Hall

Autumnal Equinox

Industrial Development Agency 7:30 p.m., 90 Beaufort Place

Planning Board meeting 7:30 p.m., 90 Beaufort Place

Corporation for Local Development 7:30 p.m., 90 Beaufort Place

SATURDAY

Down to Earth Farmers Market 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Twin Lakes at NRHS

Downtown BID Grand Market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Library Green

World Suicide Prevention Day Downtown BID Grand Market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Library Green

Downtown BID Grand Market 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Library Green

September 2, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 3

Trinity Church calls for fundraisers Members of the New Rochelle community are invited to participate in the third year of a seven-year savings project leading to the restoration of the roof of a New Rochelle historic landmark. In 1688, the Huguenot religious refugees founded the settlement of New Rochelle and the French Church. From the time the fourth and present church opened on Sept. 13, 1863, it has stood as a major focal point of the city landscape. It is the work of Richard Upjohn, a leading architect of his day. The “Architectural Re-

cord” of April 1909 declared the church “one of the finest works of Upjohn, if not his masterpiece.” In 2013, Trinity St. Paul’s parish committed its 325th anniversary year to raising funds for replacing the roof and painting the exterior of the 1892 Parish House. Those goals were met in 2014. Now, Trinity St. Paul’s has undertaken the challenge of the Upjohn roof. The church is listed on the New York State and National Register of Historic Places. The church is seeking

historic and religious restoration grants to supplement fundraising in the parish, as well as support from the larger New Rochelle community. People can contribute by attending the “Raise the Roof Dinner 2016” on Saturday, Sept. 10; purchasing symbolic slates; and making a pledge towards the restoration of the historic Upjohn slate roof. For more information on how to donate to Trinity St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, email office@trinitystpaul.org, call 6325368 or visit trinitystpaul.org. (Submitted)

RM Staffing lawsuit granted class action status Former waitstaff of Rye Golf Club scored a major victory after a judge granted a motion for class action status in a lawsuit seeking uncompensated overtime and tips. According to attorney Brent Pelton, of Pelton and Associates—the firm representing more than 50 former Rye Golf Club staff members in the suit—the judge’s decision is a major affirmation for the group’s claim. “The judge accepted our view,” Pelton told the Review. “Essentially, he gave the workers everything they were asking for.” The lawsuit, which is seeking more than $4 million in damages, uncompensated overtime and gratuities, stems from a financial scandal at the city-owned golf

club dating back to 2012. At that time, Scott Yandrasevich, then the club’s general manager, was caught embezzling approximately $270,000, according to the Westchester County district attorney’s office, through a series of shell companies he created. Yandrasevich was sentenced to one to three years in state prison and has since been released on parole. The biggest of the shell companies, RM Staffing, used by Yandrasevich to funnel funds, staffed many of the plaintiffs who have joined the class action suit. And according to Pelton, the former staff members are eager to receive the money they believe they’re owed.

“The workers who were having their tips misappropriated haven’t received a dime,” Pelton said. “The delay causes financial damage every week.” The decision to grant a class action status comes several months after a successful claim won by the city against its insurance carrier Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, which awarded the city $1.55 million in February, vindicating the city’s belief that Yandrasevich had stolen much more than he was convicted of. According to the decision rendered on July 28, the two parties’ next meeting will be in November for a pretrial conference. -Reporting by James Pero

4 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

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

The New Rochelle Public Library has reopened the Memorial Highway entrance, but the Lawton Street entrance is scheduled to be closed for construction and is expected to be completed by fall 2016. While construction is underway, the only wheelchair-accessible entrance will be the reopened Memorial Highway doors, which have a ramp leading down from street level. There will be additional wheelchair-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 Library, located on North Avenue in front of New Rochelle High School. Visit nrpl.org for information on these and other events and programs.

Summer hours at libraries Both libraries will be closed Saturday, Sept. 3

through Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor Day weekend. Regular Saturday hours will resume at both libraries on Sept. 10. The main library will resume its regular Sunday hours, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Sept. 11. The Huguenot Children’s Library will remain closed on Sundays. Summer hours at the main library are: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sundays: Closed. Summer hours at the children’s library are: Mondays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays: Closed.

Friends Mini Book Sale The Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library will be holding a mini book sale on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the main library lobby. The book sales include popular novels, mysteries and nonfiction in hardcover and paperback, to children’s books, CDs and DVDs. Proceeds from these sales allow the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library to provide funding for quality children and adult programming, and will help the library by contributing to various projects and improving service to the community.

Job Search Coaching Those who are searching for a job but don’t know where to start are welcome to drop in to see

the job coach on Tuesdays anytime from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Handleman Business Opportunity Center on the second floor. The job coach will help people achieve their goals, one step at a time. Those dropping in to see the job coach should arrive with a pen, calendar, notebook and both a hard and digital copy of their resume. This program is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.

