December 8, 2017 by The City Review New Rochelle

THE

CityREVIEW NewRochelle December 8, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 34 | www.cityreviewnr.com

Dems say budget leaves $100M in expense gap By JAMES PERO Staff Writer

Real Men Wear Pink campaign raises money for American Cancer Society In its second year in Westchester County, the Real Men Wear Pink campaign has raised more than $60,000 to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives from breast cancer. Throughout the month of October, 22 prominent men from across the county participated in the activity, raising funds and encouraging the women in their lives and in the community to take action in the fight to end breast cancer. Kevin Murphy, a healthcare executive, was the campaign’s top fundraiser, gathering $17,420 to support the American Cancer Society and those impacted by breast cancer. A very close second place candidate was Nick Siciliano, business owner of Crafted By Nick and Nationwide Maintenance & General Contracting. Siciliano raised $17,225 to lead the fight

for a world without breast cancer. “We are grateful to Kevin, Nick and all our Real Men Wear Pink candidates for lending their voices to our cause,” said Monica Garrigan for the American Cancer Society. “Not only did they wear pink throughout the month of October, but they raised awareness about breast cancer and made a huge commitment to raise funds to help save more lives. Those donations allow the Society to help save lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research, and patient support.” “No one should have to face a breast cancer diagnosis alone,” said Murphy. “I joined the American Cancer Society in support of their lifesaving work by becoming a candidate in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. I

have known many people that have been affected by cancer and it was the least I could do. My mother was diagnosed with Leukemia last year and unfortunately on Sept. 26 she passed. This gave me the inner spirit to reach out and contact my friends and business associates, I really have to thank them for their generosity.” According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2017, an estimated 252,710 women and 2,470 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,610 women and 460 men will die from the disease this year. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women other than skin cancer. For more information about breast cancer or the Real Men

Wear Pink campaign in Westchester County call 800-227-2345. The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of two million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 25 percent decline in the cancer death rate in the U.S. since 1991, driven by less smoking, better treatments, and earlier detection. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-forprofit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call anytime, day or night, at 800-227-2345 or visit Cancer.org. (Submitted)

Ahead of a looming budget deadline, Westchester’s Democratic lawmakers are warning of monumental gaps in a 2018 tentative budget that could total more than $100 million. According to statements this week, among the top concerns are $30 million in budgeted revenue to privatize the county’s airport as well as $40 million in retroactive raises contingent on pending contract negotiations between the county and the Civil Service Employees Association, CSEA, Westchester’s biggest labor union. Without those items budgeted for, county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, said that the county may be in rough financial shape for its upcoming budget, and as a result, portend large tax increases. “The Astorino administration’s final budget would leave us with a roughly 18 percent tax increase due to years of a fiscal shell game,” Parker said in a statement. “I’m not going to raise your taxes 18 percent, but I want you to understand what I have been saying for years—there was no real way to keep the tax levy flat over eight years, and still provide meaningful service.” Since taking office in 2010, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, has never raised the tax levy; a fact often touted throughout his tenure.

Democrats have criticized the budget for relying on $30 million in projected revenue included as a part of a prospective deal to privatize the county’s airport. A potential deal seeks to reclassify the airport under a Federal Aviation Administration-run program that allows participants to transition their publicly owned airports into the private sector and then use subsequent revenue toward an operating budget. Last year, after what was shaping up to be a dead-end deal, lawmakers voted to include $15 million in projected revenue derived from the airport’s planned privatization. An original $130 million, 40year agreement, which was sent down to legislators on Nov. 3 2016, would have given the investment firm Oaktree Management the exclusive bid for the project, but the plan was ultimately derailed by Democrats who accused the deal of skirting proper request for proposals process. Since then, the deal has gone through a formal bidding process that, on Nov. 9, resulted in the selection of Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation, which agreed to a $1 billion deal that would extend for 40 years and throughout its lifespan pay the county $595 million on top of $550 million in capital improvements at the airport. Although announced by Astorino, the deal still requires the approval of a supermajority of the 17-member county Board of BUDGET continued on page 5

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

Contributed photo

Dec. 6. Effective immediately, no alcohol may be sold or consumed on the premises. On Dec. 2, the SLA conducted a joint inspection with the White Plains Police Department, Fire Department and Building Department at Stadium/Avenue Social. This investigation revealed that this license, which was issued only three days prior on Nov. 29,

was based on misrepresentations made in the application and before the Full Board. Before the licensing and opening of Stadium, the Black Bear Saloon was licensed at this location, with three owners on the license. The Black Bear Saloon’s license was cancelled on May 4 for disorderly premises, failure to supervise, failure to conform

to application and becoming a focal point for police attention, as well as a long disciplinary history of similar charges. The SLA also believed there was a fourth undisclosed interest in the location, however the cancellation was issued prior to the conclusion of the investigation. The current licensee of Stadium first appeared in front of the Full Board for a new liquor license on July 26. The application did not disclose any relationship with any of the previous disclosed or undisclosed owners of the Black Bear. Additionally, when asked by Bradley at the Full Board meeting if the applicant knew the previous owners, she claimed she met one of the owners when she negotiated the purchase of the bar. This initial application was denied on the basis that its proposed method of operation was undistinguishable to the Black Bear’s. The current licensee again applied for a license at this address and appeared in front of the Full Board on Nov. 21. The licensee again maintained she did not know any of the previous owners until she purchased the bar. At this meeting, the Full Board approved the license on the condition that the licensee submit an affidavit stating that she had no

relationship with prior licensed principals. That day, the licensee executed the affidavit and her license was issued on Nov. 29. On Nov. 28, an SLA investigator conducted a social media investigation into Stadium and the licensee. During his investigation, he discovered a Facebook photograph of the current licensee, one of the prior licensed principals of Black Bear and a man believed by the Authority to be an undisclosed owner of the Black Bear. The photo was posted in February 2015, more than two years before the licensee claimed to have met the prior owner. During the joint investigation on Dec. 2, an SLA investigator discovered that the current licensee had a child with the man who is believed to be an undisclosed owner of Black Bear, and that this man was linked with one of the prior principals on social media. The investigator also discovered that the basement was filled with liquor from the previous owner, further indicating that the previous ownership is involved in the business. The licensee claimed to have purchased the liquor from the previous owner as part of her purchase without a liquidator’s permit, a violation of the

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

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

For more information on hours and programs, visit nrpl.org. Both the main and Huguenot Children’s libraries will be closed on Saturday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.

Lunchtime Yoga Express On Mondays from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the main library’s Ossie Davis Theater/Meeting Room. Guided by yoga instructor Nora LeMorin, these mid-day sessions are designed to help relax and strengthen, and involve traditional and adapted poses that are practiced either standing or seated in chairs, no mats required. Free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Steps to Success: Homework Help On Mondays through Thursdays from 3 p.m. until 10 minutes to closing time in the Children’s Room and Teen Room. College students and volunteers are on hand to offer homework help to assist elementary school students and middle school students (up to grade eight) in organizing homework needs, locating appropriate resources, and strengthening reading skills. The free homework help service is offered September through May, except during school vacation weeks. The Steps to Success program is offered in conjunction with the Youth Bureau of the City of New Rochelle, Monroe College, and Westchester Library System.

Friends Book Store On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Friends Bookstore, located in the main library’s lobby. The Friends of the NRPL

Book Store is where you’ll find bargains from popular novels, mysteries and nonfiction in hardcover and paperback, to children’s books, CDs, and DVDs. Proceeds from these sales allow the Friends to provide funding for quality children and adult programming, as well as assisting the library by contributing to various projects and improving service to the community.

Job Search Coach On Tuesdays from 4:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in the main library second floor Conference Room. A trained job search coach assists individuals looking for a new or improved job by helping with writing resumes and cover letters, identifying suitable jobs, completing online job applications, searching for jobs on the Internet, networking, honing interview skills and completing follow-ups. Drop-in. Free.

Fundamentals of Microsoft PowerPoint On Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon in the main library’s third floor Computer Lab. Learn how to create a simple presentation, create and edit slides, insert clip art, apply designs, work with views, and run a slide show in Microsoft PowerPoint. An understanding of Windows and keyboard and mouse use is required. Registration is limited. This is a four-session, hands-on class for new users. Participants must attend all sessions. All computer classes are free, but registration is required. Please call 813-3737 or stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor to register.