Fundamentals of Microsoft Excel On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon in the third floor Computer Lab. This is a four-session, hands-on class; participants must attend all sessions. An understanding of Windows and keyboard and mouse use is required. Adults will learn how to create, edit and format a simple spreadsheet, perform calculations, save, print and open files in Microsoft Excel. Space is limited. For more information or to register for this free workshop, call 632-7878 ext. 3737 or stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor.

Health Care Navigation Health care navigators will be able to meet with clients by appointment only on Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the second floor Conference Room. Sessions will provide clients with information and assistance with the New York State Department of Health. These sessions are free and open to the public, and an appointment is necessary to be seen. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 813-5192.

City news Valet parking The city of New Rochelle reactivated valet parking services in the downtown area. This whiteglove valet service 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.

Parks and beach are open Hudson Park Beach is open every day, conditions permitting, through 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 value, 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 Islands Park, Davenport Park, Cameron Dock, Sharkey Park and Neptune Park. For more information, visit newrochelleny.com.

Glen Island Park

Internet for Beginners

Westchester County Car Show

On Friday, Sept. 2 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the third floor Computer Lab. Adults will learn about the Internet, how to navigate a web browser, and then apply their new skills by exploring the library’s website. Space is limited. For more information or to register for this free workshop, call 632-7878 ext. 3737 or stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor.

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino invites classic car buffs to the Westchester County Car Show on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. Registration for exhibitors on that day is from 8 a.m. to noon. Admission is free for spectators. There is a parking fee of $5 per car. In case of rain, the event will be cancelled. The show will feature displays of a wide variety of classic and collectible cars, street rods and motorcycles, all carefully restored to mint condition or modified for performance. The Westchester Street Rod Association will present more than 100 trophies to the best vehicles, classified by decades up to modified 2016. For information on entering a car or bike, call 260-9274, 666-2057, 844-8240 or 203-536-0747. For information about being a vendor at the event, call Beth Bricker at 231-4645. The car show is sponsored by Westchester County Parks, the Westchester Street Rod Association and Sassone Bros. Auto Body Repairs.

New Rochelle Art Association Juried exhibition submissions The New Rochelle Art Association’s 101st annual Open Juried Exhibition is coming soon. Works in oil/acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, graphics, pastel, photography, sculpture and fine crafts are eligible for submission. There will be $2,500 in cash and awards for winners. This year’s judge is David Boyajian. The online submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 2. Exhibitors will receive notification on Saturday, Sept. 10. Work will be dropped at the main location of the New Rochelle Public Library on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. The exhibit will run through Sunday, Oct. 23, when work will be removed. A reception will be held at the library on Sunday, Sept. 25. For more information, visit nraaonline.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.

@ cityreviewnr

September 2, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 5

Harrison considers joining EMS consortium By COREY STOCKTON Staff Writer The town/village of Harrison is considering merging its emergency medical services with those of the neighboring municipalities of Rye, Port Chester and Rye Brook. The three communities, which all border Harrison to the east, operate out of one station and use two ambulances, according to the corps’ website. The unit is comprised of 45 members, including 16 volunteers. Harrison EMS currently utilizes four ambulances and employs about 60 EMTs and paramedics, most of whom are employed on a parttime basis. Harrison Councilman Joe Stout, a Democrat, said although the communities involved are considering the move, no decisions have been made. He added that if Harrison’s EMS does join forces with the other communities, it is likely the station in Harrison will remain open. “I think we need to look at all the options to keep a local ambulance service in town,” he said.

The potential merger follows a dispute between EMS and the town board earlier this year which largely concerned alleged poor management structure and misuse of funds by the EMS. On March 31, Harrison EMS announced that they would have to discontinue services after not receiving their usual quarterly stipend of $137,500 from the town. At the time, Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican, claimed the town had stopped funding EMS due to mismanagement by the EMS chief and board. The town has since dispersed several monthly payments of $45,833, and town officials said they would continue to operate the EMS unit on a month-tomonth basis until further notice. Al Mignone, chairman of the Harrison EMS, said the EMS board has attempted to restructure its ranks and create better communication between the town and EMS since the fallout back in March. Rye City Manager Marcus Serrano said that Harrison

would not incur any additional cost if it were to join the consortium; however, the department would be required to use its own equipment and staff, but would adopt the group’s management structure. Serrano added that before adopting Harrison into the group, the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS board must first ensure that the group will not see any additional costs of its own or weaken its level of service. Mignone said he supports joining forces with Rye-Port Chester-Rye Brook EMS, but said he also asked the town board to consider joining the Mamaroneck Ambulance District. The village of Mamaroneck’s EMS service operates a 24-hour ambulance specified for advanced life support, offering the highest service available outside of a hospital. Scott Moore, administrator of the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS, and Belmont could not be reached for comment as of press time. CONTACT: corey@hometwn.com