Hands-On Technology Drop In On Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon in the main library’s Community Gallery on the first floor. This is a drop-in session: ask a computer PC question (you can even bring in your laptop, iPad, Kindle or Nook); receive hands-on instruction on downloading free e-books and audio books, instructions on searching through the library’s downloadable collection and checking one out; and more. Free.

Health Care Navigators On Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the main library’s Conference Room on the second floor Receive one-on-one assistance with open enrollment to purchase, change or renew coverage in a qualified health plan; enroll or renew coverage in Medicaid and Child Health plus; and enroll in the new Essential Plan for lower-income New Yorkers from a health navigator from the Westchester County Department of Health. Appointments are recommended. For an appointment, please call 995-6350.

League of Women Voters Coffee & Conversation On Friday, Nov. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the main library’s Meeting Room on the first floor. The guest will be Jerry Bermingham, executive vice president of development and acquisitions of Watermark Pointe, the new development planned for the tip of Davenport Neck. Local issues are discussed over light breakfast fare. All are welcome. Free.

How to Scan Documents and Upload Photos On Friday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon in the main library’s third floor Computer Lab. Learn how to scan photos or images, change the resolution and size of photos, how to select a file format, and save images to a disk. An understanding of Windows and keyboard and mouse use is required. All computer classes are free, but registration is required. Please call 813-3737 or stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor to register.

Senior Benefits Information Center On Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. main library’s Conference Room on the second floor. Trained counselors help those 60 and older understand and manage Medicare health insurance and access related services to which they are entitled such as food stamps, weatherization and heating assistance, home repair, and caregiver support. Drop-in. Free.

Brown Bag Book Discussion On Wednesday, Nov. 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the main library’s Conference Room on the second floor. “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls will be discussed. Bring your lunch and join in the librarian-led discussion. Copies of the book are available at the Registration Desk. Free.

New Rochelle: Home for the Holidays On Sunday, Nov. 26 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the main library’s Ossie Davis Theater. City Historian Barbara Davis will present an illustrated overview of New Rochelle’s long and impressive history. The digital presentation will cover the community’s 325plus years—from a unique Huguenot settlement to a premier New York suburban community, including New Rochelle’s exceptional architecture, notable residents and trend-setting movements. A brief program on how to research your New Rochelle home will follow. Free.

New Rochelle news Fall leaf collection The Department of Public Works reminds property owners that fall leaf collection will conclude at the end of December. All leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or open containers weighing no more than 75 pounds for collection. Remember, loose leaves will not be picked up. Bags and containers can be placed at the curb anytime but must be placed at curb by 7 a.m. on the following days for pickup:

North End - Monday: north side of Quaker Ridge Road to Scarsdale border; Tuesday: north side of Eastchester Road, Beechmont Drive and Barnard Road, to the south side of Quaker Ridge Road. South End - Wednesday: north side of Metro-North Railroad to the south side of Eastchester Road, Beechmont Drive and Barnard Road; Thursday: south of Metro-North Railroad. If a holiday occurs on any of the scheduled pickup days, Friday is the alternate pickup day. There will be no collection Thanksgiving week. Licensed landscapers and gardeners can dispose of leaves at the city’s yard waste transfer site at 85 Beechwood Ave. Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vouchers can be purchased from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 515 North Ave., Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rather than raking, bagging, or transporting fall leaves off site, property owners should consider mulching, a sustainable alternative that actually benefits lawns and gardens. A mulch mowing tutorial is available online and more information at lele.org. The benefits of mulch mowing include: a healthy property; savings of time and effort; and helping the environment. Additional leaf collection information is available on the city’s website at newrochelleny.com/leaf or by calling 235-4029.

New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce 54th annual Thanksgiving Parade The 54th annual Thanksgiving parade, presented by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. along North Avenue, from Eastchester Road to Main Street and Maple Avenue. Please note that marchers must be in the parade lineup at 9:30 a.m. Register at the NR Fund Pancake Breakfast, to be held at New Rochelle High School from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., or at the Huguenot Children’s Library. The 2017 grand marshals are the New Rochelle fire and police departments and the New Rochelle Department of Public Works. For more information, visit newrochelleny.com or newrochellechamber.org.

LEGOLAND Westchester LEGO Star Wars Days From Friday, Nov. 17 through Sunday, Nov. 19. May the Force be with you as Jedi Knights, Droids and Clone Troopers invade LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester during the LEGO Star Wars Days. The weekend features fun-filled activities for all ages including a themed mosaic build in the Master Builder Academy, a Star Wars MINILAND scavenger hunt, and photo opportunities with LEGO Star Wars creations built by the center’s Master Model Builder. Star Wars fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite character while exploring the ultimate LEGO Star Wars galaxy of fun. Costumed fan groups will also make appearances to meet and greet fans of all ages. Annual Pass holders are encouraged to attend the LEGO Star Wars Days kickoff at 4 p.m. on Nov. 17. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is located at 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. Tickets start at $15.95; children under 2 are free. Opening hours: Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 866-243-0770 or visit legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester. Deadline for our What’s Going On section is every Thursday at noon. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate your listing. Please send all items to news@hometwn.com.

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

Legislators, 12 votes. The Citizen’s Budget Advisory Committee—a nonpartisan citizen group consisting of mostly former finance professionals— also reviewed the budget last week and reiterated concerns expressed by lawmakers, including those on unbudgeted back-pay for a looming CSEA contract. “There is no money for the current 2018 year and nothing for retroactive payments, which could be tens of millions of dol-

lars,” said committee member Lawrence Fasnacht. “We have identified this for three years... and when this settlement may come, it can again have a negative impact on the fund balance.” In the case of unbudgeted expenses, lawmakers would be required to dip into the county’s fund balance; an option that could have substantial effects on its bond rating and ability to borrow money. Currently, Westchester has a Moody’s bond rating of AAA, the

highest possible score. Legislators will continue to review Astorino’s budget throughout the rest of the month, according to Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky, a Hastings-On-Hudson Democrat. By law the budget must be finalized on Dec. 27. “Suffice it to say, the budget we were sent is untenable,” Shimsky said. “We’ll do our best to make it better.” CONTACT: james@hometwn.com

Venus is out of this world! This adorable little Chihuahua mix is about 1 1/2 years old and 10 pounds. She is sweet, gentle, playful and friendly with people and other dogs. Just a joy to have around! Venus is spayed, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped and ready to be part of your family! For more information, call 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org. (Submitted)

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CityREVIEW NewRochelle P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CPW BRIDGE students receive spa treatments

Cerebral Palsy of Westchester BRIDGE students receive manicures from students in the Saunders Trades and Technical High School Cosmetology Program.

The Saunders Trades and Technical High School Cosmetology Program went above and

Part of their day of pampering included haircuts and blow outs.

beyond to utilize their skills. These students brought a day full of joy to the students from Cerebral Palsy of Westchester. On Wednesday Dec. 6, Cerebral Palsy of Westchester brought young adults from the BRIDGE School Program to enjoy a day of haircuts, manicures and makeup. The students had their hair blown out, nails done and some even got a wonderful hair cut from the students of Saunders High School. The students look forward to returning for another day of pampering. The Saunders Trades and Technical High School Cosmetology Program is a three-year program designed to teach the student all the requirements necessary to take both the written and practical exam at the end of the third year. In addition, a co-op program has been added to the 12th-grade curriculum to give students a hands-on experience. Cerebral Palsy of Westchester

CPW BRIDGE students show off their new looks. Contributed photos

was grateful to experience the skills that the students from Saunders High School had to offer as well as their genuine care they had for our participants. We look forward to a continued and expansive relationship! (Submitted)

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Birdwatching promotes camaraderie and friendship The holiday season provides a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to get together to share meals, stories and that special feeling of camaraderie. What we often overlook is the opportunity to use nature as a vehicle for bonding opportunities. According to a University of Illinois study, nature activities encourage positive group functioning more so than other types of leisure events. Whether your troupe is a nuclear family, an extended family, a grandparent and grandchild, or a group of friends, take advantage of the rewarding relationships that can develop through birding. Group interaction intensifies as the entire group participates in an activity together in a relaxed setting that differs from their daily world. Participants develop a strong “we” feeling in the group as they engage with the spontaneity of the natural world. Communication is enhanced by communal tasks in natural settings, for example bird counting, as the group assists one another with the task at hand - sharing bird sightings. Families who participate in nature activities often experience more positive family interactions and less conflict as exhibited in a recent University of Pennsylvania study. Parents who participated in