The Harrison EMS station may soon become part of a larger unit, as the Harrison town board and the Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS are each mulling the possibility of merging Harrison’s ambulances services into the larger consortium. Harrison may also consider joining the Mamaroneck Ambulance District. File photo

6 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016 THE

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Local chef awarded

James Beard grant

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Guadalupe Hernandez has been working at The Spotted Pig in New York City since May, learning the ins and outs of the restaurant business under renowned chef and co-owner April Bloomfield. Photo courtesy Facebook

Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers James Pero, Corey Stockton, Franco Fino Staff Photographers Bobby Begun, Andrew Dapolite Intern Josh Stabile Columnist Lenore Skenazy

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Guadalupe Hernandez, 43, recently received a culinary grant from the James Beard Foundation to undergo a women leadership mentor program. She was one of 21 women selected nationwide. Photo courtesy Guadalupe Hernandez

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Guadalupe Hernandez has been cooking for a living ever since immigrating to the United States from Mexico to be with her husband in the early 90s. Once here, Hernandez cared

Send address changes to: The City Review New Rochelle c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601

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for the elderly to both make money and improve her English, bringing meals from home to work. “Sometimes when I’d warm up my food and they’d see me eat, my clients would ask what the food was,” she said. “Eventually, I started cooking for them.” She became a private cook to mostly elderly clients, so she had to be mindful of various dietary restrictions, including lowsodium and low-fat. Hernandez, a resident of Rye, decided to become a professional chef and enrolled in culinary school two years ago. Having had her fill of cooking privately, she also started looking for restaurant jobs,

only to be told that she didn’t have the requisite experience. “But I have been cooking for almost 20 years; I know how to cook a steak, I know how to cook an egg,” she’d say. Hernandez, 43, started volunteering and earning internships, finally gaining restaurant experience. She then noticed culinary scholarships and grants, and began applying for those, too. Hernandez applied for one particular grant within hours of its deadline. Earlier this year, the James Beard Foundation, a culinary nonprofit organization, notified Hernandez that she was one of 21 women selected nationwide

for its Women in Culinary Leadership grant. “I decided to apply because I felt I met the requirements they were asking for,” she said. “I’m so honored to have received this grant. I’ve worked hard to be at this level.” The James Beard Foundation’s mission is to “celebrate, nurture, and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire.” The nonprofit is named after James Beard, called the “Dean of American cookery.” After his death in 1985, his Greenwich Village brownstone was transformed into the foundation’s base for culinary heritage and programs. Candidates of the leadership grant will participate in either a six- or 12-month mentor/grantee program. The program exposes candidates to the front and back of house of a restaurant. Front of house means the areas that guests are exposed to, and back of house covers the kitchen, employee areas and offices. All candidates have had some form of culinary or hospitality experience through school or past employment. Hernandez in particular will mainly focus on back-of-house aspects. Now in its third season, the Women in Culinary Leadership Program offers hands-on mentorships, giving women the chance to break through the culinary world’s “glass ceiling” by working with industry leaders

and building restaurant and/or kitchen skills. “There are so many wonderful women in the industry, but that’s not enough,” said Shelley Menaged, manager of special projects and student programs for the James Beard Foundation. “We’re giving these women a leg up… a chance to take it to the next level.” Hernandez started her mentorship this past May at The Spotted Pig in New York City, under renowned chef and co-owner April Bloomfield. The restaurant offers a fusion of American and Italian cuisines. “I’m like a sponge trying to learn as much as I can,” Hernandez told the Review of her experience so far. As a woman of color in a white, male-dominated industry, Hernandez says she does not experience discrimination based on her gender and race anymore. “I don’t think there’s a big difference now between men and women, especially in the kitchen,” she said. “If you go to the back of a restaurant, especially the prep team, most of them—if not 100 percent—are Hispanic. Being in an environment like that, it’s awesome because I can work with everybody. There’s no racism. We all want to work.” A representative from The Spotted Pig could not be reached for comment. CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com

September 2, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 7

New Rochelle launches ‘Adopt-a-Street’ New Rochelle’s commercial streets will benefit from the added attention of local businesses and organizations through the city’s new Adopt-a-Street program. Launched this summer, Adopt-a-Street focuses on the beautification of corridors within and surrounding business districts. Application is open to New Rochelle businesses, nonprofits,

civic groups and governmental entities. The program requires a minimum of six scheduled cleanups throughout the year, including a major cleanup in the spring. The city will provide the necessary supplies. Participants will be recognized on signage along the adopted street section. “By partnering with local businesses, institutions, neigh-

borhood associations and civic groups, we can keep New Rochelle’s roadways looking their best,” said Mayor Noam Bramson. Program guidelines and an application form are available on the city website at newrochelleny.com/adoptastreet or by calling the Bureau of Streets and Highways at 235-4029. (Submitted)

City launches student housing registration • Provide important contact information in the event of an emergency. A student housing business is defined as a one- , two- , threeor multi-family dwelling that houses three or more students attending or registered to attend a college or university, or who are on a semester or summer break from studies at a college or university. Information about the location, premises, owner contacts and fire safety will be collected. Additionally, a designated property manager, either a superintendent living in the premises or a local managing agent with offices in the city of New Rochelle

or an abutting town, who is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, must be named. To register, visit newrochelleny.com/studenthousing. There is no fee to register or renew. Penalties for non-compliance may be assessed. Registration must be completed by Sept. 30. This registration is effective through May 31, 2017 and must be renewed annually thereafter. Please contact Lisa Davis, the business ambassador, at 654-2189 or ldavis@newrochelleny.com for any additional information. Thank you for your cooperation and participation. (Submitted)

P U B LI S H ES

Mamaroneck THE

REVIEW

CityREVIEW T Harrison NewRochelle REVIEW THE

Eastchester REVIEW THE

INSIDE

A new law instituted by the city of New Rochelle now requires all property owners housing three or more students within New Rochelle to register their property on the city’s newly created Student Housing Business Registration website. Initial registration must be completed by Sept. 30, 2016. The information collected will help the city: • Create a comprehensive student housing directory. • Protect the safety of students from overcrowding situations. • Mitigate any negative impact of student housing on surrounding neighborhoods.

INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY

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8 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

FBI plans to relocate to field office to Rye

After its lease agreement expires for its location in White Plains, the FBI plans to relocate its field office to Midland Avenue in Rye, pictured. Photo/Franco Fino

Following the expiration of its current lease agreement for its location in White Plains, the FBI will relocate its field office to a larger facility in the city of Rye. The agency is expected to relocate from 222 Bloomingdale Road in White Plains to a newer 30,000-square-foot facility at 600 Midland Ave. in Rye, according to an FBI spokeswoman, who wished to remain anonymous. The relocation, which is expected as early as December, will transpire out of need to “stand alone” and in the interest of improving security, according to the spokeswoman. The agency will be the only tenant in the Midland Avenue building. The new FBI field office, which sold for $6 million in Janu-

ary 2015, according to New York Commercial Realty Group, will continue serving as a centerpiece for counter-terrorism in Westchester and Putnam counties. Aside from the agency’s plans to improve security, officials would not disclose any further information about the move to Rye. Rye City Manager Marcus Serrano, who didn’t have any knowledge as to why the FBI was relocating to Rye, said, “It’s beneficial in case we need to work with them for any reason.” He also noted that Michael Corcoran, the city of Rye police commissioner, is happy with the FBI’s plans to relocate. According to Serrano, the city

does not have any jurisdiction relating to the FBI’s purchase of the two-story Rye building, but “there would not be any major consequences” as to whether or not the FBI relocated to Midland Avenue. The building was once occupied by USAlliance Federal Credit Union, a full-service notfor-profit financial institution. The bureau currently has 18 field offices in the state, including three main offices in New York City, Buffalo and Albany, and five smaller resident agencies in the metropolitan area. Corcoran and Rye City Mayor Joe Sack, a Republican, could not be reached for comment, as of press time. -Reporting by Franco Fino

Astorino seeks Senior Hall of Fame nominations Do you know a senior who is making or has made a positive difference in Westchester County through his or her professional life, volunteer work or both? If so, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino invites you to submit a nomination to the Westchester Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, now in its 34th year. “The Hall of Fame is a special tradition that honors seniors who have given their time and energy to improve the quality of life in their communities or the county at large” Astorino said. “Don’t miss this great opportunity to shine a light on people who merit special recognition for their contributions.” Those selected will be inducted into the Senior Hall of Fame at a festive luncheon on Friday, Dec. 2 in the Grand Ballroom of the Westchester Marriott Hotel

in White Plains. Nominations are due by Friday, Sept. 16 and may be obtained online at westchestergov. com/seniors. To be nominated, a person must: be at least 60 years old and live in Westchester; have made significant contributions to improve life in the county; be an outstanding leader or advocate; have done professional work that reflects innovative solutions to fulfill unmet community needs (if nomination is based on paid professional work); and not be a past Hall of Fame inductee (see the list of former inductees at westchestergov.com/seniors). All nominations will be reviewed by a judging committee of past Senior Hall of Fame honorees, members from the county Department of Senior Programs and Services’ Aging Network, the county’s Senior Council and

the Older Americans Act Advisory Council. Gala hosts are the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services, DSPS, Westchester County Parks and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services. DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said that seniors have helped Westchester to become known for its renowned quality of life. “Today’s older generation molded a way of life that reflects the caring and generosity of its people,” she said. Please submit your nominations online at westchestergov. com/seniors, or if you prefer to mail your nomination, contact Rose Cappa at rose@theeventdepartmentny.com or 747-0519. Also contact Cappa to learn how to become a Hall of Fame sponsor or to sponsor a particular honoree. (Submitted)