Black-capped chickadee. Photo courtesy Jeff O’Keefe

the study emphasized family harmony, inviting their children to participate in conversation and to share their knowledge of nature. As an added bonus, the intergenerational collaborative exchange of ideas made learning fun and increased the children’s curiosity and desire to learn more

Belted kingfisher. Photo courtesy Action.audubon.org

about nature. A bit of adult creativity can turn birding into a real-life STEM lesson. Nature can be enjoyed at any age or physical ability. Create a daily routine of going outside every day to observe changes in the flora and fauna, for a leisurely walk, or volunteer as a citizen scientist with the Christmas Bird Count or the Breeding Bird Census. Make new friends or strengthen old ones by joining the Central Westchester Audubon Society, CWAS, led weekend bird walks. You’ll be glad you did. The Audubon sponsored Christmas Bird Count is a citizen science project that involves the public in scientific research. The data collected provides a wealth of information to researchers studying winter bird populations across North America and is an invaluable resource for conservation. This year, CWAS will be stationed at Marshlands Sanctuary in Rye, on Dec. 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome to join this free event. For additional information, call Michael Bochnik, count compiler, at 237-9331 or visit Hras.org/bwcbc.html. For more information about CWAS led bird walks, email Info@ CWASociety.org. (Submitted)

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The Giant way LIVE MIKE Mike Smith

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

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

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

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

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December 8, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 15

Eagles host holiday tournament Last weekend, the Eastchester boys and girls’ basketball teams officially kicked off the 2017-2018 season when the Eagles hosted the 39th annual Eastchester High School Holiday Basketball Tournament. The eight-game tourney, which featured both public and private schools, was a success despite both Eastchester teams falling in their respective finals. The Eastchester girls fared well in their opening game on Dec. 1, as they topped the Ursuline “B” team 56-49. The Eagles were led by a terrific game by standout Cassidy Mitchell, who led all scorers with 25 points on the night. Fellow senior Fiona Teahan collected 14 rebounds and added seven points in the win, which set up a second-round finals showdown with a tough Briarcliff team the following afternoon. Unfortunately for the Eagles however, the Bears proved to be a much stiffer test. In a game that many expected to be a showdown between two of the section’s top players in Mitchell and Briarcliff star Maddie Plank, it was Bears’ point guard

Cassidy Mitchell controls the ball against Briarcliff on Dec. 2. Mitchell and the Eagles fell to the Bears 52-40 in the championship round.

Kacey Hamlin who stole the show. Hamlin scored 27 points in the Bears’ 52-40 win, nabbing tournament MVP honors in the process. On the boys’ end, it was a balanced Eagles’ attack that led the way on Friday afternoon, as Eastchester topped Hunter College 61-51 in the first round. Mark DeLorenzo paced the team with 13 points, but the Eagles also had three other players—Sean Donnellan, Grant

Michael Zeolla goes up for a layup against the Pirates.

Sean Donnellan tries to beat a Pearl River defender during Eastchester’s Holiday Basketball Tournament. Donnellan had 24 points in the Eagles’ loss.

DelVecchio and Michael Zeolla—who all tallied double-digits. Eastchester lost a title round heartbreaker the next night, however, as they were edged by a solid Pearl River squad 59-56. Donnellan erupted for a game-high 24 points in the loss, but the Pirates were paced by the shifty Matt

Ashley Scalisi looks for an open teammate on Dec. 2. Photos/Mike Smith

Russo with 16. At 1-1 on the season, Eastchester’s boys and girls will both look to go above .500 when they return to action this week. Both teams will participate in the Ardsley tournament which kicks off on Friday, Dec. 8, after press time. -Reporting by Mike Smith

16 • THE CITY REVIEW • December 8, 2017