PLAYLAND from page 1

This will allow the city to challenge a declaration of lead agency—which is the first step in a SEQRA process—in front of the state Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner. Among the major projects that have given the city pause are plans currently being mulled by the Board of Legislators to either remove or renovate the park’s historic pool, which could potentially open the door for a new dining area. In May, the county entered into a 30-year agreement with the management company Standard Amusements, that aims to inject $60 million of capital improvements into the park for infrastructure and rides; $30 million of that sum would come from taxpayers through bonds. The Article 78, which was filed by the city in August, challenges the county’s status as

WI-FI from page 1

initiative start to take off. Jackson has sent out emails to the New Rochelle City Council and various potential sponsors of the initiative, and is waiting to approach the council with a formal proposal. He also plans on having fundraising events, such as a fair and even a 5K, to spread awareness and to ensure

Last week, county legislators met to discuss mounting litigation regarding a round of capital projects at Rye Playland. File photo

lead agency for capital projects at the park and harkens to a former debate between the two entities over a similar matter. In 2011, the city had threatened to sue over a potential 78,000-square-foot field house that City Council members and residents claimed would exacerbate flooding and affect living conditions for neighboring residents. While the dispute didn’t result in any formal litigation be-

tween the two, the field house project, along with an agreement between the county and then potential manager Standard Playland Inc., was eventually scrapped in the wake of local resistance. The city has not yet formerly pushed for an injunction, which would put a pause on park projects, but it continues to mull over its right to do so.

the service will be free when it launches, tentatively in the spring. On Sept. 16, Jackson and Banks will hold a forum at 6:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army, located at 22 Church St. “This [forum] is to plant the seed, to put the idea out there, and get feedback from community members and gauge the support,” Jackson said. The city recently installed

Soofa charging stations in three parks, including Ruby Dee, which also provide free Wi-Fi and use solar energy. Jackson was not aware of the Soofas, but said that his initiative is not in a bid to compete. “It’s just wanting to help out the community,” he said, “the more, the merrier.”

CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com

September 2, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 9

Guidance Center of Westchester gets $100K grant Iona sports graduate program to launch this fall

Students from New Rochelle, Mount Vernon and Nelson Mandela high schools enjoyed a three-day, twonight college tour funded by the Westchester Community Foundation. Contributed photo

The Guidance Center of Westchester, TGCW, recently announced that the agency received a grant for $100,000 from the Westchester Community Foundation. The grant is dedicated to TGCW’s Center for College & Careers, CCC, a program which helps ensure academic success and college preparedness to first-generation students in the cities of New Rochelle and Mount Vernon. “Westchester Community Foundation is a longtime supporter of the Center for College & Careers. Because of their belief in our program, hundreds of students are accepted to, enrolled in and graduating from college,” says Daniel Bonnet, director of the Center for College & Careers. “The foundation’s generosity will help ensure that the 300 students who participate in our program will have the support they need to thrive in high

school and in college. We’re excited to include two new components to help improve college retention.” This year, the grant expanded to include a persistency component, focusing on students throughout their college career. Thanks to the Westchester Community Foundation, a part-time financial aid counselor and a year-round persistency counselor will work with CCC alumni to help ensure that the students graduate college. The grant continues to provide for college preparation, academic tutoring and case management for high school students. It also covers the expense of local college tours and an overnight tour. Westchester Community Foundation’s mission is to connect generous people to the causes they care about and invest in transformative ideas and organizations to improve lives

and strengthen the community. WCF is a division of The New York Community Trust, one of the largest community foundations in the country, with assets of approximately $2.6 billion. The Guidance Center of Westchester is committed to improving the well-being of people of all ages through innovative and effective programs that enable everyone to learn, work and thrive. Its programs help with mental health and wellness; early childhood development, substance use and recovery; college and career preparation; and housing stability. Its Center for College & Careers secures the foundation for lifelong success by helping students obtain a high school diploma, and go on to college with the skills and confidence necessary to thrive. To learn more, visit TheGuidanceCenter.org and WCF-NY. org. (Submitted)

Advertise with us!

Coming this month, Inside WC will take a look at arts in Westchester. If you’re interested in advertising in our “Fall for Arts” issue, please contact sales representative Lindsay Sturman at 653-100 ext. 14 or lsturman@hometwn.com.

A new Master of Arts degree program in Sports Communication & Media, SCM, will launch this fall at Iona College. The program is designed to prepare students for the world of sports media. Students will be trained to function at the highest level of professional competence and integrity in all aspects of sports media, including live game reporting and producing, TV/radio production and writing, producing a sports documentary, and all digital facets of this multimedia industry. "The SCM program is geared to train students in a personal manner under professional setting,” said Mike Damergis, program coordinator. “Our graduate students will create content that will be broadcast on the Fantasy Sports Network and they will have an incredible opportunity to produce live events under the direction of Iona Athletics and ESPN3.” The program blends traditional coursework with engagement in

real-world broadcasting of professional and collegiate sports. “Advanced students will have the chance to cover professional teams throughout Westchester County, Connecticut and New York City. Learn by doing is the motto here," Damergis added. Iona’s proximity to New York City provides the ideal location for students to gain practical experience in the ever-changing sports industry. Graduates will be well-positioned for careers in all areas of athletic communications and sports broadcasting. Offered in the evenings to accommodate the working student, courses are tailored specifically to prepare students for the sports broadcasting industry. Small class sizes provide the opportunity to be mentored by the faculty. SCM will be taught by industry professionals that will bring their expertise to the classroom and create opportunities through internships and networking on all levels. On completing the program,

students will have a solid portfolio of professional work they can showcase to potential employers. See more about Iona's M.A. degree program in Sports Communication & Media at iona.edu. Founded in 1940, Iona College is a four-year private Catholic coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers and American Catholic higher education. Located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, it is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona College is the second-largest private sector employer in New Rochelle. (Submitted)

Chase is a super sweet Lab/whippet mix, about 3 years old and 33 pounds. He loves going for romps in the dog park and is friendly with other dogs and people, too; although he gets a little nervous when people approach him quickly. His foster mom has been doing some training to help build his confidence; he loves having boundaries and a predictable routine. He is such a smart boy! At the end of the day, Chase just loves to cuddle and hang out with you. And he is totally housebroken, too. Chase is neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, heartworm-tested and microchipped. Make Chase part of your family for an adoption donation of $300 to Pet Rescue. To learn more, call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)

10 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

September 2, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 11

12 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

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September 2, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 13

Halle Berry and the war on moms RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy

The trailer for Halle Berry’s new movie shows beautiful Berry and her boy playing “Marco Polo” at a busy playground on a sun-dappled day. “Marco!” says Berry. “Polo!” chirps the boy, who looks to be about 5. “Marco!” calls Berry. “Polo!” comes the reassuring reply. “Marco!” I think you can guess what comes (or rather, doesn’t come) next. The movie’s title is “Kidnap.” The plot is based on our culture’s favorite parenting tale: The Mom Who Looked Away and Lost Her Kid. We have absorbed it so deeply that we shame any mom who isn’t watching her kids 24/7. Maybe you’ve seen the viral Facebook video where a guy screams at a mom who is buying a phone at the phone store and can see her kid in the car the whole five minutes she’s running her errand? Or maybe you heard about the mom who was arrested last week for letting her kids, ages 8 and 9, wait in the condo for under an hour while she went to pick up dinner? A new study out of the University of California at Irvine may have figured out why we are reacting as if those short waits are crazy dangerous. Researchers Ashley J. Thomas, P. Kyle Stanford and Barbara W. Sarnecka discovered that when it comes to child safety, our risk assessment is determined not by a rational analysis of the facts, but by our judgment of the parent—particularly the mom.

And in a society that has become convinced, mostly from a surfeit of “Law & Order,” that children must be under constant adult supervision, we think any mom who doesn’t do that has put her kids in danger. What kind of mom endangers her kids? An immoral one. So it’s a feedback loop: Unsupervised kids have immoral moms, immoral moms endanger their kids. But here’s what the researchers found out: The more immoral we think the mom is, the more danger we see in her actions. In the study, participants were given a series of vignettes in which kids were left unsupervised. In each of these vignettes, the kids’ age, location and amount of time they were left alone were the same. The only thing that differed was the reason the mom left. In one scenario, for instance, the mom was dropping a book off at the library when she was hit by a car, knocked unconscious and no one realized the child was still in the car until 30 minutes later. In other scenarios, the mom left the child for 30 minutes to do some work, volunteer, or simply relax. And in another, she left for 30 minutes to meet with her lover. How much danger was the child in, on a scale of 1 to 10? “When the mother unintentionally left the child alone, people rated those scenarios safer than when she intentionally left the child alone,” Thomas told me in a phone interview. So when the child was unsupervised due to circumstances beyond the mom’s control, the kid was judged safer than when the

mom deliberately went to work, volunteer, relax or—the highest danger perception of all—have an affair. In other words: If we think the mom is bad, we think her kids are in more danger than if she’s good, like the mom who was hit by a car but otherwise did not intend to leave her child’s side. And here’s where it gets really nasty: When the researchers substituted dads for moms in their scenarios, the dads’ workrelated absences were treated the same as their unintentional absences. Their kids were perceived at the lowest level of danger. But when women left their kids to do some work, the perceived danger increased. Unconsciously, we seem to consider moms as selfishly, immorally choosing to endanger their kids by going to work. The researchers caution that their dad-scenario sample was small. But they also point out that the only model of childrearing that the public seems to deem decent is an old-fashioned one that only the wealthiest families can afford today: A stay-athome mom or someone hired to fill that role, constantly supervising the kids. Now the researchers’ hope and mine is that once we start to recognize the difference between real danger and our unconscious condemnation of moms who don’t live up to some 1950s mom ideal, we will stop arresting the ones who give their kids some unsupervised time, either out of necessity or FreeRange choice. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com

Astorino announces free Senior Law Day Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino recently announced that the 17th annual Senior Law Day will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the County Center in White Plains. The free event will feature 20 workshops on elder law topics, plus free 15-minute, one-on-one consultations with some of the county’s leading legal, financial and geriatric care experts. Parking is also free. “Successful aging is a lifelong process that requires thoughtful planning,” Astorino said. “It’s never too early to get yourself on the right path, and even if you’ve delayed putting together a plan, then now’s the time to start. Senior Law Day offers direct access to the professionals, free of charge. I encourage all residents to join us at the County Center, and I appreciate the private sector’s increased support over the past year.” Registration for Senior Law Day is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Visit westchestergov.com/seniors or call 8136300 to sign up. Seniors can register for the one-on-one consultations on the day of the event. Senior Law Day will provide a wealth of useful information and resources, including: • Workshops covering everything from estate and financial planning to health care and affordable housing, taxes, wills, trusts and much more, including two workshops in Spanish. • A free copy of “MAP: My Aging Plan,” a booklet that details what individuals and families can do from their 20s through their 80s and beyond to age successfully. • A review of long-term care policies (participants should bring a copy of their policy to the event).

• Updated copies (upon request) of the “Elder Law Q&A: An Introduction to Aging Issues and Planning for the Future,” in both English and Spanish. Questions or comments can be emailed to seniorlawdayinfo@gmail.com or tweeted to @seniorlawday. Senior Law Day builds upon the county’s award-winning Livable Communities initiative, which aims to empower Westchester’s older adults to remain in their homes as they age with dignity, independence and civic involvement. This past spring, Senior Law Day expanded and launched a new event in Yorktown, where hundreds of Northern Westchester residents participated in free workshops and consultations. Additional evening programs are offered in partnership with the Westchester County Library System throughout the year. “An estimated 7,000 seniors, family members and caregivers have benefitted from this program since Senior Law Day began in 1999,” said Mae Carpenter, commissioner of the county’s Department of Senior Programs and Services, DSPS. “I get many questions from seniors and families, like ‘When do I get started with estate planning?’ and ‘Should I continue to pay premiums for long-term care insurance?’ Senior Law Day is a great resource where seniors and their families can begin and continue planning their journey into aging.” Senior Law Day is presented by DSPS, the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services, and the Ninth Judicial District of the New York State Office of Court Administration. Steven A. Schurkman, a partner with Keane & Beane

in White Plains, is chair of the annual Senior Law Day program and author of “Elder Law Q&A.” His associate, Sarah A. Steckler, is program manager. Please visit seniorlawday. info for a wealth of useful information. The resources mentioned above are also available at seniorcitizens.westchestergov. com/senior-programs-and-services/publications. Sponsors of this year’s Senior Law Day are: Amoruso & Amoruso LLP; Bernie Leiner; Long Term Care Insurance; Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP; Covey, Roberts & CarmodyRoberts LLC; Cuddy & Feder LLP; Ely J. Rosenzveig & Associates P.C.; Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano LLP; Ferncliff Cemetery Association; Glassman & Brown LLP; Hyman & Gilbert; Interim HealthCare of Greater NY; Keane & Beane P.C.; Lamson & Cutner P.C.; Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Ashe PLLC; Law Office of Valorie Joy Promisel; Life House Pooled Trust Services; Littman Krooks LLP; Lob Planning Group; Robert Leitner CFP; RIA, Financial Advisory Network; Rosenthal & Markowitz LLP; Salvatore M. Di Costanzo, Esq.; Shamberg Marwell Hollis Andreycak & Laidlaw P.C.; The Bristal Assisted Living; The Center for Special Needs Trust Administration Inc.; The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale; The New Jewish Home Sarah Neuman; The Osborn & Osborn Home Care; The Woodlawn Cemetery; Wartburg; Westchester Elder Care Consultants LLC; and Westchester Library System. For sponsorship information, please call Martha Marzano at 813-6435 or visit seniorlawday. info/sponsors. (Submitted)

SPORTS

14 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016

The uncertainty of September LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

Most sports fans hope against hope that one day, their teams will be good. But sometimes, at least in my mind, “good” doesn’t always equal “fun.” Let’s face it; neither the Mets nor Yankees are particularly good teams at the moment, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t entertaining as heck to watch. In fact, I find that their shortcomings—and their upsides—are poised to make this one of the more intriguing months of local baseball in recent memory. As the calendar turns to September, the Bombers and the Amazin’s find themselves in similar positions. Both New York teams are just a few games out of the final wild card, have been playing solid baseball down the stretch, and if they can string together a few more weeks’ worth of series wins, could potentially

find themselves in a position to control their own playoff destiny. But neither team’s season has unfolded quite the way the respective organizations had envisioned prior to the start of the year. The Mets, of course, were coming off of a run to the World Series, armed with one of the most promising pitching staffs that baseball had seen in recent years, a budding outfield star in Michael Conforto, and the potential to get a full year out of captain David Wright, who is finally getting the chance to play for a winner for the first time in about 10 years. Of course, it being the Mets and all, injuries derailed the seasons of Matt Harvey and Steven Matz; spinal stenosis limited Wright to just 37 games; and Conforto has looked lost at the plate and ended up spending a good portion of the season playing for the Mets’ AAA affiliate in Las Vegas. So how have the Mets man-

aged to keep afloat? Mostly because of the contributions of Yoenis Cespedes, who has also spent his share of time on the DL this season; Jose Reyes, who returned for his second go-around with the club after being released by the Colorado Rockies; and the ageless Bartolo Colon, who, with his 12-7 record, made the All-Star team again, 18 years after his first selection. Is this team close to as talented as it was a year ago? Not a chance; but watching this scrappy team compete day in and day out has certainly made for some compelling television in August. And when was the last time that the team from the Bronx had this type of energy around it? I’m not simply talking about success on the field. The Yankees, despite their success over the past 20 years—or perhaps because of it—have been historically boring for the last several ones. It has been an organization that has been content to trot out overpaid veterans year after

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

As the calendar turns to September, both the Mets and Yankees find themselves in the midst of the playoff hunt. But neither team’s season has gone quite as expected. Photo courtesy Groupe Canam

year, competing for—and winning—a division title or World Series from time to time. But for the first time since 1995, there’s a sense that the organization is in flux, but in a good way. A new crop of young players are becoming the face of the organization. Players like Aaron Judge, who still can’t really hit the offspeed stuff, but

has demonstrated the ability to launch mammoth home runs; Didi Gregorious, who is having a breakout season at age 26; and Gary Sanchez, who is hitting .383 with 11 homers in just 24 games, are forming a new nucleus that could be the start of a new dynasty. Will the Baby Bombers wilt under the pressure of a play-

off race? Can the Mets make the postseason with unknowns like Robert Gsellman taking the mound every five days? I honestly don’t know. And that uncertainty is what is going to make September so darn exciting.

Follow Mike on Twitter @livemike_sports

SPORTS

September 2, 2016 • THE CITY REVIEW • 15

D-League Knicks unveil schedule

Cleanthony Early takes the floor for the Knicks.

The Westchester Knicks, the official NBA Development League affiliate of the New York Knickerbockers, will tip off its third season at the historic Westchester County Center in White Plains on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m., facing the Greensboro Swarm, the Charlotte Hornets’

new affiliate. The team will open the season on the road on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. against the Delaware 87ers, the Philadelphia 76ers’ affiliate. The Westchester Knicks will host each of the three newest NBA Development League teams twice. The Greensboro

Jimmer Fredette handles the ball for the Westchester Knicks during the 2015-16 season. Fredette was called up to the NBA by the New Orleans Pelicans last year. Photos courtesy Westchester Knicks

Swarm return to Westchester on Saturday, Feb. 25 following the team’s home opener. The Windy City Bulls, the Chicago Bulls’ affiliate, will visit for a back-toback matchup on Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb 4. Fans will be able to catch the newest New York basketball rivalry when the

Allan Houston, Westchester Knicks general manager, works with young players during an August camp.

Long Island Nets, the Brooklyn Nets’ affiliate, visit on Thursday, March 16 and close the regular season on Saturday, April 1. Of the 24 home games at the Westchester County Center, 14 are scheduled to take place on either a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. This year’s schedule also in-

cludes the team’s annual School Day game on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. A full list of promotions, giveaways and theme nights will be available soon. Prior to the 24-game regular season, Westchester will participate in one preseason game at home, with the matchup to be

announced at a later date. MSG Networks will be telecasting Westchester Knicks games again this season, and all games are also broadcast live on YouTube. The 2016-17 Westchester Knicks will be led once again by head coach Mike Miller, who guided last season’s team to its first-ever playoffs appearance following a 28-22 record during the regular season. New York Knicks assistant general manager and legend Allan Houston returns for his third season as the Westchester Knicks’ general manager. Under his leadership, the team has had three players receive an NBA Call-Up (Langston Galloway, New York Knicks; Jimmer Fredette, New Orleans Pelicans and New York Knicks; and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, New York Knicks), while two NBA players have been sent to Westchester on assignment (Cleanthony Early, New York Knicks; and Damien Inglis, Milwaukee Bucks). Season memberships and group tickets for the 2016-17 season are on sale now. For more information, visit WestchesterKnicks.com or call 559-6889. Fans can stay up-to-date on team news by following the team at @ wcknicks on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, and on Facebook at facebook.com/wcknicks. (Submitted)

16 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 2, 2016